August - Alyth Voice

Alyth Voice
104th Edition, August 2006
Tel. 01828 633045 Minimum Circulation 1575
Email address: alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk Website: www.alythvoice.co.uk
ALYTH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
presents
The MORRISON’S ACADEMY
SWING BAND
with soloists and choir
Friday 15 th September 7.30pm
Alyth Town Hall
Tickets £5 available from Lunans
Refreshments
Proceeds to Alyth Alzheimer’s Association
and the Alyth Youth Partnership
ALYTH COMMUNITY COUNCIL
SEVERAL MEMBERS of the Community Council and some other
invited individuals attended a recent meeting in the Alyth Hotel,
called by Perth & Kinross Council’s Countryside Rangers Service. All
who attended had a special interest in the present condition and, especially,
the future of the Den of Alyth. We heard reports by Niall
Lobley, Senior Countryside Ranger, and some of his colleagues on the
Draft Management Plan for the Den. Although it will probably be
changed by then, the finalised version of the Plan will come into force
next year. Any changes from the draft will arise from the comments
made at the Alyth Hotel meeting and those submitted by the general
public before the deadline on the 4 th August. The Voice has been distributed
bang on time in recent months (congratulations to all) so if
you are reading this before Friday the 4 th , please look at a copy of the
plan which is available in the Library or on the Internet at
www.pkc.gov.uk/countryside - when the plan is in full implementation
it will be too late to put in your pennyworth. Do it now!
Some more information on the big event on Friday 15 th September.
In the Town Hall, at 7.30pm on that date we will all be jumping
to the Big Band sound of the Morrison’s Academy Swing Band. The
students have been rehearsing up to the school summer break. Some
are coming in during the holidays for further practice. A few final
rehearsals before the concert when school resumes and, I tell you they
will be good. I have heard this band play on two occasions and I am
looking forward to the third time. They ARE good!
The band’s music master Howard Duthie is delighted that we are
dedicating the proceeds of the concert to two local charities Alyth
Alzheimer’s and A.Y.P. This time, don’t delay in picking up your
tickets. Quite a few people were disappointed in February when the
Guitars3 concert was sold out a week before the show. A fiver for two
good causes and a good night out too! Jim Adam, Chairman
ALYTH VOICE
‘ALYTH in ACTION’
SUMMER
PHOTOGRAPHIC
COMPETITION
CLOSING DATE 15th September 2006
JAM IN THE SUN!
ON SATURDAY 22nd July, the people of Alyth, again proved
their community spirit supporting another Jam in the Den. An
estimated crowd of 500 people enjoyed an array of superb entertainment
from Doug Arthur, Temple Icons, Headrush, Alyth
Punk Polis, Thin end, The Polish Guys (sorry didn’t have
band’s name at time of going press), Fall by Faith, Freewheelin,
Mamas Little Helpers & The Mutleys. The atmosphere
in the den was nothing short of electric from start to finish.
The large crowd mixed very well together to make it another
Jam in the Den to remember.
For the first year Louise and Michelle from The Bridges
provided fantastic fresh, tasty food. Colin from Costcutters
provided cold refreshments for the kids. Jim Mathers and his
staff again pulled out all the stops to keep the drinks flowing.
Mr Tubs was there to entertain all and that’s exactly what he
did. Pedro the caricaturist was also in demand. A huge thank
you to our sponsors:- J.W.WHEATLEY, TORITH, COST-
CUTTERS, SPAR, ALYTH COMMUNITY COUNCIL, THE
BLACKBIRD INN & THE BRIDGES.
Thanks to Ivor Johnson and Gaz for the PA and long hours!
All the guys who built the stage over 2 days and took it down
early on the Sunday morning. To Ron Kirkpatrick and helpers
from the Scouts, plus only 8 others (you know who you are)
who cleared and recycled ALL the rubbish in 5 hours on Sunday
morning! SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR. Morna Bissett
Email: Jamintheden2006@yahoo.com
RULES
- Submit up to 3 photos per person, which you consider to best
capture ‘Alyth in Action’
- A5 print format only (no emails please)
- Write your name/address/tel.no/age (if under 16) on the back
- Pop entries in the Voice Box in Alyth Pet Supplies or post to
M. Kay, 13 Airlie St., Alyth
- Please note all photos are non-returnable unless S.A.E.
supplied
- On submission, copyright transfers to the Voice
Prizes to be won!!

Useful Telephone Numbers
Airlie Street Hall (contact-Fiona Dorchester) - 01828 632455
Blairgowrie Police Station - 01250 872222
Perth Police Station - 01738 621141
Hydro-Electric Emergencies - 0800 300999
Scottish Gas Emergencies - 0800 111999
Scottish Water - 0845 6008 855
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
NHS 24—new 24 hour health service - 08454 24 24 24
If you offer an 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
Alyth Voice Team
Paul Ramsay 01828 632992 Editor
paulramsay@bamff.demon.co.uk
Irene Robertson 01828 633045 Compositor/Secretary
alythvoice@alythvoice.co.uk
Margaret Stanford 01828 633083 Advertising
advertising@alythvoice.co.uk
Paul & Barbara Prettyman 01828 633725 Distribution
Margaret MacKenzie Advertising
Marjory Macpherson Advertising
Michael Kay 01828 632252/632690 Treasurer
mike@atcalyth.freeserve.co.uk
Derek Todd Webmaster
derek@toddalyth.freeserve.co.uk
In order to avoid disappointment please ensure that articles/ads for publication are
submitted before the 21st day of each month. Note: The views expressed in the Alyth
Voice are not necessarily those of the team nor can they accept any responsibility for
accuracy and spelling of any article.
ARTICLE SUBMISSION to the Voice
Please note ALL articles must be accompanied with a name and address
BEFORE they will be published in the Voice.
On request, the name and address may be withheld from publication.
Any submission without these details will NOT be included.
*~*~* Dates for Your Diary *~*~*
AUGUST
1st-13th Bookfest, Scout Hut Alyth Scout Group
18th Storytelling Teddybears’ Picnic Alyth Library
19th Coffee Morning, Airlie Street Hall SNP
SEPTEMBER
1st-3rd Flower Festival Alyth Parish Church
12th Opening Mtg, Burnside Com. Lounge Silvie & Ruthven WRI
14th Scottish Country Dancing Begins Airlie Street Hall
15th Mor. Acad. Swing Band-Town Hall Alyth Com. Council
15th Voice photographic competition closes - submit your entries!
26th Rehearsals Resume Alyth Choral Union
OCTOBER
1st Alfred Anderson Memorial Cairn Unveiling & Concert - TBC
20th A Musical ABC, Town Hall Alyth Musical Society
B
B
Q Safety
- - - VOICE TEASER - - -
What is Midyokin?
Answer to last months Teaser- What is Orra? Odd
DO Make sure that your BBQ is in good working order.
DO Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies.
DO Make sure your BBQ site is flat & well away from sheds, fences, trees & shrubs.
DO Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the BBQ to a depth 50mm (2”).
DO Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.
DO Make sure the BBQ is cool before trying to move it. Empty ashes onto bare soil.
Community Markets
4th Saturday of the Month
from 22nd April
Blairgowrie Wellmeadow
10am –3pm
2
THE TEDDY BEARS’ TRAIL
THE TEDDY BEARS’ TRAIL is sponsored
by Alyth & District Business Association
and is a competition that has been designed
for the young and the young at heart. Teddy
has come to Alyth to enjoy the peace &
tranquillity, good food, excellent service
from the businesses, many quiet rural walks,
fishing and the three golf courses and also to
meet all his Alyth pals from years gone by.
He has decided this year to hold a Teddy
Bears’ Reunion in Alyth for all his friends
from round the world. Many of the visiting teddies have asked businesses in
Alyth for assistance in helping them make a display with them holding their
postcards from their homes in various towns/countries.
The Trail begins on Monday 3 rd of July and runs until the end of August.
Collect a free entry form from Alyth Post Office, Airlie Street, The Spar,
Commercial Street or Costcutters, Airlie Street and follow the instructions,
which will lead you round the town. Look for the Teddy Bears/displays in
the shop windows and answer the questions. For the young ones taking part
please look and listen for the traffic as you cross the roads. Once you have
answered all the questions please take your entry forms to The Doll’s House
Shop, Camno, Workshop, Commercial Street, Alyth.
