SpotLight on Elgin and Lossie

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CRAFT GROUPPassionate about a craft? Do youwant to learn a new craft andmeet new people with similar in-terests to share ideas to developold and new skills? i am keen tostart an evening group, if you areinterested - please give me acall! Jean boardman, Elgin01343 208435

CREATIVE WRITING GROUPMeets fortnightly on a Thursday,1.30pm, Blythswood CharityShop, Lossie Wynd, Elgin. Con-tact Kirsty Morgan 547494

CULBIN SINGERSRegular Thursday evening prac-tice sessions take place in StLaurence Church, Forres. Newmembers welcome. Email: [email protected]

LOSSIEMOUTH BOWLING CLUBSt Gerardine’s road, Lossie. Call813766 for more information

ELGIN CITY COMMUNITYFOOTBALLFootball activities for boys & girlsof all ages. Call robbie hope

01343 551114 or visit www.elgincommunityfootball.co.uk

ELGIN CYCLING CLUBPromoting cycling in the localarea. Sundays 8.30am, GrantLodge, Cooper Park. Call KevinThomson tel: 01542 834972 orvisit www.elgincyclingclub.com

ELGIN YOUTH CAFEElgin Youth Cafe is launching anew Saturday night project and iscalling for new volunteers to joinin the fun! Do you have a sparehour or so a week or fortnight andwant to give something back toyour community? Contact Kate [email protected] or01343 548300.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFDECORATIVE AND FINE ARTSSOCIETY (MORAY BANFF ANDBADENOCH BRANCH)Meets 2nd Wednesday of themonth at 11am in the SherwoodSuite at the Eight Acres Hotel,Elgin. Monthly lectures on a vari-ety of arts related subjects aredelivered by experts from acrossthe UK. New members alwayswelcome. Contact Sarah Fennings-Mills: 01343 831002 orwww.nadfas-in-elgin.org.uk

FREE SOCIAL GROUP Last Thursday every month 7pmMuckle Cross, Elgin. For over21s in Moray. Walking group,weekends away, attendingmusic, theatre & cinema events.New members always welcome.

GARMOUTH & KINGSTONPRE-SCHOOL GROUPSPlaygroup, 2-3 Club and totsGroup. Call Jessica myers on870262(am)/870620(pm) or visitwww.garmouthplaygroups.co.uk

HIGHLAND GLIDING CLUBGliding and soaring at all levels,beginner upwards, Sat & Sun allyear and Wednesday eveningMay - Oct at Easterton Airfield,Birnie. Contact Anne Burgess820834. www.highglide.co.uk

LADYBIRD DEVELOPMENTAL GROUPCaring for pre-school childrenwith additional support needs.

We would be delighted to hearfrom anyone interested in joiningus to help secure our future.Contact 01343 814618 or visitwww.theladybirdgroup.co.uk

LAICH OF MORAY TRUSTProviding transport for elderly, in-firm and disabled within Moray.Mainly within Moray, but sometimesfurther. Contact Rob Tyson 545531

ME MORAY SUPPORT GROUP2nd Tuesday each month 7pm,Moray Resource Centre, Maison-deu Road, Elgin. Meet with otherME sufferers for support and in-formation. Meetings are free withrefreshments provided.www.memoray.org.uk/forum

MILTONDUFF MINIS TODDLERGROUPtues & thurs 10 - 11.30am for0-3 years, miltonduff hall. toys,games and activities. ContactClaudette on 548984 or [email protected]

MILTONDUFF VILLAGE HALLavailable for regular meetings orone-off occasions. Communityevents are badminton, bowling,Gardening Club, toddler Group ontues & thurs and Playgroup mon- Fri. Contact Jeff hyland 545360or email [email protected]

MONDAY DANCE CLUBmondays 1.30pm - 4pm, Supperroom, Elgin town hall. Sequence,set, latin & ballroom dancing.£1.50. tea & cakes available

MORAY DISABILITY FORUMWe welcome everyone inter-ested, or working in the area ofdisability to become a member ofthe group. Call mike mcKenzie,c/o moray resource Centre,Elgin. tel: 07967 440164

MORAY FIELD CLUBNature walks, birdwatching andancient buildings with experts ofall aspects giving their time andsharing their knowledge. CallChrissie Suttie 01309 673431

MORAY RETIRED PERSONSFRIENDSHIP CLUBTo improve the quality of life byfriendship, talks and activity for

retired people over 60. ContactMichael Crossland on 01343543962 or Anne McDonald on01343 547527

MORAY TREFOIL GUILDSundays, 2.30pm, Sept - april atmoray resource Centre. Formermembers of the Guide movementand anyone intrested in guidingvery welcome. Call mrs Lilianmilne on 01343 549108

MORAY TRIBAL BELLY DANCEWeekly tribal belly dance classesfor all levels. Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm at Elgin CommunityCentre. Contact Mel: 07791863613. www.moraytribaldance.co.uk

NATIONAL CHILDBIRTH TRUSTAntenatal classes and breast-feeding support. Meetings andoutings in Forres and Elgin area.Email: [email protected]

THE NATIONAL TRUST FORSCOTLAND BANFF & MORAYPromoting the NTS and fundrai-sing to support local properties,Brodie Castle and Leith Hall. Var-ied annual programme of events.Ring the secretary on 01343835258 or [email protected]

PARKINSON'S SUPPORTGROUP ELGIN AND DISTRICTResource Centre 7.30pm, 2ndMonday of the month, Sept - May,giving and sharing information,support, fun, friendship andfood! Contact Gillian Gibson(Secretary) tel: 541056 or visitwww.parkinsons.org.uk

page 4 - october 2012 tel: 01309 690063 SpotLight on Elgin and District

If you would like details ofyour club or society

included in this section,please let us know. All

club listings are free. Notall clubs will be listed in

every issue.

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES

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Telephone: 01343 850 066

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November Issue Deadlines

Editorial: Friday 5th October

Advertising: Wednesday 10th October

PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes

SALES ......................Eilidh Conners

SALES ...........................Peter Evans

ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood

LAYOUT ........................Michelle Ho

DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson

ADMIN ....................Tamsyn Dickson

As we go to presswith this issue,

the Paralympics being held inLondon are drawing to a close.Whilst athletics in general maynot be everybody’s “cup of tea”as a spectator sport, one cannotdeny the sheer scale of thecompetitors’ personalachievements. What betterplace from which to drawinspiration for our own lives?

The Editor

bethea robertson.

Copyright.

“Your beautiful home... Deserves a beautiful floor”

sevvereseD...ee.mohluffuiifttiuaebruoYYo“

”roollofflluffuiifttiuaeba

ALL WORK UNDERTAKENMORAY GROUNDWORKS

MIKE GIVEN

TEL: 07768 297629

GRASSCUTTINGPATHWAYSCONCRETEDRIVEWAYSFENCING

Have you ever felt that your prayer life wasdull and lifeless? One day a church memberapproached me. He was considering drop-ping out of our prayer group because he feltoverwhelmed by the prayer requests. Itseemed to him as though everyone's prob-lems were insurmountable, and althoughwe'd been praying for the same things formonths, it didn't seem as though anyone'slife was getting any better.

Does that sound familiar? Ephesians 1: 16– 23 says this: “I have not stopped givingthanks for you, remembering you in myprayers. I keep asking that the God of ourLord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, maygive you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation,so that you may know him better. I pray alsothat the eyes of your heart may be enlight-ened in order that you may know the hope towhich he has called you, the riches of his glo-rious inheritance in the saints, and his incom-parably great power for us who believe. Thatpower is like the working of his mightystrength, which he exerted in Christ when heraised him from the dead and seated him athis right hand in the heavenly realms, farabove all rule and authority, power and do-minion, and every title that can be given, notonly in the present age but also in the one tocome. And God placed all things under his

feet and appointed him to be head overeverything for the church, which is his body,the fullness of him who fills everything inevery way.”

