Issuu

FREE EDITION 429 SEPTEMBER 2026

Local News, Events and Information

A SEASON OF PLENTY

BIG APPLE DAY

A GIANT IN THE GARDEN

This Issue: Editorial

Arts

3 Churches in the Community

4-5

Arts

MACBETH is back in Birnam! See p6

Nature & Climate

8-9 10-11

Community Noticeboard In Bloom’s spectacular Himalayan Lily reached more than five feet in muchloved St Ninian’s Garden. And a poem celebrates the people who make this special place flourish. Read more on page 9.

St Ninian’s Garden Sitting late in this varied verdant place Under a ring of tall trees Guarding this space Above - beneath Deep rooted sentinels – melding a bowl of living grace.

The Field’s harvest is in! Pick up fresh local produce at Birnam Arts on Thursday mornings — come early! Read more on page 9.

A STEP ABOVE!

6-7

Classified

Celebrate the Community Orchard harvest with apple pressing, juice and home baking on 26 September. Read more on page 8.

FRESH FROM THE FIELD

Sports Hub

Underneath, the flowers colourless In the dark light of a late summer night Asleep, waiting for the first peep of morning sun To issue the prismatic wonder of colour Peaceful - and ringing the call to gratitude.

Perthshire Connect Launches in Dunkeld. See p12

Community Development

Learning & Community History

Classified

16-17

Notes from a Councillor 18 News for our Community Council

Stick on the Fridge

Classified

Alone in the solitude of this silence Reflecting on the women who designed and nurture This haven at the centre of our village This gift of self for the good of all The golden rule of a fertile community lived out. Love planted The body thrives And grows.

Paths & Nature volunteers hauled timber and tools up Birnam Hill to repair 26 steps on its steepest section. Read more on page 8.

A poem of thanks for the volunteers who look after St Ninians Garden in the centre of Dunkeld on the beautiful River Tay in Scotland, one watery bank marking Dunkeld, the other Birnam. John Ferguson - July 2026

www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk

Bear Sighting in Birnam. See p23

YOU CAN ALSO READ THE BRIDGE ON-LINE! Scan here or go to www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk Copy Dates for the Next Issue: Friday 11th September for publication Friday 25th September

Editorial Meet the Team EDITOR

Sally Robertson EDITOR

Betsy Shaw Please e-mail your article to the ediitorail team: editor@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk or post to: The Bridge Dunkeld & Birnam Community Co-Working Space Lagmhor, Dunkeld PH8 0AD ADVERTISING MANAGER

Kirsty Gowans

Please e-mail your advertising to Kirsty at: adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk Advertising rates from £8.07 per month. Contact Kirsty for details. Tel: 07967 117149 The Bridge, edited by volunteers for the people of Dunkeld, Birnam and the surrounding villages since 1974. Thank you for all your support.

Dunkeld & Birnam, The Bridge The Bridge Newsletter is produced and distributed by Dunkeld and Birnam News CIC a Community Interest Company Registered in Scotland SC813544

I hope the Nicoll family don’t mind me saying this, but they have four framed photographs in their house which I have always loved. Each is taken from exactly the same spot at the top of Birnam Hill, looking down over Dunkeld and Birnam – but in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Perhaps I love them because it’s a view I never tire of either. Sometimes there’s cloud lying below; sometimes everything is crystal clear. Sometimes the trees are stripped bare and sometimes the whole landscape is gloriously green. However, I love looking down onto our community spread out below me like a map. I should add that I am not particularly fit, so every time I reach the top of Birnam Hill I feel it is a considerable personal achievement. I sit down gasping for oxygen and reach for my coffee and snack. Once recovered I can admire the view and feel quietly pleased with myself. Which makes it rather humbling to remember that some people run up and down it in the Birnam Hill Race – fastest time 27 mins and 56 seconds by Alexander Chepelin in 2023 … my time approx. 4.5 hours. Oh dear. Even more astonishing, though, is discovering that our Paths and Nature Action Group have been repairing the very steps I toil up on the final stretch to the summit. Not only have they been doing the work – they have had to carry the tools and equipment up there in the first place. All voluntarily, without a penny for their efforts.

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 Thursday 24th September at Birnam Arts, 7.30pm . All welcome! In April Transport Scotland (TS) advised that there would be a Public Local Inquiry (PLI) for the Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing A9 dualling section and at the time of writing this (17 Aug) we still await advice from the appointed Reporter about a meeting to learn about the PLI process and suggested timescale. We have received very helpful and informative communications from Planning Aid for Scotland (PAS) and Killiekrankie Community Council as regards preparing for a Public Local Enquiry. A small group meeting was held with TS on 22nd June to discuss certain of the Community Group’s objections but little progress was made. A reminder that TS still advises that it is continuing to work “ to properly consider all matters raised by objectors and to resolve these where possible”. So they should be continuing to engage with any objectors who are expecting replies or who have further questions or comments for them. 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 Wills Bros contact for any issues to do with the Tay Crossing to Ballinluig A9 dualling construction is Angela Newlands AngelaNewlands@willsbros.com 01698 479230 or enquiries.A9TC2B@willsbros.com 0800 011 4255. They attended the June Community Council to discuss various issues including the additional traffic impact on Dunkeld junction from the announced almost year long closure of the Rotmell (old A9) road.. See the DBCC report elsewhere in this issue 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! Alasdair Wylie Coordinator 07927 175121 awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk For our reports on “The Bridge” website: https://www.dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk/

These heroic voluntary efforts are everywhere. At the Community Orchard, volunteers prune, plant, sort rabbit-proof trunks and prepare for Apple Day – even occasionally coping with the frustration of carefully harvested boxes of apples mysteriously disappearing into the back of someone’s car. At St Ninian’s, people have spent countless hours weeding, planting and putting in benches, creating a beautiful space for others to enjoy – wonderfully captured in John’s poem on our front page this month. And across Dunkeld and Birnam, people are running events, looking after paths and gardens, putting on concerts, supporting Birnam Arts, bringing our history to life, helping neighbours and doing hundreds of other things that most of us probably never even notice. Right now they are planning Book Festivals, Santa Day and the Niel Gow Festival. Much of it happens quietly, through sunshine and showers, with no expectation of thanks. So, this month’s editorial is simply a shout-out to all of you and a big thank you for your contributions. As we repeatedly say in these pages, this is a remarkable community – and one that I am very proud, as the editor of this community newsletter, to be part of. Thank you Sal Robertson

BIRNAM BOOK FESTIVAL

IS BACK! 23-25 Oct 2026

Authors: Doug Johnstone, Sarah Rankin, Jude Reid, Fiona Valpy, Natalie Jayne Clark, Gabriella Bennett, Debra Murphy, David MacPhail, Janis MacKay. Poets: James Appleby, Jon Plunkett, Taylor Strickland, Morag Anderson. Artists: Kate Leiper, Marion Archibald.

Full programme: birnambookfestival.co.uk Tickets: birnamarts.com

Plus, music (including Colleen Nicoll-Johnston), writing competition and more!

