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The Free Community Information website - Free to view and Free to upload your listings. View our entire database of Clubs and Societies, Trades Listings, What’s On Diary, Restaurants, Reviews and articles, Schools, Holidays Tides, Useful Numbers and more... PASTORAL LETTER & CHURCH MEETINGS

Many years ago, our church gave us a Christmas present of a sat-nav, the first we had owned. At that time, the devices had a reputation for unreliability, and we were a little cautious about the directions it was giving us. The sat-nav’s first real test came on a journey across Perth. Initially we followed its instructions, but as the journey progressed, increasingly questioned whether it was taking us on the best route. Eventually we reached a point where we were convinced that we knew best. We decided to rely on our own (limited) knowledge of the town and, ignoring the sat-nav’s pleas to “turn around when possible”, pursued our own course. However, as we crossed the river, we suddenly realised that it had been right all along. As time has passed, we have found the sat-nav increasingly trustworthy and have grown in our confidence

that it (almost) always knows best. Today we would be very unlikely to question its recommended route. Following God often presents us with a similar dilemma. He has given us many instructions for life, but sometimes when we reach a decision point, we question whether his directions are actually the best. Often there is another option available to us which seems more attractive, more logical, or simply easier. It takes faith - acting on a confidence in something unseen - to choose to follow God’s navigation through life rather than our own. However, even more than the sat-nav, those of us who have taken a decision to follow His directions have found them trustworthy, and that builds our faith for the future. Jesus never promised us the easiest route through life, but he offers us a path to the best destination. Jesus said: “For whoever wants to save

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. Celt Street Evangelical Church Celt Street, Inverness, IV3 5JD. Sundays 11:45am and 5pm Tel: 01463 772147. www.celtstreet.org.uk 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. Sundays: 11am. Free debt counselling available. Pastor Alasdair Macleod. Call 01463 222795 or visit www.culduthelchristiancentre.org . 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.

page 2 - March 2017

tel: 01309 690063

their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25). This is not primarily about martyrdom, but about the crucial choice to trust his guidance through life rather than going our own way. It is one of the paradoxes of the Christian life that we can only arrive where we want to go by giving up our own control over the route. It is the most important decision we can make. More trustworthy than any sat-nav, Jesus offers to be our guide through the maze of life. Possibly the last words he spoke on Earth consisted of this promise to his followers: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b). Many of us have followed his directions and found this to be absolutely true. Owen Morris The Junction Church, Inverness

Bona Church, Lochend by Inverness: 10am. Dalneigh Church, St Mary’s Avenue, Inverness: 10.30am and 6.30pm. Tel: 01463 224795. 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 Highland International Church Sundays, 11am at the Glenmoriston Hotel, 20 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

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES

BEAULY ANGLING CLUB Established around 1960, the club provides sea trout and salmon fishing to residents of Beauly as well as to visitors. Visit www.beauly-anglingclub.co.uk BLAZIN NEEDLES Tuesdays from 1:30pm 3:30pm at The Bike Shed, Grant Street, Inverness. A friendly drop-in group for anyone interested in working with wool or textiles. A beginner looking for a hand or an experienced knitter looking for company this is the group for you. Donations for room hire and teas and coffees. CHILDREN’S HIGHLAND DANCE Thursdays at Merkinch Community Centre. Beginners 4pm - 5pm. Fridays at Kirkhill Community Centre. Beginners 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Call Elizabeth Fraser on 01463 729477 FAMILY FIRST A support service for families with at least one child 0-3 yrs old. Tel: 703033 or email: alisonstanley@s moothmail.co.uk

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page 4 - March 2017

FFITNESS FRENZY Fitness sessions Thursday lunchtimes at the palace hotel. Visit www.fitnessfrenzy.co.uk

invernessnetball@gmail.com, or visit www.invernessnetball.co.uk Facebook Inverness Netball Club

FRIENDS OF THE BIRNIE SUPPORT GROUP Wednesdays 9:30am - 11:30am & 12:30pm - 2:30pm in the playroom at The Birnie Centre, Raigmore Hospital. For children with additional needs & their families and carers. £2 per session. Snack/refreshments provided. For more info call Anne on 07542 712381.