Now that is a prayer! He does not pray forhis specific needs but instead transformsthem by putting them into the bigger contextof what God wants to do in his life. We canstill make the prayer requests, but considerpraying for them in the following ways.

Make Them God-CentredWhen you pray, remember who you are talk-ing to. You have been given the privilege ofcoming before the creator of the universe.This is the God who made everything that livesor has its being, and he has given you thehonour of bringing requests before him.When we tell God how great, powerful, andmagnificent he is, it is to remind ourselves. Itgives us a sense of awe and expectancy thatsomething great could come out of this con-versation we are having with the one whocan do anything.

Make Them Praise-FilledPaul started his prayer by saying, "I have notstopped giving thanks … ". He'd learned thatthe key to praying is not to focus on a list oftroubles, but to praise God for what he has

done. How can we give thanks in everything?Well, one suggestion is to study the namesfor God in the Old Testament, for they oftenreveal what God has done.

Make Them Life-ChangingPeople get frustrated with their prayer timebecause it seemed nothing ever changed.Maybe that's because they weren't prayingfor the right change. I've noticed that the vastmajority of prayers are for God to change our cir-cumstances. But maybe instead of Godchanging our circumstances, he wants tochange us. That doesn't mean he won't everchange our circumstances. I have seen Godsupply needs, open up opportunities, andheal people in incredible ways. But I've alsospent years praying for something to changethat never did. That should have been myfirst clue that I may not be praying for theright thing.

So, if instead of treating prayer as a com-plaint session, you instead use it is an incred-ible opportunity to gain the wisdom, direction,and power of God, prayer meetings becomea very different experience. They becomelife-affirming, and joy-bringing.

Graham Crawford

St James Church, Lossiemouth

Alves Church First Sunday every month 11.30am. Tel: 01309 690931.Birnie - Pluscarden Church Sunday service: Pluscarden at 10amand Birnie at 11.30am Burghead Church Sundays 11.30am. Tel: 01309 690931.Elgin and Forres Free Church of Scotland Sunday Service, Sundayschool, and crèche 11am. Evening service 6pm. Midweek meetingWednesday 7.30pm. Contact Colin Morrison: 01343 542196.Elgin Baptist Sunday worship 11am includes crèche, pre-Sundayschool, Sunday school, and Bible class. Evenings 6pm. Tel: 01343548309.Elgin City Church Elgin Community Centre. Sundays 10.30am.Childrens’ church and crèche available. Tel: 01343 543624.Elgin Community Church Sunday morning service 10.30am.Evening fellowship and youth group 6pm. Tel: 01343 546654.Elgin High Church Sunday service 11am. Contact Parish Asst. PaulaBaker: 01542 832662 or Rev Jim Thomson: 01343 547664.Hopeman Baptist Church Sundays 11am and 6pm. Contact Rev.S.J.Macdonald: 01343 831175. Living Waters Fellowship Wednesdays 7pm with free refreshments:Road to Recovery - for alcholics, addicts and the homeless. Sundays12.30pm: preachin’, prayin’, and singin’ followed by lunch. Sundays12.30pm and Wednesdays 7pm: Truck Stop Ministries - for truck driv-ers & bikers. New Elgin & Ashgrove Hall, King Street, Elgin, IV30 6BN.Tel: 07730 256543. Website: www.livingwatersfellowship.co.ukLossiemouth Baptist Church Sundays 9.30am, 11.30am (and juniorchurch) and 6pm. Thursdays 6.15pm - 8pm: kids church (P4-P7).Contact Rev. Rae Mackenzie: 01343 812062. Website:www.lossiebaptist.orgLossiemouth Gospel HallSunday club 9.30am.Gospel meeting6.30pm.Tel:01343 812987.Website:www.lossiemouthgospelhall.org.ukLossiemouth United Free Church of Scotland Sundays 11am and6pm including Sunday school. Contact Rev. Alexander Ritchie: 01343810262. Website: www.ufcos.org.uk/lossie Moray Grace Fellowship The Warehouse Theatre, Lossie. Sundays

10.30am. Contact Vic Cameron: 01343 850142. Email:[email protected]. Website: www.moraygrace.wordpress.comHoly Trinity Elgin. Sundays 8am: Holy Communion. 11am: family Eucharist. 6.30pm: evensong. Tel: 01343 547505.Parish of Duffus, Spynie, and Hopeman First Sunday of eachmonth in Hopeman 10am. One service in Hopeman at 10.30am if fiveSundays in a month. Duffus or Spynie 11.30am. Contact Rev. BruceLawrie: 01343 830276. Email: [email protected] Andrews-Lhanbryd and Urquhart Parish Church Sundays 11amincluding young church and crèche. Evening services 7pm on lastSunday of month at St Margaret's Hall, Urquhart. Contact AndrewRobertson: 01343 843765.St Gerardine’s High Church Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship11am. Evening service 6pm last Sunday of month. Contact: 01343813635.St Giles and St Columba’s South Elgin. Sunday services 10.30am inJanuary, March, May, July, September, and November in St Giles’Church. February, April, June, August, October, and December in StColumba’s South Church. Wednesdays 7.30pm and Thursdays12.30pm at St. Giles Church. Contact the church office: 551501. Website: www.elginstgiles.orgSt James Church of Scotland Lossiemouth. Sunday family worship11am including crèche and Sunday school. 6pm: evening service .7pm: Swordfish youth group. Contact Rev. Graham Crawford: 07817504042.St Margaret’s Church Lossiemouth. 9.30am: family Eucharist .10am: Holy Communion. Thursdays 5pm: evening prayer.St Sylvester's Catholic Church Elgin.Vigil Mass Saturday 7pm.SundayMass 11.45am.Tel: 01343 542280.Website:www.stsylvesters.net

If you are a member of a church not listed here, please email us thedetails and we may print them in future issues.

PASTORAL LETTER AND CHURCH MEETINGS

Photo by brian J Smith

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ExtraCtS From thE minutES oF thE mEEtinG oF 10th JuLy 2012 oF ELGin Community CounCiL

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

Police Update – Including National Secu-rityMosstodloch bypass road design – Insp.Scott Mann is writing to the CommunityCouncil directly to update on this matter.Lorries parking in disabled bays – Reportsof this abuse are rare. Any offending driversare educated. Traffic wardens have requested a loadingbay for Thunderton Place/Batchen Lane asone car parked there can prevent loadingor block the road if loading goes ahead,which could prevent emergency vehicle ac-cess.Parking on pavements – There has onlybeen one report in New Elgin. A unit at-tended and the matter was resolved amica-bly. It is illegal to park on pavements.HGVs speeding Hay Street late night/earlymorning – Traffic is not aware of too manyissues in this area.Eighty minutes of speed checks were car-ried out on Hay Street and 140 minutes onReiket Lane. Some speeding drivers wereeducated and one was reported. Cllr Leadbitter appreciated the speedchecks being carried out but commentedthe HGV drivers will inform each other of lo-cations of speed checks.Cllr Divers said that Thornhill Road andMain Street, New Elgin were also men-tioned as areas of concern. PC Stuart Simwill report back on these two areas.Crossing South Lesmurdie and Kingsmills– installing a pedestrian crossing is a mat-ter for The Moray Council.The quarterly police update had been cir-culated electronically and was felt to be agenerally positive report.

Stagecoach UpdateService changes – there are minor changesto address some timing problems, startingin August, including re-routing away fromthe High Street and departing earlier fromGarmouth.Loading at Elgin Bus Station – Stagecoachare looking at ways to speed up passengerloading for services 10 and 305.Service reliability - is up a little overall,partly as there are no severe roadworksdisrupting service.There are a few older buses in service atthe moment as newer ones are in Londonservicing the Olympics.

