Lochaber Life #342 April 2022

A ‘Ghiblean

At the heart of your community easter cakes recipe

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red roofs of Scotland

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thought for the Month

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Beatha Lochabair April 2022 – Issue 342

Anyone for Orienteering? ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 li 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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SPRING FORWARD WITH A SPA DAY AT ARDRHU HOUSE Relax and refresh with a Spa day at Ardrhu House. Experience 45 or 90 minutes worth of luxurious and rejuvenating treatments of your choice before relaxing in our emerald steam room, sauna, and balcony jacuzzi with sea and mountain views. Start your Spring as you mean to go on with pampering and luxury in a spectacular setting.

NEW FINE DINING MENU ON THE BANKS OF LOCH LINNHE Experience our sumptuous and creative new fine dining menu using locally sourced ingredients, in our coorie dining room. Bask by the fireside and warm up your cockles whilst experiencing some of the best of Highland hospitality. Our restaurant is open to resident and non-resident guests, be sure to book in advance and make the most of our Lochaber Resident offers for rooms, dining and spa.

And don't forget we still have our Champagne Afternoon Tea, perhaps enjoyed following a visit to our luxurious Spa or on its own. Why not spoil yourself with a cosy night's stay in one of our immaculately decorated rooms? Dinner Bed & Breakfast offer from £250 for Lochaber Residents.

A STAYCATION BY MOUNTAIN AND SEA Our rooms are individually decorated to a high standard with luxury and comfort in mind. Experience something new this Spring, make it Ardrhu House.

Get in touch to book your room, dining, or spa. Gift vouchers can be purchased on our website. T & C apply. www.ardrhuhouse.com | enjoy@ardrhuhouse.com | 01855 821 210

lOCHABEr liFE

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06 32 Beatha Lochabair

contents

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oUT anD aboUT In aPrIL April showers, but hopefully not too many as sunshine and daffodils are a better combination. Easter eggs and chocolate will definitely be coming our way this month along with other treats associated with this time of the year. Better weather may also encourage you to step out of the house and in this issue many people are offering the chance to enjoy the countryside. While Pawel ran the Great Glen in record time (p32) it is possible just to follow a slower more gentle part of it, while maybe a shot at orienteering, (p37) which can be also be enjoyed at any pace. Why not take a camera and perhaps take an award winning shot for the Red Roofs Photographic competition (p27) or even plan your trip to finish at the vintage cafe (p31). Plenty to be getting on with! happy easter Càisge Shona FronT PaGe PhoToGraPh: CHRIS VIND WHO IS INVITING PEOPLE

TO TRY ORIENTEERING.

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

Skeegan’s Way

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Organ’s first recital

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Reader’s photograph

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Recipe

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Service to Lochaber

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Ewen’s Room

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Rotary Words and Pictures

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Red Roofs competition

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Community Connections

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Great Glen Running Machine

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Thought for the Month

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15 years ago

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Where in Lochaber?

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Go orienteering

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Published by Wyvex Media Limited 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 Limited.

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lOCHABEr liFE

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04/03/2022 15:50:39

SKEEGAN’S WAY

Ken Johnston Since 2014, when the idea of creating a continuous green footpath link from the high density housing around Ross Place and Moray Place through to the Cow Hill Circular Path and ultimately to Glen Nevis and the West Highland Way, was first conceived, the Upper Achintore Regeneration Group (UARG) has been fundraising to achieve this aim.

In February of this year, thanks to funding from HiTrans, Highland Council, Lochaber Rotary and Broadland Energy together with £2,000 worth of path-making materials donated by the Breedon Group at Banavie Quarry, almost all of the footpath is now in place and has been warmly welcomed by the Upper Achintore community.

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The project involved repairing a number of existing old legacy footpaths, mainly built by the former pulp mill workers team in the 1980s, upgrading some trodden trails, together with constructing short lengths of new footpath to complete the 750m long trail connecting onto the Scottish Water track that joins the popular Cow Hill Circular track.

The group also intends to install waymarking signage for both the route itself and for alternative wheelchair access links. The group is indebted to former Highland Council retired chartered civil engineers Bob Spence and Jim Tolmie for giving immense amounts of their time and expertise to this important community project.

The Ross Place housing area comprises mainly four-storey

family housing without gardens and is the highest density housing in Fort William. The path will be hugely beneficial to this community’s resilience, health and welfare to enjoy this direct link into the lower reaches of Cow Hill and onto the popular circular path.

The path project has been named Skeegan’s Way in recognition of the earlier exploratory work undertaken by former local councillor Donald “Skeegan” Cameron who founded the Regeneration Group, invested much of his time and energy in supporting local projects and came up with the idea of joining the network of footpaths together. On being approached by the group, he very reluctantly agreed to the path being named Skeegan’s Way.

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04/03/2022 15:50:40

WE RECYCLE MORE THAN

300 TONS PER YEAR, that’s the equivalent WEIGHT OF 428 POLAR BEARS

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DUnCanSbUrGH orGan INSTALLED 1902

You may have read in the February edition of Lochaber Life about the restoration work on the Fort William Kilmallie (Duncansburgh) Church organ. Work is now well under way and is being followed by present day organist May Macintyre, who also came across this piece from the Oban Times about its first public demonstration in 1902.

“Seldom, if ever, has a Fort William audience been treated to such a delightful recital of music as was given in Duncansburgh Parish Church on the evening of Wednesday last,

by Mr A. Hollins, the blind organist of Free St. George’s, Edinburgh. The occasion was the inauguration of the new pipe organ.

“The Town Council was informed that Mrs Cameron-Lucy does not meantime wish to feu the parade and her intention was to leave it as an open space.”

A very low Loch Garry, despite heavy rain. Picture by reader John Prior

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04/03/2022 15:50:42

Pixel Spirits release Drookit Hoose Gin

Pixel Spirits Distillery & Spirits School, based in North Ballachulish, was established in 2017 and has since won various international and national awards for their premium craft spirits. They have been developing their range of gins for over four years, as well as making rum as part of their Artisan Range of seasonal and limited release products. Their latest release, Drookit Hoose Gin, is made with botanicals found in the local area such as Rowan Berries, Rosehip, Heather and Silver Birch Sap, and is part of their popular Signature Range featuring Devil’s Staircase Gin (named after the well-known local landmark) and Drookit Piper Gin. At the distillery they also run Gin and Rum School experiences where you can create your own

recipe and distil your own gin or rum choosing from a range of over 100 spices and botanicals.

