Blairgowrie & Rattray Hub Magazine Winter 2023

WINTER 2023
SPONSORED BY STAGECOACH
IN THIS EDITION
Photograph taken by John Siwek
CELEBRATING THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUB MAGAZINE
CATERAN ECOMUSEUM MRS B’S KITCHEN GARDEN MATTERS BRAN
PLUS ALL THE USUAL INFO ON EVENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
MAGAZINE PRODUCED BY THE
BLAIRGOWRIE & RATTRAY DEVELOPMENT TRUST LTD
BRDT
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NORTHLANDS
CARE HOME
WELLBEING, DIGNITY
AND RESPECT
Northlands Care Home is a specialist nursing and
dementia care home set in two acres of land.
We offer a highly professional and personal service
in a homely environment for all our residents.
We deliver care with patience, kindness
and understanding.
Get in touch
NORTHLANDS
CARE HOME
Northlands Care Home
Woodlands Road
Rosemount
Blairgowrie
PH10 6LD
T: 01250 876790
E: Admin@northlands.care
W: www.northlands.care
Care Inspectorate
Service no. CS2010249523
Provider no. SP2010010907
Northlands Advert - 210x148 Full page V2.indd 1 29/03/2022 10:25

In this Issue...
Welcome
Community Groups
Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust Update
Blair In Bloom
Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council
The BaRI Food Project
Blairgowire & Rattray Biodiversity Town
Blairgowrie & District Rotary
BRAN
The Heat Poject
Rattray Community Garden
History & Heritage
Blairgowrie and Rattray Genealogy Centre
The Hill Kirk Graveyard
News and Articles
Garden Matters
Mrs B’s Kitchen - Christmas Recipe - Cranberry Trifle
Tayside Woodland Partnerships - Trees
SCYD Timetable
The Freedom Coach
Blair Ukes
Mary’s Meals
The Ericht Scottish Country Dance Club
Blairgowrie Riding for the Disabled
Visit Perthshire’s Cateran Country
Blairgowrie Soroptimist
Mitchell’s Newsagent
Bookmark Book Festival 2023
Blairgowrie Lyric Choir
it’s BRAW
Pharmacovigilance & The Yellow Card Scheme
Blairgowrie Players
Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games
Blairgowrie Town Hall
Apples Galore
Rattray and District SWI
Girlguiding - Blairgowrie & Rattray District
Tam’s Excuse - Janet McKenzie
Strathmore Screen
Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate Café
Adventure into Books, Winter Reading Suggestions
Blairgowrie International Café
Participants Sought for Research Study
Strathmore Men’s Shed
Nest’s Craft Corner
Cateran Ecomuseum
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Church Notices
Sports & Activities
Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Football Trust
Blairgowrie & District Hillwalking Club (BDHC)
Rattray Tennis Club
Blairgowrie Badminton Club
Rattray Bowling Club
Blairgowrie Ramblers
Blairgowrie Tennis Club
Local Politicians’ Articles
Cllr Bob Brawn
Cllr Caroline Shiers
Murdo Fraser MSP
John Swinney MSP
Cllr Tom McEwan
Pete Wishart MP
Advertise With Us
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about advertising with us to this address.
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Spring 11/01/24 - 01/02/24 Early March
Summer 17/04/24 - 08/05/24
Autumn 03/07/24 - 24/07/24
Early June
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Winter 25/09/24 - 13/10/24 Mid November
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Welcome to the
2023 Winter
Magazine
IT’S CHRISTMAS! WELL, NEARLY...
Image taken by Steve Johnson
We hope you enjoy this winter edition of the magazine in the lead up to Christmas – with lots
going on from the Christmas Lights switch-on to the late night shopping event and the panto...
oh no there isn’t...oh yes there is - we hope you are looking forward to the festive season. Let’s
hope we’re not experiencing more flooding like we had in October as I write this.
This magazine is huge community effort and we are now 10 years old! I remember the first
magazine back in November 2013 produced in collaboration with Jessie Shaw and the One
Voice volunteers to replace the Blair Blast – do you still have copies of it? Creating the Hub
Magazine was a big commitment especially as magazines and print was not my forte so we really
did make it up as we went along. It is heartening to see it has survived the test of time (and
Covid) to become a great source of local information provided by you, our community, and put
together by our talented graphic designer, John Siwek to be printed and hand delivered to every
household by a great team of volunteers coordinated by Keith Reid. We do hope it reflects the
strong sense of community we feel and it really fits with BRDT’s aim to have a positive impact in
our community.
We have all our regular contributors providing updates on their group and activities as well as
BRDT’s project updates and some information from NHS Scotland on research into foot problems
on page 47 and information on the Yellow Card Scheme on page 35.
We hope you enjoy this edition and you find it useful and helpful – we love feedback and
suggestions so please do email mag@brdt.org.uk or you can drop a note in the BaRI Building
addressed to Steve (Hub Magazine) if you’d like to remain anonymous!
And finally – we wish you all a safe, happy and peaceful festive season and all the very best for
2024 when it comes!
We would welcome volunteers to get involved in producing the magazine and joining the small
team:
Magazine Coordinator – coordinates the team and manages the throughflow of articles and
adverts for the magazine at mag@brdt.org.uk. If you’d like to help coordinate the magazine
Steve, who currently does it, is happy to support and share the load so it won’t be too
onerous.
Invoices – are sent out and managed by the BRDT Finance Team - Alan McCombe and
Darren Kane.
Deliveries – our team of 70+ volunteers is coordinated by Keith Reid and they distribute
over 5,000 copies of the magazine to local households and businesses free of charge. As
above, Keith would welcome additional volunteers to help deliver the magazine especially in
Rattray.
Proof Reading – we have a couple of proof readers, Saragh Penfold and Margaret Drummond,
who help with articles and proof read the magazine articles (not the adverts) prior to it going to
print
PAGE 4 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Graphic Design – our talented graphic designer is John Siwek who puts the magazine
together in an attractive and appealing format. This is no easy task.
We would ask all prospective contributors to please heed the guidelines - no more than
500 words, good resolution (and separate) photos and break up your article into short bursts.
This makes lengthy pieces easier to read.
Your continuing support for this community magazine is greatly appreciated and we
welcome constructive feedback. Send this feedback to mag@BRDT.org.uk or comment on our
FaceBook page.
Steve
Important Note
This community magazine publishes articles, notices and information submitted by a range of local
groups and individuals. The Trust takes every possible precaution to ensure that the content provided
is appropriate. All article authors are responsible for the accuracy of the text provided.
Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust News
Groups and organisations often see a change
in personnel around the time of their AGMs,
and this year BRDT is no exception.
Two of our long-standing trustees have
stood down – Linda Retson, who coordinates
Booklore, the pre-loved book shop run by
BRDT, and William Wilson, who has been
instrumental in the development of the new
Rattray Community Garden. Linda will remain
as a Booklore volunteer and William, who
recently became chair of Blair in Bloom, will
remain on the management committee for the
community garden, which is one of BRDT’s core
projects. Community engagement officer Sam
Stewart has also decided to step down.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank
Linda, William and Sam for all the good work
they have done on behalf of the Trust and for
the wider community – their dedication, time,
effort and commitment to Blairgowrie and
Rattray are great examples of what makes our
town such a wonderful place to live and work
in.
We have also welcomed a new Trustee to
the Board recently, Linda Tait. Linda grew
up in Canada, has lived most of her adult life
in London and Hertfordshire and spent 40
years as a retail and hospitality designer in
Toronto and then London, before moving to
Blairgowrie last year. Her experience, energy
and enthusiasm are going to be a great asset
to BRDT and we are looking forward to working
with her.
In other news, you may have noticed the
new promotional boards on the former Royal
Hotel. Working with Blairgowrie and Rattray
Business Association (BARBA), Blairgowrie and
East Perthshire Tourist Association (BEPTA)
and the It’s BRAW (Blairgowrie and Rattray
Arts for Wellbeing) festival we commissioned
the designs from local business, CraicN
Communications, which were then printed
by Tayside Contracts, as part of efforts
PAGE
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to highlight some of the great events and
attractions in the town. We think they look
great and hope you like them too.
That project is a great example of BRDT’s role
which is to help coordinate, communicate,
promote and develop what’s going on in the
town - and the community action plan helps
us and the groups and organisations involved
make Blairgowrie and Rattray a great place to
work and live in.
It is fantastic to see how the work that the
town’s 152 groups and 3000 volunteers do on
a day-to-day basis contributes to achieving
the wider aspirations for Blairgowrie and
Rattray that local residents highlighted in the
community action plan.
Anyone interested in finding out more about
BRDT, the community action plan and how
to get involved with any of the projects and
activities it covers should go online at
www.brdt.org.uk or at
www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk and click on the
‘Live Blairgowrie’ section.
Alternatively, email
admin@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk for further
details or come along to our AGM, which will
take place in early December.
Follow BRDT on Facebook and X
(formerly twitter) for more details.
Summer is over and autumn is
well and truly upon us. Not a
great summer I think you would
agree but the plants AND weeds
loved it. The volunteers at Blair
in Bloom were busy throughout
weeding, cutting back and of
course, watering the hanging
baskets. It didn’t seem to matter
how much rain fell the hanging
baskets still needed watering.
They have been taken down now, emptied into
our very posh new compost bins at the Rattray
Community Garden, cleaned and stored ready
for next year. Our most recent task has been to
plant white daffodil bulbs at the car park area
on Balmoral Road. The idea is to have a swathe
of white along there leading to Westfields
where there are also white bulbs planted as this
is known as ‘the snow road’.
Plans for the Elm Drive roundabout have
finally been agreed and although you may
not see much improvement until the spring,
preparation of the ground has already begun
and I hope you’ll all agree it will be quite an
improvement.
The major project for next year is The Meeting
Place. Long overdue a makeover we are asking
people who use the area to let us know what
they would like to see there. Once we have
gathered this information we can put plans
in place to have drawings done and we can
start fund raising as it will be a huge project to
finance.
Blairgowrie and Rattray in Bloom (to give us our
formal title) is totally reliant on volunteers to
help keep the town looking tidy and colourful
and we are very happy to have welcomed a few
new volunteers these past couple of months. It’s
great to have you on board and many thanks to
everyone who comes out in all weathers on a
Monday morning.
We will not be idle over the winter months as
more bulbs have to be planted at Wellmeadow
and the bus stances. Containers too have to be
filled and of course there is always tidying and
repairs to be done.
Stay warm and dry (if that is possible) and have
a safe and happy winter.
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6 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Community Groups
Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council
At the recent BRCC AGM, the Chair reported on
our work during the past year, ranging from
the Children at Christmas Wish Tree project
to town resilience, via traffic and planning
matters, improving maintenance in the town
and communication with Perth & Kinross
Council, as well as nuturing relationships with
our twin towns, and, most importantly, giving
residents a place to voice their concerns and
raise matters they feel are important.
One of the benefits of attending BRCC monthly
meetings is that you are in the same room
as local councillors, so can directly hear their
views and engage with them on the matters
raised. Another benefit is that you will hear
about some of what is going on in town, make
your voice heard and find out how you can be
involved, should you want to.
The BRCC Resilience Team regularly works
with the police, fire and ambulance services,
and PKC, not only to support them when there
are major incidents in the town, but also on,
for example, training for young members of
our community to create a better working
relationship between us all.
BRCC are looking for volunteers to join the
Resilience Team. The main issue we have is
flooding, but we have also assisted at other
incidents, such as the fire at the laundry
in Emma Street last year. If you have any
experience, skills or are just keen to get
involved, it would be great to hear from you.
Please email: sec@brcommunitycouncil.org.uk
There will be a meeting for prospective
volunteers at Blairgowrie Fire station in early
November.
In July, a Pipe Major of the Blairgowrie, Rattray
& District Pipe Band, a local teacher, the BRCC
Secretary and Chair paid an official visit to our
twin town of Brebières, France, to celebrate
Bastille Day with them. There was also
ceremony to reconfirm the declaration of the
twinning between our two towns. We attended
the Bastille Day ceremony, laid a wreath
on behalf of Blairgowrie & Rattray, and the
bagpipes were played. We were taken on a tour
of the town, attended the Bastille Day concert
and fireworks. In September, the BRCC Chair
accompanied the Pipe Band itself to Brebières,
where they were invited to the “Braderie” (a
bit like Braemar Day!) to play alongside Le
Réveil Musical, the town’s brass band. There
were rehearsals, parades through the town,
tours of the war memorials in neighbouring
towns, all topped off with a joint concert, which
was very emotional. The hospitality we were
shown on both these visits was amazing. As
the relationship with Brebières develops, there
will be more and more opportunities of various
sorts. We are currently exploring crafting
exchanges and a virtual Burns Night Supper!
As always, BRCC is here to listen to the people
of Blairgowrie & Rattray and support the views
of the people of our community. If you would
like to help, don’t hesitate to get in touch,
and we can give examples of how you can get
involved. Check out our website for news items,
details of our meetings and current Planning
Applications in Ward 3 -
brcommunitycouncil.org.uk
and our Facebook page -
facebook.com/blairgowrierattraycommunitycouncil
Email: sec@brcommunitycouncil.org.uk
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The BaRI
Food Project
The BaRI Food Project is made up of a number
of initiatives aimed at reaching people through
food and reducing food waste. We work
closely with other groups and projects such as
Biodiversity Blair to achieve this.
Thanks to the Thomson family, we have been
supporting community groups in the town
to raise thousands of pounds in funds by
marshalling pick your own blueberry sessions
once again this year. The turnout from local
groups and from members of the public has
been absolutely fantastic and helped save
tonnes of locally grown fruit from going to
waste.
The BaRI Store is based at 53-55 High Street,
Blairgowrie, and sells in-date food and
food which is at its best-before-date that
supermarkets cannot sell anymore. Open to
everyone, the store also receives food from
local supermarkets which would otherwise be
thrown away because the packaging has been
damaged.
A range of items - which can include fresh fruit
and vegetables, bread, cereal, pasta, sauces
and tinned soup and fruit and vegetables - is
available to purchase at heavily discounted
prices. We also stock eco-friendly cleaning
products and toiletries that can be refilled
at the store, saving on the number of plastic
bottles that end up in landfill.
And once every month, local volunteer Elinor
Smith visits the store to host her fabulous
taster sessions. So far this year, Elinor has
tempted our taste buds with some delicious
treats including carrot and coriander soup and
garlic pesto made from fresh, locally foraged
wild garlic. The recipes are also posted on
the Discover Blairgowrie website for anyone
interested in making them at home.
As well as selling surplus food in the store,
some of it is used as ingredients for the
popular Saturday and Wednesday lunch clubs
and for our nutritious pre-cooked meals,
initiatives that aim to reduce social isolation,
undernourishment, food costs and food waste.
The Saturday Lunch Club sees a team of
volunteer drivers deliver around 80 portions
of soup and cake to local residents. As well as
lunch, you can order from a choice of three
pre-cooked meals at significantly reduced
prices, with some of the meals also available to
purchase in the store.
We’re always keen to hear from volunteer
drivers who could help out for a couple of
hours once a fortnight delivering lunches to
our Saturday Lunch Clubbers. And if you know
of anyone who would like to receive a free
soup and cake delivery every week, or would
like to try the delicious pre-cooked meals and
have a night off cooking, please get in touch.
The lunch club has also expanded to include
monthly in-person get-togethers over soup
and cake – as well as a quiz - with residents
of Harriet Court, Cluny Court, Darroch Gate
and Ericht Court. Again, just get in touch if you
would like to find out more.
The BaRI Food store is open on Mondays, 2pm
to 3pm, Wednesdays, 4pm to 6pm, Thursdays,
9.30am to 10.30am and Saturdays, 10.30am to
noon.
For more information follow BaRI Food & Refill
on Facebook or email
lesley@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk
And for more information on the Saturday and
Wednesday lunch clubs, email
lesley@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk
We also top up the BaRI Larders in the town
to further help reduce food waste and reach
people through food.
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8 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

