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Highland Perthshire’s Community Magazine • February 2026 ABERFELDY | DUNKELD | BIRNAM | PITLOCHRY | KENMORE | BLAIR ATHOLL 1

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Pitlochry & District u3a - The u3a whole group meeting will be on Wednesday, 18 February at 2 pm in the Tryst.

Our February speaker will be Dr David Frame on the topic entitled ‘Science or Science Fiction’.

The u3a primarily brings together people who have finished working full time or raising their family to develop interests and to continue learning in an informal and supportive environment. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other.

Throughout the year, in addition to our whole group talks, we also offer special interest groups. These informal groups are led by members for our members. The emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so. Our groups include Book Groups, Scottish History, Craft, Mahjong, Theatre and Garden visits.

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

Mid Atholl Community Council

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair e: atholl@thequair.com w: www.thequair.scot tel/text: 07436 793785

February brings a mix of familiar dates. St Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday, 14 February and, while it is often linked with cards and gifts, it can also serve as a reminder of the everyday ways people care for one another.

Later in the month, the Christian calendar moves towards Easter. Shrove Tuesday is on Tuesday, 17 February, followed by Ash Wednesday on Wednesday, 18 February, which marks the beginning of Lent. While Shrove Tuesday is widely recognised as pancake day, Ash Wednesday is observed by several Christian traditions as the start of a forty-day period of reflection and preparation, not including Sundays. Ash Wednesday takes its name from the tradition of using ashes, made by burning the previous year’s Palm Sunday crosses, as a symbol of reflection and humility in some churches.

World Gaelic Week, Seachdain Na Gàidhlig, this year runs from Monday, 23 February to Sunday, 1 March. With its theme of ‘Use It or Lose It’, the week encourages people to recognise the value of Gaelic, whether as a spoken language, a cultural reference point or a key part of local history.

Gaelic was once widely spoken across much of Perthshire and shaped daily life, work, worship and storytelling for centuries. Many local place names still reflect this, tying language closely to landscape. Although its use declined due to social and economic change, Gaelic remains an important part of the area’s heritage.

World Gaelic Week offers an opportunity to reconnect with that history, support local events and learning, and recognise the role language plays in shaping identity and shared experience.

Alistair and Linda 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.

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 March 2026 edition is noon on Wednesday, 11 February. The magazines are due to be distributed the week commencing Monday, 2 March.

If you would like to know more about what is happening in your community, access our minutes, or find the latest news on planning or other updates, please go to our website at: www.midatholl.org.uk or scan the QR code above.

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 Camserney Carpet Bowls winter season - The winter season is underway on free. Equipment is provided.

Monday’s, at 7.30 pm in Camserney Hall. All ages are welcome to come along for a soFurther details contact Irene 07546 479249. ciable game, with the chance to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat.

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Friends of Blair Atholl Station

To be honest, there is not a lot to report on this month. We are still waiting - not so patiently at times - for ScotRail to take forward the housing project at our empty station house. Before that happens, we are promised new electronic signage on the platforms, so that for the first time, passengers will be able to tell when the next train is due, and on what platform. Now that will be progress in 2026!

Meanwhile, ScotRail, LNER and Caledonian Sleeper trains battled through the worst winter snows for years in January, and we are grateful to all the train drivers, guards, signallers and even the guys who salted the platforms, keeping us safe and allowing for our essential and non-essential journeys to continue. And the Friends of Blair Atholl Station kept up their daily station inspections too.

If you’d like to find out more about our work and our comradeship, check out our website, www.blairathollstation.co.uk, or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ FoBAstation, and come onboard!

Yoga in Blair Atholl - Feeling a bit under the weather and lacking in energy after the long winter? Blair Atholl village hall is home to yoga sessions that will help you to change that! Miranda Stevens runs Hathastyle yoga on Thursday evenings (6.30 pm - 7.45 pm) and Friday mornings (11 am 12.15 pm) as well as chair yoga on Fridays (12.45 pm - 1.45 pm). Her sessions will help with balance, flexibility and posture, and the focus on breathing is especially helpful for mindfulness, helping to reduce stress and improve mental and physical health. The classes are for people of all abilities and levels.

So why not give it a go? Contact Miranda on 07305 973823 or email mirandajstevens@gmail.com.

This is just one of the many uses of our lovely village hall; our website will tell you more: www.blairathollvillagehall.co.uk/whats-on.

Polio Campaign. This Rotary International initiative is making remarkable progress in eliminating this devastating disease, with global cases reduced by 99.9% and the world now closer than ever to declaring it defeated.

If any of these causes resonate with you, or if you know of another worthy initiative in need of support, we would be delighted to hear from you. We would love to welcome you on board.

Pitlochry Town & Country Club

Pitlochry Rotary - With the first month of the year already behind us, our club is taking time to reflect and reassess the priorities of the causes that need our support most. Last year’s planner was full to the brim, keeping us busy with a wide range of projects and requests for assistance.

We were proud to help many local charity groups and community services who applied for financial support, as well as to continue our long-standing commitment to international causes such as WaterAid, Mary’s Meals, ShelterBox-which provides emergency shelter for families displaced by natural disasters or conflict-and the End 6

As I write this article in January, with snow on the ground, I send my best wishes to all members who attended our club in 2025, and hope that you are keeping well and remain healthy in the coming year.

Already this article brings you the details of our second meeting on Thursday, 19 February, when Carol MacGill will demonstrate how silk flowers can be used to brighten our homes.

The meetings are held in the Aldour Community Hall, from 2 pm until 4 pm. The cost is £3 per meeting. Lovely tea and home bakes will also be served.

Should you require the use of the Community Bus, please contact me, at least the day before on 01796 472765. Hope to see you there, Kathleen Scott.

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Pitlochry Bowling Club

January was a quiet month for the club although we did bring in the New Year with a party for members and friends. It was a very enjoyable evening for everyone.

We are now looking forward to the year ahead. The winter indoor short mat competitions are well under way.

The Tay Tummel league and the Killiecrankie cup competitions have also started and keeping us busy.

Our Warm Space continues every Monday It is not only designed to give a warm space to help reduce heating bills but it is also a social space to make new friends and enjoy homemade soups and rolls also teas, coffee, and homemade treats.

Everyone is made very welcome. All you need to do is come along 11 am to 3 pm.

We are grateful to Perth and Kinross Council for supporting these spaces which run throughout the town.

If you’re thinking of a new activity why not give short mat bowls a try. We would love to welcome you to our clubhouse and let you have a try. Just wear clean flat soled shoes or even socks as some of us do (this is to protect our mat). You can join us on most Wednesday afternoons 2 pm to 4 pm.

Whether you want to play or simply watch and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee afterwards with us.

Friday nights from 7 pm are always a popular night at the club with a mix of activities such as bowls, arts and dominoes or simply a chance to relax with friends over a drink.

Feel free to drop in and see what’s happening.

You can join in or just enjoy a tipple or two you will be made very welcome.

For those who enjoy our popular Bingo nights our dates for February are Monday, 9 and Monday, 23 February. 7 pm for 7.30 pm start.

Everyone is very welcome so bring a friend and have an enjoyable evening.

If you would like more information on any of the above or have a question, please contact John on 07833 664121 or Agnes on 07918 122415.

Our Facebook page (Pitlochry bowling club) also gives update information.

Just Singin’ Community Choir Birnam

February is a great month for new beginnings, so if you enjoy singing, why not come along at the start of our new eightweek block on Wednesday, 4 February and give it a try - no obligation whatever, and all are welcome!

We are a friendly community choir of approximately 25 to 30 people of mixed ages and voices. We meet at 7.30 pm on Wednesday evenings in the upstairs room at Birnam Arts.

This block, we are delighted to welcome back the energetic and fun tutor, Emma Neck who will teach us a variety of songs and harmonies by ear. It’s stress-free, just turn up and join in!

There are further details on our website at www.justsingin.co.uk. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. Take the plunge!

Breadalbane Community Larder

Social Supermarket - Many items four for £1, available Saturday mornings 11 am to 12.30 pm at Offizone, Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy.

Emergency deliveries - Emergency deliveries of food parcels please call 0345 30 111 00. Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm.

FoodShare - Available 24/7 from the shelter in the rear car park of Aberfeldy Parish Church. The Community Larder continued to support individuals and families over the festive period, so thank you to the volunteers who went out in all weathers and sometimes trudged through the snow to collect the surplus stock from the Co-op for the FoodShare shelter.

At this time of year, it’s even more important to support others who are finding things difficult. Credit card bills will have landed on people’s doormats recently, not forgetting increased demands on heating their homes over the winter months. This can be a very stressful time for many. Please signpost people to us if you think the Community Larder will be helpful to them.

2025 saw another year-on-year increase 8

in the number of households benefiting from shopping at the Social Supermarket or requiring emergency food support.

This depleted our stock levels significantly and while we had to spend money filling up the shelves in the first half of the year, the community rallied and, with donations from local church Harvest Thanksgiving services, we finished the year with the LarBreadalbane der reasonably stocked. If you are able, please consider buying something extra when you shop and pop it in the trolley in the Co-op.

Larder Tinned meat, tinned fish, tinned fruit, coffee and biscuits as well as other staples are always much appreciated.

However, we don’t need any pasta at the moment!

If you would like to make a financial donation to the Community Larder please contact 07513 652597 or email breadalbanecommunitylarder@btinternet.com for details.

Breadalbane Community Larder is a joint initiative of several local churches and also involves members of the wider community.

All this is made possible by the generosity of the good people and local businesses of Aberfeldy and surrounding areas. Thank you for your continued support.

The McLean Hall, Fearnan - The recently re-decorated hall has served the local community since 1955 and recently a celebration was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the Hall.

It is a great village amenity and is used by a variety of groups. Regularly a range of activities are held in the Hall such as yoga, taichi and carpet bowls as well as many village events. It is also available to book for your events, parties, celebrations, activities and meetings etc. There is a well-equipped kitchen, tables and chairs, a curtained stage area, disabled access and good parking.

A range of equipment can be used when hiring the hall - table tennis, pickleball, magnetic dartboard and quoits.

If you’d like to book the hall or make an enquiry, email mcleanhallfearnan@gmail. com.

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200 Club - Winners for December were: £25 - Nina Williams and Mattie McDougall, £50 - Frank Yearsley and Tom McDougall, £100 Charlie Thom The January Draw will include a lucky winner of £1,000. If you would like a chance to win in our monthly draw, please contact Richard Pearson at rwpearson@btinternet.com.

All profits from the 200 Club go to charities and deserving causes.

The draw was held during our annual Christmas Lunch at the Inn on The Tay. Our guest of honour was Citizen of the Year Mairi McAdam, whose beneficiary of choice for her honorarium of £200 was Loch Tay First Responders.

Over the festive period we organised several fundraisers: a Christmas Concert with the Community Choir and The Gaelic Choir; a Christmas Hamper Raffle; a further Raffle at our Christmas Lunch, a stall at the Coop, and a Stall at the Christmas Market. Funds raised were augmented by sales over the past few months of a Calendar featuring work contributed by local artists and this has enabled us to make donations totalling £1,400 to Scottish Air Ambulance, CHAS, Maggie’s and Alzheimer Scotland. We would like to thank all who helped us raise these funds.

Pitlochry Town Hall - Scottish Country Dancers from all parts of the world will gather for four days this month to attend the RSCDS (Edinburgh) annual Winter School at Pitlochry Town Hall. Our regular Scottish Country Dancers Frae A’ The Airt’s will also be dancing at the hall late February to musicians Stuart Anderson, James Coutts and Leonard Brown.

What’s on - Keep cosy and connected this winter with our free Warm Welcome Cuppa and Chat sessions, in association with The Grief Hub. Drop in Tuesday, 3 February, Tuesday, 10 February and Tuesday, 24 February - 12 pm to 2 pm.

MANTALK support group sessions continue weekly on Tuesdays, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Get your tickets now for upcoming comedy and music performances (such as The Rising, a Springsteen tribute concert, on Saturday, 18 July), on our website where you’ll find a full list of our activities and events www.PitlochryTownHall.com Notice To Members - Join us at the first AGM for Pitlochry Town Hall on Monday, 23 March 6.30 pm for 7 pm. We are looking for additional Trustees, especially with property experience, to join the board and help us secure the future of our historic building for the town and community. Venue hire for functions, leisure classes, meetings and more.

Enquiry@PitlochryTownHall.com Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council - Following an EGM held in November, the current elected members of Blair Atholl & Struan Community Council (BASCC) are as follows: Alastair Stephen (Chairman), Giles Stevens (Treasurer), Miranda Stevens (Secretary), Nial Mackinlay Community Councillor Viv Cree has stepped down from the community council after five years of varying roles within it and we would like to thank Viv for her immense contribution to the local community over those years.

Community Council meetings in 2026 will be held in the Armoury Hall, Blair Atholl at 7.30 pm on the following dates: Tuesday, 10 February, Tuesday, 12 May, Tuesday, 11 August, Tuesday, 10 November (also our AGM). All meetings are open to the general public. The CC are also looking for someone to be our minutes secretary - this will involve taking the minutes and typing them ready to send out to the public - this is a paid role.

