every two months free killin newscarpet and upholstery cleaning services wishing all our customers a...

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Every two months FREE KILLIN NEWS KILLIN & DISTRICT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Issue No. 18 January 1994 Nursery Education for All? The Killin Playgroup in Action We feature this subject because it is, to say the least, somewhat topical. Our PM (no less!) has said he wants a place made available for all children. Alright, we know it won't happen tomorrow, or even by the year 2000, but at least it's on the Agenda - at last! In the meantime, what provision is made for the pre-school children in Killin? Let's be clear. No pre-school education is provided by Central Region Education Department in any shape or form. What we do have is mainly due to the initiative and determination of the local mothers - namely The Playgroup. This gets some financial help from the Scottish Pre-School Playgroup Association and much valued professional guidance. It provides the 3-5 year olds with professionally supervised and educationally structured play sessions. These sessions, although falling short of full nursery schooling, are of considerable educational and social value; there are two sessions of two hours per week, with an additional session for the "rising fives". While post-five education is free, pre- five education costs money - on average about £6 per week per child. These "fees", paid by the parents, go to pay for supervisors' wages, hall rental, equipment, books, paper, paints, insurance, heating, lighting, etc etc. Valuable "extras" such as day trips, parties, etc are dependent upon parental fund raising. We pay tribute to those who administer and supervise the Playgroup which, since the 1989 Children's Act, is subject to strict registration and inspection procedures. At a time when nursery schooling in Scotland lags far behind most other European countries, perhaps Central Region should at least make some attempt to support and even extend the limited service provided by the Playgroup. Some financial grant support would certainly ease the present burden on parents. Since full Nursery Education is still some way off, such help would be greatly valued. New Year Dance 1994 got off to a lively start with the Annual Dance in the McLaren Hall. The limiting of numbers to approximately 400 on a ticket-only basis was a resounding success. All were able to enjoy the spirit of the occasion and take part in a variety of dancing without having to resort to wearing shin pads and steel toed boots. Various groups in the village benefit from the proceeds of the dance and thanks should go to all those involved in organising the events. Radio 4 Long Wave Saved! You will maybe know by now that the BBC has backed down on its plan to scrap Radio 4 on Long Wave. To all those who wrote to their MP's and to all those who listened to them, well done! Mind you the Campaign had a tremendous support from the great and the good as well. However, it's nice to think that "David Public" overcame "Goliath BBC" .... this time at least! The cynical amongst us "Save Radio 4 LW" campaigners are just a trifle worried that what the BBC did not achieve as an outright victory, may still be achieved by attrition! Hence, "Save Radio 4 LW" has metamorphosed into "Radio 4 Watch". If you find your favourite Radio 4 programme has disappeared or been shifted to some ridiculous time of day, do something about it. The people who ran the "Save Radio 4 LW" campaign are now running "Radio 4 Watch". J Holms

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Page 1: Every two months FREE KILLIN NEWSCarpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services Wishing All Our Customers a Happy New Year agreed, as an interim measure, to arrang e for this proposal to

Every two months FREE

KILLIN NEWSKILLIN & DISTRICT COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Issue No. 18 January 1994

Nursery Education for All?

The Killin Playgroup in Action

We feature this subject because it is,to say the least, somewhat topical.Our PM (no less!) has said he wantsa place made available for all children.Alright, we know it won't happentomorrow, or even by the year 2000,but at least it's on the Agenda - atlast!In the meantime, what provision ismade for the pre-school children inKillin? Let's be clear. No pre-schooleducation is provided by CentralRegion Education Department in anyshape or form. What we do have ismainly due to the initiative anddetermination of the local mothers -namely The Playgroup. This getssome financial help from the ScottishPre-School Playgroup Association andmuch valued professional guidance.It provides the 3-5 year olds withprofessionally supervised andeducationally structured play sessions.These sessions, although falling shortof full nursery schooling, are ofconsiderable educational and socialvalue; there are two sessions of twohours per week, with an additional

session for the "rising fives".

While post-five education is free, pre-five education costs money - onaverage about £6 per week per child.These "fees", paid by the parents, goto pay for supervisors' wages, hallrental, equipment, books, paper,paints, insurance, heating, lighting, etcetc. Valuable "extras" such as daytrips, parties, etc are dependent uponparental fund raising. We pay tributeto those who administer and supervisethe Playgroup which, since the 1989Children's Act, is subject to strictregistration and inspection procedures.

At a time when nursery schooling inScotland lags far behind most otherEuropean countries, perhaps CentralRegion should at least make someattempt to support and even extendthe limited service provided by thePlaygroup. Some financial grantsupport would certainly ease thepresent burden on parents. Since fullNursery Education is still some wayoff, such help would be greatly valued.

New Year Dance

1994 got off to a lively start with theAnnual Dance in the McLaren Hall.The limiting of numbers toapproximately 400 on a ticket-onlybasis was a resounding success. Allwere able to enjoy the spirit of theoccasion and take part in a variety ofdancing without having to resort towearing shin pads and steel toedboots. Various groups in the villagebenefit from the proceeds of the danceand thanks should go to all thoseinvolved in organising the events.

Radio 4Long Wave Saved!

