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KILLIN NEWSKILLIN & DISTRICT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Issue No. 32 May 1996

B S E - The Local Perspective

I was delighted that my first assignmentfor the Killin News was on a subject thatI could really get my teeth into! Thereis nothing I enjoy more that a juicy filletsteak with a smidgen of garlic butter,and the recent hype supposedly linkingBSE (Bovine SpongiformEncephalopathy) with the human versionof the disease CJD (Creutzfeldt-JakobDisease) has in no way deterred me fromeating beef. I decided however toapproach local people to get a morebalanced view on how the BSE scare isaffecting them.

Local butchers Colin McRae and TomNeill say that beef sales have never beenso good. Tom recently changed hissupplier of beef, to John Christie ofLochdochart who farms Galloway cattlefor breeding as well as for beef. TheChristies have never had a case of BSEwithin their herd, they have alwaysadopted natural farming methods, theGalloways are hill grazed in the summerand fed hay, straw, nut and minerals inthe winter and chemical fertilisers are

not used. Colin McRae selects his beeffrom 18 month old Aberdeen Angusfrom Orkney, they are also BSE free andhe knows the ancestry of every beast.He believes that the shopper is "gettingback to basics" and deserting the bigsupermarkets in favour of the localbutcher where quality and ingredients inbeef products is assured.

Auchlyne farmer, Gilbert Christieremarked that the BSE scare has affectedtheir business financially. He rearscalves till they are yearlings, he thensells them on at Dalmally to farms whichwill fatten them up to be sold as beefabout a year later. His beasts are BSEfree and yet the price fetched by theseyearlings has dropped dramatically.Gilbert said, "there is no test availableat present to establish whether a cow hasor will develop BSE. but it is totallyunnecessary and wasteful to cullthousands of beasts to appease the EU".

I didn't manage to speak to anyone whohad given up buying beef from the local

butcher shops although there wereseveral who had stopped buying beefburgers from supermarkets and fast foodrestaurants. It would appear that youare much more likely to get run over bya car than contract CJD but the EU arenot demanding that all Renault. Peugeot,Mercedes and BMW's are to be culled.As satirist Rory Bremner remarked, "Toavoid the massive expense likely to beincurred by the unnecessary culling andincineration, we should disguise the cowsas sheep, send them in trucks across toFrance and the French will burn themfor us!

It is difficult to understand why JohnChristie has for the past six years beenforbidden to export breeding cattle toEuropean countries when he has neverfed his beasts on anything but what theywould eat naturally, especially whenyou consider that BSE is prevalentthroughout Europe and North America.Are British farmers being used aspolitical scape-goats by the EU?

LF

CONTENTSStrathfillanCommunity CouncilKillinCommunity CouncilObituariesLettersFolk FestivalEditorialClubs & SocietiesChurch NewsFloral Awards SchemeFlower BasketsPolice NewsTercentenery Of ThornhillMcLaren Hall AGM

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Exercise-Major Accident KillinGlendochart Adult GroupInvading AliensMoirlannich Cottage.Glen Lochay

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6

The Big Steak Experience

There are some, as you might expect, who refuse to be brow-beaten by the media on thematter of BSE.

For one group, some thirty odd diners, who took part in a BSE Night (only the letters stoodfor "Big Steak Experience") at The Old Mill Restaurant, Liangarstan, a jolly time was hadby all. I suppose it's a way of expressing solidarity with the local cattle farmers. Theyopenly enjoyed their beef, no doubt, to some extent, "sterilised" by liberal quantities ofred wine. Our photograph shows the evening in action and the BSE menu.

SA

Forthcoming EventsMay 31 Heritage Walk - at 6 pm

McLaren Hall Car Park1 Killin Golf Club -

Ladies Open Competition8 Killin Golf Club - Open Stableford

Competition - and every Saturday14 Heritage Walk -

McLaren Hall Car Park at 6 pm21, 22 & 23 2nd Killin Traditional

Music And Dance Festival- Events Throughout The Village

21,22 & 23 Craft Fayre -Demonstration & Stalls

23 Killin Gun Club -High Pheasant Rose Bowl

28 Heritage Walk -McLaren Hall Car Park at 6 pm

StrathfillanCommunity Council

A public consultation meeting onproposed traffic calming measures forCrianlarich was held by the ScottishOffice in Crianlarich Hall on 24 April.The measures include repeated warningsigns on all approach roads, district andunique "gateway" signs at the start ofthe 30 mph speed limit, narrowing theroad to a uniform width along the centreof the village (as has already beencompleted beside the Crianlarich Hotel)and use of bollards, lighting andplantings. Work is to take place during1996/97. Although not discussed, itwas confirmed that the Crianlarich by-pass is budgeted for 1997/98.

Following the excellent response to ourPublic Transport Questionnaire, aletter has been written to Mr Ken Ross,Post Bus Manager. It requests a longerstop over time in Killin than the present35 minutes, and one earlier in the daythan the current 4.35 pm slot. It alsoasks that the present additional returnruns to Tyndrum be re-arranged tocoincide with the (hoped for) new stopover time. The questionnaire resultswere also sent to the Public TransportUnit, Stirling Council, stressing the viewexpressed by many that what little PublicTransport there is in our area appears tobe designed to suit tourists rather thanlocals. The need for a direct returnservice to Stirling was stressed.

Collection boxes throughout Strathfillanraised £568 for the Dunblane Appeal.Thanks to all who contributed.

VisitTarmachan Teashop

(opposite McLaren Hall)

Home Baking, TeasAll-Day Lunches

Menu Varies Daily

All our food is home-made& affordably priced

2

Killin BakeryTel: (01567) 820706

Open TimesMon - Fri: 6.30am - 5.00pmSaturday 6.30am - 5.00pm

You can now order pizzas byTelephone 820706

Beechcroft, Main Street,Killin, Perthshire, FK21 BUT

Tiling, Artexing, Graining,Ragrolling, Sponging, Stripping,

Paper Hanging, Cornicing ,Fire Proofing, Carpet and

Upholstery Cleaning Services

July

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17

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212126

10 Scottish Country Dancing -McLaren Hall 8pm-and every WednesdayHeritage Walk -McLaren Hall Car Park at 6 pmHighland Farm Visit, Glendochart.Book through Ranger ServiceTel: 01786 475019Bowling Club. Bric-A-Brac Sale.McLaren HallBoreland Gardens. Glenlochay.Open to public.Teas in aid of Cancer ResearchAlloa Bowmar Pipe Band - 1 pmGun Club Challenge CupHighland Queen Dance,McLaren Hall

Killin Community Council

The Council met in the McLaren Hall onThursday 11 April 1996. Dr MairiMcColl was in The Chair. There was norepresentation from the new StirlingCouncil. One member of the public waspresent.

Play Area Breadalbane Park: It wasreported that Mr. Aitken had a meetingwith Sue Gutteridge (Principal OfficePlay and out of School Care) and aconsultant. The Council have nowgiven them the go ahead to re-site theplay park in the area of the Roundhouse.

Entrance To Breadalbane Park: Somecomplaints were made about haphazardparking in the new entrance area. It wasthought that parking should be limited tomarked areas and probably only for thelaunderette and the library. Some litterbins were also required. Letter to besent to Stirling Council about this.

Dog Fouling and General Cleanliness:It was felt that Jake was continuing to doa good job. It was agreed that a letter besent to the new Council asking for apermanent skip provision.

Dochart Bridge. Letter to be sent aboutthe urgent need for repair work.

Glendochart Adult Education Group:A request had been received for financialassistance for this group. It was agreedto give them a £50 grant.

Role of Community Councils in NewLocal Government Set Up: Jan Laing.of Community Services. StirlingCouncil, has asked fora public meetingto discuss this. It was agreed to hold oneon 8 or 22 May.

J & C McWilliam

Funeral Directors1 8 - 2 2 Bank Street

ABERFELDYTel: 01887 820436

Complete Personal S e n ice

Killin P.T.A.: The Chairman read aletter from Rosemary Simpson.Chairman of the PTA. asking permissionto make use of the present Children'sPlay Area in the park, once the new playpark is installed, to develop a long termconservation project involving the schoolchildren. The intention would be todevelop a nature garden with a smallnatural woodland. This was agreed.

