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Hopeman Fossil Dunes and Trackways Tour
An opportunity to examine features of the late Permian Hopeman Sandstone Formation, including fossilised dunes and animal trackways, with local geologist Dave Longstaff. During this full-day event with Elgin Museum, you’ll examine the features of the late Permian Hopeman Sandstone Formation. Starting at the beach huts, we will see relicts of aeolian barchan and possible star dunes before examining a stretch of coastline that shows small faults, a range of soft sediment deformation features, fluvial and lacustrine sandstones, abandoned millstones and quarries, trace fossils and other sedimentary features. After lunch in Cove Bay (NJ 1594 7011) around low tide of 13:33, we will look at a well-studied fault zone and post-glacial caves. We will then go to Clashach Quarry to examine fossilised reptile footprints and glacial features before descending to the coast via a short path to visit an old sandstone quarry (1781), the old Clashach port, Jock Muldoon’s Cave and see some beautifully displayed sandstone cross-bedding and relicts of quarrying. When the excursion finishes, we will return to the beach huts via the coastal path; the expected time back at cars is 16:00-16:30.
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Guided Forest-Bathing Walk
Relax and restore in beautiful woodland surroundings by learning to practise natural mindfulness. Woodland themed tea, and snacks, included. Rediscover the woods and yourself. No water involved! Forest Bathing (also known as Shinrin Yoku) is a refreshing, relaxing mindfulness practice that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the woods. By following (optional) invitations to open our senses, the aim is to slow down, recharge, and connect to ourselves and the natural environment. Our session may include a guided meditation, some gentle sensory exercises, a restful mindful walk, perhaps a sit/lie down at some point, reflecting as a group, and then tea and snacks. The perfect antidote to a busy week! Led by trained Forest Bathing guide and local therapist Danielle Quist.
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The Moray Way 100-mile Ultra Marathon
Beginning inland at the award winning Grant Park in Forres, you run along the High Street before turning and crossing the A96, towards the famous eco-village of Findhorn. Kinloss Barracks will be on your right (look out for planes!) and the local bay’s nature reserve will be on your left. From here the coastal trail properly begins and the views are incredible! From the trail at the top of the dunes, you enter Roseisle Forest all the way to Burghead, where a lovely new tarred path will greet you after Burghead Distillery to Hopeman. The section from Hopeman to Covesea has some superb clifftop trails with even more spectacular views. At Covesea, provided the tide is out, you run along the beach with the lighthouse on your right and you feel like you are on a tropical island all the way to Lossiemouth, which is aid station 1! You will go over the brand new Lossiemouth Bridge and tackle the “5km from hell” to Kingston, where you follow Garmouth & Kingston Golf Course, crossing the beautiful railway bridge before turning right, heading south towards Fochabers, which is aid station 2. Continuing south, you pass Boat O’ Brig, and start to climb Ben Aigen and follow a lovely descent into Craigellachie. You are now in whisky country! Following the Speyside Way to Aberlour and towards Grantown-on-Spey, you pass several distilleries – soak in the sights and smells in this area! Aid station 3 is in the heart of it! At Grantown, which is aid station 4, you join the Dava Way and have “just” a marathon to go! It is downhill from here, taking in the beautiful Cairngorms around you and the Moray Firth views in front of you. On re-entering Forres, you will wind through more picturesque trails before finishing back at Grant Park. You have just completed the world’s most beautiful 100 milers… congratulations (not that we’re bias)!
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Dufftown Highland Games
The Dufftown Highland Games have been held the last Saturday in July since 1892. Today they are a taste of something Scottish for everybody. A full programme of light and heavy events, massed pipe bands, highland dancing and hill races. Visitors can take part in the overseas race – an opportunity to participate in a northern highland games. Fun for the entire family and much more. Whether you are a competitor in one of our many events, live in the area and looking for the perfect day out for the family, or have come to Scotland from any part of the world for your vacation, the Dufftown highland games is the ideal outing for you and your family.
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Speyside Way Ultras
The 1st Speyside Way race first took place on 3rd April 1994 (Easter Sunday as a matter of fact!) as a 50km as opposed to a 35miler (sorry on behalf of the race for adding that extra part for you!). Throughout its 22 year history, legends in not only distance running, but running as a whole, have competed in this event. This event is stacked in history – from the late Don Ritchie himself (former 100km world record holder, who later took on the job as race director) and world 100km champion Simon Pride, to Commonwealth Games runner Fraser Clyne and even 1500m specialist Brian Scally. The 50km route is a great transition from road running to trail running, and great for a fast time. It is runnable, net downhill (let’s not mention the climb at Ben Aigen to keep you honest!) and has a beautiful finish on a coastal path and a wee sting in the tail before the finish line. In 2021, we added a 100km option, where runners do an extra epic mountainous section (again, you are going downhill) from Aviemore to Tamdhu Distillery, where they join the 50km route all the way through whisky country to finish at the coast in Buckie.
