Posts for October, 2023

This talk is about what makes a beaver a beaver, why they are so fascinating, how they have influenced the northern hemisphere in surprising ways and what the Cairngorm National Park Authority has been doing to bring this animal back to the Park and most importantly why.

A virtual journey on the majestic River Spey from source to sea, along the way taking in the beauty and diverse nature but also considering some of the challenges affecting the UK’s most scenic river. In 2000 David created ‘Spirit of the Spey’, a company facilitating Spey canoe journeys of 1 to 5-day duration, staying in hotels, en route. Now an envoy for several Speyside distillers, David offers river journeys which can include whisky experiences ~ with, always, the canoeing first!

Ben will speak about the work and preparations required for going on a 60-day solo expedition to the South Pole, and how it was for him as he skied across 700 miles to reach the Pole through the hostile polar environment.

This talk is centred on the visit to Scotland by George IV in 1822, it also looks at the conditions in Scotland prior to then and the longer-term consequences of the visit with a particular emphasis on Badenoch & Strathspey. Sir Walter Scott organised the pageantry of the visit and this talk follows the growth of Romanticism and the creation of an image of Scotland that has had lasting effects, particularly in the Highlands.

A Munros walk on the night of every full moon in 2018 during the unusual cycle of 13 that year which only comes round every 20 years. Using the moon names that we have adopted from the Native American tribes, each mountains(s) had to have a link with the relevant name for that month. Added to that was a piece of music and a drink, also with links to the moon name. Alan is an author of the mountain trilogy – Moonwalker, A Mountain Before Breakfast and Mountains of the Moon – which all focus on his night walking habits. He is also author an ebook series, The Moonwalker Chronicles.

Killiecrankie was fought in an hour or two in July 1689. Before that there had been four months of hell as opposing armies ravaged their way through Badenoch and Strathspey. This talk will examine the causes and consequences, and what happened where and when. Peter Mackay is a Boat Talks favourite and we are delighted to welcome him back.

We are so excited to have JEmmanuel and his band join us for our final Supper Club of the year. A regular favourite in Edinburgh’s renowned Jazz bar, JEmmanuel’s soulful melodies and velvety vocals are second to none and a rare thing around these parts in the Highlands. Together with his band, you can expect a unique blend of soul, jazz and blues that will tug on the old heartstrings as well as get your toe’s tapping, along with some very well-loved familiar tunes.

With canapes and a drink on arrival and a thoughtfully created seasonal four course menu provided by ourselves here at The Dell, our tipi supper club’s really do offer up a memorable evening filled with fun, good company, culinary treats and soul-soothing music.

We offer the choice of two menus which you can select when purchasing your tickets and please do let us know of any dietary requirements.

Hope to see you here!

The Dell Team x

Featuring 20 plus fabulous stallholders from across Deeside and beyond.
In aid of The Victoria & Albert Halls.
Thank you!

From the Community switch on of our hotel Christmas lights, to stunningly dressed Yuletide interiors, carol singers, candlelit concerts and festive foods galore, the 24th of November truly marks the start of the Fife Arms’ Festive celebrations in the Cairngorms.

Fab indoor fun available in the Victoria Hall once a month through the winter.
45 minutes on Deeside Inflatables’ 30ft bouncy castle obstacle course!
Rest and refreshments available to purchase for parents and carers.
ALL children must be accompanied and adequately supervised by a responsible adult.