Magazine 54,March 2015 Scottish Charity No: SC035073 1

From the manse.... Dear friends, As I write, we are in the season of Lent - for many, a time for reflection and introspection. For we all of us need times to stop and ask ourselves - what have I done wrong? And how can I do better? These are hard questions. They bring us face to face with facts about ourselves we'd rather forget. And they remind us of how we, by thoughtlessness or design, have so often failed as followers of Jesus, and caused upset to those around us. And then, wondering how we can do better, we might be tempted to think that it's all too much, we have no chance of making it better. We may be crippled by guilt, feelings of unworthiness. What can we do? Fortunately forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel. Jesus taught us to pray, “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us”. We need God to forgive us, because we cannot really do it ourselves. And we need to be forgiving of others, because we can hardly claim God's forgiveness if we don't share it with others. In our life together as a church, we need to know and experience God's forgiveness daily, and we need to be living as people who forgive one another. Otherwise, we fail to get past our failures; we make our difficulties even more difficult. If we can preach forgiveness (not just talking about it, but also doing it) we can make a great contribution to our society. One of the things which strikes me is the way we often assume that forgiveness has no place in life. When things go wrong, too many people seek revenge. I think our tabloid press is especially prone to this - we all rather enjoy watching someone suffer for something they have done wrong. More rarely do we hear of forgiveness being spoken of. Sometimes a difficult encounter with someone we know we have let down can be transformed when the person we've wronged shows us unwarranted forgiveness. Our relationships are transformed, and we are able to go forward together. As we approach Easter, Christians can celebrate forgiveness with our Biblical stories which speak so powerfully of forgiveness. Jesus forgave his executioners as he died on the cross. After his resurrection, he forgave Peter, who had denied him. And as he died, the curtain in the temple, the symbol of the holiness of God, is torn asunder. Now we have access to the power of God's forgiveness. I hope you have a reflective Lent, and a blessed Easter. May you know the power of God's forgiveness, and share it with others. It will change your world. May God bless you and yours, Peter 2

Church bosses bid to deflect gay ministers concern The Church of Scotland’s Edinburgh-based leadership has tried to deflect Inverness Presbytery’s continuing concern over the controversial appointment of ministers in homosexual relationships. In a letter to the Presbytery, the General Assembly’s acting principal clerk, the Rev Dr George Whyte, has tried to allay its fears on the issue, following the resignation of Rev Andrew McMillan of Dalneigh and Bona parish, who has left the church along with some members of his congregation. Dr Whyte’s reply is in response to a letter sent last month by Presbytery clerk Rev Trevor Hunt to the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt. Rev John Chalmers, and Dr Whyte himself, expressing “Presbytery’s deep concern over the detrimental and divisive impact that the Church’s chosen trajectory with regard to the issue of ministers and deacons in civil partnerships is continuing to have on individual congregations and Presbyteries and on the Church as a whole”. In his reply, Dr Whyte told the Presbytery “that those of us who work in the Church offices, and in particular those who have dealt with recent conflicted situations, are well aware of the tensions created by the General Assembly’s decisions in relation to ministers and deacons in same-sex relationships”. He added: “We have been saddened by the loss of ministers, elders and members who have felt the need to leave the Kirk over this issue. At the same time, we know that others would have left if the decisions had been different.” Dr Whyte said he was convinced that the issue could not have been avoided, and that there was no stance that the Church of Scotland could have taken on which everyone would agree. He felt that given the amount of time, prayer and energy committed to the issue “we have been as painstaking as we could have been”, and he emphasised that there were more decisions to be made at this year’s General Assembly in May. The Presbytery had also instructed Mr Hunt to write to every Presbytery of the Church, expressing the same deep concern and seeking information about known losses to the Church as a result of the issue, in terms of ministers, office bearers, members and adherents lost, and also financial losses sustained by congregations. Mr Hunt said he had received some replies. A compromise proposal by the Assembly, to allow individual congregations depart from the Church’s orthodox biblical stance on the issue and appoint ministers in homosexual relationships, was rejected overwhelmingly by Inverness Presbytery in December, when members voted 49-13 against. A majority of Scottish presbyteries, has, however, voted in favour. The controversy over actively gay clergy has been bubbling since 2008, when the 3

