Pitlochry Life September 2022

For more informaaon contact Stuart on 07795 474315 or stuart@p-r.scot www.parcroyale.scot Parc Royale, BRIDGE OF TILT, Blair Atholl, Perthshire, PH18 5TE PITLOCHRY LIFE The Best of Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire FREE September 2022 Issue 388

2 Pitlochry Life CONTENTS The Pitlochry Tipple This month Ewan gives a history lesson on Finn Thomson Whisky. Your Community All the news from our MPs, Councillors, Clubs, Groups and Churches. Things To Do! We look at some things to do, out and about in the Pitlochry area. Willie's Wonky Computer Willie looks at Facebook Jail, and how to avoid it! The Pitlochry Garden Sheila looks at jobs in the garden for Autumn and working with the drought. Logierait Viaduct The history of Scotland's only community owned bridge. 2826221864 Deadline for October is 2612The Pitlochry Garden Advertising DebbiePhotography07545299491&Design LynseyEditor07305577953 Williewww.facebook.com/pitlochrylife07906375953 Pitlochry Life Manse Road, Moulin Pitlochry PH16 5EP info@pitlochrylife.co.ukwww.pitlochrylife.co.uk Sudoku31,58Crossword56 Computer22 Page

From our regular columnists we have: the recipe - Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree, Sheila looks at taking care of the garden in very dry conditions. Alan considers food myths, Lynsey has been busy with Dog Behaviour and training tips, Willie’s Computer page looks at how to stay out of Facebook jail and Ewan looks at a distillery making a comeback in his Pitlochry Tipple. With so much to see and do this month we recommend you sit back have a good read of Pitlochry Life and make a plan, don’t forget to include some great food experiences too! Stay safe and see you in October.

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

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

Controlling Your Dog Lynsey gives advice on controlling your dog and keeping it out of trouble.

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Pitlochry Life 3 42 Control Your Dog WELCOME

Live Music continues on a pace this month and we have some great bands again for you. You can see different live bands Fridays and Saturdays at the Old Mill Inn, the Atholl Palace Hotel and Food in the Park - so check out their adverts for more info and don’t miss out. For a small town, we certainly pack a punch when it comes to live events. Not to mention the theatre - don’t miss the big productions this Summer and Autumn including Peter Pan, Shirley Valentine and Little Women.

Welcome to the September edition of Pitlochry Life. As Pitlochry still has many visitors at this time of year, we've put together our suggestion of things you must see and do whilst your are here. I enjoyed testing out the many food ideas immensely.

Fitness With Alan Clinch

This month Alan looks at the top 10 food myths, part 1.

Fitness with Alan

1839 - 1893 - Alexander Thomson moves to Perth and opens a grocers shop on the High Street. He purchases whisky from his cousins Donald and James Thomson at Grandtully Distillery to sell 'Old Grandtully' whisky from his shop in Perth

1772 - James Thomson, Finn's 6x great grandfather is recorded as a tenant farmer who is distilling 'aqua vitae' at Dunvorist Farm near Grandtully.

1908 - Peter Thomson (Finn's great great grandfather) along with his elder brothers Alexander and Charles inherit their father's (Alexander as above) business. In 1908 Peter breaks away from his brothers to set up Peter Thomson's Ltd. In the 1920s he creates the Beneagles blend.

1962 - Finn's Grandfather Michael joins the company in 1962 and drives the company to new heights. Through innovative marketing and design, the Beneagles brand becomes one of the top 10 selling whiskies in Scotland. The ceramic 'birds of prey' and chess set bottlings become collectable and take the brand to new levels. Michael also develops close relationships with some of the top wineries in Europe as well as the powerhouse distilleries of Scotland. Indeed, in the early 80s, Peter Thomson's become the selling agents for Macallan and are the driving force behind Macallan becoming one of the most highly regarded single malts in the world.

1984 - Peter Thomson's Ltd is sold to Reo Stakis but Michael cannily keeps hold of the casks that he had been collecting for the Beneagles blend.

Ewan McIlwraith Robertsons of Pitlochry

2022 - Finn Thomson (the ninth generation of family in the whisky industry) alongside his father Andrew relaunch the family business in the form of 'Finn Thomson Whisky' which will be an independent bottling brand selling some of the old casks laid down by Michael as well as younger casks that Finn has sought out over the past few years. I have known Finn for a number of years now and this new venture will be a huge success. Finn is the full package, passion, great whisky, great packaging and a true gent. I’m delighted to be selling his range of whiskies in the shop.

Through the late 80s and early 90s he does some trading of casks but ultimately allows the collection to slumber away until the next generation of family is ready.

1838 - James and Donald Thomson are the proprietors of Grandtully Distillery which is noted in Barnard's book as being the smallest distillery in Scotland at the time.

Finn Thomson Whisky A potted history, leading to a new and exciting brand

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1939 - Peter dies in 1939 and the business is taken over by his son David. However just months later David departs to France to fight against the German invasion with the 51st Highland Division. He is captured at Dunkirk and spends the remainder of the war in a POW camp. In his absence the business is run by Miss Jean Cameron who was the company secretary. Even after the war Miss Cameron continues to have a prominent role as a company director until her retirement in 1970.

In August alone, there has been several Highland Games across the constituency. There has also been the Perth Show, Perthshire Pride and the new Otherlands music festival at Scone Palace.

This has rapidly become a crisis on the same scale as the pandemic. Experts are calling for urgent action. The public is calling for urgent action. Opposition MPs are calling for urgent action. And yet, the necessary intervention to avert an outright catastrophe remains nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, millions are being forced to make impossible decisions between heating or feeding their children. And the prospect of the situation getting much worse this winter puts us on the brink of a mental health crisis too. The declining standard of living in the UK has also given rise to widespread industrial action. Public sector workers are rightly appalled by the fact that oil giants are making record profits while they are struggling to make ends meet. It is as impractical as it is immoral not to further tax these profits and redistribute it to vulnerable households. These profits have not been earned, as such. They are simply the by-product of the supply and demand imbalance that we are currently witnessing. To suggest that taxing these profits would deter investment is ludicrous. Investors are attracted to economies with a skilled, healthy and competitive workforce, which will cease to exist if we let millions of ordinary households fall into poverty.

The Perth Show was a particular highlight for me. For over 150 years, this iconic event has been a staple on the Perthshire calendar. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with everybody and seeing it all in full swing, from world-class food stalls, to masterclasses, to pet shows.

6 Pitlochry Life Pete Wishart MP - Perth & North Perthshire - SNP

If you are struggling financially, please feel free to contact my constituency office at pete.wishart. mp@parliament.uk or call 01738 639 598 or contact the Welfare Rights Team at Perth and Kinross Council (welfarerights@pkc.gov.uk or 01738 476900 (Option 1)) and we will do what we can to support you.

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The busy summer calendar has been by accompanied some spells of excellent weather. I hope that, whatever your tastes, readers have been had a fun-filled summer.

Perth and Kinross is perfectly placed to host all kinds of events, so it is great to see that potential being realised again.

It has been fantastic to see Perthshire bustling with such a diverse range of events this summer, with many taking place for the first time since the pandemic.

But as the light nights and warm weather begin to fade, the anxiety about how the nation will cope this winter has become palpable. And the situation only deteriorates with each new forecast that comes out. At the time of writing, experts are now predicting that the energy price cap could exceed £5,000 next year.

Earlier in the summer I visited Taymouth Castle at Kenmore, with other local representatives. The castle estate, Kenmore Hotel, Kenmore beach and a number of holidayContinued

Murdo Fraser - Mid Scotland & Fife - Conservative I hope readers of Pitlochry Life had an enjoyable summer and managed to get some time off to enjoy the lovely weather. Over the Parliamentary recess I held my usual surgery tour across Perthshire and Fife, which was not possible for the last two years due to Covid restrictions. It was good to be back out and about meeting people face to face again.

Pitlochry Life properties were bought by an American group, the Discovery Land Company. They are investing more than £300 million to turn the estate in to a world-class resort. It was interesting to see the works that are being done to restore this historic building, and the development will create hundreds of jobs. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the impact on the wider area and where the staff for the resort will live, given the pressures we see on house prices already. I was able to raise these issues with the developers, who were keen to give assurances that accommodation for staff will be provided. It is an issue which I will be keeping a close eye on in coming months.

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Certainly, there is no shortage of issues that the Scottish Parliament must address. With inflation estimated to hit a peak of 13% and energy bills forecast to jump to £4200 a year, it is vital that we are ready and able to do what we can to alleviate the worry and suffering that millions of households across the country will be experiencing.

Of course, the power to take meaningful action on these issues ultimately lies with the UK Government, who have the ability to borrow money and control energy policy. It is clear that significant government intervention is required to address this crisis, and that has been the message that the Scottish Government has sought to convey to our UK counterparts. We are ready and willing to work closely with the UK Government to offer assistance to those in need, and I hope that the UK Government will take the bold steps necessary to address this emergency sooner rather than later.

During the summer recess, I was able to host a large number of constituency surgeries across all parts of Perthshire North. I have always very much enjoyed this part of the job, and it was great to be able to meet members of the public once more without any restrictions.

During my surgery tour, I visited multiple locations within Highland Perthshire, including Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Fortingall, Kinloch Rannoch and Blair Atholl. As I have done for the past 25 years, I am committed to being available and accessible to all of my constituents. It is therefore particularly important that I visit the rural parts of my constituency and ensure that the needs of local residents are being taken into account.

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Whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed the recess, and the opportunity it has given me to immerse myself in my constituency, I am looking forward to heading back to Edinburgh to continue the Scottish Government's efforts to build a stronger, fairer country.

Meanwhile, I was delighted that Network Rail had a change of mind about closing the road bridge that crosses the railway on the A924 at Atholl Road, Pitlochry, near its entrance to Dysart Brae. Their original intention was to close this part of the road for five days. However, the rail company re-thought their plans and instead carried out survey work on the bridge on Atholl Road overnight on August 8 and 9. I know this will have come as a great relief to businesses and residents in Pitlochry as it would have hit them during a busy time for the tourist season.

With the summer recess over, the Scottish Parliament will begin sitting once more.

John Swinney MSP - Perthshire North - SNP

I’m glad Network Rail saw sense after we raised our concerns about this proposed road closure, and I was very pleased that we had a positive outcome to the issue. Network Rail have said that the work is part of their planned improvements to the Highland rail line.

