Heritage Ranger Walk – Blairfindy Castle

"Glenlivet it has castles three, Drumin, Blairfindy and Deskie". This guided walk will take us to the 16th century tower house of Blairfindy and begins outside the iconic Glenlivet Distillery. On the walk in we'll enjoy stunning views over one of Scotalnd's most famous glens. You'll learn a bit about Glenlivet's rich history and some whisky history too. Blairfindy Castle was completed in 1564 by John Gordon. In 1586 Blairfindy passed to the Earls of Huntly, another branch of the family, who used it as a hunting seat. A panel above the arched doorway bears the Gordon arms and this date. In its heyday Blairfindy was a fine example of a three storey L-plan tower house and even today shows a remarkable degree of preservation. Research has shown that the castle was probably burned by troops after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and it was never repaired or occupied after this time. A project to stabilise Blairfindy Castle took place in 2019, funded through the Tomintoul & Glenlivet Landscape Partnership, a programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The castle is now open to visitors for the first time in decades and has been specially adapted to encourage nesting birds and pollinators. Please park at the The Glenlivet Distillery car park. The walk will start from outside the stillhouse under the green signpost marked 'Blairfindy Castle 1/2 mile' (see last photo). Access is by foot along a dedicated track. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for changeable weather. Toilets are available inside The Glenlivet Distillery Visitor Centre. Children are very welcome to attend. Well behaved dogs are welcome. We would like to express thanks to Foundation Scotland, who fund this event through the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

Twelfth Night at Leith Hall

Following a shipwreck, Viola is washed-up in Illyria, where her only chance for survival is to make use of her quick wit and fine singing voice, disguising herself as a man and applying to work in the court of Duke Orsino. The lovesick Orsino sends “him” to lady Olivia to woo her on his behalf, but Viola's efforts are so successful that Olivia falls for Viola rather than Orsino. Meanwhile Olivia’s carousing uncle Sir Toby Belch crosses swords with her steward Malvolio and devises a wicked plan to humiliate him. It could all end in tears - even if most of them are of laughter. Illyria presents an evening of yearning romance, music and sheer joy - all performed on a stage inspired by those of the Elizabethan touring troupes. Running time (approx): 2hrs 20mins (inc 20 minute interval) Suitable for ages 8+Tickets via: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/illyria/t-avzkjex Please bring your own seating/rug, suitable clothing and a picnic. Well-behaved dogs on leads are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible.