FEBRUARY 2015
I NV E R NE S S & D I S T RI C T THE NORTH’S FAVOURITE FREE WEE MAG
WEDDING FEATURE
This space could have been promoting your business! SpotLight covers six areas along the Moray Firth Coast
Contact us for details of rates and sizes: 01309 690063
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3 Critical Features to demand from Your New Vet... Moving to a new area is a challenging process for your family, your pet will be stressed by the process as well. At Moray Coast Vet Group we want you to know that we are here to help you and your pets settle into the area. Why would you use us? Well it’s simple really, we have been vets in this area for a very long time and can offer your pet the following 3 critical benefits: to a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice, Access meaning your pet will be treated to the highest standards. convenient surgery locations making it easy to get to us Four day and night. and well equipped surgeries meaning we can treat all routine Modern conditions without the need to refer your pet. So all you need to do now, for peace of mind for you and your pet, is call us to say ‘hello’ and we will do all that is necessary to register your pet with our practice. Oh, and we will call your old vet to request your pet’s existing notes, so we can be familiar with everything we need to know. Now that is peace of mind for your pet.
Call us now on: CARING FOR YOUR COMPANIONS
Forres Surgery (main branch) 01309 672243 Nairn Surgery 01667 453161 Lossiemouth Surgery 01343 815335 Balloch Surgery 01463 794224 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER 01309 672243 www.moraycoastvetgroup.co.uk
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PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS How good are you at receiving gifts? It’s not something that all that many people excel in. For example, somebody meets you for coffee or lunch and they say, ‘Let me get this.’ Do you simply say, ‘Oh thanks very much!’? Or are you more likely to say, ‘No, no let me get this… well, at least let me give you something for it…’? Has anybody ever given you a gift that you thought was so outlandish that you ‘couldn’t possibly accept it’? Or at least, when you were forced to accept their generosity, you felt completely uncomfortable taking it from them? Not many of us simply receive the gifts we are given without feeling the need to do something ourselves. Is it just me, or does that apparently instinctive need get very wearing? Having these people round for dinner because they had us round last month; paying something towards the repair for your house that your family member arranged; saying ‘no I’m fine thanks’ before you’ve thought about it because you’d rather struggle in your own strength than put someone else to any trouble. The book of Galatians in the Bible is a letter
that a man called Paul wrote to a young church who were learning about how to know and follow Jesus Christ. Paul was a man who used to pride himself on getting by with his own achievements and under his own steam. But when he met Jesus, he realised that all of that self-reliant decent and polite living was like being a slave.
insisted on keeping old rules, following old traditions, having something they could contribute towards their friendship with God. But Paul looked at their lives and said this in Galatians 5:1 - ‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves by burdened again by a yoke of slavery.’
Paul found freedom from that in the most generous gift he had ever experienced - God telling him that he was free from sin, death, guilt, burdens, things-that-must-be-done; because of Jesus Christ. Discovering Jesus Christ meant freedom from a slavery that he’d never put his finger on before.
In February, our church is going to look at this letter and all that is says about discovering a life with God that is free and light, one which gives up on trying to pay our own way. You are welcome to join us for that as we try to learn how to accept being overwhelmed by God’s free and generous gift to us.