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

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Pitlochry Life I will continue to host constituency surgeries in the weeks and months ahead, and will advertise these on my social media pages, as well as my website. Alternatively, please contact my office directly if you have an issue you feel I can assist with or if you would like an appointment to discuss a problem in more detail. My office can be reached via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot or 01250 876 576

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Call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org - to find out about any available funding and for free advice about energy saving measures. Contact the council to find out if any funding exists.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch Association

Pitlochry & District Climate Cafe “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." John Muir. In a Climate Cafe everyone is welcome to join the conversation on climate change and the issues we face and the actions we can take. September Climate Cafés:- Thursday 1st Sept, 7pm and Tuesday 13th Sept 2022, 1pm (virtual or in person). Venue: Moulin Hall.

Energy products – doorstep scams: Lately, there have been reports from across Scotland of rogue traders visiting properties and offering to install home energy products such as insulation, boilers, and double glazing. Sometimes they have claimed to be working with a local council and using government or council funded schemes. In one case, a cold caller told a householder they would get free insulation if they could prove they were in fuel poverty and asked to see recent bank statements. Never share bank details.

www.sbrcentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Little-Book-of-Big-Scams-Scottish-BusinessResilience-Centre.pdf

It is best never to agree a deal with a cold caller.

Stay up to date with Neighbourhood Watch alerts at: www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk

Scams – prevention: Over recent months we have been getting reports from local residents about scams they have received. These have been online, door-to-door, by post, by phone. Many people described how difficult they find it to spot scams and to know what to do if targeted. The impact has been emotional as well as financial.

Find traders who have been vetted and approved by local Trading Standards officers at www.approvedtrader.scot

If you are considering installing energy saving measures, have an impartial assessment carried out to determine which measures will actually benefit your home.

There is now a free guide, The Little Book of Big Scams. This book warns about 19 types of scams to look out for alongside practical guidance on how to spot them and what to do if you fall victim to one. It can be downloaded and shared with family and friends.

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According to Police Scotland new scams are constantly emerging so it is no wonder that some individuals fall into a trap.

Pitlochry Life 11 01796 472 670 | www.victorias-pitlochry.co.uk 45 Atholl Road, Pitlochry | reservations@victorias-pitlochry.co.uk HOMEBAKINGDINNERBRUNCH Follow us online:  We look forward to welcoming you! Open from 11am midweek and from 10am at weekends, serving brunch, lunch and dinner until late. From our family to yours, we warmly welcome you to Victoria’s. Brunch, Lunch & Homebaking by day Bistro dining & top notch wines from 5.30 pm Book a table Online at www.victo rias-pit lochry.co.uk LUNCH

We are looking for a Minute Secretary and can offer a modest payment per meeting. To receive Minutes and updates from the KFT Community Council by email, please complete the ‘Join Our Community’ form on the website or email info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to have your name added to the mailing list. Our area now stretches from the edge of Bridge of Tilt over to Foss. There are over 130 addresses around Loch Tummel. To be an effective voice for residents in that area, we need to know who they are. So this is a special plea for Tummel residents to subscribe to our mailing list.

C.A.T.H. Churches Action For The Homeless

Killiecrankie, Fincastle & Tummel Community Council

The outreach service will be at the Atholl Centre, Pitlochry on Tuesday 6th September, between 10.00am and 12 midday. We can provide support with Housing issues and Benefit queries/applications. We also provide support to access a range of available services. Please feel free to drop in for a chat, or phone Helen Tilly 07739 858 987.

The next meeting of the KFT Community Council will be held at 7pm on Monday, 19 September 2022 in Killiecrankie Village Hall. Minutes of the last meeting are available on our website: www.kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk

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Pitlochry Life Food Waste Reduction & a Composting Project with PKC - Along with soaring energy prices we are looking at ways to help reduce household’s food shopping bills as well as waste. Therefore, in September we are working with several families in the area who were provided with all the resources and advice needed to take part. Everyone is welcome to our Zero-waste Food Waste Action event in Climate Week on Saturday 1st October 2022 Community Garden Share: It will soon be the fruit picking season again and Pitlochry Garden Share group would like to offer their help in picking fruit to avoid any going to waste. If you have apple, plum and/or pear trees and need some help to pick the fruit, or if you know someone who needs help with this, please contact Anna at pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com or via the Pitlochry Garden Share facebook page. and help spread the word! We hope to join our efforts with Catherine Holmes who has been involved in picking and collecting apples in the past for similar purposes. Following on from the Food waste Project. We are also planning to organise a couple of cooking workshops with the Open Kitchen, a new monthly initiative in Pitlochry where we meet to share old and new recipes, reconnect with food and the love of cooking while limiting food waste. We would like to use some of that beautiful fruit harvest and learn how to make preserves to keep for wintertime and make some pies and cakes to enjoy on the day! Dates and time to be confirmed, but if you are interested, please contact: Carol Aitken caaitken.naturaldesign@gmail.com Website: www.pitlochrycc.co.uk

Atholl Medical Centre Please remember to order prescriptions in plenty of time - allow up to a week wherever possible. Please note the out of hours service is for emergencies only - routine matters can wait until next working day for GPs, pharmacies, etc. Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times with staff shortages.

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www.eatatkilliecra Eat. Drink. Explore. Shop. Learn Enticing Cafe, Visitor Centre and Gift shop overlooking the stunning Pass of Killiecrankie. Afternoon Teas, French Patisserie and hot and cold meals. Homewares, Maps, Books, Children's toys and games, Accessories, Gifts nd more! Afternoon TeasBook and order at... T e l : 0 1 7 9 6 4 7 3 2 3 3

Heartland FM So the schools are back, the routine is normal, whatever that is nowadays, and as we look to Autumn I always think it's a good time to take stock and look at ourselves and how we use our time. I say this because when was the last time you did something for yourself? Me time, learn something new or immerse ourselves in a hobby or new interest? We have all been conscious of mental health during the lockdown and doing something for ourselves is the ideal way of feeling good. One of new volunteers said exactly this, when they started training, never being in a radio studio before was a daunting thought, but with regular training sessions, they now present a regular show and sites this as important “me” time. So here is my challenge to you, why don’t you do the same? We always say Heartland FM is radio for the community, by the community so I would like to have as many local people on air as possible from local news reports, interviews and presenters. So that is where you come in, we will train you to present your own radio show. I have instant volunteer vacancies for Saturday mornings, Saturday afternoons, Sunday afternoons and our sport show which we would love to extend, but need to increase the number of presenters.

If you are interested you must be over 18, live or work within 20 minutes of Kinloch Rannoch or 5 minutes from Dunkeld, Pitlochry or Aberfeldy and have a good level of fitness and eyesight.

Could You Be A Firefighter?

Don’t worry if you have never been in a radio studio before, or never used a microphone, we do all the training and it’s fun and at your pace. You will learn great communication skills, boost your confidence and get your own radio show. So what’s stopping you from giving it a go?

So who will be first to step into the studio and learn? Email me, stationmanager@heartland.scot

Firefighters in Kinloch Rannoch, Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy are looking to attract new recruits to continue to keep their local community safe. The crew respond to emergencies via an on call pager and balance the role with primary employment.

Please email james.black@firescotland.gov.uk or garry.west@firescotland.gov.uk for any more information.

Hope to hear from you. Happy listening - Alistair Smith. Atholl Centre Food Bank –Thank you for your continued support in making donations of food and household items. You, the Community, enable us to continue the Food Bank Service in this area. Over the last weeks we have been hugely

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With technology changing all the time, you have probably heard me saying that I am broadcasting from home, I really am, from my dining room, so if you can’t make it to the studio and fancy doing some stuff from home, there’s no reason you can’t do that too. I hope we can inspire you to be part of what is your local community owned radio station, after all that’s what Heartland FM was set up to do 30 years ago, and three decades later we are winning awards for being the best in the UK.

Firefighters are paid for the work and activities they undertake - including a training night once a week. The crews are appealing to anyone who lives or works within these Highland Perthshire areas to get in touch and find out more.

Changing Places Toilet is now Officially Open. Our picture shows Provost Xander McDade officiated at the Opening of the ‘Changing Places Toilet’.

God’s continued blessings to Iain & Anne Walker.

Helen Kirkwood Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX Registered Charity SC015113 Further information from 01796 473044

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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. Each day food on it’s ‘Best Before’ date is collected from the Coop shop, and is placed in the Community Larder. This is to avoid food waste and to support many with the rising prices at this time. Other items are donated by locals, in order to share with others.

NB: Please note; our new Emergency contact number: 07443 738240

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Garden Share - is also in the Community Larder, sharing fruit & veg that locals have grown in their gardens and greenhouses. The Community Larder is at the Main Entrance to the Atholl Centre, behind the Baptist Church.

Of course, there are times when I want to say, “Don’t touch that, it’s the most miserable thing I’ve ever read,” but my lips stay closed. I remember our charities.

Saturday 30 July 2022, Atholl Centre celebrated Director Iain Walker’s retirement, after 15 years of work. The Team would like to thank Iain for all his good wishes, and for the huge works he has achieved at the Centre, from its beginning. We all hope that Iain will continue to be involved with the Life of the Centre in many ways.

Comments like this make a Bookshop volunteer’s work worthwhile. We sell books to raise money for our charities – heading towards £400,000 at the moment – but there’s great satisfaction in sharing our customers’ joy of books.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop

Recently I spotted this remark in the Bookshop Visitors’ Book. “We dropped in by chance and found a book we have scoured shops in England and Scotland for. Wonderful experience. Thank you.”

“Would you recommend a suspense novel,” asked one woman. “Have you ever read Linwood Barclay?” I replied. “Well, no,” she said doubtfully, her suspicion increasing as I slipped Elevator Pitch in front of her with its cover depicting an out-of-control lift hurtling downwards. “Or there’s A Noise Downstairs” I went on, “where the Underwood typewriter comes to life in the middle of the night. Tick, tick, tick.” She shuddered and left the shop. Two minutes later she was back. “I’ll take them,” she said. I hope she enjoyed them. We were pleased with the extra money for our charities and that’s what’s most important.

Pitlochry Life blessed by a large donation from visiting Scouts at Blair Atholl, and a number of local businesses are generously giving their produce. If you would like to help to prepare parcels, help deliver to homes, or help fund raise, please do get involved. Call in at the Atholl Centre, to meet the FB team.