You will maybe know by now thatthe BBC has backed down on its planto scrap Radio 4 on Long Wave. Toall those who wrote to their MP's andto all those who listened to them, welldone! Mind you the Campaign had atremendous support from the great andthe good as well. However, it's niceto think that "David Public" overcame"Goliath BBC" .... this time at least!

The cynical amongst us "Save Radio4 LW" campaigners are just a trifleworried that what the BBC did notachieve as an outright victory, maystill be achieved by attrition! Hence,"Save Radio 4 LW" hasmetamorphosed into "Radio 4 Watch".If you find your favourite Radio 4programme has disappeared or beenshifted to some ridiculous time of day,do something about it. The peoplewho ran the "Save Radio 4 LW"campaign are now running "Radio 4Watch".

J Holms

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Killin Community CouncilA meeting of the Council was heldon 9 December 1993 in the McLarenHall, Chaired by Dr E M McColl. Themeeting was attended by ConstableIan Donaldson and Chief Inspector MMill of Central Scotland Police.

Also present on this occasion was MrJ Jelfs of the Scottish AmbulanceService at the request of the Council.

Three members of the public werepresent.

Apologies were noted from Mrs PChristie, Mrs M Inglis, Mr K Taylor,Councillor S Duke (CRC) andCouncillor I Martin (SDC).

The opening matter for discussion wasthe use of the local AmbulanceService for the transportation ofpatients to hospital appointments,leaving the village apparently withoutlocal accident and emergency cover.Mr Jelfs, to start with, explained that

the removal of control of the HospitalCar Service to Motherwell, was inorder to achieve a better cost effectiveservice. The locally run service hadbeen, in his view, unnecessarily costly.He also explained that the occasionaluse of the local ambulance for suchnon-essential purposes did not deprivethe village of emergency cover, sincethere was standby cover based inCallander and at Lochearnhead. Hepointed out that the emergency needfor the local ambulance was very rareand it seemed to him cost effective touse it occasionally for routine hospitalattendance, provided cover, asdescribed above, had been arranged.Council Members, led by theChairman, expressed theirdissatisfaction with these explanations.After some to-and-fro discussion, MrJelfs conceded that there would be areturn to a greater use of the HospitalCar Service. We also understand thatour MP has been in touch with theScottish Ambulance Service

supporting the Council's point ofview.

Donations

The Council approved donations tolocal organisations as follows:- TheBoys' Brigade £100; The Brownies£100; The Killin News £100.

School Bus

The Council agreed to write to theDirector of Education with a copy toRegional Councillor Susan Dukeregarding the concern felt by thecommunity at the use of a doubledecker for the school run.

The next meeting of the CommunityCouncil will be held on Thursday 10February 1994 at 7.30 pm in theLesser McLaren Hall. Members ofthe public are welcome to attend.

S Aitken

Strathfillan Community CouncilThis was a well attended meetingenhanced by a number of members ofthe public. A feature of the meetingwas debated around the issues ofcontribution to business by membersof the public. This led to a somewhatlively exchange of viewpoints.

On balance it was thought that as themeetings were business meetings,public contribution should be soughtoutwith formal meeting time. TheConvener decided to carry this issueforward to allow him to take adviceand counsel from members outwiththe setting.

The major issues on the current

programme are progressingsatisfactorily. Recent meetings withofficials of Central Regional CouncilRoads and Forth Valley Enterprise hadbeen particularly positive.

Council also noted with pleasure thespeedy resolution of problemsassociated with the playground andacknowledged the input of the ElectedMember on this issue.

Despite poor initial attendance, theconcept of a Local Tenants'Association was welcomed by manyof the people to whom it could beapplicable. Although not directly apart of Council's remit, the Convener

Beechcroft, Main Street, Killin, Perthshire, FK21 8UTTiling Artexing Graining RagrollingSponging Stripping Paper Hanging

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Wishing All Our Customers a Happy New Year

agreed, as an interim measure, toarrange for this proposal to beprocessed.

The proposed Gold Mine at Tyndrumseems likely to go ahead. Currentlythe District Sub-Committee is re-examining the safety aspects of thetailings dam. It is hoped that thiswill lead to the final go-ahead for theproject. Some initial planning anddiscussion has also taken placeregarding the setting up of a gold andlead orientated visitor centre on theoutskirts of Tyndrum.

Paul Kelly, Convener

Cameron Buildings,Main St, Killin

Tel: (0567)820475-SHOP820605 - House

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Obituary: James Anderson

Mention was made in the last edition of the Killin News of the death of JamesAnderson. Willie Allan, a friend of James' for many years, has written thisobituary.

James Anderson was bora in 1902 and lived almost all his life near Loch Tay. Hewas descended from two well known families from this area. He spent many yearsas a gardener on Kinnell Estate and took great pride in the famous Kinnell vine.He was the historian for the Killin area and a fluent Gaelic speaker; well knownas a story teller of old legends (in Gaelic a Seannachaidh). He also wrote bookson the life and times of the village of Killin. Perhaps his greatest interest was inthe Church where he was a ruling elder for over 50 years. He was a wonderfulexample in loyalty and support as an elder and amongst the young.

W Allan

COMMENT

Green Team HelpEndangered Species

In October last year, 31 members of theGreen Team walked to raise money forthe World Wide Fund for Nature'sEndangered Species Campaign and haveso far raised £780 (twice the amount theyraised last year!). Several of the KillinLone Guides and people from outwiththe village also walked and increased thistotal to £1,108. A superb achievementby all of them.

