June - Alyth Voice

Tel/Fax: 01828 632545
Alyth Voice
81st Edition, June 2004
Minimum Circulation 1350
E-Mail paulramsay@bamff.demon.co.uk or freida.murray@ntlworld.com
www.alyth-community.org.uk An Interactive Website for Alyth
Community Councillor Questions Report of
Unanimous Decision
An Alyth Community Councillor
has questioned in the Alyth Voice
the accuracy of a news item run
by The Alyth Community Website.
The item reported that the
decision by the community council
to support the Drumderg Wind
farm was unanimous, while the
community councillor in question
claims to have voted against it.
Robert Stewart, administrator of
the Alyth Community Website,
stands by the accuracy of the
news item, which was the first to
break news of the decision by the
community council. In a statement
he said, "The item accurately
states that 'a motion was
passed unanimously in support of
Drumderg', since no counter motion
to object was successful."
"I am unsure as to whether or not
the community councillor's letter
to the Alyth Voice was an attack
on the editorial integrity of the
website, or a method of getting
across to people that she was
opposed to the wind farm. The
NELL’S BELLS A BIG HIT
word 'unanimously' was not plucked
out of thin air when the item was
written, it was quoted from the community
council chairman at the
meeting when he was explaining to
the community council that a
counter motion to object to Drumderg
had failed to find support on
the community council."
Accepting that some people may be
confused by the use of committee
procedure Mr Stewart explained
how the process works, "All important
decisions made under good
committee procedure happen
through a process of Motions and
sometimes Counter Motions. A motion
is where a member of the committee
proposes the committee make
a decision on an important matter,
they become the proposer and their
idea becomes the motion. In order
for their idea/motion to be discussed
by the committee, at least one other
member of the committee must
agree that the idea/motion is in the
interests of the committee, if they
do, then they second the motion and
1
May I, on behalf of Alyth Musical Society, thank all those of you
who came along to see Nell's Belles. We thoroughly enjoyed putting
on the show and hope that you enjoyed it. The great majority of the
audience gave very enthusiastic comments on what they had seen.
We were all thoroughly exhausted after the run but felt that it had
been a great week and that had enhanced the reputation of the Society.
Janey McFarlane, Honorary President, stated that in Scotland we are
one of the smaller amateur companies but that many bigger companies
would be proud to put on shows as 'professionally' as we do and
I can only echo that sentiment.
The search has already started for next year's production which is
always a difficult task. What would you like to see? If you have any
thoughts let Billy Gordon in the P.O. know.
If you are interested in joining the Society, (we especially need
younger men, but everyone is welcome) then please feel free to
come along to our AGM in the Ogilvie Rooms on June 21st at
7.30pm.
John White
become known as the seconder."
" The motion is then put before the
committee for discussion where
small changes can be made to it
(known as amendments), or it will
be passed unless a counter motion
(an idea which is alternative to the
original motion) is successful. If a
counter motion is successful then
committee members must vote on
which motion they prefer to be
passed. As with the original motion,
the counter motion must have a
proposer and a seconder to be discussed
by the committee and be
successful in becoming an objection
to the original motion."
Mr Stewart then showed how this
process worked when it came to the
Drumderg decision, "On the 24th
March 2004 following my report to
the council, I concluded by proposing
a motion for the council to support
Drumderg. The chairman Jim
Adam seconded this motion. The
motion was discussed by the council
and amended to give powers to
myself, Jim Adam, and B Prettyman
to draft a letter to the Planning
Department outlining the decision
and drawing up the suggested terms
of consent. At this stage community
council member M.McKenzie pro-
posed a counter motion, asking
that the council object to the
wind farm application. The
chairman then asked for someone
to support her counter motion,
and as no seconder could
be found the counter motion
failed. When the counter motion
failed, there was no need to
take a vote since only one motion
lay on the table. Under
committee procedure the motion
to support Drumderg is
considered to have been passed
unanimously or by default as no
vote was required."
As well as Mr Stewart's statement,
the minutes of the community
council meeting also
throw the community councillor's
claims that she had voted
against Drumderg into disrepute.
The minutes of the 24th
March meeting show no record
of any vote having taken place,
only that a motion to object had
failed.
The full minutes of the community
council discussion on
Drumderg can be found on the
website:-
w w w . a l y t h -

Useful Telephone Numbers
Blairgowrie Police Station - 01250 872222
Hydro-Electric Emergencies - 0800 300999
Scottish Gas Emergencies - 0800 111999
North of Scotland
Water Authority - 0845 437 437
Alyth Post Office - 01828 632301
Alyth Health Centre - 01828 632317
Alyth Primary School - 01828 632462
Blairgowrie High School - 01250 873445
Alyth Environmental Group - 01828 632907
If you offer a Emergency or breakdown Service
e.g. Plumber, Electrician, Locksmith, Glazier, Central Heating or any other
trade, Please send us your name and number for our useful numbers section.
Voice Teaser
What does Dwam mean?
May answer-What is Gowan?- A Daisy
Alyth Voice Editorial Team
Paul Ramsay 01828 632992 Editor
Freida Murray 01828 632545 Layout editor
Jessie McLean 01250 872983 Treasurer/Advertising
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In Order to avoid disappointment please ensure that Articles/Ads
for publication are submitted by 21st day of each month.
Note: The views expressed in the Alyth Voice are not necessarily those of
the Editors, nor can they accept any responsibility for accuracy/spelling of
any article.
Alyth Christmas Lights 200 Club
Sorry the May draw did not take place until 28th so it was too
late for this publication.
See posters in Post Office for the results of the draw.
Thank you to everyone who renewed for the coming year– Good
Luck!
Numbers Are still available-
Please contact Liz Gordon Via Alyth Post Office
Or Tel: 01828 632017
The winners of the recent Alyth Quiz League competition have now
been drawn out of the hat from those who got all the answers correct
in the Quiz. These were given out at our recent fund raising coffee
morning.
The winners are:
2
Neighbourhood Watch
The Annual General Meeting of the East Perthshire Neighbourhood
Watch Association was held at the Rosemount Golf Hotel at 7.30 pm.
Monday 10 th May.
Alyth was very well represented. Although no system will ever be perfect,
it is heartening to note there are improvements in many fields. —
For example, the rate of detection of crime has gone up in the past year
or two, and the number of incidents involving vandalism has decreased.
In this context the formation of Youth Projects that keep young people
entertained and, more usefully, constructively and happily occupied on
Friday and Saturday nights, has contributed to the improvement. These
initiatives have been largely started with the co- operation and help of
the police.
Inspector Paddy Buckleigh- Jones gave a talk outling some of what the
police had been doing. To mention only a few further points he made:
1 Prioritisation is constantly being considered; the first
call on police time is almost invariably given to reports
of crimes currently taking place. So it is vital that all of
us should phone in AT ONCE if we notice something
wrong is happening. If you can’t get Blairgowrie police,
please dial 999 or phone Dundee police, who will contact
the police patrol nearest to the incident. This speeds
things up a lot.
Patrol cars can sometimes get to an incident within four
minutes of a call.
Modern communications equipment is helping here, but
it is expensive; we can’t always have all we want, since
finances are limited.
