The Crieff & Comrie Quair

The Crieff & Comrie Quair TM

Crieff, Comrie & District’s Community Magazine • May 2026 CRIEFF | COMRIE | ST. FILLANS | MADDERTY | FOWLIS WESTER | GILMERTON 1

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The Crieff & Comrie Quair

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

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

tel/text: 07436 793785 e: crieffandcomrie@thequair.com w: www.thequair.scot The beautiful month of May is here and, along with warmer weather, the tourist season is beginning to gather pace. The area is starting to buzz with visitors enjoying everything that this special part of Scotland has to offer.

The May Day Holiday falls on Monday, 4 May this year and another important date to note is Sunday, 10 May when Etape Caledonia takes place. If you are travelling to, or about in, Highland Perthshire that day it is wise to check road closure times in advance at www.etapecaledonia.com/the-routes.

Supporting local businesses remains as important as ever. Advertising locally through The Quair helps keep investment within our community, unlike much online advertising which disappears somewhere into the digital universe.

When you can, try to shop locally and support the businesses that help keep our local economy thriving. Did you know that all editions of The Quair magazines can also be read online? If you cannot wait for your copy to arrive on the doormat, simply visit www.thequair.scot and click on the edition of your choice. You can also keep up to date with local news and events by following our Facebook page @TheQuair. While the wider world can sometimes feel unsettled, focusing on keeping yourself healthy, supporting your neighbours and giving freely within your community can still make a meaningful difference close to home.

And finally, a small piece of Scottish folklore: washing your face in the early morning dew of 1st May is said to bring beauty, strength and prosperity for the year ahead.

Whether or not that proves true, it is a pleasant excuse to step outside early and breathe the fresh country air. Whatever you choose to do this month, we hope you enjoy all that May brings to our beautiful corner of the world.

Alistair and Linda The Crieff & Comrie Quair is an open access monthly magazine which is delivered FREE to over 6,350 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. 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 two magazines, we print an average of 15,000 and deliver more than 13,500 copies directly to homes and businesses throughout Highland Perthshire and Strathearn.

Local voluntary groups and organisations may submit articles, free of charge. All contributions are carried subject to space being available. We ask that any article reaches us by email by the specified copy date, is factual, non-political, under 400 words and not likely to offend.

Copy Date - The copy date for advertisers and organisations to submit an advertisement or article for the June 2026 edition is noon on Wednesday, 13 May. The Magazines are due to be distributed week commencing Monday, 1 June 2026.

Earnsong Choir - Come and join our friendly bunch who love

singing together. We meet every Monday, during school term, in the White Church in Comrie 7 pm till 9 pm. (7.30 pm to 9.30 pm after Easter holidays). We would love to see you.

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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.

Perth Citizens Advice Bureau

You can reach Perth CAB for Advice on: FREEPhone: 0808 196 9440 - 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday. (Free from landlines and mobiles) E: advice@perthcab.org.uk W: www.perthcab.org.uk RSABI (previously The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) - RSABI is a unique Scottish charity with roots going back to 1897.

To learn a little more about how RSABI operates, please see the website at www.rsabi.org.uk

Fowlis Wester Village Hall - On Saturday, 16 May we will be holding our annual charity plant sale and coffee morning from 9.30 am to 1 pm.

This well-loved event sees visitors from far and wide attend to find the ideal plants for their gardens with help and advice from the plant ladies who grow all of the plants for sale.

There will be a large variety of plants available including vegetables, tomatoes, perennials, bedding, herbs, wildlife-friendly and much more.

This year’s nominated charity is Blood Cancer UK (Scottish Charity No. SC037529) with 50% of the plant sale profits donated to them and 50% to Fowlis Wester Village Hall (Scottish Charity No. SC001195).

Refreshments will be available inside the hall, including home baking, a raffle, a preloved book stall, and a cake and sweet stall.

Fowlis Wester Village Hall - The Village of Fowlis Wester will be taking part in this year’s Scotland’s Gardens Scheme on Saturday, 6 June from 1 pm to 5 pm.

There are over 8 gardens taking part offering an eclectic collection of large and small gardens. Come and have a wander around this beautiful village, take in the Pictish Cross in the 13th century church before enjoying a cuppa and home baking in the Village Hall. There will also be plants for sale.

The nominated charity for this is Trellis (Scottish Charity No. SC037429) whose mission is to support people to improve their health and wellbeing through gardening, plants and nature.

Crieff Banking Hub - The Crieff Banking Hub is now operating from its permanent home at 17 High Street, Crieff, PH7 3HU. The Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. A Community Banker from your own bank is available on these days: Monday: Santander, 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday: Virgin Money, 9.15 am to 4.45 pm Wednesday: TSB, 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday: Royal Bank of Scotland, 10 am to 5 pm, Friday: Bank of Scotland, 9 am to 5 pm.

When the Hub is open, you can use counter services to withdraw or deposit cash, pay in cheques, check your balance, top up utilities and more.

Please note - Community Bankers may be unavailable over lunchtime as they take a break. Always check up to date details at www.cashaccess.co.uk/ hubs/crieff-perth-and-kinross Strathearn Arts - Strathearn Arts (Strathearn Artspace SC044319) is a registered charity which aims to promote and advance the arts, culture and heritage through participation and enjoyment of the creative arts.

We strive to deliver vibrant, inclusive, memorable arts experiences and we want everyone who engages with us to feel that.

Driven by our programme, facilities, and through our coordinating role in the local artistic community, Strathearn has developed a wide reputation as a cultural destination. See www.strathearnarts.org for more details.

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Home Boarding: 1 dog at a time or 2 dogs from the same home: £35 Per night (£25 per night for 2nd dog) Dog Walking: £16 per hour in a group OR £25 for 30-minute solo walk Free meet and greet session.

Contact: Laura 07809 434611 Email: roddypaws223@gmail.com Facebook: Roddy Paws Home Boarding Service

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Bertie Bus update A positive start to the year

Correction - In last month’s Bertie Bus update the AGM was described as having happened already. Due to publication deadlines, stories are often written in advance of the event itself. In this instance, the reported AGM was unfortunately postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

At time of press, a firm date on the Bertie Bus AGM has yet to be agreed. Some key details will be shared at the AGM and below you will find a brief summary of some of them.

A welcome return to surplus - Bertie Bus is pleased to report a surplus in the charity’s latest annual accounts.

This allows room for important, larger or emergency expenses that may not be essential at present but could occur any time over the next year or two.

This marks an important milestone for the organisation and reflects the continued efforts of volunteers, supporters, and the wider community.

The improved financial position has been warmly welcomed by the Bertie team, who recognise the role that fundraising events, donations, and careful management have all played in helping to strengthen the charity’s footing.

New faces behind the wheel - The Bertie team are also delighted to welcome two new drivers to their volunteer group.

New volunteers are always a welcome addition to Bertie Bus, helping to ensure that the service can continue to run reliably and reach those who depend on it.

AGM postponed - As noted at the start of this article the Bertie Bus Annual General Meeting, which had originally been scheduled for March, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

A new date for the AGM will be announced shortly, and further details will be shared once arrangements are confirmed.

Keeping things running smoothly - Behind the scenes, the Bertie Bus team continues to refine how the service is organ-

ised. The online calendar system, which shows driver assignments for each run, is now fully in use. Volunteers can click into each event to see who is scheduled to drive, helping to keep things clear and coordinated.

Looking ahead - A couple of big events are still to come in Bertie Bus’s calendar, not least of which it’s their ever-popular Summer Lunch, which will take place in June (the date is still to be decided).

Later in the year Bertie Bus will also be happy to bring back their quiz night, which was sadly postponed in April. This is likely to occur in late summer or early autumn.

More details will be made available here once the date is set.

Community support is everything - As always, Bertie Bus continues to rely on the commitment and goodwill of its volunteers. From drivers and passenger assistants to organisers and fundraisers, it is this collective effort that keeps the service running and ensures that people across Crieff and the surrounding area can stay connected to their community.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with Bertie Bus can contact the team by emailing secretary@ bertiebus.org.uk or by calling 07716 119414.

Friends of Crieff Cemetery

Friends of Crieff Cemetery would like to invite the public to attend our 2nd Armed Forces Day War Graves Tour.

Please come along on Saturday, 27 June at 2 pm to hear of the collective and individual sacrifices made by some of the service personnel buried or memorialised in Crieff Cemetery. Free entry, all welcome.

Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition

Registration is now open: www.dunkeldartexhibition.com. Artists may enter up to 3 pieces of work giving details along with an image of each piece. Work must be brought to The Duchess Anne in Dunkeld on Sunday, 19 or Monday, 20 July, ready to hang where appropriate and a £10 administration fee is due to be paid at this time. Further details if required from Dunkeldart@ aol.com. The Exhibition will run from Saturday, 25 July to Saturday, 29 August

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Looking for an afternoon out?

We are a small Whist Club, who meet on a Wednesday afternoon in Cameron Court.

So why not come along, just turn up, and join us for a friendly game of whist, 2 o’clock until 4 o’clock. You may not always win a prize but you will always get tea/ coffee, cake and biscuits. There is no membership fee but £2 fee each week.

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Official opening of the new Oakbank to MacRosty Park off road all abilities path

The official opening of the new Oakbank to MacRosty Park Off Road All Abilities Path is on Tuesday, 28 April at noon.

Come along and help mark this important milestone for our community.

ALL WELCOME The new path provides a safe, accessible, year-round offnewroad route Official opening of the Oakbank to MacRosty Park Off Road All Abilities Path for walkers, wheelchair users, people Tuesday 28th April at noon with pushchairs and cyclists and we Come along and help mark this important milestone for our community. The new path provides a safe, would love to celebrate its opening accessible, year-round off road route for walkers, wheelchairs, pushchairs and cyclists and we would with you. love to celebrate its opening with you. in thecommunity community is very welcome.

We EveryoneEveryone in the is very hope to see you there! welcome. We hope to see you there!

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

Living life at Dalnaglar in Crieff means care, kindness, safety and warmth, home-cooked meals, a brew, a blether - and all here for you in your community.

We’ll take care of everything you need to feel comfortable and truly cared for.

Come along for a visit - we’d love to meet you!

Want to take a look? Call us on 01764 655231 or email manager.dalnaglar@bcgcares.co.uk @BCG Caring

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09/04/2026 10:29:35

Comrie in Colour volunteers sought

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Do you have some spare time? Would you like to help enhance the local environment?

Comrie in Colour is a volunteer bloom group and part of the Take a Pride in Perth and Kinross Association. We care for public garden areas throughout the village of Comrie. Our work includes weeding, planting, pruning and general maintenance.

No experience is necessary, and tools are provided. We usually meet on a suitable afternoon at 2 pm, weather permitting, and work for approximately two hours.

