01 ~ Title ~ Death of Angus McKenzie ~ Police ~ Nurse ... · 01 ~ Title ~ Death of Angus McKenzie ~ Police ~ Nurse ~ Sponsors 1 02 ~ Activities ~ Hall 2 ... A former resident of Tomatin,

01 ~ Title ~ Death of Angus McKenzie ~ Police ~ Nurse ~ Sponsors 1

02 ~ Activities ~ Hall 2

03 ~ Local News ~ Announcements 3

04 ~ Fundraiser ~ New Discussion Group ~ Art Club ~ Hall rates ~ Recipe 4

05 ~ Church of Scotland ~ Messy Church 5

06 Daycare centre 6

07 ~ Tomatin Utd ~ Garbole poem ~ adverts 7

08 ~ Shop ~ Angus MacLeod charity 8

09 ~ Millview ~ Distillery Wood ~ Distillery award 9

10 ~ Community Council Report 10

11 ~ SCD Report 11

12 ~ School News 12

13 ~ Flower Show Schedule 13

14 ~ Baptismal Font at Dalarossie Church - essay by AG-P 14

15 ~ Dalarossie Church - essay by AG-P 15

16 ~ Strathdearns Trig Pillars ~ Step It Up ~ SWI 16

STRATHDEARNNEWSLETTER

May 2016 Volume 16 No 2

Angus A MacKenzie OBE CA

A former resident of Tomatin, Angus MacKenzie, passed away suddenly on 20 th March 2016. He had lived at Tigh An Allt from 1979until 2008.

Angus was born in Nairn in 1931 and spent most of his early years on the family farm at Drumine, Gollanfield. After leaving schoolhe trained as a Chartered Accountant and after returning from Edinburgh to Inverness, he set up his own business there. Over theyears he acted for many estates and other businesses in the Strathdearn area and he took a particular interest in farming and other ruralbusinesses.

A country boy at heart, he loved walking and shooting and even before he lived in the Tomatin area he spent many happy hourswalking in the area and shooting on various estates in Strathdearn and elsewhere.

Angus had strong Christian principles and he gave freely of his time to Church and charity work. He was a Church Deacon, Treasurerand Precentor for many years. He was also one of the founders of The Highland Field Sports Fair in 1976 which has now been held atMoy for many years. Among other voluntary activities were his fundraising for The Highland Hospice and his Chairmanship of theHighland Group of Riding for the Disabled. His OBE in 2001 was due reward for his efforts.

In 2006 Angus became the first Chairman of The Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust, the body set up to administer the fundsfrom The Farr Wind Farm.

His popularity was shown by the large turnout of about 460 people at his funeral. Friends came together from long distances to attendand pay their respects to a man who had helped so many in different ways throughout his life.

Angus is survived by his wife, Catherine, to whom he was married for nearly 57 years. They have one daughter, Margaret, a fellowCA, who is married to Iain Meiklejohn and living in Edinburgh. He was also immensely proud of his four grandchildren – Rachel(married last year to Duncan Gibb), James, David and Peter. Our thoughts and condolences are with them all.

Strathdearn Community Council

publishes the "Strathdearn Newsletter" quarterly, delivering it free to every home in Strathdearn. The Newsletter is sponsored by Tomatin Distillery andMr & Mrs George McLeod.

This is a community newsletter, and the views and opinions expressed in contributions submitted by members of the community are not necessarilythose of Strathdearn Community Council, nor of the Editor.

No items are written by the Editor unless expressly indicated.

Editor: Mrs Denise Barley, Lauriston, Tomatin, IV13 7YN.Tel. 01808 511733 e-mail [email protected]

Printing: Mrs D.Barley, Mrs M Buckle Distribution: Mrs S. Mackintosh-Grant

Business adverts £10 per quarter page Next deadline: Wednesday 27th July 2016

POLICE CONTACT Any concerns about Law and Order, information on vandalism, requests for advice, or any other police related matter should be passed on to our community policeman: Davy Elliot PC 229. Community Beats, Burnet Road, Inverness. Tel.01463-228485 email [email protected]

NB – new number to call, for matters not urgent enough to require 999 ... please call 101 and you will be put through

LOCAL NURSING SERVICESStrathdearn nursing services are covered by the Inverness East Community Nursing Team.

The Nursing Team’s telephone number is 01463 230850The NHS24 telephone number is 111

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

First Monday of the MonthSeptember to May (ex.December &January)SWI7.30pm Strathdearn Hall Contact: Mrs Margaret Robertson 511243

3rd Monday of MonthGardening Club7.30pm Strathdearn Hall,Contact: Sheila Don 511729

2nd Tuesday of MonthCommunity Council7.30pm Strathdearn HallAll welcome

Every WednesdayCommunity Coffee Morning10.30-11.30am Strathdearn HallAll welcome, £1

Every WednesdayWalking Group2pm meet at Strathdearn Hall car parkContact: Mrs Kathy Bonniface 511740

Every Thursday11.30am – 1.30pm Tomatin Shop

POST OFFICE

Every Thursday (term time)Toddlers’ Group 10am-noon, Strathdearn HallContact: Helena Ekerot 07958 477735.

Every ThursdayArt Class1.30– 3.30pm Strathdearn Hall,Contact: Mrs Betty Watson 511271 Mrs Pam Hardwick 511766

Monthly, usually on a ThursdayNatural History Club Some indoor, some outdoor, events.Days vary, so look out for posters.Contact: Mr David Bonniface 511740 or Mrs Carol James 531220

Strathdearn Hall For booking or access into the Strathdearn Hall or Sports Facility in Tomatin please ring the Hallkeeper Steve Culeen 01808 511321 or email [email protected] (please note there is a dot in the name) The Public Toilets are open until October..

The Sports Facility is free for local youngsters (under-18’s) to play ball games. Evening/regular groups of adultswill be charged. Available for ball games and tennis. No cycles, animals or food & drink allowed on the pitch. No blades or studs. Open 9am-9pm.

Sports Facility Light tokens free to under-18’s only, available from Debbie Mackay 511466, Lewis Macleod 511354 or Gavin Edward 511427.

Hire rates (local) NB these will go up in July (see p.4): Findhorn Room £8 p/hour Funtack Room £5 p/hour

Clune Room £4 p/hour Old Hall £7 p/hour

Findhorn /Funtack Rooms together: £12 p/hour

Double rates for non-locals (ie outside Strathdearn district)

LOCAL NEWS by SMG

Improvement work has been taking place on the Findhorn Viaduct, Tomatin.

The news about Tomatin Church and Dalarossie Church is not very encouraging as we have no Minister and no Manse but hopefully there will be a solution.

