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Editorial
There’s something about summer in Dunkeld and Birnam that makes everything feel just a little more abundant. The hedgerows are heavy, the gardens are bursting, and even the weeds seem to be thriving with a little too much enthusiasm. (And please — don’t mention ground and elder in the same sentence to me.)
And speaking of abundance — it’s almost time for the Gardening and Growers Show on Saturday 22nd August. If you’ve never entered before, perhaps this is the year?
It’s one of those great village traditions where there really is something for everyone. You don’t need to be a prize-winning gardener or a professional jammaker. Sometimes it’s simply about having a go. A vase of sweet peas, a wonky carrot, a Victoria sponge or — catching my eye this year — Class 5b: Jar of Currant Jelly.
Just imagine the competition: from glistening ruby reds to deep Ribena blacks and those almost magical transparent whites. All to play for!
So have a think — what might you enter? You may surprise yourself.
Elsewhere this summer, the Heritage Centre conversations continue, and it’s striking how many people are keen to reflect on what makes this place special. Dunkeld and Birnam is more than simply where we live; for many it carries a deep sense of belonging, memory and identity. Whether you’ve been here for five generations or five months, these conversations remind us that place matters — and that our shared stories help shape what comes next.
And for families, a quick reminder about the Birnam Library Summer Reading Challenge. If you read last month’s Bridge, you’ll know all about ‘Read to the Beat’ — but now the school holidays are here, it’s the perfect time to get involved. Sticker charts, book hunts, and the quiet thrill of choosing “just one more” book before heading home — it’s the stuff summer memories are made of.
So whether you’re growing, making, reading, remembering, or simply enjoying the long evenings, here’s wishing everyone a happy summer — full of sunshine, ice cream, and perhaps a spoonful of red, black or white berry jelly on top.
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Birnam to Ballinluig A9 Community Group
Working constructively to get the best community outcomes from the A9 dualling proposals
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Tuesday 9th July at Birnam Arts, 7.30pm . All welcome!
The 2026 AGM took place on 8th June at the Guide Hall. AGM 2025 minutes were approved and activity in the previous 12 months was summarized. This included the flurry of meetings last June and July prior to the Transport Scotland deadline for submissions/objections to their “Preferred Route” proposals for the dualling of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing.
The A9 Community Group, the Community Council, and the Community Development Trust submitted a number of objections, particularly the decision not to lower the A9 to permit a reconnection of Station Road to the Station. Most, but not all, submissions were replied to by TS just before Christmas. TS advised that there would be a Public Local Inquiry (PLI) for this section and we await advice about a meeting to learn about the PLI process and suggested timescale. In May they requested a small group meeting to discuss our objections.
Treasurer’s Report : Garth Ponsonby reported that in the year to 31 March 2026, the A9CG expenditure was £853.88 with a balance of £587.28, and that it would be desirable to obtain a further grant or other income this year as regards the pending PLI. The Junctions Action Group (JAG) sub-account held £106.32 after expenditure of £69.00.
Election of Office Bearers: Alasdair Wylie and Garth Ponsonby were re-elected as Coordinator and Treasurer respectively, and Trish Farey as Secretary, taking over from. Sophie Cade with thanks for all her work since the co-creative period. Other business: It was agreed to contact Planning Aid for Scotland regarding preparing for the PLI. Pam Green gave a JAG update including the refusal of Transport Scotland to agree a lower speed limit on the A9 at Dunkeld/Trochry road junctions. Better signage is apparently under review. There was discussion about the Wills Bros notification that part of the Rotmell road (old A9) will be closed for up to 12 months, as well as problems with their contractor, Mills’, lorry driver behaviour.
The next AGM will be held Thursday 27th May 2027.
Update since AGM:
TS intends “to properly consider all matters raised by objectors and to resolve these where possible”. TS should continue to engage with any objectors who are expecting replies or who have further questions or comments. If you need clarification or wish to comment on any aspect of the TS reply to you, write to A9dualling@jacobs.com
Thanks again to those of you who have copied your submission/objection correspondence with TS to me - all welcome! The contact for any issues to do with the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig stretch is Amanda McClintock, Community Liaison Officer AmandaMcClintock@willsbros.com 01698 479230 or enquiries.A9TC2B@willsbros.com 0800 011 4255.
As always you can contact us at email: dunkeldA9workinggroup@gmail.com , also to have your details added (or removed from) our mailing list; or just phone me!
For our reports on “The Bridge” website: https://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/
Sal Robertson
Arts News
Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group
If your children will be starting P5 in the new school year, please get in touch. We have spaces available in our instrument classes and offer free tuition with a focus on learning traditional Scottish music on fiddle, accordion, guitar and whistle.
Classes are in small groups lasting half an hour, led by our experienced and professional trad musicians. They’re completely free and we provide instruments, without cost, for our members to take home and use as their own. Suitable for P5 - S6.
We’re very proud of young musicians who have performed at various concerts throughout the year, and our band and solo entrants taking part in the Aberfeldy Mòd. Congratulations to our soloists who came away with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places! We’re now on holiday and will return to classes and band session on Monday 24 August.
Dunkeld and Birnam Art and Crafts Fair
The Dunkeld and Birnam Art and Crafts Fair takes place in The Drill Hall The Cross Dunkeld 28th - 30th August from 10am to 5pm each day Old friends and new faces FREE ADMISSION
If you’d like to join one of our bands and can already play at least a little, they are suitable for most instruments. We welcome accordion, string, wind and brass players, guitarists, pianists, percussionists and more to come along and join in with our musical adventures.
All classes and bands run on Mondays during term time based at Birnam Arts.
½ hour group lessons – 4 to 6pm
Junior trad band (P5-S2) - 6:30 to 7:30pm
Senior trad band (S3-S6) - 7:30 to 8:30pm
We rely entirely on funding and donations to keep our group accessible to all and, as always, our thanks go to SSE Renewables, National Lottery, Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, Basil Death Trust, Scops Arts Trust, The Lang Foundation, Hugh Fraser Foundation and Enchanted Forest for their funding, and all of the local residents and groups who have generously donated support, money and instruments.
Email dbtradgroup@gmail.com or call 07958 324 766 for more info. Facebook.com/dbtradgroup Instagram.com/dbtradgroup
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Our Preview Evening will be held in the Duchess Anne on Friday 24 July from 6 to 8pm.
If you are in the area, please call in and see our Exhibition before it opens on Saturday 25 July at 10am.
We will be open every day from 10 to 4 and 12 to 4 on Sundays until Saturday 29 August. With around 100 artists there will be a selection of artwork, wood turned items, stained glass and cards. All work is for sale and can be seen on our website at www.dunkekdartexhibition.com. Any enquiries contact Dunkeldart@aol.com
Summer Music Festival 2026
We are delighted to announce that the Dunkeld Cathedral Summer Music Festival is confirmed to run from May to August this year with concerts:
Every Wednesday lunchtime from 12pm to 1pm throughout the festival, until 26 August.
Additional Sunday afternoon concerts from 3pm to 4pm throughout July and August, beginning Sunday 5 July with our finale concert on Sunday 30 August.
The 2026 Festival is now full and the latest concert schedule is shown below. Note there are some extra concerts in June. We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to enjoy music in the wonderful acoustics of Dunkeld Cathedral.
Home Repairs and Improvements
Carpentry : Plumbing : Tiling : Glazing and Decorating SERVING PERTHSHIRE FOR 30 YEARS NO JOB TOO SMALL
You would have to have been living on a distant planet not to know that Scotland are playing in the World Cup! (Let’s hope by the time you read this they will still be in it!) The anticipation amongst fans is admirable but is it again a ‘triumph of hope over experience?’ Or is this the time? It’s hope that keeps us going! I read about a small town in America which was ear marked for a hydro-electric project. A dam would be built across the river, flooding the valley and submerging the town. The project was announced long before it happened and there was plenty of time before people had to re-locate.
But during that time a curious thing happened. All improvements ceased. No one took any interest in the look of the place, no repairs were done, no gardens kept. Roads and pavements were left untended and the town got shabbier and shabbier. A long time before the dam came, the town looked uncared for, abandoned though the people were still there. As one citizen explained ‘where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.’ The town was cursed with hopelessness because it had no future.
It is one of the ironies in life that you would think when there is no belief in a life beyond this it would increase enjoyment of this one - when the opposite is often the case.
About 15 years ago the Humanist Society paid for ads on the sides of buses that said ‘There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.’ But it doesn’t seem to work that way. As faith in God ebbs away it is often replaced with a despair, a hopelessness whereas the hope Jesus Christ gives makes this life all the richer and worth living. Where we have no sense of future, the present loses its appeal as well.
Without hope no one would bother going to watch Scotland. Without the hope of eternal life this life loses its appeal too. It’s the hope that keeps us going.
Prayers for Help & Healing
The local Christian Aid Committee would like to thank everyone who donated and helped with events during Christian Aid week this year.
Adding up all the money from the book sale, Meeting Place, St. Mary’s Coffee morning and donation envelopes the total raised is £2,110.76 so that can now be sent off to Christian Aid.
In the Christian Aid materials this year the project they focussed on was a scheme in Dagoretti – a huge slum in Nairobi, Kenya. There is very little space for people to grow their own food, but Christian Aid’s partner ‘Beacon of Hope’ is a local agency which trains people in urban farming - growing food vertically, using a hydroponic system, or cone gardens. This way families can produce nutritious food for themselves and enough to sell at market as well. That way they can eat well and raise some income to pay for education and health care.