Volunteers are welcome to come along

forts and you’ll be added to the Crieff when they can and help Gleam Team’s social media postings via for as long as they are Crieff Community Council. able. Our working seaPlease be assured, every little piece of litter son runs from March to binned helps keep Crieff a clean and beauOctober. tiful place to live, work and enjoy.

If you are interested and Next Crieff litter picking dates - Satwould like more information, please contact us at comrieincol- urday, 2 May, Sunday, 17 May, Saturday, 30 May, Sunday, 14 June, Saturour@gmail.com or call 07906 292565.

Crieff Needs You - The Crieff Gleam day, 27 June, Sunday, 12 July, Saturday, Team is a community group of volunteers 25 July ... with more dates to follow. making their contribution to helping keep For further details, please email Mark the streets and green spaces of Crieff lit- Hunter at markhunter0706@gmail.com ter-free... something we all want to see and enjoy.

A small and dedicated group meet at The Square at 2 pm on a fortnightly basis, alternating between Saturday and Sunday (see next litter-pick dates below) but more volunteers would be very much appreciated and made very welcome.

Any dates that you can offer your assistance for one hour would be very much appreciated. Strathearn Harriers - Full details of all All equipment will be provided - gloves, club races and events are on the club webbin bags, high-visibility waistcoat and litter- site at www.strathearnharriers.org.uk. The pick grabbers - so there is no need to bend club welcomes runners of all standards. down should you have any mobility issues. Crieff and Comrie are great places for runAll ages are welcome, with any under 12s ning, particularly if you like trails and hills. volunteers being accompanied by an adult.

All collected bags are sealed, marked with a ‘Litter Picked By Volunteers’ label and prompt vehicle collection is arranged.

Fowlis Wester SWI - It was film night,

Should you not be able to join The Crieff Gleam Team on a Saturday or Sunday, please do consider to be a solo picker at your own convenience. Simply pick and bag any litter you find on your travels, and place in the many public litter bins around the town. Let Mark know about your ef10

and we all sat back and enjoyed Ladies in Lavender which was organised by Helen Newton.

Competitions - Mocktail 1. Helen Newton 2. Audrey McColl 3. Carol Page Spring flower Arrangement 1. Heather Walker 2.

Audrey McColl 3. Wilma Brown Mrs Gawzial Cup - A bowl of daffodils was won by Anne Hubbard.

The hostesses were Helen Newton, aided by other members.

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Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries

Comrie Library

Bookbug sessions - Held every Friday morning from 9.30 am to 10 am. These fun, interactive sessions are suitable for pre-schoolers from baby years. Why not drop the older children at school or nursery, then pop along to the library with your wee ones? No need to book.

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 to 6.30 pm.

Family history - Are you interested in researching your family history? Join our Family History Group. This informal session meets every four weeks on a Thursday afternoon from 2 pm.

Using your own device is recommended, but we do have two network computers available if required. These sessions are free.

Please contact the library for more information.

Books on Wheels - For individuals in the Comrie and St Fillans area who cannot get out and about to visit the library, books can be delivered straight to your door each month. For more information, please get in touch with Comrie Library.

Opening hours - Thursday: 2 pm to 7 pm; Friday: 10 am to 1 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm Contact us - 01764 657860; comrielibrary@culturepk.org.uk

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Crieff Community Council

All aspects of joinery work from Kitchens to doors and floors, Bespoke cabinets and furniture, Renovations and garden rooms Please contact 07920 095230 Email - mjs-81@hotmail.com Facebook - m.stevenson joinery

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Cludgie’s five-star coorie in convenience - Plans to make the town’s public toilets a destination with a difference were unveiled at the most recent Crieff Community Council meeting.

The Crieff Cludgie will have year-round flowers, plants, hanging baskets, curtains, rugs and chairs, wall art and music that will turn a brief visit into a warm and welcoming experience.

To be open all year round, the meeting heard the toilets will also feature auto-entry turnstiles, payment by card, baby-changing facilities, CCTV security, a separate disabled and gender-neutral toilet, free sanitary products and twice-daily cleaning.

PKC funding will help with this ambitious and potentially award-winning project but it will also need generous financial support from the community.

You can become a valued patron of the Crieff Cludgie with a simple one-off donation or, even better, with a regular monthly contribution.

To make a payment at any time, please use the following bank transfer details: Business Name: Crieff Community Council, Sort Code: 83-15-09, Account number: 00738722, Reference: Cludgie If you want to know more or you’re keen to help, please email criefftoun@gmail. com or call 07874 774464.

The police report to the meeting warned there had been a number of fuel-related thefts recently. Heating oil was a target and it was suggested that visible security measures should be implemented around any home tank if possible.

There was no update by PKC on the future of the Drummond Arms demolition although it has been suggested Historic Environment Scotland may be demanding the façade of the building be kept.

A vigorous discussion over a newly opened Vape shop in Crieff ’s West High Street followed. Of particular concern was the signage that had been used given the conservation status of the town’s High Street. An enforcement officer from PKC has already visited the premises after a number of complaints were made. Demands to change the signage were made and have been implemented. It was also found the person running the shop wasn’t aware they had to have a nicotine licence to sell the vapes.

Given there are already many licensed nicotine vendors in the town the meeting felt preventing the opening of a Vape shop would have been the best outcome, however PKC itself has no control over what a business premise is used for as it doesn’t fall under its planning permission remit. Given the recent fire at a Glasgow Vape shop it was expected extra regulatory legislation will be introduced by the Scottish Government after the forthcoming election.

The next CCC meeting will be on Monday, 4 May at 7.30 pm at the Strathearn Campus. All are welcome to attend.

The Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society

The Dunkeld and District Strathspey and Reel Society meet every Monday, during term time, in The Royal School of Dunkeld, between 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm, where we enjoy playing traditional, and contemporary Scottish music together, under the guidance of our musical director and conductor Pete Clark. We are a friendly group, and welcome players of all instruments that work within an orchestra setting. There is the option to either join as full member, or just come along when you can and pay on the night. For information, or to learn more about our group, our website is www.dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org 14

Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival

The dates for this year’s walks are Friday, 15 May to Monday, 18 May 2026.

Walks include Bridge of Orchy to Pubil along Loch Lyon and the old Drovers’ route from Kirkmichael in Strathardle to Ballinluig, south of Pitlochry as well as along Glen Almond from Newton Bridge to Loch Tay. Details of the walks are on the Tryst’s website (www.droverstryst.com) Can Do Crieff: Work Local. Save on Fuel. Support Crieff - With fuel prices rising, many people are feeling the cost of commuting more than ever. If you are travelling out of Crieff for work each day, it might be worth thinking about a local alternative.

Can Do Crieff is a friendly co-working space right in the heart of town, offering a welcoming place to work closer to home.

By cutting out the daily commute, you can save on fuel, reduce travel time and enjoy a more relaxed working day. The space is home to a mix of local freelancers, remote workers and small businesses, creating a supportive and sociable environment where you can focus on your work while still feeling part of the community.

As a social enterprise, any income from Can Do Crieff is reinvested back into local projects, helping to support the wider Crieff community.

With the cost of living pressures, working locally could make a real difference.

Find out more at www.candocrieff.com or message us via candocrieff@gmail.com and we would be happy to show you around.

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

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

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FRAMEWORKS (Formerly Aiton Fine Arts)

Gallery & Framing Mon - Fri 9 am - 1 pm, 2pm - 5pm Sat am - By Appointment Only 63 King Street Crieff PH7 3HB T: 01764 655423 E: frameworks63@hotmail.com

Foulford 9 Hole Golf Course Par/SSS: 27. Course Length: 916 yards. Fancy a game of golf but short of time? Why not come and play Foulford Par 3 Course? Great fun for all the family amid the beautiful scenery of Highland Perthshire. No bunkers but lots of water hazards. Club hire available.

Address: Sma’Glen, by Crieff, PH7 3LN How to Get there: Five miles north of Crieff on A822.

Contact Details T: 01764 652407 e: foulford@btconnect.com

Self Catering accommodation available

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Cllr Stewart Donaldson

Strathearn Ward - SNP As always at this time of year the number of events increases considerably. I mentioned some last month. What I could not include, given the copy deadline, was the Experience Crieff event at Glenturret organised by Karen Macartney.

That was very positive, giving real hope for the future.

At the start John Laurie, the General Manager at the distillery, spoke. What he had to say about the importance of the Scotch whisky industry was both fascinating and important. It is such a key driver of both the local and the Scottish economy. Other speakers also conveyed an encouraging story. There is so much that can be accomplished in Crieff and Strathearn, provided the will exists. The need for the active involvement of younger people was stressed. It’s about them having the ability and scope to push things up and forward: and not be dictated to. Not enough space here to cover all points discussed, but two items must be covered.

First, the formation of the Crieff and Strathearn Tourism Alliance. There has not been a local tourism association for nearly a decade. I’m glad to see this happening. Working on a collective basis local tourism and hospitality enterprises will have far greater weight and force in shaping their own destinies.

Then there is the Crieff Tartan Experience project, and the application that was submitted to the Tay Cities Deal. What it involves is a major regeneration project for Crieff at the site of the old Crieff Hotel at Leadenflower. It is not just about building new facilities, such as a cinema and community space. Of course, that matters. It is also about a vision: the creation of Scotland’s first immersive, digitally led Tartan Experience. I very much like what I have seen. It’s leading edge, with a strong role played by Abertay University. Along with vision, there is strong substance. It may be a while before there is a decision by Tay Cities. If it gets the go ahead, then for Crieff and Strathearn it could be transformative.

The other application was to the UK Town of Culture competition. Again, the submission is well thought out, and comprehensive. It focuses not just on Crieff itself, but Strathearn as a whole. There is also an emphasis on the need for culture to be inclusive and future-facing, with the involvement of younger people via the Crieff Future Voices initiative. It’s not yet clear when there will be feedback. I wish it every success.

If you believe that you might well have something to contribute to Crieff Experience and/or the Tourism Alliance then the next get together will be at Comrie Croft on Tuesday, 26 May, starting at 4.30 pm. If you would like to be there then please preregister at info@experiencecrieff.co.uk. As to events the first Tartan Festival in Crieff will be in April next year. Before that there is the Summer Festival between Thursday, 6 and Sunday, 9 August this year. Running at the same time there is the Film Festival.

Finally, one thing not to overlook is the election to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, 7 May. Polling stations are open from 7 am until 10 pm. Of course you may have a postal vote. If not, I really do hope you can make it to the polling station on the day.

Whatever political persuasion you are it matters so much that as many as possible turn out for us to have a strong democracy.

