Posts for October, 2025

In this workshop you will create a stunning wreath using fresh foliage, seasonal decorations, and personal touches. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, this workshop promises to be an enjoyable way to welcome the holiday season. The workshop will cover techniques for arranging greenery and adding unique ornaments, ensuring that each wreath reflects your personal style. All tools and materials will be provided as a decorating ready seasonal greenery base, you’ll leave with a beautiful, handmade wreath ready to adorn your home or to give as a heartfelt gift.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Price includes:

All necessary materials to decorate the wreath;
Sustainable greenery & foliage,
Decorations & ribbons
All Equipment
Breaktime refreshments- Mulled wine, tea, coffee and cake
Why not make a day of it and stay for Sunday lunch afterwards (separate table reservation required)

Unleash the magic of the season and join us to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind Christmas table centrepiece.
​Using the highest quality fresh Nobilis pine and lush greenery as our base, you’ll learn how to build a fragrant, long-lasting display. We’ll then adorn your creation with a sophisticated mix of seasonal treasures: flickering candles, warm sticks of cinnamon, vibrant dried orange slices, and other festive sundries.
​This isn’t just a decoration—it’s an experience! You’ll leave with a beautiful, handmade piece that fills your home with the unmistakable scent and glow of Christmas.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Price includes:

All necessary materials to decorate the centrepiece;
Sustainable greenery & foliage,
Decorations & ribbons
All Equipment
Breaktime refreshments- Mulled wine, tea, coffee and cake.

Why not make a day of it and join us for Sunday lunch beforehand (separate table reservation required)

Guided stargazing sessions in small groups of up to 10 people in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, with its exceptional dark skies.

Ever wondered about the stars and constellations and wanted to find out more? Take some time out with a star gazing experience at Howe of Torbeg! Spend time in a gorgeous rural location & learn how to find key objects and constellations in the night sky on your own.

Simple & accessible, looking at the stars and learning a bit about them is the perfect way to get away from it all for a few hours, & spend some time in nature.

Scotland has some of the best dark skies in Europe, including across the Cairngorms National Park, where Howe of Torbeg is situated, just outside Ballater, with simply amazing star gazing opportunities. A dark sky area is an area with exceptional dark skies and little to no light pollution.


On the night, we’ll gather in our Wee Studio for an interactive presentation, introducing you to the night sky. This is followed by an outdoor fire bowl & hot chocolate to keep you cosy & then a guided walk up the Glen to see the stars. Looking at the night sky will be a group experience guided by laser pointer.

No queuing for telescopes, we’ll be observing in the great outdoors, away from buildings.
Suitable for beginners.

Grantown and vicinity has a long tradition of brewers and distillers, licensed premises and off-licences. Join us on this virtual tour as we peer into dark corners and bright lounges and hear astonishing tales of some characters of long ago and more recent times. Researched and presented by Bill Sadler. (Drinks may be brought through from the bar!).

This workshop will be delivered by Clare-Louise Battersby and is designed for artists, makers, and creative practitioners who wish to explore how their practice can align more deeply with place, land, and non-extractive ways of working. Rooted in the principles of biophilic design and the Gaelic concept of Dùthchas, the session invites participants to reconnect with their creative practice through sensory exploration, storytelling, and material reflection.

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.

A wide range of events including walks, tours, talks and concerts, with something for everyone interested in learning more about heritage around Badenoch – come and join us as we celebrate, learn about and remember the heritage of this wonderful region.

The full programme of events can be seen here (since printing the Kingussie of Old event will be rescheduled for later in the year – we hope it will take place in October as one of our Winter Talks).

“What’s in a Name?”: The first of this season’s Grantown Society talks is by Neil Macgregor, with special reference to Gaelic place names around Grantown including tales of landscape, crofts and characters and perhaps even a mention of your own homestead!

Talk is on Friday 19th September at 7.30pm in the Grant Arms Hotel following our Grantown Society AGM (for members only) commencing 7pm.

All next week in the Hub, there will be an interactive display on the theme of place names, and linked to that, a short leisurely “walk with history” entitled “Six Sovereigns and a Shepherdess” will leave from The Grantown Hub (2 High St.) on Thurs.

18th September at 10.30am.

The award-winning writer, broadcaster, comedian, and lifelong Motherwell FC supporter is bringing his riotous stand-up show to Boat of Garten.

Expect sensational stories from his incredible 35-year career in radio, TV, and newspapers, served up with his signature no-holds-barred style.

This is your chance to witness Tam’s sharp wit and infectious humour live – a guaranteed evening of unforgettable entertainment.

Doors 7pm and show will start at 8pm.

Licensed bar – cash/card sales.

As part of The Highlands & Islands Climate Hub Climate Festival, the Grantown YMCA Community Centre is proud to present a series of 22 free events that aim to address Climate Change.
Each event will give you the information and guidance, to allow you to make subtle changes to your lifestyle, to reduce your impact on climate change.
We have children’s ergo Club and art competition, talks on Beavers, Peatland and AI computers, workshops on bike maintenance, clothing and furniture restorations, a big Capercaille build, a cinema night, climate cuisine and a recycle, reuse table sale to finish.
We look forward to meeting you all.