We have an absolutely phenomenal group
of volunteers who help us work towards
increasing the biodiversity of different areas in
the town, enhancing the local environment and
being more nature friendly in a way that fits in
with local preferences.
The aim of Biodiversity Blair is to increase
the growing of healthy food locally, increase
pollinators and to look after our local natural
landscape for all species – including humans!
Part of that means ensuring there is a variety of
planting of the kind that, as well as increasing
pollinators, people like to look at and that will
help the town become more self-sustaining and
reduce food miles and food costs. To help us
achieve that, we also work closely with the BaRI
Food Project.
The areas that the Biodiversity Blair project
currently looks after are parts of Davie Park,
the riverside, the Gamesie and Lochy Park, and
we’re always keen to hear from anyone in the
town who would be interested in volunteering
for a few hours a month, enabling us to do
more - including looking after more areas in
Blairgowrie and Rattray and ensuring that
they are managed for the local community in
a way that both supports biodiversity and is
acceptable to residents.
We often run a ‘mini bioblitz’ where we ask local
residents to record sightings of ten different
species of plants, animals and insects in the
local area. The mini bioblitz aims to improve our
understanding of which plants and wildlife grow
in the Blairgowrie and Rattray area and will help
us with a larger bioblitz project in development
for next year.
Working in partnership with Buglife, and as
part of our Strathmore B-lines project, we spent
two days planting native wildflowers in the
grassland at the
Gamesie playing
fields to provide
valuable food for
pollinating insects.
Our volunteers
took great care
in scything and
raking the ground
in preparation
for planting. The
wildflower path
is going to look
fantastic and huge thanks are due to everyone
involved for all their hard work bringing this to
fruition.
We’re also running a competition to see if we can,
all together, help increase the range of species
we can encourage in Blairgowrie and Rattray.
If you have a space that could be improved in
a biodiverse way – whether that is a garden, a
balcony, a front doorstep - please take a picture
of it and send to us at info@biodiversityblair.scot
or pop in to the BaRI Food and Refill Store with it
by December 11.
We can offer ideas on ways to improve the space
and then later on we will ask you to take another
picture to show the improvement and hopefully
win a prize!
If you’re interested in finding out more about
Blairgowrie and Rattray’s Biodiversity Town
strategy, and what you can do, visit
www.discoverblairgowrie.co.uk/cap-actions/
biodiversity
As part of the town’s Open Spaces forum,
alongside a number of different groups in the
town including Blair in Bloom, the Blairgowrie,
Rattray and District Climate Café, BRAN and
Perth and Kinross Council’s Greenspace team
we are helping to create an e-newsletter to
keep those interested up-to-date with what’s
happening.
To be added to the mailing lists for upcoming
volunteering opportunities and/or the
e-newsletter, please email
lesley@discoverblairgowrie.co.uk
Alternatively, follow ‘BiodiversityBlair’ on
Facebook and Instagram for up-to-date
information on events and work parties.
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9

PAGE 10 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Blairgowrie & District Rotary
One of the great things about Rotary is the
opportunity it gives you to meet Rotarians
from other countries. In September Blairgowrie
& District Rotary hosted six Swedish Rotarians
from District 2340, which is a large area
north of Stockholm. We were one of several
clubs they stayed with during their visit –
experiencing Scottish hospitality and seeing
our beautiful country. President Ian used
one of his new coaches, and after a day in
Edinburgh we took them for a gentler day out
to the Camera Obscura and Barrie’s Birthplace
in Kirriemuir. A day trip to Aberfeldy via the
Sma’ Glen followed, with lunch and a whisky
tasting at Dewars World of Whisky. Our visitors
were impressed by the open views we have –
Sweden has so many trees it can be difficult
to see anything! They may have stayed with
us for only a few days, but we now have six
good friends in Sweden. This was an organised
Rotary Friendship trip, but as a Rotarian,
wherever and whyever you travel, you have
friends and help all over the world.
fought contest Blair in Bloom won £100
for their group, with runners up Discover
Blairgowrie. The next games night will be in the
New Year – watch out for it!
The Blair in Bloom team and Rotary
President Ian
Rotarians and visitors outside the Barrie
Pavilion, Kirriemuir
September was a busy month for us, with the
fundraising coffee morning in Alyth on the 2nd
which was well supported and raised another
£700 for our ongoing joint international project
with Angus Glens Rotary – toilet blocks for
rural schools in Nepal.
The Childrens Highland Games took place on
the 3rd, in perfect weather for Wellie Wanging,
Haggis Hurling, Caber Tossing and Speedy
Stones. Great fun for everyone, including the
adult helpers.
And then we held another Community Games
Night in Blairgowrie Golf Club. Eight teams
from community organisations competed
for cash prizes, playing things like swingball,
putting, jenga and dominoes. In a very closely
By the time this is published we will have had
a Mystery Coach tour from Smith and Sons,
raising money for the Nepal project, have
celebrated world Polio Day on 24th October,
and had a Quiz Night raising funds for local
charities on the 27th.
FUTURE EVENTS
Race Night in The Red House Hotel –
17th November
Murder Mystery Evening – tbc in the New Year
Watch local press and social media for details,
or contact our secretary Deborah Rogers
secretary@blairgowrie.rotary1010.org
If you would like to learn more about Rotary,
and in particular Rotary in Blairgowrie and
District, or come along to a meeting, look us
up on Facebook, check out our website
www.blairgowrie.rotary1010.org or contact
our Secretary Deborah Rogers
secretary@blairgowrie.rotary1010.org
PAGE 11

PAGE 12 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

PAGE 13

Blairgowrie & Rattray Access Network (BRAN)
Work Parties
BRAN tend the town’s core footpaths keeping
them accessible for all to enjoy. Find an
illustrated leaflet detailing the Path Network at
www.pkc.gov.uk/article/15353/Blairgowrie-pathnetwork
We saw out the summer in style with a
barbecue in the grounds of Newton Castle
at the kind invitation of Jamie Macpherson,
Clan Chief of the Macphersons of Cluny. It
was fabulous - great company, delicious food
courtesy of Stewart & Helen Caswell with
Aileen Crawford’s strawberry tarts, plus superb
entertainment from the Blairgowrie Lyric Choir
and Blair Ukes.
Autumn has been a delight even although
we’ve had to dodge many rain showers.
Our volunteers busied themselves mowing,
strimming & cutting back. You might have seen
the result of our efforts around Stormont Loch,
Loon Braes, the River Ericht, Ardblair & other
sections of the 32km of paths we maintain.
We availed ourselves of the generous offer from
Peter & Melanie Thomson of Thomas Thomson
(Blairgowrie) Ltd to raise funds under their
Pick Your Own Blueberries initiative. Pickers
donated over £600 to our cause which is truly
appreciated.
What a glorious day we had at the Blairgowrie
and Rattray Highland Games. We lent a hand
with site preparation & parking. The sun shone
on our tombola stand as we cheerily handed out
many fab prizes raising a further £344. Many
thanks to all who gifted the prizes & purchased
tickets.
In furthering the spirit of cooperation, we flailed
& strimmed the overgrowth at the Community
Garden at Mount Ericht. Following a request
from Blair in Bloom, we cut down the grass on
the Elm Drive roundabout.
A huge round of applause to Ally Donald who,
with assistance from Grahame Mustard, kept
the paths well mowed throughout the growing
season. Ally also saved the day on a number of
occasions by digging gullies to relieve flooding,
removing fallen trees & sourcing materials. He is
indeed a local hero.
Brian Campbell receiving his award from
Nicola Sturgeon
Another incredible force is our much-loved
Work Party Organiser, Brian Campbell, who
was awarded Paths for All Path Volunteer of
the Year at a ceremony held at the Scottish
PAGE
14 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Community Groups
Parliament on 27 Sept. A worthy winner of
whom we are so very proud.
If the sound of our work parties appeals to you
or you feel you have skills we might benefit
from that you’d like to share, please don’t
delay & contact briancampbell3@aol.com or
derekballoch@hotmail.co.uk
Why not follow our activities on Facebook?
www.facebook.com/braccessnetwork
Left: Ally Donald assisting at the Blairgowrie
and Rattray Highland Games using the tractor
purchased by BRDTfor community use.
Photo courtesy of David Stanghon
Christmas is here, full of good cheer,
But high energy bills bring a shiver of fear.
Heating, lighting, causing parents’ despair,
Craig, our advisor, says he can help there.
“No need for lights, no need for tree,
Save your energy,” says he.
But don’t heed his words I say, don’t let your heart fret,
For there’s hope for festivities yet.
Insulation, draught proofing, be crafty with controls,
These are the things that’ll achieve your goals.
And there’s gifts from the government to bring additional cheer,
Like ol’ St Nick, reaching deep in his sack this time of year.
Funding to improve your cosy wee home,
From Home Energy Scotland and more to come.
Just ask us, we’ll guide you to find,
The presents that’ll give you peace of mind.
The Heat Project is your community energy advice project. We can help guide you
through any support and offer impartial advice on energy improvements or even
no-cost measures, all completely free.
You can contact us at martin@theheatproject.org or find more information at
www.theheatproject.org We are also at the BaRI Foodstore every Wednesday 4 - 5pm
where you might be able to find a certain Grinch, who finds no reason for cheer, when
Christmas joy is so near…
PAGE
15

Rattray Community Garden is based in what
used to be a walled garden for Mount Ericht
House and has been home to award-winning
environmental group Blairgowrie and Rattray
in Bloom for a number of years.
The purchase and redevelopment of the
community garden was highlighted as
something local people wanted as part of the
community action plan consultation exercise
carried out in 2020.
When the opportunity arose to buy the land,
the site was secured as a community asset for
the town and purchased by Blairgowrie and
Rattray Development Trust (BRDT) thanks to
support from the Scottish Land Fund.
The aim is to create a welcoming, relaxing
area for people of all ages where local groups
can meet, supporting health and wellbeing,
reducing social isolation, developing gardening
skills, and observing wildlife.
The garden will also help facilitate
intergenerational activity and educational
sessions, reduce food poverty by developing
and maintaining an area - including raised
beds - to grow fruit and vegetables for those
in need, and increase biodiversity with careful
management and planting.
Since purchasing the site, a small committee
has been working on the redevelopment of
the community garden, installing utilities and
other facilities such as paths to ensure it is
accessible for all, greenhouses and raised beds.
Work on developing a planting plan for the
garden is ongoing and we are delighted to
be working with Paul Hodge from Nature’s
Delights Walled Garden between Alyth and
Meigle and Blair in Bloom volunteers on that.
Paul, who is a passionate advocate of the ‘no
dig’ approach to growing has visited the garden
a few times now to share his experience and
PAGE
advice with us, which has been interesting,
informative and inspirational.
While a significant amount of work has already
been carried out to get us to this point,
more needs to be done in order to allow the
community to benefit fully from the garden’s
potential.
The two main projects are:
• Demolition of a derelict building on the
site which cannot be saved or made safe;
• Conversion of a single-story building to
create a general purpose room, toilets and
a small kitchen for volunteers and visitors
to the garden, and a new storage shed.
The combined estimated costs for both these
projects is expected to be around £40,000.
We also need to generate regular income to
cover the overheads of running the garden.
Regular fundraising will therefore be a
continuous process for the foreseeable future.
Upcoming events and activities at the
community garden include a Christmas bulb
planting workshop in November, a tool swap
in January and a fundraising quiz on February
2nd. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and
the Blairgowrie Advertiser for further details
and updates.
To find out more about Rattray Community
Garden, including how you can get involved
in supporting the work it is doing or how you
can benefit from the new facilities, follow
our Facebook page by searching for ‘Rattray
Community Garden’.
You can also check out our new website at
www.rattraycommunitygarden.org.uk or email
us at info@rattraycommunitygarden.org.uk
16 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

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PAGE
17

History & Heritage
Blairgowrie Rattray and District Genealogy Centre
COUSINS MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME AT ANCESTRAL HOME
Two cousins who were not aware of the third
cousin’s existence, had asked independently on
the Genealogy Facebook page for information
on the Saunders family who had built Craigmill
in Rattray. Coincidentally they were both
going to be in Scotland at the same time and
arrangements were made for them to view
their ancestral home, Bramblebank House.
Melanie and Peter Thomson, who are the
current owners kindly showed them around
and also were able to show them records,
etc. in their possession. The enquiry was
posted by Lynn the great x 3 granddaughter
of George Saunders, who started a chain of
events leading to the cousins meeting up
for the first time. They discovered that they
only lived a couple of states away from each
other in America. Lynn and her sister Laurie’s
grandfather was William E. Saunders Jr, born
on Blairgowrie Farm, Emmetsburg, and their
cousin Tracy’s grandmother was Vina Margaret
Saunders, William’s sister. Their father was
William. E.G. Saunders (the cousins’ great
grandfather).
George Saunders built Craigmill in 1834, a
flax spinning mill 500 yards from Craigmill
Bridge on the Rattray side of the river Ericht,
which he enlarged in 1860. Craigmill ceased to
function in the 1880s. He was considered to
be one of nine men who were founders of the
linen trade in Blairgowrie and was known as a
pioneer of the flax spinning trade in the town.
On 2nd May
1873 George
Saunders was
fatally injured
by falling debris
while there
was a blasting
operation at
Bramblebank
quarry and is
buried at the
‘Auld Kirkyard’.
He had by this
time purchased
Bramblebank
Laurie and Lynn stood by
the grave of David Hogg
Saunders at Blairgowrie
Cemetery.
Mill for his 2
sons, David
Hogg Saunders
and John
Saunders.
By 1872
they controlled Craigmill, Westfields and
Bramblebank. David Hogg Saunders lived in
Bramblebank House. By 1879, David Hogg
Saunders (great x 2 grandfather) had sold the
flax and jute spinning operations in Rattray
and moved to Dundee, where he became a
yarn and jute merchant. He died in Dundee in
1904, but is buried in Blairgowrie Cemetery.
William Ewart Gladstone Saunders (Great
Grandfather) was born in 1865 at Bramblebank
House. Aged 17 he left his family and travelled
to America, hired himself out as a cowboy
in Missouri and in New Mexico. In 1886 he
returned to Scotland, but soon returned to the
U.S. to manage land and cattle operations at
Blairgowrie Farm near Emmetsburg, Iowa. He
also served in the Spanish American War in
1898. He was Mayor
and was elected to
the State Legislature
from 1923-1928.
He died in 1947 in
Pasadena, California.
Bramblebank Mill
was bought by
Thomas Thomson
in 1903. After a
journey of a lifetime
to Scotland, their
visit to Blairgowrie
was one of the
highlights of their
trip.
(The Genealogy Group
has the permission
of the family to write
this article.)
The Saunders cousins
with Peter and
Melanie Thomson
and Jane Wilson at
Bramblebank House.
ALWAYS WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT
YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? THE GENEALOGY
CENTRE VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP.
CONTACT US -
blairgowriegenealogy@hotmail.co.uk
Or find us on Facebook
Alternatively pop in to see us at
Blairgowrie Library, in Leslie Street on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
afternoons from 2pm to 4pm
PAGE
18 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

THE
HILL KIRK
GRAVEYARD
So another year of graveyard
maintenance over, with the last
cut of the year completed.
The mowers go in for an overdue
service, to ensure they are fully
prepared for next spring.
The very small team of neighbours
who tend the yard can put their feet
up for a few months.
Our thanks to BRAN, Blair in Bloom
and other individuals, who, in
various ways assist with making the
historic Hill Kirk Graveyard such a
nice place to sit, ponder and enjoy
the views.
Our thanks to the many dog owners
who use the Graveyard…….. on the
last cut, there was not one bit of dog
poo around. Thank you for using
the poo bags and the poo bin in the
graveyard. By doing this, you too
help keep the site a pleasant place
to visit.
If anyone has a wee bit of spare
time during the growing months
of May till October and would like
to help with the mowing, please
contact derekballoch@hotmail.co.uk
PAGE
19

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alike. We have many clients in the local community and service
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PAGE
20 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