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18 Pitlochry Life W elcome to Pitlochry Life Magazine’s top things to do in Pitlochry. Whether you’re local, new to the area, or just visiting, we suggest you try them allbecause they’re just fantastic! 1 TOPPERTHSHIRE&PITLOCHRYTOTHINGSDOINHIGHLAND

Let’s start with a good walk - Ben Vrackie. Sitting in pride of place behind Pitlochry, it’s 841metres high (2757 ft) and is a fair hiking challenge! At 5 miles in total, plan to take about 5 hours to do it. You will need warm waterproof clothing - this is Scotland and even on a warm summers day the summit can be quite nippy! Ben Vrackie is also known as the speckled mountain, due to the quartz stones that once covered it; and, is a corbett mountain - a classification for mountains between 2500 and 3000 feet. The car park and walk starts and ends just behind the Moulin Inn, don’t worry it’s well sign posted. high street and it’s where Scotland meets the Mediterranean, offering a Scots/Med food fusion menu from shellfish to venison. It’s another firm favourite with locals too! After your walk you will need brunch, lunch or if you needed more than 5 hours dinner. A couple of our favourites are: Victoria’s Restaurant on the high street. Open daily it serves delightful brunch classics, great speciality coffees and cakes, through to chic evening dining. They make a great steak pie!! Fern Cottage, which is nestled just behind the 2 If a game of tennis or a relaxing spa is more your thing - then try the Atholl Palace Hotel. The Atholl Palace Hotel is a fantastic example of the Scots Baronial style, it’s size is magnificent and it overlooks acres of woodland grounds. There is a museum and games room too! The Lavender Spa will leave you relaxed and spoiled using the powers of natural spring waters. The leisure facilities include a spa bath, plunge pool, steam room, gym and large pool. Perfect to recover after that hike up Ben Vrackie

Afternoon tea at The Green Park Hotel overlooking Loch Faskally is a must. The hotel is owned by the McMenemie family who have been welcoming visitors to Pitlochry for several generations. The loch side view and soothing waters install a calming effect and relaxed ambience throughout the entire hotel. Many visitors return year on year, no wonder, it’s one of the best in Scotland!!

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Pitlochry is world renowned for its theatre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre has plays throughout the year, as well and a beautiful garden to explore and festivals, such as the Winter Words Festival. It truly is a theatre for all. Currently showing Little Women, Around the World in 80 days, Under Another Sky and Sunshine on Leith. Perfect for a rainy day! The town is also renowned for its Salmon Ladder. A great feat of engineering allowing the salmon to by-pass the hydro electric dam. Built in 1951, at 310 meters long with 34 chambers a great example of green energy helping the environment without hurting wild life. The salmon return from their 6000 mile journey in the autumn and leap back up river to Loch Faskally to spawn. It’s well worth a visit anytime of the year and you can enjoy a wee cup of tea in the new SSE Visitor Centre.

The ancient source of it’s water - the Allt Dour - flows through the grounds from its beginnings on Ben Vrackie. There are small group tours daily with very knowledgeable guides telling the history of Blair Athol and its whisky. The tasting is just to die for, you’ll certainly want to take a few bottles home! For bookings: www.malts.com or 01796 482003.

6 8 Pitlochry holds some fantastic live music events, at The Atholl Palace, The Old Mill Inn and Food in the Park Venue - all hosting live acts on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out the listings in the magazine for what’s coming up. Some are ticketed but most are FREE. The bands are well known and they all have a fan following in Pitlochry.

11 A full day might be needed to explore Blair Castle’s 30 rooms and majestic grounds. Home to the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, Blair Castle’s story leads you from Mary Queen of Scots’ visit through the Civil War of 1644, the 1715 Jacobites cause up to Queen Victoria’s visit in 1844 that led to the creation of the only surviving private army in Europe, the Atholl Highlanders. The Gathering in May is a real spectacle. The castles 9 acre walled garden and peaceful wooded groves set the scene for all this history. Beautiful and breath taking. They have several key events during the year including the horse trials and the Atholl Highlanders Marching parade.

5 Perhaps take a drive along the B8019 to Queens View. Queen Victoria made Scotland the holiday destination that it is today and reportedly stood here to admire the waters. There’s plenty of car parking space and its an easy short walk to the viewpoint. It’s certainly a view that will take your breath away.

9 We can’t not mention the water of Scotland - I mean it’s whisky. The Blair Athol Distillery sits at the entrance to the town centre nestled in the foothills of the Grampian mountains.

7PitlochryCheers! Life Team

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. The visitor centre has all the history covered but also a very beautiful little cafe with a fantastic patisserie and delicious coffee, a beautiful setting to remember the battles and enjoy the natural world nearby. You might even see a red squirrel.

Pitlochry Life 19 You can take an afternoon stroll over to the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre for a circular walk that brings you back to Pitlochry when you finish it. Killiecrankie is full of history including the great Jacobite battle of 1689 which took place here and was the only battle the Jacobites were ever victorious in. They had 1000 less men but had the better strategy. Although the Jacobite supporters of King James went on to eventually lose at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. You can have a look at the famous The Soliders Leap - an 18ft wide ravine where allegedly Donald MacBean jumped to save himself from the advancing army!! For lots of videos and information on the battle and re-enactments that take place through July see www.soldiersofkilliecrankie.co.uk

We're looking forward to Pitlochry Games on the 10th September. It's great to have all the Games back on. As well as competing, the pipe band will be having it's tombola stall, so please come along and get some tickets and say hello!!

20 Pitlochry Life Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band

If you are a member of a Rotary Club, it certainly does not mean “All work and no Play!” Our club headed to the Putting Green in Pitlochry for another Putting Competition last month. It was a full field, the weather was perfect and even if the competition was fierce, much fun was had and thoroughly enjoyed by all! Congrats to the undisputed victors: Jenni Moncrieff and John Uytman On a back-to-business note: … if you have not yet purchased one of our beautiful 2022/23 Calendars, please do so? Whether for a Birthday or a Special Occasion, they make such wonderful gifts! We have received some positive feedback so far and best of all, is that 100% of the proceeds of the sales of these calendars will go to charitable causes in our Pitlochry community!

The band were delighted to have picked up runners up spot at the Scottish Championships in Dumbarton recently and by the time you read this, we will have been to the World Championships in Glasgow. We are having our usual fundraising stall at Pitlochry Games and this will also be the last competition of the season. If you want any information on the band, we practice in Blair Atholl Village Hall on a Wednesday evening, contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796 481456, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

The Scottish Championships at Dumbarton was another good day with both bands getting a 5th place in their Grades. Another bonus was that it was a lovely day! The Beat Retreat at Stirling Castle on the 26th July went very well with a band of almost 40 pipers and drummers and a couple of Highland Dancers. Highland Nights have been going really well. On the 8th August we had the Schiehallion Dancers from Ontario and Katie, the wheeled piper, from Dundee. They put on splendid performances and Katie was delighted to play the solo part of Highland Cathedral from her wheelchair. She was amazing. That was the biggest crowd we've had at a Highland Night for many years!! We hold our last Highland Night on Monday 5th September which is always very atmospheric under the floodlights.

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The World Championships haven't taken place at the time of writing this, so we'll let you know how we get on next month!!

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com

Rotary Club of Pitlochry

• Spamming Facebook groups to get new clients.

There is of course an appeals process, however if you are banned for a short period, the appeal may take longer than the ban. Then there’s the risk that they find your behaviour warrants a longer ban than the initial one... Just serve your time and buy the T-Shirt. Willie

It’s easy done and getting more frequent as Facebook (now called Meta, but no-one remembers that) tightens up on its acceptable

• Using a fake account on Facebook. Lots of people do this, being anonymous has its advantages, just don’t get caught out.

Willie’s Wonky

• Posting comments about self-harm or encouraging self-harm.

Computer Factory

• Trolling - posting hateful content just to get emotional reactions from other Facebook users.

• You can’t post on your Facebook wall.

22 Pitlochry Life

Yes,standards.thereare people who get up every morning with the sole intent of upsetting as many people online as possible, and they deserve to be banged up, or have their accounts taken down. For the vast majority of us, Facebook jail time is usually through a throw-away remark that melts a snowflake. Easy done, so here a few tips to keep you on the straight and narrow: Generally, the following type of post is more or less guaranteed to land you some time in Facebook jail.

• Spammy behaviour where you send multiple users private Facebook messages over a short period of time. Or…

• Posting about hacks that would let people steal other user’s private information

• You can’t comment on posts.

• You can’t like posts.

• Posting any image that includes nudity.

• Posting memes with hate speech based on race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

• You can’t post on your Facebook Page.

• Upsetting some sensitive wee soul with a thoughtless comment. (There’s a recorded case of someone being jailed for the one word comment - ‘Idiot!’) So, it’s really quite easy to be thrown in Facebook jail, just from making what you may believe is an innocent post. However, don’t worry. The Facebook community standards team doesn’t immediately apply a permanent Facebook ban. In fact, it takes many, many attempts to get permanently banned. The first time you make a mistake, you’ll likely get a warning, with a note saying that “We understand that mistakes happen”. If you behave yourself at this point, you’ll spend zero time in Facebook jail and no account restrictions will get applied at all. However, if you are a repeat offender you could see yourself facing multiple Facebook account restrictions. And eventually a permanent Facebook ban, in which case you deserve it! This is why it’s a good idea to take the time to understand Facebook rules around community standards and just abide by them. You can read them all at https://transparency.fb.com/en-gb/ policies/community-standards/ Jail time varies from 24 hours to 30 days, then eventually the complete ban for persistent offenders. When you are in Facebook Jail

Ever been thrown in Facebook Jail?

• You can’t post in Facebook groups.

Pitlochry Life 23 Karelia House offers a wide range of Fabrics, Yarn, Accessories and Brother Sewing Machines Open Tuesday Saturday 10am 4pm Karelia House , NR, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2LS TEL: 01887 w822027 ww.kareliahouse.co.uk

Schools are back, summer holidays are over and things are quietening down for many rural businesses. It's time to take a breath and plan ahead. We know the next few months are going to be challenging for a lot of people. Sometimes we are so busy running our business and worrying about the future, we miss out on things that could make our lives easier in the long run. Discussing current struggles and future plans with a supportive and non-judgemental advisor can be an important step towards gaining a better perspective.

Pitlochry Life Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry Inner Wheel is an international women's organisation. Our objects are to promote true friendship; to encourage the ideals of personal service; to foster International understanding and we do this through regular meetings, social events and raise funds to support local and international Thecharities.Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry is looking forward to recommencing its monthly meetings in September. Our speaker will be a representative from 16 Days of Activism, an international campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against girls and women. Members have also been active over the summer looking after the Highland Jewel Garden as you come into Pitlochry from the south.

