COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL BURGH OF TAIN AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
#250 SEPTEMBER
2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
TAIN BREWERIES Margaret Urquhart brings us the first instalment of a look back at the brewery industry in Tain, dating back to the 1800s. p9
IN PICTURES: SALTIRE AWARDS
OLD FILE: GLENMORANGIE
Tain Youth Cafe’s young volunteers are rewarding for their many hours helping out in the community. p18
Photographs from Tain Museum collection looking back at Glenmorangie Distillery. p12
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
PRICE £1.95
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
Perth Glasgow
Edinburgh
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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SEPTEMBER 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
IN THIS ISSUE Community council minutes Local news and notes Misc news / In Memory Pictures: Food Festival volunteers Around the Town Tain Breweries Tennis Junior Club Championship OLD FILE: Glenmorangie Through the Lens with Mark Janes Nostalgia with Alex Graham Saltire Awards Football News
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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 COUNCIL
COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES Minutes of the virtual Community Council of the Royal Burgh of Tain meeting held on 28th June 2021 at 7.30 pm in the Council Chamber, Tain. ATTENDEES Mr G Amos (Chair) Mr N Munro (For Part Of Meeting) Mr A Mohan (Vice-Chair) Mr G Holdsworth Mr N Akeroyd Mr D Macrae (Treasurer) Ms S Smith Mr Louden/Mr Rhind – Highland Councillors 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 record POLICE REPORT It was noted that traffic offences had doubled since last month, It was agreed to ask for a breakdown of the traffic offences figures. It was noted that it takes quite a while for the Police to answer 101, although if you press 4 after phoning that can get an answer quicker. It was agreed to ask the Police for the reason why it is so slow to get through to 101. As an aside Mr Amos indicated some dangerous driving at Lidl junction recently. Suggestions to combat this type of thing included monitoring cameras or petitioning
for roundabouts. MATTERS ARISING Ref Parking inappropriately at Mansfield Estate – it was noted that the parking situation has improved, and it was thought that the letters were sent out to certain householders. TAIN AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST Mr Macrae reported that there was a Community Market with a road closure. There were 36 stalls at it – track and trace was in place. The Food Festival is on Wednesday – 9 stalls. There are plans to run these for a few months, if prove successful. The meeting of the Easter Ross Peninsular was successful and positive. and it is hoped to hope another one for businesses only. The improvements on the Picture House is coming along, and there will be scaffolding up soon. There will be a poster competition for the schools. HIGHLAND COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Mr Louden reported that at the HC meeting last week that outturn surplus was £21 million, and borrowing has come down. Council Tax receipts have held up and with the impact of COVID – there has been a reduction in HC spending. It is hoped to spend money on roads and playparks. Improvements at King Street car park are continuing – this
project was pursued by Mrs Robertson and Mr Rhind. The path at the Rose Garden has been renewed. Work on the toilets has been delayed. Works will happen inside the Picture House as well as work outside, eg windows and a Pillar replaced. By the end of September, it will be a building people can go inside. Mr Louden has had discussions on the swimming pool in the new 3-18 campus – and when he can update, he will. Questions were asked and answered on – HC money (got more COVID grants than anticipated and Capital Grants pushed back), lack of public toilets (not sure what the delays in opening them up are – could be contractors or material), long grass at the top of the Mansfield Estate (Mr Louden to progress), grass round A9 traffic signs (Mr Louden to speak to BEAR/Transport Scotland), trees on St Andrews Road need trimmed (Mr Louden to progress), path between Scotsburn Road and Craighall trees need trimmed (Mr Louden to progress). There is rubbish munched and looks bad at Scotsburn Road towards Aldie – Mr Louden to progress. It was agreed that Mrs Mackay would email Mr Louden with a list of items for him to progress. COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY Sarah Mackenzie – Farm Jones Academy and GroForGo – it was agreed
that Mr Macrae would get in touch regarding this item. LETTERS Made in Tain – thanks have been received from Morag Matheson for the funding to Made in Tain from Beinn Tharsuinn Community Company. UNEXHAUSTED REMITS Beinn Tharsuinn Community Companyletters gone out to Made in Tain, Knockbreck Primary School and Book and Arts Festival telling them of the £500 grant each. Cemetery – still issues with the Old Cemetery, the gates are finished, maybe chicken wire is needed on the gate and wall to keep out the rabbits. It was agreed to put Old Cemetery on the Unexhausted remits list. Social Media – no report. Trees and Green Environment – Mr Amos to go to look at the state of the pond with Mr McAllister. It was noted that the toilet block may be turned into a cafe. It was agreed that Ms Smith would be the trees and green environment champion for the CC. 3-18 Campus – the design of the new Campus seems popular, but no swimming pool included, as yet. There was a virtual meeting on design last week. Car parking may be an issue. The meeting ended at 2055. The date of the next meeting is Monday 30th August 2021.