PAGE 21

Garden Matters
With the first frosts of the year, it’s time to
empty the hanging baskets and containers. The
dead plant material can go in the compost heap,
or in the brown recycling bin. If emptying the
baskets and containers, shake off the compost
and that can be saved for incorporating into the
borders. It is advisable to use fresh compost
for next season’s display as it will be clean and
topped up with nutrients.
The grass will have stopped growing, but during
mild weather it may be necessary to tip the
grass at a raised height. Other tasks for the
lawn could be to remove any build up of leaves
and spike any areas which are compacted or
need aerating for drainage purposes. Lawns
always look better with well defined edges,
whether the lawn has straight lines or scalloped
edges. This should be carried out using a half
moon and not a spade as the spade has a
curved blade. Where a straight edge is intended
a tight string line should be set, or a straight
board.
Coniferous hedges are now best left until the
spring to avoid browning of the hedge, but
beech, hawthorn and other deciduous hedges
can be cut throughout the winter. Care should
be taken when using mechanical or electrical
hedge cutters and ensure personal safety
when at height.
Vegetable and flower borders can be dug over
but leave the lumps to the actions of the frost.
This prevents damage to the soil structure
and exposes pests and disease to the winter
elements. Then in spring the recycled compost
can be forked in prior to any planting. Manure
should be incorporated during the digging
process over the winter and spring.
Bush roses are best reduced in height by
half before winter to avoid rocking and the
loosening of the root system.
Deciduous trees and shrubs that have become
overgrown can be pruned more easily when
the leaves have fallen as you can see the
branch arrangement and have a better idea
of what and where to cut. With flowering
shrubs, however it is best to read up the type
of pruning is required as incorrect pruning
may lead to the non flowering and fruiting of
plants.
These cold, wet winter days are an ideal
time to attend to the servicing of machines,
sharpening of tools and ordering new tools
and equipment.
Plan ahead for what to grow next year and look
to replace any plants which need replacing and
consider plants for new locations.
Rewilding has become a trend, as has a move
to letting grass grow with a view to creating
wildflower areas. There is nothing better than
a well-managed flower meadow, but it requires
more than just being left. I will write about the
establishment of wildflower areas in the spring
edition.
Finally, it would be wise to check the garden for
any loose fencing, glass in the greenhouse, or
any other objects liable to blow over and cause
damage.
Stay safe and all the best for 2024. Gordon Croll
Jamie Duncan
Aerial & Satellite
TV Extensions
All types of Satellites installed
TV wall mounting
Based in Blairgowrie
Established 1999
Phone:
07736 551 665
www.jduncanaerials.com
jdaerials@sky.com
PAGE
22 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

MRS B’S KITCHEN
CHRISTMAS RECIPE
CRANBERRY TRIFLE
with Cointreau (optional)
Hello again everyone, it’s “the time to be Merry”. Most love the good old trifle so here is a
recipe that I hope you will like. It’s my husband’s favourite.
You will need :
• 250g fresh cranberries
• 150g golden caster sugar
• Half a pack of sponge fingers
• 3tbsp Cointreau, if using
• 8 tbsp fresh orange juice
For the custard :
• 568ml pot of double cream
• 1 vanilla pod, cut in half lengthways
• 6 large egg yolks (you can save/freeze the
egg whites for meringues)
• 2 tsp cornflour
For the topping:
• 284ml pot of whipping cream
Put the cranberries in a small pan with 150ml of cold water, keep a few cranberries for
decoration. Bring to the boil, then simmer uncovered for 5 mins. Stir in 100g of the sugar and
simmer for a further 10 mins until the fruit is tender. Allow to cool slightly. Arrange the sponge
fingers in whatever dish you want to put your trifle in and pour the Cointreau (if using) and the
orange juice all over. Spoon the warm cranberries on top and leave to cool.
Pour the cream into a small pan. Scrape out
the seeds from the vanilla pod and add these
and the pod to the cream. Place the pan over a
low heat and bring to a simmer, remove from
the heat and take out the pod.
Place the egg yolks, cornflour and the
remaining sugar in a heatproof bowl and
pour the warmed cream over whisking it
continually. Pour it back into the pan and
continue to whisk it over a low heat until the
custard thickens, then take it off the heat and
allow it to cool slightly. Pour the custard when
cooled over the cranberries and sponge. Cut
out a piece of greaseproof paper to the size of
your dish, dampen it and cover the custard and
leave to cool.
Whip the cream for the topping until it holds its shape, not too stiff, remove the greaseproof
paper and spoon the cream over the custard. Decorate the top with cranberries and maybe
toasted almonds if liked or anything else you might like.
As I say you may wish to leave out the Cointreau or use another liqueur but bear in mind you are
using orange juice over the sponge fingers. I have not experimented making this trifle with other
fruit, juice or liqueur but you might like to have a go. You can make the trifle a day in advance
without the cream topping and keep it covered in the fridge and then top with the cream to
serve.
PAGE 23

TAYSIDE WOODLAND
PARTNERSHIPS
TREES
Do you have a favourite tree or a
favourite local wood? We have so many to
choose from: the majestic oak, the willow
with its slender leaves, the rowan with its
brilliant red berries at this time of year.
My favourite is the larch. I love the fact that
it has delicate needles that change colour
throughout spring, summer and autumn.
As for local woods, I love to wander around
Drimmie Wood with its contours and its
encircled lochans. There always seems to
be something new to discover. For example,
there is a huge ancient larch which has shed
many of its branches but still stands tall and
magnificent.
The Tayside Woodland group had its
beginnings in Blairgowrie but its work is
spreading. In November, for example, we will
be planting a few acres of land in Pitlochry
with a whole variety of trees. Why do we plant
trees? Apart from the obvious love of trees, we
want to encourage local wildlife to thrive, to
give people somewhere quiet and natural in
which to relax and we understand the value of
trees in mitigating climate change.
These were the driving forces for our founder,
Alastair Fraser, who sadly died in September
this year. He had been a forester for more than
60 years before he moved to this area and, once
here, quietly enthused a lot of people in the
project of creating woodland. We will plant a
tree in his memory in Pitlochry.
If you would like to know more or join or
support this work, do visit the website:
Tayside Woodland Partnerships or email us at
taysidewoodlandpartnerships6@gmail.com
PAGE
24 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

CRIGHTONS
CYCLES
New & Used Cycle Sales
including E-Bikes
Repairs & Servicing
of all types of bikes
Parts & Accessories
Extensive range of
bikes for all the family
87 PERTH STREET,
BLAIRGOWRIE PH10 6DT
Tel. 01250 874447
Free Quotes Given
Kilry: 01575560411
Blairgowrie: 01250798403
Mobile:07834258491
scottishlandscaping@hotmail.com
PAGE
25

THE FREEDOM COACH
Pictured is a group enjoying an outing on the
Freedom Coach. This local charity provides
affordable transport for outings, shopping and
allows local people (some with mobility issues)
to access groups and activities which they
would otherwise not be able to attend. There
is a rear passenger lift making it wheelchair
accessible.
Fundraising has been carried out and grants
have also been applied for by Blairgowrie and
District Seniors Outings which allows us to
offer outings at a very reduced rate.
If you would like to find out more about any
of our services please contact Charlie Bisset
(administrator / relief driver) on 07746567528
or Ian Dennis (driver / coordinator ) at
i.dennis@sky.com
At a recent Blairgowrie Freedom Coach
Association meeting the new Chairman
Malcolm Davidson presented James Gibb
with an engraved clock and thanked him for
his service to the association as Chairman
and previously as secretary/ trustee for
BFCA. James has been involved with the
Freedom Coach for over 25 years and is
a staunch supporter of this affordable,
wheelchair accessible community transport
provider for people in Blairgowrie and
district.
Malcolm expressed his thanks for everything
James has done over the years and also that
he is willing to continue on the committee
now for advice and support for Malcolm in
his new role.
Pictured L to R: Ian Dennis (BFCA driver),
John Brodie (Treasurer), James Gibb (past
Chairman), Malcolm Davidson (Chairman),
Charlie Bisset ( Administrator), Susan Smith
(Minutes Secretary )
Blair
Ukes
Funny how life seems to get more complicated
as one gets older and bigger. In only a few
years, Blair Ukes has grown up from being
just a handful of people meeting in someone’s
house to the crowd of over 20 who now meet
every Monday morning in the Life Plus church
hall in William Street. Some of us are also
meeting on Wednesday nights and some go out
and about to entertain various groups in the
community.
All this increased activity has made it
necessary for us to get insurance – and to
incur a cost which we had not expected. To
help cover this cost, we needed to become
a properly constituted organisation, with
agreed aims and principles. So, if you are still
reading this, we are now a ‘non-profit-making
group whose purpose is to promote ukuleleplaying
for reasons of: enjoyment, education
and well-being; promote interaction within
the community; and support charity through
fundraising and provision of entertainment.’
Our mission statement contains much more
detail (yawn) but I’m sure you’ve had quite
enough of this already!
PAGE 26 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

News & Articles
In spite of all this bureaucracy, our existing
membership remains enthusiastic – such that
we still have a waiting list for new members.
And, in keeping with our aim to ‘interact with
the community’, we are booked for three gigs
in November:
• at West Muir SWI on Thursday, November
2nd;
• at the Stroke Club on Monday, November
13th; and
• at the Christmas Lights Switch-on event
on Saturday, November 25th.
Three more gigs have been scheduled for
December:
• at Meigle Senior Citizens on Tuesday,
December 12th;
• at the Friendship Café on Thursday,
December 14th; and
• at Ashgrove Court on Monday, December
18th (t.b.c.).
Big thanks once again to our fantastic leader,
Jane Ward. The main contact point for Blair
Ukes is now: blairukes@gmail.com
This year we were fortunate to be able to
book two picking times at the Blueberry
fields and raised £420 to help feed the
children of Kankhunkwe School in Northern
Malawi, thanks to the very generous
decision of the Thomson family to share
their blueberry crop with local charities.
Blairgowrie and District Group of volunteers
for Mary’s Meals aim to raise £6,000 each
year to support the 559 children in our
school. Due to the great success of the
charity more children attend the school each
year. The Kankhunkwe children are mightily
blessed to receive this latest collection. They
send their grateful thanks to the Thomson’s
and to all those who took time to come
along, donate and pick the berries.
Malawi is one of the world’s poorest
countries. Many families live through
farming, but struggle to grow enough food.
It is home to our largest school feeding
programme and, today, almost one in three
primary school children in the country
receives Mary’s Meals.
Our next fundraiser will be the Ceilidh in the
Blairgowrie Town Hall on Friday 12th January
2024. This is a very popular event and tickets
sell fast. If you wish to be there contact
Margaret 01250 875086 and enjoy a great
night of dance with Nicol Maclaren and a
fabulous supper produced by the volunteers
for only £15.
THE ERICHT SCOTTISH
COUNTRY DANCE CLUB
CLASSES AND DANCES are held in the
Town Hall, Brown St, Blairgowrie, PH10 6EX
For more information, please contact:
erichtdance@gmail.com
www.erichtdance.co.uk
TUESDAY CLASSES
3 October - 12 December 2023
9 January - 26 March 2024
Beginners class Tuesdays 7.00-8.30pm
General class Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm
Teacher: Carol Bisset
Please bring own cup for interval teabreak
ANNUAL DANCE
Friday 16th February 2024 7.30pm
Blairgowrie Town Hall
Marian Anderson’s Band
£8 (£4 Spectators) Interval, Tea, Biscuits & Raffle
Please bring your own cup.
PAGE
27

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Gold, Silver Items, Books, China etc
Items of Historical interest about Blairgowrie
(Sorry no stamps, coins, fine art or clocks)
Free advice and guidance on
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PAGE
28 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Here at Blairgowrie RDA, we know how to
put the fun into fundraising! From blueberry
picking to baking, raffles to rattling tins, our
volunteers have been busy over the last few
months.
A huge thanks to everyone who supported
us at our various events, including our coffee
morning at St Catharine’s, fruit picking at
Thomas Thomson, and Blairgowrie Highland
Games, where lots of people came to say hello
to our ponies Tash and Morven.
We also held two very successful raffle days
at Tesco, where we raised an incredible £870,
and we are very grateful for other donations,
including a generous gift of field equipment
from one of our volunteers.
Our next events will be our Water into Wine
stall at Burrelton Market on 26 November and
our tea and home baking stalls at our yard at
Easter Rattray Farm in December. Make sure
to pop by when you’re picking your Christmas
tree and there’s also going to be a craft fair – a
great family day out all round!
It’s been an equally busy time for our ponies,
with an activity packed season of lessons for
school children and private adult and young
riders. It’s incredible to see how our riders have
progressed and how much they enjoy riding.
One school teacher summed it up by saying:
“Our pupils are very excited every week to attend
the sessions and we can see enormous benefits to
them. Watching them on the horses, it is clear to
see the level of concentration and focus they have
when they are riding, but also the joy they have
from being there.
“It is plain to see the fondness they have for the
horse they ride and the level of calmness they
display is amazing. Some of our pupils are not
‘still’ at any time of the day, but on the horses
they are incredibly still and calm. The therapy
RDA volunteers Kate (left) and Andi with
Tesco duty manager Amanda who picked
the winners in our raffle draw.
this offers them is undoubtedly beneficial to their
mental wellbeing.”
If you know someone who would benefit from
Riding for the Disabled, why not get in touch?
We cater for a wide range of riders of all ages
and with differing abilities – all are welcome!
We’d like to say thank you to all our volunteers,
without whom we couldn’t support our riders.
They do a fantastic job, particularly over the
last few weeks where the weather has been
somewhat challenging!
We’re always keen to hear from new
volunteers, so if you’re interested,
please drop us a message at
blairgowrierda@outlook.com or visit our
website. There are lots of activities you can
take part in, from helping out at lessons to
pony care or raising awareness about RDA.
You can also support us through our Clip Clop
Club 100 monthly draw, with great cash prizes
to be won. Visit https://blairgowrierda.co.uk/
clip-clop-club-100-draw to find out more.
And you can keep up to date with Blairgowrie
RDA through our Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/BlairgowrieRDA and
website at www.blairgowrierda.co.uk
PAGE
29

It was great to see Blairgowrie and the
surrounding area buzzing with visitors and
lots of events over the summer and into the
autumn.
BEPTA members It’s BRAW! and Blairgowrie
and Rattray Highland Games both enjoyed
fantastic events this year with bumper
attendance figures, and although the
BOOKMARK festival was cut short due to a
severe weather event closing many of the
roads to the town, the first day was a huge
success.
The Cateran Ecomuseum has also had a busy
summer, and you can read all about the work
of these fantastic volunteer-led organisations
in other pages of this magazine. It’s fair to say
their efforts go a long way to making our role
here at BEPTA an easy one!
BEPTA is the primary local marketing group
for tourism and tourism-related businesses
and organisations in the Blairgowrie and East
Perthshire area.
We do this through the popular
www.visitcaterancountry.com website, and
through working alongside businesses and
organisations in the region, as well as in
neighbouring areas and at a national level.
As part of this, we were involved in a
collaborative project between a number of
community groups in the town that saw new
promotional boards highlighting some of the
many events and attractions on offer in the
town installed in the windows of the former
Royal Hotel.
We’re also involved in an innovative project
with Geotourist and Dr Keith Dinnie from the
University of Dundee. Geotourist is a free
smart travel app which supports destinations
and organisations globally with location-based
multimedia digital storytelling guides and
visitor-generated data insights.
We worked closely with the Cateran
Ecomuseum and Perth and Kinross
Countryside Trust on the provision of two
tours for the project, one featuring the Cateran
Trail and one looking at the history of the mills
along the River Ericht in Blairgowrie.
The Visit Cateran Country tours are live now
and can be accessed at https://geotourist.com/
tours/5867/Visit_Cateran_Country and https://
geotourist.com/tours/5868/A_Spin_Along_the_
Ericht
BEPTA welcomes all tourism and tourismrelated
businesses and organisations. The
more members we have whose products and
services we can promote, the more we have
to shout about what we can offer potential
visitors to the region, and the more attractive
it becomes as a destination.
Being a member of BEPTA has a number of
benefits for your business, including increased
visibility of and marketing reach for your
business through a recommended member’s
listing on the Visit Perthshire’s Cateran Country
website and promotion on our social media
platforms.
Membership costs £100 a year for new
members and £80 a year for existing members.
If you are a local business that is not tourismrelated
but would still like to support the work
BEPTA does, then the associate membership
package for £40 is for you.
To find out more, check out the membership
page on the Visit Cateran Country website
where you can also join online - https://
visitcaterancountry.com/other/membership/
Alternatively, email us on
admin@visitcaterancountry.com for further
information.
PAGE 30 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Orange Blairgowrie – Raising Awareness
about Ending Violence Against Women
and about Soroptimist International
By the time you read this, local Associate Soroptimist
Jean Campbell, will have sought support from
Blairgowrie and Alyth shopkeepers to raise awareness
about the different forms of violence against women.
You may recall last year that the Wellmeadow was
festooned with orange ribbons and posters. And even
more importantly, many shopkeepers either displayed
posters or even better entered an orange window
competition raising awareness of the issue of violence against women and its many forms. This
all took place between 25th November and 10th December, the UN’s designated 16 Days of
Activism to End Violence Against Women.
Jean is delighted that the orange window competition will take place again this year - and again
with cash prizes! She will visit shops at the beginning of November with posters and competition
entry forms and hopes to ‘orange’ Blairgowrie - and Alyth - raising awareness about the different
forms of violence against women, orange being an optimistic colour.
If you want to find out more about Soroptimist International see www.sigbi.org It is a wonderful
organisation making a difference for women & girls across the world. And /or you can come
along to the Dome on the second Wednesday of the month at 11am – Gameeda, Gina and Jean
look forward to seeing you!
That nip in the air has certainly come back
and bit us in the bum. No wonder we do so
many free deliveries of slow burning logs,
kindling, peet, local tatties and groceries.
The most wonderful time of the year is just
around the corner. In the store we have a
variety of hampers ready to pick up and go or
you can specify your own one to make it more
personal. Gift vouchers are also available to
buy to use in store if you just don’t know what
to get. There is a fantastic display of gift box
treats and sweets which won’t be in any other
shop and we have opened our order book for
gift boxes of homemade shortbread, Custard
Creams, Empire Biscuits and assorted tiffin.
These sell out fast so don’t delay as it makes a
perfect wee mindin’.
For those who send abroad, The Blairgowrie Calendar would be a perfect gift as well as
supporting three local charities.
We value each and every one of you that supports our wee shop on the high street and count
ourselves extremely lucky.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. All the best for 2024
MITCHELL’S NEWSAGENT
PAGE
31

