Lochaber Life #362 December 2023

An Dùbhlachd

At the heart of your community Caol food cupboard

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UHI student celebrations

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Thoughts for Christmas

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Beatha Lochabair December 2023 – Issue 362

Sharon’s swimming challenge for Cancer Research

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D ANGUS MACDONAL s Here for the Highland

Advert promoted by and on behalf of Angus MacDonald, 123 High St, Fort William, PH33 6DG

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“JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN’T SEE SOMETHING, DOESN’T MEAN IT DOESN’T EXIST.” - THE SANTA CLAUSE, 1994

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Thu 7th Dec, 7:30pm

Tue 12th Dec, 7:15pm

Sunday 31st December, 4pm

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06 12 Beatha Lochabair

contents

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DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS

Here we are in December and the last Lochaber Life of 2023. A question often asked is “will it be a white Christmas?”. Who knows, but take in the seasonal flurry of snow captured by Pauline Selby in our Reader’s Picture on page 8. Speaking of Christmas, a few members of the local clergy each give us a thought on the spirit of Christmas on page 34, giving our usual ‘Lady of the Thought’ Lin Ramsay a well-earned Christmas break. A slight difference this month too with a look back 15 years to several ‘Christmases Past’ on page 35. If you are fed up with the usual Christmas pudding, look no further than the recipe on page 10 by Cameron MacBeth who took part in the most recent TV series of MasterChef: The Professionals. Sportspeople, too, who have featured in Lochaber Life at some point in the year, also send a Christmas photograph just for you...and for those who prefer the New Year, there is a ‘dram’ good snifter for you on page 6.

A Happy Christmas and New Year. Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr. Iain.

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

Sharon Smith of the Cancer Research shop in Fort William has spent many hours in Loch Linnhe raising money for the charity. Photograph Iain Ferguson, Alba.photos

Dram fine Whisky Club

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Footballers for Amsterdam

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Reader’s picture

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Recipe

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Caol Community Food Cupboard

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Braxi Hall gifted to the community 18 UHI celebrations

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Sponsored cycle for Christmas charity

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Cancer Research charity swim

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Community Connections

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Thoughts for Christmas

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15 years ago - Christmas past

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High school health and wellbeing 38 EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com

ADVERTISING Karen Hodgson Email: khodgson@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

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

Where in Lochaber?

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A sporting Christmas to you

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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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Dram fine new whisky club Innes MacKintosh If you enjoy a dram or two and are based in and around Fort William, you may be interested in joining Lochaber Whisky Club.

The club was founded in October by Max Stephen and Innes MacKintosh, two locals who work in the whisky industry and are also keen whisky drinkers.

For £20 a night, attendees get to try six different whiskies, centred around specific themes, regions or flavours. The atmosphere is laid-back and everyone is encouraged to pitch in comments and ideas and suggestions for future whiskies.

“For a lot of people, whisky is a social drink,” said Innes. “Although Max and I may stand up at the front and blether about the distillery history or production details, at the end of the day we see this as primarily being about getting people together for some drams and some craic.”

The club is not being run for profit; all proceeds from each night go back into buying bottles for future tasting nights. Each night’s line-up generally strikes a balance between affordable but less well-known whiskies and

“A lot of people have more exclusive, unusual offerings. mentioned how surprising it is It’s a good way for people to try whiskies they may otherwise not that until now there has been no official whisky club or society know about. in Fort William, despite Lochaber “As we both work in the whisky now having three operating industry, we come across stuff distilleries as well as a rich that may not be on everyone’s history of whisky production radar. Also, over the years. when you “So far, the reception has been have 25 positive and we are excited to people see where it goes. We see these essentially nights as being something clubbing good for the community together through the long Lochaber for a bottle, winter and luckily everyone it makes it involved has also bought into possible for that.” everyone Lochaber Whisky Club is to try planning to meet monthly something they may normally throughout the winter. To stay consider too expensive. in the loop regarding its plans, “Fortunately, we’ve had a lot of search for Lochaber Whisky Club support for the idea, particularly on Facebook or send an email from the team at the Black Isle to innesmackintosh@btinternet.

Bar who have let us use their com or maxstephen@btinternet. upstairs space for our gatherings. com.

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UNDER 12s GOING DUTCH Fort William Football Club’s Under 12 squad hopes to head to Holland next month to take part in the International Winter Cup. Held in Rotterdam, the tournament attracts teams from across the world and competing would be a first for a Lochaber team. Members are currently raising money for the trip.

Coach Dave Forbes said: “We want to open the eyes of our talented players to the world of football, hopefully inspiring them to improve their abilities and provide an experience that will deliver excitement and education.

