Issue #231 | Tain & District Picture Post | February 2020 by K & N Concepts Ltd - ePublishing

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

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

#231

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

HISTORY OF TAIN’S MERCAT CROSS

FOSSIL FISH AND DOGGIE FOOTPRINTS

ST. DUTHUS FC TROPHY SUCCESS

Margaret Urquhart continues her series with the third instalment of her historical look at Tain’s Mercat Cross. p12

Tain Museum’s Jason Ubych looks at some of the oldest pieces in the their collection and two of the area’s local antiquarians. p30

Report and photographs from St. Duthus Football Club’s cup win over Golspie Sutherland at Dudgeon Park in Brora last month. p26

Celebrating 20 years of the Picture Post Former editor Maggie Mercer looks back at the last twenty years of the magazine.

FEBRUARY 2020

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

PRICE £ 1.95

WELCOME TO THE

DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE

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

Tain Inverness

Perth Glasgow Edinburgh

THE ORIGINAL TOUR

1 hour, £8 per person

June - August: Monday - Sunday, every 30 minutes, 10am - 4pm April - May & September - October: Monday - Saturday, every hour, 10am - 3pm

By the tranquil shores of the Dornoch Firth, amidst the golden barley fields of Ross-shire, lies the Glenmorangie Distillery. Here you will find a warm Highland welcome from the legendary Men of Tain, the skilled craftsmen who ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried and uncompromising way it has always been through its long and distinguished history. We offer a range of tours with unparalleled access to the Distillery and its warehouses. With the help of our expert guides you will experience all stages of the whisky making process from mashing and fermenting to distilling and maturation. Within our Still House (we call it our Highland Cathedral) stand the tallest stills in Scotland, their long copper necks are the same height as a fully grown giraffe! As a result only the lightest and purest vapours make it to the top, giving a smoother, more elegant whisky. On your visit to our traditional earth floored warehouses we will explain why Glenmorangie has for many years led the industry in the pioneering use of only the finest casks in which to mature our whisky. As part of your tour, why not visit our own distillery shop?

January - March & November - December: Monday - Friday, 10am & 2pm THE SIGNET TOUR

1.5 hours, £35 per person June - August: Monday - Sunday, 2.15pm Wednesday, 6pm, New for 2019 April - May & September - October: Monday - Friday, 2.15pm (January - March & November December: not available) THE MEN OF TAIN TOUR

2.45 hours, £95 per person

May - September: Tuesday, 9.45am (October - April: not available) THE SUNSET TOUR

1.5 hours, £45 per person

June - August: Wednesday, 6.00pm (September - May: not available) For more information call 01862 892477 email: tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk or visit www.glenmorangie.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ONLINE BOOKINGS PLEASE VISIT WWW.GLENMORANGIE.COM Pre-booking is recommended and essential for some of the tours or large groups. The Glenmorangie Distillery is a working distillery. For a few weeks a year we undergo essential maintenance when tours may be restricted. Closed for the 2 week period over Christmas & New Year. The information on this advert is valid throughout 2019. The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking. Please savour our whiskies in moderation.

TDPP

FEBRUARY 2020

FEATURES 04

Celebrating 20 Years of TDPP

Former editor Maggie Mercer looks back at the last twenty years of the Tain & District Picture Post.

Tain Community News

Andrew Vass writes

Looking back at the formative years of TDPP

Army Cadet Force promotions

Through the Lens with Mark Janes

Part 2 of Mindful Photography

WELCOME

Tain’s Mercat Cross

Margaret Urquhart brings us the third instalment of her

We offer you a warm welcome to this, our 20 year anniversary edition of the Tain & District Picture Post - a special 40 page edition which we hope brings together the best of what the magazine is all about. Local news and events, photos, history, nostalgia and community spirit.

historical look at Tain’s Mercat Cross.

Gizzen Briggs: 26 and going strong

TDFC: Then and Now

A look back at Tain & District Field Club, 2000 to 2020.

Nostalgia with Alex Graham

Tain in the ‘20s

100 years ago in pictures

World Chief Scout visit in 1961

A piece from Stephan Pater

The Duck

By Patrick Vickery

Super Saints celebrate cup win

Fossil Fish and Doggie Footprints

An article from Tain & District Museum.

Finally, we would like to tell you about the launch of our new Digital Archive, which is now located at www. tainpost.co.uk/archives.php. If you haven’t visited the website yet, please take a moment to do so and enjoy a look back at some of our oldest issues of the magazine, which are already available for reading.

Beatrice Mackay (1919-2020)

A tribute from her son, James Mackay.

TASC’s fun day out at Rollerbowl

Pictures from Tain Amateur Swimming Club

Here’s to the next 20 years!

TDDT: In the loop

Niall Harkiss & Lucy Veals Editors

Latest news from Tain & District Development Trust

Front page/above photo credit: Mark Janes

This issue has been a fun one to put together. You may have noticed a distinct difference in the overall look and feel of this special issue of the Post. To mark the 20 year milestone, we felt the need for a bit more “punch” on the presentation side, complimented by full colour print throughout. We have been delighted with the result. We hope that you, our readers, also approve! We have been lucky to have received some brilliant content for February. Along with some fantastic articles from our regular contributors, it is with delight and gratitude that we include an historical look at the magazine itself in this issue. This piece has been penned by the person with the greatest insight into that very topic - the Post’s editor of some 14 years, Maggie Mercer. Thank you to Maggie for this excellent piece.

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20 YEARS OF TDPP

MAGGIE MERCER: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF THE TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST When Lucy and Niall asked me to write a piece for this landmark 20th Anniversary edition of the Tain & District Picture Post, I thought about a conversation I had with my good friend and its originator, the late Murray Macleod, before I took over the magazine in January 2004. I asked him what inspired him to set up the TDPP and he told me …... “being a local reporter for the area and a keen photographer at local events, I was constantly being given a wealth of old photos and interesting stories from residents I got talking to out and about. I had so much in printed form I didn’t know what to do with it! It seemed a shame not to put it to good use and a lady I spoke to suggested I start a local community magazine where I can include all the material I had gathered”. Having his finger on the pulse of noteworthy current news in and around Tain, he decided to do just that, bringing local history to life and keeping people abreast of topical issues in the area. The TDPP was born! One of the first places I am drawn to for inspiration is Issue 1 printed in February 2000 (then named Tain & Dornoch Picture Post). Glancing through it I couldn’t help noticing just how Murray set the tone to include stories and updates of many key local organisations which follow the activities of young and old in

the area; TRACC, Tain Museum, Tain Youth Café, Tain Task Force, Tain Community Council among many others. The same groups are still covered either monthly or periodically in the magazine today. A key feature Murray established was the Old File articles and stories which bring the history of Tain and District to life, important for bringing memories to life again for those who remember these times, but also so important for the younger generation to get a flavour of how things used to be in the area they grew up in. Murray saw it as a platform for folk to air their opinions, in his words “good, favourable and bad” but stated it was “not a place to settle arguments with your neighbour!”. This is for sure what it did not become. Murray was keen to promote (as I did also, and which the current editors continue to do) the positive aspects of the area and the inherent good of the people of Tain and District. There is enough doom and gloom in other media - let the TDPP represent all that is good about a place. As I look through the very early issues there is much of the same type of material as today covering local news and events. It is interesting to read about the earlier efforts of recycling projects in and around the town or to see the innocent faces of children who are now parents themselves staring out

at me from primary and nursery photographs. There is perhaps also something of an endearing quality to these earlier editions in more use of poems, cartoons and the quirky little news snippets Murray was fond of including. It is poignant when I see businesses advertised that no longer trade due to the economic climate such as Nigg Ferry Hotel and Brambles Café or because their proprietors are no longer with us as, with Ernie Ross Carpets. I became editor of the Post in 2004 as Murray was moving on to pastures new. I was grateful for the opportunity to continue the work of keeping the magazine alive, even though his were big shoes to fill! Nonetheless I continued to do this for 14 years, adding my own editorial stamp to the process as it evolved over the years. The format did not differ greatly although the layout of the printed material became more ‘boxed in’ with my penchant for boundaries and lines! I greatly appreciated the regular story contributions which continued from the late Wattie Louden, Patrick Vickery, Margaret Urquhart and her late husband Forbie, as well as Andrew Vass. We had the semi-regular writings of John Gordon, Mac MacAndie and the late John Mackay and later on story contributions from Barry Allen and Alex Graham who we are happy to say still

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MAGGIE MERCER

produces reminiscences with humour and wit. We were delighted when talented local photographer Mark Janes came on board and introduced his photography column giving more flavour to the content which he also continues to do. I loved including the Old File material I was given from so many quarters but most notably from Tain Museum Image Library for which I was extremely grateful. When Lucy and Niall asked me to write a piece for this landmark 20th Anniversary edition of the Tain & District Picture Post, I thought about a conversation I had with my good friend and its originator, the late Murray Macleod, before I took over the magazine in January 2004. I asked him what inspired him to set up the TDPP and he told me …... “being a local reporter for the area and a keen photographer at local events, I was constantly being given a wealth of old photos In glancing through some of these issues my heart strings are pulled when I see the innocent faces of my own children and their pals staring out at me from their nursery and primary photos now at the ages of 18 and 12. So many good memories to look back on. Some new pieces were included which were popular for a while, such as Lets Find Out About… which highlighted the personal likes and dislikes of local individuals. I am reminded of the monthly contribution from the late Graham Macrae with his popular ‘Graham’s Quiz’, the regular updates from local schools and other groups such as Tain Brownies and Guides and Tain Gardening Club and Tain Over 60’s and many more, much of which is still alive and kicking in the Post today. The advertising stepped up, it dipped then stepped up again according to the economic climate of the time! Due to my counselling training and other work interests I made

the hard decision of stepping down from the magazine in 2018. However, I was delighted that Lucy and Niall were able to take over the proprietorship and editorial reigns of the TDPP and I cannot think of a better partnership to do the job. Taking a glance through their issues I am delighted that they have kept their material true to the heart of the magazine with their updates of local community groups and events and that all important inclusion of historical material in their Old File articles and photos. I was also pleased to see echoes of Murray’s style of printing in their decision to keep line boundaries off some of their material which has resulted in a more relaxed style of layout. Most notable though is the inclusion of colour that has brought a fresh look to its presentation. As well as keeping to the familiar material and including regular updates from more recently established community groups, for example, Tain & District Development Trust or Tain & Easter Ross Rotary Club, they have added extra flavour to the magazine with birthday notices, regular Local News & Events column, and more value to the content with back pages dedicated to charting local sports in the area as well as the inclusion of valuable projects such as Saving Easter Ross Images which was a big success. I am also delighted to see so many new businesses supporting them in their advertising and hope that this continues. During my time I was continually struck by the high level of fundraising efforts in the area and I see this is something that has not escaped the notice of Lucy and Niall. In one editorial they say that contact with community groups has opened their eyes to the many initiatives that would usually go under the radar in Tain stating that these initiatives “not only