Bus-stop improvements – carried out, withThe Moray Council, over the last twomonths. There are still some improvementsto be made.Extension of bus station/new bus station –nothing new to report.It is planned to install free Wi-Fi in the wait-ing area and outside at the bus station.Free Wi-Fi is also available on all number10 coaches and is being installed on 305s.Destination signs 328/329 – As a conces-sion, buses from Lossie to Pinefield willnow show “via Elgin” at all times and notscroll.Real time information updates – should berunning shortly. For interest, Stagecoach is running shuttlebuses for the Scottish Golf Open and Ab-erdeen has launched the first fleet of sin-gle-decker hybrid buses in the UK.Service 10 coaches used on 331 service –The Chair mentioned that use of coacheson this route make wheelchair access diffi-cult. Graeme Leslie replied coaches haveto substitute when a low floor bus is off theroad. Also, for logistical reasons, the morn-ing service in Bishopmill approx. 8.30am isalways a coach.Standing on buses – Pat Paterson askedwhat the policy on standing was.Buses of 05/55 plates or later cannot legallyhave standees. The driver would be subjectto a fine and points for allowing it. Stage-coach has not been able to change theterms of the MOT to accommodate stand-ing. In Inverurie, a lot of the overcrowding prob-lems are from passengers from Aberdeen,particularly the Infirmary. From October2012, the 305 will go to Aberdeen halfhourly, which should help take pressure offthis route.331 Burghead Sunday Service –was takenoff due to lack of passengers and with-drawal of Moray Council funding. There areno plans to reinstate it.

Recreation, Leisure and EnvironmentLadyhill flowerbed – Approx. 14 volunteersworked hard on the day. A lot of positivefeedback has been received on the results.It is estimated that Cove Bay nursery do-nated well over £100 worth of plants andplanted out one of the beds.Anne Glover has sent letters of thanks on

behalf of the Community Council to CoveBay nursery, the volunteers from MorayCollege and their lecturer. It’s hoped col-lege students may be interested in helpingout in future.She has also put up signs saying who vol-unteered and donated plants.She thanked those present who helpedout.The plan is to set up a group to continuewith this work. Membership fees may becharged to cover the cost of future plants.The Chair had received a letter of thanksand expression of interest from a memberof the public, to pass to Anne Glover.Gillian Bailey, Community Support Unit isable to provide support to form a group.Steven Christie reported there had been alot of positive comments about the workdone on Facebook and wished to pass onthanks of behalf of those commenting.It is planned to ask the local press to coverthe next piece of work. All of the grounds have been weeded andAnne Glover will put in a request that thegrass be mown.Elgin Fair Trade Group – Met 4th July.Thanks to Pat Paterson for her hard worksurveying shops to provide evidence to-wards Elgin becoming a Fair Trade City. Abank account is to be set up.Fair Trade Zone - Mary Wall thanked CllrLeadbitter for his guidance on this. This isa separate initiative and will be MorayCouncil lead, under Alan Macbeth. Scot-land is well on its way to becoming a FairTrade country and Moray will be one of thelast few local authority areas to become aFair Trade Zone.African Kitchen – 5th July, Elgin Town Hall.This was an excellent and informativeevening. The £190 made from the sale ofFair Trade items was donated to Elgin FairTrade Group, along with some goods toraffle/fundraise. Mary Wall will write to thankthe Co-operative.Elgin Allotment Association – Mary Wall re-ported Gardenshare is doing well and thebank leading to the plots has been clearedand planted with fruit bushes, comfrey anda wildflower meadow.

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Local Holidays

School Term Dates

Useful Telephone Numbers

Autumn Term Ends Fri 12th Oct 2012Winter Term Starts Mon 29th Oct 2012In-service Closure Mon 19th Nov 2012In-service Closure Tues 20th Nov 2012Winter Term Ends Fri 21st Dec 2012Spring Term Starts Mon 7th Jan 2013

Elgin Academy & Feeders Thurs 14th Feb 2013Elgin High & Feeders Thurs 14th Feb 2013Mid-term Holiday Fri 15th Feb 2013Mid-term Holiday Mon 18th Feb 2013Spring Term Ends Thurs 28th Mar 2013Good Friday Holiday Fri 29th Mar 2013

Elgin Holiday § Mon 15th Oct 2012British Summertime Ends Sun 28th Oct 2012St Andrews Day Fri 30th Nov 2012Christmas Day Tues 25th Dec 2012Boxing Day Wed 26th Dec 2012New Year’s Day Tues 1st Jan 2013Scottish Bank Holiday Wed 2nd Jan 2013Burns Night Fri 25th Jan 2013

Shrove Tuesday Tues 12th Feb 2013Mother’s Day Sun 10th Mar 2013Good Friday Fri 29th Mar 2013British Summertime Begins Sun 31st Mar 2013Easter Monday Mon 1st Apr 2013

§ includes Lhanbryde, Fochabers, Garmouth,Kingston, Mosstodloch, Spey Bay and Urquhart


SCHOOLSAlves Primary School ..................................(01343) 850247Bishopmill Primary School ..........................(01343) 547841Burghead Primary School ..........................(01343) 835529East End Primary School ............................(01343) 542381Greenwards Primary School ......................(01343) 541661Hopeman Primary School ..........................(01343) 830281Lhanbryde Primary School..........................(01343) 842649Mosstowie Primary School..........................(01343) 547119New Elgin Primary School ..........................(01343) 547587Seafield Primary School ..............................(01343) 547792St Sylvesters R.C. Primary School ..............(01343) 541453West End Primary School............................(01343) 543161Elgin Academy ............................................(01343) 543485Elgin High School........................................(01343) 545181Hythehill Primary School ............................(01343) 812014St Gerardine Primary School ......................(01343) 812251Lossiemouth High School ..........................(01343) 812047Police Station ................................................0845 600 5700Bus Station, Elgin .......................................(01343) 544222Citizens Advice Bureau ...............................(01343) 550088Dalcross Airport ...........................................(01667) 464000Dallas Village Hall .......................................(01343) 890243Elgin Town Hall ................(01343) 547767/562600-To BookLossie Town Hall ............................(01343) 813327/815309Moray Council .............................................(01343) 543451National Rail Enquiries ..................................08457 484950Elgin Library ................................................(01343) 562600Lossie Library ..............................................(01343) 813334Elgin Community Council ............................(01343)540615Moray Leisure Centre .................................(01343) 550033Lossie Swimming Pool ................................(01343) 815299

DOCTORSDr Gray's Hospital, Elgin ...............................0845 456 6000Moray Coast Medical Practice - Hopeman (01343) 830269Moray Coast Medical Practice - Burghead (01343) 835780Moray Coast Medical Practice - Lossie ........0845 337 1190Elgin Community Surgery ..........................(01343) 542234Linkwood Medical Centre ............................0845 337 6350Maryhill Health Centre ..................................0845 337 0610

DENTISTSSouth Street Dental Practice ......................(01343) 542729Trinity Dental Practice..................................(01343) 542697Apex Dental Studio......................................(01343) 556606Pure Spa Dental ..........................................(01343) 541164Laich Dental Practice ..................................(01343) 816316

PHARMACIESalliance Pharmacy ......................................(01343) 542186bishopmill Pharmacy ..................(01343) 547374 / 547393boots the Chemist ......................................(01343) 543311G.F Duthie Phramacy, burghead ................(01343) 835370G.F Duthie Phramacy, hopeman ................(01343) 830249 Lhanbryde Pharmacy ..................................(01343) 842531Lloyds Pharmacy, 48 high St ......................(01343) 547065Lloyds Pharmacy, 176 high St ....................(01343) 542571Lloyds Pharmacy, Lossie ............................(01343) 812818Lossiemouth Pharmacy ..............................(01343) 813095

VETSAllen and Matthews ....................................(01343) 544811Miller and Swann ........................................(01343) 542255Moray Coast Vets, Lossie ............................(01343) 815335

If you have any suggestions for additional useful numbers, please contact us and we may include them in the magazine.