“If we can hit our funding December 9 but donations can also be made on social media. target, it will allow players from all backgrounds and means to compete and provide life-lasting memories for everyone involved.”

Team members will be bag packing in Morrisons on

You can just feel the cold with this beautiful wintry scene captured by Pauline Selby.

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Worried this winter?

If you are worried about energy bills and the cost of living this winter, the Citizens Advice network is here to help.

Increased living costs and months of unaffordable energy bills means many of us are worried about managing energy payments again this winter, despite the price cap falling. Whether it’s turning off the heating, turning to credit to cover essential livings costs, or cutting back on treats for the children, people are making tough choices.

But the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is here for you with free, impartial, confidential advice.

Get help online Access free support online from our public advice site, including information about grants and benefits to help you pay energy bills.

Lochaber

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ scotland/ Feeling lost about money? Our Money Map tool directs you to online help finding ways to make the most of your money, decrease your bills and help meet the costs of daily living. https:// moneymap.scot/ Find out if you are missing out on making savings on your council tax bills. Our Council Tax tool tells you quickly if you are entitled to a discount, reduction or exemption. https://www. checkmycounciltax.scot/ Specialist services If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the first time, we can help. Our Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat or telephone 0800 023 2581, Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm and can guide you through

the process, whether you are looking for answers to quick questions or stepby-step support to make your claim.

The Money Talk Team at your local Citizens Advice Bureau helps you maximise your income, look at options to reduce costs and offers specialist debt advice.

If you are elderly, have certain health conditions, are pregnant or have young children, you may be eligible for additional support from your electricity supplier.

Check if you are eligible for the Priority Services at https://www. thepsr.co.uk/ You can also call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 for help with your home energy costs this winter or visit https://www.homeenergyscotland.org/

DURING OPENING HOURS 10am-3pm, TELEPHONE 01397 705311 Message can be left EMAIL – Advice@lochabercab.org.uk

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• INGREDIENTS •

APPLE TARTE TATIN HEAD CHEF CAMERON MACBETH OF CORNERSTONE RESTAURANT, MALLAIG

4 Granny Smith apples 1 ready roll puff pastry 50g dark brown sugar 50g salted butter CRÈME ANGLAISE: 250mls whole milk 250mls double cream 1/2 vanilla pod, 5 egg yolks 50g caster sugar

• METHOD • Place the butter and sugar into a round stainless steel frying pan and place on a medium heat until butter and sugar has melted.

Peel and core each apple and cut into wedges.

Carefully place apples in the pan - take your time as the sugar mix will be very hot.

Cut your puff pastry into a circle slightly larger than the shape of your frying pan and place on top of the apples Press the pastry down and using a fork cut out holes in the pastry to let steam out.

Bake at 200°c for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Place a plate on top of your frying pan and carefully flip over to remove the Tarte Tatin from the pan.

Portion and eat straight away or reheat in the oven later.

CRÈME ANGLAISE: Place milk, cream and vanilla in a pot and bring to the boil.

Add the eggs, sugar and vanilla to a bowl and mix together.

Once boiled, slowly add the cream mixture to the egg mixture whilst continuously whisking the eggs to avoid scrambling.

Return the mix to the pot and place on the stove at a low temperature.

Continually mix the crème anglaise mixture with a wooden spoon to avoid it scrambling.

Using a digital thermometer, keep mixing the mixture to 84°C to achieve the perfect crème anglaise consistency.

If you do not have a thermometer, keep mixing until the mixture coats the back of your spoon.

Pass the mixture through a sieve and place in the fridge to cool down.

Place your hot tarte tatin on top of your cold crème anglaise and enjoy.

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MALLAIG’S CAMERON ON MASTERCHEF: THE PROFESSIONALS Mallaig chef Cameron MacBeth and his uniquely Scottish cuisine is now known the world over after his appearance on one of television’s most watched programmes, MasterChef: The Professionals.

Cameron secured a place after applying and attending several interviews with producers, who selected him as one of only 32 onscreen participants.

Well-known for cooking a range of superb dishes in his family’s Cornerstone Restaurant, Cameron was keen to get a place to fulfil a dream and to present Mallaig to a world-wide audience as a dedicated food destination.

He said: “With the quality and range of fresh food available in Mallaig and its surroundings, it should be an attractive destination for food and not just where you get the ferry to Skye or the end of the Harry Potter train line.”

Cameron made it through to the quarter finals of the show, holding his own against stiff competition while still including as much of his home produce as possible, sticking to his aim of promoting his home village.

