Nairn September 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010

FREE

The North’s Favourite FREE wee mag’!

In this issue......

Clubs & Societies 3 Property Review 4/5 Pastoral letter 6 Church Details 6 What’s On 11/12/13/14 Chef’s Confidential 18 Council News 20/21 School Dates 21 Useful Contacts 22 Local Holidays 22 Tide Times 22 Advertisers Index 23

SAMPLE ADVERT RATES Box £21.03 Big Box £40.59 ¼ Page £73.80 ½ Page £140.22 Business Profile £239.11 Full Page £265.68 Enhanced Listings in What’s On pages from £23 All rates are per month plus VAT and based on a Black & White 12 month series.

Deadline for October issue is Wednesday 8th September Call 01309 690063 for more details. SpotLight on Nairn is published by Winterburn Media Ltd, Comraich, Woodside Farm, Kinloss IV36 3UA All material contained within the SpotLight magazines is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertiser artwork or any other content, without the publishers prior consent, will be considered to be a breach of copyright.

SpotLight - Nairn and District

BODY & CORE YOGA FITNESS Train & tone yourself fit to excellent music. Cawdor Community Centre every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Mats provided - bring water & a smile! Contact Debs tel: 07840 659358 GEDDES W.R.I. Contact Mrs. Evelyn Cumming 404237 GIRLGUIDING NAIRN Contact District Commissioner Helen Guy tel: 452746 MORAY & NAIRN FLORAL ART CLUB Enjoy flowers? Come and watch talented flower demonstrators at work. Meets 2nd Wednesday each month Applegrove Primary School Contact May Bichan tel: 01343 850634

MORAY & NAIRN PONY CLUB Contact 01309 641483 or email willandjudith@ btopenworld.com www.pcuk.org NAIRN ROAD RUNNERS We are a small & friendly club and cater for all running abilities. Come & join us on our club night every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Maggot. For more details contact Louise Scott tel: 451835, email info@nairnroad runners.co.uk or visit www.nairnroad runners.co.uk

NAIRN SCHOOL OF DANCING Meets Wednesdays at 3.30pm at the BB Hut, Old Parish Chruch. Contact Mrs Fraser 01463 729477 NAIRN SOCCER SEVEN'S Qualified SFA coaches provide coaching and games. Mondays 6pm 7.15pm, Easter to October.

Primary 2 - Primary 7.

Contact 452930 NAIRN SPORTS CLUB Nairn Sports Club has something for everyone Fitness classes, Gym, Tennis, Squash & Badminton Courts, Sauna, Non-members welcome.

Contact 454523 or email info@nairnsportsclub.co.uk NAIRN ST NINIAN BADMINTON CLUB Currently held at Nairn Academy gym hall every Thursday, September to Easter from 6pm - 7.30pm.

Age between 8 & 15 years.

Contact 454716 or email mariadicarlo46@hotmail.com NAIRN THUNDERBOLTS Nairnshire’s Mini Rugby Club. For children in Primary 4 - 7. Training on Sunday mornings 10.30am - 12noon at Viewfield, behind Nairn Museum. Affiliated to SRU. For more details tel: 01667 454963 or visitwww.pitchero.com/club s/nairnminirugbyclub/ NAIRN YOUTH CLUB Contact 453476

www.spotlighton.co.uk

NAIRN YOUTH THEATRE CLUB NYTC is an organisation for young people who are interested in all aspects of performance and theatre arts. NYTC work in association with Nairn Drama Club - youths, Nairn Academy, local Primary Schools and Eden Court. Contact 456902 RELATE HIGHLAND Offering the services of a counsellor in Nairn on Wednesday afternoons.

Contact 01463 712888 (Monday-Thursday 10-1, or leave a message and you will be called back) ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Entertainment and dancing every weekend. Highland Hall function suite available for weddings and parties of all sizes. Contact 452077 SEWING GROUP NAIRN Contact 455012 SSPCA INVERNESS Contact 455012 VOLUNTEERING HIGHLAND Volunteer Centre in Nairn Welcomes anyone who would like to volunteer in the local area. Contact Fiona Barnes 453055 or nairn@volunteering highland.org If you would like details of your club or society included in this section please let us know.

Not all clubs will be listed every issue.

September 2010 - page 3

Is it the right time to buy?

SpotLight property market survey ‘As safe as houses’ - a phrase that we often hear to reflect something that is beyond risk and a solid investment. In the last few years the national media would have us believe that the property market is no longer ‘as safe as houses’. But how much of this is scaremongering to make a good story, and how much of it is actually based in truth.

Below is a table of house values across the whole of the UK including Scotland, which shows price movements over the past 35 years, moving from an average house price (adjusted to take into account inflation) in 1975 of £75,188 to the current level of £168,719. We can see from the graph that there has been a general movement upward with occasional periods of falling prices, most notably in the period 1990 to 1995, and then 2007 to the present time. But it can be seen that these periods are generally temporary and in the past growth has returned relatively quickly.

Real House Prices Sources Nationwide Building Society

£190,000 £170,000

Base 2010 Q2 Trend from 1975 Q1 to present Trend = c2.9% per annum

£150,000 £130,000 £110,000 £90,000 £70,000

2010

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

£50,000

DCLG mix-adj House Prices - Regional 2000-2010 So what has been happening in Scotland?

