Emergency Contact List, Aberfeldy Community Resilience Group Coordinators
The following contacts can help co-ordinate a community response if a situation warrants this within Aberfeldy. Please note that individuals will be available or accessible at different times, and you may have to move on to the next number if contact cannot be established. If the situation is serious, please contact the emergency services.
Name: Victor Clements (Chair, Aberfeldy Community Council) 24hr telephone contact: 01887 829361 or 07787 520987 Email: victor@nativewoods.co.uk
Name: Val Ferguson (Tayside Waders) 24hr telephone contact: Tel 01887 829529 or mobile 07715 040470. Email: valferguson@ btopenworld.com
Name : John Steele (Locus Breadalbane) 24hr telephone contact 01887 822724 or 07852 218681. Email : enquiries@locuscentre.org
Moulin Hall Trust - Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Moulin Hall Trust will be held at 7 pm on Friday, 16 May, for the purpose of reporting on the activity of the Trust during the year 2024-5, and the election of the Hall Trust Management Committee for 2025-6. (Any nominations for new members, or current members of the committee wishing to stand down, should intimate their intentions to the Secretary before Friday, 9 May).
The AGM is open to the public, and will be warmly welcomed to attend.
With many bank branches closing across Scotland, everyday banking has become more challenging for many of us country folk. While online banking is an option (for some), issues like rejected cheque deposits made via your banking app can be frustrating. If your bank is forever closed and no banking hub is nearby, your nearest Post Office could help with essential banking services. Visit the Post Office website to locate your nearest branch - www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder where you will also find opening times and all services including Everyday Personal & Business Banking such as: *Deposit Cash and Cheques - Pay cash and cheques into your bank account. *Withdraw Cash - Use your debit card and PIN to take out cash. *Check Your Balance - Stay updated on your finances. *Exchange Cash for Coins - Swap notes for coins with the Change Giving service (registration required). *Pay Bills and Top Up - Pay utility bills, top up gas and electricity, or send money abroad. *Business Banking - Business owners can deposit cash and manage accounts. It’s worth pointing out that: *Not All Banks Participate - Check with your bank for available services. *Deposit Limits - Cash deposit limits may apply per transaction or year. *Cut-off Times - Be aware of deadlines for processing deposits. Adapting to change isn’t always easy, but your nearest Post Office could save you a long drive to the next nearest branch of your bank.
Alistair and Linda www.lovelocal.scot
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 June 2025 edition is noon on Wednesday, 14 May. The magazines are due to be distributed the week commencing Monday, 2 June.
Table
Tennis Tryst Pitlochry - Looking to do something different? Whether you can play or not come and join us and have a go. Every Thursday 2 pm - 4 pm, your first time is free. Equipment is provided. Further details contact Irene 07546 479249
Grandtully Bowling Club - Grandtully bowlers are having an open day for beginners on Saturday, 3 May at 2 pm. Bowls can be supplied, flat soled shoes must be worn. Come along and give bowling a try. For more information phone Sandra 07887 610070.
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Wellness Walks Highland Perthshire: Volunteers Needed! Wellness Walks are expanding through Highland Perthshire, and we need four enthusiastic volunteers to lead the way! This exciting initiative promotes physical and mental wellbeing through community walks in our beautiful local landscapes. Volunteers will receive nationally recognised qualifications, mentoring and ongoing support so that they can deliver Wellness Walks that are totally free for anyone feeling low. If you think you’d like to get involved and support your community then email happy@wellnesswalks.org.uk for more information. Find out more at: wellnesswalks.org.uk. Walk and Talk - Every Tuesday at 10 am Aberfeldy. Join us for a relaxed pace walk around the Aberfeldy area. Find out or book here: www.wellnesswalks.org.uk/region/scotland or email beth@wellnesswalks.org.uk
Closure of the Atholl Baptist Centre in Pitlochry
- Following an extensive review of current activities, the Board of Trustees of the Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO in Pitlochry has taken the decision to close the facility at the end of June this year. Unfortunately, there is no longer sufficient demand from the Centre’s core customer base of church groups requiring residential accommodation to justify maintaining the facility. Despite being supported with donations from generous sponsors and supporters, the Centre has incurred operating losses for several years.
The charity will be dissolved in accordance with OSCR regulations and the charity’s constitution drawn up over 50 years ago at its inception. Regrettably, the closure will result in the loss of one full time and two reduced-hour roles. It is intended to clear all outstanding debts with any surplus funds donated to the Food Bank operation. The Food Bank operation is expected to continue but will be managed by the Pitlochry Baptist Church membership. Pitlochry Baptist Church is located on the same site as the Atholl Baptist Centre. See page 44 for further information. Enquiries should be addressed to George Petrie, Secretary of the Atholl Baptist Centre. His email address is: geopetrie@yahoo.co.uk
Aberfeldy Community Choir - We are always delighted to welcome new members to this very friendly choir! No audition needed, or ability to read music, and the repertoire is a mixture of popular songs and old favourites in 3 or 4 parts, (depending on how many tenors come along!) We meet every Monday in school term time, from 7 pm - 9 pm in the Aberfeldy Church of Scotland, Taybridge road, Aberfeldy. We are led by Anna Glover, and Liz Douglas is our accompanist. If you love to sing, do join us, and bring a friend! For more details text/call Malize McBride (Secretary) on 07754 859484.
Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part
of Pitlochry in Bloom)
It would be nice for residents and visitors if the town is really clean with no litter disfiguring the streets and green spaces. If you agree that this is important do join our team of litterpickers. All equipment is provided including gloves, black bags and grabbers. We do try to separate recyclable waste from the other litter. Litterpicks take place on the second Tuesday of the month and we meet at 10 am in the Recreation ground carpark. Dates for litterpicks in 2025 are as follows - May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9.
We would like to thank those residents of Pitlochry who are not members of the litterpicking group and who also pick up litter when they see it. We know you do this and we are very grateful.
We are getting short of grabbers and would be most grateful if you have one but don’t use it any more to contact Catherine (01796 473400) so that it can be returned. For further information contact Roger West (rogerwest7@btinternet.com) 01796 474255 or Catherine Holmes (c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com) 01796 473400.
General language tuition at Primary level offered - to boost confidence and help fill any gaps.
Delivered by Linda Barr – Deputy Managing Editor at The Quair Magazines, and Primary Teacher with experience to teach and plan for the individual needs of your child. For more information email: mrsbarr@thequair.scot
Pitlochry Community Action Trust
Since the last edition, we have been busy attending a variety of meetings with local community groups and organisations as we continue to work on projects and initiatives that progress the aspirations set out in the Pitlochry Community Action Plan. As part of efforts to support volunteers in the area and provide advice and practical assistance where possible, we have drafted a template constitution that can be shared with other groups and organisations and adapted to suit their specific requirements. Please get in touch by emailing info@pitlochrycommunityaction.org.uk for more information on how PCAT can help you and the work you are doing in the area.
The Pitlochry Paths Network information board is in its new location at the revamped bus stop area in the centre of town, perfect for visitors arriving in Pitlochry to get their bearings and plan their routes. Thanks to PCAT Trustee Karen Allen for ensuring that the sign was moved from the former VisitScotland car park and for co-ordinating its refurbishment, and to Alex Butter Landscapes for making the new frame and installing it.
PCAT is a charitable development trust dedicated to working with the community of Pitlochry and Moulin. Everything we do is informed by the aspirations set out in the community action plan for the area and we are hugely grateful for the generosity of our funders - The Gannochy Trust, CLLD, The Enchanted Forest and the Basil Death Trust - that supports us to do that. Find out more about PCAT - including how to become a member and support the work of the Trust - on our website www.pitlochryaction.org. uk or by following ‘Pitlochry Community Action Trust - PCAT’ on Facebook. Monzie Castle - Monzie Castle open Saturday, 10 May - Sunday, 8 June inclusive. Tours at 2 pm and 3.30 pm. Tickets £10. Please book at Isla.crichton@monzieestate.com.
Dalguise Meditation Group - Meditation has all sorts of benefits - increased focus and calmness, the opportunity to see things from a different perspective, a greater feeling of freedom and harmony, among many others. Whether you have never tried meditation before, or whether you have an established practice, why not come to one of our meetings and find out what we do? Live meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. In May these meetings will be on Tuesday, 6 and Tuesday, 20 May. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and we have no religious affiliations - what we do is decided among our members.
We also have virtual meetings on zoom on the first Tuesday evening of every month, from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. (Thus they sometimes coincide with the days of live meetings and sometimes not.) These meetings usually include a guided meditation at the beginning and a silent meditation at the end, with a discussion on the latest topic (mailed to all members, see below) in between. People attending can join in or remain incognito as they wish. If you would like to take part in a zoom meeting, please contact margaret.q.lear@gmail.com who will send you the link.
If you aren’t able to attend in person, and are not wanting to join a Zoom session, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thoughtprovoking and helpful compilations about meditation and mindful living, on the Tuesdays between live meetings. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com
Music in Rannoch - All concerts are on Sundays at 3 pm in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch. £12 at the door, children free. Refreshments available during the interval.
Easy parking.
Sunday, 18 May. Ana Romero (Trumpet) and Scott Mitchell (Piano).
Sunday, 15 June - Cantilena Festival Players (Strings), including Bach’s Violin Sonata in E, Vivaldi’s ‘Cello Sonata no 6 in G, Purcell’s
Lament from Dido and Aeneas, all re-worked for Violin, ‘Cello and Guitar.
Sunday, 20 July - Ventus Saxophone Quartet, playing Orlando Gibbons’ Fantasia, Bach’s Italian Concerto, 1st movement, Mozart’s String Quartet KV 575,1st movement, Dvorak’s American Quartet, 1st movement, Shostakovich’s Elegy and Polka and Bolcom’s Schumann Bouquet.
Sunday, 17 August - (Highland Gathering Week). Colleen Nicoll (Soprano), David Douglas (Tenor) and Andrew Johnston (Piano), two of whom run the Pitlochry Choral Society, performing ‘The Road to the Isles’, a unique journey celebrating the traditional Gaelic songs of Scotland’s Western Isles, arranged by the collector and composer Marjory Kennedy-Fraser 1857-1930.
Sunday, 21 September - Nicholas Ashton (Piano Recital), including Beethoven’s Andante Favori, Chopin: two Polonaises, Schumann’s Kinderszenen and Brahms: Vier Klavierstucke.
Sunday, 19 October - Fyne Brass Quintet whose programme includes some Scottish songs.
Exciting Times for Pitlochry’s Twinning With Confolens
Sunday, 25 May sees our 25th anniversary and PMCC now recognise us officially as their sub-group. As world trade goes, erm, bananas, our links abroad become more precious for trade, tourism and culture.
To celebrate the anniversary we will have a wine and cheese evening in Moulin Hall from 7 pm on Saturday, 24 May. We’ll start with a brief AGM to agree the new constitution and elect officers, then continue with a Zoom link to Confolens and some music.
The big celebration will be Thursday, 25Monday, 29 September when 16 Confolentais visit, including the traditional folk band ‘lo Gerbo Baudo’ (featuring hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes and accordion).
Contact: tgmcewan@hotmail.com
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Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management
Full management service for owners
Optional advice and/or set‐up service to achieve maximum potential
Aberfeldy based, established 11 years
Full services include: marketing, booking administration, guest liaison, changeovers and day to day caretaking.
Aberfeldy based, established 11 years
Full
include:
Full services include: marketing, booking administration, guest liaison, changeovers and day to day caretaking.
booking administration, guest liaison, changeovers and day to day caretaking.
We assist second home owners in the area, from pre‐purchase advice to ongoing property management.
Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management
We assist second home owners in the area, from pre‐purchase advice to ongoing property management.
Services include: caretaking visits, on‐site management of emergencies and key‐holder services
Services include: caretaking visits, on‐site management of emergencies and key‐holder services
Services include: caretaking visits, on‐site management of emergencies and key‐holder services
Our service can be tailored to
Our service can be tailored to suit your needs and to ensure your insurance requirements are met.
Our service can be tailored to suit your needs and to ensure your insurance requirements are met. If you would like to find out more about our services or how we may be able to help you, please call Angela Penfold on 07887 926347 or by email at angela@penfoldproperty.com
If you would like to find out more about our services or how we may be able to help you,
If you would like to find out more about our services or how we may be able to help you, please call Angela Penfold on 07887 926347 or by email at angela@penfoldproperty.com
Pitlochry Rotary - Our congratulations go to Margaret Hamilton who received our Rotary Citizen of the Year.
Those who know her all agree that she is a very caring, helpful and invariably cheerful member of our community. Margaret is the President of the Pitlochry Inner Wheel club this year and also the club’s Almoner (which position she has held for many years). Everyone who knows her describes her as a wonderful friend and ‘taxi driver’ to those who need a bit of support or lifts to hospital appointments etc. She does this not only for her circle of friends, but also for others who need her help.
Margaret is also a very supportive member of Pitlochry and District U3A. She is their Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Book Group co-ordinator, Coffee and Lunch Group co-ordinator, Meeting Venue liaison, Winter Blues Lunch organiser and she keeps in touch with members who are not on email and those members who are now in long term care. Most who know her are quick to marvel at all she does and hasten to add, ‘We don’t know what U3A would do without her!’
In addition, she arranges excursions (through the Happy Highlanders) for people with dementia and their partners and has been
successful in securing funding for the group.
Margaret does 2 shifts a week in Pitlochry Station Bookshop, where she is greatly appreciated. She is an enthusiastic and effective helper with the Atholl Centre Friday Soup Lunch and she regularly attends Moulin Coffee Mornings where her cheery disposition helps to make the events so enjoyable.
She is always first to quietly offer help with no fuss, to phone and/ or visit when someone is unwell or upset and in need of support. In all of our opinions, Margaret is a very worthy recipient!
Grandtully & Strathtay Gala Day
Join us on Sunday, 1 June from 12 midday - 4 pm at the Grandtully & Strathtay Recreation Park behind the Village Hall.
Entry Tickets will be available to buy on the gate with card or cash: Adults £5/ Children £3/ Family tickets available. Please note, some stalls may be cash only.
New For 2025 - Classic cars, bikes and tractors will be joining us. Willowgate Activity Centre will be providing Laser Clay Shooting and Axe Throwing. Plus, live music from Sandstorm, afterwards from 4 pm at The Inn on the Tay over the road.
We also have our regular favourites including: *Zip Line *Craft and food stalls *Pet Parade *Face painting *Raffle *Food area, afternoon teas and refreshments And much, much more…
Plus, all of our inflatables are free to use (price included in children’s entry ticket), including: *100 foot inflatable assault course *Bouncy castles *Inflatable disco dome *Races and Tug of War *Sumo wrestling suits & shootout range
For further information visit www.grandtullyvillagehall.com.
Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir - The Gaelic Choir is now well into rehearsals for this year, with the prospect of taking part in the Oban local Mod on Saturday, 7 June. The Oban
Mod will provide a good sounding ground for the pieces to be performed at the Aberfeldy Mod, which takes place the following week on Saturday, 14 June. The Aberfeldy Mod is always a highly successful event, with children performing on Friday, 13 June and adults and choirs on the Saturday. This year there will be 5 choirs competing in the afternoon, when the Gaelic Choir from the small town of Aberfeldy will be up against much larger ones from highly populated towns and cities. Despite these events being labelled as competitions, there is always a tremendous camaraderie amongst the choirs and the day is a truly happy event of celebration of the music of Scotland.
The choral events on the Saturday afternoon end with the massed choir event in the square at approximately 5 pm, when all the choirs sing for the enjoyment of local people. It is usually well attended.
The choir meets weekly every Wednesday in the Town Hall at 7.30 pm and always welcomes anyone wishing to listen or take part. For further information, contact John Duff: 01887 820217.
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries
Birnam Library
Bookbug sessions - Every Thursday from 10.30 am - 11 am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.
Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library.
Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.
Humanos Aid International - Our charity has a complete range of stationery, supplied by Sklep Papierniczy based in Poland. With over 60 items, including super glue, bubble wrap, all types of envelopes, printing paper and more, the range will be extended, once new supplies arrive. The post office in Ballinluig sells the full range of stationery and other items for our charity. The post office in Ballinluig has the following opening hours; Monday/ Thursday/ Friday 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 5.30 pm closed for lunch 12 pm -1 pm. Humanos Aid International Registered Scottish charity SC042807
Tick Warning - Lyme Disease is on the increase, summer is approaching, and Highland Perthshire is a hotspot in Scotland.
Lyme Disease is horrible - frightening, debilitating and life-changing. Yet protecting yourself against infection is relatively simple: make sure that you tuck your trousers inside your socks when walking in the hills; never walk in the hills in shorts; always spray with a really good insect repellent; check yourself for ticks very carefully on your return from walking. Ticks are tiny, so make sure you check well - and they tend to go for warm, damp areas! If by any chance you are bitten, remove the tick properly (tick removers are available at the vets or the chemists) and if you feel ill or if the bite becomes inflamed or becomes a ‘bull’s eye’ rash, go to the doctor immediately. Even if you are bitten by an infected tick, a short course of treatment should sort it if you have it within a few weeks of the bite - and the sooner the better.
Take sensible precautions and enjoy walking in our amazing woods and hills. More information on www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk
FRAMEWORKS
(Formerly Aiton Fine Arts)
Gallery & Framing
Mon - Fri 9 am - 1 pm, 2pm - 5pm Sat am - By Appointment Only 63 King Street Crieff PH7 3HB T: 01764 655423 E: frameworks63@hotmail.com
Fortingall Village Hall - £5 Drop in Lunch
Join us for lunch on Thursday, 15 May at Fortingall Village Hall. Choice of main course, tea/coffee and a cake for just £5. 12noon to 2pm (last orders 1.45pm).
No need to book, but if you wish, email fortingallhallevents@gmail.com or 01887 830322
For
Thankfully
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Every
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Heartland Film Society - Heartland Film Society’s monthly film is Freedom to Run, a feature-length documentary by Glaswegian filmmakers Dr Cairsti Russell and Stephen Sheriff, and follows the Palestinian running group Right to Movement (RTM) and a group from Glasgow as they train for and run both the Palestine and Edinburgh marathons. The two groups of runners support each other as they run both the
Palestine and Edinburgh Marathons and, on this journey, the runners discover they are not so different, but they live very different lives. May 18, 6.30pm at The Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy.
PADS - PADS (Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society) is a well-loved, long 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.
Transform your kitchen with the top that fits on top
The Fire at Fortingall - The fire that destroyed five of the iconic cottages at Fortingall on March 21 has been devastating for the owners of these homes and has also affected all the locals and many throughout the world who appreciate just how special was their design.
In 1889 Sir Donald Currie, as part of his rebuilding of his Fortingall estate, instructed the architect James M MacLaren to build a set of cottages originally designed for Balnald at the Kirkton. MacLaren decided to roof the cottages with thatch, to match his nearby Policeman’s cottage, and probably influenced by the thatching tradition he had seen continuing in Devon. MacLaren had become a pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement and had the genius to combine that style with the Scottish vernacular he had studied growing up in south-west Perthshire and Stirling. He had an amazing ability to use such different elements to create a unified whole that fits the surrounding landscape, blending sculptural precision with naturalness of form.
As the cottages were being completed in 1890, James MacLaren died of TB at the age of thirty-seven. The young Robert Lorimer had just come to work with him, and was greatly influenced by MacLaren and built cottages in a similar style. MacLaren’s influence can also be seen in the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It is ironic that rebuilding Kirkton Cottages may face challenges similar to those faced by the Glasgow School of Art. Neil Hooper - The James M MacLaren Society
The Big Shed
Spring is coming to the Big Shed Friday, 9 to Sunday, 11 May with a family friendly retreat from ‘Root to Rise’.
You’ll find more information here: www. edinburghdoula.com
You can contact the retreat leader Hayley Reid on 07745 948534, email Naples2003@ hotmail.co.uk.
There are more workshops and retreats planned - but details aren’t yet available. The Big Shed is at Tombreck on the north side of Loch Tay, about 2 miles beyond the Ben Lawers Hotel. Access is signposted from the main road and there is parking.
If you want to find out more about the Big Shed, have a look at the website, the Facebook page or email us at websitecontact@ bigshed.org.uk www.bigshed.org.uk www. facebook.com/theBigShedTombreck, txt or phone 07508 645453
Councillor John Duff
Highland Ward Conservative
Since the Bank of Scotland announced that it will close the doors of its Pitlochry Branch at the end of October, I have looked into the possibility of a Banking Hub for Highland Perthshire. Other areas such as Crieff and Auchterarder have successfully introduced these hubs and with the closure of the last bank in the ward and for some distance beyond, it leaves the nearest banks in Blairgowrie and Perth. I have been in contact with LINK, whose responsibility it is to ensure widespread access to cash and banking services. Unfortunately, it appears that the rules for banking hubs disadvantage rural areas such as ours and the application has been turned down. I have therefore written to the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority asking him to review the situation and address this unfairness. Some readers may have been contacted by BT to advise that the switchover from PSTN (copper wire) landlines to VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) has begun in our area. While a digital connection may bring better and new services, one key difference is that, unlike the PSTN system, VOIP does not have its own power supply. Depending on the scale and length of any power outage, you may have mobile phone access, however, VOIP needs a wi-fi router with battery back-up to work during a power cut. Where it is essential that you have an available phone network, perhaps due to health vulnerabilities, the provider must supply these back-up systems free-of-charge. Anyone with a telecare device, medical alert system, or burglar alarm may also need special assistance. The Council is looking to expand its Grow Wild programme across Perth and Kinross. In the budget, it set aside funds for tree planting, bulb planting and wildflower seeding in its green spaces in order to boost pollinators and biodiversity. However, it also reduced its funding for ground maintenance, meaning less grass cutting in general.
Signs have been placed in a number of locations indicating places where Grow Wild could be considered. I will be working with our Greenspace team to try and identify areas where Grow Wild would work but also ensure grass cutting continues in the key amenity areas. 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.
Climate Connect Perth & Kinross
A new initiative, Climate Connect Perth & Kinross, has been launched to bring together individuals and communities across the region who are involved in, or looking to engage with, climate action. This innovative collaboration is designed to enhance community connections, resource and amplify the collective voice of those taking climate action locally.
Supported by Perth & Kinross Council and funded by the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Scotland initiative, Climate Connect Perth & Kinross is a collaboration of six community led networks working across key areas of climate action, including energy, food, transport, zero waste, nature, and community engagement through the Climate Café® Network.
At the launch in early April, participants enjoyed a premiere of a Climate Connect Perth & Kinross film featuring climate action across communities in Perth & Kinross, including Letham Community Fridge, Climate Café® Kinross-shire, Remake in Crieff and The HEAT Project which has supported over 4,000 households to reduce energy costs.
Climate Connect Perth & Kinross is one of a network of 24 Climate Action Hubs across Scotland. In Perth & Kinross, there has been strong support for this partnership model, bringing together six networks to collaborate and support communities taking action.
Empowering Communities - This new collaboration will support communities to connect and create opportunities to share ideas, experience and act together.
By strengthening existing connections and creating new ones this will support individuals and groups in starting, sustaining, and growing the impacts of their climate action and improving communities. Collectively it will build resilience and enhance financial sustainability for community climate action projects.
Many groups and individuals have contributed to shaping the model, to support and amplify the voice and experience of community led climate action, and invest in a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and support across networks across the region and beyond.
Collaboration - Climate Connect Perth & Kinross is made up of six key partners, each coordinating a specific area of focus: *Climate Connect Energy is co-ordinated by The HEAT Project. *Climate Connect Food is co-ordinated by Giraffe. *Climate Connect Transport is coordinated by Glenfarg Community Transport. *Climate Connect Zero Waste is co-ordinated by Letham Climate Challenge. *Climate Connect Nature is coordinated by Perthshire Nature Connections Partnership, with Kinross-shire, and is led by Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust. *Climate Café® Network Perth & Kinross is part of the global Climate Café® Network. Perth & Kinross Council is also involved as Observer on the Project Board, supporting the initiative and collaboration with the Anti-Poverty Task Force, Culture PK, GrowBiz and The Birks Cinema are just a handful of the connections that are already being shaped.
Get Involved - Individuals, community groups, and organisations from across Perth & Kinross are invited to get involved and help shape a more sustainable and connected future for the region.
For more information, visit www.climateconnect.scot or contact info@climateconnect. scot
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Orders now being taken for Christmas Turkey & trimmings, Meat Joints and much much more from Dunkeld Butchers
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New permanent and seasonal opportunities now available to join our dedicated housekeeping team. Our Housekeeping Assistants service our hotel guest bedrooms and self-catering cottages across the estate as well as look after our public areas in and around the leisure facilities and restaurants/bar.
Full and part-time hours available, and full training and a uniform is provided.
All team members benefit from a competitive salary, local discounts and social events.
Local transport available from within Aberfeldy. We would love to hear from you. Apply now at moness.com/careers
Pitlochry Baptist Church
Atholl Road, PH16 5BX
Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) www.pbcweb.net
Sundays in May - Our Worship Gathering takes place in our building every Sunday from 10.30 am. If you ’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us. For young people, we have a full programme for babies through to teenagers.
Church of Scotland Fortingall, Glenlyon, Kenmore and Lawers
Interim Moderator Lorimer Gray 01887 827316. Email lorimer.gray@gmail.com
Midweek in May *Beginning on Monday, 12 May at 7 pm, we are running The Bereavement Journey. This is a 7 week group for anyone, whether grieving a death now, or wanting to explore a previous bereavement that may be unresolved. Contact admin@ pbcweb.net for more details. *The Pitlochry Youth Café for secondary aged teenagers takes place on Tuesday, 20 May from 3.30 pm - 6 pm. *Then, our building is transformed for the STAY&PLAY babies and toddlers’ group which runs from 10 am - 12 pm on Wednesday mornings. *And then later on in the week, the Friday Night Youth Club runs 2 sessions: (1) 6.30 pm - 8 pm for primary 4-7 children; (2) 8 pm - 9.30 pm for secondary aged teenagers. For quick & easy access to information on our website and social media pages, scan the QR code. Do this by: (1) Open the camera app on your phone. (2) Hold your phone so that the QR code appears in view. (3) Tap the notification to open the link in your browser. Alternatively, visit our website or Facebook for current up-to-date information.
The Baha’i Faith:
What’s it all About? Nothing less than to join in the task of building a mature, peaceful, just and united world: a vast undertaking in which all people and every nation needs to participate. Baha’is locally are trying to offer something for the younger folk in our community. Please join us. You can call Mark at markcrenshaw9@hotmail.com or Rachel at rachelhelenab@hotmail.com or join Hilarie for a coffee at The Highland Chocolatier. Or judge for yourselves at www. bahai.org
We are very happy to welcome you to worship, whether you live in the area or just visiting. Services are normally held on alternate Sundays between Fortingall and Kenmore church at 10 am. May services commence on Sunday, 4 May in Kenmore church. Sunday, 11 May will be in Fortingall at 6 pm. This is an evening service of praise, due to the Etape cycle race. Sunday, 18 May will be held in Kenmore church at 10 am. The final Sunday of the month is Sunday, 25 May, and this service will be held in GlenLyon church at 10 am. We invite you to stay for tea, coffee, cake and biscuits after the Fortingall and GlenLyon services.
Dunkeld Parish Church
Services in Dunkeld Cathedral, Little Dunkeld Kirk and Amulree Church
Sunday Worship - 11 am in Dunkeld Cathedral (until Remembrance Sunday). Amulree Church - Services at 2.15 pm on the third Sunday of the month. (Sunday, 18 May). 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 service of Prayers for Help and Healing will take place on Sunday, 4 May in Little Dunkeld Kirk at 6.30 pm.
Messy Music - Starts again after the Easter break on Tuesday, 6 May in Little Dunkeld Kirk from 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm. A mix of music, craft and fun for children from nursery to P3 and their parents.
Christian Aid - There will be a second-hand book sale on Friday, 9, Saturday, 10 and Friday, 16, Saturday, 17 May outside the Duchess Anne. Donations of books can be dropped off at the Duchess Anne on Friday mornings or left in the Food Share shed in front of the Duchess Anne. The Youth Group will be organising a coffee morning on Saturday, 10 May while the book sale is on. Please come and support these fundraising events.
Rev. R. Fraser Penny, The Manse, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW. Tel: 01350 727249. Email: minister@dunkeldcathedral.org.uk
Please check our website for further information: www.dunkeldcathedral.org
Blue-green Algae Monitoring - As the summer season gets underway, NHS Tayside is issuing a reminder to people in Perth & Kinross to be on the lookout for blooms of potentially hazardous blue-green algae in the region’s waterways. Blue-green algae are tiny organisms which develop naturally in lochs, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and in the sea. They are a common seasonal occurrence and waters which have been affected by agricultural, domestic or industrial discharges are most at risk of developing the algae.
The algae can multiply during the summer months and discolour the water which then appears green, blue-green or greenish brown and, occasionally, they clump together to form a scum on the surface of the water. At the shoreline, algal crusts may appear brown to almost black in colour.
People and animals can be affected as a result of direct contact with water affected by bluegreen algae and NHS Tayside is advising the public, especially people undertaking water sports, anglers and dog owners, to be alert to the blooms as temperatures rise. Where monitoring reveals higher than acceptable levels of algal bloom, warning notices will be posted at the affected waterways. Anyone who finds a loch, pond or river which they suspect is affected by blue-green algae and which is not displaying a warning sign, should contact their local environmental health service on 01738 476476.
Tenandry Kirk - Killiecrankie
Interim Moderator: Rev Neil Glover
Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 07719 784136
Edward Elworthy - 07770 842502
Normal Sunday service at 10.30 am. 1st Sunday of the month. Coffee/ Tea following the service. All Welcome
Jehovah’s Witnesses - You are very welcome to join us at our new hall in Moness Terrace, Aberfeldy. Our May meetings feature short talks and discussions on Bible themes. Below are the dates for meetings in May. If you have a Bible, bring it with you. If you would like a lift to the meetings, get in touch.
