Lochaber Life #364 February 2024

At the heart of your community

Lochaber

Beatha Lochabair

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fre t d ou e

r ve ugh i l De n thro d n tha onth er a y m hab nd er Loc eyo ev b

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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Make Valentine’s Day special at the

CRUACHAN HOTEL - BAR AND RESTAURANT -

The Cruachan Hotel and Restaurant has already proven itself to be a very special place for the enjoyment of quality food and over the recent festive season many diners will have experienced that for themselves.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, by tradition couples will be looking for a special meal in pleasant surroundings to celebrate their love for each other. Where better than the Cruachan, with its stylish lounge, views over the loch and more than a few tables tucked away beside a welcoming, wall mounted log burner? It’s perfect for a romantic night out.

Every meal is freshly prepared by the Cruachan’s own team of chefs using local produce and a range

of top quality international ingredients to serve up the best, most enjoyable meal every time.

While the Cruachan now has a thoroughly modern and stylish look akin to any similar ‘city’ business, it also has a long history as a popular location for visitors to stay and enjoy. Recently, a letter arrived at the hotel from a lady

who had come across a small booklet from 1957 which was produced for guests with a drawing of the building as it was then.

A list of prices also shows what good value it was then, as indeed it is now, although the facilities and menu on offer nowadays are very much a creation of the 21st century.

10% DISCOUNT OFF (FOOD ONLY*) only on presentation of this voucher Valid until 31 March 2024 *excludes drinks

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contents

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FORGET-ME-NOT FEBRUARY

Wartime explosion explored

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February, the month of love - but only if you don’t forget that the 14th is St Valentine’s Day when it is just possible the one you love may well be expecting a billet doux or some other token to mark your devotion. On a less happy historical note, just the day before marks the anniversary of the Glencoe massacre which took place in 1692 and is commemorated to this day with a service and march to the memorial monument at Glencoe Village. Hopefully the weather will start to improve from now on as we move towards spring. More outdoor activities and time in the garden are positive things to look forward to. However, these can come with a warning to be cautious and Dr Jim Douglas outlines some hazards resulting from tick bites. It’s not all bad news though as a new vaccine is on the horizon.

After all that, let’s end with where we began and wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Iain.

New minister

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Reader’s photograph

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FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH:

Council and school retirals

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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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Be tick aware

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The Reverend David Sim who has been inducted as new minister to the parishes of Fort William Kilmallie, linked with Kilmonivaig.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson

ADVERTISING Karen Hodgson

Published by Wyvex Media Limited

PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin

01397 703003

Glencoe Massacre Commemoration 10 Recipe

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30 years of Change Mental Health 13 Upper Achintore regeneration

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MCR Pathways appeal

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Caol Church closes

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High school arts and photo shows 22

So High in the Sky

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Where in Lochaber?

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Invergarry Lifting Stone

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www.obantimes.co.uk

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Son visits site of wartime explosion to remember his father Iain Ferguson As World War Two almost passes from the living memory of those who played an active role, their children and younger relatives are taking up the task of making sure the triumphs and tragedies are not lost to time.

Like many other small towns, Fort William had an important role to play in the fight against Hitler’s hordes - and not just by producing large quantities of aluminium for aircraft production. Loch Linnhe was a training base for crews of Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs), fast and agile launches used to attack enemy shipping.

The boats were regularly seen carrying out manoeuvres on the loch, perfecting techniques in relative safety before going into battle ‘for real’ out at sea. However, on at least one occasion tragedy struck when a boat caught fire on the loch.

This was followed by a small explosion. It was carrying sea mines and some of the crew managed to jump into the water just before another major explosion completely destroyed the boat. Some swam across the loch and at least one was rescued by the Treslaig Ferry, although there were also some fatalities.

Recently, Derek Hopkins, the son of Petty Officer Frank Hopkins who lost his life in this incident, contacted Dr Michael Foxley, who lives not far from the scene, to ask if he had any details as he was planning to visit the area.

Michael took him on a tour of various sites connected to the MTB operation which Petty Officer Hopkins would have known well, such as the now industrial estate at Corpach where some of the original buildings, including

the torpedo store not only still exist, but are still in use.

Derek was also introduced to local historian Robert Cairns, who showed him a picture of his father, taken only a week before he died. Robert tracked down his late father’s service number, which Derek didn’t have, limiting any official search for information. This led to the discovery that after the initial explosion, some crew mates had tried to reach him in his office, but were unable to gain access as he may have collapsed behind the door.

Robert also took Derek to the Highland Hotel, where his father may have been billeted and where there is a plaque commemorating the MTB wartime activities, giving Derek a remembrance cross to place on the bow of his father’s boat which is still visible on the Treslaig shore.

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Iain Ferguson Just before Christmas, the congregations of the parishes of Fort William Kilmallie linked with Kilmonivaig had their prayers answered with the appointment of a new minister to their churches.

At a Service of Ordination and Induction in Duncansburgh Church, David Sim was officially accepted by the combined congregations.

David grew up in Aberdeen and went to Mastrick Parish Church Sunday School as a

young boy before falling away from church and Christianity.

He graduated with a degree in accountancy and economics

from Aberdeen University before moving into information technology.

He returned to faith later in life, finding it wasn’t the ‘stuff y’ religion he thought, but rather the answer to many of his questions about life which transformed his outlook. In 2019 David was affirmed as a candidate for ministry, studying at HTC Dingwall from where he graduated in 2022.

He is married to Heather, a piano teacher, who has been a church pianist since the age of 15. They have a daughter Larissa, currently living in Glasgow and working as a personal trainer.

