Since the first Culture Perth and Kinross meeting about Birnam Library at Birnam Arts in 2024 , the very successful “Save our Rural Libraries” campaign and the Council’s agreement to fund present levels of rural library service for two years until March 2027, a small group has been working with CPK on a draft Plan of Action for the Birnam Library. At the “Jump into Birnam Library” Open Day on Sat 21st Feb (10am to 3pm) the draft Plan of Action will be available for residents to inspect, to find out what’s been happening with the Library since last year, to ask questions, comment, discuss and share views.
This is a good chance for the wider community to have a say in shaping the future of the Birnam Library and library services. Please do come along!
There will be a special “Bookbug” - songs and rhymes for under 5s (with an adult) - at 10.30am and other activitiessee the Open Day poster. Please do book for “Bookbug” to avoid disappointment as it will be popular. Good news!! Library membership has risen well since last year. The number of library members will be very important in keeping the library open for the future, so if you’re not yet
one or have family members who don’t have a card yet, this is
Cluny House Gardens: Red Squirrels and Magical Woodlands Scoish Wildlife Trust talk. See p9
Fragile: Moths, Life Systems & Us: Exhibition. See p3
Meet the Team
EDITOR Sally Robertson
Please e-mail your article to Sally at: 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
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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 CICa Community Interest Company Registered in Scotland SC813544
Editorial
We are a family who invest a great deal in food over Christmas, with conversations about where we might source the ham and turkey starting well before we’ve even put the garden furniture away. So it’s hardly surprising that my body now insists on a dry January as a necessary fresh start — a small act of self-preservation after weeks of enthusiastic hospitality.
While leafing through The Economist (as you do), my eye was therefore arrested by an article headlined ‘Falling wine sales reflect a lonelier and more atomised world’. For a brief, alarming moment I wondered if my personal abstinence had somehow been noticed by international markets.
Once I’d calmed down and read on, though, the article became genuinely fascinating. It explored how increasing numbers of people in richer countries are now living — and eating — alone. The UN reckons the share of single-person households worldwide will rise from 28% in 2018 to 35% by 2050. More people now eat and unwind in front of screens. In 2023, almost a quarter of American adults ate every meal alone on a given day — up from 17% in 2003. Among under30s, that figure has nearly doubled.
The consequences are measurable. Around one in six people worldwide is lonely, and the proportion who said they were “never lonely” fell from 59% in 2018 to 51% in 2022. The latest World Happiness Report found that, across countries and ages, how often people share meals predicts life satisfaction almost as strongly as income or employment status.
Whichmademethinkaboutourownsmall,soggycornerof theworld—andaboutthefreshstartsquietlyhappeningall around us. When we get involved in community activities, it’s not always easy to measure the impact. Does it really make a difference that The Bridge exists? Who can tell? Does it matter that Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom now have a bench big enough to gather round for a morning coffee — and to invite the rest of us to join them? Does it matter that a group of men came together to mend the path behind the cathedral, stepping away from their screens to walk and talk with a friend?
Some of us choose to live alone. Others, for all sorts of reasons, find ourselves doing so. But I would strongly submit that having safe places and spaces to gather, meet and eat together is one of the things that keeps our community resilient — especially in winter, and especially at the start of a new year.
So if February feels like a chance for a small fresh start — a new habit, a new conversation, a new walk, a new coffee stop — you’re very much in the right place. And if you’re new to Dunkeld and Birnam and wondering how to join in, I’d simply say: leaf through The Bridge and jump in to whatever takes your fancy.
By the time you read this it will be February — probably still wet and soggy — and I very much look forward to raising a glass (fresh start completed) to good times together in the year ahead.
Slàinte mhath!
Sal Robertson
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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 Thursday 26th February , 7.30pm at the Birnam Arts (Dance and Drama room). (if you’re not yet on our email list, let us know, see below).
Best wishes for 2026 to you all!
Dualling of Pass of Birnam to Tay Crossing:
Just before Christmas responses from Transport Scotland were received by the A9 Community Group, the Community Council and many individuals to the representations/objections made to them during the statutory consultation period which ended in July. Thanks to those of you who have copied yours to me (all welcome!) and if you have not yet received any response at all please let me know.
We also received from them, extremely late, their minutes from the three meetings we had with them in June and July during the statutory consultation. Most responses are very lengthy and have needed plenty of time to absorb and not all seem to address certain specific questions or comments put to them. We will have had a first discussion together on TS’s responses at the A9CG meeting on 29th January .There will be more!
For the moment, please note the following from the TS cover letter to each response:
“As you may be aware, it is possible for an objector to withdraw an objection or parts of an objection as matters become resolved, and such a withdrawal does not prejudice or otherwise adversely affect the position of the objector with regard to the unresolved parts of their objection. This is common practice. We would request that you provide Transport Scotland with written confirmation in respect of those aspects, all or any, of the objection which you now consider resolved.”
In other words if you feel they have given an adequate response to an objection, tell them. If not, they have to assume that the objection stands but it is safer if you write to say that you are not withdrawing (in whole or part). You do not have to say why at this point.
If you need clarification or wish to comment on any aspect of the TS reply to you, write to A9dualling@jacobs.com TS present timetable, subject to completion of statutory processes (which may include a Public Local Enquiry) is: procurement expected to commence Summer 2028, contract award expected Spring 2029, dualling expected to be operational by end of 2033
Dualling of Tay Crossing to Ballinluig:
Ruth Whillis, TS Project Manager for the stretch attended our meeting on 27th Nov together with Angela Newlands, Community Liaison Manager for contractor Wills Bros and Chris Dale, Wills Site Agent.
They made a presentation on plans for the start of construction work, including the one way working from November until March on weekdays between 1930pm and 0600 am and answered a variety of questions from residents, mostly those living near that stretch.
Thanks to those of you who came!
We await information about a contractor drop-in event for Dunkeld and Birnam. Completion/dualling operational is expected to be end 2028
Angela Newlands can be contacted at AngelaNewlands@willsbros.com 01698 479230 or enquiries.A9TC2B@willsbros.com 0800 011 4255. The details of the dualling design for Tay Crossing to Ballinluig are at: https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/a9-tay-crossing-to-ballinluig/project-details/ 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/
Arts News
Concerts & Events • Café • Shop • Gallery • Beatrix Potter Station Road, Birnam PH8 0DS 01350 727 674
Tickets and details: www.birnamarts.com
The Perthshire Artisans Winter Exhibition
Continues until Sun 8th Feb
A collection of works from local creatives and artists.
Intro to Intaglio Printmaking
Sat 7th Feb 10.30am-12.30pm £35/£45*
Join Sheila Roberts to discover the art of intaglio printmaking with accessible, recycled materials.
Stone Carving Demo
Sat 7th Feb 11am-3pm
A free, drop-in demonstration with master stone carver, Neil Paterson
Painting Demo
Sat 7th Feb 2pm-3pm
A free, drop-in demonstration of the Wabi Sabi and Ma style with Dave Hunt.
Matt Carmichael –Dancing With Embers
Sat 7th Feb 7.30pm-10pm £16*
Matt Carmichael is a Scottish saxophonist and composer merging melodic jazz and emotive folk.
