COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL BURGH OF TAIN AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
#254 FEBRUARY
2022
FEBRUARY 2022
THE HISTORY OF TAIN’S WATER MILLS
FORMER PLAYER’S GENEROUS GIFT
Heavy lifting involved as the next phase of the Tain Picture House restoration is completed. p9
A generous donation is made by a former football player following the passing of his best friend. p18
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
COVID VACCINE - IN THE CHILD’S INTEREST? Natalie Bruce looks at the law behind child vaccinations and how courts will handle it. p12
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The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking. Please savour our whiskies in moderation. Correct at time of print for 2021.
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FEBRUARY 2022
FEBRUARY 2022
IN THIS ISSUE Community council minutes In memory Local news & announcements M Urquhart: Water Mills pt. 1 Tain Museum: A Seaforth’s Story Family Law with Natalie Bruce Knockbreck Primary School Through the Lens with Mark Janes Tain Academy: Writers Corner “Former Player’s Generous Gift” Football news Other sport Nostalgia with Alex Graham Editors - Niall Harkiss & Lucy Veals Email info@tainpost.co.uk Tel 01862 857366 | Mob 07527 134574 Digital archive www.tainpost.co.uk/archive or issuu.com/tainpost
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TAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
TAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL Minutes of the virtual Community Council of the Royal Burgh of Tain meeting held on 29th November 2021 at 7.30 pm.
on old shells on the waterbeds on the Firth so mussels can cling to them, as had been done in New Zealand successfully.
ATTENDEES Mr G Amos (Chair) Mr A Mohan (Vice-Chair) Mr G Holdsworth Ms S Smith Mr D Macrae Mr Louden/Mr Rhind – Highland Councillors
Mr Rhind’s report – he reported that the water leak on Hartfield Road is getting fixed by Scottish Water. The repair works on the public toilets will be starting in January. However, they were opened up for the Christmas Community Market. Gritting has just started, and Mr Rhind will monitor the situation. The mobile street sweeper was in the Burgh for a few days. There are discussions about new lighting for the High Street, including CCTV and Christmas lights. After the discussions, findings will come back to the CC to talk about options. The Christmas Lights switch on was successful – the Duthac Hotel owners switched on the lights. Mr Rhind apologised to the CC for not involving them more, but it was a busy time.
There were apologies from Mrs Robertson, Ms Houliston and Mr Nutt. The Minutes of the virtual meeting held on 27th September 2021 were approved by Mr Holdsworth, and seconded by Mr Mohan HIGHLAND COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS Mr Louden reported that there are revenue and capital discussions on next years HC budget. HC Officers are producing a report on a potential swimming pool in the forthcoming 3-18 Campus with suggestions on how to fund it. There have been some development areas in, and some out in Tain in the Inner Moray Firth Plan. Hoped to get some areas zoned for housing. The recent 3-18 Campus stakeholders meeting was postponed to next week. A report on Tain Mussel Fisheries went to the Easter Ross Area Committee – some areas are stable and some areas are depleted. There was discussions
BLUE CARBON Mr Louden reported that blue carbon is putting seaweed on the seabed, which is a way of storing carbon. There is a market for this and may generate income. 20 MILES PER HOUR (MPH) ROAD ZONES The map outlining the 20 MPH road zones were previously circulated. It was noted that Geanies Street is within the 20 MPH road zone area. It
was agreed to leave this item on the agenda for next month, for any new comments. Arising out of this item – it was noted that lights go out in Geanies Street between 6.30 – 7.30 pm on a Wednesday. Mr Louden and Mr Rhind to monitor the situation and report back. LETTERS Communication received from the Police on Rogue Traders – any concerns contact Trading Standards for advice. Mr Amos to pass information to Mrs Mackay to circulate. Nairn CC have contacted the CC, and are requesting more communities to write to MSP’s asking for Common Good Land to be part of the Land Reform Act. COMMON GOOD FUND (CGF) Mr Louden reported that a CGF report went to the Easter Ross Area Committee, and there is a deficit for the year in Tain. It has been asked of HC Officer’s which assets were transferred to HC in the 1970’s.
Arising out of this item was a request to get the keys of Duthac House as it was felt the building was too long without maintenance. After discussion, it was agreed to ask Helen Ross who maintained the building. SOCIAL MEDIA/ FACEBOOK Mr Amos still to do an introduction on our Facebook page. Trees and Green Environment –Ms Smith noted that there are still leaves on the path between Scotsburn Road and Craighill Road which are very slippery. Mr Rhind indicated that here was concerned about trees in that area. He will send an email to Nick Richards and will chase it up. Mr Rhind to look at the trees in that area. Senior Citizen’s Party – whilst no one wishes to cancel the Senior Citizen’s Party, Mr Amos will keep an eye on COVID levels and will let people know if it is cancelled or going ahead. The meeting ended at 8.25pm. The date of the next meeting is Monday 31st January 2022.