We hope you all have fun completing the Teddy Bears’ Trail, and visitors
to the town have enjoyed their visit to Alyth. Thanks must be expressed to
the compiler Mrs. J. McGill, for her work in producing the entry form, all the
businesses for their Teddy Bear displays and their willingness to take part
and to all who have entered and those who are going to do so. Have fun on
the trail. Thanks must be expressed to Mr. B. Pidsley of Alyth Post Office,
Mr. P. Duncan of Paul’s Spar, Commercial Street and Mr. C. Macdonald of
Costcutters, Airlie Street and all their staff for distributing all the entry
forms, and to Mr. S. Eno of the Camno Workshop for collecting the answer
forms and to everyone who takes part in the Teddy Bears’ Trail. The winner
will be announced at the September Committee meeting.
TED
MEMORIES OF ALYTH
I OFTEN think about Alyth, and have done – more especially when
some distance away. Schooldays were always something I thought
about, remembering the war years and friends of yesteryear. Mr.
MacIntosh the headmaster, or ‘Dome’ or ‘Domie’ was special to me
as we were on the same wavelength. He was keen on nature and
took us in nature study, sometimes on rambles down to the golf
course (only one in those days). He introduced me to ‘Luciarnots’
one of the umbelliferae, a small plant with short round leaves. It
had an edible root which tasted like hazel nuts and I remember,
along with a few friends going down to the site of the old pipe band
hut, opposite the High Kirk, where dozens of these plants grew and
having a right old feed. This was fine when there were no hazel
nuts.
Another plant we used to eat was the ‘soorick’ (one of the sorrels)
which grew in profusion along the sides of the air raid shelter in the
field opposite the qualifying class of ‘Alyth Public School’ (at that
time).
Going up the hill was a marvellous thing for kids and many hours
we spent up there. There was a lochan on the west side which was
perfect for skating and generally in the winter there was nobody
there but our group. In summer it was a tremendous place to play
and games were dictated by the films we had seen at the town hall
picture house. Now and again we would walk as far as the post office
shop at Kilry, have a drink of lemonade and walk back home
again.
Continued on page 3>
Strathmore & The Glens
PO Box 6621, Blairgowrie PH12 8YF
www.strathmoreglens.org
E-mail-: sue@strathmoreglens.sol.co.uk
DON’T Ever use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your BBQ.
DON’T Use anything but recognised lighters/fuel, on cold coals.
DON’T Ever leave the BBQ unattended.
DON’T Ever put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin.
When hot, they can melt the plastic & cause a fire.
REMEMBER BBQs should never be lit indoors!

Your Letters
DEAR ALYTH VOICE,
21 year old Laura Jane Davie, is
our grand-daughter. Her uncle and cousins
also live in Alyth although Laura's home is in
Fife. She is now serving her second tour of
duty in Iraq. In the photo she is the girl sitting
on the tank. She wishes to send her regards to
the friends she has made in Alyth. Her first
tour of duty was with her dog searching for
insurgents. This time she is searching for
mines and explosives. I enclose an e-mail she
sent, about her dog, it's good to see she hasn't
lost her sense of humour! She is a very brave
and courageous girl and our hearts and minds
go out to her. I'm sure the readers of The
Voice would all wish her well.
Peter Davie
Original email -
“I’m now out on task at a new camp, which is
a bit of a scary place but there are loads of
great guys out here looking after me!
Whilst out on patrol the other night in the
tanks we stopped off to do a vehicle check
point (v.c.p) where we pull over random vehicles
checking for explosives. My dog was
showing loads of interest inside this wagon so
my cover men started to get a bit worried, but
it turned out to be a chicken!! He had hold of
it by the neck as it was flapping around, it
took me a few mins to detach my dog from this
poor chicken, my cover men were in stitches!!
He is now renamed the chicken detection
dog!”
Continued from page 2...
Alyth hill was given to the people of Alyth by
Lord Airlie, mainly I think, to cut peat, or turf,
for their fires, but it was well used by laddies
and some adults for the odd rabbit (and other
things!) for the pot. We all thought of the hill
as being ours. Jack Ogilvie, Forfar
[Ed: The Voice team are very grateful to Jack
for providing a wide collection of material in
relation to Alyth, which we will use in future
editions. Many thanks Jack for sharing this
with us. How many of our readers remember
this rhyme, which was used to decide teams?
Eetl ottle blue bottle, eetl ottl out,
if you want a piece ‘n jam,
just you step right out!
LI’L JIMMY REED PLAYS ALYTH!!
L-R: Willie Brown, Alan Oliphant, Jim Skinner,
Sandy McCurdy, Andy Warner, Li'l Jimmy Reed.
AS MANY Voice readers may know, Dundee
hosted the annual Blues Bonanza on 1st/2nd
July. One of the headlining acts was Li'l
Jimmy Reed from Alabama. Arriving from
USA on Tuesday 27th June, Li'l Jimmy was
staying for a couple of nights prior to the Bonanza
with Sandy & Isabel McCurdy.
Sandy stated "I thought that Li'l Jimmy
would be suffering from jet lag, but not a bit of
it! He just wanted to play music! So, within a
couple of hours, we fixed up an impromptu
jam session in the Burnside Inn, with some
local musicians. It was wonderful for us to
play with a "real deal" bluesman whose career
stretches back to 1956. I think for all of us, it
was a highlight of our musical careers. Li'l
Jimmy is a fascinating character and a lovely
gentleman."
Li'l Jimmy was such a huge hit at the Dundee
Blues Bonanza, he was immediately
booked for the Smokie Blues Festival at Arbroath
on 15/16 July, on his way back from a
Swedish Festival.
Airlie Street, 15.7.06
DEAR ALL,
We arrived back home on Wednesday 12 th
after a 2 week break in Dortmund, Germany -
the home of football and beer. We’ve wanted
to go for a while now but due to work commitments
it was not possible.
We had a great time visiting family and old
haunts and other places of interest. It just so
happened that the World Cup was on and we
joined in the atmosphere watching giant
screens in the pub beside the hotel and in the
city. The atmosphere was electric and not a
bit of bother amongst rival fans. People were
very friendly, especially when they found we
were Scottish!
It was a really hot 2 weeks, glorious sunshine
in the 90s, although we had a spectacular
thunderstorm one day with hailstones.
Thank you to all the people who so generously
donated to the “leaving fund” and contributed
to a very memorable holiday. Wherever
you are on your own holidays may you
all have a great time too.
Regards, Billy Gordon
3
Don’t have access to email?
Alyth Library are now offering
FREE access to the Internet for
SURFING the WEB / sending EMAILS
Visit the library for more details...
Ian Miller Local Councillor. SURGERY AT ALYTH TOWN HALL
(Old Council Chambers) on 1st TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7.00PM
OR CONTACT BY Tel: SNP OFF: 01250 876576 Home 01250 873304
P&K Council Tel: 01738 475018 Email: imiller@pkc.gov.uk
TAKE A TRIP BACK IN TIME
WHERE CAN you find a broom dog or a pig
mell or a drunk’s cart? And what are they?
Those items are just three of the many interesting
artefacts on show at Alyth Museum in Commercial
Street. Visitors who step through the
red door are invited to take a trip back in time.
Here you can learn how great granny did the
family’s washing or how an apprentice saddler
learnt his trade. Much has changed over the
years, as the displays demonstrate. Many of our
younger visitors are amazed at how families
had to manage without the things we now take
for granted, such as electricity to power domestic
equipment.
The way people work the land has also
changed, with the tractor taking over from horse
power. The downstairs displays have a wonderful
selection of tools and farming implements
which show how things used to be. These objects
were made or used locally.
Alyth town itself has changed down the
years. A lot of shops and all the mills are now
gone. Graphics illustrate some of the businesses
that are no longer with us. Visitors can order
copies of prints from the photo bar. We are
interested in seeing any old photographs of the
area which could be added to the collection, or
copied.
Interest is maintained by keeping the displays
up to date as appropriate. New for 2006 is a
secure sorting desk and other items from the
1930’s. These were saved for the collection,
having lain unused in the Alyth Post Office for
several years. Perhaps you remember using the
Post Office and have information that you could
pass on. How busy could it get? Were you a
regular user or just occasionally? How did it
differ 20 or 30 or 40 years ago from visiting a
post office today?
The displays are only as strong as the collections.
