The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair by Alistair Barr

•

A NEW ERA BEGINS AT CRIEFF HYDRO

BOOK A TABLE JUST FOR DRINKS, OR EXPLORE OUR NEW DINING EXPERIENCES

Savour Asian-inspired evenings at EAST, elegant afternoon teas or brunch in Loggia, or relaxed lunches in The Winter Garden.

Enjoy all day teas, coffees, pastries, scones and cakes, or unwind with late evening cocktails in the Ballroom Bar. And for something a little more mysterious, seek out The Hermitage – our new adults-only hideaway.

“What a great addition to Crieff, amazing food in East and a fantastic bar, they brought us a little bit of the city in Crieff!

Very well done. Love it!”

Whatever venue you choose, expect exciting, innovative menus featuring the finest Scottish produce and whole new dining experiences.

“The wait has been worth it. Having sampled the ambience of the Ballroom Bar and the flavours of East Restaurant, I can recommend both. A great new location for Crieff locals.” Shh, it’s a secret. Can you find the hidden door?

Emergency Contact List, Aberfeldy Community Resilience Group Coordinators

The following contacts can help co-ordinate a community response if a situation warrants this within Aberfeldy. Please note that individuals will be available or accessible at different times, and you may have to move on to the next number if contact cannot be established. If the situation is serious, please contact the emergency services.

Name: Victor Clements (Chair, Aberfeldy Community Council) 24hr telephone contact: 01887 829361 or 07787 520987 Email: victor@nativewoods.co.uk

Name: Val Ferguson (Tayside Waders) 24hr telephone contact: Tel 01887 829529 or mobile 07715 040470. Email: valferguson@ btopenworld.com

Name: Norma Carr (Community warden) 24hr telephone contact 07785 538425

Name : John Steele (Locus Breadalbane) 24hr telephone contact 01887 822724 or 07852 218681. Email : enquiries@locuscentre.org

Scottish Country Dancing

Pitlochry Town Hall

Come along for 7.30 pm and join us on the dance floor, or watch and listen to some of the best Scottish dance bands. All welcome Saturday, 9 August - Glencraig Band Saturday, 23 August - David Oswald’s Band Dancers: £10 Spectators: £3 Further details from June on 01796 473488.

What is a Quair? (noun) (1) A quire; a book. The Kingis Quhair, James I. (of Scotland). (2) A set of twenty-four sheets of paper of the same size and stock; one twentieth of a ream. (3) A collection of leaves of parchment or paper, folded one within the other, in a manuscript or book. (Middle English quayer, four double sheets of paper, from Old French quaer, from Vulgar Latin *quaternus, from Latin quatern, set of four, four each, from quater, four times; The Kingis Quhair is a fifteenth-century poem attributed to James I of Scotland. It is a semi-autobiographical work, describing the King’s capture by the English in 1406 on his way to France and his subsequent imprisonment by Henry IV of England and his successors Henry V and Henry VI.

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

e: atholl@thequair.com w: www.thequair.scot tel/text: 07436 793785

The annual Highland Games season is now well underway, bringing a vibrant mix of tradition, sport and celebration to communities across Atholl, Breadalbane, Strathearn and wider Scotland. Each gathering has its own distinctive character, often set against some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. Wednesday, 6 August - Killin Highland Games Breadalbane Park, Killin. Expect heavyweight contests (including tossing the caber), piping and highland dancing. See: www.facebook.com/ KillinHighlandGames Friday, 8 and Saturday, 9 August - Aberfeldy Show & Highland Games. Victoria Park, Aberfeldy. Agricultural Show on Friday. Traditional Games on Saturday, including pipe bands, dancing, heavy events and trade stands. See: www.aberfeldyshowandgames.co.uk Saturday, 16 August - Rannoch Highland Gathering. Weller Poley Park, Kinloch Rannoch. A traditional community-led event with piping, highland dancing, hill races, children’s races, local produce, barbecue, tea tent and beer tent. More: www.rannochhighlandgathering.co.uk Sunday, 17 August - Crieff Highland Gathering. Market Park, Crieff. Crieff hosts a full programme of events plus a Celtic-themed music festival in the Music Arena. A packed day of entertainment. Details: www.crieffhighlandgames.com Saturday, 30 August - Birnam Highland Games. Games Park, Birnam. With a history dating back to 1864, this much-loved traditional gathering includes a pipe band parade through Dunkeld. Visit: www.birnamhighlandgames.org and www.facebook.com/BirnamHighlandGames. Saturday, 13 September - Pitlochry Highland Games. Recreation Ground, Ferry Road, Pitlochry PH16 5DZ Features: Running, cycling, jumping, piping, heavy events, highland dancing, tug-of-war, pipe band competitions and stalls. www.pitlochryhighlandgames.co.uk. As with all events publicised in The Quair, please always check dates and times independently.

Whatever you’re up to this summer - have a great time!

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair is an open-access monthly magazine and is delivered at the beginning of each month, to every one of the 7,350 residential and business addresses in Highland Perthshire - PH8, PH9, PH15, PH16, PH17 and PH18 postcode areas.

Copies for visitors are also made available each month from our dispensers in Pitlochry, Killin, Aberfeldy and Kenmore. The extra print run is dependent on the normal fluctuating seasonal demand from visitors and tourists and, of course, local and regional lockdowns due to worldwide pandemics! As well as being a Community Magazine, The Quair is an excellent source of information for our visitors.

www.lovelocal.scot

We also produce The Crieff and Comrie Quair. Each month, between the two magazines, we print an average of 15,000 and deliver more than 13,500 copies directly to homes and businesses throughout Highland Perthshire and Strathearn. Local voluntary groups and organisations may submit articles, free of charge. All contributions are carried subject to space being available. We ask that any article reaches us by email by the specified copy date, is factual, non-political, under 400 words, and not likely to offend.

The copy date for the September 2025 edition is noon on Wednesday, 13 August. The magazines are due to be distributed the week commencing Monday, 1 September.

Alistair and Linda

Pitlochry Community Action Trust

It’s been a busy few weeks in Pitlochry this summer - and for Pitlochry Community Action Trust!

The second Heartland Festival was hugely popular with attendance numbers of around 12,000 people over the course of the weekend, including around 2,500 children. We are delighted to have been involved in supporting the event again this year, with many of our Trustees volunteering in various capacities, and are already looking forward to next year’s festival.

We’ve been trialling having an information stall at Pitlochry Market, which has proved to be useful, raising the profile of PCAT and what we do as well as that of other community groups and organisations that we are working with, and are grateful to Jimmy Matchett for giving us this opportunity. A community survey on proposals to extend and improve the current skate park at the Recreation Ground into an ‘all-wheels park’ received 386 responses, the vast majority of which were from local residents and in support of the idea. 89.8% of respondents said that they would use upgraded facilities more than they currently do, with 97.6% of respondents agreeing that improvements to the facilities at the Recreation Ground - like the addition of an all wheels park - would benefit the Pitlochry community. Working with the new Pitlochry All Wheels group, we’re now looking at funding options to carry out a detailed design for the proposals for the All Wheels facility and hope to be in a position where we can share those designs as part of wider community engagement later this year.

Finally, we would like to congratulate Pitlochry Town Hall Group on taking on the management of the Town Hall - a fantastic milestone that we are delighted to have played a part in helping them achieve. Find out more about PCAT on our website www.pitlochryaction.org.uk or on Facebook.

Pitlochry Bowling Club - Did you know the name August comes from the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar? It’s a fitting name for a month that’s always busy and full of activity - and this August is no exception at Pitlochry Bowling Club!

As we head into our penultimate month of the outdoor season, there’s still plenty happening both on and off the green. But before we get into the competition results, here’s a quick reminder about a couple of our regular social events:

Monday Coffee Mornings - These have become a real favourite! Join us from 10 am to 12 noon every Monday for a warm welcome, home baking (think scones with jam and cream, pancakes and more!) and a cuppa - all for just £4. Visitors are always very welcome

Bingo Nights - Will start again in October Competition Highlights - We’re delighted to say we’re currently sitting in pole position in the North Perthshire League, with just one game left to play - an away match against Blair Atholl. Fingers crossed!

Here’s a look at some of July’s highlights - *We are very excited for four of our members who have qualified for Bowls Scotland National Championships 2025 in Ayr at the end of July. Very best wishes to Jamie and Andy Reid. Alex Anderson and Sandra Morrison. *The Jubilee Vase was won by Kay McClure and Andy Reid. *The Aberfeldy Open Triples champions were Alex Anderson, John Anderson, and Brian McClure - who also won the Club Triples. *Cath McCartney was part of the winning team at the Blair Atholl Open Triples. *The Distillery Cup was won by Alex Anderson, Brian McClure, Ann Eggilshaw, and a visitor. Runners-up were Kevin Walsh, Lisa Leck, Ian Rodney, and a visitor.

A big thank you to Blair Athol Distillery for generously donating the whisky prizesmuch appreciated.

We also had a brilliant day of friendly com-

petition with a visiting team from Newtonmore. While it’s all in good spirit, we do share a lovely trophy between the clubs - and this year, Pitlochry gets to hold onto it!

New Members & Visitor Info - It’s fantastic to see so many new members getting involved in competitions and enjoying their time on the green. You’re all doing brilliantly - keep it up!

Our green is open to visitors during the following times - Sunday to Friday afternoons: 2 pm - 4 pm Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday mornings: 10 am - 12 noon. If these times don’t suit, just get in touch - we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Cost is just £5, and accompanied children go free. For more information - John - 07833 664121 Agnes - 07918 122415 or visit our Facebook page: Pitlochry Bowling Club Whether you’re playing or just popping in for a coffee (or something stronger when the bar’s open!), we’d love to see you.

100-Mile Challenge Update - A huge well done to Carol Anderson, Wendy Anderson, and William MacNicoll for completing their 100-mile challenge in May, raising funds for Scottish Air Ambulance. Thank you to everyone who supported and donated - your generosity means a lot. Total amount raised £2,600

Music in Rannoch - All concerts are on Sundays at 3 pm in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. £10 at the door, children free. Refreshments available during the interval. Easy parking.

Sunday, 17 August - (Highland Gathering Week). Colleen Nicoll (Soprano), David Douglas (Tenor) and Andrew Johnston (Piano), two of whom run the Pitlochry Choral Society, performing ‘The Road to the Isles’, a unique journey celebrating the traditional Gaelic songs of Scotland’s Western Isles, arranged by the collector and composer Marjory Kennedy-Fraser 1857-1930.

Sunday, 21 September - Nicholas Ashton (Piano Recital), including Beethoven’s Andante Favori, Chopin: two Polonaises, Schumann’s Kinderszenen and Brahms: Vier Klavierstucke.

Sunday, 19 October - Fyne Brass Quintet whose programme includes some Scottish songs.

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOLIDAY HOMES

Self‐Catering Luxury Holiday Homes Located in the Perthshire Highlands

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOLIDAY HOMES

A handpicked portfolio of beautiful 4 and 5 star self‐catering properties in and around the Aberfeldy and Kenmore areas www.highlandperthshire‐holidayhomes.com

Self‐Catering Luxury Holiday Homes Located in the Perthshire Highlands icked portfolio of beautiful 4 and 5 star self‐catering properties in and around the Aberfeldy and Kenmore areas. www.highlandperthshire‐holidayhomes.com

Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management

 Full management service for owners

 Optional advice and/or set‐up service to achieve maximum potential



 Aberfeldy based, established 11 years

 Full services include: marketing, booking administration, guest liaison, changeovers and day to day caretaking.

 Aberfeldy based, established 11 years

 Full

include:

 Full services include: marketing, booking administration, guest liaison, changeovers and day to day caretaking.

booking administration, guest liaison, changeovers and day to day caretaking.

 We assist second home owners in the area, from pre‐purchase advice to ongoing property management.

Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management



 We assist second home owners in the area, from pre‐purchase advice to ongoing property management.



 Services include: caretaking visits, on‐site management of emergencies and key‐holder services



 Our service can be tailored to

 Our service can be tailored to suit your needs and to ensure your insurance requirements are met.

 Our service can be tailored to suit your needs and to ensure your insurance requirements are met. If you would like to find out more about our services or how we may be able to help you, please call Angela Penfold on 07887 926347 or by email at angela@penfoldproperty.com

If you would like to find out more about our services or how we may be able to help you,

If you would like to find out more about our services or how we may be able to help you, please call Angela Penfold on 07887 926347 or by email at angela@penfoldproperty.com

KENMORE BAKERY

Homemade Shortbread and Biscuits

Bakers of Distinction

Come and see us!

Sunday, 3 August - Aberfeldy Farmer’s Market

Wednesday, 6 August - Killin Highland Games

Saturday, 9 August - Aberfeldy Show

Saturday, 16 August - Killin Show

Sunday, 7 September - Aberfeldy Farmer’s Market

Keith & Sheila Mitchell

Easdale, Acharn, Aberfeldy, Perthshire Tel: 01887 830556 E: kenmore bakery@hotmail.com Facebook: Kenmore Bakery

Rob Roy Pitstop Honesty Shop

Based at the Bakery and open 7 days; 9 am - 5 pm Come pay us a visit.

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition

At the time of writing we have workmen in the Duchess Anne, dealing with dry rot. However we are hopeful that this will be dealt with in time for the Exhibition to open at the end of July.

The Exhibition will open on Tuesday, 29 July at 10 am. We will be open every day from 10 am - 4 pm and 12 pm - 4 pm on Sundays until the end of August. However, if you are planning to travel to Dunkeld, please check the website - www.dunkeldartexhibition.com and it will be updated prior to the Preview and opening. We are also on Facebook - Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition.

Our invited artists are Ingrid Mayes and Rowena Millard and we have a selection of new artists along with familiar and popular names who have supported us at Dunkeld over many years. All their work can be seen online. Any queries please email us at Dunkeldart@ aol.com

• Carpet cleaning

• Upholstery cleaning

• Stone floor cleaning

• Marble polishing

• Tiled floor cleaning

• Amtico & Karndean cleaning

Before.... After!

Choose from our wide range of carpet cleaning packages including the Pet Package, the Premier Package and the Asthma Package.

Current Disclosure Scotland check Established in 2008

t: 08000 463422

m: 07789 007072

e: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk

w: www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk

Humanos Aid International - Our charity has a complete range of stationery, supplied by Sklep Papierniczy based in Poland. With over 60 items, including super glue, bubble wrap, all types of envelopes, printing paper and more, the range will be extended, once new supplies arrive. The post office in Ballinluig sells the full range of stationery and other items for our charity. The post office in Ballinluig has the following opening hours; Monday/ Thursday/ Friday 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 5.30 pm closed for lunch 12 pm -1 pm. Humanos Aid International Registered Scottish charity SC042807

The Baha’i Faith - Exploring One’s Spiritual Nature - There are open-invitation devotional meetings in Aberfeldy every Thursday at 7 pm. Currently topics have taken an international angle, following the interests of those who come. You are welcome to bring writings of a spiritual nature or a story you wish to share or to explore the very meaning of ‘spiritual’. After sharing these together there is social time for chat and some ‘Eats’ and refreshment.

Children’s classes are breaking for the holidays but there are Junior Youth camps and their own national conference during the summer. Baha’i Writings can be explored at www. bahai.org or contact can be made with Mark at markcrenshaw9@hotmail.com or chat had in The Lounge at The Highland Chocolatier if you ask for Hilarie.

Weightlifting - Pitlochry Weightlifting club member Alex Phillips won his 46th Scottish title at the Scottish Masters Open in Arbroath on June 21. Competing in the 79 kg (60 to 64 years) class, Alex snatched 47 kg, setting 2 Scottish records with 2 of his attempts, he then Clean & Jerked 58 kg for a 105 kg total which was also a new Scottish record.

The Healthiest Town, Aberfeldy - Open Gate Festival

- Following the success of last year’s Open Gate Festival, the Healthiest Town team is excited to announce the programme of this year’s Open Gate Festival. This will run from Friday, 29 August to Sunday, 7 September with lots of open gardens and farms, workshops, talks and events running throughout the week. The Healthiest Town project supports and delivers a range of projects and programmes under four ‘pillars’: Eat Real Food, Move More, Maintain Balance and Connect with People, Purpose and Nature. The Open Gate Festival is part of our food programme, encouraging and enabling people to eat better, grow food or eat local food where possible, and understand the link between food, health and climate. It offers our community the chance to learn and engage with these important issues.

As well as many gardens and farms being open for us to visit, and a host of practical workshops on growing, foraging and producing food, we will have a range of talks, films and events. We will be re-launching the Aberfeldy Manifesto, written in 1974, looking at how we can use this call to action to help us all eat better, and therefore improve health and reduce negative climate impacts. We also will be hosting a community meal to celebrate our amazing community and delicious local produce. We are delighted to have all of our local schools involved in the Open Gate Festival - our young people have so much to teach us!

We are also spreading the Open Gate Festival with events and activities in other areas around Highland Perthshire - Crieff and Comrie, Dunkeld and Birnam, and Pitlochry. Please join us. Check out all our events at www.healthiesttown.org. Booking is essential for many events.

Fortingall Village Hall - £5 Drop in Lunch

Join us for lunch on Thursday, 7 August at Fortingall Village Hall. Choice of main course, tea/coffee and a cake for just £5. 12noon to 2pm (last orders 1.45pm). No need to book, but if you wish, email fortingallhallevents@gmail.com or 01887 830322

For

Thankfully

“ “

Every

Pitlochry Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Pitlochry is hosting an inspiring community event at Pitlochry Town Hall on Saturday, 30 August, 10 am - 1.30 pm, and we’d love your group to be part of it. Now in its third year, this gathering connects local organisations with community members seeking new interests and meaningful ways to get involved. Bring your energy! Showcase what your

group does, what makes it enjoyable, and the benefits of being part of it. Help others see how we can all Make A Difference together. Many in our town want to engage but don’t know where to begin - or feel hesitant about joining in. This event creates a welcoming space to explore and connect. Previous years have received heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to network and build community.

Whether you’re seeking new members, looking for volunteers, or simply eager to share your passion - this is your chance to reach out, inspire, and celebrate the difference we can make in the community we all share

For more information: Contact Linda Watt : secretary@Pitlochry.rotary1010.org

Transform your kitchen with the top that fits on top

Complete kitchen makeovers

Installed directly over existing surfaces

Made-to-measure replacement doors

Keep your original units

Less mess and disruption

Eco-friendly, less going to landfill

Peace of mind with our 10-year warranty

Pitlochry Sketchers - Every Thursday at 10.30 am - 12.30 pm Venue: Café, Pitlochry Festival Theatre

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

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

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

Sharing the fruits of our labours at The Field,

Brae St, Dunkeld

At this time of year most of our plots are producing tasty organic produce which is consumed locally with minimum food miles. Tatties, carrots, beetroot, onion, squash, spinach, chard, salad crops, cabbage and calabrese, herbs, courgettes, broad, runner and French beans, peas, black currants, gooseberries, blueberries, plums and by the end of next month apples, autumn raspberries, tomatoes and cucumber.