1st 7 pm. Short talks and discussions
4th 10.30 am. Short talks and discussions
8th 7 pm. Short talks and discussions 15th 7 pm. Short talks and discussions 18th 10.30 am Short talks and discussions 22nd 7 pm. Short talks and discussions 25th 10.30 am. Short talks and discussions 29th 7 pm. Short talks and discussions Jehovah is the name of Jesus’s father; to witness is to share the truth.
Enjoy a free study of the Bible at your convenience-ring or text 07802 753193. See more at www.jw.org.
Sunday, 4 May - Sunday worship at Braes Church at the west end of Loch Rannoch. The service will start at 12.30 pm, with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 12 noon before the service starts. (No morning service on Sunday, 4 May in The Old Church of Rannoch.)
Sunday, 11 May - Please join us at 6 pm in The Old Church of Rannoch for a reflective evening service. (No morning service due to Etape Caledonia road closures.)
Sunday, 18 May and Sunday, 25 MaySunday worship at 12 noon in The Old Church of Rannoch with a time for coffee, tea and fellowship at 11.30 am before the service starts.
Church Services for Church of Scotland - Aberfeldy & District Aberfeldy (SC007899), Dull and Weem (SC001465) and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay (SC004275) Parish Churches Minister - Rev. Neil Glover - nglover@churchofscotland.org.uk 07779 280074 PA - Judy Ewer - judy.ewer@adwgls.org.uk 07836 565528
Regular Sunday Morning Worship
Dull and Weem Parish Church - 9.45 am. Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.dullandweemparish.org
Strathtay, Grantully and Logierait Parish Churches - 10.30 am. Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.glschurchofscotland.org
Aberfeldy Parish Church - 10.45 am. Please consult the website for the current information on our services - www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org
We also offer a YouTube Service from Aberfeldy Parish ChurchDetails can be found on the Church Website. This is a great way to stay connected if you are unable to be there in person!
1st Sunday of the month is a joint service with Aberfeldy, Dull and Weem, and Grantully, Logierait & Strathtay (GLS) - 10.30 am. See Church Websites for details. Church Based Activities
‘Warm Welcome Cafe’ and Stay and Play in Aberfeldy Parish Church on Tuesday mornings - Teas, coffee, biscuits and baking - all free thanks to grant funding from Perth and Kinross Council - Warm Welcome Fund and the Church of Scotland - Small Grants Stay and Play 9.30 am - 11.30 am Warm Welcome Café - 10 am - 12 pm. If you would like to be involved in any way, please contact judy.ewer@adwgls.co.uk.
Aberfeldy Quilting Group - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Farragon Room - Thursdays - 11 am - 3 pm. Contact www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org
Aberfeldy Prayer Meeting - Aberfeldy Parish Church - 4.45 pm - 6 pm every Wednesday evening in Farragon - all are welcome to come along
Dull and Weem - Chit Chat Café - 1st Monday of the month in the Macdonald Room, Dull and Weem Kirk. For further information please contact Liz Bruce - DullandWeemChurch@gmail.com
Strathtay Coffee Break - The group meet every Wednesday in the John Kyd Hall, beside Strathtay Church at 10.30 am - all are welcome to come along and join in! Strathtay Quilting Group - John Kyd Hall. 7 m - 9 pm on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Contact Marie Macleod - gls.churchofscotland@gmail.com
Please look at the church website for the latest information.
Church Website Information
Aberfeldy Parish Church www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org Dull and Weem Parish Church www.dullandweemparish.org Grantully. Logierait and Strathtay Parish Church www.glschurchofscotland.org
RC Parish of St Bride encompassing St Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AL, Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AJ and St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam, PH8 OBJ Parish Priest: Fr. Emmanuel Adindu MA MSP. T: 01796 472174 e: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Sunday Mass Times
St Columba’s Saturday Vigil 6.00pm, Our Lady of Mercy 9.30am, St Bride’s 11.30am Weekday Mass Times
Our Lady of Mercy Tuesday 9.30am, St Bride’s Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.30am
Holy Days of Obligation
St Columba’s 9.30am, Our Lady of Mercy 12.30pm, St Bride’s 7.00pm
St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church
Perth Road, Birnam, Dunkeld, PH8 0BJ Serving Birnam, Dunkeld and surrounding areas
Our main service of worship takes place at 10.00 every Sunday morning. It is a service of Holy Communion with prayers, readings, music and a sermon. We are a family and child-friendly church. This service normally lasts for an hour and we hope you will join us. Check up to date information at www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk
The Scottish Episcopal Church
Offers all a warm and inclusive welcome to all Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane
Episcopal Churches in Highland Perthshire - All are welcome at services in our churches and on Zoom. Check our website for updates.
Holy Trinity Church, Perth Road, Pitlochry
Contact - Robin Baker - 01796 472005. Holy Trinity is open regularly from Easter to Christmas, Serenity Garden is open Daily Sunday services - 9.30 am. Holy Communion/Communion by Extension/ Café Communion
Sunday, 11 May - No Morning Service ETAPE. Sung Evensong 6 pm.
5th Sundays - Joint Service with Kilmaveonaig & All Saints (see Website for details) 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 5th Sundays - Joint Service with Holy Trinity & All Saints (see Website for location) St Andrew’s, Church, Strathtay, opposite the local shop.
Contact - Ms. Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416
Sundays - 11.15 am. Holy Communion/ Matins/Service of the Word/Communion by Extension;
Sunday, 11 May - No Service ETAPE
5th Sundays - With Church of Scotland (see website)
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 - 9.30 am. Holy Communion
Sunday, 4 May - 9.30 am. Holy Communion 5th Sundays - Joint Service with Holy Trinity & Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location)
Sunday Services - Sunday worship is at 10 am in Pitlochry Church. We invite you to join us, whether you live locally or are just visiting the area. Worship begins with a warm welcome, followed by a mix of music and words, ancient and modern. Tea/coffee and biscuits are served in The Tryst Lounge following the service.
Day Care - This continues in The Tryst Lounge on Tuesdays from 10 am - 2 pm and on Thursdays from 10 am - 3 pm. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from these activities, please contact the Day Care team at The Tryst for details.
Wednesday Coffee & Chat - Tea, coffee and biscuits from 10.30 am till 12 noon in The Tryst Lounge. Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people.
Church Choir - The Choir meets on Wednesdays at 4 pm in the Tryst Hall.
Table Tennis - Meet weekly on Thursdays 2 pm until 4 pm in The Tryst Hall.
Church Office - The Tryst, for all enquiries and deliveries contact by email thetryst@ btconnect.com or telephone 01796 474010. The office is open from 9.30 am - 11.30 am Tuesday to Thursday. Emails and telephone messages are checked regularly.
Blair Atholl & Struan Church Session Clerk - Harold Ingram 01796 481275
Sunday Services - Worship is at 11.30 am in Blair Atholl Church. There will be a joint
service with Pitlochry Church of Scotland on Sunday, 25 May at 11.30 am.
We invite you to our Coffee Corner, in the church hall on Thursdays from 10.30 am12 noon.
Castle Menzies, Weem
Castle Menzies has recently introduced an exciting Lego Trail for kids. Children hunt for historical characters who lived in or visited the castle. The trail as developed by two children who regularly visit the castle, Emmy and Jackson Bradley.
Castle Menzies is open Daily until 31 October 2025.
Monday to Saturday 10.30 am - 4.30 pm (last admission).
Aberfeldy Rotary Club - Our President, Richard Pearson, has agreed to continue in office for another year until 2026. Thank you, Richard. We are currently reviewing our programme for fundraising and chosen charities. We will also be planning social events, including evenings where club members and friends will be invited to attend meetings including dinner and a talk from a local professional or person of interest.
As always, we should be pleased to welcome to these events, or any of our meetings, anyone interested in joining the club to help us support local and international charities and to enjoy our social activities.
200 Club Draw - £25 - Alistair Henderson and Gordon McDougall, £50 - Charlie Thom and Elizabeth Bruce. £100 - David Murray.
The Museum opened for the season on Thursday, 17 April 2025 and our opening times are Thursday, Friday and Sunday 12 - 4pm and Saturdays 10am - 4pm. We are looking forward to seeing the local community as well as visitors to Crieff visit and give us your thoughts on this year’s displays over the course of the season. Our volunteers have been hard at work setting up the displays for this season and we hope you will enjoy them all. We would like to thank everyone who has gifted or loaned items to the museum. It’s much appreciated and it helps us to tell the varied history of Crieff and Strathearn.
You can email us at info@crieffandstrathearnmuseum.org.uk. Our website is: www.crieffandstrathearnmuseum.org.uk
All types of Electrical & TV works
Installation, rewires, new builds, TV aerials, FREEVIEW, satellite dishes and FREESAT Free estimates and advice, ABERFELDY BASED
Tel Mike MacDougall 07718 122037 email: mmelec@hotmail.co.uk
Green Carpet Care
Green Carpet Care
Green Carpet Care
professional carpet cleaning service
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning
Upholstery Cleaning
Pitlochry Community First Responders - Pitlochry Community First Responders (PCFR) is a local charity. We assist the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) who have First Responder groups across Scotland.
All volunteers are trained by the SAS, and live or work in the community. Responders can attend certain medical situations until an ambulance arrives.
The ambulance control centre (ACC) deploys the on-duty Responders when a local 999 call is received which they will not be able to reach rapidly. So using their own vehicles, day or night, Pitlochry First Responders selflessly operate in the local area. We cover from Blair Atholl to Ballinluig and meet with Dunkeld and Aberfeldy groups to ensure a good coverage.
This is an important, life-saving local charity and we need everyone’s support in many ways!
Most importantly at present, we are recruiting more volunteer First Responders. Responders are vital to the community and your own lives could depend on them. No previous first aid experience is necessary as full training is given by the ambulance service. Responders do need to be over the age of 18 and have access to a reliable car.
We are also asking for Friends, supportive volunteers willing to give up an hour or two at fundraising events, information kiosks at shops, festivals, the Highland Games or any other local site.
Friends could also initiate their own creative endeavours to raise funds for PCFR. At events, bring a chair, a feast, a friend and a flask!
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
07477 013710
07477 013710
07477 013710
info@greencarpetcare.co.uk
info@greencarpetcare.co.uk
www.greencarpetcare.co.uk
info@greencarpetcare.co.uk
www.greencarpetcare.co.uk
www.greencarpetcare.co.uk
Please visit our website for all the information you need and find application forms for Responders and Friends. Please share this information with others. Secure Donations can be made on our website, with our grateful thanks. No personal data is retained and proceeds go to the ongoing supply of expensive medical equipment for First Responders to use.
Visit www.pitlochryresponders.org or email info@pitlochryresponders.org. We need you, because you might need us! PCFR, saving local lives. Call 999 in an emergency. Pitlochry Station Bookshop - Sitting typing up these notes, I have to keep reminding myself that they are for the May issue rather than for August’s, amid weather that is perfect for finding a quiet spot, maybe with a glass to hand, and enjoying a good read. All the more reason for you to call in at Pitlochry Station Bookshop and pick up a bargain - or a bagful of bargains.
Numbers taking advantage of the shop are definitely starting to increase again with more visitors to Pitlochry, or people breaking their onward journey in the town, added to our regular local residents. For any visitors to the area, or, indeed, to those who live locally and whose thoughts are turning to holidays, day-trips elsewhere within Scotland or days walking in the countryside, we have a wide selection of Ordnance Survey and similar maps, all very definitely in serviceable (even as new) condition, each priced at just £3. For the same price, our always well-stocked travel section offers accounts by the likes of Michael Palin as well as guidebooks to a range of countries, regions and cities beyond these shores.
If you are feeling adventurous in a different way, for just £2.50 you can buy one of our ‘Blind Date Books’, each simply but enticingly wrapped and tied with a label that tells you the enclosed book’s year of publication, genre and with a ‘taster’ quotation from what is within: something different whether as a surprise for yourself or as a gift with a difference.
The shop is now open daily, Monday to Saturday inclusive, from 9am until 4.30pm, ideal for anyone waiting to board the southbound morning LNER service or alighting from the 4.17 train.
Applications are invited by Saturday, 31 May for donations to either individuals or organisations to be spent in Pitlochry and District (generally assessed as being within a five mile radius of the centre of Pitlochry) for any one or more of the following Trust purposes: *the advancement of education *the advancement of citizenship or community development *the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science *the advancement of public participation in sport *the provision of recreational facilities with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities are primarily intended *the advancement of environmental protection or improvement *the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.
Generally, the Trustees will be able to provide donations of up to £2,500 but in certain circumstances may be able to consider applications for a larger amount.
Application Forms are available from www. andiemillar.org and, to be considered by the Trustees, each Application must be sent by email to info@jandhmitchell.com by Saturday, 31 May. Please note that the Trustees’ decision in respect of any Application is final.
Aberfeldy Farmers’ Market and Arts and Craft Fair
We are hoping for a repeat of April weather for our next market on Sunday, 4 May. Come along to the square between 10 am2 pm - last month some stalls ran very low very quickly so don’t miss some tasty treats and get along sharpish to see what’s on offer!
The Arts and Craft Fair will be inside on the mezzanine floor of the Birks Cinema. We hope that you will be able to spend some time in Aberfeldy, have coffee, brunch or lunch at one of the many super cafés and visit some of our lovely independent shops open on Sunday.
For further details of the Farmers’ Market email aberfeldymarket@gmail.com or for the Art Fair email lynn@breaghaglass.com.
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries
Pitlochry Library
Bookbug session - Every Thursday 9.15 am - 9.45 am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.
Community Knitting Group - Every Thursday 11 am to 12.45 pm. Do you like to knit or want to learn?
Come along to our community knitting group that meets weekly in the library. We can provide everything you need to get started!
Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library. Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.
Dùn Coillich Events Programme Goes Live! Meet The Badgers….
Spring has well and truly sprung and we’re already planning well into the new season at Dùn Coillich Community Land with a new schedule of special events. May is chance to ‘meet the badgers’ in the company of our Assistant Project Officer Fred Cochrane. Two evening walks are planned on Thursday, 15 May and Friday, 30 May to hopefully catch a rare glimpse of our resident badgers emerging to forage.
Booking is essential via Eventbrite and places are very limited to avoid disturbing the animals. Visit the What’s On page of our website www.duncoillich.org to find out more and for links to the Eventbrite booking page (QR code to right). All of our events are free for members of Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust, the suggested donation for non-members is £5.
Get to know us! Dùn Coillich - managed by the Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust - has been transformed from the remnants of a deer farm into a mosaic of sensitively-managed habitats with over 12km of marked walking trails. The site, between Aberfeldy and Tummel Bridge, now offers a haven for nature along with fantastic views and wildlife watching opportunities - as well as a hub for rural skills training and volunteering. Our programme of guided walks, talks and workshops in spring, summer and autumn give visitors chance to delve even deeper into the sights and sounds of this regenerating landscape and find out more about our core aims: to restore biodiversity, support rural skills development, and encourage people of all ages to embrace the outdoors. If you fancy getting even more involved, why not consider volunteering every Tuesday or the last Sunday of the month? You can get hands-on with all aspects of site management, from improving footpaths to maintaining deer fences, building benches to tree pruning, ecological surveys to habitat creation. Visit www.duncoillich.org or join our Facebook Group to discover more about us and the training, volunteering and walking options on offer.
