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 Reminder that no new events can be posted on the site until after the 28th May * * * * * Don't miss the whisky festival 11th & 12th May. Click the image below to see the detail.  * * * * * Soirbheas agenda for 31st May meeting can be seen here. * * * * * Check out the free ads for wanted items, too. Rabbits, for instance! * * * * * REMINDER: The Jubilee Ball. Tickets are going so don't miss out on a fun night with good food and music. Tickets can be had at ,The Local Surgery, Drumnadrochit Hotel, Loch Ness Inn or by phoning Marjory on 450858. * * * * * |
 ELECTION RESULTS Margaret reports: Elected in order: Margaret Davidson; Drew Hendry; Helen Carmichael; Hamish Wood. I was re-elected and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, especially the folks of Glen Urquhart and Abriachan who gave me a great majority. For the next 5 years I will do my level best to earn your trust. Margaret Margaret Davidson Highland Councillor Ward 13 Aird and Loch Ness 01463 861424 07818-015689 email I now have a Cllr Facebook Page to let you know what I do around the ward. |
 Jubilee Games – Family Fun Afternoon This family fun afternoon has been arranged by the Community Association to celebrate the Jubilee and Olympic Torch Procession. It will take place at Glenurquhart Primary School, Drumnadrochit, on Saturday 9th June 2012 – no admission charge. The fun begins at 2.30pm with a Fancy Dress Parade (Royal Theme). Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed and most original costume. There will also be a bouncy castle, races, a raffle, face painting, coconut shy and hook a duck (charges apply to some events). Teas and Queen cakes will be served at a cost of £1. Various Local Stalls including RNLI, Guides and Nursery will be at the event. TThe fun event will finish at 4.30pm prior to the Olympic Torch procession which should take place from Lewiston at 5.07pm to the Tourist Information Car park at 5.24pm. The procession will have a short break before departing at 5.44pm if everything goes to plan. br /> For more information, if you can help on the day or if would like to have a stall please contact Jan Bell (telephone 450227) or Mhairi Marshall (telephone 450294) |
 EVENT ORGANISERS TAKE NOTE IF YOU WISH TO PROMOTE AN EVENT OR MEETING TAKING PLACE IN MAY, YOU MUST PROVIDE THE DETAILS BY 5TH MAY OR IT WILL NOT BE POSTED IN GLEN'S DIARY UNTIL JUNE! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED * * * * *  Gardeners should check out the special offers page ... and don't do it too late! * * * * * Full time jobs on offer. See the Jobs page. * * * * * Ceilidh night 11th May. See Glen's diary * * * * * Advance notice of an open day at the Highland Riding Centre on 13th May. See Glen's Diary. More information to follow. * * * * * Glen Urquhart Greenspace's minutes for 20th February are here. * * * * * |
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25th & 26th April SCOTTISH EXPO 2012  Tony Harmsworth, director of Destination Loch Ness and Chamber Chair was manning the VisitLochNess.com stand at the Scottish Expo this year with Liz MacKintosh. The stand had a good corner location beside one of the refreshment areas. Although primarily promoting the Destination Loch Ness area, there was plenty of opportunity to promote Drumnadrochit, Glen Urquhart and Glen Affric. |
21st April SHOWCASE EVENT  Click THIS LINK for a page of images from the Showcase Event. It is well known that many people new to the village and glen wonder what there is to do in the community so the Chamber of Commerce decided to create this event to give all the local organisations, clubs and groups the opportunity to portray their activities to the local residents. With the help of Williamsons and bread from the Post Office Stores, Gillian Skinner (Loch Ness Lodge Hotel) and Carol Hughes (Glenurquhart House) produced a fine spread of sandwiches, cakes and scones so that anyone attending this free event could also have some free refreshments. The event was opened by Margaret Davidson after a short introduction by Tony Harmsworth who explained that the chamber had been trying to involve more non-tourist businesses to support activities like this website. Since Drumnadrochit.info was begun the percentage of non-tourist business members has increased from 4% to 17% and is still growing. If you have a business, why aren't you in the index on the left? Surely £60 per year is not too much to contribute for all the benefits the Chamber provides including the directory of trades on the left of this page? The organisations were pleased with the event and there have been many emails of congratulations to the Chamber, but the actual number of local people, particularly people who are not involved much in the community, was quite poor.. Entertainment was provided by Inverness Fiddlers and the local Taoist Tai Ch group. In addition there was a fiddle recital by Finlay Ralston. If you click THIS LINK you will be taken to a page of images and also a short sequence of video from the day. Thanks to all groups and helpers who attended and assisted. |