congregation of Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen called the Rev Scott Rennie, who had earlier announced his intention to live in the manse with a male partner. Over subsequent years, the issue has been the subject at top Church levels of a special commission and a theological commission, which led to an ambiguous compromise motion from the General Assembly. Former Royal Marines commando and ex-police officer Mr McMillan and his wife have been granted permission by the Presbytery to remain in Dalneigh Manse until 28 March. Mr McMillan is currently understood to be holding services with his breakaway members at Eden Court Theatre’s Bishop’s Palace. Meanwhile, retired Dingwall minister the Rev Dr Bruce Ritchie, now living in Inverness, has been appointed interim moderator until June, to begin the process of finding a new minister to fill the Dalneigh and Bona vacancy, after which, these duties will fall to the Rev Duncan MacPherson, Hilton.

New organist for Old High The new organist in charge of one of the Steve Flett, the North of Scotland’s most celebrated new organist for Old High instruments is talented 23-year old Orcadian Steven Flett. Steven, from Stromness, who began to play the piano at the age of four, is delighted at the prospect of regular access to the famous “Father Willis” organ in the Old High Church. He has just arrived in Inverness from his native islands, where he held a few temporary jobs – latterly as a carpet fitter – and is currently seeking work, while also hoping to gain entry to the Higher National Certificate music course at Inverness Technical College. Steven, who selected the organ as the instrument for his school exams, revealed that he first received formal piano lessons at the age of seven, and began to practise classical piano seriously at 13, under the tuition of well-known Orkney teacher Jean Leonard. He was later offered a place at Leeds College of Music, which offers a wide range of specialist musical degrees, diplomas and courses, but explained: “I couldn’t take it up, as my finances were not good at the time, though I would like to study there at some time in the future. “I would like eventually to be a teacher, rather than a performer.” Steven, who has frequently played the splendid organ at St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, both for pleasure and at services, says that although the organ is his favourite instrument, practicality dictates that most of any future teaching career would necessarily involve the piano. 4

Although neither of his parents is particularly musical, his grandfather Colin Poke was a noted accordionist, who in bygone days often played with Sir Jimmy Shand. His verdict on the Old High’s organ: “It’s a wonderful instrument and a real pleasure to play.”

Old High lunchtime recitals The 2015 series of lunchtime recitals at the Old High will start with an organ recital by Mark Spalding from Arbroath at 12 noon on Saturday 21st March. He has included an interesting programme of music by contemporary Scottish composers. This includes music by Morris Pert (1947-2010), a composer with local connections, and pieces to be performed along with percussion by Haworth Hodgkinson, a well-known poet, musician and radio broadcaster. There are monthly recitals thereafter throughout the rest of the year. As well as welcoming a number of local musical groups, such as “Voiceworks” and the “Merlewood Ensemble”, we are looking forward to several concerts by fine musicians from abroad, with a distinctly Nordic flavour this year: Thurs 16th April, 7.30pm: “Kor Ost”, a touring Norwegian choir Thurs 7th May, 7.30pm: “Reykjavik Wind Quintet” from Iceland Sat 1st August, 12 noon: “Miskantti Ladies’ Choir” from Finland Thurs 13th Aug, 7.30pm: “Fehse & Wilfert”, German trumpet-organ duo The aim is to open up the Old High for both the Inverness community and for visitors to our city. The Iona marble platform at the heart of the church offers a fine space, close to those who have come to listen, from which the musicians also share information about the music they are playing and what it means to them. We are keen to encourage younger people to attend as well, so have arranged a recital for advanced young Highland pupils on Saturday 6th June at noon, while the “Reykjavik Quintet” will offer aspiring pupils a workshop as well. Lunchtime recitals are scheduled to last one hour only. Donations of £5 are invited for the OH music Blásarakvintett Reykjavíkur, the fund to offset the running costs of these events. Icelandic wind quintet A programme for the whole series will be available in March, but it would be helpful if those interested in attending can pass their e-mail addresses to Pat MacLeod on [email protected] so that more detailed recital information can be shared with you in advance of the concerts throughout the year. We do hope to expand further the numbers attending these events, so please also pass on this information to family and friends who may be interested. We appreciate your support. Andrew Stevenson

