Issue #249 | Tain & District Picture Post | August 2021

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

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

#249 AUGUST

2021

AUGUST 2021

TAIN LAUNDRY AND LEMONADE FACTORY Our latest installment from Margaret Urquhart looks at the history of Tain Laundry and the Lemonade Factory. p9

THE PARADOX OF INTENT & THE BEAUTY OF DISCOVERY Through the Lens with Mark Janes goes behind the lens to look at how we choose our subjects. p14

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

IN PICTURES: TAIN TENNIS CLUB OPEN Pictures and results from Tain Tennis Club’s first ever graded LTA event. p18

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WELCOME TO THE

VISITOR CENTRE Swirling with aroma and flavour, the Glenmorangie Distillery is the beating heart of our wondrous whisky creation. Experience our craft and discover how with barley, water and wood, we bottle the taste of our imagination.

Tain Inverness

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

For up to date information on our offerings, please visit our web site www.glenmorangie.com.

Alternatively, we are here at the end of the line on 01862 892477 or email tshop@glenmorangie.co.uk where we will be delighted to take your call or email.

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking. Please savour our whiskies in moderation.

Correct at time of print for 2021.

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AUGUST 2021

AUGUST 2021

IN THIS ISSUE Local news / notes Health announcements Misc news and notices Patrick Vickery writes Tain Laundry & Lemonade Factory Highland Hospice Golf Scramble Through the Lens with Mark Janes Nostalgia with Alex Graham Tain Tennis Club Tain Amateur Swimming Club Tain & Easter Ross Civic Trust Football Fixtures

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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 call 07527 134574 or email info@tainpost.co.uk Digital archive - www.tainpost.co.uk/archive or via Issuu at issuu.com/tainpost

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. co.uk

Niall Harkiss, K & N Concepts Ltd

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TAIN COMMUNITY

LOCAL NEWS & NOTES “She was really funny with him. He was towering over her when she said: ‘You couldn’t handle me, boy,’ and then told him ‘I’ll come to America with you the next time.’ Jessie is game for a laugh. She phoned her grandson on FaceTime to tell him she had a new man!”

TAIN GALA ASSOCIATION 500 CLUB DRAW Here are the winners of the Tain Gala Association July 2021 500 Club Draw.

TAIN COMMUNITY STREET MARKET Last week’s community market in Tain saw 36 stallholders which included Local Butchers, Candles, Gin, Metalwork, Woodturning, and Ice Cream to name but a few.

Over 600 people were recorded through track & trace and we are very grateful to the volunteers who helped on the day as the market could not go ahead without them.

Special thanks to Tain Gala Association who set up the road closure signs and to Tain Task Force for the great picture!

If anyone wants to volunteer their time at the next Market you can email dave.macrae@tainddtrust. com SUMMER EVENTS AT INNIS MHOR CARE HOME The staff at Innis Mhor

Care Home treated their residents to a Wimbledon themed event in July with a programme of tennis themed activities throughout the day.

Shared on their Facebook page, a ‘GrandStand’ video introduced the day before much fun was had, with tennis matches on show for the crowds of residents who gathered outside.

A ‘Wimbledon worthy’ buffet meal was served up later on to round off the festivities.

This was complimented by strawberries and cream kindly donated by Sean McIvor on behalf of Tain’s local ASD, much to the delight of all involved (picture bottom right).

Earlier in the month, Innis Mhor residents were treated to a surprise visit from World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman.

Tom, whose grandmother was a resident at Innis Mhor, won the prestigious

title of World’s Strongest Man in June at an event in Sacramento, California - becoming the first Scot to ever claim the championship.

During his visit, he, along with his stunning trophy, posed for pictures with residents and enjoyed several chats - but he met his match in 88 year old resident Jessie Teska, as manager Jackie explains.

1st prize of £200 - Laura Grant 2nd prize of £100 - Gordon MacInnes 3rd prize of £50 - Lia Scott 4th prize of £50 - Stuart Finlayson 5th prize of £20 - Carol Hodgkins 6th prize of £20 - John Ferguson 7th prize of £20 - Joanne Loy 8th prize of £20 - Wayne Cole 9th prize of £20 - Lorna Beresford Congratulations to all who won this month.

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this anonymously through Fearless.org, which is designed to help young people speak out about crime, making their lives and that of their communities safer.

FACILITIES GRADUALLY REOPEN AT TRACC

TAIN TASK FORCE TACKLE THE ROSE GARDEN

lunches and kids in the play area.”

