Issue #239 | Tain & District Picture Post | October 2020 by K & N Concepts Ltd - ePublishing

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL BURGH OF TAIN AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

#239 OCTOBER

2020

OCTOBER 2020

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Mrs Ivy Coe celebrated her 100th birthday this past month with her 3 sons (in pictures). p9

THE FAIRIES OF TAIN

RETURN TO FOOTBALL

Latest piece from Tain & District Museum looking at the story of the “Fairies of Tain” who cross the waves of the Dornoch Firth. p14

The latest news on teams getting back to playing football, and the results of St. Duthus FC’s first friendly match of the season. p22

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

PRICE £1.95

WELCOME TO THE

DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE

The Glenmorangie Distillery Tain, Ross-shire IV19 1PZ, Scotland. On the A9, 45 minutes from Inverness, 1 mile north of Tain.

Tain Inverness

Perth Glasgow Edinburgh

THE ORIGINAL TOUR

1 hour, £8 per person

June - August: Monday - Sunday, every 30 minutes, 10am - 4pm April - May & September - October: Monday - Saturday, every hour, 10am - 3pm

By the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, amidst the golden barley fields of Ross-shire, lies the Glenmorangie Distillery. Here you will find a warm Highland welcome from the legendary Men of Tain, the skilled craftsmen who ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried and uncompromising way it has always been through its long and distinguished history. We offer a range of tours with unparalleled access to the Distillery and its warehouses. With the help of our expert guides you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. Within our Still House (we call it our Highland Cathedral) stand the tallest stills in Scotland, their long copper necks are the same height as a fully grown giraffe! As a result only the lightest and purest vapours make it to the top, giving a smoother, more elegant whisky. On your visit to our traditional earth floored warehouses we will explain why Glenmorangie has for many years led the industry in the pioneering use of only the finest casks in which to mature our whisky. As part of your tour, why not visit our own distillery shop?

January - March & November - December: Monday - Friday, 10am & 2pm THE SIGNET TOUR

1.5 hours, £35 per person June - August: Monday - Sunday, 2.15pm Wednesday, 6pm, New for 2019 April - May & September - October: Monday - Friday, 2.15pm (January - March & November December: not available) THE MEN OF TAIN TOUR

2.45 hours, £95 per person

May - September: Tuesday, 9.45am (October - April: not available) THE SUNSET TOUR

1.5 hours, £45 per person

June - August: Wednesday, 6.00pm (September - May: not available) For more information call 01862 892477 email: tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk or visit www.glenmorangie.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ONLINE BOOKINGS PLEASE VISIT WWW.GLENMORANGIE.COM Pre-booking is recommended and essential for some of the tours or large groups. The Glenmorangie Distillery is a working distillery. For a few weeks a year we undergo essential maintenance when tours may be restricted. Closed for the 2 week period over Christmas & New Year. The information on this advert is valid throughout 2019. The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking. Please savour our whiskies in moderation.

TDPP

OCTOBER 2020

EDITORIAL Dear readers, It’s certainly a big news week for us. On Wednesday 30th September, Harris completed his MFR 5k a Day challenge for a second year running, raising £515.00. The company of the new family dog Rover added another dimension to the challenge for him this year and as well raising a good amount again, he enjoyed it all the more as a “dog owner”. This past week was my last with Metalwork UK, after having taken the decision to start up on my own as of October. It’s often understated, the value of working with other people. Over the past 9 years, both in the office and as a Director, I have been lucky to have shared time and ideas with people of wide ranging experience, skills and knowledge - each of whom I am grateful to have learned an invaluable amount from. None moreso, I would say, than my Dad, who kindly gave me the opportunity to come aboard back in 2011. I leave Metalwork UK infinitely better equipped to run my own business than when I arrived. On my new venture - I formed K & N Concepts Ltd in 2017 primarily to provide web design to a small number of regular clients. Since that time, I have gone on to create and develop web based solutions for companies such as sports clubs, dog breeders, care homes and law firms, to name a few. A particularly popular design has been the sports club archive - a tool used by sports historians to record stats and records - a labour of love some may call it, but also the type of resource that is becoming increasingly popular in the “information” age. I have since added print design to my services, with a particular focus on magazines and books. The Picture Post has of course been a big part of that and in continuing to produce the magazine, Lucy and I are looking forward to being able to bring some more new and exciting ideas to the magazine going forward. Further afield, football followers are becoming more familiar with a series of annual review books which I have researched, designed and published since 2018, in the form of the North of Scotland Football Annual, and most recently the Lowland League Football Review. An exciting, yet daunting time lies ahead, but I am lucky to have a supportive partner in Lucy, who, along with our children, continues to give me the confidence to take the plunge and make this next

career step a reality. So, as I move on to pastures new I would just like to ask one thing. If you are considering someone for your web development or print design needs, please keep us in your thoughts, spread the word and do get in touch if the need arises! Best wishes, Niall Tain & District Picture Post Editors: Niall Harkiss & Lucy Veals info@tainpost.co.uk 01862 877366

