Lochaber Life #326 December 2020

At the heart of your community little Miss Daisy Festive Recipe

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Christmas Thought

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An DĂšbhlachd

Beatha Lochabair

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December 2020 – Issue 326

Christmas Past and Presents Lochaber Life December 2020.indd 1

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 i l n ug , De 12 usi thro d n b h an tha nd ont ber a ry m cha ond e Lo ey ev b f red

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We all need something special right now to make us feel good in body and soul, to lift our spirits and inject some joy back into life.

Ardrhu House has the perfect solution with its ‘Spa La Carte’ approach to wellness.

The luxury spa, beloved by visitors and locals-in the-know, has answered the call with its holistic treatment menu offering an indulgent treat whilst maintaining a safe environment.

The Spa Days are truly à la carte: you buy the time with a therapist and get to choose whatever treatments you desire with plenty expert help and advice available to make the wisest decision.

Personalised gift vouchers are available, making this the perfect gift to share with a loved one.

The emerald steam room, Finish sauna, hydro-jet shower and outdoor jacuzzi overlooking Loch Linnhe await you.

The spa team comprises an Ayurveda practitioner, herbalist, aromatherapist and sound healer who all come together to weave the magic of Ardrhu House for a bespoke spa experience. World-

famous brands including Ila and Temple Spa are part of the range of products used for these exquisite treatments available exclusively in Scotland at Ardrhu House.

Treatment choices vary in length and include a therapeutic range for insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, stress and exhaustion. The massage treatments are popular with male and female customers and a couple’s visit includes some amazing rituals to be shared together side by side in the same treatment room.

A half-day includes either breakfast or afternoon cream tea. The full spa day features both and the à la carte theme continues.

You can add a light lunch or blocks of extra spa time as you desire; it is all about you receiving the finest spa experience. Activities on offer at the hotel can be added.

These include yoga, canoeing and wildswimming.

The full story unfolds when you visit https://www.ardrhuhouse.com/ spa

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Beatha Lochabair

contents

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People throughout Lochaber are making the best of Christmas 2020, especially in this most unusual of years. In this issue, we feature yuletide logs from Lucy, a wonderful children’s book rediscovered after 30 years, a ‘quackingly’ different house guest, gift ideas, a tasty starter to Christmas lunch, community pantos and thoughts of amusing nativity plays.

As the song goes, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ because despite restrictions needed to help battle the Covid pandemic, the festive season and the celebrations will still go ahead in one form or another. To those upset by the prospect of not having full family gatherings this year, a thought - if Christmas restrictions are all you have to mourn then count yourself lucky and give thanks by following them as many others have loved ones missing permanently from their festive table as a result of this virus. Have the best time you can. A healthy Christmas. Nollaig fallain. Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: A sea of Christmas jumpers as part of a charity fundraising project by staff and pupils of Banavie Primary School in 2015.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com

ADVERTISING Nicky Murphy Email: nmurphy@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin Email: kmccubbin@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

Little Miss Daisy

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LAD masks

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Reader’s picture

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Duck Story

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Robins’ progress

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Seasonal recipe

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Christmas Past and Presents

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Arts of Lochaber - Yes We Can!

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Festive messages

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Thought for the Month

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15 years ago

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Lucy’s Logs

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Where in Lochaber?

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Running for Junior Footballers

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Published by Wyvex Media Limited, 22 High Street, Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6AT Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk We hope to publish a wide range of interests and opinions. However, our contributors’ views are not necessarily our own. Material in Lochaber Life must not be reproduced without our written consent or that of the copyright owner. A statement of our terms and conditions for accepting advertisements is available on request. Published by Wyvex Media Ltd.

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LITTLE MISS DAISY GROWS IN POPULARITY Iain Ferguson Thirty one years after penning a story which helped teach her youngest son about the seasons of the year, Anetta Steel from Claggan is sharing it with a world wide audience as the published author of ‘Little Miss Daisy’.

Anetta was a nurse in the Belford Hospital when she had the idea, writing it down on pieces of paper so she could read it to Mark, now 34, a chef in Glasgow, when he was at playgroup and his brother, Keith, 39, who has since emigrated to Canada.

It proved popular with the boys but as they outgrew the story, the pages were put away, then lost over the years.

