The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair

ADVENTURES AWAIT

AT HIGHLAND SAFARIS & LOCH TAY SAFARIS

Exhilarating off-road Land Rover safaris and boat tours on Loch Tay. With a Red Deer Centre and activities including archery, axe throwing, as well as mini Land Rovers for kids, it’s the ultimate adventure destination in the heart of Perthshire. BOOK

Malcolm Appleby Designer, Engraver, Silversmith, Goldsmith

How to Contract with Tradesmen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DO make sure you have any instructions and warranties for goods

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

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

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

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

May generally brings temperate weather, beckoning outdoor enthusiasts, but caution is paramount in mountainous regions - even when the weather seems sunny and mild. The devoted volunteers of the Tayside Mountain Rescue Team, representing diverse professions, are poised to respond to mountaineering emergencies. Let’s prioritise their safety, ensuring we do not compromise their wellbeing as they selflessly assist others.

Stay updated on local happenings through The Quair Magazine’s online portal at www.thequair.scot.

We are delighted to be supporting the new Perth Museum and celebrated the inauguration of what is now a cultural jewel in the heart of The Fair City, housing the iconic Stone of Destiny.

The stone, symbolising Scotland’s sovereignty, holds a celebrated past. It served as the coronation seat for every Scottish monarch until its seizure by Edward I in 1296. Now returned to its revered Scottish homeland, it is poised to captivate and draw over a million visitors annually. Perhaps visit on the last Monday in May, if you’re lucky enough to benefit from the bank holiday.

As May unfolds, immerse yourself in Scottish folklore by washing your face with morning dew. This timeless ritual pledges beauty, strength, and prosperity for the forthcoming year. Revel in the magic and enchantment that May graciously brings to our vibrant community!

Alistair and Linda

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair is an open-access monthly magazine and is delivered at the beginning of each month, to every one of the 7,300 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 outdoor dispensers in Pitlochry, Killin, Aberfeldy, Kenmore and Dunkeld. 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 deliver around 13,400 copies directly to homes and businesses throughout Highland Perthshire and Strathearn each month.

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 2024 edition is noon on Wednesday, 15 May. The magazines are due to be distributed the week commencing Monday, 3 June.

Monzie Castle Opening Times - Monzie Castle, Open Saturday, 11 May - Sunday, 9 June inclusive. This year we are offering tours at 2 pm and 3.30 pm. Please book at Isla.crichton@monziecastle.com. Tickets £10.

PAINTER FOR HIRE

Fully insured with 20 yrs+ experience

Interior & exterior

Covering Perthshire and beyond

Wellness Walks in Perthshire! We run walks and skills courses that are totally free for anyone with self-reported low mental health. They’re an opportunity to get out into nature, meet other folk in a small group, chat or enjoy quiet company. Our skills courses give chance to learn something new in a relaxed practical way. To make sure you have a great time, all our walks and courses are led by someone who is trained and assessed in walk leadership, outdoor first-aid, mental health first aid and safeguarding.

Walk and Talk - Every Tuesday at 10 am Aberfeldy. Join us for a relaxed pace walk around the Aberfeldy area. We choose a route that suits the group on the day and with the banks of the Tay, mixed woodlands and the odd small hill to gain a view we’re spoiled for choice. Find out or book here: www. wellnesswalks.org.uk/region/scotland or email beth@wellnesswalks.org.uk

Also offering a new MASTIC & SEALANTS service - Interior & Exterior - professionally carried out...

Call SANDY WILLIAMSON

07910 456004

Vale of Atholl Pipe Band - Things are really starting to get busy!!! The Grade 3 band have their first competition at Gourock on Sunday, 12 May followed by the UK Championships in Bangor, Northern Ireland on Saturday, 18 May. These will be the first competitions under their new Pipe Major Kyle Howie and they are all full of enthusiasm!! The Grade 4 band also have a new Pipe Major. We’d like to thank Pipe Major Roddy Weir for all his time and hard work he put in to both the learners and the band, but after a lot of deliberation, he felt it was too much with his young family. The new Pipe Major, who has been thrown in at the deep end with the competing season upon us, is Ciar Milne from Perth. At 22 years old, he certainly has got youth on his side and is looking forward to taking on the Grade 4 band and all the learners!!

We’ll have a tombola stall at the Atholl Gathering on Sunday, 26 May, so if you’re there, please pay us a visit!!

Last but not least....... our Highland Nights start on Monday, 27 May. Hopefully it’ll be a lovely night and we’ll be in the Recreation Ground, but if wet, we’ll be in the Town Hall. Gates open at 7 pm and the show starts at 7.30 pm and they’re every Monday night until Monday, 2 September. Please send all your guests and customers down. This is our main fundraiser for the band, so many thanks!!! Gillie McNab 07733 152223 gmcnab00@aol.com

Pitlochry Flower Club - Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 15 May at the Tryst Hall, Pitlochry at 2 pm - 4 pm. Carol MacGill will give a demonstration entitled ‘Being Creative on a Budget’. Carol is a club member, and her stunning arrangements will be raffled at the end of the meeting. We will have our usual sales table, with all items reduced, so a great time to buy. Visitors will be most welcome for a small charge of £8. Come along and have a fun afternoon with friends and flowers, watching Carol create beautiful floral arrangements. For more information, please contact Lynda Gardiner (01796 472157).

Pitlochry Litter Action Group (part of Pitlochry in Bloom) - The tourist season has started up again and there are plenty of visitors about. 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. The next litterpick is on Tuesday, 14 May.

Dates for litterpicks in 2024 - 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, 8 October, 12 November, 10 December.

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

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

CASTLE FOR OPENING NOW

HIRING

Full time, Part time & Seasonal roles now available...

K i t c h e n & C h e f s

H o s p i t a l i t y F r o n t o f H o u s e

L a n d s c a p e & G a r d e n i n g

O u t d o o r P u r s u i t s

G o l f O p e r a t i o n s

G r e e n k e e p i n g

H o u s e k e e p i n g S e r v i c e s & L a u n d r y

S p a & W e l l n e s s

S a f e t y & S e c u r i t y

Discover our career website to view current vacancies, apply or set-up new vacancy alerts: careers.taymou thcastleclu b.co m

Inner Wheel Club of Pitlochry - Inner Wheel is an international women’s organisation. Our objectives are to promote true friendship; to encourage the ideals of personal service; and to foster international understanding. We do this through regular meetings, social events and by raising funds to support local and international charities.

Thank you to everyone who attended Rich Little’s fascinating talk last month about the new developments at the Scottish Crannog Centre.

The club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month and our May meeting will be at lunchtime. Our speaker will be Margaret Sasada, and her title is ‘AGOG with Memories’.

If you are interested in attending or would like further information for this or future events then please email innerwheelpitlochry@ gmail.com.

Pitlochry & District u3a - The next event for Pitlochry & District u3a will be an outing to the new Perth Museum on Wednesday, 15 May.

From September, we resume whole group meetings in the Atholl Centre at 2pm on the third Wednesdays. 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. In between whole-group meetings, members take part in specialist interest groups.

For further information please visit our website Pitlochry & District U3A: Welcome (u3asites.org.uk) (https://u3asites.org.uk/ pitlochry/welcome) or contact Sandra Cairncross (Secretary) on smcairnx@hotmail.com with any queries.

Pitlochry Twinning - French Chat Group - Bonjour tout le monde! Now this may be as far as your French goes - but no matter! Whether you’re dredging your memory banks for what you learned in school or are practically fluent - or indeed anything in between - the Pitlochry-Confolens Jumelage/Twinning group invite you to join them at their newly formed French Chat Group. With an anticipated return visit to Confolens in September this year, the aim is to get together every 4-6 weeks and chat in a casual, non-threatening environment for an hour or so. The next meeting is planned for Thursday, 30 May at 11 am in the River Room at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. When the weather improves, we may combine this with another activity such as Pétanque. So why don’t you come along, enjoy a cup of coffee (other beverages are available!), dust off your French, maybe learn something about our twin town in France and meet some new people? For more information, send a message to asd199@hotmail.com and someone will get back to you. À bientôt!

John Swinney MSP

Perthshire North - SNP

As we enter summer, and the better weather that it brings, more and more of my constituents will be considering what to do during their days off from work or study.

I have always thought that Perthshire has a rich variety of options for those wishing to enjoy a day out, such as scenic walks, distillery tours and museums. Recently, however, this proposition has been strengthened even further by two new and exciting attractions. The first is the new Perth Museum, which opened just two weeks ago. Situated within the Perth City Hall, this £27m development is absolutely stunning. With a wide variety of collections housed within the beautiful architecture of the city hall, there is also room for a café and learning and event spaces.

The centrepiece, of course, is the Stone of Destiny. As someone who campaigned passionately to have the Stone return to Perthshire, it was such a proud moment to see it on display within the museum. The stone is free to view and is part of an absolutely magnificent display.

The second such attraction is the new site for the Scottish Crannog Centre. Many constituents will remember the truly upsetting news that a fire destroyed this much-loved site back in 2021. To say this was a hammer blow for all those involved in the Crannog Centre would be an understatement but, with considerable ingenuity and determination, all involved focused their minds on re-opening the Crannog Centre and making it even more special than before. This has been achieved with the opening of their new site in Dalerb, on the other side of Loch Tay from the original centre. Not only does this new museum contain everything that made the previous Crannog Centre a must-visit attraction, but it has been further enhanced by opening up on a larger site at a new, futureproofed facility. As a long-term supporter of the Crannog Centre, I was delighted that this project was supported with over £2m of Scottish Government funding, which played a key role in ensuring that this move was ultimately successful.

Having been involved in the opening of both Perth Museum and the Scottish Crannog Centre, I was truly blown away by the quality of these attractions. I am confident that anyone who visits these two new museums will be impressed by the care and innovation that has been displayed in telling hugely important stories from our shared past. I would therefore encourage all readers to consider visiting these sites, or one of Perthshire’s countless other worthwhile landmarks and attractions, over the coming months.

I genuinely believe that we are fortunate enough to live in a truly special part of the world - a view that is reinforced whenever I venture out to take in the diverse sights and sounds of Perthshire.

If you would like to book an appointment to speak with me, please contact my office via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot or by calling 01250 876576.

For years before I ever heard of a care group, I used to wonder what I would do towards the end of my life.

Thankfully it has all worked out perfectly. We are fed, entertained, looked after in every possible way, even tucked up at night.

Every wish is granted. On top of that we receive immense kindness and genuine love. I am content.

FoodShare 4 items for £1

Rear Car Park Aberfeldy Parish Church

Social Supermarket Offizone, Kenmore St, Aberfeldy Saturday 11.00am - 12.30pm

Breadalbane Community Larder

Social Supermarket - 4 items for £1, available Saturday mornings 11 am - 12.30 pm at the Offizone Kenmore Street, Aberfeldy. Emergency deliveries - Emergency deliveries of food parcels please call 0345 30 111 00 Monday to Friday 9 am - 4pm.

Food share - Available 24/7 from the shelter in the rear carpark of Aberfeldy Parish Church

We are optimistic that spring is heading this way. The resilience of the spring bulbs making their way to show their heads after a very wet and stormy winter never fails to surprise me. I do hope that prospect of Spring and new beginnings can lift the hearts and spirits of those struggling in our communities financially.

There is however support available via the Community Larder and other charitable organisations locally eg CAP Highland Perthshire. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please don’t hesitate to access an emergency food delivery via 0345 30 111 00. If however the need is less acute but, nevertheless, someone is struggling to manage, the social Supermarket can provide a lifeline. Many of our customers know the difference it makes to their budget when you can buy essential goods at 4 for £1. Please think whether you or someone you know might benefit from the social supermarket. Anyone who comes along will receive a warm welcome, understanding and practical help. The FoodShare initiative is a partnership with the Co-op and other local businesses who also contribute perfectly good but only just out-of-date food which is available for the whole community 24/7 in the rear car park of Aberfeldy Parish Church. We are currently waiting to hear whether the new Asda Express Store with be able to donate their ‘food waste’.

If you know of anyone in need of a helping hand at this time please let them know about the Breadalbane Community Larder, which 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 district, your help is very much appreciated by all.

• Tree surgery - Pruning, Removal/ Felling & Emergency call outs

• Log splitter hire

• Wood chipping

• Stump grinding

• Hedge trimming

• Tree inspections & surveys for home and garden

Qualified Insured Professional

Tel: 07516 221 710

www.evolutiontreecare.co.uk

Croftin Mhor

Curtains, Blinds, Soft Furnishing

Design & Clothing Alterations

Lynn Elder

Designer/Seamstress

Pitlochry

Tel: 07789 226591

www.croftinmhor.co.uk

lynn.elder@yahoo.co.uk

Facebook@croftinmhor

hand made in Aberfeldy using local oak and ash

WWW.ANGUSROSS.CO.UK

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOLIDAY HOMES

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOLIDAY HOMES

Self‐Catering Luxury Holiday Homes Located in the Perthshire Highlands

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

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOLIDAY HOMES

HIGHLAND PERTHSHIRE HOLIDAY HOMES

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

www.highlandperthshire‐holidayhomes.com

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

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

Holiday Letting Management Services

Holiday Letting Management Services

 Full management service for owners

Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management

Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management

Holiday Letting Management Services

Holiday Letting Management Services

 Full management service for owners

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

 Full management service for owners

 Full management service for owners

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

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

 Aberfeldy based, established 11 years

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

Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management

Penfold Property & Lifestyle Management

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

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

 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

 Aberfeldy based, established 11 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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 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

 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,  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,  please call Angela Penfold on  07887 926347 or by email at angela@penfoldproperty.com

Pitlochry Community Action Trust

It’s been another busy month for Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) as we continue to work towards progressing the aspirations identified by our community as part of the town’s community action plan. We are very grateful to The Gannochy Trust which has awarded us £13,500 to support our core operations and in particular the roles of our development and project officers, Beth Taylor and Clare McMicking. We are also grateful to the Basil Death Trust for granting us £1,500.

Following discussions around PKC’s asset review in Pitlochry and the potential implications of that, the Trust has taken the decision to submit an expression of interest for a possible community asset transfer of the Town Hall on behalf of Pitlochry Town Hall Group.

This does not commit the Trust or the council to anything, but it will ensure that we - and other groups in the town - are kept up-to-date with any potential decisions that PKC may take regarding the possible future of the building. It also enables Pitlochry Town Hall Group, through the Trust, to access funding sources to look at the feasibility of the community running the Town Hall as a viable and sustainable venture.

We recently met with Provost McDade who provided a useful update on the asset review. It was reassuring to hear that PKC will ensure that Live Active Atholl remains open until leisure facilities can be created as part of a Pitlochry Community Campus and that Pitlochry Town Hall will be funded for another year to allow local communities more time to explore the possibilities of a community asset transfer request. The council has also agreed a further year’s funding for the Library which will allow Culture Perth and Kinross, the local community and the Council time to look at alternative delivery models.

Our chair, Charlie, was interviewed on Heartland FM, and we submitted a response to the Rural Transport Futures survey which looked at the transport-related challenges and solutions facing rural communities. Our six areas of focus are: Access to Services and Transport; Community and

Find out more about PCAT on our website at www.pitlochryaction.org.uk or follow ‘Pitlochry Community Action Trust - CAT’ on Facebook.

Pitlochry Station Bookshop - One of our Bookshop’s charities, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) has been marking its tenth birthday with a reception hosted by our MSP, John Swinney, at the Scottish Parliament. In recognition of our Bookshop’s financial support over that time, our chairman, Graham Holmes and Mrs Holmes were invited to the reception. Graham has provided us with a report of the event, below. ‘There were about seventy present, SCAA staff, volunteers and many who have supported the charity in different ways. We spoke with many of these including the new SCAA Chairman, several Trustees, and David Craig, the CEO. Without exception, all were keen to express their very grateful thanks for all the Bookshop has done for SCAA over the years.

We were addressed by John Swinney, Neil Gray the Health Secretary, Mike Beale the SCAA chairman, David Craig, and a lady who had suffered life-threatening injury in an accident on her farm and who owed her life to the swift action of SCAA personnel. Altogether a pleasant evening that was a reminder of what the Bookshop achieves and that it is very much appreciated.’ All our customers and book donors contribute to the support recognised by SCCA and since we are officially in British Summer Time, our hours have changed so that we are open longer, Monday to Saturday from 9 am until 4.30 pm.