BOOKMARK BOOK FESTIVAL 2023
‘So foul and fair a day I have not seen’ – the words Shakespeare gave
Macbeth placing him not too far from where BOOKMARK takes place.
It seemed the appropriate quotation on Saturday: the weather was
bad but the Festival that was taking place in Blairgowrie Community
Campus was described by many as ‘the best yet’.
At the Campus, Ian and others from Live Active turned the school into a welcoming venue: the
main hall had been transformed with the help of Something Special Flowers; Adventure into
Books set up a terrific bookshop, the Library had become a café with coffee and cakes, Jim was
dishing up delicious hot rolls in his iconic van and the authors’ Green Room (catered by The Wee
Coffee Shop) was ready. Our large audience began to arrive and expectations were high.
Merryn Glover talked to Jim Crumley and Patrick Galbraith about their nature writing; Magnus
Linklater discussed historical fiction with Andrew Grieg together with his wife, Lesley Glaister
and her fine novel Blasted Things. After lunch the Irish comedian, writer and actor Owen O’Neill
entertained us wonderfully, Don Paterson, the acclaimed poet and editor, discussed his memoir
Toy Fights with Joyce Caplan. Finishing off a splendid afternoon, Patron, Olga Wojtas led a
fascinating conversation with the award-winning novelist Rachel Joyce. Rachel announced the
winner of this year’s Book of the Year – Karen Campbell for Paper Cup. Not only did Karen receive
the beautiful silver bookmark designed by Sarah Cave, she will be with us next year.
Well, ‘so foul a day…’ would sum up what happened next.
We had already had bad luck with our Authors in Schools
Day only a few weeks ago. After all the hard work of our
dedicated committee members in curating that event, it had
to be cancelled at the last minute. And on Sunday 8 October
the awful weather meant that cancellations were back on
the agenda. Only one event went ahead. Alan Taylor and his
wife Rosemary Goring had arrived the day before and were
committed to holding their discussion of Alan Rickman’s diaries.
None of the other authors, along with very many ticket holders
and Bookmark’s Chair, could reach Blairgowrie.
For the first time in Bookmark’s history we were defeated
by the weather. Too many people had a long drive ahead of
them and we could not jeopardise their safety, or the safety
of anyone who needed to get home. We had to take the
devastating and difficult decision to cancel the rest of the
Festival. Thanks to our ticket holders for their understanding
and their encouraging and considerate comments.
The Christine Findlay Prize, run by Blairgowrie High School,
could not be announced by Sally Magnusson but we’re
PAGE
32 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

delighted to do this here! Morag Strang won the prize for her short story Windows, and Luci
Donachie designed the wonderful cover of the booklet, copies of which will be delivered to
Blairgowrie High School. BHS - make a fuss of them!
BOOKMARK’s excellent committee and volunteers at the weekend could not have been more
disappointed. As you’ll appreciate, planning for BOOKMARK takes a great deal of time and
thought over many months. To see all those careful plans being literally washed away was a very
hard thing to accept!
Although Liam McIlvanney will be back in New Zealand next October, our other ‘missing’ authors
(Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzmann aka Ambrose Parry, S G MacLean, Douglas Skelton, the
William Soutar celebrants) will be with us 5-6 October 2024.
The committee has decided on three ways to recompense our ticket holders as quickly and
efficiently as possible. We’re offering either a Rain Check, become a Friend of BOOKMARK, or ask
for a refund. ALL options are described in full on our website www.bookmarkblair.com or by
phoning 01250 875613
Gail Wylie
Chair BOOKMARK Book Festival
BLAIRGOWRIE
LYRIC CHOIR
Autumn is now well under way, which begs the
question - are we in BLAIRGOWRIE LYRIC CHOIR
equally well under way with our rehearsals for
the...
BLAIRGOWRIE LYRIC CHOIR 2023
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The answer should become apparent on
FRIDAY 15th DECEMBER, when the choir
returns to St Catharine’s Church, George
Street, Blairgowrie for the latest iteration
of its popular Christmas extravaganza. The
concert starts at 7.00pm and will be followed
by the usual tea, coffee, nibbles, and general
social chitchat in the adjoining church hall; we
warmly invite you to come along and decide for
yourselves the answer to our question.
One possible problem - a fine problem! - that
we will have to address this year is how to
fit our ever expanding choir into the church.
We have been delighted to welcome several
new members to choir this session, and are
enjoying the resulting fullness of sound that
comes with increased numbers. But please,
good Hub reader, do feel free to compound our
“problem” by further swelling our numbers.
We meet weekly in the Rattray Hall Community
Hub in Balmoral Road on a Tuesday evening,
we start at 7.00pm, and we sing for around two
hours.
Although the Christmas concert is firmly in
the forefront of our minds, rehearsals for it
briefly took a back seat in September while
we prepared to sing in the Kirkton of Glenisla
Church at the start of October. The church was
unknown to most of us prior to the event, but
what a pleasure it was to sing in, and to be
part of the service. Our choir pieces were The
Lord is My Shepherd, sung to Howard Goodall’s
theme tune to The Vicar of Dibley, The Rhythm
of Life from Sweet Charity popularised by
Sammy Davis Jnr, the serene Flying Free,
Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, and a quiet and
peaceful version of The Lord’s Prayer, all of
which seemed to be appreciated by a sizeable
congregation.
Looking ahead again to December, our concert
will largely follow its tried and tested format,
with several Christmas-related pieces by the
choir interspersed with a selection of the best
loved carols from the hymn book for choir and
audience to belt out together. (Musical subtlety
may be temporarily suspended!) Entry at the
door on the night should be possible but, to
avoid disappointment, advance purchase of
tickets is recommended. These, costing a mere
£8.00, will in due course be available from choir
members, or may be obtained by contacting
Janet, our secretary, on 01250 872682. As ever,
most of the profits from the concert will be
channeled toward local charities, which are yet
to be identified at the time of writing.
We may be in the middle of our preparations
for our Christmas concert, but please don’t let
that inhibit you from coming along and having
a bash at singing in a choir. We’re a
very friendly and welcoming bunch! The
aforementioned Janet (01250 872682) is again
the person to contact.
PAGE 33

Another BRAW!
Arts for Wellbeing Festival
Hundreds of people in Blairgowrie, Rattray
and beyond enjoyed a series of workshops,
performances and music sessions throughout
August as part of the Blairgowrie and Rattray
Arts for Wellbeing (BRAW) festival this year,
thanks to the National Lottery Community
Fund - the largest funder of community
activity in the UK.
It’s BRAW runs throughout the year and aims
to highlight the wealth of creative talent in the
area and support the wellbeing of people in
the local community and beyond by providing
opportunities to participate in arts, crafts,
music and drama activities.
Now in its sixth year, it culminated in a
packed month-long programme of activities,
encouraging people to try out new skills
and hobbies while at the same time giving
professional artists the opportunity to
showcase their skills.
The funding from the National Lottery
Community Fund this year enabled the
volunteer-led committee to offer more events
and widen its audience.
More than 1000 people attended events
throughout the showcase month, which
featured arts and crafts workshops, as well as
music and drama and an art exhibition.
This year, the Rattray Arts Festival – which
celebrates the talent and skills of local amateur
and professional artists and features hundreds
of original paintings - was extended to a 10-day
event in the larger and more central venue
of Blairgowrie Town Hall, ensuring that it was
more accessible to more people. And as well as
the exhibition, there were also workshops led
by artists over the course of the week. Some
900 people visited the exhibition over the 10
days with a dozen attending the art-themed
workshops.
A number of crafts-based workshops took
place, attended by nearly 60 people and led by
the team at Blairgowrie-based Nest Creative
Spaces, where participants were able to try
their hand at making beaded window hangings,
studded purses, macrame plant hangers, fabric
seascape pictures, and brooches, as well as
printing bags, collage and decoupage.
There were also a number of musical
performances featuring local performers such
as Tich Frier, Bob Stewart, and Hamish and Ian
McGregor, as well as an online music session.
In total, 85 people enjoyed the music events.
And around 50 people enjoyed performances
by award-winning local amateur dramatic
group the Blairgowrie Players, including
comedy sketches, songs and Are You A Robot
- the debut performance by youth theatrical
group Curtains Up.
PAGE
The team behind the celebration of arts, crafts,
drama and music are already looking ahead
to next year’s showcase month as well as
34 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

planning a number of other events between
now and then.
And music lovers are reminded that the
monthly It’s BRAW music sessions take place
on the first Sunday of the month from 6pm to
8pm in the British Legion on George Street in
Blairgowrie.
For further details, follow It’s BRAW! on
Facebook or visit the website at
www.itsbraw.scot Alternatively, email
admin@itsbraw.scot to be added to our new
quarterly e-newsletter for updates on events.
Pharmacovigilance &
The Yellow Card Scheme
Do your part to improve medicines safety in
Scotland — report adverse effects of medicines
to the Yellow Card Scheme.
φάρμακον + vigilans
Originating from the Greek word for medicine
(pharmakon) and the Latin word for watching
(vigilans), pharmacovigilance literally means to
be watchful over medicines. More specifically,
it is the science and activities relating to the
detection, assessment, understanding, and
prevention of adverse drug reactions or any
other medicine-related problem.
Side effects of medicines, or adverse drug
reactions (ADRs), are common, they can
be serious, and, because more people are
using more medicines for longer, they are an
increasing public health problem. They can
affect quality of life, affect compliance with
treatment, and may be distressing for patients.
Although the safety of medicines must
be demonstrated in clinical trials before
marketing, new side-effects often emerge in
the post-marketing setting when the medicine
is used in the wider population (“real world”).
In particular, rarer side effects may not be
evident in clinical trials due to the limited
numbers of people included.
Because of these limitations, the postmarketing
surveillance of medicines is vitally
important. In the UK, one of the key tools for
pharmacovigilance of products after their
release onto the market is the Yellow Card
Scheme.
The Yellow Card Scheme Needs You
Following the thalidomide disaster in the
early 1960s, the Yellow Card Scheme was
established to provide an early warning for
medicines which may require further safety
investigation, and continues to do so today
under the supervision of the Medicines and
Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
(MHRA). Over the years the Yellow Card
Scheme has evolved from a platform where
only doctors could submit reports to the
platform we have today, that encourages
reports from all healthcare professionals as
well as the public.
Anyone can report any suspected side
effect to any medicine, vaccine, herbal or
complementary medicine, but it is especially
important to report suspected side effects
to medicines that occur in children or during
pregnancy or breastfeeding. Side-effects which
seem unusual, are serious (such as those
causing hospitalisation), or occur with a new
medicine are also of particular interest.
When a report is submitted it adds to a
growing database of information. Potential
new side effects are assessed by medicines
safety experts–together with additional
sources of information–to determine whether
any action needs to be taken to ensure patient
safety. When there is a present risk to patient
safety the MHRA may even issue a withdrawal
of medicines or devices.
The importance of pharmacovigilance and the
Yellow Card Scheme cannot be overstated,
especially with new medicines coming onto
the market every year, so if ever you suspect
a symptom may be due to an adverse drug
reaction, consider submitting a report online
(https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by
telephone (0800 731 6789).
More information on the Yellow Card Scheme
and adverse drug reactions can be found at
the Yellow Card Centre Scotland website:
https://www.yccscotland.scot.nhs.uk/
PAGE
35

BLAIRGOWRIE PLAYERS
It’s panto time again, oh yes it is! Blairgowrie
Players have produced a local pantomime
every year since 1974, apart from in 2020 due
to the global coronavirus pandemic. This year,
for the first time, we are pleased to present
Once Upon A Time In Pantoland, with lots
of your favourite panto characters, singing,
dancing, hokey-cokeying and really bad jokes,
just what you expect from a great pantomime!
Performances start on Wednesday 6th
December, continuing on Thursday 7th and
Friday 8th, all at 7pm, and on Saturday 9th and
Sunday 10th we have matinee performances
only, starting at 3pm, all in Blairgowrie Town
Hall. Our ticket prices have remained the same
again this year – stalls are £10, with under 16s
priced at £8 and all Balcony tickets are priced
at £12. Tickets can be bought either in person
at The Card Gallery in Allan Street,
Blairgowrie or online at
www.ticketsource.co.uk/blairgowrieplayers
Any queries can be directed to
blairplayers@btinternet.com There will be
a tuck shop offering teas and soft drinks,
sweets and snacks and once again we will have
Stewart Towers ice cream for sale during the
interval, a panto must!
The attached photo shows it’s not just the kids
who have fun preparing for panto, watch out for
these moves on stage!
done both in terms of funding and also due to
our resident protected bats. We continually
fundraise to pay eyewatering utilities and
insurance costs, and to keep this iconic
building standing as it would quickly fall into
the building at risk category if we didn’t. 2024
is the 200th anniversary of the current Kirk
building and we’d like to keep it going for a
good few more years. We hope to do some
‘Happy 200th Birthday Hill Kirk’ performances
during the year to help with further necessary
restoration.
Our annual Murder Mystery has been a great
success again, The Legacy of Talbot Manor
is this year’s offering, having been staged at
both Blairgowrie Town Hall and Bridge of Cally
Village Hall so far, and we are in the process of
booking other dates when we go further afield
‘on tour’. If you can’t make it along this year,
we’ll be back again in August next year with a
new show so watch out, it’s such a fun event.
The early part of 2024 will be taken up
with rehearsals for the annual Scottish
Community Drama Festival of One Act Plays.
The first round of this competitive drama
event takes place in Birnam Arts during the
last week of February involving a variety
of Perthshire clubs. We will stage our own
plays in Blairgowrie Town Hall during Spring
2024 so keep an eye on local advertising for
details. Our youth section, Curtains Up, will be
involved in this and are also planning other
productions for 2024 - more information will
be forthcoming on this soon.
Restoration work on our Club base, the Hill
Kirk, is still ongoing, some roof work being
completed in October 2023 to reduce water
ingress. We are restricted in what can be
PAGE 36 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Blairgowrie
and Rattray
Highland
Games
sponsored by
Proctor Group
Now that the dust has settled following this year’s successful games, the planning has already
begun for next year’s Games.
Put the date in your diary : SUNDAY, 8TH SEPTEMBER 2024
Once again, we would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all of those who helped out with
the Games in the run-up to the event and on the day, you know who you are.
With donations totalling more than £2000 made to all the local groups who helped out,
Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games is a big community event, and without the support of
the community, it would be very difficult to put on such a great day.
The weather was also a huge factor, in making this year’s event one of the most successful and
well attended Games.
Owing to just being at the planning stage, we cannot confirm what features/activities will be
attending next year, but the feedback from almost all of the vendors/traders/exhibitors was very
encouraging, with the majority intimating that they would like to be back next year, and we shall
be doing our utmost to get them back again.
Due to the success of the online ticket sales for this year, we are looking to do an ‘early bird’ sale
of tickets during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period in November.
This will give people an opportunity to get their tickets for next year, at a discounted price,
before they go on general sale in the New Year.
To keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments, please visit either the website or our
social media channels (see below).
If you would be interested in getting
involved, either on the committee or just as
a helper, please do get in contact. You will be
more than welcome to come along.
Please contact the Secretary on
secretary@blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk,
and we will keep you updated as to when
things are happening.
Alternatively, find us here:
Website:
www.blairgowriehighlandgames.co.uk
Facebook:
blairgowrieandrattrayhighlandgames
AW Joinery
For All your Joinery Services:
Home Improvements
Fitted Kitchens
Timber Decking
Solid Wood / Laminate Floors
01250 870 693
07876 133 342
www.aw-joinery.com
PAGE
37