If you wish to contact BASCC please email Miranda Stevens, the Secretary at blairathollstruancc@outlook.com.

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Breadalbane Heritage Society

The illustrated presentation this month will be on Friday, 20 February at 7.30 pm. In this talk, The Southern and Fortingall Pictish Kingdoms, Professor Gordon Noble of the Department of Archaeology at the University of Aberdeen will outline the latest progress on work on the southern Pictish kingdoms. The Picts - ‘the painted people’ were first mentioned in late Roman sources in AD 297 as a collective name for troublesome, barbaric peoples, living north of the Roman frontier. The Picts went on to become the dominant kingdom in northern Britain, forming the precursor to the medieval kingdom of Alba and latterly of Scotland. They have long remained an enig-

ma due to the dearth of historical sources they left behind, and the archaeological record has proved difficult to populate too.

The lecture will focus on some recent discoveries at sites such as East Lomond, Fife and will also outline the significance of the Pictish site of Fortingall. Professor Noble’s major research project on the Pictish kingdoms has been featured in five series of BBC2’s Digging for Britain and on many other media venues.

The talk will be presented online using Zoom. To receive Zoom joining details please register by contacting Ian Stewart on bhsaberfeldy@gmail.com.

The BHS’s website, www.breadalbane-heritage.org.uk features a video of local scenes of interest, and provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications. Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the Killiehassie private burial ground in Strathtay, and the recent publication, in association with the Aberfeldy Museum Group, of an illustrated leaflet, The Aberfeldy and Weem Heritage Trail, with a trail map and information on the many places of interest in the area. QR codes with information at each of these

sites are currently being installed. The BHS also provides a free service of assistance with family history research. Recordings of all the recent talks are available on the website.

Mid Atholl & Strathtay SWI - The next meeting of Mid Atholl & Strathtay SWI to be held in the John Kyd Hall, Strathtay on Wednesday, 18 February at 1.30 pm. The guest speaker is Polly Pullar.

Competitions - Round of Shortbread.

Knitted Toy. Visitors welcome.

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Wednesday night is Music Night at the Breadalbane Reading Room, Kenmore.

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Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council

At the Pitlochry & Moulin Community Council (PMCC), we’re here to listen, support, and represent your voice within the community. Together, we aim to make Pitlochry and Moulin welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant places we can all be proud to call home.

Highlights from our December meeting - Key topics included a chat about Community Cohesion, and the proposed Premier Inn development - we’ll share more once the planning application has been submitted to Perth & Kinross Council. Other discussions covered Bear Scotland’s proposed closure of the northbound slip road into Pitlochry from June to November 2026, Etape 2026, the redevelopment of the school, local bank closures and the limited access to cash, and changes to PKC’s social care services.

Full minutes are available anytime on our website.

Next meeting - Our next meeting will take place at Moulin Village Hall on Monday, 9 February at 7 pm. All are welcome; meetings are open to everyone and offer a chance to share ideas, raise local issues, and hear updates on what’s happening in our area. The agenda will be published in advance on our website at www.mypmcc.org.

Planning & Development Updates Planning decisions have a lasting impact on the future of our towns and villages.

For the latest planning news and updates, visit the homepage of our website.

Connect with us - www.mypmcc.org, info@mypmcc.org, find us on Facebook.

Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust

If you are already a member and want to hear direct from the Trust, sign up to the Cluny House Gardens: red squirrels and magical mailing list and click the ‘Events and inforwoodlands - Join Wendy and John Matting- mation from my local group’ option. ley, owners of Cluny House Gardens near Aberfeldy, for an enlightening talk with the Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust on Monday, 16 February. 7.20 pm for 7.30pm start to 9 pm at The Tryst, Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB. Suggested donation: £3 for non-members, A collaborative yoga and £2 for members (cash on the day). wellbeing day in Pitlochry Cluny House is one of Perthshire’s finest The Highland Perthshire Yoga & Wellbewoodland gardens, and Wendy and John ing Collaborative Yoga Day takes place take a refreshing approach to gardening. In- on Sunday, 15 March from 10.30 am to stead of controlling wildlife, they embrace 1.30 pm, Pitlochry Town Hall, West Moulin the value the creatures that visit our gardens Road, Pitlochry PH16 5EA. can bring. Their talk will offer new insights The sessions are free of charge and all are into how we might all rethink our relation- welcome. Donations towards a light lunch ship with nature. are appreciated. Please bring your own mat Cluny House is also renowned for its thriv- if you have one or they can be provided. ing red squirrel population, The event is brought to you by HPYW a making it one of the best collective of local teachers dedicated to places in Perthshire to spot promoting health and wellbeing. these iconic creatures. Wendy Yoga is for everyone regardless of age, exand John’s commitment to perience or ability. Through a combination creating a wildlife-friendly and truly beauti- of movement, breathwork and relaxation ful space is truly inspiring. Don’t miss this techniques yoga helps cultivate strength, chance to hear their approach to gardening balance and a deeper sense of wellbeing. in harmony with nature!

The event will consist of four half-hour Contact markandrosie@btinternet.com for mini classes so people can come along and more information. Sign up to hear about try something new or experience a different events and activities on reserves in our area teacher. We will offer yoga such as somatic, and beyond. www.scottishwildlifetrust.org. hatha, various mindfulness sessions and uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list. men’s yoga. See www.highlandperthshireyogaandwellbeing.co.uk If you have any questions or would like to book, please contact us at highlandperthshireyoga@hotmail.com.

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Councillor John Duff

Highland Ward - Conservative The weather has certainly taken a turn since the New Year, which makes it important to acknowledge the distribution of the Council’s Warm Welcome Fund for Highland Perthshire. Twelve organisations across the ward are benefiting from a grant to provide facilities to provide a heated environment and some welcome, hot refreshments for anyone in need of some company and a bit of warmth. Locations range from Bridge of Gaur and Kinloch Rannoch, to Kenmore and Fearnan, to Aberfeldy and Pitlochry (www.pkc.gov.uk/warmspaces).

Further funding has also been awarded from the Fairer Communities Fund with over £30,000 granted to eight Highland Perthshire groups following the voting stage.

These organisations will provide services ranging from poverty and family support to health and wellbeing and community transport. I look forward to seeing these grants being applied for the benefit of those most in need (www.pkc.gov.uk/fcfa).

You may have seen Tay Valley Connections new eight-seater Ford Kombi which the Council has provided to enable community transport solutions for the area. The vehicle is branded with a number of local images and will be staffed by volunteer drivers. I hope that this vehicle may help to provide vital connectivity for residents in the Tay Valley. If you think you may be able to assist as a volunteer driver, contact TVC on 07507 479555.

New Year is when thoughts turn to new beginnings. If you are looking for assistance to find a job or upskill yourself to find a better job, perhaps the Council can assist. Our Skills Passport can provide training grants of up to £2,500 if you are unemployed, on lowincome or limited hours to provide certificated, vocational training courses www.pkc.gov. uk/Skills-Passport-Training-Grant. If you are an eligible parent, for example a lone parent, have a disabled child or three or more children, our Futures for Families scheme can provide a tailored package of employment support. This fund includes skills/training grants up to £3,500, subsidised cost of travel, clothing grants for interviews, funding to provide digital support or a digital device, help with childcare costs or self-employment grants (Futures For Families - Employment support for parents - Perth & Kinross Council).

The Council has a variety of grants - search www.pkc.gov.uk.

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 or Office Tel: 01738 475095.

Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group - Learn to play guitar, whistle, fiddle or accordion. Classes are in small groups lasting half an hour, are completely free and we provide instruments without cost for our members to use as their own.

Junior and senior bands are for those who can already play a little, suitable for most instruments. We welcome accordion, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists, percussionists and more to join.

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

Group lessons - 4 pm - 6 pm Junior band (P5-S2) - 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm Senior band (S3-S6) - 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm 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 community who have generously donated money and instruments. For more info: dbtradgroup@gmail.com, 07958 324766.

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Moulin Scottish Country Dance Class

Fancy some exercise? Come along and join us for Scottish Country Dancing in Moulin Hall on Thursday, 12 February, Thursday, 19 February and Thursday, 26 February at 7.30 pm.

No experience required and all levels of dancer welcome. Great fun and proven to be beneficial for both mind and body!!

No membership fee - Admission £5 nightly For further details phone June - 01796 473488

Pitlochry and Moulin Men’s Shed

(PAMMS) We meet weekly in the Men’s Shed, at 2 Burnside Rd (behind the lower Davidson’s Chemist) on a Tuesday at 2 pm to 4 pm.

The Shed gives an opportunity for folks to work on projects and chat about experiences over tea, coffee and biscuits.

Currently the Shed is developing a tool-library to support personal and community projects.

The Men’s Shed meets all year round.

Formally, the Men’s Shed is a single gendered protected shared space and is 18+ We welcome new and old participants.

Fearnan pancake pop-up - Join us on Tuesday, 17 February from 11 am to 12.30 pm for Fearnan pancake pop-up.

Hosted by Fearnan Village Association at McLean Hall, Fearnan. £3 pp. Carry-out coffee, pancakes and more. All welcome.

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Loch Tay community - A new community-driven initiative is set to transform how Loch Tay’s water health is understood and protected. The Loch Tay Association has announced the launch of its Water Testing Project, an ambitious citizen-science programme designed to shine a light on growing environmental pressures affecting one of Scotland’s most cherished lochs.

Although Loch Tay’s waters may look pristine, early signs tell a different story. Increasing levels of sediment and nutrients - particularly nitrates and phosphates - are beginning to threaten aquatic life, water clarity, and the delicate balance of the wider ecosystem. Yet with limited official monitoring in place, the true scale of the issue remains unclear. That is about to change.

Community volunteers take the lead At the heart of this project is the creation of the Loch Tay Water Quality Monitoring Group, a dedicated team of trained local volunteers who will carry out regular, scientifically robust water testing across the loch.

Using validated tools and easy-to-use methods, volunteers will track key indicators of pollution, including nitrates, phosphates and turbidity These vital measurements will help identify pollution sources, reveal patterns over time, and build a comprehensive evidence base to guide future action.

Learning from success: The Windermere model - The project draws inspiration from the breakthrough citizen-science efforts at Lake Windermere. There, local people partnered with Freshwater Watch, uncovering serious pollution issues that had gone undetected by limited official monitoring. Their work ultimately prompted renewed attention and meaningful intervention.

Now, Loch Tay is poised to follow that successful path. By joining forces with Freshwater Watch and with funding provided by Griffin and Calliachar Community Fund, the Loch Tay community will gain access to expert training, high-quality testing kits, and global data platforms-empowering local residents to become guardians of their own waters.

This project marks a significant and proactive step forward. By combining commu-

nity passion with scientific rigour, the Loch Tay Association aims to generate the most comprehensive picture ever assembled of the loch’s water quality-and ensure that any emerging issues can be tackled early and effectively.

‘This is about taking ownership of our loch’s future,’ said Bill Oppenheim, Chair of the Loch Tay Association. ‘By coming together as a community and working with respected scientific partners, we can protect this extraordinary place for generations to come.’

For more information on becoming a member of the Loch Tay Association or to volunteer with the Water Quality Monitoring Group, please contact: Loch Tay Association Secretary at wilmakenmore@hotmail.com.

Aberfeldy Cowork - Keeping warm when you work from home is a particular challenge, especially if you live rurally. We all have our techniques for staying warm at work: hot water bottles, heated blankets and even (our co-founder Luc’s secret) electric socks.

Keeping warm is difficult and expensive; it’s a constant struggle. At Aberfeldy Cowork we believe the warmth of other people to be a great way to stave off the cold. In addition to that, we have tried to create a workspace that is warm and welcoming, especially during the winter months. The warmth of the Perthshire community is what gets us through the long days. That and the fact that our space makes the most of the winter sun with its large south-facing windows.

Community is built when people share ideas, problems and solutions, and space. And that’s why we set up Aberfeldy Cowork - it’s a space for community to thrive.

So come and be warm with us this winter, and maybe solve some of your problems while you’re at it.

18

Pitlochry and Moulin History Society The next meeting of the History Society will be on Saturday, 28 February at 2.30 pm in the Pitlochry Tryst. The speaker will be Rich Hiden of Hiden Archaeology who will talk on the Bronze Age discoveries at Kindallachan, in the excavations carried out in advance of the A9 works. Bronze age Perthshire was a vibrant period marked by the introduction of metal, complex funerary rites and major monuments. Many of you will have seen the excavations in progress travelling along the A9.

Now is the chance to find out more. All are welcome and admission will be £3.

Pitlochry Christmas Card Delivery Service

The local Christmas Card Delivery Service, which operated from Victoria’s Restaurant in December, delivered 2,695 cards and raised an amazing £1,530 for our Senior Citizens’ Bus. Heartfelt thanks to: *Everyone who used the service, posting 2,695 Christmas cards; *Everyone who donated so generously; *All our wonderful volunteers; and *Victoria’s staff for their fantastic hospitality.