LOCAL HOLIDAYS, SCHOOL TERM DATES & USEFUL NUMBERS

Photo by KarEn barCLay

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Walking on the beach should bepossible 2 hours either side ofthese times

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR LOSSIEMOUTH IN

OCTOBER

07:15 19:2507:44 19:5508:13 20:2808:43 21:0109:14 21:3809:51 22:2010:36 23:17

AM PM

AM PMAM PM

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SASUMTUWTHFSASUMTUW

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11:3600:37 13:0602:13 14:4403:24 15:4704:16 16:3404:58 17:1405:36 17:5206:15 18:2906:53 19:0907:32 19:5008:14 20:3408:59 21:22

09:50 22:2010:49 23:34

12:0601:01 13:3102:25 14:5103:36 15:5504:29 16:4305:12 17:2304:46 16:5905:18 17:3205:48 18:0306:17 18:35

Parliament Blog“ ”it has been a busy summer period and

it seems to have flown in! having two

growing boys full of energy certainly fills

up the time and it was great to get some

time away with the family.

We spent a few days in Wales this year

and while the weather, like pretty much everywhere else

this year, was a bit changeable the Welsh welcome for

neighbours from the north more than made up for it!

nearer to home i recently had the pleasure of being at

the opening of northern oils new headquarters at Lint-

mill, near Cullen. While many businesses are still under

pressure there is some confidence coming back in and

northern oils are really going from strength to strength.

as many of you will probably have spot-

ted i have, in my role as the SnP’s De-

fence Spokesperson, recently put

forward new defence policy proposals,

which are set to be debated later this

month at the SnP’s annual national

Conference.

it has been interesting seeing the reaction from some parts

of the media who have talked about rebellion and deep splits.

if we didn’t debate challenging issues there would of course

be headlines saying we weren’t prepared to face up to those

challenges!

at the end of the day we will have a robust debate, agree a

position with a vote and move on. We will still speak to each

other - indeed we haven’t stopped speaking to each other -

and there will be other challenging issues to deal with. a good

number of constituents in moray have contacted me on this

issue and i am grateful for the many considered responses

covering both sides of the debate.

PARLIAMENT BLOG & TIDE TIMES

Angus Robertson MPRichard Lochhead MSP

Photo by roGEr Carr

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As a result of the financial services market coming undercloser scrutiny, lenders are now more and more ofteninstructing their own solicitors to act for them in relation tothe grant of a mortgage to avoid the situation where aconflict of interest may arise between their needs andthose of the borrower.

Traditionally, an exception was made to the SolicitorsPractice Rules to enable the same solicitor to act for boththeir client, the purchaser/borrower, and the chosenlender. It has become clear, though, through thedownturn in the market and an increase in repossessionsthat the interests of the borrower and the lender aredifferent and that a sea change is on the way.

So, do not be surprised if, when arranging your mortgage,your lender appoints their own solicitor to act solely forthem, leaving you free to instruct your own solicitor to actfor you in the conveyancing. The two solicitors will liaisetogether regarding the release of the loan funds in timefor settlement and you are unlikely to notice any practicaldifference in the progress of your purchase.

If you are considering selling or purchasing a property andyou would like further advice and/or legal representation,please call:

Cherry Fairley, Solicitor & Notary Public of FairleysSolicitors, 7 Mayne Road, Elgin IV30 1NY

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Legal – Ease

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FREE INITIAL1/2 HOUR CONSULTATION

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Rib Experience TripsExhilarating trips out to the Moray Firth and along the Moray

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Moray Firth Days OutHalf day trips to picturesque spots around the Moray Firth

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Picnic Trips to some of the more rural spots around the Moray

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Wildlife Explorer TripsThese trips would explore Moray Firth’s amazing and abundant

wildlife. Giving interesting and informative local knowledge on

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SpotLight on Elgin and District tel: 01309 690063 october 2012 - page 19

SEPTEMBER24 monday - 30 sunday threads of history (exhibition) falconer museum, for-res. call 01309 673701 for details.

26 wednesday - 31 wednesday october“impressions of an untamed country” by keith tilley(exhibition) contact elgin museum 01343543675.email: [email protected]

27 thursdayjacqui dankworth and her band (jazz) 7.30pm. stchristopher’s chapel, gordonstoun school, nearelgin. visit www.thegcs.org.uk for more details.

28 friday‘the boys are back in town’ pro night @ ironworks7pm. 14+. professional boxing night. tickets or infocall 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

29 saturdayhandmade in scotland autumn craft fair 10am - 1pm.at lossiemouth high school. free entry. find us onfacebook and tara at: [email protected] emma kirkby & jakob lindberg in concert 7pm- 8:30pm, old high church, church street, inverness.suggested donations for tickets start at £25, avail-able at www.moraysteinerschool.org

30 sunday last day of opening for castle & gardens for the year.enquiries & ticket info call 01667 404401 or visitwww.cawdorcastle.com

OCTOBER1 mondaymoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'in my shoes' 11am -1pm / 2:30pm - 4:30pm, the gallery, elgin library,

elgin. join art practitioner kate craik on a journey ofself discovery, creativity and fun. free / limitedspaces, booking required. call 01343 567188. visitwww.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk for more info.

1 monday - 6 saturdaymoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'recapture' exhibitionelgin youth cafe, francis place, elgin. youth led pho-tography project to inspire those with an eating dis-order to fight & recover. call 01343 584 300 foropening times and info.

1 monday - 24 wednesdaymoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'the feelgood mural'51 south street, the old junners building, elgin. pro-moting messages of mental health & wellbeing. visitwww.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk for details or call01343 550652 moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'knitting your way togood health' mon - sat 8am - 5:30pm sun 11am -4pm. st giles shopping centre and start to knit shop,elgin. promoting everything good about knitting.free, no booking required. for info call 01343 551512

2 tuesdaymoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'a creative & caringmoray' 3:15pm - 7pm, registration 2:30pm, moraycollege, elgin. aimed at community members andprofessionals from the arts, health and social sec-tors. free, limited spaces, booking required. [email protected]

3 wednesday

mark steel’s in town - comedy @ the loft 7:30pm,east grange farm, forres. call 01343 850111 or visitwww.eastgrange.co.uk

4 tuesdaynewton faulkner @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+. call0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

What’s On

Please send us details of Your eventslog on to www.spotlighton.co.ukemail [email protected]

or call 01309 690063.What’s on listings deadline for the november

issue is friday 5/10/12.

Comedy

Mark Steel’sIn Town

Wednesday, October 3rd, 7.30pm@

The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

‘bridging the gap’ lecture by lt. col. andy sturrock,39 engineer regiment, kinloss 2pm - 4pm, elgin mu-seum. call 01343 543675 or email [email protected] feelgood festival 2012 : 'feelgood bookbug'10am - 10:45am children's area, elgin library. stories& rhymes for babies & toddlers. great way to meetother parents and children in the area. free session,no booking required. for info call 01343 562602

5 fridaybike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm. asda carpark, elgin. performing free bike safety checks. call01343 549 571 or email [email protected] in aid of unicef’s work in syria (moray branch) 7pm for 7:30pm, johnston's of elgin. tickets and

more info from irene easton: 544600.moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'feelgood bookbuglite' 11am - 11:30am children's area, elgin library.smaller, shorter & more intimate. free session, nobooking required.moray feelgood festival 2012 : 'healthmatters launch'12:30pm - 3pm, the gallery, elgin library. publica-tions and materials on display. free health info andresources to take away. free event. call 01343562602 for details.

5 friday - 6 saturdayaffordable art fair nairn community & arts centre. forinfo call 01667 453476 or email [email protected]

6 saturdayconcert with 'music for a while' at brodie castle. adult£8, concessions £5. call 0844 493 2156 or visitwww.nts.org.uklhanbryde community challenge quiz night 7pm for7:30pm, lhanbryde community centre. £2 per per-son with teams of four. BYOB and nibbles.lossiemouth churches together present the africanchildren's choir 7:30p, st james church, prospect ter-race, lossiemouth. tickets from lossiemouth post of-fice or contact 01343 813258.

