Lochaber Life #334 August 2021

At the heart of your community 13

Island Park revival

22

Travel app launched

31

An Lùnastal

Beatha Lochabair

Vegetables for Christmas

August 2021 – Issue 334

Fight First for local charities Lochaber Life August 2021.indd 1

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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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Ardrhu House

A little bit of magic and a whole lot of luxury The summer has started and there’s no better way to step into it than with a visit to Ardrhu House to delight all your senses and indulge in a culinary feast alongside your spa day or on its own.

In addition to signature spa packages, Ardrhu House now serves an eclectic à la carte lunch and a three-course dinner menu for £39.95 pp.

Each day, limited places are available for dinner for nonresidents in an intimate setting inside or in one of the outdoor dome settings which feel cosy and sheltered from the rain and the ubiquitous midge.

Imagine long afternoons sipping a glass of our signature champagne-based cocktail, Victory, whilst soaking up the views from the garden or from our hot tub overlooking Loch Linnhe, watching the sunset and letting all your worries drift away...that’s just what you have been missing all this time.

And that wonderful champagne cream tea, previously offered only on spa days, is now available for all guests at £22 for one and £40 for two.

Catch up on those cancelled

celebrations and treat yourself and your loved ones to a visit to Ardrhu House.

Gift vouchers are available for dining or the spa, without an expiry date.

‘Summer Spa la Carte’ is a perfect package of services to restore and revive your body and soul. £120 for one and £220 for two, including breakfast or the famous afternoon tea.

The spa offers remain truly à la carte: you buy the time and choose whatever treatments or products you desire with plenty of expert help to make the wisest decision. Treatment time upgrades are available at £20 per extra 30 minutes.

The emerald steam room, Finnish sauna, hydro-jet shower and outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking Loch Linnhe await you, where they use worldfamous brands Ila, Templespa and Paul Mitchell.

Massage choices vary in length and include a therapeutic range.

The massage treatments are popular with male and female customers and a couple’s visit includes treatments in the same room, side-by-side.

For the full story on Ardrhu House’s magic touch, to design your Spa la Carte experience or to have a look at everything we have to offer visit www. ardrhuhouse.com

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06 13 Beatha Lochabair

contents

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DO SOMETHING NEW IN AUGUST I hope you have had a great summer and managed to get some time to relax in the sun. In Lochaber, there are tremendous opportunities for a holiday at home, with so many attractions that people from elsewhere head here to enjoy.

As David Cooper found out and shares with us in his book (page 28) no matter how long you have lived here, there are always new places to discover - it’s just a case of looking. There are also details of a new phone app which gives you information on public travel services at your fingertips (page 31), encouragement to plan ahead for Christmas by getting youngsters involved in the garden now (page 13) and an appeal for information on footballers (page 8). I hope you enjoy it.

Best wishes, gach dea-ghuí Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Lewis Simpson and participants in the First Fight Foundation challenge which raised £4,800 for an autism charity. 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

Music school director retires

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Search for football legends

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Reader’s picture

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Recipe

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Vegetables for children

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Jacobite banknotes

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New life for Island Park

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Tick Time

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Bike trails around Glencoe

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Boxing Day

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Travel by app

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Community Connections

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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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Fight First Foundation

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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 Ltd.

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Shiel BuSeS BUSAICHEAN SEILE

Visit Stunning Glen Nevis and Spectacular Waterfalls

Route No: N42 | 5 July - 11 October 2021 | Monday - Sunday Fort William Bus Station (Stance 7)

09:30

10:30

12:30

13:30 14:30

16:30

Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

09:40

10:40

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13:40 14:40

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Glen Nevis Lower Falls

09:50

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13:50 14:50

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Glen Nevis Lower Falls

10:00

11:00

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14:00 15:00

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Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

10:10

11:10

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14:10 15:10

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Fort William Bus Station

10:20

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This route provides access to:  Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park  Glen Nevis Youth Hostel  Ben Nevis  Ring of Steall & Steall Falls  West Highland Way  Fort William & amenities



Buses on this route are dog friendly

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Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate passengers with bikes

Call 01397 700 700 | www.shielbuses.co.uk LOCHaBER LIFE

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MUSIC SCHOOL RETIRAL Iain Ferguson Well-known throughout the area for his musical talent and enthusiasm for encouraging young people to learn instruments of all kinds, Peter Rose has retired after 16 years as director of Lochaber Music School.

Under his leadership and with a team of highly talented and experienced tutors along with financial support from The Highland Council, the music school now offers individual lessons with an exciting and fulfilling musical curriculum, currently enriching the lives of more than 140 Lochaber children aged from six months to 17 years old.

