Lochaber Life #343 May 2022

An Cèitean

At the heart of your community Bonny Bluebells

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Macmillan Ball

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Thought for the month

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Beatha Lochabair May 2022 – Issue 343

Return of the SSDT ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 li n ug , De 12 usi thro d n b h an tha nd ont ber a ry m cha ond e Lo ey ev b f red

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

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

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

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LOCHABER LIFE

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06 29 Beatha Lochabair

contents

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MERRY MAY If you happen to be walking through the park one day - in the very merry month of May - be careful not to step on the bluebells - and definitely don’t pick them as it is illegal - page 16. Some scholars believe this month is named after the Roman goddess Maia, who oversees the growth of plants, quite an appropriate theory given that plants are awakening, growing and flowering across the country at the moment. As I have pointed out in earlier editions of Lochaber Life, washing your face in the May Day dew at sunrise is also hailed by tradition to ensure a beautiful and young complexion. I do believe it’s too late for me to set my alarm, but you never know! An Cèitean sona.

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Adding a touch of oriental fun to the

Scottish Six Days Trial parade, Mr MasakI Inomae, right, and fellow Japanese rider Takeshi Miyabara entertained onlookers with their colourful costumes. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com

ADVERTISING Nicky Murphy Email: nmurphy@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

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

Ringer for Tolkien

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Join the Scouts

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Reader’s picture

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Recipe

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Bluebells

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SSDT returns

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Val’s Pals

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Macmillan Cancer Care ball

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Probus Club

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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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A Rugby club like no other.

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Where in Lochaber?

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Published by Wyvex Media Limited Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk We hope to publish a wide range of interests and opinions. However, our contributors’ views are not necessarily our own. Material in Lochaber Life must not be reproduced without our written consent or that of the copyright owner. A statement of our terms and conditions for accepting advertisements is available on request. Published by Wyvex Media Limited.

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With offices in Fort William and Oban, Ainsley Smith & Co provides accountancy support and advice to businesses of all shapes and sizes and individuals.

Our team members have many years’ experience in supplying our clients with high-quality services. We take the time to get to know you and your business and always make sure our services are tailored to suit your unique requirements.

Situated in beautiful coastal and Highlands locations, our Fort William and Oban offices serve as welcoming spaces for our clients. Our friendly advisers are always delighted to help you with your queries, whether they be in relation to corporate finance or self-assessment.

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Ready to look at your 2021/22 tax return? Why not drop in for a consultation? We would be delighted to assist you.

Your local Chartered Accountants providing accountancy and tax services to businesses and individuals throughout Lochaber, Argyll and the Highlands We welcome you to visit us in our new offices at

The Nevis Centre, Ardlinnhe Road Fort William, PH33 6AN

Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

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JAMIE IS A ‘RINGER’ FOR TOLKIEN Iain Ferguson

A passionate fan and follower of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy has hired Fort William’s Highland Cinema for an exclusive showing of ‘The Two Towers’, which other than fuelling his passion for the tales of adventure alongside a few like-minded friends, will also raise money for the people of Ukraine.

Caol man and dedicated ‘Ringer’ Jamie MacConnell has previously ‘taken possession’ of the local big screen for a showing of the first film ‘Fellowship of the Rings’, offering free places to fellow fans while also giving

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them the option of donating to charity . This raised £191 for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), which given Jamie’s irrepressible and infectious zest for life seemed more than an appropriate choice.

Jamie and his family are also well-known and highly regarded for their good work including dressing up and handing out chocolate eggs from their specially decorated garden at Easter. For several years they have also taken Santa and his elves on a Christmas tour of Fort William High Street and Caol shopping square, listening to the children’s messages and bringing smiles to their faces by

handing out gifts.

‘Two Towers’ hits the screen on Saturday May 22 at 10am and anyone interested in securing a place should contact Jamie through Facebook.

He said: ‘Once again I’ve managed to hire out the Highland Cinema to watch Lord of The Rings. This time it’s The Two Towers. Last time I asked everyone who attended to make a donation, however big or small, and raised a good sum for charity.

‘Let me know if you fancy coming and I’ll get your name down.

Everyone is welcome.

‘This time we’ll be donating all donations to UNICEF to help with its efforts in Ukraine. As Orlando Bloom is an ambassador, it only seems right we try to raise some money again for this charity.

People are fleeing Ukraine and that is just horrific.

‘In the words of JRR Tolkien ‘it needs but one foe to breed a war, and those who have not swords can still die upon them’.’

