Guided Tour – In and out of dusty closes
This tour will explore the hidden alleyways in town, some of which have original details from the 1600s. Hear the details of life in the alleyways, what kind of folks lived there. How did our town handle epidemics historically. Tel: 07800724359
Heritage Ranger walk: Drumin Castle and the Wolf of Badenoch
Join us for a walk around Moray's earliest surviving tower house reputed to have been built for Scotland's vilest man- Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch. Drumin Castle is an impressive medieval fortification standing on a commanding bluff overlooking the confluence of the River Livet and the River Avon. Once we get to the castle, you'll learn a bit about the architecture, history, and the notorious Wolf, whose evil deeds continue to cast a long shadow in Moray's history. "Cathedral and Toun Wyld wrath did engulf Lone Lochindorb Castle The lair of the Wolf" This castle has recently reopened after masonry repairs. Access to the first floor is once again possible via a narrow, stone staircase. `Sensible footwear is recommended. Please park at the The Drumin Castle car park. This short circular walk will start from the Drumin Castle sign in the car park. Access is by foot along a pedestrian trail and will return by a set of steps. Please dress appropriately for changeable weather. Toilets are not available on site. Children are very welcome to attend. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
Heritage Ranger walk: Scalan Mills and Hidden Seminary
Scalan was originally the site of a secret Roman Catholic seminary where priests were trained in the 1700s. Scalan played a vital role in preserving and nurturing the Catholic faith during a time of severe persecution in Scotland. Following the departure of the priests in 1799, Scalan reverted to a farm. Two steading buildings were built housing corn threshing mills which served the Glenlivet farming community. The threshing machines and water wheels are still in place along with a wealth of historical graffiti telling the story of farming life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Join members of the Scalan Association and TGDT on a guided tour of the site and the mill buildings. We'll explore the seminary and mill buildings while unravelling the captivating stories written into the walls. In addition to its historical allure, the landscape surrounding Scalan is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with an abundance of oystercatchers, curlews, and lapwings during the spring and summer months. Don't forget to bring your binoculars along if you have them. We will be meeting in the Carrachs car park before proceeding by foot along a farm track, 1km from the car park at the end of the public road. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for changeable weather. Children are very welcome to attend. Toilet facilities are available on site during the summer season. Well behaved dogs are welcome in the mill buildings, but are not permitted in the seminary. Please note that sheep and other livestock live on site. Please be aware that there may be cattle present on the walk in. How to get to the Carrachs car park: Turn east off the B9008 at Auchnarrow (signposted for Scalan) and follow this road right to the end ensuring to follow sign for Chapeltown of Glenlivet. If you are using a navigation system, the postcode AB37 9JS will take you most of the way to Chapeltown of Glenlivet. Drive past Braeval Distillery and at the road end follow the 90-degree right hand turn which leads to the car park. This track is quite potholed and uneven in places so please proceed slowly and carefully. Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
Heritage Ranger Tour- Inveraven Church & Pictish Stones
Join Glenlivet & Inveravon Heritage Ranger Lydia for an introduction to Pictish art and symbol stones. We will be looking at four Pictish Stones discovered in the churchyard of Inveraven, which has been a site of spiritual practice and pilgrimage for centuries. This tour will provide an overview to Pictish art and culture and will show how the Picts contributed to the shaping of modern Scotland. Access to Inveraven Church is off the A95 about half a mile north of the entrance to Ballindalloch Castle, and can be found by following the brown tourist sign directing visitors down the single track road to the Inveraven Pictish Stones. Parking is available at the bottom of the drive before you arrive at the church or in front of the church building. As we will be outside, please dress appropriately for changeable weather. Children are very welcome to attend. Please note that toilet facilities are not available on site. Well behaved dogs may attend but must be leashed. Funded by Foundation Scotland from the Dorenell Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
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.
Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games
The 78th Aberlour Strathspey Highland Games will take place at Alice Littler Memorial Park. Main parking areas will be situated at the Primary School and Oggs Garage. On street parking will be available anywhere where there are no restriction cones. The day is packed with a programme of track and field events including caber tossing, hammer throwing and running events. There will be highland dancing competitions, piping events, stalls and other new attractions for all the family.
Wild Print Workshop
Immerse yourself within a wildflower meadow through creative sessions that support a community conservation project that is planting for pollinators on the Altyre Estate, Forres. 2hr sessions (each for up to 4 people) will introduce you to the craft of block printing, capturing the plants and species who make their home in the meadow. Print your own tea towel, napkin, or table runner (provided), along with a plantable postcard to bring the meadow flowers to your own home. The cosy wildflower hide is a small but relaxing space, with a large viewing window onto the meadow. During the session there will be tea, coffee and homebaked cake to enjoy while you print, afterwards you are encouraged to enjoy a stroll through meadow to see the pollinators at work. This activity is enjoyable for all ages and abilities. Young children will need to be supervised. Access to the hide is a short walk through the meadow over uneven ground. Strollers can access the meadow but must be left outside the hide itself. Unsuitable for wheelchairs. Spaces must be reserved in advance as places are limited. The suggested donation is £12.50pp. Donations are non-refunable, but should you be unable to attend please let us know as early as possible so we can reallocate your space and find an alternative session for you if possible. Supported by Findhorn Bay Arts Combine to Create programme funded by Creative Scotland as part of Culture Collective Scotland.
