The Touler t h e v o i C e o f t h e C o m m u n i t y

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1 The Touler t h e v o i C e o f t h e C o m m u n i t y Issue No. 62 Suggested Donation 1.50 AUTUMN 2014 Tony Birchall wins the Autumn Photograph Competition with these unusual photographs. They were all taken by Tony in and around Tomintoul, during the Summer. They are definitely unusual, and are (mostly!!) natural, but some of the occurences may be a little inventive. Thankyou for your entries Tony. Photo Competition The Photo Competition for the Winter issue continues the theme of Unusual Natural Occurences. How you interpret that is up to you, but pictures must be taken in the Kirkmichael and Tomintoul area. The winning picture will appear on the front of the Winter edition of the Touler, and the photographer will receive a 20 prize. Digital images, in the highest resolution possible, should be ed to: thetouler@yahoo.com and traditional prints sent to: The Touler, c/o 11 Cults Drive, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch, AB37 9HW. Entries close on Monday, 1st December, 2014

2 SUMMER 2014 T H E T O U l E R Congratulations to Gavin and Paula Fleming on the birth of their son Ethan James born on 20th May. Strawberry pickers for the Fire Brigade stall at thehighland Games...I wonder who ate the most strawberries? Adults Champions: Nicole Davison (Baking) & Imogen Nairn (Arts & Crafts) Children's Champions: Patrick Reid (Baking) & Molly Stuart (Arts & Crafts) Tomintoul School Harvest Show Reserve Champion: Claire McGregor (Photography) 36 Printed by Groverprint & Design, , design@groverprint.co.uk

3 T h e T o u l e r Kirkmichael and Tomintoul Community Association Notes taken from the minutes for meeting held on 20th August, May 21st, Minutes were received, and agreed. Matters Arising: J.H. expressed disappointment at the very low contributions made towards the village flowers. Only 10 was donated. It was noted that a lot of motorhomes have been seen overnight parking on the car park rather than using the Bowling Green Park. A sign promoting the Bowling Green Park in the car park was suggested. Reports: Crown Estate (T. Richmond) The storms caused a lot of damage on the estate, which will need to be put right. Storm damage repair to the A anside road started Thursday 14th August and will take approximately 6 weeks. Cults Drive is to be brought up to an adoptable standard. The quotes are higher than expected. Kerbs are to be replaced and pavement cracks mended this year. Conglass Lane potholes are to be filled in as a temporary measure. MF stated strongly that promises were made and minuted. Patching on Conglass Lane is not acceptable. Work must be done as promised. Undertakings were made and we expect them to be carried out. Residents have put up with enough inconvenience, and deserve a quality road. The Estate is to hold an open day: for more detail contact either Karen or Vicky. Mountain Bike Trails have had over 10,000 visitors. Planning application has been submitted for a pump track near the cafe, for the children. A charger for electric bikes is to be installed at the estate office. Use is free this year, but there will be a fee next year. There has been vandalism to the signs at the Adventure Playground. Re: Pipeline to Glenlivet. There are discussions between The Crown and Moray Council, as the ditches for the pipe were to be hand dug near to trees, but were in fact machine dug...possibly harming tree roots. The Crown has lodged complaints, and discussions are ongoing between their solicitors. Timber is to be moved out from Delnabo. The tenants of the shed and area at the entrance to Tomintoul have been contacted re: tidying the area up. The Glenmulliach tracks are to be worked on and the road improved where trucks have been working. Re: Wigwams...the consultant visited the estate office to answer questions and there has been a display of the project. TGDT MF read an from L. Robertson seeking permission from KATCA to agree any possible sale of the old school premises. Volunteers are being sought to staff the Visitor Information Centre when Laura goes to University. Anyone interested should contact L. Robertson directly. Moray Council FM had nothing to report. A decision on sustainable leisure is to be made in October/November. Cairngorms National Park On Monday EM attended a meeting re: Heritage Lottery, which is potentially worth 2,000,000 to the Tomintoul area. Stage 1 includes A project on the Conglass. Scalan...to make better use of farm buildings. Blairfindy Castle to be stabilised and a walk made between the distillery and the castle. Pernod Rico are to contribute towards this. Speyside Way... to be brought up to standard. Riparian woodland. VIP updated, and to convert the upstairs into office accommodation. A study of cultural heritage. Oral storytelling. This submission now has to go to the London Board. The decision will be made in November. The bike track planning is on the agenda in 2 weeks. Defibrillator We now have one allocated. We have paid 400 towards it. John Dunbar may fund the remainder through the Rotary Club. We can adopt the phone box for 1, which would house the defibrillator. There is to be a First Responder presentation sometime in September. We already have 10 possible volunteers for Training. Road Traffic Several people have commented on the speed of some vehicles through the village. FM said that the smiley face signs were allocated for short periods. There is a waiting list. FM will look into it. We continue to get traffic going straight up to the top of the village, and turning round at the estate office, or even beyond. Sometimes this is due to sat navs, other times due to not looking at signs. JR commented on cars seen driving up the new pathway at The Gateway. This also raised discussion on other issues regarding the new path and parking. The Gateway Project RH expressed concern re the amount of trees that appear to have died and the path surface is degenerating. 2 The Touler is produced by a duly elected team of the Kirkmichael & Tomintoul Community Association

4 T h e T o u l e r MF reviewed The Gateway and said that he thought it was a poor project. He went into detail, which can be seen in the full minutes. PG commented that the council sign for the village seems to have disappeared from the bottom of the village, and felt that it should not have been removed. It was commented that a pond has now appeared at the end of the Lecht road, which was never there before. This seems to be as a result of the removal of the trees. It was asked if the tree guards are the correct ones as they allow deer to eat the saplings. The tree protectors used allow more sun through to the saplings. PG expressed concerns that there will be a bad crash at the end of The Lecht Road, as it is not clear that the road comes to an end. JL stated that the old sides to the road need reinstating where cars have driven off. FM will take the road issues back to the council. PG asked if The Crown could say to locals to go and collect the remaining brash for firewood on one specific day, which would tidy a lot of it up. TR will put this back to the forester. TB thinks the contractors should come back to rectify the problems with the paths etc. EM will take comments back to the Gateway Committee. Trees in The Square Some need trimming round the bottom. TR will look into this. Thanks were expressed to W. Stronach and H. MacIntosh for gathering all the cut grass prior to Games Day. Although The Council cut the grass, the cuttings are left behind. Litter Collection A Spring Clean Up took place in the village in April. We had more volunteers than before, and approximately 23 black sacks were filled. A grant from Cairngorm N P.has allowed us to purchase gloves and bag holders this year to go with the high visibility jackets and pick up sticks we bought two years ago. It was suggested that we have 2 Clean Up days each year rather than one. Bins in the car park. These have been getting filled with domestic waste. Neil Duncan from the council has been working with us to try to stop this problem. He has now put even more bins in the car park. JH commented that some household bins were not emptied due to road closure on a part of A anside Road. Residents asked if they could get bags taken away on next collection day. This was refused. Dog Bins. Dog fowling round the village continues to be a problem in certain areas. This was discussed. Fund Raising KATCA funds are running low. We have no means of raising money other than donations or fund raising activities. TB is proposing to organise a 10k run around the village and outskirts. He discussed his plans and is to meet with Paul Corrigan in October to further the plans to bring back to KATCA in November. He will look into costs, insurance etc. PG suggested a Race Night. A Car Boot sale and Treasure Hunt were also suggested for next year. A.O.B The Walking Festival is in for a bumper year with more walkers than previous years. On Sunday August 31st the festival committee have booked the group Yard of Ale to perform in The Balfour Manor. Tickets are 5 each. VC commented on the flowers near the play ground looking lovely this year, and thanked those responsible. Thanks were also expressed to N. Cowley, T and J Birchall for weeding and hoeing the area. The dates for future meetings are: November 19th, February 18th, May 20th, (AGM) 3

5 T h e T o u l e r TOMINTOUL PRE WAR To 2013 by Dr Peter Ferguson In 1939 I was living in Wimbledon, Kit bag packed, gas mask on my chest, waiting to go away with the school to where we knew not!! My uncle Dr William Whitelaw phoned my mother and I was taken to Euston station and put on the train to Chester, in charge of the guard in his box at the back. I was escorted to the waiting rooms with the baggage for collection and taken to Nicholas Street a large 3 storey house. Dr Willie Whitelaw and Dr Hugh F D Whitelaw, both GPs, practiced from the house. I had a very happy life and stayed until Uncle Willie got married and then went back down south as my Parents had moved to Box Hill in Surrey- a very fortunate move as a bomb had recently flattened the house in Wimbledon!! Dr Willie and Dr Hugh were keen fishermen. Dr Hugh was the first to discover Tomintoul, a short time later Hugh had to join the services as a RAF Medical officer and surprisingly managed to get based at one of the bases around the Moray Firth... Very handy for Tomintoul!! On one occasion Hugh became very ill whilst at the Richmond Hotel and had to be transferred to RAF military hospital where he was one of the first people to be treated with a new drug Penicillin. The precise FIREWOOD dose at this stage was given in such small doses unlike the millions of units these days and unfortunately he died a few days later. Dr Willie continued his fishing trips to Tomintoul. Shortly after I left Chester Uncle Willie Married Dorothy and following their grand wedding at the Adelphi Hotel, he took his new bride to Tomintoul for their honeymoon. Dorothy awoke at 6am groping the bed for her husband who was no where to he found.. He later arrived back at the Richmond with a fish ready for breakfast. They both continued visiting Tomintoul regularly for many years until Willie died. Unfortunately Dorothy had an aversion to handling worms and took to spinning as the alternative and caught many fish herself. It was his son Freddie, a regular visitor until a few years ago, who brought me up to Tomintoul. Gwen and I have been coming every year since. In my younger days, the early years of the Second World War, aged approximately 9 yrs. old my uncle and his pals introduced me to Salmon Fishing on the River Dee at Cefni Maur. In those days there was no nylon or other fancy casts. The first fish I hooked - about 15lbs the gillie, which people had in those days, said I m sorry Dr but the lad only had a trout cast on his line Needless to say it didn t take me long to lose it The next trip I was with one of uncle Willies pals and hooked another nice fish. Unfortunately the gentleman concerned caught the line with his gaff while trying to beach the fish. On the next expedition I was put on the train at Chester bound for Cefni Bach station and I walked down the hill to the Tally Ho pub at Newbridge, where lunch had been arranged for me by uncle Willie. The Tally Ho was a small pub the size of a small single story house only a few yards from the gate down to the river Dee. Uncle Willie had hoped to be down later in the day and off I went and did what I could. After walking about half of the beat I was in the river and hooked a fish in about 2ft of water. How on earth was I going to get the fish out? I turned around to see if I could get up the bank and uncle Willie was standing on the 4