Above: Long-time editor of the Tain & District Picture Post from 2004-2018, Maggie Mercer.

result in great personal or sporting achievement, but also in bringing people together for common causes to raise funds for those less fortunate”. This is a sure reflection of the compassion and generosity that exists in our community. It always amazed me how easily the TDPP almost organically came together each month. Uncertainty about content at the start of the month swiftly changed to sifting through stories and photos that rapidly popped through my ‘inbox’ as the month went on. Content that evokes memories which can lead to additional contributions. Adverts about local events leading to their subsequent reports and photos. Regular contributors whether from story writers or representatives from community groups being continually inspired to stir attention in their area of interest. Updates from schools and nurseries keeping parents and grandparents informed of their childrens’ life in the world of learning. Lucy and Niall are performing a magnificent task in sustaining all this and sourcing articles of historical interest, maintaining the cherished Old File sections, chronicling local events as well

as drumming support from local advertisers who see the publication’s worth for their catchment area. They have both stated that their intention is to keep an even balance of opinions and articles and to stay true to the recording of Tain’s bygone days and heritage. They say they hope to succeed in these endeavours - and I am sure you will agree this they most certainly have! I have talked with Lucy and Niall about how the TDPP in its own inimitable way can be viewed as a meaningful component of the glue that strengthens a community; the regular circulation of a local publication which charts the interests of the town and its people. In current times when it is so easy for people to be phenomenally busy, or disillusioned and depressed about life it is even more important to put the brakes on and pay attention to our surroundings and, as earlier stated, the TDPP shines a light on what we have to be grateful for in the area we live. To finish, we give tribute to you, the reader, without which support the magazine would not be the success that it is, so a heartfelt thank you from the TDPP editorial team past and present.

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TAIN COMMUNITY

TAIN GALA MARQUEE DATE FOR PEAT & DIESEL TENNIS CLUB QUIZ NIGHT SUCCESS Tain Tennis Club held a very successful quiz night at Tain Golf Club on Saturday 18th January. The club extend their thanks to Quizmaster, John Mackenzie for compiling the questions and acting as Compère for the evening. The club was packed and everyone had a really fun night. Over £500 was raised on the night, to go towards replacing the court floodlights.

GERMAN YOUTH SWIMMING CHAMPION Well done to Tammy Neef who took part in the German Short Course National Para Swimming Championships last month. Tammy came away with gold in the 100m breast and 50m fly and silver in the 100m back along with many personal bests. Go Tammy!

Tain Gala’s Friday night marquee is set to be a sell-out this year thanks to the booking of one of Scotland’s fastest rising acts. They may have only played their first gig a little over a year ago, but Peat & Diesel, the three-piece band from Stornoway, have been taking Scotland’s music industry by storm. Fisherman Boydie Macleod, electrician Innes Scott and van driver Uilly Macleod formed the band on the back of regular sessions at home in their native Stornoway before putting their catalogue of original material

together to begin doing gigs. Through the medium of social medium, their popularity soared, with songs and videos telling funny stories of life in the Western Isles clocking up tens of thousands of views. Their first album “Uptown Fank” was a big success, followed on by “Light My Byre”. Having played at HebCelt, the Western Isles’ largest festival and Belladrum, they went on to sell out a gig at Glasgow’s Barrowlands in just a single day. Their popularity hasn’t been lost on the industry experts either - in

Their first album, “Uptown Fank” was a huge success. December they won the best live act award at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. The Tain Gala Association event will be open to all ages but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be priced at a very modest £15 and will be released on Monday February 3rd. Where and how to get tickets will be announced closer to the date.

EASTER ROSS MUSICAL THEATRE Easter Ross Musical Theatre are an exciting Musical Theatre group, based in the Tain area, with members from all over Ross-Shire. The group, formerly known as the Garrick Singers, last year completely re-branded, had a change of name and completely modernised the group. In March 2019, Easter Ross Musical Theatre performed

“The Addams Family” musical, over 3 nights in the Duthac Centre, Tain, to which it received rave reviews and was a major success and also raised £1060 for the Highland Hospice. Building on the success of last years show, the group will be performing “All Shook Up”, a hit musical comedy, featuring songs by the King himself, Elvis Presley. This will take place at

the Duthac Centre, Tain on 1214th March 2020! Keep your eye on our Facebook page for details of when tickets will go on sale.

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TAIN COMMUNITY

TAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING - NOV 2019 ELECTION OF CHAIR Mr Amos proposed Mr Munro as Chair, seconded by Mr Ackeroyd. As there were no other nominations Mr Munro was elected as Chair. Mr Munro took the Chair at this point. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS Mr Ackeroyd proposed Mr Amos as Vice Chair, seconded by Mr Mohan. As there were no other nominations Mr Amos was elected as Vice Chair. Mr Amos proposed Mr Macrae as Treasurer, seconded by Ms Houliston. As there were no other nominations Mr Macrae was elected as Treasurer. Mr Munro proposed Mrs Mackay as Minute Secretary, seconded by Mr Amos. As there was no other nominations, Mrs Mackay was elected as Minute Secretary. ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION AND STANDING ORDERS Mr Munro proposed the adoption

of the Constitution and Standing Orders seconded by Mr Amos. Mr Louden to contact Helen Ross for a copy to be forwarded to CC members. OUTSTANDING ISSUES FROM OUTGOING COMMUNITY COUNCIL It was agreed that Mr Munro would contact the Rector of TRA to encourage 2 young people to attend the CC meeting on a regular basis. It was also agreed that Mr Munro would contact the Police and encourage them to attend the CC meetings. It was noted that there are 2 spaces available for co-opted members to the CC – it was agreed to put this item on the agenda for the next meeting. Hartfield Road traffic - it was noted that contact had been made from a members of the public about some speeding traffic on

Hartfield Road and had suggested traffic calming measures. Some speeding traffic on Geanies Street was also discussed. It was agreed to reply to the member of the public on the speeding, and contact Highland Council to get the smiley face speed box put up at Geanies Street. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Mr Rhind thanked the CC for the funding to fix the Christmas Lights. He also thanked the volunteers for help putting up the lights. The improvement works on the Crickety steps was completed. Mr Louden reported he went to the event on 50 proposed holiday houses and businesses at Logie Quarry. He has received a composite map of when and where the roads are gritted locally. Highland Council has clawed back some overspend income. There is an ongoing problem with

sewerage on Knockbreck Primary School play ground. It was agreed to contact Scottish Water and Education over the concern and dismay of the CC, including knowing what the ecoli count is. Mr Louden to provide Mr Munro with the email addresses. There has been productive discussions over the funding for the 3-18 campus. Trees have been messily cut with debris spread around between Quebec Bridge and Tain – Mr Rhind to investigate. Traffic Wardens are now coming to Tain, the parking order on Geanies Street has been temporarily suspended. The CC will monitor the traffic order. DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Monday 27th January 2020 at the Council Chamber, Tain.

NEW INSPECTOR FOR EASTER ROSS AND SUTHERLAND A new inspector has been appointed to oversee local policing teams in Easter Ross and Sutherland. Inspector James Rice took up the post in early January, covering a large beat taking in the towns of the Cromarty Firth and east Sutherland coast as well as the large rural interior of the county. He moves to the role having most recently worked in Inverness in a role which included overseeing the City Centre Policing Team and Community Beats officers based throughout the city. Insp Rice said: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to take this role covering Easter Ross and Sutherland. Having grown up in Tain I know the entire area very well and I’m really looking forward to making my contribution to improving things for all the communities living and working there.

After school I went to Glasgow University to study engineering and then returned to the area to work at Nigg. A few years later I joined the Police and now, in what seems like the blink of an eye, I have 25 years service. I have worked in various front line roles including CID and response policing and have served in Dingwall, Shetland and latterly Inverness. Since arriving in post I have been struck by the enthusiasm and commitment of the officers and staff in all of the stations. They cover a very large area and at times are presented with the logistical challenges of doing so. This is on top of the obvious challenges of preventing and detecting crime as well as assisting vulnerable people. I will be doing all I can to ensure my officers and staff are supported in meeting these challenges. I have also managed to

meet with some of my colleagues in partner agencies and again I’ve been impressed with the commitment and drive to achieve improvements for the community through the various projects they are engaged in. I look forward to working alongside them to ensure this area remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

“I look forward to working alongside the community to ensure this area remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”

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ANDREW VASS

TAIN WHIST FUNDS RAISED The latest Whist drive held at Tain Dementia Resource Centre raised £42 for Alzheimer Scotland. The winners of the Gents game were as follows: 1st - Findlay Munro, 2nd - Andrew Buchan, consolation - Ailsa Johnston. In the Ladies, Isobel Bain came first, with Daisy Bell and Jamsie Keith coming second and third, respectively. The cardmaster was Ailsa Johnston and Margaret Nic presented the prizes on the night. The next Whist is scheduled for February 13th with new players welcome.

WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY? Saturday, February 15th Lodge St. Duthus, Queen Street, Tain - INDOOR MARKET from 10am to 2pm. Refreshments, tea, coffee and home baking. Saturday, February 29th Duthac Centre, Tain - GIZZEN BRIGGS FIDDLER’S RALLY Monday, February 10th Tain & District Gardeners’ Club The Eden Project Heather McAllister Tain Parish Church Hall 7:30pm Tuesday, February 11th Climate change and Scottish coasts - Prof Stewart Angus (Scottish Natural Heritage & HeriotWatt Univ.) Tain Parish Church Hall 7:30pm

ANDREW VASS WRITES Twenty years in and still going strong - and with colour photos as well! I love the modern format and the interesting contributions from such as Jason Ubych, (the Tain Museum project manager) and from Alex Graham (writing about Nostalgia). The historical dimension is still there although it may tend to be more about the history of football and sports than before. But as I compare the February 2000 magazine with the February 2019 one, I see similarities. In the first one Murray had pics of Wattie Louden Tain’s First Foot, the Tain Street Party, the Dornoch pipe band and of Gizzen Brigs in concert (featuring my niece Mhairi Ross). I had an article on Fear of Spies During World War 2 and the sport’s feature was on the Easter Ross Judo Club. Comparing that edition with Niall’s and Lucy’s colourful 2019 TPP I see similarities. In February 2019 there was an article; ‘GIZZEN BRIGS IS 25’. The sports theme was focused on ‘Six Winning Run for St Duthus’ and the local history article by Margaret Urquhart was on ‘Lost Farms of Tain’. It just shows how much interest there is in local stories and local history up there and how Tain has many interesting writers who can replace those who sadly have passed away or perhaps have

begun to run out of steam. I recall Murray Macleod coming down to see me in Edinburgh, just as I had completed a training in journalism. I had used the course to develop an interest in Highland local history. Murray went off with a clutch of my articles, drew some local worthies into his plan, and launched the magazine. I think he wanted to give the people of Tain a chance to celebrate their own lives and achievements in print, while also studying their heritage. Murray had the photographic and business skills to make this project work. He had long been involved in local entertainments, bringing world Highland Games to Tain and organising performers to do ceilidhs on passenger ships docked at Invergordon. He had a great admiration for the community spirit of the Tain community. One example of that community spirit occurred when he suggested to a committee that they hire the Canadian World champion pipe band to grace their Highland Games. The response he got was; ‘What’s wrong with our own Band? A town with that kind of loyalty to its own performers deserves to have a quality picture post. And so, this article is a tribute to the people of Tain. But then, looking back at my own life in Bonar Bridge in the fifties and sixties, people were very

interested in local entertainmentdespite pop and rock coming in and making entertainment global. Traditional songsters in the Highlands of Scotland, bravely coexisted with the new style despite being upstaged by it. David Ross from Ardgay, amused us greatly with his ballad; ‘The Farmers and the Shepherds doing the Rock and Roll’. Andy Stewart, when he wasn’t developing songs such as ‘The Scottish Soldier’ was doing a comic impersonation of Elvis with his song ‘Donald Where’s yer trousers? Our very own Argo Cameron was providing regular entertainment at Strathpeffer along with Margaret Macleod (Murray’s wife). Together they sung ‘The Crooked Bawbee’. When Scottish Oil came along in the late Seventies, the Conservatives seemed wedded to cow towing to the American Multi- Nationals. The Americans wanted the operation done quickly, no big National Plan, but certainly flexible workforces. No wonder 7/84 Company could characterize Conservative Ministers as being like greedy Americans Oilmen come to profiteer in the Highlands. McGrath’s ‘The Cheviot, The Stag and the Black Black Oil’ was watched by spellbound audiences all over the Country. Texas Jim seemed to personify the ruthless power of Capitalist bosses.

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ANDREW VASS | ARMY CADETS

Socialism was popular back then, but the constant strikes of the seventies engendered a more cynical mood. Our own Black Isle comedian and ‘failed farmer’ Colin Campbell perhaps echoed the cynical mood which was common during the Thatcher years. Favourite themes were about roadmen and profligate County Councils. A typical phrase of his was “You can get a grant for anything nowadays.” One of his jokes about roadmen went something like this. “Hello! Good Mooorning! and Welcome to Radio Bettyhill. This is John Angus Mackay reporting on all the latest news. Now the manager of the Roads Division of the County Council was very worried the other day when he heard his workers had set off without their spades. He eventually got through to them on the phone and told them not to worry, but just to lean on each other until he got the spades sent out.” Perhaps life in the Highlands gave us a certain distance from the global influences which were hitting the rest of the country. Well in 1970 I was just a village lad arriving in the big city -- OF ABERDEEN. I think I was too bemused by the complexity of it all, to take very much in. Just remembering which streets, I had to get off at was a big enough task, ‘Can I get off at Crow street?’ I asked a bus conductor on one of my early ventures. ‘You mean Crown Street laddie’, he snorted with a look of disdain on his face. For me University libraries were more fraught with danger than any student pub. Several times I ambled out absent-mindedly having forgotten to stamp my books, to be suddenly grabbed by a doorman and made to pay a fine for my stupidity. I seem to have arrived at Aberdeen University just as the Hippy era was drawing to a close. Some of my older friends could remember ‘the Peace marches of 1968’ in Grosvenor Square. Just a few years earlier my sister had been

“Take your oilrigs by the score. Drill a little well a little off shore. Pipe that oil in from the sea. Pipe these profits home to me. Your Union men just cut no ice.I work for me I name the price. All you folks are off your head. I’m getting rich from your seabed.” at Edinburgh University when ‘Student’ the youthful university magazine, had advocated that students try out a ‘Timothy Leary’ lifestyle with lots of L.S.D. and free love. Were the Universities hotbeds of utopian youngsters driven by the Hippy Revolution? Certainly, when Malcolm Muggeridge resigned as Rector at Edinburgh University over the antics of ‘Student’ magazine, his comments on the irresponsibility of modern students caused some anxiety among parents- ‘lest their sons and their daughters’ be ‘beyond their command’ as Bob Dylan had so poetically put it. The global world may have undermined the innocence of village life for just a short time. But the persistence of our traditions in the Highlands has perhaps helped youngsters to keep their feet on the ground. They say that History is full of Shakers and Movers. In the Seventies I like to think I was a shaker. But I probably wasn’t a mover. As a minister in Skye, put it when he was asked if there are any words in the Gaelic, which correspond with manana. His reply was ‘No! No! Nothing so hectic.’ Murray was by contrast a mover. He had the up and go to start something new. But then he was the one who had a keen interest in family memories and genealogy. He loved nothing better than to come for a visit to see relatives- ‘in a-the airts’, and in particular my mother-his aunty Joy.

PROMOTIONS FOR TAIN ARMY CADET FORCE Ivan Wallace, Hunter Ross and Cameron Ross were three of Tain’s own Army Cadet Force who earned recognition in December. Ivan Wallace, Tain, (pictured below, right) was among several who earned recognition for their efforts at the end of 2019 with the Army Cadet Force. The experienced instructor, who has given a lifetime of service to the Army Cadets, was promoted from Sergeant Instructor to Staff Sergeant Instructor in recognition of his skills and commitment to Army Cadets in Tain. Hunter Ross, from Tain, (pictured below, second photo, right) was also promoted from Sergeant to Colour Sergeant. He has been with the Army Cadet Force since the age of 12 and has excelled particularly in Fieldcraft and battle exercises. As well as his promotion, he earned

awards for Best Detachment Drill Commander and Best Detachment. He has recently returned from a national master cadet course where he was graded very highly. The top cadets in the country were given the first opportunity to fire the army’s sharpshooter rifle and attend various stands including one by the paras. Hunter’s brother Cameron Ross has also attended the cadets since age 12. Last year he walked from Fort William to Inverness to raise over £3,500 for a local charity. He helps out at all the local events and was rewarded in December with a promotion from Lance Corporal to Corporal in recognition of his skills and commitment.

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THROUGH THE LENS

THROUGH THE LENS WITH MARK JANES Take your time; ISSUE #26 sometimes just Mindful Photography (part 2) moving a few In last month’s “Through The Lens” we introduced the idea steps to the left or of Mindful Photography, and right can make the the benefits to your photos and to your personal well-being of difference slowing your photography down. This month I’d like to introduce you to a couple of techniques for doing that, especially in a landscape photography situation. When we arrive somewhere to take photographs, it’s very tempting to leap out of the car and start snapping away, especially if we’re shooting with a digital camera. After all, it isn’t costing us anything, no matter how many shots we take! Instead, I like to walk around a location and soak up the atmosphere. Often, I’ll leave the camera bag in the car at first, so I can wander freely without the weight of the bag and tripod. During this “pre-photography” phase, take a few moments to let ALL your senses absorb the location. Yes, photography is a

visual medium but, hopefully, we are trying to express our feelings and our response to a location through our photos. And those feelings come through all our senses. So; stand still and be silent for a few moments. Close your eyes. What can you hear? What can you smell? What can you feel? If the weather’s rough, try to relax and experience the cold rain stinging your face, rather than flinching from it. Next, open your eyes and look. Look at the light; what kind of

mood is it conveying to you? Bright and energising? Moody? Calming? What is the effect of the light on the landscape features? NOW you can start to wander around looking for good compositions. Take your time; sometimes just moving a few steps to the left or right can make the difference between a well-composed shot and one full of distractions that just doesn’t “work”. Now it’s time to get out the camera and tripod. (Yes, do

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MARK JANES

use a tripod for this type of photography. It slows you down and helps you physically relax. If the weather’s bad it also means you’ve got a hand free to hold an umbrella, protecting you and the camera from the worst of the elements.) Take time to adjust your camera-settings. This is a good opportunity to learn and to practise the manual and semi-automatic modes on your camera, and the use of manual focus. Why? Because it’s one more step in connecting with the landscape, rather than letting the camera do all the work. This approach often works well with long exposures, allowing you to blur water and fast-moving clouds. The resulting shots can have a minimal, almost ethereal look to them, perhaps reflecting the conscious relaxation you put in. Finally, don’t “gun and run”. Often a place rewards time and patience. When you’ve taken your planned shot, rest awhile and let the landscape continue to “wash over you”. (Not literally if it’s a coastal location!) Look out for how the light is changing. This is especially true of sunsets. I’ve seen many photographers show a great deal of patience while waiting for a sunset, only to dash off as soon as the sun drops below the horizon. But, depending on the clouds, this can be when the show is just beginning! The half an hour after sunset can produce some amazing skies and rich colours. Do try this slower, more mindful approach to landscape photography and, if you like the sound of it, look out for my Mindful Landscape Photography workshop, coming later this Spring. Did you like this article? Why not email me and let me know what you’d like to see covered in future issues. If you’ve got any questions about photography, email me those too and we’ll see if we can put them together into a “Q&A” section. markjanesphotographer@gmail. com.