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

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Perth and Kinross-shire

I can be reached at 63 Glasgow Road, Perth, PH2 0PE, by telephone on 01738 639598 or by email at pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk

Perth and Kinross-shire - SNP It was a real pleasure to be back in Crieff recently, joining Jim Fairlie and Councillor Stuart Donaldson at Remake Scotland’s inaugural Repair Fest at Strathearn Community Campus.

The event brought together a brilliant mix of volunteers, local organisations and residents, all focused on something simple but powerful - fixing things instead of throwing them away. From bikes getting a tune-up, to small electricals and clothing being repaired, there was a real sense of community spirit and practical action. In a time when the cost of living is still biting, being able to extend the life of everyday items is not just environmentally sensible, but it makes a genuine difference to household budgets.

What struck me most was the enthusiasm of everyone involved. There’s a growing movement behind repair and reuse, and it’s being driven from the ground up by communities like ours.

That was reinforced just a few days later when I met with representatives from Remake Scotland again, this time down in Westminster at a Repair Café event in Parliament.

Groups from across the UK had come together to make the case for better support for repair and reuse. It’s clear that this is an initiative building momentum, and one I’m very happy to support.

While in Crieff, I also had the opportunity to meet with Karen Macartney from Experience Crieff to hear more about their exciting plans for the town. In particular, their proposal through the Tay Cities Deal for an immersive, digitally-led tartan experience is something that really caught my attention. It’s an ambitious and imaginative project that would celebrate Scotland’s heritage in a fresh and engaging way, while bringing real economic benefits to Crieff and the wider area. I was delighted to lend my support and very much hope to see it progress.

As ever, if you have any queries I may be able to assist with, please get in touch on 01738 639598 or pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk.

Probus Club Auchterarder - You are invited to join Auchterarder Probus Club which is a social forum providing fellowship and friendship for like-minded people. It is not affiliated to a central organising body. We are a broad church with retired and semiretired professional people and others and comprise farmers, ministers, senior armed forces people, surgeons and marketing folk and engineers from a wide background. You will be most welcome. We meet twice a month in the winter and once a month in the summer. Meetings are held in the Auchterarder Golf Club and start at 12 noon with lunch at 12.30 pm followed by a guest speaker.

Future speakers include Members of Parliament, Senior Officers from our Navy and Army plus local traders who want to tell their story. If you are interested in joining us please contact our Press Officer by email at forbesmcnaughton@icloud.com Crieff in Leaf - A big thank you to everyone who supported us at our recent Bingo Evening at the Legion, those who came on the night, the many local businesses who so generously gave to the raffle and the helpers on the evening itself. Thanks to you all we raised £860. Our next fundraiser is the ever popular Plant Sale, to be held in James Square on Saturday, 23 May starting at 10 am. We look forward to seeing you there.

Comrie Silver Circle - Comrie Silver Circle meets every Thursday at 2 pm in Comrie Parish Church Hall. Entertainment and afternoon tea at 3 pm. All Welcome. Phone Myra if you need transport 01764 670166.

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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 Spring/Summer Opening Times will vary.

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We would like to thank everyone who has been so generous! I refer to the two occasions when many people gave us donations after performances by the Ukrainian Opera Company and National Orchestra who gave us all such joy in the concert hall in Perth last month. At our first coffee morning of the year held in Dunning, we were astounded to raise so much money.

All these events help pay for our charity to send fortnightly lorries full of what our Ukrainian partners say they desperately need.

One additional item is protection over shattered windows in the form of thick polythene sheeting.

Another practical idea has been to make Trench Candles, using small tin cans, corrugated cardboard and melted wax. Last month 8 volunteers made 100 candles using the above, donated items. These are already in Ukraine.

Another candle making session will take place soon, so please take them to Blythswood, the collection point in Crieff.

Front Cover Picture

Our great thank to Margaret Jones for this month’s wonderful image that she captured at David Baird’s Monument, Strowan.

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 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.

Muthill Parish Church - Our Mission in Muthill Parish Church is to achieve a closer relationship with God and, as an ever welcoming church family, to tell all we meet about the joys and challenges of following Jesus.

Situated in the conservation village of Muthill, some three miles from Crieff, Muthill Parish Church is a growing Church of Scotland congregation seeking to serve its surrounding community firstly with all-age worship every Sunday morning at 10.30 am with regular guest preachers followed by a host of other activities every week. The weekday activities, to which anyone is welcome, include a community Soup and Sandwich lunch on Wednesdays, and a Men’s Group also on Wednesday mornings. We further plan to restart our weekly Social Exercise Class this month on Tuesday afternoons and, for those who want to explore and deepen their faith in a small group setting, on Tuesdays we have a morning bible class and a fortnightly evening village house group. A new venture this summer will be a rambling group, which is planned to also start this month. Through these and other activities, we seek to engage with our village and beyond on the joys and challenges of the Christian faith and to provide meaningful church family fellowship with supporting pastoral care.

Our Church building reached its bicentenary in March when we marked the laying of its foundation stone in 1826. To celebrate this, we were privileged to welcome the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to lead us in a memorable service of worship and also

the Masons, from the Lodge of St John No.192 Muthill, who provided a fascinating account from their records of the laying ceremony and the nature of the village in 1826. In two years’ time, there will be a further celebration to mark the bicentenary of the actual opening of the present church building for worship.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about our church and its activities is encouraged to look at our church website at www.muthillparishchurch.co.uk.

Our church building which has flexible accommodation is available for rental for private functions and one big village date to note is the Muthill in Bloom Annual Coffee Morning and Plant Sale on Saturday, 9 May, which will be held in the church and grounds. Over the summer of 2026 we will be continuing to modernise the building with expansion of our kitchen and toilet facilities to suit increased usage.

We invite anyone to come to our Sunday worship as well as to any of our regular activities where you can be assured of a warm welcome.

The Baha’i Faith - The Comrie and Crieff group is hosting an opportunity for open hearted, joyful and hopeful conversations and reflection on quotes and prayers from all faiths and philosophies every Wednesday at 7.30 pm, in Comrie and every Monday in Crieff at 7.30 pm. These gatherings welcome all comers in the spirit of fellowship and friendship, uplifting our hearts and souls in these troubled times.

For further information please contact Diana on 01764 670399 or Gordon on 07510 454342.

‘The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.’ Baha’u’llah In Crieff the early morning gathering in the Crieff Community Garden for prayer for the people and plants in the garden and beyond will take place weekly on Wednesdays at 7.30 am and monthly at 10 am on the first Saturday of every month. The gathering is open to all ages, backgrounds, faiths and beliefs or none in a spirit of har22

mony and appreciation.

‘Ye are all the leaves of one tree and the drops of one ocean.’ Baha’u’llah

Comrie Centre for Peace and Reconciliation

We are continuing to meet at the Chapel at Cultybraggan every Thursday lunchtime at 1 pm. You would be very welcome to join us then for a time of quiet reflection. Such reflection can support inner quiet and balance.

In this way, when we consider the disturbing state of the world - instead of allowing fear or anger to take hold, we can be part of the solution. This opportunity is open to everyone, irrespective of faith tradition. Guidance for quiet sitting can be offered if needed. You are also welcome to sit in the chapel at other times - whenever you feel a need to be quiet and calm down.

For further information, contact: Sister Candasiri 01764 670088; Su 07732 533361 or Diana Macpherson 07552 312386.

Crieff Baptist Church

At CBC we have weekly services on a Sunday morning at 10.30 am in our building on Addison Terrace. We are a welcoming, friendly church and our services reflect this by being fairly informal in style, with participation from various members of the congregation each week. We have children’s groups which run during the services (during term time) as well and tea and coffee are served after the service for a time of fellowship.

Each week there are various home groups which run through the school term where we study the bible, pray together and encourage and support one another. For more information on any of these, please just get in touch.

Our warm spaces group (Coorie & Crafts) is on Mondays from 12.30 to 2.30 pm.

Come along for some tea, coffee and home baking. Everyone very welcome.

Alpha Course - We have started our Alpha Course here at CBC at the end of April, but it’s not too late to sign up and

join us! It’s on Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm and is open to anyone to come along and explore the Christian faith through discussion and videos from the Alpha UK team.

As part of each session we will also have dinner together, so for numbers/catering please book in via - www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/alpha-course-2026-tickets1984376647972?aff=oddtdtcreator The link for booking can also be found on our website.

For further information on any of these events, or to get in touch with the minister, John Burns, please contact via: crieffbaptist@gmail.com, pastor@crieffbaptist.org. uk. Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all that’s happening in the church via our website (www.crieffbaptist.org.uk), on Facebook (Crieff Baptist Church) or on Instagram (crieff_baptist).

Crieff Baptist Church, 1 Addison Terrace, Crieff, PH7 3AT. Registered Scottish Charity SC053381

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Derek Saunders Builders Quakers in Scotland - There are a

number of Quaker Meetings in Scotland.

Find out more at www.quaker.org.uk/meetings or www.discoveringquakers.org.uk.

The nearest ones to Strathearn are Dunblane, which meets weekly on a Sunday at 10.30 am, and Perth, which meets fortnightly on the 2nd and last Sunday of the month at 11 am. A Quaker Meeting for Worship is also held monthly in Aberfeldy (dates are advertised locally and published in The Atholl & Breadalbane Quair).

Children are welcome at these meetings, although advance notice is helpful.

If you would like to know more, please contact the correspondence clerk at dunblane@quaker.scot.

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Mid Strathearn Parish - Mid Strat- the corner of Strathearn Terrace and Fernhearn Parish in rural Perthshire was formed in 2018 with the Union of the congregations of Fowlis Wester, Gask, Madderty and Monzie Churches.

As a family of Christian people we offer opportunities for regular worship and aim to serve our community through caring and involvement.

We seek to be welcoming, open, warm and friendly, and look forward to welcoming you to our services.

St Fillan’s RC Parish Church

Parish of St Fillan’s RC Church, Crieff & St Margaret’s RC Church Comrie Ford Road, Crieff PH7 3HN. Parish Priest - Very Rev Fr. Dr Tobias O. Okoro. email stfillancrieff@dunkelddiocese.org.uk A warm welcome is extended to all parishioners, friends and visitors. Please join us for any of the Masses and/or Services.

Saturday Vigil Mass 5.30 pm in St Fillan’s. Crieff Sunday Mass 9.30 am in St Margaret’s Church. Comrie Sunday Mass 11 am in St Fillan’s Church, Crieff.

Please note that due to ongoing flood defence repair work, St Margaret’s Church in Comrie is not currently being used. Sunday Mass is being said in Comrie Rural Hall.

Crieff Parish Church

www.crieffparishchurch.org Crieff Parish Church is a congregation of the Church of Scotland.

We are what is termed in church circles vacant which means that we do not have an appointed minister in the congregation right now.

At present all the pastoral work including funerals and visiting folks who are unwell at home or in hospital is being undertaken by our elders, all volunteers, who are totally committed to ensuring that the needs of our people and the parish are being well looked after.

