news...scbf _____32 editor’s note welcome to the latest issue of strathnairn news – our...

newsstrathnairn

INSIDE THIS ISSUEFARR SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUP

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU

HIGHLAND COUNTRY DIARIES

DRIVING ON SINGLE TRACK ROADS

LOCAL WALKS

Strathnairn Community Newsletter Issue 104, June 2019Cuairt-Litir Shrath Narann www.strathnairn.org.uk

strathnairn news • issue 104

2

AB HomeworX are a Restoration & Building Company based in Farr.

Specialising in:

▪ Restoration projects ▪ Re-configurations ▪ Extensions

▪ New Builds

Tel: 01808 595033/ Mob: 07732 211968

Web: www.abhomeworx.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook

Print: Speedprint, Inverness www.speedprintdigital.co.uk

SPONSORED BY

strathnairn news • issue 104 strathnairn news • issue 104

3

CONTENTSYour Community Council ________________ 4What’s On ___________________________ 5Minutes Of Strathnairn Community Council ____________________ 6Mobile Library _______________________ 14Community Broadband Update __________ 14Strahnairn’s Little Silver Bus ____________ 15Daviot & Dunlichity Church _____________ 15Strathnairn 55+ Lunch Club News ________ 16Farr Scottish Country Dance Group _______ 16Farr Primary & Nursery School: Head Teacher Review of the Year _________ 17Your Community Needs You _____________ 18Farr Conversations ____________________ 18Regular Activities at Daviot Hall __________ 19St Paul’s Church ______________________ 19

Farr Baby & Toddler Group ______________ 20Strathnairn Music Initiative _____________ 21Fearnag Growers _____________________ 22Driving on Single Track Roads ___________ 23SSEN Update ________________________ 24Community Liason Group ______________ 25King’s Strathnairn ____________________ 25Highland Country Diaries _______________ 26There is a Laburnum Tree ______________ 27Featured Recipes _____________________ 29Local Walks _________________________ 30Thank You Kirsty _____________________ 31Strathnairn Singers ___________________ 31Regular Activities at Farr Hall____________ 31SCBF ______________________________ 32

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to the latest issue of Strathnairn News – our community magazine! We are keen to ensure that the contents reflect what you would like to read, so if there is anything that you would like to write for us, or send in for inclusion, please contact me on the details below.

If you would like to receive your copy of the newsletter electronically, please email me your postal address details, so that we can remove you from the mailing list, and your email address. The newsletter is also available online at www.strathnairn.org.uk

Please be aware that due to the increased amount of content going in to each issue of the newsletter we are changing the deadline to the last Monday of month. This will give us more time to put each issue together without changing distribution too much.

Next newsletter deadline – Monday 29th July 2019

Please contact Caroline Tucker on 01808 521464 or email [email protected]

Please note all dates and times published are correct at time of going to print, and please ensure all submissions are non-political and unlikely to offend.

Front Cover Photograph: Farr Wind farm, courtesy of Martin Blake

Engineer/ Contractor for Farr Wind Farm project

The Cameron’s Tea Room & Farm Shop

Glenlia Farm, Foyers

Open all year round 7 days a week 9-5

Lovely Homemade Food And Local Produce

For more information like us on Facebook, email Morag on [email protected] or phone 01456 486572.


4

YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCILThe Community has a website – www.strathnairn.org.uk where full details are available. There is also a closed group <Strathnairn> on Facebook where useful day to day information is posted. As a closed group access is restricted to locals and once you have visited the page you will need to ask to join. That way your Facebook page will enable you to be notified of any disruptions and late news.

Anyone wishing to raise any matter with the Community Council can contact one of our elected Councillors below.

James Murray, Chairperson 01808 521205 [email protected] Christie, Hon. Secretary 01808 521257 [email protected] Wallace, Treasurer 01463 772378 [email protected] Henderson 01808 521323 [email protected] Hunt 01463 772094 [email protected] McQueer 01808 521474 [email protected] Haston, Minute Sec [email protected]

YOUR HIGHLAND COUNCILLORSStrathnairn is part of Highland Council Wards 12 (Aird and Loch Ness) & Ward 19 (Inverness South). Addresses & telephone numbers are available at www.highland.gov.uk

WARD 12 AIRD AND LOCH NESS Cllr Helen Carmichael [email protected] Margaret Davidson [email protected] George Cruickshank [email protected] Emma Knox [email protected]

WARD 19 INVERNESS SOUTH Cllr Carolyn Caddick [email protected] Ken Gowans [email protected] Andrew Jarvie [email protected] Duncan MacPherson [email protected]

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS:Community Police Officer, PC Cathy McGibbon 101Daviot Primary School 01463 772226 Farr Primary School 01808 521246Daviot Hall booking 01463 772228Farr Hall booking 01808 521346SCATA Bus booking 01808 521321 NHS 24 111Police - Non-Emergency 101SCBF 07858 688355 www.strathnairncbf.com [email protected] in Strathnairn:Kathy Collins (Chair) [email protected] Rose (Community Contact Officer) 07800 796106 / 01463 772240

Strathnairn Community Website

www.strathnairn.org.ukStrathnairn Community Benefit Fund Website

www.strathnairncbf.com

JUN ‘19 – JUL ‘19


5

COME AND HELP PRESERVE THE HISTORIC DUNLICHITY GRAVEYARD!15TH – 19TH JULY, 10.30AMBring along tea, coffee and a picnic along with suitable outdoor clothing for all weathers. Contact Gail Munro on 01463 772992 if you are interested in coming along to help.

FEARNAG GROWERS / LIOS NA FEARNAIGWEDNESDAY 10TH JULY 11AMArt in the gardens with Maureen Shaw. To book please email [email protected] or call 521341

FRIDAY 26TH JULY - 2PM-4PMAn open afternoon with the great Astar youth trad music group. Lively tunes, perfume making, games and baking. A great event for all the family.

JUN ‘19 – JUL ‘19

FARR COMMUNITY GALA, HOSTED BY FARR SCHOOLSATURDAY 22ND JUNE BETWEEN 2 AND 4PM AT FARR HALLCome and join us to have fun and help us raise funds for Farr School.

STRATHNAIRN FARMER’S ASSOCIATION VINTAGE RALLY – SAVE THE DATE!SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBERWe hope to see you there!

INVERARNIE STORES

OPENING HOURSMon - Fri 7am - 6pm • Saturday 8am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 2pm

Pop along and say hello!Inverness IV2 6XA

CONVENIENCE STOREGROCERIES AND FROZEN FOODS,

HARRY GOW BAKERY, DUNCAN FRASER BUTCHERS, ICE CREAMNEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, SECOND HAND BOOKS, CIGARETTES, TOBACCO

CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS, WRAPPING PAPER, GIFT BAGSFLO GAS, SMALL BAGS OF COAL, KINDLERSREPEAT PRESCRIPTION COLLECTION POINT

RECYCLING, PUBLIC NOTICEBOARD, COLLECTION POINT FOR FARR HALL KEY

OPEN LOCAL HOLIDAYSCLOSE TO FARR & DAVIOT SCHOOLS


6

STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY COUNCIL

GENERAL MEETING NO. 270FARR COMMUNITY HALL • MONDAY 20th MAY 2019 at 7.30pm

DRAFT MINUTES

SCC MEMBERS PRESENTJames Murray (Chair) [JM], Peter Christie (Hon. Sec) [PC], Ian Hunt [IH], Bea Wallace [BW], Douglas Henderson [DH]

HIGHLAND COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENTCllr Caddick [CC], Colin Ross [CR]

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PRESENTPC McGibbon + 2 members of the public.

MINUTESGH

1. APOLOGIESApologies were received from Isobel McQueer, Cllr Knox, Cllr Gowans and Cllr Davidson. Apologies were also received from Sally Moore [SM] and it was noted that she had tendered her resignation from the community council due to relocation. JM paid tribute to SM praising her great knowledge and her service on or for SNCC for over 20 years. SNCC expressed its thanks to SM and wished her well in her new home.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTE 17TH APRIL 2019 Proposed DH Seconded BW

3. DECLARATION OF INTERESTSIH advised the CC that as Chair of the Community Benefit Fund he would not take part in discussions relating to the SCBF, unless he deemed it appropriate to do so.

4. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CR was welcomed to the meeting and it was agreed to take this item before the rest of the agenda. CR gave his report on planned and recent traffic management work on the B851 working from north to south from the A9:

Scheme 1 - A9 to Whitemill Bridge – Financial contribution has been secured from Leiths in respect of Quarry operations for the section towards the A9 from the Quarry entrance. Work is planned at the turn off from the A9 just before access to


7

the underpass to just before the Quarry access approx. 350m long. There is funding to deliver a shape and overlay to strengthen the road. There is a tight radius in the dip followed by a difficult bend and Work is planned to improve both bends, localised widening to provide a consistent width and drainage before the winter. Landowner agreements, survey and design will be needed.

Scheme 9 – Inverarnie Village Improvement Scheme – CR apologised for the delay in getting this work started on the ground and is running approx. 3 months behind original start times. Aiming to send out the tender issue by the end of May for work to improve a 600 metre stretch of path and road from the shop at Inverarnie to Dalvourn. The contract award is expected to be made by the end of June with work starting in July or August. Tenders will be shared with SSE as they are funding the scheme, and CR is seeking a contingency to cover additional costs should they arise. CR is looking to seek match funding from Sustrans but the rules are tight and it may not be possible. This may provide funding for additional works although it may only be the path element and not the full Village Scheme proposals which include the carriageway works. Subject to SNCC thoughts, priority is expected to be from Farr primary school and play park and on towards the school woods.

Scheme 11 – Farr to Sockich’s Corner - PC asked whether any work would be done on the stretch of road near Milton Wood but CR advised that there is no available funding.

Scheme 12 – Sockich Corner - JM asked about the bend past the Artist’s Cottage on the way to Croachy. CR advised that it may be possible to take forward an interim solution by extending the safety barrier and providing strip widening to widen the carriageway but this would require further investigation and funding may be an issue. CR would prioritise the safety barrier first and seek to have this extended.

Scheme 13A – Flichity Bridge Replacement - CR referred to the recent decision to give consent on appeal to the RES application for the Windfarm at Aberarder. RES have agreed to undertake work to replace Flichity Bridge and widen the road on either side of it. It was noted that the bridge has been propped twice and repaired multiple times so further repair and propping is not viable. It was also noted that if work is not done soon it may be necessary to place a weight restriction on the bridge which it is recognised would adversely impact on local businesses. There are multiple interests in the bridge – most notably SEPA, Fisheries, HC flood team, HC roads design and HC structures design teams.

RES are obliged to develop a flood risk assessment model. This will be used to model the effects on flood storage capacity of carriageway widening and the possibility of raising the road level. The existing bridge is only 70 metres from the River Nairn and sits in the Nairn’s floodplain. It may be the impacts of the works are negligible to the capacity of the floodplain but without the model this cannot be assessed. Raising the road level is desirable as it floods every so often, however without checking this you may inadvertently exacerbate flooding downstream. THC will ask RES to run a simulation of this through their model to check the suitability of raising the road level. However, while you can offset a reduction in flood storage capacity, by installing culverts under the road, this may result in adverse effects such as both fields either side of the road being flooded several times a years instead of just one field. That would impact adversely on the owners interests or it may allow more water from pluvial


8

flooding to pass downstream exacerbating flooding. This demonstrates that raising the road is not simple matter.

Ground conditions at the bridge are difficult and a box culvert solution is favourable for this reason although SEPA and Fisheries are not in favour of box culverts. It may be a clear span structure is provided. RES are progressing the design but presently they have not yet finalised the structure form, whether it will be a box culvert or clear span structure. However, they are wishing to start soon on a Phase 1 ‘interim’ structure which enables them to meet time constraints for Fisheries and also hit programme times for their wind farm construction. They intend to progress and finalise the detailed design in tandem with this and ideally the interim bridge will become part of the permanent bridge. Interim scenario is box culverts downstream of the existing structure, but close to it, then divert the traffic on to that so they can demolish the existing bridge. If designs etc all come together it is hoped they will continue then building the permanent structure, move traffic back over then complete. This would minimise road closures and disruption for the public. However, there are lots of issues to be bottomed out before the final details are known.

The final replacement structure will be with an improved alignment, widened to twin track width with an integrated path. There will be short lengths of twin track widening either side of the Bridge which will be extended in the future when THC deliver further lengths of twin track widening. This will remove and improve the current sub-standard road geometry at the bridge which has a very tight horizontal radius, vertical hump and single lane width.

There is a wider benefit in this Phase 1 interim arrangement, in order to de-risk the possibility of having to implement a weight restriction on the Bridge. While this would obviously hinder RES it would have detrimental impact for the wider local community and use of the public road, affecting general traffic but the Estates and Farmers who rely on the road. Therefore, it is considered reasonable and pragmatic to allow wind farm construction in tandem with the Bridge replacement but with some controls. Those controls would allow mobilisation of a small number of plant to the wind farm site to enable a start on the hill but the ‘Phase 1 interim’ temporary diversion must be installed and operational before significant HGV transportation starts. Full replacement of the Bridge should be completed before the transportation of abnormal loads commences.

IH asked if the old bridge could be left in place as a non-accessed bridge. CR replied that as the replacement bridge was on the same alignment and therefore the existing bridge had to be demolished. CR confirmed it was not listed and apart from being on the alignment it was on the wrong side of the road to be sued as a path. CR advised the stone from the current bridge would be used in the construction of the new one for parapets and stone cladding to the end elevations which would be seen from adjacent land.

It was noted that RES would like to be on site by the end of June but to date have had no meaningful dialogue with SNCC and have not yet agreed their plans with HC. CR advised that he would inform RES that they could not access the site without having a community liaison meeting with SNCC, as this was part of their planning conditions.

Scheme 17 – Croachy Village Improvement Scheme Phase 1 - The recently completed works at Croachy were discussed. It was noted that these works form part


9

of an overall village improvement scheme but funding for the full works is currently unavailable. The current works were carried out to enhance the Gateway, formalise the passing place and slow traffic down. CR noted that initial observations showed traffic was using the arrangement as intended and that some traffic had slowed entering the Village but further speed surveys would be carried to check. One member of the public felt that so far this did not appear to have been the case. JM asked if anything had been provided to slow traffic coming from the north. CR advised the existing gateway at the north of the Village remained but road markings were still to be replaced following surface dressing works. A SLOW marking and white lining to try and protect the access were carried out and the works provided appropriate road width with the narrowings designed to slow traffic. However, the full benefit would not be realised until the full scheme was delivered. If funding became available CR would like to enhance the north gateway to the same standard as the south which would leave the internal section of the Village to be completed. One member of the public noted that a lot of money seemed to have been spent for little appreciable benefit and had wanted further works within the Village. CR advised this was unfortunate and the lack of funding prevented delivering the whole scheme. However, having the passing place and the narrowings meant traffic had the appropriate widths to pass which was better than the original layout. The path provided for vulnerable road users and the old arrangement of vehicles over-running the old path was unsafe and unsustainable.

CR advised he would carry out a Community consultation with the residents of Croachy for the full Village Scheme in coming months. If acceptable this would be held at the Church, to explain the proposals and gather feedback, answer questions and listen to ideas, similar to that carried out for Inverarnie and Farr Village held last year in Farr Hall. CR will advise the CC in due course when this will be carried out.

Scheme 22 – Aberarder to Forest Access - The section of road from Aberarder Bridge to Dunmaglass Mains entrance was to have been twin-tracked as part of the conditions on the RES planning application but this was removed on appeal. CR plans some works in this area with the support of the estate and the Inverness Area DLO to improve drainage with a view to twin-tracking in future.

B861 - DH referred to an area outside his house where there is a hole of approximately 7 metres length. He advised that a cyclist passing at the weekend had buckled its front wheel and driven into his fence. He also advised that numerous lorries pass by on the road daily. CR said that he would pursue a carriageway repair via SSE and would advise DH of proposed timescales. CR left the meeting.

5. COMMUNITY POLICING REPORTPC McGibbon spoke to her report covering the period from the last meeting. Of note were 7 reports of hazards and 8 fixed penalties on the A9 and one report of a theft from a vehicle for which an arrest had been made.

PC mentioned cars undertaking U-turns on the A9 at Daviot. PC McGibbon advised that this practice, although dangerous, is not illegal.


