Stramash - THE VERY ESSENCE OF LIVING Relationships of loving-kindness - ORWELL & PORTMOAK PARISH CHURCH
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Stramash
ISSUE 60 - SUMMER 2021
FREE
The Orwell and Portmoak Quarterly Parish Magazine Scottish Charity Number: SC015523
THE VERY ESSENCE
OF LIVING
Relationships of loving-kindness
17th Century Scottish Castle Castle Wedding for 110
and Family Home Marquee Wedding for over 200
Grade A Listed with a 9th century hitched@tullibolecastle.com
ruined medieval church, maze and a www.tullibolecastle.com
150 yard ‘moat’ situated in its parkland Tel: 01577 840236
KINROSS-SHIRE’S
NEW FISHMONGER
01577 208761
FRESH DAILY FROM PETERHEAD
FRESH FISH - SHELLFISH
MARINADES - FROZEN RANGE
Open:
Tuesday – Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am – 3pm
(Closed Sunday & Monday)
167 High St, Kinross KY13 8DA
WWW.THEFRESHFISHPLACE.CO.UK
1
Dear Friends, Going forward, memories of
lockdown will inevitably bear a dark
When I last wrote for hue. We will recall sad failure to
Stramash, the results of the protect the most vulnerable; the loss
first effective vaccine had just of many lives to the virus; the deaths
arrived and they gave us all of others whose life-threatening
real hope. Since then, the vaccine conditions were side-lined; the
roll-out across the country has been inability of bereaved families to grieve
an incredible success story. For that, in customary ways; the desperate
our government and all involved loneliness of many people unable
deserve our deep gratitude. Those to enjoy the most basic social of our mutual dependence and a
of us who believe in the power of interaction with loved ones; the sharpened appreciation of the value
prayer may well see a higher hand damage done to young people’s of human ‘togetherness’.
at work and give thanks where it is education and future prospects;
ultimately due. the terrible impact on mental A second lesson immediately follows
health. One could go on … and on. – the importance of kindness in our
We are now gradually emerging Whatever view one takes of the lives. Our individualistic culture has
from lockdown and, before long, prevailing politics - not to speak of helped make us far too self-centred.
life should have returned to a good the politicization of science - during Lockdown has taught another way.
degree of ‘normality’. News headlines this period, it is scandalous that no Without the giving and receiving of
yesterday announcing that ‘hugging’ lockdown impact assessment was kindness during these months, life
of loved ones is permissible again, ever undertaken. If proper enquiries for many would have become quite
brought home what a uniquely are ever permitted, their results will intolerable. What a happier and
bizarre year we have all experienced. be most interesting. healthier society we would become,
Let us hope and pray we never have if a Kindness pandemic were to
to endure the curtailment of basic The picture, however, is not all succeed the Covid version.
liberties in this way again. negative. I am sure we will recall
much that was good and cheering Thirdly, lockdown has shown the
during these lockdown days. There effectiveness of ‘green therapy’.
CONTENTS has been the dedication of research
scientists, working round the clock to
Incredibly fortunate as we are
to live where we do, many of us
develop vaccines, and those involved have (re)discovered the delights
2 END OF A JOURNEY in their delivery; the devotion of of our countryside. Our eyes have
Opening for All front-line workers, of carers and been opened, as never before,
volunteers, of refuse collectors, of to the marvels of nature. On a
3 ON THE MOVE teachers and school staff, of parents wider canvas, our planet has had
Gazebo goes mobile struggling with the competing a little break from our notorious
challenges of home-schooling and unkindness to the environment.
4 GROWING TOGETHER
their job, of shop workers, delivery Maybe, we will begin to value and
School for Planting drivers and all committed to meeting look after the world better now?
10 MAIZE FOR MOMBWE our basic needs on a daily basis. The
list is endless. For all this labour andJesus taught us that ‘one’s life does
All forms of Aid
even, at times, heroism, we should be not consist in the abundance of
12 A SPARKLING truly thankful. possessions’ (Luke 12:15). He urged
SUCCESS people to see that ‘life in its fullness’
What abiding lessons might lockdown is discovered in those relationships
Triumphant ‘Thunder’
leave us with? Among others, I of loving-kindness for which we were
13 RESCUED RELICS suggest the following. Firstly, the made – with one another, with our
fact that social interaction is of the environment and, above all, with the
Douglas of Dalmahoy
very essence of living. The compelled God of love who made us for himself.
15 A LIFE OF FLOWERS incarceration of people, entailing As Augustine reminded us long ago,
Blessed Blooms their removal from social and physical our hearts find no rest until they rest
interaction with others, especially in him. I wish you all a healthy and
16 300 YEARS’ CARTING family and friends, is an undermining happy summer.
Hurlie to Harness of our very humanity. Lockdown Angus Morrison
should give us a fresh realisation Very Rev Dr Angus Morrison
CONTACTS
EDITORIAL
Ruary MacLeod on 01577 863992
or email lothries@btinternet.com
ADVERTISING
Kim Reid on 01577 862686
or email janetedgarreid@gmail.com
DESIGN
Sarah Deighan
email sarahdeighan@hotmail.com
2
ATTENTION, ATTENTION!
Almost There! New Multi-use Community Facility Nearly Ready!
Hurrah! The work of renovation, The church building has been totally It has been a long, complex and
alteration and extension to Orwell rewired and redecorated, together somewhat difficult journey from the
Church has finished and reopening of with the provision of new carpeting initiation of this exciting project in
the building is likely to take place soon. and vinyl floor coverings throughout July 2013 to the present stage, but
the building and new furnishings it is very much hoped and expected
Well, not quite ‘finished’, as the (including lightweight, stackable, that the ‘new’ Orwell Church will
fitting of secondary glazing to some upholstered chairs for the sanctuary, prove to be not only a fitting and
of the windows is to be delayed and sofas for the family/coffee room). beautiful place of worship but also
until later in the year, to avoid a considerable asset to the local
condensation and misting of the glass Upon the hand-over of the completed community for many years to come.
because of the non-heating of the building by the main contractor to the
building over a prolonged period. congregation, the Kirk Session intends A massive ‘thank you’ to all those
to make available the whole premises, Trusts, businesses and individuals
Since publication in December of the or certain rooms / areas of it, for use who have contributed financially
last progress report, a huge amount by members of the general public (and or by their efforts to the successful
of work has taken place. This has not only members of the congregation) conclusion of the project – with
included the total replacement of the throughout the week, both during particular mention of The Arthur and
wooden floor on the ground floor daytime and in the evening. Margaret Thompson Charitable Trust
of the church, the introduction of and The Gannochy Trust, without
a new 3 phase electricity supply (to Full details of the booking arrangements whose generous financial backing, the
power the new sound, heating and and any applicable conditions and project would not have been possible.
lighting systems and the new kitchen charges for use, will be made known RUARY MACLEOD
appliances, as well as providing shortly, and will be available from the Convener
hot water for the kitchen and new Church Office in South Street, when it Church Improvements
toilets) and the laying of a new water reopens to the public. Working Group
pipe from the gateway of the church
to the new extension at the rear.