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Pitlochry New Year Street Party

Facebook page: @PitlochryNewYearStreetParty

Wishing everyone all the best for the remainder of 2022.

Which support options from GrowBiz would you most benefit from?

If you need short term help with a specific aspect of running your business, such as making a funding application or cutting down on costs, you’ll best benefit from a 1-1 chat with an

ContinuedEnterpriseonpage 30

Look at for us at the Table Top Sale in the Town Hall on the 3rd of Sept and the Highland Games on the 10th where we will be raising funds for charities. The club meets in the evening on the fourth Thursday of every month. If you are interested in attending or would like further information, then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com

Pleaseeveryone.email

pitlochrynysp@gmail.com to express your interest in supporting this community event and/or encourage others to do so. It’s been a challenging couple of years but together we can look forward to better days ahead.

Growbiz Finding the right GrowBiz support for you

The committee of the Pitlochry New Year Street Party are keen to hold the event again on 1st January 2023 - the first street party since 2020 and the twentieth since the turn of the century - so a good time for celebration and look forward in positive spirits. However, the committee who co-ordinate the event are low on numbers - so are requesting additional support, particularly from members of the local business community, to share some of the workload. The more individuals we have involved, the lighter the load for

Pitlochry Life 25

At this time of year I would usually say what a wonderful month for gardening! Think of all the bulbs you can plant and all the tasks you can do now while the weather is good and the ground is warm. As I write we are gently tipping towards autumn but this is the fifth year of drought conditions in much of Scotland. As a result, river levels are very low and so are ground water levels. The fields and lawns in the south and east of Scotland are all brown and some trees are already showing signs of distress, losing leaves early.

If you are thinking about planting new shrubs or re-locating older ones, wait until there has been significant and prolonged rainfall so that you are planting into moist ground. This may be early October to allow enough time to re-wet the soil.

26 Pitlochry Life

While you are waiting for the rain to green up the lawn again, clean the lawnmower, sharpen the blade and lift it to a height of at least one and a quarter inches. Mow about every ten days until the end of the season, removing the clippings and always starting from a different corner.

Scarifying and spiking can wait until early next month which will give you time to buy some autumn lawn food. Strong grass will keep out the weeds and moss. Sheila Drummond

To me, the unpredictability of the weather is one of the worst aspects of climate change; seasonal variability sets the clock for farmers and gardeners. So much depends on the amount of light we get and when and how much it rains. This month we will have to pick the day to do the normal things like moving or planting new shrubs. Lawn treatment can wait until the grass greens up a bit but bulbs can still go in at the end of the month, starting with small bulbs and daffodils.

The Pitlochry Garden September

While you wait for rain, weed the borders because weeds compete for valuable resources with your shrubs and perennials. Water by hand if necessary and then cover the spaces between plants with mulch. Use garden compost or newspaper covered with grass clippings or composted medium grade bark. Adding as much humus or rotted vegetable matter as possible to clay soil will help retain whatever moisture there is. Do the same thing in the rows between your vegetable crops. Be on the lookout for pests in both the ornamental and productive gardens and harvest vegetables and fruits as they ripen. Pay attention to the ventilation of greenhouses or poly tunnels; night time temperatures will fall away sharply. Water by mid-morning if possible so that plants are dried off when you close up for the night. If you planted new trees and shrubs last year, or earlier in this season, continue to supply water by hand regularly and mulch around the bases to retain moisture. It usually takes at least two whole seasons for a tree to establish.

Pitlochry Life 27

28 Pitlochry Life

The Logierait Bridge forms a vital route across the Tay for those living by its side, for farmers, businesses and the emergency services. The Bridge forms part of national cycle routes 7 and 77. The Logierait Bridge Company continues to raise funds for its upkeep through subscriptions by local people, businesses and donations from local and national groups. Annual subscriptions for families and individuals is £25 and £60 for businesses. If you would like to know more about the history of the Bridge, the work of the Bridge Company or would like to subscribe or donate please visit our website at www.logieraitbridge.com

LOGIERAIT VIADUCT

On the edge of the village of Logierait is a Historiccommunity.byScotlandonlybecausebridge.uniqueUniqueitisthebridgeinownedyou,thelocalScotland has given the bridge an ‘A’ listing for being of significant Historic and Architectural importance. An engineering marvel the Logierait Bridge was designed by Joseph Mitchell of Inverness. Constructed of wrought iron lattice girders supported by rubble filled cast iron piers, and the shorter spans of plate girder; the Bridge with its cast iron pilasters resembles the stone bridge at Dalguise. The pilasters have no structural function but are mere embellishments insisted upon by the XI Duke of Atholl as a condition of its construction. Being of cast iron construction and not stone did save a lot of money, however the cost of £13,772 then is roughly the equivalent of £1.7 million Builttoday!to carry the railway from Ballinluig to Aberfeldy in 1865 the Bridge facilitated the growth of the town. Dewar’s distillery was able to deliver barley and ship whisky to their warehouses in Perth; farmers could access markets far beyond the locality and following in the footsteps of Queen Victoria and Price Albert a new type of visitor arrived, the tourist! For almost 100 years the Logierait Bridge and branch line served the local community until its closure in 1963 following Beeching’s report ‘The Reshaping of British Railways’. The Logierait viaduct was subsequently sold to the local Kinnaird Estate in 1967 and was converted for vehicle use becoming an essential route for the communities on both sides of the River Tay. In 1991 fearing the Bridge had become unsafe the Estate attempted to close it to public access. The loss of this vital route would have been a disaster for the community and so two committed local residents rallied to prevent its closure. Unopposed by the Kinnaird Estate the interdicts sought were awarded by the High Court in Perth. In 1994 the Kinnaird Estate gifted the bridge to the newly formed Logierait Bridge Company whose only objective was to maintain the road link for the communities on either side of the River Tay. Before the Bridge could re-open it needed an overhaul of new decking, safety rails and repainting and before the work could start the Logierait Bridge Company had to raise £400,000. They achieved their objective and the Bridge re-opened in 2001.

Tony Burgess

Pitlochry Life 29

GrowBiz also runs regular free learning events on a variety of topics, and networking sessions where you can be inspired and motivated by fellow business owners and industry experts. Find out about all our free support services at www.growbiz.co.uk

Continued on page 32

If you’re working on a project and would like some honest feedback, are stuck on how to do a specific task, or just have a question, book a Thursday afternoon drop-in session slot and a GrowBiz team member will be there to help.

If you’re struggling with an aspect of personal development, such as low confidence, uncertainty, or time management and would like some long term support to develop and grow, a trained GrowBiz mentor is the right choice for you.

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled Association.

30 Pitlochry Life Facilitator. Email connect@growbiz.co.uk to request a call.

Tickets available on line at www.pitlochryhighland games.co.uk or on the day.

Pitlochry Highland Games: Saturday 10th September This year we are celebrating 170 years since the commencement of the Games on 10th September 1852. Come along and watch traditional Highland Games. All the usual Events - Highland Dancing, Solo Piping, Pipe Band Competitions, Track & Field Events, Heavy Events. Large selection of Stalls around the arena.

Our Term started on 22nd August and it was lovely to welcome back most of last term’s riders. One of our special pony friends has returned from being out on loan, which will give Amy more time to build the confidence of two new nervous riders. We hope to get them on board by the end of term. At the end of last term several riders were riding more independently and hopefully they will go from strength to strength and be able to navigate a show-jumping course. We have a week in the Thrift Shop in Aberfeldy starting on 25th September which will be great after an absence of two years. Donations of good quality clothes would be welcome and do come along and support us. During our normal morning at Knockdarroch, we are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the Group on 19th September, when we hope to be joined by all our volunteers, past and present, our riders and their carers, and most importantly not forgetting our Sponsors and County Chairman. Long service certificates will be awarded. It sounds as if we are always having parties but this is an important one! Our Coach-in-Training is being assessed on 26th September, along with our other Coach who is being reviewed. Another Volunteer has joined the Coaching Pathway. This bodes very well for the Asfuture.ever we are totally reliant on the goodwill of our volunteers, the owners of the arena and the owners of the ponies, in order to provide a fun confidence-boosting experience for all. We are always on the lookout for extra volunteers and for calm reliable ponies for our riders. If you feel you would be able to help in any way please contact Jennifer Valentine on 01796 474444 or email valentinejennifer95@gmail.com (Our sessions run on Monday mornings during term time from stables just outside Pitlochry).

Adults £10.00 Children 5 - 16 years £2.00 Cars: £3.00.

Pitlochry Life 31 1 5 6 2 4 8 4 9 2 9 1 5 8 2 5 7 1 4 1 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 8 7 9 6 This Month’s Tricky Sudoku How to play............ Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up. Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

Heartland Film Society at The Birks

32 Pitlochry Life Pitlochry Library Pitlochry Library is now open again! The new opening hours are: Thursday 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm. Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm 01796 474635 / pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Bookbug sessions are held at Pitlochry Library every Thursday from 10.15 – 10.45am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please contact Pitlochry Library by phoning 01796 474635 or by emailing pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk to book a spot.

Book Fines Library users will no longer need to pay fines if they return their books later than the return date.

You may recall that HFS started up several years ago when a group of local film-lovers got together to organise screenings in the Locus centre. The equipment wasn’t exactly hi-tech, but well-chosen films and the enthusiastic participation of committee and audience members made for many memorable evenings. This played no small part in inspiring and enabling the creation of our wonderful community cinema – The Birks. Alongside the cinema management we’ve continued to present a range of outstanding films drawn from festival prize-lists, independent film-makers, foreign language cinema and subjects of local interest. This relies on a small team researching, selecting and promoting both monthly films and an annual film festival weekend. As is the way of things, several committee members have dropped out over the past few years and we’re actively seeking some fresh blood and new ideas. We intend to programme three months at a time and, for this year at least, not to mount a festival. Anyone who’s interested in contributing to the programme, willing to help out on film-nights - or in any other way - should initially make contact by email (see below) or speak to anyone they know who’s already involved.

The adult membership fee remains at £10 for 12 months from date of joining. As the new season will start a little later than usual, appropriate adjustments will be made for existing members. The cinema continues to support us by offering members reduced prices for HFS films, plus other occasional benefits. We’ve got some interesting films in mind and hope to confirm the next few screenings shortly, so keep an eye on the HFS and the Birks websites for updates. oscar@heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk and Facebook.