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What’s good for Scouts is #GoodForTwo Scout groups across Lochaber are joining a national recruitment campaign aimed at boosting volunteer numbers. #GoodForTwo, backed

by Paralympic champion and Scout Ambassador Ellie Simmonds OBE, was launched to show potential volunteers how giving time to Scouts is good for them too – supporting their own skills, health and happiness, family and community.

Kilmallie Scout Group is taking part and acting leader Rob Cochrane said: ‘Volunteers are essential to what we do at Scouts. Our group is 100 per cent run by volunteers normal people who give up a few hours a week to come

together and make something extraordinary happen. Without them, we’d have to close down.

‘We’re a diverse bunch from a huge range of backgrounds.

We’ve got teachers, outdoor instructors, joiners, fish farmers, carers, nurses, chefs, students

and countryside rangers on the team, to name but a few.’

Everyone is welcome and training will be given.

To find out more, visit kilmalliescoutgroup.org/ volunteer or email info@ kilmalliescoutgroup.org

A beautiful loch sunset by Helen Christie.

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LOCHABER LIFE

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• INGREDIENTS •

PORK SCHNITZEL: Chef Stewart MacLachlan of Lochaber Larder.

300g pork loin steaks Sprig of rosemary, chopped 1/2 tsp pink peppercorn 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp ras el hanout Sprig of parsley, chopped I tbl spoon Parmesan 150g panko breadcrumbs 1 egg, beaten

• METHOD • Place 300g of pork steaks in a small bag and beat with a rolling pin until flat.

Mix cumin and ras el hanout together, then lightly coat the steaks.

Dip the steak in egg wash, then mix the breadcrumbs, rosemary, peppercorn, parsley and Parmesan together. Use to cover the steaks.

Heat a heavy base frying pan with oil, medium heat, shallow fry steaks for two to three minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with rosemary roasted potatoes.

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Fassfern Highland Gin and Roslin Distillers one year on...

Well known and very much at the heart of the Lochaber Community, the late Colin Ross spent his working life in the whisky industry, his knowledge and commitment being so great that it earned him a place in whisky hall of fame.

He alongside his son Aaron were the inspiration behind Fassfern Highland Gins, which is now celebrating its first anniversary.

Other than gin, Aaron and his father also launched a single malt whisky, ’Roslin’ which was named after the family home in Fort William. The first release was hand labelled and signed by Colin just before his death.

Aaron said: “Sadly, we lost him prior to the first event that we attended; the local producers market organised by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce in Cameron Square last year.

“Along with our Roslin bottling of whisky, we launched Fassfern Highland Gin and had our first batches of Dry Highland and Bramble Highland Gins. These first two products went on to become finalists in their respective categories in the Scottish Gin Awards”.

Fassfern White Rose Gin was then added to the range, utilising the flowers from the Fassfern White Rose. Allegedly this is the same Rose plucked as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s white cockade!

They then decided to do something special

for the Christmas market, so launched the Christmas Gin, which although working against the clock, everyone involved pulled together to ensure it was launched in time.

This Gin with added edible gold leaf and a bottle light, proved so successful that the batch sold out very quickly. At the same time, we launched the second Roslin Whisky release which unfortunately was delayed while waiting for the glass that was specially ordered for it.

The first release had proven so popular that it sold out within about 8 weeks, this success adding to the length of time between bottlings. Like the first release, some of this product is destined for the export market where it has a great following with a lot of this being put down to the Ross family story.

Now into a New Year, a further Gin has already been released, a Highland Gin produced

with Pine and Heather as the most notable flavours along with other botanicals which of course include the Juniper aiming to capture the Highland landscape aromas and flavours within.

Just 15 ceramic decanters have been produced as a collectors edition of the second Whisky bottling and should go very quickly. Indeed, we have just taken an order for one to go to Singapore as well as one much closer to home!

There is also a newly liveried van, featuring both Roslin Distillers and Fassfern Highland Gin. This will make our deliveries much easier when attending Markets and Tasting events, as well as advertising the business wherever we go!

“Last but definitely not least”. said Aaron: “Our 30 year old Single Malt is currently available with only 142 bottles being produced.

A decanter has been engraved and infilled, which, along with the copper stopper is absolutely amazing.

“The cask was purchased by my father as a gift to my mother back in 1991. This has remained in the family to be bottled now after 30 years, so it is a fitting tribute to my father to be released in such a stunning bottle.”

Visit www.fassferndistillery. com for more info on the gin range. And www. roslindistillers.com for contact details regarding whisky.

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A day in the life of a vet:

Vet: Annabel Strachan 07.30am I drive through the beautiful Lochaber scenery basked again in glorious Spring sunshine and can’t help thinking – it has been a long winter, but boy am I glad I live here!