INVERNESS RADIO VOLUNTEERS Do you have spare time at the weekend and have the use of a car? Then the IRV would like to hear from you as we are looking for more volunteers. For more information contact 794984 or visit www.inverness radiovolunteers.co.uk

HIGHLAND HISTORICAL SEARCH SOCIETY Inverness based metal detecting club. Free equipment loan, tuition and regular places to detect. Beginners/new members welcome. Contact Len tel: 01808 521340 anytime HIGHLAND LITERARY SALON Monthly - see website/social media for details. 7.30pm at Glen Mhor Hotel, Ness 7-17 Ness Bank, Inverness IV2 4SG. The Highland Literary Salon brings together those with an interest in the written word & the wider world of publishing. The Salon provides a valuable opportunity to discuss projects, books, ideas & attend workshops. The Salon also encourages members and guests to meet & ask questions of published writers & poets, & hear them read from their work. HIGHLAND RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Coaching & competitive opportunities in Rugby Football for the whole community. Call Andrew Russell on 243972 or 07786 256891 INVERNESS HOSPITAL RADIO Email requests to be played for someone in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness to: requests@inver nesshospitalradio.co.uk. We are looking for ward visitors and technical team members. Email: enquiry@invernesshospitalradio .co.uk Contact Mr Atholl Menzies tel: 704500/704501 INVERNESS NETBALL CLUB Mondays, 6pm - 8pm, Millburn Academy. For ladies aged 16+ All abilities welcome. For info call Heather on 07891 025950,

INVERNESS TENNIS & SQUASH CLUB Call 230751 or email: info@ invernesstennisandsquash.org alternately you can visit us at www.invernesstennisandsquash.org KILTARLITY CAMERA CLUB Meets on two Tuesdays of the month at Brockies Lodge, Kiltarlity at 7:30pm. Contact the secretary: 714330. Welcomes all ages and abilities LEACHKIN ANGLING CLUB Tel: 223621, or email: ian@harrisholidays.com

LOCH ACHONACHIE ANGLING CLUB Trout, Sea Trout & Salmon fishing on the Upper Conon & Blackwater rivers, Lochs Achonachie, Meig & Scardroy. www.laac.cononfishing.com LONG DISTANCE WALKERS ASSOCIATION (NORTH WEST GRAMPIAN LDWA) For all who enjoy the outdoors combined with cake. Centred on Moray but covering Thurso to Pitlochry and even the islands. A varied programme of walks is planned to attract a wide range of people with shorter options for families when possible. For more info visit www.ldwa.org.uk MERKINCH MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB Regular monthly trips, ages 12 to adult. Call 07879 443979 or email: ewanharper@yahoo.co.uk MORAY FIELD CLUB Regular walks, not strenuous from April - Oct, plus three indoor meetings per year. The aim of Moray Field Club is to