6 T h e T o u l e r bank having just arrived. I will hand-tail it out said uncle Willie. No said I put the gaff in it. This he did and an 8lb salmon came out. In my years as a medical student in Liverpool I would go over to Chester about once a month. Tomintoul fishermen, as we are all aware, travel on a Sunday. On one occasion I went over as Uncle Willie arrived back from fishing. He was fortunate to have a new car - A large Armstrong Sidley Coupe. Did you manage to catch anything I asked Yes... a few he replied lets go and look The boot with roof raised was about 5ft x 5ft and 2ft deep. Full to the brim with what I estimated at about 36 fish!!! What a weeks catch!!! Not much of that about these days. I arrived in Tomintoul in 1978, a year after the fire at the Richmond Arms Hotel. I have been coming with my wife Gwen 2 to 5 times yearly ever since and currently come 3 times a year. Latterly chauffeured here by our daughter Nickie. We love the place like most of the fisher folk who have also been coming for many years despite all the problems of the hotels in recent years. When the Richmond closed we moved over to stay at the Glen Avon Hotel and have always been well looked after. I am now 82 years old and will continue to come for as long as my health permits me to do so! Lest we forget our Heroes of the World Gnarled old hands resting on his cane The hands that once flew a plane His eyes are dull and dimmed with age. Alan helps to turn a history page Not many left of the precious Few That saved the world for me and you. His skin is dry as the deserts he marched Sand and wind, the land was parched George fought his war and still in pain From wounds he received in at EL Alamein He saw comrades die where some laid still lay Forgotten by most who live today. The sea was his calling and his ships his tool On Atlantic convoys the cold was cruel Predatory U-boats trailed their wake, Torpedoes launched for lives to take Jack listened with horror at the sound, The cries of ship mates as they drowned was a memorable year for most, with the Millennium celebrations, but was particularly special for Gwen and I with the arrival of our first puppy. Buddie is a Black Long Coat German Shepherd and is well known to both the children who have played with her on Tomintoul square Green and the locals who have met her in the Bar each evening in the 13 years she has accompanied us on our fishing trips. Now at the equivalent of 91 in human yrs., she too is frail and old but continues to enjoy travelling with us albeit with a ramp to now allow her to get in and out of the car. In my earlier years when I caught a fish on the river Dee aged 9yrs as mentioned earlier, it was taken back home to Betchworth in Surrey. I will never forget my father s comment, who had left school in Glasgow aged l2yrs old and was later awarded the OBE presented by her majesty at Buckingham Palace on the same day as the Beatles received theirs. Who knows her thoughts as she quietly sits Perhaps the ambulance she drove in the Blitz? The air-raid was heavy as she worked one night, Sara never heard the bomb that took her sight. She never faltered, though badly maimed, Great was her spirit, for she never complained. They and many others from that generation, Surely they have earned our veneration? Then why do some live in mute despair, And are badly used when they need care? Yesterday s heroes, so much they gave, Are now cruelly harassed to the grave. Don t get too keen on Salmon fishing son.. It is a rich mans sport What a pity I took note. 35 years of wasted pleasure!!!! 5

7 T h e T o u l e r Letters to the Editor Dear Editor Just thought you might want to include a small piece about my daughter Julia Kenneth who lives on A'anside. She has just been awarded The Neish and Strathdee Dux Prize for academic excellence at Speyside High School. Also The John Falconer Prize in Physics and Mathematics, and awards for achievements in chemistry,geography and music. Julia went to Tomintoul Primary School.She is hoping to study geology at Edinburgh University. She's also to be seen around training on her road bike as she's a keen cyclist and member of the North of Scotland team, and has just started racing with the adults! Kind Regards, Sue Kenneth Dear Editor I was interested in your article on "The Tomintoul Outrage" and the reference to a John McKenzie, who assisted in the attempt to arrest Percy Toplis and for whom no relatives could be found. From my attached Family Tree you will note that MacKenzies/McKenzies were in and around Tomintoul for many years, the last survivor being my Grandmother, Isabella MacKenzie (nee Riach) who died in the Village in It occurs to me that the MacKenzie involved may have been my Uncle John (b.21/12/1891) who served in WW1 with the 6th. Gordons, Four other brothers also served in WW1 including my father, Peter, who was wounded at Ypres in All of them are listed in Military documents as 'McKenzie'. I expect John would have been discharged before 1920 and would have been 28 at that time. He later emigrated to Canada where he worked with the Canadian Pacific Railways and, in later life, was Reeve of Fraser Mills, British Columbia. I have a photograph of him greeting Princess Margaret at New Westminster, B.C. in As an evidently keen investigative journalist, you might be able to find out more about John McKenzie/MacKenzie's background from older Tomintoul residents, or Police or press reports of "The Outrage" which might refer to his address, employer or place/date of birth. In any case, I suggest his award should be displayed in the Tomintoul Museum with the details of the Toplis affair. Re my photograph at the recent D-Day Commemorations you will note that, in addition to my campaign medals, I am wearing the WW1 Medals and Silver Badge of my father, Peter MacKenzie, who enlisted in 1915 and was wounded at the 3rd. Battle of Ypres with the 6th. Gordon Highlanders on 31st. July 1917, His Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Alister Fraser Gordon, CMG, DSO (descended from the old family Gordons of Croughly) also died on that date. Do you have a local genealogist in Tomintoul? Keep up your good work on the Touler! John MacKenzie P.S. George F. Black's "Surnames of Scotland" defines MAC as "a Gaelic prefix (wrongly contracted as M', 6

8 T h e T o u l e r Mc) occurring in Scottish names of Gaelic origin meaning "son (of)"... TOMINTOUL/KIRKMICHAEL MacKenzies/McKenzies, descendents (children, as known) *John m.1760 Ann Gordon Camdel I Crouchly son b.1761 Donald d.? b.1767, Camdelmore m.1790, Isabel Fleming (b. 1769) I John James Donald William Alexander Peter Mary Margaret Ruthven Glenconglass [ all born at Delachuile? ] b b.1796 b.1796? b.1799 b.1802?? d.1821 m d d Ann Grant, Delnabo (b.1786, widow of Peter Smith); m Margaret Stuart ( ) I I I I I Elspeth Jessie James Anne Alexander b.1816 b.1817 Delnabo b.1821 b.1822 d.1879 d d.1866 d.1893 m.1850 Ann Stuart, Gaulrig, (daughter of Capt. John Stuart, d. Bangalore 1835) I Margaret Ann Barbara John Alexander b.1852 b.1854 b d1870 d.1908 Delnabo/Tomintoul/Torrans m.1884 Isabella Riach, Findron, I James William Alexander John Donald Peter Jessie Annabella Barbara Margaret Mary b.1884 b.1887 b.1889 b.1891 b.1895 b.1897 b.1885 b.1893 b.1900 b.1901 b.1904 Findron Findron Findron [Tomintoul] Tomintoul Findron [ Tomintoul-Torrans ] d d.? d.? d.1960 d.1951 d d 1958 d.1974 d.? d.1994 d.1919 Seattle Australia Wales Vancouver T toul Aberdeen Saskat- Tomintoul Craig- Aberdeen Torrans (Hospital) chewan ellachie m.26/6/1925 Margaret McGuinness, Clydebank, I John MacKenzie, b Mary MacKenzie, b Kenneth MacKenzie, *(Note: a Marriage of John MacKenzie in Ruthven to Margaret Bain in 1750 may have been an earlier marriage and could be that of Sgt. John MacKenzie who was out at Culloden.) revised Banstead 2009 From the EditorialTeam Thankyou John for your letter regarding The Monocled Mutineer article in the last issue of the Touler. We always appreciate responses from our readers, and were interested to hear about your Uncle John. There may well be some local residents who have further knowledge of your uncle or other members of the MacKenzies, and we welcome any information which may be sent to us. We will pass any information on to you. 7

9 On Saturday 13 September the elite golfers of Tomintoul held their annual Open Competition at Keith Golf Course. A wide range of golfing styles were on display, and several times through the day a ball was hit straight down the middle. One of the highlights was the shot from Donald Corr, which should have won the nearest the pin competition. The ball left his club like a bullet from a gun, flew straight and true and, but for being deflected by a wormcast, would probably have resulted in nearest the pin AND a hole in one. Chabet, who actually won nearest the pin, duffed a shot into the trees where it ricocheted about for a while, ran along a branch, and was then blown by a freak gust of wind towards the pin, stopping nine centimetres closer to the hole than Donald s ball. Digby won the longest drive. There is absolutely no truth in the vicious rumour T h e T o u l e r TOMINTOUL GOLF OPEN that he strode several hundred yards up the fairway, then released a ball through a hole in his pocket so that it popped out of his trouser leg. That was just a rumour. Really, it was. On the bus trip home the rest break in a Dufftown pub came just in time, as several of the older members of the party were having trouble with their bladders. In a bloodless revolution Donald Corr and Stephen Herschell agreed to hand over the reins of power to Chabet and Reuel Chisholm. Donald had been advised by his doctor that, if he didn t take it a bit easier, he risked burnout. He was quoted as saying If it had not been for the assistance I received from Stephen Herschell, I would not have been able to achieve all that I did. Having been freed from the heavy responsibility of organisation, Donald and Stephen are expected to be major contenders for honours next year. You have been warned. Royan Stuart won the coveted Chris Howarth Wooden Spoon this year, and his name is now L i b r a ry T i M E S Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1.30pm to 3.30pm and 6pm to 7.30pm 1.30pm to 3.30pm 10am to 12 noon 6pm to 7.30pm 1.30pm to 3.30pm Don t forget you can always phone during these hours to renew your books, place a reservation on a book you fancy reading or to book time on the People s Network Internet computers. Our number is