In the graph to the right we see that average house prices in Scotland overall have risen from approximately £75,000 at the beginning of 2000 to approximately £162,000 at the end of June 2010.

price GB £000s 360 340 320 300 280 260

United Kingdom England London South East SCOTLAND

240

More regionally still, in 2010 it now appears that Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Central Belt have now begun moving into a more stable growth situation with the rest of Scotland (including the North more generally and the Moray Firth Coast in particular) hot on their heels (source Lloyds TSB Scotland).

220 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60

Property professionals in the Moray Firth region have reported increased levels of sales activity generally, with prices starting to firm up.

40 20 0 2000 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

house prices.uk.net cont.

SpotLight property market survey cont.

The next table shows average house prices in each of the “SpotLight Regions” (apologies to residents in Nairn where the volume of sales was not sufficient to draw accurate average figures).

Inverness £270,069 £149,565 £138,166 £116,100 £175,760

Aug 2010 Detached Semi Terraced Flat All

Forres £259,200 £130,900 £116,692 £101,378 £157,312

Elgin £263,887 £145,065 £108,948 £108,999 £197,501

Buckie/Keith £191,285 £127,380 insufficient data £120,500 £149,163

New house developments are ‘springing up’ all along the Moray Firth Coast and below are a number of the more prominent sites: Developer

Site

Beds

prices from

availability

contact

web

Robertson Homes

Hamilton Gardens, Duffus Heights, Elgin

3,4,5

£160,000

9

0845 890 9448

www.robertsonhomes.co.uk

Robertson Homes

Darliston, Elgin

2

£118,000

3

0845 890 9448

www.robertsonhomes.co.uk

Robertson Homes

Westercraigs, Inverness

3

£175,000

6

0845 890 9448

www.robertsonhomes.co.uk

Robertson Homes

Westercrags, West Wing

1,2,3

£125,000

4

0845 890 9448

www.robertsonhomes.co.uk

Kylauren Homes

Meadow Lea, Nairn

2,3,4

£154,000

65 lots

01667 452508

www.kylaurenhomes.com

Springfield

Glassgreen Gardens, Elgin

3

£179,500

2

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

Dunkinty, Elgin

4

£425,000

4

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

Knockomie Meadows, Forres

3, 4

£105,000

13

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

Letterfourie, Buckie

2, 3, 4

£89,500

21

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

Linkwood, Elgin

3, 4

£159,000

2

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

Moravia Apartments, Elgin

2, 3

£89,000

4

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

The Coach House, Elgin

3

£245,000

3

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

Springfield

The Paddock, Alness

Tulloch Homes

Inverness Area

Tulloch Homes

Kirkhill, Black Isle

Scotia Homes

Hamilton Gardens, Elgin

Scotia Homes

Fairways, Muir of Ord

3, 4 £152,500 8 6 Various developments of different styles

01343 552550

www.springfield.co.uk

01463 772556

www.tulloch-homes.com

4

£349,995

various

01463 229300

www.tulloch-homes.com

3, 4

£185,000

5

0800 0855 455

www.scotia-homes.co.uk

3, 4, 5

£155,000

6

0800 0855 455

www.scotia-homes.co.uk

So - is it the right time to buy? This is up to you but some of the relevant facts are laid out above to assist you in making this decision - happy house hunting!

Article edited by the SpotLight Property Consultant.

The loss of time Can you imagine going to bed on the 2nd of September and waking up on the 14th of September! Well, it happened in Britain in 1752 when Britain decided to change its calendar from the Julian to the Gregorian. By doing so, September the 3rd became September the 14th, which meant that nothing whatsoever happened in the history of Britain between the 3rd and 13th of September 1752. At the same time, many people believed their lives would be shortened. Therefore the people of Britain protested in the streets, demanding, ‘Give us back our eleven days!’

The loss of treasures Now, any kind of loss in life can be painful whether it is the loss of time; the loss of health; the loss of treasured moments; or even the loss of a loved one. Yet the harsh reality is that we simply cannot turn back the clock and change things once they occur. However, there is

some good news because there are some losses in life that can be restored and rediscovered...

The loss of things If you are like me, then you will always be losing things! Nevertheless there is great joy when you find your valuable possessions, isn’t there? Still, there are many things that are lost in life through complete carelessness. In fact, the Bible tells us about a rebellious man that got his own way in life. Yet the young man wasted everything his father had given him. Consequently, this man ended up in a mess because of his carelessness - but at least he did something about his situation before it was too late (Luke 15:11-32).

The loss of trust Today there are many people who adamantly refuse to trust the words of the Bible. In fact, the Bible is a book that tells us that people are lost without Jesus Christ. Of course, there are people who put their trust

Nairn Baptist Church meets in Nairn Community Centre, King St. All welcome 11am every Sunday and 6pm every third Sunday of the month. Contact the Pastor 459672 or visit the website www.nairnbaptistchurch.org.uk Auldearn and Dalmore Parish Church Morning Service 12 noon. Contact Rev. Ricky Reid 451675.

