Posts for September, 2025

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).

General knowledge quiz from The Grantown Society in aid of the Fiddler of Strathspey Festival.

Drinks available from the bar of the Royal British Legion bar before the quiz starts at 7.30pm sharp.

Teams of 4 invited to book early to secure their place.

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.

Following its launch success in May 2025, the Pledge | Process | Planet exhibition marked a first for designers and artists living and working in the National Park. 20 creatives came together to collaborate and stage their first exhibition. Now, thanks to funding from the Cairngorms Trust and National Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful and thought provoking exhibition goes on tour in October 2025.

“What a lovely surprise – an inspiring exhibition. Interesting basis/idea and great to bring together local creatives and the natural environment of the area. Really, really loved the embroidery.”  Dawn and Dave, Greater Manchester.

“Incredible work – a huge thank you to the artists in the Park for sharing.” Anon

“Really interesting and inspiring. Thanks for letting us see.” Beau and Sandie, Paris

“Chord an taisbeanach seo, gu mor ruim. Torr obair a sas ann le diofar sgilean.” Sandra

The Cairngorms creative network formed to promote co-design and collaboration between creative practices in the National Park. Made up of over 100 members including visual and performing arts, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, stage exhibitions and workshops and spark conversation as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.

Pledge | Process | Planet aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park.

Following its launch success in May 2025, the Pledge | Process | Planet exhibition marked a first for designers and artists living and working in the National Park. 20 creatives came together to collaborate and stage their first exhibition. Now, thanks to funding from the Cairngorms Trust and National Heritage Lottery Fund this beautiful and thought provoking exhibition goes on tour in October 2025.

“What a lovely surprise – an inspiring exhibition. Interesting basis/idea and great to bring together local creatives and the natural environment of the area. Really, really loved the embroidery.”  Dawn and Dave, Greater Manchester.

“Incredible work – a huge thank you to the artists in the Park for sharing.” Anon

“Really interesting and inspiring. Thanks for letting us see.” Beau and Sandie, Paris

“Chord an taisbeanach seo, gu mor ruim. Torr obair a sas ann le diofar sgilean.” Sandra

The Cairngorms creative network formed to promote co-design and collaboration between creative practices in the National Park. Made up of over 100 members including visual and performing arts, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, stage exhibitions and workshops and spark conversation as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.

Pledge | Process | Planet aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park.

Hill to Grill is back!

Join Cairngorms Connect and friends for a day celebrating and exploring local forests and enjoying delicious local food

When: Saturday 25th of October 2025, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: Nethy Bridge Playing Field

Tickets: Hill to Grill is completely free but why not click ‘Going’ on our Facebook, so we can make sure we have enough burgers for everyone!

Due to increased popularity, some elements of the event will require booking in advance – there will still be lots of drop-in activities on the day too. More info coming soon!

We’re excited to welcome you to Cairngorms Connect’s free outdoor festival celebrating local forests and local food. We’ve got a whole host of exciting activities planned for people of all ages and abilities, from woodworking to cooking demonstrations.

Learn about the importance of Deer management to restore local forests while enjoying a free BBQ with wild Cairngorms Connect Venison and other local, foraged, and gathered produce.

Meet a local butcher who will teach us about preparing different cuts of venison and what they are best used for.

Discover new ways to incorporate local food into your everyday meals with simple and inspiring cooking demonstrations from Scottish food expert Catriona Frankitti.

Immerse yourself in the folklore and stories of the forest with Sarah from Strathspey Storywalks.

Join in with family-friendly games and activities throughout the day
Hill to Grill is a largely outdoor event, mostly taking place in tents and on the Playing Field behind Nethy Community Centre, so please dress appropriately, and prepare for all weathers.

The event area is accessible for wheelchair users and buggies, but the grassy ground could be a little rough in places so please take care.

Ballater Golf Club are delighted to welcome Shamrackle on Saturday 27th September!

Tickets now available and include a basket supper. Call 01339755567 to book a table.

Originally hailing from the high desert of Northern New Mexico, Cahalen has been touring solo, as a duo with Eli West, and with his band Western Centuries over the past 15 years. Cahalen has performed on stage with the likes of Tim O’Brien, Kelly Joe Phelps, Hot Rize, David Grisman, Dirk Powell, Crooked Still, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Phil Cunningham, Aly Bain and Kris Drever. Well known for his singular turn of phrase and curiously poignant songs, he dips deep into the well of tradition while continuously pushing boundaries of contemporary songwriting. Cahalen is equally at home on guitar, banjo, mandolin, singing three part harmony or unaccompanied.

Cahalen has played all over the United States, Canada, The UK, Ireland and Western Europe, and at festivals such as Transatlantic Sessions, MerleFest, Red Wing Roots, Rockygrass, Wintergrass, Celebrate Brooklyn!, Strawberry Music Festival, Sisters Folk Festival, Meadowgrass, Timber!, Shetland Folk Festival, Larmer Tree, Kilkenny Roots Festival, Celtic Connections, Bluegrass Jamboree and many more.Cahalen is based out of Glasgow, Scotland. Currently working on an exciting new project, he is also a regular at many sessions, eats as much black pudding as possible and can be found in one of the many beautiful parks or along the Clyde with his dog most evenings.

Carrie Fertig is delighted to be participating in North East Open Studios at St. Margaret’s Saturday 13th – Sunday 21st September, 2025. Carrie is an interdisciplinary artist working in performance, video, sculpture, and installation and also a metalsmith and maker in flameworked glass, the latter often getting incorporated into her performances and videos.

The Poozies have been mistresses of cosmic shape-shifting for a miraculous 34 years. Pioneers from the beginning, with a healthy dose of sass and irreverence, they paved the way for sparkly women folkies in a beardy man’s world.

The band continue to be anchored by the glorious bass of founding member Mary Macmaster’s electro-harp, while the irrepressible riotousness of Eilidh Shaw & Sarah McFadyen’s twin fiddles and the shimmering joyfulness of Mike Bryan’s guitars burst off to happily explore other musical dimensions.

Come and see them at The OBI this September!