Killin Library: It was agreed that aletter be sent to Helen Munro, Directorof Community Service, regarding theclosure of the library during thelibrarian's holiday 22-26 April. It wasfelt that the fax machine and thephotocopier were services which werealways required. It was also thoughtthat the income from these machines andfrom the hire of videos would be morethan enough to pay the wages of a relieflibrarian for that period; and there weretwo in the village recently trained tohandle the new computerised lendingscheme.

It was reported that the lay-by across theroad from the curling pond was in a bitof a mess. The Chairman is to ask theowners about future plans for this area.

It was reported that an area of theArdeonaig Road on the shore sidebetween Chloichran Burn and Fiddler'sBay is in a dangerous condition. A letterwill be sent to the Stirling Council forthis to be looked into.

Next Meeting:Thursday 13 June at 7.30 pmin the Lesser McLaren Hall. Member ofthe public are welcome.

Local GirlIn London Marathon

GRANT AND WELSH(Sole proprietor: A. Grant)

Painters & DecoratorsAmes Taping

Greenbank,Main Street, Killin

Tel: (Killin 01567) 820462

Our photograph show Jenny Lambert,daughter of Liz Lambert (Ardchyle) whotook part in the recent London Marathon.When asked how long it took her, she said,"Well, it was faster than the last time I didit. and I've NO blisters!". Jenny, aged 23.is a final year veterinary student atEdinburgh University. She ran in the racein aid of a national cancer care charily.The MacMillan Cancer Relief Fund.She managed to raise over one thousandpounds for the charity, and would like tothank everyone in the village whocontributed.

DOUGLAS McROBBIEElectrical Contractors

Laburnum Villa.Craignavie RoadKillin, Perthshire

Telephone (01567)820374Fax (01567)820782

Breakfast, snacks,lunch, evening meals,takeaway menu and

good selection ofhomebaking

Tel: 01567 820314

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McLaren HallAnnual General Meeting

Jock Stewart's LongService Medal

The AGM of the McLaren HallManagement Committee was held on 23April in the Lesser Hal! before arepresentation of various organisationswho, in one way or another, make use ofthe Halls' facilities. Mr. William Stittwas in the Chair.

The first item dealt with was the need fornew lights in the main hall of a kindwhich would not "catch" the shuttlecocksof the Badminton Club. Variousestimates were discussed including"covers" for the existing lights. It wasfinally decided to leave this decision tothe incoming committee.

During discussion of the Treasurer'sReport it was revealed that the AppealFund was closed at the end of Februaryafter raising £12,636.87. This alongsidemajor grants from Stirling DistrictCouncil and The Scottish EducationDepartment amounted to a total of£46.693.13. After expenditure, repairand improvement work to the building,there was a balance of some £15.000.Mr. Stitt thanked all those in the villageand elsewhere who had contributed tothe fund.

There was some discussion of the new-lighting and sound systems acquired byThe Drama Club and for the use of thecommunity in general. Because of thesophistication of the two systems, groupswho wish to make use of either of themmust apply to the Drama Club to providethem. This raised the question of theneed for a basic and adequate form oflighting without having to use the newDrama Club system. It was finallyagreed that this would be looked into.

It was noted that the Trustees had agreedto donate £500 towards the cost ofrunning the Hall.

Under Any Other Business a number ofmatters were raised. First was theinadequate work done on the roof of themain hall. Some speakers referred tothe continuing dampness and areasleaking water, which had maderedecoration very difficult. It appears4

that this has resulted in certain insuranceclaims.

Also raised was the matter of the lettingof the Hall to outside traders. This wasthought by some speakers, especiallythose involved in similar tradingactivities, to be using the Hall toundermine local businesses. It was theirview that at least the letting of the Hallto outside traders should be limited.The Chairman agreed to ask the incomingCommittee to look at the matter andprobably restrict the use of the Hall forsuch purposes.

There was also some discussion of thesystem in use for booking the Hall. Itseems that the system is perhaps lessthan perfect. The incoming Committeewill be asked to review it.

When it came to the item "Election OfOffice Bearers" there were nonominations. Consequently the existingcommittee were re-elected for the comingyear. Chairman: W. Stitt, Secretary:C. Campbell, Treasurer: M.Masterson, Vice Chairman: G.Mardon. It was also agreed that theKillin Traders Association shouldappoint one of their members to theCommittee.

AfterthoughtFour of the Trustees were present. Wewonder how much money the Trusteestook after for the Hall, after all, itbelongs to the village. Shouldn 't weknow some of the details of the financeinvolved? Should it not be made public?

Bridge ofLochay Hotel

Killin, Tel:01567 820272

Restaurant 7.30pm - 9.00pmBar Meals Daily12noon- 2.00pm6.30pm - 9.00pm

The photograph shows our own JockStewart in the company of John McEwan,Divisional Manager, Forth Valley &Lanarkshire. Ambulance Service, beingpresented with his medal for long serviceand good conduct by Dr Mairi McColl.(Some nasty people present questioned the"Good Conduct" bit!), but to be serious, DrMcColl spoke highly of Jock's work for thevillage over the years. She rememberedhow her own job was greatly relieved withJock's arrival on the scene. She felt hefully deserved the medal on behalf of thevillage as well as the Ambulance Service.Jock has served the community of Killinand district for 21 years - and still does.Well done. Jock, and many thanks from thevillage. SA

AnnualSheep Clipping

Competition

GlenFalloch Farm at6.00pm on June 14th

By kind permissionof Mr Alex Buchan

K. Taylor & SonsHaulage Contractor.Livestock Removers.

Hay & straw-supplied and delivered.

Local & long distance transportCompetitive Rates

Dall. Ardeonaig. KillinTel: 01567 820658or 0831 284208

The 2nd Killin FestivalOf Traditional Music & Dance

Well folks we are nearly there and it'stime to look out your festival gear, dustoff your clogs, lubricate your tonsils,and get ready for the greatest weekendfeast of all that is best in the traditionalmusic and dance scene. Last year youenjoyed the first event and came throughwith flying colours, so the committee,and our Directors, have prepared anotherprogramme of concerts, ceilidhs,workshops, competitions, storytelling,children's events, exhibitions. and a craftfayre, for your enjoyment andinvolvement. There's something foreveryone. The advance weekend bookingflyers are available throughout the villageand Katy Forster will reserve your ticketsat The Killin Outdoor Centre &Mountain Shop. The festival shop willbe at the National Trust building andwill be open from Thursday 20th June,where you will be able to exchange thereceipts for the weekend passes. Thefull detailed programme will be on saleat various outlets from the beginning ofJune. From the volume of enquiriesalready received, it is advisable to bookearly. There have been bookings madefrom Holland, The States and Ireland aswell as from south of the border and themailing list for tickets is over 250 todate.

Here's a taste of what's happening overthe weekend. The Irish concert hasMarie ni Cathasaigh and Chris Newmanwho will astound everyone with theirwizardry on the Irish harp and guitar,and they are supported by Croabh Ruaand Doire Beag two of Irelands topbands guaranteed to get the feet tapping.The legendary Tannahill Weavers,making one of their all to rare visitshome from busy overseas tours, head upthe Saturday nights, with one of the bestall girl groups around Stravaig whosesinging is renowned in folk circles. Totop the weekend off there is the one andonly Wolfstone whose concerts sell outwhere ever they appear, with the singingbrother Peter and Gavin known as

Tonight At Noon, and the wonderfullyrich variety of traditional songs fromKevin and Ellen Mitchel it promises toround off a fantastic second festival.

The late night ceilidhs are in the capablehands of Hot Toddy, the reigning WorldChampions. Last Tram taeAuchenshoogle the ex world champions,and our local favourites the lads fromKinlochard.

By popular demand there is to be anotherchance to try your hand at AppalachianClog Dancing, so Margaret and theCraignavie Road contingent, and Kayand Co.. get limbered up.

Now kids this is for you. but you canbring mum and dad, 'Cowboy' ErnieSites all the way from Idaho- Ernie is acattle rancher and rodeo star, and he willteach you rope tricks, tell stories andsing the old cowboy songs and generallyhave you tied in knots. Also there arethe Armagh Rhymers who dress up incostumes which were used by streetartistes in the fourth century, they aremade of straw, and their songs, stories,and games are not to be missed.