08.00am I arrive at the surgery to check on inpatients. Luckily, I didn’t get called in last night to any emergencies, but I did have an advice call at 3am so I definitely need the coffee I’m clutching as I make my way to the hospital kennels. The rabbit with a painful abdomen has finally produced some droppings and eaten some grass. She looks much brighter! The labrador with pancreatitis was vomiting and dehydrated yesterday but looks much better after a night on a drip. He even wags his tail at me; his worried owner will be pleased. I start the day feeling accomplished and happy with what a great job this is sometimes. Delivering good news is definitely one of the highlights.

08.30am Patients start arriving for their surgeries: a cat spay, a dog castration and a cruciate repair.

09.00am On examining the first patient we realise she has some adult fleas hopping about! Not to worry, the surgery is not affected by this but I make note to discuss it with her owners when they come to collect her. They will need to treat all the pets in the house with a good quality product, as well as treating the carpets and upholstery. For every adult flea there can be up to 10,000 eggs in their environment! Flea infestations are not something we see too frequently here, thank goodness, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone!

11.30am Both routine neutering ops done, it’s time to prep the leg for knee surgery. Cruciate ligament injuries are very common in all breeds of dogs. They can rupture due to a one-off accident or through gradual degeneration. The surgical technique aims to stabilise the knee joint and prevent the tibia (shin bone) from moving forwards when the dog bears weight. I perform a well-known technique using specialist equipment and am delighted when the knee feels strong and stable before closure.

2pm Whilst the nurses look after the recovering patients I can grab a well needed snack and catch up on some phone calls and note writing – or, like today, I eat on the go as my colleague consulting for the morning has admitted a few extras for me!

4pm Once all the pets are fully awake after their ops, have eaten, been out to toilet and had a top up of pain relief they are ready to be collected and the nurses provide thorough aftercare advice to their relieved owners. Not all days go so smoothly, so I’ll take this win. The lighter nights mean I can enjoy glorious views on my commute back home again and I stop en route to enjoy a walk, filling my lungs with clear Lochaber air.

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BONNY BLOOMING BLUEBELLS

Photograph: Abrightside Photography.

Iain Ferguson Many places in Lochaber are covered in a carpet of blue as the weather improves and flowers poke their heads above the ground.

Perhaps one of the most notable and prolific is the Bluebell. It may be stating the obvious, but they are so named due to the unmistakable colour and shape of the flower which dangles from a fine stalk. But beware of invaders!

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides nonscripta) are actually perennial herbs spending the majority of their time underground as bulbs before emerging, often in clumps, or even entire fields from late April or early May onwards. As you will undoubtedly know, the flowers are mostly deep violet-blue in colour - although they can also

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be white or pink - are bell-shaped with six petals and up-turned tips.

They are sweet smelling and droop to one side of the flowering stem, with a creamy whitecoloured pollen inside and nod in the smallest of breezes. Up to 20 flowers can grow on one flowering stem.

Leaves are narrow, around 7mms to 25mms wide and 45cms in length, smooth and hairless, with a pointed tip.

Why so much detail? We also have the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), appearing in our countryside.

They are similar in appearance but grow more upright with flowers all around the stem, not drooping to one side. Like so many nonnative plants, the Spanish variety is

more vigorous and can take over from the natives. Bluebell colonies take a considerable amount of time to establish themselves, as long as seven years from seed to flower and can also take years to recover after been trampled, so be careful not to stand on them.

You may not be aware of it, but our native bluebells are also protected by law, it being illegal pick or dig them up in the natural environment.

You do have the option of buying bulbs commercially to plant in your garden, but do take care to buy guaranteed native varieties to avoid diluting the gene pool, as hybrids have already been noted.

On a less serious note, enjoy their welcoming beauty while the blooming season continues.

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Return of the ‘Sporting Holiday in the Highlands’ John Moffat The motorcycle trials world is looking forward to the return of the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) which will kickstart back into life on Monday May 2 from the West End Car Park in Fort William. Nevis Radio, the only media broadcaster to cover the annual event, also returns with fresh ideas for coverage of this internationally famous event.

With regular presenters Simon Abberley and John Weller operating the switches and buttons, specialist trials knowledge is provided by John Moffat, owner of the now worldwide famous trials website ‘Trials Guru’. John has been a regular guest presenter with the local radio station since 2007 when he was enlisted to help the regular presenter identify competitors.

John was given his own microphone later that week and it has continued to this day.

He said: ‘It all came about when station manager Willie Cameron, a trials rider himself, passed away after a short illness and Nevis Radio were looking for someone to help them during trials week. David Ogg was doing a charity gig in Inverness and he mentioned this to me and it all sprang from there.’