The people in the church in Galatia had heard that message about God’s generous gift to them too - but they were a bit like many of us are. They couldn’t quite swallow the idea that God has already done everything in Jesus Christ to just wipe away all their guilt, look at them as completely innocent, and welcome them to life with Him now and forever. They didn’t feel comfortable with receiving that kind of gift. So they set about their version of ‘let me give you something towards that’…’ They
Ardersier with Petty Parish Church, Church of Scotland Ardersier Sundays 10.15am. Petty Sundays 12 noon. Tel: 01667 462224. Avoch Congregational Church High Street, Avoch. Sundays 11.30am. Refreshments afterwards. www.avochcongregationalchurch.co.uk Black Isle Charge Episcopal Churches 1 Deans Road, Fortrose. Tel: 01381 622241. Cale House, Church of Scotland Millburn Road, Inverness. Tel: 01463 718616. Christian Group in Inverness Call 07724 992790 or visit www.christian-group-inverness.org CityLife Church Mercure Hotel, Church Street, Inverness. Sundays 10:30am. Tel: 01463 714839. Email: info@citylifechurch.org.uk. Website: www.citylifechurch.org.uk Culduthel Christian Centre Culduthel Avenue, IV2 6AS. Sunday family service at 11am and evening service at 6pm. Phone 01463 222795. Minister: Rev Bill Slack. All welcome. Culloden Baptist Church Culloden Academy. Sundays 10.30am. Tel: 01463 794005. Email: culloden.baptist@btconnect.com. Website: www.cullodenbaptistchurch.org.uk Barn Church of Scotland Culloden. Sundays 10.30am. First and third Sundays of the month 6.30pm service. www.barnchurch.org.uk Croy & Dalcross Parish Church Church of Scotland Croy Village. Every Sunday 12noon. Dalneigh & Bona Church of Scotland St Mary’s Avenue, Inverness. Bona Church, Lochend by Inverness: 10am. Dalneigh Church, St Mary’s Avenue, Inverness: 11.30am and 6.30pm. Tel: 01463 232439.
page 4 - February 2015
Perhaps a good place to start learning how to do that will be the next time you are in a coffee shop and someone else says ‘let me get this.’ How about next time, you just say, ‘Thanks very much!’? That’s really what God calls us to do with His gift of Jesus, too.
Scott McRoberts St. Columba Church, Inverness
Dingwall Baptist Church Tulloch Street, Dingwall. www.dbc.org.uk Dingwall Castle Street Church of Scotland www.dingwall-church.co.uk Dingwall Catholic Church, St Lawrence 21 Castle Street, Dingwall. Tel: 01349 863143. Dingwall Episcopal Church, St James The Great Castle Street, Dingwall. Tel: 01349 862204. Website: www.stjames-stannes.org.uk Dingwall Free Church High Street. Sundays 11am and 6pm. Website: www.deep-river.co.uk Dores FCC Reformed Church - (Up the brae from the village on B862) Sundays 11am (Children welcome) & 6:30pm. Wednesdays 7:30pm. Web: www.dores-church.org.uk - Rev. D. Ratti 07599 298946 Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church Rev. Chris Smart. Website: www.ferintosh.org.uk Free North Church Bank Street, Inverness. Tel: 01463 224332. Website: www.freenorthchurch.org Fortrose Free Church, 5 Church Street, Fortrose, IV10 8TE. Sunday: 11.30am and 6pm. Website: www.freechurch.org Grace Community Church Inshes Primary School. Sundays 10.30am. Email: thenewseed@yahoo.com Highland International Church Sundays, 11am, Waterside Hotel, 19 Ness Bank, Inverness. www.hicinverness.org.uk Hilton, Church of Scotland Tomatin Road, Inverness. Tel: 01463 233310. Website: www.hiltonchurch.org.uk Listed A to H and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed here and would like to be considered for inclusion or for any amendments to existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
It’s difficult to ignore all the violence that is going on just now and even more difficult to reconcile that with a “civilised society�. Maybe we can try and focus on the hope that these are just small minorities of people and more often than not their actions do not fairly reflect the wider belief systems of the religions that they purport to We must represent. hope and pray that these people eventually come to their senses.
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Editorial - Friday 30/01/15 Advertising - Wednesday 04/02/15
Words by the Wayside “And it came to pass, as He (The Lord Jesus) was alone praying, his disciples were with Him.�
Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day at the
Clachnaharry Inn Clachnaharry, Inverness
(Luke 9:18)
Christian, when we are not praying for ourselves either through neglect of God or disobedience to Him, Our Saviour always remains faithful, “He ever liveth to make intercession for us.� The Christian is perfect and complete in Him according to their position before God, for they are “in Christ�. The Lord Jesus took their place, in that He died for their sin, and when He died, they died, so that in Heaven they could take His place - Beloved of God. www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish charity SC041290
Conditions may apply.