Kid’s Spring Holiday Films
12pm-2pm/£4 each*
Flow: Wed 11th Feb
… a brave little cat sails through a magical, flooded world.
Kensuke’s Freedom: Thurs 12th Feb
… heartwarming adventure about survival, friendship and hope on a deserted island.
Oink: Fri 13th Feb
Oink, the piglet, is a present for 9yr old Babs, but her grandfather has other plans for Oink!
Killing The Shepherd: Film
Wed 11th Feb 6.30pm-9.30pm £8*
A female chief leads her community’s fight against poaching, poverty, and outside threats in this powerful story of resilience and survival.
Lightning Ridge: Catherine Wheels
Sat 14th Feb 2pm-2.50pm £30/£8/£12* Ages 8+
A heartbreaking, beautiful story about the possibility of dreams, a community coming together, and the preciousness of hope.
Birnam Arts Open 7 Days:
Café: 10.00-16.00 | Shop: 10.30-15.30
Booking Fees apply to all events. Birnamarts.com / 01350 727674
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Tues 17th Feb 2pm - Lunch 1pm
Warm Spaces Free Film and a complimentary light lunch at 1pm for the first 15 people to arrive is back…
No booking required!
Fragile: Moths, Life Systems & Us: Exhibition
Sat 21st Feb – Sun 3rd May: 10am-5pm daily. Free
This exhibition presents the findings of artist Jan Hendry’s project investigating moth species across Scotland. Employing traditional fine art and craft methodologies such as fine-brush watercolour and rag-rugging, Jan translates empirical field data into visual and material forms.
Ecology Themed Zine Club
Sun 22nd Feb 1pm-3pm
A free, drop-in zine club with Louisa Preston for children 8+ and adults. U18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Portrait Photography
Sat 28th Feb 10am-4pm
Free, drop-in sessions - you’ll get some photos which you can use for your social media, LinkedIn, etc., and for a modest charge, mounted & framed prints.
See website for workshops and more: Birnamarts.com /
* Denotes Booking Fee
Could you help shape the future of Birnam Arts?
Birnam Arts is at an exciting turning point — and we’re looking for a few new people to join our Board of Trustees.
If you care about community, creativity and this much-loved local building, becoming a trustee is a chance to make a real difference. Trustees help guide the big picture: supporting the staff team, strengthening the organisation, and helping Birnam Arts thrive for the long term.
You don’t need to be an “arts expert”. We’re keen to hear from people with a wide range of skills and life experience — whether that’s finance, communications, environmental sustainability, fundraising, governance, or simply a strong connection to the area and its people.
Trustees meet monthly, work as a supportive team, and play a vital role in keeping Birnam Arts at the heart of Dunkeld & Birnam.
Curious to find out more — or just fancy an informal chat?
Contact Sarah Yearsley, Co-Chair, at chair@birnamarts.com by Saturday 21st February to request an information pack or have a conversation about what’s involved.
Help shape the next chapter of Birnam Arts. Your perspective could really matter.
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AIMS:
Sports, Health and Wellbeing
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.’
Dunkeld Sparks Bringing Free Tennis to Local Dunkeld Primary School Children
Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club has launched Dunkeld Sparks, an exciting new community project providing free tennis lessons, equipment, and club membership to pupils at the Royal School of Dunkeld.
Developed in partnership with the school’s PE teacher, over 30 children aged 6–11 are given the opportunity to take part in a free block of coaching sessions, delivered by Club Coach A J Herd. As part of the project, each participating child is being presented with their own free tennis racket by members of the Tennis Club.
Dunkeld Sparks was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses in Dunkeld and Birnam, who donated prizes to the Club’s Promise Auction fundraiser in March 2025. This event sparked off the project – with the first phase delivering free lessons and rackets to P7 and P1/2 children. Now a generous grant from the Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council, together with funds from the Tennis Club secured free lessons and rackets for 20 children from P3 to P6, and more free lessons for the initial group until Easter. The funds raised are helping remove barriers and ensuring more children can experience the joy of tennis.
“Our aim with Dunkeld Sparks is simple — to make tennis accessible to children who might not otherwise get the chance to play,” said Nick Riley, committee member at Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club. “The support from our local community has been incredible, and it’s wonderful to see the children getting active, confident, and excited about the sport.”
Through the project, every child will receive:
A free block of coaching sessions
A free tennis racket
Free junior membership of Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club
The Club hopes to secure additional funding to continue offering free coaching blocks in the future and to expand the programme to benefit even more young people in the community.
“Partnerships like this make a huge difference to the children,” said Fiona Campbell, PE teacher at the Royal School of Dunkeld. “It opens doors, builds skills, and gives pupils a chance to try something new in a supportive environment.”
About Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club
Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club is a community-focused club dedicated to promoting lifelong participation in tennis. Through coaching and inclusive programmes like Dunkeld Sparks, the Club aims to make tennis accessible, enjoyable, and available to all.
For Further Information
Helen Taylor, Treasurer, Dunkeld & Birnam Tennis Club helen@glenfender.org.uk 07718954946 https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/ DunkeldandBirnamSportsandLeisureHub
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 are completely new to meditation, 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 10.30 to 12.30 in Dalguise Village Hall. So in February, meetings are on Tuesday 3rd and 17th. We enjoy sitting and walking meditations, discussions and refreshments. There are no charges, no formalities, and we have no religious affiliations – what we do is decided among our members. But always the intention is to develop awareness, clarity and concern for others.
If you aren’t able to attend in person, you might nevertheless be interested in going on our mailing list. Members receive thoughtprovoking 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
Breadalbane & District Riding for the Disabled (SCO47991)
NO RIDING to report on - you will not be surprised to hear given the recent extreme cold and snow that brought in the New Year. However plans are afoot in preparation for the warmer months and to start us off we are having a Social, together with some indoor training on Monday February 23rd from 10am -12 pm. This will be a golden opportunity for new volunteers to meet “the team” and pick up a few handy hints. We love having new people joining our group so if you are interested in finding out more please do get in touch by contacting us through our email address breadalbanerda@gmail.com or ring Duncan on 07725044061 – email Duncan. tannahill@gmail.co. Duncan will be delighted to give you details of the venue etc. Later on in March there will be an outdoor refresher training session in preparation for the start of riding in April. More about this in next months news!!
Nature and Climate
News from the Community Orchard
Proudly growing fruit for the community and wildlife since 2008
Surprising though it may seem, the next couple of months are busy months in the community orchard – now is the time we begin the mammoth task of pruning our many trees. “Winter pruning” stimulates leaf and branch growth and is also needed for tree health, removing diseased and damaged branches, keeping the tree to a manageable size and so on. Our soft fruit bushes (blackcurrants, gooseberries etc) also need some attention over the coming weeks.
Some of our group members have adopted a row or two of trees and work together in pairs or a small group – very sociable, especially if we bring along flasks of tea and coffee and, even better, some homebaking. We would love to hear from people who haven’t been involved previously and who might like to link up and learn the art of pruning – don’t be scared, there are just a few simple rules to follow and our trees don’t need to be perfect. And we try to pick days where there is some sun to keep our fingers from freezing!