Venison, seafood, honey and wild

MasterChef: The Professionals continues weekly on BBC One and the series so far is on iPlayer.

garlic was delivered to him as each show was recorded in the London area earlier in the year, all of which went into his ‘competition’ dishes to high praise from the judges.

As with many people meeting well-known celebrities, Cameron said at first he was nervous and in awe of speaking with several of the renowned chefs who would be sampling and passing their verdict on his creations.

However, he quickly settled down and felt at ease with them and his fellow competitors.

“Everyone was genuinely very nice and I made new friends amongst fellow competitors even though we were being judged against each other. We are still in touch.

“While everything may look quiet and calm on the finished programme it was definitely stressful, with cameras in your face and buzzing around all the time, not to mention the judges looking in to see how things were going.

“However, I loved every minute

and the fact everyone got on made it even better.”

“Seeing it on television now, a few months on, really brings back memories and watching it with the family is really great as my son, Connell, who is only two, shouts Dad and is excited about me being on the screen.

It was a great experience for me and it was everything I wanted it to be, meeting lots of new people, making new friends and hopefully turning Mallaig itself into a food destination.”

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COMMUNITY CUPBOARD IS ‘CAOL’ INSIDE Iain Ferguson It may be cold outside, but inside Caol Community Cupboard it is colder still, thanks to a new fridge and freezer which have been installed to increase the range of food on offer.

First set up by the Caol Covid group during lockdown, the cupboard was established in a former ‘Lolliop’ person shed beside Caol shopping square for people who were unable or uncomfortable going to supermarkets during lockdown.

With lockdown over, the Covid volunteer group which ran the service was disbanded and it was taken over by Caol Community Council in association with Caol Regeneration Company to support those having difficulties affording food for themselves or their families.

Looking to the future and the long-term need to supply food, Caol Community Cupboard decided having a freezer section would expand the range and better meet the needs of people using the service.

After researching how best to achieve this, it decided the best option was to leave the cupboard where it was, upgrade it and install a dedicated power supply. R J McLeod, the contractors which built the area’s flood defences, helped with this as part of its

All accompanied children under 16 receive a free Christmas gift from Santa community support scheme. It also built the base and replaced the old wooden building with a new, much larger, metal structure.

Community council secretary Colin Strange said: “The new shed and base was supplied by R J McLeod.

“A fridge and freezer were bought with the additional help of donations from Highland Council and Lochaber community fundraising.”

While the food is supplied free of charge by Tesco, M&S, Co-op and Lidl, collected by volunteers who also stock and maintain the cupboard, the electricity still has to be paid for.

Estimated at around £1,000 a year in electricity bills in addition to other expenses such

as cleaning materials, the group has set up a JustGiving page to help with these running costs.

The food shed is currently open and accessible to everyone from 11am to 4pm on weekdays. This will be monitored and times may change depending on needs.

While the whole community is welcome to use the cupboard, they are asked to only take what they need and can store safely so that others may also benefit from the service.

Any updates can be found on the Caol Community Council Facebook page.

To help keep the Caol Community Cupboard running, visit its JustGiving page at www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ colin-strange-1

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ROBERTSON – MARY 1934 – 2023 (Kinlochleven) Suddenly, but peacefully, in the care of Perth Royal Infirmary, on Monday 2nd October 2023, Mary Sherman Robertson, aged 88 years, Corrie Road, Kinlochleven.

Beloved wife to the late Ian, a loving mum to John and mother-in-law to Michaela, a wonderful gran to Jennifer, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. Forever in our hearts and memories.

JAMIESON – ALEXANDER 1940 – 2023 (Camaghael, formerly Caol) Suddenly, but peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by the love of his family in the care CAU, Belford Hospital, Fort William. A devoted husband to Rene Jamieson, a treasured dad to Alex, Grant and Lisa, a beloved father-in-law to Theresa and Lisa, adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, a much loved brother and uncle and a good friend to many.

Forever loved and missed.

KELDIE – JESSIE CLAIR 1926 – 2023 (Letterfinlay, formerly Corpach) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday 6th October 2023, Jessie Clair Keldie, known as Clair, aged 97 years, formerly of Walter Cameron Way, Corpach, Fort William.

A treasured mum to Margaret and the late Jean, a much loved mother-in-law to Roy, a wonderful grandmother to Caroline, Clair, Kenneth, Georgina, Thomas, Ewan and Hannah and a proud great grandmother to 13 and so dearly loved by all in her extended family. Sadly missed.