However a recent tidy out led to their rediscovery, page by page at different locations around the house, until the book was complete.

Husband John, well-known in the town as proprietor of ‘The Hyperhut’, suggested Anetta get it published and after a bit of research, came up with Stockwell Publishers which resulted in the book being illustrated and published.

Before making the final decision to publish, Anetta did her own form of market research, reading it, she said, to ‘the wee boy next door’ to find out if it still appealed to children, 31 year on.

The results were, of course, positive and the proof is now on the pages in the bookshops.

It is available on Amazon, in Waterstones and in The Highland Bookshop, 60 High Street, Fort William.

Originally from Shader on Lewis and a native Gaelic speaker, Anetta is considering a version in her mother tongue and as an exclusive Lochaber Life preview, she has given us a page with the original hand written words, the printed book and Gaidhlig version.

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laD’S FeSTiVe FaCe MaSKS Iain Ferguson Assuming Covid restrictions will still be a feature of the festive season, Lochaber Action on Disability (LAD) is helping to cheer things up with unique seasonally themed face masks.

Handmade to raise money for the charity, the reusable masks come in a range of patterns featuring Christmas trees, reindeer and penguins and can be easily washed to serve right through the season of goodwill. There is is even a slightly larger one

aimed at providing a better fit for male users.

At a cost of just £3.50 each or three for £10, the masks are already proving popular with manager Laura Cheetham having to step up production

on her sewing machine in Santa’s workshop.

Masks can be bought in the LAD Cafe at Caol Shopping Centre or to make sure they are available, order by telephoning 01397 701171.

A Snowy Ben and always a spectacular view from the A830. Photograph: John Paul Peebles.

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EU Settlement Scheme Assistance for EU citizens in Lochaber Lochaber Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has an opportunity to deliver a new project within Lochaber providing advice and practical application support to clients wishing to make an application to remain in the UK post-Brexit by supporting applications for the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you are an EU citizen currently living in Lochaber, we would encourage you to contact us, if at all in doubt about your EU settlement scheme application or if you are unsure if or how to apply.

We can provide information about

Lochaber

how to start your application and help complete the process.

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?

(EUSS) The EU settlement scheme - or EUSS as it is commonly known - was designed to enable EEA citizens to continue to live, work and study in the UK. The EUSS has been open since March 30 2019.

Individuals with either Settled or Pre-Settled Status are eligible for the following - on the same basis as now: •Access to benefits, public funds and pensions •Public services, such as healthcare and education Individuals with Settled Status may also be eligible for British Citizenship if they want to apply

and meet the requirements.

The deadline for applications is June 30 2021 for those resident here by December 31 2020).

It is free to apply to the scheme and the status awarded through the scheme is either Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status.

Those with either Settled or Pre-Settled Status will be able to continue living and working in the UK after June 30 2021.

Lochaber CAB can provide advice, information and practical support with an application to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Please see contact details below and please leave a message if your call isn’t answered straight away.

We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-4pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk

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Iain Ferguson

DUCK STORY

During lockdown, Emma Lauder was thinking about stories of her family and came across a memory of an uncle raising ducks by putting their eggs in with his hens, who then hatched them. She didn’t have hens herself but one of her friends did, so Emma decided to have a go at repeating history.

Fertile duck eggs of many species can be found online and after research into various suppliers, Emma chose a farm which she felt was of a high standard and really cared for their birds. She also put a lot of time into looking at what was suitable, their development and traits before deciding on an Indian Runner Duck.

Unlike the ducks we are used to seeing around ponds and waterways, this duck walks upright, rather like a penguin, and doesn’t waddle. They are quite tall and are either grey or blue grey in colour.

A dozen eggs were ordered

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and arrived but due to further restrictions on meeting, Emma also bought an incubator, rather than having the hens do the brooding. She watched the eggs carefully every day, keeping the temperature and conditions just right, but only one of the 12 hatched.

Four weeks on, Harry the duck - or Harriet, as the only way to tell is if an egg is laid - is an established and amusing member of the household alongside dog Alfie who is very welcoming of his feathery friend and is happy to play and share a walk.

Emma said: ‘It was really

interesting caring for the eggs, keeping them at the right temperature and watching for any sign of hatching. I was very excited when I heard the first taps from inside the egg when Harry started to hatch.

