Pitlochry Life June 2025

PITLOCHRY

LIFE

June 2025 Issue 421

Food Guide • Live Music and Events • Days Out • Map

The Very Best of Highland Perthshire

A Pitlochry Festival Theatre Production

THE 39

By Arrangement with Fiery Angel Limited

STEPS Adapted by

Patrick Barlow From the novel by John Buchan From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock Director Ben Occhipinti

“The 39 Steps” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. concordtheatricals.co.uk

Licensed By ITV Global Entertainment Limited, and an original concept

by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon

Supported by Katharine Liston

11 JUL - 26 SEP BOOK NOW 01796 484 626

Scottish Charity Number SC013055

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pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

"I will be very surprised if Cidsin doesn't become iconic" Pagey on Tripadvisor

#Taste the experience www.cidsinbistro.com 38 WEST MOULIN ROAD, PITLOCHRY

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CONTENTS

58,65 Sudoku

10 The Pitlochry Tipple

Ewan looks at the differences between our Scotch and Irish Whiskey.

14 Your Community

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

20 Men's Health Week

A call to prioritise the well-being of men and boys echoes across the country.

32 The Pitlochry Garden

This month, Sheila looks at the problem caused by rabbits and how to fend them off.

80

Crossword

38 Fitness With Alan Clinch

Alan gives great advice on going open water swimming, whilst keeping yourself safe.

40 Willie's Wonky Computer

Willie looks at the advantages of keyboard shortcuts - with a few favourites.

Advertising

Debbie - 07545299491

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Men's Health Week

Photography & Design Lynsey - 07305577953

Editor

Willie - 07906375953

www.facebook.com/pitlochrylife Pitlochry Life Manse Road, Moulin Pitlochry PH16 5EP

72

Fire it Up!

info@pitlochrylife.co.uk www.pitlochrylife.co.uk

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Deadline for July is

WELCOME

56 Meet The Chef

We meet up with Pavel Dumitru, the Head Chef at Fisher's Hotel.

57 Recipe

This month we have a great salmon recipe from Pavel Dumitru from Fisher's Hotel.

58 Sudoku

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

72 Fire it Up!

The BBQ season is upon us and we have some great tips to get the most out of it.

80 The Pitlochry Crossword

Welcome to the June edition of Pitlochry Life.

Congratulations go to The Roundhouse Inn, who opened in May, Pitlochry Station Book Shop on 20 years raising money for charity, and to Clare Pinchbeck and team at her newest venture on Atholl Road - Pinchy’s.

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

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Pitlochry Garden

We are all looking forward to a wonderful summer now after this glorious weather in May. To celebrate we have lots of events coming up!

Let’s get off to a wonderful start then in 2025 with a great selection of plays from our very own Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Grease is the Word!

And, The 39 Steps. If LIVE music is your thing then there is always weekend entertainment and LIVE music at The Atholl Palace, The Coach House and The Old Mill Inn. This month, Ewan looks at all the differences between Scotch and Irish Whiskey, in the Pitlochry Tipple. Sheila looks at good garden plants for beating wee rabbits, Willie’s Computer page looks at keyboard shortcuts and lastly Alan reviews safe cold water swimming practices in the Fitness Column. Meet The Chef this month features Parvel Dumutri of Fisher’s Hotel, and he has produced a great recipe for creamy pan fried salmon. Our editorials this month are topical BBQs and Men’s Health Week.

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Recipe on the 11th June

With so many hospitality and entertainment venues here in the town why not indulge yourself with breakfast, lunch or even dinner whilst soaking up the atmosphere and taking part in all the great productions and events.

Thank you as always, to our advertisers for your continued support.

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MADE OUR GELATO IS SITE, ON E, HER T RIGH LK MI H FROM SCOTTIS

ITALIAN STYLE

GELATO

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@PINCHYSGELATO

Dinner is served from 5.45pm - 8.00pm Dinner is table d'hote and the menu is changed daily to introduce dishes and produce which are at their best on the day, and you can view the latest menu on our website.

Special dietary adjustments can be made with sensible prior notice.

£45.00 for 3 courses I £50.00 for 4 courses Prices include complimentary sherry or soft drink on arrival with coffee & homemade shortbread after dinner.

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Whisky v Whiskey, it’s all in the Name There has long been a rivalry between Irish Whiskey and Scotch. Bushmills has the title of the oldest licensed whiskey distillery from 1608, where our first recorded distilling of alcohol in Scotland dates back to 1494 at Lindores Abbey, Fife.

It’s generally thought that monks brought distilling techniques from southern Europe to Ireland in the 11th century, though there isn’t any documentation with water and heat. By doing this to the grain, the to prove it. Records aren’t easy to come by, though starches are converted into fermentable sugars. the oldest known written record of whiskey in This ensures the starch in the grain can be made Ireland dates from 1405. into alcohol. Unmalted barley enhances the grain and cereal qualities of the whiskey and introduces Following the introduction of licences in the 17th light, sharp and sour fruity notes like green apple century and the official registration of distillers in the 18th century, whiskey production took off and and lemon. demand for whiskey in Ireland grew significantly, Fermentation and distilling driven both by large population growth, and by Fermentation lasts for 48-96 hours for Irish Whiskey displacing the demand for imported spirits. and 48-60 hours for Scotch. A longer fermentation Eventually, however, Scotch Whisky became the results in a more floral flavour, perfumed with number one spirit in the 20th century, as Irish sweet and fragrant citrus notes, where a shorter Whiskey sales suffered thanks to conflict with fermentation gives a malty flavoured spirit.

Britain and American Prohibition.

The biggest difference when it comes to distilling Only 12 miles separate Scotland and the North the spirit is that scotch is typically distilled twice Antrim Coast, but we are many more miles apart and Irish whiskey is often triple distilled. Triple when it comes to the ingredients, production and distillation helps to concentrate not only the indeed spelling of our wonderful liquors. alcohol, but also lighter, more fruity flavours: heavier, more water-soluble compounds are left So what are the most significant differences? behind at every stage.

Whisky v Whiskey Triple distilling does add a step to the process and a Why spell it differently? The answer is no one cost, but the end result is worth it. knows, there is no real reason. Some may argue Both scotch and whiskey are distilled in copper pot that it is down to nuances between Irish and stills and matured for a minimum of three years.

Scots Gaelic, but it is probably more to do with The ageing process is essential to create a fine inconsistencies in the spelling during the 19th flavour, as the harsh alcohol profile mellows over century, and for some reason, the Irish (and subsequently American) spelling of ‘whiskey’ stuck. time.

Whiskey or whisky, it is all in the name, both are The ingredients excellent, but in my humble opinion, scotch whisky This is a key difference as Irish whiskey is usually made using unmalted (green) barley whilst Scotch wins by a (barley) head.

Ewan McIlwraith uses malted barley. There are occasions, in the case of a single pot still whiskey where both malted Robertsons of Pitlochry and unmalted barley are used. Malted barley is 44-46 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BX where the barley has been allowed to germinate www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk 10 Pitlochry Life

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Pitlochry Repair Cafe - 1st June After the success of RepairFest at the end of March, Pitlochry Repair Cafe is back at Moulin Hall on Sunday 1st June from 12-3pm for its regular repair sessions.

We will welcome you with hot drinks, home-made baking and soup while our skilled repair volunteers will fix your broken and damaged items.

We can't fix phones or zips, but bring along any other items, including bikes, ceramics, textiles, household objects, furniture, electrical items and electronics. Kids are welcome and dogs too!

Want to get involved as a volunteer or join our mailing list for the latest news? Email repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @ PitlochryRepairCafe

Grandtully & Strathtay Gala Day – 1st June Join us on Sunday 1st June from 12 midday – 4pm at the Grandtully & Strathtay Recreation Park behind the village hall.

Entry tickets will be available to buy at the gate with card or cash: Adults £5 / Children £3 / Family tickets available Please note, some stalls may be cash only * New for 2025 * Classic cars, bikes and tractors will be joining us.

Willowgate Activity Centre will be providing Laser Clay Shooting and Axe Throwing.

Plus, live music from Sandstorm, afterwards from 4pm at The Inn on the Tay over the road.

We also have our regular favourites including: Zip Line - 100ft Inflatable Assault Course and Bouncy Castles - Craft and Food Stalls - Pet Parade Face Painting - Raffle - Food Area, Afternoon Teas and Refreshments and much, much more…

For further information visit www.grandtullyvillagehall.com

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 3rd June Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic at Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic - 4th June Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.

Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/ or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Wednesday 4th June 2025 between 10.00am - 12.00 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing room), Aberfeldy.

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Open from 10 until late, serving brunch, lunch and dinner. From our family to yours, we warmly welcome you to Victoria’s.

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

We look forward to welcoming you!

Alfresco

BRUNCH

LUNCH

courtyard Summer dining

DINNER

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

COURTYARD Follow us online:

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

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Dementia Cafe - 4th June The Dementia Café is held in the North Church, High Street, Perth on the first Wednesday of the month, June 4th, from 10am until 12:30noon.

The café is facilitated by the Health and Social Care Partnership and access to both services is available for information, advice, and signposting to other services available.

People living with Dementia, their families, caregivers, friends, neighbours, and anyone looking to gain insight into Dementia attend the monthly café. The café offers a warm, inviting, safe place where people can meet, socialise, gain information, and have some refreshments. All are welcome.

Special Event: On Wednesday 4th June we will be facilitating a Dementia Awareness Day Event, there will be 12 information stalls attend – Alzheimer’s Scotland; Safer Community Wardens; Trading Standards-Scams; PKAVS Carers Support; Social Prescribers; Community Mental Health Dietician; Wiltshire Farm Foods; Fire Services; Police Scotland; Headway; VisionPK; Thorntons Solicitors; Citizens Advice; Telecare Services; and the Community Mental Health Team.

Killiecrankie Village Hall - 7th & 14th June Killiecrankie Village Hall Committee invites volunteers to help in a Hall Clean Up on Saturday, 7th June at 1pm. Email info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for details.

The Summer Quiz will be held on Saturday, 14 June at 7.30pm. Price is £5 per person, pay at door (cash or card). Tea, coffee and snacks included. BYOB. The question topics will be: Murders, Harry Potter, Movie Quotes and Classic Confectionery.

The Hall Committee welcomes enquiries for any event - large or small. See the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for details.

Dùn Coillich - 7th & 21st June Barbecue And Bioblitz! Save the date….

Can you believe we’re just a few weeks away from the longest day? It’s always a day for celebration at Dùn Coillich Community Land and this year we’ll be making the most of it not just with our annual barbeque but a bioblitz!

Saturday 21st June is a date for your diary if you fancy coming along to help us identify as many species as we can in one day. Guided by experts, we’ll be bird watching, botanising and butterfly hunting with a bit of pond dipping on the side…

We’ll round off the event with our annual midsummer barbecue, chance to meet old friends, make new ones and enjoy good food and conversation in the surroundings of this beautiful, regenerating landscape.

Bioblitz activities will kick off at 10.00am with the barbecue firing up at 2.00pm. Keep an eye on our Facebook Group for updates, and visit the What’s On page of our website www.duncoillich.org to find out where we are, what we do and more about our summer events programme!