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Inverness.
LOCAL NEWS AND NOTES PEAT AND DIESEL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TAIN GALA ASSOCIATION Unfortunately due to restriction during Covid 19, Tain Gala were unable to apply for a Public Entertainment License. With such a short window of time after restriction were lifted we have been unable to obtain a Public Entertainment License in time for this event to go ahead in September. So therefore this event has been moved until Spring 2022. An exact date is yet to be announced, more information to follow as soon as we have the final details. AUTHOR JIM RAISES MONEY FOR CLOSE FRIEND’S CHARITIES Jim Oliver this past month launched a new auto-biographical look at his football playing days in his first book,
hilariously titled What the **** Were You Playing At?. Jim, whose former clubs include Dundee United, Clachnacuddin, Balintore and Tain St. Duthus, dedicated the book to his closest friend Alan Ross, who is currently battling cancer. Having arranged a book launch night, he decided to use the event as an opportunity to raise money for charities of Alan’s choosing. Holding a meet and greet at the Platform 1864 restaurant in Tain, Jim organised a raffle, an online auction and several guest appearances from local bands and speakers/ comedians - all in a bid to raise as much money as possible. By the end of the month, his efforts had seen just under £20,000 raised. Speaking on Facebook, Jim said, “When I began this
Fundraiser I had a target of £5k in mind that I was determined to get, but this outcome has blown my mind and I am completely overwhelmed by the kindness shown by everyone.” TAIN OVER 60s CLUB Tain over 60s club starts on Thursday 7th October at 2pm in the Duthac Centre. New members very welcome. RETIREMENT FOR MUSCIAL DIRECTOR Members of Tain Choral Group gathered for an afternoon tea in August as they marked the retirement of musical director Lydia Jackson, who has led the choir for almost 20 years. Group chairman Peter Smith led the thanks and presented her with a beautiful silver treble clef brooch designed by Heather Smith of
TAIN GALA 500 CLUB Ahead of a busy night at the Herchers Funfair at Tain Links, we drew the August 500 Club winners. Last time to catch Herchers Funfair in Tain – Sunday 29th August from 12 noon until 2.30pm and 3pm until 5.30pm. Here are the winners of our August 2021 500 Club Draw! 1st prize of £200 - Alison MacKenzie 2nd prize of £100 Andrew Watt 3rd prize of £50 Kathleen Maclennan 4th prize of £50 - Elspeth Macpherson 5th prize of £20 - Denise MacCaskill 6th prize of £20 - Sandra Tweedie 7th prize of £20 - John Dundas 8th prize of £20 - Agnes Taylor 9th prize of £20 - Pamela Fraser Congratulations to all who won this month. TAIN YOUTH CAFE If you are in Primary 7 then come along from Monday 30th August 7-8 pm to your very own night here at the youth cafe. Group is £1 per session and all places MUST be booked in advance due to track and trace and limited capacity. To book your place please msg us through Facebook. We are very excited to introduce our brand new Baking club 3.254.15 each Wednesday. This is for P6 pupils and will include simple bakes each week or cake decorating. It will be £2 a session and places must be pre booked.