Rubbish has been dumped on the side of the road near Croftdhu and more has been left over the bridge near Inverbrough so keeping our eyes open!!

Jean and Andrew McKay had their 60th Wedding Anniversary (Diamond Wedding) recently and we send congratulations and our very best wishes to them.

Mrs Ann Glynne-Percy is home after a spell in St Vincent’s, Kingussie, where she was very well looked after. She is feeling much better and was glad to get home after nearly 3 weeks away.

So many birthdays have taken place over the last 3 months that I have lost count but a Happy Birthday to one and all!

Angus MacKenzie OBE CA died suddenly on 20th March and his funeral took place on 29th March at 12 o’clock at the Funeral Home of William T Fraser & Son. Our condolences to his wife, and to his daughter and her family.

Edward Usborne’s mother passed away on 19th April and her funeral took place on Friday 29th April, and to Edward and his daughters, Joanna and Sarah, we send our sympathy.

Lovely to see the sun and the young lambs skipping around – also all the daffodils and the trees beginning to get green!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

JOHN FERGUSON (Pedlar)The funeral of the late John Ferguson will take place on Thursday 12th May at 1pm at Tomintoul Church, thereafter at Tomintoul cemetery. Family flowers only. Collection for Cancer Research. 

Just want to introduce our new addition to the family! I had a wee baby boy on 3rd Feb. Bit of a belter - he was 10lb 10oz!! A wee brother to Millie. Happy parents are Andrea and Malcolm Macaulay.

As many of you may know Mrs Molly Noble our eldest resident at 93 has had to go into a care home, with the result herhome of 60 years no 3 Old Mill road has been returned to the council. Thank you to all those who have been to see Molly - please do continue to go & see her or write to Molly. If visiting please do not take any toiletries as Molly is allergic to them, thank you. Her new home is Carolton House, 53 Seabank Road, Nairn,IV12 4EY. Angie Noble

HELPING HAND AT HALLOWE’EN………… A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

The support of our local businesses allowed the village Children’s Halloween Party to take place on Saturday 31st October 2015.Tanya and George Macleod, Tomatin StoresPaul Downs, Metric Construction LtdTomatin DistilleryJ B Maclean and Son Fencing ContractrorsDavid MacKay Joinery LtdJames Macpherson Tomatin FirewoodMike Mackay, William A Mackay & Son, fencing, contracting and taxi hireKenny Bell, Strathdearn BuildersThe kind and generous donations from our local businesses mentioned above helped to provide decorations, food and entertainment, which without their assistance it would have been very difficult to organise. This was the first time in many years that there had been a village Hallowe’en party and it was lovely to see so many children and adults havingfunOn behalf of all the children in the village, many thanksTomatin Children’s Entertainment Committee: Charlotte Fraser, Morven Bigham, Lisa Allan, Gail Robertson

Thanks to all the ladies who came to the fundraising night on Saturday 12th March and helped to raise an impressive £600. This is going towards Strictly Inverness 2016 in aid ofthe Highland Hospice and the Inverness Ice Centre.

An especially big thank you to Dogsong (Lee-Anne Cornwall, Katie MacAskill. Roy and Shug) who played an amazing set on the night. I'd like to say a huge thank you also to the businesses who donated so generously: the Carrbridge Hotel, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Zip Line Park in Aviemore from G2 Outdoor, Tim Allan’s Lifestyle Consultancy, KC Dance Studios, Pole Sport Scotland, Polish Me Pretty, Kilted Fudge Company and the Tomatin Distillery.

Many Thanks Mhairi MacSween

NEW GROUP Starting in May there will be a discussion group meeting at The Old Manse in Moy. We aim to listen to a talk on CD followed by a discussion on how we can apply what we’ve heard in our everyday lives. The first sessions will be Joyce Meyer teaching on Fruit of the Spirit – Kindness, patience, forgiveness etc. In the future we hope to tackle thorny issues such as time management, debt, abortion, addiction or anything else people would like to talk about.Although we are aiming to look at these from a biblical basis anyone of any faith or none is verywelcome and a few other perspectives might make for lively discussion!The first session will be at 14.00 on 11th May – further sessions to be arranged.

If you have any queries please contact Liz Cooling 511353Discussion group 11th May 14.00 The Old Manse,Moy looking at ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’. Further dates TBA

ART IN STRATHDEARN

The club workshops got off to a very interesting startin February with a Glass Fusion day. Our tutor was Anne Bridger from Newtonmore and she took us through the intricacies of creating beautiful pieces from coloured glass fused with metal wires, foils andsprinkles. Some of us added a design drawn on fibre paper which mysteriously ‘carved’ into the glass in the kiln.

We each prepared a coaster and key ring or light catcher and Anne took them back to her workshop to‘cook’. Altogether a fun alternative to the more painterly mediums.

A visit from Edward of Art Media gave insights into the choosing of paints-what to look for on the tube! He is our next tutor in May and we look forward to an absorbing day with watercolours.

Art in Strathdearn meets every Thursday afternoon in the Hall, term time.

Summer times 2pm – 4pm.

Everyone welcome. For more information contact Betty 511271 or Pam 511766

SAUSAGE AND EGG TURNOVER600g (about 9 sausages)375g pack puff pastry6 hardboiled eggs1 beaten egg6 spring onions, chopped Pinch herbs (to taste) Remove skin from sausages and mix in herbs. Roll out pastry into two rectangles, about 15 x5in.Spread a third of sausage mix on one half. Place eggs down the middle and cover with rest. Easierwith wet hands! Brush pastry edges with beaten egg.Lay 2nd sheet over top. Seal edges and trim.Brush pastry with beaten egg and bake in hot oven (200 deg)about 40 mins.Serve hot or cold, with salad

Strathdearn Village HallPlease note that with effect from 1st July 2016 all room hire charges will be increased

by £1 per hour.New rates are as follows:

Room Local rate per hour Non local rate per hourFindhorn £9 £18Funtack £6 £12Clune £5 £10Findhorn & Funtack £14 £28Findhorn, Funtack & Clune £19 £38Sports Facility £11 £22

This price increase means that we can continue to maintain the standard of our Village Hall and services for the coming year.

Church of ScotlandParish of Moy, Dalarossie and Tomatin

Interim Moderator: Rev Morven Archer Tel: 01463 237840www.strathsnairnanddearn.co.uk

All Age Worship:takes place in the Strathdearn Hall at 10.30 am on the second Sunday of the month. Families are especially welcome. Donations to the Highland Foodbank are also welcomed at the Services in the Hall. Any of the following items will be much appreciated:- Breakfast Cereal / Pasta or Rice / Tinned Potatoes / Oatcakes or Crackers / Tinned Vegetables / Tinned Tomatoes / Tinned Fruit / Long Life Fruit Juice / Tinned Ham or Corned Beef / Tinned Soup / Tinned Tuna or Salmon / Tinned Mince or Stew / UHT Milk / Tinned Custard or Rice / Teabags or Coffee / Sugar. Further information from Sandra 01808 511246.