tel: 01309 690063

stimulate an interest in and further the study of antiquities, local and natural history, geology and landscape of Northern Scotland.. Call Lynda Anderson (Secretary) on 07990 600499 for more information. PERFECTING LAW OF ATTRACTION CLASSES Teaching motivational self help for you to become all you can be, " the mind body matter conection". At Millburn Academy every Wednesday, 7pm to 9pm. Rolling eight week programme. £5 per week. For info and booking, text 07826543001, or go on www.perfectinglawofattraction.c o.uk PLANEFIELD BOWLING CLUB Open to visitors Mon - Sat from 2pm - 5pm. Members can play from 11am onwards most days of the week. Contact Mrs Gillian Farquhar 07752 300367 SOUNDS FAMILIAR SINGING GROUP Meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday every month at 2:30pm - 4pm in the Craigmonie Hotel, Annfield Rd, Inverness. For people with dementia & their carers. For details call 01463 233231 or 01463 230803 or email soundsfamiliarmusic@aol.com THE CLAN DONALD SOCIETY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS For details call the Membership Secretary on tel 01381 620121 email: contact@clandonald.org or visit www.clandonald.org THE HIGHLAND CHILDREN'S TRUST Tel: 243872 www.hctrust.co.uk THE INVERNESS SINGERS Wednesdays, 7:30pm 9:15pm, Crown Church Hall, Inverness. Contact Ken Young on 232835 or kenmag20@btinternet.com PLEASE NOTE Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis. If you would like your details to be included in this section please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

I don’t know about you but I am getting a bit tired of all the politics just now. It does just seem to go on and on sometimes and I wonder if we will ever get back to just complaining about road and rail like the good old days!

I am a sport fan myself and love to dwell on the success or otherwise of sporting endeavour. There is something pure and uncomplicated about winning or losing (or even just competing) in sport which seems to appeal to me. Maybe it’s because there is normally always a result and politics just seems often just to roll on and on - ah well - Hey Ho.

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Promote your events in the SpotLight ‘What’s On’

22 wednesday

You can now go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register an account and put your event online and in the magazine - both for free

Any events uploaded to the website by the closing date will be automatically printed in the magazine. Now there’s clever!!

*April Issue Deadline: Friday 3rd March* Alternatively, you can still Email: linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk or 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.

Rolling Events 25 february - 8 march inverness music festival tbc, inverness - various locations

FEBRUARY 2017 20 monday

sophie ellis-bextor@ironworks, inverness tbc. visit www.ironworksvenue.com admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

24 friday

livewire ac/dc@ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. visit www.ironworksvenue.com nairn literary institute: "snuff making & snuff taking in scotland”- speaker dr eric grant 7.30pm at nairn free church. contact: pam sherriff om 01667 451402 or email info@nairnliterary.org.uk. visit www.nairnliterary.org.uk

24 friday - 25 saturday

groove cairngorm, aviemore tbc, featuring basement jaxx, craig charles funk & soul club, bonde, etc. www.groovecairngorm.co.uk

25 saturday

scottish opera highlights 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. music nairn performance. visit www.musicnairn.org.uk highland ramblers: strathconon to badinluchie, strath bran 9am (please arrive 10 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade b. 10.5 miles. contact: jane chisholm (walks coordinator) on 01463 236204. visit www.highlandramblers.org.uk

26 sunday

great glen walking club: loch clair to easan dorcha bothy 9am (please arrive 10 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade c+. 10.5 miles

MARCH 2017 1 wednesday social diners - why eat alone? 7.30pm, for dining venue info & to book call gill. all welcome. contact: gill on 01349 877061.

3 friday

secret symbols of the stuarts: children's half term crafts 10am - 2pm, culloden battlefield visitor centre donation plus admission to the centre. join us to make some jacobite secret symbols- from bees to roses. all children must be accompanied by an adult.

21 tuesday

social diners - why eat alone? 12.30pm. for dining venue & information contact gill on 01349 877061.

american idiot the musical @ironworks, inverness, tbc. www.ironworksvenue.com

3 friday - 4 saturday north sea gas @hootannay, inverness 9.30pm

4 saturday vitalic @ironworks, inverness, tbc. visit www.ironworksvenue.com sing-along-a-swing @mad hatters, inverness, 7pm red hot chilli pipers @the loft, forres, 7.30pm