Climate Cafe Pitlochry & District - The next Climate Cafe is on Thursday, 15 May, at the earlier time of 6pm, and for a change we will be meeting at the NTS Killiecrankie Visitor Centre with Ruth Alexander, a NTS Ranger. We are going outside for this Climate Cafe to help them with some weeding to remove Pyrenean Valerian and possibly some Yellow Archangel too. There will be drinks and snacks available and we can car share if you contact us for more details. Hope to see some of you there. For more information contact Carol Aitken at pitlochrydistrictcc@gmail.com
Pitlochry Garden Share - At Moulin Community Garden the raised beds are completed, which should make some beds more accessible to all. In the Children’s Garden monthly craft sessions, run by parent volunteers, are being organised. In May it will be stone painting and label making. Date tbc. Contact us (see below) if interested. New volunteers welcome! Anyone interested in growing food or flowers can join in our regular sessions (Mondays 9 am - noon and 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings of the month). Once you know your way around, work times to suit if you prefer. Volunteers share out the produce. DIY enthusiasts also welcome! We always have projects on the go. If you would like to know more, contact us on the Pitlochry Garden Share Facebook page, or via email pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com. We also have a new website which we are developing. www.pitlochrygardenshare.org. We’ll hold a stall outside the Pitlochry Market on Saturday, 17 May from 10 am. Come along and find out more about us. We have lots of seedlings and other items available. Thanks to our recent funders. The Basil Death Trust for this year’s rent, the Lang Trust for raised beds and Pitlochry Hardware Store for compost.
Our whisky shop has been synonymous with fine whisky, wines and spirits for over 60 years. We have customers from all around the globe who visit our shop and website to grab themselves a nice bottle of Scotland’s famous spirit.
As well as whisky, we stock a huge host of world wines, spirits and beers as well as a comprehensive range of craft gins.
Robertsons of Pitlochry, 44-46 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX
www.robertsonsofpitlochry.co.uk
Tel. 01796 472011
Reid Tree & Garden Services
• Tree felling, shaping & trimming
• All other landscaping services available
• Mono blocking, Patios & Paths laid
• Pathways & drives gravelled
• Slabbing and walls repaired or replaced
• Fencing & Turfing
• All types and sizes of trees supplied and planted - from 1m to 10m
Pitlochry & District U3a - Pitlochry & District u3a will be going on their annual outing on Wednesday, 21 May. We are looking forward to visiting Dùn Coillich and seeing the work which is being done there.
Our next whole group meeting will be in September but many of our specialist interest groups will continue to meet over the summer, including our garden visiting group and theatre going-group.
The u3a primarily brings together people, who have finished working full time or raising their family, to develop interests and to continue learning in informal and supportive environments. The focus is on sharing and learning from each other. In addition to our whole group talks we also offer interest groups which are led by one of our members - the emphasis is on learning from each other and having fun while doing so.
For further information please visit our website (www.pitlochry. u3asite.uk) or contact our secretary on smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.
Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry - We are looking forward to hearing more about the Brownies at our next meeting on Thursday, 22 May. The Brownies are one of the local charities we are supporting this year.
Inner Wheel is an international women’s organisation with an emphasis on service with friendship and international understanding. We use our skills to raise money and support communities locally, nationally and internationally. We achieve this through monthly supper meetings with informative and entertaining speakers, social gatherings and community service. If you would like to know about Inner Wheel then please email innerwheelpitlochry@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook Page(www. facebook.com/InnerWheelPitlochry)
The Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society
The Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society meet every Monday, during term time, in The Royal School of Dunkeld, between 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm, where we enjoy playing traditional, and contemporary Scottish music together, under the guidance of our musical director and conductor Pete Clark. We are a friendly group, and welcome players of all instruments that work within an orchestra setting. There is the option to either join as full member, or just come along when you can and pay on the night. For information, or to learn more about our group, our website is www.dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org
The copy date for the June 2025 edition of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair is noon on Wednesday, 14 May. The magazines will be distributed week commencing Monday, 2 June.
• New Builds
• Extensions • Renovations
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Internal doors
• Laminate & Solid
Wood Floors
• Timber & UPVC
Windows
• Conversions
• Timber and UPVC fascia’s
• Soffits and Guttering
• Cladding & Decking
• General Maintenance
• All Trade Packages and free estimates
Mobile: Fraser 07912 863557 Aaron 07724 345317
Email: info@dawson-deacon.co.uk
Dawson & Deacon Joiners & Contractors Ltd, Crieff
Charissa Foster set up Heartland Hearing to stay ahead on new technology and various aspects of hearing and hearing loss to support the local community’s hearing health. Improving the lives of patients and their families is at the heart of everything we do.
Sam Decorating Services
I offer all aspects of interior and exterior decorating - including wallpaper hanging. Self-employed with over 40 years of experience.
Pitlochry Tennis Club Welcomes New Members - Are you looking to improve your tennis skills, meet new friends and enjoy the great outdoors? Look no further! Pitlochry Tennis Club is pleased to welcome new members of all ages and skill levels to join our vibrant tennis club.
Located in the glorious grounds of the Atholl Palace Hotel, we have four wellmaintained courts, a welcoming clubshed, and a variety of activities and facilities designed to meet the needs of every player. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just picking up a racket for the first time, there’s a place for you here.
Why Join Pitlochry Tennis Club? *Inclusive Environment: We pride ourselves on creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. *Social Events: From friendly tournaments to social mixers, we hold twice weekly social tennis nights (5 pm Wednesdays & 2 pm Sundays) and host a variety of events throughout the year, providing ample opportunities to meet fellow tennis enthusiasts. *League Tennis. Throughout the Summer, the club plays in the Perth & District league, with home and away matches against other local clubs such as Dunkeld and Perth. We also play friendlies from time to time. *Fitness and Fun: Tennis is a fantastic way to stay active and healthy while having a great time with friends. *Practice makes perfect!
Use our ball machine to improve your skills. Hours and hours of fun!
Special Membership Offer - 50% off!! To celebrate the new season, we are thrilled to offer annual membership for £100 - that’s 50% off our recommended annual fee. You can also try before you buy. Pop along and join in our weekly social tennis sessions to experience all our club has to offer.
Join Us Today! Interested? Please message our club secretary John on johnuytman@ gmail.com or WhatsApp on 07941 807569, pop along any for a chat any Wednesday or Sunday. You can also find and follow us on Facebook.
Pitlochry & Blair Atholl Pipe Band - Practices have been busy over the last few months on a Wednesday night in the school and also a few weekend ones in Blair Atholl Village Hall. Our first competition of the season will be Lochore on Saturday, 21 June. We recently played at Keepers of the Quaich at Blair Castle and have a few other engagements over the summer.
We will be having our usual fundraising stall at Blair Atholl Gathering on Sunday, 25 May and fingers crossed for good weather.
Learners practice continues in Pitlochry High School on a Wednesday night from 7 pm - 8 pm. If you would like further information on the band, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796 481456.
Pitlochry Golf Club Ladies Section - On March 23 the Ladies Section held their Opening Match of the new season. The weather was good, and the course was in excellent condition for the time of year. Fifteen ladies took part in the golf including 3 ladies from the Gateway Golf.
Everyone enjoyed a lovely meal and prize giving afterwards. Margaret Hamblin was warmly welcomed as a new member. The winning team consisted of Lauren Cameron, Margaret Hamblin and Fiona Syme.
Preparing for Summer with GrowBiz
As we enjoy the longer and warmer days of spring, it’s a good time to set achievable business goals and intentions for the upcoming summer season. Here are a few ways GrowBiz can help:
One-to-one advice - The GrowBiz team are all self-employed, so understand the ups and downs of running a business. They are able to provide support and advice, as well as the reassurance that comes from having an experienced person by your side.
Downloadable resources - GrowBiz is here to support you to achieve your goals. We have free resources
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Regular updates - The GrowBiz newsletter, website and social media pages are regularly updated with upcoming events, opportunities and positive client stories, so you can stay up to date with what’s happening in the rural business community.
Mentoring - If you would like to gain confidence, develop your skills and resilience, and make meaningful connections in a flexible and open environment, the GrowBiz mentoring programme is for you. You can become a mentee or volunteer as a mentor.
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Highland Perthshire’s Go to Landscaping Company
Let
Heart
of Scotland Herb Society
Celebrating 25 years of Health : Herbs : Happiness
The annual summer outing will take place on Monday, 19 May visiting The Japanese Garden at Dollar and Loch Leven’s Larder.
The Mid-summer Madness meeting with a Mexican theme will be held at the Sports Pavilion, Kenmore on Wednesday, 18 June at 2 pm. Information contact: Cath McGregor Tel: 01887 830234 or Susan Craik Tel: 07501 095602
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, 6 May between 10 am - 12 noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital. Pitlochry Repair Café - Pitlochry Repair Café is back at Moulin Hall on Sunday, 1 June from 12 pm - 3 pm for its regular repair sessions.
We will welcome you with hot drinks, homemade baking and soup while our skilled repair volunteers will fix your broken and damaged items.
We can’t fix phones or zips but bring along any other items including bikes, ceramics, textiles, household objects, furniture, electrical items and electronics. Kids are welcome
and dogs too!
Want to get involved as a volunteer or join our mailing list for the latest news? Email repaircafe@sprout-community-eco-hub. com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram @PitlochryRepairCafe.
Tryst Walking Group, Pitlochry
Tuesday, 6 May - Tentsmuir (£9). Tentsmuir is an unusual forestry reserve in that the pine trees are adjacent to a sandy beach backed by dunes, and so this walk is intended to show the variety of the habitats and, with luck, provide the opportunity to see some wildlife. Starting to the east of Tayport, (Grid Ref. 464285) we shall walk along the north edge of the trees (probably on the beach) to Tentsmuir Point and then turn south to the 19th century ice house before returning via the forest to the starting point. Height negligible. Distance approximately 8 miles. OS map 59
This spectacular sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society welcomes visitors. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years and importantly situated, it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands and here Bonnie Prince Charlie rested on his way to Culloden in 1746. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid example of the transition between earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house. Castle Menzies stands north of the River Tay at Weem on the B846, one and half miles from Aberfeldy.
As a charity, every penny spent at the Castle remains at the Castle as part of our conservation work
Open Daily until 31st October 2025
Monday to Saturday 10.30 am - 4.30 pm (last admission)
Sundays
2pm - 4.30 pm (last admission)
T: 01887 820982
www.castlemenzies.org
Castle Menzies
Saturday, 24 May - Laggen Hill (£4). Starting at the Glenturret Distillery (Grid ref: 856235) the walk will take in MacRosty Park, Turret stream, Lady Mary’s walk and the River Earn before heading to Laggan Hill, with fine views across Crieff, then back to the start. Height climbed 150m. Distance 5.5 miles. OS map 52
Please contact Maureen Holmes on 01796 473153 for further information. Please note: walk organiser/contact cannot be held responsible for any accident. Everyone walking does so at their own risk and should take due care.
Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic at Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical
Practice, Aberfeldy
Do you or someone you know use NHS hearing aids? Do you need new batteries supplied and/or fitted? Do you need the tubing replaced on either your mould or open fit NHS hearing aids? If yes, then NHS Tayside volunteers will be here to help you on Wednesday, 7 May between 10 am - 12 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.
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The Quair in Killin
Copies of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair are made available for tourists and visitors each month from our 8 outdoor dispensers in Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, and Kenmore. 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.
Our services include:
•Retirement Planning
•Investment Planning
•Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
•Protection Planning
•Cashflow Planning Contact us
We are delighted to now also have a Quair dispenser at MacGregor’s Community Hub in Killin for locals and visitors to be able to pick up a copy of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair each month. Although Killin sits in the Stirling Council area and has an FK postcode, Killin will always be part of Highland Perthshire and we are pleased to be able to share the wider news with the area each month.
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. Ask your neighbours to do the same! If you spot a hedgehog when driving at night, and can’t stop in time, try to steer so it will pass under the middle of the car where least likely to be harmed. You can become a Hedgehog Champion by registering on www. hedgehogstreet.org/website, which has resources to make your garden and neighbourhood hedgehog-friendly zones. Aberfeldy defibrillators - Public access defibrillators in Aberfeldy can be found at: *Ailean Chraggan Hotel *The Birks Cinema in the Square *The Fire Station on Crieff Road *The Bowling Club on Taybridge Terrace *Moness Crescent at the lane to Old Crieff Road *Chillies on Dunkeld Road *Spirit of Wood. The defibrillators are available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week and are relatively easy to use, even without training. Once you open the defibrillator up, it talks you through the steps to assist someone who may be suffering a cardiac arrest. Please be reassured that you cannot shock someone who is not in cardiac arrest. The machine analyses the patient’s heart and will not administer the electric shock unless it is required. Any issues with the defibrillators, please contact Safer Communities Warden Norma Carr (07785 538425) or John Duff (07826 908542).
Dave Doogan MP
Angus & Perthshire Glens SNP
It’s not a political observation so much as a demonstrable geographic fact, Westminster is a long way from Perthshire.
Perhaps I and your former MP
Pete Wishart are uniquely placed to have an appreciation of just how far away and the challenges involved in getting there and home again every week. Nevertheless, if you set out to persuade a Scottish constituency that you wish to be their MP in Westminster, then you had better get used to travelling a lot, whatever the distance, it is not a surprise.
So, Scottish MPs need to just get on with it, fair enough. Interestingly it’s actually more complex than that. We Scottish MPs are reasonably well connected to London by rail and air if not by road, so things are actually considerably better for us that say MPs in West or North Wales, in Northern Ireland or the South West of England. I raise this, not because I am looking for sympathy for Scottish MPs, obviously. But with specific regard to how it affects access to Parliament for constituents and school children in particular. In any given week in the Westminster Parliament as I am going about my business, I am moving through great swathes of members of the public in groups and individually who have made a visit to parliament and especially, schools.
With confidence in politics straining and voter turnout at genuinely alarmingly low levels, there has never been a more important time to get the next generation of voters engaged and informed with democracy and the electoral process. That’s why I was so pleased to meet with S5&6 pupils form Breadalbane Academy in February who had engaged with the Parliament’s outreach service, applied for the funding and made the visit up and down on the sleeper train. Parliament recognises the challenges for schools that are further away and there is support with the costs available. Not one of my secondary schools visited Parliament in the last term between 2019 and 2024 and so far, only Breadalbane have gone the distance. All secondaries in my constituency can get the Sleeper Train from Pitlochry, Montrose, Perth or Dundee and open the door to a memorable and meaningful visit to Parliament as part of their Modern Studies or History Higher. I will be writing to all secondaries across Angus and Perthshire Gens to encourage them to follow Breadalbane’s lead. 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.
alan@bespokestairscrieff.com
www.bespokestairscrieff.com 07544 634 964
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Tel 01796 482646
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• Certificate of Chimney Sweeping issued
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Cleaning – General Housework, Dusting, Vacuuming, Spring Cleaning, Oven Cleaning
D.I.Y. – Shelf Fitting, Picture Hanging, Power Washing Patios, etc
D.I.Y. – Shelf Fitting, Picture Hanging, Power Washing Patios, etc
Dog Walking, Car washing & Valeting
D.I.Y. – Shelf Fitting. Power Washing Patios, etc Dog Walking, Car washing & Valeting
Dog Walking, Car washing & Valeting
If there is anything you can’t see on the list please just ask No job too small
If there is anything you can’t see on the list please just ask No job too small
If there is anything you can’t see on the list please just ask No too small
References can be supplied
References can be supplied
Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council
The next meeting of Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council will be held in Kynachan Hall, Tummel Bridge on Monday, 19 May at 7 pm. We hope to hear about the long term Forest Plan for Bonskeid Estate at the meeting. The document is on the Planning section of our website www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk/community-council.
The latest Minutes are on the website too. If you prefer to receive Minutes and news of local events by email, please join our mailing list. Just contact info@kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk to have your name added.
Killiecrankie Village Hall - Killiecrankie Village Hall Committee, on behalf of the Killiecrankie Memorial Hall Trust, wishes to thank Andie Millar’s Trust for funding the new noticeboard and Shierglas personnel for helping to install it outside the hall.
The Hall Committee welcomes enquiries for any event - large or small. See the website www. killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk for details or email info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk.
RSABI - RSABI is a unique Scottish charity with roots going back to 1897. We provide financial assistance, support and advice in confidence to those people who have worked in Scotland in land-based occupations and who are suffering hardship. RSABI provides financial and practical support and friendship to over 600 individuals and their families across a range of occupations with the common theme of working on the land in Scotland. To learn a little more about how RSABI operates, please see www.rsabi.org.uk
Aberfeldy Probus Club - The Probus Club is a group of retired professional and businessmen and women who enjoy meeting together over lunch once a month with the added bonus of interesting and informative speakers.
On April 2, our speaker was Lynsday Barr from Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, a charitable organisation which has as its mission statement, ‘Safer Neighbourhoods, Stronger Communities.’ Neighbourhood Watch tends to conjure up nosey folks interfering in other peoples’ business. That is definitely not the case but rather encouraging people to know who to contact if the need arises without endangering themselves. We were encouraged to sign up for online Alerts which are sent out regularly to subscribers. This is a free service and includes a weekly bulletin from Trading Standards about the scams that are aroundand who of us is not vulnerable to scams!
On Wednesday, 7 May our meeting will hear about ‘The Stone of Scone’ from Mark Hall from Perth Museum. This should be an interesting talk, and no doubt will lead to a number of questions. If you would like to find out whether the Probus Club would suit you, why don’t you come along to one of our meetings. We select our lunch choice several days beforehand, so please contact the secretary is you wish to come, and she will let you know what is on the menu that week. Elaine Melrose, Secretary. (01887 830682).
Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member
As we approach summer many of us will have started thinking about our holidays or will be looking forward to going away with our families or friends.
It has been a busy time at the Scottish Parliament. I have been dealing with constituents’ queries and also attended the Economy and Fair Work Committee.
Locally, Councillor John Duff and I wrote a joint letter to the Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ask them to investigate how the implementation of banking hubs is currently assessed so that rural localities such as Highland Perthshire are not left behind. My office previously applied for a banking hub in Aberfeldy which was denied despite a compelling argument. Likewise, my office appealed a decision by LINK not to introduce a banking hub in Pitlochry and we had a meeting with them following this. However, the appeal was also denied, which led to Councillor Duff and me writing to the FCA to questions some of the current guidelines. I feel that the rules, in their current form, fail to consider issues in the larger locality. Considerations such as limited or no public transport, an above average elderly population, large fluctuations in population numbers throughout the year must be considered in the application for a banking hub. Access to banking services is not considered nearly enough in the application for a hub. Rural areas are often the first to be deprived of basic services, and this is why we have written to the FCA on this issue.
And I was also honoured to speak during a recent Members’ Business: 300 years of The Black Watch, brought to the Scottish Parliament by my Scottish Conservative colleague Liz Smith MSP. The Black Watch is a name that resonates with honour, sacrifice and pride, especially here in Scotland and Perthshire where it is so deeply rooted in history. The connection between The Black Watch and Perthshire is not just symbolic but tangible and ongoing. In 1947, the regiment was granted the Freedom of the City of Perth, a civic honour steeped in tradition and pride, reserved for those whose service has enriched the lives of our communities. For decades, Queen’s Barracks in Perth served as the depot for the regiment, housing soldiers, training and acting as the main point for regimental life. In the early 1960s there was a major army re-organisation with the barracks closed, however, The Black Watch found a new and permanent home in Balhousie Castle nearby.
In Aberfeldy, a striking monument unveiled in 1887, stands as a solemn tribute to the regiment’s first assembly in 1740. By remembering The Black Watch we are honouring our communities, intertwined with the values of service, loyalty and courage. We hope this legacy is not only preserved but passed on with pride and full recognition of its place in our national story.
Murdo Fraser can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by telephone on 01738 553676.
SEASONS VIEW RESTAURANT OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER (THURSDAY TO MONDAY)
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T - 01764 685333 E - info@thefourseasonshotel.co.uk
The Four Seasons Hotel, A85, Lochside, St Fillans, PH6 2NF Website
Living life at Pitlochry Care Home means care and kindness, safety and warmth, and lots of activities - home and away. As well as company, when you want it. We know choosing your new home can be daunting. That’s why we’d love to take the time to show you around, and chat over any questions.
Needing extra care needn’t mean peace and quiet. But we can arrange that too, of course. It can mean living some of your best life. Want to take a look? Call Andrew on 01796 473280 or email manager.pitlochry@bcgcares.co.uk
Pitlochry Bowling Club
As we step into the outdoor bowling season, we’re hoping May will be just as lovely as April! By the time you read this, we’ll have already had our official opening day-keep an eye out for our report and photos, where you’ll see us proudly sporting our brand-new shirts featuring the Pitlochry tartan.
A new season is the perfect time to try something new, and we’d love for you to come along and give bowls a go! We provide all the equipment and tuition you need-just remember to wear flat-soled shoes to help protect our green. If you’re thinking about joining, you can attend three sessions before making a decision. And here’s some great news: this year’s membership fee for new members is only £30! That gives you access to both the outdoor and indoor bowling seasons, as well as our bar and social events - a fantastic deal!
Congratulations to Our Indoor Pairs
Champions - One of the last indoor competitions of the season was the Pairs Final, which saw John Greenshields and Neil Haggart take the win - well done, guys! Commiserations to our runners-up, John Anderson and Alex Anderson - you put up a great fight. Bingo Nights & Social Events - Our everpopular bingo nights continue! Join us on Monday, 5 and Monday, 19 May (7 pm for a 7.30 pm start). Everyone is welcome - come along for a fun evening!
In March, we held a quiz night that sold out in no time. It was a brilliant social evening, and we hope to run more in the future - so watch this space!
AGM & Club Committee - We held our AGM on March 31 with a great turnout. Here’s your newly elected team for the season: *President: John Anderson *VicePresident & Match Secretary: Brian McClure *Past President: Val Wilson *Secretary: Agnes Naylor *Treasurer: Jamie Reid *Bar Steward: Kevin Walsh *Green Keeper: Alex Anderson *Committee Members: Fay MacNicoll, Cath McCartney, Kay McClure, Katie Kerr, Debra Shand, Karen Shand and Ian Wilson.
A special thank you goes to Neil Haggart, who has now stepped down as Green Curator and Keeper after many years of dedicated care. Thanks to his hard work, we have one
of the finest greens in Perthshire! Neil has kindly offered to support his replacements, and we’re all incredibly grateful for his contribution.
Stay Connected - We hope everyone has a fantastic summer of bowling and socialising! If you’d like more information, feel free to call John on 07833 664121 or Agnes on 079181 22415. You can also keep up with the latest news by following Pitlochry Bowling Club on Facebook.
We look forward to seeing you on the green soon!
Atholl
Centre Pitlochry - The outbreak of Covid in 2020 has left its mark on our lives, our families, our communities and sadly, also, the work of the Atholl Baptist Centre. The residential aspect of the Atholl Centre, which provided the main source of the Centre’s income, has failed to recover to pre-covid levels. There is no longer a sufficient level of demand for residential accommodation to justify maintaining the facility. Despite donations from generous sponsors and supporters, the Centre has incurred operating losses for several years. Following an extensive review of current activities, the Board of Trustees has taken the decision to close the facility at the end of June while we are solvent. The Trustees have been in discussions with the leadership of Pitlochry Baptist Church and believe that the future for the Centre now lies within the ongoing life and ministry of the Church. So on the charity’s dissolution, the Centre will be handed over to Pitlochry Baptist Church who will take over the running of the Food Bank and make the decisions on how the facilities will function. There will be a celebration service on Sunday, 22 June to which all are invited. We are pleased that many local groups in the community have been able to use the Centre’s facilities over many years. From July onwards, enquiries regarding the use of the Centre’s facilities should be directed to admin@pbcweb.net.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the support we’ve received from the locality over the past 55 years. The work of the Centre is not ending but transitioning to something new and
exciting that we believe will be a blessing to the local community. Our very best wishes are with Pitlochry Baptist Church. Until then business as usual, which includes …. Food Bank Perth & Kinross Referrals only - Please ask if you need some help to cope with the increased cost of living, or applying for your referral. NB: Emergency contact number: 07747 755194.
The Community Larder - Quite separate from the Food Bank; it is Open 24/7 for anyone to ‘give’ or ‘take’ food items along with other household items, avoiding food waste and supporting many with the rising prices at this time. New Fridge & Freezer Community Larder located by the back door of the Atholl Centre.
Baby Bank - New to the Atholl Centre. We have a small amount of baby clothing & nappies available to support young families. Please contact the office for more information.
Changing Places Toilet - Fully equipped Rest room facility for disabled people. Please note office open hours, or call to book in advance, 07747 755194.
Helen Kirkwood, Atholl Baptist Centre SCIO15113, Atholl Centre, Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX
Further information from 01796 473044. Neighbourhood Watch, Pitlochry
Gardening Scams
The spring weather has led to a recent increase in scams related to gardening and landscaping, where cold callers offer to cut trees, tidy gardens or clear gutters. They often ask for money on the spot, either as a deposit or to pay for materials, but don’t return to complete the work.
Here are some recent case studies - *A woman agreed to pay a cold caller who claimed to be a tree surgeon £500 to remove a tree from her garden. He cut down a couple of branches and threw them into her neighbour’s garden before leaving, supposedly to collect a larger chainsaw. He didn’t return and the woman didn’t have his contact details. She later discovered he had done the same thing to others in the same street. *Cold callers were posting leaflets through doors advertising landscaping and maintenance work. One couple spoke to them and asked if
they could replace some slabbing at the back of the house. The men quoted over £2,500, but then dropped the amount to £1,500, asking for a £500 deposit to buy materials, which the couple paid in cash. The workers only spent a few hours in the garden before heading off to pick up more materials, leaving the slabs in an unstable condition. They didn’t return and haven’t answered any phone calls or emails.
How to Avoid - Before having any work done in or around your property, get quotes from as many trusted companies as possible. Find traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards through a local approved trader scheme at www.approvedtrader.scot. Any unsolicited trader who offers to carry out work on your property must give you their business name and address.
Don’t agree to let a cold caller start work straight away - do plenty of research into their company and, if something doesn’t look right, don’t deal with them.
‘Ex-Offender’ Doorstep Scams - Recently there has been an increase in reports from across Scotland of cold callers who say they are selling goods door-to-door as part of an ‘ex-offender’ rehabilitation scheme. Some callers say they have just been released from prison or a young offenders institution and are selling goods to try and make some money before starting a college course. Others claim that they have recently left foster care or that they are ex-servicemen suffering from PTSD and are selling items on behalf of the British Legion. They typically offer goods such as household cleaning products, gardening equipment or craft supplies and often claim that they have already sold items to others on the same street. Some may ask for donations for exprisoners. If a householder does not have cash, the cold caller may provide bank account details so that they can transfer money. Although some of these cold callers show some form of ID card, they often don’t have a pedlar’s certificate or a licence from the police to allow them to sell door-to-door in the local area. The goods they offer are usually of poor quality and overpriced.
How to Avoid - Never feel obliged to answer the door to a cold caller - it is your home
and you should not let anyone in unless you feel comfortable.
If you do answer the door, verify that the person is genuine and take a note of the company’s details. ID cards can be fakedclose the door and, rather than phoning the number on the ID card, look up the company’s number on their official website or in an official phone directory to check their identity. Legitimate callers will be happy to wait while you perform these checks. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about a cold caller in your local area, phone Police Scotland on 101, or call 999 if you feel threatened.
Dunkeld Bowling Club - Congratulations to Dunkeld Bowling Club who won the Tay Tummel League Trophy this year.
Aberfeldy Quilters - This is an amazing sampler quilt made by Maureen who attended a course at Karelia House to create this beautiful quilt. The blocks were quilted individually then carefully pieced together to showcase Maureen’s hard work.
Contact Annette 07736 384035 or Jane 07771 641390 for more information if you would like to join in.
Town
John Swinney MSP, First Minister
Perthshire North - SNP
Recently, I visited a number of organisations across Highland Perthshire who are working flat-out to improve life in their local communities.
In Kinloch Rannoch, I met those involved with the Rannoch Community Trust and visited The CornerStone - a new community restaurant and pub due to open in May. This will be a real gamechanger, providing employment, a versatile community space, and a welcoming place to eat, drink and socialise. The building itself has been transformed, with impressive alterations.
Much of the project’s funding has come from grants, and it’s a tribute to the tenacity and skill of those involved that it’s nearing completion.
I also discussed housing and care access with the Trust. Some of the proposals on the table are genuinely exciting and could make a major difference for local residents.
I then visited the Cairngorms National Park deer larder - an innovative project addressing both deer overpopulation and food poverty. Since January, the larder has donated over 600kg of fresh venison to foodbanks and schools across Perthshire. Operated completely free of charge, it exists solely to help the community. As a result, some of our most vulnerable residents have enjoyed venison - many for the first time - and foodbanks have received regular, high-quality donations. These visits reaffirm my belief that, especially in rural areas, the most effective way to create positive change is often through local people working together to solve problems and push for progress.
Authorities should be doing all they can to support these efforts and empower communities. I’d like to put on record my thanks to all those working so hard to make a difference. I will always be happy to support these groups and individuals.
You can contact me on 01250 876576 or at john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot. My office is also available for help with any casework issues.
