Issue #238 | Tain & District Picture Post | September 2020 by K & N Concepts Ltd - ePublishing

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

TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST

#238 SEPTEMBER

2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

32 YEARS SERVICE RECOGNISED

ANKERVILLE NURSERY SETTLING BACK IN

CURSTY COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD

Clare Whiteford on Eileen Brice’s retirement after 32 years service to St Duthus School. p6

News and photographs as Ankerville Nursery celebrated their belated graduation. p7

A look back at a talk given by Donald Leitch, 6th Nov. 1956, telling the lovely story of “Bent Cursty”. p14

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.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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EDITORIAL Dear readers, Thank you for picking up our September edition of the magazine. We must begin by wishing our beautiful Katie a very happy birthday as she turns 18 on the 7th of the month. Love you Katie - enjoy your day! This month we include the first instalment of a new column penned by long time former editor of the Post, Maggie Mercer, who brings a particular focus on her career field of psychotherapy. In this month’s article, Maggie looks at the role that crying plays in our lives. In these times of lessened travel and people generally doing more things online, we would like to remind readers that we can accept postal subscriptions to the Tain & District Picture Post either via cheque/bank transfer or via online payment using Paypal. The link to sign up a subscription is here: http://tainpost.co.uk - then press Subscribe Finally, we wanted to say a word of thanks to our regular advertisers, and anyone who has supported the magazine over year - especially during these difficult times. The Post wouldn’t be possible without your support. If anyone would like to advertise their services, or business, please do get in touch to find out more about what we can offer.

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY KATIE!

K & N CONCEPTS

Best wishes, Niall Editors: Niall Harkiss & Lucy Veals info@tainpost.co.uk 01862 877366

WHERE TO BUY THE TAIN & DISTRICT PICTURE POST Tesco (Shore Road, Tain) Co-op (Tain High St) Tain Bothy (Tain Post Office) Bannerman’s Seafood, Tain Grants Bakery, Tain Highland Prime, Fearn Alness Newsagents

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ONE LITTLE WORD

TAIN COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY POLICING NEWS

Thank you to John Gordon who sent us this poem, another by Adam Holm.

I wonder if, when writing words, has it occurred to you, When spoken in a thoughtless way, the harm a word can do. I know, when I was growing up, fourteen or thereabout, When mother said, ‘’Where are you going?’’ I simply answered, ‘’Out’’. A little word, a thoughtless word, how easy ‘twould have been To tell her where I was going – to just say ‘’out’’ was mean. I wonder now what thoughts were hers when I had closed that door. Perhaps: ‘’My son is growing up – my boy’s a child no more; From now on we shall drift apart, a little more each year. ‘’Till as a man he’ll go away with scarce a parting tear’’. But on that day such doleful thoughts were far, far from my mind – A thoughtless youth who did not mean to speak a word unkind. So I would say: before you speak let each word be appraised, A hurt once given may be borne but cannot be erased. Adam Holm (1916 – 1971)

Earlier in August Police in Easter Ross carried out a number of raids which resulted in 5 young local men appearing in court on charges relating to the supply of controlled drugs. This came following the recovery of drugs with a street value of £700,000 from a rural location in the area. This is a timely reminder that no community is entirely safe from the danger presented by those who callously distribute drugs to some of the most vulnerable members of our community in the belief that they will make a quick and sizeable profit. If convicted, the individuals involved in this sting have lost their commodity and may well yet lose their liberty. This is the most likely outcome for all those who pursue a career in

drug dealing. Roads policing officers along with local officers have made full use of the new drugs wipes which are used in similar fashion to the breath test machines and this has resulted in a number of individuals being caught driving whilst under the influence of drugs. It’s just not worth losing your licence and possibly your job, never mind the risk you present to yourself and other road users. Unfortunately drugs are part of our society but we all share a responsibility to do what we can to reduce the impact and keep people safe from the risks and harm that these unregulated chemical products present. It’s not all about catching the dealers, there is also much we can do together to

remove their influence and support individuals away from drugs misuse. There are some wonderful third sector charitable groups and NHS funded teams who do a huge amount of work in our community to assist those with addictions and support families who are trying to cope with family members suffering drugs problems. If you or a family member are affected perhaps a first point of contact might be the Highland Alcohol and Drugs Partnership. The website contains an array of information and contact numbers etc. Every one of us can play their part by speaking out and telling Police their concerns about suspicious activity in their area which is concerning them. This can even be done anonymously via Crimestoppers who are an independent charity. You can call them on 0800 555 111. Please don’t think your info might not be good enough or serious enough to make that call. Every piece of information we receive helps us build a picture of what is going on in the community and the small bit of information you provide could be the final piece of the jigsaw. Inspector James Rice

