The Crieff & Comrie Quair

The Crieff & Comrie Quair TM

December 2023 CRIEFF | COMRIE | ST. FILLANS | MADDERTY | FOWLIS WESTER | GILMERTON 1

G I F T VO U C H E R S Made to make memories

Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to an unforgettable experience with our exquisite gift vouchers.

Indulge in the luxury of choice with our diverse range of options, from blissful spa breaks to adventurous activity packages and dreamy overnight stays – we have it all.

M O NE TARY — S PA — AC T I V I T I E S — & M O R E

C R I E FFH Y D RO FA M I LY. C O M / G I F T - VO U C H E R S 2

• Supplied and Fitted Kitchens • New Builds • Timber, UPVC, Windows Supplied and Fitted • Extensions • Renovations • Attic Conversions • Cladding, Decking • General Maintenance • Dry Rot And Wet Rot Treatment

Come and visit our small luxury boutique hotel in Comrie, with Brasserie style restaurant and al fresco dining

For Free Estimates Tel 01764 656031

The Royal Hotel, Melville Square, Comrie, PH6 2DN Tel: 01764 679200 e: reception@royalhotel.co.uk w: royalhotel.co.uk

Festive Fun Awaits Join us for a fun-filled filled season this year at Moness Resort in Aberfeldy.

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Dec

Dec

Christmas Market

Lunch with Santa

11am - 3pm

from 12:30pm

FREE entry

Two course lunch + gift

Painting division • Exterior and interior painting • TAPING AND filling • plastering • Wallpaper hanging and removal • Paint stripping • Residential Jobs • Outdoor power washing

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Dec

Party Nights

Gift Vouchers

7pm till late

Bring smiles to lots of faces

Blue Light discount available

this Christmas. From only £20

01887 822 100

For Free Estimates Tel 01764 656031

◆ www.moness.com

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golfing, hillwalking, scenery and much more in the peaceful Perthshire co

HERITAGE PARK ESTATES ESTATES BRAND NEW NEW DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT HERITAGE PARK BRAND HERITAGE PARK ESTATES BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT

BENDOCHY PARK BENDOCHY PARK 43 BESPOKE BUILT LODGES 43 BESPOKE BUILT LODGES HERITAGE PARK ESTATES BRAND NEW DEVELOPMENT NEAR BLAIRGOWRIE BLAIRGOWRIE IN PERTHSHIRE PERTHSHIRE NEAR IN NEAR BLAIRGOWRIE IN PERTHSHIRE BENDOCHY PARK AND 332BEDROOM BEDROOM OPTIONS AVAILABLE, 22 AND OPTIONS AVAILABLE, AND 3 BEDROOM OPTIONS AVAILABLE, PRIVATEPRIVATE PLOTS WITH WITH INDIVIDUAL DRIVEWAYS 43 BESPOKE BUILT LODGES PRIVATE PLOTS INDIVIDUAL DRIVEWAYS PLOTS WITH INDIVIDUAL DRIVEWAYS NEAR BLAIRGOWRIE IN PERTHSHIRE

Bendochypark park sitsjust justoutside outside of theoutside Rosemount area ofBlairgowrie, Blairgowrie, enjoying fabulous Bendochy sits the Rosemount area of fabulous Bendochy park sitsof just of the Rosemount area ofenjoying Blairgowrie, enjoying fabulous golfing,hillwalking, hillwalking, scenery andmuch much more inmuch thepeaceful peaceful Perthshire countryside. golfing, scenery and more in the countryside. golfing, hillwalking, scenery and more inPerthshire the peaceful Perthshire countryside.

2byAND 3operators BEDROOM OPTIONS AVAILABLE, Familyowned owned park by by leading operators HPE •• Family park leading operators HPE • Family owned park leading HPE PRIVATE PLOTS WITH INDIVIDUAL DRIVEWAYS • Convenient transport links • Convenient• transport links Convenient transport links • Fixed ground rents of £100ppm to 2026 • Fixed ground rents ground of £100ppm • Fixed rents to of 2026 £100ppm to 2026 Bendochy park sits just outside of the Rosemount area of Blairgowrie, enjoying fabulous Secure gated gated community •• Secure community • Secure gated community golfing, hillwalking, scenery and much more in the peaceful Perthshire countryside.

Onsite groundkeepers groundkeepers •• Onsite • Onsite groundkeepers • Family owned park by leading operators HPE Mains gas gas • Mains gas •• Mains • Convenient Bespoke built built lodges to to exceed •• Bespoke lodges exceed • Bespoke built lodges to exceed transport links • Fixed residential specification specification residential residential specification ground rents of £100ppm to 2026 •onSecure community 10year yearguarantee guarantee onguarantee all new newlodges lodges •• 10 on all • 10 year all newgated lodges • Onsite groundkeepers Open 365 365 days year •• Open aayear •days Open 365 days a year • Mains gas Farm shop shop• Farm shop •• Farm • Bespoke built lodges to exceed Beautiful countryside countryside walks directly •• Beautiful directly • Beautifulwalks countryside walks directly residential specification linked to to the thelinked park to the park linked park • 10 year guarantee on all new lodges Fishing on on the the Isla,Tay Tay & Ericht •• Fishing Isla, Ericht • Fishing on& the Isla, Tay & Ericht • Open 365 days a year • Farm shop Limited reservations reservations Limited Limited reservations • Beautiful countryside walks directly available for for this for this linked to the park available this available year, with with 17 17 out outwith 17 out• Fishing on the Isla, Tay & Ericht year, year,

LARGELARGE LARGE DOUBLE DOUBLE DOUBLE of 43 43 sold sold of 43 sold of already, make make already, LODGES FROM already, make LODGES FROM LODGES FROM Limited reservations

£124,750 £124,750 LARGE

sure you you don't don't sure sure you don't miss out out on on your miss your miss out on youravailable for this year, with 17 out dream lodge. lodge. dream dream lodge. of 43 sold already, make sure you don't miss out onYOUR your YOUR DREAM DREAM LODGE BUILT YOUR WAY YOUR LODGE BUILT WAY YOUR DREAM LODGE BUILT YOUR WAY dream lodge.

DOUBLE LODGES FROM

£124,750 www.bendochypark.co.uk www.bendochypark.co.uk Call01828 01828627367 627367 Email sales@bendochypark.co.uk Call ||Email sales@bendochypark.co.uk Call 01828 627367 | Email sales@bendochypark.co.uk BENDOCHYBENDOCHY PARK,BLAIRGOWRIE BLAIRGOWRIE ROAD,PERTHSHIRE PERTHSHIRE PH139HW 9HW PH13 9HW BENDOCHY PARK, ROAD, PH13 PARK, BLAIRGOWRIE ROAD, PERTHSHIRE

4 YOUR DREAM LODGE BUILT YOUR WAY

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.

The Crieff & Comrie Quair

tel/text: 07436 793785 e: crieffandcomrie@thequair.com w: www.thequair.scot Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2ZX Thank you to all the contributors who volunteer their time to share news of meetings, talks, services, outings, ceilidhs, BBQs, music gigs, festivals, plays, garden parties, picnics, dances, craft events, markets, sporting events, celebrations and so much more. All enriching the area in which we live and helping the community spirit grow and prosper.

The sense of community is beyond doubt, particularly at this time of year, with so many involved in running fundraising stalls, performing concerts and hosting Christmas and New Year parties and events. It will be nigh on impossible to go out one day this month and not come across the aromas of mulled wine, mince pies or hot chocolate; not to mention ample opportunities to spend time with other members of the community wishing to enjoy the Christmas Season with a meal, carol singing, musical or Panto.

Of course not everyone can make it out, or feels inclined to participate in the season’s festivities; if you know of a neighbour living on their own or anyone who may be struggling at this time of year, make the effort to pay them a visit with the gift of friendship.

Season’s Greetings and very best wishes for 2024 to all Alistair and Linda Advertisers, Contributors and Readers of The Quair, The Crieff & Comrie Quair is an open access monthly magazine which is delivered FREE to over 6,100 homes and businesss in the Crieff & Comrie area - that's from the county boundary west of St. Fillans to Madderty in the east. Copies for visitors are also made available each month from our outdoor dispensers in Crieff and Comrie. 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 visitors.

We also produce The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair each month. Between the 2 magazines we deliver around 13,300 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.

Copy Date - The copy date for advertisers and organisations to submit an advertisement or article for the January 2024 edition is noon on Friday, 8 December. The Magazines are due to be distributed the week commencing Monday, 1 January 2024.

Comrie Silver Circle

Comrie Silver Circle is held in the Parish Church Hall Every Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Entertainment and Afternoon Tea. All Welcome.

Please Phone Myra on 07522 690289 or Margaret on 07513 431237 for transport.

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www.lovelocal.scot

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Elaine@cushielaine.co.uk Instagram - Elaine@cushielaine 07376 269939

antiques interiors lifestyle Richmond Community

We meet at the Royal British Legion Clubrooms, Perth Road, Crieff at 10.30 am every Thursday then after the walks we have a chat over a cuppa in the hall. Please feel free to pop along and join in. The friendly weekly walks are tailored to your needs but are more suited to the beginner. They are led by trained walk leaders, and we have Dementia Accreditation.

Well, that’s our ‘Health walks on tour’ over until April next year, please visit our Richmond Community Facebook page to stay in touch with what our next adventure will be. We visited ‘The Hauntings’ at the Blackwatch Museum for our last ‘health walk on tour’ of 2023 we had a lovely stroll around the Inch and then enjoyed some refreshments in the café. We have had a fantastic few months touring the countryside doing new walks which everyone really enjoyed and of course we have sampled some of the best cakes and scones ever tasted.

Richmond Community runs the Carers Café which takes place the 2nd Thursday of

BE COORIE

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To All my lovely customers old and new, I have just bought the shop “Be Coorie“ (which I have been running for the last 3 years) from my friend Debbie Anderson.

I’ve re-named the shop “Cushie Laine” as the word Cushie comes from the Cushie Walk in Comrie (thanks Euan!), plus we’re down a wee Lane.

Hope you antiques all like it!

Look forward to welcominginteriors you all soon into “Cushie Laine”! ve, Elaine x Lolifestyle

BE COORIE

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CUSHIE LAINE

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Commercial Lane, Comrie THUR/FRI/SAT 10-4pm

We are fully stocked with all the same sustainably sourced Rarebreed and Icelandic Sheepskins, Cowhides, Cushions and throws. Old leather chairs, Nkuku natural products, INDY Sunglasses, only shop in UK to stock them (my beautiful daughter’s brand from NYC!) and a huge selection of FRAMED POP ART, Bowie, Elvis, Kurt Kubain etc etc! All ideal Xmas presents.

We’re open for late night Xmas shopping in Comrie Thursday 7th December til 8pm.

Come on down for some festive Fun and Fizz with special offers on too..... every month at the Royal British Legion.

This gives unpaid carers the opportunity to meet other carers and staff from agencies such as Perth and Kinross Council, Perth and Kinross association of Voluntary Services (PKAVS) and carers voice over a cup of tea or coffee and some delicious biscuits.

Everyone is welcome to come along.

Our friendship group runs every 2nd Friday, we meet at the Royal British Legion Clubrooms 10.30 am - 12 pm noon. We have a dementia dog coming to give a talk on the Friday, 1 December to tell us about all their great work. Please pop along to have a chat and a cuppa.

Our annual Christmas party will be on Thursday, 14 December 12 pm -2 pm

straight after the health walk and carers café. We will have live music by Mo Rutherford and Neil Copland buffet for lunch.

To assist with catering please could you let Karen know if you are able to attend.

For information on any of these activities contact Karen Hapka at karen@richmondcommunity.org or telephone 07587 088403.

You can find all of The Quair advertising details at our website by scanning the QR Code to the left and view our Facebook page by scanning the QR code to the right 6

Crieff & District Trefoil Guild

Crieff Trefoil’s next two meetings will be held on Monday, 27 November and Monday, 11 December 2.30 pm - 4 pm, in St Columba’s Church, Perth Road, Crieff.

This year, members do not know in advance what will be on offer at meetings but so far have enjoyed a variety of surprise activities, challenges and discussions. Look out for a full update next month.

Crieff & District is one of over 1,000 Trefoil Guilds across the UK, online and overseas.

Trefoil is part of the Girlguiding family and all meetings are open to anyone, aged 18 or over, who wishes to come along.

Full and interesting information about Trefoil, both nationally and by region, can be found on the Trefoil website www.trefoilguild.co.uk.

Vison PK

Vision PK supports a regular group in Comrie for people with a visual impairment. The group is run in partnership with Cameron Court and is open to anyone with a visual impairment. We have been running since July with a small group meeting up for a chat and some refreshments. People working or living in the community have been invited along to join us and tell us about their work or interests and join our chat. We are a friendly group and would welcome new people or people to drop in for a chat to let us know about their work in the area.

If you would like to volunteer to help the group then please get in touch, we would appreciate community support.

Our meetings in Comrie are in The Lounge, Cameron Court, Almond Place, Comrie PH6 2BB. We meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10 am until 11.30 am.

If you’d like more information or a chat about joining the group please get in touch with Lidia: T: 01738 626969 M: 07900 707542 E: lidia.dye@visionpk.org.uk

FENCING Composite and Timber Decking, Timber Fencing, Gates Made to Measure and fitted, Wall Repairs.

StrathearnFencing.co.uk

Strathearn Fencing: 07979 250 728

Andrew Gauld

Independent Funeral Directors Ltd Local Funeral Director for Over 20 Years Funeral Home & Office, 56 King Street, Crieff, PH7 3AX

Telephone 01764 654889

• 24 Hour Personal Attention • The Friendly Funeral Director

SIMPLY CREMATION FUNERAL FROM £2200 (including Perth Crematorium Fees)

FUNERAL PLANS FROM £2449 (including Golden Charter admin fee)

From Free Confidential Advice to The Complete Funeral Service Contact Andrew or Trudyann E: trudyandy@btinternet.com Members of the National Association of Funeral Director. Individual bespoke funeral plans at today’s prices guaranteed for the future in association with Golden Charter Trust

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Heron

Hypnotherapy & NLP

IN AUCHTERARDER

IN AUCHTERARDER WHERE LEGS AND FEET MATTER WHERE LEGS AND FEET GREGOR McCOSHIM FCPodSMATTER MChS GREGOR HCPC McCOSHIM FCPodS MChS REGISTERED HCPC REGISTERED ROUTINE CHIROPODY ROUTINE CHIROPODY WALKING/RUNNING INJURIES WALKING/RUNNING INJURIES ORTHOTIC/INSOLE MANUFACTURER ORTHOTIC/INSOLE MANUFACTURER LEG/FOOT HEALTH ASSESSMENT HIGH ASSESSMENT STREET, LEG/FOOT206 HEALTH AUCHTERARDER, PH3 1AF 206 HIGH STREET, TEL: 07932 725211 AUCHTERARDER, PH3 1AF EMAIL:TEL: grm@mccoshim.plus.com 07932 725211

NEW BUILD EXTENSION RENOVATION DEVELOPMENT

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

www.grmpodiatry.co.uk Comrie Allotments Association

Interested in having an allotment plot? Our plots are located at Cultybraggan Camp and available to residents of Comrie. Half and full plots are serviced with water close by and surrounded by beautiful scenery.

