Chatterbox 53

Diane Agnewis Ward Manager for the Black Isle and is the subject of Claire Divine’s “Profile” -see p30

Andrew de MorayThe AdM Society is launching a world-wide campaign to raise funds for a permanent memorial in Avoch to this heroic Scot -see page 27

Isobel McCallumhas written our regular feature, “Councillors’ Corner” in this issue -see page 43

Summer issue (No.53)June 2010Produced in Avoch for Rosemarkie, Fortrose, Avoch, Killen & Munlochy

Community Newspaper of the Year Highlands & Islands Media Awards 2008

Chatterbox

Avoch U12s ranked 3rd in Scottish schools; see story on page 14 & 15

44 pages

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Chanonry PointA report of the meeting on visitor management proposals -see p6

Post, phone or e-mailSend your story, letter or advert to

The EditorAvoch & Killen News Group

Duthac, 7 High Street, Avoch IV9 8PTor telephone

01381 620777

or by Email, [email protected]@chatterboxnews.co.uk

or [email protected]

We acknowledge with thanks assistance received from the Highland Council through the Black Isle Ward Councillors’ Discretionary Budget, from the Sangster Memorial Trust and the National Lottery through Awards for All.

The mussel men of Avoch Sandy Mitchell’s story and photos on pages 22 & 23

Next Issuein September

Please submit all material as soon as possible. The next issue

will be published at the beginning of September

Press date will be 7th August

We will do our best, but we regret we cannot guarantee the

inclusion of any material received after the press date

Chatterbox 53 June 2010 Join us on line at www.chatterboxnews.co.uk [email protected] page No. 3

CONTENTS…

The good news this time must be that the future looks much more positive for our Avoch & Killen Community Council, which is moving towards its AGM with the prospect of a number of new members.

But the bad news is that Avoch Amenities Association is still struggling for lack of support and has its troubles compounded by the unfortunate illness of its Secretary, Caroline Dobson. We wish her a quick recovery and hope that someone will come forward to fill her position until she does.

If we could find ways of bringing these two bodies - Community Council and Amenities Association - closer together it might lessen the strange fragmentation of village affairs which now exists. But there’s still the same amount of work to be done, and more volunteers are still needed in order to spread the load - that’s why we have no Avoch Gala this year.

Best wishes,Mike

Summer optimism?Editorial Mike Noble

ChatterboxCommunity Newspaper of the Year

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Chatterbox provides a vehicle for any member of the community to demonstrate his or her opinions or beliefs, so long as these are not defamatory or offensive. The publication of submitted articles should not be taken as any indication that such opinions or beliefs are supported or promoted by Chatterbox or any of its production team members.

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43

see page 7

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EditorialTel: 01381 [email protected]@chatterboxnews.co.uk

Editor: Mike Noble

Story writers: Sandy Mitchell Kitty MacWilliam Jim Thomson Rachel Hince

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Summer Chatterbox 2010 (No. 53)

12

4 Old Avoch Post Office, Comm. Council

5 Fair fuel, Community Council

6 PLAY, Chanonry Point

7 Flybe Festival Inverness

8-9 Letters

10 Red phone box, litter, dairymaid Joan

11 Charles Kennedy

12 The moose is found!

13 Stone clearing

14 Avoch Primary, Gallow Hill trees, U12s at Toryglen

16 Avoch Bowls Club

17 Growing your own

18 Avoch Under 5s

19 Black Isle Ward Forum

20 Weather, McEye & schools

21 Walkers, schools

22/23 Sandy Mitchell - Avoch mussle men

24 Lagganlia, walks

25 The Lighthouse

26 Highland Chamber Orchestra

27 De Moray Society

28 Avoch Amenities Association

30 Profile - Claire Divine on Di Agnew

31 ARCH

32 Black Isle Writers

33 Nature Notes

34 B I Writers, Kitty McWilliam - ‘Our House’

37 Macross Scotmid Prize Crossword

38 Groam House

39 Fortrose Academy Highland Gathering

40 Sandy Mitchell - Avoch Typhoon

43 Councillors’ Corner

page No. 4 Join us on line at www.chatterboxnews.co.uk [email protected] Chatterbox 53 June 2010

In Brief

Henrietta BridgeWe understand that a report on the damaged Henrietta Bridge at Avoch was due to go to committee in the Highland Council at the end of May. Funding choices are believed to range from about £100,000 to repair it, to £400,000 to replace it. It was stated at the May Community Council meeting that whatever happens there will be no work done before October.If you have any opinions regarding the bridge closure, please make them in writing to the Community Council.

Fun Fours team A Fun Fours team from Avoch Primary School (Rhuaridh Patience, Gregor MacDonald, Tom Kelly, Gary Evans and Cameron Davidson) was to be playing in Edinburgh on May 27th. Here’s hoping the boys did well!

SwimmersA swimming team from Avoch Primary competed at the Ross Shire Swimming Gala at Alness on May 19th. Hope they did fine!

A planning application has recently been submitted to Highland Council for alterations and change of use at “The Net Store, Avoch.” Wondering where this might be, as it was said to be on the High Street, we set our sleuth to find out. We discovered that the application is for a food takeaway and hairdresser’s salon, and after discussing it and looking at the planning application we found out that the application is for the old Post Office, or “The Other Shop”. We wondered why was it being called the “The Net Store”. Was this some sort of deliberately misleading information? We talked to Charlie Gillespie, who said that he is in fact in the process of selling, although the planning application states that a Mr Serdar Yavuz owns the property already. Mmmm what’s going on? There are several letters of objection on the Highland Council e-planning website relating to this development, concerning matters ranging from the misleading title of the property to issues around parking, litter, Avoch having enough takeaways already, competition with Brenda May’s, ugly design of the frontage, and a massive flue that would be the most prominent feature on entering Avoch from the East! We understand that the Community Council will be adding its objections soon. So after a bit of digging around we found out that it was the planning department, not the applicant who decided to name the location as “The Net Store”. For folk who don’t know, “The Old Net Store” is in fact

Proposed changes at Avoch old Post Officethe last property as you go out of Avoch to the east, which is a holiday home. This has the same postcode, of course, as all the other properties on the High Street. Apparently the Planning Department has had to re-advertise the application due to the misleading nature of this information. Oh!, and why weren’t the owners of the vacant land next to the shop notified of the planning application? Well, apparently planning law says that it is not necessary to inform the owners of vacant land because this is not in domestic use, even if they know who the owners are. In this case the Planning Dept., and the whole community, knows who owns this land because of their own on-going planning application! No, what happens here is that the Planning Dept. charges the applicant another £100 to put another notice in the public domain! So, what else do we know about this proposal? Well the takeaway seems likely to be a fish and chip shop (Mr Yavuz already has one at Culloden), and the hairdresser’s is intended to be a gent’s barber’s. There is already discussion taking place regarding the flue because it juts out from the application boundary into what is at present a public access route. There’s also recognition that for aesthetic reasons it can’t be where it is shown because it would be a major eyesore at the entrance to the village, in a conservation area. We’ve learnt some interesting facts about the planning process in investigating this application, which goes to committee towards the end of June.

The agent’s drawing of the High Street elevation as proposed in the application

Avoch & Killen Community Council will be convening its Annual General Meeting in Avoch Community Centre on Monday 7th June and is placing great importance on this meeting. The Community Council’s meetings are open to anyone from Avoch and Killen, and you do not have to be a member to attend. They are usually on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm in the Community centre. Minutes and other information are posted on the website at

Community Council hopes for revival at AGMwww.chatterboxnews.co.uk. After its recent problems, the Council’s last meeting on 10th May was very well attended by, at maximum, some sixteen people, including several potential new members. If they and others attend the AGM there seems to be substantial optimism for the group’s future. The AGM will, in the normal way, include reports of the past year’s activities, new members will be appointed and the new Council will then elect a

Chairperson and appoint a much-needed Secretary. The Community Council is keen to act as the voice of the local community and needs your support, views, opinions and input in order to do this effectively. It’s a case of “The more, the better.” If you are interested in supporting or joining your local Community Council please come along or contact Vice Chair Mike Wilson on 01463 811652.

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Highland MPs call for fair fuel bills

On Wednesday 10th March Highland MPs Danny Alexander and Charles Kennedy presented to the House of Commons a public petition from hundreds of concerned energy users in the Highlands & Islands. The Petition called on the Government to target emergency financial help at those without access to the gas main to match the support currently provided to those on mains gas that is provided through the six biggest gas and electricity providers. The petition came off the back of a Highland Energy Survey that was sent out by Danny Alexander and Charles Kennedy to some 28,000 homes across Badenoch, Strathspey, Nairnshire, Lochaber, Skye, Easter Ross and the Black Isle.

The results of the households survey showed:• Only 7% on mains gas• 51% in fuel poverty, 21% of which in extreme

fuel poverty• 70% have seen heating bills rise more than

10% in last year• Only 7% think heating fuel competitively priced

Commenting, Danny Alexander, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey said: “The Government cannot keep burying its head in the snow and ignoring the plight of households off the gas grid. “In presenting this petition Charles and I are joining thousands of our constituents in imploring the government to put these households on a level playing field. “In many areas there is no alternative to relying on heating oil, LPG or solid fuel to keep warm. Despite this, the market for these fuels is not regulated, leaving prices higher and more volatile. The social tariffs which the Government has negotiated with the 'big six' energy giants do not help with heating fuel bills at all - and when prices soar, there is no immediate system to highlight the problem. “The Highlands has had snow on the ground and sub zero temperatures since before Christmas. There is no fairness in the coldest parts of the UK, with below average incomes, having to pay the highest percentage of their income on fuel. The government must act to give Highlanders the fair fuel bills they deserve.” Commenting, Charles Kennedy, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber said, "This has been a long cold winter right across the UK, but nowhere more so than in the Highlands & Islands."With every frost, the budgets of people who rely on heating fuels are being stretched beyond breaking point - and the Government's response so far has been glacial. "Houses off the mains gas grid are much more likely to be in fuel poverty, but they are among the least likely to receive real help. That must change. "It simply isn't good enough for Ministers to wonder vaguely about whether credit unions can help. Where they exist, sometimes they can, but it is no answer to the immediate predicament facing a family that cannot afford to refill their tank with oil or LPG during sub-zero conditions." The full programme of the new coalition Government, published on 20th May, includes in its Consumer Protection section as one of 3 action points relating to energy consumer issues the commitment that 'We will seek to extend protection and support to 'off-grid' energy consumers.' It is good to see that the point is given recognition in the document. Previous Governments have not really done this. But work will be needed by the new Government to put flesh on this as part of its action programme.

At the 10th May meeting of Avoch & Killen Community Council it was reported that a meeting had been held to discuss the implications of traffic generated by the large housing development proposed for Fortrose , which would pass through Avoch and other villages. There is a budget of £300,000 to cover road improvements from the A9. Work done on speeds had indicated that average speeds were faster in other villages. The

aim is to slow cars down as they pass through villages, but it was unclear what might be appropriate. It was noted that average speeds mask the problems caused by those who speed through. A 20 mph limit is being considered for Munlochy on the main road. The Community Council will contact Sam MacNaughton, from Highland Council to ask him to come to its next meeting.

Traffic increase fears

Budget Review

Avoch & Killen Community Council is being consulted on two documents relating to the Highland Council’s Budget Review, one with big questions and one with specifics. The initial consultation period lasts until the end of June 2010. The Community Council has agreed to set up a sub group, including Jenye, Kate, Caroline and Angus, which will meet on 24 May at the Community Centre to discuss the proposals and will report back to AKCC. Pages have been set up on the Chatterbox website so that anyone can post comments. You can access these by logging on to the Chatterbox Community Website and clicking on “Avoch & Killen Community Council” in the left hand column. Alternatively, you can access the specific page needed by pasting this address into your browser: http://www.chatterboxnews.co.uk/evoke/page/2286

Community Council Review Consultation

A Highland Council consultation is seeking to standardise the set-up of Community Councils across Highland region, with standard terms of reference. Avoch & Killen Community Councillors expressed some concern recently that the proposed membership number for AKCC of 8 is mandatory and did not want it to be a minimum number below which they could not operate. Community Councillors will look at the Community Council consultation details on the Highland Council website. There is a link to this on the Chatterbox website under “Avoch & Killen Community Council” in the left hand column.

Craig WoodAt its meeting on 1st May AKCC discussed whether there was public interest in buying Craig Wood for community benefit. Angus McWilliam put an item in the last issue of Chatterbox seeking comment and reported on 10th May that he had received one letter expressing doubt. One member of the public had also expressed positive interest to a Community Council member. The Community Woodland Association has advised that they have not had insurance concerns on other sites. The Community Council has agreed, following investigation and community consultation, no action will be taken to progress purchase of the wood, as it is not considered to be under threat, the potential liabilities are huge, and there is no obvious income generation. The area below the railway line is protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

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21 Bank Street, Cromarty 01381 600855

www.sutorcreek.co.uk

Sutor Creek Café is a licensed ‘Scotland the Best’ listed restaurant situated by the harbour in Cromarty.

We specialise in wood-fired pizzas, great local seafood and succulent slow-roasts along with a fine selection of organic wine and beers.We are open from 11am for coffees and cakes, lunches and dinner.