10

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTE ITEMS FROM PREVIOUS MATTERS:

Item 13b from the August minute – restrictions on travel times for lorries – Cllr Gowans was not present but had provided an update to the effect hat he has made contact with Highland Council and awaits a reply. Action: KG

Item 7a from the September minute – Dunlichity Graveyard – JM had spoken to Sally Moore and obtained contact details for the Bereavement Society to progress the matter. Action: JM

Item 7b from the March 2019 minute – Aberarder negotiations –JM has emailed Mr Sandilands about accompanying JM at the Windfarm negotiations and awaits a reply. Action: JM

Item 7b from the March 2019 minute – Red John letter from Residents – it was noted that SNCC’s letter to the planning department and the letter from residents would be taken into account in the planning application and that it had been delayed until June 2019.

Item 7b from the April 2019 minute – Aberarder Windfarm – IH has written to Aberarder Windfarm regarding their statement that they had been in discussions with him. A meeting date is still awaited and IH will report back when further correspondence is received. Action: IH

Item 7b from the April 2019 minute – Meallmore Woods – this was discussed under Item 8 of the agenda.

Item 7b from the April 2019 minute – Daviot Farms Waste Management Facility – this was discussed under Item 8 of the agenda.

Item 14b from the April 2019 minute – Rental of Farr Hall – JM will raise this matter at the Hall Committee meeting on 21 May. 19 Action: JM

7. FINANCIAL REPORTFunds stand at £3047.25 and there are no invoices outstanding. BW is in the process of preparing the accounts for the AGM in June.

8. PLANNING APPLICATION AND UPDATESa) Report from IH on applications

IH spoke to his report, listing 8 new planning applications: erection of house at land north east of Scatraig, Daviot.; display signs for the Visitor Centre at Culloden Battlefield; change of use to a secure dog walking field and formation of hard standing at 2 Nairnside View; replace and improve entrance signage and siting of catering trailer at the visitor centre at Culloden Battlefield; erection of a house at Cranmore, Nairnside; erection of a sun room and new annex room above garage at Roselea House, Daviot; erection of extension to house at Kennels Cottage, Flichity; and a PNO for the formation of forestry private ways and Aberarder estate. It was noted that the PNO application had been refused with a recommendation that a full planning application be submitted.


11

It was noted that in relation to the application for a change of use to a secure dog walking field at Nairnside, that the entrance would be at the far end of the plot and hard standing would be in place for 2 cars.

There were no updates.

b) Report on Aberarder WF and Red John meetings

Aberarder Windfarm - This was discussed under item 3 and there is nothing further to report as no meeting has taken place.

Red John - There is nothing further to report at this stage.

c) Daviot Farms 19/00347/FUL Objection

IH had held a meeting with R Dowell and took him through the SNCC objection to this planning application. IH advised that SNCC had objected to the initial temporary licence plus the subsequent application and this is now the third application. Mr Dowell was advised that if the planning application is likely to be approved, they would like to see constraints regarding the use of the waste management facility and a monitored weigh bridge because of concerns about improper extractions from the site. They would also like to see restrictions on the times of use and the number of vehicles on the road as there are issues of road safety.

It was noted that the operator licence given to MacDonald Groundworks Ltd has been revoked and that given the revocation of the licence the variation applications to add additional operating centres to increase authorisation and to nominate a new transport manager have been refused. MacDonald Groundworks Ltd is disqualified from 31st March 2019 to 19th May 2022 from applying for or holding an operator licence in this or any other traffic area in terms of section 28(1) and 28(4) of the 1995 Act.

9. KNOCKNAGAEL TO TOMATIN LIAISON GROUPThe next meeting, expected to be the final, is scheduled for 4th September 2019. PC will make contact SSE so that the contractors can meet with DH regarding his concerns about the noise and vibrations from traffic hitting road repairs/potholes. Action: PC

10. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED(via email unless indicated otherwise)

a) – NHS Highland have created a new application process for the funding of Third Sector providers delivering services to adults 18 years and over, living in Highland. https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/Publications/Pages/publicationsmain.aspx

https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/Publications/Documents/Funding%20Application%20Guidelines.pdf No action required

b) – Further information about the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan and asking CC’s for their key priorities. Clarification was given by CC that this applied to rural Community Councils who were being asked to advise if they have any priorities for housing, leisure etc It was agreed to take forward to the June meeting. Action: PC


12

c) – Scottish Govt. – Investing in Communities.

d) – Scottish Govt. – 75th Anniversary of VE Day. ---- 8th May 2020\ This will be for the new CC to discuss.

e) – BBC Scotland. – seeking an audience for Debate Night UHI. Noted the event is now past.

f) – Scottish Govt. – Short Term Lets consultation – closes 19th July

g) – Scottish Govt. – Grant Funding for Community led design.

h) – Highland Council – CC Network meeting in Inverness HQ 8th June PC will attend

i) – Scottish Forestry – Notice of amendment to Aberarder LTFP. [Wind Blow]

12. LIST OF EVENTS, MEETINGS AND DATES FOR ATTENDANCE AND INTERESTa) – K-T Liaison Group – 4th September. (final?)

b) – Disability in Scotland: A National Conference Tuesday 11th June 2019, Edinburgh

c) – Meeting with Eneco re amenity improvements in Meallmore Woods, 13 May. IH reminded the meeting that there was a requirement on Eneco to maintain the woods as a screen for Moy Windfarm. Work is required to provide a deer fence and replant at significant cost. Enerco have offed to sell the woods to SNCC/Strathdearn CC at a reduced cost without the work being carried out, but if there is no interest they will complete the works as they are required through the planning consent. They remain willing to sell to the CCs after this but at an increased cost reflecting the work carried out. Eneco confirmed that if they sell the woods to a third party the requirement to maintain the woods as a shield will be passed on.

The work will see the creation of a perimeter walk outwith the deer fence plus other trackways but there will not be a formal path, although Eneco are open to the creation of a fitness trail if SNCC wish to fund one.

SNCC and Strathdearn CC indicated that they did not think there was much interest in a community purchase but would refer back to their respective communities. It was agreed to bring this matter forward to the June meeting. Action: PC

d) – Meeting with R Dowell Hre Meallmore Waste Management, 16 May. Covered under Item 8c.

e)– Resilient Communities Conference 2019 - 11 September, Cambuslang

f) – Scottish Government Community Land Team – free event at the Inverness College UHI, Inverness on 15th October 2019. Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/scottish-government-community-land-team-18547648019 IH is attending.

13. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLICThere were no questions.


13

14. AOCBa) A smart meters planning consultation document has been received. This will be

brought forward to the June meeting. Action: PC

b) CC raised the issue of CC boundaries and whether Nairnside would sit better with another CC. SNCC confirmed that it did not seek any change to the boundary.

15. DATE OF THE NEXT CC MEETING [271]Monday 17th June 2019

The Community Council is required to issue the agenda 7 days before its meeting. To be certain that an item can be included please make sure that it is submitted ten days before our meeting is due to take place.

Copies of this agenda and the minutes of Community Council meetings are circulated by email. If you would like to receive a copy your email address can be added to the circulation list by application to [email protected]

COMMUNITY GALA

Saturday 22nd June 2 to 4pm

At Farr Community Hall

Please come and join us to have fun and raise funds for Farr Primary School


14

COMMUNITY BROADBAND UPDATE STRATHNAIRN.NET IS LIVE! We’re very pleased to able to announce that the network build is now complete and Scotnet, with their local partners Monsternet, are beginning customer installations of super-fast wireless broadband. This is a massive step forward for the community which will make Strathnairn a much more attractive place to live and work.

There are a number of packages available starting from £29.99 per month. Please go to https://www.strathnairn.net/broadband-packages/ for more information.

If your current download speed is less than 2 Mbps then you should be eligible for a UK government voucher towards installation costs and you can apply for this from the same web page. Scotnet are queuing voucher applications and orders to manage demand, so please be patient and allow a few weeks between your order and the date of installation.

It’s hard to believe that it’s little more than a year since we first embarked on the project to improve connectivity in the area, and we are very grateful to the Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund and all the local landowners who have worked with us to make this happen.

Darren Read and Sylvina Tilbury

Mondays (Route 9): Farr Primary School - Daviot East - Moy - Brookfield - Sunnyside – Balloch

Dates: 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 05 Aug, 26 Aug, 16 Sep, 07 Oct, 30 Oct, 18 Nov, 09 Dec 2019.