Afternoon Tea:Join us at the Strathdearn Hall for a blether over freshly made sandwiches and delicious scones and cakes between 3 and 4 pm on the second Monday of each month. Further information from Vivian 01808 511355 or Sandra 01808 511246.Messy Church:Come to Messy Church at the Strathdearn Hall on Sunday 29th May and Sunday 26th June from 4pm – 6pm. Try your hand at some of the crafts; join with us in the Celebration Time and then for a lovely meal. Fun and fellowship enjoyed by all – and all very warmly welcome. (Children need to bring an adult with them.) There isno charge but donations welcomed. We will be taking a summer break in July and August – re-starting on Sunday 29th September but in the meantime there is to be a Summer Barbeque on 21st August at Liz and Richard Cooling’s home at The Old Manse, Moy between 3pm and 5pm. All welcome – whether or not you go to Messy Church.

Services (all at 10.30 am unless stated otherwise):May:15th Dalarossie Church22nd Tomatin Church29th Tomatin ChurchJune;5th Dalarossie Church. We will be celebrating Holy Communion.12th All Age Worship in the Strathdearn Hall. Tea after the Service.19th Dalarossie Church26th Tomatin Church July:3rd Dalarossie Church10th All Age Worship in the Strathdearn Hall. Tea after the Service.17th Dalarossie Church24th Tomatin Church.31st Tomatin ChurchSeptember:1st: Dalarossie Church

All warmly welcome at all or any of our Services and Activities

ADVANCE NOTICE – Put the date in your diary NOW!!!

We will be holding a Messy Church BBQ on 21st August from 15.00-17.00 at The Old Manse, Moy.There will be a bouncy castle, hot tub, garden games and lots of lovely food!Whether you currently come to Messy Church; don’t come but are interested; aren’t interested or have never heard of it - everyone is welcome. Come along and enjoy the activities or just have a blether.We’d particularly welcome any men who would be willing to help with the BBQ on the day.Any queries contact Liz Cooling 511353.

NOW OPEN!! STRATHDEARN CHILDRENS DAYCAREChildcare for nursery and primary school aged children

The Strathdearn Daycare Centre is now open. We are a registered charity that offers childcarefor nursery and primary school age children. The children’s daycare centre complements our existing Strathdearn Nursery & Primary School by providing childcare immediately after nursery and school, ensuring reliable and seamless childcare for busy parents.

The centre is fully approved by the Care Inspectorate, guaranteeing safe and quality childcareis always provided.

What’s on offer?

The Strathdearn Daycare Centre provides two childcare sessions which are available Monday to Friday during term-time only. Each session is summarised below and will be held in the Nursery.

Full Wrap Around care (FWR)Who: Children aged 3 – 5.Time: 12.10pm – 3.15pm.Cost: £10 per child, per day (discount available for siblings).Meals: Parents are required to either provide a packed lunch or order a school meal.

Out of School Club (OOSC)Who: Children aged 3 - 12.Time: 3.15pm – 6pm.Costs: £10 per child, per day (discount available for siblings).Meals: Healthy snacks are provided.

For clarity, the cost of attending both sessions is £20 per child, per day (discount available for siblings).

Ad hoc sessionsAd hoc sessions are available for parents who don’t need to use the Strathdearn Daycare Centre on a regular basis – particularly helpful during an emergency or for those who simply need more time.

What: For occasional use, can be booked in advance or on the day (subject to availability).Who: Ad hoc sessions are available for FWR and/or OOSC, see details above.Time: As stated in the FWR and OOSC above.Cost £11 per child, per session i.e. £22 for both sessions (discount available for siblings).Meals: See FWR and OOSC above.

We recommend you enrol your child(ren) as soon as possible to ensure childcare can be provided when you need it.

Healthy snacks and/or drinks are provided.

How to enrol or get more information

For more information and to obtain an enrolment pack please contact the Strathdearn Daycare team on 07756 856777 or email [email protected]. The team are available 11.30am - 6pm, Monday to Friday, term-time only.

Tomatin United Football Team

Our season has kicked off and we are looking forward to another brilliant season of football. Maybe even another cup win or league title!

Here is a list of our home matches for the season. It would be good to have some local support on the sidelines. The games are played at Raigbeg Pitches.

Tuesday 17th May v Boat of Garten - Early 7pm kick off.

Friday 10th June... v Grantown Tuesday 14th June... v Cromdale Tuesday 28th June... v GrantownTuesday 12th July... v AviemoreTuesday 26th July... v Boat of Garten All are 7.15pm kick off's!

**date for your diaries** Sat 13th Aug! We will be holding our Annual YOUNG v OLD football match along with end of season presentations at the village hall.Open to all!! Families, friends, current and ex players.. comealong support and/or join the team for a night! The oldies arehoping to retain their win from last year!

Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate our first cup winand help fundraise for your local team last year. It was a very successful night. This year will be along same lines, aiming for the burger van to attend, presentations, raffle and hopefully some music. Details to follow.... look out for posters in the village nearer the time! Everyone Welcome!

Thank you, Bobby, Gary and Edwin and the team

Myles Evans & CoLtd

Window CleaningGutter clearing and repairs

A reliable, quality servicebased in Strathnairn since

2000

01808 521486

[email protected]

Garbole Substation

Wherever streams and rivers meetand roads from glens converge,you`ll find a lovely tranquil scenelike the view from Garbole bridge.

The human hand that touched this landwas light in operation,but who can help us now rejectan unwelcome imposition.

Planted here around next yeara Fortress made of steel,to subdue all the neighboursand fill the Landlord’s till.

A radiating nuisancewith buzzing high and low,screened by useless puny treesuntil next winter’s blow.

SSE and the Planning Crew,an unholy combination,will do their best to crush protestthat could win Putin`s admiration.

D MacAskill

[Just to remind readers - SSE did listen to community concerns and moved the proposed site of the substation a little further uphill away from Garbole bridge - Ed.]

Emily Evans

Mobile Hair Stylist

Based in Strathnairn

Unisex cutting, blow drying andcolouring

Competitive rates

07841 030477 / 01808 521486

[email protected]

TOMATIN COUNTRY STORES LTD

Staff:Tony Gerlings completed his last shift in the shop in November of last year and thank you to him for his services.We are sorry to announce that from the end of June, Amanda Ferguson will be leaving the shop – we extend a large thank you to her for her services. However, joining the team we have Margaret Duncan who officially starts on the 3rd of May – bringing retail experience, we are confident that she will be a great addition to the team.

