Spotlight Lewis Apr 19

APRIL 2019

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What’s on, Clubs, Eating out, Trades Listings and much more...

Clubs and Societies BACK FOOTBALL AND RECREATION CLUB Tues, Thurs & Fri (Main office) 9am - 5pm, Community Centre Upper Coll Isle of Lewis HS2 0LS Call Main Office on 01851 820745 or 07497 925905 or email at backfrc@gmail.com.

BOOK CLUB (BACK FRC) Meets once a month at the centre, usually on the last Thursday of the month. It’s a very informal & relaxed club & new members are welcome any time. Books are provided courtesy of the library reading group scheme.Those interested are asked to note that the location for the next few months are different & should inquire.

Call Teri on 01851 820745 or email at backfrc@gmail.com www.backfrc.org.uk

website or email gavin_earons@hotmail.com www.hebrideancycleclub.com ISLAND ARCHERS Wed, 7pm - 9pm. Island Archers is an expanding archery club, based near Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis. Shooting recurve target archery year round, every For further information see www.islandarchers.org

LEWIS AND HARRIS ACCORDION AND FIDDLE CLUB The Lewis & Harris Accordion & Fiddle Club was created in 1994 by a group of musicians who wanted to promote traditional Scottish music. Originally meeting in the Royal British Legion they moved for over 10 years to The Stornoway Sea Angling Club before moving to HEBRIDEAN CYCLE CLUB The Caladh Inn, 11 James The Hebridean Cycle Club is Street, Stornoway, UK. on the Isle Call 01851 704870 or email at Ad based ratesin- Stornoway Lewis.qxp 03/12/2018 12:01 Page 1 of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. dmaciver.ivorhil@btinternet.com Formed at the end of 2007 & www.facebook.com/LewisAndcater for both road & MTB riders.

HarrisAccordionAndFiddleClub Their aim is to promote & develop biking in the islands. For LEWIS AND HARRIS PIPING further information visit their SOCIETY 2 Newton Street, Stornoway, Isle Sample one-off advertising of Lewis HS1 2RE rates (colour advert) Call 07789 942374 www.facebook.com/The-LewisBox £46 Harris-Piping-Society

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LEWIS AND HARRIS RIDING CLUB Tues (Club nights), 7pm), 6 Gearraidh Ghuirm, Upper Coll, Isle of Lewis HS2 0LW. The Lewis & Harris Riding Club was founded in 1986, access to a new purpose-built indoor school at Lochside Arena has enabled the organisation of shows, dressage leagues & showjumping leagues. We are an extremely friendly, supportive club of mixed riding abilities & are always delighted to welcome new members along. Call 07796 504107 or email at shona@shore-print.co.uk www.facebook.com/lewisandharrisridingclub

LEWIS AND HARRIS YOUTH CLUBS ASSOCIATION Scaladale Centre, Isle of Harris HS3 3AB. For further information call 01859 502681

on the special reading group stand. Each book has a review card inside & readers are encouraged to fill them in. When the books – & the cards – are returned, the reviews are displayed on the Reading Group noticeboard for all to see. There is no registration- any member of the library is welcome to take part! Call Stornoway Library on 01851 822744

LYNN MACLEAN SCHOOL OF DANCING The school holds classes in Highland & ballet from ages 3+.

Call 01851 820260 or email at lynn.maclean@btinternet.com OUTER HEBRIDES FISHERIES TRUST The Outer Hebrides Fisheries Trust is involved in a wide variety of ongoing projects, encompassing Fisheries Management, Angling Promotion & Aquaculture. Fisheries Management projects incorporate electrofishing & habitat surveys, genetic analysis, biosecurity panning & education.

Call 01851 703434 SAMARITANS OF THE WESTERN ISLES Wed, 6am - 8am; Fri, 11am 2pm (Face to face) & 10pm 2am & Sat, 6pm - 2am, 87 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. Out of hours please do call the National Helpline on 116 123 (this number is free to call). Call 01851 703777 (local call charges apply) or email at jo@samaritans.org www.samaritans.org

STORNOWAY SAILING CLUB Membership of the Club is open to anyone with an interest in the sport of sailing. If you have an interest in learning to sail or a range of other organised sailing activities please contact via www.stornowaysailingclub.org.uk STORNOWAY WRITER'S CIRCLE Tues, 7pm - 9pm, the Community Room, the 3rd floor, An Lanntair, Kenneth Street, Stornoway. LOVE TO WRITE? The writer’s circle is a friendly group of writers who meet weekly at An Lanntair in Stornoway. We're open to anyone over the age of 16 at any level of ability. If interested, go along (no need to book in advance, just turn up) or contact the group for further information.

Email at enquiries@ stornowaywriterscircle.uk www.stornowaywriterscircle.uk

STORNOWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2BD. The Stornoway Historical Society was formed in 1992. To date, it has been instrumental in raising awareness of the general public to the need to preserve all aspects of the town’s early & most recent history. Membership of the Society is open to all who have an interest active and passive, in the history of the town.Call 01851 702206

TALLA NA MARA Talla na Mara is a brand new Community Enterprise Centre overlooking the golden sands of Niseaboist Beach on the Isle of Harris. Talla na Mara is Gaelic for the “Centre by the sea” & is owned & managed by the West Harris Trust on behalf of the local community. Pairc Niseaboist, Isle of Harris HS3 3AE. Call 01859 503900 or email at info@tallanamara.co.uk www.tallanamara.co.uk

STORNOWAY LIBRARY OPEN READING GROUP The Stornoway library open reading group is a reading group in which members may never even meet. Each month, a couple of books are displayed

PLEASE NOTE: Details of Clubs & Societies are published on a rotational basis.

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A ‘Spring’ Poem Daisy Time

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Pastoral Le er & Church Meetings There’s a lot of tension in the air just now and many of you will be feeling it.

Whether it’s political, social, financial, or any of the many other ways in which we are affected in our very being; no two ways about it, there’s anxiety on every side. Where to find some balance, some peace of mind? Well, of course, I could just say, “You’ll find that peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.” But, to many, if not most people, that would be met by a look of disbelief, suspicion, or, at the very least, incomprehension. So, what to do, what to say?

It is perhaps worth going back to the beginning. Bear with me here. There are two accounts of creation to be found in the first two chapters of Genesis. Each story tells of much but has at their hearts, God the Creator and the creation of, well, us, of humans.

In the first account it says, “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27 NRSV). As you can imagine, it has been the delight of scholars, over the centuries, to try and determine exactly what it means to be created in the

image of God. The second account says, “then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7 NRSV). So, which is it? Is it ‘in the image of God,’ or is it ‘from the dust?’

The mystery of divine creation is, of course, ultimately unknowable. The Genesis narrative does not seek to make intelligible what is beyond our ken. To draw upon human language to explain that which is beyond any model of human experience is inevitably to confront the limitations that we have. If I take an overly literalistic approach to the text then I will confuse idiom with idea, symbol with reality. The result is that I would obscure the abiding meaning of the text.