We meet for worship every Sunday at 11 am in the St Andrew’s Church building at

tower Road. Services are led occasionally by ministers and often by our own worship leaders.

We have a blend of new and older musical praise led by our band, and members of the congregation leading readings and occasional prayers. These services are livestreamed for folk who can’t come along.

To support us in the work we are doing Offerings can be made online and for further information about this please contact our Treasurer, Ian Roy, also a worship leader, either by email on iiroy2707@gmail.com or by calling 07720 895870.

Our church family is made up of all sorts of people at all stages of life - there’s even a play corner for the youngest children.

Children can be assured of a very warm welcome and we love to hear their lively voices during our worship.

We seek to teach and understand the message of the Bible, loving God and showing that love to our community. Recently during Lent, we have had a collection of foodstuffs for the local Food bank, and we also visit and hold services in one of the nursing homes in the town.

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

We have several Action Groups through which members of the congregation partner with our Elders in shaping the life of our church.

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 you, so please come along or get in touch.

St James Episcopal Church Muthill Station Road, Muthill, PH5 2AR Website - www.stkessogs.org Clergy in Charge - Vacancy 24

Crieff Macular Support Group

Crieff Macular Support Group is here to help anyone who has macular degeneration or any form of sight loss. Everyone is welcome at this small friendly group.

We meet at the Small Hall of St Andrew’s Parish Church of Scotland, Strathearn Terrace, Crieff PH7 3AQ from 10 am to 12 pm on the first Monday of the month. We often have speakers, on a wide range of topics connected with the local community, sight or general interest. It can be helpful to meet other people who have problems with their sight and we enjoy the social interaction at the meetings over tea/coffee and biscuits.

We would welcome new members and would encourage anyone interested to join us. Friends, family members and carers are welcome at the group too.

If you know of someone in another area how might benefit from their local Macular Society Support Group, please let me know.

For more information about the Crieff Macular Society Support Group, if you would like to come to the meetings or help with the group or if you have any questions, please contact Laura Gray, Senior Regional Manager, Macular Society on 07948 352967 or email laura.gray@macularsociety.org.

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Jehovah’s Witnesses

26-30 King St, Crieff PH7 3HA Jehovah’s Witnesses hold meetings for worship twice each week. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) At these meetings, which are open to the 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

Seventh Day Adventist Church

Gwydyr Road, PH7 4BS info@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 found in passages such as John 13:34,35 ‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ Come and join us...

Strathearn Episcopal Churches Crieff, Comrie, & Lochearnhead

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

Tel: 01764 650985 St Columba’s, Crieff; St Serf ’s, Comrie; St Angus’, Lochearnhead and St Fillan’s, Killin www.strathearn-episcopal-churches.co.uk Please check any service times listed independently before attending.

If you see any out of date information, or feel that there any omissions, we’d be obliged if you could email us at crieffandcomrie@thequair.com

The Crossing Crieff

Who are we - The Crossing Crieff is a Gospel-centred, local, independent church. A Community who gather to Worship, learn from His Word, and fellowship.

We believe in the power of studying the Word of God (the Bible) and having a community of people which is not just on Sunday.

We meet twice a week for worship, bible study/teaching, and fellowship, in which we systematically go through the bible looking at the big picture of the bible and the individual events and stories and how it all fits together.

Service Times Sunday Morning Service - 11 am for children service (all welcome), and 11.30 am - 12.30 pm for adult service, followed by tea, coffee & fellowship at Strathearn Campus, Pittenzie Rd, Crieff PH7 3JN Tuesday Evening Bible study - 5.30 pm for a meal and fellowship followed by a discussion-based bible study starting at 6.15 pm - 7 pm at Craiglynne, Dallerie Road, Crieff, PH7 4EG More Information Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about God or ourselves.

Our details are Pastor: Allan Holleran Email: info@thecrossingcrieff.co.uk Web: www.thecrossingcrieff.co.uk Tel: 07864 803123 Address: Craiglynne, Dallerie Road, Crieff, PH7 4EG. Charity No: SC052382.

Comrie Parish Church

www.comrieparishchurch.org 22 Burrell Street, Comrie, PH6 2JP Welcome to our Church - We seek to follow Jesus Christ, to share the Gospel, and bring the knowledge of God’s love to all.

Sunday services are 10 am Comrie Parish Church and 11.30 am Dundurn.

Charity No: SC 001878

Dundurn Parish Church

Dundurn Parish Church in the village of St Fillans is the linked charge with Comrie Parish Church.

Sunday worship is at 11.30 am.

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Heartlands.church - At www.heartlands.church, we’re not just starting another service - we’re nurturing a rooted, relevant, and real Scottish church family, shaped by the applied Word of God and made ready for the days ahead.

If you’ve been longing for preaching with backbone and Bible, community without compromise, and a place where questions are welcome but truth isn’t watered down - this might be just what you’ve been praying for.

We’ve not officially launched yet - but you don’t have to wait to get a feel for who we are. Tune in from home to Kingdom.rocks - our 24-hour online radio station with heartfelt worship, daily devotions morning and evening, strong sermons, and even stories and songs for the bairns with Jingle & Ben and the Music Town Gang.

Check the broadcast schedule at Kingdom.rocks, have a listen, and see if you click. Come and see. Come and listen.

You’ll know if it’s home. robert@whisperingword.com, 07975 805323, www.heartlands.church Blessings, Reverend Victor Robert Farrell The Dementia Café - The Dementia Café is held at North Church, High Street, Perth on the first Wednesday of each month from 10 am until 12.30 pm.

Awareness Day Events will take place on Wednesday, 3 June and Wednesday, 7 October. These will include 12 organisations offering information and advice. Attendees will include social work, New Rannoch day care and carers support, and the Community Mental Health team.

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

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

Crieff Community Garden - Calling all community builders, lovers of nature, people and the planet. Help is needed to restore and refresh the Crieff Community Garden to its former glory, to recreate a safe welcoming area for all; a place of peace and purpose, of beauty and connection. This is a space open for the community, run by the community.

It is the perfect place for schools, both primary and secondary, for local businesses, families and friends and individuals to become involved and learn, through nature, about the growth of co-operation and co-habitation. As a garden flourishes so do we. On a practical level a secretary and a co-ordinator are urgently needed, as well as willing helpers, who can offer an hour or so here and there to prune, weed and plant. All ages, abilities, beliefs and backgrounds are welcome. Please step up and become part of a caring community group who have spent thousands of hours over the last few years creating this vibrant, living space which now needs to be restored and maintained. Let’s show a world that seems to be collapsing that a better place can be built from the grassroots (literally) up! Please contact Catriona on 07743 113140 or Diana on 07552 312386 or join us in the garden on Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm, weather permitting, and until the days shorten.

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Strathearn Talking News

VisionPK - Comrie - VisionPK sup- knee’ or to your own children. The Sing-a-

port a regular group in Comrie for people with a visual or hearing impairment. We have been running for over a year now, meeting up for a chat and some refreshments. People working or living in the community have been invited along to chat with us about their work or interests. If you would like to volunteer at the group, or come along as an attendee, 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 Tuesday of the month from 10 am until 11.30 am. Tel: 01738 626969 info@visionpk.org.uk Comrie Sing-a-long - Comrie Sing-along is now in its 15th year. If you have never come to try us out - maybe 2026 is the right time.

We meet in Comrie and Dundurn Parish Church in Burrell Street, Comrie and we have plenty of parking, ramp access, wheelchairs and assistance.

We start singing at 2 pm, large print song books are provided. It is up to you whether you sing, tap your feet, shake a tambourine or just listen - no special skills are required.

Our songbooks are full of old, well-loved songs and hymns and rhymes, you will them more visible. The service we provide probably have sung them ‘at your Mother’s 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.

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 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

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long team will serve afternoon tea at 3 pm and hopefully send you on your way happy, well fed and ready for the rest of your day.

We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month…there are posters and banners up in Comrie and I can send you a personal invitation reminder if required. There is transport available within Comrie. (Sorry, just Comrie). Our goal is to bring people together, create a warm and friendly event where everyone is welcome, where you can meet old friends and make lots of new ones.

Please contact Màiri for more information, 07707 727137.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Comrie Cancer Support - We are a group which meets regularly to offer mutual support to anyone affected by cancer.

We have coffee etc., we chat, we share, and we learn from each other’s experiences through what can sometimes be a difficult time for the sufferer, their spouse, and for other friends and family members. All are welcome. And we are finding the meetings warm and dynamic, working as we had hoped. We meet on the second last Tuesday of each month throughout the year in Comrie and Dundurn Church Hall Annexe - 5.30 pm - 7 pm.

Any further information can be obtained by calling: Agnes Drysdale on 07732 345675 or Lorna Ramsay on 07789 9878385.

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What to expect from a complimentary hearing assessment at The Edinburgh Hearing Practice

Most hearing centers will measure the quietest sounds that you can hear and based on this will make a recommendation. Although this type of hearing test provides useful information, by no means does it provide a full picture, we hear with our ears but it is our brain that understands speech! With this in mind, we have designed our test protocol to ensure that we measure your exact individual issues.

First and foremost, we will listen to you. Hearing loss is personal and we take the time to listen to your experience.

We recommend that you bring someone with you as they can often provide useful information and support.

Our hearing assessments usually take about 90 minutes.

We will ask some medical related questions so that we have a good understanding of your general health and history. Next we will examine your ears. We have the latest technology and can show you images of your ears on a screen if you are interested in seeing exactly what we are looking at.

30

We thoroughly Wecheck thoroughly your ears check using your state ears ofusing the art state video of the art video equipment and equipment keep the and images keeponthe your images records on so your werecords can so we can keep track of keep your track ear health. of your ear health.

If your ears are If your blocked earswith are blocked wax yourwith hearing wax your test will hearing not be test will not be accurate. You’re accurate. in safeYou’re hands in atsafe the Edinburgh hands at the Hearing Edinburgh Hearing very latest audiometric very latestequipment audiometrictoequipment record the to quietest record the quietest sounds that you sounds can hear, that you but can alsohear, importantly, but also the importantly, way that the way that

both quiet and both in the quiet presence and in the of the presence dreaded of background the dreadednoise. background noise.

Where appropriate, Where we appropriate, perform tympanometry we perform tympanometry to check howto the check middle how ear the is middle workingear (this is working is a really(this is a really simple comfortable simple test, comfortable and is nothing test, and to be is nothing nervoustoabout). be nervous about).

At each stageAt weeach will stage explain wethe willresults explain really the results thoroughly reallytothoroughly you and make to you sure and that make everything sure that is everything is completely clear. completely clear.