John provides the Nevis Radio

An early ‘Trials guru’ broadcast.

team with facts and figures and interesting information about the sport of trials and in-depth knowledge of the SSDT itself and the day-to-day events as they unfold.

John said: ‘There have been several what we know as ‘SSDT specialists’ over the years. The most notable was the late Ed Stott from Pinner in Middlesex.

‘My late father knew Ed very well and I got to know him as a young man. He was a very knowledgeable gentleman of the old school, who had ridden the event, observed and in later years spectated and wrote a book about his time associated with the trial.’

This year’s event marks 90 years

since the last Scotsman won the trial.

That was 1932, with Bob MacGregor from Killin, who also won the 1935 event. 2022 also marks the end of Jeff Horne’s reign as clerk of the course after overseeing the event for 11 years.

‘Like everyone who has gone before,’ said John, ‘I carry on hoping that one day someone younger might come along and carry the torch as we are all getting on in years.

‘That must be the challenge for the SSDT, to bring in younger people to run it, as many of the assistants are well into their 50s through to close on 70s and you must have succession planning.’

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In Loving Memory of DOUGLAS – GUY 1933 – 2022 (Claggan) Peacefully at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Monday 28th February 2022, Guy Douglas, aged 88 years, Telford Place, Claggan, Fort William, retired employee at the former Corpach Pulp Mill and British Alcan (Lochaber Smelter). A loving husband to the late Sheila, a much-loved dad to Kevin, Fiona, Robert and Stuart, a wonderful grampa to Douglas, Fraser, Barrie, Jay, Aidan, Cammie, Sophie, Sara, Bradley and Harvey also a proud great grampa, a caring brother, father-in-law, uncle and friend. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of FRASER – CATH 1923 – 2022 (Claggan) Sadly, but peacefully at home, Cath Fraser, aged 98 years, Carn Dearg Road, Claggan, former employee at Mairi Macintyre’s (tweed shop), and also former manager of McColl’s Lemonade in Fort William, a very dear friend to Margaret and David, and also a good neighbour to many. Greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of MACMILLAN – MARY 1934 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, at her daughter’s home in Inverness, on Friday 25th February 2022, Mary Ellen MacMillan (née Timbrell), aged 87 years, Heathercroft, Fort William, (retired Hairdresser). A devoted wife to the late Coaly MacMillan, a muchloved mum to Colin, Scott and Mary, a wonderful granny/nan to Olivia, Corey and Harvey, a caring neighbour and friend to many. RIP. In Loving Memory of CURRIE – ROSE 1940 – 2022 (Spean Bridge) Sadly, in the care of the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Friday 25th February 2022, Rose Currie, Morrison Avenue, Spean Bridge, by Fort William. A devoted wife to the late Andy Currie, a much-loved mum to Andy, a special gran to Callum and Jordanne, a lovely neighbour and friend to many. Rest In Peace.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

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In Loving Memory of MOORE - CHARLES 1934-2022 (Fort William) Peacefully at Moss Park Care Home, on Wednesday 9th March 2022 Charles Moore, aged 87 years, a loving husband, a much-loved dad to Gillian, Carol and Dorothy, a caring stepdad to Hazel and Carol, a wonderful Grandpa to Catherine, Hamish, Rowan, Rosa, Ethan and Dana, and a dear friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of PATERSON – GILBERTA 1916 – 2022 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully, at Invernevis House, Fort William, on Monday 14th March 2022, Gilberta Paterson, aged 105 years, Nevis Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, a devoted wife to the late Alexander Paterson, a much-loved mum to Sandy and motherin-law to Manjit, a caring granny to Harpreet and Peter, a great gagey to Caitlyn and Paige and a loving aunty to Barbara. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of FRASER – ELMA 1934 – 2022 (Inverlochy) Peacefully at home, on Thursday 31st March 2022, Elizabeth Mary Fraser, known to all as Elma, aged 87 years, Lundy Road, Inverlochy, Fort William, retired Comptometer Operator at British Alcan (Lochaber Smelter) and former employee at Inverlochy Post Office and Volunteer at the former Save the Children Charity Shop, Fort William High Street. A devoted wife to Derek, a loving mum to Rhona and the late Maureen, a wonderful gran to Fraser and a proud great gran to Ruaridh, a much-loved auntie to all her nieces and nephews, a caring neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of MATHERS – ISABEL 1935- 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday 11th March 2022, Isabel Mathers, aged 87 years, a devoted wife to Bobby, a much-loved mum to June, Linda and the late Robert and David, a wonderful gran to Claire, Graham, Paul, Stacey and the late Sean, granny Belle to Gunnar and Loki, a granny to Shauna and Liam and a great friend to so many. Rest In Peace.

