Posts for October, 2026

Add a touch of homemade charm to your Christmas!

Create a beautiful 14-inch sustainable wreath decoration, with materials naturally sourced from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Along with the frames, we’ll provide an array of foliage, seed heads, dried fruit and decorations to make your festive wreaths one of a kind!

This event will be taking place in the Learning Hive events space at Highland Wildlife Park.

Discounted tickets available for members.

For further information please contact events@rzss.org.uk.

Come and join us at Newtownmore Golf Club for an evening for Bonfire Night Fun.

Bonfire and fireworks at 7pm, and bar and food available from The Apiary at Newtonmore Club House.

All Welcome

Proudly sponsored by Newtonmore Winter Lights Association.

Ceramics, glassware and bar items, local vintage glass bottles, old ink bottles, Bakelite, coins, stamps, unique silver jewellery, 60’s and 70’s vinyl, vintage games and toys, kitchenalia, small furnishings, paintings and prints plus so much more

In 2026, Logie Steading celebrates a remarkable milestone – 100 years since its buildings were first created as a model farm.

Over the past century, the Steading has seen many changes, evolving from its beginnings as a model farm into the vibrant visitor destination it is today. Throughout that time, it has been the people who have lived and worked here who have helped make Logie such a special place.

This exhibition explores the story of Logie Steading over the past 100 years, bringing together photographs, memories and fascinating objects to show how the Steading and the wider community have changed through the decades.

Discover personal stories and family photographs shared by people who have lived and worked at Logie, along with voice recordings, cine film from the Laing family, a timeline charting the past century and a collection of tools, equipment and other items found on the estate.

The exhibition also features a wonderful scale model of Logie Steading created by children from Logie Primary School, as well as a display about the life of Sir Alexander Grant, kindly loaned by Forres Heritage Trust.

A fascinating opportunity to step back through 100 years of Logie’s history and discover the people, stories and everyday objects that have helped shape this much-loved place.

With thanks to the Findhorn Interpretative Trust, and especially to everyone who has taken the time to share their family stories, memories and photographs.

Dark Sky Adventures

In collaboration with the Hilton Grand Vacations Craigendarroch, join us for a guided night walk in the Cairngorms National Park, led by a qualified Mountain Leader and certified Star Ranger. Begin with an engaging dark skies / stargazing presentation in the Resort before heading out to explore the landscape in darkness.

Itinerary
7pm meet up in Craigendarroch main building reception.
30-40 minute dark skies presentation either in the Lochnagar room or at the walk start location, with hot drinks provided.
~20 minute private minibus journey to walk / stargazing location.
1.5 hour night walk with plenty of stops stargazing and wildlife spotting.
~20 minute journey back to the Craigendarroch.

Please note this event will go ahead even if it is overcast or raining. Your guide will be able to share history and nature facts as you walk. Night vision scopes will be available for wildlife spotting. If the weather forecast is unsafe, the event will be postponed and you will be offered a refund (minus 5% booking fees), or another date.

Limited to 8 participants. For full details and to book your place, please click the link.

Fitnessat58° Loch Morlich Running Festival

Start 2027 with an unforgettable run through the beautiful Glenmore Forest, finishing beside the stunning shores of Loch Morlich.

Now in its 9th year, the Fitnessat58° Loch Morlich Running Festival welcomes runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or simply looking to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere, you’ll be supported and cheered on by the friendly team every step of the way.

Choose from two trail routes – 5.6km or 11.2km – taking you through the spectacular Glenmore Forest and finishing at Loch Morlich beach. Trail shoes are recommended.

Event details

Date: Sunday 3 January 2027
Start: 12 noon
Registration: From 10am
Start location: The Hayfield, Glenmore
Distances: 5.6km and 11.2km

What’s included

Group warm-up led by Fitnessat58° instructor Sam Cairns
Chip timing by Perfect Timing Scotland, with results available on the day
Bespoke finisher’s medal
Delicious home baking at the finish
Prizes for the top three male and female runners in each race
A friendly, family and dog-friendly atmosphere – dogs must be kept on leads

Race schedule

Registration: From 10am
Warm-up and race briefing: 11.45am
Race start: 12 noon

Come along, enjoy the stunning surroundings and make the Fitnessat58° Loch Morlich Running Festival part of your New Year celebrations.

Get ready for a frightfully fun Halloween day filled with entertainment, music, fancy dress and delicious autumnal treats.

We’ll be joined by Bubbles the Clown, who is here to entertain rather than scare, plus Ruaraidh from Moray Flying Circus for an interactive circus skills workshop. Enjoy live music from Dave Godden, aka The World’s Smallest Ceilidh Band, and come dressed to impress in your favourite Halloween fancy dress.

The head chef and the amazing kitchen team will also be brewing up some delicious autumnal specials.

The café will be open from 10am, with the Halloween entertainment getting underway from midday.

Come along and enjoy a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of our collections store at Am Fasgadh.

With more than 15,000 objects in the collection, there’s plenty to discover, from everyday items to objects that tell the story of life and work in the Highlands.

The tour begins at 2pm in Am Fasgadh and must be booked in advance. You can book by calling 01349 781650 or emailing highland.folk@highlifehighland.com.

Alternatively, you can book in person at reception when you arrive at the Museum.

The tour is free, although donations are welcome.

HALF TERM FUN

Looking for something fun to do this half term? Come along and take part in our Red Squirrel Trail.

Ten naughty squirrels have hidden themselves around our historic buildings. Can you spot them all? Along the way, you’ll discover lots of fun facts about these beautiful creatures. And if you’re very lucky, you might even spot a real red squirrel in our Pinewood.

There’s no need to book — simply pick up your trail from reception for £2 per trail.

We’re open every day from 10.30am to 4pm until Sunday 25 October, so there are only a few weeks left to visit us in 2026.

Bring the family, enjoy a bit of exploring and see how many squirrels you can find.

Make your little one’s day at Highland Wildlife Park Zoo extra magical this festive season! Visit Santa Claus in his festive Christmas Grotto, where each child will have the chance to meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift.

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 December, the grotto will be available to book in 10-minute time slots from 10:20am – 3:30pm.

Please note the grotto does not include entry into Highland Wildlife Park. Admission tickets must be purchased alongside your Santa’s grotto tickets. We’d recommend booking your favoured grotto slot and then booking your park tickets afterwards!

For further information please contact events@rzss.org.uk

Prices

1 child: £18 + £1 booking fee
2 children: £33 + £1.25 booking fee
3 children: £49 + £1.50 booking fee
4 children: £66 + £1.75 booking fee