This means that at this time of year the work of our volunteers is focused on harvesting and preparing produce for the stalls. This has to be done regularly in order keep up with growth and deliver truly fresh produce which tastes completely different from supermarket fare to our stalls.

Thanks to Maddy Hand we also have wonderful bouquets of cut flowers which have proven to be very popular on the stalls. Maddy is keen to share her skills in the flower garden with volunteers so if your interest is flowers come along and see what she has created.

We are constantly surprised at the willingness

of between 12 and 20 volunteers to turn up on work days whatever the weather to harvest, prepare and pack.

Recently we have been fortunate to have young folk from the village who are keen to learn the skills involved in growing their own food.

This month, our approach to, ‘the most equitable distribution of the fruits and vegetables of our labours’ will be slightly different from previous years.

It has always been our aim to supply our hard-working volunteers with vegetable produce according to their need, and to share any surplus with the community by means of our Saturday and Tuesday stalls, and the ‘honesty box’ at the field gate (BACS payment also accepted).

Due to the volume of weekend traffic in Dunkeld, we have been finding it increasingly difficult to stock and take produce down to the stall at the Duchess Anne. Some of our customers have also found it difficult to park there on a Saturday.

We have therefore decided to stock the field gate stall more regularly - especially on Saturdays - and to have one market stall each week outside the Birnam Arts on Thursdays , between 10 am and midday, or until we are sold out of produce.

We would like to thank the Church for the use of the Duchess Anne; it has been much appreciated, and we are sorry to lose what has been a popular venue for our customers over the last 14 years. If you wish to share in the harvest, we would be delighted to see you up at the Field on Thursday and Saturday mornings. We are starting earlier in the summer so someone will be there by 9 am to show you around and give you a job! You will be rewarded with tea or coffee, home baking and produce in season according to your needs for the week.

Councillor John Duff

Highland Ward Conservative

I recently took part in a mass clean-up of the Logierait Bridge, the only community-owned ex-railway bridge in the country. The bridge is an amazing asset to our communities and something which I use often in travelling about my ward. Around 30 supporters came along to help remove the weeds that grow between the wooden sleepers and can cause long-term damage to the structure if left unattended. It was a blazing hot day but within the three-hour period virtually all of the decking had been cleared. The bridge is maintained principally by membership fees (£30 pa) and further details can be found at www.logieraitbridge.com.

As I go about my council business, I notice the tremendous work done by the various In Bloom groups around Perth and Kinross, including the seven groups at work in Highland Perthshire. The displays which are key features in many of our towns and villages are bright and colourful and certainly add a very welcome contribution to the built environment and to the quality of our daily lives. All these groups are run by volunteers, and I am sure they are always looking for new blood. So if you fancy joining one of them, whether in Aberfeldy, Acharn, Blair Atholl, Kenmore, Kinloch Rannoch, Pitlochry or Rannoch Station or elsewhere in Perth and Kinross, visit www.prideinperthshire.co.uk for more information. Now is the time of year for many of our Highland Games and Agricultural Shows. These traditional, long-standing events are much admired by residents and visitors and are great spectacles which showcase our Highland culture, sports, music and food. They do a lot to help support our local economies and we should express our thanks to all those who help to organise and deliver these much-awaited annual events. Two large windfarms are currently being discussed at Meall Dearg (adjacent to Calliachar) and North Logiealmond (opposite Amulree). In total, there are plans for 42 wind turbines that are 200 m - 250 m to the tip. By comparison, the Griffin and Calliachar turbines are 100 m tall. When they are submitted, these planning applications will be considered by the Energy Consents Unit and the final decision will be made by Scottish Ministers. Details can be found at www.energyconsents.scot.

If I can be of any assistance to constituents, groups or local businesses on any matter, please contact me on jcduff@pkc.gov.uk, Mobile: 07826 908542; Office Tel: 01738 475095.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group -

We’re on holiday just now, but will return to band sessions and classes on Monday, 25 August with new tunes to learn and exciting gigs to play.

If you would like to join us, we have spaces available to learn guitar, whistle, fiddle or accordion. All classes are in small groups lasting half an hour. They are completely free and we provide instruments, without cost, for our members to take home and use as their own. Our junior and senior bands are for those who can already play at least a little, and are suitable for most instruments.

We welcome accordion, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to join in with our musical adventures and concerts throughout the year.

All run on Mondays during term time, based at Birnam Arts.

As always, huge thanks for making our group possible go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Crescendo, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and our local residents who have generously donated money and instruments. For more info: dbtradgroup@gmail.com 07958 324766 .

The Dunkeld and

Birnam

Art and Crafts Fair

The Dunkeld and Birnam Art and Crafts Fair takes place in the Drill Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld from Friday, 22 to Sunday, 24 August from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Crafts include leatherwork, silver and gold jewellery, Harris Tweed, unique knitwear, silk scarves, witchy stuff, dreamcatchers, macrame, art, glass, bears, skincare, made-to-measure shoes, children’s embroidered clothes, and a spinner using Shetland wool. Demonstrations. Free entry.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic at Pitlochry Community Hospital

Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Tuesday, 5 August between 10 am - 12 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic at Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice

Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Wednesday, 6 August between 10 am - 12 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, Aberfeldy.

dows

d o w s

dows

• BESPOKE OUTSIDE CATERING

freshly prepared quality cuisine catering to your individual needs

• CULINARY GIFTWARE

• BESPOKE OUTSIDE CATERING

• CULINARY GIFTWARE

• PRESERVES & BAKING

freshly prepared quality cuisine catering to your individual needs

• DELICATESSEN

• PRESERVES & BAKING

• BESPOKE OUTSIDE CATERING

• DELICATESSEN

• HOMEMADE READY MEALS

• BESPOKE OUTSIDE CATERING

• HOMEMADE READY MEALS

• CULINARY GIFTWARE

• FRESH BERRIES IN SEASON

• CHRISTMAS NAPKINS

• CULINARY GIFTWARE

• PRESERVES & BAKING

• DELICATESSEN

• HOMEMADE READY MEALS

• FRESH BERRIES IN SEASON

Orders now being taken for Christmas Turkey & trimmings, Meat Joints and much much more from Dunkeld Butchers

• FRESH BERRIES IN SEASON

Orders now being taken for Christmas Turkey & trimmings, Meat Joints and much much more from Dunkeld Butchers

13 Dunkeld Street Aberfeldy PH15 2DA 01887 829616

13 Dunkeld Street Aberfeldy PH15 2DA 01887 829616 freshly prepared quality cuisine catering to your individual needs

Orders now being taken for Christmas Turkey & trimmings, Meat Joints and much much more from

Orders now being taken for Christmas Turkey & trimmings, Meat Joints and much much more from Dunkeld Butchers

• ExTERiOR ANd iNTERiOR pAiNTiNG

• TApiNG ANd fiLLiNG • pLAsTERiNG

• wALLpApER HANGiNG ANd REMOVAL

• pAiNT sTRippiNG • REsidENTiAL JOBs

• OUTdOOR pOwER wAsHiNG

Free estimates tel 01764 656031

13 Dunkeld Street Aberfeldy PH15 2DA

Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX

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

Sundays in August - Our Worship Gathering takes place in our building every Sunday from 10.30 am. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. For young people, we have a full programme for babies through to teenagers. We look forward to welcoming you.

Church of Scotland Fortingall, Glenlyon, Kenmore and Lawers

Interim Moderator Lorimer Gray 01887 827316. Email lorimer.gray@gmail.com

We are very happy to welcome you to worship, whether you live in the area or are just visiting. Services are normally held on alternate Sundays, between Fortingall and Kenmore churches, at 10 am.

August services begin in Fortingall on Sunday, 3 August Sunday, 10 August will be in Kenmore Church.

Sunday, 17 August will be held in Fortingall. Sunday, 24 August sees us back in Kenmore Church.

The final service for the month of August will be held in Fortingall at 10 am, on Sunday, 31 August.

We invite you to stay for tea, coffee and baked treats after the service in Fortingall - a time to enjoy the company of others.

For the children - *Stay & Play babies and toddlers group which runs from 10 am - 12 pm on Wednesday mornings will restart on Wednesday, 20 August. *The Friday Night Youth Club restarts on Friday, 22 August. It runs 2 sessions: (1) 6.30 pm - 8 pm for primary 4-7 children; (2) 8 pm - 9.30 pm for secondary aged teenagers. *The Pitlochry Youth Café for secondary aged teenagers is planning to restart on Tuesday, 2 September from 3.30 pm - 6 pm. Keep an eye on social media for any changes. Other notices - *The final Summer Special will be on Friday, 5 September in Pitlochry Baptist Church, a concert with Ian White and The Inspiration Orchestra from around Perth. Admission and refreshments after the concert are free, with a donation box available. *The Storehouse (Pitlochry’s food bank): email storehouse@ pbcweb.net for more info or to access this community service.

For quick & easy access to information on our website and social media pages, scan this QR code. Do this by:

(1) Open the camera app on your phone. (2) Hold your phone so that the QR code appears in view. (3) Tap the notification to open the link in your browser. Alternatively, if that gives you a headache, visit our website or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current up-to-date information.

Both Glen Lyon and Fortingall churches remain open during the summer months for a time of quiet reflection.

Dunkeld Parish Church

Services in Dunkeld Cathedral, Little Dunkeld Kirk and Amulree Church

Sunday Worship - 11 am in Dunkeld Cathedral (until Remembrance Sunday). Amulree Church - Services at 2.15 pm on the third Sunday of the month (Sunday, 17 August).

Visitors and children are always warmly welcomed at any of our services, and all are invited to stay for tea and coffee after the service.

Prayers for Help and Healing - The next services of Prayers for Help and Healing will take place at 6.30 pm on Sunday, 3 August in St Mary’s, Birnam and Sunday, 7 September in Little Dunkeld Kirk.

Messy Music - Messy Music will be taking a break over the summer.

Songs and Silence Services - The next in our summer series of ‘Songs and Silence’ will be on Sunday, 10 August and Sunday, 24 August at 6.30 pm. Lasting about 45 minutes they use a blend of words, music and silence, and give an opportunity to worship in the still, prayerful atmosphere of the Cathedral. Please come and join us.

Reflective walks - Walks start at Dunkeld Cathedral at 10 am. On Friday, 8 August the walk will be along the Tay to the Birnam Oak (1.5 - 2 hours) and on Friday, 22 August the walk will be to St Colme’s Well (2.5 - 3 hours). There will be time on the walk for reflection, time for silence and time to enjoy the company of others. Please see our website for further information and to sign up for the walks.

Dunkeld Cathedral Summer Music Festival - Concerts start at 12 pm every Wednesday in the Cathedral. There is also a concert on Saturday, 16 August at 12 pm featuring Caledonian Winds, a chamber woodwind group. Concerts are free but donations are welcome, and all proceeds go towards the maintenance of the Cathedral. Details of all concerts can be found on our website.

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition - Will be held in the Duchess Anne from Tuesday, 29 July until Thursday, 28 August and will be open from 10 am - 4 pm and 12 pm - 4 pm on Sundays.

Rev R Fraser Penny, The Manse, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW. Tel: 01350 727249. Email: minister@dunkeldcathedral.org.uk

Please check our website for further information: www.dunkeldcathedral.org.

Tenandry Kirk - Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev Neil Glover

Session Clerks: Anne Randle mob: 07710 421974

Edward Elworthy - 07770 842502

Normal Sunday service at 10.30 am. 1st Sunday of the month. Coffee/ Tea following the service. All Welcome

Aberfeldy

Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

website for the current information on our services www.glschurchofscotland.org

Aberfeldy Parish Church - 10.45 am. Please consult the website for the current information on our services

www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org

We also offer a YouTube Service from Aberfeldy Parish Church- details can be found on the Church Website. This is a great way to stay connected if you are unable to be there in person!

Church Website Information

Aberfeldy Parish Church www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org Dull and Weem Parish Church www.dullandweemparish.org

Grantully, Logierait and Strathtay Parish Church www.glschurchofscotland.org

The Baha’i Faith:

You are welcome to join us at the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. Our meetings feature short talks and discussions on Bible themes. Below are dates and times for August. If you have a Bible, bring it with you. If you would like a lift to the meetings, get in touch.

3rd 10.30 am, 7th 7 pm, 10th 10.30 am, 14th 7 pm, 17th 10.30 am, 21st 7 pm, 24th 10.30 am, 28th 7 pm, 31st 10.30 am.

Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth.

Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience - ring or text 07802 753193. At jw.org you will find more.

Rannoch Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Mr Lorimer Gray. Tel: 01887 827316 or 07740 378910. Email: lorimer.gray@gmail.com

Sundays 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

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

Church of Scotland, Aberfeldy Area

Aberfeldy (SC007899), Dull and Weem (SC001465) and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay (SC004275) Parish Churches. Minister - Rev. Neil Glover - nglover@ churchofscotland.org.uk Tel: 07779 280074 PA - Judy Ewer - judy.ewer@adwgls.org.uk Tel: 07836 565528.

Regular Sunday Morning Worship

Dull and Weem Parish Church - 9.45 am. Please consult the website for the current information on our services www.dullandweemparish.org

Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches - 10.30 am. Please consult the

1st Sunday of the month is a joint service with Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay (GLS) - 10.30 am. See Church Websites for details. Church Based Activities

What’s it all About? Nothing less than to join in the task of building a mature, peaceful, just and united world: a vast undertaking in which all people and every nation needs to participate.

Baha’is locally are trying to offer something for the younger folk in our community.

For Children’s Classes or Youth Activities this summer ask Mark on markcrenshaw9@ hotmail.com or judge for yourselves at www. bahai.org. See more information on p12.

NB - The following regular activities are on ‘holiday’ and will be resuming in September. ‘Warm Welcome Cafe’ and Stay and Play in Aberfeldy Parish Church on Tuesday mornings - Teas, coffee, biscuits and baking Stay and Play 9.30 am - 11.30 am Warm Welcome Café - 10 am - 12 pm If you would like to be involved in any way, please contact judy.ewer@adwgls.co.uk

Aberfeldy Quilting Group - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Farragon Room - Thursdays - 11 am - 3 pm

Contact www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org

Aberfeldy Prayer Meeting - Aberfeldy Parish Church - 4.45 pm - 6 pm every Wednesday evening in Farragon - all are welcome to come along

Aberfeldy Alcoholics Anonymous - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Kitchen - 7.30 pm - 9 pm every Tuesday. Contact - 01887 820936 Dull and Weem Chit Chat Café - 1 st

Monday of the month in the Macdonald Room, Dull and Weem Kirk. For further information please contact Liz Bruce - DullandWeemChurch@gmail.com

Strathtay Coffee Break - The group meet every Wednesday in the John Kyd Hall, beside Strathtay Church at 10.30 am - all are welcome to come along and join in!

Strathtay Quilting Group - John Kyd Hall. 7 pm - 9 pm on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Contact Marie Macleod - gls.churchofscotland@gmail.com

Please look at the church website for the latest information.

RC Parish of St Bride encompassing St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL, Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AJ and St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam, PH8 OBJ Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu MA MSP. T: 01796 472174

e: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk

Sunday Mass Times

St Columba’s Saturday Vigil 6.00pm, Our Lady of Mercy 9.30am, St Bride’s 11.30am Weekday Mass Times

Our Lady of Mercy Tuesday 9.30am, St Bride’s Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30am Holy Days of Obligation

St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30pm, St Bride’s 7.00pm

St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church Perth Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 0BJ Serving Birnam, Dunkeld and surrounding areas

Our main service of worship takes place at 10.00 every Sunday morning. It is a service of Holy Communion with prayers, readings, music and a sermon. We are a family and child-friendly church. This service normally lasts for an hour and we hope you will join us. Check up to date information at www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk

The Scottish Episcopal Church

Offers all a warm and inclusive welcome to all Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane

Rector: Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005: Email: bethmaybaker@yahoo.

co.uk Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet. com Website: www.hplc.scot Facebook Page: www.en-gb.facebook.com/highlandperthshirechurches

Episcopal Churches in Highland Perthshire - All are welcome at services in our churches and on Zoom. Check our website for updates.

Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry - Contact - Robin Baker - 01796 472005. Holy Trinity is open regularly from Easter to Christmas, Serenity Garden is open Daily

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

Sunday, 3 August - 11.15. Joint Charge Service at Kilmaveonaig Sunday, 31 August - 10.30 am. Joint Service at All Saints Kinloch Rannoch

Book Group - Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details. Garden Group - 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays

Coffee Mornings - 1st Thursday of the Month 10.30 am to 12 noon

Kilmaveonaig (St Adamnan’s Church) - Opposite former Tilt Hotel, Blair Atholl. Contact - Mrs. Lavinia Gordon 01796 481230. Kilmaveonaig is open daily

Sundays - 11.15 am. Holy Communion/ Matins/ Communion by Extension Sunday, 31 August - 10.30. Joint Service at All Saints Kinloch Rannoch 5th Sundays - Joint Service with Holy Trinity & All Saints (see Website for location)

St Andrew’s, Church, Strathtay - Opposite the local shop. Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416

Sundays - 11.15 am. Holy Communion/ Matins/Service of the Word/Communion by Extension. Sunday, 3 August - 11.15 am. Joint Service at Kilmaveonaig 5th Sundays with Church of Scotland (see website)

House Group - 10 am. Last Wednesday of

the month

All Saints , Kinloch Rannoch SquareContact - Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005

First Sunday of the Month - 9.30 am. Holy Communion Sunday, 3 August - 11.15

am. Joint service at Kilmaveonaig Sunday, 31 August - 10.30 am. Holy Communion (Joint Charge Service) 5th Sundays - Joint Service with Holy Trinity & Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location)

Zoom Services (see website for dates) Sundays - 6 pm. Evening Services Thursdays - 10.30 am. Morning Prayer

Pitlochry linked with Blair Atholl & Struan Churches of Scotland

Minister: Rev Mark Foster (MFoster@ churchofscotland.org.uk)

Pitlochry Church

Session Clerk: Ginnie Wilkie 01796 472791 Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland. org.uk

Sunday Services - Sunday worship is at 10 am in Pitlochry Church. We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. Tea/coffee and biscuits are served in The Tryst Lounge following the service. There will be a joint service with Blair Atholl and Struan on Sunday, 31 August.