If your child only has cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they do not need to be tested for coronavirus. Only book a test if you or your child have any of the following symptoms: A new, persistent cough, High temperature OR Loss or change in taste or smell Read more at bit.ly/ChildCovidTest If you do have any coronavirus symptoms, you need to self-isolate and get tested straight away. Book a test at nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect

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TAIN COMMUNITY

TAIN COMMUNITY COUNCIL MINUTES

Minutes of the virtual Community Council of the Royal Burgh of Tain meeting held on 29 June 2020 at 7.30 pm. PLANNING MATTERS Desist fishing in the Firth – Mr Louden/ Mr Mohan declared an interest in this item. It was noted that the CC put an objection in for this planning application previously. After discussion, it was agreed to withdraw the objection and have discussions with representatives from Glenmorangie Distillery. Extension to house at the top of Moss Road – note. Erection of house and garage, Bogbain – note. Land at Shore road – shipping containers – support. It was agreed to circulate the weekly

list when there are applications for Tain. ANY OTHER BUSINESS The minutes from the previous virtual meeting of 25 May 2020 were approved as a true record by Mr Holdsworth and seconded by Mr Amos. MR LOUDEN’S REPORT Mr Louden indicated that he is more hopeful that schools will be build if the Government will provide more funding. He has attended virtual Committee meetings. Schools have to plan for 3 contingencies – 2 metre social distances, 1 metre social distances, and no distances. Mr Louden praised head teachers for all the work they have been doing. He is concerned about HC

budget deficit – he has asked for figures and he hopes to have them by the next meeting. The SSEN money has been distributed to schools/ nurseries/Care Home evenly to each. The recipients each received a covering letter to explain the award, and a copy of the award letter outlining the potential uses for the money. It was awarded in order for our community to combat COVID-19 on a grass roots level. From a CC point of view it is important for us to be seen to be helpful during this pandemic. It was noted that the CC had been successful in being granted £500 for COVID 19 related items. After discussion, it was agreed to give the Masked Crusader

the £500 towards a new sewing machine as she has been making masks and giving them away for free to the community. This is to be checked out with Helen Ross, and a copy of the receipt to be sought so that they can be passed to Helen Ross. Liz Mackay asked about £134K hospitality money from Common Good Funds, but it was noted that this is only to do with Inverness Common Good Funds. Mr Akeroyd raised the issue of parking restrictions for Geanies Street – after discussion it was agreed that the information he has to be passed to Mr Louden to progress. It was noted that some cars are still parking on the zebra crossing – Mr Louden to bring up with the Police.

St Duthus Special School, Tain and St Clements Special School, Dingwall, have been given a boost from the Easter Ross Marathon Fund. Fund chairman Mr Ted Robinson is pictured handing over a cheque for £150 to Mrs Janet Skrodrka, head teacher at St Duthus, who also accepted the money on behalf of the Dingwall school at a presentation in the Meikleferry Inn, Tain. The money was raised through sponsorship of four runners who took part in the half-marathon in May. Looking on are fund committee members and parents of St Duthus pupils.

OLD FILE: Thank you to Linda Offin for sharing the cutting above, dated Thursday 18th June 1987

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MESSAGE FROM CLLR. DEREK LOUDEN

My usual monthly surgery is cancelled at present. Please feel free to contact me at any time on: 01862892734 07876774412 Or via email at LoudenDW@aol. com.

Happy to help any local resident with any problem at any time.