Occasionally we Occasionally may feel that we may onward feel referral that onward is required referral – this is required is unusual, – this but is you unusual, can trust but you us tocan always trustdo us to alway the right thing. the right thing.

Our care plans are bespoke and suited around your individual needs and preferences.

All our hearings aids are available to trial for 30 days at no cost. We believe that the proof is in the pudding!

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The Arts Society Tayside - Our lec-

ture season at Birnam Arts continues and on 13 April, Elaine Hansen talked to us on Artists and Hill Towns, Le Marche, Italy. On Monday, 11 May, we look forward to hearing about an unusual side of one of our greatest novelists when Ian Keable speaks on Charles Dickens, Conjurer. On Monday, 8 June, Emma Johnson concludes our main lecture season for 2025-6 with Comedy Classical: How Composers Make Us Laugh.

We are approaching our summer house and garden visits season. On Wednesday, 20 May we travel to Arniston House and Rosslyn Chapel (trip now full). Plans are being finalised to visit Gleneagles House and garden in early June, and Kinross House and garden in early July; details will follow. For more information please contact tastvisits@gmail.com or pick up the information sheet at our next Birnam Arts lecture.

Our programme for 2026-7 is under preparation. We attended the Arts Society Directory Day on 5 March in London to identify new lecturers and lectures. The 2026-27 programme will include a special interest day on silver with Antiques Roadshow expert Gordon Foster in October.

The Arts Society Tayside is a not-forprofit, volunteer-run, society, dedicated to providing its members with enjoyable and approachable experiences in the arts, and supporting local good causes related to art. Each year we offer our 300 members ten absorbing and accessible morning or afternoon lectures on the second Monday of the month at Birnam Arts on a wide variety of topics, as well as a range of house, garden and gallery visits and interesting add-on days and lectures.

Please visit our website to see the full programme: theartssocietytayside.org.uk. You can attend the remaining lectures in our 2025/6 season as a guest for £10 per lecture or join us as a member for another adventure in the arts for our 2026/7 season, starting in September. contact us at tastmembership@gmail.com or 01350 724232.

The Tree Specialists

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The Crieff & Comrie Quair

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Crieff & Comrie’s Community Magazine Delivering to 6,350 doors in the area at the start of each month!

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Cultybraggan Camp History Project

The Project was founded in 2017 to preserve the history and the fabric of the camp, working wherever possible with the camp owners at the time. Our members include academics and volunteers who are dedicated to investigate and document in central resources all aspects of the camp’s past. We believe the camp is of importance to the nation and not just the local village.

It is our ambition to create an online fund of knowledge to be preserved for hundreds of years and beyond. This includes all stories, documents, photographs and images, which will be assembled into a virtual museum. There may also be a virtual guided tour of the camp showing the various artefacts as one explores and possibly an ‘App’ for mobile phones.

We continue in discussion with other organisations doing similar work to us, which is proving mutually beneficial.

We are very conscious that a lot of currently existing web material is vanishing, to be lost forever. Those digital records and stories will prove very interesting in hundreds of years’ time. We are working with groups and universities to endeavour to create permanent national reservoirs of all this material.

Our members are the experts at guiding tours, giving talks and supporting authors, historians and filmmakers, allowing them direct access to our resources and personnel. Now in our eighth year, we provide illustrated talks to many groups including organisations and institutes, colleges, schools, Probus, Rotary and Local History clubs. We can do these in person or online and in hybrid situations with an audience and online.

We are planning a series of free online talks over winter - see the Events page of our website. If you’d like one of our talks delivered personally, please email us at tours@camp21.org.uk.

There is a wealth of information for the public to view and download on our website at camp21.org.uk.

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CENTRAL HOME ALARMS Established 1981 Tayside’s First SSAIB Registered Company. Reg. No. Tays 001

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Cycle Crieff - Our aim is to support all aspects of cycling in the area. We’re not a shop; we’re an inclusive community helping everyone.

What we do - Routes, Repairs and Reuse/donations - *Affordable access to cycling: Low-cost or free bikes are provided through donations, recycling and rebuilding. In the first 3 months of 2026 we have saved 52 bikes from landfill.

Many now serviced. Free or low cost bikes. Need a bike but limited funds? We can help! *Repairs and workshop support: A flexible community workshop offers servicing, self-repair space, guidance from highly qualified mechanics, and donated parts such as lights, wheels, tyres etc. *Routes and Riding Community: Rides focus on inclusion and social connection.

Trips included Ossian, Moray, and more. *Training and Education: Ongoing ‘look after your bike’ workshops with Cubs, schools, refugees and Cadets. In-house training and Velotech funding. *Volunteering and Community Partnerships: We have a fair number of volunteers dropping in.

We welcome those able to make a flexible commitment, we provide full training and support. Also a bike and kit at no cost, to long term volunteers. Get in touch, to join our active social Charity.

Crieff Community A’ (easy social), ‘B’ & ‘C’ Rides (time trials) - There are regular bi-monthly social rides and rides instigated by local riders which will be continuing until Christmas. The next on Sunday, 10 May is hosted by Jenny and Lawrence.

Rides are booking up nicely. Our longstanding Bike packing without the faff programme continues with Ossian in July now full. We cycle out to accommodation, have a meal/social, comfortable overnight and then cycle back! Simple and a great start to bikepacking. There is again interest in Islay for August and ‘Ride of the falling rain’ plus Aviemore September. Time trials have started, it’s all about you against you.

Couch to 50 km -These have continued and become very social and encouraging. Graeme is a very knowledgeable and 36

friendly host and the rides are great fun with lovely café stops and chat.

Finally - We have a number of bike sales over the next few months. We always have very low-cost bikes and accessories so get in touch if you need a ‘new to you’ bike, tyres, tubes, lights, chains etc Please get in touch if you want to know more or get involved in our adventures. Visit our Website: www.cyclecrieff.scot/about.html; www.facebook. com/profile.php?id=100067081600855.

Email: cyclecrieff@yahoo.com. (Scottish Charity No. SC054428)

Remake Reuse Hub - Open Tuesday

to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm and Thursday late night opening until 6 pm. Pop in to explore our fantastic range of pre-loved furniture, DIY, Vintage and homewares. We also have a large selection of Crafts, Knitting and Sewing materials. There is enough to inspire creative projects for all ages.

If you would like to donate large furniture items, please email mhairi@remakescotland.co.uk and we can also organise collection. If you are clearing a house or downsizing, then please email the same address above and a house visit, and collection can be arranged.

Remake Food for Good, East High Street Crieff - It’s with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to discontinue our Food for Good project from Friday, 1 May. Sadly, rising costs on the High Street mean that it is no longer financially viable for us

to keep the project going. It’s been a privilege to work with so many local producers and to be a part of the Crieff High Street alongside other great shops.

The good news is that there are great alternatives locally that offer sustainable and refill products: J.L. Gill’s, Farmton Farm Honesty Hut, Comrie Croft, Studio 52 and Comrie Deli & Weigh Ahead among others who will welcome you with a great selection of goodies!

Thank you to all our wonderful producers and customers who have supported this project so well over the years.

Repair Hub - Our next Repair Hub is on Saturday, 9 May, 10 am to 1 pm at Strathearn Community Campus in Crieff.

We are based in the Activity space which

is opposite the school canteen. Pop along to the Repair Hub and our volunteers will try to provide advice and help to fix your broken items. Bring along small electricals and household items, computers, appliances, clothes, textiles and accessories. Sewing machine repairs are by appointment only. Please email marie-claire@remakescotland.co.uk or give us a call on 01764 655733 in advance to book your sewing machine in for repair.

Mending Circle - Let’s Make Mending Fun! Now every Saturday! Join us on Saturday morning from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm at our Reuse Hub workshop. Got a big bag of mending in the corner that never gets done?

Come and join our group of like-minded people breathing new life into their loved items.

Our free Drop-in Mending Circle offers support and inspiration and a place for a friendly chat. Whether you’re a sewing novice eager to learn, a mending expert ready to share your skills, or simply someone with a stack of projects desperately needing attention, we’re here for you. Contact info@remakescotland.co.uk or give us a call on 01764 655733.

Tool Library - The Crieff Community Tool Library, a Remake Scotland resource, gives members free access to a wide range of useful items through our Library of Things. From camping gear like tents, chairs, and stoves to fun outdoor games or DIY and Household tools. Explore what the Tool Library has to offer and sign up for free at: www.remakescotland.co.uk Remake Reuse Hub, Crieff Visitor Centre, Muthill Road 37

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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 www.crieffhigh.pkc.sch.uk 01764 657600 Strathearn Community Campus www.pkc.gov.uk/strathearn 01764 657700 Crieff Primary School 01764 657888 St. Dominics Primary School 01764 657800 Comrie Primary School 01764 661450 Madderty Primary School 01764 661444

Perth and Kinross Council

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

Useful Numbers

Crieff Community Hospital 01764 653173 Police Scotland 101 infinityblu Dental 01764 650480 Crieff Vet Services 01764 652086 Flying Smiles Dental Hygienist 07812 055724

Advertising Information

Please note that all advertisements carried

by The Crieff & Comrie Quair are done so with the understanding that any claims, statements or information given are the sole responsibility of the advertiser in question. We cannot be held liable for any commercial or consumer disputes, problems or difficulties arising from their workmanship or services.

Editorial and Event Information

All of our listed events are published in good faith. However, for a variety of reasons, things can sometimes change. This edition of The Crieff & Comrie Quair was sent for print on Saturday, 11 April 2026.

Please therefore always check times and venues of events listed in The Crieff & Comrie Quair independently before going.

We cannot be held liable for any mistakes, typographical or otherwise, by ourselves or changes made by Event Organisers.

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

Friends of Crieff Cemetery

Friends of Crieff Cemetery have a QR code.

Please scan the image to the right to find out more about the group and volunteering opportunities.

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

Strathearn Politicians

Constituency Member of Scottish Parliament Elections to the Scottish Parliament take place on Thursday, 7 May. Polling Stations are open from 7am until 10pm.

MP - Perth and Kinross-shire Pete Wishart MP 01738 639598 Local Councillors - Strathearn Ward PKC Noah Khogali 01738 475000 Stewart Donaldson 01738 475000 Rhona Brock 01738 475000 40

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.

Strathearn Community Library

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

The Crieff & Comrie Quair is published by SCOT ACTIVE LTD

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Crieff Rotary - The ongoing success story of Alasdair Haines in the 2025-26 Rotary Young Chef competition continued at the Scottish final at Stirling in March when he was awarded the trophy for third place. Although this means he could not proceed to the Great Britain & Ireland final last month, we think his achievement is pretty remarkable for a young lad of just 12 years of age.

As predicted in last month’s Quair, our popular Primary School Quiz was held at the Strathearn Community Campus towards the end of March.