Community Care - This continues in The Tryst Lounge on Tuesdays from 10 am - 2 pm and on Thursdays from 10 am - 3 pm. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from these activities, please contact the Community Care team at The Tryst for details.

Wednesday Coffee & Chat - Tea, coffee and biscuits from 10.30 am till 12 noon in The Tryst Lounge. Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people.

Table Tennis - Weekly on Thursdays 2 pm until 4 pm in The Tryst Hall.

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

Blair Atholl & Struan Church

Session Clerk : Harold Ingram 01796 481275

Sunday Services - Worship is at 11.30 am in Blair Atholl Church. There will be no service on Sunday, 31 August as the joint service will be in Pitlochry Church at 10 am.

We invite you to our Coffee Corner, in the church hall on Thursdays from 10.30 am - 12 noon.

Dear friends,

Do you suffer from ‘Caregiver’s Stress’- a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion that comes from giving care to a loved one - even a loved one who may be far away. Some of the symptoms include constant worry, tying our identity to the wellbeing of the person we look after, resentment, resistance to help and a lack of activities which give us rest.

If that’s you, then you’re not alone. One survey estimates that 60% of caregivers (parents, children of elderly relatives, spouses) suffer from burnout. That may be you, or maybe someone you know?

What is there to do? Because in your situation it may seem like there are very few options.

Here are some possibilities - remind yourself that you are actually doing a good job… there is no such thing as a perfect parent, spouse or child; but you are almost certainly doing well. Remind yourself of this, because we need to quieten the voice that always tells us that we could be doing more… that voice never helped anyone.

And another thing - find one change that you can make. Not lots of changes, and not huge ones. But find something small, something that means you are not pouring from a cup which is quite so empty.

Jesus once said, ‘Come to me all of you who are weak and heavy and laden’. Not just religious people, or regular churchgoers or firm believers - but all of you who are weak and heavy laden - may he give you much rest, May God Bless you, Neil Glover Minister - Aberfeldy, Dull & Weem, Grantully, Logierait and Strathtay.

DUNDEE'S HIDDENGEM

StepbackintimetotheheartofDundee’sindustrial pastatVerdantWorksMuseum;abeautiful1830smill. Withworkingmachinery,localvolunteerguidesand interactivegalleries,there’ssomethingforthewhole familytoenjoy!

WestHendersonsWynd,Dundee,DD15BT *T&Csapply.Planyourvisitatourwebsite: www.dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk

All types of Electrical & TV works

Installation, rewires, new builds, TV aerials, FREEVIEW, satellite dishes and FREESAT Free estimates and advice, ABERFELDY BASED

Tel Mike MacDougall 07718 122037 email: mmelec@hotmail.co.uk

Green Carpet Care

professional carpet cleaning service

Carpet Cleaning

Upholstery Cleaning

Cleaning

07477 013710

info@greencarpetcare.co.uk

www.greencarpetcare.co.uk

info@greencarpetcare.co.uk

www.greencarpetcare.co.uk

Pitlochry Community First Responders - Volunteers Urgently Needed! Pitlochry Community First Responders (PCFR) is a local non-profit charity. We assist the Scottish Ambulance Service who have First Responder groups across Scotland. Responders are volunteers who live or work in Pitlochry and its surrounding areas. They are fully trained and deployed by the Scottish Ambulance Service to attend certain types of local medical emergencies when ambulance crews are located further away and an immediate response is essential.

Being local, Responders can reach these nearby life-threatening situations more rapidly and help stabilise the patient in the vital first minutes. They provide medical care and support, sustaining life until the ambulance crew arrives to take over control of the patient’s treatment. First Responders provide a selfless, heroic service to all people within our community and your own lives could depend on them. Volunteers are needed continuously.

Pitlochry First Responders operate in the local area covering from Blair Atholl to Ballinluig and are in contact with Dunkeld and Aberfeldy Responder groups to ensure a good coverage.

This is an important, life-saving local charity and we need everyone’s support in many ways! Most importantly, we are urgently recruiting more volunteer First Responders. No previous first aid experience is necessary as full training is given by the Ambulance Service. Responders must be over the age of 18 and have access to a reliable car when on duty.

As a non-profit charity, PCFR is responsible for purchasing high-quality medical equipment and supplies which our Responders need to carry out their service to the community, therefore donations and sponsorships are always welcome to help us fund this expense.

We are extremely grateful to all the generous people who have donated thus far and who continue to do so; your thoughtfulness means everything. Without your donations, our ability to help save local lives would be extremely difficult if not impossible. So we thank you for your support. We are also asking for Friends; supportive volunteers willing to give some time at fundraising events, information kiosks, at shops, festivals, the Highland Games or any other local site or event. Friends could also initiate their own creative endeavours like baking, book or craft sales to raise funds for PCFR. At events, bring a chair, a feast, a friend and a flask!

If you are a shop owner, please consider asking us for one of our charity‘s tabletop money boxes to collect donations at point of sale, or perhaps add an optional donation on sale prices. We can provide any necessary notices.

Friends of PCFR would simply be on a group email list, and if ever there was a need for your time, we would email the group and ask for any availability. We have a pressing need for more volunteer First Responders. Please share this with people you think may be interested. It will always be an ongoing necessity as the community is large, and sharing the load among Responders is only fair.

Scan the QR Code for direct access or visit www.pitlochryresponders.org. Our email address is: info@pitlochryresponders.org

Please visit our website for all the information you need and find application forms for First Responders and Friends and our secure Donations page. Please share this information with others. We need you, because you might need us! PCFR, saving local lives. Always call 999 in an emergency.

RSABI - (previously The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) RSABI is a unique Scottish charity with roots going back to 1897. To learn a little more about how RSABI operates, please see the website at www.rsabi.org.uk

Restoration, regeneration and rewilding at Dùn Coillich

Saturday, 16 August - Walk and talk with Willie McGhee. In 2001 a deer farm and land at Glengoulandie, eight miles from Aberfeldy, came on the market. A group of locals worked tirelessly to raise money to buy the site for the benefit of the community and nature - and the seeds of Dùn Coillich Community Land were sown.

It was the first ever community-led land buy-out in Perthshire, made possible by huge generosity from charitable benefactors, the local community and corporate funders. Since then, a combination of tree planting, natural regeneration and careful management has resulted in a mosaic of habitats, including emerging native woodland.

But how does what we see today compare to the original vision of our founders? What could future habitats look like, and what role will humans play in managing change in this landscape and others?

Join Willie McGhee, Dùn Coillich Forest Manager and native woodland expert, at 10 am on Saturday, 16 August for what will be a fascinating event!

Booking is essential via Eventbrite and places are limited. Events are free for members of Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, the suggested donation for non-members is £5. Visit www.duncoillich.org to find out more about us, and follow our Facebook Group for updates!

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries

Breadalbane Community Library

Colourful Clay - Calling children aged 5-11! Join us at Breadalbane Community Library on Thursday, 7 August from 10 am to 12 pm for our colourful clay activity! Carefully craft a garden gnome or fairy of your very own to take home! Under 8s should be supervised by an accompanying adult. Spaces are limited. Tickets are £3 and booking is required by contacting the library in person or phoning 01887 822405, or emailing breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk.

Blast Off! Library Tour - Blast Off! is going on the road again! Step into ‘space’ this summer at Breadalbane Community Library and enjoy our cosmic playscape! Blast Off! is an intergalactic, interactive playscape where children and adults can build, dress up, read, and spacewalk together through the galaxy. This is a drop-in, unstructured playscape suitable for children under the age of seven years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Available from Wednesday, 13 August to Tuesday, 19 August and open during library hours.

Interactive Space-themed Storytelling - Calling children aged 3-5! Join us at Breadalbane Community Library on Thursday, 14 August from 10.30 am to 11.30 am for a special space-themed interactive storytelling session using digital devices! The story session will be followed by a space-themed open soft play session. Children should be supervised at all times by an accompanying adult. Free, drop-in session. No booking required.

Code Club - every Thursday 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. This is a weekly term-time coding club for children aged 8-12. Bookbug session - Every Friday 11.15 am to 11.45 am. This is an under 5s activity session with songs, rhymes and stories.

Breadalbane Heritage Society Family History Group - If you are looking for help to research your family history and create your family tree, then the family history group may be able to help. Please get in touch with Helen Stewart at helenstewart.bhs@gmail.com or contact the library. Support sessions are held in the library and are by prior arrangement only.

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

Digital Services and Resources

Maker_Space - Free access to a fantastic selection of creative technology, including a 3D printer and the Adobe Creative Cloud. Digital services - The library has free public access to computers, Wi-fi, printing, wireless printing with Princh, photocopying, and scanning facilities. E-resources - Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have online library services available 24/7 via the library website (www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries) or by downloading the library app: browse the library catalogue, online joining, requesting and renewing items.

Breadalbane Community Library Opening Hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday:10 am - 7 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm Sunday: Closed

Breadalbane Community Library, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2FJ 01887 822405/ breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk

You can find all of The Quair advertising details at our website by scanning the QR Code to the left and view our Facebook page by scanning the QR code to the right

The Big Shed - One day yoga & outdoor meditation retreat with Fi Lumsden on Saturday, 23 August. It’s suitable -for all ages and abilities. More details and price are available directly from Fi’s website www. filumsdenyoga.co.uk.

The Big Shed is at Tombreck on the north side of Loch Tay, about 2 miles beyond the Ben Lawers Hotel. Access is signposted from the main road and there is parking. If you want to find out more about the Big Shed, have a look at the website, the Facebook page or email us at websitecontact@ bigshed.org.uk. www.bigshed.org.uk www.facebook.com/ theBigShedTombreck, txt or phone 07508 645453

Pitlochry Repair Café - Pitlochry Repair Café is back at Moulin Hall on Sunday, 31 August. Skilled repair volunteers can fix your broken and damaged items. Enjoy hot drinks, home-made baking and soup while you wait! We can’t fix phones but bring along any other items including bikes, ceramics, textiles, household objects, furniture, electrical items and electronics. Kids are welcome and dogs too!

pitlochry Community Bonfire and Fireworks Display

Fundraising is now well underway for the Bonfire and Firework Display. The Thrift Shop will take place from Saturday, 2 August until Friday, 8 August. Open each day from 10 am until 4 pm. We will be setting up on Friday, 1 August and donations can be brought to the Scout Hut from 10 am until 7 pm. Donations will also be accepted on the Saturday and Sunday. We look forward to receiving good quality items for the Thrift Shop and also to seeing you there. I am sure there will be lots of bargains. Later we will have a Raffle. Further information can be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com

Our whisky shop has been synonymous with fine whisky, wines and spirits for over 60 years. We have customers from all around the globe who visit our shop and website to grab themselves a nice bottle of Scotland’s famous spirit.

As well as whisky, we stock a huge host of world wines, spirits and beers as well as a comprehensive range of craft gins.

Robertsons of Pitlochry, 44-46 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX

www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk

Tel. 01796 472011

Reid Tree & Garden Services

• Tree felling, shaping & trimming

• All other landscaping services available

• Mono blocking, Patios & Paths laid

• Pathways & drives gravelled

• Slabbing and walls repaired or replaced

• Fencing & Turfing

• All types and sizes of trees supplied and planted - from 1m to 10m

Active Kids and Snaigow Estate Pantry - Situated in Stanley, Active Kids Adventure Park is perfect for kids who love to play and, with both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore, the park is open all year round. Active Kids has recently unveiled two great new additions to their outdoor park, including a sensory-rich under 7’s play area and a new look wooden fort equipped with an ensemble of towers, nets, and climbing equipment as well as interactive wall activities. Indoors, Active Kids is home to an immersive treehouse-themed indoor playground as well as a café and toy shop.

Snaigow Estate Pantry will be coming to Active Kids Adventure Park from September this year. Across Snaigow Estate, farming and sustainability go hand in hand. The Snaigow Estate Pantry will soon be home to a selection of carefully selected suppliers as well as estate-reared meats and monthly recipe meal kits.

Each month, Snaigow Estate Pantry will serve a new ‘estate to plate’ experience, with recipe meal kits that come complete with everything you need to create a delicious, hearty meal at home. These recipe meal kits have been carefully curated by Estate Shepherdess and Produce Manager, Anna MacKinnon, who enjoys crafting recipes to celebrate the best of each season. Having grown up cooking alongside her talented private chef mother, Anna has long been inspired to create flavourful and wholesome recipes and our new meal kits allow Snaigow Estate reared meats to be featured within her ingredients list.

Active Kids is open to the public from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm seven days a week whilst the Pantry will be open over weekends from September onwards. You can see our advert on page 19. For more information, please visit www.activekidsadventurepark.co.uk.

The Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society

The Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society meet every Monday, during term time, in The Royal School of Dunkeld, between 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm, where we enjoy playing traditional, and contemporary Scottish music together, under the guidance of our musical director and conductor Pete Clark. We are a friendly group, and welcome players of all instruments that work within an orchestra setting. There is the option to either join as full member, or just come along when you can and pay on the night. For information, or to learn more about our group, our website is www.dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org

The copy date for the September 2025 edition of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair is noon on Wed, 13 August. The magazines will be distributed week commencing Monday, 1 September

• New Builds

• Extensions • Renovations

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Internal doors

• Laminate & Solid

Wood Floors

• Timber & UPVC

Windows

• Conversions

• Timber and UPVC fascia’s

• Soffits and Guttering

• Cladding & Decking

• General Maintenance

• All Trade Packages and free estimates

Mobile: Fraser 07912 863557 Aaron 07724 345317

Email: info@dawson-deacon.co.uk

Dawson & Deacon Joiners & Contractors Ltd, Crieff

Charissa Foster set up Heartland Hearing to stay ahead on new technology and various aspects of hearing and hearing loss to support the local community’s hearing health. Improving the lives of patients and their families is at the heart of everything we do.

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

CHANGING AND LONG-LASTING SAME DAY TEETH AND SMILE.

With over 17+ years’ experience in Dental Implants, we can help you get rid of your denture or replace your teeth all in a Day! Using the new revolutionary implants system CHROME GuidedSMILE, we can provide you with Teeth-In-A-Day in a predictable, precise, and comfortable way.

HOW IT WORKS?

• Digital Planning. Using 3D imaging & digital scanning, we capture highly detailed images of your mouth to customise the treatment to precisely ﬁt your new teeth. You get to see a simulation of what your new smile will look like once the treatment is complete.

• Get your new smile. Using the Chrome surgical guide, we ﬁt temporary ﬁxed natural looking and functioning teeth on the day, so you have your new smile on the day!

Perthshire Artisans

Creative support platform Perthshire Artisans is celebrating its fifth birthday this summer with an exciting new exhibition in Perth. The platform was launched in 2020 by enterprise support organisation GrowBiz as a way to support local creatives. Run on a not-forprofit basis, it has grown from an initial pilot of nine artisans - seven of whom are still members - to 46, with 13 joining as a result of the most recent call out in February this year.

Perthshire Artisans has evolved its support over time to reflect the needs of its members. Initially focussed mainly on promoting their work, it has developed into an unusual and highly effective combination of offering peer support and expert advice alongside exhibitions and e-commerce.

Comrie-based Jon Bishop has been a member from the beginning. He says, ‘The supportive nature of both the organisation and the fellow artisans makes for a creative community that encourages development and the growth of my artistic practice.’ Similarly, new member Wendy Farquharson, a textile artist based in Glendoick in Eastern Perthshire, says, ‘Being able to engage and seek support from fellow Artisans makes you feel connected and able to learn about new ways of running your art business to the next level.’

Perthshire Artisans is marking its fifth birthday with a summer exhibition entitled Assemble 2025, highlighting its collaborative approach. Twenty-eight of the Artisans will be taking part, leading to a huge variety of artworks. It will be taking place at the Civic Hall, 2 High St, Perth, from Saturday, 9Sunday, 17 August, 10 am - 5 pm.

Highland Perthshire’s Go to Landscaping Company

Let

This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society welcomes visitors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid example of the transition between earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house. Castle Menzies stands north of the River Tay at Weem on the B846, one and half miles from Aberfeldy.

As a charity, every penny spent at the Castle remains at the Castle as part of our conservation work

Open Daily until 31st

October 2025

Monday to Saturday 10.30 am - 4.30 pm (last admission)

Sundays 2pm - 4.30 pm (last admission)

T: 01887 820982

www.castlemenzies.org

Castle Menzies

Murdo Fraser MSP can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL Tel 01738 553 990 or email at Murdo.Fraser.msp@parliament.scot The Scottish Parliament Párlamaid na h-Alba

Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member

The Arts Society Tayside - We have now concluded our main series of arts lectures and house and garden visits and members are taking their summer break. This does not mean that the committee is sitting idly by; preparations are full steam ahead for our next season of lectures at Birnam, starting on Monday, 8 September with Caroline Bendix, who will talk to us on ‘The Conservation of National Trust Libraries’, followed by Alison Bevan on Monday, 13 October on ‘Paintings at the Edge, Britain’s Coastal Art’, and Roger Mendham on Monday, 10 November on ‘The Art of the Automobile’. In addition we are looking forward to a full special interest day on Friday, 10 October on the ‘Scottish Colourists’, by Guy Peploe, artist and grandson of Samuel Peploe. A winter series of talks at the AK Bell Library in Perth by the outstanding lecturer Andrew Patterson is also in preparation. The Arts Society Tayside is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run, society dedicated to providing its members with enjoyable and approachable experiences in the arts, and supporting local good causes related to art. Each year we offer our 300 members ten fascinating and accessible morning or afternoon lectures on the second Monday of the month at Birnam Arts on a wide variety of topics, as well as a range of house, garden and gallery visits and interesting add-on activities. For those unable to make the journey to Birnam, we intend to offer live Zoom links to our lectures from September so you can watch from your own home if you wish. Please visit our website to see the full programme: theartssocietytayside.org.uk. A full year’s membership for the 2025/6 season, which includes admission to all ten lectures, costs £68. Come and join us! Please contact us for a complimentary lecture or to become a member: tastmembership@ gmail.com or 01350 724232.

Scottish Chamber Orchestra Summer Tour -

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra has announced its annual Summer Tour, bringing together a host of exceptional conductors and soloists to present world-class, live classical music to 20 remote Scottish locations including Blair Atholl.

Conductor Jakob Lehmann and SCO Principal Clarinettist Maximiliano Martín lead a romantic programme in Blair Atholl (28 August). The programme includes Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, Spohr’s Clarinet

Concerto No. 2 in E-flat, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 2 in B-flat

Tickets are on sale now via www.sco.org.uk. 18 and Under Go Free. Under 26s/ students/ Universal Credit £6. People with disabilities half price, essential companion goes free.