April ABRIDGED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MINUTES  Board Meeting 11 April 2012 Blairbeg Public Hall Committee present: Tony Harmsworth (Chair), Carol Hughes, Alan Darbyshire, Allan Spence, Gillian Skinner, Robert Cockburn; Sandra Bardwell (Secretary) * Previous minutes adopted minutes were adopted * The ongoing Visitor Information Centre meetings were discussed and a further meeting is to be set up after VisitScotland have given Margaret Davidson a copy of their accounts. Discussion took place on how bookings might be increased, whether visitors could use an on-line system in the VIC itself. There were other ideas voiced, too. * There was discussion of the Showcase Event and a walk around of the venue to ensure everything would fit in to the space available. * It was agreed to allow the Tai Chi group to feature on the website and in the showcase despite being in Kiltarlity as it has a number of members from the village and glen. * Our leaflet printer overprinted 2,500 leaflets. There was no charge and the distributors said they would use them to distribute more top ups to the busiest sites in the central belt. * The suspension of the parking charges in Glen Affric was noted. * Potential problems with the Mad Bookings website would continue to be monitored. * Gillian Skinner provided a report on the recent Glen Urquhart Community Council meeting. She also mentioned that the Olympic Torch will be on the Cricket Ground during the morning of 9th June. *Membership currently stands at 76 and the present subscription rates have applied since at least 2006 and it was agreed to leave membership rates unchanged until 2013. * There was discussion over the Hausgauen project for which Leader funding is being applied. It was agreed to provide a letter promising £500 to the project. * The danger to pedestrians on the main bridge was highlighted again, but Transport Scotland appear to be waiting for a fatality before taking any action. In the meantime it was noted that unnecessary crash barriers had been erected for no apparent reason at Dochfour at great expense. * The AGM date was set at 6th June. * An unpleasant complaint about the April 1st news item on the website was circulated and it was decided that it did not warrant an official response. * It was agreed to get an update on the bridge in the cover. Meeting closed 4pm |
20th April IT IS TOMORROW  Come along between 1pm and 5pm and find out about clubs, associations and groups which operate in Drumnadrochit, Glen Urquhart, Cannich, Strathglass and Glen Affric. FREE ENTRY FREE REFRESHMENTS LADIES ACCESSORIES EXCHANGE STAND for jewellery, hats, scarves and handbags. Sorry, husbands not exchanged! If you have a business, come and talk to members of the chamber about what it can do for you. Find out about the Soirbheas wind farm project, the Community Council and Rural Community Association. Talk to people from craft organisations, the horticultural and heritage groups, the local churches and mothers and toddlers' organisations. The Showcase will be opened by Margaret Davidson at 1pm and, during the day there will be Taoist Tai Chi demonstrations and fiddle playing - not at the same time! Communities are made up of people. Find out what people around you are doing to improve the local communities for the future. SEE YOU THERE! |
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16th April LOCAL PLAN  The 12 week consultation on the Local Plan commenced on 5th April and the main issues report can be read at the Highland Council web site www.highland.gov.uk. The Highland Council are having an exhibition in Blairbeg Hall on Monday 23rd April 2pm – 6.30pm and an evening workshop.. People wishing to attend the workshop should contact them on 01463 702259. Comments on the Plan must be received by Highland Council by 5pm on Thursday 28th June 2012. The Community Council will be discussing the Plan at their next meeting which is Monday 14th May at 8pm in Craigmonie Centre |
SIGN THE PETITION AT THE SHOWCASE EVENT ON 21st APRIL Whether you are a local resident, are directly or indirectly involved in tourism, are based in Strathglass, Glenurquhart, Beauly or on the shores of Loch Ness this should be of importance to you. Forestry Commission Scotland is intent on introducing compulsory car park charges at all 4 car parks in Glen Affric, including Plodda Falls. If the scheme goes ahead it would mean that a publicly-owned local amenity would no longer be freely accessible. No more free afternoon strolls, no more free dog walking, no more free family outings, etc. It would also mean that visitors to the area would be financially discouraged from staying locally and would not be likely to return to the area in future years while they would also be spreading a bad word about the poor welcome they received in Glen Affric at the hands of FCS. The