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NEWS & NOTICES
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR I begin by wishing you all a belated Happy New Year as we return following a brief one month hiatus. A combination of new arrivals, job changes and other commitments left us very short on resources over the festive period. Even with the best will in the world, we would not have been able to a January edition justice with such little time to devote to it. Consequently, you will have noticed that this issue is the first of 2022 for the Tain & District Picure Post. We are, however, hoping that this will be us back to normal going forward. Although, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that we could use some help from willing volunteers when it comes to sourcing new content and keeping the magazine fresh and interesting. We are looking at ways in which the Picture Post can adapt to what is a rapidly changing world when it comes to media and sharing of information. Not just in terms of broadening the choice people have to read news and features, but also in how the publisher itself chooses to reach its community. As a magazine, we have stayed true to print, as this in essence is what a magazine is, fundametally. I still do not think that the Tain & District Picture Post would be beloved or appreciated in the same way if it were to become a website, with menus, pop-up ads and streams of identical posts, some of which may never
be clicked on, or just skimmed past. It is and should always be a magazine in my eyes, a collection of spreads of articles which are full of individuality each with their own charm. What I do wonder though, is how we can reach more people in Tain and the surrounding area? When I visited Crieff recently, I came across the Crieff & Comrie Quair - a beautifully produced full colour community magazine which is described as open access, monthly magazine delivered FREE to all 6,000 homes and businesses in their district and available to pick up for free in shops. This is made possible by unwavering support across the board from the business community by means of subtle advertising throughout. I don’t know if a similar model would work in Tain, and there are lots of things to consider in moving to a structure like that - but it’s one of several things we might be considering for 2022. As ever, we are open to suggestions on what can be done to improve things in the magazine, and how we can reach more readers. Lastly, I just wanted to thank all who supported us throughtout 2021 from our readers, regular subscribers, advertisers and our outlets - you all continue to make it worthwhile. Best wishes, Niall Harkiss Editor
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IN MEMORY FRASER (FEARN) Peacefully in his home, 8 Gordon Place, Fearn on Sunday 30 January 2022, Alexander “Sandy” Albert Fraser, beloved husband of Wilma, much loved fa-ther of Nick and Sandra, dear brother of Donald, Jean and Esther and loved by all the extended family and friends. VASS (BALINTORE) Peacefully in the Meadows Care Home, Dornoch on Sunday 23 January 2022, Kenneth “Ken” Hugh Vass, aged 97 years, 2 East Street, Balintore, beloved husband of the late Lorraine, much loved father of Ian, Margaret and the late Kenny, dearly loved father-inlaw of Linda, Billy and June, loving gramp of James, Andrew, Iain, James, Kenneth, Johann and Katherine, a dear great gramps and loved by all the extended family and friends. MILNE (EDDERTON) Peacefully in The County Hospital, Invergordon on Friday 21 January 2022, Margaret Milne, Ardvannie Croft, Edderton, beloved wife of the late John, dearly loved mother of Christine and Andrew, loving mother-in-law of Susan, a much loved granny of Callum and Ayleen and loved by all the extended family and friends. STEIN (TAIN) Suddenly in his home, Library House, Stafford Street, Tain on Friday 14 January 2022, Oscar
Stein aged 99 years, beloved husband of the late Elise and Rosa Grant, loving father of Colin, much loved grandad of Bryan, Stephanie and Rachel dear great grandad of Rieley and loved by all the extended family and friends. REID (TAIN) Very suddenly, on Sunday, 26th December, 2021, shortly after being admitted to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, Marjorie Reid, in her 100th year, 10 Tower Street, Tain (former Primary School Headmistress). Loved by all her extended family and friends. GEEKIE (TAIN) Peacefully, in her home, 12 Manse Crescent, Tain, on Saturday, 11th December, 2021, Jean Gammie, beloved wife of the late David, dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Andrew and Lindsey, a much loved granny Jean of Alasdair and Cameron and loved by all the extended family and friends. STEWART (TAIN) Suddenly but peacefully, in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness on Saturday, 4th December, 2021, Jessie Crombie Crichton, Tain, beloved wife of the late David, dearly loved mother of Linda and Douglas, a loving gran and mother-in-law and loved by all her extended family and friends.
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IN MEMORY
LOCAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS TAIN OVER 60S CLUB CHRISTMAS DINNER The Annual Christmas Party for Tain Over 60s Club was held in the Royal Hotel last night. It was enjoyed by all who attended. The organisers wish to thank the Hotel for their hospitality and tasty dinner, as well as the shops and the distillery for their generous donations to the raffle. (Pictured right) TAIN LAWN TENNIS CLUB In light of current Covid restrictions the decision has been taken to postpone the tennis club AGM. (Originally set for 19th January). The AGM will now take place on Wednesday 23rd February 2022. Further details will be sent out nearer the time. The current committee would welcome new committee members. Please speak to a committee member or email the club if you would be interested. TAIN & DISTRICT YMCA Groups running next week are detailed below - please note some changes due to current covid situation. P7 group will hopefully restart Monday 17th but please keep an eye out for updates. Monday Under 1’s Group - spaces available please msg to book on P5/6 Crafty Club (fully booked) S1 upwards Girls Group Tuesday S1 upwards drop-in -
this session is limited to the first 20 young people to arrive and if you leave the session you cannot re-enter Wednesday Toddlers - limited to the first 15 families to book please pm to book your space P6 Baking Club (fully booked) Youth Committee Awards drop-in -
any young people completing any awards pop in and see Kats each Wednesday evening Thursday S1 upwards drop-in running the same as Tuesday evening Friday Under 1’s group (now fully booked) Primary Young Carers Edderton drop-in
PORTMAHOMACK CINEMA FUNDRAISER Portmahomack has long held a well-attended New Year’s Day concert in the village hall involving talented performers drawn from across the community. With covid restrictions this year, the decision was made to build on the successful ‘Sofa Sessions’ run online by Emma and Jane Foster during lockdown by having the usual concert again this year, but on Facebook. A wide array of talented acts filmed performances which were then released at prearranged times on the evening of 1st of January by the host of the event, Ross Duff. From rousing ceilidh band tunes to comedy songs and wonderful instrumentals, performers of all ages contributed to a memorable celebration for the village.