Expert tuition is provided through all the processes by Craig, you will then bottle, label and wax seal your own bottle before taking it home!

Craig Innes, Master Distiller and owner of the distillery, says: “Our aim is to create smooth and delicious spirits with full, vibrant flavours that are not lost in mixers or cocktails.”

Their gin and rum are distilled and bottled at the distillery and created using the finest ingredients, with no sugar or artificial colourings added and, where possible, all fruit is peeled by hand and dehydrated in house. These true Highland spirits, distilled locally in Lochaber by a friendly family run business, are also available from many quality establishments in the area.

LOCHABER LIFE

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CAS CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON BAD BOSSES Citizens Advice Scotland is calling on the UK Government to fasttrack plans for an employment rights watchdog to crackdown on employers who mistreat their workers The charity made the call in a submission to the Scottish Government consultation ‘Becoming a Fair Work Nation’ Cases of poor treatment at work pre-date the Covid-19 crisis and will likely continue after it, but demand for employment advice from the Citizens Advice network grew significantly during the pandemic. Scottish CABs helped people nearly 75,000 times

with employment issues during 2020/21, alongside a 40 per cent increase in demand for online advice around employment issues.

Redundancy advice saw a 237 per cent spike during the middle of the pandemic, from eight per cent of all employment advice in April 2020 to 27 per cent in July 2020. This had stabilised to pre-pandemic levels of seven per cent of all employment advice in August 2021, although the end of furlough led to an increase to 10 per cent of all employment advice in September 2021 In publishing the submission CAS

Lochaber

said: “The pandemic has created huge challenges for employers across all industries – but there’s no excuse to break the law and not recognise the rights working people have.

“Better promotion and awareness of rights at work would make a difference, as would the UK government bringing forward an employment rights watchdog with real teeth to tackle bad bosses.”

If anyone is struggling with an employment issue then the CAB network is here to help. Our advice is always free, impartial and confidential.

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-2pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – adviser@lochabercab.casonline.org.uk

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lOCHABEr liFE

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• INGREDIENTS • 1/2 pound (225g) of flour

EASTER CAKES Easter celebra�ons are steeped in tradi�on, so delving into a real old fashioned recipe book revealed a good old Easter bake. More like a biscuit, they were o�en �ed up with a ribbon in batches of six and given as a present.

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4oz (115g) of butter or margarine 4oz (115g) of sugar 2oz (60g) of currants 2 egg yolks 1 teaspoon brandy (optional)

• METHOD • Cream the butter and sugar together until creamy, beat in the egg yolks, add a touch of brandy (if wanted) and mix well. Gradually work in the flour adding a little milk if needed to smooth it out then mix in the currants. Cover the bowl and let it stand in a cool place for at least an hour before rolling out flat on a flat, floured surface to around 1/4 inch (6mm) thick. Cut out into rounds. Lay them on a greaseproof sheet on a tin and bake in a moderate oven until brown and crisp. When they look just about ready brush over with a beaten egg white and drizzle caster or icing sugar over them before finishing off in the oven. Cool on a wire tray.

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Be a part of the 2022

SCOTTISH FIELD WHISKY AWARDS Be a part of the 2022

Awards Awards

BeFRED a partMACAULAY of the 2022

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HOSTING THIS YEAR’S AWARDS 1 FRED MACAULAY

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LOCHABER LIFE

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HOSTING THIS YEAR’S AWARDS

04/03/2022 15:50:49

In Loving Memory of MaCPHee – roDeriCk 1963 – 2022 (Ballachulish) Suddenly and unexpectedly at work, on Friday 4th February 2022, Roderick MacPhee, aged 58 years, Park Road, Ballachulish, long serving Postman with Royal Mail (Fort William) for over 30 years. A muchloved brother to Kathleen, Ken and Alison and so dearly loved by all in the wider family, a caring neighbour, respected colleague and a friend to so many. Greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of MaCintYre – DoUGlaS 1947 – 2022 (Glencoe/Kinlochleven) Peacefully at home, with his loved ones by his side, on Tuesday 15th February 2022, Douglas MacIntyre, aged 75 years, Lorn Drive, Glencoe. A loving partner to Ann, a much-loved brother-in-law to Helen, a devoted uncle to Rosalyn and Janice, so dearly loved and treasured by Yvonne, Helen and the wider family, a caring neighbour and a good friend to many.

Greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of MaCDonalD – JaMeS 1947 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday 19th February 2022, James Joseph MacDonald (James the Barber), aged 74 years, Alma Road, Fort William, a well-known and respected barber in Fort William (Pier Head) for over 50 years. A devoted husband to Kirsty, a muchloved dad to Eileen and Emma and father-in-law to Richard and David, a wonderful papa to Andrew, Innes and Jamie, a loving brother to Ceila, Rosie and the late Marie and David, a caring uncle, neighbour and friend to so many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of SWeeneY – Marion 1946 – 2022 (Kinlochleven) Sadly, but peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, at Belford Hospital, Fort William, Marion Sweeney (née Farquharson), aged 75 years, Lovat Road, Kinlochleven, retired carer with NHS Care at Home.

A devoted wife to Danny, a loving mum to Sean, Brenda and Kevin, a wonderful granny to Daniel, Kiera, Niamh, Mikayla, Erinn and Logan, a much-loved neighbour, parishioner and friend to many. RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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In Loving Memory of CaMeron – JoHnan 1955 – 2022 (Claggan) Sadly, at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Wednesday 26th January 2022, Johnan Cameron, aged 66 years, Polmona, Claggan, Fort William. A loving mum to Fiona and Lindsay, a wonderful granny to Martha, Elliott and Alfie, a much-loved sister to David, Aly, Stephen, Dorothy and the late Ian and Ronald, a caring neighbour and friend to many.

Greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of boYD – barbara 1958 – 2022 (Fort William) Suddenly at home, on Thursday 3rd February 2022, Barbara Katherine Boyd, aged 63 years, Camanachd Crescent, An Aird, Fort William. A much-loved mum to John-Alex, Ewen, Neil and the late Allan, a wonderful granny to Dougal and Aila, and greatly loved by all in the extended family and her many friends. RIP.

