Posts for February, 2024

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

The breeding season for birds is coming to an end, however there is still plenty of other life to be seen on the marshes and in the meadow. Colourful wild flowers include sweetly scented orchids, which attract beautiful butterflies and dragonflies. We will lookout for the scarce Scotch Argus butterfly which feeds on flowers like sunshine-yellow Rock Rose.

We will meet in the RSPB Insh Marshes Car Park – what3words: ///epic.youth.venturing and grid ref: NN775998

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Come for a Wildlife Wander with someone from our knowledgeable team to see some of the amazing wildlife that Summer brings to Insh Marshes.

The breeding season for birds is coming to an end, however there is still plenty of other life to be seen on the marshes and in the meadow. The Heather should be in full flower and Field Gentian may be coming into bloom. Wild flowers like Knapweed and Scabious provide nectar for butterflies. We will lookout for the nationally scarce Scotch Argus butterfly which breeds on the reserve and can be the most common butterfly to be seen in August. Dragonflies like Black Darter and the impressively large Golden Ringed may also be seen.

We will meet in the RSPB Insh Marshes Car Park – what3words: ///epic.youth.venturing and grid ref: NN775998

Some areas may be rough underfoot. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and we recommend sturdy footwear.

Join us for a showing of the classic film The Red Shoes.

Licenced bar available. Tickets available to purchase online (preferred). Parking either on the street outside the YMCA or there are 2 small public carparks within a minutes walk.

The Mar Lodge Estate Open Day returns! This is when we fling open our doors and welcome anyone and everyone to the estate. All are welcome on the day.

You will be able to see inside the Stag Ballroom, have a tour of the historic lodge, walk around the lodge grounds, get up close to our estate vehicles, and hear all about our work here by meeting and chatting to estate staff.

All of our in-house teams will be on hand to chat, so you can meet the Stalking team, Ecologists, Ranger Service, Estate Maintenance and Visitor Services. So if you’ve got a question about stalking, or paths, or volunteering, or wildlife or weddings, or indeed any other subject you’ve been desperate to ask about but never had the chance, this is the event for you.

Refreshments will be available to purchase in the lodge (CASH ONLY), and the rangers will set up a free self-led activity to keep younger members of the family occupied.

The event is free, and open to all. Admittance to the ballroom is also free.

There is a small charge of £5 per person if you want to join a tour of the lodge itself (free to National Trust for Scotland, or National Trust members). Tours will be run every hour, throughout the day. You will be able to pay on the day, but if you want to pay in advance, you can do so here on Eventbrite. If you do pay in advance, please make sure you bring confirmation of your purchase with you on the day, otherwise you will still be charged £5 for admittance.

Visitors arriving by car will be able to drive over the Victoria Bridge for the Open Day. Signage will direct you via a one-way system towards the parking area, on the lawn next to the ballroom.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Grab a bargain – Pop Up Charity Shop in aid of Boat of Garten Community Hall!
Date: Saturday 11 + Sunday 12 May
Time: 10:00-14:00, daily
Running alongside a Community Cafe!
Our Pop Up Charity Shop is back – so save the date!
Items can be delivered to the Hall during the week prior to the opening (from Monday 6 May). So, if you’re having a clear out just now, remember to keep it aside for us and donate it nearer the time!

Boat of Garten’s Family Fun Day is back!! Put the date in your diary today!
The day will be packed with family fun and games, a Makers Market and Food Trucks with awesome cuisine.
📅 Saturday 22 June 2024
⏰ 12:00
📍 Boat of Garten Community Hall
If you are interested in holding a stall, or showcasing your produce, please get in touch.

Are Car Boot Sales your ‘thing’? If so, book in for our first sale – it’s in August this year!
📅 Sunday 25 August 2024
⏰ 12:00
📍 Boat of Garten Community Hall
Our Car Boot Sales will happen in August (outdoor), September (outdoor) and October (indoor) this year.
If you are interested in holding a stall, please get in touch.

Remember, remember… the 29th of September!
📅 Sunday 29 August 2024
⏰ 12:00
📍 Boat of Garten Community Hall
Our Car Boot Sales will happen in August (outdoor), September (outdoor) and October (indoor) this year.
If you are interested in holding a stall, please get in touch.

At the Outdoor Draughts Board at The Square, Grantown-on-Spey – Opening of the 2024 Season. All welcome.

Kingussie’s annual winter festival – FOOD ON FILM – brings the big screen to the rural Highlands of Scotland in a unique way, to celebrate and explore the world of food.

A feast of short films, documentaries and features to make you laugh, think and make you hungry! Food producers gathering to share their passion and skills. The Cairngorms Food Hall showcasing the best of Highlands produce and cooking demo – it’s a recipe for a fabulous weekend!

A taste of what you will see…

• Bread competition, UK documentary premier, Meet the Director, Food demo and Food Hall