tel: 01309 690063

March 2017 - page 9

garden

GreenThumb GreenThumb

UK FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP

2013

Does My Mower Need Sharpened ? Chances are – yes. I know many of you dutifully take your petrol machines into the local garden machinery place each spring. They will probably change the oil, filters, plugs and sharpen the blades ready for another season. Some do this themselves. I also know however that many machines are long overdue a service. You may find it’s getting harder to start, maybe not, but what is inevitable is that most lawnmower blades only manage a season before the blade is dulled. If you have an electric or flymo type machine, the same applies. On smaller, lighter machines, often a better option is just to change the blade, which at £10-£20 might actually prove cheaper than sharpening. Also, there are many lightweight alloys used in some blades nowadays, which don’t tend to keep an edge as well as heavier metals. When the blade loses its’ sharpness, it doesn’t make a clean cut through the grass sward. There are some obvious signs that this might be a problem. It may seem to struggle to give a decent cut at all; there may be issues with clumping and leaving material on the lawn, particularly when the grass has some wet in it (much of the time in our climate). Less understood perhaps is that a blunt blade will often end up tearing the grass leaf, rather than providing a clean cut. If you examine a few blades of grass, you will be able to see either a straight clean cut at the top, or a rather ragged, torn top. The result of a poor cut is bruising to the grass leaf, which causes the tip to turn brown, as it has been damaged. The overall effect can be to leave the grass with poor colour. Instead of an even, healthy green, it has a tinge of brown throughout. A ragged cut to the material of any plant provides a weak point, making it susceptible to diseases and moulds. You hear the same advice given for pruning and hedging shears.

My top tip for this month is to get your mower down to the workshop. If you wait until Easter weekend like everyone else, it will sit in a long queue, and you might not get it back for some weeks ! Incidentally, I heard an interesting question on QI last year. Q In the UK, what travels north at 8 miles per day ? A Spring ! (I think the actual measure used was the opening of daffodils, but don’t quote me on that.) Something else of interest; GreenThumb celebrates it’s 30th Anniversary this year. I think (and so does the industry), they’ve done very well to start from scratch back then in North Wales, to grow to be the largest lawncare company in Europe, with over 5 500,000 customers, and still growing. I cant take a we’re quite a small much credit though, as n franchise (award-winning nonetheless), with around 1,000 customers rround here.

For more information tio about our annual lawncare planss ffrom just £11.25 per mth, plus useful downloads and photos, go to wnlo www.greenthumb.co.uk. greenthumb.co.uk. Although multi-award winning GreenThumb is a multi-awar national franchise, and is the runaway leader in the sector with half a million customers, we are the family-run local franchise covering the wider Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN C ANALYSIS on 01667 460012, or email Alastair us at:Watt AL inverness@greenthumb.co.uk es

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FAB Moray and the Highlands only F.A.B registered cattery great glen walking club: morning walk & agm tbc, detais to follow.

5 sunday nairn 10k 2017 nairn community centre: 2pm, registration from 1.30pm, entry on the day only. fun run min. age 8. all entrants aged 8 & 9 must be accompanied by adult. www.nairnroadrunners.co.uk highland ramblers: dava way –dunphail to halfway hut 9am (please arrive 10 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade c, distance 9 miles. contact: jane chisholm (walks coordinator) on 01462 236204. http://www.highlandramblers.org.uk

6 monday "a life in mountain rescue": speaker john allen 3pm, nairn community & arts centre. members £2, non-members £4. on behalf of the highland members' centre n.t. for s.

7 tuesday black star riders + gun + the amorettes@ironworks, inverness, tbc, www.ironworksvenue.com. highland astronomical society talk: "variable stars" by maarten de vries 7.20pm, smithton culloden free church. all welcome. scottish ornithologists’ club highland: “red breasted geese in bulgaria” by bob swann 7.30pm at culloden library. £3 members, £4 non-members. for info call 01463 772539 or 01808 511740, highland rock garden club: around the upper engadine (switzerland) speaker - michael almond. 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. £4 (includes refreshments). all welcome. contact: john owen on 01320 366246 the real thing @ironworks, inverness, 7pm, www.ironworksvenue.com danielle price & pianist 1pm, spectrum centre, margaret street, inverness. all welcome page 12 - March 2017

12 sunday the inverness ½ marathon & 5k fun run inverness, 12.30pm, open to all ages & abilities, 01463 667500 dougal's jumper @hootannay, inverness 9.30pm. great glen walking club: brora from the sea up the river to the loch 9am (please arrive 15 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade c. distance 8.6 miles.