Thanks to all who walked and also to alltheir sponsors.

Helen Cole

ScottishPoppy Appeal 1993

Killin and Ardeonaig Parish once againgenerously contributed to the AnnualAppeal with the sum of £635.15including the Parish Church's retiringcollection of £35. Thank you to all thelady collectors and establishment ownerswho made this possible!

This information had already beennotified to the Dundee Courier andStirling Observer; a further notice willappear when official accounts areconsolidated in Edinburgh and thanks arereceived from General Gow and hisCommittee.

Major T Gilfillan

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Pre-School Education

We don't think there's much more tobe said about the provision, or nonprovision, for the under fives apartfrom our front page account. But isour distance from the urban centre ieStirling, a factor in the lack of supportfrom Central Region for our pre fives?We sometimes think that being on theoutskirts of the region is a greatdisadvantage. But we could be provedwrong!

The McLaren Hall

We would draw your attention to theletter on page 10 from Dr McColl.Clearly the Hall is in a bad state ofrepair. We were under the impressionthat a strategy including fund raisingwas in operation to renovate thebuilding. But information is indeedhard to come by! We would certainlysupport Dr McColl's appeal toeverybody who is involved in the Hallin any way, to turn up at the HallCommittee's AGM to find out whatis happening.

NEXT ISSUE

The next issue of the paper willbe distributed around about thelast few days in March. If youwish to advertise, or inform thevillage about what your Club orSociety will be doing in themonths of April and May (whichincludes Easter!) get your copy tous by the end of February at thelatest.

TAXI!Breadalbane Taxi Hire

Killin

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Killin Village Enhancement ProjectThe Rural Stirling Economic Partnershipwas set up to help villages such as Killinto maintain a share of the tourist marketand has embarked on an ambitiousprogramme of Village EnhancementProjects. The intention is to give suchplaces more appeal to tourists bydeveloping visitor attractions, such as theBreadalbane Folklore Centre andenhancing the environmental quality ofthe villages, especially along the mainshopping street.

To begin to address these issues, theRural Partnership formed a SteeringGroup of all the agencies which mightbe able to help the local economy,including a representative of the localCommunity Council. The groupcommissioned a consultant, RogerBrown, to provide advice. Inevitably hehas had to provide recommendations onoutstanding matters such as parking andthe entrance to Breadalbane Park, but heand his team have also maderecommendations to enhance the qualityof the main street, to improve the networkof local walks and on the need to providethe best possible standards of service andcustomer care to tourists.

The next stage is for the Steering Groupto consider their findings and to discussthem with particular individuals whoseproperty and interests may be affected.Following that exercise, there will befurther public consultations on what arealistic and affordable programme ofimprovements might be. At this stage itmust be emphasised that no funds havebeen specifically allocated to Killin.

An important factor in securing fundswill be the extent to which the localcommunity and especially traders candemonstrate that they too are trying toimprove the local economy. Ventures of

this sort have to be partnerships betweenthe public and private sectors.

There will be further public consultationin early Spring by which time it shouldbe much clearer what level of resourcescould be available. The prospects areexcellent, especially as Rural Stirling nowqualified for significant grant aid fromthe EEC for the first time.

Improvement to the fortunes of Killinare ongoing; the Lix Toll sign postingwas greatly improved last year, theFolklore Centre will be open thisSummer, skills training is available fromthe Enterprise Trust and Area TouristBoard and now there is the real prospectof environmental improvements to thevillage over the next year. The longerterm outlook for Killin will depend uponlocal businesses making the best of theseimprovements and opportunities.

Steve Rodrick, Project ManagerRural Stirling Economic Partnership

Coaching inAdvanced Driving

Since the offer of coaching, based on theInstitute of Advanced MotoristsCertificate Test, was given in the Julyissue of the paper, five drivers have takenpart. This was, of course, withoutobligation or any charge.

The service is still on offer, particularlyto young drivers or anyone who hasrecently passed the test; any age groupmay participate.

For further information contact Killin820575.

KILLIN HOTELOpen for Bar Mealsand Restaurant MealsDailyExcept Tuesdays

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS AND PARTIES (LARGE OR SMALL)

Something Stirringup Glen Lochay

Signs of activity were to be seen atMoirlannich, the old cottage in GlenLochay in late November.Moirlannich, a cruck built building ofsome antiquity, is under restorationby the National Trust for Scotland.

On enquiry we discovered that ayoung man from Ullapool, whospecialises in work on old buildingrefurbishment, was engaged inrepairing the roof.

Brian Wilson uses a combination ofskills in wood and dry stone that helearned from older craftsmen, whoseskills have been outmoded withmodem techniques. Brian explainedthat he had been involved in the fullrestoration of Jeanie McApline's Innat Aberfoyle and has worked at theFolk Museum at Kingussie.

"What's a cruck building" I hear youask? Well, its a bit like having raftersthat form an "A" shape with the legsof the "A" going right down to thebase of the external walls. An ancientmethod, the walls hardly carrying anyweight whatever. The old cottage hasthe best "hingin lum" in this area -what's this? - well, a chimney wallwith a kind of canopy - the smokegoing up originally through a hole inroof.

Good to know that work is proceedingin the hands of Brian Wilson and tohear sounds of life in the old house.