See all of our advertising details at www.thequair.scot

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

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair and The Crieff & Comrie Quair

Delivering to more than 13,400 addresses throughout Highland Perthshire and Strathearn every month!

It's often difficult to know where to place printed advertising nowadays. Circulations of many publications have dwindled over the years, while some titles, like Living Magazine, have stopped publishing completely.

Happily, we’ve been able to increase our reach over the years and now print a minimum of 14,500 copies per month between our two magazines.

Compare that to some other locally available print titles...

The average circulation of each copy of The Perthshire Advertiser in 2023 was 2,313!*

The average circulation of each copy of The Strathearn Herald in 2023 was 677!*

You can see all of our details at www.thequair.scot

*Source - www.abc.org.uk

ABC releases data for the UK media industry to use when trading print, digital and event advertising.

Weightlifting - Pitlochry Weightlifting Club member Alex Phillips won his 42nd Scottish title at the Scottish Masters Championships in Glasgow on March 23. Competing in the 73 kg (60 to 64 years) class, Alex snatched 48 kg and clean & jerked 62 kg for a 110 kg total. This total has qualified Alex to be able to compete at the British Masters, to be held in the NEC, Birmingham in July.

Highland Perthshire Yoga & Wellbeing - Meditation

One of the practices supported by the Highland Perthshire Yoga & Wellbeing* group is meditation, which is very closely allied to yoga. You might envisage rows of monks in orange robes sitting cross-legged in silence for hours on end, amid exotic statues, incense and bells. But meditation is for us ordinary everyday people too, with our worries, fears and stress. It can bring great benefits, such as a calmer mind that is more relaxed and focussed.

‘But I could never meditate - my mind is all over the place!’ That’s exactly the point. It’s like saying, ‘It would be no good my taking piano lessons - I can’t even play the Moonlight Sonata!’ Everyone’s mind wanders (even those monks’), but meditation shows you ways to keep it on track - for a brief moment at first, then gradually for longer. It helps you to understand how your mind works and how it can work better.

The result is the stirrings of calmness and focus you were looking for, together with greater self-acceptance and awareness of the present moment. At the Dalguise Meditation Group, part of HPYW, this is the kind of meditation we offer, with only the occasional bell and no whistles at all. Anyone can do it and everyone can benefit from it.

www.highlandperthshireyogaandwellbeing. co.uk

DB Trad Group - We’re happy to say that DB Trad Group is now 1 year old! It’s been a successful first year with our young members developing their skills in playing trad music and learning to play and perform together. Our local community has given tremendous support and encouragement through donating instruments, time and money, attending concerts and involving us in local events. We couldn’t ask for more.

Our next gig is 10 am Saturday, 4 May at Dunkeld Living History Weekend. We rely entirely on funding and donations and thank SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated money and instruments.

Our weekly tuition, currently for fiddle and accordion, is free and we provide the instruments. Classes and bands run weekly during term-time at Birnam Arts and open to anyone aged P5 - S6.

½ hour group lessons - Mondays 4 pm - 6 pm Junior trad band (P5-S2) - Mondays 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm

Senior trad band (S3-S6) - Mondays 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm

We welcome a wide variety of instrument players to be involved in our junior and senior bands, and encourage fiddle and accordion players, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists and more to join.

Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324766 for more info.

Aberfeldy Drama Club - Aberfeldy Drama Club present an evening of Award winning One Act Plays; Dear Mum by Anna Price The Bridge by Joe Corrie Flying with Swans by Jack Dickson.

Aberfeldy Town Hall - Thursday, 23 May and Friday, 24 May - 7.30 pm - Tickets £9 (£7 children) available from The Watermill and at the door. Donation from raffle to dementia charity.

Pitlochry Baptist Church

Atholl Road, PH16 5BX Pastor: Rev David Barrie (pastor@pbcweb.net) www.pbcweb.net Sundays - Our Worship Gathering takes place every Sunday from 10.30 am at our building on Atholl Road - next to the Tourist Information Centre and across the road from Heartland FM. If you’re exploring faith or looking for a place to call home, come as you are and join us.

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

This month’s highlighted event - Spirituality. Have you ever wondered? Does spirituality provide answers? Venue: The River Room, Pitlochry Festival Theatre 7.30 pm, Tuesday, 14 May. Admission free.

Introduction to the evening by Dr Andy Bannister followed by questions from the floor. Andy is a speaker, writer, broadcaster and director of an organisation called Solas. He regularly addresses audiences on matters relating to faith, suffering, culture, society and spirituality.

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

Church of Scotland - Fortingall, Glenlyon, Kenmore and Lawers

Interim Moderator, Rev Robert Nicol, 01887 820242. E :- rnicol@churchofscotland.org.uk

We invite you to join us for worship, whether you live in the area or visiting. Services are held on alternate Sundays between Fortingall and Kenmore Church at 11 am.

Commencing, Sunday, 5 May in Fortingall. Sunday, 12 May in Kenmore at 6 pm (this is Etape Sunday). A Songs of Praise service. Sunday, 19 May at 11 am will be held at Glenlyon church, for our summer service. Our final service of the month is in Kenmore church at 11 am.

Everyone is welcome stay for tea and coffee with biscuits after the Fortingall services. Glenlyon church remains open during the day for a time of quiet reflection.

Tenandry Kirk - Killiecrankie

Interim Moderator: Rev Neil Glover

Session Clerks: Marion Faulds - 07719 784136

Edward Elworthy - 07770 842502

Every Sunday service at 10.30 am. 1st Sunday of the month

Coffee/Tea following the service. All Welcome

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 For further information please refer to our Facebook page.

Dunkeld Parish Church

(Services in Dunkeld Cathedral, Little Dunkeld Kirk and Amulree Church)

Sunday Worship at 11 am in Dunkeld Cathedral (until Remembrance Sunday)

Amulree Church - Services at 2.15 pm on the third Sunday of the month

Prayers for Help and Healing - The next service will be held in Little Dunkeld Kirk on Sunday, 5 May at 6.30 pm,

Messy Music - This takes place straight after school on a Tuesday in Little Dunkeld Kirk from 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm and is open to children in lower primary. Lots of fun, singing, and craft activities. Parents or grandparents usually stay with the children.

Summer Music Festival - Starts on Wednesday, 1 May with concerts on Wednesday lunchtimes from 12 pm - 1 pm. Check website for dates and details of performances. www.dunkeldcathedral.org/summermusicfestival

Visitors and children are always warmly welcomed at any of our services. Everyone is welcome to stay for tea and coffee after the service.

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

Dear Friends,

I recently spoke to a farmer who spoke in awed and hushed tones of the moment when he cuts the umbilical cord of a newly birthed calf and air first enters the young animal’s lungs. Over a lifetime of farming during which he has been present at the birth of thousands of calves, this is a moment which still leaves him silent with awe. As the farmer shared his sense of wonder, I also realised his determination to keep being awestruck, never to become jaded or unmoved by the beautiful miracle of a calf’s first breath.

I don’t know what that moment of wonder is for you: the sunlit snows on Ben Lawers, the ever-changing flow of the river, the smell of a freshly baked loaf, the incredible bundle of technology which is a mobile phone. Might we determine never to become jaded or inured. For, as the earliest words of the Bible tell us, an essential any part of creation is not only the created object itself, but also the voice which says, ‘this is good, this is good, this is very, very good.’ May we never let go of our awe. With warmest wishes, Neil Glover

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 childfriendly church and children are encouraged to attend. This service normally lasts for an hour and we hope you will join us. Check up to date information at www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk

Church of Scotland - Aberfeldy & 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 - 10 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 - 10.30 am. Please consult the website for the current information on our services. www.aberfeldyparishchurch.org

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

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 - 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 Jane - 07771 641390 or Annette - 07736 384035

Aberfeldy Prayer Meeting - Aberfeldy Parish Church - meet every Wednesday evening in Farragon - all are welcome to come along. Please check the Aberfeldy Parish Church website for the current meeting time.

Aberfeldy Alcoholics Anonymous - Aberfeldy Parish Church, Kitchen - 7.30 pm - 9 pm every Tuesday Contact - 01887 820936

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 - elizabeth_1_bruce@ btinternet.com

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

Strathtay Quilting Group - John Kyd Hall 7 pm - 9 pm on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month Contact Marie MacLeod - stytchandturn@btinternet.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

The Baha’i Faith - The Aberfeldy and North Perthshire community has weekly activities open to those of all faiths or none. They include youth group projects, children’s classes, adult study groups and prayer gatherings. Content ranges from projects to serve the local community, to how to develop (in all age groups) virtues such as trustworthiness, justice, kindness and love, to investigating how to achieve the unity of mankind, the equality of men and women, the necessary agreement of science and religion, the oneness of all religions, etc.

To join any of these activities ring Rachel (07707 994812) or Hilarie (07967 601423) or you can learn more on www.bahai.co.uk.

The Scottish Episcopal Church Offers all a warm and inclusive welcome to all

Part of the Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane

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

Lay Reader: Lesley Whitwood 01887 840416: Email: lesleywhitwood@btinternet.com Website: www.hplc.scot.

Facebook Page: www.en-gb.facebook.com/ highlandperthshirechurches

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

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

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

Thursday, 9 May - 10.30 am. Holy Communion for Ascension Day

Please Note - No service Sunday, 12 May due to Etape Caledonia - Holy Communion at Kilmaveonaig 11.15 am

5th Sundays Joint Service - With Kilmaveonaig & All Saints (see Website for location)

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

Sunday, 12 May - 11.15 am. Holy Communion for the whole charge

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

Please Note - No service Sunday, 12 May due to Etape Caledonia - Holy Communion at Kilmaveonaig 11.15 am

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, 5 May Holy Communion

5th Sundays Joint Service - With Holy Trinity & Kilmaveonaig (see Website for location) Zoom Services

Sundays - 6 pm. Evening Services (see Website) Thursdays - 10.30 am. Morning Prayer

Braes of Rannoch linked with Foss & Rannoch Church of Scotland

Interim Moderator: Rev Grace Steele Phone - 01887 820025 Email - GSteele@churchofscotland.org.uk

Session Clerk Braes of Rannoch -- Session Clerks Foss and Rannoch Robert and Elizabeth Anderson 01882 632272

Services for May

5 May - Joint service in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch at 11 am (no service at Braes) 12 May - No morning services (because of Etape Caledonia road closures).

Short service of Evening worship in the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch at 6.30 pm 19 & 26 May - 9.45 am at Braes of Rannoch & 11.30 am at the Old Church, Kinloch Rannoch

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

2nd 7 pm. Short talks, videos and discussions

7th 10.30 am. A talk and a discussion

9th 7 pm. Short talks, videos and discussions

12th 10.30 am. A talk and a discussion

16th 7 pm. Short talks, videos and discussions

23rd 7 pm. Short talks, videos and discussions

26th 10.30 am. A talk and a discussion

30th 7 pm. Short talks, videos 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. At jw.org you will find the Bible’s answers to life’s questions.

Pitlochry linked with Blair Atholl & Struan Churches of Scotland

Interim Moderator : Rev Fraser Penny 01350 727249

Pitlochry Session Clerk: 01796 472791

Pitlochry Website: www.pitlochrychurchofscotland.org.uk

Sunday Services - Please note the new times of worship services on Sundays, Pitlochry Church at 10 am and Blair Atholl Church at 11.30 am.

At Pitlochry, 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 - Alzheimer Scotland, Heart for Art (CrossReach) and Live Active have become the tripartite provider of Day Care in The Tryst Lounge on Tuesdays from 10 am - 2 pm and on Thursdays from 10 am - 3 pm. The community bus will provide transport. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from these activities, lunch and some company or if you wish to volunteer to help, please contact The Tryst office for details (see below).

Wednesday Coffee & Chat - 10.30 am11.45 am. Everyone is very welcome to catch up with friends, neighbours and to meet new people over tea, coffee and biscuits in The Tryst Lounge. At present, donations are for the people of Malawi, through the Bananabox Trust.

Church Choir - Wednesdays at 6.25 pm in The Tryst Hall. New members always welcome.

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

Church Office - The Tryst, for all enquires and deliveries contact by email thetryst@ btconnect.com or telephone 01796 474010. The office is open from 9 am - 11 am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Emails and telephone messages are checked regularly. The Tryst hire - For details and availability of The Tryst hire also contact by email thetryst@btconnect.com or telephone 01796 474010.

Calll Today on 01738 638358

Calll Today on 01738 638358

Glass Balustrades

Glass Balustrades

Choice of styles and colours

Choice of styles and colours

Scotland wide installation

Scotland wide installation

Spectraglass Ltd, Unit 2, Inveralmond Industrial Estate , Perth PH1 3TT

Aberfeldy Highland Ball and Tayside Mountain Rescue

On March 22 some of the Committee Members of the Aberfeldy Highland Ball presented Tayside Mountain Rescue team with a cheque for £4,731 at Glen Lyon Coffee Aberfeldy. This was the sum raised from the fantastic 2023 Highland Ball held on in December at Blair Castle. Tayside Mountain Rescue Team is made up entirely of volunteers who live in the operational area. It is entirely funded by contributions and fundraising. A wide variety of professions can be found in the Team. All are skilled and experienced mountaineers. Team Members are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help anyone who is in trouble in the mountains. They don’t get paid to do this job - they do it because they choose to. But the team can’t do it without the tools and equipment needed to save lives (and to protect their own lives whilst out on a rescue). The money raised at the Aberfeldy Highland Ball is being used to help purchase a new off road vehicle to allow the team to get to where they need to quicker help save lives. A big shout out to all those who attended the ball and all those who didn’t but gave generous donations to this worthy cause.

Perthshire based Charities can apply to the Aberfeldy Highland Ball Charity Convener Donald Riddell at donald@56north.info. The Charity will be asked to demonstrate a project within Perthshire where all the funds raised in connection with the Ball will be spent. Of particular interest is that the funds would be used practically and not on administration.

Picture Left shows members of the Ball Committee and TMR Team.

Left to right - Alan Pettigrew, Colin Smith, Donald Riddell, Jamie Grant, Al Irvine, Gordon Grant.

Andie Millar’s Trust - Applications are invited, by Friday, 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; and/or *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 j@hmitchell.co.uk by Friday, 31 May.

Please note that the Trustees’ decision in respect of any Application is final.

Spectraglass Ltd, Unit 2, Inveralmond Industrial Estate , Perth PH1 3TT

Email: info@spectraglass.com |

Email: info@spectraglass.com |

www.spectraglass.com

www.spectraglass.co.uk

Scottish Charity Number: SC037334 www.andiemillar.org

www.spectraglass.com

www.spectraglass.co.uk

See our advertising details at www.thequair.scot

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

Dunkeld Archive - Back for its third year, Dunkeld Living History weekend will be taking place on Saturday, 4 and Sunday, 5 May. The event will be opened at 10 am by the Dunkeld and Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group.

Set in Stanley Hill Park, this Free event will bring you face to face with Dunkeld’s past. Explore the historic encampments, be wowed by the battle displays and reenactments but, keep an eye out for the cheeky jesters!

Listen out for the historic tunes of Craig Herbertson and Perth & District Pipe Band throughout the day! Wander around the Historic Traders stands, shopping for accurate replicas and handmade crafts, and watch traditional skills demonstrations. Take part in your own unique Victorian ‘Tin-Type’ photography session. Tickets available via Eventbrite. Explore Dunkeld’s past in the Community Archive exhibition (next to Stanley Hill park). Tea, coffee, home-baking and soup will be available in the Duchess Anne Hall (next to the Archive).

Fill your evenings with fabulous performances from opera to stand-up comedy. Friday, 3 May - 8 pm - Birnam Arts ~ An Evening with Lindsey Gibb (Storyteller) ‘Dunkeld’s Dark Deeds’ Murder & Intrigue. Crime and Punishment. Dunkeld & Birnam’s criminal past uncovered. Tickets available from Birnamarts.com

Saturday 4 May - 8 pm - Birnam Arts ~ Daniel Downie live: Hysterical & Historical Scottish comedy. Tickets available from Birnamarts.com

Sunday 5th May - 4.30 pm - Dunkeld Cathedral ~ The Scots Opera Project Present: Wandering Oisin ~ A Celtic Folk Opera. Tickets available from Eventbrite. See our website for all the details - www.historicdunkeld.org.uk

Moulin Hall Trust - A note from the Committee. Another busy start to the year, with some fantastic local groups using the Moulin Hall for everything from Bridge, Scottish Country Dancing and Yoga to Singing Groups, Art Exhibitions, numerous children’s parties and the Repair Café.