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TAIN COMMUNITY
MISC. NOTICES
IN MEMORY RUSSELL (BALINTORE) Peacefully in the loving care of all at Kintyre House, Care Home, Saltburn, Invergordon on Tuesday 3 August 2021, Sybil Mary nee Philips, formerly of Harbour View, Balintore, beloved wife of the late Fred, loving mother of Robert, Ian and Lenny, dear mother-in-law of Mary, Liz and Ellen, a much loved gran, great gran and great great gran and loved by all the extended family and friends. PARR (TAIN) Peacefully at home, 17 Knockbreck Road, Tain on Sunday 8 August 2021, in the loving care of her family Doreen Jean Disberry, formerly of 2 Morangie Road, Tain, beloved wife of the late Bill Coutts and the late Harry Parr, a much loved mother of Karen and Lianne, a loving nan of Chloe, Jamie and Reuben, a dear motherin-law of Colin and John, a dearly loved sister of Val, Ronnie and the late Hazel and loved by all the extended family and friends. ROSS (FEARN) Suddenly but peacefully in the County Community Hospital Invergordon on Wednesday 11th August 2021, Violet Elrick Ross, nee Duff, Whinnie Brae, Rhynie Road, Fearn. Beloved wife of the late Neil Ross, (Neil the
Bobby), much loved mother and mother-inlaw to David and Susan, a dearly loved Gran to Victoria, Stephen and Hayley, adored Great Gran to Ellie, Arthur and Finn and a cherished sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. PATULLO (BALNAGORE, FEARN) Peacefully in The County Hospital, Invergordon on Wednesday 18 August 2021, Catherine “Cathy” Patullo, 2 Balnagore, Fearn beloved eldest daughter of the late Robert and Lena, much loved sister of Bob, Margaret, Jimmy and Alison, dear sister-inlaw of Rhona and Mary, a much loved aunt, great aunt and loved by all the extended family and friends. CARMICHAEL (PORTMAHOMACK) Peacefully in Wyvis House Care Home, Dingwall on Saturday 21st August 2021, Barbara Ann Cheetham, 9 Chapelhill, Portmahomack beloved wife of Donald, a dearly loved mother, granny, great granny, sister and loved by all the extended family and friends. THAIN (PITCALNIE, NIGG) James (Jim) Thain of Pitcalnie, Nigg, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at Invergordon County Community Hospital, on Sunday, 22nd August, 2021, aged 75 years.
Beloved husband of Joyce, dear dad, fatherin-law, granda, greatgranda and brother. SIMPSON (DOUNIE, EDDERTON) John George (Iain), passed away, peacefully at home, on Monday, 2nd August, 2021, aged 81 years. Beloved husband of May, father of Ewen, Colin and Leona, fatherin-law to Maureen, papa to Laura, Craig, John and Douglas, and greatgrandad to Lucas. REID (LAMINGTON/ DALKEITH) Peacefully, in Archview Lodge Care Home, Dalkeith, on Tuesday, 24th August, 2021, Douglas J. A. Reid formerly of ‘Crannach’, Lamington, Kildary, beloved husband of the late Grace, dearest father of Katherine and Marjory and father-in-law of Richard Houseman and a much loved grandad of John and James Houseman of Ingethorpe Moor Farm, Markington, North Yorks. MACKENZIE (NIGG/INVERGORDON / RHYNIE) It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Robert (Rob), on Friday, 13th August, 2021, aged 59 years. Proud father of Robert Andrew, son of the late Bert and Mary, brother of John, Donald, Alison and Louise and much loved uncle.