BLAIRGOWRIE TOWN HALL
Blairgowrie Town Hall continues to be busy, but we always have space for more, you might just
have to book a little further in advance. The hall is used by many local community groups and
private hires but we are also becoming more popular with bands and comedy acts on tour.
Recently we’ve had our regular bi-weekly tea dances, the Ericht Scottish Dance Club, the
Community Football Club, SCYD and the monthly Strathmore Screen film shows all in the hall.
November brought Blair Live with Cherry Bombz, several Christmas craft fairs and a dog show.
It all kicks off in December though, in addition to our regular events! From Wednesday 6th to
Sunday 10th we have Blairgowrie Players’ annual pantomime, this year it’s Once Upon A Time in
Pantoland. There are evening performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with matinees
on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available from The Card Gallery and
www.ticketsource.co.uk/blairgowrieplayers
On Saturday 16th December we have the Hot Love Glam Rock Tribute show, classic hits from
T Rex, Bowie, Mud, Roxy Music, Status Quo and many more, starting at 7pm, tickets available
from TicketSource. Sounds like a fun night for those of us of a ‘certain age’, and for those who
would like to have been around in the 70s/80s.
On Sunday 17th December Strathmore Screen will bring us another enjoyable film in the
evening.
On Friday 22nd December we are delighted to have The Mad Ferret Band back with their Whirl
Tour of Scotland, they were very well received last year at what was a great night out. Tickets
available from Eventbrite.
On Friday 29th December we are delighted to host well known comedian Gary Meikle, tickets
available from www.breakneckcomedy.co.uk
Moving into 2024, you can make an appointment to donate blood on Sunday 7th January;
we have the Mary’s Meals ceilidh on Friday 12th January, and the fabulous comedian
Justin Moorhouse is with us on Sunday 14th, tickets for which available from
www.breakneckcomedy.co.uk.
Strathmore Screen are in again on Sunday 21st January, please come along and support local
cinema.
On the evening of Tuesday 20th February we are delighted to welcome Scottish Opera to the
Town Hall, please watch local advertising for details of when tickets go on sale.
On Sunday 10th March we are visited again by the McDougalls children’s entertainers, this time
they are in Toyland in what promises to be a colourful, sing-along hour for youngsters and their
accompanying adults!
We have a few other entertainers showing an interest in the Town Hall in March but await
confirmation. Please keep an eye on social media and also the notice boards outside the Town
Hall which have the most up to date information on them. If you have any queries about
anything happening in the Town Hall, or you wish to book an event, please contact
enquiries@blairgowrietownhall.co.uk or check out the website www.blairgowrietownhall.co.uk
Blairgowrie Town Hall is a charity run by a small group of unpaid volunteers.
PAGE
38 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

APPLES GALORE
You may have noticed some bags of apples in the
Wellmeadow in recent months. You may even have
accepted the offer to take some. But have you
wondered how they got there? A group of people
calling themselves Apples Galore has a lot of contacts
with people in and around the town who have more
apples in their garden than they can use and want
to give away what they don’t need. Apples Galore
volunteers have picked lots, put them in bags (180
bags at the time of writing) and leave them out in the
Wellmeadow.
This all began with Kristin Barrett seeing how many
apples were going to waste and doing something
about it. Since then, the work has steadily grown.
For example, the group has also been involved in the apple pressing events in September and
October which are mentioned in the article about the Climate Café.
The group has dwindled in recent years and would love to hear from anyone who would like to
help with this very rewarding work. If you would like to help next year from August onwards,
please get in touch with:
Kristin on 07505506892, or Len on 07530197213
PAGE
39

RATTRAY AND
DISTRICT SWI
News & Articles
Over the summer our committee put
together an exciting new syllabus and we
held our first meeting of the 2023/2024
session on September 18th. Returning
President, Kathleen McCormick, warmly
welcomed everyone to the meeting, including
our speaker from the Scottish Charity Air
Ambulance, invited judges Maggie and Isobel
from Kirkmichael and three new members,
Hazel, Marjorie and Mary.
On view at the meeting was our entry for
the National Vaughan Nash Community
Competition which was displayed at the
National Conference in Perth in September
with another 52 Christmas-themed entries.
Whilst we did not receive a prize, our entry
was given high marks and was just behind
the winners - well done to our talented
members who created such beautiful items.
Linda Retson gave a summary of the newstyle,
two-day conference, which was a great
success, and where a variety of speakers had
given inspiring, informative and entertaining
presentations. There was also a well-attended,
open Friday evening family market with a
range of activities and demonstrations.
Lesley Howkins gave us an update on our
upcoming social activities: the Craft Group’s
next meeting in October; Broughty Opera’s
White Christmas in November and our
Christmas/95th Birthday meal at the Red
House, Coupar Angus in December. Lots to
look forward to in the run up to Christmas.
Our speaker, Miles Carnell of Scotland’s Charity
Air Ambulance, described their key role in
working with the Scottish Ambulance Service
to save the lives of sick and injured people
throughout Scotland. They operate every day
and can reach 95% of the population within
25 minutes, giving paramedics speedy access
to patients for lifesaving treatment. Lesley
Howkins gave the vote of thanks and Kathleen
McCormick presented Miles with our donation
to the charity.
Following a good chinwag over teas and
coffees the results of the competitions were
announced and the raffle prizes drawn.
COMPETITION WINNERS
A Jar of Raspberry Jam:
1st Anne Simpson; 2nd Pam Menzies;
3rd Lesley Howkins
A recipe for a medicinal home remedy:
1st Lesley Howkins; 2nd Lynn Macaulay;
3rd Anne Simpson
Flower of the month:
Anne King with a Fuschia
Keep your eyes peeled on the local papers
for what’s on and reports of our meetings
through to May, including our Games Night
and Ruralympics in January and a performance
by the Blairgowrie Players at our open night in
April.
As you can see, we are a lively Institute so do
come and join us for fun and friendship and
to learn and share new skills. We meet on the
third Monday of the month, from September
to May, in Rattray Bowling Club, Middle Road,
Rattray, PH10 7EL.
For more information please contact
rattraypress-secyswi@hotmail.co.uk
or call 01828 633688.
PAGE
40 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

And just like that,
we’re in! We started
the autumn term
with all our Rainbow,
Brownie, Guide and
Ranger units meeting
in our new Guide
Hall, all together for
the first time since
our required hasty exit from the old hut in
2017. Our access to the hall came less than
a year after we watched the bulldozers move
in, which was an amazing feat for a building
built totally from funds gained from grants,
fundraising and donations. Local companies
and contractors were involved in the
construction and have given us a warm, well
insulated, energy efficient building which will
continue the long history of Girlguiding in the
local area. Local company ALGO were the main
contractor and have worked so well with us we
can only thank them. In addition, we express
our sincere thanks to all involved in the local
fundraising aspects of the build, from bingo to
quizzes to book sales, car washes, craft sales,
sponsored walks and many more, just THANK
YOU!
We will have our grand opening the weekend
of 27th/28th January, with the formal opening
on the Saturday morning and we to the
community in the afternoon. Keep an eye
on local advertising for further details of our
plans.
We are very pleased to note that our numbers
have increased within our units since we
moved into the Guide Hall. We have 2 Rainbow
units, 3 Brownie units, 2 Guide units and a
newly formed Ranger unit, which meet weekly
during term times with many additional
optional events during weekends and
school holidays. Girls can join any of the
levels (space permitting) at any time from
age 5 to 18, go to www.girlguiding.org.uk to
register your daughter, anytime from birth!
The earlier they are added to the system,
the better the chance of getting started
when they reach the minimum age. Equally,
if you are interested in helping the girls get
the best out of our meetings, please go to
the same area of the website to register
your interest and the District Commissioner
will be in touch to discuss the options. All
over 18s are subject to references and PVG
certification.
Our new hall is available for hire by groups
and individuals for meetings, parties, talks,
etc. We are very reasonably priced and can
offer use of the kitchen, provide tables and
chairs and have fully accessible facilities. If
you are interested in hiring the hall, please
email guidehutblairgowrie@gmail.com Terms
and conditions for hall use can be found on
the notice board outside the building or can
be sent to you on request. We are happy that
several bookings, particularly for children’s
parties, have been received already.
We are still fundraising to complete work on
the Hall, grounds and garden so we will still be
out and about shaking our buckets. We’ll be
at the Christmas Lights Switch On with Santa’s
Grotto and a hot drinks stall so come along and
say ‘hello’.
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PAGE
41

Tam’s Excuse
Your Honour, here’s the explanation
o this ridiculous situation -
the factors that cam intae play
an brocht me afore you the day.
Ever since I wis a wean
I couldna thole a craitur’s pain.
I’d bandage up a thorn-cut paw
or splint the wing o some auld craw
an that’s why, whiles, I’m tae be found
daunerin the woods around,
tendin ony beast in pain
an- och! I maybe should explain
the shotgun? It became a habit
when whiles I spied a myxy rabbit…..
Weel, June the First? I took a turn
alang the banks o Lunan Burn
an doon intae Meikleour Estatea
shortcut! It was wearin late.
Then aa at once I heard a shot -
a thievin poacher wis ma thocht -
when this puir bird crashed at ma feet
in sic a state - wad mak you greet.
I gently picked it up, but saw
that naethin could be done ataa……
The keeper caught me wi the bird.
The cuif, he’d no believe a word!
But that, your Honour, is the reason
I had that pheasant oot o season.
Janet McKenzie
Strathmore Screen
Upcoming Dates
Strathmore Screen at
Blairgowrie Town Hall
Sunday 26th November
Sunday 17th December
Sunday 21st January
Films to be confirmed...
Doors open 6.30pm, film at 7pm.
Tickets on sale from Mitchell’s & Calutek
£6.50 Full price, £6 Conc,
£5 Kids, £21 Family Ticket.
Follow us on Facebook
www.strathmorescreen.co.uk
The Card Gallery (Hallmark)
23, Allan Street, Blairgowrie. 01250 876444
“It’s the Thought that Counts”
Come to us for new design cards and
gifts that are a little bit different!
Exclusive ranges of quality cards including
Scottish Artists, Blank cards & Humour
New stock handmade and sourced in Scotland -
Award winning Eriskay Candles & Reed Diffusers.
Highland Soap Company - Ethical range of Scottish
Handmade Soaps & Skincare. Cath Waters (artist) -
beautifully designed gifts capturing the peace and
solitude of the Scottish landscape. Plus our usual
Fair Trade gifts; Scottish chocolate; Lewis Chessmen
and jewellery lovingly handmade in Blairgowrie,
Friendly, experienced staff, happy to help.
PAGE
42 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

The Climate Café
“Synecdoche” (noun)
Something smaller representing a bigger thing.
This word came up at one of our Climate Cafe
meetings and it seems to sum our efforts up
quite nicely, and possibly acts as a good oneword
summary of our activity since the last
Hub Magazine...
It all kicked off with the Friendship Cafe
who left us with a signed letter expressing
their care about the future of our planet. We
presented the letter to John Swinney when
we welcomed him back to one of our Climate
Cafe meetings in August, which was all very
engaging and overall quite positive.
We were then visited by local artist Helen
McCorrie who is working on a sustainable
travel project with Perth Theatre. Through
creative outlet we expressed the importance of
bus services to/from Blairgowrie and how they
could be improved and made more accessible.
The artwork will be showcased at a big event at
Perth Theatre on November 11th 1-4pm.
We continue to support Apples Galore and
held two community apple pressing events this
season that made 100s of litres of apple juice
from both donated, and people’s own, apples.
It was great to be back at the market in the
Wellmeadow for one of these events. CHECK
this went ahead and confirm number of apple
pressing events held
A big moment came for all Climate Cafes in
October as former Deputy First Minister, John
Swinney MSP led his first member’s debate in
16 years in Holyrood. He used the platform to
highlight the activity and success of Climate
Cafes with our very own Heat Project praised
by not by one or two, but by three members
of Parliament. The Heat Project is one of many
initiatives that grew from a conversation had
at Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Climate
Cafe, and it got us thinking about the initial
meetings we had when our Climate Cafe first
started and when we posed the question “what
would we like to see happen in our town?”
Our Climate Cafe is a space for people to come
together for a drink and a chat, with most of
us having a keen interest in the environment
around us. If you think you would like to come
along to chat, listen, or have a few ideas on
what positive impacts we could bring to our
community, then please pop by - everyone is
welcome. We also are very keen to create a
spin-off group to help act on these ideas, so
if you are interested in being involved in this
then let us know.
Climate action isn’t about not driving, turning
lights off or sitting in a cold house - it’s about
building a better community that works for
everyone. It’s where people can afford to be
warm in their homes, able to get to places they
want to go, and safely breathe unpolluted air
when they walk down the street.
It’s a chance for us to look at our resources,
what might not be working well for some
people, and what opportunities there are
to work together to improve it. It’s about
facilitating sustainable choices, empowering
people, and doing what is best for people and
planet, not just big business and the superrich.
There are lots of pieces to the puzzle, and
it isn’t one size fits all but there are lots of
benefits to everyone from a fairer greener
world.
If you want to be part of the conversation,
or just join us for a hot drink - we are now
meeting at the BaRI Building (55 High St,
Blairgowrie) from 7.30pm, every third
Wednesday of the month.
Contact at info@climatecafeblair.org.uk
PAGE 43

Adventure
into books
Winter READING
SUGGESTIONS
TALES GALORE – A TREAT ON EVERY PAGE
Looking for some Christmas-list inspiration? Looking for something
that will captivate and entertain? Look no further. With something
for everyone and every pocket, these recommendations are
guaranteed to delight children young and old.
Littlest Ones (Aged 0-2)
Peekaboo Santa
by Camilla Reid
This is the latest book in the wonderful Peekaboo series. The pictures are
bold and bright, there are things for little fingers to slide and flaps to open.
Lots of fun to be explored over and over again.
A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes and Poems
With 101 nursery rhymes, poems and songs, this rich collection has
something for everyone, from treasured favourites to playtime games and
bedtime lullabies. All beautifully brought together in this keepsake book.
Fabulous books to read together (ages 3-7)
The Great Storm Whale
by Benji Davies
As Noi’s grandma tells her story of an unforgettable friendship made
between a little girl and a whale long ago, a fresh and fearsome storm is
brewing, heralding the start of a brand new adventure for Noi.
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Train Trouble
by Tracy Corderoy
Shifty and Sam are baking on board the Pawrient Express when a sneaky
thief steals one of the passenger’s jewels. The doggy detectives are fast on
the thief’s tail as she makes her escape in a getaway gondola. Great fun!
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’s Christmas Shenanigans
by Alex T. Smith
This is a gorgeous retelling of this children’s Christmas classic. It’s the
night before Christmas and the Mouse Kings is up to no good, stealing
the key to the Kingdom of Sweets and causing festive mayhem. It’s a race
against time to stop the Mouse King’s naughty plans.
PAGE
44 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Up and away in a world of imagination (age 8+)
Dog Man 11: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea
by Dav Pilkey
The latest adventure in this fantastically popular comic book series.Piggy
is back with a new, diabolical plot, and it’s up to Dog Man and his Supa
Buddies to save the day. Fast- paced, heart-warming and funny.
Impossible Creatures
by Katherine Rundell
Christopher’s world is suddenly overrun by an avalanche of mythical
creatures, as the spells that had kept them protected wear thin. He and
a mysterious girl, Mal, are caught up in an urgent quest to find the truth.
Imaginative, marvellous fantasy at its best.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods
by Rick Riordan
A brand new adventure in this hugely popular series. The Greek gods have
three new quests for the modern-day son of Poseidon to complete. First up
is to find Ganymede’s missing golden chalice, and to do so fast – before it
falls into the wrong hands.
Facts to share
An Amazing History Atlas of Scotland
by local author David MacPhail
This fun and fascinating historical atlas takes readers on a tour through
time and place. From the glaciers of the ice age to the settlers of the
neolithic. From the Viking invaders and Jacobite supporters, to the great
Enlightenment thinkers. From the Highlands, Lowlands and Islands to
Scotland’s crofts, castles and cities. Fun and facts galore!
The DK Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Everything
Jam-packed with facts, quizzes and expert interviews, this strikingly
illustrated book grabs the attention. With content ranging from nature and
science, to technology, history and culture, it really does have something of
interest for everyone.
If you would like any further recommendations, just pop into see us in Adventure into Books.
Best wishes, Kate & Ralph
PAGE
45