10 T h e T o u l e r engraved on the spoon alongside the pantheon of previous golfing greats. It can be viewed behind the bar of the Glen Avon Hotel. You might as well buy a drink while you re there. (Thanks Mark and Sheona, for the meal and the pressie). Thanks also to Tomintoul Distillery, the Richmond Arms, the Balfour Manor Hotel, the Whisky Castle, A anside Studios, Susan Haworth and Morven Thompson, who all contributed prizes for the Tomintoul Open. Greatly appreciated. A good day was had by all, and we are already looking forward to next year s Open. 9

11 This year Tomintoul Games was held on Saturday 19th July and the weather was good, but not brilliant as it was last year. We had a change in judging personnel with Gordon Forbes from Urquhart, although he actually is an A anside Loon, having been brought up at Dalrachie, and Peter Fraser from Crathie in charge of the Heavies. These gentlemen were ably assisted by our local Games personnel who have been in place for several years. Cameron Sinclair from Drumoak took charge of the Light Events, again ably assisted by the Light Event Stewards. The other judges have been officiating at Tomintoul for several years and hopefully will continue to do so for many years to come. Despite the fact that there were two other SHGA Games and Inverness being held on the same day, we attracted a good field of competitors across the disciplines. We had in excess of 100 Highland Dancers and again Tomintoul attracted many of the top dancers in Scotland, as well as being attended by dancers from overseas. It is good to know that a small Games like Tomintoul has this appeal. In the Heavy Events there were nine competitors in the Qualifying Event for 18 to 25year olds and nine in the Open Competition in the afternoon. We had some of the best Heavies in Scotland at our Games, possibly assisted by the fact that Tomintoul is part of the Photo by Debbie Duffus Grampian Games Association and as such is a qualifying event for the Glenfiddich Championship. This year Tomintoul was the venue for the Scottish 16lb Championship Event. The stone used for this event was retrieved from the claddoch by Johnny and Minty Lindsay and me and that s a story in itself. This competition at Tomintoul is sponsored by The Crown Estates. The event was won by Lorne Colthard with a throw of 54. We also had a new ground record set in the Qualifying with Kyle Randalls throwing the Light Hammer The Light Events attracted nine competitors and although we had good competition there were no records broken this year. It was good to see such a good turnout of light athletes possibly the best we have had for a few years. The Solo Piping was also well supported with nine pipers in the open event and seven junior pipers. It was encouraging to note that there was a slight T h e T o u l e r Tomintoul Highland Games increase in the number of Junior Pipers. This year we attracted a new sponsor for the Junior Piping; this being Abhaile Homes and we also had a new trophy, The McFarlane Trophy, for the best overall piper under 14. This trophy is in memory of the late Helen McFarlane, who was District Nurse in Tomintoul for many years. The Tug-O-War competition was one of the best supported in the Grampian Games this year, with four teams vying for the honours which eventually went to Cornhill. The Tom-na-Bat Hill Race was again well supported with 32 taking part over a range of ages. Once again we managed to complete our event programme and most of the novelty events were held when there were still spectators on the park to enjoy the fun. The Local Heavy Events are the last events on the field and are always keenly contested. This year we acquired marked pegs which made marking the throws much easier, but personally I think the fact that we no longer use a variety of marking implements a little less entertaining. The Children s Fancy Dress was held on the Square at 7.00pm, and this was well attended as it usually is. Much praise should be given to the parents who are always very innovative when creating costumes for the children. The day culminated with the Games Dance held in the Memorial Hall where the revellers were entertained by Loki. On behalf of the Committee I would like to thank all the Sponsors of the Grampian Games Association but especially I wish to thank all the local Sponsors of Tomintoul Games along with the patrons. Without this assistance we would not be in a position to stage a Games as we do. I would also like to thank all the Committee and the various Stewards that work on Games day. They are all volunteers who willingly give their time to make Tomintoul a successful and definitely very friendly Games. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 26th November at 8.00p.m. Should you wish to attend you will be more than welcome. Patricia Grant Secretary All results on following pages. 10

12 T h e T o u l e r Results of Dancing Primary 4 years Pas de Basque Eilidh Smith, Huntly Pas de Basque & High cuts Erin Forbes, Buckie Primary 5 years PDB & PDB & HC Sophie Roy, Buckie Primary 6 years PDB, Fling & Swords Moby Knight, Huntly PDB & HC Lily Dunbar, Keith Beginners 7 years Fling, S/truibhas, Reel, Lilt, Most Points & Overall Beginner Isla Buchan, Peterhead Swords Makenna Gauld, Buckie Flora Kyle Morrison, Banff Beginners 8 & 9 years Fling, S/truibhas, Flora, Most Points & Local Beginner Rhianne Smart, Craigellachie Swords Ruby Moir, Keith Reel Rebecca Muiry, Huntly Lilt Alannah Megginson, Huntly Beginners 10 years & over Fling & S/Truibhas Corey McQuade, Keith Swords, Flora, Lilt, Most Points & Local Beginner Brodie Bain, Archiestown Reel Ellie Sharp, Huntly Fling Chanel Gillan, Stonehaven Swords, S/T, Jig, H/P & Most Points Hannah Bloomfield, Maud Lilt Louis Millar, Forfar Premier 11 years & under Fling, S/T, Lilt, Jig & Most Points Selina Gordon, Stonehaven Swords & H/P Emma Barclay, Huntly Premier 13 years & under Fling, Swords, S/T, Lilt, H/P & Most points Michelle Gordon, Forgue Jig Benna Runcie, Banff Local Premier Dancer Lucy McGillivray, Braes of Glenlivet Premier 15 years & under Fling Kirsty Hutcheson, Fraserburgh Swords, Lilt & H/P - Emma Fraser, Mintlaw S/T, Jig & Most Points Finley Duncan, Banff Premier Adults Fling, Swords, S/T, Lilt, H/P, Most Points & Overall Premier Laura Smith, Cairnie Jig Duncan Slessor, Peterhead Novice 9 years & under Fling, S/T, Flora, Lilt, Most Points & Overall Novice Madlyn Conn, Banff Swords, Reel Sienna Sutherland, Macduff Novice 10 & over Fling, S/T, Flora, Most Points & local Novice dancer Sophie Farrell, Dufftown Swords, Reel, Lilt Mina Brennan, Huntly Intermediate 9 years & under Fling Rebecca Shepherd, Buckie Swords Phoebe Goodall, Buckie S/T, Jig & Most Points Eleanor Whyte, Mintlaw Lilt & H/Pipe Charlotte Stewart, Huntly Intermediate 10 & over Fling, Swords, Lilt & Most Points Morven Garden, Macduff S/T & Jig Amy Watson, Banff H/P Chloe Campbell, Glenrinnes Local Intermediate dancer Holly Grant, Dufftown Premier 9 years & under 11

13 T h e T o u l e r Highland Games Results Results show First, Second, and Third. PIPING PIBROCH Fraser Maitland - Stonehaven Edward Gaul - Dundee Greig Canning - Edinburgh MARCH Grieg Wilson - Cardenden Greig Canning - Edinburgh Dan Lyden - Maryland USA STRATHSPEY Greig Canning - Edinburgh Greig Wilson - Cardenden Pamela White - Mintlaw JIG & HORNPIPE Greig Wilson - Cardenden Alan Clark - Aberdeen Greig Canning - Edinburgh Overall Best Piper Greig Wilson - Cardenden Greig Canning - Edinburgh JUNIOR PIPING MARCH (UNDER 14) Kyle Cameron - Rosemarkie Archie Downie - Perthshire MARCH (14-17) Scott Hay - Forres Harris McLennan - Lasswade Sean McHugh - Elgin STRATHSPEY & REEL ( UNDER 14) Archie Downie - Perthshire Kyle Cameron - Rosemarkie STRATHSPEY & REEL (14-17) Harris McLennan - Lasswade Scott Hay - Forres Danny Hutcheson - Fraserburgh JUNIPER PIBROCH Harris McLennan - Lasswade Scott Hay - Forres BEST JUNIOR (UNDER 14) Kyle Cameron/Archie Downie BEST JUNIOR (14 17) Harris McLennan - Lasswade JUNIOR HEAVIES LIGHT HAMMER Kyle Randalls Grangemouth Jaimie Dawkins - Aboyne Greg Walker - Fettercairn LIGHT STONE Daniel Carlin - Barrhead Kyle Randalls - Grangemouth Jaimie Gunn - Halkirk 28LB WEIGHT FOR DISTANCE Jaimie Gunn - Halkirk Greg Walker - Fettercairn Kyle Randalls - Grangemouth WEIGHT OVER BAR Kyle Randalls - Grangemouth Jaimie Gunn - Daniel Carlin CABER Jaimie Gunn - Halkirk Greg Walker - Fettercairn Jaimie Dawkins - Aboyne BEST OVERALL JUNIOR HEAVY Kyle Randalls Grangemouth LOCAL HEAVIES LIGHT HAMMER Conan Quinn - Nethbridge Harry Hancock - Boat of Garten Colin Fraser - Braes of Glenlivet LIGHT STONE Conan Quinn - Nethybridge Colin Fraser - Braes Of Glenlivet Harry Handcock - Boat of Garten OPEN HEAVIES THROWING LIGHT HAMMER K Randalls _ Grangemouth Craig Sinclair - Drumoak Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl THROWING HEAVY HAMMER Kyle Randall - Grangemouth Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Bruce Robb- Rosyth PUTTING HEAVY STONE Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Bruce Robb - Rosyth Daniel Carlin - Barrhead PUTTING LIGHT STONE Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Craig Sinclair - Drumoak Daniel Carlin - Barrhead 56LB WEIGHT OVER BAR Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Craig Sinclair - Drumoak Bruce Robb - Rosyth 28LB WEIGHT FOR DISTANCE Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Craig Sinclair - Drumoak Bruce Robb - Rosyth TOSSING THE CABER Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Craig Sinclair - Drumoak Bruce Robb - Rosyth 56LB WEIGHT OVER BAR Lorne Colthart - Blair Atholl Craig Sinclair Bruce Robb - Rosyth BEST OVERALL HEAVY Lorne Colthard RACES 90 METRES (17 & OVER) OPEN Andrew Raeburn - Thurso Stewart Clark - Stonehaven Calum Keenan - Aboyne 90 METRES (UNDER 17) LOCALOPEN - Pivetan Yarris - France Leo Dubrrana - France Julie Lesthelle -France 400 METRES OPEN Andrew Raeburn - Thurso Calum Keenan - Aboyne Stewart Clark - Stonehaven HILL RACE (17 & OVER) OPEN Damien Konotopez - Caureur de Bois Will Critchley - Edmonton Orienteers Harry Smith - Deeside Runners HILL RACE _ LADIES OVER 17 Emily Kemp - Ottawa Orienteers Rachel Armitage - Edinburgh UNI H&H Melanie Gaff - Launderdale Limpers HILL RACE (17&OVER) LOCAL Paul Murdoch HILL RACE LADIES (OVER 40) Corri Black - Deeside Chainsaw Club HILL RACE LADIES (OVER 50) Jane Oliver - Deeside Runners HILL RACE MEN (OVER 40) Nick Mardall - Deeside Runners Stewart Wilson - Inverness HarriersPaul Stevenson HILL RACE MEN(over 50) Rab Murray - The Darkside David Duncan - Ochill Hillrunners Rupert Williams - Cosmic Hill Bashers HILL RACE - VETERANS Lachie McPherson METRES OPEN Will Critchley - Canada Andrew Raeburn -Thurso Damian Konotapetz - Canada LIGHT EVENTS HIGH JUMP (OPEN) Andrew Raeburn -Thurso Fraser Davidson - Calum Keenan LONG JUMP (OPEN Andrew Raeburn - Thurso Fraser Davidson - Torphins Stewart Clark- Stonehaven HOP, STEP & JUMP - OPEN Andrew Raeburn -Thurso Stewart Clark - Stonehaven Fraser Davidson - Torphins TUG O' WAR - LOCAL Tomintoul 1 Tomintoul TUG O' WAR - OPEN Cornhill Mount Blair Great Glen LADIES SACK RACE - OPEN Rachel Armitage Mim Mc Sharry - Dublin/Aberdeen Mora McGovern -Aberdeen SACK RACE - 12 to 16 Matthew McPherson - Alford Angus Stewart - South Korea Emma Darkarz - Findhorn SACK RACE UNDER 12 Mitchell McGillvary - Braes of Glenlivet Alexander Hillman - London Zoe Stuart -Tomintoul 12

