spotlight on inverness & district december 2011

T H E N O R T H ’ S F A V O U R I T E F R E E W E E M A G ’ !

I N V E R N E S S A N D D I S T R I C T

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Where’s Santa?See page 18

Inverness December 2011 15/11/2011 09:50

Foster for Highland

Highland CouncilFostering and Adoption

Service

Highland CouncilFostering and Adoption

Service

Change children’slives for the better

Join the growing community ofHighland foster carers.

• We give £270 a week for fosteringa 13 year old

• We give professional support• We give training• We give help with health and school issues• We give support from other carers

If you have room in your life as wellas your home, phone

01463 703431 to find out more.Or email us at:

[email protected]

Change children’slives for the better


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Open Thursdays – Sundays from 1st December through till 23rd December 2011Weekdays open 12 noon – 6pm and weekends open 10am – 6pm. Last admission 5pm.

ADMISSION £5 per person (each child receives a small gift)No advance bookings taken, first come first served. Come early in the season to avoid queues

and delays. Remember to bring your camera, and dress warmly.Please note there is no wheelchair access at the Castle, it is a 17th century tower house with a

steep stone staircase.

Situated on the Airport Road at the B9039 cut off for Ardersier and Fort George, 10mins from Inverness.

See the Fat Elf Controller and take a journey through the garden on your own Santa Express Pedal Car TrainMeet Mrs Claus in her kitchen and decorate your own

gingerbread manDesign your own crown in Santa’s toy factory and meet

Santa and see his elves at workDress up in costumes and play with the giant stuffed

polar bear familyHave a ride on Stuart Little’s car

Meet the rabbits, ponies, pigs, ducks and doves that live at the castle

See the Fat Elf Controller and take a journey through the garden on your own Santa Express Pedal Car TrainMeet Mrs Claus in her kitchen and decorate your own

gingerbread manDesign your own crown in Santa’s toy factory and meet

Santa and see his elves at workDress up in costumes and play with the giant stuffed

polar bear familyHave a ride on Stuart Little’s car

Meet the rabbits, ponies, pigs, ducks and doves that live at the castle


SSppoottLLiigghhtt�AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS

Self help group for families andfriends of people with a drinkproblem, with meetings heldlocally throughout the Highlandarea. Are you concerned aboutsomeone else’s drinking?Telephone 020 7403 0888. Theywill give you a local contactnumber for the area you live in.All enquiries are treated instrictest confidence. Make thatcall. It could change YOUR life.

AUTISM RIGHTS GROUPHIGHLAND (ARGH)Run by and for autistic adults.We hold meetings for members;produce a newsletter; campaignfor improved services andchallenge discrimination as agroup, and as individuals in ourdaily lives. Working as a collec-tive we aim to make the adultautistic voice heard. We uphold‘Nothing About Us Without Us’principle. Contact [email protected]

BOLESKINE SHINTY CLUBTel: 791955 or email:[email protected]/shinty/

CAPITAL SKATEPARK GROUPTel: 714516 or email: agapecloth-

[email protected]

CHANONRY SAILING CLUBChanonry Sailing Club providesa safe and fun environment forpeople from all walks of life tocome together and sail. TheHarbour, Fortrose, tel: 01381621973www.chanonry.org.uk/

CROMARTY BOWLING CLUBOutdoor at the Green - May toSeptember (Bowling forBeginners Fridays 2pm to 4pm)Indoor at Victoria Hall -November to April (Bowling forBeginners Fridays 2pm to 4pm)Causeway, Cromarty

DINGWALL SCOTTISHCOUNTRY DANCE CLUBAdult Scottish Country DanceClass, Tuesdays in Conon BridgeChurch Hall from 5th October -7th December, 7.30pm-9.30pm.Price £2. Further details fromFiona 01997 423373

HIGHLAND BONSAI SOCIETYMeets on 3rd Wednesday ofevery month in Balloch VillageHall at 7.30pm. For more infoma-tion contact Chris tel: 01349865485

THE HIGHLAND BRIDGE CLUBNew members welcome meetsevery Wednesday throughoutthe year. For further detailscontact Marsalaidh on01463224434 or Graham on01463792811

HIGHLAND [email protected] tel: 791572, www.spanglefish.com/HighlandHillwalkingClub

HIGHLAND HISTORICALSEARCH SOCIETYWe are an Inverness basedmetal detecting club, who havebeen searching the Highlandsfor over 23 years. During thistime we have found 1000’s ofartefacts, from the mundane to

magnificent. Why not come &join us? You would be mostwelcome. Free equipment loan,tuition and regular places todetect. Beginners no problem &transport provided if needed. Forfull details contact Len tel: 01808521340 anytime

INVERNESS ANGLING CLUBFor details please contact DonMacKay, Inverness Angling Club,4 Maxwell Drive, Inverness IV35EXwww.invernessanglingclub.co.uk

INVERNESS BLITZAmerican football for ages 11 toadult. All equipment supplied.Tel: 242431 oremail [email protected]

Christmas is all wrapped up with the National Trust for Scotland

From enchanting events to perfect presents, celebrate the festive season with us

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

Get into the Christmas spirit with our festive events programme Visit our Christmas shops filled with great gifts for friends and family Come and stay at one of our self-catering holiday properties Spoil yourself with some seasonal treats in our cafés and restaurants Enjoy spotting winter wildlife at our outdoor properties Give the gift of membership – the present that lasts all year

Visit our website for more information and your chance to

WIN £200 to spend in our online shop!www.nts.org.uk/christmas

Clubs &Societies


Films Coming up.......................17

Cinema

Stuffed & Roasted Monk Fish Tail 24

Chef

Where’s Santa ..........................18

Events

Our Winter Visitors....................26

Nature

Making Christmas Magic .....22-23

Style

Caribbean Break.......................28

Travel

* Personal tuition * Adult Leisure courses * Children’s activities * 94 Academy Street, Inverness: near bus/rail & Rose St car pk

01463 71 61 51 www.mftcollege.co.uk

NEW CLASSES FROM JANUARYHIGHERS (10 week top up courses)ADULT LANGUAGES (French, German, Italian & more, various levels)

PUBLISHER ...............David Nelmes

SALES ......................Eilidh Conners

ACCOUNTS ...................Lynn Wood

LAYOUT ...............Megan Woodman

DESIGN .................Alistair Davidson

LISTINGS................Tamsyn Dickson

Clubs & Societies ............................4

Pastoral Letter .................................6

Church Details.................................6

Council News ..................................8

Tide Times.....................................10

Useful Numbers ............................10

Local Holidays...............................10

School Term Dates ........................12

What’s On ..............................15 - 20

Cinema Listings.............................17

Advertisers Index ..........................31

Editorial - Friday 02/12/11Advertising - Wednesday 07/12/11

Ho ho ho - here we go again - it

only seems five minutes since

Christmas last year and the “time

of peace and joy” is upon us again.

At this time it is always good to

think of others less fortunate than

ourselves and an invitation to join a

family for a Christmas meal from a

neighbour can be just the thing to

cheer up a person living on their

own. When was the last time that

we did this I wonder -

do you have a spare

place at your table?

The Editor

January Issue Deadlines


December 2011 SpotLight on Inverness and Districttel: 01309 690063

Ardersier with Petty Parish Church C of S,Ardersier Sundays 10.15am; Petty Sundays12noon, tel. 462224Avoch Congregational Church, High Street,Avoch. Sunday Service 11.30am. Refreshments afterwards. Visit www.avochcongregationalchurch.co.ukBlack Isle Charge Episcopal Churches, 1Deans Road, Fortrose, tel: 01381 622241Cale House, C of S, Millburn Road,Inverness, tel: 718616Christian Group in Invernesstel: 0772 4992790 or visit www.christian-group-inverness.orgCulduthel Christian Centre, CulduthelAvenue, Inverness tel: 222795Pastor Reverend Bill Slack www.culduthelchristiancentre.orgCulloden Baptist Church meets 10.30amSunday mornings at Culloden Academy, tel.794005. www.cullodenbaptistchurch.org.ukculloden.baptist@btconnect.comBarn Church of Scotland, Culloden,Sundays 10.30am family friendly service; 1st& 3rd Sundays in month 6.30pm service,www.barnchurch.org.ukCroy & Dalcross Parish Church C of S, Croy Village, Every Sunday 12noonDalneigh & Bona Church of Scotland, StMary’s Avenue, Inverness. Bona Church,Lochend by Inverness - 10am; DalneighChurch, St Mary’s Avenue, Inverness -

11.30am & 6.30pm. Tel: 232439Dingwall Baptist Church, Tulloch Street,Dingwall www.dbc.org.ukDingwall Castle Street Church of Scotlandwww.dingwall-church.co.ukDingwall Catholic Church, St Lawrence, 21Castle Street, Dingwall, tel: 01349 863143Dingwall Episcopal Church, St James TheGreat, Castle Street, Dingwall tel: 01349862204 www.stjames-stannes.org.ukDingwall Free Church, High Street, Sundays11am and 6pm, www.deep-river.co.ukFerintosh and Resolis Free Church, Rev.Chris Smart, www.ferintosh.org.ukFree North Church, Bank Street, Inverness,tel: 224332 www.freenorthchurch.orgFortrose Free Church, 5 Church Street,Fortrose, IV10 8TE, Sunday: 11.30am & 6pm,www.freechurch.orgGrace Community Church meets Sundays10.30am at Inshes Primary Schoolemail:[email protected], C of S, Tomatin Road, Inverness, tel:233310 www.hiltonchurch.org.ukInshes, C of S, Sir Walter Scott Dr, Invernesstel: 226727, www.insheschurch.orgInverness Baptist Church, 69 Castle Street,Rev Tom Urquhart, tel: 223506,email: [email protected] Christian Fellowship, MeetsSundays at 10.30am, Millburn Academy,Diriebught Road, www.icfchurch.co.uk