A Walker

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Presentation to Janet Mclntyre

A well kept secret was revealed on 3 November 1993. Janet McIntyre,much to her surprise, found herself the guest of honour at a socialoccasion and presentation in the Lesser McLaren Hall. Church Members,villagers, the School Choir and members of the Tuesday Club paidtribute to Janet's contribution to the village. The Rev McNaughton ledthe occasion and mentioned Janet's career as a music teacher, organistfor the Church and Choir mistress.

Born at Daldravaig Farm, Glen Lochay at the turn of the century, Janet,once she got over her surprise, talked of her love of music, her trainingat the Royal Academy of Music in London and working as a teacher inEdinburgh.

Mrs Colmar spoke of Janet's work for the village and her associationwith Aberfeldy Gaelic Choir. A presentation of a fireside chair and stoolwas made and from the Choir and Organists, Mr Allan presented aleather bound hymn book suitably inscribed. The School Choir sang anumber of songs and a vote of thanks was given by Gilbert Christie. Alight supper was provided, altogether a most enjoyable evening in honourof a well loved member of the community.

Friends of Killin andArdeonaig Parish Church

This Society was established in 1986with the object of safeguarding theamenity of the Parish Church, helpingto maintain the adornment andequipment of the building andencouraging research into its history.Over the past seven years the societyhas replaced the loop hearing system,put in place boards giving the historyof certain features in the Church,commissioned an excellentmonograph on the Rev James Stewart,installed a new organ stop and mostrecently, initiated the plan to renovatethe memorial window and contributedabout 50% of the cost.

Membership of the Society of Friendsis open to anyone within thiscommunity who care about themaintenance of the building and itshistory as part of our local heritage.Members can belong to any creed ordenomination or none at all and it is,in fact, in the constitution that fourmembers of the Council which runsthe affairs of the society, must bepeople who are not members of thelocal congregation. The onlycondition of membership is agreementto pay a minimum annual subscriptionof £6.00 per annum - although theTreasurer Mrs F E MacKinnon,Kilmallie, Manse Road, Killin willhappily accept any larger sum youcare to donate.

The present Church building is now250 years old. Why not join theSociety of Friends and help us to keepit going for another 250 years.

Blades and CoMain Street,

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OPENING OF THE SALMON FISHINGAlthough many of us feared the worst, opening day turned out to be both peaceful and dry - if a bit on the cold side.There are, of course, two starting points for the West end of the Loch - Kinnell Boathouse and Loch Tay HighlandLodges - both are featured below. Once again John Mallinson of the Clachaig was instrumental in arranging forthe sponsorship of "Famous Grouse", whose amber liquid graced the morning barbecue at Kinnell. Loch TayHighland Lodges similarly warmed the anglers as they set off with a welcome dram - and there too a more spiritualblessing from the minister himself. Both places, of course, had the traditional piper, and a goodly number of boatsset off in search of that elusive salmon.

Getting ready to set off from theHighland Lodges.

The Rev. David McNaughton(who blessed the boats), Clive Booth (LochTay Highland Lodges), and Roger Sharp, thePiper.

The morning barbecue at Kinnell Boathouse.

ROLF RADAM, from BERLIN, receiving his"Famous Grouse" prize for catching the biggestfish of the opening day - a splendid 15 pounder!His gillie for the day was Jimmy Young ofCrianlarich.

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The Final Word on St Fillan?One of the main sources of informationabout early Scottish Saints is the seriesof commemorative Legends preserved inthe Aberdeen Breviary, printed atEdinburgh in 1509-10. For studies ofSt Fillan, three Legends are particularlyimportant, that of St Kentigerna, Fillan'smother, commemorated under 9 Januaryand that of Kentigerna's brother, Fillan'suncle, St Comgan, commemorated under13 October.

The three Legends agree that Kentigerna,Comgan and Fillan belonged to theprovince of Leinster in south-easternIreland.

The lake or pool into which Fillan wasthrown at birth was somewhere inLeinster. After a year he was rescued byBishop Ibar, an obscure but probablyhistorical figure associated with southeastern Leinster. Incidentally, whenFillan emerged from the water, he hadmiraculously survived, but in spite ofwhat Sheila McGregor says, he had notbecome fully grown. Later he became amonk under Mundus and on his death,Fillan succeeded as abbot.

The Legends differ in how Fillan leftIreland and came to Scotland. Accordingto the Legend of Kentigerna, she, withher brother and son, came to a hermitagein "Straphilane" - Strathfillan, that is tosay between Tyndrum and Crianlarich,with St Fillan's chapel about halfwaybetween the two.

According to the Legend of Fillan, heabandoned his mother and uncle andcame to a place called Siracht in theupper parts of "Glendeochquhy"("Glenduckie" according to A OAnderson) where he built the church inwhich he was himself afterwards buried.

In the Legend of Comgan the sequenceof events is quite different. Comgan is

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a king whose powerful neighboursconspire against him. He leaves Ireland,taking with him sister and her three sons,Fillan, Ferseus and Ulcanus. They arriveat "Lochelch in northern Argyll" - LochAlsh, that is to say, opposite Skye on theextreme northern boundary of themedieval diocese of Argyll. Fillan builta church there in honour of Comgan.

