Posts for July, 2023

Join us for an evening with Donald S Murray who will discuss his latest book “Red Star Over Hebrides”, a collection of short stories and song inspired by the whispers from Tsarist Russia that Donald himself heard growing up as a child on Lewis. The Klondykers, Russian fishing vessels, could often be seen off the coast of Stornoway, this book takes focus on the interaction between those aboard the Klondykers and the locals – so come along to hear stories of people from different reaches of the world connecting through a culture of fishing.

Red Star Over Hebrides offers an alternative way of viewing the Minch, not as what separates the islands from the mainland, but opening Scotland up to the Baltic.

Complementary glass of wine.

Tickets available at The Bookmark, 34 Highstreet, Grantown-On-Spey, PH26 3EH

Volcanoes account for some of Earth’s most fascinating and violent geographical features, a force for destruction and creation. But did you know that volcanic activity and space volcanoes are also found on other planets and moons? Join us at the Glenlivet Hall in the Cairngorms Tomintoul and Glenlivet Dark Sky Park to learn about and be inspired by incredible space phenomena. If the weather is favourable we will have an observing session outside the hall after the presentation.

BVW 2025! This year promises to be filled with excitement and innovation, thanks to the abundance of fantastic new ideas stemming from our open day, numerous meetings, and valuable suggestions from all of you, our cherished community members. Among the highlights are the introduction of novel events such as Mum and Dad-iators, Family Photographic Sessions, Musical Jamming and Weel Kirkit, adding fresh layers of enjoyment to the festivities. 

Of course, we haven’t forgotten the perennial favourites that make BVW so special. From the classic Vehicle Parade & Lil’ Duck Racing to the exhilarating Rufts Dog Show, from the charming Hobby Horses to the captivating Films, there’s something for everyone. Whether you fancy testing your knowledge with the Quiz, delighting in the Kids events, grooving at the Roller Disco, indulging in sporting treats, or embarking on the adventure of the 4X4 Safari, this year’s lineup promises unforgettable experiences.  

Open to everyone to enter something from your garden – cut flowers, plants, vegetables, fruit, crafts, home made produce, painted stones and photos from/of your garden ( to be emailed).
Free to enter as many different categories as you wish. Open to kids of all ages.
Drop off on Friday evening or Saturday before 09.30 am
Or just come and see what others have produced and choose a winner in each category.

Every Thursday from 9pm, come and join us for a lively ceilidh band from Inverness and Speyside. The band has played throughout the UK and Europe, whilst having residencies in Aviemore – which has allowed them to flourish and build a great repertoire of entertaining material. Weaving together traditional ceilidh music with funk, ska beats and anything in between.

Outdoor music, food and drink from Friday 25th August to Sun 27th August.

A great selection of bands to entertain you throughout the weekend from noon until midnight Friday through to Sunday. Something for everyone covering jazz, pop rock and even a gospel choir to ease you into Sunday afternoon.

A great selection of beers and food from our BBQ.

Live Entertainment in the Lounge Bar with Graeme Mackay Accordion Player

A free guided hike taking you along the Cairngorm’s impressive northern corries.

This 12km loop takes us around some of the finest terrain in the Northern Cairngorms. After gradually ascending passed Coire an-t Sneachda and Coire an Lochain we then hike up onto the Cairngorm Plateau itself, where in fine weather we are offered incredible views across the unique high ground and out north towards Aviemore and Strathspey. We then continue along the tops of the Northern Corries eventually descending back down towards the Cairngorm Ski Centre. This hike has a total of 800m ascent and includes a large variety of terrain, from well built pathways to small sections of boulderfields.

A good level of fitness is required, however previous hiking experience is not essential.

We will be meeting at 10:00. Please be sure to arrive promptly with appropriate kit for the hike, as indicated by the kit list. We will spend a short amount of time checking equipment and then aim to start the hike no later then 10:15.

Please note: if you do not bring the correct equipment you will be unable to join this hike. If you are unable to bring all of the items listed in our kit list please get in touch and I will try my best to provide what is required.

“With vocals so pure and flawless yet soothingly emotional, it’s hard not to fall a little in love with the voice of Hannah Rarity.”(Folk Radio UK)

Award-winning singer, Hannah Rarity, has made a lasting impression since being warmly embraced by the folk world, winning BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year (2018) and recording and touring with top acts Blazin’ Fiddles, Rura, Niteworks and Cherish the Ladies. Both of her albums ‘Neath the Gloaming Star’ (2018) & ‘To Have You Near’(2022) have been shortlisted for Album of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards and in 2022, she was invited to work as co-musical director for the Opening Concert of Celtic Connections.

Performing a carefully chosen mix of traditional, contemporary and self-penned material, she earns comparisons to the likes of Eva Cassidy and Cara Dillon, whilst standing confidently in her own right. Equally at home in a number of genres, she is a sought-after collaborator, session vocalist and tutor.

Hannah honed her craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, graduating in 2016 with a First Class BA (Hons) in Scottish Music. She has undertaken featured singer work as part of Brian O’Donovan &WGBH’s ‘A Celtic Christmas Sojourn’ in Boston (2018) and alongside the BBC SSO at Proms in the Park, as well as numerous UK television appearances (BBC Hogmanay 2015, 2017, 2020) and tours in her own right throughout Europe and the UK.

Not only has she a wonderful voice, she has gravitas. When she sings, we are compelled to listen.”(Irish Music Magazine)

Ashley Fripp, concert pianist, makes his 5th visit to TOMS in Boat of Garten. In celebration of the 150 anniversary of the birth of Sergi Rachmaninoff, he will play the complete 10 preludes Op23, together with pieces from two of the major influences on Rachmaninoff, Bach and Chopin.