SOCIAL START-UP SCHOOL FOR EASTER ROSS TOWN People with a business idea that will benefit their local community or environment will soon have access to a new programme of support. Known as the Social StartUp School, the innovative programme run by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, is running four locally focused initiatives across Easter Ross, Wester Ross, Sutherland and the Outer Hebrides. The Start-Up School is open to anyone with a social business idea, regardless of age, education or employment. Ideas don’t have to be fully formed, the School will support individuals to develop their social business model, providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring it to life and create a lasting impact. A free taster session is being held at Invergordon Leisure Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday 11 February, giving residents the chance to speak to representatives from Social Enterprise Academy to learn more about the programme. Helen Lavery, senior project manager at HIE, said: “Social businesses trade like any other but at their core they have a broader purpose. This progressive model sees businesses trading for social, community or environmental benefits. A programme like this is beneficial not only to the participants, but also to the wider Invergordon community. “Our Start-Up School centres on taking support to our rural communities, harnessing and supporting enterprising activity via the expertise, experience and networks that Social Enterprise Academy and the Support Network for

Social Entrepreneurs (SuNSE) bring to the table. “We are offering an invaluable resource that will drive idea generation and help to bring businesses forward. We have high hopes that a range of social enterprises will emerge and develop over the course of the programme.” Social enterprises are big business. Over 80,000 jobs are supported by the sector in Scotland and it contributes £2bn Gross Value Added (GVA). Around a third of Scotland’s social enterprises are in rural areas with more than 1,100 in the Highlands and Islands alone. Start-Up School aims to encourage people to look at social business models which will create ambitious enterprises within their local communities. The fully funded, 18-month Start-Up School aims to attract ambitious social entrepreneurs by offering them supportive learning environments in areas such as business planning, sourcing investment, market awareness and commercialising opportunities, essential skills required when setting

up a business. This flexible approach to learning is designed to fit around existing commitments and takes advantage of online learning as well as face-to-face sessions. The resulting enterprises not only create career opportunities for the people taking part, but will regenerate communities, through job creation and delivery of products and services vital to the community. Participants will receive 1-2-1 support from social business experts and will become part of this Europe-wide network of peers. The Start-Up School programme will leave the social entrepreneurs with a well-developed business plan, appropriate commercial skills, market awareness and support agencies to help them into the future. Applications are now being accepted for the Invergordon Start-Up School, classes begin in Spring 2020. For further information on the Start-Up School, please contact david@ socialenterprise.academy

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NORTH DISTRICT TEAM SELECTION

TAIN’S MERCAT CROSS

TAIN’S MERCAT CROSS Margaret Urquhart brings us the third instalment of her historical look at Tain’s Mercat Cross.

Congratulations to Maree Wood who was selected to travel as part of the SASA North District Team to take part in the Geneva International Challenge Swimming Meet. The 53rd edition of Challenge International de Genève took place between Friday 17th to Sunday 19th January. CIG is an international swimming competition, FINA approved (International Swimming Federation) which starts of the Long Course season. On her return from Geneva Maree said that it was a great experience and she really enjoyed it. Solid swims over the 3 days of racing coming away with 3 new Long Course PB’s and also managing to qualify for a B final in the 100m Breaststroke on Sunday evening. The journey home was pretty exciting too as Craig and Bruno from Strictly Come Dancing were on the same flight. Like us all here at TASC, if they had seen Maree swim, I am sure they would have given her a few tens!

As has already been stated in Part 1, Tain’s Mercat Cross was, according to the newspaper article written at the time of its restoration in 1895, demolished over 50 years before that date. Curiously, the museum has a copy of a poster, dated 17th October 1876, advertising a farm on Hill of Tain for let. The poster had been countersigned by the Burgh Officer certifying that copies had been displayed at the Parish Church, the Mercat Cross & other public places. Was the newspaper’s estimate of when the cross was demolished so wrong? Did part of the shaft and the socket still remain in place, or was it simply that the site still held its symbolic importance? Lacking any other documentary evidence, these questions must remain unanswered. Whatever, the main means of communication and intimation remained the same and the site of the cross and the old market place would have remained a focal point for these matters and the main gathering place. The Bellman or Town Crier continued to be a person of importance and is mentioned frequently in the Burgh Accounts. For example, in the 1880s the Bellringer was paid for tolling the bell at the funerals of the American President Garfield and of Sir Charles Ross, Balnagown. During the same period the Bellman or Town Crier, and occasionally the Town Drummer, were used for the following intimations - Roup (let by public auction) of Common Good; Sale of Customs; Let of salmon fishings; Notice to unemployed; Scarcity of water; Set (let) of quarry; Intimating water supply to be turned off; the sale of town manure. By the late 1800’s and the beginning

Photo 1: Dan Thayne

of the 1900s, names of these individuals appear, with some deemed worthy to be photographed by Tain photographer, William Smith. In the late1800s, an Alex Munro was the Town Drummer and a Dan Thayne was the Bellman – the latter seen in Photo 1 (above) holding his bell. At the turn of the century a Charles Fraser was the Town Crier (Photo 2). Another Town Crier, Rory Macdonald, who was also a newsvendor, became a familiar figure in the streets of Tain. As can be seen in photo 3, where he is standing at the Castle Brae entrance to the kirkyard, he always wore a beret, jacket, kilt and large boots - the latter to accommodate

his misshapen feet which earned him the nickname “Rory Toe”. Sadly, as the 20th Century progressed, the need for such means of communication disappeared along with their associated colourful characters. However, following its restoration, the Mercat Cross soon resumed its place in the public life of Tain. The following photos illustrate but a few examples. Photo 4 shows the gathering of the Town Council, flanked by two halberd bearers, members of the armed forces, a line of masons and part of a large crowd of members of the public at the proclamation of George V at Mercat Cross on 12th March 1910.

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MARGARET URQUHART

Photo 5, was taken in the early 1930s on the occasion of the laying of Poppy Wreaths on Remembrance Day at the Mercat Cross. The following members of the council are named - Provost Donald Ross, George Davidson, Wm Fraser, Sutherland Ross, Wm Tree, Alistair MacDonald – but unfortunately their positions in the photo are not given. Photo 6 shows Provost Fletcher, making a Proclamation in 1952 from the steps of the Mercat Cross, possibly on the occasion of the death of the king or proclaiming loyalty to Queen Elizabeth, surrounded by members of the town council. Left to Right:- Andrew Melvin (teacher, TRA); Donald Strachan (baker); Allan Davidson (saddler, shoe repairer); R. Hay (rector TRA); A.G.R. Robertson (Chemist); A.G.D. Cameron (newsagent); A.W Gray (accountant, Gray & Butler); Geo.

Ferguson; Provost John Fletcher (exciseman); D. MacKenzie; A.W. MacDonald (Tain Laundry & Lemonade Factory); R. Sellar; Geo. Hamilton (draper); Rev. Begg; Cecil Philips (Royal Hotel); H. Gibson (banker). As readers will be aware the Mercat Cross, and the space at the former site of the original market place at the junction of High Street, St Duthus Street and Tower Street and Royal Hotel with its commanding position overlooking this space and along the High Street has continued to play its part on important occasions right up to the present day – such as the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of the current monarch, Remembrance Day, and the Switching on of the Christmas Lights to mention just a few. And no doubt will continue to do so in the future.

Margaret Urquhart and Stephan Pater both got in touch during the month of January to help us put names to the faces in December’s Old File entry, which showed a group of men gathered outside Tain’s Mercat Cross. We were fascinated to learn that this was the official photo taken of the last Tain Town Council just before town councils were abolished in 1975. Below are the names of those pictured. Back Row L to R Donald Leitch (grocer); D R Macleod (headmaster Knockbreck (public) School; George Cameron (newsagent, Geanies Street); Forbes Jackson (technical teacher, TRA); J. Cowie; Willie McLeod (carpenter); D MacKay; Reggie Stone; Harry Millar.

Front Row L to R Douglas Walker (“Bagwash”, manager, Tain Laundry); Hamilton Cormack (solicitor); Roddy Robertson (Robertson’s of Tain, Agricultural engineering and supplies); Provost G. Ferguson; Donald Davidson (Town Clerk); Rev. Kinsella (rector, St Andrews Church); George MacLeod (cabinet maker).

Photo 4: Gathering of Town Council

Photo 2: Charles Fraser

Photo 3: Rory “Toe” Macdonald Photo 6: Provost Fletcher, making a Proclamation in 1952

Photo 5: Laying of Poppy Wreaths

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TDPP

NEWS & NOTICES

MEGAFIRES: AUSTRALIA WILDLIFE APPEAL

Tain Amateur Swimming Club Swimmer of the Month for October Awarded to Ross Marshall who does his best at every session, is superfocused and shows great determination to improve. This young man is great at listening to instructions and following through when given them. Well done Ross!