Dawn Walker’s photo shows the latest piece of equipment when it was removed from the playpark on 17th March. Now there are just a few pieces remaining, and nothing suitable for children older than toddler age. Sadly, there will be no equipment for local children to play on this summer. This latest casualty was removed for ‘Health and Safety’ reasons - the wood was rotten and the nets worn; some panels had already been replaced and it was deemed to be beyond repair. P.L.AY. (Park Life for Avoch Youngsters and Youths), a sub-group of Avoch & Killen Community Council, is a constituted group which has been raising funds to regenerate the play park area in the centre of the village. You may think that things have been quiet lately, but the group has been busy getting quotes from play park providers and looking for funding and in the process discovered, several months ago, that the current lease on the land on which the park is situated (from Broadlands Ltd to The Highland Council) runs out in 2012. Dawn Walker says, “Most of the funders that we wanted to apply to require a lease of at least 5 years to be remaining on any project such as ours, and so negotiations between our local Councillors, our Ward Manager, TEC Services, Highland Council Property Dept and Broadlands have been ongoing. Thankfully, this means that we can now finally make our applications to funders. Our thanks go to all who have helped in any way so far with this project - we will get there!.”

The group is planning some exciting new play and exercise equipment for a broad range of ages and abilities, as well as benches and lighting. However, none of the funding will be guaranteed and £20,000 is still needed to make up the total of £70,000 required to regenerate this area of the village. So any financial help or knowledge of funding sources will be very gratefully received. Please email [email protected] or contact Dawn Walker on 620386.

Working for play

A well-attended meeting was held at the Black isle Community Theatre in Fortrose Academy on Thursday 28 April. Between 40 and 50 members of the public and representatives of interested groups were there to hear the meeting opened by Councillor Billy Barclay, who explained that Highland Council had commissioned a detailed report (funded by Highland Council, leader and Fortrose and Rosemarkie Common Good Fund). Duncan Bryden, an independent consultant, had been commissioned by the Council to draw up proposals. Mr Barclay explained that there was concern over the growth in visitor numbers and associated cars and buses at Chanonry Point during the summer. It is estimated that approximately 140,000 people visit the Point each year which makes the attraction the 5th most popular in the UK, outranking Culloden with its new visitor centre. He described the present situation and how television programs such as ‘Coast’ have resulted in a dramatic increase in numbers of visitors coming to see dolphins and how this has led to inadequate car parking, poor signage, the erosion of the path to the point and the general lack of welcome and facilities for visitors. There was little information for the visitor about the slipway designed by Telford and the Stevenson

Chanonry Pointvisitor management proposals

Kitty MacWilliamlighthouse, quite apart from the dangerous condition of its wall. He thought that in the short term some of the areas of concern could be addressed but that there was a need for a long term plan for the future. In the short term it is proposed that the car park be extended, increasing the number of spaces by 10-15. In the long term the need for an overflow car park, more and better placed information and visitor management will be required.

The immediate stakeholders and those suffering the impact are the residents of Ness Road and the members of the Golf Club, who were torn between wanting to

reduce the cars travelling out to Chanonry Point, which cause congestion and erosion, and recognizing that visitors bring income and prosperity to the locality. If they were all to travel on foot or by bike the problems might be different, but would not have gone away. Work on increasing the car parking spaces and reducing the size of the roundabout will start immediately and it is proposed to set up a Chanonry Point Advisory Group to take forward long term improvements in consultation with the community. The full report can be accessed from the HC website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/yourward/ward10/

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The Avoch Under 12 FC kids & supporters who attended the Flybe tournament

on 24 March 2010 - Flybe Festival Inverness, Caley Thistle Stadium. (Photo taken

by Sandy Mitchell for Chatterbox on the morning of the Flybe competition). The

boys who took part were Ryan Bremner, Thomas Hardie, Gregor Davidson, Craig

Patience, Finlay Todd, Max Feurst, Tom Kelly & Angus Wilson. The team also had

18 supporters, coaches - Norman Bremner & Donald Davidson, parent helpers

and also a few mums & dads turned up to support them. The team didn't win

anything but everyone had a great time taking part. The work put into the

banner was amazing and was organised by Marianne and Sharon and of course,

most importantly, was made by the children.

Flybe Festival InvernessDawn Brindle


LettersSend to [email protected]

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MARTIN GILL Gill Garden Supplies & Quarry Products

Easter Templand Farm, FortroseTelephone 01381 620308 / 07768 564458

email [email protected] have a large selection of coloured decorative chips & slate,

Walling, rockery & feature stones, topsoil, sand & concrete mix. All delivered in any quantity.

Please give me a call for local friendly advice or viewing of above materials.

THANKS!Dear Editor,

Heartfelt thanks to my family, neighbours and friends for their gifts,cards and phone calls on the occasion of my 90th birthday. I'm overwhelmed with the love that's been shown to me.

God blessFrom May Macleman

Blooming Great Tea PartyDear Editor, As a long time supporter of Marie Curie Cancer Care and a passionate cake baker, may I ask your readers in the Avoch & Killen area to join the charity’s Blooming Great Tea Party celebrations this summer? We’re inviting people to hold their own tea parties any time between 12 June and 12 July to help raise money for the charity. Whether it’s a garden party, afternoon tea or a simple gathering of friends for a cuppa, holding a Blooming Great Tea Party couldn’t be simpler. Every tea party, however big or small will help more Marie Curie Nurses to provide free care for terminally ill people in their own homes in the Highlands. I do hope some of your readers are able to help us - to sign up for a free Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising pack bursting with fabulous ideas to help create the perfect party call 08700 340 040 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty Best wishes, Jane AsherBlooming Great Tea Party

Roddie CadeDear Editor

His many friends will be pleased to learn that Roddie (currently a resident in the Marine Nursing Home, Rosemarkie), has recently been awarded an outstanding citation and medal from Her Majesty's Government, for his work at the decoding centre at Bletchley Park during the latter part of World War 2.During the majority of the 1939 - 1945 war, Roddie, who was a signaller and wireless operator with the Royal Corps of Signals, managed to survive three years of the desert campaign, then crossing with the Army invasion into Sicily, through the fighting in Italy and finally as far as Hamburg. Thence he was ordered to England and Bletchley Park, the famous wireless interception and de-coding facility credited by the late Sir Winston Churchill as the single most important weapon in the fight against the Axis.The wording of the citation is as follows: The Government Code and Cypher

School. Roderick Joseph Cade.

The Government writes to express to you its deepest

gratitude for the vital service you performed during

World War Two.

Signed Rt, Hon. Gordon Brown M.P.

Prime Minister July 2009

Along with the above, (which curiously was delivered by hand on a Sunday!), was a "gold" medal, inscribed with the words Bletchley Park G.C. (government Communications)

Name & address supplied

Ladies’ NightDear Editor

Avoch Under 12 FC held a fundraising Ladies’ Night at Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Clubhouse on 23rd April - and a good time was had by all. Tickets were £5 each.There were various stalls; Body Shop, Virgin Vie, Jamie at Home Clearance Table, Ness Soaps, gifts from Groam House Museum, Phoenix cards and Handmade cards, also Handmade bead jewellery. We also had 3 massage therapists so ladies could enjoy some Reflexology , Indian Head Massage or shoulder massage. We also had a raffle & a tombola stall. (Raffle prizes from a battery drill!! to a £25 Beauty voucher). We have raised £522 so far, so many thanks to all the local businesses and stall holders who donated raffle prizes, as well as the 3 Massage therapists who gave their time.

Thanks from all at Avoch Under 12's FC.

Dawn BrindleTreasurer



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01381 620866

Your stuffChatterbox Is enormously grateful for many items from all sorts of people, but it’s very difficult to get everything back to its owner. If we still have your favourite photo, etc., please come and ask for it back!

Community CouncilDear Editor

After a recent appeal for new members, six people have come forward who are keen to help with the Avoch and Killen Community Council. This is excellent news, as the Community Council had ceased to meet until more support from the community was forthcoming. The AGM of the Community Council will be at 7.30pm on Monday 7 June 2010 at the Avoch Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend. We’re posting the Agenda on the notice board on High Street. Any resident of Avoch and Killen is very welcome to come to any meeting of the Community Council. Meetings are usually on the first Monday of the month. For further information please contact Caroline Eccles on 621894..

Caroline EcclesCommunity Councillor

New Micro BreweryDear Ale Drinkers We are in the process of setting up a new Micro Brewery on the Black Isle near Cromarty and due to commence brewing in spring of next year. We will be producing a wide range of new and exciting Ales, to the highest standards of quality, by our head brewer who has completed his Brewing and Distilling Degree at Heriot Watt University and worked in various breweries over the years. To help us with our market research we have attached a short online questionnaire for you to fill in http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KTVY57S If you can spare the time (which will be about 2mins) we would be most grateful.Please forward to anyone you think would be interested.

Happy Drinking Jenni Middleton

Members of Avoch Outdoor Bowling Club play their first game of the new season. You can read the Club Secretary’s report on page 16.

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17 Millbank Rd, MunlochyTel: 01463 811201

You may have read the piece in December's Chatterbox, by Dinah Mann, about the "Long service Medal" awarded to Joan Munro, with an accompanying photo of long blonde-haired dairymaid Joan. Considering her roots It may not be surprising that Joan, nee MacPherson, took up farming as a career. She was born at Whitebridge, near Fort Augustus, and her father Kenny was manager at the Garrogie estate. In addition Joan says she has many close MacPherson relatives living around the Whitebridge area, also with farming connections. After attending secondary school at Millburn Academy and the old Inverness Royal Academy Joan commenced an agricultural course a Craibstone College, Aberdeen, and was then sent as a student to the Alistair Mann farm at Avoch. This was a rewarding placement for Joan, not only because she was soon taken on on a full-time basis, but also because while working on the farm she met her husband-to-be, Sandy Munro from Avoch, who also worked there. They have now been married for twenty five years and have two children, a boy and a girl. In thirty years of farm work Joan was mainly involved with British Friesian cattle. The name Friesian, I understand, comes from Friesland in Holland where the breed originated. Joan says the British Friesian is a very successful breed, as it outlives the Holstein Friesian by several years. Farmers from as far as England and Ireland have come here to buy their British Friesan bulls. Joan was one of a team of about six or seven which tended on average about six hundred cattle, including about two hundred and fifty milking cows. All you people falling out of bed in time to get to the office for 9am might like to spare a thought for the farm hands looking after milking cows, which require a 2am to 3am start in the morning! The farm also wintered about eight hundred sheep. Joan really surprised me, though, when she said she could remember the numbers on individual cows going back to her earlier farming years. And she could remember being able to identify many individual cows and also recognize their family groupings.

I know your number! by Jim Thomson

Paul Nelson and Andrew Hunter with the piano they found on top of Ben Nevis. Photograph: John Muir Trust/PA, from The Guardian website

Perennial pesky litterJim Thomson

Jimmy Skinner, president of the Avoch Bowling Club, is worried about the groups of adolescents who frequently gather at the Avoch bowling pavilion, particularly at the weekends. Because, judging by the litter which is left behind, it seems that alcohol may be an essential ingredient for those meetings. Jimmy has contacted the police, who are based at Fortrose or Cromarty, on several occasions, but the problem remains. Just before Christmas four dozen bottles and cans were gathered from the hedge next to the bowling green. There is no suggestion that all the adolescents involved come from Avoch, though. With mobile phones it is easy to invite those from further afield to join in. And the bowling club is not the only venue for such gatherings, of course - the old railway line is also used and even Avoch Parish Church is said to have been used at least once for such a rendezvous. The problem is not a recent one and neither is it confined to Avoch, so it’s not easy to see a solution. Perhaps we should be looking for the root problem, the cause rather than the effect.

Red phone boxBT is offering local communities the option of acquiring existing red telephone boxes at nominal sums. Avoch & Killen Community Council considered adoption of the Ormonde Terrace box at its 10th May meeting. However, there were concerns regarding maintenance and the Council will consult the Harbour Master to determine whether it might be appropriate to move it to the harbour as a feature.

We note that considerable sums are being asked on the internet for refurbished red phone boxes, so somebody could be onto a winner here, if the costs of moving the box can be found!


Eat Mair Fish

Ltd.Old Station Yard, Marine Place

Buckie AB56 1RQTel: 01542 832680

Van in Munlochy, Avoch & Fortrose on Thursdayin Fortrose & Cromarty on Tuesday

Charles KennedyI want to start by recording my sincere thanks to all who supported me in the recent election. It is a huge honour to have been re-elected to represent our communities. From Avoch to Ardnamurchan, ours is the largest constituency in the UK – covering some 12,779 square kilometres. It brings big challenges, but also many rewards and I will continue to work hard to justify the faith local people have placed in me.

The first duty of any MP is to his or her constituents. That duty goes beyond what is conventionally understood as ‘politics’. It involves offering help and advice, as far as possible, to local people who feel they are being treated badly or who do not know where else to turn in tackling a problem.

I have always taken that part of my work very seriously and that will continue - with the able assistance of my staff in Dingwall.

