COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL BURGH OF TAIN AND ITS SURROUNDING AREAS
TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST
#256 APRIL
2022
PIONEER DOCTORS OF TAIN
TAIN ACTIVE SCHOOLS APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
HISTORY OF TAIN’S WATER MILLS PT3
David and Heather McAllister introduce their new regular feature looking back at the history of Tain Academy. p12
Photos from schools around the Tain ASG catchment who dressed down in Ukraine colours to raise money. p20
Part 3 of Margaret Urquhart’s detailed look back at the history of Tain’s water mills over the years. p8
TAIN WIN THE CUP
ST. DUTHUS FC CELEBRATIONS
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APRIL 2022
APRIL 2022
LOCAL ELECTIONS
IN THIS ISSUE Local News and Notes Community Council Minutes In Memory M Urquhart: Water Mills pt 3 Patrick Vickery writes History of Tain Royal Academy Craighill Primary’s “500 Miles” Natalie Bruce on Law Through the Lens with Mark Janes Announcements Tain Active School Ukraine appeal Nostalgia with Alex Graham Ankerville Nursery Sports News St. Duthus FC Pictures and News
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Editor - Niall Harkiss 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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With postal vote packs dropping through letterboxes for the upcoming Scottish Local Government Election for The Highland Council on 5 May 2022, we’ve produced a short video on How to complete your postal vote pack. Don’t forget you have up until 5pm this coming Tuesday (19 April 2022) to apply for a postal vote. For more details on how to vote: www.saa.gov.uk/h-wi-vjb/ the-electoral-register/how-to-vote #YourVoteMatters
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LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ST DUTHAC DAY CELEBRATED ON MARCH 8TH AT TAIN LODGE Hosted on March 8 – the feast day of Saint Duthac – the fundraiser was organised by members of the St Duthac Book and Arts Festival Group at the Masonic Lodge in Tain. The celebration forms part of a wider programme of events planned for the coming months, as the festival group start raising funds for this year’s Book and Arts Festival. This year’s festival is set to take place from September 22 to September 26. Saint Duthac, who is believed to have died in 1065, was educated in Ireland and laid to rest in Tain, where a chapel was built and a sanctuary was established in his honour. The ruins of the chapel still exist as a centrepiece of St Duthus old burial ground. Many of Tain’s buildings, associations and institutions still bear the name of the patron saint, such as the town hall, collegiate church, a local restaurant, several streets and the town’s bowling and football clubs. Over 150 people joined in the celebrations, with events including live music, exhibits of ‘old Tain’ and stalls with tea, coffee and cakes on sale. A selection of ‘toe tapping’ tunes played by musicians Archie and Ann provided an ambient backdrop for
members of the public to come along and peruse a variety of ‘pre-loved’ books. The festival group committee members, who held their inaugural event last September, have become well known for providing welcoming teas and home baking, and on this occasion, they did not disappoint. SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING HILLWALKER FINN CREANEY Police in the Highlands are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to trace Finn Creaney (32). Finn, from the Tain area, was last seen around 2.15pm on Friday, 25 March, having been dropped off at Loch Naver, on the B873 public road in Sutherland, to start his planned walking route around the Loch and south to Golspie. Officers continue to search the area between Altnaharra and Golspie in Sutherland, with the support of the Air Support Unit as well
as a number of partner agencies, including mountain rescue and coastguard. Finn is described as 5ft 11, slim build, with light complexion and freckles on his arms and nose. He has long brown hair down to his lower back and a full brown beard. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, a knee-length brown leather jacket, dark coloured trousers, brown waterproof boots and was carrying a green rucksack. In a statement released today, Finn’s wife Lucy said: “I would like to thank family, friends and the local community for all their help, concern and support over the last few days. It is a really worrying time for me and our four-yearold daughter, Luna. “I am really concerned for Finn as it has now been seven days since we last saw him. “I want appeal to anyone who may have seen Finn since last Friday to call the police and ask anyone walking in the area and hills between
Altnaharra and Golspie that they keep an eye out for Finn and keep him in their thoughts. “I would also ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.” Inspector Alasdair Goskirk said: “Our concerns for Finn’s safety and welfare continues to grow. Extensive searches and enquiries have been carried out in an effort to trace Finn. “I know our concerns are shared by locals and we are grateful for the assistance we have received so far. “Anyone who may have seen Finn or has any information which could assist should call 101, quoting reference 0912 of 28 March.” TRA SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE RAISE FUNDS FOR UKRAINE The recently formed Social Justice Committee at Tain Royal Academy have been putting their heads together to come up with ways to help good causes, starting with arranging collections for the Ukraine appeal. The new committee, which is run by guidance teacher Laura Humble, is attended by pupils from all year groups. Meeting once a week during lunchtimes, the group have been coordinating the collection of various items to be donated to refugees the world over. The committee collected generous donations of clothing, bedding, toiletries and food from academy pupils, local
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NEWS & NOTICES
primary schools and other members of the community. They then arranged for the items to be sorted and delivered to the Highland Refugee Support group, based in the Black Isle. There was a surplus of food donated, and some late deliveries, which the pupils will now donate to the Tain food bank. Ms Humble said: “The pupils were really enthusiastic and keen to help in any way that they can. “The committee has only recently formed and we are looking forward to helping with other local good causes”. KNOCKBRECK HEAD RECOGNISED IN LOCAL HERO AWARDS The head teacher of Knockbkreck Primary has received special recognition at an event to acknowledge unsung heroes, NHS and key workers in Tain. Graham Rooney, the owner of Platform 1864 in Tain, hosted the event to give thanks to those who have gone above and beyond to help the local community during
the recent pandemic. The evening comprised of a champagne reception and a five course meal prepared by a special guest chef, followed by an award ceremony for ten well deserving individuals, nominated by the local community as their unsung heroes. The list of nominees included Karen Begg, Julie-Anne Rickwood, Julie Horsburgh, Katie Collings, Lynda Ross McIntyre, Jacqueline McCaffrey, Jane Mackay, Brenda Cattanach,
Marion Macdonald and the Bradbury Centre staff and volunteers. Although all nominees were worthy of praise in their own right, a Special Recognition award was presented to Knockbreck Primary School head teacher Jane Mackay. Those who nominated Mrs Mackay noted: “She spent very long hours at school juggling plans and who to work with all the regulations that were coming through from the Highland Council to keep all our children safe.
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“She helped individual families in sourcing food to help feed their children and themselves.” One member of the public said: “My son especially struggled through Covid, and Jane herself came to my door and took him to school because he was struggling that much and wouldn’t come out the house. “She waited daily at the top of the road for him so he could do a bit of school work in the environment he felt secure and use to his routine.” All of the finalists were presented with a certificate to recognise their contributions. The evening’s entertainment was provided by local band Impact, who played at the event free of charge, before being entertained by illusionist Brian Jay. The event was funded by Mr Rooney himself, who raised funds and gathered donations by holding virtual live cooka-alongs from his own home during lockdown.