Brilliant colours captured in a beautiful winter sunset over Loch Linnhe by John Prior.

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THOUSANDS COULD BE MISSING OUT ON CHEAPER BROADBAND DEALS Hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland on Universal Credit could be missing out on cheaper deals for broadband and mobile, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has warned.

The charity is campaigning for greater promotion and eligibility for social tariffs. A social tariff is a cheaper deal available to people receiving social security payments like Universal Credit.

The telecoms regulator Ofcom estimates that 8.3 per cent of people eligible for these deals take them up across the UK. If that figure was mirrored in Scotland it would mean that 396,231 people in Universal

Lochaber

Credit in Scotland could be missing out on cheaper deals.

However, providers are not doing enough to ensure that those who would benefit from such tariffs are aware of them. CAS research shows that of the 24% of consumers who are aware of social tariffs, only 7% are aware because their provider had publicised it or recommended it.

Meanwhile, three quarters of adults in Scotland aren’t aware of them at all.

CAS backs social tariffs as a way to help people get online and wants to see more providers offer these

tariff ’s and for eligibility criteria to be further extended to cover other vulnerable consumers.

Polling for the charity by YouGov found that found that 57 per cent of consumers in Scotland support widening the eligibility criteria of social tariffs to include disabled people and 53 per cent of consumers support widening the eligibility criteria of social tariffs to include people fleeing domestic violence.

CAS is encouraging people to check their eligibility for a social tariff. More information is available on the Ofcom website. https://www. ofcom.org.uk/

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

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GLENCOE MASSACRE 332 YEARS ON Iain Ferguson On February 13 1692, members of Clan MacDonald were attacked and killed by British soldiers who were welcomed as their guests in what has become known throughout history as ‘The Massacre of Glencoe’. Such was the reaction to what was considered an act of infamy and betrayal that the story became known throughout the world as part of schools’ history curriculum, the subject of songs, paintings, documentary programmes and, of course, in Hollywood films. However portrayed over the years, the truth is many people lost their lives, either killed by troops or by the cold winter weather as they fled from their homes in fear. This simple fact is still marked with a service of commemoration on the anniversary of the event.

Every year on the exact date, people from across the world, many who are members of or with connections to the Clan, gather in Glencoe for a church service followed by a march

to the memorial monument which sits on an outcrop of rock a short walk from the village. It was constructed in 1883 by Ellen Burns MacDonald, a descendant of the Clan Chief who also lost his life in the attack. The inscription on the base of the monument reads: “This grove is reverently erected in memory McIan Chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe who fell with his people in the massacre of Glencoe of 13 Feb:1692 by his direct descendent Ellen Burns MacDonald of Glencoe August 1883.

Their memory liveth forever”.

The annual ceremony, conducted by the local minister with readings in

English and Gaidhlig, is always well attended by local people, interested visitors and representatives of groups related to the Clan from across the globe. At the conclusion of the service, memorial wreaths are laid on the metal railings around the base which are then transferred to the monument by a thin and fit person who squeezes through the gap left by a removable bar.

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� METHOD �

HOME MADE NOUGAT A Valentine’s Day treat for the one you love.

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Mental health charity marks 30 years of support in Lochaber Iain Ferguson Change Mental Health is celebrating 30 years of delivering mental health support to people across Lochaber. The charity, which has changed names a few times over the years, will commemorate the anniversary with a number of events at local venues throughout 2024.

It is planned these will both raise its profile while also showcasing the level and types of support it delivers to users of the service. It also hopes to highlight that it is proactive in fighting any stigma through activities building people’s confidence and giving them a platform to have their voice heard.

Previously known as Support in Mind Scotland, it opened its doors as the first mental health support group of its kind in Lochaber on January 12 1994 at its now former home, The Glengarry Centre. Since then, the charity has moved location to the Cothrom Centre - Gaelic for opportunity and equality located within the Nevis Centre building, but entirely contained and with a different entrance.

Leading the Lochaber team is local woman, Senior Project Worker Ellen Nicolson, left in the photograph, who joined the charity in 2001 and works alongside Project Worker Eilidh Campbell in delivering

mental health support in the community.

Ellen said: “The service has undergone many changes and has evolved over the last 30 years but the foundations of the service and how we deliver support to people remains person-centred and holistic, which is a vital community resource that people value and look up to in the area”.

Well known face about the town and former Glengarry Centre Manager Pete Harrop, who spent 19 years working for the charity, said: “It’s fantastic the service is still going. It was interesting working there and during my time I saw big changes in provision of support for people with mental health issues and great development in the support we were providing”.

Change Mental Health itself

has been operating for 51 years providing non-clinical and person-centred support, ensuring everyone has access to the assistance they need, when they need it and in a way which works for them.

At the Cothrom Centre, oneto-one and group activities help people develop skills, increase confidence and integrate more with their community. There is also outreach support within Lochaber which ensures people get support with their mental health wherever they are and are not being left behind in remote areas.

Ellen summed up the feeling within the charity saying: “We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone and what has been achieved over the past 30 years with these events. Watch this space.”

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THE PROPOSED UPPER ACHINTORE COMMUNITY HUB

Ken Johnston Upper Achintore Regeneration Group continues to work with its community, and with the nearby community of the Plantation, to plan and develop a community hub that will provide services for the growing population of the area.

Studies and surveys have been carried out and the group has identified a suitable and central location at Heathercroft Road, with a willing seller. It has a favourable response from the council planners and the feasibility study being carried out by consultants - mainly

by Chartered Town Planner Colin MacKenzie who has a long service of working in Fort William and lived in the Plantation for many years - is due to be complete within the next few months.