News & Articles
Blairgowrie International
Café - All welcome!
Would you like to discover different cultures?
Meet people from different countries?
Visit our twin town in France?
Have you recently arrived in the area?
Would you like to help people who have?
Make new friends?
There are lots of reasons to join us
at our gatherings, for young & old, for good chat
& special events
every 2 nd & 4 th Saturday of the month
14.30 to 16.30
St Catharine's Centre, George Street,
Blairgowrie PH10 6EY
Yummy refreshments provided
If you have any questions or would like to join the mailing list,
please contact: blairgowrieinternationalcafe@gmail.com
*Supported by Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Council & Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust.
Funded by the Tayside Small Grants Fund.
PAGE
46 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

PARTICIPANTS SOUGHT FOR
RESEARCH STUDY
Can you help us?
We would like to speak to people over 65 living
with foot problems as part of the research
study I-FOQUSS: The impact of foot problems
on social participation in older people
We know that foot problems affect many older
people and can influence how they take part
in activities with others. People with a wide
range of problems, from corns, calluses (hard
skin), bunions, cracked heels, toenail problems
to foot problems caused by other conditions
could be eligible.
The aim of this research is to understand
the impact foot problems have on the ability
to take part in physical and social activities,
e.g.: to visit friends and family, taking part in
hobbies, community events, or volunteering.
The results of this study will be used to help
improve services.
What’s involved?
An interview so that we can hear about your
experiences. Don’t panic - it’s an informal chat
with some semi-structured questions about
how your feet feel and how they affect your
social activities.
If you are interested, we’ll send you an
information sheet with full details and give
you the chance to ask questions and think
about participation. Then, if you agree to take
part, you will be asked to complete a short
questionnaire about your feet to confirm your
eligibility. This will take three minutes and can
be done via email or by Jane, the interviewer.
We will then arrange the interview with you.
• Interviews last between 30 and 60
minutes.
• They can be held in person, online or by
telephone.
• Where and whenever is convenient for
you.
After the interview Jane will take you through
another short questionnaire about your feet.
If you have a friend or family member who
might also be willing to take part in the
research, please let us know. We will invite
them to attend a focus group later in the study.
Don’t worry if you don’t want to do this. It’s not
a condition of participation and we still want to
hear from you.
When we have completed the interviews,
and analysed the results, we will share these
results with you at a final event. It doesn’t
matter if you don’t want to take part in this
final event - we would still be interested in
talking to you about your feet.
Who are we?
The study is organised by Gavin Wylie, who
is a podiatrist and researcher in the School
of Health Sciences at the University of
Dundee. The interviewer is Jane Dickson, an
experienced healthcare researcher.
Anything you tell us about yourself, or your
health will be kept anonymous. You will be
given a participant number, so that we use this
instead of your name in reports and papers.
The study is funded by a foot health charity
called Great Foundations.
For further information,
Please contact: Jane Dickson
Email: e.j.dickson@dundee.ac.uk
Telephone Number: 01382 381373
School of Health Sciences
University of Dundee
11 Airlie Place
Dundee DD1 4HJ
PAGE
47

A friendly and efficient local firm of solicitors and estate agents
Property purchases and sales
Wills and executries
Family law
Powers of Attorney
Miller Gerrard, Solicitors & Estate Agents
The Studio, 13 High Street
Blairgowrie PH10 6ET
Telephone 01250 873468
Email mg@millergerrard.co.uk
Website www.millergerrard.com
SHOLACH
CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
C h o o s e y o u r C h r i s t m a s t r e e o n
t h e f a r m f r o m N o v e m b e r 2 4 t h
O p e n F r i d a y t o S u n d a y 1 0 a m - 3 p m
s a l e s @ s h o l a c h t r e e s . c o m
w w w . s h o l a c h t r e e s . c o m
PAGE
48 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Many years ago at teacher training college I was taught that repetition is the essence of good
teaching. I realise it is some time since I said what Men’s Sheds are for, as opposed to what we
do. Men’s Sheds are designed to contribute to the wellbeing of society as a whole by keeping
men out of institutional living as long as possible (not to mention out of their wives’ way every
so often). The idea is that men, just like women, need a space to be themselves. Sheds provide
that space. Statistics suggest that for every shedder, a total of five others benefit, in one way or
another.
Shedders do all sorts of things. A number went to a play in Birnam recently – about a shedder
naturally. We had an impromptu tool sale in Coupar Angus (not sure how the dogs sneaked in) as
without a rich benefactor, fundraising is essential.
A lot of the time we just chat or chew
the fat. How much fat depends
on what you bring to our regular
sheddybrek Saturday mornings. You
bring it, our resident chef will cremate
it for you on our very own griddle. Why
not join us on a Tuesday evening, add
to our skill set and widen the ways in
which we can help each other and the
community around us. We meet at
1 High Street Coupar Angus; just to the
side of the Limetree restaurant.
Alan McArthur, Chairman
07745 700916
And we have been building
another raised bed.
Last article I showed an
armchair, or at least the
skeleton of one, springs and
all and promised an update.
Watch this space to see how
we get on with this one!
PAGE
49

The Wright Root, Market
Gardeners, Coupar Angus.
We grow and sell chemical free
vegetables as well as Organic
Fruit and Vegetables when ours
are not in season!
Open on Saturdays between
10am and 2pm at Bright View,
Keay Street, PH10 6JE from the
garage on Newton Terrace.
Bedding, Herb, Vegetable and
flower plants coming soon.
Contact John on
07895 607614
thewrightroot@gmail.com
thewrightroot
@thewrightroot
#thewrightroot
Looking for new doors and flooring?
Our new showroom is open Monday-Friday 7.30-5, Saturdays 8-12
Mention code BH1123 for a special discount
Individual doors or available pre-hung in frames
www.orchardtimberproducts.co.uk Email: sales@orchardtimberproducts.co.uk
Orchardbank Business Park, Newford Park, Forfar Tel. 01307 474 800
PAGE
50 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

SIMPLE CRAFT ACTIVITIES
USING BITS AND PIECES
FROM AROUND THE HOME
“Handy” Xmas Wreath
Materials
• Green Paper
• Small red pompoms or buttons
• Red ribbon - 20cms
• Pencil
• Glue
• Scissors
• Cardboard
1.
Cut out a ring of cardboard -
approximately the size of a
dinner plate.
Using your own hand draw
around it then cut out.
Cut out 20 green paper hands
2.
3.
Glue each hand around the
cardboard ring, over lapping
them and making sure the
fingers are on top, until the
wreath is covered.
Glue on the pompoms or
buttons to look like berries.
4.
Attach a loop of ribbon to the
back of your wreath to hang it.
PAGE
51

Photo taken by Markus Stitz
We had a busy summer in the Cateran
Ecomuseum with our current programme of
free guided walks and cycles now at an end.
Thanks to National Lottery players and our successful application to the National Lottery
Heritage Fund, we have been able to offer 24 free guided walks and cycles since March this year
which have been attended by around 100 people, building on our work with local communities
and visitors to the area.
The inaugural Lezyne Cateran Dirt Dash 5050 - a collaboration between the Ecomuseum and Dirt
Dash Ltd - saw 52 participants cycle 55 miles (87km) self-supported around the Cateran Trail.
Participants ranged in age from 12 to 72 years old and 35 per cent were women.
The ‘bikepackers’ set out from Alyth Bowling Club before heading to Kirkmichael, the Lunch Hut
and Glenshee where they camped for the night. They then cycled from Glenshee to Glenisla
before returning to Alyth the following day.
And we’re delighted to announce that following the success of the event, it will return to the area
over the weekend of May 4th and 5th next year. Save the date!
We also celebrated the social history and cultural significance of Meigle’s intriguing past with
more than 100 people attending three events over the course of a weekend.
These included a talk from Dr Mark Hall, archaeologist and collections officer for Perth
Museum & Art Gallery, who discussed the Pictish sculptures from Meigle, following their story
through time and exploring their ongoing cultural significance and their importance to our
understanding of the Picts, and Monumental Meigle, a ‘promenade play’ that tells the stories
of, and makes modern-day interpretations of, several landmarks and points of interest in the
historic east Perthshire village. An audio recording of the play will be available online soon, so
watch this space!
All of the events that we have held over the past few months have aimed to increase the number
of active travel for leisure and regenerative tourism experiences offered by the Ecomuseum,
positioning it as one of Scotland’s premier car-free holiday destinations.
The events were also part of the wider Museum of Rapid Transition programme, which has been
PAGE
52 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

designed to encourage people to live more sustainably by learning how stories from our past can
help guide the story of our future.
Our new ‘River Detectives’ initiative is a great example of this in practice. Volunteer community
scientists and historians from the Tayside area are working with us - and leading environmental
scientist Dr Richard Tipping and landscape historian Christopher Dingwall - on four groundbreaking
projects investigating how we managed our rivers, bogs and lochans in the past and
how this knowledge might help us take better care of them in the future.
If you have a few hours a month to spare this
is a great opportunity to do something positive
about the climate crisis and learn new skills at
the same time - there’s still time to get involved
if you would like to.
For further information and to be kept upto-date
with events and activities, follow The
Cateran Ecomuseum on social media, see the
website www.cateranecomuseum.co.uk or email
thecateranecomuseum@gmail.com to sign up to
our newsletter.
Photo taken by Clare McMicking
NOW BOOKING
all things festive!
PARTY NIGHTS
FESTIVE MENU
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCHES
GIFT VOUCHERS
www.theangushotel.com/christmas or call 01250 872 455
PAGE
53

PAGE 54

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Fire Risk Assessments & Consultancy
Fire Extinguisher Servicing & Safety Signage
Fire Marshall & Staff Fire Awareness Training
Fire hydrants, Dampers &
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Contact us for advice,
or for a free survey or quotation
01250 833104
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www.grahamfireprotection.com
A PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE AND
WELL-ESTABLISHED, FAMILY RUN COMPANY
BESPOKE METAL FABRICATIORS
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Based in Blairgowrie, equipped to meet the needs of the
domestic and light commercial market. We specialise in
making your vision a reality.
Examples of how we can help you:
• Handrails
• Driveway & Pedestrian Gates
• Composite Panel Gates
• Doorway Platforms & Access Ramps
• Stainless Steel House Name Signs
• Metal Repairs
For a free quote or discuss your needs and vision
just get in touch.
TEL: 07772147556 or 01250 870193
Email: darkfauldsfabrication@gmail.com
PAGE
55

Church Notices
The Scottish Episcopal Church
East Perthshire Group of Churches
www.abcsaints.co.uk
Phone: 01250 873272
Sunday Services: 9.30am - Sung Eucharist
East of Scotland Methodists
Blairgowrie and Rattray Methodists
Minister: Rev Nick Baker 01382 731342
E.mail: Nicholas.baker@methodist.org.uk
Meet most Sundays at the SCYD cafe in the Wellmeadow at 11am. All are welcome.
Rattray Church, Church of Scotland
www.rattrayksg.org.uk
Minister: Rev. Linda Stewart
Tel: 01250 872 462
Service Time: Sunday 11.15
Support your local church in Rattray, where you will always find a warm welcome.
There will be a service of carols and readings on Christmas Eve, Sunday 24th December, at 7pm.
St Stephen’s R C Church, John Street, Blairgowrie,
& St Lunan’s Church, Alexandra Street, Alyth
Parish Priest – Father Gregory Umunna
Tel: 01250-872171 Email: ststephen@dunkelddiocese.org.uk
Mass Times: St Stephen’s
10.00am: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
7pm: Wednesday 6.30pm: Saturdays Vigil Mass
11am: Sunday
St Lunan’s - 9.30am: Sunday
December 2023 Christmas Mass Times
Wednesday 20th
10.00am: St Luan’s - Holy Mass
6.00pm: St Stephen’s Exposition/Adoration,
Reconciliation.
7.00pm: St Stephen’s Holy Mass
Thursday 21st
10.00am: St Stephen’s Holy Mass
6.00pm: St. Stephen’s: St Stephen’s Primary
School Carol Service. Everyone is invited.
Friday 22nd
10.00am: St Luan’s: Reconciliation & Holy Mass
Saturday 23rd
6.30pm: St Stephen’s Vigil Mass
Sunday 24th - Fourth Sunday of Advent
9.30am: St Luan’s Holy Mass
11.00am: St Stephen’s Holy Mass
Monday 25th - Christmas Day
9.30am: St Luan’s - Carol Service followed by
Holy Mass
11.00am: St Stephen’s - Carol Service followed
by Holy Mass
Tuesday 26th
10.00am. St Stephen’s - Feast of St. Stephen.
Holy Mass
Wednesday 27th
10.00am: St Stephen’s - Feast of St John. Holy
Mass
Thursday 28th
10.00am: St Luan’s - Feast of The Holy
Innocents. Holy Mass
Monday 31st
9.30am: St Luan’s - Holy Family of Jesus, Mary
and Joseph Feast – Holy Mass
11.00am: St Stephen’s - Holy Mass
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wishing you every grace and peace from
heaven above and a healthy and happy New
Year.
‘Emmanuel – God is with us’
Father Gregory Umunna.
PAGE
56 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Blairgowrie Parish Church (Church of Scotland)
www.blairgowrieparishchurch.org.uk www.facebook.com/BlairgowrieParish
Autumn finds the Trustees and church
members busy! Taking over from the
Congregational Board, our new working groups
are getting under way; each with responsibility
for difference aspects of the life and work of
our church family. A ‘Reflection Day’ is planned
for the end of November which will enable
us to help clarify our priorities for the coming
years.
Our hall users have also restarted after the
summer break and are in full swing. To check
availability contact Colleen on 01250 873701.
Once again, the church took part in the Doors
Open weekend when once again we were
delighted to host a day when many of the
town’s school children visited the church and
took part in activities.
On the weekend of the 15th,16th and 17th
the Church took part in the Civic Trust’s Open
Doors weekend. On Friday 15th the local
schools were invited and 120 children came
to look around the Church and took part in
a sheep trail and treasure hunt. The children
loved looking round the building and finding
the answers and the lost sheep. With Martha
Easton playing the organ, the children were
given the opportunity to test try the keys and
pedals. Over the weekend visitors were served
teas and coffees and a lovely afternoon tea on
Saturday afternoon prepared by the Guild. In
the Church there was entertainment by ‘Not
them again’ (Andy Lang and Jim Webster), Janet
Coyle and Fiona Bain on the organ.
camp was run for primary school pupils, the
theme was teambuilding and the stories of
Joseph, Jesus, Paul and Barnabas. Stories were
told, games played and lots of items made to
take home.
As we look forward to celebrating the advent
season, services are as follows:
22nd October – Harvest Thanksgiving Service
5th November – Communion
12th November – Service of Remembrance
3rd December – First Sunday in Advent.
24th December – Christingle Family Service
25th December - Christmas Day Service at
10.30am.
All are welcome at any of these services.
Many of the townsfolks got in touch when the
clock stopped chiming and striking the hour.
It took some time, but the clock is once more
sounding across the town centre!
The hall was repainted at the beginning of the
holidays and all the cracks and staining from
the roof problems were covered and the hall
now looks very clean and tidy.
For more information, check out our Facebook
and website:
www.facebook.com/BlairgowrieParish
Church of Scotland |
Blairgowrieparishchurch.org.uk | Blairgowrie
To tie in with the Open weekend there was a
Messy Church where the children could take
part in the sheep trail and learnt about how
we should always welcome people in whoever
they are.
At the beginning of the month on the first
Sunday the early morning services have
restarted which is a mix of hymns, activities
and a message. Everyone is welcome on the
first Sunday of the month at 9.30am in the hall.
In the October holidays a successful holiday
St Stephen’s pupils having their snack on the
lawn before their “Open Doors” visit.
PAGE
57