Walks and beginner workshops held regularly at venues throughout Highland Perthshire For more information, please get in touch.

Call/Text: 07828 086062

Email: nwhighlandperthshire@gmail.com

Or visit: www.nordicwalkinghighlandperthshire.com

Instagram: nw_highland_perthshire

Facebook: nordicwalkinghighlandperthshire

Dave Doogan MP

Angus & Perthshire Glens SNP

The UK Government has announced a further change to plans for the end of the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS). This has important implications if you or anyone you know still has an RTS Meter. RTS allows some consumers to receive cheaper rates for electricity at off-peak times, and in some cases directly controls your heating via radio signals.

When RTS ends, customers who haven’t replaced their RTS meter may find themselves with far higher energy bills, or even with heating set permanently to ‘on’ or ‘off’. The switch was supposed to happen on June 30, but progress has been slower than anticipated. In April there were still 125,000 RTS meters in Scotland.

I have met with Ofgem, energy suppliers and UK Government ministers on multiple occasions over the past year to discuss the major problems with the RTS plan. I wrote to the Government in May requesting they delay the switch and in mid-June they quietly announced a change of plan.

The RTS switch-off will now be staggered, with a small test group switched off first to allow for directed emergency support and to assess problems. This change is welcome, but plans have not yet been shared with MPs or consumers as to which areas will be switched off, and when, stating that consumers will be contacted directly when their area has a planned switch off.

This still leaves a very large number of Angus and Perthshire Glens constituents who remain unaware of when their RTS service may end. I encourage anyone who may have an RTS meter to contact their energy supplier to discuss solutions. For some people, a smart meter will not be suitable, due to poor mobile and internet connectivity. In those cases, suppliers are obliged to provide an alternative meter, for example a pre-programmed meter that doesn’t rely on external signals.

Suppliers are also obliged to provide you with the best possible tariff upon your switch. The UK Government state, ‘Ofgem has been clear that suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure former RTS consumers stay on a closely equivalent tariff.’

If you find yourself being offered a more expensive tariff, or a smart meter that doesn’t work in your location, please contact my office urgently and I would be happy to engage with your energy supplier to ensure you receive the service to which you are entitled. If you are having any issues, with something you think I can help -

You can see all of our advertising details, and read The Quair Magazines online, at www.thequair.scot

bespokestairscrieff.com alan@bespokestairscrieff.com 07544 634 964

Staircases of All types - Personalised Designs

Bespoke Timber Machining - Custom Timber Mouldings Sash and Case Windows - Architectural Joinery

Chimney Sweeping

• Stoves • Open Fires • AGAS, Rayburns etc

• Certificate of Chimney Sweeping issued

• Supply - Install • Anti Bird, Guard Cowls

• Chimney Pots • Fire Grates etc. • Fully Insured Mobile: 07547 281694 chrisfergus84@gmail.com

Chimney Stack Services Tel 01796 482646 by Aberfeldy, PH15 2EL

Paul Phillips

& 4x4’s

Paul Phillips

Home and Garden Services

Paul Phillips

T: 01796 470505, M: 07568354376

Home and Garden Services

T: 01796 470505, M: 07568354376

Email: a.phillips153@btinternet.com

T: 01796 470505, M: 07568354376

Email: a.phillips153@btinternet.com

Gardening (lawn cutting, strimming, weeding) Painting – Internal & External Oven Cleaning

Gardening (lawn cutting, strimming, weeding) Painting - Internal & External

Gardening (lawn cutting, strimming, weeding) Painting – Internal & External Oven Cleaning

Cleaning – General Housework, Dusting, Vacuuming, Spring Cleaning, Oven Cleaning

D.I.Y. – Shelf Fitting. Power Washing Patios, etc

D.I.Y. – Shelf Fitting, Picture Hanging, Power Washing Patios, etc Dog Walking, Car washing & Valeting

Dog Walking, Car washing & Valeting

If there is anything you can’t see on the list please just ask No job too small

If there is anything you can’t see on the list please just ask No too small References can be supplied

References can be supplied

Killiecrankie Community Council - The Minutes of our latest meeting, held in Killiecrankie on 21 July 2025, are on the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk/community-council. If you prefer to receive Minutes and news of local events by email, please join our mailing list. Just contact info@kftcommunitycouncil. co.uk to have your name added.

The next meeting of the Community Council will be held in Kynachan Hall, Tummel Bridge on Monday, 15 September at 7 pm. The next Tummel litter pick will be held on Sunday, 5 October. Everyone is invited to help. Meet at Kynachan Hall.

Killiecrankie Village Hall Committee

Killiecrankie Village Hall Committee welcomes enquiries for any event - large or small. See the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for details or email info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk.

Birnam Library - Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries

Bookbug sessions - Every Thursday from 10.30 am - 11 am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.

Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library. Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.

Birnam Library Opening hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 5 pm - 7 pm Friday: 12 pm - 5 pm Saturday: 9.30 am - 12 pm Sunday: Closed Birnam Library, Station Road, Birnam, Dunkeld PH8 0DS 01738 459709/ birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Clan Donnachaidh Society open morning - All welcome at an open morning at the Clan Centre at Bruar, PH18 5TW on Tuesday, 19 August from 10 am to 12.30 pm at the opening of the 2025 Clan Donnachaidh gathering. Visit the museum and find out more about the clan and its history in the area (free entry). Join a walk up to the Falls of Bruar at 11 am (all walkers take part at their own risk). For any inquiries, contact the Secretary on admin@ donnachaidh.com or 07931 217681.

Friday, 22 August - Clan Donnachaidh Society evening talk. Test your detective skills at an evening talk on a historical murder mystery in Edinburgh, presented by local author Mark Bridgeman, at 7.30 pm at The Tryst Lounge, Pitlochry Church of Scotland, Pitlochry PH16 5EB.

Trial By Jury - The Sordid Murder. Scotland in the 1920s. A man is lulled to the fourth floor of a seedy tenement. There’s no escape - dead or alive - except through the window. But was he murdered, or was it an accident? And who is to blame? You, the jury, must decide. Entry: £3 by cash or card at the door. Drinks after the talk included with admission. For any inquiries, contact the Secretary on admin@ donnachaidh.com or 07931 217681.

Murdo Fraser MSP

Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member

Conservative

You know that summer has arrived when Wimbledon takes place and thunderstorms and heavy rain spoil the warm weather we were all enjoying.

I was away on holiday at the start of the Scottish Parliament’s summer recess and I am sure many Atholl & Breadalbane Quair readers will be looking forward to going away themselves over the next few months.

At the end of July, I started my Summer Surgeries tour, which takes in many towns and villages across Mid Scotland and Fife and includes Pitlochry. I enjoy the Summer Surgeries as it gives me a chance to meet constituents face-to-face, listen to their problem/query and hopefully find a satisfactory solution.

It was also interesting to read recent statistics from Transport Scotland, which showed that over the last four years, the numbers of incidents leading to injury or death on undualled sections of the A9 Perth to Inverness road was around double that for the dualled sections. The data revealed that from 2020-2023 inclusive, there were 199 injuries and 15 deaths on single-carriage sections of the road, compared to 114 and 7, respectively, for dualled sections.

And data supplied to the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information has revealed that since 2021/22, 28 people have been killed on the A9 - including 13 fatalities in 2022/23 - while 134 collisions resulted in people being seriously in jured . The dualling between Perth and Inverness was initially meant to be completed by 2025 but this target has been put back to 2035. I have been a long-term campaigner to have the whole road dualled. This plan would expedite Environmental Impact Assessments which can often take several months or even over a year to complete in relation to dual carriageway projects. The proposals, which have secured the backing of A9 campaigner Laura Hansler, would also establish infrastructure investment partnerships with private companies and guarantee funding in law to help partners have confidence in the delivery of the project.

My biggest fear is that more lives will continue to be put at risk the longer it takes to fully dual the road, but I will keep pressing for this to be done.

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.

We are excited to share the news that Deborah Reilly, our superstar dental nurse, has passed her Dental Nursing Exam with an A* result.

In truth, this was not surprising because Deborah studied diligently for eighteen months and exhibited perfect performance in every clinical observation conducted by the assessors from Dundee Dental Hospital. Deborah has enrolled in further academic studies and continues to go from strength to strength.

Our dedicated Dental Therapist, Jade McDonald, has been invited to attend the 2025 Oral Health Summit - the UK’s leading periodontal conference

run by the British Society of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry in partnership with the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy. Edinburgh is the host city this year and Jade will attend lectures, workshops, and symposia at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Last month, Emily Reed (above) and Charlotte Bateman (below) completed their Pretty Muddy Event at Strathclyde Park, raising funds for Cancer Research - and, yes, they got pretty muddy!

Finally, Morag Anderson made it over the finish line as support runner for her great friend, and local legend, Samantha Weir. Samantha completed a 3.4km sea-loch swim and 200km bike before Morag joined her for a 42km mountain marathon in Torridon. Samantha is now, officially, a Celtman!

Morag and Sam were raising money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. Thank you to our generous patients who donated to Cancer Research and the SCAA.

Tel: 01796 472494

Fax: 01796 473685 Mobile: 07800 577259

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band - The Grade 2 were delighted to be placed 2nd in their first competition of the year, with a first in drumming at George Watson’s College competition.

The next competition was at Lochore where the Grade 2 band came 2nd and the Grade 4 band came 2nd in their grade too with a first in drumming!!! Both bands were delighted. July was a very busy month, playing at Kenmore Games on the 2nd, where it turned out to be a beautiful evening and it’s always a lovely friendly Games to play at. Three of our pipers played in the solos, Kieran Porter and Ben and Oscar Elliot, all winning prizes. It was Oscar’s first outing with the pipe band and first solo competition!!

Next was the Scottish Game Fair at Scone on July 4. Again we were very lucky with the weather although it was quite windy... but the wind blew the clouds away and it stayed dry each time we played. Another great day. Just to add to our busy week, we also played a ‘Beat the Retreat’ in the Merchant Hall, Edinburgh.

By the time you read this, we’ll have played at our first two Major competitions at Ingliston (UK Championships) and Dumbarton (Scottish Championships).

Our Highland Nights have been going very well; except we’ve had to have too many inside. Let’s hope from now on, they’ll all be outside!!!

August is another busy month with the European Championships in Perth on Saturday, 9 August and the World Championships in Glasgow on Friday, 15 and Saturday, 16 August. Both our bands play on Saturday, 16 August. The Murrumba Pipes and Drums Society from Australia are coming to Scotland to play in both of these Major Championships and on Monday, 11 August, they’re coming to Pitlochry to play at our Highland Night, so we’re looking forward to welcoming them here!! Please put that date in your diary and pop down to see them.

Gillie McNab 07733 152223 gmcnab00@ aol.com

Needing extra care needn’t mean peace and quiet. But we can arrange that too, of course. It can mean living some of your best life.

Living life at Pitlochry Care Home means care and kindness, safety and warmth, and lots of activities - home and away. As well as company, when you want it. We know choosing your new home can be daunting. That’s why we’d love to take the time to show you around, and chat over any questions.

Want to take a look? Call Andrew on 01796 473280 or email manager.pitlochry@bcgcares.co.uk

The Birks is more than a cinema! We strive to create memorable experiences that bring the community together - Every week, we have regular classes and groups, which are free (donations welcome).

On Monday mornings, we host a relaxed Chair-Based Exercise session followed by Knit & Knatter in the afternoon, and Chess Club in the evening.

Why not join our Book Club? Meet every second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm, choose books and chat about great reads in a relaxed setting with fellow book lovers.

On Thursday afternoons, people are invited to gather upstairs with their own craft and art projects for Craic N’ Craft - crafting and chatting! In the evening, our much-loved Acoustic Music Night, where musicians of all levels come together to play a mix of traditional and favourite tunes. You are also welcome to sing along, tap your foot to the beat, or just sit back and enjoy the music! Board Games Night is held every Friday night with a variety of games to choose from. All welcome.

Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz Nights! The first Friday of every month, Friday, 1 August at 7.30 pm, gather your friends, family, and even your furry friends for a fun-filled evening and a chance to win. And make sure to add a bowl of nachos to your table to share!

Our popular Gaelic Café returns with a ‘conversation only’ session on our new firstfloor Creative Learning Space, on Saturday, 2 August, at 10.30 am.

Sunday, 3 August, 4 pm is our next Book and Film Blethers. This month, we are screening Blue Road: The Edna O’Brian Story. A trailblazer in her field, Edna O’Brien pushed boundaries and marched to the beat

of her own drum as she produced some of the most famous and iconic novels to date. From director Sinéad O’Shea, Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story is as candid, dark, and enchanting as O’Brien’s wonderful novels.

Edinburgh International Book Festival Screenings - We are thrilled to present live screenings at The Birks Cinema from the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the world-leading festival of words, literature, and ideas. Starting on Saturday, 9 August, join us for captivating events featuring literary giants and beloved artists. All tickets are ‘pay what you can’.

Take a look at some of the brilliant Book Festival highlights already on our schedule: *Saturday, 9 August - 11.45 am. Reverend Richard Coles: Murder in the Parish. Reverend Richard Coles has lived many lives: pop star, priest, public figure, and now bestselling author of the Canon Clement Mysteries. In A Death on Location, the arrival of a glamorous movie set causes a stir around town, not least when a murder takes place during filming. * Monday, 11 August - 11 am. Devi Sridhar: Health For All. What’s the key to a longer, healthier life? Is the answer in selfhelp books and disciplined individual optimisation, or should we be holding governments to account for their policies on everything from pandemic preparedness to water treatment? Edinburgh University’s Personal Chair of Global Health Devi Sridhar, believes it’s the latter, as she makes clear in today’s nononsense conversation about How Not to Die (Too Soon). Generously sponsored by Healthiest Town Aberfeldy. * Monday, 18 August - 11.45 am. Gabriel Weston: An Alternative Anatomy. Aged 20, surgeon Gabriel Weston enrolled in a pioneering degree programme encouraging arts students to become doctors. In her insightful new book, Alive, Weston delves into the role our organs play on our emotions, highlighting the importance of treating the whole patient. She joins us to discuss our fragile, frightening, miraculous bodies. Generously sponsored by Healthiest Town Aberfeldy * Saturday, 23 August - 5 pm. Naga Munchetty: It’s (NOT) All In Your Head. Women’s healthcare is in need of a revolution, and BBC broadcaster Naga Munchetty is ready to fight. In It’s Probably

Nothing, she explores the difficulties women still face in getting diagnosed and treated, and provides actionable lessons to help women advocate for themselves in medical settings. She talks with Devi Sridhar about the fundamental flaws in our healthcare system and the provocative conversations that inspired her book. Generously sponsored by Healthiest Town Aberfeldy.

Special Events

Sunday, 10 August - 4.30 pm. Paper Portraits. Join us for a playful new documentary from Scottish filmmaker and writer Gerda Stevenson. Paper Portraits celebrates the history and working people of Penicuik’s paper mills. Featuring a bustling cast of local community members and filmed with a keen sense of cinematic poetry, Paper Portrait is a powerful celebration of community, past and present. Followed by a Q&A with Director, Gerda Stevenson.

Sunday, 17 August - 3.30 pm. Flight - With Piper, Hamish Moore. A rare chance to see Emma Davie’s presumed-lost documentary ‘Flight’, a road movie exploring Scottish folk traditions from Cape Breton to Nova Scotia. An important document of Scottish diaspora, ‘Flight’ explores how Scottish traditions continue to be expressed in Canada, long after families have left Scotland. Piping expert, Hamish Moore, will be joining us for a mini-concert and discussion. This event is kindly brought to The Birks Cinema by Transgressive North, a Scottish arts collective.

Wednesday, 27 August - 11 am. Suitcase Stories - The Little Toy. Freda O’Byrne is a physical theatre director, storyteller, performer and puppeteer with a first-class honours degree in performing arts. She has been creating tiny world performances and setting them in a suitcase, reaching out and engaging children’s imaginations through storytelling and puppetry. Two children play on a beach, and when their parents call them away suddenly, Little Toy is left behind. A passing butterfly helps him find his way to the children’s new home across the sea, but first, there is a sea monster to deal with… A tiny show for 3+ and their adults.

Wednesday, 27 August - 4 pm. Suitcase Stories - The Seven Ravens. Inspired by the

Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Ada is visited by a Raven and thrust into a dream world of quests, feathers and a Glass Mountain. The audience is taken on a tiny world adventure over a needle-felted landscape as Ada unlocks the secret the Raven is trying to tell her. For 6+ and adults.

Friday, 29 August - 7.30 pm. The Golden Spurtle - Preview Screening. Once a year, contenders from around the globe descend on a picturesque village in the Scottish Highlands to compete for the title of World Porridge Champion. Amid intense rivalries, steaming bowls of porridge, and the lives of charming locals, we see a living legacy unfold. Against a breathtaking backdrop and infused with the whimsical humour of an eclectic cast, The Golden Spurtle captures the humanity of village life and those who visit with a spurtle in hand.

Sunday, 31 August - 2.30 pm. André Rieu’s 2025 Maastricht Concert: Waltz the Night Away. Step into a night of music, romance, and celebration with André Rieu’s all-new summer concert. The Vrijthof Square transforms into a grand ballroom as André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra invite audiences of all ages to waltz under the stars. With timeless melodies and beautiful waltzes, this concert will take you on a journey filled with joy, love, and heartfelt emotion.

Volunteering Opportunities - Bring your love of community, people and cinema to life by volunteering with us. There are loads of ways to get involved - you can do as little or as much, as often as you like! Whether you have two hours or two days free, we would welcome your energy, time and support. Volunteers play a vital and valued part in the everyday life of your community hub. If you would like to know more, email volunteers@ birkscinema.co.uk.

Kids Go Free at Scone Palace this summer

A royal day out for the whole family, heaps of history, no price - This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a royal day out at Scone Palace with the launch of a brand-new Kids Go Free promotion, running till Friday, 15 August. Perfect for keeping the kids busy and entertained on a budget.

Set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scone Palace is offering free entry for children (aged 15 and under) with every paying adult, making it an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland.

From ancient kings to adventure trails, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages.

Perth’s historic landmark offers a unique blend of storytelling from time gone by, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Children can step into the past as they stand where Scottish kings, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II had been crowned on Moot Hill and pose for a photo on the replica Stone of Destiny. Inside the Palace, young visitors can take part in a special treasure hunt, a fun way to explore history, with a small gift at the end as a reward. The Palace grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, explore, and play. With over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands to discover, there’s no shortage of fresh air and freedom.

The grounds feature a large adventure playground, the star-shaped Murray Maze, and a chance to spot local wildlife including butterflies, red squirrels, and the famous vibrant peacocks that roam the estate.