To find out more please email: comrieallotments@gmail.com

Studio East Architects Friarton Road | Perth | PH2 8DY

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01738 472090 studioeastarchitects.co.uk

Contact our team for a FREE consultation

Strathearn Building Bridges Inc

Can you help make a difference to people’s lives? Do you want to give back to your community?

Strathearn Building Bridges Inc (SBBI) is a small Crieff-based charity which promotes the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of people with learning and other disabilities in Strathearn and Strathallan. Our aims are to enhance integration, reduce isolation, and raise community awareness, as well as developing independent life skills and self-confidence for our members. We organise a range of social, leisure (Tuesday Club, Knock Down group) and sporting activities (Boccia) with the help of some brilliant volunteers and local partners such as Perth & Kinross Disability Sport, Live Active Leisure, Strathearn Arts, Crieff Highland Games and the Soroptimists. Our members’ families and carers also benefit from the respite afforded by participation in our activities.

We’re working hard to ‘build back better’ after the lockdowns when we moved many of our activities online. To do so, we need the support of our community! Do you, or someone you know want to make a difference by becoming a Trustee or volunteering with us? Our current Trustees are all parents/carers of people with learning disabilities, but this is by no means a requirement for the role - we’re looking for fresh ideas and energy, particularly in terms of communications, marketing and IT skills but above all enthusiasm! We’re also recruiting for Team Leaders for our long-standing Tuesday Club and our Saturday Lunch Club which helps to build independent living skills.

For further details go to our website www. strathearnbuildingbrigdes.com or contact the Secretary, Gillian Charleson at buildingbridges@hotmail.com

Handmade Chocolates and Fudge

23 High Street, Crieff, PH7 3HU

House of McNee

Macintyre Wealth Management Ltd is a family-run business, established in 2018 by us, Andrew and Jennifer Macintyre.

We provide a comprehensive financial planning service, offering specialist face-to-face financial advice, tailored to you.

Our services include: • Retirement Planning • Investment Planning • Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning • Protection Planning • Cashflow Planning Contact us for further details.

T: 01887 377810 E: MACINTYREWEALTH@SJPP.CO.UK

A registered Scottish Charity, SCIO No SC048085

1 KENMORE STREET, ABERFELDY PH15 2BL WWW.MACINTYREWEALTH.CO.UK Macintyre Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

SJP Approved 15/12/2022

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GREGOR MUIRHEAD JOINERS & BUILDING CONTRACTORS

• New Kitchens • Extensions and & Bathrooms Renovations • Laminate/Solid wood Floors • New Builds • Loft & Garage • General Home Conversions Improvements • Porches & Decking • Replacement Doors • UPVC Fascias & Windows • Soffits & Guttering • Glazing • Profile Sheeting • Garage Doors

Craig Roberts, Electrician, Crieff - 07894 115654 croberts.es@hotmail.com • Rewires • New Builds Fuse Board Upgrades • Fault Finding and Repairs • Bathrooms and Kitchens All Types of Electrical Work Undertaken

• We offer a full range of top quality products • All trades and all contracts catered for • No job too big or too small • Free Estimates • Established for over 35 years

Bespokestairs Carpenter & Staircase Manufacturer

Telephone: 01764 670871 Mobile: 07798 875 827 Email: gregor.muirhead@sky.com

All joinery and carpentry work undertaken

Alan Thow Crieff, Perthshire

bespokestairs@btinternet.com 07544 634 964

Bespokestairs.indd 4

It’s never too early to order your firewood!

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6/12/2019 12:56:44 PM

Your Foot Care at Home

Why wait weeks for a foot appointment when you can have one at home within days Professional Mobile Foot Health Care in Perthshire, Angus & Fife areas

Bruce Findlay M.A., SAC Dips.

M: 07593 442242 or T: 01821 640453 Treatments available: Nail Trimming, Corns & Calluses, In-growing Toenails, Diabetic Foot Care & Foot/Nail infections.

Registered Foot Health Care Practitioner

• KITCHENS - FLOORING • BESPOKE JOINERY • BEDROOMS • RENOVATIONS • ALL OTHER TYPES OF GENERAL JOINERY

PLEASE CONTACT MICHAEL ON MOBILE 07834 735219 or EMAIL mjdjoinery@talktalk.net WEBSITE www.mjd-joinery.co.uk OVER 30 YEARS IN THE TRADE 11

Crieff Choral Group’s Come and Sing Christmas Cracker

Carols and an auction of promises Monday 11th December 7.30 pm at Strathearn Arts Free entry. Everyone welcome to help fund our concerts Come and have some fun!

Cllr Stewart Donaldson

Strathearn Ward - SNP First of all, my very best wishes for the festive season.

Hope you have a Happy Christmas when it comes.

Last month I considered mainly the Tay Forest National Park bid. This month I want to say a bit more about potential windfarms. Will have even more information in a month’s time after local consultations by Low Carbon are completed. It may be some time before what is proposed actually comes about, if it does, but I do think it matters for the communities in Comrie and St Fillans to engage at an early stage.

As mentioned previously the proposed onshore windfarm on the part of SSEN Transmission is reasonably well known about it. That is at Glen Tarken, on the north side of Loch Earn. From what I can see so far there is not strong community resistance. There is, however, the question of community benefit. Both St Fillans and Lochearnhead would be amongst the beneficiaries. It should be pointed out that the Scottish Government sets out £5,000 per MW, or Megawatt, as the recommended payment. Going forward this is index-linked. Exactly how these payments will be allocated has yet to be determined.

Much the same applies as regards the potential windfarm by Low Carbon in Glen Lednock on the Invergeldie Estate, although it is not as yet clear how the communities in both Comrie and St Fillans will respond. The proposed windfarm is expected to comprise up to 25 wind turbines, perhaps less, with blade tip heights of 220 metres. The operational life of the windfarm is likely to be over 40 years. In terms of location, I understand that most of the turbines will be in the Comrie Community Council area, but some may be in that of St Fillans.

Turning to Crieff I referred last time to Crieff Community Council at the Campus on November 2. In fact, what was going to be one of the main items for discussion, road safety in Crieff, especially Broich Road, was taken at a special meeting of the Council on November 14. I’ll report back on that next time. Nonetheless the Council looked at a number of matters, not least the potential that exists with the National Park, the issue of the public toilets, and even with the special meeting two weeks later, concerns were of course expressed about road safety.

One final thing. On the Crieff Banking Hub I have just received copies of a 6-page brochure from Cash Access UK headed Up ‘A Banking Hub is coming to Crieff ’. That explains what the Hub can do: what services will be available from a variety of banks. I don’t yet have a PDF version, but anyone who wants a hard copy then just say, and I’ll post it out. The Hub will open next year. Indeed, the promised for Hub in the town I first grew up in, Brechin, has just opened.

If you want to contact me I’m on SDonaldson@pkc.gov.uk, at 2 High Street, Perth. By phone it’s best to contact on my Council mobile on 07557 815544.

Loch Tay Skiff Club - In late October five of us went to compete with other clubs from around Scotland at the annual regatta at Loch Tummel. It was an epically wet day but we had a lot of fun amidst the famed camaraderie of skiff rowers and were proud as punch when two of our members were in the crew of a winning boat and came back with medals.

Social rowing continues when weather permits throughout the winter. Anyone who would like to Charlotte Flower and Sally Small try it out is welcome to join us for a session before with their medals at the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association committing to annual membership (£30). Email: loFreshwater Sprints chtayskiffclub@gmail.com.

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Know your rights when returning goods

Many of us don’t know our rights when returning goods. Perth & Kinross Council’s Trading Standards Team advises that a consumer does not have any legal right to return items unless they do not meet the basic statutory requirements. These are that the goods should meet any description given about them; be of satisfactory quality; be fit for their purpose and last a reasonable length of time. If the item does meet these basic requirements it may still be possible to return it. Many retailers have returns policies which go over and above the legal requirements and may accept returns within a stipulated time after purchase.

Some shops that do not offer a refund may offer vouchers or credit notes instead. Any offer of refund or credit note will be dependent on the shop’s own policies. If you intend to return an item, the Trading Standards Team recommends approaching the retailer with the receipt or if it is a gift, a gift receipt should be sufficient. If you don’t and the item is now on sale at a lower price, without the receipt, the shop may only offer you a credit note for the sale price and not the original price paid.

Most shops will require a receipt or at least some kind of proof of purchase to process a refund or a credit note, although a bank statement or credit card statement could be used as proof of purchase in event of a civil dispute, for example, faulty goods.

For further information contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or visit their website www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland.htm

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Hogmanay - Comrie Flambeaux - Whilst the origins of this ancient custom are

lost in the mists of time, the tradition is maintained by local voluntary effort. Each Hogmanay as midnight is announced by the bells of Big Ben the flambeaux are lit.

The torches, consisting of long thick birch poles with tarred rags tightly bound to the tops, are paraded around the village preceded by the pipe band and followed  Computer / Tablet Problems  Computer / Tablet Problems by a fancy dress parade.

HomeTraining Training AtAtHome Once the procession returns to Melville Square prizes are presented and the torchNewequipment equipmentset setupup New es are cast over the Dalginross Bridge into Antiviruscheck check/ update / update Antivirus the waters of the River Earn. This is supWiFi/ /Broadband Broadband posed to signify the casting out of evil WiFi spirits. Many of the villagers follow this Printerissues issues Printer on with the custom of 'First Footing' which usually involves a different type of spirit entirely! See www.comrie.org.uk/about-comrie/comrie-flambeaux-hogmanay-event/ Call:Allan AllanLorden Lorden We source events from a variety of sources and, as with all events listed in The Quair, Call: please always check dates and times independently before heading off. - Editor Mob:07871 07871198266 198266 Mob: Comrie Film Festival - Save the date - Comrie Film Festival Friday, 26 - Sunday, simplesolutions.scot@gmail.com 28 January 2024. ‘Community - a Rich Tapestry’. There is something for everyone in the simplesolutions.scot@gmail.com programme of 9 films, some with associated talks or themed DJ sets, and a special kids’ session featuring animations and art activities. There will be the ever popular Saturday (No solution No charge) (No solution - No charge) evening meal, daytime drinks and snacks, and a bar.

The full programme will be released soon but highlights include The Old Oak, Ken Loach’s most recent film; On the Adamant recent winner of Berlin Golden Bear Award; and All that Breathes, winner of the Golden Eye at Cannes.

There will be the usual great value weekend ticket, and a special rate for Young Scot card holders.

LOCALCOMPUTER COMPUTER LOCAL SUPPORT SUPPORT

Become a Hedgehog Champion - Become a Hedgehog Champion with the Brit-

Read The Quair Magazines online at www.thequair.scot

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

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

If you spot a hedgehog when driving at night, and can’t stop in time, try to steer so it will pass under the middle of the car where least likely to be harmed.

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

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Crieff Probus Club

Press Report. 17 October 2023. Visit to A K Bell Archive.

A group of Crieff Probus Club members visited the Archive Collection of A K Bell Library. This followed a very successful talk to club members in 2022 by Sarah Wilcock, Archivist, and an invitation extended to the club to visit the Archive. Sarah and her colleague Craig have an extensive knowledge of the Archive, and they explained in detail what the collection contains.

The visit was exceptionally interesting and the group were able to see the enormous collection of documents stored in a purpose-built strongroom. All the Archive collection is stored on-site at A K Bell Library.

This includes local authority records dating back to 1650, Sasine documents which detail the ownership of heritable properties and may contain the occupations and family relationships. These details are useful when searching the history of a family or property. Police and Constabulary records include criminal records, and on display for the group was a page of a criminal record document showing photographs and details of crimes committed.

The collection also holds documents from families and local businesses such as legal documents, wills, estate papers and plans, letters, workbooks showing local building works, school annual reports and photographs.

The family history section is used by those searching their family history and contains documents often not accessed or known about. Burial records can show family relationships; newspapers can provide information on family events and celebrations, often accompanied by photographs and names; wills show heritable property and bequests, and the valuation rolls prepared annually, give details of a property, its owner, tenants and rental values.

The group was able to view many of the documents placed on display including an old Perth City plan, and old Ordnance Survey maps which are helpful in finding names of places which no longer exist, but have a link to family history.

The Archive continues to receive records

and documents from local people, businesses, family collections, all of which are examined by Archive staff and retained to protect and retain them for future generations.

The most interesting items shown were 12th and 13th Century seals and charters granted to and relating to Perth and Perth City.

These are very precious items and cared for in specific conditions.

Archive staff are available to assist researchers with searches of the collection.

Prior notice of what is being looked for is helpful, to make the best use of time and to have documents available within an arranged period of time.

The visit, lasting 2 hours, included a short refreshment break. It was enjoyed by group, and may have sparked an interest in using the Archive for family history tracing. Sarah and Craig were given warm thanks for their time and knowledge.

Crieff Probus Club

Press Report. 7th November 2023. Keeping Secrets.

Crieff Probus Club member Donald Smith gave a talk and presentation to members intriguingly entitled Keeping Secrets.

Donald came to Crieff in 1980 as Head of Maths at Morrison’s Academy. He then became Depute Rector until he left in 1999 to take up a 2 year VSO placement in rural Ghana, training teachers at a college of education. He had previously given club members a presentation of his time in Ghana. On returning to Scotland, he studied for an MSc in IT at Stirling University and continued there as a lecturer in Mathematics for 20 years, before retiring in 2022.

In 2012 Donald initiated a series of Public Lectures given by colleagues in the department, which proved very popular with the local community as a vehicle for talking about Maths without getting too technical.

Donald’s talk, Keeping Secrets, explored the problem of how to send a message confidentially, which has exercised minds for thousands of years. The battle between the cryptographer (who writes the message) and the cryptanalyst (who intercepts and tries to decipher it) has ebbed and flowed.

16

Donald explained and illustrated some ciphers from the simple to the most modern to see how this contest has developed over the years and perhaps determine who is currently winning!

As a young boy Donald was a member of the I-Spy Tribe, as were some members.

He still has his badge and code book, and showed pictures of both. Donald challenged members to decipher the I-Spy logo, ODHU NTINGGO. With no answers, he explained it is GOOD HUNTING, moving the last 2 letters to the beginning and making the 2 words.

Donald went on to explain different systems of coding used and developed over centuries.

Transposition, a method of encryption which scrambles the positions of characters without changing them was demonstrated with Scytale, a long strip of paper with jumbled letters along it, which made no sense until wrapped around a tube, and the words were revealed and with Fence Cipher, where jumbled letters are placed on lines like a fence, and moving between the lines can reveal the text.

Substitution cipher was explained using illustrations of Julius Caesar’s Wheel and Random Substitution by use of a Key Word. The longer the key word the more secure the code becomes. In the 16th Century Vigenère’s Cipher was developed, similar to Caesar’s Wheel, and more secure.

Other methods used were Book Cipher and One-Time Pad. In the 19th Century coding was often used for amusement and messages in code appeared in newspapers.