Tain Amateur Swimming Club Swimmer of the Month for November Awarded to Shaelynn Pettigrew for all of her hard work and positive attitude at every session she attends. This has resulted in her moving to the top lane in Bronze squad. Well done Shaelynn!

Many of us have relatives or loved ones living in Australia, and the chances are you will have picked up the phone to make a call, send a text message or send an email to find out how they have been affected in the wake of recent news of the raging bush fires which continue to sweep across it’s land. But what of the animals who have been displaced and in most cases killed by this awful situation? The fires in Australia have been devastating – and the crisis is still ongoing. More than 10 million hectares have been burnt, and this

number continues to climb. That’s the equivalent of 40% of the entire UK. Lives, homes, and an estimated 1.25 billion animals have been affected, including 30% of the entire koala population in the mid-north coast of New South Wales. These catastrophic megafires are worsening the extinction crisis which many species are already facing. We encourage you to visit https:// s u p p o r t .w w f.o r g . u k / a u s t ra l i a bushfires to find out more about how you can help the crisis by donating to the World Wildlife Fund’s Australia Appeal.

The fires in Australia have been devastating – and the crisis is still ongoing With the money raised, the World Wildlife Fund’s Australia teams along with local organisations have been providing emergency funds to care for injured wildlife while building plans to help restore homes for koalas and other wildlife, planting trees urgently needed in koala habitats, while supporting the response, recovery and restoration teams in any way they can.

OVER 60S BURNS SUPPER The Tain Over 60’s Burns Supper was held in the Royal Hotel on 23rd January and was very well attended. The Heather Macrae band had our feet tapping, Duncan piped in the haggis and did a wonderful speech. Davie did a grand job carrying the beast, and all enjoyed the dinner. The group’s next meeting is in the Duthac Centre on 6th February.

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TAIN COMMUNITY

GIZZEN BRIGGS: 26 AND STILL GOING STRONG GROUP CELEBRATE 26TH ANNUAL FIDDLERS’ RALLY

INNIS MHOR CARE HOME WALKING GROUP The Innis Mhor Care Home walking group enjoyed theire first walk of 2020 in January. The group go out every Tuesday at 2pm, bringing together as many residents as the can to give them both physical benefit, social benefit and general fresh air. Gizzen Briggs celebrate their 26th annual Fiddlers’ Rally in the Duthac Centre on Saturday the 29th of February at 7.30pm. The pictures (by Glenn Collett) give a bit of a sense of the bedlam which ensues every year on the day of the rally, to turn a bare empty hall into our much appreciated performance space. Tickets are on sale at The Hub in Stafford Street , priced £8.00 for adults and £5.00 for children This year’s guest will be Ali Levack, a young whistle player and piper from Maryburgh, who was a finalist in the BBC’s Young Trad Player of the Year in 2018. We have had many amazing fiddle players as our guests in recent years including Ross Couper, Charlie McKerron and Gordon Gunn but decided that

it was time that our whistle players and pipers had a wee treat. Ali plays in a trio called “Project Smok” comprising whistle, guitar and bodhran and lots of clips of Ali and the group can be viewed online. We are delighted to welcome back our own Gizzen Brigger, Laura Wilkie as conductor, a role she has performed for us many times. Laura is very busy currently with her group the incredible Kinnaris Quintet, who have recently obtained a considerable bursary too take their music round the world! We are therefore very lucky that Laura can still manage time to come back and keep us in order for our Fiddlers’ Rally. In November Gizzen Briggs had the honour of opening one of the days at the Scots’ Fiddle Festival in Edinburgh.

Lots of work had to be done before this prestigious event which we hopefully haven’t lost and so a good night should be in prospect. The group were saddened to hear of the death of Doctor Jim Allison “The Doc” in Livingston, Montana, USA recently. The Doc took great care of Gizzen Briggs on their three trips to Montana at the turn of the century, not only medically but with extremely generous hospitality as well. He was also an honorary member of the Blackfoot Tribe, an honour bestowed on him thanks to his dedication and caring for the peoples of the tribe. The Doc was an “Old Time Fiddler” and will be sadly missed by all. - Jimmy Maclean

Pictured are Joan Gordon, Dick Mardon, Fraser Mackay, Liz Sutherland, Sheena Peters, Sybil Henderson and staff Lucy Ross, Yvonne Robertson and Bryony Ross. Family members can also usually take part also but due to illness they couldn’t attend on this occasion.

The new TDPP Digital Archive is located at www. tainpost.co.uk/archives. php. If you haven’t visited the website yet, please take a moment to do so and enjoy a look back at some of our oldest issues of the magazine, which are now available for reading.

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TAIN & DISTRICT FIELD CLUB

TDFC: THEN AND NOW

Tain & District Field Club members investigating the Touchstone Maze which was newly built at that time.

TDFC members on the Cat’s Back : Helen Milford, Sylvia Park, Graham Park, Heather McAllister with Sparkie, Ross McAllister, Joan Whittingham and Fay Wilkinson.

In 2000... Tain & District Field Club was already 20 years old in the year that TDPP was founded. As usual we started the year with a New Year walk on 3rd January. In 2000 we went to Strathpeffer and walked up to the Cat’s Back (Knockfarrel ridge). On the way we stopped at the new Touchstone Geological maze, a stop made more interesting as one of our members was Prof. Graham Park, a retired professor of geology. That year we had our usual wide range of talks on the natural history of the Highlands: Kenny Taylor talking about possible beaver reintroduction, Chris Parsons on whales & dolphins in the Minch, Roger Cottis on West Coast badgers and Murray Roberts on deep water corals, all topics which are still of interest 20 years later. Perhaps the highlight for many was a talk by Adrian Shine on “The Ecology of Loch Ness” covering the natural history of our greatest loch and of course looking at the history of Nessie! In 2020... As in 2000 we started that year with a New Year Walk. Again it was on 3rd January and we ventured up the Averon at Alness

a walk that TDFC had never done before in our 40 years of field trips! An interesting walk looking at the woodland and geology of the river George. We were lucky enough to see a red squirrel in the wood near the bridge. Look out for frogs! We have had a very mild spell but it’s only the beginning of February so there could be six more weeks of winter! However frogs will be spawning before the next TDPP is published. In cold years they spawn about the last week in February and if it remains mild it could be as early as 20th. If you do find frogspawn locally please let TDFC know the place & date for our records. The next meeting of the Tain & District Field Club will be: 11th February Climate change and Scottish coasts with Prof Stewart Angus (Scottish Natural Heritage & Heriot-Watt Univ.) All lecture meetings: Tain Parish Church Hall at 7.30pm You can keep up to date with TDFC events on our website and Facebook pages.

“COME & TRY RACKET SPORTS” EVENT A BIG HIT! The Tain Community Sport Hub (CSH) organised and hosted a ‘Come & Try Racket Sports’ event as part of its activities for 2019. This event brought together CSH members from the sports of Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, Active Schools, HLH Facilities at TRACC, HLH Library services, Tain Royal Academy Young Leaders, and utilised partnerships with wider organisations including, Tennis Scotland, Badminton Scotland

and Tain Tesco Superstore. The event was targeted at the Tain and District local community, with a family focus to promote intergenerational activities and opportunities in all the participating sports. The event was held on Sunday 22nd September between 10:30-13:30. Word of the event had spread and there was a que outside the door before the session started and over 60 participants turned up

to try the activities on offer over the 3 hours. Fun family friendly sessions in Badminton, Short Tennis, Tennis and Table Tennis were run by local club representatives John Waring (Table Tennis), Joanie Whiteford (Tain Tennis Club), and Jane Grant (Badminton Scotland) supported by Julie Cleghorn from Active Schools, Katie Matthews (Community Sport Hub Officer), Maggie Campbell the She Rallies Ambassador, Susan Weir

(HLH network Librarian) and a committed friendly team of Young Leaders. Participants tucked into a range of healthy fresh fruit and water, donated by Tain Tesco’s Superstore, throughout the event to keep their energy levels up. The event was videoed and a short clip put together by Young Leader Jack Weir and will be posted on the CSH facebook page and website to the show highlights alongside feedback from locals and organisers.

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YOUTHBOX

TAIN YOUNGSTERS ARE GETTING FIT WITH YOUTHBOX CLASSES Highlife Highland representative Rob Parkes discusses the benefits of the increasingly popular YouthBox classes now being undertaken in Tain by S1-S6 age children.

DEREK LOUDEN will be holding a surgery in

TAIN SERVICE POINT on

Friday 21st February 2020 from

10:00am to 12:00 noon derek.louden. cllr@highland. gov.uk For back issues of the Tain & District Picture Post or to simply get in touch with us regarding feedback or with a submission, please email:

info@tainpost.co.uk

A growing number of S1-S6 children in Tain have been getting fit as part of a growing fitness programme called YouthBox. YouthBox was born from a project that Rob Parkes (High Life Highland – Youth Services) supported Tain Royal Academy to deliver early in 2018, when a group from the school were taken to Inverness Boxing Academy to take part in a programme for schools – Box Smart. On completion of the project, Rob worked with the group to develop something similar for Tain. Some months later in Nov 2018, YouthBox was created. Finding a suitable venue was the next step, as Rob Parkes states; “We were very grateful to Tain Youth Café for allowing us to use their facilities which lend themselves perfectly for this project. From there, with help

and assistance from George Amos and Inverness City Boxing club, we were able to set up weekly sessions for boys and girls in Tain.” YouthBox is a non–contact fitness programme which uses the exercises, techniques and discipline that boxing requires. It improves not only fitness but also strength, stamina, coordination, self-discipline and confidence. YouthBox is currently free of charge, open to ages 12-20, male and female and runs on Tuesdays from 4-6 pm at the Tain Youth Café. The first hour is fitness and strength based which includes bags and pad work. The second hour is more about skills and coordination development. Rob and George put the young people through their paces and are regularly assisted by some of the more experienced young

people. YouthBox is associated with Inverness City Boxing Club and when resources allow, the more advanced boxers attend training sessions at the City club. On how boxing can help youngsters, Rob Parkes said; “Boxing shares many of its core values with our Youth Work principles, these include : building confidence, forming positive relationships, learning and developing skills, participating safely and making safe choices. The initial members of the group named the project and have regular input into how the sessions are structured. We also regularly speak to the group about self-control and confidence in themselves to make positive choices and lead a healthy lifestyle.” For more information contact Rob – 07827 281502 or email rob.parkes@highlifehighland. com

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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM

TDPP

100 YEARS AGO IN TAIN

“100 YEARS AGO IN PICTURES” - TAIN IN THE ‘20S

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WORLD CHIEF SCOUT VISITS TAIN IN 1961

THE WORLD CHIEF SCOUT VISITS TAIN Stephan Pater recalls the visit of Sir Charles Maclean to the St. Duthus (Tain) Wolf Cub Pack in June 1961.