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Challenging Yourself to Change Your World by Iain Craig On the last day of June 2014, Iain Craig, son of St. Stephen’s elders Colin and Sandie Craig, embarked on a 10-week adventure to a deprived South African township, representing Lattitude Global Volunteering, a volunteer organisation with a mission to foster the development of children at social risk. It is largely funded A township in South Africa. by the Department for International Development (DFID) under the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme. This initiative intends to encourage 7,000 UK 18-25 year olds, in co-operation with a further 7,000 overseas volunteers, to become active in making a difference to some of the world’s poorest communities. Iain continues his story here: Besides the training to prepare us for certain scenarios and emotions, I left with little knowledge of what truly lay ahead. I left only in the confidence I was to become part of a multi-cultural team working on a health and awareness project for the good of a challenged community. This project would seek to tackle the influence of intestinal worms infestation that was all too common in the area. It had been found that large numbers of school-aged children were falling ill from worms, leading to poor attendance and achievement with the very worst cases proving fatal. Symptoms are extensive, ranging from dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, to a lack of concentration and appetite which in some cases led to malnutrition. With students missing school due to these illnesses, not enough were visiting clinics for treatment as they simply didn’t know enough about it – not even of the available free vaccine. Vaccinated or not however, all children were at risk of contracting worms transmitted between carriers in the dirt and soil – and there we had our problem. Exiting the university town of Grahamstown, to the Joza township on its northern side, there was a very visible decline in living conditions. Joza was filthy – nowhere could you look without seeing a goat, cow, donkey or stray dog roaming the streets. To the naked eye, tiled roofs become corrugated Shops operate through barred windows. iron sheets, freely open shops become shops operating through barred windows and tidy rubbish bins on the street become dumping sites on most street corners, with litter rife in most open spaces. From some of these dusty, dirty corners outside schools, fruit and snacks were sold, and in the open spaces children were playing – their only option outside of school grounds.

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Preventing worms It was clear that campaign progress would rely on two aspects – one that brought greater awareness and knowledge of worms and vaccinations, and one that would promote the importance of cleanliness as a means of worms prevention. As a new organisation entering the township, our first step was networking. Our only relationship when we started was with UPSTART, a youth group which worked with a handful of children from all the schools around Joza to give them the opportunity to improve their literacy and presentation skills. It was hoped that these children would learn from us and be able to continue our work after Lattitude felt it time to withdraw from the Iain teaching in one of community to turn its efforts elsewhere. We the primary schools. located the two medical clinics in the area and liaised with them to determine our best approach, holding an educational drama in their premises on one occasion. My personal impact on the campaign was achieved by holding meetings with more than 10 school head-teachers to discuss how we could get involved with as many of their pupils as possible. Over the course of my time in Joza, we worked with well over 800 school children of different ages, teaching them the importance of cleanliness and washing their hands for example. No toilet facilities One of the problems I found hardest to deal with on visiting many of the schools was that some didn’t even have toilet facilities. In the fun interactive games classes we ran, I was telling pupils they mustn’t use the “bush” as a toilet, as this was where they played and where worms were most present, yet for many this was their only option. I reported this to the Department of Education which vowed this would soon be resolved. I can only hope this is the case. Other members of my team visited the same schools to perform informative dramas which were a huge success. They were performed in a mix of English and the local language Xhosa to ensure a full understanding of our teachings. We were invited to a church one weekend to share our performance with their large congregation and were given a great welcome – the whole community truly appreciated the work we were doing with their young people. The local radio station twice granted us some air time which we made the most of, and had an article entered in “Grocott’s Mail”, South Africa’s oldest independent newspaper. I lived with a host-family in the township whom I shall never forget – their number never the same from one day to the next, as relatives came and went. They didn’t have Warm welcomes. 7

much, but they always extended their full hospitality towards me, treating me as one of their own. I learned so much about their ancestry, their traditions and culture – some of which you would need to see or hear first hand to believe. Tackling worms was one issue, but living in the township wasn’t easy – it was plain to see that alcoholism was a serious problem all around. In addition the township water supply was regularly cut off, there was a real fear of crime after dark, and we found both school teachers and clinics often commenting on the issues around HIV/AIDs that still exist. Many professionals and those living in poverty asked us for further support A class shows off their worm prevention posters. that we simply could not extend our resources to. These experiences really broadened my horizons and put life into perspective. There are endless opportunities for you to make a difference too, whether it is choosing a charity close to your heart to support through donations, by actively volunteering for them, or by carrying out your own work independently. Every effort to help is appreciated by those in need. If however you are looking for a bigger challenge that might find you exploring outside your comfort zone or learning some life lessons as I have done, I would strongly recommend visiting the ICS website (http://www.volunteerics.org/). There you will find details of 13 programmes, the work they are doing, and how you can get involved. Challenge yourself to change your world.