New Church floor
3 phase cable
New water pipe
3
Walking and Talking
with KYTHE
Offering Activities & Support – and Seeking
Help - for the Youth of Kinross-shire Walk & Talk Barry
It’s incredible to think that 6 months When Walk’N’Talk started in January activities during the school Easter
have passed since we’ve been able to connect with young people at a holidays, often outside, and some
to provide you with an update on all difficult time; places were quickly art-classes with restricted numbers
that KYTHE has been and is doing for filled, as often this was the only within the Hub. While 1-2-1s are
our young people in Kinross-shire. time they were getting out of their continuing with some drop-in
homes with the restrictions. Walking sessions, we look forward to when
Last time, our administrator Julie and talking has helped to support the Hub can be fully opened to allow
was newly in post, and since then them with mental health struggles young people to be together again.
has found her place within KYTHE and isolation and promoted good
and keeps us all organised. There health and wellbeing. There was a Looking towards the summer (yes
have been other changes with our great turn out each week in every we’re hoping that it’s nearly here),
staff. Initially a volunteer, Katy-Beth weather. KYTHE staff and volunteers KYTHE goes mobile, on tour around
is now employed by KYTHE and have walked 1,681,006 steps with the area of Kinross-shire. Keep an
her art skills are much appreciated, the young people of Kinross-shire in eye out for our new gazebo, which
and she is expanding the scope January to March - that’s roughly 760 will allow young people from other
of KYTHE’s work by linking with miles – almost the length of Britain! parts of Kinross-shire to experience
Kinross Wooden Products. Emma the welcome and activities that
is providing sessions to support KYTHE has partnered with Rotary KYTHE offers.
the young people with their mental who are working with KYTHE and
health, but more about that later. the Lighthouse Perth, in a new project KYTHE is expanding, growing, adapting
We thank God that we can increase to provide mental health support to and meeting the needs of the young
the hours of those working for the young people of Kinross. In their people of Kinross-shire, and we can
KYTHE but pray that the finance is first outreach, Lighthouse Perth will continue to invest in them, but we are
available to meet the needs of the provide 1-2-1 crisis support based at limited by our resources – volunteers
young people in Kinross-shire. the High School, while KYTHE and and finance to name the main ones. If
Rotary will provide drop-in sessions you can help (large or small), please
What have KYTHE been doing during with information and signposting at contact office@kythe.org.uk
this second lockdown? This time the KYTHE Hub, thus complementing The KYTHE Team
has been particularly hard for young each other. Kinross-shire Youth
people – maybe it’s been the winter Enterprise SCIO (Scottish
months, maybe concern about exams As this is written (at the start of Charity No. SC045043)
and assessments looming, maybe the May), restrictions are easing and www.kythe.org.uk
loss of one of their school mates. there was the opportunity for some @instakythe @KYTHEbook @tweetKYTHE
MOBILE YOUTH WORK ACROSS KINROSS-SHIRE
WWW.KYTHE.ORG.UK
4
Portmoak Grows Together Kinnesswood
Kinnesswood in Bloom and Portmoak Primary School have in Bloom
worked collaboratively for a number of years now, but each
year the bond grows stronger and the projects that we A few weeks ago,
embark upon get bigger and better. Kinnesswood in Bloom were
invited to take part in the
This year, we applied to the Scottish Government’s Community Climate RHS Community Awards, one
Asset Fund to purchase a polytunnel and food-growing materials to enable of five groups in Scotland. Due
us to create a sustainable ‘allotment’ which would benefit the school, our to current restrictions, these awards
learners and the wider community. We were delighted to be successful in our will be judged remotely. The 63
bid, with the majority of funds spent on a ‘Polycrub’ – a polytunnel designed groups from all over Britain will tell
in Shetland to withstand strong winds. Our location on the side of Bishop Hill their stories digitally through photos,
has led to greenhouses being damaged in the past, so the Polycrub appeared short videos and accompanying
to be exactly what we needed. The Polycrub is currently under construction, stories for consideration by RHS
and is being built by Neil Robertson and Stephen Woods, members of the expert panels, with the results
community, who have given up much of their free time. announced in September. This
certainly gives us a challenge to ‘up
It has been a very busy few months at the school with the arrival of the our game’ in challenging times.
polytunnel and material to create eight raised beds. Rory Sillar and John
Nicol (Kinnesswood in Bloom) worked hard over the Easter holidays to build There are 5 categories, and we
the magnificent raised beds which have been filled with high quality peat-free can choose up to three. We will
compost, fulfilling one of the criteria of the climate fund. Kinnesswood in be concentrating on “Nourishing
Bloom are now supporting teachers and pupils to plant a variety of items, your Community” and
including peas, carrots, onions, leeks, beetroot, runner beans, wheat and “Cultivating your Community”.
potatoes. We are very grateful to the group for donating all of the seeds, We are beginning to collect photos,
bulbs and plants to get us started. starting to write our stories and
taking videos of what goes on in our
Despite COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting Kinnesswood in Bloom from community.
working with children in person, this has not prevented them from working
with the children virtually. They managed to teach Portmoak pupils remotely Look out for art works on the theme
by making short instructional videos for the children to follow - digging, of “Coasts and Waters”. This
weeding, planting trees, making lavender bags, painting and planting bean was a two-year theme for Beautiful
cans among other activities. We do not yet know what restrictions will be Scotland, but last year we chose to
in place after the summer, but we can be confident that we can continue to diversify by honouring our essential
work together for the benefit of our pupils and community. workers during a period when we
were grateful for those who looked
PAULA WOODS after us. This year, we have returned
Acting Headteacher to “coasts and waters” and we
Portmoak Primary School hope you will enjoy the artwork
trail around the village. It has been a
great chance to celebrate the skills
of people who are isolated, are
shielding, or have time on their hands
to develop their artistic skills.