CAMERON OF LOCHIEL 1946 – 2023 (Achnacarry) Peacefully at home, on Friday 20th October 2023, Donald Angus Cameron of Lochiel, CVO; aged 77 years. Beloved husband of Cecil, loving father of Catherine, Donald, Lucy and Emily, and adored grandfather of eleven grandchildren. RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS 10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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GRANT – MALCOLM 1958 – 2023 (Ballachulish) Peacefully at home, while out in his beloved garden, on Monday 9th October 2023, Malcolm James Grant (Malcs), aged 65 years, Riverbank, Ballachulish, retired British Alcan employee at the former Kinlochleven Smelter and latterly Lochaber Smelter, Fort William. An adored husband to Shirley, a treasured dad to David and Caryn and father-inlaw to Jenna, a wonderful gramps to Riley, a caring brother-in-law to Caroline and Philip, a much loved relative, neighbour and a very good friend to many.

Malcolm did so much for so many and will be a great loss to the Ballachulish Community. So greatly loved and missed.

STEWART – JEAN 1962 – 2023 (Caol) Peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday 15th October 2023, Jean Stewart (née Sutherland), aged 61 years, Erracht Drive, Caol, Fort William. A loving wife to Alex, a treasured mum to Leeann and Ryan, a wonderful granny to Fergus, Frankie and Harris, a daughter, a caring sister to Irene, Alex and Eilidh, a much loved sister-in-law, auntie and relative and a very good friend to so many. Forever in hearts and memories.

MACDONALD – HELEN 1932 – 2023 (Arisaig) Peacefully, in the loving care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Sunday 29th October 2023, Helen MacDonald, aged 91 years, Clanranald Place, Arisaig.

A devoted wife to the late Allan, a wonderful mum to Bill and the late Elaine, a loving granny to Allana and Karen, a much loved great granny to Annie and Alexander, a caring relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

MACKINNON – DINAH 1925 – 2023 (Inverlochy) Very peacefully, in the comfort of her own home, with her loving family by her side, on Saturday 7th October 2023, Dinah MacKinnon, aged 98 years, Lundy Gardens, Inverlochy, Fort William. A treasured mum to Jimmy, Annie, Dinah, Bobby, Izzy and the late Johnny and Peter, a much loved mother-inlaw, a wonderful granny, great granny and great great granny, a much loved auntie, neighbour and friend. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS 10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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BRAXI HALL GIFTED TO COMMUNITY For many years, Braxi Hall has been at the centre of activities for Inverlochy residents - now even more so as it has passed into their ownership.

Built by former operators of the aluminium smelter as part of the village created to house its workers, it has been gifted by present smelter owners ALVANCE British Aluminium to the Inverlochy Village Hall Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation which takes ownership on behalf of the residents.

Tom Uppington, ALVANCE managing director, said: “The links to the smelter are as old as the village itself and we hope these will continue with its development and vision to build a new hall to provide 21st century facilities for the community.”

Prior to the handover, the

company resurfaced the car park and removed shrubs and trees that were in poor condition. It also covered the legal fees for the land transfer.

A spokesperson for the hall committee said: “This transfer of land from ALVANCE British Aluminium has been a project for the committee for a number of years and we are delighted it has now concluded and that we have been gifted the land in good condition.”

ALVANCE British Aluminium gifted the land, the handover of which was marked at a special ceremony on Monday October 23.

Tom Uppington said ALVANCE was delighted to support the development of the hall by gifting its ownership and was pleased to have funded the additional aesthetic

improvements and legal matters.

“By completing this process, we have enabled the Inverlochy community to fully own the asset and to assist with improving the opportunities for using the Braxi Hall for many years to come,” he said.

“This opportunity builds on the long-term relationship between the Fort William aluminium smelter and the community.”

A spokesperson for the Inverlochy Village Hall Management Committee said: “On behalf of the whole community, we thank Tom and ALVANCE for not only passing the hall over to us but for all they work they did to ensure the transfer went smoothly. “We can now move on to seek funding for further improvements and perhaps even a new, bigger hall on the land”.

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VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

C ALL : 01397 702257 E: INFO @ LOCHABERCLINIC . CO . UK W: WWW . LOCHABERCLINIC . CO . UK

What’s On at The Nevis Centre KICK OFF THE START OF 2024 WITH AN AMAZING NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Get your tickets before they sell out! www.neviscentre.co.uk/whats-on Or call us on 01397 700707

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CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF UHI STUDENTS Iain Ferguson It was a family affair at the UHI West Highland Ceremony of Achievement and Graduation held in the Nevis Centre, with around 350 people in attendance.

Full time students, watched by family and friends, took to the platform in turn to receive their awards from Principal and Chief Executive Lydia Rhomer and UHI Interim Principal and Vice Chancellor Vicki Nairn.