Cawdor Parish Church Morning Service 10.15am. Rev. JS Mathieson Nairn Free Church Morning Service 11am with Sunday School & Creche (Gordon St); Evening Service 6pm (Rosebank Hall); Youth Club for S1 upwards Wednesday 6.30pm (Rosebank Hall); Prayer and Bible Study Thursday 7.30pm (8 George St). Minister Murdo MacLeod 459131.

Nairn Christian Fellowship Sunday Worship 10.30am; Praise and Bible Study Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact Sandy Shaw 456492.

Old Parish Church meets at 10.30am for Holiday Worship.

Rev. Ian WF Hamilton. page 6 - September 2010

in other things rather than in Jesus.

But Mark 8:36 tells us, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Yet the good news is that God sent His Son to find the lost.

After all, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Nevertheless, this verse has a condition to it because people must believe in Jesus Christ the only saviour of the world (Acts 4:12).

Now these eleven lost days of British history in September 1752, cannot be changed, but maybe your life can by taking good care of your soul! Jesus said in Matthew 18:11, “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Who did he mean J D Grant (Minister for the Pentecostal Church of God Nairn)

St Ninians Church Morning Worship and Sunday School 10.15am; Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7.30pm.

Rev. Ricky Reid 451675.

St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Family Worship 10.30am; Evening Prayer 6.30pm.

Rev. Canon Alison Simpson 452458.

St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church Sunday Mass 11am; Saturday Vigil 6pm.

United Reformed Church Morning Service with Sunday School and Creche 11am.

Contact Rev. Steven Manders 451443.

The Pentecostal Church of God Nairn Sunday Service 10.30am. Minister: JD Grant 456088. www.churchofgodnairn.org Nairn Joint Service first Sunday of each month St Ninians 6.30pm.

If you are a member of a church not listed here please email with details and we will print this in future issues.

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight - Nairn and District

Advertise your event here from only £23 plus VAT. Call 01309 690063 or email david@spotlighton.co.uk Deadline for October issue is Wednesday 8th September

SEPTEMBER 2010

3 friday

8 wednesday

forres academy reunion lunch, 12.30pm for 1pm, mosset tavern, gordon street, forres, contact vima tulloch for details tel: 01309 675959 the band of her majesty’s royal marines scotland, 7.30pm, elgin town hall, tickets £16 from elgin library tel: 01343 562600 the wall youth music festival - in aid of lossie high climbing wall, 8pm-10pm, station park, lossiemouth, music from ‘soul casino’ (uk finalists in live & unsigned), ‘dead rabbit’ & ‘nny’, bbq & snack stall calum carlyle & friends - free friday, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111

orienteering at grant park, forres, 5.30pm-6.15pm, choice of 2 different courses to test your fitness and map reading skills, suitable for all ages from beginner to expert, £3 adults/£2 juniors, visit www.moravianorienteering.org for details moray & nairn floral art group opening meeting, 7.30pm, applegrove primary school, forres, contact may bichan tel: 01343 850634 or see the entry on p3

Calum Carlyle and Friends The Loft Venue

the theatre bus - ‘calendar girls’, 1.30pm at eden court theatre, inverness, coach pick up points along a96 from keith to nairn, ticket & coach £27 (approx.) tel. 01343 850282

10 friday dyke garden club - ‘fruit trees and fruit’ by sandy mcfarlane-grieve, 7.30pm, dyke village hall, contact 01309 641342 or 01309 641565

Friday 3rd September FREE ENTRY Free Friday Gig with singer-songwriter Calum Carlyle, bass player Sam Bradley and Tim Holehouse.

Tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.loftgigs.co.uk

11 saturday

4 saturday cawdor primary school coffee morning, 10am, nairn british legion, £1.50 nairn gaelic choir coffee morning, dunbar memorial hall, auldearn the wall youth music festival family day- in aid of lossie high climbing wall, 1pm-5pm, station park, lossiemouth, music from ‘180 live’, ‘3dr’, ‘superfast jellyfish’ & others; stalls; car boot, bouncy castle & much more fashion show in aid of highland hospice, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 or visit www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk comann nam parant inbhir narainn celidh featuring “chompin’ at the bit”, 8pm til late, nairn british legion, adults £6/under 16’s £4, tickets 01667 453082 or 453068 carve carrbridge 2010, www.carvecarrbridge.com

6 monday ‘the dinner party’ - cookery demonstration by john mccruden of chapter one, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 453476 or visit www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk SpotLight - Nairn and District

9 thursday

nairn academy rsa coffee morning, 10am, nairn british legion, £1.50 the theatre bus - ‘calendar girls’, 1.30pm at eden court theatre, inverness, coach pick up points along a96 from keith to nairn, ticket & coach £27 (approx.) tel. 01343 850282 ‘duncan meets cape breton’ - traditional music concert, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, visit www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk tel: 453476 hans theessink, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8, contact 01309 690110

13 monday cinema nairn - a canterbury tale (u), 2pm, nairn community centre, king street, nairn, £4 aduts/£3 under 18’s, visit www.cinemanairn.blogspot.com for details

Tom Hingley at The Loft Venue Friday 17th September FREE ENTRY Inspiral Frontman frontman returns to The Loft to amuse and entertain with new tunes, inspiral classics done on a ukelali and other amazing feats.

Tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.loftgigs.co.uk

www.spotlighton.co.uk

September 2010 - page 11

SEPTEMBER 2010 continued

Mad Ferret Festival at The Loft Venue

17 friday

Saturday 25th September Tickets £25 Twisted Wheel, Figure 5, Vigo Thiefs, Them Beatles, Dead Sea Souls, The 10 04’s, NNY, The Amphetameanies, Roots System, Rioteers & more!

ceilidh in aid of dr graham’s homes in kalimpong, india, 7.30pm-11pm, croy village hall, tickets available at cawdor and croy village stores and the village green, cawdor, music from the inverness fiddlers, stovies & trifle, byob tom hingley - free friday, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111

18 saturday nairn syncro swimming coffee morning, 10am, nairn british legion, £1.50 orienteering at aberlour, 10.15am-11am, speyside high school, another event in the moravian's saturday series using a brand new map of an area never used before for orienteering, £3 adults/£2 juniors, visit www.moravianorienteering.org terry oldfield and soraya, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £12/£10, contact 01309 690110 live music - bill alexander, 9pm, nairn british legion

19 sunday cawdor 10k, staging though cawdor castle, visit www.cawdorcastle.com for details

Medicine & Compassion Monday 20th September 7.30pm £10 Public talk by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.

Advice from a Tibetan Lama on how to expand our ability to be compassionate, on a daily basis even when confronted with sickness, death, grief and bereavement.

The Universal Hall, Findhorn.

Organised by Gomde Trust, Scottish Charity SC040361 Tel 0778 453 1420 or email info@gomdescotland.org

Tel: 01343 850111 or visit www.loftgigs.co.uk

25 saturday crossroads coffee morning, 10am, nairn british legion, £1.50 living food at cawdor castle, 10am-5pm, organic food festival, visit www.cawdorcastle.com for details wee burgie one day event, visit www.burgie.org or email secretary@burgie.org highland-russia connection charity family ceilidh, 7pm-10pm, nairn community centre, featuring the monach isle ceilidh band, £3.50 at door, bar open for refreshments a promised land presented by theatre objektiv, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8, contact 01309 690110 tom hingley - free friday, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111

26 sunday unique beauty ‘celebration of life’ fair, 12pm-4pm, portree community centre, portree, isle of skye, come along & enjoy music, dance, hand made crafts, jewellery, dresses, bags, fudge, chocolate & many other things to make you smile, have a mini pampering session with local therapists, admission £2 (including a raffle ticket), profits to macmillan cancer support & maggies highland

20 monday

medicine & compassion - a public talk by chokyi nyima rinpoche, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, advice on how to expand our ability to be compassionate, on a daily basis, tickets £10 (concessions available), organised by gomde trust, scottish charity sc040361, tel 0778 453 1420 or email info@gomdescotland.org

21 tuesday - 23 thursday

the five powers - a 3 day seminar based on the meditation practices of a classic buddhist text, given by chokyi nyima rinoche, organised at hardmuir woodland by gomde trust, scottish charity sc040361, further details tel 0778 453 1420 or email info@gomdescotland.org

23 thursday o duo:percussion duo, 7:30pm, st christopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917

24 friday music nairn present ivan ilic piano, 8pm, nairn community centre, playing bach, beethoven, liszt, chopin/godowsky & ravel, tickets £12/£10/£2, tel 404763 page 12 - September 2010

To advertise in the next issue of SpotLight on Nairn call 01309 690063 or go online at www.spotlighton.co.uk for more details Deadline for October issue is Wednesday 8th September

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight - Nairn and District

Cinema Nairn 13/9 A Canterbury Tale (U)

Visit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or contact Nairn Community Centre on 01667 453476 for details

Cinema Listings September 2010 Vue Cinema, Inverness From 3/9 Jonah Hex (15) Dinner for Schmucks (15) The Switch From 10/9 Resident Evil: Afterlife (15) The Runaways From 17/9 The Other Guys (12a tbc) Just Wright From 24/9 Eat, Pray, Love (12a tbc) Cyrus (15)

Eden Court Theatre, Inverness The Girl Who Played With Fire (15) The Secret In Their Eyes (18) Tamara Drewe (15) The Illusionist (PG) White Material (15) The Rebound (15) Jasper, Penguin Explorer (U) The Fall of the House of Usher (15) London River (12A) Beautiful Kate (15) Gainsbourg (15) The Karate Kid (PG) The Concert (15) Splice (15) Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (U) Skeletons (tbc) Sexy Beast (18) King of New York (18) Dead Poets Society (PG) Breathless (PG) Cleo from 5 to 7 (PG) My Night With Maud (PG) plus many others

KidsAM - Every Saturday & Sunday at 10.15am - 95p per ticket Senior Screenings - Every Tuesday at 12.30pm - ÂŁ3 inc. refreshments

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or call 01463 234234 for details

Moray Playhouse, Elgin New Screenings begin on Fridays Call 01343 542680 or visit www.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Universal Hall, Findhorn Showing films throughout the year. Visit www.findhorn.org/uhall or call 01309 691170 for details.