People sometimes inherit things that they
might not actually want or maybe they are
thinking of throwing out something that they
have had for a long time and which is no longer
of use to them. If it is in good condition and is
associated with a trade or business in Alyth or
one of the surrounding farms, it might be of
interest to the museum. Museum assistant Paul
Prettyman would be pleased to hear from you.
Alyth Museum is pleased to welcome child
and adult groups for a more informed visit. So
don’t walk past the freshly painted red door, but
take some time to enter, relax and take a trip
back in time.
Alyth Musum is open until the end of September
– Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm - 5pm
For further information please contact Paul
Prettyman (Museum Assistant).

Licensed
Grocers
Newspapers
Magazines
Toys
National Lottery outlet.
Video & DVD rental.
Irvines Butcher Meat
Dry Cleaning: Shoe Repair
LUNANS
Newsagents
8-10 Airlie Street
Envelopes
Notepads
Pens, Pencils
& Gifts
We offer all year round newspaper and
magazine delivery.
A great selection of cards
for every occasion.
A good selection of stationary, toys,
wrapping paper and gift bags.
Shop Open- 5.30 am - 5.30 pm Mon-Fri
5.30 am - 4 pm Sat
7.00 am - 1 pm Sun
Telephone – 01828 632330
DAVIDSONS CHEMIST
PRESCRIPTIONS
DISPENSED
DELIVERY SERVICE
AVAILABLE
MINOR AILMENTS SERVICE AND
ADVICE ALWAYS AVAILABLE
FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST
9 Airlie St, Alyth Tel 01828 632302
RENDEZVOUS
**HAIRDRESSER**
59 Airlie Street,
Alyth
Tel: 01828 632097
Open Tues - Sat
Gift Vouchers Available
73-75
Airlie
St.
Alyth
Credit/Debit card facility now available
FREE HOME DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Telephone Orders Welcome
Tel No: 01828 632306
MEG’S MINI MARKET
22 Commercial Street
Alyth
Tel: 01828 633143
Household Goods, Kitchenware and Lighting
DIY TOOLS AND WORKWEAR
Greetings Cards
CUT FLOWERS, VASES AND PLANT POTS
Classified
Alyth Decorators
The family business
who care
Personal service guaranteed
Pat McAuley
Director
Garden Cottage, Bardmony House,
Alyth PH11 8NY
Tel: 01828 633831
Mobile: 07712 732 909
THE ALYTH
TRADITIONAL
FISH BAR
Telephone Orders Welcome
01828 632000
Fish Suppers £3.00 on Wednesday
for OAP’s
Monday – Thursday 4.30-9 pm
Friday 4.30-10 pm
Saturday 4.30-10 pm
Sunday 4.30- 8 pm
COLIN & CATHY FORD
Number 5 Toutie Street, Alyth
CHIROPODY
SUGARING, FACIALS
EYELASH/BROW TINTING
PEDICURE, MANICURE
by CREATIVE NAILS
**Late Nights Tues. & Thurs.**
For an Appointment
Tel:01828 632297
PETS PANTRY
19 High Street Blairgowrie
Tel: 01356 623006
Keith Nicol
GEO’s BAR
&
THISTLE LOUNGE
AIRLIE STREET, ALYTH
Tel : 632276 Fax: 633939
Email: thisletopia@aol.com
Lounge available for
meetings
FOOTBALL ‘LIVE’
on Digital & Five
4
Market Square, Alyth, Perthshire, PH11 8AA
Tel : 01828 632309
Fax : 01828 632609
Open Monday -Friday 8.30am -5.30 pm
Saturday 9.0am -5pm
NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 12.30—4.00PM
* Special Offer on Compost - Levingtons 75Kg *
* Buy 3 for £12.00 *
[ [ [
Alyth Springs Therapies
Alyth Springs Therapies
Westfield Estate Alyth Tel: 01828 632450
Reg. Holistic Reflex Therapists
Sore Neck/Shoulders, Sports Injuries, Stress, Anxiety.
Sandra Gauld AMGCP NARH
Joan Taylor SRM, 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
David Scott Ltd
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
& MONUMENT AGENTS
Also Golden Charter Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
7 Toutie Street Alyth
Open Tuesday Mornings 9 a.m.-11.45 a.m.
Or by appointment
Our staff are happy to assist with all enquiries
A 24 hour service is maintained on
01828 633 433
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
ALL AT DISCOUNT PRICES
Traditional Acupuncture in Blairgowrie
Acupuncture can help a variety of symptoms
and health problems
Free 15 minute consultations available in Blairgowrie
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 876345 or
07762 188418 (mobile)

L’ETAPE DU TOUR
ON THE 10 th July I fulfilled a lifelong ambition and completed a stage of the tour de France. Every
year after the tour route is announced, the Velo magazine in France picks one of the stages either in the
Pyrenees or the Alps, to hold L’Etape du Tour which is open to the public.
This year it was held on the 191km stage between the beautiful town of Gap and the legendary alpine
ski resort of L’Alpe D’Huez, which is famous for the 21 hairpin bends leading up to it. To get
there we also had to climb over two other mountains, Col d’Izoard (2360m) and Col Du Lautaret
(2058m).
At 7am I set off with 7,548 other riders, it took 25 minutes for the last man to cross the start line. For
the first 50+ kilometres a fast pace was set, mainly due
to the fact that there are elimination times to beat. 30
minutes after the start, a car with a big clock on the roof,
a lorry and a coach known affectionately as the “broom
wagon” set off, and picked up everyone it caught up
with!
Silver Ball Saver
August Special
18 holes on the Rannaleroch Course
followed by a main course
* £20 per person *
Please quote reference av0806 when booking
Non Golfer? Why not come for a meal?
Our restaurant is now open to 8pm every night
and meals are produced using the best fresh
local ingredients.
Reserve a table to avoid disappointment.
Telephone 01828 633 322
Glenfernate Fresh Meats
Enochdhu, Blairgowrie PH10 7PL
Tel: 01250 881 215
Fax: 01250 881 780
Email: sales@glenfernate.com
www.glenfernate.com
Beef, Lamb & Venison
Direct from a Local Perthshire Farm
delivered to your door
Bred here and raised naturally with no intensive rearing,
hormones or additives. Properly hung, cut and prepared on
the farm. Just good meat that is tender and full of flavour
with no fancy seasonings needed to give it taste.
The venison is from our own wild deer from the same hills
that the sheep and cattle graze.
If you are not satisfied, we will replace or refund in full.
BEEF PACK £35
3x 450g (lb) Steak Mince
3x450g Diced Shoulder
1kg Topside Rst
1kg Silverside Rst
450g Braising Stk
230g Frying Stk
450gStk Saus.
450g Lorne Saus.
1 Pack Steak Burgers
( 1/4lb)
LAMB PACK £30
Leg of Lamb approx 1.5kg
(3lb)
1kg (2lbs) Rolled Shoulder
450g Diced Shoulder
4 Dble loin chops
4 Leg Steaks
4 Noisettes
1 Pack Lamb Burgers
(1/4 pounders)
BBQ PACK £25
2 Packs of Stk Burgers 1 Pack of Lamb Burgers
1 Pack of Venison Burg. 1 Pack of Pork & Apple
Burg.
1 Pack of Stk Saus.450g 1 Pack Lamb Saus.450g.
1 Pack Venison Saus 450g 1 Pack Pork Saus. 450g
1 kg Frying Stks appx.6 450g Lamb Leg Stks
appx.4
VENISON PACK £30
1 Haunch of Venison 1.5kg(3lbs)
2 Venison Stks.
3x450g Diced Ven. 3x450g Ven. Mince
450g Venison Saus. 1 pack Ven. Burgers
Plus free delivery in the local area
We deliver every Friday in the Blairgowrie/Alyth Area.
For more information, for a price-list with all our cuts and
produce, or to place an order, contact Ann, by telephone,
fax or email.
‘Glenfernate Fresh Meats are licensed Game Dealers’
After safely crossing the first two mountains, I had to
be at the foot of Alpe d’Huez by 4pm which was the cut
off time, this I did with plenty of time to reach the top,
or so I thought! What I had not bargained on was the
increase in temperature on the road, it reached 40deg +,
which drained me and I had to stop several times to fill
up my water bottles, and this took time due to the fact
there were several thousand riders all with the same
idea.