So, returning to the text, a question can be asked; ‘does this mean that there were two first humans?’ And there have been many ways in which scholars have cleverly overcome this problem. I, in my way, like to read it as being that, no, there was one first human, but already there was an inescapable characteristic of being human. We do have an earthly, or earth-bound part of our nature that is caught up in all that is of the here-and-

Point Free Church Sundays 12pm and 6pm (Sunday School during morning service. Midweek meeting, Thursday 7.30pm at Church. For more information visit www.pointfreechurch.wordpress.com St Columba's (Old Parish) Church of Scotland Sunday services at 11am and 6.30pm. Gaelic Service on the first Sunday of each month at 12.30pm. Meeting for Bible Study and Prayer every Thursday at 7.30pm.

Tel: 01851 705933 St Peter's Episcopal Church Sundays Sung Eucharist Service 11am, Evensong 7pm with Said Eucharist on Wednesdays, Festivals & Saints’ Days. Interim Priest: Rev Canon Sr Clare Lockhart. Tel: 07825 136310.

Email: srclarecarmel@btinternet.com. For more information visit www.argyll.anglican.org/churches/stornoway Stornoway Associated Presbyterian Church Sundays, 11am and 6.30pm with Sunday School and Youth Group at 12.15pm. Mid-week meeting on Thursdays at 7.30pm. Worship at 72 Keith Street, Stornoway, HS1 2JG. Contact Church Officer & Deacon, Murdo Smith: 01851 870260 or email murdosmith1947@hotmail.com Stornoway Free Church Sundays 11am and 6.30pm. (Gaelic service held in the Seminary on Francis Street at 7.30pm.) Kenneth Street HS1 2DR. Contact Rev James Maciver on 01851 703860 Stornoway High Church of Scotland Sundays, English service, 11am and 6.30pm in the main Church. Gaelic service every 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am in the Church Hall. Mid week service is held every Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. Sunday School and Bible Class meet every Sunday during the morning service. Crèche facilities are available. Stornoway, HS1 2NQ. Contact Rev Gordon Macleod.

page 6 - April 2019

now. But, we also have; aspirations, hopes, dreams of how a future might be, or, to put it another way, we have a part of ourselves that reaches beyond ourselves, a transcendent part of our nature. And, these two parts of our nature can be a source of stress.

The tensions that I spoke of at the top of this page, may be seen as an extension of our own inner division. So how can I find reconciliation with myself, and so with others? Ah, that’s where the beauty of Christianity shines through. It is in Christ that these tensions, or stresses, are made calm and peace is both found and given heaven and earth meet. St Paul sees Christ as the ‘new Adam.’ He says, “The first man, Adam, became a living being, the last Adam became a lifegiving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45 NRSV). Here the tension is not denied, but it is resolved.

As is said, “Peace be with you.”

Fr Roddy Johnston Our Holy Redeemer’s Catholic Church Stornoway

Tel: 07717 065739. Email: macleods@laxdaleholidaypark.com Stornoway Reformed Presbyterian Church Sundays at 11am and 6.30pm and Midweek meeting on Thursdays at 7.30pm, Bridge Centre Bayhead. Tel: 01851 701529. For more information visit www.stornowayrpcs.org Stornoway Seminary Sundays 11am, Midweek meeting, 7.30pm Saturdays. Held at Francis Street, HS1 2NF All services are held in Gaelic.

Tel James MacIver on 01851 870207 or email jmknock@uwclub.net The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sundays 10am and Family History Centre Tuesday afternoons. Newton Street, Stornoway.

Contact Missionaries on 07800 615 273. www.lds.org.uk The Salvation Army Church Sundays 11am worship, Sunday School from 1pm - 3pm, Midweek Bible Study 12pm - 2pm. Tel: 01851 703875 For more information email stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk or visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/stornoway Uig Church of Scotland Sunday worship at 12.30pm, with a Creche and Sunday School (erm time only) and 6pm. Bible Study on Thursday at 6.30pm. “Little Acorns” Mother & Toddler Drop In as advertised. Contact Rev Hugh Maurice Stewart on 01851 672388. Email berneralwuig@btinternet.com. www.facebook.com/Uig-Church-ofScotland-401145943347242.

Listed P - T and regularly rotated. If you are a member of a church not listed and would like to be considered for inclusion or to amend existing details, please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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Parliament Blog & Tide Times

HMY Iolaire

As we enter Spring, my mind is drawn to our strong musical heritage in the Islands.

The strong musical traditions, alongside a high value for music education in our schools has resulted in multiple generations who value the musical arts. An example being the upcoming performance of the Gold Award winning Lewis and Harris Youth Concert Band at the SCBF finals on March 16th. Also, my own modest contributions as a member of Coisir Sgirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a Bhac. This attitude of value and support from the Comhairle stands in contrast to the pruning of resources which is taking place in other areas and should be celebrated and encouraged.

January 1st 2019 was the Centenary of the loss of the Iolaire and communities and schools across Na h-Eileanan an Iar commemorated this solemn occasion with a series of projects and events.

I hosted a debate in Westminster Hall, House of Commons on December 12th 2018 on HMY Iolaire which received contributions from MPs across the political parties.

Following this I had the transcript of the debate printed and then signed by all MPs who contributed including the Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, Minister for the Ministry of Defence.

I have now had 201 copies made of this transcript and my office have distributed to these to schools, historical societies and individuals across the constituency.

Anyone who would like a copy can contact my office.

To contact me on any issue please phone 01851 2272 or email angus.macneil.mp@parliament.uk

Dr Alasdair Allan MSP

Angus B. MacNeil MP

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR STORNOWAY IN

AM

PM

03:38 04:12 04:48 05:31 06:26 07:45 09:33 10:55 11:52 00:06 00:52 01:35

15:53 16:27 17:05 17:49 18:46 20:12 21:59 23:12

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PM

02:15 02:55 03:35 04:15 04:56 05:40 06:33 07:44 09:27 10:43 11:33

14:43 15:21 15:58 16:36 17:15 17:59 18:53 20:19 22:03 23:06 23:51

APRIL

Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times. For all beaches to the south, timings are approx 27 mins earlier.