Faskally Forest parkrun - There are parkrun events every weekend around the UK. Our local parkrun, Faskally Forest parkrun, meets at Loch Dunmore every Saturday at 9.20 am and starts 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 beautiful 5km forest route. 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. Afterwards, we go to the Red Deer Restaurant for a coffee and blether. To find out, more look at our web page www.parkrun.org.uk/faskallyforest or Facebook page Faskally Forest parkrun: www.facebook.com/faskallyforestparkrun
Breadalbane Community Larder
Social Supermarket - 4 items for £1, available Saturday mornings 11 am - 12.30 pm at Offizone, Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy. Emergency deliveries of food parcelsPlease call 0345 30 111 00 Monday to Friday 9 am - 4 pm. Food share - Available 24/7 from the shelter in the rear carpark of Aberfeldy Parish Church.
We have enjoyed some glorious weather recently and it’s so lovely to see our gardens and countryside come to life, sunshine can really lift our spirits, and bring hope with it. First of all we wish to thank the whole community of Aberfeldy and surrounding area for their most generous help and faithful giving and we hope that you will be happy to continue to support this initiative throughout the coming year. We could not serve those who need it without you.
Spring also motivates us to have a clear out of our cupboards, if you are considering putting tins and packets in the bin why not think about handing them to the Social supermarket or food share, as I’m sure others will appreciate them. As the growing season has begun, any surplus garden produce would also be very much appreciated. We would also like to thank all the volunteers that give of their time to keep the Community Surpermarket and Food Share larder running smoothly, we could not do it without you.
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.
Most people are well aware of what the Community Larder does as we’ve been running since March 2020. Our current provision of a Social Supermarket supports around 20 households with 6-8 customers every week. Demand in the first 6 months of last year had increased 75% compared to the same period the previous year. If you would like to make a financial donation to the Community Larder please contact 07513 652597 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 continued generosity of the good people and local businesses of Aberfeldy and surrounding areas. Thank you.
Looking for an adventure for all the family?
Come and check out the Scottish Adventure School, based in Crieff.
We run a variety of outdoor activities and are open every weekend and throughout the school holidays. Lasertag, High Ropes, Gorge Walking, Rock Climbing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Hillwalks, Bushcraft. Canoeing, Archery and Air Rifles all available.
Check out www.scottishadventureschool.co.uk/familyactivities
Foulford 9 Hole
Golf Course
Par/SSS: 27. Course Length: 916 yards. Fancy a game of golf but short of time? Why not come and play Foulford Par 3 Course? Great fun for all the family amid the beautiful scenery of Highland Perthshire. No bunkers but lots of water hazards. Club hire available.
Address: Sma’Glen, by Crieff PH7 3LN How to Get there:
Five miles north of Crieff on A822. Contact Details T: 01764 652407 e: foulford@btconnect.com
How to Contract with Tradesmen
We have many excellent Trades and Services who advertise in The Quair Magazines. We all want to trust that we are being treated fairly, reasonably, honestly and equitably by any business we contact. Trading Standards have published a list of DO’s and DON’Ts when dealing with any contractor:
DO ask for references and names of previous clients. Speak to them and look at their previous work, if possible
DO make sure you have a sufficient contact details for the tradesman DO get at least 2 detailed quotes in writing for the work needing to be done (3 quotes for larger jobs) and check that VAT is included in the final figure DO check any claims by the tradesman that they are a member of a trade association
DO agree on the work being carried out and payment terms before the tradesman starts the job
DO make sure you receive your cancellation rights if you enter into a contract/agreement with a tradesman during a visit to your home or work - in most cases the tradesman must give written notice of your right to cancel the agreement
DO have regular meetings with the tradesman if it is a building job to make sure everything is on track
DO make sure you have any instructions and warranties for goods
DO know your rights - contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05 06 if you have any queries about your rights, or alternatively go online to www. adviceguide.org.uk
DON’T pay the final bill until the job is done and you are happy with the work - you have the right to withhold a reasonable amount of money until the work has been done to your satisfaction
DON’T rush into anything - take your time to make a decision on which tradesman to use
DON’T agree to have work done on the spot by someone who knocks on your door touting for work especially if they tell you there is something wrong with your property
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
The Courtyard Shop, an independent retail hive of activity within the Mains of Taymouth Estate in Kenmore. We have a Deli and Gift Shop and offer a vast range of products from the local area, including our gourmet fudge which is made right here in the shop. info@taymouthcourtyard.com www.taymouthcourtyard.com
Mains of Taymouth, Kenmore, Perthshire, PH15 2HN 01887 830756
Or visit: www.nordicwalkinghighlandperthshire.com
Instagram: nw_highland_perthshire
Facebook: nordicwalkinghighlandperthshire
We've got it a Hettie's Tea and Cake Hamper –sent all over the UK. Prices from £20 (inc postage)
95 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5AB, 01796 473991 www.hettiesteas.co.uk To find out more, check out our website
Roofing & Damp Proofing Services
Roofing and Damp Proofing for Perthshire. Omeworks is your one-stop for all your roofing and building repairs, maintenance and improvements, both modern and traditional. Work we carry out.
Slating | Tiling | Flatroofs | Asbestos removal | Garage Roofs | Damp repairs Chimney & Lead work | UPVC fascia and soffit | Damp Proofing, Rising Damp and Condensation
We also carry out general roof checks to spot potential issues and fix them before they become a costly repair.
Omeworks are a Perthshire based roofing and building company run by Eddie McCole. We believe we offer every customer a very high standard of work with great customer relations. Please have a look at our fantastic reviews on Google.
Top2Toe
Luxury Manicures and Pedicures
Lash Lift and Curl - for eyelashes that look longer & fuller
Annette Macdonald, IIR MAR Tel: 07736 384035 www.top2toeaberfeldy.org.uk top2toeaberfeldy@gmail.com
LOU RADFORD BA (Hons), MBAcC
Hare Coursing - Hare coursing is a UK wildlife crime priority and an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is committed by a small number of individuals, who travel far and wide to indulge in this illegal activity. It is predominantly a seasonal crime, occurring during the spring as crops emerge into fields and during late summer and early autumn when the crops have been harvested. The persons involved in this antisocial activity will use lurchers, greyhounds and whippet dogs which hunt by sight and are normally walked across fields on slip leads and are released when any hares run off. It has been known for multiple dogs to chase one hare and money to change hands depending on which dog kills the hare. We have recently seen an upsurge in reports in the area recently and I would urge anyone who wishes to report this type of crime; if they are a witness to this crime, or simply, if you are a farmer or a landowner and you’d like to report any suspicious activity or people on your land - particularly suspicious people with dogs such as lurchers or greyhounds - please contact police on 101.
The Highland night is held in the Recreation Ground, Pitlochry every Monday night between 26th May 2025 and the 1st September 2025. If it is wet, the event is held in Pitlochry Town Hall.
Gates open at the Recreation Ground at 7pm.
Drive In - Free Parking in the Field
Featuring: Pipe Band, Scottish Music and Songs, Highland and Scottish Country Dancing
Admission Prices: Park: Adult £7, Child £3
If you witness anyone hare coursing please consider the following when noting details:- *What was it about their actions that alerted you? *What were the people doing, where were their dogs and what were they doing? *What did the dog look like? *What markings did it have? *Take a photograph if possible and safe to do so *Get a comprehensive description of the people involved, how many, age, height, build, hair colour and style, clothing, anything distinctive? *Details of any vehicles used or parked nearby (particularly number plates) that may be linked to the offenders.
At:
THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN
West Countlich Farm, Kindallachan, Near Ballinliug, PH9 0NW
Free support for small businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed in rural Perth & Kinross
sustainability support wellness training peer support and more
Breadalbane Cricket Club - The Summer is Almost Upon Us!
If you’d like to join your local, friendly, and community-based cricket club, it’s the perfect time. Breadalbane Cricket Club has been based in Aberfeldy for over 150 years and offers competitive and friendly cricket, with the opportunity to play, socialise, train, keep fit, and improve your skills - or even just volunteer and help out.
Training sessions are held on Thursday nights from 6 pm - 8 pm throughout the summer at Victoria Park in Aberfeldy. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age and ability. Just turn up! Equipment can be provided.
League matches take place on Saturdays, with a series of midweek 20/20 games too.
Junior Sessions, offering coaching for budding cricketers takes place on Monday evenings during the summer from 6.30 pm - 7.45 pm. P1 - S4 age groups. Everyone is welcome. For further details, including league fixtures, updates, and information on how you can help with fundraising please follow us on Facebook @BreadalbaneCricketAberfeldy, email the club - breadalbanecricket@gmail.com, or check out our website - breadalbanecricket.co.uk
Beef, Veal, Lamb, Pork, Poultry & Sausages
Botanical Spirits, Mead and Beer
Bread and Cheese
Cakes and Chocolate
Eggs and Honey
Fresh and Smoked Fish
Fruit and Vegetable
Homemade Burgers hot or to take home
Jam, Jellies and Sauces
the very best of local produce... Shortbread and Oatcakes
10.00am to 2.00pm
Aberfeldy Town Square
1st Sunday of the Month
April - November 2024
Venison, Rabbit, Pheasant, Pigeon, Partridge… Pies and Pasties
Plants and Herbs
Ready Meals
Vegetarian and Vegan Food Next Markets 4th May & 1st June 2025
Preserves and Pickles
Salad and Olives
Scones and Tray Bakes
10.00am to 2.00pm 1st Sunday of the Month - From April
April 17 marked our anniversary and we are now two years old. We’re delighted with how well DB Trad Group has developed and evolved in that time. Our bands have played at several local events and concerts, with more on the way, showing just how far our young musicians have come. We now have guitar and whistle classes up and running alongside our fiddle and accordion classes. We do still have some spaces available, so if you’d like to learn how to play an instrument, send us a message.
All classes are in small groups lasting half an hour each week. They are completely free and we provide instruments, without cost, for our members to take home and use as their own.
We are based in Dunkeld and Birnam but include surrounding areas from as far as Aberfeldy and Pitlochry, Blairgowrie and Coupar Angus, Stanley and Luncarty and everywhere in between.
Our junior and senior bands are suitable for most instrument players, so long as you can play them at least a little. We have plenty of spaces and encourage anyone who’d like to play in a group to come along to join in our musical adventures.
All classes and bands run on Mondays during term time and are based at Birnam Arts. As always, huge thanks, for making our group possible, go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Crescendo, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and our local residents who have generously donated money and instruments.
If you have any small guitars, fiddles or piano-accordions hanging around your house, we happily take them and put them to good use.
For more info: dbtradgroup@gmail.com 07958 324766
Birnam Arts: Concerts & Events • Café • shop • Gallery • Beatrix potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS - 01350 727674. Tickets and full details online at www.birnamarts.com
Hayley Carruthers
KCR Practitioner T: 07775668302 E: b2b@matchett co uk
Until Sunday, 8 June - Gallery. Exhibition: The Land Remembers What The Waters Tell Us. Eve Mcgovern Miller. Eve’s exhibition will include a series of cyanotype photography made from swimming within the River Tay and in Loch Faskally, through a collaboration with the Pitlochry-based outdoor swimming group The Dell Dippers. Saturday, 3 May - 2 pm - 3 pm: £10-£16* You Choose. Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary Shows). Through a series of games and challenges, each show will be unique with different characters, locations, costumes and much more every time! Saturday, 10 May - 8 pm: £20* Cara Dillon with Sam Lakeman. Cara Dillon has one of those rare talents you only come across a handful of times in your whole life. Her staggeringly beautiful voice has the ability to reach inside the soul of a song with not only profound sweetness, but also poignancy and depth. Together with Sam Lakeman, her husband and musical collaborator, you’re guaranteed a night of stunning music.
Saturday, 17 May - 11 am - 1 pm: £35* Cyanotype Workshop with Eve Mcgovern Miller. Workshop based on Eve’s current Birnam Arts exhibition of cyanotype photography, The Land Remembers What The Waters Tell Them.
Saturday, 17 May - 7.30 pm: £16* Life. A captivating new work by Maria MacDonell, directed by Ben Harrison. Life is set in a drawing class. There is a gentle invitation for the audience to draw or doodle during the show, or simply watch the story emerge. Drawing materials are provided. Four on-stage tickets are available, seated at easels. Friday, 23 May: 7 pm (45 mins): £4*/£12* Eala Shàilein / The Swan of Salen Film Screening and Live Score. A multimedia adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake ballet, created by The Willow Trio playing live on three clàrsachs, Ballet Folk, and Thistle Ridge Films, with choreography by Deborah Norris. Featuring a unique blend of Tchaikovsky and traditional melodies played live. Friday, 30 May: 8 pm: £8*/£10*/£12*/£16* Birnam Arts Unknown Legends Show. With Shaun Lowrey, Tathajam, Petrichor, Abigail Anna (DJ set). Come and join us for an evening of music and dance from some locally sourced musical talent! Volunteering At Birnam Arts - Interested in the cultural heartbeat of the area? If you’d like to volunteer at Birnam Arts, we’d love to meet you! Contact Elspeth on: Volunteer@birnamarts.com, or ask at Reception! See website for workshops and more: Birnamarts.com/ 01350 727674 *Denotes Booking Fee
The Scottish Crannog Centre
A unique piece of tapestry centred around the faith of people past and present living in Highland Perthshire, as well as the myths, legends, history and geography of the area, was recently unveiled at The Scottish Crannog Centre. The Heartland Panel, part of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands, will be displayed at Scotland’s Iron Age village, visitor centre and museum as part of a forthcoming textile exhibition. Following the success of The Great Tapestry of Scotland, designed by Andrew Crummy and unveiled in 2013, he was commissioned to create a new tapestry exploring the Spirit of the Highlands and Islands. This resulted in 57 unique panels, produced through a partnership between The Highland Council and High Life Highland, in collaboration with VisitScotland. In addition, 28 of the panels will be exhibited in the North Tower Gallery at the new Inverness Castle Experience when it opens later this year. The panel will be on display until Monday, 30 June. Upcoming Events and Themed Days Saturday, 3 - Monday, 5 May - Wild May Days. We’ll be celebrating the coming of summer with a Maypole, ribbon crowns, and a Teddy Bear’s Picnic (bring your best bear). Sunday, 18 May - International Museums Day. The theme this year is ‘hands on’, which is exactly what we do. Between our visitor activities and our regular experimental archaeology, there is plenty to experience. Saturday, 24 - Sunday, 25 May - TwillHow to Weave a Community. This is a special weekend with a focus on the importance of clothing in the past and today. With ‘In Conversation’ sessions with textile archaeology and conservation experts, and demonstrations of different styles of weaving. You could design your own Iron Age look! Volunteers Needed - We are looking for volunteers to help in gardening, events, Crannog build, general fun stuff, etc. If you are interested email volunteers@crannog.co.uk.
The Birks is more than a Cinema! We strive to create memorable experiences that bring the community together five days a week, Thursday through to Monday. Every week, we have regular classes and groups, which are free (donations welcome).
On Monday mornings, we host a relaxed Chair-Based Exercise session followed by Knit & Knatter and Yoga for Children with additional support needs in the early afternoon, and Chess Club in the evening. Join our Book Club! Meet every second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm, choose books and chat about great reads in a relaxed setting with fellow book lovers.
Our Environmental film of the month will be Ash Rise on Thursday, 8 May, 7 pm. Following the ash tree from woodland to workshop we explore this wonderful material through stories of those who work with it. Don’t miss this special screening followed by a Q&A with furniture maker and creative director of the film and Angus Ross, Aberfeldy based future maker who also features in the film.