Volunteers from Tain Task Force had a busy day in the Rose Garden on July 15th. There were several hands to the pump as Brian and Ken refurbished the fountain, Heather worked in the rockery, David battled the Ceanothus and Harald worked on the roses.

In a post on Facebook, David McAllister remarked, “It is good to see the garden being so well used: walkers and cyclists doing Land’s End to John o’Groats, cyclists on the NC500, lots of locals eating their

A NOTICE FROM HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS POLICE DIVISON We work hard to tackle issues like drugs in our communities and to help young people to make safer choices about these issues too. We are reaching out to the young people within our communities to assist us and ask that you help us to eradicate drugs from our communities. We often see young people in crisis and sadly overdosing on drugs.

Look out for each other and if things are getting tough,

please always ask for help.

The Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership has developed an App to help reduce drug-related harm and deaths across the north of Scotland called the HOPE app. It can be downloaded to your device either through Google Play or the Apple App Store.

The Prevent Suicide Highland App can also be easily downloaded. This is a suicide prevention App aimed at users in the Highland region of Scotland.

It provides helpful information for those affected in any way by suicide, extensive contact details for services across the Highland area as well as allowing users to create their own safety plan.

The Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs charity also provides help and support to families and this includes bereavement support.

You can find out more information about SFAD at www.sfad.org.uk If you have any information about drug misuse within the Highlands and Islands, you can report

Tain Royal Academy Community Complex have confirmed that they are now able to have all 4 Lanes back in use, which shall result in an increase in numbers who can book swimming sessions.

In a statement on Facebook, TRACC confirmed, “There will still be a fast lane intake and a slow lane intake for our Lane Sessions.

1 meter social distancing is still in place when walking around the building, hand sanitising and face coverings to be worn.”

With new 1m distancing in place, the fitness suite has seen most of its equipment open up, resulting in an increase in numbers who can use the facility.

Bookings can be placed online or by phone on 01862 893767.

NEW MIKEYSLINE SERVICE AT TESCO IN TAIN In July, Mikeysline launch their new Young Person’s Service at Tesco, Tain, for ages 11-25 years. Come along for a chat between 4pm and 8pm. Email yp@mikeysline.co.uk or book via this link: http:// calendly.com/mikeysline/ outreachhive.

Mikeysline is a safe and confidential place to talk and be listened to for any issues that are causing you difficulties, distress or impacting on your mental health.

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HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW INTERCOM SYSTEM AT TAIN HEALTH CENTRE We have had a new intercom system installed at the Health Centre. The intercom (pictured above) can be found just to the left of the front doors near to the post box. Press District for Tain & District Practice, Tain & Fearn for Tain & Fearn Practice and press Dental for Tain Dental Care (for Public Dental please press Community).

TAIN AND FEARN AREA MEDICAL PRACTICE *** Covid Clinics - 18-39 year old patients *** We are disappointed to say that 20% of patients did not attend for their covid vaccination appointment at today’s clinic with no explanation or notice given.

Luckily this did not result in the loss of any doses.

We appreciate that sometimes the unexpected happens and people cannot

make an appointment but we would be grateful if they could contact the practice to let us know as this then gives us a chance to try and contact other patients who want the vaccine to come in instead.

We have tried to phone all patients in the above age category but are having a very poor response with patients either not answering their phones, not replying to voice messages or not responding to texts sent. When we ring you it will probably show up as a Private Number but please answer the call. If you think you have been missed please contact the Health Centre to let us know or if you think your details are incorrect please update them. If you have decided you do not wish to have the vaccine please also let us know so that we can remove you from our phone list.

Please note that we are not giving first doses now

for 18-39 year olds as we do not have any Pfizer vaccines in stock. We will be arranging to give the second dose vaccine for those aged 18-39 who have previously attended our clinics when our next delivery of stock arrives.

A MESSAGE FROM THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE We need you to make an extra special effort to give blood in the coming days and weeks. The good weather, lockdown easing and the school holidays, mean we really need donors with the blood group A and O. Book your appointment at scotblood. co.uk TAIN AND DISTRICT MEDICAL GROUP The Scottish Government requires General Practice and other healthcare settings to have different

infection control and physical distancing guidance to other places such as hospitality and shops.

This is to help reduce the risk to practice staff and to people attending the practice who may be at greater risk if they catch Covid 19.