CONTACT TDPP Do you have an article or photos you’d like us to print? Please email:

info@tainpost.co.uk or call 01862 857366

EILEEN BRICE RETIREMENT

32 YEARS SERVICE RECOGNISED Eileen Brice, Administrative Assistant at St Duthus Special School, retired on Friday 14th August after 32 years’ service at the school. Eileen began her career at St Duthus in June 1988 as a Pupil Support Assistant. At that time six pupils attended the school and were taught by the Head Teacher and three PSAs. Eileen later took on the additional role of Administrative Assistant and has supported eight Head Teachers and provided advice, care and guidance to almost eighty pupils and their families during her time at the school. In 1992 Eileen, along with the pupils, was filmed by the Children in Need film crew as part of St Duthus receiving a grant of £1 000. Eileen described this as a, ’daunting but exciting’ experience. In 2014 the old St Duthus building was demolished and a new, modular building which includes specialised facilities for the pupils and an office for Eileen was built. Eileen helped to oversee the move and the expansion of the school. The school now caters for twenty six pupils who travel from Ardgay, Rogart and Alness to attend the school. Eileen has continued to welcome staff and families to the school and has provided continuity for the school over the last 32 years. Clare Whiteford, Head Teacher said, “I can’t imagine the school

without Eileen, she is such an integral part of St Duthus. Her knowledge of the school and how it works has been invaluable and we are all very sad to see her go. She is a kind and welcoming person who will always go that extra mile for the school. It has been difficult saying goodbye, especially during these strange times, but we wish Eileen a very long and happy retirement.” Eileen has an active social life in the Tain area. She attends local Scottish Country Dance and Jive Classes and plays bridge with friends. These activities in addition to her garden and family will keep her

busy in retirement. Staff and pupils presented Eileen with a commemorative bowl from Glass Storm and some garden vouchers. Fiona Mackintosh, Chairperson of the Parent Council, also expressed the thanks of the parent body and presented Eileen with gifts. The whole school came out to provide a socially distanced clap of appreciation for Eileen as she left school for the last time. Eileen will be invited back as a special guest to fully acknowledge and thank her for the important role that she has played in the school, once this is possible.

ANKERVILLE NURSERY

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ANKERVILLE NURSERY SETTLING BACK IN The sun shone for us as we celebrated a belated graduation in two different groups in our nursery garden as a way for the children to say goodbye to their friends and the staff and give closure before the next steps in their journey. We had a lovely time and had an opportunity for some photo shoots as well as receiving their graduation certificate and a goody bag with a poem, graduation cake and other goodies. The children have all settled back in beautifully and are enjoying being together as they explore both indoors and out, learn new skills and make new friends.

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MARK JANES - THROUGH THE LENS

THROUGH THE LENS WITH MARK JANES

ISSUE #32

MOVING ON FROM ‘AUTO’ (CONT.) Last month we looked at the semi-automatic and manual settings on your camera. One of these is “Shutter Priority” (“S”, or “Tv” on your mode dial), and it’s a great one to use if you want to control the look of movement in your photos.

What Is “Shutter Priority Mode?” Putting your camera in Shutter Priority Mode lets you control your camera’s shutter speed while it looks after all the other settings to give you a properly exposed picture. Select “S” or “Tv” (on Canon cameras) using the “Mode” dial on the top of the camera, and you can then set your shutter speed using the control wheel on the camera. The shutter speed will appear in the viewfinder or on the back screen and you’ll see it change as you move the

dial. Check your camera’s instructions if you’re not sure. What Effect Do The Different Shutter Speeds Have? A very high shutter speed (say 1/1000 sec) will allow you to freeze fast-moving action, such as sports or wildlife. A slightly slower one (say 1/250 sec) will freeze action in the streets, such as people walking or children playing. Really slow shutter speeds allow you to blur moving objects. You can get some

dreamy seascapes by using a shutter speed around ½ sec, or 1 second. This will blur the water while still showing some sense of movement. For those really ethereal seascapes or waterfall shots where the water appears like milk, you’re looking at a still slower shutter speed, in the range of 5-10 seconds or slower. If you’re shooting at a slow shutter speed (roughly 1/60 sec or slower) you run the risk of camerashake, which can blur your pictures. In this case

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MAGGIE MERCER - PURPOSE OF CRYING

use a tripod or monopod to support the camera, or brace yourself against a wall to help you hold the camera steady. You can also rest the camera on a gate, table, etc. You might also need to do this if you’re shooting in low light and the camera is automatically setting a slow shutter speed to give you a properly exposed picture. Under and Over Exposure in Shutter Priority Mode Sometimes, you may find that your picture comes out too dark or too light when using the ShutterPriority Mode, or the camera even refuses to take the picture altogether! This is usually because the camera is trying to change its aperture to compensate for your changing of the shutter-speed, and has “run out of road”; the aperture has reached its smallest or largest extent and can’t go any further. In this case, try setting the camera to “Auto ISO” (see your instruction book). This will change to sensitivity of the sensor so you still end up with a properly exposed picture. Next month we’ll look at one of the other creative modes on your camera; “Aperture Priority”. Meanwhile, how about having a go at shooting in Shutter-Priority and see what results you get? Did you like this article? Why not email me and let me know what you’d like to see covered in future issues. If you’ve got any questions about the modes on your camera, email me those too and we’ll see if we can put them together into a “Q&A” section. markjanesphotographer@ gmail.com. Thanks for reading.