2 “ Local Bobbies” – community safety officers – are
once more to patrol more frequently, often on foot. So
they and the local residents will get to know one another
better.
3 Jim Macfarlane asked about the conviction rate. Inspector
Buckleigh-Jones and Const. Graham Jack explained
that the police responsibility ends with the sending of
the report of their investigation to the Procurator Fiscal,
who must then decide what action should be taken and
what Court procedures should go forward.
4 Communication with the general public: Reports of
Police activity appear regularly in the local press, and
more time is being devoted to Victim Support and maintaining
communications with the victims of crime.
David Carver, Bank House, Airlie St, Alyth Tel: 633093
Alyth Quiz League Winners
Meal for Two at Lands of Loyal: Charlotte Kinnison, Alyth
Portrait drawn and framed by a local artist: Charlotte & Shirley c/o
Alyth Golf Club
A consolation prize of a Bottle of Wine donated by Billy Gordon to
Rene Bradley.

A WARRIER, A KING
AND TWO QUEENS
YOUR LETTERS
In the late 6th Century, legend has it there lived in Scotland, a great warrior
named Diarmid, reputedly a man of outstanding martial prowess and
a great favourite with the ladies, so much so that Queen Grainne, the
wife of the incumbent King Fingal, was having an affair with him. The
king got to know of the affair, but according to Celtic custom he could
not appoint a deputy to act for him or seek help from any relative - he
had to deal with Diarmid man to man. The king knew if he challenged
Diarmid he would lose, such was Diarmid's fearsome reputation.
However, an opportunity came for Fingal. The people of Glenshee petitioned
the king to come and rid them of what they claimed was a demon
boar. This beast had for some considerable time caused great damage to
property and livestock in the area and several attempts to hunt it down
had all failed with a number of hunters losing their lives. It was considered
the king's job to deal with matters of this kind, therefore a hunting
party was raised and Fingal personally invited Diarmid to the hunt. When
they arrived in Glenshee, camp was made in the area of the Spittal of
Glenshee. The king then challenged Diarmid to go and hunt the boar
himself. Diarmid accepted the challenge and duly managed to track the
boar down. There ensued a vigorous battle in which according to the epic
handed down through the centuries, his mighty hunting spear was
smashed by the beast and he had to fight it with a sword, axe and dirk
before it succombed. In the desperate fight Diarmid was wounded and
pierced by the spines along the boar's back. Wounds from boar spines
become infected very quickly and result in death within one day. This
did not concern Diarmid too much as there was a known antidote for the
poison which was carried by hunting parties. He cut off the boar's head,
carried it back to camp, placed it in front of the king and asked for the
medicine. The king had prepared for this by throwing the supply of
medicine into the burn. The infection from the wounds spread through
Diarmid's body and he died. When Queen Grainne heard of his death, she
committed suicide.
Diarmid was so highly regarded that an area at the foot of the SE ridge of
Bad an Loin is to this day marked on all maps as "The Tomb", was levelled,
Diarmid buried, a large mound built over his grave and four standing
stones in the shape of a spearhead, which, if you stand to the eastern
side, line up and point to where he was reputed to have killed the boar.
(O. S. Map sheet 43, Ref. 118701).
Windfarm Concern
Dear Editor,
As an Alyth resident I question several local decisions regarding the
proposed wind farm at Drumderg.
Alyth Community Council have decided to support the application for
the proposed wind farm on Drumderg based on concerns pressed by the
people during the consultation process. They issued their questionnaire
and due to public opinion held an open meeting. About 100 local people
attended the meeting at which the community council published the result
of the survey, the result being 66 per cent against the proposed wind
farm. In other words two to one against.
The tone of the meeting suggested to me a very similar outcome. We
read that some 700 objections to this proposal were received by the Planning
Dept. I question if the community council have truly represented the
true opinion of their community on this matter. And finally to state that
it was a unanimous decision when this clearly was not the case, gives me
some cause for concern as to the way we have been represented, or misrepresented,
on this most important matter.
David Chalmers
Alyth
3
Dear Readers,
I would like to thank all the parents, players & supporters, for all
their help over this past season. Also I would like to thank all the
local businesses for helping to raise money for the club funds. Paul
Spar Shop, Lunans Newsagent, Burnside Inn, Geo’s Bar, Losset Inn,
Davidson Chemist, Walls & Floors, Costcutters, also all the other
local shops for their raffle prizes. Most of all a big thanks to the
Alyth Youth Partnership, Alyth Bowling Club and Alyth Amateurs.
Next Season we will have on under 14s & 16s teams playing. All the
best to both teams and Fergie and his lads for the forthcoming
season.
Thank you, Alyth Boys F.C.
Wind-power
For anyone interested in the wind-power debate there is a very good
web page, www.saveourhills.org. This organisation has been set up
to stop Scotland's wild landscape from being spoiled by massive
structures.
In a survey by National Geographic, the Scottish Highlands have
been placed seventh in the top ten of world tourist destinations. This
is an impressive result. The area was praised for its 'remoteness',
'mystery' and 'beauty'. Yet we plan to cover the area with dozens of
massive wind farms. We must be mad to allow the government and
commercial interests to charge ahead with this programme.
While we must tackle the problem of global warming, the true cost
of wind power in Scotland is far too high.
Gordon Brown
Alyth
Soon after this double tragedy, another queen who was staying in a
castle between Alyth and Glen Isla, some 15 miles to the south east
was put to death. The method of her death was quite horrendous -
she was thrown into a pit of starving dogs, which was apparently a
Pictish punishment for an adulterous woman. The queen's name was
Guinevere, ex King Arthur. Legend has it that her remains were
taken to Meigle where there existed an early Culdee monastery, and
buried there. Researchers have recently claimed to have found a
Pictish stone at Meigle which they claim is possibly that of Queen
Guinevere. The legends and stories of King Arthur and the Round
Table do not give any satisfactory answer as to where Guinevere
and Sir Lancelot went after they were found out. A Queen and a
great warrior, even in those times, could not just disappear without
trace but one could imagine that wherever Guinevere was, her lover
and protector would not be far away. So who was Diarmid? Could
he and Sir Lancelot have been the same person? Historians would
probably not agree but then what evidence have they got otherwise.
The Clan Campbell claim direct
descent from the man known as
Diarmid - or Sir Lancelot? They
grew to be the most potent and
powerful clan in Scotland. Their
motif is the boar's head.
Motto: Ne obliviscaris -
"Forget not"
Badge: A boar's head.

Access Your Inner
Strength Through
Dru Meditation &
Yoga
Most people know that meditation can help
you to relax, concentrate, become less reactive,
control your blood pressure, and aid a
whole catalogue of things that maintain your
body-heart-mind internal balance. Yet for
some reason many of us find it difficult to
regularly practise this ancient art and often
experience a sense of inner resistance. Actually,
meditation is not about trying hard to bring control
to the mind. It is the art of befriending yourself.
Whenever you try to control or discipline
an unruly mind you will face a huge barrage of
resistance. Therefore it is important to make the
whole process as easy and enjoyable as you can,
then there is a possibility that your meditation
practise will succeed.