Belinda, one of the women trained in the scheme said: ‘I am a woman who is happy, because I know that my family eats the food that I love to grow. Now, I can help the household financially.’
Our giving here helps families there in a way that transforms their lives. Many thanks to everyone who contributed.
Church of Scotland Services
Jul 5th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk
Jul 12th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
Jul 19th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
2.15 Service at Amulree
6.30 Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Jul 26th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
Aug 2nd 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s Birnam.
Aug 9th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral
On the first Sunday of the month there is a short service held jointly between the Parish Church and St.Mary’s Episcopal Church at 6.30pm. This follows the pattern of the service of healing in Iona Abbey and lasts about 45 minutes. It’s a very gentle, quiet time of worship and prayer for specific things people may mention if they want to, or you can simply join in the service and have your own time of prayer. The next two will be on Sunday 5 July in Little Dunkeld and Sunday 2 August in St. Mary’s. All welcome from any church or none.
The Meeting Place
We will continue our coffee mornings in the Duchess Anne until Friday 17 July then, once the Art Exhibition is underway, the coffee mornings will be held in St Mary’s Church in Birnam. Please come and join us for tea/coffee and delicious home baking any Friday from 10am to 12pm
Songs & Silence
Once again there will be a series of summer evening services called ‘Songs & Silence’ – time for prayer and meditation. Using music in the Taize style (quiet and meditative), words and silence these services give an opportunity to enjoy a different type of worship in the peace of the Cathedral.
They all start at 6.30pm. and last about 45 minutes. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet of prayer and reflection in the lovely setting of the Cathedral.
THE 3 CHURCHES CHARITY SHOP
6.30 Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Aug 17th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
2.15 Service at Amulree
Aug 23rd 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30 Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Aug 30th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.
6.30 Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.
Sep 6th 11am Communion Service in the Cathedral.
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk
Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry.
The remaining dates for this summer are: July 19th August 9th. 23rd & 30th, September 13th & 20th
3-Churches Charity Shop
June has been a very driech month but that has not put off visitors to the shop, especially visitors on tours from overseas. Luckily we have a few suitcases for sale and we quite often have
We are an independent local charity raising money for our 3 local churches. All money raised is divided by three equally and presented to each Church.
New Volunteers always welcome – just pop in and let us know if you are interested in joining our friendly team. SC043359
Three Churches in the Community
overseas visitors who have purchased lots of goods both in our shop and other shops locally and now need extra luggage capacity to get it all home.
We are very busy and really could do with a few new volunteers to help out. It’s fun in the shop and we get to meet so many people from foreign lands. But we also, and most importantly, meet folk from within our own community who we would not otherwise encounter. Here’s looking forward to a warmer end to June and a bright and pleasant July.
Fellowship Group
‘Exploring faith and life together’
The two Fellowship Groups have ended the current sessions for the summer. They will both start up again in the Autumn.
Youth Group and Messy Music
Both have stopped now over the summer and will start again in the Autumn.
Booking Halls
Anyone who would like to book either the Duchess Anne or the Chanonry for meetings and events should contact Jill McCrory on chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com
Weekly Services
Church of Scotland:
Dunkeld Cathedral at 11am. Every Sunday from Easter Sunday to Remembrance Sunday.
Little Dunkeld Kirk at 11am. Every Sunday from the Sunday following Remembrance Sunday to Palm Sunday.
Scottish Episcopal Church: St Mary’s Birnam at 10am. Every Sunday. Roman Catholic: St Columba’s, Mass 4pm. Every Saturday
Monthly
and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm
Feeling weighed down by debt? CAP Highland Perthshire can help you. CAP (Christians Against Poverty) offers free, confidential appointments in your own home, providing practical solutions to your debt. Accredited by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), our services are available to everyone. We make no judgement on clients; we simply help you find a workable debt solution, and we offer to walk with you on your journey to being debt free.
CAP Client Story: A few years ago, I was in debt with my Council Tax and other companies. I’d gone back to my local church after a break of many years, and I kept hearing about the CAP Debt Centre and how they could help people. So, I went to meet the Debt Coach to see if she could help me and she could. I was living on so little money, and I had so much debt and it was really hard. The Debt Coach collected all my income and expenses and details of my debts and then CAP negotiated with my creditors and worked out a debt repayment plan for me. Once I became a CAP client, I had no more hassle from my creditors or debt collectors which was a huge relief. CAP also helped me to budget my money long-term, and I have never looked back and never got in debt again.
Highland Perthshire Debt Centre Manager is Helen Kirkwood from Pitlochry. To take the first steps out of debt, call the free CAP UK debt helpline number on 0800 328 0006. Alternatively, check out CAP’s website for more information: www.capuk.org
Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.com, highly recommends CAP as a top, free debt service. He says that, while many organisations can help you deal with debt, “If you can’t even cope with thinking about your debts, as opposed to needing someone to help you to know what to do with them, I’d go to Christians Against Poverty”.
Check him out on Youtube: https://capuk.org/connect/more/video/241517924
Church Services and Contacts:
Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372
The Chanonry, 07808 703641 email: chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com www.dunkeldcathedral.org
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam
Sunday Quiet Prayer from 9:15am in the Chapel for 30 minutes.
Sunday Service of Holy Communion with hymns and sermon at 10am for an hour, followed by refreshments.
The church is open for visitors and private prayer every day from Easter to September
The monthly Servite worship Service is at 2pm on the last Saturday of each month, led ecumenically by folk from our 3 Churches in Dunkeld and Birnam
All Together Music Sessions (Dementia friendly): 2pm on the first Thursday of the month (except July, August)
The Rector: Rev. Tina Minett Stevens Tel: 01350 727755 Email: rector@stmarysbirnam.org.uk www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk
Treasurer: Charles Cox (contact via below)
Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer Tel: 01821 650536 Email: adrianfreer@btinetnet.com
Roman Catholic Churches Mass Times
St Columba’s Catholic Church: Birnam (PH8 0BJ)
Saturday Mass 4pm
Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church: Aberfeldy (PH15 2AL)
Sunday Mass 9:30am
St Bride’s Catholic Church: Pitlochry (PH16 5AL)
Sunday Mass 11:30am
For any further information please contact: The Parish Priest: Canon Steven Mulholland stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
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Sports, Health and Wellbeing
AIMS: 1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through sport and leisure.
2: To promote the various sports and leisure activities in the Dunkeld & Birnam area.
3: To support the building and maintenance of sports facilities including a sports hall.
All sports and leisure clubs are invited to join ‘The Sports Hub.’ Membership is free.
Please send details of your club’s activities and events to editor@dunkeldandbirnmamnews.co.uk for inclusion in the hub page of ‘The Bridge.’
Birnam Highland Games 29th August
The Birnam Highland Games are a traditional Scottish Highland Games held amidst stunning Perthshire scenery. The games have been held since 1864, and are now held annually on the last Saturday in August. We warmly invite you to our next family friendly gathering on Saturday 29th August 2026. Experience for yourself the fun and culture that has kept the Games so popular for over 150 years. We’re looking for volunteers to help in the days leading up to the games and also on the day itself and even the day after. Come join the fun of these historic games and help support our local community.
If you can help drop an email to birnamhighland@aol.com
Events start at 11am Admission Adult. £8 Concession. £5 Child. £4 Family. £20 Car Park. £5 www.birnamhighlandgames.org
Dunkeld and Birnam Sports and Leisure Hub
Including: Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), Tennis and Bowling
The Sports Hub (formerly the Rec Club) has overall responsibility for the clubhouse, tennis courts and bowling green and the Covered MUGA. We are a membership organisation and although people can pay per play, we are very keen to encourage locals to join as members at the very reasonable annual fee- you can decide to join just the MUGA or any combination of the clubs. The membership year runs from April but people can join any time during the year.
Visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub/ Membership/Join or Contact: dbsportsleisurehub@gmail.com at any time for further information.
Book the tennis courts and MUGA online at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub
Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)
Last month saw us freezing cold, cool and damp, and then perspiring in the heatwave. Despite this, our hardy group of volunteers have ensured the riding sessions have run smoothly and have kept the ponies and riders safe and comfortable. Our riders are progressing really well; some are already managing rising trot and are encouraged to ride more independently with their leaders and side-walkers standing back for some activities. Other riders who have just started with us are learning the correct hand and leg positions and establishing their balance in the saddle. All riders are allowed to progress at their own pace and in a way that suits their needs best.
Our four days in the Aberfeldy Thrift Shop were successful and raised vital funds to finance the groups’ activities. We are entirely self-funded and do not charge our riders. We provide all the essential riding kit and pay towards the costs of the ponies we borrow and the arena we ride in.
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
New volunteers are currently needed. Knowledge of ponies or riding is not essential, just a willingness to learn. Do get in touch by contacting Helen at breadalbanerda@gmail.com
Food Share
Thank you to everyone who donates to the tables at the Duchess Anne and St. Mary’s and to the Coop and Livvi’s Little Lunch Box for their daily donations. Remember everyone is welcome to share the produce on the tables. Our aim is to reduce food waste.