Inverness Church of God, Friars LaneSunday 10.30am & 6.30pm. Tel: 241318Inverness Crown Church, C of S3 Midmills Road, tel: 230537Inverness East Church, C of SAcademy Street, Rev. Professor ATBMcGowan tel: 236695 www.invernesseast.comInverness Greyfriars Stratherrick FreeChurch, Greyfriars at Balloan Road,Inverness and Stratherrick at Errogie,Stratherrick, tel: 714085www.greyfriarschurch.orgInverness Methodist ChurchHuntly Street, Inverness, tel: 231170 www.churchesinverness.comKiltarlity Church of Scotland, Kiltarlity,Inverness-shire. Sunday service at 12noon.Contact Rev. Dr Kobus Smit tel: 831662www.kiltarlityandkirkhill.org.ukKiltarlity Free Church of ScotlandKiltarlity, Inverness-shire, tel: 741729email: [email protected] Fellowship meets at Smithton Indus-trial Estate, Culloden tel: 792700 email: [email protected]

This is listed alphabetically from A to Kand will regularly be rotated. If you are a member of a church not listedhere please email us with details and wemay print this in future issues.

SSppoottLLiigghhtt�

Th ings that go bump in the nigh tHave you ever tried to find your way in thedark? If you have moved house recentlyand needed to get up during the night topay a visit I expect you will know howdifficult it can to negotiate your way withoutputting all the lights on. Or maybe like merecently you have lost something in thedark which you had difficulty finding? Inmy case it was one of our two dogs whodecided on her evening walk to run off onme. I am surprised there weren’t moreneighbours coming out to see what I wasshouting and whistling about. And ofcourse not to be outdone by that episodethe other of our dogs needed out to thegarden in the wee small hours on anothernight recently. Rather than switching on thekitchen light – you need to know ourkitchen was in the process of refitted – Istumbled my way to the back door only tocrash my bare foot into a kitchen doorwaiting to be fitted. The point is that it’shard to find your way in the dark!

So it is with life. As we try to navigate ourway through the journey that is life it issometimes difficult to know which way togo, especially when sometimes it feels likewe are feeling our way in the dark, notknowing what lies ahead. Walking in thedark for you might sometimes feel like youare never quite getting to where you wouldlike to be. Or it might just be a lack of sat-isfaction or fulfillment with the path youseem to be on. “There’s light at the end of

the tunnel” is a phrase which most of ushave either used at one time or arecertainly familiar with. You know that youcan carry on because you can see eventu-ally where you are going. You arefollowing the light at the end.

A few weeks ago in our church we playeda very simple game. One of our young folkhid under a blanket and was asked to saywhat it was like. It won’t surprise you tolearn that it was described as being dark.And when a torch was provided it becamelight. It became safe. Secure. Navigable.When he was talking to a crowd of inter-ested folks and the church leaders of hisday the Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed hewas “The light of the world.” He said. “ Ifyou follow me, you won’t have to walk indarkness, because you will have the lightthat leads to life.” (John 8.12 New LivingTranslation.) Jesus was not saying he hadreplaced the sun as the source of physicallight, but rather he was talking in a spiritual

sense about the purpose of my life andyours, and about living that life well. Hewas saying if we want to have a way whichis easy to discern and follow then we canfollow Him. To use that earlier quotedsaying Jesus is that light at the end of themetaphoric tunnel.

A familiar bible passage often quote inChristmas services and school assembliesis “The people living in darkness have seena great light; on those living in the land ofthe shadow of death a light has dawned.”Matthew 4.16 This is a reference to thecoming into the world on the firstChristmas of the one who claims to be “theLight of the world.” So will you move fromdarkness to light? This Christmas will youchoose to follow the one who came to bethe Light for your path?

R. Murray McCheyneSecretary, S t Columba Church ofScotland New Charge

Pastoral Letter & Church Details


automatA The Inimitable

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Repair & Creation

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rewarded

Suitable for Lovers of Rational Amusement From Infancy To Elder ly

Automaton advisors to ‘Hugo’, Scorcese’s new 3D film See our new exhibition

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~ The Microcosm ~

T h e H o u s e o f

SS hh oo pp ~~ EE xx hh ii bb ii tt ii oo nn ~~ WW oo rr kk ss hh oo pp

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PROPS & AUTOMATA FROM THE 3D FILM Here 2 N D tt oo 24 T H D ECE MBER

Gift Shop T u e s d a y t o S a t u r d a y f r o m 1 0 t i l 5

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W W W . T H E H O U S E O F A U T O M A T A . C O M

Curiosity

Santas Grotto - If You Come In For A Carvery or Steak Night Meal Then The Kids Get Entrance To The Grotto For Free.Saturday 10th, Sunday 11th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December.12 noon till 7pm Booking is advised.

Christmas Party Nights - Still some availability leftSaturday 10th December & Friday 16th December.£19.99 Four Course Dinner, Glass of Bubbly, Live Band & DJ.

Christmas Party Lunches - £9.95 Four Course Lunch or Dinner, Booking Essential any Lunch or Evening in December.(24th & 25th December excluded)

New Year Eve £19.99 Five Course Gala DinnerFollowed by Live Ceilidh Band

New Years Day Carvery £9.95 Per Head - Book Now,Places Selling Fast!

The Windsor HotelALBERT STREET, NAIRN IV12 4HP

01667 453108Email: [email protected]

Santas GrottoThen The Kids Get Entrance To The Grotto For Free.

Christmas

Christmas

New

New Years Day Carvery

The Windsor Hotel



Part Two

Tackling Homelessness through

Prevention

Declarations of interest

a homelessness Prevention team had

been established to assist applicants to

resolve housing difficulties using alternative

housing options and prevention before

homelessness actually occurred. the team

had been in place since June 2011 and

already had seen a 50% reduction in the

number of statutory homeless presentations

through: the provision of enhanced infor-

mation and advice; carrying out home visits;

investigations into tenancy rights; and the

provision of housing support once a tenancy

had been found. the team had also been

successful in sourcing 23 new private

tenancies in the 6 week period since estab-

lishment. ms urry also discussed the work

being carried out by the homeless Day

centre. it had originally been established

to provide facilities for people sleeping

rough but with these numbers reducing

there was a need to re-focus the emphasis

towards the provision of structured and

focused activities. members welcomed the

report and acknowledged the initial success

of this shift in policy to prevent homeless-

ness rather than having to deal with the

fallout from it. they commented that: there

was a heavy reliance on temporary B&B ac-

commodation and insufficient public sector

housing available therefore new options for

housing were required, including the use of

private sector landlords; sometimes people

were being moved into tenancies too early

without adequate support from services

such as the nhs and social Work; there

would be an increased pressure on housing

within the city centre with the opening of the

uhi campus; and people now had a social

need for the homeless Day centre and not

a housing need. ms urry re-affirmed the

need for a corporate approach when

dealing with people with challenging

behaviour and needs. the homelessness

Prevention team was working with col-

leagues in social Work and the nhs on a

case conference basis to identify the health,

social and housing needs and options for

clients. all parties were working together to

create solutions for long term tenancy sus-

tainability and homelessness prevention.

the committee noteD the developments

detailed in the report.

Inverness Common Good Fund – Re-

roofing of Victorian Market

Director of housing and Property and the

inverness city manager updatedmembers

on essential property repairs to the victorian

market hall roof for which expenditure had

originally been approved by the inverness

city committee on 12 november 2007.

noting that the changes and additions to the

specification of the roof materials and work

to be carried out had been requested by

trustees of additional funding. the

common good fund, the committee there-

after:

noteD the additions to the project since

initiation;

aPProveD common good funding for

the full re-roofing measures outlined in the

report for a total estimated project cost of

£751,525; and

aPProveD the additional re-decoration

project at an estimated cost of £40,000.

inverness Common Good Fund –

Funding Requests from the 2011/12

Budget

Declarations of Interest

AGREED to award:

The Archie Foundation

£150,000 towards the cost of refurbishment

and modernisation of the child health

facility at raigmore hospital, inverness.

Camanachd Association

£6,000 towards the cost of the 2011

shinty/hurling international series

Inverness Royal Academy

£1,000 towards the cost of publication of a

book on the history of inverness royal

academy.

An Comunn Gaidhealach

£45,000 towards the cost of hosting the

royal national mod in 2014 in inverness

and the cost of holding 3 Provincial mods in

the run up to 2014.

split in funding as follows: £12,000 (£4,000

in 2012, 2013 and 2014) for the inverness

Provincial mod £33,000 (£11,000 in 2012,

2013 and 2014) for the royal national mod

2014

The Real Nappy Company - highland

Baby show 2011

£1,500 towards the cost of holding the

highland Baby show 2011 in eden court in

october 2011.

Inverness High School – Textile Devel-

opment Group

£3,000 towards the cost of purchasing

textile equipment which would offer addi-

tional practical skills and qualifications for

pupils at inverness high school. the

equipment would be used to offer textile

courses in home economics and art and

Design. this award would be subject to

agreement that the equipment could also be

used for evening classes and workshops

outwith school hours.

Wildcat Cheerleaders

£3,000 towards the cost of attending a

summer camp in virginia, america in august

2011.