SpotLight - Nairn and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

September 2010 - page 13

OCTOBER 2010 in brief 1 friday cinema nairn - the railway children (u), 5.30pm, nairn community centre, king street, nairn, £4 aduts/£3 under 18’s, visit www.cinemanairn.blogspot.com for details jake cogan - free friday, the loft venue, by kinloss, tel: 01343 850111 2 saturday cawdor and croy & dalcross parish churches charity christmas card sale, 10am-1pm, cawdor community hall, cawdor school, free entry, tea/coffee available for donation to church funds magic spaghetti by licketyspit, 4pm, universal hall, findhorn, £6/£5/£4 u-16’s, contact 01309 690110 matt andersen, the loft venue, by kinloss, £10/£12, tel: 01343 850111 3 sunday cawdor castle closes for the season, last entry 5pm, www.cawdorcastle.com matt andersen take 2, the loft venue, by kinloss, £10/£12, tel: 01343 850111 4 monday & 5 tuesday early christmas fair in aid of children 1st, monday 5pm-8pm wine and savouries included, tuesday 10am-3.30pm tea and coffee included, soup and sandwiches available, westfield house, spynie, near elgin iv30 8xl, enticing shopping for christmas or indeed any other occasion, tel: 01343 547308 6 wednesday highland rock garden club - ‘the alpine plants of new zealand’ by david tool, 7.30pm, nairn community & arts centre, tel: 01309 641405 8 friday dyke garden club - ‘really garlicky’ by glen & gilli allingham, 7.30pm, dyke village hall, contact 01309 641342 or 01309 641565 ill met by moonlight by hijinx, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8/£6 u-16’s, contact 01309 690110 9 saturday andy irvine, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8, contact 01309 690110 10 sunday golden spurtle world porridge making championships 2010, carrbridge, visit www.goldenspurtle.com for full details 15 friday gilles petit, 7.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £10/£8, contact 01309 690110 16 saturday bodysurf scotland dance double bill, 8pm, universal hall, findhorn, £8/£6, contact 01309 690110 16 saturday & 17 sunday gilles petit 2 day voice workshop, contact info@onebodyonevoice.com for details 17 sunday orienteering at carse wood, registration 10.30am to 12noon, a full-scale event with seven different courses to suit all ages and abilities, £6 adults/£2

page 14 - September 2010

juniors, visit www.moravianorienteering.org 19 tuesday harry the piano, 7:30pm, ogstoun theatre, gordonstoun school, nr elgin, £12/£6, visit our website www.thegcs.org.uk for details or tel: 01343 837917 26 tuesday we dance wee groove, 10am & 1.30pm, universal hall, findhorn, £4 per child, contact 01309 690110 29 friday cinema nairn - the hurt locker (15), 7.30pm, nairn community centre, king street, nairn, £4 aduts/£3 under 18’s, visit www.cinemanairn.blogspot.com for details HOW THE “WHAT’S ON” WORKS all line listings are free send us details of any events coming up to natalie@spotlighton.co.uk Permissable events include any event open to the public (whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings, fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car boots, markets, crafts, equestrian, fundraising etc etc...

If you would like an enhanced listing (big white box) this costs £38.40 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.

Deadline for October Issue is Wednesday 8th September.

Dyke Garden Club Programme for 2010 - 2011 Dyke Village Hall Fridays 7.30pm 10th September - ‘Fruit Trees & Fruit’, Sandy McFarlane-Grieve 8th October - ‘Really Garlicky’, Glen & Gilli Allingham 12th November - ‘Hydroponics’, Jenny Stewart 10th December - ‘Christmas Night’ details to be arranged 11th February - ‘Shrubs For All Seasons’, Archie McLaren 11th March - ‘Sweet Peas’, Allan McGowan 8th April - AGM & ‘Garden Hints & Tips’ Visitors £2 / subscription £8 (September to April) Includes refreshments. Weekly raffle.

Contact Chair 01309 641342 or Secretary 01309 641565

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight - Nairn and District

Featherblade Steak with Creamy Horseradish Mash, Root Vegetables and Whisky Jus At Knockomie, we pride ourselves on using the finest local produce and try to source as much of our food from local suppliers. Macbeth's Butchers has supplied Knockomie with their quality meats for 23 years. The Feather Blade cut of meat that we have used is a lesser known cut from the shoulder of the beast, however is one of the tastiest and I would say outshines fillet in comparison of flavour. Feather Blades are available from good local butchers like Macbeths or do ask at your local supermarket butcher/meat counter, if they don't have this do ask for a stewing steak such as Brisket.

Ingredients (feeds two) 2 Featherblade Steaks (each weighing 250grms) Half A Celeriac (Roughly chopped) Half an onion roughly chopped Two Carrots (roughly chopped) Half Bottle Cheap Red Wine Six Pink Peppercorns Two Sprigs Fresh Thyme (or one sprig Rosemary) Two Bay Leaves Beef Stock (250ml) 25ml Benromach 10 year Old Whisky One Teaspoon Creamed Horseradish Butter to taste Cream to taste 6 Large Good Quality Mashing Pota toes (Maris Piper are ideal)

Method - Creamy Mashed Potatoes Cook your potatoes either in water (or in the oven with their skins on - once cooked spoon out the potato flesh) or drain well and then mash with either a masher or press through a sieve (a sieve will be hard work but is worth it).

Season and add butter, cream and Horseradish to taste - I like to add a good bit of cream and butter as these are a chefs best friend !

