Posts for October, 2022

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We welcome everyone to our Online Christmas Ceilidh this year.

Join your friends in the Highlands from anywhere in the world, to celebrate Christmas together this year. Connect with the Highland landscape through song, music, myths, stories, poetry and more, no matter how far away you are, as all performers share offer heart -warming responses to the Highland landscapes that is home of the hearts of so many of us.

Bring a story, a project, a song, anything you would like to share, dance along to the tunes, or simply listen from the comfort of your sofa. We welcome people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to sign up to be part of this innovative new project.

The word ceilidh comes from the Gaelic for ‘gathering’ and with this wonderful blend of art and chat from one home to another, we would like to bring together and celebrate the importance of music, song and story together.

We welcome everyone to our Online Christmas Ceilidh this year.

Join your friends in the Highlands from anywhere in the world, to celebrate Christmas together this year. Connect with the Highland landscape through song, music, myths, stories, poetry and more, no matter how far away you are, as all performers share offer heart -warming responses to the Highland landscapes that is home of the hearts of so many of us.

Bring a story, a project, a song, anything you would like to share, dance along to the tunes, or simply listen from the comfort of your sofa. We welcome people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to sign up to be part of this innovative new project.

The word ceilidh comes from the Gaelic for ‘gathering’ and with this wonderful blend of art and chat from one home to another, we would like to bring together and celebrate the importance of music, song and story together.

What places are special to you where you live? What places do you avoid, and why? We all have our own maps of places, linked to memories and stories. Together we’ll go on a short Storywalk around Newtonmore, sharing local folklore and memories of places important to us, or imagining new tales. Then we’ll return to the museum to create our very own Storymap and record our stories, to share a Newtonmore as you’ve never seen or heard before! All ages are welcome. You don’t need to be a resident of Newtonmore to join in!

Please donate if you can. The Clan Macpherson Museum Trust is a registered charity and during these tough times, every penny supports the continued running of the museum and hosting of events, both, online and in-person.

Start by decorating your very own pumpkin pal before heading up to our archery range to use him as your terrifying target! Our ghostly hosts will be on hand to help you master your aim with a bow and arrow.

Afterwards, you’ll be treated to a roaring bonfire that’s perfect for toasting some tasty marshmallow treats and sipping on a warm chocolate drink. The Cairngorms are home to a whole host of frightening folklore tales that are perfect for some spooky storytelling!

Once you’re fuelled and ready for warfare, we’ll get you kitted up to take on BattleZone Laser Tag! You and your troops will be needed for our digital zombie shoot-off using infra-red technology guns.
Our clubhouse will be open throughout your time with us for refreshments.

The popular Christmas market returns this November to Blair Castle. With over 70 of our finest arts, crafts and food stalls gathering in the ballroom and courtyard, it’s bigger than ever – what better way to start your Christmas shopping?

Come and join in fun!

Santas Grotto
Craft Fayre
Christmas Market
Farmers Market
Raffle
Film Night
Victorian Carousel

For children and adults!

‘Rise, winds of autumn, rise; blow upon the dark heath! Streams of the mountains, roar!’

Join us on an autumn walk into the Glen and experience Ossian’s bardic tales in their natural environment of the Highlands. Listen to Ossianic poetry, while looking at the scenery that surrounded the bard and understand, how the Ossianic stories generated a fascination with our Highland landscapes far beyond the Scottish borders. Learn about the importance of nature in these stories and hear of their important link to Highland tourism.

On this walk, you will be encouraged to participate in a dialogue, not only about Ossian, but also about the modern understanding of landscape, culture, and belonging. We invite you to express your understanding of these in creative photography.

A selection of these photographs will be displayed in the special exhibition of 2023 at the Clan Macpherson Museum.

Meeting point is the end of the minor road up Glen Banchor, the coordinates are 57°04’13.8″N 4°09’27.4″W and the start point can be accessed through Google Maps, it is the end of Glen Road.

Once parked at the end of the minor road leading from Newtonmore into Glen Banchor, we will continue on foot along Allt a’ Chaorainn, to reach the foothills of the Monadhliath and enjoy the views of two glens merging together. We will have plenty of time to talk about Ossian, exchange stories and take photographs along the way. After a break and some snacks, we will retrace our steps back to the car.

The walk is approximately 4km long and we will cover an elevation of 100meters. Our highest point will be approximately 400m. It is best suited for all fitness levels, but please be aware that you need sturdy footing.

At an average fitness level, this walk will take 2 hours, however, we plan to take 3 hours in total to have enough time for breaks and photographs along the way.

In case of severe weather conditions, we reserve the right to change the route of the walk.

Please bring waterproof clothing, as well as sturdy shoes, and be aware that sections of the path can be rather boggy. We recommend some additional layers, as the weather in the Highlands can change very quickly and be unpredictable at times.

Please also bring a protective cover for your camera, if needed and some snacks/lunch.

Picnic blankets will be provided. Additional portable seating can also be provided. If required, please leave a note upon signing up for this event.

Take part and make some art! Author and artist, Eileen Budd returns to the Macpherson Museum to share insights into illustrating Ossian stories, including entry level character design techniques. Join Eileen in creating some Ossian inspired artwork. Suitable for beginner artists of all ages, drawing supplies provided.

A Halloween get-together with coffee and tea, Halloween cake and trick or treating for all ages.

Dress up as your favourite folk hero or historical figure and take pictures at the museum, to win the costume contest.

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


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