The craft fayre in the school has anadded attraction with local participants,and we are delighted to have the ArtSociety holding a two day exhibition oftheir fine creative work in the ChurchHall. The Heritage Society and TouristBoard are giving a talk and slide showwhich promises to be a major attraction,so make sure of your seat and see howthe village used to be.

Let's hope this whets your appetite!AS

5

Moirlannich LonghouseTo Open Soon

Sailor Beware

In 1991, the National Trust For Scotlandpurchased from Boreland Estate thissurvivor of a rural building type oncecommon in the Highlands of Scotland.

Since then, a team of Trust staff, withtechnical advice from Historic Scotlandcolleagues, has researched the building'shistory, and commissioned specialistcontractors to carry out conservationrepairs.

The building probably dates from themid-eighteenth century, with a byre inone half, and living accommodation inthe other. The latter features a hanginglum and box beds, whilst the originalcobbled floor in the byre remains, andthe thatched roof and cruck-framedconstruction also contribute to thebuilding's category'"A" listed buildingstatus.

A very small parking area has been laidout by the Trust, and a "tin shed" alsoformed part of the acquisition. This hasbeen fitted out to provide an interpretativedisplay, including artefacts found in thelonghouse.

The property is expected to open at adate to be arranged in June, onWednesday and Sunday afternoons, withan official opening on 28 June, toacknowledge much generous financialhelp, including from the family of thelate Sheriff Prain of Perth, and grantsfrom Historic Scotland and Forth ValleyEnterprise. It will be staffed byvolunteers from Killin Heritage Society.Once the property has opened, for visitsoutwith normal opening hours or partyvisits, please contact Mrs YvonneMcPherson at the Trust's Ben LawersRanger Service Office, Fagus. ManseRoad, Killin (Tel&Fax: 01567820988).

Moirlanich Longhouse is a half mile offthe A827, on the West Glen Lochay road- 500 yards beyond the Hydro Boardsub-station.

Robin Satow, National Trust forScotland

Killin Drama Club on a 'high' after theirrecent pantomime success came uptrumps with the comedy, 'SailorBeware".

Revolving round the pre-weddingtroubles of a sailor and his girl friend,ably played by Gordon Hibbert andBindi Webster. The action taking placein the girl friend's family home, gave thecast scope for their emerging talents.Lesley Syme coped well with the longrole as Bindi's mother, the charactercould be described as that of a domestic,manipulative tyrant. Bindi showed theodd flash of being a bit like the mother.Glenda Mardon was good as a put uponwee buddy with a 'secret sorrow'. SueDearne produced an immaculate cockneyaccent as the interfering neighbour, notbad for a north of England girl. BillDouglas as the henpecked father of thebride was hilarious w hen he was broughthome having imbibed several over theeight. Rebecca Cameron was a joy as aminx with her sights firmly fixed onColin McRae. Colin as CarnoustieBligh AB. friend of the groom, kept the

MAUREEN H. GAULD

Antiques and ArtsBric-a Brac

Cameron Buildings,Main St, Killin

Tel: (01567) 820475 - SHOP820605 - House

laughs going. John Greaves who wasthe giant in the recent pantomime, asuitably bland vicar. It was an ambitiousplay which slowed in the last act - notbecause of lack in the performers, butsome over-writing in the play itself.

The new equipment - lighting and soundwas appreciated, derived in part fromthe National Lottery. Bill Douglas inhis closing vote of thanks, emphasisedthat the equipment was for the benefit ofall the community.

Thanks to all who worked behind thescenes. It was good to note the numberof younger people involved.Congratulations to the cast and to theproducer, Charlotte Blythe.

AW

Blades and Co..Main Street. Connel.

Argyll PA37 1PATel: 01631 710 577 Fax: 01631 71 0744

The Lawn Mower Specialists

Garden tractors:-Westwood, Murray. Hayter:-Full RangeMowers:-Hayter, Murray. Mountfield. YamahaStrimmers:-STIHL. Robin. Dolmar. Makita

Selection of Second hand A Trade-inGarden Tractors, Mowers & Strimmers

Collection & Delivery ServicePostal spares service, Chain saws

and safely equipment

7

Thornhill Tercentenary 1696 - 1996Thornhill near Stirling, is celebrating its300th birthday this year.

Historic Background: In 1616 theestate of Kings Boquhapple was boughtby the inventor of Logarithms, JohnNapier of Merchiston (1550- 1617).

In July 1695 Archibald, (grandson ofthe brainy maths guy) inherited the estateand had a Scots Parliament Act passedordaining "that in all time coming, thereby four fairs settled and establishedyearly at the Toun of Kings Boquhapplein the parochin of Kincardine".

This same Archibald Napier was a bit ofa power builder and soon planned tomake the "fermtoun"' into a village. On10 February 1696 by a deliberate act offoundation he granted 15 feu charters tosettlers in the new village of Thornhill.Thornhill was laid out as a plannedvillage with the traditional main streetflanked by houses of either side. Eachhouse had a strip of ground runningdown to common land on both the northand south sides of the village. The mainstreet of Thornhill today is still much thesame, with its houses lining the road andbacking onto both commons.

* Sir John Napier (direct descendantof the founder of Thornhill), with hiswife Erica are flying over fromJohannesburg to be guests of honourduring the first part of the neck.

The Celebrations: These started with afamily dance (village only) on the actualbirthday- 10 February.

The Big WeekSaturday 8 June ( 1 2 - 4 pm)Re-enactment of a 17th Century Mercat:Members of the Heritage Company willbe there to motivate the crowds. Mostof the village will be involved in one wayor another and are expected to dresssuitably.

Saturday 8 June (8 pm in marquee) AConcert By The Linn Choir: 300 Tickets

Sunday 9 June(1.30-4.30 pm) PrimarySchool Reunion For Pupils & Staff:Exhibition of over 150 photographs ofvillage life.

MAIN STREET, EAST END, THORNHILL

Monday 10 June (7.30 in marquee)Drama Festival: This takes the form ofa series of one act plays performed byThe Thornhill Players, and otherAmateur Theatrical Companies.

Tuesday 11 June (7.30 pm ChurchHall): Illustrated talk on Thornhill fromIron Age to Present Day by StuartMcCulloch.

Wednesday 12 June ( 10 - 1 pm ScoutHall): Village Mid-Week Market,

Friday 14 June (7 for 7.30 in Marquee)Medieval Banquet: The Lion andUnicorn Pub is taking over the marqueeand holding a banquet for 200 people -roasting animals, ale. wenches?!

Saturday 15 June (8 pm in marquee)Ceilidh: With Ian Lockart's band.

Sunday 16 June (1 pm) Inter-VillageIt 's a Knock Out: Silly games and loadsof fun for all the family, while differentvillages compete against each other.

Other EventsAn exhibition of crafts by the Woman'sRural Institute: Church Hall.An exhibition of photographs of oldThornhill with over 150 illustrations ofthe way our parents and grandparentsused to live, Masonic Hall 9-15 June.

If you would like to know more aboutthis project, times and venues, otherclubs taking part in the Drama evening,or villages competing in It's a KnockOut, please contact Belinda MacMillan.Tel: 01786 850692, fax 01786 850680.Boghall Farm. Thornhill, Near Stirling.FK8 3QD

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STB 3 Crown, en-suite roomsAll rooms with Sky MoviesEgon Ronay recommended bar foodin the AA new guide "Britains Best Pubs"Les Routiers recommended Dining Room

Tel: (01567) 820270

Falls of Dochart, Killin. PerthshireTelephone: Killin (01567) 820270

'Horse Power" In The Forest Police News

Our photograph shows Peter Matyjasek from Strathyre with Bill, and eight year oldClydesdale Horse, thinning the forest near Wester Lix. Peter has another three similarworking horses (Ted, Sid and Danny) and finds that there is plenty of work for them.

More and more owners of forestry land, as in this case, Scottish Woodlands, find thathaving such work done with horses caused much less damage than forestry machines withheavy vehicles. Consequently there is little need to re-instate the land afterwards. Thereis no need to bulldoze roads through the trees, the horses make their own way and are moreenvironmentally friendly. Keep up the good work, Peter.

