Issuu

At the heart of your community Lochaber Supports Refugees

West Highland Railway exhibition 24

Beatha Lochabair

An t-Samhain

New hub for Care Lochaber

November 2021 – Issue 337

Scotland’s Finest Wood award Lochaber Life November 2021.indd 1

ore s m e to

m ree ho es t 0 ess hou 0 e v 0 i l n ug , De 12 usi thro d n b h an tha nd ont ber a ry m cha ond e Lo ey ev b f red

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Ardrhu House A little bit of magic and a whole lot of luxury

The days are getting shorter and it’s time to cosy up and seek comfort. We’ve got the perfect spot for you to indulge in some decadent fine dining and catch up on those missed celebrations. With holidays drawing close treat yourself and book into our amazing spa, dining & entertainment offers, the perfect gift for you and you loved ones this winter. Alongside our signature spa packages, and Champagne Afternoon Tea, Ardrhu House serves an eclectic à la carte lunch and a three-course dinner menu now £45 pp. Our new winter menu includes some mouth-watering dishes cooked with flair and exceptional ingredients. This month we will be offering 10% off your total spend with us (mention Lochaber Life when booking your table). Each day, limited places are available for dinner for non-residents in an intimate setting, cosying up by the fire with a cocktail, letting your worries melt away and making space for the holiday joy to fill your heart. Entertainment for our lovely locals! We are introducing some fantastic evenings of entertainment over autumn and winter! Enjoy live music, party games, cocktail nights and more. Get in touch to find out what we have to offer or follow our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you for some fun! www. ardrhuhouse.com

And don’t forget, our luxury Spa Days are here to see you through the cold weather. Escape and sink into relaxation with our spa packages, leave feeling revitalised, pampered and completely recharged. On special offer this winter are the Mini Spa Days, £75 for one and £140 for two. They include the use of the full spa facilities and a 45-minute treatment of your choice, ending with our delicious cream tea. Half/Full Spa Days also available for that extra time in the treatment room

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06 22 Beatha Lochabair

contents

CELEBRATE NOVEMBER I know I probably ask this question every month - but how did we get here? Despite Covid and the lockdown, this year seems to have flown in - or am I just getting old? Don’t email as I know the answer to that one already! There’s plenty to celebrate in this issue, which marks the 29th anniversary of Lochaber Life, with Alice Goode from Inverlochy reaching 106 years old, page 22, Lochaber Supports Refugees, page 19, and Care Lochaber, page 30, relocating to new, more accessible premises. Young at Heart walkers invite you to take to the tracks, page 26, and we highlight an exhibition on the achievements of the Mallaig Railway builders, page 24. Banavie pupils celebrate St Andrew’s Day -15 years ago - page 35 and Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club is at last able to stage its Home Show, page 38, which has been cancelled three times due to the pandemic. Celebrate Ceiliúradh. Iain

FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPH: Crofters, left to right, Michael Foxley,

Ewen Morrison and Tony Boyd with the plaque awarded to Camusnagaul and Achaphubuil Community woodlands by ‘Scotland’s Finest Woods’. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

EDITORIAL Iain Ferguson Email: iainpics@ googlemail.com

ADVERTISING Nicky Murphy Email: nmurphy@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

PRODUCTION Kevin McCubbin Email: kmccubbin@ wyvexmedia.co.uk

Woodland award

Lochaber Life Archive

Reader’s picture

Recipe

Feed the Birds

Lochaber Supports Refugees

Landscapes and Motorbikes

Alice Goode - 106 year old

Glenfinnan Railway Exhibition

Young at Heart Walking Club

New location for Care Lochaber

Thought for the Month

15 years ago.

Where in Lochaber?

Expect Fireworks

Published by Wyvex Media Limited Tel: 01397 703003 Website: www.obantimes.co.uk We hope to publish a wide range of interests and opinions. However, our contributors’ views are not necessarily our own. Material in Lochaber Life must not be reproduced without our written consent or that of the copyright owner. A statement of our terms and conditions for accepting advertisements is available on request. Published by Wyvex Media Ltd.