In Loving Memory of HILL – JANET 1929 – 2022 (Fort William) Peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday 21st March 2022, Janet Hill, aged 92 years, Kinross Place, Fort William, former office personnel at Fort William, Corpach, Scottish Pulp and Paper Mills, a devoted wife to the late Arthur, a loving mum to Evan, Shona and Colin, an adoring grandma to Paula, Marc, Angela, Alasdair, Allan, Linda and Amanda, a wonderful Gran J to all the great grand kids, a kind neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of GILLIES – ALICE 1945 – 2022 (Acharacle) Suddenly but peacefully at home, on Tuesday 1st March 2022, Alice Gillies (née Craik), a devoted wife to the late Jimmy Gillies (Moidart Smokehouse), a loving mum to Sarah, Alison, James, Iain, and Lorna, a very proud Granny to Lizzy, Maggie, Arwen and Torin, sister to Tommy, Mary, Isobell, and the late Altney, Charlie Alec, and Bettie, a caring neighbour and friend to so many. RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

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Val’s Pals Dani Drummon

Voluntary Action Lochaber has launched a new pilot befriending project. Val’s Pals offers support to individuals living with poor mental health as a result of the pandemic or a pre-existing condition that has been exacerbated due to isolating during Covid 19.

The service is also available to people with no diagnosis but who may be lacking in confidence and no longer feel able to do the activities they previously enjoyed.

One service user used to like going for walks around Lochaber before lockdown and was then shielding due to various health conditions for two years.

All that time in isolation caused a lack in confidence and he stopped going out walking.

He eventually contacted Val’s Pals and was matched with a volunteer buddy with similar interests. Over the course of six weeks, the pair walked longer each time and on each walk he gained even more confidence and began

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walking on his own again and stated he is now enjoying the lovely spring weather.

‘Val’s Pals gave me the encouragement and support to get back to what I have always loved and I’m happier and healthier for it.’

People may self-refer in confidence or an organisation or GP can do it for them.

After the initial contact, the person will be matched with a volunteer with similar interests.

The volunteers will help people to resume activities they used to enjoy with peer support and encouragement.

The service is limited to six weeks, with ongoing weekly meetings to increase activity using graduated exposure.

Val’s Pals has a diverse range of volunteers so whatever activity someone used to enjoy there is a suitable volunteer able to help.

To self-refer in confidence call 01397 706044 or email volunteering@valochaber.org

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Could you be one of Val’s Pals?

VAL’S PALS is a new volunteer Buddy Pilot Project offering one-to-one support to individuals living with poor mental health as a result of the pandemic or a pre-existing condition exacerbated due to Covid 19. The service will also be available to people who may be lacking in confidence and who no longer feel able to do the activities they used to do.

The main role of the volunteer is to enable people to resume activities they used to enjoy with peer support and encouragement. This will be a very rewarding volunteering position and full support will be provided by the organisation.

To find out more email volunteering@valochaber.org

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The Macmillan B Chris Jones The Macmillan Ball is a new event on the Lochaber social scene that organisers plan to make an annual celebration and thank you for the work of the local Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

The lion’s share of the work to create the event was carried out by Jeanette Lane, following a suggestion put forward by a friend, to celebrate the life of her late husband, retired senior army officer Kevin Lane of Stronaba.

Kevin was nursed by Macmillan Cancer Support staff during his illness last year so his family and friends wanted to show their appreciation for the exceptional care he was given.

Kevin’s two sons, David from London and Michael who flew in from Western Australia, joined their mother at the ball and helped with the decorations to transform Caol Community Centre into display of green and white Macmillan colours,

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including inflating enough balloons to make two spectacular arches.

Musical entertainment on the night was fronted by the bloomin’ marvellous Great Glen Swing Band, led by another evergreen John Whyte on his smooth trombone. This was the band’s first full-on two-set gig since before lockdown, but the listener would hardly have know it. The band treated everyone

to a selection of up-beat swing music, with singers Brian Hepburn and Sheena Coull out front for classics including ‘I Feel Good’ and ‘Minnie The Moocher’.

We’re blessed to have such an excellent big band in our area – a rarity these days.

Raffle tickets sold like hot cakes, as did bids on the silent auction.

The organisers thank everyone who generously donated prizes, cash and items for auction. The

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n Ball

raffle draw was great fun, with Kevin and Jeanette’s sons on top form officiating, followed by them wringing every drop of kindness from auction bidders.

