Posts for August, 2025

Wayward Jane’s music is a modern interpretation of American folk and Old Time traditions, blending roots music with fresh, nuanced arrangements and original songs.

Their rich sound features fiddle, clawhammer banjo, double bass, guitar, wooden flute and close vocal harmonies. Wayward’s live shows have a joyful energy, expressing the fine musicianship and playful chemistry of the four long-time friends.

Ranging in mood from bouncing, energetic tunes to tender and soulful songs, Wayward Jane tend to leave audiences with a glow in their hearts.

Come and see them at The OBI!

Ashley Fripp returns for his 7th visit to Boat of Garten as a guest of TOMS. His programme will consist of music by Bach, Schumann, Beethoven, Brahms and finishing with Chopin’s Sonata No 3, op 58.

CARMEN CO will appear as guests of The Osprey Music Society. The ensemble comprises Emily Andrews (flautist / mezzo), David Massey and Francisco Correa (guitarists). It is a performance of Spanish and Spanish inspired Music, presented with a storyline which roughly follows the story of Bizet’s opera Carmen, but told from her point of view – an evening of fantasy, comedy, drama and tremendous music, all arranged by the musicians.

The cello and piano duo of Ashok Klouda and Irina Botam will perform as guests of TOMS. Their programme will include music by Schubert, Schumann, Beethoven and a cello solo composed for Ashok by his wife Natalie – the renowned violinist and composer. Ashok will be making his 6th visit to Boat of Garten since he first came in 2011, this time with Irina on her 3rd visit with him.

Music by Purcell, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams and others, sung by ten-year-old Jerome Collins who sings with the boys’ choir Libera. His accompanist will be Professor Martin Ashley, teacher, researcher and author on boys’ singing voices, who will also tell us more about the music Jerome will be singing. A lovely event not to be missed. Admission free (donations welcome). Drinks in the church hall from 7 onwards, concert starts at 7.30.

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.

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.

Cairngorm Community Cinema’s next event brings you the new film by Andrew DeYoung, starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson, “Friendship”.

A bizarre comedy tackling why it is so hard to make friends. Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbour, as Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.

Doors 6.30pm.
Special guest TBC.

See you there!

Paintings, photography, textiles and jewellery by local artists and creatives.

Please come and join the Clan Macpherson Association’s talk in the Ballroom at the Duke of Gordon hotel at 13.30 on Friday 1 August by Dr Jim and Mairi Macpherson about James Macpherson (1736-96) – The Historian
Hear how James Macpherson, world-famous for translating and editing the tales of Ossian, was also an historian and a key figure of the Enlightenment