In Loving Memory of MaCinneS – JoHn 1971 – 2022 (Bearsden/Kinlochleven) Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of St. Margaret’s Hospice, Clydebank, John Alexander MacInnes, aged 50 years, Woodvale Avenue, Bearsden (formerly of Kinlochleven), a skilled Overhead Electrical Linesman employed with Balfour Beatty. An adored husband to Suzie, a loving and proud father to Kyle and Cameron, a loving son to Nellie and the late Duncan, a much-loved brother to John Allan, Angus Joseph, Callum, Angus Allan, Joan and Donella, a caring son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew and a good friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of CaMeron – ian 1958 - 2022 (Ardrossan/Lochaline) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday 16th February 2022, Ian MacDonald Cameron, aged 61 years, Rowanside Terrace, Ardrossan (formerly of Kirk Brae, Lochaline), former long serving Seaman with CalMac (Lochaline to Fishnish crossing). A loving husband to Alyson, a much-loved dad to Anne, Gavin and Donald, a wonderful grandad to Owen, Cameron, Rosie and Alyssa, a caring brother to Anne and the late Kenneth and a good friend to many.

Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of MCCloUnnan – MaGGie 1946 – 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully passed away, at Belford Hospital, Fort William on Saturday 12th February 2022, Margaret Mary McClounnan (Maggie), aged 76 years, The Malt Barn, Glenlochy Distillery, Fort William. A muchloved mum to Agnes and Andrew, a loving sister and auntie, a caring neighbour and friend to many.

Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of roGan – JoHn 1937 – 2022 (Lochyside) Peacefully, at home with his family by his side, on Thursday 17th February 2022, John Rogan, aged 84 years, McAlpine Place, Lochyside, Fort William. A devoted husband to the late Liz Rogan, a much-loved dad to Chris, James and Maria, a cherished papa to Neil, a wonderful grandad to all his grandchildren, a caring neighbour and friend.

RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba�lefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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04/03/2022 15:50:51

Mee Dr Smith retires from Craig Nevis practice

Friends and colleagues from several Fort William medical practices joined Dr Alison Smith in The Moorings for a ceremony to mark her retiral as a GP. Dr Smith has been a partner at Craig Nevis for 31

years, serving not only many patients but as a trainer for young doctors spending time in local practices as part of their course before deciding if they should follow a career as a GP.

Rev Richard Baxter takes up new charge in Glasgow

Members of Fort William, Kilmallie and Kilmonivaig congregations gathered for a shared service to bid farewell to one of Lochaber’s most popular clergymen as he leaves to take up a new calling in Glasgow.

Reverend Richard Baxter came to what was then known as Duncansburgh MacIntosh

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John retires after thirty nine years as a firefighter

Church of Scotland in Fort William six years ago from a charge in Fife, quickly settling into his new role with the combined Congregations of Duncansburgh MacIntosh.

Over his time the parishes further united into what is now Fort William Kilmallie Church of Scotland.

After 39 years protecting the community of Lochaber as a retained firefighter, John Campbell has retired from Scottish Fire and Rescue. At a get together in his honour his friends and colleagues praised his skill and knowledge, which many said had made them all better firefighters.

Marty McKenna (left) said: “He gave me my first job as a joiner when I was 16 and went on to help me join the fire service when I was 23. Myself and all the other guys as sad to see him go as we have learnt so much from him over the years, but as the old saying goes don’t be sad it’s over, just be glad it happened”.

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MeeT THe TeAM

Mental wellbeing with ewen’s Room Ewen’s Room mental health charity is piloting an initiative to improve health and wellbeing within Lochaber by training and supporting young volunteers who, in turn, will help people of a similar age in their immediate communities.

This innovative programme is being developed and delivered by a newly-recruited team of five part-time education officers, who will work directly with ‘Wellbeing Champions’ aged between 14-25 years old, with additional part time input from local HighLife Highland Youth Development Officers.

Once recruited and trained these Wellbeing Champions will be based within their ‘communities’ of school, college and workplace, where they will support each other as well as their peers.

The aim is to improve levels of emotional and mental health of individuals and the

wellbeing in these groups as a whole.

Grants from the Highland Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund and from The Highland Council will support the team and ensure that it will continue and to develop the progress made through the pilot programme.

Its success will ensure that the programme will be further rolled out, with WellBeing Champions being placed in schools, colleges and workplaces across Lochaber by the end of 2022. Thereafter, it is expected that the learning and knowledge gained, and processes tested, will be used to introduce, support and expand the model to other areas of Highland.

The Highland Council grant will also help Ewen’s Room to continue its online and face to face community support existing services. These

include EwenMe – befriending for those affected by loneliness or social isolation, with weekly Zoom meetings to encourage wellbeing and mental fitness, alongside craft and themed workshops which invite involvement in shared group activity to improve individual mental fitness and mood.

There will also be a trial of a new employability service, for people who are currently unemployed, and who have experienced difficulties with their mental health. This will run in partnership with local businesses, colleges, and training providers. The aim is to provide a mentorship scheme, giving support from the start of a job search, all the way through to the early stages of new employment.

For more information visit the website: www.ewensroom. com/education/wellbeingchampions-project/

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Low Carbon

and The Scottish Government’s As Lochaber Environmental Group’s (LEG) ‘Low Carbon Lochaber’ project draws to an end this March, we’d like to take a look back over these past two years and say a huge thanks to everyone involved.

The funding for this two-year long piece of work came from the Scottish Government’s ‘Climate Challenge Fund’, an initiative which aimed to encourage carbon reductions in our everyday lives.

LEG’s project focussed on three principle areas, that of local food production and consumption, domestic and commercial energy consumption, and active travel (cycling and walking), building upon the success of previous projects.

Our local food initiative, Food Lochaber, which sought to provide a platform for crofters and producers to sell their goods online and combine efforts to collectively market themselves, has seen 53 cycles since April 2020. The first days of the project coincided with the first national ‘lock-down’, and a period of uncertainty for many of us.

Early panic buying and the subsequent consumer demand shock resulted in empty shelves and shortages in basic provisions. It was with this background that the members of the collective attempted to begin the season early in 2020 to assist.

As movement became restricted Food Lochaber began to make deliveries of food right across the region, without the work done by everyone involved with LEG and the incredible support shown by Food Lochaber’s customers, this service simply wouldn’t have been possible.

