Pitlochry Life February 2017

PITLOCHRY LIFE

FREE Magazine delivered to homes & businesses of Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Ballinluig, Kinloch Rannoch, Killiecrankie, Grandtully and Aberfeldy.

February 2017 Issue 321

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Message

Contents

from the Team

Features

Welcome to the February edition of Pitlochry Life.

What a packed edition this is, with the best films to see in 2017, an introduction to Hygge and lots more.

Hygge is Danish for cosiness!

We have all the political updates from MP's, MSP's and councillors, monthly updates from our local community groups and we can see just how busy you have all been. Whilst it's not officially spring the weather is trying its best to confuse us, some of us may be looking at our gardens already, with a view to making changes, and Sheila Drummond has looked at hedging. Alan's fitness looks at keeping those New Year resolutions going and we also take a look at Foot Health with Lesley Mclean.

As I am over 18, (only just ) I don't know anything about Snapchat. Apparently it's what all the youngsters are now using. Willie reveals all.

Lastly, if you love a good quiz night get down to The Old Mill Inn on 2nd February...better brush up on my general knowledge then. See you there.

If you are visiting, Cead mile Failte - as we say, a 100,000 welcomes.

Foot Health Movies for 2017 Pitlochry Young Chef Hygge

18 26 28 68

Regulars Recipe Garden Computer Fitness

10 12 22 24

Community Diary Get Out Politics Churches

Useful Numbers Index

4 6 30 40 65 70

Advertising Debbie - 07545299491

Art & Eds Willie - 07906375953 www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife @PitlochryLife

Deadline for March Edition - 15th February

Pitlochry Life Manse Road, Moulin Pitlochry PH16 5EP Office - 01721 720129 Sales - Debbie: 07545 299491 Artwork - Willie: 07906375953 info@pitlochrylife.co.uk

Please Re-Cycle ....eventually!

www.pitlochrylife.co.uk

Diary - What’s On Out and About Summary See the Get Out Section for full details.

1st February 7.15pm Pitlochry Ladies Club - Scotland's Hotel 2nd February 8.00pm Charity Quiz Night at Old Mill Inn 6th February 1.30pm Public meeting of Scottish Cabinet - Pitlochry Festival Theatre 6th February 2.30pm Arthritis Awareness in Atholl - Moulin Hall 7th February 10.00am Pitlochry Litter Action Group 8th February 9.30am The Tryst Walking Group - Moncreiffe Hill 8th February 2.00pm Pitlochry & District U3A - Atholl Centre 8th February 2.30pm Pitlochry Church of Scotland Guild 8th February 7.30pm Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council 9th February 7.30pm Moulin Scottish Country Dance Class - Moulin Hall 9th February 7.30pm Atholl Country Life Museum – Winter Talk 11- 12th February 3.00pm Music In Blair Atholl 11th February 7.00pm Valentine’s Dinner and Dance - Atholl Palace Hotel 11th February 9.00pm GT’s Boos Band play the Old Mill Inn 12th February 6.00pm Heartland Film Society - Birks Cinema 13th February 7.30pm Aberfeldy & District Gaelic Choir 14th February 2.30pm Tuesday 2 Club - Aldour Hall 15th February 2.00pm Pitlochry Flower Club - Scotland’s Hotel 15-16th February Various A9 Dualling Programme Update - Mid Atholl Hall 15th February 4.30pm Heartland Healing Rooms - Aberfeldy Town Hall 16th February 2.30pm North Perthshire Family History Group - Moulin Hall 16th February 7.15pm Pitlochry SWRI - Aldour Community Hall 18th February 9.00pm The Simon Kennedy Band play Old Mill Inn 20th February 7.30pm Scottish Wildlife Trust 21st February 2.00pm Pitlochry and District Adult Education Art Club 22nd February 2.00pm Heartland Healing Rooms - The Tryst 24th February 7.00pm HPCLT - Alan Root Productions - Birks Cinema 24th February 7.30pm Music In Rannoch - The Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch 25th February 9.30am The Tryst Walking Group - Glen Bruar and Gleann a’ Chrombaidh 25th February 1.00pm Professor Robin Taylor - Fishers Hotel 25th February 7.00pm The Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry 70's Quiz Night 25th February 9.00pm The Roy Mette Band play the Old Mill Inn 26th February 6.15pm Heartland Film Society - Birks Cinema 1st March 7.15pm Pitlochry Ladies Club - Scotland's Hotel 2-4th March 7.00pm Annual Drama Festival of One Act Plays - Birnam Institute 5th March 12noon Wedding Fair - Pitlochry Hydro Hotel Entries in our Get Out section and Diary are free to non profit, no commercial, groups and clubs.

Just tell us by sending your entry to info@pitlochrylife.co.uk, or 01721 720129 by 12th of the preceding month and we will tell everyone else.

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1st February - Pitlochry Ladies Club - Scotland's Hotel - 7.15pm. Kate West is speaking on "Rescue Dog". The cost of the evening will be £11, which includes a light supper with coffee to follow. For the 3rd year running, we are supporting the same Charity, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance. We are a sociable friendly club, new members are very welcome. For more information, call Carol MacGill (Chairman) on 01796 473026 or Lynda Gardiner (Secretary) on 01796 472157.

6th February - Public meeting of Scottish Cabinet - Pitlochry Festival Theatre - 1.30pm.

Registration and further details on 0131 244 4820. Questions will be taken from the floor on any issue.

6th February - Arthritis Awareness in Atholl - Moulin Hall - 2 30pm. Our speaker is from Dunkeld Smokery. All welcome.

7th February - Pitlochry Litter Action Group - Recreation Ground Car Park - 10.00am.

See page 54.

8th February - The Tryst Walking Group - Moncreiffe Hill - 9.30am. This is a circular walk through woodland with open views of the Tay and the Carse of Gowrie. Height climbed 200m.

Distance 6 miles. Visitors / new members are most welcome. For further details contact George or Cathy Marshall on 01796 470575.

8th February - Pitlochry & District U3A - Atholl Centre - 2.00pm. John Mattingley will be talking about Cluny Gardens. Everyone is welcome, members or not. Please come to what promises to be a very interesting afternoon. See page 54 for more information about U3A. 8th February - Pitlochry Church of Scotland Guild - Tryst Lounge - 2.30pm. Father Edward Vella will give a talk on Malta – its history, culture and people. Everyone welcome to come along.

8th February - Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council - High School - 7.30pm.

9th February - Moulin Scottish Country Dance Class - Moulin Hall - 7.30pm. Come along and join us at the Scottish Country Dancing in Moulin Hall on Thursdays 9th, 16th & 23rd February. Whether you are a beginner or did it away back at school you are welcome to join us!! Admission £2.50. Further details phone 01796 473488.

9th February - Atholl Country Life Museum – Winter Talk - Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl - 7.30pm. Freeland Barbour, Fincastle, on Lady Nairne, the famous Scottish song-writer. Her family was sympathetic to the Jacobite cause and "Will Ye No' Come Back Again?", "The Rowan Tree" and "Wi' A Hundred Pipers" are among many other favourite songs written by her. Entry £5 includes refreshments.

11th & 12th February - Music In Blair Atholl Recitals By Students From The Yehudi Menuhin School – Blair Castle – 3.00pm. See page 58 for full details.

11th February - Valentine’s Dinner and Dance - Atholl Palace Hotel - 7.00pm. See page 35 for more details.

12th February - Heartland Film Society - Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy - 6.00pm. See page 54.

13th February - Get those Valentine cards and flowers sorted guys!

13th February - Aberfeldy & District Gaelic Choir - Aberfeldy Town Hall - 7.30pm. Page 64.

14th February - Tuesday 2 Club - Aldour Hall - 2.30pm. Hugh Mackintosh will speak about 'Barnardo's Children'. Everyone welcome.

15th February - Pitlochry Flower Club - Scotland’s Hotel - 2.00pm. The Flower demonstration will be given by Christine McKenna - 'Treasures from the Attic’. There will be a competition: Bygone Treasures'. Visitors are very welcome for a charge of £5:00. More information from chairman Linzee Lindsay, or Carol MacGill. continued on page 8

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15th & 16th February - A9 Dualling Programme Update - Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig. See page 34 for details and open times.

15th February - Heartland Healing Rooms - Aberfeldy Town Hall - 4.30pm. See page 50.

16th February - North Perthshire Family History Group - Moulin Hall - 2.30pm. The Speaker will be Sarah Willcock, assistant Archivist at A K Bell Council Archives. Her subject will be “Researching your Family History, some known and lesser known sources in Council Archives”. If you are interested in finding out about your Family History, this should be a very interesting afternoon. Members free, visitors £3.00. Tea, Coffee and chat afterwards.

16th February - Pitlochry SWRI - Aldour Community Hall - 7.15pm. The speaker is Anne Brown who will tell us about the charity CLIC Sargeant. Competitions are a jar of lemon curd and a pot plant. See you there!

20th February - Scottish Wildlife Trust Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Group – The Tryst, Pitlochry – 7.30pm. Charlotte Fleming, the SWT ranger from Loch of the Lowes will give a talk ‘What’s new for wildlife in Perthshire? For enquiries contact Richard Horobin 01796 474480.

21st February - Pitlochry and District Adult Education Art Club – Atholl Centre – 2.00pm.

With 10 sessions with a break over Easter. Come along to Dee’s friendly, informal, class where people progress at their own pace, whether novices or experienced artists. 07866 693752.

22nd February - Heartland Healing Rooms - The Tryst, Pitlochry - 2.00pm. See page 50.

24th February - HPCLT - Alan Root Productions - Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy - 7.00pm. A chance to see two classic 1970’s African wildlife films. See page 9 for more details.

24th February - Music In Rannoch - The Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch - 7.30pm. Clara Lafuente Garcia (Oboe), Gillian Horn (Bassoon) Scott Mitchell (piano). Poulenc: Trio, Saint-Saens: Oboe Sonata, Saint-Saens: Bassoon Sonata, Poulenc: Oboe Sonata, Debussy: Piano Preludes. £8 at the door. Children free.

25th February - The Tryst Walking Group - Glen Bruar and Gleann a’ Chrombaidh – 9.30am. The route goes up Glen Bruar before turning down to join the track in Gleann a’ Chrombaidh, returning to Bruar by Wade’s military road. Height climbed 250m. Distance 8 miles. Visitors / new members are most welcome. For further details contact George or Cathy Marshall on 01796 470575.

25th February - Professor Robin Taylor - Fishers Hotel - 1.00pm. A presentation and discussion entitled “Death: The Great Taboo.” In collaboration with Pitlochry Baptist Church, see page 44 for more details of this fascinating talk.

25th February - The Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry 70's Quiz Night - The Tryst Lounge 7.00pm. Tickets are £10 (includes supper) and are available from Inner Wheel members. BYOB (no spirits) and glasses. All proceeds to Free to Live Trust (Seema's Children's Home).