14 T h e T o u l e r RINNES MEDICAL GROUP After 32 years as a family GP in Dufftown and including Tomintoul for the past 2-3 years, Dr Tom Heneghan has retired from Rinnes Medical Group. We all wish Dr Heneghan and his wife Kate, Practice Nurse, who also retired earlier this year from Rinnes Medical Group, a long, healthy and happy retirement. We would like to welcome from 1st September 2014, into Rinnes Medical Group, our two new GPs who are husband and wife Drs Liam & Eilidh O Loughlin. They both graduated in Aberdeen and wish to return to the area and plan to settle in Speyside with their two young children Iona and Alasdair. The practice will continue to provide the same GP healthcare service in a professional and caring environment to the people of Dufftown and Tomintoul. Patients are registered with the practice, not an individual GP. As before, whenever possible, patients will continue to have a choice of which GP they prefer to consult with for routine appointments. Patients are reminded that specific GPs are not always immediately available and that there may be a wait to consult with your preferred GP. Your Doctors are: Dr Samuel Shaw, Dr Gaynor Graham, Dr Jennifer Shepherd & Drs Liam & Eilidh O Loughlin Results Continued KIDDIES RACES (OPEN) FIRST SECOND THIRD BOYS FLAT RACE - PRE-SCHOOL Tom Moon Ethan McGillvary GIRLS FLAT RACE - PRE-SCHOOL Violet Irvine Lily Davidson Eilidh Smith BOYS FLAT RACE - 5 to 7 Hamish Vickerman Murray Grant Archie Bain GIRLS FLAT RACE - 5 to 7 Mhairi McPherson Sam Moon Jessica McIntosh BOYS FLAT RACE - 8 to 11 Mark Diamond Ewan Scott Rory Galloway GIRLS FLAT RACE - 8 to 11 Megan Davison Mare Kats Juliet Galloway NOVELTY EVENTS PILLOW FIGHT - 12 to 16 (LOCAL) Emma Darkacz Lilli Cross PILLOW FIGHT - 17 & OVER (LOCAL) Colin Fraser Ian Mitchell David Wiseman TILT THE BUCKET - 17 & OVER (LOCAL) John & Christpher Duff Fiona Toovey & Johnny Shewan Steven & Michael McGillvary BARREL RACE - 16 & OVER (OPEN) Ian Mitchell Steven McGillvary David McGillvary FANCY DRESS BEST DRESSED GIRL Woodland Fairy - Violet Irvine BEST DRESSED BOY Pirate - Jacob McArthur MOST COMIC Bagpipes - Megan Davison MOST ORIGINAL Whisky Barrel -Johnne McKechnie BEST DRESSED PAIR Black Cats - Eve & Isla Storie OTHER ENTRANTS. Referendum - Mitchell McGillvary Future Queen Scotland - Leah McGillvary Clyde Commomweath Games Mascot - Lewis Grant Chieftains Little Helper - Caitlin Wiseman Dragon - Eva Mcfall Mermaid - Jessica McIntosh MACE OVER THE BANNER D Rae R Stuart Wm Barclay B Jamieson 13

15 The first meeting for the new season was held on Wednesday 3 September Pam Fletcher, President, welcomed members, guests and speakers - Murial Barclay (from Cornhill) & Sandra Smith (from Buckie) who came to give us tips on finishing knitted & sewn garments; framing work and flower arrangements. They brought along various items to demonstrate what they meant and the whole session was really helpful and interesting. Muriel and Sandra judged the competitions and also gave comments on the good and not so good points. Fresh flowers in a cup & saucer 1st Ann Wraight 2nd eq. Tracey Cross Pam Fletcher 3rd eq. Irene Duffus Phil Rushton Child s jumper 1st Jean Birchall 2nd Sandra Sawyer; 3rd eq. Pam Fletcher Ann Wraight. Plans were made for our outing on 9th September; the School Harvest Show here on T h e T o u l e r Tomintoul SWRI 26th September; open nights at Auchindoun and Rothiemay WRIs in October. The next meeting will be on 1st October when Allan Bantick will be talking about Wildlife in the Cairngorms. Meetings are open to both members and non members. Contact Meg Smith (580253) or Ann Wraight (580712) if you would like information on the Rural at Tomintoul. GRANTOWN SHOW The rain held off, the sun even made an appearance at another successful Grantown Show on 14 August. Once again, Tomintoul WRI came up trumps in the Domestic tent with 34 entries over a variety of classes knitting, crochet, baking, preserves and flower arrangements. 26 of these were awarded prizes 12 won 1st; 10 won 2nd; 4 won 3rd. Jean Birchall won Best exhibit in the Craft Section and Pam Fletcher won the Dunbar Trophy again for the most points in the craft section, and she also achieved most points in the club section. There were two more entries from Tomintoul Aileen Asher won 2nd prize for her clootie dumpling and Patrick Wraight won 4th for a photograph taken from the roof of the church. 14

16 T h e T o u l e r S u M M e r The Harvest Show A Personal Report The show started at 1815 and lasted 2 hours, just the right length. My first reaction on entering the main hall was that the show was well attended. My second reaction was pleasure on seeing that there were a large number of exhibits. The left wall had a lot of artwork, each c r e a t i o n a t t r a c t i v e l y presented by being mounted on black paper to provide a border. On the back wall was a display of photographs, and next there were two long tables full of a wide range of creations. Towards the stage were the tables and chairs for the audience. performers ranging from the very young to Alec Grant singing whilst accompanied by Bob Coutts on accordion. All this took place whilst a house band created by the artistically talented of Tomintoul flanked the performers. Then there were the refreshments, accompanied by Bob playing some familiar tunes. Going into the small hall, we were confronted by a long table full of cakes, buns, scones, shortbread, etc. Of course it all looked wonderful, but that was exceeded by the tastes and textures. At the end of a most enjoyable evening, we were able to purchase for a modest fee paper plates laden with a selection from the table. After the exhibition viewing, we were treated to performances, including singing, dancing, and instrumentals, with Richmond Memorial Hall Committee Members Chairman: Roy Hill Vice Chairman: Michael Robertson Secretary: Jennifer Fraser Please contact Jennifer by if possible on jennwfraser@hotmail.co.uk Treasurer: Michele Birnie Hall Keeper: Bob Coutts

17 S u M M e r T h e T o u l e r Out And About in Tomintoul. Mike Fletcher Interviews Some of Our Residents and Visitors. Nick Sainsbury Myrddin Irwin Nick had flown in to Aberdeen from his home city of Bristol. He hired a car and stayed at the Smugglers Hostel. He is a retired teacher and at present works in a call centre. Nick had enjoyed a six day stay in Tomintoul and despite some poor weather he managed to complete a number of walks. Nick was impressed by the spectacular drive over the Lecht as he headed to walk the Morrone at Braemar. He had also walked Bynack Mor and a route through the Lairig Ghru. Mostly Nick had prepared his own food, on one evening he enjoyed the robust pub food at the Richmond Hotel. Walking is Nicks main hobby, he had previously walked once in Western Scotland and now here in the Cairngorms. He would like to return again to walk Ben Macdui and Lochnagar. It was a great pleasure to sit and talk to Nick, he s a lovely guy and I look forward to meeting him again on his next visit. SNIPPETS Natterjack toads, an endangered species in Scotland, can be identified individually by their wart patterns. I met Myrddin to talk about photography,the Camera Club and living in Tomintoul. Myrrdin came to the village in 2013 and has settled well into village life because he is an approachable and a friendly guy. He gives freely of his time to village life and is proving a great asset to our community. He works for the Fire Service, Tomintoul Distillery and gives support to Cairngorm Treks. I managed to catch up with Myrrdin one evening as we sat around an outside fire. With your photography do you have a specialisation? I enjoy documentary and landscape photography the most. I also enjoy local communities and taking photos of interesting individuals. Weddings and events are another interest. How did your interest in photography develop? I met a photographer who inspired me and then went to University to complete a degree in photography. How can you be contacted? At... Has Tomintoul provided a focus? I had worked in a photographic studio before coming here and the work was mundane.the landscape inspires me. I am back in touch with nature and can extend the work I began at university. Do you have a memorable photo that you have taken? Some. I ve done a lot of mountain bothies, these are a passion of mine and I have filmed them extensively. I think that this will be a life long project. My interest in bothies started in the Lake District, I tried living off the land with no food or tent. I stayed in a slate hut. I spent six months photographing Mosedale Cottage near 16

