Posts for June, 2026

Join us at the C.Nicol studio on Sunday, 14 June, for a relaxed shopping experience in Grantown-on-Spey.

This is an opportunity to step behind the scenes and discover how C.Nicol bags are designed and brought to life. Come and meet me, Cathleen, explore the studio, learn more about the design and sampling process, and see where each collection begins.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone special or treating yourself to a timeless everyday bag or something truly unique, you’ll find styles available exclusively at the studio.

Bring friends and make a day of it by going somewhere local for lunch or simply enjoy some solo shopping – I’d love to welcome you.

‘Uisge Spè’ is a long‑term photojournalistic study of one of Scotland’s most important rivers, tracing its 170‑kilometre course from the Monadhliath Mountains, through the central and eastern Highlands to the Moray Firth. Supported by The Cairngorms Trust, this is the first public launch of the exhibit, which will then move through at least four other venues within the River Spey catchment over the coming months.

More than a scenic backdrop, the Spey is portrayed as a living system where environment, culture, industry, and history converge. The project explores how climate change, fluctuating water levels, and land management threaten salmon, settlements, and whisky production, even as local communities and conservationists fight to protect its biodiversity. It examines the river’s role in shaping identity and belonging, from local students to global whisky branding, and connects visible historical traces to ongoing struggles over land, labour, and power. Through sustained, seasonal visual reporting and multiple canoe descents of the river, the work reveals the Spey as a microcosm of global tensions between heritage and globalisation, economic survival and environmental responsibility.

A community gathering bringing together local creatives inspired by the theme ‘ROOTED’, bringing together artists, makers, and musicians to share creative responses to the landscapes and communities around us.

Artists will share their work in 10-minute slots, speaking about process, inspiration, environment, and the stories held within their work. The evening will also feature live music woven throughout the programme, helping create an atmospheric and reflective space for conversation and creativity.

Whether you come to exhibit, speak, perform, listen or simply spend an evening surrounded by creativity and conversation, we would love to welcome you.

This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and will feature performances by pupils of St. Maksymilian Maria Kolbe Polish Community School in Aviemore and by the Polish Folk Dance Group “Parzenica”, as well as bouncy castles, face painting, fire truck, arts and crafts, a circus workshop, a children’s art exhibition, local business stalls, a bake sale and raffle.
The event will take place on Sunday, 7th June 2026, from 12pm to 4pm at the Peregrine Suite of Macdonald Aviemore Resort. It is part of Polish Heritage Days, an annual UK-wide festival celebrating Polish culture, history and the contribution of the Polish community to British society.

Art and craft exhibition with a great variety of unique arts and crafts

Uisge Spè [River Spey]: Where Water Shapes a Nation, by Ed Smith. Exhibition launch evening at Eleven41 Gallery, Kingussie.

‘Uisge Spè’ is a long‑term photojournalistic study of one of Scotland’s most important rivers, tracing its 170‑kilometre course from the Monadhliath Mountains, through the central and eastern Highlands to the Moray Firth. Supported by The Cairngorms Trust, this is the first public launch of the exhibit, which will then move through at least four other venues within the River Spey catchment over the coming months.

More than a scenic backdrop, the Spey is portrayed as a living system where environment, culture, industry, and history converge. The project explores how climate change, fluctuating water levels, and land management threaten salmon, settlements, and whisky production, even as local communities and conservationists fight to protect its biodiversity. It examines the river’s role in shaping identity and belonging, from local students to global whisky branding, and connects visible historical traces to ongoing struggles over land, labour, and power. Through sustained, seasonal visual reporting and multiple canoe descents of the river, the work reveals the Spey as a microcosm of global tensions between heritage and globalisation, economic survival and environmental responsibility.

Scotland’s waterscapes will be front and centre at the new summer show at one of the Cairngorms’ best galleries.

A host of well-known artists will display their paintings and photography at the Spey Bank Studio in Grantown from Jun 19.

This year the theme is Lochs and Rivers so we’re expecting lots of deep blues and vibrant turquoises.

Among the names exhibiting are Ally MacKellar, Stephen Redpath, Helen Bruce, Jess Greaves and many more. And with a new gallery layout, there will be more work to see than ever.

More information at the gallery website.

This summer’s exhibition explores the woven heritage of Strathspey, showcasing a rare collection of ancient and historic tartans. Discover the colours, patterns, and craftsmanship behind traditional weaving, and learn how this unique textile heritage continues to shape the region today. Open Daily Monday to Saturday. Please note the museum opens at 11.00am on a Saturday.

Events Programme

Saturday 30th May | 11am–3pm | Museum
Join tartan historian Peter Macdonald as we warp the loom and prepare to recreate an 18th century plaid. Drop in throughout the day to watch a tartan being made, explore traditional weaving techniques, and talk with us about Strathspey’s weaving heritage.

Thursday 4th June | 7pm | Museum
Spinning yarns, Tartan talks
An entertaining evening of stories and conversation celebrating Scotland’s tartan heritage. Margaret Grant, master kiltmaker from Grantown, joins tartan historian Peter Macdonald for a lively discussion on weaving, designing, and researching tartans. Together they share insights from decades immersed in the world of tartan.

Sunday 12 July | 2pm–5pm | From the Museum
Bobbin Mills Story Walk with Strathspey Story Walks’ Sarah Hobbs
Discover the hidden history of bobbin making and its impact on the local landscape on this guided walk. A fascinating insight into Strathspey’s industrial past.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bobbin-mills-story-walk-tickets-1990322019739?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for a fascinating walk to the site of an old bobbin mill with Strathspey Story Walks’ Sarah Hobbs who has been researching their hidden history

Leaving from the museum in a minibus to location..

Please bring weather appropriate clothing , footwear and something to drink.

Free to attend, however please book your ticket as spaces are limited.

Spinning yarns, Tartan talks.

Sure to be thoroughly entertaining ..

A short evening of tales, stories and musings from two people who live and breath tartan.

Following in her Mother’s footsteps Margaret Grant, master kiltmaker in Grantown has been making kilts since she was 13. She is self confessed as tartan obsessed, an entrepreneur and excellent raconteur Margaret joins in conversation with Scotland’s pre- eminent Tartan Historian Peter MacDonald who has been weaving, designing and researching tartans for decades.