The Editor
At our Award winning Clachnaharry Inn we offer good company, great ales, fine wine and spirits and the best of food! Where else would you possibly want to take the people you love?
17-19 High Street, Clachnaharry, Inverness, IV3 8RB. Tel: 01463 239806
USEFUL INFORMATION Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days Valentine’s Day Shrove Tuesday Ash Wednesday Mothering Sunday British Summertime Starts Palm Sunday April Fool’s Day
Sat 14th Feb 2015 Tues 17th Feb 2015 Wed 18th Feb 2015 Sun 15th Mar 2015 Sun 29th Mar 2015 Sun 29th Mar 2015 Wed 1st Apr 2015
Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Father’s Day
Thurs 2nd Apr 2015 Fri 3rd Apr 2015 Sun 5th Apr 2015 Mon 6th Apr 2015 Mon 4th May 2015 Mon 25th May 2015 Sun 21st Jun 2015
School Term Dates for 2014/2015 (all dates inclusive) Mid Term Holiday Mon 16th Feb 2015 Mid Term Holiday Tues 17th Feb 2015 In-Service Day Wed 18th Feb 2015 Spring Term Ends Thurs 2nd Apr 2015 Spring Holiday Starts Fr 3rd Apr 2015 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 17th Apr 2015 Summer Term Starts Mon 20th Apr 2015 May Day Holiday Mon 4th May 2015
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Useful Contacts
Westwood, Littlemill, Nairn Tel. 01667 454536 or
gillian@westwoodcattery.co.uk
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www.westwoodcattery.co.uk
Feline Advisory Bureau Registered, Listed in Good Cattery Guide Bus Station, Inverness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 994111 Culloden Academy Community Complex . . . . . 01463 792794 Dalcross Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 464000 Highland Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 886606 Inverness Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 667500 National Rail Enquires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950 Police Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
SCHOOLS Aldourie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 751272 Ardersier Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462344 Auldearn Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 452118 Balloch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 790287 Balnain Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 476262 Beauly Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782576 Bishop Eden’s Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237103 Bun-Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725980 Cannich Bridge Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 415304 Cauldeen Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 235905 Cawdor Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 402460 Central Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233906 Charleston Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234324 Cradlehall Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 791195 Crown Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233879 Croy Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 493356 Culloden Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 790851
page 6 - February 2015
In-Service Day Mon 1st Jun 2015 Summer Term Ends Thurs 2nd Jul 2015 Summer Holiday Starts Fri 3rd Jul 2015 for 2015/2016 (all dates inclusive) Summer Holiday Ends Fri 14th Aug 2015 In-Service Day Mon 17th Aug 2015 Autumn Term Starts Tues 18th Aug 2015 In-Service Day Thurs 24th Sep 2015 In-Service Day Fri 25th Sep 2015
Dalneigh Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232636 Daviot Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772226 Dochgarroch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 861240 Drakies Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236032 Drummond School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 701050 Duncan Forbes Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 791897 Farr Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01808 521246 Foyers Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486612 Glen Urquhart High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 459134 Glenurquhart Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 450458 Hilton Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230435 Holm Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232697 Inshes Primary School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725920 Inverness High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 233586 Inverness Royal Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 222884 Kinmylies Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239720 Kirkhill Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 831543 Lochardil Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230250 Merkinch Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 232962 Millbank Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 452240 Millburn Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 729152 Muirtown Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239537 Nairn Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 453700 Raigmore Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234971 Rosebank Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 454090 Smithton Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 791606 St. Joseph’s R.C. Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 231837 Strathdearn Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 226197 Stratherrick Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486630 Teanassie Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782581 Tomnacross Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 741497 Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or amend existing details, email tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Auldearn Antiques
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Visitors welcome at: Marcassie Farm, Rafford, Nr Forres, IV36 2RH Phone 01309 675052 or 07926 809521
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PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES Aside from politics, I like to turn to Crime. Crime fiction that is! Michael Connolly created Harry Bosch, a bolshy LAPD Policeman who has no time for the political shenanigans of some of his bosses. His slogan is "Everybody counts or nobody counts." In other words he must serve and protect all human beings not just the rich and famous and not curry favour or court popularity. That’s why, though it may not please everyone, I am certain that the average speed camera system on the A9 is absolutely the right thing. Because it will save lives. And because fewer people will suffer horrific injuries on the road because of it. That is what the evidence shows - evidence from a decades use over the UK with 60% reduction in serious incidents. And evidence from the A9 already shows excessive speeding cut from one in ten vehicles to one in seven hundred. I know some constituents are not persuaded yet - but I am certain that this policy IS the right thing. Everybody does count. The human misery that will be avoided is beyond price.
