Posts for November, 2023

In our Christmas exhibition we are showing paintings by Jos Mahon, Jackie Hichens and others with a winter theme.

Also winter photography by James Gordon and Lynn Robinson.

We also have a wide range of Christmas themed craft work, Christmas cards and smaller stocking fillers.

Come and get your pressies here and support local artisans.

Our Autumn exhibition continues until Nov 18th with fine art showcasing the beauty of Autumn. We have paintings from Bob Kinnaird, Kirsty Ritchie and Anne Bridgen with photographs from Lynn Robinson. There is also a good selection of glass and other craft work some of which also has an autumn theme. With prints as well there is something for every budget.

Moray’s earliest surviving tower house is reputed to have been built for Scotland’s vilest man- Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch.

Drumin Castle is an impressive medieval fortification standing on a commanding bluff overlooking the confluence of the River Livet and the River Avon.

Once we get to the castle, you’ll learn a bit about the architecture, history, and the notorious Wolf, whose evil deeds continue to cast a long shadow in Moray’s history.

This castle has recently reopened after masonry repairs. Access to the first floor is once again possible via a narrow, stone staircase. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Toilets are not available on site.

Children are very welcome to attend.

Well behaved dogs are welcome.

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

“Glenlivet it has castles three, Drumin, Blairfindy and Deskie”. This Heritage Ranger led castle 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 fantastic views over the glen. 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 1586 Blairfindy passed to the Earls of Huntly, another branch of the family, who used it as a hunting seat. A panel above the arched doorway bears the Gordon arms and this date. 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.

Research has shown that the castle was probably burned by troops after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and it was never repaired or occupied after this time. 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’ (see last photo).

Access is by foot along a dedicated track. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for changeable weather.

Toilets are available inside The Glenlivet Distillery Visitor Centre.

Children are very welcome to attend.

Well behaved dogs are welcome.

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

Sale of arts and crafts with a Christmas feel made by members of the Society of Badenoch & Strathspey Artists

Stories & Stars in the Braes of Glenlivet

Storyteller Nana Tumova will enchant us with seasonal and celestial stories from 4:30pm and again at 5:30 pm. Nana is an acclaimed Traditional Oral Storyteller and a nature connection guide. She loves stories of the wild, and her favourite place to tell them is out on the land. She is the creator of the Story Apothecary Podcast, where she dispenses stories as medicine. If you would like to attend the storytelling, please arrive a few minutes before each session. If the weather is good the storytelling may take place outside around a campfire otherwise the stories will be shared in the hall.

As day turns to night, our local astronomy group will host telescope and stargazing sessions for all ages and abilities from 18:45. Come along for an introduction to the constellations, enjoy a laser guided sky tour or try out our community telescope. If it is cloudy on the night there will be an indoor presentation in the hall.

All events are free and are on a drop-in basis.

Toilets are available on site. Parking is available onsite or on the road across from the hall.

Supported by Crown Estate Scotland and Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Come and celebrate our local artists at our Arts and Crafts Christmas Fair from Saturday 2 December until Sunday 10 December.

Our opening hours are:

Saturday 2 December 10am – 7pm (in support of the ‘Grantown Does Christmas’ event)
Sunday 3 December 10am – 4pm
Monday 4 – Friday 8 December 11am – 3pm
Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 December 10am – 4pm.

Author T S Westbrook will be will be talking about his new novel at this free event at Grantown Library.
His new novel S6 – An RB McGehee Scoop ‘A slow-burning missing-person mystery with a topical political angle and great insight into investigative journalism’

Refreshments will be available

The Scottish Highlands provides a breathtaking backdrop for the world of fashion. From esteemed designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel to the innovative Charles Jeffrey, Scotland’s fashion influence remains strong.

Join us at The Fife Arms for the inaugural Festival of Fashion from November 17th-19th. Immerse yourself in captivating talks, engaging panel discussions, and exclusive pop-up ateliers.

Renowned designer Giles Deacon, The Telegraph’s fashion director Bethan Holt, and esteemed fashion writer Charlie Porter will be among the speakers. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the culture, evolution, and future of the global fashion scene.

Nana Tomova was born by the Black Sea and the Old Mountain and carries in her bones old Bulgarian stories of Golden Suns and Silver Moons, of dragon breath and maids made gold. Nana is an acclaimed Traditional Oral Storyteller and a nature connection guide. She loves stories of the wild, and her favourite place to tell them is out on the land. She is the creator of the Story Apothecary Podcast, where she dispenses stories as medicine. Nana has performed in the Brighton Fringe, the Scottish Storytelling Festival and her story walks have been featured in the Guardian, Coast magazine and Country Homes magazine.

Nana will enchant us with seasonal and celestial stories around a campfire from 5:30pm and again at 6:30 pm. Nana is an acclaimed Traditional Oral Storyteller and a nature connection guide. She loves stories of the wild, and her favourite place to tell them is out on the land. She is the creator of the Story Apothecary Podcast, where she dispenses stories as medicine. If you would like to attend the storytelling, please arrive a few minutes before each session.

“Stories belong to the wild, in ceremonies, to gatherings around the fire, to communities coming together to witness each other. They belong to sorrow and grief; to happiness and ecstasy; to birth and loss; to the land. To mystery. ” – Nana Tomova

“An Enchantress…Her mesmerising voice is transporting me to some faraway places” – The Guardian