5
The Price of Lead?
What with the use of lead
sheeting in the construction
of the new addition to Orwell
Church, and the ham-fisted,
but expensive attempt at the Traidcraft at the
theft of lead from Portmoak Farmers’ Market
Church in recent times, I was in Kinross
reminded of a theft of lead in
a different age in a different With no stalls
place from another church. allowed in church
or in the Orwell
The year was 1745, the place
and Portmoak
Dumfries, the building St Michael’s
(few people in the south of Scotland Church Office, it would be
Church. After much fund-raising and
supported the Jacobite cause). They tremendous to see as many
donations from local tradespeople,
proceeded to cause further alarm people as possible visiting
the good burghers of Dumfries were
when they demanded the rolls of lead the Traidcraft stall and
looking forward to the consecration of
sheeting which were ready to be fixed continuing to buy Fairtrade
their magnificent new place of worship
to the new church roof. The Provost goods from Traidcraft and
atop the hill overlooking the River
and magistrates of the burgh were Just Trading Scotland at the
Nith. The year 1745 would always be
seized and held hostage until the lead Farmers’ Market in Kinross.
remembered as the year when the
new church was consecrated, or so was handed over to the Jacobites so
that they could make shot for their The markets from June to October
it was thought, but, unfortunately,
muskets. (Local legend has it that are on the fourth Saturday of the
national events intervened.
the common folk of Dumfries were month. The June Market is at the
The historians among you will recall not too concerned about the seizure Market Park from 11am-3pm, and the
that 1745 was the year of the second of their Provost and magistrates as other Markets are in the High Street
Jacobite Rebellion, Bonnie Prince hostages, but as we know, stories from 10am-2pm.
Charlie, and all that. The Jacobites improve with the telling).
had invaded England and swept all Please come and
before them till they reached Derby, St Michael’s was consecrated a year #ChooseTheWorldYouWant by
and then they took cold feet. Their later, the same year that the Jacobites buying Fairtrade goods, so that
ultimate target, presumably, was were defeated on Culloden Moor. farmers and producers are paid a fair
London, and unknown to the Jacobite There is probably no connection price for their products. We have
leaders, the seat of government was between the shot made from the Kilombero rice from Malawi, curry
theirs for the taking, but for various stolen lead and the slaughter that sauce and chutneys from Eswatini,
reasons the leaders decided to head occurred at Culloden on 16th April pasta sauces and jams from Kenya,
back towards Scotland. They re- 1746, although the congregation of bamboo socks and Divine chocolate,
crossed the borderlands in various St Michael’s, Dumfries might claim as well as Fairtrade coffee and tea.
detachments, one of which made its it was “divine retribution”.
way north via Dumfries. Perhaps, present-day lead stealers Please come and have a look, we will
should “tak tent”. be delighted to see you and we can
On arrival in the town, they caused DUNCAN STENHOUSE even take card payments!
great alarm amongst the population (A Gallovidian, not quite a Doonhamer) KARENA JARVIE
101 HIGH ST KINROSS
MON 10-2
WED 10-8
THUR 10-6
FRI 10-8
SAT 10-4
LATE NIGHT ON REQUEST
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY
FIND US ON | 01577 862095
We now recycle many of our waste products - hair, metal & chemicals -
you would be amazed at what these things are used for!
By 2025 we will be well on our way to becoming a fully sustainable salon.
BOOK
6
REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK
The Grace Awakening in marble,” or, “Rudeness is
Author: Charles Swindoll never appropriate. Without
Word Publishing exception, kindness is.” and
similar sentences could have been
Some books can change the way written by gurus of positive thinking.
in which we are able to see things. But this is no self-help manual. The
Other books can change the things notion that God helps those who
that we are able to see. The Grace help themselves, and that God’s
Awakening is a book with the approval rests on those who simply
potential to do both. try hardest to ‘do the right thing’ is
dismissed as “the most dangerous
The ‘grace’ to which the title refers heresy on earth.” For Swindoll,
is a single-word summary of the human flourishing starts with the
nature of God as it emerges from the realisation of a personal need for a
pages of the Bible, and especially as restored relationship with the living
it comes to expression in the person God, made possible through faith
and life of Jesus. Richly illustrating his in Jesus. Rules do not work: ‘Keep
narrative with biblical characters and Off The Grass’ and ‘Wet Paint,
stories, Swindoll illuminates God’s Don’t Touch’ feed an instinct within This is not a self-help guide, but
delight in welcoming, forgiving and us to do the exact opposite, and neither is it a book of academic
fully accepting everyone, without our stories can get much worse theology. Swindoll has separate
exception, who comes to him in faith beyond that. The power that enables chapters on living out a grace-
through Jesus. The ‘awakening’ is personal transformation comes after centred life in the often-challenging
an invitation to apply the liberating God’s forgiveness not before, argues contexts of friendship, marriage,
implications of God’s grace to the full Swindoll: “All you can do is take communal life and all aspects of
round of life, rejecting a “moralising it. Once you take it you will be church life, examining both the
and legalising” religiosity for a given the power to change,” is respective obstacles to the counter-
life lived as “a joyous overflow one memorable statement. His use intuitive wisdom of grace and the
prompted by love.” of biblical quotations and incidents solutions that it provides, solutions
from the lives of Bible characters that emerge from growing personal
This book unfolds as an engaging, form the foundations of his argument maturity, not from pre-set formulae.
well-written and thought-provoking and are one of the great strengths
exploration of Christian teaching of his writing. Perceptions of the Written with wit and wisdom born
and its relevance to healthy Bible as esoteric and outdated of personal experience and many
personal development and human are refreshingly challenged by the years in pastoral ministry The Grace
relationships. At times it can sound aptness and relevance with which he Awakening is an important and mind-
like a self-help manual: “Write your explains and applies its principles and opening book. Highly recommended.