In war time coding was used seriously. After WW1, the Enigma story began. Marconi, Scherius and Thilo-Schmidt developed wiring systems for coding and decoding messages. Leading up to WW11 with Germany on its border Poland was concerned about invasion and, by sourcing wiring diagrams used by Germany in its coding system, Poland was able to decipher German codes.

At this time mathematicians, such as Alan Turing, O’D Alexander and Milner-Barry became expert cryptanalysts, and Bletchley

Park became the hub of allied code breaking in WW11. Donald illustrated how the Enigma machine works, with members being given huge numbers of coding options almost impossible to imagine.

After WW11 cryptography became much more public and is now used in the development of encryption systems which protect us as we use computers, smartphones, and send messages across the world.

So, who is winning? Hopefully, the coders are ahead of the decoders!

After answering many members questions, Ian Buchan, President, thanked Donald for a very engaging, interesting, and far reaching in-sight into the world of cryptography.

Crieff Probus Club finishes the autumn session on Tuesday, 5 December, 10 am within The Royal British Legion, Crieff, with Crieff Community Trust giving a presentation. Details of Crieff Probus Club programme is available on the club website: crieffprobusclub.org.uk and on various posters throughout the town, local businesses and organisations. Further information on the programme and membership can also be obtained from the Secretary, Elspeth Wright at crieffprobus@gmail.com and 01764 653322.

Festive Menu Main Courses

Traditional Christmas Dinner £14.95 Roast Turkey, Stuffing, Roast Potatoes, Pigs in Blankets, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Gravy and Cranberry Sauce Veggie Wellington £13.95 Served with Roast Potatoes, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Sauce

Desserts

Christmas Pudding Served with Brandy Custard £6.50 or Chocolate Truffle Torte Served with Berries and Fresh Cream £6.50 Our Festive Menu will be available from Monday 4 – Sunday 24 December To reserve a table, please call us on 01764 654065 or email rest@crieff.co.uk

www.crieff.co.uk We also have Christmas Hampers available in the Gift Shop

17 1 CVC Quair November 2023.indd

10/9/2023 4:00:25 PM

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries Crieff & Comrie Comrie Library

Pop in and see the lovely Comrie Library.

You can relax in our comfortable seating area, have a coffee, read a book, or buy something from our new retail offer. Cards and cash are accepted.

Bookbug sessions - Available in Comrie Library. Please get in touch with the library for further details at comrielibrary@culturepk.org.uk.

Café Books - Do you love to read? Join us at Café Books to chat about new authors, share your own favourite books and be inspired to read more. Café Books is held at Comrie Library on the last Thursday of the month from 5.30 pm - 6.30 pm.

Comrie Library opening hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 2 pm - 4.30 pm/ 5.30 pm - 7 pm Friday: 10 am - 12.30 pm Saturday: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm Sunday: Closed 01764 670273/ comrielibrary@culturepk. org.uk

Strathearn Community Library

IT Drop-in Sessions - Do you need help with your tablet, smartphone or laptop?

Our Digital Champion will be happy to help. She will be available in the Library most Fridays in the morning or afternoon, depending on her other commitments. So please email or call beforehand to check.

Film/Book Night - December’s film will be The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry shown on Wednesday, 6 December, starring Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton and based on the bestselling novel by Rachel Joyce. Harold is an unremarkable man who sets off on a remarkable journey. He lives a life without purpose until he learns an old friend is dying and vows that in walking across England to see her, his journey can keep her alive. Tickets £5 from Strathearn Campus Reception. Following the film, you are welcome to stay for a short discussion comparing the book to the film.

Please bring your own refreshments.

Café Books - Do you love to read? Join us at our Café Book session, find new authors, share your own favourite books and be in-

spired to read more. If you sign up to our Café Books emailing list, you will be sent regular, monthly lists of the titles discussed.

Café Books is held at the library once a month on Saturdays at 11 am, the next session will be on Saturday, 16 December.

Chess Club - Strathearn Community Library every Wednesday 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm, age 8-11 years. Sessions will be led by Crieff High School pupils, 6-week blocks (term time only). Spaces limited so booking essential. Tel Strathearn Library 01764 657705.

Code Club - Every Tuesday, term time only, 3.45 pm - 4.45 pm, suitable for 9-11 years. Sessions are free but space is limited so booking essential. Tel 01764 657705.

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries have installed Princh - A printing solution in libraries across Perth and Kinross, including Strathearn Community Library.

With Princh, it is now possible to print from any mobile device, tablet, or laptop from home or in one of our participating libraries. Just print, pay online and pick up your items. You can send your print jobs at any time from any place, and what’s more, you no longer have to wait in line at the printer.

Details can be found on our website www. culturepk.org.uk/libraries/internet-andcomputers/princh-printing If you are researching your family history - Are you interested in your family history? You can join our informal Ancestry sessions at Strathearn Community Library.

These sessions run fortnightly. Please contact the library for more details. Ancestry. com is free to all library users so do sign up to become a library member if you aren’t already. Please contact Strathearn Community Library for further details.

Bookbug Sessions - Held at Strathearn Community Library every Thursday from 10.30 am - 11 am. They offer fun, friendly sessions of songs, rhymes, and stories.

These sessions are suitable for babies, toddlers, and preschool children to enjoy with their parents and carers-no need to prebook.

Strathearn Community Library opening hours - Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10 am 18

- 7 pm Wednesday: 10 am - 6 pm Thursday: 10 am - 7 pm Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 1 pm Sunday: Closed 01764 657705/ strathearnlibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Front Cover - We chose a classic Christmas image for the December front cover.

We usually use photos from our own stock, however if you think you have something suitable you would like us to use for The Quair then please feel free to email it to us at crieffandcomrie@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.

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Glen Artney Church

of the Bible, loving God and showing that love to our community.

Members of our church are involved in a number of local and national charities, and in partnership with other churches in town we offer people support getting free from debt through CAP Strathearn.

As a church we seek to be opened up to God and opened out to others in Worship, Nurture and Mission. If you are new to Crieff, visiting the area or looking for a church we would love to welcome and get to know St Fillan’s RC Parish Church you, so please come along or get in touch.

Ford Road, Crieff PH7 3HN, Also serving Crieff Parish Church, Strathearn Terrace, St. Fillan’s and St Margaret’s, Comrie Crieff, PH7 3AQ stfillancrieff@dunkelddiocese.org.uk Scottish Registered Charity SC004304 A congregation of the Church of Scotland within the Presbytery of Perth Congregation number 281650.

Glen Artney Church, Comrie, PH6 2JJ

through caring and involvement. We seek to be welcoming, open, warm and friendly, and we look forward to welcoming you at our services.

For Service times see www.midstrathearnchurch.org

Crieff Adventist Church

Gwydyr Road, PH7 4BS info@crieffadventist.org.uk www.crieffadventist.org.uk We meet every Sabbath (Saturday) for our worship services At 10 am we have our Study Hour (with separate classes for adults and children).

Our main worship service is at 11.20 am and we often have other events throughout the week.

Our aim and vision is to be a community that reflects faith in God demonstrated by faith in our fellow men and women, thus honouring the command of the Lord Jesus Comrie Parish Church www.comrieparishchurch.org Comrie Parish found in passages such as John 13:34,35 Church, 22 Burrell Street, Comrie, PH6 2JP ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love Welcome to our Church - We one another. By this all men will know that Sunday Masses - 5.30 pm Saturday Vigil seek to follow Jesus Christ, to you are my disciples, if you love one anothin St Fillan’s, Crieff 9.30 am in St Marga- share the Gospel, and bring the er.’ Come and join us... ret’s, Comrie 11 am in St Fillan’s knowledge of God’s love to all. ​We are here to wel- Sunday services are 10 am ComMuthill Parish Church come you home, rie Parish Church and 11.30 am Dundurn. www.muthillparishchurch.co.uk to God, to us, to To contact Rev Craig Dobney call 01764 Services - Trinity Gask Sunday 10 am your true and bet- 679196 or email him at CDobney@chur- Muthill 11.30 am Family Services Monthly ter self. Our church chofscotland.org.uk.

Muthill is located in Ford Charity No: SC 001878 The Parishes of Muthill and Trinity Gask Road, Crieff, in the heart of Perthshire, part with Kinkell are 7 miles apart and the road Dundurn Parish Church - Dundurn from Muthill to Trinity Gask Church crossof the Catholic Church in Scotland.

Parish Church in the village of St Fillans es the River Earn at Kinkell Bridge.

Crieff Parish Church is the linked charge with Comrie Parish www.crieffparishchurch.org The long presence of a church in MuthCrieff Parish Church is a congregation of Church. Sunday worship is at 11.30 am. ill is evident by the remains of a medieval the Church of Scotland. We meet for wor- Mid Strathearn Church of Scotland building and burial ground in the centre ship every Sunday at 11 am in the St An- Mid Strathearn Parish in rural Perthshire of the village. The Old Church drew’s building at the corner of Strathearn was formed in 2018 with the union of the has a 12th century tower and the Terrace and Ferntower Road. Services are congregations of Fowlis Wester, Gask, ruins of the 15th century Church led by our minister, Rev Andrew Madderty and Monzie Building, a handsome late GeorJ Philip, with a blend of new and churches. gian building dates from 1825-8. older musical praise led by our The four original Charity Registration Numbers Muthill: band - these services are lives- church buildings are SC004984 Trinity Gask & Kinkel SC000004 treamed for folk who can’t come currently all still being Jehovah’s Witnesses used for worship, on a along.

26-30 King St, Crieff PH7 3HA Our church family is made up of all sorts rotational basis.

Jehovah’s Witnesses hold meetings for worof people at all stages of life - there’s even As a family of Christian a play corner for the youngest children. We people we offer opportunities for regular ship twice each week. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) seek to teach and understand the message worship and aim to serve our community At these meetings, which are open to the 20

public, we examine what the Bible says and how we can apply its teachings in our life.

Most of our services include audience participation, much like a classroom discussion. Meetings begin and end with song and prayer.

You don’t have to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend our meetings. We invite everyone to come along.

Seats are free. No collections are ever taken. www.jw.org/en

Crieff Baptist Church

1 Addison Terrace, Crieff PH7 3AT crieffbaptist@gmail.com www.crieffbaptist.org.uk We meet at 10.30 am on Sunday mornings.

Crieff Baptist church Warm Space - Are you looking for a warm space and some company this winter? If so come and join us at Crieff Baptist church on Addison terrace, Mondays 12 pm - 2 pm from 6 November, for a bowl of soup and a natter!

All welcome

St James Episcopal Church Muthill

Station Road, Muthill, PH5 2AR Phone Number - 01764 662525 Website - www.stkessogs.org/st-james Clergy in Charge - Rev Duncan Strathie Our Sunday services at 5.30 pm are usually traditional Evensong, with a Holy Communion service on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to join us and to stay for refreshments afterwards.

Sunday, 3 December - Advent Sunday.

Candlelight service of Holy Communion with Advent hymns at 5.30 pm. Sunday, 10

December - Evening Prayer with Advent hymns at 5.30 pm. Sunday, 17 December - Carol service with choir and Christmas readings at 5.30 pm. Joint service with Muthill Kirk. Sunday, 24 December Christmas Eve. Service of carols and readings at 5.30 pm. Monday, 25 December Christmas Day - 11 am Holy Communion service for all the family.

Sunday, 31 December, New Year’s Eve 5.30 pm Watchnight service of traditional Evensong.

For further details please contact Harriet on stjamesmuthill@gmail.com.

Strathearn Episcopal Churches Crieff, Comrie, & Lochearnhead

A Thought for Christmas

Jack Hay, Comrie The traditional advent calendar is a feature of the Festive Season, and children still like to count down the days till Christmas morning. The word ‘advent’ is just an old word for ‘arrival’. The Festive Season celebrates the arrival of the Son of God in this world. He came here from heaven, where He had existed eternally. He had fashioned the universe by His spoken word; ‘by him were all things created’ (The Bible; Colossians 1.16). Yet His point of arrival in this world was the insignificant ‘little town of Bethlehem’, and the humiliation of being laid as a baby in an animal’s feeding trough.

He was given the name ‘Jesus’.

The Bible explains the purpose for His coming; ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ (1 Timothy 1.15). We are all sinners because we have broken God’s rules to some degree, and He came to make a way for us to be saved from God’s judgement. His arrival at Bethlehem was the first step on a journey to Calvary, the place of crucifixion where ‘Christ died for our sins, He was buried, He rose again the third day’ (1 Corinthians 15.3).

Think of it this way - He came from heaven to earth, so that forgiven sinners could go from earth to heaven and never be lost forever!

His sacrifice makes forgiveness available to all, but the message to the shepherds was, ‘Unto you is born a Saviour’. He has to be received by faith, personally and individually.

Happy Christmas to you all.

Rev. Gennie Evans rev.gen@btinternet.com.

St Columba’s, Crieff; St Serf ’s, Comrie; St Angus’, Lochearnhead and St Fillan’s, Killin serve people in the beautiful area of Strathearn. www.strathearn-episcopal-churches.co.uk O come all ye faithful’ & come all ye not so faithful!

Advent Messy Church - Tuesday, 5 December 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm. Games and Crafts for Primary aged children. St Columba’s: Crieff Comrie - Carol Service St Serf ’s, on Sunday, 10 December 7 pm Crieff - Carol Service St Columba’s, on Sunday, 17 December 6.30 pm Lochearnhead - Carols Plus, Village Hall on Tuesday, 19 December 7 pm Blue Christmas - For those who find Jack Hay Christmas hard - Wednesday, 20 Decem- (As usual I intend to conduct a Christmas ber at St Columba’s Crieff at 6.30 pm Eve Service in the White Church Comrie Sunday, 24 December - Christmas Eve at 7.30 pm. All are welcome; try to come).

Crib Service 4 pm St Columba’s Crieff Christmas Communion @ St Serf ’s We have compiled the information pages for Comrie 9 pm the local churches from a variety of sources.

Christmas Day Please check any service times listed Lochearnhead Communion at 9 am @ St independently before attending.

Angus’ If you see any out of date information, or Crieff Family Communion at 10.30 am @ feel that there any omissions, we’d be most St Columba’s obliged if you could email us at www.strathearn-episcopal-churches.co.uk crieffandcomrie@thequair.com rev.gen@btinternet.com 01764 650985 21

John Nicolson MP

Ochil & South Perthshire - SNP I have a constituent - let’s call him Jim. Jim and his wife Mary have never been in debt. They’re prudent with money and have always had a clean credit history - something they’re proud of. But that all changed when they became entangled with an energy company

JOHN NICOLSON MP

OCHIL AND SOUTH PERTHSHIRE

To book an appointment, please visit

called OVO. Jim and Mary are not and never have been OVO customers. And yet out of the blue, OVO began bombarding them with bills for a non-existent account. Jim and Mary tried to be cooperative, phoning OVO repeatedly to explain that they’d never had an account.

On the phone OVO representatives were courteous. But that didn’t stop the bullying, threatening letters.