Families can take a break in the dog-friendly coffee shop, where all food is freshly prepared on-site using ingredients from the Palace’s Kitchen Garden. From tasty baked goods and hearty soups to child-friendly lunchboxes, there’s something to suit every appetite. The gift shop also offers a handpicked selection of books and toys, perfect for children eager to take home a souvenir from their day.

The Kids Go Free promotion runs daily from 10 am to 4 pm till Friday, 15 August. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the gate. With something for everyone, from history lovers and nature enthusiasts

to energetic little explorers, Scone Palace is the ideal summer day out for families that will keep costs down.

You can see our advert on page 49.

Pitlochry High School Parent Council summer update

We hope everyone is enjoying a well-earned summer break! It’s been a busy and joyful few weeks for our Nursery and Holiday Club, with three weeks of fun-filled activities keeping the children entertained and creating lasting memories.

Pre-Loved Uniform Stall - Thank you to everyone who supported our Pre-Loved Uniform Stall on July 16 - it was a fantastic success. Many families left well kitted-out with quality school essentials, ready for the new term starting on Tuesday, 19 August. Watch out for more dates popping up.

Upcoming Events and Fundraising Opportunities - We’re now looking ahead to our main fundraising event of the year - our ever-popular Bottle Tombola and HomeBaking Stall at the Pitlochry Highland Games on Saturday, 13 September at the Recreation Ground. Donations of bottles (of any kind!) and home baking are very welcome. We’d also love to hear from anyone who can lend a hand on the day - whether it’s an hour at the stall or helping behind the scenes. You can contact us by email, drop us a DM on social media, or speak to one of our Parent Council members.

Book Sale - Pitlochry: The People & The Place - Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Pitlochry, we’re also selling copies of Pitlochry: The People & The Place for £20 in support of our fundraising efforts. Books will be available to purchase at the Highland Games. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of local history while supporting our school.

Looking Ahead - We’re especially excited to welcome our new Nursery, Primary 1, and Secondary 1 pupils in August as they begin their journey with us. We wish all pupils and families a smooth and happy start to the new school year!

Stay connected with us: Follow us on Facebook, visit: www.pitlochryhighschool.com email: pitlochryparentcouncil@gmail.com

John Swinney MSP, First Minister

Perthshire North - SNP

Summer has arrived in Highland Perthshire, and with it comes the familiar sense of anticipation that this time of year always brings.

For those of us lucky enough to live here, it’s a reminder of what we often take for granted. Rolling hills, ancient woodlands, mirror-like lochs and the simple joy of seeing the countryside at its very best. For visitors, it’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh air and discover a part of Scotland that offers something special in every direction.

Tourism has always played a vital role in the economy of Highland Perthshire. Towns and villages across the region rely on the summer season to sustain jobs, support local businesses and keep our high streets thriving. From small guest houses to cafés, outdoor guides to craft producers, the ripple effect of a good summer is felt far and wide.

The past few years haven’t been easy, but once again, we are seeing visitors return. That should give us all cause for optimism.

Whether it’s the natural beauty of the Hermitage near Dunkeld, the calm waters of Loch Tay or the historic charm of Pitlochry, there is no shortage of reasons for tourists to visit. Events like the Highland Games, the Enchanted Forest and various arts festivals continue to draw in thousands. Each one contributes to a wider sense that this part of Scotland has something truly unique to offer.

But tourism in Highland Perthshire is not just about the big draws. It’s also about the quiet corners. The short walks. The independent shops. The conversations with locals in cafés and inns. It’s about people returning year after year, bringing friends or family with them, building traditions of their own. We should be proud of the welcome we offer. And we should do all we can to support those whose livelihoods depend on the season ahead. If you’re visiting, thank you for choosing Highland Perthshire. If you live here, I hope you get a chance to enjoy all that’s on our doorstep. Summer always brings its own rhythm. For Highland Perthshire, it brings life, energy and opportunity. Long may that continue. My office is available to help constituents. Should you require assistance, I am available for appointments. In the first instance, please contact my office via 01250 876576 or via john. swinney.msp@parliament.scot and we will be happy to assist you.

Dalguise Meditation Group - Meditation has all sorts of benefits - increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, a greater feeling of freedom and harmony, among many others. Whether you have never tried meditation before, or already have an established practice, why not come to one of our meetings and find out what we do? For a trial period, there will be one live session on the third Tuesday of each month, in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. So in August this meeting will be on Tuesday, 19 August. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and we have no religious affiliations - what we do is decided among our members.

We also have virtual meetings on Zoom on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. In August the Zoom meeting is on Tuesday, 5 August. These meetings usually include a guided meditation at the beginning and a silent meditation at the end, with a discussion on the latest topic (mailed to all members, see below) in between. People attending can join in or remain incognito as they wish. If you would like to take part in a zoom meeting, please contact Margaret at margaret.q.lear@gmail.com and she will send you the link.

If you aren’t able to attend in person, and do not wish to join a Zoom session, you might nevertheless be interested in joining our mailing list. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com.

Library of Innerpeffray - A warm welcome awaits you at the Library of Innerpeffray, where our team of visitor guides can help you turn the pages of our historic collection and be enveloped in tales of past times. This year, our fascinating exhibition celebrates the theme of Book Markings - exploring the ways that past owners and readers of our historic collection of books have left their marks upon the pages, through notes, names and even doodles.

Dates for your Diary

Friday, 1 and Saturday, 2 August - Innerpeffray Summer Fayre. 10 am - 4 pm. Gladden your heart with a browse of our summer fayre, with unique gifts from the Library alongside carefully curated stalls from local artists and makers. Free entry, refreshments available. Friday, 5 - Sunday, 7 September - The Innerpeffray Festival. Our celebration of reading returns once more this September, with music, talks and workshops - full event descriptions and ticket booking at www.innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk/innerpeffray-festival-2025. Friday, 5 September - Poetry Workshop & Pop-Up Poetry Reading. Time tbc. Join local poet Jennie Turnbull to weave words inspired by our recently-discovered poisonous books. Tickets £5.

Saturday, 6 September - Write Away! Children’s Workshop . 11 am. Unleash your creativity and try your hand at poetry, stories or songs under the direction of our friendly poet in residence Jennie Turnbull. Tickets £2. Saturday, 6 September - Columba’s Bones: Writing the Story of A Viking in Iona. 2 pm. Rooted in the real history of Iona and its early monks, Columba’s Bones is an utterly unique and thrilling read. Talk with acclaimed author and playwright David Greig. Tickets £4 / £10.

Saturday, 6 September - Woven in Stems of Ink: unravelling secrets and stories in ‘And Now The Light Is Everywhere’. 3.30 pm. Join Scottish author and musician L A MacRae for live traditional music and a discussion of folklore, writing and things hidden in books. Tickets £4 / £10.

Saturday, 6 September - Things Found in Books. 7 pm. Renowned singer-songwriters Yvonne Lyon & Boo Hewerdine present a programme of songs written in response to

things found in books in Culzean Castle’s second-hand bookshop, weaving these ephemeral stories with their own, creating a performance full of nostalgia and beauty.

Tickets £15.

Sunday, 7 September - Introduction to Bookmaking. 10 am - 4 pm. A full-day workshop, learning the skill of bookbinding with Marion Archibald. Learn some basic bookmaking techniques - you will leave with several beautiful books, lots of ideas and the ability to continue with your own projects.

Tickets £95, spaces limited so book early!

Wednesday, 8 October - The Ted Powell Memorial Lecture. The Friends of Innerpeffray are delighted to invite the Hon Lord Duthie to deliver this annual lecture as the Library’s season draws to a close. Tickets available soon.

Call for Volunteers - Our friendly volunteer team is crucial to the running of the Library of Innerpeffray. Whether you would like to be a visitor guide, join the gardening team, do behind-the-scenes admin or help out with our programme of events, we’d love to hear from you. Email info@innerpeffraylibrary. co.uk or call the number below.

The Library’s regular opening hours are Wednesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm. Contact us on 01764 652819 or visit our website at www.innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk for more details and for ticket booking.

Come and check out the Scottish Adventure School, based in Crieff.

We run a variety of outdoor activities and are open every weekend and throughout the school holidays.

Lasertag, High Ropes, Gorge Walking, Rock Climbing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Hillwalks, Bushcraft. Canoeing, Archery and Air Rifles all available. Check out

Chimney Sweep

The Courtyard Shop, an independent retail hive of activity within the Mains of Taymouth Estate in Kenmore. We have a Deli and Gift Shop and offer a vast range of products from the local area, including our gourmet fudge which is made right here in the shop.

Mains of Taymouth, Kenmore, Perthshire, PH15 2HN 01887 830756

info@taymouthcourtyard.com www.taymouthcourtyard.com

We've got it a Hettie's Tea and Cake Hamper –sent all over the UK. Prices from £20 (inc postage) Looking for that

To find out more, check out our website

95 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5AB, 01796 473991 www.hettiesteas.co.uk

Top2Toe

Get

Happier and Healthier at parkrun in Aberfeldy & Pitlochry

Free, Friendly, and for Everyone

Do you know that research has shown that participating and/or volunteering at parkrun really does make people healthier and happier?

Luxury Manicures and Pedicures

Lash Lift and Curl - for eyelashes that look longer & fuller

Annette Macdonald, IIR MAR

Tel: 07736 384035

www.top2toeaberfeldy.org.uk top2toeaberfeldy@gmail.com

LOU RADFORD BA (Hons), MBAcC

Acupuncture

Member of the British Acupuncture Council

Acharn Clinic, Altchoaran, Acharn, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2HU

Appointments & enquiries

Note: new phone number! 0777 177 3599

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band

Highland Night

The Highland night is held in the Recreation Ground, Pitlochry every Monday night between 26th May 2025 and the 1st September 2025.

If it is wet, the event is held in Pitlochry Town Hall.

Gates open at the Recreation Ground at 7pm.

Drive In - Free Parking in the Field

Featuring: Pipe Band, Scottish Music and Songs, Highland and Scottish Country Dancing

Admission Prices: Park: Adult £7, Child £3

There are parkrun events every weekend around the UK. In Scotland all events start at 9.30 am. It’s free, open to all ages, from babies being pushed in prams to folk 80 years young. We just ask that children under 11 years keep within arm’s reach of their responsible adult. You can decide to walk, jog or run the 5km route. Each parkrun has its own unique qualities. You can even bring your dog but only one dog per person on a short, handheld lead please. We’d encourage you to register (free) with parkrun at www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ Then bring along your barcode, which will enable you to receive an email with your completion time. You may prefer to volunteer to enjoy the camaraderie, it’s a great way to meet people and make friendships. There are a variety of volunteer roles, all are easy, and we will give you any training on the day if required.

Our local parkruns are - *Faskally Forest, Pitlochry, which meets at Loch Dunmore, home of the Enchanted Forest. *Feldyroo Fitness Trail, which starts near Wade’s bridge in Aberfeldy. * Perth and Aviemore, if you wish to travel further afield. To find out more look at our web/Facebook pages.

Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council - We hope everyone is managing to navigate the ever-changing summer weather - from heat to rain to wind! At Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council (PMCC), we continue our commitment to working with and for the people of our area. We aim to be transparent, approachable, and reliable in all that we do. Our role is to listen, reflect local views, and help build a thriving, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

Join us at our upcoming meetings - We warmly welcome all residents to attend our next public meetings: *Monday, 11 August, Moulin Village Hall *Monday, 8 September, Aldour Hall

Both meetings start at 7.30 pm. Full agendas will be available in advance on our website: www.mypmcc.org. These meetings are an opportunity to raise local issues, hear updates, and connect with others in the community.

Community consultation - have your say - We are currently running a communitywide consultation to hear your views on key topics such as housing, transport, planning, green spaces, childcare, services, and more. Your input is essential in helping us shape the future of Pitlochry and Moulin. Head to page 73 for full details and to access the survey.

Picnic in the Park - New date confirmed, saturday, 23 August - Join us for this free, family-friendly event celebrating community spirit, raising awareness of prostate cancer, and encouraging new connections across Pitlochry and Moulin. We’d love to see as many of you there as possible! See our advert on page 79 for full details. Stay informed - planning updates - Planning decisions affect us all. PMCC regularly posts updates on local planning matters directly on the home page of our website. If you would like to raise an issue or share your views, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Get involved, stay connected - www.mypmcc.org, info@mypmcc.org, Facebook: Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council

all of our details at

THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN

West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW

www.alexbutter.co.uk | 07554 008058 nursery@alexbutter.co.uk

Herbaceous Perennials | Shrubs

Bedding Plants | Scottish Heathers

Alpines | Specimen Trees

Fruit Trees | Fruit bushes | Climbers

Conifers | Vegetable Plants

Compost | Pots | Gift Vouchers

Summer & Autumn Hanging Baskets (New & Reﬁlls) HOW TO FIND US

SEASONAL OPENING HOURS

April - October

Monday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pm

November – March

Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm For a free, no obligation quote: Call: 01738 827 244 or email contact@imsheatpumps.co.uk

Aberfeldy Tool library - What is a Tool Library? A tool library works just like a book library, but instead of borrowing books, community members can borrow tools! From power drills and garden equipment to speciality items you might only need once or twice, our tool library makes quality tools accessible to everyone while reducing waste and building community connections.

Our tool library aims to - *Make tools affordable and accessible to all community members *Reduce environmental impact by sharing resources *Foster community connections and skill-sharing & Support DIY projects and home improvements without the high cost of purchasing tools. Find out more, and browse what tools are already uploaded at: www.aberfeldytoollibrary.myturn.com. You can also contact us at aberfeldytoollibrary@gmail.com.

Pitlochry Tool Library coming soon - Launch date to be announced.

Toberargan Curling Club - Curling is a great game for people of all ages and abilities. It is fun and challenging, combining both physical and mental skills, and can be enjoyed equally by beginners and Olympic players. Toberargan Curling Club currently has members from Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Aberfeldy and Perth, and we are happy to welcome new members.

We play indoors at Dewars Centre in Perth on varying weekday evenings from the end of September to late March. We also have an outdoor rink at Balnakeilly in the Pitlochry hills where we curl when weather permits. No special equipment is required. Whether curling indoors or out, you’ll need to dress warmly. For indoor curling, you’ll need sports shoes - make sure that the soles are clean. If you decide to take up the sport you may want to invest in a pair of curling shoes. Brushes for sweeping are free to use from the Dewars Centre.

Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork, Poultry & Sausages

Botanical Spirits, Mead and Beer

Bread and Cheese

Cakes and Chocolate

Eggs and Honey

Fresh and Smoked Fish

Fruit and Vegetable

Homemade Burgers hot or to take home

Jam, Jellies and Sauces

10.00am to 2.00pm

Aberfeldy Town Square

1st Sunday of the Month

April - November 2024

Plants and Herbs

Preserves and Pickles

Ready Meals

Salad and Olives

Scones and Tray Bakes

Vegetarian

Fiona MacEwan M: 0799 0834 092

We are a very sociable club. As well as enjoying our barbecues at the outdoor rink, we have a Christmas dinner and a social gathering after our AGM in April each year. Our curling weekends away in Kinross are also very enjoyable. Whether new to curling or an experienced player, Toberargan Curling Club offers you a warm welcome. You can choose to play relaxed ‘Club Curling’ against other members of the club, or/and more competitive matches against other clubs. If you would like any further information, whether about arranging a taster session or joining Toberargan Curling Club, contact the Secretary at toberargancurling@gmail.com or by calling 07776 184471.

Kinetic Chain Release can ease symptoms and bring rapid, lasting relief from many chronic conditions Suitable for all ages.

Hayley Carruthers

KCR Practitioner

T: 07775668302

E: b2b@matchett co uk back2balancepitlochry

Sam Decorating Services

I offer all aspects of interior and exterior decorating - including wallpaper hanging. Self-employed with over 40 years of experience.

Mobile: 07737 792402

Email: sammcrobbie53@gmail.com

Birnam Arts: Concerts & Events

• Café • shop • Gallery • Beatrix potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS - 01350 727674. Tickets and full details online at www.birnamarts.com

Saturday, 2 August - 7.30 pm: £18* Things Found in Books: Yvonne Lyon and Boo Hewerdine with special guest Christine Kydd. A concert in partnership with Birnam Book Festival.

Saturday, 9 August - 10 am - 12 pm: £7/£25* Adventures in animation: See birnamarts. com for full details

Baking With Boris (Short) Moomin Midsummer (Main Film) Available with single entry ticket to one film, or Passport ticket for all five film dates, including a free copy of the Adventures in Animation Activity Book. With the generous support of Film Hub Scotland.

Friday, 8 August - 8 pm: £10* Rohallion Summer Family Ceilidh. Get ready to kick up your heels and join us for a thrilling and fun community ceilidh event!

Saturday, 16 August - 7.30 pm: £20* Adam Holmes. Adam crafts lyrics that resonate like old folk songs, set to melodies rooted in the haunting slow airs and church hymns that echoed throughout his childhood.

Thursday, 21 August - 8 pm: £20* Blue Rose Code - Duo Tour 2025 Blue Rose Code workshop a new album in front of an audience before heading into the studio, with New songs, borrowed songs and songs from the BRC canon.

Saturday, 30 August - 7.30 pm: £17* Hannah Rarity. Performing a mix of traditional, contemporary and self-penned material, Hannah’s ethereal voice is reminiscent of legends such as Eva Cassidy and Cara Dillon.

Saturday, 2 August - Sunday, 21 September - 10 am - 4 pm: 7 days: Free Entry Workshops/Exhibitions: see birnamarts.com for full details. Exhibition: Sheila Roberts. An exhibition of hand etched prints by Sheila Roberts, celebrating summer through poetic renditions of local plant and animal species. Working with zinc plates, soft wax, nitric acid and recycled/found materials.

Tuesday, 5 August - 10.30 am - 12 pm: £12/£15* Plaster Casting: Helen O’Brien. A fun-filled kids’ art workshop exploring plaster cast relief moulds, using clay and plaster.

Tuesday, 12 August - 10.30 am - 12 pm: £10/£12/£15* Collography Printmaking: Helen O’Brien. Kids’ art workshop using collage plates to print.

Saturday, 23 August - 10 am - 12 pm: £35/£40* Prints With A Pasta-Maker: Sheila Roberts. Workshop showing you how to make beautiful prints using a humble pasta maker.

Tuesday, 26 August - 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm: £25* Art Club For Adults : Michael Fullerton. For art enthusiasts at any level of ability.

Volunteering At Birnam Arts - Interested in the cultural heartbeat of the area? If you’d like to volunteer at Birnam Arts, we’d love to meet you! Contact Elspeth on: volunteer@birnamarts.com, or ask at Reception!