WHERE TO BUY THE TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST Tesco (Shore Road, Tain) Co-op (Tain High St) Tain Bothy (Tain Post Office) Bannerman’s Seafood, Tain Grants Bakery, Tain Highland Prime, Fearn Alness Newsagents

K & N CONCEPTS

TDPP

TAIN YOUTH CAFE We have officially reopened! We are currently running a phased reopening with various different groups aimed at parents, teens, primary school children and babies. For information about the teen groups please email nicola@ tainyouthcafe.co.uk. Family & Childrens groups that are currently running are – Monday – Crafty Club £2 each and open to P5/6 pupils Wednesday – Parents Drop In 10-11.30. Pop in on a Wednesday morning and have a cuppa & blether with Karen, enjoy some adult company and a hot cuppa while the kids are at school! Wednesday - STEM Club £2 each open to P6 pupils Friday – Baby play group specially for little ones under a year old, come meet other parents and share parenting hints and tips to help survive the first year. Friday – Primary Young Carers Are you a young carer? If so get in touch with Karen and find out more about our Young Carers Groups All Groups must be prebooked and details left for Trace & Trace – to book your space please message Tain Youth Cafe YMCA through Facebook or call 01862 894252 October Holidays We will be running Lunch Club Grab & Go again each week day of the holidays, come down between 121pm and pick up a picnic lunch (sandwiches, sausage rolls, hot dogs plus fruit, juice, snacks etc). There is no charge for lunch but if your able donations are welcomed.

TAIN COMMUNITY

TAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL Minutes of the virtual Community Council of the Royal Burgh of Tain meeting held on 31 August 2020 at 7.30 pm. IN ATTENDANCE Mr N Munro (Chair) Mr G Amos (Vice-Chair) Mr N Akeroyd (for part of meeting) Mr G Holdsworth Mr D Macrae Mr Mohan Mr D Louden (Councillor) MEETINGS Mr Munro reported that he had a letter from Highland Council (HC) policy regarding whether virtual CC meetings will continue, or whether face-to-face meetings will resume from 14 September. HC COVID GRANT It was noted that £500 had been received from HC for a Covid grant. After discussion, it was agreed to give £250 to the Masked Crusader towards her new purchase of a sewing machine as she had provided many free masks to the community at the early stages of the virus. Also, £250 will be donated to Tain and District Development Trust (TDDT) for groups to fund raise at the Community Market as they have suffered financially during lockdown and afterwards. They can have access to a BBQ, which can be used if someone has a hygiene certificate. The money will go towards paying for a stall (£25 each). It was noted that Helen Ross has a good contact

list of community groups. It was further agreed to send a thank you email to the Masked Crusader for her community spirit in providing free masks. As an aside, the meeting was please to note the Mr Macrae was the new Community Liaison Officer for TDDT.

Lights. After discussion, it was agreed that Mr Macrae would contact the Funding person from TDDT to see if any funds available. Mr Munro to look at the email again, and contact Mr Rhind thereafter, and he will report back at the next meeting.

SSEN GRANT MONEY Mr Munro reported that Knockbreck Primary School, Parklands Care Home, St Duthus Special School, and Craighill Primary School had sent thank you letters to the CC for the grants for COVID related items.

MR LOUDEN’S REPORT He reported that he was liaising with the Police with regard to the vandalism in the Rose Garden. A house near TRA was been badly vandalised and neighbours are unhappy with the place being smashed up. There is concern over the volume of drugs in the town and schools. Mr Louden praised the Head Teachers for their work on re-opening of the schools, given there were so many scenarios. There is a gap in HC finances. Putting up the 50 miles per hour signs on the byepass has been slightly delayed. The survey of the mussel fisheries is happening imminently and it is hoped there will be positive news. The cessation of the Mussel Fishing will continue to the end of the year. Questions – permit parking on Geanies Street – Mr Louden has been told there is a new software programme in September which will ease the use of residents permits. Market Street unit – it was noted that although one of the units is vacant there is some equipment in it – Mr Louden will speak to Helen Ross, and it

ROSE GARDEN It was noted that the Rose Garden and the toilets have been vandalised and there was a bad problem with litter. It was agreed to write to the Police Inspector to highlight the CC concerns, with a view to inviting him in person once there are face-to-face meetings. Mr Louden to forward Inspector Rice’s email address to Mrs Mackay. Arising out of this item, it was noted that local youths are displaying inappropriate behaviour to residents of a house near the Rose Garden. After discussion, it was agreed that Mr Munro would visit the residents and give them some reassurance. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS An email has been received from Mr Rhind on behalf of the Tain Gala. He wishes £500 from the CC to go towards costs of the Christmas

