Posts for July, 2026

Come and join us at the sixth Greentown Show the annual celebration of all that’s happening in and around Grantown on Spey to help create a sustainable future. This free show is organised by volunteer members of Sustainable Strathspey, a group which aims to initiate local change to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
The central theme of every Greentown Show has been energy-saving in the home, with a combination of impartial expert advice from Home Energy Scotland and practical advice from local providers of home energy equipment. Another important theme of the show is waste reduction, featuring stallholders engaged in recycling, repurposing and waste management. You can bring unwanted IT kit and white goods for reconditioning or recycling. A third theme is making learning about the environment fun for kids at home, at school, and in the outdoors – and making it plastic free and affordable.

………but there’s a lot more to be discovered at the Show. Here is a full list of stallholders.
Speysound Radio will provide the musical backdrop and commentary for the Show.
Sustainable Strathspey are the Show organisers who work in partnership with Badenoch Climate Action and Home Energy Scotland to promote sustainability in communities along the upper reaches of the Spey.
AW Laing are at the forefront of sustainable building in the strath, operating from their new state-of-the-art premises in Grantown.
AES Solar are award-winning local leaders in solar energy provision, who have been harnessing sunlight for 47years.
Greenflame Installations are Grantown-based providers of stoves, solar PV and batteries, biomass and heat pumps.
Air Change Ltd are Ardersier-based experts who guide the design and building of high-efficiency envelopes and ventilation systems.
SABorthwick Plumbing and Heating are a kingussie-based family business experienced in renewables and heat recovery as well as plumbing in existing properties and new builds.
Vattenfall are the developers behind the proposed Ourack windfarm. They can answer all your questions about their Community Development Strategy.
Home Energy Scotland are funded by the Scottish Government. Their role is to help people to stay warmer at home for less cost and to reduce their carbon footprint.
Alienergy Provide free and impartial advice on saving money and how to access a variety of support and funding.
Highland Peoples Power aims to reduce energy prices for Highlanders and to generate income to improve infrastructure, services and biodiversity.
Changeworks aims to deliver affordably warm, healthy and energy efficient homes and supports households in fuel poverty. Helps you get to grips with smart meters, energy tariffs and electric vehicles.
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub supports communities throughout Highland and the Northern Isles to take positive climate action.
Remakery prevent around 30 x 1 Tonne van loads of furniture going to Landfill every year, repairing, refurbishing or upcycling it and reselling it in the community.
Highland Region Waste Management are regular supporters of Greentown Show, providing tips on how you can reduce domestic waste.
ILM Highland  are an Alness-based firm working with Highland Region to provide services including electrical recycling, refurbished appliances, and home safety & independence support. Newcomers to the show who will be collecting unwanted household electrical appliances and IT kit.
Cairngorm National Park Authority Showcasing some of the exciting projects within the Cairngorms 2030 programme.
Anagach Woods Trust are the custodians of our local Grantown woods. Speyside Fields for Wildlife are a Nethybridge-based charity which assists farmers and other landowners to grow crops to benefit a range of wildlife.
Centre for Landscape Regeneration is a Cambridge University-based department which aims to provide knowledge and tools to restore the British countryside.
Growbiz is a community-based enterprise supporting rural businesses throughout Scotland since 2007, with a passion for local enterprises and sustainability.
Cairngorms Trust supports communities, landscapes and wildlife within the Cairngorms National Park by providing grants for projects, including the Active Cairngorms E-bike project (ACE) which now has its day-to-day operations at Aviemore Bikes.
Naturally Useful produces all sorts of tactile functional things from materials that are naturally occurring and readily available, including beautiful willow woven coffins and felted wool shrouds.
Dellifure Natural Burial Ground Provides eco-friendly burials, using biodegradable caskets and coffins, while supporting biodiversity and helping preserve the natural landscape.
Royal Highland Education Trust aims to bring farming, the working countryside and its practices to life for young people, to create a wider understanding of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of rural Scotland.
Cairngorm Crofters and Farmers Community aims to play a crucial role in the conservation of our local native species by emphasising the importance of farming and crofting for biodiversity and undertaking key projects to further nature conservation.
Vegan Outreach Scotland promotes the health and sustainability benefits of vegan living.
Grantown Churches have teamed up to to help the climate. Find out about how they can help you to recycle, and about their other eco- actions.
Grantown on Spey Fire Fighters are the team at the forefront of our defence against wildfires.
Grantown Golf Club are currently undertaking projects to install solar PV and to plant wildflowers on the course.
Fiona’s Wholefoods and Refills. Is a Grantown High Street sustainable grocery and minimal waste shop and coffee bar. They will be providing play experiences for kids at the Show.
Wild Tribe is a Grantown-based venture delivering immersive outdoor adventures that build confidence, independence and a love for nature for young people through hands-on discovery.
Care and Learning Alliance is a leading Highland charity with over 40 years’ experience supporting children, families, and communities. At the Show they provide an opportunity to watch your children play, discover and learn in a safe, welcoming environment.
Grantown Primary School are our local primary, who are undertaking a whole-school sustainability project with highlights on display at the Show.
Badenoch and Strathspey Community Connexions provide accessible transport for all, including a community car and bus service, and here in Grantown an accessible volunteer run e-trike service.