In tandem with this, and on the advice of the Highland Council, the group recently commissioned a Business Plan study from SKS Scotland

Community Interest Company to ask residents what they would like to see in the new community hub and how much use of and involvement with the hub they would envisage.

The survey was distributed online and by hard-copy in late December and needs to be returned by January 26.

This also explores the prospects of including a fivestance campervan site – a project that would help towards the sustainability of the hub.

Overall, the business plan will conclude whether or not the hub will be a viable project.

Without local support the project will not succeed and group chairman Mark Linfield said: “While it is for the residents to decide on the suitability of the location and what will go into the hub, we, as a group, envisage a multi-purpose building, a focus for bringing our community together, for meeting their needs, facilitating interest groups as well as enterprise and business.”

Mark added: “Upper Fort William urgently needs this facility.

“Activities could include a lunch club, bingo, keep fit, dancing, skills and training, arts and crafts, amateur dramatics, concerts, social clubs, special interest groups, children’s parties, a café, pet training, family functions and events”.

Online access to the survey, which takes about three minutes to complete, can be accessed through the group’s Facebook Page or by using the link through the QR code below.

Hard copies can be picked up/ dropped off at the Spar shop on Grange Road, at Plantation Hall and at the reception desk at Lundavra Primary School.

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CELEBRATING

YEARS

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL ‘24 15 - 18 FEB Inspiring speakers Creative workshops Guided outdoor activities Thought-provoking films Free interactive festival hub PROGRAMME & TICKETS

www.mountainfestival.co.uk

What’s On at The Nevis Centre Saturday 3rd Feb

Nevis Market

Grab a bargain Free entry. Tables £15.

15th - 18th February

Fort William Mountain Festival 20th Anniversary

Come along to the Nevis Centre between 2pm and 7pm everyday to enjoy the Festival Hub jam packed with outdoor adventure inspiration, information and goodies!

Due to popular demand, EXTRA DATE ADDED:

Friday 10th May

Bounce Bingo

Join us for our Bounce Bingo Night, where the Nevis Centre will be transformed into a vibrant, lively space filled with music, laughter and friendly competition. Tickets selling fast

Saturday 8th June

Forever Elvis the ultimate tribute! www.neviscentre.co.uk/whats-on

Or call us on 01397 700707

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WALKER – WILLIAM 1949 – 2023 (North Laggan) Peacefully, in the care of Moss Park Care Home, Fort William, on Saturday 9th December 2023, William Weir Walker (Willy), aged 74 years, North Laggan, once a time of Caol, Fort William. A much loved relative and a dear friend to many.

Sadly missed.

CAMPBELL – MARGARET 1933 – 2023 (Tarbet) Peacefully with her family by her side, in the exceptional care of Abbeyfield Care Home, Ballachulish, on Sunday 10th December 2023, Margaret Campbell, aged 89 years, long term resident of Abbeyfield, formerly of Kingsway, Tarbet, retired School Teacher. A much loved sister to the late Ian Campbell and a loving auntie to Maree and Gary, a dearly loved relative and friend. Rest In Peace.

MCCRINDLE – THOMAS (TOM) 1968 – 2023 (Fort Augustus) Sadly, but peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday 6th December 2023, Thomas (Tom) James McCrindle, aged 55 years, Station Road, Fort Augustus. A devoted partner to Lin for over 18 years, a treasured son to Ina and the late Jimmy, a loving dad to Callum, a caring brother to Elaine, Alastair and Jamie, a much loved step-dad to Liane and Jenna and a proud ‘Gaga’ to Amelia, Jack and Lucas, a dearly loved brother-in-law, relative and a good friend to many. Forever in our hearts and memories.

FARRINGTON – SANDRA 1953 – 2023 (Acharacle) Sadly, but peacefully, in the loving care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Saturday 16th December 2023, Sandra Michele Farrington, aged 70 years. Devoted and loving wife to Keith, a dearly loved relative, neighbour and friend. So greatly loved and missed. .

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS 10 Battlefield Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB

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HANNA – JOHN 1937 – 2023 (Kinlochleven) Suddenly but peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Saturday 9th December 2023, John Hanna, aged 86 years, Foyers Road, Kinlochleven, formerly of Strontian, originally Northern Ireland. Beloved husband of the late Muriel, a loving dad to Gareth and Carol, a wonderful grandad to Noel and Connor, a caring brother to Esther and a much loved relative and friend. Greatly loved and missed.

CLEGHORN – RAYMOND 1941 – 2023 (Caol) Suddenly and unexpectedly, on Wednesday 13th December 2023, Raymond Cleghorn, aged 82 years, Ardgour Road, Caol, Fort William. Beloved husband of Dolly, a treasured dad to Alasdair and Carole and father-inlaw to Jaqui and Jim, a proud grampa to Stuart and step-grampa to Ross and Gordon, a caring brother to Alice, Olive and Margaret and brother-in-law to DR, Ann, Pat and Fiona, a dearly loved relative and a good friend to many. So greatly loved and missed.

HALL – CHRISTINA 1938 – 2023 (Roy Bridge) Peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfield Care Home, Ballachulish, on Tuesday 19th December 2023, Christina Ann Hall, aged 85 years, Glen Spean Park, Roy Bridge.