In a detailed and carefully planned operation, every student was seated in the right order to match the

presentation of their award, walking onto the stage when their name was called with a presentation and a quick word of congratulations from Lydia

or Vicki. The ceremony began with an academic procession with the two principals, members of the board of management and other guests being led in to the hall by piper Calum “Wee Cal” MacAskill – previously a student at the college’s music department who was not only receiving his own certificate that day, but also providing a musical break in the proceedings on his tin whistle.

Guest speaker this year was well-known local man Duncan Shearer, originally from Caol, who has had a long career as a top flight professional

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footballer and is now Youth Development Coach with Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club.

Duncan shared with the audience his experiences of being knocked back by several clubs as he tried to forge a career as a professional footballer, but with encouragement from his father, he never gave in, leading eventually to success in the career of his dreams.

He spoke of his early meeting with now Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Aberdeen who told him he just didn’t have what it took.

On returning home, lying dejected and tearful on the couch, his father’s reaction was “well, what does he know about football anyway - you keep trying”.

He heeded this advice and years later, after proving himself as a top pro in a number of clubs, Aberdeen asked him to join their team for a huge transfer fee.

Pointing out the irony of this, he told students: “If only they had recognised my talent when they had the chance they would have saved themselves a lot of money.”

Using his life as an example, he urged students to hold true to their passions and

school early and becoming a young mother, she set her sights on being a paramedic.

She now has four children, is a volunteer firefighter and RNLI crew member and works as a high school classroom assistant.

Having completed an access to nursing course, helping her secure her dream job, she picked up the Student of the Year Award.

Staff, too, had a part in the awards ceremony with Shaun Escott who delivers the Maritime and Aquaculture Skills NQ course and the Shipping and Maritime Operations NC Level 6 in Mallaig and Portree receiving the Highlands and Islands Students Association ‘Above and Beyond’ Staff Award for his lectures and work with students.

While not directly involved, former music graduate Mark Lawrie, who delivers the Construction Skills Course in Fort William, was music student ‘Wee Cal’, not joined in UHI academia by his only graduated, but provided a mother Sharon Lorraine Murphy musical interlude, performing who was the Student of the a song of her own composition Year for HNC Textiles. before picking up the Course Jamie McKeown took the Student of the Year award. stage to receive his certificate Ullapool student Carol Innes and Course Student of the Year also personified Duncan’s earlier trophy and although not a tale of never giving up her recognised award, he received dream. the loudest clapping for his outstanding suit.

Having been in care, leaving keep trying, no matter what obstacles are put in the way and never to give in on their chosen career.

Some students themselves had stories behind their qualifications, with Marylee Steigelmeier travelling to Fort William from the United States to receive her music certificate as she was previously prevented by Covid restrictions.

Emma Forman, like her fellow

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BIKING FOR CHARITY WITH LACEY-ROSE AND MISCHA Iain Ferguson Lacey-Rose MacPhee and Mischa MacSween, both aged 7 and pupils of Bun Sgoil Loch Abar, have raised more than £800 for “Love in a Box Lochaber” by completing a sponsored cycle from Caol to Gairlochy, finishing it at the end of October.

Their journey came about after watching a news report on TV one morning when Lacey-Rose asked her dad Jordan about helping others and what sponsoring was. They had a brief discussion before she toddled off to school… only for her to return after school with £20 confirmed as sponsorship.

She had also formulated a plan that she and her pal Mischa were going to go on a long cycle and raise money for a local charity that helps children.

As her little brother Freddie was only just learning to ride his bike, she had not been out on long cycles so it was definitely going be a challenge for her.

In the ‘masterplan’, snack stops every three minutes were banned on the route until reaching

Gairlochy, about which the girls were very strict even with their parents who accompanied them.

The girls chose ‘Love in a Box’ as the benefactor of their efforts to raise money. It is a local charity run by volunteers who help collect and distribute donated Christmas presents to disadvantaged children in Lochaber.

Any donations to the girls’ first fundraiser would be hugely appreciated.

Jordan said: “I am very proud of Lacey-Rose and Mischa. If anyone can spare a few bob for the girls it would be greatly appreciated. It’s for a very good cause.”

Lacey-Rose and Mischa would like to say ‘Tapadh Leibh’ to everyone who has already donated. There is still time to swell the funds even more on Link: https://gofund.me/da276d99

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Marking 20 years of LOCHABER WOMEN’S AID 2023 holds great significance for Lochaber Women’s Aid as it marks its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this significant milestone, Lochaber Women’s Aid organised a series of events in collaboration with local groups, including cold-water swimming with the Blue Minded Swimmers and Off Beat Bikes and a park run at Nevis Range. Dedicated staff and board members manned an information stand at the Torlundy Agricultural Show to strengthen their outreach and raise awareness of Lochaber Women’s Aid.