‘I had to go in and out to work, but kept checking on his progress as he gradually broke through the shell. All together it took 24 hours and I was worried he might not make it but resisted the temptation to help as that wouldn’t be the right think to do.’

When Harry emerged he was unable to walk and Emma carefully put him in a soft, cosy blanket before heading out to work, fully expecting to return to a lifeless body. However, when she returned she was delighted to be greeted by an active, bouncy ball of fluff who headed straight for her. Harry was so small though he could swim in his bowl of drinking water.

As his strength grew, he would run up Emma’s arm and snuggle into her neck, taking comfort from being surrounded by her long hair.

Ducks are social creatures and Emma is concerned Harry should not be alone - which is why she originally chose a dozen eggs to hatch - so very soon after Christmas he will be relocating to her friend’s farm where he can join in with other feathered activities, although as one of Emma’s family she will still be dropping in regularly to follow his progress.

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Michael J Kennedy

Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship

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ROBIN’S PROGRESS Iain Ferguson For many of us the Robin (Redbreast) is a Christmas bird which appears on greetings cards, wrapping or even as a fluffy ornament on the festive tree or Yule Log. Those with a garden, however, may notice them hopping about right through the year.

This year, at least around my garden, it seems to have been a particularly good year for Robins, with more babies than ever before making an appearance. Oddly enough, nesting co-incided with the start of lockdown in March, after courting to find the perfect partner began in January.

You may be surprised to know the Robin nests either on or very close to the ground in a hidden, but open fronted location.

According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, they are also noted for nesting in

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unusual locations such as car bonnets, hanging baskets or coat pockets.

Robins have at least two broods, sometimes three, with up to six eggs each time, although their mortality is thought to be around 57 per cent. The eggs are incubated for 13 days and the young hatch naked with the first growth of feathers after about three days.

Around two weeks after hatching, they are ready to fledge and from this point become visible as they venture out. However, they do not emerge as the ‘complete’ little Robins, but are mottled brown, often with juvenile tufts of fluff.

As with many youngsters, for a time they are less wary of the world around them and ‘our’ brood were no different, quickly

learning to join in with the other birds eating in the garden. They even happily hopped onto the feeder mounted on the kitchen window, perhaps learning that from their parents, but instead of flying off at the least movement behind the glass, quite happily sat just inches away pecking at seeds and fat balls allowing us a close up view of their plumage through the transition from fledgling to adult.

What a great experience of such beautiful little birds.

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M&L PAINTERS *A ll types of UPVc work * Exterior Painting * Cladding * Gutterings * Down Pipes * Windows and Eaves * Facias and Soffits Tel 01397 712120 or 0755 311 1093

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• METHOD • 1. Place whole chicken and half of the chopped leeks into large stock pot and cover with cold water.

COCK A LEEKIE SOUP

BY HEAD CHEF ELF SERVES 6

• INGREDIENTS • 3lb whole chicken 10 medium-sized leeks washed thoroughly and chopped into one inch pieces.

3 medium carrots grated

2. Cover with lid and gently simmer for an hour or so or until the chicken flakes off the bone.

3. Remove chicken and remove from bone with a spoon.

4. Strain remaining stock into new pot.

5. Add rice to stock and cook for five minutes.

6. Add chopped carrots and remaining leeks and cook for a further 15 minutes.

7. Check for flavouring and reduce stock further if needed.

8. Season to taste.

9. Add chopped chicken and remaining cooked leeks until chosen consistency.

10. Serve with prune and parsley (optional).

4 ounces long grain rice (washed) Salt and pepper Prunes (optional)

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for Highland ath-chuairtich airson na GÃ idhealtachd

Christmas and New Year Collection Dates

Some refuse and recycling dates may change over the festive period YOUR NORMAL COLLECTION:

Friday 25th December 2020

WILL BE COLLECTED ON: Saturday 26th December 2020

Friday 1st January 20211 Sunday 3rd January 2021 Recycling Centres are closed on 25th, 26th December and 1st & 2nd January.

For more information please visit: www.highland.gov.uk/bincalendars 8 www.highland.gov.uk * recycle@highland.gov.uk ( 01349 886603 LOCHAbEr LIFE

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‘Everything tastes better in Lochaber!’