Our annual planning meeting is at 7pm on Thursday 12 February at the Co-Working Space (old doctors’ surgery). If you would like to find out more about the orchard and the different ways you can be involved this is a great opportunity to meet the group. We look forward to seeing you there. We are also keen to hear from members of the community if you have feedback on the orchard and ideas and suggestions for future activities and events.
You can email us dunkeldbirnamorchard@ gmail.com Find us and follow us on social media. Come in, walk around and enjoy the green space - the orchard is on land on your left just before you cross the bridge into Dunkeld.
Tabletop “Gardening” Session
Servite Community Lounge: Thursday 12 February 1030-1200
Following on from last year’s Evergreen Gardening Group sessions, we are planning two indoor, tabletop “gardening” sessions in February and March. The first of these will be on Thursday 12 February from 1030-1200 in the Servite community lounge and all members of the community are welcome – you don’t need to live at Servite to come along.
As the date is close to Valentine’s Day the theme will be “all things roses.” Many of us grow roses in the ground or in containers so hopefully this will be of interest. There’ll be a short talk on roses (history, folklore, rose care etc), with a chance to ask questions and share rose stories. We’ll also have a rose-themed craft activity or game. There’s no charge for attending and there’ll be time for a tea/coffee too.
Although booking isn’t essential it would be helpful to have an idea of who’s coming so please get in touch to let me know you are interested or have any questions - 07876 118625 or mel@ cavecrag.com Look forward to seeing you at the session!
DRINK, CHAT, ACT
Next Café Thursday 5th February
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 Coworking Space in Little 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
Food Share
We had a really busy festive period with loads of food from the Coop but there was very little waste. It’s good to know that people are keeping an eye on the tables and taking the food. The Duchess Anne is back to normal with the fridge back in place.
If you think you’d like to help the teams please contact j.silburn@btinternet.com. Even if you can’t help regularly it’s good to have a reserve list for busy times.
On the 8th December we officially christened the fantastic table donated and made by Scott Perry, Rumbling Bridge sawmill, in St Ninian’s gardens. As the photo shows the sun shone while volunteers enjoyed coffee, cake and mulled wine thanks to Kat’n’Kat.
Our thanks also go to Brigita Kaupyte who donated and planted two rose bushes into the raised bed. Hopefully her assistance and experience with roses will help all our roses continue to bloom. Also Neil McNab for a Cercidiphyllum Japonicum which should give us all lovely Autumn colour with a Caramel smell.
January, due to the weather we normally take a rest from gardening but if it’s dry on a Monday we usually still pick up fallen branches and generally keep gardens tidy in both villages and of course have a coffee. February’s plans are to replace the five barrels in St Ninian’s gardens. We have bought Amberol self watering planters and we will hopefully manage to remove and save the clematis and fuchsias that are currently
Many thanks again to our wonderful teams for turning out in all weathers!
Food Bank
There have been a few more requests for help from the food bank recently. It would be great if some more people could leave a few items in the donations basket at the Coop counter. Thank you to St Columba for their regular donations. Please contact 01350 700018 or email PH8foodbank@gmail.com. for help with food.
Gardening & Growing Club – Join Us!
Love plants? Whether you’re a windowsill potterer or a plottaming 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 green-fingered. (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
Forthcoming Events
22nd February Snowdrop walk, with tea and cake at Cambo Estate, near St Andrews.
11th March AGM
Start of the New Gardening and Growing Year: 26th April Visit to the Japanese Garden, Dollar. 10th May Visit to rhododendrons at Glendoick House Gardens
15th July Murthly Walled Garden
15th August The Annual Show
20th September Falkland Palace Gardens
growing there but we will see. Further updates on that next month!
We are again this year having a fund raising coffee morning, plant and baking stall on Friday 24th April at 10am in the Duchess Anne, so hopefully your diary is free to come along and meet us.
If the weather is kind we will continue to meet on Monday mornings at 10am. Groups can be found in St Ninian’s Garden, Dunkeld and Torwood Park, Birnam. Anyone who would like to come and join us, please do.
Thank you
Moira (07931 758 456)
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
BIRNAM in the MIST
Amulree
Caputh
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
Streetlights cut through a winter dawn, capturing Birnam at its most atmospheric.
Photo: Keith Taylor
Nature and Climate
Paths and Nature Group
The Cathedral Path has been resurfaced! In mid-December, Group members working with PKC Greenspace Rangers and support from across the community, tackled our largest path project to date. This very popular section of path by the black railings had deteriorated badly and was frequently flooded, muddy or icy making access difficult and posing a hazard to many residents and visitors.
Over three days, 50 tons of aggregate were shifted from near North Car Park and spread, raked and compacted - at the height of Storm Bram.
Seventeen people, in addition to the Rangers and digger drivers, lent their support, several gaining new experience driving the one-ton power-barrows or operating the new compactor. The project was deemed a success – everyone was still smiling at the end!
The ‘plentiful rain’ forced a temporary halt on
News from The Field
Volunteer days at the Field at the top of Brae street will be on Thursday and Saturday mornings throughout the winter months. If the ground is too frozen to harvest crops those of us of a more tender disposition will be busy preparing seed beds and boxes in the Polly tunnels, repairing benches and sharpening tools and beginning the planting schedule for the spring. This will involve over 6000 leek seeds, numerous varieties of brassica and beans and continue well into May.
Meanwhile our more robust specimens will be enjoying our most popular winter activity barrowing and spreading well rotted dung and compost onto frozen plots. This activity has proven warming and bonding for those involved and it is gratifying to witness many hands making light work of this important job. We have received a delivery of several tons of Council compost which is useful for our no dig beds and this needs to be moved to where it is needed.
Machine tools will also need our attention to ensure they are in good working order for the year ahead so if you enjoy maintaining and breathing life into two stroke engines we will welcome your help with these tasks.
Day 2 – the compactor was turning the newly spread material to porage and we couldn’t spread the surface dust until the path had drained. We also resurfaced a couple of other short adjoining path sections which had been chewed-up by the machinery.
Thank you to all who helped in whatever way –especially the volunteers who were undaunted by the weather, PKC Greenspace for providing materials and equipment, D&B Community Council for a microgrant towards the costs and the NTS and Dunkeld House Hotel for allowing access.
Looking ahead – we plan to get back to the Riverside in Feb-March to remove more encroaching snowberry from the Birnam Oak area, and fit more beaver tree guards to add to the 32 we placed last year. If you’d like to get involved or have project suggestions, please contact stewartpritchard@aol.com
We anticipate that when conditions allow we will have a good supply of leeks, onions, carrots, beetroot, parsnip and various brassica to fill the stall at the field until the end of March and volunteers enjoy harvesting and preparing these for sale or to contribute to the Food share in the cross and in Birnam.
We will also be doing some tree surgery in February and welcome help from volunteers to move and log any limbs.
So never a dull moment at the field over the gloomy winter months and warming mugs of coffee and tea with surprise cakes or sweet delicacies provided at the end of the morning to restore the calories you have expended labouring and keeping warm.
At the start of the New Year it is worth reminding ourselves of one of the founding principle of the Field which is the common ownership of the means of production and the most equitable distribution of the fruits and vegetables of our labour!
You are therefore welcome to share in the harvest by taking home what you and your family need in terms of weekly veg . If any of this sounds like your sort of fun we would love to meet you up at the Field any Thursday or Saturday am.