Beloved wife of the late Colin, loving mum to Norman, Philip and Shona and mother-in-law to Karen, Jum and Scott, a wonderful granny to Amy, Leo, Meredith and Tom and great granny to Nicole, a dearly loved relative, neighbour and friend. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

MACINTYRE - DAVID 1945 - 2023 (Lanark, formerly Fort William) Peacefully, in the loving care of Beechgrove Care Home, Lanark, on Saturday 23rd December 2023, David John MacIntyre. A loving dad to Stephanie and Gemma, a much loved son of the late Duncan and Mary MacIntyre and younger brother of the late Alistair MacIntyre (Ali Coop), a caring uncle and a dearly loved relative and friend. RIP.

MAINLAND – RODERICK 1940 – 2023 (Corpach) Sadly, but peacefully, in the comfort of his own home, with loved ones by his side, on Thursday 21st December 2023, Roderick James Mainland (Roddy), aged 83 years, Lady Margaret Drive, Corpach, Fort William.

Beloved husband of Sheila, a loving dad to Alastair, a caring brother to Ian, a much loved relative, neighbour and friend. So dearly loved and missed.

MACMILLAN – NEIL 1942 – 2023 (Caol) Peacefully at home, on Monday 25th December 2023, Neil MacMillan, aged 81 years, Banavie Road, Caol, Fort William.

A beloved husband to Isobel, a loving dad to Graham and the late Jane, a wonderful grandpa to Frank, Jack and Emma, a caring brother to John, Alex and Donnie, a much loved relative and a good friend. So dearly loved and missed.

Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk LOCHABER LIFE

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MCR PATHWAYS VOLUNTEER TO HELP A YOUNG PERSON Iain Ferguson The search is on for people who can spend an hour a week meeting up with a Lochaber High School pupil to offer them support. Long established charity MCR (Motivation, Commitment and Resilience) Pathways operates in schools throughout the country coordinating a team of volunteer mentors prepared to help young people who may have issues at school or in their personal lives.

All that is asked in becoming a mentor is to give an hour of your time to a young person during the school day, listening, chatting or even playing games, allowing them the opportunity to be themselves and discuss any concerns in a safe and stable environment.

Recently, Lochaber High School co-ordinator Holli Salmond and a few of her colleagues held a ‘Coffee Conversation’ for existing and potential mentors to review the

operation of the scheme within the school, discuss how things were going on an individual level and look at the need for more mentors.

Each mentor is only allowed to meet with one pupil in the school, so there is a requirement for more people to take on the role with several young people on a waiting list. No particular qualifications are needed, other than a good ear and an ability to share life experience.

Training will be undertaken to make sure the right match can be made before bringing the mentor and young person together.

Holli said: “This is a great thing to do and

it can have a major, even life -changing effect, on the young person and be a rewarding experience for the mentor. All we ask of a mentor is to come into school for an hour a week to spend time with a young person.

“Even that act, showing that someone is there just for them, can be a tremendous boost which can really help them in school and their personal lives.

“At the moment, we have several pupils in need of a mentor and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who thinks they may able to help”.

Holli can be contacted at Lochaber High School on 01397 702512 or by email on holli. salmond@mcrpathways.org

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CAOL CHURCH CLOSES AFTER ALMOST 65 YEARS Iain Ferguson Kilmallie Church of Scotland in Caol has been at the centre of the community since it was consecrated in 1958, sharing numerous happy and not so happy times for hundreds, if not thousands, of families over the years.

However, time takes it toll and with falling numbers in the congregation and severe structural problems with the church hall which was added at the later date and many other building issues, it was decided the church should close.

On its final day, Saturday December 9, clergy from across Lochaber and around 40 members of the congregation came together for a service to say farewell to the building and to remember the role it

has played over the years. Led by the Reverend Dr Malcolm Kinnear, with Rev Stewart Goudie, both representing Lochaber Presbystery, it was planned to hold the service on the grass outside the church, but with cold, damp, weather it was decided to move inside, despite their being no power in the building.

A battery operated microphone and speaker ensured everyone could hear what was being said by the ministers and by session clerk Margaret Antonius who delivered a eulogy on the church and its history.

In her address she said: “If the walls of this church could speak, we would be here all day. It was built to replace the ‘wee green hut’, as it was affectionately known.

“The green hut was our church

then and services were led by Duncan Macmillan and his wife Elsie. Everything happened in that hut – communicants classes, Sunday school, morning and evening services. The hall was built as a church extension in the days when it would be used as a church and a hall.

“I was 12 when the church was built and at that time it was like my home with my mother and I cleaning it every Saturday. Mum was involved in the Guild and various other activities so my brother Tom and I were always roped in to serve teas or washup. My dad was an elder and Tom started his ministry from this church.

“The first minister was the Reverend Willie Dundas who preceded the Reverend D R Macleod. Then we had a succession of ministers, Donald

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Scott and his deaconess Linda Wright, Reverend Jack Andrew, Reverend Kenneth Macpherson, Reverend James Munro and his wife Irene then Reverend Richard Corbett and his wife May. These ministers preached the gospel faithfully from this church and many hearts and lives have been changed through the preaching of the word of God from this pulpit.

Kilmallie Guild long service awards.

“Every minister needs a good session clerk and they were Duncan Maclaren, John Isobel Cook, Patricia Macdonald, my own. There have also been Hutchison, John Fraser and then Margaret Michie Mary Macrae. many baptisms and even more I broke the mould being a female funerals here too. Many of you “Playgroups and young wives session clerk. We also had a will have memories of these played a big part in the church deaconess way back then in the then too and many friendships times, both sad and happy. early ‘60s called Peggy Kilgour “And so what of the future? made then are still as close who was great with children.