Photographing Landscapes Class
This two-day workshop is ideal for the photography lover of any skill level. Landscape Weekend –From Start to Finish This two-day workshop is ideal for the photography lover of any skill level. It consists of a full day of outdoor shooting on Day One, followed by 2.5 hours of shooting in the morning of Day Two, and ending with 3 hours of processing. The workshop will introduce you to taking RAW photographs and the benefits it can offer to your photography. Learning Objectives: • Composing your shot • Reading the light • Exposing your photograph • Creating a dynamic photograph • Processing a RAW image Eligibility The workshop is suitable for all existing photography skill levels. • Age 13 and above (for younger ages, please get in touch to discuss) • A camera, which can shoot in RAW • A laptop with ability to connect to the internet (wireless is available at training room) • Ability to walk on uneven ground and for distances of several miles Lunch and Refreshments Tea/coffee is provided when we are in the training room, but it can be useful to bring a flask or other drinks, particularly for Day 1. Please bring your own lunch and snacks for both days. Booking Place numbers are limited; therefore early booking is required. For any questions about the Workshop or content, contact Gary at: info@garymurisonphotography.co.uk Acorn Centre Lower Cabrach Cabrach AB54 4EU
Mushrooms for Beginners
Mushrooms for beginners around Loch an Eilan. Get the basics of how to identify families and find some tasty edibles and safe medicinals Foraging is a super way to get out in nature, find out what wild foods are on your doorstep while looking after your mental health. Join our experienced instructors to experience a fun day out seeing what you can forage in your local area. The day starts at 10.00am and runs until 3pm. Please bring a packed lunch and drink. Also, there may be some rough ground to walk over so sturdy boots or shoes are recommended. These days have been kindly supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, and so all you need to pay is a £10 booking fee to secure your place. This event is for those over the age of 16. We are sorry but we are unable to have dogs attend these event 10.30am to 3pm £10 booking fee. Loch an Eilan, Aviemore, Moray PH22 1QT Sat 9 September Contact telephone: 01309 690450 Call to check latest times or cancellations. Buy tickets HERE
The Langan Band – Findhorn
For nearly 15 years now, the three members of The Langan Band (John Langan, Alastair Caplin and Dave Tunstall) have been carving out their own lawlessly virtuosic path of sound; rampaging through the boundaries of conventional genre and cavorting into the territories of wild abandon, purest intimacy, and unconditional musical elation. This dynamic three piece offer a unique sound emerging from Celtic, Gypsy Swing, Roma and Flamenco and tuned in savvy. The trio were initially brought together by a deep respect of traditional song and music, yet they discovered a mutual love of the evisceration and regeneration of these pieces into provocative and fascinating new compositions, as was recognised by the band winning the prestigious Danny Kyle Award at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival at the start of their journey together. This sound and process went on to inform the band’s now mostly original repertoire, and has resulted in a musical experience quite unlike any other. Whilst it is possible to see the evidence of influences the band have drawn on and enjoyed (Trad. Scots music, Eastern European Romany, Progressive Jazz and American Old-Time to name a few), the true nature of the sound from The Langan Band is best described as un-pigeon-holeable, yet utterly irresistible. “Extraordinary” - The Times “Boundlessly inventive” - R2 Magazine “Fallen angels pursuing demons ... a compelling take-no-prisoners style” - The Scotsman £17 General Admission | £15 Concessions | £6 Under 16's *
Glenfiddich to Glenlivet Walk
A linear walk with Dorenell and Glenlivet Ranger Services along Moray core path SP29 from Bridgehaugh in Glenfiddich through to Glenlivet. Join the Rangers from Dorenell Ranger Service and Glenlivet Ranger Service for a walk up the River Fiddich all the way to its source then over the watershed to meet the River Livet. We’ll park at the finish point in Glenlivet and be transported by coach to the start at Bridgehaugh, south of Dufftown. The route will follow Moray core path SP29, going past Glenfiddich Lodge and up Glenfiddich itself where we’ll have an opportunity to see Elf House cave and the McHardy stone. Once up on the watershed, we’ll hopefully have views across to the Cairngorms before following the Suie Burn down to the River Livet and out to Glenlivet. Along the route, the Rangers will talk about the Cultural and Natural History of the area and will be on hand to point out any wildlife along the route which could include Red Deer and various birds of prey including Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles. Although starting off on patchy tarmac track the route is mainly rough landrover tracks with a number of small stream and river crossings. A larger river crossing towards the end can be avoided by a bridge further upstream but walkers should come prepared for potentially wet feet. Mark Johnston is Head Ranger for the 23000ha Glenlivet Estate. The Crown Estate acquired Glenlivet (now managed by Crown Estate Scotland) in 1937 which today comprises over 30 let farms, 1500 acres of commercial forests and a sporting tenancy including grouse moors, salmon fishing and deer stalking. Stephen Reeves is Head Ranger for the Dorenell Ranger Service, set up by EDF Renewables in July 2019 as part of the Dorenell Wind Farm on Cabrach and Glenfiddich estate. Based at the Dorenell Wind Farm Visitor Centre, the Rangers are responsible for delivering the Access Strategy and Habitat Management Plan whilst delivering environmental education and guided walks in the Cabrach and surrounding area.