Please share your surplus fruit, vegetables and any seedlings or other produce. Sorry we can’t accept open packets or out-of-date food. If you’d like to help with food collection once a month at 8pm from the Coop, please contact Jan
Silburn. Email j.silburn@btinternet.com
Reminder: There is a confidential contact if you need help with food. Please phone 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com. Donations for the food bank can be left at the Coop counter.
Dalguise Meditation Group
Do you have to be already fit to join a gym? Of course not. And you don’t have to be already calm, focussed and full of lovingkindness to begin to meditate. Quite the reverse, in fact, because those are some of the qualities that a meditation practice can help you to develop. Whether you’re completely new to meditation, or have an established practice, you are welcome to come to our meetings. These take place on
As you may or may not know, we recently had a fire which destroyed our kitchen. As a result, for the time being, we’ve had to make changes to our menu, so... we can’t offer breakfasts just now until our kitchen is re-built. We do, however, still have our traditional scones, croissants and home-bakes and we’ve added freshly baked baguettes filled with fantastic cheese, meats, antipasti from our ‘deli’ counter (lots of options that many of you may remember….No.7 & No.12 to name but a few!
All our dishes and prepared fresh to order. We’re a small, friendly team who really care about what we do, . Pop in to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the tunes, the coffee, the food & the craic!
• Coffee: We only serve Glen Lyon Coffee to ensure you experience the best in coffee making & tasting.
• Tea: Loose-leaf tea served in tea-pots & with our beautiful mix of donated Bone China. Real tea, real teacups!!
• Treats: Delicious selection of cakes/traybakes, cheesecake, apple pie, crumble, scones & pastries…we like to change it up all the time and always try to cater for various dietary requirements
Wine: Fantastic collection of wine from around the globe for both off -sales and on-sales….come & enjoy a glass of wine/cheese/nibbles with friends in The Nest, our relaxing sofa & comfy chair zone. Antipasti: Deli counter filled with a range of of cheeses, meats, olives, sundried tomatoes, artichokes.
• Gifts: A lovely selection of pocket-sized gifts, cards and accessories
Evening Tapas was about to be back…but the fire put that on hold. We hope to get it going at some stage this summer so as soon as we have a plan, we will update you on Instagram & Facebook
Contact us to discuss your catering requirements. Ashleigh makes all the amazing food, bursting with flavour. Jane does what Ashleigh tells her to do….it works really well ! email: hello@feast-catering.com
the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 10.30 to 12.30 in Dalguise Village Hall. July, meetings are on Tuesday 7th and 21st. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and no religious affiliations. If you aren’t able to attend in person, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thought-provoking and helpful compilations about meditation and mindful living, in the weeks between live meetings. If you would like to know more about our meetings or about meditation in general, please do contact faithanstey@gmail.com
Dunkeld and Birnam District Leisure Group
The Sports Hall Project
The Group’s AGM took place on 16th June at the Co-Working Space. After the Chair’s report and the Treasurer’s report the following were re-elected: Chair: Kevin Lancaster, Vice Chair: Graham Rees, Treasurer: Margaret Scott, Secretary: Alasdair Wylie, Committee Members: Bill Wright and Peter Guthrie. Information about the project including the accounts can be obtained from the Secretary awylie2002@ yahoo.co.uk 07927 175121. We are keen to let newer members of the community (especially those younger than some of the present Committee!) know about this long-standing project.
Three Churches Charity Shop High Street Dunkeld
Summer is on it’s way and we have lots of boxes and suitcases full of lovely summer clothing/shoes to fill our rails, so if you are looking for holiday wear or a wedding come and have a look.
Bric a brac is constantly changing always worth a browse for that item you’ve been looking for for ages.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm
If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info. Find us on Facebook at 3 Churches Charity Shop
Nature and Climate
Gardening & Growing Club – Join Us!
Gardening & Growing Club – Join Us!
Love plants? Whether you’re a windowsill potterer or a plot-taming pro, our Gardening & Growing Club is for you! We’re a friendly bunch who enjoy learning, sharing tips, and meeting fellow garden enthusiasts. Our year is packed with inspiring talks, garden visits, social events, and our big annual show in August. First meeting FREE – come along and give it a try!
Annual membership: Just £20 for a year of greenfingered. (Just £15 if joining from July onwards!)
Everyone’s welcome! Drop by, meet like-minded folks, and grow something wonderful with us. For more info dbggclub@gmail.com
START OF THE NEW GARDENING AND GROWING YEAR
15th July 2026 Murthly Walled Garden
22nd August 2026 The Annual Show, Birnam Arts:
16th September 2026 Falkland Palace Gardens
14th October 2026 Talk on Cacti and Succlents
18th November 2026 Wreath making at the Guide Hall
News from the Community Orchard
Community orchard - soft fruit season!
“Late August, given heavy rain and sun For a full week, the blackberries would ripen.
At first, just one, a glossy purple clot Among others, red, green, hard as a knot. You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet Like thickened wine ….”
Seamus Heaney “Blackberry-picking” It’s not August yet but we’re heading into soft fruit season at the orchard. As well as blackberries (after 30 years’ in Scotland I know I should really be calling blackberries “brambles”!) we have gooseberries, blackcurrants, white currants, red currants and blueberries. The latter are also decorative, with colourful autumn tints to their leaves. Just outside the fruit cage are some of the original fruit bushes from when this land was a market garden.
Soft fruit is a great crop – an established soft fruit bush can yield around 4.5kg of soft fruit each season – and is relatively easy to care for, although keeping the birds off can be a challenge. We don’t worry too much about this as it would be impractical to net such a large area and we’d need to be down there all the time to make sure no birds have been trapped. We’re happy the birds get to enjoy the fruit as much as we do!
Did you know that many modern blackcurrant varieties are named after Scottish mountains? “Ben Hope” (Scotland’s most northerly Munro) is one of the most popular varieties these days. Also, that newer varieties have been bred so that all the berries in a cluster ripen at once? And that the clusters are technically called “strigs”? I kept thinking this was a typo and it should read “sprigs” but turns out “strig” it is. Around 95% of the UK commercial crop goes into the drink “Ribena.” More recently, a sustainable hair dye was developed using the skins left over from the Ribena factory!
A great pudding to make from a mix of red/blackcurrants and raspberries is “Summer Pudding” – this can also be a good way to use up surplus bread. Head to the Foodshare one evening, pick up a loaf going out of date and pop it into your freezer for this once we’re into berry season. The early varieties of apples will hopefully be ready for picking late August – “George Cave” will likely be the first. Check the fence notices by the road to see which trees are ready. Enjoy the summer and its fruits – and get in touch if you want to find out more about joining the orchard team – extra pairs of hands are really helpful at “Big Apple Day” (Sat 26 Sept) and (looking ahead!) for the winter pruning. dunkeldbirnamorchard@ gmail.com or find and follow us on social media.
Mel Nicoll Orchard volunteer
Drink, Act, Chat
Part of the growing global Climate Café® movement that began in this village over eleven years ago, Climate Café® Dunkeld & Birnam offers a welcoming space to share ideas, news, concerns, practical actions and find out more about local initiatives to tackle the climate emergency – all over a friendly cuppa. This pop-up Climate Café® connects our community with the wider network of Climate Café® spaces across Scotland and beyond, making it easy to learn, connect, and take action together.
Join the chat and action in the Community Archive Dunkeld, the first Thursday of every month from 7pm to 9pm. There’s no formal agenda, chat is led by those who come along, it is a place to share information, keep up with events, get support with your ideas, find inspiration and opportunities to get involved in action. Find out more at www.climate. cafe or follow the conversation online #ClimateCafe #DrinkChatAct
Paths & Nature Action Group
As we move into summer, our efforts go toward tackling the unwanted elements of our local ‘nature’. We gave our local few-flowered leek and white butterbur a good seeing to in May and, if we get the final landowner permission, we’ll tackle the rest in June. These alien non-native plants have spread rapidly, smothering bluebells and other native species. The Himalayan balsam is now reaching good pulling height, and members are busy on their patches, preventing our local riverside and nearby woodlands from becoming dense pink stands of superficially attractive but damaging weeds.
Our local red squirrel initiative is underway with members having had initial training. We’ve had sightings of competitor and disease-carrying grey squirrels immediately north of Dunkeld and will be looking to extend efforts in that area - in addition to the current focus around Birnam. Please report all grey sightings promptly.
We had a further, well-attended, tree-guarding session along the riverside and used the last of our mesh to protect a few trees around the west end of Loch Freuchie where beavers are gnawing at a group of scenic birches. In June we are planning to help our local primary pupils plant native trees and flowers around the station on ground disturbed by the recent access improvements. And finally ... we have swifts nesting in four of our boxes this year! At the time of this writing, we’re expecting the first eggs to hatch within days.
Evergreen Gardening Group
Evergreen Gardening Group met again in June at the Servite community lounge and learnt a bit more about propagation, before taking softwood cuttings of perennial herbs including sage, lemon balm and two varieties of mint (accompanied by their wonderful scents). We are interested to see how successful these will be compared to simply putting them in a glass of water to develop roots. The outdoor planter by the front door has also come on nicely over the past few weeks and is looking very lush and colourful – thank you to the residents who have been keeping an eye on it!
There won’t be a session in July or August but we hope to meet again in September. The group has been meeting monthly this year at Servite. These get-togethers followed a series of accessible gardening sessions at the Guide Hall last year. If you are interested in helping to support the group or would like to get together to discuss gardening for wellbeing more generally, I’m keen to hear from you.