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00:28 01:03 01:36 02:07 02:37 03:07

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Useful Information

Local & Bank Holidays and Special Days British Summertime Starts Sun 31st Mar 2019 Mothering Sunday Sun 31st Mar 2019 April Fool’s Day Mon 1st Apr 2019 Wed 3rd Apr 2019 Isra & Mir’aj (M) Palm Sunday Sun 14th Apr 2019 Baisakhi - New Year (S) Sun 14th Apr 2019 Maundy Thursday Thurs 18th Apr 2019 Good Friday Fri 19th Apr 2019 First Day Of Passover (J) Fri 19th Apr 2019 Easter Sunday Sun 21st Apr 2019

Easter Monday St George’s Day Anzac Day Last Day of Passover (J) Yom HaShoah (J) Early May Bank Holiday Ramadan Starts (M) Yom Ha’atzmaut (J)

Mon 22nd Apr 2019 Tues 23rd Apr 2019 Thurs 25th Apr 2019 Sat 27th Apr 2019 Wed 1st May 2019 Mon 6th May 2019 Mon 6th May 2019 Wed 8th May 2019

for 2018/2019 (all dates inclusive) Spring Term Ends Fri 29th Mar 2019 Spring Holiday Starts Sat 30th Mar 2019 Spring Holiday Ends Sun 14th Apr 2019 Summer Term Starts Mon 15th Apr 2019 Mid-Term Holiday Fri 3rd May 2019 Mid-Term Holiday Mon 6th May 2019 Summer Term Ends Fri 28th Jun 2019 Summer Holiday Starts Sat 29th Jun 2019

for 2019/2020 (all dates inclusive) In-Service Day Mon 12th Aug 2019 In-Service Day Mon 13th Aug 2019 In-Service Day Mon 14th Aug 2019 Autumn Term Starts Thu 15th Aug 2019 Mid-Term Holiday (Mod) Fri 11th Oct 2019 Autumn Term Ends Fri 11th Oct 2019 In-Service Day Mon 22nd Oct 2019 Winter Term Starts Wed 23rd Oct 2019

Abused Men in Scotland .................................. 0808 800 0024 Alcoholics Anonymous .................................... 0845 769 7555 Breathing Space .................................................. 0800 838587 Caledonian MacBrayne, Stornoway (Ferry) ...... 01851 307470 Caledonian MacBrayne, Tarbert (Ferry) ............01859 570376 Citizens Advice Bureau (Harris)..........................01859 502431 Citizens Advice Bureau (Stornoway) ................ 01851 705727 Community Learning Hebrides ........................ 01851 822716 Council Offices Sandwick Road, Stornoway.... 01851 703 773 Drug and Alcohol Support Workers .................. 01851 709816 Harris Alcohol & Drugs Action Group .............. 01859 502171 Hebrides Alpha .................................................. 01851 820380 Inverness Airport.................................................01667 464000 Learning Shop .................................................. 01851 822718 Men in Recovery ............................info@meninrecovery.org Narcotics Anonymous ...................................... 0300 999 1212 National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline ..........................................................................0800 027 1234 National Rail Enquiries........................................03457 484950 Police Station (Stornoway) ................................ 01851 702222 Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline .......... 08088 01 03 02 Salvation Army (Stornoway) ..............................01851 703875 Samaritans ........................................................ 01851 703777 Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline .................... 0800 0271234 Shelter Scotland .............................................. 0808 800 4444 Stornoway Airport ............................................ 01851 702 256 Tourist Information Office (Stornoway) ............ 01851 703 088 Western Isles Alcohol & Drug Partnership Support Team ........ ..........................................................................01851 762 017 Western Isles Foyer .......................................... 01851 705366 Western Isles Women’s Aid .............................. 01851 704750

SCHOOLS (Lewis) Back School ...................................................... 01851 820230 Bernera School .................................................. 01851 822892 Breasclete School .............................................. 01851 822890 Laxdale School .................................................. 01851 702171 Lionel School...................................................... 01851 810208 Nicholson Institute.............................................. 01851 707000 Pairc School ...................................................... 01851 822883 Sgoil an Rubha .................................................. 01851 870641 Sgoil an Taobh Siar ............................................ 01851 701602 Sgoil Nan Loch .................................................. 01851 705187 Shawbost School .............................................. 01851 710212 Stornoway Primary ............................................ 01851 703418 Tolsta School ...................................................... 01851 822874 Tong School........................................................ 01851 822873 Uig School .......................................................... 01851 822872 (Harris) Leverhulme Memorial School ............................ 01859 502980 Sir Edward Scott School .................................... 01859 502900

(H - Hindu; J - Jewish; M - Muslim; S - Sikh)

School Term Dates

Useful Contacts

page 10 April 2019

DENTISTS Scalpay Dental Clinic ........................................ 01859 540275 Tarbert Dental Clinic (Harris) ............................ 01859 504100 Western Isle Dental Practice.............................. 01851 707500 VETS Old Mill Veterinary Practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01851 705900 If you would like to add a contact or if there are any amendments to be made to existing details, please email linda@winterburnmedia.co.uk

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*PARENT & TODDLER LESSONS W E D N E S DAY 10:15am - 11:15am B o o k i n g s We e k l y 1 : 3 0 pm - 2 : 3 0 pm - Pre - s c h o o l Sw i mmi n g Le s s o n s T H URS DAY 2 : 0 0 pm - 2 : 3 0 pm - Pre - s c h o o l Sw i mmi n g Le s s o n s *Prior b o ok ings are required for Swimming Lessons

HEALTH SUITE

DANCE STUDIO

GAMES HALL

M ON DAY 10. 45a m - 8.00pm 8 . 00pm - 9.45pm Ladie s Only TUE SDAY - F RIDAY 10. 45a m - 9.45pm SATURDAY 10: 45a m - 5:00pm 5 : 0 0p m - 6:00pm - M en Only 6 : 00pm - 7:45pm

M O NDAY - FR I DAY 8:00a m - 10:00p m S ATU R DAY 9:00a m - 8;00p m

M O N DAY - F R I DAY 8 : 0 0 a m - 1 0 : 0 0 pm S AT URDAY 9 : 0 0 a m - 8 : 0 0 pm

C LIMBING WALL

MINI SPORTS (0-5yrs)

M O NDAY - FR I DAY 8:00a m - 10:00p m S ATU R DAY 9:00a m - 8:00p m

M O N DAY 10:00am -11:00am

FITNESS CENTRE MONDAY, TUES DAY, THURSDAY, F RIDAY 7 : 15a m - 10:00pm W EDN ES DAY 8 : 00a m - 10:00pm SATURDAY 8: 15a m - 8:00pm

EXERCISE CL ASSES Pl eas e ask at R e ce pt io n for detail s o f our cla sse s

SOFT PLAY M O NDAY - FR I DAY 8:00a m - 10:00p m S ATU R DAY 9:00a m - 8:00p m

ALL WEATHER PITCH M O N DAY - T H U RS DAY 5 : 0 0 pm - 1 0 : 0 0 pm S AT URDAY 1 2 : 0 0 pm - 5 : 0 0 pm

SQUASH

RUNNING TRACK

M O NDAY - FR I DAY 8:00a m - 10:00p m S ATU R DAY 9:00a m - 8:00p m

M O N DAY - F R I DAY 8 : 0 0 a m - 1 0 : 0 0 pm S AT URDAY 9 : 0 0 a m - 8 : 0 0 pm

U t F J T M B E N J OUF B N ! D OF TJ BS HPW VL S p r i ng fi e l d R o a d, Sto r n oway, Is l e o f Lewis HS1 2PZ

Orienteering the family friendly sport We are lucky in this part of the world to have some of the finest orienteering terrain you could hope for. Coastal forests like Culbin and Roseisle have wonderful wide tracks but are also packed with little hidden pockets of beauty. Finding these hidden wonders is just one of the joys of orienteering and the best thing is, you can keep your map to go back and enjoy it another time too.