Arts News Dunkeld & Birnam Traditional Youth Music Group Spread the word - If you know someone who would like to learn to play, or take up a second instrument, we run classes teaching whistle, guitar, fiddle and accordion with a focus on learning traditional Scottish music. 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. Our advanced whistle class currently has spaces available. This is suitable for high school- age pupils who can already play, perhaps bagpipers who would like to expand abilities and adapt their skills to whistle. 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 and opportunity for various concerts throughout the year. 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

Birnam and Dunkeld Film Society Birnam and Dunkeld Film Society is putting on a new season of films in conjunction with Birnam Arts. The films will be shown on the second Sunday of every month from September 2026 to April 2027. The first film is Finis Terrae [1929] which will be screened on Sunday September 13th at 7.30pm, doors open at 7pm. and should be a special occasion. This famous French silent film has been restored to 4K standard and a live score specially composed for the occasion will be performed by Edinburgh composer Dan Abrahams and French drummer Philippe Boudot. It will be followed by ‘I Swear’ in October, ‘On Falling’ in November and ‘The Golden Spurtle’ as the Christmas film in December. Entrance to all eight films in the season will be a bargain £40 for membership + booking fee - much cheaper than buying individual tickets and you can join on the Birnam Arts website or on the night of the first film. Scott Herbertson Chair, Birnam and Dunkeld Film Society

Just Singin’

Community Singing Group We are a friendly local singing group, open to all. We offer a mix of different tutors and genres of music; learning tunes and simple harmonies by ear in a fun, supportive environment. If you get joy from singing, why not come along and join us for an evening to see what we are about, with no obligation whatsoever! We meet on Wednesday evenings at Birnam Arts at 7.30pm. Further details are on our website (justsingin.co.uk). We resumed on Wednesday 19 August after our summer break, with the ever-popular Amy Lord kicking off the new term. Do pop along and join us if you can. A warm welcome is guaranteed.

Three Churches in the Community THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Tina Minett The summer is almost over. Our young people have returned to their learning, and the days are noticeably shortening. September can feel like a disappointing time after the long hot days of July and August. And yet this is when all kinds of activities and events restart, and not just in our schools and colleges. Our farmers are gathering the harvest, livestock are being prepared for market, such a busy time. Local groups and societies have prepared their new term dates, rooms are booked and speakers are busily preparing their talks. Ministers and those in retail may even have their eyes on the Christmas season! So, as we bid the summer farewell, what are your highlights? What will make you smile as you remember something poignant or funny in the months ahead?

Church of Scotland Services Aug 30th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral. 6.30pm Songs & Silence in the Cathedral. Sept 6th 11am Communion Service in the Cathedral. 6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld Kirk

And what does September look like? Is it for you a month of “mellow fruitfulness” as the poet John Keats wrote of autumn? A time to relax into the cooler days. Or perhaps it is a time of frenetic activity to get a new venture off the ground, or to move to a new home? Retirement may even be beckoning for some, whether with joyful anticipation or dread.

Sept 13th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.

Such thoughts have been part of what it is to be human for millennia. One contributor to the Bible wrote “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”.

Sept 20th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral.

Whatever season of life you are in, may this be a fruitful time - whether mellow or not.

Stepping Stones

Kirk Session

Children are always welcome at Services and can stay for the whole time if they wish or they can leave after the first 20 minutes of the service and go down to the Chanonry where activities are organised for those who would like to participate. So, parents, no longer do you have to worry about your child getting bored or making a noise – come and join the fun!

The next meeting of the Kirk Session will be in Amulree Kirk on Tuesday 8th September at 7:30pm.

Prayers for Help & Healing 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 is 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 September 6th. in Little Dunkeld and in St. Mary’s on October 4th. All welcome from any church or none.

Songs & Silence Once again there is a series of summer evening services in the Cathedral called ‘Songs & Silence’ – time for prayer and reflection. Using music in the Taizé 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 in the lovely setting of the Cathedral.

The Meeting Place Many thanks to the members at St Mary’s Church, Birnam for hosting the Friday Coffee Mornings while the Art Exhibition was in the Duchess Anne. We will return to the Duchess Anne on Friday 4th September from 10am to 12noon. All welcome to join us for a cup of tea/coffee delicious home baking and a friendly chat.

Fellowship Group

‘Exploring faith and life together’ Two Fellowship Groups meet, fortnightly, one on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and the other on Wednesday mornings gathering at 10.15 and starting as soon as the Men’s breakfast is finished - both in the Chanonry. The groups have been off over the summer but will be starting again on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd September,

6.30 Songs & Silence in the Cathedral.

2.15 Service at Amulree 6.30 Songs & Silence in the Cathedral. Sept 27th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral. Oct 4th 11am Morning Service in the Cathedral 6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s, Birnam. Tea and coffee are served after the morning service each week in the Chanonry.

Men’s Breakfast The smell of bacon and sausages will once again be wafting out of the Chanonry as the Men’s Breakfast gets started again. It starts at 9am and meets fortnightly. Upcoming dates will be September 2nd, 16th. & 30th. There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy. All are welcome.

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

Future Dates The Tuesday group will meet on the 15th & 29th September. The Wednesday group on the 16th & 30th. September

If you find it difficult to come in person, it is possible to join by this zoom link:

The remaining dates for this summer are:

Meeting ID: 898 7502

August 30th,

Passcode: 809745

September 13th & 20th

THE 3 CHURCHES CHARITY SHOP 4

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 Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Highland Perthshire Debt Centre

3 Churches Charity Shop We have had a very busy summer. Thanks to the hot weather we have sold a huge amount of summer wear, especially ladies dresses.

This year, CAP UK are celebrating 30 years of debt counselling and debt management provision in the UK. 30 years during which thousands of families and individuals have escaped the shackles of debt and found a better way forward. CAP Highland Perthshire have been adding their own successes to that big national story. Over the past 13 years, we’ve seen several dozen Perthshire households escape the clutches of debt. Here’s just one good news story.

However, you never know what a customer might ask for. One afternoon we had to go searching for a warm woolly hat for a gentleman from the Baltic, which he put on immediately…. Must have reminded him of home!

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. I was invited on CAP residential weekends where I was pampered to bits and offered a befriender, a woman who is still my friend today. She took me for coffee and lunches and supported me as I was paying my debt off. She also helped me by praying for me and invited me to church events and a house-group where I learned more about the Bible. Church is like family to me now. They’re always there when I have mental health problems which I really appreciate. All I can say is CAP are fantastic; they help so many people.

It’s funny how the weather helps us: If it is too hot folk, come into the shop to cool off. If it’s raining, they come in to dry off and, of course if it is cold they come in to warm up. There’s always a positive for us no matter what the weather.

If you’re facing the nightmare of personal debt, CAP Highland Perthshire can help you. Our friendly debt coach, Helen Kirkwood, is fully trained working with CAP Finance Advisors who are accredited by the Financial Conduct Authority to help you start the journey out of debt. Why not call her and arrange to meet to explore the options open to you to escape the prison of debt? CAP helps anyone regardless of their religious beliefs, age, gender, disability or race.

We quite often run short of carrier bags so if anyone has a few to spare, we could use them.

Contact Helen Kirkwood on 07353 784530 or call the national CAP helpline on 0800 328 0006 where a friendly advisor can help you make a start to getting rid of debt.

Church Services and Contacts: 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

Contact Details: Church of Scotland: Congregational Office Bearers: Minister: Rev. R. Fraser Penny,B.A. B.D., Cathedral Manse, Dunkeld, PH8 0AW Tel: 01350 727249 e-mail: r.fraserpenny@gmail.com Session Clerk: Alison Gillies The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld PH8 0AW Tel: 07736 423198 e-mail: sessionclerk@dunkeldcathedral.org

Treasurer: Mrs Louise Luke The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372 e-mail: treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org

ecumenically by folk from our 3 Churches in Dunkeld and Birnam. All Together Music Sessions: 2pm on the first Thursday of the month.