The new Company has asked Lee-Anne and I to advertise for the forthcoming vacant positions listed below,

Saturday 8.30 – 6pm (position starting 1st July)and

Sunday 8.30 – 1pm (position is available now).

£8.00 per hour. Training will be provided.

Any applications would you please hand in to the Shop.

There are a large number of lovely young adults living in the village but unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from anyone under the age of 18 as we are a licensed premises and sell tobacco products.

Please note that on Saturdays the shop closes at 5.30pm. This will remain the case until the end of June.

Tomatin Country Store will be taken over by White Water Trading Company (Strathdearn Community Developments trading company) on the 1st July 2016. The Shop stays in the same location for now and will be relocated to the Millennium Hall which will be converted when the New Village Hall is built in 18 months’ time.

So, I would like to introduce everybody to the new Shop Manager Miss Lee-Anne Cornwall. Lee-Anne is currently in training and will take over her role officially as Manager for White Water Trading Co on the 1st July 2016.Lee-Anne will face many challenges but she knows she will continue to have the full support from her local customers.

Feed back is necessary whether positive or negative, but hopefully positive as long as the new Company keeps any changes to a minimum and maintains the product ranges and competitive pricing. The new Company has many tasks to complete in a very short space of time but the transition should be smooth with no interruptions to our opening and closing hours.

Roger will still be operating the Outreach Post Office service on Thursdays.

Mike Mackay is fencing around the outside patio seating area, to allow privacy and to improve the appearance of the site.Martin Hughes of Pine Cottage will be doing some simple landscaping to make the border around the car park more appealing andalso to the grounds beside the Old Telephone Box overlooking Old Mill Road.

Finally, as this will be my last news letter ever on behalf of the Tomatin Shop, I will now give an Oscar speech !I wish to thank the staff past and present.I wish to thank everyone in the village who has supported the shop over the last unbelievable 8 years.Thank you to Roger the Post Office man. I wish to thank those of you for being so kind, warm and friendly towards my three sons who have helped me over the period of time to run the shop. And finally, what an amazing village Tomatin is with so many wonderful people.By the way, I am leaving the shop not the village. Thank You. Tanya

OVER TO ANGUS:

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the village of Tomatin for your support over the past three months. As many of you may be aware, I have signed up to the challenge of Strictly Inverness – a fundraising event held in May in which 32 individuals sign up to 16 weeks of dance lessons competing in a 4 day final Dance Spectacular in May. This has all been done in aid of the Highland Hospice and the Inverness Ice Centre charities. The hospice is a charity which is very dear to me – the work they carry out cannot be valued highly enough and I am honoured to be able to help fundraise for their Project Build Appeal. Having baked anever ending stream of loaf cakes, traybakes and tablet over the past 3 months, and with our dear customers of the shop buying theproduce, we have raised an incredible £1465.00 for charity. On behalf of the Highland Hospice, I would like to thank everyone foryour donations. I also would like to extend a thank you to Cathie Simpson, Carol Jeans and Marie Macleod for their contribution of gorgeous marmalades and chutneys. Michelle Bryden, who gave us her recipes of Mars Bar Crisp and Malteser Tray Bake. And not forgetting my mother who was an incredible help tying ribbons and sticking labels and more often than not, cleaning up after me!With all the supporters having gained pounds in the other sense, I have been considering starting a Strictly Salad Sale!! (it doesn’t sound as exciting though, does it!!) Thanks again for your support – I could not have done it without you!!

Forestry Distillery Wood

As some of you will be aware George has an obligation to follow the Forest Management Felling Plans and in November/December was the start of yet another phase of felling. This was accordingly done with large timber stacks stocked up at the sides of the forest tracks waiting to be cleared. Then came the high winds in January which left devastation of a further 10haof windblown fallen timber meaning we had to bring the harvester in again.This resulted in many more huge timber stacks that had to be cleared by the heavy forestry trucks and can only be taken away when Mills are clear to take timber. Next phase is preparation for replanting which is underway and the planting of 40,000 Sitka Spruce.

The track from Tannay, Old Mill Road to the entrance of Tomatin Distillery Wood (Green gate).

With the weather we have had, the forwarder and the mounding works along with timber trucks have chewed up many areas of theforest tracks, the worst one being the section from Tannay to the Green Gate, so once the last truck has finished taking the timber out it is our plan to upgrade and widen the track to the green gate.Up grading the track means the next felling plan to extract timber should not create so much mess. The boundary to the East and South that is not fenced will be deer fenced shortly as part of the forest management plan to limit the Sika and Roe Deer which have caused considerable damage to the previous plantings and a heavy deer cull will take place once the fencing is complete. This will not affect our resident pet red deer of course.

Please note there are signs up to be extremely cautious of Trucks until works are complete and due to the felling and mounding there are areas of deep peat which can be dangerous if you venture off the roads.

Mill View Development

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the soon to be Mr and Mrs Innes Croft who have moved into 2 Mill ViewWe would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr and Mrs Tim Allen who shortly move into 4 Mill ViewWe would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr Stuart Pape who moved into 5 Mill ViewWe would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr and Mrs McHattie who have moved into 6 Mill ViewWe would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr Martin Hughes who has moved into 7 Mill View

That leaves only 2 houses to fill now and it is great to see new faces coming to the village and we are sure they will be welcomed into the community.

PRESS RELEASE 25/03/16

TOMATIN STRIKES GOLD AT INTERNATIONAL WHISKY AWARDS

Highland based Tomatin Distillery, Icons of Whisky’s Distiller of the Year 2016, is celebrating an impressive haul of awards at the San Francisco World Spirits competition. The Distillery took home a total of 7 awards including Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky- 13-19 years for their 18 year old single malt.

Nominated and voted for by industry members including journalists, specialist drink retailers, bartenders and hoteliers, the distillery beat off stiff competition from over 1850 entrants around the globe to take the hoard of medals. Along with the 18 year old, the 12 year old and 1988 vintage edition were also awarded Double Gold, while the 14 year old and 36 year old picked up Gold medals in their categories. This is the third year running that the company has excelled at these influential spirits awards with a total of 21 Gold and Double Gold medals received in recent years.

The award winning whiskies are part of the core range of Tomatin single malts which includes the Legacy, 12 year old, Cask Strength, 14 year old, 18 year old, 1988 Vintage and 36 year old – all of which have recently been given apackaging refresh. This award follows the news announced in December that the company was named ‘Distiller of the Year 2015’ at the Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky awards and the organisation are thrilled with their recent accolades.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director of the Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd commented: “This recognition by one of the most influential spirits competitions in the world is fantastic. Only the very best entries in each category are awarded so we are delighted to have multiple gold medals. We are especially proud of the 18 year old accolade, which is a testament to our commitment and craftsmanship.”