Why Practise Meditation?
Before you set out on the path of meditation it is
important to consider why you are practising. Is
it because you wish to develop good mental or
physical health? Maybe you are interested in
uncovering the depth of your being and exploring
your spirituality. Maybe you wish to develop
your powers of concentration and insight.
Whatever your reason, probably the most important
message that meditation has to teach you is
the difference between the way you observe the
world from moment to moment and the way it
really is.
What to Practise
There is not just one state of meditation. Even
the ancients classified various levels of consciousness,
from a mild state of happiness to
intense bliss and the onset of the cosmic state of
Samadhi. The techniques that you employ do
have some bearing upon the final destination in
meditation. One spiritual master said quite
clearly that not all roads lead to Rome, don't
choose a road going to Milan. Again, it is important
to know exactly what you wish to get out of
your meditation practise. It is important that you
learn to bring your body and mind quickly to a
state of relaxation (that doesn't put you to sleep).
Then you need to learn to focus the mind and
withdraw the senses from the things that distract
you. Finally the focusing should increase until
the object upon which you are concentrating
becomes merged with your own consciousness...
in some ways you become the object of your
meditation. Most people find it difficult to reach
this point because they are too busy trying to
achieve something instead of just letting it be.
In conclusion, I would like to give you a very
simple technique to help you achieve relaxation
and simple focusing. How far you go with it will
depend upon how much you are able to let go of
the notion of trying, or of achieving something,
and instead embracing just the simple joy of
experiencing the bliss of who you really are.
Observing the Present
1. Spend a few moments stretching and loosening
your body before sitting down, either on a
firm chair or on the floor in a comfortable posture.
Make sure that the spine is erect and lengthened.
Use the breath to help you.
2. For a moment bring your awareness to the
point between the eyebrows. As you breathe in
let your eyes rise slightly, and as you breathe out
let them lower to just below the horizontal. You
will find that you will feel a rising and falling of
awareness over the whole body once you get into
the rhythm of this breath. The rising is called
Pranaarohan, and the falling is Apanaavarohan.
3. Continue with this breath for a few moments.
You will feel that your awareness will begin to
settle in two places. The point between the eyebrows
will become very sensitive and the point
inside the centre of your chest will fill with energy.
4. Gradually transfer the awareness to the heart
point, the Anahata chakra. Let the breathing focus
in the heart now, keeping the eyes still.
Slowly open your eyes. Keep the awareness in
the heart as you do so, and observe the scene that
is in front of you, accept it as it is, see its beauty.
5. Finally, let the feeling of gratitude well up
from your heart for just being in this sacred space.
6. If you find that your awareness moves out of
the heart space, let the eyes close and practise the
pranaapaana breathing again.
7. To finish, bring your awareness to your body.
Rub your hands together, then massage your face
with your hands.
If you can, practise this technique outside, looking
at a natural scene, otherwise choose something
beautiful to keep your gaze on.
For more information on Dru Yoga and Meditation,
or to book tickets for the Life Foundation
Scotland's "Meditation on the move" seminar in
the Alyth Town Hall on Friday 11th June 7.00pm
- 9.00pm (cost £10.00)
please contact Aileen Brown on 01828 633605.
4
Dru Yoga is:
Graceful
Inspiring,
Relaxing,
Meditative
Life
changing!
visit www.lifefoundation.org.uk
Tae Alyth’s
Teenage Lassies
By Dan Dewar
We meet braw lassies everywhere
Wi’ sparklin’ een an’ bonnie hair
An’ showin’ quite a lot that’s bare
‘tween taps an’ jean!
Though cauld, they dinna seem tae
care-
They’re in thir teens!
Noo ah’m growin’ auld, wi’ bluid that’s
thin;
Kin hardly wa’k an’ never rin!
An’ think a Disco's juist a din,
But sweethearts, please!
Ae smile frae you, ma hert wid win-
An’ that’s no lees!
If, whin ye swagger doon the street,
A puir auld sowel ye chance tae meet,
Remember (he’ll think ‘you’re a treat!)
So, mak ‘is day!
Ae hug or kiss, ‘is taes wid pleat-
Sic thrills he’d hae!
Dae ye see yer mums, an’ grannies too?
Well girls – they yista look like you;
Did a’ the daft wee things you do ….
But mind o’snags!
That’s fu, whin there’s a lecture due,
Her fing-er wags!
Sometime fowk think yer ais’ly led,
That youth, the day, ur aff thir head.
But hoo did ‘we’ compare? Nuff
said…..
We too, could stray!
But blundered on an’ made oor bed-
An’ you wull tase!
So darlins, do enjoy yer teens!
Though young an’ daft, scorn whit’s
obscene.
O’ memories, ye’ll hae a wheen
Tae tell yer bairns.
May tears o’ laughter glist thir een
Whin you spin yarns.

DAVIDSON CHEMIST
9 Airlie Street, ALYTH.
Tel 632302
Prescriptions dispensed
Delivery service available
HOPE PARK HOUSE
BLAIRGOWRIE
Residential home for older people
DAY CARE
LONG STAY CARE
SHORT STAY CARE (respite)
SEPARATE DEMENTIA UNIT
Tel: 01250 872349
for details of charges
and arrangements to view
Pennycook Driving School
Clar-Innis,
Meigle Rd,
Alyth PH11 8EX
01828 632135
DSA
Approved Driving Instructor
High Pass Rate
Pass Plus Registered
RENDEZVOUS
**HAIRDRESSER**
Margaret or Paula
would be happy to advise on that new look for
2004
59 Airlie Street, Alyth. Tel: 632097
Open Tues - Sat
Gift Vouchers Available
Walls & Floors
21, Commercial Street
Paints & Papers, Ceramic Tiles, Carpet Tiles,
Carpets, Vinyls, Laminate Flooring,
Decorating Sundries, Rugs.
Decorating Advice Given
Shop Hours
Mon-Fri 8.15—5.30
Sat 8.30—5.00
Tel: 01828 632879
Mrs Susan Marsh (Cert Ed)
Cherrybank, Lands of Loyal
Tel: 01828 633501
Alyth Springs Therapies
Westfield Estate Alyth Tel: 01828 632450
Reg. Holistic Reflex Therapists
Sore Neck/Shoulders, Sports Injuries, Stress, Anxiety.
Sandra Gould AMGCP NARH
Joan Taylor RGN Reflex Zone Therapist
Specialised Clinics Monthly For Management of Pain,
Arthritis, Stroke, ANAH Disorders & Menopause.
For a Full Range of Therapies see our web site-
www.alythsprings.co.uk
AIRLIE GARAGE
ALYTH
Telephone: 01828 633363
Servicing, Mechanical &, MOT
Repairs
Welding & Steam Cleaning
Panel Beating, Spray Painting and
Restoration.
All Jobs Considered
Free Estimates
Tyres at competitive prices
Winter Tyres Studded and Wheels Balanced
Breakdown Recovery and Car Transportation Service
Quality Used Cars For Sale
GEORGE W. RENNIE
2 St. Malcolm’s Wynd Kirriemuir
Tel: 01575 573292
Mobile: 07711 818238
Repairs Spares & Servicing
Washing Machines, Cookers,
Tumble dryers & Vacuums.
also
Cycle Repairs & Spares
Traditional Acupuncture in Alyth
Acupuncture can help a variety of symptoms
and health problems
Free 15 minute consultations available to discuss whether
acupuncture may be helpful.