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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IN PICTURES: FOOD FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS Young people volunteering for Tain Youth Cafe and Tain & District Development Trust had a blast at this past month’s Food Festival at the Duthac Centre. Some of the Tain and District YMCA Youth Committee helped run a stall and also assisted at the entrance keeping a tally of attendance numbers for The Tain and District Development Trust. They were lucky to have the help of additional volunteers who also assisted at the entrance whilst keeping the grounds of the car park tidy. All of the volunteers helped in the clear up at the end too, doing a marvellous job with all stall holders commenting on their fabulous work ethic. They were a total credit to both the YMCA and The Tain and District Development Trust.
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MESSAGE FROM CLLR. DEREK LOUDEN
AROUND THE TOWN
AROUND THE TOWN Congratulations to Ailie and Archie, who won Tain Gala Association’s Window Treasure Hunt. The lucky winners were presented with their prize at the Tain & District Development Trust Market on Saturday 21st August. On the 7th September, indoor bowls start in the Duthac Centre, Tain. Commencing at 1:45pm, new members are always welcome! Tain & District Development Trust have some First Aid Courses available to volunteers and individuals with Lin Ferguson at our Enterprise Hub on Stafford Street.
My usual monthly surgery is cancelled at present.
The cost is £10 per person, per course. Course 1 - Save a Life Course (6 hrs training) Course 2 - Paediatric First Aid covers (approx. 3 hrs) Course 3 - How to perform CPR and use a defibrillator (approx. 1 hr). Please get in touch to be added to our interested list.
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
Mental health charity Mikeysline extended their thanks to Kats Macleod and the Tain & District Youth Cafe YMCA volunteers last month, who have been helping to raise awareness of Mikeysline by distributing leaflets in Tain and the surrounding areas. In a Facebook post, they said: “We are very grateful to them for their support. If you are a young person dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings then we are here for you.” Every Wednesday 4pm - 8pm at Tesco,
Tain - to book appointments contact yp@mikeysline.co.uk or use this link http://calendly.com/mikeysline/ outreachhive Or Text-based services Hours: Sun to Thurs -6pm to 10pm & Fri/Sat -7pm to 7am. TEXT 07786 20 77 55 or contact us via Facebook Messenger, Twitter, or live chat at www.mikeysline.co.uk.
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TAIN BREWERIES PART 1
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TAIN BREWERIES – PART 1 Brewing of ale would have taken place in Tain before the 19th Century but would have probably been on a small scale what might be termed a cottage industry – or perhaps by individuals mainly for their own use. The first hint of a brewery as such is in 1800, when a Captain Allan Robertson was granted a feu on the east side of Links for the erection of a brewery. However, I have found no evidence that this ever came to fruition. What is known is that a “Contract of Co-Partnery between the Partners of Tain Brewery” was drawn up in 1818 (a copy of which is in a ledger in the Museum Archive) for the purpose of forming a company to erect and carry on an ale brewery at Morangie. To this end “a Committee of Management” was to be formed with power to appoint “a fit person as manager & clerk and engage a brewer and maltsman” and a general meeting was to be held once a year at which the Committee of Management was to be elected “chosen from the Partners resident in Tain or the immediate neighbourhood”. A ‘tack’ (lease) of a piece of land in Morangie, on which the brewery was to be built, was obtained from Hugh Rose of Glastullich and Tarlogie by an initial committee composed of Hugh Ross of Knockbreck, William Baillie Rose of Rhinie, and James Harper, distiller in Balblair. The brewery would draw its water from the Morangie
Burn. In October 1818, a “Contractors Wanted” notice appeared in the local press appealing for tenders to build “a Strong Ale Brewery, with the necessary accommodation for Brewer, Servants etc.” The intention was that it should be built “during the ensuing spring.” At this point the Manager and Clerk to the Brewery was a Donald Ross. At some point he was succeeded by Mr M’Aulay, who himself, having resigned, was replaced by George Gallie in 1824. In 1825, an advertisement was placed for another “experienced brewer and maltsman”. Perhaps these changes were indicative of problems. Certainly one of the partners in the brewery had financial problems. In 1823, William Munro of Achany, “cattle dealer and partner in Tain Brewery”, was sequestrated (i.e. his property confiscated until his debts were paid). He died in 1825 and his estate was put up for sale by public roup in 1827. Then in 1832, the shareholders resolved to dissolve the “Co-Partnery concern” and the following year, in May 1833, the brewery utensils were put up for sale. Presumably there were no takers, as just over a month later, the brewery was advertised for let with “utensils complete.” Finally, it was announced in April, 1834 that “Mackenzie and Gallie [George who was still the manager
