Posts for October, 2022

The Kilted Carver is back to our museum, with a new workshop for you!

Just before Christmas, learn about the history of sgian dhubs and carve your very own one, to keep or gift to a loved one.

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.

This evening Naturalist and TV Presenter, Iolo Williams, will give us an illustrated talk and tour about some of the magnificent birds of prey that can be found in the UK and give us an insight into their habitat, lives and the threats they face.

AN APPRECIATION OF SCOTLAND’S LESS CELEBRATED WILDLIFE

Coming to watch wildlife in Scotland, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was all about the birds, with a few iconic mammals thrown in for good measure. However, when you look past the crested tits, capercaillies and red squirrels there so is much more to be excited about other than just the creatures with feathers or fur. Having co-led a tour with the Grant Arms Hotel on the hunt for butterflies, dragonflies and plants during a couple of recent summers, Mike eulogises on the wealth of ‘other’ wildlife that makes the Highlands such a special place to visit.

ONE THOUSAND SHADES OF GREEN  – ONE MAN’S MISSION TO SEE A THOUSAND BRITISH PLANTS IN ONE YEAR!

Featuring readings from his brand new book, Mike recounts the highs and lows of his ‘Big Botanical Year’ in 2021. Chasing from Cornwall to Breckland and Teesdale to Cairngorm, Mike attempts to see a thousand different British plants in one calendar year. Risking (at times) life and limb to track down everything from groundsel to goldilocks aster, he explains why, in his opinion, Botany must now be considered the new rock ’n’ roll!

Mike will be signing copies of his book after the talk.

Arctic terns circumnavigate the globe to breed on our glorious land and did you know 68% of the worlds Gannet population choose to breed on our shores. Stories about these, the winners and losers of climate change, record breakers and just those special birds we all love, are included in a talk packed with great images of many of our personal favourites. This lecture contains less species than the Shetland to Scilly talk, concentrating on those birds that make Britain a Great place for bird watching, a place we should be proud of. God save the King….

Never has their been a time when nature needs our love more. Very early on I learned that the power of an image really moved me. I was sure this would also move those that viewed my work. My camera became a way of communicating my own love for the natural world through what I’ve seen and witnessed during my time in nature. This talk takes you on that journey through the medium of photography.

Not far from the Russian / Finnish border there is a place known locally as “No Mans Land”. It’s where some of Europe’s rarest mammals carve out a living. This talk will take you to this special place and show you these incredible mammals. Along with some of the work being done to save them from extinction.

Witness some of the amazing wildlife we have here in the UK with my talk that celebrates all that is beautiful in our British countryside. From my early life as a member of the YOC – (Young Ornithologist Club) to the present, my talk will show you why I’m so passionate about our stunning wildlife here in the British isles.

If you had to pick ten birds that changed the course of history, which would you choose? Join author and naturalist Stephen Moss for a whistle-stop tour through the history of human interaction with birds, from prehistoric times to the present-day. Be prepared for some surprises!

Join us this autumn for a foraging walk with Tamara Colchester in the grounds and gardens of Blair Castle. This three hour walk will take us along hedgerow and into the woods – looking at the nutrition and medicine offered to us in the form of nuts, roots, tree-barks, berries and, of course, mushrooms.
Moving slowly and with heightened awareness, we will attune to the interwoven lives of wild animals, plants and fungi. Using all our senses we will connect with the wonder of autumn’s bounty, before making a wild berry tea, learning some herbal preparations and enjoying some delicious foraged treats around the fire.