Even so, it is the other major aspect of an MP’s work which has been dominating the headlines rather more in recent weeks. The first real decision-making task for each Parliament – and perhaps the most important – is to determine who will form a Government. Normally the answer is so self-evident that no question needs to be asked. It is, at least formally, for the Queen and not Parliament to appoint the Prime Minister, although the reality is a bit more complicated.

This time - for the first time in my experience - no party has an outright majority in Parliament despite an electoral system which stacks the odds in favour of that outcome.

I have written at greater length about the negotiations and the part I played in them during a frenetic week at Westminster. If you are interested, you will find a fuller

account on my website at www.charleskennedy.org.uk.

In this context it will suffice to say that the outcome we have – a coalition Government made up of Liberal Democrats and Conservatives – was not my preferred option. After it became clear that significant sections of the Labour Party were unwilling to work with either ourselves or other parties, there were very few options remaining – but I would have favoured a minority Conservative Government seeking support from others on an issue-by-issue basis, with an agreement extending to votes of confidence and the Budget.

I am pleased to be able to report that our internal discussions were

conducted willingly and in a very positive atmosphere. Nick Clegg respects my view and I likewise respect the clear decision which was ultimately arrived at by my colleagues.

There is no doubt, two weeks on, as I read the full partnership programme which the new Government has now published (also available online) that some very significant concessions have been won by an excellent Liberal Democrat negotiating team. I very much hope we will now see big steps in the years ahead to restore fairness to our tax system, to our economy and to the state pension. I hope too to see the needs of the Highlands much more actively reflected in Government policy and for real reform which will make politics serve everyone in Britain much better.

There is likewise no doubt that tackling the deficit and securing recovery from the deep recession would loom large on the agenda of any Government. That is vitally important work, and stability would have been key, whatever the specific governing arrangements, while some difficult decisions are faced.

I do not presume to know what the public intended when they cast their votes on 6th May, but I think there was a genuine desire to see politicians work together to solve the major problems we face rather than just score points. I am determined to make sure that political co-operation is a success.

Far from the goings on at Westminster, I am writing this column after attending Hampden to see Ross County take part in the Scottish Cup Final.

The story of County’s remarkable cup run did not get the fairytale ending which it deserved, but the achievement of players, staff and loyal fans in reaching the final is nonetheless historic.

Surveying the national stadium, I wondered if there could have been any larger single gathering of Highlanders in modern times. I cannot think of any other occasion when something approaching twenty thousand of us have gathered in one place for one purpose.

Cynics will say that sport does not matter in the great scheme of things. I am not so sure.

The sense of pride and encouragement from Ross County’s success has been felt far beyond the football field. Increased interest and support hopefully augers well for the club’s endeavours next season, but it may have wider positive effects for Ross-shire besides.

The first duty of any MP is to his or her constituents.

…… reality is a bit more complicated.

http://www.charleskennedy.org.uk

http://www.charleskennedy.org.uk


Exactly a year to the day since it was hidden a spectacular gold and diamond-set mouse worth in excess of £10,000 has been found.The lucky winner was Annika Wolff an open university academic researcher from Wilstead, Bedfordshire, who beat over two thousand treasure hunters to solve the clues and find the exact location of the mouse. Annika laughed as she described how she waded through peat bogs in Applecross to find the buried canister!The treasure hunt Bequest was organized by Joe Gibbs to celebrate the Home Coming Year and promote the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and was supported by Event Scotland and The Highland Council. The clues were devised by John Keiller and were posted on line at www.burnsbequest.co.uk along with paintings by Michael Forbes. The organizers devised a competition open to all UK jewellers to design a mouse inspired by one of Burns best loved poems, which was won by Fortrose-based goldsmith Susan Plowman, who also owns The Studio Jewellery Workshop in Achnasheen, www.studiojewellery.com.

Susan's mouse was created in just over 2 oz of 18ct white and 18ct yellow gold. It had 184 natural champagne, cognac, pink and fine white diamonds with a black diamond eye. The substantial piece,measuring about 2" high could be worn as a pendant or brooch and also had a carved beech stand for display. Annika was delighted when she saw it and plans to wear it as a brooch, but her 22-month-old daughter was keen to get her hands on the sparkly treasure, so hopefully it will become a treasured family heirloom.

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Stone clearing volunteers at work on the Avoch School Field


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TREATMENT IN YOUR OWN HOME OR IN THE THERAPY ROOM AT TIGH UR, FORTROSEFor appointments contact Ann McGhee, Therapist

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Community support for

Avoch Primary School

Avoch Primary School’s Self-Help Day has once again enabled it to complete many jobs which enhance the environs and exterior buildings of the school – the woodland trail, painting of sheds, fences, sand pit lid, raised flower beds and walls, clearing tarmac areas and picking up litter. Kirsty Paterson, Head Teacher says the school wants to thank all parents and pupils who gave up their time to help and also the barbecue experts, who prepared food and drink for the hungry workers. On the previous Saturday and Wednesday parents and pupils and other members of the community spent time and effort removing stones from the newly re -seeded playing field. Norman MacIver and another community group completed the job, and there is hope that the field may be ready for the School Sports in June. Sports Day will be on June 8th – Highland Games in the morning and school sports in the afternoon. The school also thanked Mike Wilson for organising Southern and East Energy Group to grant a day off for tree fellers to clear the woodland trail path to the story tree, cutting trees and using the chips for the path.

Avoch U12s ranked 3rd in

Scottish schoolsSharon Kelly

Avoch Primary School football team proved that they could take on the best of them from the central belt when they achieved joint 3rd with Royal HS out of 653 teams at the Scottish schools national soccer 7's finals at Tory Glen in Glasgow on 28 April 2010. The school was one of the teams representing the North of Scotland. Along with Kingswells PS, Aberdeen, other competitors from the east were Fox Covert PS (Edinburgh) and Royal HS (Edinburgh). From the south there were Glebe PS (Irvine) and St.Patrick's PS (Troon) and from the west Bridge of Weir PS and Calderwood PS (Glasgow). The teams were drawn into 2 sections to play 14 minute games (7mins each way). Avoch narrowly beat Fox last year and so were hoping that they would not be drawn in the same section. They took a while to settle down in their first game against Glebe but, with a goal in the last few minutes, clinched a win of 3-2. The boys' confidence showed in the second game and a real belief of winning was there as they beat Bridge of Weir 2-0. Coaches Graeme Brindle and John Wardrop knew Fox were in the same group. An announcement came over the loudspeaker - in group 1, 2 teams had won their first two games and had to play each other for a place in the national final. Avoch were to play Fox, so the pressure was on with a belief that if they won this game they could win the tournament. Alas, an early goal from Fox in the first 5 mins lead to substitutions and formation changes, but the pressure was too much and Avoch were finally defeated 3-0. The dream was over but 3rd place was still to be played for against the runners up in group 2. All of the players including subs lifted their heads and showed their determination against Royal HS and fought hard to come back from 2-0 at half time to 2-2 at FT which was undoubtedly the best game in the tournament. Fox went on to win this year's tournament on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Calderwood (4-3 on penalties). However, there is always next year, as 5 of the team will be moving into primary 7 and there’s a few more good players coming through. The bigger central belt schools teams have mostly all-P7 players so their result shows the calibre of the Avoch lads. It’s a bit like Ross County beating Celtic. And at the time of writing this we’re hoping fervently that County can go all the way against Dundee United!

Gallow Hill trees

threatenedWe understand from the recent meeting of Avoch & KiIlen Community Council that illegal tree felling has recently been carried out at Cemetery Brae, Avoch, which has resulted in the imposition of an emergency Tree Preservation Order. The Community Council is writing to Highland Council to support the Order. The area of woodland in question is a key part of the landscape setting of the village of Avoch, adding considerably to the amenity of the village. It is particularly visible as the village is approached from the Fortrose direction. As the village has grown, with additional housing either recently having been built or planned for that part of the village, the landscape significance of this woodland has increased, along with other woodland on that slope. Many villagers walk regularly up Gallow Hill, either to visit the cemetery or to admire the views, and this woodland adds to the enjoyment of that experience. We understand that the Community Council will say that it would welcome any steps that could be taken to secure appropriate replanting.

Notice BoardFunding for a new village notice board for Avoch has now been assembled, with contributions from Rosemarkie Women’s Institute, the Black Isle Ward Discretionary Fund and the Kathleen Sangster Memorial Fund. The new board has now been ordered and will be made and installed by John MacArthur, Rosemarkie.


In BriefCar Park -A request from Avoch Primary School:Please…Do not park at school gates, near the entrance.

Village officerGrant has been received from the Highland Council Ward Discretionary Budget to cover Village Officer costs to the end of this year. This will provide 2 hours a week, except between 1 May and 31 August when it is 8 hours a week. It is likely that Rogan Hersee will be able to do the additional hours.

WebsiteAvoch & Killen Community Council now has some public pages available on the Chatterbox website. These give a way for people to respond, on the site, to any of the items posted.

Traffic management in the DockConsultation is due on a proposed mandatory 20mph limit throughout Dock (which could be enforced by police). There is some concern regarding the potential clutter of signs at each road end and a suggestion that they could be put on gable ends

Support for AAAA letter has been sent to Community Energy Scotland by Avoch & Killen Community Council to support the Amenities Association.

Tree Felling & ToppingDamaged Trees Removed or Made Safe

Fruit Tree CareTree Management and Advice

Free QuotationsPublic Liability Insurance

[email protected]

GARDEN TREE SURGERYH & H Brown, Bunchrew

Phone Hugh 01463 71324507845 468540

Sales & Purchase LedgerCredit ControlBook-keepingAdministrationEnd of year accounts

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Louise MacKay Tel : 07725 897 536

Kirsti Paterson Head teacher at Avoch Primary School went to Glasgow to support the team on the day, and said, " For Avoch to be 3rd in the National Scottish School Finals out of 653 teams is an amazing result for our school. I was proud of how the players showed maturity and good sportsmanship on the field and represented the school so well. They certainly were responsible citizens and effective contributors." The team wants to thank everyone who has already made a donation towards transportation costs to Perth and Glasgow, in particular Avoch FC, Fortrose Union FC and also Annie, along with customers at the Tavern. Any further donations and support would be very gratefully received. Please forward any donations with cheques payable to U12s F.C., c/o Dawn Brindle, Treasurer, A.P.S., 1 Platcock Wynd, Fortrose, IV10 8SQ or to Avoch Primary School. And thank you to Annette Patience for coming to support the team on the day. She was in Glasgow visiting her son Sinclair and it brought back pleasant memories for her - she was at the national Finals nearly 20 years ago with Sinclair and the rest of the Avoch team.

Photo of the team. Back row - Ross MacIver, Ross Munro, Finn Raistrick, Ben Kelly, Scott Brindle. Front row - Jack Wardrop, Craig Patience, Kyle Etheridge, Ewan McLauchlan, Connor Etheridge.

Lisa Stephenson, Head of Sponsorship for Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, said: “I would like to congratulate all the schools for reaching the final. It’s a fantastic achievement to reach a national competition and is especially impressive given the large numbers involved in the Soccer 7’s regional finals. All the teams who have taken part in the competition should feel extremely proud of their efforts. Bank of Scotland is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Scottish Schools FA, now in its 28th year and the Primary Soccer 7s is just one of many School competitions we support.”

NATIONAL FINALS, WEDNESDAY 28th APRIL(Toryglen, Glasgow, 12.00-3.00)

Group 1Fox Covert 2, Bridge of Weir 1 Glebe 2, Avoch 3Fox Covert 4, Glebe 2Bridge of Weir 0, Avoch 2Fox Covert 3, Avoch 0 Bridge of Weir 1, Glebe 3

4th v. 4th

Bridge of Weir 2, St.Patrick's 1

3rd v. 3rdGlebe 0, Kingswells 0

2nd v. 2ndAvoch 2, Royal HS 2 FinalFox Covert 1, Calderwood 1 (4-3 on penalties)


In BriefHenrietta Bridge Highland Council is seeking a contractor who would also do work on the subsidence of the pavement along Long Road, but no funding is yet confirmed. It is likely to be Autumn before any work is done. Some people are concerned with having to use the dangerous junction from Long Road onto the main road. Mirrors are not allowed and there is no obvious solution here.

Main road through AvochWill be resurfaced from the War memorial and round the corner into Long Road this summer.

Poop problemsThere are more complaints of dog poop, but this time it seems that the footballers are encountering it on the football pitch. Apart from a rugby pitch, there can hardly be anywhere where there’s a stronger likelihood of coming nose to nose with a turd! PLEASE! - Bag it and bin it!

Calling all parentsA parent member is needed for Avoch Primary School Nutritional Action Group

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Thankfully the rain held off to allow Jane Smith to throw the first jack, opening the Bowling Green for the 2010 season on Saturday 24th April and 13 members then enjoyed their first game. On 15th May Ross County were playing in the Scottish Cup final and the playing of the Avoch Triples open competition was put back a week until 22 May. We’ll give you details of the winners in the next issue of Chatterbox. George Brodie, John Morrison and Jimmy Skinner teamed together and reached the semi-finals in the Conon Triples on 8th May. As the new season gets underway there will be other competitions which the club will take part in, including the Black Isle Pairs (14th to 21st May), the SBA Singles and Pairs (20th May), our own triples and also there’s the League matches, which begin on 24th May and continue until 2nd August.