13 monday rsgs lecture: to frack or not to frack? energy security in the making? a dangerous diversion? an impartial geologist's view. prof iain Stewart. 7.30pm – 9pm, highland council chamber, glenurquhart road, inverness. email robert preece at rpreece@onetel.com or visit www.rsgs.org

13 monday - 18 saturday nethy bridge annual charity shop mon 10am - 4pm & 6.30pm - 8pm; tues to friday 10am - 2pm & sat 10am - noon at church hall, dell road, nethybridge. selling clothes, books, furniture, bric-a-brac anything & everything. tea, coffee & home baking will be served throughout the week. Goods can be dropped off in the Church Hall the week before. No electricals, video cassettes or books please. A bag collection will be organised in due course so start clearing out all unwanted items now!

14 tuesday inverness botany group: fungi 7.30pm, smithton culloden free church. all welcome

15 tuesday

8 wednesday

10 friday

lee scratch perry @ironworks, inverness, 7.30pm, www.ironworksvenue.com music nairn: kammer philharmonia europa 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre. german string group plays bach, corelli, albinoni, greig, borodin. visit www.musicnairn.org.uk highland ramblers: clava estate beinn buidhe mhor 9am (please arrive 10 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness grade b, distance 9 miles. contact: jane chisholm (walks coordinator 01463 236204. visit www.highlandramblers.org.uk

inverness field club: the monster that wasn't - or was it? followed by agm 7.30pm, milburn academy hall, inverness. www.invernessfieldclub.org.uk

16 thursday the temperance movement@ironworks, inverness, tbc. www.ironworksvenue.com rspb highland group: abriachan walk 9.30am, depart inverness retail park car park (opposite burger king) all welcome.

tel: 01309 690063

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

You can now register to vote online at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN SCOTLAND WILL BE HELD ON 4 MAY 2017 DONâ€™T LOSE YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE For more information please go to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk It may affect your credit rating if you are not on the Register Highland & Western Isles Electoral Registration Office For further information please visit: www.highland.gov.uk/hwi-vjb email:ero@highland.gov.uk Freephone: 0800 393 783

Go to: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote It only takes a few minutes!

17 friday st patrick's day party @ironworks, inverness, tbc www.ironworksvenue.com. musicinverness: attard zerafa duo 7.30pm, smithton culloden free church. saxophonist philip attard hails from gozo & pianist christine zerafa is maltese. inverness gaelic society: an taigh ceilidh 7.30pm, eden court theatre, inverness. with sineag macintyre, ellen macdonald, james graham, robert nairn ceilidh band & piper euan maccrimmon contact: alice macdonald (secretary gsi). visit www.eden-court.co.uk

18 saturday

stiff little fingers @ironworks, inverness, 7pm www.ironworksvenue.com lost in the riots @mad hatters, inverness, 9.30pm schiehallio@hootananny, inverness, 9.30pm. great glen walking club: ruthven - moy wind farm via tom na slaite 9am (please arrive 15 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade b, distance 7.5 miles.

