Posts for February, 2026

Join us for a magical dawn chorus walk at Loch Garten, followed by an exclusive early morning viewing of the Ospreys from the Nature Centre.

Meeting in the car park, we will head out on a short, gentle walk around the edge of the loch. As the forest awakens, we’ll take in the sights and sounds of the Caledonian pinewood at dawn, learning to identify the different birds that make up the dawn chorus.

After the walk, we’ll return to the Nature Centre for an exclusive morning viewing of the Osprey nest as the sun rises. Dawn can be one of the most active times for Ospreys, with birds often returning to the nest carrying fish, and in April, birds can be seen sky dancing overhead as they set up their territories.

Inside the Nature Centre, you can relax with tea, coffee, and a pastry while enjoying views of the nest, watching live cameras, and learning more about the history of ospreys at Loch Garten and the ecology of these remarkable birds.

Love trees but not sure what you’re looking at (especially in the winter!)? Join us for a guided walk around Loch Garten to learn more about how to spot some of our most popular species.

The largest remaining remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest, we sit at the heart of a gorgeous pine forest dotted with birch, aspen, alder, willow, rowan, and a long history. But when the winter leaves fall many of these species can be difficult to differentiate.

Our expert ranger Ewan will take you on a 2-hour walk around our trails, showing how best to identify our leafy friends and indulge you in a bit of forest folklore.

This event will involve walking around 3 kilometres on rough and uneven ground. Outdoor shoes and warm clothing are required.

Children are welcome with a paying adult.

Love trees but not sure what you’re looking at (especially in the winter!)? Join us for a guided walk around Loch Garten to learn more about how to spot some of our most popular species.

The largest remaining remnant of the ancient Caledonian forest, we sit at the heart of a gorgeous pine forest dotted with birch, aspen, alder, willow, rowan, and a long history. But when the winter leaves fall many of these species can be difficult to differentiate.

Our expert ranger Ewan will take you on a 2-hour walk around our trails, showing how best to identify our leafy friends and indulge you in a bit of forest folklore.

This event will involve walking around 3 kilometres on rough and uneven ground. Outdoor shoes and warm clothing are required.

Children are welcome with a paying adult.

Don’t miss this incredible family-friendly event on Saturday August 1st 2026. Join us and enjoy the spectacle of the kilted ‘Heavies’ and get goosebumps courtesy of the massed pipe bands echoing out across the games field. The Highland dancers will be up on stage to entertain us too, and children and adults can join in with any number of track events – or maybe you fancy the Haggis eating competition!?
The beer tent will have young musicians playing traditional music, there’s stalls and family-friendly rides and games, our iconic Hill run up Creag Dhubh, and the annual Macpherson Rally with all of it’s colour and traditions. Burger-vans, ice-creams and other refreshments will be available as well as lots of stalls to browse.
Events, including piping competitions, start on the Eilan (free parking) from 10am, with the main attractions from midday onwards, and you can watch the pipe bands march through the village to the Games field from 1pm –
More details will be updated closer to the time on our social media pages. See you there!

Treat someone special to an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ballater with a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea

Indulge in a beautifully handcrafted selection of sweet delights, including:
Luxuriously soft red velvet cake
Delicate, melt‑in‑the‑mouth macarons
Silky, refreshing mini lemon posset

Make this Valentine’s truly special at Rothesay Rooms.
💖 Limited spaces — book now to avoid disappointment.
To reserve your table:
Call: 01339 753816
email: rothesayroomsbookings@baxterstorey.com
…or simply pop in and see us.
We can’t wait to welcome you. ❤️

Merryn will read from her book ‘The Hidden Fires: A Cairngorms Journey with Nan Shepherd’. This is a response to Shepherd’s beloved classic of nature writing, The Living Mountain.

This is the only chance to see Merryn discussing her wonderful Cairngorms based book in Tomintoul – don’t miss out!

Mark, the Glenlivet Estate Head Ranger will be giving a short introductory talk ‘Tomintoul – the Back Door to the Cairngorms’

The number of lunches will be limited and will be first come first served.

Merryn Glover grew up internationally and now lives in the Cairngorms of Scotland. Whether out and about or at her desk, crossing cultures, landscapes and literary forms is her life.

Valentine’s Day – Friday 14th February ❤️

Treat your someone special to an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ballater.

Join us for a Special Five‑Course Valentine’s Dinner featuring
Tender Aberdeenshire lamb with crisp, golden pomme dauphine
Beautifully curated seasonal courses throughout the evening

Guests are invited to arrive from 6:30pm, with dinner being served at 7:00pm

Whether it’s a luxurious afternoon tea together or a romantic candle‑lit dinner, make this Valentine’s truly special at Rothesay Rooms.

💖 Limited spaces — book now to avoid disappointment.

To reserve your table:
📞 01339 753816
📧 rothesayroomsbookings@baxterstorey.com
…or simply pop in and see us.

We can’t wait to welcome you. ❤️

Follow us on social media for our other upcoming events

Treat Mum to a relaxed and delicious Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surroundings of The Boathouse, Kincraig. A lovely way to say thank you, enjoy time together, and let someone else do the baking for a change. Our carefully prepared afternoon tea includes a selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and an indulgent range of homemade cakes and patisserie. It’s generous, comforting, and made to be savoured.
What’s included: A selection of finger sandwiches, including salmon & cream cheese, egg mayo & cress, and ham & mustard Freshly baked plain and fruit scones with clotted cream Homemade cakes and sweet treats, including Victoria sponge, passionfruit tart, macarons, and more
£19.95 per person
📅 Pre-order required by 11th March

Kingussie’s annual winter festival, FOOD ON FILM, brings the big screen to the rural Highlands of Scotland in a unique way, celebrating and exploring the world of food through film, conversation and shared experiences.

The festival opens on Thursday 5th at Gallery Eleven41 with a UK premiere and a special Meet the Director evening with Françoise Desbois. On Friday 6th, the acclaimed documentary Honeyland will be screened in the Talla nan Ros Food Hall.

On Saturday 7th, the festival comes together at the Badenoch Centre for a day celebrating and exploring the world of food, with cooking demonstrations, food producers, the Cairngorms Food Hall, and the bread competition results. The festival concludes on Saturday evening with Les Saveurs du Palais, screened at Talla nan Ros.

You’re welcome to join us for the full festival or simply dip in and out of individual events — whatever suits your appetite.

Make your Sunday extra special at Rothesay Rooms

Nothing beats a comforting roast on a winter’s day, and we’re serving up something truly special every Sunday through the winter months.

Sunday roast favourites using local produce, full of flavour, and paired with all your favourite trimmings. Think fluffy golden roasties, vibrant seasonal vegetables, and our rich, indulgent gravy.

Whether it’s a family get‑together or a relaxed catch‑up with friends, we’ve got your perfect Sunday sorted.

Limited spaces, booking highly recommended.
Contact us or follow us on social media for the roast of the week and our other special events.