Posts for September, 2025

Meet at The Grantown Hub at 12.30pm for a relaxed heritage walk for all ages through town and woods with musical interludes.

Arrive at Grant Park at 13.45pm for an outdoor picnic and more music. (N.B. Picnic is weather dependent).

The perfect way to unwind after the multifarious FoS programme the day before – musicians, please bring your instruments and join in the fun!!!

Following its launch success in May 2025, the Pledge | Process | Planet exhibition marked a first for designers and artists living and working in the National Park. 20 creatives came together to collaborate and stage their first exhibition. Now, thanks to funding from the Cairngorms Trust and National Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful and thought provoking exhibition goes on tour in October 2025.

“What a lovely surprise – an inspiring exhibition. Interesting basis/idea and great to bring together local creatives and the natural environment of the area. Really, really loved the embroidery.”  Dawn and Dave, Greater Manchester.

“Incredible work – a huge thank you to the artists in the Park for sharing.” Anon

“Really interesting and inspiring. Thanks for letting us see.” Beau and Sandie, Paris

“Chord an taisbeanach seo, gu mor ruim. Torr obair a sas ann le diofar sgilean.” Sandra

The Cairngorms creative network formed to promote co-design and collaboration between creative practices in the National Park. Made up of over 100 members including visual and performing arts, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, stage exhibitions and workshops and spark conversation as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.

Pledge | Process | Planet aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park.

Supported by the Cairngorms Trust and the Scottish Government in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Following its launch success in May 2025, the Pledge | Process | Planet exhibition marked a first for designers and artists living and working in the National Park. 20 creatives came together to collaborate and stage their first exhibition. Now, thanks to funding from the Cairngorms Trust and National Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful and thought provoking exhibition goes on tour in October 2025.

“What a lovely surprise – an inspiring exhibition. Interesting basis/idea and great to bring together local creatives and the natural environment of the area. Really, really loved the embroidery.”  Dawn and Dave, Greater Manchester.

“Incredible work – a huge thank you to the artists in the Park for sharing.” Anon

“Really interesting and inspiring. Thanks for letting us see.” Beau and Sandie, Paris

“Chord an taisbeanach seo, gu mor ruim. Torr obair a sas ann le diofar sgilean.” Sandra

The Cairngorms creative network formed to promote co-design and collaboration between creative practices in the National Park. Made up of over 100 members including visual and performing arts, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, stage exhibitions and workshops and spark conversation as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.

Pledge | Process | Planet aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park.

Supported by the Cairngorms Trust and the Scottish Government in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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 lower 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.

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.

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.

Tuesday September 16th, we are super excited to be hosting a local screening of the documentary following our beloved local event, “The Golden Spurtle”.

Constantine Costi’s warm and beautifully crafted documentary lovingly captures the eccentric local villagers who orchestrate the competition every year, as well as the plucky contestants and their determination to make the best bowl of porridge on earth using just three ingredients: oats, water and salt.

Channeling the symmetrical framing and picturesque compositions of Wes Anderson – the film brings the quaint village of Carrbridge to life in a truly cinematic way.

As usual, doors will be 6.30pm, with film on at 6.40pm.

Plus we will have a special post film Q&A with some of the local stars, so bring your autograph books and questions!

Fiver tickets for all. Run by the community, for the community.

Come and explore our Grantown-on-Spey Trail Map during North East Open Studios (13–21 September) and enjoy a unique opportunity to step inside the creative world of local artists. Visit them in their working spaces, chat about their practice, and gain insights into the inspirations and processes behind their work.

If you’re looking for a short, walkable trail, nine participating artists are based in and around Grantown-on-Spey. You can download our trail map to plan your visit, or head further afield to discover many more artists across the North East of Scotland via the North East Open Studios website.

Studios come in all shapes and sizes, from purpose-built creative spaces to private homes, garden sheds, galleries, and more. The art and craft you’ll encounter are as varied as the spaces themselves, reflecting a wide range of skills, inspirations, and experiences. Part of the joy of North East Open Studios is stumbling across artwork you’ll fall in love with in unexpected places and always receiving a warm welcome along the way.

Look out for the yellow NEOS signs guiding you to our artists’ doors. You’ll also be able to pick up a copy of the yellow guidebook from many local shops and galleries in Grantown-on-Spey.

Please check individual artists’ opening hours, as these may vary.

EXHIBITION | Yellow Broom | Design + Making

: Creators of bespoke, design-led utilitarian objects

Yellow Broom are a collaborative two-person design studio quietly rooted in the Cairngorms National Park. With foundations in visual art, design and contemporary craft practice, the duo create sculptural, thought-provoking, functional pieces that embody a deep respect for material and process. Narrative, people and place are integral to their work.

The studio collaborates closely with architects, interior designers, fellow makers and private clients to create site-specific and bespoke commissions. Blending traditional making techniques with modern low-waste construction methods results in functional objects that are rich in meaning and crafted to last. These thoughtful, contextual designs are intended to be lived with, used and passed on to future generations.
Each Yellow Broom object is crafted by hand with care and precision.

Centred in their practice is a commitment to sourcing environmentally responsible materials. Every piece is made to order, which promotes a slower, more conscious design culture.

The outcome is as simple as it is powerful: a true testament to their circular approach to making with the future of our planet at heart.

The Spey Bank Studio is taking part in North East Open Studios for a second year.

This long-running event involves 300 artists opening up their studios to the public for 10 days. That means you can delve into their practice, see their materials and where they spend their days producing amazing artwork.

The event runs from September 13-21, with each artist keeping different opening hours – check the wee yellow book (available from us!) or check the website entries.

This year, as well as Angus’s work, we will be hosting a young local glass artist, Brodie Birss, AKA Brodie B Designs.

Brodie is a graduate of Gray’s School of Art, where she studied 3D design and specialised in glass and metal. She went onto attend Bishopsland Educational Trust, which provides postgraduate education in silversmithing. Since returning to Scotland, Brodie has continued to develop her glass and silver practice.

Her work is inspired by nature, process and material. She believes that that working with our hands and immersing ourselves in nature is essential to mental and physical wellbeing.

We join Carmen in her boudoir, as she tells her own story in words and music. Dare you consult the cards with her? What does she think of the men in her story? Did she foresee her gruesome ending?