Posts for September, 2023

Central America’s best kept secret, it really is an incredible place. From cloud forests to pristine beaches it has it all stretching from the Caribbean to the pacific. With over 28% of it’s land under government protection containing 800 species of birds many of which are endemic, 260 mammals and a staggering 65,000 species of insects it boasts the highest biodiversity rate of the planet.

Our last market of the season – lots of locally produced food, drink, crafts and gifts. Come and have a mooch around our wonderful wares – there will be Christmas gifts ideas and delicious treats in abundance!

The most magical time of year wouldnt be complete without a trip to a Christmas Market, so join us for Boat of Garten’s popular Christmas Market here at the Community Hall.

Enter our Winter Wonderland and shop local and support the best of our local businesses, crafters and charities.

The Hall will be providing a BBQ, hot and cold drinks, home baking and some mulled drinks too to warm you up.

Tables are already starting to go, so if you have products you would like to sell at our market, get in touch – 01479 831123

On December weekends in the run up to Christmas, our Paddocks are filled with tinsel and decorations, kids can complete a festive quiz (please bring a pen!), and Santa himself comes to visit. We don’t run a grotto as such – instead Santa wanders round the exhibition area greeting visitors as he goes (occasionally he even has chocolates to hand out!).

As always, around four of our beautiful reindeer will be on display, though please note that they are across the other side of a fence and we don’t guarantee that they will come over to be patted. There is also an informative exhibition with lots of information about our herd, reindeer in general and other wildlife in the vicinity.

The Paddocks are self guided and are perfect for children and for visitors who are unable to go on the Hill Trip. They are wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and as well as being able to see the reindeer, there is lots of information about every aspect of reindeer. Do bear in mind that the daylight does start to go from about 4pm onwards in mid-winter, and while there are floodlights in the Paddocks, visibility will unavoidably be a bit reduced.

Please note that whilst you will get a close up view of the reindeer here, there is no direct contact with them and no opportunity to feed them.

After the success of our annual Christmas Fayre last year, we’re delighted to be hosting it again in 2023.

Each year as winter draws in around the Cairngorms, its mountains and forests turn into a magical winter wonderland. So what better place to host a cosy Christmas market than nestled amongst the Narnia-like pines at Badaguish?

This year we are delighted to have an alpaca walk, come and meet the alpcas! We have over 35 stalls with a wide variety of gift ideas from local crafters and producers. From food and drink to Christmas homeware, something for everyone.

There will be hot food and drinks along with activities for the children before they meet Santa.

All the stallholders donate an item for our charity raffle, so lots of great prizes to be won on the day!

Proceeds from show entries to Munlochy Animal Aid

Pedigree, Novelty (including fancy dress) and Obedience Classes. Any dog over 6 months can be entered, whether pedigree or mongrel. Come along and have some fun!

Don’t forget to bring some cash for the Raffle and Bottle Stall! Refreshments: home baking, soup and sandwiches

TROPHIES, ROSETTES AND PRIZES

Entries for Pedigree classes 1-7, Novelty classes 9-11 and Obedience classes 18-20 up to 1pm, Judging starts 1pm
Entries for SCC Members Competition class 8 and Novelty Classes 12-17 up to 2pm

Only undocked dogs and legally docked dogs may be entered for exhibition at this show
No C.C., Res C.C. & J.W. winners in Pedigree classes. No Obedience C.C. winners or bitches in season in Obedience

Can you provide a prize or prizes for our Raffle and Bottle Stall?

Raffle prizes can be anything
Bottle Stall prizes can be any drink in bottle or can and non-alcoholic or alcoholic

Phone Elspeth on 01479 811666 to arrange collection or just bring on the day

Judges: Juliette Burnside – Pedigree and Novelty Classes
Sue Williams – Obedience Classes

Information: Denise Barley 01808 511733 and Elspeth Byrne 01479 811666

Come along and explore our collections store this Doors Open Weekend. The store will be open each afternoon for you to enjoy with our team of curators and guides on hand to answer any questions you may have on the 12,000 objects that we have in our collection. Donations welcome.

Come and enjoy our annual shinty tournament which sees local youth teams compete to win the coveted Am Fasgadh Quaich!

Night Trail Race Events on the stunning Glen Tanar Estate in Aboyne – The Illuminator is Back!

8km, 15km or 15 miles by moonlight. Enter now for a unique experience – this is a Night Trail Race like no other!

Add a little magic to your festivities with a visit to Santa’s Grotto.

Santa Claus is back this December and he’s making a special visit to Blair Castle on the 9th & 10th of December. You and your little one will walk through the grand castle doors before entering Santa’s secret grotto. Snap a photo and take home a gift (carefully made by Santa’s elves) before heading along to our cafe for a refreshment.