Eventually I reached the final straight and the finish,
which was lined with crowds of people all cheering and
adding to the whole buzz of the day. I crossed the line
with less than one minute to spare and gratefully accepted
my medal. It had been a long eleven hours in the
saddle, which still feels part of me to this day! But yes I
have signed up to do it again next year which may render
the therapy from this year’s experience a waste of
time.
Above: Fraser Brown
While doing this ride I have also
raised some money for the Macmillan
nurses and would like to thank
my friends and neighbours for sponsoring
me. Anyone else who feels
they would like to contribute to my
collection please feel free.
Thank you.
Fraser Brown
6 Springbank
July 2006
Race info:
www.letapedutour.com
5
GORDON AT THE
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW
SCOTTISH TRAINEE Chef of the
Year Gordon MacGregor was invited to
demonstrate his culinary skills recently
at The Royal Highland Show at Ingliston
Edinburgh. His demonstrations
were on the “Buy Local Eat Local”
stand in the Food Hall. He appeared for
two separate demonstrations on the
Saturday of the show and was also
asked to participate in “Meet the Expert”
during the day.
Gordon kept the sizeable audiences
entertained with his skills and witty
commentary and many of the interested
members of the public took the opportunity
to ask him for advice. Gordon received
positive feedback from the event
and he enjoyed the experience.
THANK YOU
The Alyth Voice
collection boxes have
raised a total
of £41.75
April-June 2006
THE PROPERTY SHOP
ALYTH
A & R Robertson & Black, W.S.,
11 Airlie Street, Alyth, PH11 8AH
Tel: 01828 632 116
Website:www.robertson-black.co.uk
Email: property@robertson-black.co.uk
FREE VALUATIONS
It’s knowledge of your local patch,
which makes the difference!
BLAIRGOWRIE PROPERTY SHOP IS OPEN 7 DAYS!
Call Mel on 01828 632 116

THE ALYAN ‘You are not alone’
[Ed: Due to space constraints and the submission date, the Alyan’s article was
trimmed last month. Perhaps if the Alyan embraced this world’s email technology,
we could ensure this doesn’t happen again!]
July
A NEW Husband Shop has opened in New York. One condition of shopping is
that you can only go upwards to each floor and you cannot go back down except
to leave the building. A woman enters looking for a husband. A sign on
the first floor advises the potential bride that all candidates on that floor have
jobs.
The woman says to herself ‘Well, that’s better than my last one. I wonder
what’s on the second floor.’ The sign there says ‘These men all have jobs and
love children’. ‘Great’ thinks the woman, ‘but I wonder what’s on the next
floor’.
The sign on the third floor reads ‘All the men on this floor have jobs, love
children, and are extremely good looking’. Getting really excited she goes up
to the 4 th floor. The sign reads ‘The men on this floor all have jobs, love children,
are extremely good looking and help with the housework’. She eagerly
climbs up to the 5 th floor to read a sign that says ‘All of the men on this floor
have jobs, love children, are extremely good looking, help with the housework
and have a very strong romantic nature’. Excitedly picturing what sort of wonder
man awaits her on the 6 th floor she climbs in breathless anticipation only to
find a sign that reads ‘There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely to
prove that women are impossible to please. Have a nice day’.
August
GREETINGS EARTHLINGS. This hot weather is more like it, eh? Perish the
thought of spending a small fortune to jet off to some sun drenched resort when
you can have it all right here in the Costa del Alyth.
The Alyth Show was a bit of a letdown, weather-wise, but seemed to attract
a good crowd, and there was plenty to see and do…although the theme quite
rightfully agricultural, it was a good day out. I, for one, enjoyed it.
Back to local goings on – I see the Alyth Hotel (Commercial) has finally got
its public bar open and seems quite pleasant. I haven’t seen it really busy yet,
but no doubt as word spreads, it will gain custom.
A couple of hidden agendas in the town, if you like live music. Thursday
night in the Losset Inn, Mine host Willie Potts hosts a jam session – all budding
musicians are invited to an acoustic session, while on a Sunday afternoon,
Willie Broon and company entertain with live music in the Burnside Inn.
The annual church sale in the Airlie Hall seemed to be doing a roaring trade
when I looked in and I gather it raised a reasonable amount of money. There
were certainly loads of bargains especially in the book and video departments.
I had my heart set on a Christmas tree for a £1, but the thought of what my
Venusian Mudwump would do to it when my back was turned, put me off.
The annual Teddy Bear hunt is on and I must confess a few of them have me
stumped, but I’m sure the youngsters of Alyth (accompanied by their Nans)
will be able to solve all the clues. Also, good luck to the Scouts in their Book-
Fest. The Scout hut could do with better signposting, so that visitors could find
it more easily.
Really looking forward to the ‘Jam in the Den’ and no it’s not a preserve
making course. It was excellent last year and already there are 8 or 9 bands
lined up to perform. Should be good.
I don’t know whether it was subject matter or lack of space, but last month’s
Alyan suffered an editorial trim, but as it was to be continued…I’ll keep this
short and see you all next month.
6
Police Update
BOGUS CALLERS - At this time of year with the better
weather and longer nights may I remind you to be on your guard
for bogus workers. They prey on the elderly and vulnerable in our communities
and are a blight on us all. If a bogus worker `cold calls` at your house offering
to carry out `cheap` tar work, gardening or roofing work as well as similar type
odd jobs, be on your guard. Usually the work is of poor quality and the fee
charged excessive. If you are suspicious, note down their vehicle registration
number, their physical description, keep hold of any fliers they are posting
through your letterbox and contact the police. Some bogus workers will pretend
to be from a bona fide organisation, Gas, Electricity or Water. They may
even have work type clothing such as yellow jackets. They will engage you in
conversation and if allowed into your house will steal. If you have a chain on
the door - use it. Ask to see identity and consider phoning the organisation to
see if that person should be at your door while they stay outside. Real workers
will have no problem with this. Some may try distraction theft, whereby two or
more people call at your door and engage you in conversation. One will often
ask for a cup of water or the address of a person in your street and invite themselves
into your house. Whilst this person speaks to you, their accomplice will
sneak in and steal handbags, wallets or other small items. It is not until later on
you realise a theft has occurred. In all cases, don't let uninvited callers into your
home. If you suspect bogus workers are calling on you or your neighbours,
contact police in order we can prevent this despicable crime.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - One thing that can help prevent bogus
callers and other types of crime is setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
If you'd like to set one up in your area, please contact me or one of the other
Community Support Officers at Blairgowrie.
SPEAK UP - WE'LL LISTEN - The police are looking for your support in
both preventing and detecting crime. To charge somebody with any crime,
evidence is needed. In the majority of police enquiries, members of the public
have that evidence and are needed as witnesses. Unfortunately, some people
choose not to become witnesses as they 'don't want to be involved'. It is important
to realise that the police can only report offenders to the Procurator Fiscal
where there is evidence to support charges. Choosing not to be involved can
often mean that the community is left to suffer anti social behaviour or other
crime. Choosing to give evidence allows the police to report offenders and
makes your community a safer place to live. So Please - Speak Up, We'll Listen.
Once again, I must say a big thank you to the residents of Alyth for their
continued support to myself and my fellow officers. Constable Mark Stewart
Blairgowrie Police Office 01250 872222
CRIMESTOPPERS 0800 555 111
THE FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE
SEEING MICHAEL and Nancy Kay standing by their door one day recently, I
thought it would make sense to take advantage of the moment and have my hair
cut. By the time I entered the barber’s shop, however, someone else was in the
chair and I came in on the end of a conversation that seemed to hinge on the
Scots word for a bumble bee’s nest. “Luckily,” said Michael, “We have an
expert here to tell us the right word”. How sad it is to disappoint those who
place their trust in one! So I said, “ Unless it is ‘byke’ as in the word for a
wasp’s nest” I can’t help you. Since that exchange I have looked in Chamber’s
Twentieth Century Dictionary (1966) and this is what I found: ‘bike, byke,
bi¯ke, n. (Scot) a nest of wasps, wild bees, etc…’ So that seems to be the an-
swer. But these triggers always start something going and so it was with me. What about the life of the bumble bee? So I set to.
The outcome of this search has been the purchase of a book ‘Bumblebees’ by Ted Benton, published by CollinsHarvill in the New Naturalist Series. I had looked
out an earlier book about bumblebees in the same series by Messrs. Free and Butler and published in 1958, but wondered what there might be that was more up to
date. I looked about the World Wide Web for information (http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/projects/bombus/decline.html): and particularly to see what I
might learn about that old saw about bumblebees being aerodynamically unable to fly (http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040911/mathtrek.asp). There was
also a good deal about Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’, but I did not look at any of these sites.