Pitlochry Tryst Walks in February

Tuesday, 10 February - Tummel Bridge Aqueduct (£3). Starting from Tummel Bridge this is a level walk heading west along the aqueduct to Dunalastair Dam and returning by a forestry track. Distance 5 miles. OS map 52.

Saturday, 28 February - Loch Freuchie (£3). Walk starts and finishes in Amulree.

We walk along a broad track above the River Quaich then continue on the lightly wooded slope along the northeastern side of Loch Freuchie.

Lunch stop at T’rich Burn before heading back the same way to Amulree. OS Map 52 Distance 6 miles.

Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information.

Please note the walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident.

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

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Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) www.pbcweb.net Sundays in February - Our Worship Gathering takes place in our building every Sunday from 10.30 am. If you are exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us.

For young people, we have a full programme for babies through to teenagers. We look forward to welcoming you.

For the children - *Stay & Play babies and toddlers group runs from 10 am - 12 pm on Wednesday mornings during term time *The Friday Night Youth Club runs two sessions: (1) 6.30 pm - 8 pm for primary 4 -7 children; (2) 8 pm - 9.30 pm for secondary aged teenagers.

Both are during term time so no Youth Club on Friday, 13 February *The Pitlochry Youth Café for secondary aged teenagers on Tuesdays 3.30 pm - 6 pm Other notices - *The Storehouse (Pitlochry Community Foodbank) is open on Monday mornings 10 am - 12 noon for drop-in and enjoy a cuppa and chat too. For more information contact Colin by email on thestorehouse@pbcweb.net *WA Soup Lunches - Fridays 12 pm - 2 pm in Pitlochry Baptist Church Centre, access by the door behind the main church building. All are invited. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. *Pitlochry Bereavement Companions Café: Come join us for a cuppa and share memories, comfort and hope on Saturday, 28 February 10.30 am - 12 pm in the church centre (behind the main church building).

This is informal support for people experiencing bereavement at any stage and is a regular event on the last Saturday of each month. It follows on from the Bereavement Journey course which we plan to run again in April.

Go to our website or check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current up-todate information.

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Loch Tay and Glenlyon, Church of Scotland

Minister, Rev Joanne Foster 07591 254652 Email joannefoster@churchofscotland.org.uk We welcome you to worship, whether you live in the area or just visiting. Services in February are held in Fortingall Church every Sunday commencing at 10 am.

You are warmly invited to join us for tea, coffee and home baking after our Sunday service.

Dunkeld Parish Church

Services in Dunkeld Cathedral, Little Dunkeld Kirk and Amulree Church Rev R Fraser Penny, The Manse, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW. Tel: 01350 727249.

Email: minister@dunkeldcathedral.org.uk Sunday Worship - 11 am in Little Dunkeld Kirk (until Easter Sunday). 11 am in Dunkeld Cathedral (from Easter until Remembrance Sunday) Amulree Church - Services at 2.15 pm on the third Sunday of the month (Sunday, 15 February). 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, 1 February in St Mary’s Birnam and Sunday, 1 March in Little Dunkeld.

Messy Music - Wednesday, 18 February from 4 pm to 6 pm in the Duchess Anne. Open to children from pre-school to P4. A mix of music and craft and lots of fun, followed by a light family meal.

To find out more, please contact Hazel Murch on music@dunkeldcathedral.org.uk.

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

The Bahá’í Faith: Is there an end to war? Close to home, it is only just over 300 years since we had bloody wars at Killiecrankie and, in the same year, the Battle of Dunkeld, with great loss of life and the destruction of the town. We have grown to think of these as things of the past, nowadays accepting the structure of a fair system of local and national government.

During World War I, ‘Abdu’l Bahá was asked this question and drew attention to its scale, offering Bahá’u’llah’s remedy, ‘Ye observe how the world is divided against itself. .... Flourishing countries have been reduced to rubble, cities levelled with the ground. Fathers have lost their sons and mothers wept over dead children.’

These agonies persist today, ‘And the breeding ground of all these tragedies is prejudice; and the root cause of prejudice is blind imitation of the past - imitation in religion, racial attitudes, national bias and politics. So long as this persists, humanity will be exposed to grave danger.’

Fifty years earlier, Bahá’u’llah had warned that terrible wars lay ahead. Writing from His prison in Akka to the great monarchs and leaders of the day, He urged them to seek peace and the good of their peoples. His Teachings for the prevention of war were given so that ‘society will be freed from the darkness of continually repeating the past’.

Bahá’ís do not believe it is necessary to be a Bahá’í to put these remedies into practice.

However, it is necessary for everyone to address these problems and to help overcome them. There is valuable guidance in the Bahá’í Writings, available online at www.bahai.org.

Locally, we would like to pool our efforts with others in the community and would welcome invitations to share. We offer meaningful and spiritual discussions on Wednesdays at 7.30 pm in Aberfeldy, as well as junior youth sessions, children’s classes, and one-to-one conversations over coffee. Please contact Rachel or Hilarie at rachelhelenab@hotmail. com or hilarieburnett@icloud.com.

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Rannoch Church of Scotland

Minister: The Reverend Joanne Foster Email: joannefoster@churchofscotland.org.uk.

Sundays, 1, 8, 15 and 22 February - Sunday worship at 12 pm in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30 am before the service starts.

The Scottish Episcopal Church

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 Fifth Sundays - Joint Service with Kilmaveonaig and All Saints (see website for location) Sunday, 15 February - 10.30am. Joint service for whole Charge Wednesday, 18 February - Ash Wednesday, 10.30am. Holy communion with Ashing (Whole Charge Service) Book Group - Contact - Ms Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416 for details.

Garden Group - 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesdays 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 Fifth Sundays - Joint Service with Holy Trinity and All Saints (see Website for location) Sunday, 15 February - 10.30 am at Holy Aberfeldy YouthforGroup Work Trinity.

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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 Fifth Sundays - With Church of Scotland (see website) Sunday, 15 February - 10.30 am at Holy Trinity. Joint Service for whole Charge House Group - 10 am. Last Wednesday of the month All Saints, Kinloch Rannoch Square Contact - Reverend Canon Liz Baker 01796 472005 First Sunday of the Month - Holy Communion (usually at 9.30 am except when Joint Charge services) Sunday, 1 February - 9.30 am. Holy Communion Fifth Sundays - Joint Service with Holy Trinity and Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location) Sunday, 15 February - 10.30 am at Holy Trinity Joint Service for whole Charge Zoom Services (see website for dates) Sundays - 6 pm Evening Services Thursdays - 10.30 am. Morning Prayer

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Scottish Country Dance Group - Tuesdays at 7.30 pm in The Tryst Hall. Come and join the fun with old and new dances.

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

Warm Spaces - Available with a soup lunch also on Wednesdays from 12 pm to 2.30 pm.

Pitlochry & District Choral Society Wednesdays at 7.45 pm in The Tryst Hall.

Table Tennis - Thursdays 2 pm to 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 to 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. We invite you to our Coffee Corner in the church hall on ThursPitlochry Linked with Blair Atholl days from 10.30 am to 12 pm.

& 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 and coffee and biscuits are served in The Tryst Lounge following the service.

Community Care - This continues in The Tryst Lounge on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm and on Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from these activities, please contact the Community Care team at The Tryst for 22

Aberfeldy Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

You are welcome to join us at the Kingdom Hall, Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy.

Our meetings feature short talks and discussions on Bible topics.

Here are the dates for February.

If you would like a lift to a meeting, get in touch.

1st 10.30 am 5th 7 pm 8th 10.30 am 12th 7 pm 15th 10.30 am 19th 7 pm 22nd 10.30 am Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth.

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Tenandry Kirk - Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev Neil Glover Session Clerk: Anne Randle mob: 07710 421974 Normal Sunday service at 10.30 am.

1st Sunday of the month.

Coffee/Tea following the service.

All Welcome

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

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 Telephone: 07836 565528 Regular Sunday morning worship Dull and Weem Parish Church - 9.45 am. Please consult the website for current information on services at www.dullandweemparish.org.

Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches - 10.30 am. Please consult the website for current information on services at www.glschurchofscotland.org.

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

First Sunday of the month - Joint service with Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, and Grantully, Logierait and Strathtay (GLS). 10.30 am. See church websites for details.

Church-based activities ‘Warm Welcome Café’ and Stay and Play - Aberfeldy Parish Church on Tuesday mornings. Tea and coffee, biscuits and baking. Stay and Play: 9.30 am to 11.30 am (during term time only). Warm Welcome Café: 10 am to 12 pm. If you would like to be involved in any way, please contact judy. ewer@adwgls.co.uk.

Waddle & Quack - Wednesdays at 10.30 am. Walk & Talk has been renamed Waddle & Quack. For the winter months the pastoral team at Aberfeldy Parish Church are now meeting at The Watermill (in the alcove at the back). You can stay in the warm enjoying a steaming coffee and a crispy bacon roll with the ‘Quackers’, or head out with a few of the flock for a short waddle before returning for coffee. All welcome. No need to book. Just turn up and see who else is there.

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

Aberfeldy Prayer Meeting - Aberfeldy Parish Church. 4.45 pm to 6 pm every Wednesday in Farragon. All are welcome Aberfeldy Alcoholics Anonymous - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Kitchen. 7.30 pm to 9 pm every Tuesday. Contact: 01887 820936.

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

Strathtay Coffee Break - The group meets 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 to 9 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Contact: gls.churchofscotland@gmail.com.

See church websites for latest information.

Aberfeldy Parish Church: www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org Dull and Weem Parish Church: www.dullandweemparish.org Grantully, Logierait and Strathtay Parish Church: www.glschurchofscotland.org 24

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 The Parish Priest of St Bride’ Parish is Canon Steven Mulholland MA formerly of St John’s in Perth e: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Sunday Mass Times St Columba’s Saturday Vigil 4.00 pm, Our Lady of Mercy 9.30 am, St Bride’s 11.30 am Weekday Mass Times Our Lady of Mercy Tuesday at 9.30 am, St Bride’s Monday and Thursday 9.30 am and Friday 12 noon (No Mass on Wednesday) Holy Days of Obligation St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30 pm, St Bride’s 7.00 pm

Wellness Walks - It’s tempting to hiber-

nate over these winter months but we all know our brains and bodies will thank us for keeping moving and connecting with people, even if it means getting a bit wet!

Wellness Walks are here to help! With regular walks, little local ones and slightly longer days out there’s plenty of chance to keep walking towards wellness this winter.

Walks are always free, friendly, in small groups and led by our qualified and insured leaders. They’re never a route march and you’ll never be left behind!

Walks are planned from Aberfeldy, Kenmore, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and surrounding areas. New walks are added regularly so be sure to check the website regularly. www. wellnesswalks.org.uk/region/scotland

Pitlochry Community First Responders|Volunteers urgently required|Please apply now and help save lives in your community!

Pitlochry Community First Responders (PCFR) is a local non-profit charity.

We assist the Scottish Ambulance Service, who have First Responder groups across Scotland.

All volunteers are fully trained by the Ambulance Service, and live or work in the community. Responders can attend certain serious medical situations, sustaining life until an ambulance arrives.

The ambulance control centre deploys the on-duty Responders when a local 999 call is received, which they will not be able to reach rapidly. Using their own vehicles, day or night, Pitlochry First Responders selflessly operate in the local area. We cover from Blair Atholl to Ballinluig, and are in contact with the Dunkeld and Aberfeldy groups to ensure good coverage.

This is an important, life-saving local charity, and we need everyone’s support in many ways!

Most importantly, we are currently recruiting more volunteer First Responders. Responders are vital to the community, and your own lives could well depend on them one day.

No previous first aid experience is necessary as full training is given by the ambulance service. Responders need to be over the age of eighteen and have access to a reliable car while on duty.

Please scan the QR Code above for direct access, or visit our website for application forms for First Responders and our PCFR Friends group. Please share this information with others. Visit our secure website: www.pitlochryresponders.org or email us: info@pitlochryresponders.org.

We need you, because you might need us! PCFR, saving local lives. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Highland Perthshire Photography Group (HPPG)

HPPG meets at 7 pm in The Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy on the last Monday of each month.

We invite all local photographers, whether beginners or more experienced camera users to join us to share experience and expertise at these friendly, informal gettogethers. We also hold themed workshops and host occasional inspiring talks to stimulate our own interests and skills development in different photographic genres - such as landscape, portrait, macro, street photography, as well as black and white and mobile phone photography. Join us for our photoshoot excursions to the wide range of wonderful places of photographic interest on our doorstep and slightly further afield. So why not see if the group is what you have been looking for to take forward and develop your photography - and exchange ideas and photographic tips and tricks with like-minded people in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Our next get-together in the Birks Cinema will be at 7 pm on Monday, 23 February. Just come along to find out more.

The Meeting Place, Dunkeld

The Meeting Place is on every Friday in the Duchess Anne in The Cross, Dunkeld from 10 am to 12 pm. Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee and delicious home baking. Donations welcome.

25

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Aberfeldy Quilters - This wonderful People living with Dementia, their families, ideal and exciting opportunity. Please concushion was created by Liz Paterson using this stunning fabric. We are meeting up again soon, hopefully well-rested with lots of new projects. We have some amazing talent in our lovely quilting group and as you can see we don’t just make quilts!