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, the team behind the Outdoor Capital of the UK campaign and salmon farming leader MOWI are co-sponsoring special promotions over the next few weeks in the Lochaber Times and Lochaber Life – to showcase all that the area has to offer this Christmas time.

The chamber is big on helping its members to sell overseas.

It has even organised a Virtual International Trade Mission to Nova Scotia in Canada but the message here and now is shop local.

‘Never before has shopping locally been so important’ said Mark Gibbings of the chamber, adding: ‘we have everything you need here in Lochaber for

Christmas’.

The Christmas shop is getting closer and shopping in your local Lochaber shops will have your cupboards full and will put big smiles on those faces!

Consider purchasing some of your fresh produce and meats from our local businesses like Lochaber Larder who have a passion for sharing their love of food with everyone they meet.

Have you heard about the new Wild Venison Shop located in a pop-up retail pod opposite the recycling centre in Ben Nevis Industrial Estate? Run by Jahama Highland Estate, it supplies local, sustainable venison from the area.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK extends from sea lochs to summit

and we are lucky to be home to both abundant fresh seafood and the finest wild game charcuterie.

You must try the local smoked salmon, speciality cheeses, and, of course, the whisky, gin or... craft beers we have on offer!

With great options for Christmas shopping, The Granite House has you covered with gift ideas, festive stationary and art supplies for all of the family and friends. There’s locally made skincare from The Highland Soap Co. and a superb variety of bestsellers, local stories and family friendly books from The Highland Bookshop plus fair trade and ethical delights from The Emporium of Worldly Goods. All of these local shops are also online so you can still shop local even if you can’t make it out to the shops.

Sponsored by

SHOP

winter this

Your Lochaber. Your Christmas.

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Iain Ferguson

CHRISTMAS PAST AND PRESENTS

This Christmas may well be different to anything we have experienced before.

What is usually the time of major family gatherings has been reversed by the Covid pandemic with almost everyone deliberately planning separate celebrations in line with health regulations.

One thing that won’t change, however, is the giving of presents and while people in different parts of the country may find they are prevented from physically going to the shops, we in Lochaber will probably find this does not apply.

So why not take full advantage of this and shop local.

Until quite recently people actually only gave and received things that could be bought

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in the immediate vicinity and very rarely did Santa fail to deliver what children wanted.

Adults, too, were well catered for in local shops of the

day and in 2020 the choice certainly equals or is even more diverse than what could be found in Christmas past.

Over the years, many well known local shops and names may have been replaced by new ones, but no matter the distance in time they are still present in the minds of local people, triggering happy memories of festive visits to the Fort William High Street of their childhood.

Subscribers to the Fort William Historical Society Facebook page mentioned a few names such Marion Weir, Marshall & Pearson, MacLeod’s Top Shop, Peter MacLennan, Reids, Co-op Hardware, Kennedy’s, Toymaster - all of which mean something to someone across all ages. They also shared a few thoughts.

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‘I have fond memories of seeing lots of great toys and games upstairs in the Top Shop - John MacLeod’s shop, where Clanjamfrie is now. Also early days of Nevisport where they had a great selection of plastic sledges on display. I guess we wanted simple things and toys that could be used outside.’

‘Marion Weir’s ....small shop with basement but completely crammed with toys and records...best range of toy soldiers.’

‘The Top Shop had toy models of forklifts and diggers and was a great shop.’ a few clues in the quotes, but ‘Toymaster was an amazing bikes and books were always shop, gifts for all ages and all popular, as were toys, from budgets catered for. Fantastic tin-plate to the modern day and helpful staff, always taking plastic. Games, jigsaws, train part in the late night shopping sets, model kits, painting and helping Santa’s elves to outfits, not forgetting the get organised.’ special sweets ‘Remember and selection Marion Weir’s? boxes - all set She knew where I have fond memories of young hearts everything seeing lots of great toys and racing in the was, although colourful games upstairs in the Top it was certainly displays of the Shop - John MacLeod’s shop, crammed. Our day. where Clanjamfrie is now. family had fun Well, as is said, looking round. ‘some things I remember we never change’ got a brightly and all of these are almost as coloured spinning top - shows popular today as they were my age!’ decades ago. Perhaps not ‘Mary and Margaret Gordon’s surprisingly, a visit to the shop was next door to present day High Street and Robertson’s.’ other local shops will reveal a huge choice is still available on ‘Did Cassels have a toy area your doorstep. to the back of the shop or is my memory deceiving me?’