It was a pleasure to meet the volunteers and staff of the Salvation Army, last month. Many people associate the Sally Army with the cold winter months, and particularly the Christmas holidays, but the assistance they provide to those in need happens all year round. Here in the Highlands, they are well known for the invaluable housing support service that they provide to individuals and families who are affected by homelessness. So, it was great to have the chance to chat to some of their volunteers in Inverness. Clearly the Salvation Army are making a real difference to people’s lives - and their latest campaign, the Inverness Resettlement Project, continues to be a growing success story. I want to thank them for their tireless generosity and the exceptional work they do for our Highland communities. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with homelessness, or any other issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me by calling 01463 711280, or emailing danny@highlandlibdems.org.uk
Danny Alexander MP
LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN FEBRUARY Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
SU M TU W TH F SA
AM 04:56 05:36 05:58 06:08 06:34 07:09 07:40
PM 17:21 18:00 18:31 18:57 19:25 19:56 20:29
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
SU M TU W TH F SA SU M TU W TH
Fergus Ewing MSP AM 07:54 07:56 08:20 08:53 09:39 00:00 01:44 02:47 03:43 04:42 05:37 06:22
PM 20:53 20:53 20:56 21:30 11:58 14:25 15:30 16:30 17:25 18:12 18:56
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
F SA SU M TU W TH F SA
AM 07:06 07:47 08:28 09:09 09:49 10:32 11:33 01:18 02:48
PM 19:39 20:22 21:04 21:45 22:26 23:08 14:03 15:16
Garden Design & Construction Info from Pam: 01309 672971 pamscottwat@tesco.net • www.thefitnessleague.com
FULL GARDEN DESIGN
kooltaste runnings of jamaica Two course Lunch £ 8.95 or Dinner £ 11.95
01463 230865
Jamaican Restaurant, 14 Church Street, Inverness IV11EA page 8 - February 2015
tel: 01309 690063
STONE/MASONRY © PAVING WATER FEATURES © TURFING PLANTING © DRIVEWAYS
07917 274101 01463 630013 Email: iain@awlandscape.co.uk www.awlandscape.co.uk
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Let Us Know ‘What’s On’ In Your Area *Deadline for the March Issue: Friday, 30th January* Email: tamsyn@spotlighton.co.uk Telephone: 01309 690063 Inclusion of events in What’s On is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops. Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes to events.
3 tuesday scottish ornithologists' club: "seabird studies on the isle of may. spreading our wings after 40 years" by mark newell 7.30pm, culloden library. call 01463 221661 or 01808 511740. £3 members; £4 non members.
4 wednesday circus of horrors – night of the zombie @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm. for more info call 01997 420124 or visit www.strathpefferpavilion.org
6 friday
Rolling Event until 1 february the "winter exhibition" & "cd collection" at inchmore gallery. a wonderful variety of mediums and styles plus gorgeous, miniature works of art that make wonderful presents for your loved ones and best friends, or for yourself! for more information and opening times visit www.inchmoregallery.co.uk
‘the clach’ : the life and times of alexander mackenzie, author, editor & crofter champion - by ben thomas 7.30pm, inverness gaelic school. all welcome
7 saturday great glen walking club loch achilty and fairburn estate. 10 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for information.