Something I have known for many years is the importance of bumblebees as pollinators of red clover, but I did not know until the last few days of their importance
to commercial tomato growers in the United Kingdom. It seems that there is a large-scale importation of bumblebees to this country by tomato growers and
that people who work in commercial glasshouses run a worthwhile risk of being stung by these useful creatures. ‘Insect-sting injuries double as import of bees
surges’ buzzed the headline of an article in the ‘Independent’ of 15 th July 2006. ‘..an expert in behavioural ecology …said millions of bumblebees shipped to Britain
for use in commercial glasshouses could be partly responsible for the rise in stings…..The one increase we have seen is in bumblebees used to pollinate plants
such as tomatoes and strawberries, which are now grown all year round in glasshouses in Britain.’
Unfortunately, bumblebees are in a state of decline. Fifty years ago there were around twenty-five species in Britain. By 2000 only six of these species remained
common. Another five had become rare enough to be singled out for action in the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan of 1994. And so it goes. What are the
causes for this decline? Agricultural changes, more urbanization, perhaps climate change – all these are contributors.
What, then, did I learn about the life of the bumblebee? A lot, but I have run out of space to describe that now. One last thing, though: what about the bumblebee
defying the laws of aerodynamics? This story seems to have got about because an aerodynamic engineer did some calculations on the back of an envelope, at a
dinner party in the 1930s, based on his knowledge of how fixed wings worked and assumed that the same would apply to bumblebees. More recent work has led to
a better understanding of how bumblebees fly with their four moving wings and it is clear that they do not defy the laws of physics after all. Paul Ramsay
JOHN SWINNEY
Your local Member of the Scottish Parliament for North Tayside is here to help you.
You can contact John at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL
Tel. 01250 876576 Fax. 01250 876991
email john.swinney.msp@scottish.parliament.uk

Classic
Restorations
Pitnacree Street, Alyth Perthshire
Phone: 01828 633293
Mobile: 07885 316689
Fax: 01828 632529
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Panel Work
• Ashframe repairs
• Paintwork
• Interior Trim
Jaguar XK140 Roadster
Fully restored by our expert team of committed craftsmen
Email : charles@classicrestorations.co.uk
www.classicrestorations.co.uk
Driving
Made
easy
Contact Colin Sidley
Home: 01828 633 017
Mobile: 07751072408
Text: ‘PRICE’
to my mobile number for information
Email: colin.sidley@virgin.net
Lessons available by the hour or in block
bookings
Pass Plus Registered
Member of the Driving Instructors Association
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
Open 9 am ‘til late
� 4WD Specialist
� Cars & Light Goods Vehicles
� Servicing and Repairs
� Bike & Car MOT Testing
� Tyres & Exhausts
� Bike & Car Oils
MUIR
DRIVING SCHOOL
Dave Muir
DSA Approved Driving Instructor
Pass Plus Registered
Intensive Courses Available
Tel: 01250 870725 Mob: 07732-531767
Book Ten Lessons Only- Pay For Nine
Stonework
R. D. Builders
Extensions
Renovations
For Free Estimates
Tel: 01828 632231 or
Mobile 07729924784
19 Tay Road Alyth, Perthshire PH11 8EB
Carpet Care
Carpet, Upholstery and Leather
Cleaned and Protected
Neil Stewart
Call for a Free Quote:
01828 632771 or 01250 875216
7
Classified
Harling Etc.
G CLARK
PLASTERING & TILING
Walls & floor tiling
Harling
Coving
Plastering
Dry Lining
Ames taping
Wet Dash
NO JOB TOO SMALL
FREE QUOTES
TEL:01828 633970
or 07821294678
CHIROPODIST
H.P.C. REGISTERED
TRISHA WALTON
HOME VISITS
01828 640229
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
Stewart MacDonald
Electrical Contractor
Tel: 01828 632995
8 Cambridge Street
Alyth
PH11 8AW
Specialised Dementia Care
in a Domestic Setting
. RESPITE CARE
. RESIDENTIAL CARE
. SELF CONTAINED DAY CARE UNIT
All bedrooms en-suite: Beautiful Enclosed Gardens :
Home Cooking & Baking with Choice of Menu:
Trained Staff to promote independence and choice.
www.hopeparkhouse.co.uk
Tel 01250 872349
Balmoral Road, Rattray, Blairgowrie

OUR LADS NEED SUPPORT
THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE recently announced that the Black
Watch will serve in Iraq again, soldiers being deployed this November.
This is the third time that the battalion has been asked to serve in
Iraq in the last three years. I have no doubt that they will carry out
their duty with the highest honour, skill and dedication.
Alyth is a traditional recruiting ground of the Black Watch and has
always had strong connections with the regiment, going back generations.
Of course, Alfred Anderson was a soldier of the Black Watch
and fought in some of the regiment’s most famous battles. Alyth has
proud links with the Black Watch and is intertwined with the regiment.
Is it right that the Black Watch should be going to Iraq for the third
time in three years? Well, soldiers sign up for the army knowing the
risks, and can hardly complain if they are asked to do the job for
which they are trained.
But there is no doubt that the commitment being asked of some of
today’s soldiers is much greater than has been the case in the recent
past. I believe that this underlines that our soldiers are being asked to
do so much and that the British Army is being overstretched. It is clear
that we do not have enough troops and regiments such as the Black
Watch are being called upon to shoulder the burden. Once again, I
have to question the wisdom of merging all six of Scotland’s regiments
into one ‘Scottish Regiment’. We are seeing the British Army
requiring more and more infantry on the ground, and I believe that we
must reverse the regimental mergers and expand our troop numbers.
We already have difficulties with recruitment and overstretch will
only make matters worse.
I am sure the Black Watch will serve Scotland and the British Army
with great distinction and prove yet again that Scots soldiers are
among the best in the world. But our lads need support from us at
home, now more than ever. Murdo Fraser MSP
REVEREND GARDNER’S INDUCTION
AROUND 150 Alyth people travelled to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on
Thursday 22 nd June for the Revd Neil Gardner’s induction as minister
of the historic Kirk of the Canongate. The church was full to overflowing
and the congregation enjoyed a mixture of induction formalities
and ceremonial procedures in the accompaniment of Pipe Major
Duthie of The Black Watch. The guest speaker at the Induction Social
was the Revd Dr Marjory MacLean, Depute Clerk to the General Assembly.
Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE, Colonel of
The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) was present amongst
the many friends and family of Mr. Gardner. The Presbytery of Edinburgh
provided generous hospitality to the congregation in the nearby
Harry Younger Hall afterwards. The Canongate Kirk is the Kirk of
Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament.
MEG’S MINI MARKET ON THE MOVE
AFTER 10 YEARS at number 3, Meg’s Mini-Market was on the
move in April, but only 19 doors up to 22 Commercial Street. Opening
the new shop doors on April 29 th , the extended floor space has
allowed for a greater range of wares. Amongst the extensive household
goods, work-wear, toys, tools and pictures, Meg (known as Margaret
Duncan on Sundays!) also inherited the greetings cards, flowers
and vases from their sister shop, Alyth Pet Supplies in Airlie Street.
Never one to sit on her laurels, seasonal bedding and houseplants were
added shortly after and more recently bed linen as well as a wide
range of fishing tackle! It’s good to see Commercial Street becoming a
vibrant shopping street once more.
8
SCOUT REPORT by Ron Kirkpatrick
DESPITE HAVING never attended a camping competition, Bruce
Arnott took a Patrol to Craggan for the annual camping competition.
