When herbalist Cornelia Hughes first set up in business, it was in Dingwall. Twenty years later, Panacea is firmly established in Rosemarkie – just two doors down from her home. She spoke to us for the Spring edition of Chatterbox.

Someone else celebrating a milestone is former Avoch resident Margaret Tanner, who now lives in an Invergordon care home. We found out how she celebrated her 100th birthday.

In February, Fortrose welcomed its new priest, Fr Alex Lane, who will also serve congregations in Cromarty and Arpafeelie. We learned all about him.

There are more tales of Avoch’s maritime past in our latest edition. Alastair Jack told us about life at sea in search of herring, and how it’s become more difficult to make a livelihood from fishing.

Elsewhere, Andrew Lendrum recalls the days when boats were still built in Avoch, and looks at the Blossom, which sought the herring from 1929 before being scrapped 50 years later.

The sea continues to play a big part in Black Isle life. We look inside the new headquarters of the Avoch Community Rowing Club – the Skiffties – and in Cromarty we hear from Fiona Deakin, one of an all-female Scottish quartet training to row 7,000 miles across the Atlantic.

Cromarty is gearing up for its annual Crime and Thrillers Weekend in May. The stellar line-up includes Christopher Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman as Ambrose Parry, Denise Mina and Ian Rankin. We’ve got all the details.

Resolis celebrated Burns in January with a lunch and entertainment at the hall for a gathering aged from seven to 96 – and we’ve got photos of the big day.

In North Kessock, we get the latest update on the Go Flourish project which is turning primary pupils into the next generation of gardeners.

And there’s more, in 44 pages and still only £2. Don’t miss your copy (now available at Fortrose Co-op)!

Russell Turner
Editor