Practitioner is fully qualified and insured and is a member
of the British Acupuncture Council.
Judith Bryden
MA(Hons)LicAc.MBAcC.
Contact Judith at 01250 881416 or
07762 188418 (mobile)
MEGS
MINI MARKET
Alyth
Household Items-Microwaves, Kettles,
Irons , Toasters, Deep Fat Fryers ….and Pots.
Other Household Items-
Linen, ..Lighting…... Cheapest in Town
Large Selection of Bedding Plants now in stock
Tel : Mobile 07801520411
Childminder
Registered Childminder
Has part-time and full time vacancies.
For Immediate Start
Tel: 01828 633744
HOBBIES
19 Airlie Street Alyth
Tel: 01828 632565
Large selection of craft equipment
Wool, Ribbon, & Material
Open Mon-Fri. 9 am-4.30 pm
Closed-12.30-1.30 Lunch
Closed Wednesday
prop: Muriel McNicoll
5
CLASSIC RESTORATIONS
WEDDING HIRE
Pitnacree St,
Alyth,
Tel: 01828
633293
Let us make your day extra
special with our unique
collection of classic Rolls
Royce Silver Cloud, Bentley
Mk V1 & Jaguar Mk 1X.
COLIN & CATHY FORD
Number 5 Toutie Street, Alyth
CHIROPODY
SUGARING,FACIALS
EYELASH/BROW TINTING
PEDICURE, MANICURE
by CREATIVE NAILS
*****
For an Appointment
Tel:01828 632297
For All your garden machinery requirements.
SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS, HIRES
all makes.
Sharpening service.
Main Dealer for Westwood, Jonsered, Echo
Stockists of Honda, Husqvarna,
Castel, Stihl,
Kawasaki and more.
Collection and Delivery by arrangement.
ALSO
Gates, Railings, Balustrading etc.
Steel workers and fabricators
CONTACT: Blair Eng.
BLAIR
ENGINEERING
HIGH STREET
RATTRAY
BLAIRGOWRIE
FURNITURE STORE
PERTH STREET, BLAIRGOWRIE
(Adjoining Shell Garage)
COME ON IN AND HAVE A BROWSE
BEDS– from £69; 2 and 4 Drawer Divans; Metal and
Pine Beds; Mattresses; Headboards; Pine Bedroom
Furniture; Ex-Catalogue Suites; Pine and Beech Look
Bedroom Furniture;
Dining room Sets and all types of furniture and furnishings.
Stock Changes Weekly
Open 7 Days –Sunday 12 am-4 pm
ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES
THE ALYTH TRADITIONAL
FISH BAR
Telephone Orders Welcome
01828 632000
Fish Suppers £2.50 on Wednesday
From 5pm-7pm for OAP’s
Hours of Business
Monday 4.30-9 pm
Tuesday 4.30-9 pm
Wednesday 4.30-9 pm
Thursday 4.30-9 pm
Friday 4.30-10 pm
Saturday 4.30-10 pm
Sunday 4.30-9 pm

Car & Home Insurance Special Rates
For PH11 Postcodes TELEPHONE
For a Quote 01828 633000
I&D Insurance Services
16 Airlie Street
Alyth
Partners Iain & Dawn Butchart Email i-d.insurance@btconnect.com
ARNOLD WHITE
C
JOINER OINER AND CCONTRACTOR
ONTRACTOR
All types of
Joinery/Carpentry work
i.e.-Extensions, Loft Conversions,
Double Glazing, Conservatories,
Kitchens.
Harwood & Laminate Flooring,
Fitted Furniture
1 Strathmore View Telephone
Alyth 01828 632467
Perthshire Mobile:07736248718
PH11 8JD
Ian Strachan
Painter & Decorator
New Address—13, David Street Alyth
Tel No.: 633612
Mobile: 07720441268
DAVID SCOTT
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
&
MONUMENTAL AGENTS
OUR STAFF ARE HAPPY TO ASSIST
WITH ALL ENQUIRIES
CONTACT DAVID SCOTT LTD 7 TOUTIE STREET
ALYTH TEL: 01828 633433 OR
65 HIGH STREET
BLAIRGOWRIE TEL:01250 876400
CENTRAL GARAGE, ALYTH
MOT TESTING FOR CARS
AND MOTORCYLES
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN HAVE YOUR MOT TEST
A MONTH IN ADVANCE AND NOT LOOSE OUT?
THIS MAY ENSURE THAT YOU DON’T GET CAUGHT
OUT BY THE NEW ROAD TAX
RULES
(COMPUTER CHECKS TO FIND TAX
DODGERS WITH AUTOMATIC
FINES OF AT LEAST £80)
CALL DONNA FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON
01828 632492
LYNDEA
Extensive range of Physical, Beauty Therapy & Energy Work
Therapeutic Treatment Specialist
Palliative Care - Aromatherapy. Touch Therapy, Reflexology,
Massage: Other services include Colour Therapy, Reiki,
Spiritual Healing, LaStone Massage AuraSoma,
Hopi Ear candling,
Sports Massage, Remedial skin camouflage,
Tarot consultations & Beauty Treatments.
Phone: 01828 640578/632820
to arrange an appointment.
E-mail: lyndea@ukonline.co.uk
Established 1975
MURRAY PENNYCOOK
PLUMBING & HEATING
GAS, OIL & SOLID FUEL
Clar-Innis, Meigle Road, Alyth
Tel: 01828 632135
Mobile: 07850-733-481
Oil –Gas –Solid Fuel
Corgi & SNIPEF Registered
Rhones - Lead Work –Drains
Free Estimates
PETS PANTRY
19 High Street
Blairgowrie
Tel: 01356 623006
Keith Nicol
With spring hoving into view and the property
market at al all-time high, there’s rarely been a better time to succumb to itchy feet!
Somewhere, there is somebody searching for your house.
And the chances are that we know who they are.
So why not make the most of our offer to provide a free valuation of your property and, if you decide to take things further, we’re pretty sure we can also
provide you with a purchaser…
Tempted? Pop into one of our local Property Shops for a chat, or telephone –
Valerie at Alyth: 01828 632116
Elaine at Coupar Angus: 01828 627542 Shirley, Susannah or Judy at Blairgowrie: 01250 875050
6
Stonework
R. D. Builders
Extensions
Renovations
Harling Etc.
For Free Estimates
Tel: 01828 632231 or Mobile 07729924784
19 Tay Road Alyth, Perthshire PH11 8EB
LUNANS
Airlie Street
Proprietors Jason Donald & Debbie Richmond
NEWSAGENTS & STATIONERS
A great selection of boxed & individual cards
at competitive prices.
Good range also of beautiful cards
for that special person or occasion.
ALL YEAR ROUND NEWSPAPER DELIVERIES
and for the
VERY EARLY BIRDS
Rolls and Filled Rolls
Shop open from 5.30 am
Janet & Bob’s Stained Glass
A stained Glass Window can transform
any room in your house with rays of light and colour.