Inverness Harriers

£3,000 towards the cost of attending the

young athletes League final in scotstoun,

glasgow on 23 July 2011.

STUC

£6,000 towards the cost of the stuc con-

ference in april 2012.

DECLINED to award:

Inverness Polish Association

£7,704 sought towards the cost of a

Polish/scottish saturday school and

Library. although supportive of the work

being carried out by the Polish association,

following recent meetings with uhi, the

Polish consul, the Provost and the city

manager, the committee felt that the appli-

cation was premature and that more work

was needed on the wider issues affecting

different communities in inverness and the

pulling together of a total package that

might be eligible for alternative sources of

funding.

DEFERRED the application from:

Merkinch Welfare Hall

£18,000 sought towards the cost of com-

missioning a business plan to test the

viability of the development of merkinch

Welfare hall. the committee was support-

ive of the initiative to bring the Welfare hall

back into use. however it wanted to see a

clear development plan in place before con-

sidering any further funding from the

common good fund .

extracts from the minutes of the meeting of 8th august 2011 of inverness city committee

page 8 December 2011 SpotLight on Inverness and Districttel: 01309 690063

Community Council News


SAMSINDIAN CUISINE

Christmas at

5 COURSECHRISTMAS DAY MENU

4 COURSEPRE-CHRISTMAS DINNER MENU

3 COURSEPRE-CHRISTMAS LUNCH MENU

£29.95

£19.95

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77-79 Church Street, InvernessTel: 01463 713111 / 711400

Celebrate Christmas with

15 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EQTel: 01343 547700

www.facebook.com/OliveTreeChocolate

All our chocolate is freefrom additives and preservatives,

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Open late every Thursday and openevery Sunday in December in the run up

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St Andrews Day Wed. 30th Nov. 2011Christmas Day Holiday * Mon. 26th Dec. 2011Boxing Day Holiday * Tues. 27th Dec. 2011New Years Day Holiday * Mon. 2nd Jan. 20122nd January Holiday * Tues. 3rd Jan. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 6th Feb. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 5th Mar. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 2nd April 2012Good Friday Fri. 6th April 2012May Day Bank Holiday Mon. 7th May 2012

Spring Bank Holiday Mon. 4th June 2012Queens Diamond Jubilee Tues. 5th June 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 2nd July 2012Summer Bank Holiday Mon. 6th Aug. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 1st Oct. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 5th Nov. 2012St Andrews Day Fri. 30th Nov. 2012Christmas Day Tues. 25th Dec. 2012

* substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday


Local Holidays, Tide Times& Useful Numbers

Police Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08456 005703

Bus Station, Inverness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239292

Citizens Advice Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08444 994111

Dalcross Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 464000

Highland Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01349 886606

National Rail Enquires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08457 484950

Ardersier Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658

Beauly Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930

Cromarty Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 600318

Culloden Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 792531

Fortrose Community Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 622235

Inshes Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 725928

Inverness Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 236463

Black Isle Leisure Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01381 621252

Culloden Academy Community Complex . . . 01463 792794

Inverness Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 667500

VILLAGE HALLS & COMMUNITY CENTRES

Abriachan Village Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 861257

Ardersier Old School Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 462658

Balloch Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 790601

Cameron Youth Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 234785

Cannich Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 459224

Croy Public Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01667 493480

Culduthel Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712844

Farr Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01808 521346

Floral Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 713553

Kiltarlity Community Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 741447

Kirkhill Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 831737

Merkinch Community Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 239563

Phipps Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 782930

Smithton-Culloden Youth Centre . . . . . . . . . . 01463 793284

The Green Hall, Smithton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07977 852083

Spectrum Centre & Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 221842

Stratherrick Public Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01456 486350

Strathnairn Hall (Daviot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 772228

VETS

Crown Vets (Argyle St) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 237000

Crown Vets (Carsegate Rd Sth) . . . . . . . . . . 01463 712202

Culloden Veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 793700

Eastgate Veterinary Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 230893

Fish Vet Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 717774

Inshes Veterinary Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 711777

Kessock Equine Veterinary Clinic . . . . . . . . . 01463 731107

Moray Coast Vet Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01463 794224

Other Useful Numbers including Doctors, Dentists andSchools are rotated on a regular basis and will appearin subsequent issues.

AM PM1 TH 09.39 23.202 F 10.163 SA 00.33 11.234 SU 01.47 14.085 M 02.46 15.046 TU 03.29 15.477 W 03.45 16.22

AM PM8 TH 03.51 16.549 F 04.33 17.3010 SA 05.19 18.0811 SU 06.02 18.4712 M 06.43 19.2713 TU 07.18 20.0614 W 07.46 20.4715 TH 07.50 21.3116 F 08.24 22.1917 SA 09.23 23.1418 SU 10.5319 M 00.18 12.07

AM PM20 TU 01.32 13.2621 W 02.45 15.2022 TH 03.48 16.2523 F 04.47 17.2024 SA 05.38 18.0925 SU 06.22 18.5526 M 07.04 19.4027 TU 07.43 20.2328 W 08.18 21.0529 TH 08.46 21.4430 F 09.03 22.1631 SA 09.26 22.38

LOW TIDE TIMES FOR INVERNESS IN DECEMBER

Walking on the beach should bepossible 2 hours either side of thesetimes

Useful Numbers

Local Holidays


Come in and see what’s new.

The refurbishment of our Elgin kitchen and bedroom showroom is now complete. It’s quite a transformation and we hope that you will agree that it was well worth any inconvenience caused while it was closed.The fi nished result is stunning with classic and contemporary new styles, fantastic design ideas and amazing storage solutions.On show alongside our award winning Metris displays we are also showing our new Fusion range and our Classic Painted collection.All our kitchens and bedrooms are manufactured at our Highland factory with fantastic build quality which we have continued to update over the past 25 years. Our skilled manufacturers, designers and installers will continue to offer unrivalled quality and service and we look forward to welcoming you to our stunning new refurbished Elgin showroom.

www.ashleyann.co.uk

ELGIN: 27 Tyock Ind Est 01343 545155Also at: INVERNESS: 18 Carsegate Rd 01463 711548

NOW OPEN

Spring Bank Holiday Mon. 4th June 2012Queens Diamond Jubilee Tues. 5th June 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 2nd July 2012Summer Bank Holiday Mon. 6th Aug. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 1st Oct. 2012Inverness Holiday Mon. 5th Nov. 2012St Andrews Day Fri. 30th Nov. 2012Christmas Day Tues. 25th Dec. 2012

* substitute, as this holiday falls on a weekend or other bank holiday



for 2011/2012 (all dates inclusive)Winter Term Ends Thu. 22nd December 2011Spring Term Starts Monday 9th January 2012Regional Closure Wed. 15th February 2012Regional Closure Thursday 16th February 2012Regional Closure Friday 17th February 2012Spring Term Ends Friday 30th March 2012Good Friday Holiday Friday 6th April 2012Easter Monday Holiday Monday 9th April 2012May Day Holiday Monday 7th May 2012Summer Term Starts Tuesday 17th April 2012

for 2012/2013 (all dates inclusive)Regional Closure Monday 13th August 2012Autumn Term Starts Tuesday 14th August 2012Autumn Term Ends Friday 5th October 2012Regional Closure Monday 22nd October 2012Winter Term Starts Tuesday 23rd October 2012Winter Term Ends Thursday 20th December 2012Spring Term Starts Monday 7th January 2013


School Term DatesSchool Term Dates

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Scotgro can deliver a box containing a selection of fresh local vegetables from our Nairnshire farm to your doorstep.Subscribing online for a regular weekly or fortnightly box is easy – you can even tell us which vegetables you don’t like so that we know not to put them in your box.

Delivering fresh localproduce to your Door

to Inverness, Evanton,Black Isle, Nairn,

Forres, Elginand Lossiemouth

Order on-line at scotgro.comTel: 07580 231030Mini £10 (1-2 people)Box £12 (2-4 people)

Crate £16 (4-7 people)Scotgro, Broombank Farm,

Auldearn, Nairn


H O T E Lk n o c k o m i e

Tel: Grantown Road, Forres

At Knockomie will help make your wedding day, a perfect day. It's why we have come up with our new

Weddings Wrapped Up product. It's here to give you the peace of mind that you will have the professional

service you deserve at a price you can afford.Our highly personal approach will create a perfect and

requirements for you and up to 40 guests.

A Hogmanay Hoolie atthe Knockomie Hotel

Knockomie is the perfect setting for a Hogmanay House Party. At 7.00pm the festivities begin with Canapés and Champagne served in the Lounges and Malt Whisky Bar.

Dinner is served at 8.00pm where our Chef will prepare a fantastic gourmet meal.

After Dinner, until Midnight we have a Ceilidh with Traditional Scottish Dancing which is great fun and involves

everyone of all ages.At the stroke of twelve our very own Fireworks display will

set the heavens alight and say goodbye to 2011 and

the hotel with a Dram in your hand and let the party continue with the sound of Disco.

Knockomie Hotel is licensedto hold Civil Weddings

Christm

as

Menu

3 Courses £16.95

We also offer

Why not letDoctor Denture create you

a new one.

6 Crown Avenue, Inverness IV2 3NF01463 226118

www.doctordenture.com

Are youfed up with

your smile?