The Orraman
Cluny House Gardens: Red Squirrels and Magical Woodlands
Scottish Wildlife Trust talk Monday 16th February
Join Wendy and John Mattingley, owners of Cluny House Gardens near Aberfeldy, for an enlightening talk with the Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust on February 16th.
Cluny House is one of Perthshire’s finest woodland gardens, and Wendy and John take a refreshing approach to gardening. Instead of controlling wildlife, they embrace the value the creatures that visit our gardens can bring. Their talk will offer new insights into how we might all rethink our relationship with nature.
Cluny House is also renowned for its thriving red squirrel population, making it one of the best places in Perthshire to spot these iconic creatures. Wendy and John’s commitment to creating a wildlife-friendly and truly beautiful space is truly inspiring. Don’t miss this chance to hear their approach to gardening in harmony with nature!
Date: Monday 16th February 2026
Time: 7.20pm for 7.30pm start - 9.00pm
Place: The Tryst, Church of Scotland, Church Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5EB.
Suggested donation: £3 for non-members, £2 for members (cash on the day).
Contact markandrosie@btinternet.com for more information. Sign up to hear about events and activities on reserves in our area and beyond. https://scottishwildlifetrust.org. uk/sign-up-to-our-mailing-list/.
If you are already a member and want to hear direct from the Trust, sign up to the mailing list and click the ‘Events and information from my local group’ option.
Flooded path Feb 2025 - before the works
Team at work - compacting
Team at work - raking
Finished path - mobility scooter user in distance
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General
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.
Rails and slats Ranch Boards, Garden Sleepers -Various sizes Loose Bark and Woodchip
Hello! This new year seems to have started with a bang in so many ways: the weather, the political situation across the world, and perhaps big changes in our own lives too.
For me, I am surrounded by boxes as I prepare to make the move up to live among you from the middle of February and to serve at St Mary’s, Birnam.
I have been here in Hornsea for 8 years, and I have found it interesting that as I prepare to leave, I am reflecting on the many people I have met and served here: those I have prepared for their weddings, the baptism of their children or the funeral of a loved one. And so many others with whom I have shared more or less informally, at the WI, the RBL, over a coffee, in local shops or just walking along the high street. Becoming interwoven into the community through sharing in the lives of neighbours and friends is one of joys of my role, and one I look forward to being with you all.
As I muse on my own life, I wonder what endings and beginnings are happening in your life this year, so far as you know? You might like to take a moment to think about these. And I wonder where you find peace in these times? There can be such a mix of emotions: hope with anxiety, uncertainty with anticipation, how would you name these?
In the book of the prophet Jeremiah God says “For surely I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
Whether you have chosen the changes ahead, or they are forced on you by circumstances, know that God is always there amongst us, always loving, always caring, offering that ‘future with hope’ for all who seek to live in the peace that comes from trusting in God through Jesus.
Revd Tina Mine Stevens, Rector at St Mary’s Birnam from 17th Feb.
Revd Tina will be inducted as Rector of St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Birnam by Bishop Ian in a service on Tuesday 17th February at 6pm”.
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Our AGM will be in The Chanonry in Cathedral Street on Monday 16th February at 2 pm. All welcome. For further information please contact Margaret Scott at dunkeldart@aol.com
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 6.30. This follows the pattern of the weekly 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 one will be in St. Mary’s on the 1st.. of February and then in Little Dunkeld Kirk on March 1st.
Christmas Bits & Pieces
Over the Christmas season the Church of Scotland Kirk Session chose the work of our missionary partners (Keith and Ida Waddell) in Zambia as the project we would support in our offerings.
Keith and Ida were able to visit the congregation and speak at a service on December 7th. Theirs is a truly inspirational story, working in the areas of health care and education. They are based in Mwandi Mission and are in the process of expanding hospital facilities there so that more specialised services can be offered.
Church of Scotland Services
Feb 1st 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in St. Mary’s
Feb 8th 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
Feb 15th 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
2.15pm Service at Amulree
Feb 22nd 11.00am Morning Service in Little Dunkeld
Mar 1st 11.00am Communion service in Little Dunkeld
6.30pm Prayers for Help & Healing in Little Dunkeld.
Mar 8th 11.00am Communion service in Little Dunkeld
Every Sunday there is chance to meet together over tea and coffee after the service.
Fellowship Group ‘Exploring faith and life together’
For a while now they have been trying to raise money to buy a second-hand lorry to transport building materials and hospital equipment. Having a truck would be a great benefit and a more cost-effective way of transporting the things needed for the hospital but it will cost about £14,000. They were getting towards that target by the end of 2025.
Between the Watchnight service in the Cathedral and the money raised in the Chanonry on Santa Day we made a total of £2107. In addition to what we gave, we received the generous offer of match funding from an anonymous donor, so we were able to send a total of £4214 which gets the Waddells to the amount they need for the lorry.
The Second hand Toy Sale in the Duchess Anne on Santa Day has become a bit of a tradition and made around £1,100 this year which has been divided between Perth Foodbank and CHAS (Scotland’s children’s hospice.)
The Harvest Appeal back in October was for Scottish Love in Action – an Edinburgh based charity working in India. We were able to send them £828.50 which was doubled to £1,657 thanks to the match funding.
That makes a total of nearly £7,000 sent from our community to support others - huge thanks to all who supported these wonderful causes!
Kirk Session
The next regular meeting of the Kirk Session is on March 10th. at 7.30pm. in the Duchess Anne.
THE 3 CHURCHES
Two Fellowship Groups meet, fortnightly, one on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and the other on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am, both in the Chanonry.
The Tuesday group has taken a new direction with ‘Coffee & Questions.’ Everyone has questions about life, belief or ethical issues which bother them – whether it be assisted dying or world peace or….? You are invited to come along and add your questions to the mix. One will be drawn out each night to provoke discussion on that theme. So, if there is an issue about faith or life you would like to discuss with others then come along.
No special knowledge is required, just a willingness to be stretched and challenged. Upcoming meeting for the Tuesday group are the 3rd. & 17th. February and 3rd March at 7pm. The Wednesday group will meet next on the 4th & 18th. February and 4th March, gathering at 10.15 and starting just after the Men’s Breakfast.
All Welcome.
Both meet in the Chanonry but if you would like to join by zoom let Fraser know and that can be set up.
Men’s Breakfast
Every second Wednesday a group of men meets in the Chanonry to start the day with a cooked breakfast together, discuss events, both local and international, and enjoy each other’s company. Upcoming dates are February 4th. & 18th. and March 4th. There is no need to book; just turn up and enjoy and all are welcome.
If you would like more details please contact Peter Mackie at Petermackie46@gmail.com
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
Revd Tina Mine Stevens
Three Churches in the Community
Reader in Training
Graham Leese, has had a career in Medicine, most recently as Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology in Dundee. He and his wife Ruth (also a doctor) recently moved to this area. From October-November Graham was placed in Dunkeld as part of his training to be a Reader in the Church of Scotland and here, offers some thoughts on his own journey of faith which has led to the Readership.
A recent survey showed that more than 50% of Scots have no religious belief at all. The church struggles to keep up to date and relevant in an ever rapidly changing world. This is tragic as the Bible has an amazing blueprint for life which is as relevant as ever it was.
