After recent business closures in Fortrose, we’re delighted to report that one owner has dropped her plans to leave. Susan Plowman of the Studio Jewellery Workshop stars on the cover of our Autumn edition, in which she reveals why she changed her mind.

One familiar face who has left – for health reasons – is Bishop Peter Moran, who spent several years in Fortrose after a career that took him from Rome to Aberdeenshire. He tells us his story.

Debra Flook is a keen photographer but her wheelchair meant the dolphins at Chanonry Point were out of reach. Then the local community took a hand, making the shoreline accessible for a special event last July. We learn how visitors got on, and their hopes for further events.

Photography has played a big part in the latest Chatterbox. Not only do we feature some spectacular images alongside Julian Paren’s article about the area’s woodlands, we also highlight the winners of the annual Black Isle Photo Competition organised by Culbokie Community Trust.

There are also photo spreads from the Cromarty Open Gardens and the Avoch Regatta – we’re spoiling you!

The Black Isle Repair Cafe is now a year old. We look back at 12 months of fixing and recycling and its plans for the future.

Rosemarkie Scottish Women’s Institute marked a much bigger anniversary – 95 years. We discover what its members get up to.

Mentors can change children’s lives. We hear from some of the Black Isle-based volunteers involved with MCR Pathways, which helps pupils in several Highland schools.

And there’s more in another bumper Chatterbox – don’t miss yours.

Russell Turner
Editor