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NEWS & NOTICES
Pupils at Knockbreck Primary bid farewell to Miss Maclennan and Mrs Thompson before the Christmas break. In a post shared on Facebook, the school thanked them both for all of their hard work and noted that they will both be missed. In lieu of contributions from ticket sales, the organisers asked for donations towards keeping the village’s community cinema going in the Carnegie Hall. The showing of films on a big screen in the hall was started by Moira and Kenny Aitken about 10 years ago and subsequently by Emma and Jane Foster round 6 years ago, up until the onset of the pandemic. Iain Morrison, from the Hall Committee, commented that “The talent and generosity in this village never ceases to amaze me. The concert was fantastic, and we are very grateful to Ross, Emma Foster and Jane Foster for allowing us to raise money for our community cinema. This was recently restarted by local couple Émilie and Samir Atmane and there are significant licensing costs involved for a small, voluntary group. The kindness of donors means we will be able to run the cinema for the next year at least.” The performances can be accessed by asking to join the ‘Sofa Session from the Port’ Facebook Group,
and anyone wanting to support the village cinema can do so by donating at www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/ carnegiehallcinema THE OZAN KAYMAK MEMORIAL AWARD The Youth Committee nomination for the Ozan Kaymak Memorial Award for 2021 is Olivia Macleod. Olivia has been a valuable member of the Youth Committee since joining 5 years ago. During that time she has matured from a shy girl into a young lady who is very much admired by her fellow Youth Committee Members.
Her peers describe her as very kind and welcoming - not only at our weekly Committee Meetings but also when helping at other various drop-ins. She is friendly, helpful, a good listener who is always there for others, full of good ideas and very committed to the YMCA (infact she’s hardly missed a meeting since joining us!). Olivia has also represented the young people at Board Meetings which is very daunting in itself! If there is any YMCA event or local event on that requires volunteers – Olivia is always there
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smiling and helping not only fellow members of the Youth Committee but also other organisations within our community. Olivia was also nominated for and won a YMCA Scotland Young Person of the Year Award several years ago which reflects her commitment to the YMCA on a wider scale than just Tain. On behalf of your fellow Youth Committee Family – many congratulations Olivia and thank you for being the fantastic role model that you are to us all.
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MARGARET URQUHART - WATER MILLS PT 1
MARGARET URQUHART: WATER MILLS PT. 1 Waterwheels were first used in SE Europe and the Near East by the 2nd Century BC for raising water for irrigation, followed shortly afterwards for turning stones for milling grain. The first wheels were horizontal. Vertical wheels were first introduced into Britain by the Romans during the 1st Century AD. They are driven by the impulse of water striking the floats (paddles) at or near the bottom of the vertical wheel, at the top or at the level of the wheelshaft which is connected to an inner wheel with gearing to operate one or more sets of millstones or other machinery. Waterwheels were used in Medieval times for corn milling, fulling cloth, crushing oak bark to make tannin and for forging iron. In the Post Medieval period (16th-18th Centuries) more trades adopted power-driven machinery, in particular for making textiles especially weaving linen and woollen cloth, wood working (sawmills), metal working and snuff milling. By the mid-19th Century, steam power largely replaced water power in the major industries such as textiles, mining and heavy engineering but conventional waterwheels remained and continued to be built for light industry such as corn milling, water pumping and agriculture e.g. threshing. By the end of the 19th Century country water-powered mills could only compete with steam power as long
as local demand continued but gradually the need for maintenance and the growing cost of repairs made the smaller mills uneconomic and many fell vacant or were even demolished. Water milling required a source of running water such as a river, stream or burn and suitable terrain so that the water would be reasonably fast flowing or could be led along a specially cut channel (lade) to a point above the mill site thus creating a head of water. Building a mill dam or pond (usually at the highest point above the mill) to store water ensured a more constant supply. From the dam the water would be directed via a lade to the waterwheel and from the mill by another channel back into the river or along another lade to another mill further down. All the known mills of Easter Ross were certainly Post Medieval and are unlikely to date much further back than the late
18th, early 19th Century, some may even be later. However, it is likely that earlier mills occupied the same or, at least, nearby sites. The constant need for repairs and improvements in milling techniques and equipment probably meant new mills were periodically built. There is evidence to suggest that earlier mills were, if anything, more numerous, at least in some locations. Peter Mackenzie of Hilton farm believed there may have been, at some point in the past, 16 wheels operated by the system of dams and lades on the Aldie burn/ Tain River watercourse. This would include several thrashing mills, perhaps some wheels pumping water to farmhouses etc as well as corn, saw and woollen mills. Further, in Tarbat Easter Ross, a Historical Sketch by Alexander Fraser and Finlay Munro, it is claimed that 2 water powered mills existed in 1672, one at Meikle Tarrel and one at
Ballone and, later, mills also at Wilkhaven and at Lower Seafield as well as a site between Lower Seafield and Drumnacroy. However, in this area, wind was also harnessed for milling purposes and eventually steam was widely used particularly for threshing. At Rockfield Mills a steam engine powered a saw mill as well as a corn mill. In earlier times, most mills were built by estate owners or burghs and tenants were thirled to their use i.e. they were bound to have their corn ground at the mill provided and to pay a duty in cash, kind or service. This system of thirlage was common in this area. Querns (handmills) were sometimes needed in summer if a mill did not have enough water to drive it. They were also used (if the tenants could get away with it) to avoid having to pay the multures (dues) so at other times of the year the querns were if possible broken or confiscated. A typical service required of the tenants would be transporting materials, stone and wood, for maintenance of the mill. Mills were often rented out by the landowners or leased to a tacksman or multurer whose duty was to collect the dues that were paid by the users of the mill. This system of thirling or astricting tenants to use a particular mill was often subject to abuse and caused many disputes and quarrels. Unfair dues and measures were a common complaint from tenants against the possessors, millers or miller’s assistants as were complaints about nonpayment of dues by the
MARGARET URQUHART - WATER MILLS PT 1
tenants thirled to the mills. However, the system was not all bad as the setting up of a mill was a great convenience. Using a combination of map and documentary evidence it is possible to obtain a reasonably accurate picture of the number, type and distribution of the water mills that existed in Easter Ross in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Their distribution, as one would expect, shows a concentration in certain favoured areas which satisfied the necessary requirements of water supply and suitable terrain - the Aldie Burn/Tain River watercourse, Balnagown River/Kindeace Burn area, Nigg Hill and the streams flowing northwards off the hills to the north west of Tain. The 19th-20th century mills in the area
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fall into 4 categories - corn mills, saw mills, thrashing mills or woollen (carding) mills. Of these 4 types of mill I have not come across much documentary evidence for the thrashing mills. Most farms until the steam age had their own thrashing mill, even if only horse powered and they were not commercial ventures. I have assumed that the water mills I have found on the old maps, for which there is no mention in the documents I have consulted, are thrashing mills. Apart from these, corn mills were the most numerous and most important in this area, followed by sawmills. In further articles, I propose to deal in more detail with some of these mills especially those local to Tain such as Aldie and Hilton and Scotsburn Mills.