His Patrol consisted of Ross Mitchell, Patrick West, Michael Milne,
Callum Millar and his wee brother Fraser Arnott. Despite being assaulted
by midgies and rain they came in second for the Novice Challenge
which was a creditable performance from the Scouts. They say
that you are what you eat and judging by the results of the Cub Sausage
Sizzle there might be a need to expand the Health Centre. Well,
carbon is meant to be good for the digestion and a few wee extras on a
sausage never hurt anyone! The Cubs certainly had a ball. Not to be
outdone by their elders, the Beavers had a barbeque outside the Scout
Hut complete with Bouncy Castle which just fitted inside having removed
a few light fittings! They say you can always judge the success
of an event by the noise level – I just hope we don’t get any complaints
about noise pollution! Our Book Fest is still in full swing and
Back: Fiona & Barry Tasker, Ron Kirkpatrick, Trish Wheatley Front: Calum Thom
An AFTERNOON at the QUEEN’S GARDEN
PARTY at the PALACE of HOLYROOD HOUSE
EARLIER IN the year, the Alyth Community Council put my name forward
along with that of my daughter Jackie for an invitation to the Garden Party at
Holyrood on 5 th the Explorers and Scouts have put in a great effort to collect, sort and
sell the books. We have had visitors from Arbroath and Dundee and if
you hurry along you will see why they came out. The tables are still
well stocked and there’s something for everyone. In the first two days
we sold approx 300 books bringing in over £300. An excellent response
and we hope this will continue over the next few weeks. Our
last day is 13 August, so you still have plenty of time to get a bargain.
July. The invitations arrived in May and we began thinking
about our outfits (including a hat) for the occasion. We were fortunate in that
Jackie’s parents-in-law live just outside Edinburgh, so we set off from there,
sure the weather was set fair and with the large sticker with “GP” for Garden
Party on the windscreen. When we reached the Commonwealth Pool we were
suddenly in a queue where every car had the same stickers and we slowly
drove into Holyrood Park. Before long we came on the members of the Royal
Company of Archers parking their cars and then in a few minutes were parked
in the main car park. We walked back past the hundreds of cars and joined the
long queue at the East gate into the Garden clutching our Entrance Card, Passport
and another form of identification.
Tea was served in the huge marquees from 3.30pm so we sampled the small
sandwiches, tiny savouries and dainty little cakes. The iced coffee was very
welcome on such a warm day. We then listened to the Pipe Band and watched
the Royal Company of Archers parading. At 4pm the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh
came down the steps from the Palace and moved through the lanes of
guests formed by the Royal Company of Archers. The Duke of Edinburgh
came down the lane Jackie and I were in. He noticed three Scout leaders I was
standing beside and he came over and spoke with them. It was quite exciting to
be so near a member of the Royal Family. As we walked about among all these
thousands of people we met several people we knew including the Revd Neil
Gardner and also three ladies from Meigle. Then the threatened thunderstorm
arrived with heavy rain and one and all had to dash for shelter. Everyone was
squashed into the marquees. However the rain soon passed and the tables and
chairs quickly dried. While Holyrood Park was closed to other cars on that day
there were still lots of pedestrians, some of whom had vantage points just outside
the gates to the Garden, to watch us going in all dressed up for the occasion.
Lots of others were dotted about the hillside opposite to get a bird’s eye
view of the Garden.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh departed after they had taken tea in
the Royal Tea Tent and at 6pm, one of the bands played the National Anthem
which was the signal that the Party was over. We made our way back through
the car park to our car with memories of a very special afternoon.
Dorothy Lothian, Alyth Citizen of the Year

THE ORGANIC HUT
South West Fullarton, Meigle
Tel - 01828 640391
Wednesday 1pm—6pm
Friday 1pm—6pm
Saturday 10am—5pm
Half mile south of Meigle on Dundee
Road. Follow signs
Visit us for a wide range of organic
fruit and vegetables. Other organic
goods include eggs, various teas,
oatmeal and chocolate. We also
stock Ecover products, soaps and
recycled paper goods.
ROBERTSON’S DAIRY
BALKEERIE
BY GLAMIS FORFAR
Tel/fax 01307 840431
Suppliers of milk, cheese, butter, cream, eggs,
yoghurts, rolls, and many other dairy products to
Private Houses, Hotels, Restaurant, schools,
Nursing Homes, etc. in Alyth, Blairgowrie,
Coupar Angus, Burrelton, Woodside, Meigle,
Newtyle and Auchterhouse
Ash Chimney
Systems
Professional Chimney Sweep
Prompt and reliable –
a clean sweep guaranteed.
Pots, Bird guards and Cowls fitted.
Call Simon on
01382 580245 or 07709-340575
GEORGE W. RENNIE
2 St. Malcolm’s Wynd
Kirriemuir
Tel: 01575 573292
Mobile: 07711 818238
Repairs Spares & Servicing Washing Machines,
Cookers, Tumble dryers & Vacuums.
Cycle Repairs & Spares by Post
mary.rennie@tiscali.co.uk
• Drystone Dyking
• Stone Garden
Features
• Stone Planters
and Seating
• Wall Repairs
• and Pointing
• Patios, Paths
and Decking
• Roof Repairs
and Guttering
Robert Miller
Cherrybank Cottage,
Leitfie Terrace,
New Alyth, PH11 8NF
Classified
Alyth Pet Shop
17 Airlie St, Alyth
Tel: 01828 633555
Large selection of Tropical Fish, Accessories
and Foods
Selection of Dog Foods - Dr John, James
Wellbeloved, Eukanuba, Winalot, Beta Puppy,
Science Plan, Chudleys, Wafcol, Brutus, Iams,
Faradays, Wilsons, Natures Menu, Gusto, Pedigree,
Purina.
Tinned foods for dogs and cats
Pet Accessories
If not in stock we can order
Walls & Floors
A Roger -Decorators
3 Bank Street, Alyth, PH11 8DB
FOR INTERIOR DECORATING
AND EXTERIOR PAINTING, ALL
TO THE HIGHEST STANDARD
*
LIGHT DOMESTIC CLEANING
SERVICE AVAILABLE
*
call 01828 632879 for free estimates.
I&D Insurance
Services
We have secured special rates for
All PH, DD and KY postcodes
Extremely competitive premiums for both
Household and Private Car
Quotes provided without obligation.
Going on holiday?
Let us arrange your travel insurance.
Your local broker serving your local community
16 Airlie Street
Alyth
01828 633000
Email: IandDinsurance@aol.com
9
Charles A Davidson
Blacksmith, Welder and Fabricator
Gates and Rails made, erected and repaired
All fabrication and farm work undertaken
Tel: 01828 632948
Mobile: 07957-766546
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
All joinery work undertaken
For more information contact
Derek Fairweather on
07740 986 069
Airlie Computers
Simon Bogle
Computer Repairs and Upgrades
Tel: 01828 632244 Mobile: 07732 524139
9.00am to 9.00pm, Monday to Saturday
Free Estimates, Site Visits
New and Used Computer Sales
Help, Advice and Training
Website Design and Hosting
www.airliecomputers.co.uk
MURDO FRASER MSP
MID SCOTLAND & FIFE
For help and advice.
Look for details of regular surgeries in the local Press,
or you can contact Murdo on 01738 553 990
to arrange a meeting; or write to him at-
Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP;
or email him at -
murdo.fraser.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
BIG GAV
BARONY VIEW
GROUND
MAINTENANCE
HAY STREET
ALYTH
For all the usual garden services including
gravelling, paving and fencing.
Now that summer is here it’s time to
book your grass-cutting,
summer planting etc..
I can also clean out those messy
garages and sheds for you
Tel Big Gav on 07739 833595

PUBLIC NOTICES
PIANO EXAM SUCCESS
Mrs Susan Marsh is pleased to
announce the following successes in
the recent Associated Board of the
Royal Schools of Music examinations:
Piano:
Grade 1 Rosanna Bailey (Merit)
Luke Channon
Kyle Macintyre
Kate Menzies
Grade 5 Naomi Howell
ALYTH MUSICAL SOCIETY
presents FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
‘A MUSICAL ABC’
on
Friday 20th October
at 7.30pm in Alyth Town Hall
More details later but please put it in your
diary NOW! Majorie Twivey, President
Scottish Country Dancing
Airlie Street Hall
Every Thursday from
14th September
7.30 - 9.30 pm
A great way to keep fit & lots of fun
Beginners welcome
SILVIE & RUTHVEN WRI
New venue.
Meetings will now take place in Burnside
Community Lounge.
Opening meeting Tues. 12th Sep. at 7pm
Illustrated talk "Loch o’ the Lowes" by
Pete Ferns. Join us for cheese and wine.
You will be made very welcome.
Meetings will take place every second
Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
Alyth 45 th Perthshire Scouts
+ Sports Corner
We
shall
collect books & any
second-hand
sports equipment
Help to collect & sell would be much
appreciated
Until 13TH AUGUST in Scout Hut
Open-Saturday & Sunday 2–4pm
Wednesday 7 – 9 pm
THANK YOU
On behalf of Alyth Ploughing
Association, I would like to
thank all who helped at our
coffee morning on the 15 th July.