TDPP

TAIN COMMUNITY

was noted that there is a demand for business units in Tain. Play Park equipment – it was noted that Officer’s are inspecting play park equipment, and this may take some time. Cleaning of road gullies – it was noted that there is a lack of road gully’s being emptied, and this was partly due to a lack of HC staff. PLANNING Agricultural building, Bogbain Road (Mr Louden declared an interest), change of use to top floor to flats and microbrewery, retrospective planning for house and garage – Hartfield Road, erection of single garage beside house, Kingsway Avenue – no comment. 50 MILES PER HOUR SIGNS Correspondence from Transport Scotland has been received to apologise for the delay in putting in the signs. BEINN THARSUINN COMMUNITY COMPANY LTD An application has been received for cycle track works at the Links (for legal and lease). After discussion, it was agreed to fund the application for £1,000. CO-OPTEES It was noted that Mr Macivor was agreeable to come on the CC, and the other 2 people are to be contacted to see if they are still interested and if they are to get their email addresses. THE DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING IS MONDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2020

ANNUAL FLU VACCINATION Please note there are some slight differences in arrangements between the 2 local practices. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are having to make some changes to our clinics this year to keep our patients and staff safe. Please read all the notes on your invitation letter carefully when it arrives as these notes are important. This year, please DON’T bring your paper letter with you, we will have lists and computer systems in place of letters. This is the schedule for immunisations, if you are in one of these groups you should receive a letter from us – Over 65s – October 2020 Age 18 to 64 years in an at risk group – October 2020 Under18 in an at risk group – LATE October 2020 (we have been asked to delay these vaccinations by NHS Highland) Age 2 to 5, but not in school - LATE October 2020 (we have been asked to delay these vaccinations by NHS Highland) Age 55 to 64 – Not in an at risk group – Late October to November 2020 (letters not being sent yet). There is a special number to phone for flu appointments: 01862 890036. The phone line will be open Monday to Friday 10.00 to 11.00am and from 2.30 to 3.30 pm, the flu line will be open from Friday 18th September to book an appointment. There are plenty of appointments so please don’t worry about this. The phone number will only be staffed at these times and we will be unable to make appointments via our normal number. CLINIC DATES Saturday 3rd October 2020 Friday 16th October 2020 Saturday 31st October 2020 HOW THE CLINICS WILL RUN Our clinics will be socially distanced and patients must stick to the rules to reduce risk of infection –

1. All of our flu appointments are at Tain & District Medical Group, Health Centre, Craighill Terrace, Tain 2. Please don’t arrive early; patients will be admitted in small groups. 3. Please come in alone unless you need a carer with you 4. When you arrive you will be screened to check you’re wearing a face covering, you’ll be given handgel and you’ll be asked the same questions as overleaf 5. You will then be directed to the next station to get checked in 6. You will then move slowly through the waiting room and then when your name is called down the corridor to a consulting room 7. There will be plenty of staff to help you through the clinic so don’t worry about being rushed 8. Please could you wear clothing with is EASILY ACCESSIBLE eg a loose short-sleeved top 9. Please don’t bring jackets/coats/ handbags. If at all possible please leave in the car (we know this isn’t possible for everyone) We would encourage all invited patients to attend for flu vaccination, especially those with chronic diseases e.g. heart disease, diabetes etc. However, if you DO NOT wish to have a vaccine, we would be grateful if you could let us know by informing us by phone. If you change your mind later you will, of course, be able to get a vaccine by appointment as above. HEALTH NOTES If you are pregnant, or think that you may be, please speak to your midwife on 01862890077 to arrange an appointment – ALL pregnant patients are having their flu vaccines via their midwife even if you are in an ‘at-risk’ group; this is for patient safety and to prevent duplication of vaccine If you are housebound please let us know as soon as possible. This is only for patients who CANNOT leave their house Main carers for elderly or disabled people, whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill, can also be vaccinated. Household members of shielding patients may also qualify –

please contact the flu line number to discuss If you are immunocompromised due to illness or medicines please tell the vaccinating clinician at the time of your appointment. PLEASE READ THESE IMPORTANT NOTES If you answer YES to any of these questions ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT please DO NOT ATTEND for your appointment (Please contact reception on the next working day to re-arrange your appointment) i) Fever present. ii) A new continuous cough. iii) Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. iv) If you have been in close proximity with others who have symptoms or are COVID +ve during the last 14 days. v) If you have recently returned from foreign travel or have been self isolating during the past 14 days. vi) If you have had contact with people who have recently returned from foreign travel or have been self isolating during the past 14 days. vii) You have a cold/chest infection or similar illness requiring antibiotics. If you have symptoms please contact 111 or arrange a COVID test. If you have serious allergy to egg products and you want a flu vaccine, please contact reception on 01862 892203 to discuss. Finally, as with all of our flu clinics over the years our staff won’t be able to answer queries or questions or carry out other tasks on the day of the clinic. We look forward to seeing you at the flu vaccine clinics and working together to make this a success for our patients and our community. Kind regards, Tain & District Medical Group

TDPP

ONLINE PHOTO CLUB HELPS PHOTOGRAPHERS RAISE THEIR GAME

Members of Tain and District Online Photo Club are taking part in their first externallyjudged competition. The competition, on the theme of “Autumn”, will see club members entering up to three photos between now and the deadline on October 31st. Kindly sponsored by Ffordes of Beauly, the competition will be judged by staff members at the prestigious camera retailer. Club founder Mark Janes said; “I’m really delighted that Ffordes have chosen to recognise our club. As one of the top photographic retailers in the country, I’m sure they must be inundated with