Music in Rannoch Concert on Sunday September 18th at 3.00pm in The Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. Abigail Young (Violin) and Scott Mitchell (Piano). Music includes 2 Brahms violin sonatas and music by Bach. £8 at the door, children free. Refreshments available. Easy parking.

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Culture Perth and Kinross hope that ending fines will remove one of the barriers that may prevent people from using their libraries, making them accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone living or working in the region. The move also reflects the ambitions of the Forward: Scotland's Public Library Strategy, published in 2021.

Pitlochry Life 33 Don't Miss Our Deadline for Octoberthe Edition Copy Date is Tuesday 13th September Join us and reach up to 24,000 readers with ONE magazine! Call Debbie on 0754 5299491 to secure your space Scotland Prestige Awards Winner of Mortgage Broker of the Year 2022 Finalists in the 2019 and 2020 Scottish Mortgage Awards for both Best Mortgage Broker Edinburgh & Scotland categories and Shortlisted for the 2022 Awards for Best Regional Broker: Edinburgh and Best Regional Broker: Central Region

On Saturday 24th September 2022 Rannoch History Society meets in Kinloch Rannoch Village Hall at 2.30pm. This is our first meeting since February 2020 and we are delighted that one of our committee, Mrs May Kennedy, has agreed to give her recollections of changing life in Rannoch over the many decades since she came to live in Highland Perthshire. The title of her talk will be ‘A Life in Rannoch’

Pitlochry Bonfire is Back !

Pitlochry Men’s Shed would like to invite adults of all ages to come along and join them for a chat. Meetings are on alternate Tuesdays at 7pm in the Atholl Centre. For more information, please contact Peter on pammensshed@gmail.com

Thank you all so much for the splendid support for the Raffle held in the Co-op in Pitlochry at the end of July, and a very big thank you to all the local businesses who provided a marvellous variety of prizes which were so well received by all the lucky winners. We raised a total of £1,300. The 2022 Bonfire will be on the 4th November at the Recreation Ground in Pitlochry, but there is still lots to do- so anyone who is interested in helping with the organisation of this Community Event please contact Morag Uytman on 01796472952 - you’ll be made very welcome.

Continued on page 44

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Pitlochry Life History Society

Pitlochry & Moulin Men's Shed Men’s Shed provides an environment to share skills and learn new skills while having a positive effect on mental Health & Wellbeing. Men’s Sheds can give purpose to volunteers who have either retired due to ill health are struggling with long-term conditions or been made redundant. It improves mental health, creates empowerment and shares learning in the community in an informal learning space, especially with traditional skills.

. Light refreshments will be served. All are most welcome. There will be an admission charge of £4 at the door for non-members.

Pitlochry Bowling Club July was a very busy month for us and lovely to see all our new members. Some already taking part in internal competitions. Our new young members are also playing well. We have arranged for North Perthshire Junior Coaches to come along and give free sessions to All juniors. You don’t have to be a club member. July was busy with competitions: Pitlochry Bowling Club won the North Perthshire League Ian Irvine Trophy was won by Zeke Muir and Bruce Patterson. Chas Trophy was won by Fay Mac Nicoll, Agnes Naylor and Lynn Atwell. Moulin Bowl Trophy was won by Val Wilson, Agnes Naylor and Joe Osborne. Distillery cup was won by Neil Haggart and William MacNicoll. Club Womens Pairs was won by Evelyn Humphrey and Lynn Atwell.

Rannoch

Pitlochry Life 35

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SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS J&H Mitchell WS Since 1836 IF YOU ARE THINKING OF SELLING YOUR PROPERTY OR ARE JUST INTERESTED TO KNOW ITS CURRENT VALUE, CALL US ON 01796 472606 FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION MARKET APPRAISAL, OR BOOK A VALUATION AT A DATE AND TIME THAT IS CONVENIENT TO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH TRADITIONAL VALUES – MODERN THINKING

Pitlochry Life 39

Owning a dog has got to be one of the most rewarding and dare I say life affirming things we can do! I’ve owned dogs more or less my whole life and thoroughly enjoy their company. We adopted Victor, a Bull Terrier Lurcher Cross with the goofiness of Scooby Doo and the preciousness of a sheltered Prince. Despite Victor being so sweet and gentle, he is very anxious and can be fear reactive to other dogs. It’s been through the relentless positive behaviour modifying training I have to do with Victor that has changed my perspective as a dog owner, and what it means to have control. So, what does having your dog under control mean and how does this look on an everyday walk and what are the implications of having a loose dog?

42 Pitlochry Life

THE LAW Yep, I’ve come in hard and fast with this, but thought it was a good starting point to fully understand my legal obligation as a dog owner. The Control of Dogs Act (Scotland) 2010, works in tandem to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and is there for the obvious reasons of protecting people and wildlife from out of control dogs and dangerously out of control dogs. According to the Control of Dogs Act (Scotland) 2010, “A dog would be considered to be “out of control” if: It is not being kept under control effectively and consistently (by whatever means) by the owner who is in charge of the dog AND its behaviour gives rise to alarm, or apprehensiveness on the part of any individual, and the individual’s alarm or apprehensiveness is reasonable.” This creates a pause for thought, often we brush off the idea that our dogs maybe out of control because we know they mean no harm. However, in control is one thing, in reliable control is another. We have to remember our dogs are their own beings and can react differently and unreliably at any given time for whatever reason they see fit. If something happens to your dog, or another dog/ person as a result of your dog not being adequately under control you bare responsibility, even if harm comes to your own dog. Not only can it be devastating for your dog, but you can in fact be given a hefty fine, or even a criminal record for negligence. This may seem extreme, especially when we consider our beloved dogs as not dangerous, but we can forget to consider we do not know every other dog, or person in passing and having faith our controlled dog will continue to act reliably is in fact a big risk to take.

TO OR NOT TO LET THEM LOOSE!

Dogs can get very excited very quickly and easily, I’ve seen a dogs prey drive, yes all breeds have one, kick in and an uncontrollable chase of endangered birds, game and even small dogs happen. Or, the destruction of a farmers crop simply because a dog jumping is TikTok worthy… It’s also not unknown for dogs to, sadly, be shot on site for running freely too close to livestock, and the owner being given a penalty for having an uncontrolled dog. Just an all too sad end for a simple preventative act of looking and maintaining control (please note the simple presence of your dog can cause serious distress to livestock.) It’s just simply not worth it. Leash them. However, using extendable leads or better yet lunge lines are a great option to give a sense of freedom and to support your dogs recall training in safe open areas. But they do not offer 100% control and should not be used in extension by a roadside. There are great blogs and training videos

We love letting our dogs run free, it’s an easy way to let them exert pent up energy, and what’s not to love about that big bright goofy smile? How often have you let your dog off leash at a blind opening of a park, or not checking who’s in the park or field? Yeah, me too!

IS DOGFRIENDLYYOUROUTOFCONTROL?!

Victor is a yellow dog… not in the literal sense as he’s more orange, but he has a yellow sash that says ‘I need space’ that adorns his leash. It has been a great help in allowing us to carry on with his training safely, people often respect it and leash up their dogs and give him space. The Yellow Dog system is a very helpful communicative symbol to allow walkers from a distance to have a chance to recall their loose dogs, or tighten their extending leashes to allow the yellow dog time and space to move out of their way or to pass carefully. A dog that has a yellow collar, sash, ribbon, jacket or lead is a dog that under no circumstance should be approached. It doesn’t matter their reason, just be respectful and considerate and leash up your dog and give them that time and space to move out of your way. You don’t have to say your reasoning as to why your dog may need space, either. Some dogs have a yellow sash, because the dog is in training, a rescue, old or recovering from injury or sickness. Some sashes, and jackets say ‘nervous’, others say ‘no dogs, ‘rescue’, ‘in training’, ‘blind dog’, or helpfully green ones say ‘friendly’. Ideally, I would love to see the yellow dog posters at the information areas, and entrances of public parks and walks to help remind an inform other walkers. When we truly think about what it means to keep our dogs under control much of it is simple common sense and a little consideration for others around you, sometimes though, we often don’t think past how friendly our dog is, and it’s this perspective that can have lasting repercussions, even if those repercussions aren’t obvious at the time.

WHEN TOO FRIENDLY ISN’T… from a dogs perspective So here’s a thought… You’re out in a public space, it’s busy with strangers milling about. Suddenly an overly enthusiastic stranger bounds towards you with a great big smile, open arms and gives you a big hug and a sloppy kiss…! How would you, realistically feel? Happy? I doubt it. Perhaps you’d feel completely violated, casting the person as a total weirdo. You might even react, shout obscenities; maybe even assault them in order to protect yourself? I doubt that their friend shouting “DON’T WORRY THEY’RE FRIENDLY!” makes you feel any better either. Funny enough this is an all too common situation for our dogs, they are expected to welcome it and not to react with malice. “Not every dog wants to be friends with every dog, just because they’re dogs!” Is the ringing quote from our dog behaviourist. Even the friendliest dog can turn to an unfriendly dog in split seconds simply because they’re not in the social mood. If you allow your ‘friendly’ dog to approach another leashed/controlled dog without due care or permission, and it gets bitten or even mauled, sadly the responsibility lies with you and not the attacking dogs owner. This means that you will not be allowed to ask the attacking dogs owner to cover the vet bill, or report them for owning a dangerous dog, as the law sides with them. Not only that but the result of such situation can have long term repercussions, such as hefty vet bills for injury followed by extensive trauma rehabilitation and training as all too often, and a fear based unwanted behaviour can develop. By all means, don’t not let your dog say hello, just be more in control over the matter, such as having your dog leashed and just use your good old common sense. The same applies to yourself or kids when approaching a dog. Just like you, some don’t like a hand being shoved in their faces and then patted on the head, some don’t like even being touched, particularly if they’re a rescue. Its this approach and lack of consideration that often results in people and kids being bitten, leading to a tough and complex legal matter on its own!

Pitlochry Life 43 online that help you learn to use a lunge line safely and explain why its safer than an extendable leash. Better yet, if you like your dog to run freely you can book in at a secure Run Free Field/Unleashed Dog Adventure Park, these places have become a popular to allow dogs to have safe freedom they so deserve, and little distraction if you are training, and some even offer agility equipment. If your dog has friends you can take them altogether and let then run riot for the hour!