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COTTAGES & CASTLES With the rollercoaster that the travel industry has faced since March 2020, it is hardly surprising that the way we holiday has changed immeasurably. The domestic holiday market has surged in the last 18 months as travellers have started to recognise the world of wonders that they have right on their doorstep, and holidaycottages.co.uk has seen huge rises in the demand for UK holiday properties. For over 30 years, holidaycottages.co.uk has been offering quality, UK accommodation, but the last 12 months have seen unprecedented demand. Furthermore, this staycation trend has also highlighted Scotland as an ideal destination with the diversity and drama of landscapes that so many guests are looking for. A country of great contrasts, Scotland is a place of stark beauty, adventure and pure escapism, so it is no wonder that as more people are choosing to holiday in Britain, Scotland is welcoming tourists in their droves. Bookings across our network of brands have soared, including on our dedicated Scottish brand, Cottages & Castles, home to more than 650 of the finest holiday cottages in Scotland. Lifestyle brands such as Canine Cottages have also experienced increased demand as more holidaymakers are choosing to take their dog on holiday too. New owners recently joining us are also getting off to a flying start. For example, The Wee Yin, a charming romantic retreat in Arrochar, and Balgonie Retreat, a great house close to West Linton, secured 22 and 21 bookings respectively within the first 28 days of

being live on our site. Now, with more than 7,000 quality properties in our portfolio, we are going from strength to strength. We want guests and owners to delight in the beauty of the British Isles and make the most of this place we call home. With the natural raw beauty of Scotland, it’s no wonder that more and more guests are discovering its magic.

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‘SCOTLAND’S FINEST’ AWARD FOR ANCIENT WOODLANDS Take a brief ferry crossing from Fort William to Camusnagaul and within a few steps you will find yourself in the midst of ancient woodlands. Thanks to the efforts of a group of local crofters, this was saved from potentially becoming a commercial plantation and a footpath was created allowing visitors to experience the wonders of trees, including a 250-year-old oak. After a submission to a competition to find Scotland’s Finest Woods by crofters Michael Foxley, Tony Boyd and Ewan Morrison, the woodland won a ‘Highly Commended’ plaque and £500. In the words of the application: ‘In 1995, Forestry Commission Scotland planned to dispose of land in Achaphubuil which they had bought in 1961. As elsewhere in West Lochaber, at that time, this would have involved planting the open hill and ‘ringing’

the oak trees before infill planting with Sitka Spruce. This was blocked by my family [wrote Michael Foxley] who had grazings rights on the hill.’ The hill was returned to the estate and the woodlands were to be sold on the open market. After a great deal of work, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) ‘sponsored’ the purchase of the woodlands by a group of crofters from the townships of Treslaig and Achaphubuil - a national first for SNH as well as for a crofting community. The day the title was agreed, the trust chairman and I had a dram in memory of his Great Great Aunt, who had been fined sixpence for gathering firewood within the woods. Aims are to preserve, protect, enhance and extend these ancient native woodlands. They are shown on Roy’s map of 1750, having been present and worked since before the Middle Ages. These woodlands are a remaining fragment, part of only 1.4 per cent of ancient woodlands left in the UK. In the West Highlands, this is our ‘temperate rain forest’. They are an extraordinarily rich and complex ecosystem, primarily of oak, ash and birch trees

with extensive niche habitats of mosses, lichens, fungi, bryophytes and impressive lungwort, presenting a stunning mosaic of form, texture and colour - a unique biodiversity. An initial 2.1km circular path was built 20 years ago, with support from SNH, Highland Council, Highlands and Island Enterprise and the European Leader funds. Limited felling of beech - then designated as a non-native tree - took place to open areas of the mature canopy, allowing light to enter for regeneration. Fundraising, project management and work by volunteers from Treslaig and Achaphubuil Crofters Woodland Trust followed.

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TwenTY-nine YearS oF Lochaber LiFe In November 1992, the first issue of Lochaber Life began popping through letterboxes under the direction of founders Margaret and John Muncie. Since then it has proved to be one of the most popular ‘reads’ in the area and the go-to reference for anyone seeking a particular business. It has also become a collectors item, as demonstrated by Roy Cattle of Acharacle who has faithfully kept every issue in his bookcase. Now, as he starts a process of downsizing, he contacted editor Iain Ferguson to ask if Lochaber Life would

like to take over his archive. Thank you to him for his thoughtfulness and interest over the years. His collection

will remain intact and be available for anyone who may wish to look up any article or advert from the past 29 years.