The organisation was founded in 1987 by eminent cello teacher Audrey Scott when there was no string teaching provided for Lochaber schools and since then its range of instruments and teaching has greatly diversified.

Audrey, Peter’s successor, violinist David Murray, trustees

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and members gave him a suitably tuneful send off at an open air garden party, with gifts of a laburnum tree plus a special bottle of whisky and Highland Pottery.

Audrey Scott, on behalf of the trustees, also presented Peter with a beautiful engraved quaich.

Video of messages and music from Peter’s past students were also played in a moving and sincere tribute to Peter’s inspiring work as director of Lochaber Music School. Peter’s daughter Helena joined Clare Reynolds, David and Sarah Murray in a live performance of quartet music.

Peter is also known internationally for his extremely successful environmental musicals, performed in prestigious concert halls and theatres throughout the world.

Co-written with lyricist Anne Conlon, these have been commissioned by WWF and sung by thousands upon thousands of children from every continent.

Recently, their musical ‘Ocean World’, which highlights the plight of the planet’s oceans, was performed for the G7 First Ladies in the spectacular open air Minack Theatre in Cornwall.

In 2016, Peter was awarded the MBE for services to musical education and conservation nationally and internationally.

His retiral as director means he can devote more time to composing, teaching the piano and performing.

He said: ‘The music school is a unique Lochaber institution and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to direct its course for the last 16 years.

‘In so many ways, the music school has always felt like one big musical family.’

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SHARE YOUR FOOTBALL STORIES Creator of Fort William Football Club’s tartan scarves James Burns has embarked on another project to help football clubs - and he needs your help.

Last year he helped his nephew Jack out with a school project on famous footballers who came from Caol and it was apparent there was a lack of awareness of the local history of the sport.

He had just read Richard Gordon’s ‘Tales from the Dugout’ of the best anecdotes from Scottish football people, which gave him the idea of doing something similar. He would like to hear memories of your footballing experiences in Lochaber. He will collate the stories and hopefully get a book published in the lead up to Christmas. There is not a huge amount of money to be

made from selling books, but all profits will go to Lochaber football clubs. This is more about preserving stories which would otherwise be lost and a tribute to those whose actions inspired the tales. James asks that you date your story do not share it so as not to spoil the enjoyment of reading the book. Initially only tales from pre 2000. Send to fwfctartan@ icloud.com

Caught on camera - a visitor to the garden of Alan Ashworth.

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Citizens Advice worth up to £245m to Scotland The Citizens Advice network is worth up to £245 million to Scottish society, new analysis reveals.

The analysis comes from a new independent report from Europe Economics into the economic value of advice provided during the year 2019/20 and includes analysis that the advice and information provided on the Advice for Scotland website is worth up to £148million. (https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ scotland/) Citizens Advice Bureaux across Scotland unlock millions of pounds for people every year in client financial gain through access to social security payments, employment entitlements and lower bills for utilities.

Lochaber

However, when someone gets advice from a CAB and has their problem solved they avoid further adverse consequences. For example, someone who has their income maximised and no longer has to choose between heating their home and buying food avoids the ill health consequences as a result.

The report considers that wider holistic impact and found the network saves the public purse tens of millions of pounds a year. Such as: • Savings on mental health spending of more than £15million • Physical health savings of up to £7.3 million • Emissions savings equivalent to more than 2,000 homes

• Savings on legal proceedings of more than £11.5 million • Client financial gain was estimated to support approximately 1,616 jobs and £51.14m in wages.

The network itself supported more than 1,400 jobs.

The report is being published a decade on from the publication of the Christie Commission, which called for a prioritising of expenditure on public services to prevent negative outcomes from arising in the first place, as well as greater empowerment of communities. (https://www.cas.org. uk/news/citizens-advice-worth%C2%A3245m-scotland)

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

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OPEN Y O GA FO R H E ALTHY B ACKS NLP, CBT, L IFE C O ACHIN G F O O D I N TO LE RAN CE T E S TIN G H E RBAL M E DICIN E C O UN S E LLIN G O S TE O PATHY P HYS IO THE RAPY M AS S AGE , R E FLE XO LO GY P O DIATRY C ALL: 0 1 3 9 7 7 0 2 2 5 7 E : INFO@ LOCHABERCLINIC. CO. UK W : WWW. LOCHABERCLINIC. CO. UK

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• METHOD •

MINCEMEAT LOAF by chef Cathie Ann Maclachlan An Clachan pop-up cafe

Place all the ingredients, except the almonds, in a bowl and mix well. Turn into baking tin and sprinkle the almonds over the surface.

Bake for approximately one hour and leave to cool in the tin.

