Outside in October

Iain Ferguson It may be cold and wet (well, it usually is at the time of year) but if you get the chance get outside nature is truly bursting with life this month.

Very recently, when the house was silent as I went to bed, I was very concerned by a howling animal somewhere nearby. Thinking it may be in distress I had a good look around in the direction of the sound, shone a torch, but could see nothing. It was very still and eventually it dawned on me that it was probably a stag bellowing out as rutting season is here.

As highlighted in previous editions, give rutting stags a wide berth as they are no longer the human avoiding moor dwellers you may be used to and could see you as a threat to their territory.

Now that ground cover is dying back there will be many, often colourful toadstools and mushrooms which will spring into life to fill the space. Many are pretty, some may be poisonous, so look but don’t touch and unless your are an accomplished expert, certainly don’t eat!

Another animal I recently encountered in the vicinity of my house was an owl, again I couldn’t see it in the half light, but its haunting sound echoed through the dank, hanging mist.

Many of the native trees commonly found around Lochaber will now be heavy with berries or seeds of some form encapsulated in unique dispersion packages, such as sycamore ‘wings’, the hard and spiky cases of horse chestnuts or pods on gorse bushes. There are many more, so why not make a list and go for a walk to see how many you can find?.

Looking forward to next year, now is the time to plant spring bulbs which are easy to find in the shops. Daffodils, crocus, hyacinth, snowdrops, all brighten up the gardens or pots in the early months on the new year. One of my own favourites for many years has been the paper white narcissi, of which indoor varieties can flower for Christmas (there’s that word again), but in recent years these have been all but impossible to find!

Regardless of weather, join and enjoy nature at this time if year if and when you can. I will.

Develop your leadership skills right here in Lochaber!

When it comes to business success, we know it’s all about leadership. But when you live and work in That’s why Lochaber Chamber has developed the ‘One Lochaber Leadership Programme’ to provide a locally developed and locally delivered leadership course. This one-year course is designed to fit in with work and successful delegates receive a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management. There are many benefits of the One Lochaber Leadership Programme - it’s flexible and easy to fit in with work, the small group style creates a friendly, informal learning environment with personal attention from tutors; plus there’s no expensive and time-consuming travel and accommodation costs. Marina Marin (pictured), Supply Chain Controller at BSW Timber, is a recent graduate of the Programme. Marina has worked in BSW’s logistics team for five years and she jumped at the chance to develop her understanding of managing and leading teams, saying: “The One Lochaber Leadership Programme has been a great opportunity. The content was wide, structured, and applicable to all sorts of working environments. I would certainly recommend this program to others and I would encourage businesses to enrol their employees.” If you or a member of your team would like to join the next One Lochaber Leadership Programme, please visit www.lochaberchamber. co.uk or contact Wendy Reid, Skills for Work Manager, on 07539142763 or email wendy. reid@lochaberchamber.co.uk.

OPEN

YOGA FOR HEALTHY B ACKS NLP, CBT, LIFE COACHING

FOOD INTOLERANCE TESTING HERBAL MEDICINE COUNSELLING OSTEOPATHY PHYSIOTHERAPY MASSAGE, REFLEXOLOGY PODIATRY C ALL : 01397 702257

E: INFO @ LOCHABERCLINIC . CO . UK W: WWW . LOCHABERCLINIC . CO . UK

Your local printer for

flyers / leaflets colour brochures letterheads business cards compliment slips booklets binding colour copying giant posters gloss, matt laminating carbonless stationery order of service printed envelopes wedding stationery lotto & raffle tickets notepads calendars christmas cards postcards self-adhesive labels

01397 700330 ink@printsmith.co.uk

Units 3&4, Nevis Bank Workshops, Fort William PH33 6RT

Create your own Christmas cards

We will create your own personalised cards from your pictures and add any message. Alternatively pick one of

our local scenes.

A4 - A5 CARDS

25..... £35 200.... £195 50..... £60 300.... £275 100... £95 500.... £435 150... £145 Run on £75 per 100

25..... £25 200.... £150 50..... £45 300.... £185 100... £80 500.... £275 150... £115 Run on £60 per 100

Call in or contact us on: 01397 700330 ink@printsmith.co.uk www.printsmith.co.uk A5 - A6 CARDS

Prices excluding VAT

Customised calendars also available

In Loving Memory of

JOHN MACMILLAN 1950 – 2021 (Acharacle) Peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Friday 27th August 2021, John Timothy MacMillan, aged 71 years, Rowanmere, Acharacle, a professional diver in the Seafi sh Industry Authority, Ardtoe and a long-serving Watch Manager at Acharacle Fire Station. A devoted husband to Karen, a much-loved dad to Jack and Lucy, a caring brother, uncle, colleague, neighbour and friend to many.