Stop press: there’s still a chance to sign up for ‘Evolution and Adaptation – The Struggle for Existence’ on Saturday 7th June. Led by trustee Richard Paul we will be using plants and animals encountered on a walk across Dùn Coillich as triggers for discussing specific survival techniques that have evolved in each species.

Booking is essential via Eventbrite and places are limited. All of our events are free for members of Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, the suggested donation for non-members is £5.

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FernCottageRestaurant

...where Scotland meets the Mediterranean...

Treat yourself to our exquisite cuisine, where every dish tells a story!

Scottish & Meditearranean cuisine, vegeterian & vegan options, cocktails, desserts, cakes, pre theatre menu, kids welcome, 2 beautiful & sunny terraces, charming interior, lively vibe and best service in town.

Book with us: 01796 473840

www.ferncottagepitlochry.co.uk Ferry Rd, Pitlochry, PH16 5DD

We are open 7 days a week 10am-till late lunch starts at 11.30 & dinner at 5pm

FIND US ON:

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Men’s Health Week in Perthshire:

Time to Talk, Time to Act As Men’s Health Week returns this June, the call to prioritise the well-being of men and boys echoes across the country—and it’s a call that resonates deeply here in Perthshire. Amid the beauty of the Highlands and the attitude that’s deeply embedded in heart of rural Scotland, it’s easy Scottish culture. to overlook the quiet health Men’s Health Week is about turning crisis affecting many of our men. that around. It’s a reminder that But the statistics tell clear story: real strength lies not in silence, but men in Perthshire, particularly in taking action—booking that GP appointment, speaking openly about in rural communities, face real stress or anxiety, or simply reaching and urgent health challenges.

From heart disease and diabetes to cancers and mental health struggles, men in this region are at a higher risk of serious illness and early death.

Tragically, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50 in Scotland—and rural areas like Perthshire are not immune.

Despite these risks, many men delay or avoid seeking help, whether due to stigma, a sense of pride, or the persistent “just get on with it”

out to a mate who’s been quiet lately. Small conversations can have big impacts, especially in close-knit communities like ours.

Perthshire has a proud tradition of community, and that can be our greatest asset. Local initiatives, such as peer support groups, mental health walks, and community health programmes, are helping to bridge the gap where services may be harder to reach. Charities like

Andy’s Man Club and Brothers in Arms, although based elsewhere, are gaining momentum in rural areas, offering online support and safe spaces.

Men’s Health Week is not just a campaign—it’s a lifeline.

This year’s theme continues to emphasise open conversation and early action. Whether it’s speaking with a mate, checking in on your dad, or encouraging someone to get that lump or persistent pain checked out, every conversation has the potential to save a life.

creating healthier, more supportive workplaces. Whether that’s through mental health first aid training, encouraging flexible working, or simply fostering a culture where men feel safe to speak up—every action matters.

But ultimately, Men’s Health Week starts at home. It’s about taking ownership of your wellbeing, whether that’s cutting back on alcohol, getting more active, improving your diet, or just making that long-postponed doctor’s appointment. It’s also about recognising that mental health is just as important as physical health— and that asking for help is not a weakness, but a sign of strength.

In Scotland, we have a strong tradition of resilience and community—but we must challenge the outdated cultural norms that So this Men’s Health Week, let’s tell men to “just get on with it.” challenge the silence.

True resilience isn’t silence—it’s seeking support when it’s needed, Let’s check in, speak up, and understanding that health isn’t a and take action. luxury, it’s a necessity.

There are already positive steps being taken. Scotland’s NHS offers free health checks and mental health services, and local initiatives such as Andy’s Man Club, Men Matter Scotland, and Brothers in Arms are doing fantastic work providing safe spaces for men to talk and access support. But more can and must be done to tackle the postcode lottery of care, particularly for men in rural or deprived urban areas.

Employers across Scotland can also be part of the solution, by

Scotland’s men deserve better health, longer lives, and stronger support—and with the right focus, we can get there together.

Together, we can make a difference and inspire a healthier future for all. brothersinarmsscotland.co.uk andysmanclub.co.uk menmatterscotland.org

MENS HEALTH WEEK 9th -15th June

Litter Action Group - 10th June The tourist season is well under way and the town is full of visitors. It would be nice for residents and visitors if the town is really clean for their return with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter.

Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.0am in the Recreation ground carpark. The next litterpick is on Tuesday 10th June.

Dates for litterpicks in 2025 are: July 8th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th, December 9th.

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

We are getting short of grabbers and would be most grateful if you have one but don’t use it any more to contact Catherine (01796 473400) so that it can be returned.

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

Mindfulness Practice Group - 11th June Trying to establish a mindfulness meditation practice on your own can be difficult, and being part of a group offers many benefits, including mutual support, shared experiences and reduced distraction. Whether you are just starting out, coming back to or just needing a space to pause and be in the company of others, you will be welcome to join us.

The group will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month and so the next meeting will be the 11th June from 7 pm till 9 pm in the church hall of the Holy Trinity Church, Pitlochry. Spaces are limited so if you can contact us at: pitlochrymindfulness@gmail.com

Tryst Walking Group - 11th June Wednesday 11th June: Loch Skiach & Millpond (£1). Walkers will have the option to do Loch Skiach or the Millpond. Both walks start on the B898 opp Kinnaird House (OS 52 Grid ref 983498) on a good track heading towards Loch Skiach but those doing the Millpond walk (4 ½ mls) will branch off to right to reach Millpond. From there route goes north towards open woodland then downhill towards the B898 which we re-join about a mile from starting point.

Those walking to Loch Skiach will carry on the main track to the loch. From the loch we retrace our steps for about half a mile and turn onto a narrow track leading northwest across the heather (grid ref: 959475). This track skirts the NE side of Loch Skiach before turning northeast to join a good Land Rover track at a T junction. This we follow downhill via Millpond to join the original track about a mile from the start. 7.5 mls. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident.

Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.

Highland Perthshire PLUS Summer Party - 14th June Join Highland Perthshire PLUS for a Joyful Summer Party – Saturday 14th June!

Highland Perthshire PLUS (HPP) is a local charity supporting individuals with disabilities and Continued on page 24

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Family run bar and restaurant at the golfclub including a decking area with stunning views over the hills and golf course

DOGS & VISITORS WELCOME official venue checkourFacebookpagefor game times

Amber Rye & American Pale available on draft @WASJ;,�-S��.REES

WED & THURS 9.30am - lOpm FRI & SAT 9.30am - llpm SUNDAY 9.30am - 9pm

JUNE LIVE MUSIC 'Bruach' Band - Sat 7th June 'Tilt Band' - Sat 28th June

Food served between 9.30am and 8pm Check Facebook for up-todate music nights Including SUNDAY ROASTS

To book, call 01796 481552 or contact us via Facebook.

www.thetulach.co.uk Thelulach, Blair Atholl Golf Club, lnvertilt Road, Blair Atholl, PH18 5TE

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additional support needs – and their families – across Highland Perthshire. Guided by the values Play, Learn, Unite, Shine, HPP offers inclusive activities, supported volunteering, and strong advocacy for accessible communities.

To celebrate our amazing volunteers and connect with the wider community, we’re hosting a Summer Party on Saturday 14th June, from 10am to 2pm, in the garden behind Dalweem Care Home, Taybridge Road, Aberfeldy (PH15 2BH). All are welcome to this relaxed, family-friendly event.

Enjoy live music, crafts, storytelling, gardening, games, tasty refreshments, and more – with something for all ages and abilities. No booking needed – just turn up!

We’ll also be showcasing our Star Project, which supports adults with additional needs into volunteering roles that build skills, confidence, and inclusion.

HPP became a registered charity in 2024 but has roots in the community since 2013. We work to remove barriers like cost, access, and isolation, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

Contact us: info@hpplus.net | 07830 402407 | www.hpplus.net | Facebook & Instagram Come celebrate, connect, and shine with us!

Scottish Country Dancing - 14th & 28th June Pitlochry Town Hall, 7.30pm.

Come along and join us on the dance floor, or watch & listen to some of the best Scottish Dance Bands. All Welcome.

Saturday June 14th - Band: Frank Thomson. Saturday June 28th - Band: Alasdair MacLeod Dancers: £10.00 Spectators: £3.00 Further details contact June 01796 473488.

Pitlochry & District Climate Café - 12th June Positive News. Climate change is accelerating, and our climate café discusses ways to mitigate the effects. It’s not all doom and gloom though. Many positive changes have come about through groups of people working together and pressuring governments to do more. Here are some examples: *significant increases in renewable energy (in the EU, wind and solar energy account for 30 % of electricity generation) *a decrease in deforestation in the Amazon *we have new microplastic removal technology *the EU has voted to criminalise environmental damages – ‘ecocide’ *there’s been a 17% decrease in fossil fuel generation years ahead of its target, *Finland phased out coal as a source of electricity generation *thanks to the innovative project ‘Restoration Forth’, after an absence of nearly 100 years, European flat oysters are back and thriving *Mount Taranaki in New Zealand was granted human rights to uphold the mountain’s health and wellbeing, including protecting its wildlife *the Indian tiger population has doubled in 10 years, and in the Uk *a community led rewilding site in Scotland has seen a near doubling of its native woodlands over the past 30 years simply by removing sheep and deer *a bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticide was outlawed in the UK. In Pitlochry and Moulin we are playing our part too giving people the opportunity to meet likeminded people and take action locally through the formation of a number of separate groups: Continued on page 26

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2025 SUMMER EXHIBITION IS EARLY THIS YEAR Sat 12th July to Sun 27th July from 10am to 6pm

We'd hate you to miss it!

Molteno Hall, Fortingall PH15 2LL

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Tayside Woodland Partnerships, Pitlochry Garden Share, Sprout, Pitlochry Repair Café and Pitlochry Eco Badge. Come along to our climate café, have a cuppa and bring your own ideas. We look forward to seeing you there.

Our next Climate Café: Thursday 12th June is a Talk on Garden Ponds with Ian Freeman in the Library, 7pm. For more information contact Carol Aitken at pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com

Music in Rannoch - 15th June Sunday 15th June. Cantilena Festival Players (Strings). Programme will include: Bach's Violin Sonata in E, Vivaldi's 'Cello Sonata no. 6 in G, Purcell's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, all reworked for Violin, 'Cello and Guitar. £10 at the door, children free. Refreshments available during the interval, easy parking.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group 16th June We have the excitement of our annual summer end of term concert on Monday 16th June at Birnam Arts. Come along and listen to our young musicians show off their new skills and hear our bands perform some of the favourite tunes. Doors open 6pm and running 6:30-8pm. As usual it’s free to attend and we’ll have a cash donations box available if you would like to contribute.

We’re also looking forward to our bands competing in the Perthshire and Angus Provincial Mòd again this year at Breadalbane.

For anyone who would like to join our classes or bands, we do still have some spaces available to learn guitar, whistle, fiddle or accordion.

Our junior and senior bands are suitable for most instruments from advanced beginner level upwards. All run on Mondays during term time, based at Birnam Arts.

As always, huge thanks for making our group possible go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Crescendo, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and our local residents who have generously donated money and instruments.

For more info: dbtradgroup@gmail.com 07958 324 766.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop - 21st June Twenty years behind us – and full steam ahead!