Come to this free show and get quality advice, be inspired, be curious, have great conversations and have a fun day of learning with your kids.

Running from 09:00 to 17:00, our camps are designed to keep your young adventurers entertained, active and engaged throughout the day. We run during school holidays and on selected Highland Council in-service days, giving you a full day of supervised fun while you get on with your day.
From thrilling BattleZone laser tag to fun-filled raft-building and target sports, they’ll discover new skills, make new friends and create fantastic memories. Camps can be booked online, and we’ll choose activities to suit the group, the weather and the time of year.

Highlights:
Team-based laser tag: Action-packed BattleZone laser tag to get the adrenaline pumping.
Raft Build: Make a splash, work together and learn new skills.
Choice of Footgolf, Disc Golf or Archery: Fun options to suit different interests.
Archery Challenge: Test your aim with our fun themed targets.
Creative fun: Arts & crafts or quizzes when energy needs a gentler outlet.
Safe and engaging environment: Experienced instructors look after the group all day.

For the first time ever, we are hosting a baby and toddler screening* – with the very special classic festive film, The Muppet Christmas Carol!

The Muppets put their spin on the tale of an elder, Christmas-hating miser who is visited by spirits who foretell his future and share secrets from his past and present, which helps change his view on life.
*For this to be baby and toddler friendly, the volume is played slightly lower, and the lights remain on at a lower level. But anyone is welcome!

This is the first time we have put on a baby/toddler screening, so please spread the word and show up so we can put more on in 2026!

Tickets are a fiver for adults, and free for under 5’s!
Free coffee and cake for the first 40ish adults.

This autumn, journey back through thousands of years of history at Inveravon Church, set along the beautiful River Spey. This exhibition, generously loaned from Grantown Museum, traces the story of the very first people who encountered this landscape as the Ice Age ended, through to the arrival of Picts and early Christians.

Explore how early hunter-gatherer societies lived, and learn about local hillforts and sacred sites, and how the enigmatic Pictish symbol stones connect us to this past. The Inveravon Pictish symbol stones are also on display, with interpretation that helps us understand their meaning and significance.

Whether you are fascinated by archaeology, heritage, or simply curious about the lives of those who walked this land before us, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to uncover the layers of history woven into the Spey valley.

This exhibition was made possible with funding from Museums Galleries Scotland.

Ballater Golf Club are delighted to welcome Shamrackle on Saturday 27th September!

Tickets now available and include a basket supper. Call 01339755567 to book a table.

The DoonThaBrae Enduro Series is back for 2025!


Here it is the final showdown of the Tartan Enduro Series! We’ll be wrapping up the epic season with Round 4 at Bike Glenlivet on 14th September!

Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre is the perfect place to end the series in style, with stunning scenery, variety of trails and seemingly endless improvements to the trail centre. Expect a party atmosphere to celebrate an incredible season of grassroots Enduro and crowning our series winners! With Laggan, Aboyne, and Tarland, it will all comes down to this. Who will take the top step? Who’s just here for the good times? Either way, you don’t want to miss this one!


Save the Dates: 2025

• Round #1 – 18th May

• Round #2 – 29th June

• Round #3 – 17th August

• Round #4 – 14th September


What to Expect:

•Thrilling Trails: Explore the diverse and challenging terrains that Scotland has to offer. From technical descents to smile inducing flow trail, each stage promises an unforgettable ride.

•Unmatched Scenery: Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Scotland. Picture-perfect vistas will be your backdrop as you navigate through the course.

•Friendly Competitive Spirit: Test your skills against some of the best riders in the country. The DoonThaBrae Enduro Series is not just racing though; it’s a celebration of passion, sportsmanship, and camaraderie and a great day out.


Spread the Word:

Share this announcement with your fellow riders, friends, and family. Let’s make the DoonThaBrae Enduro Series 2025 a series to remember!

Join us for a full day of workshops designed to restore balance, improve body awareness and connect with natural movement.

9-10.30am: Restore Foot Function, Play & Balance with Louise of Foot Forte Podiatry and Nathan of Play with Strength. Discover how to build stronger, healthier feet with playful movement and balance drills. Suitable for all abilities and ages.

11-12.20pm: Holistic Approach to Dog Training & Communication with Jalen of Paw Prides. Learn techniques that deepen trust with your dog and build an understanding of how they express themselves. Ideal for both new and experienced dog owners. Dogs welcome to join if they are comfortable in a group environment.