From 19 July 2021 (when we go to Level 0) the following rules still apply in General Practice: • wearing of face coverings by patients and the public (unless you are exempt) • physical distancing of 2 metres in waiting rooms • contact your practice by telephone in the first instance • wearing of PPE by staff • screening of all patients for Covid 19 symptoms Please support your local practice team by complying with this guidance.

COVID VACCINE DROP IN CLINICS The NHS Highland website has been updated with dates for their August dropin clinics for the #COVID19 vaccine.

Clinics will have both Pfizer and AZ vaccine and are available for first and second doses. No appointment required.

Please be advised you must have at least 8 weeks between your first and second doses.

The website will continue to be updated with new clinic dates as they become available. You can check the page here https://nhsh.scot/3zMOq1l

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IN MEMORY AUSTIN (TAIN) Peacefully in Kintyre House Residential Home, Saltburn, Invergordon on Thursday 8 July 2021, Elizabeth “Lilly” Marjory Bruce Austin (formerly of Dunrobin Street, Tain), beloved wife of the late Bill, a dearly loved mother of the late Ellery a loving granny of Jason and Nicky, a dear aunt of Pauline and loved by all the extended family and friends.

MCKAY (LAIRG/MONTROSE) Suddenly but peacefully in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness on Saturday 3 July 2021, John Mckay, 1 Ord Place, Lairg, (former grocery manager, Portree and Lairg), beloved

husband of the late Isobel, loving brother of Irene (Montrose) and Jim (Carnoustie), dear brother-in-law of Marie, much loved uncle of Mark and Tracy and loved by all the extended family and friends.

ROBERTSON (PORTMAHOMACK) Peacefully in The County Hospital, Invergordon on Saturday 3 July 2021, Andrew Shell Robertson, “Clarkston House”, Rockfield Mills, Portmahomack beloved husband of Jean, dearly loved father of David, John, Brian, Fiona and Stuart, a much loved granda, greatgrandad, a dear brother, father-in-law and loved by all the extended family and friends.

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MISC. NOTICES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Retired and looking for something to do?

Just left school and keen to do something new?

Maybe just looking to meet new people?

St. Duthus Football Club (Tain) are seeking volunteers to help with the upcoming football season in Tier 6 of the new Scottish Football Pyramid - a big season at a club going big places.

Our club is run by a small, easy going committee who are keen to continue building on the good work that has been done since the club was reformed 5 years ago - but we could

always use some help!

Volunteer duties includes: - Handyperson type jobs, such as park upkeep, painting etc.

- Helping to set up the park for matchdays, and selling raffle tickets and food/merchandise on matchdays -Meeting/greeting visiting teams and supporters - Being a part of the club and enjoying watching the team on a Saturday!

Please email committee@ stduthusfc.co.uk if you’d be interested in helping out, even in a small way - or if you can think of someone who would enjoy being a volunteer, please put them in touch.

To find out more, ring 01862 857366.

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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

PATRICK VICKERY

A MAN CALLED ROCKY

PATRICK VICKERY I know a man called Rocky. He has two dogs, Ronnie and Reggie, a cat called Buster and a ferret called Bill, all of which evoke a certain London gangland vibe from the 1960s. Rocky lives on the outskirts of Inverness with a rambling garden just perfect for pottering about and being at one with nature. But unfortunately Rocky had a problem. His garden pond was well-stocked with Japanese Koi (expensive fish) when a local heron of the district flew in and devoured the lot. Now what do you do about that? Shoot it, perhaps, although that’s hardly the way to behave in a civilised society. No, you can’t go shooting indigenous Highland wild life willy-nilly, not unless it’s a rabbit or a hare, a deer or a fox, a grouse or a pheasant, a pigeon or a duck, a salmon or a trout, or a similar beastie. But who can blame him for flirting with this idea when all and sundry are blasting away at local wildlife in the area. One morning, as he ranted deliriously on about this problem to one of his fare-paying passengers (Rocky is a taxi driver), and in particular about the necessity to relocate the entire heron population of Inverness to the Shetland Islands, he was gifted with a solution. ‘​Git a plastic Heron, Rocky,” said the farepaying passenger. (‘Git’ in this context should be ‘get’, only ‘git’ is

what he said, which fits in neatly with the 1960s gangland theme mentioned earlier). With desperation (as) the mother of invention, he diverted to the Garden Centre to ‘git’ himself a plastic heron to deter real ones from eating his fish. It came in a box, a sort of do-ityourself construction kit containing a torso, two legs (one folded, one extended), a plastic heron’s head and a length of dowelling with feathers on the end that flapped in the wind.

“Stand by pond, deters all herons” barked the instructions.