Jim’s ill health was known to OVO. The company were also aware that their incessant letters were causing him enormous stress. Jim then suffered a heart attack. Now, no one can say for sure what role OVO played in that. But as Mary says, ‘Jim just found the situation so harassing. The letters were aggressive and threatening. We couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t leave us alone.’

Jim and Mary contacted my office. My constituency team have since spent scores of hours speaking to OVO representatives by phone and e mail. Initially we got apologies and guarantees the harassment would end. But then OVO stopped returning our calls too.

I used to be a presenter on BBC Watchdog. I know how powerful a tool public shaming can be when used against bullies. There’s nothing thuggish companies hate more than being kicked in the profit margins. So, I took to social media. I told the world what OVO was doing to Jim and Mary. My friend Carol Vorderman retweeted the story. People from across the country wrote back telling us of almost identical experiences - harassment by OVO over non-existent bills. Finally, a high heid yin from OVO called. And for the first time we got a number - not a switchboard - we could call back.

I can’t fault OVO’s Katie who took up our case at this point. She apologised. Jim and Mary now have financial compensation. OVO have promised my team the couple will be harassed no longer as their ‘account’ is now closed. And I have secured a charitable donation from OVO which I will give to poverty charities in my constituency.

I am, of course, pleased for Jim and Mary. They just want to be left in peace. But what does this story tell us about consumer protection in this country? It tells us, I think, that energy privatisation has produced a plethora of dodgy privatised companies. Some are immune to pressure as they’ve no reputation to lose. We know too that the watchdog put in place to protect energy consumers is useless. Companies like OVO have a track record of harming the credit scores of perfectly innocent parties, by chasing up phantom debts such as Jim and Mary’s.

But for me the biggest lesson is that utilities should exist for the public’s benefit not to be milked for profit. We should re-nationalise them all.

As always, feel free to get in touch with me about anything you feel my office can help you with. Tel 01259 211615. E:john.nicolson.mp@parliament.uk Fowlis Wester SWI - October meeting - October is the birthday month for Fowlis Wester, so we celebrated it with an evening of ‘chocolate and cheese’. Everybody tucked into a variety of goodies, including a chocolate fountain.

The hall was filled with chatter and the smell of chocolate temptations and savoury pies.

22

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Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member Liz Smith MSP can be contacted at the Control Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL Tel 01738 553 990 or email at elizabeth.smith.msp@parliament.scot

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The Arts Society, Tayside - Possibly the best, the most enjoyable and varied arts lectures available, the wonderful Arts Society - theartssociety.org - a nationwide organisation, has been offering the highest quality talks for over 50 years. It’s a friendly, sociable society. At illustrated lectures you can hear experts, chosen for their knowledge, presentational skills and entertainment value, speak on a huge variety of topics: architecture, artists and designers, china, glass, painting, music, furniture, sculpture, jewellery…. and much more. The Tayside branch lectures are held in Birnam Arts. 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.

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Strathearn Ward - Conservative Merry Christmas all, and happy Hogmanay when it comes!

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, a chance for family, friends and loved ones to come together in joint celebration and express their love for each other as a unit, but also to celebrate Jesus’s birth.

Growing up in Belgium, I always knew that Christmas season was well and truly under way once the celebrations for St Nicholas had amped up at the beginning of December.

For those that don’t know, on the evening of Tuesday, 5 December, those children (mostly in the Netherlands and Belgium) celebrating St Nicholas’ eve put their shoes in front of the fireplace, along with something for Sinterklaas, who then brings gifts for those children who have been well behaved. For those that were badly behaved, the consequences were… deeply terrifying!

The St Nicholas story is one of charity. In short, Nicholas heard that a poor man in his village was so desperately poor that he was thinking about selling his three daughters into prostitution. One night, Nicholas secretly went to the man’s house and threw the girls a bag of gold through a high window, which acted as a dowry, and saved them from prostitution. Thus, the tradition of charity at Christmas was born.

The Christmas period is an incredible time for most - the highlight of a gloomy, cold winter. For some however, it is potentially the hardest time of the year. For those who may be spending Christmas alone especially, it may be incredibly challenging. Humans are a social species, broadly, we yearn for company, and when we may be stuck without it that can be crushing experience. There are so many charities out there that work hard to fight the issue of loneliness amongst people both young and old, like Age UK or Papyrus, and they are well worth any support you can give them.

If there are any issues then please feel free to contact me on - Telephone 01738 475000, email NKhogali@pkc.gov.uk or at Perth & Kinross Council, 2 High St, Perth PH1 5PH Think twice before shovelling snow - Cardiologist Barry Franklin, director of preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan, found that when healthy young men shovelled snow, their heart rate and blood pressure increased more than when they exercised on a treadmill. "Combine this with cold air, which causes arteries to constrict and decrease blood supply, you have a perfect storm for a heart attack. I believe we lose hundreds of people each year because of this activity," says Franklin.

Shovelling snow is so strenuous because you are using your arms, which is more demanding than leg work.

Moving wet and heavy snow is particularly likely to cause a surge in heart rate and blood pressure, Franklin says. Many people hold their breath during the hard work, which also puts a strain on the body. In addition, the prime time for snow clearance is in the morning when cardiac risks are higher.

Franklin considers snow shovelling to be so dangerous that he advises anyone over the age of 55 to avoid doing it altogether. "People at greatest risk are those who are habitually sedentary with known or suspected coronary disease, who go out once a year to clear snow," he says, adding that smoking and being overweight drastically increase the risk. If you must do it, push rather than lift the snow, dress in layers, take regular breaks indoors and don't eat or smoke before shovelling, he advises.

25

Strathearn Arts What’s On December

Buy tickets now at Strathearn Arts Box Office or online at www.strathearnarts.org 2 Comrie Street, Crieff, PH7 4AX | 01764 655556 Friday, 1 December - 7.30 pm | Tickets £26 - Sold Out Music: Hue and Cry: Piano and Vocal Show Saturday, 2 December - 7.30 pm | Tickets £26 Music: Hue and Cry: Piano and Vocal Show Best known for their 80s and 90s blue-eyed soul and synthpop hits, including Labour of Love, Looking for Linda and Violently, brothers Patrick and Gregory Kane are bringing their wonderful piano and vocal show to Strathearn Arts!

Sunday, 3 December - 2 pm | Tickets £5 Dance: Tea Dance with music by John Morgan. Live music and refreshments. Experienced dancers and enthusiastic beginner’s welcome. No booking is required, just turn up and dance.

Friday, 22 December - 2.30 pm | Tickets £4/£3 Film: The Grinch (PG). The Grinch is a beautifully animated 3D take on Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange, Sherlock), the Grinch is a modern family classic that’s certain to entertain everyone from the kids to the grandparents.

Friday, 22 December - 7.30 pm | Tickets £6/£4 Film: The Red Shoes (12A). When she is cast as the prima ballerina in a new work entitled ‘The Red Shoes’, eager young dancer Victoria Page is driven to breaking point and beyond by the charismatic but obsessive impresario Boris Lermontov. Powell and Pressburger, aided by Brian Easdale’s score and Jack Cardiff ’s sumptuous Technicolor photography, create an atmospheric piece of cinema that is as sinister as it is magical. Powell and Pressburger’s magical interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s sinister fairy tale.

Saturday, 23 December - 6 pm | Tickets £4/£3 Film: Gremlins (12A). With its Christmas lights and dusting of snow, Kingston Falls is an

idyllic small town - until the gremlins take over. A father returns from Chinatown with an unusual pet, a Mogwai - a gift for his son. The rules are simple: Keep your Mogwai away from water, bright lights and, most importantly, never...ever...feed him after midnight. But the rules are inadvertently broken, and the consequences multiply at an alarming rate. Gremlins is a wildly original roller-coaster ride of hilarious mischief - an instant classic!

Sunday, 24 December - 3 pm | Tickets £6/£4 Film: Christmas in Connecticut (1945) (U). Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck, Double Indemnity) is a successful food writer whose wholesome life on a Connecticut farm with her husband and baby has made her a much-loved fixture in the lives of housewives across America. However, unbeknownst to her many fans - or her publisher - Elizabeth’s life is entirely fictitious.

Sunday, 31 December - 7.30 pm| Tickets £18/12 Dance: Family Hogmanay Ceilidh.

Join us for our famous Hogmanay Family Ceilidh! Come and dance the night away with ceilidh band, Tarmachan. Their experienced caller will keep everyone right, whether they’re completely new to ceilidh dancing or they simply need a refresher.

Thursday, 11 January - 7.30 pm | Tickets £6/£4 Film: Loch Ness: They Created a Monster (12A). A new take on Loch Ness, it’s affectionate, funny, shocking and wonderous. When you look deeper into Loch Ness, you’ll be amazed by what you find...

From London, from Japan, from the USA and across the world - they came to a remote, cold lake in the Highlands of Scotland. This is a fresh take on Scotland’s most famous story - humane and hilarious - this is the unbelievable story behind the unbelievable story.

Saturday, 13 January 2024 - 3 pm | Tickets £4/£3 Film: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG). Feature film adaptation of the popular video game. A plumber named Mario travels through an underground labyrinth with his brother, Luigi, trying to save a captured princess.

Strathearn Arts Box Office and Shop Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10 am 26

- 4 pm and Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm. Highquality arts, crafts, books and gifts supplied by artists, makers and writers who are all from Strathearn and the local area. Strathearn Arts gift vouchers are now available to spend in our shop or on tickets to our events. You can buy your tickets and gift vouchers to all the above events in person by popping into our Box Office at 2 Comrie Street, Crieff.

Crieff 50+ Club

Our next meeting is our Christmas Party on Wednesday, 6 December at 2.30 pm in St Columba’s Church.

Crieff The entertainment is + being provided by Mrs Irene Anderson Club and another from Crieff & District Accordion & Fiddle Club.

The party is for club members and a few tickets are still available £10 per ticket.

For more information on tickets please contact Ken Arton on 07851 385427.

Join in The Music at Sleepy Rudolph

Great news for families looking for a cheery Christmas show - especially families with younger children. And this show comes with a great new twist. Crieff Drama Group is asking children to bring along anything that can beat along to the show’s music spoons, drums, or even just clapping hands.

As ever tickets are completely free and you can choose from three separate performances in Strathearn Arts’ auditorium, Comrie Street on Saturday, 9 December at 2 pm, 3 pm or 4 pm. Pre-booking for Sleepy Rudolph is essential to be sure to get your tickets. It’s usually a sell-out and audience capacity is fixed.

Kate Beauchamp who Chairs the Group said, ‘To book, go to our website, www. crieffdramagroup.co.uk where our homepage links will give you access to 2 pm, 3 pm or 4 pm tickets. The ticket link is also on our Facebook page: Crieff Drama Group - New. Or if you don’t have online access, you can go into the Strathearn Arts box office in Comrie Street and they can book for you.’

In the half-hour show everyone can look forward to sure-fire favourite characters (and corny old jokes) with Rudolph, Santa, a bunch of Elves, a travelling band and sundry animals - plus a pair of cheeky witches left over from Halloween. The whole extravaganza is designed to suit everyone who loves a good old Christmas romp.

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Crieff and Strathearn ‘community calendar’ and ‘facilities for hire’ listings

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Café Comrie • Traditional Scottish breakfasts • Baked potatoes • Hot filled breakfast rolls • Home made soups • Freshly made sandwiches & toasties • Croissants • Mackies ice cream • Twinnings tea selection and fresh ground coffee • Daily special board • Takeaways Available We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their support throughout the year and best wishes for 2024.

Winter Opening Times will vary.

Please check our Facebook & Instagram accounts for details Café Comrie, Drummond Street, Comrie, PH6 2DW Tel: 01764 670838 e: cafe.comrie@btinternet.com 28

Now available on the Uniting Crieff website: www.unitingcrieff.org.uk.

The community calendar is the place to list and search for community events in Strathearn. We encourage all community groups to use it to list and advertise their activities and events and local people to search it to see what is going on in our area. We especially hope it will provide local groups with a useful online ‘events check’ to avoid clashes, as you will be able to see, for example if there is anything similar taking place on the same day. It is easy to add a new calendar entry via a simple form on the website. Just click on the drop down list in the community calendar and choose ‘add an event’.

The community facilities listing page will show the wide range of facilities which are available to hire across the area and it is hoped that all of them will be listed centrally here to make it easy for local people, groups and organisations to quickly search for options. If your facility is not yet listed and you would like it to be included, please email: unitingcrieff@gmail.com.

This website is also the place to access the Crieff community action plan and community database, which lists the activities and services of local community groups, service providers and small community businesses.

We are very grateful to the Rural Communities Testing Change fund from Rural Perth and Kinross Leader for funding to develop these features on the Uniting Crieff website and to Kona at Fidgety Lizard for delivering them for us.

MERRY AND BRIGHT FUTURES NURSERY, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY

Happy golden days and faithful friends www.morrisonsacademy.org

The Governors of Morrison’s Academy, known as Morrison’s Academy, is an independent school for boys and girls, founded in 1860. The School’s Scottish Charity Number is: SC000458.

29

Crieff Scottish Dancers Tuesdays until 26 March 2024

Try Scottish Country Dancing - No experience required, but always welcomed.

No need to bring a partner. No special equipment. Soft shoes recommended. All ages welcomed. Royal British Legion, Perth Road, Crieff PH7 3EB. Tuesdays at 7:30pm. £3.00 per session or £30 for three months.

Joan Anderson - 01764 653356 Kate Kinnear - katekinnear987@btinternet.com

Crieff Parish Church Guild

The new session of Crieff Parish Church Guild commenced October 18 at Muthill. All our meetings are at 2.30 pm or as otherwise stated. All the dates of our meetings are stated on the Syllabus below. For any further information contact 07747 116527.

13 December - Christmas Party 10 January - Blythswood Update Caitlin Burdis 24 January - Rev Craig Dobney 14 February - Meeting at Muthill ‘Project Chocolate Heaven’ Graeme Simpson 28 February - The Macular Society Iona MacLean 13 March - Crossreach Pete Cuthbertson 27 March - AGM Loch Earn Railway Path - The lat- Design and Project Management; to the est section of the Loch Earn Railway Path Landowners, Mr Neil Gregory, Drummond to have been upgraded to all-ability status Estates and their tenant at Woodhouse runsPhotos from the Glentarken Bridge to Derry Farm, for their patience and cooperation; Wood, just North of the Loch Earn Sail- and lastly to AB Gairns for their outstanding Club. Direct access to this new section ing construction work and commitment in can be gained via the Glentarken Track that delivering this phase of works. runs up from the A85, near the lay-by op- The final three phases of the Upgrade Join Neill Malone posite the Sailing Club.

Project for an all-ability route between Special thanks go to Sustrans, NatureScot, Comrie and Lochearnhead are currently bePerth & Kinross Council, Paths for All, Aq- ing planned. At this time, the whole route uila Ecology and the Loch Lomond and the is passable but these last three unfinished Trossachs National Park Authority for their sections, between St Fillans and LochearnPlay highlights continuing support and funding; to Trans- head, are only possible on foot or mountain port, Planning & Engineering for their bike.