I HAVE A YELLOW DOG…

Lynsey

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The summer tourist season is now under way. All are welcome but the tourists may not want to return if there if there is litter and dog poo everywhere. It is important that the town is really clean with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter. We make sure that social distancing is maintained while litterpicking though this may not be legally required any more. Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10.00am in the Recreation ground carpark. The next litterpick is on Tuesday 13th September. Dates for litterpicks in 2022 are: October 11th, November 8th, December 13th. We would like to thank those residents of Pitlochry who are not members of the litterpicking group and who also pick up litter when they see it. We know you do this and we are very grateful. For further information contact Roger West (rogerwest7@btinternet.com) 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400

July saw the Fyfe Trophy played for with the final game of the day deciding the winners who on this occasion were Paul Figures, George Cameron and Jim Haggart. We then had a trip to Letham in Perth which resulted in a draw followed by a fabulous spread afterwards. A great day out for everyone and arrangements are already underway for their visit to us next year. We had the Scouts along to the green for 6 days during their Jamboree at Blair Castle which was a novelty for most of them!

This weekend we played the Nomination Pairs competition which was a clean sweep for the winners Raymond Millar & Sam Davie. Our Club Championship competitions are reaching the semifinal stages with the Finals being played over the weekend of 3rd & 4th RememberSeptember.ifyoufancy

Blair Atholl Bowling Club

. Continued on page 46

.

Well we’ve had a brilliant sunny summer on and off the green.

a go at bowls you can come along and try it out under the guidance of one of the members - for more information contact Paul Figures 01796 481 506 or Linda Newns 07921 264 965

At the end of July we hosted 50 Boys Brigade members from Dundee. We have been very fortunate in having lovely weather throughout July for all the above days. Our summer opening times are Sunday-Friday 2-4pm. In the evening we are open most evenings 6.30-9pm. Our club is open to the public so do come along and have a go at bowling or just relax in our clubhouse or outside enjoying the wonderful view and some refreshments. Our club finals will be held on September 3rd and 4th at 2pm Spectators are very welcome. If you would like any information please phone John on 07833664121 or another John on 07703442802

Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom)

Pitlochry Life 45

Back Row: Charlie McCarthy, Stew Hall, Cllr John Duff, Alan Crombie, Alistair Smith, Fergus McCallum

The Steering Group met in August for a photo opportunity with the Pitlochry Community Action Plan document and the iconic Ben Vrackie in the background. The Steering Group are (L to R)

Front Row: Cat Gordon, Julia Harriman, Carol Aitken, Judith Dingwall, Kathleen Scott, Fran Norris, Kathleen TheAllen.Steering

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre, our wee museum located in Moulin Square, is open daily from 2-4pm. Come along and take a step back in time through a fascinating journey of our local history, discovering old stories and examining artefacts of the past. We have some great displays and something for everyone in the family during the holidays. We have a kids corner, with some historic costumes to dress up in and colouring to explore. Moulin Yarns are here every Monday with their live spinning displays. We’ll be participating in Doors Open Day on the weekend Of the 17th and 18th of September with the theme of “Year of Stories”. Read some of the great stories about the Black Castle by Pitlochry High School pupils in our recent competition. Also on our Facebook page. Come along to find out more. Our wee Heritage Centre is a great afternoon out for the family, local and visitor! £3pp entry or free for members and under 16s. To join as a member see our website below for more details - £10 for an individual, £16 for a family and £20 for a corporate membership. Great value! And if you have some time on your hands and would like to get more involved, we love to welcome new volunteers. The Centre is run by volunteers and stays open only through local support, visitors and donations.

Continued on page 50

If you want further information about the activities of any of the Theme Groups or want to attend any of the Theme Group meetings email me Charlie McCarthy, Community Connector at pitlochrycap@gmail.com

Group are pleased to report that all six Theme Groups have started to meet under the chairmanship of a Theme Champion. The Theme Champions are

Theme 1 - Access to Services and Transport – Judith Dingwall

Meet the Steering Group.

Theme 5 – Environment and Sustainability – Carol Aitken Theme 6 – Arts, Culture and Events – Julia Harriman

Theme 4 – Local economy and Housing – Fergus McCallum

Theme 2 – Community and Recreation – Alistair Smith

Theme 3 - Town enhancement and Traffic management – Stew Hall

The Pitlochry and Moulin Heritage Centre

46 Pitlochry Life Pitlochry Community Action Plan Update

Remember this is the beginning of a five-year journey to ensure that Pitlochry grows and develops with the support of the local community. The Theme Groups are a result of extensive community consultation at the start of the year. This is your opportunity to get involved and make a contribution to the development of the town. Every meeting is open to anyone who wants to attend. So if you want to have your say, get yourself involved in any or all of these groups.

Pitlochry Life 47

48 Pitlochry Life Join us at The Plant Nursery Kindallachan SEPTEMBER PLANTWhereSALEtofindus...Saturday, 3rd September from 10am - 4pm Open Tuesday - Saturday 10amYourDate4pmForDiary OFF40%ahugeselectionofourhomegrownplants West Countlich Farm, Pitlochry,Kindallachan,PH9 0NW Tel: 01796 482 614 Email: nursery@alexbutter.co.ukwww.alexbutter.co.ukALEXBUTTERLANDSCAPINGLTD

We hope to see you soon! Pitlochry & District u3a

Pitlochry & District u3a are looking forward to recommencing whole group meetings on the afternoon of Wed 21st September at 2pm in the Atholl Centre.

Our first meeting of our winter programme will be held on Wednesday 14th September at our new venue: The Tryst Hall, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB from 1:45pm to 4pm when we will have a short AGM followed by a demonstration by Sandra Robertson entitled “My journey through Thereflowers”.will also be a raffle, where you may be one of the lucky ones to win one of Sandra's beauti ful arrangements, and a sales table where you can renew supplies or start as a beginner. Visitors will be made most welcome, a small charge of £7 is made. If you would like to enjoy an afternoon with friends and flowers, please come along. For more information, please contact Janice Needham (01738 629933, needham914@btinternet.com) or Lynda Gardiner (01796 472157, lynda.gardiner@talk21.com). We are a small club and new members are welcome at any time.

In addition to welcoming back members old and new and would be, we will also be celebrating 40 years of the u3a in the UK. There will be quiz, tea/coffee and cake and an opportunity to find out more about Pitlochry u3a. The u3a brings together people in their “third age” – that is people who have finished working full time or raising their family – to develop interests and to continue learning in informal and supportive environments. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks we also offer interest groups which are led by one of our members - the emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so. In between whole-group meetings, members take part in specialist interest groups. For further information please visit our website Pitlochry & District U3A: https://u3asites.org.uk/ pitlochry/welcome or contact Sandra Cairncross (Secretary) on smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.

At the time of writing we have had a tremendous start to our 52nd annual Exhibition in Dunkeld with over 80 pieces of work sold in the first week. Lots of new, young artists exhibiting with us for the first time as well as the support of well known names such as Iain McIntyre Younger, Sabrin Miller and others. We will close at 4pm on Thursday 1st September, you may still have time for a quick visit.

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

Continued on page 54

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition

Pitlochry Flower Club

Pitlochry Life 51

52 Pitlochry Life Answers to the August Crossword 1AcrossBREADED 5 JAGS 9 KINGUSSIE 10 ELM 11 WEEM 13 RUN-OFFS 14 SKIERS 15 MOULIN 18 LOBELIA 20 SKYE 22 EAR 23 TOM-NA-MOAN 25 SOHO 26 ROSETTE 1Down BAKE 2 EEN 3 DRUMMER 4 DYSART 6 ABERFELDY 7 SIMPSON 8 WEAN 12 EDINBURGH 14 SOLVERS 16 OSSIANS 17 FARMER 19 LOTS 21 ANNE 24 OAT 8 5 3 6 7 1 9 2 4 6 2 1 9 4 8 7 5 3 7 9 4 2 3 5 8 1 6 1 4 9 7 5 2 3 6 8 2 3 7 8 6 4 1 9 5 5 8 6 1 9 3 2 4 7 9 7 2 4 8 6 5 3 1 4 1 5 3 2 7 6 8 9 3 6 8 5 1 9 4 7 2 Last Month's Sudoko Answers Easy Tricky4 8 6 3 2 5 1 9 7 2 7 9 6 8 1 3 4 5 1 3 5 9 7 4 8 2 6 9 5 4 1 6 7 2 8 3 3 1 2 5 9 8 7 6 4 8 6 7 4 3 2 9 5 1 7 9 3 8 5 6 4 1 2 5 2 1 7 4 9 6 3 8 6 4 8 2 1 3 5 7 9

Pitlochry Life 53

Continued on page 62

Applications may be submitted at any time and will receive a response within 4 weeks.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre Show Choir

The Scottish Episcopal Church in Highland Perthshire Offers All a Warm And Inclusive Welcome Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane Rector: The Rev Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.co.uk Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet.com

54

Pitlochry Life Do You Have Fruit Trees In Your Garden?

Last autumn on our lockdown walks round the town we noticed many unpicked fruit trees in Pitlochry gardens and thought this to be a great waste. This year we would like to ask fruit tree owners if they would like someone to pick the fruit for them and give the surplus to those in the community who would like it. If you have fruit trees which you cannot pick yourself and would be willing to donate the fruit please let me know.

Pitlochry Church of Scotland Community Youth Fund

Application forms are available from the Church office in The Tryst, Church Road, Pitlochry or by email from: thetryst@btconnect.com

An individual or a group may apply for a grant of up to £2,000. In exceptional circumstances the Administrators may consider a larger grant, which will go to the Kirk Session for final approval.

Also if you would be willing to join a team of fruit pickers do get in touch. Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400

Website: www.hplc.scot Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/highlandperthshirechurches/ The Episcopal Churches In Highland Perthshire September 2022.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre Show Choir meets every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm to 9pm at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre (Temporary venue!). Free membership until we move back to the theatre! No audition required, lots of song choices... Great Fun!

Pitlochry Church of Scotland Community Youth Fund is a charitable fund which has been established for the education and recreation of young people in Pitlochry and District. For the purpose of the fund a young person is defined as someone up to and including the age of 25 who comes from an area within an 8 mile radius of the centre of Pitlochry.

The Administrators are willing to consider a wide variety of projects for education and recreation and ask that the recipients report on their progress, either in person or with a short presentation. For further information, please contact the secretary. Linda Gaul (Secretary) the.gauls@btinternet.com

Alternatively we can arrange for the apples from your trees to be professionally made into apple juice and bottled in 1 litre bottles at a cost of about £2 a litre. This will not be mixed with other apples, will keep for a year and can be labelled with your name or house name.