The list has even been added to with a whole spectrum of So what was being bought electronics and computer by parents and children marvels not even dreamt of in on their visit to this festive Pandora’s Box? Well there were the most far reaching science

fiction of past times.

Other than creating future fond memories for the little ones with eyes sparking at shelves full of exciting products amongst colourful Christmas decorations, going ‘down the street’ also means you have the chance for a good look at what is on offer and judge the size, weight, colour and value for money and actually take it home with you.

How often has something been bought which looked good on the monitor but is a bit disappointing when it arrives? This is followed by a frustrating trip to the Post Office to return it.

A walk around the shops also has the benefit of helping truly local businesses survive and prosper, remaining a physical part of the community for years to come. Have a think about your own memories of Christmas past when planning Christmas ‘present’.

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Think community this Christmas Throughout this year’s problems Lochaber has been a shining example of all that’s best in a caring community.

It goes without saying that everyone is supporting their neighbours, older relatives and friends but do not forget that the community as an entity needs us all to unite and help it to keep it healthy during this strange time.

And that includes financial health as well. As the area’s chamber of commerce keeps stressing: shop locally.

We might not have Lochaber’s legendary ‘Mad Friday’ this year when everyone coming home for the Christmas holidays, be it from working away or studying, goes

socially distancing times and has out to celebrate. already been the venue for a craft We can still enjoy all the fair. The newly built Highland incredible drinks brewed and distilled here – think drinking less, Cinema is just a stone’s throw from here and if you haven’t but drinking smarter. experienced it yet – it’s a must.

Although it has been more than Great idea for Christmas Gift three years in the planning vouchers too! Whatever you and financing the new seven are thinking of giving this metre-wide canopy in Christmas, give the gift Fort William’s Cameron of local – food, drink, Square could not entertainment, Remember that this have arrived at clothing, jewellery, year many hotels and a better time. home accessories, restaurants are here to cook A joint venture gifts and toys your Christmas dinner or festive involving the are available in dinners be it socially-distanced abundance from Fort William Town Team and indoors or by offering brilliant businesses the town’s marina takeaway services. on the high street and shoreline Book early! and across Lochaber. company, it is just the thing for these

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www.highlandcinema.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY SINCE 1977

Thank you so much to all our wonderful customers for continuing to support your local independent gift shop

shop online at www.granitehousefortwilliam.co.uk

for delivery or click & collect in store gift vouchers are always a great choice with so much to choose from!

Keep shopping locally

your high street needs you now more than ever!

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ARTSBy Ilona of LOCHABER Munro Lawson

Oh no we can’t! Oh yes we can!

You might know I was one of Eden Court’s Drama Outreach workers. The success of this outreach team - apart from the fact each job was full time, properly paid, well-managed and rooted in community was the ‘can do’ attitude that helped the project become a creative light in the Highlands for 22 years.

Saying ‘yes’ to whatever organisation approached us, we were always up for partnership working. Drama is a great tool to explore, educate

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and entertain. Working with the police and the NHS was a delight. Struggling with school refusers who, erm, didn’t turn up, was an eye opener as was working with biodiversity enthusiasts. I once spent two days portraying the anguish of a persecuted slug.

‘Can do’ led to my busiest December: seven primary Nativities, two high school Christmas shows, one Ballachulish panto and a Partridge in a.. no wait and one Aladdin with the adults from the Angus Centre. I guess I was younger and marginally fitter.

But what does this tell us?

That Christmas isn’t Christmas without a show?

Covid is a time of ‘Can don’t?’

But we ‘can do’. We must do.

We must allow children to take centre stage in their own living room. We must engage

our ingenuity. We must get out and entertain each other.

‘You are full of talent. You have the power to spread joy. Don’t let Covid steal your bravery and sense of fun. Sing a carol at a window, decorate a tree in your village, tell a ghost story online. If you get in touch with me, I will get costume to you and you can be the maker of your own festive tale.

Keep an eye on Facebook where Dramafish shares all the arts information from around Lochaber and the UK.