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With weekly cycles throughout the growing season and monthly cycles from November to April, Food Lochaber has gone on to bring an incredible array of produce all grown and made right here in Lochaber. Building a loyal customer base, the collective has managed to build upon the local food landscape, showing other rural regions how collective sales and marketing can be used to maximise the reach of micro producers whilst maintaining high standards of provenance, as we work towards a low carbon future and rediscover our local resilience.

The domestic energy side of the project involved working with households on how to make energy savings around the home and to enable long term behaviour change. The development officers made lots of visits to peoples’ houses (when we weren’t in COVID

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on LoChaber

ment’s Climate Challenge Fund

lockdowns), shared equipment and advice.

The active travel project focussed on supporting people to choose to replace short car journeys. This is one of the easiest ways of reducing carbon emissions. With just one month remaining you can still borrow an E Bike from the bike library and start having a try at changing your travel habits. The Low Carbon Lochaber project was also instrumental in setting up the Bike Kitchen - the tool library and maintenance classes will be able to continue but with just one staff member running them, so please bear this in mind if you are trying to make contact or to book a session. If you are one of the community groups that we have worked with in the past please bear in mind that we will have less capacity, so may not be able to deliver as much or at such short notice.

The support of community based groups across Lochaber has helped to make this work rewarding and successful.

We appreciate the input of individuals and communities across the area. It is with real sadness that we see the end of this project and hope that a lot of the good work that has been started by individuals and groups will be able to carry on. We have greatly appreciated the community and network provided by Circular Communities, the CCF network, Home Energy Scotland, SCCAN, Future Communities Highlands and Islands who are all helping to create a comprehensive and inclusive climate action network across communities all over Scotland.

It’s hoped that the work undertaken during the project will continue and that Food Lochaber will continue to develop and grow. So too the legacy of the active travel component will live on via ‘The Bike Kitchen’.

As we attempt to play our small part in tackling the challenges of the climate and ecological emergency, Emma and Stephen would like to say thank you to everyone who made this work possible and we look forward to you continued support.

foodlochaber.org lOCHABEr liFE

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04/03/2022 15:50:55

DYW West Highland – helping you to decide your next step

There are so many career options available to young people these days. And with so many choices it can be a struggle for you to identify your career goals.

You may know what you would like to do once you leave school, but others don’t.

In either case, engagement with employers and better access to work experience while at school could really help you better understand your future in the workplace.

Gaining work experience to build skills, building a picture of options through attending work-related activities and finding contacts to get support and advice from can help when deciding on your future career goals.

At DYW West Highland we bridge the gap between employers and young people at school to enable that better understanding of the future workplace for both parties.

DYW School Coordinators can help you navigate these choices. We aim to introduce pupils to opHere are some of the work-related experiences available to you: • Meaningful work experience opportunities, to get an idea of what a job or a workplace is like, so you can figure out if you’re interested in that kind of career • Job interview scenarios with a panel of local employers.

• Visiting different workplace environments for tours of various industries.

• Employer visits to your school, giving you information about the skills required for their industries and the recruitment options.

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portunities locally and nationally through a varied programme of work-related activities and visits.

We have an excellent track record and reputation as one of the top DYW regional teams. Our School Coordinators work with the school teams, employers and other partner organisations to enable a variety of employer-led events and visits to help students find an opportunity that’s right for them.

This could be a job, an apprenticeship, further or higher education, training programme, or volunteering – providing a positive destination.

We’re here to help you find what’s right for you.

We’ll help you find support if you need it and build the skills and confidence you require to take you further. We welcome feedback from our school community and young people. If you’ve enjoyed an event please let us know. If you haven’t for any reason, it’s good to hear what we can improve on.

If there’s an employment opportunity or industry you would like to find out more about, please email us or contact your school coordinator.

Contact us

All employers within the DYW West Highland region, including Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross, are encouraged to contact us to discuss how we can work together.

T: 01397 705765

E: info@dywwesthighland.org W: www.dywwesthighland.org 15 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6DH

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Mallaig High School

Kinlochleven High School

Mallaig High School is a 3-18 campus which takes pupils from a wide and rural catchment area, including the Small Isles. The campus now includes a hostel for pupils within the catchment area who would not be able to travel daily, and also houses a community swimming pool and NHS respite facility for the elderly in the community.

Recently students enjoyed a trip to the new Advancing Manufacture Centre, part of West Highland College UHI, team building exercises and work related trips to Knoydart.

This small school has big ideas. Working in collaboration with pupils, parents, community and partner organisations to ensure positive and sustainable success for each student, and continuing improvement for the school.

Built in 2008, with a new sports fields on the site of the previous building, the modern Kinlochleven 3-18 campus provides a 21st century learning facility for all ages. The catchment area runs from Duror in the west, to North Ballachulish and south to Glencoe.

Meet Mallaig High School’s Coordinator

Meet Kinlochleven High School’s Coordinator:

“My name is Emma Pearce and I’ve lived in Lochaber for 30 years. Before I worked for Lochaber Chamber of Commerce I was a teacher and worked at Outward Bound Loch Eil for 25 years.

“I enjoy the outdoors. I’m a member of the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team and the ABC local community group.

“One of the great benefits of this role is working with people, creating partnership working and ensuring young people have a wide range of opportunities.

“I’m always delighted to hear from employers, parents/carers, staff and students regarding new ideas and opportunities to increase positive destinations for our young people.”

“Hello, I’m Anne Rebecca Schwarz, I recently joined DYW West Highlands.

“I’m learning how I can support the school and employers by delivering ‘World of Work’ experiences and help students access positive destinations.

“As a qualified Outdoor Instructor I have coached young people to achieve results they didn’t think they could – I’m looking forward to using these skills to encourage young people to obtain their future goals.

“Having lived and worked in the area for several years. My insight into working in the area having travelled here from Europe is what a friendly and flourishing area Lochaber is to live in – not to mention the awesome outdoors experiences you can enjoy here.”

Contact Email: emma.pearce@lochaberchamber.co.uk

Contact Email: annerebecca.schwarz@lochaberchamber.co.uk

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Ardnamurchan High School ​​Kilchuimen Academy Ardnamurchan High school is based on a rural peninsula at Strontian. The high school and Sunart Centre opened its doors in 2002, providing a creative arts and music venue for all the community. The S1 to S6 school is within travelling distance of most of its rural catchment area, however there is a weekly boarding facility for the small number of pupils who live in the catchment area but outside a reasonable distance.