21 february - 4 march inverness music festival a competitive music festival open to all ages and abilities. come along and enjoy watching and listening to the performers. for tickets and info visit www.invernessmusicfestival.org
NAIRN
JANUARY 2015 27 tuesday
Nairn Community & Arts Centre
highland literary salon burns evening 7:30pm, glen mhor hotel inverness. burns supper. for more info and tickets please see www.highlandlitsalon.com infifa ‘adam’s rib ’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema and followed by informal post film discussion. for more info visit www.invernessfilmfans.org
31 saturday inverness ramblers bhlaraidh—loch mheig. 11 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
FEBRUARY 2015 1 sunday great glen walking club loch lochy and achnacarry. 9 miles. depart 8:30am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for information. breathing space day we try to make it easier for you to open up when you’re feeling down. for info visit www.breathingspace.scot or call 0800 83 85 87 admin@spotlighton.co.uk
Your local venue for films, shows, concerts, and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.
FEBRUARY EVENTS Friday 6th ...............................................Fundraising Film Night “Walking on Sunshine” (12a) Friday 20th ............................................... Music Nairn Presents “Passacaglia” Baroque Ensemble Saturday 21st................................................. Feisinbhirnarainn Festival of Traditional Music (www.nairnfeis.co.uk) Friday 27th .............................................................Cinema Nairn “Night of the Hunter” (12) Saturday 28th...........................................Charity Ceilidh Dance For further details, telephone 01667 453476, e-mail info@nairncc.co.uk or check out our website at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk
tel: 01309 690063
February 2015 - page 9
MEDITATION BUDDHISM Triratna Buddhist Community Highlands Mindfulness and loving kindness can change your life – learn to meditate! Six week course starts Wednesday 4th February, 6.30-8.30pm at Triratna Highlands Buddhist Centre, Ballantyne House (next to Domino’s pizza), Academy St., Inverness. No charge – donation only www.buddhistcommunityhighlands.org.uk
8 sunday inverness ramblers coire loch circular (cannich). 9 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
9 monday royal scottish geographical society lecture: dr deborah long: conserving medicinal plants of nepal 7.30pm, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. admission: adults £8; students, under 18s and rsgs members free.
10 tuesday pink castle philosophy club - "what is art for?" 7:30pm, riverside lounge, glen mhor hotel, ness bank, inverness. lgbt friendly club. www.pinkcastle.eu infifa ‘brief encounter’ 7:15pm at eden court cinema and followed by informal post film discussion. for more info visit www.invernessfilmfans.org
11 wednesday highland rock garden club - snowdrops and spring flowers: illustrated talk by kevin ball (head gardener, inverewe) 7:30pm nairn community centre. for info call john owen on 01320 366246
12 thursday highland decorative & fine arts society (hdfas) art lecture, ‘edouard manet - the rebel in a frock coat’ lecturer jullian halsby 2pm - 3.30pm, smithton free church, murray road, inverness. non members £5, new members welcome. email drmaryharrison2@yahoo .com (membership sec) or davidmartin30@ hotmail .com - chair (07595 219308) • www.hdfas.org.uk or
call 01997 420124 or visit www.scotblood.co.uk or www.strathpefferpavilion.org
20 friday music nairn presents ‘passacaglia’ with an eclectic programme of baroque music 7:30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at the door or from music nairn www.musicnairn.org.uk or call 01667 455701
20 friday - 22 sunday strathpeffer bridge congress @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm. annual event organised by dingwall bridge club. 01997 420124 • www.strathpefferpavilion.org
21 saturday great glen walking club loch oich circuit. 10 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for information.
22 sunday inverness ramblers newtonmore’s wildcat trail. 7 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for further information.
26 thursday rspb talk - 40 yrs of bird ringing in the highlands what have we learned? 7.30pm at fraser park bowling club, inverness.
27 friday a handful of john macleods - lecture by rev dr roderick macleod @ 7.30pm in inverness gaelic school. all welcome. cinema nairn : 'night of the hunter' (12) 7.30pm at nairn community and arts centre. tickets at door for further info: cinemanairn.blogspot.co.uk the boy and the bunnet - cromarty arts trust events 7.30pm in the stables. fun for all the family! Tickets £7, £5 conc and £20 family. for more info visit www.cromartyartstrust.org.uk
28 saturday
12 thursday - 13 friday banff mountain film festival 2015 7:30pm, empire theatre, eden court. for details and prices visit www.eden-court.co.uk
13 friday opera bohemia @ strathpeffer pavillion 8pm. for info call 01997 420124 • www.strathpefferpavilion.org
14 saturday inverness ramblers balavil (strathspey). 8miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204.
