Lochaber Life #363 January 2024

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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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Dining out at the CRUACHAN HOTEL - BAR AND RESTAURANT -

For many years, visitors to Fort William have been enjoying their stay at the Cruachan Hotel in Achintore Road with high quality accommodation and superb dining in its stylish restaurant.

However, a great many local people may be unaware the restaurant and bar, with a range of quality food, are also open to them - and they are definitely worth a visit.

The hotel owners, who took over in 2008, have completely refurbished the premises, successfully retaining much of its Victorian origins while blending in a stylish, yet comfortable modern look, worthy of any top urban hotel.

All food is prepared in the hotel kitchen by its chefs using fresh local produce alongside a range of international ingredients used in the Cruachan special curries which have been hailed by discerning local diners, who have discovered its delights, as ‘some of the best they have ever had’.

The large spacious restaurant can accommodate more than 100 diners in comfort and is an ideal location for functions and private events. Food is also served in the lounge at the front of the building, with views over the loch, its own bar, tables for two or more, relaxing decor and a log burning fire.

While local people may be more interested in dining out, they are always welcome to recommend their friends and family to stay at the Cruachan Hotel. The rooms are a match for any quality city hotel, with

many able to accommodate families with no reduction in style or comfort. For those looking for a quieter night ‘out’ the Cruachan also offers a less busy lounge adjacent to but separate from the main restaurant for anyone wishing to enjoy a relaxing drink and chat in peaceful and pleasant surroundings.

Open throughout the year, with dining from 4pm, the Cruachan offers quality dishes to suit any taste, freshly made and with friendly service.

Never been? It’s definitely something not to be missed.

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EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson

ADVERTISING Karen Hodgson

Published by Wyvex Media Limited

PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin

Food bank appeal

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National Park survey

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Reader’s photograph

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Cinema star

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Recipe

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Future employees

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Photographic society

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Monessie Bridge re-opens

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Class of ‘79

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Community Connections

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Thoughts for the month

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15 years ago

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Shinty Awards

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Where in Lochaber?

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Dance Platform

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01397 703003

www.obantimes.co.uk

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LOCHABER FOOD BANK NEEDS YOUR HELP - NOW Iain Ferguson What can you do with those extra boxes of biscuits, sweets and food either received as gifts or bought as a ‘just-incase’ they might be needed over the festive season? Please don’t leave them in a cupboard until they are past their use by date - donate them to Fort William Food Bank.

It doesn’t matter that they may be prettily wrapped in Christmas packaging, as what is inside can still be put to good use by people who need it.

At the end of 2023, Fort William Food Bank marked its tenth anniversary with a less than full storeroom and an appeal for more donations to help people get through difficult times. Since opening its doors at Aird’s Crossing at the ‘library end’ of High Street, the volunteers have given out 162,000 meals to 12,000 people, with 3,500 children.

Set up initially as a pilot scheme aiming to help around 300 people in its first year, that number was quickly exceeded, proving its existence was much needed in the area. Every year numbers have escalated, especially now, with the rising prices in the basic cost of living.

Manager Alex McConnachie said: “For us it is really a bittersweet experience to be marking our tenth anniversary because it means that today families continue to face the situation of living without food, heat, light and hot water as they have run out of money.

“At the moment our storeroom holds only a fraction of the stock we would normally have, with donations to collection points in local supermarkets at one of the lowest points ever.

We are having to dig into our financial reserves to buy food and pass it on to those who can’t.”

A survey by the food bank has revealed four main reasons people need to seek food aid: - Suddenly losing income or having additional expense.

- Waiting for a benefit payment or a decision on benefit payment.

- Living on a low income from poorly paid work or benefit levels that don’t cover the cost of living, - Struggling with debts probably related to one of the other reasons.

Christmas, especially, is an expensive time of the year when people who are already struggling financially try to do that little bit extra for youngsters and loved ones.

This can then lead to further hardship in following months.

Please help if you can. Contact info@ lochaberfoodbank.org

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THESE WILL GIVE YOU A

WARM FEELING

Install A+ rather windows, and a new composite doors to your property and you could: Reduce Heat Loss Increase the Value of your Home SAVE YOUR MONEY

MADE IN THE HIGHLANDS FOR THE HIGHLAND WEATHER 1 Longman Drive, Inverness IV1 1SU Tel: 01463 238000 Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin IV30 1XY Tel: 01343 545315 6-8 High Street, Thurso KW14 8AG Tel: 01847 894956 info@cairngormgroup.co.uk | www.cairngormgroup.co.uk

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Kate Willis The Lochaber National Park Working Group would like to hear your views and are asking everyone across Lochaber to complete a survey, which only takes a few minutes to do.

