Lochaber Life #335 September 2021

At the heart of your community september in the wild

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what did you do this summer? 22

Beatha Lochabair

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An Lùnastal

Community Connections

September 2021 – Issue 335

What did you do this summer?

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 i l 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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Ardrhu House A little bit of magic and a whole lot of luxury

Images: Paul Boyle

Looking for something special?

Why not treat yourself by booking into Ardrhu House to enjoy decadent fine dining whilst taking in the panoramic views of Loch Linnhe?

Imagine long afternoons sipping on your favourite cocktail, whilst soaking up the beautiful view from our garden or catch up on those cancelled celebrations and treat yourself, friends and

Alongside our signature spa packages, Ardrhu House serves an eclectic à la carte lunch and a threecourse dinner menu for £45 pp.

Our new menu includes some mouth-watering creative and delicious dishes. this month we will be offering 10% off your total spend with us (mention Lochaber Life when booking your table).

Each day, limited places are available for dinner for nonresidents in an intimate setting inside or in one of the stunning outdoor domes, which feel cosy and offer protection from the ubiquitous midges.

treatment of your choice, ending with our delicious cream tea. the perfect treat for a special occasion:

family to a visit to Ardrhu House.

Only 10 minutes from Fort William.

Luxury spa days Escape and sink into relaxation with one of our luxury spa days, where you will leave feeling revitalised, pampered and completely recharged.

We have a special SPA offer on this month! £75 for one, £140 for two, this includes the use of the full spa facilities and a 45 minute

Experience our wonderful Champagne Afternoon Tea, previously only offered on spa days, now available for all guests at £22 for one, £40 for two.

Group visits are welcome and must be booked in advance.

Gift Vouchers are available for dining or the spa, without an expiry date. The perfect gift for someone who has it all!

For the full story on Ardrhu House’s magic touch, to design your Spa la Carte experience or to have a look at everything we have to offer visit www. ardrhuhouse.com

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contents

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THIS IS SEPTEMBER “Yes, it is” you may say, but did you know that on the 22nd of this month the autumn equinox means that the day is split evenly between light and dark (unless of course it is so cloudy in the evening that you can barely tell the difference). That also makes September the first month of autumn, which is equivalent to March in the Southern hemisphere and also the first line in the helpful little poem, ‘Thirty days hath….’.

However as the longer nights approach, the September Lochaber Life looks back to the warm sunny days of summer and the activities enjoyed by many in these long bright days when Covid restrictions eased slightly.

I hope you were one of them.

A happy autumn. Foghar sona. Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Summer fun as divers and bathers enjoy the delights of the Lower Falls during the summer heatwave. 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

Lord Lieutenant retires

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Tuesday Club re-opens

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Reader’s picture

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Recipe

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September in the wild

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What did you do this summer?

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Three cheers for Lochaber volunteers 24 Careers old and new

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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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Star for Harris

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Where in Lochaber?

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Support the Fort (FC).

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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 Ltd.

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Shiel BuSeS BUSAICHEAN SEILE

Visit Stunning Glen Nevis and Spectacular Waterfalls

Route No: N42 | 5 July - 11 October 2021 | Monday - Sunday Fort William Bus Station (Stance 7)

09:30

10:30

12:30

13:30 14:30

16:30

Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

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Glen Nevis Lower Falls

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Glen Nevis Lower Falls

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14:00 15:00

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Glen Nevis Youth Hostel

10:10

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Fort William Bus Station

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This route provides access to:  Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park  Glen Nevis Youth Hostel  Ben Nevis  Ring of Steall & Steall Falls  West Highland Way  Fort William & amenities



Buses on this route are dog friendly



Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate passengers with bikes

Call 01397 700 700 | www.shielbuses.co.uk LOCHABER LIFE

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LORD-LIEUTENANT HANGS UP UNIFORM Iain Ferguson After 19 years of donning the distinctive black and red uniform of the Lord- Lieutenant, Donald Cameron of Lochiel has handed over the title and the duties which come with it on reaching the age of 75.

Highly regarded throughout the area of Inverness for his grace and humour in carrying out his duties in the role and locally for his interest and activities within the community, he has officially welcomed the Royal family to the area on several occasions and accompanied them as they visited various events.

He has also taken the salute many times on Remembrance Sunday as servicemen (and women), ex military and local groups paraded in Fort William High Street on their way to the War Memorial and, of course, at the Commando Memorial.