15 sunday great glen walking club dava way (glenernie to dava return). 11 miles. depart 9am highland council car park. contact 01463 236204 for information.
18 wednesday
inverness ramblers creag beag/ loch gynach. 7 miles. meet 9am highland council car park. call 01463 236204 for more information. cake walk and story - meall fuar-mhonaidh, drumnadrochit - 5 miles. meet 10am at highland council, glenurquhart rd, inverness. call guy on 07724 992790 or visit www.guyandjocelyn.org rspb outing- loch flemington to nairn 9.30am at highland council car park, inverness. 01463 237836
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tel: 01309 690063
admin@spotlighton.co.uk
emergent Meeting the future
Drumduan Upper School leads the way in a new approach to secondary school level education with a sustainable, holistic and practical curriculum for adolescents, inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and designed for the 21st Century.
Range of High Back Chairs Riser/Recliner Chairs & Electric Beds ...everything to keep you comfortable this winter. INVERNESS & SURROUNDING AREAS
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Easy parking & disabled toilet facilities
FREE AT HOME DEMONSTRATIONS
Lessons covering the sciences and humanities are taught by Steiner Waldorf-trained, specialist teachers. Academic study is enhanced and balanced with movement, music and artistic work, with crafts and outdoor activities part of the daily rhythm. Drumduan Upper School, Clovenside Road, Forres IV36 2RD
FREE DELIVERIES
T: 01309 691214
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE OPTIONS
E: reception@drumduan.org W: www.drumduan.org
There’s so much happening at
The PlayBarn EARLY BIRD FRIDAYS OPENING FROM 9AM AND OPEN UNTIL 6PM ON FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS
THE LARGEST PLAY FRAME IN THE NE SCOTLAND
60 Seafield Rd, Inverness
WEDNESDAY CLUB
WORLD OF BLINDS
ALL THE LATEST TRENDS & STYLES, MADE TO MEASURE! Call now for a FREE no-obligation Quote in the comfort of your own home. pick up and call now!
(01463) 222 522 www.horizonblinds.co.uk
1/2 PRICE on entry until 1 pm
THURSDAY CLUB kids eat
for only £2.50 when purchased with any adults meal.
Under 12 months FREE Under 2 £3.00 Under 4 £4.50 Over 4 £5.50 THE PLAYBARN, 4 MILES EAST OF ELGIN ON THE A96
ds play 01343 843 101 where happy ki
FIXTURES AND DATES
FOOTBALL CLUB
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Restaurant Review Nairn Dunbar Golf Club Tel: 01667 452741
Well above Par! Going on a recommendation from a friend, my family decided to try Sunday Lunch at the Nairn Dunbar Golf Club. The naturally lit restaurant was bright and busy but adequately spaced to provide comfort. We were warmly welcomed by the waiting staff and given the option of having a drink in the lounge area and enjoy the view before eating. My three children had been kept from snacking between meals in order to have adequate appetite, so we were seated immediately and had placed our order within minutes. My starter of Kiln Roasted Smoked Salmon served with Dill Sauce was a delight. The flaky smokiness of the fish was balanced by the crisp and refreshing salad, offset by the tang of the dill sauce. I am the sort of mother to pester her children into trying new flavours, making use of the side plates to force mini portions on the kids to broaden their tastes. For the main course my parents and I opted for the carvery, which was a choice of Roast Lamb, Traditional Rib Roast and Roast Honey Glazed Gammon. For gluttons such as myself you will be delighted to hear one can opt for all 3 meats at once and the portion size is very generous. All three meats were tender and flavoursome, the potatoes crisp and the Yorkshire puddings homemade. My son said he overheard the neighbouring table agreeing it was the best carvery they had had in years. The kids had reached their quota of roast dinners over the festive season and were delighted with their choices of burger and chips, sausages in a roll and a cheese toastie for my vegetarian daughter who was pleased they offered multiple choices for vegetarians. My son thought his beef burger was “homemade and yummy”. We decided to have our coffee and desserts in the lounge area. The Sticky Toffee Pudding’s bowls were scraped clean. The Hot Chocolate Fudge Cake was “moist and scrummy” and the Plum Streusel was to die for! The main thing that struck me about the golf club was how affordable it was and how welcome my family and I were made to feel. It felt like everyone was comfortable, from families with