We are so delighted to be able to provide affordable facilities for such a broad range of events that bring so many people together. The Hall is community owned and we would love to hear from you if you think you’d like to get involved. It’s not a huge commitment - the Committee meets 4 or 5 times a year and hosts occasional fundraising coffee mornings and a New Year drinks party. Why not come along to the AGM on Friday, 17 May to find out more?

For all bookings, contact Libis 07930 288761; www.facebook.com/MoulinHallUsersGroup

Moulin Hall Trust Notice of AGM 2024 - Friday, 17 May. 7 pm in Moulin Hall

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.

Breadalbane Community Library

Textile Upcycling Classes at Breadalbane Community Library - Saturdays 10 am12.30 pm. Are you interested in textile upcycling? Fancied giving it a go but don’t know where to start? Join us at the library for our textile upcycling classes. Led by experienced creative textile practitioner Louise Collins, the sessions will focus on simple hands-on upcycling projects that you can complete to improve your skills and inspire your creativity. 6-week block. Session dates upcoming: 4, 11, 18, and 25 May. £5 per session. Limited spaces. Please contact the library to book.

Café Books - Saturday, 18 May 11 am12.30 pm. Are you looking for something different to read or like to talk about books? This is an informal book group with a difference: we won’t tell you what to read but we could show you what you might like.

Open Book- Highland Perthshire Creative Writing Group - Thursday, 30 May, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm. Join author Linda Cracknell as she uses poems and stories to spark your own writing skills in a relaxed, informal drop-in session in the library.

Code Club - Every Thursday from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. This is a weekly term-time coding club for children aged 8-12. Bookbug sessions - Every Friday from 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.

Opening Hours

Monday : Closed Tuesday :10 am - 7pm 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

The Scottish Parliament Párlamaid na h-Alba

John Swinney MSP

Perthshire North

I can be contacted at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, by telephone on 01250 876 576 or on email at john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot

Perthshire Pet Cremation

Local family business based on our family farm serving Perthshire and beyond

Providing professional individual cremation services for all your cherished pets t

01738

Pitlochry Rotary - Congratulations to Cath Marshall, recipient of this year’s Citizen of the Year award! Cath does a lot of work unobtrusively for the benefit of the people of Pitlochry. She acts as the Pitlochry co-ordinator for Neighbourhood Watch. This involves monitoring messages from the police and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland and passing them on to the local district co-ordinators as well as providing advice on suspect media and potential scams. She provides monthly reports on this activity to The Quair. For many years now she has organised the local Christmas Card delivery service arranging delivery to homes throughout Pitlochry and raising funds for the community minibus. Along with her husband George she runs the Tryst Walking Group enabling people to enjoy company on walks at a variety of levels both locally and further afield. She has also become increasingly involved with the Pitlochry Paths Group, repairing and improving footpaths around the town. When presented with her award, it came as no surprise that Cath picked the Pitlochry Paths Group and the John Muir Trust as her chosen charities to present her winnings to. She does it all in a pleasant and unassuming manner and thoroughly deserves the title of Citizen of the Year for 2024.

We have 2 exciting events just up ahead for you to diarise!

Saturday, 11 May - Afternoon Tea Dance on (1 pm - 4 pm) at the Pitlochry Town Hall. Live Music, Dancing & Afternoon Tea! All for just £7.50. Tickets from Pitlochry Homeware Shop Saturday, 1 June - By popular request, we are again hosting the ‘Make a Difference’ Event! Saturday, 1 June: 10 am - 4 pm at the Pitlochry Town Hall.

For more information on these 2 events, head to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ pitlochryrotaryclub

Photograph: Dougal Spaven, Cath Marshall, Alan Norris & Stephen Carruthers of RW Bell (Sponsor of the Citizen of the Year Award) Pitlochry Library

Bookbug sessions - Every Thursday from 9.15 am to 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 from 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!

Digital Skills Course - Thursday 1 pm - 3 pm. Would you like some free help to improve your digital skills? Then this is the course for you! The course runs in five-week blocks. Topics covered include computers and tablets basic settings and apps; internet navigation and safety; watching, listening and reading online; public services online; and e-mail. Please contact the Learning Curve to book your space on the next course: 07198 477092/ learningcurve@pkc.gov.uk

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.

Opening hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10 am - 1 pm/ 2 pm - 7 pm Friday: Closed Saturday: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm Sunday: Closed Pitlochry Library, 46 Atholl Road Pitlochry PH16 2BX 01796 474635/ pitlochrylibrary@ culturepk.org.uk

New Novel by Local Award-Winning Children’s Author, Novelist & Writing Mentor, Pauline Tait

Anna’s Promise - While writing Anna’s Promise, it was essential to me that the setting, the surrounding landscape, the senses and emotions the countryside stirred, were truly authentic to the Isle of Skye.

Struggling to come to terms with losing her mother, Anna embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her family and her mother’s hidden past.

And while a letter, a photograph and the Old Lodge lead her back to the Isle of Skye, Anna is shocked to discover the island she had holidayed on so often as a child has been quietly keeping the secrets her mother had left unsaid.

Hamish, handsome, quiet, and moody, seems unnerved by Anna’s presence. Ben, a city slicker, out of place and determined to help Anna in her quest, proves invaluable, but is his presence on the island merely coincidental? Meanwhile, a newly discovered family member may not be a cause for celebration.

A riveting and unmissable novel about new beginnings and the power of love over loss.

Pauline Tait is an award-winning children’s author & romantic suspense novelist, writing mentor and Editorial Manager for online magazine, Writers’ Narrative.

Living and writing in Perthshire, Scotland, Pauline writes both romantic suspense and children’s picture books and, although both genres could not be more different, both are a pleasure to write. Award-Winning Children’s Author, Romantic Suspense Novelist and Writing Mentor - her years of experience in working with and assessing children from Primaries one to seven, who needed extra-curricular support, then creating and delivering individual learning plans to meet their specific needs, has only fuelled her passion. Resulting in her creating ‘Reluctant Readers’, a safe space for parents and carers to gain insights, advice and strategies to help them encourage their children in their reading and writing. Living in Perthshire, Scotland, Pauline has had three distinct careers. After twenty-two years working as a Pharmaceutical Technician, Pauline retrained to work in Primary Literacy Support, a job she loved. But as her writing took hold, Pauline decided to commit to writing full time and hasn’t looked back since.

www.paulinetait.com. Anna’s Promise - Fountainbridge Publishing - RRP: £9.99

• Stoves

Chimney Stack Services

Tel 01796 482646

Chimney Sweeping

• Open Fires

• AGAS, Rayburns etc

• Certificate of Chimney Sweeping issued

• Supply - Install • Anti Bird, Guard Cowls

• Chimney Pots

• Fire Grates etc.

• Fully Insured

Mobile: 07547 281694

chrisfergus84@gmail.com

CONS TABLE S TONEWORK

www.constablestonework.co.uk

Restoration & Bui lding

 LIME POINTING

 STONE CLEANING

 ARCHITECTURAL CARVING

 STONE REFACING

 PATIOS, WALLS & CHIMNEYS

Dummies; duplicate bridge in Aberfeldy - We are a small bridge group who meet on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm, in the MacDonald room behind Weem Church. We are a friendly group, unfortunately mostly of pension age! It would be great to attract more members! Folk joining should have some knowledge of bridge, preferably of duplicate bridge. We have sometimes managed to introduce unattached players to others, but we are not really an agency for this; better for established playing partners to join us! For more information, telephone Hamish McBride on 07840 328110. Jotters; the N/W Perthshire Creative Writing GroupThere have been some changes in the group’s way of working. We used to meet in members houses; this, over time, resulted in a little too much comfort, and a limit on numbers. We now meet on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7.30 pm, in the MacDonald room, at the back of the Weem Church. This has led to our being a bit more rigorous in our discussion of our work; we have introduced some writing exercises to our meetings, and we have capacity for more members.

We are a friendly group, with the intention of sharing, enjoying and hopefully improving our writing. We also hope to re-introduce the Jotter’s Corner in The Quair, to publish some of our work. If interested, you can just come along; better to contact me to find out more about the group. Hamish McBride, Comelybank, tel; 07840 328110.

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. If there are any issues with the defibrillators, please contact Safer Communities Warden Norma Carr (07785 538425) or John Duff (07826 908542).

Contact Nicholas: 07594 738 510

constablestonework@hotmail.com

Apprentice / Stonemason Required

Walks and beginner workshops held regularly at venues throughout Highland Perthshire

For more information, please get in touch.

Call/Text: 07828 086062

Email: nwhighlandperthshire@gmail.com

Or visit: www.nordicwalkinghighlandperthshire.com

Instagram: nw_highland_perthshire

Facebook: nordicwalkinghighlandperthshire

Feldy In Flower - End of Year (April 2024) Chair’s Report

I’d like to express my thanks to the entire committee for all their hard work over the last year. Thank you Isobel for all your minute taking and keeping on top of points raised and discussed at our meetings, Louise for keeping us up-to-date with finances and in the black. Thank you Jim, Margaret, Anne, Betty and new recruit Alison, and all our other volunteer helpers who help with the Feldy in Flower group. Alex H, thank you for all your help, especially recently with the Lower Birks revamp.

Thank you to all our funders, especially SSE Renewables, PK TAP, and everyone who donates when we hold an event. The hard work of committee, volunteers and paid suppliers makes such a positive visual impact and benefit to residents, businesses, and visitors to Aberfeldy.

Season 2023/24 - 40 hanging baskets and several planted areas around town were again another success in 2023. We had lots of positive feedback. Thanks to Tam Shilliday for help in putting up and taking down of the baskets. All the baskets, hanging logistics, planting and seasonal watering (Thanks to Andy for keeping up with the watering during the summer season of 2023) funded by SSE Renewables, PKC Take A Pride in Perthshire, with further fundraising and maintenance undertaken by the volunteer committee.

The hanging baskets in 2023 were again, top quality from Gatehouse nursery. Watering was fantastic and the plants lasted well and looked great throughout the season. Thanks to Andy Adamson and team for their hard work.

The basket tree with red hackle on the West side of the Square had repairs by Brain Mackie after being hit by a vehicle at some point, It’s now standing upright again and was fixed in time for 2023 basket hanging. At the end of 2023 the lower Birks benches in the roundel were revamped by The Workshop Aberfeldy, an issue with finish was flagged and the second set of benches were removed and redone and are all back on site.

The area had a thorough tidy for 2024 season at the beginning of April 2024, the group did a thorough tidy of all the lower Birks areas. Iain Campbell’s plaque has been weighted with cement and dug into the remembrance bed. The remembrance bed: we removed old heathers and damaged plants and replaced with Rosa Rugosa to try and help with the ongoing issues of dog fouling in that area. All mini daffodils were given a feed. The two small corner beds were given a revamp with plants supplied but PKS TAP Association. There are still some plants left over for use in other areas and any remainder can be sold at the thrift shopping in May.

Davie the sculpture had some hardy plants added early 2024 to his top planting layer, the barrel next to him was removed and binned due to age and its deteriorating condition. The four planters at the monument are getting scruffy and possible welding required. We contacted the council regarding who owns them, so far there has been no reply to the question.

All other areas around town looked fantastic as ever. The boat and cups are a great visual for anyone coming into town from the East and the wee barrels at ABC nursery are cheerful for people driving and walking past. 2024 Season is in hand - 40 hanging baskets are ordered via Gatehouse for around town and will be distributed around town around mid-June at the latest.

All other areas around town will be planted out by the volunteer committee during May, tending and weeding ongoing throughout the

season. The 40 baskets for 2024 have been ordered and I’m sad to report that this will be the last year Gatehouse Nursery supplies Feldy in Flower with planted baskets. The nursery will not be trading going forward and Bridget has kindly offered to do this one last season. Thank you Bridget for all your fantastic baskets and the incredible hard work to make them look so good when we hang them up at the start of the season.

We will be planting and tending summer bedding again in the 4 tubs at the monument, Davie the sculpture, Barrels outside ABC nursery, The boat, The Cups and Bird Sculpture at the east end of town.

Our week in the Thrift Shop will begin Sunday, 5 May, please come along and find some bargains.

Our fantastic sculpture trail leaflet continues to be popular, leaflets can be found at the Aberfeldy Information Centre, a leaflet dispenser in the Lower Birks and Upper Birks car park and in various shops, pubs and visitor attractions. This is an easy walking trail, around 2.5 miles long and takes roughly 1.5 hrs to walk. The trail takes in many sculptures commissioned by Feldy in Flower and other places of interest. A fantastic walk for both residents of the town and visitors. If you would like some leaflets for your shop, community group, holiday home, B&B or business please get in touch via Facebook. Funding - We had funding from SSE Renewables, P&K Take a Pride in Perthshire for admin and planting supplies. Fundraising by the group: we attended the Aberfeldy Show and ‘manned’ one of the gates all day in return for a donation to Feldy In Flower. We also had a week in the Thrift shop, June 2023. 2024 is the final year of this round of funding from SSE Renewables. We hope to apply for a further 3 years funding later this year. With two projects in mind to obtain costs for, plus another 3 years basket hanging and watering. Thanks again to the committee, our funders and supporters. If you would like to support Feldy in Flower, whether you are a resident or a business with your time or donations please get in contact via our Facebook page.

Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/feldyinflower. Ellen Mcbride (Chair)

HOW IT WORKS?

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

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

With over 16 years’ experience in Dental Implants, we can help you get rid of your denture or replace your teeth all in a Day! Using the new revolutionary implants system CHROME GuidedSMILE, we can provide you with Teeth-In-A-Day in a predictable, precise, and comfortable way. www.infinitybludentalimplants.co.uk

Highland Perthshire’s Go to Landscaping Company

Let us design and install your next project, working closely with you on all aspects from hard landscaping to planting the soft finish.

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

May Exhibition - Conglomerates . Jessica Ramm. Featuring Print, Collage and a Sound Installation by Jessica Ramm, our Artist-inResidence of 2023.

Wednesday, 1 May - 10 am - 12 pm. Aging Creatively Workshop with Alison Price. 60+, Free, but please book. You can be a complete beginner for this! Transform your memories of well kent places into a work of art, using print and drawing techniques.

Wednesday, 8 May - 1.30 pm. Sho and the Demons of the Deep by Zoë Bullock. Independent Arts Projects in association with National Theatre of Scotland. £5 Children £12 Adults. Dunkeld School: Free. A visual-adventure story, especially for young audiences - Sho’s city has been plagued by nightmares for as long as she can remember, but hers are the worst of all. One day, Sho had enough. She throws her nightmares away into the Clyde, where they wash out to sea… Developed with support from Imaginate, Playwrights Studio Scotland, Federation of Scottish Theatre, and National Theatre of Scotland.

Saturday, 11 May 10 am - 12 pm. Print Workshop with Jessica Ramm. Free, but please book. Taking inspiration from her current Birnam Arts exhibition, Conglomerates, Jess will guide you through the basics of printing techniques - this workshop is suitable for all levels of ability.

Friday, 17/Saturday, 18 May 7.30 pm. James V Katherine by Rona Munro. £12 + Booking Fee. A Raw Material & Capital Theatres Co-production. Katherine Hamilton is a nineteen-year-old woman facing arrest and trial in the King’s court, with only her quick wit as defence against execution.

James V: Katherine is a dramatic interpretation of key events during a turbulent time in Scotland’s history, events that did happen and did change Scotland forever. But this is also a play filled with hidden histories, deft comedy and a secret love story between two

young women. Rona Munro’s renowned James Plays - the theatrical series set during the reigns of Scotland’s generations of Stewart kingshave entertained audiences on main stages since 2014.

