COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL BURGH OF TAIN AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
#247 JUNE
2021
JUNE 2021
FOUNDRY HOUSE AND TAIN FOUNDRY
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Margaret Urquhart looks at the origins and history of Tain’s former foundry. p10
In his latest Through the Lens, Mark Janes offers some photography tips to use while travelling. p16
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
KNOCKBRECK PRIMARY SPORTS DAY A selection of photographs from Knockbreck Primary’s sports day. p14
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.
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JUNE 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Tain Community Council minutes Local news / accouncements Tain Cats Launch Recipe Book Foundry House & Tain Foundry Time Capsule Knockbreck Primary Sports Day Through the Lens with Mark Janes Nostalgia with Alex Graham Old File Tain Museum Local Sports & Football
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Editors - Niall Harkiss & Lucy Veals Email info@tainpost.co.uk Tel 01862 857366 | Mob 07527 134574 Subscribe online - www.tainpost.co.uk or call 07527 134574 or email info@tainpost.co.uk
Does your business have a website? Can your customers (and potential customers) find you on the web? Is your website secure and compatible with modern devices? If you need help modernising and updating your website and establishing an online presence using social media, please give me a call on 01862 857366 or send an email to:
niall.harkiss@kandnconcepts.
Digital archive - www.tainpost.co.uk/archive or via Issuu at issuu.com/tainpost
co.uk
Niall Harkiss, K & N Concepts Ltd
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TAIN COMMUNITY
TAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES Minutes of the virtual meeting of the Community Council of the Royal Burgh of Tain, held on Monday 26 April 2021 at 7.30pm. Present: Mr G Amos (Vice Chair) Mr D Macrae Mr G Holdsworth Mr A Mohan Mr Louden (Councillor) Mr Rhind (Councillor) Apologies: Mr N Munro (Chair) Mrs Fiona Robertson (Councillor) MATTERS ARISING Item Knockbreck water problem – it was noted that the tests from Scottish Water (SW) came back with no concerns. Parking on Mansfield Estate – photos were taken of the offending vehicles and they are to be identified and the information passed to Mr Rhind. TOWN HALL Mr Macrae reported that TDDT are getting a condition report and are considering taking over the lease as had been approached to do so. The TDDT are getting advice on Community Asset Transfers. At present the TDDT are going through a process of investigating the situation. HIGHLAND COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Mr Louden reported that due to election purdah very few Highland Council (HC) meetings are happening. Mr Louden
is pursuing getting potholes repaired. There is some extra money for Wards, and it is being worked out what the priorities are. Mr Ackroyd enquired about about the forthcoming restricted parking on Geanies Street – it was agreed that Mr Louden would progress this with Mr Manning from HC. Mr Macrae mentioned that there was a Visitors Management Plan, and one item was the toilets, and funding was discussed. Improvements to King Street are starting soon. Mr Rhind reported that the Rose Garden improvement project starting soon. VICE-CHAIR’S REPORT Mr Amos enquired about the 2 houses at the land beside the Tennis Courts, and it there is going to be a public consultation on the land gifted to Tain Initiative Group. It was noted that there was a public consultation previously and only two replies were forthcoming. There are issues around commercial confidentiality. TIG are considering releasing a statement on the issue. LETTERS Book and Art Festival. Organisers of a Book and Art Festival wish support for an application to the Beinn Tharsuinn Community fund. After discussion it was agreed to confirm about the Tennis Club amount from the Fund. COMMON GOOD FUND
It was reported that there was a meeting with Scottish Water re Knockbreck and the Woody Braes. There was a discussion about the stabalising of the Woody Braes, and getting an independent 3rd part report of the situation. UNEXHAUSTED REMITS Cemetery – noted that there is a problem with the gate, and Mr Rhind is pursuing this matter. Mussel Fishery – a survey has been undertaken, but the results are not known as yet. Green environment – disappointment was noted at the amount of weedkiller being used around trees – Mr Rhind apologised that this is happening. 3-18 Campus – noted that there was a meeting recently and more of the design was shown. Next stage is the design is going to Planning and will be published. It is hoped that it will be started in 2022. Mr Louden indicated that they are still pursuing to get a swimming pool as part of the development but with the election
looming, discussions have to stop as deemed political. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Tain & District Development Trust – Mr Macrae reported that the TDDT AGM has been held recently and there are 4 new Directors on the Board. The new Easter Ross website is hoping to go live in May. With regard to the Easter Ross Peninsular project – there is great engagement with the public and businesses. The Old Picture House project is progressing slowly – with an issue with insurance. There was a successful Community Market in April. Community Council AGM – Mr Munro has suggested that the AGM should be held before the June meeting (Monday 28th June). After discussion, this was agreed subject to Mr Munro contacting Helen Ross to confirm this is suitable. The meeting ended at 21:05pm. The date of the next meeting is Monday 31st May 2021.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Picture House group are looking for volunteers on Saturday 12 June from 10 am, to help clean/clear up outside the Picture House building to allow safe access to contractors the following week. Both sides of the building need to be cleared of rubbish/debris/weeds. A trailer will be provided to transport the rubbish away to the local recycling centre. Should anyone wish more info or to volunteer then contact Dave at the Enterprise Hub on 01862857182 or by email at dave.macrae@ tainddtrust.com.
