Posts for October, 2023

Author T S Westbrook will be will be talking about his new novel at this free event at Grantown Library.
His new novel S6 – An RB McGehee Scoop ‘A slow-burning missing-person mystery with a topical political angle and great insight into investigative journalism’

Refreshments will be available

A past Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, Marcus Humphrey, will explain the origins and development of Scottish Freemasonry worldwide, dispel some of the myths surrounding Freemasonry, and how the organization is adapting itself to being a relevant force in modern society. He will point out some famous names amongst Scottish Freemasons and have a look at the local Lodges.

The Scottish Highlands provides a breathtaking backdrop for the world of fashion. From esteemed designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel to the innovative Charles Jeffrey, Scotland’s fashion influence remains strong.

Join us at The Fife Arms for the inaugural Festival of Fashion from November 17th-19th. Immerse yourself in captivating talks, engaging panel discussions, and exclusive pop-up ateliers.

Renowned designer Giles Deacon, The Telegraph’s fashion director Bethan Holt, and esteemed fashion writer Charlie Porter will be among the speakers. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the culture, evolution, and future of the global fashion scene.

It wasn’t so long ago that vibrant, wild forest stretched across much of Scotland. Beavers and cranes were at home in extensive wetlands. Salmon and trout filled the rivers. Lynx, wolf and wild boar stalked wooded glades. Today, although it’s easy to be seduced by the raw beauty of the landscape, Scotland has become one of the most ecologically depleted nations on Earth.
It doesn’t have to be this way. A bold vision for the future is slowly emerging where nature works, where wildlife flourishes and crucially, where people thrive. It’s called rewilding.
Using stunning imagery created by the SCOTLAND: The Big Picture photography team, this presentation showcases the country’s beauty and drama, but also poses an intriguing question: What should Scotland look like?

The talk will cover the history and work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission world wide and in Scotland, looking at the origins of CWGC, its principles, horticulture, architecture and archives, with a focus on some local stories.

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.