when the Co-Partnery was dissolved] have commenced the Brewing Trade in the premises lately occupied by the Tain Brewery Company” and had procured “an experienced brewer from the South.” This partnership lasted until, George Gallie died in January 1837. The brewery, which was recorded in an account written in August of that year as supplying “most of the neighbourhood with excellent ale”, was carried on by his partner, Colin Mackenzie, until 1841, when he too met his demise. His brother Daniel (later given as Donald - the two names were interchangeable in the 19th Century) Fowler Mackenzie then announced that he would “continue the business of brewing Ale & Porter commenced by his late brother Colin Mackenzie” and had “engaged the services of the brewer employed by his late brother”. It would appear another brewery existed contemporary with the Morangie Brewery. In April 1836, it was announced that brewery premises were to let “situated in Little Tain,
formerly occupied as a distillery, presently as a brewery.” This is most likely a distillery that had been put up for sale in June 1826 and advertised as a “small but commodious DISTILLERY, situated at the west end of the Town of Tain, belonging to, and presently occupied by David Sutherland, distiller.” There is seemingly no record of this distillery after 1827 when it was recorded as producing 472 gallons of whisky. It must have been sold sometime soon after that and converted to a brewery but just exactly when and who operated it is not yet known. As can be seen on the extract from a map showing the layout of Tain in 1832, there is a building marked to the north east of the Nursery (now the site of Mayfield and other houses) and the cottages at Springfield. It was not named as such but this is probably the location of the distillery and later brewery being referred to. Then in September 1838 (over two years after the1836 notice), J Norie & Co intimated that their “newly erected
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and commodious brewery” was now completed and that they had “commenced brewing Ale of every description” and had “engaged a practical and experienced brewer” and would shortly “commence brewing Porter”. They apparently operated under the name “Tain Brewery Company” as did the original ‘CoPartnery’, thus causing me much confusion when I initially embarked on my researches. Presumably, the Gallie/ Mackenzie partnership did not use this name. However, brewing seems to have been a precarious business and three years later, in August 1841, a “Notice to Debtors”
TAIN BREWERIES PART 1
asked “all persons indebted to J Norie & Co, late Brewers of Tain, to make payments to Mr William Maclennan Jr at the Brewery Buildings in Tain”. I have yet to establish who J Norie & Co were but their involvement in brewing in Tain was extremely short. Another 3 years pass and we find D F Mackenzie intimating that “he has removed from Morangie to the commodious premises near the Academy, known as the ‘Tain Brewery’” and that he is “retaining his current brewer”. This is undoubtedly the premises built by J Norie & Co and, despite the vague description “near
the Academy” confirms the site of J Norie & Co’s brewery as being that of the early distillery turned brewery. The brewery buildings are shown on the extract from a Map dated 1854. It is possible that when Mackenzie vacated the premises in 1844, the Morangie Brewery ceased to operate and lay empty as nothing more is heard until June 1848 when it was advertised to let “including utensils” with the suggestion that “if wished could be converted to a distillery” which is what indeed happened. Just over a year later (1849) it had indeed been converted into a distillery. William Matheson of Morangie
Farm, who had been a partner at the Balblair Distillery for 17 years, was its proprietor. This must have been a bitter pill for George Ross of Moorfarm who had appealed in 1941 for “people to invest in erecting Distillery Buildings and carrying on that description of business on land at Moorfarm”. His appeal had obviously been unsuccessful. The distillery at Morangie eventually developed into the world renowned Glenmorangie Distillery. The story of the Tain/ Springfield Brewery will be continued in the next article. Margaret Urquhart
TENNIS JUNIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Tain Tennis Club held their junior club championships over two days in August. On the morning of the 28th, the 8&U boys competition featured six lads playing a round robin, with Ethan emerging as winner and Ryan Sutherland as runner-up. The 14&U boys singles and Doubles took place with 8 boys. The singles medal was won Kieran Allan and the runner up was Kyle Corbett. In the Doubles, Kyle and Archie were victorious against Kieran and Fraser. The day started off with the 18&U boys singles which had four boys taking part, this was won by Marcus McAuley in a high quality final against Kieran Allan in a match tiebreak. The 18&U boys doubles was won by Kyle/Kieran against Marcus/Liam. Lastly, the 10&U boys singles, which had five players, they played a round robin and the winner was Brodie Murray and runner up Ryan Sutherland.