• INGREDIENTS • 5oz (140g) soft margarine 5oz (140g) caster sugar 2 eggs 8oz (226g) self-raising flour 3oz (85g) currants 1lb (453g) jar of mincemeat Flaked almonds

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CHILDREN AND VEGETABLES - GROW YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS DINNER

Iain Ferguson Readers will have noticed this month’s delicious recipe is for mincemeat cake. Clearly as it is August, it’s ‘not just for Christmas’.

However, turning to the garden, now is the time to prepare for your Christmas feast by planting seeds which, by the time they have grown, will be ready to grace your plates with Winners of the produce section at Lochaber Rural Education Trust. fresh produce straight out of your garden.

Each packet contains the The study also said that Unlike carefully wrapped and potential for six different plants during Covid many parents and children had forged closer disguised presents, there is no - parsnip, carrot, cabbage, relationships by working need to wonder what they are cauilflower, carrots and sage, with which to make stuffing. together in the garden, so or where they can be bought.

All are ready to be planted might this not provide another Right now, in certain local shops, are packets of Christmas and instructions on the packet opportunity for a happier run show the method and timings. up to the festive season? dinner seeds available at low prices.

A recent study revealed There is no real need for a children are more likely to eat garden, as all of these plants vegetables if they know a bit can be grown in pots, not even about them, such as where requiring that much space. they have come from and how No prior experience is they are grown. needed either as it can be Christmas is, of course, a lot fun researching how to look about children - and possibly after the plants as they grow family discord about not eating and how to maintain the best certain things presented to conditions for them. them!

Just think, your own fresh Perhaps a really early vegetables on Christmas day, Christmas present - you see with happy children proudly where I am going with this presenting and eating their could help nip some of this own, home grown, five-a-day. potentially disruptive attitude Start in August for a Merry in the bud!

Christmas to everyone.

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In Loving Memory of NORMA MCCALLUM 1946 – 2021 (Fort William) Unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Friday June 18 2021, Norma McCallum, aged 74 years, Parade House, Fort William. A devoted wife to Jim, a caring mum to Jim and Tom, a wonderful nana to her grandchildren and a much-loved relative. Former secretary to the educational psychologist and former proprietor at ‘The Neuk’ bed and breakfast, Corpach. A kind lady to everyone she met. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of DAVID MACDONALD 1951 – 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday June 25 2021, David MacDonald, Loch View Estate, Fort William, formerly of Linnhe Road, Fort William, aged 69 years. A devoted husband to Mary Ann, a loving brother, brother-inlaw, uncle, great uncle and a well-respected friend to many. A very kind and generous man who will be greatly missed by all his family and friends but remembered fondly with the everlasting memories he has left behind. RIP.

In Loving Memory of SHEENA MACDOUGALL 1926 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday June 27 2021, Sheena MacDougall, Morrison Crescent, Kinlochleven, aged 95 years. A loving and muchloved mum and mother-in-law, a wonderful gran and great gran to all her grandchildren and a caring relative, neighbour and friend to many. A local lady, native to Kinlochleven, well known and loved for her kindest and generosity. Fondly remembered for her gifts of boxes of chocolates to the many people who visited her.

In Loving Memory of KENNETH (KENNY) DAVIDSON 1967 – 2021 (Fort William/Strontian/ Ardgour/Kingairloch) Sadly, in the exceptional care of Manor Care Home, Nairn, on Friday June 25 2021, Kenneth (Kenny) Davidson, formerly of Kingairloch, North Corran, Ardgour, Strontian & Fort William, passed away, aged 53 years. A loving dad to Holly and Kyle, a much-loved brother to Andy, a wonderful son to the late Bill and Marion Davidson, formerly Kingairloch, a treasured uncle and a friend to many. Sadly missed. Now at peace with his mum and dad.

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 EMILIA IRENA BOROWY 1985 – 2021 (Plantation) Suddenly and unexpectedly at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday June 20 2021, Emilia Irena Borowy, Plantation, Fort William, aged 36 years. A devoted and much-loved wife to Grzegorz, an adored and loving mum to Julia and Urszula, a caring relative, colleague, neighbour and a friend to many. A talented and skilled baker and chef at Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Greatly missed. RIP.

In Loving Memory of JAMES (JIM) JEFFREY 1945 – 2021 (Torlundy) Peacefully at home on Thursday July 1 2021, James (Jim) Davidson Jeffrey, aged 75 years, Thistle Cottage, Torlundy, Fort William. A devoted partner to Morag and very much loved by all the family. Remembered for his time serving as a butcher in Safeway and laterally Morrisons. A gentleman who enjoyed his fishing. May he now rest in peace.