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LOCAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS VANDALISM AT TAIN LINKS WILDLIFE POND The ongoing problem of vandalism at the Tain Links wildlife pond and playing fields intensified in May, with a number of reported incidents. In a post shared on Facebook by Katie Grant, Tain, the wildlife pond, which is maintained by Tain Task Force, had become subject to dumping of containers filled with an dangerous and corrosive substance, which appeared to leave an oily consistency in the water. This thoughtless example of vandalism raised the ire of many members of the community, who had many concerns about the safety of the wildlife who make the pond their home. Tain Community member Vicky McKeown said: “What an absolute shame! I was hoping swans might nest there this year. What about the ducks and heron? So, so sad.” As well as the dumping of potentially dangerous substances, visitors noted that parts of the fence around the park had been broken and thrown into the pond. Mrs Grant noted in a later post that the matter had been reported to SEPA. Just a hundred yards away, police were called to a report of vandalism and signs of an attempt to gain entry to the locked building at the Tain links playing field, which belongs to St. Duthus Football Club. In what appeared to be an unsuccessful attempt to force the door open, the door handle itself had been removed from
year has been traumatic for us all year. We will also be expanding our Free Grab and Go meals which we have been running for the last 4 years and our grateful thanks go to the SSE Beatrice Wind Farm Partnership for their support as we believe that no child should be hungry this summer. These grab & Go lunches will be available not only in Tain but in several villages each weekday with times and venues to be advertised on our Facebook Pages The villages include; the front of the door, left laying on the ground. The football club have had to deal with further instances of community disregard, most notably when their football pitch was defaced with quad bike tracks. Police Scotland are continuing to investigate and are appealing for witnesses. If anyone has witnessed damage taking place or has information relating to who was responsible please contact Police Scotland on 101. YMCA SUMMER OF HOPE This summer holidays sees a major programme being launched by the Tain Youth Café YMCA for Children, Young people and Families. The schools summer holidays start on Monday 28th June and run for 7 weeks and following successful applications through Youth Highland and the STV / CORRA funders the Tain Youth Café YMCA has put
together what can only be described as its largest ever summer programme. Graham Nutt the Senior Youth and Community worker said; “The staff have been working hard behind the scenes all throughout the covid pandemic and he was pleased to see that the funders have recognised us as an organisation to deliver a variety of programmes spread out over the summer holidays, we are very grateful to all the funders for their support in helping us create some fun this summer especially Youth Highland who secured the main grant which allowed us to run this vast programme.” He added There will be something for everyone from free ‘Grab and Go’ meals to stunt scooters and our new Inflatable Dart football which was a major success over the Easter break. Our main aim this summer is to encourage everyone to have some fun as the last
· Tain · Edderton · Balintore · Portmahomack · Inver and · Fearn We will of course be running all of our programmes whilst adhering to the latest Covid guidelines and Graham hopes that with everyone getting the vaccination jabs we could be well on the way of coming out of lockdown altogether. The vaccination program has clearly had an effect on reducing the effects of Covid, lowering hospital admissions and most importantly reducing deaths so having the vaccine is a no brainer. Information relating to the summer programme including dates and times can be found on the Tain Youth Café YMCA Facebook page or for further information please contact us on 01862 894252 or via e-mail at office@tainyouthcafe. co.uk
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FUTURE OF LEASE OF TAIN DUTHAC CENTRE The Duthac Centre management committee last month confirmed that they are now in mutual discussions with the Tain and District Development Trust, with regards to the future management of the building, which for many years has been Tain’s “town hall” building. A statement read; “The discussions are at an early stage but, if successful will lead to an exciting and reinvigorating development of the Duthac Centre for the benefit of all in the communities of Tain and Seaboard areas. The Duthac Centre Management Committee and the board of Tain and District Development Trust are equally enthusiastic to be working in partnership on this venture and will keep the community and current centre users informed as it progresses.” It was noted in the April minutes of the meeting of Tain Community Council that the Development Trust are currently seeking advice on community asset transfers and having a condition report carried out - with a view to accepting ownership of the lease on the building. TAIN & DISTRICT GARDENERS’ CLUB We can’t hold meetings at the moment but the spring is upon us. It has been the coldest start to April for quite a few years so although it is time to get on with outside jobs be careful with your planting and make sure that young plants are protected from nighttime frosts. - David & Heather
TAIN COMMUNITY
HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENTS TAIN AND FEARN MEDICAL PRACTICE We have just started phoning patients aged 44 years old for their Covid vaccination and will be working through our list in age order from 44 down to 40 years of age as instructed by NHS Highland. Please do not phone the Health Centre but wait for your telephone call. We are also still calling patients who are due for the second Covid vaccination. Again please be assured that we will call you and there is no need to call the Health Centre. However, if you are over 45 years old or an At Risk patient and feel that you have been missed for your first vaccination please get in touch with the practice to book an appointment. When we phone our number may show up as “withheld” or an “0800” number or even a “89****” style number. Please try and answer this call so we can make an appointment for you. Please share this message to make your friends and relatives aware if they do not have Facebook themselves. Thank you for your help. GET A RECORD OF YOUR CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) VACCINATION STATUS Your vaccination status is a record of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations you have received. Your status includes your name, date of birth,
and any coronavirus vaccinations you have received in Scotland. Do not contact your GP practice about your coronavirus vaccination status. GP’s cannot provide letters showing your coronavirus vaccination status. The name and address on your vaccination status will match the information on your GP patient record at the time of your first vaccination. If your address on your status is out of date you can still use it for international travel, providing your name and date of birth are correct. Coronavirus vaccination status can be accessed by anyone who has had a dose of the coronavirus vaccine. This includes those aged 16 and 17 who have had the vaccine. You cannot be tracked by your vaccination status and your personal information is not shared with third parties. What your vaccination record can be used for Your vaccination status can be used to confirm that you have received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Coronavirus vaccination status might be required when you are travelling internationally. There are international plans to issue coronavirus COVID Status Certificates for travel in future, however, nothing has been agreed yet. You can get access to your coronavirus vaccination status if
you chose to travel, and need to provide a record of your vaccination status by the destination country or your travel operator. It is your responsibility to check what the requirements are to enter the country you are travelling to. It is also your responsibility to check what the requirements are to return to Scotland from your country of travel. HOW TO GET YOUR VACCINATION STATUS You can request a printed copy of your vaccination status online or by phoning the COVID-19 Status Helpline. https://www. nhsinform.scot/ covid-19-vaccine/ after-your-vaccine/ get-a-record-of-yourcoronavirus-covid-19vaccination-status You can view and request to print your vaccination status online by logging in using your unique username / password. You can also get a copy of your vaccine status by phoning the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565. The helpline is open every day from 10.00am to 6.00pm. Your records will also be sent by first class post. Make sure you allow plenty of time for your record to arrive before you travel.