hospitality infrastructure in Strathglass is very limited: yet every year tens of thousands of people visit Glen Affric and stay and spend money in places as far apart as Beauly and Fort Augustus. So what happens in Glen Affric is vital to anyone living or running a business as far as 35 miles away from Glen Affric. A petition has been launched locally by the Strathglass Marketing Group, with the support of the Strathglass and Glenurquhart Community Councils, the local Community Company and our local Highland Councillors. SMG has sent a letter to FCS opposing this scheme while highlighting alternatives to compulsory car park charges. Please check your local Post Office, your local shop, your local pub, hotel or restaurant and sign the 'Say "No" to compulsory car park charges in Glen Affric petition'. If you cannot find the petition near where you live or operate, please get in touch by email to make comments and suggestions or to obtain copies of the petition. You can also see the SMG letter here. The petition is currently available at the Post Office and Shop in Drumnadrochit and at the Drumnadrochit Scotmid minimarket where it is gathering a lot of signatures. You can also sign it at the Showcase Event on 21st April 1pm to 5pm in Blairbeg Hall. Thank you. |
 Those of you who have AOL email addresses should be aware that our update emails are now being treated as SPAM by AOL and you might not get them. Why not make this page your home page and you will see it when you first switch on? Go to TOOLS in your top menu, then OPTIONS, then the GENERAL tab and click USE CURRENT PAGE. Simple. * * * * * Very late notice of an A Capella Singers Event on 16th April. See Glen's Diary * * * * * Check out the new Tai Chi page in the right index and come and see the local group at the forthcoming Local Showcase Event at Blairbeg Hall on 21st April from 1pm to 5pm. * * * * * Have a look at new events posted in Glen's Diary for 16th & 25th April and 9th, 14th & 16th May. It is the AGM season! * * * * * Don't forget the The First Responder's Jubilee Ball on 1st June in Blairbeg Hall at 7pm. There will be a three course meal and good music. See Glen's Diary. Tickets at £15 can be had from the surgery, Drumnadrochit hotel or by phoning Marjory on 450858. It is a very worthy cause. * * * * * |
14th April New Sign At Car Park  NOT VERY WELCOMING As we reported previously, there had been a problem with fly tipping near the recycling bins and, with the efforts of Pat Veitch and Margaret Davidson, that appears to have been cured. However, the second new council sign with its huge red NO erected at the entrance to the car park is hardly very welcoming to visitors. Margaret is hoping to get it removed for us. |
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11th April INFORMATION BOARD  The information board is now fully refurbished and most members have provided their posters to be erected. The board is the prime source of information in the village when the Visitor Information Centre is closed. It is used extensively to find accommodation, restaurants and other things to do and see in the area. If your business, cruise, B&B or hostel is not featured then you are missing out. Membership starts at only £60 per annum. Why not come to the Chamber Stand at the Local Showcase Event on Saturday 21st April at 1pm and find out how easy it is to join. The chamber is also keen to find new committee members. If you enjoy working with other local businesses then you would be welcome to stand for one of the vacancies at the AGM in June. Experience of committees is not important, but coming up with new ideas and helping to see them through is what it is all about. AGM date to be published shortly. |
10th April UNBELIEVABLE! All Mick Evans' images below open in separate window if clicked.  Following concern about litter in fields where there are many little new lambs and their mums, a litter-pick was organised. The image shows the amazing amount they collected. Mick Evans' photograph shows Hamish Drennan, Pat Veitch, Dr Mark Drennan and Cllr Margaret Davidson. They are glad the sheep didn't get to eat up the contents of their black bags. * * * * *  This great image by Mick Evans shows the floral castle on the Green with its newly erected galvanized name. In the photograph are Gordon Veitch, Fraser Wright and Pat Veitch. * * * * * More images of the opening of the Drum Playpark.    Cllr Margaret Davidson aided by young Finlay McWhirr cut the ribbon, thus opening the play park officially. This project to improve Drum's park area was started 2½ years ago. With the help of LEADER funding and the assistance of Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA), and many people within the community, the new park area was officially opened 31st March. Thanks to all who have contributed to make the project and the opening such a success. Special thanks to Angela Montague and Karen Mackenzie. See the earlier news item directly below. |