Mel Nicoll (volunteer co-ordinator for the group) on 07876 118625 or mel@cavecrag.com
Join the Climate Connect Summer Events Team
Climate Connect Perth & Kinross is recruiting friendly, enthusiastic and climate-aware individuals to support its busy summer events programme. Successful applicants will help engage with the public and promote local climate action at some of the area’s best-loved events, including Highland Games, Agricultural Shows and Paws at the Palace.
The role offers competitive rates of pay and flexible, ad hoc work, providing a great opportunity to enjoy summer events while making a positive difference in local communities.
e information, contact Lindsey at the Climate Connect Dunkeld office by email: info@climateconnect.scot
Nature and Climate
Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s Shed
Robbie’s Bench.
Where people and nature thrive
Dun Coillich is a community owned landscape regeneration and rural skills training project in Glen Goulandie. Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust owns and manages the land for wildlife and the local community.
What’s been happening on the Dun?
Early summer is a wonderful time on the Dun. Volunteers carried out a survey of the rare Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly, which feeds particularly on violets, and found a good number. Visitors at our evening bird watch event enjoyed the melodious song of the willow warbler and sightings of soaring hen harriers. Our trainees and apprentices are settling in well and have been busy learning how to use chainsaws and Argo Cats.
Summer events
Our forthcoming events include:
• Saturday 25 July - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Our Forest Manager Willie McGhee will lead a walk to share information about the developing woodland at Dun Coillich. 9.30 to 11.30
• Saturday 1 August – Marvellous moths for kids (9.30 to 10.30) and The little world of lichens (11.00 to 12.30) – both led by enthusiast Susanna Wellock.
Events are free for HPCLT members, and we suggest a donation of £5 from non-members. Please book at www.eventbrite.com/cc/duncoillich-summer-events-2026-4834330. More information available from www.duncoillich.org/ whats-on/.
Business partnership scheme
We are delighted to welcome another business partner, The Canyoning Company https://thecanyoningcompany.co.uk/.
The Canyoning Company is excited to support our work and to strengthen our shared commitment to conservation, sustainability, and connecting people with nature. The Canyoning Company is a small local business dedicated to creating meaningful connections between people and the natural world through exciting and memorable canyoning adventures, but also to help participants discover the wild side of Scotland, explore its beautiful river systems, and develop a deeper appreciation for our natural heritage. We welcome enquiries from other local businesses that might be interested in partnering with us.
Get involved!
There are many ways to get involved with our small charity’s work:
• Visiting – to walk our well-marked network of footpaths and spot wildlife
• Membership - costs £20 a year; our members become part of our community. Further details at https://www.duncoillich.org/supportus-2025/.
• Volunteering - every Tuesday we enjoy time outdoors doing something practical.
• Become a trustee - to help steer the work of HPCLT among a friendly group of fellow board members.
More information
Visit our website www.duncoillich.org to find out more about where we are and what we do or follow our Facebook Group (Dun Coillich Community Land) for regular updates.
The Royal School of Dunkeld recently approached Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s Shed for assistance in restoring a much-loved bench that had fallen into disrepair. “Robbie’s Bench” is a memorial to Robbie Melvin who was tragically killed in a road accident in 2005 when he was in P7. The memorial bench is carved with the names of Robbie’s classmates, serving as a deeply meaningful tribute for his friends, loved ones and the entire community.
In keeping with the Men’s Shed approach of “Restore, repurpose, reuse and recycle” the restoration project involved replacing one leg and missing armrest with new wood. The whole bench was then sanded ensuring the names of Robbie’s classmates remained prominent and then several layers of wood varnish were applied to maximise longevity.
Presented to Robbie’s Mother, Kate Stansfield, and her son Stuart by Headteacher Mrs. Nicola Williams, and Men’s Shed member John Fok, the restored bench was unveiled at the recent school sports day. Also, two pens were presented to Kate and Stuart fashioned from the wood of the original replaced bench leg.
Neil Graham, Chairman of Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s Shed said about the project “Our members are very honoured to be involved in such an important restoration and to help in continuing the memory and legacy of Robbie.” Watch this space. If you would like to participate in these activities, please feel free to stop by to learn new skills, or just to relax with a group of supportive men. The best part is that membership is free! Please call Jackie on 07777 696953 for more info, or just drop by next week: Unit 5 Birnam Industrial estate. We look forward to seeing you there!
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
June has seen us out planting summer bedding in 44 containers throughout both villages. Hanging baskets are up in St Ninians and I am pleased to report that the fuchsias and clematis have survived being repotted into the new barrels. I’m sure they will, as usual, put on a splendid show during the summer.
Over-wintered dalhias have been planted in both Lagmhor and Torwood with borders weeded and trimmed. We’re trying to maintain an edge so the Council will cut the grass to the border and stop long grass encroaching, meaning a wee bit less work for us during the mowing session! Water Wynd tubs have been spruced up with paint and help to show off the beautiful acers. As always, we appreciate the help with watering from Dave Amos in Water Wynd, Gordon Calvert at the BA and Birnam bus stop and the Team at the North Car Park toilets. I’m always glad at the beginning of June when Lachlan, Dunkeld Nurseries, again takes over the contract to do all the other tubs, as we always seem to get a hot spell just before when volunteers are out with containers of water.
We’re hoping for a good show of sunflowers in Torwood, which the team have been growing
from seed. Also, in St Ninians the Himalayan Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum) which is already over 5ft has got two flower heads on it, so we are really hoping to see them flower during the summer. We received confirmation that we’ll be getting funding from the SSE Griffin & Calliachar Community Fund to replace the benches in St Ninians. The benches will be made by Rumbling Sawmill.
We’re always looking for new volunteers, even to dead-head and do some light weeding during the summer, so if you have a spare hour or two please come and join us. We meet on Monday mornings at 10am. Groups can be found in St Ninian’s Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam. Or give me a call if you would rather do another day and time.
Summer at The Field
After a race against time and weather, we have most of our crops planted, but will continue to set out brassica , squash and legumes over the next month.
We recently had a ‘planting day,’ which, unfortunately, coincided with the wettest day of the month! Undaunted, 15 volunteers turned up and worked through the deluge with a vengeance. They were rewarded with soup (spinach and leek or tomato and basil-- all Field produce), chocolate or strawberry - and cream cake with coffee.
The wet and sometimes warm weather has encouraged growth; weeds and wildflowers abound, so pollinators are very busy -including the occupants of our two bee hives. We are already harvesting spinach. The asparagus is over, but broad beans are coming on now and many other crops will follow, including early onions, carrots, tatties and soft fruits.
The focus of summer activity will be harvesting, and, as ever, weed management. On an organic enterprise as big as our field (3 acres) we have to learn to live with some weeds and fight only the battles we can win. Couch grass has been making Spring ground preparation time consuming and sometimes impossible so we have to cover it with membrane and lose areas of cultivation for a couple of years. We try to let some “weeds” flower, then scythe, strim or mow them before they set seed on the ground we have prepared.
We have seen the value of ploughing in green manure as a soil improver and tons of council compost on our no dig beds and kitchen garden as we continue to produce good yields and are able to supply volunteers and the stalls with organic fruits and vegetables in season for most of the year. All of this is only possible with the support of our loyal volunteers who work year-round in all weather. They are well rewarded with the quality and quantity of produce and gallons of coffee, tea, and delicious cakes when the hooter sounds, signalling the downing of tools and convergence on the outside table or one of the polytunnels for idle chatter and refreshment. If you wish to join us, we are there from as early as 9am in the summer months till noon, or later if you like on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Stalls will start at Birnam Arts on Thursday mornings in July. Otherwise, surplus crops will appear on the gate stall.
The Orraloon
ANNUAL SHOW
Sponsored by David Lindsay Self Storage & The Taybank to be held at Birnam Arts on Saturday 22nd August 2026
COMPETITION OPEN TO ALL
Doors open for viewing at 2.30pm. Award Ceremony and Raffle at 3.30pm. Exhibits: 50p per entry + Admission: £2 (Under 16s free)
SCHEDULE OF SECTIONS/CLASSES
SECTION 1 – CUT FLOWERS
a) Vase of Garden flowers
b) Vase of Annual flowers
c) Dahlias (3 blooms same variety)
d) Sweet Peas (12 spikes)
e) Floribunda Roses (1 spray)
f) Single HT Rose
g) Lily (1 stem)
h) Pansies (6 blooms) on board provided
Except for item h) all entries in sections 1 are to be displayed in the green containers and vases provided.
SECTION 2 – VEGETABLES & FRUIT
a) 5 Potatoes (white)
b) 5 Potatoes (coloured)
c) 4 Onions (each less than 8 oz/225g)
d) 6 French beans
e) 3 Globe beetroot
f) 4 Standard tomatoes
g) 3 Courgettes
h) 1 Cucumber
i) 3 Chilli peppers
j) Most unusual vegetable
k) Box of any homegrown vegetables (roughly 30cm to 40cm, 12” by 16”)
l) 1 Plate of soft fruit (any single variety)
m) 6 Broad beans
n) 3 Carrots (tastiest)
o) 4 Cherry tomatoes (tastiest)
p) Peas (9 pods, tastiest)
q) 6 Runner beans
Except for item k) all entries in Section 2 are to be displayed on the white plates provided.