As remembrance Sunday approaches, the Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge will once again be at the centre of commemoration as Covid restrictions are eased. At the going down of the sun… Photograph: Kim Ferguson.

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Living and working in Lochaber With so many things to see and do in Lochaber, it really is a fantastic place to live and work. Immerse yourself in history, get

energized with outdoor pursuits or look to seek home comforts within a tranquil setting. If you are looking for

accommodation to act as your home base, Serviced Accommodation Scotland can help.

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• INGREDIENTS •

CUSTARD CREAMS

- a favourite treat at the recent Macmillan coﬀee morning held in Caol Community Centre. From Linda Campbell.

4 ozs Plain Flour

2 ozs sugar

4 ozs Margarine

2 ozs Custard Powder

• METHOD • Cream margarine and sugar. Mix in flour and custard powder. Roll into balls in your hand and place on a baking tray. Use a fork to lightly press down. If using a fan oven, 170°C for eight minutes. Make a buttercream filling to finish.

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How to put on a festive feast for birds Anna Feeney RSPB The cold snap of winter means steaming roast dinners and hot drinks and many of the foods we eat are also big hits with the birds, especially during the colder months when there are fewer natural food sources available and they need extra calories to stay warm. Try sprinkling some of these treats on your bird table and see how popular they can be with the local population. You may even be lucky enough to see a winter migrant bird, such as a redwing, sampling your offerings. GOOD - Leftovers to feed the birds: • Cheese – mild grated cheese is a classic hit with robins, dunnocks, blackbirds and song thrushes. • Unsalted bacon

rind – chopping it up means a lot of birds will be able to have a nibble. Magpies and crows are liable to fly off with the whole lump if not wellanchored. Make sure there’s no salt in it as it is toxic to birds. • Ripe or bruised apples and pears – thrushes, tits and starlings are big fans. • Pastry – uncooked or cooked, either is good as long as it’s made with real fats. • Dried fruit – raisins, sultanas and currants are favourites with blackbirds, song thrushes and robins. They can be dangerous to dogs and cats so this is one to avoid if you have pets in the area. BAD - Not everything we eat is good for birds and here are some foods to avoid: • Anything with salt – salt is toxic to birds, so make sure to keep it off your bird table and don’t put salt in your bird

baths to keep it ice-free. • Cooking fat – leftover fat from your Sunday roast could smear onto birds’ feathers and ruin their waterproofing and insulating qualities. It can be great for a stock though. • Cooked porridge oats – they are glutinous and can harden around a bird’s beak. • Milk – birds can’t digest milk so it can make them seriously ill. • Dried coconut – it can swell up in their stomach and make them sick. You can also buy dedicated bird food such as nuts, fat or seed mixtures with mealworms for the insect-eaters, such as Dunnocks, Robins, Starlings and Wrens, while suet-based products are an all-round crowd-pleaser with their high calories providing a boost for your birds through cold nights.

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Lochaber ideas week This year’s Lochaber Ideas Week will run from Monday 15th to Friday 19th November, and, reflecting the changing business environment of the last 18 months, will have a slightly different format to previous years. Monday 15th November To celebrate the oﬃcial opening of West Highland College UHI’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre, we will be inviting our Premium Members to a special session from 1500 - 1900 where we will be hosted at the new centre and given an opportunity to speak to the experts about ways this facility can help improve and enhance business. Tuesday 16th November Developing the Youg Workforce

Thursday 18th November

(DYW) Schools Event - Learn about the future of manufacturing and what Lochaber has to offer at a special event with the Advanced Manufacturing Centre. Wednesday 17th November Aquaculture Day presented in collaboration with the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre. Join us for a day celebrating innovation and opportunity in this key growth industry for Lochaber.