In June, 2005, Pitlochry Station Bookshop first opened its doors to the public. It remains one of the town’s “must visit” locations, not just for those arriving at or departing from Pitlochry by rail but for all visitors to the town. Add to that the fact that 2025 is a very special year for the modern railway, with Rail 200 celebrating 200 years of railway history, and a celebration is clearly required. It also just happens to be 160 years since the foundation of the Highland Railway Company.

What better way for a bookshop located on a station platform to mark both milestones than with Continued on page 28

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a Big Railway Books Sale? So, on Saturday, 21st June, while the Station Bookshop remains open on Platform 1 as usual, lovers of all things railway-related can also cross the iconic bridge to the Waiting Room on Platform 2. From 10am until 4pm that day, as part of a programme of events happening across the UK, we’ll be holding a special sale of books, pictures and memorabilia covering everything associated with railways and trains. There will be plenty to appeal to visitors, those who live locally and those whose passion is railways.

Many, but not all, of the books that will be on sale on the 21st have been donated by the Museum of Scottish Railways, based at Bo'ness Station: we are fortunate to have the museum as our most recent bookshop 'supporter', alongside all those who have supported our work over the last 20 years. And that's what makes the bookshop special - all our volunteers, customers and supporters, individual and organisational, including ScotRail, without whom there would be no Station Bookshop. Thanks to one and all, we are looking to reach the figure of £500,000 donated to our six charities by early next year. If you'd like to hear more about the bookshop's history, check out the podcasts on our website - www.pitlochrystationbookshop.co.uk The shop itself is open daily, Monday to Saturday inclusive, from 9am until 4.30pm. You’ll receive a warm welcome whenever you call in while Saturday, 21st June promises to be a day to remember for Pitlochry Station, its Station Bookshop and all who love and enjoy both.

Pitlochry Garden Share - 21st June It’s a busy time at Moulin Community Garden as we care for crops and flowers. In the Children’s Garden, parent volunteers run monthly craft sessions. In June it will be DIY “suncatchers”. Date to be confirmed. No need to book.

New volunteers are always welcome. You can join our regular sessions- Mondays 9am-noon and 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings of the month. Once you know your way around, you can work at other times to suit if you prefer. Volunteers share the produce. DIY enthusiasts are also welcome! If interested, contact us via our Facebook page, our website www.pitlochrygardenshare.org or email us on pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com We’ll hold a stall outside the Pitlochry Market on Saturday 21st June from 10am. We will have some produce and other items.

That afternoon we’ll hold a Midsummer Party at the Moulin Community Garden, from 2-8pm. There will be Summer Solstice crafts and activities for all ages, followed by fireside storytelling and music, celebrating the magic of Midsummer. Watch our website and Facebook page for updates and contact us if you would like more details.

Atholl Centre Pitlochry - 22nd June The outbreak of Covid in 2020 has left its mark on our lives, our families, our communities and sadly, also, the work of the Atholl Baptist Centre.

The residential aspect of the Atholl Centre, which provided the main source of the Centre’s income, has failed to recover to pre-covid levels. There is no longer a sufficient level of demand for residential accommodation to justify maintaining the facility. Despite donations from generous sponsors and supporters, the Centre has incurred operating losses for several years. Following an extensive review of current activities, the Board of Trustees has taken the decision to close the facility at the end of June while we are solvent.

The Trustees have been in discussions with the leadership of Pitlochry Baptist Church and believe that the future for the Centre now lies within the ongoing life and ministry of the Church. So on Continued on page 36

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Malcolm Appleby Designer, Engraver, Silversmith, Goldsmith Shop Open By Appointment 10-5 (not Sundays)

Aultbeag Grandtully

By Aberfeldy Perthshire PH15 2QU

01887 840484 swapp@dircon.co.uk @malcolm_appleby_engraving @malcolmappleby46

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The Pitlochry Garden June Some gardeners may have ambivalent feelings and some clematis and tough leaved grasses. about these sweet, furry little creatures; but, in There are many perennials that are safe to plant. the garden, rabbits create havoc.

For spring try hellebores, pulmonarias and New houses often have no fencing at the front Solomon’s Seal. For the shady woodland garden, allowing bunnies to graze freely. Older properties brunnera, ajuga, epimedium and lily of the valley. often have difficulty because not all their boundaries For your summer borders, try Dianthus barbatus, can be completely closed off. hardy geraniums, Iris germanica, paeonies, Monarda didyma and oriental poppies. Later interest includes The worst time is in the late spring and early Aconitum napellus, anemone, helianthus, kniphofia summer. An explosion in the numbers of rabbits coincides with a shortage of grass. There are several and sedum. methods of control. Spaniels and cats might chase Some perennials may be investigated (that means them off; traps and poison might kill the cats and nibbled) and subsequently ignored: alchemilla, dogs. Individual protection for young plants until shrubby potentillas, Shasta daisies, Canterbury bells, they have developed tough stems is a possibility. aquilegia vulgaris and aster novi-belgii are a few.

Rabbit wire along the fence will help but check for There are plenty of annuals that rabbits don’t like: gaps. snapdragons, pot marigolds or calendula, California poppy, marigolds and opium poppies for example.

The only approach left is choosing plants that rabbits will leave alone. Generally, rabbits don't Certain bulbs will be left in peace, not pieces: like plants with aromatic foliage like sage: so herbs hyacinths, tulips, some daffodils, snowdrops, are a good choice. There are many garden worthy fritillaries, Spanish bluebells, cyclamen, some herbs for both shady and sunny borders. Rosemary, agapanthus and crocosmia are all survivors. oregano, thymes, chives, mint and camomile are “Haute cuisine” for rabbits includes most herbs which are attractive and should be ignored by vegetables, except onions, soft fruit, but not rabbits. Alliums like A giganteum, A hollandicum and gooseberries, and these perennials and annuals: Nectaroscordum are a good choice because rabbits achillea, alyssum, astilbe, begonia, bellis, busy won’t eat their oniony leaves. lizzies, chrysanthemum, crocus, dahlia, delphinium, Thorny plants are usually left alone. Spiny roses fuchsias but not the hardy ones, gaillardia, godetia, like R pimpinellifolia and R rugosa would make a grape hyacinth, lobelia, Paris daisy, nasturtium, good boundary hedge or Ilex aquifolium. Tough ornamental cabbage, pansy, patio roses, petunias, or poisonous plants are avoided by rabbits: herbaceous potentillas, most primulas, sweet peas, rhododendrons, aconitum and laburnum are spared. violas and zonal pelargoniums.

Rabbits ignore plants with woody stems like Sheila Drummond buddleja, cornus and hypericum, honeysuckle, ivy 32 Pitlochry Life

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Pitlochry Life 35

the charity’s dissolution, the Centre will be handed over to Pitlochry Baptist Church who will take over the running of the Food Bank and make the decisions on how the facilities will function.

There will be a celebration service on Sunday 22nd June to which all are invited.

We are pleased that many local groups in the community have been able to use the Centre’s facilities over many years. From July onwards, enquiries regarding the use of the Centre’s facilities should be directed to admin@pbcweb.net We would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the support we’ve received from the locality over the past 55 years. The work of the Centre is not ending but transitioning to something new and exciting that we believe will be a blessing to the local community. Our very best wishes are with Pitlochry Baptist Church.

Until then business as usual, which includes ….

Food Bank Perth & Kinross Referrals only. Please ask if you need some help to cope with the increased cost of living, or applying for your referral.

NB: Emergency contact number: 07747 755 194.

The Community Larder– is quite separate from the Food Bank; it is Open 24/7 for anyone to ‘give’ or ‘take’ food items along with other household items, avoiding food waste & supporting many with the rising prices at this time. New Fridge & Freezer Community Larder located by the back door of the Atholl Centre.

Baby Bank – new to the Atholl Centre. We have a small amount of baby clothing & nappies available to support young families. Please contact the office for more information.

Changing Places Toilet - Fully equipped Rest room facility for the disabled.

Please note office open hours, or call to book in advance 07747 755 194.

Helen Kirkwood, Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO15113, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX Further information from 01796 473044.

Tryst Walking Group - 28th June Saturday 28 June: Craig Leek, Invercauld, Braemar (£7). This is a circular walk around Craig Leek on road, tracks and paths. Starting at the Keiloch Car Park (Grid ref: 188912) three miles east of Braemar we walk towards Invercauld House then turn north on an old drove road. We leave this and head east climbing 100 metres to the summit of Craig Leek on a steep path and back. We then pass an old settlement and walk beneath limestone cliffs and through scattered pine forest back to the start. Height climbed 350m. Distance 6.5 miles. OS map 43. Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information.

Please note: the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.

Murdo Fraser MSP - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative I have been busy at Holyrood over the past weeks dealing with a variety of issues and also attending the Economy and Fair Work Committee, where we have been looking at the skills sector in Scotland and have heard from interesting groups and stakeholders.

Like many in the hospitality trade in Highland Perthshire, I am concerned at the impact of the Visitor Levy should it be introduced in Perth and Kinross. I recently spoke on this subject at the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference in Blair Atholl, when it was raised.

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FITNESS with Alan Clinch

Open Water Swimming After last month’s article on swimming, I jump into unknown water, avoid rocks, and take thought it would be helpful to update one I appropriate precautions if you have children wrote four years ago on open water (or wild) or non-swimmers with you on the bank. Also, swimming. We’ve recently had a spell of sunny be careful of standing water - water which is weather, and people are starting to venture out not moving may contain bacteria or blue-green and get into lochs, rivers and the sea. That’s algae (there is an excellent App - Bloomin' Algae fine, but it’s worth writing a little about safety - which is helpful in identifying this) – the water in the loch near me (St Mary’s in the Borders) is currently about 10’, so not exactly bathlike! There is a whole raft of issues associated with temperature, the main one being hypothermia. This is where the body’s core temperature drops to a dangerously low level, or less than 35’C. The Open Water Swimming Society has lots of helpful advice on their website, but here is a brief summary: hypothermia develops gradually, and people often don’t notice the effects until it’s too late. Signs that you could be developing hypothermia include: uncontrollable shivering and numbness, loss of basic coordination, weakness or a sluggish feeling in the arms and legs, difficulty speaking freely, or a general lack Getting into the water is probably the hardest part for most of us, especially in Scotland – a of control. lot of this, however, is in the mind, so mentally The only way to recognise your own limits is to preparing for the cold is an effective starting get to know them, through experience. Rule one point. Exhaling as you enter the water also is always go with other people, and make sure helps – just remember to make sure your face that you look after each other. It doesn’t matter is clear of the water next time you breathe in! what time of year you start, but begin with short After a minute or two, you’ll start to get used to dips close to the shore and slowly build up. My it, so give yourself a target – not too ambitious first swim this year lasted about 10 minutes. to start with –go for it – and enjoy!

It’s worth familiarising yourself with the effect As ever: if you haven’t exercised for a while, known as ‘afterdrop’. This is when your body or have any medical conditions which might temperature is lower 10-40 minutes after you cause problems, check with your Doctor to get out compared to when you first exit the ensure it’s safe to increase your activity levels. water. For this reason, it’s really important to Remember, pain is a sign that something is warm up as soon as you get out of the water. wrong…. And if you’re planning to go open The wild swimming website at water swimming, BE CAREFUL, take account of www.wildswimming.co.uk all the safety tips you can. If in any doubt at or the Outdoor Swimming Society at all, don’t go in….. www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com give some excellent pointers on safety.