SECTION 3 – POT PLANTS
a) Fuchsia
b) Pelargonium (Regal, Angel etc.)
c) Geranium (double or single)
d) Begonia
e) Any house plant
f) Orchids (any)
g) Streptocarpus
h) Succulents and Cactus
SECTION 4 – FLORAL ART
Open Theme (Name your own exhibit)
a) All foliage arrangement (roughly 60cm wide 60cm deep, any height)
b) Sustainable table arrangement (i.e. no oasis, locally grown flowers)
c) Hand tied bouquet (20 stems max)
d) Display of fruit, vegetables, flowers (any combination) to represent the colour wheel (25cm square max)
SECTION 5 – HOME BAKING AND PRESERVES
a) Jar of Strawberry Jam
b) Jar of Currant jelly (any kind)
c) Jar of Lemon Curd or any other citrus
d) Jar of Chutney or Relish (any kind)
e) 3 Savoury Scones (any variety)
f) Lemon Drizzle Cake
Items 5e and 5f are to be displayed on the white plates provided.
SECTION 6 – CHILDREN’S
a) Vegetable animal
b) Funniest looking vegetable
c) Sunflower in a pot
d) Bug hotel
e) Decorated fairy cake to look like a flower or vegetable
There will be three age categories – under 5 years, 5-8 years, 9-12 years. Each category winner in this section will win a book token/prize.
IMPORTANT – Only one entry can be made for any single (sub)category from each garden/ household. All entries in Sections 1 and 2 must be grown in the exhibitor’s own garden. All entries for Section 3 Pot Plants must be in the exhibitor’s possession for not less than 12 weeks. Where numbers or sizes are specified in the above schedule, any entries that do not conform to the specified numbers or sizes will be disqualified.
DUNKELD & BIRNAM GARDENING & GROWING CLUB ANNUAL SHOW 2026
ENTRY FORM
To register for the Show bring your exhibits together with your completed entry form and total entry fee to Birnam Arts between 9.30am and 11.30am on Saturday 22nd August 2026. After registration exhibitors may not move or interfere in any way with the displayed entries except with the Show Secretary’s permission. All entries are to be removed by exhibitors not later than 4.30pm on Saturday 22nd August 2026.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
NUMBER IN SCHEDULE – Circle each entry
TELEPHONE NO:
Birnam Arts Celebrates its Volunteers
Birnam Arts, a hub for people from all backgrounds and age groups, has long been regarded as the beating heart of Birnam and Dunkeld. But following Covid there was a real threat that Scotland could lose one of its bestloved independent venues, which first opened in 1883.
Now, Birnam Arts is looking forward to a brighter future. Elspeth Wood, Volunteer Development Manager at Birnam Arts said: ‘We operate thanks to the incredible dedication of our volunteers. From welcoming visitors in the gift shop, selling tickets at the box office, keeping our entrance warm and inviting, answering calls, helping at events, and supporting the café and bar, our wonderful volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.”
In June, during Volunteers Week, Birnam Arts took the opportunity to highlight the many and varied ways in which volunteers contribute to
Summer Concer� Arts News
Birnam Arts’ success. Although the organisation already has almost 50 volunteers, its doors are still open to anyone who feels they would like to join the team.
Graham’s story:
Graham Leese has been volunteering at Birnam Arts since July 2025. Originally from Watford, Graham worked as a Consultant Endocrinologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee from 1996 until 2024.
When he and his wife Ruth moved to Birnam in 2025, the community-minded couple wanted to do something that would help them quickly integrate, so they both signed up as volunteers at Birnam Arts.
Graham, who helps on the reception desk and occasionally in the café and bar, recommends volunteering as a great way of making new friends. “Volunteers also bring fresh ideas and a different perspective, so there are benefits on both sides,” he said. “Everybody has something to contribute, regardless of their background.
Volunteering has given me an opportunity to learn new things, such as selling tickets and working in the café, which has taken me out of my comfort zone. It’s great fun and I love being
Do you:
Live or work in a stressful environment?
Feel overwhelmed, or unsatisfied with
Raised in Vermont, Betsy Shaw learnt to ski almost before she could walk. She took up snowboarding at the age of 20 and competed for the USA at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. After a successful snowboarding career, Betsy moved with her British husband to the UK after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. When her husband died, Betsy decided to make a new life for herself in Scotland and relocated to Birnam in 2025. “I started volunteering at Birnam Arts soon after I moved here,” she said. “It’s a unique place. There is always something going on. For me, it is the perfect antidote to
Want to be proactive supporting your wellbeing?
Betsy began volunteering in the Beatrix Potter shop and on reception. Now she is putting her communications skills to good use (she has a degree in writing, literature, and communications) by assisting Birnam Arts’ marketing team as the organisation prepares to open a new Beatrix Potter Garden trail in July. Reflecting on the famous author’s connection to Dunkeld and Birnam, Betsy said: “I grew up reading her books, just as my mom had done. But I have a terrible confession to make. It wasn’t until I moved to Birnam that I discovered Beatrix wasn’t American!”
To find out more contact dbdcdt@gmail.com
Open to all PH8 residents
For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Elspeth Wood
Tel: 01350 727674
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
Thinking about switching from oil or gas to clean, modern heating but unsure if a heat pump is the right fit?
At RW Bell Green Energy, we’ve been installing heat pumps across Scotland with fantastic results. Based in Highland Perthshire since 1947, and with many years of experience, we know what works — and we’ll give you honest, expert advice.
Community Noticeboard
The Bridge:
Delivery thanks and call for a volunteer for Birnam route
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helps deliver The Bridge — your support means we reach most of the community. If you know anyone who might be willing to take on a small, monthly local delivery round, please do encourage them to get involved. Even a few extra letterboxes make a real difference.
Currently “recruiting” for someone to cover around 60 houses in central Birnam! It would also be great to hear from people who would be happy to be on a “standby” list so we can contact you if we need help one month due to illness, holidays etc amongst our normal team. Anyone interested can contact Mel, at deliveries@ dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk.
Dunkeld and Birnam Fire Station
It’s been another busy and productive period for our crews, with a strong focus on training, partnership working and keeping our communities safe.
Recently, the crew had the opportunity to visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Control Centre in Dundee. The visit provided an insight into the vital role played by our 999 Operations Control staff. From the moment an emergency call is received, call handlers and controllers work calmly and professionally to gather information, mobilise resources and support crews throughout incidents. Meeting the team behind the scenes highlighted the importance of every role within the Service and strengthened our understanding of how we work together to protect communities across Scotland.
Training continues to be a key priority, and crews recently took part in rope and throwline training
at The Hermitage. This practical session allowed firefighters to develop and maintain specialist skills used in water-related incidents, while also demonstrating the wide variety of training opportunities available within the Service. From emergency response and technical rescue to prevention and community engagement, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offers rewarding and diverse experiences for those considering a career with us.
There have also been two significant incidents on the A9 in recent weeks. These incidents serve as an important reminder of the risks present on our roads and the devastating impact collisions can have on individuals, families and emergency responders. We encourage all road users to take extra care, remain focused behind the wheel, and plan journeys responsibly.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is highlighting the importance of water safety. With more people enjoying Scotland’s rivers, lochs and coastlines during warmer weather, we urge everyone to be aware of the dangers of open water, follow local safety advice and never underestimate cold-water shock.
If you are interested in making a difference in your community, please get in touch on our Facebook page or oliver.gibb@firescotland.gov.uk
Seeking Players for New Bridge Club
Wednesday afternoon bridge at the BA We have started a new bridge club on Wednesday afternoons in the community room in the BA. At the moment,we are able to have three to four tables, but we would hope to encourage others to join us. We play from 1:15 pm until 4:15 pm, and we are an informal, relaxed and friendly group of varying abilities!
Most of us play straight ACOL, having learned at Perth Bridge Club. If you’re happy to travel, we will accept members from anywhere in the region. At present each Wednesday afternoon costs £5, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Do come and join us; you don’t need a partner, we will try and find one for you, but bring a partner if you have one.
DESPERATELY SEEKING PREMISES
Dunkeld and Birnam Men’s Shed are looking for a new Workshop.
Our current accommodation is sadly only temporary, and we are looking for premises to continue carrying out all our splendid work for the good and benefit of the Community and Men’s Mental Health.
Do you have or know of a building that we could use? Please get in touch.
We’re on Facebook. Or telephone Neil on 07713216839.
Community Developments
Heartland cares- Befriending
Befriending is aimed at supporting isolated individuals to build friendly and supportive relationships with someone. It involves offering companionship, kindness, and emotional support. This kind of person-centred, consistent support can make a real difference to someone’s wellbeing. Heartland cares provides a safe and reliable link between volunteers and those seeking a befriender. In a rural community like Dunkeld and Birnam, befriending plays an important role by supporting local people and services that may be limited due to fewer resources. Befrienders reduce isolation and provide support to vulnerable people in the community. Research shows that loneliness can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health and befriending is recognised as an effective way of addressing this. The role of a befriender is very rewarding, each day can be different, and you are supporting someone in such an intimate way to meet social needs which can be life changing for people who feel isolated.