Tourism Day - A chance to celebrate the resilience and inspiration of Lochaber’s biggest industry. What have we learned from the challenges of the last 18 months that can prepare us for the future, and what future trends will shape the visitor economy of tomorrow? Come along to join the discussion and hear from inspiring speakers. Friday 19th November Get dressed up and join the celebrations at our Lochaber Ideas Week Gala Dinner featuring fabulous local food and drink in a seven-course taster menu. Find out more and book your tickets at www.lochaberchamber. co.uk

OPEN Y O GA FO R H E ALTHY B ACKS NLP, CBT, L IFE C O ACHIN G F O O D I N TO LE RAN CE T E S TIN G H E RBAL M E DICIN E C O UN S E LLIN G O S TE O PATHY P HYS IO THE RAPY M AS S AGE , R E FLE XO LO GY P O DIATRY C ALL: 0 1 3 9 7 7 0 2 2 5 7 E : INFO@ LOCHABERCLINIC. CO. UK W : WWW. LOCHABERCLINIC. CO. UK

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In Loving Memory of bRiAn MCgUiRe 1956 – 2021 (Duror) Sadly, at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 23rd September 2021, Brian Thomas McGuire, aged 64 years, Achindarroch Road, Duror, long-serving employee at The Holly Tree Hotel, Kentallen, and former employee at the Ballachulish Hotel and Glencoe Visitor Centre. A loving husband to Shona, a much-loved dad to Christopher, Aisling and Daniel, a wonderful grampa to Phoebe and Arthur, a caring brother to Jim, a well-liked colleague, neighbour and friend to many. Rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of ISABELLA (ELLA) MACPHeRson 1932 – 2021 (Acharacle) Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at Dail Mhor House, Strontian, on Friday 10th September 2021, Isabella Elizabeth MacPherson (Ella), aged 89 years, Ardtoe, Acharacle. A beloved wife of the late Iain, a loving mum to Hugh and Margaret and mother-in-law to Maria and Colin, a wonderful granny to Jessie, Maryann, Christy and John, a much-loved neighbour and friend. So dearly loved and missed.

In Loving Memory of eveLYn MCgHee 1962 – 2021 (Plantation) Suddenly but peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at the Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Saturday 11th September 2021, Evelyn Jean McGhee, aged 59 years, Bruce Place, Plantation, Fort William, long-serving employee at the former Grand Hotel and latterly the West End Hotel, Fort William. A beloved partner to James, a much-loved mum to Ryan, Stuart, Brett and Chelsea, a wonderful nana to Calum, Paige, Ellie and Remi, a loving daughter to Jean and Brian, an adored sister to Gina, Patsy, Angie, Tony, Jackie and Tammy, a caring auntie, great auntie, sister-in-law, neighbour, colleague and friend to many. RIP.

In Loving Memory of tAtJAnA LUDboRŽA 1981 – 2021 (Caol) Sadly, at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Thursday 23rd September 2021, Tatjana Ludborža, aged 39 years, Camaghael Road, Fort William. A devoted wife to Andris, an adored mum to Viktorija and Arturs, a much-loved daughter to Nina and Semjon, a loving sister to Veranika, a caring relative and friend of many. RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba�leﬁeld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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In Loving Memory of sAnDRA CHisHoLM 1943 – 2021 (Fort William) Sadly, but peacefully at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Wednesday 15th September 2021, Sandra Courtney Chisholm, nèe MacDonald, aged 78 years, Caithness Place, Fort William. A beloved wife to Nigel, a much- loved mother to Neil and Jamie and mother-in-law to Jennifer and Sandra, a wonderful granny to Tommy, Emma, Sarah Jane, Billy and Evie, a loving daughter to the late Alexander and Ester MacDonald and sister to Joan and the late Jimmy, Ester, Joyce and Molly. A caring relative, neighbour and friend to many. Sadly missed.

In Loving Memory of iAn sneDDon 1938 – 2021 (Lochyside) Sadly, at Belford Hospital, Fort William, on Thursday 30th September 2021, Ian Sneddon, aged 83 years. Loving husband of Maureen, much-loved dad of Jacqueline and Ian, proud papa of Sean, Lewis, Jaye, Natalie, Guy and Charis, great papa to Amelia and Emily. Loved and missed every day.

In Loving Memory of THERESA ANNE KEIL 2000 – 2021 (Fort William) With great sadness we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Theresa Anne Keil, at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Saturday 18th September 2021, aged 21 years. An adored daughter to Peter and Maria, a much-loved sister to Robert and Iona, a loving granddaughter to Audrey and a friend to many. Forever loved and missed. RIP.

In Loving Memory of FIONA (FI) CHRISTIAN 1976 – 2021 (Strontian) Peacefully, in the care of Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Sunday 19th September 2021, Fiona Dawn Christian, aged 44 years, School Road, Strontian. A beloved wife to Dave, a wonderful mum to Kay and Ella, a loving daughter to Nick and Gerry, a much-loved sister to Alex, a caring auntie, relative, neighbour and friend to many. Greatly loved and missed every day.