18 T h e T o u l e r S u M M e r Shap as a major study. [some of M s bothy pictures can be seen in the Gordon s Public House]. Do you have a favourite photographer? Yes, Paul Hill, a landscape and documentary photographer based in Derbyshire. He has completed a work, White Peak/Dark Peak. You have started a Camera Club in Tomintoul? Yes, the area is perfect for photography and many people are interested. It is an outlet to talk about photographs and is a base to share ideas. People pay 4 per session, this is then ploughed back towards future club projects. We plan visits out to film deer rutting and to Loch an Eilean etc. I think it adds another dimension for local people to enjoy the experience/skills of others and to improve their own photography ability. Two of Myrrdin s photos A dramatic picture of a ruined cottage. I would like to thank Myrrdin for sharing his passion for photography, I know that he is a great benefit to our community, he is clearly heavily involved in village life, and enjoys living in Tomintoul.. Richmond Memorial Hall 200 Club Monthly Draw A fox on Ben Avon. June George Mitchell Dingwall children Ian Wilson Hilda Stewart 15 July Jean Card Colin Stuart Mark Finnie Jessie Stuart 15 August Marjorie Wilson Jimmy Duncan Barbara Lenton Rob Abdy 15 The Hall committee wish to thank all members for their continued support. Funds raised go towards the upkeep of your hall. 17

19 S u M M e r T h e T o u l e r Memories of Tomintoul It was in November 1963 that my father, James Pirie, my mother, Isabel, and myself, Michael, moved to Tomintoul. My father was a policeman and had been transferred there from Aboyne. There were no police cars or radios then, he had to use his Ford Consul car to get about in for his police duties. He was very much the local bobby and knew everybody and was not afraid to roll up his sleeves and help out when things needed to be done in the community. I started my primary schooling at Tomintoul, Mrs Grant taught Primaries 1 and 2, Mrs Aitken taught Primaries 3, 4 and 5 and Mrs Russell taught Primaries 6 and 7. Neil and Kathleen Ross ran the shop in the square with Grandpa Ross running the post office; Peter the Postie delivered the mail; Mr Begg was the banker; Peter Campbell had his corner store and petrol pumps; John Ross ran the Whisky Castle; Georgie McAllister was the librarian; Dr. Low was the doctor; the McNivens had the Richmond Arms; I can t remember who had the Gordon Arms, (painted green then and with an old railway carriage at the back), the White Heather nor the Glen Avon. We left in 1971 during the school Easter holidays, when I was in Primary 5, to move to Keith where my father had been transferred to. Unfortunately he died in August 1972 after a long illness and my mother and I moved to Elgin a year later where I have lived ever since, apart from times when I worked away from home. My mother sadly died in April 1992 very suddenly. I am currently working for Victim Support Scotland as an Assistant Service Delivery Officer where we help people and their families who have been affected by crime. I last paid a visit to Tomintoul in 2006 and there were so many changes in the 35 years since I lived there, I think I noted well over 40. I know things change over the years and time does not stand still but I kind of hoped it would still be the same as I had remembered it to be. The police station was now an ambulance centre and the long garden at the back, where my father grew his vegetables, was covered in tarmac and the ambulance garage now stood there; the tennis court had a different surface to the one in which my father, among others, had helped to restore and the fence and hedging round it had gone; there were houses just down from the tennis court where there used to be trees; the old disused Co-op shop was now the museum; Campbell s Corner Store was now the Clock House restaurant; the fountain in the square was painted different colours; the mart had gone; the petrol pumps had gone and there was a car park and restaurant there instead; the Wade s Way café was now an artist s place etc etc. However, the one thing that was still there was the tree that my first girlfriend and I used to climb and play in although there were now houses in the field beside where it stood. I had often wanted to go back to Tomintoul and maybe even live there again someday but I realised after my visit that day that it was the Tomintoul of the 1960 s which had been calling me back and not the Tomintoul of the present. Tomintoul will always, always have a very special place in my heart and I will never forget the good times nor the memories I had there. One of these days, as General Douglas MacArthur once said, I shall return. Michael Pirie. July P.S. If anyone remembers me and maybe wants to get in touch then please give your contact details to The Touler who will pass them on to me. Thanks. 18

20 T h e T o u l e r The name Bertha was chosen for the hurricane storm of August. In World War Two the German army used a huge gun called Big Bertha. Although there were a number of guns built by Krupps called Big Bertha, they were effective in destroying fortifications. The storm had parallels as our Big Bertha had a massive impact as it crossed the Atlantic to wreak havoc. Bertha was a good choice of name. Very good weather in June and July had set a pattern of expectations ;cool drinks, sunglasses, sandals, became the norm. The first week in August was one of fair weather, we were at Dunnet Bay on the North Coast and enjoyed a number of hot days. The 10th/11th August brought a dramatic change, the legacy of the tropical hurricane Bertha reached Scotland. The depression settled to circle menacingly around the North of Scotland. Roads became torrents, A Blast of Big Bertha By Mike Fletcher. families were evacuated with Moray being heavily hit. The second day of the Keith Show was abandoned. The River Avon swept away a part of the road between Bridge of Avon and Glenlivet. Up to three and a half inches of rain fell in a twelve hour period. The storm dropped a months rain in a short period. The flood defences at Elgin, not yet completed, were severely tested. The main street of Dallas was a river. Rail travel was affected, with lines covered in water, buses conveyed passengers from Perth to Inverness and from Inverness to Aberdeen. The wind was a steady 20 mph+ with gusts to over 50mph. Bertha was an unwelcome guest, she was no gentle lady but a femme fatale. The type of storm was more like we sometimes experience in the Autumn/Winter. Our picture shows the road damage referred to in this article. 19

21 T h e T o u l e r Angus Robertson MP First things first - The Referendum!The Independence Referendum has been an incredible experience and certainly the most hard fought campaign I have ever been involved in. During the campaign I was in communities the length and breadth of Moray including Tomintoul and the one consistent experience in them all was the level of engagement from voters with myself and the other activists I was out with. Tomintoul was no different and I enjoyed catching up with several folk I have met before and speaking to many others besides. Needless to say the main topic of discussion was the referendum and I think it is fair to say that while the result was not what I or other Yes Campaigners would have wished for, the outcome is a fundamentally changed Scotland with unprecedented levels of democratic engagement. Several political parties have seen their membership skyrocket, including my own and I am delighted to welcome several from in and around Tomintoul.That revitalised democracy and the energy people have given is now hugely important to maintain and take the opportunity to make our democracy and our politics much more relevant and responsive for our people and our communities.the big focus for me at Westminster in terms of constituency casework from constituents, is the continuing impact of so-called welfare reform. I continue to see constituents who are battling with the Department for Work and Pensions over sickness and disability benefits and who are being forced to endure degrading Work Capability Assessments, which are all too frequently found to be wrong following appeals and which are forcing people back into work when it is clearly causing them even greater health problems than they already have. We have also seen a recent announcement by the chancellor of plans to freeze benefits. For those who are low-waged and reliant on top-up benefits just to cover basic living costs this will be a huge financial pressure. People in Tomintoul have plenty of experience of the impact of rising energy and transport costs and there is no recognition at all from the UK Government of the financial pressures that ordinary working families are facing in their day-to-day lives.this is also reflected in growing demand at the Moray Foodbank and growing demand at charities such as Citizens Advice. It is also reflected in my own mailbag and inbox. It is something the SNP continues to press the Government very hard on and you have my assurance that we will continue to maintain that pressure for as long as is necessary, until people are treated fairly. MASS TIMES FOR CATHOLIC CHURCHES Tomintoul, Tombae and Chapeltown every third Sunday in turns at 9.30am Dufftown and Aberlour at 5pm Saturday Parish Priest: Rev. C.M. Stewart Times of morning Masses during the week vary. These can be obtained by telephoning

22 T h e T o u l e r Richard Lochhead MSP While other parliamentary work continued during the referendum campaign it has been pretty swamped by the vital debate that the country has had about Independence and in the course of that it also saw significant discussion about the issues facing rural Scotland.The campaign saw me in various locations in Moray discussing rural issues, including at the Coffee Still up at the bike trails and it is fantastic to see the huge levels of use of the trails since they opened, and the consequent benefit for local businesses with increased passing trade, and a new sector of customers for accommodation providers and restaurants.this diversification of rural business continues to be a key plank of how we grow our rural economies in Scotland. Another key issue is the provision of high speed broadband into as many of our rural areas and to as many individual properties as possible, both residential and business. In that regard I recently held a public meeting with representatives of BT and Community Broadband Scotland both to let people hear where broadband rollout currently is and what is coming and also to give the public the opportunity to raise any particular issues. More than 100 people packed Inchberry Hall for the event and that turnout at the meeting clearly demonstrates the level of public interest.these projects are hugely important for communities like Tomintoul and work is ongoing to significantly improve connections in the area. I hope that the information and the contacts made with those able to deliver these upgrades has been helpful to everyone who came along and, equally, that the organisations represented will be able to respond to the connectivity issues that were raised. In my role as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs in the Scottish Government I recently set out the Scottish Government s implementation plans for the next round of the Common Agricultural Policy. In the face of a challenging settlement I know that not everyone will be happy, indeed it would pretty much be impossible to achieve that, however I announced that payments would be capped for very large farms to ensure a more equitable distribution amongst the majority of farmers.there is also investment in a Beef Improvement Scheme and a focus on greening,which aims to protect Scotland s biodiversity and to reduce emissions.this is the most radical redistribution of CAP payments ever and we have strained every sinew to forge from challenging circumstances a production-based and sustainable agricultural policy. Producers across Speyside and Scotland will continue to put food on our tables - and on tables around the world. It is critical that we protect our environment and support our rural communities while at the same time addressing flaws in the previous CAP such as inactive slipper farmers and new entrants being frozen out. Scottish agriculture underpins our rural economy and rural communities and is itself underpinned by the Common Agricultural Policy. It is therefore vital that the new CAP supports faming and food production, as well as responsible land use, and s t r i k e s t h e r i g h t balance between being flexibile without being unnecessarily complicated. 21