The latter has special links to his home at Achnacarry where a Commando training camp was set up in the Second World War, which to this day is visited by serving and former soldiers who take part in annual runs from Spean Bridge station to the Castle as their forbears did almost 80 years ago.

As Lochiel is 27th hereditary Chief of Clan Cameron, Achnacarry is also home to the Clan Cameron museum tracing their history, including their Jacobite ties until the battle of Culloden in 1745 as supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie right up to his family’s present day links to the Royal family.

It was perhaps very appropriate that his last official function was to present a Queen’s Award for Volunteering (see p24) to the West Highland Museum in Fort William’s Cameron Square, bringing together many strands of his own family history.

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He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Lord Lieutenant and being able to meet a huge number of people. It’s been a great pleasure doing things like presenting awards to local organisations and groups.

“But you do have to step down when you reach 75 so the presentation to the museum was my last official event which was just a week before my birthday.

“It has been very enjoyable serving as LordLieutenant. It’s been good fun.”

Lochiel is succeeded in the post by Inverness lawyer James Wotherspoon who is currently senior Partner of Macandrew & Jenkins WS, a family legal firm based in Inverness. He has also been Clerk to the Inverness Lieutenancy, which encompasses the districts of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey and Lochaber, since 2002 and a deputy lieutenant since 2009.

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LOCHABER LIFE

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TUESDAY CLUB ON THE GO AGAIN Like many organisations, The Tuesday Club was forced to shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was always a great afternoon outing for its members, for a catch up and chat over tea and cakes, playing games such as Scrabble, sing alongs with local entertainers, and even the occasional outing.

Happily, this has now resumed with their first ‘We’re still here’ meeting, held recently in Caol Community Centre. New members are always welcome.

One of the organisers, Mary

Bruce said: “It’s good to be back and we are looking for ideas as to what we can do for future meetings. It has been a hard time for everyone but hopefully it is now time to get back to normal.”

For more information on the tuesday Club, or how to join, contact mary Bruce on 01397 704158, or sine montgomery on 01397 712128.

A bright sunny day on Canna, captured by reader, Bill Cameron

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Ben Nevis Vets welcomes your Pets!

Ben Nevis Vets is the brand new veterinary practice now open in Caol Shopping Centre.

Ben Nevis Vets is run by husband-and-wife team Kenny and Cheryl Lang who are now open to register pets to the practice.

Cheryl originally from California met Kenny whilst they were both working as vets in the Fort William area. Their 7 year dream is now a reality and they are excited to establish themselves as an independent, family run business that looks after the needs of local animals.

It has been a long time in the making as they took over the

lease of the old post office shop in March 2020 just as the pandemic hit! They are now finally in and will be joined by a new practice nurse at the end of September and a graduate trainee at the end of October, but are fully operational from now, including an out-of-hours emergency service.

In addition to the veterinary practice, they also offer a boarding cattery service, housed on the upper floor of the practice at just £11 per day/ night. The perfect solution if you want to get your holidays planned now that you can!

Kenny and Cheryl look

forward to welcoming the local community into the practice – drop in or email them to get your pet on board!

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Your Solicitors & Estate Agents Established as one of the leading estate agency and legal firms in the west of Scotland

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We offer a warm and friendly welcome at our offices in Fort William’s High Street. We are there for you every step of the way when it comes to buying or selling your home, offering guidance, advice and a professional viewing service.

For current property lis�ngs and more informa�on Visit our website at www.macarthurstewart.co.uk or pop into our branch at 87 High Street Fort William, PH33 6DG Call. 01397 702455 Fax. 01397 705949 fortwilliam@macarthurstewart.co.uk Estate agency fee is at 1% with no added VAT

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• METHOD •

VANILLA SPONGE CAKE From 13-year-old baker, Ashleigh Adams

• INGREDIENTS • 430g self raising flour

400g caster sugar

1 tsp salt

3 large eggs

2 tsp baking powder

2 egg whites

3/4 tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla extract

345g unsalted butter

360ml butter milk

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1. Mix the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in bowl and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl beat the butter and sugar together 3. mix the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined.

4. Then fold your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients.

5. Pour your buttermilk into the mixture and beat until well combined.

6. Place your mixture evenly into whatever tins you are using 7. Bake at 180 degrees/ gas 4 for 30 to 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

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Autumn gets under way Iain Ferguson September is a month when signs of plants and animals making themselves ready for colder weather start to become apparent.