We make (real) leaded windows which can either replace
or be installed behind your existing window.
Choose from our own designs ranging from
traditional to contemporary.
We can project your own ideas into glass.
Phone Tayport 01382 553337
www.jbsg.ukonline.co.uk
Carpet Care
Carpet, Upholstery and Leather
Cleaned and Protected
Call
Neil Stewart
for a Free Quote:
01828 632771 or 01250 875216
Mobile: 0771 391 5546
GEO’s BAR
&
THISTLE LOUNGE
AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH
Tel : 632276 Fax: 633939
e-mail: thisletopia@aol.com
Lounge available for meetings
FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’
on Digital & Five

Jewel-case Covers Direct
I hasten to explain that ‘Direct’ means making these
popular cover-inserts for CD boxes in ‘Ole Faithful’ everyday
Word 2000 using some special templates that appropriately
have themselves been made in Word 2000 also and are indeed
a home product. ‘Word’ working for ‘Word’ and avoiding
expense while developing a popular application is something to
be pleased about it when you consider the cost of buying any
one of the numerous special jewel-case creator software products
on the market. These are usually difficult to use and they
constrain the user to buying special ‘Brand-name’ expensive papers
that they continually reference and one wonders that they must all be
in collusion to sell each other’s product.
This pleasant occupation whether it is just a fun hobby at
home or indeed a librarian tool in say a Records Library becomes
even more pleasant when you do it cheaply in the familiar environment
of Word 2000 on your own computer at no extra cost. It costs
nothing apart from the effort of learning to use some templates that
have been designed to take the tedious calculations out of this task
and enable the complete operation to be orchestrated by simple mouse
clicks. Furthermore, when one becomes familiar enough with the
input figures that are provided in the instructions as standard data for
inputting the templates will soon not be required at all by some users
and the whole operation is then reduced to simple document creation
from memory like typing a letter albeit a graphic one instead of being
a text document.
The templates are stored on your computer in ‘My Documents’
say, and opened as files just like any other ‘Word’ document
file opening into a text window from the ‘File’ – ‘New’ menu.
There’s a separate template for the back, front, inside cover and the
CD label itself together with some demonstration models of theme
images and inserts as extra examples for the user. The familiar tool 7
Courtyard,
Peel Farm,
Lintrathen,
By Kirriemuir,
Angus
Hannahs Coffee Shop
Peel
Farm
Snack lunches including home made soup and a selection of tempting sandwiches,
paninis and croissants served with a side salad.
Morning coffee or afternoon tea with scrummy home baked scones or pancakes and home made cakes.
The Courtyard
Converted barn full of crafts, antiques, paintings gifts etc.
The selection of quality goods is amazing and you will be surprised to find such a range under one roof.
Braes of Coul Farm Shop
selling local beef, lamb and produce.
Friendly staff on hand to make your visit a happy experience.
Open 10.00am--5.00pm every day.
bars of word 2000 are used to ‘Insert’ pictures from the computer
files and the templates are then used to frame these picture images
after they are opened in the text window of Word so that
they are guaranteed to be correct both in size and exact location
on the page for printing. These are then printed, cut out and fitted
to the plastic jewel-case box. The templates require 3.12 MB
of memory in all but they can be left on the disc and used ad hoc.
The actual work templates are quite small – only about 40 KB each.
The template files are available free to readers for the
asking and free help is on offer also if you want it. You will need
a printer, a blank read only CD to exchange for the CD that contains
the free template files. You should be able to find your own
theme pictures or whatever you are going to use on your inserts. If not
–ask!
The only ‘special’ paper needed is the adhesive tear-off CD
disc labels paper that is available for purchase from the suppliers called
“Stationery Box” in both Perth and Dundee, they are the cheapest @
£1.49 for a packet of 10x2 adhesive backed sheets. The templates have
been designed to suit both of the common “Two-Inline” or “Two-
Offset” styles of paper. It should be quite feasible (virus scanners will
sometimes divert documents with .exe file extensions and therefore
have to be considered) for me to email these templates to an email address
if anyone wishes to try that. You should also take into account
the size of the central hole that you prefer when deciding the choice of
paper style for the CD label proper. For “Two-Inline” and “Two-
Offset” styles of paper the hole size differs (I think) between them. You
could check this.
NB. An advantage of working in ‘Word’ rather than some specially
acquired software for this project is that the printer will not have any
problems recognising your work - a common problem with some products
that causes the printer not to print.
Enjoy!
austin48@btopenworld.com - Free help also on 01828 633 326.
Austin 7 Morn St 2000 / 05 / 09

Public Toilets Nothing
More Than Acts of
Good Practice
Public toilets are becoming a hot issue in Alyth, with some people
surprised to learn that Perth and Kinross Council are not obligated
by legislation to provide any. However despite there being no statutory
obligation nearly £500,000 is spent each year across Perth &
Kinross, with manned toilets like those at Blairgowrie eating up
most of the budget. The local authority has even gone as far as to set
up a working party to examine the provision of such facilities in the
future, not bad for something which is simply an act of good practice.
So it is to the disappointment of many that our rather humble facilities
in Alyth have been closed, with a question mark hanging
over their reopening.
The local authority has been issued an estimate of £3,500
for repairs to the toilets, money which going by past experience will
be needed again, and again, and again. Wrongly located and unstaffed
the toilets are the victim ongoing vandalism and complaints
from residents living in the vicinity; it is unlikely that money will be
spent on their reopening.
Times have changed since the toilets first came into being decades
ago. Building Control regulations were tightened to ensure all buildings
had to install proper toilets, thus reducing the need for a public
toilet network. Because of this it is no longer residents who use the
facility the most, but visitors to the town such as tourists and hikers.
With the toilets now closed anyone with the need to spend a penny
should be prepared to quite literally get their wallet out. Pub landlords,
hotel and café owners alike are neither insured nor paid to
provide public toilets to non patrons. While the local authority did
make attempts to negotiate a payment to local businesses, this in
most cases fell short of the hike the business owner would face in
their public liability insurance. That is presuming that their mortgage
provider or the licensing court agreed to the change in the way
their premises were used, and just finding that out would be a timeconsuming
process for the business owner.
To this end the notice “Our Toilets Are For Patrons Only” hangs
above the doors of the Burnside Inn and the Alyth Hotel, both businesses
forced to take the action because of vandalism to their own
toilets. Other businesses may have taken the same action, and it is
advisable to ask someone first or buy something rather than face the
embarrassment of a ‘big telling awf’ from the owner.
The Community Council has written to the local authority to advise
them of what has become an irritable situation, and pressure is being
put on them to come up with a solution.
The future of provision in Alyth lies firmly on the shoulders of the
local authority’s working party, who will need to find nothing short
of a radical solution, a public toilet in Alyth which is centrally located,
clean and for the most part vandal proof.
Robert Stewart.
Vice-Chair Alyth Community Council
Congratulations go to two of the pupils from Mr Wallace's maths class
who were successful in this year's Mathematical Challenge, which was
organised by the University of Stirling. Rory MacLean gained a gold
award and Jonathan Coe achieved a silver award.