THE PURPOSE OF CRYING When crying as children we may have been told by parents or other caregivers to “Come on, dry your eyes!” or “For pity’s sake stop crying!”. So as we grew we learned it was not the social norm to cry in public and may even have felt a sense of shame if we did. As a counsellor, my clients have often broke down in the therapy room when things get too emotional, this gives them much comfort as it is their safe space to do this. Some would apologise, a little embarrassed that they have shown their ‘weakness’ and might say something along the lines of “This isn’t me, I’m a strong person and usually more together than this”. However, have we ever seriously thought about the physiological purpose crying serves? As we will see, in more recent years research has shown the benefits of having a good cry. Trying to hold back tears might mean you are robbing yourself of a range of benefits. Apart from an obvious social benefit of rallying emotional support from others, when we express our emotions or stress by crying it reduces the levels of toxic chemicals in our body because tears contain a level of stress hormones, which can result in a reduction of stress. So crying has a soothing effect, we are essentially self-soothing. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) serves as a relaxant and crying activates this. Crying also releases oxytocin and other endorphins

which can help ease pain and lift someone’s mood. Other physiological benefits include, fighting bacteria for good eye health, improving vision by keeping the eyes moist and aiding sleep. We instinctively know that having a good cry can be cathartic, a watershed of stress that relieves tension. It is a healthy behaviour. Neuroscientist William Frey, a key researcher in this area, states that it is an important way to alleviate stress, which, if left unchecked can have a detrimental effect on our health, leading to heart problems and other stress-related disorders. So rather than feeling overwhelmed and bottling it all up we should be kind to ourselves and seek a

supportive shoulder to cry on or a private space to let it all come out. (information taken from www.medicalnewstoday.com and www.agingcare.com)

Maggie Mercer

Counsellor & Psychotherapist Maggie practices her psychotherapy work from her room at Shandwick Bay in the Seaboard Village of Shandwick. She can offer face to face counselling or on-line Zoom sessions. For more information and to enquire about rates you can visit: www.openmindshighland.co.uk or you can telephone her on 07943 449731

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NOSTALGIA WITH ALEX GRAHAM

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TAIN AS A MARKET TOWN P3

TAIN AS A MARKET TOWN - PART 3 BY MARGARET URQUHART

A Trades directory of 1825 tells us that in that year there were weekly markets on Tuesdays and Fridays and (still) six annual Fairs. However, the minister writing the section for Tain Parish in the 1837 Statistical Account stated that “the 3 main annual markets, formerly important, have now degenerated into comparatively insignificant markets for country produce & chiefly useful for hiring harvest labour”. So by then the annual Fairs had been reduced in number and importance.

The sharper, too, is there to steal Whatever comes in handy.

It is difficult to get a proper picture of the markets being held in the new Market Place in the earlier part of the 19thCentury. However, for the later 19th Century, we get a vivid picture in a poem entitled “A Market Day in Tain – 60 Years Ago” written by G G Ross, who featured in the “History of London House” articles. It appeared in a booklet entitled “Tain Memories” published by the North Star Office, Dingwall, in 1930. It’s not clear whether he is describing a weekly market or an annual one but the details suggest to me it must be an annual one. From it we know that the Market Place was still in use then especially for the sale of fish products. However all the entertainments took place in the High Street and on the Links. The following are some selected verses from the poem -

With satin hat and scarlet coat, With stripes and twirls of gold, I’m sure their clothing cost a lot Far more than can be told.

The market place with tubs and shoes, Fish creels, and skates with tails, Crabs, flounders, cods, for you to choose, And pigs and water pails. And when we saw the great High Street And heard the fiddle play, It tried us hard to keep our feet From dancing the Strathspey. There’s “Teenie’s” stand, and fortune wheel, The fairings and the candy,

There’s wheeps and whistles, jumpan-jecks, And cairties there with wheels, Both trumps and bugles, wood corncraiks, And everything appeals. There on the Links, the shows are grand, And lions roaring loud, And on the platform plays the band Each player very proud.