Raffle ticket sellers Sue and Gaynor went round the tables collecting paper money to add to the night’s fantastic fundraising.

Neil McBain brought along his Nimble Mobile Disco to provide background music and later closed out the night, setting the dance floor ablaze with a classic party set featuring the all-action ‘YMCA’ and ‘Agadoo’. It was the

1970s all over again! The final total is still being calculated but at the time of writing, it looks like a donation of £3,600 will go to the Lochaber Macmillan Cancer Support team, every pound of which will be spent in Lochaber on all manner of things to make life a little easier at what can be a very difficult time.

Look out for The Macmillan Ball in March 2023.

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Off Beat Bikes and Electric Bikes Electric Bikes! They have become the Marmite of the cycling world, but love them or hate them it’s undeniable that they are here to stay!

Fort William has a huge role to play in worldwide cycling, we are home to the only round UK of the Mountain Biking World Cup, an event that has brought the eyes of the world onto the Scottish Highlands. The last two years have seen a monumental shift in cycling in our town.

Whether your bike powers your morning commute, weekend canal rides or the thrill of mountain biking on the countless trails of Leanachan Forest and the West Highland Way, the electric revolution is gathering unsurpassed momentum. But why?

For most, the steep terrain of the highlands limits their riding to the lowland trails, the stunning Caledonian Canal, or the flat commutes along cycle paths. Those of us residing in the higher reaches of the town, up the steep tarmac climbs often find the uphill slog too much to face, our bikes lying dormant in the shed whilst we trudge to and from

town, or rack up the commuting miles with everrising fuel prices.

Electric bikes are the solution. We have been so fortunate to bear personal witness to the hundreds of lives changed by an electric bike over the past two years! People once more leave their cars at home and feel the freedom of a bike, with motors powerful enough to make every road climb a breeze and batteries durable enough to cover up to and beyond 85 miles on a single charge.

It’s not just the humble commute that has changed for us though, we sit in the centre of some of the world’s most stunning terrain, from snow-capped peaks to endless moors and white sandy beaches!

Without an electric bike, so much is inaccessible to all but the fittest and most adventurous among us. But with an electric bike, it’s proven to be a different matter entirely! For the first time for many, the seemingly infinite forest and hillside tracks have become accessible, opening a new world of experience to us all.

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Lochaber Probus Club David Anderson A group of retired and semi-retired folk meet in the education centre at Lochaber Rural Complex, Torlundy, once a month to listen to a guest speaker, have a good natter and enjoy lunch.

This is Lochaber Probus Club.

We start at 11.30am for coffee and finish around 1.45pm.

Our meetings welcome all ‘retirees’, both male and female, who enjoy company and a blether.

We exist to provide regular opportunities for members to meet others in similar circumstances, with similar levels of interest, to make new friends and to maintain and expand their interests.

We are not a fund-raising organisation.

Probus clubs originally started in the 1960s as associations of retired and semi-retired professional and businesspeople - hence the name - and are now a worldwide organisation.

Our club is in regular contact with Probus members in Queensland, Australia, and nearer to home in Banchory, Turriff and Glasgow.

Lochaber Probus Club started in January 2020 with only six people being present at the initial meeting, but numbers

quickly rose. Unfortunately, with the outbreak of covid, we had to suspend our meetings from the middle of March 2020 until August 2021. Our guest speakers for the remainder of 2021 included Clare Reynolds talking about music therapy, Joan Kennedy and Gavin Reid of the Young at Heart walking club, Jo Cowan of Age Scotland and Kenny and Barbara Mathieson on their work with the Blythswood Trust.

Our 2022 programme included Lorna Steele-McGinn and Rory Green from the Lochaber Archive Centre and Carrie Hallam of Prostate Scotland.

Our next meeting is on May 19 with Hannah Newton of Lochaber Hope. We plan to finish the session with lunch at

the Alexandra Hotel on June 16. There are no meetings during July and August.

Meetings will held on the third Thursday of each month until September 2022, after which we will change to the first Thursday of the month.

There is a £5 per meeting donation for those attending with lunch being paid individually directly to the centre. The first meeting of next session will be on September 1.

Would you like to join us or would you like to volunteer as a speaker?

For further information, contact club secretary David Anderson by email on david@mirlos. co.uk, by phone 07802 452293 or through the club’s Facebook page ‘Lochaber Probus Club’.

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MOST PROMISING FUTURE INVESTORS Iain Ferguson

Schoolgirls from Lochaber High School were named as the most promising next generation of business investors when they came out top in the Growing Future Assets Competition, a contest to nurture future female investment experts and encourage them to consider a career in industry.