It should be noticed that the head of thenorthern Loch Long, which opens fromAlsh, there is a place called Kilillan(Gaelic Cill Fhaolain - "Fillan'sChurch"), a fact which may offer somekind of verification of the story found inthe Legend of Comgan.

None of the Legends makes any referenceto Killin or St Fillans.

Some early Irish ecclesiastical recordsrefer briefly to Fillan in connection withRath Erenn or, alternatively, Strathearnin Scotland. The reference may be tothe village of St Fillans.

To sum up, the tradition is not reallyconsistent with Sheila McGregor'shypothesis that Fillan was originally theriver god of the great glen stretching fromTyndrum to Killin. A connection withpart of the glen is clear, but so areconnections with a number of otherplaces, some at considerable distances.The most "watery" of the miracle storiesinvolving him, his year under the wateras a baby, refer not to a Scottish glen,but to an Irish Loch in Co Wexford. Thehypothesis leaves the apparent connectionof the saint with Loch Alsh entirelyunexplained.

John MacQueenEmeritus Professor

School of Scottish StudiesEdinburgh University

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KillinA Crofting Village

The croft system still existing in theHighlands and Islands was part ofKillin life up to the 1960's, the lastcroft being given up by the Stewartsin Gray Street in 1967.

Crofters - Smallholders - practiseda kind of subsistence farmingcombined with part time work onlarger farms. Artisans and tradesmenhad their crofts and in Killin employeda man to collect the cattle and takethem to and from the commongrazing. Ministers had glebes;schoolmasters patches of land to ekeout their income. There was atradition of mutual help between thebigger farms and the smaller crofts attimes of harvest and shearing. Croftswere rented from the lairds - McNabsand Campbells. In 1886 the CrofterAct gave security of tenure to croftersin the seven crofting counties butPerthshire was not included.

In addition to the housework, womenshared the labour. Peat was dug butthis ceased with the coming of therailway which brought coal, so thetraditional peat fire at floor level alsodisappeared giving way to a raisedfireplace.

In Killin, croft cottages can be seenopposite the park gates further up theMain Street and in Gray Street besidethe Falls of Dochart. In Gray Streetthe crofts were at the back, beyondthe railway.

Allan Walker

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Survival ofthe Rainforest

It is easy to assume, that as individuals,we can do nothing to influence seriousglobal environmental issues, such asdestruction of the tropical rainforest. Thiscontributes to disastrous climatic changeand causes mass extinction of plants,animals and people. Mapy tribes, whoseculture and very existence depends onthe forest in which they live, now faceextinction. Much of the forestexploitation is unsustainable; that is, oncethese forests are cut they cannotregenerate. The rate of destruction ishorrendous with at least 100 acres clearedevery minute, mostly for timberextraction. It is estimated that 50 wildlifespecies become extinct every day.Although usually only one in ten of thetrees are used, destruction is total.

But these events take place in south eastAsia, Africa, Central and South America,not in Killin, so why mention them inthe Killin News? Because as consumerswe are helping to destroy these valuableresources forever and Britain is one ofthe largest consumers of tropicalhardwoods. Only a tiny proportion ofour supplies come from well managed orsustainable sources. Thus, if we buytropical hardwood products, we arehelping to destroy irreplaceable forest.

A sixth of our imported hardwoods arefrom tropical countries and includevaluable species like teak, mahogany,ramin and iroko. Britain is one of theworld's principal consumers of mahogany,most of which is felled illegally andimported into Scotland and sold as doors,windows, etc.

Armed with better understanding, we cannow make choices. As consumers, wehave the choice, whereas the people atthe 'sharp end' usually have no choice.

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Classic Cars VisitOn 7 December, Killin was honoured to be classed as a special stage in theLand's End to John O'Groats reliability trial for Classic Cars, one of which isfeatured above. A range of cars checked in at the Killin Hotel includingEdwardian and Vintage Saloons, one of which was a 1919 Rolls Royce SilverGhost. Having checked in, they set off to the top of Glen Lochay and then overthe hill to Glen Lyon.

Tribal people depend on these forests andtheir rights are seldom enforced as shownby the recent Yanomami massacre. Noless than 19 people were butchered byillegal invaders of a Yanomami reserveand of course, wild animals and plantssent into extinction have no rights.

Should we therefore buy mahogany (orother tropical hardwoods) or should wemake an informed choice and select analternative? Perhaps a sustainably grownEuropean softwood? Friends of theEarth's Good Wood Guide givesinformation on sources ofenvironmentally sound hardwoods. TheGood Wood Guide seal of approval isawarded annually to some retailers.

Governments are not tackling thisproblem, but our purchasing power canhelp. Think Global - Act Local!

David Mardon

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10% of Scotland for Sale!The Scottish Tourist Industry dependson walking holidays to the tune ofaround £270 million annually. Yetover 1.5 million acres may be closedto walkers if the Forestry Commissionis privatised. This is one of theoptions currently being considered bythe Government's Forestry Reviewbody and it is one that everyone witha share in the Tourist Industry and aninterest in the environment should beaware of. There are, annually, anestimated 50 million visits to ForestryCommission land. Clearly our forests,such as the Queen Elizabeth Forestpark, are among our most importantnational assets.

Already 150,000 acres of Commissionland in Scotland has been sold toprivate owners, many of them noteven resident in Scotland, some ofthem mere investment institutions;owners, in short, who have littleinterest in the environment or in thelong term sustainability of our forests.More importantly, from the tourism

point of view, forests where walkerswere welcome, are now a no go areawhere they risk forcible ejection.