09.30 – 10.50 Farr Primary School11.20 – 11.50 Meallmore Nursing

Home11.50 – 12.05 Daviot East12.20 – 12.40 Moy Forestry

Cottages12.40 – 12.55 Moy Housebound14.20 – 15.00 Culloden Brookfield15.05 – 15.30 Culloden Sunnyside15.45 – 16.30 Balloch Braeside

Park

Thursdays (Route 12): Daviot Primary School - Gorthleck - Stratherrick Primary School - Whitebridge - Errogie - Farr

Dates: 27 Jun, 18 Jul, 08 Aug, 29 Aug, 19 Sep, 10 Oct, 31 Oct, 21 Nov, 12 Dec 2019

09.25 – 10.05 Daviot Primary School

10.35 – 11.25 Invernarnie, Farr Hall12.00 – 12.15 Gorthleck Public Hall13.15 – 13.55 Stratherrick Primary

School14.00 – 14.25 Whitebridge Old

Post Office15.00 – 15.35 Errogie Bridge

before “Ark”16.00 – 16.20 Farr Croft Croy16.25 – 16.50 Farr Community Hall

MOBILE LIBRARYMoray Firth Mobile library comes every 3 weeks and carries a range of adult fiction and non-fiction in standard and large print, children’s books, talking books and DVDs.

Full Information about the mobile routes can be found on the High Life Highland Moray Firth Mobile webpage: http://highlifehighland.com/libraries/moray-firth-mobile-library.


15

STRATHNAIRN’S LITTLE SILVER BUS

The bus continues all the regular runs – Tesco shopping trip, Lunch club, Friendship Group outings every fortnight, as well as all the important appointments to be kept at Hospital/GP/Opticians/Hearing aid clinic etc. As well as visiting friends, Post Office, Bank, we have many regular users who could not do without the service provided by the volunteer drivers for others in our community. Do you have any use for the bus? – remember anyone, who lives in the Strathnairn area, can use it.

Remember - if you live in the area you can hire the ‘bus for 50p a mile

Thank you to the new volunteer drivers who responded to last newsletter’s appeal. To find out more on using the bus, or becoming a volunteer driver, please call Donna on 01808 521321

Scottish Charity SCO45251

DAVIOT & DUNLICHITY CHURCHAs you all know, April was rather a difficult month for the members of Daviot & Dunlichity Church, as towards the end of the month, we had the final service at Dunlichity church as a Church of Scotland building. It was a very poignant service, but we ended in a spirit of hope for the future, and we sincerely believe that something good will come from this closure – when one door closes, a window opens! – a window of opportunity.

In the meantime, we concentrate on what is happening at Daviot. We are always looking at ways to make the building more open and attractive to locals and visitors alike. One way we are planning to do this is to hold special mid-week services over the year. Anyone who has been in the church will know that we have four beautiful wall hangings depicting the four seasons on the back wall, on either side of the pulpit. These were created by the late Mrs Jan Sutherland, of the Crown Church. The one pictured is the one for summer, entitled HOPE. Our service for hope will be held on the evening of 21 July – more details to follow – and there will be one in September for autumn, and one


16

in December for winter.

We also intend to have some concerts in the church – the acoustics are exceptional. Already confirmed is Alistair MacDonald, (TV and folk singer), in October. However, we need ideas for events in the meantime. Eileen Mackintosh, American wife of a former member now living in Fortrose, will give a concert – details of when, to follow. She is a beautiful opera singer and amazing to listen to – it too should be something very special. And we would also like to arrange an organ recital at some time. However, what we would really like to showcase, would be local talent, of which there is an abundance. Suggestions would be very welcome.

Here at Daviot, we have an active Guild. Nowadays, the Guild is open to everybody, and because here our numbers tend to

be rather small, we would love for more people to join us. We have a really varied programme planned for the coming months, so if you are at all interested please get in touch with Jacqui Thomson, on 01463 771857.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the variety of people who come so faithfully to lead us in morning worship. Our Interim Moderator, Rev Robert Brookes from Cawdor and Croy, is also very supportive. He can be reached on 01667 404686, or email [email protected]. And if anyone is interested in accessing the church at any time, please get in touch with Mrs Sandra Rennie on 01808 521233, or 07788 235377, or Mrs Kathleen Matheson on 01808 521767, or 07801 634357. If we know you are coming, we will have the kettle on, and a biscuit ready for you.

STRATHNAIRN 55+ LUNCH CLUB NEWSIt is hard to believe that we have come to the end of this session of our lunches and that the 14th June will be our last one until September. Time has rushed by but we will look forward very much to seeing everyone again on Friday 13th September.

We would welcome new members who would like to give our 55+ Lunch Club ‘a try’ and do please remember too that we are so happy to include members’ friends or family in a lunch should they be around

on the day.

The usual reminder is that we meet on the 2nd Friday of the month at 12.30 p.m. at Farr Community Hall. Could you please let us know by the Tuesday of the week of the Lunch Club if you are UNABLE to come by phoning Christina Murray on 01808 521205. If you need to use the SCATA bus do phone Donna on 521321.

Christina Karen Moira Barbara Ria Fiona and Liz

FARR SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE GROUPThe dance group is held every fortnight on a Wednesday night at Farr Hall from 7.30pm to 9pm.

We dance a mixture of Scottish Country Dance and Ceilidh dances.

Never done it before? Neither had we until we went to a dance group!

The group is very relaxed and good fun. Our next dance night is 19th June – looking forward to seeing you there!


17

FARR PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL - HEAD TEACHER REVIEW OF THE YEARI have had an amazing first year as Head Teacher at Farr School with the pupils, parents and staff making me feel welcome and part of the Farr team. This year has been a busy one with lots of visitors, trips and partnerships. We have a wonderful staff team at Farr who make these opportunities possible.

Our children have had fantastic experiences such as the John Muir Award that the P1-P7 pupils engaged with at the start of the year. We had children from P1-P4 entering the solo verse speaking category of the Inverness Music Festival and P3/4 entered as a class choir. This was a fantastic occasion, raising confidence and self-esteem while performing in front of an audience.

A big event this year was the ski trip to Cairngorm Mountain where pupils in P1-P7 spent the day ski-ing and with fluctuating levels of snow, we did well to get there! The P5-7 pupils had a second day and managed to get further up the mountain. This was an amazing experience and for most of the children, their first time on the slopes.

We have had Ryan from Ross County community team working in partnership with us. His team developed a programme that supported us in raising our levels of resilience, developing a positive mind-set and building health through football. The children have loved working with Ryan each week and as a staff, we have seen great results from this partnership.

K-Next and Generation Science visited the Nursery and Primary classes to support our learning in science in technology. Our second level pupils have

also had visits to the Inverness Skills Development Scotland site to further their understanding of skills for learning, life and work.

Our school is ideally placed for outdoor learning and it is so nice to hear parents saying they want their children to come to Farr because of the opportunities for outdoor learning. Our Nursery class is regularly outdoors using what is on our doorstep to develop their skills and knowledge. P5-7 have been out cooking and this is an area both them and the Nursery want to develop further next session.

As we say a fond farewell to our Primary 7 pupils as they start their secondary education at Inverness Royal Academy, we remember their journey from Nursery. Many of the staff have seen these P7 children grow and develop into young adults, ready for life beyond Farr Primary. We will miss them, their enthusiasm for learning and leadership skills.

It has been my pleasure leading the learning this session and I can’t wait for next session, particularly as we begin our 1140 hours in Nursery and see our school roll increase again. We look forward to welcoming the toddlers who will be starting with us in Nursery after the summer and hearing about all the adventures that our P7s will be having at IRA as S1s.

Miss Dunbar - Head Teacher


18

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUThe current Community Council were elected in November 2015 and are due to stand down in October of this year so that an election can take place to select representatives for the next four years.

Strathnairn Community Council is allocated nine local representatives but over time, due to resignations as a result of moving out of the area, conflict of interests and the like, the numbers have fallen. With the recent departure of Mrs S Moore due to her leaving the area the Community Council now stands at 6 representatives. Sally has served the Community in some form or another for several years and her services will be greatly missed. The Community Council needs to increase its strength and is looking for (seeking) volunteers who are willing to spare a few hours to represent

the views of the community at our monthly meetings.

At this stage the Community Council has the power to co-opt members of the public which means that if you are interested you can give it a try. At the end of the year, if you are happy, it will be possible to put your name forward for election.