18 saturday - 19 sunday

newtonmore 10 mile road race tbc, newtonmore the weekend also includes a 2 mile fun run, entertainment on the Saturday night & the "Hangover Mile" race on Sunday. visit www.newtonmore.com. admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

highland forum: drop in sessions sat 18th 9am 5.30pm; sun 19th 11am - 5pm, outside 'waterstone's', eastgate centre, inverness. free all welcome. come & explore the website. contact: david gordon on 07953 222222 or email 2hiforum1@gmail.com

19 sunday

haughs of cromdale 10k road race haughs of cromdale, 1.30pm (start) ÂŁ7 enter on the day at cromdale hall. contact: john diffey 01479 873488. highland ramblers: sgurr dubh (walk 1) 8.30am (please arrive 10 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade a, distance 7.2 mies. highland ramblers: mystery walk (walk 2) details to be given at a later time 9am (please arrive 10 minutes early) highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. contact: jane chisholm (walks coordinator) on 01463 236204. visit www.highlandramblers.org.uk

23 thursday

beneath the surface: fish & chips in rivers & lochs speaker - prof eric verspoor. light supper after talk 5.30pm - 7pm, inverness college uhi. email events@uhi.ac.uk

24 friday

cinema nairn: wadjda (pg) award winning saudi film about a young girl who is determined not to bow to

tel: 01309 690063

March 2017 - page 13

tech

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The community information portal for the Moray Firth

Over 5000 hits each month so what’s on?!

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How many events?

132

Elgin, Lossie & District

Buckie, Keith & District

108

144

Inverness & District

Forres & District

120

Strathsey & District

Nairn & District

That’s

694

events on all around the Moray Firth! Winterburn Media Limited

nnn%jgfkc`^_kfe%Zf%lb '(*'0 -0''-*

convention 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre visit www.cinema-nairn.co.uk

25 saturday

neville staple band + bombskare@ironworks, inverness, 7.30pm, visit www.ironworksvenue.com inaugural concert of the ness sinfonia 7.30pm, inverness cathedral. all players welcome. rehearsals are on saturdays (10am - 12pm) in kenneth street hall during term time. email suelightman@gmail.com highland ramblers: beinn a ‘mhuinidh kinlochewe 9am (please arrive 10 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness grade b+, distance 9 miles. contact: jane chisholm (walks coordinator) on 01463 236204. visit www.highlandramblers.org.uk.

26 sunday inchberry & district community association car boot sale inchberry hall, orton, fochabers, 8.30am 12pm, free, no booking required, just turn up early in car with table before 8.30am. tea/coffee & butteries in hall & bbq from hut www.wherecanwego.com great glen walking club: above duntelchaig 9am (please arrive 15 minutes early), highland council car park, glenurquhart road, inverness. grade c+, distance 8 miles.

29 wedesday

social diners - why eat alone? 12.30pm, for dining venue info & to book call gill. all welcome. contact: gill on 01349 877061.

30 thursday rspb: north of scotland office update - rspb staff will report on various aspects of the rspb's work in the highlands over the last year. 7.30pm, greyfriars free church, balloan road, inverness. group members £3 visitors £4. all welcome. contact: john on 01997 433283 or email john@jmanson2.wanadoo.co.uk inverness gaelic society: “ turas afghanistan” afghanistan trip - talk by hector mackenzie 7.30pm, inverness gaelic school ( opp. asda supermarket).

31 friday what is europe: the cultural landscape of its peoples by dr. lester borley, cbe, former sec. gen. of europa nostra 7.30pm, elgin museum hall. £3, £2 for society members, £1.50 for students. moray society lecture series 2016/17. for info call mary shand on 01343 543675 or email curator@elginmuseum.org.uk http://www.elginmuseum.org.uk where 2 today music afternoon tea dance/ceilidh 2-4pm, glen grove lounge, glen grove, newtonmore £2.50. fabulous afternoon tea, music, dancing, singing & raffle. all welcome. contact: ros munro 01479 810004 or email ros@ct4u.co.uk. visit www.ct4u.co.uk

Crossword

Sudoku

Find Spotty!

Hi, my name is Spotty, can you find 10 of me hidden in this issue?