Wrapping up this remarkable year, Lochaber Women’s Aid co-hosted a special anniversary lunch with Lochaber Chamber of Commerce - “Supporting Positive Change in Lochaber”.

This featured insightful talks by key figures in the field: Lorraine Revitt, service manager; Myra Ross from Violence Against Women Partnership, and Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive officer of Scottish Women’s Aid. Their words left a lasting impact on all attendees.

As the 20th anniversary celebrations continue, Lochaber

Women’s Aid has initiated a “Memory Book” project. They extend an invitation to women who wish to contribute to this heartwarming initiative.

To be part of this project, please reach out to Lochaber Women’s Aid directly at LWA@ lochaberwomensaid.org.

Here’s to two decades of remarkable progress, resilience and unwavering support by Lochaber Women’s Aid. Their journey is not just a testament to their dedication, but also to the enduring spirit of community and solidarity.

Lochaber Women’s Aid is the only specialist service that offers practical support, advice and information to women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse in Lochaber.

BOARD MEMBERS WANTED

LWA are actively seeking new board members to join our team. Women from all work backgrounds and sections of the community are encouraged to enquire. No prior experience on a board is necessary. We will provide you with induction training as well as support and guidance from existing board members.

If you are interested in overseeing the running of a small local charity and shaping the services, we offer please contact us on 01397 705734 or lwa@lochaberwomensaid.org.

For further information on the work we do across Lochaber, visit our website at https://lochaberwomensaid.org/

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SHARON AND SWIMMERS STAND UP TO CANCER IN MEMORY OF COUSIN Lisa Adams Determined Sharon Smith leapt in to Loch Linnhe on her birthday to raise lifesaving funds for Stand Up To Cancer.

She celebrated with pals from open water swimming group Loch Linnhe Loonies and the Nevis Triathlon Club as part of a month-long challenge to swim outdoors in the Scottish Highlands every day this autumn.

Sharon, manager of the Cancer Research UK shop in Fort William, has raised more than £500 so far in memory of her cousin Laura Barr. The cousins were born within months of each other and grew up together sharing family parties and Christmas celebrations. Sharon was heartbroken when Laura died aged just 51 on March 14 2018 after four years of treatment for a brain tumour.

Now Sharon is backing Stand Up To Cancer, backed by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, which raises funds to take developments from the lab and accelerates them into new tests and treatments. With around 34,600 people in Scotland diagnosed with cancer every year,* the need to make faster advances is clear. Sharon, who turned 56 on October 24, has

also completed the London Marathon for charity. She hopes her story will inspire Scots to unite against the disease by raising money to help make the next cancer breakthrough.

Sharon said: “I’ll do everything I can to make the lives of people with cancer better.

“In my job, I have the privilege of meeting many people who have been affected by cancer and I have seen first hand the devastating impact the disease can have. I swim in Loch Linnhe either first thing in the morning or after work every day. It can be chilly but it’s a great boost to mental health and it helps me sleep better at night. I’ve been

lucky with this challenge to have lots of friends to support me by taking a dip too. I’d like to thank members of the Nevis Triathlon Club who gave me indoor pool swimming lessons which helped with confidence.

“I Stand Up To Cancer for family, for friends, for my customers, for every single person going through cancer and for people I’ve lost. And I’m incredibly proud to Stand Up For Cancer in memory of my cousin Laura who I miss so much. She’s never far from my thoughts.”

Donations can be made on Sharon’s social media page or through the Cancer Research website.

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Become a Personal Assistant (PA) and help someone to live the life they choose.

There are adults and children in your community that need support to live as independently as possible and to access opportunities in the community.

Come along to one of our online or in-person events to learn more about recruiting PAs, how to find the right people and where to go for further information and support either as an employer or a PA. Sign up to our free online event: ‘Becoming a Personal Assistant in social care in Highland’ on Thursday 30 November 2023 11am - 12pm

You can book your place on Eventbrite by scanning the QR code or by getting in touch on the contact details below.

Drop in for a chat and coffee at our face to face event in Fort William.

‘Promoting PA Employment Opportunities Locally’ Thursday 7 December 2023 FREE 10am - 2pm EVENT New Connections, Waverley House Fort William, PH33 6XX

For more information contact:

Amy Scobbie Tel: 07812 468704 E-mail: amy.scobbie@nhs.scot

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Lochaber Chamber looks west to support more businesses Business organisation Lochaber Chamber of Commerce has announced exciting proposals to support businesses in Skye and Lochalsh, Wester Ross and Argyll as well as in Lochaber.