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DELICIOUS SALMON RECIPE IDEAS FROM MOWI THIS CHRISTMAS Download our free salmon recipe app with great ideas on how to make quick, tasty and healthy meals with fresh and smoked salmon.

Each recipe has easy to follow, step-by-step instructions as well as a shopping list of ingredients.

View high quality images of the finished recipes and galleries of some of the stunning locations in the West Highlands and Islands of Scotland where we raise our salmon.

The app also includes information about our company, Mowi Scotland, our teams and sites as well as

information on what we do.

We grow our salmon in the remote and pristine waters of the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We provide jobs and support fragile rural economies in some of the most remote communities in the country.

Thanks to chef Roy Brett, Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation and Mowi employees worldwide who contributed the recipes.

Find the recipes online at http://app.mrnhrv.st/ or search ‘Mowi Salmon Recipes’ from the app store on your phone or tablet.

Proud to be a part of the Lochaber community

Support Local  Shop Local  Love Local

Wishing every household in Lochaber a wonderful Christmas LOCHAbEr LIFE

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CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM IAN BLACKFORD MP ‘Well, what a year! Perhaps one of the most turbulent and challenging that most people have had to face in their lifetimes. There can be no doubt the health, economic and social crisis that Coronavirus has brought into our lives is testing peoples’ resolve worldwide. But it has also shown us the best in people- the kindness of individuals and organisations to look out for their fellow citizens in a time of need. It is this common cause that links us all together and we should cherish that over the Christmas period. Now, perhaps more

than ever, I want to send my heartfelt thanks to the emergency services for their truly heroic efforts this year. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for showing bravery, hard work and ingenuity in your lifesaving work.

‘I know you may still be feeling uncertain and this festive season may not be quite the same as usual, however, by working together, sticking to the rules and being sensible we can all still enjoy a Happy Christmas and New Year. I wish well to all of you, please have fun, stay safe and take care.’

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM KATE FORBES MSP Christmas, in keeping with the rest of 2020, is different this year. No-one foresaw the colossal impact of coronavirus and it has effectively changed our everyday routines beyond recognition.

For some, Christmas will be a refreshing change from work and school. For others though, it will be a time of sadness and fear, having lost a loved one this year, or because of social isolation, employment or health worries. It has never been more important for each of us to look out for our neighbour, whether that is a colleague, friend or stranger.

I am immensely impressed

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with how local volunteer groups and businesses have risen to that challenge across Lochaber.

More than ever before, our world needs peace in the face of chaos and uncertainty. As we are buffeted by the winds of constitutional change, health worries and economic calamity, there might not appear to be cause for peace.

But Christmas reminds us of the birth of Jesus, who came to give peace – peace with God, peace with each other and peace with ourselves. I hope you know the peace which rises above the troubles of our world this Christmas.

I wish you contentment and purpose this festive period and throughout 2021.

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In Loving Memory of annie DeMPSTeR 1934 - 2020 A much-loved wife to the late Archie, mother to Ian, Anne Marie, Archie and Raymond.

Beloved Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Aunt.

Annie will be sorely missed by everyone in Mallaig and by her extended family in Glasgow. Our hearts broke the day you went away. We will miss you more than words can say.

In Loving Memory of CHRiSTine STeWaRT (nee SinClaiR) 1940 - 2020 A beloved wife to the late Alexander (Alistair) Stewart, a loving mum to Alex, George, Alan, Kevin and Hazel, adored mother-in-law, a wonderful granny and great granny to all her grandchildren, sister, auntie and friend to many. A much-loved Caol lady who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her loving family. Together again with Alistair.

In Loving Memory of eliZaBeTH (BeTTY) laWRie 1926 - 2020 A devoted wife to the late Alistair Lawrie, a much loved mother to Cona, Maureen, Alexander, Barbara and Angela, a wonderful granny, great granny and great great granny to all her grandchildren.

Sadly missed every day by all the family. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

In Loving Memory of neilina Rennie 1935-2020 Nellie was brought up on a croft in South Uist where she later went to train as a butcher and worked as a telephonist at the army base in Balavanich.

The family moved to Fort William in 1974, where she is fondly remembered working in retail, selling clothes and travelling to residential care homes. Nothing was ever a bother and she loved chatting to folk especially in her native tongue.