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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 February 28 at 7.30pm. PRESENT Mr G Amos (Chair), Mr A Mohan (Vice Chair), Mr G Holdsworth, Mr D Macrae, Ms E Houliston, Mr N Akeroyd, Mr D Louden (Councillor), Mr A Rhind (Councillor) POLICE REPORT Mr Amos read out the crime statistics. It was noted on the Police report that cyber crime is an ongoing issue and that the public should use strong passwords. The article is to be put on the Facebook page by Mr Holdsworth. MATTERS ARISING Asda path to Aldie Estate – it was noted that there is no bin at the Aldie side of the Asda path – Mr Rhind to contact Katrina Taylor to progress. YOUTH REPORT Mr Amos reported that himself and Rob Parkes now having a small boxing club at the Youth Café – it is now held on a Saturday with 9 children and went well. TAIN AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST (TDDT) Mr Macrae reported that the launch of the Easter Ross Peninsular Business Group was well attended. TDDT are in the process of starting community consultations. The are asking TRA pupils what could be the future use of the former Picture House. The Community Markets are soon starting.
HIGHLAND COUNCILLOR’S REPORT Mr Louden that there are ongoing potholes and gully’s in need of repair. HC are going to set the revenue budget at a Committee meeting soon. There has been a meeting with HC Chief Executive and Leader of HC and some Councillor’s on the potential swimming pool in the new 3-18 school campus. It is hoped that the plans will become more clearer soon. Some money has been allocated to Tain Playparks. There is some money allocated to the Easter Ross area with Tain using the money to replace the paving/lighting on the High Street, plus a funding grant from SSE for Christmas lights, CCTV cameras. Geanies and Stafford Street are in the HC capital plan for quality road repairs. Mr Rhind indicated that potholes is a big issue and there will be a decision on funding for roads at a budget setting Committee meeting. Mr Rhind will try and get the gully emptier to Tain. Mr Holdsworth asked about the poor fencing at the bottom of Mansfield Estate and a bolt missing. Mr Holdsworth to take a photo and pass to Mr Louden. It was agreed that the road line markings on Geanies Street are very poor and cause confusion because the lack of them, plus at the bottom of the old health centre, plus Queen Street carpark, and TRACC carpark – Mr Louden to take these matters up with Gary Urquhart. CHAIR’S REPORT Mr Amos reported that the Duthac Centre was booked on 3rd June for the Senior
Citizen’s Party. The Bowling Club was discussed as a potential venue. After discussion, it was agreed that Mr Rhind would speak to the Duthac Centre about the date in June. FINANCE AND TREASURER’S REPORT Mr Macrae reported that the finances were as follows – Charitable Bequests account - £466.15, Mussel account - £306.25, and Treasurer’s account £860.39. LETTERS Gaelic signs - Mr Amos received information that the sign at Duthac Wynd is in incorrect Gaelic. Mr Amos to take a photo and pass to Mr Louden arranges that the sign has the correct wording.
Sex Entertaining Licencing consultation – after discussion it was agreed to reject the idea of such licences and premises. COMMON GOOD FUND Mr Louden reported that there was an update on the Common Good Fund at the recent Area Committee – there is no income other than from shop lets. Mr Louden asked again about land at Blar Liath formerly belonging to the Common Good Fund. UNEXHAUSTED REMITS Beinn Tharsuinn Community Company - previously discussed. Social Media – Spanglefish going to be paid to enhance the website. 3-18 Campus – discussed previously.
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IN MEMORY
OLD FILE
“THE TWO MEGS”
Thank you to Frances Wood for sending us a copy of this fantastic photo of Margaret Grant and Margaret Macrae (Frances’ mother) Frances notes: “They were great friends and great dancers who shared the same birthday! Sadly they are both gone now. In the photo they
are demonstrating how to dance the Gay Gordon’s for the Ukrainian Dance Group who were in Tain for a Gala week.” Can you see the Ukrainian Dancers in the background wearing their national costumes?
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IN MEMORY SUTHERLAND (Edderton) Suddenly but peacefully, in her home, Braemore View, Edderton, on Wednesday, 6th April, 2022, Christine Moffat, (GNR Sutherland, Caravan Sales, Edderton). Beloved wife of George, dear sister of June, a loving aunt, great-aunt and loved by all the extended family. A dear friend to many. Very sadly missed by all. BLACK (Tain/Alness) Peacefully, in the Meadows Nursing Home, Dornoch, on Sunday, 3rd April, 2022, Muriel Black, 2 Fulton Court, Alness (formerly of Mansfield Estate, Tain). Beloved daughter of the late Robert and Williamina Black (formerly of Hall Cottage, Fearn), loving sister of Winnie, Gordon, Dorothy and the late Margaret and Bert and loved by all the extended family and friends. ROSS (Tain) Suddenly, in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Friday, 1st April, 2022, John “Johnnie” Fraser Ross, aged 88 years, St. Andrews Road, Tain (formerly of Morrisons of Tain). Beloved husband of Christine, dearly loved dad of Joan, Alan and Lesley, dear father-in-law of Alan, Liz and Graham, a much loved granda of Suzanne, Graeme, Andrew, Ross and Liam, adoring gaga to his twelve great-grandchildren and much respected by all the extended family and friends. So sadly missed by all. GUNN (Tain) Peacefully, with the loving care of the staff at Mull Hall Care Home, Barbaraville, Invergordon, on Monday, 28th March, 2022, Nellie, aged 92 years, formerly of ‘Donellen’, 7 Dunrobin
Buildings, Tain. Cherished and adored wife of the late Donnie, a devoted mother and mother-inlaw to Donald and the late Mary. Much loved gran to Sharron and Andreas, adored great-granny to Fergus and Scarlet and a dear auntie. Sadly missed by all the extended family. STRACHAN (Inverness / Tain) Peacefully, in her home, 5 Islands House, Island Bank Road, Inverness, with her loving family by her side, on Friday, 18th March, 2022, Marjory Isobel Burr, aged 103 years, formerly of Knockbreck Road, Tain. Beloved wife of the late Donald, loving mother of Stewart, Anne, Mike and Graeme, much loved granny and great-granny, a dearly loved mother-in-law of Gayle, Ian, Pat and Tracy and loved by all the extended family and friends. SUTHERLAND (Tain) Peacefully, in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Wednesday, 16th March, 2022, Andrew “Andy” Sutherland, 6 Burgage Court, Tain. Beloved husband of the late Celia, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Jane and James, stepfather of Ruth, Elaine and Lynda, much loved granda of Natasha and Leighanne, loving great-granda of Luke, Emily, Chloe, Holly and Riley, a dear brother and loved by all the extended family and friends. MACDONALD (Tain) Peacefully in her home, in the loving care of her family, on Wednesday, 9th March, 2022, Dolina “Dolly” Munro Ganson, 8 Burgage Drive, Tain. Much loved mother of Jacqueline, Harrold, Sandra, Caroline and Ann, dearly loved granny, great-granny and loved by all the extended family and friends.