9th April Great vegetable event at Abriachan Nurseries on 18th April. See Glen's Diary.  * * * * * One of our members, the Cannich Caravan & Camping Park has a catering business opportunity for you. Click this link. * * * * * Roz has announced that Thursday Nights at Frés Hair are now DROP IN GENTS NIGHTS from 4.30pm to 8pm. Now's the time to get your man's hair tidied by professionals. * * * * * Glen Urquhart Community Council Minutes for 5th March now available. Click for minutes. Do read them - tells you a lot about what is going on in the glen. * * * * * |
7pm 6th APRIL CANNICH VILLAGE HALL FREE  Very late notice for this one, which is not a pun on the title. Baldy Bane Theatre Company presents "Better Late than Dead on Time " - Friday April 6th - 7pm start Cannich Hall ENTRY FREE! A must see for all ages. Baldy Bane Theatre Company has been commissioned by Road Safety Scotland to bring this new play to communities across Scotland dealing in a humorous but realistic way with road safety issues. All Welcome |
 Information Board News The Information Board in the village car park is maintained by the Chamber of Commerce. All the old faded posters have been removed. New images and a giant map have just been added and Chamber Members are invited to provide their posters to be included. Just get them to the Loch Ness Lodge Hotel reception as soon as you can. This is a really busy board when the Visitor Information Centre is closed so provides a great opportunity for tourist businesses to get their property or service on show to people looking for last minute accommodation or entertainment & meals B&Bs and Guest Houses pay only £60 membership per year to have their poster displayed and, for this tiny fee, also get a full entry on this site and on our tourist site. If you are a non-member and would like to join, just produce your poster (A5 landscape 8" x 6") and give it to reception at the Loch Ness Lodge Hotel and we will put it into the signboard and invoice you. We will also contact you for your details for the websites. It really does not make sense for any tourist business to not be a member. Permitted sizes are: B&Bs, Hostels, Tours, Taxis, Shops & Trade members qualify for A5 landscape posters. Churches can have A5 portrait posters Hotels, Cruises, Visitor Centres, Restaurants, Self-catering qualify for A4 portrait posters. See the membership page for details of membership fees. You'll be pleasantly surprised. In addition to what the Chamber can do for you, the income from membership allows the Chamber to do things for the village and glens, such as this news blog and the upcoming SHOWCASE EVENT. Go on - join up now! Get the summer off to a good start. |
 The Play Park Opening> This photo is by Rab and Tanya Gordon - click to enlarge They say, "Our local play park was officially opened today, we donated this sign which we carved from local oak which was donated by our friends at Adrian’s Wood Workshop. "In the photo are our local councillors and the organizers behind getting this project under way; Cllr Helen Carmichael, Karen Mackenzie, Angela Montague, Cllr Margaret Davidson. " |
1st April Loch Ness Levels Almost Back to Normal  The extraordinary events of yesterday when Loch Ness dropped by more than one hundred feet, leaving cruisers stranded and their passengers wading through mud, are now almost back to normal. Sir Adrian Stein said that this was caused by the Great Glen fissure opening by about 4 feet in one location, but enough to allow millions of gallons of water to drain away. He said, "At one point we got over the top of the vortex with sonar and could see the hole. For a while we thought the Nessie question would be answered once and for all." Sir Steven Feltwell, who has been watching the loch for twenty years from Dores bay said that it was quite unbelievable as the water just rushed away over the shelf of the bay at Dores. "I waded to the edge of the drop off, but it was really quite scary as there was a danger of the soft edge slipping into the deep water", he said. The RNIL used surf boards to slide down the side wall at Temple Pier to get access to a fisherman who had slipped over the edge. They looked after him until the coastguard could send a helicopter. The salmon got away! The local heritage group found the much speculated cache of weapons lying in the sediment just off Urquhart Castle and these will be put on display in Blairbeg Hall at the Showcase Event on 21st April. Dame Margaret Donaldson says that the water level should be back to normal by about 10am, but there is some speculation that this might just be an election promise! The police have asked spectators not to wade on the sediment as there have been several cases of people having to be rescued. STOP PRESS Geologists have just announced that they know what caused the problem and they have blamed the editor who was pictured below late yesterday afternoon, having pulled the plug from the Edward's Deep!  |
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Editor: Tony Harmsworth