Bendochy Church
The Church of Scotland, in it’s their planned
cutbacks, wishes to close Bendochy Church in
2026 and we, at Bendochy, are firmly against
this. It would be of great help for our cause
if we were to increase our congregation
numbers. Would you come and join us for
Sunday worship? We are hald a mile up the
road at the Bendochy crossroads on the
Blairgowrie/Coupar Angus road before the
river Isla.
This very old and charming church situated
down by the river Isla has been a place of
worship for 900 years. It is one of the oldest
ecclesiastic sites in Scotland. It has traditional
pews and a fine oak pulpit, one of only two of
their kind in Scotland.
We hold church services every Sunday at
10.00am. We are a very friendly and welcoming
group of parishioners. There is ample parking.
We have coffee or tea after service on the first
Sunday of the month.
We also have a meeting room, the Coach
House, with kitchen facility and toilet, which is
available to rent for up to 30 people.
We shall be opening a Community Cafe in
the Coach House every second Wednesday of
the month from 10.30am till Noon during the
winter, to which all are warmly invited.
Blairgowrie Evangelical
Church
In the last edition of the Hub magazine I
outlined what I understand the ‘Church’ bit
of our name means and promised I would
address the ‘Evangelical’ bit this time. So here
goes.
Nearly 40 years ago I was part of the National
Evangelical Church of Kuwait (yes there is
such a thing) and was involved in preparing
the induction service for a new pastor. It was
a long time ago and I can’t remember what
exactly it was that I had suggested but Pastor
Hilmi from the Arabic congregation (that exists
too) told me, “That’s not how Evangelicals
do things”. When I was in Germany, we
were required to state religious affiliation
for tax purposes and the choices were and
for tax purposes, we were required to state
religious affiliation the choices were Catholic,
Evangelical or nothing. Clearly ‘Evangelical’
means different things to different people at
different times and a degree of confusion is
understandable.
Even as a failed teacher of English I think a
dictionary is as good a place as any to start
when looking for a meaning. As an adjective “of
or according to the teaching of the gospel or the
Christian religion” and as a noun “a member of
the evangelical tradition of the Christian Church”.
As a noun, that definition sounds a bit circular
to me so let’s look at the adjective and that
refers us for context to “the gospel” or to “the
Christian Church”. Again dictionaries help. How
many gospels are there, could be a question
these days in a pub quiz. Fifty years ago
everyone educated in Scotland knew there are
four, but in truth that was the wrong question,
because Gospel just means Good Story or Good
News. (It comes from a composite Greek word
‘Euangelion’ hence the Evangelical tag.)
The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John) tell the story of the historical Jesus of
Nazareth who lived and died under the Roman
occupation of Israel almost two thousand
years ago. So far so interesting. This Jesus gave
great moral teaching and even claimed to be
the Son of God. Had he stayed dead after his
execution it is unlikely that anyone other than
serious historians would have ever been aware
of his existence. But he didn’t stay dead. On
the third day he was brought back to life, just
as he had said would happen. Think about it.
This ‘good news’ is rooted in real historical
facts of the person and work of the man Jesus.
Not just a philosophy, not even his teachings,
good as they are.
So how does that help in the ‘evangelical’ bit
of our name? Basically we believe these four
gospels and the rest of the bible (no space
here for explaining why) to be the word of God.
Not just to contain the word of God as some
Christians would argue. For evangelicals the
Bible is the final authority. We take it, …errr,
as Gospel, and try to follow it as if our lives
depended on it, which, in the really long run,
they do – but that might be for another article.
BEC meets each Sunday, 11am, at Rattray Hall
Community Hub. The sign outside says all
welcome.
Alan McArthur (Secretary) 07745 700 916
PAGE
58 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Blairgowrie & Rattray Community Football Trust
A piece of really good news in the last month
was the announcement by The Scottish
Football Association in conjunction with
Howden’s Game Changer Programme that
the Blairgowrie and Rattray Community
Football Trust has been successful in securing
a brand-new fitted kitchen for Phase Two of
the development at Davie Park The award
could not have come at a better time as the
Clubs plans for a new community pavilion to
be installed at Davie Park are close to being
finalised. The kitchen will be an essential part
of this development and we will be working
closely with the staff at their local depot at
Welton Road. This is brilliant news, and we
cannot wait to get started.
To help launch the
program earlier
this year Scotland
Women’s National
Team legend Julie
Fleeting (photo left) -
who boasts 116 goals
and 121 caps for her
country - and Chris
Kamara lent their
support, driving home
the importance of
grassroots football
and clubhouse
facilities on their own
careers. If kitchens
are the heart of our
homes, then kitchens
should be the heart of
community grassroots
football too.
Continuing on the good news front, Chelsea
Tindall (photo above) has been appointed
as the BRCFT the second Community
Development Officer at BRCFT. Chelsea has
recently completed a four-year course at
Perth UHI and has been involved in the Clubs
women’s recreation football team for the last
year. Chelsea will work alongside our other
CDO Lawrie Mitchell in developing various
kids/youths’ programmes within the Club and
the local community. Both positions are part
funded by The Gannochy Trust without whose
involvement we would not have been able to
make this appointment.
Both her and Lawrie are tasked with working
alongside all other voluntary organisations in
Blairgowrie and Rattray and the schools using
the theme of football to bring locals of all ages
into some form of exercise based at Davie
Park.
Programmes: Some of these programmes
are already in place with likes of Free Football
for certain age groups of children, free lunch
sessions with funding proved by organisations
such as the local Community Investment Fund,
McDonalds, the National Lottery and the SFA.
Both Lawrie and Chelsea would encourage
anyone who would like to be involved to
contact them on the following addresses,
Lawrie at brcfc.cdo@gmail.com and Chelsea,
chelseabrcfccdo@gmail.com.
Volunteers: As with most organisations the
Club is always looking for volunteers to assist
in the running of the whole facility. If you have
an hour or so a week that you would like to
help in the Clubs development then please
get in touch at alex.thomson@tiscali.co.uk or
phone 07511321405.
Teams: With winter evenings now upon us the
demand for the 3G floodlit facility is increasing.
In the main weekday evenings are taken up
with the Clubs kids/youth teams, local amateur
teams and Blairgowrie Juniors FC. At the time
of writing this article there are some slots
available from 8.20pm to 9.30 pm and on a
Sunday afternoon. Enquiries should be emailed
to sandythomson1949@gmail.com.
Year: As we approach the end of another busy
year the Trustees, subcommittee members,
coaches, players, ground staff and players
would like to extend a big thank you to the
community for its support and wish everyone a
peaceful and pleasant festive break as we look
forward to new opportunities in the New Year.
PAGE 59

Blairgowrie
& District
Hillwalking
Club (BDHC)
As this piece was being written there were
reports of snow falling in the northwest of
Scotland and snow forecasted for the northern
Cairngorms for the end of next week. Most
hillwalkers look forward to walking in the
white stuff and the membership of BDHC is no
exception. Winter gear will be being dug out
and checked to ensure that it is in good order
for the winter ahead.
All very different from the weather enjoyed
by a large group of club walkers during their
recent autumn weekend. The group was
based in the Onich area and enjoyed some
memorable days in what is one of our most
popular mountain regions.
One member in particular, Jinty Smart, had
been looking forward to the weekend for a
very specific reason, the completion of her
round of the 282 Munros. Jinty’s final hill was
Carn Mor Dearg, and at 1223mtrs, is one of the
highest. So it was on Saturday 16th September,
a glorious day, that a large group of BDHC
members accompanied Jinty up her ultimate
Munro. The traditional tunnel of walking poles
was raised in recognition. A very enjoyable
meal was enjoyed by all that evening.
in particular
our hills and
glens but
including our
coast. There
is a social
dimension
to club
membership,
not only on
our walks,
held every
three weeks,
but also the
regular social
events that
take place
throughout
the year.
It is worth noting that the BDHC celebrated its
45th year anniversary at the end of October
with a meal at Little’s Restaurant that also
served as a useful fundraiser.
If any reader has thought of joining likeminded
people in the hills, why not consider
joining your local hillwalking club? We offer
two trial outings before the need to commit to
joining. Please visit our website at
www.bdhc.org.uk where all the relevant
information is available to view. This includes
a blog section where reports and photographs
from all recent walks can be found.
Ian Richards
This has brought the
club’s total of completers
to sixteen. One of these,
Patrick Hamilton, was a
double Munroist having
finished his second
round in 2009. Sadly,
Patrick died recently and
will be sorely missed by
everyone who knew him
and walked with him.
As a mark of respect,
Jinty dedicated her final
Munro to his memory.
Whilst many of the club’s
members are Munroists,
it is by no means
everyone who seeks
to climb them all, the
common denominator
amongst members is
a love of the outdoors,
PAGE
60 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

PAGE 61

Rattray Tennis Club
As the clock changes, and the days and nights
get colder it’s a sign to the the committee of
Rattray Tennis Club, to bring the curtain down
on another very successful season. As the
committee start to close the tennis club up for
the season, by taking the nets down, turning off
the water, and securing the clubhouse and court
areas, a discussion and review of the season
ensues. The salient points discussed were the
successful return of coaching by Nicola Carrie
to all ages, the successful participation in the
Strathmore tournament, and Dave Gowrie
successfully defended his singles title. Dave, with
his son Kieran, also won the gents doubles for a
second season.
Rattray Tennis Club, then hosted two very
successful tournaments, first the Willie Bell,
followed in August by the Willie Turner, with a
stunning play by Anne Gair who was the winning
lady for both tournaments. Well done Anne -
what a fantastic performance. The finale to such
a successful season was the club championships
results as follows:
Ladies singles - Nici Rymer bt Cath Robertson
Gents singles - Dave Gowrie bt Kieran Gowrie
Ladies doubles - Cath Robertson and Chloe
Baxter bt Sandi MacDougall and Tatiana Grey
Gents doubles - Dave Gowrie and Murray Baxter
bt Kieran Gowrie and Mike Edwards
Mixed doubles - Anne Gair and Nick Joy bt Nici
Rymer and Callum Ritchie.
Well done to the winners & runners up.
To keep all the members interested and busy
over the winter the committee has introduced
Pickleball one of the fastest growing sports in
the USA, which and will be run by our tennis
coach Nicola Carrie RTC tennis coach. If you’re
interested and want to come along and give
Pickleball a go, please contact Nicola on
07746 138464. RTC is a member of the LTA
Rattray Tennis Club is a member of the Lawn
Tennis Association.
The committee would like to thank all their
members for their loyal support, and wish
everybody a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year.
Blairgowrie
Badminton Club
Get Back to Badminton
Would just like to confirm that our new
season 2023-2024 oficially started after our
AGM hed on 5th October...
Some adult members and visitors have
frequented the courts during the summer
month and junior members enthusiastically
started back early September at warm-up
sessions after the October mid-term break.
An existing member? ...wishing to be a new
member?
We look forward to welcoming you all to our
sessions.
Juniors 9-17yrs Wednesdays 5-6pm
(term time: September to April)
Adults 18+ Thursdays 7-9pm
(all year: exception Christmas and New Year)
in the Live Active Recreation Centre,
Beeches Road Blairgowrie
Any queries please contact -
Club Secretary/Junior Leader
Mrs Sandi MacDougall
01250 876882
Susan Coutts (MAR BSc RM)
Reflexology, Indian Head Massage,
Maternity Reflexology
18 Poplar Avenue, Blairgowrie, PH10 6SR
Tel: 01250 875071, Mobile: 07949204932
blairgowriereflexology@hotmail.com
www.blairgowriereflexology.co.uk
PAGE 62 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Fours: Karen Fisher, Christine Kidd, Karen Page &
Catherine Kinnear
Rattray Bowling Club
It is difficult to realise that we have come to
the end of another bowling season at Rattray
Bowling Club and what a season we have had.
We opened the green on Saturday 15 April
this year and for some members it has been
wall to wall bowling until the closing game on
Saturday 23 September. It has been a very busy
season again with Association games, league
games, friendlies and internal competitions
alongside social bowling for those who prefer
less competitive matches.
The club has had a very successful season
again with the ladies’ section winning the
Perth and Perthshire Triples trophy for the
second year in a row, and they will proceed to
represent Perthshire in Bowls Scotland Top Ten
next year. The ladies also won the Angus and
Perthshire Fours Cup.
The Gent’s section were successful in winning
the district final in the Bowls Scotland Fours
and represented the area at Ayr in the National
Finals in July. The Gents also won the Perth
and District Centenary Cup at the end of the
season.
Rattray ladies were delighted this year to win
the league flag in the Sidlaw Ladies’ Bowling
League after weeks of competing against other
clubs in the district. This was a big achievement
considering that our pool of players was much
reduced for one reason or another so well
done ladies on your victory.
The Senior Gents’ section also did very well
as they won the Strathmore Senior Bowling
League for the tenth time in a row. Well done
gents.
Although the bowling season is now closed
there is still a lot going on at the club and
we are always open to members and visitors
who wish to visit or use the facilities. Our
opening hours are reduced in the winter but
Triples: Karen Fisher, Evelyn Turpie and
Catherine Kinnear
we are open for private functions and group
meetings when required. The club is open
on Fridays from 19.00 hrs and Saturdays and
Sundays from 13.00 hrs onwards. We have the
Blairgowrie and District Accordion and Fiddle
group the second Tuesday in the month and
every Monday afternoon we hold a Mahjong
group where anyone is invited to come along
and learn how to play.
The club holds regular Saturday night cash
Bingo nights and social functions throughout
the year when everyone is welcome to attend.
Regular updated information can be seen on
our Facebook page prior to these events.
Our club has fantastic facilities for private
functions and these can be hired at a modest
cost by contacting our social convenor at
socialconvenor@rattraybowlingclub.co.uk
We have a licensed bar and lounge area, a fully
equipped kitchen and modern toilet facilities
so please do come along and see what we have
to offer.
New members are made very welcome and
for first year members the subscription is only
£25 for the year which includes entry into
competitions, playing in friendly games and
full use of the facilities. For anyone who would
prefer not to play bowls but would rather join
as an Associate member the annual fee is only
£20 and junior members are free.
For further information about any of the above
or about the club in general please see the
contact details below.
Contact details are:
Rattray Bowling Club, Middle Road, Rattray,
Blairgowrie, PH10 7EL.
Email address:
secretary@rattraybowlingclub.co.uk
Tel. No. 01250 872919
Web site: www.rattraybowlingclub.co.uk
Facebook: Rattray Bowling Club
PAGE 63