In Remembrance of NELLIE RENNIE 1935 – 2020 (Inverlochy) As we look upon her picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine and a smile for one and all. We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Tha Sinne gad iondrainn a h-uile latha. Tòrr goal.

In Loving Memory of feRnAnDo soPA 1964 – 2021 (Fort William) Peacefully at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, on Thursday 9th September 2021, Fernando Hèlder Besugo Sopa, aged 57 years, High Street, Fort William, employed with the Hospitality and Catering Services, Scotrail (Fort William Train Station). A much-loved step-father, brother, brotherin-law and uncle, a well-liked neighbour, colleague and friend. RIP.

MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS

10 Ba�leﬁeld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk

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Lochaber Supports Refugees Iain Ferguson Making a donation to the Lochaber Supports Refugees charity has never been easier thanks to the opening of a new shop in Fort William High Street. The local group has been active for many years, collecting clothes, footwear and other items as diverse as camping equipment at its storage base at Camaghael from where they were sorted and sent to those in need in other parts of the world. All of this is now done at what most people will recognise as the former Wynne the Butcher’s shop at Aird’s Crossing, which will be open for donations twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, between 11am and 1pm. As a result of recent conflicts, the need for adult male clothing in particular is increasing, with shirts, trousers, socks, underwear, thick and

warm hoodies all very much in demand. Women’s clothing will be most welcome. Donations should be clean and in good condition so that they can be quickly sorted by volunteers, ready for immediate use by those who need them. They

also put together complete ‘family’ boxes with adult and children’s clothing. Clothing is both sent abroad and given to refugees arriving in this country, who will almost certainly have left their homes with almost nothing and need assistance as they face an uncertain future. With winter coming, a particular emphasis, as Highland dwellers will know from their own experience, will be on staying warm so donations of heavy indoor and outdoor wear is doubly welcome. Being part of the ‘Highland’s Support Refugees’ charity is

also an advantage when aid is needed abroad. With increasing costs and paperwork, co-operation is vital so that a number of charities can pool transport resources to make sure the clothing can reach the places in which it is needed. In addition to individual donations, many businesses, including large retail chains also make donations of new clothes which are surplus to their requirements. Likewise, the refugee charity will donate items they are unable to use to shops run by other charities, so that nothing goes to waste. Co-ordinator Sandra Smith said: ‘The new shop is absolutely fantastic, in that it is really visible and in a convenient location for both donations and our volunteers. The rent is also much lower which means less of a drain on our finances. ‘It is a great space and I would like to thank everyone who helped turn the building from an empty shell into a working area, with places for sorting and storage.’ For more information go to the charity’s facebook page or call Sandra on 07765 670535.

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HIBIKE Fort William

Launching in spring 2022 The countdown is on to the launch of HIBIKE Fort William in spring 2022. The electric bike share scheme will have 60 ebikes and eight charging hubs at key locations around Fort William and will be available for everyone to use with annual, monthly and pay per ride membership options. The LEG team recently headed east for the launch of HIBIKE Inverness, which currently has 30 electric bikes and three charging hubs. We took the Inverness ebikes for a spin and can confirm they are comfortable, easy and fun to ride. The electric assistance makes the riding feel light and easy and is great for getting up steep hills. The large basket on the front is a great addition, making it practical and easy to carry shopping or heavy bags. Check out HIBIKE at https://

Hibike charging hub in inverness.

www.hi-bike.co.uk HIBIKE membership will enable access to the ebikes in both towns once the Fort William scheme is operational. LEG will also be working with local businesses to help them and their employees use the HIBIKE ebikes to get around town,

with corporate membership offering tailored packages so that organisations can offer their staff discounted HIBIKE membership. Commuting by ebike is a great way to keep fit and healthy, reduce commuting costs, reduce traﬃc congestion and improve local air quality and the HIBIKE ebikes are lots of fun to ride. HIBIKE Fort William is funded by the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund with support from European Regional Development Funds and Transport Scotland and Highland Council. For more info about the HIBIKE project visit https:// lochaberenviro.org.uk or email info@lochaberenviro.org.uk

the Leg team and vikki trelfer, HitRAns Active travel oﬃcer, at the launch of Hibike inverness. from right to left: Rachel McKerral, Kate willis, vikki trelfer and Emma Walters.