23 T h e T o u l e r News from Tomintoul Primary School We are delighted to welcome 5 new children into P1 this year and 5 into the Nursery. This puts the Primary School roll at 43 and the Nursery roll at 13 for the moment with the expectation that this will rise to 18 after Christmas. One of the main areas for learning in the Nursery this term is to do with health and wellbeing with the children learning how they can be Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included (SHANARRI). In P1-4 the children are enjoying learning about the life and times of Mary Queen of Scots and similarly P5-7 are learning about the Jacobites. In each class, as well as learning the historical events the children are learning about research techniques. All of the children also showed a keen interest in the referendum, were able to put forward rational and relevant opinions and held their own secret ballots to see what the opinion in their class was. Over the past few months the school, the Parent Council and the S. W. R. I. have worked hard to put on our second Harvest Show. All the hard work paid off and we had fantastic entries into all classes of the show. Many thanks to everyone who took part and also to the judges and performers. All of the money raised by the show was split equally between the Tomintoul School Parent Council Fund and the Tomintoul Christmas Lights Fund. Earlier in the term pupils and staff from Tomintoul and Glenlivet Schools enjoyed taking part in the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Walking Festival by completing the Tomintoul Country Walk. It was a lovely day and the children felt a real sense of achievement once they had completed the walk. Linda and Ian have once again organised the Rag Bag collection for our school and this raised a magnificent 563 for the school fund. Please 22 remember that you can hand in unwanted textiles, soft toys, clothes, shoes and bags at any time and we will store them until the time of the next collection. Thank you for your continued support of our school. Nancy Fraser Head Teacher HARVEST SHOW 2014 On Friday 26th September 2014 we held our second 'Tomintoul Primary School Harvest Show' in conjunction with the Scottish Women's Rural Institute. The show was a great success with the hall full of wonderful creations. Arts and crafts entries were well up on last year, with children from Tomintoul, Glenlivet and Inveravon Primary Schools all taking part along with members of the wider community. The baking entries were also very impressive and I'm sure the judges must have had a good time sampling them! After viewing the show, those attending were treated to a small concert, with performances from talented local musicians, dancers and a singer before being served refreshments and getting the chance to sample the delicious baking entries The Harvest Show raised 519, which will be split between the school and the SWRI (who have chosen to donate their monies to the Village Christmas Lights Fund). We would very much like to thank all who entered the show, performed, attended on the evening and donated raffle prizes - as always your support is very much appreciated. Tomintoul Primary School Parent Council. (Photos on back cover) Responsibility Enthusiasm Achievement Learning

24 T h e T o u l e r STAFF CHANGES A number of new staff joined the school at the start of the session. Mrs Hilary Adamson took up the post of Principal Teacher of Modern Languages and Ms Kirsty Dormand also joined the teaching staff in the Modern Languages Department. Staff in the Food Technology Department are Mrs Emma McLauchlan, Principal Teacher and Ms Erin Wood, Teacher. Ms Donna Shaw joins the teaching staff in the Art Department and Mr Marc McWhirter takes up the post of Principal Teacher of Computing Studies. Newly Qualified Teacher Mr Chris Forshaw who joined the Mathematics Department in January returns to the school for another year. Mr Peter McKay and Mrs Harriet Johnston share the post of Principal Teacher of Guidance for Fiddich House. Mrs Johnston continues to work in the Biology Department on a part-time basis sharing this post with Ms Gillian Davidson who returned to the school just prior to the summer break following maternity leave. Mr McKay also continues to work in the Music Department. Prior to the summer break Ms Alison Hammerton joined the teaching staff in the Physical Education Department and she also continues her role as Teacher of Wider Achievement and Leadership. Mrs Yasmin Whitecross has been appointed to the permanent post of part-time Teacher of English. S5 PARENTS EVENING We held a High 5 Parents Evening for all parents of S5 pupils at Speyside High. The evening was led by the Senior Leadership Team and S6 students. Mr Engstrand introduced the evening and spoke about the key role of the partnership with parents and school in raising expectations and supporting S5 pupils. Mr Picksley delivered a presentation on National Qualifications. There were three workshops on offer for parents, online resources, developing Growth Mindsets and Pupil Voice. All the materials will be added to the school website. S5 pupils studying 3 or more Highers have also been allocated mentors from the Senior Leadership EUROPEAN AWARENESS DAY On Friday 26 September all pupils in S2 will be taking part in European Awareness day. There will be a quiz and various team challenges connected to languages and Europe - perhaps the biggest challenge will be the Salsa dancing! Pupils in the S3 Euro Culture class will be helping the S2 pupils to "put their best foot forward". NEW HIGHERS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland has produced helpful guides to the new Higher Courses that are available at the website Links to this site can be found on the Parents & Carers and the Pupil Info pages of the school website ( SHS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDEOUT SERIES 2014 With Mr Lowell and Tim Walters at local MTB trails from pm. Wednesday 3 September: Moray Monster Trails/Fochabers, Wednesday 17 September: Quarrelwood Trails/Elgin, Wednesday 1October: Glenlivet Trails. These are fun focused rideouts with MBLA qualified Trail Cycle Leaders (skills coaching on offer). Sessions are for intermediate riders (able to ride blue & red trails safely, staff welcome). All bikes must be road & trail worthy (checks will be done on the day). Helmets and gloves must be worn. Transport is not provided; travel arrangements are the riders responsibility meet at the trails. All riders must sign-up with Mr Lowell and have parental consent.artments across the school will hopefully be raising awareness of Europe in their classes that day and there will be a taste of Europe in the school canteen.team to support them this year. FORMER STUDENTS Former students Rebecca Easton and Amy Morgan have graduated from the University of Aberdeen. Rebecca with a Degree of Bachelor Of Laws (With Honours) First Class Honours and Amy with a Degree Of Bachelor Of Education (Primary) Upper Second Class Honours. SPONSORED WALK Our annual sponsored walk takes place on Wednesday 17th September (Thursday 18th as a reserve date). This event raises money for our school fund for the benefit of all pupils. Please ensure that pupils come to school prepared for the weather and the walk! Money should be handed in to tutors on Wednesday 24th September

25 T h e T o u l e r TOMINTOUL, GLENLIVET & INVERAVON CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CHARITY NUMBER SCOO1802 Sunday Worship: Inveravon am Tomintoul am. All Welcome. Property Since the last edition we have been blessed to find a new Minister. With that in mind, we have been busy working to make the Manse nice for his arrival on 16th August. We have been painting, refurbishing and generally upgrading. The Vacancy Pamela Gordon, the locum Minister left us early in July. She has been working for a while as a locum for a congregation in Airdrie and has now been successful in preaching as sole nominee for Barrhead Church, where she will be a full time Minister. The Reverend Christopher Wallace was inducted at a Service on 21st. August in Tomintoul Church (separate report sent). The Rev. Wallace is living at the Manse in Tomintoul. We are delighted that he has been called to minister to us in this area and we hope that you all feel welcome to come and meet him in the near future. Fund Raising As already stated the Church Hall has not been available for fundraising activities for some time. We are hoping to do some work on the hall to make it a more congenial place in which to meet socially and to hold fund raising events. The Flower Festival was held on the last weekend in June and was a great success as usual. Having been missed last year because of the work on the Church, the event was greeted like a long lost friend. Almost 900 was raised at the auction held following the Songs of Praise on the Sunday evening. The Stall at the Games went ahead this year and was again well supported. Thanks must go to all who work so hard to make such events such a success. We are fortunate to have such loyalty within the Church. There will be a good as new sale in Tomintoul Church Hall on 9th October. Please feel free to contact Margo on about any of the fundraising activities. Messy Church Pamela was very keen to introduce the concept of Messy Church to the area. The Kirk Session and Congregational Board supported her in this. It is hoped that our new Minister will carry this forward. The plan was to resume after the school holidays, look out for posters. Hopefully, it will be held at opposite ends of the Parish on alternate months. For further details please contact Margo on or see local posters and fliers. Organ players We are still looking for more people, who might be interested in joining a rota of players of this wonderful instrument in Tomintoul Church. The organs in both Churches are checked and serviced every year. The organ restorers, who did such sterling work on our organs, come every year to check up on them. We are happy to let anyone have the opportunity to play the organs at any time. This can be arranged by contacting any of the Church Officers. New Office Bearers At the service in Tomintoul Church on 11th May, Ebeth Coutts was ordained as an Elder of the Church. We all wish Ebeth every blessing in her new role. Interim Moderator Our Interim Moderator during the vacancy has been Mr Bill Steele. Bill has been a tower of strength to us during the vacancy and has been our Interim Moderator for a large part of those three years. He has guided, cajoled and persuaded us during his time with us. His knowledge of Church Law and of all the procedures which must be adhered to in the appointment of a new Minister, was infinite. If he didn t know himself, he always knew a man who did. Our grateful thanks go to Bill and to the Nominating 24

26 T h e T o u l e r Committee for all their hard work. Meantime, if anyone requires the services of a Minister please contact either of the following:- Rev. Chris Wallace, Minister on Margo Stuart, Session Clerk on Ann Wraight, Treasurer on The telephone number at the Manse has been and we hope this will continue to be the case. Unfortunately, the account was closed when Pamela left and we are not guaranteed to be given the number. Therefore, use the above numbers meantime and we should have more information about this in the next edition. We continue to have regular Sunday worship at the times stated above, to which, all are welcome. Clippings from the Library Over the summer the library has been buzzing with children taking part in the Tesco bank summer reading challenge, which this year was themed Mythical Maze and had the added challenge of story writing and drawing competitions. There was a good take up for the summer reading challenge this year. Congratulations to Amara Nairn, Eilidh Simmons, Eilidh Ward, Keira Durno, Lexi Stuart, Robin Durno, Scott Durno, Violet Irvine, and Zoe Stuart who all managed to read six books over the summer and receive a gold medal. In the team challenge the Unbeatable Unicorns lived up to their name winning the challenge with an amazing 85 points so well done to the team - Amara, Elsa, Jessica, Keira, Lena and Violet. The next children s challenge will be in October, so look out for details in the library. In October Keith Fernie, paramedic, will be joining us in the library to talk about how books and the internet can be used to learn about and care for your health. This talk accompanies the health collection which is currently available in Tomintoul Library; a selection of self help books recommended by NHS professionals on subjects as diverse as depression, healthy eating, dyslexia and autism. An informative talk will be followed by an informal question and answer session and is open to everyone whether they are library users or not. Learn about your Health, with Keith Fernie, will take place on the 30th October at pm. If you have popped into the library over the last few weeks you will have notice we have had a bit of a makeover, with a spacious new layout, bright new walls and more shelving. This has been complimented by a stock exchange bringing us fresh material in all areas, from board books for babies to cook books, craft books and biographies. Feedback on the changes has been very positive and one of the major benefits is that we now have more room for lending stock so if there is something you would like to see more of on our shelves let me know. Jennifer Fraser 25