Friday, 24 May - 7.30 pm. Budapest Café Orchestra. £18 + Booking Fee. The Budapest Café Orchestra is a music-driven phenomenon, a specialist performance-entertainment outfit, enthralling packed audiences with their infectious gypsy jazz energy and everything in between, led by the celebrated jazz violin superstar, Christian Garrick and a string of exemplary musicians - Eddie Hession on accordion, Adrian Zolotuhin on sultan and veteran double bass man Kelly Canton laying down the bass notes.

Fortingall Art Summer Exhibition

As we welcome the return of spring, albeit a very wet one, it’s wonderful to see all the new lambs in the fields and daffodils in the hedgerows, a splash of colour after the long dark winter days. There is however, something exciting in the air and that of course is the Fortingall Art Summer Exhibition’s 20th Anniversary.

This is the premier art exhibition in the heart of Scotland, which attracts visitors from far and wide, internationally and local. We have 35 artists exhibiting this year covering all aspects of the artistic spectrum from painting to ceramics, photography, furniture making and jewellery. A great deal of time and planning goes on behind the scenes before the doors open on Saturday, 20 July.

Painting and erecting panels, putting up lighting, it’s a time when the exhibitors work tirelessly and enthusiastically as they hang their work to transpose the beautiful arts and crafts Molteno Hall into a fabulous

exhibition space.

Yet what would it be without the beautiful floral arrangements which greet on entry and adorn the hall with their majesty. They are art in themselves and the flowers are collected by a small, dedicated group of florists, who are fortunate enough to have free range of the Glen Lyon House Gardens, which many gardeners and horticulturists will have visited during Scotland’s Gardens open day.

We hope you will join us and our celebrations and take some time to enjoy a day out in this unique setting, that is our village, Fortingall. To those who have not seen the summer exhibition before you are in for a wonderful experience. It is free and there is parking available. The 91 community bus from Aberfeldy will drop you off outside the hall. Doors open at 10 am and close at 6 pm. Donations to The Scottish Air Ambulance are most welcome. See you there.

Struggling to Make Ends Meet?

Rising costs are affecting us all. Whether you are in work, supporting your family with benefits, are retired or struggling with increasing rent and mortgage payments - our advice and support is free to all. All meetings are confidential and offer independent information to help you make choices that suit you best. Our team of qualified and experienced advisors can help you deal with concerns around cost of living, energy costs, debt, housing and more. We are here to help - please don’t worry alone. Call: 0808 196 9440. Visit www.perthcab.org.uk and press on the ‘Email Us’ tab to reach us by email.

The Bahá’í Faith

Currently there are several calendars in use around the world, such as the Gregorian, the Julian, the Muhammadan and the Hebrew calendars. For instance the Baha’i Era which began with the Declaration of the Bab, the forerunner of Baha’u’llah, can be described as in 1844 A.D. in the Gregorian calendar or 1260 A.H. in the Islamic one.

The Bab considered that in the future a calendar would be needed around which people worldwide could unite, free of the objections and associations which make the older calendars unacceptable to much of the world’s population. Like the Gregorian one, the Baha’i calendar adopts the solar year and the New Year falls on the March Equinox, usually March 21, with the year divided into 19 months of 19 days.

This New Year, called Naw Ruz in Persia, the country in which the new faith arose, is the time in the year when Baha’is celebrate to the full. Whatever the customs of the country one is in, it is a time when Baha’is party with all their friends as well as each other. This year in Dundee a great celebration was held for friends from Perthshire to the Bahamas, a party all Scots would recognise, with a Ceilidh Band, the leader calling out all the familiar steps and dances, an interval for a great feast with dishes and desserts from all the nationalities there, spring flowers everywhere and an atmosphere that grew from one of strangers looking on to one of a hilarious crowd all dancing and mixing together.

A couple of differences you’d notice from a Scots New Year: no alcoholic drinks (as Baha’u’llah calls for no drugs other than medically prescribed), and children making up half the guests, mixing with adults in perfect -and lively-harmony!

There’s another Youth Camp in Aberfeldy in April and meetings around Perthshire and Dundee, open to those of all faiths and none, to which you or your children are welcome. Contacts are Hilarie on 07967 601423 or Rachel at rachelhelenab@hotmail.com or Mark at markcrenshaw9@hotmail.com

IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER YOUR SCOTLAND...

It's always the right time to dream up your next vacation! Where will your wanderlust lead you next?

Picture yourself in Scotland, surrounded by breathtaking views, centuries of tales, and cosy welcomes. Uncover Scotland's holiday hideaways that promise an unforgettable journey, be it a romantic escape, a family escapade, or a solo soul-searching trip.

Don't hesitate, book your getaway now! Our award-winning service awaits you, just ring up our friendly team at:

or view all of our properties in our portfolio at

Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst

The 2024 Walking Festival will take place from Friday, 10 to Monday, 13 May, and walkers will be offered around 24 guided walks across a range of difficulties.

The full range of the 2024 walks and their details will be found on the Drovers’ Tryst website (www.droverstryst.com) where walkers can book their respective walks.

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

Pitlochry & Moulin Men’s Shed -

The Pitlochry & Moulin Men’s Shed (PAMMS) provides a community space for men to meet, connect, chat and create. Our activities centre on those that groups of men can enjoy together to help reduce loneliness and isolation. Equally importantly, we aim to make them enjoyable. Our Men’s Shed can give purpose to those who have either retired or who just have some time on their hands. Activities such as ours aim to improve mental health, knowledge, skills and confidence in an informal environment.

We are located in the old Handam Shop in Burnside Road in Pitlochry, postcode PH16 5BP. Once in Burnside Road, you can’t miss us! For more information, please contact Peter or Ray via email on pammensshed@gmail.com. (mailto:pammensshed@gmail.com)

•

•

•

Email:

Dawson

Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art and Crafts Fair

The Dunkeld & Birnam Spring Art and Crafts Fair takes place in The Royal Dunkeld Hotel from Saturday, 25 to Monday, 27 May from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Admission is free. Traditional skills and new techniques means this fair has become a ‘must visit’ for locals and tourists alike. The quality of work is exceptional. Local crafts include wood carving, leather work, knitwear, silver jewellery, Harris tweed, woodturning, art and felting demonstrations.

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 29th March until the end of October 2024

10.30 am- 4.30 pm (Sundays 2 - 4.30 pm)

T: 01887 820982 www.castlemenzies.org

Local Brothers Scoop Top Award

Highland Perthshire’s very own Wasted Degrees has been named Brewer Of The Year at The Courier’s Food & Drink Awards 2024. Owned by two brothers from Pitlochry, Conall and Jack Low, Wasted Degrees began in 2016 and is now the largest independent brewery in Perth & Kinross. From what began as Conall’s hobby in their parent’s garage, the brewery now sees its products sold in 13 countries. Known as much for its beer as it is for the socially and environmentally responsible methods it champions, it’s clearly about more than just the beer! The boys even provide free period products at the brewery in an effort to tackle rural period poverty. And from locally grown hops or brewing with fresh-but-blemished Perthshire-grown fruit, Wasted Degrees makes a concerted effort to champion local produce in the development of its supply chain, maximising local economic value.

These former Pitlochry High School and Breadalbane Academy pupils have had quite different careers, with the brewery’s name inspired by Conall’s former career in teaching, whilst Jack had previously worked internationally in Scotch Whisky. Their formula for success takes inspiration from the boy’s grandparents who Jack described as ‘instilling in us to do what we can to leave things in a better state than when we found

them, whatever we chose to do in life.’ The brewery’s first major award came in 2023, being named the Made In Scotland Food & Drink Company of the Year, and things are certainly going from strength-to-strength. Soon to begin construction of the brewery’s new, purpose-built home in Pitlochry, the brothers are investing over half a million pounds in a new ‘forever home’ for their business. Due to open in winter-2025, the site will encompass production and a bar/ venue open to the public.

Pitlochry and District Neighbourhood Watch Association Amazon scams

Recently a woman was cold called and told her Amazon account had been hacked and an unknown individual had placed several items in her basket.

The caller asked her to download an app which would allow him to access her computer remotely, supposedly in order to fix the problem.

She agreed and was then told to access her bank account online.

Recent investments at Wasted Degrees include a new canning line, a move set to save 101 tonnes of carbon equivalents from their environmental footprint, a saving realised by moving away from heavy glass bottles to infinitely recyclable aluminium cans. Coupled with exporting for the first time in late-2022, Wasted Degrees is a rising star that’s proudly flying the Perthshire flag at home and abroad. You can visit Wasted Degrees now, they’re open year-round at their current site in Blair Atholl for free tours and the brewery shop, and their hugely popular Taproom serves brewery-fresh beer and hand-made pizzas on Saturdays from April to October.

At this point she became suspicious and wisely ended the call. She has since changed her Amazon account details.

There are very many other reports of impersonation scam calls, texts and emails and scammers constantly devise new methods.

For example, the scammer may:

*refer to an unauthorised order and ask you to act urgently to confirm or cancel this

*say that because of unusual activity on your account it will be suspended or locked

*tell you there is an issue with PRIME fees, charges or membership

*ask you to verify your account verbally or through a link

*offer a refund you don’t expect.

To check if a message is genuine go to the Message Centre via your account for a display of authentic communications. Amazon will never cold call asking you to make a payment or receive a refund.

If you receive such a message, never give out any account or banking information and do not make a payment. Log in to your account on the official website or app to check.

Be wary of pressure to act urgently and contact your bank immediately if you think you may have made a payment to a scammer or if you are worried that a fraudulent transaction has been made from your account.

To find out more - www.amazon.co.uk/ gp/help/customer and www.tsscot.co.uk/ scamshare

Blair Castle & Gardens

Events at Atholl Highlanders Parade and Gathering

25th and 26th May 2024

On the forecourt of Blair Castle, watch as the only remaining private army in Europe takes part in their historic parade, and enjoy the festivities of the Gathering of Clan Murray in a traditional Highland Games. Come join us for this uniquely Scottish experience this May. For more information, please visit our website, with tickets available for purchase now.

Saturday 25th May: Atholl Highlanders Parade (included with admission to Blair Castle)

Sunday 26th May: Atholl Gathering (tickets sold separately on our website)

WWee iinnvveesstt iinn oouurr tteeaamm,, oouurr eedduuccaattiioonn,, aanndd oouurr eeqquuiippmmeenntt ttoo bbrriinngg yyoouu tthhee bbeesstt

ddeennttiissttrryy,, nnoott tthhee mmoosstt..

www.andersondentistry.co.uk

820441

Latest News from Anderson Dentistry

Team News

We may be biased, but we do believe we have the best work-family here at Anderson Dentistry. Shona Dunbar and Gosia Girvan are both on maternity leave having given birth to beautiful boys, Finlay and Hamish. All are thriving! Beth Scholes joined our reception team in January and already feels like a longstanding family member. Charlotte Bateman has completed her clinical observations ahead of her final dental nursing exam and is on track to achieve a grade A pass. It is difficult to keep up with Deborah Reilly who is excelling in her dental nurse training, in advance of starting at Dundee’s Dental Hospital. As well as being a superb implant nurse, Sasha Menzies is about to complete her radiology qualification. Leanne Mckerchar, our manager, spins all the plates necessary to keep the practice running smoothly and makes it look effortless!

Technology News

In February 2024, we invested in CEREC’s latest technologies - Primescan, Primemill, and Speedfire - for making digital crowns, bridges, veneers, and implant stents. In 2008 we were one of the first dental practices in Scotland to use CEREC’s CAD/CAM technology. 16 years later, we are still ahead of the crowd, providing the best for our patients in this beautiful part of rural Scotland.

Treatment News

Scandinavian Dentures

Having trained with leading denture specialist Finlay Sutton, Ross is now working exclusively with Sam Heskweth of SJH

Prosthetics, one of the UK’s best dental laboratories, to make dentures that look natural and fit beautifully.

Living with poorly fitting dentures can be disabling and, for many, a source of embarrassment and shame. This can give rise to poor social well-being, an inability to communicate clearly, a loss of confidence, and a sense of premature ageing. But it doesn’t have to be like that. We do not believe that removeable dentures are a second-class treatment, and we believe that excellent dentures can change behaviours, health, and happiness levels.

Although we are a major, and longestablished, provider of Dental Implant Therapy in Perthshire, we recognise that implants are not always possible - clinically or financially - and that excellent alternatives should be available to our patients.

Our dentures are custom made with an unsurpassed attention to detail creating a smile so natural that only the wearer would know it was a denture.

If you want to find out what options are available to bring your mouth to health, comfort, and function with a natural appearance give us a call. We are here to help.

Jotters - Jotters are a small, independent group of people in Highland Perthshire who enjoy doing Creative Writing, and sharing it with the group, and with the community at large. We are delighted to have the chance to share work in The Quair Magazines.

Bell

Hoe she’d have hated it, the good red suit- Jaeger, you know -bundled unceremoniously for Oxfam, with all the rest.

She’s probably have wanted me to wear it, keep it at least. I kept the little brass bell though. There it is on my bedside table.

Like some ghastly harbinger.

Jude, 2024

Foursome Reel

Inseparable. Holidays, jaunts, dinners and parties, Katie and Bill, Pete and Liz were always together. Covid struck.

After lockdown, there was a great reunion. Much backslapping by Bill and Pete; Katie kissed Liz; then again, probing, asking. Liz responded.

Separation.

Hamish, 2024

Waiting Waiting Waiting

Waiting for those first cries

Waiting for little eyes to close

Waiting as boys grow into men

Waiting at a bedside

Waiting for tears to fall

Waiting for tears to dry

Waiting for the day to end

Waiting for the dawn

Waiting for the birds to sing again.

Kate, 2024

Aberfeldy Rotary - 200 Club Draw. Winners: £25 - Margaret Adams, Alistair Robertson, £50 - Kathy Pearson, Mrs A Kennedy, £100 - Bill Bruce.

Warm Connections Window Improvements

A Summary of Options

Windows account for 10% of heat loss in many homes. In this article we will look at options for improving or replacing windows to reduce those losses. We will discuss the use of curtains, shutters and blinds next month. The summer is a good time to get work done ready for next winter.

Specialised Support from GrowBiz

In addition to our rural enterprise support services, GrowBiz offers specialised support for various sectors.

Older double glazing may be ‘blown’, in which case condensation will be visible inside. Double glazing standards changed in 2003, so older units might be worth updating if you are able to. If the frame is wood and in good condition and still fits well upgrading the glazing is better for the environment than replacing the whole units, and should be cheaper. As always there are a bewildering number of approaches available. The areas worth considering are the glazing type, frame materials, style (eg types of openings used by the window), security, longevity, price.

Perthshire Artisans - This is a supportive platform and curated online shop for local creatives to connect with other artisans, share ideas and skills, and collaborate. Two membership options are available and applications open regularly. More at www.perthshire-artisans.scot

REDS - Rural Enterprise Directory Scotland (REDS) is an online directory and interactive map, which promotes and connects Scotland’s rural small business community-and helps us support and advocate for them. Find out more at www.reds.scot

Great Perthshire - The regional food and drink group for Perth & Kinross, Great Perthshire offers networking, peer support, learning opportunities and mentoring to anyone in the food and drink sector. Become a member at www.greatperthshire.com

Glazing Units - I nevitably individual products will vary. For the full article which includes a summary of frame materials, window styles and doors follow the QR link or search on the blog section of the Warm Connections website.

If you would like advice on making your home more energy efficient or are struggling to pay your energy bills, please do get in touch with Anna and Tom at Warm Connections:

Phone: 07759 404980 Email: advice@ warmconnections.net Website: www.warmconnections.net

Pop-Up Coffee Shop

Tuesday, 14 May , 11 am - 12.30 pm in McLean Hall, Fearnan.

All welcome. Carry Out Coffee & Cake available.

Care and Wellbeing - GrowBiz Care and Wellbeing supports community-based care and wellbeing services across rural Scotland. Included is a peer support group, online directory of practitioners, and delivering accredited WRAP® mental health and wellbeing workshops.

PKSEG - The Perth & Kinross Social Enterprise Group works collaboratively to create opportunities for the social enterprise community in Perth and Kinross to develop and thrive, recognising its positive impact on society, local communities and the economy. Take a look at www.growbiz.co.uk/pkseg

SEED - Young people aged between 18-30 in Perth and Kinross can get help to explore their ideas, develop their plans, and make their self-employed business dreams happen. Small grants are available.

Find out about all GrowBiz support services, including 1-1 advice, business mentoring, net zero support, and learning and networking events at www.growbiz.co.uk.