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OLD FILE: GLENMORANGIE
OLD FILE: GLENMORANGIE
Copies of these images were kindly donated to Tain & District Museum by Stewart Smart. The Album belonged to his Grandfather Gordon Smart who was for a long time, the Manager at Glenmorangie Distillery.
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
ISSUE #44
THROUGH THE LENS
PHOTOGRAPHING THE NIGHT SKY Living in the Highlands we are blessed with some spectacular night skies. The lack of light pollution and clean air lead to views of the stars that would be the rival of locations such as the Sahara Desert. Oh, and we get the Northern Lights too (sometimes)! As we move into early Autumn and the nights start to draw in, it’s the perfect time to get out for some night sky photography. We tend to get clear skies in September, and it’s not too cold yet! Now, photographing planets, nebulae, star clusters and other “deep space” objects requires skill, practice and dedicated equipment. But “widefield” photography is accessible to anyone with a reasonable camera and a tripod. Wide-field subjects include; the Milky Way, Northern Lights, stellar constellations and noctilucent clouds. Getting Started The Milky Way is a great place to start. It is predictable, easy to find and can provide some beautiful photographs. By contrast, trying to photograph the aurora can be frustrating, but worth trying if you don’t mind the odd disappointment. In Northern Scotland the milky way is visible somewhere in the sky any time from September to April. Outside this time the sky never really
MARK JANES
gets dark enough to get a good shot. In the Autumn the best views can be had towards the south / south-west, where the milky way tumbles down towards the horizon. Camera settings can be a case of trial and error but, as a start, set your standard kit lens to its widest focal length (1824mm). Shooting in manual mode, open the aperture as wide as it will go and try a shutter speed of 20 seconds
with ISO set to 3200. This shutter speed should “freeze” the stars and render them as pinpoints rather than trails. Choose a dark, moonless night and set your camera on the tripod. Allow your eyes to adjust to the dark and you should see the milky way as a misty white band in the sky. Focussing can be one of the biggest challenges with night photography. The best approach is
to plan ahead and use manual focussing to focus on a distant object during the day. Secure the focussing ring on the lens with a piece of sticky tape to prevent it moving in your bag. If you need to focus at night, try to find the brightest star you can, and focus on that. Moving On – Aurora Photography The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) is
MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
actually very easy to photograph. You just need a view towards the northern horizon. In the Tain area, any view to the north across the Dornoch Firth will work well. It also has the advantage of being over water, opening the way for some great reflections. Try setting your aperture to its widest, shutter speed of around 15 seconds and ISO 1600, but be prepared to experiment. The challenge with the aurora is its relative rarity. It appears over an 11-year cycle and, just now, we are near solar minimum. However there have already been some reasonable displays this
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year. Keep an eye on www.aurora-alerts.uk for real-time information on whether the aurora is visible. Did you like this article? Why not email me and let me know what you’d like to see covered in future issues. If you’ve got any questions about the settings on your camera, email me those too and we’ll see if we can put them together into a “Q&A” section. If you’re a Facebook user, why not join our online photoclub? (Tain and District Online Photo Club) we’d love to see your pictures there. markjanesphotographer @gmail.com
The "TOFF's" (Tain over 55's) of Tain Golf Club last month purchased a new mower for the Greens Team. Pictured are Ross and "Swanny," the Flymo Fighter Pilot pictured here receiving the the new bit of kit from some of the Toffs.