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

Dun Coillich

Where people and nature thrive Dun Coillich is a community-owned landscape regeneration and rural skills training project in Glen Goulandie. The site is owned by the charity Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, which manages the land for wildlife and the local community.

Would you be interested in supporting our work? We are seeking new trustees to join the HPCLT Board. We would love to

Heart of Scotland Herb Society Herbs Health Happiness

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 18 February, 2 pm at the Bowling Club, Aberfeldy. Just the thing to give us a lift in February the topic will be The Benefits of Hebridean Seaweed Beauty Products with a representative from Moness Spa. All are very welcome to attend. Guest entry £5.

Information contact: Cath McGregor 01887 830234 or Susan Craik: 07501 095602 Dementia Café - The Dementia Café is held in the North Church, High Street, Perth on the first Wednesday of the month from 10 am until 12.30 pm.

We have Awareness Day Events planned for Wednesday, 4 March, Wednesday, 3 June and Wednesday, 7 October this year.

These events consist of twelve individual services who can offer information and advice on the day. We also have social work, New Rannoch - day care/carers support and the Community Mental Health team attending.

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

hear from enthusiastic people of any age with an interest in or experience of hill landscape and wildlife, conservation, communications/PR, fundraising or financial management. If you are interested in joining our welcoming board and actively helping HPCLT, please get in touch with us to have a chat and find out more. Please contact the Chair on info@hpclt.org before the end of February for more information and to arrange an informal chat.

Opportunity to do a Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills - Thanks to a unique partnership between HPCLT, Forestry and Land Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and the Dalchosnie and Kynachan Estate, there is an opportunity for two people to apply for a one-year apprenticeship operating across land held by these partners. Starting in March, this is a great opportunity to earn a wage while gaining an industry-recognised qualification and valuable experience in a range of land sector skills.

For anyone interested in a land-based career and seeking meaningful career progression, hands-on experience in a wide range of rural environments and a recognised Scottish Vocational Qualification this could be an 26

tact us for more information - projectofficer@hpclt.org.

Supporting rare plant species - HPCLT’s Dun Coillich is becoming an increasingly valuable patchwork of wildlife habitats, supporting many species of plants and animals. The trust is currently working with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on the Scottish Plant Recovery project, which aims to establish three rare native plant species, the Alpine Blue Sowthistle, Whorled Solomon’s Seal and Small Cow Wheat, in more locations in Scotland.

All three of these plants have now been introduced at Dun Coillich. The Alpine Blue Sowthistle and the Whorled Solomon’s Seal were planted as seedlings, with stakes marking their positions and supporting vole guards to protect the young plants from small herbivores. Small Cow Wheat seeds were sown and GPS positions were recorded and a photograph taken so that it will be possible to see how the plants spread beyond the planting area.

The Small Cow Wheat plants are particularly interesting; they are hemi-parasites and their roots are able to intertwine with the roots of other plants and they penetrate the host’s roots to ‘steal’ nutrients. However, the Small Cow Wheat can also photosynthesise so it is not completely dependent on parasitism.

For more information - Visit the What’s On page of our website www.duncoillich. org to find out where we are, what we do and how to get involved. You can also follow our Facebook Group (Dun Coillich Community Land) for regular updates.

Dalguise Meditation Group - Do

plan ahead

you have to be already fit to join a gym?

Of course not. And you don’t have to be already calm, focused and full of lovingkindness to begin to meditate. Quite the reverse, in fact, because those are some of the qualities that a meditation practice can help you to develop.

Whether you are completely new to meditation, or have an established practice, you are welcome to come to our meetings. These take place on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm in Dalguise Village Hall. So in February, meetings are on Tuesday, 3 February and Tuesday, 17 February. 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.

But always the intention is to develop awareness, clarity and concern for others.

If you aren’t able to attend in person, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thought-provoking and helpful compilations about meditation and mindful living, in the weeks between live meetings. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com.

for a new getaway

February is the perfect time to escape the everyday and experience something extraordinary. Discover Scotland, a destination where dramatic winter landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality come together to create unforgettable moments.

From windswept coastlines and snow-kissed mountains to storybook villages and fire-lit pubs, Scotland in February offers a quieter, more atmospheric way to explore. It’s the season for cosy hideaways, scenic drives, and immersive cultural experiences—without the crowds.

This February, make Scotland your winter escape. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a memorable road trip, or a relaxed journey through historic towns and cities, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.

Start the year with an adventure that truly stands out.

Here’s to exploring Scotland this February.

Call us today on 01556 504030 or visit www.discoverscotland.net to view all available properties and book your getaway today!

Polly Pullar 27

Bring Back The Smile to Nepal - Almost 11 years on from

the Nepal earthquake of 25 April 2015, Bring Back The Smile to Nepal continues to support long-term recovery through education: women’s health initiatives: women’s enterprise projects and wider community development.

We offer engaging talks for community groups, organisations and schools, sharing real stories from our work on the ground and the impact these programmes are having.

If you are looking for an informative and inspiring speaker, we’d be delighted to visit.

To book a talk, please contact Anna at bringbackthesmiletonepal@ gmail.com.

You can also get in touch via our social media platforms. (Scottish Charity No. SC045923)

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.

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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 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.

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Dave Doogan MP

Angus & Perthshire Glens SNP

A very Happy New Year to Quair readers and I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a restful break. Although only a few weeks in 2026 has started off with plenty of issues to chew over. Not the least of these is the severe winter weather that started almost immediately for many as we entered January.

These were testing falls of snow and very low temperatures which presented the usual challenges for our transport network. As usual we benefited from the hard work and long hours of Tayside Contracts and Bear Scotland workers in clearing and gritting our roads, vital for keeping essential journeys possible. Treacherous work in freezing conditions as Billy Connolly famously pondered, ‘how does the snow plough driver get to work!?’

I was lucky to enjoy a very restful Christmas break. This holiday is one time where I am 100% off with my office completely closed so it’s a great opportunity to recharge the batteries. Over Christmas I was luckier still to receive a gift of a trip to the famous Ballintaggart Farm at Balnaguard which I had heard about during one of my visits to the Kenmore Village shop. We were treated to exceptional hospitality in unique surroundings by this outstanding local business.

Parliament reconvened on January 5 and it is straight back into debating and challenging policies and performance. That’s the job and I relish the role I play. Just as well as, owing to the very extreme weather on the first week back, many of my colleagues could not make it down to Westminster. This therefore required me to speak in the House of Commons on such varied topics as: freight theft, Agricultural Property Relief, deindustrialisation, community energy, US security policy, the rural economy, the tanker seizure and safer drug injecting rooms before coming home to Scotland on Thursday.

It’s Friday now and I have just completed my first surgery day of the new year; Stanley, Birnam, Alyth and Blairgowrie, meeting constituents and businesses to take up new casework on their behalf.

This is the flip side of the parliamentary element of my job and it is every bit as enjoyable. So it has been a busy start to 2026 which is exactly how I like it, requiring a tempo which I and the dedicated team in my office will maintain throughout 2026 on behalf of everyone in Angus and Perthshire Glens.

If you are having any issues, with something you think I can help with, then please get in touch by emailing dave.doogan.mp@parliament.uk or calling 01307 804 185.

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

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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 32

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Breadalbane Community Library

Code Club - Held every Thursday from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. A weekly term-time coding club for children aged eight to 12.

Bookbug session - Held every Friday from 11.15 am to 11.45 am. An under-fives 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, the Family History Group may be able to help. Please contact Helen Stewart at helenstewart.bhs@gmail.com or get in touch with the library. Support sessions are held in the library and are by prior arrangement only.

Creative writing with Open Book - Join the Aberfeldy Creative Writing Group with local author Linda Cracknell. All welcome.

Monthly on Thursdays from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.

Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, including books in large print and audio formats. Please contact the library for further information.

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

Maker_Space - Free access to creative technology, including a 3D printer and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Digital services - Free public access to computers, Wi-Fi, printing, wireless printing with Princh, photocopying and scanning facilities.

E-resources - Online library services are available 24/7 via www. culturepk.org.uk/libraries or through the library app. Resources include e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-news and reference tools such as trove.scot, Theory Test PRO and Ancestry.

Opening hours - Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 10 am to 7 pm; Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm; Friday: 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm; Sunday: Closed Breadalbane Community Library, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2FJ; 01887 822405; breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Murdo Fraser MSP

Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member Conservative

A new year promises to be a fresh start for many of us, but it is also a time for reflecting on the past year and what may happen in 2026.

In terms of Scottish politics, this year will be a monumental one with the Scottish Parliamentary Election in May. Locally, I was delighted to hear that the Pitlochry New Year celebrations were a great success again, with visitors from across the globe attending the popular street party. It may have been freezing, but people kept warm by dancing.

It is also good news that a new management agreement has been completed between Perth and Kinross Council and Pitlochry Town Hall Charity to run Pitlochry Town Hall. The new arrangement means that the Charity will be running the hall, taking bookings and organising events on behalf of the community, with the support of local volunteers.

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

Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council

The Minutes of the first meeting of the year of Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council are now on the website: www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk/community-council/minutes. php.

If you would like to receive Minutes and news of local events by email, please join our mailing list. Contact info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to have your name added.

Killiecrankie Village Hall - The Killiecrankie Hall Management Committee wishes to thank everyone who organised, helped, cooked, served, spoke, performed, played and contributed to the Burns Supper on 24 January.

The hall is available for any event - large or small.

See the website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for details or Rannoch History Society Crofting - back to the future? The Rannoch History Society is email info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk. pleased to present Seonag Barbour, who will be giving a talk entitled ‘Crofting - Back to the Future?’ on Saturday, 28 February at 2.30 pm, Kinloch Rannoch Village Hall. The talk reflects her crofting heritage on Skye.

Annual Membership £15 per person, £5 per person admission if not a member. Post-talk drinks and nibbles included.

Further information and any updates will be available on the Rannoch History Society Facebook page.

34

The Arts Society Tayside - Our lec-

ture season at Birnam Arts continues and on January 12 we enjoyed a taste of the exotic in our fifth lecture of the season: Zara Fleming on Bhutan, Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. On Monday, 9 February we have a touch of sparkle with Clare Phillips on American Glamour: 150 years of Tiffany Jewellery, and on Monday, 9 March, James Wright on The Secrets of Ancient Doors, followed by a further three lectures at Birnam for the rest of our 2025/6 season.

As well as our main Birnam Arts lecture programme, our Winter Lecture season is now under way, open to members and guests: To Draw or Not to Draw: Six Great Painters of the Seventeenth Century, by Dr Andrew Patterson, whom members will remember from last year. On January 22 we heard about Velasquez and Rubens and on January 29 Poussin and Caravaggio. On Thursday, 5 February we conclude with Rembrandt and Vermeer. If you want to catch the last lecture in the series, it is at The Soutar Theatre, The AK Bell Library, Perth, at 10 am for 10.30 am. Please contact our Winter Lectures Secretary on pamjmurray@hotmail.com to make a booking.

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 absorbing 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 days and lectures. For those unable to make the journey to Birnam, we are now offering live Zoom links to our lectures so you can watch from your own home if you wish.

Please visit our website to see the full programme: theartssocietytayside.org.uk. You can join us for the balance of our 2025/6 season for a reduced membership of £45, which includes admission to the remaining five lectures and gives access to our other lecture and visit programmes.

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PADS - PADS (Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society) is a well-loved, long Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries - Pitlochry Library established local dog rescue charity with kennels at Forteviot, a few miles south-west of Perth.

Our aim is to provide care and shelter for the county’s unwanted dogs and to find them new loving homes. Our kennels, which were renovated in recent years, can house up to thirty animals in warmth and comfort.

We provide veterinary care for the sick and injured amongst our strays and we have a small hospital unit which is used for the recovery of animals who have had operations. See www.padsdogrescue.com for further information.

Please check our website for up to date Spring Opening Times

Join us for

BREAKFAST, BRUNCH & LUNCH OR ROAST SUNDAY LUNCH

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!

We can accommodate walk-ins, but recommend booking your table, epecially at peak times. Book your table online.

discover sensational scottish tastes

SCOTTISH CHARCUTERIE & SCOTTISH CHEESE TASTING EXPERIENCES Book your tasting experience online.

FARM TOURS at

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

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

B846

A827

A826

Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2EL

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.

ACCESSIBLE ACCESS

DOGS ON LEADS WELCOME

38

Bookbug session - Held every Thursday from 9.15 am to 9.45 am. Join us for songs, stories and rhymes for under-fives. Pre-booking for each session is essential.

Please contact the library to book a place.

Community knitting group - Meets every Thursday from 11 am to 12.45 pm. Whether you already knit or would like to learn, come along to our weekly group.

Everything you need to get started is provided.

Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, including books in large print and audio formats. Please contact the library for further information.