The lions, tigers, elephants, The camels and the bears, Make big demands to meet their wants Before this show appears. And as the Market nears its end, Tho’ lions cease to roar, The shouts of revelry ascend Much louder than before. By the beginning of the 20th Century it would seem things had changed again. The following extract is taken from a talk given by Mrs Chrissie Fraser in 1965 describing “Our Life in Tain over Sixty Years Ago” – i.e. the early 1900s. “We had a market which was called ‘The Midsummer Market’. There were stalls on each side of the street from Ross Street to the Royal Hotel. It was held the first Wednesday in July and the town would be crowded that day. Everything one could think of was sold on those stalls. I think the biggest sale would have been in hand made tubs, but everything, groceries, candies, drapery etc., were sold.” Thus by this time the annual markets had been reduced to one and they didn’t seem to involve the Market Place.

However there was still what was referred to as a “corn market” being held every second Friday in which the Market Place may have still played its part . Polson, in a book on Easter Ross published in 1914, gives this description “on Fridays, ‘Corn Market Day’, townspeople mingle with the numerous visitors from the surrounding country quietly pacing up and down High Street, at shop counters, or in hotel lounges discussing sometimes the current price of corn and farm produce and oftimes current politics; again no one seems in a hurry but the foregathering makes for good fellowship and the cementing of friendships.” Most of the market stalls continued to be used for storage until they were refurbished and developed as a series of shops. The photo shows the restored market buildings as they were c.1980s/90s? The barber’s pole marks the location of Frank Martin’s premises who conducted his business there for 44 years from when the refurbishment took place up until his death in November 2019. [A tribute to Frank appeared in the December 2019 issue of the TDPP.] Later most of the units were taken over as Green’s restaurant, now of course in London House. The premises recently re-opened to accommodate “Acorn Footcare”. Tain gradually morphed from market town to service centre as more and more shops and commercial businesses developed. First the railways and later motor cars meant people from rural areas could shop and access services on a more regular basis. With time, more and more people were able to afford cars, roads improved so that trips up to Inverness increased and the number and range of shops in Tain declined. It still functions as a service centre, especially for further north but large supermarkets on the edges of the town are the new market places.

TAIN AS A MARKET TOWN P3

Fortunately, in more recent times, Community Markets and other community events such as the Switching on of the Christmas Lights and the New Year Street Party meant that the centre of the town, pre-coronavirus still lay at the heart of the community. Let us hope that we get back to that state of affairs in the not too distant future.

TAIN PICTURE HOUSE PROJECT Tain and District Development Trust have secured funding to carry out essential repairs to make the former Town Hall (known as the Picture House) wind and water tight. The group are now working on raising the major capital funding to enable the building to be restored to its former glory. The French Renaissance style former Town Hall by Andrew Maitland and Sons, 1874-76 was converted for use as Picture house/Cinema in the 1920s. The building features painted portraits on the walls and has interesting panelling. TDDT have produced a video all about the history, and how the community is coming together to restore the Picture House. It can be viewed here: https://www.tainddtrust.com/regeneration-copy

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TAIN & DISTRICT MUSEUM

CURSTY COMES BACK FROM THE DEAD Tain & District Museum were kind enough to share this talk, given by Donald Leitch, 6th Nov. 1956, telling the lovely story of “Bent Cursty”. I would like to tell you tonight of an Old Tain Worthy, who reached the zenith of her worthiness round about fifty years ago. Distance may be lending enchantment to the scene, but to me, her claim to worthiness lay in the extraordinary kindness, gentleness and interest she displayed in her daily contacts with the children of our little town. She lived in a little house in Ross Street, but she was originally a farm-worker in Morayshire, drifted to Tain and finally settled down here. We all called her Bent Cursty. In appearance, Cursty was the rough diamond type. She always wore dark clothes along with a dark grey shawl which was firmly draped over her head and shoulders. She wore heavy working men’s boots, big and tackety, and always well covered with dried clayey mud. She walked literally bent double and this gave her a sort of squint masculine ruggedness of the lifelong outdoor worker, but we children seemed to see in this face a quiet restful beauty. How we loved to go up and speak to Cursty, and how we loved to listen, as in her broad Morayshire accent, she spoke to us of the weather and the harvest, and the tatties, and asked us if we were good bairns and how were we getting on in school: and many a pandrop I got from Cursty. Cursty lived before her time in that, although a female, she smoked, and to do that required some courage from one of the fair sex fifty or sixty years ago. But smoke she did, publicly, blatantly, and with utter abandon, but not for her the thin delicate cigarette so beloved of the modern miss of 1956. No, Cursty smoked good honest thick black Bogie Roll Tobacco and smoked from a blackened clay pipe of great age and rich maturity.