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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
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TAIN YMCA
SALTIRE AWARD SCHEME PRESENTATIONS
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TAIN YMCA
YOUNGSTERS RECOGNISED FOR VOLUNTEERING HOURS Since January 2020, Tain & District Youth Café YMCA have enrolled 30 youngsters and young adults onto the Saltire Award Scheme. Since then they have volunteered some 3,607 hours with 26 different projects covering 20 local organisations ranging from The Tain Youth Café YMCA itself to Mikeysline, Tain and District Development Trust, Tain Tennis Club, Tain Bike Track, Tain Juniors Football Club, Tain St Duthus Cubs, Tain Rainbows, Tain Gala Association, Ross County Girls Football Club, The Highland Hospice Shop, Edderton Community Shop, Edderton Drama Club, Edderton Primary School and Inver Meals on Wheels. In August, Tain Youth Cafe held an awards night to bring all of their volunteers together to celebrate their achievements and to recognise all that they do for our community. Certificates (ranging from 10 hours to 500 hours) were handed out by our Senior Youth and Community Worker. Three individuals achieved the highest award of 500 hours which, as all will agree, is a fantastic accomplishment. Thank you certificates were presented to those who have just enrolled onto the Saltire Scheme but have yet to complete their first 10 hours, ensuring no one felt left out on the night.
Once the Presentation Ceremony was over, everyne was treated to hot dogs, chicken nuggets, cakes and the Tain Youth Café YMCA’s famous “Ice Cream Drainpipe”. Once seen, never forgotten….. have to say it went down a treat! If you are a young person and would like to find out about volunteering within your local community and how this can help you work towards an award at the same time then please contact Kats, Awards and Hub Co-ordinator at the YMCA (kats@ tainyouthcafe.co.uk) for more information. If you are an adult and would like to find out more about joining the YMCA team then contact us on office@ tainyouthcafe.co.uk or call 01862 894252.
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TAIN YMCA
ST DUTHUS U18 TEAM KICK OFF HIGHLAND LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Saints’ young football hopefuls, who missed out on over a year of football due to the pandemic, finally got back to playing competitive games last month when they welcomed league new boys Keith to Grant Park for their Highland League U18 North division opener. The score on the day did not go in the Young Saints favour, finishing 7-2 to the Morayshire side - but there were flashes of quality on display from the Tain youngsters. Midfielder Alex Mackenzie gave the best showing offering up two goals for his side - both in the second half. The first, a neat exchange with Ross Mackenzie played him in on goal and he tucked it beyond the Keith goalkeeper with a nice finish. The second was one to remember as he worked hard to win the ball 30 yards out before turning to chip the Keith goalkeeper who was off of his line. In September, they will look to pick up their first points with a home game against Wick Academy and a trip away to new league members Buckie Thistle.
