Posts for September, 2024

The Cairngorm’s National Park is the UK’s largest and is one of the most important places for nature in the UK. It is home to around 18,000 people and is visited by around 2 million people each year. The Park has seen significant changes since it was designated 20 years ago. This Talk will look at the changes that have occurred, the work of the Park Authority and what are the big challenges for the next 20 years.

Time spent sailing the West Coast of Scotland and beyond provided Alan with time to reflect on ancient landscapes, navigation by the stars and the development of modern navigation technology. Alan will trace the origins and influences of Gods, emperors, explorers, empires and scientific developments that opened navigation and exploration around the globe. This will be a fascinating presentation that draws on history and personal experiences and has shaped the globalised world we know today.

A chance encounter between James Lamb from Dunkeld and Tashi Lama, a Buddhist monk from Tengboche monastery that coincided with a massive avalanche at Everest Base Camp changed both their lives and led to an enduring partnership and, following the devastating earthquakes that hit Nepal in 2015, the establishment of The Little Sherpa Foundation. The Foundation is focused on supporting the Sherpa communities living in the Solu Khumbu area and funds the rebuilding of clinics, schools and infrastructure and the provision of grants and bursaries.
This evening will include illustrated Talks focussed on the mountains and Sherpa communities living in this part of Nepal by Cameron McNeish and James Lamb along with a film “Sherpa Speak” made by BAFTA award winning film makers Richard Else and Meg Wicks. There will also be a raffle and items for sale, including signed prints by James Hawkins.
Cameron McNeish is the well known walker, mountaineer, author and broadcaster. He is also a trustee of the Foundation. James Lamb is a walker and trekker who was in the Solu Khumbu when the Everest avalanche struck and established the Little Sherpa Foundation. Richard Else and Meg Wicks are film makers best known for their work on the BBC Adventure show.
This is sure to be a great evening with dramatic mountains, fascinating cultures and communities and inspiring activities and all in support of a wonderful, local Foundation.

Local singer-songwriter Will Boyd-Wallis (aka Greenshanks) performing his own songs on guitar and guitalele, with Becky Doe on violin.

Friday 20th September at 7.30 pm
refreshments available from 7 pm

Admission free: retiring collection

Join us for a walk around Moray’s earliest surviving tower house, reputedly built for Scotland’s vilest man, Alexander Stewart—the infamous Wolf of Badenoch. Drumin Castle, an impressive medieval fortification, stands on a commanding bluff overlooking the confluence of the River Livet and the River Avon.

Upon reaching the castle, you’ll learn about its architecture, history, and the notorious Wolf, whose evil deeds continue to cast a long shadow over Moray’s history.

Drumin Castle has now reopened after masonry repairs, with access to the first floor now possible via a narrow stone staircase. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Please park at the Drumin Castle car park. This short circular walk will begin at the Drumin Castle sign in the car park. The route follows a pedestrian trail to the castle and returns via a set of steps. Please dress appropriately for changeable weather.

Suggested donation of £4 helps to support heritage tourism in Glenlivet & Inveravon. Children and youth under 16 are free. Children love castles and are very welcome to attend. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome. Donations can be made through Eventbrite or in person on the day.

Please note that toilets are not available on site.

This event is funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

“Glenlivet it has castles three, Drumin, Blairfindy and Deskie”. This easy guided walk will take us to the 16th century tower house of Blairfindy and begins outside the iconic Glenlivet Distillery. On the walk in we’ll enjoy stunning views over one of Scotland’s most famous glens. You’ll learn a bit about Glenlivet’s rich history and some whisky history too.

Blairfindy Castle was completed in 1564 by John Gordon. In its heyday Blairfindy was a fine example of a three storey L-plan tower house and even today shows a remarkable degree of preservation. A project to stabilise Blairfindy Castle took place in 2019, funded through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership, a programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The castle is now open to visitors for the first time in decades and has been specially adapted to encourage nesting birds and pollinators.

Please park at the The Glenlivet Distillery car park. The walk will start from outside the stillhouse under the green signpost marked ‘Blairfindy Castle 1/2 mile’.

Heritage Ranger talk: Inveraven Church & Pictish Stones

Join the Glenlivet & Inveravon Heritage and Dark Sky Ranger for an introduction to the Picts, their art and symbol stones. We will be examining the intricate carvings on the four stones discovered in the churchyard of Inveraven, which has been a site of spiritual practice and pilgrimage for centuries. This tour will provide an overview to Pictish art and culture and demonstrate how the Picts contributed to the founding of modern Scotland.

This event offers a unique opportunity to delve into Scotland’s past, allowing you to connect with its ancient roots. Join us for an afternoon of discovery and insight in stunning Speyside.

Access to Inveraven Church and burial ground is off the A95 about half a mile north of the entrance to Ballindalloch Castle, and can be found by following the brown tourist sign directing visitors down the single track road to the Inveraven Pictish Stones.

Parking is available at the bottom of the drive before you arrive at the church or in front of the church building.

Children are usually fascinated by the Picts and are encouraged to attend. As we will be outside, please dress appropriately for changeable weather.

This event is by donation. Donations can be made through Eventbrite or in person on the day. Children and youth under 16 are free. Like many churches across Scotland, Inveravon Church has unfortunately been earmarked for closure and sale by the Church of Scotland. The local community is currently in the process of exploring ways to keep it open by creating a heritage centre and community hub. Thousands of tourists visit the stones every year from every corner of the globe and it would be disappointing if they were no longer accessible. Funds raised from talks and events help to support community and heritage events run by the Friends of Inveravon Church.

Please note that toilet facilities are not available on site. Public toilets are available in Cragganmore at Ballindalloch Station on the Speyside Way or in Aberlour. There are also customer facilities available at the nearby Lagmore Cafe when open.

Well behaved dogs may attend but must be leashed.

Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Originally brought together by the Blas festival in 2016, to celebrate the work of female bards, Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely gifted young Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – accompanied by in-demand multi-instrumentalist (and fellow Gaelic speaker) Innes White.

With direct connections among the singers to Lewis, Skye and North Uist, their arrangements match deep feeling for tradition with stunning, boldly imaginative harmony work, which has seen them likened to The Staves and even Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Their self-titled debut album, produced by Donald Shaw, was released in 2020 and the band is currently recording new music.

They are joined tonight by local group Monadh Ruadh, a group of very talented youngsters from Fèis Spè

Fiddle Competitions: YM Community Cinema 10am. Competitors welcome and essential. Entry fee £2.50/£5.00. Classes of competition: Under 12, 12-16, 16+, Open and Group.
Workshops: Ben Mhor and YM at various times from 10am: donations appreciated. Waulking: Badenoch Ladies Waulking Group; Moothie: Neil McGregor; Singing for adults and children: Shona Donaldson; Gaelic singing for adults and children: Sandra Mackay; Fiddle: Paul Anderson and Paula Starrit; Drumming for beginners: Sam Fry.
Workshop Concert: YM Theatre 4pm: donations appreciated.
N.B. Displays, information and ticket/competition payments for all Fiddler of Strathspey Festival events at The Grantown Hub, 2 High St. Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HB and at other advertised venues and outlets plus online by arrangement.

Osprey Room, Grant Arms Hotel: What makes “The Strathspey” so musically unique? What is its origin and history in this locality? Acclaimed master of the genre, Paul Anderson, answers these questions verbally and with fiddle and bow at the ready.
Follows Grantown Society AGM (Members Only) 7-7.30pm.