Nine teams from six local schools took part with Crieff Primary P6 taking third place, Muthill P7 coming second and Morrison’s Academy P7 once more the winners, enabling that school to reclaim the Ross-Bell Quaich which was presented to them, along with their winners’ certificates, by Rotary Club President Callum MacLeod. This win qualified the team to proceed to the Area Finals in April and we will report the outcome of that event in next month’s Quair.

We are delighted to report that the 3-phase power-supply to our new maize mill in Malawi has at last been connected and the first load was milled in late March. Unfortunately, we have not yet received any images of this momentous event but we are just thankful that the local villagers no longer have to trudge ten miles each way to the nearest commercial mill to get their maize turned into usable grain. Ownership of the mill has been transferred to the Zomba Presbytery which has also appointed a trained layman to run the enterprise on their behalf.

As always, the aim of every Rotarian is to help those who are somewhat disadvantaged compared with ourselves, but we still need more like-minded people to join us and those who do will find it both rewarding and fun to be a Rotarian!

Crieff Rotarians continue to meet twice a month at the friendly Meadow Inn in Burrell Street. For further information about Crieff Rotary, please scan the QR code above, or visit its website, or email the Secretary at Secretary@crieff.rotary1010.org. Photograph - Morrison’s Academy P7 team with Rotary Club President Callum MacLeod MPHF. Office

01764 652812 Mobile

07976 816155

1955 - 2025

The copy date for the June 2026 edition of The Crieff & Comrie Quair is noon on Wednesday, 13 May. The magazines will be distributed week commencing Monday, 1 June.

42

Crieff Trefoil - Crieff Trefoil continues to meet throughout the year on the fourth Monday monthly - indoors over the winter and at various locations outdoors over the summer months. Our indoor autumn/ winter sessions began recently and are held at St Columba’s Episcopal Church, when meetings will once again this year be full of surprise activities.

Each year we are tasked by UK Trefoil with attracting only one new member to each of our Guilds - could you be that one new member? Crieff Trefoil is a small, active, fun group but play an active part in the bigger Perth & Kinross County, Scotland and the UK with national and international opportunities, eg holidays at home and abroad, available for all members - why not give us a try?

For further information Crieff Trefoil can be contacted by email at criefftrefoilguild@ gmail.com or by making an enquiry via the Trefoil Guild website www.trefoilguild. co.uk. Trefoil Guild Scotland and Trefoil Guild UK have public Facebook pages and are also on Instagram where you can see much of the fun activities we get up to you may be surprised!

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 the RVS office in Perth on 01738 633975 or email perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk.

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43

Crieff and Strathearn Museum Cross Paths with History

We’re officially open for the 2026 season.

Over the last three months we have been getting the museum ready for this year’s displays. It’s been hard work especially with the work taking place in the basement but we got there in time for the Crieff Guide Unit holding their open evening for the Guides and their parents visiting for the first part of the evening and then The Trefoil Group of past guiders who came along to see the hard work done by the guiders in setting up their display in the museum. A big thanks go to Helen Newton and Pamela Boal for their hard work in organising the guides and rangers to produce such a fantastic display of uniforms, guide camp and stories of guiding throughout Crieff ’s guiding 100-year-plus history. It’s well worth a visit.

Three of the trustees had a visit to the

Meffen Museum in Forfar to collect some Pictish artefacts for our Pictish display and a special thanks go to Angus Alive for lending a variety of items to the museum.

We’d also like to thank Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie for the loan of three Pictish articles and our very own Crieff Community Library for the loan of the replica Dundurn shoe and a replica ancient pottery pot. If you are in either Forfar or Rosemarkie a visit to their museums won’t disappoint.

On 2 April we held a special sneak preview evening for all our members and we would like to thank everyone who attended. It was good catching up with you all and the consensus was that the stories we are telling this year are interesting and well presented.

The museum opened on 3 April and over the course of the weekend we had 200 visitors who enjoyed Pictish Activities with face painting by June McEwan and music

by Nigel Gatherer. There were quite a few Pictish Princesses and warriors wandering around Crieff over the course of the weekend and our volunteers joined in the fun trying on Pictish clothing and having their faces painted.

At our sneak preview event we launched a programme of Summer Talks, this has been organised by our newest trustee Ruth Salter and we’d like to welcome her to our dedicated team of Trustees.

The talks will take place on the second Thursday of the month in The Ann McIntosh Room at the museum and the first is on Thursday, 14 May, doors open at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start. The topic is The Crieff and Strathearn Museum, Past, Present and Future and will be delivered by Marnie Gauld and Dorothy Jones.

The seasons programme can be found on our website or you can pick up a flyer from the museum. Tickets are available from the museum or by contacting Ruth at ruths@ crieffandstrathearnmuseum.org.uk.

Bruce Fummey - local YouTuber with a world-wide following made a great video CRIEFF & STRATHEARN MUSEUM Crieff & Strathearn Museum is a registered charity in Scotland: SC 048238

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on Crieff using the museum’s timeline and to date it has received 28k views. If you’ve not already watched it, you can find it on YouTube - Scottish History Tours. We think it’s worth a watch.

The museum remains a community-led endeavour. You can help by - *Becoming a Member: £15 per annum (includes free event and discounts in our shop). *Volunteering: Our doors only stay open thanks to our dedicated volunteers. *Visiting: Come in and share your own stories of Strathearn.

Scottish Parliamentary Election Thursday, 7 May 2026

Comrie Community Woodland

Our Woodland is thriving on a north-facing hillside 300 metres west of Cultybraggan Camp on the south side of the road.

The forty-five acre site was bought for the Community along with the Camp in 2007.

Unique features are the irrigation system built in 1941 to supply water to the new POW camp below and the site’s overall shape - about 1 km long, yet only 100 meters wide in places. It was used for sheep grazing till 2021 when 20,000 native trees were planted and hundreds more since.

Reviews and studies of trees, plants, fungi, birds, insects, mammals and other creatures have taken place and species count now exceeds 500.

Responsible visitors, subject to Scottish Outdoor Access Code are always encouraged to report their own findings or just enjoy the site and views. Visitors see differences week by week from overall growth and natural effects of the seasons. From Thursday, 7 May, our regular Woodland Weekly Wanders happen every Thursday at 7.15 pm when everyone is welcome to join at the shelter near main gate. More details on Facebook (see below).

Third Sundays of each month are volunteering days when anyone is welcome to join us while we perform a variety of maintenance tasks. Projects include clearing paths, checking fencing, signage, bridges, benches and picnic tables and removal of vegetation threatening tree growth. We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities with activities for children, accompanied by a responsible adult. Sessions start at 10 am and continue till about 3 pm with a break for lunch. We advise wearing sound, waterproof footwear and bringing a packed lunch and drinks. We have a good stock of all the tools needed and our regulars provide helpful guidance and instruction. There is limited parking at the site and plenty more at Cultybraggan Camp.

See us online at www.facebook.com/ groups/comriecommunitywoodland and direct any questions to woodland@comriedevtrust.org.uk.

We look forward to seeing you!

Colin Andrew Smith Architect . Treetops . Dull . Aberfeldy . PH15 2JQ 01887 820815 . colin@casarchitect.co.uk . www.casarchitect.co.uk

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Strathearn Horticultural Society: annual flower show

Saturday, 5 September - 2 pm. Annual flower show at St Fillans Catholic Church Hall, Ford Road, Crieff. Schedules now available. Please phone Janet on 01764 654229 or Susan on 07985 237990.

St James Episcopal Church, Muthill

Choral Evensong on Sunday, 3 May 190 years ago, the smart new church of St James in Muthill village was opened for worship and this year we are celebrating with lots of different events for all the community. On Sunday, 3 May at 5.30 pm everyone is invited to hear the choir from St Ninian’s Episcopal Cathedral in Perth, directed by Geoff Bolton, who will sing Choral Evensong. This traditional service with hymns, anthems and Bible readings is a great way to come together to appreciate the beauty of music, singing and a lovely building. Bishop Ian Paton will lead the service as we give thanks for our church and for our Patron Saint of St James the Less.

Introit: Locus Iste (Bruckner) Responses: Ayleward Psalm: 84 Canticles: Stanford in C Anthem: O Sing Joyfully (Batten).

The event is free for everyone and all are welcome. Do come along and bring family and friends. We have a children’s area for quiet play, ramps for wheelchair access and a WC. After the service there will be a Reception in the hall opposite where refreshments will be served.

Visit our website for further details about our church and services and to find lots of interesting information and pictures about Muthill, its history and its churches: stjamesmuthill.com.

Crieff Choral Group - Crieff Choral Group has enjoyed a wonderful, varied programme this year, ranging from a joint concert with Brass Central Strathearn of music for Christmas, and Songs from the Shows, to a joint performance, with Pitlochry and District Choral Society, of Ross-

ini’s beautiful ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’.

They have also continued to entertain within the community, singing at local care homes and at the hospital.

Thanks must go once again to their choral director, Ulrike Wutscher, who continues to inspire and encourage them. Thanks also to their rehearsal accompanist, Melvyn Turnbull, and to the committee.

It has been great to welcome a number of new singers, in all voices, - around 60 members now!

The choir is already looking forward to the next season, after a deserved break over the summer. Rehearsals will resume at the beginning of September.

If you enjoy singing, and would like to join the choir for the next season, no audition is needed, contact the choir secretary on crieffchoral@gmail.com or find information on www.facebook.com/crieff. Rehearsals are on Mondays at Strathearn Arts, from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

Monzie Castle, Crieff - Monzie Castle is open Saturday, 16 May to Sunday, 14 June inclusive. Tours 2 pm and 3.30 pm.

Tickets £10. Please book at: Isla.crichton@monzieestate.com.

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Army Cadets - Ever thought about giving the Army Cadets a go? We are a youth organisation for children aged 12 to 18, run by volunteers, giving children opportunities to enhance their sports, try new things, and learn skills out in the field. We are also active DofE leaders, supporting everyone wishing to take part. Currently parading on a Wednesday in Meadow Place, Crieff, from 7 pm to 9 pm or in Auchterarder on Mondays from 7 pm to 9 pm.

We are always looking for girls and boys to join and see what we can offer you.

Check out our poster below with a QR code, which will give anyone who is interested more information to see what it’s all about. We hope to see many of you soon!

Brass Central Strathearn - Spring is finally here! We’re delighted to share some exciting news with you. On Saturday, 9 May, we’ll be holding a joint concert with Clackmannan District Brass at Strathearn Community Campus, starting at 7 pm.

Tickets: Adults: £12, Under 16s: Free.

Tickets are available from band members or at the door. It promises to be a wonderful musical evening, so please do come along and show your support for your local community band - we’d love to see you there!