This picture is a reminder of the time the St. Duthus (Tain) Wolf Cub Pack received a visit from the World Chief Scout Sir Charles Maclean on the 16th June 1961. In the picture with the Chief Scout are, from memory, the leader of the pack “Akela” Elaine Dargabel or Lancaster, who is introducing him to a group of “Sixers” and “Seconds”. David Ryan to the right of Akela, Stephan Pater, John Matheson, Gordon Stephen, Alan Riley and Willie Innes. We had good times at the meetings on a Friday night, playing games like British Bulldogs, practising knots and their uses, camp fire singing and working towards the achievement of various badges like cooking, hobbies, etc. These badges, when awarded for reaching the required standard, were sewn on the sleeve of your jersey, and worn with pride! Some

of the games got a bit rough at times, and I remember one of the games where a person at the centre of a circle of Cubs, spun round with a heavy brush on a rope, and the aim was to jump over or duck when it spun round, getting progressively higher. Pretty daft stuff!! Unfortunately, Ali Macintosh jumped when he should have ducked and his two front teeth were knocked out. Not to be outdone his brother Dennis, a few weeks later experienced a similar fate!! After the meeting, on the way home, we had a bag of chips at Pieraccini’s, either a four-pence bag but if feeling flush stretching to a six-pence bag. These prices remind me, when you ordered a fish supper in those days and were served by George Forsyth or Christopher, the cost I think about one shilling and six pence

(1/6). Recently I was up in Tain, in the chip shop a chap handed over about £18 for his 3 fish suppers - that’s a fair increase is it not? I digress, so back to the Cubs. We had great times, good laughs and good life learning experiences, with people like Akela, Alix Tulloch, Elizabeth Buchanan, Angela Hislop, Jean Macleod and David Geekie all giving up their time for us. We even went to the High Mills for weekend camps and one summer we went to Forres near Elgin. To somebody who had been no further South than Inverness, that seemed a long way from Tain. Happy days, Stephan Pater Wilmslow, Cheshire

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Lucy, I loved the poem by Wattie Louden in the last issue. He was one of the characters I grew up with as a boy in Tain. There were dozens of characters in Tain then, and Tain was a lively place with lots of businesses. I was thinking back to the great golf course membership when I was growing up. I drew up a list of members I could remember from the 60’s, and represented on that list were doctors, chemists, grocers and bakers, many bankers, many teachers, outfitters, abattoir, ministers, farmers, butchers, solicitors and accountants, plumbers, painters, distillery, furniture, hotels/pubs, barbers, builders. Great people in all these businesses and thankfully a lot of them played golf. As Wattie’s last line of his poem says, “You’ll always be Our Town”. This is so true, when you are a Tainite it never leaves your blood. Best wishes for 2020, keep up the good work. Your magazine is filling in a great gap in the communication about the history and current things going on in the area. Stephan Pater

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PATRICK VICKERY

“THE DUCK” I had a lovely meal at The Red Poppy Restaurant in Strathpeffer. The guy sitting opposite me was eating duck, which reminded me of a lovely bit of duck (Canard a l’Orange) I had in a London restaurant in the early 1980s near Covent Garden at the Hogs Trotters, the Beefcake Pothouse or some such place. Very tasty it was, too, apart from the embedded lead shot that had been used to shoot it. So we complained politely and were given free brandies for the remainder of the evening, after which my consciousness diminished. My duck-eating companion all those years ago was a guy called John. That morning, in his role as a Community Service Volunteer with the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, he had been chased down Portobello Road by a bellicose man wielding a brick who was under the impression that improper advances had been made towards his wife on discovering them both rummaging in the bedroom cupboard, when in fact John had simply popped by to offer his advice on the home decorating front and the bedroom cupboard happened to be where the paint pots were stored. Easy mistake to make, eh? John’s keen analytical

brain summarized the situation in an instant, concluded that rational explanation was futile and took off down the road as any self-respecting cupboard rummager would do under the circumstances with the ‘brick-wielding’ man in hot pursuit. Needless to say he survived to tell the tale and with aching legs and an indignant tone of voice recounted the events to me that evening over brandy and ‘Canard a l’Orange’ in the Hogs Trotters, the Beefcake Pothouse or some such place. Sympathetic as always, my laughter could be heard reverberating outside in the street. As an aside, John is now a highly respected University Lecturer (Dr John) in Philosophy and Education at a well-known Scottish University where he undoubtedly stresses the importance of the following maxim to his students during his well-attended seminars on Ethical Dilemmas: “Never rummage in a cupboard with a married woman unless the married woman is the woman to whom you are married, lest you be chased down the street by a brick-wielding maniac intent on making contact with your head”, or something along those lines anyway. “‘I think therefore I am” (Descartes,

circa 1640) is all very well in most situations, but sometimes “I must run faster than thee so I am not hit about the head with a brick” is a more fundamental concept to grasp. It’s as simple as that. These days I no longer eat duck. The reason for this is simple. We used to have a pet duck called Hamish, a rejected egg, hatched in the airing cupboard, who spent his formative weeks in the house. The first image imprinted upon his brain was that of our eldest daughter who became central to his early development. He followed her around the house, watched television perched on her shoulder, swam in the washing up bowl, and occasionally, when he felt like it, pecked the dogs. Eventually we had to relocate him to the garden pond (house training ducks is nigh impossible, you know) where he lived happily ever after in the company of his brothers and sisters. It was a fairy tale ending with no hint of orange sauce. ‘Hamish a l’Orange’? No, that would be unthinkable, wouldn’t it?respected University Lecturer (Dr John) in Philosophy and Education at a well-known Scottish University where he undoubtedly stresses the importance of the following

maxim to his students during his well-attended seminars on Ethical Dilemmas: “Never rummage in a cupboard with a married woman unless the married woman is the woman to whom you are married, lest you be chased down the street by a brick-wielding maniac intent on making contact with your head”, or something along those lines anyway. “‘I think therefore I am” (Descartes, circa 1640) is all very well in most situations, but sometimes “I must run faster than thee so I am not hit about the head with a brick” is a more fundamental concept to grasp. It’s as simple as that.

HIGHLAND HOSPICE LUNCH

On Wednesday 8th January the volunteers of Tain Highland Hospice Shop had an afternoon off from their spacious new shop for their Christmas/New Year lunch. It was hosted by the Shop Superviser Susan Gibson at Carnegie Lodge.

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SENIOR FOOTBALL

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL PYRAMID FATE FOR NORTH CALEY? North Caledonian League and Scottish FA North chiefs are expected to meet in February to discuss proposed changes to North football. The topic for discussion will be the possibility of the North Caledonian League becoming a sixth tier league in the Scottish Football Pyramid system. At present, the lowest tier in the North is the fifth tier Highland Football League, with no avenue below for teams to progress. The introduction of a sixth teir could create an avenue for teams in the Highlands and Islands based “North Caledonian League” to win promotion to the Highland League in the future. It is anticipated that the North Region Junior FA could also become a sixth tier league for teams in the North East.

YOUNG SAINTS OFF TO WINNING START St. Duthus U17s kicked off the new year by notching their first win of the Highland League North season on Sunday, January 12th. The young side showed great resolve to come back from 1-0 down to beat their visitors Buckie Thistle by 4 goals to 2. The names on the scoresheet were Taylor Anderson (2), Shadi Ali and Archie Ryder.