Earlier in life as an atheist, humanist and proponent of Richard Dawkins, I read the New Testament to find the flaws, only to change my opinion!!! I still have the ‘Selfish Gene’ on my shelf though!
However, there is hope. Numbers attending church across the UK have increased annually over the last four years. There is also evidence
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 6pm. Every Saturday
Monthly and Occasional Services
Church of Scotland, Amulree Third Sunday of the Month 2.15pm
The Chanonry, Cathedral Street, Dunkeld Tel: 07773 604372
e-mail: treasurer@dunkeldcathedral.org
Covenant Officer: Mrs. Ann Bryce
Tomnagrew House, Dunkeld PH80BX Tel: 01350 723228
e-mail: annbryce228@gmail.com
Organist & Choir Leader: Mrs Hazel Murch
Tel: 07867 642954
e-mail: music@dunkeldcathedral.org
of an expanding ‘invisible church’, which refers to those who develop a faith in Christ but don’t attend a church.
I felt I wanted to try and help those who work to increase awareness and reflection on this amazing blueprint. The message can be simple, and it is best to focus on what Jesus recommended, which is easily read in four, or even one, short book (one of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) and expanded elsewhere.
The Church is increasingly working within teams, and there are so many roles that are useful to this end, but I have chosen to train as a “Reader”. Readership in the Church of Scotland takes two years to do, although I am doing it part time and taking longer. It may be my lazy streak! It involves academic training and practical placements, amongst other things, and I did a placement in the Dunkeld group of churches up until the end of last year. If anyone is interested in readership or other roles, I am happy to talk it through.
Graham Leese
Youth Group
A group for all P.7s and upwards meets during term time in the Duchess Anne on Thursday evenings
Each night we start at 7pm. and finish at 8.30pm. More information from Fraser Penny.
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
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam Sunday Service 10am - Communion with hymns, music and sermon, followed by refreshments. 3rd Sunday ALL AGE.
Once a month on third Friday there is a short prayer service in church at 6pm followed by a shared sandwich supper. During summer months (Apr-Sept) the church is open daily for visitors.
The monthly Servite worship service is at 2pm on the last Saturday of each month, led ecumenically by folk from the three churches in Dunkeld and Birnam
The Rector: Rev. Tina Minett Stevens email: tina@minettstevens.co.uk
Catholic Church Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP Tel: 01796 472174
e-mail: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Roman Catholic Churches
Dunkeld is a village with a long history of Christian worship and we are pleased to continue that worship at St Columba’s in Birnam.
Parish Priest: Fr Emmanuel Adindu MSP (Missionary of St Paul)
Tel: 01796 472 174
Email: stbridespitlochry@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
We celebrate the presence of the Risen Lord amongst us during these Masses: Sunday Masses:Saturday Vigil 6pm St Columba’s Birnam Sunday 9.30 am Our Lady of Mercy Aberfeldy Sunday 11.30 am St Bride’s Pitlochry Weekday Masses:9.30 am Tue - Aberfeldy 9.30 am Wed, Thur, Fri - Pitlochry Holy days of Obligation:9.30am Birnam 12.30pm Aberfeldy 6.00pm Pitlochry
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available prior to mass in St Columba’s. Please phone Father to arrange it.
If there are any parishioners who are housebound and wish the Sacrament of Holy Communion, let Father know and this will be arranged.
St Columba’s, St Mary’s Road, Birnam PH8 0BJ St. Bride’s, Rie-Achan Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AL Our Lady of Mercy, Home Street, Aberfeldy PH15 2AL Father Emmanuel in.
Serving St Columba’s RC church in Birnam/ Dunkeld, St Bride’s RC church in Pitlochry and Our Lady of Mercy RC church in Aberfeldy. Follow us on Facebook at: St Bride’s RC Church, Pitlochry.
North Logiealmond Wind Farm
Project Update
Muirhall Energy is proposing to develop North Logiealmond Wind Farm, located around 18km north-west of Perth, in partnership with the landowner Scone Estates.
We are undertaking a range of activities to provide a further update on Muirhall Energy’s proposed North Logiealmond Wind Farm, located around 18km north-west of Perth. When we first consulted with communities in November 2024, 20 turbines were proposed. Following this engagement, alongside further design and survey work, an 18-turbine scheme was consulted upon in May of this year.
In response to further feedback received, the final turbine numbers have been reduced to 13 turbines, removing turbines from the western part of the site. When making this decision, concerns on visual impacts to the west and north of the site have been taken into consideration.
We are planning to hold three public drop-in events in late January and February, prior to the planning submission, and we would like to encourage you to attend and view our amended plans.
These will also be widely advertised in the New Year.
3pm - 7pm
Thursday 22nd January
Bankfoot Church Centre, Tulliebelton Rd, Bankfoot, Perth PH1 4BS
3pm - 7pm
Wednesday 28th January
Chapelhill Hall, Logiealmond, Perth and Kinross PH1 3TH
By attending these events you will be able to:
• Speak to the project team
• Learn how the plans have changed
• Have your questions answered
• Provide your comments
3pm - 7pm
Tuesday
3rd February
You will also be able to view the materials, including interactive visualisations, online at www.muirhallenergy.co.uk/projects/48-north-logiealmond, closer to the events. Further information will also be available on key issues, such as construction access, noise, proposed infrastructure and environmental enhancements.
We hope you will be able to attend the events and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch: email NorthLogiealmondWF@muirhallenergy.co.uk
All our dishes are 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 - a fantastic menu including traditional & workers breakfasts, filled croissants, Dunkeld smoked salmon, creamy porridge, home-made pancakes & filled rolls, every day of the week and all day on a Sunday!
• Lunch - Lots to choose from... home-made soup and quiche, baked potatoes, club sandwiches, toasties, wraps, and kids funky lunchboxes. Also excited to add our charcuterie boards which will go down nicely with a wee glass of red or white from our range of fine wines that we hope to be offering from February.
• Cakes, traybakes, cheesecakes, apple pies, crumble, selection of scones and pastries - all baked in the cafe
•Deli counter filled with a world of cheeses, meats, antipasti, savoury pastries & pies.
• Gift shop with lovely cashmere & lambswool accessories, a great range of tasteful Scottish souvenirs as well as retail bags of Glenlyon coffee, Rotmell farm eggs, Perrello gordal olives in 3 tin sizes (they make great flower pots or wine chillers after you devour the content).
•Evening Tapas...it’s coming back, by popular demand, from Easter! We’re working on lots of new tapas dishes to compliment our offering...menus and opening hours to follow.
Many thanks to Khalid Khurshid!
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.co.uk
Thanks so much to Khalid Khurshid at Birnam Village Shop for taking on the running of a post officewhich is such a vital service for our community. We really appreciate you doing this - thank you Khalid!
Birnam Arts & Cafe, Station Rd, Birnam, Dunkeld PH8 0DS
Birnam Oak Cafe, nestled right in the heart of Birnam, the gateway to the Highlands.
Dunkeld & Birnam Station with the Beatrix Potter Garden, the Birnam Oak Tree
Murthly Village Hall Hire
From £10 per hour
Events hall and kitchen facilities for Birthday parties, Indoor sports, Dances, Gatherings, Quiz Nights and more.