Miss Strachan's P.5 pupils took part in the Wildlife Crime Project,
which was organised by Tayside Police. Louisa Ramsay and Holly
Young were 'Best in Class' and Serena Reid's nature diary was highly
commended.
The school mixed netball team, who are coached by Mrs Church
and Miss Strachan, took part in the Perthshire Netball Tournament and
were runners-up.
8
ALYTH PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
The Alyth Voiceteers
Since the Voice began we have relied on a strong
team of volunteers to work together in order to get the
Voice to you each month.
We would like to say a special thanks to all those
people who go out in all weathers to deliver your copy
of the Voice to your door.
Meigle Road Janey & Jim MacFarlane
New Alyth Margaret Aitchison
Meethill Road Gordon & Thella Henderson
Loyal Road Joyce Fairweather & Gordon Balfour
Bank St Etc Ann Mathers
High St Bob Lindsay
High St Barney Nairn
James St /David St Billy & Liz Gordon
Strathmore Tce Bert & Claire Walker
Part Toutie Helen MacDonald
Bamff Court Lynn Muir
Johnshill Rd Paul & Barbara Prettyman
Chapel St Davina Thomson
Den Rd Jim O’Brien
Commercial St Cathy Arnott
Part Mill St Margaret Dick
M. T & P. Road Ruth Fortheringham
Losset Rd Sue Pople
Albert St/Sidlaw Cres. Liz & Peter Davie
Alexandra St/ St Andrews St Ann Rhind
New Houses (end of Albert St) Elinor Anderson
St Ninians Rd Lynn Murray
Cambridge St Hazel Tripney
Airlie St Seonaid Don
Victoria St Rae Crawford
Airlie Pl Sheila Fisher
Lower Airlie St Margaret McLagan
Springbank Rd Morag Strachan & Wanda Mollison
Cairnleith St Edith Payne
Station Houses Margaret Mackenzie
Marjory McPherson ( also collect ad money)
We wish to thank Ann Mathers for all her help delivering the Voice
and wish her well in her new home. Ann’s round is now being taken
over by Sue Pople. Also Sandy Pollock who delivered James St &
David St until recently.
Thanks also to Nellie Hart who delivered our Meigle Rd Voices up
until the end of last year.
THANK YOU ALL
YOU ARE STARS
Ps. I apologise if I have miss spelled any name or even worst left anyone
out.-Freida
The pupils were presented with medals and certificates.
Lewis Comrie, who is a pupil in Ms Jackson's P.3 class, was successful
in the 'Design a Futuristic Shopping Trolley' competition, which was
run by Tesco supermarkets. Lewis received a large quantity of
'Computers for Schools' vouchers and a pack of sweets for his efforts.
On May 31, twenty-six P.7 pupils will set off with their adult group
leaders on a five-day visit to York. This follows on from a large group
from P.6 having spent an enjoyable week at Kindrogan earlier this
month.
Forthcoming Events:Sports Day - June 9;Prize-giving - June 29;
End of Term Service - June 30 (School closes at 12 noon).

For those who are terrified of computers here’s a little something
to show you how easy it is to overcome the jargon!
TIGHT LINES
The Burnside Cup
&
The Murray Doig Trophy
This annual fishing outing was held at Butterstone loch on Sat 8th
May. All twelve anglers had good weather and a total of 22 fish
were caught.
RESULTS
J. Kermack 1 Fish For 2 1/4 pounds
J. Rendal 1 Fish For 2 1/2 pounds
G Murray 1 Fish For 2 pounds
S. Milne 3 Fish For 6 pounds
C. Badzmirowski Blanked
E. Milne 2 Fish For 4 3/4 pounds
G.Milne 6 Fish For 13 pounds
J. Ellingford Blanked
G.Smith 5 Fish For 12 1/2 pounds
W. Brown 3 Fish For 7 pounds
D. Forsyth Blanked
M. Johnson Blanked
The Burnside Cup Winner
Gary Milne 6 Fish 13 pounds
The Murray Doig Trophy Winner
George Smith (Smudger)
Heaviest Fish 3 1/2 pounds
All anglers returned to The Burnside Inn and enjoyed hospitality
supplied by Stephen, Marjorie, Susan, and Val.
An excellent evening was had by all.
Glenisla Golf Centre
Alyth
Tel: 01828 632445
Meals Served All Day
New Menu …..New Chef
High Teas Served Daily From 4.00 onwards
Homebaking
Don’t Pass Us By Give Us A Try!
Book to avoid disappointment
E-mail : Info@glenislagolf.com
Website: www.glenislagolf.com
9
Quiz Corner
Answers May Quiz 1 St Andrew 2 Charles Kennedy 3 Betty
4 The Sound Of Music 5 Battle Of Trafalgar 6 Dipsy 7 Nottinghamshire
8 Gin 9 Hi-De-Hi 10 Twenty one
1 What is the name of the wife of the legendary King Arthur?
2 How is 1000 written in Roman numerals?
3 Which character is portrayed by Robbie Coltrane in the
Harry Potter movies?
4 What does the E stand for in email?
5 Which king sealed the Magna Carta?
6 What is the only Australian state that has a name comprising
of three words?
7 On which planet was Superman born?
8 Which monarch founded the Church of England?
9 Who duetted with Robbie Williams on the hit single
“Somethin’ Stupid”?
10 What acid gives vinegar its bitter taste?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
To all readers with a Birthday in June
To Alyth’s oldest inhabitant
Alfred Anderson 108 years young
Please send in your greetings for all occasions
there is no charge for public notices.
CHILDREN’S CORNER
Find these
birds names in
the block to the
right.
They may be
hidden horizontally,
vertically or
diagonally and backwards
or forwards.
Seagull
heron
owl
magpie
sparrow
robin
eagle
tern
tit
flamingo
macaw
thrush
toucan
penguin
bluetit
pigeon
J R V M T H X U O C B W C N D
W L M I F Z G B I O C B P M P
Y O X U Z X V L E W C I P U R
N J U E R D Y N L L G F Q S F
Q P X M P L H Z R E G L E W J
T M N M A C A W O R R A P S Q
N O F Y V G Q N L G G M E B M
N K S C J C I E A U H I C L A
F X T R W B D S L C S N B U G
I I U Z O C J L N I U G N E P
S O W R Y P F B H E R O N T I
H E C Y C O T Y T Y H S T I E
A V B U Q P E N R E T J O T G
D V H Y V P L G W C Q W H A N
S X B U W Q P C F B Z L F K N
With what words would
you scold an elephant?
Tusk, tusk!
What is the difference between
a lemon and a white elephant ?
The Lemon is yellow.

PUBLIC NOTICES
Thank You
Rosemary Duncan (The Town Hall) would like to say thanks to all
friends and family for their cards and gifts, during my stay in hospital
and also for their support they gave my family during this time. Your
kindness is much appreciated.
Rosemary
Thank You
On behalf of St. Ninian’s Church Alyth, may I thank all who helped
and supported, in any way, on Saturday 15th May at our Coffee Morning.