Photo credit: Angus Bruce

SUPER SAINTS CELEBRATE CUP WIN St. Duthus Football Club added their first silverware of the 2019-20 season by winning the Football Times Cup on January 18th, defeating North Caledonian League rivals Golspie Sutherland by 3 goals to 2. It took an inspired second half turnaround to secure the trophy, having conceded a goal right on the stroke of half-time before a seven minute brace from in-form striker Ben Bruce put the Tain side into a 2-1 lead. Liam Rostock extended their advantage with eleven minutes to go and despite Golspie reducing the deficit late on in the game, Saints showed great resilience to see the game out to emerge victorious. It is the first time that Saints have won the trophy since 1982. Over 250 supporters traveled to the neutral venue of Dudgeon Park home to Highland Football League leaders Brora Rangers - to support their teams. Inclement weather, in particular an unforgiving wind, made for a difficult first half for both sides, with neither able to gain a significant advantage. The half wasn’t short of incident though. On just 11 minutes, referee Eddie Nichol had to reach for his pocket after Golspie goalkeeper felled Saints midfielder Jon Campbell who was advancing on goal. With many claiming a last man offence, there was surprise when a yellow

card emerged - an early let off for the Sutherland side. Chances were at a premium for both sides with most of the action contained in the midfield. Ross Tokely went close with a free kick in the early going with Saints edging the best of the possession but Golspie were winning a good number of set pieces, mostly corners; Johnny Allan forced to tip one over the bar that was sent looping into the box. Along with Charlie Macdonald and John Skinner though, Ross Tokely was talismanic in his efforts to ensure that it would take something special for Golspie to find the Saints net. In the end, something special did break the deadlock as a goal arrived for Golspie on the stroke of half time. After a good block on the line from Adam Allan, the ball sprung out to Golspie defender Craig Ross who hit an unstoppable volley to fire the ball past the spreadeagled Johnny Allan from 25 yards. Half-time immediately followed and the usual regroup took place. The impact of this was almost immediate as Ben Bruce fired a shot on target to bring Golspie stopper Graeme Williamson into action. Williamson had no luck five minutes later though as Bruce tucked the ball past the onrushing keeper after getting on the end of a ball from Cammy Mackintosh. Seven minutes later a moment of

magic put St. Duthus into a deserved 2-1 lead. Collecting a ball from Craig Munro, Bruce backheeled to Stefan MacRitchie who chipped the ball back into the path of the advancing striker before he juggled the ball and bulleted it past Williamson - a goal to remember. The turnaround had been completed, leaving Golspie reeling. The Saints pressure continued and on 79 minutes they took full advantage when substitute Liam Rostock caught Williamson off his line with a brilliant lob, hit first time with the Golspie back line chasing a lost cause. Saints were made to sweat in the dying stages after Adam Sutherland netted from a corner to reduce the deficit, but there was to be no drama in the end as St. Duthus held on valiantly to win the cup. Post-match, North Caledonian FA president Iain Whitehead presented the winners’ medals before St. Duthus captain Cammy Mackintosh stepped up to the collect the 83 year old trophy. For his goals and an excellent performance, Ben Bruce was named as the Man of the Match. Both teams convened after the game to the Brora Rangers Social Club where soup, sandwiches and refreshments were served. From then on, the victorious Saints returned to the Royal Hotel in Tain where celebrations on home soil commenced!

ST. DUTHUS FC - FOOTBALL TIMES CUP WINNERS

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EMPIRE FOODS TAIN WHOLESALE

FRUIT VEGETABLES POTATOES AND FREE RANGE EGGS CONTACT MICHAEL ON

0790 095 8665

GRANTS BAKERY Rolls, Baking, Sandwiches & Hot Snacks

Winners of the Silver Award for Scotch Pie Competition High Street Tain (01862) 892315

Tain & District Branch Cats Protection

Telephone: (0345) 371 2737 Email: taincats@aol.com www.tain.cats.org.uk

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TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM

Fossil Fish and Doggie’s Footprints Normally at this time of year the museum staff spends a lot of time changing cases in the museum for the next season. This year we have decided to only change one case as we are concentrating our time on plans for a major refurbishment of our visitor centre. The case in question contains some of our oldest objects, ranging from fossils dating back millions of years to Neolithic stone axes and arrow heads. We wanted to use these items to highlight two of our local antiquarians, the renowned Hugh Miller of Cromarty and the less well known Rev Dr James Joass. Rev. Joass was Minister at Edderton from 1859 to 1866 and like many minsters at the time, showed a keen interest in all aspects of local history, investigating fossil beds, burial barrows, cairns, standing stones, brochs and much more. During his time at Edderton Dr Joass discovered the Edderton Fossil Fish beds, a prolific source of early Fossil Fish. We have several examples of these 380 million year old, armoured plated fossil fish on display in our case. Unfortunately our example from Edderton is poor with the fish barely visible, hidden within a very hard lump of rock.

Armoured Fish

Rev Dr. James Joass The Edderton fossil fish come from an era known as the Devonian. In nineteenth-century texts the Devonian has been called the "Old Red Age", after the red and brown stone known in the United Kingdom as the Old Red Sandstone in which early fossil discoveries were found. Another common term is ‘Age of the Fishes’. Fossils of these armoured fish have been found all over Northern Scotland.

The fossilised skull of the Dunkleosteus nicknamed ‘Big Dunc’

They did not possess true teeth, but rather bony plates which were kept sharp by continual grinding of the upper and lower jaw plates against each other. These armoured fish dominated the seas for 60 million years before becoming extinct at the end of the Devonian. The largest of the placoderms was Dunkleosteus, a monster at over 6 meters in length.

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TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM

It was during our research on Rev Joass and the Edderton fossil beds that we first came across a newspaper article about a donation to Elgin Museum of a fossil fish that had come from Geanies Quarry, it also mentioned fossil trackways in the rocks around Tarbatness,.

Doggie’s Feet

We decided to call to Elgin Museum to see if we could get an image of the fossil fish donated by Rev Joass in 1864, to use in a poster for our display case. Elgin has no record of the donation but is aware of the trackways mentioned in the newspaper article and are currently planning a project on them. They kindly sent us their pictures and research on the fossilised trackways which are possibly the oldest found anywhere in Europe. Rev Joass and the Minister at Tarbat, Mr Campbell, had surveyed the peninsula in the 1860s collecting and recording examples of various different tracks. Some of the examples were said to have contained amazingly clear marks of paws with the impression of the creature’s tail dragging from side to side. Numerous examples of trackways and footprints were sent out to various museums and Dr Campbell also had a large collection at the Manse at Tarbat but almost all of these have been lost over time. The example pictured right, in Elgin Museum is from Geanies Quarry and was discovered by workmen who had described what they found as ‘doggie’s footprints’. Joass was convinced he had found the footprints of very early reptiles but this caused great controversy and was dismissed by the geological community of the time. This was the ‘Age of the Fishes’ and the experts explained away Joass finds as having been from a later era. He was later proved to be right.

Footprints in the sandstone from Tarbat

The oldest trackways on the Tarbat peninsula can still be found in situ on rocks not far from Portmahomack. These tracks are the only evidence of this animal as no fossil records have ever been found. The trackway pictured above, which is not quite as old, was believed to have been created by the Elginerpeton one of the earliest creatures to walk our shores 130 million years before the dinosaurs.

Elginerpeton, the 375million years old track maker

If anyone has any examples of local fossils the museum would love to see them.

M a d e In T a in S C IO Scottish Charity no: SC043549 ‘A Young People’s Social Enterprise’

Handmade soaps, candles, cards and gifts, made on the premises by young people preparing for work, are available to browse and buy in our shop in Tower Street, Tain. Opening hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm (Monday to Friday) 10.00am – 4.00pm (Saturday) Seasonal plants and produce available to buy at the shop or directly from the Garden Project at Edderton – open Mondays and Thursdays 9.00am – 4.00pm 24 Tower Street, Tain, Ross-shire, IV19 1DY. Telephone 01862 892221 Email madeintain@gmail.com Find us on facebook

Website

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Email pawshpetsdg@yahoo.co.uk

TAIN

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TAIN SENIOR CITIZENS’ NEW YEAR PARTY The Tain Senior Citizens’ New Year Party took place in the Duthac Centre on Saturday 11th January. It was organised as always by the Royal Burgh of Tain Community Council and Tain Gala. A big thank you to all Community Council and Gala Association helpers and to Cllr Alasdair Rhind who acted as Master of Ceremonies. Thanks to Paula from The Duthac Centre for her help in keeping all running smoothly and especially to George and Becky Amos for the vast amount of work they put in to organise the event and prepare the delicious food.

BEATRICE MACKAY

BEATRICE MACKAY (1919-2020) Thank you to James Mackay for sharing the following memories of his mother Beatrice, who sadly passed in January. The second of 3 sisters (Betty and Margaret who both predeceased her), Beatrice spent over 99 years in or close to Tain. Weighing less than 4 pounds when she was born in Academy Street, there were doubts at the time of her survival, and possibly the steely determination that was evident in her latter years was seen from a very early age. The family who owned a printing business on the High Street, moved from their first home in Academy Street to Cadboll Place where Beatrice grew up, living with her extended family that included her maternal grandmother as well as her parents and 2 sisters. In 1941, just before her 22nd birthday, she married Murdoch and the newlywed couple moved next door into the smaller No 2 Cadboll Place. She worked for a short time in the Tain Post Office before daughter Catherine and son James came along, and there was a brief spell when father-in-law was also in residence, making home-life in the small house a busy time.

OLD FILE Above: Beatrice and her husband Murdoch Right: Celebrating her 100th birthday in October

Murdoch earned promotion in Bank of Scotland in the early 60s, and the

Following Murdoch’s death in 1985,

delighted to help her celebrate her

family moved to the larger Bank House

Beatrice returned to Tain and began a

100th birthday on 20th October at a

ASDA GREEN TOKENS WINNERS

in Tain’s High Street where, as wife

new chapter of her life in Moss Road

party in her new home.

of the local Bank Manager, Beatrice

where for the first time ever, she lived

Beatrice was a well-known figure in

found herself in a role that she found

alone. She spent much of her time in

Tain – a keen church-goer, member of

challenging

particularly

the early days out in her new garden

the Women’s Guild, founder and one-

when senior Bank officers from Head

and in later years often commented

time President of the local flower club

Asda’s green token scheme, which raises money for local community groups, enjoyed a Christmas boost as Asda doubled the amount of money awarded.

Office arrived – often unannounced

about how pleased she was that she

and still driving until the age of 95. She

with an expectation that they would

could look out of her living-room

was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable

be fed & watered. She took on these

window at what she had created. Her

gardener and flower arranger, talented

responsibilities in the same way that

older sister Betty returned to the area

dressmaker, knitter and embroiderer.

she approached all of life’s challenges

after the death of her husband, and

She liked to keep abreast of current

and as she would have said, ‘she

the 2 sisters were good companions

affairs and, until recently, was a very

managed’.

and shared many trips away or in each

enthusiastic crossword solver.

When Murdoch retired in 1972 they

other’s houses till Betty died aged 97.