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MARGARET URQUHART - WATER MILLS PT 3
Margaret Urquhart on
WATER MILLS OF TAIN PT. 3
The next mills on the Aldie Burn/Tain River system were those at Aldie on the west side of the A9. The 1906 map extract shows the aqueduct leading from the Aldie mill dam to the corn mill and a branch leading to another building close by. This housed a thrashing mill. A survey of Aldie Mills conducted in 1981 mentions a sawmill as having been adjacent to the thrashing mill but I have not come across any other reference to a sawmill located at Aldie. This article is about the corn mill. Not much is known about Aldie Mills prior to 1898. Information supplied by Tom Ross, whose family operated the mill from at least that date, suggested that a mill had been on the site for over 400 years and that the earliest extant reference was dated 29/6/1564 but unfortunately I haven’t been able to find
this particular reference. “Milns of Aldy” are shown on Sangster’s plan dated 1750. Other than that, the earliest reference I have is that, at the time of the 1841 Census, Malcolm Gair, a meal miller was living at Aldie so presumably was either the tenant of the mill or at least an employee of the mill. He is still listed as living at Aldie in 1851 but on the Voter’s Roll 1874-75 is living in Geanies Street, but still designated a miller. It is possible the mill may have become derelict sometime in the 1860s. Tom Ross claimed the present mill was built between 1860 and 1870. However, the 1981 survey suggested a later date and possibly on the foundations of the earlier mill. There is no mention of a mill at Aldie in the 1868-69 Valuation Roll. We do know that at least from 1898, the corn mill was operated
by 3 generations of Tom Ross’s family, starting with his grandfather, Duncan, followed by Duncan’s younger son, Murdo, who worked alongside his father before taking over after Duncan died in 1916. The Ross Family photo (below) shows Duncan Ross and his wife Helen along with their sons, Murdo and Roderick. After WW2, Murdo was joined by his son, John, who carried on after
Murdo died in 1968 until the mill’s closure in 1972. Six ledgers have survived covering the period from 1898 to 1964 with only the years 1933-39 missing, and also several diaries/day books. The earliest of the latter, covers the years 1862-68. Interestingly it is the daily transactions of “D & J Ross, Hilton Mills” indicating that the Ross family initially lived at Hilton, on the other side of the A9, and operated the corn mill there. It is not clear when the switch from Hilton to Aldie took place but possibly in or shortly after 1895, the date of the next extant day book in which mention is made of the sale of house furniture and a steading being valued. The first extant ledger, however, is dated 1898. Of the 6 ledgers, the earliest ones are arranged according to the customers, each of whom has a separate page or multiple pages for their transactions with the mill. The later ones mainly give the entries for each day’s transactions including the customers’ names. Taken as a whole, they
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MARGARET URQUHART - WATER MILLS PT 3
show the area served by the mill and the range of products produced. Although there is the occasional transaction with customers from further afield the mill’s main custom was confined to the areas of Easter Ross to the east and south east of the mill and to a lesser extent to the north west. Areas to the south west would presumably be served by Milton (Kildary) Mill. Residents of Tain and the immediate district feature large in the list of customers. In the town these were meal dealers, grocers, carters, coal merchants, the latter two for their carthorses, and in the district generally, farmers, shepherds, coachmen, mainly feed for cattle, horses, sheepdogs, but also a wide range of customers for personal use. Arthurville Poorhouse was a main user of the products of the mill. As for products from the mill, flour, and oatmeal, were by far the main products but bruised oats (the main buy of John Ross, carter, presumably for his horse), bran, wheat meal, feeding meal, barley meal/pot barley, Indian (Corn) meal, dust (particles of meal and husks, a by-product of the grinding process), husks (“sids”) all featured regularly. Flour came under different trade names reflecting perhaps the grade and/ or source of the wheat which was presumably largely brought in from elsewhere as there would not be much produced locally. According to your fancy, you could, over the years,
choose from Morning Ray, Empire, Amalna, Hungaria, Perfection, Clansman, Silver Leaf, Argosy, Watchword, Good Luck, Extra Fancy, Sunbeam, Scone and Dollar varieties. Latterly, the range of products would have probably been reduced considerably along with declining demand as more commercially products became readily available – “Nearly everyone has changed to the new-fangled, less wholesome artificial cereals” was how Murdo Ross expressed it in a newspaper article in 1963. Running the mill involved a number of tasks - drying oats in the kiln; sieving the oats to remove husks and dust; oats ground into meal, doubled sifted and bagged; feeding fuel into the kiln furnace; loading and unloading carts; cleaning the bags in which the oats had been delivered by local farmers to be reused for the ground meal. In addition, a certain amount of repair and maintenance to the dam, the aqueducts and the buildings and machinery
would occasionally be required. The two sets of stones - shelling stones which separated the husks and burr stones for grinding - needed regular attention. There are frequent references to lifting, dressing and putting down/setting stones. It is clear from the daybooks that milling was combined with farming. Oats, barley, potatoes were grown and they kept at least one cow, some cattle, pigs, and they had at least one horse, so sowing, thrashing, ploughing and hoeing were tasks in addition to the milling ones. Casual employees were hired to help out as and when required. From 1906, work was also done on land at Scotsburn where Duncan’s other son, Roderick, operated the Scotsburn meal mill. Supplementary loads of turnips and straw were obtained from local farms but the regular staff also seemed to do work occasionally on other farms. In 1931, it seems the Scotsburn mill was given up (Scotsburn valuation is mentioned) and Roderick was then
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at Rosemarkie mill. As with the Scotsburn mill the two mills were closely associated. After it closed in 1972, the mill lay disused until it was eventually bought by Charles de Decker who had 3 years previously bought Aldie House to run as a guest house. He then restored it as a tourist attraction, opening in 1996. After its restoration water was able to flow to and turn the wheel and visitors were able to see inside how the mill used to operate. Two members of the Ross family were involved in the opening ceremony. Helen Elliot, daughter of Murdo, sister of the last miller, John Ross, pulled the ribbon to turn on the water and her brother, Tom Ross, opened the mill shop. By March 2001, the Aldie Mill craft & gift shop was taken over by Donald and Noreen Buchanan, who had previously run a newsagents shop in Invergordon. The Aldie Mill photo (above) shows the mill in its reincarnation as a tourist attraction. This photo was taken possibly in 2006, certainly no earlier, and although I don’t have
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MESSAGE FROM CLLR. DEREK LOUDEN
Next Surgery: Friday 29th April 2022 10:00am to 12noon at Tain Service Point Please feel free to contact me at any time on: 01862892734 07876774412 Or via email at LoudenDW@aol. com Happy to help any local resident with any problem at any time.