The photograph below features our Development Band, who are making great progress. You can enjoy hearing them play at the bandstand in MacRosty Park, Crieff on Thursday, 18 June from 6.30 pm.

Our Senior Band will also be performing at the Little Dunning Fete on Saturday, 6 June, so keep an ear out for us there too!

Thank you so much for your continued support - we truly appreciate it.

And remember, we’re always happy to welcome new members, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced player.

Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to know more at brasscstrath@gmail.com.

Summer Open Garden Sunday 31 May 12-5 pm £5 Adult Cash or Card Children Free Dogs on Leads

Scavenger Hunt Teas in Stables Prize Draw

All Proceeds to BBC Children In Need

Garden also open on Sat and Sun in May & June 2-5 pm

Children’s

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Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries Strathearn Community Library

Bookbug sessions - These fun, interactive sessions are suitable for pre-schoolers from baby years. Sessions are held every Thursday, including school holidays, from 10.30 am to 11 am. No need to book.

Enchanted Tales - Join our weekly Enchanted Tales Storytime session, which will take your child on fantastical journeys, show them magical places and introduce them to extraordinary characters. This is a time for children to relax, listen to the magic of stories, inspire their imagination and develop a love of reading. Suitable for children 4 to 7 years. Every Thursday from 3.45 pm to 4.15 pm.

Tangled Yarns - Connect, share and learn with our friendly, informal knitting group.

Needles and yarns are available for beginners or those re-engaging with the craft.

Meets every Tuesday from 2 pm to 3.30 pm.

Strathearn Writing Group - This free, informal workshop takes place on the first Tuesday of every month from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm.

Café Books - Do you love to read? Join us at our informal Café Books session to find new authors, share your own favourite books and be inspired to read more. If you sign up for our Café Books emailing list, you will be sent regular monthly lists of the titles discussed. Café Books is held at the library on the first Saturday of every month from 11 am to 12.30 pm.

Family history - Are you interested in researching your family history? Join our Family History Group. This informal session meets every fortnight on a Friday morning from 10 am. Using your own device is recommended, but laptops are available if required. These sessions are free. Please contact the library for more information.

Books on Wheels - For individuals in the Comrie and Crieff area who cannot get out and about to visit the library, books can be delivered straight to your door each month.

For more information, please get in touch with Strathearn Community Library.

Bertie Bus - Provides a monthly trip to

Strathearn Community Library, finishing with tea or coffee at the Steading Café.

Please contact the Secretary of Strathcare on 07716 119414 for more information.

E-resources - Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries offer online library services available 24/7 via the library website at www. culturepk.org.uk/libraries or by downloading the library app. Services include browsing the catalogue, online joining, requesting and renewing items. A selection of e-resources is also available, including ebooks, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-news and e-reference resources, including trove. scot, Theory Test PRO and Ancestry.

Opening hours - Tuesday: 10 am to 7 pm; Wednesday: 10 am to 6 pm; Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm; Friday: 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm Contact us - 01764 657705; strathearnlibrary@culturepk.org.uk

Comrie Heritage Group (CHG)

To mark the installation of the new roof to the museum, CHG recently held a celebration for those who have given us so much support. The wonderful baker at Cultybraggan café created a magnificent cake topped with a Nissen hut!

The state of the roof meant that the museum had to be emptied for the winter so the building had to be cleaned and displays installed before the reopening on 3 April.

One artefact on display is a Red Cross report from June 1945 which provides a fascinating insight into conditions. There were 3,661 prisoners, of whom 60 were members of the SS. Of these, 218 were in the infirmary at the time, with conditions including impetigo, bronchitis and heart trouble.

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Specific observations - Bedding: 1 sleeping bag and 1 blanket have been issued to each prisoner. Sanitary installations: latrines are water-borne system. Hot and cold showerbaths. Only sufficient to enable one hot showerbath per man per week. Food: Compound B on date of visit.

Breakfast: porridge, marmalade. Dinner: cabbage, potatoes, meat (Eintopf). Supper: bread, margarine, cream cheese, tea.

Clothing and uniform: issues complete apart from socks and trousers. Religious activities: no Protestant Chaplain in camp.

Services held from time to time by British Chaplain. There is a Roman Catholic Chaplain.

Each compound has a library and a theatre group. There is musical activity in three compounds and some musical instruments have been made by PoWs. Radios: only two are now in use. Correspondence: almost no incoming mail for present inmates. Educational activities: 35 in total including architecture, mechanics, driving, political economy, nature study, commercial training and Russian.

Conclusion: the camp has improved in every way since our last visit. Flower beds have been laid out and paths constructed etc. The place looks clean and tidy. PoWs seem to be more content and look well. No complaints were received.

The museum at Cultybraggan Camp is open Thursdays to Mondays (inclusive) from 10 am to 4 pm. Whilst there is no entry fee, donations are welcome.

Suggested donations for guided tours of the camp: adults, £10; children over 10 years, £5; educational visits, £2 per head; groups of more than 12 adults, £8 per head.

To book, contact: comrieheritagegroup@ gmail.com

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Comrie & St Fillans Music Circle From the AGM members and their wives, Auchtergaven on a farm in Little Tullybel-

Meetings are held at the Rural Hall Comrie, meeting between 12 pm and 12.30 pm on a Tuesday (but never the second Tuesday in the month) which is then followed by a light lunch and the subject for the day. Regardless of the programme of the day we are finished no later than 4 Comrie & pm.

St Fillans Music Circle Our spring meetings finished on 24 March with our AGM followed by a fantastic buffet organised by Bistro at Comrie. After 8 superb and entertaining music productions including The Howard Duthie Quartet, and Comrie Kids Strings plus presentations from our members, we closed our doors for the summer.

Please put the date we return in your diary now - Tuesday, 22 September Further programmes - Tuesday, 29 September, Tuesday, 6 October, Tuesday, 20 October, Tuesday, 27 October, Tuesday, 3 November, Tuesday, 17 November, Tuesday, 24 November, Tuesday, 1 December and Tuesday, 15 December.

A full programme for the autumn is almost finalised regarding speakers and subjects but I know that it is going to be an excellent set of events.

Membership is open to both male and female, we are a friendly club and all are welcome.

Like most clubs we are desperate for new members who would be more than welcome. Please come along and give us a try.

For further information please contact Graziella Luhmann on mobile 07500 083827.

Comrie Probus Club - For all meetings we shall meet at the Comrie Parish Church Hall at 10.30 am for tea and coffee followed by the speaker of the day terminating at 12 pm.

Our spring meetings finished on 25 March with our AGM when the new chairman, Mr John Southorn, took over the Chain of Office. All committee members were reelected. Subscriptions remain unchanged.

plus the Vice Chairman from the Crieff Probus Club, retired to the Comrie Golf Club for a fantastic lunch provided by Bistro at Comrie.

We shall recommence in September with 6 meetings between September and December followed by a further 6 meetings between January and March 2027 - exact dates and programme to be advised shortly.

Look out for the June edition of The Quair.

Our membership is open to both male and female, when all are welcome, so come and try us out.

If further information is required, please contact: Judith Rogers on H 01764 679727; M 07772 967160 or Malcolm Gregory on H 01764 670493; M 07752 498187.

Crieff Probus Club - The speaker at Crieff Probus Club, on 17 March, was Donald Paton, his talk entitled ‘The Poets of 19th Century Perthshire’.

Members of Crieff Probus Club were treated to a delightful talk about poets in Perthshire in the 19th century.

These poets, in the century following the death of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns, in 1796, produced a body of literature worthy of the Bard’s legacy. However, whereas much of Burns’ work was people centric and political, the songs and poems of the Perthshire Poets were more focused on rural locations and the natural beauty of rural Perthshire.

Pre-eminent among these authors was Carolina Oliphant (1766 to 1843), later to become Baroness Nairne, a precocious and extremely attractive young woman, known as ‘The Flower of Strathearn’ and Robert Nicoll, known as Scotland’s second Burns.

Like Burns, Carolina was an avid collector of Scottish folksongs and folklore, second only to Burns himself. She was born in Gask and while still in her teens she began to purify the older melodies and lyrics (which could be bawdy) and to compose new songs. Her contributions to the Scottish Minstrel were made using a nom de plume and disguised handwriting.

Robert Nicoll (1814 to 1837) died tragically young. He was born in the parish of 50

ton. Robert was educated almost exclusively by his mother and there are distinct similarities between his upbringing and that of Robert Burns. He started writing poetry at 13, eg ‘Ordie Braes’, and exhibited an intellectual precociousness by reading the prose of Milton and Locke and Adam Smith’s ‘The Wealth of Nations’ in his teens. Some of Nicoll’s songs, such as ‘Bonnie Bessie Lee’ and ‘My Auld Mither Dee’d in the Year Auchty-Nine’ attained a popularity surpassed only by those of Carolina Oliphant and Burns.

Other notable poets of the century were Charles Spence, a stone mason and sculptor, William Clyde, a bookshop owner, Peter Agnew, a house-painter, William Wilson, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Poughkeepsie, New York as a bookseller and publisher, David Millar, who worked with the Perthshire Advertiser, Francis Buchanan, a draper and James Ferguson, who worked at the spinning mills in Stanley, Perthshire.

The poems and songs of the 19th century Perthshire Poets, some 95 in total, were assembled in a collection, ‘The Harp of Perthshire’, by Robert Ford and published in 1893. Recently reprinted in paperback in 2018 and in hardback in 2023 by Forgotten Books, Classic Reprint Series, it is available on Amazon.

Everyone is welcome to come to meetings, which are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Meetings start at 10 am with tea and coffee, the main talk begins at 10.30 am and finishes no later than 11.45 am. Meetings are held in The Royal British Legion, Perth Road. Crieff.

Crieff Probus Club 2026 programme continues - Tuesday, 21 April - Antarctic Circle Expedition, Tuesday, 5 May Perth Theatre History, Tuesday, 19 May - Customised Watches. www.crieffprobusclub.org.uk

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

Strathearn Music Society - As reported last month, we are on a break until Wednesday, 10 June when we have invited local youngsters to entertain us musically after our (hopefully) short AGM. Then, on Friday, 26 June we will be delighted to welcome back Les Trois Blondes (aka The Three Lagers!) who will be providing the music for our annual, café-style jazz concert.

Our 2026/27 season’s main programme of six concerts has now been completed. To get the dates into everyone’s diaries, this is what’s coming. In 2026: Wednesday, 16 September - Ad Libitum (violin & accordion); Wednesday, 14 October - Richard Scholfield (piano and saxophone); Wednesday, 25 November - Telleman Ensemble (baroque).

In 2027: Wednesday, 27 January - Aeris (euphonium & percussion); Wednesday, 17 February - Murray McLachlan (piano); Wednesday, 10 March - Islay String Quartet (two violins, viola & cello).