criticisms in dust, your compliments biographical accounts. DEREK MORRISON
C
4.30pm - 10.30pm M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK REVIEW • BOOK
7
A Hebridean Trilogy idea of home, belonging and not only survive but thrive
Love of Country. A Hebridean identity. She looks closely in community. Hutchison
Journey Madeleine Bunting and empathetically at the moves beyond the often
(Granta, 2016) separate ‘Hebridean’, as idealised portrayal of St
St Kilda. A People’s History distinct from ‘Scottish’, Kildan life in many previous
Chill ‘N’
identity ofChat
the people of works. Rejecting the
Roger Hutchinson (Birlinn, 2014)
As the Women Lay Dreaming. these islands. Her interest ‘sublime St Kilda’ myth,
A Novel of the Iolaire Disaster in geography, politics, his gripping chronicle of
Donald S. Murray (Saraband, 2018) history, religion and story- self-sufficiency, faith and
telling are brilliantly and tenacity, shows the truth
As we emerge from often movingly interwoven to have been far more
lockdown, and foreign throughout. Penetrating interesting. It’s an account
holidays remain under insights abound on hard to put down.
question, many are the politics of religion,
turning their thoughts to the appropriation and In her book, Bunting refers
the benefits of a Scottish idealisation of the Hebrides movingly to the tragic loss
summer ‘staycation’. It is, and Gaelic culture by of the Iolaire, as she carried
of course, enriching to visit other more dominant cultures, servicemen home to Lewis
countries and experience other the Gaelic language, and and Harris at the end of
cultures. And guaranteed sunshine much more. The book has the First World War. The
is an undoubted attraction for us a meditative quality and loss of some 200 men,
Scots. Sometimes, however, we are deserves to be read slowly within sight of Stornoway’s
inclined to overlook the diverse and reflectively. It helps us harbour lights, traumatised
richness and beauty of landscape see how closely the stories these islands for a century.
and seascape, of fauna and flora, of every part of the British Only recently have
of culture and language which our Isles are tied together and islanders begun to speak
own small country has to offer. so brings badly needed about it. Murray’s powerful
In these areas, as in others, we perspective to current and evocative novel of
punch well above our weight. The fraught debates. family and community
Hebrides represent one of the most trauma and grief, extending
untouched and scenic parts of the Bunting describes a visit over three generations,
country. Each of these paperbacks is to St Kilda, the ‘most skilfully combines fact and
set in that context. romanticised group of fiction in conveying the
islands in Europe’, and lasting impact of the disaster. It is a
Bunting has given us one of the best situated one hundred miles out into moving, beautiful and, ultimately, life-
written, perceptive and fascinating the North Atlantic from the Scottish affirming read, which provides rich
books of recent times about the mainland. Hutchison, in turn, gives insights into the culture, language and
Western Isles. Based in London, us arguably the best researched and way of life of Gaeldom.
she recounts several ‘pilgrimages’ written account of their history.
in the Hebrides, taking in Jura, Iona, The journey takes us from earliest Reading any one, or preferably all,
Staffa, Rum, Eriskay, Lewis, St Kilda times to 1930, when the remaining of these superb books will whet
and finally the Flannan Isles. Writing 36 islanders were evacuated to the your appetite for a Hebridean get-
against the background of the Scottish mainland. It’s a story of ‘an away-from-it-all staycation. That will
Scottish independence referendum unusually hardy, proud and articulate’ do you more good than a fortnight
of 2014, Bunting has a particular people who were able to adapt to on Mustique.
interest in exploring the complex the rigours of their environment and ANGUS MORRISON
SMITH STREET MOTORS
MOT, SERVICING & ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE REPAIRS
Derek McGregor
01577 864797
Mon-Fri - 8.30-5.30
6 Smith Street
Kinross Sat - 8.30-12.30
KY13 8DD
office@smithstreetmotors.co.uk
8
Arrival in Kyle of Lochalsh
From Generation to Generation…
Further journeys of interest, adventure and
enjoyment in the company of Douglas Nicol
I started writing this article Just as I was daydreaming, I learnt of
for ‘Stramash’ in the town of a new guidebook – ‘Scotland from
Wick in the North of Scotland the Rails – a window gazer’s
– and those of you who read guide’ by Benedict Le Vay (Bradt:
my last article will not be February 2021). With it in hand, I
surprised to learn that I had set off two weeks ago [at time of
arrived in the town by train! writing] on what I estimated would
be five ‘adventures’ to see my native
On every visit, I feel strangely at home land by rail, and the first of those
in Wick, especially as I walk by the was a few days based in Inverness, to Fun with grandsons at Alton Towers
harbour where my great grandfather take the Inverness/Kyle of Lochalsh
unloaded the catch from his fishing and the Inverness/Wick routes –
boat at the height of the herring fishing rail routes built at minimal cost to
industry in the late 19th Century. One serve isolated communities and to
of his sons, James Oag, travelled South transport sheep and fish to market.
to Edinburgh as the herring fishing
failed – he married my gran, and my There was no cash to dig tunnels
mother was born. The dream of a or construct major bridges and so
happy family life was marred, however, these lines take the route of least
by the First World War, and James resistance, both to the geography and
Oag died in France in September to the desires of local landowners.
1914 as a member of the British We have inherited amazing routes
Expeditionary Force, when my mother – along river and loch banks, and
was only a year old. Research of his sometimes going up challenging
short – though sacrificial – life, beckons inclines, such as climbing Raven Rock
me to Wick, and to a strand of my outside Dingwall, on the Skye line.
family that I have come to treasure. Dornoch Firth from the Wick train
As I planned the trips, I wondered
Then, I attribute my enjoyment of how I could help grandsons capture
travel to my father, who greatly the enjoyment and decided to give
enjoyed the Mystery Coach Tours them each a map of the rail routes
that in the 1950’s would leave our of Scotland, with the promise
home town of Burntisland – each one of postcards from each far-flung
taking a circuitous route from the destination. Hopefully, that will give
Fife coast to towns such as Crieff, them a further understanding of
Aberfeldy, and Blairgowrie. These map reading and an appreciation
tours taught me about the fun of of the wonders of Scotland –and
travel – a journey is to be enjoyed maybe even kindle in them a sense of
rather than endured! enjoyment in the journey, as well as
Postcript: Sadly, my train journeying will not
of the destination.
bring me through Milnathort---though there
Fast forward to 2021, and serious
are several excellent ‘YouTube’ videos of the
limitations to travel abroad. With May you have safety and satisfaction tunnels and viaducts of Glenfarg - compared
the rail routes of the world closed in the journeys you feel able to take to the simplicity of the Highland lines, no cost
off, this seemed the time of life to this year! was spared in achieving a direct route from
journey on the railways of Scotland. DOUGLAS NICOL Perth to Edinburgh!