Sports & Activities
BLAIRGOWRIE RAMBLERS
Blairgowrie Ramblers are a friendly group
of walkers who meet every two weeks to go
walking.
Of course, there is lots of friendly chat as well!
Most of the walks are on a Saturday, meeting
at the Wellmeadow to organise transport. We
also have a weekend away once a year and this
year we intend going to Granton-on-Spey.
Listed are our November 2023 to March 2024
walks. If you would like to try out our
Group please contact: Pat Fraser on
patriciafraser@btinternet.com or
07843 786191 and she will give you all the
information required.
Saturday
18th November
Fungarth and Dunkeld Circular
Saturday
10th February
Kingsbarns Snowdrop Walk
Saturday
2nd December
Newtyle Railway and
Polish Cross
Saturday
24th February
Birnam Loop 1
Saturday
16th December
Craighall Bridge Circular
Saturday
9th March
Loch Shandra and Auchintaple
Loch Circular
Saturday
30th December
Arbroath to Auchmithie
Cliff Top Walk
Wednesday
13th March
Midweek Meander from
The Wellmeadow (Taster Walk)
Saturday
13th January
Alyth Hill and Beaver Walk
Saturday
23rd March
Morton Lochs and Scotscraig
Saturday
27th January
Winter Walk and Lunch
Blairgowrie Tennis Club
Blairgowrie Tennis Club has moved into the
winter season with lots of activities taking
place on the all weather courts. Courts 1 and
2 have been repainted with antislip which
should benefit players in colder weather.
The junior coaching continues outside on
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday morning.
Check times and ages on website,
Facebook or contact Susan Whiteford
susan.whiteford@btinternet.com
Adult afternoon club sessions are on Monday
and Thursday afternoon from 1.30pm. Adult
coaching is now on Tuesday evening with
beginners/improvers at 6.30pm followed by
players at 7.30pm. Thursday evening club
matches take place with players taking part
in organised two set matches throughout the
winter, weather permitting.
The courts can be booked on a Play and Pay
basis by booking through the club’s Clubspark
website at a cost of £8 per court per hour.
Winter membership is available at £50 which
PAGE
64 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

includes lights and allows the member to join
in with any of the club sessions or activities.
The autumn junior coaching finished with a
team competition which included members
of other clubs. The winners were Ally’s
team; everyone played lots of matches and
improved through the evening.
A new block of walking tennis started in
late October on Tuesday 24th October from
10-11am. Walking tennis is for players who
haven’t played for a while or who feel they
are not able to run around the court. Players
are allowed two bounces and the games are
played with lower bouncing balls.
On Wednesday evenings at 7pm there is a
Cardio session where for an hour players hit
lots of tennis balls and keep moving doing a
variety of exercises. Everyone is welcome and
can sign up for either coaching by contacting
Nicola on 07746138464
David Scott (Blairgowrie) Ltd
FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND
MONUMENTAL AGENTS
65 HIGH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE
PERTHSHIRE, PH10 6DF
Telephone (01250) 876400 Fax (01250) 870064
email: enquiries@dscottfunerals.co.uk
Also at 7 Toutie Street, Alyth, PH11 8BP
Tel: (01828) 633433
PAGE
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PAGE
66 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Local politicians’ articles
Cllr Bob Brawn
Scottish Conservative and
Unionsist Party
Blairgowrie and Glens Ward
October as ever hails a change in weather and
we have already seen a weekend of intense
rain, and whilst Perth itself has suffered severe
flooding, the local Community Council advise
no homes in Rattray, which had previously
been affected, had an ingress of flood water.
Much of this was down to the preparations and
work of the Resilience Group and all thanks to
them.
Flooding remains a serious concern and
independent consultants have been engaged
to assess the problems across Blairgowrie and
Rattray and their potential solutions are to be
shown at a public display in November. This
will allow residents to give their comments on
said solutions prior to any decision on moves
forward.
August saw the much-discussed Gran Fondo
cycle race take place on a circular route
starting and finishing in Perth, bringing cyclists
through Enochdhu, Kirkmichael, Ballintuim,
Bridge of Cally and on to Blairgowrie. As
planned, this involved closure of roads
on a rolling basis. Although there was
understandable concern beforehand, and
there were some local problems, overall the
whole event was a major success with much
support for the riders all over, and praise for
PKC. Certainly an event to remember.
The summer also saw the Highland Games
season upon us. The Strathardle Gathering,
with good weather and a new Chieftain, proved
once again to be a popular event, with huge
support. even though there was no agricultural
show this year. And the Blairgowrie and
Rattray Highland Games was just as much a
success. again helped by excellent weather.
All thanks go to the committee members of
both shows - all volunteer - who organise these
days.
The controversy of rewilding our greenspaces
and increasing biodiversity continues following
a hearing on the petition raised by residents
at Carsie Green, which was eventually refused
on a vote by the Climate Change committee.
We now move forward seeking a compromise
and to that end a further meeting of residents
has just been held. Hopefully we will find some
success.
The lovely summer weather also helped
produce a marvellous display of flowers across
the town all courtesy of our Blair in Bloom
group. Many an early morning I witnessed
volunteers doing the rounds watering the
various baskets.
And it would be wrong not to recognise the
enormous work carried out by the many
groups across Blairgowrie, Rattray and indeed
the Glens - all run by volunteers who give up
their own free time. There are too many to
name but thanks to all.
My father used to say that once we passed
Remembrance Sunday, it was downhill for
Christmas and Remembrance Sunday is not
that far away as I write. Given that, it is always
strange to put this article together knowing it
will be read much closer to the season.
So with that, I can only finish by wishing
everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy
New Year. As always, we can only hope it is
a better one. And as always, good luck and
Godspeed.
E-mail - BBrawn@pkc.gov.uk
Cllr Caroline Shiers
Scottish Conservative and
Unionsist Party
Blairgowrie and Glens Ward
The final Hub magazine of 2023 and thanks
to all involved in production of the magazine
each quarter and to Keith Reid and his team
of deliverers of the Hub.
I was sorry to see the Sunday of the
Bookmark festival fall victim to the flooding
in October. Gail Wylie and her team put
in a lot of work to bring the festival to the
town. In true Bookmark style though they
bounced back with positive plans for 2024.
I recently visited the new Guide Hall on
Emma Street. The hall is designed to serve
PAGE 67

children and young people in the town for
many generations to come. I can’t help but
think previous generations of Guiders, and
there were a couple who played a part in
the process of raising funds for the new hall,
would be giving all involved in the project
a firm pat on the back. To everyone who
supported that project – donated, bought
coffee at a coffee morning, or supported in
any way - thank you. A recent survey showed
that youngsters who have participated in
organisations such as Girl Guides develop
confidence and life-skills and, as someone
who hugely benefited from this organisation,
I know the positives it can bring. The hall is
available to rent for parties, groups or other
activities. What an asset to the town. Over
in Rattray, plans are afoot for the next phase
at the football facility at Davie Park. Another
exciting and positive development which is
written about elsewhere in this magazine.
In less positive news – I am disappointed that
the future of public toilet provision remains
in doubt. As part of cuts at the budget last
year, the council administration are moving
to close the loos from the end of March. I did
not support this proposal and would never
support closure. I believe they are facilities
which, although costly, are essential in the
community. I am a pragmatist though and will
work with the community to look at options.
In my opinion this is a service the council
should provide, and I hope that the council
may reconsider this decision.
Finally, can I wish everyone a very happy
Christmas. I hope that we can all support local
businesses this festive period and our High
Street – which despite all the challenges of
online retail – offers a great range of shops,
cafes and other businesses. Think local first
and see what is on offer.
This year has been another difficult one for
many. There is support and advice available
and I met recently with Citizens Advice in
Perth and heard of the work they, and the
PKC welfare rights team do. I am sure we all
hope that 2024, when it arrives, will be a more
prosperous one for our community as we seek
to continue to make Blairgowrie and Glens
a better place for everyone to live, work and
visit.
I can be contacted on 01828 640181 (h) 01738
553990 (o) or email cshiers@pkc.gov.uk or via
Messenger
Murdo Fraser MSP
Mid-Scotland & Fife Region
Scottish Conservative and
Unionist Party
We will soon be approaching winter with many
of us looking forward to Christmas and to
spending valuable time with family and friends.
It has been a busy time at the Scottish
Parliament dealing with parliamentary
business along with constituents’ queries.
One local issue has caused a lot of concern
for some residents. The decision by Perth and
Kinross Council to cut the opening hours of
the Blairgowrie Recycling Centre from seven
days a week to five and also reduce the hours
it is open by three per week has led to a lot of
anguish from residents.
The site was one of six recycling centres in the
region to have its hours cut from October 1.
Local residents have rightly been concerned
by the cuts to the opening hours, with some
telling me of the “chaos” that ensued, with long
traffic queues on the approach road to the site.
Some constituents have also expressed their
fears that some people will end up fly-tipping
their rubbish due to the inconvenience of
the restricted opening hours at the recycling
centre. Our local councillors have raised
concerns about this move as it is imperative
that residents have sufficient time to dispose
of their recycling.
Rest assured it is an issue that I will be keeping
a close eye on.
Another local issue that needs addressed is
the proposal to close attended public toilets
in Perth and Kinross, with Blairgowrie being
one of the sites earmarked for closure. Such
has been the outcry about this that Perth
PAGE
68 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

and Kinross Conservatives have launched a
‘Save Our Loos’ campaign, which we hope will
persuade the council to have a rethink on this
plan.
Funds for the attended public toilets in
Blairgowrie, Auchterarder, Crieff and the South
Inch Car Park in Perth were cut from next
year’s budget by the SNP-run council and, as a
result, will be closed at the end of this financial
year to be replaced by comfort scheme
alternatives. Only the staffed public toilets at
Pitlochry and Dunkeld, which were said to have
the highest footfalls, will remain.
I wholeheartedly agree with local Councillor
Caroline Shiers who has pointed out that
the option to close these facilities has been
discussed for the 16 years she has been a
councillor but has been resisted, given the
Local politicians’ articles
importance of the toilets for residents and
visitors.
I agree with her suggestion that these toilets
could be operated in an unmanned way like
they are in Ullapool, where you pay on entry
to an unmanned facility. I feel that to go ahead
with the closure of the attended toilets will
let down the communities of Blairgowrie,
Auchterarder, Crieff and Perth.
Murdo Fraser always welcomes feedback from
constituents. He can be contacted at The Control
Tower, Perth Airport, Scone, PH2 6PL, by email
on murdo.fraser.msp@parliament.scot or by
telephone on 01738 553676.
John Swinney MSP
Scottish National Party
Perthshire North
Recently, I held my first Scottish Parliament
Member’s debate in almost 17 years.
During my tenure as a government minister
I was unable to lead such debates, which
allow backbench MSPs of all parties to bring
forward important topics - oftentimes related
to local issues impacting their community - for
discussion in the Chamber.
The topic I chose for my first debate was to
highlight the positive impact of Climate Cafes,
and to celebrate the important work they have
done both in Perthshire and beyond.
It is a source of enormous pride that the
world’s first Climate Cafe was launched in
Dunkeld and Birnam in 2015. Since then,
a number of cafes have been launched
across Scotland. Excitingly, we have seen the
expansion of Climate Cafes overseas, with
cafes being launched in nations such as Finland
and Japan.
The Climate Cafe model is simple: local people
come along to an informal gathering with
tea and cakes to learn more about climate
change and discuss what action can be
taken in the local community to address the
climate emergency. The meetings are friendly,
accessible and built upon the belief that people
must work together collaboratively.
Already, there are countless examples of
Climate Cafes taking and co-ordinating action
for the benefit of their local communities.
The Blairgowrie and Rattray Climate Cafe,
for example, helped create The HEAT Project,
which has delivered energy saving advice to
over 700 households, thereby helping local
residents to achieve significant savings on their
energy bills.
In Dunkeld and Birnam, the local Climate Cafe
worked with the local community to reduce
water waste and, as a result, saved over 1
million litres of water over the course of a year.
This led to Dunkeld and Birnam being awarded
the title of Scotland’s first water efficient
village.
From recently attending Climate Cafes
across the constituency, I was struck by the
knowledge, passion and dedication of those in
attendance. It was also particularly pleasing to
see a number of young people in attendance,
and to witness the leadership they are
providing within these forums.
Whilst it is hugely important that governments
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69

across the world take strong action to address
the climate emergency, we cannot overlook
how crucial it is for local communities to help
in this effort.
The local impact that Climate Cafes have
cannot be understated, and the fact that
they work with communities in a friendly,
collaborative manner is, in my view, key to
their success.
climate emergency, it is vital that we properly
articulate the stakes involved and bring
people along with us on this journey. That, in
short, is the great strength of the Climate Cafe
movement.
You can reach my office at 01250 876576 to
discuss any issue or arrange an appointment.
Alternatively, you can contact me directly
via john.swinney.msp@parliament.scot
And if we are to succeed in tackling the
Cllr Tom McEwan
Scottish National Party
Blairgowrie and Glens Ward
We are currently in a most dire state for public
finances in Perth and Kinross, having been
left a £10m working deficit from the previous
administration, which even with cuts to
services has now grown to just short of £12m.
We have, as a council, received record amounts
of funding both directly and - following the
budget - through grants and
match-funding. But with interest rates
increasing our borrowing cost and the costs of
capital projects, this has put huge restrictions
on what we can continue to do and what
buildings we can continue to own.
A prudent review of our capital assets is
needed; what is evidence based spend and
what is essential support to communities
will need to be our outlook going forward.
Inflation has affected every household in the
UK and it has affected how far the budget of
the council reaches. At highs last year of over
10% and still running above 8% has driven an
out-of-control bus through our public finances.
So, the need to look for a community group
to take over management of the public toilets
becomes a necessity - with running costs
that subsidise each visit by more than £10, it
becomes a subsidy that is not possible. Faced
with officer calls to close all recycling centres
outside of Friarton in Perth, we chose to keep
centres open but close them two days per
week to meet some of the savings needed.
Savings have also been made by cutting the
subsidy for bus services by £500k. Public
transport is essential for many people with no
other options for work or shopping and this
type of cut would have harmed many in rural
areas. It is difficult as a councillor to make
these decisions as no-one likes cutting services
people enjoy having access to every day, but
these changes have been delayed for too long.
At the end of this process, we will have a leaner
council with services that work more closely
together, so when budgets turn the corner
and inflation is at normal levels, we will be in a
position to take full advantage.
I know there are residents in the ward who
have no option but to look to crisis grants
and other support to make ends meet. I must
say to anyone in this position for whatever
reason, ask for help and ask as soon as you
know your bills will be too much. Very few
have personal finances that can absorb this
huge increase in costs, so don’t blame yourself,
this is being done to you not by you. Staff at
the council in the housing service, council tax
service and welfare rights are just some of
those who are there to help, provide support
and guidance during difficult times like these.
They can only help if you ask, so please, please,
please ask for help if you need to.
Contact Details:
Email: tmcewan@pkc.gov.uk
Mobile: 07984620264,
(https://www.facebook.comSNPBlairCouncil17/)
PAGE
70 BRDT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2023

Local politicians’ articles
Pete Wishart MP
Scottish National Party
Perth and North Perthshire
We are certainly now feeling the pinch of the
colder weather, and with that of course comes
the issue of higher energy bills.
After the chaos of last year, I think everybody
had been both hoping and assuming that
things would be looking up this time around,
particularly given that global energy market
prices seem to have settled, at least somewhat.
However, the latest Ofgem price cap
announcement, which sets energy prices for
most households, paint a troublingly familiar
picture.
Energy bills still cost double what they did just
two years ago, and the Energy Bills Support
Scheme has also been taken away this winter,
which was worth about 16% of an average bill.
This means that vulnerable households are
again facing the prospect of having to choose
between heating and eating. Meanwhile,
energy firms are being allowed to continue
their sinister streak of record profits.
It is incomprehensible that this is the reality for
a second year running, and begs the question
of what on earth the UK government has
been doing to fix the country’s badly broken
energy market over that time. It is abundantly
clear that the price cap is not fit for purpose
and that a new support package needs to be
introduced in order to prevent another winter
of despair and suffering for millions.
previous schemes into reducing energy bills via
targeted energy discounts for low-income and
vulnerable households, the UK government
could do exactly that.
Looking at longer-term solutions, ministers
have repeatedly promised to consult on tariff
reforms to better protect the most vulnerable
households and those who most rely on energy
to keep themselves safe, but we have yet to
see them take any action on this front. This is
a matter that the SNP Westminster Group is
working hard to bring back on the table.
One energy support scheme that I wanted
to bring to readers’ attention is the Warm
Homes Discount Scheme, which takes £150
off the electricity bills of people who meet the
following criteria:
• Your energy supplier is signed up to the
scheme.
• You (or your partner) get certain meanstested
benefits or tax credits.
• Your name (or your partner’s) is on the
bill.
You do not need to apply if you get the
Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit.
You’ll automatically get a letter telling you
about the discount if you’re eligible.
Otherwise, you’ll need to apply via your energy
supplier by contacting them directly. If you
need any assistance with this, please don’t
hesitate to contact my office on
pete.wishart.mp@parliament.uk or
01738 639 598.
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