SSppoottLLiigghhtt�Please send us details of Your events

log on to www.spotlighton.co.uk

email [email protected]

or call 01309 690063

What’s on listings deadline forJanuary issue is

friday 02/12/11

SpotLight on Inverness and District December 2011 - page 15www.spotlighton.co.uk

Whats OnRolling Event until sunday 8 Jan winter show and cd collection, an exhibition of “newartists, new work” along side affordable, fun, smallerpieces of artwork, just perfect for giving or receivingthis christmas. more info atwww.inchmoregallery.co.uk

NOVEMBER30 wednesdaythe great canadian songbook at the ironworks room2, 7.30pm, £12, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comnairn children's art club - art and craft workshops2pm-4pm, junior world, nairn, ages 4-14, £4 perchild email: [email protected]

DECEMBER1 thursdaythe undertones, 7.30pm, £16 under 16s must be ac-companied by an adult, ironworks, inverness tel:0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

2 fridaystock up your seasonal store cupboard at brodiecountryfare - enjoy tastings of speciality products inthe gourmet foodhall from 11am onwards. tel 01309641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com

2 friday - 4 sundaycromarty film festival, great guests again, that'swriter ian rankin, film and tv director kenny glenaanand radio broadcaster edi stark. in addition there willbe a range of workshops and talks from a variety ofexperts and the scottish screen archive will be onceagain programming a wonderful selection of old film.and much, much more! visit: www.cromartyfilmfestival.orgeden court christmas craft fair - late night friday,1pm-9pm saturday and 10am-5pm on sunday.exquisite arts, crafts and foods all brought togetherin the beautifully restored bishops palace in edencourt. 5 different exhibitors from all over thehighlands at each fair. supporting the children’shospice association scotland. www.exclusivelyhighlands.co.uk

2 friday - 24 saturday‘hugo’ film exhibition - props, automata, drawingsand photographs from the 3D film by martinscorsese. tuesday to saturday 10am-5pm free entry.the house of automata, seapark, kinloss (next topetrol station) tel: 01309 691212 for more informa-tion or visit www.thehouseofautomata.com

3 saturdayxmas soul city live with craig charles at theironworks, 9pm, £10, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visitwww.ironworksvenue.comdougie maclean, 8pm, £17.50/£16.50/£6 on-line,strathpefferpavilion, visit:www.strathpefferpavilion.org orwww.dougiemaclean.com.clan donald society of the highlands and islandsceilidh, 7.30pm-11.30 pm, munlochy village hall,entrance at the door: £8, or £5 for cdsh&i members.all welcome. entertainment, piping, scottish countryand ceilidh simple dances (with instruction), light re-freshments, byob, raffle and auction. email:[email protected] or tel: 01381 620121.jingle jump 2011, exclusive to chest, heart & strokescotland, thanks to NHS highland we are offeringyou a chance to dress as santa and abseil down the185 ft chimney at raigmore hospital, inverness.suitable for over 16s only. we ask that participantsraise a minimum of £95 in sponsorship to take partin this exciting challenge!fairtrade bazaar old high church hall, academystreet, inverness. 10:30am-3pm. there is a variety ofcrafts and food items as well as recycled glassware,cards & wrapping paper. there will be a chance toenjoy a fairly traded cup of coffee too!great glen walking club tomatin - torr mor. 10 miles.meet 0900hrs highland council car park. contact01463 236204 for further information.them & us support devlin @ ironworks - 7pm. over14s. for tickets or more information tel: 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comscooty & the skyhooks to support craig charlesclassic funk and soul set announced for xmas soulcity live night. 10pm. over 18s. for tickets tel: 0871789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comcd and record fair - 11am-4pm. phoenix bar(academy street), inverness. massive selection ofcds and vinyl film & music dvds. buy sell and


exchange. tel: 01360440546

4 sundaytasty ness new interactive food exhibition, 11am-4pm entrance is £3 with children under 12 free, therewill be cookery demonstrations, mini masterclasses,high quality gifts & food items to buy for christmas,as well as samples to taste and dining out offers,ironworks venue in Inverness.beauly food, craft & collectables fair at lovat armshotel, beauly. 12am-4:30pm. great range of highquality handmade products available. organisingproceeds to highland hospice & skye view animalhome. to book a stall call angie on 01445 731438

6 tuesdayflying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm.entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking isessential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house ofautomata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station)tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visitwww.flea-circus.co.uk

7 wednesdaychristmas shopping event at rosedene house from6:30pm. christmas gifts from ESPA, spa ritual, wella,sebastian and art deco along with bespoke

treatment packages. mulled wine and mince pieswill be served. parking available. rosedene house, 2drummond crescent, inverness.

8 thursday - 9 fridaychristmas gift & craft fair, a welcoming shopping experience with up to 40 stalls and a variety ofgoods. open thursday from 2pm to 8pm and fridayfrom 10am to 4pm, strathpeffer pavilion, strathpeffervisit:www.strathpefferpavilion.org

8 thursday - 10 saturdaydingwall players present ’a long time ago...’ a tradi-tional pantomine with an intergalactic twist! dingwallacademy. 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee onsaturday. tickets £8 and £5 (concession) from off thepeg, dingwall high street. any remaining on the door.

9 fridaygraham brown to release ep in ironworks room 27:30pm. over 14s. for tickets tel: 0871 789 4173 orgo to www.ironworksvenue.comstock up your seasonal store cupboard at brodiecountryfare - enjoy tastings of speciality products inthe gourmet foodhall from 11am onwards. tel 01309641555 or visit www.brodiecountryfare.com

9 friday - 10 saturday‘aladdin’ pantomime @ phipps hall, beauly - eveningshows 7:30pm. adults £7, concession £5. matineeon saturday 2:30pm. adults £6, concessions £5.fundraiser for the aird branch of the highlandhospice. tickets available from morrison’s of beauly,robertson farm shop, beauly or contact liz hoey ontel: 01463 831422

10 saturdaymark watson at the ironworks, 7pm, £15, tel: 0871789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comculbin singers christmas concert, 7pm, adult £12,concession £10, child (under 12) £5, st laurencechurch,forres tickets from members; gazette office,forres; r&r urquhart solicitors in forres, nairn andinverness; sound and vision, elgin; bookmark,grantown-on-spey.the annual arts and crafts fair by exclusivelyhighlands, a large and varied selection of beautifullocal arts, sumptuous crafts and delicious homebaking, we will be holding a fabulous raffle to raisefunds for M.S. 10.00 am - 4.00pm, town houseinverness highlands erol alkan, £15.00, first 100 tickets will be£12,10.30pm, ironworks venue in Inverness. tel:08717894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comhighland deaf childrens society fund raising eventchildren and adults, hearing and deaf will be singingand signing christmas songs 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm eastgate shopping centrewww.highlanddcs.org.ukthe snow queen presented by the folding theatrecompany at the stables. shows at 11:30am and 2pm.

DECEMBER 2011 continued


Nairn Community & Arts Centre

For further details Telephone 01667 453476,e-mail, [email protected] or check out our website

at www.nairncommunitycentre.co.uk

Your local venue for films, shows,concerts and parties. Wide range of activities for all ages.

DECEMBER EVENTS3rd Dec Alzheimer Scotland Christmas Craft Fair 3rd Dec Fun Filled Quiz Night & Supper - Teams of 410th Dec Music Nairn .................Geoffrey Sabre Piano14th Dec Yellow Dog Theatre Group presents“A Spooky Christmas” performed by young local talent!

16th Dec Cinema Nairn...“Miracle on 34th St” 1947 (U)

17th Dec Showstopperz ............... “Xmas Number 1’s” Some of the best young performers in the Highlandspresent an evening of Chart topping Christmas Hits!

NAIRN

We would like to wish you you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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Cinema Listings

November 2011

Universal Hall, FindhornShowing films through the yearVisit www.findhorn.org/uhall orcall 01309 691170 for details.

Moray Playhouse, ElginNew Screenings begin on Fridays

Call 01343 542680 or visitwww.morayplayhouse.co.uk

Portessie Public HallRegular films including

Saturday matinees.For further details email portessiepub-

[email protected]

Highland Spiritual CinemaMonthly screenings of upliftingand inspiring films that inform,

enlighten and entertain.For further details please visit

www.highlandspiritualcinema.net ortelephone 01463 237452

Eden Court Theatre, InvernessUp to the 8th of December

The Help (12a)

We Need To Talk About Kevin (15)

Warren Miller - Like There’s No

Tomorrow

Visit www.eden-court.co.uk or

call 01463 234234 for details

Vue Cinema, InvernessFrom Friday 2nd December

Happy Feet 2 3D (tbc)

Puss in Boots 3D (U)

Alvin and the Chipmunks 3 (tbc)

Sherlock Holmes 2 (tbc)

Sleeping Beauty: Live from The Royal

Opera House (tbc)

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (tbc)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

From Tuesday 13th January

Shame (tbc)

The Descendents (15)

KidsAM Every Saturday & Sunday at

10.15am Tickets £1.25 / VIP Tickets £2.75

Senior Screenings

Every Tuesday afternoon

Tickets £3.05 / VIP Tickets £4.55Includes tea/coffee & biscuits

Visit www.myvue.com for details

Cinema NairnVisit cinemanairn.blogspot.com or

contact Nairn Community Centre on01667 453476 for details


adults £6 children £4. www.nts.org.uk/eventsachren and filthpact @ flanagans bar, elgin - 8pm.tickets cost £5. achren, from glasgow, return to elginin the culmination of a great year with an albumrelease along with prestigious slots at metal camp inthe czech republic, the wacken festival, germany andthe uk’s premier metalfest bloodstock. supportcomes from aberdeen’s filthpact.