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Enjoy summer in Lochaber...responsibly If you’re staying close • Park responsibly and to home this summer, safely. there’s lots to see and do • Clean up after your dog. in our own back garden • Keep your dog on a one of the most amazing leash around farmland. natural playgrounds in the country. You don’t • Do not disturb natural have to venture far to flora, fauna or animal find a new adventure to habitats.

There’s a new adventure around every corner enjoy with the family or • Follow current covid in the Outdoor Capital of the UK. to share with visitors. guidance.

Throughout the things to help protect, respect Follow the Outdoor pandemic and recovery, we’ve Capital of the UK on been working with VisitScotland and enjoy our landscape and social media or visit www. and other key tourism partners communities: to support tourism businesses • Pick up litter and take it home outdoorcapital.co.uk to help and to encourage people across you discover great summer Scotland to enjoy our outdoors with you. holiday activities and share in a respectful way.

• Avoid crowded areas and the inspiration with others to move on if a location is too explore local, shop local and Whether we live here, or are visiting, we can all do simple enjoy local...responsibly. busy.

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JACOBITE BANK NOTES REBORN Iain Ferguson As Bonnie Prince Charlie and his supporters fled across the Highlands following their defeat at Culloden in April 1746, belongings were scattered, lost or given away. One such lost item, a copper printing plate for producing Jacobite banknotes, was discovered in 1835 close to a ford across the River Spean. It now resides in Fort William’s West Highland Museum.

It is known that the Prince crossed and recrossed that ford in August 1746 and during his flight through the heather, historians can only assume it was lost from his baggage about that time. The plate was made by Orcadian Robert Strange. A printing press had been set up just before the Battle of Culloden, but never produced a banknote.

The plate was forgotten for 90 years until its discovery and was passed into the possession of the family of General Hugh Ross of Glenmoidart, who gifted it to Cluny Macpherson just before the general’s death in 1864. It was then that it first came to wider public notice through an academic article and it is thought a handful of prints were made from it in the 1890s by the Jacobite scholar Walter Biggar Blaikie.

It was acquired by the museum in 1928 at the sale of Cluny’s effects in London, with the Scottish artist D Y Cameron raising funds to purchase the plate. A total of 52 numbered and signed prints were then made, being sold

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for 10/6 each to raise funds for the museum, which had only come into being six years earlier in 1922. No other prints were made in the last century.

Now, 275 years after it was made, the plate has once again served the purpose for which it was made with a further 22 prints of the Jacobite banknotes being produced, this time to mark the centenary of the museum itself.

The first of this numbered series will be sold by public auction at Messers Lyon and Turnbull this month.

Number one will being unique in that it is being framed in beechwood sourced from the famous Beech Avenue at Achnacarry, the seat of Clan Cameron.

As this and the others will undoubtedly be sold for prices well beyond the wallet of the average person, the museum will be organising an online raffle, with tickets a more affordable £10 each. This will bring the opportunity for a larger number of people to have the chance of owning one of these exclusive, limited edition pieces of history, while also helping to raise funds to continue the good work of the museum.

Keep an eye on the West Highland Museum social media pages to get your ticket.

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It begins with the passion and ends with the taste.

As a responsible landowner, JAHAMA Highland Estates is dedicated to delivering the very best Wild Venison for our local communities.

Visit our shop on Ben Nevis Way to choose from our selection of tasty products.

www.jahamahighlandestates.com

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Launch of LEG Power’s £2M share offer to fund community-owned hydro scheme is imminent

View from Beinn a Bheithir

LEG Power Lochaber (LEG Power) will launch a £2m community share offer to build a community-owned micro hydro (544kW) scheme in summer 2021. Members of the public will be invited to apply for shares in LEG Power and can expect to receive a return on their investment through member share interest.

The Abhainn Greadhain hydro scheme in Glenachulish is being led by Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG), a charity that has been serving Lochaber for more than 20 years. The profits from the scheme will be used to fund environmental projects in

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Lochaber. LEG took over the scheme in 2019 after being approached by Local Energy Scotland (LES) with a view to offer the scheme for community ownership. LES offered grant support and a loan which enabled LEG to review the feasibility of the scheme, pay for the package of permissions and complete the

development tasks, including raising the necessary finance.

LEG then established LEG Power Lochaber, a community benefit society, with the purpose to develop and own the hydro scheme.

LEG Power Lochaber is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority as a community benefit society, registration number 8053. The funds raised from the public share offer will be used to build the hydro scheme.

This exciting opportunity gives Lochaber residents and other supporters of renewable energy schemes

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a chance to get involved by becoming a member of LEG Power. Community shares are a practical way of supporting this environmental charity that serves the Lochaber community through sustainable food, active travel and energy-efficiency projects.