8 mondaywestfield annual fair 5pm - 8pm. early christmasshopping all in aid of children 1st. call 01343 547308or email [email protected].

Volunteers Neededfor Exciting New Youth Project

Elgin Youth Cafe is launching a new‘Saturday Night Project’

and is calling for volunteers to join in the fun!

The Cafe has been open since 2001 and offers arange of personal development opportunities

for young people

Contact Kate on 01343 548 300 to find out more!www.elginyouthcafe.org

REAL HANDMADEDAIRY ICE CREAM PARLOUR

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6 Stephens Brae, Inverness IV2 3JNTel: 01463 790745www.iscreamcastle.co.uk

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9 tuesday westfield annual fair 10pm - 3:30pm. early christmasshopping all in aid of children 1st. call 01343 547308or email [email protected]. elgin lunch club 12:30pm. £10 for a main meal atsunninghill restaurant. arrive 12:15pm to decide whoyou want to sit next to. call sandy on 01343 850087or visit www.sand-ease.co.ukmacs (moray area cancer support) meeting 2pm -4pm, moray coast medical practise, muirton road,lossiemouth. supporting people of all ages affectedby cancer. moray feelgood festival 2012 : an audience withchristopher brookmyre 7pm - 8:30pm, the gallery,elgin library, elgin. free, booking required. visitwww.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk or call 01343562602

10 wednesday

myshkins ruby warblers @ the loft 8pm, east grangefarm, forres. call 01343 850111or visit www.east-grange.co.ukmoray feelgood festival 2012 : moray 'random act ofkindness' day 24 hrs, throughout moray. doing gooddoes you good. take a moment to do somethingnice for others. visit morayfeelgoodfestival.co.ukmoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'pay it forward' 10am -12:30pm, moray playhouse cinema, elgin. free,booking required. call 01343 567108

11 thursday bike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm. tesco carpark, elgin. performing free bike safety checks. call01343 549 571 or email [email protected]

12 friday‘background to burghead - the recent excavations atclarkly hill, roseisle’ lecture by dr fraser hunter7:30pm - 9:30pm, elgin museum. call 01343543675or email [email protected] francis leftwich @ ironworks 7:30pm. 14+.call 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comharry the piano 7:30pm. ogstoun theatre, gordon-stoun school, near elgin. £12 / £6. tickets & detailsvisit www.hubtickets.co.uk and www.thegcs.org.uk sharon king and the wreckless angels @ the loft8pm, east grange farm, forres. £8, booking required.call 01343 850111or visit www.eastgrange.co.ukmoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'the happy movie'8pm - 10pm, universal hall, findhorn foundation.free, no booking required. call 01309 691170.

13 saturday this is nirvana - nirvana tribute @ ironworks 7:30pm.0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comindoor & outdoor car boot 11am - 2pm. roseisle vil-lage hall & grounds. set up from 9am. call 01343835958 or 07968841495.‘choctober’ - moray’s chocolate festival 12pm - 4pm,elgin academy. with chef's demos, a chocolate craftmarket and a mad hatters restaurant. free entry. seewww.facebook.com/choctober for more details.

14 sunday kingston community litter pick 10am - 11am. to helpout please call the ranger on 01343 820339.hue and cry @ ironworks 7pm. call 0871 7894173 orvisitwww.ironworksvenue.com

15 monday - 24 wednesdaymoray feelgood festival 2012 : 'walk in my shoes’ ex-hibition during opening hours, the gallery, elgin li-brary. expressing mental health issues through art &creativity. for info call 01343 562602. free entry.

16 tuesday moray feelgood festival 2012 : the flying starts fleacircus 6:30pm - 7:30pm, the gallery, elgin library. afundraising event presented by the house of au-tomata. suggested donation £2/£4. limited places,booking required. call 01309 691212

17 wednesday wildlife warriors 2pm - 4pm at the scottish dolphincentre, spey bay, fochabers. for children aged 6-10,£2 per child, to be accompanied by an adult. book-ing essential. 01343 820339. [email protected] north american alpines 7:30pm. lesser townhall, forres. illustrated talk by drs liam and joan mc-caughey. call john owen 01320 366246.moray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘walk in my shoes’poetry writing sessions with colin will 11am -12:30pm or 2:30pm - 4pm, the gallery, elgin library.free, limited places, booking required. call 01343567188 or visit www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.uk

Music

Myshkins Ruby Warblers

Wednesday, October 10th, 8pm@

The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD Tel: 01343 850111

Call 01309 690450 www.wild-things.org.uk

Bushcraft, adventure and fun for 8 – 12 year olds

Different activities each day

£20 per child per day(if booked by 12th Oct)

Halloween Day CampsHalloween Day CampsHalloween Day CampsMon 22nd - Fri 26th October 2012

Halloween Day CampsHalloween Day CampsHalloween Day Camps


18 thursday group open evening 7pm - 10pm. bi-weekly men’sgroup in forres, invites men to come & see how wesupport men to work on things that are difficult intheir lives. call ashley 07557282563www.mkp.org.uk

19 friday bike doctor (bike revolution) 10am - 3pm, cooperpark, elgin. performing free bike safety checks. call01343 549 571. email: [email protected] shee 8pm, universal hall, findhorn. £10 / £8concs / £6 u16s. call 01309 691170 or visitwww.universalhall.co.uk

20 saturdaythe western front association meeting 2:30pm, ‘thegallery’ elgin library. there will be a collection forbranch funds. call derek bird 01343 870562 or visitwww.wfascotlandnorth.org.ukdoug allen - life behind the lens 7:30pm, universalhall, findhorn. 01309 691170. turin brakes + iain mclaughlin & the outsiders + an-derson + anderson, mcginty, webs @ ironworks7.30pm. 0871 7894173 / www.ironworksvenue.comrainbow fair fleming hall, aberlour. for mind, body &spirit. various stalls including readers, healers, crys-tals. free entry. call ann miller on 07547 467646.

21 sunday there was an old lady who swallowed a fly 4pm, uni-versal hall, findhorn. £7 / £6 concs / £5 u16s. call01309 691170 or visit www.universalhall.co.ukmoray feelgood festival 2012 : ‘feel good on thefarm’ family day out 10am til late at the loft, east-grange farm, forres. a full day of taster sessions andactivities. free entry & discounted activities. for infocall 01343 850111 or visit www.eastgrange.co.uk

22 monday "bushcraft on the beach" with wild things! 9:30am -

3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (ifbooked by 12th october). call 01309 690450 orvisit www.wild-things.org.uk

23 tuesday squirreling away (family activity) 1pm - 3pm, falconermuseum. make a squirrel or hedgehog & gatheryour food for winter. free family drop-in. call 01309673701.‘woodland bushcraft’ with wild things! 9:30am -3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (ifbooked by 12th october). call 01309 690450. visitwww.wild-things.org.uk

24 wednesday wildlife warriors 2pm - 4pm at the scottish dolphincentre, spey bay, fochabers. wildlife kids’ club forchildren aged 6-10, £2 per child. children to be ac-companied by an adult. booking is essential. call01343 820 339 or email [email protected] feelgood festival 2012 : ‘bully’ kutting edgeyouth theatre 7pm - 8:30pm, lossiemouth high-school, lossiemouth. free, no booking required. forinfo call 01343 557148

"coastal explorers" with wild things! 9:30am -3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (ifbooked by 12th october) Call 01309 690450. visitwww.wild-things.org.uk

25 thursday invent an insect (family activity) 1pm - 3pm, falconermuseum. use the museum’s collections of spidersand insects to invent a new species. free familydrop-in. call 01309 673701."make it wild for halloween" with wild things! 9:30am- 3:30pm. 8 - 12yrs. booking essential - cost £20 (ifbooked by 12th october). call 01309 690450 or visitwww.wild-things.org.uk

26 friday critical mass bike ride (bike revolution) 5pm - 6pm,elgin community centre. regain the roads by bike.