We raised £569.15 which is used to help the church and various charities
within and out with the community
Thanks again
Dorothy Oldham
ALYTH MUSICAL SOCIETY AGM
The AGM will take place on Monday 21st June at 7.30pm in the
Ogilvie Rooms.
It is likely that on that night the show for next year will be either
intimated or decided on by the members of the Society.
It would be a good opportunity for anyone interested in joining the
Society to come along. Although any new face will be most welcome
we are desperately in need of men in the younger age range.
The old guard who perform so admirably on stage every year can only
go on so long.
To do many shows we need new 'romantic' male leads and this would
be a chance to show us your interest. We know that there is talent out
there. All we need is it to come out of 'hiding'.
To Let
3 bed house in Alyth, furnished/unfurnished.
Available in June.
Contact 01828 633398
Alyth Playgroup
Would your child like to join our playgroup? We presently have places
available for children aged from 2 1/2 years. Our group is based within
the community school, where children enjoy a variety of activities in a
fun stimulating environment.
We run Tuesday and Thursday between 9. 15 and 11.15 am
If you would like more information or an enrolment form please phone
Tracy –633034 or take a look at our board in the library.
League of Friends
Coffee Morning
In aid of
Blairgowrie Community Hospital
Saturday 12th June
Airlie Street Hall
Alyth
10 –12 noon
Support Your Local Hospital
Cake and Candy
Raffle
Bottle Stall
Hamper Raffle
Plus Free Raffle at Door
Admission –Adult £1 Child 50p
Alyth Baby and Toddler Group
Mon, Tues and Friday
9.45 – 11.15 am
Ogilvy Rooms
We are looking for new members to join our friendly group.
Meet new friends and kids have fun.
If interested drop in or phone Robyn Tel: 632705
2nd Alyth Brownies
Coffee Morning
Saturday 19th June
Airlie Street Hall
10 am –12 noon
With Entertainment
Gardening Tips
(1) Grow African Marigolds among Tomatoes to keep away greenfly.
(2) Sow onions among carrots to keep carrot root fly away.
(3) To rid roses of greenfly, crush a garlic bulb in a bucket of warm
water, leave the solution to stand for a week then use the solution to
spray bushes.
LOCHSIDE LODGE
& ROUNDHOUSE RESTAURANT
Bridgend of Lintrathen
Along Lintrathen Loch, just 10 minutes from Alyth, Lochside Lodge & Roundhouse
Restaurant is an ideal venue whether for Lunch or Dinner—our menus are
modern and imaginative using the best of Perthshire & Angus produce, beautifully
created and presented.
Lunch Menu -£11.50 for 2 Courses & £15 for 3 Courses
0r
Dinner –Choose from our 2 or 3 Course menu option offering the best choice of
locally sourced foods combined with international flavours to produce beautifully
presented dishes with wonderful tastes.
–3 Course Lunch in the Roundhouse Restaurant -£16.95 per person & Children
(5-12 years old) just £8.50 with an Easter Gift.
Private Parties and /weddings for up to 40/45 people are welcomed and we can
provide a unique setting for your special day.
We are open for Lunch 12 noon –1.30 pm Tues-Sunday
Dinner 6.30 pm –8.45 pm Tues-Saturday
Reservations are advisable as space is limited-please contact us on 01575
560340
From Alyth, take B954 towards Glenisla, go past Reekie Linn and keep on the
road towards Peel Farm-follow the Loch round and we are the 1st building on
the right in the village.
For inquiries– email –enquiries@lochsidelodge.com or go to
www.lochsidelodge.com
WANTED
A few acres of rough land within 10 miles of Alyth
for amenity tree planting.
Contact 01828 633398
For Sale
Bendix 12 Setting Dish Washer -£40
Lec Fridge /Freezer 2 yrs old. (Two Drawer Freezer) - £60
Large Folding Door- Grey with glass effect panels fits 46 ins wide
opening- £15
Contact: Freida Murray -01828 632545
Ian Miller Local Councillor. SURGERY AT ALYTH TOWN HALL
(Old Council Chambers) on 1st MONDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7.00PM
OR CONTACT BY Tel: SNP OFF: 01250 876576 Home 01250 873304
P&K Council Tel: 01738 475018 E-Mail: imiller@pkc.gov.uk
10

Jan 5 th 2004 saw the Scottish opening of St Helens
Glass, a well established company based in
the north west of England. In business since
1970, St Helens Glass is a leading manufacturer
of conservatories, windows, doors and roofline
products.
The company manufactures all of its own products
in factories in St Helens, Merseyside. With
the conservatory industry booming, the company
prides itself on being able to manufacture, supply
and build high class installations at a lower
cost than many of its competitors due to
lower overheads. Furthermore, no installations
are sub-contracted, with the company
using all of its own fitting teams and
builders, building to British Standards
and approved by both the Conservatory
Association and the Glass and Glazing
Federation (GGF). St Helens Glass even
take care of all applications for Planning
Permission at no extra cost.
In terms of guarantees and after-sales
care, St Helens Glass firmly believes that
their products are of such a high quality that
customers will never need to change them ever
again! They offer a lifetime guarantee against
discolouration of all UPVC due to it being nonrecycled
Grade 1 material. Also, they are so
confident of the security of their products that
they include a £1000 security bond against
break-ins through the frames of their windows
Joy’s Recipe for Pancakes
Ingredients:
8 ozs S. R. Flour
1 oz. Sugar
1 Pinch Salt
1 Teaspoon Syrup
1 Egg (med)
Good Dash of Lemon Juice
Scant ½ pt of Milk
Method:
Put on frying pan or girdle, heat on 2 electric,( electric frying pan 4)
Sieve dry ingredients into bowl
Add syrup, egg & lemon juice
Add milk slowly while whisking.
Ca’ canny near the end as the mixture needs to be a batter which drops “
reluctantly “ from the spoon.
The bubbles will rise.
Don’t beat the pancakes to death!
Rub a greasy paper over the grill or pan
Start at the side of the bowl
Using a desert spoon carefully drop 4 pancakes onto surface.
Community Markets
4th Saturday of the Month
Blairgowrie Wellmeadow
10am - 3pm
and doors; peace of mind by anyone’s standards!
All other aspects of the St Helens
Glass product range are covered by a 10
year unconditional guarantee.
A number of different payment options are
available such as nothing to pay for 12
months or interest free options. Furthermore,
customers who pay monthly for their
installations have the option of having an
insurance backed guarantee at no extra cost.
St Helens Glass’ central location in Scotland
allows a vast area to be covered, even including
the more ‘remote’ parts, whilst still
being able to offer the friendly, personal
service more often found in local companies.
As well as this, customers also have all
the benefits of dealing with a time-served,
respected national company.
Strathmore & The Glens
If you would like to know more about the work of the Partnership please
visit our website at -www.strathmoreglens.org
PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF
11
Over the coming weeks and months St Helens
Glass will be appearing in local DIY stores
and supermarkets showing off the quality of
their product range and offering the opportunity
to have a visit from a local designer. They
will also be offering no-obligation free quotes
valid for up to 12 months for anything from a
back door to replacement roofline products to
bespoke custom built conservatories of any
size.