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MESSAGE FROM CLLR. DEREK LOUDEN
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2022 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 & DISTRICT MUSEUM
TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM:
A SEAFORTH’S STORY
Robert James Sellar (Bobby or Bob) was born in Portsmouth on the 19th of October, 1915. His family moved to Tain in the 1930s and Bobby joined the Seaforth Highlanders shortly before the outbreak of World War II. Bobby was sent to France and captured on 12th June 1940 whilst fighting the rearguard action at St Valery with the 51st Highland Division. He was moved from France to Germany and then in 1943 to Czechoslovakia where he was interned in a camp at Troppau, now called Opava in Moravia in northern Czechoslovakia. There he met 21-yearold Gertrude Maria Milas(Trudy) who was administrating the food rations to the camps. Love blossomed. Trudy and two of her friends managed to persuade
the camp guards to allow them to spend a little time with Bobby and two of his friends. These friendships lasted for the rest of their lives. As the Germans retreated the prisoners were moved to camps in Poland and so the pair were parted. On 9th May 1945, Bobby was repatriated and put on a train to France. He had no intentions of going without Trudy; he jumped from the train and started the 1000 mile journey back to Troppau to find her. The next day Bobby met Gehard Degeharat, a young German man who had been taken prisoner by the Russians and had been put on a train to Siberia. Bob and Gerhard joined forces. They managed to acquire vehicles for part of the journey but had to live off their wits,
sleeping on straw and finding food wherever they could. By 15th May they reached Troppau, Gerhard waited in the woods while Bob searched for Trudy. Meanwhile, Trudy’s father had been killed and her home had been bombed, destroying all her family’s possessions. Bob found Trudy and they married in Troppau on 12th June 1945. Bob always said afterwards “He was captured on 12th June 1940 the first time and captured for life on 12th June 1945”. Trudy arranged papers for Gerhard to travel to Prague then back home to Germany. Gerhard later published a diary of his journey with Bob. Bobby brought Trudy back to Tain in 1946 where they raised two children, Denise and Peter and spent the rest of their lives together.
Tain & District Branch Cats Protection Telephone: (0345) 371 2737 Email: taincats@aol.com www.tain.cats.org.uk
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FAMILY LAW WITH NATALIE BRUCE
FAMILY LAW WITH NATALIE BRUCE
COVID-19 VACCINE – IN THE CHILD’S INTERESTS?