CONTACT TDPP Do you have an article or photos you’d like us to print? Please email:
info@tainpost.co.uk or call 01862 857366
MARGARET URQUHART - WATER MILLS PT 3
Water Mills pt 3 cont... the exact date, it was not long after that when the mill closed as a tourist attraction. It was taken over by an architect who converted it into a house which was then sold on to the current owners. The most recent photo shows its origins as a mill building are still obvious . The lade the wheel have been preserved and the distinctive upper window through which the sacks of grain would have been hoisted. The next photo is of the Miller’s House as it is today (right). [NB – Murdo’s granddaughter, Vivienne Reid, whose mother Minnie was married to Hugh Mackenzie, still lives in Tain and gave me access to 3 of the ledgers, the diaries/day books and supplied other information and the Ross Family photo. Older residents will remember her father’s clothing shop in the High Street. In Tain tradition for bynames, he was known as “Hughie High Class”. Vivienne’s husband Jack carried on the business until it closed.] In 1996, the same year as the mill was re-
opened, the derelict farm steading next to the mill was purchased by Tain Pottery and became one of the largest Scottish ceramic manufacturers. Once the pottery was established, visitors to the mill could also visit the pottery and see the ceramic ware being
made and decorated (hand painted) and make purchases in the shop which occupies the left hand section of the steading – see Aldie Steading photo below. Unlike the mill, the pottery remains a thriving business.
Tain & District Branch Cats Protection Telephone: (0345) 371 2737 Email: taincats@aol.com www.tain.cats.org.uk
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TAIN ROYAL ACADEMY PIONEERS
History of Tain Royal Academy PIONEERS DOCTORS OF TAIN By Heather & David McAllister After retiring from teaching in TRA we had planned to collect information on the history of the academy with the intention of writing a book. This has not transpired but we have considerable amounts of material on some aspects of the history of the school and have decided to publish these here on a monthly basis. Recently we attended the excellent talk on the life of Dr.Elizabeth Ross given by Jason Ubych at the Duthac Book and Arts Festival event on St.Duthac Day. Much information on this remarkable woman is now held in Tain Museum. However Tain Royal Academy was not just a mentor to one pioneering woman doctor but two! Myra Mackenzie M.B., Ch.B. (b.13/04/1876 d.27/10/1957) Myra Mackenzie is the lesser known of our pioneering doctors. She and her younger sister Charlotte, were admitted to the Academy on 11th November 1890 when Myra was 14. It is recorded that her previous schooling was “private”. She left just a year and a half later at the end of the summer term on 6th July1892 as her family left the district. Her father was William Mackenzie of Delny.
Myra was the first woman to study medicine at Aberdeen University, entering in 1895. Professor Low, Demonstrator in Anatomy, said that this single woman was taught with the men and that “she was a sensible woman and a very good student”. She received her M.B in 1900. She specialised in children’s medicine, working initially in the Royal Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children and later at various hospitals in central England. During the First World War she served in the Field Hospital Units established under the auspices of the Scottish Federation of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies. We have no picture of Myra. Elizabeth Ness MacBean Ross M.B., Ch.B (b.14/02/1878 d.14/02/1915) Elizabeth Ross, two years Myra’s junior, was one of a family of ten from Lamington House, Scotsburn Road. She was admitted to the Academy on 27th August 1895 when she would already have been 17. TRA records do not record her previous schooling. Like Myra she attended TRA for a relatively short time leaving at the end of the academic
Picture taken on the day of Elizabeth Ross’s graduation
year on 1st July 1896. However despite being at the academy for just two years she gained the silver medal for excellence in English & German, presented by Provost Matheson of Tain and was the school’s Dux (Head Girl) in her final year. Elizabeth went on to Glasgow University where she studied medicine from 18961901 and graduated in October 1901. She was one of the earliest female graduates in medicine from Glasgow University. Elizabeth went on to have an adventurous life, working as a doctor with French gendarmes and native people in Bakhtiariland, Persia (now Iran). This photo shows her dressed as a Bakhtiari chief. She
wrote a book about her time in Persia. In 1913 she became the first female ship’s surgeon, on the “Glen Logan” sailing to Japan. It was not unusual for doctors travelling as passengers on a ship to be taken on as ship’s surgeon for the duration of the voyage but yet again Elizabeth Ross was a pioneer, being the first ever female ship’s surgeon on a British ship. She studied tropical medicine in Dublin and Berlin and became a Fellow of the Society of Tropical Medicine in October 1913. In the First World War she served in Serbia where she took over six typhus wards in the Kragujevac Military Hospital. (cont. on page 14)
CRAIGHILL PRIMARY
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CRAIGHILL PUPILS WALK 500 MILES FOR UKRAINE After the pupil council of Craighill Primary School challenged the school to walk 500 miles on March 24 to raise money for the Ukraine, the children and staff responded by walking, jogging and running an amazing total of 724 miles by the end of the day! The children dressed down or in blue and yellow to show their thoughts were with the people of Ukraine as they undertook the challenge. From youngest to oldest, everyone took part and everyone did their best. Some of the older children even chose to do extra laps in their lunchtime. Meanwhile, P5-7 Gaelic class got their miles in by playing fifteen games of shinty in a Gaelic tournament in Strathpeffer. They have only been playing since January but still managed to win all of their games and get to the the final against BSGI, finishing as runners up. They won the cup for best Gaelic and it was commented on that they hadn’t been heard speaking English all day. Well done P5-7! Overall, the children raised an amazing £2,402 which will be donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. A comment on the Craighill Primary Facebook page said: “We are super proud of everyone today, the atmosphere was fantastic, everyone rose to the challenge and showed what a great team we are at Craighill.”
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As was almost inevitable she died of typhus during an epidemic in 1915 in the military hospital. Despite Kragujevac’s tragic history of death and destruction in the various wars of the 20th Century, Elizabeth’s grave is still tended in this little town. Each year she and the other doctors and nurses who died in their hospital are honoured in a memorial ceremony. There is a small
DIVORCE: WHOSE FAULT WAS IT ANYWAY?
memorial to Elizabeth Ross in the old St.Duthus Church, but it is strange that, apart from that, this once famous doctor is now largely forgotten in her home town but is still remembered in a Serbian town more than 100 years after her death. The photos shown have come to us from various sources but the originals are in a family book now held by Tain Museum.