THE UNSUSPECTING CYCLIST

Stuart Wells, co-founder at Sutors Gin based just outside Tain, has decided to get back on his bike for charity. He will be cycling the North Coast 500 in October to raise funds for voluntary groups across the Highlands who provided much needed support during lockdown for our young people at a time when they were isolated. All monies raised will be split between Mikeysline and Youth Highland. Youth Highland will be sharing the funds amongst several of its member groups requests all the time.” The Tain and District Online Photo Club takes the form of a Facebook group and is open to anyone in the Tain area. During the Corona Virus lock-down, members have been enjoying regular photographic challenges and sharing their photos and tips with other members of the group. Membership is free and readers interested in trying

including Thurso Youth Club, Ullapool Seasavers, Balintore Residents Group and Rokzkool Academy. Stuart said “I got back on my bike again in April when the lockdown started and wanted to achieve something. I elected to cycle the North Coast 500, initially, as a personal goal. And then as a way of highlighting the amazing support our communities have received from volunteers. Especially the youth the group should go to www.facebook.com/ groups/tainphotoclub. Mark insists that all levels of experience are welcome, and you don’t need a fancy camera to take part. In fact, he sets most of the daily challenges using just his phone! Further information: Mark Janes – Photographer 07734 107279

groups who have been tireless in working out new ways to help our kids, teenagers, and families at a time when many statutory services stepped back. The route which is 500 miles and 34,000 feet will take Stuart 5 days and along the way he intends to visit all the groups who will be benefitting from his cycle ride. He also hopes to be joined at certain stages by some of the volunteers and young people. Stuart will set off on 13th October from his home just outside Balintore and hopes to arrive back on 17th October. He has been kindly sponsored by Highland Auto Campers who are letting Stuart and his team use their camper van, “Ruby” as their support vehicle. Donations can be made through Just Giving at https:// uk.virginmoneygiving. com/StuartWells11

ANKERVILLE NURSERY

PLAY AT ANKERVILLE HOUSE NURSERY Meeting our stick insect ‘Bear’ Going through the dark tunnel Learning to sort and match Climbing in the garden Story time Learning together Whats the time Mr Wolf? Watching the combine at work Counting with dinosaurs Playing together Getting creative

TDPP

MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS

camera’s instructions if you’re not sure.

THROUGH THE LENS

What Effect Do The Different Aperture Settings Have? The aperture is an opening on your lens that lets more or less light through. It is important in controlling exposure, but it also has an effect on how much of your picture, from front to back, is sharp and in focus. A very small aperture gives you pretty much everything in focus, from near to the camera right out to the far distance. However, a wide aperture means that only a narrow “slice” of your picture is in focus, with the rest more blurred. This is called “shallow depth of field”. Just to complicate things, a small number indicates a wide aperture (e.g. F2.8), while a large number indicates a small aperture (e.g. F16)!

WITH MARK JANES

Why Would I Want Some of My Picture Blurred?!

ISSUE #33

MOVING ON FROM ‘AUTO’ (CONT.) Last month we looked at the Shutter Priority mode on your camera, which allows you to control motion-blur. This month we’re looking at its partner in crime,

Aperture Priority mode. This allows you to control Depth of Field, thus blurring the background to your photos. What Is “Aperture Priority Mode?” Putting your camera in Shutter Priority Mode lets you control your camera’s Aperture while it looks after all the other settings to

give you a properly exposed picture. Select “A” or “Av” (on Canon cameras) and you can then set your Aperture using the control dial on the camera. The Aperture will appear in the viewfinder or on the back screen and you’ll see it change as you move the dial. It’s normally a decimal number, preceded by “f”. (E.g. “F5.6). Check your

If used carefully, shallow depth of field can blur the background in your picture, allowing your main subject to stand out, almost like in 3D. This can be useful in portrait or flower photography, where the background can otherwise be distracting. See the example pictures. A photograph is a twodimensional rectangle, whether you are looking at a print or a photo on your phone. Looking at a photo is very different from seeing the same scene in real life, which is a much more immersive, three-

TDPP

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

dimensional experience. So experienced photographers look for ways to give “depth” to their pictures. Blurring the background is one way to do this.

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The quality of the blur in the background is often referred to by the Japanese term “Bokeh”. The type of Bokeh you get very much depends on the lens you are using. Some photographers will use vintage lenses on their cameras specifically for the quality of the Bokeh from the lens. Other Ways To Get A Blurred Background There are a couple of other ways to get the “shallow depth of field” look; getting very close to your subject and/or using a telephoto lens (zooming in). If the aperture on your camera won’t go wide enough to give you the blurred background you want, try getting in closer. It will probably help. Next month we’ll take a break from the technical stuff and take a look at what you can shoot now that Autumn is here. Meanwhile, how about having a go at shooting in Aperture-Priority and see what results you get? Did you like this article? Why not email me and let me know what you’d like to see covered in future issues. If you’ve got any questions about the settings on your camera, email me those too and we’ll see if we can put them together into a “Q&A” section.