Many communities across Lochaber have already been visited to explain the nomination process for being considered. The Scottish Government has committed to creating the new park by 2026.

Questions have been asked about how a National Park will help tackle the climate and biodiversity crises; support tourism management and local communities; help with traffic congestion and the housing shortage. Will businesses and development be supported and how would planning work?

Many people across Lochaber have already expressed their views, but there is still time to contribute and make sure your voice

is heard. Please scan the QR code and complete the survey to let us know what you think. You can also find more info and a link to the survey here: https:// nationalparkforlochaber. blogspot.com

This Reader’s picture was supplied by Hannah MacDonald of Lochaber High School who submitted it as part of her Higher Photography course. It was also on display as part of a recent exhibition in Highland Cinema.

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Culachy Wind Farm plans submitted

We really value the time residents have taken to participate in our public consultation since we launched our plans for Culachy Wind Farm in 2022. I am pleased to advise we have submitted our application to the Scottish Government.

I do appreciate this has been delayed.

However, we are confident our proposals are well considered and have been designed to sit well within the local landscape.

The layout we have submitted consists of eight turbines up to 200m to tip and a 10MW battery storage facility.

I look forward to working with the local community to explore how we can ensure the plans continue to deliver for the local area, including: • Providing opportunities to local businesses.

• Delivering more than £280,000 per year to

support local initiatives.

• Improving habitats and peatland on the wind farm site.

The application documents are accessible on our website www.culachywind.co.uk alongside details of how to submit your comments directly to the Scottish Government. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

www.culachywind.co.uk | communities@fredolsen.com | 07435 763 900 LOCHABER LIFE

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STAR OF THE

SILVER SCREEN HIGHLAND CINEMA AWARDED UK CINEMA OF THE YEAR Iain Ferguson Just three years after opening its doors in September 2020, Fort William’s Highland Cinema was named ‘UK Cinema of the Year 2023’ at a high profile ‘Big Screen Awards’ ceremony held at the Brewery venue in London The Big Screen Awards recognises and celebrates achievements in the UK cinema industry, with more than 60 experts involved in the judging process. In the Cinema of the Year category, judges look for evidence of how cinemas connect with and serve their community, innovation and/or ambition around programming, and ticket sales performance.

Run by a small local team and showing a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, event cinema, independent films and local Scottish interest titles, the venue also attracts audiences with its bright, spacious café bar, regular classic film club showings, weekly quiz, cultural talks, live music and events.

The venue is also accessible to all, with dedicated wheelchair

seating and Monday films shown with subtitles.

Chief executive of the UK Cinema Association Phil Clapp said: “The Highland Cinema was unanimously chosen as cinema of the year by a panel of fellow, smaller cinema operators, all of whom recognised the impact the venue has clearly had in such a short time and the extent to which it has been so wholeheartedly embraced by the community. We often talk about the social, cultural and economic value that a cinema can bring to an area – the

Highland Cinema is as good an example as any of just that impact.”

Accepting the award at the ceremony, cinema owner and Director Angus MacDonald said, “This is the most fantastic thing for the Highland Cinema, for the people of Fort William and Lochaber and for all our wonderful and enthusiastic staff. I cannot tell you how pleased I am. It really mattered to me to have something which people were very proud of in the area. Somewhere they could say to their friends, this is a fantastic place to go in our town..

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50 BEST CINEMAS IN THE UK

Lochaber’s own independent cinema and café bar!

winner of uk cinema of the year at the big screen awards!

The People Of St Kilda

A presentation on the enigmatic island of St Kilda and its human inhabitants

Sunday 31st December, 4pm

Sun 14th Jan, 2:30pm

Wed 24th January, 6:45pm

www.highlandcinema.co.uk Find us easily in the heart of Fort William, on Cameron Square

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CRANBERRY JAM Use up those leftover Christmas cranberries with a simple jam recipe.

By Hospitality and Professional Cookery, UHI North, West and Hebrides

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JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN LOCHABER Iain Ferguson Three major Lochaber employers came together in an initiative to offer young people the chance to visit their sites and hear first hand about the wide variety of job opportunities.

ALVANCE British Aluminium, MOWI and BSW Timber organised trips for senior pupils from Lochaber and Kinlochleven High Schools, giving them a guided tour of their respective works, explaining what happens in each section and how they could become involved.

Each business explained what they actually did, the markets they work in and how they achieve their goals through a well trained, well paid workforce which is vital to their existence and continued success.

On the tours, the young people were shown the processes involved in making

the finished products and the skills required by particular employees to carry out the work. It was also explained that just because they may start in a particular department or job there were many opportunities for career progression and to study for qualifications which would open up the world of work in many other areas Tom Uppington, managing

director of Alvance, met with pupils for a discussion and question session at the end of the smelter tour to reinforce what they had already heard and further explained the opportunities on offer which were available equally to male and female.