11 sundayrobert powell and friends a victorian christmas, in as-sociation with clive conway celebrity productions ltd.8pm at strathpeffer pavilion, strathpeffer visit:www.strathpefferpavilion.orgbeauly food, craft & collectables fair at lovat armshotel. 12am-4:30pm. great range of high qualityhandmade products available. organising proceedsto highland hospice & skye view animal home. tobook a stall call angie on 01445 731438great glen walking club walk around evanton. 8miles. meet 0900hrs highland council car park.contact 01463 236204 for further information.film: christmas with a capital c - 6pm at culduthelchristian centre, culduthel avenue, inverness. freeadmission. www.culduthelchristiancentre.org

12 mondayroyal scottish geographical society lectures, a cavediver 's journey: phil short. 20 years of cave divingfrom the mendips to the ural mountains, 7.30pmadmission: £8 for adults, rsgs members, students andunder 18's free, highland council chamber,glenurquhart road, inverness

13 tuesdaythe pink castle philosophy club: topic night, alwaysheld on the second tuesday of every month thismonths topic ‘a laugh, a joke & plans for 2012’,open to anybody and friendly towards anyone whois gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, 7.30pm inthe riverside lounge of the glen mhor hotel, nessbank, inverness, visit: www.pinkcastle.eu flying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm.entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking isessential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house ofautomata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station)tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visitwww.flea-circus.co.ukthe truly terrible orchestra’s charity christmas concert.7pm. under 16’s accompanied by an adult. ticketsby donation (£5 suggested) for more informationand to book tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.iron-worksvenue.com

14 wednesdaykassidy at the ironworks, 7.30pm, £12, tel: 0871 7894173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comeasy from seed, 7.30pm, the highland rock gardenclub hosts an illustrated talk with practical demon-



Where’s Santa?Santa’s Grotto At Baxters Highland Village11am - 4pm. £5 includes a gift. tel: 01343 820666

Breakfast With Santa At Baxters Highland Village, Fochabers. delight kids with the chance to enjoy breakfast with santa himself. £8.99, pre-booking required. tel: 01343 820666

Santa’s Grotto At Brodie Countryfare - 2pm-4pm £6 which includes a wee chat with santa and a gift. the elves will be helping santa meet the children in his sleigh.

Brand New Reindeer & Husky Day At Brodie Countryfarevisit santa, mrs clause and the elves in santa’s grotto from 11am-2pm.santa’s reindeer will be in their pen from 1pm-3:30pm. siberian huskies will be in their pen from 1pm-3:30pm. then wave santa off at his farewell reindeer parade at 3:30pm. music from dr grays hospital wave radio.

Santaland At Castle Stuart - open thursdays - sundays. weekdays open 12 noon - 6pm and weekends open 10am - 6pm. last admission 5pm. £5 per person (each child receives a small gift) no advance bookings, first come, first served. tel: 01463 790745 or visit www.castlestuart.com. (situated on the airport road at the B9039 cut off for ardersier and fort george, 10 mins from inverness) 3rd & 4th/10th & 11th/17th & 18th

Santa’s Grotto At Christies - 12pm - 3pm. all primary school children will receive a free gift. donations gratefully received and all monies collected will be sent to childrens’ hospice association scotland. tel: 01343 820 362

Santa’s Grotto At Decora - 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm. £7.50 includes a toy, sweets and card. bookings taken. decora ltd, lossiebank mills, bridge street, elgin. tel: 01343 542218

Santa day at The Findhorn Village Centre - all children and parents are invited to visit santa. pop in your latest christmas wishes and receive a wee gift, take in some refreshments and visit our stalls.£1.50 entry, 10am-4pm. for more information call karin on tel: 01309 692339

Santa’s Grotto At Holm Mills - 12 noon - 4pm. £6 includes a gift, sweets and a drink. holm mills, shopping village, dores road, inverness. tel: 01463 223311

Breakfast With Santa At Holm Mills - 9am-11am. cost £9.95 includes breakfast and a gift. pre booking essential tel: 01463 223311 holm mills shopping village, dores road, inverness

Santa’s Grotto At Howdens Garden Centre - 11am - 4pm. £5 per child includes a gift from santa. howdens garden centre, stonefield, inverness. tel: 01463 711134

Santa’s Grotto at Mackenzie & Cruickshank - 1pm-3:30pm. £5 entry (including toy & photo) M&C 1 west road, forres. tel: 01309 696940 or visit www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com for more details.

Breakfast With Santa At Simpsons Garden Centre - 9am. £10. book early to avoid disappointment. simpsons garden centre, inshes, inverness. tel: 01463 250200 or email: [email protected]

Santa’s Grotto At Simpsons Garden Centre from saturday 3rd december - simpsons garden centre, inshes, inverness. tel: 01463 250200 or email: [email protected]

Santa’s Grotto At St Giles Centre - saturdays 10am - 4pm and sundays 12pm - 4pm. £5. st giles centre, elgin.tel: 01343 543066 3rd & 4th/10th & 11th/17th & 18th and 24th

Santa’s Grotto At Victorian Market, Inverness1-4pm. wednesday - saturday throughout december. free entry.


stration of raising alpine and other plants from seedby margaret and henry taylor, nairn communitycentre, king street, tel: 01320 366246

14 wednesday - 23 fridaychristmas lunches, 12 – 3pm, 2 or 3 course festivemenu served in the grand surroundings of the library,why not make up a table? booking essential, brodiecastle, tel 0844 493 2156 visit www.nts.org.uk

16 fridayshowstopperz presents 'xmas number ones', at thespectrum centre, inverness, 7.30pm start, £8 adult,£6 child/concession, tickets available atwww.thebooth.co.uk and on the door.blue christmas service 7pm in trinity church. serviceheld annually to offer support to those who findchristmas a difficult time. gives space to reflectthrough sharing with others. everyone will be madeto feel welcome.

17 saturdayred hot chilli pipers, 6.30pm, £17.50, under 16s mustbe accompanied by a responsible adult,tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comIronworks, invernessshowstopperz presents 'xmas number ones' at nairncommunity centre, 7.30pm start, £8 adult, £6child/concession, tickets available atwww.thebooth.co.uk and on the doorchristmas gifts, fine foods & collectables fair atthistle hotel, inverness. 10am-3:30pm. wonderfulrange of locally made gifts and produce as well as afine selection of collectables. raffle and organisingproceeds to highland hospice & skye view animalhome. to book a stall call angie on 01445 731438130th birthday dance with strathpeffer dance bandand former members of the sterling showband. 8pmat the strathpeffer pavillion, strathpeffer.visit:www.strathpefferpavilion.orgfood & craft market at the strathpeffer communitycentre. 9:30am-12:30pm. come and browse ourwonderful variety of stalls, everything from freshbread to preserves, cakes and crafts. tea and coffeewill be served for those wanting to stop for a rest orchat with friends! www.strathpeffercommunitycen-tre.org.ukgreat glen walking club knockfarrel. 6.5 miles. meet0900hrs highland council car park. contact 01463236204 for further information.classic family christmas movie - 4pm at culduthelchristian centre, culduthel avenue, inverness. freeadmission. www.culduthelchristiancentre.org

18 sundaythe veiw, 7.30pm, ages 14+, ironworks, inverness visit www.ironworksvenue.combeauly food, craft & collectables fair at lovat armshotel. 12am-4:30pm. great range of high quality

handmade products available. organising proceedsto highland hospice & skye view animal home. tobook a stall call angie on 01445 731438

community carol service -(including guinness worldrecord attempt) 6:15pm at culduthel christian centre,culduthel avenue, inverness. www.culduthelchris-tiancentre.orglofty arts @ the loft - 10am-12 noon. christmas funfor kids under 10. come along and make christmascrowns, finger puppets, magic spells also free facepainting (for all participating children...sorry, noadults!) sessions cost £4 per child or three for £10.booking desirable but not essential. children mustbe accompanied by an adult. don’t forget your imag-inations! the loft @ east grange farm, kinloss. tel:01343 850111 to book or for more information.

20 tuesdayflying starts xmas flea circus & side show 7:30pm.entry £5/£4 - limited availability so booking isessential. ‘flea’ glass of mulled wine. the house ofautomata, seapark, kinloss (next to petrol station)tel: 01309 691212 for more information or visitwww.flea-circus.co.uk

26 mondaygreat glen walking club boxing day walk fortrose -rosemarkie circular. 6 miles. meet 1000hrs highlandcouncil car park. contact 01463 236204 for furtherinformation.

27 tuesdaythe complete stone roses at the ironworks, 7.30pm,£12.50, tel: 0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.com

28 wednesday - 29 thursdaywinter showcase @ ironworks - 7pm. over 14s. twonights back to back featuring the most excitingemerging talent in the highlands and islands andcelebrating the quality and diversity of the currentcontemporary music scene across the region. fortickets or more information tel: 0871 789 4173 orvisit www.ironworksvenue.com

31 saturdaytorridon’s hogmanay bash + niteworks @ ironworks- 9pm. over 18s. for tickets or more information tel:0871 789 4173 or visit www.ironworksvenue.comstrathpeffer pavilion hogmanay night, 9pm- 1am, thepavilion's famous family-friendly hogmanay ceilidh,


Lofty Arts - Christmas Fun Sunday 18th December,10am - 12 noon

£4 per child or three for £10 (must be accompanied by adult)

For kids under 10 years, come along and make a range of

different Arts and Crafts including free face

painting.