But back to the family aspect of orienteering. At Moravian Orienteering Club, our membership is predominantly families. We have children who started out toddling around white course (the very easiest courses) now zooming around courses that challenge adults with considerably more experience. We also have adults who were dragged along by their children, acting merely as a taxi service originally, but now compete all over Scotland. It truly is a sport that everyone can enjoy, regardless of your age or current fitness level.

What it most curious about this sport though is the bragging rights. At any event you very rarely hear talk of fastest legs or personal bests. No, it’s the epic failures that orienteers like to discuss most. The longer it takes you to find a control, the bigger your bragging rights. If you’ve been wandering around in circles for 30 minutes, almost lost your shoe in a marsh, fell in the mud, realised you were holding your map the wrong way around but persevered until you found the finish, then you’re an orienteering hero. It’s humorous tales of woe you hear shared most often, and we’re very proud of the fact that we like to get value for money from our entry fees! The longer we’re out the better.

So if you’d like to enjoy some beautiful local forests, meet some lovely families and have a good sense of humour, you’d be very welcome at an orienteering event. Just bring your sense of humour (and a flask of tea and a slab of cake for when you finish).

The next Moravian Orienteering event: Saturday, 27th April at Millbuies while Inverness Orienteering Club can be found at Belivat on Sunday 7th April.

More details at www.moravianorienteering.org/ and www.invoc.org.uk.

Want to get involved? Search online for other orienteering events near you!

T H E W E S T E R N I S L E S P R E M I E R PA R T S R E TA I L E R

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April Featured Products

Large Range of Kärcher products and accessories in stock!

Multi-Purpose Cleaners from - £84.95 Pressure Washers from - £89.95

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MACLENNAN CONTRACTORS C I V I L S

A N D

Maclennan Contractors was established in 2002, starting out with only a digger and a lorry, carrying out small private contracts covering all groundworks.

Following the award of several contracts in 2008, Maclennan Contractors expanded, adding two new excavators and lorries along with some other required plant. In 2009 Maclennan was employing 15 personnel, carrying out contracts for both the private and public sector.

The arrival of 2012 saw further expansion, with Maclennan Contractors now undertaking machine tarmac laying for road repairs and driveways. They have been successful in being awarded works throughout Lewis and Harris, and look forward to continuing in this vein for many years to come.

S U R F A C I N G

The purchase of a top soil recycling machine in 2013 allowed Maclennan Contractors to deliver quality topsoil to Lewis and Harris, with a new machine upping production to 80 tonne an hour in 2016.

Mr Maclennan, the owner/director, has over 27 years' experience in the industry, having worked with local companies from the age of 16. He is a strong believer in starting from the bottom and working your way up through the ranks. Maclennan Contractors is keen to employ young apprentices, giving them the experience and opportunity they need to become skilled tradesmen as either plant operators or labourers, and from the very first has strived to employ local apprentices and skilled tradesmen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a practice they continue to this day!

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SpotLIGHTon FREE Listings, FREE to View, FREE to upload Promote your events in this section by going online at www.spotlighton.co.uk Register, key in details which will then automatically be printed in the magazine.

*May Issue Deadline: 28th March*.

Inclusion of events is free. We do not accept submissions for classes, courses or workshops.Contact venues & organisers first as there may be changes.

Rolling Events until

pointers youth cafe (fridays) 1.30pm - 4.30pm, pointers cafe, 14 - 16 north beach, stornoway for 12 - 25yrs. come & go as you please. chill out on the sofas, listen to music, watch telly or play pool. we have a tuck shop & coffee machine plus friendly youth workers on hand for a yarn if you want. call 01851 822713 or email at pointers@cnesiar.gov.uk www.facebook.com/pg/pointersstornoway

until 30 march dougie cunningham exhibition: photography 9am 5pm, talla na mara, pairc niseaboist, isle of harris, www.tallanamara.co.uk

2 april - 30 april

26 march

salvation army baby bank (tuesdays & thursdays) 10am - 1pm, the salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. free. baby clothes & equipment. call 01851 703875 pointers' youth cafe: young mums' group (tuesdays) 10.30am - 12pm, pointers cafe, 14 - 16 north beach, stornoway. open to all young mums aged 25 & under & their children. call 01851 822713 or email at pointers@cnesiar.gov.uk pointers' youth cafe: young carers' group (tuesdays) 3.45pm - 6pm, pointers cafe, 14 - 16 north beach, stornoway. for s1 - s6. call 01851 822713 or email at pointers@cnesiar.gov.uk knit & natter group (tuesdays) 7pm, airigh a bhreide, tigh ceilidh, north tolsta, isle of lewis come along for blether & a cuppa! call 01851 702123 or email at mmacinnes@alzscot.org

until

until 29 march

28 march

rainy day bike club (fridays) 12pm - 3pm, back community hall. designed to let the little ones burn off some energy & practice their cycling skills indoors. balance bikes suitable for ages 18months 5 years provided. call 01851 820745. www.backfrc.org.uk open mic night (fridays) 8.30pm - 11.59pm, mcneill's pub, 11 cromwell street, stornoway. call 01851 703734 or email at mcneillsbarstornoway@gmail.com

salvation army baby bank (tuesdays & thursdays) 10am - 1pm, the salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. free. baby clothes & equipment. call 01851 703875 salvation army lunch club (tuesdays & thursdays) 12pm - 1pm , the salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. all welcome. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk knit & natter group (tuesdays) 7pm, airigh a bhreide, tigh ceilidh, north tolsta, isle of lewis. come along for blether & a cuppa! call marion macinnes on 01851 702123 or email at mmacinnes@alzscot.org. www.alzscot.org

3 april - 24 april salvation army band practice (wednesdays) 6pm 7pm, the salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk

4 april - 25 april salvation army home league (thursdays) 2pm - 3pm, salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk rainy day bike club (thursdays) 12pm - 3pm , back community hall, isle of lewis. designed to let the little ones burn off some energy & practice their cycling skills indoors. balance bikes suitable for ages 18months - 5 years provided. call 01851 820745. www.backfrc.org.uk

4 april - 25 april salvation army breakfast club (fridays - term time

admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

tel: 01309 690063

April 2019 - page 15

Adventures made to

SHARE

Sail from

ÂŁ3.30

*

Find your adventure in the Scottish islands all year round calmac.co.uk/adventures *Price based on foot passenger: Largs - Cumbrae return

per person return

Discover the wonderfully diverse West Coast islands of Scotland the easy way with CalMac Ferries.