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

Opening hours - Monday: Closed; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday: 12 pm to 4 pm; Thursday: 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm; Friday: Closed; Saturday: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm; Sunday: Closed Pitlochry Library, 46 Atholl Road, Pitlochry PH16 2BX; 01796 474635; pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries - Birnam Library Author event - Shona MacLean will be at Birnam Arts on Wednesday, 25 February to celebrate the launch of her latest novel, The Cromarty Library Circle. Shona has been one of Scotland’s top-selling authors for nearly ten years and is known for thrilling stories rooted in Scottish history. She will be in conversation with fellow author Natalie Jayne Clarke. Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased online through Perthshire Box Office or in person at Birnam Library.

The Cromarty Library Circle is the story of a Scottish town on the cusp of change and the group of townspeople whose lives are irrevocably altered over the course of one tumultuous year. Following the talk, Shona will be signing copies of her books in Birnam Library.

Bookbug sessions - Held every Thursday from 10.30 am to 11 am. Join us for songs, stories and rhymes for under-fives. Pre-booking for each session is essential.

Please contact the library to book a place.

Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library. This includes books in large print and audio formats. Please contact the library for further information.

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

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

Pitlochry High School Parent Council Update

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported our Christmas Raffle - everyone who purchased a ticket, to all the businesses who donated a prize, and to Pitlochry Co-op for allowing us to sell our tickets. We raised £2,272.63!

Pitlochry High School Parent Council plays a vital role in shaping the future of the school - but we can only do it with your support. Whether you can spare a little time or a lot, your ideas, enthusiasm, and skills are truly valued and can make a real difference. Being part of the Parent Council is a great way to connect with other families, share your views, and contribute to decisions that help our school community thrive. From supporting school events and running uniform swap shops to organising favourite fundraisers like raffles and bingo teas - and funding school initiatives - our Parent Council is at the heart of school life.

We meet just once or twice per term, and every helping hand, idea, and bit of support goes a long way.

Bingo Tea - Friday, 27 February. Save the date. Our ever-popular Bingo Tea is back.

Come along for an evening full of fun, laughter, and prizes - everyone is welcome!

School Calendar - Don’t forget to keep an eye on the school calendar on the website for key dates and updates.

Stay Connected - Follow us on Facebook, visit www.pitlochryhighschool.com or email pitlochryparentcouncil@gmail.com.

Pitlochry Repair Café - Pitlochry Repair Café returns on Sunday 1 February and Sunday 1 March from 12-3pm at Moulin Hall.

Bring your items for repair - our talented volunteer fixers can mend ceramics, jewellery, appliances, electronics, bikes, woodwork, clocks, clothes, textiles and more!

Fabulous homemade baking, soup and hot drinks await too! There is a kids zone and well-behaved dogs are welcome too! All free, donations welcome. See you there!

Stay warm, safe

and cared for this winter...

We’re here for you

Now we’re into the colder months, did you know you can take a winter break with us?

Whether it’s to enjoy the warmth and extra support we can give you, or simply to relax in a safe environment with hot meals and a brew, all made for you...

Whatever your winter needs, we can help. We’d love to take the time to show you around, and chat over any questions you may have.

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

@bcgcares

t. 01738 254254 w. bcgcares.co.uk 39

070126 127 x 192 Quair Ad - BCG Winter Break for Pitlochry.indd 1

07/01/2026 16:46:16

The Birks is more than a cinema

We aim to create memorable experiences that bring the community together. Our cinema and café are open five days a week, Thursday to Monday, and the café is open six days a week, Wednesday to Monday. Do pop in for a cuppa.

Every week we host a range of regular classes and groups. These are free to attend, with donations welcome.

On Monday mornings we run a relaxed chair-based exercise session, followed by Knit and Knatter in the afternoon and Chess Club in the evening.

Book Club meets every second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm. Members choose books and enjoy relaxed discussion with fellow readers.

Highland Perthshire Photography Group meets on the last Monday of each month at 7 pm. The group discusses walks, talks and local outings and welcomes beginners, students and experienced photographers alike.

Monday, 23 February - 7.30 pm. Environmental film of the month: Flight of the Swans.

A female conservationist takes to the skies in a paramotor to follow Bewick’s swans on their annual migration, travelling 7,000 kilometres across 11 countries, from Russia to England, to understand their dramatic decline. The screening will be followed by a discussion with adventurer Sacha Dench.

On Thursday afternoons people are invited upstairs with their own craft and art projects for Craic n Craft, an informal session of crafting and chatting.

Lego Coding Club, for children with additional support needs, meets after school and in the evening.

Acoustic Music Night brings musicians of

all levels together to play traditional tunes and well-loved favourites, with listeners welcome to sing along, tap a foot, or simply enjoy the music.

Board Games Night takes place every Friday evening, with a wide variety of games available. All are welcome.

Friday, 6 February - 7.30 pm. Quiz Night.

Gather friends and family for a fun evening and a chance to win. Nachos are available to share.

Saturday, 3 February - 10.15 am. Gaelic Café. The February session welcomes Calum MacLean, broadcaster, presenter and photographer, Alba Ambassador for The Outdoor Swimming Society.

Calum will speak on ‘Uisge Tatha ann am bliadhna - Swimming the length of the River Tay’.

The café is open to fluent speakers, learners and anyone with an interest in Gaelic culture.

To celebrate Seachdain na Gàidhlig 2026, World Gaelic Week, from Monday, 23 February to Sunday, 1 March, there will be a Gaelic screening of Yoyo and the Little Auk, followed by a Q&A with members of the RSNO who wrote the score. Date and time to be confirmed.

Sunday, 1 February - 3.45 pm. Book and Film Blethers. This month’s screening is Hamnet, from Academy Award-winning writer and director Chloé Zhao, based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell. The film explores the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, and the loss of their son Hamnet, which inspires the writing of Hamlet.

Heartland Film Society - Sunday, 15 February - 6.30 pm. Superboys of Malegaon.

Based on the life of amateur filmmaker Nasir Shaikh, the film follows a group of friends in the town of Malegaon who create cinema for their community, offering escape, creativity and renewed hope.

Special events

Monday, 2 February - 7 pm. Hamish Henderson: An Artist’s Inspiration. Film screening with introduction and Q&A by Charles Nasmyth, exploring how the folklorist and poet inspired Nasmyth’s work.

Thursday, 5 February - 7.30 pm. 3,000 40

Feet. A new documentary by filmmakers Kevin Woods and Lindsay Hill, exploring the life and legacy of Hugh Munro and the cultural impact of his list of mountains exceeding 3,000 feet.

From Saturday, 7 February. Six Nations rugby at The Birks Cinema. All Scottish games screened live on the big screen.

Monday, 9 February - 7.15 pm. The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works. A ballet triptych inspired by the writings of Virginia Woolf, choreographed by Wayne McGregor.

Wednesday, 11 February - 7.30 pm. Talking Pictures: Four women artists of the 20th century. Fortnightly illustrated talks by Dr Andrew Paterson, running from Wednesday, 11 February to Wednesday, 25 March, 7.30 to 8.30 pm.

Friday, 13 February - 2 pm to 4 pm. Feldy Folk Tales. A weekly storytelling group for older residents, led by writer Lesley Wilson, sharing stories drawn from communities across Scotland.

Friday, 13 February - 8 pm. Valentine’s Silent Disco for adults. Wireless headphones, curated channels and an evening of dancing at The Birks.

Sunday, 15 February - 1 pm. Fèis Thatha.

A relaxed traditional music session in the Community Creative Learning Space. Free to attend, open to all levels and instruments.

Thursday, 26 February - 7 pm. National Theatre Live: The Audience. Helen Mirren stars as Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award-winning production.

Volunteering opportunities - Volunteers play a valued role in the life of The Birks.

If you have time and enthusiasm to share, whether for a few hours or more regularly, support would be very welcome.

For more information, email volunteers@ birkscinema.co.uk.

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John Swinney MSP, First Minister Perthshire North - SNP

IN ABERFELDY

INLEGS AUCHTERARDER WHERE AND FEET MATTER WHERE LEGS AND FEET MATTER GREGOR McCOSHIM FCPodS MChS GREGOR HCPC McCOSHIM FCPodS MChS REGISTERED HCPC REGISTERED ROUTINE CHIROPODY WALKING/RUNNING INJURIES ROUTINE CHIROPODY ORTHOTIC/INSOLE MANUFACTURER WALKING/RUNNING INJURIES LEG/FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT ORTHOTIC/INSOLE MANUFACTURER OFFIZONE, KENMORE STREET, LEG/FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT ABERFELDY, PH15 2BL 206 HIGH STREET, TEL: 07932 725211 AUCHTERARDER, PH3 1AF EMAIL:TEL: grm@mccoshim.plus.com 07932 725211

www.grmpodiatry.co.uk EMAIL: grm@mccoshim.plus.com

I would like to wish all readers, and everyone across Highland Perthshire, a very happy New Year. I hope you enjoyed a restful and enjoyable festive period surrounded by loved ones, and that you enter the year ahead re-energised and full of hope.

While the holidays provided a welcome opportunity for a short break and reflection, the work of government did not stop. I was fortunate to have a few days to pause and reflect on just how privileged I am to hold the office of First Minister, and to represent such a wonderful part of the world.

This year, the Scottish Parliament will hold elections. In the meantime, I will continue to work hard as your constituency MSP. If there is an issue you feel I may be able to assist with, please do not hesitate to contact my office and we will do all we can to help. I will also be visiting a number of businesses and organisations across Highland Perthshire in the coming weeks and months, alongside holding regular constituency surgeries throughout the area. If you would like to book an appointment at one of these surgeries, please contact my office in the first instance.

Helping constituents remains the very best part of this job, and I am committed to being as accessible as possible. Supporting local people, while fulfilling my responsibilities as First Minister, remains at the heart of everything I do.

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.

Become a Hedgehog Champion

Become a Hedgehog Champion with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society/Peoples’ Trust for Endangered Species. How long is it since you last saw a hedgehog? They are now officially classed as vulnerable to extinction in the UK. There are many reasons and it’s sad to think of such a fate for this unique and prickly little creature. Here are ways to help: *Link your garden with Hedgehog Highways *Create a wild corner *Make your pond safe with a ramp *Clear away netting and litter *Put out food and water *Stop using chemicals *Check before strimming *Be careful with bonfires *Make a home for hedgehogs *Become a Hedgehog Champion.

What’s a Hedgehog Highway? Since they travel between 1-2 km a night searching for food and a mate, a small gap in your fence the size of a CD case will let them pass through.

You can become a Hedgehog Champion by registering on www.hedgehogstreet.org/website, which has resources to make your garden a hedgehog-friendly zone.

www.grmpodiatry.co.uk

42

The Scottish Crannog Centre We’re Back Open for the Year!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. After a January spent on staff training and site maintenance, we are delighted to be open again and welcoming visitors. We are open 10 am to 5 pm, with the last guided tour at 3 pm. The café is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, serving delicious hot drinks and food, perfect for warming you up on a cold day.

This promises to be an exciting year, with the Crannog construction hopefully being completed in the spring and a full programme of events planned throughout the year.

Crannog construction will speed up with improved weather as we move into spring. Visitors can see this unique building in person, with the walkway nearly complete and soon to be connected to the main crannog, allowing work to begin on the flooring and walls. The crannog will really take shape ahead of its grand opening.

‘The Crannog is Hatching’ is the first event of the year and takes place on Saturday, 4 April and Sunday, 5 April. Celebrating the arrival of spring, you will be making a bird nest with your own little clay bird, making cheese, and getting involved with lots of egg-related nonsense.

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 volunteer team, please email volunteers@crannog.co.uk.

43

Innerpeffray Library

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The Library of Innerpeffray reopens for the season on Sunday, 1 March. Throughout February, the grounds and heritage trail at Innerpeffray are open to all. Lovely at all times of year, it is particularly beautiful in February when delicate snowdrops create a spectacular carpet across the woodland floor. See if you are lucky enough to spot one of our resident red squirrels or the swans on the river. Our Schoolroom will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, where you can stop in for a self-serve cup of hot tea, coffee or chocolate to warm you after your walk.

Although the library is closed in February, you can still visit us ‘virtually’ via our website. Via our ‘What’s On’ page you’ll find a link to several entertaining e-tours exploring different aspects of our collections.

Dates for your diary

1 to 31 March - Madertie Month. Tours of the library are free all month long when the library reopens in March, in honour of our founder David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie, who created Scotland’s first free lending library here in 1680.

March will also see the launch of our 2026 exhibition, exploring the myriad uses of signs and symbols within the books of our collection. From books on mysterious subjects such as heraldry, emblems and allegory, to the history of printers’ marks and fine decorative bindings, this exhibition will be a real visual delight.

Saturday, 7 March - Concert: Miguel Girão. Time tbc. Innerpeffray is delighted to welcome classical and traditional guitar player Miguel Girão back to the Library. Miguel has performed here twice before, once with his group ‘Tern’ and a solo concert. If you miss seeing him perform at Celtic Connections this year, this is your chance to come and hear him locally. Tickets £15, available online.

Sunday, 15 March - Talk: Alan Montgomery on the Romans in Scotland. Time tbc. A talk by the author of popular books ‘Walking the Antonine Wall’ and ‘The Road to Mons Graupius’, historian Alan Montgomery. Tickets: £10, available online.