Note Rule 3.4 Scheme for the Establishment of Community Councils in Highland States that “Community Councils have a duty under statute to represent the views of their local community. It is essential that these views are demonstrated to be representative of the community and that they reflect the broad spectrum of opinion and interests of all sections of the community.”

FARR CONVERSATIONSFarr Conversations ran a busy programme through the winter and spring. Thanks to all those who came along to support these events. We welcomed Roddy Maclean to speak on Gaelic place-name lore in the area and in Scotland, followed by Baillie & Baillie architects, who gave a great talk on landscape and (re)settlement patters in the Highlands. We hosted Lesley Riddoch and her great documentaries on Iceland and the Faroes and had Tobair and Dualchais / Kist O’ Riches play

fascinating archive material from the Straths hereabouts and Julie Fowlis sang for us. Lastly we packed out Farr hall to capacity for the redoubtable and uplifting adventure cyclist Jenny Graham. Not a bad run! Thanks to the cake bakers, the tune makers and all the folk who came along. Hope to see you all next time!

We’ll get the ball rolling again in the late Autumn.


19

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT DAVIOT HALLMonday (Oct to May) Badminton 01463 235976

Tuesday & Friday Strathnairn Indoor Bowling Club 01808 521474

Wednesday Kernow Karate 01463 419773

Thursday (Oct to May) Badminton 01463 235976

Third Sunday of month Culloden Christian Assembly Donald Henderson 01463 772471

29th June, 20th July, 3rd August DANCES – Cairngorm Dancers 01540 651377

If you would like to book Daviot Hall please contact Christine Macpherson on 01463 772228.

ST PAUL’S CHURCHWe are looking forward to welcoming summer visitors, both regular returnees and new faces, in some hopefully warmer weather. The church is now open daily between 10am and 4pm so please do visit even if you live in the area and pick up one of the updated leaflets about St Paul’s history – you are always welcome.

September this year marks the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the current church building. We have planned a number of events to celebrate, and held a successful ‘Tea with Parson Duncan’ in aid of Marie Curie Tea Party Appeal earlier this month with lots of luscious cakes.

Details of future events are below and all are welcome at any or all of the events.

11 May to 30 September - Sgeulachdan na Sgìre/Stories from the Strath A map of stories from local tradition created by local children with Fèis Farr, Farr Conversations during summer 2018. A project that explores home through storytelling in Gaelic and English, art, music and lots of imagination. Displayed at the back of the church.

30 June – St Peter & St Paul – service to include the Rev Richard Burkitt’s play about St Paul and followed by lunch

14 July – Guest preacher the Rev Dr Iain Macritchie

28 July – Guest preacher the Rev Pam


20

Shinkins with lunch afterwards.

18 August – Songs of Praise at 6.00pm.

8 September – Celebration Service with Bishop Mark followed by lunch and a talk about St Paul’s by the Bishop over coffee afterwards.

29 September – Harvest Festival with talk about Blythswood Foodbank by Lorna Dempster, Blythswood Foodbank Manager and followed by lunch.

27 October - Guest preacher the Rev Peter Mosley with lunch afterwards.

Advance notice - Community Christmas Fair - The Community Christmas Fair returns and will be held at Farr Hall from 2.00 – 4.00pm on Saturday 23 November, so please make a note in your diary as we look forward to seeing you all then. If you would like to have a table please contact Kathy Collins, email [email protected] or 01808 521388.

FARR BABY AND TODDLER GROUPWhat great fun we have been having at Baby and Toddler group! One week we had some blue sand in the sand tray which we are happy to say made lots of messy fun! We have also been busy with our Arts and Crafts. We made some lovely Rainbows and some fluffy sheep.

We finally had some nice sunny weather, so we spent a beautiful day at Farr park and had a tasty picnic. Let’s hope we get some more sunshine! With the hall being closed for the voting we took a trip out to Cantraybridge college. We played in their fun park and had a nice snack in their cafe. We recommend a visit!

We have lots more fun activities coming up in the next month such as Robertson’s

Fruit Farm on the 27th June and we have also been invited to Farr school to take part in their sports day. Please look out on our Facebook page or on the notice board at group for any information.

We always welcome new faces to the group so if you would like to come along and joins us then we meet on a Thursday morning from 930am till 1130am at Farr Hall. We provide a selection of activities each morning and a tasty snack. It’s a great way to meet local people and grab a cup of tea or coffee and a tasty treat. If you would like to get in touch and ask some questions you can check out or message our Farr Baby and Toddler group Facebook page. Also you can contact Jen Brown on 07870 404427.


21

STRATHNAIRN MUSIC INITIATIVEWe were very proud to present our third community concert, held on Saturday 18th May at Farr Community Hall. As previous years, the concert was a platform for our participants to showcase their progress made with learning to play their musical instrument, or singing lessons, whilst also providing those taking part the valuable opportunity to play and sing in an ensemble.

As per our weekly lessons, students played piano, violin, guitar, drums and

ukulele, and we enjoyed singing from our local choir, The Strath Singers, plus not forgetting Kenneth on the accordion, however we don’t offer lessons for this instrument….yet! We all played and sang a wide range of songs, some of which were selected by the students themselves which certainly made for enthusiastic practising!

Thank you to all the students for trying their best in the run up to and during the concert, and to those community


22

FEARNAG GROWERS / LIOS NA FEARNAIGWe are hosting a couple of events for children through the summer months, thanks to sponsorship from Tesco Bags of Help. Parents to stay and have a coffee and a blether.

Wednesday 10th July 11am - Art in the gardens with brilliant artist Maureen Shaw. Friendly teacher Maureen brings the materials, you bring your imagination!

Come and learn some real art skills.

(Places are limited so please book via [email protected] or call 521341)

Friday 26th July - 2pm-4pm An open afternoon with the great Astar youth trad music group. Lively tunes, perfume making, games and baking. A great event for all the family.

The Dairy at Daviot is looking for a Housekeeper for our 6 luxury self-catering cottages.

You will require a keen eye for detail and work well on your own or as part of a team. Applicants must demonstrate a strong work ethic and the very highest standards. Full training will be

given to ensure our standards are met.

You will be responsible for ensuring our cleaning team maintain the high standard of cleanliness expected from our guests.

Your duties will include changing bed linen, gathering the laundry for collection with hands on cleaning as and when required.

Applicants should be flexible and willing to work some weekends. Excellent rates of pay are offered. References will be required.

Please send your details to Alison Gow, The Dairy at Daviot, Daviot Estate, Daviot, Inverness IV2 5ER or email [email protected]

The Dairy at Daviot is open all year round.

members, and extended families, who came along to enjoy the morning, we hope it was time well spent. We would also like to thank everyone who donated raffle prizes and made donations on the day as it proved to be a great fundraising event for our charity.

If you would like more information about the Strathnairn Music Initiative or indeed

would like to get involved as a volunteer, then please contact any of our Trustees on [email protected]

We will be holding instrument tuition taster sessions during music lessons on Tuesday 18th June. If you are interested in coming along, please contact our team using the email address above or call Fran on 01808 521218.


23

DRIVING ON SINGLE TRACK ROADS - PART 2 OF 2Problems caused by misuse of passing places

Passing places are often misused. Sometimes people park, often in the middle of a passing place, which totally prevents anyone using it for the proper purpose. Note what the current edition of the Highway Code states in para 156 ‘Do not park in passing places.’ (Highway Code, 2019 Edition, Crown Copywrite)

Another common problem is traffic trying to pass where there is not a proper passing place. The carriageway is designed to carry vehicle traffic. The verge is not. Driving onto the verge can have two rather nasty effects:

1) The verge may be soft, resulting in deep tyre tracks. This may damage your vehicle, and makes it difficult and sometimes dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists or horses to get off the carriageway to allow other traffic to pass, and apart from anything else, it looks unsightly. It can also obstruct the drainage of rain water, etc off the road surface or side of the road. If the foundation layers of the carriageway are not adequately drained, that can result in these layers becoming weaker, (wet subsoil is not as strong as dry subsoil) possibly a foot (300mm) or more underneath the surface, resulting in failure of these layers which could cause large potholes and expensive full depth repairs of the road. The cost of this comes out of the taxes, etc., that most of us have to pay.