Only there was a problem. It didn’t work.

Which isn’t to imply that it won’t work for anybody else before a plastic heron manufacturing company decides to sue me. In Rocky’s case the real heron was undeterred and simply visited his garden on a more frequent basis.

“Git a plastic heron, my foot!” muttered Rocky as the two birds, one natural, one artificial, stood side by side shooting the breeze.

After venting his anger in a belladonic haze by running around the garden shouting ‘scaramooche, scaramooche, do the fandango’ at the offending heron, he opted to forgo Japanese Koi and make do with water lilies and marginal plants

instead. But what to do with a redundant plastic heron? Too expensive to throw away. So one morning, as he ranted rabidly on about wasting good oncers on a plastic heron to one of his farepaying passengers (the same one, perhaps?), he was gifted with a solution. “​ Bury it, Rocky,” said the fare-paying passenger, “upside down, neck deep, drill holes in its bottom, grow flowers out of it.”

So that’s what he did. And indeed so enthusiastic was he with this idea that he bought himself a plastic gnome for similar purposes. So there you are. All’s well that ends well. And if the sight of two protruding bottoms – one heron, one gnome – with accompanying blooms doesn’t keep the local heron population at bay, or anything else for that matter, then nothing will.

Unfortunately Rocky has gone the way of all flesh and is now deceased.

His funeral at Inverness Crematorium was a jolly affair celebrating a life well-lived with folk songs by a corpulent man, a colourful slide show and fully-filled cucumber sandwiches.

Nothing gloomy about it. As funerals go, most enjoyable.

Patrick Vickery

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TAIN LAUNDRY AND LEMONADE FACTORY Ciderette, Dry Ginger Ale etc.” Stone Ginger Beer was so called because it came in a stoneware bottle (see photo 1) as opposed to a glass one.

This particular example was dug up in my own garden along with examples of Highland Aerated glass bottles such as the one shown in photo 2 which is a glass stoppered bottle invented by Hiram Codd, a manufacture of soda water. This type of bottle was sealed using a glass marble which was forced onto a rubber ring by the gas generated by the carbonated contents.

Another method of closure contemporary with this was the ceramic swing stopper held on by wire bails.

Another advert in the same 1921 programme contained this announcement – “ The

At the end of last month’s article I mentioned that a replacement for Mair’s aerated water works was built on Academy Street in 1894

by Andrew Maitland Jr and operated under the name “Highland Aerated Water Company”.

However, an advert appeared in the Rossshire Journal, dated 4/19/1908, announcing “Tain Aerated Water Manufactory for Sale (Highland Aerated Water Co).” I presume this is when the ownership passed to Alastair Macdonald.

Although officially it continued

to be advertised as an Aerated Waters Manufactory, locals later always referred to it as the Lemonade Factory or Works.

In 1921, the following advert appeared in Tain Musical Society’s Pirates of Penzance programme – “Tain Aerated Waters – A Macdonald & Coy, Aerated Waters Manufacturers, Tain.

– High-Class Table Waters.

Lemonade, Ginger Ale, Soda Water, Stone Ginger Beer, Kola, Cream Soda, Cream Strawberry, Sherbet, Orange Ale, Lime Juice & Soda, Clarette & Lemon,

Tain Steam Laundry – A Macdonald & Coy beg to announce the opening of the above Laundry on or about the 28th of May, 1921. The Laundry will be equipped with the most up-to-date machinery, and all orders will receive personal supervision.” From this point on both concerns were operated jointly by Alastair Macdonald as proprietor in adjoining buildings in Laundry Lane (Photo 3 on next page) with the Laundry part also bordering Academy Street (photo 4 on next page). Both the products from the aerated water works and laundered items were delivered to a large area, at least from Cromarty to Helmsdale.

I’m not sure of the exact date when the aerated waters section was closed but it must have

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been late 1940s-early 1950s and its closure enabled an expansion of the laundry, which at one time became the largest employer in the area, serving the hotels, shooting lodges and big houses of the north. Then in 1958 the premises were linked up with a 19th century house next to it on Academy Street (shown in photo 4) and used as the laundry offices. After World War 2 the laundry was converted to oil-fired boilers from solid fuel, and it was the high price of oil that eventually forced the laundry out of business in 1977.

Alexander Wilson Macdonald, for some reason always known as Alastair, as well as

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being a proprietor of two important industries in Tain, served on the Council and was Provost from 1954 to 1958. Given Tain’s love of by-names, he was variously known as “Bagwash” from the large cotton bags in which the laundry was collected, and “Soda King”, reflecting the other string to his bow. He usually employed managers to run the laundry and aerated water works.