How will the Courts rule if there is a clash of views between parents (or others with parental responsibility) over whether a child should receive the Covid-19 vaccine? Natalie Bruce of Harper MacLeod LLP considers the first such case in England. --------On 12 September 2021 the Covid-19 vaccination programme was extended to enable children aged between 12 and 15 to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. As anticipated, it wasn’t long before the issue of vaccinating a child against Covid-19 was brought before the Courts. We have now seen what is said to have been the first case of its kind presented in England, before the High Court of Justice Family Division at Grimsby in Re: C (Looked After Child) (Covid-19 Vaccination). THE FACTS This case concerned a 12 year old boy who was the subject of a Local Authority care order. He was living in a Local Authority placement
and had been since December 2015. The child’s mother and father retained their parental rights and responsibilities in relation to the child. Due to the care order in place, the Local Authority also held parental rights and responsibilities in relation to the child. The child’s views were that he wished to have the Covid-19 and also the winter flu vaccinations. The Local Authority were supportive of this, as was the child’s father. The child’s mother however was opposed to the child receiving either vaccine. The Local Authority made an application to the High Court for a declaration that it could override the wishes of the child’s mother in the circumstances, to enable the child to receive the vaccinations. THE OPPOSITION The child’s mother’s position was a strong but generalised concern about the vaccines. She did not consider the Covid-19 vaccination to be tried and tested. She considered the flu vaccination to be unsafe. She accepted that were no medical issues specific to the child that raised concerns about the vaccines, though she said the child may have had an
unknown condition that would put him at risk. She sought more time to look into the safety and efficacy of the winter flu vaccine, and she did not wish her child to receive the Covid-19 vaccination a until such time as there was what she would regard as “compelling evidence that it is safe and effective”. She did not accept that the decisions made about the National vaccination programmes were based on sound evidence. In addition, the child’s mother sought clarification as to who would be responsible for any adverse reaction the child might suffer following vaccination, stating that she would hold the Court responsible. The child’s mother produced items to the Court described as ‘anti Covid-19 vaccination propaganda’. The Court found the material to be devoid of evidence and rational argument, failing to point to any peer reviewed research that would raise any significant concern about the safety and efficacy of either vaccine. NATIONAL GUIDANCE The Local Authority relied on advice published by the UK Health Security Agency (“UKHSA”), citing the view of the Chief Medical Officers
that one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine would provide good protection for young people against severe illness and hospitalisation, and help reduce the risk of Covid-19 spreading within schools and the need for time off school, thereby keeping young people emotionally well and happier – an important consideration. Similar guidance was referred to in respect of the winter flu vaccination. THE CHILD’S VIEWS The child, whose views were taken by a Guardian appointed to him, expressed that he was frustrated by his mother’s position. He had weighed up the evidence about the vaccines and reflected upon his own circumstances. In particular, he had concerns about the risk of infection of a disabled child who he lived with in his current placement. He considered his mother’s views were not ‘smart’. He was clear that he wished to receive both vaccinations. DECISION In the absence of any specific evidenced based concerns about this particular child receiving these vaccinations, or any new peer-reviewed research calling into question the efficacy and/or safety of the
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FAMILY LAW WITH NATALIE BRUCE
vaccines, the Court did not consider it necessary or appropriate delve into an assessment of the vaccines themselves nor seek expert evidence. The Court was satisfied that the National vaccination programmes were based on a wealth of scrutinised evidence and, as the vaccines had been approved and recommended by the UKHSA, the Court was satisfied that these vaccines are in the best interests of children at the specified ages. The Court acknowledged that vaccines are not free from a risk of harm to a child. It also acknowledged that not giving a vaccine also gives rise to a risk of harm to a child. However, before a National programme of vaccination is rolled out, such risks require to be carefully considered and balanced against the benefits of vaccination. For the Court’s purposes, this case was simplified to some extent as the child himself wished to have the vaccines. The Court was satisfied in the circumstances that the Local Authority, with a care order in place, could override the mother’s wishes in this case and proceed with the vaccinations. COMMENTARY Whilst this is the first case relating to the administering of a Covid-19 vaccination, there have been a number of cases presented before the English Courts with similar disputes surrounding the administration of a vaccine to a child. In 2013, the case of FvF saw the High Court
order that two children, aged 11 and 15, be administered the MMR vaccination, despite their mother’s and their own opposition. The children’s father was in favour of the children receiving the vaccination. Whilst the Court was bound to take the children’s views into account, it found their views lacked a mature and appropriate understanding of the issues surrounding the vaccination. The Court acknowledged their statutory duty to treat the child’s welfare as its paramount consideration and in the circumstances the children’s views could not override that duty. The children were therefore ordered to receive the vaccination. We are yet to see a case come before a Scottish Court regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. However, this English case law supports the approach we would expect a Scottish Court to take; to follow the National Government guidance in favour of vaccination in the absence of any specific contraindication relating to the child concerned. --------Originally from Edinburgh, Natalie moved up to the Highlands in 2014. Natalie has a varied background, starting off her legal career in the private client sector. Natalie then spent a number of years specialising in personal injury law, family law, and criminal defence, during which time she was shortlisted as Trainee Solicitor of the Year at the Law Awards of Scotland.
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KNOCKBRECK P4 CLASS RECREATE THE TITANIC P4/5 at Knockbreck Primary School have thoroughly enjoyed their Titanic project with Miss Maclennan, Mrs Chisholm and Mrs Robbins. As part of their project, they re-created the Titanic itself.
NEW BARKED AREA FOR INFANTS AFTER SSE WORK First day back after the Christmas holidays, Knockbreck had to shut the school due to a break in one of the electricity cables. SSE had to dig up our paths and also the Primary 1 and 2 learning garden. Sleepy face On a positive note SSE put it all back and also put in a new barked area!