Lochcarron from the Kyle of Lochalsh train9
MISSION TO JAPAN
Lorna’s Update 10,000 people across the nation and
travel within one hour’s journey of
Hello from Tokyo! It’s great 98% of the people in Japan.
to see the success of the vaccine
rollout in Scotland and to hear that The relay’s
restrictions are being lifted as case concept is “Hope
numbers come down. lights our way”.
The initial idea
In Japan, they have only recently was to show the
started to vaccinate older people. recovery which
About 1/3 of Japan’s population, has been made
some 36 million people, are over the in Tohoku over Above: Fall Shrine
age of 65 and so it will be a while the last 10 years,
before the rest of the country is although many
eligible for their jags. COVID cases local people feel
are, however, rising again, this time that progress on
with what is called the UK variant the recovery is linked to our circumstances. We
(the Kent variant). We have been in too slow. Then should not just feel hopeful when
and out of States of Emergency since the concept was things are going well, or when we
the beginning of the year, and the end expanded to can see a light at the end of the
is not yet in sight. include hope for a light at the end tunnel. Instead, we can have hope
of the tunnel in the time of the even in the darkest of days. As it
It seems, however, that the Olympics pandemic. However, with the rise in says in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith
are still going ahead in Tokyo this cases, some parts of the relay route is being sure of what we hope
summer. At the end of March, the have been cancelled, others re- for and certain of what we do
torch relay began in Tohoku, the area routed, and everything is being done not see.” As Christians, our hope
devasted by the Triple Disaster (the under strict COVID precautions. is based on the facts of Jesus’ death
earthquake, tsunami and nuclear Not many people are feeling that and resurrection and the promise
disaster) 10 years ago. The torch was hope is lighting their way. of eternal life for all who believe in
scheduled to journey through all 47 Him. God Himself is a God of hope,
prefectures of Japan and 23 wards Hope is something that everyone and He wants us to abound in hope
of Tokyo. It was said that the torch needs. As Christians, our faith is by the power of the Holy Spirit
would pass through the hands of based on hope, but that hope is not (Romans 15:13).
In the midst of these very challenging
times, I pray that each of you will
abound in hope. Please pray too that
many more people in Japan will come
to know the hope that we have in
Jesus, and that this true hope will
indeed light their way.
LORNA FERGUSON10
Motorbiking, Sewing and Football –
it’s all happening in Mombwe!
Helping to meet the Further help given more recently to
immediate needs of both Mombwe by Friends in O & P parish
young and old people who has taken the form of gifts of money
are less fortunate than for the purchase of -
ourselves is one important
part of the Congregation 1. a congregational motorbike - for
of Orwell & Portmoak’s use by the Minister when visiting
twinning partnership with any of the six vestries (small
Mombwe Congregation, in churches) across the parish or Distribution of Maize
Northern Malawi. when travelling to neighbouring
towns and congregations
Earlier this year, following upon
extensive flooding, after heavy 2. three sewing machines (the
rainfall, of many fields close to the foot-treadle variety familiar to
Kasito River, resulting in the loss of more ‘mature’ readers) for use in
newly sown maize seed and fertiliser, sewing classes, and
some of which had been provided
by the Malawi Government, and an 3. A small supply of footballs - both
Bonet on new motorcycle
appeal by the Minister of Mombwe, (2) and (3) primarily for the
Rev Bonet Kamwela for money to benefit of the youth of Mombwe
buy replacement fertiliser, the Kirk community.
Session of O & P agreed to send
£800 from the Mombwe Fund of the As previously stated, if YOU would
congregation, via the World Mission like to become a Friend of Mombwe
Dept of the Church of Scotland, to Congregation and to offer some
Mombwe for that purpose. financial assistance to meet their
ongoing needs, then please contact
Unfortunately, due to delay on the our Congregational Treasurer, Linda
part of the WMD in forwarding Stewart (07925 321 932), who will
that money, it arrived in Mombwe be happy to offer you advice as to
Dedication of motorcycle for
too late to be used for its intended the most appropriate way of giving, Ministers’ use at Emanvaleni
purpose. Instead, at the suggestion including giving by way of Gift Aid
of Rev Kamwela, and with the donation – if you are a UK taxpayer. Sewing machines arrival
agreement of the Kirk Session of at Emanyaleni
O & P, the money was used to buy In any event, please remember our
maize to feed those people whose friends in Mombwe in your prayers.
own crops had failed through Thank you!
flooding and who were consequently RUARY MACLEOD
at risk of starvation. Twinning Co-ordinator
New footballs
Smart
Flowers Sewing machines in use
Flowers for
all ocasions
Lesley McLaughlin
Florist
smart-flowers@outlook.com
0759671396211
Who or What? Raking up colourful musical memories
1. In a technical sense, black 2. There is only one in this picture; there were
and white are not colours, they are more. Name the title of the popular, traditional
shades. However, let’s ignore that for counting song for children. Among the troops
the sake of this first question. This during World War II, there were several versions
piece of music, written by George of this song, some of which are certainly not
Botsford in 1908, introduced the TV suitable for children or this publication!
snooker tournament Pot Black. The
series ran on the BBC from 1969
to 2007. The honky-tonk music was
frequently played by Winifred Atwell
and was the piece of music that
propelled her to stardom. What was
it called?
3. The fruit is a big clue here, but it’s the flower that
gives its name to the fiddle tune. Named after a train, the
score looks quite scary to any inexperienced fiddler, but
it has been, and is still played and recorded, by players of
Country Music. What is this piece called?
5. It’s too easy to name the
title of this song. It was written
and first recorded by Carl
Perkins in 1955. Recordings were
made by Buddy Holly and Eddie
Cochran, among many others.
After recording this song in
1956, who was the singer whose
version of it probably became
the most famous?
4. The woman in the title of this song is reputed to be Emily D. West
or Morgan, an African-American woman who was “the sweetest little
rosebud ………” The earliest version of this folk song was found in a
plantation songbook of 1853. It has been recorded by, among others, Bing
Crosby, Pat Boone, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson and Mitch Miller. It became
popular among Confederate soldiers in the Texas Brigade during the
American Civil War. What is the song’s title?