We know who holds the future today. Then there were all the “Tom was reminding me of the organisations, Boys Brigade led and He will guide us with his good news transport fleet when by Stephen Lees and daughter hand. With God, things don’t all the chairs would be set out in Catriona, the Anchor Boys just happen, everything by the form of a boat and she would which I led for many years, him is planned and as we face tell stories from the Bible and of Guides, Brownies and Rainbows, tomorrow with its problems large missionaries. She was a great and small we’ll trust the God of after school clubs led by the gardener and many begonias miracles and give to him our all.

Reverend Ruth Lawson and the sales were held in the church.

Bible Club which I also took for “This is only a building of many years.

“Many activities took place bricks and mortar. The church in the church - Christmas “The hall was added after some is wherever God‘s people are parties, guild parties, ceilidhs , years when Presbytery meetings praising, either in the open daffodil teas air or a hall, or in a wee green and guild strawberry teas, meetings were hut. The church are the people pancake teas, and we continue to worship in held regularly.

St Andrews Caol Community Centre which Among the night, sales has been kindly granted each many guild of work and Sunday at 10am. presidents a successful are names “This church has been a great Soup and roll lunch. flower festival you might lady and we are most certainly held over a remember going to miss her”. week. The are Mrs D R Macleod, Janet At the end of the service, the ladies of the WRVS with Mrs Andrews, Ann Andrews, Tina congregation joined a leaveClancy & Co provided lunches Maclaren, Betty Spiers, Mrs taking procession led by the every Thursday.

Susan Brown, Mary Stitt, Cathy elders carrying the Communion Fraser, Christine Houston, “Sunday schools were large Cup and plate. They stopped Ean Cormack, May Corbett at that time. Mrs Irene Burns outside the door, allowing and presently our own Ethel taught the beginners for more everyone to file past and form Conacher. than 50 years. My mother took a line before the final act of the juniors. Other Sunday School “More than a few weddings benediction. The door was teachers were Cecy Macbeth, have taken place here, including closed for the last time.

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THE art OF art AT LOCHABER HIGH SCHOOL Iain Ferguson The foyer of Lochaber High School recently became a temporary art gallery with a large display of course work carried out by former pupils in achieving qualifications.

At the heart of the exhibition lay the folio works of students who had undertaken National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses, each piece a testament to the students’ dedication and artistic growth.

The exhibits demonstrated their ability to follow a given brief while expressing their unique concepts and ideas with the folios providing a captivating narrative of the creative journey undertaken by each student.

Featuring the ‘big picture’ from initial concepts and rough sketches to the polished final pieces, the progression showcased the commitment of the pupils to honing their skills and realising their artistic visions. It was a journey that reflected technical proficiency and the evolution of individual artistic voices.

It also covers a broad

spectrum of themes, techniques and mediums, illustrating the diverse interests and talents of the young artists. From the thought-provoking and socially conscious, to the whimsical and abstract, the display was a tapestry of creativity that resonated with everyone who viewed it.

In the spirit of fostering a sense of community, an invitation was extended to present day pupils over all the year groups and to those from neighbouring primary schools.

The aim was to make art accessible to all, inspiring young minds and creating a shared space for the appreciation of creativity.

In a display at Highland Cinema, pupils of the Higher

Photography Course also set up an exhibition of their current work and achievements in meeting specific challenges, technical and artistic to gain a qualification.

Several photographs were set out in the display with a brief resume of what particular aspects of the subject were being tackled and how it was achieved.

As with the artwork, the images covered a range of topics from scenery behind a Highland Cow - see the Reader’s Picture in last month’s edition - to people, close ups, plants and abstracts in colour and monochrome.

Both exhibitions were well received and enjoyed by a wide audience of viewers.

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MR MACKENZIE RETIRES AFTER 29 YEARS Iain Ferguson As the schools broke up for the Christmas holidays, Lochaber High School teacher Bill MacKenzie was planning for a longer break as he retired after 29 years at the school.

Originally from Kinlochleven, he gained a degree in electrical and electronic engineering before going to work for two major defence contractors in the Central Belt.

However, with the prospect of his job requiring a move abroad immediately after the birth of his first son, he decided to remain in Scotland and use his qualifications to become a physics teacher.

A new arrival also played a

part in his decision to retire.

Becoming a grandfather for the first time in November, he is looking forward to spending more time with his growing family and wife Isabel, who also retired after many years teaching at Lochaber High School.

Leaving his role as Faculty Head of Technologies at the school, he said: “I really enjoyed teaching and working with young people, but it is the right time to pursue more leisure pursuits, including ski-ing and golf.

“Time passes without you realising it until you discover you are now teaching the children of former pupils. At school events, such as the annual staff v pupils football match, it also becomes

obvious that while the opposition remains around 17 years of age, you are actually a year older than you were at the last one.

“I will miss everyone but will no doubt maintain connections with the school for a while yet.”

PAULINE RETIRES AFTER 33 YEARS Iain Ferguson After 33 years with the local authority roads department based at Carrs Corner in Fort William, Pauline Donaldson was given a grand send-off from colleagues to mark her retiral.

Former colleagues from as far away as Oban and Inverness returned to Carrs Corner to take part in the celebrations which involved gifts, a buffet lunch and cake.

Pauline said: “That’s it over.

Thirty three years with the roads department. I was one of the lucky ones who enjoyed their

job - most of the time - and that was mostly down to the people and the community groups I worked with.

“I was overwhelmed with the send-off they gave me with lots of old colleagues coming back to see me. I was also truly spoilt with lots of beautiful gifts and lovely cards, emails and phone calls from some of my contractors and ex colleagues.