Cinderella - Cinderella the Pantomime

by Limelight Scripts performed by Comrie Drama Club. November 29 - December 2.

This year Comrie Drama Club is performing Cinderella at the White Church in Comrie. It is a distinct move back to a more traditional fairytale type Pantomime for the group this year, after last year’s very successful darker story of Dracula.

The Club thought that a move back to a lighter and more familiar Pantomime story of Cinderella would encourage both young and old to attend. It depicts the tried and tested typical Pantomime story with all the familiar characters, you will recognise and love and some that you will not be so familiar with like the two hapless bailiff ’s Grabbit and Keepit who provide some of the laughs. The Cast is made up of a blend of young and old alike and introduces a lot of new talent this year, especially some new younger first timers to Comrie drama club.

So, to the story as if you needed reminding, Cinderella our heroine is being bullied by her wicked stepmother and Ugly stepsisters, Dolce and Gabbana, and her only true friend is Buttons the butler. He is always trying to cheer her up but is too shy to tell her how he really feels about her.

When a Royal Ball is announced, Cinderella believes her dream of meeting and marrying Prince Charming might come true. But her Stepmother and sisters have other ideas, and Cinderella is left home alone.

However, things take a magical turn when her Fairy Godmother appears and ensures that Cinderella shall go to the Ball and true love finally wins the day.

This is truly the Fairy Godmother of all Pantomimes, so polish off your glass slippers and come down and support Comrie drama club performing Cinderella at this year’s Panto. See full details on p53.

Say something

30

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Crieff Rotary - Our plan to raise money a place. In 2023, four candidates went from Students only pay £3 and children under 18 for the ‘End Polio Now’ campaign by encouraging a team to ‘Walk a Mile for Polio’ on October 24, World Polio Day went very well. In the gathering dusk, eleven stalwart Rotarians and four dogs set off from the Meadow Inn that evening and followed a course up Burrell Street, down Milnab Street and into Milnab Terrace before continuing all around the perimeter of MacRosty Park before returning via Sauchie Park for a belated dinner back at the inn. Thanks to the various sponsorships, we raised just under £180 and this has been despatched to the Rotary Foundation - where a further £360 will have been added by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which always adds double the amount of any donation to the End Polio Now campaign. Thus, just 45 minutes effort by a few Rotarians (including two visitors from the Perth Kinnoull club) has helped add nearly £540 to this very important and successful international initiative.

The next big recent event in our calendar has been the 2023 Young Chef competition, which we we can report the result of next month! However, we do know that eight youngsters put themselves forward, five from Morrison’s Academy and three from Crieff High School. A practice session at Strathearn Community Campus was arranged a week ahead of the actual competition and, from what we could see was being produced, we suspect that the judges will have had a hard job on deciding the winner one week later.

Staying with news about other youthful activities, we have already started the process for selecting young candidates aged 1617 to attend the week-long Rotary Young Leaders Award (RYLA) session at the Abernethy Centre on Speyside in July 2024.

This is a very popular event and it aims to teach these teenagers important skills in leadership and organisation - while having lots of fun at the same time. Those who have attended in the past always return bubbling with enthusiasm and are invariably eager to encourage their friends to apply for

Crieff High School - two sponsored by Crieff Rotary and the others by Aberfeldy and Inverness Rotary respectively, when those two clubs couldn’t find suitable candidates from their own areas.

Back to more usual Rotary matters, we are again talking to the local branch of Christians Against Poverty (CAP) about helping to fund the Christmas food hampers which are distributed to those families in our area which are less fortunate than the rest of us.

This is an important part of what Rotary is all about and can only be achieved by the dedication of our members in raising the necessary funds for our Charity Account. It all relates to Rotary International’s long-established motto of ‘Service above Self ’ to which every Rotarian always aspires.

For further information about Crieff Rotary, please scan this QR code, or visit its website, or email the Secretary at Secretary@crieff.rotary1010.org.

Strathearn Music Society - During December we are taking our usual break from live concerts in Crieff, before restarting on Wednesday, 10 January with The Escocia Duo, featuring Katrina Lee on violin and Roberto Versluys on guitar, together bringing us a classical selection of Scottish and South American works and which should keep toes tapping throughout the evening.

After that, on Valentine’s Day in February we will welcome The Resol Quartet, comprising four talented young players who recently won both the First Prize and the Audience Prize in the Cavatina Competition at London’s Wigmore Hall. They have promised us a splendidly romantic evening featuring popular works such as Mozart’s String Quartet No.19 in C Major (known as ‘Dissonance’), Puccini’s ‘Crisantemi’ and the Shostakovich String Quartet No.3 in F Major. Yet another wonderful concert not to be missed.

Tickets (£14 each) for these concerts can be purchased from Strathearn Arts in Crieff ’s Comrie Street, or via the Eventbrite website or just at the door if seats are still available.

32

are always admitted free of charge, because we believe in bringing great classical music to the younger generation so that they can grow up enjoying it as much as ourselves.

The Society maintains a healthy Youth Fund, topped up continuously be generous donations from supporters across Strathearn, and we sometimes use this to arrange special sessions at local schools, often involving our visiting artists who kindly agree to spend part of their time here in encouraging this youthful interest. We also look at sponsoring certain classical music events directly involving young people and are in discussion at present on a couple of very worthwhile initiatives. If these come to fruition, then a further report will probably appear in a later edition of The Quair.

If you’re looking for more information about any of our concerts or other activities, you can always visit the Strathearn Music Society’s website at www.concertsincrieff.co.uk or follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter) @concertscrieff. It’s still great to see the society thriving so well and bringing wonderful classical music to Strathearn.

Don’t get weighed down with Christmas Spirit this year!

Shop locally and support your local economy.

33

Crieff Recycling Centre, North Forr, Broich Road Thursday - Monday 9.00 - 16.00 (last entry 15.45 - all vehicles must be off site by 16.00)

Local Schools

Crieff High School Reception

01764 657600 www.crieffhigh.pkc.sch.uk Strathearn Community Campus

01764 657700 www.pkc.gov.uk/strathearn Crieff Primary School 01764 657888 St. Dominics Primary School

01764 657800 Comrie Primary School 01764 661450 Madderty Primary School 01764 661444

Comrie Medical Centre,

Strowan Road, Comrie, PH6 2LW Tel: 01764 670217 Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm, Monday to Friday Please check hours on bank and public holidays

Crieff Medical Centre, Blue Practice King Street, Crieff, PH7 3SA

Tel: 01764 652283 Repeat Prescription Line: 01764 655510 Opening Hours - 8 am - 6 pm, Mon to Friday Closed 12pm - 2 pm on Tuesdays

Extended hours appointments:

Early appointments - Tuesday mornings Late appointments - Thursday evenings

Perth and Kinross Council

Crieff Area Office 01738 476000 Council Main Reception 01738 475000 Registrars - by appointment 01764 657850

Useful Numbers

Crieff Community Hospital Police Scotland Care Dental infinityblu Dental Crieff Vet Services Flying Smiles Mobile Dental Hygienist

01764 653173 101 01764 652607 01764 650480 01764 652086 07812 055724

Advertising and Editorial Information

Please note that all advertisements and articles carried by The Crieff & Comrie Quair are done so with the understanding that any claims, statements or information given is the sole responsibility of the advertiser or contributor in question.

Please also check times and venues of events listed before going.

We cannot be held liable for any typographical mistakes or changes

by Event Organisers.

The Quair Magazines are available to read online at www.thequair.scot

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.

You will speak first to a healthcare advisor who will capture important information and then direct your call to either an experienced nurse for an assessment or a health information adviser for information. Where clinically appropriate a GP home visit or an ambulance may be arranged for you. In a life threatening situation you should dial 999.

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)

Strathearn Community Library

Crieff Medical Centre, Red Practice

King Street, Crieff, PH7 3SA Tel: 01764 652456 Repeat Prescription Line: 01764 655577 Opening Hours - 8 am - 6 pm, Monday to Friday Closed 12 pm - 2 pm on a Wednesday.

Please check hours for bank and public holidays

Community Campus, CRIEFF, Tel/Fax:01764 657705 Email: strathearnlibrary@culturepk.org.uk For opening times and other up to date information see www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries

Comrie Library

For opening times and other up to date information see www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries

Strathearn Politicians

Constituency Member of Scottish Parliament

Jim Fairlie MSP 01738 620540 Regional Member of Scottish Parliament Liz Smith MSP 01738 553990 Member of Parliament John Nicolson MP 020 7219 3000 Perth & Kinross Cllrs - Strathearn Ward Noah Khogali 01738 475000 Stewart Donaldson 01738 475000 Rhona Brock 01738 475000 34

The Crieff & Comrie Quair is published by Scot Active, Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2ZX tel/text: 07436 793785 e: crieffandcomrie@thequair.com

35

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Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair

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

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Follow us

Crieff ’s Fibro Warriors - Crieff ’s Fibro Warriors is a support group for anyone suffering from Fibromyalgia in the Strathearn area. We have a Facebook group and we meet in Crieff Baptist church on Tuesdays at 1.30 pm. For more information contact Claire Scott at clairegrieve@hotmail.co.uk.

at 7.30 pm. 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.

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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 in the Royal School of Dunkeld, except in mid-summer, and our 202324 season started on Monday, 28 August

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Brass Central Strathearn

Our recruiting is ongoing, since our last report on 10 youngsters we have lost 3. It is always a shame to lose people after a good start, but we continue to recruit, adults are welcome. Ex players are most welcome, I know of a few in Aberfeldy, Auchterarder, Crieff and surrounding areas, I wish they would come back to playing.

On a brighter note, we have been nominated to the Co-op Community Fund (Coop ID 79344). This means we will receive funds from Co-op shoppers if they nominate us using the above ID. This runs until October 2024.

On Saturday, 16 December, we will be at the Co-op, Auchterarder 12 noon till 1 pm then Co-op, Crieff from 2 pm till 3 pm.

As this will be the last report you will read from us this year may We Wish You All A Merry Christmas and A Good New Year.

Jim Wishart (Band Manager), Ambleside, 11 Ryan Place, Crieff, PH7 4EW, 01764 650488’ 07738 274197 Scottish Charity. SCO 52284

Inner Link Club of Comrie

The club has enjoyed 4 interesting talks this autumn. Christine Hepburn gave us a unique insight into Comrie in the past.

Chris McCrosson explained how Christians against Poverty helps people struggling with crippling debt. Local artist June McEwan inspired us all and Chris Palmer gave a fascinating talk on what goes on in our own Earthquake House.

We have our Christmas lunch and quiz to look forward to.

If you are interested in joining us for our fortnightly meetings on Monday mornings please contact Jill Moody (Secretary) on 01764 679637.

Earnsong Choir

Come and join our friendly bunch of singers led by our choir leader Emma Neck.

We meet on a Monday night in the White Church in Comrie 7 pm till 9 pm. Everyone welcome. The more the merrier.

Liz Smith MSP

Mid Scotland & Fife Regional Member - Conservative Small businesses are the beating heart of our local communities yet, as everyone knows, they are having a really tough time right now, not just with concerns about the cost of living and the downturn in consumer footfall but also because of worries over business rates and the possible imposition of a visitor levy. Regrettably, in retail, they are also facing a rising tide of shoplifting.

It is an all too common misconception that shoplifting is a victimless, petty crime. It is not. Goods stolen from stores mean less money available to pay the wages of staff and enhance their wellbeing at work, less money to make refurbishments and possible increases in prices to compensate for the lost revenue - exactly the opposite of what people can afford during a cost of living crisis. Sadly, the current evidence shows that shoplifting cases are generally the work of repeat offenders who make return visits to the shops in question. Naturally, this increases the anxiety and fear of verbal or physical abuse against staff.

The Scottish Retail Consortium tells us this has become a daily concern for many people working in retail. Stolen goods might appear to be a drop in the ocean in the world of retail, but they accumulate to eye-watering levels. Shoplifting cost retailers in Scotland £90m last year, a figure so alarming that Primark revealed they were forced to reduce their adjusted operating profit margin from 8.3% to below 8% when factoring in rising cases of theft.

Evidence put forward by the Scottish Retail Consortium and the Scottish Grocers Federation suggests organised crime is predominately to blame. They are also concerned that the police do not have adequate resources to deal with the offenders. It is unsurprising then that gangs, moving from town to town, are taking advantage of this. Indeed, the British Retail Consortium reported that nearly three-quarters of serious cases of crime in a major retailer were not responded to by the police. The figures of incidents in Scotland - 70-80 per day - is likely much higher than reported as we can only expect that businesses will opt not to report low value crimes to the police because they know it is unlikely anything will come of it.

It is very concerning that businesses including the Co-op are choosing not to open branches in some areas because they have been designated ‘no-go’ areas for their stores. I know from first-hand account through my contact with businesses in Crieff and Comrie that anti-social behaviour is a growing nuisance that they should not be expected to deal with on this scale.

We all want to see a flourishing high Roofing street in our small rural towns but this significant, and rising, problem is just JBR Roofing would like one more good reason for prospective businesses to decide against opening to wish all of our clients, their doors, just when our communipast and present, a Happy ties need it most.

As always if any local residents would Christmas and a very like to raise issues with me please get prosperous New Year. in touch by calling my office on 01738 553990 or emailing elizabeth.smith.

Tel msp@parliament.scot

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All you have to do is choose the value, then the recipient can choose from: · Luxury glass-fronted bespoke timber pod with or without hot tub · Pet-friendly version of the above! · Luxury 2-bedroom Annexe with hot tub Visit www.pitiliepods.com/gift-vouchers/ Tel. 01887 292050 Email. pitiliepods@gmail.com

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Wildlife Crime - Wildlife crime covers a wide range of offending from badger baiting, to raptor persecution, freshwater pearl mussel theft, to hare coursing and salmon poaching. It includes the illegal disturbance, destruction, theft and sale of animals, birds and plants both in the countryside and urban areas, and includes the destruction of and damage to protected habitats. Wildlife Crime poses significant harm to the species targeted by the criminals, as well as the communities who rely on wildlife for employment and tourism. While wildlife crime poses significant harm to the species targeted by criminals, it also impacts on the communities who rely on wildlife for employment and tourism.

There are currently 6 specific Wildlife Crime Priorities in Scotland: *Bat Persecution *Badger Persecution *Bird of Prey *Persecution *Freshwater Pearl Mussels *Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species issues *Poaching and coursing And the penalties for such crimes can be severe. For instance, for every Fresh Water Pearl Mussel killed, taken or injured, a fine not exceeding £5,000 or 6 months in custody may apply.

The Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service also has a dedicated Wildlife and Environmental Crime Unit; working together we aim to ensure our officers are trained to the highest level to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of wildlife crime.

More information on wildlife crime can be found at: www.scotland.police.uk/contactus/report-wildlife-crime

Grow your Business Sustainably with GrowBiz

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 Sustainability is a core ethos of the enter- about how RSABI operates, please see the website at www.rsabi.org.uk prise support we provide at GrowBiz - and it has many facets, from the way a business develops, to how we use our planet’s resources: Sustainable enterprise - GrowBiz is dedicated to supporting small businesses, social enterprises and the self-employed in rural Scotland, particularly those looking to get started with a business idea. 1-1 advice, mentoring, peer support, learning sessions and networking opportunities are all available for free, as well as specialised support for certain groups, including young people.