Raising funds for local mental health charities Family fun and taster sessions on activities and therapies •

Bouncy Castle • Facepainting • Chocolate demonstration

with Olive Tree Chocolate • Craft Sessions •

Pottery painting • Yoga • Music • Family Storytime with

The Scottish Youth Theatre...

Part of Moray’s “Feel Good Festival”The Loft, East Grange Farm, Forres, IV36 2UD

Tel: 01343 850111

Sunday, October 21st

Feel Good On The Farm

all the things that make you feel good!

See updates on Facebook for furtherdetails and timetable of events.

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call 01343 549 571 or email [email protected] unplugged @ ironworks call 08717894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comdavid hughes dance - the chinaski sessions 8pm,universal hall, findhorn. £10 / £8 concs / £6 u16s.01309 691170. www.universalhall.co.uk‘help whip cancer’ fundraiser 7:30pm - 9:30pm, oak-wood cookery school, forres road, elgin. gorgeousrecipes, live cooking demos and raffles. help us‘stand up to cancer’.cinema nairn presents ‘oranges and sunshine’ (15)2010. 7:30pm, nairn community & arts centre. forinfo call 01667 453476. [email protected]‘hunter gatherer’ 9:30am - 3:30pm. 8-12yrs. find outwhat lives in the woods? learn to creep, crawl, listen,stalk & identify animal tracks and signs. booking es-sential - cost £20 (if booked by 12th october) call01309 690450 or visit www.wild-things.org.uk

27 saturdayalzheimer scotland’s elgin branch coffee morning10am - 12noon, the supper room, elgin town hall.home baking & usual stalls. £2 entrance fee.elgin bid ‘halloween family fun day’ 10am - 4pm, theplainstones, elgin. fun for all ages.halloween horrors at spey bay 6pm - 7:30pm. £2 perchild, to be accompanied by an adult. booking es-sential. call: 01343 820 339 or email:

[email protected] unplugged - acoustic cabaret night 7pm.14+. 0871 7894173 or www.ironworksvenue.com

sale of refurbished bikes (bike revolution) 9:30am -12:30pm. 15 shore street, lossiemouth. call 01343549 571 or email [email protected] and try curling 9am - 11am, moray leisurecentre, elgin. for details & to book call les morgan01309 676716 or email [email protected]

slam’s halloween party @ ironworks 10pm. 18+. call0871 7894173 or visitwww.ironworksvenue.com

RecyclingMaintenance

classes

15 Shore Street, LossiemouthMoray, IV31 6PB

01343 549 571bike-revolution.co.uk

Next Sale: 27th Oct9.30-12.30

Bikesales

The European Agricultural Fundfor Rural Development:

Europe investing in rural areas

THIS PROJECT IS BEING PART FINANCED BY THESCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITYMORAY LEADER 2007-2013 PROGRAMME

actively developing potential

9 30 12 30

linggcyecRMaintenance

classeseclasseesalessaleseBikBik

9 2Sale: 27th Oct 27t Octxt xt NeNe

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9.30-12.30

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9.3 2.3

LEADER 2007-2013 PROGRAMME

olution.covee-rbik01343 549 571

, IV31 6PBayy, IV31 6PBMorLossiemoutheet, Stre Shor15

LEADER 2007-2013 PROGRAMMEMOR YM RAT AN COMMUNITYTHE EUROPEAN COMMUNITYD AND

GOVERNMENTSCOTTISH GOVERNMENTTHET NAN Y FINANCED BY EING P TAR IS BEING P PART PROTHIS PROJECT

Europe investing in rural areasEurope investing in rural areas lopment:for Rural Development:

Agricultural FundAgricultural FundTh The European

laittinetopgnniv polevedylevtiiicaac

THE MORAY PROVINCE CURLING DEVELOPMENT GROUP AND THE RCCC

invite you to TRY CURLING

Moray Leisure Centre, Elgin Saturday 27 Oct 12

9am to 11am

For details and to book a place contact Les Morgan 01309 676716 [email protected]


hocus pocus halloween haunt 6:30pm - 8:30pm,brodie castle. tickets £4 / family £10. call 08444932156 or visit www.nts.org/eventsverdi’s “la traviata” 7:30pm, nairn community & artscentre. for info call 01667 453476 or [email protected]. visit www.musicnairn.org.uk

28 sunday lofty arts: halloween crafts! 11am -1pm. the loft, eastgrange farm, kinloss.

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Come along and make Lanterns, Spiders, Snakes andMice! Bobbing for apples and facepainting too!

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LOFTY ARTS@ East Grange Farm, Kinloss tel: 01343 850111

Arts at

Nairn Community& Arts Centre

For further details, telephone 01667 453476,e-mail [email protected] or check out our website

at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

Your local venue for films, shows,concerts, and parties.

Wide range of activities for all ages.

OCTOBER EVENTS

NAIRN

Fri 5th & Sat 6th ................................................. Affordable Art Fair: a showcase of local arts to see, enjoy, and buy...Fri 26th ................................Cinema Nairn: “Oranges & Sunshine” 2010. Certificate 15Sat 27th ................................................ Scottish Opera: La Traviata

ide range of activities for all ages.Wconcerts, and parties.

our local venue YYour local venue for films, shows,Arts Centre&

Nairn Community

OBER EVENTSOCT

NAIRN

ide range of activities for all ages.concerts, and parties.

our local venue for films, shows,Arts Centre

Nairn Community

OBER EVENTS

.nairncommunitycentre.co.ukat wwwe-mail [email protected] or check out our website

For further details, telephone 01667 453476,

................................................Sat 27th

Cinema Nairn: “Oranges & Sunshine”................................i 26th Fr a showcase of loca.....................................Fri 5th & Sat 6th

.nairncommunitycentre.co.uke-mail [email protected] or check out our website

For further details, telephone 01667 453476,

raviataScottish Opera: La T................................................ 2010. Certificate 15

Cinema Nairn: “Oranges & Sunshine”..., and buyl arts to see, enjoy a showcase of loca

Art Fair: rdable Affo.................................................

What’s On Eventsif you would like to advertise

your event in SpotLight, please

get in touch with us!

Come and enjoy…Come and enjoy…

www.morayfeelgoodfestival.co.ukFacebook: Moray Feelgood Festival 2012

Twitter: @morayfeelgood / @[email protected]

Taster sessions on therapies such as Indian Head Massage, Body Alignment, Herbalism, Homeopathy, Swedish Massage, Thai massage, Hopi Candles, Access Conciousness.....Taster sessions on The Loft activities- Zip Wire, Quads, Archery, Water Walkerz & Laser Tag. Scottish Youth Theatre presenting "African Tales".Chocolate Making Demonstration from Olive Tree Chocolate- Seratonin makes you happy and is present in chocolate, so eat up!

and demonstrations... ...and much, much more!!!!

The ethos of the day, as part of the Feelgood Festival is to raise money for charity & promote things that make you feel good! Therapy, exersise, fun, laughter, relaxation.... it is a FREE entry event with charges/ donations for activities/ taster sessions. All those attending are doing so on a volountary basis with no fee charged for attendance. The therapists will charge for therapies/activities and at the end of the day will donate a proportion of takings to localmental health charities.

Our Feel Good on the Farm on the21st October, will include everythingthat makes you feel good!

www.eastgrange.co.uk

01343 850111

‘Feel Good on the Farm’ family day at The Loft.

Planwell Roofi ng Supplies Ltd, “The Roofi ng Centre”, March Road Industrial Estate, Buckie AB56 4BU Fax: 01542 832182 Email: [email protected]

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hobby

The Sky’s the LimitOne of my very favourite quotes during my time here in Lossiemouth relates to the weather and its ever changing nature … “just wait a minute and it’ll change”.