Care Home.co.uk

Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative. Based in Birnam and Dunkeld our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit.

Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there. So, if you are looking for social contact, a safe and supportive environment, support with health or medical needs then contact us. Our mission is to provide a home for life, so come and live life with us.

Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email manager@rivendellcarehome.co.uk for more information.

Pitlochry Garden Share - We are delighted to announce that we have recently succeeded in obtaining funding from the PKC Green Living Fund. We can now buy a new shed at the Moulin Community Garden, and an efficient water storage and distribution system. We can also buy more equipment for the new Children’s Area. In the longer term we can also buy a polytunnel.

We will hold a stall outside the Pitlochry Market on Saturday, 18 May from 10 am. Come along and find out more about us. We should also have some seedlings available.

A new host in central Pitlochry would like to share their garden with a couple of people. They are now unable to fully care for it themselves. Get in touch if interested!

It’s a very busy time of year in all the gardens with a great deal of seed planting. We can always use new helpers! We now have three sessions in the week for new volunteers to come along to the Moulin Community Garden: Monday and Thursday mornings, and on Sundays (variable times). If you would like to know more, you can contact us on the Pitlochry Garden Share Facebook page, or on pitlochrygardenshare@gmail.com

Councillor John Duff

Highland Ward Conservative

News that the Blair Atholl International Horse Trials will finish with this year’s event, is a significant blow to the local economy. This major 3-day sporting event has been a tremendous showcase for Highland Perthshire, bringing nearly 50,000 visitors from all over the world to the area. Its absence in future will hit local tourism businesses fairly hard. I understand the reasons for concluding the arrangement after 35 years, and congratulate Blair Castle for all they have done to host this event and acknowledge the terrific boost which it has given to Blair Atholl and the surrounding area. Recently, Visit Scotland announced that it intends to close all its Tourist Information Centres over the next two years and switch to online services only. Within Highland Perthshire, this will impact on the Visit Scotland premises in Pitlochry. Loss of this tourist service will create a challenging situation for the town and wider area, local hospitality and retail businesses and visitor attractions.

At the end of March, I attended a pre-opening reception for the Perth Museum and was hugely impressed with this new cultural attraction in Perth city centre. The Museum is the new home of the Stone of Destiny which is now part of a first-class exhibition telling the story of this important historical artefact in a new and exciting way. Together with all of the other exhibits, the Museum will be a popular visitor attraction and will provide a huge economic boost to the city. It is well worth a visit, and I recommend it to you. On the same weekend, the new Scottish Crannog Centre opened its doors at Dalerb. The transformation which has taken place is nothing short of amazing. While a replacement crannog has still to be built out into the loch, the Iron Age Village is an outstanding creation and a testament to the hard work and commitment of the contractors, staff and volunteers who have transformed the area. Like Perth Museum, The Crannog and Iron Age Village, with its immersive and interactive demonstrations and storytelling, will be a major attraction for visitors to the area and is all the more remarkable considering it is less than 3 years since the catastrophic fire demolished the former crannog.

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.

McLean Hall Fearnan Quiz Night - The Fearnan Quiz Night held in the autumn was well attended and enjoyed by the quizzers. By popular demand, the Hall Committee is holding another quiz night on Friday, 3 May from 7 pm - 9 pm. Light refreshments/ snacks will be available throughout the evening, and you can BYOB. We are looking for teams of four at £10 per team - or you can join up with others on the evening to form a team. Proceeds will be shared between the hall and the SCAA.

Murdo Fraser MSP

Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member

Conservative

Most of us will have enjoyed some time off at Easter and welcomed the official start of British Summer Time, although the weather has been rather inclement for the time of year.

I have been busy at the Scottish Parliament, continuing to seek clarification from Police Scotland on the recording of Non-Hate Crime Incidents (NCHIs) for the controversial Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

My email in-tray has been busy with many constituents contacting me to express their displeasure at the planned closure of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) in Pitlochry. VisitScotland recently announced they would be closing all their VICs across the country. I am very concerned at this decision as I feel the move won’t help tourism and it is also a very worrying time for staff involved. I will be asking VisitScotland what plans they have for employees impacted by this announcement. It is true that some tourists and visitors use online tools to plan holiday experiences but there is still a role for Visitor Information Centres, especially in rural Scotland, where tourism is such an important part of the economy. It will be a great loss if they all close. Part of the issue here is that no two Information Centres will have the same footfall, so a blanket approach to closing everyone seems short-sighted. It will also leave yet more vacant properties on some already sad-looking high streets.

I think it would be very helpful if the Scottish Government could outline what tourism support our vital local attractions are going to get once the Information Centres have closed. Meanwhile, I was delighted to visit the re-opening of the Crannog Centre, which is now located at Dalerb. I recently visited the site with local Councillor John Duff and was pleased to be shown around the new Crannog Centre. The creation of the new building marks a remarkable achievement following the devastating fire at the original Centre back in 2021. The blaze destroyed its showpiece Crannog - a replica of an Iron Age dwelling house - which had sat on stilts on Loch Tay, Kenmore, for a quarter of a century.

I wish Mike Benson, Scottish Crannog Centre director, and all his staff all the best for the future at their new £2.7 million site, which I’m sure will remain a huge tourist attraction. Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from constituents. He can be contacted at The Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by telephone on 01738 553676.

Pete Wishart MP

Perth & North Perthshire SNP

April marked 60 years since the Scottish Wildlife Trust was founded, and I hope that some readers were able to get along to their celebratory open day at Loch of the Lowes. I have followed the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s various Perthshire projects over the years with great intrigue. Not least the infamous osprey, which I was delighted to see has safely returned to Loch of the Lowes for another year.

In an increasingly perilous time for our climate, the work that the Scottish Wildlife Trust do to protect and restore our natural environment has never been more important. It is a source of great pride that Perthshire, with its wealth of natural beauty, is at the heart of many of their most significant conservation efforts.

In other news, since my last column the long-awaited report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman into the WASPI scandal has finally been published.

Amongst its findings, it said ‘thousands of women may have been affected by DWP’s failure to adequately inform them that the state pension age had changed’. It added that the department’s handling of the changes ‘meant some women lost opportunities to make informed decisions about their finances. It diminished their sense of personal autonomy and financial control.’

The report ultimately urged the UK Government to compensate all those who had been affected; an estimated 2.4 million women, with almost 5,000 in my constituency alone. This amounts to a complete vindication of the WASPI women’s tireless campaigning, which has had my unwavering support since this scandal first emerged. The report could not have been clearer: the WASPI women were failed, and they were failed by Westminster.

But what these women need more than a moral victory is tangible action, much like we have seen on the Horizon Scandal. The plight of the sub-postmasters benefitted from the spotlight that programme shone on their maltreatment. Now, this report shines a spotlight on the maladministration and failings of the DWP, showing beyond doubt that the WASPI women must be compensated.

My colleagues and I are now working hard to secure a parliamentary vote on the matter in order to establish a way forward. This should not be a party-political issue. The facts are simple - the WASPI women were victims of serious and life-changing maladministration by the DWP, and for that, all MPs should be united around our commitment to righting this wrong.

They have suffered for long enough. It is time for action. As ever, please do not hesitate to get in touch with my office if you have an issue that you think I can help with - whether it’s in relation to your energy bills, pension, benefits, immigration status, or something else, on pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk / 01738 639598.

Carpenter & Staircase Manufacturer

All joinery and carpentry work undertaken

Alan Thow Crieff, Perthshire

bespokestairs@btinternet.com

07544 634 964

Paul Phillips

Home and Garden Services

T: 01796 470505, M: 07568354376

Email: a.phillips153@btinternet.com

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

References can be supplied

References can be supplied

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

Highland Perthshire Politicians

Member of Scottish Parliament - Perthshire North

John Swinney MSP 01250 876576

Member of Parliament - Perth & North Perthshire

Pete Wishart MP 01250 876576

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

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

Atholl Medical Centre

Ferry Road, Pitlochry , PH16 5FG

Tel: 01796 472558 amc.tayside@nhs.scot

Monday to Friday - 8.30 am - 6 pm

Check hours for bank & public holidays

Repeat prescriptions: tay.amcprescriptions@nhs.scot

www.theathollmedicalcentre.co.uk

Craigvinean Surgery

Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld PH8 0AD

01350 727269

Monday to Friday - 8.00 am - 6 pm

Check hours for bank & public holidays

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

Pitlochry Community Hospital

Ferry Road, Pitlochry , PH16 5FG

Tel. 01796 472052

For up to date information on services and care provided at Pitlochry Community Hospital please see the NHS Tayside website

www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/GoingToHospital/OurPremisesA-Z/PitlochryCommunityHospital/index.htm

Aberfeldy & Kinloch

Rannoch Medical Practice

Aberfeldy Health Centre

Tigh an Daraich, Taybridge Road

Aberfeldy, PH15 2BH

Tel: 01887 820366

07812 055724

Perth Citizen’s Advice 0808 196 9440

Pitlochry Recycling Centre

Bridge Road

Thursday to Monday 9am - 4pm

Last entry 3.45pm

Bankfoot Recycling Centre

Stanley Road

Tuesday & Thursday 9 am - 7 pm

10 am - 5 pm Other

Saturday & Sunday

All of our listed events are published in good faith. However, for a variety of reasons, things can sometimes change. This edition of The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair was sent for print on Saturday, 13 April 2024. Please therefore always check times and venues of events listed 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.

Aberfeldy

Recycling Centre

Dunkeld Road

Tuesday & Thursday

9 am - 7 pm

Saturday & Sunday

10 am - 5 pm

Aberfeldy Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages by appointment only

01887 822459

Repeat Prescriptions: 01887 829743

tay.aberfeldyprescriptions@nhs.scot

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

Check hours for bank and public holidays

Aberfeldy & Kinloch

Rannoch Medical Practice

Kinloch Rannoch, PH16 5PR

Tel: 01882 632216

Appointments only

Monday - Friday 9 am-10.15 am, 2 pm - 2.45 pm and 4 pm - 5.30 pm

For appointments phone reception

www.aberfeldyandrannochsurgery.co.uk

Housing & Community Safety

Pitlochry Area Office

26/28 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX

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

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

Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages - Tel: (01796) 474645 Mon to Fri: by appointment

This Council office will not open until 11 am on the first Thursday of every month.

Birnam Library

Station Rd, Birnam, PH8 0DS

T: 01738 459709

birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Pitlochry Library

26 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BX 01796 474635

pitlochrylibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Breadalbane Community Library

Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, PH15 2D 01887 822405

breadalbanelibrary@culturepk.org.uk

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

Perth and Kinross Council

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

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.

List of Organisations in Pitlochry

There is a list of all seventy-three organisations in the library mainly for the use of newcomers to the area. If there are any groups which have been formed since September 2014, they won’t be on the list so please send details of the contact person to Catherine Holmes c.p.holmes47@btinternet.com or phone 01796 473400. For longer established organisations, please let me know of any change of contact person.

Front Cover Picture

This month’s wonderful front cover image was taken by author and photographer Polly Pullar. You can see Polly’s website at www. pollypullar.com.

If you have something suitable you would like us to consider for the front cover of The Quair then please feel free to send it to us at atholl@thequair.com stating your name and providing a short narrative about the photo. Please note that by sending your photo you are also agreeing to let us use this for any Quair activity.

Pitlochry Bank of Scotland

76 Atholl Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BW Check opening times at 01796 532013.

Chemists and Pharmacies

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

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

Davidsons Chemist, Bank St, Aberfeldy 01887 820324

June Quair Copy Date - The copy date for the June 24 edition is noon on Wednesday, 15 May. The magazines are due to be distributed w/c Mon, 3 June.

The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair is published by Scot Active, Aberfeldy, PH15 2ZX tel/text: 07436 793785

web: www.thequair.scot

email: advertising@thequair.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 every Friday until the end of April. Donations welcome.

•Extensions

•New Builds

• Bathroom renovations

• Loft conversions

•Kitchens supplied and fitted

•All types of insurance work

•Window board-up service

No job too big or small

Free Estimates

Angus Ross is returning to RHS Chelsea - Regular Quair advertiser, Angus Ross, is returning to RHS Chelsea - the ‘world’s greatest flower show’ - at the end of May.

Last year his Dalerb Garden Chair, made in oak from a tree felled just south of Pitlochry, was nominated for the Sustainable Product of the Year. This year Angus will be showing a new Clinker Bench, handmade using oak from an oak blown down on the Glen Lyon estate during Storm Arwen. The bench will have a strong structure and comfortable backrest of curved steam-bent slats, built up like a clinker boat, and fixed in place with copper rivets. The oak will weather to silvery grey and the copper to lichen green complimenting any outdoor space. The outdoor benches very durable with minimal maintenance and are guaranteed for a minimum of ten years. Angus developed his steam-bending techniques to create exciting furniture for homes, gardens and public places using the small sections of local oak that become available, either as a by-product of good woodland management at his co-owned woodland near Strathtay, or offered by local farms and estates when trees need were felled or blow down in storms.

He is continuing and developing a long local tradition of woodwork and his workshop in Aberfeldy has been continuously used for woodwork since the 1890’s. The workshop provides workshop experience for students each summer and the occasional apprenticeship. Angus now leads a team of four highly skilled furniture makers. Angus Ross outdoor furniture can be seen in memorial benches on Kenmore Hill and Dun Coillich, for the National Trust at the Red House in London, on the National Wolds Way Yorkshire, the John Muir Way, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Chelsea Flower Show is held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners on Tuesday, 21 - Saturday, 25 May. Please see our website for more details. www.angusross.co.uk

Aberfeldy Quilters - This quilt was a long time in the making - 2 years in fact! Using just blue and white fabrics Donna created this simple but effective quilt for herself to use and enjoy.

If you are interested in quilting and would like to join us please contact Annette on 07736 384035 or Jane on 07771 641390 for more details.

The Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal

The Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal is an annual national event which takes place during the month of March.

In Aberfeldy, a group of volunteers took part in two days of fundraising in the town’s streets and also in the Co-op. This raised £1,099.82. Grateful thanks go to all those concerned who helped to support this worthwhile cause.

Whatever the illness - We’re with you to the end

The Gathering - Over the last 3 years, The Scottish Crannog Centre has been on a journey, through trials and tribulations, a fire, a flood, and a worldwide pandemic. After the fire in 2021, we thanked our lucky stars no one was hurt, gathered our belongings and began to plan our move to a new home. Throughout this, we have been blessed with support from so many people, an armada of log boats came to our rescue offering skills, knowledge and love.

Come together with the Crannog Centre to celebrate a special person or moment, in your life, by having it celebrated in a new Lochside work of art by Angus Ross. By donating £250 to support the charitable work of the Crannog Centre, you can have a transparent disc with your words included in this open-air sculpture. The sculpture is made by master craftsmen in Aberfeldy out of local oak. The work has been commissioned by award-winning local designer Angus Ross, who took inspiration from the ethos and work of the Scottish Crannog Centre, reflecting the ideas of working together, community, interconnections and togetherness. It is also inspired by the structural details of the woven roundhouse and the upright supports of the original Crannogs. Slowly this will build a beautiful monument for people to come together and celebrate the events and memories that the discs mark. If you would like to purchase one of these discs, please email shop@crannog.co.uk!

Volunteer with us! We are inviting anyone interested in learning more about the museum collection, traditional crafts and skills, blacksmithing, green woodworking, textiles and more to come along and join the team! There are loads of different opportunities and we will work with you to explore what you are interested in. We are also looking for green-fingered friends to help out with the new Crannog gardens, and to expand our planting plans for this year. Please get in touch with us via info@crannog.co.uk, call us on 01887 440231.

It's official - we are now open!

The Scottish Crannog Centre reopened its doors on the 1st of April after a winter closure to move to the new site of Dalerb on Loch Tay, PH15 2NX.

We have a brand-new café, stocked with Glen Lyon coffee and delicious sandwiches and sweet treats from Ballintaggart! We also prepare soup in our kitchen every day, which we think is scrumptious too. You are also more than welcome to just come to the café without visiting the museum or doing a tour. The café is open from 10 am until 4:30 pm.

Over 500 people attended the opening day, with live music and bagpipes playing at the museum entrance. 2500-year-old artefacts from Loch Tay were showcased in a new museum exhibition, with new interpretations and even an Iron Age dress-up area for smaller visitors.