Lush, green ferns and bracken are turning yellow, dark orange and then brown, before they vanish completely as though they were never there. On the hills the deer are starting to rut, so as warned in previous Lochaber Life articles, steer clear and give them a wide berth so that you may not accidentally be a casualty of their high-powered hormones.

Bell heather will be making its own colourful display and many moths, some butterflies, bees and numerous species of insects will be out in force, driven by the need to gather the precious food which remains.

Perhaps, with the colder weather the dreaded midge will start to drop back in number, giving you the opportunity to get out and about without fear of continuous small insect assault. However they do still favour damp, windless conditions around vegetation, so do

choose your route with care. As you probably know only the females bite and are attracted by the carbon dioxide that mammals breath out. Once they get your blood they then lay their eggs and the cycle continues.

Underfoot (and do take time to look down) the wood ants will be working away gathering food and material for their nests which are built from twigs and leaf litter to house the all important egglaying queen. Up to 100,000 ants can call the nest their home.

On the water, look out for grey seals which haul themselves on to convenient rocks to rest, perhaps even to enjoy the warm rays of the sun before they fade too much to make a difference.

In the garden I’m sure (well, I know, actually), that there is a lot of tidying up to be done, perhaps even thinking about a some of the final grass cuts while the weather is dry.

One thing I am sure of, that whatever the season, nature is always on the go and always busy, so never stop looking for all these little things, which make the outdoors so much more interesting.

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In Loving Memory of JOAn (JOAnne) grAnt 1935 – 2021 (Onich) Peacefully in the exceptional care of Abbeyfield Care Home, Ballachulish, on Tuesday 3rd August 2021, Joan Grant (Joanne), aged 86 years, Bunree, Onich. A loving and much-loved aunt, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of mICHAeL (mIKe) dAVIdsOn 1940 - 2021 (Roy Bridge) Peacefully in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness on Monday 12th July 2021, accepting his last days with stoic humour and good graces, Michael Edwin Ian Davidson (Mike), aged 81 years, Coromandel, The Knoll, Roy Bridge, a well-known and respected Charted Civil Engineer.

A much-loved husband to Anne, devoted dad to Andrew, Neil and Fiona, a wonderful grandad to his grandchildren, a caring relative, neighbour and friend of many. So greatly missed everyday.

In Loving Memory of JeAn mCALLIster 1946 – 2021 (Lochyside) Suddenly at the Belford Hospital on Tuesday 3rd August 2021, Jean Florence McAllister, aged 75 years, Mossfield Drive, Lochyside, Fort William, former employee at Woolworths, Fort William High Street and Belhaven Ward. A devoted wife to Billy, a loving mum to Eileen and Kenneth, a wonderful granny and great granny to all her grandchildren, a caring sister, auntie, neighbour and friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of sAndy wAtsOn 1983 – 2021 (Claggan/Caol) Suddenly at home on Tuesday 20th July 2021, Alexander Kenneth Watson (Sandy), passed away aged 38 years, Polmona, Claggan.

A loving dad to Gracie, Chè and Romi, a much-loved son to Lorraine, brother to Ryan, uncle, nephew, cousin and a well-liked friend to many. Sadly missed by all his family and friends.

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 trACy rOBertsOn 1971 – 2021 (Mallaig) Sadly, at home with her loving family by her side on Friday 23rd July 2021, Tracy May Robertson, aged 49 years. A beloved partner to Colin Macdonald, a much-loved mum to Lewis, Allan and treasured by Iain Sandy, a loving daughter to Bill and Mary, a caring sister, auntie, cousin, relative, neighbour and a good friend to many. So greatly missed and loved everyday.

In Loving Memory of wILLIAm (wILLIe) wILsOn 1931 - 2021 (Caol) Suddenly at home on Friday 2nd July 2021, William (Willie) Wilson, aged 89 years, Glenkingie Terrace, Caol, Fort William. Well-known local Bus Driver (retired). A devoted husband to Jeanette, a loving dad to Christine, George, Angus and Sharon, a wonderful papa to all his grandchildren, a much-loved brother, brother-inlaw, uncle, a caring relative, neighbour and a friend to many. Sadly missed everyday.