Sarah Riddle, president of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, said: “Being a part of a chamber of commerce offers huge opportunities for businesses - in making business connections, trade opportunities and practical business assistance.”

The expansion proposal is currently in the early stages but Lochaber Chamber has already begun to seek the views of businesses and business groups in the areas that could join to create a newly-expanded Chamber of Commerce.

More than 50 businesses have so far been consulted on their initial views and feedback on the proposals has been extremely positive, with all those consulted indicating they would be happy to join an expanded chamber.

Lochaber Chamber believes the proposed expansion will help to amplify the business voices of the whole of the West Highlands, as well as offer valuable business benefits

Chief Executive of Lochaber Chamber, Frazer Coupland, and Chamber President, Sarah Riddle look forward to offering support to more businesses in the west.

through being part of the Chamber network.

Frazer Coupland, chief executive officer of Lochaber Chamber, said: “Extending our reach will allow us to work more closely together for the benefit of all our communities and to raise our voices together to ensure our particular needs are not only heard, but also acted upon.”

For further information about the membership and work of Lochaber Chamber and the wider Scottish Chambers of Commerce network, visit www. lochaberchamber.co.uk Consultation events with local businesses will be held in Oban, Portree and Ullapool in late November. Look out for further details in the local press and at www.lochaberchamber.co.uk

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100 years of service to the community of Lochaber

Apprentice Funeral Director

We are making steady progress with our search for an APPRENTICE FUNERAL DIRECTOR. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work and develop their skills with the existing staff as well as sit formal examinations as determined by the Funeral trade associations in order to become a fully qualified funeral director.

Letters to Heaven

More letters to heaven have arrived this month and is keeping the Angels busy with their messages to loved ones.

What is also interesting is that this unique mail service is also providing a means of communication to the families that have recently lost loved ones. How nice is this news that people can reach out to these people via our ‘Letters to Heaven’ mailbox.

Taking Care to a different level

At McLellan Funeral Directors we pride ourselves in providing the best possible care for your loved ones. Our expertise in hygienic treatments and cosmetics, ensures that your loved ones are presented to you using the best techniques available, when you come in to view at our funeral home.

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DEMENTIA FRIENDS Jo Cowan Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor for West Highland Lesley Hellon delivered a Dementia Friends session recently at Fort William Men’s Shed. Shed members and supporters wanted to support friends living with dementia and their carers by learning more about dementia and how they can help.

Dementia Friends is a dementia-awareness session developed and you with an understanding delivered by Alzheimer of how to interact with Scotland. people who have dementia.

Dementia Advisor to request a Dementia Friends session for your group: West Highland – Lesley Hellon – Alzheimer Scotland Through our sessions, five LHellon@alzscot.org – 07825 Dementia Advisors deliver key dementia messages 975557. face-to-face Dementia are brought to life through Friends information sessions interactive activities.

Or visit the Dementia all over Scotland.

Friends pages on Alzheimer At the end of the session, They are free, interactive and you will become a registered Scotland website www. alzscot.org where you informative and will provide Scottish Dementia Friend.

You will receive a certificate can complete the session online or look for in-person and badge. sessions near you.

After the information For information on face-tosession, we will simply ask that you continue to spread face and online activities in Lochaber for people the word about Dementia living with dementia Friends and use your and their carers, contact knowledge to help those Eleanor Brown, Community who need it.

Activities Organiser, West Contact your local Highland EBrown@alzscot.

Alzheimer Scotland org - 07920 868848.

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REVEREND DR EUAN DODDS KILMALLIE AND ARDNAMURCHAN FREE CHURCH December 25 became a public holiday in Scotland in 1958. Some countries in Eastern Europe celebrate Christmas on January 7. In Brazil, a meal is eaten late on Christmas Eve before a midnight firework display.

Christmas has been marked in different ways worldwide - but have we ever asked the ‘reason for the season’?

Christmas concerns the birth of Jesus Christ. Our history is divided into the years before (BC) and after (AD) this event. In the Bible, in the gospel of Luke, we read that Jesus’ birth is described as good news of great joy

that for all people (Luke 2v10). In Matthew’s gospel we learn Jesus will save people from their sins (Matthew 2.21). Jesus was born into this world that ultimately - through his death and resurrection - he might rescue us from the darkness of sin and the fear of death.

He came to shine his light into our lives and to offer us forgiveness for our past, fellowship with God in the present and the hope of heaven in the future. All we need do is trust him.

I hope this ‘good news’ brings all of us great joy this Christmas.

REVEREND MORAG MUIRHEAD FORT WILLIAM KILMALLIE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

Commercial Christmas gets earlier every year, with Christmas cards and decorations appearing almost before the summer beach toys and picnic sets have left the shelves.