You’ll be guaranteed good travel and connection times, regularity and service on all of our 28 routes.

CalMac has been providing passenger ferry services to the west coast and peninsula communities for more than 150 years.

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Irrespective of whether it’s a trip to the islands off the Clyde Coast, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, or Skye and the nearby Small Isles, all count amongst some of Scotland’s finest and most dramatic natural landscapes.

While you are on board While you are on board why not take advantage of our wide range of hot and cold snacks and meals - all prepared freshly on board and using locally sourced produce.

Don’t forget to buy a few souvenirs too in our onboard shops.

CalMac Adventures A selection of day trips and mini cruises.

Departing from Oban, Mallaig, Uig/Skye, and Ullapool as well as Wemyss Bay (for Bute) Kennacraig (for Islay) and Ardossan (for Kintyre and Arran) Take your pick from a short trip of a couple of hours, or a make a full day of it.

Further information Our website at www.calmac.co.uk offers a wealth of information about the routes and islands we serve – including detailed information on timetables, fares, day trips as well as updates on service status.

only) 8am - 11am, the salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. all welcome. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk salvation army junior club (fridays - term time only) 6pm - 7.30pm, salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. all welcome. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk

29 april - 30 october island book trust events various events throughout the islands for people of all ages & backgrounds to enjoy call 01851 830316. www.islandsbooktrust.org

until 4 may iolaire commemoration exhibition: commemorating the centenary of the loss of hmy lolaire on 1 january 1919 museum & tasglann nan eilean, lews castle, stornoway. call 01851 822 746 or email at museum@cne-siar.gov.uk

March 2019

or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk

30 saturday salvation army coffee & sale 12pm, salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. a selection of home baking, bric-a-brac, tea & coffee, as well as a light lunch for you to enjoy. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk www.salvationarmy.org.uk fundraising ceilidh in aid of urras eaglais na haoidhe 7.30pm, ionda stoodie, garrabost. free entry - donations at the door/ teas, coffees, raffle & sales table. mc - marisa the beacon cafe 10am, tiumpanhead community centre, point, isle of lewis. soup, paninis, sandwiches, teas, coffee & cake. call grace smith on 01851 870771 ufo: last orders - 50th anniversary tour@the ironworks, inverness 7.30pm maxi jazz (faithless) personal dj set@the ironworks, inverness 11.30pm highland biodiversity conference 2019 9.30am 4pm, inverness college uhi. £6 (to cover catering costs). www.eventbrite.co.uk

30 saturday - 31 sunday 25 monday child development drop-in 10am - 11am, soft play area, lewis sports centre, 2 springfield road, stornoway. information on how your child moves, sensory behaviours, etc. physiotherapist, occupational therapist & speech & language therapist on hand. call 01851 822785 neuro hebrides: coffee & catch up 2pm - 3.30pm, lewis retirement centre, bayhead, stornoway. support group for anyone affected by neurological conditions such as ms, parkinson's, me, pots, mnd or epilepsy. tea, biscuits & coffee provided. call 07387 723 380 or email at n.heb@outlook.com

26 tuesday salvation army baby bank 10am - 12pm, salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. free. free baby clothes & equipment. donations welcome. call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk eolas: afternoon tea 2.30pm - 4pm, bervie house hotel. free. carers of all ages are welcome to attend. call katie or peggy (if you require alternative care to attend) on 01859 502588

27 wednesday eolas: afternoon tea 2.30pm - 4pm, crown hotel, stornoway. free. carers of all ages are welcome to attend. call katie or peggy (if you require alternative care to attend) on 01859 502588 salvation army baby bank 10am - 12pm, salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. free baby clothes & equipment. donations welcome. call 01851 703875 page 18 - April 2019

tel: 01309 690063

scotland's mental health first aid course 9am - 5pm, thistle inn, celt street, inverness. £70 (incl lunch, relaxtion cd, etc). learn how to recognise when a person might need help & the best way to approach them. www.allevents.in/org.highland-training

31 sunday ibfa highlands & islands bodybuilding competition 2019@the ironworks, inverness tbc. the contest will feature competitors from u18s to over 55s in bodybuilding, figure, bikini & fitness categories. www.ironworksvenue.com

April 2019 1 monday simon evans: genius 8pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. £13. sardonic & supercilious humour brought to the stage by the radio 4 regular & writer. over 14s only. call 01851 708480 or email at info@lanntair.com. www.lantair.com neuro hebrides: coffee & catch up 2pm, lewis retirement centre, bayhead, stornoway. support group for anyone affected by neurological conditions such as ms, parkinsons, me etc. call 07443 513761 or email at n.heb@outlook.com

4 thursday open mic night 8.32pm - 11.59pm, mcneill's pub, 11 cromwell street, stornoway. call 1851 703734 or admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

email at mcneillsbarstornoway@gmail.com paper memories presented by jabuti theatre 11am, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. £6; £4 (book online). a visual journey exploring the importance of giving children the space to be heard & how our memories make us who we are. suitable for ages 7+. call 01851 708480. www.lanntair.com

5 friday chess in the library 2pm - 5pm, the space, stornoway library. all ages & levels welcome. call 01851 822744 or email at library.enquiries@cne-siar.gov.uk pm donald macleod mbe memorial competition & ceilidh 10.15am & 9pm (doors open for ceilidh) , caladh inn, james street, stornoway. £15; u18s free (comp) & £5 (ceilidh). featuring 8 of the world's top pipers organised by the lewis & harris piping society. email at info@piobdm.com

6 saturday barvas trad music session 8pm - 11.30pm, barvas & brue community centre. bring along your instrument & enjoy a tune or just come & enjoy the music. call 01851 840400 or email at macleodpeggy@hotmail.com classic rock night 8pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. adults £10; u18s £7 (book online). a super-group of local musicians perform a night full of the biggest classic rock hits, from likes of ac/dc, the rolling stones, queen, guns n’ roses, etc. call 01851 708480. www.lanntair.com the mfr highland home show 2019 with tulloch homes 10am - 4pm, inverness leisure centre, bught road, inverness. free. a range of exhibitors showcasing everything from new build homes, conservatories, garden furniture to the latest designs in kitchens & bathrooms, furniture, soft furnishings, finance, etc. www.planetradio.co.uk

hebridean banquet bringing the food festival to its delicious conclusion 7pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. www.lanntair.com the clan donald society of the highlands & islands: annual battle of culloden 11am, culloden battlefield & visitor centre. gaelic service at main cairn, then march to clan donald stones. lunch at the drumrossie hotel afterwards. booking essential (£30). call lois macdonell of glengarry on 01381 620121 or email at loismac4@btinternet.com

20 saturday harris tweed bike ride 2019 10am - 12pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. £5 (incl tea & scone at finish). annual parade round town. byob (bring your own bicycle). call 01851 708480. www.lanntair.com josie duncan & pablo lafuente: vocal/guitar duo 8pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. £12; £10 (book online). call 01851 708 480. www.lanntair.com mockness 80s' all day party@the ironworks, inverness. www.ironworksvenue.com

