Posts for October, 2025

Highland League: Strathspey Thistle FC v Huntly FC, kick-off 3pm. Parking at ground and at Burnfield Ave car park (150m). Ground is 10mins on foot from town centre. Snacks, drinks and hot food. Half-time raffle, merchandise and team-sheets. Mackellar Suite open for beverages and hospitality. To book hospitality packages and sponsorship contact hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

Highland League: Strathspey Thistle FC v Nairn County FC, Seafield Park, kick-off 3pm. Parking at ground and at Burnfield Avenue car park (150m). 10 mins on foot from town centre. Snack Bar. Mackellar Suite open from 1.30pm. Merchandise, team-sheets and half-time raffle. To book sponsorship and hospitality contact hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

Breedon Highland League: Strathspey Thistle FC v Forres Mechanics FC, kick-off 8pm. Parking at ground and at Burnfield Ave car park (150m). Ground is 10mins on foot from town centre. Hot and cold snacks in ground. Half-time raffle, merchandise and team-sheets. Mackellar Suite open for beverages and hospitality from 6.30pm. To book sponsorship and hospitality packages contact hospitality@strathspeythistlefc.uk

Step back in time and uncover the mystery of the Picts with the Glenlivet & Inveravon Heritage and Dark Sky Ranger. This engaging talk and tour will introduce you to the Pictish people, their unique art, and the symbol stones that continue to inspire centuries after they were carved.

Set within the ancient and atmospheric site of Inveravon Church—an important place of worship and pilgrimage for generations—we’ll closely examine the intricate carvings on the four remarkable Pictish stones discovered here. You’ll learn how these enigmatic symbols fit into a wider cultural story and how the Picts helped lay the foundations of modern Scotland.

This autumn, journey back through thousands of years of history at Inveravon Church, set along the beautiful River Spey. This exhibition, generously loaned from Grantown Museum, traces the story of the very first people who encountered this landscape as the Ice Age ended, through to the arrival of Picts and early Christians.

Explore how early hunter-gatherer societies lived, and learn about local hillforts and sacred sites, and how the enigmatic Pictish symbol stones connect us to this past. The Inveravon Pictish symbol stones are also on display, with interpretation that helps us understand their meaning and significance.

Whether you are fascinated by archaeology, heritage, or simply curious about the lives of those who walked this land before us, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to uncover the layers of history woven into the Spey valley.

This exhibition was made possible with funding from Museums Galleries Scotland.

To celebrate 200 years of the modern railway, Strathspey Railway will also run all its heavy locomotives from Shed 60B across its preserved section of the Highland Line from 16–18 October. With eight trains running daily, starting at 9:15 am from Platform 3 at Aviemore Station, with catering available, it’s a rare opportunity to see the full might of our heritage fleet in action. Brake van rides between Aviemore and Boat of Garten stations (both directions) will also be available.

From 16th–17th October, we welcome the Inspiration train — the official Railway 200 Exhibition Train, curated by the Railway 200 team and the National Railway Museum. This free, static exhibition offers a hands-on, family-friendly experience across four themed carriages:
• Railway Firsts – Discover groundbreaking innovations that shaped rail history
• Wonderlab on Wheels – Explore the science and engineering behind railways through interactive activities
• Your Railway Future – Learn about hidden roles in rail and career opportunities for the next generation
• The Partner Zone – Hear stories from local organisations and railway partners
Fully accessible and structured in 15-minute intervals, the exhibition is designed to last around an hour and promises to inspire visitors of all ages.

Our castle witch needs some help- she needs you to complete all the challenges in the castle to get the ingredients she needs for her potion!

Make a giant spiders web in the morning room, sneak past the ghost of the black colonel trying not to wake him, have a dance off in the exhibition room and bowl down some ghosts with some pumpkins in the Clan Farquharson Room!

Then celebrate with a hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows by the fire.

Booking is Essential. Tickets available from Braemar Castle or Braemar Pharmacy.

Friday 31st October 5pm to 7pm at Braemar Castle

Tickets: £7 per child, children must be accompanied by an adult- accompanying adults free.

Email info@braemarcastle.co.uk for more details or to book.

We’re extremely excited to announce that Santa Claus will be visiting the park on the 13th & 14th of December.

Santa will be arriving at the park with six of his favourite reindeer! Yes, that’s right, real reindeer! Come meet Santa and his reindeer between 12-3.30 pm.

From November 22nd, from 4 pm – 6 pm, step into a magical winter wonderland where lights, sounds, and dazzling effects transform the Ancient Forest into an unforgettable escape.

🌲 Red Squirrel Trail – climb into the treetops by day, then explore a glowing UV tunnel by night.
💫 Laser Show – a spectacular display illuminating the forest.
🍴 Forest Food Stop – enjoy tasty snacks and drinks.
🔥 Roasting Pits – toast marshmallows or s’mores under the stars.

The trail is pram and wheelchair friendly, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. (Please note: part of the trail includes a sound installation.)

Don’t miss out and book your Twi-LIGHTS experience today!