27 T h e T o u l e r The Crown Estate Update The recent flooding has caused some damage around the Estate, as well as the B9136 being washed away near Strathavon Lodge, the extremely high water levels of the Avon have caused damage to several bridges; the Dell bridge has been badly damaged and has had to be closed, and the Drumin bridge (below Drumin castle) was also hit by debris and damaged, so this too is closed. The West Avonside Path is closed, as the boardwalk at the start of the walk has washed away (as well as the Dell bridge being closed at the end of the walk). Glenmulliach nature trail remains closed, as the bridge here has also washed away. The Mountain Bike Centre is enjoying its first summer season, and the beginning of August marked a first milestone 10,000 cyclists have been around the trails since we opened last November. There have been a couple of other outstanding achievements too; one keen mountain biker has broken the 1 hour barrier taking just 59mins to cycle the full 22km of red and blue trail. But perhaps more impressive is the 3-year old girl who did the whole of the blue trail (9km) on a balance bike (a small bike without pedals pushed along by your feet). This proves just how family friendly the trails are, so don t be put off by thinking they are beyond your capabilities! There is a proposal to create a site of wigwams (wooden camping cabins) beyond the Estate Office in Tomintoul. The plans were recently on display in the Estate office and a community open evening was held. We were delighted to welcome back the University of London Officer Training Corps to Glenlivet in July. A total of 35 cadets from the University came up and stayed in the Glenlivet village hall for 2 weeks. The main task that they undertook was to refurbish a wooden footbridge at Auchindoun, near Dufftown. They also repainted a section of the Kirkmichael village hall, re-surfaced the Tomintoul adventure playground and replaced the missing stone from the Glenlivet bridge. For many of the cadets it was their first visit to Scotland, so as well as undertaking some adventure training walking up Ben Macdui and mountain biking at Rothiemurchus Lodge they found time for some cultural visits including the Glenlivet Distillery and Ballindalloch Castle. We ve enjoyed working with several groups from our local schools this term, both Tomintoul school & nursery have been out pond dipping and caught some great creatures in the pond. The Junior rangers from Speyside High school spend another day on the estate learning about Visitor management and carrying out some conservation projects, and a group of arts students from Speyside High visited Ruthven farm to gain an insight into the working countryside for their art project. We have also met some great walkers through the recent festivals; Speyside Whisky Festival and Moray Walking Festival, where we ran guided-walks for both events. This year we will be hosting our Glenlivet Estate Open Day. This is a chance to come along for a day and see behind the scenes, and learn how the Estate is managed. There will be several site visits during the day (details nearer the time) but this will include a visit to Balcorach farm to see the rare breeds and reindeer herd. The day is free and transport between the sites and lunch is provided. We hope to see you there. GLENLIVET ESTATE OPEN DAY Saturday 13th September Forestry work has been taking place to clear up the storm damage at Glenmulliach Forest, which had been responsible for the closure of the nature trail. The car park and trails have had to be closed during this time, but have now reopened. There is likely to be some path repairs necessary before we can re-open the nature trail, so this may remain closed a little longer. Please don t hesitate to get in touch with us on any matters, call into the estate office in Tomintoul or phone us on or info@glenlivetestate.co.uk Vicky Hilton (Countryside Manager) & Mike Libera (Forest Manager) 26

28 T h e T o u l e r Walking Festival Diary. By Mike Fletcher. The festival took place from 28th August to 1st September. Monday 25th August. Put Roger the Rover and Clive the Climber out in the Square. They caused a lot of comment...the bearded one is not my brother...the tall one is not modelled on Tony Birchall! Evening...a guides meeting to go over the festval details. Tuesday 26th. Final preparation of all paperwork...disclaimers, lists of walkers, transport etc. Really double checking everything and handling a number of s. Wednesday 27th. Put up the gazebo in the Square [thanks to Ronnie Smith for repairing the poles which were wind damaged in 2013[. Thursday 28th. Met at the HQ from 8am., our first walkers were transported to Coire Cas. They were to walk Ben Macdui, Loch A an and Coire Raibert. They arrived back in Tomintoul about 7.30pm.A wet and murky start at Coire Cas developed into a clear day with a huge downpour late in the day. Friday 29th. Two walks set out; one along the Brown and one on the Ladder Hills with navigation instruction as a part of the walk. Both groups had a successful day which remained dry. Saturday 30th. A cool damp start developed into a very wet day. A large group set out along the Ailnack Gorge and were due to face some of the heaviest rain Sunday 31st The trekking group returned after a great two days and the group were very happy with the experience. This was a first at the festival and we would like to repeat something similar in A walk also set to Cairn Daimh from the Square. The evening saw over 50 people attend at the Balfour Manor Hotel to see Yard of Ale. perform. What an excellent gig they gave, it was hugely enjoyed by the audience. A thank you to Carol, Amanda and Patrick at the Balfour for hosting this event, the first one at the hotel. We charged only 5 for this, knowing that we would have to subsidise it, we wished to offer it at a good price to the community. A thank you to Tomintoul Distillery, Glenlivet Distillery, The Whisky Castle and others for providing raffle prizes. Monday 1st September. Our final walk was over Corryhabbie Hill on a pleasant day. We had a good number of our walkers using accommodation in the village and generally adding to our economy. Numbers at the festival had greatly increased with 2014 being our best ever year. We offered a great variety of walks and experiences. We have a great team of guides, there is a lot of humour and it all works so well. We have a successful product, we look after our walkers and they respond by giving us good support and feedback. Our next moves will be to review 2014 and to begin to build the 2015 festival. I would like to give special thanks to; Tony Birchall, Barry Horning, Ali Horning, Patrick Wraight, Ron Hughes, Simon Greaves, Myrddin Irwin, for their excellent work and care. They have an outstanding knowledge of the land and they are great with people. Thank you to Ronnie Smith and Ian Fletcher for help with transport. The friendly festival will now get ready for Thanks to everyone who has supported in any way. 27

29 T h e T o u l e r Good news! Our bid with the British Heart Foundation for a defibrillator has been successful. KaTCA has paid 400 towards the cost. Shortly we will receive the machine and we will decide where to position it. It will be available to you as a member of our community. This is only a beginning, we aim to further support the people of Tomintoul and Glenlivet by forming a First Responder Team. We hope to begin training in the Autumn. There will then be a skilled emergency aid team available with transport, in order to reach as quickly as possible anyone in medical distress. This is a part of a whole complex with our Ambulance Service in the lead role. They will be supported by a First Responder Team. If the ambulance was out of the village on a call, there would be people ready to give prompt attention KaTCA Successful with Defibrillator/First Responder Bid. by Mike Fletcher with the aim of improving the situation for the casualty until ambulance support can arrive. If you are at all interested in being a First Responder, we will have a meeting in the near future. The scheme is good news, we have lagged behind many other communities in not embracing a First responder team. You may remember that there was an opportunity a few years ago but the initiative was dismissed. We will give you full information on the defibrillator, how to access it and so on. It will be a little while before we receive it and then we have to organise its placement. KaTCa has a main aim of improving community life for all and we think that the progress explained in this article is a good example of that. Our First responder Team should be ready in Local group Snapdragon playing in the rain outside The Balfour Manor on the day of the Motorbike Pre Convention Gathering. Mon: TOMINTOUL MEDICAL CENTRE Consulting Hours am pm & Tues: am 2 4pm Wed: am 2 4pm Thur: am Surgery closed pm Fri: am. 5-6pm In addition to consulting hours, Reception is open between 8am and noon Mon - Fri for the ordering of repeat prescriptions, booking appointments, etc. Please allow 2 working days when ordering repeat prescriptions as not all medications are kept in stock at all times. There is a GP on call 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday

30 T h e T o u l e r Keeping Up Appearances. By Mike Fl;etcher The flower beds on Main Street, next to the children s play area, were a worry earlier in the year. Moray Coucil would no longer tend to them and KaTCA was faced with the problem of how to plant and to maintain them. We got them planted out by some donations and by using the surplus of plants from the Main Square. I would like to thank everyone who has participated by donating plants, planting and by keeping the beds weeded. Please if you can, give some time and do a bit of weeding. Once again people in the village have displayed their care and have brought about an excellent floral display. The look of the village is important, I have been contacted about the trees in the Main Square and the amount of growth on the lower part of the trunks. This does adversely affect the look of the square. These matters need to be placed on a regular work programme to make sure the village is well presented. Thank you to Willie Stronach and Hamish McIntosh for the clearing of grass cuttings from the square. There has been one litter pick during We now have gloves, litter pick sticks, hoops to keep the bags open and a supply of sacks. These can be made available to groups within the village. A big thank you to all who turn out to help with litter clearance. Abernethy Golf Club is looking for caterers to take over and develop the catering franchise at the clubhouse café in Nethy Bridge. This seasonal position would ideally suit two people and there will be a requirement for the successful applicants to take on the duties of club stewards for which payment will be made. Further information can be obtained by contacting Meg Smith, Club Treasurer, on Accredited, fast track, affordable, accessible, Beauty and Holistic Therapy courses held at local venues. Fully qualified and insured Trainer For more information: Tel: or