Strathdearn Community Council NewsHere are some of the issues raised and discussed during recent meetings:

Change of Email AddressPlease note the email address for The Strathdearn Community Council is as follows:

[email protected]

Law and order

Our Community Beat Officer is PC Davy Elliot. Contact details can be found at the front of the newsletter.

Other than traffic offences, criminality remains low.

The theft of a garden light was reported in the Station Road area. An incident of shots being fired and aggressive shouting to frighten a dog walker was reported in Distillery Wood. A large number of nuisance calls to 101/999 number were made from a resident in the area. All of these matters are ongoing.

The public are reminded to be vigilant regarding bogus workmen operating in the area.

Applications to Strathdearn Community Charitable Trust

Following, are some of the applications that were submitted and recommended for approval.

A request for £600 from Rosemary Dempster on behalf of Fionn Dempster, Arran Macleod and Edward Raine. The three boys are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme , bronze level. A request for £504 from Pam Hardwick to help towards funding various workshops for Art In Strathdearn.

A request for £2000 from Tomatin United Football Club to help towards the running costs for the season.

Details of each application can be read in the monthly minutes.

A9 Dualling Dalaraddy to Slochd Project – Tomatin South (Slochd) Junction

The Community Council had made a submission in November 2015 to Transport Scotland, as part of the consultationon the A9 Dualling Tomatin – Moy Project, stating that in relation to the Tomatin South (Slochd) Junction, theirpreferred choice was to:Retain left turn only from north bound A9 carriageway, plus add underpass to allow right turn onto southbound A9carriageway.

Since then, there had been correspondence on the Strathdearn Facebook page regarding Tony Gerlings’ suggestionthat if the old A9 Slochd to Tomatin road next to the cycle path and parallel to the new dual carriageway wasreinstated, this would allow local services to Strathdearn such as the school bus to continue, as well as travel to andfrom Carrbridge and beyond, and local access for tourists and work related travel without going onto the new A9. Itwould also aid traffic flow during construction work for the new overpass needed at the Slochd railway and old Slochdaccess road.

Mrs. Roden attended the Dalraddy to Slochd Project Exhibition in the Carrbridge Hall where she met with SamMacNaughton and Rory Gunn of the A9 Dualling Team. They advised that Strathdearn Community Council couldmake another submission about the Junction as part of the Dalraddy – Slochd consultation, asking for Tony’s idea tobe considered as part of the consultation.

It was agreed to put together a short note asking Transport Scotland if they can make a technical assessment of thereinstatement of the old carriageway through Slochd. It was recognised that it was unlikely that Transport Scotlandwould agree to a right turn at the new Tomatin South (Slochd) Junction for southbound traffic, but consideredimportant, in the event of the alternative carriageway suggestion not succeeding, to retain a left turn only from thenorthbound A9 carriageway.

If you would like something put on the agenda, please get in touch with a Community Councillor. We are:- Vivian Roden (Chair) Tel 01808 511355; Edward Usborne (Vice Chair) Tel 01808 511482; Margaret Saunders (Treasurer) Tel 01808 511755; Lee-Anne Cornwall (Secretary) Tel 01808 511743; John Cameron-Mackintosh (Road Safety contact) Tel 01808 511239; Ann Glynne-Percy Tel 01808 511210; Steve MacLennan Tel 01808 511706; Malcolm MacSween Tel 01808 511730

Strathdearn Community Developments

“Spring is the time of plans and projects” – Leo Tolstoy, 1828-1910

While Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) has certainly been busy in the early months of 2016, their work for the Strathdearn community is year-round. For those who are new to the area, I would like to give an introduction to SCD before updating you all on their current plans and projects.

SCD is a registered charity set up in 2013. Its board of volunteer Directors, and its self-employed staff members: Development Officer, Company Secretary, and Hall Administrator and Keeper, work with the aim of achieving sustainable regeneration for the Strathdearn community. SCD currently owns Strathdearn Hall, plus its surroundinggrounds, which includes the covered sports area and play park. Below is an update on SCDs main projects, plus details of how you can keep abreast of SCDs work.

Paths Project: The construction of the long awaited paths project is underway and some Strathdearn residents will have already walked the completed sections near the distillery and to the A9 bus stop. Construction of the sections towards the village centre will be accompanied by road-work signs and traffic lights to ensure public safety. This relates to section 6, which is in effect part of Station Road and so requires little construction, and section 8, which connects Strathdearn Hall to Juniper Drive. The sections of the path approved by Planning are dueto be completed by end-May. Signage has been ordered to signpost the path for non-local users. In January 2016, SCD was a recipient of an STV Children’s Appeal award, which has been put towards the cost of the path. There are plans to hopefully extend the paths network, which will be reported in a future newsletter.

Strathdearn Carers: The care at home project is continuing to grow and the care workers are easily identified bytheir new uniforms. The team is being well led by Lee Hammell, who now works solely with Strathdearn Carers. The project has proved well worth the initial setup cost and looks to be growing as time goes on. A total of nine Strathdearn residents are now being cared for in their own home, some for the first time. To register a Strathdearn resident in need of the Strathdearn Carers’ services, please contact SCD via email at [email protected] orby post to Strathdearn Hall, Tomatin, Inverness-shire, IV13 7YN.

Village shop: As reported in the February 2016 newsletter, the ownership of Tomatin Country Store is transferringto SCD on 1 July 2016. The timetable for the takeover is on schedule and preparations are well advanced for as smooth a takeover as possible. SCD look forward to the support of the Strathdearn community in this exciting new venture. SCD is seeking additional staff members for the shop and asks anyone interested to send their CV for consideration to SCD at the above address.

Village hall: Plans for a new hall in Tomatin are continuing apace, to replace the old hall condemned on safety grounds in May 2015. Following the feasibility study, Makar Construction of Inverness has been retained by SCD toprogress the plans to full planning application stage. The aim is to reach the planning application stage by August 2016. In March 2016, SCD completed a hall user group survey to determine the amenities needed in the new hall. Twenty-four user groups took part in the survey, to put forward their views and aspirations for consideration in the hall plans. SCD heartily thanks the participants for their time and effort in responding, and aims to comply with thesurvey feedback wherever feasibly possible. The survey participation has already had an effect on the size of the new hall, as its size is now considerably bigger than before the survey! SCD has also carried out surveys to complywith Planning, e.g. a bat survey and a tree survey. The bat survey reported that bats are roosting in the old hall roof, so further time sensitive surveys are required over the coming months.

