Pitlochry Life July 2022

PITLOCHRY

The Best of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire

LIFE

July 2022 Issue 386

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E E R

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CONTENTS

50,73 Sudoku

68

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The Pitlochry Tipple Ewan shares a few of his favourite gin cocktails

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

24

Willie's Wonky Computer Willie looks at the advantages of using a Virtual Private Network.

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The Pitlochry Garden Sheila gives some insight and great ideas for planting in the shade.

46

Summer Books Lynsey has chosen some great reads to take on holiday.

Recipe

Advertising

Debbie - 07545299491

Photography & Design Lynsey - 07305577953

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Editor

Willie - 07906375953

Summer Reading

www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife Pitlochry Life Manse Road, Moulin Pitlochry PH16 5EP info@pitlochrylife.co.uk www.pitlochrylife.co.uk

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The Pitlochry Garden 4 Pitlochry Life

Deadline for August is 12

50

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

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

54

Fitness With Alan Clinch This month Alan looks at all the benefits of practising Yoga.

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Recipe This month we are outside with recipe for BBQ Seafood Burgers.

WELCOME

Welcome to the July edition of Pitlochry Life.

We have just passed the longest day and how wonderful to have these long hazy summer evenings. It makes me think of cricket, cocktails and a good book. Sorry if you’re not a cricket fan!

In this edition we are all set to enjoy the season with great places to eat, visit and explore. Try the recipe - a seafood burger. It makes a change from beef and you can spice it up with your favourite dressings.

This month Sheila looks at garden planting for shade, to gain the most from your garden all year round, whilst Alan considers the benefits of yoga. Lynsey has been busy reading to produce a guide for your summer perusal and Willie in his computer column looks at VPNs. It’s something I was always wondering about and with more security worries now might be a good time to give it a try.

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Computer Page

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Fitness with Alan

With the summer season in full swing we have a fantastic array of LIVE music provided by the Atholl Palace, Food in the Park and The Old Mill Inn. We also have Pitlochry Festival Theatre with its great summer programme including Sunshine on Leith. If you are looking for a whisky tour then pop in to Blair Athol Distillery and after all that, you can kick back and try out all our favourite eateries. There is so much to see and do this month!

Stay safe and see you in August.

noon on the 13th July

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‘We’re All Going On A Summer Holday’ Even if it’s to your back garden to enjoy the simple pleasures of a gin cocktail…

Here are a few ideas to spice up your G&T by making it into a cocktail: ROBERTSONS ‘JAMMIN’ GIN Made using our own award-winning gin and created by our mixologist Donna. This is the perfect way to create a taste sensation. Try making your own sugar syrup (2 measures sugar to 1 measure of water, boil then cool) Ingredients: 50ml Robertson ‘Award-Winning’ Gin 30ml Sugar Syrup 1 tsp Raspberry Jam 15ml Fresh Lemon Juice Method: Shake / Strain / Pour and top up with soda OCEANSIDE The Oceanside is a perfect summertime sipper.

Using Harris Gin, the ocean is present in every sip, reminding the drinker of the clear coastal waters, wonderful beaches and the soft fresh seaweed taste of this wonderful gin.

Ingredients: 50ml parts Harris Gin 20ml salted simple syrup 20ml lime juice soda water 6 mint leaves, garnish Method: To make salted simple syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp salt in a saucepan. Heat until sugar and salt are fully dissolved. To make the Oceanside, add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake for 3–4 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with mint leaves.

THE CALLUNA The perfect way to end the day with this unique, award-winning gin. Created using malted barley and 5 times distilled, this gin is reminiscent of Jenever.

Ingredients: 50ml The Gael Gin 10ml Elderflower Liqueur 20ml Fresh Lemon Juice 15ml Heather Honey Syrup 5 drops Cassis Bitter 1 fresh Egg White Method: Shake the first 5 ingredients with ice. Remove ice, add egg white and shake hard. Strain into a chilled coupe glass, garnish with lemon twist or heather sprig.

Some useful tips for cocktail making: 1. When adding ice to your finished cocktail, use the largest pieces you can find as they melt more slowly. Also, buy a silicone ice tray as the quality of ice it makes is purer than the standard ice tray that comes with your freezer.

Better quality ice chills but melts more slowly so doesn’t dilute your cocktail too quickly.

2. By clapping the leaves of any ingredient you are using, mint for example, bursts the cells in the leaves releasing the magic inside. Beware of shredding the leaves as this can lead to a bitter taste.

3. When squeezing citrus, particularly limes, it’s important to squeeze them just before using them. Acidic fruits oxidise quickly and can turn bitter. Keep your citrus fruits out of the fridge as chilled fruits are less juicy. In fact, popping a lemon in the microwave for 10 seconds can give you 50% more juice.

Ewan McIlwraith Robertsons of Pitlochry

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Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP It was great to get out and about in Perthshire over the Whitsun recess. I met up with Andrew Symington at the Edradour distillery, where I was hearing about the extreme pressure that the introduction of duty stamps is having on his business and the Scotch whisky industry at large.

Tax on Scotch whisky currently stands at a whopping 70%, putting distilleries across Scotland like Edradour at a competitive disadvantage compared to other alcohol industries.

Widespread staff shortages, caused primarily by Brexit, is only exacerbating the problem and is jeopardising the future of this iconic distillery.

I have raised this with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and called for an urgent review of duty stamps on Scotch whisky. During a time of unprecedented economic challenges, it is more important than ever that the government steps in with protective measures, and tax reductions are an obvious place to start.

I also visited Kenmore to discuss the recent closure of the post office, which has been a devastating blow for the local community. This will be felt across the entire Loch Tay area and will be particularly distressing for the staff, who are consequently faced with unemployment amid a costof-living crisis.

I understand that efforts to organise a community purchase are in the early stages. This has my full support, and I will be engaging with the community and government to bring it to fruition.

I also recently had the pleasure of visiting the Crannog Centre, which has just submitted an ambitious £12 million plan for a new and improved facility across the water on Loch Tay. It includes the construction of a new Iron Age village, a roundhouse, three crannogs, as well as a range of accessible social spaces. I was hearing about the aim to make the Crannog Scotland’s most sustainable museum and create more jobs, opportunities and visitors to Highland Perthshire.

I am delighted to see the tide beginning to turn for this incredible facility after last year’s catastrophic fire. This is all thanks to the determination of the entire Crannog team, and I look forward to watching their exciting vision come to life.

Meanwhile, my office has been dealing with a huge number of cases related to Ukraine sponsorships, which is a testament to the generosity and solidarity of the people of Perth and North Perthshire.

More Ukrainians displaced by the war are continuing to arrive in the constituency, and I have no doubt they are being welcomed with open arms. As the heinous invasion rages on, it is so important that we continue to rally round the people of Ukraine during their greatest hour of need.

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative We are now in the summer season which should see an increase in tourists and visitors to Highland Perthshire to enjoy its beauty and hospitality and, as a result, should also see more people travelling on the A9 Perth to Inverness road.

Many of them may be blissfully unaware however of the £3 billion dualling programme of the route, which has been described as ‘one of Scotland’s most dangerous roads.’

However, readers of Pitlochry Life will be only too well aware of the A9 dualling project and how important it is to communities and motorists.

When the Scottish Government first announced this dualling project they forecast the 80 mile stretch of the A9 would be dualled by 2025. This is clearly not going to happen and what we need now is some clarity on an estimated date for completion of the vital programme.

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We have seen only 2 out of the 11 sections dualled to date and now completion of the project has been thrown into more doubt due to a major capital funding gap. This financial constraint was published in a ‘targeted capital review’ paper, and it outlines how there are a number of areas where the funding ‘had to be slowed down,’ and this includes road improvement programmes.

This could seriously impact on the upgrading of the A9 dualling. A Scottish Government budget will see capital spending on cycle lanes and walking will more than double from £114 million this year to £259 million in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. However, it will also see the motorways and trunk roads capital budget fall from £411 million this year to £377 million in 2025-26.

There has been a real lack of clarity from the SNP Government as to whether the dualling will be fully finished. For instance, I previously asked when the A9 dualling between Birnam and the Jubilee Bridge would take place but got no definite answer. However, I will continue to seek assurances from them regarding completion of the project, which is vital to local residents as well as our tourists and visitors.

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

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP Recently, I was delighted to host my first face-to-face constituency advice surgeries since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Along with my staff, I have been busier than ever before during the past two years and my office has taken on a higher volume of constituent casework than at any point during my 25 years representing the area. Since the start of the pandemic, I also ensured that I continued to meet with constituents virtually in addition to holding frequent telephone surgeries.

However, I have missed being able to get out into the community and meet constituents in person.

Whether this is in more formal settings like a surgery or a more laidback environment such as a coffee morning, I believe it is vitally important that politicians are visible and accessible to their constituents.

Undoubtedly, this has been one of the more frustrating aspects of the Covid pandemic. My favourite part of my job has always been meeting constituents and supporting local causes in the community. The fact that, for a long time, it was not possible to do this was a source of considerable annoyance.

Whilst it is clear that such restrictions were necessary, I am sure that we are all pleased to be emerging from the pandemic and getting back to a much more familiar way of life. Personally speaking, I have really enjoyed being able to once more meet up with constituents that I have known for years and have not seen since prior to March 2020.

And it is my hope that the removal of Covid restrictions will lead to a strong summer of trading for local businesses in Highland Perthshire. With the recent re-opening of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the return of events such as The Enchanted Forest later in the year, there has never been a better time to visit Highland Perthshire and to enjoy the stunning views and warm hospitality that is on offer.

I will be running further in-person surgeries in Highland Perthshire later in the year but, if you require any assistance in the interim period, please feel free to contact my office on 01250 876 576 or e-mail john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot I will also be continuing to offer telephone and virtual appointments for constituents that prefer this method of communication.