He also echoed the words of the other businesses in that there were currently more vacant posts across Lochaber than people to fill them, with great opportunities for young people in gaining work experience and progressing through apprenticeships, with ALVANCE and others looking towards their next intake in early 2024 He said: “Whether you choose one business or another or decide to go elsewhere – if the talent remains within Lochaber in some shape or form, we will all reap the benefit”

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MACDONALD – MARGARET 1933 – 2023 (Onich) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday 7th November 2023, Margaret Macdonald, aged 90 years, Mardon, Onich, by Fort William.

Beloved wife of Donnie, a loving mum to Donald, Arthur, Iain, David and James and a much loved mother-in-law, a wonderful granny and great granny to all her grandchildren, a caring sister to Harriet and the late Iain, a dearly loved relative and friend. Forever loved and missed.

CLELLAND – MARGARET 1934 – 2023 (Caol) Peacefully, in the care of Invernevis House, Fort William, on Thursday 2nd November 2023, Margaret Clelland, aged 88 years, formerly of Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William, a well respected medical professional throughout Lochaber predominantly specialising in District Nursing and Midwifery. A loving mum to Gordon and the late Andrew, Iain and Peter, a treasured mother-in-law to Kathleen, a wonderful grandma to Rebecca, Mhairi, Dæmon and Stephanie and a proud great grandma to Ellis and Robyn, a much loved relative and friend. So greatly loved and missed.

MACPHERSON – MARGARET 1955 – 2023 (Fort William) Suddenly, but peacefully, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 9th November 2023, aged 68 years, Roxburgh Place, Fort William, retired office clerk for the Forestry Commission (Torlundy Office). A loving daughter to the late Allan and Lena MacPherson, a caring sister to Allan and a much loved relative and friend. So greatly missed.

PURDON – DREW 1943 – 2023 (Fort William) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday 23rd October 2023, Drew Purdon, aged 80 years, Grange Road, Fort William. Beloved husband of Irene, a loving dad to Chris, Simon and Stephen and father-in-law to Karen and Fiona, a wonderful papa to Matthew and Aaron, a much loved relative and friend. So greatly loved and missed.

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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MCLAUCHLAN – RONNIE 1935 – 2023 (Ballachulish) Peacefully at home, with his loving family by his side, on Monday 6th November 2023, William Angus Ronald McLauchlan, known to all as Ronnie, aged 88 years, Tulliemet, Ballachulish.

Loving husband of the late Joan, a treasured dad to Fraser, Fiona, Trish and Eilidh and a caring fatherin-law, an adored grandad to 10 and a proud great grandad to 9, a dearly loved relative and a great friend to many. Sadly missed.

MACASKILL – EDITH MAY 1933 – 2023 (Inverlochy, formerly of Corpach) Peacefully, in the care of Moss Park Care Home, Fort William, on Saturday 11th November 2023, Edith May MacAskill, aged 90 years, Lochiel Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, formerly of Corpach. A devoted wife to the late Donald, a treasured mum to Ena and mother-in-law to Wilson, a wonderful gran to Vicky, Scott and his wife Tash, a proud great gran to Lexi, Cameron, Finn and Rory, a dearly loved relative and friend. So sadly missed.

LAUDER – JOHN 1940 – 2023 (Caol) Peacefully, in the care of Moss Park Care Home, Fort William, on Wednesday 15th November 2023, John Lauder, known to all as Jock, aged 83 years, formerly of Erracht Drive, Caol, Fort William. Beloved husband of Maureen, a loving dad to Billy, Kevin, Gillian and the late Stephen, a wonderful grandad and great grandad to his many grandchildren, a much loved uncle, relative, neighbour and a very good friend to many. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

MARTIN – ROSEMARY 1955 – 2023 (London, formerly Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, in the care of the Royal Free Hospital, London, on Sunday 19th November 2023, Rosemary Martin (née Macdonald), aged 68 years.

A loving mum to Catriona and Rory, a wonderful ‘Grandi’ to Harrison and Willow, beloved sister of Celia and the late James (The Barber), David and Marie, a much loved auntie, relative and friend. RIP. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.

GARDENDER – SAM 1952 – 2023 (Knoydart) Suddenly, at home, on Wednesday 1st November 2023, Sam Philip Gardener, aged 70 years, Clachan Dubh, Knoydart. A much loved relative, friend and neighbour. Sadly missed.