The scheme will be 100 per cent owned by LEG Power.

LEG Power will be working in partnership with Energy4All Limited, based in Cumbria, to manage the administration of the share offer. Energy4All is a non-profit distributing social enterprise that supports community ownership of renewable energy in the UK. To date, Energy4All has promoted 30 co-operatively owned projects and raised more than £88 million for community renewable energy projects.

The site for the scheme is on land owned by Forestry and Land Scotland on the Abhainn Greadhain river at Glenachulish in Lochaber.

The environmental impact will be minimal due to a number of existing access tracks for construction vehicles and trees felled will be replaced.

As chairperson of LEG Power Lochaber and Lochaber Environmental Group, Marian Austin has a real passion for renewable energy, is an advocate of sustainability and has a determination to make things happen.

She has previous experience in project managing the construction of a successful hydro scheme at Nevis Range which has now been in operation for five years. Using a burn on a nearby hill, this provides much of the power used on the site, cutting their running costs and feeding ‘green’ energy into the grid for distribution throughout the country.

Marian sees LEG Power Lochaber as an exciting new venture in harnessing some of the area’s natural resources to generate not only electricity, but also money to help finance other LEG environmental projects and provide a good return to investors.

While the benefits of hydro power are becoming ever more evident in a world aiming to become carbon neutral, Marian is well aware careful planning and working with a number of official bodies is required to complete the Glenachulish project.

Preparing To this end, she and fellow members of the LEG board have been planning and preparing to get the project under way for almost two years and with support from Local Energy Scotland preparatory work has already begun by clearing commercial woodland for access and building work.

But like so many ventures, Covid has brought things to a halt at times.

Marian said: ‘Everything is now running about a year behind our original schedule, but all that we have achieved, such as the grid connection and permissions are still in place, as they too have had to allow for the ‘Covid factor’.

‘The community share launch is going ahead with our partners at Energy for All and this is the final key in making the project happen.

‘The minimum share application is likely to be £100 and every share sold brings us closer to our goal.

‘While this project may be based in Glenachulish, it has far reaching benefits for the whole of Lochaber, not to mention the global environment.

‘Every share is an investment for a greener future and will also benefit the investor with a reasonable rate of return. We urge Lochaber residents to sign up for more information on the share offer.’

To register your interest in receiving a copy of the share offer document when the offer launches please visit www.legpower.coop/register.

Further details about the project can also be found on our website.

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ISLAND PARK A VILLAGE GOAL Iain Ferguson The goal of opening up Island Park in Kinlochleven for sports and community events moved a few steps closer, thanks to the fund raising efforts of keen village footballers.

Monday night regulars who play for fitness and fun at the village astroturf sported their team colours in a Celtic v Rangers supporters match - with a Hibs top and a few neutrals thrown in - to help raise money for the restoration of the grass pitch.

Island park on the Glencoe side of Kinlochleven was once a popular and well-used area for a range of outdoor activities including gala days, fairs and different sports. Despite this history, in recent years it has lain largely unused, gradually becoming overgrown and forgotten.

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However, thanks to the efforts of the specially formed ‘The Island Park Community Field’ charity work is well under way to restore it to its former glory as a popular open space and events venue.

One of the charity’s first acquisitions was a sit on mower bought with assistance from Kinlochleven Community Development Fund and The Highland Council Ward Discretionary Fund.

Thanks to the hard work of many volunteers, working over several days, the height of grass has been reduced to manageable proportions with the park already looking usable.

Volunteers also built a shed to house the mower and quotes are being sought from specialist contractors to spike and drain the field to improve

its condition and help water drain away more easily, in readiness for use.

Fundraising is an ongoing part of bringing the field back to life and the recent football match has so far raised £1,169 which will help pay for specialised contractors to carry out this work and hopefully other regular maintenance.

Celtic, who were winners of the fixture by six goals to two, were presented with the Colin MacDougall shield, named in honour of the well-known and highly regarded village man, noted for encouraging children to look after the area.

This was presented by his widow Lesley and members of the family to team captain Michael MacLean.

Man of the match was Celtic team member Lewis

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Moran and the winning bid on the auction for a Celtic strip signed by the squad was made by Scott Dibsdale who picked up the shirt on the night.

Chairman of The Island Parks Community Field Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation and organiser of the match Matthew Prosser said: ‘We had a fantastic response to the match from players and the many people who made donations, so thank you to all of them for their support.

‘Highlife Highland were also a great help by donating the use of the astroturf on the night.

‘Island Park is really coming along and a lot of work is being done by a great team of volunteers to make sure it is going to be in prime condition

for the future. It will be an ongoing process and we are applying for further grants to ensure we can maintain it to a high standard.