26th February - Heartland Film Society - Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy - 6.15pm. See page 54.

1st March - Pitlochry Ladies Club - Scotland's Hotel - 7.15pm. Barbara Sadler will be speaking on "Heather Gems". The cost of the evening will be £11, which includes a light supper with coffee to follow. We are a sociable friendly club, new members are very welcome.

For more information, call Carol MacGill (Chairman) on 01796 473026 or Lynda Gardiner (Secretary) on 01796 472157.

2nd – 4th March – Annual Drama Festival of One Act Plays - Birnam Institute – 7.00pm.

See page 60 for more information.

5th March - Wedding Fair - Pitlochry Hydro Hotel - 12noon to 3.00pm. Start your wedding planning with everything you need in the one beautiful setting. See page 23 for more details.

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Creme Egg Rocky Road February means Cadbury Creme Eggs, in fact I think they actually appeared in January this year. I don’t need any excuse whatsoever to eat them, but… here’s a good one!

Ingredients • • • • •

2 packets mini creme eggs (16) 140g butter 150g rich tea biscuits 250g good milk chocolate 120g good dark chocolate

• • • •

4 tbsp golden syrup 50g mini marshmallows 50g raisins 40g glace cherries, chopped in half

1. Put the mini creme eggs and marshmallows in the freezer for a couple of hours. Keep the marshmallows apart so they keep their shape.

2. Melt the milk and dark chocolate in a pan on very low heat with the butter and golden syrup, stirring regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn. Once melted set aside 150ml to be used later, leave the rest in the pan but turn off the heat.

3. Break the biscuits into thumbnail size pieces and fold into the chocolate mixture in the pan.

4. Mix in the cherries, raisins and frozen mini marshmallows.

5. Chop the mini creme eggs into half. Set aside half of them to use later and put the other half in the pan and mix in gently.

6. Lay out baking parchment onto a tray (20cm x 26cm) and spoon the mixture onto it. Press down firmly to compress it so it forms an even layer.

7. Pour the 150ml of melted chocolate, which you set aside earlier, across the top of the mixture and smooth out, filling any gaps.

8. Put the remaining creme eggs on top of the rocky road, white and yellow side up, pushing them down carefully into the mixture so that the very top of the creme eggs are just above the surface.

9. Finally put it in the fridge to set. It will be set enough to eat in about two hours, so wait!

Once set, cut it into squares and serve.

Debbie

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The Pitlochry Garden February 2017 Hedges are not only a practical way of keeping the wind off your garden, but also an instant link to the local history and landscape.

Enclosure is an essential design element. February and March are good months to plant deciduous bare root hedging if the ground is clear and not frozen but evergreens should be planted after the last frosts.

trench wider. Make sure that the trench is well-drained, especially on heavy clay soils. Put in some garden compost mixed with some bone meal, but avoid using fresh manures which will burn the roots. Now you are ready to plant.

Deciduous hedging, planted during winter, should be cut back at planting to encourage root growth. Thereafter, depending on the species, pruning can be done from mid-summer to mid-winter.

However, any species planted in early spring can be given a light trim and let grow for a year before cutting back.

Those scraggly bare root twigs you get are really baby trees and they will try every day to be as big as they can be. It will be your job to make them be a hedge. So we should look at the 3 P’s: Preparation, Planting and Pruning.

Good preparation is vital – you will never get another chance to do this. Using a string and pegs lay out the line of the hedge, remembering to leave about two feet for it to grow out towards the edge of the pavement or the fence.

Dig a trench about a foot wide and a foot deep and put the spoil to the back.

If your site is very exposed and you have to use a double line of plants, make the

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The third P is for pruning: this technique manages the growth habit of whichever plant you are using so that it does not become a row of trees.

Flowering hedges that don’t fruit can be trimmed back after flowering; ones that fruit should be done after leaf fall.

First soak your plants to make sure the roots aren’t dry. Regular and correct spacing will give the right result so get a stick and mark the distance apart you should be planting to; generally this will be between one and two feet apart.

Unravel the roots and plant each shrub, backfilling with good compost and firming in.

Water in the new plants and now pull the old soil down along the row. To keep this ground clear of other growth, especially weeds, and prevent the hedge drying out, apply a mulch of composted bark.

Renewal pruning to revitalise an old, neglected deciduous or broadleaf hedge can be done whenever regular pruning should take place. It is a good winter job because you can see the structure.

Conifers are best done in frost free months, but do not cut back into old wood which will not regenerate. Aim for a wedge shape where the base is broader than the top.

Sheila Drummond Portland Garden Design 07905 397185 drummond.sheila@gmail.com

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FOOT HEALTH Our feet are constantly under stress. It’s no wonder that 80% of us will have some sort of problem with our feet at some time in our lives.

Many things affect the condition of our feet: activity level; occupation; health problems such as arthritis, poor circulation and diabetes.

However, the biggest contributor to poor foot health is badly fitting shoes. The human foot is a very complex mechanism consisting of 26 bones each, a quarter of the bones in the entire skeleton. It is estimated that with each step we impose two and a half times our own body weight with each step and in our lifetimes, walk the equivalent of three and a half times around the planet. And in all this the foot is mostly self-repairing, only noticed when something goes wrong.

As we age, our feet tend to spread and lose the fatty pads that cushion the bottom of the foot. If you are carrying extra weight, the bones and ligaments suffer more. Also, any inherited abnormalities can become more pronounced or painful as the foot joints lose their flexibility and become more rigid with age.

The wellbeing of the foot depends greatly on the wellbeing of the systems of the body. By taking care of our nutrition, fitness and control of illness we can aid the whole body. Of course, mechanical factors also play a huge part in foot health.

How we walk and move affects our feet. Not only do our feet look like our parents’ but we walk like our parents’ too. But you can modify your gait - either with training or by changing shoes or using shoe inserts or pads. The more we exercise our feet, the better the blood flow is to the feet, and that’s important for general foot health.

Walking is a great way to exercise your feet.

You can also try specific foot exercises. Sit down and rotate your ankles in one direction, then the other. In bare feet, sit on a chair and curl your toes, then spread them out. This helps stretch and strengthen your feet to help you balance.

Properly fitted shoes with good support are a great help to conditions such as hammer toes, ingrown toenails, corns, callus bunions etc.

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A good daily hygiene regime helps prevent fungal infection and it is important to treat footwear too as fungi thrives in warm dark places such as boots and shoes. You can help keep your feet healthy by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Wash your feet regularly (especially between your toes), wear clean socks and try to rotate your shoes to give them time to air out.

If pain alters the way you walk, it can cause pain in your knees, hips, back and neck and can lead to headaches. These problems can multiply, limiting your activity and affecting your quality of life.

The good news is that most foot disorders are either treatable or modifiable. The first thing that you can do is notice and keep track of it to see if there’s a pattern to it. Once you figure out when you feel pain or numbness, talk to an expert who can help.

Lesley McLean Footcare Registered Foot Health Practitioner l.m64@btinternet.com Tel.01796 472278

For the treatment of foot related problems in the comfort of your own home

Do you suffer from..?

Corns

Callus/Cracked heels

Verruca’s

Athletes foot

Nail infections

Thickened or painful toe nails

Care of diabetic foot

Lesley McLean Registered Foot Health Practitioner S.A.C. Dip FHPP, S.A.C. Dip FHPT

Contact Lesley on

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YOUR HOROSCOPE For February 2017

By Astrologer Christine Chalklin February moves the zodiac sign of Aquarius into the spotlight. This sign has great imagination and whether you are a sun sign Aquarius or not you too can connect with the collective stream of innovation and inspiration and bring your visions to fulfilment. Take this time to cultivate and focus your individuality and on how to achieve your own positive goals. Mars, the warrior planet, is strong in its own sign of Aries and is joined on the 4th

by Venus; energy and vitality should be at an all-time high. The Leo full moon on the 11th enhances creativity, this is a powerful time to start new projects and initiate activities that can take your life forward in exciting ways. The new moon in Pisces on the 26th brings in some gentle and romantic energy, time to tune into your inner self and get a clearer picture of what you need to be happy and content.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Bountiful Jupiter makes a challenging aspect with transformational Pluto giving you the opportunity to make some major life changes for the better. With energetic Mars super charged in your sign all month, now is the ideal time for developing innovative strategies to help you realise your dreams.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 This month’s powerful Mars and Pluto alignment enhances your abilities to communicate your deepest feelings and learn more about yourself and those around you. However, try not to take on too much and dissipate your energies. The new moon on the 26thth brings an exciting new career opportunity.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 Mercury, your ruler, starts the month by activating the financial sector of your cosmic map; it may be a wise decision to review your investments and shared resources. Mars and Venus stir up your social calendar after the 4th and innovative ideas can be turned into worthwhile ventures.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 The radiant Sun in Aquarius puts the spotlight on your finances this month, innovative new ideas about investments and resources are imminent. Mars and Venus both in energetic Aries in your career sector, activate your desire to achieve, filling you with drive and self confidence.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 February turns your attention to work, health and wellbeing issues. Pluto and Mercury in Capricorn challenge you to examine these areas and be stricter with yourself. You’ll need to ask if you are doing what you need to be doing to maximise your full potential.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 Mercury, your ruler, moves into innovative Aquarius on the 7th. Use this opportunity to review your work/life balance and recognise the depth and breadth of your creative potential. Mars and Venus in fiery Aries ensures an assertive approach to earning and saving creates quick results.

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LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 Jupiter, Mercury and Pluto make a powerful alignment at the start of the month; home and relationship prospects could well be in for a radical review. As Venus, your ruler, powers into Aries on the 4th the emphasis is firmly on your interactions with partners and friends.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 This month the planets are emphasising your health, fitness and wellbeing. As Venus joins Mars in headstrong Aries you may need to step back and review your strategy. The Leo full moon on the 11th offers you the opportunity to do things differently, use your intuition and wisdom to get the desired results.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 February brings some powerful and challenging planetary dynamics your way. Freedom of thought may be needed in your dealings with the outside world, as you become more open to new possibilities. Creativity and romance flourishes as Venus enters Aries after the 4th.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Saturn, your ruling planet, is aligned with innovative Uranus bringing love and romance to the forefront. Optimism and positive thinking should make a vital difference to current plans and help things to go your way. The more you express yourself, the happier you’ll be.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 It’s your birthday month and you should be in an optimistic mood as further good news comes from a variety of different sources. With both Mars and Venus illuminating an eventful sector of your chart, conversation may unearth some important information to benefit your future.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 Venus and Mars both occupy the financial area of your chart during February; this can turn out to be a fertile time to come up with some innovative ideas for making money.

Lucky Jupiter is with you all the way, assisting with any new projects that turn your vision into practical reality.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS – with in-depth knowledge and cosmic awareness. What does 2017 hold in store for you? How can you make this year your best year ever? Insights gained by having your unique birth chart explained to you will help you to work with the planetary cycles and maximise your potential for the year ahead. Consultations are available in person, by telephone or Skype. Please contact me for more information.

Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach, www.restyleyourlife.co.uk Christine@restyleyourlife.co.uk Telephone: 07813 483549 Pitlochry Life 21

Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory Snapchat. If you are over 14 years old you’ve probably never heard of it, but you will. They have filed to be listed on the US Stock Market later this Spring, and with an estimated value of £20bn looks like making an absolute fortune for their two founding partners.

So what is it? Well, it’s just like Messenger, you chat with friends, but as the name suggests – you add a photo, or some video. But that’s not all, where Snapchat really differs is that you can add amazing fun effects to your pictures, and……. the pictures and text disappear after 10 seconds.

It is seriously good fun, regardless of your age and really easy to do. You need the App, available from the App Store, or Google Play Store, depending on what type of phone you have. You then ‘sign up’ to create an account and pick your username (pick something you won’t regret later!) Snapchat then scans your contacts for friends using the App, (most likely your kids), you then pick who you would like to befriend, add them to your account, and once they add you back, you are up and running.

As usual, there’s some language to learn, so here’s a head start: Snap: A picture or video you send through the app to one or more of your friends. It will disappear after 10 seconds. You can replay a Snap once, so use your replay wisely.

Messages disappear after they are viewed. If you take a screenshot of a chat, the other user will be notified.

Memories: Memories is a camera roll feature that backs up your Snaps. You can make your Memories public or private. You can also post older Snaps to your Story from Memories.

Snapcode: When you create your account, you appear as a little ghost icon in a box with seemingly random black dots around it, this is your very own Snapcode. Snapchat have found a way to use these as QR Codes, so you can take a picture of someone else’s Snapcode and the App will find them. It’s a good idea then to add a…

Snapcode selfie: You can personalize your Snapcode by adding a selfie. This will be seen by all your friends and any other Snapchatters that find you on the app.

When you click on the Snapchat app, it automatically opens to the camera.

To take a picture, tap the capture (circular) button at the bottom of the screen. To take a video, hold the capture button down and a red marker will appear to indicate that it’s recording.

If you don’t like the photo or video, tap the ‘X’ icon in the top left corner to discard and try again. To take a selfie, flip the camera by double-tapping anywhere on the screen.

Stories: These showcase photos and videos that you’d like to share with all your Snapchat friends. To view your friends’ stories, swipe left Now add filters (swipe left and follow the from the Snapchat app’s camera screen. prompts), or stickers (sticky note icon) and text (‘T’ icon). You can now save your Snaps to Snapchat score: The number under your your phone and adjust the viewing time user name, known as your Snapchat score, is (maximum is always 10 seconds). based on the number of Snaps you’ve sent and received (including Stories).

When you’re ready to send, click the blue arrow Filter: A Snap filter is a fun way to jazz up your Snaps by adding an overlay. Filters change on special events, holidays, location, or time of day.

Snap lenses: Snap lenses allow you to add animated special effects to your photos or videos. Unlike Snap filters, you use lenses while you are taking a Snap.

Chat: Snapchat’s version of instant messenger.

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icon on the bottom of the screen. Once you do, you can select which contacts you’d like to send the Snap to by checking the box beside their name. When your message is sent, the app will change to the Feed screen. You can see a delivered arrow showing that your Snap has been sent.

Go on then, just don’t act your age.

Willie

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Keeping to those resolutions…..

Many of us will aim to make resolutions for the New Year. Starting, and sticking to, an exercise/ weight control plan are two of the most popular. You don’t need to aim to be the fittest, the fastest or the thinnest to benefit from exercise and an improved diet, but you do need to find the motivation to carry on….. here we are one month into 2017 - so if you’ve managed to maintain resolutions up to this point you’re doing well.

Swimming, walks, or bike rides with groups are more motivational than doing activities on your own. It also makes you more accountable, as people will ask how you’re getting on.

Reward yourself - it’s easy to get frustrated if you’re not achieving targets - so try to reward positive changes with treats to help keep you motivated (and that doesn’t only include food…)

Do little things often – research suggests that it takes roughly 66 days to form a habit.

I’ve written before about the benefits of even a Rather than setting a really challenging goal, little effort If you could do an extra 60 minutes try and find something that is easy and positive of exercise a week for a year: it’s potentially which you will be able to keep on doing in the enough to reduce your risk of dying at any long-term. Keep a diary so you can monitor given age by about 10%, and you could lose your progress, and work out which days are 3kg of body fat. That’s pretty good motivation best. for anyone. Unfortunately, an estimated 50% of people who start a new exercise programme Prepare for the worst: Identify the things will have given it up within 6 months, and most which might stop you succeeding, and come people manage a new diet regime for no more up with some strategies to overcome them.

Be patient ….remember it’s not all or nothing! than 5 weeks. Luckily, science has identified plenty of approaches that can increase your chances of sticking to the plan.

According to a recent poll, about one third of Britons planned to make New Year resolutions in 2017. Top of the list for approximately one third (about 7 million of us) was losing weight/ healthier eating/do more exercise. Sadly the completion rate for maintenance of the resolutions is around 10%.......so here are a few ideas to help you stick to, and hopefully achieve them Do something you enjoy – you’re unlikely to stick to something you will dislike. Being more active is easier if you feel you’re getting more from the activity: so start by writing down why you want to do it.

Be social - it’s easier to do anything when people around you are doing it as well.

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

alan@pitlochrylife.co.uk

If you would like to read more on this subject, check out the links below: www.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight/Pages/how-to-diet.aspx www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/top-10-most-popular-diets-review.aspx www.greatist.com/fitness/strategies-stick-to-your-fitness-resolutions

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Top Movies Coming Our Way In 2017 T2 Trainspotting Out Now I must be one of the few people never to have seen the first one made in 1996. Now 20 years later we have the greatly anticipated T2…Much has changed but just as much remains the same.

Mark Renton returns to the only place he can ever call home. They are waiting for him: Spud , Sick Boy, and Begbie. Other old friends are waiting too: sorrow, loss, joy, vengeance, hatred, friendship, love, longing, fear, regret, diamorphine, self-destruction and mortal danger, they are all lined up to welcome him, ready to join the dance.

Produced by Danny Boyle and Trainspotting fans won’t be disappointed.

Logan : March 2017 Set in the future, Logan and Professor Charles Xavier must cope with the loss of the X-Men when a corporation led by Nathaniel Essex is destroying the world leaving it to destruction. With Logan's healing abilities slowly fading away and Xavier's Alzheimer's forcing him to forget, Logan must defeat Nathaniel Essex with the help of a young girl named Laura Kinney, a female clone of Wolverine. This is to be Hugh Jackman’s last X - Men film, and the last time Patrick Stewart will play Charles Xavier. It will have a younger rating to enable more viewers to see it.

I’m a great fan of X-Men films, and whilst looking forward to this, I cannot help feel it will be a real tear jerker……….

Pirates of the Caribbean : Salazar’s Revenge May 2017 Jack is back! On this fifth instalment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Jack's (the brilliant Johnny Depp) luck has run out. It seems that Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) has released the most deadly ghost pirates of the sea from the Devil's Triangle. Captain Salazar is the oldest villain of Jack Sparrow. The ghost pirates hunt out every single pirate on the sea, including Jack Sparrow. The only hope to survive this adventure is to collect the legendary Trident of Poseidon.

Don’t worry Orlando Bloom is also still in this! No Keith Richards, but apparently Paul McCartney makes an appearance. Can’t wait, I just love Jack Sparrow!

The Lego Batman Movie February 2017 I have seen the trailer for this and it looks a hoot.

Amazing to see how they can make Lego funny. The storyline is a bit short “Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.” But I think the main aim of this is a mickey take. Might be worth a try?

Unbelievably it could be rated PG for rude humour!

Stars Ralph Fiennes and Mariah Carey as the voice of the Mayor – wonder if she sings?

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Beauty and the Beast March 2017 A Disney classic now made into a non animation movie with more myths and an all star cast. With Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as Beast and Ewan McGregor as Lumiere. For those of you who don’t know the plot…. A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a beast, can be freed only by true love. His only opportunity arrives when he meets Belle, the only human girl to ever visit the castle since it was enchanted. There will be lots of song and dance!

Wonder Woman : July 2017 Raised on the mythical island of Themyscira and trained by Amazonian warriors, a young woman named Diana fulfils a destiny long ago bestowed on her by the Gods when her home and the world at large is threatened, she must leave and travel to the outside world for the first time. In doing so she will take the first steps to becoming the hero that is Wonder Woman…

For those of us old enough - Lynda Carter played the heroine in the TV series that ran from 1976 to 1979. This time the part is played by Gal Gadot, previously of Fast and Furious fame and of course Batman v’s Superman where Wonder Woman makes an appearance.

Alien - Covenant May 2017

Star Wars - Episode VIII December 2017

Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created in ALIEN with Alien: Covenant, the second chapter in a prequel trilogy that began with brilliant Prometheus - and connects directly to Scott’s 1979 seminal work of science fiction. Michael Fassbender, James Franco and Guy Pearce star in this next Alien thriller. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discover what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. The sole inhabitant is the synthetic David, survivor of the Prometheus experiment. When they uncover the threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape. "In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream." They will hear me!

This will be the Christmas blockbuster. Lucasfilm have kept tight lipped about the plot, other than ‘Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the saga’. This was originally scheduled for release on May 26, 2017, but will now debut worldwide on December 15th, just in time for all the toys and souvenirs to hit the shelves before Santa comes. Stars Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Tom Hardy (apparently, but may be a walk on part) and of course the late Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia.

Bring it on.

Dunkirk : July 2017

Well, looks like 2017 will be another great year for movies.

The miraculous evacuation of Allied soldiers from Belgium, Britain and France, who were forced back, cut off and then surrounded by the German army, from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, between May 27- June 4th, 1940, during the Battle of France in Word War II. The story centres on the evacuation of more than 300,000 Allied troops who were completely surrounded by the Germans by a flotilla of hundreds of boats, large and small that braved the repeated crossing of the English Chanel under constant bombardment. Stars Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and believe it or not – Harry Styles of One Direction in his feature film debut, and no girls, he does not sing.

There’s way too many to mention here, but keep a look out for The Circle with Tom Hanks, Kong: Skull Island with Tom Hiddleston.

Then there’s Dwayne Johnston in Baywatch!

There’s a lot of sequels due too: Spiderman, Thor, The Mummy, Blade Runner, Cars, Despicable Me and Fast & Furious are all back. For our younger kids - Paddington 2 and The Smurfs are looking good.

Don’t wait for the DVD, get out and support your local cinema, see a movie as the director intended, with fantastic atmosphere, full effects, glorious sound, and an obligatory popcorn.