Natalie Bruce writes DIVORCE: WHOSE FAULT WAS IT ANYWAY?
In a generation promoting kindness and understanding, and an active awareness of our mental health, is there still a place in modern society for the ‘fault’ based grounds of divorce?
On 6th April 2022, England and Wales will see a complete overhaul of their divorce law. No longer will one party require to either lay blame on the other for the breakdown of the relationship by
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DIVORCE: WHOSE FAULT WAS IT ANYWAY?
establishing adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion, or failing that, wait for a period of either two years or five years, depending on whether the other party consents to the divorce, or not. This change in law will allow an application to be made for a divorce simply on the basis that the marriage or the civil partnership has broken down irretrievably. This change comes four years after the Supreme Court decision in the case of Owens v Owens. This case saw Mrs Owens apply for a divorce from her husband. Mr Owens defended the action. As Mr Owens refused to consent to the divorce, Mrs Owens required either to wait for a period of five years from the date of separation to apply for a divorce, or otherwise she would require to establish a ‘fault’ based ground of divorce: adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion. The ground of divorce Mrs Owens sought to reply upon was her husband’s unreasonable behaviour. In order to establish unreasonable behaviour as a ground of divorce, the applying party must establish that the other party has behaved in such a way that the applying party cannot reasonably be expected to live with them. Mrs Owens failed to establish behaviour from her husband that met this test. The Supreme Court were therefore unable to grant the divorce. At that stage, Mr and Mrs Owens had been separated for a period of three years. The result of this decision was to force Mrs Owens
to remain married for a further two years, until such time as the five year period had passed since the date of separation. At that point, Mrs Owens would no longer need consent of her husband for the divorce. In Scotland, our provisions are not quite so restrictive in terms of timing. Firstly, a divorce in Scotland can be granted where an interim gender recognition certificate has been issued to one of the parties. Our ‘fault’ based grounds of divorce are similar to that of England and Wales however we only have two fault based grounds: adultery and unreasonable behaviour. As in England and Wales, there are no timing concerns when applying for a divorce on the basis of either of these fault based grounds however these grounds are evidence based. This means that the adultery or the unreasonable behaviour requires to be proven to the Court before the Court could grant the divorce. Our ‘non-fault’ grounds of divorce are
again based on periods of separation however these are not as lengthy as those currently required in England and Wales. In Scotland, if the other party is willing to provide their consent to the divorce, then the applying party can apply for a divorce following the passing of a period of one year from the date of separation (currently two years in England and Wales). If the other party refuses to provide their consent, then the applying party would require to wait a period of two years from the date of separation (currently five years in England and Wales). The vast majority of divorces in Scotland proceed under the ‘nonfault’ grounds once the required period of separation has passed. Proceeding with a divorce in this way provides for a far less contentious and acrimonious process. In most cases, separation and divorce is a difficult stage of someone’s life and studies are clear that this can, if not managed very carefully, also impact significantly on
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any children involved. As I often highlight to clients, when a divorce is granted by the Court, the Decree of Divorce is silent as to the ground that was established. At the end of the process, the Decree of Divorce is simply that. It is a document that grants a divorce. Some consider the fault based grounds of divorce do still play an important role in the divorce process. Campaigners argue that the removal of this provision will reduce the status of a marriage and would make the process far easier for the party seeking to terminate the marriage or civil partnership, which may be prejudicial to the other party. It will be interesting to see the effects of this change in law in England and Wales. I am not aware of any plans for changes to the Scottish divorce procedure at the moment. If you would like advice or assistance in relation to a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
when to photograph can sometimes be overwhelming. A competition on a theme (which many are) means you are more likely to pull your camera out at relevant moments, building a cohesive body of work rather than just a random collection of pictures. Trying to spot photo opportunities for a competition also trains your eye to be on the lookout for photo opportunities.
THROUGH THE LENS MARK JANES
ISSUE #50 ENTERING PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITIONS Hello Photographers! I thought this month we’d take a look at photography competitions; what they’re all about and why you should think about entering them if you want to develop your photography skills. I suppose it’s a topic that’s fresh in my mind, having just taken Top Image in
the Dingwall Annual Exhibition, but that’s not why I’m writing about competitions today. Photo competitions exist at all levels and cover every aspect of photography, from general images (normally referred to as “open”), to highly specialised subjects such as wildlife or astro-photography. Look around locally and you can find many opportunities to take part, with competitions organised by local community groups, clubs and associations. And if you want to get really serious about competition
photography, opportunities exist at national level (such as Landscape Photographer of the Year) or even internationally, such as the Sony World Photo Awards. So, apart from the prospect of winning, why should you consider entering a photo competition? 1. FOCUS Deciding to enter a competition gives you a focus and a deadline for your photography. Now that most of us carry a camera with us at all times, on our phones, the choice of what and
2. FEEDBACK Many (but not all) competitions are judged by experienced photographers who understand the difference between a quality picture and one that has shortcomings. Even the best photographs can stand a little improvement, and the feedback given by a judge can help you see things that you may have missed, sometimes because we are “too close” to our photos. Understand however, that photography is largely subjective, like most art forms, and a judges opinions are just that; opinions. My advice is to listen to the feedback, take it in the spirit that it was intended, and then make a decision as to whether it’s relevant to your image or not. Most judges are only trying to help! Judges’ feedback is the single main reason I enter competitions. 3. IT’S FUN! The first time you win, or are placed, in a competition really is a great feeling. However, in the early days of
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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS
competing, even if you don’t win, it can be great fun to anticipate the results and also to see the other entries and how different photographers have interpreted a theme or subject. “But my pictures aren’t good enough to enter a competition!” This is a “Catch-22” situation I’ve found many photographers fall into. How do you know they’re not good enough unless you try? I’m not suggesting you jump straight in at the deep end with the Sony World Photo Awards (although there’s nothing to stop you). Look around for something local to get started. The Facebookbased online photo club that I administer (Tain and District Online Photo Club) runs competitions from time to time, often sponsored by companies such as Ffordes Photographic or the local Development Trust. Entry is free and sometimes there are even prizes! Perhaps the best way to get into photo competitions is to join a traditional camera club. These are still going strong, although many are operating virtually just now, due to Covid. There are thriving local clubs in Dingwall (Dingwall Camera Club), Brora (East Sutherland Camera Club) and Cromarty (Cromarty Camera Club). These all have club competitions as part of their calendar, as well as the chance to go forward to regional events, such as the
Highland Challenge. Joining one of these clubs assures you of a warm welcome from like-minded photographers plus all the support you need to prepare for and enter the club’s competitions. Whether or not you choose to enter a photo competition, make sure you keep taking
pictures. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the World, and getting out with your camera is a wonderful excuse to leave the hassles of 21st century life behind for a while and embrace the beauty of the Highlands! Did you like this article?
