Posts for August, 2026

Learn how to create ink pigments from garden plants that you can use in drawing and painting. Run by Crathie based artist Naomi Mcintosh.

Discover the hidden world of plants, their past and present uses as inks and their roles in history and folklore. Using foraged plant materials, the workshop will guide you through how to transform them into natural inks, creating art inspired by the sounds, sights, and textures of the natural world.

The workshop is for having fun and trying your hand at something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience or ability.

Minimum age 16 years.

Photo Credit – Sim Canetty-Clarke

Learn how to create ink pigments from garden plants that you can use in drawing and painting. Run by Crathie based artist Naomi Mcintosh.

Discover the hidden world of plants, their past and present uses as inks and their roles in history and folklore. Using foraged plant materials, the workshop will guide you through how to transform them into natural inks, creating art inspired by the sounds, sights, and textures of the natural world.

The workshop is for having fun and trying your hand at something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience or ability.

Minimum age 16 years.

Photo Credit: Sim Canetty-Clarke

Spend a relaxing morning making clay impressions of natural objects with local artist, Mary Bourne.

Create artwork from clay impressions of leaves and other natural objects. The workshop will start with an optional short walk for those who would like to collect their own materials, such as leaves and twigs. A selection of natural objects will also be provided. Images will be created by pressing objects into clay slabs, before being cast into plaster.

Family friendly, but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, also on a bookable ticket.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the woodland walk.

Photo Credit Mary Bourne

Learn to develop short pieces of poetry and written pieces inspired by the feeling of being in the landscapes of Loch Insh with local storyteller Merryn Glover.

In this creative writing workshop, we will explore the shores of Loch Insh, experiencing it through all the senses as well as learning about its natural and historic features. Moving into the old kirk above the loch, we will develop short pieces of poetry and prose that capture the essence of the place, sharing and shaping these together.

The workshop is about enjoyment and trying your hand at something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your ability.

Meet at the lower cemetery carpark on the eastern side of the kirk.
Bring warm, waterproof clothing, suitable outdoor footwear, something to sit on outdoors (a mat or folding stool), a notebook and a pen.
Minimum age 16+

Photo Credit – Merryn Glover

Join Nethy Bridge artist, Jackie Hichens, for a nature journalling workshop, exploring observation and drawing techniques. A relaxed riverside walk will provide inspiration to begin filling a hand-made journal with sketches, notes, and collected natural materials.

Journaling is a relaxing and fulfilling way to connect with nature, to stop, take time and space to sit and observe the little things that are so often overlooked in a busy life. Each participant will be guided to make their own journal and fill it using a variety of materials to make notes, collages and illustrations. Participants will draw on the surroundings whilst learning how to create a journal.

Following a discussion on sustainable use of natural materials, there will be a short walk along an easy, flat, woodland path. This time in nature will be used to observe, make notes and sketches in the journal, and gather small objects to take back with us. There the workshop will continue with participants having time to add colour to the journal in the form of paints, pens and crayons, supported by Jackie.

All art materials are supplied but if you have any newspapers, old maps / nature magazines, please bring them along.

The workshop is about enjoyment and trying your hand at something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your ability.

Lunch is not provided so please remember to bring your own. There are also a shop and a cafe nearby.
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the woodland walk.
Minimum age 12+ years (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, also on a bookable ticket).

Photo Credit – Jackie Hichens

In this workshop participants will be taught three different forms of braiding: leather “mystery” braids; a seven- strand braid from thread and a traditional natural cordage from dried plant fibres. No previous experience is needed. All tools and materials are provided, and Fin’s support will be available throughout.

This workshop is all about enjoyment and trying something new. It is open to everyone aged 12 and over.

Suitable for adults and children (age 12+). Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (both on bookable tickets).

Photo Credit – Fin Scott

A song and dance workshop, led by Caroline Reagh and Sandra Robertson (Dannsa) provides the opportunity to learn step dance, Gaelic Puirt-a-Beul (a traditional form of vocal music originating from the Scottish Highlands and Islands) and some descriptive Gaelic words of the landscape.

Sing, dance and soak up the beauty in this relaxed, fun workshop. After meeting at the RSPB Insh Marshes car park, the group will head to the Lookout Hide for an introduction to Gaelic puirt-a-beul and step-dance. Participants will either remain with Caroline to learn to step-dance or join Sandra for Gaelic song. Workshop numbers are limited (dance – 12; song – 6). Choice will be made at time of booking.  The groups will then join to share some song and dance followed by an introduction in Gaelic to the surrounding landscape features (with an explanation in English). 

The workshop is about enjoyment and trying something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your singing and dance experience, or Gaelic skills.

Please bring a snack and drink.
Some areas may be rough and/or slippery underfoot. Sturdy footwear is advisable. Dancers must bring hard shoes or trainers.
Suitable for adults and children. Minimum age eight+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (both on bookable tickets).
Photo Credit – Dansa and Caroline Reagh

Take a walk through Anagach woods, guided by Jana, exploring, taking photographs, sketching and collecting natural materials.

In the event of bad weather, the workshop will take place entirely within the hall with materials provided by the artist. Attendees are also invited to bring natural materials along.

The workshop is about enjoyment and trying your hand at something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your age or ability.

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Minimum age 10+ years (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, also on a bookable ticket).

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the woodland walk

If you have any questions or require assistance to book a place on this workshop, please phone 01479 873535.

Supporting arts and culture is a key part of our Cairngorms 2030 programme, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Photo Credit – Jana Emburey

A hands-on clay workshop led by ceramic artist Jacqueline Shortland exploring the relationships that sustain rural communities. The workshop invites participants to create a piece of art that represents their sense of belonging, mutual support, shared knowledge and connections between people and place within the Cairngorms National Park.

Using simple clay techniques suitable for complete beginners, participants will create a sculptural clay hand (or pair) inspired by their place within the community; the skills they share; the support they offer; or the people and places that have helped shape them.

Each hand will be decorated using natural coloured clay slips and earthy pigments. The finished piece will be a personal expression of identity, experience and personality, that celebrates the diversity and resilience of rural life.

The workshop is about enjoyment and trying your hand at something new. Everyone is welcome, no matter your experience or ability.

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Minimum age 12+ years. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult (both with booked places).

If you have any questions, or require assistance to book a place on this workshop, please phone 01479 873535.


Supporting arts and culture is a key part of our Cairngorms 2030 programme, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Photo Credit – Jacquie Shortland

Join this workshop to learn how to make wooden shrink pots with local woodworker, Aaron Sterrit. At your own pace, discover a wide range of eco-friendly woodworking techniques using hand tools and locally sourced timber.

A shrink pot is a fun, creative woodworking project using the natural shrinking properties of wood as it dries to form a pot. This workshop will take you through step by step how to make one, from hollowing out a fresh green log to cutting and adding your base.

Shrink pots are a joy to make. It’s not about how many you make or how quickly: this workshop goes at a pace that suits you.
All tools and materials are provided, and Aaron’s support will be available throughout the workshop.
Everyone is welcome, no matter your ability or experience.


Lunch is not included so please remember to bring your own. There are ample food outlets in Grantown-on-Spey.

Although some cover will be provided, the workshop will be held outdoors, so please wear suitable warm clothing and footwear.

Minimum age 16+ years.
If you have any questions or require assistance to book a place on this workshop, please phone 01479 873535.


Supporting arts and culture is a key part of our Cairngorms 2030 programme, made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Photo Credit – Aaron Sherrit