6. At the end of the One Love Manchester concert on 4th June 2017,
PS if you find yourself flummoxed, the
Ariana Grande gave an emotional solo performance of a song which brought
answers are on Page 13
her and the huge audience to tears. Written for the film The Wizard of Oz,
this song has taken on significance
greater than the moment in the
film for which it was written. The
Oscar-winning song was composed
by Harold Arlan with lyrics by Yip
Harburg, both of whom had known
hard times themselves. Who sang
this song in the film of 1939?
DICK CRIGHTON12
What a ‘Mighty Thunder’ in the Ayr!
Triumph for Trainer Lucinda Russell at The Coral Scottish Grand National 2021
This year, The Scottish Pipe’s Somerset yard for the meeting. over four miles at Musselburgh, a flat,
Grand National at Ayr was He held Mighty Thunder up until the sharp track. Again, he won, and so on
postponed from its normal twelfth fence, was a bit outpaced to the Midlands National, where he
fixture on Saturday 17th April four out, but rallied and went second ran a great race to come second.
in respect for the funeral of before the last, led in the run-in and
the Duke of Edinburgh. It was was driven out the final hundred Normally, there is a limit to how
held instead on Sunday April 18th. yards to hold off ‘Dingo Dollar’ by often these long-distance races
Due to the coronavirus restrictions, three quarter of a length. It was an can be run in a season, but Mighty
no crowds were there, but some exciting race, with Mighty Thunder Thunder was so fresh after the
easing let owners into a limited run well ridden and trained, and a horse Midlands National that the Scottish
of the racecourse. who wanted to win. National looked on the cards. The
rest is history!
The race had 22 runners and was Mighty Thunder was bred by the
run at a good pace over 22 fences in Wilson family, who usually breed flat Colin and Nicola Drysdale who own
four miles. Twelve horses finished and all-weather horses. He is by a Mighty Thunder, running in their
the course, nine pulled up when their German stallion ‘Malinas’ who won company name ‘Allson Sparkle Ltd.’
chance was gone, and one unseated a Group 2 race and was second in distribute soft drinks and spirits to
his jockey at the fourth fence. the Deutsche Derby, out of a mare restaurants, bars and clubs, and with
by ‘Generous’ (UK Derby winner) the coronavirus lockdown over the
The winner was Mighty Thunder who gave stamina to stock. Lucinda past year, they have had a thin time in
trained at Milnathort by Lucinda bought him as a three-year-old for their business, and the staff as well as
Russell and owned by a St Andrews £15,000, and “broke him in” bringing the Drysdales themselves had reason
couple, under their company name him along in his education. to cheer when Mighty Thunder was
‘Allson Sparkle Ltd’. It was running so successfully.
especially personal with no crowd, Mighty Thunder won his introductory
and only other trainers congratulating National Hunt flat race at his second With Lucinda Russell, a Grand
them, and it was the first Scots attempt, then won three hurdle races National winning trainer, and the
trained horse to win the race in a and was placed in eight more. When Drysdale’s Mighty Thunder only eight
long time, although Lucinda’s horses he was six, he was schooled to go years old, might another National win
have been placed previously in the chasing, but he just did not take to be on the cards?
race. With no crowd, it was very the bigger fences, so had another
different from her 2017 Grand season hurdling. The next year, he May they have many more triumphs,
National win at Aintree with ‘One was schooled over the chase fences not being afraid to travel the UK in
For Arthur’. again and had two races at Hexham search of wins, and may they bring
at two and a half, then three miles. even more success home to Kinross-
Blair Campbell, the horse’s usual On a demanding track, with a stiff shire for everybody’s pleasure.
jockey, broke his thumb only days uphill finish, he won and so gained DOROTHY THOMSON
before the big race, and had to stand confidence. As he seemed to find
down. He was replaced by the very the staying races easy, it was decided Image credit:
The Scotsman newspaper
able Tom Scudamore, up from David to try him in the Highland National
Mandy’s Tel: 01577 862568
119 High Street, Kinross
mandyatjames@hotmail.com
OPEN TUES - SUN • LATE NIGHT THURS
God gave you hair
let my angels help you style it
Come and enjoy the serence atmosphere
and relax in the Shiatsu Wash Unit the
ultimate in client comfort giving a full range
of massage for muscular system, cardio-
circulatory system, reflexology, antistress
and rebalancing.
Also available - wedding packages and a
large selection of hair accessories.13
Some church
Loch Leven’s Rescued Treasure signs during
In early May, we enjoyed a the pandemic:
smaller than planned family
Answers to Who or What? 1: Black and White Rag; 2: Ten Green Bottles; 3: Orange Blossom
wedding, with the reception
held at the lovely Dalmahoy
Hotel and Country Club, near
Special; 4: The Yellow Rose of Texas; 5: Elvis Presley; 6: Judy Garland as ‘Dorothy’
Edinburgh. A magnificent building,
Dalmahoy House was constructed in
1720 and came into the possession
of the Douglas family around 1760.
It is still owned by the 22nd Earl of
Morton, a direct descendant of the of the hostile laird of Loch Leven.
Douglas family, who lives on the With the assistance of George and
extensive estate. a young, orphaned cousin, Willy
Douglas, the disguised prisoner “Having trouble sleeping?
This information was conveyed made her escape by rowing boat, Try one of our sermons.”
to us by the hotel’s friendly and lying beneath the boatman’s seat, on
entertaining restaurant manager, the evening of the 2nd of May 1568.
as we queued (on account of Willy had somehow managed to
restrictions) for breakfast the remove the laird’s keys while giving
following morning. On hearing him his supper-time drink. The keys
where our home was, he proceeded were dropped over the boat’s side
to relate enthusiastically the story into the dark waters of Loch Leven,
of the Earl’s ‘special keys’. With where they lay on the loch bed for
great kindness, he later gave us a over two centuries.
photograph of the keys when they
were recently displayed for the first Mary is believed to have visited
time in public. Dalmahoy House, following her escape
from Loch Leven’s island castle. The
The story in its general features will keys would follow her there at a
be familiar to many readers. Mary later date. Remarkably, they were “Tweet others as you
discovered in 1791 when the loch’s
Queen of Scots spent some time
water levels were lowered. They
would like to be tweeted.”
in ‘the dour castle of Sir William
Douglas’ (Antonia Fraser) on an were taken to the Dalmahoy Estate.
island of Loch Leven. A prisoner of At the time of the refurbishment of
the confederate lords, Mary would the House, in 2019, the historic keys
have remembered happier times were displayed in public for the first
in the castle when she had used it time in centuries. They are in the
as a base for hunting adventures in secure possession of the current Earl,
Kinross-shire. Here too she engaged who is proud of the part played by his Weekends come and buy our
in debate with John Knox in the ancestors, George and Willy Douglas, new range of tasty freshly
spring of 1563. in the great Loch Leven escape of one baked artisan breads
of the most fascinating and romantic
During her ten and a half months of figures of our nation’s history. It’s
• Disabled Access
imprisonment, Mary attracted the remarkable what you can learn while
• Free Parking
sympathy and romantic affection of waiting for breakfast!