All conservation bodies are opposedto this privatisation. All ScottishRegional Councils are opposed to it,the timber users are opposed to it, theScottish Landowners' Federation isopposed to it. Who wants it?

The Ramblers Association conducteda survey, earlier this year, whichshows that access for recreation toForestry Commission land sold intoprivate hands was lost in over 86% ofsales. If the privatisation of the 10%of Scotland, at present owned by theForestry Commission, goes ahead thenanyone looking for a businessopportunity in Scotland shouldconsider the manufacturing of 'PrivateKeep Out' signs!

On Sunday 26 September 1993,10,000 Ramblers throughout thecountry turned out for organised walks

on Forestry Commission paths todemonstrate to the GovernmentReview body, how much weappreciate our forest walks and thatwe want to keep them.

If you are concerned write to the PM,your MP and the MEP.

John HolmsCaledonian Area Secretary

Ramblers Association

Killin Library

Despite the frosty night, eightteenagers turned out for a "soaps" quiznight at the library. It was enjoyedby all, especially the winners whowere:- (1) Samantha Spinner; (2)David Riddell.

They were each given a Boots voucheras their prizes.

Treks/Hacks for Nov/ Exp. riders. Scenic RidesViews of Loch Tay. Pony Rides for children.Exp. horses and poniesFriendly staff."Please book in advance"

RIDING STABLES NO. 323

Salmon FishingCentral & West End Beats

(14 miles in total)Special Rates MidweekLow Rates (if use own engine)Phone for Prices

OPEN ALL YEARMilton Morenish Harbour

We are situated 3 miles outside Killin on the north A827 RoadTelephone 0567 820 323

9

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LoganKillin

Dear Sir

The McLaren Hall

Like many other residents of thiscommunity, I am becoming increasinglyconcerned about the state of the McLarenHall. The Community Council haswritten to the Hall ManagementCommittee requesting that a publicmeeting be held to discuss plans forrenovation, but we are told that this isnot necessary as the AGM is due thismonth.

May I appeal to all organisations andindividuals to make sure that they attendthis meeting?

There may be perfectly good reasons forthe delay in implementing the necessaryrepairs, but if so, it's time we were toldwhat they are.

Yours faithfullyE M MacColl

2 Dochart RoadKillin

Dear Sir

Thank goodness it is the season forpantomimes with all the silly remarks andthrow away comments which bring galesof laughter. How else could those of uswho treat Loch Tay with the respect itdeserves, react to Les Berrow's openingparagraph of his letter in the Novembernewspaper?

The esteemed editor of this publicationsaw the deed but perhaps there was aMidsummer attack of panto magic and atree trunk of telegraph pole proportionturned into a piece of driftwood and theclown princes were really water nymphsin costume rehearsing for Babes in theWood or was it Water?

I must, however, wholly support Les onthe problem of the foul mess left by "socalled fishermen". There is an exclusionzone covering the shoreline below theharbour and above Firbush which ismarked on "where to fish" plans availablewith permits. Under the protection orderthese areas should have notices put upby riparian owners which indicate nofishing between clearly definedboundaries. This should have a deterrenteffect and make the no fishing rule easierto enforce under the act.

10Yours faithfully

A Stewart

Killin Gun ClubKillin Gun Club held their end of seasonshoot for all the major trophies for theyear on Sunday 14 November 1993. MrsBowser handed over the annual trophiesat a small get together in Suie LodgeHotel. Prize winners on the day are asfollows:-

DTL Class A - 1. D McRobbie 66; 2.E McAllister 59; 3. H Campbell 56; 4.G Mitchell 53; 5. D Robertson 47. DTLClass B - 1 . J Sinclair 55; 2=. S Christie& G Ross 48; 4. J Miller 47; 5. DStewart 44 DTL Class C - 1 . E Paterson50. DTL Visitors - 1. J Mitchell 68; 2.F Ronald 60. Sporting Class A - 1. DDeans 72; 2. G Mitchell 69; 3. J Sinclair66; 4=. D McRobbie & E McAllister57. Sporting Class B - 1. G Coyne 60;2=. Jas Sinclair & S Christie 57; 4. RPaterson 54; 5. G Ross 51. SportingClass C - 1. J Gledhill 45. Visitors - 1.J Mitchell 66; 2. S Donaldson 60. HighGun & Suie Cup - D McRobbie 123.

33 Guns turned out on a dry, cold day.

Annual Trophies

Agg. Shield - 1. D McRobbie 480.Runner Up - E McAllister 475. CurryRose Bowl - J Sinclair 266.Classification DTL A - E McAllister253; B - J Sinclair 232; C - E Paterson216. Sporting A - J Sinclair 249; B -R Paterson 216; C - J Gledhill 174.

The Christmas Shoot was held on Sunday12 December 1993. 22 Guns turned outon a cold, wet, sleaty day. All the Gunsenjoyed the varied competitions put on.Prize winners are as follows:-

10 DTL - 1. E McAllister 27; 2=.Lennox, Jas Sinclair & G Coyne 23. 5DTL SBS - 1. E McAllister 15; 2. GRoss 12; 3. J Sinclair 11; 4=. BDonaldson & R Mills 10. 5 Pair D/R -1. E McAllister 27; 2=. J Sinclair, ADonaldson, G Ross & G Coyne 24. HighGun & Dochart Cup - E McAllister 69.Flush - 1. E McAllister, R Cairns, EPaterson, A Lawder, V Corriere 41; 2.J Sinclair, S Christie, H Campbell, JGledhill, G Coyne 40. Continuation -R Cairns.