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TAIN COMMUNITY
IN MEMORY GORDON (FEARN) Peacefully, at home with his children, on 24th April 2021, ALEXANDER HUNTER GORDON, aged 69 years, of Balmuchy Farm, Fearn. Husband of the late Anne (nee Munro), survived by children Anna and Richard, John and Antonia, much loved grandfather of Savannah, Alexa, Finlay and Johnny, brother to Louisa and Anna. Special thanks to Marie Curie Nurses and District Nurses for supporting his time at home.
MORE (TAIN) Very sadly, at his home, 6 Cameron Gardens, Tain, on Sunday 25th April 2021, FRASER MORE, dearly loved son of Alan and Eileen, a much loved brother of Lewis and his partner Rhiannon, a dear grandson of Alice and Helen and much loved by all the extended family and friends.
MACINTOSH (TAIN) Suddenly in his her home, 33 Craighill Terrace, Tain on Monday 26 April 2021, CHRISTINE ANN “MAY” STURTEVANT, beloved Wife of the late Dan “The Bobby”, a much loved Sister of Connie, Ruth and the late James and John, a dear Aunt, a dearly loved friend to Meg, a much loved Granny May to Gillian, Steven and Lewis and loved by all the extended family and friends.
DELBRIDGE (BALINTORE) Very suddenly in his home “Cragganmore”, Ross Crescent, Balintore on Friday
30 April 2021, STANLEY HUGH MACDONALD DELBRIDGE, MBE, beloved husband of Jean, loving brother of Marjory and loved by all the extended family and friends.
MACKAY (TAIN) Peacefully in the loving care of staff and family in Innis Mhor Care Home, Tain, on Tuesday 18 May 2021, MARY MACKAY (nee HENDERSON) formerly of Mayfield Wynd, Tain, beloved wife of the late William Mackay formerly of No. 2 Forsinard and late of Shurrery Shebster, dearly loved mother of Barbara and the late Donnie and mother-in-law of John and Jane Anne, a dear sister of Isobel and Innes, a loving granny, G.G, auntie and loved by all the extended family and friends.
GRANT (TAIN) DR. GEORGE GRANT, MB, ChB, BSc. (Hons.), retired Tain GP died peacefully on Thursday 27 May 2021. He was a much loved husband, father, grand father and son and will be greatly missed by all his family.
SEMPLE CLARKE (TAIN) PATRICIA SEMPLE-CLARKE (Pat) passed away, at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness on Sunday 2nd May 2021, aged 81 years. Pat, was an artist and a teacher, beloved wife of the late Derek Clarke and was much loved by all her family and friends.
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MISC. NOTICES TAIN AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST The Picture House group are still looking for volunteers on Saturday 12 June at 10 am, to help clean/clear up outside the Picture House building to allow safe access to contractors the following week. If you are interested give Dave a ring at the Enterprise Hub on 01862857182 or send him an email at dave.macrae@ tainddtrust.com. The first outdoor Food Feastival will be held in the Duthac Centre carpark in Tain on the evening of Wednesday 30 June from 6 pm. There will be local food and drinks stalls, entertainment and a community-style BBQ of local food produce for you to buy. We hope to make it a monthly occurrence during June, July, and August, on the Peninsula, for both locals and visitors. All welcome! Spread the word! No booking or cooking required! ASDA TAIN GREEN TOKEN SCHEME In June, Asda’s new Digital Green Token Giving begins. All voting will be done online until the current restrictions are lifted. To vote for your favourite cause please go to asda.com/green-tokens and search for you local store TAIN! The winner will receive £500 and the two runners up £200. This month’s candidates are Headway Highland, who plan to start walking groups and sessions to
reduce the social isolation caused by Covid 19, Knockbreck Primary PTA, who are seeking funds to redevelop their library area, and Ross Sutherland Rugby Club, who will put any money raised towards the development and delivery of community rugby. TAIN GALA ASSOCIATION Tain and District Scarecrow and Flowerpot People Competition create and display a Scarecrow or Flowerpot person in your garden. Create your Scarecrow or Flowerpot person using any material. Perhaps you could create a theme display based on an event that would have taken place during Gala Week. We would ask you to take a photo of your display and send it to us via Messenger on our Facebook Page. We will create a folder of all the displays that are sent in to us, if you could send us details about which street your display is on then we can share the street details so that people on their daily outings can see your display. There will be some small prizes. Also throughout July we are having a Painted Stone Scavenger Hunt Car Treasure Hunt in association with Macmillan Cancer Support Name the Building Competition Shop Window Treasure Hunt. Look out for more information on these events soon.