George Patience and Lewie Patience have over the years done a great deal for the Club and they will be greatly missed this year because of ill health. Megan Patience, who passed away last December, will also be sadly missed. Megan was a keen bowler and over the years entered many club and open competitions. Latterly, when unable to play, she never lost her interest in the Club and could be seen watching many competitions and could be relied upon to organize the raffle for the Club’s open competitions. Minor damage is still repeatedly occurring around the pavilion and bowling green, with broken bottles, cans and other rubbish being left around the pavilion and stones, bottles and cans thrown on to the green. Recently six windows have also been broken in the pavilion. Where appropriate the police are always informed of such incidents, but it’s

very difficult to know what can be done to stop such behaviour. As each year goes by the increasing age of some of the members means that they are playing less and less open and club competitions, making it a struggle to meet the Club’s commitments to these. Indeed, the membership is reaching a critical stage, as we only have around 20 members and the Club could fold within a year or two without an infusion of younger blood to take an interest in playing and in the running of the Club.

New bowling season opensGeorge Brodie, Avoch Outdoor Bowling Clup Secretary


A Home from Home: Abbeyfield Scotland Ltd provides care homesand very sheltered houses located through out Scotland.

Within the Highlands Abbeyfield has three very sheltered homes in Rosemarkie, Inverness and Nairn. Our very sheltered houses are small households with a family feel, catering for 6 -10 residents who come together regularly for social gatherings, meals and activities. Residents of Abbeyfield houses are independent, safe in the knowledge that they have security and companionship.

Abbeyfield Scotland Ltd is a Registered Social Landlord with the Scottish Housing Regulator (20) and a Registered Charity (SCO 12549)

For more information please contact our Administrators on 0131 225 7801 Or at Abbeyfield Scotland Ltd, 15 West Maitland Street, Edinburgh EH12 5EA

Want to keep your independence?

Worried about the cost of house maintenance?

Worried about those repair bills?

Cooking regular meals a problem?

Don’t like being on your own at night?

Black Isle residents keen to learn how to grow their own fruit and vegetables have an exciting opportunity to learn from experts. Households can now sign up for Grow North, a year-long programme of training and tailored support in growing food in the local area.

The project is being run by Transition Black Isle, a local community group which has brought £85,000 of funding to the the area for projects to help the Black Isle become more resilient in the face of peak oil and climate change. The money, from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, will support a range of schemes to cut food miles and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

Grow North’s newly appointed project officer Sheila Wickens said: “It is possible to grow a very wide range of fruit and vegetables in the Black Isle, providing food over an extended season. Many people grew up with a tradition of growing food for themselves and their families; however in recent years people have been less inclined to produce their own, with a greater reliance on food from the supermarket.

“There is now an explosion of interest in growing food, with the demand

A helping hand to grow your own!for allotments in Scotland soaring by 40% over the last two years, local allotment waiting-lists in four Black Isle villages, and garden centres increasing their sales of vegetable seeds.

“Many of the books, magazines and television programmes on the subject relate to growing conditions in the south of the UK. Grow North aims to provide practical support for 50 households in learning how to grow, look after and use a range of crops that can be grown successfully on the Black Isle.”

The main focus of the project will be a series of eight training days, which will take place monthly throughout the year, allowing participants to see their crops grow at study sites. The course will be hands-on, and participants will be able to try out for themselves all aspects of growing, from planting seeds, to potting on, planting out and harvesting during the training. The training fee will be £50 payable in instalments, with a £10 discount if the whole fee is paid up front. Concessionary rates are available for those on low incomes.

Participants will be able to take home some of the seedlings and plants that they have handled, to grow in their own growing spaces, be it at home or in a

neighbouring garden. The course will also cover planning your garden, dealing with pests, looking after fruit, improving the soil, composting and preserving garden produce.

Practical help days will involve participants receiving and offering help from the network for activities such as erecting polytunnels, clearing rough ground and creating raised beds. Participants will also get the opportunity to visit several established grow-your-own gardens to see how it is done, see a range of different approaches and to be inspired.

Sheila Wickens, who has been growing her own fruit and vegetables for nearly ten years, added: “This practical approach will provide new growers with the support they need to get going, and make the most of their gardens to provide food for the household. It will also be a great way to meet others interested in growing, which will be invaluable in comparing progress of crops locally, sharing ideas and experiences.”

The first training days will be taking place in early to mid May. If you are interested in taking part in the project, please contact Sheila on 01463 870223 or e-mail [email protected]




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Spring has sprung at Avoch Under Fives!

Karen Plested

At last we have seen some sunshine and have managed to start planting. A blue tit is nesting in the bird box and we have been looking for mini beasts in the garden. We found plenty of slugs so we hope that they don’t eat all the cabbages! We have visited Arthur and his gang at the garage.The children enjoyed looking at the cars, especially the ones that were up in the air. We have also been to see Don and his birds and hope to return soon to see the chicks. Louie and Callum helped to raise the Scottish flag to mark the start of British summer time. We are busy planning for the last term and the children have chosen to learn about ‘In the garden’. Hopefully the weather will be kind and we can spend more time outside,so fingers crossed.


The next Forum is on Thurs 10 June 2010 at Culbokie Primary School

from 6.00 – 8.00 pm(refreshments from 5.30)

Developing Small Businesses in the Black Islepractical help, information, advice and support for new and

growing businessesWard Forums have been set up across the Highlands to help you have

your say on Council Services in your local areaThe Forum meets regularly in public led by Black Isle Councillors. Representatives of Community Councils, young people, business and voluntary sector, partner agencies such as the Northern Constabulary and NHS serve on the Forum. The meeting will take the form of a panel discussion and public Q & A Session. Members of the public are welcome to attend. There is a 20 minute slot allocated at the end of the meeting for questions from the public

Please contact Di Agnew, Ward

Manager on 01349 868477 or e mail

[email protected]

for more information or if you have

any special requirements/needs to

help you take part

LOCAL WEBSITESPrefix all with “http://”

Health/Medical

Fortrose Medical Practicewww.fortrosesurgery.co.uk

News/events etc.

Chatterboxwww.chatterboxnews.co.uk

Sport

Avoch Amateur Football Clubavochies.intheteam.com/modules/page/page.aspx?pc=home

Fortrose Union Football Clubwww.spanglefish.com/FortroseUnion/

Heritage

Mackenzie Foundationwww.mckenziefoundation.us/index.php

Avoch Heritage Associationwww.avoch.org/

Community

Avoch & Killen Community Councilwww.avoch-killen.org/

Avoch Amenities Associationwww.chatterboxnews.co.uk/amenities2.html

Others

Scottish Governmentwww.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/16095049

Information provided without guarantee of accuracy. Please let us know if you are aware of any changes - send to [email protected]

Are you thinking of starting a business? Do you want to

grow your business?

There is a lot of support out there to help you

do just that, but finding out the what, where and when

can be time consuming. The Highland Council’s Black

Isle Ward is holding its next Ward Forum on Thursday

10 June in Culbokie Primary School (6.00 – 8.00 pm) to

update you on the array of support that is available, to

help you achieve your goals, tell you how to access that

support and get feedback on what you need.

Come and find out about Highland Opportunity

loans, understand how the Chamber of Commerce's free

business mentoring programme works, get inspiration

and training from the Highland and Island Social

Enterprise Zone, get started with the Princes Scottish

Youth Business Trust, tap into the practical business

support from the Federation of Small Businesses. Shop

at Business Gateway, a one-stop shop of free advice and

support including the highly successful 2-day business

start up workshop, small business grant, and specialist

advisors in all aspects of growing your business,

especially marketing, selling, accessing finance,

employment law, exporting and social media.

Councillor Isobel McCallum, who will be

Chairing the Black Isle Ward Forum, said “this is a great

opportunity for people who may be thinking about

starting their own business to gather information and to

speak to the people in the know”. So come along on to

the Black Isle Ward Forum on Thursday 10th June 2010

at Culbokie Primary School. Refreshments and informal

networking from 5.30 pm. Forum from 6.00 pm to 8.00

pm. If you have an enquiry about the Forum or would

like to submit questions in advance of the meeting or

have any special requirements or needs to help you take

part please contact Diane Agnew, Black Isle Ward

Manager on 01349 868477 or by e mailing

[email protected]. Further information on

the Forum can be found on the Highland Council’s

website www.highland.gov.uk under “Your Ward”.

BLACK ISLE WARD FORUM

Calling allBlack Isle

entrepreneurs!Di Agnew

Growingthe Black Isle

Kitty McWilliam

Could we grow more ourselves? Transition Black Isle

and Highland Council think we should. On the 4th of

March the Black Isle Ward Forum discussed Community

and Farmers Markets and Allotments. Community

markets already take place on the Black Isle at Culbokie

and at North Kessock, selling all kinds of local produce,

from vegetables and plants to handmade toys and

greetings cards. Douglas Watson, the national

development officer for Farmers’ Markets,

congratulated both markets and described how his

job was to promote and support such development.

Why not, he suggested, build on these successes and

reach more people by having a market which takes

place every Saturday but at different locations

throughout the Black Isle. Food for thought?

Keith Walker described Highland Council’s

allotment policy which is responding to the increased

demand for allotments across the region. The council is

committed to supporting communities looking to

establish and run allotment gardens, recognizing that

these improve the local environment, make

communities more resilient and also bring health

benefits. Cromarty residents were quick to point out

that despite trying to set up allotments they have been

unable to get suitable ground for such a venture and a

Community Councillor from Fortrose asked if the new

housing development planned there would include the

provision of allotment space.

Transition Black Isle, as well as supporting and

promoting both the community market and the

allotments movements on the Black Isle has applied for

Climate Change Challenge funding to help develop our

capacity to be more self sufficient. Grow North will

provide horticultural training to 50 households across

the Black Isle and TBI have issued an Highland Food

Challenge which asks, “What is the extent to which you

could feed yourself from produce grown, caught or

reared in the Highlands?”



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Silent AuctionIan Cox, Parent Council Secretary

On Saturday 8th May Avoch Primary School saw the culmination of a Silent Auction, organized by the School’s Parent Council. The initiative had been very well supported by pledges from local and Inverness based businesses and in total the sum of £400.12 was raised. This will go to support School trips and resources. The Parent Council thanks those parents who donated pledges for this event. Some exceptional pledges were received too late to be included in the Auction and these will be used in further fundraising activity by the Parent Council.

New MinibusFortrose Acdemy wants to replace one of its old minibuses (which are used extensively throughout the school session). The Parent Council is trying to raise £8,000 for this and all your contributions will be very gratefully received .

Avoch Weather Record

Andy Hickie at the Dock, Avoch, has a weather station in his garden there which uploads data to the internet in near real time. The data is hosted on the 'Weather Underground' web site, but the following link provides direct access:http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IBLACKIS2

The following is Andy’s summary for the period1st January to 30th April 2010:

Temperature (°C):Mean (1 minute) 3.8Mean (min+max) 4.0Mean Minimum 0.3Mean Maximum 7.7Minimum -13.7 on 07/01/2010Maximum 17.3 on 10/04/2010Highest Minimum 10.7 on 28/04/2010Lowest Maximum -3.9 on 07/01/2010Air frosts 52

Rainfall (mm):Total for period 163.9Wettest day 23.1 on 25/02/2010Rain days 71

Wind (mph):Highest Gust 41.0 on 15/01/2010Average Speed 3.6Wind Run 10033.4 milesGale days 0

Pressure (mb):Maximum 1037.63 on 09/01/2010Minimum 986.22 on 26/03/2010

Days with snow falling: 12Days with snow lying at 0900: 23

GoodbyesSadly, Avoch Primary School has lost Mrs Hill and Mr Swanson, who have both taken early retirement because of ill health. Mrs Hill taught at the school for 10 years as a supply and job-share teacher and subsequently, since 2006, as a permanent member of the teaching staff, influencing the learning and welfare of many pupils. Geordie Swanson was Janitor for 29 years, always willing to please and make the school special. He trained the football team for at least 20 of these years and, of course, was a great favourite with the pupils.

‘Great Literary Titles’by McEye





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‘Kiosk Theory’, by McEye

Thanks from the

Wednesday Walkers

Lynda Cochrane tells us that the Wednesday Walkers would like to say a big “thank you” to Mr Colin Miller of Fortrose for single-handedly clearing the old railway line between Avoch and Fortrose over the past few months, putting the owner to shame. Armed only with his bike and a spade, Mr Miller, aged 77, has widened the path making it much easier to walk along and cleared out the ditches on either side. The path had been in a bit of a state due to a long period of inattention - muddy in the winter and covered with nettles in the summer months - making walking and cycling a bit of a challenge but, thanks to Mr Miller, things are much easier now and a lot more pleasant. No doubt all the other users of the railway line - walkers, cyclists and dog walkers, and some who do all three! - appreciate his hard work and community spirit and will join us in sending him a very big THANK YOU.