CORBETT – CATHERINE 1956 – 2023 (Caol) Suddenly at home, on Thursday 16th November 2023, Catherine Corbett, aged 67 years, Glendessary Terrace, Caol, Fort William. Beloved wife of John, treasured by her 5 surviving sisters, Irene, Ann, Margaret, Betty and Tina, a much loved sister-in-law, auntie, great auntie, cousin and a good friend. So greatly loved and missed.

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BRONZE MEDAL FOR FORT WILLIAM PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY up Fort William found that they had gained a third equal place, being awarded a bronze medal, The talents of regular while also coming in only 7 contributors to Lochaber Life, points behind the winners in a Fort William Photographic strong field of entries from 23 Society, have been recognised other Clubs. further afield by achieving a A founder member of the Bronze award in a prestigious Fort William Photographic, competition.

Armando Barcenas said: Earlier this year the members “We are all delighted to have decided to enter the Scottish taken third place against what Photographic Federation (SPF) was obviously very strong Digital Championship submitting opposition.

20 images which represented “Our members are all very the work of the Club, these being keen photographers and viewed and carefully considered produce some great pictures. by a panel of judges.

We also have talks on various subjects throughout the When the scores were added Iain Ferguson

session and are always keen to welcome new members”.

They meet twice a month on the second Tuesday and fourth Tuesdays in the Salvation Army Hall, Fort William (next to the Leisure Centre) and is open to anyone with an interest in photography regardless of what experience they have.

Every second month members are also invited to submit pictures to Lochaber Life for a dedicated page of their images and this month, in a special double page spread you will see have perfectly captured the cold of winter.

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Liz Bracken.

Patryk Palicki.

John Weller Heidi Holland.

Kim Ferguson.

Arthur Campbell.

Armando Barcenas

Carly Rogers.

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SUSPENSION BRIDGE RESTORED TO USE rocky gorge. With the new bridge in place, this can once A vital link on the East Highland again be easily traversed, but Way has been restored, also offer spectacular aerial allowing walkers and people views from its walkway. living locally an easy crossing Extensive work had to be of a deep gorge which is carried out over many months otherwise a difficult hazard to in replacing almost every part negotiate. of the structure which was The suspension bridge over masterminded and funded by Monessie Gorge near Roybridge ALVANCE British Aluminium was deemed unsafe, due mainly and sister company JAHAMA to age, which led to its closure Highland Estates. over a year ago, leaving a gap Approximately £126,000 in the perhaps less well-known, was invested in the project, but still popular East Highland with much of the planning Way. and engineering carried out Covering 82 miles between in-house and in Lochaber, Fort William and Aviemore, the showing the wealth of talent route winds its way through and ability locally available. some wild and beautiful Being a complex structure, a Highland scenery and is a specialist bridge company was definite ‘must do’ route for keen brought in, with their personnel walkers. staying in accommodation close to the gorge. In late November, At Monessie, just beside the the work was completed and railway line, the bridge crossed all the permissions required to high above the River Spean whose rushing waters also give re-open were in place, leaving only an official ceremony to rise to a spectacular waterfall complete the process. This before vanishing deep into a Iain Ferguson

was undertaken by ALVANCE managing director Tom Uppington who was joined by members of the local community and many of the people who had worked on the bridge, sometimes in difficult weather conditions.

He said: “We are thrilled to reopen the Monessie Suspension Bridge, providing superb outdoor recreational facilities to our farming and crofting colleagues, local businesses, and the public.

“Our engineering and hydro teams deserve special recognition for their exceptional dedication and skill in completing this challenging project suspended 20m over the Spean gorge.”

After cutting the ribbon, guests were led across the bridge by piper James Rosie who, as a senior electical engineer at ALVANCE, also spends his time working with some slightly bigger pipes which feed the smelter with water.

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9 7 ’ F O S CLAS

Iain Ferguson

The year of our Lord one thousand, nine hundred and seventy nine saw several major events which would affect the history of the world.

Margaret Thatcher was elected as the first woman Prime Minister, Sony brought the ‘Walkman’ to market, Trivial Pursuit went on sale and super group Pink Floyd released the classic song of school life ‘Just Another Brick in the Wall’.

Here in Lochaber, another major event was unfolding, involving pupils ready to take their own shot at global affairs, when the Class of ’79 at Lochaber High School set their path out of Camaghael

and into the big wide world.

Recently some of this particular year group once again assembled, this time in the Railway Club, Inverlochy, when around 60 former pupils relived ‘the best days of their lives’ at a reunion of the class organised by fellow member of this exclusive club Robert Cairns.

Robert came up with the idea when he realised that most of his contemporaries had just reached, or were about to reach the age of 60 - a recognised milestone in anyone’s life.