Wednesday, 1 July - Outdoor Theatre: The Three Inch Fools. The Three Inch Fools travelling theatre company is back once more at Innerpeffray. Growing in popularity every year with their hilarious takes on historical drama, note the date in your diary now to be sure of a seat!

These are just a few of the events we have lined up for the season ahead. Look out for our notices every month in The Quair to find out about more talks, concerts, fairs, workshops, our annual festival and a special exhibition that we have planned.

Our redoubtable supporters the Friends of Innerpeffray Library will also have their annual programme of events which will be announced here.

From March onwards, the Library’s regular opening hours will be Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm.

Contact us on 01764 652819 or visit our website at www.innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk for more details and for ticket booking.

44

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Aberfeldy Drama Club Thrift Shop 2026 - Aberfeldy Drama Club Thrift Shop

Sunday Sessionsaich Seise a n a n D id ò m h n

THE BIRKS CINEMA, ABERFELDY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 1PM TO 3PM Free traditional music jam session for all ages, abilities and instruments.

Come and play (or just listen)!

DATES AND MORE INFO AT FEISTHATHA.COM

ichean Ciùil Clasa

traditional fiddle & guitar classes ABERFELDY TOWN HALL SUNDAYS FROM 10AM FROM £5 PER CLASS

Group lesson for complete beginners, advanced beginners & intermediate players, open to kids aged 8+

continues to support a wide range of local groups throughout the year. Each Sunday the shop allocates its takings to a different community organisation, helping to sustain the many clubs, charities and initiatives that contribute so much to life in the Upper Tay area.

The forthcoming rota is shown below.

Sunday, 1 February Aberfeldy Festive Committee; Sunday, 8 February Dalweem Comfort Fund; Sunday, 15 February Breadalbane Academy Parent Council; Sunday, 22 February Dun Coillich; Sunday, 1 March Shoe Box Appeal; Sunday, 8 March Warm Connections; Sunday, 15 March Explorers from Perth and Kinross District; Sunday, 22 March Prostate Cancer; Sunday, 29 March Bring Back the Smile to Nepal; Sunday, 5 April Christmas Lights; Sunday, 12 April Heartland Film Society; Sunday, 19 April Kinloch Primary School; Sunday, 26 April Highland Perthshire Riding Club; Sunday, 3 May Feldy in Flower; Sunday, 10 May Heart of Scotland Herb Society; Sunday, 17 May Aberfeldy Bowling Club; Sunday, 24 May Kenmore in Bloom; Sunday, 31 May Air Ambulance; Sunday, 7 June NT Feldy Crew; Sunday, 14 June Breadalbane Reading Rooms; Sunday, 21 June Breadalbane Canoe Club; Sunday, 28 June Maclean Hall, Fearnan; Sunday, 5 July Aberfeldy Tennis Club; Sunday, 12 July Loch Tay Hikers; Sunday, 19 July Grandtully Primary School; Sunday, 26 July Kenmore Primary School; Sunday, 2 August Weem Church; Sunday, 9 August Camserney Hall; Sunday, 16 August Museum Group; Sunday, 23 August Aberfeldy Rugby Club; Sunday, 30 August Auto Immune Diseases Support Group; Sunday, 6 September Fortingall Roots; Sunday, 13 September St Andrew’s Church, Strathtay; Sunday, 20 September Breadalbane Strathtay Youth FC; Sunday, 27 September Rotary; Sunday, 4 October The Eating Disorder Recovery Unit; Sunday, 11 October The Birks Cinema Trust; Sunday, 18 October Aberfeldy Farmers Market; Sunday, 25 October St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Strathtay; Sunday, 1 November Breadalbane Community Larder; Sunday, 8 November Rescue Donkeys; Sunday, 15 November Amulree Village Hall; Sunday, 22 November Gamekeepers Welfare Trust; Sunday, 29 November Aberfeldy Scouts; Sunday, 6 December Community Choir; Sunday, 13 December Men’s Shed.

Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom) - In winter there are noticeably fewer visitors about town but it would be nice for those visitors who come to Pitlochry and also for residents if the streets and green spaces are kept clean. If you agree that this is important, do join our team of litter pickers. All equipment is provided, including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter. Litter picks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10 am in the Recreation Ground car park.

Dates for litter picks in 2026 are: Tuesday, 10 February, Tuesday, 10 March, Tuesday, 14 April, Tuesday, 12 May, Tuesday, 9 June, Tuesday, 14 July, Tuesday, 11 August, Tuesday, 8 September, Tuesday, 13 October, Tuesday, 10 November and Tuesday, 8 December.

For further information, contact Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com); 01796 473400.

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Tickets and full details online at www.birnamarts.com Until Sunday, 8 February - The Perthshire Artisans winter exhibition. A collection of works from local creatives and artists.

Saturday, 7 February - 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Workshop: Intro to intaglio printmaking. £35/£45*. Join Sheila Roberts to discover the art of intaglio printmaking using accessible, recycled materials.

Saturday, 7 February - 11 am to 3 pm. Stone carving demonstration. Free. A free, dropin demonstration with master stone carver Neil Paterson.

Saturday, 7 February - 2 pm to 3 pm. Painting demonstration. Free. A free, drop-in demonstration of the Wabi Sabi and Ma style with Dave Hunt.

Saturday, 7 February - 7.30 pm to 10 pm. Matt Carmichael: Dancing with Embers. £16*. Scottish saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael merges melodic jazz with emotive folk.

Wednesday, 11 February - 12 pm to 2 pm. Kids’ spring holiday film: Flow. £4*. A brave little cat sails through a magical, flooded world.

Wednesday, 11 February - 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Film: Killing the Shepherd. £8*. A powerful story of resilience and survival, following a female chief leading her community’s fight against poaching, poverty and outside threats.

Thursday, 12 February - 12 pm to 2 pm. Kids’ spring holiday film: Kensuke’s Freedom. £4*. A heartwarming adventure about survival, friendship and hope on a deserted island.

Friday, 13 February - 12 pm to 2 pm. Kids’ spring holiday film: Oink. £4*. Oink the piglet is a present for nine-year-old Babs, but her grandfather has other plans.

Saturday, 14 February - 2 pm to 2.50 pm. Lightning Ridge: Catherine Wheels. £30/£8/£12*. Ages eight plus. A beautiful and moving story about dreams, community and hope.

Tuesday, 17 February - 2 pm. Warm Spaces: Free film. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Complimentary light lunch at 1 pm for the first 15 people to arrive. No booking required.

Saturday, 21 February to Sunday, 3 May - 10 am to 5 pm daily. Exhibition: Fragile: moths, life systems and us. Free. Artist Jan Hendry presents findings from a project investigating moth species across Scotland, translating field data into visual and material forms using traditional fine art and craft techniques.

Sunday, 22 February - 1 pm to 3 pm. Ecology-themed zine club. Free. A drop-in zine club with Louisa Preston for children aged eight plus and adults. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, 28 February - 10 am to 4 pm. Portrait photography. Free. Drop-in sessions providing photographs suitable for social media and professional profiles. Mounted and framed prints available for a modest charge.

See website for workshops and more: birnamarts.com or phone 01350 727674. *Denotes booking fee.

Tel 01796 473383/07860 420894 www.removalsinperthshire.com removals@atholldavidson.co.uk

48

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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 01796 516085 Atholl Eyecare

Useful Numbers Dunkeld & Birnam infinity Blu Dental Practice Mr Peter Greig PS, BDS Birnam Arts The Dunkeld Vet

01350 729198 01350 728826 01350 727674 01350 729270

Useful Numbers Aberfeldy area

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

Emergency Contact List, Aberfeldy

Community Resilience Group Coordinators 01887 820441 01887 829756 The following contacts can help co-ordinate 01887 829187 a community response if a situation war01887 820771 rants this within Aberfeldy. Please note that individuals will be available or accessible at Highland PerthshireSchools different times, and you may have to move Breadlabane Academy Reception 01887 822300 on to the next number if contact cannot be established. If the situation is serious, please www.breadalbane.pkc.sch.uk/BA/ contact the emergency services.

Breadalbane Community Campus

01887 822400 Name: Victor Clements (Chair, Aberfeldy Community Council) 24hr telephone conwww.breadalbane.pkc.sch.uk/BCC/ Pitlochry School 01796 474666 tact: 01887 829361 or 07787 520987 Email: Pitlochry School absence line 01796 474699 victor@nativewoods.co.uk Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Name: Val Ferguson (Tayside Waders) 24hr telephone contact: Tel 01887 829529 or www.royaldunkeld.pkc.sch.uk Grandtully Primary 01887 822499 mobile 07715 040470. Email: valferguson@ Logierait Primary 01796 474646 btopenworld.com Blair Atholl Primary 01887 822491 Name: Norma Carr (Community warden) Glenlyon Primary 01887 822477 24hr telephone contact 07785 538425 Kenmore Primary 01887 822430 Name: John Steele (Locus Breadalbane) 24hr telephone contact 01887 822724 or 07852 218681. E: enquiries@locuscentre.org Other Useful Numbers NHS 24 111 Pitlochry Baptist Church Police Scotland 101 WA (welcome all) Soup Lunch Flying Smiles Mobile Soup served from 12 noon every Dental Hygienist 07812 055724 Friday during the winter months.

Perth Citizen’s Advice 0808 196 9440

Anderson Dentistry Aberfeldy Optician Locus Centre Heartland Vet Services

Pitlochry Recycling Centre Bridge Road Thursday to Monday 9am - 4pm Last entry 3.45pm

Bankfoot Recycling Centre Stanley Road Tuesday & Thursday 9 am - 7 pm Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Aberfeldy Recycling Centre Dunkeld Road Tuesday & Thursday 9 am - 7 pm Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Aberfeldy Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages by appointment only 01887 822459 50

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

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, 17 January 2026.

Pitlochry Hospital Car Service - An independently run voluntary service here to help those who do not have access to transport to get to hospital appointments in Perth and Dundee. Whether it is a routine appointment or something more serious we Perth and Kinross Council are committed to getting you there. If you Council Main Reception 01738 475000 would like our assistance, please contact us Perth & Kinross Childcare on 07767 547892 or email pitlochryhospiInformation Service 0845 601 4477 talcars@gmail.com. There is a small charge to cover fuel.

Humanos Aid International - Our charity has a complete range of stationery, supplied by Sklep Papierniczy based in Poland. With over 60 items, including super is published by glue, bubble wrap, all types of envelopes, SCOT ACTIVE LTD printing paper and more, the range will be with a registered office address extended, once new supplies arrive. The post office in Ballinluig sells the full range of 26/30 Bonnethill Road, of stationery and other items for our charity.

Pitlochry, PH16 5BS The post office in Ballinluig has the following Company Number SC854228 opening hours; Monday/ Thursday/ Friday tel/text: 07436 793785 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 5.30 pm closed for lunch 12 pm -1 pm. Humanos Aid Internae: atholl@thequair.com tional Registered Scottish charity SC042807 Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2D 01887 822405 breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk See Current Library opening times at www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

51

Front Cover Picture

This month’s front cover comes courtesy of Bryan Dodds who took this lovely shot in Glenlyon.

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.

Perth Citizens Advice Bureau

You can reach Per th 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.

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

Aberfeldy Scottish Country Dancing

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It is never too late to try out a new leisure activity, and what better time than the new year. The Aberfeldy Scottish Country Dancing Class is the perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening.

The class is held in Aberfeldy Town Hall at 7.15 pm, with February classes taking place on Tuesday, 3 February, Tuesday, 10 February, Tuesday, 17 February and Tuesday, 24 February.

We welcome both experienced dancers and complete beginners, with or without partners. We are fortunate to have June from Pitlochry to put us through our paces, whilst maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere.

Soft-soled footwear is recommended, and we would suggest that you bring some light liquid refreshment as we do have a short break.

The cost for the evening is £5. For further information, feel free to contact Betty on 07563 631131 or Janet on 07748 923419.

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, 3 February between 10 am and 12 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

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

See our advertising details at www.thequair.scot 52

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, 4 February between 10 am and 12 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.

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?

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.

Lambing Season - With lambing approaching, Police Scotland would like to remind dog walkers of their responsibilities with regard to keeping their pets on a lead when they are near sheep.

Dog owners have a clear responsibility to ensure their pets are under control and this is made clear in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, especially when there are pregnant ewes and young lambs in the fields. If your pets chase or worry sheep, you are likely to get prosecuted and you could lose your dog.

Worrying is defined as attacking livestock, chasing livestock in such a way that it may be reasonable to expect the dog to cause injury or suffering to livestock as well as abortion in female animals, and being at large (not under close control or on a lead) in a field or enclosure where there are sheep. Chasing by dogs can do serious damage to livestock, even if the dog doesn’t catch them. The stress of chasing/worrying by dogs can cause animals to die and pregnant stock to miscarry. Livestock fleeing from dogs are often killed or seriously injured by their panicked attempts to escape, often causing significant collateral damage to fences and field boundaries in the process. In some circumstances farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs if they are endangering their sheep. Therefore it is vital that you keep your dog on the lead around livestock.