In Loving Memory of

HELEN MACCOLL 1969 – 2021 (Spean Bridge) Sadly, but peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday 31st August 2021, Helen Ann MacColl, aged 52 years, Insh Farm, Spean Bridge, a long serving and much-loved employee with Russell’s Bistro, Spean Bridge. A beloved wife to Hugh, a much-loved mum to Ewen and Calum, a loving auntie and a caring relative, colleague, neighbour and a very good friend to many.

In Loving Memory of

CHRISSIE MORRISON 1927 – 2021 (Caol) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday 2nd September 2021, Chrissie Ann Morrison, aged 94 years, Glenkingie Street, Caol, Fort William (formerly from Grosebay, Isle of Harris). Well remembered for her time working in William Lows, Fort William. A loving mum to John, Jennifer and Linda, a wonderful granny to Jamie, Greig, Claire, Debbie, Kirsty and GG to Innes and Emily, a caring relative, neighbour and friend.

In Loving Memory of

CATHERINE SCOTT 1958 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Suddenly at the Belford Hospital on Tuesday 31st August 2021, Catherine Sarah Scott, aged 63 years, Heatherlea Court, Kinlochleven. A muchloved wife to James, a loving mum to Linda, Jamie and Neil, a wonderful sister and granny to all her grandchildren, a caring auntie, neighbour and friend to many.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

In Loving Memory of

CALUM MACINTYRE 1925 – 2021 (Caol) Peacefully, in the loving care of Highview Care Home, Inverness, on Thursday 2nd September 2021, aged 96 years, Malcolm MacIntyre (Calum), formerly of Kilmallie Road, Caol, Fort William. A devoted husband to the late Mary, a much-loved dad to Chrissie and the late Kenneth and Morag, a loving father-in-law to Angus, Vera and Iain, a wonderful grandpa to Donald and Calum Ruaridh and great-grandpa to Mac, so dearly loved by Kathryn and Tanya, a caring brother, relative and friend. RIP.

A Celebration of the Life of

ALEXANDER SANDILANDS 1942 –2020 (South Laggan) A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr Alexander Sandilands (South Laggan) is to be held in Glengarry Parish Church on Thursday 21 October at 2pm. Refreshments will be provided afterwards in Glengarry Community Hall to which all are warmly welcome.

In Loving Memory of

JACQUELINE TAYLOR 1957 – 2021 (Onich) Peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones, on Saturday 21st August 2021, Jacqueline Ann Taylor, aged 64 years, Onich Tea Room, Onich, by Fort William. A loving wife to Lawson, a muchloved mum to James and Christian, a wonderful grandma to Lily, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. So greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of

BOBBY MACLEOD 1931 – 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully, in the care of The Bellfi eld Centre, Stirling on Friday 20th August 2021, Robert Samuel MacLeod (Bobby), aged 90 years, formerly of Seaview Terrace, Fort William, well-known self-employed slater and plasterer (R.S MacLeod Slater & Plasterer), a stalwart and chieftain of Fort William Shinty Club. An adored dad to Fiona, a much-loved father-in-law to Andy, a wonderful papa to Jack, a caring relative and a well-liked friend to so many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of

ELIZABETH (LIZ) DAWES 1976 – 2021 (Acharacle) Liz was a muchloved member of the Ardnamurchan community for the past 10 years. Whilst her sudden loss has saddened many, a beautiful service celebrating Liz’s life was held in Acharacle on Saturday 24th July. Alasdair, Parker and Roscoe are deeply thankful for all the love and support received, which has helped them through this diffi cult time. Liz adored children, wildlife and her local community. Funds are being raised to create a memorial project aimed at nurturing and inspiring young children’s appreciation of our amazing natural environment. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ lizdawes2021

In Loving Memory of

DONALD MCPHERSON 1947 – 2021 (Caol) Peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow on Thursday 19th August 2021, Donald McPherson, aged 74 years, Banavie Road, Caol, Fort William, former employee at the Pulp & Paper Mill, Corpach. A beloved husband to Alison, a much-loved dad to Donna and Ann, a wonderful grandad to Finlay, Harris, Kirsty, Lucas and Iris, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