Mrs Ivy Coe celebrated her 100th Birthday at Mull Hall with her 3 sons, Derek (Dave), Roger and Colin Coe. Ivy has 8 Grandchildren, 12 Great grandchildren and 2 Daughters in Law – Sheena and the late Sue Coe, some of who were able to visit her over the following days. Sadly, she has also outlived 1 Grand Child and 1 Great Grand Child. She received a lovely telegram from the Queen and was quite overwhelmed by all her cards, presents and visitors. Ivy also received a commemorative coin from the British Legion to acknowledge her time in Venners, a factory who made and supplied components for aircraft during the war. Ivy’s eldest son, Derek (Dave) Coe had the honour of presenting it to her. Dave is himself an ex-serviceman, having spent 12 years in the Royal navy and a member of the local branch of the British Legion.

TDPP

NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM

TDPP

MESSAGE FROM CLLR. DEREK LOUDEN

My usual monthly surgery is cancelled at present. Please feel free to contact me at any time on: 01862892734 07876774412 Or via email at LoudenDW@aol. com.

Happy to help any local resident with any problem at any time.

CONTACT TDPP Do you have an article or photos you’d like us to print? Please email:

info@tainpost.co.uk or call 01862 857366

ANDREW VASS

FIGHTING THE CROFTERS’ WAR ANDREW VASS WRITES Few nowadays realise that just one hundred years ago a battle for human rights was fought in the Highlands, the outcome of which transformed Crofting life. What is there to learn from the victory of the Crofters in the Crofters’ War? In what sense can it be described as a great achievement for democracy? When my ancestors at Airdens and Rhinamain, crofting villages just north of Bonar Bridge, fought for their rights against the Highland Landowners, they were part of a nationwide protest movement who agreed with them that crofters should have legally defined rights, such as a right to have fair rents, fixed leases, and compensation for any major improvements they made to their crofts. The Crofters’ War had already been simmering away for 20 years when the Battle of Airdens took place. Officers were sent to the crofters there with summonses of eviction, to be delivered to each croft. At Airdens though, the people were ready to put a stop to the whole unfair business. The event took place in 1895. An ‘Airdens Enforcement’ committee had been set up by the crofters. The committee reckoned that the important task was to prevent the delivery of the summonses. So, the crofters got their sticks out and chased the officers away. One police officer was assaulted and the

rest were chased for miles through the heather. One old lady was so committed to the chase that she fell and broke her back while crossing a burn. The Airdens Enforcement committee had won the first round. The second round was fought at Dornoch Sheriff Court. The Landlords expected to win in court and then be able to evict the crofters from Airdens. However, the new Crofter’s Act of 1886 had just come into force. The summonses were found to be illegal by the terms of the Act, and the crofters won their battle to stay on the farms of their ancestors. At Airdens the folk went wild with joy. Once a year right through until 1925 they would meet beside a wooden pole to celebrate the anniversary of their priceless victory. So where exactly had the Crofters’ War been fought and how had it ended with the passing of the Crofter’s Act of 1886 and total victory for the crofting people of the Highlands? The first major episode of the long struggle probably took place in Lewis in 1872. The crofters on the west coast had been goaded beyond endurance by their factor; for example, the grazing land for their cattle in Bernera had been taken away from them. They complained against this loss of grazing rights and were subsequently threatened with eviction. A Sheriff Officer who came with the summonses faced an angry crowd. He warned

them he would use his gun if required to stop any violence. The mob paid no heed. The officer was assaulted and then the mob descended on Stornoway. Similar outbreaks of mob violence occurred in Skye when Landowners raised rents and took away grazing land. The explosive mood of desperate people was ignited into action when fifty policemen were brought in from Glasgow to ensure things went smoothly for the Landowners. The modern song ‘The Battle of the Braes’ tells us what happened next. THE BATTLE OF THE BRAES A sheriff frae the factor came and he did come this way From Lord MacDonald he was sent, to clear us out from Skye. Oh the battle was long and the people were strong Ya shoulda been there that day. And next came fifty policemen from Glasgow they were sent The Inverness police knew fine that what we said we meant. Oh the battle was long and the people were strong Ya shoulda been there that day All day the cruel battle raged, we showed them we

TDPP

ANDREW VASS

could fight But five brave men were taken off to Inverness that night. Oh the battle was long and the people were strong Ya shoulda been there that day. The judge he found them guilty and fined them two pounds ten. In half a minute it was paid and off we went again. Oh the battle was long and the people were strong ya shoulda been there that day. In Skye the crofters showed the whole country that crofters could stand up for themselves. Sympathetic judges in the law courts helped because the modest fines handed out did not discourage the crofters from protesting their rights. The really important aspect of the story though, was that its dramatic nature ensured it was reported widely in the British press. Now the Crofters’ War would move onto a bigger stage. Newspapers such as ‘The Highlander’, ‘The Ross-shire Journal’ and the ‘Daily Mail’ came out on the side of the crofters. Gaelic poets and Highland Societies in the big cities spoke out indignantly. The Sutherland and Ross-shire Association in Glasgow won the ear of Dr. Charles Cameron MP and he raised the issue in the House of Commons. Links which Highland fishermen had with the Irish brought help from the Irish Land League. Their leaders gave speeches encouraging the people in Skye and Uist. This led to new tactics being used such as rent strikes and disguised death threats against landowners. The Free Church came out on the side of the crofters. Back at the time of the first