In the last few years there have been a number of prosecutions across Perth & Kinross under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 and several dogs have been destroyed; please make sure it’s not your dog. If anyone witnesses an incident of livestock worrying contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

53

Brand new whole body rejuvenation clinic opening February 2026!

Bringing the latest revitalizing techniques, provided by a medical professional from head to toe!

Treatments available at amazing introductory prices Hydrafacial including jelly mask - Treat your skin to the most indulgent facial that treats fine lines, clogged pores and other dermal conditions. £65 or block of 10 for £500 Vacuslim 48 - treat stubborn cellulite and loose inches with the latest body treatment £69 for 1 or a block of 10 for £550 Pure tone Supramax Pelvic Floor Chair - I’m delighted to bring to Crieff the most modern pelvic floor technology to help treat any pelvic floor issues, post partum recovery and also for male prostate issues. £125 for 1 session, £650 for recommended 6 sessions Japanese head spa - Start with your scalp analysis and then relax and enjoy the most luxurious head and hair treatment available. Jelly mask and rough blow dry included. £75 A full range of Medical Aesthetics including wrinkle reducing injections, botulinum toxin treatment for jaw pain and grinding, dermal fillers, polynucleotide and non-surgical face lifting techniques will also be available.

Please email Dr Sara at luminaraspa@outlook.com or message 07838 549673 for more information and to book an appointment.

Luminara Rejuvenation Spa, 40 High street, Crieff, PH7 3BS

Climate Café, Aberfeldy

Climate Café Aberfeldy is part of a network of Climate Cafés around the world where people gather to chat and take action on climate. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm. It’s all very informal, welcoming and there’s always excellent tea, coffee and cake!

We have really interesting topics for our meetings this year, with local people sharing their knowledge and experiences to inspire good conversations. We started off in January with Steven Hunt who works on community renewables in developing countries.

Mark your diary for future meetings Tuesday, 10 February - Ethical Finance the Locus Centre Aberfeldy Tuesday, 10 March - Food Inc 2 - film showing at the Birks Cinema, sponsored by Healthiest Town Aberfeldy Tuesday, 14 April - A Fishy Business… is fish farming ethical? - Handam Zero Waste Store (upstairs) Tuesday, 12 May - Climate impact

of Artificial Intelligence - Handam Zero Waste Store (upstairs) There are also monthly films with a focus on the environment at the Birks Cinema (fourth Monday of each month). Monday, 23 February - Flight of the Swans - A female conservationist takes to the skies in a paramotor to follow Bewick’s Swans on their annual migration in a bid to understand their dramatic decline Monday, 23 March - Living the Change - inspiring stories of communities finding ways to live in a more sustainable way If you have any ideas for topics you’d like to discuss, please let us know. You can always check out our Facebook page - Aberfeldy Climate Café - for news and updates.

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

54

Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival

The dates for this year’s walks are Friday, 15 May to Monday, 18 May 2026. Already around 20 walks have been identified with at least half being the popular linear walks, made possible by the continued and appreciated support of minibuses from PKC. The access to minibuses allows the inclusion of walks that might otherwise be difficult to coordinate, with the start point and finish being miles apart. Linear walks next May include Bridge of Orchy to Pubil along Loch Lyon and the old Drovers’ route from Kirkmichael in Strathardle to Ballinluig, south of Pitlochry as well as along Glen Almond from Newton Bridge to Loch Tay. Details of the walks are on the Tryst’s website (www.droverstryst.com)

Tayside and Strathearn help for Ukraine

This charity, based in a warehouse at Errol Airfield, PH2 7TB has now sent 114 articulated lorries to Ukraine, thanks to the generosity of donations coming from individuals, organisations and sponsorship.

Every lorry is filled to capacity with what our Ukrainian contacts tell us are desperately required, namely food, toiletries, nappies, formula milk, adult incontinence pads and bedding. Donations can be made to the above address or via our 17 collection points, please see below for details.

As well as sorting and packing in our warehouse on Monday and Wednesday mornings, from 9.30 am - 1 pm, some of our volunteers are involved in fundraising.

Further information about our humanitarian work may be accessed at the following: info@tash4ukraine.org.uk, Facebook & Instagram @tash4Ukraine.

55

The Field - Volunteer days at the Field end of March and volunteers enjoy harvestat the top of Brae Street will be on Thursday and Saturday mornings throughout the winter months. If the ground is too frozen to harvest crops those of us of a more tender disposition will be busy preparing seed beds and boxes in the Polytunnels, repairing benches and sharpening tools and beginning the planting schedule for the spring.

This will involve over 6,000 leek seeds, numerous varieties of brassica and beans and continue well into May. Meanwhile our more robust specimens will be enjoying our most popular winter activity barrowing and spreading well-rotted dung and compost onto frozen plots. This activity has proven warming and bonding for those involved and it is gratifying to witness many hands making light work of this important job. We have received a delivery of several tonnes of Council compost which is useful for our no-dig beds and this needs to be moved to where it is needed.

Machine tools will also need our attention to ensure they are in good working order for the year ahead so if you enjoy maintaining and breathing life into two stroke engines we will welcome your help with these tasks.

We anticipate that when conditions allow, we will have a good supply of leeks, onions, carrots, beetroot, parsnip and various brassica to fill the stall at the field until the

ing and preparing these for sale or to contribute to the Food share in the cross and in Birnam.

We will also be doing some tree surgery in February and welcome help from volunteers

to move and log any limbs.

So never a dull moment at the field over the gloomy winter months and warming mugs of coffee and tea with surprise cakes or sweet delicacies provided at the end of the morning to restore the calories you have expended labouring and keeping warm.

At the start of the New Year, it is worth reminding ourselves of one of the founding principles of the Field, which is the common ownership of the means of production and the equitable distribution of the fruits and vegetables of our labour. You are therefore welcome to share in the harvest by taking home what you and your family need in terms of weekly veg.

If any of this sounds like your sort of fun, we would love to meet you up at the Field any Thursday or Saturday morning.

56

Pitlochry New Year Street Party

The Pitlochry New Year Street Party committee would like to thank everyone who joined us on the afternoon of January 1.

Once again, the quiz was a tremendous success, showcasing Pitlochry’s unique blend of Highland hospitality and placing the town firmly on the map as a brilliant destination to toast the year ahead. Despite a cold breeze and the occasional flutter of snow, visitors from near and far came sensibly wrapped in hats and scarves - dancing enthusiastically to the cèilidh, with music from Andrew Knight and the West Telferton Caledonian Dance Band - enjoying a cup of hot mulled wine, and soaking up the sights and sounds of the fantastic Vale of Atholl Pipe Band. We are grateful to all the local businesses, community partners and volunteers whose donations, support and hard work make this event possible.

Looking forward, the committee will continue to work with local partners whilst also exploring options for additional professional event-management support. As numbers increase, our aim is to ensure the Street Party thrives for future generations, while continuing to raise thousands of pounds for local charities and community groups. If you believe you can offer support, or would like to volunteer at future events, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us on pitlochrynysp@gmail.com.

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March Gig in Comrie

Chris’s Gigs in Comrie is delighted to welcome singer Hannah Rarity to the village on Saturday, 14 March.

Hannah is a leading figure in the Scottish folk scene, celebrated for her exceptional voice and dynamic musical presence. Since winning the prestigious BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year award in 2018, she has consistently impressed audiences and critics alike. Hannah’s talent has led her to collaborate with some of the most respected names in folk music, including Blazin’ Fiddles, Rura, Niteworks and Cherish the Ladies.

Known for her hauntingly beautiful voice and, increasingly, her poignant self-penned songs, Hannah effortlessly blends folk, contemporary, and original material, drawing comto vocal legends like Eva Loch Rannoch - Our great thanks to Keith Rose for this wonderful image, taken on a cycle parisons Cassidy and Joan Baez. A versatile ride near the far end of Loch Rannoch, with cloud formations beautifully reflected in the loch. performer, she is in high demand as a collaborator, session vocalist, tutor, and MC, hosting Celtic Connections’ renowned Late Night Sessions & Brew and A Blether.

Hannah will be accompanied by Innes White. Innes is one of the busiest acoustic instrumentalists in the UK having appeared on over 40 albums on guitar, mandolin and in the Aberfeldy, Rannoch, Tummel, Glen Lyon, Strathtay, Braan & Killin area occasionally other instruments. He can be seen regularly performing “T ha nk s for finding the fund “Your insights with many of Scotland’s top folk to pay off my energy de acts including Eddi Reader, Julie bt. and impartial advice Fowlis, Karen Matheson, Siobhan My heart is lighter” is so valuable” Miller, Sian, Kim Carnie, and countless others. s wa e ris rp su st be “...the “All done…

‘With vocals so pure flawless yet that all this work could snug as a bug” soothingly emotional, it’s hard not to fall a little in love with Hannah’s be done for nothing” voice. Folk radio UK’.

Phone: 07759 404980 Saturday, 14 March. Comrie Rural advice@warmconnections.net www.warmconnections.net Hall. Doors open 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start. BYOB. Please get in touch with Anna and Tom to chat or arrange a visit Tickets £20 online from Ticket TaiThe most efficient energy is the energy we don’t use lor plus £1 booking fee (search for Charity number SC007899 Chris’s Gigs) and from Hansen’s Kitchen in Comrie.

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59

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled

No riding to report on - you will not be surprised to hear given the recent extreme cold and snow that brought in the New Year.

However plans are afoot in preparation for the warmer months and to start us off we are having a Social, together with some indoor training on Monday, 23 February from 10 am to 12 pm. This will be a golden opportunity for new volunteers to meet ‘the team’ and pick up a few handy hints.

We love having new people joining our group so if you are interested in finding out more please do get in touch by contacting us through our email address breadalbanerda@gmail.com or ring Duncan on 07725 044061 - email Duncan.tannahill@ gmail.com. Duncan will be delighted to give you details of the venue etc.

Later on in March there will be an outdoor refresher training session in preparation for the start of riding in April. More about this in next month’s news. (Scottish Charity No. SC047991)

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry

Inner Wheel is an international women’s organisation. Our objectives are service with friendship and international understanding.

We achieve this through monthly supper meetings with informative and entertaining speakers, social gatherings and community service. We also raise funds in support of local, national and international charities.

We marked Inner Wheel Day in early January by collecting donations for The Storehouse, Pitlochry’s Community Foodbank.

In addition to our monthly meeting in February, we will be busy planning our next fundraising event - a quiz which will be taking place in the Tryst on Friday, 6 March.

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

Pitlochry Station Bookshop - While Pitlochry Garden Share - We still have the snow that has transformed the landscape at the time of writing will no doubt have become merely a memory - for better or for worse, depending on your point of view - by the time you read these notes, one thing will remain unchanged. This is an ideal time of year to curl up with a glass of whatever you prefer and an enticing read.

Thanks to the generosity of the number and size of donations received at the Station Bookshop throughout December and into the New Year, our shelves, not least those in our fiction section, have been filled to capacity, offering a huge choice of reading whatever your tastes. That includes our window display and those shelves visible from outside. So, if you spot anything there that appeals, please don’t hesitate to ask the volunteer on duty - every book is there to be sold.

While the Bookshop itself will remain open on the usual days and at the normal winter hours, over the weekend of Thursday, 12 February to Sunday, 15 February, we will also, as is customary, have several tables set up within Pitlochry Festival Theatre for the duration of its annual Winter Words.

With a wider-than-ever range of speakers and guests joining Artistic Director Alan Cumming, including Val McDermid, Sally Magnusson, Alistair Moffat, Ian Rankin and Nicola Sturgeon, our team have already begun selecting books by or associated with the featured authors. We’ll also aim to have available books that reflect the wide-ranging subject matter within the programme, from fiction to history, geography and the outdoors to politics, theatre to biography.

We’ll be open throughout the weekend and will greet card or cash payments with the same smiles and thanks!

Pitlochry Station Bookshop remains open every day of the week except Sunday from 9.30 am to 4 pm.

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some vegetables to harvest in the garden: leeks, neeps, parsnips and kale. We are also busy preparing empty beds for the new season, and sorting out our new polytunnel.

We’ve been successful with various funding applications over the last year. Many thanks to the Pitlochry Rotary Club, the Green Living Fund and the Lang Foundation for their generosity. We can now order compost and wood chips for the community garden, set up staging for seedlings in the polytunnel and greenhouse, mend the large fruit cage, get more gardening equipment for children and buy more waterproofs for new volunteers. We will also set up an information board at the entrance of the Moulin garden with an update of our activities and general information related to organic food growing and enhancing biodiversity.

We are always delighted to welcome new volunteers, especially over the next few months since our coordinator Anna Stokes is expecting a baby in the spring! The garden is a peaceful and beautiful place to be, and produce harvested is divided up amongst volunteers.

If you’re interested in joining us, or learning more about us, visit pitlochrygardenshare. org or check out our Facebook page.

Dull and District Scottish Women’s Institute

We meet on the first Tuesday of every month (from September until May) 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!

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 3 February at 7.30 pm Art of whisky making and whisky cocktails - Richard Devlan - Dewars Following Meeting: Tuesday, 3 March at 7.30 pm Ben Strathearn - Talk and Taste Cheese Membership - £37 Guests - £5 If you would like further information, please feel free to contact us via the Dull and District SWI Facebook page.