As well as not swimming alone, don’t dive or 38 Pitlochry Life

alan@pitlochrylife.co.uk

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Willie’s Wonky Computer Factory If you are a touch typist, you are probably well aware and proficient in the use of keyboard shortcuts. For the rest of us, the two finger prodders, we manage most things with the mouse. There are however, literally hundreds of keyboard shortcuts, many specific to individual apps that can speed things up no end and make your day.

they will all reappear. The WIN (Windows) key is the one bottom left, next to the CTRL key, with 4 squares, that looks like... a window.

Lock up quickly Need to go to the loo, or make a coffee? WIN+L will lock your computer from prying eyes. On your return just press Enter and use your PIN/ password to get back in.

If you consistently use one or two pieces of Need a screenshot? software it really is well worth learning a few, just Google Keyboard Shortcuts for the software The Snipping Tool is really handy - WIN+SHIFT+S concerned and choose the ones you would likely to snip away. Once snipped, you can open it in the Snipping Tool window from where you can use most. Take a note of them until practice makes perfect. You will find that there are many save, copy or edit it. common shortcuts across almost all apps in Find a web page you were just on Windows and after time they become second If you start on a web page and end up following nature. Most use two fingers, but some are umpteen links, it is quite difficult to navigate more high-tech and need three. back the way. Just right click on the ‘Back’ Here’s a few of my favourites in Windows that get used most:

button of your browser and it will show the last 10 pages you visited.

Undo anything… anywhere

Emoji Keyboard

Absolute favourite - on your keyboard, press CTRL + Z to undo your last action. It will undo just about everything, from the last thing you typed to to that photo/file you just deleted.

Love them or hate them, you will probably feel compelled to use one at some time. Just press WIN + . or WIN + ; to open the emoji keyboard.

You can then flick through pages of different categories. You can also search for an emoji by Then, if you want to undo the undo, it is CTRL+Y. The CTRL (Control) key is bottom left on typing in words at the top of the emoji keyboard window. Saves trying to work out what all these the keyboard. wee faces actually mean.

Open a new item If really new to shortcuts, the absolute basic No need to click File>New, just press CTRL+N. It essentials are works all across Office and most Windows apps.

If using Chrome, or Edge as your browser, press CTRL+A - selects all the text.

CTRL+SHIFT+N to open a new private window.

CTRL+C - copies the selected text/graphic to No more search history for others to find. clipboard Bring back a tab you just closed CTRL+X - cuts the selected text/graphic to clipboard If you accidentally close a tab you really need, press CTRL+SHIFT+T. No need to go through CTRL+V - pastes the last copied/cut text/graphic. your browser history.

CTRL+S - save.

Minimise all your windows

Playing games when you should be doing homework? Shopping when you should be working? Simply press WIN+D and all the open windows will disappear to an empty desktop.

When the coast is clear, press WIN+D again and 40 Pitlochry Life

CTRL+P - prints the document.

Ctrl+F - opens the 'Find' box.

F1 - displays the help file for the current program.

Willie

Pitlochry Life 41

Scotland is already seen as a high-cost destination by tourists and I am of the view that we shouldn’t be adding additional burdens.

VisitScotland tell me that the figures for visitors coming to Scotland from abroad are good but the number of people travelling from elsewhere in the country and other parts of the UK has fallen.

One reason for this could be the high VAT rate we have in Scotland compared to other countries.

There are also other issues hitting the sector such as the retail, hospitality and leisure sector not receiving the 75% rates relief that applies south of the Border.

Another worry for me is that at a time when Councils are facing tight budgets they will try and backfill this by raising money through the Visitor Levy. Scottish firms, especially in hospitality and retail, are already struggling due to a host of reasons and these charges will only make things more difficult, holding back the economic growth we desperately need.

Meanwhile, I was pleased to note that construction work had begun on the next stage of the A9 Perth to Inverness dualling project. Six miles of the trunk road from Moy to Tomatin, south of Inverness, will be upgraded under an £185 million contract. Whilst it is good to see the project progressing, I am sure readers will agree with me in saying that we need reassurance that the road will be completed in its entirety and that everything will be done to dual it as soon as possible.

We are approaching the summer months when we will undoubtedly see an increase in tourists visiting Highland Perthshire and, as a result, a likelihood of more accidents on the A9 Perth to Inverness Road. I know the Scottish Government have stated they should complete the dualling by 2035 but I will keep pressing to try to move things on.

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.

Dave Doogan MP - Angus and Perthshire Glens - SNP It’s not a political observation so much as a demonstrable geographic fact, Westminster is a long way from Perthshire.

Perhaps I and your former MP Pete Wishart are uniquely placed to have an appreciation of just how far away and the challenges involved in getting there and home again every week. Nevertheless, if you set out to persuade a Scottish constituency that you wish to be their MP in Westminster, then you had better get used to travelling a lot, whatever the distance, it is not a surprise.

So, Scottish MPs need to just get on with it, fair enough. Interestingly it’s actually more complex than that. We Scottish MPs are reasonably well connected to London by rail and air if not by road, so things are actually considerably better for us that say MPs in West or North Wales, in Northern Ireland or the South West of England.

I raise this, not because I am looking for sympathy for Scottish MPs, obviously. But with specific regard to how it affects access to Parliament for constituents and school children in particular.

In any given week in the Westminster Parliament as I am going about my business, I am moving through great swathes of members of the public in groups and individually who have made a visit to parliament and especially, schools.

With confidence in politics straining and voter turnout at genuinely alarmingly low levels, there has never been a more important time to get the next generation of voters engaged and informed with democracy and the electoral process. That’s why I was so pleased to meet with S5 & 6 pupils form Breadalbane Academy in February who had engaged with the Parliament’s outreach service, applied for the funding and made the visit up and down on the sleeper train.

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Parliament recognises the challenges for schools that are further away and there is support with the costs available. Not one of my secondary schools visited Parliament in the last term between 2019 and 2024 and so far, only Breadalbane have gone the distance. All secondaries in my constituency can get the Sleeper Train from Pitlochry, Montrose, Perth or Dundee and open the door to a memorable and meaningful visit to Parliament as part of their Modern Studies or History Higher. I will be writing to all secondaries across Angus and Perthshire Glens to encourage them to follow Breadalbane’s lead.

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP As we head into summer, Highland Perthshire will soon welcome an increasing number of visitors to our town.

As one of the most scenic areas in Scotland, Highland Perthshire has naturally become a favourite destination for people heading further north, holidaying or simply enjoying a relaxing day trip during the warmer months.

The region truly offers something for everyone. From friendly cafes and restaurants to big-brand shops and scenic walking routes, Highland Perthshire packs so much into a small part of Scotland.

Over the past number of years, it has been fantastic to see the region continuously enhancing its appeal with new and exciting additions to the area.

The Enchanted Forest has proven to be hugely successful, with tickets now on sale for the 2025 edition.

The Pitlochry Festival Theatre has gone from strength to strength, wowing audiences with a series of spectacular productions and cementing its reputation as one of the finest theatres in the UK. And the Etape Caledonia continues to bring thousands of cyclists to the region, with the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire proving to be a fantastic backdrop for those taking part in the race.

It is wonderful to see so many people enjoying the best of what Highland Perthshire has to offer.

Across towns and villages, there has been a concerted effort to make the area as accessible and welcoming as possible, and I believe that this approach is now paying dividends.

I am grateful to all those who work tirelessly to make Highland Perthshire such an attractive place to live and visit. From business owners to employees to volunteers, your combined efforts are ensuring that the region's future is a bright one, and that we can look to the years ahead with genuine excitement.

My office is available to help constituents. Should you require assistance, I am available for appointments. In the first instance, please contact my office via 01250 876 576 or via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot and we will be happy to assist you.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch As an old resident of Pitlochry, I often wonder how we have come to a situation where we are almost entirely dependent on mobile phones and computers to manage our lives and on local organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch, to protect us from them. I remember the days in the early 1970’s when the Town Hall was alive with horticultural shows, furniture sales, community dances, etc.

There were 2 badminton clubs, cinema, amusements, and in the winter there was a Dinner Dance on most weekends in one of the local Hotels. In the summer, if the weather was good, there were house content sales in front gardens, organised by Mr Haggerty. When I came to Pitlochry I needed some tools so I went to one of his sales and bought a big box full for about 50p and at the Continued on page 50

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Free support for small businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed in rural Perth & Kinross

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Pitlochry Life 47

The Elms Aberfeldy ON THE MARKET

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48 Pitlochry Life

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Pitlochry Life 49

bottom of the box was a painting. Many years later I took it to the Antiques Roadshow at Blair Castle where it was valued and sold later for £2K. Ah - those were the days.

Back to reality! Here are a few recent scams to look out for.

Council impersonation Scams - where a cold caller claims to be calling from the local council regarding a claim for Universal Credit. They ask for a few personal details then use the information to claim the money for themselves.

Knowing your rights - According to a recent survey, only 28% of respondents were aware that they could reclaim money from financial institutions after being misled into a sale. If you have placed an order over the phone, or in your home, you have the right to cancel the service with no penalty during a 14 day ‘Cooling off’ period. If you are unsure about your consumer rights contact Advice Direct Scotland (0808 164 6000) Recruitment Scams - These usually begin with a text or WhatsApp message where scammers ask job seekers to sign up to an App or website and earn money by writing reviews for hotel and holiday accommodation. They then ask the person to do some commercial reviews and ask for a £5k deposit in cryptocurrency to be returned when the reviews are completed. This deposit is never returned.

Other scams - Ticket scams continue to increase and in a recent survey, 25% of respondents had experienced a scam. A similar increase has also been found with solar panel scams. Older people seem to be increasingly targeted by emergency locksmith scams, online shopping scams, ‘Hello Mum/Dad’ WhatsApp scams and spray foam removal scams.

Have a good day!

Pitlochry Community Action Trust We were delighted to be one of the beneficiaries of funding support from The Enchanted Forest once again this year.

The Enchanted Forest Community Fund generously supported two exciting projects that we are currently working on and which we will be sharing more information about in the coming weeks – watch this space!

Congratulations to everyone who was successful in securing some of the £83,866 funding awarded in 2025, especially those projects and organisations that are working so hard to help achieve the aspirations set out in the Pitlochry Community Action Plan. The financial support from the Enchanted Forest for local groups and organisations is testament to the efforts volunteers put in every day to make Pitlochry a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

We are also very grateful to the Co-op for donating £250 to go towards the costs of refurbishing the notice board at the central bus stop area on Atholl Road.

Our day-to-day work continues, and as part of that we were pleased to meet with Alan Cumming recently in his new role as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and to share with him a snapshot of what PCAT does.

PCAT is a charitable development trust dedicated to working with the community of Pitlochry and Moulin. Everything we do is informed by the aspirations set out in the Community Action Plan for the area and we are hugely grateful for the generosity of our funders – The Gannochy Trust, CLLD, The Enchanted Forest and the Basil Death Trust - that supports us to do that.