On a good sunny day, it was Cursty’s wont to take a walk along the High Street, bent double as she always was, and sit down for a rest on the pavement kerb right beside the Commercial Bank. There she would sit with her back to the High Street and her face to the Commercial Bank with her feet resting on the pavement. Then she would out with her pipe, light up, and smoke like a furnace. She was not unlike an Eastern Potentate holding court. The Minister knew her, the Provost knew her, the Doctor knew her, the Baillie knew her, they all knew her and whoever was walking along the Commercial Bank pavement, would stop and quietly enquire for Cursty’s health and they would be answered respectfully in that homely broad Morayshire accent. There was once an incident in Cursty’s life which caused somewhat of a sensation in the town at the time. Cursty fell ill. She was devotedly attended by her near neighbours.

Her condition was so serious that three of the neighbours sat up all night keeping watch by her bedside. During the night it appeared to them that Cursty was sinking fast, and about two o’clock in the morning it seemed quite apparent to them that she had passed away. The good people forthwith proceeded to dress the remains. After this sad duty was done, and the room tidied and made to look respectable, the good people sat by the bedside and started to partake of some needed refreshments about seven o’clock in the morning. They were just in the middle of having their refreshments, when the seemingly lifeless Cursty sat bolt upright in bed, enquired sharply as to what was going on, and demanded her pipe immediately because she said she “affa needed a smoke”. The startled neighbours quickly got Cursty her pipe and after a good smoke, she ate a good breakfast and lived hale and hearty for a good ten years thereafter.

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

GRANTS BAKERY Rolls, Baking, Sandwiches & Hot Snacks

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

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

TAIN

Now at 9 Geanies Street

Wednesdays 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm

Tel: Evelyn 07511 133 108

Highland Heatsave Limited BOILER SERVICING AND COMMISSIONING PLUMBING AND HEATING INSTALLATION

Jim Oman, 2 Port Street, Balintore, IV20 1UH TEL 01862 832116 | MOBILE 07803 610838

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

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR My friend Isobel Ross often sends me Tain and District Picture Post if she thinks some of the articles would be of special interest to me. July’s magazine was super - I remember Derek Whyte, was at Lewis Fraser’s crowning as carnival queen in 1949 and I remember most of the Boy Scouts who had their summer camp in 1955. And I knew Alistair Ross and Billy Grant. I left Tain 60 years ago to go to Jordanhill Training College as it was then called, so I thought would write a wee bit about what I’ve done since then. I was born in 1 Cromartie Gardens in 1943, and next door at 1 Fountain Road lived Jacqueline Mackay. We’ve been friends for 74 years! I come up north every few years and stay with Jacqueline, now living in the Port. My father, Alf Gray, was Town Clerk from 1939 for a good number of years and he started the accountancy firm AW Gray and Butler. My sister Anne, born in 1941, lives in Jersey and my brother Iain, born in 1946, lives in Bearsden. My

mother died in Tain in 1959 and my father in Glasgow in 1969. I am not married but I am fortunate to have six wonderful nephews and one lovely niece and seven great-nephews and nieces. I taught in Willowbank School in Glasgow for over 32 years. It was multiracial and really enjoyed it. I’ve taught children from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, China, Chile, South Africa, Canada, Poland, Kenya, Cyprus and Greece. Asians are very hospitable and are keen to invite you to visit their homes. One Bangladeshi lady called me her sister, “didi”, and wanted me to adopt her 12th child which she had at the age of 46! Everyone mixed well. There was absolutely no racism and we celebrated each other’s festivals. In 1972, I went out to New Zealand to teach for 15 months and stayed with a wonderful lady who called me her Scotch daughter. Most of the children were Maoris or Pacific Islanders. It was an interesting experience. On my way

home in 1973, I went on a tour. All the others were New Zealanders or Australians. It was wonderful to visit Hong Kong, India, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, France and then on to the UK. While in India it was a wonderful experience to visit the Tai Mahal, While we were talking, a sixteen year old Bangladeshi boy came up to me and asked if I had a sister who taught in Willowbank School in Glasgow! Omar had been in my class six years before. We kept in touch and I was privileged to be at his graduation as FRCS in 1993. His father became Bangladeshi High Commissioner in London and was invited twice to