Christmas News: Giving Trees From St Stephen's Church, 115 gifts in all were distributed to Barnardo's Scotland Springboard, Beechwood House, Cale House, Hilton Village NHS Care at Home Service, MacKenzie Centre, Manna House and Prisoners' Children and suitable letters of appreciation were received, conveying grateful thanks. Copies of these letters are on the noticeboard in the chancel at St Stephen's. From the Old High Church, over 100 parcels had been wrapped and these were collected for those cared for by the Homeless Trust. They were greatly appreciated and to the whole congregation of Old High St Stephen's Church a huge thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to this worthwhile project for those in great need. The response was overwhelming. Cliff Sim, Diana Fraser, Sheila MacLeod

St Stephen’s Christmas Concert Stephen’s Church and Community Choir held their joint Christmas concert in St Stephen’s Church on 17th and 18th December 2014. In previous years we were fortunate enough to be sold-out on our one evening’s performance and many people were disappointed not to be able to obtain tickets. With a little trepidation, it was decided to hold the 8

concert on two evenings, and again we were delighted to be able to report a sellout. The proceeds from the concerts amounted to a very creditable £3,210. The charities benefiting this time were Marie Curie and Women’s Aid Inverness, which received £1,380 each, whilst a donation of £450 was made to the Church to defray the expense of heating and lighting. Our programme was predominantly seasonal, with many old and newer Christmas favourites, but also included some surprises such as My Grandfather’s Clock, where the tock-tocks had us on tenterhooks to achieve perfect timing. It was an eclectic mix which, we hoped, offered something for everybody. The performance was much enhanced by two talented young soloists, Donald McDiarmid, from North Kessock who sang Stars from Les Miserables and accompanied the choir with a solo part in O Holy Night and Mary’s Boy Child, and Josie Steele who accompanied the choir on the bagpipes in the latter. Our heartfelt thanks, as ever, go to Pam McCulloch and Alyn Ross for all their hard work in getting an amateur bunch of songsters to an acceptable concert level and for their unfailing good humour during rehearsals when so many stray tick-tocks would chime out at the wrong moment. Thank you also, Alyn, for your wonderful arrangements and accompaniments. Our thanks are also due to Joan Darcy and Katharina Nimmo for all their work behind the scenes and to the ladies of the church who so kindly served the mince pies and mulled wine after the concerts. We choir members certainly enjoyed our rehearsals and the evening concerts, and we hope that our audiences also enjoyed a pleasant interlude in the seasonal rush and took away with them a little of the joy of Christmas. JR

St Stephen’s combined choirs who performed so successfully together at the Christmas concerts.

Spring Fever St Stephen's Church and Community Choirs will be performing alongside students from Inverness Royal Academy at a musical event Spring Fever on Saturday 28 March in Inverness Town House, from 2pm to 4pm, and you are invited to drop in to listen at any time. Tickets will be available from performers prior to the event, or at the door on the day. 9

Pastoral Care Team News: Church Members in Hospital The pastoral care team are aware that sometimes people in our congregation are admitted to hospital and this information does not reach our minister or our pastoral assistant. We, as a team, would also like to offer help when someone has been in hospital and in the days after the patient has been discharged back home. Could we ask that if anyone knows of someone who has been admitted to hospital they would let Peter or Pat MacLeod our church administrator know? A quick email or telephone call would be much appreciated and Peter could then act on this information. This is not just for elders but for everyone. Please pass on any information you have - don’t think that someone else will do it. Peter says he would rather hear this information several times rather than not know at all. (Contact Pat MacLeod: [email protected] )

Tea & Chat For some time now, the pastoral care team has organised a monthly Tea & Chat afternoon in St Stephen’s Hall. This has been supported by some of the congregation, but we would welcome many more people coming along. It is open to everyone, of any age, so most can make their own way to St Stephen’s. However if transport is a problem, I would ask that we try to help one another. If you sit beside someone in Church or if you know someone who you think would enjoy some Church fellowship, please offer to drive them to the Church Hall. I would appeal to elders to bring along someone from their district and come along too for a cup of tea and some home baking. PLEASE give this your consideration. Future dates are – Thursday 16 April and Thursday 14 May, both from 2-3.30pm. We will give you all a warm welcome.