Thank you for all your support throughoutthe year. Many thanks to the Committeeand Helen Sinclair for their help on andoff the field.

G Coyne, Secretary

Killin Drama ClubOnce again the stars are beginning toshine every Wednesday night as rehearsalscontinue for the next production by theDrama Club.

Last year's format appeared to be wellreceived, so, as the saying goes, whychange a winner and this year's show willbe along similar lines, May Hewitt isproducing a Scots play "March of theDay" by Harry Glass. Julia Bates andFelicity Campbell-Smith are again incharge of a growing band of juniorplayers and to give everyone a part, theywill enact two short plays - "Let's beDevils" and "Us and Them". LesleyKettle has again promised a surprise, butthis year without the banana or ColinMcRae "falling down the stairs". Colinwill be in the show however and we urgeyou to come and see him as you havenever seen him before and not likely tosee him again.

The McLaren Hall has been booked forFriday and Saturday 18 and 19 March so,since we would all feel rather sillyperforming without an audience, pleasepencil one (or both) of these dates inyour diary now and we'll see you there.

Bill DouglasChairman

TighnabruaichHotel

Killin,PerthshireFK21 8XB

Winter Bar HoursFeb & March

Mon - Fri 5pm -12 midnightSat 11am-12 "Sun 12 noon-12 "

Lunches Available Sat & SunFrom 12.30-2.30pm

Evening Dinners & SuppersFrom 6.30 - 8.30pm

"By Reservation Only"Whilst Off Season

Tel: 0567 820216

Page 11: Every two months FREE KILLIN NEWSCarpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services Wishing All Our Customers a Happy New Year agreed, as an interim measure, to arrang e for this proposal to

WRINovember

Mrs Sheena Chisholm, President, openedthe November meeting by welcomingnew members and guests fromLochearnhead Institute.

Mrs Chisholm introduced Miss JoanneMcKelvie who took the ladies through"A Day in the Life of a Vet". Her talkwas illustrated by showing trays and theinstruments used for mending animalfractures. Mrs B Gordon thanked MissMcKelvie for a most interesting evening.

Following tea served by hostesses Mrs HGledhill and Mrs B Gordon,entertainment took the form of "Namethat Tune".

Competition Results-Chutney - 1 . MrsB McGregor; 2. Mrs M Hunter; 3. MrsM Graham. Animal Photograph - 1.Mrs B Gordon; 2. Mrs W Davidson; 3.Miss S Spinner.

December

Mrs Sheena Chisholm, President,welcomed a large turnout to theDecember meeting in the Lesser McLarenHall.

Mrs Ross from the Achray Hotel, StFillans, gave a most interestingdemonstration of the making of startersand puddings. The end results were muchappreciated by the members.

The vote of thanks was given by Mrs EStewart. Following tea served by thehostesses Mrs A McNee and Mrs EStewart, members were entertained by agame of "pass the parcel" organised byMrs P Christie. Raffle was held in aidof "Pennies for Friendship" the amountcollected being £24.75.

Competition Results - Gift Tags - 1.Mrs E Stewart; 2. Mrs M Graham; 3.Mrs B McGregor. Chocolate Eclairs -1. Mrs B McGregor; 2. Mrs M Graham;3. Mrs E Stewart.

On 13 November the WRI held asuccessful 'Whist Drive' in aid of theScottish War Blinded. The sum of £208was raised for this worthy charity.

15 December was the date for theSchool's Annual Christmas Party.Judging by the noise and expressions, agreat time was had by all.

The ladies of the WRI would like to

thank all those who helped to make theseoccasions such a success.

The Birthday Party

Mrs Sheena Chisholm, President,welcomed members to the meeting whichtook the form of a 70th Birthday Partyheld in the Killin Hotel. The BirthdayCake was cut by Mrs Bunty McGregor.The entertainment, organised by MrsHelen Gledhill, was greatly enjoyed byall of the large number present. Duringthe evening a raffle was held in aid ofBosnia. The sum of approximately £50was raised.

Competition Results - Party Hat - 1.Mrs Sheila Ferguson; 2. Mrs EllenStewart; 3. Mrs May Graham.Limerick - Mrs Fiona Inglis.

Mrs B E GordonPress Secretary

Angling ClubKillin and Breadalbane Angling ClubAGM was held at the Killin Hotel on 29November. As the Annual Dinner hadto be cancelled, the presentation of prizeswas made by the President, Dr H MWeaver at the AGM.

Trout - Club Champion - S MacDonald26 trout weighing 161b; Runner Up - JScougall (Snr) 21 fish weighing 141b 5oz.Heaviest Fish - S MacDonald tie with JScougall - 111b 8 oz. Peter Ross Cup- S MacDonald 11 fish - 61b 9oz.Handicap Cup - S MacDonald 5 fish -21b 3oz. Awa Cup - J Scougall (Jnr).Salmon - Heaviest Fish - D MacKenzie- 24 lbs. Runner Up - N Cairns - 201bs.Total Fish - D MacKenzie 25. RunnerUp - N Cairns 19.