A loving mother to Kathleen and Alex, an amazing granny to Rebecca, Mhairi, Sorcha, Stephanie, Asha, Dale and Alexander, a very loving GG to Ellis, Charlie, Nicolas and Oliver. Fois shiorraidh thoir dhi a thighearna agus solas nach diobair dearrsadh oirre.

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In Loving Memory of Hughina Ann Stewart 1934 -2020 Bank House, Invergarry.

Beloved wife of the late Duncan Stewart, a much-loved mum, mother-in-law, nana and great grandmother.

Laid to rest at Invergarry Cemetery 29/09/2020. Iain, Douglas, Ewen and their families wish to convey their appreciation to all friends and family for all the comfort and support shown to them in so many ways. Hughina Ann and Duncan, together again.

In Loving Memory of Jane Morrison 1964 - 2019 One year without our beautiful Mum and Granny.

We think about you always, we talk about you still, you have never been forgotten, and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain, to walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again. Love you to the moon and back!

In Loving Memory of William (Billy) Leslie 1941-2020 A devoted husband to Pat, a much loved dad to Helen, Caroline and Derek, a wonderful grandad to all his grandchildren and a well liked and respected friend to many. Billy will be remembered for his long service of 32 years in the Pulp Mill, Corpach. A quiet man who enjoyed his home comforts, his computer and holidays. Sadly missed by all the family. RIP.

In Loving Memory of Ena Clark (Nee MacKinnon) 1930 - 2020 It is with much love we fondly remember our beautiful, kind Mum, Granny ‘Cat’ and Great Granny Ena, who leaves us with unforgettable and precious family memories. Ena was well known in Lochaber, her childhood spent in Muirshearlich and Inverlochy.

She worked ‘on the buses’ as a conductress, first with Macbraynes. She met and married policeman, the late George Clark of Lasswade, in Duncansburgh in 1957. Family years started in Arisaig, with a move to Alma Road and then Drumfada Terrace in the late 1960s and finally Old Blar Cottages. She liked to listen to Scottish music programmes on the radio and loved nothing more than to spend time with her grand and great grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by eveyone who knew her.

In Loving Memory of John Gibb MacMillan 1961 - 2020 Beloved husband of Anne, son of Anna and the late John Stewart MacMillan. Brother of Graeme and the late Lesley. Brother-in-law to Angus, Celia and the late Ronald and Uncle to LeeAnn, Stephanie, Euan, Samantha, Russell and Ross. He will be forever missed by everyone.

In Loving Memory of Mary Black 1957 - 2020 A much-loved mum to Leigh, Chris, Kim and Kaye, a loving granny to all her grandchildren, daughter to Betty, sister to Walter, Isobel and Glen and a friend to many. Loved and missed every day by all her family and friends. RIP x

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New builds or conversions Alterations & extensions Preparation of feu plans Preparation of “as existing drawings�

Building Warrant and planning applications M 07429 489537 E admin@jcarchitecture.co.uk W jcarchitecture.co.uk

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well, so Joseph put her on a donkey and took her to Semichem,’ he solemnly explained.

At least the little ‘Christmas is for the fellow had got the idea children’ I’ve heard people say. that Joseph was loving and This year the reported high acted caringly. Another John, sale of toys seems to confirm one of Jesus’ disciples, would that. When working in schools, have approved. He wrote I loved to watch nativity plays towards the end of his life: ‘If at this time of year. The real anyone boasts ‘I love God’ and message always came through, goes on hating his brother or even if the young ones sister, thinking nothing of it, he sometimes got a bit confused. is a liar…Loving God includes Nursery aged John told his loving people.’ [The Message] Gran he’d heard about Mary This is the real challenge at and Joseph who lived a long this time in 2020 when the time ago, when there were no world is in turmoil - trusting in cars or buses. ‘Mary wasn’t very the God of love who sent his

Son Jesus Christ and sharing His love whatever way we can, with young or old. Another little boy in our modern more sceptical age told his teacher at this season ‘I don’t believe in Jesus’. She replied bluntly: ‘If there was no Jesus there would be no Santa and no presents.’

Scottish Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch has said Christmas isn’t cancelled.

Perhaps as a Christian he shares my hope that this year, everyone, including the children unwrapping those toys, can all concentrate on the real meaning of Christmas.