2) In rural areas, most roads do not have kerbs or other restraint at the edges, and, as the weight on the tyre affects the underlaying layers at an angle of 45 degrees vertically away from the tyre print at any one time, the area needed to

support the tyre spreads the deeper you go. If the tyre is very near the edge of the bituminous surface layers, this pressure line will pass into the verge where there is not adequate support (as that is not its purpose), and the edges of the bitmac will start to crack and break away, allowing water into the foundation layers again (See diagram). As this is repeated, the impermeable surface becomes narrower and narrower. Therefore, every time you drive onto the verge, you are reducing the residual life of the road, requiring more and more of our very stretched taxes to pay for it. A similar problem arises in urban areas from parking on footpaths. Footpaths are designed for the pressure produced by the feet of pedestrians, which is rather less than that produced by the tyres of even a small car.

All of this applies to cars, motorcycles, etc., but even more to commercial vehicles. The damage caused to the road surface by the passage of a vehicle is roughly proportional to the cube of the axle weight. If we take 2 Tonnes for a car (which would be a very heavy car), over two axles, that is an axle weight of 1 Tonne. This cubed would still be 1 unit. If we then look at a commercial vehicle fully laden, we probably have 10 or more Tonnes per axle, which when cubed gives us at least 1,000 units. Therefore the damage caused by a fully loaded HGV could be as much as 1,000 times that caused by a car. Every time such a vehicle drives onto the verge, that is the scale of the damage being done to the edge of the road.

Please therefore try to drive on the road – that is normally the grey or black bit, between the solid white edge lines where they exist - and not the brown


24

SSEN UPDATEConstruction works in and around your area

Safety is our number one value at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). We ask that you please remain vigilant of signage or direction around the construction works and do not enter our working areas.

OVERHEAD LINE All sixty of the new 275kV towers have been erected and strung. Foundations are also complete for all of the 12 additional 132 kV towers for the diversion works at Tomatin with 7 of the new towers erected. The foundations are also complete for the new tower at Knocknagael which will allow the existing line to be diverted into the substation. Works have now started on removing stone compounds and fences where foundation and tower construction has been completed.

Removal of the existing OHL between Knocknagael and Farr substation will start once the new substation at Tomatin is commissioned in late summer.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS The road improvements required to deliver the project as agreed with The Highland Council (THC) on the B851, U116 and Essich Road are now complete.

The design of the proposed footpath in Farr village has been completed by THC. It has been agreed with THC that they will manage the delivery of the new section of footpath. Tenders went out in May and

THC are working towards a late Summer start on site for the works. Preliminary tree felling and cutting back of branches was carried out in February to avoid the nesting season. As we near a start on site THC will keep the Community Council informed of progress and liaise with Joanne Seath at SSEN and her colleagues regarding the award of contract.

BE THE DIFFERENCE DAY Six volunteers from SSEN lent a hand to Davy Thompson at Strathnairn Community Woodlands on Thursday the 23rd May 2019 to help with removing spruce saplings at Milton Wood. This was the third time a team from SSEN have been able to provide help to the Strathnairn Community Woodlands and we are very pleased to have been able to help Davy and that we keep being asked back.

Since the launch of SSE’s volunteering programme we have helped over 2,500 projects, with our big-hearted employees dedicating their time to projects that matter to the communities where we live and work. All colleagues are encouraged to “Be the Difference” by volunteering a day in the form of skills-based assistance, painting, DIY, gardening and even school visits. If you have a project in mind that you think we could help out with please contact Community Liaison Manager – Louise Anderson on 07384 454233 or [email protected] who will provide you with further information.

or green bits. At a time of even more scarce funds for road maintenance than ‘normal’, it may even preserve our roads until they can be adequately repaired. If you insist on driving onto the green or brown bits, could I suggest that you

give a hefty donation to The Highland Council specifically to cover the damage to community assets that you insist on perpetrating!

Written by Lloyd Roberts, C.Eng, M.I.C.E (Retired Road Engineer)


25

COMMUNITY LIAISON GROUP The next CLG is the 4th of September 2019. The CLG comprises of representatives from the local community, representatives from Strathnairn Community Council, Councillors of Inverness South and project representatives from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc and the Principle Contractor MSVE. Meetings will

take place at regular intervals to discuss any matters relating to the Knocknagael – Tomatin project during the construction period.

The project has a dedicated website at - www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/projects/knocknagael-tomatin

KING’S STRATHNAIRNWe have had a few comings and goings recently, in particular, we were really sad to say goodbye to Natalie

and Nelson Jeremias, who have made the huge step of emigrating to Australia, along with their two lovely girls, Ariella and Olivia. It was lovely to welcome so many members of the local community to a party at the Hall to say goodbye to them. We have tried not to be too jealous of the beautiful weather, local beaches and outdoor lifestyle they are now living!

During the winter we decided to change the way we currently meet. We no longer have a monthly Sunday gathering at the Hall, but we meet several times a month in people’s homes to explore together what it means to follow Jesus, and to share life together. Recently we have been discovering more about prayer, using the excellent https://prayercourse.org to take us through different ways of

connecting with God. It’s been a profound journey and we have seen many prayers being answered - especially for Natalie and Nelson.

We have also been delighted that some of us have been able to be a part of the newly started ‘Prayer for Strathnairn’ organised by Kirsty and Russell Scott. We have so much enjoyed coming together from many different backgrounds to discover what we all care deeply about.

Once a month, on a Saturday morning, we hold a prayer breakfast. We would love for anyone in the community who likes a good breakfast, decent coffee and who would like to express their care for Strathnairn and the wider world to join us.

If you would like to know more please contact us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/KingsStrathnairn

Or call Thomas and Hilary Lacroix 01808 521469

KEY CONTACTS If you have any concerns or queries regarding the works in your area, please do not hesitate to contact;

Overhead Line Project Manager – [email protected]

Local representatives from the Community Liaison Group;

Mr James Murray 01808 521205 [email protected]

Mr Peter Christie 01808 521257 [email protected]

Janis Tapley [email protected]


26

‘HIGHLAND COUNTRY DIARIES’by Ray Collier

Our Editor has recently come into possession of a copy of Ray’s book ‘Highland Country Diaries’, and we are pleased to have received permission to serialise it in the newsletter.

This excerpt is reproduced with kind permission of the publishers, Colin Baxter Photography, and Ray Collier’s family. Photo courtesy of Highland Photography.

STRATHDEARN – 4TH JUNE 1996Taking nine of the older pupils from Farr Primary School on a ‘wildlife drive’ was daunting to say the least but it turned out to be very enjoyable and I was surprised just how much they knew about the countryside and its wildlife. For example I was told it was a mountain hare even as the animal sat and posed for us before lolloping off and showing just how long its rear legs were compared with the front pair. The red deer stags were so close to the vehicle that the velvet on the antlers was clearly seen and two of them rose on their back legs and boxed, much to the delight of the children who all said it was the closest they had ever been to a red deer. The wild goats were

in two separated groups with nannies and their delightful kids in one part of the strath whilst further east were the billies including one we estimated at eight years old by counting the annual growth rings on the horns. As the rain stopped, a party of sika deer, hinds and calves, came out from the shelter of the trees to graze on open grassland affording us excellent views of this introduced species that looked very dark compared with the red deer.

On the way back we stopped to look at a dipper’s nest under a bridge over a burn and I had forgotten just how excited youngsters could get despite the fact that we did not see the dipper itself. Yes, the pupils knew all about the burning of strips


27

THERE IS A LABURNUM TREE…There is a beautiful laburnum tree in the garden. It is about forty years old and for most of those years it has just quietly got on with surviving the winters, enjoying the summers and growing slowly. In the spring and early summer it has had a wonderful abundance of yellow flowers. But this year a change has occurred....... a new reason for its existence has begun.

There is no dog in the garden these days, there always used to be one but when the last one went he was not replaced, and this has made the garden a very different place and the laburnum tree has found a new role for itself.

The lady in the house put up a bird table quite close to the tree so that the birds had somewhere to perch while they waited for their turn at the peanuts. The bird table which is just a board, about 2 foot square, sits on a post for the‘wild bird’food which is scattered on the top. It has no roof as the pheasants which come there like it that way and a peanut holder hangs on a hook on the corner of this bird table. This arrangement seemed to be ideal and for quite a while all was peaceful. But then there was a new development. In the morning the feeder was

found on the ground with the top pulled off and, of course, it was empty and vandalised.