Fortrose AcademyKey Diary Dates

Monday 8th June New Timetable starts

Friday 11th June Extra In-service day

Monday 14th June Primary Week starts

Wednesday 16th June P7 Parents Evening

Thursday 17th June Fortrose Academy Highland Gathering

Friday 2nd July School closes at 12.30 pm for summer holidays

Monday 16th August School opens for staff

Tuesday 17th August School opens for pupils

Friday 21st May Parent Council Quiz Night

Work ExperienceE Mann, Fortrose Academy Work Experience Co-ordinatorCurrent S4 pupils at Fortrose Academy will be getting placements for work experience in the weeks beginning 14th June and 21st June and all pupils have been issued with a letter which gives a username and password for the Highland Council Work Experience Database www.hcwe.co.uk. At present there are very few opportunities showing, but there will be more shortly, including Sutor Creek Restaurant, Kinkell House Hotel, Findon Farm, Fishermen’s Cooperative Avoch, Broomhill Riding Stables and the Munlochy Preschool. Please keep looking, good placements are being added all the time. The school is working very hard on behalf of pupils to fit the pieces of the Work Experience jigsaw into place, but unfortunately is finding that there is a shortage of placements on offer this year. In the current economic climate, several placement providers used in the past are unable to help as they feel they do not have the resources this year to enable them to give pupils a good experience of the world of work. Therefore if you are able to identify a placement for your child (or someone else’s) through a personal contact, or indeed to offer a placement yourself to one of the pupils, it would be a big help.

Avoch Primary School Dates

June 11th INSET (School closed to pupils)

June 14th-18th Primary Week for P7 at the Academy

June 22nd ; County Sports July 2nd School closes 12noon, reopens Tuesday 17th August for pupils


The Mussel Men of AvochSandy Mitchell

very shrine. The fact that it was rumoured he had a lady fair in that airt may or may not have added fire to his faith. Whatever the truth of these things James Stewart thought enough of Tain to gift the town his royal rights to the fine mussel scalps in the Firth and from

that time on the town has cashed in. Even to-day the near-shore waters of the British Isles are in the royal say, administered by the Crown Estates Commissioners. The town Common Good Fund benefits, leasing the mussel rights to Highland Council. They in turn through Highland Fresh Mussels operate Gizzen Briggs and have employed Alan for the last eleven years and Darren for the last seven. The workload is variable and depends on the

orders as they come in. Christmas is a specially busy time. And one grey day in early May I was lucky enough to be offered a trip on the boat to see the operation for myself. There was a stiff westerly blowing as we headed down the wide jetty to the boat. It was a very low tide and we boarded with the help of a fork-lift. There were four of us aboard, the fourth being Anne from Highland Council, who comes out once a week to do sampling of mussels and water quality. We had parked at a big shed, visible from the Dornoch bridge, which I learnt had been a maintenance hanger for sea-planes in World War II. Now it houses machinery to wash and scrub the mussels before they are stored in big square tubs, ready bagged and with a constant flow of seawater pumped over them. They are then stored for the right number of hours to get them into top condition before being trucked away south. It takes three men to see to all

this. As we steamed away east towards the road bridge Darren pointed out long strands of black towards the southern shore – part of the extensive mussel beds. The boat itself is sturdy and square with a wheelhouse the width of the vessel and is powered by two big marine diesels. It is equipped with a very fancy sounder (sat-nav for a boat) that shows all you need to know from shoreline to depths and ground

It’s a strange thought that the Dornoch Firth mussel dredger Gizzen Briggs is part of a story going back a thousand years.

And without that long history maybe Alan Macintosh, skipper, and his nephew Darren, both of Avoch, would not be on board, in fair weather and foul, bringing up top quality mussels from those clear waters to export to everywhere from the Glasgow Barras to far-off France and Spain. The Easter Ross town of Tain itself has a long history and indeed lays claim to be the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland, going back to 1066, the year King Harold of England got one in the eye during the Norman conquest. It is also long associated with a leading Christian figure of that same time, St Duthac or Duthus, who may or may not have died in Tain around 1065. Certainly his bones were eventually brought there and his shrine became one of Scotland’s main places of pilgrimage. And every year for twenty years of his reign King James IV took the long hard journey north to that

Photos by Sandy Mitchell


Directly for’ard, set in a well, is a huge square-mouthed bag into which the mass of mussels is tipped, mixed in with an accidental cargo of crabs and starfish (which feed on the mussels). As it tips Darren grabs and ditches any bigger bits of stone he can find.

One haul brought up an unwelcome guest, a huge boulder – the biggest they had ever seen. Darren and Alan struggled to get a rope round it and Alan had to clamber into the hopper and managed to set up a rope-cradle so that Darren could crane it clear and drop it over the side. The dredging process was repeated over and over with Alan sometimes nipping out of the wheel-house to give a hand until there were four huge white bags stashed on

and even the mussel scalps themselves. Standing near the mess-table was a pair of yellow sea-breeks still stuck into some yellow wellies - looking as if the occupant had been sucked out and abducted by aliens. A while later all became clear when Darren climbed back into them before heading aft to start work on the dredging. We hove to between Dornoch town and Glemorangie Distillery and the high-tec operation was soon in full swing. Behind the wheel house is a wide open deck and all the dredging equipment is at the stern. Dredging can be done at both sides but to-day only the starboard side was worked. The dredge bag is set over the side and lowered but has to be swung at right angles and amid all the high-spec gear it was fun to see that Darren poked it into position with the end of a wooden mussel-rake before it was lowered into the water. In a short time, bulging with mussels, it was hawsered back to the surface and using a small crane hoisted onto a steel table canted near-vertical. Darren deftly operated the lever panel and the table with its loaded steel-mesh bag of mussels was hauled up and rotated to the horizontal then tipped further so that the mussels showered down into a waiting hopper situated midway across the stern. This in turn is power-rotated forward while a powerful jet of sea-water is hosed over the heaped mussels to get rid of as much of the sea-bed sands and gravels as possible.

the open deck- each filled with a tonne of mussels. In the meantime Anne from the Council had taken water samples. She explained they were testing phyto-plankton. There were, she said, up to nine species found in these waters. It was to make sure none were of the toxic kind that could threaten the quality of the mussels on the scalps below. She also collected a pailful of the mussels themselves to be taken back for analysis. Last year there had been a problem of contamination at the Meikle Ferry jetty that had closed down the whole operation for several months. It was now time to head back and a welcome cuppa was taken. There was one last order to fulfil – a tonne of smaller mussels that were taken from one of the up-stream scalps we had seen earlier at low-tide. Alan thought these would be sold south to be re-laid in warmer waters and grown quickly to a marketable size. It had been a good day, an interesting day – but though it had been chill enough on deck this was May and as we drove back to Avoch I recalled what Alan had told me about some of the days last winter. Despite the salt water, stanchions, hauling table and hopper had coated ever thicker with ice as the day wore on. “It was warm enough in here,” he’d grinned, as from the shelter of the wheel-house we’d watched Darren moving busily about the open deck.


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Lagganlia 2010The Fortrose Academy Advanced Higher Maths trip to Lagganlia got off to a good start with a healthy sing- song of Bohemian Rhapsody in the school minibus. Led by Andrew ‘Mercury’ Smith, the rocking out was just what was needed to prepare for the weekend! On arrival, the first thing was to have an interesting lecture on the uses of Maths in the world of Economics, such as the theory behind compound interest. Then came the first team-building event, where everyone was blindfolded and taken out into the middle of the woods and then, by using STUNNING skills of teamwork and communication, worked the way through an obstacle course (still blindfolded) - which led to people falling over in the snow and walking into trees! The next day got off to an early start and fortunately Maths Professor Adam McBride gave an enthusiastic talk on the elegance and beauty of Maths which got everyone’s brain in gear so as to be able to follow a talk on the application of Maths in the field of Engineering by a former pupil of Mr Forwood’s, now Dr Calum Brown. Later that night there was an orienteering session which involved everybody running around the woods answering complicated Maths questions. That same day there was a lecture on ‘Does God Play with Dice?’ – all to do with Theoretical Physics and how Maths can be used in that realm of the world! A Ceilidh finished off that day and all partied on into the night like how only Maths students can!Next day Heather ‘The Weather’ Reid gave a presentation on Meteorology and the application of Maths in her career. One student (unnamed) said ‘She’s the love of my life!’ To finish up there was a ‘Wacky Races’ event where Maths questions and tasks had to be completed to earn monopoly money, which was then used to buy items for the group’s racer. Unfortunately the Fortrose group finished last, but did win the comedy vote, finishing in style (just think-rope- canoe-Andrew-snow...and don’t forget the box!) All in all it was a fantastic week-end that the group would recommend to next years Advanced Higher Maths pupils!

Walks and events in Easter Ross & the Black Isle

Tuesday 15th June 1pm-3.30pm: R&C EastSouth Sutor from CromartyClimb up the wooded path to the viewpoint on the South Sutor. Look out over the Moray Firth towards Burghead and Nairn. Watch fulmars and other birds soar along the cliff edge. From the Cromarty Centre Carpark NH792 673 at the east end of the village. Wednesday 16th June 7pm R&C EastA Woodland Wander at Dusk - PitlundieAn evening walk through Pitlundie woodland. Listen out to the sounds and sights of warblers, finches and thrushes as the dusk chorus gets under wayLeaving from the Kilmuir Church graveyard by North Kessock. NH676501 Saturday 19th June 10am-1pm: R&C EastMonadh Mor in Springtime – ToreExplore this unique bog woodland habitat and learn about the wildlife that benefits from it. Looking out for pinewood specialists including plants that have adapted to the conditions. FC Monadh Mor car park off the A835(T) west of Tore. NH 579 527 Wednesday 23rd June 10am-12 R&C East The Dark Mysteries of Blackrock Gorge - EvantonTake a walk and learn about the chasm of Blackrock Gorge and the folklore that goes with it. Meet Evanton village car park. NH 607 661 Wednesday 30th June 10am-2.30pm: R&C EastDeserted Homesteads of Aultgowrie, Muir of OrdOut below Cul Beag past hut circles the bronze/iron age up this bleak valley. Once at the empty farmstead of Tighachrochadair stop for lunch and learn a bit of the local history. From forest entrance to Auchmore Wood NH 535 493. Saturday 28th August 2-4pm: R&C EastElectro Fishing - Salmon, lamprey and other fish of the CononCome along and see the Cromarty Firth Salmon Fisheries staff survey the burns using Electro-fishing techniques. Tell the difference between a salmon or sea trout parr. What is lamprey ? Come along and find out! A family event. No dogs please. Meet at Dunglass Island, Brahan by Maryburgh.NH 533 545 Charging rates for events April 2010 onwards:Guided Walks and other planned events:Prices up to 3 hours/ Over 3 hoursAdults £3/£5Children (4-17 years old) and Senior Citizens £2/£3Under 4s FreeFamily Ticket £8/£12 (2 adults and up to 3 children) £5/£9 (1 adult and up to 3 children)Unwaged (Proof needed) FreeSeason Ticket: Adults £25, Children £15

Martin Hind Easter Ross Countryside RangerThe Highland CouncilPlanning & Development ServiceCouncil BuildingsHigh StreetDingwallRoss-shireIV15 9QN


C S and Mrs E L Hiddleston

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JACK & PATIENCEBUILDING CONTRACTORSNEW BUILDINGS & EXTENSIONS

Renovations and all typesof building work done

Estimates given8 Ormonde Terrace, Avoch

Tel: 01381 620752/621432/621038

Lighthouse Keepers

Lighthouse keepers have it easy

All year long their homes are breezy;

Noises don’t disturb their labors,

For they haven’t any neighbors.

They don’t need big wastebaskets

For old papers, orange peels, or gaskets;

Just one careless motion

And their trash drops in the ocean.

They don’t need nine holes or twenty,

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Wakeful brats don’t have conniptions,

Neighbors don’t give long descriptions.

When I’m old and don't need pity,

I shall leave the sullied city,

Climb a lighthouse, bar the door,

And trim my wicks forevermore.

Captain Stetson Turner


AVOCH FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE35 High Street, Avoch

No change to products and services availablein the shop

HOUSEHOLD HARDWARE GARDENING CLOTHING

GIFTS & PET FOODItems can be ordered on request

“Not just for Fishermen”Phone 01381 620823, Fax 01381 621072

POST OFFICE Full range of services now provided inside Post Office Card Account Postage and Post Office Savings Stamps Bill and Budget Payment Schemes Banking Services and Postal Orders Telephony services including Homephone Moneygram Post Office Ltd Financial Services Products Special Delivery Home Shopping Returns Inland letters/packets, recorded delivery service International letters/packets

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

8.30 - 1pm2 - 5pm

8.30 - 1pm2 - 5pm

8.30 - 1pm2 - 5pm

8.30 - 1pm 8.30 - 1pm2 - 5pm

8.30 - 1pm

Highland Chamber Orchestra’s special year

Photo courtesy of Gavin Wright, www.ConcertPix.co.uk

eminent Scottish composers to collaborate on a major orchestral work. The music of Edward McGuire, Alasdair Nicolson and Gordon Tocher will be familiar to many, and they have been asked to compose music stimulated by a mid-sixteenth century chant composed at the Inverness Sangscule, “Laudate pueri”. The ways in which the individual composers respond to this unusual local stimulus promise to be intriguing and rewarding. These performance highlights of a very important year for the HCO will take place on Saturday August 21st at 7.30pm in the One Touch Theatre, Inverness and on Sunday 22nd August at 3pm in Thurso High School, directed by the orchestra’s principal conductor Susan Dingle. Tickets for the Inverness performance are available from Eden Court Theatre, tel. 01463 234 234 (www.eden-court.co.uk) and for the Thurso performance from HCO, tel. 01463 223171 (www.highland-chamber-orchestra.co.uk).