Thanks to them all. What a day I had.”

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A Day at the Vets for Neutering The first step in your pets neutering process is the admission. The surgical veterinarian for that day will take you and your pet into a consult room where they will go through an admission form with general health questions. The vet will then perform a physical examination to assess for any unknown or new health conditions, such as a heart murmur. When your pet has been given the go ahead for surgery, they are taken through the back to our kennels/cattery and placed in a comfy bed where they will wait for their procedure.

Once your pet has been admitted, our nursing team begins to prepare them for surgery. They are brought to the preparation room to have an intravenous catheter placed in one of their forelegs. This is also where the pre-anaesthetic blood sample is collected, if required. When it is nearly time for their procedure, their pre-medication is administered. This is an injection which consists of a sedative and pain relief. They are then put back in their kennel and kept cozy and quiet for this injection to take effect, which normally takes about 20 minutes.

Once the pre-medication has kicked in, we take the patient back through to the preparation room where a drug is administered into the intravenous catheter. This drug induces anaesthesia and allows us to place an endotracheal tube in the patient’s trachea, which is essential for maintaining a patent airway! This tube is then connected to the anaesthetic machine which provides the patient with a constant flow of oxygen and anaesthetic gas to keep them under anaesthesia.

A nurse constantly monitors the patients anaesthetic and when ready a second nurse will prepare the surgical site. The area is carefully clipped before being thoroughly scrubbed with an antiseptic skin cleanser. The patient is moved through to theatre once the initial scrub is completed, where they are placed on a heating pad to keep them cozy. It is important to keep surgical patients warm during surgery so we even put fluffy socks on them! A second surgical scrub is completed before the veterinarian performs the surgery.

Once the procedure is complete, the anaesthetic gas is turned off and the patient is given a few minutes of oxygen. They are then carried through to their kennel which has been filled with blankets and hot water bottles. We wait to remove the endotracheal tube until they are nearly awake and able to swallow. We then monitor the patient closely until they are more alert and offer them food when they are ready.

At collection time, you will have a discharge consultation with one of the nurses before being reunited with your furry friend!

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The Regulation of the Scottish Funeral Profession

Before starting my article on the Regulation of the Scottish Funeral Profession, I need to make an amendment to the feature last month regarding the appointment of Lochaber’s First Lady Funeral Director.

Theresa Kennedy was employed by the previous owner of McLellans, and I was unaware that during that time, she was a Funeral Director who conducted and arranged funerals. I have called Theresa and personally apologised to her. The families that Theresa supported during her previous time at McLellans will assuredly not forget her care. Credit and respect to Theresa for her achievement in being Lochaber’s First Lady Funeral Director, and in overcoming prejudicial challenges she faced at that time.

At the same time, I would also like to add that Natalie Rodgers’ pathway to becoming a Funeral Director has been very positive, achieving a 95% pass on her first NAFD exam, and she has shown great passion and commitment in fulfilling every aspect of her position, assisting on funerals, arranging funerals and also mortuary work.

Regarding the Regulation of the Scottish Funeral Profession, I can confirm that the new Code of Conduct for the Funeral Profession in Scotland is still under review by the Scottish Government.

A statutory code of practice is the first step in setting out good standards of practice which funeral directors will be required to comply with.

A code generally aims to increase transparency for families and the public in general, and to set quality standards on the care of the deceased. The Scottish Government wants to ensure there are standards in place that all funeral directors will have to follow.

As well as creating a code of practice, the Scottish Government is also proposing to implement a

licensing scheme for funeral directors.

My own career in the funeral profession started as CEO of Golden Charter Funeral Plans. Golden Charter is now one of the leading funeral planning companies in the UK. During my time in office, I also became one of the founding directors of the selfregulatory body called the Funeral Planning Authority.

Since then all of the Funeral Plan Providers, have become regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

I am delighted to see that the Scottish Government is seeking to implement direct regulation and licensing of funeral directors in Scotland.

At John McLellan & Co Ltd we pride ourselves in setting a high standard for bereaved families. I have made a considerable investment in the business since purchasing it in 2016 and I am committed to providing excellent facilities and supplying the best training for our administration and funeral staff.

Pete O’Neill BSc, MBA, Cert Funeral Service.

Company Director

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PETER SMITH

DOROTHY LAWRENCE

1948 - 2023 Christine would like to thank everyone for their kind words and expressions of sympathy following the death of Peter.

Thank you to all the NHS staff for the exceptional care given to Peter.

Special thanks are also extended to all at John McLellan Funeral Directors for their help and compassion.

1935 - 2023 Mark, Paul, and all of Dorothy’s family would like to thank all of our neighbours, friends, and relatives for their kind messages of sympathy following her death. Thank you to all the staff at Castle Hill Care Home, Inverness for the exceptional care they gave to our mum. Thanks to McDonald Florists for the beautiful flowers and also to all the staff at McLellans Funeral Directors for their professionalism and care.

MAJOR (RETD) BARRY LANE RA 1960 - 2023 The family of the late Barry Lane would like to express their thanks for the many kind gestures of sympathy extended to them following their recent loss.

Grateful thanks go to all medical staff who cared for Barry, to Rev Yvonne Smith for her comforting words and to McLellans Funeral Directors for their professionalism and compassion with the funeral arrangements.

Finally, sincere thanks are extended to everyone who journeyed from all corners of the UK and overseas to pay their respects at the Service in Bishopton Parish Church and who generously donated £750 to Macmillan Nurses (Lochaber) in memory of Barry.