All answers printed in next issue of Spotlight

Here are last issues answers!

www.spotlighton.co.uk

Almost a year has passed since I was returned to Parliament as a Green MSP. Since then I have been heavily involved in scrutinising the Scottish Government through my roles on the parliament’s Rural Economy and Justice Committees as well as the sub-Committee on Policing. I have also campaigned on a number of important issues affecting our local communities including concerns around the transportation of nuclear material from Dounreay, via Wick airport and against plans to scrap Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s board. For over a year now I have also supported the campaign against ship to ship oil transfers in the Cromarty Firth, proposals which have the potential to devastate dolphin and other wildlife populations, tourism, our most important industry, if they proceed.

By one measure, Inverness is the most successful city in Scotland, for tourism over the past year. That measure is the occupancy rates of Inverness hotels with more bed nights occupied than the hotels in other cities in the country. Indeed, some wag commented that the only establishment in the city with a higher occupancy level may be Porterfield Prison! Tourism has always been important for us - perhaps more so than elsewhere in the country. So it is good to see it succeed. Our scenery, high quality food and drink, our great golf course and beaches, and the Scottish brand all helps us attract visitors from over the world. Despite all the current uncertainty, I am confident we will build on that success over this year, with further air links to other countries in the world, and further developing our skilled workforce in the sector.

John Finnie MSP

Fergus Ewing MSP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN MARCH

Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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15:30 16:33 17:23 18:04 18:40 19:12 19:41 20:10 20:38 20:49 20:53 21:29

tel: 01309 690063

I recently attended the formal signing of the Inverness City Region and it was excellent to mark the day when the projects that form the City Deal were set to become a reality. The £315 million funding package is led by the Scottish Government’s investment of £135 million. The UK Government has committed a further £53 million with rest made up by the Highland Council and partners. The accelerated investment will support the development of key infrastructure projects and will invest in our emerging industries such as STEMD and Life Sciences. It is an opportunity to not only boost the economy and bring jobs, it allows us to plan growth, develop our vision and deliver for the people who live and work here. Perhaps one of the most notable benefits of the Deal is the opening of Inverness Castle to the public. It will be great for all, locals and visitors to come to the Highlands to see yet another world-class attraction..

Drew Hendry MP

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(Revelation 5:9)

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FOOTBALL CLUB

FIXTURES FEEB/MAR 2017 2 25th Feb (A) Berrwick Rangers

4th Mar (H) Arbroath

11tth Mar (A) Anna an Athletic

18th Mar (H) For far Athletic

Inverness CT

2 25th Feb (H) Rangers

1st Mar (H) Celtic

11tth Mar (A)) Partick t Thistle

18th Mar (H) ( ) Ross County

Ross County

25th Feb (A) 2 Aberdeen

1st Mar (A) Hearts

11th Mar (H) Kilm marnock

18th Mar (H) Inverness C T

B kiie Thistle Buck hi tl

25th Feb S SHFL CUP

4th Mar (A) Fraserburg gh

11th Mar SHFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Wick Academy

Clachnacuddin

25th Feb SHFL CUP S

4th Mar (A) Inverurie Locos

11th Mar SHFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Brora Rangers

Forres Mechanics h i

25th Feb CUP S SHFL

4th Mar (H) Rothes

11th Mar SHFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Turriff Utd

Elgin City

Keith

25th Feb SHFL CUP

4th Mar (A) Deveronvale

11 1th Mar SH HFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Fraserburgh

Lossiemouth i th

25th Feb SHFL CUP

4th Mar (A) Deveronvale

11th Mar SH HFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Nairn County

Nairn County

25th Feb SHFL CUP

4th Mar (H) Arbroath

11th Mar SH HFL CUP

18th Mar (A) Lossiemouth

Rothes th

25th Feb b SHFL CUP

4th Mar (A) Forres Mechanics

11th Mar SH HFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Cove Ranger

Strathspey Thistle

25th Feb SHFL CUP

4th Mar (H) Huntly

11th Mar SH HFL CUP

18th Mar (H) Inverurie Locos

25th h Mar (A) TBC

www.spotlighton.co.uk

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days

British Summertime Starts Sun 26th Mar 2017 April Fool’s Day Sat 1st Apr 2017 Palm Sunday Sun 9th Apr 2017 Maundy Thursday Thurs 13th Apr 2017 Good Friday Fri 14th Apr 2017 Easter Sunday Sun 16th Apr 2017 Easter Monday Mon 17th Apr 2017 Early May Bank Holiday Mon 1st May 2017 Longest Day 21st Jun 2017