In 1929 he advertised for a “Manageress” for the laundry.

At that point the laundry was employing “20 hands”.

The numbers had grown substantially by 1946.

The museum has a large photo taken in June of that year showing

Alastair MacDonald with 39 staff. Of these, only two 2 of the men who worked in the Aerated Water Works are shown, the rest are laundry staff.

For the most part, I think there would be separate managers for the two concerns.

However, Wattie Louden in one of his articles in the Issue 10 of TDPP (April 2001), mentions a “Johnnie Moir, foreman of both laundry and lemonade works”. Certainly there would only have been one manager after the aerated water works closed.

Most Tainites who have

involved in the running of the laundry I give the following extract from a TRA Magazine article giving an account of the processes as seen on a tour of the premises by second year pupils in 1961 – First the “Check Room” [articles received for laundering were presumably initially checked to assess how they should be treated and also in case there was any damage etc. prior to washing so the laundry would not be held liable]; next they were washed; then put into a Hydro-extractor

memories of the laundry will associate it with Douglas Walker - seen in Photo 5 (on next page) on the left, with Alastair Macdonald on the right.

Douglas was manager from 1957 when he took over from Barry Allen’s father when the family moved away (to Liverpool if I remember correctly).

Barry remembered fondly his years in Tain and was a regular contributor to TDPP. To give readers a flavour of what was

which partially dried them; colanders ironed them and they were passed onto a table where they were folded (if marked they were sent back for re-washing); this washing process was used for sheets, pillowcases, towels etc.; the girls were also shown how clothes were dry-cleaned and how different stains were treated; they also saw a machine which automatically folded shirts; all articles were carefully checked before

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being parcelled ready for delivery.

Also I can think of no better way to convey the importance of Tain Laundry, and the part it played in the life of Tain than to reproduce in full a letter sent (to the Ross-shire Journal?)

by Cathie Knitter, 13 Viewhill Crescent, at the time of the laundry’s demolition – Sir, The roof has gone, the walls are coming down, in fact they are taking it away and every time I pass the site I feel sad.

I am writing about the old Tain Laundry and I could not let it go without a wee word of Goodbye.

Over 20 years of my working life was spent there – good times and bad, happy and sad. It was so essential to so many people, many of them dead now, many scattered all over the world. If TV had a “This is Your Life” for places,

they could not afford to gather together all who had been connected to or depended on, the old laundry.

Always a busy place, but specially so when the Fleet used to visit Invergordon regularly and a vital place during World War II, when washing was done for the Forces of Britain and

many other nationalities who were stationed in and around Tain.

In its day it was as important to all of Ross and Cromarty, aye and Sutherland too, as the Smelter was yesterday, or even Nigg is today.

Hotels, humble homes and stately homes, boarding houses etc., all depended on the Tain

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Laundry and I am sure all who worked there at one time or another would agree with me that if these walls could speak, the stories they would tell would be better than a series like “Coronation Street”.

Yes, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” Tain has changed so much in the last few years that it will be hard for coming generations to keep tabs on what is happening and it is sad to see old places go.

So goodbye old Steamie, old Laundry with this old verse – Those days, those scenes have passed away, And many changes come, In some respects, we dare to say, Improvements – only some.

Yes Tain Laundry and Lemonade Works are no more, the only evidence of their former existence is in the name “Laundry Lane”. In their place is a nice little sheltered housing complex called Murray Place (Photo 6 below).

Margaret Urquhart

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TEXAS SCRAMBLE / ANNIVERSARY

TEXAS GOLF SCRAMBLE IN AID OF HIGHLAND HOSPICE GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Congratulations go to David and Heather McAllister who celebrated their Golden Wedding on 20th July.

They were joined by a few friends and neighbours in the garden on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

Their Golden Wedding cake (supplied by Trisha’s Tempting Treats) told the story of their first kiss!

On Sunday 18th July there was much excitement in Tain when members of Lodge St Duthus under the leadership of Master John Mackenzie, ably assisted

by Alex Craib, JD of Lodge Fingal and Mike Turner of Lodge St Martin, welcomed over sixty members from Lodges around Scotland to participate in a Texas Scramble golf competition at Tain Golf Club, to raise much needed funds for the Highland Hospice.

Apart from some excellent golf (and some that was’t maybe what it should be), all those who participated were in unanimous agreement that being able to meet again after eighteen months without any activity in Freemasonry was the highlight of the day.