After a very busy August at Knockomie we come into an exciting new season for food with a lot of game coming into season. You will be likely to see on my menus over the coming months, Guinea Fowl, Partridge, Pheasant, and my favourite Venison just to mention a few. Also in season is some lovely seafood including, Sea bass, Squid, Halibut, Scallops, Lemon Sole, and my favourite Monkfish will all make an appearance on the menus.

Method - Feather Blade Steaks Season Feather Blades with salt then seal in hot oil in a frying/sautee pan, then put in roasting tray, oven proof container with lid or slow cooker with the Red wine, peppercorns, thyme (or Rosemary) and bay leaves. Make sure steaks are covered by liquid and, if you need to, add some water then cover tightly with tin foil. Cook at 180°C / Gas Mark 5 for 2½ hours or until tender. After 1½ hours add the rustic vegetables and cook for remaining hour.

Take out the feather blades then pass liquid through a sieve, reduce liquid by half and thicken with a touch of flour and feather blade juices, Add some Benromach 10 year Old Whisky (to taste). Pour over the beef and vegetables and serve with Creamy Horseradish Mash. page 18 - September 2010

In the vegetable and fruit corner, as well as our edible flowers and fantastic micro herbs (supplied by Speyfruits of Elgin) there will be some lovely fresh herbs, also some, Kale, Parsnips, Pumpkins, Spinach, Leeks and Butternut Squash just a few fantastic and tasty things that will be at their best!

As always we look forward to welcoming you to Knockomie.

Peter Norrie, Head Chef Knockomie Hotel, Forres 01309 673146

tel: 01309 690063

SpotLight - Nairn and District

Picture by Karen Barclay, Copyright

extraCts from the Draft minutes of the meeting of 21st July 2010 of nairn river Community CounCil

Matters Arising • Bs had followed up on letter received on 01 June from surf scotland’s independent regeneration network. Bs reported that surf was not funded by thC, that glasgow and edinburgh City Councils, hie supported surf and Bs felt it was something that nWCC should pursue, passed to ry.

• ry disappointed that single Community Council was not discussed at Ward forum as this should have taken place before the end of June and was subject brought before Councillor laurie fraser at 15 June nWCC meeting.

• Bs mentioned that nWCC, suburban supported a single Community Council, but that river objected to single CC. Bs and gv expressed concern that discussion had not taken place at Ward forum to find out what the options are, what options be put forward to the public and by what means residents views could be ascertained i.e. whether a referendum should take place. Councillor liz macdonald mentioned that though

aware that discussions between the three community councils regarding a referendum had taken place, the use of the electoral roll for such a purpose would have to be looked into. following guidelines the electoral roll was used only for the purpose of national and local elections. nWCC members were disappointed by lack of response from Provost fraser and William gilfillan of thC regarding arrangements for a meeting with all nairnshire Community Councils to discuss the review of the Community Councils incorporating the question of single community council. nWCC will follow up William gilfillan’s offer to meet the 3 Community councils to explore a way forward.

Common Good gv expressed concern over the stewardship and use of the nairn Common good fund and the need for nairn’s residents to be consulted over significant expenditure. at the June meeting Provost laurie fraser assured nWCC that while consultation on minor maintenance matters such as park benches

was not appropriate, nairn’s Common good funds could only be spent with agreement of nairn’s four elected members. gv responded that he had met mr fergus ewing msP to obtain clarification on who could authorise spending nairn’s Common good fund and for what purposes. fergus ewing had written to alistair Dodds (Chief executive of thC) asking for clarification and the reply is awaited with interest. • Bs was concerned that some of the funds from Common good for sandown would be redeployed into the dualing of the a96 which could be argued as being for the benefit for nairn, but that the policy for Common good gives no safeguards for such expenditure and that it is important to get answers.

Corsee nWCC wrote to thC with set of questions regarding sale of Corsee, nWCC received letter back and will reply further voicing concerns of residents in area, as yet unanswered by thC. thC has intention to build up to eight barrier free houses in the grounds,

“ Parliament Blog ” Parliament’s summer recess is upon us, but – this year especially – the business of Government goes on. While there will still need to be a few visits to London, it is a great relief after some of the most hectic months of my life to be able to spend a bit of time with the whole family back in the Highlands.

Every year since I was first elected, I’ve used this period to hold advice surgeries in many of the smaller communities which I am fortunate to represent.

As well as being a chance to raise the kinds of problems facing individuals that regularly

page 20 - September 2010

come up at my surgeries in Inverness, Nairn and all over the Strath, surgeries in each village hopefully offer people the chance to come and speak to me about more general concerns too – both locally and nationally.

Given the choice between the endless succession of meetings in Whitehall and an August afternoon spent working my way down Loch Ness-side from Dores to Foyers, Whitebridge and Gorthleck, I certainly know which is preferable!

So please do look out for details in the press and come along and see me if you would like to.

Danny Alexan der MP

"So, you are on holiday, then!" he asked, grinning broadly. "No, in recess," I replied.

"That's politician speak for holiday" he claimed, before adding, in a nudge-nudge wink- wink kind of way: "more time to turn the sprinkler on the duck pond house, eh?"... "No, actually the only ducks I have are the collection of yellow plastic ones my two year old daughter plays with in the bath, together with her mini motorised dolphin which swims up and down its length.........