Outside the newly created village came alive with weaving and dyeing, blacksmithing, and green woodworking. In our first week, the village kitchen area has been cooking up a storm, with wild garlic and dandelion pesto, creamed barley stew with cleavers, fresh flatbreads, and homemade oatcakes. Our woodworking area has been making new fences for the gardens planted around the site, and we are planning more, with a kitchen garden and sensory garden to come in early summer.

The museum is open from 10 am until 4 pm every day, with tours running every half an hour. www.

The Scottish Parliament Párlamaid na h-Alba

Murdo Fraser MSP

Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member

Murdo Fraser MSP can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL Tel 01738 553 990 or email at Murdo.Fraser.msp@parliament.scot

Faskally Forest parkrun - Did you know that research has shown that participating and/or volunteering at parkrun really does make people healthier and happier? That’s why we are delighted that Aberfeldy and Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice have agreed to become a parkrun practice. This means that they will actively support practice staff and patients to attend parkrun in order to improve their health and wellbeing.

Faskally Forest parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9.30 am. It’s free, open to all ages, from babies being pushed in prams to folk 80 years young. You can decide to walk, jog or run the 5km beautiful forest route. We just ask children under 11 years keep within arm’s reach of their responsible adult and only 1 dog per person on a short handheld lead please. We’d encourage you to register (free) with parkrun first. 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.

parkrun takes place every Saturday around the UK. Please come and join us 9.30 am on Saturday at Loch Dunmore. Afterwards we go to the Red Deer Restaurant for a coffee and blether. To find out more look at our web or Facebook page (www.parkrun.org.uk/ faskallyforest/ or www.facebook.com/faskallyforestparkrun )

Dunkeld & District Strathspey and Reel Society - Highland Perthshire and, especially, Dunkeld have a wonderful and continuing history of great traditional Scots music, from the time of Niel Gow in the eighteenth century to the present day. DDSRS, our local fiddle orchestra, meets most Monday evenings at 7.30 pm in the Royal School of Dunkeld, except in mid-summer We play an interesting variety of traditional Scottish music, old and new, under the expert direction of the well-known local fiddle player and composer Pete Clark. We love to welcome players of fiddle, cello, double bass, accordion or woodwind, who have the option either to join as full members, or to come along when you can and just pay on the night. We are a friendly bunch who enjoy each other’s company and the shared pleasure of making music together. Further information at www.dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org.

All Aboard the Miniature Trains - The Scottish Model Engineering Trust (SMET) was delighted to welcome visitors to the Wester Pickston Railway, Glenalmond for their first Open Day of 2024 on March 31. Visitors were made more than welcome to come and ride the miniature trains from 11 am until 4 pm. Visitors were able to travel around the expanded and lengthened track, sit back and enjoy watching locomotives of all sizes pull passengers both young and old around the half mile track.

Visitors could see how the Trust have created the railway and models and see other ways in which the Trust is keeping Scotland’s proud engineering heritage alive for future generations to enjoy and wonder at. Passengers could alight at our pond-side halt station, look at a display of model boats, traction engines, steam lorries in the main hall and marvel at the 16mm gauge outdoor railway. The Perth Model Railway Group displays and layouts showcase local talent and expertise in recreating railways from across the globe in a variety of hobby scales. The railway is open to the public on the following dates: Sunday, 26 May (Late Spring Bank Holiday) Sunday, 28 July Sunday, 25 August (Late Summer Bank Holiday). To get to the railway, visitors should turn onto College Road from the A85 opposite the Post Office in Methven. The railway is approximately 3 miles north on the right and signposts showing the way are provided on the day.

An Exhibition of Textile Art by students of the Gillian Cooper Studio - Saturday, 18 May 2 pm - 5 pm, Sunday, 19 May 10 am - 4 pm at McLintock Hall, Balfron G63 0TT Admission free, refreshments in aid of Strathcarron Hospice. Textile and art supplies for sale.

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

freshly prepared quality cuisine catering to your individual needs

• BESPOKE OUTSIDE

•

•

•

•

IN SEASON

•

• HOMEMADE READY MEALS

•

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

• FRESH BERRIES IN SEASON Orders now being taken for Christmas Turkey & trimmings, Meat Joints and much much more from Dunkeld Butchers

13 Dunkeld Street Aberfeldy PH15 2DA 01887 829616

Top2Toe

Morrison’s Academy Gearing up for 2024 SmartSTEMs Event

Luxury Manicures and Pedicures

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

Annette Macdonald, IIR MAR

Tel: 07736 384035 www.top2toeaberfeldy.org.uk top2toeaberfeldy@gmail.com

LOU RADFORD BA (Hons), MBAcC

Acupuncture

Member of the British Acupuncture Council

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

Appointments & enquiries to 01887 830242

WALTON KILGOUR

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

30 Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5BS

Supporting Business in Highland Perthshire

Accountancy - TaxationBusiness Start-Up -

We also provide book-keeping, payroll & VAT services

Free Initial consultation

Tel: 01796 474370 w:www.waltonkilgour.co.uk

Morrison’s Academy, Perthshire’s leading independent day school, is hosting its second interactive STEM day for young people from across the region on Saturday, 11 May at its Crieff campus - and it promises to be even bigger and better than last year. Run in partnership with the charity SmartSTEMs, the free event for children aged between 10-14, and their families, will include a series of interactive workshops, a STEM careers showcase, speakers and a pot of STEM prizes.

SmartSTEMs was created to inspire the next generation about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths through cost effective collaboration between industry and education. The Glasgow-based charity works with schools across the country to ensure every child has equal and fair access to STEM education and its many career opportunities.

The interactive workshops will be hosted by leading figures from the world of STEM and Morrison’s Academy teachers and include: Dynamic Earth, Glasgow Science Centre, The CODE Show, YouTube sensation STEM with Mr N, Royal Navy, Falcon Foodservice Equipment and Aerospace company, Leonardo.

A diverse range of employers from local businesses and national organisations will also come together at the 2024 event to help showcase opportunities in STEM. Organisations include Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Scottish Seabird Centre, Police Scotland, SSEN Transmission, One Stop, Seric Systems, Merlin ERD, Ross Eng and Count Accountants.

Speakers are lined up to open and close the event with Colin McGregor, former Morrison’s Academy pupil and RAF fighter pilot, ready to share the story of his exciting career.

A selection of STEM goodies will also be awarded at our prize giving ceremony. Thanks to the drop-in style of the event, visitors can stay for an hour or for the whole day. The school’s onsite café, the Coffee Lab will be open during the event to provide food and drink. There will also be indoor areas allocated for those wishing to bring a packed lunch, with free refreshments provided.

The SmartSTEMs event at Morrison’s Academy takes place from 10 am to 2.30 pm at its campus on Ferntower Road in Crieff. For more information and to book tickets visit: www.morrisonsacademy.org/event/explore-the-world-of-stem-at-morrisons-academy-smartstems-day

The Biodynamic Garden, Camserney - We are celebrating this year. After 10 years of biodynamic gardening we are still here. 2024 is also the year Rudolf Steiner held his lectures 100 years ago.

It resulted in a biodynamic movement now worldwide. The garden in Camserney will invite you for some celebrations starting in the beginning of July: *book a tea visitenjoy a garden grown pot of tea with a view *a session of dances for Universal Peace for all who want to participate *a Sound Bath between the flowers and insects, and there will be more when we know it. www.biodynamiccamserney.com

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

THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN

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

www.alexbutter.co.uk | 07554 008058

nursery@alexbutter.co.uk

Herbaceous Perennials | Shrubs

Bedding Plants | Scottish Heathers

Alpines | Specimen Trees

Fruit Trees | Fruit bushes | Climbers

Conifers | Vegetable Plants

Compost | Pots | Gift Vouchers

Summer & Autumn Hanging Baskets (New & Refills)

OPENING HOURS

Summer Hours

April - October

Monday – Saturday 9am – 4:30pm

Sunday 11am – 4pm

Winter Hours

November – March

Monday – Friday 9am – 4:30pm

HOW TO FIND US

Turn o the A9 at Kindallachan and follow the signs to the nursery.

Free support for small businesses, social enterprises and the selfemployed in rural Perth & Kinross

1-1 advice ~ online learning ~ business mentoring ~ networking events ~ sustainability support ~ and more

The Birks is more than a cinema! We strive to create memorable experiences that bring the community together. Every week we have regular classes and groups, which are all 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 It’ll Never Work on Monday, 27 May at 7 pm. Cast off into the world of eco-friendly fishing and follow Hans Unkles’ journey as he pioneers the UK’s first Carbon Zero solar fishing boat. Join us for this captivating documentary screening followed by a Q&A with director Joe Osborn and boatmaker Hans Unkles.

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. We hold Singing for Fun every two weeks on Friday mornings. And our monthly Beer Social will be held on Friday, 10 May, in the Café Bar. 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, 3 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, 5 May is our Book and Film Blethers night. This month we are screening The Color Purple. Experience the timeless tale of resilience and sisterhood in this bold new adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winner 1982 epistolary novel of the same name by American author Alice Walker, produced by industry legends Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and more.

Heartland Film Society - On Sunday, 19 May, at 6.30 pm we will be screening Poor Things. Embark on a fantastical journey with Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant Dr. Godwin Baxter. Join Bella as she ventures across continents, embracing her newfound freedom to stand for equality and liberation in this extraordinary tale of resilience and adventure.

Special Events

Wednesday, 1 May at 6.45 pm with Encore Sunday, 5 May, at 2 pm. The Royal Opera: Carmen. Experience the passion and heat of Bizet’s Carmen in Damiano Michieletto’s sizzling new production, featuring the iconic Habanera and Toreador Song transporting you to vibrant 19th-century Spain. This new production by Antonello Manacorda of Carmen offers a refreshing, unique and innovative take on a beloved favourite. Saturday, 4 May - 1 pm & 7.30 pm. Star Wars Episode One - The Phantom Menace. Embark on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away... Celebrate its 25 th birthday on Saturday, 4 May (May the Fourth be with you!) with a special screening for just £5. Join Jedi warriors Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they encounter young Anakin Skywalker and face off against the sinister Sith, in this thrilling adventure that marks the beginning of the iconic saga.

Tuesday, 7 May - 7 pm. Much Ado About Dying. Join us for a special screening of Much Ado About Dying, a poignant exploration of life, love, and mortality. Follow retired actor David Newlyn Gale’s journey as he grapples with the complexities of ageing and finds solace in literature and theatre. Followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion with

ex-counsellor with experience working with loss and grief, Lesley Wilson, Humanist Celebrant Brian Hawkins, and Church of Scotland Minister Neil Glover.

Wednesday, 15 May - 7 pm. The Needle and The Damage Done/ Short Supply. Experience a double feature screening with local filmmaker Kevin Molony at the UK premiere of The Needle and The Damage Done. The night kicks off with Short Supply, a witty Glaswegian tale following dentist Philip Black’s unexpected journey to Poland after a bizarre turn of events. Then, delve into the absurdist drama of The Needle & The Damage Done, as the mundane lives of the Mulgrew household in a Glasgow tower block take unexpected turns, showcasing Aberfeldy’s very own talent both on and off-screen. Stick around for a lively Q&A with Kevin Molony and the cast and crew.

Friday, 24 May - 7.30 pm. Loch Ness - They Created a Monster. Dive into the depths of Loch Ness’s untold tales in this darkly comic documentary. See the incredible saga of Nessie hunters in the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing a world of eccentric scientists, broken dreams, and the elusive quest for the mythical creature. Real life and legend collide in this exciting tale of monsters and men, detailing the lengths that some are willing to go to unveil the truth in one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. Followed by a Q&A with the director John MacLaverty.

Thursday, 30 May - 7.20 pm. The Royal Opera House & Sadler’s Wells & Universal Music UK: Message in a Bottle. Experience the electrifying fusion of music and dance with Message In A Bottle. A spellbinding tale of hope and resilience set to the iconic hits of Sting, brought to life by the visionary choreography of Kate Prince and performed by the extraordinary talents of ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey of humanity and hope. 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! Volunteers play a vital and valued part in the life of your community hub. If you would like to know more, email volunteers@birkscinema.co.uk.

Vision PK: Social Group for People with a Visual Impairment

Our group in Aberfeldy has been running for over a year now. The group is very friendly, has fun sharing interests, reminiscence and storytelling, we’ve also had people working or volunteering in the community come speak with us about their work or group. If anyone is interested in volunteering to help with coffees or group facilitation, please get in touch.

We have changed our group time, having decided an earlier meeting would be good especially in the winter when the days are short, it would also help us avoid school finishing times. We meet in: The School Room, Town Hall, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy PH15 2BJ. We will meet every third Thursday of the month from 1 pm - 2.30 pm. Anyone in the Aberfeldy area, who has a visual impairment is welcome, if they need the support of a carer to attend the carer will be welcome too. If you have any questions or would like more information, please get in touch with Lidia at Vision PK. Telephone 01738 626969, mobile 07900 707542, email lidia.dye@ visionpk.org.uk

About VisionPK - VisionPK is a local charity offering a range of specialist services for people who are visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing. These services includes rehabilitation; specialist equipment assessment and provision; information, advice and support; volunteering opportunities; fundraising opportunities and activities, groups and clubs.

The Meeting Place

We meet every Friday in the Duchess Anne, Dunkeld from 10 am - 12 pm for a cup of tea or coffee along with tasty home baking and good company.

The Coffee Mornings on Friday, 10 and 17 May will be supporting Christian Aid and will have a cake and candy stall.

Christian Aid will also have a bookstall at the Duchess Anne on these dates. All welcome.

Personal Trainer & Therapist

Highland Perthshire & Online

Home Visits By Appointment

Helping Clients Since 1998

David .W. Calder DipPT, DIR, DSM

See all of our details at www.thequair.scot

Contact Tel: 01796 482431 Email: david@luxuryÞtness.co

Contact Tel: 01796 482431 Email: david@luxury

Pitlochry Bowling Club - The photograph below was taken on the morning of our last warm space which has Carol and Fay at the front. They were the two club members who made hot soup and filled rolls every week throughout the winter. Good to see them sitting down for once. It was lovely to see everyone who came along. Thank you to Perth and Kinross for sponsoring this event. A new season, what a great time to come along to try something new. We can supply everything you need. Please wear flat soled shoes to protect our green. There is always a member there in the afternoons who will help and guide you. If you are interested in joining you can come along three times before committing. A joining fee for this year for new members is only £30. This gives you an outdoor and indoor season of bowling and access to the bar. Great value indeed. Everyone is made very welcome.

Our last indoor bowls competition, The 2024 Singles Competition was won by Les Simms congratulations and well done Les. Bingo nights for May are Monday, 6 and Monday, 20. 7 pm for 7.30 pm. This is a very popular evening and an enjoyable social night. Everyone is very welcome to come and join us.

We are straight into the start of the North Perthshire League and would like to wish our fellow bowlers a good season. We had a good turnout at our recent AGM where the following were elected to the committee Our President for another year is John Anderson, Vice President is Brian McClure Secretary Agnes Naylor, Treasurer Kevin Walsh and 6 others were also invited to join the committee. Have a good season everyone.

For further information on any the above please contact John on 07833 664121 or Agnes on 07918 122415. Our Facebook page is also a good source of information.

Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council

Killiecrankie Fincastle & Tummel Community Council wishes to thank the 46 people, 1 horse and 1 dog who turned out for the Clean Up Killiecrankie event on April 7. Not only did we collect a huge amount of rubbish on roadsides and footpaths but many residents took the opportunity to learn about CPR and defibrillator use. Trainers were available in Killiecrankie Village Hall throughout the afternoon to give excellent instruction to all those interested. Our next meeting will be held at 7 pm on Monday, 20 May at Kynachan Hall, Tummel Bridge. Rangers from the PKC Visitor Management Team will update us on plans for the 2024 season. The Minutes of our March meeting are on the website www.killiecrankievillagehall. co.uk/community-council/

To join our mailing list, please contact info@ kftcommunitycouncil.co.uk.