Contact: murthlyvillagehall@outlook.com
Tel: 01738 710408
pennybaird5@icloud.com Little Dunkeld • 07342 979393 Zerobalancinguk.org
Three Churches
Charity Shop High Street Dunkeld
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm If you are interested in volunteering, please enquire in the shop for more info. Clothing and shoe sale continues for one week, 3rd - 8th September. Last chance to grab a bargain.
WRAP ® Wellbeing Training
Dog Chaperone for Weddings Ad Hoc / One Off Dog Walks for One Household at a time Day or up to 1 Night Dog Sitting Cat and Hen Visits 07774 294610 Hello@solopaws.co.uk
Community Noticeboard
Jack McNeill
Our dear neighbour Jack, the Bard of Birnam, passed away in his sleep at home on Saturday 17th January at the age of 93. Jack brought so much music to our community, playing piano at the lunch club, Rivendell, and in the church. All this after a long career as an organist and music teacher. He was well-loved and will be hugely missed by all his family and friends.
Jack wrote many poems in Scots, mostly about the landscape, nature, and his beloved Scottish hills. A verse from one of these is inscribed upon the bench outside the Birnam Oak Cafe, adapted here. RIP dear Jack.
We had that freend, That real true freend, A smile for ane and a’, He may be gone, But still lives on, Tae us he’s no awa.
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
Our AGM will be in The Chanonry in Cathedral Street on Monday 16th February at 2 pm. All welcome. For further information please contact Margaret Scott at dunkeldart@aol.com
New Year, New You: A Unique Opportunity to Serve Your Community
This New Year, New You could start closer to home than you think -at your local On Call Fire Station.
Dunkeld and Birnam Community Fire Station is currently recruiting On-Call Firefighters, offering a rare opportunity to serve with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service while continuing with your normal work and family life.
On Call Firefighters live or work locally and respond to emergencies when needed, providing an essential and highly valued service within the community. From house fires and road traffic collisions to medical emergencies and flooding, On Call crews play a vital role in keeping local people safe.
No previous fire service experience is required. Applicants must live and/or work within approximately 10 minutes of Dunkeld & Birnam Fire Station, as availability and rapid response are key to the role. Comprehensive training is provided, covering firefighting, road traffic collision response, first aid and trauma care, and effective teamwork under pressure.
Alongside these practical skills, On Call Firefighters develop confidence, resilience and leadership abilities – qualities that benefit both personal and professional life. There is also a recognised pathway to the Wholetime Fire Service for those who wish to progress further once their On Call training is complete. The role is paid, with annual retainer fees starting at £2,827, rising to £5,832, plus additional payment for weekly training evenings, courses, and time spent attending incidents.
The Fire Service is keen to hear from people of all backgrounds and professions. If you’re looking for something meaningful, challenging and genuinely rewarding in 2026, becoming an On Call Firefighter could be the change you’re looking for.
For more information, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website at www.firescotland. gov.uk or email: Oliver.Gibb@firescotland.gov.uk
3 Churches Charity Shop
Happy New Year to everyone. With Christmas and New Year over we are now settled back into our usual displays. We are selling a lot of good quality winter clothing and excellent waterproof shoes and boots.
Please keep the donations coming in, and if anyone fancies trying their hand at being a volunteer, you will be made most welcome.
Santa Day
Thank you thank you thank you…
To all our sponsors Muirhall energy, SSE, Interpolitan, Birnam Games and the Atholl Arms hotel whom without their financial support Santa Day 2025 would have been unachievable. To all our local businesses for supporting the event in the various forms, stocking our bags, donating prizes, supplying equipment, sourcing Santa gifts and just generally being superb with all our requests.
Donations from the coop for reindeer food and refreshments for our first ever tractor run; as well as props from Pitlochry theatre and trees from Old Faskally which helped make the grotto look the part.
To our Santa’s for making the little ones’ day magical alongside the fabulous Hugo and Harryour naughty Elves and the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd with additional festive cheer provided by Just singing and Perthshire Brass Band. The great Mudini and our crafters, allowing some down time for the kids with special thanks to the Legion and the Royal Dunkeld Hotel who provided the shelter and warmth.
All the volunteers in their
on stalls, in the parade, behind the scenes and manning the grotto and halls. Special shout out to the cadets and Perth scouts who were on hand all day never moaning or hesitating to help despite their 10 hour shift. The photographers
whose photos capture the day perfectly and the medics and police keeping us safe. And to you…the community, the public who came out in the hoards to join in the fun, donate and support our event. Although the event has been running for 36 years it was only entrusted to us by Lachlan and Gillian as a new committee this year as they handed over their reign of 10 years, a hard act to follow. We hope we have managed to keep the magic alive a little longer and look forward to hopefully bringing more magic to you all in 2026 with a little more experience under our belt.
Our committee AGM will be held on 18th February, 7pm in the Duchess Ann Hall. We hope to see as many of you there as possible. This is an opportunity to reflect on last year’s event and look forward to planning the next. If you are unable to make it but would like to be involved in this year’s event please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at dunkeldsantaday@gmail. com.
Dunkeld and Birnam Santa Day 2026 will be Saturday 5th December, save the date!
A separate and special thank you to all the farmers and tractor drivers who came on board with our crazy idea; to bring Dunkeld and Birnam its first ever festive tractor run. We knew it would be a spectacle to behold but I don’t think any of us could have envisaged just how amazing it would be to see the streets lit up, along with all the faces of the crowds who came out in the wet weather to support it. A truly heartwarming community moment.
Just Singin’
Community Choir, Birnam
February is a great month for new beginnings, so if you enjoy singing, why not come along at the start of our new 8 week block on 4th February and give it a try - no obligation whatever, and all are welcome!
We are a friendly community choir of around 25-30 people of mixed ages and voices. We meet at 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings in the upstairs room at Birnam Arts. This block, we are delighted to welcome back the energetic and fun tutor, Emma Neck who will teach us a variety of songs and harmonies by ear. It’s stress free, just turn up and join in!
There are further details on our website (www.justsingin.co.uk) Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Take the plunge!!
Messy Music Suitable for ages 0-9 years
Messy Music continues to meet monthly on Wednesdays in the Duchess Anne. The dates are 18th Feb and 18th March.
We start at 4pm with craft, music and games and then eat together at around 5pm. The age range is 0 - 9 with the hope that parents will stay to take part with the activities and certainly join is for the meal.
