Posts for September, 2022

For children and adults!

‘Rise, winds of autumn, rise; blow upon the dark heath! Streams of the mountains, roar!’

Join us on an autumn walk into the Glen and experience Ossian’s bardic tales in their natural environment of the Highlands. Listen to Ossianic poetry, while looking at the scenery that surrounded the bard and understand, how the Ossianic stories generated a fascination with our Highland landscapes far beyond the Scottish borders. Learn about the importance of nature in these stories and hear of their important link to Highland tourism.

On this walk, you will be encouraged to participate in a dialogue, not only about Ossian, but also about the modern understanding of landscape, culture, and belonging. We invite you to express your understanding of these in creative photography.

A selection of these photographs will be displayed in the special exhibition of 2023 at the Clan Macpherson Museum.

Meeting point is the end of the minor road up Glen Banchor, the coordinates are 57°04’13.8″N 4°09’27.4″W and the start point can be accessed through Google Maps, it is the end of Glen Road.

Once parked at the end of the minor road leading from Newtonmore into Glen Banchor, we will continue on foot along Allt a’ Chaorainn, to reach the foothills of the Monadhliath and enjoy the views of two glens merging together. We will have plenty of time to talk about Ossian, exchange stories and take photographs along the way. After a break and some snacks, we will retrace our steps back to the car.

The walk is approximately 4km long and we will cover an elevation of 100meters. Our highest point will be approximately 400m. It is best suited for all fitness levels, but please be aware that you need sturdy footing.

At an average fitness level, this walk will take 2 hours, however, we plan to take 3 hours in total to have enough time for breaks and photographs along the way.

In case of severe weather conditions, we reserve the right to change the route of the walk.

Please bring waterproof clothing, as well as sturdy shoes, and be aware that sections of the path can be rather boggy. We recommend some additional layers, as the weather in the Highlands can change very quickly and be unpredictable at times.

Please also bring a protective cover for your camera, if needed and some snacks/lunch.

Picnic blankets will be provided. Additional portable seating can also be provided. If required, please leave a note upon signing up for this event.

Take part and make some art! Author and artist, Eileen Budd returns to the Macpherson Museum to share insights into illustrating Ossian stories, including entry level character design techniques. Join Eileen in creating some Ossian inspired artwork. Suitable for beginner artists of all ages, drawing supplies provided.

Join storyteller and author, Eileen Budd, for tales of heroes, warriors, druids and ancient Scotland. Learn about the power of Ossianic storytelling, how these stories are rooted in the Highlands, and how they transformed our understanding of the natural world.

A Halloween get-together with coffee and tea, Halloween cake and trick or treating for all ages.

Dress up as your favourite folk hero or historical figure and take pictures at the museum, to win the costume contest.

On April 22, 1915, the course of WWI changed when the German forces released 168 tons of chlorine gas on the Western Front, marking the world’s first large-scale poison gas attack. It wouldn’t be the last. Through a series of chance meetings and coincidences, Dr. Cluny Macpherson of Newfoundland created a prototype gas mask that offered a means of protecting troops from this new weapon.

We invite you to celebrate the birthday of James ‘Ossian’ Macpherson with a dram at the obelisk (if the weather permits) and hear about his extraordinary work and life.

4 to 5 hour-long deer-watching walk up Craeg Dubh to Cluny’s Cave. Discover the beautiful Monadhliath mountains and walk in the tracks of Ewan (‘Cluny’) Macpherson who hid from the British army for a total of 9 years after Culloden, while listening to deer facts and lore. This walk, which will lead you to one of Cluny’s hiding spots, combines nature and fascinating history with the rugged landscape of the Highlands.

Suitable for more experienced hillwalkers, with steep sections off track. Sturdy footing and waterproofs are essential. Remember to bring water and snacks!

2-hour walk to explore Glenbanchor Estate in Newtonmore. Explore the natural habitat of the wildcat, while listening to folklore and facts about wildcats and the history of the Macphersons in this area. This is a unique opportunity to experience history and tales intermingle, within the breathtaking setting of the Highlands. This walk is suitable for most abilities, and we will take breaks whenever necessary. Sturdy footing and waterproofs will be required. Please remember to bring water and snacks.

Captain John Macpherson, also known as The Black Officer was born in Glentruim in 1724. He earned a black reputation because many believed his methods of recruiting weren’t always ethical. It’s said that Capt. Macpherson attended every event in the Badenoch area, treating local men to copious amounts of whisky before pressing a shilling in their hands, declaring them enlisted in the King’s Army.

The Black Officer’s Soup Ladle was used by the Captain to serve recruits a bowl of scotch broth. The ladle even made an appearance on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow!!

In this workshop, you get to learn more about the story of Captain John Macpherson, while Michael instructs you on how to carve your very own miniature version of the soup ladle.

As the handling of very sharp tools and knifes is necessary for this workshop, there will be an age restriction and only those aged 18 and over can attend.

Gordon Hamlett, author of the Best Birdwatching Sites guide for the Scottish Highlands, takes a light-hearted look at the trials and tribulations of researching and writing a birdwatching guide.