“I volunteer because what may seem to me as simply spending time with someone can actually mean a great deal to that person. It can help them bring about small changes that enables them to feel more positive about themselves, about their day and hopefully about their future. Volunteering is also a positive experience for me, it gives a sense of personal achievement knowing I may have helped in a small way, which in turn improves my own well-being”
If you could spare an hour a week to support individuals in our community through befriending please contact Eilidh by email- eilidh@heartlandcares.org , or call 07432569447
All volunteers receive a warm welcome, a full induction and ongoing support throughout their time with us.
Dunkeld and Birnam & District Community Development Trust
The Trust is exploring community led, affordable housing. At the start of the year, we received funding for a feasibility study at Birnam Park. We held our first community event in April. Our second event was held on 3 June at Birnam Arts. John Forbes from Communities Housing Trust explained what community led housing is. He gave examples from other communities across Scotland. The architects then reported on feedback received and development ideas shaped by this feedback. Afterwards, there was an opportunity to chat with the team whilst viewing the display boards. Thank you to everyone who attended or sent in feedback. This will inform the final project report and recommendations. The questionnaire, event boards/presentations from both events, along with frequently asked questions, are available on our website. The cut-off point for receipt of event questionnaires was 28 June, but we welcome comments more broadly on an ongoing basis. Work on the “Artisan Village” project continues. This project aims to create affordable workshop facilities for local, creative businesses by securing an asset transfer of the derelict garage and land at the back of the North Street Car Park. Following a pre-planning application in 2025, Community Enterprise are helping to write a business plan, informed by further feedback from local creative businesses and members of the community. Further design work is also being undertaken. You can find more information on our website. If you have any comments please get in touch. www.dbdtrust.org
Dunkeld, Birnam and District Community Development Trust is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Scottish Charity number: SC052156. The Trust was formed in 2022 as a means of taking forward the initiatives highlighted in the Community Action Plan.
Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group (JAG)
We are concerned about the slow progress and relative lack of actions being proposed to improve safety at the eight, local A9 junctions. This is the most recent email we received from Transport Scotland:
“Thank you for your email on 4th May 2026 requesting update on various actions on the road safety of the Birnam and Dunkeld junctions. Further to meeting the members of the Birnam and Dunkeld Junctions Action Group on 20th August 2025, and the request from the Action Group at the meeting for Transport Scotland and the Operating Company, BEAR Scotland to investigate the possible introduction of traffic signals and a speed limit reduction at the A9/ A923/A822 junction, I would like to provide an update to you.
BEAR Scotland have now completed the investigation and we have reviewed the findings and recommendations. From the preliminary assessment, the option of introducing traffic signals with appropriate speed limit reduction at the junction represents an improvement to the operation and safety of the junction. However, this option also associated with at least 18
Dunkeld Mobile Service
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months of design, procurement and construction and a significant cost in the order of about £1M. Please note that the programme and cost quoted above are estimation only and are subject to detailed review. The construction activities will also inevitably cause disruption to both the local and strategic traffic.
Given the imminent dualling of the A9, we must consider the economic benefits of this option in this scenario, and to balance them against the safety and operational benefits. We are going to carry out a personal injury collision investigation in financial year 2026/27, as the junction was highlighted for investigation in the most recent Annual Road Safety Review Report. The objective of this investigation is to review the recent (latest 3 years) personal injury collision data and establish any trends that can be mitigated by lower cost engineering measures. The Investigation Report can be shared with you once it is finalised. However, the information from this report and any recommendations will be considered along with the decision making process for any further improvement options.
Regarding the reduced speed limit for HGVs and cars on a temporary basis, it is not recommended at this location in the assessment conducted by BEAR Scotland mentioned above as the application of a lower speed limit would cause severe delays to the junctions and could potentially lead to elevated risk of collisions due to increased driver frustration as a result of the delays.
We are pleased to let you know that the review of traffic signs on the section of A9 between A9/B867 Bankfoot (north) and The Hermitage junctions is now completed and share with you our proposals as attached in this email. The construction works are due to progress in summer 2026. We have noted the safety concern you raised on pedestrians crossing the A9 near the southbound bus stop by Inver and have instructed BEAR Scotland to investigate”
We will provide you further update upon completion of the road safety investigation noted above. We welcome any comments on this email, and we will continue our campaign to improve safety at these dangerous junctions. If you have any comments on this email or have witnessed accidents or near misses, please contact Pam Green at pammgreen@btinternet.com
Dunkeld North End Car Park, Atholl Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0AR
Services
• Royal Mail & Parcelforce Worldwide
• Cash withdrawls
• Cash Deposits
Alternative Branches:
• Everyday Personal & Business Banking
• Cheque Deposits
• Driving: vehicle tax
Please check opening times and that these branches have the services you require.
Join us to find out what we have learned, and a chance to add more comments.
Dunkeld & Birnam Station Update Summer 2026
Ithas been another year of improvements at Dunkeld & Birnam Station, thanks to years of ongoing support from our constituency MSP, First Minister John Swinney MSP and good collaboration between the Community Station Group with Network Rail and their contractors.
The Community Station Group (CSG) meet fortnightly, with regular check ins with key partners and stakeholders involved in the current work including neighbours, local businesses, community groups, Perth & Kinross Council, Network Rail, ScotRail, Historic Environment Scotland, Transport Scotland and other rail companies. The Collaborative Working Group brings together the key organisations to discuss next steps, collaborate and ensure progress on the project.
There are three parts to the programme of improvements set out with Network Rail in November 2023. Last year phase one of the programme of improvements to Dunkeld & Birnam Station was focused on improving safety and access to rail services.
This included raising the platform to reduce the big gap between the platform and the train, a huge
ambition for many years. This phase also delivered improved lighting around the Station, improvements to provide new information and shelters on the platforms with benches – and it is wonderful to see more and more people now able to access and enjoy the services.
Since the official opening of the raised platforms last year, focus has been on phase two of the programme, improving access between the village and Station. This work includes new signage, so everyone can see where to go from the Station to the village and from the village to the Station!
There have been dramatic improvements to the access road up Birnam Glen. This route has shared use with everyone walking and wheeling to the Station or walks and cycling beyond, as well as residents at the top of the Glen who need to access their properties by car, so drivers and cyclists please go slow to ensure everyone is safe.
There is new CCTV around the Station, with much better coverage, and new lighting now goes from both platforms to the village improving access and safety.
Now you will see improved signage and a new digital information post with live updates (so you can check which platform your train will arrive and depart) as you walk up Birnam Glen.
If your train leaves from Platform 2, there is now a step free pathway that goes directly to Platform 2 which will be lit at night. This has been a real challenge under the railway bridge, with all the services underneath, and maintaining required access including for emergency services.
Huge thanks to the Network Rail team of design engineers who have visited the site regularly, met
New path from Platform 2 heading towards Birnam Glen, and down to the village
with local people, designed options, visited again to improve, listened carefully to community input and worked hard to provide the best possible option in this complicated space.
Non-slip surfacing has been applied and while one section of the path is a bit steep, this is the best that could be achieved. Width of the path under the bridge should accommodate most wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Due to imminent developments (proposed tender 18–24 months) for the A9, it has not yet been possible to install the step free access to Platform One, though these designs are ready to go if anything changes and funding can be put in place.
Platform 1 is accessible step free from the Car Park. While some services going north stop on Platform 2, some stop on Platform 1 if not passing another train.
Lots of people are already enjoying the new route to the Station, as well as improvements made to the core paths around the Station. Final touches are being made ahead of an official opening of these paths, including with a community planting of native flower seeds, bushes and trees to restore the bare ground around the new paths and new bird boxes going into place.
Care for nature has been communicated clearly from the community, especially children at the Royal School of Dunkeld as they have continued to inform and shape developments.
With all this care and investment, Dunkeld & Birnam Station is getting busier bringing lots of visitors, enabling more people to access services across Scotland and beyond for commuter journeys and leisure, whilst also reducing traffic and pollution in the village.
development. The community input really improves how Network Rail’s team and contractors, led by Patricia and Fraser, have been able to deliver the project. The understanding of the community, and particularly immediate neighbours, during the construction works, is greatly appreciated especially as there’s been some unavoidable disruption.
Thanks to Patricia, Fraser, John, Mark, Ian, Gerry and Tommy from Network Rail, to William and all the team at CPR and all those involved including Kellys and the Paths and Nature Group for all your work and collaboration on this project.
Next up, phase three! Bringing the Station building back and into community use.
Watch this space and do come along to chat to the Community Station Group team at our stall at Birnam Highland Games!
100,000
The Community Station Group have been advised that passenger numbers have increased to over 100,000 in the last year!
The CSG and Network Rail would like to thank the community for their ongoing assistance and input throughout the design
Dunkeld & Birnam
Community Station Group Lachlan, Jess, Garth, Liz, Neil
New path to Platform 2
Overview of the new works at the Station
PASSENGER NUMBERS INCREASED TO OVER
Learning and Community History
Moore House Group
Moore House Group Dunkeld Students Transform Outdoor Space While Achieving ASDAN Qualification
Students at Moore House Group’s Dunkeld Campus have recently completed their ASDAN qualification by taking on an ambitious environmental project: designing and building a garden from scratch. The project challenged learners to explore their local environment, develop practical outdoor skills, and make a positive contribution to their school grounds. Through a combination of research, planning and hands-on work, students created a welcoming outdoor space that will continue to benefit both the school community and local wildlife. As part of the qualification, students investigated the natural environment surrounding the Dunkeld Campus. Using maps and aerial photographs, they identified nearby
woodlands, rivers, lochs and nature reserves, including the renowned Loch of the Lowes, learning about the important conservation work carried out to protect Scotland’s wildlife and natural habitats.