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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
THROUGH THE LENS
ISSUE #48 SEEKING INSPIRATION IN 2022 I think it’s fair to say that, like 2020, the year 2021 hasn’t exactly been one to remember fondly. But hopefully we will start to see a more sustained return to normality during the coming year. With a combination of short days, poor weather and the continuing shadow of Covid, it can be tempting to withdraw into one’s shell and wait till it’s
all over! Fortunately, photography is one of many things that can be a welcome distraction at this time of year and, with the low light capability of modern cameras and phones, you don’t have to be outdoors to practise it. So, as we look forward to the new year, how do you find inspiration and a reason to pick up that camera? Well, here are a few ideas to get started: 1. DO A “365” CHALLENGE (OR A “12”, OR A “52” ONE) In a 365 Challenge, you set yourself the task of taking one photo
MARK JANES
a day, every day, for the year (or one photo a month, or one per week). This can be on a specific theme, or just anything that grabs the eye. Setting this type of challenge encourages you to look for pictures during your every day life. Posting them to social media gives an extra incentive to keep up the challenge of shooting every day. Think of this as doing your “photography press-ups”. The key is to maintain consistency and try to shoot every day. Setting this kind of challenge helps to train your eye to see the world photographically. You will naturally become
better at framing and composition, and you will start to see how light affects a scene or an object. 2. START A PROJECT Many pro photographers agree that a personal project can be a great way of practising your skills and putting some inspiration back into your photography. You could decide to document a particular theme or event, such as “a year in the life of a local farm”, or choose to photograph one location at different times of year, as the seasons unfold. Many photographers find their first exhibition and
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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
recognition in the artworld comes from the results of a project. 3. THINK IN TERMS OF A BODY OF WORK There can be great fun (as well as challenge) in “working” a location or subject to produce a selection of photos that tell the story of that place. Sometimes you might have an idea for this “body of work” before you visit a location, or it might only occur to you when you’ve got home and start reviewing your photos. Either way, it’s worth taking the time to collect a range of photos when you are in a particular place. The collection of images in
this article is the result of a straightforward walk through the snow last year, when I just threw the camera onto my shoulder and made sure I had it with me. 4. JOIN AN ONLINE CAMERA GROUP Most camera clubs have suspended their face-to-face meetings for this season, but many continue to offer a varied programme of talks, workshops and competitions online. Have a look at the websites of some of the popular local clubs, such as East Sutherland in Brora or Dingwall. Or why not sign up to the Facebook-based “Tain and District Online
Camera Club” which I moderate? We’re an active group of over 200 members and we set monthly challenges and competitions to keep you busy! We have a very healthy mix of experienced photographers and beginners so, whatever your level, you’ll fit right in. 5. TAKE A COURSE OR WORKSHOP I normally have beginners’ classes and more advanced workshops starting throughout the year. Most of these will be running online for the first part of this year, but I’ll be returning to indoor face-to-face
classes in the summer. I’ll be offering outdoor field trips throughout the year.* Email me for more information (see below). Whatever approach you take, one thing’s for sure; shoot more and you’ll improve your skill. Try to take a photo at least every day. Remember those photography press-ups! See you next month. Did you like this article? Why not email me and let me know what you’d like to see covered in future issues. markjanesphotographer @gmail.com. (*Subject to Covid-related guidance and restrictions.)
Is your child due to start nursery or school in August 2022? Have you considered Gaelic Medium Education?
In Primary 1, 2 and 3, I hear and speak Gaelic every day in school with my teachers and friends. All of my learning is done in Gaelic. This is the best way for me to learn Gaelic.
Gaelic Medium Education at Craighill Primary School in Tain is available to ALL children entering Nursery and Primary 1 that live in the Tain or the Ross-shire area? You or your child do not need to have any previous knowledge of Gaelic. We would like to invite parents and carers, as well as anyone interested in Gaelic Medium Education, to an online information session on Monday 24th January at 7pm.
Currently a P1/2, P3/4 and a P5-7. We don’t just get a Gaelic lesson once or twice a week. We learn Gaelic all day, every day!
The staff at Craighill Primary School are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. You can join us online on 24th January at 7pm. Please call or email the school to get the code to join.
For more information, please contact :-
Craighill Primary School Phone : 01862 892663
Email eileen.henderson@highland.gov.uk
Learning Gaelic in a school setting is a really helpful way for me to learn a new language. This means I will be bilingual. There are a lot of advantages of being able to speak two languages or more.
Did you know that we have our own Gaelic teachers and Gaelic classes?
When I start Primary 4, I will still speak Gaelic everyday but I will start doing more and more English as I work my way up to Primary 7.
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When you leave Craighill you can continue with Gaelic at Tain Royal Academy.
During our years at Craighill Primary school, we aim to become confident and fluent in both Gaelic and English language. By the time we reach Primary 7 we will be able to read, write and converse in both languages. It will also help us learn another language if we choose to do so.
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TAIN ACADEMY - WRITERS’ CORNER
TAIN ROYAL ACADEMY WRITERS’ CORNER
“A Happy New Year to all who take the time to read the work of our pupils, especially the family and friends of those who have their work published this month. Firstly, I’d like to apologise to Calum, Niamh and Alex, whom I incorrectly listed as S2s in November’s issue: they are in S3! My excuse is that I cannot believe they are in S3 already. This month’s work all comes from the hard work pupils were doing last term. S2s were busy writing about “Earth Matters”, using their voices to create positive change. Included are some extracts from speeches they wrote to try to influence opinion. We have a review of a book studied as part of our Dystopia theme in S3. And finally, some extracts taken from work done for the S4 and S5 portfolio. My only regret is that we do not have the space to highlight all of the fantastic writing our pupils work so hard creating.” Suzanne Lockhart PT English and Literacy
S2 EARTH MATTERS PERSUASIVE SPEECHES Picture this, a lush, beautiful landscape with colourful houses,
stunning views, a calm cool breeze blowing through the trees and mesmerising cliffs. Now picture this, a toxic, upsetting wasteland where a man trudges through what looks like a World War Two bomb site. One of the buildings is still on fire, the toxic black smoke going up into the air. This is the shocking change people in Yemen have faced. Robin Cameron
quiet and chill until the mountains of waste gathered, laying traps for the sea life to fall into. Repeat over and over. Never stopping. Always killing. Morgan Mackenzie