DYW activities this term have included Work Placements, ‘Back to My Routes’ guest speakers programme and mock interviews – all with local employers, including BSW Timber and Mowi.

Ardnamurchan High School is grateful for all the active engagement local employers are providing for our young people.

Ardnamurchan High School’s Coordinatorr

Situated in Fort Augustus, Kilchuimen Academy is our smallest high school in the West Highland region and receives the same DYW activities as our other schools. Pupils have recently enjoyed a tour of Wolfhouse Gym in Fort William learning about sport and leisure careers, a visit to Lochaber Hope to learn about mental health careers and an interactive interview hints and tips session with Robertson Construction.

Meet Kilchuimen Academy’s School Coordinator Our School Coordinator for Kilchuimen Academy is Rebecca Masson who is also a PE teacher at the school.

“Through my role as a teacher I have been involved in DYW for a number of years and I have always enjoyed engaging with young people and businesses – in particular supporting young people finding positive destinations. Therefore, I felt I could bring lots of experience to the position and make a difference to the young people here.

“Creating opportunities to help expand their horizons. Being in a small school in a rural location it’s crucial to provide pupils with a variety of experiences to help find the positive destination that suits them.”

This role has been vacant due to a team member moving on. Currently our Mallaig coordinator, Emma Pearce, is covering the post, helping to ensure the school, it’s students and the local employers continue to receive the service and support the DYW programme can provide. We are in the process of recruiting for this post and hope to be able to announce a new team member very soon.

Contact Email: rebecca.masson@lochaberchamber.co.uk

T: 01397 705765

E: info@dywwesthighland.org W: www.dywwesthighland.org 15 High Street, Fort William, PH33 6DH

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lochaber High School With a school roll exceeding 850 pupils, Lochaber High School in Fort William is the largest high school in the DYW West Highland region. The school stands in spectacular surroundings at the foot of Ben Nevis, recently winning TES Magazine Twitter campaign to be lauded the most scenic school in Scotland.

The school building is spacious and offers a technology-rich environment. A multi-million pound refurbishment and rebuilding programme – ‘Lochaber 21’ – has brought considerable improvements to the campus.

Recent DYW events include virtual construction sector talks by Robertson Construction, a series of subject-linked talks to illustrate the relevance of subjects to professions, and an animal career webinar talk featuring Shondie MacLean from TV show The Highland Vet and the Glasgow University Veterinary School.

Meet lochaber High School’s Coordinator “Hello, I’m Gena MacLean, I grew up in Fort William and after my time at school here I left to study in Aberdeen, then I decided to change course and moved to Glasgow before returning to Lochaber.

“I thoroughly enjoy working with Lochaber High School and local businesses organising talks, work experience placements, mock interviews and anything that brings the employer and young person together. Giving the students the confidence to follow their career path and achieve their future goals.”

Contact Email: gena.maclean@lochaberchamber.co.uk

The Young Person’s Guarantee is a commitment to bring together young people, employers, and partners. It aims to connect every 16 to 24-year-old in Scotland to the wide range of opportunities available such as jobs, apprenticeships, further or higher education, training or volunteering.

Additionally, the Young Person’s Guarantee has launched their ‘opportunity finder’ app, powered by My World of Work. This new feature brings work and learning opportunities together into one easy to use tool. The website also offers young people details on employability support, opportunities and advice in their local areas, information on how to access career advice, money advice and wellbeing support.

For more information and to find your future, visit www.youngpersonsguarantee.scot

Supporting local Businesses Developing the Young Workforce is about highlighting options that are available to young people – ideally from local employers.

By providing opportunities for young people to meet local businesses, DYW creates the win-win scenario of young people being better equipped to make positive career choices that work for them, whilst giving employers a stronger, more able, talent pool to recruit from and facilitating the growth of our local economy.

Why should your company get involved?

We are grateful to the growing number of employers in the West Highlands currently offering work-based learning opportunities.

But there’s always room for more organisations of every size and from all industries or sectors to provide opportunities, showcasing a wide selection of roles to our young people.

Offering employer-led experiences to young people can be anything your company can deliver with the assistance of our School Coordinators. From helping to provide mock interviews, to giving a talk, or work experience or a placement, or something more creative.

Employers are key to making a difference in young people’s lives and choices. By offering support employers are able to create a workforce with the right skills and experience, while placing young people at the heart of what they do.

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ROTARY WRITING AND PHOTO

Fraser Sneddon

Iain Ferguson The Rotary Club of Lochaber has encouraged and rewarded young writing and photographic talent in recent competitions, the winners which will now go on to the district and perhaps national heats.

Open to pupils from seven years old upwards, winner of the writing competition was Sine Grant from Invergarry, a pupil of Lochaber High School, with her essay ‘The Year 2981, This Will Be My Final Entry’.

Fellow Lochaber High School pupil Fraser Sneddon from Ardgour took top place in the Photographic Junior Section with his sunset, with Lexi Duncanof Ardnamurchan High School, junior runner-up with her picture of a sheep eating from a trough. Senior winner and runnerup were also from Ardnamurchan High School – Ellis John MacConnachie, capturing a low level shot of a walker on a country path took first place, while runner-up Cheryl MacIntyre caught a pet cat in full yawn.

Rotary President, Simon Hardiman, said: “We

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always find it so encouraging to see talented young folk coming forward, particularly on this year’s theme of the Environment. We wish Sìne, Fraser and Ellis John well in the next heats and for the future.”

Ellis John MacConnachie

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D PHotoGraPHY aWarDS entry The year 2981, This will be my final had done. I watched as the