Regular ‘It was a great fun, night and the boys really enjoyed playing, so hopefully we can make this a regular annual

event, perhaps even featuring different teams.’

Other fund raising activities around the football match were restricted due to Covid restrictions, but many more are planned in the village, with information on these, as they are planned, available on social media.

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09/07/2021 15:39:48

Iain Ferguson

TICK TIME

If you venture out in the great Lochaber outdoors, or anywhere with low vegetation, be aware ticks may be ready to grab on to you in search of a meal.

A tick is an invertebrate related to spiders. They are particularly prevalent in wetter areas of woodlands, moorlands and long grass and can be present in large numbers even in a relatively small area.

They are all but invisible, young ones being around the size of a poppy seed, and generally sit on top of a plant - such as the tip of fern - waiting for a potential host to brush past. Their bite is painless and once attached tend to remain until they have gorged on blood, gradually getting bigger over a period of days to weeks.

A concern for anyone getting a tick bite is the danger of catching diseases which can be carried by it. While the chances of this happening are relatively small, it does happen

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and vigilance is required to spot the signs and seek medical assistance. Most well known of these illnesses is Lyme disease, which in its extreme form can be debilitating, attacking joints and the nervous system. It can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but effects can persist for up to two years.

GP Jim Douglas has been studying all aspects of ticks, diseases related to their bite, treatment and how to combat these infections - work which has been widely recognised by the medical community.

He said: ‘When the tick bites, it injects a fluid into the wound to keep the blood flowing and this is how the bacteria which cause Lyme disease can enter the host bloodstream. This can only happen if the tick had previously ingested the bacteria from a previous meal of infected blood, so not every tick will carry it.

‘If you do find a tick try to

remove it as soon as you can, but also properly, using a specially designed removal tool so that it comes out cleanly and without damage. This ensures that parts, such as the head, are not left in the skin to cause further problems.’

These tools are easily found in chemists and there are also many videos available online explaining their use and what signs of infections to look for once they have been removed.

Dr Douglas features in several of these productions and are they worth watching.

An easy way to find these is to type Dr Jm Douglas Tick video into an search engine.

Prevention is always better than cure and a simple way to reduce the chance of tick bites is to cover up as much as possible when in the areas likely to provide their ideal living conditions.

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09/07/2021 15:39:49

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09/07/2021 15:39:49

Tel: 01397 722237 / 07966 143155 framed@gilliansloan.co.uk www.gilliansloan.co.uk Corriebeg Cottage, Kinlocheil PH33 7NP

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09/07/2021 15:39:50

M & L PAINTERS * All 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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09/07/2021 15:39:51

ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKING AROUND SOUTH LOCHABER Iain Ferguson We are told electric vehicles (EVs) are the way forward and I must admit having one myself it is a whole new way of driving and going places. Owner of Craft & Things in Glencoe and Lochaber resident for more than 50 years, David Cooper, too, has found his own ‘electric dream’ leading him to a new way of getting around, except his two wheels are on an electric mountain bike.

During Covid, with the business shut down and limited opportunities to go places, he wrote a handy pocket-sized book based on his travels entitled Bike Trails (and walks) in and around Glencoe - a guide to getting out and about by mountain (e)bike (or on foot).

Despite the long title, it is a compact, easy-to-read ‘pocket-sized’ publication.

He lists many of the trails, mostly easily accessible, and illustrates them with his own photographs to show not only the lay of the land, but also some of the spectacular scenery which is a great reward for the trip.

Mainly starting in Glencoe, his routes can be a full day’s travel to as little as an hour. Knowing when to go is the biggest help as he points out potential pitfalls.

Immediately his own experience of the place

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where things can go wrong makes the book a must, pointing out where turns and deviations may not be as crystal clear as the traveller would like.

These do help keep you, quite literally, on the right track, whether the journey be short or long.

Covering approximately 90 pages, the book is split into three main sections: section one, routes directly accessible from Sustrans Cycle Route 78, roughly around Glenachulish, Glens Duror, Salachan and Onich; section two, other routes in South Lochaber accessible without a car - Loch Leven, Pap of Glencoe, Kinlochleven, Callert and section three, routes accessible with a car - to get you to the start point - which covers Glens Crenan and Glenure, Black Corries Estate, Loch Arkaig and Lismore.

These are only a few of the many destinations covered in the book and David makes it clear which are better for more experienced and capable riders and those which are less challenging, even for an electric mountain bike.

A good read and very interesting journeys revealing parts of the country that even the longest established Lochaber dweller may not be aware of. The book is priced £7.99 and is available in Crafts and Things.