Autumn skies here on the Moray Firth are particularly beautiful in my experience. Sky and cloud photogra-phy is one of my most pleasurable pastimes firstly because there are never two sunsets the same and it does change, very quickly and gives you a fresh canvass to capture.

Photographing skies during daylight is relatively simple because you have the light available to you. Remember the definition of photography is drawing with light. Photographing at dusk is very different. You don’t have as much light available to you. You can be anywhere to see and capture the perfect sunset. Now is the time of year to keep your eyes peeled. One tip I’ve learnt for capturing sunset and sky shots is always look behind you. You can look ahead trying to find your shot but don’t forget what’s going on elsewhere.

From my own personal experience try not to take your dusk sunset shot when it’s too windy. It will cause reverberation through the camera causing movement and thus blur. All modern digitals have a function where you can adjust the effects of wind but it’s not always brilliant.

I love the natural warmth and depth of a good Moray sunset. There are many layers of cloud, air and light which all contribute to your composition. You may live on the coast where you’ll have the sea and mountains

Life Through a Lensby Nicky Mack, Lossiemouth

as a point of reference or if you live closer into town, you can use silhouettes of buildings to give your shot a point of focus. If you don’t feel you are experienced enough with your camera yet to set it up for this specific type of shot, most digitals will have a Sunset setting or the like. This will automatically set light levels, depth of field etc. What is important to remember for dusk time/sunset photography is capturing the level of light available to you. One blink and the shot is lost. Therefore, you need to set your shutter speed higher. This will in turn capture the movement of the sky inhabitants against the light available to you by sucking in the light to the shot. There is a term in photography called ‘noise’. This is prevalent in dark or low light photography. This is when your shot has fuzziness which may distort your shot. This can be overcome by adjusting settings. Get comfortable with your camera. Know both of your capabilities so far and snap, snap and snap some more. You will find your own way. Before long you’ll be shifting and twiddling and clicking without thinking about it.

You can achieve some wonderful photographs through watching the sky. No painting can compare to the wonderful dramatic presence the clouds can offer in real time but a well shot photograph can come close. The camera is not as clever as the human eye. We are very fortunate to have this gift. But get intimate with your camera and keep at it and you’ll surprise yourself how close to a perfect capture you’ll come.

My own work can be found at www.vianne.co.uk, any comments would be greatly appreciated. My inspiration is merely what surrounds me, you can share that too.

“The Autumn mourns herrip'ning corn

By early Winter's ravage torn;

Across her placid, azure sky,

She sees the scowling tempest fly;…”

Burns, R.

Dreamingof...

One of the most rapidly expanding sectors of the Travel Industry is taking a cruise. It can be described as living in a luxury hotel which moves from destination to destination and there is no need to pack or unpack your suitcases more than once!

The cruise market has seen steady growth, driven by innovation and the quality of the experience. There are large capacity increases being launched all the time, so what might have seemed like a very exclusive mode of transport historically has become much more available to the seasoned holidaymakers.

There is a perception that going on a cruise is very formal and only for the older generation, but that is changing. The average age of people going on a cruise comes down each year and ships are coming into service to cater for different needs. Some prefer to do a Fly Cruise, where you join the ship in an already exotic or interesting destination. Some prefer a Fly and Stay, where they join the ship and before or after their cruise they spend some time in that country. Some prefer to depart and return to a home port, negating the need to fly at all.

Pricing might sometimes seem high but remember that covers all your meals, entertainment and soft drinks – the only extras you are likely to run up are for alcoholic drinks and flutters on the gaming tables, if that is what takes your fancy.

Imagine spending a day in an interesting European city, retiring to the ship for dinner and a good night's sleep, then waking up in the morning in another fascinating destination. Wonderful!

Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Street, F

travel

a Relaxing Cruise

Relaxing in your cabin

Cruising the Med’

for alcoholic drinks and flutters on the gaming tables, if that is what takes

Imagine spending a day in an interesting European city, retiring to the ship for dinner and a good night's sleep, then waking up in the morning in another fascinating

28

Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin www.beavtrav.com

Beaver Travel is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - No booking fee.

ELGIN01343 548844

beaverTravelbeaverTravel FORRES

01309 672203

CRUISES TO SUIT ALL POCKETSNORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENew York, Florida and Bahamas 2 Dec - 9ntsfrom........................... £1260

New York and theCaribbean 24 Nov - 11nts from............................£1401

Miami and the Caribbean 24 Nov - 12nts from .£1337

ROYAL CARIBBEAN Southampton, Iceland and Norway 31 May13 - 13nts from............................£1099

Southampton, France and Spain 27 Oct 13 8ntsfrom..............................£699

CELEBRITY CRUISESFort Lauderdale & the Eastern Caribbean 3 Mar 13 7nts from ...................£1385

All cruises include flights from Glasgow or Edinburgh, embarkand disembark at the same port, and are priced per person.

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ORRESF

DH FitnessLittle Black Dress ClubDH FitnessLittle Black Dress Club

For more details call Dawn on 07825 087 326or email: [email protected]

DH Fitness. . . invites you . . .to join the 4 week

Little Black Dress Clubso you can wear your party dress

with confidence this year.Starts 1st November atFocus Fitness Centre

Limited spaces available.

Cleaning Formulas

Ladderless Gutter Cleaning Reaching heights over 50 feet

View & Record work - before & after Full maintance Gutter Check

Ladderless Gutter Cleaning andPressure Washing Services

www.cleaningformulas.co.uk

Ian’s Handyman Service

A reliable, friendly and tidy handyman service

01343 842761 or 07737083985www.ians-handyman-ser .com

recipe

Chef’sConfidential

Kris McKie, The Royal Hotel, Elgin

Crab Fritters andSweet Chilli Sauce.

A simple starter that often goes on our specials board

this month as local crab is available.

100g butter

150ml water

150g plain flour (sifted)

A pinch of sea salt

1 egg and 1 yolk (beaten)

150g crab meat

1 tspn chopped chives or parsley

Method

1) Bring water to boil in a saucepan. Add butter and salt.

When butter has melted, beat in flour to form smooth paste.

Beat for 2/3 minutes over a low heat.

2) Chill pastry in a bowl for 20/30 minutes.

3) When cool, beat in egg. Mix well.

4) Fold in crab meat and chives. Season with black pepper

to taste.

5) Using a teaspoon, drop crab mix into hot oil. Cook for

2/3 minutes.

Serve fritters with dressed salad, lemon, and sweet

chilli sauce.

Enjoy!

30

The Royal Hotel ELG IN

For reservations telephone01343 542320

S ta t i on Rd , E lg i n I V30 1QW

A warm welcomeawaits you at Elgin’s

newest eatery.New lunch menu now

being served.

Follow us on Facebookwww.theroyalhotelelgin.co.uk

Monday - Saturday

Sunday Roasts 12 - 2pm & 5 - 7pm

Allan & Gwen McGregor

Susan Townsend HCPC registered

Podiatrist/ChiropodistMobile Service - Home visit treatment £2501343 831365 or 0795187287201343 831365 or 07951872872

eatment £Home visit trvice - Mobile Ser

Podiatrist/ChirHCPC rownsend Susan T Townsend

01343 831365 or 0795187287225eatment £

opodistPodiatrist/ChiredegisterHCPC r

Timber - Softwoods & HardwoodsTrusses/Laminate & Real Wood Flooring - Plywood

Internal & External Doors - Velux & Timber WindowsBlockboard - MDF - Insulation - Shower Panels

Mirror Wardrobe Doors & much much more...

Unit 19-20,Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray IV30 1XYTel: (01343) 540140 Fax: (01343) 562490

Email: sales@thewoodcentre Web: www.thewoodcentre.comOpening Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:30am - 5pm Fri 7:30am - 4pm, Sat 8am - 12pm

Sun - Closed

Unit 28,Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray IV30 1XYTel: (01343) 542555

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm, Sat 9am - 1pmSun - Closed

GROUT AND ADHESIVEon all tile orders over £250 with this voucher.