The gentle waves stir up a multitude of plastic. The once sparkly ocean, the calm and relaxing sea is now destroyed. All you can see is piles of rubbish. All through the ocean turtles and fish are dying. Hell. On the bed of the ocean, it’s like the end of a war. Destroyed. Rian Noack A quarter. That is the tiny fraction of the coral in our world that hasn’t been drained of its luscious colours. One of the seven wonders of the world has been stripped of its radiance; a vibrant jungle turned into a lifeless graveyard. Pollution. The subtle killer of this natural wonder. Human laziness: the cause of these harmful gases destroying the habitat of our ocean’s occupants. Coral is a living creature just like us. Elizabeth Connolly
The stench of death hung in the air, the graveyard of plastic had caught many in its trap. A seagull screeched for the final time, its cries echoing around the open space only to be crushed by the crashing of plastic, constantly spawning on the beach. Fish swam to escape as a giant hand of net descended upon them. The island of the unknown had been
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ST. DUTHUS FOOTBALL CLUB
CLUB ACKNOWLEDGE FORMER PLAYER’S GENEROUS GIFT
Jim Oliver (left) and Alan Ross
The committee and management of St Duthus Football Club were delighted to receive a donation of £500 from former player James Oliver in December. The donation was from the profits raised from the sale of his book “What the **** were you playing at?!”, which tells of his time in football. James had promised 50% of all profits from his book would go to Charities and Clubs supported by his great friend Alan Ross. Alan was another former Tain St Duthus player, who also enjoyed spells as Manager, Trainer, Committee Member and Treasurer of the club at different times. Alan was diagnosed with cancer in March this year and sadly passed away in October. He will be missed by all who knew him. James, who had organised a Fundraiser for Alan, said “I spoke with Alan about where we could put some of the proceeds from the Fundraiser and the book sales. As we had both played for Tain and had a life long love of the game, it made sense to put something back in to the club. Alan said that I should put some of the book profits in to the club and I am delighted to honour his wishes.” Niall Harkiss, Chairman of St. Duthus, who helped James with the production, printing and launch of
the book through his company K & N Concepts Ltd, said “This donation is a great example of the generosity shown by Alan to the club over the years, both as a supporter and as a volunteer to the cause. He will forever remain one of the club’s greatest custodians. On behalf of our committee and everyone connected to the club, I extend our thanks to Jim for this fine gesture.” James has been delighted with how the sales have gone and with less than 100 copies left from an initial order of 500, he is hopeful that they
will all be snapped up soon. James added, “100 books represents £1,000 that will be donated to local charities and it would be great to be handing that amount out in the next few weeks.” James’ book can still be purchased via PayPal at www.jo-book.co.uk or by contacting him directly by email at jamesdavidoliver@aol.com. The Seaboard Memorial Hall and Tain Bothy (Post Office) also have some in stock and they can be purchased there as well.
Alan Ross (front) attending a St. Duthus F.C. Sportsman’s Dinner event in 2017.
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ST. DUTHUS FOOTBALL CLUB
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SAINTS END 2021 WITH DRAW AT BONAR BRIDGE AFTER BIG WIN IN HALKIRK St. Duthus Football Club signed off for the Christmas break with a grim game of football at Grant Park on December 11th, finishing up with a point against visitors Bonar Bridge. Saints started well and kept their opponents in their own half with a series of corners and set pieces. It was on the six minute mark when they looked most likely to open the scoring when a quick pass from Ben Bruce sent Jake Lockett clear of the last man, but the Saints forward could only hit the side netting. After coming close with a header just moments earlier, Finn As-Chainey gave Saints the lead on 15 minutes, heading home from a corner. The forward man rose well to connect at the far post, getting on the end of good delivery from James Mackay. Lockett was unlucky not to make it 2-0 just a minute later after being played in on goal by Bruce, but he was forced just wide of the target and once again hit the side net. Stand-in Saints keeper Justin Rogers breathed a sigh of relief when Bonar’s first real chance at goal flew just wide of his near post, Archie Ryder passing up a big chance to level the scores. The game became scrappy in the latter stages of the first half, with neither team offering anything in the way of a meaningful attack. Despite creating a number of chances, St. Duthus could not add to their first half tally and ten minutes into the second half they were pegged back to 1-1. The goal came when Archie Ryder broke clear to place the ball under Rogers, scoring with what was the away side’s first significant shot on target.
Pic: J Gunn Chances went abegging from corners as the half continued and Jake Lockett came closest to restoring Saints’ lead on 70 minutes when he came within inches of connecting fully with a Kyle Mackenzie cross floated just in front of goal.Rogers had to be alert between the sticks on 87 minutes after substitute Aiden Stainke was played in on goal and he produced a good save from close range. But from the resultant corner, Jack Mitchell headed into an empty net after the defence failed to deal with a cross to the back post, prompting uproarious celebrations in the Bonar ranks. But the visitors’ right back Fraser Macleod had the final say with a spectacular own goal a minute later. A long ball from Duncan Davidson was completely mistimed by the defender who hit the ball high over Valente and into the net to make it 2-2 - a stroke of fortune which came as a welcome reprieve for St. Duthus. There was a chance at the end to snatch a win, but resilient defending in the Bonar ranks blocked attempts
from Mackay and Adrian Voigt before time ran out. It wasn’t one for spectators and definitely was a case of “must do better” for Saints but they put another point on the board nonetheless. Saints turned on the style to secure all three points in the second half of their Macleod & MacCallum North Caledonian League match away to title contenders Halkirk United on December 4th. It finished a goal apiece in the first half after Finn As-Chainey cancelled out an Grant Macnab goal for the home team. The Saints man found the net with a neatly timed glancing header on the end of a Gary Millard set piece. A red card late in the first period then reduced Halkirk to ten men when goalkeeper Kieron McLeod was dismissed for high knee on striker Ben Bruce just outside the box, prompting Halkirk to introduce substitute goalkeeper Mackensie Jackson from the bench. Halkirk though had the wind in their favour in the second half, and they took a 2-1 lead
scoring a goal straight from a corner via Jonah Martens. Jackson was proving a capable deputy in the early going of the second period, thwarting Bruce on a couple of occasions, and gathering quickly after being beaten by the same player with a shot that trundled off the upright and along the goal line. It wasn’t long before Jake Lockett levelled the scores though, forcing the ball over the line on the rebound after As-Chainey had hit the bar with a shot using the outside of his foot. Saints kicked into another gear and went 3-2 ahead on 70 minutes with a nice lob from Ben Bruce to catch Jackson off his line, and on 83 minutes Lockett grabbed his second and his tenth goal of the season to make it 4-2, breaking clear before rounding the keeper to slot into the empty net. Halkirk notched a late consolation goal through Macnab with four minutes left, and the home side pushed hard for an equaliser, but in the end Saints deservedly saw out the win.