For Your Diary

Ever wondered what the farmers andshepherds get up to, speaking their ownlanguage about "gimmers" and "Hoggs"?Busy now at the lambing and peering at thepens at the show later in the year.

Now is your chance to come along and seea world class exhibition and championshipof sheep shearing at the end of June, the30th to be precise. We had details fromColin McGregor, Lochearnhead whohimself was twice Scottish Champion andsheared sheep in New Zealand. Australiaand Saudi Arabia (yes, there are sheepthere, but that's another story).

Now for the details:Lochearnhead Shears, ScottishBlackface Shearing ChampionshipsSunday 30th June, 1996 11lam to 6pm

See shearing for beginners (Juniors)through to the lop open shearers in theworld. Starts at 11 am and runs through tothe evening when there will be a marqueedance.

David Fagan, New Zealand WorldChampion 1996 will be there and top ScotsTom Wilson and George Bayne (WorldChampion Team 96), local farmers andshepherds will also be represented.

The annual Marquee Dance will have BillyFergusson's Band. Come along and giveit your support.

Entries toMrs. M. McDiarmid,21 Vorlich Road,Lochearnhead. FK19 8QU

Films Cards

Next day developing servicefor your films is availableat your local Post office

Stationery Books

With the fishing season now well underway,the normal influx of fishing visitors hasalso begun. Although the majority of thesepeople are well behaved, a number are ofthe criminal fraternity and responsible fora large number of the thefts which occur inour community. Bearing this in mind, boatowners are advised to remove engines fromboats wherever possible whilst they are leftunattended. If this is not feasible, theyshould be made as secure as possible.

This time of the year also brings an increaseof travelling criminals on the roads, lookingfor opportunities to steal from vehiclesparked in lay-bys, picnic areas and quietlocations. Motorists should ensure thattheir vehicles are secured prior to leavingthem and valuables taken with them. Atthe very least, valuables should be placedin the boot out of sight.

Householders are encouraged to be moresecurity conscious around the home andthis includes outbuildings and sheds.

Dog fouling in Breadalbane Park has beena problem for a long time and this continuesto be so despite regular mention of it by theCommunity Council in this paper. Anyperson who is in charge of a dog whoallows it to foul any place maintained bythe local authority and used for recreationand sporting purposes is committing anoffenceunderSection48(l)(e)oftheCivicGovernment (Scotland) Act. 1982, and ifcaught will be charged accordingly. It ishoped that any person using the park towalk their dogs wi!l use the "'Poop Scoops"which are provided free and available toour local library and the aforementionedaction will not be necessary. As previouslymentioned this is a long standing problemand can be solved by dog owners beingmore responsible.

Ian Donaldson

Kate's Cakes

Tel: 01838 4002398

Ardchyle's AlienInvaders

Litter Louts Take Note

Alien invaders have recently beendiscovered in a garden at Ardchyle. Theseundesirables are found during the daylurking beneath stones, and bits of wood orplastic. During the night they becomeactive and move underground where theydevour earthworms.

They are New Zealand flatworms, and areeasily recognised by their habit of lyingcoiled up, often covered in lots of mucus.They have a purple-brown back with lightpinkish-buffsides and under-surface (whichis flat) and can grow to about 7 inches(170mm). They lay eggs, which look likeshiny, black "tic-tacs" and can contain asmany as 10 young worms.

They were accidentally introduced toScotland in the 1960's and now threatenearthworm populations throughout thecountry. Earthworms are an importantpart of our ecosystem assisting in recyclingdecaying plant material and aerating thesoil, and providing food for many animalssuch as blackbirds, moles and badgers. Adrastic decline in earthworm numberswould have serious knock-on effects.

New Zealand flatworms have now beenfound in over 500 sites throughout Scotland,but these were the first to be recorded fromKillin. In this country there are no naturalpredators to restrict their numbers. Theonly way of controlling them is to kill anyindividuals found. It you find one. don'tpick it up with your fingers as the mucusthey produce is an irritant, but kill it byputting it in hot. salty water in a screw topjar (they can escape from tiny openings inother containers). Gardeners can also helpto prevent further spread of these pests byquarantining any newly obtained plantsbefore planting them. This involvesimmersing the entire pot in water for 24hours, to kill any adult worms, leaving forfive days and then repeating the process.

Helen Cole.

I'm sure for most of us the thought oftossing a fizzy juice can out of the carwindow or emptying the car ashtray onthe ground would go against the grain, itis just not something you would do.Have you ever considered when you seelitter discarded at the side of the roadhow long it will take to decompose to anun-recognisable state?

Styrofoam('disposable' cups)Aluminium(e.g. beer, cola cans)Vibram SolesPlastic ContainersLeather ShoesPlastic BagsCigarette EndsPlastic CoatedCartonsWool SocksOrange PeelPaper Containers

NEVER!

80 to 100 years

50 to 80 years50 to 80 years25 to 40 years10 to 20 years10 to 12 years5 years

Up To 2 yearsUp To 6 monthsUp To 5 months

So please, take your litter home withyou. recycle, pick up rubbish discardedby others, and should you have to beairlifted from the hill by Killin MountainRescue - remember to take your boots,socks and lunch box away with you!

Kevin FitzGerald

ToothKnocked Out?

A recent leader in the British MedicalJournal addressed the topic of teeth whichare knocked out accidentally. Theseteeth are in effect, "uprooted" but canre-root themselves if replaced in thesocket immediately. After they arereplaced they should be splinted by adentist.

If you can't bear to do the replacingyourself,you should keep the tooth moistwhile you travel to the dentist. The bestmedium for this in most household ismilk, which has the right sort of chemicalbalance. I thought this information wasworth circulating more widely. Wehave contacted the local dentists, all ofwhom would be pleased to see patientsurgently in this situation.

Please note that all of the above appliesonly to second teeth. First teeth whichare knocked out can just be left out! Asto false teeth, what about "Superglue"?

Dr David Syme

Tayforth Tunnels

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AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND PARTIES (LARGE OR SMALL)9

Freedom To Roam The HillsWe who live in the Scottish Highlandscan count ourselves fortunate to residehere, for it is a land of great naturalbeauty unsurpassed anywhere in theworld, in which is contained large areasof true wilderness found nowadays infew European countries. It is a land ofvast privately owned estates whoseproprietors, many of whom liveelsewhere for much of the year, have byand large very specific selfish reasonsfor such ownership, and it is a landwhere antiquated feudal attitudes are yetalive and kicking.

This is not to say of course that thesehuge private fiefdoms are inaccessibleto those of us from less privilegedbackgrounds because here in theHighlands we have a valuable traditionof public access stretching back severalcenturies, a tradition which has beenjealously guarded ever since autocraticlandowners such as the Duke of Atholland others unsuccessfully attempted toprohibit visitations by the great unwashedduring the heyday of the "sporting" estatesin the nineteenth century.

Those of the hillwalking and climbingfraternity who have habitually visitedour great mountains in the recent past asthese activities became increasinglypopular have, on the whole, enjoyed afriendly relationship with landownersand their employees provided they treatedthe countryside with respect and did notinvade areas where deer stalking takesplace during periods of August.September and October.

The old "Colonel Blimp" type of absenteelandowner who occasionally visited hisglens and hills for a spot of fishin' orshootin" may not. for various reasons,have been every one's idea of the idealproprietor for a sizeable portion of theScottish countryside, but he did notusually interfere with 'freedom to roam'- a right enshrined in tradition ratherthan law. but not less honourable forthat.

In recent years however different typesof landowning animals have beeninvading Scotland. We now have

10

"corporate" landowners whose exactidentity, or even nationality, it is difficultto discover and whose motives in buyingestates are shrouded in mystery, and wehave mega-rich individuals who fancy aslice of the action. These vary frompeople with no conception of a right offreedom to roam on privately ownedproperty from Arab Sheikhs andAmerican billionaires to Europeans suchas Dutch. Swiss or Danish folk whorealise that foreigners would beprohibited from willy nilly buying uphuge tracts of their own homelands, butwho don't mind taking advantage of ourmore laissez faire laws relating to thesematters.