Grant Funding: SCD is pleased to announce that they received a Scottish Government award to fund a one-year administrative post, which will be much needed in the coming months for the projects SCD are currently engaged with. This post will be advertised in the local press in the near future.

To find out more about SCD: The Board meets once a month and meetings are open to the public. Their next two meetings are on 19th May and 22nd June 2016 at 7.30pm in Strathdearn Hall. SCD members and the general public are also welcome to email the Company Secretary at any time with comments at [email protected]. To apply for SCD company membership, the application form can be found on the SCDwebpage (http://strathdearn.org/about-strathdearn/strathdearn-community-developments.html) or you can contact the Company Secretary on the above email or postal address to request a postal copy. Membership is free.SCD currently has 137 full members and 11 associate members. The SCD Annual General Meeting is planned for July 2016 in Strathdearn Hall, at a time and date to be confirmed, and SCD membership forms will be available at the door.

Helen Garmston

Strathdearn Primary and Nursery News May 2016http://strathdearnblog.wordpress.com/

Congratulations

We have entered two design competitions recently and prizes have gone to Lois Ferguson (P5) and Erin Montague (P5) for their designs.

Mrs Avril MacDonald – School Cook

Sadly, after 19 years as School cook (at Strathdearn and Raigbeg Primaries) Mrs MacDonald has finally decided to hang up her apron. She will be leaving us at the end of this term and will be greatly missed. We wish her well.

Abernethy ResidentialTrip

Our P6&7 pupils are very excited about their residential stay at Abernethy Outdoor Centre in May.

They will enjoy many outdoor activities during their stay - kayaking, rock climbing, zip wire, archery, dry slope skiingand swimming.

P4-7 Swimming

The P4-7 class have started their block of swimming lessons at Inverness Leisure.

Mr Colin Baillie

Nursery and school classes are enjoying athletics with Mr Baillie on Tuesday mornings.

Full Wrap/Out of School Club The Strathdearn Daycare Service is now up and running. Booking forms are available from the school ifyou require them. A huge thanks to Natalie Perks, Helena Ekerot and Andrea Macaulay for being so instrumental in setting up this valuable service for the whole community to benefit from.

Garden Help

If there is anyone who would like to help with our school garden and poly tunnel then please contact the school. Thank you.

Youth Development League - Harriers

Congratulations to Lucas Allan (P7) who came 2nd in 100metres, 2nd in 200 metres and1st in relay.

Rag Bag Collection

Thank you to all those who have donated items to our Rag Bag Collection. The collection bank issituated in the school car park. Collection bags are available from the school office.We have nowmade £779 for the school fund from collections.

Flower Show 2016Saturday 3rd SeptemberHere are the classes for this year’s show.Time to start preparing now!

Children’s Sections (8 Yrs & under, 9 - 12 Yrs)1. Animal made from fruit and/or vegetables2. Egg Cup Flower Display3. Garden in a Tray no bigger than 15” x 10”

Children’s Challenge: To make an egg head with growing mustard and cress hair Children must state age on tickets. Handicrafts1. Exhibit of Patchwork and/or Quilting2. Exhibit of Knitting3. Exhibit of Embroidery, Cross Stitch, or Tapestry4. Exhibit of Crochet5. Any Craft (other than above)

Photography (mounted - see Notes on Exhibits)1. Summer2. Garden wildlife3. Holiday or day out4. Tree or trees5. Rainbow6. 3 Pictures on one sheet of A4 telling a story.

Floral Art 1. Single Colour Arrangement (to be viewed all round)

2. Foliage Arrangement (max 18”) (to be viewed from front)

3. A desert theme arrangement4. A miniature arrangement (less than 6”)

Flower Section1. 5 Sweet Peas - Mixed2. 5 Sweet Peas - Same Colour3. 3 Antirrhinums4. 3 Carnations/Pinks5. 3 Calendula (Marigold) Stems6. 3 French Marigold Heads7. 3 Pansy Heads - Same Colour (note pansy not viola)8. 3 Pansy Heads - Different colours “ 9. 1 Rose Stem - Single Bloom10. 3 Rose Stems - Floribunda11. 1 Rose Bloom - for scent12. 3 Fuchsia Heads - same colour13. 3 Fuchsia Heads - different colours14. 1 Fuchsia - grown as standard15. 1 Fuchsia - 7” pot or smaller16. 1 Fuchsia - larger than 7” pot17. 3 Begonia Heads18. 3 Dahlia Stems19. 1 Vase - 4 Herbaceous Perennial Stems, same species and variety20. 1 Vase - 4 Herbaceous Perennial Stems, mixed species21. 1 Vase - 4 Annual Stems, same species and variety22. 1 Vase - 4 Annual Stems, mixed species23. 1 Vase - 4 stems of flowering shrubs24. 1 Pot Plant - Flower

25. 1 Pot Plant - Foliage26. Planted Container

Baking & Produce Section1. 1 Iced coffee cake2. 3 short bread fingers3. 3 Pancakes 4. 3 cheese scones 5. 3 Oatcakes 6. 3 Paradise cake slices 7. 4 Squares whisky fudge8. 1 Cake decorated with sports theme 9. 1 Jar Raspberry Jam 10. 1 Jar Strawberry Jam 11. 1 Jar Blackcurrant Jam 12. 1 Jar Marmalade 13. 1 Jar Jelly-any variety 14. 1 Jar Lemon Curd 15. 1 Jar Chutney - any variety 16. 1 soda bread loaf (6” round) 17. 6 Eggs

Art Section (any medium)1. Still Life with Flowers2. Winter Scene3. Wildlife4. Sunny Day5. Home Interior

Vegetable Section

1. 1 Cabbage2. 1 Cauliflower3. 3 Carrots4. 3 Onions5. 2 Leeks6. 3 Potatoes - White7. 3 Potatoes - Coloured8. 3 Beetroot9. 2 Turnips10. 1 Lettuce11. 3 Tomatoes12. 2 Courgettes13. 1 Pepper - any colour14. Basket of 5 kinds of Vegetable (not decorated)15. Any other Vegetable16. Display of 5 different cut Culinary Herbs17. Parsley grown in pot18. 3 Beans - any variety.

Full schedules including rules, display requirements etc will be available soon in the Village Store, or from May Buckle and Carol James

When I wrote the articles about Dalarossie Church and the baptismal font fifteen years ago, littledid I believe that the sacred and beloved building in the Strath could be threatened – not by thenearby River Findhorn, or natural disaster, but by human circumstances beyond our control.

Rumours abound, but it seems that our Church may be deemed no longer viable, and closed forworship. This is an unbelievable thought, verging on an act of sacrilege, and hopefully may proveto be untrue, but everyone in Strathdearn, whether church attender or otherwise, should beaware that the worst may come to pass, although the churchyard would have to continue forinterments. We must just hope and pray that Dalarossie will be spared to continue to offerdivine solace and strength for generations to come, as it has been since earliest times, anancient sanctuary.

A G-P April 2016

The Baptismal Font at Dalarossie Church

If only the amazing ancient bowl-shaped stone could tell us of its beginnings – how long ago it was formed, whether bynature or by human hands – and what purpose or ceremony the dwellers of Dail Fergus used it for in olden times.Sacred or pagan?

It was supposedly found in the ground when the glebe land was being ploughed, but I have been unable to discoverwhen, or by whom, but they must have recognized it as of possibly religious significance, and it was placed within theKirkyard, leaning against the wall near the gate, and I first remember seeing it there.

During the incumbency of Mr Cameron, who was Minister from 1932 – 1940, a visiting Anglican Bishop saw the stonebowl and expressed concern that it was outside, and maybe at risk from being ‘appropriated’ for display elsewhere,and he advised that it was taken into the Church for safekeeping. This was duly done.

I cannot recall exactly when it was created into a font, in 1940s, but Miss Kathleen Mackenzie of Glenkyllachy and mymother Mrs Douglas Bulloch, were responsible for the transformation, obviously with the Church powers-that-be andthe congregation of the Parish of Moy and Dalarossie. A suitable support for the bowl was a problem as, contrary tosome belief, one had not been found originally in the glebe ground.

I remember very clearly going with my mother to the nearby ruins of Harriet’s Croft, not far from the Old DalarossieSchoolhouse, where we searched for a stone in keeping in appearance – upright, and already worked so as not to lookunhewn, and also the correct height. It was a summer’s day, with the sun warm on our backs, swallows overhead andthe sound of curlew and pewits calling, anxious about their chicks, and wheatears bobbing as we moved about amongthe footings of the old walls. We found what we were looking for at one corner and, in the course of time, it wasdeemed appropriate for its new purpose and Murdo MacAskill skillfully crafted the unique font we know today. It wasno easy task, as the bowl was heavy and uneven in shape, with no especially ‘good’ side and even some broken bitson the rim, probably from the ploughshare that unearthed it.

There has been much speculation as to how it became rounded inside. There is a reference to it as ‘the monk’sgrinding stone’ – did that mean as a large mortar, as in pestle and mortar, for pulverizing grain, or herbs for medicinalpurposes? Another theory is that it was formed by water current, maybe with a rounded stone to ‘birl’ about inside,as it is of a softer rock than the native granite.

I had hoped to find out when the font was first consecrated, and the name of the first infant to be baptized; he or shewould be a pensioner now but it would be fascinating if they or their family could fill in this piece of the story for us.Mr MacCuish was probably Minister at the time, up until 1946, then Mr Angus MacDonald became incumbent in 1947.

When petrol was scarce, my mother and I bicycled to Church and we always put on extra pedal power as we passedCorrievorrie because Allan Tulloch had a large black bull in the field nearest to the road, and we were not too sure ofhim!

Dalarossie has a timeless serenity about it, whether with all the pews filled or literally when two or three are gatheredtogether, as I remembered in winter in wartime when the service was held in the vestry with the fire on in the grate.

This little history of the font is written after queries to local friends and to the best of my own recollections, but piecesof information are missing and if anyone could fill them, their knowledge would be very welcome. I know there arestatistics in Church records outwith the Parish, but there has not been time to delve as far as Edinburgh before theNewsletter is printed.

Ann Glynne-PercyApril 2001

Dalarossie Church

I am glad that my little bit of local history about thebaptismal font at Dalarossie was of interest in theNewsletter. I hope that one day the gaps in myknowledge will be filled as to when the ‘bowl’ wasfound in the glebe and, importantly, the name of thefist infant to be baptized once the font wasconsecrated, during the latter 1940s probably when MrMacCuish was Minister.

The other item of stone within the Church, which goesback to olden days, is the Bargain, or Betrothal, Stone,also referred to as the Priests’ Stone. I remember itfirstly out of doors leaning in the corner by the porchbut, more recently, it has been placed indoors againstthe wall by the door to the vestry. It is approximately3ft 4in tall, oblong, with a fist sized hole about two-thirds up from the base, fortunately not damagedwhen a fair chunk was once broken off one corner ofthe stone slab. As with the font, it is seemingly not ofa local natural material, but more like sandstone. Onewonders if it had been carved specially for its purposefor Dalarossie, or brought from elsewhere. Maybereaders have seen similar stones in other places, andwe could find out about their origins, also age.Meanwhile, whether bargaining stone or betrothalstone, it is a tantalizing glimpse of the past – picturinghands, gnarled with toil, clasped to agree a matter ofthe moment, or a happy young couple, hand fast infaith for their future together in the Strath.

Progressing from stone to wood, the box with the longhandle, above the font, was reputedly the precursor ofour velvet pouches for offerings. In days gone by, it issaid, that the menfolk from the glens used to bringtheir dogs to the Kirk, none too peaceably, so perhapsthe then Elders needed a receptacle less vulnerable forwhat they were about to receive! This is just myhumorous thought – I’m sure there is a less ‘biting’reason for having a wooden offertory container.

In previous centuries the horror of desecration ofgraves by the removal of fresh corpses, for medicalresearch, became a custom (as by Burke and Hare) andthe Church had ‘watch houses’ built within burialgrounds so that relatives or parishioners could keepguard over the deceased for a certain length of time.The evil began in cities but disquiet obviously spreadthroughout parishes and a Watch House was built, paidfor by local subscription, at Dalarossie, on the westgable end of the Church. It is a simple single storeystone structure, with a slate roof, which was restoredby Inverness District Council, and has been more latelyused for materials used by grave digging.

On either side of the offertory box hang two frameddocuments. These are copies of originals, unique andof importance to Dalarossie only. The two olddocuments had always been pinned to one wall of theWatch House but the Parish Registrar, Mr Murdo

MacAskill, who also tended the Kirkyard, wasconcerned about the deteriorating state of the papersand gave them to me for safekeeping.

I too realized their importance and took them to theArchivist at Inverness Museum who kindly had eachcopied and framed for me to give to the Church, whilstkeeping the originals, rather dog eared and waterstained but safe from the elements.

These records are in two parts. The first is a list of allthose who subscribed to the building of the WatchHouse, including Parishioners, “Strangers”, and thosewho sent a ‘partial contribution’, hopefully with abalance to follow. The list names approximately 100souls in all, also place of residence, but the writing isdifficult to decipher through old script and spelling, alsostaining. I could not be sure of a final figure donated,but the average given seems to range between 4/- to1/- or 6d. The Minister gave 10/-, as did someone else,name unreadable.

