When is this event?
Established in 2022 in collaboration with HM the Queen’s ‘Reading Room’ – a worldwide network of literary communities – we are delighted to announce the grand return of the Braemar Literary Festival for its second year.
Turn the page on your next big adventure and visit us in our storybook setting from 29th September to 1st October 2023, for a weekend celebrating the power and quiet beauty of the written and spoken word.
Connecting bibliophiles of all ages with heartfelt readings from the authors who penned the words and a forum to engage in spirited discussion, we stand proudly as part of the new Scottish cultural scene.
Tickets are now on sale.
Join Glenlivet & Inveravon Heritage Ranger Lydia for a talk on Pictish art and symbol stones.
We will be looking at four Pictish Stones discovered in the churchyard of Inveraven, which has been a site of spiritual practice and pilgrimage for centuries. This tour will provide an overview to Pictish art and culture and will show how the Picts contributed to the shaping of modern Scotland.
Access to Inveraven Church is off the A95 about half a mile north the entrance to Ballindalloch Castle, and can be found by following the brown tourist sign directing visitors down the single track road to the Inveraven Pictish Stones.
Parking is available at the bottom of the drive before you arrive at the church or in front of the church building.
As we will be outside, please dress appropriately for changeable weather.
Children are very welcome to attend.
Well behaved dogs may attend but must be leashed.
Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
Please note that toilet facilities are not available on site.
The festival promotes traditional music and dance in a variety of formats and venues in and around Grantown.
Open music sessions throughout the weekend. Come and enjoy the Concert, starring Paul Anderson, Shona Donaldson, Fèis Spè Junior Band and more at the British Legion, 7.30pm on 15th Sept.
Sign up for an exciting Heritage Walk with Music, led by John Halliday of Strathspey Tours, 2.30pm 15th and 10.00am 16th from Ben Mhor Hotel; or choose the Family Guided Walk with Tunes and Tales, 2.30pm 16th from Ben Mhor Hotel.
Enhance your skills, or just enjoy playing along in the Saturday afternoon Workshops in Fiddle, Singing and Moothie for all ages and abilities, and Drumming for children, 2.00pm Ben Mhor Hotel. Join in with the combined Open Session at 3.30pm, Ben Mhor.
Dance the evening of the 16th away from 7pm, Ben Mhor Hotel at the Family Ceilidh with the Dunphail Ceilidh Band. “Treasure” Hunt in the shop windows of Grantown’s interesting High Street – can you identify the musical instruments? Fiddle Competition for all ages and abilities, 10am 16th at Ben Mhor. Registration details from the website or phone for entry form.
Will YOU be THE FIDDLER of STRATHSPEY 2023?
Experience the wonder of Anagach Woods and reconnect with your creative side in this unique workshop
This is a fantastic chance to try out two new skills – the ancient Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (or forest bathing) and ceramics.
First, you will join Cath Wright from Highland Quietlife for forest bathing in Grantown’s community-owned woodland. While the walk will be leisurely and there will be stops along the way, participants should be prepared to walk on uneven ground.
Then, at the Spey Bank Studio, you will use handsculpt a pinch pot, led by our lead tutor, Angus Grant. You will also use found objects from the forest to add textures to the clay.
Your creation will be glazed and fired by Angus in the studio kiln and returned to you.
The Storylands Sessions are a series of music and storytelling events in Badenoch, celebrating Highland culture and community, both traditional and contemporary.
Led by musician, Hamish Napier, and writer, Merryn Glover, each month we hold a themed Early and Late Show in Kincraig, where you can join us to perform, or sit back and enjoy.
If this event is booked out, see if there are spaces at our Early Show. Same dates, but starting at 6pm.
8pm-10.15pm-ish (doors open at 7.30 pm, no earlier)
Ever wished you could take your ideas and experiences and shape them into words for sharing with others?
Join award-winning author and experienced performer, Merryn Glover, in this online workshop series that builds confidence and ideas for just that! In a relaxed, fun and highly supportive environment, we will share our work and find the best ways to get your best words into the world.
We will look at:
– how to gather good ideas
– how to decide if it’s a story or a poem or something in between
– what makes a great story, or a great poem, or a great in-betweeny-thing
– how to write it and RE-write it for improvement
– structure, timing, language, tone and other word craft skills
- ways to share your words – in publication and performance
– whether to memorise, improvise or read
– how to practice
– how to gain confidence to perform
– how to develop your body, breath and voice
– how to deal with nerves, memory lapses and scowling audiences
– how to love it!
Bring paper, pen and a playful spirit.
Open to anyone aged 16+
Ever wished you could take your ideas and experiences and shape them into words for sharing with others?
Join award-winning author and experienced performer, Merryn Glover, in this workshop series that builds confidence and ideas for just that! In a relaxed, fun and highly supportive environment, we will explore stories, poetry and other forms, share our work together and find the best ways to get your best words into the world.
We will look at:
– how to gather good ideas
– how to decide if it’s a story or a poem or something in between
– what makes a great story, or a great poem, or a great in-betweeny-thing
– how to write it and RE-write it for improvement
– structure, timing, language, tone and other word craft skills
- ways to share your words – in publication and performance
– whether to memorise, improvise or read
– how to practice
– how to gain confidence to perform
– how to develop your body, breath and voice
– how to deal with nerves, memory lapses and scowling audiences
– how to love it!
Bring paper, pen and a playful spirit.
Open to anyone aged 16+
Ballater Walking Festival has been in operation since 1999.
It takes place on the third week of May every year and welcomes over 100 walkers to Ballater.
There are up to 4 walks offered every day ranging from easy, medium, strong and special interest.
Transport is either provided by mini bus or car share.
Walkers often come to Ballater for the whole week and walk most days.
Evening entertainment includes a free welcome meal, a talk or quiz, a free ceilidh at the end of the week and a group meal (paid for by walker).
Strong walks are mainly lead by qualified guides, whereas the easy and moderate ones are lead by locals.
A week not to be missed!
Register online.
Booking are taken from January 2024 on www.walkballater.com
Join our lichen expert for an accessible introduction to some of the species that thrive in the Caledonian forest. Whether you are an intrigued beginner or an avid naturalist, we aim to take you on a journey lichen no other!
The lichen walk will last 2-3 hours and will start from the Loch Garten Nature Centre car park. Please bring appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most dramatic things to see in the night sky between July and August. In 2023 the Perseid meteor shower is active between 17 July and 24 August. Join members of the Cairngorms Astronomy Club and TGDT at the Field of Hope and at the Tomintoul Bird Hide to experience this special celestial phenomena.
The meteors are called the Perseids because they appear to originate in the constellation Perseus.
If the skies aren’t clear on Friday the 18th of August, another chance to view them will be offered at the same time on Saturday the 19th of August.
Where is this event being held?
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