See website for workshops and more - Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674

* Denotes Booking Fee

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)

The last day’s riding of the summer term was a day of fun and much achievement despite the high winds. Rosettes were given out marking riders progress and there were some sad goodbyes to those who are moving on to senior schools. Riding will start again for the autumn term at the end of August. Our attention now turns to fundraising to keep the group going as apart from several generous donations we have no other source of income. We shall be having a stand at the Aberfeldy Show on Friday, 8 & Saturday, 9 August where we will be selling lots of home-made produce etc. and we look forward to seeing you there. We will also be at the Pitlochry Games in September. We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join the group, helping us build a larger bank of helpers to call upon when needed. Although on paper it seems our numbers are quite big in practice illness and unavailability can mean that occasionally we are barely covered for lessons. We operate on Monday mornings during the summer and early autumn school terms from an outdoor school just south of Pitlochry and it is generally agreed by all helpers that it is a most rewarding experience. Anyone interested who would like further information should contact us through our email address breadalbanerda@gmail.com or ring Duncan on 07725 044061 - email Duncan.tannahill@gmail.com.

ABERFELDY SHOW & GAMES 2025

Friday 8th & Saturday 9th August 2025

Admission

Friday - FREE

Saturday

Friday 8th August

• Pony & Horse • Riding Classes

• Children’s Sideshows

• Pet Show • Craft Fair

• Free Car Park

• Licensed Catering

Saturday 9th August

• Cattle, Sheep & Heavy Horses commencing at 9am

• Highland Gathering commencing at 1pm

• Highland Dancing

• Heavyweight Events

• Menzies Stone • Pet Show

• Flower Show & W.R.I.

• Craft Fair & Food Fair

• Free Car Park • Licensed Catering

• Aberfeldy & District

J.A.C Ceilidh from 9pm

£12 for Adults, £10 for Seniors

£5 for Children aged 5-15, Children under 5 free

www.aberfeldyshowandgames.co.uk

Summer at the Crannog Centre! New and Returning this Summer! Our café is always seeing what new offers we can come up with, whether it is for any of our special events, seasonal offerings, or things we hope will stick around each year. Heather, Emma and local groups such as Highland Perthshire Plus have been diligently working away at our gardens throughout the spring and because of their efforts, our café has been supplied with fresh parsley, rocket, and other plants that are still growing. As the centre continues to expand, using what is available on our site and what can be done by our team will also continue to expand as we keep looking at sustainable ways to operate. The café has also unveiled the first line of iced drinks, including the lovely LaTay! Already, these are becoming quite popular and they will be sticking around as the heat continues throughout the rest of the summer. Returning to the Crannog Centre this year is the much anticipated Crannog Craic Evenings! With three dates in August, they are a good time to come and unwind on a Wednesday evening while being surrounded by the Iron Age Village on the shore of the loch. Local musicians and storytellers will be appearing at each evening. The Craics were very popular at our old home and the team are very excited to have them back for the first time at Dalerb. Izzie has been spearheading the lineups and getting everything set up. So if you are in the area one Wednesday, come support some wonderful local talent and relax for the evening.

Crannog Build Update - Our build team has been working away through rain and shine the last month. Part of our team are continuing to work on the walkway and the top two layers of timbers, while the other part of the team are working away at the piles that will hold up the Crannog itself. The top layers of the walkway will raise it to be flush with the site. The second layer will sit on top of the cross timbers, facing the shore and the Crannog. These are debarked, just like the rest of the timbers and the team are cutting large notches into the underside of the timbers so that they will notch onto the cross timbers, making them secure and stable. Once the second layer is on, the third

and final layer will be placed on top, which will be barked timbers that are laid perpendicular to the timbers below.

The team working on the Crannog supports have progressed to the outer two rings. Once the piles are in the loch bed, they are secured and connected to each other for support with other timbers. Just as the centre did with the Iron Age Village, the same methods and technology that was around 2,500 years ago is being used. The team is fortunate to be able to take from what was learned on the original Crannog build and apply it all to the one being built at Dalerb.

Upcoming events and themed days!

Wednesdays 6, 13 & 20 August - Crannog Craic Evening. Our returning Crannog Craic evenings continue through August! There will be a simple bar with hot and cold drinks available. Come and listen to local musicians and storytellers, experience the Oral Tradition amongst the buildings of our Iron Age Village just as the Crannog Dwellers would have 2,500 years ago on the shores of Loch Tay.

Saturday, 9 & Sunday, 10 August - Rise & Shine . In association with UNESCO RILA and Maryhill Integration Network, Rise and Shine is back again this year! Help us celebrate the many and diverse cultures, races and religions of Scotland. Celebrate the connections and communities of today and discover those of the Iron Age. Everyone is welcome to share the joy of the Crannog Community.

Volunteers Needed - We are always looking for volunteers to help in gardening, events, Crannog build, general fun stuff, etc. If you are interested in joining our growing volunteer team, please email volunteers@ crannog.co.uk.

The Innerpeffray FestivalBook Ma rking

Cross Group Aberfeldy have a new look - Cross Group Aberfeldy is a highly ambitious family business which has expanded and diversified quickly since their humble beginnings in 2018. Kevin & Amanda Cross started the company on their own with two diggers and a dream which allowed Cross Civils & Construction to be born.

They continued to grow Cross Civils & Construction based on industry expertise, hard work and dedication, never wavering and ensuring to always provide the best service no matter how big or small a job, building strong relationships and dedicated clients along the way. Fast forward seven years, Cross now has four divisions within the group, 40 staff and an ever growing and diversifying offering to clients. Each of the divisions intertwines with the other allowing a more rounded and dedicated offering to the customer, allowing them to manage a project with more of an overarching grasp. The four divisions are:

The first division and what the Cross name is known for; operating across a diverse range of sectors, including:

Residential: Housing developments and infrastructure Commercial: Office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities Agricultural: Farm infrastructure, drainage, and access roads Forestry: Forest roading, crushing & screening, infrastructure and land management projects.

Renewable Energy: Infrastructure support for renewable energy installations. Contract Services: Crushing and screening services available

With a modern fleet, consisting of an Artic unit and step frame trailer, tippers, and various HIAB lorries, Cross can deliver anything from garden and building supplies to machinery and cabins. Their flexible services cater to single loads, short-haul, and contract work, ensuring reliable and timely deliveries.

Volumetric mixers can batch up to 8m3 of concrete in a single load, making them suitable for a wide range of projects, from small residential jobs to larger commercial developments. Cross also offer daily delivery services to ensure your project stays on schedule. You can count on reliable and timely concrete supply, minimising delays and maximising efficiency. Delivery available within a 30-mile radius of Aberfeldy

*New Machinery: Featuring trusted brands like Sunward, Ausa, Bergmann and OKB attachments to mention a few *Used Machinery: A carefully selected range of pre-owned equipment always available *Attachments: A wide range of attachments for both construction and forestry sectors *Plant Hire: Flexible hire options to meet short or long term needs

Commercial - Cross’s active development sites represent significant opportunities for growth. Cross are positioning themselves to meet future market demands and contribute to the economic vitality of Scotland. These projects are central to the long-term strategy and demonstrate commitment to innovation and sustainable development.

Residential - For those who desire a truly unique home, Cross offer bespoke custom builds with limitless possibilities. Working alongside architects from drawings to interior finishes, they collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, tailored to your exact specifications.

Maintenance - Offer a wide range of services to keep your home in top condition, examples include, General Repairs: *Door and window repairs/replacements Drywall patching/ painting *Fixture installations Renovations & Remodelling: *Kitchens/Bathrooms *Decking and Patios *Extensions

Kevin Cross, Managing Director, ‘We’re thrilled to announce that Cross Group Aberfeldy has a brand new look! After careful consideration and a lot of hard work, we’ve refreshed our branding to better reflect who we are and what we stand for. This new visual identity marks an exciting chapter for us, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

You’ll start seeing the new branding rolled out across all of our platforms, including our website, social media, and printed materials. We encourage you to explore our updated website and social media channels to experience the new look and divisions. We appreciate your continued support as we embark on this exciting journey’.

Cross Group aim to grow, innovate, and serve clients with dedication and expertise. Family values truly are at the core, with many of the Cross clan now part of the business and helping grow together alongside the team who are the extended family. From a few diggers and a dream, Cross have evolved into a multi-faceted construction firm poised for continued success. The team look forward to building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional results for years to come.

For those who desire a truly unique home, Cross offer bespoke custom builds with limitless possibilities. Working alongside architects from drawings to interior finishes, we collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, tailored to your exact specifications.

Perhaps you would like to upgrade your home? Cross offer a vast range of maintenance options, for example:

General Repairs:

•Door and window repairs/replacements

•Drywall patching/painting

•Fixture installations

Renovations & Remodelling:

•Kitchens/Bathrooms

•Decking and Patios

•Extensions

crossgroupaberfeldy.co.uk

Crieff visitor Centre

At this time of year our Gift Shop still has lots of lovely Summer fashions and gifts, but we are also starting to preview some of our new Autumn ranges.

In our Caithness Glass Shop we have all your Summer cocktail needs sorted with our selection of Dartington Glass Margarita and Martini glasses.

If you want to add Autumn colour to your garden, now is the time to visit our Plant Centre for pansies, violas and hellebores. Also don’t forget our special offer of 60L bags of compost for £5.99 each or 3 for £16.00 while stocks last! www.crieff.co.uk

How to Contract with Tradesmen

We have many excellent Trades and Services who advertise in The Quair Magazines. We all want to trust that we are being treated fairly, reasonably, honestly and equitably by any business we contact. Trading Standards have published a list of DO’s and DON’Ts when dealing with any contractor:

DO ask for references and names of previous clients. Speak to them and look at their previous work, if possible

DO make sure you have a sufficient contact details for the tradesman e.g. geographic address.

DO get at least 2 detailed quotes in writing for the work needing to be done (3 quotes for larger jobs) and check that VAT is included in the final figure

DO check any claims by the tradesman that they are a member of a trade association

DO agree on the work being carried out and payment terms before the tradesman starts the job

DO make sure you receive your cancellation rights if you enter into a contract/agreement with a tradesman during a visit to your home or work - in most cases the tradesman must give written notice of your right to cancel the agreement

DO have regular meetings with the tradesman if it is a building job to make sure everything is on track

DO make sure you have any instructions and warranties for goods

DO know your rights - contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05 06 if you have any queries about your rights, or alternatively go online to www. adviceguide.org.uk

DON’T pay the final bill until the job is done and you are happy with the work - you have the right to withhold a reasonable amount of money until the work has been done to your satisfaction

DON’T rush into anything - take your time to make a decision on which tradesman to use

DON’T agree to have work done on the spot by someone who knocks on your door touting for work especially if they tell you there is something wrong with your property

Climate

Café Pitlochry & District

There will be no Climate Café in August. The next one will be on Thursday, 11 September, 7 pm in the Library. Hope to see you there. For more information, contact Carol Aitken at pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com.

Sprout & Cloichard Depot (behind The Auld Smiddy) - Along with Sprout’s Community Reuse Project to repair, reuse, lease, share or sell on furniture etc. which will complement the services our charity shops already provide. Cloichard Depot will also provide space for: our climate cafés, focussed repair cafés and other events including skill share, education and crafts; energy advice sessions with The HEAT Project; repair workshop facilities and a tool library with the Pitlochry & Moulin Men’s Shed; space for Handam zero waste shop; demo space for Tayside Woodlands Partnerships and more. It means we will be able to support an increased resilience locally by retaining income, resources and services within the Pitlochry area that will sustain our local economic growth and community’s needs by creating a local circular system. This facility also supports the transformation of Pitlochry into the eco-friendly town mentioned in our Community Action Plan, 2022 - 2027.

Thinking of starting a business ? Looking for new premises?

Office/workshop space available Minimum fuss move-in - reasonable rent and terms

Contact Angie on 07717 618129 for a chat or to view

Therefore, the first stage in the process of applying for a Community Asset Transfer of Cloichard Depot is a feasibility study to assess the condition of the premises, engage with our community for your thoughts on having access to a local facility focussed on sustainability and to create a Business Plan. All being well, we can then submit the CAT application to PKC around December/ January to purchase the premises. It could take up to 6 months after that to discover if we have been successful. In the meantime, our big news is that we successfully secured some of the

Useful Numbers Pitlochry & District

Pitlochry Community Hospital 01796 472052

infinity Blu Dental Practice 01796 470001

Pitlochry Tourist Information 01796 472215

Heartland Vet Services 01796 472201

Live Active Atholl 01796 473866

Pitlochry Theatre 01796 484626

Heartland Hearing 01796 473334

Duncan and Todd Opticians and Hearing Care Perth 01738 441394

Useful Numbers Dunkeld & Birnam

infinity Blu Dental Practice 01350 729198

Mr Peter Greig PS, BDS 01350 728826

Birnam Arts 01350 727674

The Dunkeld Vet 01350 729270

Useful Numbers Aberfeldy area

Anderson Dentistry 01887 820441

Aberfeldy Optician 01887 829756

Locus Centre 01887 829187

Heartland Vet Services 01887 820771

Highland PerthshireSchools

Breadlabane Academy Reception 01887 822300

www.breadalbane.pkc.sch.uk/BA/ Breadalbane Community Campus 01887 822400

www.breadalbane.pkc.sch.uk/BCC/

Pitlochry School 01796 474666

Pitlochry School absence line 01796 474699

Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 www.royaldunkeld.pkc.sch.uk

Grandtully Primary 01887 822499

Logierait Primary 01796 474646

Blair Atholl Primary 01887 822491

Glenlyon Primary 01887 822477

Kenmore Primary 01887 822430

Other Useful Numbers

NHS 24 111

Police Scotland 101

Flying Smiles Mobile

Dental Hygienist 07812 055724

Perth Citizen’s Advice 0808 196 9440

Pitlochry Recycling Centre

Bridge Road

Thursday to Monday 9am - 4pm

Last entry 3.45pm

Highland Perthshire Politicians

MSP - Perthshire North

John

Swinney MSP 01250 876576

MP - Angus and Perthshire Glens

Dave Doogan MP 01307 804 185

Local Councillors - Highland Ward

Xander McDade 01738 475000

Mike Williamson 07810 814495

John Duff 07826 908542

Local Councillors - Strathtay Ward

Grant Laing 01738 475023

Claire McLaren 01738 475000

Ian James 01738 475022

Choosing a Care Service?

The Care Inspectorate look at the quality of care in Scotland to ensure it meets high standards. Where they find that improvement is needed, they support services to make positive changes.

*Their vision is that everyone experiences safe, high-quality care that meets their needs, rights and choices.

*They inspect individual care services and Higher-risk services are inspected more often.

*They give care services grades when they inspect them, and look at key areas like care and support, physical environment, quality of staffing, and quality of management and leadership. Each area of each care service is assessed on a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 in unsatisfactory and 6 is excellent. After every inspection, they publish an inspection report showing their findings, which is helpful if you are using service or thinking of doing so. Find a care service - You can find the details of every registered care service in Scotland on their website at www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/member-of-thepublic/4560-readourinspectionreports Taken from www.careinspectorate.com

Aberfeldy Recycling Centre Dunkeld Road

Tuesday & Thursday

9 am -

Aberfeldy Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages by appointment only 01887 822459

Atholl Medical Centre

Ferry Road, Pitlochry , PH16 5FG

Tel: 01796 472558 amc.tayside@nhs.scot

Monday to Friday - 8.30 am - 6 pm

Check hours for bank & public holidays

Repeat prescriptions: tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot www.theathollmedicalcentre.co.uk

Craigvinean Surgery

Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld PH8 0AD 01350 727269

Monday to Friday - 8.00 am - 6 pm

Check hours for bank & public holidays

Repeat prescriptions: TAY.craigvineanprescriptions@nhs.scot. www.craigvineansurgery.scot.nhs.uk

Pitlochry Community Hospital

Ferry Road, Pitlochry , PH16 5FG Tel. 01796 472052

For up to date information on services and care provided at Pitlochry Community Hospital please see the NHS Tayside website www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/GoingToHospital/OurPremisesA-Z/PitlochryCommunityHospital/index.htm

Aberfeldy & Kinloch

Rannoch Medical Practice

Aberfeldy Health Centre

Tigh an Daraich, Taybridge Road

Aberfeldy, PH15 2BH Tel: 01887 820366

Repeat Prescriptions: 01887 829743 tay.aberfeldyprescriptions@nhs.scot

Opening Hours - 8 am - 6 pm, Mon to Fri

Check hours for bank and public holidays

Aberfeldy & Kinloch

Rannoch Medical Practice

Kinloch Rannoch, PH16 5PR Tel: 01882 632216

Appointments only Monday - Friday

9 am-10.15 am, 2 pm - 2.45 pm and 4 pm - 5.30 pm For appointments phone reception

www.aberfeldyandrannochsurgery.co.uk

Housing & Community Safety

pitlochry Area Office

26/28 Atholl Road, pitlochry, pH16 5Bx

Opening hours are as follows: Mon 8.45 am - 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm - 5 pm, Tues 8.45 am - 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm - 5 pm Wed

Closed, Thurs Closed, Fri 8.45 am - 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm - 5 pm. Appointments can be made with us by calling us on 01738 476000 (option 2).

Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages - Tel: (01796) 474645 Mon to Fri: by appointment This Council office will not open until 11 am on the first Thursday of every month.

Birnam Library

Station Rd, Birnam, PH8 0DS T: 01738 459709 birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX 01796 474635 pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Breadalbane Community Library

Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2D 01887 822405

breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk

See Current Library opening times at www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/

Perth and Kinross Council

Council Main Reception 01738 475000 Perth & Kinross Childcare Information Service 0845 601 4477

As of Friday,1 August 2025

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

will be published by SCOT ACTIVE LTD with a registered office address of 26/30 Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BS Company Number SC854228 tel/text: 07436 793785 e: atholl@thequair.com

Advertising Information

Please note that all advertisements carried by The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair are done so with the understanding that any claims, statements or information given are the sole responsibility of the advertiser in question.

We cannot be held liable for any commercial or consumer disputes, problems or difficulties arising from their workmanship or services.

Editorial and Event Information

All of our listed events and adverts are published in good faith. However, for a variety of reasons, things can sometimes change and inadvertent mistakes can be made. Please therefore always check times and venues of events listed, in both editorial and adverts in The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair independently before going. We cannot be held liable for any mistakes, typographical or otherwise, by ourselves or changes made by Event Organisers. This edition of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair was sent for print on Sat,19 July 2025.

Thank you to Aberfeldy Show & Games for supplying us with this month’s front cover image. Seer you there on Friday 8 & Saturday 9 August!