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09/07/2021 15:39:52

CELEBRATE BOXING DAY ON AUGUST 27

Iain Ferguson

No, not another reminder of Christmas, but a spotlight on the athletes who train hard, pull on a pair of gloves and step into the ring. They all deserve admiration for taking part in what has been referred to as ‘the loneliest sport’.

AIBA International Boxing Association has proposed August 27 is celebrated as International Boxing Day in recognition of each individuals’ commitment and dedication to the sport. This is the third year in which it has been globally marked, although previously the date was July 22.

The association suggested the new date as it corresponds with a historic milestone in its history, co-inciding with the first AIBA World Boxing Championship, held in Cuba in 1974 between August 17 and August 30.

More than 200 other membership organisations worldwide are members of AIBA, which was formed

in 1946, including Boxing Scotland, with all following a consistent set of rules and standards across the international field.

As members of Boxing Scotland, Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club is also linked to the worldwide ‘family’ of similar groups, so will be acknowledging the August event, depending on where Covid regulations sit, at least on social media. Like most clubs, their activities have been limited of late due to Covid restrictions, but they have carried on encouraging their members, firstly through internet based coaching, then gradually returning to in-

person training, first outdoors and more recently with strictly controlled numbers in the gym as the rules were relaxed.

Unfortunately all of the club’s scheduled home shows had to be cancelled. These are popular and have attracted capacity crowds, with the money raised ensuring the club’s survival for more than a decade.

Another is due to take place in the Nevis Centre this November which, if the Covid pandemic continues to recede, may be allowed to go ahead.

Apart from marking International Boxing Day, it should also see amateur boxers from all over Scotland returning to competition under the auspices of Boxing Scotland.

As the Corpach-based club has had a large number of championship wins in these events since its earliest days, hopefully its success will continue, even with reduced training. Happy Boxing Day!

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09/07/2021 15:39:54

Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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09/07/2021 15:39:56

Immediate transport information on your phone Iain Ferguson The Highlands and Islands are leading the way in Scotland with the launch of a ground-breaking new GO HI app which will make it easier for residents, tourists and business travellers to access the information they need to make greater use of public transport, car sharing and to decide when cycling is an option.

Regional transport partnership HITRANS has developed and launched the app which can provide the answer to questions with a few strokes on a mobile phone. The plan is to help everyone make better use of public transport which, in turn, can lead to less pollution through sharing of resources and less slow moving traffic.

Funded by the EU North Sea Region Stronger Combined project and the Scottish Government’s Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Investment Fund, which aims to deliver the commitment to lowering carbon emissions, improving health through developing digital solutions to encourage and enable active moves to public transport and travel alternatives.

Chairman of HITRANS, Lochaber councillor Allan Henderson, said: ‘This pioneering project provides a one-stop

shop for all travel needs, combining a journey planner with real-time travel information, tickets and payment options, allowing integration of bus, rail, flight, bike, car club, demand responsive transport (DRT), car rental and taxi operators across the Highlands.

encouraging a modal shift from sole occupancy cars to shared cars and public transport alternatives. It will also help to create healthier lifestyles by improving the sustainable travel choices people can make in the region including active travel opportunities.’

‘It is an ambitious region-wide solution that has the potential to make a significant contribution to improve accessibility for residents and visitors. It also addresses the Scottish Government’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions by

It’s as simple as downloading the GO-HI app on your ‘phone to provide instant access to information on buses, trains, taxis, car hire, car clubs, bicycle hire, air travel and ferries. This allows users to plan their journeys and find, book and pay.

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09/07/2021 15:39:56

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Quality self-catering holiday homes across the UK

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09/07/2021 15:39:59

AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF SELF-DIRECTED SUPPORT With Jo Cowan During July and August, organisations, service users, carers and interested members of the public are being encouraged to voice their views on the future of Self-Directed Support in Highland. NHS Highland and Highland Council have launched a Self-directed Support Consultation and are asking us to get involved and help shape the future of social care in Highland.

NHS Highland and the Highland Council are holding a consultation on Self-directed Support (SDS) to ensure our services meet the requirements of those who need them most. The consultation sets out a suggested new vision and approach to providing SDS. It started on July 5 and will run until the end of August this year.

SDS gives people choice and control over the social care and support that they need to ensure they are not only supported in ways that are right for them but that they are also involved in decisions about their support as much as possible. It is recognised across Scotland how important SDS is, but also that it can be challenging to deliver in a way that meets people’s needs.

With this in mind, NHS Highland and the Highland Council,

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supported by their partners, are keen to set out a new approach to providing SDS and want to hear from you as to whether you think the direction they suggest is the right one.

them about the services they receive.’

For those online visit NHS Highland website’s Self-Directed Support (SDS) page.