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Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council (9th May, Atholl Centre) Present - Sarah Roberts (Chair) Sheena Brennan (treasurer) Andrew Holmes (Secretary), Fergus McCallum, 5 members of public.

Apologies - Stew Hall, Lesley Shaw, Shona Hutchcox. Donna Gee and Councillor Duff and Councillor McDade. Congratulations on the election of the three councillors.

Chairs Report Discussion about Tables under the canopy at Mortons after comment received by the public. Chair has spoken to Mortons.

Discussion expanded to include other street furniture to include the chairs and tables and A-Boards various Ice Cream Cones and Father Christmas Street Furniture. Xander to request council mail or approach all businesses and remind them what street furniture is permitted.

Belief held by the community council that exemptions for additional tables in the street due to COVIUD is expired.

Discussion about former Bakery Site, belief that work is on going but delayed request that will be actioned by Sheena Brennan to invite the landowner to attend the next community council meeting to share insight.

Requests from the floor to explain any grants issued a fact known to the committee.

Treasurers Report Bank Balance is £307.81 but £715.00 held Town Hall users Group actual balance is negative £407.19.

Councillor McDade has requested a top up grant from PKC. Secretary’s Report Allotment sites no currently suitable sites found. Awaiting appointment of an officer at PKC to proceed. Exploratory discussions with other landlords to occur.

Planning - No comments.

CAP - To be published and issued as a hard copy to every household in June.

Update on Ballyoukan Forrest Hope to hold a Meeting on the 31st May stakeholders invited more information to follow.

Issues Raised By Members Of The Public Some revisiting of chairs points on street furniture.

Extensive discussion about Social Housing. Agreement in room it is a huge priority a decision was made to delay actions until CAP position is published.

Discussion about Community Hospital and attempts to reopen and interlinking to an extent with issues of housing.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch Association Beware of Online Banking Scammers The Charted Trading Standards Institute has warned that the increase in online banking has resulted in criminals successfully targeting older bank customers with fake card readers, resulting in losses of tens of thousands of pounds.

The scammers initially cold call their targets and provide sufficient personal details to convince the victim that they are speaking with their bank. They then arrange for a fake card reader to be sent to their home. These devices are similar to those given to customers by some high street banks Continued on page 14

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Open 10am - late, with alfresco courtyard dining throughout the summer. From our family to yours, we warmly welcome you to Victoria’s.

Brunch, Lunch & Homebaking by day Bistro dining & top notch wines from 5.30 pm

We look forward to welcoming you!

Book a table Online at www.victorias-pit www.victorias-pitlochry.co.uk lochry.co.uk

BRUNCH

LUNCH

DINNER

01796 472 670 | www.victorias-pitlochry.co.uk

45 Atholl Road, Pitlochry | reservations@victorias-pitlochry.co.uk

HOMEBAKING Follow us online:

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as a security measure when logging onto online banking, but when the fake reader is inserted into their machine, the fraudster is able to steal the account holder’s banking details. Other variants of this scam use SIM card readers or card payment technology.

Action fraud received nearly 600 reports last year about card readers, an increase which appears to reflect the move to online banking by older people in response to COVID and the cost of living crisis.

The key message is never provide any personal or financial information to cold callers. You can call 159 to get through to your real bank.

Other recent scams to look out for are associated with gardening, OFGEN and Ukraine Charity collections (how low can they go!!)

Now that we are back in the garden, please check that none of your trees and shrubs are hanging over your neighbour’s wall or, more importantly, hanging over a public road, especially ones without a pavement. This can be dangerous for walkers if the branches are at eye level and they are forced into the path of oncoming traffic.

Pitlochry & District Climate Cafe "We are the intelligent elite among animal life on Earth and whatever our mistakes (Earth) needs us" James Lovelock A Climate Café is an open, informal and inclusive space where everyone is welcome to join the conversation on climate Change and the issues we face. Cafes have brought people together from across communities and workplaces to talk, share, learn and act on solutions over a cup of tea or coffee.

Next Climate Café:- Thursday 7th July, 7pm and Tuesday 12th July 2022, 1pm (virtual or in person). Venue: Moulin Hall. Next Topic is Food Waste Reduction & a Recycling Project with PKC: Food waste is a major contributor to climate change so following their Food Waste Survey earlier in 2022, Yvonne Bell from the PKC Waste Minimisation Team in association with the local Climate cafes is organising various events across Perth and Kinross for the coming months. She will be attending our next Climate Café to discuss a possible composting project to be undertaken over the summer which will then conclude with a Zero-waste Food Waste Action event on Saturday 1st October 2022.

We are looking for several families in the area who would like to take part in this project and be provided with brown food waste bins and record exactly what they throw away over this period of time. There is also a possibility of each family being provided with a composting bin made from upcycling pallets.

This is only part of what the Climate Cafe are planning for Climate Week (Monday 26th Sept to Sunday 2nd Oct 2022).

More information will be provided soon and in the meantime if you are interested in the composting project or events for Climate Week, please contact Carol Aitken: caaitken. naturaldesign@gmail.com Check out our website too: www.pitlochrycc.co.uk/

Heartland FM As the song goes, School's Out for summer, and we’ve turned the calendar to another month and we’re into the second half of the year and hopefully some time off with the family over the summer.

I am on the volunteer steering group for the Pitlochry Community Action Plan and Continued on page 18

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Tel: 01796 473233

Eat. Drink. Explore. Shop. Learn

Enticing Cafe, Visitor Centre and Gift shop overlooking the stunning Pass of Killiecrankie.

Afternoon Teas, French Patisserie and hot and cold meals. Homewares, Maps, Books, Children's toys and games, Accessories, Gifts, Garden accessories and more!

Book Afternoon and order

Celebration

Teas

at...

www.eatatkilliecrankie.co.uk

…where Scotland meets the Mediterranean…

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!!!

Open Tue – Sun from 11:30 till late Lunches and Dinners Teas and Coffees

We are looking forward to seeing you! www.ferncottagepitlochry.co.uk Tel: 01796 473840 You can also follow us on

And read some our reviews on Pitlochry Life 15

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11:30am-9pm

£5 OFF entire bill when you buy a meal

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you should have received a copy of the plan delivered to you home address by the team of volunteers. It has been a great project, gathering information from the community views, asking business groups and organisations their options, and producing the final report, was a great piece of public consultation.

Heartland FM was set up as a resource for the community and after celebrating our 30th anniversary earlier this year made me focus on that aspect of what we do. In the middle of June we were delighted to report on the Pitlochry Football Festival bring together youth football from across Highland Perthshire and the whole of Scotland.

We did interviews with local teams and those who had travelled further afield, we presented reports from the event all day, and as a first, presented an extended edition of our sports show Sportspoint from the pavilion at the recreation ground. Myself, Nathaniel our news and sports’ editor, along with volunteer Charlie McCarthy and new student reporter Devin Stockwell had a great day reporting.

I always threw myself into these events and had been eyeing up the “beat the goalie” where the young footballers had to kick the ball through small targets on the inflatable game. We were granted permission for the Heartland team to try our own version of beat the goalie. I was in goal, our football pundit Charlie McCarrthy steps up to take shot, I made and amazing save, not quite a direct catch but I tired to catch the ball from the rebound and spectacularly fell over, which looked like chin first, glasses when flying and I managed to compose myself for a bit of celebration.

Our sports’ editor Nathaniel Gooddard caught the action on camera and the social media team managed to get the video on the Heartland FM Facebook page within a few minutes. You can see the results for yourself online.

Thanks for all the messages of concern after my fall, but I’m OK and will throw myself into the community again for our next outside event.

Happy listening Alistair Smith- Station Manager.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop Working as a volunteer in the Bookshop you soon become aware of the history of our mid-Victorian station and recently we have been able to share that interest by reproducing two old postcards of Pitlochry station for sale.

The first is pre-World War One, probably from 1912. The “down” platform is crowded with passengers and their luggage as they await the imminent arrival of their train. All ages are represented. Everyone is smartly dressed, complete with stylish hats, turning their journey into an occasion.

The photographer’s masterstroke is to place in the foreground a boy of about ten beside a heavy luggage trolley for which he seems responsible. He is on the “up” platform, just under the bridge and the assembled passengers are his backgound.

The second photo is from the 1950s, according to the number on the steam locomotive which is drawing in and about to spill its passengers on to the platform. The station is still quiet enough for us to see a woman tidying the goods on the newspaper stall. Exactly where the Bookshop window is today.

Like all old photos, the fun is in comparing the past with the present. The postcards are selling well at 60p each or two for £1. Another good reason for visiting the Bookshop.

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Atholl Centre My retiral I am retiring at the end of July, and Helen Kirkwood will take over from me. I will go part time for a few months. Helen has been in the office and doing various jobs round the Centre for a few years now so knows the ropes well, I am so pleased that it will be a seamless transition. Thanks for all your support over the last 15 years and I know our wonderful community will give her the same level of support. I wish Helen well.

Food Bank - The Pitlochry Foodbank continue to be in need of Community donations. Please leave donated items at the Atholl Centre Main Entrance, or in the basket at the Coop. Money can be more effective to us as it enables us to purchase specific items which are needed. Thank you for supporting your community.

Changing Place Toilet with Shower is now open for use, please do give us a phone to book 01796 473044.

Community Larder - we are open 24/7 for anyone to come and help themselves. Most of the food is through the Coop food share scheme to help stop food waste. The food is “best before“ and ambient temperature. You can also leave and share anything you have too, including seedlings for the garden or your greenhouse.

Atholl Baptist Centre, Registered Charity SC015113 Iain Walker, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX

C.A.T.H. Churches Action For The Homeless The outreach service will be at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry on Tuesday 5th July, between 10.00am and 12 midday. We can provide support with Housing issues and Benefit queries/applications. We also provide support to access a range of available services. Please feel free to drop in for a chat, or phone Helen 07739 858 987.

Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band Last month at the British Championships we were delighted to get into the prize list, finishing 6th place in our first Grade 3B competition, it was also an amazing effort from 4 of our youngsters as it was their first ever competition.

The following weekend we had a successful fundraising day out at the Atholl Gathering, thank you to everyone who came along and supported us, and also the donations from Davy & Sally from Food in the Park and Heather from Moulin Hotel.

Two of our members, Annabel Charleton and Lennox Munro, played the National Anthem of Ukraine with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow, ahead of the World Cup Play off. Annabel also played at the Jubilee Beacon in Blair Atholl.

Next up we have Lochore Games, European Championships in Inverness then at the end of July, The Scottish Championships in Dumbarton.

If you would like more information on the band, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796472692 or Claire Scott 01796481456. You can also find us on Facebook & Twitter.

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Vale of Atholl Pipe Band The bands were celebrating again when they played at the British Championships at Greenock. The Grade 3 band took first place in their grade and the Grade 4 band took second place in their grade, so both bands were absolutely delighted!!!

The Grade 4 band competed at Markinch at the beginning of June and won Grade 4. They also played up a Grade to Grade 3 and came third!!! Everyone returned very happy and very sun burnt!!

We played at the Historic Jubilee Parade in Dunkeld and led the parade through the main street and up to Stanley Hill. It was another very hot day.

We're delighted that our Highland Nights are all up and running again. Unfortunately it was a very wet first night and we had to hold it in the Town Hall, but the next week was lovely and sunny.

We're hoping for sunny nights every Monday now!!! Please send down all your visitors and please pop down yourselves. By the time you read this we'll have played at the European Championships in Inverness.

July is a little bit quieter, but the first week sees us playing at the Scottish Game Fair on the 1st and the Kenmore games on the 6th. These are an evening games. The Scottish Championships are at the end of the month on the 30th July in Dumbarton.

Tuition for both piping and drumming is available free of charge. Contact lead tutor Gary Nimmo on gary.nimmo@thevale.org Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com 07733152223.

Rotary Club of Pitlochry Our third calendar 'North Perthshire Highland Wildlife ' is now complete and available for purchase from Iain McEwan, Neil Panton and currently 3 outlets in Pitlochry.

The calendar has been inspired by the talented wildlife photographers in our community who have taken fantastic photographs of the beautiful and diverse wildlife that inhabits North Perthshire.

Thanks to a fabulous gesture from Danscot, our printers, and our monthly Page Sponsors, all the proceeds from each calendar sold will go directly to local charities.

If you would like to know more about our calendar or Rotary in Pitlochry please contact a member of the club or visit our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pitlochryrotaryclub

Pitlochry Highland Games: Saturday 10th September 2022 Since our last Games in 2019 our Committee members and volunteer numbers have decreased and we are looking for people who would be interested in either joining us on the Committee or helping out on Games Day. This year we will be celebrating 170 years since the commencement of the Games. If you feel this is something you would like to assist with please phone June Templeman on 01796 473488 for further information.

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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory Virtual Private Network (VPN) I just read an article about how folk with friends or family living in Russia are asked to contact them by email, include a link to a VPN and encourage its use to overcome restrictions and blocks imposed by Putin’s government on search engines and news sites around the world.

Hopefully they will then learn the truth about the conflict in Ukraine, the propaganda they are being fed and in turn share their findings with fellow countrymen.

A good plan, but what is a VPN and do I need one?

In the mid 1990s, Microsoft established their own private network to allow secure connection to their servers by employees located around the globe. Within a few years other large companies followed suit, and whilst the technology has evolved, the principle has remained the same.

A VPN is a service that allows you to stay private online, by establishing a secure, encrypted connection between your computer/phone and the internet. Particularly useful if you travel and rely on risky public Wi-Fi, like trains, hotels airports and cafés. They work on the operating system level, so they reroute all your traffic through their servers. That means all of your online traffic, along with your physical location, stays hidden while you surf the web. When you access a site through a VPN server, the source of your connection is shown as one of the many VPN routers - called a proxy server - not your own. This combination of the VPN server and the encryption blocks your Internet Service Provider, government, hackers, cybercriminals and anyone else who wants to track you as you surf around the web.

you were at home. Or why not choose a USA IP address and catch the latest releases before we get them here. You can pick and choose a different VPN server as and when you want from the VPN service you sign up for, and that means you can browse the internet as if you were in the US, Germany, Canada, Japan, or virtually any country, if the VPN service has servers there. You will no longer get the ‘This page is not available in your location’ message.

Access blocked websites: Certain institutions - schools, libraries, companies - restrict access to specific web pages such as social media and online gaming (and your bookie), but the encrypted connection provided by your VPN will take you there with no problem.

Avoid censorship: Not just Russia, but China and several Middle Eastern countries go to extremes to control information. Your browsing history remains completely hidden from them, regardless of where you are.

Beat price discrimination: Did you know that some companies can recognise not just more affluent countries, but towns, cities and areas that have a higher cost of living and higher incomes? Depending on your location, they can programme their sites to display a higher cost of goods to users based in those areas (airline tickets used to be favourite). The privacy and anonymity of a VPN keeps you free of this kind of targeting.

Any device that connects to the internet will benefit from the privacy VPNs provide. Most offer their services on multiple platforms - PC, Mac, Android, and iOS - with one account. If you have a smart TV running Android TV, your VPN should work there as well.

So, if you want to stay anonymous, secure, In addition to improved security, there are a few bypass content blocks, avoid advertisers tracking other benefits: your location and hackers snooping on you via public Wi-Fi, give it a go. Most VPN companies Stream from anywhere: If you’re abroad and will give you a free trial. For me, I go with the you log in to Netflix for example, you will find three ’T’s - Tried, Tested and Trusted. My VPN some programmes are not available in that is with Avast and costs £5 per month on a 12 region. But if you then choose a UK-based IP month plan. Easy. address, all your favourites are there, just as if Willie 24 Pitlochry Life

Babies are like little sponges; they learn from you and just like a sponge they absorb everything. Swimtime Perthshire we proud that we can provide our Baby Swimtime classes at The Pitlochry Hydro every wednesday afternoon. You will learn have safe, fun and exciting lesson, designed for babies age and abilities.

So why not dig out that swimming costume and give your baby a splashing great time.

email : perthshire@swimtime.org tel; 01738 479 694 Pitlochry Life 25

Growbiz Looking after yourself and your business this summer Summer is a busy time for rural businesses, with increased footfall, markets and events, school holidays and more. Many are also feeling anxiety over increasing costs, staffing issues and other challenges. Here’s a few ways GrowBiz can help you look after yourself and your business this summer: Support and advice: You don’t have to go it alone! Whether you’re looking for someone to help with financial questions, business strategy, marketing or digital skills, we have a team member who can help. Book a Thursday afternoon drop in session or email connect@growbiz.co.uk Mentoring: If you would like a trained mentor to be a sounding board for you, help boost your confidence or just be there when you need them, enroll in our award-winning mentoring programme.

SEED: If you’re a young person aged between 18-25 in Perth and Kinross then you’re eligible for SEED. This tailored programme can help you explore self-employment options and develop a business.

Events: GrowBiz’s online learning sessions and networking events are a confidential space to share challenges and experiences with other business owners, be motivated by inspirational speakers and develop your skills.

REDS: REDS is an online directory and interactive map for small businesses and the self-employed in rural Scotland. It’s free to be listed and you can also sign up to accept the REDS Gift Card. Find out more at www.reds.scot Find out about all of GrowBiz’s free support services at www.growbiz.co.uk

Music in Rannoch Music in Rannoch concert in the Old Church of Rannoch, Kinloch Rannoch: Nicholas Ashton (Piano). Music by Haydn, Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. Sunday July 17th at 3.00 pm. £8 at the door, children free. Refreshments available.

Ballinluig Bazaar The next Ballinluig Bazaar will be on Saturday 23rd July from 10.00am until 3.00pm at the Mid Atholl Hall, Ballinluig. There will be a wide range of crafts on show and for sale.

Admission is free and parking is easily available at the hall and nearby.

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhbition Registration has now closed and with around 100 artists we are looking forward to our 4 week Exhibition from 4th August - 1st September.

Once again we are fortunate to have support from a number of professional as well as keen amateur artists. We have a number of new faces including 2 teenagers who picked up their paintbrushes during lockdown - along with woodturning, stained glass and greetings cards, we have a wide range of items and prices. We will be open every day from 10-4pm and 12-4 on Sundays, in the Lower Hall at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld.

Our Preview will take place on Sunday 31st July from 12 - 5pm and if you are in the area, please call in and say hello.

The artists' work can be seen on our website www.dunkeldartexhibition.com and news updates on facebook - Dunkeldcathedralartexhibition. Any queries please contact DunkeldArt@aol.com Continued on page 30

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The Pitlochry Garden July Nearly everyone has at least one part of the garden that is shady for most of the year.

Sometimes that is shade from a fence or wall or other buildings; sometimes it is dry shade under large trees. If your garden is mainly north-facing, most of your plot will be shaded.

For three seasons – winter, spring and autumn – deciduous trees and shrubs will be out of leaf and therefore some light and rain will get onto the ground. If the trees and shrubs can be properly pruned, lifted where suitable, and thinned out, there are plenty of good planting options. High summer under the full canopy is a different challenge.

Heuchera and hosta are two excellent foliage plants that will provide interest in large drifts, flowering from mid to late summer. These two species have many good forms with different coloured leaves to choose from.

Punctuate them with later-flowering perennials like Kirengeshoma palmata or actaea, both with excellent foliage. Clumps of pink, white or yellow martagon lilies will also provide colour in the shade from mid-summer to early autumn.

Rodgersia combined with astrantia and Tricyrtis formosana will flower throughout the summer.