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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. Anyone can phone at any time with any request.
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
TAIN CATS PROTECTION
TAIN CATS PROTECTION
RECIPE BOOK COMPETITION This year, Tain Cats Protection took the decision to produce a new Recipe Book to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of when the branch was formed (22 May 2020) -- and also to raise much needed funds for the group. The book includes recipes sent in by the public, along with seven beautifully drawn posters sent in by seven lovely young ladies (listed below). Also included is a Fun Cat Quiz. Alecia Campbell - Age 8 Annabelle Munro - Age 11 Emily Laing - Age 6 Lily Macleod - Age 5 Mary McFall - Age 12 Naomi Sutherland - Age 6 Phoebe Bebb - 6 The young artists are pictured on the next page with their prizes. A post shared on the Tain Cats Protection Facebook page said; “A big thank you to all of you who shared your favourite recipes with us and enabled us to have our first Recipe Book published. The book costs £6.50 and every penny will go towards helping the stray/ abandoned/abused cats who come into our care. It helps us trap, neuter and treat feral cats. It also allows us to offer owners help in having their cats neutered and microchipped at reduced costs to them. We used four of the posters to decorate the outside and inside front and back covers. We think you’ll agree, all the posters are miniature works of art. A big THANK YOU to Janice Bannister who owns the
lovely shop, The Barn Owl Bothy, High Street, Dornoch, who has very kindly offered to sell copies of our Recipe Book from there. If you would like to buy a copy of our Recipe Book, please
contact Jean Jardine on our Tain & District Facebook page. Thanks again to everyone and we really do appreciate all your help and support.”
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TAIN FOUNDRY
FOUNDRY HOUSE AND TAIN FOUNDRY
These beautiful wrought iron gates were manufactured in Tain, as the plaque at the foot of the gate post testifies, and are a reminder of a locally important 19th Century industry, the Tain Foundry, which was located on Morangie Road. The “Green Gates” seemingly were erected in 1822 on the Arisaig Estate for Clanranald as a fine entrance to Glen House. They were shipped by crate to Inverness, taken down the, then, brand new Caledonian Canal to Fort William before finishing their journey by ship. The foundry did not exist at the time of writing of the 1791 Statistical Account. It does appear in the New Statistical Account of 1837 as an “iron foundry, casting wares for the surrounding
countryside.” However, it definitely existed some time before that. In a “Parliament report upon the boundaries of the several cities, burghs and towns in Scotland, in respect to the election of members to serve in Parliament”, dated 1832, in the section dealing with Tain, the foundry is referred to as being ‘improved of late & may be considered in a thriving condition’. This suggests it had already been in existence for a number of years before 1832 as the date accredited to the erection of the “Green Gates” confirms. It was possibly first established by members of the Murray family. Amongst the research material gathered by RW Mowat in preparation for his book “Easter Ross,
1750-1850: The Double Frontier”, is a reference to a steam engine being built in 1847, for a threshing mill at Shandwick Mains, by (amongst others) “Messrs Murray & Company, Founders & Engineers, Tain”. There is also a reference to William John Murray of Rosemount as being the proprietor of the “Foundry, near Springfield” in
1859. He was the eldest son of George Murray of Rosemount, a Provost of Tain, 1840-48. I have no further information about William except that he died in 1884. However, it seems the foundry had been rented out for some time. It was advertised to let in The Inverness Courier on 3/7/1851, and a Mr John Kidd was given as the “present Tenant”. The 1851 advert describes what was up for let as follows – the “whole premises, foundry, smithy, pattern & millwright shop with good dwelling house at the work…… machinery by steam engine”. The extract from the plan which accompanied the 1832 report shows (below)
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that at that point in time there is no accompanying house, whereas the extract from a plan of Tain lands owned by the Marquis and Marchioness of Stafford in 1854, shows (above) that the foundry had expanded and a house had been added to the site, which ties in with the description given above. Foundry House does not show up on the 1851 Census. However, a James McKidd, iron founder, 26, born in Thurso, was a lodger with John Sutherland, draper, grocer and general merchant, in King Street. Despite the different versions of the name, it seems likely that this was the “present Tenant” referred to in the 1851 advert. Either, being a young unmarried man, he preferred to stay in lodgings, than in the house attached to the foundry or he had vacated the house on giving up his tenancy and the new tenant had not yet taken up residence. The new tenant was a Donald Ferguson and members of the Ferguson family were to operate
the foundry and occupy Foundry House from the 1850s and into the 1890s. The Fergusons came to Tain from Elgin where it seems they also had a foundry. The museum received information regarding this family from three different descendants which give a somewhat confusing picture. However, it would appear that that the two foundries might have been operated at the same time by Donald and later his son James Wright Ferguson. An 1860 Directory describes the Tain business as “iron & brass founders, manufacturers of agricultural implements & smith work in general”. RW Munro in his book “Tain Through the Centuries”, produced for the town’s 9th Centenary, provides this information – “one of the
family invented a swing plough called after him; widely used throughout the north and won prizes at ploughing matches for its users”. Donald, who died in 1880, aged 69, was still being referred to as the tenant of the Tain foundry in the Voters’ Rolls of the 1870s. His son carried on the business but if information provided by one of the descendants is correct, he died in 1892, so the James Ferguson who appears in the Burgh Accounts for repair work and providing items such as gratings for gutter traps and pulleys for the Slaughter House in the later 1890s, must be his son also called James Wright Ferguson. I don’t know the reason for, or the exact date of, the closure of the foundry but the last mentioned item in the accounts is dated 1897, so it was probably about the turn of the century, very late 1890s or early 1900s. The same burgh accounts record an Alex Munro renting the “stone depot at foundry” during 190607. This could either mean