Debbie Pitlochry Life 27

Rotary Club of Pitlochry Young Chef Competition

Rotary National Competition involving pupils at Pitlochry High School This is the second year that Rotary Club of Pitlochry has organised entry in this National Competition. Pitlochry High School had cook-offs within the school to identify 3 finalists from 9 would be competitors for a competition held after school on the 7th December. The finalists were Saffie Hall – S2, Charlotte McIntyre – S4 and Emily Ingham – P7.

The competition was judged by Graham Brown (Rotarian) - Retired Chef and Hotel Owner Green Park Hotel, Rich Murray - Head Chef – Green Park Hotel and Louise Lothian – Hotel Proprietor – Knockendarroch Hotel.

The winner was Charlotte McIntyre. Delighted with her award, Charlotte told us ‘Encouraged by my Home Economics teacher, Mrs Wilkie, I decided to enter the Rotary Club Young Chef competition because I have been studying Hospitality during my fourth year at secondary school. I also enjoy baking with my granny which is something I have been doing since I was really young. I chose the recipe for the main course because it contained Scottish ingredients and also Thai flavours which is a style of food I really like. For my dessert I wanted to use foods that were in season so I chose plums to make a compote for the top of my rice pudding. I have not yet chosen the three recipes for the next stage of the competition which is due to take place at Dundee College at the beginning of February. However I think I will be trying to use local and seasonal ingredients again because these are both important and current themes in cooking.

There were Book tokens and Certificates for 1/2/3 and an embroidered chefs jacket for Charlotte.

Thanks to PHS (especially Louise Wilkie Home Economics Principal teacher); Judges; and all the Competitors.

The next Stage for Charlotte – District Final in Dundee on 28th January 2017 where the winner will progress to Regional Final (Scotland) and possibly National UK Final.

Congratulations Charlotte and good luck!

Photo: L to R – Rotary President John Uytman; Rich Murray; Louise Lothian; Charlotte McIntyre; Emily Ingham; Saffie Hall; Louise Wilkie; Graham Brown.

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Pete Wishart MP I was delighted to hear that the First Minister and her Cabinet will meet on Monday 6th February, in Pitlochry and then take part in a public discussion at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The discussion will focus on the rural economy and give members of the public the chance to quiz Cabinet Secretaries on the issues of the day affecting the town and local economy.

Since 2008, the Cabinet has held 43 meetings and public discussion events in towns across Scotland. The theme for the day is the rural economy and this is a chance for people to give the First Minster and her Cabinet Secretaries views on what more they can do to allow rural areas to thrive.

They have promised to take on board the thoughts and concerns of people and use the feedback they get to shape their policy decisions to build a more inclusive and prosperous country.

The public discussion will run from 1330 to 1500hrs at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, PH16 5DR. Entry is free but as seats are limited, attendees must register in advance online at https://ministerstouringscotlandeventpitlochry.eventbrite.co.uk/.

I was concerned to hear about the UK Government’s proposal to limit the number of children in families who can qualify for Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit.

The policy means a family with three children could lose up to £2,780 each year. Latest estimates show the proposal would lead to a cut in welfare spending of £1.6 billion by 2020/21, affecting over 600,000 families initially and rising to 3.7 million families across the UK when it is fully rolled out.

The impact of changes to benefits and tax credits over the last few years is a considerable burden on those least able to afford it and continues to push more and more people into poverty at the very time we are working to lift people out of poverty. The UK Government must rethink this damaging policy.

If any constituents need to contact me, I can be reached at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, on 01250 876 576 or at pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk

John Swinney MSP Walkers and climbers urged to stay safe over winter period. Being well prepared with the appropriate equipment and knowledge can reduce the risks facing outdoor enthusiasts over winter. In 2015, the 27 Scottish volunteer mountain rescue teams were called out to 579 incidents and assisted 776 people in difficulty in Scotland’s hills and remote places.

Just over £1.8 million is being spent to support a range of measures aimed at promoting mountain safety, including mountain rescue teams, the sportscotland Avalanche Service, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Glenmore Lodge, Scotland’s national outdoor training centre.

The vast majority of people will experience incident-free trips by following these safety tips: •

Check the weather forecast and avalanche information service, changing plans if necessary

•

Carry a compass and map and know how to use it. Don’t rely on GPS or smartphone

•

Have an alternative plan in case weather conditions worsen

•

Attend a winter mountaineering course to brush up on your skills

•

Have all the appropriate equipment, including ice axe and crampons if conditions demand it continued on page 32

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•

Leave a note with details of your route and when you expect to return

•

Read up about the risk of avalanche and how to spot the warning signs

Outdoor enthusiasts look forward to the winter months when Perthshire’s mountain ranges and wild places are at their most eye-catching. We want them to go out and enjoy them but clearly their safety must be their top priority. The vast majority of walkers, hill runners and snow sport enthusiasts are well prepared, and have safe and enjoyable experiences, but tragic situations do unfortunately happen.

By taking simple precautions such as having the right equipment, knowing how to use it and having the latest weather information, anyone thinking of heading out will greatly reduce their risk of injury or accident. Also, getting good information helps any mountain goer decide where to go and what to do. Avalanche reports and other useful information which help with this important process can be obtained from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service at www.sais.gov.uk, Met Office, and Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) websites.

Plans for major changes to the Scottish planning system were published recently. The Scottish Government has set out 20 proposals for revamping the system, which will support economic growth, delivery of houses and increase community involvement in planning decisions. They form a consultation which will pave the way for a planning bill to be brought forward this year.

The proposals build on recommendations of an independent review carried out by a panel of experts last year. Planning affects everyone’s lives, from making sure we have the right types of homes to driving forward regeneration.

I would encourage everyone with an interest in planning – developers and businesses, professionals and local authorities, communities and members of the public – to tell us what they think of our proposals for change.

The consultation, “Places, people and planning” runs until Tuesday 4 April, and can be accessed at https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/planning-architecture/a-consultation-on-the-future-of-planning I can be contacted at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, by telephone on 01250 876 576 or on email at john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot

Murdo Fraser MSP I want to start my first column of 2017 by wishing those working and involved with the Fishers Hotel in Pitlochry all the best following a fire over New Year. The Fishers Hotel is an iconic venue within Highland Perthshire and one that I visit every year to host advice surgeries and I hope that repairs can be made quickly.

As we begin 2017 I have begun work scrutinising the Scottish Government’s budget in the Scottish Parliament’s Finance Committee. During evidence sessions in January it became clear that the Scottish Government would have over 3 billion pounds more to spend on public services since 2011. Despite this real and cash terms increase, cuts to local authority budgets are planned for the balance sheet in 2017. According to official figures from the Scottish Parliament’s independent information service, Ministers in Holyrood now have £501 million more to spend this year compared to last. What we need from St Andrews House is proper support for local services rather than their current approach which has been to pass down cuts and tax rises.

In January, I used time in parliament to highlight an innovative energy grant scheme being run

by Centrica. The business accelerator programme, will provide financial investment and support through the “Ignite Big Energy Idea” scheme. Thus far, there have been 25 successful applicants, with Dundee based IRT Survey’s benefitting from the programme. Turning ideas into reality is expensive, especially if they are socially beneficial, and it is great to see Centrica use the Ignite scheme to drive innovation in this area. Inventive businesses across Highland Perthshire could continued on page 39

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A9 Dualling Programme Tay Crossing to Ballinluig Project Preferred Route Public Exhibitions

PERTH TO INVERNESS

Pass of Birnam to Glen Garry

Public exhibitions are being held on 15 and 16 February 2017. These exhibitions will give local communities and road users the opportunity to see and comment on the outcome of the route option assessment work and the preferred option for the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig dualling project – part of the A9 Dualling Programme.

Transport Scotland officials and design consultants will be on hand to discuss the preferred option and answer any questions. Details of the public exhibitions are as follows: Date

Time

Venue

Wednesday 15 February 2017

12:00 – 19:00

Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig

Thursday 16 February 2017

11:00 – 15:00

Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig

For further information, please visit www.transportscotland.gov.scot/project/a9-dualling-perth-inverness

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benefit from a programme which has already distributed more than £8million across the UK and I would encourage those eligible to apply for support.

I was concerned to learn that NHS Tayside is moving out-of-hours mental health services away from the Murray Royal in Perth to Dundee as a result of doctor shortages. In Highland Perthshire, out-of-hours healthcare is a hot button topic and this year it’s important that health services are maintained and not reduced in rural areas and that out-of-hours care remains accessible.

Rural broadband remains a thorny issue with still far too many households in the Pitlochry area suffering with speeds that are barely able to support modern online activity. There have been attempts to use community broadband to plug these gaps but their failure to do so leaves many rural households searching for options. I would encourage Perth and Kinross Council to investigate other vehicles for ensuring remote parts can have equal access to the internet.

As ever I welcome the feedback on constituents and can be contacted at the Control Tower, Scone Airport, Perth, PH1 6PL and at Murdo.Fraser.msp@parliament.scot and 01738 553 990.

Kate Howie, SNP Councillor, Perth & Kinross – Highland Ward Much of the work in the Council at the moment is preparing the proposals for Budget Day on Thursday 9 February. Each Service is closely scrutinized to ensure we deliver services in the most cost effective way. But with the block grant from Westminster reduced for several years the knock effect through the Scottish Government is a certain reduction to Local Authorities. For example last year Local Government Expenditure was reduced by £350 million.

As a Council a large amount of our budget is statutory, particularly in Education and Children’s Services and Housing, amounting to nearly 60 % of the overall delivered services. Our main income comes from the Scottish Government with your Council Tax amounting to 20% of the total. This all means that we have to deliver services in new ways, working closely with our communities and protecting the most vulnerable from the impact of the inevitable tightening of resources. All Councillors will be involved in getting the best outcome for their Wards in this process and I have already spoken of the importance of remembering our rural areas in these proposals.

You will have noticed in the press that to save money your individual paper notification of your “bin collection dates” has been discontinued and that you can now source the information on line - www.pkc.gov.uk/bindates - and for those who have no access to computers these are available in the local libraries. I have also arranged to have this information available on the mobile libraries too. Those of you using the recycling centres with trailers over six foot long should apply as soon as possible for a Domestic Exemption Permit – recycle@pkc.gov.uk The permit is free of charge and again it is a Council initiative to reduce costs and ensure commercial companies pay for the disposal of waste. The cost per ton of waste to landfill is approximately £100 and last year the Council had to send 60,000 tons to landfill. Compared with other local authorities our figure of 56 % recycling is very good but I am sure we can all just take time to think “ can this be recycled ? “ At a recent Environment Committee meeting we were given a presentation from our Head of Greenspace on the value of engaging and working with communities to add to the quality of life of residents and enhance the visitor experience. They are key indicators of the character of an area or community and directly contribute to the sense of pride and wellbeing. I know from my involvement with Pitlochry in Bloom and our Pitlochry Path Group that this is indeed true and hope in the future the Council continues their support for these groups and nurtures new ones.