AGNES (BABS) MACLEOD 1933 - 2023 Angus, John, and family wish to express their sincere thanks to all relatives, friends, and neighbours for their cards and messages of support following Babs’s passing.

We send a special thank you to Rev. Ewen Matheson for the beautiful service and to the Funeral Directors in Stornoway for their care. Also, to Pete, John, Peter, and Natalie at McLellan Funeral Directors for their kindness and professionalism before, during, and after the service.

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KINLOCHLEVEN - HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Jo Cowan Kinlochleven community groups have secured funding to create a community-led plan and want everyone to have their say.

This is a “once in a decade” opportunity for residents to shape the future of their village.

The Highland Council announced in October 2023 that it will fund Kinlochleven Community Action Group to prepare a Local Place Plan. Local Place Plans are part of new planning legislation that enables communities to identify their priorities and create a plan of action to fulfil them.

The consultation process is being led by local residents, with support from independent facilitator Nick Wright. Events and activities will be organised early in 2024 to give everyone a voice in planning the future of the village.

There will be a “Village Ideas Day” on Saturday January 27 at The Leven Centre, Kinlochleven, with fun activities for all ages and a chance to shape the plan.

Whether you’ve got a little or a lot to say get involved. For more information visit www.kinlochlevenfutures.net.

Kinlochleven Community Action Group is co-ordinating Kinlochleven’s Local Place Plan. The group was set up in February 2023 by the Lochaber Community Partnership to bring together community groups, the public sector and other agencies to work collaboratively to tackle inequalities and prevent disadvantage in Lochaber.

The group was set up to provide a space to consider the needs of our community and work together to produce a community-led ‘plan of action’ - the Local Place Plan.

Membership of the group is open to any community group, organisation or individual who represents a ‘community of interest’ in Kinlochleven, public bodies such as the Highland Council, private businesses and representative organisations including Voluntary Action Lochaber and Lochaber Chamber of Commerce.

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2024 is a leap year meaning this February will have 29 days rather than 28.

Our planet takes 365 and a quarter days to orbit the sun, so every fourth year we gain a day in the calendar.

The relationship between the sun and the earth is fascinating.

If we were fractionally nearer to or further from the sun nothing could survive on earth.

These observations - and

many others - have led many scientists to suggest the universe is ‘fine-tuned’ for life to exist. The crucial difference is whether this is a happy coincidence or evidence for God. The Old Testament teaches us that there is a personal creator who made the universe and human beings in his image. The New Testament tells us that in the person of Jesus Christ, the

Maker has entered our world and shared in our humanity.

This is the Christmas message celebrated recently in December - but there is more.

The Easter story will remind us this March that Jesus lived and died and rose again to save humanity from sin and death.

Why not use the extra day to think about these things, or perhaps read the gospel yourself?

Members of Inverlochy Playgroup sing songs to raise money for the ‘Chatterbox’ charity which helps children who have difficulty speaking. It was a first outing for their new winter weather outfits.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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05/01/2024 13:55:40

Ticks and Lyme disease

Dr James Douglas , Tweeddale Medical Practice, Fort William Health Centre As we approach the warmer, wetter time of spring more people will be heading out into the countryside and their gardens. These are particularly good conditions for ticks to be actively looking for a meal of blood. Doctor Jim Douglas has been conducting a long-term study of these creatures and their danger to humans and urges careful checks on bites at all times of the year.

Ticks and Lyme disease continue to be a problem in Lochaber and Highland.

September is the annual peak for cases and gardening is the main risk factor. Children and

adults can pick up ticks, with the most common age group for Lyme Disease being 45 to 75 years.

Ticks are small spiders which bite animals and humans during their two-year life cycle to get a blood meal. They are most active in temperatures above 7°C and prefer the warmer, wetter months of spring and autumn.

Most dog owners will be familiar with the larger adult ticks which are melon seed size.

However, the small questing nymph size of the tick life cycle is the size of a peppercorn and can transmit the Lyme Disease infection.

Fortunately not all ticks are infected and just because you get bitten by a tick doesn’t

mean you are going to get Lyme disease. Up to 10 per cent of ticks in any given area may be infected with the Borrelia bacteria which the tick has picked up from a deer or small mammal in woodland.

The roe deer in gardens can be infected with Lyme disease, then the tick transfers that infection to humans. Ticks can’t fly and hang around on bracken and long grass waiting for a human to pass by. They most commonly attach to the legs and crawl to areas of the body like behind the knee or the groin or on the trunk where they can lock on for 24 hours to get their blood meal.

The process of disease transmission takes 12 to 24 hours which is why we have to

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do tick checks after gardening and general outdoor activities and remove them with a plastic tick twister or a tick card.

These tick removal tools lift off the tick without squeezing it. Squeezing the tick presses its stomach where it holds the bacteria. Squeezing the tick is like injecting the bacteria into your body.

It is particularly important to check children for ticks when they have been out playing in woodland, long grass and gardens where roe deer have been visiting. Children, because of their height, brushing through bracken can pick up ticks behind the ear, on eyelids and their neck.

Some people develop an itchy red lump around the site of a tick bite every time they get bitten in a similar manner to mosquito bites abroad.

However, if the red area gets bigger than the size of a pound coin or lasts longer than a week you need to make an appointment with your GP. It’s always helpful to record images on your phone of your tick bite and any developing rashes to show the doctor or nurse who sees you.

If you develop a spreading red rash on your legs or abdomen or trunk and can’t recall being bitten by a tick, it is again always worth taking photographs to see if it is spreading and discussing this with your GP. Not everyone can recall getting a tick bite but if you’ve been working in the garden or you work on an estate or in forestry, you can be at risk of Lyme disease.