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the site was being used to store stone taken from the quarry on Tain Hill or stone from the foundry buildings. Either way, the foundry was obviously no longer operating, and at some point the foundry buildings were demolished. Now all that remains is one wall (below) and Foundry House. The latter’s position only a pavement’s width from Morangie Road along with the size and shape of the window openings show it to be much older than the more recent buildings now lining the road and set back with garden space between them and the road. Since it was first built, several alterations have been made to the house. The original sash windows have been replaced with modern ones. The front porch is an addition as are probably the dormer windows. An interesting PS Another son of Donald followed a very different path from his brother James. The following item appeared in The
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Celtic Monthly March 1904 – “the Hon. John Ferguson, CMG, MLC of Colombo, Ceylon had been selected Chairman for the 1904 Annual Reunion of the Glasgow Ross & Cromarty association; John Ferguson was born in 1842. He won the Sir James Matheson Gold Medal in Tain Royal Academy at the age of 13. In 1861 he sailed for Ceylon and became joint Editor of The Ceylon Observer. Established and edited a journal called The Tropical Agriculturist, travelling extensively in the tropics as part of his research; had recently completed a third tour of the world; had “played a noble part by assisting in the social, moral and economic advancement of Ceylon; effecting the extension of the railways, in improving conditions of life, and above all in making the great natural resources of the colony known to an ambitious but unenquiring world;”
TAIN FOUNDRY
produced several editions of a book on Ceylon and a yearly “Handbook and Directory” He was appointed a member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon in 1902 and made C M G by King Edward VII in 1903“.
Not bad for a son of an iron founder. According to one of the three descendants who contacted the museum he had been set a precedent with one of his uncles being the Editor and owner of the Colombo Observer and
another was a Surveyor in Ceylon [now known as Sri Lanka]. The same source says he “had offspring who were missionaries in that country.”
‘The Swings’ as they were known was the place to go round-a-bout, cheesecutter and even a pool for paddling and round the pond and not many may know motorbikes would compete called scrambling
can’t play with a ball but better than that, she’s in heaven
Little Betty lies over the wall she died in forty seven she must wonder why she
And finally over to where they play golf Tain River also plays on this course
much to the annoyance of many a toff I’m sure they would wish they could stop it at source
Margaret Urquhart
TIME CAPSULE Kathy Smart shared this photo of a Time Capsule that the Smart family buried under their new patio decking. Some of the items inside are a selection of toys our children played with, an issue of Tain and District Picture Post and a poem, that Leslie wrote, as transcribed below: Down at the Links, football was played Primary and Secondary schools when I was involved and quite a few names
were broken or made when the pick of the team was finally solved
Leslie Smart
Tain & District Branch Cats Protection Telephone: (0345) 371 2737 Email: taincats@aol.com www.tain.cats.org.uk
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KNOCKBRECK SPORTS DAY
KNOCKBRECK PRIMARY SPORTS DAY
KNOCKBRECK SPORTS DAY
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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
THROUGH THE LENS MARK JANES
ISSUE #41 TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY Red lists, amber lists, green lists! You’re probably as confused as I am about where you can and cannot go now lockdown restrictions have eased. But one thing’s for sure; whether you’re heading for Findhorn or the Faroe Islands, travel is back! I for one will definitely be looking to expand my horizons and, as a photographer, I’ll of course be indulging in a bit of travel photography. “But what is travel photography?” I hear you ask. “Isn’t it just holiday snaps with a fancy name?” Well, no. Travel photography is a genre of photography in its
own right. It even has its own competition; “International Travel Photographer of the Year”. So, in this month’s column I’ll be looking at what travel photography is all about, and how you can go beyond holiday snaps on your own travels. The Royal Photographic Society defines travel photography as that “which communicates a sense of time and place, either in the UK or overseas”. There are a couple of useful pointers in that definition: First, you don’t have to travel somewhere exotic or far away to do travel photography. Your “staycation” destination, a major city or even the next town can all be places to practise the art. It’s unlikely to be your own town though; although we live in a travel
destination of choice for people worldwide, we’re probably a little too familiar with Tain and Easter Ross to see it through the fresh eyes of a travel photographer. Second, travel photography is about observation. Sometimes, if travelling to a new location, it can be a good idea to leave your camera in the bag for a day or so, just to allow yourself to get under the skin of the location and its people. Ask yourself; “how does this place make me feel?”. Look at the routines and activities of the people. How do they spend their time? How do they make a living? Look at the back-drop; scenery, urban landscapes, etc. Imagine you could only take back one photograph of this place; what would you put in it to convey to friends back home
that “sense of place”? Of course, most tourist destinations have one or more iconic locations; Paris’s Eiffel Tower, St Mark’s Square in Venice, the Statue of Liberty, and you’ll probably want to include these in your pictures. But don’t stop there. Backstreets, shopfronts, people working on seemingly mundane tasks; all of these scenes convey a sense of place. Third, travel photography can be about a time as well as a place. What does this mean? Well, an occasion, such as a festival, gala or other outdoor event can be a great opportunity to practise travel photography. In fact, this can be a great place to start, especially if you’re a bit self-conscious about photographing people in
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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
public. Chances are there will be lots of other people taking photographs as well. Remember the aim is to create photographs that “communicate a sense of the occasion”. So, think about creating a set of pictures that tell the story of the day. Mix detail with wider shots. Try to capture the small moments as well as the main events. Then, why not create a photo-book or slide show of your results? Who knows, the organisers may even want to use some of your pictures.