A busy weekend The weekend straddling February and March was particularly busy for St Stephen’s Church Hall, which on Saturday morning hosted a coffee morning in aid of the fabric fund. It proved very successful, with a good attendance from the congregation and outwith, and raised over £1,000.

Katharina Nimmo and Ken Cantlay show off some of the goodies on sale at the coffee morning

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Josie McAleer, pictured here with her parents Des and Elaine, was, at 12 weeks old, the youngest person at the coffee morning on 28th February. Her granny, Margaret McAleer, was very much involved in the event’s organisation.

Congregation stalwart, Brenda Sellar (left), wife of ex-Provost Allan Sellar, enjoys a chin-wag with others who attended the coffee morning at St Stephen’s on 28th February

Sandy Cumming, caught by surprise, seems quite alarmed by the photographer’s presence

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On Sunday afternoon, the hall was the venue for a Puppets and Pizza Party, when the popular Out of the Box puppets once again appeared with entertaining tales and songs with morals attached.

Carol Hutchison of Out of the Box entertains with a Bible story at the start of the party

This was followed by craft activities and a pizza feast. It attracted 11 young people, together with six accompanying adults.

Pizza party chief cook Christina Cameron

Children enjoy trying out their skills with craft materials at the pizza party

Ken Cantlay and Gordon Harvey help youngsters solve paper puzzles

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Christian Aid Christian Aid week this year runs from 10 to 16 May. Last year Old High St Stephen’s contributed £5,338, made up of £3,833 from house to house, £916 from the coffee morning and £489 from Hannah Nimmo’s sponsored walk, to an Inverness and area total of £25,290. This was indeed a great result and will be hard to maintain. However with your help I am sure we can do it. The Outreach and Communication Action Team is co-ordinating this year’s effort, with Jennifer Morrison taking on the coffee morning at St Stephen’s Hall, and Ken Cantlay looking after the house-to-house. And if anyone will do a sponsored anything we would love to hear from you. Ken will be in touch with past collectors, and will be looking for new people to help also, and Jennifer will be looking for help with running the coffee morning – we will be in touch.

Joyce says thanks Once again my thanks to the good people in St Stephen’s Church for their support on 22 February when I took ill: to Richard Green who helped me out and lowered me on to the pavement, then went for assistance; Sandie Craig for her comfort and her scarf for a pillow; also to all these doctors who answered Richard’s call for help. Iain Russel took me home and made me a welcome cup of tea, while Susan Macleod took my car home and gave me food. Both checked up on me later in the day. Malcolm Macrae was also there, and two paramedics with their ambulance. Passers-by offered help too. Thanks too, for visitors and telephone calls. I am much blessed to have so many kind friends. Joyce Cumming

Old High Church Hall Weekly Use 2015 Monday evening Large Hall Disabled archery Tuesday Coronach – 7pm Bells - Choir room Disabled Archery Wednesday - Boys Brigade Thursday Choir Afternoons – Macular disease (once a month) Evening - Archery Friday - Available to users to set up in evening if they have booked for a Saturday.

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4th Company Boys’ Brigade Though there has been a drop in Company numbers this session, the boys are still having some successes in Battalion competitions. Only two 4th boys entered in the badminton competitions. Craig Fraser won through to the final where he was narrowly beaten by Ross Fulton (3rd Coy) over three games with scores of 11-8; 3-11 and 9-11, in the under 15s singles, and when partnered by Jerome Byaruhanga, they were runner up in the doubles, losing 11-5 and 11-3 to Ross and his brother Tom. Jerome Byaruhanga and Craig Fraser (BB news)

Three boys entered the table tennis competitions where Scott and Jerome were unfortunately drawn against each other in the under 15s section, with Scott emerging as winner. Scott progressed to the final where he beat Jack Mackenzie (12th Coy) 11-1 and 11-4 to retain the title he won last year. In the under 13s section Jordan Byaruhanga, who was runner up last year, won his way through to the final where he beat Kai Reid (12th Coy) 11-7 and 11-6 to win the trophy.