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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 photography, email me those too and we’ll see if we can put them together into a “Q&A” section.
markjanesphotographer@ gmail.com.
Tain & District Museum DR. ROSS DODGES THE HUMILIATION OF APPEARING BEFORE THE CONGREGATION OF TAIN IN A SACKCLOTH Doctor Alexander Ross of Tain was said to have been a popular physician in the town and also a ‘good scholar’ who loved nothing better than a good debate on metaphysics or theology. In 1721 his enthusiasm during one such debate led to him being dragged before the Church Courts at Tain and charged with heresy and blasphemy. These were serious charges that could have potentially led to the death penalty, so the doctor would have had every right to be alarmed. Although he denied both the charges of blasphemy and heresy, the doctor did apologise for not regularly attending Church. After the evidence of several Witnesses was heard Dr. Ross was found guilty of ‘profaning the Lord’s day’ and ‘arguing against the being of God and the Scripture’. The Church Court ordered him to appear “in sackcloth before the congregation of Tain on certain days mentioned, and make a full confession of his faith” as
penance. The doctor never refused the Church Court orders, for fear of being excommunicated but as will be shown, he had no intention of going through with the humiliating experience; as whenever the appointed Lord’s day arrived, and just as he was about to don the Sackcloth, the doctor’s servant—Rorie Roy— would come panting up to the church, and in a breathless state called out; “Lady Clyne has broken her leg, and wants the Dochter,” or “Donald Ross,
Edderton is very baad, bewitched or poisoned, and wants the Dochter,” or “David Munro, Tarbat, has fallen out of his booat and is drowned, and wants the Dochter.” Thus matters went on for several years. The minister and Kirk-Session of Tain continued the hunt, and Dr Ross with native shrewdness managed to foil them. At length, the doctor retired to Dornoch and died there in 1724, much lamented and widely respected by a large circle of friends.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENT
EASTER ROSS MUSICAL THEATRE
It is with regret that the board of trustees of Made In Tain announce that we will be closing permanently at the end of April. For those that don’t know us, Made In Tain is a local Social Enterprise, working with young people with additional support needs to provide a place for them to engage in meaningful activity when the usual routes beyond school might not be available. Students at Made In Tain make products such as soaps and scented candles under the care and guidance of our dedicated support staff, which are then sold in our shop on Tower Street. Over the past two years, Made In Tain has faced many challenges; most notably the Pandemic and its associated pressures on the Enterprise, but also the stepping down of our Founder. Last September we successfully re-opened the shop and started taking in students in limited numbers. However, footfall in the shop has been more limited, and our normal sources of students have not been forthcoming, meaning that we have insufficient income to cover our costs. Our excellent staff have been working hard to look at the prospects for increased student numbers in the future and things don’t look like they’re going to improve any time soon.
From Wednesday May 11th to Saturday May 14th 2022 the rafters in the Duthac Centre will be ringing to the sounds of the Proclaimers’ music. When Easter Ross Musical Theatre finished being All Shook Up in March 2020, three days before the Duthac Centre closed for Lockdown, little did they know it would be nearly two years before they could meet to rehearse another show. However, nothing daunted, they reconvened in September 2021 with many social distancing measures in place, and started to rehearse the popular musical Sunshine on Leith. There have been obstacles along the way but the cast have kept going through thick and thin and are now delighted to announce that the performances will start on May 11th, in the Duthac Centre, Tain, at 7.30 pm. Many will be familiar with the plot of Sunshine on Leith, which revolves round the lives and loves of two young Scottish soldiers, Ally and Davy (William MacDonald and Shaun Cowan) upon their return from military duty in the desert. Back in Edinburgh, Ally
MADE IN TAIN SCIO Our treasurer has a very clear picture of our current and future financial position and, as a board, we feel it is better to act now and wind up the enterprise in a structured and orderly manner, rather than crashing into insolvency later in the year. This is giving us the opportunity to provide the best care and terms for our two fabulous staff members, and also to do our best in finding some continuity for our current students. This was not an easy decision, and it was made after considerable data-trawling and soulsearching on the part of the Trustees, along with a comprehensive presentation and Q&A session with our 30 members and supporters. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Made In Tain over the past 10 years, either by volunteering, providing financial support or buying items in the shop. Our shop will remain open until late April and we’ll also be attending the Community Markets in April and May. It would be enormously helpful to us if folk could purchase a few items and help us clear our stock. Mark Janes – Trustee On behalf of the Board of Trustees – Made In Tain SCIO – SC043549
SUNSHINE ON LEITH
rekindles his romance with Davy’s sister Liz (Rosanna Burton) but not everything goes according to his plan….. Meanwhile Davy meets Yvonne (Catriona Macrae), an English nurse, and romance blossoms between them, but there are lots of obstacles in their way too. The course of true love never did run smooth…. Davy’s parents, Jean and Rab ( Kerry Russell and Iain MacKenzie) also have a major part to play in the story and they are joined by a motley crew of soldiers, pub goers, townsfolk and wedding guests adding to the colourful mix. This is all interwoven with all the well known Proclaimers tunes, I’m on my Way, Letter from America, 500 Miles, to name but three, and some lovely lyrical love songs too.The audience are in for a musical treat from both the band and the cast. Tickets, priced at £12 for adults and £7 for children are available on line and there is a small booking fee.Further details are on Social Media under ERMT. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ easter-ross-musicaltheatre
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Advertise your business here from as little as £10 per issue. Email us at info@tainpost.co.uk to find out more or call Niall on 01862 857366
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TAIN ACTIVE SCHOOLS FOR UKRAINE APPEAL
TAIN ACTIVE SCHOOLS RAISE FUNDS FOR UKRAINE APPEAL Tain Active Schools group raised funds in aid of the Ukraine appeal by holding a Dress Down Friday on March 25. Craighill, Knockbreck, Hilton of Cadboll, Gledfield, Edderton and Inver all took part, with many children wearing the colours of yellow and blue in support of Ukraine.
Hilton of Cadboll Primary
Edderton Primary
Tarbat Old and Fearn Primary
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TAIN ACTIVE SCHOOLS FOR UKRAINE APPEAL
Knockbreck P1
Knockbreck P3
Inver Primary
Knockbreck P2
Knockbreck P4/5
Gledfield Primary, Ardgay
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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM
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ANKERVILLE NURSERY
ANKERVILLE CELEBRATE ‘HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY ME’ WEEK In Ankerville Nursery this week we have enjoyed seeing the sunshine as we have celebrated Healthy Body, Happy Me. It has been a busy week full of activities which support and celebrate the children’s physical and mental wellbeing. We even were lucky to have some little lambs to visit us as the children begin to show an interest in the changes Springtime is bringing.