20 saturday - 21 sunday easter hooley 2019: one day scottish, irish & country music festival 2pm- 12am, royal british legion, thurso, riverside road, thurso. tickets are available from the venue & this event is open to u18s (accompanied by a responsible adult). for group bookings of 10+ please email nhe@mail.com. call 01847 893377. www.northhighlandevents.co.uk

24 tuesday the far flung collective 7.30pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. adults £10; conc £6; children £5. all welcome. www.lanntair.com

25 thursday

neuro hebrides; walking in the rain; an introduction to acceptance & commitment; therapy for long term physical conditions. speaker - dr lisa ronald, clinical psychologist 3pm - 5pm, lewis retirement centre, bayhead, stornoway. call 07387 723380 or email at n.heb@outlook.com

music in the library: donnie morrison & friends 4.45pm - 6.45pm, the space, stornoway library a time for musicians to gather & play. call 01851 822744 or email at library.enquiries@cne-siar.gov.uk uhi music showcase: rock, pop & traditional 7.30pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. adult £8; conc £6; members & children £5. call 01851 708480. www.lanntair.com

11 thursday

26 friday

9 tuesday

music in the library: women folk nights 4.45pm 6.45pm, the space, stornoway library. an evening of music, song, prose, poetry & chat. call 01851 822744 or email at library.enquiries@cne-siar.gov.uk

13 saturday feis bidh: food festival 10am - 4pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway. free. the tradition, culture & history of the food we used to eat, still do, & the new tastes & cuisines that we now enjoy. www.lanntair.com admin@winterburnmedia.co.uk

live music night in aid of inverness hospital radio: featuring crafty jack duo & special guest, johnny cash tribute by calum macrae & dougie burns & the cadillacs doors open at 8pm for 8.30pm - 12.30am, the mayfower lounge, thistle inn, celt street, inverness. £10 from duncan fraser, butcher, queensgate & the mayflower lounge, inverness faith: the george michael legacy@ the ironworks, inverness 7.30pm. www.ironworksvenue.com

tel: 01309 690063

April 2019 - page 19

27 saturday toyah@the ironworks, inverness 7pm www.ironworksvenue.com the beacon cafe 10am, tiumpanhead community centre, point, isle of lewis. soup, paninis, sandwiches, teas, coffee & cake. call grace smith on 01851 870 771 quiz night: teams of four, bar & snacks. kids welcome 10am, tiumpanhead community centre, point, isle of lewis ivo graham: motion sickness; comedy show. over 14s only 8pm, an lanntair, kenneth street, stornoway £12.50 (book online). call 01851 708480. www.lanntair.com the salvation army coffee & sale 12pm - 2pm, the salvation army, 59 bayhead, stornoway. all welcome call 01851 703875 or email at stornoway@salvationarmy.org.uk www.salvationarmy.org.uk

27 saturday - 28 sunday

inverness. 18+. spectator info at www.etapelochness.com

August 2019 1 thursday - 3 saturday belladrum tartan heart festival 2019: sci-fi theme. acts announced so far include elbow, tom odell, lewis capaldi, the selecter, colonel mustard & the dijon 5, etc booking now open at www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk.

17 saturday kaiser chiefs northern meeting park, inverness. tickets on sale from 15th feb from cafferys designerwear, eastgate shopping centre, inverness or www.ticketline.co.uk

etape loch ness: 66 miles on traffic free roads, starting & finishing in inverness. general entry full but still places available by joining team macmillan 6.15am (start). registration on 27th 10am, loch ness,

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Adult Fiction

Cari Mora

Fantasy

The Priory of the Orange Tree

By Samantha Shannon A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction - but assassins are getting closer to her door. An epic high fantasy about a world on the brink of war with dragons - and the women who must lead the fight to save it.

By Thomas Harris Somewhere, buried beneath the Miami Beach waterfront, lies millions of dollars in cartel gold.

On its trail is the ruthless, twisted Hans-Peter Schneider. Standing in his way is a woman born to survive - Cari Mora.

Adult Non-Fiction

Mother

Adult Non-Fiction

By Sarah Knott

By Anna Pasternak

What was mothering like in the past? Drawing on a disparate collection of fascinating material - interrupted letters, hastily written diary entries, a line from a court record or a figure in a painting - Mother vividly brings to life the lost stories of ordinary women.

Untitled

Who was the real Wallis: an opportunistic American social climber, a master manipulator or the true love of Edward's life? Anna Pasternak seeks to understand an unusual, deeply misunderstood woman, and the untenable situation she became embroiled in. Using testimony from their inner circle of friends, she presents a very different Wallis Simpson. With empathy, intimacy and thorough research, this book will make readers view her story as it has never been told before.

Junior Non-Fiction

The Careers Handbook

Junior Fiction

Fing

By David Walliams Librarians Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter, Myrtle Meek, happy. But it's not enough for Myrtle, who always wants more, more, more! When Myrtle declares that she wants a FING, there's only one problem...WHAT IS A FING? Mr and Mrs Meek's hilarious quest to find a Fing takes them from the forbidden vaults of the library, through the pages of a mysterious book called The Monsterpedia, and to the furthest corners of the jungle!

But will they ever find a Fing...?

By DK This practical careers handbook helps you get to grips with the job market packed with job inspiration and advice for career development. Answering all the difficult questions you don't want to ask careers advisers or recruiters The Careers Handbook is your ultimate guide for a successful job search and career development. Choose from 400 exciting careers and find out what qualifications you need, how much you could earn and how to get ahead in your chosen career!

The Lavender Martini

By Anastasia Mourgela, The 158 Club Lounge at Hutchesons City Grill, Glasgow, UK. "Garnished with a lavender flower, this is a really delicate twist on a Martini."

INGREDIENTS: 50ml Isle of Harris Gin 7.5ml Briottet Creme de Violette Liqueur 15ml Dolin Vermouth de Chambéry (Dry) Dried Lavender flowers

ME THODOLOGY: 1. Chill a Martini glass with crushed ice.

2. Pour the dry vermouth over the crushed ice.

3. In a chilled mixing glass, add 3 lavender flowers, Isle of Harris Gin and the Creme de Violette.

4. Add cubed ice to the mixing glass and stir with a bar spoon for precisely 45 seconds to achieve the desirable dilution.

5. Discard crushed ice and vermouth from the Martini glass.

6. Double strain contents of the mixing glass into the vermouth washed Martini glass.

7. Garnish with a dried lavender flower.

In the heart of the Merchant City, Hutchesons City Grill is set within the sumptuous reincarnation of one of Scotland’s most iconic Grade-A listed buildings. Its 158 Club Lounge is homage to old-school Glasgow glamour, serving spectacular shellfish alongside cocktails from their carefully curated bar.