Sutherland Clearances in 1815 it would have been unthinkable for the Church of Scotland to have taken the side of the oppressed people. This was because Church of Scotland’s ministers had been appointed by landowners. However, the new Free Church did not depend on patronage and chose to side with the people on this occasion. Thankfully, the Free Church demanded that the crofters take a more moderate approach to fighting the war and this possibly helped to keep the public at large on the side of the crofters. The government in London felt compelled to do something, and so the Napier Commission was set up. Crofters’ grievances were investigated thoroughly by this Commission which toured the north of Scotland unearthing fascinating examples of the wretched conditions on Highland estates. At Lochinver the Commissioners were told how landowners allowed deer to invade their tenant’s crofts regularly. No compensation was ever given for damage done. Deer farming was certainly the latest profitmaking activity on Highland Estates. Sheep farming was no longer profitable, but the Highlands was ideally suited to rich visitors who paid for deer hunting and sailing and enjoyed holidays on Highland estates. James Sutherland of Spinningdale told the Commission how he discovered that his land had been given to a new farmer even though he had previously paid nine months advanced rent. He got no compensation but instead faced immediate eviction. Such clear evidence of bad faith from landowners made

a strong case for change. The Commission did praise Landowners where praise was due. For example, William Gunn the factor of the Coigach Estate of the Countess of Cromartie was praised highly for his fairness to tenants by local church ministers. Despite the good work of the Commission the government in London proved unwilling to act to redress grievances. So, anger erupted again in the islands. Near Stornoway, Donald Macrae, a teacher who had arrived recently from Alness, encouraged the starving crofters to make a symbolic raid on the deer forest at Park which led to 200 deer being killed. Some of the men who took part in this raid were apprehended and brought to court. However again they found the courts to be sympathetic and prepared to inflict only small fines. The late Donald McMillan, an old friend of mine, remembered how his father was fined for one such incident. His father had been shooting deer when he was apprehended by a gamekeeper. He overcame the gamekeeper, tied him with his belt, took his trousers down and left him in the heather to the mercy of the midges. Well John Macmillan of Balalan was taken to court and fined ten shillings (equal to fifty pence in modern currency, but worth a lot more back then). Judges of the time seem to have maintained a moderate attitude to such protest. McMillan was lucky he was not sent to jail. A vital development occurred in the political map of 1885. An election victory for the Liberals led to further measures of Parliamentary Reform. This

gave the right to vote to all male adult households. The increase in voting rights made it easy for crofters to get their candidates into parliament in the next election. Gladstone the Liberal Prime Minister found himself dependant on the M.P.s from the Celtic fringes of the British Isles and Ireland. So, his government had no choice but to pass the Crofters’ holding (Scotland) Act. It provided security of tenure for crofters and a Crofting Commission to investigate and ensure fairness in rents. The Commission was to prove effective. In the years ahead rents were reduced throughout the Highlands. And so, we return to the original story- how my ancestors in Airdens in Sutherland won their case in Dornoch Sheriff Court in 1895. No wonder they rejoiced. All over the country people could see it was the last chapter of the Crofters’ War. From now on the Highlands would have a new start; no backlog of rents, instead fixity of tenure, fair fixed rents, and the prospect of legal redress against eviction. The lesson to learn is that in modern times we must value the role of an independent and impartial press. We must value democracy and our democratic rights. We must look for comparisons between past and presentso that we value high standards in public life. The people of the time spoke out. They said; ‘This must not prevail’. The press and the Free Church joined in the clamour. Together they marched forward and took Scotland into the 20th century.

TDPP

TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM

THE FAIRIES OF TAIN Tobar na h-iu, Tobar na h-iu, ‘s ann duit bu chumha bhi uasal; tha leabaidh deis ann an iuthairun do’n fhear a ghearr a’ chraobh mu d’ chluasan. This old Gaelic poem laments the destruction of an ancient healing well and a yew tree which stood next to a fairies mound on Nigg hill. Old superstitions like the belief in fairies or ‘Sithean’ seem to have been very common in Easter Ross, where many small grassy knolls were often thought to be home to

fairies and described as fairies hills or mounds. Now, fairies are seldom seen but did you know that, now and then, you can still see fairies from Tain? Some days if you look north towards Dornoch from Tain, you can see great white waves breaking far out in the sea that appear to cross the Dornoch Firth. They are called the Gizzen Briggs an ancient Norse name meaning leaky or spouting bridge but it is also known locally as Drochaid na h’Aogh, or the Fairies Bridge. There are various versions of the fairies bridge story that can be found written down but they are slightly different from the following one that I learned growing up in Tain.