This was at the more sceptical end of the many exchanges I have enjoyed, over the past month, spending recess time visiting local small businesses in Inverness and Nairn. As a Government Minister I

tel: 01309 690063

am out of the constituency a lot so I was keen, as local MSP, to gain an up to date impression of what is on their mind. Whilst I am sure we will not forsake M & S and the Eastgate Shopping Centre, the Old Town of Inverness and the narrow shopping streets of Nairn have a great deal to offer. They are not only underrated but also under visited. As someone who has over the years, regularly used many of the shops there, I would make this plea to Spotlight readers: Give the old shops a try, or another chance, if you have got out of the way of using them. There is a diverse array of goods and services, many specialised, and many of the items that you will simply not see in the UK multiples, efficient though they are. If we don’t use them, we may lose them.

Fergus Ewing MS P

SpotLight - Nairn and District

Picture by Karen Barclay, Copyright

School Dates or 2010/2011 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 17th August 2010 Autumn Term Ends Friday 8th October 2010 Regional Closure Monday 25th October 2010 Winter Term Starts Tuesday 26th October 2010 Winter Term Ends Thursday 23rd December 2010 Spring Term Starts Monday 10th January 2011 Holiday Closure Monday 14th February 2011 Holiday Closure Tuesday 15th February 2011 Regional Closure Wed. 16th February 2011 Regional Closure Thursday 17th February 2011 demolishing the extension to Corsee main house and then once these homes are built with entrance onto victoria street, the main house would be sold. liz macdonald had mentioned that the building would be retained as single dwelling and would go on open market. nWCC main concern was that the character of the area be maintained and that such a substantial victorian mansion not be sold and then left empty as rosebank Church, nairn bus station and the regal have been, that somehow thC could write in a clause preventing this from happening. nWCC to write concerns to William gilfillan Sandown Appeal and Town Centre Development it was thought that the period had now expired for a further Deveron appeal but Deveron still had an option on the land until 2012. Discussion followed as to whether a revised development plan had or had not been issued by thC. Concern was expressed that previous promises by thC that any revision to the development brief would be subject to public consultation had now been dropped. While it was reported that the dropping of the promise was merely an administration error, Bs stated that this was unacceptable. Written confirmation from thC would be sought.

• there was short discussion regarding rest of nairn town development, particularly the regal, which ry felt was now beyond improvement by painting, and SpotLight - Nairn and District

Regional Closure Friday 18th February 2011 Spring Term Ends Friday 8th April 2011 Good Friday Holiday Friday 22nd April 2011 Easter Monday Holiday Mon. 25th April 2011 Summer Term Starts Tuesday 26th April 2011 May Day Holiday Monday 2nd May 2011 Summer Term Ends Friday 1st July 2011 for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive) Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 16th August 2011 Autumn Term Ends Friday 7th October 2011 Regional Closure Monday 24th October 2011

that pressure should be brought to bear on the Co-op to do something. gv questioned whether it was failure to act or inability to act on behalf of the Council.

Cllr lm responded that attempts had been made but as yet no response. ry suggested sign of ‘redevelopment coming’ would be an improvement and that the Co-op was due to state its plans in august. the Council should pursue on health and safety issue, particularly regarding the old bus station which has now become a nesting site for seagulls, with the lettering falling off it would be a matter of time before someone is injured.

Traffic and Transport Issues Jimmy ferguson co-ordinating with other CC’s to put together subcommittee to discuss various traffic/transport issues of concern in area, Jf to report back at next meeting. liz macdonald commented on streetscape improvements to nairn Brae and high street, that the rumble stop at the bottom of the brae looks like a crossing and that planners were looking at this to make safer.

Police Report • nairn Police have seen success with the crackdown on underage drinking (operation roundup). During this operation it was discovered that underage drinking was not the fault of retailers selling to the underage, but that persons over 18 purchased and then resold alcohol to minors. other offences www.spotlighton.co.uk

include traffic violations, speeding, use of mobile phones whilst driving, not using seatbelts and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

• Police are now using bicycles whilst on patrol and these have been well received, they are a visible presence and excellent mobility.

• Police are still encouraging cyclists to bring their bikes in for marking, this helps identify bicycles and more likely to be returned if stolen if marked.

• nairn police are speed monitoring and there has been lobbying to have 30 mph speed limit extended particularly along the Cawdor road, they work closely with landowners to have vegetation that obscures vision where possible removed.

Dogs on Central Beach it was reported by louise Clark (Ward manager) that the Council no longer had powers to prosecute people for taking dogs on Central Beach during the summer months. gv proposed that new signs simply requesting that dog owners use the east and West beaches and leave the Central Beach dog free for families during the summer months. this was thought a good idea and nWCC to write formally to lC with this proposal.

Time, date and place of next meeting next meeting will be in the Community Centre on tuesday 21 september 2010 at 7.30pm.

