Posts for January, 2026

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨!

Here’s another great event as part of celebrating Tomintoul’s 250th anniversary. We thought it would be great to have a family event, so why not join us for a fun-filled, in-person afternoon for the whole family! Dance, laugh, and make memories with great music and a friendly crowd. Whether you’re a little groover or a seasoned dancer, this is all about good vibes and family fun. Don’t miss out on the Tomintoul Family Disco! 💃🏻🪩



We’ll have a tuck-shop with some tasty treats, so get the kids to save some pocket money (and adults too!) Whilst tickets are free, we would appreciate any donations – these will help cover the cost of the hall hire etc. and any surplus will go to supporting other events during our 250th year.



A parent, guardian or carer will need to be with each group of children. Each person attending, adult or child will need a ticket – sorry, without a ticket, we can’t allow entry due to license restrictions.

𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲, 𝐧𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬.

The Grantown Society presents a talk by Eileen Stewart : The Merchant Adventurers of Strathspey – 18th Century Fortune-hunting Abroad. Eileen Stewart enlightened us last year on the life of Abbe Peter Grant and his assistance in Rome with the purchase of paintings for Castle Grant. This year Eileen will present an account of the research she has been doing into the local merchant adventurers who made it possible for the enterprising young men to travel to make their fortunes – in some cases anyway – in the mid 18th century. It brings together a really interesting and multi-faceted view of our local involvement in Atlantic trading.
Refreshments may be brought through from the bar.

Su-a Lee and Friends
Featuring Duncan Chisholm, Donald Shaw & Hamish Napier.
What better way to spend a Wednesday in April than with Su-a Lee, who is one of Scotland’s most versatile, adventurous and charismatic cellists. She has worked with rock icons such as Jack Bruce and `Eric Clapton (Cream); jazz musicians including Peter Erskine (Weather Report) and Thomas Strønen; Classical Indian sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Scottish folk-electronica pioneer Martyn Bennett.

For this very special show Su-a will be joined by three of these stellar collaborators: Duncan Chisholm, one of Scotland’s most accomplished fiddle players; Donald Shaw, celebrated multi-instrumentalist/composer/producer and Hamish Napier, producer, tunesmith and multi-faceted performer.
Doors: From 7pm (no earlier, please)
1st Half: 7.30pm – 8.15pm
Interval: 8.15pm-8.45pm
2nd Half: 8.45pm-9.30pm
Finish: 9.30pm
BAR – the Hall is running the bar, which will only be open before the concert and during the interval.
SHOP – there will be a merchandise stall, selling “CDs and vinyl of solo albums by Su-a, Hamish, Duncan and Donald. Contactless card and smartphone payments will be accepted.

Bruce, the comedian behind the 230k subscriber YouTube channel Scotland History Tours, comes to Boat of Garten with a new show. Laughs galore and quirky observations as he explains how Scotland Made the World.
His unique style showcases and celebrates Scottish culture and history, in a way that will not only keep you fully engaged, but have you rolling with laughter and screaming for more!
This show will deliver more jokes than you’d get from the YouTube videos, and some might even make you blush, but you’ll still leave having learned about Scotland’s role in the world while laughing along the way.
Nominated for comedy awards in Australia, at home in Scotland and even named Scottish Comedian of the Year, Bruce appeared on ABC series Stuff the British Stole and many UK TV and radio shows

Friday 6 March 2026 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Boat of Garten Community Hall

Join us on Monday 23 February 2026 at 7:30pm at Boat of Garten Community Hall for an evening celebrating cold water, wild places, and personal challenge.
Since 2016, Ben Sparham has been on a mission to swim every high loch and lochan in the Cairngorms. As he nears completion of his epic project, Ben shares tales from his high mountain swims — the beauty, the solitude, and the endurance it takes to dip into icy waters miles from anywhere.
Tickets £6 on the door
Boat of Garten Community Hall
Monday 23 February 2026 | 7:30pm
Available to stream later for a small donation – get in touch for the link!
Join the Boat Talks mailing list by emailing info@boathall.org.uk

Join us at Boat of Garten Community Hall on Monday 9 February 2026 at 7:30pm for a fascinating insight into the “ghosts of the forest.”
Dane Stewart from Highland Wildlife Park introduces us to the story of three rescued female lynx — from their precarious beginnings to thriving in the Highlands. Learn about the myths, folklore and conservation efforts surrounding these elusive cats, and the powerful local support that helped them find a new home in the Cairngorms.
Tickets £6 on the door
Boat of Garten Community Hall
Monday 9 February 2026 | 7:30pm
Available to stream later for a small donation – get in touch for the link!
Join the Boat Talks mailing list by emailing info@boathall.org.uk

Join us for a remarkable evening at Boat of Garten Community Hall on Monday 26 January 2026 at 7:30pm.
Gill Williams shares her journey from adventurous Oxford schoolgirl to police diver and sergeant — a career that took her from the depths of rivers to the height of mountain rescue. This is a powerful story of courage, compassion, and a lifetime dedicated to “looking for the dead and finding hope for the living.”
Tickets £6 on the door
Boat of Garten Community Hall
Monday 26 January 2026 | 7:30pm

Available to stream later for a small donation – get in touch for the link!
Join the Boat Talks mailing list by emailing info@boathall.org.uk

Are Car Boot Sales your ‘thing’? If so, book in for our first sale of the year! All indoors so we don’t need to worry about what the weather will be doing. Great time to get rid of stuff in time for spring or grab a bargain.

Sunday 22 March 2026
12:00
Boat of Garten Community Hall (main hall)

If you are interested in holding a stall, please get in touch.
Contact Boat Hall:
info@boathall.org.uk
01479 831123
£10 per car/space to be paid in advance

Immerse yourself in creative fun for a morning of nature painting with Ellie Dimambro-Denson.

In 2024, Ellie challenged herself to walk 250 kilometres across the Cairngorms Connect partnership: the UK’s biggest habitat restoration project and 600 square kilometres of ancient forest, peaty bog, and magnificent mountains.

On her journey she captured her experiences in beautiful watercolour, using natural pigments she made herself from the plants that grow within the landscape.

Join us at the Loch Garten Nature Centre for a beginner’s workshop on the world of wild watercolours:

~ Get an introduction to making paint pigments from nature

~ Learn tips & tricks on how best to capture your favourite scenes through watercolour

~ Enjoy the mindfulness and peace of painting in an ancient forest location

This workshop is for beginners but all abilities are welcome!

This is an indoor event at the Loch Garten Nature Centre but please bring warm layers in case you feel inclined to take inspiration directly from the outdoors! The centre is a short, 3-4 minute walk from the car park over even ground, however if you require further assistance, an all-terrain wheelchair is available to use for free. Please contact us in advance if required.

Get ready to zig-a-zig-ah! This fun, family-friendly dance workshop invites adults and children to learn energetic routines inspired by the iconic Spice Girls. From “Wannabe” to “Spice Up Your Life,” you’ll dance, laugh, and celebrate friendship, confidence, and teamwork – just like the Spice Girls themselves!

Everyone is welcome! No dance experience is needed, this workshop is all about having fun, moving to the music and enjoying a shared family experience.

“Say you’ll be there” and grab your tickets now!