You can get in touch with me by email: khowie@pkc.gov.uk or by telephone on 01887 840378. continued on page 40

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Ian Campbell Conservative Councillor, Perth & Kinross – Highland Ward It was great to visit ‘The Workshop’ in Aberfeldy before Christmas to see the work done helping young people to gain work and life skills. This is a social enterprise covering Highland Perthshire and the council have agreed to work in partnership with ‘The Workshop’ as re-use partners in conjunction with Aberfeldy recycling site. I will be looking to see if we can interest other partners to work in conjunction with Pitlochry recycling centre.

When you read this the Pitlochry Theatre Winter Words Festival will be in full swing. There is always something really interesting to see and hear, so make an effort and get along!

It was disappointing to hear at Pitlochry CC meeting that 28 or more street lights were not working! The community council will be collating where those not working.

I am going to Westminster as part of a delegation from PKC to highlight the council’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021. Our bid will encompass more than the City of Perth. Many areas , including Highland Perthshire , will have an important role to play. Watch this space!

In Fearnan , the war memorial has caused some issue for people accessing the base of the memorial. I have arranged for the council to provide a specially designed base at the front of the memorial so that wreaths etc can be laid easily from the roadside.

In the council at the moment all parties are working on producing a budget for next year.

Despite the government getting a major rise in its own budget, year on year, local authorities are having our budget slashed by £327M collectively. This will inevitably mean cuts to some local services whilst your council tax rises.

Perth & Kinross Council's Childcare Strategy Team is offering the chance to take on the 'Childcare Challenge' - a free course for men who are interested in a professional career working with children. The course runs on Mondays to June 2017, and provides an introduction to the childcare sector. It consists of two SQA accredited units in Child Development and Play delivered

by Perth College UHI, and a practical placement in a childcare setting. The course would also be beneficial for any men who would like to enhance their future career opportunities in sports coaching, teaching or social work.

To book your place, please call the Childcare Team on 01738 472350 or email childcare@pkc.gov.uk.

If you would like to discuss any specific issues with me, please call me on 07786 173315 / 07736 307879/ 01738 827079 or e-mail me at icampbell@pkc.gov.uk If you want to keep up to date with what is happening daily in Highland Perthshire then follow me on Facebook at Councillor Ian Campbell HP

Pitlochry Church of Scotland Minister: Rev Mary Haddow (01796 472774) Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk Sunday Services – 10.30am. We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Our services combine the traditional with the contemporary. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. At a set point in the service our children leave for their activity groups in the Sunday Club, and are always delighted to welcome new friends and visitors. We’d love to get to know you better, so after the service refreshments are served in The Tryst, please do join us.

Tryst for prayer: We meet weekly for prayer time at 10.00am on Wednesdays in The Tryst.

Prayers are offered for local, national and international situations. Please join us, or pass on prayer requests to the minister after a Sunday service, or email her at: mhaddow@churchofscotland.org.uk, or drop a note in to the Church marked - ‘For Prayer’.

Every personal situation is held in strictest confidence.

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Coffee and chat: Every Wednesday from 4th January, at 10.30am, we serve tea, coffee and biscuits in The Tryst Lounge; a time to relax, catch up with friends and neighbours, and to meet new people. Everyone welcome – locals and visitors alike.

Tryst Talents Group: 1st, 3rd & 5th Wednesdays of the month. Come along for creativity and fellowship.

Table Tennis Group: Every Wednesday from 4th January, in The Tryst Hall from 2.00- 4.00 pm Church Choir: Rehearsals every Wednesday at 6.25 pm in The Tryst Hall.

Scottish Country Dancing: Every Tuesday at 7.30 pm in The Tryst Hall.

Tryst Walking Group: See details of our walks on The Tryst Notice Board.

Balhousie: A short service of worship takes place at Balhousie Care Home at 3pm, 1st Sunday of the month, with refreshments and a time to chat.

James Court: A short service of worship will take place in the residents’ Lounge at James Court, at 4 pm, 1st Sunday of the month. Tea and coffee will follow the service.

The Guild will meet on Wednesday 8th February at 2.30pm in The Tryst Lounge. Father Edward Vella will give a talk on Malta – its history, culture and people. All welcome.

Messy Church: Friday 10 February 4 – 6.00pm in The Tryst Hall. Joseph and his coat of many colours! Fun, Games & Craft for children of all ages. All welcome, & must come with an adult.

The Tryst Office - Open Monday to Friday, 9am - 1.00pm.

For additional information and applications for Hall Lets contact the church office, Tel no.

01796 474010. email: thetryst@btconnect.com

Jehovah’s Witnesses Does anxiety rob you of joy ? The discussion on the 19th will certainly help reduce anxiety, so do come along to the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. If you have a Bible, do bring it along; if you would like a Bible we offer copies without charge. If you need a lift to the Kingdom Hall we’d be only too happy to help.

Thursday 2nd February, 7.00pm. A series of short talks, discussions and videos including: ‘Jehovah Is the God of True Prophecy—a discussion of Isaiah 43–46’, ‘How Can We Be Sure the Bible Is True?’, ‘Methods of Preaching—Using Every Means to Reach People’ Part 3.

Sunday 5th February, 10.30am. A talk: ‘Serve Jehovah With a Joyful Heart’. Followed by a discussion: ‘By Undeserved Kindness You Were Set Free (Romans 6:14)’.

Thursday 9th February, 7.00pm. A series of short talks, discussions and videos including: ‘Obedience to Jehovah Leads to Blessings—a discussion of Isaiah 47–51’, ‘Become Jehovah’s Friend—Obey Jehovah’, ‘Tools for Preaching—Producing Literature for the Worldwide Field’ Part 1.

Sunday 12th February, 10.30pm. A talk: ‘Bible Principles—Can They Help Us to Cope With Today’s Problems?’ Followed by a discussion: ‘‘Setting Your Mind on the Spirit Means Life and Peace’ (Romans 8:5)’.

Thursday 16th February, 7.00pm. A series of short talks, discussions and videos including: ‘Christ Suffered for Us—a discussion of Isaiah 52–57’, ‘Help Your Children to Develop Unshakable Faith in the Creator’, ‘Tools for Preaching—Producing Literature for the Worldwide Field’ Part 2.

Sunday 19th February, 10.30am. A talk: ‘Decide Now For Divine Rulership’. Followed by a discussion: ‘Throw All Your Anxiety on Jehovah (1 Peter 5:7)’. continued on page 44

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Saturday 25th February, 9.50am. to 4.00pm., Assembly Hall, Appleton Parkway, Livingston.

The theme: ‘Increase Your Faith in Jehovah! (Hebrews 11:6)’. Including: ‘In All Circumstances Have Faith in God’, ‘Help Me Out Where I Need Faith!’, ‘True Faith—What Is It, and How Is It Shown?’

We offer a free home study course of the Bible using the book: ‘What Does the Bible Really Teach?’ If you would like a one-off trial, do get in touch with Jules and Elizabeth on 07 802 753 193 or ministry@akel.co.uk. At www.jw.org you can find answers to life’s questions, even the difficult ones.

Pitlochry Baptist Church Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) Youth Pastor: Rev Ken Naquin (youth@pbcweb.net) Church Office: 01796 470411 Web-site: www.pbcweb.net Sundays: We are now meeting at Pitlochry High School on East Moulin Road.

Doors open at 10:30am with tea & biscuits, coffee & cake.

Worship begins at 11.00am.

We have a full young people’s programme every Sunday February Events Sunday 5th-19th - “What Could Leadership in the Church Look Like?” John Greenshields will explore this theme through this 3 week series.

Saturday 25th - “Death: The Great Taboo.” A presentation & discussion with Professor Robin Taylor. 1pm Fisher’s Hotel.

For nearly 100 years, death has been a taboo topic. Modern medicine emphasises that we should try to fix all of the people all of the time, but eventually mortality is the winner. This taboo often means that we are ill-prepared for the experience of death and dying. There are tensions and contradictions for patients as well as their families. Spiritual as well as medical issues are often problematic.

Professor Taylor has returned to Edinburgh after working as Professor of Respiratory Medicine in New Zealand for over 25 years. Now working at Wishaw General Hospital he has been commissioned by NHS Lanarkshire to improve the care of patients in acute hospitals who are at the end of life. He has produced an acclaimed documentary ‘A Good Death’ and is uniquely placed to share his thoughts on “Death - The Great Taboo.”

Sun 26th - Our Youth Pastor Ken will lead our Family Service.

Blair Atholl & Struan Linked With Braes Of Rannoch And Foss & Rannoch Interim Moderator: The Rev Matthew Robertson Session Clerk Blair Atholl & Struan

Harold Ingram 01796 481275

Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch

Miss A M Phillips 01882 633228

Session Clerk Foss & Rannoch

Arthur Andrews 01882 632372

Morning Worship: Blair Atholl

11.15am

Braes of Rannoch

9.45am

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This Month’s Easy Sudoko 1

2

3

5

5 7

9

5

9 4

8

8

1

3 1

2

6 1

6

7

3

3

3

2

9 8

4

8 3

4

8

6

4 7

7

2

3

5

6

9

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!

This Month’s Tricky Sudoko 3

7 9

4

1

5

6

1

5 4

8

5 8

7

2

9

9 5

2

9

9 4

4

6 2

4

3

7

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!

Pitlochry Life 45

Foss & Rannoch

11.30am

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served in all three churches at the close of worship. All are welcome.

Coffee Corner meets every Thursday in the Church Hall, Blair Atholl from 10 - 12 noon with a short time of worship at 11.00 am. All are welcome.

Struan Church is now closed but all are welcome at the other churches.

Grandtully, Logierait and Strathtay Church of Scotland Interim Moderator, Dr Nigel Henderson 01250 870513.

Session Clerk : Professor Andrew Calder 01887 840209.

Tenandry Church Session Clerks: Judy Thorpe 01796 473252 and Marion Faulds 01796 472415.

All are welcome at family worship every Sunday at 10.00am. Communion is celebrated on the last Sunday of the month and is open to everyone. Tea and coffee are served after the service.

From the B8019 take the road adjacent to the car park at the Garry Bridge.

Scottish Episcopal Church Highland Perthshire Linked Charge Rector- The Reverend Liz Baker 01796 472005. e mail: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk Facebook Page: Highland Perthshire Linked Charge.

Our four congregations are warm and friendly, and we welcome you to share in our worship and fellowship, whether you are visiting the area or living locally. Firmly rooted in the life of Scotland and part of its rich history, the Scottish Episcopal Church is also part of the world wide Anglican Communion which is a family of over 70 million Christians in more than 160 countries.

This year, Lent begins on Wednesday 1 March - look out for details of services then, and of the Lent Study Course arranged by Churches Working Together in Atholl.

Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry.

Sundays – 9.30am Holy Communion.

Contact - Mr Sandy Charleson 01796 473025.

The Reading Group normally meets in the Hall at 2.30pm on third Mondays of the month however in February we have a meeting with Kenneth Steven, local writer and poet - enquiries 01796 472745.