British Summertime Ends Sun 29th Oct 2017 Halloween Tues 31st Oct 2017 Bonfire Night Sun 5th Nov 2017 Remembrance Sunday Sun 12th Nov 2017 St Andrew’s Day Thurs 30th Nov 2017 Shortest Day 21st Dec 2017 Christmas Day Mon 25th Dec 2017 Boxing Day Tues 26th Dec 2017 ‡ Inverness

for 2016/2017 (all dates inclusive) Mid Term Holiday Mon 20th Feb 2017 Mid Term Holiday Tues 21st Feb 2017 Spring Term Ends Wed 5th Apr 2017 Spring Holiday Starts Thurs 6th Apr 2017 Spring Holiday Ends Fri 21st Apr 2017 Summer Term Starts Mon 24th Apr 2017 May Day Holiday Mon 2nd May 2017

Summer Term Ends Fri 30th Jun 2017 for 2017/2018 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tues 15th Aug 2017 Autumn Term Ends Fri 6th Oct 2017 Autumn Holiday Starts Mon 9th Oct 2017 Autumn Holiday Ends Fri 21st Oct 2017 Winter Term Starts Mon 23rd Oct 2017

School Term Dates

Useful Contacts

Beauly Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930 Black Isle Leisure Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 621252 Bus Station, Inverness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 994111 Cromarty Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600318 Culloden Academy Community Complex. . . . . 01463 792794 Culloden Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 792531 Dalcross Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 464000 Fortrose Community Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 622235 Highland Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 886606 Inshes Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725928 Inverness Leisure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 667500 Inverness Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236463 National Rail Enquires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03457 484950 Police Station. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 NHS 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Abriachan Village Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 861257 Ardersier Old School Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658 Balloch Community Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07955 756310 Cameron Youth Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234785 Cannich Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 459224 Culduthel Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712844 Farr Community Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01808 521346 Floral Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 713553 Kiltarlity Community Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 741447 Kirkhill Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 831737 Merkinch Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239563 Phipps Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930 Smithton-Culloden Youth Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 793284 The Green Hall, Smithton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07977 852083 Spectrum Centre & Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 221842 Stratherrick Public Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486350 Strathnairn Hall (Daviot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772228

VILLAGE HALLS & COMMUNITY CENTRES

page 18 - March 2017

VETS

Crown Vets (Argyle St). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crown Vets (Carsegate Rd Sth) . . . . . . . . . . . . Culloden Veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eastgate Veterinary Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fish Vet Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inshes Veterinary Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kessock Equine Veterinary Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . Moray Coast Vet Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

01463 237000 01463 712202 01463 793700 01463 230893 01463 717774 01463 711777 01463 731107 01463 794224

21 Kingsmills Road. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abban Street Dental Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Academy Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burnfield Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Black Isle Dental Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Castle House Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dalneigh Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dental Clinic, New Craigs Hospital. . . . . . . . . . Fraser Street Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . High School Dental Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inshes Dental Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inverness Dental Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ness Bank Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Riverside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southside Surgical Dentistry Centre. . . . . . . . . Southside Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Torwood Dental Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

01463 233416 01463 718140 01463 232423 01463 241515 01349 877082 01463 234598 01463 243767 01463 704000 01463 242344 01463 235468 01463 794949 01463 255866 01463 236295 01463 226358 01463 710760 01463 710760 01463 712772

DENTISTS

Rotated on a regular basis. To add a contact or amend existing details, email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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