The second frame, nearest the Church door, is knownas ‘The Black List’. It is a telling account of “namesreferred to within the Parish who have declined tocontribute.” There are seven of these, plus a furthertwo “who promised but negated.” The first copy of thelatter list is dated 26th June 1833, and it was recopied28th March 1834, and signed Don’d McPherson. Was heMinister, or Treasurer/Clerk to the Congregation? I donot know whether the sum needed was realized beforebuilding began, or if Dalarossie Watch House was paidfor as the monies came in.

There is a more substantial Watch House at MoyChurch, built against the south wall of the graveyard,but I do not know if payment was combined within theParish, or separately.

To end on a higher note. Once upon a time, theMinister at Dalarossie, in mid-Reading, was surprised tosee many of the male members of the congregationquietly rise and leave the building, and return later,mission accomplished. I too had seen the herd ofcattle that had found the gate unsecured, and theywere cropping their way over hallowed turf, and floraltributes, and rubbing against memorials. All wassorted out and the congregation was able to hear theWord without further disruption.

Ann Glynne-Percy August 2001

Strathdearn Trig Pillars2016 is giving us celebrations for the Queen’s andmy mother’s ninetieth birthdays. Map geeks and lostwalkers have cause to celebrate another rather lesswell known birthday in 2016; that of a mereoctogenarian “born” 80 year ago. For, in aNorthamptonshire field, on the 18th April 1936, thefirst of 6500 white concrete “trig pillars” thatunderpinned the accurate re-triangulation of GreatBritain and our modern maps was commissioned. InStrathdearn today, you can find pillars on fivewonderfully named remote hills with two more closeto the boundary.

Carn Glas Choire 659m (6 miles east of Tomatinlooking down to Strathspey)Carn a Choire Mhor 627m (Corrybrough hill visiblefrom most of Tomatin) Carn na h –Easgainn 616m (above Lynebeg)Carn Dubh Ic an Deoir 750m (3 miles south ofDalarossie Church) Beinn Bhreac Mhor 807m (3 miles north ofCoignafearn) Carn nan Tri-tighearnan 615m (just outsideStrathdearn and above the new Moy wind farm)Carn an Uillt Bhric 599m (1 mile east of Carn nan Tri-tighearnan)

Now made redundant by global positioning satellites400 hundred miles above your head these iconicwhite pillars are still a welcome site to walkers andclimbers as they generally mark a summit andconfirm your location in poor weather. Hats off to theengagingly obsessed Rob Woodall who spent 14years visiting all the remaining UK pillars andcompleted his final 6190th pillar on a Fife hill top inApril.

I have walked, run, cycled or skied to all theStrathdearn pillars and I didn’t meet Rob and won’tbe repeating his feat. But, I can confirmStrathdearn’s pillars all provide fantastic viewpointswith 360-degree panoramas taking in the Cairngormsand Ben Rinnes to the south and east, the Glen Affrichills, Ben Wyvis and the Caithness hills to the northand the rolling Monadhliath to the west. The familiar square pillar was designed by BrigadierMartin Hotine (1898–1968) and provided a solid basefor the theodolites used by the Ordnance Surveyteams and to improve the accuracy of their readings.Most trig pillars follow the standard Hotine design butin some areas, like Strathdearn, taller, cylindricalconcrete pillars are found. When the secondarytriangulation had progressed to the Highlands ofScotland, it was necessary to design a new andlighter pillar, cylindrical in shape, in order to avoidexcessive transport costs.

These round pillars, usually called 'Vanessas' wereconsidered "less aesthetically satisfying" than thestandard pillar and were only placed in inaccessiblelocations where few people would see them.Weighing in at around 330kg, less than half of atypical three quarter ton Hotine pillar, Vanessas didnot require such a large foundation, making themideal for the rocky outcrops of the Scottish hill tops.'Vanessas' are so-called because of amispronunciation of 'Venesta', the name of the

company which produced the tubes into which theconcrete was poured. On some even more remotehills I have also seen pillars built of local stone.Though the OS no longer uses the trig pillars,maintaining them is still its responsibility. In additionto general wear and tear I have seen a couple thatwere smashed in lightning strikes. Today OSsurveyors mainly sit behind computer screens andtheir satellites receivers that make up the OSnetwork are coordinated to an accuracy of just 3 mmover the entire country. But, spare a thought for thehardy first surveyors when you next see one of theseiconic white pillars on a distant hill top.

STEP IT UP HIGHLAND

As I am sure most people know by now, the main purpose ofour Wednesday walks is to promote good health by walking. Step it Up is not a rambling club, but a Scottish initiative to encourage people who are not taking enough exercise to come along and meet other like-minded folk for a walk, followed by tea and coffee and a blether. It is a national organisation with many groups throughout the Highlands. Our Highland co-ordinator, Lynne Bannister, joined us on one of our outings earlier in April.

We had chosen one of our favourite routes that day: the Slochd valley circuit. This is one we traditionally do around this time of year, as it is a beautiful spring walk with a great display of wild flowers: primroses, wood sorrel, wood anemones and violas. Lynne was very impressed by the lovely and varied selection of routes we have around Tomatin, and also commented on how friendly and lively ourgroup seemed. She took a number of photographs for use inthe Step it Up Newsletter, as well as receiving some of the video footage we have ourselves taken whilst we are out.

As well as walking, we are all interested in observing the plants, wildlife, archaeological sites and landscapes as we go, which all make any physical activity much more meaningful. So, if you feel you would enjoy to join us in our friendly group, why not come along? Meet us at StrathdearnHall at 2.00pm on a Wednesday afternoon, or phone Kathy or David beforehand on 01808 511740, or Carol on 531220 if you would like more information.

TOMATIN & MOY SWI

The 2015/16 session of WI meetings ended on Monday May 9th with the AGM, followed by a chance to taste each other’sfavourite baking, over a good blether.

The 2016/17 session will start on Monday 5th September at 7.30pm in the Strathdearn Hall. The content of the meeting will be advertised in the next Newsletter and on posters around the community. The usual format of the meeting is for a talk of about an hour followed by refreshments and a short business meeting. There is a competition and a raffle.

We may be a small WI but we are perfectly formed. We’re a group of friendly individuals who get together to learn from our speaker, enjoy one another’s company and support each other when needed. We have the opportunity to take part in events held by the local group of WI’s, the County Federation and the national Federation.

All in all, it’s a great organisation to be involved with and wewould welcome your company, either on a regular basis or once to hear a particular speaker. If you come once, you never know, you might enjoy it so much you come again and again. Whichever way you decide to come, you’ll get a warm welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

Carol James, Vice Chairman