The Tuesday 2 Club meets monthly in Aldour Hall on Tuesdays at 2.30pm - on 14 February Hugh Mackintosh will speak about 'Barnardo's Children'.

Kilmaveonaig (St Adamnan’s Church), opposite the Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl.

Sundays– 11.15am - First Sundays Sung Communion or All Age Family Communion; second and fourth Sundays Sung Mattins; third Sundays Sung Communion.

Contact - Mrs Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230. continued on page 48

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Pitlochry Life 47

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

Sundays – 11.15am - First Sundays Mattins, second and fourth Sundays Holy Communion; third Sundays Mattins or Service of the Word or Communion by Extension; fifth Sundays Joint Service with Logierait Church of Scotland.

Third Sundays at 6 pm - Evening Service in Weem Parish Church, details on notice board.

Contact - Ms Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416.

All Saints' Church, Kinloch Rannoch Square.

Sundays – Unless otherwise stated a service is held at 10.30am on the first Sunday of the month : for details please see notice board.

Contact – Mrs Rose de Sales La Terriere 01882 632314 or Mrs Anne Pealing 01882 634259.

St Bride’s Catholic Church Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Also served by St Bride’s: St Columba’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 0BJ Our Lady of Mercy’s, Home Street, Aberfeldy, PH15 2AL Priest: Fr Edward Vella, Tel: 01796 472174, e-mail: stbridesrcchurch@yahoo.com Every Sunday we celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses: • St. Columba’s Birnam, Saturday Vigil Mass at 6.00 pm.

• Our Lady of Mercy’s, Aberfeldy, Sunday at 9.30 am.

• St. Bride’s, Pitlochry, Sunday at 11.30 am.

Holy Days of Obligation: Mass Times. St. Columba’s, Birnam at 9.30am - Our Lady of Mercy’s, Aberfeldy at 12.30 pm. - St. Bride’s, Pitlochry at 7.00 pm.

Weekday Masses: Tuesdays, Our Lady of Mercy’s, Aberfeldy at 9.30 am.

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, St. Bride’s, Pitlochry at 9.30 am.

(There will be no Mass in St. Bride’s on the 3rd Friday of each month as Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mercy’s Aberfeldy).

Third Friday of the Month: Mass will be said at 12 noon in Our Lady of Mercy’s, Aberfeldy, followed by a moment of Adoration during which Rosary is said, and concluding with Benediction at about 1 pm.

First Friday of the Month: After the 9.30 am Mass in St Bride’s Pitlochry, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer in silence till 12.30 pm. The Lord is calling each one of us to stay ‘awake’ and pray, in order not to fall into temptation: this is the same plea he made to the apostles in the garden of Gethsemane. Everyone is welcome to come and pray in silence even for a short time.

Sacrament of Reconciliation • Every first Friday of the month at St Bride’s, Pitlochry there will be the possibility to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) from 12 noon to 12.30 pm during Adoration.

• Every first Saturday of the Month at St Columba’s, Birnam there will be the possibility to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 5.30 to 5.50 pm.

• Every third Friday of the Month at Our Lady of Mercy’s, Aberfeldy there will be the possibility to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during adoration after Mass at 12 noon.

continued on page 50

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Pitlochry Life 49

• Our parish also organises a penitential rite with the possibility of confession four times a

year. To find out when these will take place please refer to the parish newsletter.

Fr Edward is also available for confessions or to talk to him on call.

Ash Wednesday – 1st March: the beginning of Lent Lent is a time of prayer, penance and charity, it is a time of preparation for the greatest of all feasts of the Christian Calendar that is Easter. We would like to invite you to come and start this journey with us, it is a journey of self-discovery but above all it is a journey that would reveal to you the greatness of God’s love towards you. Masses with the rite of Ashes will be as follows.

St Columba’s Birnam

9. 30 am.

Our Lady of Mercy’s Aberfeldy

12. 30 am.

St Bride’s Pitlochry

7. 00 pm.

Heartland Healing Rooms Heartland Healing Rooms will reopen in January.

15th February - Aberfeldy Town Hall - 4.30pm - 6.00pm 22nd February - The Tryst, Pitlochry - 2.00pm - 3.30pm A Healing Room is simply a private place where people can come to receive prayer for any physical, emotional or spiritual condition. We are happy to simply pray for blessing on your life.

When someone visits they can expect to receive a warm and loving welcome in the reception area and will then be invited into a private room where they will receive prayer from a team of two or three trained Christian volunteers. Everything is held in the strictest confidence. It does not matter whether you have a strong faith ,no faith or even another faith. You will be made most welcome. No appointment is necessary as you will be seen on a first come first serve basis.

There is no charge.

Isabelle Macdonald 07768492803.

Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council Meeting, 11thJanuary (Summary) Full minutes www.hpcp.co.uk/members 5 PMCC councillors, 2 PKC Councillors, 2 members of the public present and 1 apology.

No reports from police, PMCC Treasurer or PMCC Secretary. Police Commander’s Bulletin to be copied weekly to all PMCC members.

Tribute paid to sterling work carried out by emergency services and Fisher’s Hotel staff during fire on New Year’s morning. No casualties. Thanks to all concerned.

Steering Group set up to consider Community Warden in Pitlochry. PKC unable to help with funding.

Contract for lighting the main car park to start January.

Station House still deteriorating. Enquiries made about community purchase under Land Reform Act. PKC Building Dept have inspected.

28 faulty streets lights reported - to be repaired within 7 days. Members of the public please report faulty street lights to David Roy on 01796 473872 and give lamp number where possible.

No significant planning applications. No word of town centre or Bank House development.

Planning permission for wooden façade on station salt box passed. Rob Roy Way planning application still being prepared.

Meeting end January to consider future of HPCP. continued on page 52

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Pitlochry Life 51

Cllr Campbell reported draft guidelines for A-boards drawn up. Most retailers reasonably happy.

PKC are struggling with budget cuts. Tough decisions to be made. Priority to be given to the vulnerable.

Presentation in Westminster for Perth’s bid to be the City of Culture in 2021. Cllr Howie requested inclusion of Perthshire. Creative Communities Fund set up to encourage development of local projects. See www.perth2021.com/creative-communitites-fund/ Details of leaks in the canopy in Atholl Road to be sent to Cllr Howie.

Overnight parking in car parks still happening in spite of large notices. Only parking wardens can enforce. Problem likely to become acute in the summer.

Isobel Millar now co-opted on to PMCC and Rita Robertson completing papers for co-option.

Closure of pre-school playgroup in the Tryst from 9th January 2017. Thanks to Fiona Seaton, Ann Youngman and all leaders and helpers over many years for their hard work.

Public meeting of Scottish Cabinet, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Monday 6th February 2017.

Registration and further details on 0131 244 4820. Questions will be taken from the floor on any issue.

Alternative venues for the New Year Party (in the event of a future emergency cancellation) were considered and subsequently dismissed Next Meeting 7.30pm Wednesday 8th February 2017, School.

Blair Atholl & Struan Community Fund The Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council, with the support of a number of local businesses and organisations, have launched a Community Fund to assist local people in preparing for, mitigating and recovering from events causing disruption within the community. This initiative has been introduced in response to a string of setbacks experienced in recent years, including serious flooding and long term power outage.

Some of the proposed uses of the fund include a contribution towards the upgrade of the village hall facilities to make it more suitable as a temporary safe refuge, purchase of an additional defibrillator and a contribution towards flood defences.

The initial funding target is £4,000 and it is hoped to raise the first £1,000 through a crowdfunding appeal which has now gone live on www.justgiving.com where donations can be made quickly and simply on line. Those who would like to donate by more traditional means should contact Stewart on 01796 483339 or Donald on 01796 481663.

Pitlochry Arts and Crafts Group This independent group, PACER (Pitlochry Arts & Crafts Empowering Recovery) aims to promote well-being by providing opportunities for adults to participate in arts and crafts in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Weekly sessions provide a reason to go out to meet and connect with other people as well as the opportunity to learn new skills. The group is flexible to the needs of its members, offering support and freedom to explore the group experience at their own pace without any pressure to produce finished work.

This group is open to everyone, individuals are encouraged to come along and have a cup of tea or coffee, a chat, try the activities and are welcome to bring a friend. No prior craft experience required Cost – Donation towards tea and coffee.

Held at the Pitlochry Community Hospital, Atholl Ward on Monday 10.30-12.30 except Public and School holidays. continued on page 54

52 Pitlochry Life

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Heartland Film Society at the Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy Sunday 12 February at 18:00 Embrace of the Serpent (Colombia 2015 125 min Cert 12A) Director Ciro Guerra. Award winning, ‘feast for the senses’: shamans, scientists and healing plants ….

Sunday 26 February at 18:15 Taxi Tehran (Iran 2015 80 min Cert 12A) Director Jafar Panahi.

Taxi passengers express their view of the world…comedy & drama.

After January’s triple bill, HFS has 2 feature films for you in Feb PLUS the 2016 Palme Dewar prize winning short ‘The World’s First Bicycle’, Director Conrad Molleson will be joining us for a Q&A on 26 Feb before the feature. HFS AGM is the same night – likely to be 5pm, members will receive an invitation.

Information and online booking www.birkscinema.co.uk or phone 01887 822845.

Everyone is welcome to HFS screenings but become a member any time for just £10.00 and get 12 months of reduced prices on all HFS films at The Birks plus free DVD loans of HFS films and all the benefits of belonging to a friendly film society www.heartlandfilmsociety.org and Facebook.

Pitlochry Litter Action Group There may be fewer tourists in Pitlochry in December but there is still a lot of litter around the town. If this annoys you join our friendly litterpicking team for the monthly clean-up. All equipment is provided. Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.00am in the Recreation ground carpark. This is a new venue. The next litterpick is on 7th February.

Dates for litterpicks in 2017 are: 7th March, 11th April, 9th May, 13th June, 11th July, 8th August, 12th September, 10th October, 14th November, 12th December.

For further information contact Roger West rogerwest7@btinternet.com 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com 01796 473400.

Pitlochry & District U3A U3A stands for University of the Third Age, a world-wide organisation for people who are no longer in full-time employment, with no lower age for membership. There are hundreds of U3As throughout the UK. Sometimes perhaps people are put off by the “U” part of U3A, thinking that there are formal classes; there are no classes, no teachers, and everything we learn or participate in is organised by ourselves. Don't be put off by the “3A” part; we are all older than we were, but we have experience and skills that we’ve gained during our first and second ages, all ready to share. For more information get in touch with Meg Ross at 01796 483281 or megross@btinternet.com Our next Whole Group meeting is on Wednesday 8th February at 2.00 in the Atholl Centre.

John Mattingley will be talking about Cluny Gardens. Everyone is welcome, members or not.

Please come to what promises to be a very interesting afternoon.