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SPORTS NEWS
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LOCAL SPORTS NEWS & RESULTS DO SOCCER COACH BIDS FAREWELL Head coach of Do Soccer Academy in Balintore, Zakeer Khan, made the following announcement on Facebook in April. “I would just like to let everyone know that after much contemplation I will be stepping down from my role at Do Soccer. Things have evolved at the club and I hope during my time with the club, parents would think for the better. “I have offered to cover the club for a coach with a PVG during May as they get organised for the Primary sessions but more as guidance for interested prospective coaches, but this will be a decision made by the committee. “For the U16s training will cease I hope we will arrange 1 final friendly at the end of April. We plan on having an Awards night in June for the entire Academy, date TBC. “I would like to thank the Balintore community and all our sponsors for supporting the club throughout the years. Parents who have helped in various capacities, especially those who have got involved coaching, fundraising, improving the facility. But most of all I would like to thank all the children (past and present), firstly for the memories, watching them develop not only as footballers but as human beings. It’s been a genuine pleasure.”
THE OLD TOM MORRIS GOLF TRAIL A new Scottish golf trail launched in honour of golfing legend “Old Tom Morris” has been created by Aberdeenbased Bonnie Wee Golf. Supported by VisitScotland, the Old Tom Morris Golf Trail will allow golfers to retrace the steps of the world-renowned Grand Old Man of Golf, across 18 of Scotland’s most spectacular and challenging courses. Tain Golf Club has been named as the third course on the new route. A statement on the club’s Facebook page said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of the courses on this exciting new trail, and we cannot wait to welcome golfers to our home, experience our course, and earn a unique Old Tom Morris Trail collector’s edition commemorative coin.” TAIN TABLE TENNIS CLUB RESULTS Tain Table Tennis Club held this season’s
tournament’s semi finals and finals events at the Duthac Centre. Martin Blaszkienz took the singles titles as he beat Russell Mackay in the final. In the doubles competition, Martin Blaszkienz and Cindy Hock were crowned victorious after they defeated Marcus Mcauley and John
Waring in the final. In the club plate championship, Grant Nutt defeated Graham Nutt to take the overall title. In the doubles competition, Grant Nutt and Roy Munro were crowned champions with Russell Mackay and Graham Nutt taking the runners-up spot after being beaten in the final. The trophy presentations were made after the finals when donations were also given to help victims of the war in Ukraine. The total amount collected was handed over to Tain Tennis Club to add to what they collected for the Red Cross Ukraine Refugee Fund. The Tain Table Tennis Club is finished for the season but will restart on Friday September 30.
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TAIN PICTURE HOUSE
NEW WINDOWS FOR REFURBISHED TAIN PICTURE HOUSE
BEFORE (CIRCA 1965)
AFTER (MARCH 2022)
The restoration of Tain’s historic Picture House has taken a striking step forward with the unveiling of its newly restored windows. Originally designed by Andrew Maitland and Sons, the building has had its windows boarded up since the 1960s. The recent glazing work and removal of scaffolding is the latest step in a series of phases to restore the grade B listed building as a cinema, performance / creative arts venue and community asset. Tain Picture House started life as a town hall following its completion in 1876. It went on to become the town’s cinema and was aptly renamed Tain Picture House in 1939. It eventually closed to cinema goers in 1965. Tain and Easter Ross
supporting us nothing can stop us. We’ve a new source of funding getting closer every day. “When that arrives, we’ll finish the job and have a building everyone will be proud of.” Mr Louden extended his thanks to the various people and companies involved in the project. “I’d like to thank a lot of people for the progress being made at the Picture House. Firstly, my colleagues on the Easter Ross Area Committee for having the courage to support Tain Heritage Trust’s bid for Town Centre Improvement Grant support. Thanks too, to the Architectural Heritage Trust for covering many of the professional fees we incurred. Alan and Lewis
councillor Derek Louden, who is also a trustee for Tain Heritage Trust, said: “This work is a combined effort by three trusts, Tain Heritage Trust, Tain & Easter Ross Civic Trust and Tain & District Development Trust. They’ve all played an important part. “But the building would still have died were it not for the love shown to it by the people of Tain and Easter Ross, young and old over the last twenty years as we’ve tried to repair it and bring it back into use. Whether your help was financial or on a shovel we thank you. “Every pound we were given was spent locally in the middle of the pandemic supporting local firms and local employees. We’re not finished yet, not by a long way, but if the public keeps
at Richard Mackenzie’s for project management and Mike Sangster for the messier bits. Thanks to R D Fraser for getting the electricity connected. “Thanks also to Nick Lawton at Torrance Partnership for his scheme of works and for keeping us on track. Highland Building and Conservation for the stonework and the scaffolders for holding the balcony up while they replaced the column. And thanks to Treecraft and to Marcin at MG Joinery for the glazing. “Thanks to Fairhurst for Structural Engineering support and Robin Pettigrew for Health & Safety advice. Lastly, thanks to Lachie and Paul at Anta for plans and liaison with planning and for cheer & positivity.”
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TAIN TENNIS CLUB
TAIN TENNIS CLUB RAISE OVER £1800 FOR UKRAINE APPEAL Members of Tain Tennis Club raised over £1800 in support of the Ukraine appeal after holding a charity fundraising day. The club committee members came together with idea of combining doubles coaching sessions with a raffle, auction and a series of classic tennis games in a bid to raise funds for the Red Cross DEC appeal for Ukraine. The afternoon, on Sunday, March 27, began with a doubles coaching session hosted by head coach Scott Fraser. This was followed by a selection of fun games by the courtside. A simple lunch of toasties and salad was provided for those in attendance, before several high value items were put under the hammer in an auction. David Whiteford served as auctioneer. This was followed by a raffle, with an “enormous” amount of prizes on offer, all generously donated by local businesses. Organisers hailed the day as a great success, citing the amazing effort of their committee who pulled the event together in just under a week. Joanie Whiteford, who is also Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, said: “We are delighted
to try to help the innocent citizens of Ukraine whose lives have been shattered. Their homes and cities have been ruined and families dispersed. “We cannot imagine the suffering they continue to endure whether remaining in their ruined cities with limited food, water and medicines or fleeing to lands unknown.” The club are also holding a silent auction for a made-to-measure kilt from Campbell’s of Beauly. The closing date for bids is April 8 at 3pm. More information can be found on the club’s Facebook page.
