When is this event?
We invite you to celebrate the birthday of James ‘Ossian’ Macpherson with a dram at the obelisk (if the weather permits) and hear about his extraordinary work and life.
4 to 5 hour-long deer-watching walk up Craeg Dubh to Cluny’s Cave. Discover the beautiful Monadhliath mountains and walk in the tracks of Ewan (‘Cluny’) Macpherson who hid from the British army for a total of 9 years after Culloden, while listening to deer facts and lore. This walk, which will lead you to one of Cluny’s hiding spots, combines nature and fascinating history with the rugged landscape of the Highlands.
Suitable for more experienced hillwalkers, with steep sections off track. Sturdy footing and waterproofs are essential. Remember to bring water and snacks!
2-hour walk to explore Glenbanchor Estate in Newtonmore. Explore the natural habitat of the wildcat, while listening to folklore and facts about wildcats and the history of the Macphersons in this area. This is a unique opportunity to experience history and tales intermingle, within the breathtaking setting of the Highlands. This walk is suitable for most abilities, and we will take breaks whenever necessary. Sturdy footing and waterproofs will be required. Please remember to bring water and snacks.
Captain John Macpherson, also known as The Black Officer was born in Glentruim in 1724. He earned a black reputation because many believed his methods of recruiting weren’t always ethical. It’s said that Capt. Macpherson attended every event in the Badenoch area, treating local men to copious amounts of whisky before pressing a shilling in their hands, declaring them enlisted in the King’s Army.
The Black Officer’s Soup Ladle was used by the Captain to serve recruits a bowl of scotch broth. The ladle even made an appearance on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow!!
In this workshop, you get to learn more about the story of Captain John Macpherson, while Michael instructs you on how to carve your very own miniature version of the soup ladle.
As the handling of very sharp tools and knifes is necessary for this workshop, there will be an age restriction and only those aged 18 and over can attend.
Who Do You Think You Are?
Where are you from? Who are your people? What’s your story? Beyond the ties of blood, name, clan and nation, we are shaped by the stories passed down to us about ourselves and our forebears. In this interactive workshop, we will explore how the stories of our heritage travel and change across time and place. Come to share your stories and discover how connected we are. No preparation or historical knowledge required!
On the day (Sunday 25th)
• Follow the Rampart Ramble to explore the castle in all its glory, meet Murdo the Heilan’ coo, Guardian of the castle and his sidekick, Buster the sheep!
• Free guided tours of the Castle all day
• Enjoy local catering
• Explore local artisan craft and charity stalls
About Castle Roy
• Castle Roy is one of the oldest masonry fortification in Scotland, carbon dated to 1190-1220.
• It is the first ‘scheduled monument’ (historical attraction) to be opened since the creation of the Cairngorms National Park.
• After 29 years of restoration work, Castle Roy in Nethy Bridge has been consolidated and is now ready for the public to visit.
There is free access for all abilities for the general public to enjoy. The Castle is available to hire as a stunning venue, for the outdoor performing arts and for celebrating special occasions. It has an incredible 360 degree view of the Strathspey and the Cairngorm mountains.
Please note the following timings:
Sun 25th – 11am to 4pm: Doors Open Day Scotland 2022 – stalls on the Matrimonial Meadow and local musicians
Sun 25th – 2pm: To celebrate the end of 29 years of planning, fundraising and fantastic support from local people and various agencies, this new, all-abilities visitor attraction is the first Scheduled Monument to be consolidated and opened to all since the formation of the Cairngorms National Park.
On Saturday 24th the castle will be manned by Volunteers 11am to 4pm: Doors Open Day Scotland 2022
Creative Capital features work inspired by and made in Grantown and features some of the area’s best known artists.
This is the first exhibition at the new Spey Bank Studio in Grantown-on-Spey and marks the opening of the studio in the the town’s Square after months of renovation. The former Bank of Scotland offices have been transformed into a bright spacious gallery/workshop space, with a shop and pottery.
A wide range of beautiful works will be on display, from landscape to wildlife, from paintings to photographs.
After more than 15 years of world-wide touring and three album releases, Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson–otherwise known as the folk duo Hungrytown–have earned a reputation for the quality and authenticity of their songwriting: “It’s great to hear an act eschew sentimentality in favor of honesty and to prove that you don’t have to go raiding the memory of others to find the stuff that really good songs are made of,” writes Jedd Beaudoin of Popmatters.
Hall and Anderson met in New York City, where they had already been performing regularly–Hall as a jazz singer, and Anderson as a drummer for a variety of garage bands.
They released their first CD, Hungrytown, in 2008; Any Forgotten Thing in 2011; and Further West in 2015. The couple continue to spend more than half of each year on the road, especially roads in North America, Europe and New Zealand. Hungrytown’s music has received extensive radio airplay worldwide and has appeared on several television shows, including The Daily Show and Portlandia.
Licensed bar
A discussion with Scottish writer and visual artist Amanda Thomson on her new book ‘Belonging’ which is a personal memoir which reflects on family, identity and nature. It is a love letter to Scottish nature, especially the northern landscapes of Scotland, and the Scots pinewood of Abernethy. Thomson is a lecturer at Glasgow School of Art and lives and works in the Strathspey. She will be interviewed by fellow Scottish writer Linda Cracknell.
Follow General Wade’s road as it makes its way to Ruthven Barracks. The walk will be led by Pete Moore (Laggan Heritage) and Eve Boyle (HES).
Where is this event being held?
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