Many years ago an old soldier was making his way home to Tain, after many years away fighting in the Wars of Independence. He had set off a young man and fought in dozens of sieges and battles, saving the lives of many men with his heroic deeds. As the years went by, many of his companions returned home from the wars with stories of his exploits and his fame grew so great, that the Queen of the Fairies on hearing of his return home sent him a gift. The queen gave a magic box to the Provost of Tain, asking him to deliver it to our hero on his return home, with strict instructions not to open the box. The

provost was at the time, the head of the church and a deeply religious man but even he could not resist having a look at a gift from the Fairy Queen. The instant he opened the lid he found himself surrounded by a multitude of tiny fairies on every side, all shouting, obair, obair, obair (Work, work, work). The tiny creatures, although beautiful, filled him with terror and in a panic; he ordered them to clear all the heather from Tain Hill. In no time at all, the work was done and the fairies returned to the provost again demanding, obair, obair, obair. The provost sent the fairies to do job after job, all being completed in an instant until almost in desperation he sent

TDPP

TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM

them to build a bridge across the firth from Tain to Dornoch. Straight away great clouds of sand and spray could be seen way out at sea as the fairies set about their work building the bridge across the firth. When the bridge was almost complete our returning hero arrives back in Tain and on seeing the fairies, he says; ‘Dhia beannaich mis, ciod e an obair tha’n so’ (God bless me, what work is this). The mention of god broke the fairy queens magic and no matter how hard they tried the fairies could not finish their work. To this day, if you are lucky, you can still see the fairies far out at sea trying to finish their bridge. Has anyone got a good photograph of the bridge they could share with us? If so, please get in touch with us at Tain Museum via Facebook or via email to info@ tainmuseum.org.uk.

THE MAN WHO DANCED WITH THE FAIRIES A man whose wife had just given birth to her first child, set off with a friend to the town of Tain to have the bairns birth registered and to buy a wee cask of whisky for the christening. As they returned, weary from their days walking, they sat down to rest at the foot of a small hillock, near a large hole, from which after a few drams, they were astonished to hear the sound of piping and dancing. The new father, feeling very curious, entered the small cavern, went a few steps in and disappeared. The story of his fate sounds just as unbelievable today as it did then and his friend was severely distressed having to tell this unlikely tale. A week passed by, and the when baptism was over, and there was still no sign of his friends return, people started to accuse him of murder. He denied it, and again and again repeated the tale of his friend’s disappearance. He begged for a year and

a day’s law to vindicate himself, if possible, and he would regularly return at nightfall to the small hillock to call out in search of his friend. The year was almost up and sitting on the hillock as the sun began to set, he thought he saw his friend’s shadow passed by him. He leant down, heard reel-tunes and pipes, and suddenly spotted his missing friend dancing merrily with the fairies. He caught him by the sleeve, stopped him, and pulled him out. “Bless me! Why could you not let me finish my reel, Sandy!” cried his friend. “Bless me!” replied Sandy, “have you not had enough of dancing these last twelve months?” “Last twelve months”, cried his friend in amazement; nor could he believe the truth of it until he returned to his wife who was sitting at their door with a year old child in her arms. So quickly does time pass in the company of the “good people”.

TAIN GALA

ASSOCIATION Here are the winners of our September 2020 500 Club Draw! 1st prize of £200 Elizabeth Harvey 2nd prize of £100 - Mina Macdonald 3rd prize of £50 - Jan McFarlane 4th prize of £50 - Lynda Durrand 5th prize of £20 - Janice Mackie 6th prize of £20 - Rena Mackenzie 7th prize of £20 - Shona Emslie 8th prize of £20 - Steven Gifford 9th prize of £20 - Elliot Wallace Congratulations to all who won this month.

TAIN SCOUTS As shared on Facebook by 1st St. Duthus Scout Group, Tain: After very long and thoughtful consideration, we have decided not to reopen Scouts in Tain just now, as there too many issues that can not reasonably be addressed. The main one I have had difficulty getting an answer to is; would leaders and other members need to isolate if a child turned up at a meeting and then tested positive? If this was the case, it would put leaders in a difficult work position, and so we have decide to look again at the situation after the October school holidays and re-assess then. Tom, Tain GSL

TAIN

Now at 9 Geanies Street

Wednesdays 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm

Tel: Evelyn 07511 133 108

Highland Heatsave Limited BOILER SERVICING AND COMMISSIONING PLUMBING AND HEATING INSTALLATION

Jim Oman, 2 Port Street, Balintore, IV20 1UH TEL 01862 832116 | MOBILE 07803 610838

Tain & District Branch Cats Protection Telephone: (0345) 371 2737 Email: taincats@aol.com www.tain.cats.org.uk

TDPP

LOCAL NEWS

SHINE A LIGHT ON TAIN Jen’s Art Room on Ross Lane in Tain has launched a window community project and fun competition for everyone in Tain and Easter Ross, which runs from 17th to 31st October. The window community project is the idea of several mums and dads, organised with sponsorship from Tain and Easter Ross Rotary and help from Jen’s Art Room, as well as the Tain and District Development Trust. As announced on Facebook; “Our children may not be able to go guising this Halloween but we can still shine a light on fun and create some

mischief!” “Join in with ‘Shine a Light’, a fun window decorating competition for everyone in Tain and Easter Ross. All you need is some coloured tissue paper and/or black paper, glue and scissors.” “You could decorate your window with bats or witches, autumn trees or birds or whatever your imagination shows you! Prizes for the funniest, scariest, most autumnal and care for nature windows! “ Free art packs available soon at The Hub opposite the Youth Cafe on Stafford Street.