In Loving Memory of ALAn mCgAw 1948 - 2021 (Upper Achintore) Resignedly, in the early hours of Monday 26th July, with his son David and daughter Elayne at his bedside. Eternally grateful for the support and care offered by the wonderful staff at the Belford hospital, and professionals in the wider community, during what was a difficult year.

Very sadly missed by friends and family, but now at peace with his late wife Anne. Ride on.

In Loving Memory of CArLOs ArAuJO 1956 - 2021 (Plantation) Peacefully at the Belford Hospital, Fort William on Saturday 24th July 2021, Carlos Araujo, aged 65 years.

Kitchen Assistant at Nevis Range. A loving father to Carla, Raquel and Sofia, a much-loved brother, uncle, relative, neighbour and friend to many. RIP. In Loving Memory of LACHLAn (LACHIe) rOBertsOn 1959 - 2021 (Mallaig) Tragically at sea on Thursday 24th June 2021, Lachlan Roderick Ewen Robertson, Tigh Solais, Mallaig, aged 61 years, a well-known and highly regarded local fisherman and skipper of ‘Reul a’Chuain’. A loving and adored dad to Rachael and Kenna, dear brother to Catriona and Donald. So sadly missed by his family, friends and the wider community.

In Loving Memory of HAnnAH (Ann) mACdOnALd 1949 - 2021 (Kinlochleven) Sadly, but peacefully, at home, with her family by her side, on Sunday 1st August 2021, Hannah MacDonald, known as Ann, Lovat Road, Kinlocheven, aged 71 years. A loving wife to Earle, a much-loved mother to Paul and Mark, a wonderful grandmother to all her grandchildren, a caring relative, neighbour and friend. Forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

In Loving Memory of CAmP – PAt 1945 – 2021 (North Ballachulish) Peacefully at home, after a short Illness, with her family by her side on Tuesday 6th July 2021, Patricia (Pat) Camp, aged 76 years, North Ballachulish. A devoted wife to the late Tony, a much-loved mum to William and John, a loving granny to Pheobe, a loving mother-in-law, cousin, neighbour and friend. Together again with Tony.

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Unearth job and training opportunities with DYW West Highland Developing the Young Workforce West Highland, hosted by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, works hard to bring opportunities, key information and supporting young people for the world of work.

Over the coming months you will get the chance to hear about the day-to-day roles, top tips for success and what current training and job opportunities are open for you to explore. You will hear from forestry and land, renewables and health and wellbeing sectors and from organisations including SSE, NatureScot, West Highland College UHI and UNESCO Biosphere.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in hearing about, head over to www.dywwesthighland.org today and sign up to our next careers insight session taking place on Wednesday 1 September at 2pm. If you’re in school you can still join, the team will be speaking to all secondary schools in Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross as part of their School Coordinator network and get your class access to the session live or recorded. upcoming events 1 September - Forestry and land career and training opportunities

3 November - Renewables sector overview and career opportunities 15 December - Mental health and wellbeing career opportunities The DYW West Highland team can be seen in schools across the region as the School Coordinator programme continues to build momentum on the return on students as their work to bring benefits to young people continues.

Keep up to date with the latest advice, events and updates from the team by following them on social media @ DYWWestHighland or online at www.dywwesthighland.org.

OPEN Y O GA FO R H E ALTHY B ACKS NLP, CBT, L IFE C O ACHIN G F O O D I N TO LE RAN CE T E S TIN G H E RBAL M E DICIN E C O UN S E LLIN G O S TE O PATHY P HYS IO THE RAPY M AS S AGE , R E FLE XO LO GY P O DIATRY C ALL: 0 1 3 9 7 7 0 2 2 5 7 E : INFO@ LOCHABERCLINIC. CO. UK W : WWW. LOCHABERCLINIC. CO. UK

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Welding repairs Fabrication Railings & gates Onsite steel alterations Car & van MOT repairs Aluminium, stainless steel & mild steel welding T 07463 612809 E gwelding@outlook.com

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Vickers Flooring – new shop, new era!

Setting up a new shop during a global pandemic is a brave thing to do, but hard work and determination has paid off and Jeremy Vickers now has a shiny new base for his busy carpet and flooring business.

It all started 16 years ago when Jeremy undertook 4 years of training at college to become qualified as a carpet and flooring specialist, followed by a year studying business management. ‘That feels like a very long time ago, but I’ve never looked back. I love what I do and it’s fantastic to see rooms transformed from the bare concrete or wood to a beautiful finish.