Conversations started immediately as many memories came back to life around the room, perhaps with assistance from

photographs collected and displayed for everyone to see. Music, dancing, food and laughter added to the entertainment to guarantee a good night of great fun with many friendships renewed over the years and miles.

While all present had a great time in the Railway Club, Robert was already thinking about how money raised by the event could be used to help others by making donations to several local organisations. He visited Lochaber Action on Disability (LAD) which received £100, as did Lochaber Alzheimer’s Group, with Lochaber Mindfit being presented with £200 on behalf of members of the Class of ’79.

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Christmas and New Year Collection Dates

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

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR BINS OUT

Monday 25th December 2023

Bins will be collected between 26th & 30th December 2023 Bins will be collected between Monday 1st & Tuesday 2nd 3rd & 7th January 2024 January 2024 Recycling Centres closed on 25th, 26th December & 1st & 2nd January Tuesday 26th December (Boxing Day) collections operating as normal

For more information please visit: www.highland.gov.uk/bincalendars LOCHABER LIFE

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Thank you for another fantastic Lochaber Ideas Week

Lochaber Chamber of Commerce extends a HUGE thank you to all its sponsors, speakers and attendees for another fantastic week of events at Lochaber Ideas Week 2023.

From November 13 to 17, we were delighted to hold events that brought our businesses and wider community together for a week that celebrated bright ideas, new ways of doing things and the power of forging connections.

Highlights included learning useful ways to use AI to make many tasks easier during our eye-opening ‘Digital Revolution’

day, getting the low-down on new food and drink trends that will influence our visitor market in the coming seasons in the Tourism Day and hearing an impassioned lecture from Willie Rennie MSP at the Charles Kennedy Lecture.

We learnt simple ways to ensure diversity and inclusion in the workplace, uncovered the creative side to business strategy at the ‘Big Ideas Day’, networked ‘til we dropped at ‘Around Lochaber in 80 Tables’ and celebrated with local businesses at our Gala Dinner in the stunning Kingshouse

Hotel, Glencoe. Lochaber Chamber of Commerce exists to support all our business members, no matter how big or small and whatever the industry.

Our annual Ideas Week is an opportunity for all businesses to take part in great events and enjoy making valuable connections.

Lochaber Ideas Week would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thanks again to all of them for helping to make it a week to remember.

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Fort William’s longest serving Funeral Directors, John McLellan & Co. Ltd. celebrates centenary with a forward-facing appointment of Lochaber’s first female Funeral Director.

Newest member of the team, Natalie, has always had a keen interest in this profession and is delighted to be adding a feminine touch to what is a traditionally male role.

attention to detail provided by the team here and I look forward to being able to maintain the trust that families put in us to take care of their loved ones.”

Director of John McLellan’s, Pete O’Neill, announced the appointment of Ms. Rodgers saying: “We are delighted to welcome Natalie on board. Her warmth, and caring personality, combined with a strong and proven track record in the care sector, will be a huge asset to our team.”

As one of Fort Williams oldest businesses, John McLellan & Co. Ltd is proud to have been serving the local community for 100 years.

Natalie will be joining the team as Lochaber’s first female Funeral Director, working alongside the area’s longest service Funeral Director, John Flannigan, who has been with McLellan’s Natalie has spent the last two years helping for almost 50 years and Peter West, highly to establish award-winning local care charity experienced and fully qualified Mortuary ‘Urram’ – based in Strontian, which was Cosmetologist. Natalie said: “I am so happy to be presented with Organisation of the Year at the joining the team. John and Peter’s experience VOSCARS in June 2023. Natalie has thoroughly in this business is second to none, and for me it enjoyed her work with Urram over the last is such a wonderful opportunity to be working couple of years but admits that she has always alongside, and learning from the wealth of had a long-held desire to be involved in funeral experience that they both have.” care. “I have always been passionate about caring for others. Being able to support families Natalie has lived most of her life locally, having during one the most difficult times in their life is been brought up in Arisaig. She has family a huge privilege. Since joining John McLellan’s, throughout Lochaber and currently lives in I have witnessed the tremendous care and Ardgour with her two daughters, aged 8 and 4.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ALLAN PETRIE

MARY HUGHES

1932 - 2023 Nan, Liz, Trish, John, and family would like to thank everyone for their kind words and expressions of sympathy following the death of Allan.

We also send special thanks to Rev. Edward Andrews for the beautiful service at the Duncansburgh Church in Fort William. A total of £462.90 was raised in memory of Allan and will be donated to MacMillan Nurses and the Fort William Health Centre.

1926 - 2023 John, Angus, Mairi, Catriona, and Anna wish to express their sincere thanks to all relatives, friends, and neighbours for their cards, mass cards and messages of support following Mary’s passing. We also send a special thank you to Fr. Joseph Udoh MSP for the beautiful service at the Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Mingarry. A total of £225.80 was raised in memory of Mary and will be donated to Dementia UK.