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LANDSCAPES AND MOTORBIKES FEATURE IN CHARITY CALENDARS Iain Ferguson As November trundles on and the end of the 2021 approaches, the time has come to look to the future and make sure you don’t forget those important dates that come round annually. How? Buy a 2022 calendar! With so many to choose from, why not consider one which also helps support worthwhile causes. If you are a fan of motorcycles, the Highlands and Islands Blood Bikes charity calendar could be just what you need, with photographs of their bikes at

various locations. They have a choice of two calendars featuring their colourful bikes in different locations across the country. The desk calendar costs £8.99, while the wall calendar is £9.99. Both can be ordered by online at https:// www.haibloodbikes.co.uk/shop/ If you prefer beautifully colourful views of Highland and Scottish life, then the ‘Scotland on your Wall’ calendar is the one for you. Featuring sun, sand, snow, stags and flowers, found across the country the calendar was produced by Abrightside

Photography in conjunction with award-winning local charity Star for Harris which supports treatment and raises awareness of childhood cancer. Cost is £13 each, with half of this going to the charity. Email abrightsidephoto@gmail.com to order.

THE GOODE LIFE One lady who could have quite a collection of calendars is Alice Goode, who celebrated her 106th birthday on September 30. Born in Poolewe, Wester Ross, on September 30 1915, Alice moved to Lochaber in the 1930s and where with husband Bill they brought up four children in Inverlochy. During the war, she worked in the casting shop at the British Aluminium smelter and went on to have numerous jobs over the years, becoming wellknown and highly regarded in the community. Still bright and alert, she

is now in Invernevis House Care Home where family and staff laid on a special treat for her with cards, presents, an illuminated birthday cake made up from a tower of cup cakes and a specially made tiara with the numbers 106 on top. One special card came from HM the Queen wishing her a happy and enjoyable birthday. This is Alice’s seventh card from the Queen. Opening the card, Alice held it aloft and joked: ‘She looks just like me, but doesn’t have my tiara.’ She went to open many more cards and presents

saying: ‘There’s no room for these by my bedside, but I will be putting the Queen’s card there.’

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LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREENER PAST Iain Ferguson A new exhibition on the building of the Mallaig extension to the West Highland Railway hopes to demonstrate not only the facts of it being an amazing engineering feat, but just how ‘green’ the process was. Based on a recently published book ‘Building the Mallaig Railway - a photographer’s story, by Hege Hernaes, the exhibition features many of the images taken at the time to record the progress and means of construction along its entire length. One of the aspects revealed by the photographic essay is the ‘green’ methods employed by the workforce, which can also be taken as a lesson from the past, as the present and future world becomes more aware of using available resources more carefully. At the time the railway and the supporting infrastructure was being built, there was little alternative but to use the materials which could be used from the immediate surrounding, or use and reuse those which had to be transported into the area. Set up at Glenfinnan Station in a railway carriage, the

exhibition features a number of enlargements of pictures in the book, with explanations of what is happening, where - and when possible - who is featured in them. Previously terminating at Banavie where an impressive station sat just below the Caledonian canal, the West

Highland line collected passengers from the steamer from the north and delivered them to First William, where they could connect with other services. An act was passed in July 1894 which sanctioned the

extension to Mallaig, mainly to allow speedier access from the then important and very prosperous fish landings in the village to their main markets across Britain and further afield. While the line was only 40 miles long, it faced tremendous engineering challenges due to the terrain, the solutions to which resulted in what were the cutting edge technological methods of the day. At least one of the engineering ‘miracles’, the Glenfinnan viaduct, the largest poured concrete structure in existence, was destined to become a world renowned icon and not just for its ingenious method of construction. A total of 11 tunnels and six viaducts were to be built in conquering the land

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and almost as a by-product producing a route hailed globally as one of the most scenic railway journeys ever and a ‘must’ for international travellers. Most people enjoying the trip to Mallaig, either on the regular ScotRail service or on the popular ‘Jacobite’ steam train, will scarcely think about the time and effort which went into building the line. However, many will also find the exhibition gives a unique insight into the lives and work of the individuals who turned the plans into reality more than a century ago. Sheer muscle power was an important part of the work using both man and horse as the line stretched out across the countryside. Viaducts were made by pouring concrete into ‘forms’ made in the shape of walls and arches and in many places the actual shape and texture of the wooden planks can be seen forever ‘set in concrete’.