• Outdoor Seating Area
the gallant George Douglas, brother ANGUS MORRISON
• Direct access to the Heritage Trail14
Taking Pride in our Produce
As I write this article, another the items I mentioned above and
election has been completed can be found at various outlets; the
that has been different from monthly Farmers Market in Kinross,
all past elections, with no Loch Leven’s Larder, Lochend Farm,
canvassing at the doorstep Hunters Butcher, various farmers
or in the streets, just leaflets selling boxed lamb, beef and pork,
through the letterbox. Since the list goes on. The livestock,
the nation and world went into cereal and vegetables are grown
lockdown 15 months ago (or more) to the highest standards through
we have only seen politicians on assurance schemes, as well as having
the television or heard them on the environmental benefits for the local
radio. Love them or loathe them, communities; low food miles, quality
they are there to act on our (the assured produce, local employment
public’s) behalf. They will promise and maintaining the countryside.
you this and that to get elected. But
one issue none of the politicians has I do not advocate abandoning
ever raised during the campaigning is supermarkets; they still have a place
food security. in our society. In the mid 1980’s,
the UK was approximately 75% self produce?” Although we have some
I have written in past articles, how sufficient in our food needs, today of the best food products on these
we farmers take pride in maintaining that figure is 64%. As a country, shelves, they may not always be
our wonderful countryside. We are we used to import food to make the cheapest, but they are of good
also very proud of the produce we up the shortfall we could not grow quality. Good quality produce will do
grow and rear on our farms - beef, ourselves. But supermarkets looked more for a healthy diet than most
milk, lamb, pork, eggs, barley, wheat, to cater for shopper appetites for cheap products that could be of a
oats, oilseed rape, potatoes, carrots, cheaper foods, which lead to intense lesser quality to the assured British
lettuce, broccoli, kale, turnips, etc. price competition amongst the products. Can you guarantee the food
One thing that has come out of the multinationals and squeezed grower’s imported is of the same standard
pandemic is that people are once profits in the process. Look around as we have grown in the UK? The
again looking to purchase local the aisles and ask yourself “Where environmental impact (food miles) of
produce - something reared or has this come from? Is it as imported products will be far higher
grown locally. Our wee county of good quality? Is it grown to the than home produced. To quote from
Kinross-shire can provide many of same standard as home grown the bible, Isaiah 55:2 “Why spend
your money on what does not
satisfy? Why spend your wages
and still be hungry? Listen to
me and do as I say, and you
will enjoy the best food of all”.
Have a look locally for quality meat,
vegetables, fruit and cereals. Buy
British, Buy Local!
MARK THOMSON15
Walking through thick grass and flowers
Flowers and their fragrances flamingos which thronged the shores
have marked each phase of of Lake Nakuru. Jacaranda blooms,
my life. My first memory, as a exquisitely blue, are what I remember
3-year-old, is of the magnificent banks most, and the many jacaranda trees
of red and mauve rhododendrons in our garden were also a delight to
which clothed the steep Himalayan climb. Jacarandas will always spell
foothills where we then lived. Dahlias Africa to me!
followed them, splashing the slopes
with their rainbow colours. We But carefree childhood days in Kenya
found large beetles, all gold and came to an unwelcome end when alongside the core path. During the
black, feasting on their leaves, and my sister and I began at boarding spring of 2019, I spent many weeks
there was a myriad of butterflies too,school back in England. Far from with my son and daughter-in-law in
fussing over their blooms. familiar tropical surroundings, I the village and daily walks often took
looked again for flowers and, in me past that spread of flamboyant
It was wartime, and my parents, springtime, discovered carpets of ‘dandies’. Being with them was a
both medically qualified, had reached pale-yellow primroses with their great help, as I needed to spend
the safety of northern India, after delicate fragrance. What a delight! much time with my terminally ill
risky evacuations from China, and Each March, I picked a posy, packed it husband at Ninewells Hospital. He
then Burma – Burma being where I in a box with moss, and posted it to had always loved dandelions, though
was born. my godmother. not in his garden, and so one day I
chose a single bloom, the brightest
In 1946, our family – I had 3 siblings A few years later, when training as and best, and carefully carried it in
– eventually sailed for England, but a nurse and midwife in London’s my basket down the long hospital
we only stayed there long enough bustling East End – it was ‘Call the corridors to his room. But alas! By
to enjoy our doting grandparents, Midwife’ days then – I could find only then its glorious crown of golden
before we sailed for Malta, where a few brave wildflowers cowering in petals had drooped and completely
my father took charge of a merchant pavement cracks or clinging to old closed. The dandelion ended up in
seamen’s hospital in Valetta. There walls. But subsequent travels, now the bin.
were no tourists in Malta then, and as the wife of a Mission Aviation
I remember many unspoilt areas Fellowship pilot, brought me back Not long afterwards, I spied one of
and particularly the fun of roaming (oh joy!) to Kenya, and later to the greatest spring treasures of all –
the cliffs high above the so-blue up-country Ethiopia. In Kenya, we pheasant eye narcissi. A single cluster
Mediterranean, gathering the sweetly were blessed with arum lilies which of these paper-white flowers with
scented jonquils which grew there in unfolded their large, pristine blooms their scarlet centres, was trembling
drifts every springtime. in a ditch close to our house. What in the breeze beside a farmer’s field.