Emilie Stewart, left, Talia Stoddart, with fellow team member Sophie Lewin won the senior 16 -18 age group category collecting £1,000 for the school and £200 of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member.

The girls looked at the role and future of renewables while honing their business skills and looking to potential future employment.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Talia said: ‘It was a truly insightful experience that I’d

recommend to any girl. I’m excited for the opportunities and pathways that have been opened for me and winning this competition for me is the first step to starting my future career.’

Apprentices at BSW have been planning for a greener future by taking part in ‘The Fuel Change Challenge’ organised by Skills Development Scotland (SDS). In the first year of the project, apprentices came up with the idea of using electric powered side loaders, which were trialled at the Corpach Sawmills, leading to a positive outcome.

They also looked at the possibilities of a combined heat and power cycle within the mill, not only significantly reducing emissions, but also offering a large reduction in operating costs. Now in its second year, with new apprentices taking part, one of the projects under consideration is working with other local businesses in delivery of parts and materials, co-operating on transport to reduce the number of vehicles required

for these loads. Such was the tremendous impression made by these projects, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes and officials from SDS visited the plant and met with the young people to discuss their achievements and proposals.

FUEL CHANGE CHALLENGE

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May in Russia many lost fathers, brothers and sons will, sadly, be mourned.

The ‘Merry Month of May’ is traditionally celebrated in Europe as northern hemisphere countries welcome spring.

Maypoles, bonfires, flowers and fertility rites date back many years, some to pagan times. In recent centuries, May holidays highlighted workers’ rights.

An annual parade in Moscow celebrated overcoming the Nazis in ‘the Great Patriotic War’. On May 9 2021 there were 12,000 troops, followed by hosts of tanks, missile launchers and 76 jets and helicopters. We hope for ‘peace in our time’, and pray for it, but this

Certainly no merry May holiday for their neighbours in Ukraine and the thousands who have fled from there. Scripture Union Scotland has links with Ukraine. Workers here, with the help of volunteers, visit schools and run holidays. They share Bible knowledge and the love of Jesus.

A similar organisation in Ukraine, whose title translates as Open Bible has exchanged personnel, so they are known in Scotland.

The names of their workers, and an emailed photograph of them worshiping in their basement sheltering from explosions on the first Sunday of hostilities, put flesh on the bones of my first prayers

for that country. As I write, I do not know if they are still safe.

It was heartening to see BBC’s Clive Myrie take a break from reporting in a Kyiv basement to visit an Orthodox Church and comment on the people’s sustaining ‘religious faith’. A brave young couple interviewed after their guestless wedding in a registry office, close to the sound of shelling, said in limited English: ‘We are Christians. We pray to God for protection.’ They echoed Psalm 27v.3 ‘Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me I will still trust in God.’ There is nothing good about war, but as we pray for and support the victims of this one, we could also echo that Psalm: ‘Trust in the Lord, have faith, do not despair’.

A fun treasure hunt around a course in sunny Glen Nevis. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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A (YOUTH) CLUB LIKE NO OTHER Iain Ferguson Most organisations, perhaps especially sports clubs, depend on the steady flow of young people coming up ‘through the ranks’ to ensure their survival and successful continuation into the future.

Lochaber Rugby Club is an exceptional example of this in not only regularly fielding teams in a range of age groups, but also linking to potential players through schools’ contact from an early age. A demonstration of this comes on May 4 with the annual inter school tag/touch rugby competition for late primary and young high school age groups.

Primary Schools – Tag Rugby Competition is for P4/5 and P6/7 girls and boys with teams of seven, with a maximum of 10 per squad.

Secondary Schools – Touch Rugby Competition. is for S1-S3 girls and S1-S2 boys.

For the first time the club is inviting high schools to enter both male and female teams as they feel girls may be more comfortable in an allfemale team.

It is also hoped this will make for a more exciting and varied competition.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of adult coaches, the under 14, 16 and 18 teams are brimming with enthusiastic young talent all regularly attending training sessions and travelling often quite long distances to weekend matches.

On the pitch too, they not only show talent and ability, but are also willing to listen to advice given by their coaches during breaks in the match, acting on this immediately when play resumes. Learning to play as a team and working with others is key to their game and the benefits of this can also set them in good stead for a future working life.

It has taken a few years, but the club now has a

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settled strategy of progressing players through the age groups, keeping them interested, well trained and looking forward to the prospect of playing in the first team as adults - no mean feat in these days of indoor activities based around computer games.

Its recently adopted motto is ‘A club like no other’ which is certainly deserved for its welcoming, all inclusive attitude and dedication to their sport.