"As the Isle of Harris Gin is a very smooth spirit which leaves a very subtle aftertaste, it is perfect to work with more delicate flavours such as lavender, which is a personal favourite. As the drink was created at Hutchesons, the home of the Parma Violet cocktail, adding Violette liqueur was a must. The dose allows for a perfect lavender colour to be achieved. Garnished with a lavender flower, this is a really delicate twist on a Martini. Not too wet, not too dry, and created in a way to simply compliment rather than overbear the flavour of the Isle of Harris Gin."

The Royal Fortification of Auldearn

by Highland Historian When you think of Royal Castles, you’d be

meaning of “Auldearn”. But with the

excused for imagining anywhere but a

progression of Christian Scots-Gaels

quiet Highland village, particularly one that

coming northwards from Dunadd from the

doesn’t have a castle, or even a ruin!

6 t h c e n t u r y, a n d t h e p o s s i b i l i t y t h a t

But don’t let the lack of visible evidence

Auldearn was a western front for the Picts

confuse you. Auldearn was once a place of

of the time, the current presumed Gaelic

p o w e r f u l a u t h o r i t y. T h e t o w n s h i p w a s

name ‘Allt Èireann’ (stream of the Irish)

developed around an earth and wood

may signify that the Fort was the limit of

motte, but the origins of it are mysterious.

the Scots-Gaels’ north-eastern advance.

The Highland Council’s Historic

The development of Pictish fortifications in

Environment Record dates it as c.561

the Moray area, which in later centuries

(AD/CE) which was the period from which

led to the building of numerous castles

Pictish settlement begins to develop in

l o c a l l y, g o e s f u r t h e r t o p r o v e t h e t a c t i c a l

Morayshire.

importance of Auldearn. Despite some

Wa s A u l d e a r n C a s t l e a c t u a l l y a P i c t i s h

historians claiming that the site is not

F o r t ? T h a t w o u l d b e d i ff i c u l t t o p r o v e , b u t

strategically important, nothing could be

stonework in the region is a strong

further from the truth.

indicator that Picts developing territory

At the crossing point of the geographical

against Alt Clut, the Anglo Saxons and the

Highland line, the south is protected by

Scots from the 4th-8th century are likely to

h i g h m o o r l a n d , d i ff i c u l t t o c r o s s w i t h a f u l l y

have also developed fortified strongholds

l a d e n a r m y. To t h e n o r t h t h e s e a w o u l d

there. With higher sea levels, Auldearn

o ff e r p r o t e c t i o n a n d t a c t i c a l o p p o r t u n i t y.

may have been a coastal stronghold.

F o r a n a t t a c k i n g o r d e f e n s i v e a r m y, i t

There are many valid theories on the

would provide a well-supplied on-land

route, east to west, due to natural

W i l l i a m I ( 11 6 5 - 1 2 1 4 ) w h e n r e v o l t

harbours and agriculturally productive

threatened Morayshire. It’s possible that

land.

the esplanade, now the Green on Doocot

This may have happened during the

Road, would have been added then. In

unknown battle that appears on the Pictish

11 8 0 , W i l l i a m I s i g n e d a c h a r t e r a t “ E r e n ” ,

7th/9th century Sueno’s Stone in Forres.

as it was known, confirming Inverness as a

This also happened when the army of

Royal Burgh.

Covenanters passed through before

Despite having been partially destroyed by

meeting Highland levies and doubling back

D o n a l d M c W i l l i a m a f t e r 11 8 0 , i n 1 3 0 8

to face the Royalist army in battle in 1645

William, Earl of Ross submitted to Robert

and both the armies of Charles Edward

the Bruce at Auldearn. The Castle was held

Stuart and William Augustus of Hanover

b y t h e D u n b a r s o f C u m n o c k f r o m 1 5 11 a n d

passed through in 1746.

the family developed Boath House (1830s)

Some believe that a Norman developed the

o n t h e s i t e o f a n o t h e r o l d e r t o w e r. T h e

castle on the motte site during the reign of

motte site became the Dunbars’ 17th

D a v i d I ( 11 2 4 - 5 3 ) , b u t t h e c o n s e n s u s i s

century doocot.

that Auldearn was re-fortified under

If you have a topic you’d like to find out more about, or have local traditions and stories to share, please e-mail: andrew@highlandhistorian.com or visit highlandhistorian.com to book your bespoke guided tour!

The Garden TOM ANGEL IS A GARDEN DESIGNER, LANDSCAPE

some well-rotted horse manure down on your beds too.

CONSULTANT AND

Grass and weeds have started growing already too, and once overnight temperatures are regularly over 6C, growth really starts in earnest.

So, mow your lawns if they need it, but do not go too short for the first cut. Realistically, it will probably a while before most of us need to get our mowers out in the highlands, even though a little growth has definitely already begun. Your beds, however, will definitely benefit from a light hoeing. Weeds that aren’t visible yet may well have started germinating underneath the soil and you can check their progress by hoeing or raking regularly from now on.

CHARTERED HORTICULTURIST BASED IN

AVIEMORE. TOM PROVIDES CONSULTANCY AND DESIGN SERVICES AS ANGEL HORTICULTURE LTD (WWW.ANGELHORT.COM)

Across Speyside and beyond, people have been scratching their heads at the high temperatures that we received in February and March, and wondering what is going to become of the enthusiastic buds and shoots that have been appearing all over the place. As I write this, temperatures have started dipping, and are forecast to get colder again soon, but by any measure this has been an exceptionally mild winter. It is amazing what plants can put up with however, and even new young growth is often simply checked by a return to seasonal temperatures.

Once the temperatures are mild again, we have a lot of jobs to do in the garden. Buddleja, and varieties of Dogwood grown for their winter stems, need to be pruned hard. Hydrangeas can be deadheaded (but be careful not to take much other than the old flower off, as this year’s flower buds are not far below). Herbaceous perennials can be divided up to maintain their vigour, and supply you with some free new plants. Plants, such as Crocosmia, where last year’s leaves have been left lying in order to protect the crown can be cut back and tidied.

Your planters will appreciate a top-dressing of new compost, and you can start thinking about getting

26

Summer bulbs can be planted, and now is also pruning time for shrub and climbing roses. Shrub roses should be pruned back hard, and it’s hard to go too far wrong, though the most common mistake is not pruning hard enough. If you are not sure whether your rose is a climber or rambler, the general rule is that ramblers flower once, around June, whereas climbers repeat flower well into the autumn. Cut back old flowering stems by a third, and tie new growth into whatever structure you’re growing the climbing rose on. Rambling roses are dealt with in the autumn.

Before spring gets going in earnest, it is a good idea to check and service all your tools and machines too. I find this time of year really exciting, and already my diary is filling up with an exciting array of jobs. Bring on the sunshine! To find out more about what I do, check my website at www.angelhort.com

(BTUÐ (HH 5PÈJOH fantastically dressed characters who processed through the streets singing traditional pace-egging songs and collecting money as a tribute before performing traditional mumming plays. At the Wordsworth museum in Grasmere there is a collection of highly-decorated eggs made for the poet’s children.