Tel: 01343 850111 East grange Farm, Kinloss

SpotLight on Inverness and District December 2011 - page 19


with music for dancing plus entertainment, strathpeffer pavilion, strathpeffer visit:www.strathpef-ferpavilion.orggreat glen walking club redcastle and spittal woodcircular. 8 miles. meet 0900hrs highland council carpark. contact 01463 236204 for further information.


HOw THE “wHAT’S ON” wORKS

All line listings are freeSend us details of any events coming up to

[email protected]

Permissable events include any event open to the public

(whether they have a ticket price or not, charitable or money-

making) such as; pub music, entertainment, coffee mornings,

fetes, fairs, rallies, walks, runs, sports, theatre, drama, car

boots, markets, crafts, equestrian,

fundraising etc etc...

If you would like a paid for enhanced listing (white box) thecost is from £61 plus vat. Call 01309 690063 for details.

Deadline for January Issue is Friday 02/12/11

BenWyvisKilts

Highland Rail House, Station Square, Inverness01463 715448 www.benwyviskilts.co.uk

Kilt Makers& Kilt Hire

Perfect fora Stylish

Christmasor a

TraditionalHogmanay!

Everone atBen Wyvis Kilts

wish all our customers a

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year

Hogmanay!

Ben Wyvis Kilts

Hogmanay!Everone at

Ben Wyvis Kilts

8 sundaygreat glen walking club culachy falls circuit. 6.5 miles. meet0900hrs highland council car park. contact 01463 236204for further information.11 wednesdaythe work of the john muir trust, 7.30pm, the highland rockgarden club hosts an illustrated talk by staff member franlockhart on the work of scotland’s major upland conserva-tion organisation, nairn community centre, king street,tel:01320 366246author and historian, professor cheape talk entitled"romantic adventure or catastrophe?, the talk will take placeat the dunbar centre, church street, inverness (oppositeleaky's bookshop) 7.30pm tickets, £4 or £3 for members ofthe society, part of clan donald events.14 saturdaygreat glen walking club highland boath to clunas reservoir.8 miles. meet 0900hrs highland council car park. contact01463 236204 for further information.22 sundaygreat glen walking club inverfarigaig - foyers circular. 9miles. meet 0900hrs highland council car park.contact01463 236204 for further information.28 saturdaygreat glen walking club roundabout drumnadrochit. 10.5miles. meet 0845hrs highland council car park. contact01463 236204 for further information.

JANUARY 2012 in brief

£4.99Save£2.79O� er available at the Eastgate Centre

Pizza Hut Express store IV2 3PR. Please present voucher at the time of ordering and produce on payment. Not valid with any other deal or o� er. O� er subject to availability. Only one voucher per order.


1 West Road, Forres IV36 2GW01309 696940

&M CM A C K E N Z I E & C R U I C K S H A N K

Bringing life to your home and garden...

Yes that’s right, direct from the North Pole, the Big man in Red

himself has made his headquarters in Santa’s Grotto at M&C.

Get into the Christmas spirit - bring all

the kids, do some xmas shopping and

make a day of it. Check-out our

website for more details:

www.mackenzie-cruickshank.com

Yes that’s right, direct from the North Pole, the Big man in Red

DECEMBER

3rd & 4th.......... 1pm - 3.30pm

10th & 11th...... 1pm - 3.30pm

17th & 18th...... 1pm - 3.30pm

£5.00 Entry (Including Toy & Photo)


emem ber when you were five, the bubbling excitement you felt standing in front of the tree on Christmas Day? When you didn’t know which present to open first and just wanted to race around opening everything at once?

ber when you were five, the bubbling excitement you felt standing in front of the tree on Christmas Day? When you didn’t

Putting the

back into Christmas

Well, the winter wonderland display at Simpsons Garden Centre brought back the thrill of those Christmases (long) past. I guarantee an “oooh” or “wow” will escape from everyone that walks through the display.

Even the grumpiest Scrooge would find it hard not to be impressed!

At the heart of it all, four inspiring room settings have been created beneath a dark canopy with 4,000 twinkling lights.

Who could resist the urge to cuddle up under that starry night sky, on the sofa beside the crackling wood stove in the Highland Home, with pheasants and red squirrels peeking between the tartan hearts on the tree? I definitely want a wee flock of those fluffy, white woolly footstools.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to sit down to dinner with the sheer elegance of the

Classic Christmas dining table decked in ivory and gold?

Ice blue and arctic white create a completely different mood in the Contemporary Cool theme. And the red and white Scandinavianfolk influence reveals why Home is where the Heart is.

All the decorations used to achieve

each look are behind each room. And thereare thousands. The furniture, cushions, throws and other accessories are also all for sale – which makes it even easier to recreate the look. And all at reasonable prices.

The Christmas light display is stunning and one of those new LED lights is coming home with me to add some sparkle. A friendly staff member (in elf green) explains LED lights are more environmentally friendly because they use less electricity, and if a bulb fails on these lights the rest will still work!

The hypnotic fibre optic tree display isstunning, but I want something a bit more traditional. In the forest of artificial trees, a large deer invites you to rub its nose. Real trees are in stock now, but these look real enough. In fact, I nearly jumped the height of one of the fake firs, when I realised something furry was moving underneath it! Another deer – this time “breathing”.

Time for a cup of tea I think and a mince pie…The All you Can Eat Festive Carvery everyWednesday, Thursday and Friday evening until December 23 definitely gives food for thought!

And with its programme of seasonal events,Simpsons is putting the magic back intoChristmas

CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN

LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGevery Wed/Thu/Fri until 9.00pm

(From 1st December)

ALL YOU CAN EAT FESTIVE CARVERYevery Wed/Thu/Fri evenings

from 5.00pm - 8.00pm(From 1st to 23rd December)

BREAKFAST WITH SANTAKids can enjoy breakfast with Santa

every weekend at 9am(From 3rd to 24th December)

GROTTOOpens 3rd December

10.30am-4.00pmevery weekend in December

(up to 24th)5.00pm-7.00pm every Wednesday,

Thursday, Friday from14th-23rd December

www.simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk

Simpsons Garden CentreInshes, Inverness, IV2 5BA

01463 250200

REAL

CHRISTMAS

TREES

ON SALEFROM

1ST DECEMBER


emem ber when you were five, the bubbling excitement you felt standing in front of the tree on Christmas Day? When you didn’t know which present to open first and just wanted to race around opening everything at once?

Putting the

back into Christmas

Well, the winter wonderland display at Simpsons Garden Centre brought back the thrill of those Christmases (long) past. I guarantee an “oooh” or “wow” will escape from everyone that walks through the display.

Even the grumpiest Scrooge would find it hard not to be impressed!

At the heart of it all, four inspiring room settings have been created beneath a dark canopy with 4,000 twinkling lights.

Who could resist the urge to cuddle up under that starry night sky, on the sofa beside the crackling wood stove in the Highland Home, with pheasants and red squirrels peeking between the tartan hearts on the tree? I definitely want a wee flock of those fluffy, white woolly footstools.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to sit down to dinner with the sheer elegance of the

Classic Christmas dining table decked in ivory and gold?

Ice blue and arctic white create a completely different mood in the Contemporary Cool theme. And the red and white Scandinavianfolk influence reveals why Home is where the Heart is.

All the decorations used to achieve

each look are behind each room. And thereare thousands. The furniture, cushions, throws and other accessories are also all for sale – which makes it even easier to recreate the look. And all at reasonable prices.

The Christmas light display is stunning and one of those new LED lights is coming home with me to add some sparkle. A friendly staff member (in elf green) explains LED lights are more environmentally friendly because they use less electricity, and if a bulb fails on these lights the rest will still work!

The hypnotic fibre optic tree display isstunning, but I want something a bit more traditional. In the forest of artificial trees, a large deer invites you to rub its nose. Real trees are in stock now, but these look real enough. In fact, I nearly jumped the height of one of the fake firs, when I realised something furry was moving underneath it! Another deer – this time “breathing”.

Time for a cup of tea I think and a mince pie…The All you Can Eat Festive Carvery everyWednesday, Thursday and Friday evening until December 23 definitely gives food for thought!

And with its programme of seasonal events,Simpsons is putting the magic back intoChristmas

CHRISTMAS SHOP IS NOW OPEN

LATE NIGHT CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGevery Wed/Thu/Fri until 9.00pm

(From 1st December)

ALL YOU CAN EAT FESTIVE CARVERYevery Wed/Thu/Fri evenings

from 5.00pm - 8.00pm(From 1st to 23rd December)

BREAKFAST WITH SANTAKids can enjoy breakfast with Santa

every weekend at 9am(From 3rd to 24th December)

GROTTOOpens 3rd December

10.30am-4.00pmevery weekend in December

(up to 24th)5.00pm-7.00pm every Wednesday,

Thursday, Friday from14th-23rd December

www.simpsonsgardencentre.co.uk

Simpsons Garden CentreInshes, Inverness, IV2 5BA

01463 250200

REAL

CHRISTMAS

TREES

ON SALEFROM

1ST DECEMBER


reciperecipe

Chef’sConfidential

Allan Little, Head ChefRiver House Restaurant, InvernessTel: 01463 222033

Stuffed and Roasted Monkfish TailWhen I first started in the catering trade I remember

fishermen used to come to the back door of the

restaurant and offer the chef monkfish at a very

cheap price as they could not sell it, nobody would be interested in it. In

fact monkfish use to be used to bait the lobster pots!

Now monkfish has been added to the menu of many a fine restaurant.

This monkfish dish is a great fishy alternative to your traditional roast

turkey on Christmas day... and it only takes 15 min to cook, so no getting

up at 5 am to put the oven on.