Tain Royal Academy 1955 (1st year) Alison and Jacqueline

stay with the family in London. I was delighted in 2018 when Omar and his wife Shoiba, who were visiting their daughter in London, made a special visit to Glasgow to come and see me. In 1990, a pupil who had returned to Kerala in South India, invited me for a visit. I went on a tour of Goa and South India and then spent a week with the family who had arranged an interesting programme for me. A number of years later, Devi, my pupil, suddenly appeared at my door to visit. What a lovely surprise! On my visits to friends in New Zealand in 1976, 1988 and 2000, I visited Australia where had lunch with an old school friend, Christine Maclean from the Port, and stayed with Fiona Butler and family in Melbourne. I’ve also enjoyed a visit to Thailand, climbed 1000ft up Ayers Rock in Australia, landed on a glacier in New Zealand and visited Singapore

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Tain Public School P4 (1952) Back row: Munro Macangus(?), William Forsyth, Dugald Mackenzie, Trevor Moir, Willie Waugh(?), Miss Annie Ross (teacher) Middle row: Allan Lawson, Don Bremner, (?) Finlay, Leila Grant (Nigg), Geraldine Logan, Christopher Williamson, David Macrae

I found my old Tain Academy year books. One was from 1962, which was 4 years after it was revived, and another from 1963. It was very interesting. They gave pupils names of where

they went to work after leaving school, possibly not the same nowadays! It shows the number of places that had work places in Tain - all by gone days. All of those pupils names we know, a lot who have died. Gosh, all the changes. They were great days when the Academy was on Academy Street. It took me two minutes to get there from Esther Place. Happy days! I am not saying its not nowadays. I have a grandaughter at Larbert High, in Stirlingshire but it’s changed days. I thought I’d share these two hockey pics with your readers. I went up to the Academy in 1961, and I still have friends from school days. Liz Craig

Front row: Elizabeth Macphee, Ann Ferguson, Pat Urquhart, Linda Stenhouse, Jean McLeod, Alison Gray, Jacqueline Mackay, Helen Holmes, Angela Thomson, Julie Louden

and Kuala Lumpar where a former pupil showed me around. When I returned to Glasgow in 1973, I was fortunate to get my job back at Willowbank School. I’ve kept in touch with many former pupils, especially those from 1966 - 1968. Last October we had a great reunion with twelve “girls” and eleven “boys” now in their early sixties - some of whom hadn’t seen since they left primary school. After I took early retirement because of osteoporosis, I did supply teaching for several years. I especially enjoyed working with children with special needs - children with autism, learning difficulties and visual impairment - and teaching English to asylum seeker children.

Nowadays my main interest, apart from visiting older people (even older than me!) is buying bargains to fill shoeboxes for Blythswood Care. This week I got thirteen bottles of Bronnley Body Lotion for 1p each! The shop was stocktaking. I am so thankful to God for good health, family and friends and for a full and interesting life. Although I love living in Glasgow, I always consider Tain as home - a great place to grow up in. If anyone wants to get in touch, please email info@ tainpost.co.uk and they will pass on my messages, as I am not on email.

Alison Gray

Back row: Linda Stenhouse, ?, ?, Patsy Bird, Clara Waugh,?, ? Front row: Kay Findlay, Anne Sutherland, Isobel Laing (goalie), Barbara Fraser, Elizabeth Macleod (self)

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TAIN & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

FOR-WARD News

Events

Community Coming Together

Updates

Community

Issue No: 8 28th August 2020

Such a fabulous turn-out for our first market of the year! We loved seeing familiar faces, and it was a joy to see the High Street bustling again. Join us and other local businesses again on September 19th from 10am until 2pm for your next Community Market.

New Team Member Update! With a BA Hons in Social Work & HNC in Business Studies we would like to welcome Dave as our new Community Liaison Officer. Born and raised in Tain- he has worked for various local businesses & has volunteered with several local community groups including a fund raiser for CLIC Sargent Scotland [which supports children with cancer]. To help us continue our work in the community, you can make a donation via Paypal [paypal.me/taindevtrust] or email us at info@tainddtrust.com if you would prefer to make a payment via alternative methods.