In Scotland, pace-eggin is traditional from Shetland to the Borders although the day varied with location, pace-egg day variously the prior Saturday, Easter Sunday, or Easter Monday. Paiss-braes, hills, were used or other grassy slopes or areas such as seaside links. There is some variation in the spelling and pronunciation of the term pace, including also pash and peace.

In the United Kingdom the tradition of rolling decorated eggs down grassy hills goes back hundreds of years and is known as "pace-egging", from the Old English Pasch meaning Pesach or Passover.

The eggs traditionally were wrapped in onion skins and boiled to give them a mottled gold appearance (although today they usually are painted) and the children competed to see who could roll their egg the farthest. There is an old Lancashire legend that says the broken egg shells should be crushed carefully afterward or, they would be stolen and used as boats by witches. The eggs were eaten on Easter Sunday or given out to pace-eggers –

easter HP 4 Apr 19.pdf

1

11/03/2019

13:27

(BTUÐ )BDUT (BTUÐ )BDUT

0. The tallest Easter egg chocolate was

made in Italy in 2011. It stood at 10.39 metres and weighed an astounding 7,200 kg.

1. The art of painting eggs is called

pysanka, which originated in Ukraine. It involves using wax and dyes to colour the egg.

2.

The term Easter gets its name from Easter, the Anglo-Saxon goddess who symbolises the hare and the egg.

3. The exchange or giving of Easter eggs

actually dates back to before Easter and the giving of eggs is actually considered a symbol of rebirth in many cultures.

4. Cadbury Creme Egg, produce more than 1.5 million egg delights a year.

Bunnies are cuddly The large and the small but I like the chocolate ones the best of them all.

easter HP 2 Apr 19.pdf

1

06/03/2019

21:18

Easter is the only day of the year when it is safe to put all your eggs in one basket.

F

the

n o i h as page

Live your Best Life…

Welcome to the Fashion page, where I share my top clothing style tips with you all.

Aman

da

Ste p i nto S p r i n g…

As we Step into Spring it can be a challenge to find transitional pieces that are lighter yet will still bridge the gap between our ever changing weather! I always advise that the one wardrobe staple you need is a lightweight Trench/Mac coat. You can always layer it up (wearing a gilet under or over is very on-trend at the moment!) but it will give you the structure you need for a more polished look. Very often the first thing people

will see is is the last thing you’ve put on and so as a rule “outerwear should never be an afterthought”. Choosing a statement coat can give you that much needed armour to walk into a room (and keep you stylishly warm of course) to create that important chance to make the right impression. Since they are one of the most hard working pieces in your wardrobe, it’s always best if you LOVE the one you buy.

On the subject of wardrobe staples below are my top ten of what you should have in your wardrobe – just adapt to fit round your lifestyle and personal taste.

Women:

Men:

•

•

• • • • • • • • •

Tren ch / M a c Co at e it he r in Ca m el or stateme nt co lour.

B l azer that you ca n mix a n d m atch wit h .

Statem ent Neck la ce.

A S car f A C l utc h S mar t Trousers/ Jea n s A Dress that ca n be dre ssed u p o r d own Train ers o r Flat shoes t h at a re d ressy yet co mfor table B asic tops/tees to layer u n d er b la zers etc.

Dress y top to we a r wit h t ro u sers/ j ea n s

• • • • • • • • •

O n e O ve r Co at/J a c k e t yo u c a n we a r d ress e d u p o r d ow n O n e Sma r t/Ca s u a l bl a ze r S m a r t ( pr i nte d ) s h i r t S m a r t Te e s S m a r t J e a n s i n a D a r k wa s h Dres s s h o e s S m a r t / Ca s u a l s h o e s O n e N e u tra l ti e Dres s Tro u s e r s St ate m e nt watc h

E: a m a n d a @de fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk W: w w w.d e fi ne s t y l e co ns ul t anc y. co. uk T: 07749 45 6 2 4 3

P u zz le Pa g e

Easy

Medium

Easy

Solutions to last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s puzzles Medium

S u rveying I have been a bird watcher all my days but developed a keen interest in raptors (birds of prey) about 20 years ago. I monitor several raptor species each year on a voluntary basis although I have also conducted bird surveys as a contract worker.

The Scottish golden eagle population currently stands at a little over 500 breeding pairs. Birds are usually counted in numbers of breeding pairs because it suits survey methods and results can be compared year on year. Birds are well-known indicators of the health of the environment.

They can reveal the effects of things like poisons and climate change.

Therefore monitoring birds is important for our own well-being.

Volunteers like me monitor a sample of golden eagle sites each year.

Methodology has been developed and made uniform across the board to estimate population size as well as breeding success and productivity and comprises four visits in the year.

Fi rst v is it I start my golden eagle work any time after New Year. The eagles occupy their territories all year round so there is no need to wait for them to appear in spring. I visit about 4 territories, which I know hold a breeding pair.

The purpose of the first visit is to establish if the site is occupied by a pair of birds. For this job I need a good pair of binoculars, warm clothes and plenty of time. I am prepared to wait for six hours if necessary to see the pair (or not). I find somewhere to sit at the edge of the range near the bottom of the glen so that I have a good view of the sky where birds are easier to detect than against the

ground (although a background of snow is really helpful when it comes to spotting them).

sex soaring birds and make notes of what I observe. Adult birds will usually be brown all over whereas Loch Duich and five sisters

The reward of seeing a pair of golden eagles soaring above their territory is immense. Patience usually pays off but of course there are days which draw a complete blank. The weather can make it impossible to see anything at all and all that effort is wasted. On the other hand sometimes I am lucky enough to see the birds displaying, which involves a series of steep climbs followed by stoops. Usually the positive interaction, such as by circling together, is enough to confirm that they are a breeding pair. The pair will almost always have two or three alternative nest sites (not very far apart) to choose from and I try and position myself so that I can see at least the most frequently used eyrie. I might be able to predict which nest the pair are going to put to use by watching where they alight or, even better, I sometimes see sticks being carried to the nest.

juveniles and sub-adults will show a white base of the tail and patches on its wings. I can only sex birds with confidence when I see the pair together where the female will appear to be slightly larger than the male (regardless of age). I never guess the sex of a single bird.

With a telescope I try and age and

Jon Brain

This first visit is considered to be really important and the best time to see the pair. On 13 March 2018 I kept a watch on two different sites, one in Wester Ross and one in Easter Ross. I saw that incubation was already taking place at both locations and witnessed the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;changeoverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; where the male relieves the female of her duties while she leaves the nest for a while to stretch her wings and find something to eat.

Potentially half the breeding population will be laid low on the nest after the eggs are laid which makes it important to have made first visits by the beginning of March.