Posts for May, 2026

We are so excited to bring another baby/toddler/kids special to our wee community here this time in partnership with Roots and Shoots.

Starting in the woods at 9.30am, just behind the cinema, we will meet for a one-off Roots and Shoots, a nature play session that provides opportunities to learn, play and explore our surrounding woodlands. This is open to all, so come along before the cinema to enjoy fresh air activities!

We will then head into the cinema to watch “The Magic Faraway Tree” from 11am. A film about a series of fantastical worlds that await at the top of a magical tree hidden within an enchanted wood – based on Enid Blyton’s beloved books “The Faraway Tree”.

Thanks to Spotlight Legacy Fund/Film Hub Scotland we have support to offer the Roots and Shoots session for free.

Then tickets for the film are £5 – but free for under 5’s.
Buy online or on the door.
macdonaldspeyvalleycinema.co.uk

A day to celebrate the community and heritage of Braemar with performances and displays from different community groups. A Fun day for all the family!

The day includes a dog show, a teddy zipline, stalls from local businesses, hand-on crafting sessions, displays from dancers, pipers and traditional crafters, a march from the Invercauld and Duff Highlanders.

An hour of theatre and comedy with author and Mountaineer John D. Burns
In a remote Highland bothy, a traveller finds shelter from the storm. In his rucksack he has coal for the fire, candles to ward off the darkness, and a little whisky to bring some cheer. The wanderer invites you into his world.
In a unique piece of theatre, John tells stories of his wild journeys among Scotland’s mountains. There are near death adventures on ice wreathed cliff faces. Tales of dark deeds in distant bothies and even a brush with royalty. Yet in the heart of so much beauty there is conflict. Hear how working-class folk have fought to establish their right to wander the hills.
Come and join John, smell the woodsmoke and be transported to a world where all you have is what is packed on your back and the dreams that you follow.
John D. Burns is an award-winning mountain author and his books, Bothy Tales and The Last Hillwalker, have become acknowledged as classics among those who enjoy the outdoors. You can hear more of John and his wonderful guests on his podcast, Outdoors in Scotland.

Will you be able to spot our life-size wild brick sculptures nestled around Highland Wildlife Park this spring?

Perfect for families, brick fans and animal lovers alike, this exhibition offers a chance to marvel at the artistry, take fun photos and explore the park in a whole new way.

Celebrate the holiday with our brick sculpture experience which inspires creativity and wonder – one brick at a time!

A live musical performance tracing the emergence of dragonflies from water to air — including a guided RSPB site visit.

Almanac: Part 1 (Emergence)
Boat of Garten Community Hall, Saturday 13 June 2026

Almanac is a new large-scale project by composer Thomas Butler, commissioned by Red Note Ensemble, using contemporary musical performance to mark events in the natural world.

Across four seasonal, immersive works presented in locations throughout Scotland over 12 months, the project brings together ensemble, voice, electronics and field recording to explore ecological cycles, seasonal change, and the disruption of natural rhythms in a time of climate crisis.

Almanac: Part 1 (Emergence)
The first chapter of Almanac focuses on the emergence of dragonflies and damselflies as they transition from water to air. This new performance combines live music with flute, clarinet, viola and percussion, and field recordings to trace this moment of transformation, shaped by ecological research and the surrounding landscape.

Each ticket includes
• A guided site visit to a nearby bog with an RSPB guide to observe dragonflies and damselflies (transport provided by bus)
• A live performance of Emergence
• A Q&A with composer Thomas Butler

Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in. Joy Rides are all about using your bike to get around and passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment. When there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!

Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trail-side mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.

Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in. Joy Rides are all about using your bike to get around and passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment. When there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!

Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trail-side mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.

Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in. Joy Rides are all about using your bike to get around and passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment. When there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!

Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trail-side mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.

We invite you to come along and join us for our annual Spring Gathering 2026. Bring along your friends and family to gather and enjoy a marvellous BBQ, Scrumptious cakes and browse our variety of local vendors selling their crafts.

With fun activities for children big and small, we also showcase a number of local charities and fundraising events held here in our communities.

We look forwards to seeing you there!

Join us for an evening walk in the Cairngorms, with minibus transport from Ballater area.

Your guide will be on hand throughout to share stories, answer questions, and point out wildlife, plants, and the rich history of this remarkable glen.

After a scenic drive from Ballater, we begin our walk from the Spittal of Glen Muick car park. The path travels through woodland near the visitor centre, where red deer are often seen moving quietly through the undergrowth.

As you continue your walk along the track from the Spittal, Loch Muick stretches out before you like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the deepening twilight sky. Surrounded by steep glens and the broad shoulders of the surrounding hills, the loch offers a stunning Highland vista.

We follow the lochside trail to the old boathouse, crossing the outflow of the Loch, River Muick. With a bit of luck, you might spot a golden eagle soaring overhead or hear the haunting calls of red deer stags in the autumn months. With the warm tones of the photography golden hour, it’s the perfect time to capture breathtaking images of the landscape.

Our return route takes us past Allt-na-giubhsaich, Queen Victoria’s remote lodge, where she and Prince Albert would retreat from Balmoral.

Limited to 8 participants.