CALUM MACALISTER 1929 – 2021 (Corpach) Peacefully, in the loving care of Abbeyfi eld Care Home, Ballachulish, on Friday 13th August 2021, Calum MacAlister, aged 92 years, Corpach, Fort William, former Geography Teacher at Lochaber High School. A loving husband and a much-loved dad to Donald, Archie, Hector, Bridget and the late Jane and Alister, a wonderful papa and great papa to all his grandchildren, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

JAMIE BALL 1975 – 2021 (Lochyside) Suddenly, at Aberdeen Royal Infi rmary, on Sunday 8th August 2021, James Maxwell Ball (Jamie), aged 45 years, Lochyside, Fort William, long-term Skipper of the Souters Lass, Fort William and former partner at Allround Signs, Corpach. A loving husband to Katie, an adored dad to Josie and Kirsty, a treasured son to Brian and Anne and son-in-law to Bob and Alison, a wonderful uncle to Arwyn and Alden, a caring brother-in-law, relative, neighbour, colleague and a well-respected friend to so many. Greatly missed.

In Loving Memory of

ALEXANDRA HOWIESON 1941 – 2021 (Upper Achintore) Suddenly and unexpectedly at home on Sunday 1st August 2021, Alexandra Jane Howieson (Sandra), aged 80 years, Ross Place, Upper Achintore, Fort William, long-serving employee at Belford Hospital, Fort William. A loving wife to the late William Howieson (Billy), a muchloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt, neighbour and friend to many.

In Loving Memory of

KATIE MAITLAND 1936 – 2021 (Ardgour) Peacefully in the wonderful care of Dail Mhor House, Strontian, on Sunday 8th August 2021, Katie Maitland, aged 85 years, St. Monance, North Corran, Ardgour. A beloved wife to John, a much-loved mum to Peter, Johnny and George, a wonderful granny and great granny to all her grandchildren, a caring relative, neighbour and friend to many.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

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

In Loving Memory of

JOSEPH (JOE) SMITH 1994 – 2021 (Fort William) Taken suddenly at home on the morning of Sunday 8th August 2021, Joseph Ian Smith (Joe), aged 26 years. A beloved son to Ian and the late Ann, a much-loved brother to Thomas, Patrick, Luke, Dominic and Natalie, a loving uncle, nephew and a good friend to many.

In Loving Memory of

PADDY MACPHERSON 1950 – 2021 (Australia/Fort William) Peacefully in Perth, Australia, on Tuesday 13th July 2021, Alexander Patrick Macpherson, known as Paddy, aged 71 years. A loving husband to Annemarie, a much-loved dad to Laura and the late Andrew, a wonderful grandpa to his grandchildren, a caring brother, uncle, cousin, relative and a friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

ANNE MACKINNON 1944 – 2021 (Claggan) Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at Moss Park Care Home, on Tuesday 10th August 2021, Anne MacKinnon (nèe Sinclair), aged 76 years, Grant Place, Claggan, former Bus Conductress with MacBrayne Buses, Manager at Claggan Shop and latterly Assistant at Marshall & Pearson until her retirement. A devoted wife to Charlie, a much-loved mum to Fiona and Gavin, a loving granny to Aimee and Lucie, a caring sister, auntie and a friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of

VERA SPARKS 1927 - 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully in the excellent care of Invernevis House on Wednesday 11th August, Vera Clara Sparks, aged 94 years. A much-loved Mum to Alan, who will be sadly missed by him and the wider family.

In Loving Memory of

TERRY CONNELL 1960 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) Suddenly, but peacefully in his sleep, on Wednesday 4th August 2021, James Terrance Connell (Terry), aged 61 years, Mamore Road, Kinlochleven, a well-liked and respected employee with Lochaber, Care and Repair. A devoted husband to the late Tracey, a muchloved brother, a caring relative, neighbour, colleague and friend to many. Together again with Tracey.

In Loving Memory of

HECTOR MACASKILL 1934 – 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully at Belford Hospital, Fort William on Saturday 7th August 2021, Hector MacAskill, aged 86 years, Tweeddale Apartments, Fort William High Street. Former barman in Fort William, well-known for his time working at The Cromag, aff ectionally known as “Hector’s House”. A loving partner to the late Olga, a much-loved dad to Hector and Stephen, a wonderful grandad to all his grandchildren, a caring relative and friend to many. RIP.