Find out more about PCAT – including how to become a member and support the work of the Trust - on our website www.pitlochryaction.org.uk or by following ‘Pitlochry Community Action Trust – PCAT’ on Facebook.

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Pitlochry Sketchers Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm, in the Café, Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

Looking for a place to be creative, get inspired, and meet like-minded people?

Join the Pitlochry Sketchers – a welcoming space to get creative whilst having a blether. All abilities are welcome, just bring yourself, some sketching things, and a creative mood!

No experience or need to book – just turn up and get creative!

Pitlochry Rotary Club Once again, the Pitlochry Rotary Club will be holding a QUIZ during the Summer and Autumn of 2025, to raise money for the Rotary International Project ‘End Polio Now’. This project has been going since 1985, when Polio was endemic in over 200 countries across the world. As a result of this, an extensive vaccination programme was instigated, and, supported by the WHO, the UN, and Governments, plus the invaluable input from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the number of countries now affected is two, and there is a light at the tunnel!

We hope our community will support this worthwhile project, by buying quiz sheets, which will be available at businesses around the Pitlochry area from late June to November 2025, when the draw for the winner will take place. The winner will receive a voucher of their choice to the value of £30.00.

Help rotary to finally eliminate this devastating disease.

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry We are looking forward to our AGM in June and will then be taking a break from meetings over the summer months.

In the meantime keep an eye out for our quiz sheet is available from a number of shops around the town. As well has having fun working out the clues, you will be in for the chance for a prize and helping to raise money for good causes. Closing date is the 30th of June.

Inner Wheel is an international women's organisation with an emphasis on service with friendship and international understanding. We use our skills to raise money and support communities locally, nationally and internationally. We achieve this through monthly supper meetings with informative and entertaining speakers, social gatherings and community service.

If you would like to know about Inner Wheel then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/InnerWheelPitlochry

Pitlochry and Edradour Community Bonfire Preparations for the Pitlochry and Edradour Community Fireworks Display 2025 has now started. It will be on Saturday 1st November 2025. Get the date in your diary.

Our fundraising will start soon – The Thrift Shop will be from Saturday 2nd August till Thursday 8th August and will take place in the Scout Hall. Later there will be a Raffle.

You can find more information on Facebook – www.facebook.com/Pitlochrybonfire Here’s to another great night with a brilliant firework display.

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Knit & Natter Tuesdays 1pm – 3pm, in the Café, Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

Looking for a place to relax, get creative, and have a good chat?

Join our Knit & Natter group – a cosy, welcoming get-together for anyone who loves knitting, crocheting and company. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter, a crochet newbie, or just fancy a brew and a blether, there’s a welcome for you at the Theatre.

No experience or need to book – just turn up and get cosy!

So if you’ve been meaning to pick those needles back up, or just want a change of pace and some good company, come and join us – because life’s better stitched together.

Pitlochry & District u3a Pitlochry & District u3a whole group meetings have stopped for the summer, although members will be taking part in group activities such as visits to the gardens nearby and the theatre.

Our next whole group meeting will be in September.

The u3a primarily brings together people, who have finished working full time or raising their family, to develop interests and to continue learning in informal and supportive environments.

The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks we also offer interest groups which are led by one of our members - the emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so.

For further information please visit our website https://pitlochry.u3asite.uk or contact our chair smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.

Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel CC At the May meeting of Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council which was held Kynachan Hall, Tummel Bridge, several guest speakers updated us on their respective projects. These included the long-term Forest Plan for Bonskeid Estate; Visitor Management at Tummel for the upcoming season; and development plans for a Highland Fling adventure hub at Killiecrankie. All details are in the Minutes, now online at www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk/community-council/minutes.php If you prefer to receive Minutes and community news by email, please join our mailing list. Just contact info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to have your name added.

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled With Easter being so late this year followed quickly by the May bank holiday, riding got off to a rather stuttered start at the end of April. However, with a reduced number of riders, it did provide the perfect opportunity for further training for our great new group of volunteers and on yet another glorious day it was great to be back “in harness” again. Our lovely new pony took it all in her stride and was the star of the show.

We are immensely grateful to her owners for the huge commitment they are making transporting her quite a distance to Knockdarroch every week.

Now that we are back to our full complement of 4 ponies, we are able to offer riding each week to 12 children who will be coming from 5 different schools in the area. Our aim is to provide Continued on page 60

54 Pitlochry Life

Answers to the May Crossword Across

7 HAWICK 8 LOCALS 9 BIRL 10 ANDERSON 11 GARDENS 13 WINDY 15 BURNS 17 CARSICK 20 MELODEON 21 LINN 22 ASSIZE 23 CHAIRS

Down

1 MARINA 2 MILL 3 UKRAINE 4 CLYDE 5 SCURRIES 6 ALMOND 12 DUNROBIN 14 BANNOCK 16 UNEASY 18 CENTRE 19 LEVEN 21 LEAP

Pitlochry Life 55

MEET THE CHEF: Pavel Dumitru Head Chef

Fisher’s Hotel

We met Pavel Dumitru in the welcoming and

spacious lounge of the Fisher's Hotel on Atholl Road.

Pavel has been the Head Chef here for the last two years, and we took this opportunity to find out about his culinary journey to Pitlochry. He is a vibrant and energetic chef and is bouncing with enthusiasm for his role at Fishers Hotel and Restaurant. Pavel has worked all over the world before coming to Pitlochry some 5 years ago.

Originally born in Romania, he moved to Portugal with his widowed mother and sister as a youngster and went to school there. He loved the climate, the way of life and vividly remembers going to local markets, the pier to see the catch being brought in, and the artisan bakers all making their bread. At 16, after enjoying school and sports, including boxing from the age of 7, he decided that academia wasn’t for him, and he wanted to enter the world of work. His mum, in the restaurant trade herself, knew other hotel owners and a job was secured as a kitchen porter at a large hotel in Lisbon. That first day is still clear in Pavel’s mind. He had never experienced such long hours and hard work.

It was such an eye-opener, but he was determined to succeed. Fast forward 2 years as a KP, and one evening the restaurant was short-staffed and Mr Pires, the manager, asked Pavel to step in and plate the cold salads. Pavel watched the chef take the plate, move the food with precision and produce a great-looking dish. He was blown away by her skill and pride in the job, and he was hooked!

The owner of the hotel, Dona Fatima, spoke with the youngster and asked him what he wanted for his future - to be a KP or something else. He decided he wanted to be a great chef. Donna gave him two books to take with him, Portugal and Its Food and a recipe book. He spent the next 4 and a half years at culinary school in Lisbon learning his trade and earning his qualifications. He then travelled the world- one post for Royal Caribbean saw him 56 Pitlochry Life

cooking for many hundreds of people and sailing the southern hemisphere, especially around Australia.

He then transferred to a world-renowned catering company in Angola, where he cooked for many of the Ambassadors in Angola, including the American and Israeli ambassadors. It was an interesting time for Pavel, and he made many friends. Almost 10 years ago, Pavel came to the UK, and 5 years ago, he moved up to Pitlochry. He finds that Scotland and its people are so warm and welcoming, and he loves his time here. He has 3 boys and a wife who support his career.

His inspiring chefs are Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and chef Pierre Koffmann.

Whilst Pavel’s training was in French cuisine, he still loves his Portuguese and Spanish styles of cooking with fresh locally sourced ingredients, and he has passed that onto his cooking at Fishers Hotel. He terms his food “ honest food”. The ingredients are high quality and cooked simply but beautifully, such as his 10 oz 28 matured rib-eye steaks. “ If you have a beautiful piece of meat, just season it and cook in butter, what could be better?” Fisher’s menu changes seasonally, and Pavel has the discretion to add new beautiful dishes when the ingredients are available, like Sea trout with braised lentils. Fishers source their venison from a local farm, and their jam from Heather Farm. However, you will always be able to have the traditional comfort foods such as Steak Pie or fresh caught Haddock & Chips. The hotel recognises its clients’ traditions and honours them whilst offering new options to keep everyone coming back time after time. Pavel’s team includes himself and 8 other chefs, plus 3 Kp’s. They are kept busy with the Castle Restaurant and The Coach House Bar open daily!

Pavel and his team look forward to welcoming you soon to the Fisher’s Hotel. Events and menus can be seen at www.fishershotelpitlochry.com/thecastle-restaurant. Or, call to book 01796 472 000

Pavel Dumitru’s

Creamy Pan-Fried Salmon with Jersey Royals & Little Gem I ngredients 320g Fresh/Frozen Peas

1 Banana Shallot, finely diced

250g New Potatoes, Jersey Royals (halved if large)

120ml Vegetable Stock

4 Skin on Salmon Fillets, roughly 160g each

240ml Double Cream

60g Butter

4 tbsp Chopped Parsley

3 tbsp Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

80g Back Bacon, cut into strips

M ethod Blanch the peas in boiling water for 1 minute and then refresh in iced water. Drain and leave to one side.

Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins.

Season the salmon with salt and pepper. In a frying pan over a medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together and pan-fry the fish skin-side down for 8–10 minutes until golden brown, then turn over and cook for a further minute. Remove from the pan.

Fry the bacon and diced shallot in the same pan for 2 minutes, before adding the vegetable stock, double cream, potatoes, peas; bring to the boil. Add the parsley and season to taste. Add the Little Gem wedges and simmer for a further 3 minutes.

To serve place two Little Gem wedges in each bowl or plate, spoon over some creamy vegetables and bacon and then place a salmon fillet on top.

Finish with keta salmon caviar or a fried oyster.

E njoy!

Pitlochry Life 57

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

7 7

6 6

3

4

5 5

8

9

7

1

3

5

8

1

3

9

1

2

8 5

2 9 4

58 Pitlochry Life

6

5 4

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

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

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

Pitlochry Life 59

an enjoyable experience and at the same time help them to achieve as much independence as possible on horseback together with learning about the care and welfare of ponies. Later on in the year they will be tested on their progress and Achievement certificates will be awarded. More about this as the weeks go by!!

Four ponies, 12 children – we can never have too many volunteers!! If anybody is interested in joining our group please do contact us through our email address breadalbanerda@gmail.com or ring Vicky on 07786262329.

Pitlochry Library Bookbug session - every Thursday 9.15am - 9.45am Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.

Community Knitting Group - every Thursday 11am - 12.45pm. Do you like to knit or want to learn?

Come along to our community knitting group that meets weekly in the library. We can provide everything you need to get started!

Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library.

Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.

Princh Printing. Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh, a new printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Pitlochry Library. With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries.

Just print, pay online and pick up your items. You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what's more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer.

Details can be found on our website www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-and-computers/ princh-printing Opening hours Monday: Closed, Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 10am - 1pm/ 2pm - 7pm, Friday: Closed, Saturday: 9.30am - 12.30pm, Sunday: Closed Pitlochry Library, 76 Atholl Road, Pitlochry PH15 5BX 01796 474635. pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

The Breadalbane Heritage Society The Breadalbane Heritage Society will resume its monthly illustrated talks in September at the Breadalbane Community Campus in Aberfeldy. From May until August its members enjoy a series of local excursions, culminating in a three-day visit to a different region of Scotland to explore its heritage.

The BHS’s website https://breadalbane-heritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest, and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications.

Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these sites are currently being installed.