31 T h e T o u l e r IntRoducIng ME taiga the trekking dog (All views are my own!) Hello! I am Taiga the Trekking dog and I moved to Tomintoul from Aberdeen as last year s winter weather diminished and the days got longer. Now the days are getting shorter again I thought you might want to know a little about me. I used to answer to the name Tigger but 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' decided to change it to Taiga which is all somewhat pretentious really. 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' talks about changing my name as something to do with 'ownership' and 'business sense'. 'She Who Is So Soft' described this as codswallop which I used to think was a high protein petscetarian diet for working dogs. Apparently, Taiga relates to something called a terrestrial biome which runs around the northern hemisphere. The Taiga biome is the largest terrestrial biome and extends across Europe, North America, and Asia. It is located right below the tundra biome. The Taiga biome is also known as coniferous forest or boreal forest. This biome typically has short, wet summers and long, cold winters. It gets plenty of snow during the winter and plenty of rainfall during the summer. I'm not sure what all that means but sounds a bit like Tomintoul. It is amazing what you can find on Woofepedia! Personally I prefer Tigger but I respond (usually) to Taiga as it makes for an easier life and keeps the food bowl full. I am pretty energetic as I am a bit of a special breed...something called a Mutt. My mum (The Bitch) is a cocker spaniel and my dad (The Opportunist) is a collie...i think. I have been called other names but I have been advised that some of these are not suitable for such an erudite publication as the Touler. Due to my bouncy character, 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' has tried to wear me out by attaching bags to my harness and walking me all day for up to five days in a row along glens and over mountains, often with different families of people called 'The Clients'. I carry my own food, sleeping bag (insisted upon by 'She Who is So Soft') and something called the 'Wee Dram' which seems to cheer up 'He Who Must Be Obeyed', and 'The Clients', no end! I kind of like these long walks as the smells out there are wonderful and there are some amazing things to roll in! However, this does not always please 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' and I soon learnt to swim after being thrown into Loch Avon...repeatedly... when I found something particularly fragrant to investigate and cover myself in near the Shelter Stone. I pretend to be obedient and 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' thinks I am pretty clever although its all puppy stuff 30

32 T h e T o u l e r really. I respond to stop, go, sit, come, lie, heel and away, although these are sometimes negotiable. I also respond to off in various forms. When asked, I walk behind off the lead although I can be occasionally distracted by small birds. 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' thinks it is great that I am scared of sheep, deer, reindeer, cows and horses. I just think it is common sense as they are all bigger than me and squashed dog is not a pretty sight and far from conducive to long term survival. Hope you like the photo. I understand from a recent article in the Canine Chronicle that dark coloured pets are no longer fashionable as they don't contrast well in selfies and pets are getting dumped by vain owners. Good job that 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' doesn't do selfies although 'She Who is So Soft' is always playing about on Facebook so I spend an enormous amount of time suckering up to her. If you see me around the village please say hello as I am really friendly and I would love to meet you, especially if you scratch me behind the ears. You can also follow twww.cairngormtreks.co.uk. Urban Foxes We all know about urban foxes and how they have left the countryside to take up residence in the towns around the nation. In some areas they are so common that they have become a bit of a pest. They are renowned for their ingenuity in raiding bins to find food that we humans discard and they are also very adept in winning the affection of some householders who regularly put out food for the foxes to eat. You may think that this is something that would not occur in Tomintoul, being situated where it is in a remote rural setting, however that is not the case. Despite the fact that the village is surrounded by green fields and woodlands, although some of the wooded areas have recently been clear felled, you would not think that foxes would venture into the village other than just passing through. It would appear to be that that is not necessarily the case. There have been sightings of foxes in back gardens over the past few months and one person has seen a fox on several occasions on his property. Must go now as 'He Who Must Be Obeyed' has gone to look for more 'Wee Drams' and 'She Who Is So Soft' is curled up on the sofa...could be a snuggle opportunity here too good to miss! I know that there is no shortage of rabbits in the fields surrounding the village, so why they are coming into and urban setting is unclear, unless of course it is the fact that there may be an abundance of food to which they have now become attracted. Although, the fact that our refuse is now collected in large wheelie-bins should make its retrieval somewhat difficult for the fox. Who knows? Foxes are our only native canine predator and can be truly magnificent animals, although they sometimes suffer badly from mange especially in urban situations, but it is a long time since I have seen a case in this area so that should not be a problem. If a fox has decided to set up home within the perameter of the village, it is interesting and possibly a sign of how adaptable they are. 31

33 T h e T o u l e r Tomintoul and Glenlivet Outdoor Bowling Club. It is turning out to be the best season yet at the club with a greater level of support for our open games and more involvement with friendly matches. Several players attended the Grantown Bowling club opening, the Nethy Bridge and the Aberlour opening. There have also been several friendly matches at home and away. The away game at Nethy bridge was a great success, and this can be said for the home games. These have included Aberlour, Dufftown and Grantown. It is also hoped to arrange a friendly with Rothes. The season kicked off at Easter with the the usual Cack anded cup where the players bowl with the wrong hand. This year, Mike and Simpson combined to beat Eric and Ian in a closely fought match. The Charlie Irvine Triples was played as a round robin and resulted in Rob Abdy, Charlie Stewart and Caroline McIntosh winning all three games to take the trophy. Mike Budd, Felicity McIntosh and Frances Cruickshank were the runners up. The Angus Dundee Open Pairs had twelve teams this year including 5 from Aberlour, 3 from Rothes for the first time and four from the village. The day was a great success with the teams from outwith the village impressed by the facilities that the club offers. Robbie and Anne Keir from Aberlour emerged triumphant beating Mike Budd and Felicity McIntosh in the final. We would like to thank Tomintoul Distillery for their brilliant Sponsorship which greatly contributes to the success of this competition. The Friday evening children s nights has been very well attended this year with as many as 18 children coming along. There is room for more, just turn up at 7-0 clock. The first competitions for children took place in June, with 5 major trophies to be won. There were 13 children involved, but it was also great to see the level of support from parents. There were trophies from Asda and the Citizen s action awards to be played for. The Asda trophy was won by Zoe Stuart with Brandon Smith as runner up, and the target bowls won by Brandon Smith with William Sim as runner up. The Cama Trophies were won by Eva Sim (senior trophy), with Lexi Stuart runner and the target trophy won by Violet Irvine. The Junior trophy was won by Catriona Bothwell. The nursery school also holds a bowling competition on the green and this is well run by Mitch who has lots of helpers during the competition which this year O P E N 9am to 5pm E v E r y d ay (except 25th & 26th December) For: Coffee, Tea, Pancakes, Bacon rolls, Home-baked Cakes & Scones and much more! The Old Fire Station Tea Room, 37 Main Street, Tomintoul SNIPPETS An orang-utan builds a new nest every evening in about 3 minutes. 32

34 T h e T o u l e r involved 3 Friday mornings. I believe that this club is unique in offering this facility, and we are rightly proud of this and pleased that the children get a lot of enjoyment out of it. Long may it continue. The Highland Sporting Estates Open Triples took place on 26th. July with teams from Grantown, Aberlour and Rothes taking part. Just as the final match was due to take place, the heavens opened and thunder storms curtailed the match. The final was re-arranged for the following Thursday meaning the match was spread over 130 hours. Guinness book of records??? The final was won by Aberlour in the form of A. Legg, J. Sutherland and M.Taylor. Congratulations to them and all who made this a great contest. At the time of going to press, the club still has a number of matches to complete and another friendly to come against Rothes. This year seems to be the year when everyone wants to come and play here. We must be doing something right. When will the village members come. Just call me, Mike Budd on or turn up on Wednesdays at 7.00 pm. Deadline for Articles Dangerous Dog Recently a local resident had a very unpleasant experience with an unaccompanied dog while walking on the Conglass. The dog tried to attack the resident and their dog. While they managed to keep a distance between them and the dog by hitting out with a dog lead, it was an extremely frightening experience. Luckily apart from being extremely shaken up they were not injured. The Police cannot do anything as the dog did not draw blood. The dog warden needs more complaints against the specific dog. This particular dog has been reported several times before in the past, but is often a danger to residents and their dogs, when allowed loose. If you have any problems with dogs in the area which are aggressive towards you...please report them, as it could easily be a child who is attacked in the future. Contact: The Dog Warden in Elgin on Lines open 08:45-17:00 Monday to Friday. Please note that the deadline for the Winter Edition of The Touler is December 1st, It is important that any articles meet this deadline in order for the editors to compile the magazine in time. We are very grateful for all those who contribute any piece for The Touler, and welcome any and all contributions, but late arrivals mean we have to re-arrange many pages already completed. The sooner we have your articles the better. Thankyou. FINDOURAN GARAGE Your local AGeNT For PolArIS, ATVs, utvs (Any makes supplied!) SAleS-SerVICING-PArTS TEL: findourangarage@gmail.com (In association with CC Supplies) 33 33

35 Following on from a lovely Summer it would appear that Autumn has come on us quite quickly. The weather has been really quite dry, in fact there has not been a lot of rain since the beginning of the year. You must of course discount the deluge that occurred at the end of August when there was such devastation across the North East and the road down A anside was completely washed away for a stretch of approximately 50 yards. The amount of rain that fell in such a short time was quite unbelievable. You can certainly sympathise with the people that live in countries further south where such flooding occurs basically on an annual basis. The fact that the weather has been so dry has brought forward the leaves changing colour, although the change has slowed lately, but of course we had a fairly sharp frost in August which seemed to accelerate the coming of Autumn. I have noticed that there are lots of berries on the rowans, hawthorns and the rose hips are very plentiful. Although this is really a sign of how Spring went it tends to herald inclement weather during the Winter. Now is when you should be gathering Rowans and Hips and Haws to make jellies for the winter. There is nothing I like better than Rosehip Syrup which can be used to spread on ice cream. I T h e T o u l e r Thoughts on Autumn definitely have a sweet tooth. This year has been very good for fruits of most kinds although I have been advised that there is a scarcity of blaeberries. Apples and plums have been very productive and if you get fed up making jam, why not try a rumpletoff. This is a concoction of fruit flavoured with rum. A bit like making sloe gin. You put fruit in a jar and add rum and leave it to ferment. I have tried it but I thought it too bitter. What I have noticed is that the swallows left early and there have been geese flying over since the beginning of September. The Scandinavian Thrushes are here and they seen to be hungry, so possibly we are in for a wintry blast sooner than we think. However we should take the good weather just now as a bonus. Every day that you can go out without a thick jacket at this time is heaven. Advertising Rates for the Touler The following charges will be payable for advertisements in the Touler 1/6th. page (60mm x 120mm) : 5 per insertion. 1/4. page (120mm x 90mm) : 10 per insertion. Clubs : Free of Charge. Please send all articles as doc. files, and all adverts as jpg files. 34