Sign up to our newsletter and membership. Perks include: community updates, discount on Hub services, training, networking events. Contact the team at info@tainddtrust. com to find out how..

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TAIN & DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT TRUST

Find Your Gold!

We Are Good To Go!

Our team have put together for you an Open4Business Map to help you find local businesses that are available [Click the link to see: http://ow.ly/eZG350B5Fhb]. Let us know of any businesses that should be added to the list.

Since we've open the Hub back to usual opening hours- there has been an increase in the level of enquires into new business startups. And we have been supporting them under the provision of advice and guidance. Come down for a chat with a member of our team to find out more.

The electricity supply has now been connected to the Picture House and the water supply is in the process of being connected- so this will allow contractors in to the building to work on the next stage! Progress! If you would like to become involved in this project, please contact Dave at: dave.macrae@tainddtrust.com

At the Hub, we are proud to support local. The Scotland Loves Local campaign is a national initiative to encourage residents to think local - & to support their local centres and high streets.

There is new guidance for wearing masks. They advise that children to wear them in school settings, on bus journeys to school, and in communal areas [BTW we have masks in the Hub].

See more at: www.lovelocal.scot/ about/

See more at: www.gov.uk/government/ news/update-on-face-coverings-inschools

A Helping Hand!

Riding The Wave!

We recently conducted a survey to assess the business needs of our district. According to the feedback, the top 3 concerns affecting organisations post COVID-19 are: reduced capacity [62%], operational costs [57%], and reduced footfall [43%]. But remember, the team at the Enterprise Hub are happy & available to assist you!

The Community Markets have brought a smile to many residents and local businesses. The buzz around has rejuvenated the moral- & so to keep up the momentum, we are planning for another round on 31st October! And also to remind you that school holidays start on the 12th Oct and finish on the 23rd!

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ST. DUTHUS GET READY FOR OCTOBER RETURN St. Duthus Football Club are set to begin their 2020-21 in October subject to the footballing authorities allowing matchplay to begin as is currently planned. At a meeting of the North Caledonian FA management committee on Thursday September 3rd, teams discussed conditions for a return to football in line with government guidelines, which will initially allow teams to play friendly matches from September 12th. Clubs across the grassroots level in Scotland face major adjustments, starting with the appointment of a Covid Coordinator, who will oversee each team’s return to football including assessing risks, preparing facilities and ensuring proper protocol is being followed. All being well, teams will begin their seasons on October 17th, with league and cup competitions forming part of a reduced schedule for 2020-21. St. Duthus will play as part of the “top six” league who will compete for the North Caledonian League championship, while also having been drawn away to Loch Ness in the first round of the North Caledonian Cup. Details of fixtures are set to be announced on Monday September 7th.

LOCAL FOOTBALL

DO SOCCER GRADUATION

ABOVE: NAMES LEFT TO RIGHT - KEITH ROSS, CONNOR MACKENZIE, ALEX MCDONALD, JOHNIE BEATTIE, JOSH ROONEY, RYAN QUIGLEY, ROBERT SUTHERLAND, HARRIS MACKENZIE, ROSS NICOL, ALEX MACKENZIE

Do Soccer Academy, Balintore, held their graduation day for their U15 group this month. The group who have been playing together throughout the age levels of the Academy were each presented with a certificate. Head coach Zak Khan said of the group, “When I first got involved in Do Soccer this was my original group, I started coaching the 2005/06s playing at U13s level. The team is devised solely of Tain Royal Academy students and with a smaller population, the biggest compliment I can give this group is being competitive against

teams who had a much larger players pool. Having seen previous teams I am sure the boys won’t be offended when I say they were not the most naturally gifted group but they more than made up for it with effort levels and enthusiasm especially in training.“ “The most fun sessions involved these lot and I took great pride in watching them have the belief and bravery to try the things we practised in games. The season was cut short due to Covid19 and I was as disappointed as the boys were, our season culminated in an impressive 5-1 thrashing of

Lossiemouth back in March. A performance that endorsed the creative positive football I try to encourage. Also a thanks to the parents who really were committed to ensuring football continued in the area and were an excellent supporters of the club over the years. Overall the boys came week in, week out dedicated to improve and as their coach I could not be more proud of their personal development as players and young men.” The new group of U15s began their training this past month following the release of new training guidelines.

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