In May the BHS sponsored prizes for the best work submitted by students of the Breadalbane Continued on page 62

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Academy following an all-day trip to local places of historical interest. The BHS also provides a free service of assistance with family history research. Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.

Pitlochry Bowling Club: A Great Start to the Season Our Open Day on Saturday 19th May was a fantastic start to the season — filled with friendly faces, plenty of sunshine, and a touch of chilly wind to keep us on our toes!

Following a warm welcome from our President, John Anderson, our Secretary Agnes Naylor officially opened the green by throwing the first jack. The afternoon’s games saw the President’s team take on the Vice President’s team, with plenty of fun and friendly competition throughout. We were delighted to welcome visitors and members from Blair Atholl and Grandtully Bowling Clubs, and it was great to see such a good turnout.

After the games, everyone enjoyed a lovely tea in the clubhouse — a big thank you to all the bakers, and helpers who made it such a treat! Congratulations to the Vice President’s team, who took home the win in this year’s challenge.

Our green is now open for the summer!

Opening times: Sunday to Friday: 2pm – 4pm. Tuesday & Wednesday mornings: 10am – 12 noon Visitors welcome – £5 per person. Children accompanied by an adult play for free!

Need a different time? Just give us a call – we’ll do our best to help.

We’ve also started our North Perthshire League defence and many of our internal competitions are well underway.

We’re pleased to once again welcome everyone to our Monday Morning Coffee Mornings, where for just £4, you’ll enjoy tea or coffee along with home-baked scones, pancakes, and other delicious goodies – all served with a warm welcome from 10am to noon.

And don’t forget our popular Bingo Nights – happening on Mondays 2nd, 16th, and 30th of June at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Open to all and always a great night out!

If you’d like to know more, feel free to ring John: 07833 664121 or Agnes: 01796473551.

Or follow Pitlochry Bowling Club on Facebook to stay up to date with all our news.

Blair Atholl Golf Club We would like to congratulate Susan Graham who has qualified for the Medal Final at The Carrick Course, Loch Lomond. Susan finished 4th in the qualifying round at Loudoun to earn her place. We wish Lesley and Janette the best when they play at Peterculter in another qualifying round. Lesley and Janette have also made it into the 4th round of the Coronation 4's which is a national competition. Well done ladies.

We have 3 Open competitions this year. The first is a Senior Gents Open 55+ on Tuesday 24th June. The next is a Ladies Tri-am on Saturday 5th July and our last one is a Gents Open on Saturday 6th September. If you fancy playing in any of the Opens you can enter through the Blair Atholl Golf Club website or Golf Empire. We would love to see you.

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If competition is not your thing, why not just come and play our lovely course for pleasure. Visitors can play 9 holes for £15 or 18 holes for £25. Bring your friends and after your golf enjoy a drink and a bite to eat on our decking with lovely views.

You will always get a warm friendly welcome at our club.

Blair Atholl Bowling Club April 26th marked our Opening Day and, going with tradition, we welcomed guests from Pitlochry and Grandtully Bowling Clubs along to help us mark the occasion. And going with tradition, the weather wasn’t at its best either with a chill wind and rain both playing their part in proceedings.

Two teams representing the club’s President and Vice President fought out an exciting match with the Vice President select winning in the region of 53-37. It may only have been a friendly but let’s just say, on a personal level, there is room for improvement.

Unfortunately, work commitments in the opening of the Roundhouse Inn prevented our sponsor, Stuart Richardson, from throwing the opening jack, but if the numbers attending the opening week end are anything to go by, the venture should prove to be a great success.

We must thank Stuart again for agreeing to sponsor the club over a three year period as it has allowed the committee to have the green specially treated over the close season. The initial results look good across the whole surface which hopefully will stand the test of time during another busy session.

The list of league matches has been sent to all members with a hard copy in the clubhouse. As we maintained throughout last season, new members are essential and will be made most welcome at the club where bowls and shoes are available, free of charge. Club nights are Tuesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00.

Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band Band practices on a Wednesday night are busy for the forthcoming competition season and we also have a few more weekend ones planned. For the school holidays we hold our practices in Blair Atholl Village Hall.

Last month, Siobhan played at the war memorial in Pitlochry for the VE Day 80 Commemorative beacon lighting ceremony.

If you would like more information on the band or our learning tuition, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796 481456.

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band By the time you read this the band will be in full swing!!! We played at a Beat Retreat on the 14th May down at the Britannia, our Highland Nights will have started, we'll have manned our tombola stall at the Atholl Gathering and the Grade 4 band will have had their first competition at Dollar Academy.

On the 1st June, the Grade 4 band will be competing at Markinch, the 14th June solo competitors will be at the Aberfeldy Mod. On the 15th June the Grade 2 band will be competing at the Edinburgh Pipe Band Championships at George Watson's College.

Continued on page 66

64 Pitlochry Life

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This Month’s Tricky Sudoku 7

5

8

How to play............

9 8

2

7

5 1

9

2 5

8

3

6

7

4

4

1

5

7

4 9

6

3

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!

1 Pitlochry Life 65

On the 16th June we are hoping to have an American choir, The Robert Sharon Singers, who are touring the country, sing at our Highland Night. Please keep a look out for media posts!!

The 21st June will see both the Grade 2 and Grade 4 bands compete at the Benarty competition at Lochore.

It's going to be a busy month. Hopefully we get nice dry nights for our Highland Nights which are every Monday from the 26th May to the 1st September. Please let all your guests know about them.

Many thanks. Gillie gmcnab00@aol.com 07733152223.

GrowBiz June marks the start of the summer months, and the new season brings opportunities to get involved with GrowBiz and grow your rural business, as well as your own confidence and skills.

Grow your business: If you’re thinking about becoming self-employed or in the early stages of starting up, speaking with a GrowBiz Enterprise Facilitator can give you the confidence, motivation and knowledge to get going.

If you’ve been running a business for some time, chatting with one of our team can help you work out what to do next. This could be anything from taking on your first employee, to creating a website, to improving your work/life balance.

Grow your confidence: Would you like to be more confident, get better at making decisions, or get clarity on your goals?

You could benefit from joining our mentoring programme.

If it’s a specific idea or task that you’re feeling unsure about, you can book a half hour slot at an online drop-in session on Thursday afternoons to chat with an Enterprise Facilitator, who can give you the support you need to move forward.

Grow your skills: GrowBiz holds regular online learning sessions on useful topics to help you develop the skills needed for your business. For example, on 10th June we’ll be discussing new ways to reach your customers online.

We also hold ‘coffee mornings’—networking events where you can connect, learn from and be inspired by other business owners.

Find out more about all GrowBiz services at www.growbiz.co.uk

The Health and Wellbeing Café The Health and Wellbeing Café is held in the Salvation Army Café, King Edwards Street, Perth every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 to 4pm. The Café is also facilitated by the Health and Social Care Partnership.

The café offers a warm, safe place where people can attend to gain information, advice and be sign posted to other services/agencies. It offers the opportunity to socialise with others and meet various attending services. The café is open to all, and refreshments are available.

The Meeting Place We meet every Friday morning from 10-12 in the Duchess Anne church hall in Dunkeld. Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee, delicious home baking and good company. Further details from mascott47@aol.com Continued on page 68

66 Pitlochry Life

Quality Fencing and Hardware Direct from Your Local Sawmill Kiln Dried Hardwood Logs Soowood Offcuts – Kindling Trade & Public Welcome Delivery can be arranged Monday – Friday 8am – 4.30pm 01350 727516 manager@murthlysawmill.co.uk www.murthlysawmill.co.uk Kingswood, Murthly, PH1 4HT

Authorised Dealer

Pitlochry Life 67

Table Tennis Tryst Pitlochry Looking to do something different. Whether you can play or not come and join us and have a go.

Every Thursday 2 - 4pm, your first time is free. Equipment is provided.

Further details contact Irene 07546479249.

The Scottish Episcopal Church Offers all a warm and inclusive welcome to all Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane Rector: The Rev Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet.com Website: www.hplc.scot Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/highlandperthshirechurches Episcopal Churches in Highland Perthshire June 2025 all are welcome at services in our churches and on Zoom. Check our website for updates.

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

Holy Trinity is open regularly from Easter to Christmas, Serenity Garden is open Daily.

Sunday services 9.30am Holy Communion/Communion by Extension/ Café Communion.

Sunday 15 June Joint Service for Trinity Sunday, followed by Lunch with Kilmaveonaig, St Andrews & All Saint.

Sunday 29 June 11.15 am Joint Service at St Andrews.

Book Group. Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details.

Garden Group 11.00am to 1.00pm on Tuesdays.

Coffee Mornings 1st Thursday of the Month 10.30 am to 12.00noon. th

th

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

Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230.

Kilmaveonaig is open daily.

Sundays at 11.15am Holy Communion/Matins/ Communion by Extension.

5th Sundays Joint Service with Holy Trinity & All Saints (see Website for location).

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

Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416.

Sundays at 11.15am Holy Communion/Matins/Service of the Word/Communion by Extension.

Sunday 29th June 11.15 am Joint Service at St Andrews.

5th Sundays with Church of Scotland (see website).

House Group 10.00am Last Wednesday of the month.

All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square Contact – Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005.

First Sunday of the Month 9.30am Holy Communion.

1st June 9.30am Holy Communion.

Sunday 29th June 11.15 am Joint Service at St Andrews.

5th Sundays Joint Service with Holy Trinity & Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location).

Zoom Services Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services (see Website).

Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer.

Continued on page 70

68 Pitlochry Life

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Call Debbie on 0754 5299491 to secure your space Pitlochry Life 69

Jehovah’s Witnesses You are welcome to join us at the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. If you have a Bible, bring it with you; if you would like a Bible, we offer copies without charge. If you would like a lift to the meetings, get in touch using the information below.

Sunday 1st June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘The Flood of Noah’s Day and You’. A discussion: ‘Keep Walking By Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)’.

Tuesday 3rd June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 16, ‘Three Questions That Lead to Good Decisions’, ‘What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 16:3?’, ‘Find Joy in Disciple-Making’.

Sunday 8th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Will You Take Your Stand For True Worship?’ A discussion: ‘Jehovah’s Hand Is Never Too Short (Numbers 11:23)’.

Thursday 12th June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 17, ‘Enjoy Peace in Your Marriage’, ‘What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 17:17?’, ‘Cultivate Habits That Promote Good Communication’, “Bearing Thorough Witness”, Part Three—Acts 28:30, 31.

Sunday 15th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Continue Forgiving One Another Freely’. A discussion: "Choose for Yourselves…Whom You Will Serve” (Joshua 24:15)’.

Thursday 19th June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 18, ‘Speak Refreshingly to Those Coping With Health Challenges’, ‘Do You Believe in Creationism?’, ‘Helping Loved Ones Draw Close to Jehovah “Without a Word”’.

Sunday 22nd June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Keep Growing in Your Relationship With God’. A discussion: ‘“Drawing Near to God Is Good” for Us! (Psalm 73:28)’.

Thursday 26th June, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: Proverbs 19, ‘Be a True Friend to Your Brothers’, ‘God Has a Name’, “To the Most Distant Part of the Earth”, Part One. Sunday 29th June, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Paying Attention to the Prophetic Word’. A discussion: ‘Drawing Close to One Another Is Good for Us! (Psalm 133:1)’.

Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth. Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience—ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www. jw.org you will find the Bible’s answers to life’s big questions.

Pitlochry Baptist Church Atholl Road, PH16 5BX www.pbcweb.net Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) • Sundays in June:Our Worship Gathering takes place in our building every Sunday from 10:30am. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. For young people, we have a full programme for babies through to teenagers. We look forward to welcoming you.For the children in June:The Pitlochry Youth Cafe for secondary aged teenagers takes place on Tuesday 17 June from 3.30-6pm.

• Then, our building is transformed for the Stay&Play babies and toddlers group which runs from 10am-12pm on Wednesday mornings. The final session before the end of school term is on Wednesday 18 June. Stay&Play resumes after the school holidays.

• And then later on in the week, the Friday Night Youth Club runs 2 sessions: (1) 6.30-8pm for primary 4-7 children; (2) 8-9.30pm for secondary aged teenagers. The final session before the end of school term is on Friday 20 June. The Friday Night Youth Club resumes after the school holidays.

Continued on page 74

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FIRE IT UP! There’s nothing better than a lazy summer afternoon, family, friends, cold beers and the tempting aroma of a smoky barbeque.

There is something strangely satisfying about barbequed food, but it doesn’t happen all by itself; there are a few basics essential to that well cooked barbeque flavour.

need is a lid. It locks in flavour, keeps the temperature constant and can be used as an extra technique. Without one you can’t do ‘beer can chicken’, or melt cheese on burgers, or smoke ribs…

GET THE RIGHT BARBECUE

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing really wrong with a gas barbeque. They are quick to light and heat up and you can adjust the temperature with the turn of a knob. The gas can last weeks, if not months and there’s no ash to clean up afterwards. Ok, they are more expensive than charcoal barbeques, they are heavier, more awkward to move around and take up a lot of space when storing over the winter. However, you can fire them up in any weather, at any time of the year, and 10 minutes later they are ready to go. There is something lacking though, and it’s what barbequed food is all about – that smoky flavour. Without that distinctive taste you might as well be cooking in your oven.

So, to capture that distinctive barbeque taste, there are two things you need. The first is it has to be a charcoal. The second thing you 72 Pitlochry Life

USE THE RIGHT FUEL Don’t leave it until the last minute and pick up whatever is left on the forecourt at the garage.

As soon as the sun shines, charcoal flies of the shelf, so plan ahead and keep a bag handy. Being prepared can make a huge difference, because the charcoal you use changes the way your food tastes and the daddy of them all is lumpwood charcoal – the stuff that looks like burnt tree – it will give the

Hold your hand about 5inches abovethe grill and see how long you can hold it there comfortably. Do not burn yourself!!

6 seconds = low heat, 4 seconds = medium heat, 2 seconds = hot, 0 seconds = searing.

best flavour, it lights quickly and produces very little ash. Then there are briquettes. They are cheaper, do burn longer, are easy to maintain at a constant temperature and definitely produce a better taste than gas, however they are made from wood by-products, coal dust and other ‘additives’ that can give off a chemical smell when first lit. Lumpwood then.

If you’re a bit of a pro, try adding wood chips to your charcoal. Hickory and oak are great with fish and pork, while cherry and apple wood add a sweetness to most meats. Just soak half what you’ll use in water to make it last, then add it all once lit.

WAIT FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT TO COOK Patience, patience and patience, in that order.

You need to wait for the flames to die down

(flame-grilled is a very misleading term!) You want the coals white hot – by which I mean grey and glowing. That’s the hottest and evenest heat.

GET THE TEMPERATURE RIGHT You need to control the temperature across the grill. The easiest technique is the half and half – put all the coals to one side, so you have hot on one side and no direct heat on the other.

Now you need to control the heat, just like an oven and the best way to gauge it is with your hand.

GET THE RIGHT TOOLS We’ve all lost a sausage down a grill or flipped a burger over the edge. Well, get yourself a decent fish slice, a heavy-duty oven glove, maybe even a fish grill basket thingy and if nothing else, invest in a decent pair of tongs, long ones, or you are only going to have 2 seconds or less! They give you the most control, and reduce the chances of dropping anything between the grills

RIGHT, LET’S GO The food is your choice. Don’t let it burn, use the cooler side to make sure it is cooked all the way through. Don’t keep poking, prodding, flipping or squashing it down, you will lose all the juice. That brings us on to marinades – be adventurous, whether out of a bottle or home made they can make a huge difference.

Finally, try making your own burgers, there are hundreds of recipes out there, but even using just minced beef, with salt and pepper will produce fabulous results.

Don’t forget fish, it barbeques beautifully!

• Other events in June:On Sunday 22 June at 4:00pm in Pitlochry Baptist Church, there’s a Thanksgiving Service for the work of the Atholl Baptist Centre over the last 55 years.

• On Friday 27 June at 2:00pm in the Atholl Centre we have a Summer Special Quiz afternoon.

Entry is free, with donations welcomed.

For quick & easy access to information on our website and social media pages, scan this QR code. Do this by:(1) Open the camera app on your phone. (2) Hold your phone so that the QR code appears in view. (3) Tap the notification to open the link in your browser.Alternatively, if that gives you a headache, visit our website or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current up-to-date information.

Pitlochry linked with Blair Atholl & Struan Churches of Scotland Minister: Rev Mark Foster (MFoster@churchofscotland.org.uk) Pitlochry Church Session Clerk: Ginnie Wilkie 01796 472791 Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk Sunday Services: Sunday worship is at 10.00am in Pitlochry Church. We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. Tea/coffee and biscuits are served in The Tryst Lounge following the service. There will be a joint service with Blair Atholl & Struan Church of Scotland on Sunday 29th June at 10.00am.

Day Care: This continues in The Tryst Lounge on Tuesdays from 10.00am – 2.00pm and on Thursdays from 10.00am – 3.00pm. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from these activities, please contact the Day Care team at The Tryst for details.

Wednesday Coffee & Chat: Tea, coffee and biscuits from 10.30am till 12.00 noon in The Tryst Lounge. Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people.

Table Tennis: Meet weekly on Thursdays 2.00pm until 4.00pm in The Tryst Hall.

Church Office: The Tryst, for all enquiries and deliveries contact by email thetryst@btconnect.com or telephone 01796 474010. The office is open from 9.30 – 11.30am Tuesday to Thursday. Emails and telephone messages are checked regularly.

Blair Atholl & Struan Church Session Clerk: Harold Ingram 01796 481275 Sunday Services: Worship is at 11.30am in Blair Atholl Church. There will be no service in Blair Atholl Church on Sunday 29th June.

We invite you to our Coffee Corner, in the church hall on Thursdays from 10:30am – 12noon.

RC Parish of St Bride St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AJ St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 OBJ Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu MA MSP Tel: 01796 472174 email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Sunday Mass Times St Columba’s Saturday Vigil 6.00pm Our Lady of Mercy 9.30am St Bride’s 11.30am Continued on page 76

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Pitlochry Life 75

Weekday Mass Times Our Lady of Mercy Tuesday 9.30am, St Bride’s Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30am Holy Days of Obligation St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30pm, St Bride’s 7.00pm For further information please refer to our Facebook page.

We are very happy to welcome visitors to our Parish to worship with us and each Tuesday and Wednesday we light candles and pray for their needs and intentions.

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

Session Clerks: Anne Randle - 07710421974. Edward Elworthy - 07770842502.

Every Sunday service at 10.30am.

1st Sunday of the month Coffee/Tea following the service.

All Welcome.

Rannoch Church of Scotland Interim Moderator: Mr Lorimer Gray. Tel: 01887 827316 or 07740 378910.

Email: lorimer.gray@gmail.com Sunday June 1st - Sunday worship at Braes Church at the west end of Loch Rannoch. The service will start at 12.30, with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 12 noon before the service starts. (No morning service on June 1st in The Old Church of Rannoch.)

Sunday June 8th, 15th and 22nd - Sunday worship at 12 noon in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30am before the service starts.

Sunday June 29th - Communion Service at 12 noon in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30am before the service starts.

The Baha’i Faith: On Education At this time of year many young people in our communities are entering the most challenging process yet in their education: exams in topics which could affect the rest of their lives. It can be a painful process but, like climbing a mountain, the effort brings its own reward.

Baha’is are encouraged to go on acquiring knowledge throughout their lives and this includes getting to know oneself which we believe this gives man the ability to know God. In Bahá’u’llah’s words: “Knowledge is one of the wondrous gifts of God. It is incumbent upon everyone to acquire it.” And “Knowledge is as wings to man’s life, and a ladder for his ascent. ….

Such sciences should be acquired as can profit the peoples of the earth, and not those which begin with words and end with words. ..In truth, knowledge is a veritable treasure for man…” Of all creatures, man alone has been given the capacity to choose his own destiny.

Children’s classes for the younger Primary ages are taking place in Aberfeldy and Pitlochry at week-ends and are available to anyone in the community. There is an adult study group in Aberfeldy on the theme of “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”. In no way are Baha’i groups ‘closed’; participants are able to share their own beliefs. You can contact Mark at markcrenshaw9@hotmail.com or Rachel at rachelhelenab@hotmail.com or share a coffee and chat with Hilarie at the Highland Chocolatier.

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Pitlochry Life 77

The Atholl Medical Centre Ferry Road, Pitlochry.

Tel: 01796 472558

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

Thursday 10am-1pm & 2pm-7pm, Saturday 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.

78 Pitlochry Life

The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary resources

Pitlochry Life 79

The Pitlochry Crossword

ACROSS

By Lesley

DOWN

1 Sam’s pie produced blockage (7) 1 Slowly move, north or south in Perth (4) 5 Every other Tenby bus goes back (4) 2 Perhaps garden landscape artistically displayed (3) 9 Let casino evolve - Perthshire doesn’t have one (9) 3 For example, Irish compilers (7) 10 Alternatively, has a paddle (3) 4 Loch thrice polluted (6) 11 Fair for example, I’ll report (4) 6 Extensive Fiesta possibly on Arran (9) 13 Old hay I mistakenly leave (7) 7 Showered, read spy novel (7) 14 Faskally perhaps in favour of starting 8 Elephant perhaps brewed ales (4) European Summer Time (6) 12 Terry’s hat lost by Loch Lubnaig (9) 15 Separate Ian from musical instrument 14 Chips in America containing A.I.- they’re not deal? (6) real (7) 18 Land between Lewis and Harris perhaps, 16 French mark all dice differently (7) Smith built with us (7) 17 Requesting, like Charles (6) 20 Useless end of movie, man (4) 19 Skip, lassie! (4) 22 Spicy ending but not hot! (3) 21 Old Degas retrospective held (4) 23 Protection now and again saving Highland 24 Loch, sacred off and on (3) village (9) 25 Distort small London gardens (4) 26 A red dug, out of control, given protection (7)

Answers for May on page 55

80 Pitlochry Life

repairs setups fretwork modificaaon electronics pickups guitar builds gui

restoraaon lutherie parts inlays paintwork trade buy/sell buy

www.perthshireguitarservice.co.uk info@perthshireguitarservice.co.uk 07834 375753 facebook/perthshireguitarservice

Pitlochry Life 81

HOROSCOPES

BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

For June 2025 June is traditionally a lively month as the inquisitive sign of Gemini comes to the forefront, emphasising the opportunity for good, positive communication and the challenge of new ideas and open discussion.