Business is booming for St Helens Glass since
their Scottish opening, and the company
has also given employment to
almost 100 people locally, including
installations teams, an operations department
and sales and marketing
staff. The first installations have now
taken place and the company has received
several letters of recommendation
from happy customers. Despite
extremely high demand, the company
can now offer installations in as little
as 3 weeks from date of order, even
though all customers receive a visit from a
qualified surveyor and then each installation is
hand-made to order.
Call Scott Craig (Branch Manager) or Nick
Hopkinson (Sales Manager) on 01738 459219
for further details. Alternatively, visit :-
www.sthelensglass.net
or email us at shgperth@btconnect.com
In about 2/3 mins bubbles should cover surface, when the first one
bursts, turn over,
Give it a wee pat and give it 2 mins more.
Lift off onto a clean cloth, which will be covering a wire tray
Cover with another cloth (keeps them soft) and allow to cool (If the
family are out)
Should make 12 decent sized pancakes.
Dan likes a few currants sprinkled on the last 4 before turning.
ENJOY!
Do you have a favourite recipe you would like
to share?
Send it into the Voice and we will print.
PEEWITS ON THE FIVE ROADS’ ROUNDABOUT
Anyone notice the peewits that nested on the central reservation of the
Five Roads’ Roundabout? Well, they should see them now because
someone from the Highways’ Department has mown the grass so
short that they have nowhere to hide. Perhaps they will stay and lay
some more eggs, or were they lucky and did the first clutch survive?
5th June
Better Place to Live Fair
Blairgowrie Town Hall
10am - 2pm

FINLANDIA
by Paul Ramsay
In the last days of April I found myself with a group of other nature
conservationists, travelling to Finland for a week’s visit. Our group
was in Finland thanks to the Nature Exchange Project, which is funded
by the European Union’s Leonardo da Vinci Programme. The specific
purpose of the visit was to study Finnish nature conservation in action
and so we visited several national parks, a farm that was diversifying
into eco-tourism and a college of forestry, where a family of beavers
has been studied for the last twenty years. The broader purpose of the
exchange is to encourage people from the countries of the Union to
meet and get to know each other.
On our first evening, as an ice-breaker or bonding session, we were
driven to a sauna, invited to strip off our clothes and step into the fiery
heat: which we did. This sauna was searingly hot, but in order to preserve
national honour it was important to stay until our Finnish host
thought we had sweated for long enough; so we sat gingerly with singeing
buttocks and burning soles of feet until someone’s resolve caved in
and, one by one, we left. Then, we crept, cautiously down the steps,
out into the clear evening air and along to the jetty, where we plunged
into the icy black loch. As the deathly chill of the water began to seep
into our limbs we clambered out and set off up the path back to the
sauna. This time the heat did not seem so oppressive and it was possible
to sit on the bench for longer. Then, it was out again and back into
the freezing water. As we stood on the jetty after our dip we noticed
the icy fringe along the far shore. By this time the light was fading and
fieldfares, last seen at home gathering for their northward migration,
were singing from the tall, straight silver birch trees.
The sauna is a central part of life in Finland, a place for contemplation
and inner cleansing. In the old days Finnish women gave birth in the
sauna and shamans had visions there.
Finland is a gently rolling country of lakes and forests and bogs. Ten
per cent of the country is made up of lakes and most of the rest is forest
(about seventy per cent is productive forest, all of it native species).
Birch, which grows marvellously straight there, is the most important
species, commercially, owing to the value of its timber as veneer, Scots
pine comes next and Norway spruce is least valuable: an interesting
reversal, compared with the expected value of tree species for timber in
this country. Aspen, too, so rare in this country, is quite common and
is valued as the source of very fine quality paper and for making such
things as the seats of saunas.
Finland has the most extensive area of bogland in Europe, which was
the reason for the presence on the journey of one of our number, who
works for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds at their nature
reserve at Forsinard in Sutherland. We walked along simple boardwalks
through the wetlands and forest, noticing the plants we passed
73-75 Airlie Street, Alyth, Perthshire.
Licensed Grocers with a wide range of Fresh & Frozen
foods. National Lottery outlet. Video & DVD rental.
E-Top up and Credit/Debit card facility available soon.
FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Either do your shopping in-store and we will take it
home for you or telephone your order into us and we
will deliver it.
Reflexology
Beneficial for a variety of health conditions.
For more information call.
Anne Crombie Reflexologist
GSSR MSIR
Tel: 01828 650 308
mob. 0778968059
Home visits available
SBEF
James Tripney
Joiner & Undertaker
All aspects of joinery work,
domestic & commercial.
Double Glazing etc.
House No’s
36 Smythe St 01828 632890
Alyth 01828 632717
Tel/fax: 01828 632260
BIG GAV’S GARDNIN’
BARONY VIEW
HAY STREET
ALYTH
07739 833595
All your gardening needs
undertaken at
competitive rates
Concessions for O.A.P’s
12
by. There were cranberries, some with their berries still on them after
the winter, Labrador tea, bog rosemary, bearberry, cowberry, blaeberry
and other members of the heather family; some familiar as
members of the Scottish flora, others unfamiliar (like Labrador tea,
which is found in Perthshire as a rare non-native, and bog rosemary,
which is a very rare native). There were many different sphagnums
and other mosses. A nearly constant background to our walks was the
presence of nesting whooper swans and cranes, whose cries and songs
fascinated us. And then there were the black and red-throated divers,
a sea eagle, ospreys, marsh harriers, golden plovers, greenshank, and
beavers. In the forest we saw crested tits, willow tits, bramblings,
sparrowhawks and elk.
Finland is a fascinating country with a splendid people, of whom we
have known too little for too long, but who are now part of the great
European Project. Perhaps the most important lesson to me of my
visit to Finland was that the songs of the swans and fieldfares drove
home the point that there is only one earth for the birds that spend the
winter with us and breed in Scandinavia or the Arctic: isolationist,
national units make no sense in biological terms. What is true for
them makes sense for us.
DAVID SIM IRONMONGER
GARDEN
CENTRE
NOW OPEN
BBQ’s
Garden Benches
All in stock.
Help is always at hand
Large Selection of Garden
Pots at very affordable
prices.
New attractive
Garden Ornaments,
Bird Tables and Bird Baths
Sim into Sim
Thinking of
the long
Summer
evenings
Lawnmowers
Large Selection of
Climbers, Pansies,
Hebes, Shrubs,
Heathers & Alpines,
many varieties of
Fuchsias,
Fruit Trees Reduced,
Special Deal on Murphy’s Compost
BUY 2 GET 1 FREE
to assist you with your needs
Always that familiar face and
friendly smile
We Have It All
Tel: 01828 632309
Open Sundays 12.30 –4.00 pm
GRANGEMOUNT
CATTERY
Aberbothrie, Alyth
SPECIAL DIETS CATERED FOR
INDIVIDUAL HEATED
CHALETS
Set in the quiet rural setting of beautiful Strathmore
PERSONAL ATTENTION
FROM THE OWNERS
DENNIS & LIBBY MELLOY
Tel -01828 632284
J & M Kay
Ladies & Gents
Hair Stylist
13 Airlie Street
New Customers always welcome
Telephone: 632252