I love a challenge too – there have been many tricky jobs over the years!’

Having a base to work from and a place where customers can come and visit to browse a great range of floor coverings and discuss their needs was the next natural step for Jeremy. He couldn’t do it without the help of his sister Gemah Graham who has joined the business after 22 years in the hospitality industry. Gemah tells us ‘Jeremy is a fantastic carpet and floor fitter – he has a great reputation and always wants to keep his customers happy so with me in the office, I keep the paperwork tidy and his busy diary

running smoothly whilst he does what he does best!

When the new home-owners in Angus McIvor Way got their keys a few weeks ago, they had 9 jobs come on board in one week! There is no job that Jeremy won’t take on – he loves a challenge. He has fitted carpets in every imaginable space including boats, trains, caravans and hotels. Recent major projects include the Bridge of Orchy Hotel at Inveroran, but he is just as happy transforming a family’s kitchen, lounge or staircase.

Vickers Flooring also offers a range of blinds, from measuring up to ordering and fitting; venetian, roller, vertical, pleated, panel and roman blinds which can be co-ordinated with new carpets and flooring if required.

Call into the shop in Caol Shopping Centre or have Jeremy come to you with a portfolio of book samples. LVT (luxury vinyl tiles) are on trend right now but he can supply and fit any type of floor covering you desire! If you need some help and advice, give Jeremy a call on 07740170917.

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WHAT DID YOU DO IN THE SUMMER? Iain Ferguson Often during the summer holidays from school, the classic phrase “There’s nothing to do” is heard. However, this year at least, it certainly hasn’t been the case throughout Lochaber.

Plenty of good weather, along with the relaxation of Covid restrictions have been great attractions just to get outside, play games or enjoy the open countryside all around us. The pastures of the Glen and the River Nevis have for countless years been the haunt of parents and children for picnics and paddling. A bit further down, the Lower Falls and Paddy’s Bridge are seen as more of a challenge for older children and adults, demonstrating their daredevil diving skills in our own mini version of Acapulco.

Wild swimming is also becoming more and more popular, with early morning and evening dips in various scenic lochs being enjoyed and posted on social media by people of all ages. Many of them swim in groups and would

welcome new interest in their activities. Getting out in the hills too, heading for the many local beaches and visiting not-too-hard to reach areas such as Steall Falls, walks along the canal-side, all have made some great days out in the nice weather.

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Camping has also become a first time experience for many local children, enjoying a night under canvas, while hopefully also learning to respect the countryside by not leaving litter and waste behind them.

Many organised events have taken place in every part of Lochaber right through the holiday season with football, mini athletics, various sporting classes, Street League shinty and activities for all ages, inside and out. Scottish Opera also hosted several pop-up performances of Gilbert & Sullivan in the brilliant sunshine of the Nevis Centre car park.

Relaxation of lockdown also brought a larger than usual influx of visitors, with Ben Nevis seeing almost unprecedented footfall, sometimes with several thousand people trekking up the path on a single day and every potential parking space packed with vehicles.

Our beaches and surroundings have also been subjected to more use (and often misuse) than normal , with those who aim is to personally have a good time forgetting, perhaps in their excitement, to be considerate of others and their surroundings.

However, largely the sun has shone, the rain has stayed away and Lochaber dwellers can for once, boast their own home-grown tans!

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THREE CHEERS FOR LOCHABER VOLUNTEERS Iain Ferguson

Three Lochaber charities were recently awarded the much coveted Queen’s award for Voluntary Service, which is the group equivalent of the MBE. Lochaber Hope, The West Highland Museum and Nevis Radio all received awards of a certificate and engraved glass trophy in recognition of their actives and service.

These were presented by Lord Lieutenant of Inverness, Donald Cameron of Lochiel.

First awarded in 2003 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee it has become an annual award to recognised the good works done by volunteers considered to be making an outstanding achievement which greatly enhances the lives of people in their communities.

A specialist assessment panel of independent volunteering experts from across the UK then judge the nominated groups against the Award criteria, taking into account the first appraisal and passes its recommendations to the main award committee.

The award is decided after the Queen has given her formal approval.

Each nomination is first appraised in the area where the group works, being led by Her Majesty's representative, the Lord Lieutenant assisted by an assessment panel of leading representatives from diverse sectors of the community. The Lord Lieutenant or their representatives, or both, may meet with the nominated group.