Susan Dingle conducts the HCO at a concert in Dornoch Cathedral

programme to an equally balmy Strathpeffer, and the welcoming space of the Spa Pavilion where a large audience enjoyed a lovely summer’s afternoon of classics. The birthday celebrations continue in August with concerts in Inverness and Thurso, featuring classic and modern repertoire. Recalling the group’s first performance in the year 2000, the concerts will open with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture and conclude with Beethoven’s 2nd Symphony. Beethoven’s Symphonies have featured in a number of HCO concerts over its first ten years and side by side with these much-loved classics, the HCO is to present two very special works, the Saxophone Concerto by Katrina Gordon, with soloist Ross Montgomery, and a unique work specially commissioned to mark the birthday festivities. Continuing a tradition of encouraging local performers and composers, the orchestra has asked three

Perfect summer music for a perfect summer’s evening. This was the generalopinion as the Highland Chamber Orchestra began a year of celebrations ofits tenth birthday with concerts in Skye and Strathpeffer. The orchestra, under its principal conductor Susan Dingle, had been joined by young Highland harpist Hannah Phillips for a performance of Debussy’s Danse Sacrée et Danse Profane, a work which seemed to capture perfectly the balmy weekend on which it was performed. On Saturday 22nd May Sabhal Mor Ostaig in the south of Skye offered a spectacular backdrop for a concert which also included Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ Overture and ‘Paris’ Symphony, as well asHonegger’s Pastorale d’été and Dvorak’s Czech Suite. With doors and windows flung open to cool the hall, birdsong blended with the lovely music, to the great pleasure of an enthusiastic audience. The following afternoon the HCO took the same

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the courtyardcoffee shop & gift galleryOur gift gallery is fun, innovative and there is something for everyone!

We offer a warm welcome and invite you to relax in a

pleasant atmosphere and enjoy the following:

• Delicious homemade cakes and traybakes

• Specially blended coffee for Expresso, Cappuccino, Latte

• Homemade Soup

• Sandwiches, Toasties & Panini

• Baked Potatoes with various fillings

• Salads & Quiche

Opening Hours 10.00am – 4.30pmMonday to Saturday

Find Us At Harpers Court(Adjacent to Lidl’s Car Park)

The Courtyard Coffee Shop & Gift GalleryDINGWALL

Tel: 01349 866062

Andrew de Moray Project members have agreed to make plans to erect a statue at Avoch to the local hero of the Scots Wars of independence. Following the successful march and rally at Ormond Hill on 15th May, the Project AGM agreed to plan for a comprehensive interpretation of the site of the North Rising in 1297. This would include erecting a statue and making approaches to Historic Scotland and SNH to help with illustrating the human and natural aspects of the castle and its surroundings. Rob Gibson MSP, Project Convener, said, "People in Avoch need to get involved

in discussing where a statue should be sited. Should it be at a prominent site in the village, for example near the harbour, or at Ormond Hill?"The Andrew de Moray Project is determined to celebrate such a famous association with the area. We will launch a world-wide fund-raising call. We are indebted to the members of the Society of William Wallace for their advice and support.”The Project web site is www.andrewdemoray.com You can contact Rob on 07879 674335.

Push to erect de Moray statue at Avoch

The recent Andrew de Moray march onthe 15th of MayPhotograph courtesy of Rob Gibson MSP, Project Convener

www.thesonsofscotland.co.uk/ demoray.htm

http://www.andrewdemoray.com/

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Outside Catering AvailableNo Party Too Big or Small

Weddings, Dinner Parties, Private Functions, etc.

Comfort Foods 18 High Street Rosemarkie

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New products and Easter range

Quality Wines & Real Ales Specials and Malt Whiskeys Fantastic locally sourced Cheeses And while stocks last: Free Range whole or ½ size pigs for the freezer from Westerbalmungie. Easter Range of Eggs, and other products now on sale.

Good and bad news for Avoch Amenities

AssociationAvoch Amenities Association has appointed Donald Macleod, a freelance consultant from Inverness, as a community project development officer to produce a needs assessment and development report for Avoch Community Centre. He will consult with current community centre users and also with potential users. The aim is to establish options for development of the Community Centre, including the need for a more user-friendly and all-access building. And the Amenities Association still wants to find out what are the views of the community about the building. Many people have already come forward with suggestions, e.g. downstairs cafe, communal room, dividing the hall into two with one larger hall suitable for meetings, parties, ceilidhs etc. and a smaller sports hall. There have been suggestions for adding natural light and dropping the ceiling and improving the acoustics have also been suggested. One idea is to develop small rental units within the centre. Jenye Monckton, Community Centre Bookings Secretary, says that The Amenities Association is enormously grateful for the funding for the development officer post, which has come from the Black Isle Ward discretionary budget and the highland LEADER programme. Also on the good news side, AAA reports that the After-School Club has now moved to the Community Centre. However there is a bad side to any current report on the Amenities Association. It is still in dire need of new members to drive the Community Centre project forward and to continue to maintain both this building and the Bowls Pavilion. AAA has been so short of willing helpers that it has been unable to organize a Gala this year. So, if you can spare some time to help with something, please do offer. And the troubles don’t stop there. AAA’s hardworking secretary has had to step down because of illness, so her role needs to be temporarily filled. Jenye says, “We are all volunteers, seeking to maintain and improve facilities for our community. Please help us if you are able - every little helps.”

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Poster by Fortrose Brownies - see article on page 43

Join Inverness Film FansDVDs at home, on a big screen TV, or even projected onto the wall, are very enjoyable, but there’s nothing to compare with watching a good film on the big screen in the company of an appreciative audience.And there’s little better than the superb cinemas at Eden Court Theatre, where Inverness Film Fans (IFF!) present their screenings every other Tuesday evening.

Everyone is welcome at IFF! screenings at Eden Court, but the group needs new members (£8 per year) in order to be able to maintain its activities, and particularly more committee members, to choose the films and plan its programmes.

IFF! is currently showing a season of Jeff Bridges films, which will end with the showing ofThunderbolt and Lightfoot

at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th June.

IFF!IFF!INVERNESSFILMFANS

www.invernessfilmfans.org


Get netted!Does your group need internet access? Chatterbox now has broadband internet access at Avoch Community Centre. Free wireless access is available to all groups using the centre. Contact Chatterbox for availability.

Access Chatterbox on line -Visit our website at chatterboxnews.co.ukwhere you can accessour “last issue” or the “previous issue” to read or download the copy you want

and why not explore

Chatterbox Interactive ?

Jo’s GardenEnterprise

Eas t e r Balm ung ie Farm , Eat hie Road

b y Ros e m arkieTel. 0 1 3 8 1 6 21 0 0 6

Be dding Plant s Pe re nnials He rb s

I’ve often wondered what exactly a “Ward Manager” is, and what he or she does for the “Ward” we live in. The Wards came about when Highland Council was reorganized, and in 2007 we found ourselves being represented by multi-members. In our Ward, the Black Isle, which is number 10, that’s several Councillors, aided by a Ward Manager.

I went to see Di in her office in Dingwall, and was immediately surprised by the sheer amount of filing and paperwork in her office. Everything you can think of which has to do with your local community is in her office! Schools, community centres, beaches, football pitches, museums, car parks, caves…..the list is endless! Di’s job as Ward Manager is to work very closely with local Councillors, who meet regularly each week to discuss issues which arise in our communities. She also works closely with all Council services, the Black Isle Leisure Centre Manager, Fortrose Service Point, Primary Schools and Fortrose Academy. She says she’s a very lucky Ward manager in that local Community Councils and other groups on the Black Isle are always willing to work together to make things happen. Di administers the Black Isle Ward Discretionary Budget, working very closely with our four Councillors to maximise the good use of this money. The budget is approx £60,000 but this has generated an additional £600,000 in the Ward in matched funding! A significant success! However, Di pays tribute to Community Councils who “just get on with jobs and are so practical - this enables money to go further and allows everyone to get better value. A lot of the time the experience and

expertise within communities is invaluable, and it’s always important to listen to what people have to say”. Di is aware that the Black Isle has its challenges too, “...roads, affordable housing, transport - the four Black Isle Councillors and I work tirelessly to improve services for the Black Isle and ensure the Black Isle’s voice is heard”. Di gave me a comprehensive list of all the projects and meetings she is involved in; too many to fit into this article. However the Ward Forums stand out (do you know what they are?) and involvement with LEADER, working closely with Liz Whiteford and many groups to bring about all the projects that are LEADER funded. There is so much work going on behind the scenes for the benefit of the Community, and much of this can be found on the Black Isle Ward section of the Highland Council website. You can check out the website at http://www.highland.gov.uk/. Finally Di talked about her immense satisfaction and enjoyment of her job. Although it is, to me, overwhelming, Di says she “enjoys the role of the Ward Manager which can be very challenging as well as being very satisfying when things are achieved, no matter how small or big. Working together with others is a key part of my role, and without others I would not be able to make a difference. When I am in the Black Isle I think how lucky I am to work in such a vibrant and beautiful ward”. From what I’ve gleaned through interviewing Di, I think the luck is on the side of the communities who have such a dedicated and enthusiastic Ward Manager!

PROFILEby Claire Divine

Di AgnewBlack Isle Ward Manager


Eilean DubhThe new Black Isle Restaurant

Eilean DubhE DE D

We want our menus to reflect the best of what the Black Isle has to offer and will be using as much fresh local fish, meat and produce as we can get our hands on!

Anne and Graham Law

To book, please call us on 01381 620690

Phone Avoch (01381) 621000

LOCALFREE-RANGE

EGGSWe can lay them

on your doorstep!£1 for 6 eggs

Anne ChanceEaster Balmungie Farm

Telephone: 621006

J P CarsPrivate Car Hire

Long and Short Distance

Tel: 01381 6214570782 483 2343

✶ ✶

ChiropodistJohn L. Stott

D.S.Ch. F.A.Ch.Pod. M.Inst.ChPHome Visits by appointment throughout

The Black Isle, Ross-Shire & Inverness-ShireMEMBER OF THE

“INSTITUTE OF CHIROPODISTS & PODIATRISTS”

State Registered: HPC Registration Number CH25760

Tel 01463 811746

Community Group is helping seven communities in Ross-shire to ‘Step into

the Past’Cait McCullagh, Highland 3rd May 2010

Whether by land or water, the ways that people have travelled across the

firth lands of Easter Ross are crucial to understanding the history of this

area. Many now overgrown or ploughed-over routes connect passages to

and from ancient features and historic buildings and meet and pass across

now long-lost burn, river and sea crossings throughout the area.

Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH) is offering people

living along the route of one such old route-way, stretching from Tarradale

to Tain, the chance to research and survey the ancient and historic landscape

that surrounds it.

Participants in the ‘Pathways into the Past’ sessions will work together to

investigate the old road and surrounding features, creating a report of their

findings and a travelling exhibition so that visitors and locals can step back

in time along Ross-shire’s paths and roads.

Running throughout the next two and a half years, weekly sessions will be

held in community venues throughout mid and Easter Ross. The first series

of these will run on Tuesdays, from the 11th May – 22nd June,

10am-12.30pm at the Muir of Ord Hall, Seaforth Road or on Thursdays, 13th

May – 24th June, 7:00pm -9:30pm at Maryburgh Amenities Centre. There

will also be a joint archaeological survey and recording weekend workshop,

in the Conon and Brahan areas, on Saturday-Sunday, 26th-27th June.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome - no previous experience is

necessary and help with childcare may be available. To find out more or to

book a place, please get in touch with Cait and Janet at

[email protected] or 01349 868 230. Please book early to avoid

disappointment.

ARCH is a community organisation set up in order to respond to a growing

interest in local heritage throughout the Highlands and funded by the

Heritage Lottery Fund and the Highland LEADER Programme with support

from the Highland Council. To find out more about ARCH’s courses and

activities please visit our website at www.archhighland.org.uk

Advertise in [email protected]



http://www.archhighland.org.uk/

http://www.archhighland.org.uk/


Yes, I remember Chadlington, the name,because one summer afternoonI wandered up the stony lane behind the house,raising a dusty cloud of golden stonesand came upon the distant view of all the gentle hillsof Oxfordshire.

I can recall the stab of vibrant hueof poppies dancing in the moving corn;cornflowers of deepest blue –and in the grassy verge, radiant as stars,the ox-eyed daisies; pale roses rambling on the wall – drank in the heady scent of elderflower and meadowsweet –was mesmerized by lapwings climbing steadily, then plunging downtowards the land with throbbing, plaintive cry.I stood transfixed at such a solemn sight, entranced with place and sky,the drowsy Cotswold air, the haziness of light.