September 2010 - page 21

Picture by Karen Barclay, Copyright

SCHOOLS Auldearn Primary School ............................(01667) 452118 Cawdor Primary School ..............................(01667) 402460 Millbank Primary School..............................(01667) 452240 Rosebank Primary School ..........................(01667) 454090 Nairn Academy ............................................(01667) 453700 Moray College Nairn Learning ....................(01667) 456759 DOCTORS Nairn Hospital A&E .....................................(01667) 452101 The Lodgehill Clinic ....................................(01667) 452096 Arderseir Medical Practice ..........................(01667) 452278 Nairn Sports Medicine Clinic ......................(01667) 454523 DENTISTS Jones Jones & Behrendt ............................(01667) 453189 RM Donald & Associates ............................(01667) 454603 PHARMACIES Lloyds Pharmacy ........................................(01667) 453100 Boots The Chemist ......................................(01667) 453169

VETS Moray Coast ................................................(01667) 453161 Inshes Veterinary Clinic Inverness ..............(01463) 711777 Police Station ..............................................(01667) 452222 Stagecoach Inverness .................................(01463) 239292 Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01667) 456677 Nairn Museum ............................................(01667) 456791 Dalcross Airport .............................(01667) 464000/462280 Inverness Job Centre ....................(01463) 888100/888200 Highland Council ........................................(01667) 458500 Victim Support ............................................(01463) 710806 Samaritans ..................................................(01463) 713456 Gas - Emergency ............................................(0800 111999 Water - Emergency ........................................08456 008855 British Red Cross Inverness ........................(01463) 231620 Crossroads ..................................................(01667) 455369 National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950 If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers please email these to us on admin@spotlighton.co.uk

Holiday Dates 2010

Holiday Dates 2011

Inverness Holiday Inverness Holiday St Andrews Day Christmas Day * Boxing Day *

New Years Day * 2nd January * Good Friday Early May Bank Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday

Monday 4th October Monday 1st November Monday 30th November Monday 27th December Tuesday 28th December

* substitue day LOW TIDE TIMES FOR NAIRN IN SEPTEMBER Walking on the beach should be possible 2 hours either side of these times AM PM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

W TH F SA SU M T

09.32 10.27 01.19 02.56 03.59 04.57 05.49

22.16

15.22 16.24 17.18 18.06

page 22 - September 2010

8 W 9 TH 10 F 11 SA 12 SU 13 M 14 T 15 W 16 TH 17 F 18 SA 19 SU

AM 06.34 07.16 07.58 08.38 09.20 10.02 10.43 11.30 00.22 02.46 03.52 04.46

PM 18.47 19.26 20.04 20.43 21.23 22.05 22.56 13.29 15.11 16.09 16.57

tel: 01309 690063

20 M 21 T 22 W 23 TH 24 F 25 SA 26 SU 27 M 28 T 29 W 30 TH

Monday 3rd January Tuesday 4th January Friday 22nd April Monday 2nd May Monday 30th May Monday 1st August

AM 05.29 06.03 06.23 06.37 07.01 07.32 08.04 08.35 08.16 08.26 09.03

PM 17.32 17.55 18.09 18.36 19.09 19.43 20.13 20.31 20.29 21.00 21.57

SpotLight - Nairn and District

Picture by Keith J Bissett, Copyright

Advertisers Index Ace Adventure ....................................................................8 Alastair Munro Plumbing & Heating ..................................8 Bakehouse Cafe..................................................................2 Beaver Travel ......................................................................2 Caledonian Kilts ................................................................19 Carrobes IT........................................................................15 Cawdor Castle ......................................Outside Back Cover Dyke Garden Club ............................................................14 East Grange Activity Centre ..............................Front Cover Firefly IT Solutions..............................................Front Cover Gold 375............................................................................17 Golf View Hotel....................................................................9 Gomde Trust......................................................................12 Gordon Scott Chartered Accountant ................................15 JC Chimney Sweep ............................................................8 Knockomie Hotel Ltd ........................................................19 Kylauren Homes..................................................................7 Les Hester Photography ..................................................23 Logie Steading ....................................................................2

Mackenzie & Cruickshank Ltd ..........................................16 McDonald & Munro Ltd ....................................................15 McHardy Pub Co Ltd ..........................................................2 Moray Art Centre ..............................................................10 Moray Coast Veterinary Group ..........................Front Cover Nairn Community & Arts Centre ......................................14 Nairn Leisure ....................................................................19 Parkhead Lodge................................................................15 Pitman Training ................................................................16 Robertson Homes (North) Ltd ............................................5 Smith & Castle Jewellers ..................................................15 The Loft Bistro ..................................................................15 Thistle Roofing ....................................................................8 Tina’s Childminding Service ..............................................8 Unique Beauty ..................................................Front Cover Universal Hall ....................................................................12 Vista Development & Construction ..................................19 Wheelchair Care..................................................................8 Younies Electrical Store ......................................................8

MacMillan Cancer Support Unique Beauty are holding a Celebration of Life Fair at Portree Community Centre, Portree, Isle of Skye on Sunday 26th September 12-4pm. Please come along & enjoy - music, dance, hand made crafts, jewellery, dresses, bags, fudge, chocolate & many other things to make you smile. Have a mini pampering session with local therapists - reiki, massage, reflexology & many other tasters available on the day.

Admission £2 which includes a raffle ticket for approx £1,000 of prizes. Profits to MacMillan Cancer Support & Maggies Highland.

SpotLight - Nairn and District

www.spotlighton.co.uk

September 2010 - page 23