It is helpful for numbers if people can let us know if you hope to come. So if your children/ family would like to come or you would like more information,please contact Hazel at music@ dunkeldcathedral.org
various guises,
Learning and Community History
Welcome to Elizabeth Kostova, our first Writer in Residence
Welcome to Elizabeth Kostova, our first Writer in Residence We’re delighted to announce an exciting new initiative from Asheville Sister Cities, Dunkeld and Birnam Friends of Asheville North Carolina, and the Birnam Book Festival. New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Kostova visits us in March and April as Dunkeld and Birnam’s first Asheville Writer in Residence. Elizabeth is the author of three novels: The Historian, The Swan Thieves, and The Shadow Land, all of which involve her historical research. Her fourth novel, Mystery Play, will be published this year. Elizabeth’s work has been translated into 40 languages, and The Historian was the first novel in American publishing history to debut at Number 1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Elizabeth teaches and lectures internationally and, while here, will be bringing her wide experience into our local schools, senior citizens groups, Climate Cafe, and the broader community, leading writing workshops and working on projects around the theme of A River of Words. Elizabeth will create a journal of her residency, which she will leave with us along with a template for future residencies we may host. Elizabeth lives in Asheville, where she works on posthurricane relief and serves on the board of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association. She also spends time in Sozopol, Bulgaria where she is an honorary citizen and co-founder with Svetlozar Zhelev of the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation. She is married to Bulgarian computer scientist Georgi H. Kostov and they have three grown children. Look for Elizabeth out and about in our community with activities based in Birnam Library and the Dunkeld Community Archive. Along with many outcomes from her residency, we look forward to strengthening connections through our Asheville twinning and to bridge building in these uncertain times. A welcome reception for Elizabeth Kostova will be announced soon. Come and say hello.
Relationships First: Our New Senior Day Practitioner Role at Dunkeld Campus
and supported. This philosophy is at the heart of our new Senior Day Practitioner role, which was pioneered by our staff member, Catriona Hutton.
With over six years of experience in school settings, an Honours degree in Behavioural
12 The Cross, Dunkeld, PH8 0AN. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk manager@historicdunkeld.org.uk 01350 727786
Shops/Houses Research Project
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm
Our Young Archaeologists meet fortnightly on a Thursday from 3.30pm to 5pm in the Archive. Open to children age 8 – 16.
Our next meeting is Thursday 26th February
Young Archaeologist Club
Our Young Archaeologists meet fortnightly on a Thursday from 3.30pm to 5pm in the Archive. Open to children age 8 – 16.
Our next meeting is Thursday 26th February.
Adult Archaeology/History Club
Did you know, if you become a ‘Member’ of Historic Dunkeld, you instantly gain free access to our Archaeology Club. Check our Members page on our web site.
We have a very exciting project for 2026, looking in-depth at St Jerome’s Chapel in Dunkeld. We plan to carry out both Topographical and Geophysical survey of the Chapel and hope to pop in a small trench in the spring.
There are also very exciting plans for some small test-pits within the medieval village area, working with the University of Aberdeen and Professor Gordon Noble. Talks
All talks and skills workshops for the club will be held in the rooms above the Perth Arms at 7.30pm. Please feel free to grab a drink on your way up!
Friday 13th February: Talk with Lindsay Gibb - Murder, Monks, Mittens and a Maid, courtesy of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.
Thursday 26th February: Skills workshop with Derek Hall – Pottery Identification.
Friday 13th March: Talk with Professor Kate Britton - Late Pleistocene (Ice Age) Archaeology and Archaeological Science.
Thursday 30th April: Skills workshop – Skills workshop with Dr Lucy Dean – Latin/Scots & understanding medieval documents.
We also have another workshops (outside, not in the pub!) provisionally planned for Saturday 14th March. Cathy MacIver from AOC Archaeology will be hosting a Resistivity Geophysical Survey of St Jerome’s Chapel. Keep your eyes out for further details of how to book a place on our web site and Eventbrite.
Monday Memories Club
Monday in the Archive from 3.00pm 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
Science, and specialist training in de-escalation, Cat brings a wealth of expertise to this essential new position.
Cat’s role was specifically designed to provide continuous, personalised support for students navigating the challenges of school life. We know that change can be a significant source of anxiety for young people; Cat acts as a consistent, approachable anchor throughout the day, helping students manage that anxiety and maintain their classroom attendance.
Unlike traditional support roles, this position allows Cat the focused time needed to build deep, trusting relationships. Whether it is providing a “breakaway room” for a student in distress or simply being a steady presence in the corridor, her work ensures that emotional regulation is never sidelined for the sake of a schedule.
Cat leads a coordinated day service team made up of Practitioners and Support for Learning staff, working together to respond flexibly to students’ needs. Her role is both relational and highly practical, involving:
• Real-time Deployment: Cat manages daily staff assignments, adjusting who is in which classroom based on the immediate needs of the students.
• The “Right Fit”: By overseeing how staff are deployed, she ensures that every student has the specific type of support they need to succeed that day.
• Balancing the “Push and Pull”: Cat describes her work as a delicate balance by knowing when to encourage a student to take an academic risk and when to pull back and provide a comforting space.
The ultimate goal of Cat’s work is to build the confidence students need to thrive in all areas of life by modelling positive behaviour and creating a secure environment for all.
“Trust and presence are the foundation”, Cat explains. “When students feel safe, they are more willing to take risks, which is where the real growth happens.”
At Moore House Group Dunkeld Campus, we believe that for a young person to learn, they must first feel safe, seen,
Community Developments
Dunkeld and Birnam & District Community Development Trust
The minutes of 2025 AGM in December are now available on our website, subject to approval at 2026 AGM. https://www.dbdtrust.org/
A New Year sees new faces at the Development Trust. We are pleased to announce that Stuart Paton is staying on as Treasurer and John Gilruth is remaining as a trustee. Alex Kettles and James Jarvis are stepping into the
Secretary and Chairperson roles respectively. We are delighted to have Kerr Mackinnon and Scott Robertson join us as Trustees and we are very appreciative of Angela Cunningham representing the Community Council at our meetings.
Though January we will have been recruiting a new development officer.
At the time of writing we are seeking funding for stage 1 feasibility planning for a small affordable housing development. It has been a race against time, with the funding due to close ahead of Scottish Parliament elections in May. If successful, it will be a major and hard-won achievement secured through many voluntary hours. If we have to wait for the next funding round, we will be better informed and prepared.
Heartland Cares, the social enterprise arising from our Care Group is seeking a Local
Dunkeld Mobile Service
Thursdays 9.00am – 10.00am Dunkeld North End Car Park, Atholl Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0AR
• Royal Mail & Parcelforce Worldwide
• Cash withdrawls
• Cash Deposits Services
Alternative Branches:
• Everyday Personal & Business Banking
• Cheque Deposits
• Driving: vehicle tax
Please check opening times and that these branches have the services you require.
Community Connector - see online adverts on their website.
The Local Energy Group is due to meet later this month and consider a specific proposal for placing before the Trust.
In February there will be an update meeting with Sarah Kimmet of the PKC Asset Transfer Team about the Artisan Village Project.
The resident parking survey will close at the end of January. It already has nearly 300 responses. This has been a joint effort with the Community Council and the process itself has been very informative.
Perth and Kinross Council have come back to the Trust for some clarifications on our Local Place Plan.
For more updates and details, check the news on our Trust website: www.dbdtrust.org/
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• Competitive rates of pay
• Flexible or immediate starts available
• A variety of roles available in our prestigious Clothing, Gift & Food Halls, popular Restaurant, busy Warehouses or friendly Offices.
• Non-seasonal, year-round work (short-term contracts available)
• Benefits including shop discounts, generous restaurant discount and loyalty rewards that accrue with time
• Career opportunities and personal development
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Notes from a Councillor
Hello 2026. I hope you all had an enjoyable festive period and enter the New Year in good health and good spirits despite the uncertain geopolitical situation that we are living in.