The generosity of those who participated and those who contributed from the sidelines was such that John and Alex were able to hand over a cheque to the Hospice for £3,000.00.

It was nice to see that the winning team were local lads from Tain, pictured above - Liam Rostock and Liam Kemmett, under the leadership of Ali Mackintosh, who won with an impressive 6 under par gross for a nett 57.13 under par.

A big thank you must go to Lodge St. Duthus No. 82 for sponsoring the event and also to the local businesses who came forward offering prizes and to the Tain Golf Club Pro for his patience in handling the team changes on the day.

Feedback from players coming in was that the course is in tremedous condition and that they will be back.

The day having been so successful, there is now talk of making it an annual event.

- RWM John Mackenzie

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

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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS

THROUGH THE LENS MARK JANES

ISSUE #43 THE PARADOX OF INTENT AND THE BEAUTY OF DISCOVERY I’m writing this to you from the camping field at the Scottish Scything Festival just outside Dunkeld.

“What’s that got to do with photography?” I hear you ask. Well, that’s a fair question!

The fact is, I’m really only here for the camping, and to accompany my wife, who is the real scything enthusiast.

So, while she was off taking part in workshops and practice

sessions this morning, I took off with the camera into the countryside and along the river Tay in this beautiful part of Perthshire.

And what a beautiful part of Scotland it is! This is the point, of course. At any time I could have got in the car and driven down here to walk and photograph, but I didn’t. Why? Because I didn’t really know it was here, and I still wouldn’t know if the Scything Festival hadn’t brought us here.

I wonder how many other beautiful corners of Scotland go undiscovered by photographers, perhaps because they’re not famous, or “iconic”.

Conversely, how many photos have been taken

of Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe, from exactly the same spot? Millions, I would guess. So this is the “paradox of intent”; we plan to go out on a trip to take photos, but we “don’t know what we don’t know”, so we easily end up going to the same locations as everyone else, because we’ve maybe seen them on Instagram or in a guidebook. On the other hand, when we do fin somewhere new and photogenic, it can give us a real buzz!

So, as photography enthusiasts, how can we avoid the ‘paradox of intent’ and find the ‘beauty of discovery’? Well, here are a couple of tips: First, carry your camera with you. And I mean really

carry it. Not in your bag, but in your hand or over your shoulder. That way it’s always ready when you are. You never know when a story is going to unfold before you, or a location will reveal its beauty.

Second, learn to see photographically.

There are photos to be had everywhere, and even the most mundane location can reveal an interesting photograph. Take time to study the work of other photographers and learn a few basic principles of composition, and you’ll soon be making eyecatching photos wherever you travel.

Third, make time for photography.

This may not always suit the people

MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS

you are travelling with, but sometimes getting up and heading out early can give you the opportunities you need, while still allowing the rest of the day to do things with your companions. Some of the best light can be found at these times of day too!

Finally, and maybe most importantly, recognise that there is beauty to be found everywhere., even on your own doorstep. I wonder how many visitors to the Highlands pass our little corner of Easter Ross by in search of the epic landscapes of the west coast?

Spend enough time here though and you see the beauty of our area. It may not give the instant “sugar rush” of the Torridonian mountains, but its flavours are subtle and long-lasting!

Enjoy your photography, and I’ll see you next month.

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.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear TTDP, It was brought to my attention regarding the pencil drawing in the July issue asking for more information. I am the David Mahoney with family of Lynne and Josh and did a series of pencil sketches of the town for Historylinks Museum where Lynne is the curator. This one was a get well card for a friend in Dornoch who has since died and can only assume it was picked up in a charity shop locally. I was surprised as I never usually sign my work but must have done it for Bill. I hope that answers the question.

Regards, David Mahoney

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TATTIES & VEG I’ve been growing tatties and veg since we moved here in 1982. I was gobsmacked at a tattie in a 3 inch pot for £2. Good grief! I buy bags of seed potatoes every March for about £3.99. I used to have ground, Dad used to do dreels for me if he was down, otherwise I did them. I was taught well as he had a good garden in Esther Place. He would plant my lettuces etc, but we changed the garden over the years.

Now I am into planting my tatties in tattie bags. I’ve 18 - that’s split between me and the grandkids. Six each. They love the planting, harvesting, or as us old ones called it “tattie picking”.