The sum of £538.13 was raised.
M. Mitchell (sec)
ALYTH PLAYGROUP
Relief Play-Leader Wanted
No qualifications needed but
applicants must be enthusiastic and
flexible. Experience of working with
young children would be an
advantage. This post is subject to
checks by Disclosure Scotland. For
more details and an application form
contact Nihoma Macfarlane on
01828 633655.
MOTHERS & TODDLERS
Do you enjoy a cuppy and a natter? If so,
come along & join our group. New members
welcome. We can be found in the Ogilvy
Rooms, Commercial Street, on Mondays,
Tuesdays & Fridays from 9.45-11.15am.
Children welcome from birth to pre-school.
So come along & join us soon. Info?
Call Kathleen (633266)
ALYTH PLAYGROUP
is held within the Community Wing of
Alyth Primary School. We are open
Tuesday & Thursday 9.15-11.15am.
Playgroup is open to all children aged
2-preschool (no need to be out of
nappies). Call Kathleen on 633266
to enrol.
ALYTH~in~BLOOM
On behalf of our committee, I would
like to convey many thanks and
appreciation to David Brough (Jnr) of
Sims in Alyth for his very generous
supply of compost for our use in the
work we do in Alyth.
Also can we express our thanks to the
Alyth Branch of the Royal British
Legion Scotland, as well as John Wright
of New Alyth, and the Alyth Quiz
League, all of whom were most
generous in making donations to Alyth
in Bloom. Not forgetting everyone who
left donations on the day of our coffee
morning in April.
We appreciate such thoughtful and
generous gestures, also the many
compliments from various people in the
town, as well as visitors on our efforts
to enhance the town.
Yours sincerely,
Marguerite McKenzie,
Chairwoman
10
Alyth Parish Church
Charity Shop
raised £4,500 during the first week in
July and the Congregational Board
sincerely thank the community once
again for the tremendous support.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHURCH OPEN TO VISITORS
August - Saturdays 10am-12noon
Sundays 2pm - 4pm
ALL WELCOME!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
SEPTEMBER
FLOWER
FESTIVAL
~ over 25 floral displays ~
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Friday 1st & Saturday 2nd
10am-12noon, 2-4pm, 7-9pm
Sunday 3rd 2-4pm
All welcome!
Alyth Christmas Lights
200 Club
JULY 2006 DRAW
£50 no. 161 Mrs. H. Bell
£30 no. 71 Mrs. I. McLaren
£20 no. 67 Mrs. M. Robertson
ALYTH LIBRARY
STORYTIME FOR PRE–SCHOOL
CHILDREN
RESTARTING WITH A
TEDDYBEARS’
PICNIC
BRING YOUR OWN TEDDY AND
HEAR LOTS OF TEDDY TALES
ON
FRIDAY 18 TH AUGUST
AT 2.30 PM
(PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME)
ALL WELCOME – NO NEED TO BOOK
- JUST COME ALONG!
ALYTH CHORAL UNION
“Time Flies!” as the man said when his wife
threw the clock!! Yes it really does fly and it
does not seem possible that Alyth Choral
Union resume rehearsals in the church on
Tuesday 26 th September.
There are vacancies in the four sections of
the choir and new members will be made
very welcome.
New office-bearers and committee members
extend a very warm welcome to the new
Musical Director and conductor, Mr. James
Robertson of Alyth.
Watch this space in the September issue of
the Voice for details and dates of future
concerts.
Janey MacFarlane

THE BLACK WATCH (ROYAL HIGHLAND REGIMENT)
Many thanks once again to Tommy Smyth, Archivist at The Black Watch Museum,
Balhousie Castle and Lt. Col. R.M. Riddell (Regimental Secretary)
for this fourth and final article on the potted history of the Regiment.
AFTER THE Second World War, the 2 nd Battalion, which was the last
British unit to leave Pakistan, returned to Perth, where it was amalgamated
with the 1 st Battalion in 1948. It was re-formed briefly at Colchester
in 1952 and finally disbanded in October 1956.
From 1945 until 1952 the 1 st Battalion served in various parts of Germany.
In that year the Battalion returned to Crail, having been warned for service in
Korea. A detachment of volunteers had already gone to the Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders and on the return of that regiment had transferred to the King’s Own
Scottish Borderers. On 13 th May 1952, the Colonel-in-Chief, now Queen Elizabeth,
The Queen Mother (King George V had died on 6 th February 1952) visited the 1 st
Battalion at Crail to bid the Battalion farewell.
The “Empire Orwell,” with the 1 st Battalion on board, berthed in Pusan harbour on
20 th June 1952. It was soon in the line, taking over from the 1 st Royal Australian Regiment
on 8 th July.
The Battalion was involved in the Battles of the Hook, principally that 19 th November
(The Hook 1952). The Black Watch lost some 65 men in Korea. The majority are
buried at the United Nations War Cemetery in Pusan. Before the Battalion left Korea,
a Memorial Service was conducted at the Cemetery by the Padre, the Rev Tom Nicol
on Sunday, 12 th July 1953.
Two books have recently been published by members of the 1 st Battalion who
served in Korea: Off The Record The Life and Letters of a Black Watch by Col David
Rose (revised, 1998), who was CO of the Battalion and The Iron Claw A Conscript’s
Tale by Derek Halley (1998). The description of the Campaign is seen from the viewpoint
of a regular officer and a National Serviceman. Both men now live in Perthshire.
From Korea, the 1 st Battalion went directly to Kenya, to serve there during the
Mau-Mau Emergency, finally returning to Glasgow on 27 th April 1955. Since then the
1 st Battalion has served in Germany, Cyprus (UN), Gibraltar, Northern Ireland, Hong
Kong, and Belize, as well as various postings within the United Kingdom.
The volunteers continued in existence as the 4/5 th and 6/7 th Battalions until 1967
when the 51 st Highland Volunteers were the result of yet another re-organisation covering
all the volunteer units in the north of Scotland. In 1971 the Volunteers were split
into 2 Battalions. This continued until 1994, when, with the re-naming of volunteer
battalions, 3 rd (Volunteer) Battalion, the Black Watch was raised. This battalion had a
short life. On 1 st July 1999, the Battalion was subsumed under the 51 st (Highland)
Regiment, which again, as in 1967, covers all the volunteer units north of Perth.
In 1997, the 1 st Battalion was on a six- month tour for the Handover of Hong Kong
to the People’s Republic of China. The final parade took place in a downpour and the
Battalion returned to Fort George, in the north of Scotland. In 2000 the Battalion was
posted to Fallingbostel in a Mechanised Armoured Infantry role. From there it did a
short tour of duty in Pristina as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) between June
and November 2001.
On 30 March 2002, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, the Colonel-in-Chief
died, ending a long association with the Regiment. She was succeeded by her grandson,
Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, who was appointed to the post on 1 July 2003.
Early in 2003, the Battalion was posted to Iraq, as part of the British Forces on
Operation Telic, spending the months from February until June in the southern area of
the country around Basrah. After the tour of duty the Battalion returned to Fallingbostel
and in 2004 was posted to Warminster in Wiltshire as Demonstration Battalion. It
was posted to Iraq for a second time in the late summer, once more being based
around Basrah. Later, however, the Battalion was moved up-country to Camp Dogwood,
to assist the United States Forces in Operation Bracken. During the periods in
Iraq, seven men of the Battalion were killed. The Battalion returned to Warminster in
December 2004.
In November 2005,
the 1 st Battalion was
awarded two Battle
Honours, Iraq 2003
and Al Basrah. In December
the Battalion
moved to Belfast,
where it is currently
serving.
On 28 th March 2006
with the formation of
the new multi-battalion
Scottish regiment, the
1 st Battalion, The
Black Watch (Royal
Iraq 2004 - Pipe Major Scott
Taylor playing the pipes.
Highland Regiment) became The Black Watch, 3 rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of
Scotland.
11
ALYTH
CLIMATE ACTION TOWN PROJECT
THIS MONTH my CAT article will remind us all about the
impact food miles can have on our climate, and what we can
do to help.
Put simply, food miles are the measure of the distance a
food travels from field to plate. Agriculture and food now
account for nearly 30 per cent of goods transported on our
roads. This travel adds substantially to the carbon dioxide
emissions that are contributing to climate change - which is
why food miles matter. A recent report by DEFRA stated
that food miles rose by 15 per cent between 1992 and 2002.