*voucher for use in Tile Centre section only.

*

SPE.Oct

Photo by Karen barclay

Property section

Property section

Unbelievable as it sounds, now when you buy a new home from Kylauren, you’ll get a new Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi Eco Dynamics absolutely FREE.*One of the most advanced, environmentally-friendly cars in the world, the Kia Rio won the Red Hot Design Award 2012. And it’s the perfect match for a brand new Kylauren Home.Both are designed for comfort and built for life and both o�er levels of quality and craftsmanship that are simply miles ahead. When it comes to style, they’re in a class of their own.

For more details on this unbelievable o�er,don’t miss out - call us now.

*O�er available on selected house styles. Free car given on completion of sale. Limited time only, please ask for details.

Showhomes at: Meadow Lea, Montgomerie Drive, Nairn IV12 5RW. TEL: 01667 452508

www.kylaurenhomes.co.uk

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on Propertyon Property

Local firm marks 5th year in business by employing three new apprentices in joinery, bricklaying and roughcasting & plastering.At Home Construction Ltd, a family run firm, headed up by Mr Leigh Ritchie, Operation Director offers one point of contact for all trades to their customers, project managing works from conception to completion.According to current market research, homeowners who have made a significant home improvement stated the single most challenging element of their project was managing the array of different contractors required.“This is reflected in our own customers feedback who have praised our one-stop-shop approach” states Mr Ritchie. “In response to this we have just further expanded our workforce and can now offer plumbing, heating and slating services to complement our current portfolio of trades.”

The team at At Home Construction Ltd, based in Buckie, are well equipped to help generate ideas or move your own home improvement ideas forward.“We have seen a definite shift in what our customers want in the last 18 months” says Eve Ritchie, Office Manager, “New builds have tailed off and extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions and internal alterations are how are customers in the North East are choosing to improve their family living experience.”In fact improving your home, by extending for example, will save on the costs of buying, selling and moving – money that can help fund your new projectTo find out more about At Home Constructions range of services visit www.athomecontruction.co.uk t: 01542 832000, e: [email protected]

VALUE MATT£RSAt Home Construction “Extending” Their Business…

We can take on the responsibility for the maintenance of areas under common ownership on residential and commercial developments.Our Commitment - we will:

satisfaction

We currently maintain 20 developments serving nearly 1000 customers.

Contact: Lynne Hadden for a quote 01343 555441 [email protected]

Alexander Fleming House,

Property section

Property section

Completely re-built, and re-developed into10 stunning, high quality, two bedroom flats, with private, own access. The Lion Apartments at Auldearn by Nairn are distinuished by the beautiful finishes and tasteful fixtures and fittings.With apartments starting from only £125,000, it’s the perfect time to buy your new home.And for a limited period only there are huge additional savings to be made. Please ask for details.For a brochure or for further details and viewing information, please call 0800 028 1294.

A quality, affordableand spacious newdevelopment inAuldearn, why liveanywhere else?

Prices startat only£125,000

For more information please call

0800 028 129407557 433 875email: [email protected]

Special mortgage advice available

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NEW COLOUR BROCHURE

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COMING SOON!

PLEASE CALL FOR DETA

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Property section

Property section

W. THOMSON SAW SERVICES LTD

Waterford Industrial Estate, Forres, Moray IV36 3EE

Lawnmowers & Garden Machinery

Opening times:

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More than just a construction company Family business that has been setting

standards for the last 25 years.excavation

Wood Kraft Moray, a division of Russell Construction Moray for any bespoke timber items, ,

windows, doors, specialised stairs designs, all manufactured by our highly skilled craftsmen.

– certified timber windows to coverthe regulations for all new builds and extensions.

Tel: 01343 547289 Fax: 01343 556226

Email: [email protected]

Visit our Showroomat New Elgin Road, Elgin IV30 6BA

Craftsmen in Marble, Granite and Slate since 1919

Traditional and Contemporary Designs to suit your specific requirements

Wood and Multi-Fuel Stoves - Supplied and Fitted

Granite, Marble, Quartz and Silestone Kitchen Worktops - Supplied and Installed

In-House Design Team available to turn your Dream Kitchen/Bathroom/Fireplace into Reality

Elgin Marble Company

Property section

Property section

Beautiful affordable Homeswith Beautiful Finishes

in a Beautiful part of Town.

T H E W a t e r f r o n t D E V E L O P M E N T

Solid Oak FinishesGas Central Heating

Fully Integrated appliances

Door Entry ControlTV, Sky & Telephone

points

The Waterfront Apartments off Stotfield Road, Lossiemouth, offers the best of beautiful locations and affordable living. All the 2 bedroom flats are fully carpeted throughout, with integrated appliances and tiled bathrooms.The Waterfront Apartments are close to shopping, restaurants, golf courses, sailing and gorgeous beaches... Beautiful!! Flats available from only £129,000 Golden Square (Scotland) Ltd

For more details and information Tel: 0800 0281294 or 07557433875Or contact Grampian Property Centre on: 01343 549 944 or email: [email protected]

L O S S I E M O U T H

ONLY

4 LEFT!

Property section

Property section

This month, most gardeners will be doing their last cut of the year and putting away their mowers for the season - a pretty disappointing season in the garden too. Hopeless optimists that we are though, we will be planning a better season next year, hopefully without the damage caused by late spring snows and without the terribly wet conditions that made even getting the grass cut a struggle. We’ve had a very disrupted season, having to rearrange and redo many lawn treatments because of the poor weather.

You may wonder what a lawn treatment business does all winter; I did when I first made enquiries about buying the Green Thumb Moray Firth franchise. In fact, the off-season is our busiest time of the year as we have to pack in all the machinery jobs customers have asked us to do for them, principally aeration and scarifying. Aeration we do with a big hollow-core tining machine which, at £4,000 per machine, is not a piece of kit most weekend gardeners have in the back of the shed for occasional use. Good aeration is one of the best things you can do for a lawn. It eases compacted ground, opens up drainage and ventilation and is a major benefit in the control of moss and lichen. Forking is all very well, but some jobs are not really hand-tool jobs! We use our machines all day every day in the winter preparing the lawns for a good start next year and however you do it, it is a huge benefit.

Scarifying a lawn, on the other hand, is a job many

gardeners do themselves to remove old thatch and moss from the lawn surface at the end of the year. This is typically done either before Xmas or maybe in March, at the end of the winter (keen types might do it twice). Many folk have small electric scarifiers or rakes that work very well at removing annual moss from the surface of the lawn. A blade scarifier though, removes the thatch, which provides the habitat for moss to flourish again. We use them (obviously) for lawns with thatch, or some customers hire them and do it themselves. Either way, any gardening book or TV programme will suggest you scarify in the off-season, particularly if you are prone to moss. Both tasks are pretty dirty and physically demanding however, so best to pick a nice day! Enjoy!

For more information about seasonal lawn improvements from just £15 per qtr, plus useful downloads and photos, go to www.greenthumb.co.uk. Although GreenThumb is a national franchise with over 200 branches across the UK, we are locally based in Cawdor and cover the whole Moray Firth area. Contact Alastair or Fiona for a FREE LAWN ANALYSIS on 01667 404774, or email us at: [email protected]

ashleyann.co.uk

K I T C H E N S

G e r m a n b u i l d q u a l i t y . I t a l i a n d e s i g n f l a i rS u p e r b l y m a d e i n S c o t l a n d

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Y E A R S

OVER

IN BUSINESS

Est.1986

Beautiful, design-led kitchens of exceptional quality, and made by us in Scotland, which we only sell direct through our own showrooms to ensure outstanding value.

ELGIN: 27 Tyock Industrial Estate. T: 01343 545155ABERDEEN: 16 Murcar Commercial Park. T: 01224 703274INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate Road. T: 01463 711548

INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate RABERDEEN: ELGIN: 27 T

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