Evergreen Liriope muscari is a useful contrast with grassy foliage and spikes of mauve flowers.

Although ferns don’t flower, their foliage adds texture and some have attractively coloured fronds: Athyrium nipponicum pictum with silver 28 Pitlochry Life

filigree and Dryopteris erythrosora with coppery foliage.

Some grasses are also happy in light shade: Hakonechloa macra aurea and Millium effusum aureum are beautiful golden-leaved grasses that associate well with yellow narcissi and dark blue pulmonarias.

In woodland, the second storey of shrubs adds structure and flower; for instance, various forms of cornus and cotoneaster, hazel and witch hazel, some hydrangeas including H. paniculata and H. quercifolia, mahonia, osmanthus and ribes.

All the under-storey shrubs that need shelter want a place in the shade too: rhododendrons and azaleas, pieris, sarcococca, skimmias and stranvesia or photinias. There are also several worthwhile evergreen shrubs: both upright and spreading forms of yew, good forms of Prunus laurocerasus and privet.

Autumn stars with glorious foliage include the whole family of acers, Euonymus hamiltonius Red Cascade, all forms of hamamelis, Amelanchier lamarckii and Sorbus hupehensis.

Choose plants according to how much moisture is available; the shade of conifers is almost bone dry. Geranium macrorrhizum, Euphorbia amygdaloides, vinca, lamium and Saxifraga urbium are your best bets there. All the rest will suit retentive shady soil. A cool spot on a hot day may turn out to be a wise investment.

Sheila Drummond

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Dunkeld & Birnam Art & Crafts Fair Due to unforeseen circumstances the Dunkeld & Birnam Art & Crafts Fair will now take place on 26th to 28th August.

Pitlochry Bonfire is Back !

We are pleased to announce that Pitlochry and Edradour Community Bonfire will be held this year on Friday 4th November at the Recreation Ground. There will again be a fabulous display of fireworks kindly sponsored by Edradour Distillery and a large bonfire.

Guy competitions, Storytelling, Burger Stall, Teas and Coffees and Heartland Radio and more will be there for your entertainment.

Fund raising has already started. Please look out for and support the Raffle in the local Co-op this month- Fantastic prizes generously given by local businesses.

We are also organising a Thrift Shop in the Scout Hall from Monday 22 August. If you can make any donations please contact Morag Uytman on 01796 472952.

Anyone interested in helping with the organisation of this Community Event please contact the above number - your help will be much appreciated.

Pitlochry Bowling Club Thank you Thank you to all club members who helped in the club’s Open Day on 18 June, and to everyone who came along. We hope you enjoyed the event, and would like to try some more of the opportunities available to play bowls.

New Members Since the start of the year, we have welcomed 15 new members. The special offer still holds — the first 3 games are free, then annual membership is at the reduced rate of £30 for the first year, £50 for the second year, and £70 thereafter, with reductions for junior members. More information is available from: 07833 664121 (John) or 07703 442802 (another John!)

Summer Opening Times Sunday to Friday 2-4 pm Thursday & Friday evenings 6.30-9pm (unless there are club competitions being played on Fridays).

Spectators are always welcome.

Club Competitions Our team are doing well in the North Perthshire League, home and away matches are usually played on Wednesday evenings.

Internal club competitions have all been drawn now, with ties getting underway. Recent competitions saw victories for Elma Spence with Zeke Muir in the Teapot Trophy, and Ann Egglishaw with Joe Scott in the new Platinum Pairs competition.

Work on clubhouse and grounds Continuing work is being done to upgrade and improve the facilities, so that more people from the community can enjoy the benefit of having a local bowling club.

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Blair Atholl Bowling Club Well the season is well and truly underway with glorious sunshine into the bargain. On 18th May we had our first North Perthshire League game with a convincing win over Spittalfield. The following week we drew with Grandtully and this month gained full points against Dunkeld and drew against Pitlochry.

In May we held the Mixed Pairs competition. Elizabeth Brown & Ken Beecroft came in 2nd spot with Jimmy McCallum & Gwen Figures taking 1st place and the trophy. Early June saw the Tulloch Rosebowl contested and although close Jim Haggart & Norrie McLaren were runners up to the eventual winners Jimmy McCallum & Gwen Figures two trophies in two weeks!

Remember if you fancy a go at bowls we hold free informal coaching sessions every Tuesday from 2.00pm. You can come along and try it out under the guidance of one of the members and if you enjoy the experience we have an introductory offer of £30 for membership which would give you access to all the club facilities – green, clubhouse, bar etc and the opportunity to play in club and inter-club competitions.

For more information you can contact Paul Figures 01796 481 506 or Linda Newns 07921 264 965.

Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom) The summer tourist season is now under way. All are welcome but the tourists may not want to return if there if there is litter and dog poo everywhere. It is important that the town is really clean with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers.

We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter. We make sure that social distancing is maintained while litterpicking though this may not be legally required any more.

Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.00am in the Recreation ground carpark. The next litterpick is on Tuesday July 12th.

Dates for litterpicks in 2022 are: August 9th, September 13th, October 11th, November 8th, December 13th.

We would like to thank those residents of Pitlochry who are not members of the litterpicking group and who also pick up litter when they see it. We know you do this and we are very grateful.

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

Killiecrankie Village Hall Killiecrankie Village Hall is open again and available for hire. The hall is suitable for all sorts of events and offers a good meeting space together with a stage, fully equipped kitchen and parking.

Thanks to a new website, you can now check availability and book online.

Details of special events and public meetings will also be advertised on it.

See: www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk 32 Pitlochry Life

Continued on page 36

The Plant Nursery Kindallachan

OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 4PM

OPEN TO RETAIL & TRADE CUSTOMERS Fruit Trees Shrubs Herbaceaous Young Veg Plants & Herbs Bedding Plants Hanging Baskets & Tubs to Order

ALEX BUTTER LANDSCAPING LTD

www.alexbutter.co.uk

West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Pitlochry, PH9 0NW Tel: 01796 482 614 Email: nursery@alexbutter.co.uk

Pitlochry Life 33

J&H Mitchell

WS

SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS Since 1836

WHY CHOOSE US...?

NUMBER 1 for NEW LISTINGS* NUMBER 1 for SALES AGREED In Highland Perthsire Throughout 2021

34 Pitlochry Life

Please Contact: Property Manager Louise Foley J&H Mitchell WS 51 Atholl Road Pitlochry Perthsire, PH16 5BU 01796 472 606 j@hmitchell.co.uk

* Data

is derived purely from Rightmove.co.uk internal statistics covering postcodes P H 9 , P H 1 5 , P H 1 6 , P H 1 7, P H 1 8 a s a t 3 1 . 1 2 . 2 1

J&H Mitchell

WS

SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS Since 1836

KNOW WHAT YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY OR ARE JUST INTERESTED TO KNOW ITS CURRENT VALUE, CALL US ON 01796 472606 FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION MARKET APPRAISAL, OR BOOK A VALUATION AT A DATE AND TIME THAT IS CONVENIENT TO YOU TRADITIONAL VALUES – MODERN THINKING

Pitlochry Life 35

Dunmore Angling Club The club controls the fishing on Loch Dunmore in Faskally Wood just outside Pitlochry - reached from the B8019 road to Killiecrankie (the old A9 road). The small loch holds a mixed coarse fish community with perch, roach, rudd, tench and carp in amongst the lilies – a most attractive venue to fish. 400 young tench were added to the stock during the winter and the water is fishing well at present.

The fishery continues to be restricted to members only in 2022 as membership is once again approaching the maximum allowed but there is still opportunity to join for the 2022 season. For details of membership e-mail Stewart Reid at his address: a.reid16687@gmail.com

Pitlochry Tennis Club Pitlochry Tennis Club will be hosting a "Fast4Forty" match on Saturday 2nd July at 1pm at the Atholl Palace courts in Pitlochry. The brains behind this match is Stuart Falconer who is raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) as his brother recently died from this terrible disease. He is playing 40 tennis matches over 4 days at 40 different tennis clubs between East Lothian, where Stuart lives and Orkney (400 miles) where his brother used to live, hence the reasoning behind the route. Fast4Forty is a shortened form of a tennis match.

We are hoping a number of other local clubs plus some of our own members will join us to watch Stuart's match and support Stuart in his appeal - www.justgiving.com/Fast4Forty

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled Association.

For the last few weeks our two experienced coaches and our Coach-in-Training have been experimenting with new layouts of the arena and exciting activities for our riders. Many of the riders are now off the lead rein for most activities and are skilfully steering their ponies around obstacles to complete challenges. The new riders have made such progress that the coaches have now started all the riders on their first steps towards Show Jumping, with the children learning how to position themselves in the saddle as the ponies step over the poles. However, when asked what they enjoyed most, it seems that nothing will ever beat trotting as a firm crowd pleaser!

None of this would be possible without the generosity of the owners of the ponies who lend them to RDA. This arrangement certainly ensured the viability of the group when Covid halted activities. In other groups, horses had to be sold as the cost of keeping them during lockdowns was too much.

The volunteers have also been having fun and we recently celebrated volunteer week and the Jubilee weekend with a little non-alcoholic fizz and lots of cake after one of the sessions. We are always on the lookout for more volunteers and if you think you might be interested in fresh air, a little exercise and making children smile then we would love to hear from you! (Our sessions run on Monday mornings during term time from stables just outside Pitlochry). Please contact Jennifer Valentine on Tel: 01796 474444 or email valentinejennifer95@gmail.com Continued on page 38

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Finalists in the 2019 and 2020 Scottish Mortgage Awards for both Best Mortgage Broker Edinburgh & Scotland categories and Shortlisted for the 2022 Awards for Best Regional Broker: Edinburgh and Best Regional Broker: Perth/Stirling/Falkirk (Central Region)

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Zip For Cancer Research It’s hard to believe that just over a year ago Jane King of Pitlochry underwent major surgery and extensive radiotherapy to overcome cancer which, thankfully, had been diagnosed before it became untreatable. Yet on Jubilee Day she and Elaine Scott, the manager of the Pitlochry Cancer Research (CRUK) shop, took part in a Zip-wire fundraiser at the Killiecrankie Zip Park. They thoroughly enjoyed the nine zip wire rides over and along the river Garry gorge, ably assisted by Elaine’s two sons Jamie and Douglas who are on the staff there.