Family was very important to Beatrice.

moved to Arabella but retained their

Losing her sister was a huge blow to

She had particularly fond memories

active connection with Tain. Beatrice’s

Beatrice but as ever, she soldiered

of her own granny of whom she often

mother still lived in Cadboll Place and

on and for as long as possible she

spoke. She was herself a very proud

the trip in to see her was an almost

continued to attend church, until

granny to Caroline, Alison, Andrew

daily occurrence. Church on a Sunday

latterly she became house-bound. She

and Fiona, and took enormous interest

was also in Tain where they would take

remained adamant that she would

in and pleasure from her great-

their places at both the morning and

continue to live in her own home, and

grandchildren, Archie, Morgan, Freya,

the evening services. It was in Arabella

with the assistance of a dedicated team

Alex and Cameron.

that Beatrice designed her first garden

of carers she was able to achieve her

She died on 8th January in Edinburgh

and whilst much of the ground was

goal for as long as possible before

and her funeral in Tain was attended

given over to fruit and veg, she had her

moving to a Care Home in Edinburgh

by many who had known her over the

own section that she developed and

to spend her final three months closer

years.

called her own.

to her family, many of whom were

The winners for October through December were: 1st. Highland and Island Blood Bikes £1,000 2nd. Nigg and Shandwick Friendship £500 3rd. St Duthus Football Club £500

times,

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OLD FILE

Thank you to Stephan Pater for this photo, of either a school or youth football team taken down at the Links, dating back to sometime in the early 1960s. The names of those pictured are listed below. Back row (L to R): Derek Gordon, Don Bremner, Stewart Strachan, Trevor Moir, Chris Williamson, John Hislop Front row (L to R): Peter Seller, Charlie Ross, Dan Findlay, Ian Macleod, Greg Pumphrey

OLD FILE

NEW COMMUNITY CAFÉ TO LAUNCH IN 2020 For the past 12 months, Tain Royal Academy pupils and staff have been talking about and focusing on mental health and well-being, putting it at the top of the agenda in school and finding ways of supporting each other.

At the start of 2020, they are looking to take this one step further and launch the Tain & District Community Café which will be open to everyone who lives in Tain & the surrounding District. The first café will be on

Saturday 7th March from 10.30am -2.30pm at Tain Royal Academy. Mental health or ‘emotional health’ or ‘well-being’ is just as important as good physical health and organisers hope that the new drop-in café will raise awareness of mental health issues, and be a place where people can share coping mechanisms as well as sharing resources that promote happiness and wellbeing. One of the organisers Connie Farrell explains: “We worry about asking each other about how we feel but its good to talk. Having a place where conversations can start can make all the difference and that’s what we would like to happen at the community café.” Carrie Yavuz , Educational

Psychologist based at TRA went on to say: “Mental health is everyone’s business. We all have times when we feel down or stressed or frightened. Its ok not be ok. We will be inviting a range of organisations involved in mental health & wellbeing to attend the café and provide information on how they can offer support or direct people to the range of resources available. It is often simple changes to our lives which can help us feel better. The idea of community is that we all support each other.“ The Community Cafe will be the first of its kind in the area and the organisers hope it will gain momentum, with the idea being that the café will “pop up” in several different locations across Tain & District throughout the year.

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HIGHLAND HOSPICE

Just a Wee Memorial 1968 to 2017 To Remember Caroline McGougan This is a picture of Caroline at the peak of her career. I am proud, always, to look at it. Most of all I am proud to have been one of her best friends. In this picture she was Sergeant McGougan, lovely friend, daughter, sister, auntie. Miss you so much, S xx

HAIR DESIGN ARE ON THE MOVE

Taking up new premises at a new spacious luxury log cabin situated on Station Road in Tain (on the way to Platform 1864) Hair Design has been in

and welcoming to both old

business for 28 years,

and new customers. The

and in that time we

new spacious luxury salon

have made many good

will be housed within a

friends. We value your

heated log cabin situated

custom very much, the

in my garden with plenty

characters we have met

of accessible parking and

and those sadly lost. You

disabled access. The date

guys have and hopefully

of transfer to be confirmed

will continue to make our

but we will keep you

job a joy. It is now time

updated via Facebook and

to move to new premises

postings within the existing

where we will continue

salon. Thanks from all the

to make our salon warm

staff.

call us on 01862 892228

TAIN AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB

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TASC’S FUN DAY AT ROLLERBOWL This past month, Tain Amateur Swimming Club held their first ever “Fun Day Out” at Rollerbowl in Inverness. All of the teams - The Ten Pin Wizards, Strikes R Us, The Phantom Strikers, The King Pins, The Clean Sweeps and The Alley Cats - all played really well with lots of strikes along the way. After two games of bowling, swimmers enjoyed a lovely basket supper together with Ice Blasts which were the overwhelming soft drink choice of the day!

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TAIN & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

IN THE LOOP Updates for the community of Tain & District Development Trust

Tain Campus - Hot Topic On Wednesday 6th November 2019 at 7 p.m, a public meeting hosted by the Highland Council (H.C), was held. Parents of TRA Knockbreck, Craighill and St Duthus Primary schools were invited to hear/discuss latest developments on the future of the Tain Campus, and the H.C. partnership with the Scottish Government, to fund a new learning campus for Tain. The following key points were communicated to the members of public in attendance. The site is confirmed as the 'Craighill Site' - it has been surveyed and approved for development. Final approval of the project by councillors will be in Jan 2020. The H.C. must recruit a person to work with TRA; Knockbreck; Craighill and St Duthus Primary Schools to work with parents, staff and council officers to lead on engagement process. A new community consultation will be conducted for the Craighill site to determine the structure/layout of the build. The H.C. will lead on this aspect. The project completion date is forecast as 2023. Your voice counts. The campus will impact our children; our services and our businesses. Get involved.

OVERVIEW: Tain Campus News Visit Scotland - I Know Mental Health Fair Website Development Market in 2020 Dates for your Diary Answering Your Questions? Our Partners Welcome to our newsletter, keeping the communities of Balintore, Edderton, Fearn, Hilton, Kilmuir & Logie Easter, Nigg, Portmahomack, Shandwick and Tain in the loop about the activities of the Tain & District Development Trust. Formed and led by local people, our goal is to promote our district as a destination to work, rest, learn and play. Stay in touch or comment on our activities. http://www.tainddtrust.co.uk/index.html Tel: 01862 857185 e-mail Info@tainddtrust.com

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TAIN & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Why Have a Website?!

Wellbeing with TRA The trust are delighted to be involved with the TRA well being fair, which is taking place on Sat 7th March . This event will be an opportunity for everyone in the district to find out about activities; groups and services that are here on our doorstep. It is a proven fact that socialising or being active will benefit a persons physical and mental health and can help a person live longer. Watch this space for more info or pop into the HUB or email us at info@tainddtrust.com

We have been working on the TDDT website and a peninsula site, and we've asked the question "why oh why?" during the process. According to research by Parachute.net "Today, having a company website is as crucial as having a shop, office or telephone number. Research has found that 6/10 customers expect brands to have content online about their business. Why wait any longer your customers are looking for you! If you own or operate a business which hasn't taken that step into the online world, here are some reasons that will leave you wondering why you hadn't done it sooner

What's Coming Up? Dates for your diary Feb 25 - Successful Marketing + Promotion all day - book now bit.ly/2sxLLe6 (copy link into Google search bar.) Feb 26 - Effective Business & Record Keeping all day - book now. bit.ly/2TA4DnJ (copy link into Google search bar.) Feb 29 - Gizzen Briggs Fiddlers Ralley tickets available at HUB

The TDDT are delighted to be an iKnow

centre for Visit Scotland. Visitors to Scotland rely on, and trust, the breadth and depth of advice and information they receive from local people they interact with. The iKnow Partner Programme has been developed to recognise and support the great effort that businesses across all sectors undertake to bring Scotland to life. Here To Help! Since opening the HUB in May 2019 we This will help our visitors make have been there for - advice, a chat, informed choices to ensure they directions, applications, market get the most from their visit.

Dates 2020

11th April 16th May 6th (F/F) & 20th June 18th July 15th August 19th September 28th November - Christmas Market Â

research, office services, conference calls, interviews, hot desking, pop up shop, funding surgery, the loo and 'on more that one occasion' - "what is this place"? How can we help you?

Do you want to attract more visitors? Contact us to discuss how we can help! Advertise through us.

Partners of TDDT The TDDT work in partnership or in tandem with, local and national organisations to promote our district in our efforts to attain our goals to boost the economic, environmental and social regeneration of the community. We are currently working with HIE, Social Enterprise Academy, Business Gateway, Seaboard Memorial Hall, Inver Hall, Tain Civic Trust, Tain Gala, Tain Heritage Trust, Tain Royal Academy and many more. Partnership working is a great platform to pull resources, skills, knowledge and to share experiences which makes our district stronger and united in its development for the greater good. Check our Facebook page & HUB notice board for more information on events.

WE ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION Making a difference in our communities Would you like to help us? Is there a project we can help you with? THEN COME ALONG TO ANY OF OUR MEETINGS THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY, 7PM, PLATFORM 1864, TAIN THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY, 1PM, CALEY CAFÉ, BONAR BRIDGE THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY, 7PM, CARNEGIE LODGE HOTEL, TAIN FEBRUARY 27TH FEBRUARY, 1PM, SEABOARD MEMORIAL HALL, BALINTORE

FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL CAROL ANNE ON 07400 313303

www.highlandprime.co.uk

@HighlandPrime 01862 832061

February Free Tasters!! (cooked samples of our sausage, burgers, grill sticks & dry cure bacon)

Check our Facebook page for details.

Subscribe Have the magazine delivered direct to your door for £40 per year. Visit www.tainpost.co.uk for more information. Digital Archive A growing Digital Archive of

back issues is now available via www.tainpost.co.uk/ archives.php Get In Touch You can contact the Tain & District Picture Post using the following details;

info@tainpost.co.uk

Address Wyvis View, Main Road, Fearn IV20 1TG Phone 01862 832329 Web www.tainpost.co.uk