Woodland Picnic - West Stormont Woodland Group, in conjunction with Tayside Woodland Partnerships is holding a woodland picnic on Saturday, 11 May at 12 pm, followed by a guided walk at 1 pm. Come and join us for a social get-together and to hear about WSWG’s plans and what TWP are up to. Bring your own food and drink, and some to share if you can, plus a chair or mat to sit on. Parking is limited so please share where possible. Meet at the entrance to Taymount Wood, about a mile northeast of Stanley, Google maps coordinates 56.500212, -3.431229. What3words: tributes.batches.laminate Dress suitably for the weather, children under 16 must be accompanied by guardian. For more information find us on Facebook, email contact@ weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot or visit www.weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot or www.taysidewoodlandpartnerships.org

Killiecrankie Village Hall - The Killiecrankie Village Hall committee was delighted to host CPR and AED (defibrillator) training on April 7 as part of the Clean Up Killiecrankie event. A defibrillator is located on an external wall of the hall, on the left of the main entrance.

To hire the hall, please see www.killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk or email info@killiecrankievillagehall.co.uk.

The Healthiest Town project are looking for help with communications - designing, social media, promotions. Freelance, approximately 3 hours a week, £30/ hour. For more information

email info@healthiesttown.org

Personal Assistant

Required - Aberfeldy

We are looking for a personal assistant 3 days per week for a young man with Cerebral Palsy. He requires help with all aspects of living. Person needs to be fun and enthusiastic.

Days are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Also looking for personal assistant for one weekend a month. Roles could be combined. For more information please email Emma on emmaburtles@phonecoop.coop or phone 07881 991176.

Window Cleaning also available!

Heartland Film Society at the Birks Cinema Aberfeldy - 6.30 pm. Sunday, 19 May. Poor Things. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite) and based on the novel by Alasdair Gray, Poor Things is the story of Bella Baxter (played by Emma Stone) who is brought back to life by brilliant and unorthodox scientist Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). In a visually stunning, phantasmagoric take on the Frankenstein theme, the film explores notions of freedom and equality as Bella evolves from child to adult, discovering what it means to be a woman and a member of society The film received a multitude of nominations at this year’s awards and won best actor for Emma Stone’s performance among others.

On the big screen at The Birks Cinema, Aberfeldy as one of the 2024 Heartland Film Society season of films which aims to bring the best of world cinema to our rural community.

To find out more about The Heartland Film Society, what’s on and how to become a member please visit www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk. For details of The Birks Cinema and its growing programme of cultural and community events and activities (including films) go to www.birkscinema.co.uk

Rannoch History Society - Rannoch History Society concluded its 2023-24 programme on a high note on April 20 with an illustrated account of the tour of Scotland in 1773 by Samuel Johnson and James Boswell by Dr Jim Caudle of Yale and Glasgow Universities.

A visit to Struan Kirk and kirkyard with members of Clan Donnachaidh is planned for May. This beautiful little church has great significance for the Clan as their ancestral home and was purchased by a Trust formed by them in 2017. It is hoped that Mark Hall of Perth Museum will be our guide on that occasion. Further details will be circulated to members of both Societies in due course.

The Big Shed - Lots of good stuff at this retreat at the Big Shed later in the month…… Friday, 24 - Sunday, 26 May - Root to Rise with Hayley Reid - a family friendly retreat with yoga, somatic practices, arts & crafts, dance storytelling, cold water swimming, £111 per person, but kids come free. To book get in touch with Hayley Naples2003@hotmail.co.uk

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

www.facebook.com/theBigShedTombreck, txt or phone

07508

645453

Blair Atholl and Struan Community Council - Affordable Housing - Back in June 2023 BAASCC initiated the latest Community Action Plan where everyone living locally was asked to identify their priorities to make living in Blair Atholl and Struan better. Top of the priority list not surprisingly was the issue of affordable housing - either to rent or buy. Subsequently BAASCC has approached PKC for advice and a meeting has recently taken place with John Forbes from the Communities Housing Trust (CHT) that operate across Scotland. John’s very helpful advice means that we need to undertake a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA). John explained that there is a standard way of doing this and the CHT will help deliver the assessment, liaising with the Community Council to make sure the right questions are asked. The methods of obtaining everyone’s views will range from physical forms available through the shops in Blair Atholl to online questionnaires. The idea behind the HNA is to seek views from everyone either living in the area, those with aspirations to move back here and for businesses requiring places for their staff to live. The exact timing and format of this survey has yet to be determined. Once the HNA is complete and assuming it shows there is a need for affordable housing the next step is likely to be the establishment of a Development Trust which is the recognised best way of managing the ongoing process and delivering what we need. The obvious key issues to start with will be: can some of the existing empty properties in the area be converted into affordable housing or will new build be required and if so where.

The point of contact in BAASCC for information going forward is Alastair Stephen

Loch Tay Skiff Club

With longer evenings and warmer days, this month will see plenty of activity on the lovely waters of Loch Tay and further afield. New members welcome at £35 for the year and as much rowing as you can manage including fun with other clubs, journeys the length of Loch Tay, and along the Tay estuary. Find us on Spond, Facebook or email lochtayskiffclub@ gmail.com.

Quality gifts & presents from in & around beautiful Highland Perthshire

10.00am to 2.00pm

1st Sunday of the Month - From April The

Contact Lynn Shilp

T: 01887 830 620

lynn@breaghaglass.com

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. For further information, please get in touch with the library.

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

IN ABERFELDY

WHERE LEGS AND FEET MATTER

WHERE LEGS AND FEET MATTER

GREGOR McCOSHIM FCPodS MChS

HCPC REGISTERED

ROUTINE CHIROPODY

GREGOR McCOSHIM FCPodS MChS

WALKING/RUNNING INJURIES

ORTHOTIC/INSOLE MANUFACTURER

LEG/FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT

ORTHOTIC/INSOLE MANUFACTURER

LEG/FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT

OFFIZONE, KENMORE STREET, ABERFELDY, PH15 2BL

TEL: 07932 725211

206 HIGH STREET,   AUCHTERARDER, PH3 1AF

EMAIL: grm@mccoshim.plus.com

TEL: 07932 725211

www.grmpodiatry.co.uk

EMAIL: grm@mccoshim.plus.com

www.grmpodiatry.co.uk

Aberfeldy Needs You!

Your Community First Responders are looking for volunteers to join the team. We know that our presence makes a difference to the patients and their families.

Do you want to help make a difference?

If you are interested in becoming a Community First Responder contact: info@acfrg.net

PADS - PADS (Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society) is a wellloved, 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.

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

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. It also contains a ‘mother and baby unit’ where new mums can care for their puppies in a safe and environment. See www.padsdogrescue.com

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.

We've got it a Hettie's

To find out more, check out our website

95 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5AB, 01796 473991

www.hettiesteas.co.uk

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.

Pete Wishart MP

Perth & North Perthshire

I can be reached at 17-19 Leslie Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AH, by telephone on 01250 876 576 or by email at pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk

NEBO

Studio Paint Service

Edradour Pitlochry & Blair Atholl

Pipe

Band

Practices have been busy over the last few months and our first competition will be the British Championships in Forres on Saturday, 8 June, then Lochore on Saturday, 22 June.

Some of our younger band members have also played with Perform in Perth and the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, and once again we played for Keepers of the Quaich at Blair Castle.

We are delighted to be invited to return to the Avenches Tattoo in Switzerland in late August, this was the highlight for many band members last year.

Following our recent AGM, office bearers for the next 12 months are:- Pipe Major Christy Kelly; Chairman Stewart Smart; Vice Chair Katrin Munro; Secretary Claire Scott; Treasurer Tracey Cudworth; Child Protection Officer Nicola Sinclair; Quartermaster Sharon Kelly.

During term time we have moved our practices on a Wednesday night to Pitlochry High School, then Blair Atholl Village Hall during the school holidays.

Heart of Scotland Herb Society Herbs - Health - Happiness

The summer outing will take place on Thursday, 23 May starting with the Forth Boats Three Bridges Tour from South Queensferry, followed by a visit to Hopetoun House and ending with a high tea at Taste of Perthshire, Bankfoot. Week beginning Sunday, 26 May we have the Thrift Shop in Aberfeldy, donations, tombola items and offers of help would be greatly appreciated.

Thrift shop enquiries contact: Wendy, email: theshawkins@btinternet.com

Information contact: Cath McGregor Tel: 01887 830234 or Susan Craik Tel: 07501 095602

Aberfeldy Farmers’ Market and Arts and Craft Fair

Painter & Decorators

Plastering (Interior/Exterior)

Walls Papered, Linen Paper, Tape Joint ,Filling & Tiling

Also....Maintenance Jobs - any type, Rough Casting, Earth Modelling, Coving replaced and any type of restoration.

Tel: 07885 426955

www.painter-decorator-aberfeldy.co.uk

nebostudiopaintservice@gmail.com

If you would like further information on the band, please contact Pipe Major Christy Kelly 01796 472692 or Secretary Claire Scott 01796 481456 or follow us on Facebook.

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, 7 May between 10 am - 12 pm noon at the Pitlochry Community Hospital.

Hearing Aid Drop-in Clinic 2024

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, 1 May between 10 am - 12 noon at the Aberfeldy & Kinloch Rannoch Medical Practice, (Wellbeing Room), Aberfeldy.

We are hoping for better weather this month for the Sunday, 5 May from 10 am - 2 pm market. Apologies again to all who were disappointed by the late cancellation of the first market and fair of the season. Come along to the square and see what is for sale this year! We have some interesting new offerings as well as the usual tasty delights. The Arts and Craft Fair will be on the mezzanine floor of the Birks Cinema. We hope that you will be able to 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

KENMORE BAKERY

Homemade Shortbread and Biscuits

Bakers of Distinction

The Mitchell Family

Come and see us!

We will be at

Aberfeldy Market

Sunday, 5 May

Crieff Market

Saturday, 10 May

Keith’s award winning tablet

Easdale, Acharn, Aberfeldy, Perthshire Tel: 01887 830556

E: kenmore bakery@hotmail.com Facebook: Kenmore Bakery

• Greeting Cards

• Gifts & Toys,

• Stationery

• Framed and Mounted Prints

19 Bridgend, Aberfeldy, PH15 2DF

Tel 07743 064848

Open 6 days 10-4 (closed Sunday)

Ladies at Pitlochry Golf Club - The Ladies at Pitlochry Golf Club were delighted to have had such fabulous weather for their Opening match on March 24. Big thanks go to Jackie and her team at the Red Deer for the excellent food throughout the day.

Winter League and prizes for the day were presented after the meal. The winning team on the day was Isla Moncrieff, Louise Kelly, Janet McDonald and Olga Robb. Second was Kathleen Duncan, Isabel Brown, Lauren Cameron and Kirsten Kramer.

We were delighted to welcome 2 of the Gateway golfers to the day and delighted that they were among the winners.

Winter League winners were:

Eclectic - Division 1 - Janette Kennedy Division 2 - Jani Crichton

Stableford - Division 1 - Janette Kennedy Division 2 - Gillian Munro

Stableford Overall Winner - Jani Crichton

Best wishes to everyone for the season ahead.

Tryst Walking Group, Pitlochry

Tuesday, 7 May - Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore. This is a circular waymarked walk around Newtonmore on good paths. We pass through open moorland, native woodlands and along the banks of the Spey and Calder rivers, with views of the Cairngorm and Monadhliath mountains. Height climbed 120m. Distance approx. 7 miles. OS map 35

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

Saturday, 25 May - Braemar walks. This is a circular route on paths and tracks combining three Braemar walks. We walk along the banks of the Clunie Water and the river Dee then climb up through the Morrone birkwoods. Next we descend to cross the Clunie Water and join the Queen’s Drive walk back to the start. Height climbed 300m. Distance 8 miles. OS map 43.

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

Four small changes to make with your money that can have a Big Impact

Small, positive changes can collectively make a big difference to your life and that certainly applies when it comes to your finances. Try out these four tips and see how much money you save.

Create a budget - If your aim is to save money, creating a budget is one of the most important first steps. It’s a fantastic way to gain a clearer picture of your financial situation.

First, establish what you spend your money on and how much income you have coming in. This will help you see where you can cut out or cut back on small expenses to increase savings in the long run. Visit capuk.org/budgeting to get help creating your budget.

Always compare prices - Since the cost of living started to rise, pretty much everything has gone up in price and it can feel almost impossible to find a bargain these days.

Things might not be cheap but there are often cheaper alternatives. We can sometimes go for a brand we’ve seen advertised because that exposure makes us trust it more than brands we haven’t heard of. However, just because a company doesn’t have a big advertising budget doesn’t necessarily mean what they’re selling won’t do the job you need it to do.

Try cheaper alternatives, and if you like them, great, you’ve saved money! If you don’t, you can always go back to a brand you prefer if you decide it’s worth the extra cost.

Check out helpful websites - Finding out what the cheapest option is can sometimes be a challenge but there are plenty of helpful websites to give you a good idea.

Try moneysavingexpert.com for tips to help you save on a wide range of different things. Sign up to their weekly email newsletter to get the latest deals, guides and hacks directly from Martin Lewis and the MSE team.

Attend a free money course - Free local money coaching and life skills courses can be super helpful to take your money management skills and financial confidence to the next level. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) runs these free courses in local communities for people of all faiths and none.

Visit capuk.org/help to find out more about the full range of help CAP offers in our local area. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity working with over 800 affiliated churches to deliver debt help, budgeting guidance, support to find work, life skills education and more. Visit capuk.org to find out more.

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition

Registration will be open online from Wednesday, 1 - Friday, 31 May - www.dunkeldartexhibition.com.

Artists may enter up to 3 pieces of work and once registration is accepted, images and details of work must be added. Work should be brought to Duchess Anne on Sunday, 21 and Monday, 22 July The Exhibition will run from Tuesday, 30 July until Thursday, 29 August.

For any further information please email dunkeldart@aol.com

West Stormont Woodland Group

We enjoyed being part of the wonderful celebration event in Perth Civic Hall on March 12 to announce the community projects across Perth and Kinross which have been awarded PKC Green Living Funding, including our WizzyWARP24 Project to bring diverse groups to the woods for a range of activities and to hear how WSWG’s Wildwood Project plans for managing Taymount Wood will deliver climate, biodiversity and community benefit. *Meeting with the Dunkeld and Birnam community on March 15 to progress the role for WSWG in a programme of sustainability learning with the Royal School of Dunkeld this spring. *A huge thank you to all the WSWG members who helped with the C406 Community Litterpick on March 24, both at the Taymount Wood car park and nearby verges and along the road as a whole. Over 80 black bags of rubbish plus lots of unbaggable debris - down in last year’s 100+ bags but still an enormous amount for 4 miles of road. Thank you also to PKC for closing the road and arranging pick-up on the day. *Fantastic field visit to Taymount Wood on March 26 by 30+ students from three different courses at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) as part of their Multi-Purpose Woodland Management module. Like the SRUC student visit in 2023, it was a very enjoyable afternoon introducing the students to WSWG’s Woodland Management Plan for nature recovery, climate and community benefit along with much interesting discussion. *Progressing WizzyWARP24 event as part of NHS/PKC Health and Social Care Partnership’s ‘Recovery May’. *Continuing with our fundraising activity. Very disappointing to report that we were not successful in securing Scottish Land Fund money on this occasion, but we are looking into reapplying in May. The UK-wide Community Ownership Fund does not cover the purchase of assets from public bodies, which includes Forestry and Land Scotland. We are delighted though to report that our Expression of Interest to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been accepted,

meaning we will be putting in a substantial bid for that in May. *Our membership secretary has embarked on improving our use of Facebook for communicating better with both members and the wider public so please look out for this as another good way of getting our updates, event notices, volunteering opportunities and more. See next events below - everyone welcome to all of these.

WSWG Word of the Month - Dawn chorus: the symphony of birdsong heard in the early morning performed in spring by birds to attract a mate or defend a breeding territory. Birds are busy with this for several weeks already, but April is a great month to experience the dawn chorus in the woods or elsewhere. Use www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ blog/2024/02/identify-bird-song/ or the Merlin app on your phone to identify what species of birds you are hearing.