Wood was a valuable material, vital in the construction process, so was not thrown away after one use as often happens today, but used again in the making of the next structure to be built. To emphasise this message, Glenfinnan Museum, run by Hege and her husband John who are also creators of the exhibition, have invited Lochaber Environmental Group to take part, displaying details of their work in promoting planet friendly behaviour, as well as offering

the use of electric bikes to tour the immediate area. The carriage also provides enough space for groups and school parties to tour the exhibition, learning about the types of construction and their relevance in today’s world. There is also a cafe adjoining the exhibition, where it is possible to enjoy tea, coffee and cake, while digesting the information on the building of the line. It is well worth a visit. To find out more, check out www. glenfinnantstationmusuem. co.uk

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YOUNG AT HEART AND LEGS ON THE GO Joan Kennedy Are you keen to get out and about in the countryside, but not really sure about going alone? Don’t let the latter be an issue when there is a group of friendly people who would be delighted to welcome you on their regular trips. Lochaber Young at Heart Walking Group was launched in 1994 and has been successful over the years in attracting many people aged 50 years and over for walks, both short and day-long, to interesting locations across Lochaber and occasionally beyond. Now that lockdown and Covid restrictions are being lifted, the group is building up a new programme of outings and would like to encourage more people to join them to enjoy the many benefits of being part of a friendly walking group.

Research has proven that being part of a group, meeting outside for physical activity has a positive effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Meeting people, making new friends, discovering new walks and socialising are just a few of the positive aspects of being part of the club. There are weekly walks within Lochaber which last for approximately two hours and there are also shorter walks

for those who feel less able. No-one should feel they cannot join in if they don’t feel up to walking for long periods. During the summer months, when hopefully the weather is kind, the club also organises, once a month, longer all day walks travelling further afield. There are also weekly walks in Spean Bridge, Clunes, Glen Loy and Glenfinnan and all day walks at Morar to Tarbert, Tyndrum to Crianlarich and Corrour/ Loch Ossian. The group hires a bus to take them to the start of their walk and return them at its conclusion. This leaves the lower car park near the Moorings Hotel, Banavie, at 10am on Wednesday mornings. The cost is £7. If you are interested and would like more information please telephone 07759 979524.

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NEW LOCATION FOR CARE LOCHABER Alison Kane Care Lochaber has enjoyed a brilliant start in its new oﬃce in what was the old job centre at the West End of the High Street. It is great seeing people passing our window, some of them popping in to see what is going on. We are now back to offering a full service with all our volunteers ready to help anyone that cannot get on a bus or access a bus route, whether they be elderly, disabled, have mental health issues or learning disabilities. Our volunteers take clients to any medical appointments they may have, like doctor, nurse, or dentist and also take them to any clinics at the medical centre like podiatrist. We also take a lot of our service users to the lunch club and other community gatherings. We can also take people to do their shopping and back again, saving them trying to get on and off a bus, and offer assisted shopping for anyone not able to do it themselves. Our volunteer would help to choose items at the supermarket and bag up goods as well as picking up the client, help get them into a wheelchair or mobility scooter

and go around the shop or supermarket with them. They would then take them home and take their bags into the house. There is £5 fee in and around Fort William, which is for the return journey. There are also volunteer drivers in Ballachulish and Onich to help people in

that area, with Spean Bridge and Roy Bridge also in our catchment area. Our volunteers are mostly retired who give up their free time, enabling us to continue this great service. They are out every day in all weathers and we couldn’t provide this service without them. Our service users really appreciate the volunteers and love chatting to them in the car. Many may have not had much contact with other people and this gives them a chance to get out of the house, go to their appointment and have some social contact.