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band We had a very busy Hogmanay with band members playing in lots of different places including a pipe band at the Atholl Palace Hotel at midnight and then on up to the Kynachan Loch Tummel Hotel at 1am. It's always a great atmosphere at both these places and is a great start to the New Year. continued on page 56

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Pitlochry Life 55

Then disaster hit.....a very early phone call from one of our Pitlochry drummers to tell us Fisher's Hotel was on fire, and then a wee while later a phone call from the organiser of the street party to say it was cancelled.

After a frantic couple of hours phoning round all the band members to let them know it was cancelled (most don't check their e-mails when they're still sound asleep) and feeling glad that there were no casualties, the rest of the day seemed very empty.......just one of these situations that you can't actually believe what has happened. So roll on the next New Year Street Party!!

The band played at the Opening of the Salmon Fishing Season at Kenmore Hotel which once again was a great day enjoyed by many.

Many thanks to the Pitlochry Co-op for allowing us two days of raffle ticket selling for the raffle drawn at our Junior Piping Competition. The report of the competition on the 21st January will be in next month’s magazine (as this report is written before it's held) but we've got 90 competitors taking part, so it's going to be a busy day.

We're also looking forward to playing at the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra Concert in Perth Concert Hall on the 18th February. Princess Anne is the patron of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and they're delighted that she's able to attend this year.

Band practices are in full swing for this next competing year and there'll be quite a few new faces turning out at Highland Nights etc. this year as more and more of our learners get on to pipes and drums.

Practices are held in Pitlochry High School on a Tuesday night and if you'd like to learn to play pipes or drums please come along or contact me.

Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com 07733152223

The Highland & Strathtay Action Partnership We are pleased to announce our participatory budgeting programme. £7000 per area will be allocated to groups in: • Pitlochry and area • Aberfeldy and area • Stanley, Luncarty and Bankfoot area • Dunkeld & Birnam and area

Groups addressing the following themes will be invited to apply for up to £1500 each, with the winning bids chosen by the voting public at a community event in March 2017.

• Employment and Employability • Social Isolation • Community Transport • Activities for Young People • Community Engagement • Rurality

Contact your local community capacity builder for more information: Dunkeldcomlearn@pkc.gov.uk For more information about Action Partnerships, see www.pkc.gov.uk/communityplanning continued on page 58

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Pitlochry Life 57

Welcome All Soup Lunch Fridays in the Atholl Centre behind the Baptist Church next to the Tourist Office and runs weekly until the end of April 2017(except the 30th Dec) Soup costs £3 and is served from 12 noon. A free DVD lending library is available. Do come along, young and old and men and women.

Pitlochry Ladies Club The next meeting will be on Wednesday 1st February at Scotland's Hotel with a start time of 7.15pm when Kate West will be speaking on "Rescue Dog". This will be followed on Wednesday 1st March again at Scotland's Hotel with a start time of 7.15pm when Barbara Sadler will be speaking on "Heather Gems". The cost of each evening will be £11, which includes a light supper with coffee to follow. For the 3rd year running, we are supporting the same Charity, Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance. We are a sociable friendly club, new members are very welcome.

For more information, call Carol MacGill (Chairman) on 01796 473026 or Lynda Gardiner (Secretary) on 01796 472157.

Music In Blair Atholl Recitals By Students From The Yehudi Menuhin School The Ballroom At Blair Castle, Blair Atholl.

Saturday 11th February at 5.00pm - Music By Franz Schubert Ave Maria –for Violin and Piano arr. Wilhelmj Gretchen am Spinnrade, Die Forelle – for Piano trans. Liszt Two Lieder - for Guitar trans. Mertz Wohin and Erlkonig for Piano trans. Liszt Arpeggione Sonata – for Cello and Guitar Serenade and Marche Militaire – for Piano duet There will be no interval.

Tickets: £15 to include a glass of wine or soft drink after the concert Under 16s £7.50 Sunday 12th February at 3.00pm - Programme Sonata No 4 in C minor BWV 1017 for Violin and Piano Fantasia in D minor K 385 for Piano

J.S. Bach (1685-1750) W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)

Rondo in D major Ballade No 1 in G minor Op 23 for Piano

F. Chopin (1810-1849)

Interval Novelette No 8 for Piano

R. Schumann (1810-1856)

Cordoba for Guitar Arabesque No.1 in E major for Piano Arabesque No 2 in G major

I. Albeniz (1860-1909) C. Debussy (1862-1918)

Arabesque for Cello Hungarian Rhapsody for Cello

M. Singer (b.1953) D. Popper (1843-1913)

Tickets: £15

Under 16s £7.50

Please contact Lavinia Gordon (for numbers) 01796 481230 alaviniagordon@gmail.com continued on page 60

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Pitlochry Life 59

Toberargan Curling Club Toberargan Curling Club, Pitlochry, held their annual pairs competition in Perth for the coveted Liddell Flasks. At the end of a hotly contested but most enjoyable competition, Claire McConnell and Tim Parkins emerged as the deserved winners. The club held their Christmas party in the Queens Hotel after the event.

The first leg of a match between Toberargan and Aberfeldy for the McCandlish stone was won 10-3 by Toberargan. The second leg is in March, giving Aberfeldy time to prepare a suitable fight back.

At the start of the New Year, the club held a barbecue at their outdoor pond above Moulin.

Although hopes were high for outdoor curling following the cold spell in November, the mild December weather dashed any hopes of celebrating the New Year on outdoor ice. However some lovely sunshine provided a degree of consolation.

If anyone is interested in taking up Scotland’s great winter game, please contact us via email; info@toberargancurling.com, web site: toberargancurling.com

New Year Street Party Everyone was, of course, hugely relieved that thanks largely to the Fishers Hotel staff there were no casualties of the serious fire on New Year’s Day. But the Street Party committee weren’t the only people to be hugely disappointed that this year’s event had to be cancelled almost at the last minute. The party is financed in part by donations for food and mulled wine on the day, but mostly by the sale of raffle tickets; and we are so grateful to the local businesses who once again contributed more than 20 wonderful prizes. One prize donated just before New Year was too late to appear on the tickets or on our publicity, and we don’t know who gave it – so it would be good if the donor of Knockhill tickets could let us know so that their generosity might be acknowledged. We sold over 1000 tickets before the year end, but of course none on the day – so the odds on a win were much improved! The draw was made on 4 January and winners have been notified.

We have in the past appealed for new blood on the committee and the crunch has now come.

Graham Holmes has indicated he is stepping down as chairman of the committee, though he’ll continue to help, and he’s grateful that other members have agreed to take on his role. Mike Cheesewright, for many years the committee chairman and one of those who started the event, is still very much involved. The others who work so hard to put on the annual event are Alistair Dickson, Cathy Joss and Calum McLellan. Contact one of them if you’re interested in helping.

Let’s hope there are no problems next year!

Drama Festival in Birnam The annual Festival of One Act Plays will take in Birnam Institute between Thursday 2nd and Saturday 4th March starting at 7pm each evening. Teams from Aberfeldy Drama Club, Breadalbane Academy, Blairgowrie Players and Unmasqued Drama Club from Perth will be competing for the right to appear in the Divisional Festival in Orkney, while the youth teams will also be looking towards the Divisional Youth Festival in Aberdeen.

Tickets will cost £9 (£7 for under 16s) and are available from Birnam Institute, Wade’s Newsagents in Aberfeldy and from participating clubs.

Please note in your diaries that the Scottish Final will be in Pitlochry Festival Theatre between Thursday 13th and Saturday 15th April. Tickets are available now from the theatre box-office.

More information will follow in later issues. continued on page 62

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Pitlochry Life 61

Local Christmas Card Delivery I am very pleased to report that the 2016 local Christmas Card Delivery service raised £1,608.15 towards our Senior Citizens’ Community Bus - £2 more than the year before!

Please help us to do even better in 2017.

Thanks to everyone who used the card delivery service and to everyone who donated so generously; thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who made it happen; and thanks to Victoria’s Restaurant for their kindness and hospitality in allowing the use of their premises.

For 2017, we hope to expand our delivery area, but more about that nearer the time.

Moulin Hall Trust – 300 Club The following were winners in the 300 Club held from November 2016 to January 2017: Weekly Winners of £10 26.11.16

No.

58

Jenni Moncrieff

No. 87

Atholl Davidson

03.12.16

No.

51

Margaret Rose

No. 76

Graham Holmes

10.12.16

No.

42

Alison Drummond

No. 210

Veronica Charity

17.12.14

No.

211

Dr Sandy Cowan

No. 247

Janet Hillier

24.12.14

No.

8

Steven Haddow

No. 205

Cameron Cowan

31.12.14

No.

82

Kathleen Yates

No. 227

Hugh Foster

Grand Final Draw Winners (held on 02.01.17) £100

No. 123

Yvonne Roy

£200

No. 137

Helen Williamson

£300

No.

Margaret Rose

51

The committee would like to thank all the members who sold tickets and the members of the public who supported this year’s 300 Club. As a result, over £700 has been raised for the Hall Funds.

Bill Bright

Andie Millar’s Trust Scottish Charity Number: SC037334 www.andiemillar.org Applications are invited by 31st May 2017 for donations to either individuals or organisations to be spent in Pitlochry and District (generally assessed as being within a five mile radius of the centre of Pitlochry) for any one or more of the following Trust purposes: 1. the advancement of education; 2. the advancement of citizenship or community development; 3. the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science; 4. the advancement of public participation in sport; 5. the provision of recreational facilities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities are primarily intended; 6. the advancement of environmental protection or improvement; and/or 7. the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

Generally, the Trustees will be able to provide donations of up to £2,500 but in certain

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circumstances may be able to consider applications for a larger amount.

Application Forms are available from www.andiemillar.org and, to be considered by the Trustees, each Application must be sent by e-mail to j@hmitchell.co.uk by 31st May 2017.

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

Basil Death Trust When he died in 2006, Basil Death left his considerable fortune to help others.

A Charitable Trust in his name has been established to help support good causes following his great sense of social responsibility.

Having lived in Perthshire for many years, served in the Irish Guards and as a lifelong Roman Catholic, he wished the Trust to support local educational projects in Highland Perthshire, the Roman Catholic Church and Military Charities, together with other good causes.

The Basil Death Trust awards grants annually, generally up to £3,000 each and invites applications from charities and projects.

For further information and an application form, please look at the dedicated website : www.basildeathtrust.co.uk Registered Charity Number SC045474.

It should be noted the next round of applications will be considered in early March.

Pitlochry Art Walk – 10 to 18 June 2017 Would you like to be involved in the Art Walk either as a gallery location or as an artist during this period? I would like to know so that it can be organised this year.

The 1st meeting will take place in Melt Gallery towards the end of February. The Rotary Club local schools art exhibition will take place during this time as well.

Please do contact Iain on 01796 473044.

