Posts for November, 2022

The Geminid meteor shower is one of the last of major meteor showers of the year, and can usually be relied on to put on a good display. Join Cairngorms Astronomy Club and TGDT in the Square, Tomintoul to experience this special celestial phenomena. The meteors of the Geminid shower are very bright, moderately fast, and are unusual in being multi-coloured – mainly white, some yellow and a few green, red and blue. These colours are partly caused by the presence of traces of metals like sodium and calcium, the same effect that is used to make fireworks colourful. Everyone welcome.

If the skies aren’t clear on Tuesday the 13th of December, another chance to view them will be offered at the same time on the 14th of December.

Santa Run is back for 2022! We are excited to share that the Santa Run is back, join us in Aviemore on Saturday 10th December 2022. This event is open to everyone and anyone who is ready for some festive fun, while supporting Disability Snowsports UK.

The event is family-friendly, accessible, and offers a great way to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season in the picturesque surrounding of Aviemore. Participants can choose between a 1mile route or a 5Km route starting at Macdonald Resort North Street Car Park, going through the famous Aviemore High Street, through resort streets and finishing back at the starting point, where you will be able to rest, enjoy festive snacks and some Christmas music!

Please note that Santa or Elf suits are not included in the ticket cost this year. If you require a Santa or Elf Suit these can be added on to your ticket, we will also have suits available on the day too. Festive dress-up is encouraged, so please get creative!

All participants are encouraged to raise a small target of £20 to allow DSUK to subsidise more lessons for disabled children and adults. You don’t want to miss becoming a Santa for a day!

The Grantown on Spey Hogmanay Street Party returns for 2022 with live music provided by Speysound Radio, Lyle Kinnaird and Maggie Adamson and Friends. There will be the traditional fireworks at midnight and there will also be a bar and hot food and drinks. Come along to see in the New Year in style and drink a dram and dance a jig to say hello to 2023.
We will be asking for donations for the Hogmanay Fund so please bring along your spare change, or better still a banknote or two.

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!

As part of Wee Walks Week, I will be taking a guided tour from the West Lodge of Castle Grant, through the castle grounds to the site of old Grantown, Pictish stone and views of Castle Grant. Return via a stretch of the Dava Way on the old railway line back to the start. Easy walking with no hills following tar road, estate tracks and Dava Way.

As part of Wee Walks Week, join me on a circular walk of Glenbeg. From the A95 just outside Grantown, the walk will follow the Glenbeg Burn on a tar road and farm tracks rising gradually up the glen to Glenbeg farm and Wester Gorton. Hear tales of the associations of the glen with Clan Grant, local place names and the history of this once populous, pretty glen with commanding views of the Cromdale Hills and Cairngorms.

This Hallowe’en weekend, come along to historic 12th century Castle Roy on the outskirts of Nethy Bridge to wonder at the autumn constellations and dark sky. An introduction to the night sky will be given with aids to view the constellations. A short tour of the recently renovated Castle Roy will conclude the evening. This location has free car parking ,easy access short walk and a cabin where hot drinks can be served.

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.

Join us for an evening of stargazing.
The Aberdeen Astronomical Society will have the expertise and equipment.
Bring binoculars, a torch and wear warm clothes.

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.