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ST DUTHUS CUP WIN
SAINTS WIN THE NORTH CALEY CUP
ST DUTHUS CUP WIN
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ST DUTHUS FOOTBALL CLUB
ST DUTHUS SIGN OFF WITH CUP WIN
Photo: James Gunn
ALAN Geegan’s resurgent St. Duthus lifted the Pentland Ferries North Caledonian Cup on Saturday April 2 with a hard fought 1-0 win over Halkirk United. Finn As-Chainey grabbed the goal that separated the sides at Dudgeon Park in Brora, with a clean sheet just reward for a brilliant team performance. There were returns to the starting lineup for John Allan, Ben Bruce and Ross Tokely following last weekend’s win over Loch Ness, with Saints at near full strength for the tie. Saints were right out of the traps from the word go and with just three minutes on the clock, Ben Bruce fired a dipping shot over the bar. Bruce threatened again moments later when he cleverly flicked the ball over the head of a defender before sending a threatening ball across the face of goal, but Jake Lockett at the far post,
passed up a glorious chance to score as the ball deflected high and wide. Saints kept their opponents at bay for the majority of the first half an hour of the match, and were unlucky not to find the target with further chances for Lockett and Christie in particular. The game took a tasty turn on 35 minutes when Ross Tokely was booked for an exchange with Grant Macnab, and just a couple of minutes later, the latter was booked for simulation. Lockett again could have done better with a chance on the 38 minute mark, lashing a chance wide of target after being played in on goal, his shot cracking off the advertising hoarding. At the other end, Halkirk came very close to breaking the deadlock with their first real chance of the game. A ball into the box was heading
into the path of Graham Macnab who hit a first time volley that curled over the crossbar. The opener though was reserved for St. Duthus just two minutes after the beginning of the second half. A Sam Ross throw in was met perfectly by Ross Tokely who knocked the ball down for Finn AsChainey, and the winger,
taking a touch, expertly side footed the ball into the bottom corner of the net to make it 1-0. Halkirk started to come back into the game as they chased an equaliser, and Graham Macnab again went close with a shot over the bar from outside the box, before testing Johnny Allan’s handling with a free kick down the middle of goal. Saints were unwavering in their efforts though, with Bruce coming close to adding a second with a shot held by McLeod before being taken down just inside the box. The referee, John Nicolson, spotted no infringement though and waved play on. Bruce called McLeod into action again moments later with a shot on the turn after another Sam Ross throw in caused Halkirk problems in the area.With a lot of the Halkirk action coming through midfield man Grant Macnab, they were starting to enjoy more of the possession as Saints
Photo: James Gunn
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ST DUTHUS FOOTBALL CLUB
defended persistently. On the end of one piece of play, Allan had to get down well to stop Graham Macnab with a shot along the byline. Late pressure from Halkirk saw goalkeeper Kieron McLeod join his teammates in the eighteen yard box for a late flurry of corner kicks without success. A missed header in front of goal and another over the bar spared Saints in the dying stages. A stunning Duncan Davidson block in the final minute to prevent a certain Jonah Martens goal was evidence that this may indeed be Saints’ day, the centre half having had an excellent afternoon along with John Skinner at the back. With three minutes of injury time played, the referee called time on the game and Saints were crowned North Caledonian Cup winners for 2021-22. Post-match, medals were presented to the winners, along with a special hipflask for Man of the Match Jake Lockett. Ben Bruce, captain for St. Duthus, lifted the trophy aloft to a wonderful reception from supporters and the team. The players and committee then traveled home to Tain where they were welcomed at the Royal Hotel for further celebrations. TEAM – John Allan, Sam Ross, Daniel Christie, John Skinner, Duncan Davidson, Paul Gair, James Mackay, Jake Lockett, Ben Bruce (Caillean Eaglesham 78), Ross Tokely, Finn AsChainey (Jamie Skinner 70) SUBS NOT USED – Danny Gillan, Lewis
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Smith, Kyle Mackenzie SAINTS prepared for cup final week with a stunning 3-0 win over title contenders Loch Ness on March 26. The highlight was a ‘perfect’ hat-trick for Finn As-Chainey who put the monster men to the sword with a stunning treble. Early pressure from Loch Ness heralded little success, with Danny Gillan and his defence doing well to thwart most of the visitors’ attempts to penetrate the eighteen yard box. Saints threatened from set pieces and twenty minutes in, a looping Daniel Christie free kick eventually fell to Finn AsChainey 10 yards from goal, but the winger hit the side netting. With Loch Ness labouring in attack, Saints punished their lacklustre opponents with a goal on 34 minutes. Jake Lockett, breaking down the right hand side, managed to beat his man and cut along the byline. There was some claims for a penalty as he was floored with a lunging tackle, but a corner was awarded. From the resulting corner kick, Christie sent the ball into a packed six yard box and after a couple of deflections, Finn As-Chainey pounced to nod into the far corner of the net. The wing man’s wheel-away celebration sent him into a collision with Lockett, with the latter going down for a standing 8-count. There was little else on offer from either side in the first half, but the second started at twice the pace. Saints, looking to double their advantage, nearly did just that with a free kick from Paul Gair
Photo: Graeme Webster
that was nearly diverted past Harrison by his own defender. Moments later a great ball across the face of goal from Lockett only narrowly evaded Kyle Mackenzie at the far post. The Inverness side did eventually get the ball in the net on the hour mark, a headed effort from a free kick, but the goal was immediately ruled offside, with the scorer, Ingram, flagged by the far side assistant. The wind was starting to come out of the Loch Ness sails though as Saints began to hit them ruthlessly on the counter. A second goal eventually arrived for St. Duthus on 83 minutes and it was a spell of persistence that paid off, As-Chainey closing down goalkeeper Harrison to disposses him before tucking the ball into the net with his right foot. Loch Ness were unlucky not to pull a goal back immediately after through when a speculative effort
from outside the box rattled Gillan’s far post. But it was to be curtains for Loch Ness at the end of normal time with a third goal for Saints. Jamie Skinner, doing well to gain the break of the ball, found Adrian Voigt, who in turn did well to slip the ball into AsChainey, and the forward battled through the backline to find the net with a composed left foot finish.It was a ‘perfect’ hattrick for the Saints man, his second for St. Duthus, with the header, right and left foot finish to cap off a Glenmorangie Man of the Match performance in the club’s final home game of the season. TEAM - Danny Gillan, Will Ross, Daniel Christie, John Skinner, Duncan Davidson, Jamie Skinner, James Mackay (Lewis Smith 88), Paul Gair (Adrian Voigt 69), Jake Lockett, Kyle Mackenzie (Caillean Eaglesham 58), Finn As-Chainey SUB NOT USED - Justin Rogers
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