small children and couples both elderly and young. Many seemed to be regulars as they were greeted by name with sincere affection. Next door we were told there was a large party for a 25th Wedding Anniversary as there was a constant flow of food and drink being delivered to an adjoining room. The waitresses all showed genuine interest in my children and asked what Santa had brought. In their reviews of the restaurant the one consistency was that all 3 children said there were “Kind Waitresses” (the spelling did vary). I was also delighted by the constant entertainment provided as the kids watched to see how the golfers fared (excuse the pun). Review, Sunday 4th January- Jill & Family
EX-HIRE STARTS 28TH FEBRUARY
SALE
McCalls of Elgin, on South Street, are the ultimate Highlandwear outfitters, supplying exceptional tailored kilts starting from £285 and high quality hire outfits from as little as £49. Their friendly staff pride themselves in offering a high standard of service and unmatched choice, from the initial tightening of the tape measure to the last stitch made to your kilt. Choose from the contemporary classics of the PRIDE range, or get kitted out in the more traditional clan tartans. McCalls will always have something to suit.
We will have fantastic bargains to offer, including:-
A wide range of Gent’s Kilts starting from only ....................... £140 Jacket and waistcoat sets from .........£85 Ghillie Brogues from .....................£25 Sporrans from .............................£30 Plus many more deals that are just too good to miss.
Coming soon is our once a year Ex-hire sale. McCalls of Elgin's sale begins on Saturday 28th February 2015 for one week only.
We’ve also 20% off our current stock throughout the sale meaning there really is no excuse not to pick up a bargain. But hurry sale ends 5.00pm Saturday 7th March 2015.
Perhaps you have a wedding or graduation this year, or want to buy a 21st birthday gift for that special someone, then now is the perfect time to do so.
Call McCalls of Elgin on 01343 540590 or visit www.mccalls.co.uk for more information.
INNES HOUSE
Weddings and Corporate Entertainment A Unique place for any Occasion It is difficult to imagine a more romantic setting for your wedding than a 17th century house set in a sheltered walled garden. However, Innes is not just a stunning venue which you and your guests will never forget, but also offers a wholly flexible programme to enable you to plan your day exactly as you would like. Every wedding is unique and tailor-made for each couple. You may hold the ceremony here in the garden or in one of the two beautiful reception rooms. After the service your guests can wander around the gardens whilst you have your photographs taken in these tranquil, romantic surroundings. The reception and dinner may be held in the East Dining Room or larger parties can be held in our marquee extension which covers a walled garden complete with a summer house for the bar and a fountain around which the tables are set. After dinner you may enjoy dancing or other entertainment and then drive away down the tree lined avenue and look back on a magnificent floodlit house. Alternatively, you and some of your guests may stay the night in one of our splendidly appointed bedrooms and leave after a leisurely breakfast the next morning.
Offer extended! Any couple booking their wedding within six months of their wedding date, will be offered complimentary wedding night accommodation along with a 'Champagne Toast' upgrade of their chosen drinks package
Innes House – Elgin – Moray – IV30 8NG Tel. 01343 842410 enquiries@inneshouse.co.uk – www.inneshouse.co.uk Please quote ‘SpotLight’ when making an enquiry
The Newton Hotel - The Perfect Wedding Day
“The Newton hotel sits in 21 acres of mature woodland, an idyllic setting for your very special day. We are licensed for wedding ceremonies, and civil partnerships, from smaller intimate bespoke ceremonies, which can be held in our chapel, to larger more lavish events in our Highland Suite. You can be assured that your special day will be tailored according to your wishes by our experienced and dedicated wedding team. We are proud to present a selection of wedding packages, which can be tailored to your specific needs, and offer inspiration to assist yourselves with the planning of your special day”
The Newton Hotel Chapel
We had both fallen in love with the Scottish Highlands since coming up on holiday to visit my family, so when we got engaged it seemed like the perfect location to have our wedding.