The learners also researched local plants and animals, explored endangered species found in the area, and presented their findings through reports and displays. This helped them develop their knowledge of biodiversity, conservation and the importance of protecting the natural world.
The practical element of the qualification saw students conduct a survey of the school grounds, identifying areas that could be improved. Using photographs and checklists, they assessed the site and developed a plan to transform an unused area into a vibrant garden. Careful thought was given to the design of the garden. Students selected a range of pollinatorfriendly plants, including lavender, creeping thyme and heather, alongside herbs such as mint, sage and thyme. Sunflower seedlings, ferns and succulents were also incorporated into the project to create a diverse and attractive environment.
The learners recognised potential challenges too. After identifying that deer and rabbits could damage the plants, they proposed and helped install protective fencing as part of the project, demonstrating problem-solving skills
and forward planning. The new garden will provide a number of lasting benefits. The herbs can be used in cooking activities, the flowering plants will help support bees and other pollinating insects, and the space itself creates a more attractive and engaging environment for everyone at the campus.
Beyond achieving their ASDAN qualification, the project provided valuable opportunities for students to develop teamwork, communication, planning and practical life skills. It also gave them the satisfaction of seeing the direct impact of their hard work, creating something that will continue to grow and flourish long into the future.
Birnam Library
Make the most of your membership! Thanks to everyone we are making great progress towards our goal of doubling our membership at the Library. If you haven’t joined up yet, please drop in and we’ll get you set up.
Library Community Challenge! Friends of Birnam Library are setting the community a challenge to double the number of active borrowers in our community from 220 – 440 by September 2026 and show to everyone how much we value Birnam Library! It’s free to join the library – just pop along to the library to join or renew your membership if you have lost your card – and you don’t even need to be able to read to join. You can join as soon as you are born! Please check that your membership is with Birnam Library so your membership counts towards our target!
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm
July Wed 29th July (WORKSHOP 12 tickets only) - Join Emma from Bog Born Crafts for a chance to use the techniques and tools of Neolithic and Bronze Age people to craft replica Beaker-style pottery. Refreshments, lunch and materials included.
August Fri 21st to Sun 23rd – Jacobite Festival 2026; The 21st is the 337th anniversary of the battle of Dunkeld. Sir Arthur Erskine Regiment camp in Stanley Hill park, guided Dunkeld battlefield tours and an evening talk on the Battle of Killiecrankie.
FOR FULL DETAILS AND BOOKING INFORMATION SCAN HERE
Or, visit our web site www.historicdunkeld.org.uk/whats-on
YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGIST CLUB
Fortnightly on a Thursday, 3:30pm to 5pm in the Archive for children age 8 – 16. Next meeting - Thursday 4th June.
SUPPORT US BY BECOMING A MEMBER + ADULT ARCHAEOLOGY/HISTORY CLUB
By becoming a member of Historic Dunkeld you can help support our developing museum. We also have an annual get-together. You can choose to just be a supporter, or you can sign up for our archaeology and history club (local community only) where you will gain access to all our talks, skills workshops and fieldwork, and get half-price tickets to most of our events. For further details contact manager@historicdunkeld.org.uk
MONDAY MEMORIES CLUB
Monday in the Archive from 3pm to 4.30pm in the Archive. Reminisce over tea/coffee & biscuits. If you need transport please get in touch as we have a taxi available
Newsletter
To keep up with all our news and what’s on in Historic Dunkeld, sign up for our free monthly newsletter.
Sign up at www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
Did you know our library also has jigsaws for borrowing and space for book groups to meet? You can also order books on-line using the Spydus app which is free to download. If you would like to join the community group, contact us at friendsofbirnamlibrary@gmail.com
Friends of Birnam Library: A Community Group committed to a bright and sustainable future for Birnam Library
Borrow a Book
We also need you to be active members: An active member is someone who takes out one book a year, so if you have not been for a while or if you’re a new member and haven’t taken book out, do come along and grab a book. We have all genres from westerns to romances, crime, mystery, thriller, large print, children’s picture books, young adult books and a whole range of nonfiction, including gardening, cooking, travel and sport. If there’s anything we don’t have, we can order in for you.
Worried about returning books?
No need, we have a beautiful new returns box created by the men’s shed just outside the door. So if you’re ever needing to drop your books off, just pop them in and we’ll collect them next time the library is open.
Regular Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 5pm to 7pm Friday: 12pm to 5pm Saturday: 9.30am to 12pm
Birnam Library, Station Road, Birnam Dunkeld PH80DS
NOTICE OF ROAD CLOSURE ON C502 ROTMELL ROAD BETWEEN DUNKELD AND THE A9
As progress on the A9 Dualling: Tay Crossing to Ballinluig project continues, construction work will require further changes to road layouts and tra c management in the area.
A full road closure will be in place on the C502 Rotmell Road a ecting all tra c from Monday 22 June 2026 for a period of up to 12 months to safely facilitate construction of a retaining wall for the dualling works in this area.
From Monday 22 June 2026, there will be no access to or from the A9 on to the C502 Rotmell Road. Tra c wishing to access the A9 will instead be diverted to the A923 Dunkeld Road and Dunkeld Road junction.
As a result of these works, the Regional Cycle Route 83 (RCR83) will be closed between C502 and A9 with the cycling diversion in place from Dunkeld via the National Cycle Network (NCN77) recommended for all cyclists. A pedestrian access route along Rotmell Road will be available through the working area. Cyclists wishing to use the pedestrian access route are asked to please dismount, or alternatively use the NCN77 signed diversion. Emergency access will be maintained at all times. Road users are asked to approach the area with care and allow extra time for their journeys whilst these works are carried out.
We would like to thank local residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while these essential works are carried out. If you have any questions or concerns about these works or the wider project, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at enquiries.A9TC2B@willsbros.com or alternatively by telephone on 0800 011 4255
Experience the best at the HOUSE OF BRUAR FOOD FESTIVAL
10th - 12th July
Join us for a weekend of exceptional food and great company at the House of Bruar Food Festival. Sample a variety of delights from our trusted suppliers, then follow the scent to the courtyard for a fire pit barbeque like no other. We look forward to making it a truly unforgettable weekend.
Learning and Community History
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries
The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is themed “Read to the Beat!” and launches on Saturday 27 June 2026 in all Culture Perth & Kinross libraries. This free program encourages children aged 4–11 to read six books over the summer holidays, focusing on music, sound science, and storytelling. Sign up at any Culture Perth & Kinross library, and children can receive a challenge pack, stickers along the way, and a certificate and medal when they complete the challenge.
Watch out for details of events taking place at Birnam Library on the Culture Perth and Kinross website or ask in the library for details. You can also visit the Summer Reading Challenge website to read, share, create and play interactive games.
Bookbug sessions - every Thursday from 10.30am to 11am. Come and join us for a session of songs, stories, and rhymes for under 5s. Prebooking for each session is essential. Please get in touch with the library to book a spot.
Books on Wheels - For individuals who cannot get out and about to visit the library, this includes books in large print and audio formats. For further information, please get in touch with the library.
Bin Straps - Are you having issues with your grey-lidded bin toppling over in high winds and spilling its contents? Why not collect a bin strap for your grey lidded bin at any Culture Perth & Kinross library? Stock is limited; only one bin strap per grey bin.
Recycling – All Culture Perth & Kinross libraries, including Birnam, accept used stamps and batteries for recycling.
Maximum borrowing limit - Did you know that the maximum number of items you can now borrow on your Culture Perth & Kinross library card at any one time is 12?
E-resources - Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries offer online library services available
24/7 via the library website at www.culturepk. org.uk/libraries or by downloading the library app. Services include browsing the catalogue, online joining, requesting and renewing items. A selection of e-resources is also available, including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-news and e-reference resources, including trove.scot, Theory Test PRO and Ancestry.
Welcome to Our New Family Support Worker, Nicky
We’re delighted to welcome Nicky as our new Family Support Worker, supporting families across Highland Perthshire who are experiencing Additional Support Needs (ASN) and/or disabilities. Nicky will build on the support already provided by HPP, offering practical advice, guidance, and one-to-one support while helping to strengthen the peer-support networks already established. She will be working with families to identify local needs and interests and develop new activities and opportunities in response.
As part of her role, Nicky will be running drop-in sessions in schools across Highland Perthshire, making it easier for families to access support, share experiences, and connect with others in similar situations.
Nature and Climate Green Energy for Dunkeld and Birnam
The Community Green Energy group, operating under the Development Trust, is delighted to announce that we have secured funding to develop a renewable energy and energy efficiency project in Dunkeld and Birnam from the SSE Griffin and Calliacher Community Benefit Fund. This will include engaging a part time Community Engagement Officer to support the community led efforts. We hope to have someone in post by the autumn of this year but are keen to expand the current Steering Group and to enlist folk who are willing to support the development and engagement process. This will entail workshops, surveys, stakeholder meetings and targeted outreach to ensure that we come up with clear proposals which reflect the ambitions and needs of this community. The next stage will involve capital funding applications to realise these ambitions. This stage, however, is about being clear about what we want as a community.