This is when the tree started its new life. A new and larger peanut feeder was acquired and hung from a branch of the tree. Problem solved. The next excitement was the arrival of a woodpecker. He was obviously feeding a family and the peanuts disappeared more quickly, so the old peanut feeder was repaired and to start with was hung on the bird table. But next morning it, too, was found vandalised. At first it was thought perhaps it was a stoat, as one had been seen in the garden. So the

of heather for the red grouse and they knew the bird was a buzzard as it drifted along the edge of a wood. I had left two antlers at the school for the pupils to look at and discuss when we returned, one of them being the short antlers of a roe deer and the other a cast antler of a red deer

I had picked up in the strath earlier this year. I left each pupil with a large black and white photograph of a red deer stag partly to remind them of the day and partly because I enjoyed myself so much. The drive will become an annual event!


28

feeder was moved to hang from another branch of the laburnum tree. Again this solved the problem..

By this time the woodpecker was joined by his fledglings. They sat on the bird table and he flew back and forth between the peanuts and the chicks feeding them until they were able to feed themselves. A joy to watch.

Then a new family appeared. Red squirrels. The first to appear was dark red with a beautiful cream bushy tail and cream tummy. He ran along the fence, then jumped on to the trunk of the tree, there he assessed the situation then launched himself at the peanut feeder, holding on with his front feet but keeping his back feet on the tree. To start with just the one came, but as time went on he was joined by the rest of the family. This happened several times a day. Sometimes the young ones think there might be better grub at the farm and run down the bank and across the little paddock, but they always come back to the laburnum tree. We now know it was the squirrels who were the vandals. They managed to get the tops and bottoms off the peanut feeders at different times so now they are wired in place and more secure.

A pheasant, Bruce, comes every day. He has a limp, so is easily identified as the same chap as came last year. He brought his wife earlier in the year and often other pheasants come too. When he has had his meal Bruce usually walks down the drive and then up a grassy slope but one day went along a different fence until he came to a style, he jumped up on to it, then over the fence on to the other side of the style and from there into the paddock. There the grass was a lot higher and he found the going much harder but he did not fly away but worked his way to the road.

While the pheasant was walking his way through the paddock he was watched by a roe deer. She usually comes in the early evening and after wandering round the garden usually hops over the fence. Last autumn one came with her two fawns to eat the rowan berries and she may be one of the fawns. Today a baby rabbit was seen, the first this year. It was in the garden and then ran down the drive to the cattle grid. It carefully went round the side of it and down to the farm road at the side of which there is a burrow. Three wood pigeons are on the grass. They have only recently started coming but do not stay long. A buzzard also came the other day. He perched in an oak tree but the small birds bombed him and after a short time he flew away!

The garden, bird table and feeders are patronised by many small birds, wagtails, tits and tree creepers among others. All giving much pleasure to the observer, and so the tree has a new reason for being in the garden, with its branches ideal places to perch when the birds are waiting their turn at the feeders.

A covey of partridge now visit the garden. They run everywhere but shelter under the rhododendron bushes when the weather is bad but are not interested in the food which is put out for the pheasants as they forage for themselves! Four guinea fowl also come occasionally. They preen themselves under the tree and have been seen taking a nap!

Sent in by Desiree Wedderburn


29

If you would like to see your favourite recipe in the Newsletter, please email it to the Editor.

GLUTEN FREE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIESMakes 6-8 large cookies Preheat your oven to 170°c

INGREDIENTS 75g crunchy peanut butter125g smooth peanut butter150g caster sugar1 egg

DIRECTIONS Mix everything together in a bowl until you get a nice consistent dough, once formed roll into individual balls and flatten slightly onto a tray lined with baking parchment leaving plenty of room for them to spread.Bake until golden brown (approx 10-15 minutes). Once removed from the oven give the tray one hard tap on the worktop to give you some lovely cracks and leave to cool. Finish with a nice drizzle of chocolate or some ice cream if desired.

FEATURED RECIPESsent in by Poppy Winter


30

LOCAL WALKSJUNE’S FEATURED WALK IS THE LOCH NESS 360Grid Reference: (NH664441)

Distance: 81 miles / 130km

DIRECTIONS:Starting from Inverness Castle this route makes a complete circuit around Loch Ness.

The first half of the trail follows the Great Glen Way above the north side of Loch Ness, reaching Fort Augustus in three stages.

Once at Fort Augustus, the second half of the route follows the South Loch Ness

Trail for its complete length to Torbreck on the fringes of Inverness, finishing with a further 5.5km along the roadside to head back to Inverness Castle.

Full details of each stage of this spectacular route can be found on the WalkHighlands website - https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/lochness/loch-ness-360.shtml

OS Landrangers 26 (Inverness and Loch Ness) & 34 (Fort Augustus & Glen Albyn)

To the best of our knowledge, each walk we feature is suitable for varied abilities and can be used for cycling, running and horseriding as well as walking.

Please remember to follow the Outdoor Access Code when enjoying our countryside – further details can be found at www.outdooraccess-scotland.com. If you have a particular favourite route that you would like to see included, please contact The Editor.

Map courtesy of Ordnance Survey.


31

REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT FARR HALLThroughout the year and during school term-time there are regular weekly activities taking place in the Hall as follows:

Second Monday of the month Strathnairn Community Woodlands committee meeting

Third Monday of the month Strathnairn Community Council meeting 7.30pm

Tuesday evenings from 6pm Highland Budokan Judo

Wednesday evenings from 7pm Boleskine Shinty Club training

Thursday mornings Farr Baby and Toddlers

Thursday afternoons 2.30pm – 4.30pm Post Office

Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm Community Keep Fit runs October to May

Second Friday of the month S55+ Lunch Club

Last Sunday morning of the month King’s Strathnairn

If you wish to book the football pitch, a room, or the whole Hall please call Maggie on 01808 521346

STRATH SINGERSThe singing group are keen, as ever, to expand. If you would like to join in, they meet every second Thursday evening in Farr Hall for an hour to an hour and a half. The group leader, Jess Hussey-Bates makes this a fun session, and

chooses a wide selection of songs with lovely arrangements. You don’t need any singing experience, just a love of it! For more information please email Kristina on [email protected]

THANK YOU KIRSTY!We were very sad to learn last month that our local childminder, Kirsty Adam, is stopping after 10 years of tireless entertaining and care provision to the strath’s children. We will miss you, thank you for all the adventures and good luck with your next challenge!

From the Children of Strathnairn and their parents.


32

STRATHNAIRN COMMUNITY BENEFIT FUNDBOARD MEETING MINUTES – FEBRUARY 2019The February Board Meeting was held on 28th February 2019 in Farr Community Hall. There were two apologies from Board Members.

GRANT ACTIVITY The table below shows the grants that were approved at these Board meetings.

Applicant Award Type of Grant

Farr Community Hall Association

£5,400.00 General Grant – to support maintenance of the grass areas and football pitches at Smith Park

Strathnairn Development Company

Up to £1,500.00

General Grant – to fund business planning for the Strathnairn Development Company

Two awards £1,000.00 Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant

One award £500.00 Supplementary Home Heating Grant

A cumulative total of 217 (2019) energy grants have been paid to date.

OTHER BUSINESS • Three membership applications were approved, bringing total membership to 118.

• It was agreed that individuals receiving awards should not be named in the published minutes.

• Options for a new education grant were discussed. Proposals will be developed further at future meetings.

• The Fund’s investment strategy was discussed. This will be considered further at the March Board meeting.

BOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY – MARCH 2019The March Board Meeting was held on 28th March 2019 in Farr Community Hall. There were two apologies from Board Members.

GRANT ACTIVITY The table below shows the grants that were approved at these Board meetings.

Applicant Award Type of Grant

Strathnairn Hall Management Committee

£3,750.00 General Grant – to support the use of the hall by local groups

One award £500.00 Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant


33

A cumulative total of 243 (2019) energy grants have been paid to date.

OTHER BUSINESS • SCBF’s total membership stands at 118.

• It was agreed that the criteria for Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants and Renewable Technology Grants be amended to allow for one application every calendar year (in place of a 12 month period between awards). This would be consistent with Energy Grants and Supplementary Home Heating Grants.

• Proposals for a new education grant were discussed. The Board agreed in principle to establish a new grant scheme for children and young people in full time education. Draft criteria will be presented to the April meeting.

• The Fund’s investment strategy was discussed. This will be considered further at the April Board meeting.