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ST. DUTHUS FOOTBALL CLUB
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FIXTURES/RESULTS 2021-22
FRUSTRATING START TO THE SEASON FOR SAINTS August was a month of mixed fortunes for St. Duthus Football Club, as they got their long anticipated 2021-22 season underway. Stuart Ross’s side played two friendly matches in the first two weekends of August - both on the road - against fellow North Caledonian League hopefuls Nairn County and Alness United. Saints won both games and looked convincing throughout, with goals spread throughout the new look side, and up to eight new additions making their first appearances in Saints colours, giving good showings. On August 21st, the club played their first competitive match - and it certainly could have gone better. Having played Nairn just a fortnight prior, it may have been the case that Saints expected a similar afternoon, but with several Highland League squad members thrown into the Nairn side, it proved to be a very different affair. St. Duthus were the aggressors in a closely fought first half, and they appeared to open the scoring through Ben Bruce after just 23 minutes but the goal was chalked off inexplicably for offside. It took just another few minutes for them to break the deadlock though, when Jake Lockett crossed for Kyle Mackenzie to knock the ball in at the back post. The lead was short lived though, as Nairn got themselves level just six minutes later from a free kick which was poorly defended at the near post. The game remained level well into
7/8 14/8 21/8 28/8 4/9 11/9 18/9 25/9 2/10 9/10 23/10 30/10 6/11 13/11 20/11 27/11 4/12 11/12 18/12 8/1 15/1 22/1 29/1 12/2 19/2 26/2 5/3
injury time - and a lot of it there was too thanks to a head collision between Finn AsChainey and Ben Bruce. There was late drama when Nairn eventually snatched a late lead, from another free kick, before Billy Cairns equalised with a debut goal for St. Duthus - but a very late sting in the tale handed Nairn the points on the counter attack, and the game ended 3-2 to the hosts. Back in the comfort of home soil a week later, Saints welcomed Halkirk United to Grant Park - and they were left to rue missed chances and costly mistakes in an eight goal thriller that really should finished as a comfortable win. In firm control during the first half, clever play had seen them go 2-0 up after 36 minutes, Billy Cairns snatching his second goal of the season with a finish from close range to open the scoring, and Ben Bruce steering the ball past the Anglers’ keeper with a header on the end of a Ross Tokely cross. Despite their dominance, a dubious penalty award offered Halkirk a lifeline just before the break when the ball struck the arm of defender Lewis Smith. With the spot kick scored, the half time score flattered Halkirk at 2-1. A torrid start to the second half saw Halkirk draw level with a good goal, and Saints seemed to be undoing the hard work of the first half - that was until Jake Lockett fired high into the net on the rebound after a flurry of shots at goal to make it 3-2.
Nairn Co. (A) Fr. 2-1 Alness Utd (A) Fr. 5-1 Nairn Co. (A) Lge 2-3 Halkirk Utd (H) Lge 4-4 Bonar Br. (A) Lge Halkirk Utd (H) FT Cup R1 Inverness (H) Lge Loch Ness (A) Lge TBC FT Cup QF Alness Utd (H) Lge TBC FT Cup SF Orkney (H) Lge Thurso (A) Lge Invergordon (H) Lge Golspie S. (H) Lge Nairn Co. (H) Lge Halkirk Utd (A) Lge Bonar Br. (H) Lge Inverness (A) Lge Inverness (A) NC Cup R1 Loch Ness (H) Lge Alness Utd (A) Lge TBC NC Cup QF Orkney (A) Lge TBC NC Cup SF Thurso (H) Lge Invergordon (A) Lge
Not long after, Bruce doubled his tally for the afternoon with a great finish to make it 4-2 and it seemed as though Saints had reinstated their advantage and would see the game out. But Halkirk showed their persistence and slack defending allowed them to reduce the deficit just after the hour mark. Saints appeared to have restored their two goal lead when debutant substitute Adrian Voigt scored a very good goal on the end of a Gary Millard square ball, but the near side linesmen flagged for offside. The game ended in calamity when visiting goalkeeper Kieron McLeod launched a long free kick into the box, which St. Duthus Ryan Renwick misjudged, and Halkirk somehow had levelled the score at 4-4. It could have a grandstand finish in injury time when Alan Geegan was fouled in the box and Saints were awarded a penalty kick - but if ever there was a sign that it truly wasn’t to be, this was it - as veteran forward Liam Rostock stepped up and fired wide of the post. Alas, St. Duthus had to make do with the point to round off a frustrating match and a rocky month.
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