There’s the old saying about it being better to build a fence at the top of the cliff to stop people falling over, than to provide ambulances at the foot of the cliff to treat those who do. That's what Cancer Research UK is all about – developing ways to identify and treat cancer in the early stages before people fall over the cliff. This saves the NHS a lot of time and money, and a great deal of anguish for those who have to undergo cancer treatment, and their loved ones.

Jane is thankful to God and to a local doctor for the early diagnosis of her cancer, and thankful to the wonderful NHS staff who saw her through the surgery, radiotherapy and aftercare in the midst of the Covid lockdown. Both Elaine and Jane would like to express their thanks to all those who contributed to the sponsorship. Their generous donations and the addition of Gift Aid meant that more than £1000 went to CRUK. Let’s continue to build those fences at the top of the cliff – and also good strong harnesses for those who venture on the zip wires!

Elaine in blue tutu and pink hair and Jane in pink tutu and blue hair half way through the zip wire traverses.

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, our wee museum located in Moulin Square, is open daily from 2-4pm. Come along and take a step back in time through a fascinating journey of our local history, discovering old stories and examining artefacts of the past. We have some great displays and something for everyone in the family. We have a kids corner, with some historic costumes to dress up in and colouring to explore. Moulin Yarns are here every Monday with their live spinning displays. A visitor to the area? Come and learn about its history. Or back home on holiday? Well come and remember how Pitlochry and Moulin used to look or browse our school photo collection. See if you can spot yourself or learn something new about the area.

Come along to find out more - something to entertain the family on rainy days. Our wee Heritage Centre is a great afternoon out for the family, local and visitor! £3pp entry or free for members and under 16s. To join as a member see our website below for more details - £10 for an individual, £16 for a family and £20 for a corporate membership. Great value! And if you have some time on your hands and would like to get more involved, we love to welcome new volunteers. The Centre is run by volunteers and stays open only through local support, visitors and donations.

Check out our Facebook page for details on some exciting events we will have on this year. For more details, please contact us by email at pandmheritage@gmail.com, through our Facebook page “Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre” or our website www.pitlochryandmoulinheritagecentre.co.uk/ We hope to see you soon!

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Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel Community Council The Community Council has been paused for the last couple of years but is now being revived.

The original Killiecrankie–Fincastle area was extended before the Covid break to include the Tummel district -- hence the new name of the Community Council.

To relaunch the Community Council, there will be a public meeting in Killiecrankie Village Hall on Tuesday, 12 July 2022 at 7.00pm.

We are in the process of creating a secure database with an up-to-date mailing list so that we can keep everyone in the enlarged area informed of meetings and matters of community interest. As this initiative replaces the old system, it is important that everyone interested in our news subscribes afresh.

Newcomers, of course, are also invited.

Please join the KFT Community by completing the form on our new website: www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

Pitlochry Library Pitlochry Library is now open again! The new opening hours are: Thursday 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm 01796 474635 / pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk Bookbug is restarting at Pitlochry Library! Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please contact Pitlochry Library by phoning 01796 474635 or by emailing pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk to book a spot.

Digital skills at the AK Bell Library Do you know someone who wants to learn about computers, download apps or how to get online? Then tell them to come and meet the Culture Perth and Kinross Digital Champion at the AK Bell Library. You can book a 30-minute slot by calling 01738 477060 or emailing localstudies@ culturepk.org.uk 30-minute slots are available every Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/cpkdigitalskills

Richard Waller - Tayforth Chimney Systems Ltd At the age of 82 Richard Waller, (trading as Tayforth Chimney Systems Ltd) of Pitlochry, has been persuaded to put away his ladders for the final time.

This long service is a remarkable achievement given the physicality of his work.

He started the company in Scotland in 1990 having moved up from England, following time previously spent in the Antarctic and Africa and has kept chimneys working and installing stoves not just locally but throughout Scotland.

Richard will miss the chat with his customers and would like to thank them for the business they have given over the years. He would also like to thank the various local trades people he has worked with over the years for their support, in particular, John McNulty who has given invaluable support working in conjunction with Richard.

We wish you a long happy healthy retirement Richard.

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Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover Session Clerks:

Marion Faulds - 01796 472415

Judy Thorpe - 01796 473252

Sunday Service - 10.30am. All welcome.

The Scottish Episcopal Church in Highland Perthshire Offers All a Warm And Inclusive Welcome Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane Rector: The Rev Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet.com Ordinand in Training: Rachael Wright Email: rwright.hplc@gmail.com Website: www.hplc.scot Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/highlandperthshirechurches/ The Episcopal Churches In Highland Perthshire July 2022 All are welcome at the services in all our churches and on Zoom. Please check our web for updates.

Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry - Contact - Robin Baker - 01796 472005.

Sunday services - Normally 9.30am Holy Communion or All Age Communion.

Thursday 30th June - 7.00pm ‘Pride – A Celebration’ A service at the end of Pride Month to celebrate diversity and all that God has created.

Every Thursday in July - Muddy Church –3.00pm, for all the family. Suitable for all ages 3 - 11+++ 31st July - 10.30am - Joint Charge Service of Holy Communion.

Thursday Services - 10.30am Morning Prayer.

Tuesdays Serenity Garden Group – 10.30 am and Open Church with Coffee and Conversation. All welcome.

31st July – 2.-4.00pm – Strawberry Tea in the Serenity Garden & Open Church Kilmaveonaig (St Adamnan’s Church), opposite former Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl.

Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230.

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

31st July - 10.30am - Joint Charge Service of Holy Communion at Holy Trinity.

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

Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416.

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

House Group - Last Wednesday of the month contact Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details.

All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square 5th June - 9.30am Holy Communion 31st July – 10.30am – Joint Charge Service of Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Online Zoom Services And Events Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services.

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HOLIDAY BOOK TIME

Whether you are taking off on holiday, or just lounging in the back garden, soaking up some sun, there's nothing better to keep you company than a good book. Here's what's top of my reading list this summer. Hardback, Softback or Kindle - lose yourself...

Terry Miles - Rabbits Rabbits is a secret, dangerous and sometimes fatal underground game.

The rewards for winning are unclear, but there are rumours of money, CIA recruitment or even immortality. Or it might unlock the universe’s greatest secrets. But everyone knows that the deeper you get, the more deadly the game becomes – and the body count is rising. Since the game first started, ten iterations have taken place... and the eleventh round is about to begin.

K can’t get enough of the game and has been trying to find a way in for years. Then Alan Scarpio, reclusive billionaire and alleged Rabbits winner, shows up out of nowhere. And he charges K with a desperate mission. Something has gone badly wrong with the game and K needs to fix it – before Eleven starts – or the world will pay the price.

Five days later, Scarpio is declared missing.

Two weeks after that Eleven begins, so K blows the deadline. And suddenly, the fate of the entire universe is at stake.

Rabbits by Terry Miles is an electrifying, compulsive read based on the hit podcast from the Public Radio Alliance – perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Black Mirror.

John Sanford- The Investigator By age twenty-four, Letty Davenport has seen more action and uncovered more secrets than many law enforcement professionals. Now a recent Stanford graduate with a masters in economics, she’s restless and bored in a desk job for U.S. Senator Colles. Letty’s ready to quit, but her skills have impressed Colles, and he offers her a feet-on-theground investigative work, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security.

Several oil companies in Texas have reported thefts of crude oil, Colles tells her. He isn’t so much concerned with the oil as he is with the money: who is selling the oil, and what are they doing with the profits? Rumour has it that a fairly ugly militia group might be involved. Colles wants to know if the money is going to them, and if so, what they’re planning.

Letty is partnered with a DHS investigator, John Kaiser, and they head to Texas. When the case quicky turns deadly, they know they’re on the track of something bigger. The militia group has set in motion an explosive plan . . . and the clock is ticking down.

Delia Owens - Where The Crawdads Sing For years, rumours of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life - until the unthinkable happens. ‘[It] will reach a huge audience though the writer’s old-fashioned talents for compelling character, plotting and landscape description’ The Guardian ‘For sheer escapism pick up Where The Crawdads Sing . . . there is writing that takes your breath away’ The Times 46 Pitlochry Life

Matt Haig - The Midnight Library From the author of How to Stop Time and The Humans comes this poignant, unique novel about regret, hope and forgiveness and a library that houses second chances.

Between life and death there is a library. When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change.

The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren’t always what she imagined they’d be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

Lisa Jewell - The Family Upstairs A textbook example of meticulously crafted plotting and incremental dread, The Family Upstairs unspools its labyrinthine story of mystery and intrigue in set-piece reveals of the highest calibre.

In a large house in London’s fashionable Chelsea, a baby is awake in her cot. Well-fed and cared for, she is happily waiting for someone to pick her up.

In the kitchen lie three decomposing corpses. Close to them is a hastily scrawled note. They’ve been dead for several days.

Who has been looking after the baby? And where did they go?

Two entangled families.

A house with the darkest of secrets.

A compulsive new thriller from Lisa Jewell.

Creepy, intricate and utterly immersive: an excellent holiday read. Guardian

Amy Jeffs - Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain Soaked in mist and old magic, Storyland is a new illustrated mythology of Britain, set in its wildest landscapes.

It begins between the Creation and Noah’s Flood, follows the footsteps of the earliest generation of giants from an age when the children of Cain and the progeny of fallen angels walked the earth, to the founding of Britain, England, Wales and Scotland, the birth of Christ, the wars between Britons, Saxons and Vikings, and closes with the arrival of the Normans.