Information on how to take part can be found on Lochaber Rugby Club’s social media pages.

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A small monument to a historical event just outside Fort William.

Last month: Old croft house beside the A82 near Drumarbin.

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Could you contribute to the improvement of housing choice and services in Lochaber?

Voluntary Board Members Lochaber Housing Association are seeking Voluntary Board Members to assist in the running of the Association which provides affordable housing and related services throughout Lochaber. The Association also operates and provides services through two subsidiary companies, Lochaber Care & Repair Ltd and LHA Property Services CIC. We are looking for enthusiasts with a diverse range of backgrounds from all sections of the community and all parts of Lochaber with the necessary skills and experience in areas such as finance, customer care, asset management, performance management, human resources, risk management or community regeneration. Above all, we want open, fair-minded individuals who want to help others and value participation over reward.

As a Board Member you will be responsible with others for providing the strategic leadership and direction of the Association, and be involved with the planning, governance, monitoring and control of the delivery of services to our tenants and service users. The Board works closely with the senior management team to achieve these aims.

Attendance is required at approximately 8 evening meetings throughout the year and are traditionally held at the Association’s offices in Fort William. We are currently using virtual methods and are considering hybrid arrangements for meeting attendance in the future. These are voluntary roles, but we can offer out of pocket expenses, including travelling costs, to facilitate attendance at meetings. In line with our equal opportunities policy, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

For more details about this significant opportunity to contribute to the improvement of housing choice and services in Lochaber, please download an application form and further information from our website at: www.lochaberhousing.org.uk info@lochaberhousing.org.uk Jenny MacKay, Customer Services Manager on 01397 702530 For an informal discussion, telephone 01397 702530 and ask for our Chief Executive, Margaret Moynihan.

A Scottish Charity (No SCO 30951)

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Industrial and Provident Society No. 2289R (S)

Scottish Housing Regulator Registered No. 151

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“Building for the Future” Since its establishment in 1988 to address housing need in Lochaber, and in particular rural communities, Lochaber Housing Association has provided approximately 800 new housing opportunities for rent and low-cost home ownership.

Following a suspension on new build development after the global financial crash in 2008, the Association returned to the provision of new build affordable housing opportunities in 2014, partnering up with the Communities Housing Trust to develop around 30 new properties per year, throughout Lochaber. In early 2018, the LHA Board of Directors resolved to enhance its capacity to deliver more affordable housing in Lochaber by entering into a partnership with Link Housing Association to develop the Upper Achintore site in Fort William. The first phase will deliver 81 new properties with a completion date targeted for April 2024.

Following the retirement of Blair Allan in 2020, the LHA Board appointed Margaret Moynihan as Chief Executive. Margaret has worked for the Association for over twenty years, during which time she has held various management posts including Finance, Corporate Services and Housing Management and more recently the post of Deputy Chief Executive.

Working with the Association’s Board of directors and staff, Margaret’s vision is “to ensure

that the Association continues to thrive as it moves into the future, by prioritising the delivery of good quality affordable homes supported by excellent services within the communities of Lochaber. It is important that we continue to build on the high levels of investment in our rented stock – ensuring that we continue to meet our net zero carbon targets and that homes are energy efficient for all of our tenants, particularly given the current rise in fuel costs. We need to find solutions to address the lack of housing available to those seeking employment in Lochaber and for those already working here who cannot find suitable accommodation.

We want to create strong and sustainable communities which comprise of attractive, mixed tenure neighbourhoods and build communities where people want to live and where they have opportunities for education, housing, access to jobs and community facilities.”

The Association is committed to ensuring that it is providing quality services to its tenants that will meet and exceed tenant expectations. To be able to achieve this the Association is working closely with its tenants and listening to their views. Recently the Association engaged with tenants through a telephone survey resulting in a response rate of around 55%.

Whilst 92% of our tenants told us they were very satisfied with the services we provide; we have

taken on board the comments received where tenants felt that we could do better. We are in the process of arranging focus groups with our tenants to ensure we improve on those areas identified.

Tenants can also contribute to the development of the Association through “Your Voice” – an informal partnership which brings together tenants and staff to review policies and services. “Your Voice” is an opportunity for tenants to say what improvements they would like to see and to shape services which can make a real difference.

To find out more and to become involved please contact your housing officer or visit the Association’s website, www. lochaberhousing.org.uk The Association is also keen to recruit new directors to the Board and to its subsidiary companies, Lochaber Housing Association Property Services and Lochaber Care & Repair and welcomes anyone who has an interest in housing and their communities to get in touch.

Margaret Moynihan CE

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T: 01397 712373 M: 07884 185 279

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

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