Jordan Byaruhanga and Scott Fraser (BB news)

Leadership Course at Banff On Sunday 22nd February Scott and Jerome attended a Boys’ Brigade Skills Course at Banff. They were part of a group of 27 boys aged 14-17 who were completing the course as part of the qualifications for their President’s Badge, with boys travelling from Inverness, Nairn, Buckie, Banff and Turriff. The programme covered talks on “What is Leadership” and the qualifications required for both President’s and Queen’s Badges. They separated into two groups for physical exercises, including box work while the other group were given exercises in paper cutting which highlighted the necessity for groups working together, from which leadership evolves. There was an interesting talk on Street Pastors given by the local minister, who has been greatly associated with this project. During the summing up, boys were asked what they had gained from the experience and it was emphasised that they were looked upon as the future leaders within the Brigade. One important aspect of gaining the President’s and especially the Queen’s Badge was that potential employers accepted this as an indication that boys were motivated and energetic, with a degree of leadership abilities. Included on a boy’s CV, this can be a bonus, when making an application for future employment. Peter Home

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Presbytery’s new pastoral group The Presbytery has set up a Pastoral Group, which is ready to meet with any minister or congregation wishing to discuss their pastoral or other concerns in the light of the challenges and controversies facing the Church at the present time. The group, formed to assist ministers and congregations with pastoral or other concerns which might impact them, is to contact ministers, session clerks, presbytery elders, clerks to the board, and treasurers, offering their willingness to meet. Individuals from any congregation are also able to meet with a member of the group to discuss their concerns should they wish to do so. Such meetings would be completely confidential.

David Smillie – a tribute

Roy Pedersen

David Smillie was a very special man. It was a privilege and honour to have known him for three and a half decades. David was born in Annan to the Rev John Laidlaw Smillie and Mary Munn. While still a wee bairn, the family flitted to Port Seaton in East Lothian where his father took up the charge at Cockenzie Parish Church. It was in Port Seaton and the Manse there in Cope Lane that David, his sister Elspeth and brother Laidlaw spent their formative years. David came to love Port Seaton with its strong sense of community, its history, fishing industry and its strong Scots tongue. At a time when middle class children were pushed to speak Standard English, David, ever the rebel, defied such pressures and stuck to Scots. On completing his primary schooling locally, David pursued his secondary education at Edinburgh’s Royal High School, after which he took a BSc in Zoology at Aberdeen University. Before and after taking up the post of Research Assistant at the Zoology Department at the University of Dublin, he had turned his hand to an amazing range of short term work of which he told me the most enjoyable was as a scaffie with East Lothian Council. While in Dublin, he developed a fascination for Irish history, culture, theatre and politics, in the course of which, he mingled with some “interesting” characters about whom it may be best to draw a veil. Back in Scotland, after a year in teaching, he worked with the Fisheries Inspectorate successively in Arbroath, Aberdeen, Peterhead and Shetland – all places in which he revelled in the rich varieties of Scots prevalent in these places. And so to the Highlands and Islands Development Board and its successor body Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE). He worked his way up through the Fisheries Division, variously with fish processing cases, inward investment, international fish trade and policy formulation. From there he moved to become European Programmes Manager and latterly into the field of community, culture, heritage and transport. David’s first marriage broke up in the early 80s. Then his fancy fell on a lovely lady (Eileen Buchanan) whom he was desperate to ask out, but, for one who was so fearless in other respects, he repeatedly bottled it. A few years later, his good friend Dennis Guyan introduced himself to Eileen. At a subsequent meeting in 1984 Dennis 15