Care Lochaber also runs monthly events which have included lunches at the Moorings Hotel, afternoon tea at various places around Fort William, a visit to the garden centre at Appin and the pantomime at Eden Court. The Covid pandemic stopped these but we are keen to get started again and are planning our first one for next month. These events are funded so we do not charge for these. Even the car to pick you up and take you home would be free. The building is also home to Lochaber Hope, the New Connections Hub and hosts a pop-up Vintage Café run by the Montrose Centre every Wednesday and Friday. It also has space for various groups to use. Please pop in and visit us here and have a cuppa and a chat. Our phone number to book a car with the car scheme is 01397 701222. Allison or Laura will take your call. Our volunteers are amazing and do a great job, but we are always looking to recruit new ones. We don’t have any women volunteers at the moment so if there is anyone out there that can spare a few hours per week please get in touch. We pay your expenses.

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We can learn a lot from children’s behaviour. In the cafe queue, a toddler lad broke free from granny’s hand and stretched up in front of me to reach the hand sanitizer. There are children growing up, I thought, for whom this and wearing a mask indoors is normal. Tragically, children are growing up deprived of a parent due to Covid. The Olympics and the 26th UN climate change conference in Glasgow were deferred for a year due to the virus. It has dominated people’s lives throughout the world, perhaps to the exclusion of

other important things. For example, I can’t be the only person who worries that essential massive use and disposal of PPE has surpassed concern about excess plastic polluting the environment. l know I am not the only person in Lochaber who is concerned with food poverty, highlighted by last month’s article on the local food bank. There is also a perceived increase in spiritual poverty. Scripture Union Scotland, an organisation with the vision ‘to see the children and young people of Scotland exploring the Bible and responding to the significance of Jesus’, estimate ‘there is huge spiritual poverty

in Scotland and disbelief in Jesus.’ Another little lad, in the swimming pool, brought this to mind. A holidaying family of keen swimmers were being helped by a caring father to dive. The boy, about six or seven, jumped into the warm water using God’s name as an exclamation mark. That saddened me. It is a mark of spiritual poverty if our children only use the names of God and Jesus as exclamation marks or swear words. As few attend church and Covid closures have limited attendance of chaplains and volunteers to schools, how can we help children and fulfill the Lord Jesus’ words? ‘Whoever welcomes in my name such a child as this welcomes me.’ (Matt18.5)

Pupils at Banavie Primary School celebrate St Andrew’s Day with a Saltire and Tartan at the start of their ceilidh. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, The Write Image.

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An unusual gate guardian by the roadside. But where? LAST monTH: Community wellbeing shed in Ballachulish. LoCHABeR LIFe

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eXPeCt fiRewoRKs Iain Ferguson Although Guy Fawkes night will be over by the time Lochaber Phoenix Boxing Club stages its Home Show on November 6, the sell-out crowd in Caol Community Centre can still expect to see fireworks . With three cancelled shows due to Covid, the local talented boxers are raring to blast-off when they enter the ring, desperate to put their long training sessions to use and show what they have learned. In a planned programme of 13 bouts, four of the club’s youngest boxers will be making their debut, as will senior John Hutton, the fact it will be in front of a home crowd adding to the tension. High school pupils Jamie Douglas, Toby Jackson, Noah Johnston, and Callum MacLean have been dedicated attenders at the club gym for more than two years and kept training through

lockdown with online advice from the coaches. Like all club members, they spent time building up their fitness and co-ordination before moving on to sparring and gaining the technical skills required in a bout. In previous years, the youngsters would have had the opportunity to visit other clubs, often in the central belt or north east to gain experience by sparring with other boxers and further hone their skills. However, due to Covid restrictions, this has been largely impossible. Lochaber Phoenix head coach Vince Lopez and and coach Aidan Donnelly have been working more intensely with the young men since the Home Show was given clearance by Amateur Boxing Scotland and have also been carefully matching their skills with boxers from all over the country who will face them in the ring. This ‘matchmaking’ is a

long and involved process, comparing potential opponents ito ensure they are comparable in age, weight, size, skills and experience so that no-one starts off with an immediate advantage. What can often happen is that a few days, or even just a few hours, before the show a boxer can pull out for any number of reasons and this is why the programme can undergo last minute changes to names, or even lead to a bout being cancelled. Hopefully on the night everything will go to plan and all of the Lochaber Phoenix boxers, Kevin Aitchison, Siobhan Duncan, Lee Bruce, Farquhar McRae, Josh Dieguno and top of the bill, former Scotland Squad member, Cameron Whyte will get the chance to tackle opponents in the ring to the excitement of the crowd.

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