The office bearers and Committee for1993 were unanimously re-elected for1994.

J.R. NEWSKILLIN

Newsagents Fishing TackleConfectionery Stationery

Jan and Jack Rough thankall their customers

for their welcome and supportand wish them a

Healthy and Happy 1994

Tel: 0567-820362

Carpet Bowling

The Killin Carpet Bowling Club heldtheir annual open pairs tournament onSaturday 4 December. The tournamentwas well attended with 34 pairscompeting. The winner was a Crookof Devon pair Alan Paterson and IanBrown. Second was also a Crook ofDevon pair Archie Paterson and JimJohnstone. Third was Killin pair CMcLarty and John Willison. Fourthwas Jim Hermiston and D Kennedyfrom Camserney. First in the singleswas Alistair Kerinmoth from Fearnan.Second was Willie Nicol from Acharn.Many thanks to all who took part.

Carpet Bowls are held every Mondaynight in the Lesser McLaren Hall.Anyone interested should come alongat 7.30 pm.

Tuesday Club

Members thoroughly enjoyed theirChristmas Dinner Celebrations whichwere held in the Church Hall.

During the course of the evening, apresentation was made to Mrs BrendaTaylor who is returning south earlyin 1994. Brenda's company will bemissed by the many friends she hasmade here in Killin.

THANKS

I should like to thank all my bandof helpers who are enabling me tocontinue living in Killin.

It is a great community effort andeveryone is doing a wonderful job.I do appreciate it.

Dorothy Fraser, Riverside

GENERAL STOREMAIN STREET

KILLINTel: 0567 820277 / 820386 (24hr)

For all household, hardware,paint, kitchen equipment, small

electric appliances.Clocks, watch and camerabatteries, Gifts and Tools

Extending to include bulk petfood and pet accessories

11

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Crossword by Crustacean

Solution to Last Crossword

Across: 1. dubbing 5. insipid 9.molotov 10. tiniest 11. school tie12. stern 13. spill 15. epicentre 16.backtrack 18. polar 21. usage 22.efficient 24. cats paw 26. instant27. streaky 28. amendedDown: 1. demists 2. Bolshoi 3.intro 4. give the game away 5. inthe nick of time 6. sin 7. present 8.detente 12. sheep 14. litre 16.bounces 17. coaster 19. leeward 20.rotated 23. caste 25. pea

The lucky winner was HelenDouglas of Killin who received acheque for £25 from the Bank ofScotland. Well done Helen!

Articles forSale or Wanted

We will be pleased to advertise articlesfor sale or wanted at a cost of 25p perline. Remember the paper comes outevery two months and the date bywhich copy is required is given ineach issue; so please get your ads inon time to Judy Forster, tel 820298.

For Sale

Armchairs - £5 for the pair.

Tel: Killin 820591

ACROSSI. Rainmaker? No, but he'll

be blamed (9)7. Girl gets the bird for this

design (7)8. What Scrooge never gave

anyone (5)10. In the choir you hear the

sound again (4)11. Biblical retribution (8)13. The players' suit (7)15. Sideways (5)17. Mainly a cut nail! (8)18. A young rascal. I join a

SA warrior group (4)21. After a service remove a

part (5)22. In this state there's no

movement (7)23. In this saloon your

number's nearly up! (4, 6)

DOWN1. Look! Guard your

neighbourhood (5)2. In this space there are a lot

of yards (4)3. Starter Gift (6)4. Without the lady,

determinedly cruel (8)5. The home of the free! (7)6. A very quiet start to this look

(10)9. A thespian manner (10)12. Change your mind Pete? It's

above the door! (8)14. A Greek dish! (7)16. Send away for a bash round

Northern Ireland (6)19. Measure some of the same

treatment (5)20. Average and Nasty (4)

THANK YOUMrs Clark wishes to thank everyonefor their good wishes, cards andflowers received during her recent stayin hospital.

Thanks

We would like to use this column tobid farewell to Killin and a sadgoodbye to all our friends. Althoughwe are looking forward to our moveSouth, a part of us will never leavethese hills and lochs, which we loveso much.

Thank you for having us. It's been ahappy five years.

Reg & Brenda Taylor

The Village Christmas Tree

The Killin News takes this opportunityon behalf of the Community Counciland the village as a whole, to thankJudge Stroyan of Boreland for onceagain providing us with a fineChristmas Tree for the Festive period.We are also grateful to DouglasMcRobbie (Electrician) and Stitt Brosfor erecting the tree and wiring thelights and to St Fillans Church forthe use of their electric system.

Obituary - Ada Fryer

Ada Fryer, who died on23 December, was a physician whobecame an artist in middlelife.

After retirement to Crianlarich shespent much time painting Scottishlandscapes and flowerarrangements, frequently exhibitingat the Art Society and the KillinShow. She was also a talentedpianist. Late in life she gained aBA (Hons) from the OpenUniversity.

Sinclair AitkenAllan WalkerJulia ThorntonFiona InglisJudy Forster

EditorAsst. EditorTreasurerSecretaryAdvertising

Richard Shand. PhotographsAngus Inglis, David Mardon,Jan Willison, and Helen Gledhill,

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

Address:Glebe Cottage,Main Street, KillinTelephone: 820358