Chatterbox

A blaze of Avoch cherry blossom fills the cover of the Summer Chatterbox, which features nature in several stories.

Munlochy-based charity Flourish was in North Kessock where primary pupils marked the start of work on its first school garden. We learn about its plans for the future.

Also looking ahead is conservation group Mossy Earth, whose Cromarty Seascape project aims to protect and improve the firths around the Black Isle. Conservation biologist Isla MacLeod tells us more.

Patrick Vickery continues to update us on the trials and tribulations of life as a Highland gardener, and we look forward to Cromarty’s Open Gardens weekend and a full week of Art & Flowers in the East Church.

Still in Cromarty, we preview an exhibition which features the work of furniture designer John Vaughan of Fortrose, to be held at the Old Brewery in August, while back in Avoch we meet mother and daughter Jenni and Emma who’ve made their cafe, No 19, the centre of a year of fundraising for cancer charity Maggie’s.

Another charity seeking help is Black Isle Cares, which is creating a new team of general volunteers. All sorts of roles are available. Find out what you could do.

Work is making progress at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, where storms last year caused severe coastal erosion. We find out what’s the latest news.

It may be 10 years away, but Cromarty Harbour is looking forward to its 250th anniversary. We learn about the work needed to safeguard its future – and how you can become a Harbour Angel and share in a special cask of GlenWyvis single malt.

Not quite so distant is the next Black Isle Gathering, on 19th October. Organiser Jenny Brogden tells us what’s planned and how you can take part.

All this and more in the latest Chatterbox – don’t miss your copy!

Russell Turner, Editor