One final tip; travel photography is not all about selfies. Actually you could say that by taking a picture of yourself in a location, it’s not conveying a sense of place because you as the traveller are not normally there! Of course, there is nothing wrong with taking pictures of yourself and your companions while travelling. Such pictures make treasured memories. It’s just that it’s not really travel photography. Anyway, wherever you travel
to this summer, near or far, I wish you a safe and enjoyable trip. Oh… and don’t forget your camera! As Lockdown continues to ease, I’ve restarted my outdoor workshops and one-to-one photography coaching sessions and will be offering these throughout the summer and autumn.. If you’re considering raising your photography game in 2021, why not get in touch? markjanesphotographer@ gmail.com.
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EDITOR’S NOTE As many regular readers will know, I have strong connections with the town’s football club, St. Duthus F.C., having written a book about the history of the team while also currently holding a position on the committee. Working alongside Tain Museum, we have big plans this year to celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the team joining the senior ranks of football - way back in 1971-72 when Tain St. Duthus F.C. first joined the North Caledonian League - then known as the North Reserve League or “Second Eleven League”. In doing so, I am hoping to speak with as many people as possible who would have either played for the team at that time, or been involved in some other capacity, as a volunteer, or even just as a spectator. I had the pleasure of speaking to Charlie Ross, Tain, last month, who played as a goalkeeper for the latter half of the season. We spent a good hour and a half on the phone and he helped me put some names to faces, and make sense of several newspaper reports I have extracted from the microfiche archives at Alness Heritage Centre for the year of the team’s debut season, 1971. If anyone would like to get in touch with any information, even the smallest pieces of information, please send an email to niall@ stduthusfc.co.uk or give me a call on 01862 857366. - Niall Harkiss
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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
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OLD FILE
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“OLD FILE”
Thank you to David Ross for sending in this excellent image of workers at Tain Post Office from around 1955, with the following note: “I don’t know many of the people, but from the front row 2 left is Hugh Gleed, manager next, Cath Ross. On the second row, Margaret Ross, then Elizabeth MacMillan and Joyce Allan (they were mainly P.O. counters). Hopefully you will find the rest of the names from others.”
FOLKLORE AND THE EVIL EYE AT TAIN An extract from Northern folklore on wells and water: with an account of some interesting wells in the neighbourhood of Inverness and the north By Fraser, Alexander “A gentleman, presently resident in Inverness, has informed us, that, having had occasion to be in Tain on business for some time, about twenty years ago, he one day became suddenly unwell, and had almost fainted. His landlady got alarmed and summoned to her assistance the neighbouring gossips. They said one to another, when in council assembled, “Ghabh suil air;” i.e., “an evil
eye has affected him, “and thereupon took possession of, and undressed the patient partially, and laid him upon a table. Having done so, a common wooden pail was filled -with water, to which were added the following coins — half-a-crown, a shilling, and a sixpence. They then stirred the water with a stick, going round the pail in procession during the process, and muttering an incantation which to the sick man was quite unintelligible. Thereafter he was washed with this consecrated water and manipulated upon in a strange fashion. A stone of roundish form somewhat like
a pebble was dropped into the pail by the wise woman of the party. Strange to say, this stone burst into pieces with a hissing noise, and immediately the patient recovered his usual health. Probably, alarm at the proceedings may have aided
his rapid recovery, and, as he afterwards remarked, his illness might have consisted only of a little squeamishness in the stomach. No doubt the stone was a bit of unslaked lime.”
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TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM
“HECKIE” ROSS
James Hector Ross or “Heckie” as he was better known, was born in Tain in 1911 one of a family of eight. He ran a grocery shop on King Street and with his keen business sense and cheery manner soon built up a thriving business.