What’s coming up next? Saturday, 11 May - picnic with Tayside Woodland Partnerships in Taymount Wood 12 pm to 3 pm. Follow us! West Stormont Woodland Group Email us: contact@weststormontwoodlandgroup.scot

Breadalbane and District Riding for the Disabled (SCO 47991)

Volunteers enjoyed an active training day on April 8 in preparation for the new term. Our wonderful, borrowed ponies behaved impeccably whilst everyone, including a new volunteer, practised the skills and procedures required for enabling the children to learn and improve their riding. Several volunteers have also been expanding their knowledge by participating in a range of online training sessions organised by our regional coaches. Topics include equine first aid, handling horses and safety, grooming and fitting rugs. By May, riding will be well under way and we hope unaffected by the weather. The snow at the start of April was not encouraging. However it did not deter the browsers in the Thrift Shop and we were delighted that our funds have been increased by £1,900. A wonderful result and many thanks to our friends who came along and supported us. The lunch at McDiarmid Park for volunteers from across the county held back in March was not only very enjoyable but also gave

us some very welcome publicity. We are always on the lookout for more volunteers as people come and go with changing circumstances. Anyone interested should get in touch with Vicky on 07786 262329 or email breadalbanerda@gmail.com

Breadalbane Heritage Society - The Breadalbane Heritage Society has now completed another successful winter season of in-person and Zoom talks with an average of around 60 people attending each of the six talks, and recordings of most of these talks are available on the Society’s website, www. breadalbane-heritage.org.uk

Over the summer, visits will be arranged to places of local interest including the new Scottish Crannog Centre Museum and a day trip to the Black Watch Museum in Perth, with details provided on the Society’s website.

The website provides up-to-date information about talks and activities, events and publications. Ongoing Society projects include the maintenance of the private Killiechassie Burial Ground in Strathtay, and working to support Mairi McAdam, the Community Relations Manager with the Taymouth Castle Golf & Sport Club, in facilitating links with the S2 pupils of Breadalbane Academy to provide a history tour of local sites of historical interest such as Castle Menzies, the Old Village of Lawers and its associated prophecies of the Lady of Lawers.

In conjunction with Perth & Kinross libraries, the Society also provides a free service of assistance with family history research.

Loch of the Lowes - After a long journey ‘our’ ospreys have returned to Loch of the Lowes and they continue to provide us with surprises and entertainment. NC0, the female osprey, arrived earlier than we have ever visually recorded a returning osprey, arriving on March 8. Just as we wondered if NC0 might start looking for another mate, the male (LM12) arrived on March 27. They got down to business quickly and so hopefully as you read this there are eggs laid and we can expect hatching towards the end of May.

Visitors told us of their amazing experiences of watching the beavers. At dusk a beaver was observed swimming and being out on the bank, which they watched till the light dimmed and its form disappeared to the human eye. At dawn a very lucky person viewed a number of beavers closer to the hide, and as if that wasn’t enough, they then saw an otter. The otters and beavers seem to get on with each other. As beavers only eat vegetable matter, they are not a competitor for the otter’s diet.

Viking Optics day - Saturday, 11 May 10.30 am to 3 pm. See binoculars, monoculars and telescopes. Contact Loch of the Lowes as soon as possible if you would like a demonstration of a specific Viking product.

Beaver Breakfast - Friday, 7 June 5 am to 7 am. Join the Ranger at Sunrise at Loch of the Lowes for a morning of watching beavers and other wildlife. Hot drinks and Croissants provided.

Beaver Watch - Wednesday, 26 June 7 pm to 9.30 pm. Join the Ranger team for a talk about beavers and the chance to spot them from our hides!

Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, PH8 0HH (Visitor centre open 10.30 am till 5 pm daily) Tel: 01350 727337 Email: lochofthelowes@scottishwildlifetrust. org.uk. For any events of the Scottish Wildlife Trust see and book if required www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ things-to-do/wildlife-events/

Maybe it’s a special occasion, or just that you want to treat a loved one, in which case we have just the experience for you.

Join us for an intimate distillery tour and tasting led by one of our experienced guides in our private tasting room, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste all that Blair Athol has to offer. Have the chance to sample two of our very own casks that currently lay in one of our vast warehouses, as well as our very own distillery exclusives; we may just have a perfect expression for your palate.

Not to mention, rounding off your experience with a carefully crafted cocktail in our world -famous Mash Tun Bar… now that’s what we like to call a first-class Blair Athol experience.

Contact us on 01796482003 or email blair.athol@malts.com to book.

Kinetic Chain Release can ease symptoms and bring rapid, lasting relief from many chronic conditions

Suitable for all ages.

Hayley Carruthers

KCR Practitioner

T: 07775668302

E: b2b@matchett co uk

back2balancepitlochry

4A DUFF AVENUE, PITLOCHRY, PH16 5EN

Sam Decorating Services

Open Gate Festival 2024 - The Healthiest Town Aberfeldy team is thrilled to be leading an exciting, new, local project focussed on food. One of our pillars is food and enabling and encouraging people to eat more local, real food and to learn more about their food is our focus - good for people and planet.

The Open Gate Festival is an opportunity for us all to learn about our food, where it comes from, how we can grow our own food and how small changes can make big differences to our own health and that of the environment around us. This forms part of work going on across Perth and Kinross and Scotland to support better food. For the Open Gate Festival, local growers and producers will be able to open their farm or garden gates to the public, to show where our food comes from and how it grows. We will also have a series of workshops, a speaker event, foody films, farm visits, cooking workshops and a community feast. It will run from Friday, 23 August to Sunday, 1 September.

If you have a farm, a garden, a hive or a window box that makes food, consider getting involved in this exciting project - a first for Scotland (as far as we know). More information from info@healthiesttown.org or on our website www.healthiesttown.org.

The Himalaya come to Pitlochry - The Little Sherpa Foundation, a charity based in Dunkeld and the Nepal Himalaya, is delighted to have been asked to facilitate an exhibition of Sherpa people, their culture and landscape in the Pavilion of the Pitlochry Explorers Garden from mid-May for a month. The Himalayan section of the garden will have its glorious meconopsis in full bloom at this time.

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

Mobile: 07737 792402

Email: sammcrobbie53@gmail.com Free Quotes

Atholl Davidson Removals

Our family business - Established over 38 years - guarantees you a quality service and competitive prices, whatever your requirements.

• No Job too big or small

• Furniture Removals

• House Clearances

• Storage

• Packing Materials

• Free Quotations

Tel 01796 473383/07860 420894

www.removalsinperthshire.com

removals@atholldavidson.co.uk

One of the highlights will be on Everest Day, Wednesday, 29 May, when we will take a closer look at Sherpa culture by showing the award-winning film, Sherpas Speak, produced by BAFTA winners Richard Else & Meg Wicks, with music by Dougie and Jamie McLean.

At the same event in the Festival Theatre, there will be an opportunity to hear writer and broadcaster, Cameron McNeish, author, Fiona Valpy, and James Lamb from the Little Sherpa Foundation, talk about their connections to the area and the people. Details on how to buy tickets - www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/whats-on/ sherpas-speak and www.littlesherpafoundation.com

Tay Valley Connections

The Tay Valley Timebank charity is now Tay Valley Connections! We have grown far beyond our origins in time-banking. TVC now supports connection in the Upper Tay area by 1) helping people build community, 2) helping people get around 3) helping people help one another.

We began as a timebank more than 10 years ago - back then, we were called Deeds for Needs and were supported by Perth And Kinross Association Of Voluntary Service (PKAVS). Timebanks can help to move us away from the idea of ‘givers’ and ‘recipients’.

In fact, everyone needs something and everyone has something to give.

During the pandemic, our work grew beyond timebanking. We were helping with prescriptions, transportation, groceries, and more. We called our expanding

transportation arm ‘Upper Tay Transport’ and ‘Timebank’ became a confusing name for an organisation that includes much more than timebanking. Now, we have changed our name to make it clear that we are all

about connection in this beautiful area we all call home.

Please join us for a celebratory launch of our new identity Saturday, 11 May, 1 pm - 3 pm at the Aberfeldy Town Hall. This event is for everyone of all ages and abilities. The town hall is fully accessible and children will be happy to hear that there will be a bouncy castle! We’ll have food, drink, and connection. It’s all Free.

TAY VALLEY TIMEBANK and UPPER TAY TRANSPORT are now... Join

Building back from Adversity - It is early October 2023. The bowling season at Grandtully and Strathtay Bowling Club has concluded and peace has descended on this corner of Highland Perthshire. The bowls are put away for another season, the last cut of the grass has been done and the maintenance gear is stowed until the new season beckons in early 2024. However, that peace is soon to be shattered. Out in the Atlantic a major depression has formed and as it advances on Scotland the forecast is for a major storm named Babet. Havoc arrives on October 18 and over next few days the exceptional rainfall leads to the flow down the burn beside the Grandtully green becoming a violent torrent. Much damage is done to the banks and when the storm and flow subsides the scale of that damage is a shock. The club and its neighbours have lost a lot. In particular, the bridge that gave access from the carpark to the bowling green has been destroyed.

into a plan and award a contract. On the basis of our draft plan a contract was agreed with Alex Butter Landscaping Limited and it is hoped that they will be able to deliver a new bridge and repairs to the banking in time for the start of the new season on April 20. The club members are deeply grateful to both funds for the chance to recover from the blow delivered by storm Babet. Having had quite a blunt wake up call, we are now looking at what else we can do to restore our club property, so as to host many more years of bowling and hopefully attract new members to this great sport. If you have not visited us before or thought about bowls as a great pastime for one’s general health and wellbeing, please do get in touch and come along. In the season we hold casual bowling evenings on Mondays and Thursdays, early and late season starting at 6.30 pm, once light permits at 7 pm. If you need to contact the club, please email our Secretary Sandra Morrison at sandramorrison64@gmail.com.

The wooden footbridge had withstood all that nature could throw at it for more than 30 years. No one in the club could recall a time when it had not been there. Without the bridge the future outlook for the club was bleak. The footbridge was the only practical access to the green and replacing it was not something that the club had the resources or know-how to tackle. For a time, the club members were in shock and it took time for the message to sink in that without exceptional effort, there was no future. The first task was to try to raise some funding. Initial success was achieved with an application to the PKC Babet recovery fund. Concurrent with this application the search for possible contractors and cost estimates got underway, so that we could seek the appropriate level of funding from whatever grant giving bodies we could identify. In this part of Highland Perthshire we are fortunate to benefit from the ‘SSE Renewables’ Griffin & Calliachar Community Fund. An application was duly prepared and made. The adjudicating panel met on March 9 and we were very grateful to get the news a few days later that we had been successful. The next challenge was to convert the exploratory conversations with contractors

Photo - Grandtully Bowling Club (Where has our bridge gone - the aftermath of storm Babet and the clearance of the hazardous wreckage).

Fortingall Village Hall

£5 Drop in Lunch - Join us for lunch on Thursday, 16 May at Fortingall Village Hall. Choice of main course, tea/coffee and a cake for just £5.00. 12noon to 2pm (last orders 1.45pm). No need to book, but if you wish, email fortingallhallevents@ gmail.com or 01887 830322.

Music in Rannoch - The concerts in last year’s series arranged for us by Scott Mitchell of the Scottish Conservatoire, were extraordinarily good, and this year’s series should be equally good. It is difficult to describe how good a concert is until it has taken place, so come to the first one and find out for yourself. You will be very welcome. £12 at the door (unless you join as a member, which is a little cheaper for all six concerts). Children free. Refreshments during the interval. Easy parking.

Sunday, 19 May - 3 pm in the Old Church of Rannoch, Kinloch Rannoch. ‘Spanish Roses’ Ana Romero (Trumpet) and Marina Sanchez, (Cello). We will start with some Piazzolla works (Latino fire!), then we will follow with dances such as the Ritual Fire-dance by Manuel de Falla, the Tango ‘Por una Cabeza’ by Carlos Gardel and Musetta’s Waltz. We will also play two jazzy duets including a nice ballad from a British composer and we will finish with two lovely Scottish pieces ‘Blue Bonnets over the Border’ and ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’. We are thinking also of playing Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni and perhaps one of the pieces that the British composer Ian Pillow has written specifically for us.

Sunday, 16 June - Cantilena Festival Players (Strings). Programme includes a Bach violin sonata and Schubert’s Arpeggione for Cello and Guitar.

Sunday, 21 July - Nicholas Ashton. Piano Recital. Programme includes: Haydn: Piano Sonata in E major, Beethoven: Sonata in A major, op.101 and shorter works by Chopin, Liszt, Schumann and Brahms.

Sunday, 11 August - Games Week concert. Sally Simpson (Violin) and Catriona Hawksworth (Piano): A repertoire from Scottish traditions alongside traditions from further afield.

Sunday, 15 September - Bruadar Duo. Lynn Strang (flute) and Kieran McCrossan (Guitar). Programme not yet known.

Sunday, 20 October - Maxímiliano Martin (Clarinet) and Scott Mitchell (Piano). Programme includes Brahms: Sonata, Debussy: Premiere Rhapsodie, Widor: Introduction et Rondo.

Book Launch at Glen Lyon Coffee Roasters - A new edition of Linda Cracknell’s 2014 book Doubling Back: Paths trodden in memory is launched at 6 pm on Thursday, 23 May in the convivial surroundings of the coffee roastery. The former BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week returns to shelves 10 years on and with fresh material reflecting a walker’s journey into new preoccupations. As well as looking back, the book now looks forward, prompted by a walk in Scotland’s Flow Country - its peat-bogs our most significant carbon store.

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?

Meetings take place every other Tuesday in Dalguise Village Hall from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. In May, the meetings are on 7th and 21st. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments.

There is no charge and we have no religious affiliations. If you aren’t able to attend in person, you might be interested in joining our mailing list, to receive interesting and helpful articles about meditation and mindful living, on the intervening Tuesdays. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com.

The launch is free, but ticketed. Wine will be served. Book here or call in for tickets: www.glenlyoncoffee.co.uk/products/book-launch-doubling-backby-linda-cracknell

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream performing Open Air - in mid-summerin the centre of Dunkeld.

Community drama group, Birnam Institute Players (BIPs) are excited to announce their production of this best-loved of Shakespeare’s plays.

20-22 June, 7:30 pm, St. Ninian’s Gardens, Dunkeld

Performing outdoors, in the centre of the town just behind the main street, set in the beautiful St. Ninian’s Gardens.

Bring your chairs, picnic baskets and your sun crème. And your umbrellas - just in case!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Tickets: ON SALE at Birnam Arts 01350 727674 birnamarts.com

“So impressed with Balhousie Pitlochry!”

Across Balhousie Care Group, caring for their residents is at the very heart of everything they do. And, no less so at their care home in Pitlochry, where the team pride themselves on providing care that makes the difference to each and every one of those who call it home. But, they don’t want you to just take their word for it…

Shirley Craik’s mother is a resident. And, as someone with over 30 years’ experience working in the social care sector, Shirley has been impressed by the ‘exceptional’ care her mum receives.

“I am so pleased with how well Mum has settled into Balhousie Pitlochry since she moved in last June.

“I am always so relieved when I visit. She is happy, well-cared-for, safe and has good social interaction. Social isolation was a major part of Mum’s issues before she moved to Pitlochry, so seeing her joining in with the activities, and in all of the photos in the home’s recent newsletter, was fantastic.

“I have worked in Social Housing for over 30 years and a lot of that was within older peoples’ services. One of my roles was responsibility for Housing with Care developments and two residential care homes, so I am well aware of the issues facing staff when working with older people - particularly those with dementia.

“I have been so impressed with the staff I see at Balhousie Pitlochry. Svetlana, the Deputy Home Manager, has been exceptional at keeping in touch with me, particularly in the early days of Mum moving into the home. I was kept updated and wasn’t worrying about Mum settling in. “She was also a fantastic help when I was trying to negotiate the social work referral process and meetings to organise funding.”

“Please pass on my thanks to all of the team.”

Time to live a little more?

We can help with that “So impressed with Balhousie Pitlochry!”

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.

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

Living life at Balhousie Pitlochry means care and kindness, safety and warmth, and lots of activitieshome and away. As well as company, when you want it.

Living life at Balhousie Pitlochry means care and kindness, safety and warmth, and lots of activitieshome 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.

We know choosing your new home can be daunting. That’s why we’d love to take the time to show you around, and chat over any questions.

Want to take a look? Call Sarah on 01796 473280 or email enquiries@balhousiecare.co.uk