13-30 OCTOBER Book Now! pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

56 Pitlochry Life 1DOWN Type of hat seen in West Moulin Road? (6) 2 See 13 Across 3 Know additional Perthshire village (7) 4 Cautious Scots can’t, we hear (5) 5 Half of Stirling drive back foot supporters (8) 6 Relatives seldom hold quaich, for example (6) 12 Old uncle reconstructed battle (8) 14 Faskally and Allean perhaps, where tailless fox relaxes (7) 16 A place for an event, possibly Duff (6) 18 Place in Pitlochry I’ll see afresh (6) 19 Vehicles finally traverse waterside land, of Gowrie possibly (5) 21 Odd characters in blue run Moulin or Kinnaird, perhaps (4) Answers for August on page 52 2 3 4 65 10 11 7 8 1 9 12 17 19 23 20 21 22 18 14 15 16 13 7ACROSS I played with Mr Coe in Perthshire village (6) 8 Learnt about stag horn (6) 9 This is one, hint (4) 10 One storm battered Scottish town (8) 11 Perthshire village, site of ancient, epic battle sheltered cohort oddly (7) 13 And 2 Down Could this Pitlochry hill possibly be crucial? (5,4) 15 Drops Dochart or Bruar, for example (5) 17 False or dodgy - these signs don’t last long in Pitlochry! (3,4) 20 Alec tore around to find a new place (8) 21 Rock fish? (4) 22 View of Loch Tummel from London tennis club? (6) 23 Mash put in around end of supper, eaten with haggis (6) The Pitlochry Crossword By Lesley

Pitlochry Life 57 Our Painting, Decorating and TilingTilingServices:For more information or to arrange a free no obligation quote: • Floors & Walls • Kitchens, Bathrooms, Wetrooms • All Aspects of Painting & Decorating • Interior & Exterior • Wallpaper Hanging/Removal • Airless Spray Painting • Dustless Sanding Professional Painter, Decorator & Tiler enquiries@sldecoration.co.uk07724203815www.sldecoration.co.uk We offer high quality decorating services with many years experience. Whether moving or improving, from inspiration to decoration we can do it all!

58 Pitlochry Life 2 5 1 7 8 1 2 3 6 3 9 6 7 2 1 5 4 7 6 3 8 9 4 5 2 5 6 1 This Month’s Easy Sudoku How to play............ Fill the grid so that every row, column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! Use reasoning and logic to solve the puzzle - there’s no maths or adding up. Look carefully for what numbers can go where and with a little practice it will get easier!

Pitlochry Life 59

5. Eggs cause high Cholesterol: Problems with high cholesterol and blocked arteries are more likely to occur as a result of an overall diet high in saturated fats, coupled with excess weight and a lack of exercise. Eggs have been shown to help weight control as they promote a feeling of ‘fullness’, which overall results in lower calorie intake. As stated above, people with specific dietary issues should consult an appropriately qualified health professional who will be able to give individualised advice with Alan Clinch

Eating frequently will work, but only if people eat ‘healthy’ foods and keep a close eye on the size of the portions.

The current cost of living issues mean that we are bombarded with advice on how to eat healthy food and at the same time not break the bank: not always an easy task! It may seem that every time you open a magazine there’s another article about which foods are good for you, bad for you, or all points in between……and it’ll all be different the following week. This month’s article should dispel a few of the more common myths surrounding food. When reading this you need to bear in mind that the statements are quite general, so anyone who has specific dietary issues should consult an appropriately qualified health professional who will be able to give individualised advice. As a starter, the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well is straightforward and helpful.

3. Several small meals are better than three main meals: Not if you want to lose weight –in one study, overweight volunteers felt more satisfied with their meals when they had three per day rather than six. Another study found that people who ate between meals were nearly 70% more likely to put on weight over time.

Top 10 Food Myths (Part 1) FITNESS

4. Caffeine can help you get through the demands of activity: Caffeine increases our perception of physical and mental energy – it certainly isn’t a substitute for food: missing out on essential nutrients will certainly cause problems in the long run. There are potential side effects from caffeine such as headaches, sleeplessness, and anxiety. High caffeine consumption over a long period will cause raised levels of cortisol (a hormone associated with stress).

1. Exercise makes us eat more: Most of us will feel hungry after a hard exercise session, but this is because we’ve probably used a lot of our carbohydrate stores, which the body seeks to replace as soon as possible. The key here is total calorie intake over the day – just ensure that you don’t overcompensate and put more fuel into the system than you take out.

60 Pitlochry Life alan@pitlochrylife.co.uk

2. Eating late in the evening causes weight gain: There isn’t actually much evidence which suggests that metabolism (the rate at which we burn fuel and produce energy) is slower in the evening. The thing that actually makes the difference is the total daily calorie intake. As a basic and general rule, the trick is to eat the same amount as you use! Bear in mind though that if you do exercise in the evening, some food intake will be needed to help you recover.

Joint Service at

26th September 11.15am Kilmaveonaig

of the month contact Ms.

All Age Communion third Sundays,

Continued on page 64

Contact – Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: 4th September – 9.30am Holy Communion

Contact the Rector Liz for further details and Zoom invitations. Tenandry Kirk, Killiecrankie

Pet Service in the Serenity Garden (Church if wet) All Welcome Kilmaveonaig (St

for All the charge St Andrew's Church, Strathtay, opposite the local shop. Contact -

01887 840416. Sundays

62 Pitlochry Life All are welcome at the services in all our churches and on Zoom. Please check our web for updates. Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry - Contact - Robin Baker - 01796 472005 Sunday services - Normally 9.30am Holy Communion or All Age Communion. Thursday Services – 10.30am Morning Prayer

7th September 2.00pm

Julian Group Meeting (Call the Rector for details of this Ecumenical Group)

26th September 3.00pm Adamnan’s Mrs. Lavinia at 11.15am Sunday Holy

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

26th September 11.15am Kilmaveonaig Ms. Lesley Whitwood at 11.15am Wednesday Lesley Whitwood for details.

for All the charge

Gordon 01796 481230. Sundays

- First

26th September 11.15am Joint Service at Kilmaveonaig for All the charge Online Zoom Services And Events Sundays - 6.00pm Evening Services. Thursdays - 10.30am Morning Prayer – from Holy Trinity.

01887 840416

Interim Moderator: Rev. Neil Glover Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 01796 472415 Judy Thorpe - 01796 473252 Sunday Service - 10.30am. All welcome. The internationally known duo of Andy Sherwood (violin)and Jim Letham (piano) are returning to Tenandry Kirk to give a recital of classical and Scottish music on September 11th at 3.30pm. As before, they are giving their services free but there will be a collection for local and overseas charities. Tenandry warmly invites all who love good music to come and fill our pews.

26th September 11.15am Joint Service at Kilmaveonaig for All the charge All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square

Church), opposite former Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl. Contact -

Communion. Second and fourth Sundays Matins/ Morning Prayer or Communion by Extension.

Joint Service at

Pitlochry Life 63

Pitlochry Baptist Church Atholl Road, PH16 5BX www.pbcweb.net

Dull and Weem - Chit Chat Café – is 1st Monday of the month in the Macdonald Room, Dull and Weem Kirk. For further information please contact Liz Bruce – elizabeth_1_bruce@btinternet.com

Keep up to date with us on both Facebook and Instagram

Contact Jane – 07771641390 or Annette – 07736384035.

Continued on page 66

Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net)

Please look at the church websites for the latest information.

64 Pitlochry Life Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay Parish Churches Minister – Rev. Neil Glover – nglover@churchofscotland.org.uk 07779 280074 PA – Judy Ewer – judy.ewer@adwgls.org.uk 07836 565528. Regular Sunday Morning Worship Dull and Weem Parish Church – 9.30am Please consult the website for the current information on our services. Strathtay,www.dullandweemparish.orgGrantullyandLogierait Parish Churches -10.30am Please consult the website for the current information on our services. Aberfeldywww.glschurchofscotland.orgParishChurch–10.30am Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org We ‘meet up’ at our weekly Zoom Service - details can be found on all the Church Websites. Songs Of Praise – Logierait Church - Sunday 4 September - 7.00pm This fundraising event promises to be a wonderful musical evening - with some very fine singing! All our welcome to come and join in. Church based activities Aberfeldy ‘Stay and Play’ – Aberfeldy Parish Church - Tuesday mornings 9.30 -11.30am – Lawers Hall. Aberfeldy Prayer Meeting – Aberfeldy Parish Church – 7.30pm every Wednesday evening in Farragon – all are welcome to come along.

Contact Marie MacLeod – stytchandturn@btinternet.com

Contact 01887 820936. Aberfeldy Quilting Group – Aberfeldy Parish Church, Lawers Hall, Thursdays - 11.am – 3pm.

Strathtay Coffee Break - The group meet every Wednesday in the John Kyd Hall, beside Strathtay Church at 10.30am - all are welcome to come along and join in! Strathtay Quilting Group – John Kyd Hall, 7 – 9pm on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month

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

Sundays: We gather from 10:30am at our church building on Atholl Road. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. Our provision for the younger ones include - crèche (babies and pre-school), His Kidz (primary-aged children). We look forward to welcoming you.

Community: We love being a part of our community - whether in Pitlochry, Kirkmichael, Kinloch Rannoch, Blair Atholl, Aberfeldy, and so on. Below is a selection of initiatives we thought you would like to know about: Community Larder - situated outside the Atholl Centre. Bring, or take, whatever is there. Everything is free and for the benefit of the community.

Sounds Inspirational - an hour of

66 Pitlochry Life Continued on page 68

Food Bank - situated in the Atholl Centre behind our building. Contact 01796 473044 or admin@athollcentre.org.uk for information. Heart & Soul - a topical mix of music, chat, news, community focus and issues, plus interviews every Sunday on Heartland FM from 8-9am (97.5FM & www.heartland.scot)

gospel, spiritual, and inspirational music with a wee bit of chat thrown in as well. Every Tuesday from 7pm on Heartland FM (97.5FM & www.heartland.scot). Repeated Thursdays at 10pm. Stay & Play (babies and toddlers group) - a meeting place for anyone caring for pre-nursery aged children. For the children there’s plenty of play, craft, singing and energy sapping fun. In the church building, Wednesdays 10am-12pm during school term-time. WA – Songs of Praise – with refreshments and home bakes. Friday 16th September 2:30-4:30pm in the Atholl Centre behind the Baptist Church. Booking essential by calling 07703 442802 or 07713 Youth133524programme – Find out what’s on by emailing Debbie Deeks: youth@pbcweb.net Blair Atholl & Struan Linked With Braes Of Rannoch And Foss & Rannoch Interim Moderator: The Rev Grace Steele. Phone – 01887 820025, Email – GSteele@churchofscotland.org.uk Session Clerk Blair Atholl & Struan Harold Ingram 01796 481275 Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch Mrs Veronica Grosset 01882 633344 Session Clerks Foss & Rannoch Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882632272 Blair Atholl and Struan Church – Weekly service in Blair Atholl Church at 11.15am. Coffee Corner is back in Blair Atholl Church Hall every Thursday at 10.00am – 12.00. All welcome Services in Rannoch are held weekly, at 9.45am at Braes of Rannoch and 11.30am at the old Church, Kinloch Rannoch.