Covenant Officer: Mrs. Ann Bryce Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228 e-mail: annbryce228@gmail.com

The Rector: Rev. Tina Minett Stevens Tel: 01350 727755 Email: rector@stmarysbirnam.org.uk www.stmarysbirnam.org.uk

Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch Tel: 07867 642954 e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org

Treasurer: Charles Cox (contact via below)

Parish Office: Mrs Jill McCrory 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. Now the summer is over, the church can be opened for visitors and those needing a space to sit and reflect or pray by prior arrangement with Revd Tina The monthly Servite worship Service is at 2pm on the last Saturday of each month, led

PLENTY OF CLOTHING AND BRIC A BRAC, COME ALONG AND TREAT YOURSELF TO A BARGAIN

Vestry Secretary: Adrian Freer Tel: 01821 650536 Email: adrianfreer@btinternet.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

OPENING HOURS Monday - CLOSED Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 Sunday - CLOSED 5

Arts News

MACBETH is back in Birnam! Arriving fresh from this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The New Zealand troupe Barden Party will be based in Birnam for the highland leg of their tour performing a highly original adaptation of the Shakespeare classic tragedy MACBETH: BLOOD AND BLUEGRASS. The tour stops at Birnam Arts Centre on Thursday 10th September. Doors open, 7:30pm. Curtain goes up at 8pm. Featuring live bluegrass, Americana music and gender-blind casting, the show became an unexpected word-of-mouth hit at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, as critics and ticket buyers alike were captivated by the modern twist this multi-award-winning New Zealand company led by American-Kiwi actor/director Laura Irish, gives to the classic play. “We came all the way from New Zealand last year and gave it our all, because we never ever dreamed we would get the chance to come again,” Laura remembers. “Favourite memories include walking down the Royal Mile for the first time, seeing over

forty incredible shows across a month, making new connections with artists from across the world and getting to do a rehearsal of Macbeth… in the real Birnam Wood beneath the branches of the famous oak.” The company’s UK debut at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe was so enthusiastically embraced by both reviewers and audiences alike that they were booked to return this year with a tour of Scotland to follow and have once again won glowing reviews and standing ovations for their lively musical interpretation, which is in turn humorous and tragic. Punctuated by music written by the likes of Mumford and Sons, Dolly Parton and The Steeldrivers, the show is in turn raucous, poignant, uplifting and darkly tragic, but always engagingly dynamic. This modern reinterpretation retains all the emotional heft of the original text, while presenting it in a totally fresh new light.

Don’t miss this unique production from a theatre company from the other side of the world. You’ll never see the notorious Scottish Play in the same way again!

Sports, Health and Wellbeing 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. Booking for the tennis courts and MUGA can be done online at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub

Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)

The thrills and spills way back during Games Week saw our riders proudly display their riding skills as they negotiated bending races with cups full of water and ball and spoon challenges, where balance and cunning were required to get around the course without dropping the ball and still controlling their pony. Rosettes were awarded to all the children for their various achievements and the smiles and laughter from riders, volunteers, school staff and parents made all the hard work throughout the term extremely worthwhile.

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.’

Our riders will return after the school holidays, but volunteers were kept busy fundraising and promoting the group at the Aberfeldy Show & Games. From our stall we fundraised with a new game – Nails in the Bale. It’s a dynamic take on the traditional tombola with many prizes donated from local businesses. Results to be reported next month. We have recently had a huge boost to our funds from significant donations from local businesses. Pitlochry Life, Aberfeldy Heartland Veterinary Practice and Taymouth Castle in Kenmore have given generously to help us continue with our work. This year we have to replace all our riding helmets to comply with safety legislation, and we also pay towards the travel and general costs of a very special pony who is transported to us for every session by the Miller family from Rannoch. The owners give their time freely to us, as do all our volunteers, but the pressure of funding the group’s activities is ever present and so we are especially grateful to these organisations for helping us out. Sadly we learnt of the passing of Mrs Liz Lines, a founder member of our RDA group. She worked tirelessly from its inception in 1992, using her own premises in Aberfeldy to create the wonderful riding opportunities for local children, ably supported by her husband, Commander David Lines, and local volunteers and pony owners. An accomplished horsewoman and supporter of several local initiatives. New volunteers are always welcome. Do get in touch by contacting Helen at breadalbanerda@gmail.com

or have an established practice, you are welcome to come to our meetings. These take place on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 10:30am to 12:30pm in Dalguise Village Hall. So, in September, meetings are on Tuesday 1st and 15th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and no religious affiliations.

Sit- in & Take-away

If you aren’t able to attend in person, you might 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

Hours: Mon to Sat 9:30am – 4:30pm Sun: 10am to 4:30pm

The fire is behind us now and we are back to a fully functioning café & evening restaurant with a fantastic new, sparkly kitchen! A huge thank you to so many of our local community who have continued to support us throughout the difficult spell. A special thanks to ‘Perth Rd neighbours’ who took away lots of our crockery & equipment from front of house to clean it & hold onto it until we were operational again!

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!

• • • • • • • • •

Breakfast: Traditional & Workers breakfasts, filled breakfast rolls, freshly made pancakes, Dunkeld smoked salmon & more! Lunch: Home-made soups & quiche, filled baguettes & sandwiches, summer salads, mixed cheese & meat boards, veggie boards & kids’ funky lunchboxes. 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 is back!!… Thursday, Friday, Saturday. It’s very popular and books up quick so pop in, call or email to book your table in advance. Walk-ins welcome but we can’t guarantee a spot.

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.

Food Share We continue to collect food from the Co-op and Livvi’s Little Lunchbox every day. It is divided between the Duchess Anne and St Mary’s Church in Birnam. Everyone is welcome to share it. We are grateful to both churches for their support and to the Catholic Church for regular food bank donations. Donations for food bank can also be left at the counter in the Coop. We always welcome offers of help with the food collections. This involves a short trip to the coop in the evening and then taking the food to the two locations. We have four teams so it’s normally only one night a month. Please contact Jan Silburn 07881813835 if you think you can help.

Food Bank For help with food, contact the confidential links: 01350 700018, or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com

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, focused 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 are completely new to meditation,

Nature and Climate Community Orchard

Big Apple Day! Our main event of the year - “Big Apple Day” takes place on Saturday 26 September from 11:30 to 14:30. This is the highpoint in the orchard calendar as we gather as a community to celebrate nature’s bounty, as well as raising vital funds to cover the orchard’s running costs. Come along on the Saturday and help harvest apples, see them being turned into juice – then sample some! (Bring your own bottle/cup). Take a walk around the orchard and find out more about the different fruit growing here. We have 29 different apple varieties in the orchard, as well as cherries, plums, pears and soft fruit. There will be activities for the kids, home baking and teas and coffees. We would welcome donations of home baking. Harvesting is great fun but it’s a big task as it lasts for several weeks as the different varieties ripen at different times. If you’d like to help with the harvest (days and times are flexible) please let us know. And if you want to pick a few apples for your own use look out for the “Pick Me” tags on the trees – please don’t pick from the other trees as they won’t be ready! Contact us dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com

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

D&B Paths & Nature Action Group

The summer months kept us busy: Our red squirrel initiative is up and running and four swifts boxes erected in the last two years fledged young – which will now be winging their way to Africa. There was also balsam-pulling and other invasive non-native plant species control, as well as cutting back encroaching vegetation on the Brae Street to Loch of the Lowes path. The last known local patch of pearly everlasting (native to north America/north Asia) was finally pulled in August. The planned eradication of white butterbur (from central Europe and the Caucuses) from the area didn’t quite go to plan – with one large patch only partly dealt with and another missed completely. Having jumped through all the hoops this year, we’ll hopefully get the landowner’s permission earlier in 2027 and be able to complete the task. The most strenuous activity was a couple of days working with PKC Greenspace Rangers, to repair the Birnam Hill steps. These timber steps taking the path up (and down) the steepest section had deteriorated over the years with several completely missing. Day 1 involved lugging timber, steel pins and tools from the Quarry Car Park up to the steps. On Day 2, with a couple more volunteers and a lot of sunshine, we replaced about 26 steps and backfilled them with local material. It’s likely we’ll need to go back in autumn and top-up the backfill after it’s weathered-in. We will also then consider extending the steps over the eroded section above. Looking ahead – we’ll have been tackling the Japanese knotweed and planning a small task with the NTS to sort a short, rough section of path in Stanley Hill Park. And next month I’ll maybe have details of our next ‘big’ path task.

SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST UNVEILS NEW SEASON OF NATURE TALKS

START OF THE NEW GARDENING AND GROWING YEAR 16th September 2026

Falkland Palace Gardens

14th October 2026

Talk on Cacti and Succlents

18th November 2026

Wreath making at the Guide Hall

The Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust is looking forward to another inspiring season of talks, with a programme of expert speakers covering everything from wildlife conservation and habitat restoration to photography and overseas adventures. The monthly talks take place at 7.30pm on Monday evenings at The Tryst in Pitlochry and offer a great opportunity to hear from experts, learn more about the natural world and meet others with an interest in wildlife and the environment. This season’s programme is: • 19 October: Dalnacardoch: the beginning of a restoration journey Sam Buckland

Drink, Act, Chat Part of the growing Climate Café® movement that began in this village over ten years ago, the 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. The café connects our community with the wider network of Climate Café® spaces springing up 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 - 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 and find inspiration. Find out more at www.climate.cafe or follow the conversation online #ClimateCafe #DrinkChatAct

• 16 November: Loch of the Lowes: a place for wildlife – Raz Rasmussen • 14 December: Through the lens: wildlife photography at Dùn Coillich and beyond – Fred Cochrane • 18 January: Exploring the wildlife of the Galápagos and Costa Rica Brian Mullins • 15 February: Leading the John Muir Trust: an ecologist’s perspective David Balharry • 15 March: Strategic invasive species control in Northeast Scotland Mark Purrman-Charles • 19 April: Riverwoods and lichens – Petra Vergunst A suggested donation of £3 for non-members and £2 for members (cash on the door) helps support the talks. To receive updates on future events, sign up to the Scottish Wildlife Trust mailing list at https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list/ and select “Events and information from my local group”. Talks are subject to change. For more information, contact branch chairman Mark Aquilina on 07796 561844 or email markandrosie@btinternet.com.

Nature and Climate We have recently heard that we have been nominated by Perth and Kinross Council in various categories in this year’s Apprentice Awards. The awards event will take place in September, and we wish the team every success!

Where people and nature thrive Dun Coillich – 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 the benefit of wildlife and the local community. What’s been happening on the Dun? As part of our engagement with employers and their employees, the SSEN Marketing Team joined us on a volunteer day, and the Glen Lyon Coffee Team (one of our business partners) spent an enjoyable and productive day tree planting. Our programme of public events has been very well received with record numbers joining us for the delights of the dawn (and evening!) chorus, a foraging walk, a moth morning and an exploration of our developing woodland with our Forest Manager, Willie McGhee. We also hosted a PKC led ‘Gaelic Walk’, exploring the Gaelic language in the context of the history of Dùn Coillich and its surrounds.

Fire risk The potential fire risk has been particularly acute across much of Scotland because of the hot dry weather this summer. We always welcome visitors to enjoy Dun Coillich but would ask that they avoid lighting fires and/or using barbeques at all times. One fire could set back years of environmental progress. 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/. • Business partnership scheme – a way for local businesses to give back to communities and the environment, and to support our work. • 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.

Up to the end of June, we had 558 people working with and visiting us ‘on the hill’, contributing over 2000 practical work hours - truly putting the ‘community’ into Highland Perthshire Communities’ Land Trust.

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.

Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom

We also weeded and shoveled 4 tons of gravel at the Legion corner to tidy up that area. Luckily, we got a dry morning and had a lovely picnic in St Ninians gardens afterwards thanks to Elspeth “of Perth and Kinross Council.” As usual we will tidy up Lagmhor area so all looks good for the games at the end of the month.

I hope some of you managed to get into St Ninians gardens during July to see the Himalayan Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum) with the plant being over 5ft. The flowers were spectacular and we expect the seed heads to be amazing too. Neil has planted two further bulbs but we will need to wait another 3 to 4 years to see them flower. Matting has been put round their base again, so fingers crossed the slugs don’t get at them.

We are always looking for new volunteers, which we need to keep the border area tubs looking good, and also to dead-head and do some light weeding. 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.

The flower tubs are looking great at the entrance to Birnam, on Birnam Arts’ corner and the main bus stop. The begonia tubers have produced some very large heads which do make an impact.

Six fantastic new oak benches and a picnic table arrived at the end of July in St Ninians, which I hope everyone can enjoy over the remainder of the summer. The oak was sourced and processed locally, grown in Murthly, cut by Rumbling Sawmill and then finished by Heritage Wood. Funding from the SSE Griffin & Calliachar Community Fund made this possible.

Moira (07931 758 456)

Repair Cafe

Repair cafe is restarting after the summer break. Have you still got things stored away waiting to be mended? Jumper with a hole in? Broken ornament? Lamp with a loose wire? Broken or shooglie leg on a stool or small chair? Anything portable - bring it all to our next café: Monday September 7th 3pm to 6pm in the Birnam Arts Community Room- next to the Library. Our lovely volunteers work for free. The only cost might be for spare parts. Donations also welcome to help with running costs. Come along and have a tea or a coffee, and we’ll see if we can help. We’ll also pass on repair skills if you want to learn to fix things. Come and see what we do. Future dates are starting again on: Monday 5th October Monday 2nd November Monday 7th December

The Field After a challenging, wet, cold spring, and hot, dry July we are “taking the crop” which has been better than expected. Beans and peas have been plentiful, soft fruit was all harvested in July, and volunteers have been busy making delicious jams, preserves and puddings! Spinach, chard and lettuce survived and keep giving. Courgettes, as usual, are bountiful. Pointy cabbage, calabrese onions, carrots, beetroot, early tatties and of course apples, plums and pears make for a balanced diet leading into Autumn. All this produce should be available at our Thursday market stall at Birnam Arts and over the winter at the Field gate. (We have, unfortunately, stopped our Saturday stall at the Duchess Anne in Dunkeld because of difficulties parking and Saturday traffic in the village.) Since its inception 15 years ago the Field has been committed to encouraging biodiversity in the headlands of our plots and hedgerows. We have reaped the benefits in terms of insect pollination (we now have two Bee skeps), however the cost came in a proliferation of a huge variety of “weeds.” Weed management now takes up a lot of our time; ground preparation, digging out creeping rhizomes, weeding crops and scything seeding plants. All of this requires much more effort and time than when we first ploughed the soil, which had been a grass monoculture for decades. We hope to address this challenge in future by restructuring the growing areas and appreciate all advice. If you would like to see or participate in a “heritage” event, we will be lifting most of our tatties in September with our vintage tattie elevator followed by scrabbling volunteers gathering the crop. Small people with sharp eyes and quick hands are especially good at this task so we will hope to do this on Saturday mornings when children and parents (or grandparents) can join us. Volunteers come to the Field on Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9am onwards to harvest and do maintenance tasks on the plots. Coffee is served late morning and everyone is encouraged to take home as much produce as they or their family needs during this season of abundance. We look forward to seeing you @the Field at the top of Brae Street Dunkeld.