• Two major projects supported by SCBF – Strathnairn.NET and Farr Hall refurbishment are nearing completion.

• A defibrillator is to be installed at Farr Primary School.

2019 GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINES: 12 June 2019; 10 July 2019; 14 August 2019; 11 September 2019; 16 October 2019; 13 November 2019; 27 November 2019.

For more information on Strathnairn Community Benefit Fund and the Grants that are available, our contact details are as follows:

Website: www.strathnairncbf.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/strathnairncbf;

E-mail address: [email protected]; Tel: 07858 688355;

Freepost address: RTTJ-HBSK-RRUU, SCBF, Po Box 5783, Inverness, IV1 9EW.

Remember: Please use SCBF’s Freepost address and not Farr Hall for all correspondence, saving you postage and ensuring a faster response.


34

• DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL • NEW BUILDS & MAINTENANCE • TESTING & INSPECTION • REPAIRS & RE-WIRES • FREE QUOTATIONS • COMPETITIVE RATES • 12 MONTH GUARANTEE • 24 HR EMERGENCY CALL-OUT

Peponi, Inverarnie

Inverness IV2 6XA Tel/Fax: 01808 521709 Mob: 07843 685619 E: icmelectrical.hotmail.comctrical.com

Peponi, Inverarnie, Inverness, IV2 6XA Tel/Fax: 01808 521709 Mobile: 07843 685619

www.icmelectrical.com

Auchnahillin Holiday Park

Daviot East, Inverness IV2 5XQ

Static Caravans available for hire weekly/nightly

Touring Caravans, Motorhomes & Tents welcome

Pitches available for Privately-Owned Static Caravan Holiday Homes

Stockists of

Please contact us with your requirements 01463 772286 /07974 008567

[email protected]

Myles Evans & Co Ltd

Window cleaning Gutter clearing and repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Stath since 2000

01808 521486 [email protected]

Sam Evans

Grass cutting & general garden jobs Pressure washing slabs/decking Fence and shed treating & painting

Other work also considered

Very competitive rates Tel: 01808 521486

Myles Evans & Co Ltd

Window cleaning Gutter clearing and repairs

A reliable, quality service based in the Stath since 2000


Sam Evans

Grass cutting & general garden jobs Pressure washing slabs/decking Fence and shed treating & painting

Other work also considered

Very competitive rates Tel: 01808 521486

Window Cleaning

A reliable, quality service based in the Strath since 2000

01808 521754


35

“Tea-room open daily for coffee,tea and home baking”

Emily Evans Mobile Hairstylist

Based in Strathnairn

Unisex cutting, blow drying and

colouring

Competitive rates


A & C Gardens and Landscape

Alan Cadden

01808521509/ 07753 257312 [email protected]

•Garden maintenance •Sheds erected/felted •Tree/hedge cutting •Chips/gravel laid

•Turfing •Fencing •Slabbing •Snow clearance/salting

•All rubbish removed •Free estimates

Professional CV Writing Service

Looking for a new job and would like help to revamp your CV?

We offer an in-‐depth service which will

provide you with a CV perfectly tailored to your needs.

Contact Caroline for more

information: Tel 01808 521464/ 07971 689833

[email protected] www.albacvs.co.uk


36

BUILDINGUPTOASTANDARD–NOTDOWNTOAPRICE

EdwardMackayarecurrentlyworkingtogetherwithMSVETransmissiononbehalfofScottishandSouthernElectricityNetworks’(SSEN)todelivertheKnocknagaeltoTomatinOHLProject.

TheKnocknagael-Tomatinprojecthasbeenindevelopmentsince2012withworksonsitecommencingattheendof2017.Theprojectwillseetheconstructionofanew275kVoverheadlinebetweenanexistingsubstationatKnocknagaeltoanewsubstationinGlenKyllachy.

EdwardMackaysundertakeavarietyofworksinScotlandincluding:-

• Transmission/Renewablesinfrastructure• Earthworks• CivilEngineering• Haulage• Quarrying• Utilities• Planthire• ForestryandEstateworks

BUILDINGUPTOASTANDARD–NOTDOWNTOAPRICE

EdwardMackayarecurrentlyworkingtogetherwithMSVETransmissiononbehalfofScottishandSouthernElectricityNetworks’(SSEN)todelivertheKnocknagaeltoTomatinOHLProject.

TheKnocknagael-Tomatinprojecthasbeenindevelopmentsince2012withworksonsitecommencingattheendof2017.Theprojectwillseetheconstructionofanew275kVoverheadlinebetweenanexistingsubstationatKnocknagaeltoanewsubstationinGlenKyllachy.

EdwardMackaysundertakeavarietyofworksinScotlandincluding:-

• Transmission/Renewablesinfrastructure• Earthworks• CivilEngineering• Haulage• Quarrying• Utilities• Planthire• ForestryandEstateworks

SPONSORED BY


37

Andy Taylor

Gloonan Daviot

Inverness IV2 5XQ

07887 915380 01463 771336 [email protected] www.actheritageltd.co.uk

Traditional Stonework

Roads, Tracks and Paths

Ground Works

Fencing

Timber Structures

Timber Structures

George Borthwick JCB Hire

Site clearance Foundations

Drains Septic tanks

Any job considered

Achbain, Daviot, Inverness [email protected]

Tel: 01463 771350/ 07733 445868

WA MacDonald MCIATBuilding Design Consulant

Unit 16, Dalcross Industrial Estate, Inverness IV2 7XB

Email: [email protected]: 01667 461111 / 07889 722463

D.J. Drummond

Fencing and tree workStone work repairs, walls, dykes

Timber wood stores

Tel: 01463 419084or 07881 456627

A & C Douglas-JonesFirewood Sales

Hardwoods and SoftwoodsTractor and Timber Trailer and

Firewood Processor for hirewww.strathnairnfirewood.co.uk

Tel. 01808 521369

authorised


38

Tel. 01456 Tel. 01456

486729486729

Tel. 01456 Tel. 01456

486729486729

Tim Lucas Forest Tim Lucas Forest

ManagementManagement

Tim Lucas Forest Tim Lucas Forest

ManagementManagement

A local service (Foyers).

Modern, reliable and prompt.

Farms, estates & private woodlands.

Timber harvesting, IACS,

management plans, forestry grants

and more.

[email protected]

Arrange a free, no obligation,

visit today!

J C Landscaping James Craig

01808 521495 / 07715 278039 [email protected]

FREE QUOTES

•Decking •Fencing • Paving •Turfing •Hedge trimming •Grass cutting •Raised beds •Snow clearance/salting

Decking

EmilyEvans

MobileHairstylist

Providingawidevarietyofservices

Competitiverates

BasedinStrathnairn

Tel:01808521754

Mob:07841030477


39

If you or a family member are interested in learning more about what Meallmore Lodge can offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Phone: 01463 772206 Email: [email protected] Lodge Care Home, Daviot East, Inverness, IV2 5XQ

Meallmore Lodge Care HomeMeallmore Lodge is situated in a beautiful location in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, reaping all the benefits of easy transport links, while retaining the tranquillity of a countryside location.

The care home provides care for residents affected by general frailty associated with the older adult, dementia, mental illness and dual diagnosis mental illness/learning difficulties.

Throughout the home you can find some of the latest technologies and each of the 90 en-suite bedrooms are fully furnished and finished to a very high standard.

The well-being of residents is paramount at Meallmore Lodge, as is safety and mobility, encouraging each person to remain as independent as possible. The team strives to provide a relaxed and happy home where staff and residents alike can enjoy living and working together. Residents are offered a full range of activities personalised to their needs to ensure they enjoy a good social life and hobbies.

The provision of first class care means staff encourage residents, and their families, to participate in the home’s commitment to quality and become fully involved at all stages of care planning, as well as many other aspects of care home life.

SPONSORED BY


40

CARDON, Balnafoich, Farr,Inverness IV2 6XG

Tel: 01808 521389Fax: 01808 521471

E:www.cardonhome.com

Home Improvements

Kitchens,Bathrooms& Bedrooms...Quality buildingcontractors forover 25 years30

CARDON, Balnafoich, Farr,Inverness IV2 6XG

Tel: 01808 521389Fax: 01808 521471

E:www.cardonhome.com

Home Improvements

Kitchens,Bathrooms& Bedrooms...Quality buildingcontractors forover 25 years30

SPONSORED BY