These are re-tellings of medieval tales of legend, landscape and the yearning to belong, inhabited with characters now half-remembered: Brutus, Albina, Scota, Arthur and Bladud among them.

Told with narrative flair, embellished in stunning artworks and glossed with a rich and erudite commentary. We visit beautiful, sacred places that include prehistoric monuments like Stonehenge and Wayland’s Smithy, spanning the length of Britain from the archipelago of Orkney to as far south as Cornwall; mountains and lakes such as Snowdon and Loch Etive and rivers including the Ness, the Soar and the story-silted Thames in a vivid, beautiful tale of our land steeped in myth. It Illuminates a collective memory that still informs the identity and political ambition of these places.

In Storyland, Jeffs reimagines these myths of homeland, exile and migration, kinship, loyalty, betrayal, love and loss in a landscape brimming with wonder.

‘Storyland is a joyous real celebrating the power of collective myths and the landscapes which inspired them’ - All About History Pitlochry Life 47

Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer – from Holy Trinity.

Contact the Rector Liz for further details and Zoom invitations.

Muddy Church in the Serenity Garden at Holy Trinity Church Join us every Thursday afternoon in July at 3pm, at Holy Trinity Church, Pitlochry!

Over the four sessions we’ll be thinking about the themes of Peace, Following, Invited, and Dwelling from Psalm 23, a story about God being our shepherd. There will be activities, crafts, and songs, all in our beautiful garden, and ideal for families with children between the ages of 3 and 11. We’ll be together for 30-40 minutes, and children need to bring an adult, as well as appropriate clothing and footwear for being outside. All are welcome, we’d love to see you there!!

For more information contact Rachael (Ordinand in Training) rwright.hplc@gmail.com or 07510687491. Find us on facebook @highlandperthshirechurches

Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay Parish Churches Minister – Rev. Neil Glover – nglover@churchofscotland.org.uk 07779 280074.

PA – Judy Ewer – judy.ewer@adwgls.org.uk 07836 565528.

Regular Sunday Morning Worship Dull and Weem Parish Church – 9.30am Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.dullandweemparish.org Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches -10.30am Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.glschurchofscotland.org Aberfeldy Parish Church – 10.30am Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org We ‘meet up’ at our weekly Zoom Service - details can be found on all the Church Websites.

Church based activities Aberfeldy ‘Stay and Play’ – Aberfeldy Parish Church - Tuesday mornings 9.30 -11.30am – Lawers Hall Prayer Meeting – Aberfeldy Parish Church – 7.30pm every Wednesday evening in Farragon – all are welcome to come along.

Alcoholics Anonymous – Aberfeldy Parish Church, Farragon Room, 7.30 – 9pm every Tuesday.

Aberfeldy Quilting Group – Aberfeldy Parish Church, Lawers Hall, Thursdays - 11.am – 3pm.

Contact Jane – 07771641390 or Annette – 07736384035.

Dull and Weem - Chit Chat Café – is 1st Monday of the month in the Macdonald Room, Dull and Weem Kirk. For further information please contact Liz Bruce – elizabeth_1_bruce@btinternet.com Strathtay Coffee Break - The group meet every Wednesday in the John Kyd Hall, beside Strathtay Church at 10.30am - all are welcome to come along and join in!

Strathtay Quilting Group – John Kyd Hall, 7 – 9pm on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month Contact Marie MacLeod – stytchandturn@btinternet.com Please look at the church websites for the latest information 48 Pitlochry Life

Continued on page 56

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Pitlochry Life 49

This Month’s Easy Sudoku How to play............

5 7 8

7

4

5 6

8

2

50 Pitlochry Life

8 2

4 3

4 1

6

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5 3

6 9

3 9

2

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9

Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up.

Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

Pitlochry Life 51

The Pitlochry Crossword 1

2

By Lesley

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7 Note, town in Clackmannanshire (6) 8 Everyone at first exercises at nearby forest (6) 9 Arranged Fonab, heading off to Scottish ferry port (4) 10 Fern Mary destroyed - Pitlochry no longer has one! (8) 11 Elk pies cooked near Falkirk (7) 13 Both youngsters found mountain refuge (5) 15 Palace cake? (5) 17 Lament violent rib chop (7) 20 Perthshire village can truly bewilder (8) 21 Nearby glen incline (4) 22 Barn I’m constructing - the wood moves according to Shakespeare (6) 23 Endlessly pleaded, moved, like a soldier at Killiecrankie (6)

1 2 3 4

Crow robs ibex, oddly? (6) Family is able to protect Labour leader (4) Sherry with the Queen for a farmer (7) Initially great adventure river rafting yesterday on this river? (5) 5 Pale gory production - see one at the theatre (8) 6 Local road had car vandalised (6) 12 Nice open distribution - it releases seeds (8) 14 50% of bins revolve - essential for the Etape Caledonia (7) 16 I am with uncle playing bridge (6) 18 Person phoning - useful at the dancing! (6) 19 Mr. Sad mixed drinks (5) 21 St. Johnstone, for example, met a transformation (4)

Answers for June on page 71 52 Pitlochry Life

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Pitlochry Life 53

FITNESS with Alan Clinch

Yoga – What’s it all about ?

The word yoga has a number of translations, but generally they come back to variations on the word ‘union’. Yoga isn’t just about stretching, breathing, and assuming poses: it’s a total philosophy about trying to unite mind, body, and spirit. The overarching goal is to build strength and stamina, to improve flexibility, coordination and balance, and to relax the body.

and movement. If you suffer from back pain though, yoga may aggravate the problem without proper guidance. The mild stretching involved in yoga poses can help strengthen joints which in turn helps in preventing and reducing the effects of arthritis, joint stiffness and limited range of motion, which in turn reduces injury risk.

Quite frequently you will see articles in the press about media personalities who have adopted one or other of the different types: Ashtanga, Bhakti, Bikram, Hatha, and Tantra are just a few. Just as there are many variations of any activity, yoga has developed in different ways as individual teachers have introduced their own style which has been then named after them.

Breathing techniques can help lower blood pressure and aid relaxation, and the improved blood flow from exercise can improve the efficiency of the immune system. Yoga can also be useful in reducing the effects of other medical conditions such digestive problems, spondylitis (inflammation in the spine), and asthma. While this may be true, the emphasis on the mind/body connection suggests that if the muscles are relaxed by stretching, the mind will follow, which helps stress/anxiety and better sleep patterns.

Since yoga has been with us for a long time, it has been the subject of much research, which has shown that yoga has a beneficial effect on many systems of the body. A 2020 analysis of available research suggested significant improvements to stress management, mental and emotional health, the promotion of healthy eating and lifestyle, sleep, and balance.

Another study looked specifically at posture – positive benefits here were reductions in spinal curvature, increased ability to walk efficiently, and increased shoulder flexibility. An older study on bone density in older adults used a 10 minute routine of basic poses. After two years, 85% of the group had gained bone density in the spine and hip. To put this in perspective, older adults tend to lose bone density in these areas.

If you have seen pictures of yogic postures you’ll see that they can help to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. Balance postures require significant muscle control in order to prevent falling over, which again aids posture 54 Pitlochry Life

Like many forms of exercise, there are multiple claims made for the benefits of yoga, some proven, some anecdotal. If you want to try an activity like this it’s always best to start with a qualified teacher, and remember: if you haven’t exercised for a while, or have any medical conditions which might cause problems, check with your GP to ensure it’s safe to increase your activity levels. Remember, pain is a sign that something is wrong…

Want to know more ? Try www.yogabasics.com/practice/yoga-forbeginners/ www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heartmatters-magazine/activity/yoga www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/ yoga-with-lj/ alan@pitlochrylife.co.uk

From February 2022 ALL homes in Scotland are required by law to have smoke, heat and CO detectors fitted.

Pitlochry Life 55

Pitlochry Baptist Church Atholl Road, PH16 5BX www.pbcweb.net Keep up to date with us on both Facebook and Instagram Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) Sundays: We gather from 10:30am at our church building on Atholl Road. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. Our provision for the younger ones include crèche (babies and pre-school), His Kidz (primary-aged children). We look forward to welcoming you.

Community: We love being a part of our community - whether in Pitlochry, Kirkmichael, Kinloch Rannoch, Blair Atholl, Aberfeldy, and so on. Below is a selection of initiatives we thought you would like to know about: •

Community Larder - situated outside the Atholl Centre. Bring, or take, whatever is there.

Everything is free and for the benefit of the community.

•

Food Bank - situated in the Atholl Centre behind our building. Contact 01796 473044 or admin@athollcentre.org.uk for information.

•

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

•

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

•

Secret Agents Children's Holiday Club - Mon 18 - Fri 22 July (10am-12noon) Join the Secret Agents Academy for this fun 5-day club of fun, frivolity and finding out about Jesus. For all primary aged children who have completed a year from p1-p7.

To register your children and for more information, go to our website: www.pbcweb.net

Pitlochry Church of Scotland Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249.

Locum Minister: Rev Matthew Rodger 01828 634 265.

Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk Sunday Services – 10.30am. We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. The wearing of masks within our building is now optional. Everyone is welcome for Tea, Coffee and Juice in The Tryst after the service.

Tryst for Prayer: is on Wednesday’s 10am – 10.30am in the Tryst.

Wednesday Coffee and Chat: 10.30am – 11.45am. Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people over tea, coffee and biscuits in the Tryst lounge.

Table Tennis: meet weekly on Thursdays 2pm until 4pm in The Tryst hall.

Tryst Walking Group: details of walks are on The Tryst noticeboard.

For details and availability of Tryst hire for groups and classes, please contact the office: 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday; tel 01796 474010; email thetryst@btconnect.com Continued on page 58

56 Pitlochry Life

Pitlochry Life 57

St Bride’s Catholic Church Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu Rie-Achan, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Tel. No: 01796 472174 E-mail address: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Also served by St. Brides; St. Columba’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam Saturday Vigil Mass at 6 p.m.