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ST. DUTHUS FOOTBALL CLUB
ST. DUTHUS EXTEND UNBEATEN RUN TO FIVE GAMES St. Duthus Football Club have carried their good form from December into the new year, by finishing January with an unbeaten record of six games. The in-form Saints have won their last three league games, taking maximum points away to Thurso and Golspie Sutherland, while also claiming a 2-0 win over Nairn County at home. The start to 2022 couldn’t have been much harder on paper, with a trip up to Thurso and a home game against the second string of Highland League side Nairn County on the cards. But Geegan’s men handled themselves in confident fashion, grabbing a 2-1 win in Caithness to record their first ever league victory over the Vikings - a surprise statistic after 22 meetings between the teams. The match had been rescheduled after an abandonement of a 0-0 between the teams in November. A Lewis Smith own goal did have Thurso in the lead after a quarter hour, but netting his first goal for St. Duthus on 30 minutes was Paul Gair, who nodded home after his initial shot came back off the crossbar. The winner was reserved for another first time scorer in Duncan Davidson, who also headed home, this time from a Daniel Christie corner with nine minutes of the game left to play. Attentions turned to Nairn County a week later on home soil - and Saints carried their good form into the game with a 2-0 win. Goals for Ben Bruce and Finn As-Chainey secured the win, but more pleasing for the manager was his side’s first
clean sheet of the season. It was the first clean sheet also for 16 year old Danny Gillan, the young goalkeeper on loan from Inverness Caledonian Thistle who has been in excellent form for Saints this season. There was no rest for Saints as they visited Golspie on league business the following Monday, rescheduled after a postponement a week prior. A fiercely contested match was settled by a single penalty kick in Saints favour early in the second half, Ben Bruce doing the honours after he had been felled in the box. The game ended with 12 yellow cards and one red issued by the referee. Thankfully for Saints, they finished with all eleven men on the park and claimed all three points to move to within a point of fifth placed Halkirk United. St. Duthus now turn their attentions to the North Caledonian Cup on Saturday February 5, when they will meet Inverness Athletic on unfamiliar soil at Fort George - the Inverness nomads’ latest temporary home.
MACKAY IS FIRST SIGNING OF 2022 Manager Alan Geegan boosted his options in attack with the January signing of striker Stuart Mackay. Mackay, a native of Ullapool, now lives in the Inverness area, having previously worked in Glasgow. He had previously turned out for Saints as a trialist in 2017, but now makes the permanent switch after returning north. Mackay’s former clubs include Lochinver, Dingwall Thistle and Lochbroom.
Pic: J Gunn
UNDER 18 TEAM ROUNDUP The Under 18s have little too show for an otherwise pleasing upturn in form that saw them nearly topple league leaders Alness United on January 23. Top scorer Johnie Beattie gave his side a lead after just ten minutes in a game that St. Duthus seemed to have the better of. But an equaliser on the half hour mark brought Alness back into it. A draw seemed like it may be a fair result in the end, but a heartbreaking winner for the visitors in the 92nd minute ended Saints’ hopes of denting their rivals’ unblemished record at the top
of the Highland League North division. A week later, it seemed like they were playing from the same script, as Beattie again gave them the lead against Lossiemouth. The ending was no different as Lossie equalised late on before snatching a winner in the 88th minute, leaving St. Duthus wondering what they have to do to pick up points. Making matters worse, the sideline was left feeling aggrieved at what they felt were two strong penalty claims denied by the referee. New fixtures have since been released to see St. Duthus until the end of the campaign, with a string of away games in March completing their schedule. More info at stduthusfc.co.uk
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GENERAL SPORT
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TAIN BOWLING CLUB MEMBERS TO PLAY FOR SCOTLAND St. Duthus bowling club will send four of its members to represent Scotland in the British Isles Short Mat championships this month. Club members Andrew Adamson, Duncan Adamson, Thomas Mulraine and Duncan Farmer will travel to Scarborough to compete against England, Wales and Ireland in the first British Isles competition of its kind to be held since 2020. The competition, to be held in Scarborough, will resume after a two year hiatus due to Covid-19. The English Short Mat Bowls Association, who are hosting the event, confirmed earlier this month that the event will go ahead,
despite concerns over restrictions and safety. Bowlers will compete in both a team and individual format. The team event consists of 16 players from each nation playing rinks across four mats with the combined score on all mats deciding the outcome of the match. The national winners from each country play in the singles, pairs, triples and fours events. Andrew Adamson, who will bowl for Scotland for a third year, said: “We were selected on the back of our performances at the Scottish championships back in 2020 when we played at Stonehaven and Dumfries. It’s a great achievement for our club to be able to represent our country.”
SWIMMING ACHIEVEMENT
Well done to Amelie and Teagan who competed at the Buckie Meet over the weekend. They had a great time, fab swims and achieved new personal best times.
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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
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