Food travels further these days partly because the centralised
systems of supermarkets have taken over from local and
regional markets. It defies common sense, but a pint of milk
or a crop of potatoes can be transported many miles to be
packaged at a central depot and then sent many miles back to
be sold near where they were produced in the first place.
Also, because of the way the food processing industry
works, ingredients travel around the country from factory to
factory, before they make their way to the shops.
Then there’s imported produce. Ninety-five per cent of the
fruit and half of the vegetables in the UK are imported. The
amount of food being flown into the UK doubled in the
1990s and is predicted to rise further each year. Air freight
has a far bigger impact on the environment than sea or road
travel has.
Another reason for mounting food miles is comparative
labour costs. For example, some British fish is now sent to
China (where labour costs are much lower) for processing,
then sent back to the UK to be sold.
So what can be done? There are a number of ways Alyth
citizens you can help reduce food miles and this will not
only help reduce carbon emissions but it will help support
the local economy and your food should taste even better.
Use local shops that sell local produce, try The Organic
Hut near Meigle for locally grown organic food, ask the
butchers or Bamf Estate (wild boar) for local sources of organic
meat, and visit the farmers’ markets organised by
Strathmore and the Glens - 19th August - George Square,
Coupar Angus & 26th August - Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie.
Clive Bowman
4 Mill Street . Alyth . Blairgowrie . PH11 8BJ
Tel. 01828 633477
~ PICTURE FRAMING ~
TONY FLAVELL
Watercolours . Oils . Prints . Photos . Certificates . Tapestries
~ G A L L E R Y ~
Original artworks, paintings & photographs (local artists)
Rosslyn Moran . Original art & children’s book illustrations
OPENING HOURS
1-6pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday &Sunday
LOCHSIDE LODGE
& Roundhouse Restaurant
Bridgend of Lintrathen, By Kirriemuir
Tel: 01575 560340 Fax: 01575 560251
E-mail: enquiries@lochsidelodge.com
www.lochsidelodge.com
Alongside 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: 12noon to 1.30pm
Dinner: 6.30 to 8.30pm
Closed Sunday evenings and all day Monday

THE SOMME – 2006
by Dan Dewar
Dan & Joy have recently returned from visiting
the Picardy region of France where the Battle of the Somme
took place in 1916.
The Voice asked Dan to share his thoughts.
We stood around on Sacred Ground
where Heroes fought and fell…
It’s peaceful now, no stench, no sound
where once was Raging Hell!
Through countless rows their dear dust blows,
who died before they’d lived…
Their sacrifice ‘mong mud and lice
made sure our ways were saved.
So sad to face this resting place
‘neath cold, white ‘nameless’ stone…
A soldier of the Greatest War –
known unto God alone.
Stark, zig-zag scars, where once was war,
cause pangs of dread and fear.
‘We cannot doze!’ scream-out those rows,
‘though it’s been ninety years.’
Striving for peace must never cease!
All Nations need respect.
All tensions break with (give and take).
No avenue neglect!
ALFRED ANDERSON MEMORIAL FUND
THE PICTURE shows Marguerite McKenzie (a Memorial Committee
member) and other members of the Alyth in Bloom committee
(as well as Alyth Parish Church Beadle, David Oakley, a willing
helper who happened to be passing!). A new project was started to
renovate the flower bed on the corner of Bamff Road/Kirk Brae.
The old metal seat in the foreground is to be replaced by Alfred’s
family in his memory, and this project will be completed in time for
the Parish Church Flower Festival to be held on the 1, 2 & 3rd of
September. Another fine project for Alyth by the Bloom team and
congratulations to them for the other fine displays throughout the
town.
The Cairn and Town Hall Foyer (funded by the Halls committee)
aspects are on track to be complete in time for the unveiling on 1st
October, along with a proposed concert to be held in the Town Hall.
So a number of events to look forward to over the next few
months. If you have not done so, there is still time to contribute to
the Fund and put you name/comments into the time capsule book in
Kay’s Hairdressers, Airlie St. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Jim O’Brien, Secretary
Printed for Alyth Voice by Blair Copy Shop Copyright©alythvoice 2006
12
ALYTH Y.M.C.A. BAZAAR 1921
The extensive second article in the Alyth Guardian
regarding this event, published on 2nd September 1921.
THE OPENING ON FRIDAY
Genial weather favoured the opening on Friday afternoon, and the hall
was crowded with townspeople and visitors from a wide radius. The
opening ceremony was performed by the Earl of Strathmore (in absence
through illness of the Countess of Strathmore), Lady Ogilvy-
Wedderburn presiding. The others on the platform included Lady
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Glamis Castle; the Dowager Countess of
Airlie, Airlie Castle; Sir John Ogilvy-Wedderburn, Bart.; Mr and Mrs
Fyfe-Jamieson, Ruthven; Mr W. Ritchie Smith, President; the directors
of the Y.M.C.A., and the conveners of the various stalls, &c.
Lady Ogilvy-Wedderburn referred sympathetically to the illness of
Mrs Fyfe-Jamieson, Ruthven House, who had done much work in
starting the bazaar, but who had had to give up the work owing to ill
health. In name of the committee she welcomed the Earl of Strathmore
who had kindly taken the place of the Countess. They all hoped, she
was sure, the Countess would make a speedy recovery from the illness
which prevented her being with them. This was the first visit of a public
nature to Alyth for the Earl and they would all cordially support her
in saying to him “Haste ye back.” (Applause.)
The Earl of Strathmore (who, previous to arriving at the hall, informally
visited the Y.M.C.A. Buildings and Library, in which he
evinced keen interest, commenting on the excellence of the halls and
rooms, and general appointments), expressed his pleasure at being
present. He was not (he said) the real article on that occasion, but
merely a substitute, but a better substitute he hoped than some of those
they heard so much about during the war. (Laughter.) He hoped they
would accept him as kindly as they would have accepted the real article
if she had been there. (Applause.) He had been running in double
harness for a great number of years – he had completed 40 years of
married life – and he had to acknowledge which was the better of the
pair. It was not the one there that day. (Laughter.) With regard to the
objects of the bazaar it was wise he thought of the Y.M.C.A. directors
in Alyth to determine to profit by the lessons and experiences of the
war, and reconstruct their premises in Commercial Street to include a
billiard room, games room, &c. It was, indeed, a step in the right direction
to provide means for the enjoyment of innocent recreation in
the town. (Applause.) They had also extended the Loyal (Alyth) Public
Library and added a reading room. This was a great advance, and
would have rejoiced the late Captain Ogilvy of Loyal, who started the
Library, and who had the interests of Alyth very much at heart.
(Applause.) He congratulated the promoters of the bazaar on the artistic
decoration of the hall, which was splendid. The stalls were very
attractive and there were very attractive ladies in charge of them. Everything
pointed to the bazaar being a great success. There was the
spirit of success about and the will to win. The bazaar was for a very
good object and he wished it all success. (Applause.)
Mr John Yeaman, Bank Street House, proposed a vote of thanks to
his Lordship for the favour he had done them in opening the bazaar.
He was sure the company would also wish him to ask Lord Strathmore
to convey to Lady Strathmore their sympathy in her illness.
(Applause.)
Rev. James Meikle, B.D., called for hearty cheers, for Lady Ogilvy-
Wedderburn, not only for ably presiding but for her work as joint convener
during Mrs Fyfe-Jamieson’s illness – “for the gallant way she
had stood in the breech.” (Applause.) To be continued again next month!
END OF AN ERA FOR FERGUSON JOINERS
AFTER 51½ years in the trade, Arch Ferguson is finally hanging up
his plane. Ferguson Joiners in Pitnacree Street will close at the end
of August. In joint partnership with Sandy Sangster, Arch took over
the business on 1 st March 1984, exactly 100 years after it was started
by James Ferguson, and then run by James’ grandson, Geordie until
1984. Sandy Sangster retired 10 years ago and Arch has mostly
concentrated on restoration work since.
Arch hopes to indulge in his love of shooting and golf in his retirement
and the Voice wish Arch a long, healthy and happy retirement.
SINCERE THANKS
ARCH Ferguson would like to sincerely thank, his customers
for their business during the last 22 years, his staff for their
friendship & loyalty, and his wife, Margaret, for her support.