The rash stage of Lyme disease is easily treated with a

three week course of antibiotics but sometimes the rash can be missed because you haven’t seen it behind your knee or on your back. Two to three months later you might feel flu-like symptoms and develop a swollen knee without injury, a problem with the nerves in your legs or a Bell’s palsy on your face. In these situations a blood test is required to detect Lyme disease. The blood test doesn’t work for the rash stage of Lyme disease so that’s why we have to rely on the spreading redness of the rash and history of tick exposure.

Ticks are thriving in the warmer, wetter weather of climate change and we are making more use of the countryside for leisure activities.

We do, however, have to keep this all in balance. There is far more health to be gained for our mental and physical wellbeing by going into the countryside than the very small chance of picking up an infected tick. We have to adjust our behaviours by checking for ticks and learning how

to remove them safely with tick twisters or tick cards. We should carry them in rucksacks, first aid kits, car glove compartments and first aid kits at home. It would be helpful if local tourism businesses could sell tick removal devices and accommodation providers could have tick removal devices in their first aid kits for their customers.

In Lochaber, we are leading the way on understanding Lyme disease with a research project which is being rolled out from Lochaber to 30 GP practices from Orkney to the Borders. This maps the number of cases by location and patient risk factors. We will be publishing this data in 2024.

A Lyme disease vaccine for children and adults is going through trials and should be released by 2027. Our Lochaber data will inform the vaccine approval process and who would benefit from this preventive measure.

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SO

high IN THE sky

Marin Asker I read with interest the article in the October issue of Lochaber Life by Iain Ferguson - amazing photographs with such detail.

Like Iain, I look up at the aircraft flying over our house and wonder who is on the planes and where they are going. Well, it is simple to find out and, yes, there is an app for it.

So how does it work?

Almost all commercial aircraft must transmit information about their position while airborne.

This information includes height, speed, location and other information. This system is called Automatic Dependant Surveillance – Broadcast, ADS-B. It is broadcast from aircraft on a frequency of 1090 Mega Hertz, a very high frequency and remarkably this information is made available to the public by several different methods.

So it is possible, using an app on your phone, to see the aircraft in the sky above you to find out about the aircraft and where it has come from and where it is going.

The apps are available from Android and Apple app stores. The one I use is called Flightradar24 flight tracker. It is free but does offer subscriptions for various levels of service. Another is Flight Aware.

Once you have downloaded your chosen app, what can you see?

PART 2

Turkish Airlines Boeing 777.

On starting the app you will have to OK a couple of things.

Do not subscribe; there is a continue without option at the bottom of the screen. This screen shows the area you are in, with a blue dot marking your location and you can see any aircraft visible on the screen.

By using your fingers in a pinch and stretch method on the screen you can zoom in and out and move to different parts of the country, planet wherever you want to go. You will be able to see the track the aircraft has taken, with a purple line and information in the bottom of the screen about its departure and destination airports. Better still, if you touch

the “more Info” button at the bottom of the screen you can see even more.

If you notice on the start up screen top left there is an “AR” button, this offers a brilliant view where you can see aircraft in the sky by pointing your phone at it to tell you information about that aircraft. Play around with the application as it is fun, however, if you have access to a computer you can visit the web site of Flight Radar 24.

Editor: As an example, this is a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 flying at 32,000ft above Fort William on its way to New York with information supplied by a free app.

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Lochaber strongman third in national competition then lifts local stone for the first time in 50 years. power lifting, is an keen follower of the lifting stone tradition and has After competing in the ‘Dodge also travelled across the City’ powerlifting event in Alloa where he took overall third and country in search of them. came first in the axle press, While, more recently the pushing a massive 125kg, stones have been used Lochaber Strongman Stuart as a show of strength Whyte, with only a brief rest in Highland Games and set off for Invergarry to take on lifting competitions (which another challenge. may have led to the modern day “Atlas Stone’ In temperatures approaching event) their role was once minus five degrees centigrade, much more important.

Stuart lifted the 132Kg (almost 21 stones) ’Invergarrry stone’ Other than being used which had last been used in the to develop strength and Glengarry Highland Games over prowess, in the days half a century before. Since of intense Clan rivalry, that time, when the Games the stones, often on the were held in the field behind the borders between their Invergarry Castle Hotel it had lands were used to settle lain unrecognised and used as disputes instead of all out war, a step by riders mounting their with warriors lifting stones horses at the nearby stables. rather than weapons to reach a amicable solution.

Despite this the stone is actually mentioned in the Stuart was delighted when he journals of Peter Martin, an was approached to move the enthusiast and expert on the stone to a new home where it history and location of lifting can be recognised and perhaps stones throughout Scotland even lifted by passing ‘warriors’ who listed as many stones once again recognising its as he could find and where important historic role. possible giving information on He said: “I am happy to have their use. been asked to relocate the Stuart himself, who also stone to where it can be lifted runs the Iron Therapy Gym in again after all these years, It Corpach which is dedicated to was agreed by myself, hotel Iain Ferguson

owners and fellow strongmen Martin Jancsics and Jamie Gorrian that in the short term it would be moved to Riverview until it can hopefully be be placed at the local community centre”.

However, while it was en route to its new, more prominent resting place, Stuart and his friend Graham Mackenzie couldn’t resist pausing briefly by the original, now ruined castle for a ‘quick’ but very cold lift, becoming the first to lift in earnest for more than 50 years.

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