It was one of this ilk, a Dutchman namedPaul van Vlissingen. who wasresponsible for sparking some very-acrimonious reaction from outdoorenthusiasts by banning camping andcycling and instructing walkers to keepto footpaths on his estate at Letterewe.an exceptionally beautiful 70.000 acrechunk of Wester Ross. Van Vlissingen'smotives were actually quite laudable -he just wanted the area to stay exactly asit had been for a considerable time, butthe trouble was he didn't seem toappreciate that hillwalkers had justifiablytaken it for granted that they could pitch

a tent and walk unfettered over theselovely mountains. In other words'freedom to roam' is unassailablyentrenched in Highland culture.

This concept now appears to have beentaken on board by most estate ownersfollowing a period during which, thankspartly to government legislation (TheCriminal Justice and Public Order Act1994) under which something called'aggravated trespass' became a criminaloffence, it was felt that Lairds werebeginning to flex their muscles again. Aconcordat has been drawn up between,on the one hand the Scottish Land owners'Federation (a body which lobbies onbehalf of major property owners) and,on the other, organisations such as the

Mountaineering Council for Scotlandand the Ramblers Association, whoseScottish spokesman. Dave Morris hasbeen at the forefront of the debate inrecent years.

Under this concordat the SLF has agreedthat a right of freedom to roam does existand in exchange outdoor organisationswill encourage visitors to recognise theimportance of estate functions such assheep farming by not disturbing livestockin any way, not to leave litter anywhere,and to respect the legitimacy of deerstalking as an important source ofrevenue on some estates and a necessarymeans of keeping deer numbers undercontrol. However, intimidatory noticessuch as "Danger, stalking and deerculling with HV rifles in operationAugust 20th -February 15th. Keep offduring this period", will not beacceptable.

It remains to be seen whether both sets ofparties to the concordat abide by boththe letter and spirit of its contents. Letus hope so because it would be a terriblepity if confrontation were to becomepart and parcel of a day out in the hills.

Mike Mackey, Killin

AuchmoreBarbecue

Last year the Barbecue was spoiledby a number of uninvited guests!Some damage was done. Folk arereminded that it is by writteninvitation only. ' Hingers on' are notwelcome.

Liz MacGregor

Next IssueCopy, articles and advertisementsfor the next issue are required by30 June at the latest - preferablybefore that date. It will bedistributed towards the end of July.Please keep the stuff coming in.

Tourists - A Love Hate Relationship

What do you do in the winter"?The tourists always say.When they come to Killin in the summer."The cities are so far away".

"Killin is so peaceful and tranquilWhat do you do with your time?"We just haven't the heart to tell themThat for us, winter's simply sublime.

Gone are the people and traffic.Gone is the hurried pace.Time once more for a natter.Time to sit still in one place.

Then there's curling, bowling and football.Badminton, dancing. BB'sThere's drama, the rural and quilting.Coffee mornings, whist drives, wine andcheese.

The weather can be appalling,Of daylight, there's virtually nil!,But. do we become downhearted.Do we resort to a pill?

Oh no, we stay happy and cheerful.What is it that keeps us so gay.It's the thought of approaching summer.When the tourists will come back to stay.

No parking again for the season.No bread or milk in the shops.The Bridge o'er the Dochart all cluttered.And queues at the local bus stops.

But with them come friendships and talcs,of life, both abroad and at home.They're our mainstay, and we mustremember.We're tourists wherever we roam!

Liz Lambert

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11

Glen Dochart AdultEducation Group

Preparations are underway for severalinteresting and varied courses beginningin the Autumn. In the pipeline we have aFirst Aid Course, Cookery Course. BridgeLessons and Yoga Classes.

After the success of our computing coursewe are negotiating access to computers sothat we can run more similar courses.Please watch the notice boards in your localarea for further details on these and othercourses.

We would be interested to hear fromanybody in the community who has skillsthey could teach to others, eg., modernlanguages, upholstery or furniturerestoration, aromatherapy etc.

Contact Nos. (01567) 820753,(01567) 820472. (01567) 820374

Susan McRobbie

Support For CarersIn Stirling

The Princess Royal Trust Stirling CarersCentre has been established to providesupport to all Carers in Stirling and thesurrounding rural areas. The Centre,based in Stirling, offers a free, confidentialand impartial advice and informationservice to anyone whose life has becomerestricted by taking on the care of anotherperson who cannot manage on their owndue to illness, disability or frailty.

The Centre offers information and adviceon a range of subjects including:-• Respite Care• Community Care Assessments• Welfare Benefits- Local Support Groups• Advocacy• Support and a listening ear• Counselling• Home Visiting Service

For further information please contact: ThePrincess Royal Trust Stirling Carers Centre,The Norman MacEwan Centre, 41,Cameronian Street. Stirling. FK8 2DXTel(01786) 447003

The Centre, which is open from 10 am to 4pm every weekday and also offers a 24 houranswering service, is always looking forvolunteers to help with various aspects ofit's work so if you have any spare timeplease contact the office.12

The FloralAward Scheme

The Floral Award Scheme sponsored bythe Tourist Association will take placeagain this summer with classes fortraders, domestic houses and for children.In the past few years the number ofentries have stayed at about twenty-five.This scheme is not a competition for the'expert' gardeners, it is for anyone wholikes to brighten their home with hangingbaskets, flower tubs or window boxes.Anyone wishing to enter, please givetheir name to any of the TouristInformation staff. Judging normallytakes place during August.

Hanging FlowerBaskets For The

Main StreetThe Killin And District TouristAssociation will be arranging for anumber of hanging flower baskets to beerected on lamp standards in the MainStreet for the summer tourist season.The initial cost of the baskets, bracketsand a mobile watering system is to bemet by the Association from the prizereceived when Killin was voted bytourists as the Best Village in the LochLomond. Stirling and Trossachs area inthe Antartex Tourist Award Scheme,two years ago,

A number of local people and tradershave offered assistance, thanks to A & BEngineering Services who have offeredto manufacture and donate brackets andto Mrs Ann Smith for the offer of basketsand a contact for the supply of plants.To be able to have a reasonable displaythis summer the Tourist Associationwould be pleased to hear from any tradersand individuals who would like tosponsor a lamp standard.

The only request that we make is thatsponsors would be prepared to help on arota basis with the watering. With yourhelp we hope to make the village a littlebrighter for both locals and tourists.Anyone who wishes to sponsor or wouldlike to help in any way. please contactRoger Bedwell at Fairview.

Donnie MacKenzie: on 9th March 1996our village worthy was taken from us sosuddenly. He was a keen angler andlived life to the full. Although not ingood health for many years, he alwayshad a cheery face and a kind word foreveryone. Donnie's smiling face andtwinkling eyes will be so sadly missed byall his good friends.

We would like to thank everyone for thelovely cards, letters and flowers. Sincerethanks also to the Rev. Dr. Todd for hiscomforting service and to everyone whopaid their last respects at the church andgraveside. Thanks also are due to theDoctors and to Jack MacWilliam theundertaker.

Donald & Joan, Addie &Karen, Valerie& Kenny, his three devotedgrandchildren, Iain, Donna and Gemmaand myself thank everyone mostsincerely.

The sum of £430 was raised at thechurch door for medical equipment forthe Killin Surgery.

Lily MacKenzie

Thank YouI would like to express my sincere thanksfor all the help and support given bymany in Killin during the period of myhusband Rab's illness and death.Although a comparative newcomer, thiskindness has been much appreciated.

Mary McMath.

Local WriterWins Award

Roger Lambert of Ardchyle, GlenDochart scored a success at the ScottishAssociated of Writers AnnualConference in Pitlochry in March. Hisnovel, "Sharpness Of The Heather", ahistorical romance set at the time of theHighland Clearances won the first prizeand the Pitlochry Trophy. A furthernovel, a children's adventure, used localsettings and background, won third prize.Roger of course has written playsperformed in Killin and is well known inthe amateur drama scene.

Our New Stirling Council

So folks, we've now got our new Council!No more confusion about who'sresponsible for what, Region or District.As their first information sheet makesclear, whether you want to find outabout rubbish collections, localeducation, or a housing problem youwill simply contact Stirling Council.

Of course you can contact them, butwhether anything happens we must waitand see. We expect they'll have problemsand priorities just like the old Councils.And, judging from the press reports, thechange over was beset with difficulties,not the least being financial and resourceones.