what they As the last sun set upon the last day, the people knew as they keeled over and fell, never to rise s, shriek hing wrenc heartcried, ls anima wild last again. ar chemicals running down like miniature I saw the last plants wither and die, acid and nucle very essence. The other people stood rivers into the creases in the stems, poisoning their the charred grey stumps, and felt the at d looke ey Th around the last tree, watching it fall. things keeping them alive. The oxygen tight, uncomfortable press of their suits - the only others from stealing them for their stop to as so tight, on tanks on their backs were bolted own survival. ions had dissolved into the oceans, The rain from the sky was acidic, as the carbon emiss come. The air was intolerably hot, ever would and then risen again. It was the last rain that g flesh. penetrated with a smell like burning, charring, rottin the planet was to destroy the things that of will last the if as The city skylines were crumbling, ship, that had been meant to leave, space had obliterated it. The mechanical marvels, the last had no air, no fuel, no potential. cial minds grinding to a halt, only to The last robots had rusted and broken, their artifi ed, hairless, eyeless, mindless, searching explode seconds after stopping. The last dogs crawl was not to be. The sky heaved and it but life, desperately for more air, more food, more . Cockroaches, the only creatures other thundered as the earth seemed to take its last breath would be gone very soon. and too, than humans to survive, were slowly dying the death of the beloved planet, the n mour The sky rained acid as the universe seemed to bled, and the dry hollows that had crum ngs buildi e Th pain. of cities washing away in rivers crawled forwards, consuming the e rubbl e Th once been the ocean filled with liquid misery. g. shakin sky loured decaying plants, the ash-co the floor like discarded clothing. Without All the mountains were crumpled, left in heaps on the ground, leaving blemishes and indents a stable atmosphere, meteor after meteor struck s, turning the once lush landscape into a crater left ones wherever they hit. Some of the larger barren, moon like place. ns was invisible under their masks, The hot, hard, grey, unnatural skin of the other huma and protect ourselves from the poisons, s bodie our suits, nets, any way we could find to cover ht here. EVD made our sweat glands cry fumes, and unwanted chemicals that we had broug thick gloves. Our yellow, dark eyes under n for mercy. Our cracked grey hands were hidde them. Our hairless, rough heads were stones could just be seen under the goggles that covered was all our fault. it under the moss of our headwear. And we knew e fell, one by one. All their families and loved As the last oxygen slowly depleted, the last peopl done as they ran out of breathable air. The had they what knew ones were long gone, and they people all knew. the last plants in a dead decaying pile, As I, with the last oxygen, saw the last creatures and environment when we had a chance’ and the saved d we’ and my last two thoughts were ‘I wish ‘The human race finally got what they deserved’.

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Fred. Olsen Renewables

Culachy Wind Farm - Public Exhibition Fred. Olsen Renewables is proposing to develop Culachy Wind Farm, located on the Culachy Estate, south of Fort Augustus.

As part of our ongoing community engagement, we are inviting local residents and interested parties to attend our forthcoming exhibitions where they will be able to view our plans, learn more about what we are proposing, have their questions answered and submit their views.

If you are unable to attend we would encourage you to: • View the materials online and submit any questions you may have (www.culachywind.co.uk) • Set up a discussion. Text/call 07435 763 900. The team can be on hand to discuss the plans with you, and this includes after 5pm.

• Submit your questions and comments via communities@fredolsen.co.uk • Request additional information on memory stick. Email communities@fredolsen.co.uk or text/call 07435 763 900.

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The events will take place on: Wednesday 20th of April, 11am – 7pm

Glengarry Community Hall, Invergarry, Inverness-shire, PH35 4HE Thursday 21st April, 11am – 7pm

Fort Augustus Village Hall, Church Road, Fort Augustus, PH32 4DG

www.culachywind.co.uk

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HIGHAND CINEMA LAUNCHES

‘Red Roofs of Scotland’ photography competition 2022 Highland Cinema, Fort William is launching an international photography competition in celebration of Scotland’s traditional unique red roofed buildings.

Scotland has a fantastic array of wonderful red roofed buildings, from croft houses in the Highlands to barn roofs in the Shetlands and tenements in the urban landscapes of the Central Belt.

This red roof tradition was incorporated in the iconic design of the Highland Cinema when it was conceived by local entrepreneur and owner, Angus MacDonald. Highland Cinema is a new-build, state-of-the-art independent cinema and café bar, with a striking red roof and locally sourced stone frontage which perfectly complement its historical surroundings in the heart of Fort William, Lochaber.

The ‘Red Roofs of Scotland’ photography competition will mark the second anniversary of its opening. Highland Cinema now invites amateur photographers to submit photographs featuring beautiful, quirky, rustic and interesting red-roof buildings located in any part of Scotland.

Entry is open to amateur photographers of any age, using any camera. Images can be of any building in

Scotland with a predominantly red roof (including Highland Cinema), taken within the last three years.

The submission deadline is 28 August 2022, giving entrants six months to find and photograph their favourite red roofed building in a multitude of weather conditions.

Winners will be announced on 29 September 2022. The competition has a first, second and third prize, and all shortlisted works for display will receive £100. The best 20 will be printed, suitably credited and exhibited prominently inside the Highland Cinema, Fort William, which itself has been recognised in Time Out’s ’50 Best Cinemas’ in the UK, and is a favourite go-to destination in Fort William. First prize is £500, sponsored by The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh; second prize is £300, sponsored by Highland Cinema, and third prize is £200, sponsored by Respiole Studios. Winners may also have a chance to have prints of their work displayed and sold nationally.

There is no entry fee for this competition. Terms and conditions apply and must be read and agreed to take part. Full details of the competition and how to enter can be found at www.highlandcinema.co.uk/ redroofcompetition

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Chlaram Computer Services For all your Laptop/PC repairs and upgrades, wireless/internet setups and custom builds Distance no object - covering all areas from Oban to Mallaig to Fort Augustus.

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New Connec�ons is looking for board members Jo Cowan In February, I finally managed an in-person visit to an exciting initiative that I had only previously been able to see in an online tour. I was delighted to finally step over the threshold of New Connections and meet Lochaber Hope’s Operations Manager, Lara Paulus. Lara spoke passionately about the need for, and potential of, this new community hub, and is inviting people who share this passion to come forward as board members to lead it through the next stage of development.

You have probably already heard about New Connections. Maybe through a mention in Lochaber Life, on Nevis Radio, or by word of mouth. New Connections is a new community space, established in 2021, located at the west end of Fort William’s High Street, to bring people together. A place for people, as the name reveals, to connect – business, organisations and community.

Especially now, connecting and bringing people from the whole community together is of high importance. Our community needs to connect as never before. New Connections provides this open and safe environment to bring all together. It’s a space to bring ideas and plans to fruition.

Until now, Lochaber Hope has been taking the lead on this open space for all and strives for New Connections to become a bigger presence within the community. Therefore, New Connections is looking for board members. Are you business-minded? Know about third sector governance? Or simply know a lot about the Lochaber community and are eager to get involved? Then please

contact us for more information. We welcome you for a chat and a coffee or tea at the New Connections premises.