The season tickets allowing attendance at all six concerts at a discounted price will be going on sale later this summer. Separately, we will provide our 2027 café-style jazz concert towards the end of June. Indeed, if you are looking for more information about any of our concerts or other activities, then visit the Strathearn Music Society’s website at www.concertsincrieff.co.uk or follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter) @concertscrieff.

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Cllr Noah Khogali

Strathearn Ward - Conservative My thoughts are very much with the young people across Strathearn preparing to sit their Nat 5s, Highers, and other exams. I remember my own exams well, and I know just how stressful a time it can be. While academic achievement is undoubtedly important, please remember that looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is just as vital. Make sure you take a break from the books, get out of the house.

I want to take a moment this month to give a massive shout-out to some fantastic work happening in Crieff. Firstly, huge credit goes to Crieff-based photographer Jess Macdonald, who has launched a wonderful initiative celebrating the rich life stories of our older generations. Inspired by her own grandmother, Jess has been spending time with older people locally, capturing stunning portraits alongside their stories. It is a brilliant, heartwarming project.

Another group deserving of our thanks and recognition is Creative Crieff, who are working tirelessly to bring new life to our High Street. They have recently unveiled plans for Scotland’s first fully immersive, digital tartan experience on the site of the former Crieff Hotel. Finding sustainable, vibrant uses for long-vacant spaces is vital for our local economy, and I applaud their ambition in driving this project forward as part of our town’s wider bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028. It takes real dedication to get these community projects off the ground, and they are doing a stellar job.

Finally, on a practical local note that a number of people have written to me about, I have recently been engaging with Transport Scotland regarding traffic calming at the entrance to Crieff from Gilmerton, near the golf club. Recent speed reviews showed that average speeds are still too high, sitting at up to 28 mph in the 20 mph zone and 33 mph in the 30 mph zone.

While it is disappointing that the initial signage hasn’t brought speeds down as far as we need them to be, I am pleased that Transport Scotland and BEAR Scotland have listened to the data and our local concerns. They are now rolling out a package of physical interventions, including an active Speed Indicator Device, an upgraded gateway with countdown bars, and highly visible ‘Dragons Teeth’ road markings.

This is certainly moving in the right direction to regulate speeds and keep people safe, but there is still much to do across the ward. Please continue to flag any road safety concerns, or indeed any other local issues, directly with me so I can keep pressing the relevant authorities for action.

As always, if there’s something you’d like to raise or discuss, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact me on - Telephone 01738 475000, email NKhogali@pkc.gov. uk or at Perth & Kinross Council, 2 High St, Perth PH1 5PH Free home fire safety visits - Is your home safe from fire? Last year there were over 3,000 accidental house fires in Scotland, most of which were preventable. That’s why the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is offering FREE Home Fire Safety Visits quick, friendly visits that give you practical, potentially life‑saving advice.

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Comrie Events - Chris’s Gigs and Comrie Community Cinema are delighted to be collaborating on two events in the village based around award-winning Scottish singer Kim Carnie with a film on Wednesday, 20 May and a concert on Saturday, 23 May. Kim is one of those rare talents that you may have already come across without even realising it, thanks to her numerous compositions for films, festivals and even computer games. Renowned for her tender yet powerful vocals, Kim blends traditional Gaelic roots with cinematic, contemporary

soundscapes. She is the lead singer of the award-winning band Mànran and a founding member of the contemporary and experimental folk ensemble Staran. She is supported by her equally renowned bandmates, Megan Henderson and Innes White.

Comrie Community Cinema is going to show the remarkable award-winning film - Kim Carnie Out Loud. Kim Carnie was in a secret same-sex relationship for 6 years, from the ages of 16 to 22. The film documents her reflections on the impact those 6 years of secrecy had on her. She meets other people who have hidden their sexuality as well as activists

in the LGBTQ+ community to hear their stories and to share her own. Having always used songwriting as a source of dealing with her feelings and as therapy, Kim draws inspiration from the people that she meets to write songs based on their experiences and her own.

Kim Carnie Out Loud will be shown at Comrie Rural hall on Wednesday, 20 May at 7.30 pm. Tickets £7 will be available from Eventbrite and Hansen’s Kitchen.

On Saturday, 23 May, Kim will perform with her band at Comrie White Church at 8 pm. Tickets £20 from Ticket Tailor (search Chris’s Gigs) and Hansen’s Kitchen.

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Loch Turret - Our great thanks to Nick Jones for sending us in this lovely image of Loch Turret. Nick said ‘This beautiful view can be enjoyed from the western end of the dam, easily accessible for young and old alike It is reassuring to see the reservoir overflowing again after being so low last year’.

Library of Innerpeffray - A warm welcome awaits you at the Library of Innerpeffray, where our team of visitor guides can help you turn the pages of our historic collection and be enveloped in tales of past times. Our 2026 exhibition, Signs of the Times, explores the myriad uses of signs and symbols within the books of our collection. From books on mysterious subjects such as heraldry, emblems and allegory, to the history of printers’ marks and fine decorative bindings, this exhibition is a real visual delight.

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Saturday, 30 and Sunday, 31 May - Exploring the Frozen South.

Talk and mini exhibition about the life and exploits of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Situated in Innerpeffray schoolroom, the exhibition affords the opportunity to view maps and texts from one of the Library’s most recent acquisitions - a pristine copy of ‘Heart of the Antarctic’. On Saturday afternoon, we are delighted to welcome Roderick Wordie - grandson of James Wordie, geologist with Shackleton’s ‘Endurance’ expedition - to give an illustrated talk inspired by extracts from his grandfather’s log.

The exhibition will be free to view Saturday 10 am to 1 pm, and Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm. The talk will be at 2 pm, Saturday, 30 May. Tickets are £12 and are available to book online.

Wednesday, 1 July - The Three Inch Fools: King Arthur and the Holy Fail. 7 pm. The ever-popular Three Inch Fools outdoor theatre company are back once more at Innerpeffray. In a land of daring quests, dashing knights, and endless jousting, there lived a wouldbe hero waiting in the wings who went by the name of Arthur.

Saddle up - things are about to get legendary! Tickets available online. Adults £20, Family £60, Under-18s £12 and Under-5s free (but please still book a seat).

Friday, 7 to Saturday, 8 August - Innerpeffray Summer Fayre. Friday/Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Gladden your heart with a browse of our Summer Fayre in the schoolroom, with unique gifts from the Library alongside carefully curated stalls from local artists and makers. Free entry, refreshments available.

These are just a few of the events we have lined up for the season ahead - look out for our notices every month in The Quair to find out about more talks, concerts, fairs, workshops, our annual festival and a special exhibition that we have planned. The Friends of Innerpeffray Library will also have their annual programme of events, which will be announced here. You can also find our full, up-to-date programme on the ‘What’s On’ page of our website.

Call for 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 or call the number below.

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

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

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KENMORE BAKERY

Homemade Shortbread and Biscuits Keith’s award winning tablet

Best Bakery in Scotland 2024

Bakers of Distinction

Come and see us!

We will be at

Aberfeldy Farmer’s Market Sunday 3rd May

Rob Roy Pitstop Honesty Shop Based at the Bakery and open 7 days; 9 am - 5 pm Open from Easter

THE BEST VIEW EVER, EVERY DAY! POP IN FOR COFFEE, SCONES, LITE BITES OR A DRINK, OPEN DAILY SEASONS VIEW RESTAURANT Open daily from 8.30am to 7pm and 8pm Thursday to Sunday serving food all day.

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

ST JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUTHILL PH5 2AR

Choral Evensong Sunday 3rd May 2026 at 5.30pm Sung by the choir of St Ninian’s Cathedral Perth

Everyone is welcome

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FOR NEWS AND OFFERS, FOLLOW US ON,

Service led by Bishop Ian Paton

The Four Seasons Hotel, A85, Lochside, St Fillans, PH6 2NF

T 01764 685333 E info@thefourseasonshotel.co.uk W www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk 57

Crieff Connexions

Community pantry - We’d like to take the opportunity this month to highlight our very popular Community Pantry which is stocked in a variety of ways and is open to all. Questions are often asked about the pantry so hopefully here are some answers.

WRAP, an environment NGO, estimate that around 190,000 tons of consumable food is thrown out by retailers and manufacturers yearly. Combined with production surplus they estimate that a massive 1.3 billion meals are going to waste. At Connexions we work with Fareshare to play a part in addressing this issue. Fareshare is a charity fighting hunger and food waste by taking good food and redistributing it to frontline charities. Every week we buy a selection of items from what Fareshare has available and they deliver it to us from their depot in Dundee. Brands such as Tesco, Asda, Costa, Kellogg’s, and Sainsburys work with Fareshare and so you might see items in our pantry for a much cheaper price than elsewhere. The nature of the process means the shelf-life on fresh items can be shorter than you might find in a supermarket but that does mean you’re very likely to pick up a bargain!

We also partner with Aldi and Co-op to take items which they either have a surplus of or cannot sell. This could be because packaging is damaged or a best before date has passed but the item is still in good condition. According to WRAP, potatoes and bread are the two foods which are most commonly wasted, something we see reflected in the items we receive. A small but dedicated team of volunteers pick up from these supermarkets each evening and we would benefit significantly from bolstering this team. If you have access to transport and think you could help with this task we’d love to speak to you, email gburns@ crieffconnexions.org.uk to find out what’s involved.

Finally, items which are donated to us from the Wild Hearth Bakery and members of the public. We’ve been delighted to receive surplus stock from the Wild Hearth Bakery which hits the shelves on Saturdays and

never lasts long! There is a basket at the exit of Aldi where anyone can add items to for collection and we also can take donations directly to the pantry. We hugely appreciate the donations which we receive and hope you’ll come and check out what’s on offer, especially if you want bread!

Become a Hedgehog Champion

Become a Hedgehog Champion with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society/ Peoples’ Trust for Endangered Species.

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

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

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

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How to Contract with Tradesmen

In the current financial climate people are looking to save money wherever they can, none more so than when looking to get work carried out on their home, but the cheapest tradesman is not always the best!

Here is a list of DO’s and DON’Ts when contracting with tradesmen: 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, landline telephone number 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 and 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.

RECRUITING NOW

Come and do great things with us!

Whether you fancy taking on a part-time role to fit around your commitments, or you’re in search of your forever job, our thriving family company could have the right opportunity for you! We can offer:

Competitive rates of pay Flexible or immediate starts available A variety of roles available in our prestigious Clothing, Gift & Food Halls, or our popular Restaurant Non-seasonal, year-round work (short-term contracts available) Benefits including shop discounts, generous restaurant discount and loyalty rewards that accrue with time

Please e-mail your CV to recruitment@houseofbruar.com or call 01796 483236

WWW.HOUSEOFBRUAR.COM 59

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