We have an abundance of Fire and Air signs, suggesting that this month will be a bit of a roller coaster.

Aries, Leo and Gemini are the dominant signs, causing lots of hot air and bringing all the action.

Maverick planet Uranus is almost at the end of Taurus, the money sign, suggesting that we can expect some significant financial changes in the world economy. Stern Saturn has just arrived in Aries, joining Neptune, planet of imagination and dreams. The arrival of these two major planets in Aries will significantly change the astrological landscape for years to come. Neptune stays in Aries for the next 14 years and Saturn for 2 ½ years. Aries is the sign of new beginnings, this will be a challenging time, but also offers wonderful opportunities for deep personal transformation, as we are forced to confront fears and limitations and embrace new possibilities. Expansive Jupiter is also changing signs this month, moving from curious Gemini to sensitive Cancer - emotions may run high after the 10th.

Motivational Mars remains in fiery Leo until the 17th offering enhanced creativity, self-confidence and bags of enthusiasm. The full moon is in Sagittarius on the 11th and the new moon is in Cancer on the 25th.

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 Saturn has just arrived in your sign for a long stay of 2 ½ years. June offers the start of a transformational journey of new beginnings. Saturn in your sign pushes you to take ownership of your actions and evolve accordingly. Be sure to review your options carefully before making any big decisions. Dynamic Mars, your ruler, offers renewed confidence and creativity in fiery Leo until the 17th TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21 The Sun, Jupiter and Mercury in Gemini are all in your financial sector at the start of the month. This suggests that your values and your finances are in the spotlight as some major choices will need to be made. Venus, your ruler, arrives in your sign on the 6th, this bodes well for making new plans. Mercury arriving in Cancer on the 9th suggests that renewed intuitive ability should be available to you.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 June is your birthday month, your insights and communication should now be at their peak ready for new ideas, and even a change of direction in your career. Jupiter will leave your sign on the 10th arriving in Cancer for a one year stay. This major move highlights your financial situation and may offer some interesting solutions to a long term problem that has been bothering you.

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22 June is an important month for Cancerians, as Jupiter, planet of expansion and growth, arrives in your sign for a one year stay. This move offers you a more positive approach towards the future as your chances of success are looking much more settled. Action planet Mars remains in creative Leo until the 17th, ample time for some far reaching plans to be drawn up.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23 Connecting with friends and inspirational new groups could turn out to be the most exciting part of your life during this month. The Sun is in pivotal positon for ensuring that plenty of opportunities come your way.

Abundant Jupiter, arriving in Cancer on the 10th, looks set to bring up some interesting career opportunities, be sure to use your intuition to make the right decisions.

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22 Mercury, your ruler, arrives in intuitive Cancer on the 9th, with the radiant Sun already illuminating the highest point of your chart, this month looks all set for big changes surrounding your goals and ambitions. More action is on the cards as Mars arrives in your sign on the 17th. Freedom is on your mind and the spirit of joy and adventure is looming large.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23 The Gemini Sun shines high in your chart, suggesting that June is the perfect month for reviewing any innovative ideas you have concerning broadening your horizons and stepping up your further education. Mars is in courageous and creative in fiery Leo until the 17th and Venus arrives in Taurus on the 6th, all excellent cosmic placements for a bright future.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Energetic Mars in Leo shines brightly and creatively at the highest point of your chart. Adventure and change are on your mind and this is an excellent time to bring your long held plans to a head. Mercury, in intuitive Cancer from the 6th suggests that new insights on a project you have been working on can now come to fruition. The Sagittarius full moon on the 11th offers an exciting new dimension to your life.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 Love, romance and possible new partnerships are all in the spotlight this month. Cosmically, Aries and Gemini energy are a strong focus as both signs indicate that things are likely to work out if you put your heart and soul into your endeavours. Forceful Mars arrives at your work angle on the 17th, new initiatives will be on offer if you take the plunge, it’s time to discover inspirational new ways forward.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Expansive Jupiter arrives in your relationship sector from the 10th. This major move may stir up an issue that has been bothering you for quite a while. The Gemini Sun shines a light on a creative solution, and love planet Venus in down to earth Taurus can help you to be both intuitive and practical and get the very best out of this cosmic potential by making the right decision.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18 June is the perfect month for social activities as the lively Gemini Sun shines brightly on new friendships, and even on the possibility of a new romance! Action packed Mars, in Leo until the 17th, offers renewed courage and optimism, lifting your spirits to a new height. The potent Cancer new moon on the 25th suggests that a new creative phase is about to begin.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20 Saturn and Neptune have joined forces at the financial angle of your chart, this means that an overhaul is now necessary. Money planet Venus arrives in Taurus on the 6th offering a guiding light and emphasising the importance of being open to new people and ideas, and of letting your own intuition be your guide. Be open to receiving reassurance from those around you.

Christine is a professional astrologer offering private consultations in astrology, life coaching and Bach flower essences.

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH these challenging times, these challenging times, 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. Reach your fullest potential during 2025 by booking an astrological reading with me now!

Consultations are available in person, on Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp or by telephone.

Christine Chalklin, Inspirational Astrologer and Life Coach Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com

Website: www.yourguidinglight.org Mobile: 07813 483549

Inverness

Aviemore

Perth

Blairgowrie

Kinloch Rannoch

Rannoch Station

Kenmore

Aberfeldy

Dunkeld

Pitlochry

-

87

57

26

26

21

37

21

14

13

8

Inverness

87

-

30 112 108 80

96

89

99

98

79

Aviemore

57

30

-

83

80

52

68

61

71

70

50

Perth

26 112 83

-

16

47

67

37

31

15

34

Blairgowrie

26 108 80

16

-

45

64

35

30

12

32

Kinloch Rannoch

21

80

52

47

45

-

16

16

18

35

17

Rannoch Station

37

96

68

67

64

16

-

32

34

54

34

Kenmore

21

89

61

37

35

16

32

-

7

24

27

Aberfeldy

14

99

71

31

30

18

34

7

-

18

21

Dunkeld

13

98

70

15

12

35

54

24

18

-

20

Blair Atholl

8

79

50

34

32

17

34

27

21

20

-

in Miles

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© Pitlochry Life 2019

Blair Atholl

Pitlochry

Distance

Pitlochry Life 85

Churches

Accommodation

Pitlochry Rotary Club

52

Fisher's Hotel

11

Jehovah's Witnesses

70

Pitlochry Sketchers

52

The Atholl Palace Hotel

44

Pitlochry Baptist Church

70

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

26

The Green Park Hotel

9

Pitlochry Church of Scotland

74

Pitlochry The People Book

55

The Old Mill Inn

88

Rannoch Church of Scotland

76

Repair Cafe

14

Scottish Episcopal Church

68

Scottish Country Dancing

24

St Bride's Catholic Church

74

Table Tennis

68

Tenandry Kirk

76

The Meeting Place

66

The Baha'i Faith

76

Tryst Walking Group

22,36

u3a

54

Useful Numbers

78

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

64

Attractions Blair Castle

6

Fortingall Art Exhibition

25

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

2

The Atholl Palace Hotel

44

Community

The Old Mill Inn

88

Atholl Centre

28

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

64

Blair Atholl Golf Club

62

Crossword/Sudoko

Breadalbane Heritage Soc

60

Crossword

80

Breadalbane RDA

54

Sudoko

58,65

Climate Cafe

24

Dementia Cafe

18

Dun Coillich

18

Dunkeld Birnam Trad Music

26

Features

Grandtully Strathtay Gala

14

Fire it Up

72

Health & Wellbeing Cafe

66

Fitness

38

Hearing Aid Clinic

14

Horoscopes

82

Highland Perthshire Party

84

Killiecrankie CC

22,23 Map 54 Meet The Chef

Killiecrankie Village Hall

18

Men's Health Week

20

Knit & Natter

54

Pitlochry Garden

32

Mindfulness

22

Pitlochry Tipple

10

Music in Rannoch

26

Recipe

57

Business Services

Neighbourhood Watch

46

SSEN Newsletter

30

Discover Scotland

58

Pitlochry Blair Atholl Pipe Band

64

Willie's Wonky Computer

40

GrowBiz

47,66

Pitlochry Bowling Club

62

Laundry Pro Express

53

Pitlochry Com Action Trust

50

Financial

New Business Advertising

81

Pitlochry Comm Bonfire

52

Macintyre Wealth Manage

65

Ratecard

39

Pitlochry Garden Share

28

Malleny Mortgage Solutions

51

Pitlochry Inner Wheel

52

Pitlochry Library

60

Pitlochry Litter Action

22

Building Services Artstyle Renovations

81

Brodies Timber

51

Done Maintenance

77

Duncan McLean

33

Homecrafts

59

J W Lang Painter

77

McKenzie Strickland Architect

71

Morrison Joinery

59

Murthly Sawmill

67

Pitcastle Sawmill

33

RW Bell Green Energy

77

RW Bell Plumbing

71

Sean Mclauchlan Electrical

59

Stevie G Roofing

59

Suthers Stonemason

43

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Dentist iBlu Dental Care

37

56

Food and Drink

Health & Beauty

Solicitors & Estate Agents

Cidsin Bistro

3

Elaine Burns Podiatry

63

Drinkmonger

27

GRM Podiatry

63

Fern Cottage

19

Hair With Hazel

63

Food in the Park

16

Heartland Hearing

67

Garden Party Karelia House

16

Lesley McLean Footcare

63

Vacancies

Karelia House

43

Pitlochry Osteopathic Clinic

25

Killiecrankie Visitor Centre

15

Rob Mathews Coaching

69

The Roundhouse Inn

Macdonald Bros Butchers

25

Pasha

16

Pinchy's

8

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

2

Live Music

Scotlands Spa Hotel

13

The Atholl Palace Hotel

44

The Atholl Palace Hotel

44

The Old Mill Inn

88

The Ballinluig Inn

19

The Tulach

23

The Castle Restaurant

11

The Green Park Hotel

9

The Inn at Loch Tummel

12,29

Livery Strathtay Livery & Stables

7 88

The Pancake Place

12

The Roundhouse Inn

1

The Tulach

23

The Wee Choo Choo

17

Pest Control

Victoria's

15

Andy Law

61

MPs & Councillors Dave Doogan MP

42,79

John Swinney MSP

46,79

Murdo Fraser MSP

36,79

69

Removals 75

Strowan Cemetery

75

W&K Gerrie

61

Garden Services Chris Mitchell Landscapes

43

Duncan McLean

33

Green Thumb

35

Reid Tree Garden Services

41

Tree Maintenance Services

41

Highland Travel Taxi

65

47

J&H Mitchell

The Old Mill Inn

Gaulds

Taxi & Transport

Homes For Sale

The Old Manse of Blair

Funeral Directors

48

J&H Mitchell

Howes Removals

67

Repairs Perthshire Guitar Services

I N D E X

81

Shopping Cairngorm Gifts

23

Drinkmonger

27

Foot of the Mountain Records

55

Karelia House

43

Macdonald Bros Butchers

25

Malcolm Appleby

29 Pitlochry Life 87

88 Pitlochry Life