The vintage café, run by Nimble Fingers, is open every Wednesday and Friday from 11am to 3pm. You can enjoy beautifully presented homebaking and a cuppa in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

In our March into Inspiration month, we have been able to offer a wide variety of events at New Connections and will hopefully have inspired some people to come along and experience its welcoming atmosphere first-hand. For anyone who hasn’t had that opportunity, if you are in the area, please don’t hesitate to come a pay a visit.

For more information, please email lara. paulus@lochaberhope.org.uk, call 07769 158291, or visit New Connections on Facebook.

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PaWel rUnS Great Glen in neW reCorD tiMe Iain Ferguson Just a few months after his record-breaking 24-hour Ben Nevis challenge, breaking all records by completing seven ascents and descents, action man Pawel Cymbalista from Mallaig has broken another athletic record by running the Great Glen Way in just over 11-and-a-half hours.

Described by his friends as ‘A Running Machine’, Pawel set off from his home at 3.45am being driven to Inverness for the 7am start to his 79-mile run, from Inverness Castle to the Old Fort in Fort William, in as fast a time as possible.

The previous record for the route was set in December 2020, by athlete Daniel RoweLeete in a time of 13 hours 25 minutes and one second, Pawel shaving just under two hours off this to become the new record holder.

Pawel had been quietly preparing for the run for a few weeks, without really letting on to his family why his runs were

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gradually increasing in length until he felt he was ready.

Originally he had intended to set off on the previous day but delayed when the forecast was for heavy rain and string winds – which proved to be right, so certainly a wise move.

While he ran most of the route alone, his brother-in-law Ryan drove the route ahead of him to man food and drink stations at various points. His friend Markus, also met up with him from time to time, running alongside chatting and joking as a diversion from the running.

“I knew about the record and set out to beat it, but that wasn’t the main reason for doing this – I just liked the challenge and, of course, running. It was a great run and I really enjoyed it. I have nothing planned at the moment, but sure I will find another challenge sometime.”

Pawel said: “I don’t think Markus stopped talking all the time he was with me, but didn’t get many answers. He really kept me going when he met up with me on the final stage into Fort William, as just about Lochyside my legs started to feel so heavy and his chat distracted me from this.

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47kg Propane 19kg Propane 13kg Butane 2nd hand caravans and lodges available for off site sale delivery can be arranged anywhere in the UK. Available to view by appointment 5

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us to be careful, and be grateful for “small mercies”.

April would be most welcome without the showers this year, bringing us well deserved spring flowers, and Easter. Lochaber churches are planning to celebrate with Communion Services on Easter Sunday (17th April). In some worship spaces that will be the first time since Covid entered our lives. However caution continues, so less moving around and more of a ‘self service’ plan than a traditional service is anticipated. While young folk may be impulsive, I hope that virus has taught

Personally, we are glad to have been able to visit family again this year.

We are very grateful to have celebrated significant birthdays together. Caution and a flexible approach was built into all plans. With winter weather and Covid regulations in the picture, we did not presume anything. For my generation that is not new. A friend who had terminal cancer prefaced every plan with the phrase ‘if I’m spared’. My parents, though not Latin scholars, were familiar with the phrase Deo Volente, shortened to DV. They sometimes used the English version ‘if God wills’. Traditional

Muslim communities also preface reference to future events with the Arabic version, shaa Allah, and Inshallah.

Simon Peter is recorded in the New Testament as being a bit impulsive and presumptuous, thinking he was brave enough to die with his Master. Just before his own death Jesus told him, “Listen! Satan has been given permission to test all of you...but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you turn back to me you must strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31,32) In our presently precarious world I pray that our faith will not fail and that this Easter we may strengthen one another in testing times worldwide. DV.

One hundred and fifty -plus Primary five children from across Lochaber came together for a celebration of Celtic games with rugby, football and shinty based at the Nevis Centre and nearby An Aird playing field.

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PUTTING LOCHABER ORIENTEERING

BACK ON THE MAP Iain Ferguson

Moves are afoot to put a once popular local sport back on the map, with an invite to join a group of local enthusiasts in a come-andtry-day.

Orienteering involves setting off from a start point with a map and special compass to follow directions along a set route to various waypoints where the participant checks in to record their arrival before setting off to find the next one on the map.

Various types of route can be set depending on the skill of participants from what would be considered relatively short walks to more complex trails and timed courses where speed and accuracy are the aim. All usually start and end at the same point.

Keen local orienteer Chris Vind said: “It’s not all about running and you certainly don’t have to be an athlete to take part or enjoy it, unless that is what you want to get out of it.

“Many courses can be enjoyed by individuals just walking or indeed as a family event with everyone helping to follow the directions to the check-in points on the route. It can be great fun and a great time out in the open air”.

For more information on Lochaber orienteering contact Chris by email on c.vind@btinternet.com

As with most things these days logging arrival at a check point is done electronically and maps are specially produced to show the routes and reference points with a key which shows how to identify the specific station you are at. They are also waterproof so that they can be used regardless of weather.

At the moment the only routes in Lochaber are around Glencoe Lochan and Kinlochleven, but it is hoped to research, create and print more routes in other locations.

It is planned to hold the trial event on Sunday, April 10th at Glencoe Lochan, starting at noon. No booking is necessary and all are welcome to come along. There is also a smartphone app’ MapRun, for orienteering which vibrates or buzzes to confirm you have reached a control point while you navigate the course.

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An old stone building uncovered by recent tree felling – but where? last month: Fountain at Caol Shopping Square.

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Since 2009, Lochaber Handyperson Service, a subsidiary company of Lochaber Housing Association, has been supporting the people residing in Lochaber to live independently and safely in their own homes. Funded by NHS Highland, the Highland Council and Lochaber Housing Association, the charity provides an invaluable service to older and disabled people who are living in council, housing association and privately rented accommodation, homeowners and crofters.

Our team provide practical and reliable help which improves a person’s quality of life as well as reducing hazards around the home. The range of tasks completed by the Handypersons includes fitting aids to daily living, such as grab rails, the delivery and uplift of community aids and equipment, the fitting, removal and maintenance of Telecare and also domestic tasks such as changing light bulbs and putting up shelving.

Our Handypersons are a highly dedicated and motivated team who deliver a caring and professional service. All our Handyperson staff have been vetted by Disclosure

Handyperson was great!

Very friendly and dismantled medical equipment no longer required.