However, when I look at what is going on around the world, it seems we need the message of Christmas more and

more and not just at Christmas time.

We don’t need the tinsel, or the cards, or the sparkly trees, but we do need Jesus.

Jesus Christ, born in a borrowed stable and laid in a manger by his mother, Mary, blessed by God to be the mother of His Son – Emmanuel – God with us.

This is the message of Christmas and we need to carry it with us all year round.

Today, with the conflict in Israel and Gaza, we need to remember that while there are bombings and killings and kidnappings in the very places where Jesus lived, grew and ministered, God is with us. Always.

In the midst of turmoil and devastation in Israel or Ukraine, or Syria or amidst the floods and devastation caused by storm Babet in the UK – He is there. At

Christmas we remember the birth of the Christ child. The child who became the man who died on a cross to save all mankind. Jesus Christ: the Light of the world; the Prince of Peace; the King of Love. Perhaps, above the noise and babel of the world and its strife, we can still hear the angels singing as they welcomed Him at his birth.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

(Luke 2:14) As we say Happy Christmas to each other this year, we pray for that hope to dwell in the hearts of all who are suffering instead of celebrating.

May the Hope, Love, Peace and Light of Christ be with us all this Christmas.

FATHER DAVID CONNEL ST MARY’S RC CHURCH, FORT WILLIAM It is hard to believe we have come to another Christmas season once more.

I don’t know if it’s an age thing, but the years seem to go by quicker and quicker each year. One of things about getting older is we can become a bit apathetic and get into our heads that it’s another Christmas and it won’t be any different from the rest. We will eat too much and drink to much and spend money we cannot afford on presents that no-one

really likes or wants. Old age has a lot of positives, but it can also blind us to the wonderful gift God The Father has given us by sending his only Son into the world as sign of love, hope, peace and joy. I have been a priest for more than 12 years now and, without fail, there has never been a Christmas in any of the parishes that I have served in without something wonderful happening at Christmas. Families who had fallen out,

being reconciled, old wounds being healed. So this Christmas let us come at it afresh once more, looking at it with hope and expectation.

That for all of us the Christ child Jesus brings us life and light and healing. And that gives us hope for all humanity to face the future with joy this Christmastide.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas.

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A Christmas compilation of a few events from past celebrations.

Ballachulish Nativity.

Doctor Who arrives by Tardis at Cnoc na Faire.

Early bird police check.

Lady Lovat Boy oh Boy.

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Michael J Kennedy

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LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING SUCCESS Iain Ferguson Following the article on a health and well-being event in Lochaber High School in October’s Lochaber Life, more than 200 pupils in first to third year took part in a number of activities which were both enjoyable and educational.

Each of the S1, S2 and S3 year departed their regular timetable for a day to follow a series of health and well-being workshops run in the school, covering topics to enhance their life experience.

Based around the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the young people took part in several sections throughout the school day led by specific groups such as Lochaber Hope, Lochaber Women’s Aid, North West Highland & Hebrides UHI mental health lecturers and High Life Highland. All of these organisations volunteered their time and expertise for the events.

In addition to these external groups, the school’s S5 and S6 sports leaders and mental health ambassadors played an

important role in helping to organise and run the workshops using skills learned in their National Progression Award qualifications.

From talks and discussions, where pupils played an active role in voicing their opinions, to learning relaxation techniques as well as working together in fun activities and games, even playing good old fashioned musical chairs, the days had something for everyone.

While many of these senior pupils worked with and alongside the representatives of these organisations, one group used its skills learned outside school to replace an activity when the organiser had to pull out at the last minute.

Several members of Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club and experienced boxers registered with Boxing Scotland who are

also S5/6 pupils stepped up to offer a boxing experience session in its place.

The young men worked together to quickly organise coaching sessions based on their club activities, but suitable for all comers, while giving a flavour of the sport through demonstrating basic techniques using only the small quantity of equipment available to them.

The overall aim of the special days was to educate, but also to instil a sense of awareness within each pupil of themselves and the wider world, all of which proved to be a great success.

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LOCHABER LIFE

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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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A nicely lit elevated walkway - but where? Photograph: Bill Cameron.

LAST MONTH: Anchor sculpture at the entrance to the new marina in Corpach.

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A sporting ristmas to you

L

A bit of Christmas sporting spirit from some of local teams and individuals featured in Lochaber Life over the year.

Lochaber Phoenix Stuart Whyte, strongman

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Rugby Christmas Fort FC

Christmas Conner Macgregor

Lochaber Fight Team

Fort U-14 Christmas

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