Here in Killin our first experience ofStirling Council has of course been thenews of the 17.5% increase in CouncilTax! If this was going to mean betterservices we might just be able to bear it.

but it seems that it was in large part dueto the government grant not being enoughto meet the full cost of re-organisation.

So, what's the good news? Not muchyet! But there was bad news for theLibrary in Killin! At first there was aplan to cut the library hours by 6 perweek. Apart from depriving thecommunity of all the valuable libraryservices, it would have considerablyreduced the income of our librarian.However, this plan was not carriedthrough. Much rejoicing!

Now comes the nasty bit! Having failedto achieve this cut in hours per week, theCouncil (not to be thwarted) decidedinstead to close the Library when thelibrarian was having her well earnedholiday. And, this inspite of having twofully trained (computers and all) relieflibrarians. So for a week (and there willbe more) Killin has no library service,no fax, no photocopying, no video rental.It all seems rather mean and spiteful; thesavings can't possibly account for much.

How does this match the new Council'svision to make Stirling, and I quote, "acaring compassionate community wherepeople are treated with dignity andrespect and are provided with services tomeet their needs." And in their new setof values which the Council agreed uponwe read, "encourage communities tofully participate in the decision makingprocess." What participation did wehave in the decision to close the library?

But then it's early days, maybe thingswill get better!

ADVENTURE DAYSFor unaccompanied children

July I - 5 1996August 1 9 - 2 3 1996

atARDEONAIG

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Free Delivery ServiceTel No: (01567) 220255

13

Killin Major Accident ScenarioA coach carrying 39 elderly touristscrashes into a car with 5 occupants onThe Falls of Dochart Bridge. Coachgoes through the parapet into the riverand passengers are thrown to the front.Coach driver and passenger are killed,six passengers have multiple injuries, 2passengers head injuries, 10 with lowerlimb fractures and lacerations, 3 withupper limb fractures and lacerations;remaining passengers are walkingwounded with shock, minor lacerationsand bruises. The car driver and frontseat passenger are trapped with lowerlimb injuries. A child standing at theback has been thrown through thewindscreen. Two rear seat passengersin shock. And, the coach has fracturedsewage pipe and effluent is escapinginto the river.

No! It hasn't happened and let's hopeit never does. But you know the story,such things- disasters - major accidentsalways happen somewhere else (usuallyin America!). That, no doubt is what thepeople of Dunblane thought too!

The above scenario was in fact a "Table-Top Exercise" held in Killin PrimarySchool and the purpose was to validatethe Major Emergency Procedures of theemergency services. Fire, Police.Ambulance and Health Services.

Around a spectacularly accurate modelof The Dochart Bridge (see photo) andimmediate area, complete with the abovementioned vehicles, sat three"syndicates" (teams?) each with a doctor,policeman, ambulance technician andfire fighter. Facing them, but in nosense testing or judging them, was apanel of "top people" in the variousservices, along with Rosemary Williams,Emergency Planning Officer. ForthValley Health Board: they were also theorganisers of the exercise.

The evening's business involved thepresenter of the exercise, AssistantDivisional Officer Malcolm Wilson.Central Scotland Fire Service settingthese syndicates a series of questionssuch as: if you are the first person on the

14

scene what would be your initial actionsand priorities? What is the role of yourservice at this or similar incidents? Howdo you co-operate with the other services?What other agencies would you callupon? What is the Health Serviceresponse? What information does thereceiving hospital require?

We as observers, and there were abouttwenty of us. mainly from local anddistrict emergency services, listened tothe answers given by the four syndicates,and individuals and the helpfulcontribution of the "expert" panel. Itwas emphasised that there were no "rightanswers'", the whole exercise was alearning experience for everybody. Weourselves found the responses bysyndicates, and individuals remarkablyintelligent, co-operative and reassuring.Particularly, we thought, each serviceseemed to have a remarkably clear idea

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of its' role in this complex and painfulsituation, and the need for co-operationwith other services.

The whole evening was a very worthwhileexercise and considerably reassuring tothose of us who were mere observers.

SA

ARTISTSign Writing

Speciality Animal StudiesThe Old Schoolhouse

Ardchyle, by Killin, Perthshire FK21 8RF01567-820535

Overflow From English Lakes?

The increase in leisure and outdooractivities has led to concern about overusage of many of our natural assets.Recent publicity has shown thetremendous growth in rambling and hill-walking. Erosion caused by the trampof many feet has caused closure of pathson some hills. As on the land, so withour other assets, the lochs and rivers.The English Lake District with easyaccess from large cities has been undersiege, an important point being that littlepreparation was made for the situationuntil it was almost too late. On LakeWindermere in particular it has beenfound necessary to place restrictions onusage. Between fourteen and fifteenthousand boats being registered! Speedlimits will become necessary and someareas banned to high powered boats.

Nearer home, on Loch Lomond, newbylaws came into being on 1 February1996. With restrictions on LakeWindermere and Loch Lomond graduallycoming into effect, it is highly likely thatdisplaced activities will move north toLoch Tay and Loch Earn. In an effortto be prepared for the future, rather thandevelopment piece meal, the Loch TayAssociation representing riparian ownersand other users of Loch Tay, has inconjunction with the two local authoritycouncils Perth & Kinross and Stirling,as well as Scottish Natural Heritage andthe Scottish Sports Council, launched asix month study into the recreational use

of Loch Tay and Loch Earn. Localpeople who have known Loch Tay alltheir lives, feel that Loch Tay has morepeople using the water than ever beforeand to some this may appear veryobvious, however, there is no base line.More usage-since when? The 'LochsStudy' will seek to establish a databaseof the current use of the Lochs and willbring together a number of interestedbodies. The information will be collatedand related to the national picture. Thestudy will further seek to identify anyrecognised areas of conflict. The studywill be conducted by Allison Taylor whocan be contacted at Perth 01738 475258.A questionnaire will be circulated tointerested parties to get as wide arepresentation as possible, includingvisitors. It is in the interests of all whouse the Lochs to co-operate as fully aspossible. Meanwhile it will be interestingto see the effect of the Loch Lomondbye-laws and their relevance to LochTay.

We are grateful to David Dowling.Chairman of the Loch Tay Associationfor his help in compiling this article.David stresses the need to get the viewsof local people, that there are dangerswhen the larger national and localauthorities, with power to move in waysthat are not appropriate to localperceptions and needs.

AW

Falls of Dochart Retirement HomeMain Street, KillinPerthshire FK21 8UWTelephone: 01567 820237

Care for the Elderly

24 Hour Care in a warm and friendly atmosphereHoliday, Respite and long term care

We now have vacancies of One Twin and One single RoomFor further details please call in or telephone Mrs. Hilary Martin

CHIP VAN

Killin Bakerywill be opening

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Tackle ShopMain Street, KILLIN

Agents for permits and Stockist ofFishing Tackle & accessories

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TobaccoTel: 01567 820362

15

Killin PrimarySchool PTA

The PTA would like to thank everyonewho attended our book sale and coffeeevening in March. £58 was raised forfunds, and books worth £200 werebought for the school library.

Two more exciting events are plannedfor the summer term:-

(1) Ben Lawers visit on 25 May 10.30am-2.00 pm, to which all school childrenand their families are invited.

(2) "Mad Event" in Breadalbane Parkon 16 June 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Are youbrave enough (or daft enough!) to entera team in our light hearted treasure hunt/ challenge course on (he slopes of Srona Chlachain? There will be prizes for thewinners and a bar-b-q afterwards. Lookout in the village for further details andentry forms.

There are also long term plans for theschool children to set up a tree nurseryand, eventually, to do some tree plantingaround the village. We hope this willencourage the children to take an interestin caring for their environment and, ofcourse, the new trees will be there for thewhole community to enjoy. Anapplication has been made for one of 10regional awards (worth £500) in thisyear's Environment Week sponsored byBT. We might be lucky!

Janet Somerville

Letters

In Fearnan, take Fortingall Rd.for 100 yds, then turn right

Open EverydayTel. 01887 830251

Sir,

Having read the interesting letter fromDavid W MacNabb, President of theClan MacNabb Society of NorthAmerica, regarding the long connectionof MacNabbs with the area aroundKillin. I would like to introduce youthrough this paper to a family of McNabswhom I recently met whilst visitingrelatives in New Zealand.