If you have something suitable you would like us to consider for the front cover of The Quair then please feel free to send it to us at atholl@thequair.com stating your name and providing a short narrative about the photo.

Please note that by sending your photo you are also agreeing to let us use this for any Quair activity.

Pitlochry Bank of Scotland 76 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BW

Check opening times at 01796 532013.

Chemists and Pharmacies

Davidsons Chemist - Atholl Road, Pitlochry Tel: 01796 472810 and 01796 472414

Davidsons Chemist - 1 Bridge Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AH. Tel: 01350 727210

Davidsons Chemist, Bank St, Aberfeldy 01887 820324

The Arts Society, Tayside - Everyone is welcome to join the 300 members in Tayside, who meet monthly from September through to June, on the second Monday of the month, either in the morning (11 am - 12 noon) or the afternoon (2 pm - 3 pm). The Arts Society Tayside (TAST) www.theartssocietytayside.org.uk is an affiliate society of The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS). Application forms are available from Jane Gordon, our Chairman and Membership Secretary - tastmembership@gmail.com.

Perth Citizens Advice Bureau

You can reach Perth CAB for Advice on: FREEPhone : 0808 196 9440 10am - 3pm Mon to Fri (Free from both landlines and mobiles)

Email: advice@perthcab.org.uk

Webchat: www.perthcab.org.uk (10am - 1pm Mon to Fri)

NHS 24 - NHS 24 is a confidential out of hours telephone health advice and information service available across Scotland. If you or someone you care for is unwell and you feel that it can’t wait until your GP surgery re-opens then you can call NHS 24 on 111. Where clinically appropriate a GP home visit or an ambulance may be arranged for you. In a life threatening situation you should dial 999.

Pitlochry Baptist Church

WA (welcome all) Soup Lunch Soup served from 12 noon every Friday during the winter months.

Front Cover Picture

Pitlochry and District

Neighbourhood Watch Association

Disability aids scams - Many of us rely on disability aids such as hearing and vision aids, walking frames, handrails, mobility vehicles, stairlifts, bespoke beds/chairs/heating pads. More than two thirds (69%) of complaints to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service last year were about defective goods - poor quality, unsafe, broke shortly after purchase, never worked correctly. One gentleman bought a ‘walker’ which folded when he lent on it.

Many scams target older people who have used NHS services recently or purchased other aids. Fraudulent salespeople may pressure people into buying unsuitable products. One lady in Fife was cold called by someone claiming to be from NHS. Then two women, wearing fake ID, visited and used pressure selling tactics until a contract for an expensive mattress was signed. Afterwards a request to cancel the order was refused because ‘the mattress was already being made’. Avoid scams Don’t deal with cold callers especially if they ask you to complete a survey or arrange a visit. Never give any personal details to a caller. To check if the organisation is legitimate, hang up and then contact the organisation using the number on their website or an official directory. Have someone you trust with you for a sales person’s home visit.

Never give in to pressure - If a seller refuses to leave your property, call Police (101). Buying the right product - Some charities can offer advice or loan equipment. Ask about grants or VAT exemption. Shop around, investigate websites and read reviews. Compare more than one quotation. Take plenty of time to decide.

Find a reliable seller - Contact the local council. Look for an established company with a good reputation. Check trader reviews and trader association websites.

Remember your consumer rights - If the product is not bespoke, you normally have 14 days to change your mind and get a refund, and longer if it is faulty. Bespoke products can only be returned if faulty.

Disputes - If the product or service is not satisfactory make formal complaints to the

seller and keep records. If you paid by card or PayPal you may get your money back. Contact Citizens Advice for information about what to do, 0800 028 1456.

Find out More - *Citizens Advice campaign page: www.wearecitizensadvice.org. uk/5-things-you-need-to-know-when-buying-disability-aids-a094ecfbf433 *Mobility Scams Q&A PDF (for families/agencies): www.tsscot.co.uk/Mobility_Aids_Scams_ PDF_2024.pdf *ScamShare PDF on Mobility Aids (for individuals): www.tsscot.co.uk/ Spotlight-Mobility-Aids.pdf *Advice on consumer rights: www.consumeradvice.scot

Tryst Walks, Pitlochry

Tuesday, 12 August - Coronation Bridge . From the Tryst we walk to the Boating Station at Loch Faskally. From there we cross the aluminium footbridge and walk up the Foss road to Coronation Bridge. Crossing the bridge we walk down the east bank of the River Tummel to where the River Garry joins and from there follow the Garry upstream. We cross the Garry by the footbridge beyond Garry Bridge and followed the river downstream to Pitlochry. OS Map 52 Distance 8 miles.

Saturday, 23 August - Braemar - Glen Callater (£7). The walk starts at Auchalleter on the A93 (Grid ref: 156882). We walk up Glen Callater following a good track to Callater Loch, a high loch, hemmed in by mountains and with good views. Height gained 300m. Distance 7.5 miles. OS map 43.

Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.

Just Singin’ - Community Choir, Birnam

Our next 8 week term begins on Wednesday, 20 August at 7.30 pm at Birnam Arts. We are thrilled to be welcoming back fantastic, energetic and inspiring tutors Emma Neck and Hannah Rarity. We will be singing a wide range of songs, learning by ear and adding harmonies as we go along - some planned, some not !! If you enjoy singing, having fun and meeting friendly folk, please

come along and join our informal group. Everyone is very welcome.

For further details

please check out www.justsingin.co.uk.

Sailing news from Loch Tummel

The Loch Tummel Sailing Club is having a busy season with racing every Sunday and regular family days on the loch. We’ve been pleased to welcome several new members to the club this year and are always open to welcoming more. If you’re interested in joining, please contact admin@lochtummelsc.org. We held our Open Day in May, welcoming the community to give sailing a try. Several families from near and far got the chance to be on the water and we were lucky to have a gentle breeze for some good sailing.

In July we hosted the Breathe Youth Project from Aberfeldy for a day out on Loch Tummel. This has become an annual event for the young people to celebrate the end of the school year with watersports and a BBQ. The staff at the Breathe Project tell us that many of the young people leave the day more confident, inspired, and connected to the natural environment around them.

Also in July we had the ‘Up and Dun’ pursuit race followed by a long distance race round An Dun Island with evening BBQ. This was followed by Tummel Week - our family friendly sailing week for club members and visitors - with many families returning year after year. The week offers a full racing and social programme and a focus on fun. Later in September we will host an annual Autumn Regatta offering class and handicap racing. We close off the season with the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association Freshwater Sprints with over 150 rowers and supporters attending.

Please get in touch if you want to know more about the club - admin@lochtummelsc.org.

“Grease”, “Hopelessly Devoted To You”, “Sandy” and “You’re The One That I Want” used by arrangement with Robert Stigwood Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Grease Book, Music, and Lyrics by Director Sam Hardie

The Herald Scotsman Review Musical Theatre Review

What’s On Stage

The Stage Broadway Baby

Summer is here, the kids are home We’re all busy, and in this warmer weather, home energy often slips into the background… but here are four simple things you could do: Every day (easy): Turn off appliances at the wall and unplug unused chargers. Weekly: Dry your washing outside - and wash at 30 degrees. Now and then: Review your energy provider and tariff. At some point this summer: Check if grants or loans are available to help you make energy-saving improvements at home.

A summary of support available - Means tested support: the three avenues below can all be accessed through Home Energy Scotland: * Warmer Homes Scotland - criteria depends on the energy performance of your house (EPC D or less) and whether you receive any eligible benefits. * ECO 4 - criteria depends on the energy performance of your house (EPC D or less), council tax band and household income (£31,000 after tax). Both of the above are available to home owners and private tenants.

Home Energy Scotland grants and loansthese can meet 75% of the costs of many improvements and interest free loans can make up the extra. The improvements must be recommended on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Please get in touch with us or directly with Home Energy Scotland. Remember, our advice is completely free and there is no catch. 07759 404980, advice@warmconnections. net, www.warmconnections.net

Aberfeldy Quilters - Kate Scott has made this beautiful table runner in tonal blue fabrics. Kate made this in a day and has already started her second one and planning her third! She used a jelly roll to create this lovely runner and quilted it using a stunning embroidery stitch and finished with a neat, mitred binding. What a lovely gift to receive.

West Stormont Woodland Group

West Stormont was the name used in medieval times to cover the parishes of Auchtergaven, Kinclaven, Logiealmond, Moneydie, Redgorton (Stanley) and the Murthly portion of Little Dunkeld. West Stormont has been chosen as the most suitably inclusive title for the many communities connected to Taymount and Five Mile Woods today. Working with local people to bring Taymount Wood and Five Mile Wood into Community Ownership

What has WSWG been doing these past few months? *So much direct mailing to our members and supporters of notices for events, our AGM, appeals for new members of the WSWG board and new committee, that this is our first monthly update since April! So hello again to our Quair readers and apologies for the gap! And a summarised summary this time as too much to report more fully. *Our AGM on June 7 was very enjoyable, but our board remains smaller than it needs to be as no new nominations. *Our in-house events have included two lovely woodland walks and picnics with our friends from Vision PK and two children’s bushcraft sessions in Taymount Wood with Biscuit from Wee Adventures. *Jan Hendry has been progressing the Taymount Wood part of her moth-focused ‘Fragile’ Art and Ecology Project with us in which an amazing array of glorious moths have been found in our woods. *Joint events with the Stanley Biodiversity Village Project: hedgehog event, PoMS FIT Count training, swift walk with Perthshire Wildlife, Biodiversity Towns, Villages and Neighbourhoods StoryMap demonstration, Mini bioblitz and Nature Walk in Taymount Wood, and a bat walk and bat detector training session with Jean Oudney. And in August, Jan is delivering a Magic Moths Art and Ecology Workshop in Stanley Village Hall. More details below. *On May 3 we had a joint WSWG Stanley Biodiversity Village table at the Stanley Community Connections event. *WSWG member, Mike Thewlis has been investigating our local access network. He has explored parts of the core path network within and out with the woods, established an 18km circular walking route he has named the Three Woods

Nature Walk, linking Taymount, Five Mile and Stanley Wildwood (Rookery Wood). He has led an exploratory walk with a group of residents from the Airntully area and has organised two open walks on other parts of the circuit. The aim is to help people discover more local walks, reconnect with our landscape, heritage and nature and identify access or other improvements which are needed. *Having decided to upgrade the Expression of Interest approved by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2024, we were disappointed that our revised EOI submitted in March 2025 did not result in WSWG being invited to submit a Phase 1 Development Funding Application as hoped. However, we are currently liaising with NLHF over possible resubmission and will keep you posted. *And finally, we are about to submit our Objection to the planning application for an intensive breeding poultry unit at Newbigging Farm, situated a very short distance from the southern edge of Taymount Wood.

Word of the Month - FIT Count: Flower Insect Timed Count. This is a simple Citizen Science survey run by the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme to collect data on the total number of insects that visit a particular flower, ideally chosen from the PoMS list of 14 target flowers. FIT Counts can be done anywhere, including gardens and parks, in warm, dry weather during daylight hours from 1 April to 30 September. Why not spend ten minutes watching flowers and insects in good weather and join in? For more information go to: www.ukpoms.org. uk/fit-counts

What’s coming up next? Sunday, 3 August : Community Walk with Mike Red. Route 10km, meet 10.30am at Stanley school car park * Saturday, 9 August : ‘Magic Moths’ Art and Ecology Workshop with Jan Hendry, 2 pm Stanley Village Hall *Monday, 11 August: Bushcraft with Biscuit in Taymount Wood.

Full details on events and any booking arrangements, see ww.weststormontwoodlandgroup. scot/news/events/ Follow us! West Stormont Woodland Group Email us: contact@ weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot

Aberfeldy Drama Group

Thrift Shop 2025

3 August Aberfeldy & District Rotary

10 August Aberfeldy Drama Club

17 August Aberfeldy Rugby Football Club

24 August Ardeonaig and Ardtalnaig Community Association

31 August Aberfeldy Tennis Club

7 September Fortingall Roots

14 September Camserney Hall

21 September Breadalbane Cricket Club

28 September GLS Church

5 October RDA Group

12 October Amulree Village Hall

19 October Auto Immune Diseases

Supprt Group

26 October SNP

2 November Gaelic Choir

9 November BSYFC

16 November Breadalbane Reading Room

23 November Biodynamic Garden

30 November Parent Council of Glenlyon Primary

7 December St Andrew’s

14 December Dùn Coillich

Please contact Hazel Kennedy on tomvale7@gmail.com - Hazel Kennedy

Aberfeldy Community Choir - We hope everyone who came to our coffee morning on June 21 enjoyed the singing as much as the baking!

Membership stands at about 40 at the moment, and we are always delighted to welcome new members to this very friendly choir. We have gained 2 new tenors and one baritone this year already. No audition needed, or ability to read music, and our songs are a mixture of popular music and old favourites in 3 or 4 parts, (depending on how many tenors come along!) Fees are subsidised at £25 per term.

We meet every Monday in school term time, from 7 pm - 9 pm in the Aberfeldy Church of Scotland, Taybridge road, Aberfeldy.

We are led by Anna Glover, and Liz Douglas is our accompanist.

We start up again on Monday, 25 August. For more details text/call Malize McBride (Secretary) on 07754 859484.

PAINTER FOR HIRE

Fully insured with 20 yrs+ experience

Interior & exterior

Covering Perthshire and beyond

Pitlochry Garden Share - At Moulin potatoes, salads, flowers and berries are doing well, but onions, peas and beetroot are disappointing. Hopefully more homemade compost will help next year. Using more raised beds has definitely reduced weeds. At Dunfallandy the main problem is voles. They love brassicas, and also nibbled some pea seedlings. Fortunately they’re not interested in kale or lettuce!

The Midsummer Party, our first organised event at the Moulin Garden, was a great success. We hope to try the same again next year. A summer barbeque for all our volunteers is also planned.

In the Children’s Garden, volunteers run monthly craft sessions. In August it will be ‘Nature Clay Pressing’. Date to be confirmed. Keep an eye on the website for further details.

Also offering a new MASTIC & SEALANTS service - Interior &

Exterior - professionally carried out... Call SANDY WILLIAMSON 07910 456004

Perry

Looking

Look

I offer comprehensive oral

New volunteers welcome! You can join our regular sessions - Mondays 9 am - noon and 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings of the month. Once you know your way around, you can work at other times to suit. Membership is free. DIY enthusiasts welcome! Contact us via our Facebook page, our website www.pitlochrygardenshare.org or email us on pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com.

The stall outside Pitlochry Market will be on Saturday, 16 August from 10 am. We will have some produce and other items.

Pitlochry Tennis Club

- Rediscover the Joy of Tennis - A Game for All Ages

Staying active is important whatever your age, even more so the older you get - it’s of vital importance to maintaining physical health, mental sharpness, and emotional wellbeing. One fantastic way to achieve this is by picking up a sport that you may have enjoyed in your youth - tennis! This classic game offers numerous health benefits, and brings people together of all abilities to share a laugh over a friendly game, or three! And returning to tennis doesn’t require a significant time investment or expensive equipment.

Your local club, located in the Atholl Palace grounds, offer the chance to play social tennis with other members of all abilities at 7 pm every Wednesday and 2 pm on Sundays. There’s also a ball machine which can help you pick up where you (perhaps) left off many moons ago. So, why not give it a try? Pop along on your own or bring a friend and join in with your local Pitlochry tennis group, and rediscover the thrill of the game!

Interested? Want to know more? Message our club secretary John on johnuytman@gmail. com or WhatsApp on 07941 807569, or simply pop along any for a chat any Wednesday or Sunday. You can also find and follow us on Facebook.

Table Tennis Tryst Pitlochry - Looking to do something different? Whether you can play or not come and join us and have a go. Every Thursday 2 pm - 4 pm, your first time is free. Equipment is provided. Further details contact Irene 07546 479249

Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom)

It would be nice for residents and visitors if 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. Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10 am in the Recreation ground carpark. Dates for litterpicks in 2025 are as follows - August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9.

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. We are getting short of grabbers and would be most grateful if you have one but don’t use it any more to contact Catherine (01796 473400) so that it can be returned. For further information contact Roger West (rogerwest7@btinternet.com) 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400.

Perthshire Pet Cremation

07522 174883 01738 718578

perthshirepetcremation.co.uk

The Quair in Killin

PERTHSHIRE’S HIDDEN GEM, THYME DELI IS LOVED BY LOCALS & DELIGHTS VISITORS.

Thyme Deli is a speciality grocer offering a wide range of Scottish and local farm produce, as well as international favourites. We also provide unique foodie gifts, hampers, a huge selection of cheese and charcuterie, and ideas for simple suppers - we’ve got you covered!

FARM TOURS at

COME AND MEET OUR RARE-BREED SHEEP, SHETLAND CATTLE, HIGHLAND PONIES, AN ASSORTMENT OF CHICKENS, GEESE & DUCKS!

Copies of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair are made available for tourists and visitors each month from our 8 outdoor dispensers in Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kenmore and Dunkeld. As well as being a Community Magazine, The Quair is an excellent source of information for our visitors who go on to support our Advertisers and Event Organisers. We are delighted to now also have a Quair dispenser at MacGregor’s Community Hub in Killin for locals and visitors to be able to pick up a copy of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair each month. Although Killin sits in the Stirling Council area and has an FK postcode, Killin will always be part of Highland Perthshire and we are pleased to be able to share the wider news with the area each month.

Local family business based on our family farm serving Perthshire and beyond Providing professional individual cremation services for all your cherished pets t Please

Farm Tours & Feed Round takes place at 10 am on Fridays and Saturdays and lasts about an hour. Book your tickets by 4 pm the day before your required tour.

There is a maximum of eight spaces available per farm tour. To avoid disappointment, book your space ONLINE

We are situated just outside Aberfeldy on the Crieff Road, in an elevated position that provides amazing views over the Tay Valley.

From North or South: From the A9 take the Ballinluig junction. Follow the A827 to Aberfeldy. Drive into Aberfeldy, continue through the Town Square and on to a junction with traffic lights, turn left on to the Crieff Road A826. Keep going 2.5 miles, we are on the right.

Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2EL

Aberfeldy Town Hall and Locus Centre

By the Community, For the Community Aberfeldy Town Hall and The Locus Centre are owned and operated by you. These vital spaces are managed by Locus Breadalbane Ltd, a local charity, and powered entirely by volunteers. That means every event, upgrade, and community initiative happens because local people make it happen. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but we’re always looking for local support to keep going - whether by volunteering your time, offering your skills, or joining as a trustee.