Contact for queries: dbrepaircafe@gmail.com

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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. Book a FREE Site Survey Today Find out if a heat pump is right for your home. No sales pitch, just expert insight.

THE PLANT NURSERY KINDALLACHAN

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Live or work in a stressful environment? Feel overwhelmed, exhausted or unsatisfied with life? Want to be proactive in supporting your wellbeing?

Dog Chaperone for Weddings Ad Hoc / One Off Dog Walks for One Household at a time Join us1for a two free Day or up to Night Dog day Sitting and Hento Visits WRAP® Cat workshop self-reflect, 07774 294610 learn skills and build an action Hello@solopaws.co.uk plan for early intervention and On Facebook and Instagram

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prevention, to support your wellbeing. 17th & 24th Sept 2024 9-3pm both days Book a free place here:

Open to all PH8 residents 18 years +

Health and Wellbeing Hub, Dunkeld & Birnam Guidehall, Little Dunkeld

Glack Dog Kennels Heated Kennels Day & Long Term Stays Elizabeth & Keith Lumsden 01350 728849 E-mail: bizzabooks@gmail.com

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior / Exterior Work Paper Hanging • Taping Phone Sandy Carr Bankfoot 01738 787547 Mobile: 07818 254520 email: sandytcarr@yahoo.co.uk

Curtains Blinds Lampshades Alterations Tracks Poles

Elaine Burns Victoria FoxPodiatry

HCPC Registered 07807 279CHIROPODY 101 Help with your project, ideas & fabrics

Fully vaccinated & G & A Paddocks Dunkeld full PPE compliant. Horse Grazing & DIY Livery

Call or Email Karen: For home visits, 07759 701413 gapdunkeld@gmail.com contact me on: 07986 092581 01796 474291

Local food and drink Riverside beer garden Live music sessions Rooms and apartments Seasonal events

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For home visits, contact me on: 07986 092581

AB Garden Services Grass Cutting General Garden Maintenance Locally Based

Tel: 01350 727769

Mob: 07783 612399

*Post Office Amended Opening Hours* Commencing Monday 8th April Monday / Wed / Fri 9 - 12 & 2 - 5 Tues / Thurs 2 - 5 Saturday / Sunday CLOSED

Accountants & business advisors located in Perth & Pitlochry Perth: 01738 629697 | Pitlochry: 01796 474370

Time to prioritise your body? Brand New Clinic in Little Dunkeld Opening August 2026 Parking Available Lagmhor Stables (by the Doctors) www.atlas-osteopathy.com Little Dunkeld 07871275572 PH8 0AD osteopathyatlas@gmail.com

Community Noticeboard 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 Betsy, at deliveries@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk.

Perthshire Connect Launches in Dunkeld A new Taxi/private hire minibus service, Perthshire Connect, has officially launched in Dunkeld, set up by local entrepreneurs Ben and George, who have spent the last decade running The Canyoning Company. With a strong commitment to the local community, the duo

saw a significant opportunity in providing more transport options in and around Dunkeld, which led to the start of this exciting new venture. We’ve witnessed firsthand the increasing demand for reliable transfer options, especially as more visitors come to explore the beautiful Perthshire area. With Perthshire Connect, we aim to fill that gap. Perthshire Connect is designed to cater to both residents and visitors, offering flexible and efficient transport solutions. The service specialises in pre-booked minibus travel, accommodating local transfers, group journeys, and door-to-door trips. We are really keen to work with the local community, both in personal and business capacities. Our goal is to create a service that reflects the needs of Dunkeld and its surroundings. The launch of Perthshire Connect comes at a time when Dunkeld is experiencing a surge in tourism, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, day-trippers, and families. The scenic beauty and various activities in the region require a dependable transport system, and we are excited to provide that. Perthshire Connect is not just about transportation; it’s about building connections within the community. We are committed to establishing strong relationships with local organisations, businesses, and residents to foster mutual support and growth.

RBS mobile bank visits Dunkeld and Birnam. Thursdays: Dunkeld, The Cross 14.50 pm to 15.20 pm and Birnam, Post Office 15.05 pm to 15.25 pm

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Community Developments Our bungalow for your …? TIME TO CARE? “People like me would never make a good care worker” “Care work? It’s just not my thing” “I don’t have the skills”

Heartland Cares is looking for people exactly like you Heartland Cares is the not-for-profit company recently started by the Dunkeld and Birnam community to help local people get the right care at home. We’re here for people when things get more difficult around the home, helping to make everyday lives that bit easier so people can stay living well in their own homes.

We are a family living in Birnam with children at Royal School Dunkeld. We are looking for a potential house swap + / - cash in and around Dunkeld or villages, ideally in Breadalbane school catchment, outdoor space and a garage / workshop a must. Perhaps you want to be nearer village amenities, downsize, be on one level or have a more manageable garden. Not looking to sell ours without something else in place, hence swap. Would consider a project. Please contact: woodstone01@hotmail.com

To make our community-centred model work well, we’re looking for people who live in and around Dunkeld and Birnam to be our workforce. With the right people in our carer team, we can make a difference.

Defibrillator

Emergency Defibrillators

The Birnam Arts Centre North Car Park Toilets Dunkeld Brodies Sawmill Inver The Community Telephone Box, Butterstone The Community Telephone Box, Willowbank,Birnam Amulree Village Hall Caputh Village Hall Dalguise Village Hall BASC office Trochry Auchnacloich Farm, Amulree Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club Office Wall, Erigmore Holiday Park Davidson’s Chemist Dunkeld Inver Caravan Park Sports and Recreation Hub All these defibrillators are located externally and give 24 access Contact shoetrees@btinternet.com

We’re offering paid roles with hours and client locations to suit you, a competitive package including pension and annual leave and the support of a locally based team. We’ll sort the paperwork and the training while you focus on making people’s everyday lives that bit easier. We’d like to talk to you, if - You are a people person - You can fit a few hours of paid work into your week

ATHOLL STREET 01350 727556 Proprietor: Alasdair Wylie

- You want to make a contribution and join a positive local team - You are happy to learn some new skills If you think care work is not for people like you, please think again and get in touch to find out more about being part of our team. Eilidh Wild Dunkeld and Birnam Local Care Connector Tel. 07432569447 eilidh@heartlandcares.org www.heartlandcares.com

This space could be selling for you! Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149

Dunkeld Mobile Service

Thursdays 9.00am – 10.00am Dunkeld North End Car Park, Atholl Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0AR Services • Royal Mail & Parcelforce Worldwide • Everyday Personal & Business Banking

• Cash withdrawls • Cash Deposits

• Cheque Deposits • Driving: vehicle tax

Alternative Branches: Please check opening times and that these branches have the services you require. Murthly: Mon-Thurs 9am - 13.00, Friday 9am - 13.00 (5.1 miles) Spittalfield Mobile Service: Thurs 10:15 - 10:45 (5.2 miles)

Care and support Designed and delivered with your community For your community

Bankfoot: Mon, Wed and Fri 9:30 - 11:30 (5.3 miles) Pitlochry: Mon-Sun 9am - 20.00 (13 miles) Ballinluig: Mon, Thurs, Fri, 09:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 17:30 (8.6 miles) Perth Muirton: 113 Dunkeld Road Perth PH1 5BS Mon-Fri 9am - 17:00, Sat 9am - 13.00 (13 miles)

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 26th September at 10.00am Register online www.morrisonsacademy.org

Learning and Community History Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries 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 greylidded 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. AK Bell Library, Perth - Perth’s AK Bell Library will close to the public and staff from Monday 24 August to Monday 14 September for essential maintenance work. During this time, the building’s original boilers will be removed, meaning the library will be inaccessible throughout the threeweek closure. Library users can continue to browse and borrow books, use services such as People’s Network PCs, and use Princh printing at the 11 other Culture Perth & Kinross libraries, including Birnam Library. Full details of the closure of the AK Bell Library can be found at www.culturepk.org. uk/akbellclosure.