On Tuesdays from 2 pm to 3.30 pm, Highland Perthshire Plus takes over our Café for Star Café, a warm and welcoming space to relax, connect, and enjoy time spent together. Drop in for board games, Lego, knitting, and more, all while savouring a cuppa and a homemade treat. This community initiative provides a friendly setting where everyone is welcome-supporting people with additional support needs and/or disabilities and their families to Play, Learn, Unite and Shine.
On Thursday afternoons people are invited to gather upstairs with their own craft and art projects for Craic N’ Craft - crafting and chatting! Our Lego Coding Club, for children
with additional support needs, meets after school and in the evening is our much-loved Acoustic Music Night where musicians of all levels come together to play a mix of traditional and favourite tunes. You are also welcome to sing along, tap your foot to the beat, or just sit back and enjoy the music! Board Games Night is held every Friday night with a variety of games to choose from. All welcome.
Get ready to put your knowledge to the test because Quiz Nights are now a regular event at The Birks Cinema! The first Friday of every month, Friday, 2 May at 7.30 pm, gather your friends, family, and even your furry friends for a fun-filled evening and a chance to win. And make sure to add a bowl of nachos to share!
Sunday, 4 May, 3.15 pm is our next Book and Film Blethers. This month we are screening Pride and Prejudice (2005). Sparks fly when spirited Elizabeth Bennet meets the single, rich, and proud Mr Darcy in this beloved adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Romance, wit and class tensions simmer in this popular period drama. Come dressed to impress and don your best bonnet, frock or ruffled shirt (water optional!) - prizes for the best outfits at both the 3.15 pm and 6.30 pm screenings.
Heartland Film Society - On Sunday, 18 May, at 6.30 pm we will be screening Freedom to Run , a powerful documentary from Glasgow filmmakers Cairsti Russell and Stephen Sheriff. Following two groups of runners-from Palestine and Scotland - as they train for marathons in Bethlehem and Edinburgh. The runners support each other as they run both the Palestine and Edinburgh Marathons and on this journey, the runners discover they are not so different, but they live very different lives.
Thrift Shop - It’s our turn at the Thrift Shop Aberfeldy from Sunday, 1 to Saturday, 7 June, and we’re excited to welcome all the locals and visitors. While finding unique gems, you can also support The Birks Cinema! Special Events
Thursday, 1 May - 7.30 pm. Meet The Buchanans with a Q&A with Barbara Orton and Paula, The Lady Buchanan. What happens
when a Scottish clan gets its first Chief in over 300 years? Historical fact and fantasy collide in Meet the Buchanans, an offbeat documentary observing the run-up to the inauguration of millionaire Scottish landowner Mike Buchanan. Hundreds of tartan-mad enthusiasts flock to deepest Perthshire to join the Chief, his wife Lady Paula and family for a ceremonial bonanza on their magnificent Highland Estate. Followed by a special Q&A with Glasgow-based producer Barbara Orton and Paula, The Lady Buchanan. Thursday, 8 May, 4.15 pm & Sunday, 11 May , 1.30 pm & Thursday, 15 May , 7.30 pm - Ocean with David Attenborough. Join us at The Birks for a landmark global cinema event on Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday, as he presents Ocean - his most urgent and powerful film to date, including 15 minutes of theatrically exclusive footage. Monday, 12 May - 7.30 pm. Scottish Outdoor and Adventure Film Tour. From snowy mountain summits to ancient Caledonian forests and surfing on Scotland’s north coast, the Aberfeldy Scottish Outdoor and Adventure Film Tour brings together powerful short films that celebrate courage, connection, and the wild beauty of our landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiring journeys, local voices, and breathtaking Scottish scenery-followed by a Q&A with special guests.
Wednesday, 14 May - 5 pm. Royal Opera House: Die Walküre. Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle. Conductor Antonio Pappano and director Saturday, 17 May - 6 pm. The Metropolitan Opera: Salome. Leading the company’s first new production of the work in 20 years, Claus Guth gives the biblical story a psychologically perceptive Victorian-era setting. Tuesday, 20 May - 7 pm & Sunday, 25 May , 2 pm - Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo Love and Death. The spectacular sculptures and paintings of Michelangelo seem so familiar to us, but what do we really know about this Renaissance giant? Sculptor, painter, architect, poet, genius - discover why Michelangelo is without a doubt one of the greatest artists of all time.
Thursday, 22 May - 7.15 pm. Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway - Wheeldon Works. Sensuous
contemporary ballet meets the energy of musical theatre in four distinctive short works.
Thursday, 29 May - 7.30 pm. Kevin Woods - Hugh Munro Documentary. From filmmaker Kevin Woods-whose Winter 282 sold out two screenings at The Birks-comes a new documentary exploring the life and legacy of Hugh Munro, the man behind Scotland’s iconic mountain list.
Saturday, 31 May - 6 pm. The Metropolitan Opera: Il Barbiere di Siviglia. Russian mezzosoprano Aigul Akhmetshina headlines a winning ensemble as the feisty heroine, Rosina, alongside American tenor Jack Swanson, in his Met debut, as her secret beloved, Count Almaviva.
Volunteering Opportunities - Bring your love of community, people and cinema to life by volunteering with us. There are loads of ways to get involved - you can do as little or as much, as often as you like! Whether you have two hours or two days free, we would welcome your energy, time and support. If you would like to know more, email volunteers@birkscinema.co.uk.
Announcement
The Birks Cinema is closing for improvements from Monday, 2 June. Thanks to the generous support from SSE Griffin and Calliachar Community Fund, we’re thrilled to announce upcoming improvements at The Birks Cinema to our mezzanine level-soon to be first floor!
This funding will allow us to expand and enhance our mezzanine space, making it more versatile for a variety of community activities and enabling us to bring a wider range of cultural and educational experiences to our patrons. The construction is set to begin on Monday, 2 June, and we aim to minimise disruptions to our regular activities as much as possible. During the construction, the following community events will be held at our neighbour, the Locus Centre, in the month of June: Chair-based Exercises, Knit & Knatter, Yoga for Children (ASN), Craic ‘N’ Craft, and Lego Coding Club (ASN). Plans for July are to be confirmed. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to better serve our community and bring world-class experiences to Aberfeldy and Highland Perthshire.
The Arts Society Tayside
After hearing Caroline Holmes lecture on the life and works of Painter and Plantsman Cedric Morris in March, we were treated to our April lecture on George Villiers, the Handsomest Man in 17th Century Europe by Lucy Hughes Hallett.
Two lectures remain in the main programme for our 2024/5 season: on Monday, 12 May, Isabelle Kent talks on Art, Faith and Empire, The Golden Age of Spain, and then on Monday, 9 June we finish with a bit of fun as Tyler Butterworth, son of Peter Butterworth the Carry On films actor, talks to us about A Bit of a Carry On.
Our spring and summer programme of activities this year features Aberdeen Art Gallery on Wednesday, 21 May (transport by coach provided). Three further visits to houses and gardens are in the process of being finalised and details will follow shortly. The 2025/6 programme is taking shape and promises to serve up another ten fascinating lectures at Birnam Arts, some serious and
some not so serious, beginning in September. A special interest day and additional winter lectures in Perth are also in preparation. The Arts Society Tayside is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run, society dedicated to providing its members with enjoyable and approachable experiences in the arts and supporting local good causes related to art. Each year we offer our 300 members ten absorbing and accessible daytime lectures at Birnam Arts on a wide variety of topics, as well as a range of house, garden and gallery visits and interesting add-on activities.
Please visit our website to see the full programme: theartssocietytayside.org.uk. Reduced price membership for the remainder of our 2024/5 season, including access to the summer visits, is £40. A full year’s membership for the 2025/6 season will be unchanged at £65.
We are not culture snobs! Come and join us. Please contact us for a complimentary lecture or to become a member: tastmembership@ gmail.com or 01350 724232.
Vale of Atholl Pipe Band - April was spent mainly practising for the competitions for most of us, but a few members were out in America for the Tartan Day Parade with the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipe Band and with the Atholl Highlanders who were doing a ten day tour starting off with the Tartan day Parade. May is the start of the busy season. The Grade 4 band will play at their first competition of the year at Dollar Academy on Saturday, 24 May
We’ll be at the Atholl Gathering on Sunday, 25 May with our Tombola Stall, so please come and say hello!!
Our Highland Nights start on Monday, 26 May with the band marching down from Fisher’s Hotel at 7.15 pm for a 7.30 pm start. We’re so looking forward to entertaining all these hundreds of tourists (and locals) again. Please let all your guests know about them. Thanks!!!! Gillie McNab 07733 152223 gmcnab00@aol.com
Useful Numbers Pitlochry & District
Pitlochry Community Hospital 01796 472052
infinity Blu Dental Practice 01796 470001
Pitlochry Tourist Information 01796 472215
Heartland Vet Services 01796 472201
Live Active Atholl 01796 473866
Pitlochry Theatre 01796 484626
Heartland Hearing 01796 473334
Duncan and Todd Opticians and Hearing Care Perth 01738 441394
Useful Numbers Dunkeld & Birnam
infinity Blu Dental Practice 01350 729198
Mr Peter Greig PS, BDS 01350 728826
Birnam Arts 01350 727674
The Dunkeld Vet 01350 729270
Useful Numbers Aberfeldy area
Anderson Dentistry 01887 820441
Aberfeldy Optician 01887 829756
Locus Centre 01887 829187
Heartland Vet Services 01887 820771
Highland PerthshireSchools
Breadlabane Academy Reception 01887 822300
www.breadalbane.pkc.sch.uk/BA/ Breadalbane Community Campus 01887 822400
www.breadalbane.pkc.sch.uk/BCC/
Pitlochry School 01796 474666
Pitlochry School absence line 01796 474699
Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 www.royaldunkeld.pkc.sch.uk
Grandtully Primary 01887 822499
Logierait Primary 01796 474646
Blair Atholl Primary 01887 822491
Glenlyon Primary 01887 822477
Kenmore Primary 01887 822430
Other Useful Numbers
NHS 24 111
Police Scotland 101
Flying Smiles Mobile
Dental Hygienist 07812 055724
Perth Citizen’s Advice 0808 196 9440
Pitlochry Recycling Centre
Bridge Road
Thursday to Monday 9am - 4pm
Last entry 3.45pm
Highland Perthshire Politicians
MSP - Perthshire North
John
Swinney MSP 01250 876576
MP - Angus and Perthshire Glens
Dave Doogan MP 01307 804 185
Local Councillors - Highland Ward
Xander McDade 01738 475000
Mike Williamson 07810 814495
John Duff 07826 908542
Local Councillors - Strathtay Ward
Grant Laing 01738 475023
Claire McLaren 01738 475000
Ian James 01738 475022
Choosing a Care Service?
The Care Inspectorate look at the quality of care in Scotland to ensure it meets high standards. Where they find that improvement is needed, they support services to make positive changes.
*Their vision is that everyone experiences safe, high-quality care that meets their needs, rights and choices.
*They inspect individual care services and Higher-risk services are inspected more often.
*They give care services grades when they inspect them, and look at key areas like care and support, physical environment, quality of staffing, and quality of management and leadership. Each area of each care service is assessed on a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 in unsatisfactory and 6 is excellent. After every inspection, they publish an inspection report showing their findings, which is helpful if you are using service or thinking of doing so. Find a care service - You can find the details of every registered care service in Scotland on their website at www.careinspectorate.com/index.php/member-of-thepublic/4560-readourinspectionreports Taken from www.careinspectorate.com
Aberfeldy Recycling Centre Dunkeld Road
Tuesday & Thursday
9 am -
Aberfeldy Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages by appointment only 01887 822459
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
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.
See Current Library opening times at www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/
Perth and Kinross Council
Council Main Reception 01738 475000 Perth & Kinross Childcare Information Service 0845 601 4477
Amulree Hall - The hall is available for meetings, etc, with good rates for local residents. For further info call 07749 914906 or email info@amulreehall.org.uk.
The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair
is published by Scot Active, Aberfeldy, PH15 2ZX tel/text: 07436 793785
web: www.thequair.scot
email: advertising@thequair.com
Advertising Information
Please note that all advertisements carried by The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair are done so with the understanding that any claims, statements or information given are the sole responsibility of the advertiser in question.
We cannot be held liable for any commercial or consumer disputes, problems or difficulties arising from their workmanship or services.
Editorial and Event Information
All of our listed events and adverts are published in good faith. However, for a variety of reasons, things can sometimes change and inadvertent mistakes can be made. Please therefore always check times and venues of events listed, in both editorial and adverts in The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair independently before going. We cannot be held liable for any mistakes, typographical or otherwise, by ourselves or changes made by Event Organisers. This edition of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair was sent for print on Sat,12 April 2025.
This month’s front cover image comes courtesy of Motiv Sports, the organisers of Etape Caledonia. See full details of this year’s Event in the middle pages.
Davidsons Chemist, Bank St, Aberfeldy 01887 820324
The Arts Society, Tayside - Everyone is welcome to join the 300 members in Tayside, who meet monthly from September through to June, on the second Monday of the month, either in the morning (11 am - 12 noon) or the afternoon (2 pm - 3 pm). The Arts Society Tayside (TAST) www.theartssocietytayside.org.uk is an affiliate society of The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS). Application forms are available from Jane Gordon, our Chairman and Membership Secretary - tastmembership@gmail.com.
Perth Citizens Advice Bureau
You can reach Perth CAB for Advice on: FREEPhone : 0808 196 9440 10am - 3pm Mon to Fri (Free from both landlines and mobiles)
Email: advice@perthcab.org.uk
Webchat: www.perthcab.org.uk (10am - 1pm Mon to Fri)
NHS 24 - NHS 24 is a confidential out of hours telephone health advice and information service available across Scotland. If you or someone you care for is unwell and you feel that it can’t wait until your GP surgery re-opens then you can call NHS 24 on 111. Where clinically appropriate a GP home visit or an ambulance may be arranged for you. In a life threatening situation you should dial 999.
Pitlochry Baptist Church WA (welcome all) Soup Lunch Soup served from 12 noon every Friday from 4 October to end of April 2025.
Front Cover Picture
Aberfeldy Drama Club - At the recent SCDA Northern Division Festival, of One Act plays, Aberfeldy Drama Club was awarded the Jess Milne Quaich as runners up for their production of Tending by El Blackwood. The team now represent Northern Division, along with the Bon Accord Players from Aberdeen, in the Scottish Final in Kirkcaldy at the beginning of May.
The cast are Ally Marshal, Gill Andrew and Nicola Stewardson. Directed by Anna Price and David Roy. The play is a verbatim production which was developed from over 70 interviews with NHS nurses. It tells of their reasons for choosing the nursing profession, the highs and lows of their work and in particular the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. Locals will have the opportunity to see this play and our other two festival entries in Aberfeldy Town Hall on the dates listed below We hope you will come along to support us.