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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

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Michael J Kennedy

Painters & Decorators For High Quality Workmanship

Ames Taping, Coving, Airless Spray, New Builds

Commercial, Industrial & Domestic

53 Castle Dr, Lochyside, Fort William

Mob 0780 335 7221

Tel 01397 703893 Established 1988

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DEMPSTER FAMILY MARKS SENIOR AND JUNIOR SERVICE

Iain Ferguson In 1971 a young mother attended an interview, babe in arms, for a waiting job at the Clan MacDuff Hotel in Achintore Road. Fifty years on May Dempster, celebrated her unbroken record of employment at the hotel with a special reception and thank you arranged by owners, the Fyfe family, friends and colleagues.

On the day of her presentation, May’s grandson, 17-year-old Finlay Dempster spent his first day of training with the Royal Marines in Devon, hoping to make this his lifelong career.

While May puts her long service down to being treated as part of the family, Finlay also set about joining a military family which, judging by the turn out and age range of people attending at local

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Remembrance parades each year, he will also be a part of all of his life.

In another parallel, while May was given gifts of recognition by the Fyfe family, who run the hotel, Finlay was also presented with gifts and a copy of his service record by Training Ship St Christopher, where, as a Sea Cadet, he, too, set some records.

Commanding Officer Derick Campbell said: “Finlay’s conduct has been exemplary, since he came through the door as a quiet wee laddie at the

age of 10. He is the current record holder for the Cadets’ Commando Speed March for his time of 43 minutes 17 seconds, competing against Sea Cadets from across Scotland. Thanks to Finlay and several predecessors, the winner’s cup has never left Lochaber.

“Setting him in good stead for what is to come in his training, he also joined members of the Royal Marines Association on the same course carrying a full 36lb pack and completed it in an hour and two minutes.

Speaking at May’s presentation ceremony, Clan MacDuff manager, Angus Fyfe was equally praiseworthy of May, saying: “In fifty years you have never taken a day off work, even when you felt unwell and that is just tremendous.

“A big thank you is never going to be enough for all your help and commitment, doing us so many obligements and little extras that have helped us solve problems and give numerous guests such excellent service.”

Congratulations to both May and Finlay for dedication to their chosen careers.

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Members John Ferguson & Caroline Ferguson

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| SEPTEMBER 2021

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Owen Adams The Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) represents all Higher and Further Education across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and its 13 academic partners. HISA is run by students, for students; we work towards making the student experience one to treasure! HISA regionally delivers an array of diverse events across the academic year. (www.hisa.uhi.ac.uk/ about/who-we-are). In addition to putting on fantastic regionally events, HISA also works to put on local events in partnership with academic partners.

As far as Lochaber is concerned, this refers to West Highland College UHI and a handful of their learning centres. Freshers launches early September! It will encompass a blended approach that offers a menu of appetizing activities. This includes competitions, inspirational speakers, unforgettable socials, and job fairs to name a few. HISA works tirelessly to sustain engaging activities for students despite the limitations enforced

by Covid-19. To keep updated with all the exciting ongoings, you can find us here on our social: www.facebook.com/WHCHISA. To new students, as well as returning students, we look forward to seeing you!

HISA represents a useful bridge between students and their communities. It helps to elucidate students as to what opportunities exist within their community. In terms of Lochaber (and beyond), we aspire to achieve greater connectivity between students and their communities. We openly welcome contact from employers, organisations, clubs, and project groups. Students have a lot to offer their communities as do communities for students. A lot of great work is being done within communities and it is perturbing to consider these missed opportunities for potential student involvement. With that said, let us always spare a thought for students because they hold a significant place within every community. The bridge is well and truly open; we look forward to bringing us closer together as one.

Contact details: Student Association Assistant WHC: owen.adams@uhi.ac.uk HISA Depute WHC: ciaran.gibson@uhi.ac.uk

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September dawns and schools are back.

I’m sure every parent and teacher hopes (maybe even prays?), that education will be less disrupted than over the last 18 months. I hope, and pray, that all our local children are settled into their classes and all concerned are working hard to make up for lost time.

However, my selfish thought is that with schools back, road traffic will be quieter and more predictable.

I’ve met some very pleasant tourists at the hotel and leisure club I visit almost daily, (Covid permitting), for my exercise.

I’m grateful for them.