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 Contact: 01738459709 birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk

BIRNAM & DUNKELD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE OPEN NIGHT Tuesday 15th September 7:30pm The Duchess Anne We would love to welcome friends old and new to our Open Evening and give you a chance to see what Birnam & Dunkeld Women’s Institute is all about!

On the night, you can have a go at:

We are a diverse and inclusive group of women who enjoy home crafts, knitting and crafting, cooking and baking, rural affairs, learning new skills, lectures from interesting speakers, socialising and making new friends.

Knitting

We meet monthly. We would love for you to come along, meet us and try us out — your first evening is free!

Floral arranging Crafting

There will also be home baking, wine and a raffle! Membership is £38 for the year if you decide you’d like to join us. Raffle tickets are £1 per strip. Come along, have a cuppa (or a glass of wine!), meet some lovely ladies and see what we get up to. See you at the Duchess Anne!

12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk manager@historicdunkeld.org.uk

01350 727786

OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm

ADULT ARCHAEOLOGY & HISTORY CLUB DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES Monthly on a Wednesday in the Community Archive, 6pm to 9pm. We’re currently processing finds from our excavation of St Jerome’s Chapel in the archive, but will return to the rooms above the Perth Arms on Wednesday 28th October at 7pm.

**** COMPETITION TIME ****

We need to raise £450 to pay for the Radiocarbon dating of a sample of charcoal found during our excavation at St Jerome’s Chapel. Tickets cost £5 and are available in the Archive. Prize – A voucher for £50 for dinner in the Perth Arms (very kindly donated by Karen and Ewan at the pub – so a huge thank you to them!) All you have to do is try and guess the age of the charcoal sample

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGIST CLUB

Fortnightly on a Thursday in the Community Archive, 3:30pm to 5pm in the Archive for children age 8 to 16. Next meeting - Thursday 10th September.

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

This space could be selling for you! Advanced Booking Recommended

FILLERS

Contact the Advertising Manager adverts@dunkeldandbirnamnews.co.uk 07967 117149

FIND US AT: Forneth, Blairgowrie, PH10 6SP 07789 056328 sean@mallenymortgagesolutions.com

Rivendell provides high quality care and support for you and your elderly relative. Based in Birnam and Dunkeld our homely environment providesD o a safe y o u :and fun community spirit. OurL i vtrained e o r w o rstaff k in a str provide care and support e n vfor i r o nall m e your nt? needs 24 hours a day, we F e e lare o v ealways rwhelmed, e there. or unsatisfied with W a n t tcontact, o be proactiv So, if you are looking for social s u p p o r ting your wel 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.

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Colin and Lizzy offer a caring and professional 24 hour service from custom built premises at Inver, Dunkeld. You can visit loved ones in privacy at our small chapel of rest beside the River Braan. For a personal service tailored to your requirements please contact us. Colin Gerrie Mobile: 07836 343967 Telephone: 01350 727364 Email: wkgerrie.inver@gmail.com www.dunkeldfuneraldirectors.co.uk

We are a family business - We care. Serving the community in Dunkeld, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl and surrounding areas for over 50 years.

Birnam Library Opening hours: Thursday: 5pm – 7pm Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 9.30am – 12pm Birnam Library is situated in the Birnam Arts Centre, Station Road, Birnam, PH8 0DS Tel : 01738 459709

Birnam Library is run by Culture Perth and Kinross a 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/

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VICES & PROPERTI

Three Churches Charity Shop High Street Dunkeld

BLAIRGOWRIE 28 Wellmeadow PH10 6AX

01250 874441

PROPERTY @ HODGE 33 Wellmeadow PH10 6AS

COUPAR ANGUS

Union Bank Buildings PH13 9AJ

01250 870006

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Last chance to get great summer clothing bargains, so if heading off to warmer climes over winter come in and stock up 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

WRS TAXIS WRS TAXIS DUNKELD & LOCAL AREAS TEL:07491236337

AIRPORT TRANSFERS LOCAL PICKUP PRE-BOOKINGS 4, 6 AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESIBLE VEHICLE AVAILIBLE ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED WRSTAXIS@GMAIL.COM

Fraser Mills - NICEIC registered All domestic and commercial work undertaken Tel: 07545 078968 Email: fm.electrical143@gmail.com FM-Electrical.co.uk Locally based

Notes from a Councillor The community would like to thank all our three local councillors for all the work they do on behalf of our community.

Councillor Grant Laing (Independent) 01738 475000 or 07881 500501 Email: GLaing@pkc.gov.uk

Councillor Ian James (Conservative) 01738 475000 Email: IJames@pkc.gov.uk

Councillor Claire McLaren (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01738 475000 Email: ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk

Mail for all: Perth & Kinross Council, 2 High Street, Perth PH1 5PHG.

News from our Community Council Work is progressing on the Community Climate Resilience Plan, with the first draft now almost complete. The roles and responsibilities within the plan will be discussed and agreed at the next Community Council meeting, which will be held in public. The wider community will also have an opportunity to contribute to the plan at a community event to be organised in the autumn. An Extreme Weather Handbook will be shared with every household, providing practical advice to help people prepare for extreme weather events and stay safe when incidents occur. Residents in PH8 will have received a postcard inviting them to have their say on the future of the Griffin and Calliachar Community Fund, which supports local projects run by not-forprofit groups and is worth around £500,000 each year. Residents are urged to complete and return the postcard survey, helping ensure the fund continues to focus on the things that matter most to local people. The survey can also be completed online at www.ibp.eu.com/communityfund, or people can request a paper copy or personal interview by contacting IBP Strategy & Research on 01698 532021. We are well aware of the impact of the road closure affecting the C502 Rotmell Road is having on the A9 junction and traffic across the bridge and into Dunkeld. The road will be closed for the next 10 months but, when reopened, there will be no A9 access for northbound traffic. We have

raised our concerns, especially around safety and emergency services access to either village, with John Swinney and are working with Dunkeld & Birnam Junctions Action Group to try and identify potential solutions, such as a temporary roundabout to keep traffic flowing. Perth & Kinross Council have notified us of a temporary speed limit of 20mph to be applied through Birnam and the various residential streets. We are awaiting confirmation of the date and clarity around why it is temporary.

The next Community Council meetings will take place on: • Monday 31 August 2026 • Monday 26 October 2026 (AGM) • Monday 30 November 2026

The community council continue to work with PKC in relation to the change ideas identified at our Traffic & Parking workshops. As a reminder, these include speed bumps at the entrances to the villages; the Boat Road clearway; time-limited parking; and the reconfiguration of the existing car parks. Please bear with us, we understand the frustrations but are doing our best.

JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at:

OFFICE 6, 18 HIGH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE, PH10 6ET

COUNCILLOR GRANT LAING

MURDO FRASER MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Mid Scotland & Fife Region FOR HELP & ADVICE Details of regular surgeries in the local Press You can contact Murdo on 01738 553676 or write to him at The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP Email: murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot The cost of this publication has been met from parliamentary resources

(Independent) 01738 475000 or 07881 500501 Email: GLaing@pkc.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR IAN JAMES (Conservative) 01738 475000 Email: IJames@pkc.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR CLAIRE MCLAREN (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 01738 475000 Email: ClaireMcLaren@pkc.gov.uk

Tel: 01250 876576

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT, EDINBURGH EH99 1SP Tel: 0131 348 5717

e-mail: john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot

September ‘Stick on the Fridge’ Local Organisations - Contact Details

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.

Phone 01350+ Organisations - General 3 Churches Charity Shop Alcoholics Anonymous (Helpline) Chapter House Museum (in Dunkeld Cathedral, open 7 days) D&B Paths and Nature Action Group DBDCDT Dunkeld Birnam District Community Development Trust Dunkeld & Birnam Community Orchard Dunkeld & Birnam Historical Society Dunkeld & Birnam in Bloom Dunkeld & Birnam Men’s Shed Dunkeld Masonic Lodge Dunkeld Community Archive (Mon – Fri, 10am – 3pm) Food Share Friends of the Cathedral Gardening and Growing Club (Horti) National Trust for Scotland Royal British Legion Repair Café RVS (Supporting You At Home and Home Library Service) SWRI

07751 593421 Anne Graham 0800 917 7650 727786 Ruth Brown archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk stewartpritchard@aol.com 07864 232116 www.dbdtrust.org/ 727048 Katharine Melville dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com 07584 434253 Dave Roberts daveroberts132@btinternet.com 07931 758456 Moira Forbes Forbes50@hotmail.co.uk 07777 696953 Jackie MacLean dbmensshed@outlook.com 724232 Tom Gordon secyonefour@gmail.com 727786 Ruth Brown archive@historicdunkeld.org.uk 07881 813835 Jan Silburn j.silburn@btinternet.com 728697 John Gray friends@dunkkeldcathedral.org 07740 982465 Andrea Cox acox325@gmail.com 07548 757060 Karen Clark kclark@nts.org.uk 728811 Kevin Forsyth Kevforsyth@hotmail.com 07788746127 Liz Duguid dbrepaircafe@googlemail.com 01738 633975 Geoff Bird perthsupportingyou@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

SWRI Amulree The Field The Meeting Place (Fri, DA) Tourist Association

Community Learning & Development PKC CLD Staff U3A

Sport

723203 / 07783 618535 Jane Gordon cjsgordon7@gmail.com 723203 Jane Anderson 07584 434253 Dave Roberts dblandtrust@btinternet.com 07474 183042 Margaret Scott 723297 Adrian Blundell

01738 459701 Cat Gordon/Alison May/ Robin Crawford Enquiries: cld@pkc.gov.uk https://bit.ly/PKCCLD 07714 103309 Sandra Cairncross smcairnx@hotmail.com

Butterstone Hill & Trail Group

07761 673231 Adrian Davis wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com 727911 / 07786 073686 Arthur Robert Hewines bobhewines@hotmail.com Dunkeld & Birnam Angling Association secretary@dbaa.co.uk Billy Davidson Dunkeld & Birnam Bowling Club 07977 911068 Gael Shaw Gaelshaw@btinternet.com Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club 01350 727524 Rhona Pollok (Visitors Welcome) dunkeldgolf@outlook.com Dunkeld & Birnam Sports 07970 778525 Sally Robertson Leisure Hub dbsportsleisurehub@gmail.com Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club 07731 631563 Morna Mitchell mornaamitchell59@gmail.com Glendelvine/Spittalfield Cricket Club (all ages) 07816 982140 Andrew Ross Grass Track & Field Group 07736 724113 James Jarvis Highland Perthshire Clay Shooting Club 07821940252 Ted Carr tedcarr@waitrose.com Leisure Group (Sports Hall Project) 727361 Alasdair Wylie awylie2002@yahoo.co.uk Over 35’s Rugby 07738 006738 Iain Gordon iainhg@aol.com Running Club (8 – 12 year old,) 07761 673231 Adrian Davis (Mondays at 3.30pm) wildoutdoorscotland@gmail.com Swimming & Alexander Technique 07778 778007 Jan Osband jmosband@gmail.com Tai Chi 07551 029076 John Connelly dachutaichi@gmail.com Tayside Orienteers 727048 Bill Melville Bill.b.melville@btinternet.com Yoga 07858 817915 Sue Atkinson atkinsue93@yahoo.co.uk

Clan Bowmen (Field Archery)

Music & Arts BIPS

07872 505516 Melanie Brockway mbroc02@hotmail.com 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 Birnam Arts

Annual Events

Art Exhibition Arts & Crafts Fair (Apr, Aug & Nov) Christian Aid Week Highland Games (August) Niel Gow Festival (weekend closest to 22 March)

For Children

Baby & Toddler Group Caputh Baby & Toddler Group (Tues, 9.30 – 11.30am) Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland

dunkeldart@aol.com Margaret Scott 727968 / 07743 400938 Na’an Meikleour poppyseednaan@yahoo.com 727867 Jim McCafferty 07880 588433 Duncan Sim duncan_sim@hotmail.com 07766 406313 Liam Manion LManion41@gmail.com 07546 128902 07722 183546

Lesley Singers Catherine Thomson

01738 454470 727249

Royal School of Dunkeld Fraser Penny

Local Organisations - Continued

For Younger People

Girlguiding Dunkeld (Rainbows, 07770 324173 Trix Stephen Brownies, Guides, Rangers) (District Commissioner) The Black Watch Army Cadets 07429 113439 2nd Lt Craig Ross 1989ros@armymail.mod.uk Youth Group (for P7s & 1st years, 727249 Fraser Penny Thurs 7 – 8.30pm)

For Older People

Caledonia HA and Willowbank House Senior Citizens

Hall Bookings

Amulree Village Hall Birnam Arts Caputh Hall Chanonry Dalguise Village Hall Duchess Anne

Health Community & Services

07595 651446 Joanne Lawrie joanne.lawrie@caledoniaha.co.uk 727311 Ronalda Pattullo 07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet.com 727674 Manager 07832 235607 Lorna Lyle 07808 703641 Jill McCrory chanonrydunkeld@gmail.com 07746 392268 Anne Cameron annedunkeld@gmail.com 07808 703641 Jill McCrory office@dunkeldcathedral.org

Birnam Library (Thu 5 – 7pm, Fri 01738 459709 Margaret Quigley 12 – 5pm, Sat 9.30am – 12 noon) birnamlibrary@culturepk.org.uk Chemist (Dunkeld) 727210 Davidsons Chemist (on Sunday) 01738 494610 Asda, Dunkeld Rd, Perth Doctors 727269 Craigvinean Surgery Dunkeld & Birnam Community Lachlan MacEwan Council admin@dunkeldandbirnamcc.co.uk Infinity Blu Dental Care(Birnam & Pitlochry) 729198 / 01796 470001 PKC Environmental Services 01738 476476 PKC Roads Dept 01738 475000 Registrar 01738 475121 3/5 High St, Perth perth-registrars@pkc.gov.uk Tayside Police (non-emergency) 101

Dates for your Diary BA = Birnam Arts Centre, DA = Duchess Anne Hall, The Cross, Dunkeld Sept 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 7 7 7 8 9 10 13 13 15 20 20 24 26 Oct 1 3 8 11 14 15 26