We needed somewhere that could hold both the ceremony and the reception plus have enough rooms for our guests to stay. We visited venues around the Highlands and the Newton Hotel was the clear winner. The hotel itself is stunning, successfully combining old fashioned charm with more modern additions. Seeing the grounds and the views across the Moray Firth for the first time took our breath away... and once I’d seen the field of Highland Cattle the deal was sealed!
Throughout the planning stage all the staff at the hotel were really helpful, so rather than being a stressful experience, planning our wedding turned out to be an enjoyable one. It did sometimes feel as though I was at the Newton Hotel so often that staff must be getting fed up of me but they never showed it if they were!
The big day itself was all that we wished it to be and more. The hotel had kindly cordoned off the car park so we had some gorgeous pictures of us at the front of the hotel, uninterrupted by other vehicles. We had originally planned to have the ceremony outside but the weather had other ideas! We always knew it would be a risk (it is the Highlands after all!) and the hotel staff were very happy to be flexible, giving us the option of the Chapel as our back up plan. In the end, even though we couldn’t have our wedding outside, the Chapel looked absolutely beautiful and it comfortably seated all our guests. The staff were excellent throughout and ensured that everything ran smoothly without a hitch, leaving us to enjoy our special day to the full. The food was always very important to us and the hotel did not disappoint, giving us a wide range of options for both the wedding breakfast and evening buffet, even allowing us to add some of our own suggestions.
We are so glad that we chose to have our wedding at the Newton Hotel, it gave us both everything we ever wanted our wedding to be and we will cherish the memories for a lifetime. Plus our guests are still telling us what a great time they had!
Vanessa and Tony
Allsewnup
HEAD FOR US
Give us a try and you wont need to Buy !
HAT HIRE Unique, Elegant, Sophisticated
Bridal & General Alterations Dressmaking Service Fabric and Haberdashery Sales Sewing Classes 42 Seafield Road Inverness IV1 1SG
Come and see our large range of wedding hats to hire or buy or why not have your hat be-spoke designed to match your outfit. Styles to suit all - fascinators, and hatinators also stocked or personally made to match your outfit. For further information and to make an appointment
01463 229697
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BY A P P O I N T M E N T O N LY
Choose ‘I Do Bridal Wear’ for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, down to earth service and beautiful dresses that realistically priced! You’ll find a lovely selection of bridal and bridesmaid dresses along with bespoke artificial flower, button and brooch bouquets. 10 The Muir, Bogmoor, Spey Bay, Fochabers IV32 7PY Tel: 01343 823 942 07970 157316 Email: info@idobridalwear.co.uk Website: www.idobridalwear.co.uk
Stockists of: s Rosa Couture s Brides by Harvee s Veromia D’Zage s Kelsey Rose s Sweetheart Gowns
The Newton Hotel NAIRN
The Newton Hotel
The Chapel
Helping make your day special!
Wedding Fair 12th April 2015 The Wedding
New wedding brochure coming soon!
For further information call:: 01667 453144 or email: sales.newton@bespokehotels.com
Royal Patron
HRH THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE KG KT
Working in partnership with schools, drawing upon the skills of trained instructors who have served their country, to inspire young people to succeed. For more information on how SkillForce can work in your school, please contact:
Dave McCallum, Business Development Manager Email: dave.mccallum@skillforce.org Tel: 07962 706995
www.skillforce.org @SkillForceUK Find us: ‘SkillForce’
SkillForce Development (A company limited by guarantee) Registered Charity Number SC036035