I went to Moor Farm as a teenager with my half yoking (!) bag on my shoulder. It was back breaking work but great money. This last couple of years I’ve had to plant the tatties, while the kids empty the bags, so this year Sophie, who is 13, has “Bonnie” Tatties. Adam, 10, has “Jazzys” (they are the best, have been every year), and the “oldie” has picasso. All 6 bags are each doing well, at the flowering stage.

The kids keep asking “when it’ll be ready to empty the bags”, THEN it is a competition to see who has the most tatties. Last year we had over 700 between us from 18 bags.

I always part boil and freeze some for Christmas day roasting. Oh, thats a treat. A garden roast tattie.

So, I hope the kids will carry this on in the years to come and remember “old granny” and the story of the bags of tatties. I enjoyed your bit Alex on tatties, and I do try out different ones each year. Not the jazzys though, they are a keeper.

Regards to all, keep safe.

Liz Craig

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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM

NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM

NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM

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TAIN TENNIS CLUB

TAIN TENNIS HOLD FIRST GRADED OPEN Tain Tennis Club held their first ever graded LTA event this past month. A three day tournament, players from Tain, Inverness, Nairn, Elgin and as far as Glasgow took part. Toasties, cakes, teas and a raffle were sold to raise club funds, £410.06 was raised.

The club would like to thank our generous sponsors and the Referee Doug Soutar for running the event.

8U Mixed singles winnerCalleigh McConnell Runner up- Cameron Cobban 3rd place- Ethan 9U Mixed singles winner- Angus Fraser Runner up- Zofia Andrasovska 3rd place- Ryan Deeth 12U Boys Singles winner- Caelan Mckechnie Runner up- Finlay Macleod 3rd place- Finlay Urquhart 14U boys singles winner- Innes Brockie Runner up- Angus Cobban 3rd place- Finlay Urquhart Ladies Doubles winners- Yvonne Newton & Gail Simpson Runners up- Jacqueline Neill & Joanie Whiteford 3rd place- Cindy Hock & Sarah Marr Men’s Doubles winner- Marcus Mcauley & Andrew Macleod Runners up- Adrian Duthie & David Milne Men’s Singles winner- Andrew Macleod Runner up- Ross Lyon

TAIN AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB

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TAIN AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB NEWS A fantastic three days at Aberdeen Sports Village were had by Tain Amateur Swimming Club members (Maree, Jess, Alison, Lewis and Liam) at the Festival of Swimming.

Three simultaneous meets in one took place in Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow.

We were in a ‘bubble’ with Nairn and Inverness Swimming Clubs throughout the weekend and it was great to see the swimmers all catching up again after so long away from competitions. We also had the pleasure of the company of Elise who was at the meet with Perth City Club.

Each swimmer was only allocated one session of competing each day which allowed for plenty of time enjoying the glorious weather we had.

A big thank you to everyone who helped out over the weekend, coaches Jon, Thorsten and team helpers Karen, David, Ayleen and Derek who did a great job looking after the team when they were not swimming.

All swimmers had very impressive swims, considering how little they have trained in

the pool since early last year.

Below are some highlights of the weekend: Liam (15 Year old Age Group) Great swims for his first time swimming and competing in a 50m pool. Long course PBs now to work with.

Lewis (15 Year old Age Group) 100m Butterfly Aberdeen (4th) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (7th) 200m IM Aberdeen (5th) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (12th) 100m Back Aberdeen (3rd ) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (13th) and lots of PBs Maree (18 + Over Age Group) 100m Back Aberdeen (3rd 18yr old) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (5th 18yr old) 200m Back Aberdeen (2nd 18yr old) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (5th 18yr old) Alison (14 Year old Age Group) 100m Butterfly Aberdeen (5th) and lots of PBs Jess (17 year old Age Group) 100m Breast Aberdeen (2nd) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (6th) 200m Breast Aberdeen (2nd) / Overall Scottish Meet Standing (4th)

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TAIN CIVIC TRUST

TAIN & EASTER ROSS CIVIC TRUST

50TH ANNIVERSARY

In 2021, we celebrate 50 years of the Tain & Easter Ross Civic Trust, as it was formed on the 9th of August 1971 in the Mansfield Hotel, Tain. There were over 80 attendees at a specially convened meeting and elections were held for Trustees. The first posts were as follows: Chairman – Rev. A. G. MacAlpine Vice Chair – A. G. R. Robertson Secretary – Jane Durham Treasurer – Hamilton Cormack Further additional Trustees were selected, representing a cross -section of people from the area. Interestingly, two current Trustees have family connections with the

original Trustees. Hamish Mackenzie is Hamilton Cormack’s cousin and Flora Stone is Reggie Stone’s daughter-in-law.