Make & Bake (nursery and primary children) – a fortnightly, after school, term-time event in the Aberfeldy Town Hall. Now scheduled to restart after the October break – watch this space! For more info call Gill on 07725 669816.

Pitlochry Life 67

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

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

Sunday 25th September, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Prayers That Are Heard by God’. A discussion: ‘An Ancient Prophecy That Affects You (Genesis 3:15)’.

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

Thursday 1st September, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 1 Kings 8, ‘Solomon’s Humble, Heartfelt Public Prayer’, ‘Do You Look for the Answers to Your Prayers?’, ‘How to Identify Real Christians’ Part 1. Sunday 4th September, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Keep Seeking God’s Kingdom’. A discussion: ‘“Hope in Jehovah” (Psalm 27:14)’.

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

Continued on page 70

ScotThoughts Podcast – Thoughts for the day, short stories, Parables, inspiration, Reflections, Hymn writers, sermons. Listen on Spotify or Anchor podcasts.

Thursday 22nd September, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 1 Kings 13, 14, ‘Why Be Content and Modest?’, ‘Face Economic Hardship With Confidence’, ‘Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Real Christians?’ Part 2.

Sunday 11th September, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Why Christians Must Be Different’. A discussion: ‘The Kingdom Is in Place! (Revelation 11:15)’.

Thursday 15th September, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 1 Kings 11, 12, ‘Choose Your Marriage Mate Wisely’, ‘Marriage—A Lifelong Partnership’, ‘Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Real Christians?’ Part 1. Sunday 18th September, 10.30 a.m. A talk: ‘Bible Principles—Can They Help Us to Cope With Today’s Problems?’. A discussion: ‘Support Our Overseer Jesus (Matthew 28:18)’.

Sunday 4th September: A service of Holy Communion will be held at 10.30am.

Thursday 8th September, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 1 Kings 9, 10, ‘Praise Jehovah for His Wisdom’, ‘Find Wisdom for Daily Living on JW.ORG’, ‘How to Identify Real Christians’ Part 2.

Jehovah’s Witnesses As you can see below, our meetings address the answers to life’s questions. The meetings are held at our Kingdom Hall in Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. If you have a Bible, do bring it along; if you would like a Bible, we offer copies without charge. If you would like a lift to the meetings, please use the contact details below.

Tryst Walking Group: details of walks are on The Tryst noticeboard. For details and availability of Tryst hire for groups and classes, please contact the office: 9am – 1pm Monday - Friday; tel 01796 474010; email thetryst@btconnect.com

68 Pitlochry Life Pitlochry Church of Scotland Interim Moderator: Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727 249 Locum Minister: Rev Matthew Rodger 01828 634 265 Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk

Pitlochry Life 69

The Baha’i Faith What do Baha’is do? Since the inception of the Bahá’í Faith in the Nineteenth Century, a growing number of people have found in the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh a compelling vision of a better world. Many have drawn insights from these teachings—for example, on the oneness of humanity, on the equality of women and men, on the elimination of prejudice, on the harmony of science and religion—and have sought to apply Bahá’í principles to their lives and work. Others have gone further and have decided to join the Bahá’í community and participate in its efforts to contribute directly to the realization of Bahá’u’lláh’s stupendous vision for humanity’s coming of age. Bahá’ís hail from all walks of life. Young and old, men and women alike, they live alongside others in every land and belong to every nation. They share a common goal of serving humanity and refining their inner-lives in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. The community to which they belong is one of learning and action, free from any sense of superiority or claim to exclusive understanding of truth. It is a community that strives to cultivate hope for the future of humanity, to foster purposeful effort, and to celebrate the endeavours of all those in the world who work to promote unity and alleviate human suffering.

Baha’is in Perthshire can be contacted through Rachel on 07707 994812 or Hilarie on 07967 601423; or you can explore on www.bahai.org Entry to our Get Out/Community Pages is free to non profit groups. Please send your entry by 12noon on 12th of the preceding month to info@pitlochrylife.co.uk Conditions and word limits apply, email for further info.

70 Pitlochry Life Thursday 29th September, 7.00 p.m. Short talks, videos and discussions including: 1 Kings 15, 16, ‘Asa Acted Courageously—Do You?’, ‘Courageous Soldiers of Christ’, ‘How the Congregation is Organised’. Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience—ring or text 07 802 753 193. At www.jw.org you can study the Bible in the language of your choice, and you can find the Bible’s answers to life’s questions. St Bride’s Catholic Church Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu Rie-Achan, Pitlochry PH16 5AL Tel. No: 01796 472174 E-mail address: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Also served by St. Brides; St. Columba’s, St. Mary’s Road, Birnam Saturday Vigil Mass at 6pm. Our Lady of Mercy Sunday at 9.30am. St. Bride’s Pitlochry Sunday at 11.30am. Weekday Mass times Tuesday Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy 9.30am. Wednesday and Friday St. Bride’s Pitlochry 9.30am. Thursday St. Brides 12noon.

Pitlochry Life 71 Repairs · Virus Removal New Systems · Broadband Networking · Data Recovery Verisure Monitored Alarm Systems Clover Merchant Services EXTENSIONSCONTRACTORCONSTRUCTIONPATIO’SLANDSCAPINGINDIANDRAINAGEBLOCKWORKBRICKWORKSANDSTONE&GARDENCONSIDERED

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Pitlochry Life 73

CANCER JUNE 22 - JULY 22

For September 2022

Energetic Mars, your ruling planet, is in Gemini all month giving your vitality and your self-confidence an extra boost. All forms of communication can be looked at in a different light. Adjustments to your health and wellbeing are also favoured as the full moon in intuitive Pisces on the 18th gives you a chance to tune into your inner needs.

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21

ARIES MARCH 21 - APRIL 20

TAURUS APRIL 21 - MAY 21

Venus changes sign on the 4th, by arriving in Virgo she suggests that you make a very practical review of an important relationship and make any necessary changes. Interesting developments begin to emerge as dynamic Mars in Gemini encourages you to make some innovative new business plans and really tune into your intuition.

LEO JULY 23 - AUGUST 23

The love planet Venus leaves your sign on the 4th, suggesting that now is the time to take a more serious approach to where you are in an important relationship. Mars is energetic and curious in Gemini, encouraging you to join up with a new circle of friends and be open to some exciting opportunities.

HOROSCOPES BY CHRISTINE CHALKLIN

The carefree Leo time has now come to an end as the autumnal Sun shines in the serious and down to earth sign of Virgo, bringing our focus back to hard work and study. Mars is curious and energetic in Gemini all month, during this cycle we can approach our projects in a skilful and smart way, and be receptive to new ways of working. The moon is full in the intuitive sign of Pisces on the 10th, suggesting that by following your intuition and inner wisdom you can’t go wrong. This date coincides with communication planet Mercury going into the retrograde phase, once more all business and travel plans will need double checking! The Autumn Equinox takes place on the 23rd, as the Sun moves to Libra, the sign of the scales and day and night are equal. The new moon arrives in Libra on the 25th, this moon is challenged by expansive Jupiter in Aries, this is a powerful opportunity to look at the balance in your life and make necessary adjustments to follow your true path.

The Sun illuminates the love sector of your chart this month, pushing you to be open and honest about your relationships and all things to do with your romantic encounters. Venus enters practical Virgo on the 4th highlighting your creativity and suggesting that a new project could now get underway. The Pisces full moon on the 10th offers an intuitive boost.

Warrior planet Mars is in your sign all month giving your vitality a welcome boost. Take care that you don’t scatter your energy and try to remain focused on important projects. September is positive for sorting through domestic issues and any space clearing that needs doing is favoured. The Libra new moon on the 25th favours all things romantic.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

Mercury, the sign of commerce and communication, goes in to the retrograde phase in your sign on the 10th. This is not the best month to stride forward with new plans, better to use this time wisely for balanced communication and assessing any new business ideas. The new moon in your sign on the 25th offers excellent opportunities for new beginnings.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 18

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 23

SCORPIO

Energetic Mars is illuminating the finance and resource sector of your chart, Mars in Gemini can offer many ideas and make you feel rather scattered. Do what you can to focus on the best possible outcomes. The Pisces full moon on the 10th stimulates your intuitive side and gives you the opportunity to see new ways forward based on faith and trust.

This month’s powerful full moon in your sign on the 10th turns your attention to how you appear and come across to others. You may be seeking a completely new image and are keen to develop your mystical and creative side. Love planet Venus arrives in practical Virgo on the 4th, suggesting that you need to review any interactions that are not working.

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

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22

VIRGO AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 22

Christine InspirationalChalklinAstrologer and Life Coach Email: christine_chalklin@hotmail.com Website: www.yourguidinglight.org

It’s your birthday month and as dynamic Mars in Gemini illuminates the high point of your chart your attention turns to your ambitions and to reaching your goals. Use this time to be bold and confident and make some solid plans for your future. Creativity is highlighted and good communication is the key for providing new solutions and innovations.

Your goals and ambitions are the focus for this month as the radiant Sun highlights your career potential. Important plans should be completed before Mercury goes retrograde on the 10th. The Pisces new moon, also on the 10th, sets the pace for positive new areas of development within your home, your awareness and intuition should be at their peak.

This month puts love and happiness firmly in the spotlight, as energetic Mars travels through curious and playful Gemini all month. This looks exciting and could well clear the way for some new and exciting romantic encounters. The Pisces full moon on the 10th challenges you on a financial decision that needs investigation, for the best results trust your inner wisdom.

Your health and wellbeing are big in focus during September as energetic Mars illuminates this area of your life demanding that you make some changes. Certain decisions that you have been putting off for a while will need your full attention now. The radiant Sun shines in Virgo giving you the opportunity to broaden your horizons and plan some further study.

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