Travelling in the South Island with mycousin, we enjoyed a short stay withJackie and Tig McNab at their homewhich is situated on a hillside with awide view of Tasman Bay and the hillsbeyond. Very reminiscent of the westcoast of Scotland.

Jackie and Tig retired from a life offarming built this house with a view torunning a B&B, which they do verywell. They had been open for businessfor one month when we arrived, theirfirst visitors with a UK connection - wewere warmly welcomed.

After retiring Jackie and Tig, like somany New Zealanders made the trip toEurope, travelled to Scotland and bychance made an overnight stop atCrianlarich to be told by their host thatthey, as McNabs should be slaying inKillin, the ancestral home of theMcNabs. They came to Killin. visited

the sites known to be connected withMcNabs, took many photographs torecord this surprising visit - they hadpreviously known nothing of McNabhistory.

Connections with this country had longbeen forgotten, now this visit hadawakened an interest in their past, theyfelt a sense of belonging to this countryso like their own, from whence theirforebears had so bravely journeyed tofind a new life.

It would be good to learn of otherMcNab families living in New Zealand.Perhaps if would be possible to form anassociation similar to that in NorthAmerica so that McNab links with thecountry of their ancestors could bemaintained, and their history continueto he reached in New Zealand, a youngcountry with a great future.

C Smith, Newport-on-Tav

Sir,

We are writing with thanks to everybodywho attended our local fancy dresscharity dance. We raised a total of£657 for Cancer Research.

Thanks to everyone there, it was a greatsuccess. There was a good local turnoutas well as some visitors. We would alsotike to thank everybody who helped getthe dance off the ground in every way,whether is was by way of a donation,selling raffle tickets or helping on thedoor, all help was very muchappreciated.

Thanks again.Pamela & Sue

16

ObituariesJames MacDonaldThe community of South Loch Taysideand beyond was saddened by the recentpassing of one of its' oldest and mostrespected residents.

Jimmy MacDonald was born inBalquhidder 91 years ago. In 1948, heand his late wife, Flora, came to BraeFarm, Ardeonaig.

"One of the old school", Jimmy washighly regarded for his shepherdingskills and earned the respect and affectionof all who knew him during his long life.

In latter years, he has lived at MaragbegFarm and right to the end retained hisinterest in what was happening in thefarming community and the world ingeneral.

Jimmy was fortunate to be cared for athome during his last illness by his daughter,Mary, to whom, along with the othermembers of his family, the sympathy of thedistrict is extended.

James Brown, Tombreck

James Brown, or Jimmy as he was more affectionately known, passed away verypeacefully at the age of 81, in Stirling Royal Infirmary, after a long illness.

Jimmy was born in Lanarkshire and in his early years was one of the last generationof farm horsemen. He came from Madison in Stirlingshire to Tombreck, Lawers, in1947 with his new bride Annie. Here he and Annie had two sons. Drew and Tober.

Although he was a quiet man and kept to himself, he had a keen intelligence and a drysense of humour, which made him an interesting conversationalist when he openedup. He greatly enjoyed the communal events of farming life - the clippings and themarket in Killin. He maintained a keen interest in the news from shows and sales evenwhen ill health prevented him from taking an active part.

His life revolved round his family and animals and the church. He was an elder ofthe now disused church at Carie. and subsequently one of the longest standing eldersat Lawers.

Quiet as he was. he enjoyed visits from people of all ages, types and nationalities, andwas an amused observer of human nature. Right to the end his sharp brain,encyclopaedic memory and dry wit never deserted him. He will be missed in thecommunity as a friend and neighbour and carrier of the old fanning tradition.

Margaret MacMillan

Margaret MacMillan formerly of Fingal Road. Killin, died in April at the CaledonianNursing Home in Callander aged 75. Margaret came to Killin when she was four yearsold and lived at that time at Acharn Farm where her father was employed, in her lateryears she suffered from ill-health but was a familiar figure trekking to and fro in thevillage. Prior to this she worked at the Ardeonaig Hotel, she was also the assistantcook at Killin school and at one time worked for the Earl of Breadalbane. Her greatestinterest was when the "Save The Argylls' campaign was at its height, she threw herselfinto this with enthusiasm. During the end of the war. she worked in the NAAFI. Shewas pre-deceased by her sister Morag who died in September.AW

John Twigg

John Twigg - John, beloved wife ofMary, died at home on 25th April 1996after a long illness. He was born on 3September 1920 in Swadlincote,Derbyshire and served his time as anelectrician. He was in the Royal Navy1941 - 46, and served on the RussianConvoys including PQ17 and waswounded in August 1944 when hisminesweeper was attacked by RAFTyphoons after being mistaken forGermans evacuating Le Havre.

John met Mary when they were both inthe Navy, and they married in 1946.He worked in England and Wales beforecoming to Fettercairn Distillery andthen to Killin to work on the LawersScheme in 1954. He joined Hydro-Electric in 1957 and rose to beBreadalbane Group MaintenanceEngineer. He retired in 1985. Johnwas a very talented craftsman, happiestwhen in his shed making furniture,marquetry and jewellery. He musthave turned hundreds of table lampsover the years. The rocking horses hemade for the Children's Ward in Stirlingand his grand daughters weremagnificent. John was always willingto help any one in difficulty and nothingwas ever a bother.

He was devoted to Mary, his sonsDuncan, Roger and Randy, hisdaughters-in-law and grandchildren,and will be sadly missed by them, thecommunity and his many friends.

Rab McMath.

At his home An GriananRoad, Killin in April.

Craignavie

Rab and Mary who moved to Killinsome fifteen months ago were settlingand taking a keen interest in the villageand the surrounding countryside.

Rab worked until retirement at theUniversity Field Station on LochLomond side. He had a broad knowledgeof nature and animal life, was a longtime supporter of the SNP and was keenon cycling and motor bikes.

Those of us who knew Rab and Maryappreciated their friendship. Oursympathy goes to Mary.

17

CLUBS AND SOCIETIESKillin Carpet Bowling Club

The Killin Club held an end of season friendly for the Tay Valley League Clubswhen the President Charlie Grant, was presented with the Tay Valley Trophy.This was the first time in the history of the Killin Club that the Trophy had beenwon by the club. Ian Brace in handing over the trophy spoke of the keencompetitive spirit in which this year's play had been carried out. and offeredhearty congratulations to the Killin Bowlers. In reply Charlie thanked Ian forhis kind words, and how pleased he was to accept the trophy on behalf of theKillin Bowlers, and that he was very proud of the Killin Club for having playedso well over the winter and brought the Trophy to Killin. The photo showsthe proud club members with the trophy.

AS

Killin & District Sport & Leisure Club

The Management Committee held ameeting on 16 April under theChairmanship of Mrs P MacKinnon.

The Committee is still negotiatingwith the Folk Festival Committeeabout the sum of money to be paid to!he Sport & Leisure Club for the useof the Pavilion Facilities by campersduring The Festival.

The Chairman reported that JamesFenna, having got his HNC forcoaching tennis, volleyball andfootball would be giving his servicesto the Club this summer. It waslikely that Stirling Council wouldprovide a grant to pay for his services.

Extension of Present PavilionTwo sub-committees were formed todeal with this proposed idea, one tolook at financial matters and the otherto consider practical buildingconcerns. It had previously beenagreed that an extension, perhapswith Lottery funding, would be away of sorting some of the Club'sfinancial problems.

It was agreed to purchase a videocamera to for the main prize in araffle to be held in association withthe Agricultural Show.