Today I feel a jubilance that all the years betweenhave kept the image clear, fixed in the memory, immovable and sure.Yes, I remember Chadlington,the name, because the riches of the earth were all in tune,in harmony,that summer afternoon.

Summer Afternoon

by Gill McWhirter(With apologies to Edward Thomas)

Submitted by the Black Isle Writers’ Group, this was the winning entry in their latest annual competition, the subject of which was 'Summer Afternoon'.Black Isle Writers have now adjourned for the summer, and will resume meetings in September. Next year's programme has still to be decided, but anyone who is interested in perhaps joining the group should contact Jenny Fyfe [email protected] - Tel 01381 621767. One of the group’s next activities will be the compilation of another anthology of the group's writing. Last year's 'Our Own Flowers' aroused much local interest. Copies can still be obtained from Jenny.Ours is a friendly group who genuinely enjoy meeting to discuss different styles of writing and how to improve our treatment of different themes. We welcome new members.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/63/194990114_260de7bb0f.jpg?v=0


Highland Plasterers Specialising in all types of interior plasterwork,

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Nature Notesby the Avoch Observer

A fox has taken up residence in or near Avoch. It has been seen in the back gardens at Mackenzie Place and on the path near the steps to the bridge across the burn. I have never seen a fox close to Avoch, but several years ago while travelling to Inverness by car at about 9am, one crossed the road at Allangrange carrying a hen in its mouth, and headed across the field near the church there. Perhaps, with a shortage of its natural food like rabbits after such a severe winter, the Avoch fox is finding suitable sources of food in the village. We can only hope it will not eliminate our mallards. By the last week in April some migrants from Africa had arrived. Swallows and House Martins return to the areas where they were hatched out and many can be seen near open farm buildings as they prospect for nest sites. Only four Terns have been noted so far; hopefully they will be followed by much larger numbers to nest on the platforms provided in the bay. During March and April about 20 Brent Geese were seen at the mouth of the Rosemarkie burn, but they have now left to nest in the northern tundras. A warm sunny day in Spring encourages Bumble Bees to waken from their hibernation in a dry sheltered hole in the ground, often near the base of a tree. Unlike Honey Bees, only queen Bumble Bees survive the winter and the queen's first work is to gather nectar and pollen as food and to produce the "bee-bread" on which she lays about a dozen eggs in her nest. These hatch out and the resulting workers do all the duties in the nest, allowing the Queen to get on with producing eggs. A Bumble Bee colony rises to about 400 in number, compared with the forty thousand in a Honey Bee colony. On 21st March I came across a Bumble Bee lying upside down in the road. After coaxing it to feed on sugar solution, it vibrated its wings and took to the air. Perhaps she survived to produce her own colony. Bumble Bees are the most benign and useful of insects, harming nobody and pollinating fruit blossoms.

Irish Views.comcontent.epson-europe.com/.../ eurofox.html

Swallows are back in

Avoch. Just sighted

my first pair this year

at about 11:30 down

in the Dock.

Andy Hickie

10th April


COMMUNITY MARKETSbringing high quality, local food and other products and services to you

FERINTOSH COMMUNITY COUNCIL(2009 Food and Drink Awards finalist)

THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTHNext Market: Sat 19th June

10am - 12 noon, Findon Hall, CulbokieCall Kirsty Shaw on 01349 863407 to book a stall or for information about the Community Market. E-mail her at [email protected], or visit morayfirth-partnership.org, click the ‘Community’ tab and then click ‘Ferintosh CC Index’.

NORTH KESSOCK COMMUNITY MARKETTransition Black Isle and Friends of the Earth Inverness & Ross

LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTHNext Market: Sat 26th June

10am - 12 noon, N. Kessock Village HallLovely local fresh vegetables and other produce - local crafts - time for a cup of coffee and a blether - much better than supermarket [email protected] 01463 731 303Friends of the Earth, Inverness & Ross www.foe-invernessandross.org.uk/Transition Black Isle www.http://www.transitionblackisle.org

Our houseKitty McWilliam

Relocation! Relocation! Relocation! All those people looking for their ideal home in many different parts of the country and here am I sitting feeling very smug because I have found mine with no help from Kirsty Allsop and Phil Spencer on the T.V.

Quite a while ago my husband suggested that we visited Avoch or aV-och as I pronounced it. I had come to Scotland over 40 years ago from the Welsh valleys and never went back. There are still some things that I miss about not being in Wales, but this is not the time to talk about that.

During the time that I have lived in Scotland I’ve been very fortunate in being able to stay in several different places, each one unique and each one beautiful in its own right. By the side of Loch Tay with its ancient Crannogs, in the middle of Perthshire surrounded by towering mountains glistening in the rain. Loch Lomond – what can compare to being on the top of Ben Lomond on mid-summer’s eve with the sun rising? The white wine cooling in the clear waters and children happily playing on the beach. The cities of Aberdeen and Glasgow –towering granite and fantastic Victorian architecture.

So, why was it that I felt really home as soon as I looked from Avoch harbour wall out across the Moray Firth? It could have been the blue sky, the clear calm water or the thought of seeing the odd dolphin or the friendly people that we passed. I don’t know what it was and still don’t.

But following the initial visit, which was in November, we started visiting Avoch regularly (every weekend and all the holidays!!!! - no foreign trips for us!) Then just over 2 years ago we bought Lochaber up in Braehead. My dream home! But, in more ways than one, even though I have heard it being described as ugly. Yes I can agree with that, if you are looking at it from the back or is it the front? Anyway, the roadside view of the house. Yes I enjoy the house, once known as Gowan’s Brae (why and when was the name changed?) and the view is magnificent –but there is more to it than that.

It is the fact that it is a house with a past history that fascinates me. People will very happily talk to me in the village, on the bus or wherever about the house and its previous occupants. I have heard so many stories, but unfortunately have not remembered them all and more importantly have not put them into any chronological order. I would like to know more about the history of the house. So, if anyone who has talked to me about the house would like to get in touch by phone (620462), email ([email protected]) or in person I would love to talk to them, especially if they have any old photos.

Lochaber is not unique in the village and other houses also have fascinating stories.The editor and Chatterbox team would like to hear about them as well. Let us do an article about your house.

Our Own Flowersa local anthology

Jenny FyfeThe Black Isle Writers Group recently published their bi-annual anthology, “Our Own Flowers.” Don’t be misled by the title; if there is anything in the content about flowers this is purely accidental, although the cover illustration reproduces a colourful floral painting by one of our members, Gill McWhirter. The title was inspired by a more famous anthology, “Other Men’s Flowers,” compiled by Earl Wavell in 1944. Following workshops about various writing genres such as Memoir Writing, Writing a Sonnet, etc., members put what they had learned from the workshops into practice by writing something in the relevant genre to be read at the subsequent meeting of the group. These items form the content of the Anthology and make good reading even although written within such a short period of time. Also included is the winning entry of our annual competition for 2009, a short story, ‘the Last Straw’ by Sheena Munro. There’s still a few copies for sale at £3.50 from Jenny Fyfe. Email [email protected] or telephone 01381 621 767.




The view over the village from the garden at Lochaber … photo by Kitty McWilliam


LewisMacleman

Plumbing and HeatingGallowhill, Avoch

Telephone 01381 620587Mobile 07833 727434

The Avoch BakeryGeorge Street

Fresh morning goods dailyAvailable locally at

Scotmid, AvochBlack Isle Farm Shop, Fortrose

SPAR, RosemarkieOrd Filling Station, Muir of Ord

and other good local stores

COME AND JOIN US!Bridge Street, AvochTelephone 01381 620246

StationHotel

Hairdressing SalonHigh Street, Avoch IV9 8PT

01381 620503Sunbed hours -Tuesday 9am - 2pmWednesday 9am - 2pmThursday 9am - 2pmFriday 9am - 2.30pmSaturday 9am - 12 noon

Brenda Mays

AVOCHCOMMUNITY CENTRE

for all your functions and indoor games

Hire Rates -UPPER HALL

One Off Use: Flat Rate of £ 6.50 per hour. Regular/Long Term User: Flat Rate of £ 5.50/hour.

Fundraising: Flat rate of £10.00 per session (hourly rate for less than 2 hours)

MAIN HALL Flat Rate of £ 6.00 per hour.

Special rates and arrangements foradult & teenage parties

For bookings or more information please contactAAA Bookings Secretary

Jenye Monckton, telephone 01381 621430

Avoch village caféJenny Findlay

Gillian Bar trop-Young

Avoch Village Cafe will be open during June, July and August in the Congregational Church Hall from 10am to 4pm Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The Highlights will include - All Day Breakfasts Soup of the Day Sandwiches/Wraps Specials Board Afternoon Teas Speciality Cakes Gluten-free when available

A warm welcome and good home-cooked food is on offer. This is a fundraising experience for Avoch Congregational Church and by opening a café it is hoped that it will not only provide a much needed café service in the village, but also the opportunity to raise the church’s profile among villagers and tourists. Prices will be extremely reasonable and the menu will offer something for everyone. Next time you’re in the village why not pop in and see us? You will be pleasantly surprised!

Avoch & Fortrose to adjust their

boundaryThe Avoch & Killen Community

Council meeting on 1st May noted

that Fortrose and Rosemarkie

Community Council has commented

that a couple of houses on the

seaward side of the main road are

currently in AKCC’s area, and that it

would be preferable for these to be

included within the Fortrose &

Rosemarkie Community Council

area. Members agreed that such an

adjustment of the boundary would

be appropriate.

THINK BIG“Think Big” is a new funding scheme from mobile phone firm O2 which gives 13 to 25 year olds the chance to apply for a £300 grant (plus training and support and mobile credit) to fund projects aimed at addressing local issues identified by the young people themselves. Some projects may also be invited to apply for a further £2,500.

BIG LOTTERYAfter a gap in its main funding programmes the BIG Lottery Fund Scotland has announced that it will launch new Investing in Communities programmes on 30th June 2010.

http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/

http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/

http://www.ruralgateway.org.uk/en/node/1975





Across

1 Fires cooks (5)4 Crazed Dubliner set the horse free (8)8. 24 Stage talk stalks repeatedly (7,7,7,7)10 Not lined out - not bothered (8)11 Detonate, drop the French and give (6)12 Run into it blindly for food (9)15 Morse’s protégé in the isles (5)17 Gallaghers’ watering hole (5)18 Decay in suspender - choker (9)19 Found in ersatz location for consumers (6)21 Companion of hunter is in position - reflected in tabloid (8) 24 see 825 Revamped deli’s unfashionable - like drawers might do? (5, 3)26 Little in the race but how to be big on Twitter (5)

Macross’s Scotmid puzzle

The Scotmid prizePost your solution to the Editor marked “CROSSWORD”. The first all-correct answer opened on 1st July will win £10 from Chatterbox and a mystery prize from Scotmid, Avoch.

S N Y S O S K PE V A D E T O N I C WI N EA R T R A H L AL A WG I V I N G O G L E S

H N A O EWE A R I N G P O L A R I SE L N U B PD O S E D P O D A MP L EG I O G O RE N C A S E S L U S T R U M

A C P P PS O L A R I N H I S T O R YO I E R I A I ED E P L E T I O N T O S C AA H T T S E E R

Down

1 Find goose for cooked continental fare (7, 5)2 One sister goes out with deluges (9)3 Classically slow 1 down (5)4 Resolute always around second-rate (9)5 Boohoo, shortened then cored for casual arty type (4)6 “Car crash”? Or big limo in a pile-up (9)7 Popular variety hosts a maggot (5)9 Beats whirler about a national dish (5, 7)13 Etched, describing tailless mix- up (9)14 Warranty - zero change for plague carrier (6, 3) 16 Nixon’s downfall was a target we misunderstood (9)20 Greeting in nothing for nothing (5)22 Supernaturally occupy Hungarian relative (5)23 Tree riot back to front (4)

Answers to No.52…

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

9

10 11

12 13 14 15 16

17 18

19 20 21 22

23

24

25 26

Winner last time wasN. Sutherland, Strathpeffer.“Never venture, never win.”

RosemarkieNewspapers and Magazines. You can reserve a copy.

Avoch and Cromarty Bakeries.

Free range eggs, chicken and duck from Easter Balmungie Farm.

National Lottery and Scratchcards (no more queues)

Paypoint Services including bill payments, TV licence, mobile top-ups and Collect+ parcel service. Credit and Debit Cards taken. Cash Back available.

Wines, beers and spirits with free glass hire on party packages.

Look out for our £1 ranges and monthly special offers.

Free monthly prize draw in store.

Money off coupons and free entry competitions available athttp://www.sparscotland.co.uk/html/shop.htm

Friendly and personal service.

Free local deliveries within 5 miles by arrangement.

Gwyn Phillips17 High Street

Rosemarkie

Telephone 620206

17 High Street, Rosemarkie

http://www.sparscotland.co.uk/html/shop.htm





NEW COMMUNITY EXHIBITION !!