brought along his pal David and history was made. David and Eileen married in 1989 – a happy match that was to last and through which David gained a lovely stepdaughter Donna and more recently a step-grandson Gregor. What of David’s character? Well in many ways he was a contradiction. He was first of all his own man, principled, humane and never afraid to say what he thought (except to ask Eileen for a date). He was a staunch supporter of Scottish independence and also a European internationalist. He was highly intelligent, but unassuming; heroic, a bonny fechter, but gentle, thoughtful and tender; thrawn, but ready to help those in need. All in all a proper person and a one-off. When David was approached by the late Rev Colin Anderson to become a church elder, David considered himself unworthy. Colin persevered and in due course David served as a diligent and well-loved Old High elder. Perhaps I should mention here that it was David and the Rev Nimmo who opened my own mind to finding a way of re-establishing a relationship with the kirk, after many decades of non-attendance. Of interests, David had many. His wife and family were of course very important to him as were his friends. Many a yarn he told of Dennis (already mentioned) of Ally Moss and Mike Wilkins. He loved travel and hill walking, especially in the Balkan countries – Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria. He loved history and politics especially of small countries, including his own Scotland, and then there were linguistics, place-names, Gaelic, the environment, evolutionary theory, cinema, music and much else. During much of his time with HIE David experienced debilitating muscle wastage in his arm. It remained undiagnosed for many years, until Dr Richard Knight identified the problem as Lewis Sumners Syndrome, which was subsequently sorted out by Prof Willison at the Southern General. While there David worked on and eventually gained his second degree, a BA in Social Science from the Open University. More recently we all know how David fought cancer. Three years ago, Marie and I picked him up from Raigmore to take him home for Christmas. He was in a bad way and we both thought he would be lucky to see the New Year. Well, blow me, see the New Year he did. He fought the cancer. He put on weight, he travelled back to his beloved Balkans, he attended conferences, he did voluntary work with New Start and he campaigned for a “Yes” in the referendum. Well as we know a few weeks ago David was taken into the hospice and he said to Eileen: “Am I dying?” Eileen confirmed that that was the case. David replied: “Well we’ll see about that.” That kind of sums David up – thrawn and a bonny fechter to the end. Now that his time here has passed, I’d like to offer David the words of the 23rd Psalm in Scots:

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“The Lord is my herd, nae want sal fa me; He louts me till lie amang green howes; he airts me atowre by the lown watirs: He waukins my wa’gaen saul; he weises me roun’ for his ain name’s sake, intil richt roddins Na! tho I gang thro’ the deid-mirk-dail; e’en thar, sal I dread nae skaithin: for yersel are nar-by me; yer stok an yer stay haud me baith fu’ cheerie, My buird ye hae hansell’d in face o’ my faes; ye hae drookit my head wi oyle; my biker is fu’ an skailin. E’en sae, sal gude-guidin an gude-gree gang wi me, ilk day o’my livin; an evir mair syne, i’ the Lord’s ain howff, at lang last, sal I mak bydan.” Beannachd leat a Dhaibhidh

Obituary – Violet Wilson Violet Wilson, who died in October, after a brave fight with cancer, was a faithful elder at St Stephen’s Church, to which she gave long and enthusiastic service. Born in Huntly, the middle child of the three-strong family of Jack and Laura Jamieson, she grew up in Morar, Lochaber, from the age of two. Her father was a handloom weaver who taught his craft throughout the Highlands and Islands. Educated locally and at Mallaig Secondary School until the Violet Wilson age of 14, she completed her schooling at Inverness Royal Academy, before training as a physiotherapist in Edinburgh, where she worked before her marriage. She met her husband Murray at the Crown Church – the start of a courtship and marriage which brought both joy and sadness, but enriched their lives. After a 10-year gap to raise her two children, Violet returned to work with enthusiasm at Raigmore Hospital and the Royal Northern Infirmary. Her close friend Jenny McIntosh said that love of movement was a theme throughout her life. She won many prizes at Highland dancing, played squash, kept fit with the League of Health and Beauty and in retirement took up Tai Chi. As a church elder, she supported three ministers and served the people of her area far beyond easy commitment. A keen gardener, Violet loved growing plants from seed. Her greenhouse was crammed with seedlings, mostly grown for the annual Christian Aid sale. She grew vegetables and tomatoes, but flowers were her passion, and she found peace in her garden as well as in her church. Violet is survived by Murray, her daughter Laura in Glasgow, her son Andrew in Haddington and her grandchildren. She is much missed by our congregation. Adapted from Jenny McIntosh’s tribute at Violet’s funeral service on 7th November. 17