From initial call to response – very quick, very helpful. Thank you

Scotland and will show you an ID badge before entering your property.The Handyperson will arrive at your home in one of our fully-equipped vans ready to undertake your task. Our service is free; therefore, you will not have to pay for the Handyperson’s time or travel expenses.

The Handyperson Service is not a replacement for works which are contained within tenancy agreements nor will they complete larger and specialised jobs which required to be undertaken by a contractor. If you are a homeowner, crofter or living in a privately rented property then we can refer you to our Care & Repair service which provides help, advice and support to enable you to carry out major adaptations,

improvements or repairs to your home.

On average we carry out approximately 4,500 jobs per year and each person who uses our service is given the opportunity to complete a quality questionnaire.

Lochaber Care & Repair is overseen by a management committee and the chairperson, Thomas MacLennan, said: “It never ceases to amaze me the wide range of jobs that the Handypersons Service carries out. From the small improvement that allows someone to safely get about their home, to delivering the vital piece of equipment that means a patient gets home from hospital quicker. They are the unsung heroes, but still a vital part of Lochaber’s Healthcare provision.”

The family are delighted with this service and cannot praise the service enough. Every person who has visited the house has always been friendly, professional and nice. Brilliant service for us in Lochaber.

A very helpful and friendly pair of workers, made sure everything was perfect before leaving.

I would welcome them into our home anytime.

lOCHABEr liFE

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M & L PAINTERS * * * * * * *

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Commercial, Industrial & Domestic

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Mob 0780 335 7221

Tel 01397 703893 Established 1988

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Last year in Lochaber Life we did a round up a what Easter meant and various customs in countries across the world.

Regarded as a time of peace and celebration, this year the thoughts of many are turning to Eastern Europe and more specifically to the people of Ukraine who are facing troubled and uncertain times.

In Ukraine, Easter, other than the Christian Festival to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from his tomb, is also acknowledged as Velykden (The Great Day) which is an ancient festival of Spring, marking the vernal equinox.

It is marked by a day off work.

Like other Christian countries special Easter services are held and there are many family celebrations. Many families join together in sharing a special Easter meal, which includes the Paskha (a type of Easter bread) and an egg painted in red.

This Easter the thoughts of many across the world will be with Ukraine in the hope that Easter

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Easter activ ies

will mark a time of peace for them and other countries.

At home, Covid may still be the deciding factor as to how the usual Easter celebrations take place, with competitions on decorating Easter eggs, making Easter bonnets and depictions of what Easter means. Parents are often invited into the schools for a special service or Easter Parade of what the children have been making.

No matter what obstacles

Covid may put up, chocolate eggs will be an always present feature of Easter for out children, even rolling them to mark the stone be rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. Always popular, especially unwrapping them and devouring the contents of the brightly coloured wrapping.

Have an exciting a fun Easter, with thought for those nearby and far away , who may be having a less than perfect time.

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Easter g dies Iain Ferguson Special occasions in many household involve the consumption of particular foods and it is only natural that you don’t want to leave out pets from the celebrations. However for dogs and cats feeding them certain types of food that may be a treat to you can very harmful or even fatal to them.

With Easter upon us, chocolate will almost certainly feature in quantity, but can be poisonous to our four legged companions.

Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine which can lead to kidney failure in dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate the higher its content (and danger), so specially made pet chocolate is suggested so they can join in without danger.

BUT SOME ARE BAD FOR PETS

Continuing on that theme, artificial sweeteners often used to reduce sugar content in many products can also be life threatening to pets.

One in particular which works by stimulating an insulin release in humans is highlighted by pet charities as being a potential cause of a bad reaction in dogs and cats, which is also linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders.

Even simple things like sharing a fruit cake or fruity cereal can have a pet risk, as both raisins and grapes contain a toxin which may lead to liver and kidney damage. Other readily available households foods for for pets to avoid are Avocados, Onions, Garlic, Chives, Macadamia nuts, all of which contain toxins with the possibility of inducing a variety of very unpleasant and possibly very serious conditions.

It goes without saying that alcohol and medicines, even ‘everyday’ ones such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be harmful to pets.

Cats in particular are at risk from even small quantities of all of these. In what may

seem incredible to most of us it is also recommended that cats are not given saucers of cow’s milk as many are lactose intolerant, leading to stomach upsets. A bowl of fresh water is suggested instead.

While these may sound terrifying, most problems are easily avoided by just be aware of what can cause harm. Many pets, especially some breeds of dog are know for ‘helping themselves’ to whatever happens to come in reach of their noses, so knowing what foods to keep right out of the way can be a help.

Information on what symptoms to look for can be found on line and of course if you are concerned about pets acting strangely or becoming ill, you should immediately contact a local vet.

lOCHABEr liFE

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T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk

K

Trees

Ktrees Ltd offers a professional and comprehensive Arboricultural and tree surgery service With over 10 years experience in the business No job too big or too small Give us a phone for a free quotation Available in Lochaber & surrounding areas 07827 515023

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Worry-free mobility it’s not so well known that Motability is a well known instead of a car you can national charity. Its objective lease a mobility scooter or is to help disabled people powered wheelchair through with their personal mobility. the scheme.

The Motability Scheme Every lease is all-inclusive, enables anyone in receipt which means all of the of a higher or enhanced essentials are included in the rate mobility component price you pay such as: (e.g. the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component • General servicing and of Personal Independence maintenance Payment (PIP) or the Higher • Breakdown recovery Rate Mobility Component of • Tyre replacement Disability Living Allowance (DLA)) to use their mobility • Insurance cover allowance towards leasing a • Battery replacement car, mobility scooter, powered • Weatherproof cover or wheelchair or Wheelchair other optional extra up to Accessible Vehicle. the value of £35.

Most people are aware that The standard lease is over CITYMOB_LOCHABERMAG_halfpage copy.pdf 1 03/03/2022 you can get a car through three years and payments are the Motability Scheme but

simply deducted from your qualifying mobility allowance every four weeks and paid directly to Motability by the Department of Work and Pensions. Prices start from £12.50 per week for a small basic mobility scooter and there are 100s of products available to suit individuals needs. At the end of the agreement you hand back the product and you can choose a brand new one!

To enquire more about the Motability Scheme you can either contact Motability directly on 0300 456 4566 or a local specially trained dealer in your area (City Mobility is the local dealer for the 16:30 Lochaber area).

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LOCHABER LIFE

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