Our Lady of Mercy Sunday at 9.30a.m.

St. Bride’s Pitlochry Sunday at 11.30 a.m.

Weekday Mass times Tuesday Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy 9.30 a.m.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday St. Bride’s Pitlochry 9.30 a.m.

Blair Atholl & Struan Linked With Braes Of Rannoch And Foss & Rannoch Interim Moderator: The Rev Grace Steele.

Phone – 01887 820025, Email – GSteele@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk Blair Atholl & Struan Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch Session Clerks Foss & Rannoch

Harold Ingram 01796 481275 Mrs Veronica Grosset 01882 633344

Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882632272

Blair Atholl and Struan Church – Weekly service in Blair Atholl Church at 11.15am.

Coffee Corner is back in Blair Atholl Church Hall every Thursday at 10.00am – 12.00. All welcome Services in Rannoch are held weekly, at 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch and 11.30am at the old Church, Kinloch Rannoch.

Jehovah’s Witnesses You are welcome at all our meetings; they are held in our 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. Do get in touch if you would like a lift to the meetings. The meetings marked Z are via Zoom. Get in touch for details.

Sunday 3rd July, 10.30 a.m. [Z] A discussion: ‘How to Set and Reach Spiritual Goals (1 Timothy 4:15)’. A series of talks including: ‘Jehovah Is “the God Who Gives Peace”’, ‘How Love Leads to Genuine Peace’.

Thursday 7th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Samuel 18, 19, ‘Barzillai—An Example of Modesty’, ‘What Realistic Goals Can We Set When Circumstances Limit Us?’, ‘How You Can Get the Most Out of the Bible’.

Sunday 10th July, 10.30 a.m. [Z] A discussion: ‘Revelation—What It Means for You Today (Revelation 1:3)’. A series of talks including: ‘Take Delight in God’s Promises of Peace’, ‘Follow the Road Map to Family Peace’.

Thursday 14th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Samuel 20, 21, ‘Jehovah Is a God of Justice’, ‘What Will Help You to Keep Studying the Bible?’.

Continued on page 60

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Pitlochry Life 59

Sunday 17th July, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Are You Doing What God Requires of You?’. A discussion: ‘Revelation—What It Means for God’s Enemies (Revelation 16:16)’.

Thursday 21st July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Samuel 22, ‘Rely On Jehovah for Help’, ‘Rejoice in Jehovah’s Acts of Salvation’.

Sunday 24th July, 10.30 a.m. [Z] A discussion: ‘Revelation—What It Means for Your Future (Revelation 22:20)’. A series of talks including: ‘Be Ready to Share “the Good News of Peace”’, ‘Go On Walking “in the Way of Peace”’.

Thursday 28th July, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 2 Samuel 23, 24, ‘Is Your Giving a Sacrifice?’, ‘Sacrifice With a Willing Attitude’, ‘How False Religion Misrepresents God’.

Sunday 31st July, 10.30 a.m. [Z] A discussion: ‘Revelation—What It Means for Your Future (Revelation 22:20)’. A series of talks including: ‘Jehovah Guides Us in the Way of Peace’, ‘Seek Peace and Pursue It’, ‘Safeguard Our “Uniting Bond of Peace”!’.

Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience—ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www.jw.org you can study the Bible in the language of your choice, and you can find the Bible’s answers to life’s questions.

The Baha’i Faith A Look at the Future -Part 1 The New World Order which Baha’u’llah calls on each of us to work towards inclines “neither to East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor poor, neither white nor coloured. Its watchword is the unification of the human race… ’.” In Baha’u’llah’s own words: “Soon will the present-day Order be rolled up, and a new one spread in its stead”. We see both disintegration and new potential all around us.

The call is not for the suppression of diversity of race, history, language, tradition, thought or habit, but for a wider loyalty and aspiration than any that has motivated the human race so far.

Shoghi Effendi, grandson of Abdu’l Baha and appointed by him as the Guardian of the Faith, paints a vision of this future: “ This commonwealth of nations must consist of a world legislature, its members acting as the trustees of the whole of mankind, controlling the entire resources of all the component nations and satisfying the needs of all races and peoples. A world executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out decisions arrived at,… safeguarding the organic unity of the whole… A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes arising… A mechanism of world intercommunication will be devised, embracing the whole planet [this written in March 1935!], ….functioning with marvellous swiftness. A world metropolis will act as the nerve centre of a world civilisation… A world language will either be invented or chosen from among existing languages and be taught in all schools as an auxiliary to their mother tongue. A world script, a world literature, a universal system of currency, of weights and measures will simplify and facilitate understanding among the nations and races of mankind.”

Comments are welcomed from all readers and thinkers! Meet or ring Hilarie at 07967 601423 or Rachel at 07707 994812 or read on at www.bahai.org

Entry to our Get Out/Community Pages is free to non profit groups.

Please send your entry by 12noon on 12th of the preceding month to info@pitlochrylife.co.uk Conditions and word limits apply, email for further info.

60 Pitlochry Life

Pitlochry Life 61

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62 Pitlochry Life

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Pitlochry Life 63

64 Pitlochry Life

Pitlochry Life 65

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

July starts with a powerful and challenging aspect between action-packed Mars in Aries and transformational Pluto in Capricorn; we can expect a difficult week globally, with extremes of behaviour, confrontations and some hidden secrets coming to light. Expansive Jupiter is also still in Aries - expect a dramatic week! On a personal level this transit offers tremendous drive and ambition, plus endless energy reserves. Stay focused on your goals and tune into your own energy levels and take care in confrontational situations. Venus, the goddess of love and relationships, is in playful Gemini until the 18th, she offers some excellent opportunities for romantic encounters and connecting with likeminded people in your community.

The full moon in practical Capricorn arrives on the 13th, this one brings your home and family into much sharper focus. Capricorn/Cancer are opposing forces, you can expect issues around what you need (family) versus what you want to achieve (Capricorn) to come to light. The new moon in Leo on the 28th brings opportunities for creative endeavours, new beginnings and positive breakthroughs.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 July continues the powerful theme of dynamic Mars and expansive Jupiter in your sign, Mars remains in Aries until the 5th. Try not to be too impatient, use this month wisely to review your energy levels, particularly where friendships are concerned. With Venus in chatty Gemini until the 18th, your communication skills are at their best.

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 During July your communication skills are positively highlighted as the radiant Sun and Mercury in Cancer suggest encouraging energy for intuitive and original new ways of thinking. The new moon in creative Leo on the 28th brings a new project into focus, your vitality is high and some help may arrive from unexpected quarters.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 July brings a different kind of energy to the forefront, Venus is in your sign and the way you communicate comes into focus. The Sun and Mercury ask that you look at the way you value yourself and examine creative new ways of increasing your earning potential. Now is the perfect time to reach out and be bold.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 July is your birthday month, the Sun shines brightly and is joined by communicative Mercury on the 5th. Love planet Venus also arrives in your sign on the 18th, illuminating all things to do with love and partnerships. The new moon in creative Leo on the 28th marks a turning point and you’ll feel a strong drive to improve your life on many different levels.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 July might turn out to be a rather introspective month on some levels. The sensitive Cancerian Sun and Mercury will have you reconsidering some plans that you have recently made and the chances are that you may also have to rethink a career move. The powerful new moon in your sign on the 28th offers up an opportunity to push your creative ideas forward.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 July suggests that your goals and ambitions are high on the agenda as Venus and Mercury in Gemini ensure that your negotiation and communication skills are at their finest. A relationship that has been on hold can be reviewed and there is opportunity to advance in a positive way. The Capricorn full moon on the 13th indicates that it’s time to put something firmly behind you.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 The Gemini Sun and business minded Mercury occupy the highest point of your chart, emphasising your goals and the importance of planning ahead and making long lasting changes. Venus, your ruling planet, is friendly and playful in Gemini, ideal for making plans for a romantic getaway. The Capricorn full moon on the 13th brings a domestic matter to the forefront.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Dynamic Mars arrives in your opposite sign of Taurus on the 5th, emphasising the importance of staying focussed on the task at hand. Pluto and Mars put a strong and challenging planetary emphasis on the way you communicate the plans around your career and your future. The favourable new moon in courageous Leo on the 28th enables you to go after what you want.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 The full moon in down to earth Capricorn on the 13th puts your finances firmly in the picture, expansive Jupiter is strong in Aries suggesting there are some excellent opportunities for you to be more successful and increase your earning potential. Mars enters practical Taurus on the 5th, further indicating that this is the perfect time for you to be much clearer about where you are heading.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 The radiant Sun and communicative Mercury are both illuminating the relationship area of your chart, prompting you to go after what you truly desire. The love planet Venus is chatty and flirty in Gemini until the 18th and energetic Mars in practical Taurus is assisting with an important issue that comes to the forefront around the courageous Leo new moon on the 28th.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 Energy packed Mars is strong in the communication area of your chart during the first week of this month, continuing to put you in a good position to demand something that you have been going after for some time. Love planet Venus in Gemini is flirtatious and playful and brings a welcome boost to your dealings with partners and loved ones. The Leo new moon on the 28th is perfect for romance.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 New encounters, love and romance are all in the spotlight for July as planetary trends suggest that a deeply rewarding time is coming your way. The Sun encourages you to enjoy the lighter side of life as some positive opportunities arrive from unexpected directions. The Leo new moon on the 28th assists your creative ambitions - new beginnings are ready for take-off.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, discover your unique birth map and take a refreshing new look at your year ahead. Find out when positive and productive planetary cycles are working in your favour. Aim to reach your fullest potential in 2022 by booking an astrological reading now - Consultations are available on Zoom, WhatsApp or telephone.

