Posts for May, 2023

A collaboration between artists Elizabeth Reeder and Amanda Thomson, Cairngorms Connect and people who live or work in or visit the Cairngorms.

A commonplace book is a collection of writings, images and documents gathered by people to show a place at a particular time. They could be considered scrapbooks or like a Scottish Kist – where things that are valued are communicated to and kept for future generations.

We plan to create the first Cairngorms Connect Commonplace Book, including submissions from anyone who wants to write down or photograph or draw something of this place that they’d like to share with others.

Do you want to offer something to the commonplace book but don’t know where to start? Are you interested in writing or photography or drawing or simply sharing something of what you know of this place? You don’t need to be a writer or an artist, just someone who loves the Cairngorms and has something to share with others about this place.

Come along to one or more of the workshops where Elizabeth and Amanda will offer some ideas of where you might start. The workshops will be a great place for them to answer any questions you have about the project too.

Tuesday 6th June, 6-7:30pm, online
Monday 10th July, 6-7:30pm, Loch Garten Nature Centre
Monday 7th August, 6-7:30pm, RSPB Insh Marshes

Workshops are free but places are limited so please register to reserve a space.

No previous creative experience is necessary, and all ages* and abilities very welcome.
*under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

It is important that all people have equal access to Cairngorms Connect events. We are happy to provide for your requirements, wherever possible eg. BSL interpreters, off-road wheelchairs, adapted bikes etc. If have any accessibility requirements, please get in touch.

60 Piece Orchestra from the music School Leinfelden- Echterdingen, Germany playing the Cinema Serenade Movie Musical pearls, on the village Green in Aviemore

Artists, crafters and musicians welcome to take part in this inaugural fayre at the stunning Castle Roy in Nethy Bridge. It should be a fun family day out with plenty of quality art for sale. Food and drink.

This is a celebration of Mrs Grant of Laggan and we will be joined by one of her descendents and her husband, who are visiting from America.

We’re planning a lively evening of music and song with a wealth of weel-kent local talent – including Roger Sharp, Elizabeth Thomson, Margaret Bennet, Dick Webster, The Feis Spe Juniors and the Badenoch Waulking Group. 

Throughout the evening, Mary Stewart will read some excerpts from Mrs Grant’s ‘Letters from the Mountains’ … and there will be a little bit of dancing.

An outdoor food market established in 2015, supporting local businesses, charities and organisations. Every 4th Saturday of every month, April – November. A chance to buy direct from local producers and artisans. Stalls range from local cheese, bread and beer to fresh meat, vegetables and honey – almost all are based within 40 miles of Ballater. Held on The Church Green.

Boat of Garten Community Garden Annual Plant sale takes place on 4th June, from 2pm – 3.30pm. Bring along plants you want to donate, labelled and in pots please, or come and see what treasures you can purchase for your own garden. There is a £1 entrance fee, all payments in cash please. You can also enjoy some tea or coffee and home made cakes.

We have a few tables left at our sale. Get in touch to book yours. £15 per pitch (indoor and outdoor).

So far we have home bakes, bric-a-brac, handmade crafts and vintage goods (to name a few).

Proceeds to Ballater & Crathie’s Coronation Celebrations.

Some notes from the artist:

These watercolour paintings have grown out of my relationship with Scottish landscapes.

Over the last year, I have spent time walking in, observing and sketching landscapes from Aberdeenshire to Orkney to
Mull.

I have absorbed these places deep inside me, and then let them emerge onto paper as and when they want.

These paintings are therefore as much about me and my emotional response to place as they are about this amazing country.

Please note the opening night (9th June) of the exhibition is 6.00pm to 9.00pm. Between the 10th and 16th June the exhibition is open 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Join us for a guided woodland wander. The route will take us along the shore of Loch Garten, winding its way beneath towering pine trees and leading down to Loch Mallachie. We will listen for the chirps of crossbills and the trills of crested tits, and look for tell-tale signs of red squirrels while exploring the undergrowth of Caledonian pine forest. The walk will follow footpaths and last roughly 3 hours, please wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather.
Toilets will be available at the beginning and end of the walk at the Nature Centre. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Please arrive 15 minutes before the walk begins.

Spend an eventful day in South London with our evening showing of Rye Land (15). Licenced bar available with some snacks as well. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets available online, or there will be a limited number on the door at 6.30pm.