Ingredients

One monkfish tail

Three or four pieces of fresh rosemary

Extra virgin olive oil

Course sea salt and pepper

Sage and onion stuffing

½ glass dry white wine

250 ml double cream

MethodObviously monkfish tails come in different sizes so the best thing to do when buying your monkfish is to tell the fishmonger how many you are cooking for and they will advise you on the size.When buying your monkfish tail ask for the bone to be removed.Ok .. To cook.Simple take the tail and using a very sharp knife slice half way through.Stuff the tail with the sage and onion stuffing.Roll the tail together and tie with tight with string. Placing the rosemary under the string.Place the monkfish on a oiled tray drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, dust with the sea salt and pepper.Place in the oven at 180 c for 15 minsRemove the monkfish from the tray and place to one side cover with tin foil to let it rest just like you would with roasted meats.Meanwhile take the tray the monkfish was cooked in add the white wine and place on a high heat on the cooker to reduce the liquid by three quarters add 250 ml of double cream and stir through to make a beautiful cream sauce.Remove the tin foil and string from the monkfish slice and serve with a spoon or two of the sauce along with your vegetables.

Have a very Merry Christmas !

24


recipe

Chef’sConfidential

Allan Little, Head ChefRiver House Restaurant, InvernessTel: 01463 222033

Stuffed and Roasted Monkfish TailWhen I first started in the catering trade I remember

fishermen used to come to the back door of the

restaurant and offer the chef monkfish at a very

cheap price as they could not sell it, nobody would be interested in it. In

fact monkfish use to be used to bait the lobster pots!

Now monkfish has been added to the menu of many a fine restaurant.

This monkfish dish is a great fishy alternative to your traditional roast

turkey on Christmas day... and it only takes 15 min to cook, so no getting

up at 5 am to put the oven on.

Ingredients

One monkfish tail

Three or four pieces of fresh rosemary

Extra virgin olive oil

Course sea salt and pepper

Sage and onion stuffing

½ glass dry white wine

250 ml double cream

MethodObviously monkfish tails come in different sizes so the best thing to do when buying your monkfish is to tell the fishmonger how many you are cooking for and they will advise you on the size.When buying your monkfish tail ask for the bone to be removed.Ok .. To cook.Simple take the tail and using a very sharp knife slice half way through.Stuff the tail with the sage and onion stuffing.Roll the tail together and tie with tight with string. Placing the rosemary under the string.Place the monkfish on a oiled tray drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, dust with the sea salt and pepper.Place in the oven at 180 c for 15 minsRemove the monkfish from the tray and place to one side cover with tin foil to let it rest just like you would with roasted meats.Meanwhile take the tray the monkfish was cooked in add the white wine and place on a high heat on the cooker to reduce the liquid by three quarters add 250 ml of double cream and stir through to make a beautiful cream sauce.Remove the tin foil and string from the monkfish slice and serve with a spoon or two of the sauce along with your vegetables.

Have a very Merry Christmas !

nott

RESTAURANT

www.riverhouseinverness.co.uk

Christmas DinnerParty Master Class

Sunday 4th December

We will show you how to prepare, cook and serve a great Christmas dinner party including

canapés and cocktails.

10am startinc two course lunch

£38.00

to book tel 01463 222033

Party Master Class

Beaver Travel, 2-6 South Street, Elgin Also at: 78 High Street, Forres

FORRES01309 672203

Beaver Travel is also a ticket agent for Eden Court Theatre, Inverness - No booking fee.

ELGIN01343 548844

www.beavtrav.com

beaverTravelbeaverTravel

St Lucia – 7nts,staying at St Lucian Hotel ..................... from £1,173ppAntigua – 7nts,staying at Grand Pineapple Beach....... from £1,132ppGrenada – 7nts,staying at The Grenadian.......................from £1,174pp

All above are from Gatwick in late Jan/early Feb on ALL-INCLUSIVE basis.

WEDDING in St Lucia before 31st December(book by 16/12) ........................... now from £1,639pp including 10nts Luxury in the Sandals Halcyon Beach

deluxe room.

Antigua - Hawksbill by Rex Resorts – 7nts in Garden Bungalows – 18th and 25th April departures from London....................... from £1,049pp

CARIBBEAN GETAWAY

H

I G H L A N

D

MARINE TRAINING

Learn to drive a PowerboatLearn to drive a Powerboat

Highland Marine TrainingTel. 08451630099 Email: [email protected]

Half price Courses Limited time offerHurry, offer ends end of December!Powerboat level 2 £99.50VHF/Dsc RYA licence £30.00 Course £34.50Rya Firstaid £40.00Sea survival £59.50Diesel Engine maintenance £50.00

Please contact us to book

Highland Marine TrainingTel. 08451630099 Email: [email protected]

Sea survival £59.50Diesel Engine maintenance £50.00

Please contact us to book

GIFTvouchersavailable

Training CentreFACEBOOK


December

As our summer migrants, such as swallow and osprey leave for warmer climates and the red deer rut winds down with the animals returning to the winter feeding grounds, the next great spectacle for the wildlife enthusiast is the winter migrations. Hundreds of thousands of birds that have spent the summer in the northern latitudes return to the (relatively) mild shores of Britain. Amongst the first to arrive are fieldfares and redwing, both members of the thrush family. Both species will often flock together and large flocks can often be seen feeding in open fields. Listen for the sound of fieldfares, a noisy crackling sound, often heard overhead at dusk. Look out for both species stripping rowan trees bare of their berries!Last winter saw an eruption of one of our prettiest winter visitors, the waxwing. These eruptions happen in years when the population, usually concentrated in northern Europe is too large for the available food. Visiting numbers can vary greatly, from below 100 birds to around 15,00 in the eruption years. A sociable and gregarious bird, waxwings are easily identified with their prominent crest, black “mask” and colourful wings. They are also relatively tame and it is often possible to get within a few metres of them.A bird that I look forward to seeing each year is the goldeneye duck and we have small populations on Loch Lochy and loch Garry each winter. As the name suggests, they have a bright yellow eye and the males are easily identified by the white patch just below the eye which looks like a large tear-drop. The males head is dark green and body black and white whilst the female has a brown head with mottled grey body. They are diving ducks, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and pond weeds.Possibly the most spectacular of the winter arrivals are the pink footed goose, which arrive from their summer feeding grounds, often as far afield as Greenland and Iceland, in huge numbers. Around 150,000 birds are estimated to overwinter in the UK. To see this winter spectacle locally, the RSPB have excellent reserves at Udale and Nigg bays, where numbers peak at around 10,00 birds during the migrations too and from their breeding grounds. Further details can be found on www.rsp.org.uk.

Many other species, including Whooper swans, brent goose, velvet scoter and great northern diver also choose to winter in Scotland and can be found in the Moray area. The RSPB website is a great resource of information.

December

around 15,00 in the eruption years. A sociable and gregarious bird, waxwings are easily identified with their prominent crest, black “mask” and colourful wings. They are also relatively tame and it is often possible to get within a few metres of them.A bird that I look forward to

goldeneye duck and we have small populations on Loch Lochy and loch Garry each winter. As the name suggests, they have a bright yellow eye and the males are easily identified by the white patch just below the eye which looks like a large tear-drop. The males head is dark green and body black and white whilst the female has a brown head with mottled grey body. They are diving ducks, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and pond weeds.Possibly the most spectacular of the winter arrivals are the pink footed goose, which arrive from their summer feeding grounds, often as far

As our summer migrants, such as swallow and osprey leave for warmer climates and the red deer rut winds down with the animals returning to the winter feeding grounds, the next great spectacle for the wildlife

thousands of birds that have spent the summer in the northern latitudes return to the (relatively) mild shores of Britain. Amongst the first to arrive are fieldfares and mild shores of Britain. Amongst the first to arrive are fieldfares and redwing, both members of the thrush family. Both species will often redwing, both members of the thrush family. Both species will often flock together and large flocks can often be seen feeding in open flock together and large flocks can often be seen feeding in open fields. Listen for the sound of fieldfares, a noisy crackling sound, often fields. Listen for the sound of fieldfares, a noisy crackling sound, often

Ian MacLeod, Wild Westwww.wildwestsafari.co.uk [email protected] Offering wildlife safaris in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.

natureOUR WINTER VISITORS

Next month: The Lek

Goldeneye

Fieldfare

26


December

As our summer migrants, such as swallow and osprey leave for warmer climates and the red deer rut winds down with the animals returning to the winter feeding grounds, the next great spectacle for the wildlife enthusiast is the winter migrations. Hundreds of thousands of birds that have spent the summer in the northern latitudes return to the (relatively) mild shores of Britain. Amongst the first to arrive are fieldfares and redwing, both members of the thrush family. Both species will often flock together and large flocks can often be seen feeding in open fields. Listen for the sound of fieldfares, a noisy crackling sound, often heard overhead at dusk. Look out for both species stripping rowan trees bare of their berries!Last winter saw an eruption of one of our prettiest winter visitors, the waxwing. These eruptions happen in years when the population, usually concentrated in northern Europe is too large for the available food. Visiting numbers can vary greatly, from below 100 birds to around 15,00 in the eruption years. A sociable and gregarious bird, waxwings are easily identified with their prominent crest, black “mask” and colourful wings. They are also relatively tame and it is often possible to get within a few metres of them.A bird that I look forward to seeing each year is the goldeneye duck and we have small populations on Loch Lochy and loch Garry each winter. As the name suggests, they have a bright yellow eye and the males are easily identified by the white patch just below the eye which looks like a large tear-drop. The males head is dark green and body black and white whilst the female has a brown head with mottled grey body. They are diving ducks, feeding on insect larvae, small fish and pond weeds.Possibly the most spectacular of the winter arrivals are the pink footed goose, which arrive from their summer feeding grounds, often as far afield as Greenland and Iceland, in huge numbers. Around 150,000 birds are estimated to overwinter in the UK. To see this winter spectacle locally, the RSPB have excellent reserves at Udale and Nigg bays, where numbers peak at around 10,00 birds during the migrations too and from their breeding grounds. Further details can be found on www.rsp.org.uk.