Sustainable wellbeing - Being self-employed and/or running a business can be overwhelming, which often leads to feelings of stress, anxiety and even burnout. GrowBiz believes the most important business asset to take care of is you, and is running accredited Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) workshops to provide you with the tools to do so. WRAP® is a training programme and personal plan to overcome challenges and support wellbeing.

Sustainable actions - Knowing where to start on the journey to net zero can be bewildering. The team at GrowBiz can provide jargon-free expertise and simple, practical advice adapted for your situation and Calll Today on 01738 638358 circumstances, supporting you to make a Calll Today on 01738 638358 plan and take the first steps. We can also help you with effectively communicating to your customers the positive things you’re accomplishing.

Find out about all of GrowBiz’s services at www.growbiz.co.uk or email connect@ growbiz.co.uk.

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Bertie Bus - With Christmas on the ter this Bertie Bus won’t be running a trip also be a Club Competition with the theme

doorstep the Bertie Bus team has lots on this month. However, the icy roads (and pavements), as well as much colder days in January tend to discourage many of Bertie’s service users from heading out. With this in mind Bertie Bus typically reels in some of their services during the winter months.

For clarity (and to avoid disappointment) we thought it might be good to highlight the final December dates for Bertie’s trips, as well as note the date on which these regular events will resume.

Bertie Bus Important Dates 2023-24 Tuesday, 28 November - The Tuesday Shopping Trip will have its last run for this year on November 28. The first trip of 2024 will take place on Tuesday, 23 January.

Sunday, 3 December - The final Tea Dance visit of 2023 will take place on Sunday, 3 December and will resume in spring (more details to follow).

Monday, 4 December - The last Muthill Run of the year is scheduled in for Mon-

day, 4 December. The next run will take place on Monday, 5 February.

Tuesday, 5 December - Bertie’s last visit to Richmond House to take residents on a trip will be on Tuesday, 5 December. Af-

from Richmond House until Tuesday, 9 January.

Monday, 11 December - Bertie’s last run this year from Comrie is Monday, 11 December. The Bertie Bus team hopes to start up again on Monday, 12 February (more details to follow).

Tuesday, 12 December - The last Library Morning of the year will be on Tuesday, 12 December. Bertie’s service users will have the chance to return their books (and find some new ones) on Tuesday, 9 January.

Wednesday, 13 December - The Wednesday Club will have their last 2023 run to get along to their Christmas lunch on Tuesday, 12 December. The first run of 2024 will take place on Wednesday, 7 February.

Friday, 15 December - This is the date of the Friday Club’s Christmas Lunch, and also marks their last run of 2023. Their first run next year will be on Friday, 1 March.

Tuesday, 19 December - This will be the final trip from Dalnaglar for 2023. Information on when Bertie Bus will next pick up residents from Dalnaglar will follow in next month’s Quair update.

Thursday, 21 December - The Lunch Club will take its last run of 2023 on Thursday, 21 December. The Royal Voluntary Service runs the lunches and the catering for this comes courtesy of Tayside Contracts so the club coincides with school term times. The first run for next year is on Thursday, 11 January.

The Bertie Bus team wishes a Merry Christmas and a fantastic festive season to all of their service users and to Bertie’s dedicated and valued volunteers. Thanks go out to all of the wider community who support this fantastic service, and the team wishes you all a Happy Christmas and all the best for the new year.

Pitlochry Flower Club - Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 6 December at the Tryst Hall, Pitlochry at 2 pm when Jillian Page will give a demonstration entitled ‘Christmas Floral’. There will be a raffle when you may be one of the lucky ones to win one of Jillian’s beautiful arrangements, and a Christmas sales table so that you can restock on supplies. There will 44

‘Winter Wonderland’. Visitors will be most welcome for a small charge of £8. Please come along and have a fun afternoon watching Jillian create stunning floral arrangements.

We are a small club and new members would be very welcome at any time. For more information, please contact Lynda Gardiner (01796 472157, lynda.gardiner@ talk21.com). We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Aberfeldy Drama Club - Fifty Glorious Years - Aberfeldy Drama Club’s Christmas show will be a celebration of the last fifty years. So come along at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 7; Friday, 8 or Saturday, 9 December to Aberfeldy Town Hall for a wonderful trip down memory lane with an evening of comedy, drama and music from favourites old and new. Tickets now on sale at the Watermill Bookshop and at the door on the evening of a performance. £10 each or £9 for those 65+ or 18 and under.

Pitlochry & District Choral Society

Our Christmas concert ‘A Musical Christmas’ will be in Pitlochry Church of Scotland on Sunday, 17 December.

This year, in addition to seasonal songs, readings and traditional carols there will be excerpts from the musical Les Misérables. We look forward to seeing you.

Dunkeld & Birnam Santa Day Saturday, 9 December.

See full details online on Facebook Dunkeld and Birnam Santa Day.

Comrie Probus Club - Comrie Probus Club is now back, for the second half of its programme which commences on Wednesday, 17 January, at the Parish Church Hall, Comrie, where parking is plentiful in the Church grounds. Everyone is welcome.

Comrie Probus Club is a very welcoming and friendly group and is open to both male and female members, so why not come along and give it a try. Members meet at around 10.30 am for tea/coffee and biscuits followed by speakers on a variety of subjects between 11 am and 12 pm.

Meetings are held every second Tuesday with a programme as follows.

17 January First Responder Alan Moffat 31 January Photography in the Digital Age Richard Murray 14 February Verdant Works - Dundee A speaker from the Jute Mill 28 February RRS Discovery - Dundee A Speaker from the Discovery Point 13 March A visit to Cultybraggan John King 27 March Probus AGM Lunch at Comrie Golf Club.

For further information please call Terry Jones on 01764 679941.

The copy date for the January 2024 edition of The Crieff & Comrie Quair is noon on Friday, 8 December

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Comrie Bridge Club - Think your bridge is a bit rusty or not good enough to join a

club? Think again and give us a try.

We are a small, friendly club that plays duplicate bridge each week from early October to the end of March. We welcome new players, both experienced and improvers, and your first visit is free. On a Wednesday afternoon you are welcome to come and just watch for a few weeks before joining in play.

We play on Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm and Thursday at 7 pm in the Comrie Bowling Club, Camp Road. We ask players to arrive at least 10 minutes early.

You do not need a partner for Wednesdays. Thursday is for pairs but if you need a partner give us a ring and we will try to arrange one for you.

Both sessions have a break for tea or coffee and biscuits. The annual membership fee is £7 which includes both days and the table fee is £3 per session.

The last week of play before closing for the festive season will be on Wednesday, 13 and Thursday, 14 December, we will re-open on Wednesday, 3/Thursday, 4 January.

If you are interested in joining us please contact:- Sue 01764 679833 or Jim 07572 083288 Email: sue.selman34@gmail.com Comrie and St Fillans Music Circle - Well one term ends and another term starts.

The 10 meetings during the autumn term of 2023 were very well attended by our members, with numbers still growing slowly.

For the spring of 2024 we have 8 meetings starting on Tuesday, 16 January 2024 with a programme almost complete.

Dates for your diary for the complete programme are as follows - 16 January Music by 4 Composers John Southorn 23 January Victoriana Helen Holland 30 January Pictures in Music John Southorn 6 February My Life with Music Eric Perks 20 February Conservatoire Strings (Andrea Gagic) 27 February Opera & Choral Singer & Teacher Ulrike Wutscher 5 March Crieff High School 19 March AGM + Easter Party with members requests Why not come along and give us a try, we are a very friendly and welcoming group and I am sure that you will enjoy yourselves.

Members arrive at between 12 pm and 12.30 pm with a light lunch between 12.45 pm and 1.30 pm then followed by music either live or by DVD/CD. And all finished by 3.30 pm/4 pm.

All meetings are held at the Rural Hall, Comrie next to the Comrie Hotel.

Comrie & For more information please call Malcolm Gregory on Home 01764 St Fillans Music Circle 670493 or Mobile 07752 498187.

The Dementia Café, North Church Hall, High Street, Perth - Every 1st Wednesday of the month from 10 am - 12.30 pm.

This café does what it says, ‘on the tin’ . It welcomes anyone who has a problem with their memory and those who have a diagnosis of dementia. If you want a quiet word with one of our professionals eg a psychiatric nurse, a social worker, a link worker, our café is the place to come. Some of our volunteers are ex carers of someone with dementia which can be of comfort for regulars and newcomers alike.

There is always a warm welcome and a cup of coffee or tea with special biscuits which cater for gluten free folk. The atmosphere is always upbeat and positive.

Our next café will be held on Wednesday, 6 December and we’ll look forward to seeing you then. We will be here on those dates, come rain, storms or snow!

You can see all of our advertising details, and read The Quair Magazines online, at www.thequair.scot 46

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There’s snow place like Pitlochry Festival Theatre for festive fun!

FRI 15-17 DEC

BIG FESTIVE

WEEKEND SANTA EXPERIENCE We will transform our new Studio into a theatrical Santa’s Grotto where TV star Colin McCredie will be Santa Claus again this year.

No need to book, just don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the moment when you meet the man himself and make some beautiful memories in Pitlochry!

Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Saturday 1617 December, From 11.00am to 4.00pm

NATIVITY Pitlochry Festival Theatre is excited to announce we will produce a brand-new production of the Nativity.

Performed by Pitlochry High School and Pitlochry Festival Theatre Drama Club at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 16 December at 3.30pm.

Your visit to our Grotto is entirely FREE!

Everyone is welcome with no booking required for this wonderful celebration of community spirit. The Nativity is supported by the Basil Death Trust.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS WITH THE THEATRE SHOW CHOIR

Holy Trinity Church Saturday 16 December 3.30pm

Please join us for a festive treat for the ears as the Theatre Show Choir performs your favourite Christmas Carols. Taking place in the Liddell Foyer, visitors will be able to enjoy the songs of the season on Friday 15 December at 1.00pm.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre Friday 15 December at 1.00pm

FREE to all!

Tickets are FREE!

FESTIVE ROAST Join us for our fabulous Festive Roast.

A mouth-watering selection of festive food to choose from that’s guaranteed to warm the heart, delight the stomach and get you in the mood for Christmas! Vegan options available.

17 November to 23 December Matinees - 11.30am to 1.15pm Evenings - 4.30pm to 6.15pm Pre-book 01796 484 626 pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Our retail area has fab festive gifts for the whole family. Whether it’s a treat for your furry friend, accessory for an auntie, a stocking filler for the little one, flavoured honey for your favourite neighbour, or a handbag for someone special, we’ve got you covered.

SUNSHINE ON LEITH Enjoy our critically acclaimed and muchloved musical Sunshine on Leith during this Festive Fun weekend! Performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday still have availability - so book now!

Sunshine on Leith runs from 17 November – 23 December.

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01796 484 626 pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com

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Crieff Community Council - It happens every year . . . . no sooner have we put away

the buckets and spades than our shops and supermarkets are spilling over with Christmas goodies. By the time you read this, Crieff ’s Christmas season will be in full swing, and Santa’s Post Office will be back in town after an absence of four years. This year it’s being organised by our colleagues at Crieff ’s Community Trust and many thousands of visitors with painstakingly crafted letters for Santa, will be flocking to the old Town Hall from all parts of Scotland. Parents will be pleased to hear that Santa’s Post Office also has toilet facilities for all his excited young guests.

Exercising very many minds in the lead up to the Festive Season will also be the topic of road-safety. Hopefully, the November 14 public meeting organized by the Community Council will have paid dividends with the worried Crieff community being shown that their voices ARE being heard.

The ‘Town Council’ (that’s what it used to be called) canvassed for road-safety worries and suggestions. This was in the wake of two potentially tragic incidents: one in which a presumably speeding and out-of-control car, embedded itself in someone’s front room; the other, where a car ran through a pedestrian crossing on a red light knocking over two young pupils in the process. Miraculously, they weren’t seriously injured at all and the incident served to shine a very bright light on the accumulating safety issues on Broich Road.

This once narrow country road (B8062) is being expected to cater for three schools, two major supermarkets, two new housing estates, a possible Starbucks outlet plus conventional agricultural, council, and industrial traffic.

An interesting aside to the other incident was the ease with which a car could poke its nose through the flimsy outside wall of a relatively new building, as if it was just dropping in to watch the TV. Back to the public meeting! All the road safety submissions were documented for display at Crieff ’s Campus on the 14th. It’s sincerely hoped that by now, the specialists from Perth & Kinross Council, Bear Scotland, Transport Scotland and Police Scotland Tayside will have taken on board the legitimate submissions and initiated action or reassurance of action for the local community.

In closing, all members of the Community Council wish you all a peaceful and happy festive season. Please do give thought to attending one or more of our public meetings in 2024. We need your views and we need your support for a very busy year ahead in which we’ll be working as usual for the benefit of the whole of the community in our great little town of Crieff. Our next couple of meetings are: Thursday, 7 December and, after a month’s break, Thursday, 1 February Crieff Campus 7.30 pm.

Strathearn Gaelic group will be holding a weekly Gaelic Conversation Group on a Saturday morning at 10 am in The Chocolate Galley.

Tha fàilte roimhe uile.

Please contact Marcas on 07490 727023 for more details.

Le gach deagh dhùrachd, Gàidhlig Srath Èireann.

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The Big Shed, Loch Tay, is a smallish, but well-equipped village hall, run by volunteers. It has a small kitchen, (which has been registered with the council for commercial use), a small hall and an upstairs studio space. These can be hired separately or together by individuals, groups or businesses.

The Big Shed can be used for workshops/ training, conferences, private events, (such as parties or weddings) and the studio can be hired for creative residencies. The website’s “Get Inspired” page has photos.

The Big Shed is primarily for local people, but it is also available for hire to people from elsewhere, which helps us cover the running costs. We’ve promoted concerts and put on yoga workshops, though the pandemic put a damper on those for a while, but we hope it’ll be easier to plan ahead in 2023.

If you want to find out more about the Big Shed, have a look at the website, the Facebook page or email us at websitecontact@ bigshed.org.uk. www.bigshed.org.uk www. facebook.com/theBigShedTombreck, txt/ phone 07508 645453 What is a Quair? (noun) (1) A quire; a book. The Kingis Quhair, James I. (of Scotland). (2) A set of twenty-four sheets of paper of the same size and stock; one twentieth of a ream. (3) A collection of leaves of parchment or paper, folded one within the other, in a manuscript or book. (Middle English quayer, four double sheets of paper, from Old French quaer, from Vulgar Latin *quaternus, from Latin quatern, set of four, four each, from quater, four times; The Kingis Quhair is a fifteenth-century poem attributed to James I of Scotland. It is a semi-autobiographical work, describing the King’s capture by the English in 1406 on his way to France and his subsequent imprisonment by Henry IV of England and his successors Henry V and Henry VI.