I doubt it could stay open with just local club members’ fees. Here I have selfish thoughts again. It’s friendly and peaceful in term time, when ‘everybody knows your name’, and there’s more chance of relaxing in the jacuzzi!

When Lochaber Life copy is due, the editor kindly emails asking if I “have a thought”. I was thinking of making his Gooseberry Fool recipe from July when his email arrived.

That thought he might approve. Would he or, would I, want to publish selfish thoughts like those above?

Something learnt by heart in my own school days sprang to mind.

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord”.Is55.8.

Memory is not good now so I looked up the old fashioned words. “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts...let him return to the Lord, that he may have mercy on him”.

We all have selfish or even wicked thoughts, such as “If there is a God, why does he allow this horrid worldwide pandemic?” I don’t know the answer, but I do believe God’s decree, “For as the sky soars high above the earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think.”

[The Message] Even selfish me won’t argue with that.

Runners from Lochaber Athletic Club prepare to tackle the Ben Race course. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image

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| SEPTEMBER 2021

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BIG STEPS FOR SMALL FEET Iain Ferguson A night-time charity walk up Ben Nevis involved several groups working to help bereaved families of babies and young children.

Conceived by Michael McGuire of local group Anam Cara Fasgadh, Big Steps for Small Feet involved more than 100 walkers. It took two years to organise, with a total of 10 charities from all over the country taking part.

Another Lochaber charity taking part was Star For Harris, which had a team of seven joining fellow walkers on the start line at 10pm. Everyone return tired but happy at their achievement just after 4am.

from his inspirational vision to actually making it happen. He gave an amazing speech at the start, with everyone standing united as emotion filled the air as babies and children taken too soon were remembered.

Tanya Ross of Star for Harris said: “Michael did a fantastic job to pull all this together

“Smallest feet truly leave the biggest imprint on our hearts and we cannot thank the participants enough for showing such care towards bereaved families while raising money for the charities.”

Michael said: ‘This collaboration was an opportunity for many people from similar organisations to come together, form new friendships and raise awareness of what the charities do.

‘It has been a tough 18 months for so many, but hopefully the love and determination of those who walked up Ben Nevis has inspired others to never to give up.’

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While the weather on the night wasn’t great, members of the Star for Harris team still managed to perform their own rendition of Yes Sir I can Boogie on the summit, which proved popular on social media.

Wind and rain also blocked the sunrise which the walkers had planned to see on their way down as a symbol of hope and renewal but, nonetheless, everyone was delighted at what had been achieved.

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Shaun the Sheep looks a bit grimy, despite crossing water every day. But where?

LAST MONTH: The weir at Glencoe Lochan LOCHABER LIFE

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| SEPTEMBER 2021

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SUPPORT ‘THE FORT’ Iain Ferguson Thanks to the generosity of several local businesses and individuals, work to restore Claggan Park to its former glory and excellent paying surface may now be under way, but Fort William Football Club will still need ongoing support to keep going.

Even those with no interest in football with be aware that Fort William FC has had its share of ups and downs for quite some time. However the club survives and the fighting spirit of committee, management, players and fans goes on. The Fort’ also has a thriving and very successful junior section who need Claggan Park for their training and fixtures.

Over the years the home ground has, among other things, succumbed to the constant battering of Lochaber weather and the current playing surface is now so bad the Highland League decided no matches could be played on it. However two very experienced professional groundsmen visited the park and gave the opinion that it may not be as bad as it looked and with sufficient funds (around £20,000) it could be brought back into use in just over a month.

When this news broke, offers of immediate support came in from representatives of several

local companies as well as individuals, raising more than this amount in just a few hours.

At the moment the first team is being allowed to continue in the Highland League with all home matches being played at their opponent’s grounds.

Although this means many extra hours of travelling for players, in an act of tremendous solidarity and compassion, every other Highland League team offered to help by contributing to Fort’s travelling costs.

Even with the many generous offers of help, the club still needs the support of the community as they undertake fundraising ventures for the upkeep of the park and keep them going.

Social media will play an important part in this and club merchandise is on sale along with various ‘go fund me’ option on the club Facebook page.

Even as all his happens, new first team manager Ashley Hollyer is positively addressing the need for strong players at different positions with a large number of new signings.

Once they have had time to meld as a team this should see the Fort become worthy and challenging opponents for all comers. Even more reason to ‘Support the Fort’.

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