Locally it would be interesting to know the ongoing success / failure rates of all the New Year resolutions made within the Strathtay area.
Meanwhile the early weather in 2026 has been interesting to say the least with flooding the latest issue to hit the whole of PKC, the success of the now, many weather resilience groups across Perth in Kinross are proving their worth working alongside Tayside Contracts and Council staff.
A majority of the workload at 2 High Street at this time of year relates to the Budget setting process where yet again many difficult decisions will have to be made. The demographics regarding PKC especially in our local area means that Health and Social care demand is increasing every year and is one of the largest growing pressures on the PKC Budget. Last year an extra £10M was allocated to help maintain services and there will be an even greater demand this year. Elected Members have to balance the budget and the blunt ways of doing that involve the raising of Council Tax and/or increasing charges for services provided. Alternatively we can continually reduce the services provided each year. We have to decide on priorities which benefit our community especially the most vulnerable and provide them within our financial envelope. At some point the salami slicing of budgets has to stop if we don’t then the service in all areas becomes poorer. We may have to cease some services altogether and continue to invest in what are the council’s priority services.
None of this work is taken lightly because one decision in one area always has a knock on effect in another area. I know that all Councillors from all political groups take these decisions very seriously. I hope thishas given you some understanding on the difficult decisions being made over the next 5 weeks. PKC Budget Day is 04/3/2026.
Hopefully my next column will be much brighter and lighter in content than this one, and that you all achieve manyof the things you hope for in 2026.
Cllr Grant Laing - GLaing@pkc.gov.uk
News from our Community Council
We welcomed Cassie McGunnigle and Lindsay Dougan from the SSE Community team to our Community Council meeting, 26th January 2026 (yesterday evening at the time of writing). They spoke about the Griffin and Calliachar windfarm fund and were asked a wide range of questions on this topic. Look out for Meeting Minutes on our website with more on this: Meetings and Minutes – Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council. We thought it might be helpful to provide some brief headlines on a forthcoming consultation and to reflect on the Microgrants the Community Council has awarded since October 2025.
Community Funding Consultation – Cassie and Lindsay provided some background on the Griffin and Calliachar wind farm fund and a community consultation which will launch during Spring 2026. SSE will be using a third-party community engagement consultancy to canvass the views and opinions of residents on how the current funding arrangements are perceived and any changes the communities who benefit from the fund might like to make. They were keen to emphasise that the funds exist for the benefit of the community, so current community opinion
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
on how the funds are allocated, and for which projects and initiatives is key.
Information about the Griffin and Calliachar wind farm fund, eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on SSE’s website: https://www.sserenewables.com/communities/ community-fund-locations/great-britain/griffinand-calliachar
Griffin Microgrants – In addition to the main Griffin and Calliachar wind farm fund, the Community Council has responsibility for administering Griffin and Calliachar ‘Microgrants’. These are typically suited for smallscale projects in the community and may be appropriate for non-constituted organisations, or to provide seed funding to early-stage projects and initiatives. The maximum Microgrant award is currently £1000.
Since October 2025, the Community Council has received 14 applications for Microgrants and has awarded funds to 9 organisations. These are:
We have one application under consideration, and we expect to have distributed our full funding allocation in the next month. We will receive a top-up from SSE to our Microgrants account in April. Eligibility details and an application form to apply for a Microgrant can be found on the Community Council website:
Your Community Council – Dunkeld and Birnam Community Council
There is a lot going on in our community, so please do attend our public meetings and keep in touch through our usual channels. We are planning a follow-up to the recent and well-attended public meeting on Parking and Transport, 4th March 2026.
Website: https://dunkeldandbirnamcc.co.uk
Email: dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com
• Men’s Shed • Repair Café • • Royal School of Dunkeld Reunion Group • • Paths and Nature Action Group • • Dunkeld Santa Day • Birnam and Dunkeld SWI • • Birnam Arts • Community Archive • • Christmas Lights • (Dunkeld and Birnam Tourist Association)
Facebook: Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council
JOHN SWINNEY, MSP for PERTHSHIRE NORTH can be contacted at: 17-19 LESLIE STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE Tel: 01250 876576
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
Listing for local voluntary organisations are free however The Bridge welcomes donations to cover the cost of these listings. Please send donations to the Advertising Manager, John. B. Gray at Highfield, Brae Street, Dunkeld, PH8 0BA. 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
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
Nursery at Royal School of Dunkeld 01738 454470 Royal School of Dunkeld Sunday School – Church of Scotland 727249 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 07595 651446 Joanne Lawrie joanne.lawrie@caledoniaha.co.uk
Senior Citizens 727311 Ronalda Pattullo Hall Bookings
Amulree Village Hall 07749 914906 Isabel Brady northamulree@btinternet.com
12 Orchard Annual Planning Meeting 7pm Community Coworking Space dunkeldbirnamorchard@gmail.com
13 Kid’s Spring Holiday Films: Oink 12pm-2pm/£4 each* Birnam Arts
13 Archives :Talk with Lindsay Gibb - Murder, Monks, Mittens and a Maid, courtesy of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Upstairs at the Perth Arms 7:30pm www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
16 Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition AGM pm, The Chanonry in Cathedral Street All welcome dunkeldart@aol.com
16 SWT Talk Cluny House Gardens: red squirrels and magical woodlands 7:20 – pm The Tryst Pitlochry
17 Induction Service for Revd Tina Minett Stevens as Rector of St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church in Birnam by Bishop Ian 6pm
18 Messy Music Ages 0-9 4-6pm Little Dunkeld Kirk FREE
21-3rd May Exhibition Fragile: Moths, Life Systems & Us: Exhibition 10am-5pm daily Free Birnam Arts
22 Ecology Themed Zine Club 1pm-3pm A free, drop-in zine club with Louisa Preston for children 8+ and adults. U18s must be accompanied by an adult. Birnam Arts
22 Gardening and Growing Club Snowdrop Walk, with tea and cake at Cambo Estate, near St Andrews dbggclub@gmail.com
23 Community Council Meeting 7-9pm venue TBA dunkeldandbirnamcc.co.uk
26 Skills workshop with Dr Gavin Lindsay – Putting what we have learned so far into practice. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
26 A9 Community Group Birnam Arts 7:30pm
28 Portrait Photography 10am-4pm Birnam Arts
March
11 Gardeners & Growers AGM dbggclub@gmail.com
13 Archives :Talk with Professor Kate Britton - Late Pleistocene (Ice Age) Archaeology and Archaeological Science. Upstairs at the Perth Arms 7:30pm www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
14 Archives : workshops (outside) Cathy MacIver from AOC Archaeology : Resistivity Geophysical Survey of St Jerome’s Chapel. www.historicdunkeld.org.uk
15 Film Club The Beasts 2hr 17m France 2022 7:30pm Birnam Arts non-members £8/£4
18 Messy Music Ages 0-9 4-6pm Little Dunkeld Kirk FREE
26 Archives :Skills workshop with Dr Gavin Lindsay – Excavation skills part 1 www. historicdunkeld.org.uk
April
12 Film Club The Marching Bank 1h 43m France 7:30pm Birnam Arts non-members £8/£4
26 Gardeners and Growers visit to the Japanese Garden, Dollar. dbggclub@gmail.com