Nov 8 18 30

Men’s Shed Tuesdays 1pm to 5pm. Unit 5, Birnam Industrial Estate, Station Road The Tannahill Weavers, Wednesday, 8pm to 10pm, Birnam Arts Auditorium Bridge Club Wednesdays 1:15pm to 4:15pm. Birnam Arts Messy Music 4pm to 6pm at Duchess Anne Just Singin’ Wednesday Evenings 7:30pm at Birnam Arts Climate Café 7-9pm Historic Dunkeld at 12 The Cross The Field Workday, Thursdays at 10am to 12pm https://www.dunkeldfield.co.uk/ The Meeting Place Coffee Morning, Fridays 10am to 12pm at The Duchess Anne Good Guy Hank Friday 8pm to 10:30pm at Birnam Arts Auditorium The Field Workday, Saturdays at 10am to 12pm https://www.dunkeldfield.co.uk/ Yoga with Carolyn, Asthtanga-based, Fridays at 6pm to 7:30 pm at Birnam Arts Live Active Fitness Mondays 10am to 11am at Birnam Arts Repair Café 3pm to 6pm. in the Birnam Arts Community Room Monday Running Group Mondays, 6:15pm at Highland Games Park Fellowship Group Evenings, Tuesdays fortnightly, 7pm to 8pm The Chanonry Dunkeld Lunch Club every 2nd Tuesday 12:30 to 2:30pm, Duchess Anne Dunkeld Macbeth: Blood and Bluegrass Thursday 8:pm to 10pm, Birnam Arts Auditorium D&B Film Society presents Finis Terrae, 7:30pm Kinnaird Auditorium, Birnam Arts Songs & Silence, prayer, music and meditation, 6:30pm at Dunkeld Cathedral Open Night: Birnam & Dunkeld Women’s Institute Tuesday 7:30pm Duchess Anne Gardeners & Growers Visit Falkland Palace Gardens dbggclub@gmail.com Songs & Silence, prayer, music, and meditation, 6:30pm at Dunkeld Cathedral A9 Community Group Meeting Thursday, 7:30pm Birnam Arts Big Apple Day at the Community Orchard, Bridge St., Little Dunkeld

Climate Café 7-9pm Historic Dunkeld at 12 The Cross Musical Memories of Martyn Bennett, Saturday 8pm to 10pm Birnam Arts Shooglenifty Thursday 8pm to 10pm Birnam Arts Auditorium D&B Film Society presents I Swear, 7:30pm Kinnaird Auditorium, Birnam Arts Gardeners and Growers Talk on Cacti and Succulents Iona Lane Thursday 8pm to 10pm Birnam Arts Auditorium Community Council Meeting & AGM 7-9pm venue TBA dunkeldandbirnamcc. co.uk

D&B Film Society presents On Falling, 7:30pm Kinnaird Auditorium, Birnam Arts Gardeners and Growers Wreath making at the Guide Hall. Community Council Meeting 7-9pm venue TBA dunkeldandbirnamcc.co.uk

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.

Job Advert Community Energy Officer Dunkeld and Birnam (12 month contract) There is an exciting opening to develop a community-led energy programme. The successful applicant will lead extensive community engagement activities, identifying aspirations, project opportunities and develop plans to implement them. They will work alongside volunteers and a project steering group with wide experience of community development, renewable energy and related skills. The salary is 0.6 FTE £49,000 pa funded by the SSE Griffin and Calliachar Community Fund, contracted to Dunkeld and Birnam Community Development Trust. For application details email: dbcommunityenergy@gmail.com Closing date is 30 September.

Historic Dunkeld Jacobite Festival Ends with a Bang

The second-to-last weekend of August saw Stanley Park filled with 17th-century soldiers as part of the Jacobite Festival and Dunked Living History marking the anniversary of The Battle of Dunkeld on August 21st 1689. The Muskets and Bayonets display featured a particularly realistic, and noisy demonstration, by the Sir Arthur Erskine Regiment historical reenactment group who set up a Jacobite Reenactment Camp in the park. Just another of Historic Dunkeld’s creative, educational events.

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Neighbours of Blair Discover the gardens and grounds and restaurant of Blair Castle with a new annual membership at a special locals’ rate. £5 per individual or £15 per family.*

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Member benefits: • Unlimited garden visits throughout the open season • 20% discount at the castle restaurant on your first visit • Hot drinks loyalty card Valid for residents of postcodes PH18, PH16 and PH8

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Atholl Estates, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, PH18 5TH 01796 481263

BIRNAM BOOK FESTIVAL Since 2018, Birnam Book Festival has brought inspiring writers, great music, and wonderful art workshops to the heart of our community. The tradition continues this October 23-25. We’ll start off on Friday evening with a touch of Tartan Noir from Doug Johnstone, then ease into the festival weekend with a Poetry Brunch and a visit from cookbook author and MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin.

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On Saturday afternoon we’ll launch the latest novel from our very own best-seller Fiona Valpy, have a murderous dram with Natalie Jayne Clark, and chat with journalist and author Gabriella Bennett about how communities are transforming our idea of home.

of Words”, and a short story competition. Then Janis Mackay shares a Scottish folklore-inspired tale from her first novel for adults. And there’s writing for teens and younger children, creative workshops, and Kate Leiper’s community art project for all ages.

From Vikings to Peter Rabbit in storytelling and song (with Colleen Nicholl-Johnston), Sunday is family focussed with a Royal School of Dunkeld book launch for “A River

In the next Bridge, hear about our Saturday night Words & Music event with special musical guests, all at Birnam Book Festival 2026!

Bear Sighting in Birnam! Dr Dapper, the bear in the pinstripe suit, has made his home outside Birnam Arts for much of the summer. Created by artist, illustrator and muralist Miroslav Lucan, Dr Dapper is a stylish bear who built his fortune in the salmon-fishing trade. As a bear, he naturally knows everything there is to know about catching salmon! Over the summer, we were delighted to welcome Miroslav to Birnam when he came to see his bear in the wild. Dr Dapper is one of many vibrant sculptures painted by talented artists from across Perth and Kinross as part of the Bears Big Adventure Trail. The bears have appeared in streets, parks and public spaces, transforming communities into an open-air gallery and attracting visitors to our beautiful area. Each bear has been sponsored by a generous local business whose contribution has helped make the trail possible. The sculptures will be sold at auction at Scone Palace on 17 September, raising much-needed funds for YMCA Tayside and its youth-work services for young people aged 8–25, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. So where will Dr Dapper’s next pad be? Is there anyone out there who might put in a bid to keep him in Birnam?

Student-made murals find new home Thanks to members of Dunkeld & Birnam Station Community, colourful murals, with lovely messages, created by local children have been installed at the new pathway to Platform2 at the Dunkeld & Birnam Station. In 2017, the P7 children from the Royal School of Dunkeld created a series of ‘billboards’ to share their vision for the future of Dunkeld & Birnam and inform local decision making. Their billboards showcased children’s values, what they feel is important and what they want for their community. This mural project was delivered with the Children’s Parliament; The Royal School of Dunkeld, the A9 Community Group with support from Transport Scotland. Today, thanks to the support of Network Rail, Dunkeld & Birnam Community Station Group, Scotland’s Railway and CPR contractors, these murals have been installed to share again with the community, all who visit the village or pass by on the train! Thanks to all who have contributed to this collaborative effort, most of all those who created and shared this work. Now everyone can enjoy the murals on the new pathway.

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