ALISTER MACDONALD 1926 - 2023 Angus, Cath, Matthew and Fiona would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for the many expressions of sympathy, cards and flowers received since Alister’s passing, and to those who paid their respects at Fort William Baptist Church. Special thanks to Rev. Johnathan Tink for his comforting service, McDonald Bros for the beautiful floral tributes, Meg and staff at the Railway Club for their excellent hospitality and to John McLellan Funeral Directors for their support and compassion.

Extended thanks to staff at the Belford Hospital, Craig Nevis Surgery and to Home Care for their dedicated care over the years. Lastly, thanks to all who made a donation in Alister’s memory - a total of £347 was raised for the CAU at the Belford Hospital.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ALEXANDER ELLIOT

DONALD MACLEAN

1932 - 2023 Jane and Elizabeth would like to thank all of our neighbours, friends, and relatives for their cards, kind messages, and outpouring of support following the death of our dad. We would also like to say a huge thanks to Major Janet McIntyre for the fantastic service she conducted at the Salvation Army Hall. A total of £300.00 was raised in memory of Alexander and will be donated to Alzheimer Scotland.

1950 - 2023 Donalds family would like to thank all of our neighbours, friends, and relations for their cards, mass cards, and kind messages of sympathy following his death. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Fr. David Connor for the touching mass he conducted at St John’s in Caol. A total of £500.00 was raised in memory of Donald for Dementia and will be donated to the Fort William Branch.

MAIMIE STUART

HARRY PEGG

1941 - 2023 Keith, Lorne, and Garry would like to thank everyone for all of the love and support we have received since our mum’s death. Thank you to all the staff at Dail Mhor and Invernevis house for the exceptional care that they gave our mum. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the team at McLellans for their professionalism and care. A total of £95.00 was raised in memory of Maimie for Alzheimer Scotland and will be donated to the Fort William Branch.

1950 - 2023 Kath would like to send her most sincere thanks to all family, friends, and neighbours for the kind expressions of sympathy extended to her following the recent loss of Harry. Many thanks to McDonald Bros.

Inverlochy for the beautiful floral tribute. Also, to John McLellan Funeral Directors for their kindness and professionalism, before, during, and after the service. A total of £500 was raised in Harry’s memory and will be donated to the Fort William branch of Alzheimer Scotland.

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BEN NEVIS

info@bennevisbathrooms.co.uk

BATHROOM & TILE SHOWROOM

01397 719 400

BATHROOMS

Unit 1, Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SW

www.bennevisbathrooms.co.uk

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INFORMATION AND ADVICE FROM AGE SCOTLAND Jo Cowan

Age Scotland Helpline 0800 12 44 222 Our helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland.

As we get older, we can face new challenges and opportunities. You may need to know about rights, organisations and services that are unfamiliar to you. Our skilled advisers provide information and advice on a range of topics. We also provide friendship for when you just need a friendly chat.

It’s free to call and available Monday - Friday 9 am - 5pm.

Call us today on 0800 12 44 222. With Age Scotland, you’re not alone.

You can call our helpline for information and advice or browse our range of information guides by topic on our website www.agescotland.org.uk If you would like free paper copies, you can order them by calling our helpline on 0800 12 44 222, emailing publications@ agescotland.org.uk , or sending an order on our Publications List which you will find on the website.

If you are a local group or individual interested in finding out more about Age Scotland, please feel free to contact our Community Development Officer, Jo Cowan on 07754 755011 or e-mail jo.cowan@ agescotland.org.uk

Age Scotland Publications: Our Information Guides We know that growing older doesn’t come with a manual. Later life may bring changes and opportunities to your life, and you may need to know about rights, organisations and services which are unfamiliar to you.

That’s why we provide free information and advice to help you on diverse topics ranging from claiming benefits and Power of Attorney, to care at home and care homes, physical and mental health in later life, eating well, housing, energy advice and many other topics.

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2024! A New Year – a new adventure!

I wonder what this year will have in store for each of us? No doubt it will have its fair share of ups and downs, sadness, gladness, sorrow and joy.

As a child, living in the south side of Glasgow, when it was coming up to midnight on Hogmanay, my mum would open the back door ‘to let the old year out’, and my dad would open the front door ‘to let the new year in’.

If it was a particularly still night, we could hear the ships on the River Clyde sounding their foghorns to welcome in the

New Year. It always seemed so exciting to me in those days and a new year to look forward to always seemed so full of promise.

Nowadays I am far from the Clyde, but even if I was there, there are few if any ships now to sound their foghorns in celebration and yet each new year does still offer hope of good things.