Neighbourhood Watch: February 2017 Community Warden Post for Pitlochry Following the successful introduction of Community Wardens in Aberfeldy and Perth, the Co-ordinators of Pitlochry Neighbourhood Watch gave their support to a similar provision for Pitlochry. The role of the Community Warden in Pitlochry would be to work alongside local residents, relevant agencies and groups to help create a safer, cleaner and stronger community for residents and visitors. A Steering Group, which includes representatives of the Community Council, Neighbourhood Watch, Police and Perth &Kinross Council has been set up to take this initiative forward. Sources of funding are currently being pursued.

Cold Callers With Spring just around the corner, please be on your guard against cold callers who offer to undertake garden or household maintenance tasks. These can often turn out to be overly expensive and of poor quality. If work is required, the best way forward is to get quotes from local trades people who are recommended by someone you know and trust.

Keep your Bank Account details safe Fraudsters use so many ways to get access to people’s Bank Account details and they can be so convincing! No Bank or Utility Company will phone you up or send you an email, which asks continued on page 64

Pitlochry Life 63

for account details or passwords. Large payments to Solicitors and Banks can be particularly vulnerable and, if possible, should be done face to face and not via a computer transfer. Please do not give such information to anyone who contacts you.

To join your local Neighbourhood Watch Group or set one up, please contact our local Secretary, Cathy Marshall on 01796 470575.

Aberfeldy and District Gaelic Choir February is the start of our 50th year! Our year starts off with our annual open night on Monday 13th February at half seven in Aberfeldy Town hall. It's a great evening and will give you a taste of everything we do from a puirt a'beul to some of our slower pieces. You don't need to be read music or speak Gaelic to come along and join in! If your looking for more information about our open night or about the choir our Facebook page is regularly updated or check out our website www.aberfeldygaelicchoir.co.uk or email secretary@aberfeldygaelicchoir.co.uk

Pitlochry Station Bookshop New shelving If you have not visited the bookshop since Christmas, expect to find changes when you arrive.

Thanks to a team of volunteers working across the Christmas break, new shelving has been installed throughout the shop.

The original shelving had outlived its usefulness and would soon become a safety hazard. The problem was how to finance its replacement since all income from book sales is committed to the Bookshop’s six charities but spot on time, three local organisations came to the rescue with generous donations to cover the refurbishment costs.

The Andie Millar Trust contributed £2500, The Enchanted Forest Community Trust gave £250 and The Highland Main Line Community Rail Partnership came up with an astonishing £4500.

The Bookshop volunteer staff are grateful to all contributors and are enjoying the warm approval of visitors for the new shelving. The increased book space also means that contributions to charity should increase further.

Winter Words Festival It’s time, again, for “Winter Words” at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, this year from Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th February. As usual, the Bookshop will be running its stall with a wide variety of interesting and desirable volumes. Pitlochry Theatre generously makes no charge, so all income goes to the Bookshop’s charities.

Bookshop Raffle The Bookshop annual Raffle will be drawn at “Winter Words”. The prize, donated by Abellio Scotrail, is two Scotrail Return Tickets to anywhere in Scotland, valid for one year. Tickets are only £1 each and are available in the Bookshop.

‘Off The Scale’ - Blair Atholl Choir Come join a fun and funky choir in Blair Atholl! "Off the Scale" meet every Thursday from 7.30pm until 9.30pm in the village hall. All welcome, no auditions, no pressure, just fun songs from musicals, pop and rock arranged for beautiful harmonies! £2 subs each week. Tea and coffee provided.

Like us on Facebook for updates or for more details email sallyjudd1@btinternet.com Send your entry for our Community/Get Out pages to info@pitlochrylife.co.uk by 12th of the month.

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The Atholl Medical Centre Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472558 Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm (Doors open at 8.30am) Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm Tel: 01796 472558 Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Pitlochry Post Office Within Premier Store 63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 474301

Prescriptions - amcprescriptions.tayside@nhs.net www.theathollmedicalcentre.co.uk

Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203

Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472052 Visiting Hours: GP Unit 2.00pm - 4.30pm and 6.00pm - 8.00pm MIIU Open 9.00am - 9.00pm seven days a week.

Phone NHS 24 on 111 for an appointment Directions: Turn down at Victoria’s Restaurant and follow signs. (Hospital is adjacent to Atholl Medical Centre) Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch.

Tel: 01882 632216 The Reception is open Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm Surgery Hours 9-10.15am, 2-3pm and 4-5pm.

For all urgent appointments please phone reception Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111

Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233 Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220 Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347 Pitlochry Library 26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Tel: 01796 474635 E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk Mon - Closed. Tues - Closed Wed 2.00pm - 4.00pm & 5.00pm - 7.00pm Thurs 10.00am - 12noon & 2.00pm - 7.00pm Fri 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Sat 9.00am - 1.00pm Sun - Closed.

Housing & Community Care and Registration Services 26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Housing & Comm Care (Housing) 01738 476000 (selecting option 2) Mon - Fri: 8.45am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm Registration of Births, Deaths & Marriages 01796 474645 Mon - Fri: By Appointment

More Helpful Numbers to Hand Pitlochry Police Station

101

Perth & Kinross Council

01738 475000

Crimestoppers

0800 555 111

Adult Care Services

0845 301 11 20

Scottish Hydro

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Pitlochry Life 65

Pitlochry Life 67

Bring Hygge Home And beat those winter blues If the chill of winter and the dark nights are starting to get you down, then why not bring a little hygge home. Hygge (pronounced Hue-ga) is Danish and translates as ‘cosiness’, but means so much more than that. It’s all about embracing the season and finding warmth and happiness in every situation. The Danes are considered to be the happiest people on earth and hygge contributes a large part to that.

It’s a change in lifestyle, no great change, just a few small steps: Candlelight. There’s something about real candlelight that really does raise the comfort level. Spread them around to give a feeling of warmth. If you have kids – buy tea lights in little houses, or put them in jam jars.

Bring the outside indoors. Bring a few reminders of nature indoors: flowers, berries, leaves, long willowy branches all add to the atmosphere.

Hot drinks. Plenty. If having coffee make a pot. Have hot drinks available all day. For a treat go out and have a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, in the evening make it a mulled wine, or gløgg as the Danes call it.

Cosy knits. Thick knit jumpers, woolly socks and blankets on the back of the sofa that can be wrapped around cold feet in the evening. A great way to feel warm and cosy when darkness falls.

68 Pitlochry Life

Sweet treats. Keep some Danish butter cookies, spiced ginger biscuits, liquorice and honey roasted peanuts handy to accompany those hot drinks. All little treats that add to the feeling of warmth and comfort.

Be sociable. Meet with friends for coffee or late afternoon drinks. Hygge is all about the warmth of friendship, laughter, conversation, life.

Eat Well. Food that is hearty, healthy, warming and filling. Porridge is hygge! It all adds to a sense of well-being.

Calm home. The Danes are experts at this.

Clean spaces, whitewashed walls, old and new. Create an uncluttered space that feels good to be in, with pieces around you that make you feel happy.

something like "well-being." It first appeared in Danish writing around the end of the 18th Century and the Danes have embraced it ever since. One good thing about hygge is that you can apply it anywhere, and Danes allocate it generously to everything.

It’s not a class thing; everyone does it. The Danes manage to decouple the idea of wealth Get out. Embrace the season, dress for the and wellbeing. After their basic needs are met, weather, layer up with warm clothes, get out more money doesn't lead to more happiness. and enjoy it. Try cycling more, enjoy the sense Instead they focus on what brings a better of freedom and also benefit from the exercise. quality to their life. It's not even a winter thing, Linger. Life is slower in Denmark. Linger over you will find hygge in Denmark all year round.

In summer think picnics in the park, barbeques meals, enjoy conversation, find time to relax. with friends, outdoor concerts, street festivals Learn to appreciate and enjoy the moment. and bike rides, all can be very hygge.

Relish winter for its beauty, light the candles, snuggle up with a hot drink and enjoy some treats.

Let hygge be your new best friend and live like a happy Viking.

Hygge didn't actually originate in the Danish language but in Norwegian, where it meant Debbie Pitlochry Life 69

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE A9 Dualling

34

H & S Action Partnership

56

Pitlochry Ladies Club

58

Acarsaid Steakhouse

11

Harry Bonthrone Plumbing

47

Pitlochry Litter

54

Advertise in 2017

53

Hearing & Mobility

51

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

64

Andie Millar's Trust

62

Heartland Film Society

54

Pitlochry Young Chef

28

Andy Law Pest Control

61

Heartland Healing Rooms

50

PMCC

50

Appliance Repairs

29

Highland Travel

33

Recipe

10

Atholl Palace Hotel

43

Reid Tree Garden Services

15

Barhaul

35 - 38 Homefresh Cleaning 47

Horoscopes

20

RW Bell Electrical

41

Basil Death Trust

63

HPCLT

9

RW Bell Plumbing

67

Birnam Drama Festival

60

Hygge

68

S Saint Electrical

47

Birnam Picture Framing

59

Infinity Blu

25

Stephen House Builders

71

67

Stevie G Roofing

33

Blair Atholl Car Sales

43

J & H Mitchell

Blair Atholl Garage

57

J W Lang Painter/Tiler

Brodies Timber

13

Jill Storstein Acupuncture

19

Sudoko

45

Carriages of Scone

23

John Swinney MSP

30

Tay Roofing

55

Churches

40

K Allan Joinery

41

Taylors Of Scone

2

Coach House Flowers

23

Lazlo Decor

59

The Green Park Hotel

5

Councillor Ian Campbell

40

Lesley McLean Footcare

19

The Hair Studio

19

Councillor Kate Howie

39

McKenzie Strickland Architects

67

The Hardware Centre

14

Doug McPhee Stoneworks

14

Morrison Joinery

41

The Hot Box

9

33,41 Strowan Woodland Cemetery

49

Duncan McLean

15

Movies for 2017

26

The Old Mill Inn

72

Eskgrove Homes

66

Murdo Fraser MSP

32

The Townhouse, Aberfeldy

11

Ewan McAdam

59

Murthly Sawmill

16

TLC Laundry

43

Fern Cottage

7

Music in Blair Atholl

58

Toberargan Curling Club

60

Finer Finish

33

Neighbourhood Watch

63

Tom Smeaton Fencing

17

Fitness

24

New Year Street Party

60

Tommy Garrow

17

Foot Health

18

Omeworks

55

Tree Maintenance Services

14

Frederik Demeyere

14

Pete Wishart MP

30

Turtle Tots

29

Gatehouse Firewood

13

Pipe Bands

54

U3A

54

Gatehouse Nursery

16

Pitlochry Arts & Crafts

52

Victoria's

7

Gaulds Funeral Directors

49

Pitlochry Garden

12

W & K Gerrie

51

Go Driving School

34

Pitlochry Garden Care

59

Walton Kilgour CA

31

GRM Podiatry

19

Pitlochry Hydro Hotel

23

Wonky Computer Factory

22

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

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Pitlochry Life 71