Food for Families 2014 What a great year it has been, as we have provided 3,376 meals for distribution in to the community. On the other hand it’s not so great that there are so many families in need of assistance. I would like to thank once again our hard working volunteer cooking teams who have continued to support the Food for Families Project. Since it started up four years ago, we have cooked and distributed 9,144 meals – a fantastic outcome for the project. The feedback I have received from the teams continues to be very positive and the cooking sessions have been enjoyed by all who have taken part. Once again, many thanks to the sponsors of the project David and Anne Sutherland, “Home Farms”, for the provision of the meat and Catriona Cameron, of “the Kitchen” and “Mustard Seed” restaurants for the provision of the vegetables. This year we must also thank the staff at Tesco Ness Side for their kind donation of turkey dinners. I would also like to thank Culduthel Christian Centre for lending its kitchen out to a couple of the cooking teams, which has been a real help. This year we worked closely with NHS Social Work Team and also the Families and Schools Social Work Team, as well as local community centres, schools and councillors which has seen meals distributed to Easter Ross, Mid Ross, Glen Urquhart & Moray Firth Areas (Kiltarlity/Beauly) and of course here in the City itself. A strong network of partnership working has ensured that the distribution of meals has been wide spread and they have gone to those families who are in need. We look forward to continuing with the service provision next winter and hope that we can continue to count on your much appreciated support and help. With thanks and kind regards Alex Gilchrist, Business Manager, Gateway Highland Homeless Trust

Church Finances As at 1 March 2015, I am pleased to report the following financial information. In various Clydesdale Bank accounts, our current balance is £135,092 and a further sum of £28,807 is held in Barclays bank accounts. In addition, we have investments held by the Church of Scotland, Edinburgh to the value of £107,485. We also own a National Savings Bond worth £5,000. In total, our current funds are £276,384. Compared to many other church congregations, this is a very favourable position. However, there is an underlying trend which is unsustainable for our congregation, namely that our annual income is barely covering our necessary running costs – and we have to pay for fabric repairs and improvements from existing funds. For example, in 2014 we withdrew some £17,500 from our fabric funds to pay for major items but we were not able to deposit any new amounts into our fabric funds. So, unless actions identified in the church’s financial plan are successful, then our currently healthy financial position will be at serious risk within the next decade. The annual accounts for 2014 are being prepared, and will be presented to the Kirk Session for approval on Tuesday 24 March. Thereafter, the 18

congregation will receive a financial commentary explaining the income figures as well as payments made during the course of 2014. Copies of the full set of 2014 accounts will be made available to those who wish to examine more detailed information. Finally, as part of our review of annual expenditure, the decision has been taken to purchase only 100 sets of Freewill Offering Envelopes for the year commencing July 2015. This action will save at least £180, but it will require persons using Freewill Offering Envelopes to be allocated new numbers. Nearer the changeover date of late June, further information will be available on this important change.

Churches join forces to form credit union The Church of Scotland, and other denominations have joined forces to establish a new credit union, which aims to show banks and pay day lenders a fairer approach to finance for those in need. The Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Rev John Chalmers, joined the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, and the President of the Methodist Conference, Rev Ken Howcroft, at Church House, Central London last month, to celebrate their respective churches’ collaboration in forming the flagship Churches Mutual Credit Union (CMCU).

Baptisms 2015 15 Feb - Lexie Ann Lockhart, 6 Moy Terrace, Inverness (baptised by Peter at the RNI Chapel)

Deaths 2015 24 Nov 2014 Agnes Mackay, Cradlehall Nursing Home 29 Nov 2014 David Smillie, 35 Abban Street 13 Dec 2014 Marion Scobbie, Southside Nursing Home 16 Dec 2014 Margaret Boa, Isobel Fraser Residential Home 9 Jan 2015 Margaret Small, Wyvis Care Home, Dingwall 23 Jan 2015 Elizabeth Mainwaring, 1 Achvraid Road 27 Jan 2015 Catherine Wood, 18 Annfield Road 29 Jan 2015 Duncan Shaw, 30 Cradlehall Park 30 Jan 2015 Jean White, 10 Annfield Road 21 Feb 2015 Mary Angus, Cameron House 15 Mar 2015 Jim Morrison, 36 Mason Road

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