We just need to trust God’s plans for us as we step into the yet unknown territory of 2024.

In her poem, ‘The Gate of the

Year’, Minnie Louise Haskins suggests we put our ‘hand into the Hand of God’ as we step into the darkness of the unknown.

I can’t think of a better companion to walk hand-inhand with – not just into this New Year of 2024, but for the whole of our life’s journey.

As the Psalmist says in Psalm 91:2 “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

May we all have a ‘Guid New Year’ and may we walk with God every day.

A full Burns celebration for Caol Primary School pupils.

Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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Michael J Kennedy

Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship

Ames Taping, Coving, Airless Spray, New Builds

Commercial, Industrial & Domestic

Sollas, Bunree, Onich, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6SE

Mob 0780 335 7221

Tel: 01855 818026 Established 1988

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Delivering All Aspects Of Civil Engineering.

New Build & Extension Groundworks Sewers & Septic Tanks Concrete & Steel Work Kerbing & Paving Works Bell Mouths & Access Roads

Tar Surfaced Driveways & Car Parks Cable & Water Pipe Tracks Retaining Walls Excavation Works Excavators For Hire With Operator

www.gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk | tel. 01397 700115 Mob. 07528 801393 | info@gordongeorgeconstruction.co.uk

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K

Trees

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

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

• New Memorials • Additional Inscriptions • Cleaning & Renovations • Work carried out in all areas

Tel / Fax: 01369 702162 Email: fraserdownie.43@gmail.com

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THREE TEAMS SHINTY AWARDS Iain Ferguson At the end of every shinty season, players’ attention turns to how to fill their Saturday afternoons and to the club awards night to find out who has trophies and recognition for the best performances and sometimes even the worst of the season.

Fort William, Kilmallie and Lochaber each held well attended events with the appropriate quantities of food and drink adding fuel to the excitement of the ceremonies.

Far from being for adults only, players of all ages were included and received equal accolades and ‘audience participation’ as they picked

Ballachulish Nativity.

Lochaber Camanachd teams

up their awards. For Kilmallie, the Under 12 team became the stars of the show after their resounding win in the Camanachd Association Cup. The were, accompanied by

Fort William teams

parents, invited to join the team celebrations in Caol Community Centre with their own table, buffet meal and soft drinks.

They were also piped into the hall to a standing ovation from the all age groups of players.

In the Ben Nevis Hotel at the same time, Lochaber Camanachd made a big play of their ladies team, which is going from strength to strength thanks to the tremendous commitment of its players, often travelling from the furthest reaches of Lochaber to attend training sessions in Spean Bridge.

Lochaber were also unique in having the Camanachd Association Coach of the Year Alasdair Ferguson and a Supporters Player of the Year (POY) Ben Delaney.

The Shinty Clubhouse at An Aird was the venue chosen for

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Fort William’s first team team Player of the Year.

Fort William’s awards evening, again with great emphasis on the up-and-coming youngsters who have had a successful season, and enjoyed being recognised as the first team players of the future.

A poignant moment came when First Team Player of the Year was announced as young Victor Smith took the Jack Buchanan Memorial Cup which was actually struck in memory of his grandfather who was a “legend” in Lochaber, playing in goal for all three local teams during his career. It was fitting that Jacks daughter Elizabeth was asked by the club if she would present the Player of The Year trophy, never expecting it to turn into a real family affair when she presented to her son.

Award nights are always a highlight of all the shinty teams, which also gives the players the opportunity to thank the many volunteers and ‘backroom’ people who are key to making every match happen and the Clubs operating.

Coach of the Year

Kilmallie teams.

KIlmallie Reserves POY

Lochaber Ladies POY

CONGRATULATIONS TO:FORT WILLIAM First Team POY Victor Smith Second Team POY Struan Stephen Second Team Most Improved Player Ryan Cairns Under 17s POY Archie Mackinnon Under 17s - Most Improve Player Cameron Burns Under 14s POY Rory Knox Under 14s - Most Improved Player Ben Webb

Under 14’s Player of the Year - Callum MacColl Under 14’s Most Improved Player Coby Fyffe

LOCHABER

Archie MacPhee Memorial Trophy - Mens first team POY Ben Delaney Second team POY James Macrae Annie Anderson Memorial Trophy - supporters POY Ben Delaney Under 17’s POY Seonaidh MacDonald Under 14 POY KILMALLIE Eva Macdonald & Mason Keenan First Team Player of the Year - Under 14 Most Improved player Innes Blackhall Katie Loughray Reserve Team Player of the Year Ladies first team POY Archie MacNiven Mairi Duncan Under 17’s Player of the Year - Ladies Under 18 POY Shane O’Rua Hannah MacDonald Under 17’s Most Improved Player - Ladies most improved player Sam MacRae Mya Carmichael