rare treasure! The flower ladies at What a joy! And how much those
When my father’s Malta contract church greatly prized them. exquisite flowers cheered me at a sad
ended, there was another brief time. Of course, they are definitely
return to Britain before we flew – so In Ethiopia, it was lilies again, this NOT for picking, but now I try to
exciting - to Kenya on a BOAC flight time stately, creamy-white Madonna time my Milnathort visits with their
which stopped several times and lilies, rising high above deep, roadside delightful, fragrant appearance.
took 24 hours. My father joined a GP grass, far from the noisy capital
practice in the attractive Rift Valley where we lived. Eventually, the Yes, there have been flowers to bring
town of Nakuru, soon to become Communist take-over of Ethiopia me joy down the many years of my
famous for the millions of scarlet intervened, and we returned to settle life. All have beautifully reflected the
in Scotland, my husband’s homeland. glory of our great Creator, assuring
me of His ongoing faithfulness for
And what of the many Scottish all the seasons yet to come. As
flowers which have grown since along someone has expressed it well:
the pathway of my life – first in rural ‘The Lord’s goodness surrounds
Aberdeenshire and now in Pitlochry? us at every moment. I walk
You too will know, and love, and through it almost with
look for them, just as I do. difficulty, as through thick
grass and flowers.’
Two of them have recent, valued (R.W. Barbour. From ‘An Anthology
connections with Milnathort. The of Hope’ compiled by Campbell R.
first – don’t laugh! – are dandelions, Steven.)
particularly their jostling merriment ELAINE BROWN16
Like nae’ther cart on earth
In 2020, a two-wheeled cart, estate, you would have found a slipe, a type of sledge used as far
adorned with flowers, was yourself in the early 1700s at back as the Bronze Age. Drawn by
positioned by Kinnesswood the centre of a medieval open manpower or by oxen or horses,
in Bloom on the grassy field system known as runrig. this was the precursor to the
verge by Gamekeepers Prior to the onset of agricultural wheeled cart.
Road in Kinnesswood. To improvement in the 18th century,
provide some background to the people in farm-town settlements In the 19th century, road
role of different types of cart in the like Kinnesswood were reliant improvements, paid for by the
landscape, David Munro was invited on living off the land. Roads, if collection of tolls, allowed more
to prepare an information board in they existed at all, were mostly robust wheeled vehicles to
collaboration with designer David in poor condition and where the transport heavier loads a greater
Mackenzie. Erected this Spring, it ground was soft and peaty or steep distance. Manure and lime could
is now one of three such boards and rugged, the easiest forms of be taken to the enclosed fields of
in the village. Here, David Munro transport for local produce, such as newly created farms and at harvest
invites readers to imagine the firewood and peat, were straw or time grain could be transported to
everchanging scene over the past willow creels carried on the back the local corn mill at Powmill and
300 years and how the cart has or on pack ponies and small carts hay or straw brought to the farm
played an important part in the or wheelbarrows known as hurlies. stackyard. The two-wheeled cart
lives of local people. These forms of transport carried and wain drawn by a horse became
lighter loads, while heavier goods, the every-day vehicles of choice
Where the cart is now situated including turf or later stone for with bigger four-wheeled waggons
on the edge of a modern housing building houses, might be carried on being used on larger estates.
A two-wheeled former working cart
now serves as an ornamental feature
in Kinnesswood.17
The new style of wheeled, horse- There were several annual events of Glenvale described the various
drawn farm carts to be seen about in the parish at which farm carts characters who came from far
the parish from the 18th century provided fun and a sense of occasion and wide to sell their wares at
were nearly all made locally. during the summer months. A Kinnesswood’s annual fair. One
Anyone wanting a cart made or presence at the Kinross–shire of these - Robbie Salmond, a
repaired would head for the cart Agricultural Society’s show offered confectioner from Kirkcaldy – always
and wheelwright’s shop run by the an opportunity to see well–groomed attracted a crowd of children as he
Law family in Wester Balgedie, and horses with decorated harnesses entered the village on his horse-
if metal was needed for wheel rims pulling immaculate carts, and, in the drawn cart, scattering sweeties to
or axles, the smithy run by the Parish of Portmoak, farmers would left and right:
Reid family at Broadwells was close
at hand. He’s comin’ at the Kirk I think,
The bairnies held their breath,
The harness of a horse includes For Robbie’s axle has a clink,
a padded horse collar used to Like nae’ther cart on earth;
distribute the load around the
horse’s neck and shoulders when His harness glitterin’ in the sun,
pulling a cart. The collar supports Frae the Nappix was descried,
a pair of curved metal or wooden And Robbie wi’ his face o’ fun
pieces called hames, to which the On his cart head did ride.
traces or straps of the harness are
attached. The two-wheeled cart Bottom left: The new information
positioned here by Gamkeepers decorate horse-drawn carts for a fun board compiled and designed
by David Munro and David
Road has been adapted for more day out with children and families Mackenzie; Centre: A barrow or
modern times to be pulled on hard taking part in the annual Sunday hurlie used for transporting peat
metalled roads, not by a horse, but School Picnic. cut in Portmoak Moss; Top left:
by a tractor or other motorised A Sunday School picnic cavalcade
vehicle. Its wheels, which have tyres, In his poem Kinnesswood Market, sets off from Portmoak Parish
Church in the summer of 1910.
are not made of wood. the ploughman poet James Beath
The open-sided, two-wheeled
carts taking part would normally have been used for
carrying hay and straw during harvest time; Preparing the
soil with manure spread from a two-wheeled cart c.191018
Trusted family business with over 40 years experience
Kinross Business Centre, 21-25 High Street, Kinross KY13 8AW
Tel: 01577 351029
www.winskisofkinross.co.uk www.quartzconversions.co.uk
We have searched the larder of Fife, Kinross and surrounding areas to source good quality and ethically produced
products, personally delivered, or collected at your convenience.
We also understand how important it is to our customers to make the lifestyle and dietary choices that they want in an
easy and accessible way. We cater for:
Organic Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free No Palm Oils Dairy Free
Open 7 days from 8am till 6pm daily (9am - 5pm on Sunday)
Brunch Cafe Fine Larder Foods & Deli Craft Beers, Fine Wines & Spirits Fresh Bakery
Eco Products & Personal Care Personalised Hampers Take-out Hot Drinks & Rolls
157 High Street Kinross KY13 7DA | 01577 864888 | www.longspoonlarder.co.uk
Tell us you saw our advert in Stramash and get 10% off at our brunch cafe during JUNEYou can also read
