Posts for October, 2023

This talk is centred on the visit to Scotland by George IV in 1822, it also looks at the conditions in Scotland prior to then and the longer-term consequences of the visit with a particular emphasis on Badenoch & Strathspey. Sir Walter Scott organised the pageantry of the visit and this talk follows the growth of Romanticism and the creation of an image of Scotland that has had lasting effects, particularly in the Highlands.

A Munros walk on the night of every full moon in 2018 during the unusual cycle of 13 that year which only comes round every 20 years. Using the moon names that we have adopted from the Native American tribes, each mountains(s) had to have a link with the relevant name for that month. Added to that was a piece of music and a drink, also with links to the moon name. Alan is an author of the mountain trilogy – Moonwalker, A Mountain Before Breakfast and Mountains of the Moon – which all focus on his night walking habits. He is also author an ebook series, The Moonwalker Chronicles.

Killiecrankie was fought in an hour or two in July 1689. Before that there had been four months of hell as opposing armies ravaged their way through Badenoch and Strathspey. This talk will examine the causes and consequences, and what happened where and when. Peter Mackay is a Boat Talks favourite and we are delighted to welcome him back.

Gairloch, Wester Ross and Galapagos Islands, Ecuador are both very special but very different places. The natural life of both will be explored in this fascinating Talk supported by stunning photographs with an emphasis on the bird life found in both places. We will be impressed, surprised and enthralled by the wonderful wildlife while also being concerned about the future ecology of both areas due to our impact.
Doors open at 7.00pm, Talk starts at 7.30pm
Admission £6 (under 16s free with an adult)
Season tickets still available at £45 for 9 Talks (last opportunity to purchase!)
Free tea/coffee
Pay by cash or card (cash preferred!)

Through the Summer of 2023, I have been the Survey Officer for the Rare Invertebrates in the Cairngorms projects, a groundbreaking collaboration between the RSPB, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Butterfly Conservation, The Cairngorms National Park Authority, Buglife, and NatureScot. Together we aim to restore the fortunes of six species of insect in the Cairngorms National Park. I will explore the highs and lows of surveying for four of these species, the Kentish Glory, Pine Hoverfly, Dark Bordered Beauty and Small Scabious Mining Bee, as well as their ecology, and share in some exciting developments in their conservation, as well as introducing some of the Cairngorms wonderful wildlife encountered along the way.

We are so excited to have JEmmanuel and his band join us for our final Supper Club of the year. A regular favourite in Edinburgh’s renowned Jazz bar, JEmmanuel’s soulful melodies and velvety vocals are second to none and a rare thing around these parts in the Highlands. Together with his band, you can expect a unique blend of soul, jazz and blues that will tug on the old heartstrings as well as get your toe’s tapping, along with some very well-loved familiar tunes.

With canapes and a drink on arrival and a thoughtfully created seasonal four course menu provided by ourselves here at The Dell, our tipi supper club’s really do offer up a memorable evening filled with fun, good company, culinary treats and soul-soothing music.

We offer the choice of two menus which you can select when purchasing your tickets and please do let us know of any dietary requirements.

Hope to see you here!

The Dell Team x

Join us for a walk through the Christmas story. Follow the glowing trail as it guides you through Alltnacriche’s grounds, with live action scenes to take you back in time to Jesus’ birth.

Stick around afterwards for hot drinks and mince pies
Entry is free, but donations are welcome.
Last entry at 6pm.

The Autumn Festival in the Braes of Glenlivet offers something for everyone. Explore the fascinating history of Scalan Mills & Seminary, which will be open from 1:00pm- 4:00pm and then join us at the hall from 4:00pm for an apple pressing party with apple games, soup and home baking. Mark Johnston, Head Ranger at Glenlivet Estate will lead a easy family friendly wildlife dusk walk at 4:30pm where you can learn all about the animals that live on Glenlivet Estate.

Storyteller Nana Tumova will enchant us with seasonal and celestial stories around a campfire from 5:30pm and again at 6:30 pm. Nana is an acclaimed Traditional Oral Storyteller and a nature connection guide. She loves stories of the wild, and her favourite place to tell them is out on the land. She is the creator of the Story Apothecary Podcast, where she dispenses stories as medicine. If you would like to attend the storytelling, please arrive a few minutes before each session.

As day turns to night, our local astronomy group will host telescope and stargazing sessions for all ages and abilities. Come along for an introduction to the constellations, enjoy a laser guided sky tour or try out our community telescope. If it is cloudy on the night there will be an indoor presentation in the hall.

All events are free and are on a drop-in basis and are open to all (apart from the wildlife dusk walk) that can be pre-booked in advance for free at Eventbrite.

Launching the Fife Arms’ celebrations of Scottish Yuletide traditions, join us around our courtyard firepit to mark the Winter Solstice with mulled drinks and the ceremonial burning of the Yule log, as we herald in good luck and the return of longer, lighter days together.

Clova Half Marathon is a popular race at the end of season.

The course is picturesque and undulating, with weather, which can range from lovely sunshine, sideways rain to ice and snow.

The route starts from the Clova Hotel, taking in a circular route.

Like most races we have a set of sponsors – Run4It, Strathmore Water and Glen Clova Hotel.