Christine Chalklin Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com Website: www.yourguidinglight.org

Mobile: 07813 483549 Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/restyleyourlife

BBQ Seafood Burger Ingredients 2 Shallots finely chopped 2 Cloves of Garlic finely chopped 1 fresh Green Chilli de-seeded Olive Oil 200 g Cod Fillet, skinned and de boned 100 g Crabmeat both white and brown meat, fresh is best, but tinned will do 100 g raw King Prawns 4 Burger Buns Lettuce Leaves or Spinach Leaves Pickled Onions, Pickled Gherkins your favourite Mayo Wasabi paste, or you can use Horseradish with Lemon Zest 1 small handful of rocket or other peppery leaf

Method 1.

Finley chop the shallots and garlic. De-seed and finely chop the chilli.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over a mediumlow heat, add the shallots, garlic and chilli. Cook for 3 minutes, until softened but not coloured. Set aside to cool.

3. Roughly chop and place the cod into a blender, then pulse for 20 to 30 seconds; it should still have some texture.

4. Scoop it into a bowl, add the crabmeat and stir to combine.

5. Roughly chop the prawns, add to the shallot mixture along with the cod/crab. Season and mix well.

6. Divide the mixture into four and use your hands to mould into patties. Put them on a plate in the fridge for 45 mins.

7. Get your barbecue going to a high heat. (You can shallow fry the patties or bake in the oven instead.)

8. Finely chop the rocket and mix with the wasabi and mayo.

Set aside in the fridge until needed.

9. Brush the seafood patties with a little oil and place them on the barbecue for 3 minutes on each side 10. Halve and quickly toast the buns for until bar–marked.

11. To assemble, place a couple of lettuce or spinach leaves on the bottom half of each burger bun with some pickled onions, then top with the patties, a generous dollop of the

mayo mix and top with the bun.

68 68 Pitlochry Gala LifeLife

Pitlochry Life 69

Last Month's Sudoko Answers Easy

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Tricky

Answers to the June Crossword Across

1 BARISTA 5 CHEF 9 PITLOCHRY 10 ROE 11 ABER 13 REEKING 14 CANINE 15 SHOALS 18 GLAIKIT 20 ALES 22 EWE 23 LARCHWOOD 25 SASH 26 STROKES

Down

1 BAPS 2 RUT 3 SPORRAN 4 ACHARN 6 HERMITAGE 7 FLEDGES 8 FYNE 12 BEN LAWERS 14 CYGNETS 16 HEATHER 17 STORMS 19 KILT 21 ODDS 24 OAK

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info@roof-care.net Pitlochry Life 71

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72 Pitlochry Life

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This Month’s Tricky Sudoku 5

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9 6 4

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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!

9 Pitlochry Life 73

The Atholl Medical Centre Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472558

Mon - Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm (Doors open at 8.30am) Except Wednesdays Closed 12.15 - 1.45pm Out with Surgery Hours NHS 24 - 111 Prescriptions - tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

Pitlochry Community Hospital Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472052 Visiting Hours: GP Unit - Contact for further info.

MIIU - Temporarily closed until further notice.

Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice The Surgery, Kinloch Rannoch.

Tel: 01882 632216

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

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

Pitlochry Post Office

Within Premier Store 63 Atholl Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 474301 Blair Atholl Post Office Tel: 01796 481233 Ballinluig Post Office Tel: 01796 482220 Strathtay Post Office Tel: 01887 840203 Kinloch Rannoch Post Office Tel: 01882 632347

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Tel: 01796 474635 E-mail: pitlochrylibrary@pkc.gov.uk Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri - Closed Thurs 10.00am - 1.00pm & 2.00pm - 7.00pm Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm

Housing & Community Safety and Registration Services 26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry Mon, Tues & Fri 8.45am - 12.30pm & 1.30pm - 5.00pm Appointments arranged out with these days 01738 476000 (select option 2)

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

More Helpful Numbers to Hand Pitlochry Police Station

101

Perth & Kinross Council

01738 475000

Crimestoppers

0800 555 111

Adult Care Services

0845 301 11 20

Scottish Hydro

0800 300 999

Anti-Social Behaviour

01738 476173

Gas Emergency

0800 111 999

Council Housing Emergency

0845 301 11 10

Perth Royal Infirmary

01738 623311

Environmental Health

01738 625411

NHS 24

111

24hr Domestic Abuse

0800 027 1234

Infinityblu Dental Pitlochry

01796 470001

Infinityblu Dental Dunkeld

01350 729198

Citizens Advice Bureau

01738 450580

Homelessness

0800 917 0708

Roads & Flooding

01738 475000

Mental Health Services

0845 301 11 20

Samaritans

0845 909090

SSPCA 24Hrs

0300 999 999

Childline

0800 1111

Perthshire Women's Aid

01738 639043

Whilst every care is taken in preparing this magazine to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by an error in an advert. Artwork is accepted on the condition that it is legal and copyright free and that the advert is fair and accurate. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers or the views expressed by contributors, nor do the publishers necessarily share such views. We reserve the right to refuse articles and advertisements.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

74 Pitlochry Life

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Pitlochry Pitlochry Life Life 75 75

Accommodation The Atholl Palace Hotel

1,40

The Green Park Hotel

11

The Old Mill Inn

80

Attractions

S Saint Electrical

43

Killiecrankie Village Hall

32

Stevie G Roofing

45

Music in Rannoch

26

Suthers Stonemason

43

Neighbourhood Watch

12

Pitlochry Bonfire

30

Pitlochry Bowling Club

30

Pitlochry Climate Cafe

14

Pitlochry Library

42

Pitlochry Moulin Heritage

38

Pitlochry Highland Games

22

Business Services ABSS Print & Design

25 75

Blair Athol Distillery

9

Advertise With Us

Blair Castle Horse Trials

7

GrowBiz

Brodies Furniture Fair

23

Food In The Park

19

Killiecrankie Visitor Centre

15

Music in Rannoch

26

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

31

The Atholl Palace Hotel The Old Mill Inn

1,40 80

Building Services

26,27

Churches Blair Atholl & Struan

58

Pitlochry Litter Action

32

Grandtully Logierait

48

Pitlochry Rotary Club

22

Jehovah's Witnesses

58

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

18

Pitlochry Baptist Church

56

Pitlochry Tennis Club

36

Pitlochry Church of Scotland

56

PMCC

12

Scottish Episcopal Church

44

Richard Waller

42

St Bride's Catholic Church

58

Riding for Disabled

36 2, 16

4MW Renovations

63

Tenandry Kirk

44

SSE Newsletter

Artstyle Building & Tiling

43

The Baha'i Faith

60

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

22

Barry Sanderson Ltd Plumbing

45

Zip for Cancer

38

BC Joinery

62

Brodies Timber

23

Duncan McLean

29

Highland Perthshire Plumbing

53

Computer Services

J W Lang Painter

45

Computer Services

62

Dentist

J W Lang Tiler

43

Heartland Tech

43

iBlu Dental Care

McKenzie Strickland Architect

50

M Hamilton Carpentry

53

Morrison Joinery

45

Roofcare

71

Roof Cleaning

25

R W Bell Electrical

55

RW Bell Green Energy

49

Sean Mclauchlan Electrical

53

S.L. Decoration Services

49

76 Pitlochry Life

Cleaning Services Clean Cars

62

Crossword/Sudoko

Roof Cleaning

25

Crossword

52,70

Sudoko

50,73

65

Features

Community Atholl Centre

20

Fitness

54

Ballinluig Bazaar

26

Holiday Book Time

46

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

32

Horoscopes

66

Dunkeld Art Exhibition

26

Pitlochry Garden

28

Dunmore Angling Club

36

Pitlochry Tipple

6

Edradour Pipe Band

20

Recipe

68

Heartland FM

14

Willie's Wonky Computer

24

Killiecrankie CC

42

Financial Malleny Mortgage Solutions

Health & Beauty 37

Food and Drink

69

Redwood Wines

13

GRM Podiatry

69

The Plant Nursery

33

Hair With Hazel

69

Hearing & Mobility

59

Heartland Hearing

27

Highland Hot Tubs

27

Taxi

Lesley McLean Footcare

69

Highland Travel Taxi

9

Blair Castle

7

Fern Cottage

15

Food In The Park

19

Karelia House

21

Killiecrankie Visitor Centre

15

Homes For Sale

Macdonald Bros Butchers

23

J&H Mitchell

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

31

Rannoch Station Tearoom

21

Redwood Wines

13

Live Music Food in the Park The Atholl Palace Hotel

19 1,40

1,40

The Bridge Restaurant

17

The Green Park Hotel

11

MPs & Councillors

The Old Mill Inn

80

John Swinney MSP

10,64

The Tulach

17

Murdo Fraser MSP

8,64

Victoria's

13

Pete Wishart MP

8,64

80

Pest Control 61

Strowan Cemetery

61

W&K Gerrie

59

Garage Services Blair Atholl Garage

The Old Mill Inn

57

Garden Services

Andy Law

70

Repairs Perthshire Guitar Services

Solicitors & Estate Agents 34

J&H Mitchell

64

Vacancies 34

The Atholl Palace Hotel

Gaulds

23

Elaine Burns Podiatry

Blair Athol Distillery

Funeral Directors

Macdonald Bros Butchers

62

Schools Baby Swim Time

25

Gavin Stewart Piano

21

Chris Mitchell

29

Morrison's Academy

39

Duncan McLean

29

Strathallan

51

Gatehouse Nursery

29

Reid Tree Garden Services

33

The Plant Nursery

33

Tree Maintenance Services

37

Shopping Gatehouse Nursery

29

Hearing & Mobility

59

Karelia House

21

Balhousie Care Group

72

House of Bruar

78

Perthshire Recruitment

72

I N D E X Pitlochry Life 77

78 Pitlochry Life

Pitlochry Life 79