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Strathearn Talking News

Strathearn Talking News is your local talking newspaper. We are volunteers who read and record onto USB the Strathearn Herald, the local newspaper for Crieff and District. We also read and record onto USB the monthly magazine The Crieff and Comrie Quair. A USB may be more familiarly known as a memory stick.

Strathearn Talking News is a Charity (SCO 15628) and in 2014 the Charity received a grant from Awards for All to go digital. Prior to that the newspaper was recorded and copied onto cassettes. We are proud to say that Strathearn Talking News has been providing a service for nearly 35 years for those in our community with a visual impairment and who find reading difficult. We provide a USB player. It is a small lightweight box no larger than a box of tissues. It runs off the mains electricity but it can also run on a battery which is automatically charged when the player is plugged into the mains.

This makes it very easy to take into other areas of the house. The yellow on/off dial at the front is also an excellent volume control. The dial and the forward/back/pause buttons are yellow to make them more vis-

ible. The service we provide is completely free. We record and copy from our own homes on a weekly rota, 52 weeks of the year. Listeners to Strathearn Talking News hear local news concerning Crieff and the surrounding villages. We record all the news items, letters to the Editor, Intimations, Planning Applications, reports from local Clubs and Organisations, a calendar of events, as well as the main feature in the newspaper that week. We also do our best to describe photographs!

52

The Crieff and Comrie Quair is an open access monthly magazine and carries articles on a variety of interesting topics. We record and copy it onto our weekly USB once a month.

E: info@strathearntalkingnews.org T: Maureen Anderson 01764 652406 W: www.strathearntalking news.org

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Dedicated Webpage to Back the Bid for a New National Park in Perthshire

A public consultation on the bid to establish a new national park in Perthshire is now live. A key aim in our consultation is to ensure that our residents, businesses, and organisations are kept up-to-date with all the latest news and information and a new webpage has been created to keep everyone informed.

The webpage has been designed to serve as a central hub for all information and news related to the ambitious bid and aims to encourage engagement and seek views from individuals, local businesses, and organisations alike. The newly launched webpage features: *comprehensive details about the proposed national park, its boundaries, key features and the potential benefits to Perthshire *latest news and developments, events and milestones in the campaign *ways for you to get involved on how to back our bid.

To view the new webpage, visit www.pkc. gov.uk/tayforestnationalpark.

Yoga for Cancer - One of the main reasons I became a yoga teacher was the hope of being able to share the benefits of yoga with anyone and to make it more accessible to all who would like to practice, regardless of their financial position. Since becoming a teacher I have taken specialist training in Chair Yoga, Youth Yoga and more recently

Yoga for Cancer, welcoming all ages and abilities into my classes. Most people think of yoga in images of young, flexible people, wearing tight clothes, making some weird shape with their bodies. Yoga is not about how anything looks but more of how we feel. It can be done sitting on a chair, lying in your bed or simply just breathing. The benefits it can bring mentally, emotionally and physically are now more widely recognised.

During my early twenties I found yoga in a book. Living in the countryside meant there weren’t many yoga classes around and certainly none being taught live, in my own home, on a computer. There was something about the breath and movement, along with the quietness that made me stick at it and although I wasn’t aware at the time, it was probably the most at peace I felt with myself back then.

Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy in December.

I was terrified to hear those words and although I’m a positive person, I had no idea how I would be affected mentally, emotionally and physically.

I was so appreciative of having yoga in my life but was hesitant of going back into regular yoga class as I knew I couldn’t do a lot of what would probably be cued and I had to get used to my new body. Finding a teacher who had been through her own cancer experience, who taught classes specifically for students with cancer, had a huge impact on me. I am now in a position to be able to provide yoga for cancer classes to others, on a donation basis, allowing more people access to the benefits of yoga with what can be a very difficult and lonely experience.

I think it’s so important for everyone to have the opportunity to learn about these valuable tools. We all breathe, but how many of us have been shown how to breathe in a way that can calm our mind and body?

Kirsty, hello@onesunyoga.co.uk; www.onesunyoga.co.uk 54

Comrie & District Men’s Shed

The Shed’s membership has decided to hold a social evening on Friday, 1 December at Comrie Parish Church Hall from 7 pm - 11 pm. This will be a ticketed only event at £10 per person (to include a finger buffet and the first drink). A reasonably priced bar will also be available and music will be provided.

Ticket enquiries from members of the community are welcomed.

If you are interested please reserve your ticket by calling us on 07703 779591 or by sending an email to: comriemensshed@ gmail.com. Tickets will also be available from Comrie Post Office, the Handy Shop and David Comrie & Sons Butchers.

Comrie & District Men’s Shed A Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) (SC048922) Hut 65, Cultybraggan Camp, Comrie, Crieff, Perthshire PH6 2AB Phone: 07703 779591 Email: comriemensshed@gmail.com

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Perth and Kinross Council are currently preparing a bid to create a new National Park, which could include Crieff and Comrie. The Tay Forest National Park could be really exciting for the area and I will be watching progress with interest. Originally Crieff was not included in the plans, however after an intervention from local councillors, PKC were asked to broaden the reach of the potential national park. Of course, this is a consultation, and it will be down to local residents to have their say.

The national park could bring benefits in terms of tourism, local transport, social and affordable housing, and perhaps funding from other sources. However, I also want to know more about what it might mean for farming, and the wider rural economy. Tourism is a mainstay of the Strathearn economy, and the creation of a new national park could really boost the number of people looking to come and enjoy the outstanding natural beauty that we often take for granted in Strathearn.

By the time you read this consultation events will have already taken place in Comrie and in Crieff. I understand that the final bid submission will be considered by PKC in February and will then be submitted to the Scottish Government. We will be up against some tough competition from across Scotland, but I am confident that the outstanding beauty of Strathearn will put us in a good position.

Recently I have been contacted by a number of residents concerned about speeding in the area, specifically on Broich Road, near the Crieff Community Campus. I am aware of a recent incident in the area, but parents have raised wider concerns about driver behaviour and indeed of visibility concerns, especially in the winter months when the sun is low.

Crieff Community Council convened a meeting for local residents with representatives from Police Scotland and the local authority. I look forward to working with all interested parties to try and improve road safety across Strathearn. I will continue to work with Councillor Donaldson to progress this matter and I recently had a productive call with Brian Wilton, the Chair of the Community Council, to commit my support to help in any way that I can.

As always, if anyone needs to contact me, please call my office on 01738 620540 or email Jim.Fairlie.MSP@Parliament.Scot.

PADS - PADS (Perthshire Abandoned Dogs Society) is a well-loved, long established local dog rescue charity with kennels at Forteviot. Our aim is to provide care and shelter for the county’s unwanted dogs and to find them new loving homes. Our kennels can house up to thirty animals in warmth and comfort. See www.padsdogrescue.com for further information.

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Friends of Crieff Cemetery - Friends of Crieff Cemetery is grateful to be partnered with Crieff AED and St Fillan’s RC Church to raise funds for a defibrillator in Ford Road, Crieff.

This area of the town has been identified as a candidate site for a defib installation, and with very kind permission from St Fillan’s RC Church, we are committed to funding this life saving equipment to be installed within the church grounds.

This project has already received a generous £250 donation from Crieff Round Table, which will definitely act as a springboard for future fundraising.

If you would like to donate to the installation of this defibrillator, please click on our GoFundMe link at www.facebook.com/CrieffCem. Alternatively, donations can be sent to FoCC’s bank account: Friends of Crieff Cemetery, Bank of Scotland, Account no: 23813162, Sort code: 80-22-60 Cheques can be made payable to: Friends of Crieff Cemetery Please email focc1858@gmail.com for more information for a forwarding address for cheques.

Please visit www.strathearndefibs.com to view Crieff ’s defibrillator sites to date.

58

Crieff Lunch Club - Crieff Lunch Club is run under the auspices of the Royal Voluntary service and staffed by a brilliant group of volunteers from Crieff and district. We meet in Duchlage Court in Crieff every Thursday lunchtime in term time, and provide a 2 course lunch and tea and biscuits for a very modest cost. It is a great opportunity for folk living alone to come along, meet others and have a hot meal together. Transport to the lunch for those who live out with Duchlage Court can be arranged through Bertie bus.

We are always looking for new clients and, of course, new volunteers to join our teams of volunteer helpers for about 2 hours, once a month. If you are interested in coming along or volunteering for the lunch club, please contact Geoff Bird at the Royal Voluntary Service office in Perth on 01738 633975 or email at perthsupportingyou@ royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

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Christians Against Poverty - Crieff Parish

Church, in partnership with other local churches, has been running a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre since 17 August 2020. The free service is available to all people in postcode areas PH3,4,5,6 and 7.

The combination of rising unemployment, reduced hours, illness and larger bills has created a situation where many people now have unmanageable debt. However, for local people here across Strathearn, there is a solution.

Chris McCrosson, Strathearn CAP Debt Centre Manager, said, ‘We want everyone to know that we offer free debt help along with localised support, understanding and encouragement.’

The Debt Centre currently has a number of appointments available so we’re urging people to get in contact as soon as possible to get help and get their lives back on track.

There is a team of volunteers, some of whom have been in debt themselves and are now out the other side, able to give a helping hand with practical solutions.

CAP client, Lisa*, said, ‘Without CAP I think I would probably be dead as I wouldn’t have had money to buy food! Now, I’m going to Uni! Now, I know I can afford it and I feel mentally better, I’m hoping to change people’s lives the way CAP has changed mine.’

If you know things are out of control and you’re stressed, missing meals or sleep, please give us a call and let us help you get your life back on track.

Book an appointment with CAP by calling Freephone 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org.

The Quair Magazines and the Environment

We have now planted over 100 trees at Balmuick Farm, above the village of Comrie.

Each tree planted will help offset some of our environmental impact by breathing in about 730 kg CO2 emissions over its lifetime. The trees also provide sustainable habitat for wildlife, and will enhance the natural landscape with native broad-leaved trees.

We also ensure that our printing process has the least possible environmental impact. Throughout the production process, our printers actively work to minimise the impact on the environment whilst continuing to reduce their carbon footprint. By working closely with suppliers, they maintain a policy of purchasing FSC & PEFC certified papers along with those containing a recycled content. Our printer also holds a Climate Change Agreement; and improved its energy efficiency significantly in 2019 and 2020 by 39.7% compared to its base year of 2008. This was against a target of 8.4% set by the Environment Agency. This meant they overachieved its energy efficiency target by 810 tonnes of Carbon and 2,973 tonnes of CO2. Over the four measuring periods the Company overachieved against its targets to the value of 3,745 tonnes of Carbon and 13,734 tonnes of CO2. The company possess ISO14001:2015 GB07/72753, ISO9001:2015 GB95/6121, PEFC since 2007, FSC since 2007. 100% of all waste is recycled. Achieved through implementation of a waste segregation system within the factory where different streams of paper, card, plastics, wood and chemicals are collected and stored until collected by our waste partners. Paper is returned to the mills, wood is sent for chipping, plastics and card sent to recycling, chemical waste sent for recovery or utilised in a cement kiln for recovery in energy form. All domestic waste is now incinerated to provide energy.

Our printers’ pallets purchased are made to order and re-used. Any broken wood/ damaged pallets are collected by our pallet supplier on a weekly basics and chipped for agricultural and industrial use. In addition all the aluminium printing plates are 100% recycled. After all that, we’re delighted to be able to bring you The Quair each month and would ask that, when next month’s edition pops through your door, you recycle this edition and it all starts over again!

Cultybraggan Camp History Project - The Project was founded in 2017 to work with the camp’s owners wherever possible to preserve history and fabric of the camp. Members include academics and volunteers who are dedicated to investigate and document in central resources all aspects of the camp’s past. Serious new members are welcome to contact us through the email address below.

It is very gratifying to see the camp benefiting from visitors, directed in by the brown tourist signs that our members financed. That we continue to bring in business and money for the camp’s benefit, nobody can deny.

We continue in discussion with other organisations doing similar work to us, which is proving mutually beneficial. Ultimately there will be even greater knowledge in our database of all aspects of wartime life relating to our camp, for the benefit of locals and interested parties beyond.

Our members are the experts to guide tours, give talks and support authors, historians and filmmakers, allowing them direct access to our resources and personnel.

Now in our sixth year, we provide illustrated talks to many groups including organisations and institutes, colleges, schools, Probus, Rotary and Local History Clubs.

There are now more talks in our repertoire so you can select whether to have our general introduction or more specialised versions that dig deeper into real history.

If you would like an illustrated talk to your group or have any other enquiry, we would love to hear from you by email to history@camp21.org.uk.

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Cycle Crieff - Cycle Crieff is a commu-

nity initiative with the aim to encourage and support local and visiting cyclists to explore the routes around Crieff. No one is paid; our volunteers and links help make the project a success.

There are three main strands: Routes Categorised by bike style; road, gravel and electric bikes. Use the QR code to access the routes easily! Repairs Puncture repairs to electric conversions are catered for in our well-equipped workshop. We are supported

by Morrison’s Academy, and we appreciate a call before coming to our workshop. Reuse We accept donated bikes directly and utilise these to provide transport for all sections of the community. We always have a range of bikes for sale.

Community cycling - We have an active cycle group, offering rides proposed by members. We also run bike maintenance courses and ‘back on your bike confidence courses’. We hold regular bike sales and fundraise. Our current focus is the Firefighters Charity. This is in memory of one of our members who recently passed. He was a local Firefighter and keen cyclist.

Each week we explore a few of the Cycle Crieff routes. Pace and distance are decided by the members taking part.

Since the last Quair we have; Courses - Beginners and advanced maintenance and road/trailside repairs Another group of cyclists found out about

Loch of the Lowes, by Dunkeld

their bikes.

Bike ‘Give aways’! We have funding to help adults who would benefit from a new or renovated bike. Please ask anyone you feel might be able to support to get in touch.

CycleCrieff big night oot! - Fabulous night and thanks go to Greg and Helen who did an immense amount of work and made it a really special night. Tony sorted the IT and Wendy & Lawrence backed up the team and ran the raffle.

Ideas that came up were - Late march Spanish trip, drop rides, more social and ladies’ rides, more bike packing trips, Zwift crew (already set up!) more socials!!

The raffle raised £120 towards the Firefighter’s Charity. All the cycling items are also available from Cycle Crieff workshop.

Upcoming (in addition to local ride outs) MTB trip to Laggan - A venture to try out the new routes and explore the trails. Skills & social - Starting at Morrison’s Academy riders are going to learn on car free roads to ride as a group and chain gang. The group will then move onto the quieter local roads before a well-deserved cuppa at the Steading. Maintenance and road/trailside repairs - Two Sundays have been booked to teach riders how to look after their bikes and followed by basic roadside repairs. Get in touch if you want to join one of these courses.

Please get in touch if you want to know more or join our adventures! cyclecrieff@ yahoo.com or visit our website www.cyclecrieff.scot/about.html & www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100067081600855 62

This is the time of year when we want to be inside, cosy, sipping a cup of something and watching the birds on our feeders. Recently at Loch of the Lowes we were incredibly fortunate to see Goldfinch on the sunflower hearts. The Goldfinch has such striking colours that they manage to brighten up even the dullest of days. At the centre we see many Chaffinches.