The Engagement Officer will lead the process of helping the community determine what sort of Green Energy solutions we wish to
pursue (eg local energy generation, domestic insulation, domestic battery installation). However, the exercise will require substantial community support if it is to successfully identify how local people and businesses want to change the way in which they consume and conserve energy.
Our end goals include lower household costs, reduced carbon emissions and increased community resilience. If you would like to be involved either as a member of the Steering Group or as an occasional supporter of engagement events over the next year, please contact us via the Community Development Trust e mail address dbdcdt@gmail.com. This is a Community Green Energy project and can only work if there is true community involvement.
Further updates will be provided via The Bridge and the Development Trust Website (https:// www.dbdtrust.org). At this stage, however, we’re simply looking for people interested in being involved in this exciting new project as we gear up our plans.
Whether you have been involved with HPP before or are new to our services, Nicky would love to hear from you. Your feedback and ideas will help shape future support and ensure it meets the needs of local families.
We also have an exciting summer holiday programme planned, featuring a variety of trips, creative workshops, and outdoor activities. It’s a great opportunity for families to have fun, meet others, and enjoy new experiences together.
To find out more about our summer programme and wider projects, visit our Facebook page, website, or contact us directly at info@hpplus. net.
Highland Perthshire Plus
Highland Perthshire Plus’s Star Project supports school leavers and adults aged 16+ with additional support needs or disabilities through volunteering, skills development and community activities. Led by Amanda and a dedicated team, the project offers cooking, gardening, woodworking and café sessions, helping participants build confidence, independence and community connections.
The programme runs Mondays and Tuesdays, 10am–4pm, for 50 weeks of the year, with flexible attendance and no charge for participation.
Transport and support can be arranged where needed. For more information, visits or application forms contact Amanda at projectcoordinator@hpplus.net.
Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative. Based in Birnam and Dunkeld our homely environment provides a safe and fun community spirit. Our trained staff provide care and support for all your needs 24 hours a day, we are always there.
So, if you are looking for social contact, a safe and supportive environment, support with health or medical needs then contact us. Our mission is to provide a home for life, so come and live life with us.
Please phone 01350 727413 and speak to Gina or email: manager@rivendellcarehome.co.uk.com for more information.
Posts, Rails and slats Ranch Boards, Garden Sleepers -Various sizes Loose Bark and Woodchip
Mon-Fri 8.00am to 5.00pm Sat 10.00am to 11.00am
Lizzy
Colin Gerrie Mobile: 07836 343967 Telephone: 01350 727364 Email: wkgerrie.inver@gmail.com
Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinrossa charitable trust bringing art, culture, books, learning, creative communities and local history and heritage to people across the whole of Perth and Kinross. https://www.culturepk.org.uk/
Notes from a Councillor
At the time of writing, it has now been just over a month since the Scottish Parliamentary Elections, and business within Perth & Kinross Council has returned to a steady and familiar pace. Encouraging progress has also been made on our local road network, most notably with the recent opening of the Bertha Park Link Road. This marks the long-awaited completion of the Cross Tay Road Link—a visionary project connecting communities across the River Tay. The scheme includes the striking Destiny Bridge and represents a significant investment by Perth & Kinross Council, while also providing a popular and valuable active travel route. The Council meeting in June was notably full in agenda. Members considered a range of options concerning the future of library services, ultimately agreeing unanimously to proceed with the creation of a “Community Services Hub.” This approach aligns closely with the ambitions and efforts of the Save Our Libraries group. Personally, I recognise the vital importance of both the direct services libraries provide and their wider role within communities—for example, in Birnam, where the library serves as a key community anchor alongside Birnam Arts. Throughout the Library Review process, many residents have expressed strong and heartfelt views; I hope that this decision offers reassurance and signals a positive path forward.
Councillors also agreed to move ahead with further consultation on a potential Visitor Levy. Additional details will be brought forward in due course, and it is essential that a full range of perspectives is heard on what is, understandably, an emotive issue. It is important to emphasise that no final decision has yet been made regarding the introduction of such a levy. In addition, the Council approved the implementation of a Short Term Let Control Zone for Highland Perthshire. The demand for affordable housing continues to exceed supply, making this an important step. I was also pleased to see the recent approval of a planning application for 34 affordable homes in Ballinluig. This serves as a strong example of how effective collaboration can successfully deliver much-needed housing in rural communities.
Council is now in the summer recess period, however I am still contactable through my email clairemclaren@pkc.gov.uk
Bailie Claire McLaren - ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk
News from our Community Council
Now that the weather is improving and we’re moving into summer, traffic and parking are becoming a key concern for both the community and the Community Council.
Following our engagement workshops, where we refined ideas and suggestions to improve the situation, we met with Perth & Kinross Council (PKC) Roads Department. We were delighted to hear that they support the majority of our proposals for short-term changes.
We’re aware of ongoing challenges with cars parking along Boat Road. PKC have already agreed to make this a clearway, and we’ve requested an update on this work, along with the other items discussed at our meeting. Other proposed improvements include speed bumps at each of the four entrances to the villages, a 20mph speed limit through Birnam, and timelimited parking on Bridge Street, Atholl Street and The Cross.
MURD O F RA S ER MS P
Me m ber of the Sco ttish Parl iament for Mid Sco t la nd & Fi fe Reg io n
FOR H EL P & ADVIC E
Det ails of regul ar su rg eries in the l ocal Pres s
You can cont ac t Mur do on 0 17 38 5 53 67 6 or wr i te to him at The Sco tt i sh Pa rl iament, Ed in burgh E H9 9 1SP E ma il : murd o. fra se r. msp@ pa rl ia me nt .sc ot
The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary resources
We also asked PKC to consider reconfiguring existing car parks to increase capacity, as well as the installation of vehicle-activated solar speed signs. In addition, we have been advised that the school car park will be available during the summer, and the surgery car park at weekends.
A map of available parking, including suggestions for targeted parking (e.g. camper vans, mountain bikers), is currently being produced and will be shared widely. Regular updates are provided at Community Council meetings.
We are working with the Community Development Trust to secure a consultancy to help us make best use of our resources. We’ve been notified of what appears to be an increase in lorry traffic to and from Newtyle Quarry, with some reports of people feeling unsafe, and are looking into how best to address and report this. Please continue to raise any concerns by emailing admin@dunkeldandbirnamcc.co.uk.
CO UNCILL OR G RANT LAIN G ( Independent ) 01 738 47 50 00 or 07 8 81 5 00 501 E ma il : GLai ng @ pk c.gov.uk
CO UNCILL OR IAN JAME S (C o nser vat ive) 01 7 38 4 750 00
E ma il : IJam es@ pk c.gov. uk
CO UNCILL OR CLAIRE MCLARE N (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01 73 8 47 5 00 0
E ma il : Cl a ireMcL a re n@ pk c.g ov.uk
A road closure affecting the C502 Rotmell Road between the A9 and Dunkeld is planned. The road will be closed to all traffic between Rotmell Farm and Warren Lodge from 22 June 2026 for up to 12 months, with local access only.
The existing cycling diversion from Dunkeld to Ballinluig via NCN77 is recommended for all cyclists. A safe pedestrian route will be maintained throughout.
For any questions or concerns about these works or the wider project, please contact:
• Email: enquiries A9TC2B@willsbros.com
• Telephone: 0800 011 4255
The next Community Council meetings will take place on:
• Monday 29 June 2026
• Monday 31 August 2026
• Monday 26 October 2026 (AGM)
• Monday 30 November 2026
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to Kirsty Gowans adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk Many thanks. Please contact the editor with amendments/additions.
Organisations - General
Phone 01350+
3 Churches Charity Shop 07751 593421 Anne Graham
Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) 0800 917 7650
Chapter House Museum 727786 Ruth Brown (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk
D&B Paths and Nature Action Group stewartpritchard@aol.com
DBDCDT Dunkeld Birnam District 07864 232116 Community Development Trust www.dbdtrust.org/
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Orchard 727048 Katharine Melville dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.com
Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom 07931 758456 Moira Forbes Forbes50@hotmail.co.uk
Birnam Arts 727674 Manager admin@birnamarts.com arts@birnamarts.com
Birnam Arts Ballet (Mon – Thurs, Emma Gray age 4 upwards & adults) ballet@birnamarts.com
Cathedral Tower Bell Ringers 742218 Iona Connor lowesfarm@hotmail.com
Dunkeld and District Strathspey & Reel Society 07740 664052 Theresa MacVarish Clark secretary@dunkeldstrathspeyandreel.org Film Society 727740 Tom Barnard tom_barnard@btinternet.com
Just Singin’, 7.30pm Weds (BA) 07765 405203 Katie Dalgliesh www.justsingin.co.uk
Traditional Youth Music Group 07958 324 766 Karys and Gill dbtradgroup@gmail.com and Facebook Annual Events
Art Exhibition dunkeldart@aol.com Margaret Scott
Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo.com
Christian Aid Week 727867 Jim McCafferty Highland Games (August) 07880 588433 Duncan Sim duncan_sim@hotmail.com
Niel Gow Festival 07766 406313 Liam Manion (weekend closest to 22 March) LManion41@gmail.com For Children
26 Big Apple Day at the Community Orchard, Bridge St., Little Dunkeld
For more information on groups that meet weekly and for dates further and for all contact information see www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk If you notice an inaccurate entry or that contact information needs updating please contact the editor on editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk Thank you.