The vision is for services to be caring and enabling, promoting equality and person centred, meaning that people’s support is planned around their individual needs and what is important to them.

You can access information about the consultation and access the electronic consultation documents, including an ‘easy-read’. You can also give your views by completing the online survey on that page.

Ian Thomson, Head of Service: Quality Assurance, Adult Social Care, said: ‘We understand how important SDS is for many people and hope this consultation will give everyone who currently uses SDS or supports people who use SDS to have their say and tell us what is important to

For those not online, if you would like more information, a paper copy or alternative format of the survey or would like to ask someone to call you back to discuss the consultation email karen.patience.@nhs.scot or leave a message on 01463 704715.

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09/07/2021 15:40:01

Stokes Memorials Serving Argyll, the Highlands & Islands for over 35 Years

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09/07/2021 15:40:02

Hurray, the jacuzzi is back! What luxury to sit in hot bubbles after a bracing swim. Is this a hint of ‘the new normality’? What would the old regulars think about spa rules - limit of six, for ten minutes - being so necessary now? Seven or so gents would squeeze in to discuss important things like football. In June they might have waved a St Andrew’s flag. However, they were gentlemen. If some ladies wanted a turn they got out to make room. As my mother would have put it, many of them ,have gone to their

reward’, and are sadly missed, but have left happy memories.

One day, Hector was a little distracted.

He explained; ‘I am watching out for a friend. He is coming to try swimming, as he can no longer exercise walking on rough tracks.

Ah, there he is.’ More like a three-year-old-year old than 83, Hector jumped out of the spa. He walked, dripping, the length of the pool to welcome his friend and introduced him all round.

Hector would be bemused at the comparison, but his care and enthusiasm for sharing something good that day reminded me of Scotland’s patron saint. John’s gospel

records that Andrew was among the first to hear Jesus teach and reports ‘he went to find his brother Simon, telling him, ‘we’ve found the Messiah’, that is ‘Christ’. He immediately led him to Jesus.’

[The Message].

We don’t read much more about Andrew but he found good news and shared it.

We know a lot about Simon, whom Jesus later called ‘Peter the Rock’.

What a lovely way to be remembered through history, as the person who introduced St Peter to Jesus. I shall affectionately remember Hector and friends as I luxuriate in hot bubbles and St Andrew as I see his cross emblazoned on the saltire.

Young country dancers enjoy learning the steps and moves of the traditional dances. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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a picturesque weir, but where?

Last MONtH: Metal Cross near Old Inverlochy Castle LOCHaBER LIFE

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T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

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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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Fight First Foundation Iain Ferguson ‘Fight First and don’t give up’ is the message to good causes from a recently formed foundation which has already helped several community groups.

Set up by Mixed Marshall Arts follower and fighter Lewis Simpson and Kirsten Smith, Fight First Foundation undertakes a number of activities to raise money and pass it on to organisations who can benefit from it.

As an online commentator and writer, Lewis speaks with and publishes interviews with some of the world’s biggest names in the sport and through this persuades them to part with signed items. These are then auctioned on social media, attracting interest and bids from across the globe.

The foundation has already donated food parcels to Lochaber Food Bank and £700 worth of toys, books, games to Love in a Box Lochaber to help local children.

Most recently, Lewis and fellow MMA followers undertook a challenging series of tasks, live on the internet over 24 hours, showing not only fortitude and dedication but, in several cases, a bit of personal discomfort.

Eating a spoonful of cinnamon powder, a chilli pepper and pouring iced water over themselves were only a few of the activities, all watched online as sponsors cranked up the donations to move them on to the next level - in a good natured way.

At the conclusion, many of the guys were a bit

Angus and Nico also had their hair dyed blonde.

Back row: Scott Kennedy, Lewis Simpson, Angus Anderson, Ronan Cameron. Front row left: Thomas Rae and Martin Ferguson. Missing: Lewis Hervo, Alex Kennedy, Nico Scally, Fraser Gray, Sean Lieder and Lewis Rydings

worn and weary but absolutely delighted that their actions raised £4,840 for Lochaber Autism Group, whose only source of funding is what they can raise themselves.

Lewis said: ‘The majority of the people won’t be familiar with mixed martial arts (MMA) and when they see it, they can think it’s a bit bloody.

‘However, these are actually highly trained athletes with a huge following and I want to show the community what impact these guys can have with the money we raise from their donations, gloves and shorts, which they all give with great generosity.’

The foundation has already made a great impact in helping good causes and Lewis is always in the lookout for new groups to help with future fund raising events.

We hope that by doing this we can make lives easier and encourage them to ‘Fight First’ before any thoughts of giving up.

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09/07/2021 15:40:08

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