Supporting Our Community, Every Day

- These buildings are more than bricks and mortar, they support local people, provide space for essential services, and help small businesses and community groups to thrive. Here’s how they’re helping right now: *Over 40 local groups and activities run regularly - everything from yoga classes and dance rehearsals, music lessons, fitness sessions, and craft fairs. *Warm spaces and wellbeing support, with groups like Horizon Lunch Club providing hot meals and social connection. *Affordable venues for local businesses, events, and community fundraisers - keeping money in the local economy. *A hub for collaboration, offering flexible spaces for charities, initiatives, and public services to meet, share, and support one another. Spotlight: Dementia-Friendly Space

- One of our proudest wins for the local community has been the transformation of the old school rooms at the back of the Town Hall. Working with Dementia Friendly Aberfeldy, and supported by grant funding,

the space has been turned into a calm, welcoming environment for people living with dementia and those who support them. It now hosts regular drop-ins, meet-ups, and activities that provide real support to local individuals and families.

This space is also shared with Horizon Lunches, continuing their brilliant work in providing warmth, nutrition, and connection for those who need it.

Coming Soon: Affordable Housing for Locals and Key Workers - You may remember the two derelict flats above the Town Hall. After a lot of planning, paperwork, surveys (including bats!), and hard work behind the scenes, we’re pleased to share that funding is now in place to bring them back to use. The space will be converted into two affordable homes - one twobedroom and one three-bedroom flat. These flats will be offered at fair rent, prioritising local people and key workers to help tackle housing pressure in the area.

Why We Need You - None of this happens without volunteers - and right now, what we need most are trustees.

Locus Breadalbane Ltd is a registered charity, and to keep things running, we rely on a small team of trustees who help steer the direction of the Town Hall and Locus Centre. It’s a vital role that shapes how these spaces serve the community - from affordable housing and local partnerships to event space and essential services.

We’re looking for people who care about Aberfeldy’s future, want to give back, and can help us plan for the long term.

If you feel you could contribute to the running of this key local resource please contact: admin@locuscentre.org

This is your community, your space, your chance to get involved.

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

The BHS’s website www.breadalbaneheritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest, and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications. Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these sites are currently being installed. In May the BHS sponsored prizes for the best work submitted by students of the Breadalbane Academy following an all-day trip to local places of historical interest. Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.

Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council Community Consultation

Have your say in shaping the future of our community.

The Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council is inviting all residents to take part in a community-wide consultation. This is your opportunity to share your views on the key issues affecting life in our area, and to help guide local priorities in the years ahead.

We want to hear your opinions on a wide range of topics, including:

• Housing needs and availability

• Tourism and the proposed Visitor Levy

• Planning and development applications

• Local services and infrastructure

• Parks, green spaces, and the natural environment

• Public transport and travel connections

• Schools, childcare, and education provision

• Health, wellbeing, leisure and fitness facilities

• Opportunities for community involvement and improvement

Your feedback will directly inform the Community Council’s work and will help influence decisions by the local authority and other stakeholders. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are new to the area, your input is valuable.

The survey is quick to complete and completely anonymous. To take part, simply scan the QR code provided or visit our website for more information. Now is the time to get involved. Help shape the future of Pitlochry and Moulin by sharing your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

www.mypmcc.org

An ode to rural village shops

Reimagining rural resilience through community ownership in Killin

You can’t have both efficiency and resilience. Resilience depends on having back-ups and fail-safes, while efficiency means cutting out anything ‘unnecessary’. It’s obvious when you think about it, but in the race to stay afloat, economic pressures push businesses to prioritise efficiency every time... until something breaks.

A resilient food system may be less efficient than major retailers, but can be more responsive, and rooted in local relationships. Do we really want something as vital as our food supply to be maximally efficient when that inevitably means maximally fragile? A food system built around local production would offer more than just security, it would mean fewer food miles, better nutrition, less ultraprocessed food, and more money staying in our communities. It would taste better, too. The ubiquity of online ordering presents another challenge. It’s tough for our village shops, and it’s hurting us too. Loneliness,

Spice wall - As part of our extensive interior redevelopment, we've just launched our zero-waste spice wall.

especially in rural areas, is at epidemic levels, bringing with it higher rates of depression and related illnesses. We’re not built to live so separately. A walk to the shop, a chat at the counter, these small personal interactions matter more than we realise.

One of the great joys of running a village shop is making friends of your customers. But tight margins and tough competition from industrial food systems, supermarkets, and online platforms leave little room for care. Retailers are pushed to choose margins and shelf-life over health, to block up their windows to create more display space, and to rush customer interactions.

MacGregor’s Community Store in Killin is showing that it doesn’t have to be this way. Because we’re community owned, we don’t have to chase profit at any cost. We still need to be financially self-sustaining, but we can reinvest all our surplus back into the shop, the village, and our suppliers.

Our structure means we can access grant funding, expert business support, and advice that helps us survive, adapt, and grow. Community ownership also gives us freedom: to stock local produce, choose resilience over efficiency, take time to give time to our customers, help young people into work, and pay the Scottish Living Wage. Our mission is to build long-term sustainability for essential local services while improving community resilience, backing local supply chains, creating fairly-paid jobs, and improving access to affordable, nutritious food.

This summer, we’re launching a community share offer so residents, regular visitors and supporters can invest directly in the future of MacGregor’s. Shares start at just £1, and we’ll soon be announcing investment tiers with perks for those able to give more.

If you believe in what we’re building - business that works for people and place - we’d love for you to join us.

To learn more or buy shares, visit: www. macgregorshub.org.uk/shares.

Aberfeldy

Gaelic Choir - The Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir was delighted with their performance in the Aberfeldy Mod on June 14.

The choir came in fourth in the Puirt a Beul competition, and won the main four part harmony competition with the highest music marks and highest equal marks in Gaelic. It was a wonderful start for Kerrie, the new Musical Director. The competitions were finished by the traditional massed choirs singing in the square and those who attended to support the local event were treated to the sound of five Gaelic choirs letting rip! The winning of the competition was a great achievement for our choir from a non-Gaelic speaking small town, whilst the other choirs represented much larger communities - Edinburgh, Stirling, Dundee and Cumbernauld. Much has to be said for the work and commitment of the choir members and the music and Gaelic tutors and it certainly puts Aberfeldy on the map as another attraction to the town.

The choir is currently having a well-deserved break before starting rehearsals again on July 23. From then on, a new piece will be added to rehearsals, culminating in the choir taking part in the Royal National Mod in Fort William in October. Before that, the choir will be traveling to Aberdeen to take part in the Aberdeen Mod at the end of September, so a lot of preparation has still to be done to achieve the highest standard possible.

The choir meet on Wednesdays in the Lesser Town Hall 7.30 pm and interested folk are always welcomed. For further information, contact John Duff 01887 820217.

Heartland Festival 2025 - Pitlochry’s music gem shines bright once again

The Heartland Festival made a triumphant return to Pitlochry at the end of June, transforming the picturesque Perthshire town into a vibrant celebration of Scottish music, community, and creativity. In only its second year, the festival has cemented its place as a standout event on the Scottish live music calendar, drawing thousands of revellers and a host of exciting homegrown acts. Blessed with glorious sunshine, a buzzing crowd, and the stunning natural backdrop that Pitlochry offers in abundance, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. But what truly sets Heartland apart is the warmth and ethos at its core. Organisers Graham Howie, Simon Clark and Marina Hilton, and Marion McDonald (who is responsible for the Discovery Stage), have poured their passion into creating something not only special but also sustainable - an event that feels just as much about community as it is about music.

Across two carefully curated stages - the

Spa Days

Main Stage and the Discovery Stage - audiences were treated to 25 performances over two packed days. The festival’s commitment to showcasing exclusively Scottish talent gives it a strong identity, celebrating everything from rising stars to household names like Skerryvore, Ben Walker, Torridon and Nathan Evans and The St Phnx Band. It’s a space where emerging artists can take their first steps and where established acts rally in support of their peers.

This year’s event wasn’t just a hit with audiences - early bird tickets for the 2026 edition began flying off the shelves within 24 hours of the gates closing. Organisers have taken on feedback from their debut year, refining the experience while preserving the friendly, family-focused atmosphere that drew more than 2,500 children and their families to the site.

This year there was more food and drink available, with local breweries Wasted Degrees selling their excellent beverages. There was a return of the ‘Little Heartlanders’ corner, including bouncy castles and more

Indulge in a relaxing spa day at Moness Resort, where you can unwind with a soothing facial or body treatment before continuing to relax in our leisure facilities

Our spa day options include:

From £55 per person

Includes a 25 minute spa treatment, afternoon tea and access to our leisure facilities

From £85 per person

Includes a 50 minute spa treatment, afternoon tea and access to our leisure facilities

To ﬁnd out more, or book your spa day at Moness Resort, please call us on 01887 822 100

as well as a big wheel that gave those who took a turn amazing views of the festival and the glorious local Pitlochry area, which truly made the festival a family affair.

The stalls, which gave a percentage of their takings to local Pitlochry charities, were varied from Face painters to local jewellery and even a pottery workshop and wheel for young and old to try their hand at. Also not forgetting the furry members of the family with doggie treats in abundance.

Perhaps one of the most powerful takeaways from the weekend was the overwhelming sense of camaraderie. Artists turned up

New Summer Menus

Our team have been busy creating our range of new summer menus. From a refreshed evening menu to tempting bar nibbles and an updated drinks list, there's plenty to discover. As a local, you also get 15% off all food.

Some seasonal highlights include: King Prawn Tempura and Tattie Scone Nachos as well as Pork Tomahawk and Pesto Gnocchi.

For more information or to book visit: https://www.moness.com/food-and-drink/

for each other’s sets, shared words of encouragement, and proved that the Scottish music scene is rooted in collaboration over competition. It’s a reminder that festivals like Heartland are more than just entertainment - they’re a lifeline for creativity, connection, and culture.

With plans already in motion for the 2026 event, set to return to the Recreation Ground on Saturday, 27 - Sunday, 28 June, Pitlochry can proudly claim its place on the map as a vital hub for Scottish music lovers. Heartland isn’t just growing-it’s thriving. Image courtesy of Darren McAllister.

Help shape the Perth and Kinross approach to a Visitor Levy

In May 2024, the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act This Act gives local authorities the ability to charge a set percentage on overnight accommodation paid by visitors and tourists. Then, in February 2025 Perth and Kinross Council agreed to start a period of public consultation to understand whether and how a Visitor Levy should be implemented in the Council’s area. That Consultation is now live, and we would invite you to take part and give us your views. You can complete the consultation online via our Consultation Hub. If you would prefer a paper copy to complete, you can call 01738 476476 to request one. We want to know whether we should in fact introduce a Visitor Levy, who you think the levy should apply to, where you think any funds raised could have the biggest impact, and how we should monitor the impact.

The results of this engagement will help shape whether a Visitor Levy is introduced, who would be subject to the levy, and what the money raised would be spent on. Any resulting ‘scheme’ will be put to Perth & Kinross Council in December 2025 for a decision on whether to introduce the levy. It is estimated that: *The introduction of a 1% Visitor Levy in Perth and Kinross could generate around £1.6 - £1.8m annually. *A 5% visitor levy could generate between £8.2 - £9.3m annually *A 7% levy would generate £11.5 - £13m annually

All money raised would be reinvested locally on facilities and services that are used by, or substantially for, leisure and business visitors

(apart from a small amount reclaimed by the Council to cover the costs of administering the scheme). This includes infrastructure, events and culture, as well as improvements to destinations that enhance the visitor experience.

Because residents and visitors use many of the same things, the Visitor Levy has the potential to improve life for residents as well as visitors. To support the consultation we are also holding a number of drop-in engagement events where people can come along to find out more about the proposals and provide feedback: Wednesday, 20 August: Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy, 4 pm - 7 pm Thursday, 21 August: Strathearn Arts, Crieff - 4 pm to 7 pm Wednesday, 27 August: Loch Leven Community Campus, Kinross - 4 pm to 7 pm

The consultation will run until Tuesday, 30 September 2025. Don’t miss out on the chance to help shape this important decision for Perth and Kinross.

Dull and District Scottish Women’s Institute

We meet on the first Tuesday of every month (Tuesday, 5 August) at 7.30 pm in the Camserney Hall. You will always get a fabulous tea with home-baked goodies and delicious sandwiches. Best not to eat too much before you come!

Tuesday, 2 September - 7.30 pm. Guest Speaker - Fred Cochrane - Flora and Fauna at Dun Coillich Tuesday, 7 October - 7.30 pm. Guest

Speaker - Kit Strathairn - Organza flower decorations

We will be having a go at making organza flower decorations using felting techniques Membership - £37 Guests - £5 For further information, please feel free to contact us via the Dull and District SWI Facebook page.

Pitlochry Library

Additional opening hours - Starting Wednesday, 6 August, Pitlochry Library will open every Wednesday from 12 pm to 4 pm, in addition to its current opening hours. Bookbug session - Every Thursday, 9.15 am - 9.45 am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.

Community Knitting Group - Every Thursday, 11 am to 12.45 pm. Do you like to knit or want to learn? Come along to our community knitting group that meets weekly in the library. We can provide everything you need to get started!

Pitlochry Library Opening Hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12 pm - 4 pm Thursday: 10 am - 1 pm/ 2 pm - 7 pm Friday: Closed Saturday: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm Sunday: Closed

Pitlochry Library, 46 Atholl Road Pitlochry PH16 2BX 01796 474635/ pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

‘Big Tree Country’ fund boosted by Fonab Castle Hotel patrons

A section of the Rob Roy Way near Pitlochry was upgraded last week thanks to donations from guests of the Fonab Castle Hotel.

Patrons of the luxury hotel on the outskirts of Pitlochry have the option of a discretionary donation to Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust’s ‘Supporting Perthshire’s Big Tree Country Scheme’ on their bills, with the sum raised contributing to access projects both in the local area and across the region.

The recent repair works, carried out to old section of path owned by Forest and Land Scotland, saw the path surface improved, as well the installation of additional drainage ditches and culverts to ensure that the Rob Roy Way stands the test of time and remains one of Scotland’s Great Trails.

Speaking on success of the Supporting Big Tree Country Scheme Andy Barrie, Strategic Routes Officer (PKCT) said, ‘PKCT’s Supporting Big Tree Country Scheme allows businesses in the area to raise funds to help protect, maintain, and improve access to the stunning natural landscape that we are blessed with in this part of the world. We are extremely grateful to the Fonab Castle Hotel and their guests for the generosity as it has not just allowed us to partner with Forest and Land Scotland to carry out this repair work, but also to contribute £1,000 to the volunteer-led Pitlochry Paths Group to support their ongoing work maintaining the Pitlochry path network.’

Joanna Whysall, General Manager of the Fonab Castle Hotel added, ‘We are delighted to contribute to the work of Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust and the activity of the Pitlochry Paths Group. Many of guests appreciate Pitlochry for its spot nestled within the stunning Highland Perthshire countryside so welcome the opportunity to make a simple donation to maintain and safeguard it for the future.’

Reflecting on the donation from the Supporting Perthshire Big Tree Country Scheme,

Andy Barrie added, ‘In Pitlochry we are lucky to have a group of enthusiastic volunteers with the Pitlochry Paths Group who committed to keeping the area a great place to get out and about. This donation will help cover the costs of equipment, tools and material that the group need to make real and sustained improvements and repairs to the paths around the town. Thank you to everyone who contributed.’

Businesses interested in contributing to the Supporting Perthshire Big Tree Countryside Support Scheme can find out more by visiting the PKCT website.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop - What a scorcher! As advertised in our June report, on June 21, the Station Bookshop marked its twentieth anniversary by occupying both platforms at Pitlochry Station. While the shop itself was open as usual on Platform 1, our special sale of railway books was held on the opposite platform, also serving to fly the flag for Rail 200, which this year commemorates 200 years of the modern railway in the UK, and for 160 years of the Highland Railway Company.

On what was probably the hottest day of the year so far in Pitlochry, train-lovers, booksellers and curious visitors travelled from all over Scotland to attend our specialist book sale in the chalet Waiting Room on Platform 2. We had received great publicity beforehand thanks to the Dundee Courier, the usual social media and, of course, The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair. What we hadn’t anticipated was that so many of our loyal customers would also bring books for us to sell: in the weeks leading up to the sale, we took in bags and boxes of railway, train and station books from as far away as Wigton, and from Ian at Rosley Books! So thanks to all who came, and especially to ScotRail, the Railway Heritage Trust, the Museum of Scottish Railways, the Highland Mainline Community Rail Partnership and particularly to John Yellowlees, who, after 26 years of service to Scotland’s railways, including leading ScotRail’s ‘Adopt a Station’ programme, has, since retiring in January 2017, served as an Honorary Rail Ambassador. All at the Bookshop are grateful to John for coming along to cut the ribbon and open

what proved to be a very popular and successful sale.

We are equally grateful to: ScotRail for providing rooms, publicity and staffing at the station on the day; to HMLCRP for organising and paying for the posters; to Fisher’s Hotel for the loan of the tables; to our small committee of helpers who put up posters etc.; and to all the volunteers and partners of volunteers who made it all happen. Overall, the day did much to help us as we move towards the milestone of being able to say that we have raised half a million pounds for our six charities since we opened in June 2005. While the railway sale raised over £500, the bookshop also had one of its best days - and sales have been excellent, consistently passing the £100 mark - as takings passed £170.

Another highlight of the last couple of months was a visit from four ladies who are opening a Bookshop at Galashiels on the Borders Railway, the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years. Located close to the station, the new shop is to be called ‘The Signal Post’. The visitors were keen to see our set-up and receive advice on all aspects of managing and running their new venture. They went away very impressed and are now looking forward to a visit to the new shop by Pitlochry volunteers in September.

Amid all the excitement and the celebrations, Pitlochry Station Bookshop remains open daily on Platform 1, Monday to Saturday inclusive, from 9 am until 4.30 pm. As ever, a warm welcome awaits all visitors.

Amulree and Trochry

Community clay pigeon shoot

The Amulree and Trochry Community Clay Pigeon Shoot will take place on Sunday, 14 September from 10 am to 3 pm (last entry) at Clashcat, Amulree PH8 0EE. Entry is £18 (under-18s £7), with re-entry priced at £13 (under-18s £5). Continuation is £2. Prizes will be awarded in all categories. Food and refreshments available on the day include soup, sandwiches, bacon rolls, cakes, teas and coffees.

A raffle will also be held. All proceeds this year from the continuation will be donated to SCAA (Scottish Charity Air Ambulance).

Chris’s Picnic in the Park

Saturday 23rd August 2025 from 1pm

Pitlochry Recreation Ground

Free day out for the Pitlochry & Moulin Community

Supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness

Follow Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council and Pitlochry Pavilion User Groups Facebook pages for more