Happy CHRISTmas.

Jesus’ Christmas Party - A Musical Nativity was the theme of the Glencoe Primary School Christmas show where chickens joined the regular cast of kings, angels, Romans and the Christmas family. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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LUCY’S LOGS AND TIME FOR A CHAT Iain Ferguson plans, could be easily carried The ember of idea on how to for delivery and would be help people unable to leave useful to people who may not home during Coronavirus be able to get out or might be restrictions has turned into a too heavy for blazing success them to carry. for a young Caol teenager who With a little delivers logs on I am really enjoying getting advice, she set her bicycle. around to deliver the logs, up a Facebook page for ‘Lucy’s During the even in the bad weather.

Logs’ and a few period when months on has schools were fulfilled her closed, Lucy was thinking of ways to make some intentions with a regular base of people building up, not only pocket money but also how for logs, but ready to chat. She to get in touch with people who may be isolated and have was also helped by owners of a local bike shop who lent her a a chat to try and make them trailer to carry the logs. feel better. She also wanted things to be Now back at school, as ‘green’ as possible, she delivers on a so planned using her Friday afternoon, bicycle rather than Saturday and asking her parents to Sunday, even during drive her about. the wild weather at the beginning on She then hit on the idea of selling ‘Hotties’ November.

- logs made from She has wood chips travelled as from BSW far as Upper Sawmill Achintore where her with Dad Ollie her Dad works. running These along fitted beside in with her as her ecopart friendly

of his ongoing daily charity challenge - see page 37.

Lucy said: ‘I have been really surprised by the amount of people who have helped support me by ordering logs.

I even have customers who have set up a weekly delivery which is great for them and for me.

‘Using my bike makes it very green and the logs are efficient at producing heat which is better for everyone.

Some people also arrange when I can deliver and wait for me to get there.

‘It’s always nice to stop and have a chat with them too.’

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Feeling the cold in seasonal weather. but where?

LAST mONTH: Lodge House near the entrance to Glencoe Lochan.

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Liz McLure

MSc.,M.Inst.G.A.,MUPCA.,UKCP reg.

PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE LOCHABER AREA o Confidential therapy online Or in private office (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) o Long or short term psychodynamic therapy. o EMDR for trauma focussed work. o Clinical Supervision.

To book an Initial Consultation to find out if Psychotherapy is for you please contact me via: Tel: 07952 206 084 Website: www.liz-mclure-psychotherapy.co.uk E-mail: info@liz-mclure-psychotherapy.co.uk

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366 DAY FUND RAISING FOOTBALL CHALLENGE Iain Ferguson.

Fort William Juniors football coach Ollie Stephen combined his enthusiasm for the team with his regular keep fit and stress relieving runs in a challenge to raise funds for the youngsters.

Rain or shine, hot or cold, Ollie pledged to run at least 5kms a day, every day, for 366 days - 2020 being a Leap year - coupled with push-ups, pullups, sit-ups and crunches to help raise funds to run the club which as a result of geography means costly travelling to compete alongside all the usual expenses which have to be met.

He said: ‘Lots of people give up their time for free to help run the club and train the boys at all levels. The work that goes on running the club and

making sure we are compliant three storms and some serious is massive. As well as that, the leg pain and shin splints and club always faces financial am on track to make 2,600kms challenges with two months being so far to go,’ said Ollie. geographically ‘I haven’t really Lots of people give up their away from the pushed the time for free to help run the donations side other teams club and train the boys at all of things, but we play. Kit for the boys to want to try and levels. The work that goes train and play raise as much on in running the club and in, along with making sure we are compliant as possible as other training it’s an incredibly is massive. equipment and worthy cause. I charges for hire have a Go Fund of pitches such Me page - 2020 as Lochaber High Astro can challenge-for-fort-williamreally add up.’ youth-footballers - but would also happily take any donations Starting at the beginning at the Claggan Park clubhouse.’ of the year, Ollie is now approaching his target of Although he has never 2,400kms, although a few foundered in his challenge, Ollie months ago he had to give has often been joined on his up the ‘extras’ after injuring his runs by son Jack, who also plays wrist, but carried on running for the juniors and daughter without a pause.

Lucy, sometimes cycling alongside him to give words of ‘I’ve run through lockdown, encouragement when needed.

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