1.30-3pm: Explore Body Awareness, Breath & Movement Flow with Nathan. Experience rope flow for coordination, rhythm and mindful movement. Suitable for all abilities. Ropes provided on the day.

3.30-4pm: Shoes optional stroll. Finish the day with a relaxed walk in nature, connecting with each other & to integrate all that you’ve learned.


Follow booking link & click on group sessions tab to see booking options.

The 2025 theme is: Highland Games

Categories:

Cut Flowers: From your garden or picked while out walking. Any size,
Colour, or variety. Display in a vessel of your choice (vases, teapots, baskets,
jars, milk bottles etc).

Floral Art Displays: Express your artistic vision by creating a floral
masterpiece that represents the Highland Games.

Plants in Pots/Planters/Hanging Baskets: Pot plants, planters or hanging
baskets.

Fruit & Vegetables: Show off your home-grown delights, perfect or wonky.
Any variety, large or small, in baskets, boxes, or on their own. just ensure
they are home-grown and clean.

Crafts (Needlework and Handiwork): Anything you have created, or made
jointly as a group. Knitting, crochet, paintings, models, painted stones etc.

Home Produce: Jams, chutneys, wine, honey, home bakes. Anything
homemade. Produce will be judged at the start of the festival.

Children’s Competition: Let your creativity bloom! Create and submit your
own model inspired by the Highland Games.

These categories will be judged by the public (excluding Home Produce which will be judged by nominated individual). The winner of each category will receive a £20 cash prize.

Special features:

Floral Art Group Display: stunning Highland Games showcase exhibited down the middle of the hall.
Children’s Craft Groups: Held during the holidays to encourage children’s participation.

Photographic Slideshow: showcasing photos of the local area based on our festival theme you would
If you would like to participate, please send your photos to ballaterhorticulturalsoc@outlook.com. Selected photos will be featured in a slideshow that will be displayed throughout the festival weekend.

Open to Everyone!

Free entry in as many categories as you wish.

Fun for all ages.

For more details and to contact us􀀏 visit our Facebook page
Facebook.com/ballaterroyalhorticulturalsociety

Exhibits can be dropped off at the Victoria Hall on
Friday August 15th from 5-8pm and Saturday 16th from 8-9:30am

Sunday 17th: Voting closes 2 PM, Winners announced 3 PM, Raffle drawn 3:30 PM
We look forward to seeing you this summer at the Victoria Hall.

Join us for the fun of it!

Join me for a creative workshop where we will explore different printing techniques using screen printing, LEGO printing, nature and recycling.

July 28th – Screen print with Lego dots to create your own unique prints
July 29th – Be inspired by nature and print using found objects outdoors or simply take inspiration from colours and shapes outdoors to screen print adventure patches
July 30th – Bring along some of your recycling and get creative making patterns, shapes and print a wooden wall tile
July 31st – Bring along your own T-shirt and design and screen print your own unique design

Classes run from 9am – 3pm (bring your own lunch) and cost £38 per day per child or book all four days in advance for £140
Suitable for children age 8 – 16

Entries will open approximately 6 weeks prior to the race ie late June.

The Glenshee 9 hill race is a 19 mile/5,500ft run across the 9 Munro’s bordering Glenshee Ski Centre in the East Highlands.

The race is run in an anticlockwise circuit across the following summits in this order:-

Creag Leacach (987m)
Glas Maol (1068m)
Cairn of Claise (1064m)
Tom Buidhe (957m)
Tolmount (958m)
Carn an Tuirc (1019m)
Carn Aosda (917m)
Carn a’Gheoidh (975m)
The Cairnwell (933m)
Start and finish is at Glenshee Ski Centre

There is one road crossing after approximately 13 miles (GR NO 147800) This checkpoint is also a cut-off which must be reached by 2.30pm. (ie. 3.5 hours from the start for faster competitiors up to 4.5hours for older age categories). This will be strictly enforced.

Route details can be found at www.stevenfallon.co.uk/glensheeroute.html

Entry Fee
Entry fee includes post race refreshments from Glenshee Catering. All profits from the race will be donated to Braemar MRT who will be providing event safety cover. 300 limit. Closing date Thursday 31st July 2025.

Wave Start
We will operate a two wave start. A 10am start for those in Veteran categories who would like this option (it is not mandatory!) and the main race start at 11am. We would not expect you to pick the 10am start if you are able to comfortably reach the road crossing within 3.5 hours.

Rules
This is a Category A long race and competitors are required to have completed similar events in the last two years.

Entrants must be over 18 years old.

Competitiors will be required to carry full body cover, whistle, map (this map must extend at least 2km beyond your race route in all directions and be waterproof), compass and some emergency food. PLUS any additional clothing dependent on the forecasted weather conditions.

Please note that although it is held in summer, it is Scotland, and well over 50% of the route lies above the 900m contour line. The route is not flagged and there are no water stations. Competitors will cross a number of burns which normally flow even in very dry summers.