An Evening of Award-Winning One-Act Plays
Aberfeldy Drama Club is proud to present An Evening of Award-Winning One-Act Plays, showcasing a collection of remarkable theatrical performances. This special event will take place at Aberfeldy Town Hall on Thursday, 22 May, and Friday, 23 May, at 7 pm.
The lineup features three compelling plays:
*The Crossing - Written and directed by David Roy, this thought-provoking piece is performed by the club’s talented Youth Group.
*Tending - A gripping play by El Blackwood, directed by Anna Price. *Undercurrents - A captivating production written and directed by Ann Ruddy.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £8 for children. They can be purchased from The Watermill or at the door on the night of the performance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an evening of exceptional drama brought to life by local talent!
Blair Atholl Golf Club - We had our Opening Weekend on March 22/23 and this was a great success with many of our members taking part. The weather over the weekend was very kind to us and our wee gem of a course was looking lovely. The ladies enjoyed their day playing a Texas
Scramble before having a good catch up and a lovely lunch after their game. The gents started their day with a wee dram to toast the new season before Jim Greig, one of our senior members, fired a cracker down the middle as the first drive of the new season. We wish all our members a wonderful golfing season and hope many handicaps are broken. If you are interested in becoming a member please visit our website to check out the options available. Visitors are always welcome to come and play, so if you have a spare couple of hours we would love to see you, and you will always receive a warm welcome. Golf clubs and push trolleys are available to hire if you have not been able to bring your own with you. In the clubhouse catering by The Tulach is available to all and dogs are welcome. Refreshments and food are available most days, from tea/coffee with cake to evening meals. Local beers and a good choice of drinks also available.
Further information about the golf or the catering is available by calling 01796 481552.
Meet the Buchanans Aberfeldy Screening
For over 300 years, Clan Buchanan has been without a chief. That is, until now…
Following last year’s world premiere in Hollywood and its UK premiere at the Central Scotland Documentary Festival, Meet the Buchanans is coming to Aberfeldy’s Birks Cinema as part of its 2025 Scottish Q&A tour.
This offbeat documentary observes the run up to the inauguration of Scottish landowner Mike Buchanan as the newly confirmed Clan Buchanan Chief - the first in over 300 years. Historical fact and historical fantasy collide as we join the Chief, his wife Lady Paula, their teenage children, and tartan-mad enthusiasts from around the globe who descend on deepest Perthshire for the ceremony. Among them are two American sisters who wear the Buchanan tartan loud and proud, and Mexican Pedro Buchanan, the man with a passion for distilling. All of them drawn by kinship, connection, and the excitement of celebrating the Clan’s first chief in living memory. A three-day bonanza of ceremony and regalia is planned on their magnificent Highland estate. His wife Lady Paula, the driving force behind his claim to the title, is now the chief architect of his ‘coronation’. After 300 years, with historical records in short supply, ceremonials and rituals are seemingly being freely invented. It’s very much Scotland’s story? A hidden world of British wealth and privilege unfolds as the family uncover and invent fresh entitlements of the new role: revealing not only whether they can pull off this massive event, but also how history is made (up). Meet the Buchanans takes a sideways look at identity, historical values and traditions, belonging, and the place of Clans in the modern world.
Screening at The Birks on Thursday, 1 May at 7.30 pm, it will be followed by a Q&A with Lady Paula and the film’s producer and co-director Barbara Orton. Tickets can be booked via The Birks website.
THE GREAT GATSBY
Written
F. Scott Fitzgerald
A Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Derby Theatre Production
by
Adapted by Elizabeth Newman
Director Sarah Brigham
West Stormont Woodland Group
What has WSWG been doing this Month?
*Breaking news: WSWG has discovered that there is about to be a planning application for an intensive breeding poultry unit at Newbigging Farm, situated a very short distance from the southern edge of Taymount Wood. The developer Aviagen www.aviagen.com is currently undertaking engagement with the local community as part of the pre-planning phase. Planning documents associated with this stage can be viewed on the PKC website at 25/00003/ PAN|Erection of poultry facility, managers accommodation, staff welfare facility, office, storage buildings, security fencing, formation of vehicular access, SUDS, landscaping and associated works | Land At Newbigging Farm Kinclaven. Although the full planning application is yet to be submitted and therefore information is incomplete, the WSWG board of trustees is at this stage minded to object to the development, a position which it has intimated to Stanley and District Community Council by email. Thoughts from WSWG members/ supporters welcome any time. *As regards our more regular activities, on March 14, WSWG participated in the Perthshire Nature Connections Partnership Gathering at Birnam Arts, giving a short PowerPoint presentation on the WSWG Project and Vision. *On March 23, WSWG members participated in the C406 annual Community Litterpick, clearing rubbish from the ditches, verges and car park at the main entrance to Taymount Wood. Rewarding to see it spick and span after! *On March 27, we submitted our new Expression of Interest to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for a revised Proposal for Taymount Wood. We should hear during April whether this has been accepted. If so, we will shortly be submitting a Phase 1 funding application for a two-year development period which would see WSWG employing staff for the first time to deliver more events and activities, work up community-led plans for a Forest Hub building and secure match funding. *On April 1, we attended the PKC Nature Networks
Community Engagement event in Birnam to propose both the Stanley Biodiversity Village area and the wider West Stormont Connect area around Taymount Wood bounded by the River Tay loop for consideration as part of the Nature Networks in Perth and Kinross. *On April 4, we attended a Climate Adaptation Awareness event organised by Climate Connect P&K and Growbiz at the Civic Hall in Perth. *Then on April 5, we were delighted to celebrate the wonderful new Climate Connect P&K at their Community Gathering and Launch, also at the Civic Hall in Perth. WSWG was one of the projects in a video which has been produced to highlight the various networks at work for action on the climate in the region: Energy, Food, Transport, Zero Waste, Nature and the Climate Café Network. www.climateconnect.scot
Word of the Month
Nature Networks: Nature Networks are a new and developing policy within Scotland which will inform Local Development Plans. A Nature Network connects nature-rich sites, restoration areas, and other environmental projects through a series of areas of suitable habitat, habitat corridors and stepping-stones.
As well as supporting regional and national approaches to protect and restore nature, they provide local benefits to wildlife and people. Connectivity is an essential part of nature.
It is necessary for functioning and healthy ecosystems, key for the survival of animal and plant species, and is crucial to ensuring genetic diversity and adaptation to pressures such as climate change.
See www.nature.scot/home/nature-networks-toolbox/what-are-nature-networks/ nature-networks-explained What’s coming up next?
*Saturday, 3 May, 11 am to 2 pm, Stanley Community Event and Energy Advice Roadshow, Tayside Hotel.
*Early notification for you: WSWG AGM event - Saturday, 7 June, 3 pm - 5 pm at Stanley Village Hall. All welcome. Follow us!
West Stormont Woodland Group Email us: contact@weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries
Breadalbane Community Library
Code Club - Every Thursday 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. This is a weekly term-time coding club for children aged 8-12.
Bookbug session - Every Friday 11.15 am to 11.45 am. This is an under 5s activity session with songs, rhymes and stories.
Breadalbane Heritage Society Family History Group - If you are looking for help to research your family history and create your family tree, then the family history group may be able to help. Please get in touch with Helen Stewart at helenstewart. bhs@gmail.com or contact the library. Support sessions are held in the library and are by prior arrangement only.
Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information please get in touch with the library.
Recycling - All libraries accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.
Digital Services and Resources Maker_Space - Free access to a fantastic selection of creative technology, including a 3D printer and the Adobe Creative Cloud. Digital services - The library has free public access to computers, Wi-fi, printing, wireless printing with Princh, photocopying, and scanning facilities.
E-resources - Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have online library services available 24/7 via the library website (www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries) or by downloading the library app: browse the library catalogue, online joining, requesting and renewing items. A selection of e-resources is also available from the library website (www. culturepk.org.uk/libraries): e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, e-news, and e-reference resources, including SCRAN, Theory Test PRO and Ancestry.
Breadalbane Community Library Opening Hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10 am - 7 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm Sunday: Closed Breadalbane Community Library, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2FJ 01887 822405/ breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk
Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)
Our training and refresher day on April 7 was a huge success, with sunshine and blue skies ensuring everyone enjoyed themselves, including the ponies. We welcomed five new volunteers to our group who sailed through the various activities undertaken with flying colours. Being an affiliated group of RDA UK ensures we are well supported with training materials, online and face-to-face courses, plus advice from our regional coach, who visits us at the stables once or twice a year. Keeping our skills and knowledge up to date is vital to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the riders, ponies and volunteers. We all get rusty over the winter break and so even our experienced volunteers need to refresh their skills and remember the routines for when our riders return after the holidays. It was a great pleasure for all of us to get re-acquainted with the much loved ponies who are kindly loaned to us, along with the use of the stable yard and arena. We soon had them tacked up and working, introducing our new members to the procedures for leading ponies during riding sessions, learning the roles of the side-walkers and the methods for safely assisting riders to get on their ponies using mounting blocks. Riding is potentially a risky sport but many accidents can be avoided by safe working methods and understanding the unpredictability of ponies and thinking ahead. Happily, all the ponies behaved perfectly during the training session and seemed very pleased to receive so much attention. They were walked and trotted around the arena, as if in a riding lesson, and volunteers practised their leading skills and learnt the drill for emergency procedures and the reporting and recording of accidents.
Our best news is the exciting new addition to our team of amazing ponies. Sakela is a very beautiful Haflinger mare who stands at around 15.1hh (1.5 metres) and has a very kind, unflappable temperament and is very well trained and willing to work. She settled down immediately to the new surroundings at the yard and enjoyed working with the other ponies. We are very lucky that her generous owners have lent her to us for RDA
sessions and have committed to transporting her to the yard every Monday. We are so grateful to her family as this has meant 3 extra children will get the chance to ride. Whilst our riders and the ponies are our focus for all health & safety matters, RDA never forgets the safety and wellbeing of volunteers. We have purchased a huge wheelbarrow for carting around all the heavy and cumbersome equipment we use in the arena and this will hopefully save a lot of time in the mornings and some sore backs.
The training session closed with a reminder of our safeguarding procedures and duties of care and the RDA Code of Conduct for all volunteers and participants. Further training will be ongoing throughout the year and several volunteers have just successfully completed their one day First Aid training.
New volunteers are always welcome: you can email breadalbanerda@gmail.com or contact Helen on 07896 030359 or Vicky on 07786 262329.
Pitlochry Station Bookshop - Sitting typing up these notes, I have to keep reminding myself that they are for the May issue rather than for August’s, amid weather that is perfect for finding a quiet spot, maybe with a glass to hand, and enjoying a good read. All the more reason for you to call in at Pitlochry Station Bookshop and pick up a bargain - or a bagful of bargains. Numbers taking advantage of the shop are definitely starting to increase again with more visitors to Pitlochry or people breaking their onward journey in the town added to our regular local residents.
For any visitors to the area, or, indeed, to those who live locally and whose thoughts are turning to holidays, day trips elsewhere within Scotland or days walking in the countryside, we have a wide selection of Ordinance Survey and similar maps, all very definitely in serviceable (even ‘as new’) condition, each priced at just £3. For the same price, our always well-stocked travel section offers accounts by the likes of Michael Palin as well as guidebooks to a range of countries, regions and cities beyond these shores. If you are feeling adventurous in a different
way, for just £2.50 you can buy one of our ‘Blind Date Books’, each simply but enticingly wrapped and tied with a label that tells you the enclosed book’s year of publication, genre and with a ‘taster’ quotation from what is within: something different whether as a surprise for yourself or as a gift with a difference. The shop is now open daily, Monday to Saturday inclusive, from 9 am until 4.30 pm, ideal for anyone waiting to board the southbound morning LNER service or alighting from the 4.17 train.
Stitch-Colour-Cloth Textile Art Exhibition
Perth Theatre, 13-17 May 2025
Perthshire based textile art group StitchColour-Cloth is delighted to be taking part in the milestone year for Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, with Perth Theatre turning 125 and Perth Concert Hall turning 20 in 2025. Their ‘125 Theatrical Threads’ exhibition at Perth Theatre, Mill Street, Perth from Tuesday, 13 May to Saturday, 17 May 10 - 4pm, will showcase members’ work, exploring textiles as a contemporary art form and their relationship with the performing arts. Louise Robertson, Head of Wardrobe at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall, is excited about the exhibition, “Textiles play an important role in all of our theatrical productions, helping us to visually engage our audience through costume and imaginative backgrounds and to set the scene for our actor’s performance, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Theatre has inspired local artists to create their textile art”.
There will also be an opportunity for visitors to the exhibition to get involved in a community project to mark the 125 anniversary of Perth Theatre and the café will be open from 10-4pm each day.
Stitch-Colour-Cloth meet monthly from September to May at the Oakbank Community Centre in Perth. The group is open to adult members of all levels of experience. Find out more about the group via: Website: www.stitchcolourcloth.co.uk.
You can find out about the Perth Theatre and Concert Hall milestone year at www. perththeatreandconcerthall.com and buy tickets for the 125 Live! Street party on 6 and 7 September 2025.
Perthshire Pet Cremation
PERTHSHIRE’S HIDDEN GEM, THYME DELI IS LOVED BY LOCALS & DELIGHTS VISITORS.
Thyme Deli is a speciality grocer offering a wide range of Scottish and local farm produce, as well as international favourites. We also provide unique foodie gifts, hampers, a huge selection of cheese and charcuterie, and ideas for simple suppers - we’ve got you covered!
FARM TOURS at
COME AND MEET OUR RARE-BREED SHEEP, SHETLAND CATTLE, HIGHLAND PONIES, AN ASSORTMENT OF CHICKENS, GEESE & DUCKS!
Farm Tours & Feed Round takes place at 10 am on Fridays and Saturdays and lasts about an hour. Book your tickets by 4 pm the day before your required tour.
There is a maximum of eight spaces available per farm tour. To avoid disappointment, book your space ONLINE
We are situated just outside Aberfeldy on the Crieff Road, in an elevated position that provides amazing views over the Tay Valley.
From North or South: From the A9 take the Ballinluig junction. Follow the A827 to Aberfeldy. Drive into Aberfeldy, continue through the Town Square and on to a junction with traffic lights, turn left on to the Crieff Road A826. Keep going 2.5 miles, we are on the right.
Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2EL
Dining
Weddings
Afternoon Tea
Blair Castle & Gardens
Where every generation finds something to enjoy.
Embark on a self-guided tour of Blair Castle & Gardens, exploring 30 preserved rooms before taking a stroll through the 9-acre walled garden. Families will love the adventure playground and the Red Deer Park, perfect for all ages. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at The Tullibardine Restaurant.
New for 2025
Step into our interactive ‘Life Below Stairs’ exhibition and discover the hidden world of those who kept the castle running in the 19th century.
What’s on
Spring Foraging 10th - 11th May
Learn the art of foraging at Blair Castle.
Atholl Highlanders Parade 24th May
Watch Europe’s last private regiment parade on Blair Castle’s forecourt in this unique historic event.
Atholl Gathering 25th May
Please check the website for opening times and prices.
Traditional Highland Games with strongmen, dancing, piping, stalls, and fun for the whole family.