However, all is not as it seems. Look again, carefully at the chaffinches, especially when it’s cold possibly with snow on the ground.

If you are lucky you may spot a Brambling (Fringilla Montifringilla). The Brambling is a type of finch which eats seeds, beech mast (a mast is when a tree produces a large volume of nuts in a year) and berries. Some Bramblings are locals but others may have migrated from Russia or Scandinavia in search of food.

A few tips about feeding the birds. Consider which birds you have or want to attract as their beaks and food preferences differ. The finch type birds crunch down on seeds like sunflowers, niger seeds and millet. Birds like blackbirds, thrushes, fieldfare, redwings and robins have a ‘soft bill’ so don’t eat the hard seeds. They eat worms, insects, suet, rolled oats, sunflower hearts and fruit. Woodpeckers and Tits like peanuts and suet. Watch out for the Coal Tit taking a small piece of nut or seed and stowing it away for later.

It is important to clean feeders regularly with bird specific cleanser. We have tube brushes and bird safe cleaner in the shop.

Unfortunately without hygiene birds can get diseases such as Bird Flu (a virus), Trichomonosis (caused by a parasite) and Salmonella (a bacterial infection).

Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10.30 am to 4 pm at this time of year. Loch of the Lowes, Dunkeld, PH8 0HH Tel: 01350 727337 Email: lochofthelowes@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk For any events of the Scottish Wildlife Trust see www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/ things-to-do/wildlife-events.

It is important to note that the paths are never treated so take care not to slip, especially if there is ice. The paths can also be uneven.

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63

Work Continues at Amulree Hall

There had been queries regarding the work already done but after inspections by building control all were resolved and work continued.

There has been quite a delay mainly regarding the steel work. As this is a significant cost it must be right. New drawings for the steel work are being done by a structural engineer as some erosion has been found in the steel within the concrete pillars and a slightly different design is needed.

This all takes time.

The concrete is in round the back in the extension, the next big order is steel and windows. Phone box has been taken down in anticipation of the extension for disabled toilet.

It has been decided to ‘close’ the hall for safety as the interior wall will be knocked through quite soon. If anyone needs to get into the hall please ask.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO COME AND ENJOY SOME GREAT WHISKY… All throughout December we will be running some festive flights as well as winter cocktails in our wonderful Mash Tun bar, pair this with one of our delicious cakes or the all-time favourite Mince pie, and you’ve got yourself a treat!

We’ve got your Christmas list sorted, with the choice from our selection of perfect gifting items in the Distillery shop to fill a beautifully branded gift box alongside a special bottle of our finest Highland whisky, giving the gift of Blair Athol to a loved one this year.

And even better, if you decide to join one of our experienced guides on a distillery tour, you will have the privilege of enjoying a *10% discount in our distillery shop! *Discount up to the value of £250.

64

Innerpeffray Library - The Library of Innerpeffray is closed for tours over the winter and re-opens at the beginning of March. We do have a series of exciting events and workshops to be held in December however, so come and join us over the festive season! Entry to the grounds and heritage trail remains open for autumnal and wintry walks. Our website remains active so keep an eye out for interesting blogs, upcoming news and events, and of course if you missed our November Festive Fayre, you can visit our online shop for unique gift ideas and different ways that you can help support the Library.

Our Keeper of Books, Lara Haggerty, will be busy over the winter season giving a series of talks about the Library to community groups and gatherings across the local area. If you’d be interested in inviting her to speak for your group, do get in touch using the contact details below.

Call for Volunteers - Our friendly volunteer team is crucial to the running of the Library of Innerpeffray. Although the library is closed to the public over the winter months, this can be an excellent time to start volunteering, as we have a programme of cleaning and checking the books, which is an ideal way to get to know both the collection and the other volunteers! Whether you would like to be a visitor guide, join the gardening team, do behind-the-scenes admin or help out with our programme of events, we’d love to hear from you. Email info@innerpeffraylibrary.co.uk Saturday, 2 December - Carols in the Library. 3 pm & 6 pm. Join with the Friends of Innerpeffray Library to celebrate scenes of Christmas past, in a cosy setting amongst the books led by the Innerpeffray Singers.

Tickets £10, children £2.

Sunday, 3 December - Christmas in the Chapel. 3 pm. The Innerpeffray Singers are back with their popular festive choral concert in the special atmosphere and acoustics of Innerpeffray Chapel. Wrap up warmly!

Tickets £10, children £2.

Tickets for all events can be booked by visiting the ‘What’s On’ page on our website at www.innerpeffray.co.uk, or by phoning the library on 01764 652819.

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Be a part of the Magic at Morrison’s Academy - There

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are fewer places more enchanting than a school at Christmas. With excitement, faith, joy, and laughter in the air, Morrison’s Academy has magic all around.

Memorial Hall has truly been decked, our choirs are carolling, snare drummers drumming and our pipers piping.

The sheer excitement of Santa’s imminent arrival is palpable. Our Rector, Mr McGarva, has been making a list and checking it twice. Although, it turns out we only have good boys and girls at Morrison’s Academy.

Our School continues to grow with additional pupils starting all of the time which is a wonderful compliment to our School community.

At Christmas, community and friendship can feel more important than ever. Morrison’s Academy has been lucky enough to have been at the heart of the local community for over 163 years. Our pupils and staff enjoy participating in many local community and charitable events and projects.

We recently hosted the Crieff fireworks night, opened our doors for our annual Christmas Fayre, invited all local families to our STEM event and all our School Holiday Camps are open to local children. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be aware of our future community events.

To all friends of Morrison’s Academy and all in our local community, we hope that you have a very happy, healthy and magical Christmas and we look forward to welcoming you to future events in the New Year.

If you have any questions about our School, please contact Catriona Elliott on admissions@morrisonsacademy.org. celliott@ morrisonsacademy.org or 01764 653885.

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67

Strathearn Ramblers 2024 programme

Sunday, 14 January - Bogton Braes Circular Via Auchingarrich. Stroll. Distance: 5 miles Start and finish: Dalginross stone circle (close to Comrie Cemetery on South Crieff Rd.) Leave: Crieff Co-op Car Park at 9.35 am Meet at 9.50 am. What3Words: shell.exile.buggy Description: A varied stroll on mainly good tracks and grassy hill tracks providing great views across to the hills above Comrie Leaving the Neolithic stone circle, a short walk through Muirton wood leads to a gradual climb towards Cowden Farm before joining the core track across the Bogton Braes, passing Cowden Loch. It is a short diversion to Auchengarich wildlife park which provides a chance to view a standing stone and visit the excellent cafe. We will then descend on the core track back through farmland to our start point. Please be prepared for some short muddy sections.

Sunday, 28. January. Torlum Hill. Walk.

Distance: 8 miles Start point: Crieff Visitors Centre 10 am What3Words weekday. balancing.scrambles Start time: 9.45 am Comrie school car park. Description: From the Visitor Centre go up Knock Mary via Newbigging farm. On reaching the Ochtermuthill road take a left then a right and contour the northern side of Torlum hill. Shortly past the mast a track and path takes us up to the trig point. Taking the normal route down to the sawmill before skirting the edge of Drummond Estate before the return to the Visitor Centre. From the top of Torlum there are wide ranging views of Perthshire and Strathearn.

Sunday, 11 February. Errol, Tay Reedbeds and Port Ellen. Stroll. Distance: 4.5 miles Meeting points and times: Comrie school car park at 9.45 am or Crieff Co-op car park at 10 am Start and finish: Meet at Errol Mercetcross at 10.50 am adjacent to the Spar. What3Words conjured.protects.funny Street parking nearby but no public toilets. Description: heading south out of Errol past the community orchard we enter the UK’s largest continuous reedbed This is an important haven for birds including bearded tits and water rails. Both

are present throughout the year but sight- is approximately 3 miles up this road and is ings are not guaranteed. We then head west sign-posted. What3Words centrally.dishes. along a tree lined path to Port Ellen and, by chained Depart: Comrie School car park 9 walking from here along the embankment, am. Crieff Co-op car park 9.15 am get more open views of the reed-bed and Description: After leaving the parking area the river. We will then take narrow track and via the wooden footbridge over the river we pavement back to the starting point. follow a path past Loch Tullybelton with a Sunday, 25 February. Weem & Glassie. chance to see ducks and swans. Heading up Walk. Distance​6 miles (9.6km) Start time: the hill we turn right towards an obelisk on 10 am Comrie Car Park 10.15 am Crieff Craig Gibbon which gives excellent views Co-op. Walk start​s in Aberfeldy. Parking​ over the countryside. Retracing our steps Taybridge Terrace, by public toilets What- we return to the circular route with good 3Words prank.fights.earl Height gain​: open views over moorland as we are walk1,150 feet (350m) Approximate Time:​3.5 ing at height. Eventually, the route will dehours Description: Aberfeldy grew up as scend and re-join our outward route back to a town after General Wade built the stylish the parking area.

Wade Bridge in 1733 to carry his military Sunday, 14 April. Frandy Reservoir Glen road over the River Tay. This walk visits the Devon. Stroll. Distance: 5 miles Start Black Watch Memorial and passes close to point: Car park at map ref 949 053 off the Castle Menzies, a restored 16th-century tow- A823. What3Words playfully.secrets.edits er house open to the public, before climb- Start time: 10 am Comrie Car Park and ing through Weem Wood to a cave used by 10.15 am Crieff Co-op. Description: From St Cuthbert. Spring-fed St David’s Well is the Glendevon road map ref 949 053 this is named after the hermit who lived here cen- a straightforward there and back stroll of turies later, after renouncing chieftainship 5 miles. The tarmac road zigzags up to the of the Menzies clan. Route terrain​. Scenic first dam then levels out and continues up paths and tracks by river, woods, crags and to the second one ,with views ahead to the pasture. high hills and across the reservoirs. There is Monday, 11 March. Perth to Luncarty Riv- an option to add an extra 3 miles by walking erside. Stroll {NB: Monday to avoid Moth- around the second reservoir dependant on er’s day}. Distance: 6.5 miles Start point: there being a path.

Scarth Road Bus Stop Luncarty What- Sunday, 28 April. Bealach Walk Pitlochry.

3Words songbirds.albums.piled. Take the Walk Distance: 10 miles/16km Depart: no.34 bus at 11.07 am to Perth Mill Street, Comrie School Car Park 9 am, Crieff Cojourney time 13 minutes. Start time: 9.45 op Car Park 9.15 am Start/Finish Ferry am Comrie Car Park 10 am Crieff Co-op Road Car Park Pitlochry (charge) Whatcar park. It takes approximately 45 minutes 3words kindness.sprains.rapport Descripto Luncarty from Comrie. Description: A tion: This varied waymarked walk climbs level walk the River Tay starting from the the open moorland above Pitlochry to North Inch, Perth to Luncarty through cross the Bealach na Searmoin, offering parkland and mixed wood on tracks and great views, to reach Killiecrankie. The recycle paths. There are many vantage points turn walk is down into the gorge, past the to capture the beauty of the river and the Soldier’s Leap and along a delightful stretch surrounding countryside. The paths can be of the River Garry and Loch Faskally. Kilmuddy in places so please wear appropriate liecrankie Visitor Centre has toilets and seafootwear. sonal café. Terrain: Clear paths, sometimes Sunday, 24 March. Little Glenshee Circu- boggy tracks and minor roads with a hill lar. Walk Distance: 9 miles Start & Finish: section over the Bealach and a gentle climb Meeting at 9.50 am at the Little Glenshee to Moulin from Pitlochry. car park, just south of the ford. The road Thursday, 12 May. Bluebell woods. Stroll. leading to the Little Glenshee car park is on Description: This stroll will be either in the left of the B8063 just after Chapelhill, it Kinclaven or Blairgowrie.

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Details to be advised.

Sunday, 23 May. The Hermitage, Rumbling Bridge and The Pins Cone. Walk. Distance​: 8 miles. Start point. The Hermitage car park just off the A9 on the left going north. {Free parking for NTS members otherwise charges apply} What3Words tastes.classics.outwards Start time: 10 am Comrie Car Park 10.15 am Crieff Co-op. Description: From the car park we follow the river Braan up through tall trees to the waterfall and Ossian’s hall and cave before continuing to Rumbling bridge and another fine waterfall.

Retracing our steps we carry on up to Pine Cone view looking over the Tay and up to the Cairngorms. We then descend to a Folly before carrying on up the main path to cross under the A9 and walking along by the Tay to Inver passing Niel Gow’s Oak on the way. A short path from Inver takes us back to the car park.

Sunday, 16 June. Coastal walk & stroll Kerrera. Stroll: Hutcheson’s Monument Circuit 9km/5 miles. This walk is a circuit of the north end of Kerrera & includes a visit to the obelisk monument guarding the harbour with its fine views. OR Walk: Gylen Castle Circuit 11km/6.8 miles Superb circuit explores the southern end of the island with fine views & a visit to the well preserved & wonderfully atmospheric remains of Gylen Castle.

Sunday, 14 July Croy Hill and Antonine Wall. Stroll Distance: 6.5 miles Start point: Auchinstarry Marina at 11 am What3Words harsh.fellow.conforms Start time: 10 am Comrie Car Park 10.15 am Crieff Co-op. It takes approximately 55 minutes to Auchinstarry Marina from Comrie Description: This stroll has never been walked before by the Ramblers. It is an interesting, historical walk taking in two Roman hill forts and the Antonine Wall from which there are good views across the area. The stroll takes in a walk by the Forth and Clyde Canal. The paths are canal tow paths and grassy tracks There is an overall ascent of 200 metres on this stroll which is on the middle section of the walk and it can be muddy.

The rest of the stroll is by the canal. Achinstarry Marina has adequate parking, toilets and attached cafe.

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Something different for Christmas

Where: The Barn Gallery, The Bield, Blackruthven, PH1 1PY When: 2-10 December, 10am to 5pm “Something different for Christmas” is the brainchild of glass artist Lorna C Radbourne (pictured with ‘The one that got away’). She has gathered a co-operative of 22 artists in a stunning range of media in this artisan led exhibition.

Artists work includes gorgeous willow work, ceramics, glass, paintings and prints, journals, plumbing supply lamps, beautifully tactile wood, upcycled furniture, textiles and so much more.

This exhibition is well worth a visit just to see the range of work but it’ll be a challenge not to come away with a gift or two either for friends or family or a wee treat for yourself from this amazing collection of handcrafted, stylish and well designed arts and crafts.

You can see our advert in this edition of The Crieff & Comrie Quair.

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Highland Safaris Christmas Experience

Come face-to-face with our friendly herd of Red Deer and resident Barn Owl. Enjoy letter-writing to Santa, festive colouring in competition, Christmas Treasure Hunt and our Winter Grotto. It’s a real festive family day out!

£20 per child £15 per adult £65 family of 4 Terms apply.

Each child will receive a personalised Christmas gift from Santa. All tickets include a hot drink and 10% off in our café and gift shop.

Every Saturday and Sunday from the 2nd December 2023 Find out more: HIGHLANDSAFARIS.NET 71

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