Early concerns for the meetings were focused on the old Tain Royal Academy, as Ross and Cromarty Council had withdrawn its listed status and were considering demolition.

One of the early achievements was to re-instate the TRA as a Grade B Listed Building.

Many suggestions for its use were proposed including

one from Reggie Stone, who suggested an Old Persons Home, which later came to fruition. The Civic Trust organized the photography of important buildings and campaigned for the Listing of many buildings in Easter Ross.

The Trust also campaigned in 1980, to save Rosskeen Church from demolition.

Other projects involved stabilizing Tarbat House and saving and restoring Little Tarrel.

Jane Durham succeeded as Chairman and became the driving force for the Trust until her death in 1997. Jane Durham was so persuasive about building preservation that she became an important national figure and was made an MBE in 1995.

She was also interested in Pictish Stones and the Trust supported activities to preserve these stones, especially the Shandwick Stone.

Richard Easson replaced Jane as Chairman and at that time the Trust was extremely interested in preserving the history of

the Hilton Stone, which had been removed to the National Museum. The Civic Trust were major players in the archaeological digs, the report from Historic Scotland and the commissioning of the replica stone between 1997 and 2005.

The Trust carried out work on the story of the Maitland family, who were important local architects, and a Maitland Exhibition was held in 2007. Recently, Hamish Mackenzie one of our Trustees has written a book about the Maitlands, which is available for sale in the Museum.

The Tain & Easter Ross Civic Trust conducted several oral history sessions, which were encapsulated in a booklet “Remembering Hidden Tain” in 2012.

Later the Trust became early contributors to the Scotland’s Urban Past project and booklets were written on several old buildings, such as the Manse House on Manse Street. Recently, we have completed a book on Tower Street which is available

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TAIN CIVIC TRUST

for sale in the Museum.

Members come from a wide cross-section of the local area and are interested in other activities, such as walks, talks, visits, and events. Talks have been integral to the Trust from early days and the distinguished historian, Ian Grimble, was the first speaker in 1972. More recent speakers have included David Alston on slavery connections and Tom Turpie on the St Duthus story. The Trust have organized numerous visits to historic houses, many of whom do not open to the public. In 2019, we brought 16th century church music back to the Collegiate Church with an evening concert.

In more recent years, our attention has moved to the saving of the Picture House which is a Grade B Listed Building from 1876. Together with our partners we have raised over £200,000 towards not just preserving the building but opening it as a multipurpose Entertainment Centre. Additionally, we are pursuing the goal of re-opening to the public the two roofless medieval churches in Tain.

The Trust also is involved in ensuring that new buildings are in keeping with the overall look of Tain.

Regarding that aspect, we have been major players in the efforts to introduce the new Tain Area Conservation Plan and we are keen to ensure a good quality new 3-18 School Campus. The Trust continues to work with local partners to preserve and enhance the history and architecture of Tain and Easter Ross.

Richard Littlewood

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ST. DUTHUS F.C. FIXTURE LIST 2021-22 Pre-Season Friendly 7/8 Inver (H) Pre-Season Friendly 14/8 Alness United (A) North Caley League 21/8 Nairn County (A) North Caley League 28/8 Halkirk United (H) North Caley League 4/9 Bonar Bridge (A) Football Times Cup R1 11/9 Halkirk United (H) North Caley League 18/9 Inverness Ath (H) North Caley League 25/9 Loch Ness (A) Football Times Cup QF 2/10 TBC North Caley League 9/10 Alness United (H) North Caley League 16/10 Scourie (A) Football Times Cup SF 23/10 TBC North Caley League 30/10 Orkney (H) North Caley League 6/11 Thurso (A) North Caley League 13/11 Invergordon (H) North Caley League 20/11 Golspie Suth (H) North Caley League 27/11 Nairn County (H) North Caley League 4/12 Halkirk United (A) North Caley League 11/12 Bonar Bridge (H) North Caley League 18/12 Inverness Ath. (A) North Caledonian Cup R1 8/1 Inverness Ath. (A) North Caley League 15/1 Loch Ness (H) North Caley League 22/1 Alness United (A) North Caledonian Cup QF 29/1 TBC North Caley League 5/2 Scourie (H) North Caley League 12/2 Orkney (A) North Caledonian Cup SF 19/2 TBC North Caley League 26/2 Thurso (H) North Caley League 5/3 Invergordon (A)

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