Many other species, including Whooper swans, brent goose, velvet scoter and great northern diver also choose to winter in Scotland and can be found in the Moray area. The RSPB website is a great resource of information.

Ian MacLeod, Wild Westwww.wildwestsafari.co.uk [email protected] Offering wildlife safaris in the Great Glen and surrounding areas.

natureOUR WINTER VISITORS

Next month: The Lek

Goldeneye

Fieldfare

“ ”...it is appointed unto men

once to die, but after this the judgment Hebrews 9:27

When the party is over...

Published by www.wordsbythewayside.co.uk Registered Scottish Charity SCO41290

There are many people, and you may be one of them, who believe that life should be one never ending party; friends to meet, places to go, and things to get and do, seeking constant amusement in the pursuit of happiness, needing non-stop activity to �ll the emptiness inside, to �ght the boredom that surrounds them.

Drugs, alcohol, immoral relationships, money and music are some of the most popular choices in this party called life. We don’t want to think about the fact the party will end. However there is an enemy to all this pleasure-seeking excitement. It is death. We all have an appointment with death and eternity.

You have a God-given eternal soul and the Bible makes it clear that you will spend eternity somewhere when the party is over. Where you will be in eternity may not matter to you right now. The thought of facing a sin-hating, Holy God or talk of His dear Son the Lord Jesus Christ are subjects you probably avoid at all costs.

The Lord is trying to reach you now, because once your “party” is over it will be too late.

We see in the Bible that we are all unclean in God’s sight because of our sins. You may not think that you are a hell-deserving sinner, but God is Holy and He hates sin. Sin will keep you from being with God in heaven for eternity and damn you to Hell, unless you receive God’s forgiveness for sin which is found only in His Son Jesus Christ. God’s word reveals that if you die in an unclean & unforgiven state, because of your own choice, you’ll go to hell with all the other people who refused God’s mercy.

You may think. “That’s okay - all my party friends will be there too!” Yes, sadly they will be there too if they too reject Christ, but the thick blackness of “outer darkness” will separate you from each other. It is a place of torment, never ending fear and punishment and you’ll be there on your own.

Right now you are without God in this world and have no hope, but in Christ Jesus you, who are far o�, can be brought near by the blood of Christ; He can be your peace. You can know that when you die (and you will die) you will be in Heaven, not Hell.

Take a moment, please consider and under-stand God’s love for you in giving His Son, the Wonderful Lord Jesus Christ to die for your sin on The Cross of Calvary and then three days later to rise again from the dead. He can be your Saviour. You must call upon the name of the Lord, acknowl-edging and turning from your sins and trusting Him, and only Him, to save you.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16,18)

o diee tonc...it is app

“

er this the judgment, but afo dieted untoin...it is app

s 9:27ewHebrt er this the judgmen

o men

”

s 9:27”

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Dreamingof...

The Caribbean as we know it is made up of thousands of little islands in a relatively naturally protected gulf to the east of Central America, and relatively close to the Equator. The main well known islands include Barbados, The Grenadines, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, The British Virgin Islands, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Anguilla, St Barths, The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands. However as we have learned in recent years there are times of year when the local tropical storms and hurricanes can cause chaos. The hotels in Barbados are of a very high standard such as Sandy Lane, Coral Reef Club, Sandpiper and Cobbler's Cove. The west coast of Barbados is called the Platinum coast which hosts the best hotels, restaurants and Championship Golf courses. Antigua is another wonderful island, ideal for couples and families, with an abundance of lovely beaches. Very good for watersports, the island is also an unspoiled paradise for lush palm groves, tropical flowers and exotic birds. Golfers will love the Cedar Valley and Jolly Harbour Championship courses, while for divers and snorkellers coral canyons, wall drops, wrecks and sea caves abound, as do turtles, dolphins, barracudas and reef fish. Grenada, otherwise known as the Spice Island, is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands – your senses succumb to a variety of different delicious aromas, panoramic scenery and a warm feeling exuded by the Grenadians. Jamaica, ideal for couples and families, has a very rich cultural heritage and varying landscapes from flat beaches to the Blue Mountains, enabling good holidays combining beach and mountain resorts with Championship Golf courses. Temperatures beside the sea can reach 30-32 degrees maximum, and in May and September rainfall can reach 6 inches in the month, but the climate is fairly even through the year. Due to changing climate conditions the hurricane season can occur between June and November, although it doesn't always happen and not for that long either.The Turks and Caicos Islands are ruggedly beautiful and little has changed since Columbus first set foot on their shores back in 1492. White powder beaches give way to world-class diving, whale watching and horse riding across the 8 islands and 30 cays surrounded by wonderful Coral reefs. St Barths and St Martin, both French islands, are full of immaculate yachts, designer boutiques, superb restaurants and charismatic people, The Bahamas is a collection of over 700 blissfully unspoilt islands, and the British Virgin Islands comprise over 100 islands and cays characterised by infectious laid back sensibility and some of the world's best sailing grounds. St Kitts and Nevis have a wonderful blend of lush rainforest, exotic wildlife and old world charm, the Cayman Islands boast gourmet restaurants, exotic wildlife and endless white sandy beaches, and Anguilla has a string of prestigious resorts, villas and restaurants while still retaining its laid back West Indian character.In short – the Caribbean would suit most of us.

...a Caribbean break

Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Street, F

travel

28


For more information please call

Tel: 07557433875 or drop us an email at

[email protected] mortgage advice available

Dreamingof...

The Caribbean as we know it is made up of thousands of little islands in a relatively naturally protected gulf to the east of Central America, and relatively close to the Equator. The main well known islands include Barbados, The Grenadines, Antigua, St Kitts and Nevis, The British Virgin Islands, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Anguilla, St Barths, The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands. However as we have learned in recent years there are times of year when the local tropical storms and hurricanes can cause chaos. The hotels in Barbados are of a very high standard such as Sandy Lane, Coral Reef Club, Sandpiper and Cobbler's Cove. The west coast of Barbados is called the Platinum coast which hosts the best hotels, restaurants and Championship Golf courses. Antigua is another wonderful island, ideal for couples and families, with an abundance of lovely beaches. Very good for watersports, the island is also an unspoiled paradise for lush palm groves, tropical flowers and exotic birds. Golfers will love the Cedar Valley and Jolly Harbour Championship courses, while for divers and snorkellers coral canyons, wall drops, wrecks and sea caves abound, as do turtles, dolphins, barracudas and reef fish. Grenada, otherwise known as the Spice Island, is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands – your senses succumb to a variety of different delicious aromas, panoramic scenery and a warm feeling exuded by the Grenadians. Jamaica, ideal for couples and families, has a very rich cultural heritage and varying landscapes from flat beaches to the Blue Mountains, enabling good holidays combining beach and mountain resorts with Championship Golf courses. Temperatures beside the sea can reach 30-32 degrees maximum, and in May and September rainfall can reach 6 inches in the month, but the climate is fairly even through the year. Due to changing climate conditions the hurricane season can occur between June and November, although it doesn't always happen and not for that long either.The Turks and Caicos Islands are ruggedly beautiful and little has changed since Columbus first set foot on their shores back in 1492. White powder beaches give way to world-class diving, whale watching and horse riding across the 8 islands and 30 cays surrounded by wonderful Coral reefs. St Barths and St Martin, both French islands, are full of immaculate yachts, designer boutiques, superb restaurants and charismatic people, The Bahamas is a collection of over 700 blissfully unspoilt islands, and the British Virgin Islands comprise over 100 islands and cays characterised by infectious laid back sensibility and some of the world's best sailing grounds. St Kitts and Nevis have a wonderful blend of lush rainforest, exotic wildlife and old world charm, the Cayman Islands boast gourmet restaurants, exotic wildlife and endless white sandy beaches, and Anguilla has a string of prestigious resorts, villas and restaurants while still retaining its laid back West Indian character.In short – the Caribbean would suit most of us.

...a Caribbean break

Information kindly supplied by

2-6 South Street, Elgin 01343 548844 Street, F

travel



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Knockomie Hotel ................................13Kylauren Homes ....Outside Back CoverLogie Steading....................................12Mackenzie & Cruickshank..................21McCalls ..............................................13Moray Coast Veterinary Group ............3Moray Firth Tutorial School ..................5Nairn Community & Arts Centre ........16National Trust for Scotland ..................4Olive Tree Chocolate ............................9Pizza Hut Express (inverness)............20Pole Dance Scotland ..........................20PSE (Auldearn) ..................................29

River House Restaurant......................25Roof Wizard ........................................31Sams Indian Cuisine ............................9Scotengineering ................................12ScotGro ..............................................12Simpsons Garden Centre..............22-23Spotty Bag Shop ................................14The House of Automata........................7Unique Beauty ..............Front Cover & 3Wheelchair Care ................................31Windsor Hotel ......................................7Words By The Wayside ......................27


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