At the outbreak of war in 1939 Heckie volunteered to join the RAF, training as a wireless operator and then as an air gunner. He went on to fly with Bomber Command and become a member of the “Pathfinder Force”, which undertook dangerous missions, going
ahead of the main bombing force to drop markers to indicate the targets, very often without fighter cover. He was soon promoted to Flight Sergeant and then Flight Lieutenant and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal early in 1943 for, “efficiency, keenness and devotion to duty”. Heckie’s last flight was on the night of 22nd June 1943. The following extract is from a letter sent by the ‘Wounded, Missing & Relatives Dept.’, to the family of one of the missing crewmen from the flight. “We are told that shortly after crossing the Dutch coast on the way to Krefeld, their machine appeared to be hit by flak, and lurched badly and that immediately afterwards a night-fighter made two attacks causing such severe damage that the Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Watt, gave the orders to abandon aircraft. Pilot Officers Ross and Ellis,
bailed out successfully and were captured, separately after landing, meeting again at Dulag Luft. In the opinion of Pilot Officer Ellis, there should have been sufficient time for the remainder of the crew to have left the machine before it finally dived to earth, but unhappily, this does not seem to have been the case, for he was afterwards informed by the German Authorities that Sgt Sutton and four of his companions had lost their lives.” Most of the very young crew, tragically, did not survive the attack, only Heckie and Pilot M. Ellis managed to safely bale out. They were both taken as prisoners and spent the rest of the war in Stalag Luft 111. On his release at the end of the war, Heckie returned to Tain and continued to run his grocer’s business for many more years.
TAIN & DISTRICT GARDENERS CLUB
ABOVE: David planting Pink Fir Apple potatoes LEFT: Heather scarifying the lawn and getting lots of moss out after a damp winter.
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LOCAL SPORT
TAIN TENNIS CLUB LEVEL 1 COACHING OPPORTUNITIES If anyone is interested assisting with children’s tennis coaching within the club there is a Level 1 Course taking place in Moray in June and the possibility of organising another more local course later in the summer, it would make a huge difference to our coaching opportunities if we had a larger pool of volunteers to help out with coaching alongside our club coaches. The club will cover any costs incurred while undertaking this training. We forward to hearing from you: email taintennis@gmail.com JOB OPPORTUNITY: CLUBHOUSE CLEANER We are looking for someone who could spare a couple of hours per week to keep the clubhouse clean and tidy. An hourly rate would apply, you would be free to do the work in your own time apart from a need to avoid busy coaching and club play times. If this is of interest to you please email us at: taintennis@gmail.com Please pass this on to anyone you think may be interested. COACHING BLOCKS A new coaching block starts this week and will include all the classes from last term. Some key things to note are that I have only put up a single session for all Wednesday classes (2nd of June) as I am away on the 9th, I will put up a block for the last two wednesdays after this week, the boys social tennis block starts on the 10th of June as i still owe one more session for cancelled days and all classes finish for the summer holidays on the 23rd of June. To book onto a course visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ TainTC/Coaching
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NEW SPONSORS AND A SECOND CHANCE FOR UNDER 18 TEAM
The committee of St. Duthus Football Club expressed their thanks this past month to McLean Financial Services, who are the sponsors of the new training gear being worn by the club’s Under 18 squad for the new season ahead. The squad, originally an Under 17 outfit, endured a disappointing 2020-21 season which saw them confined to just a handful of friendly matches instead of their usual Highland League
campaign. But in a statement from the assistant secretary of the Highland League, it was confirmed this past month that next season’s competition would be classified as an Under 18 league, ensuring an extra year for last year’s crop. The statement read; ”At a meeting of the League Management Committee yesterday evening a proposal was passed to move the age groups in
the Youth Programme from Under 15/17 to Under 16/18. It was also agreed that this would be implemented from Season 2021/22.” ”A significant benefit of this change will be that those young players who have no football in Season 2020/21 will hopefully not be lost to the game as they will have the opportunity to play in the coming season when otherwise there options would have been limited.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Having bought several books through the Tain Post, I finally got A HIGHLAND LEGACY, The Maitlands of Tain by Hamish Mackenzie. What a superb book! I’ve known about the Maitlands for a very long time. One having lived in Esther Place, was never sure which house, know now it was the 1st one... It certainly was a worthwhile buy of 240 pages. I am ALWAYS interested in Tain books. It has superb pictures in it and very interesting articles. Excellent! Liz Craig
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FOOTBALL NEWS
ST. DUTHUS 2 INVERGORDON 0
TAIN’S St. Duthus Football Club returned from a six month absence in style with a 2-0 win over Easter Ross rivals and former league leaders Invergordon on Saturday May 29th. The victory, played at Grant Park, came in the last of their home fixtures for 2020-21, and thanks to a fantastic team performance and some resolute play throughout the ranks, they rounded it off in style.
With several absences to contend with, Saints lined up with John Skinner returning for the first time this season, alongside Alan Geegan and Barry Kenny. Glenn Fell also returned at left back with Adam Allan on the right. There were unfamiliar midfield berths for Ben Bruce and Finn As-Chainey, who took their places alongside James Mackay, while Kyle Mackenzie and Jake Lockett
formed a forward pairing. Keir Carson took a spot on the bench, while Under 18 candidates Harry Spence and Alex Mackenzie were also named alongside the returning Jamie Skinner. The visitors, Invergordon, went into the game knowing they had to win to hold their place at the top of the North Caledonian League, while Saints, although mathematically not out of the race ywt, were faced with the task of throwing a spanner in the works. In true derby fashion, the teams got straight into it. There was little to separate the sides in the early going, but Invergordon created the earliest chances; Darran Goller looking dangerous as he forced Johnny Allan into a one footed save on 15 minutes. Goller shortly after showed signs that he could be a worry for the Saints defence, showing quick feet to find space before firing an effort over the bar.