TAIN TENNIS TRIUMPH A big well done to Tain Tennis Club’s 8 & Under team who took part in a competition at Bellfield Park in late September. The weather was great throughout the afternoon and the kids learned and played lots of matches.

Tain finished a narrow second behind Bellfield A and will join them in October in a Finals day involving Elgin and Lossiemouth from Moray. (As pictured on the front cover).

TDPP

OLD FILE

OLD FILE: FOOTBALL

THE TWO TRAVELLERS (‘’As ye sow, so shall ye reap’’) Thank you once again to John Gordon, for sharing this piece by Adam Holm. ‘’Hello, old man’’, the young man said, ‘’Why sit ye here alone? Have you no one to care for you? Surely you have a home?’’

TAIN ST. DUTHUS 1 ROSS COUNTY 0 AET

Played on Saturday March 7, 1992.

As reported on Tuesday March 10, 1992 in the Press & Journal. Cup specialists Tain won the MacGregor Supplies North Caledonian League Fred Newton Trophy when they beat Ross County 1-0, the only goal scored by Gerry Shearer in the first period of extra-time. The mud and rain ensured that the game never lived up to expectations and County paid the price for missing a string of good chances. Tain had a golden opportunity to open the scoring after just four minutes. Colin MacLeod latched on to an underhit pass back from Ian McFadyen, but shot straight ito the arms of Ross Cathcart. At the other end, in an otherwise uneventful first half, Robbie Stewart was unlucky with a header that rebounded from the crossbar. Cathcart had a string of fine saves in the early stages of the second half to deny Terry Urquhart, Gerry Shearer and Munro Ferries. The goal came after 97 minutes. Shearer got on to the end of a free kick from Colin MacLeod and drove home a 20 yard angled drive. County were well in command for the final 15 minutes, but their best scoring effort was a powerful header from Neil Mackay that flashed inches over the crossbar. Man of the match award went to Tain sweeper Terry Urquhart, but he was pushed all the way for the honour by County’s Mackay. In 2021, St. Duthus football club will celebrate their 50th anniversary of joining the North Caledonian League. We would love to hear from anyone who has memories of playing for the club over the years, as well as old photos, news cuttings or other collectable pieces. Please email info@tainpost.co.uk if you can help, as we continue to piece together the club’s history!

‘’I have a home,’’ the old man said, ‘’But here I like to be, On Garrick Bridge where three roads meet, The passing world I see. I like to talk to passers-by And sometimes them advise. For in the town of Tain, I am considered wise.’’ ‘’Advise me then,’’ the young man said, ‘’I seek a place to live. A place where I can settle down, A place with much to give. ‘’So tell me, are the folk of Tain Gentle, sincere and true? Will they treat well a stranger there And give him work to do? ‘’In Dingwall town from hence I came I hated all I met. Their lying, cheating, greedy ways I never shall forget.’’ The old man sadly shook his head. ‘’I hate to tell you, son. The folk in Tain will do to you All things that Dingwall’s done.’’ ‘’I’ll not go there ,’’ the young man said.

‘’I’ll take this other road. I might find someone on the way Who’ll share with me my load.’’ Quite soon another youth came by. ‘’Hello, old man said he. ‘’May I sit by you a while And share my food with thee?’’ ‘’You’re welcome, son. Come, sit by me. But I’ll not share your food, For I have eaten well today. ‘Twill do you much more good’’. The young man sat upon the Bridge. ‘’Tell me , old man,’’ said he. I go to seek for work in Tain, Will they be kind to me? I worked a while in Dingwall town And there the folk were grand; Honest, sincere and always glad To lend a helping hand.’’ The old man smiled,’’ I’m glad,’’ said he ‘’You’ll find the same again. Those worthy folk in Dingwall town You’ll find the same in Tain.’’ Adam Holm (1916 – 1971)

TDPP

TAIN & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

for-ward Pict & Mix We have been working to find ways to promote our area. Back in 2019, we collaborated with 3rd-year BA (Hons) Visual Communication & Design students at the Inverness College UHI campus. This included showcasing their ideas on branding for our community, by designing a flyer and website, and presenting to members of the Trust.

Fast-forward to the present, our team have been coordinating with various community representatives from across the district, to help create a brand â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;DNA.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

We are currently aiming for launch by the end of October- and we want your input on a new brand identity for the district.

Your chance to have your say is coming soon- so keep an eye on our social media and in your local area!

ISSUE C R ED I T

S C OT L AND S EA & S K Y S C OT L A ND S EAA N D SKY .MYP ORTF OL IO.COM/

25 TH SEP TE MBE R 2 020

TDPP

TAIN & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Just In Case...

What Does It Mean?

We are carefully monitoring the

Confused about the latest government