W. R. I.At the March meeting, Mrs Lambert,President, welcomed members andintroduced Mrs. Houston and Mrs Thorburnfrom Helensburgh who spoke about thework of Oxfam and their involvement withthe Charity. Mrs. Fiona Inglis proposedthe vote of thanks. After tea served byhostesses Fiona Inglis and Jane Brown,there was a musical quiz. The singing ofthe rural song and the National Anthemclosed the meeting.CompetitionsOxfam Jumper:- 1. L. Lambert2. B. MacGregor 3. B. GordonMarmalade:- 1. B. Gordon2. I. Campbell 3. J. Willison

In April. Mrs Lambert presided over thelast meeting of the season. Mr. E. Cooperfrom Aberfeldy gave a health talk andspoke about the benefits of yoga andmeditation. Mrs. Monica Naismithproposed the vote of thanks. After tea,business was conducted and the newcommittee were elected. Mrs. Lambertwas re-elected as President. The ladieswho competed in the Elizabeth GardnerCompetition in Aberfeldy then performedtheir sketch.CompetitionsVegetarian Dish:- 1. M. Graham2. B. MacGregor 3. J. WillisonQuilted Article:- 1. B. MacGregorPoints Cup For The Year -Mrs. B. MacGregorPoints Cup For Best Trier -Mrs.E. Stewart

M Hunter

Tom MurphyFencing ContractorAH types of fencing work

undertakenGarden, Farm, Forestry, etc.

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Badminton ClubWinners For 1995/96

Ladies Champion - Gill HigginsGents Champion - David RiddellJunior Champion - Richard Lewis

Killin Art & CraftsExhibition 1996

The Killin Art & Crafts Exhibition willbe held in the Lesser McLaren Hall,Killin during the first week of August1996. This advance notice will allowanyone who may be interested to thinkabout possible exhibits.

Painting and Crafts may be entered eitherfor exhibition only, or for sale, if theexhibitor so wishes, in which case, acommission on any sale will be charge.

We hope that you will keep this date inmind and will support the Exhibition indue course. Any further informationmay be obtained from Mrs L Lumsden.Riabhach. Glen Dochart. by Killin, Tel.820404(Secretary, or Mrs M H McNeill,Sandyford. Craignavie Road. Killin, Tel.820514 (President).

Betty Lumsden

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Woman's GuildThe April meeting of the Woman's Guildwas a coffee evening with musicalentertainment by the Reverend Jim Benson.A very enjoyable evening was had by alland £142 was raised.

Also in April the Annual General Meetingsare held in Edinburgh where the Presidentsand the delegates meet over a four dayperiod with 1600 other women attendingeach day from guilds throughout Scotland.

The guild meets again on Thursday 16 Mayfor the echoes meeting where our Presidentand delegates will give reports from theEdinburgh meetings.

There has been much press publicity aboutthe Women's Guild being disbanded and anew organisation starting. Although asmall majority of Presbyterian councilsvoted for changes and a proposed interimconstitution, it has been decided not toproceed at the moment. More details ofwhat is being proposed will emerge fromthe Edinburgh meetings.

On Thursday 6 June all 48 Guilds in StirlingPresbytery will meet in Killin for theirAnnual Summer Rally. The speaker thisyear is to be Dorothy Armstrong from"Feed The Minds" and Mr. Ian Milliganand choir from Callander will provide theentertainment.

Muriel Bedwel!

Killin Gun ClubKillin Gun Club held their first shoot forthe year on 31 March, and thirty gunsturned out on a dry cool day.ResultsDown The LineClass A:1. G. Ross - 69. H. Campbell - 693. G Coyne & G. Mitchell, Equal - 64Class B:1. D. Robertson - 62, 2. Jas. Sinclair - 573. S. Christie-53Class C:1. D. McCallum -61 , 2. D. Howson - 563. F. Frost - 47Visitors: 1. S. McInnes - 61,2. B. Drysdale - 58, 3. A. Rowantree- 57SportingClass A: 1. D. Robertson - 66,2. J. Sinclair & R. McC, Equal - 63Class B: 1. Lennox - 542. Jas. Sinclair - 45, 3. J. McKay - 42Class C:1. J. Downie-60 2. R. Mills - 483. F. Frost - 36Visitors:1. J. Morris - 51 2. B. Drysdale - 513. G. Metcalfe - 45High Gun: G. Ross- 129Continuation: G. CoyneSweep: S. Christie G. Coyne (SecretaryKillin Gun Club)

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Crossword by Safarian ACROSS DOWN

1. Scrambled egg on toast forthe actor's opening move. (3.2,5)Ballroom fully designed to holda crowd. (7)

8, Wanders around sounding like itis part of the Italian capital. (4)

10. Time out in this event to measurea tie. (4)

11. This number has no bounds. (8)13. Undo no re-sort -yes. resort. (6)15. Gaelic sounding but pertaining

more to Paris & environs. (6)17. Perhaps this businessman once

looked after your cases. (8)18. The very thought of it. (4)21. Healthy noise. (5)22. No automatics in this old

Scottish laundry. (7)23. Did Inspector Morse's solution of

gyrate help the system to getmessages off1 (10)

Solution To Last Crossword Across: 7. Scotch and soda, 9. contour, 10.ideal. 11.Iona. 12. acute, 16.jelly, 17. ha-ha. 21.abode, 22.upstage. 23.into the sunsetDown: ]. psychic, 2. morning, 3. scion, 4. addicts, 5. model, 6. rally. 8. agriculture13. seventh. 14. malaise, 15. talents. 18. basin. 19. tooth, 20. issue

VacancyThe proposed linkage between theparishes of Balquhidder, and Killin andArdeonaig has taken longer than wasinitially expected. In the interests of thelinkage. Mr. Benson has retired from thecharge of Balquhidder with effect fromthe end of April. This has allowed afresh approach to overcoming the failureto agree the linkage up to now. The nextstage is for the Presbytery ReappraisalCommittee to meet with the congregationin Balquhidder early in May. They willexplain not only the benefits of theproposed linkage but also the inevitabilityof it eventually taking place.

So far as Killin and Ardeonaig areconcerned, we already have indicatedour agreement to the Presbytery toproceed with the linkage. However,there will now need to be a change in theforma! agreement of the basis of thelinkage between the two parishes. Thischange concerns where the minister isgoing to live. Clearly a minister willnow be called to the joint charge. TheReappraisal Committee would appearto agree with the Kirk Session that Killinis the obvious centre of population inwhich the minister will live.

The draft basis of linkage will be agreedbetween the office bearers prior toapproval by the two congregations.Subsequently a joint vacancy committeewill be appointed to identify a ministerwho might be called to the charge. Itseems likely to be towards the end of theyear before a new minister has beencalled and has established him or herselfin the charge.

In the meantime, the Kirk Session aredelighted that Dr. Todd has expressedhis willingness and his pleasure incontinuing as Interim Moderator.

Morenish ChapelOther news from the church include therecommencement of services at MorenishChapel. These will take place on thefirst Sunday of the month and will be ledby the following people :-May - Mr Simpson, June - Mr Allanand Mrs Stewart. July - Mr Rough.August - Dr Todd, September - Tobe arranged. October - Rev DMcNaughton

Philip Simpson

I The bird goes round amiaround. (5)

2. A small quarrel can start the infantfeeling furious. (4)

3. Only altered between the poles forcovering ladies ' supports. (6)

4. Marine in duck enclosure - that'sthe end (8)

5 Held back by her laicalgrandfather is what made herso cold. (7)

6. Without initial happiness a slenderfish is all confused and lonely. (10)

9. Is this building erected to give uscloudless days and nights? (10)

12. Stir your breakfast perhaps. (8)14. He rules below, in the main. (7)16. The answer is a tricky

problem (6)19. His hand is played by another. (5)20. A furtive look either way. (4)

Editorial PolicyThe Killin News is a free communitynewspaper produced and distributedevery two months by volunteers tohouseholds and businesses in Killinand District. The aim of those involvedis to produce an informative, accurateand entertaining journal for those wholive, work and visit in this area. Lettersand articles published in the newspaperdo not necessarily reflect the views ofthe Production Committee and theEditors reserves the right to shorten,edit, or not publish, any particulararticle or letter. Contributions willonly be published if accompanied by acontact name and address.

Should you wish to make a donation orhave any suggestions on how to improvethe Killin News, please feel free to getin touch with the Editor or any memberof the Production Committee.

KILLIN NEWSProduction CommitteeSinclair AitkenFiona InglisJulia ThorntonJudy ForsterRichard Shand

EditorAsst. EditorTreasurerSec & AdvertsPhotographs

Angus Inglis, Allan Walker,Jan Willison, Kay Riddell &Linda Fitzgerald.Address:Glebe Cottage, Main Street, KillinTelephone: 820358

20 This paper is published by Killin Community Newspaper Association Artwork & printing by Stirling Council's Community Resource Centre