At the other end, Saints were creating opportunities on the counter. Jake Lockett and Ben Bruce were giving the Invergordon back line plenty to think about, most notably when a Ben Bruce shot fizzed across Martin’s goalline. Finn As-Chainey was also unlucky with a shot Martin held. From set pieces, Invergordon called Allan into action on a couple of occasions, the Saints keeper setting the standard early on for what would become an excellent performance between the sticks, thwarting set piece specialist Arron Christie. The first half ended on a bit of a sour note as Finn As-Chainey took a blow to the face which left him requiring first aid for a bleeding nose. To make matters worse, Invergordon were awarded a free kick following the fracas, but the chance taken again by Christie came to nothing. With the scoresheet blank at half time, the resolute defending of Kenny, Skinner and Geegan was starting to pay dividends as Invergordon grew more impatient in the search of an opener. It wasn’t long before they hit the woodwork though, with a shot from Scott Houston who had connected with the ball outside a packed eighteen yard box. Moments later, Kenny cleared off the line after Russell Macintyre had fired past Allan. It was beginning to look like the visitors’ time was running out. Throughout it all, Mackay, As-Chainey and Bruce were working doggedly in the midfield and finding Lockett
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LOCAL SPORT
out wide most often, they began creating chances - and just after the hour mark, their hard work paid off. Following good work to get inside the box, an opportunity for As-Chainey cannoned off the upright leaving Martin stranded, and quick to it, striker Kyle Mackenzie knocked the ball into the net to make it 1-0. The goal was a just reward for the hard work and resilient play the team had shown to keep Invergordon at bay. The visitors hardly had time to gather their composure when Saints were in again, this time Ben Bruce dribbling into space. Showing great awareness, he unselfishly laid the ball to the incoming Glenn Fell who struck the ball hard under Martin, who, despite getting a touch, could only watch as the ball rolled over the line. At 2-0, Saints were now in control. It became a case of “try as I might” for Invergordon as time ran out on the game, and the chances were starting to go abegging. At the other end, Saints could have extended their lead even further when Bruce broke into the box again, but just failed to find the necessary touch to beat the keeper. Five minutes of injury time followed and along with the returning Jamie Skinner, Saints took the opportunity to introduce Harry Spence and Alex Mackenzie, two debutants from the club’s Under 18 ranks and they each played their part in closing the game out to secure three rewarding points for the club. The win pushes Saints onto the same points total as Invergordon, just one behind new league leaders Golspie, who beat Halkirk 3-0 on the same day.
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SAINTS DEBUTS FOR SPENCE AND MACKENZIE Towards the end of Saints’ impressive win over Invergordon, there were debuts for two members of the club’s Under 18 squad, as Harry Spence (17) and Alex Mackenzie (16) took to the field as substitutes. The young midfielders are the latest prospects to step up and play for St. Duthus in the North Caledonian League, as products of its developing youth team. Alex, at 16 years and 20 days, goes into the record books as Saints’ youngest first team player since their 2016 revival. The Under 18s, which were first introduced in 2018 as an Under 17 wing, have
signed up again to play as a guest club in the Highland League’s North division, which includes teams from all over the Highlands and Morayshire. The team most recently impressed in a friendly match against North region contenders Alness United
which ended 2-2, Alex Mackenzie scoring one of the goals, with Johnie Beattie netting the other. They are scheduled to travel to Ullapool June 5th as they continue pre-season preparations ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
TAIN GOLF CLUB NEWS There was great golf on display throughout the Hamish Robertson Open Texas Scramble at Tain on Sunday May 30th. The match eventually came down to a better nine holes inward, then six, then the final three for the winning team of Alasdair Mackintosh, Cameron Mackintosh, Liam Kemmett and Adam MacDonald with 53 (bih). The winning team finished birdie-par-birdie to clinch it 1st place, Macdonald impressing with an excellent approath to the 18th hole and a superb putt to follow. The runners-up were R Marshall, J Innes, G Ross and A Innes (all of Tain), with R Benson, A Findlater, S Butler and I Adamson of Inverness finishing 3rd. Tain Golf Club’s lady golfers took 3rd place in the 3-Lady Team event at Tain on
Sunday May 23rd. The threesome of Audrey Duncan, Kayleigh Cattanach and Eilidh Mackenzie scored 62 (bih), conceding second place to Isle of Skye Golf Club’s Jill MacKinnon, Donalda Johnston and Sandi Beatson. The winners, from Ullapool were Angela Ford, Erika Richards and Pat Macleod on 61 pts. Congratulations must go to both Derek Waddell and Marcus Ubych (pictured),
who won Tain Golf Club’s Old Tom’s 200yr qualifying competition. They will now visit St. Andrews to represent Tain Golf Club in the Old Tom Morris 200th Birthday competition on 20th June 2021. It is sure to be a great day for the lads and special due to the history, along with the opportunity to savour playing the Old Course on a Sunday.
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