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Making theatre a home for everyone: a conversation with Alan Cumming

Linda and I have had a long association with Pitlochry Festival Theatre. We were first introduced to it in the early 1990s through my mother-in-law, who was a Friend of the Theatre for many years.

As a family, we attended many plays and events throughout these years. We both later worked at the Theatre in the mid 1990s and, when I was elected as the Scottish National Party councillor for Strathtay & Dunkeld in 1999, I became an ex officio Governor of the Theatre for the next eight years. We have always sought to support the Theatre whenever we can and are delighted that Alan Cumming has been appointed Artistic Director. We are most grateful to him for taking time from his busy schedule to share his vision for the Theatre in this Q&A. Alistair What memories or experiences from your own Scottish upbringing inform your approach to making theatre accessible and welcoming?

My intro to theatre was when a ‘theatre and education’ group came from Dundee Rep to do a play at my primary school, everything changed for me from that day onwards. So, my whole approach to theatre is about the experience you can have, the feelings it can engender and the magic it can make. I approach my work in a much more emotional way - perhaps sometimes too emotional - but I feel that’s my forte.

The connection I still have to that experience I felt as a little boy, and how I want as many people as possible to feel something so exciting.

What does ‘community hub’ mean to you and how do you see the theatre fulfilling that role beyond performances?

I think the actual building of the theatre, and indeed our gardens too, is a community hub. By that I mean a place to gather and commune and talk, no matter whether you’re coming to see a play or not. I think

it’s really important to keep reminding people that the theatre building belongs to them, that people pay for it with their taxes. So, they should think of it as their home, their venue, their community centre.

Are there specific programmes or spaces you envision creating to encourage locals from surrounding Perthshire to use the theatre year-round?

Yes! I am very excited about the plans we have for the foyer, and Explorers Garden, and indeed in the ways we will be branching out into the area this coming year. We have a new Head of Engagement, Lucy McGlennon, who has lots of exciting plans and shares my vision that the building should house events and gatherings for both the local community, as well as international visitors. Last year, I introduced a series called A Beer, A Bap and A Boffin in our Explorers Garden. An academic from the Royal Society of Edinburgh gave a lecture in the amphitheatre while the audience munched on a sandwich and enjoyed a drink - I want to expand on ideas like that - where audiences can have access to ideas and experiences they might not otherwise. And I also want to encourage local groups to use the building for meetings and activities. We have our Pitlochry Sketchers group on Thursday mornings, which has become very successful, and I’d love to have more groups like that come in and enjoy the facilities. We have a very big foyer!

How can the theatre balance its role as a destination for visitors with being a resource for locals?

Very easily in my opin62

ion! One fuels the other. The influx of international visitors does not mean the locals are pushed out. For me, both things happen at the same time, and I think both enjoy and learn from each other.

For me, there’s nothing more exciting than being somewhere I feel comfortable and hearing lots of new ideas and voices around me.

What would success look like to you in three years?

What would make me really happy would be for the energy, excitement and support around me and my announcement continuing on. Our shows will be transferring to other cities and countries and earning money to enable us to do new work.

Most of all, I would like Pitlochry Festival Theatre to feel like the heart of Scottish theatre and culture. A place where people come knowing that they will see excellent work and enjoy the very best hospitality the Highlands have to offer.

12–15 FEBRUARY 12–15 FEBRUARY 2026 2026 12–15 FEBRUARY 2026

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The

Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

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www.lovelocal.scot

Delivering 7,350 magazines to every door in Highland Perthshire every month

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair is delivered at the beginning of each month to all 7,350 residential and business addresses in the PH8, PH9, PH15, PH16, PH17 and PH18 postcode areas. This covers an area which includes Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Dunkeld, Birnam, Weem, Dull, Glen Lyon, Kenmore, Fearnan, Lawers, Foss, Acharn, Camserney, Fortingall,

Grandtully, Ballinluig, Guay, Blair Atholl, Rannoch, Logierait and Inver.

Copies for visitors are made available each month from our dispensers which are located in Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kenmore and Killin. The extra number that we print depends on what we estimate to be the monthly demand will be from visitors and tourists. We make every effort to

ensure that the dispensers are fully stocked throughout the month.

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.

You can contact us by email at either atholl@thequair.com or breadalbane@thequair.com

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair black and white advertising costs for 2026 are as follows: eighth page - £32 + VAT per edition sixth page - £38 + VAT per edition fifth page - £44 + VAT per edition quarter page - £54 + VAT per edition The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair full colour advertising costs for 2026 are as follows: eighth page - £50 + VAT per edition sixth page - £62 + VAT per edition fifth page - £74 + VAT per edition quarter page - £90 + VAT per edition third page - £114 + VAT per edition half page - £160 + VAT per edition two-thirds page - £190 + VAT per edition Full page - £260 + VAT per edition double-page spread - £460 + VAT per edition You can see the discounts that are available to you, when you advertise in both The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair and our sister publication, The Crieff & Comrie Quair, in the same month, on page 68.

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The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

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PH17 PH16

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PH8

Highland Perthshire’s Magazine

Delivering to every one of the 7,350 doors at the start of each month!

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The Crieff & Comrie Quair

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Delivering 6,150 magazines to ‘The Heart of Strathearn’ every month

The Crieff & Comrie Quair Community Magazine is delivered, by The Royal Mail, to all 6,150 homes and businesses in the PH6 & PH7 postcode areas each month - that covers an area from the Perthshire County Boundary west of St. Fillans, through Comrie and Crieff and all the

way to Madderty and Fowlis Wester in the east.

Copies are also available each month for visitors and tourists from our two dispensers which are conveniently located in the centre of both Crieff & Comrie. The number we print depends on what we estimate

the monthly demand will be from visitors. We make every effort to ensure that the dispensers are fully stocked throughout the month. 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.

You can find all of our details at www.thequair.scot and contact us at crieffandcomrie@thequair.com The Crieff & Comrie Quair Black and White advertising costs for 2026 are as follows: eighth page - £26 + VAT per edition sixth page - £32 + VAT per edition fifth page - £36 + VAT per edition quarter page - £44 + VAT per edition The Crieff & Comrie Quair Full Colour advertising costs for 2026 are as follows: eighth page - £42 + VAT per edition sixth page - £52 + VAT per edition fifth page - £60 + VAT per edition quarter page - £68 + VAT per edition third page - £86 + VAT per edition half page - £125 + VAT per edition 2 thirds page - £160 + VAT per edition Full page - £200 + VAT per edition 2 pages - £360 + VAT per edition You can see the discounts which are available to you, when you advertise in both The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair and The Crieff & Comrie Quair in the same month, on page 68.

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The Crieff & Comrie Quair

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Advertising Discounts

We are pleased to be able to offer the following monthly discounts in 2026

When You Advertise in our 2 magazines in the same month Black and White Advertising Costs

Eighth b&w page in the 2 editions - £48 + VAT per month - saving of £10 + vat Sixth b&w page in the 2 editions - £58 + VAT per month - saving of £12 + vat Fifth b&w page in the 2 editions - £68 + VAT per month - saving of £12 + vat Quarter b&w page in the 2 editions - £84 + VAT per month - saving of £14 + vat

Full Colour Advertising Costs

Eighth colour page in the 2 editions - £80 + VAT per month - saving of £12 + vat Sixth colour page in the 2 editions - £98 + VAT per month - saving of £16 + vat Fifth colour page in the 2 editions - £116 + VAT per month - saving of £18 + vat Quarter colour page in the 2 editions - £134 + VAT per month - saving of £24 + vat Third colour page in the 2 editions - £164 + VAT per month - saving of £36 + VAT Half colour page in the 2 editions - £240 + VAT per month - saving of £45 + vat 2 Thirds colour page in the 2 editions - £300 + VAT per month - saving of £50 + vat Full colour page in the 2 editions - £390 + VAT per month - saving of £70 + vat 2 colour pages in the 2 editions - £700 + VAT per month - saving of £120 + vat All prices are available throughout 2026 and are subject to availability of space within the magazines. These prices replace any which were previously advertised.

Dimensions of Adverts

Full Page - 192mm wide x 192mm tall (please contact us for guidelines if artwork is to bleed off page) 2 Thirds Page - 127mm wide x 192mm tall Half Page - Landscape - 192mm wide x 94.5mm tall, Portrait - 94.5mm wide x 192mm tall Third Page - Portrait - 62mm wide x 192mm tall, Landscape - 127mm wide x 94.5mm tall Quarter Page - 94.5mm wide x 94.5mm tall Fifth Page - 94.5 mm wide x 76mm tall Sixth Page Landscape - 94.5mm wide x 62mm tall Long - 127mm wide x 46mm tall Portrait - 62mm wide x 94.5mm tall Eighth Page - 70mm wide x 62mm tall

Preparation of Adverts

Alistair &

Adverts should be prepared to the correct dimensions, either in Word or saved as a High Quality PDF (preferably 600dpi), and emailed to us. Alternatively, we are more than happy to produce basic adverts using your text and graphics at No Extra Charge. Please allow several days before copy date.

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Pitlochry Community Action Trust benefit the Pitlochry community.

We started 2026 with some great news having secured £50,000 from the SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund to support proposals to extend and improve the skate park at Pitlochry Recreation Ground into an All Wheels Park.

A wheeled sports park will give the community, especially our young people, a place to share experiences, develop skills and be active in a safe environment.

The idea for the new outdoor facility first came from local parents who wanted to enhance the existing offering and make the skate park suitable for all abilities, all ages and all sorts of wheels.

The Pitlochry All Wheels (PAW) group, working in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council and with support from PCAT and the Pavilion Users Group, is hoping to create a larger, more versatile facility that would include fun features that could be used by cyclists, skaters, skateboarders, scooters, balance bikes and wheelchair sports.

The concept design also includes a multipurpose flat pad designed for those just starting out on wheels and for activities such as basketball and netball.

Receiving this funding is testament to the importance of community-led initiatives in delivering strategic projects that can have a significant impact locally, and PCAT and PAW are delighted to be part of the many worthwhile initiatives that are making a positive difference in communities thanks to support from SSE Renewables.

The proposals previously received funding support from The Enchanted Forest Community Benefit Fund and the Andie Millar’s Trust, while a survey conducted last year showed considerable support for the initiative with 90% of respondents saying that they would use upgraded facilities more than they currently do, and 98% of respondents agreeing that improvements to the facilities at the Recreation Ground - like the addition of an all wheels park - would

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

Neighbourhood Watch, Pitlochry

Two subjects to cover this month - cold callers and fake reviews. There have been several examples of dangerous cold calling recently. Several householders have been visited by scammers who say they are working on behalf of the local council or a housing authority to carry out energy surveys.

The caller asks to enter the property to take photos of windows, doors and heating systems. They do not mention which company they supposedly work for - some householders who phoned their local council to ask about the visits were told that the cold callers were not affiliated with them in any way.

Again, householders have reported doorstep scammers who offer bin cleaning services, saying neighbours had signed up for fortnightly cleaning. An introductory price of £18 for the first three months was charged. He then left ‘to collect his power washer’ but didn’t return, having left no contact details.

A third example, usually by telephone, is cold callers posing as staff from broadband providers, saying the insurance policy on your broadband equipment is about to expire, leaving you potentially liable for the cost of replacement. To renew, including cover for your TV, they ask for personal and bank details.

Misleading sales of insurance or warranties for white goods etc are very commonly reported scams in Scotland.

Moving on to fake reviews, online purchasing has become very much the norm, and some sellers often incentivise or encourage reviews that can’t always be trusted. General advice is not to pay too much attention to the 5-star ratings, but to read the actual reviews - and not just the best ones. Consulting three- or two-star reviews as well may give you a more balanced view. Look out for repeated comments or phrases in similar good reviews, for vague language that 70

could refer to any product - not just the one you’re looking for, and for multiple similar reviews posted around the same time. Many sellers indicate when a review is a ‘verified sale’, and it’s often possible to click on the name of a reviewer to see if they are in the habit of regularly reviewing purchases.

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band - It was a

great day once again at the Pitlochry New Year Street Party. What a huge and very welcoming crowd! It’s a great way to start off the year and it was very atmospheric when it snowed the second time we were playing!! A huge thanks once again to the organisers.

By the time you read this, our Junior Piping and Drumming competition in Pitlochry High School will be over.

I’ll let you know how it went next month.

We’re busy preparing for our 60th year of Highland Nights and hoping we’ll have a lot more drier Mondays than last year!

The band was so sad to hear of Donnie Kennedy’s passing. Donnie played his accordion at all the pipe bands Highland Nights from the very beginning right up until two years ago. He was one of the great stalwarts of the Highland Nights. Condolences to his family.

Practices continue every Tuesday night in the Tulloch Institute in Perth and there’s tuition also for learners on chanter, side drum and tenor drum. Please email me for information.

Gillie McNab gmcnab00@aol.com 07733 152223

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V E S T I B U L E AT D U N A L U I N N , A B E R F E L DY

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