Dr William Maclean – a forgotten collectorCome and see this excellent display researched and presented by local people through Archaeology for Communities in the Highlandʼ’s ʻ‘Display the Pastʼ’ programme. Includes the beautiful Rosemarkie Pin on loan with other objects from National Museums Scotland.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDGroam House Museum relies on a dedicated team of volunteers who work on a rota system that can be adapted to individual’s availability. If you are interested in the work of the museum, and would like to find out more about this pleasurable and fulfilling work, please contact: Su Wompra, Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 01349 877091, or email: [email protected]

MUSEUM OPENING HOURS FOR 2010 -ADMISSION FREE 6 - 28 March: Sat/Sun 2pm-4pm 2 - 11 April: Easter, Open Daily 2pm - 4.30pm17 - 25 April: Sat/Sun 2pm-4pm 1 May - 31 October: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 2pm-4pm

For news and full information on the work of the museum please visit: www.groamhouse.org.uk

Groam House Museum, High Street, RosemarkieRoss-shire, IV10 8UF.Museum Tel: 01381 620961; Office Tel: 01463 811883Email: [email protected]: groamhouse.org.uk

Museum AdministrationGroam House Museum Office, Rosehaugh Estate, Avoch, Ross-shire IV9 8RF

Tel: 01463 811883

Groam House Museum is looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Administrator to assist the Curator 12 hours per week.

The person we seek has a high level of organisational and office management skills, enjoys museums and art history, has a strong sense of responsibility and the confidence to take the initiative when required.

We also expect excellent communication, numeracy and keyboarding skills.

The salary is £4,850 per annum and 4 weeks holiday, pro rata.

To apply, please write to Dr Eric Grant, Director of Collections, enclosing your CV and explaining why you believe you would be good at this job.

Closing date is 30 June 2010.

GHM is a 4-star museum which preserves and displays Pictish sculpture of Ross & Cromarty and the George Bain Collection. Registered as a Charity No. SC004435

Holiday Crowds Trek to Cairds’ CaveSimon Gunn addresses the crowd on holiday Monday before setting out for Cairds’ Cave

There was a fantastic response on the May holiday weekend to Groam House Museum’s guided walks to Cairds’ Cave, Rosemarkie. The walks were organised as part of Museums Galleries Scotland’s ‘Show Scotland’ event. Over the three days at least 175 people made the journey along the coastline to visit the cave and hear about its history, lead by Simon Gunn, Dr Eric Grant and Alastair Morton. The members of the public who attended these events were of all ages, including families with small children and several older people. One sturdy man in his 70s made it there and back with a walking stick in one hand and crutch in the other. Most visitors returned to Rosemarkie along the beach (which is parallel to the footpath), especially as Simon had mentioned that fossils could sometimes be found. On the first day, there was a boy of about 10 or 11 who walked back staring intently down at the beach to find the right kind of stones. Only the occasional stone even of the right kind has fossils in it but persistence paid

off and eventually the lad was delighted to find a stone that contained 2 fossilised ammonites. The guides explained their interest in the caves along this coast, how they have had virtually no archaeological work done on them, even though they are so close to Inverness. There was mention made of a pilot dig at one of the caves below Learnie, a mile further up the beach, where evidence was discovered of shoe-making, probably by Travellers in the 19th century. Groam House Museum has just opened its new exhibition – ‘Dr William Maclean – a forgotten collector’ - which includes a display of artefacts from the Maclean Collection at the National Museum in Edinburgh. Dr Maclean was an amateur archaeologist when the science was just being established and it is believed that he excavated at Cairds’ Cave (meaning the Travellers’ Cave) from 1907-12. He found several bone tools and a fine bone pin inset with amber which is the prize exhibit in the new display.

However no written report of his excavations has ever been found and was possibly never written. A group of local,

amateur and professional archaeologists, the Rosemarkie Caves Project, will carry out an excavation at the cave in late June and early July this year. The purpose is to establish the extent of Dr Maclean’s work there and in producing a subsequent report, complete the historic record. The Project is working with local schools and keen to involve the local community in the excavation so please look out for further publicity.

Carving the Rosemarkie pin



http://www.groamhouse.org.uk

http://www.groamhouse.org.uk


LUCAS & INGRID STORY AND SON

STORYBELGIAN MASTER CHOCOLATIERS

HOME AND HANDMADE CHOCOLATES TO OUR OWN RECIPES

65 High StreetFortrose

Tel: 01381 622302 Mob: 0776 606 0511

Shop in Victorian Market, Invernessand at 67 HIGH STREET, FORTROSE

Page

from

For

tros

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cade

my

Apr

il N

ewsl

ette

r Maths in the pipeline

Recently, Fortrose Academy S3 pupils Jodie Anderson, Simon Fenn, Finlay Matheson and Katie Macleod joined fifty pupils from other schools at a ‘Maths in the Pipeline’ event held in Inverness. This gave an opportunity for pupils to see the application of maths in the oil industry - this is their take on the day:“Our day began with an early rise with the outlook to finish with more knowledge of how to apply maths in industries or careers outside of the classroom. We arrived and were swiftly split into groups consisting of people from several different schools. Our groups were given problems that were devised to make us work together, as they were just too difficult to achieve on our own with the time limits set. The most gruelling, but enjoyable part of the day was the Business Challenge. They provided us with a number of options to do with transportation and storage of oil, with which we had to figure out which one was the most cost effective. We then had to present our answers and calculations to the rest of the pupils, which was slightly daunting. All round, we enjoyed our day, and agreed it was better than having to go to school.”


NESS HORTICULTURAL SERVICESHorticultural Consultants & Greenhouse Suppliers

8 Nessway, Fortrose, Ross-shire IV10 8SSProprietor: Ian Fraser Tel: 01381 620315

NESS HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

CONTACT NUMBERS

Childline0800 1111

Children First01381 620757

Citizen's Advice Bureau:Dingwall 01349 864850Inverness01463 235345

Community Advice Service 01479 810919

Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 0271234

Family Mediation 01463 712100

Healthways, Dingwall01349 868689

Homestart Ross/Cromarty 01349 883484

Housing:Inverness01463 710454Ross/Cromarty01349 868471Out of Hours0845 7002005

Marriage Counselling 01463 712888

Men's Advice Line 0181 6449914

Police:Inverness (H.Q.)01463 715555Ross,Cromarty/Skye 01349 862444

Rape and Abuse Line 0808 8000123or 7pm-10pm01349 865316

Reach out Highland 01463 711585

Ross Council on Alcohol 01349 852438

SamaritansInverness01463 713456Linkline0345 909090

Shelterline0808 8004444

Social Work:Dingwall01349 865262Inverness01463 724040Out of Hours0345 697284

Victim Support:Highland01463 710806

Women's Aid:Dingwall01349 863568Inverness01463 220719

Information provided without guarantee of accuracy. Please let us know if you are aware of any changes - send to [email protected]

Typhoonstrikes AvochSandy Mitchell

Around mid-day on March 3rd a

crescendo of sound built up over

the rooftops and spires of our

peaceful wee placie.

What was up? Was it the long-promised tsunami

as a big bit of Norway slid into the sea? Or a

roar from Staggieland as another footie dinosaur

bit the dust?

It was neither the one nor the other: it

was Corporal Stephen MacArthur flying overhead

in an RAF Typhoon saying hello to Avoch and

Happy Birthday to his dad.

Stephen joined up more than fourteen

years ago while still in his teens and now

specialises in testing safety equipment for the

service. His work has taken him all over the

planet from Lossie to Germany, Kuwait and Qatar

to the deserts of the United States. And it was his

good luck, after years of waiting, to be putting

on one of the helmets it was his job to test for a

flight in the RAF’s latest, the Eurofighter, the

Typhoon. There is a long queue for the privilege

and it was Stephen and his dad Arthur’s lucky

number that came up.

The pilot originally came from the Fearn

area and they had taken off from RAF Conninsby

- and for Stephen this was the start of a great

adventure. First they flew out over the North Sea

going super-sonic and in due course

rendezvoused with a massive tanker for in-flight

refuelling. The mother-plane was based on the

VC10 airliner that some of us can well remember

and a Tornado from Lossiemouth also nudged in

for a feed. They took aboard four tonnes of fuel

before heading for the north of Scotland, making

landfall on the coast of Fife.

Once in our area the pilot requested a

“missed approach” at Inverness Airport – which


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Babies’ and Kiddies’ clothesand Hairdressing Salon

means a low-level fly-

past without actually

touching down. Great

excitement below as

this was the first ffg-

Typhoon to be seen

here.

Next came the Big

Birthday Present as the

double delta aircraft

did a series of

thunderous

manoeuvres above

Avoch including a slow-

turn figure-of-eight. To

do this, surprisingly,

you need to put on a lot

of power. Otherwise all

those tons of very

heavy metal might just

tumble down out of the

sky. This goes down in

the log-book as

“general handling”.

But for Stephen the

show was far from over.

Next they sped towards

Loch Ness (maybe to

give Nessie a fleg) and

right down the Great

Glen till they passed

the towering faces of

Ben Nevis. They veered

across the South-West

Highlands, overflying

Loch Lomond, across

the

Lowlands until they

reached Humberside

and set fair to land at

their Lincolnshire base.

Two and a half

hours airborne on the

flight of a lifetime.

Typhoon - the Eurofighter


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In case anybody is wondering what those cranes towering over the Inner Moray Firth are, they are the Saipem 7000, the world's second largest crane vessel. If anybody knows what it's purpose here is, please let me know!Here is the Wiki Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saipem_7000

Dawn Walker gives this link to the picture (above) of the Saipem:http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?MMSI=309461000

Andy Hickie The picture above, and the one of Queen Mary 2 on the right, are taken from the website MarineTraffic.com, where there are lots of details about

many large vessels, including their movements, etc.

http://www.cosmeticdentistinverness.co.uk

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David Alstondavid.alston.cllr@highland.

gov.uk

Billy [email protected]

ov.uk

Isobel McCallumIsobel.mccallum.cllr@highla

nd.gov.uk

Craig Fraser

Diane Agnew (Black Isle Ward Manager)

[email protected]

Tel. 01349 868477www.highland.gov.uk

CONTACTyour Highland Councillors

Councillors’ Corner

Isobel McCallum, Highland Councillor

[email protected]

Today I was at the Lily Loch in Muir of Ord to take part in the launch of the New Path Improvement Scheme for Highland Communities. It is very encouraging to see such enthusiasm for walking paths and I think it demonstrates the interest that lies in getting out and about and enjoying what is on our doorstep. Highland Council’s Outdoor Access Team has secured £585,000 of funding over the next three years, nearly half of which has come from the Highland LEADER Programme. LEADER is a European grants scheme designed to promote economic development in rural areas and is open for applications until 2013. Community Councils and community groups are invited to put forward their improvement projects and should have received application forms to do so. Projects as small as a new gate or drainage improvements are considered or bigger projects such as walking or cycle paths. Many organizations in the Black Isle have benefitted from the LEADER Programme, including the Resolis all-weather pitch, the Black Isle Messiah production, Groam House Museum, the Black Isle Heritage Memories Project and Chanonry Point, to name but a few. I would encourage community groups and councils to get involved and submit their applications, as it is an excellent scheme which should be taken advantage of. The Black Isle Energy Group has set the ball rolling, in terms of gaining funding from Community Energy Scotland, to insulate and draught proof community buildings such as village halls, museums and bowling pavilions. They are now poised to bid for LEADER Funding for larger projects for Black Isle buildings, such as installing biomass boilers. The LEADER Programme encourages community groups to focus on single or multiple projects together, gaining ideas from across the spectrum to focus on what would most greatly benefit them. I am hopeful that many communities across the Black Isle can take advantage of this funding to further continue to improve community facilities. After a long cold winter and a cooler that normal Spring let’s hope that warmer weather is just around the corner so we can enjoy the lovely paths and walks on our doorstep in the Black Isle. If I can be of any help you can contact me on 01463811045 or you can email me at…

Making Avoch a cleaner place to

live in!Karen Plested

Brownies and the after school club joined together to help Keep Scotland Tidy by picking up litter from around the community Centre and the burn.We collected 8 full black bin bags. We were surprised to find metal spoons, a kettle and lots of crisp packets. Brownies have made some posters to display around the local villages to encourage people to either put their rubbish in the bin or recycle.

Avoch Hedgehogs

The Avoch Hedgehogs Out of School Club has now moved to the Avoch Community Centre. The service is available 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, from 3-6pm in term time only. The children recently had a visit from a Ross County Football coach and thoroughly enjoyed the activities provided. Therefore, the club plans to have a further visit in the near future. The club has also been involved in the ‘community litter pick’ helping to support the playgroup and Fortrose Brownies picking up lots of rubbish out and about the local area.

If you would like more details about the club please phone Rachel Stead the senior play worker on: 07765 401 696

Opportunity for VandalsOn the morning of Saturday 22nd May the Avoch village notice board was found to have been vandalised. It seems that this was to enable defacement of one of the notices - in order to register some personal insults. If the culprits, in the sober light of day, have any sense of regret, they may like to pay for the resultant cost of £1.40 for a new lock. The Editor will be pleased to ensure that any anonymous repayment goes to the right person.













http://www.highland.gov.uk/

http://www.highland.gov.uk/



Chatterbox 53

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Transcript of Chatterbox 53