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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

• First time Buyer • Buy to Let • Home mover • re-mortgages • CapitaL raising • CommerCiaL (for commercial mortgages we act as introducers)

Call to speak with a Professional Mortgage Adviser for a free initial consultation: 01397 705848

F 01397 703537 m 07899670260 e info@johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk m Morvern, Glen Nevis Fort William PH33 6PF

johnferguson-mortgages.co.uk as a mortgage is secured against your home, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments

T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

scottmandrews@tiscali.co.uk

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New builds or conversions Alterations & extensions Preparation of feu plans Preparation of “as existing drawings” Building Warrant and planning applications M 07429 489537 E admin@jcarchitecture.co.uk W jcarchitecture.co.uk

LOCHABER LIFE

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FERGUSON TRANSPORT & SHIPPING LOGISTIC SOLUTIONS, SUCCESSFUL WITH PARTNERS

Est. 1959

65T CRANE

AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE HIRE Crane Hire & Contract Lifting Lift Capacity of: 3.9t @ 13.6m 13.7t @ 4.2m

FOR ALL ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

01397 773 840 TRAFFIC@FERGUSONTRANSPORT.CO.UK

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(FORT WILLIAM) LTD. YOUR ONE STOP LOCAL BUSINESS FOR ALL HIRE EQUIPMENT • PLANT & TOOL HIRE • DIY / GARDEN TOOLS & EQUIPMENT • DIGGERS / DUMPERS • ROLLERS / MIXERS • POWERTOOLS • PRESSURE WASHERS • CARPET CLEANERS • ALLOY TOWER SCAFFOLDING & LADDERS • TRAILERS • SMALL PLANT SERVICE & REPAIRS • DELIVERY SERVICE • SPECIAL WEEKEND RATES AVAILABLE

CONTACT US Website: www.hirecentreltd.com Email: info@hirecentreltd.com TEL: 01397 700077 FAX: 01397 701664 Unit 32, Ben Nevis Ind Estate, Fort William PH33 6PR Open Mon – Fri 0730 - 1700

FORT WILLIAM Operating in Highlands area including Small Isles

ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING CENTRAL HEATING RENEWABLES FREE ESTIMATES Highly recommended snipef registered

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Email: stewart.plumbing@yahoo.co.uk ALBA, BOHENIE ROAD, ROY BRIDGE PH31 4AN

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M&L

LANDSCAPING

WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN LANDSCAPING AND DRIVEWAYS

ALL TYPES OF LANDSCAPING FENCING / GARDENING /TREES ETC PATIOS / CONCRETE / SLABBING BLOCKING PAVING Pressure Washing on all outside building works No Job too Big or too Small | 7 day Cooling off Period

Tel 01397 712120 & 07553 111093 FOR A FREE QUOTATION

John S Weller

Est. 1982

Property Maintenance & Repairs Competitive Rates Carpentry Plumbing Glazing Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling Doors & Windows Free Estimates

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Tel: 01397 708508

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M & L PAINTERS * All types of UPVc work * Exterior Painting * Cladding * Gutterings * Down Pipes * Windows and Eaves * Facias and Soffits

Tel 01397 712120 or 0755 311 1093

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A grand view of a gorge. But where?

LAST MONTH: A beautifully lit Soldier’s Bridge at Lochyside.

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Dancing with Iain Ferguson Every year, Lochaber High School becomes the centre of attention as hundreds of dancers take to the stage in front of packed audiences to stage their Dance Platform.

For what must be almost 20 years, young ladies - although also with a small cadre of boys - have spent weeks or even months in rehearsal for this one big night, where the excitement of their performance banishes any feelings of tiredness which must come with the ongoing repetition of every move as the teachers and coaches work with

excitement

them to get it ‘just right’ on the night.

Primary schools, high schools and dance groups all find more than enough willing volunteers ready to give maximum effort to show off what they have learned and how graceful they can be in front of family and friends.

Organised by HighLife Highland Active Schools, this year the event ran over three nights to ensure there were enough tickets available for everyone who wanted one.

This was a truly exciting and colourful event, looked forward to once a year only.

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AVAILABLE TO RENT Industrial and Self-Storage Units Short & Long Term Rental Available Large or small storage areas available for all your storage, warehousing, and commercial industrial unit needs.

24 Hour Secure Access and CCTV, keeping your items safe and secure.

On-site Hire or Delivery Available.

We provide our customers with competitive prices in the Lochaber area.

T: 01397 773840 E: enquiries@fergusontransport.co.uk www.fergusontransport.co.uk LOCHABER LIFE

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