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Spirit of Speyside Festival
The Spirit of Speyside whisky festival, held in May, is made up of hundreds of events held by local partners and members across the Speyside region which features 51 working distilleries and includes the Spirit of Speyside Whisky School and Whisky Awards. Isla Bank House is located at the heart of the Speyside region and within walking distance of several distilleries and public transport hub.
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Beyond the Dram: Exploring Lesser-Known Distilleries Near Keith
Intro Explore Independent Speyside Distilleries from Isla Bank House While Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail is famed for household names, visitors staying at Isla Bank House can go beyond the dram to uncover intimate, independent distilleries that offer unique whisky experiences — all just a short drive away. Benromach Distillery – Tradition with a Personal Touch 📍 Location: Forres – approx. 30 minutes from Isla Bank House🕰️ Established: 1898 | Revived by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 Benromach is a small, family-owned distillery where whisky-making remains hands-on and authentic. Its single malts are known for their balanced Speyside sweetness with a gentle hint of smoke. Why visit Benromach? + Manual distilling methods with traditional equipment + Insightful guided tours with tastings of core expressions + Quiet, welcoming visitor centre experience GlenAllachie Distillery – A Rising Independent Star 📍 Location: Abelour – approx. 45 minutes from Keith🕰️ Re-established: 2017 under whisky icon Billy Walker Known for its robust, sherry-cask-driven whiskies, GlenAllachie has fast become a name to watch in Speyside. Its small-scale, independently owned charm makes it a refreshing stop for serious whisky fans. Why visit GlenAllachie? + Exclusive access to award-winning drams + Educational warehouse and tasting tours + Scenic distillery setting near Ben-Rinnes Personalised Whisky Adventures from Keith The advantage of staying at Isla Bank House is being immersed in whisky country — with none of the crowds. Guests can book custom whisky tours via our trusted local guides (see our Local Adventures page) and create a tailored tasting day complete with transport, distillery visits, and dinner reservations. 💡 Tip: Ask us to arrange a welcome dram for when you arrive!
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Whisky Meets Theatre at The Crystal Dram – A Speyside Adventure
Experience The Crystal Dram – Speyside’s Most Unique Whisky Event If you’re visiting Keith, Moray or staying at Isla Bank House, don’t miss one of Speyside’s most unusual whisky events: The Crystal Dram, taking place on May 27 and 28, 2025, at the Craigellachie Hotel. This immersive whisky experience combines puzzle-solving, theatrical performance, and premium drams in a beautifully restored historic venue. Led by the eccentric Professor Deacon Mandrake PhD, guests will face a series of light-hearted but challenging games. Each task earns you a coveted Crystal Dram, which you’ll trade in for mystery whiskies during a guided tasting at the hotel’s legendary Quaich Bar. Why Attend The Crystal Dram? ✔️ Unique, interactive whisky tasting near Keith ✔️ Small group size (max 8 people) for an intimate experience ✔️ Hosted at one of Speyside’s most iconic whisky bars ✔️ Ideal for whisky lovers, couples, and visitors looking for an unforgettable evening Plan Your Stay with Isla Bank House Located just 30 minutes from Craigellachie, Isla Bank House in Keith offers a luxurious and historic base for exploring Speyside whisky country. After your adventure, return to the peace and comfort of our Victorian guesthouse and reflect on your drams of the day. 🛏️ Learn more about our accommodation and book your stay here.🎟️ Book tickets for The Crystal Dram at moray.events.
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Taste of Summer – Moray Speyside (June 1–16, 2025)
Celebrate the flavours of Scotland’s larder at Taste of Summer, Moray Speyside’s premier food and drink festival. From artisan markets and pop-up chef dinners to exclusive distillery tours and tasting menus, this event brings together the region’s finest producers in a feast for the senses. Enjoy fresh seafood from the Moray Firth, local venison, hand-crafted cheeses, and the world-famous Speyside whisky—all in the most scenic corners of the Highlands. Base yourself at Isla Bank House in Keith to immerse yourself in this culinary journey. The historic manor offers stylish, spacious rooms and refined hospitality, perfectly complementing the gourmet experiences of the festival. With several events happening nearby—such as the Keith Farmers Market and Strathisla Distillery tastings—you’re ideally placed to sip, savour, and relax.
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Keith Music Festival (Second Weekend of June 2025)
Experience the soulful sounds of traditional Scotland at the Keith Music Festival, one of the region’s most cherished cultural gatherings. Fiddlers, pipers, singers, and dancers descend on Keith for a weekend of ceilidhs, concerts, and community joy. Whether you're toe-tapping to reels or joining a late-night session in a local pub, this is a celebration of music, heritage, and Highland hospitality. Located in the heart of Keith, Isla Bank House is just minutes from the festival’s main venues. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, not bagpipes—until you're ready to dive in! After a lively evening, retreat to the elegant comfort of your suite or enjoy a nightcap in the drawing room.
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TMSA Keith Festival 2025
Keith Isla Bank House, Keith, Moray, Scotland, United KingdomTMSA Keith Festival 2025 – A Celebration of Scottish Music and Culture Step into the heart of traditional Scottish music at the TMSA Keith Festival, returning on Saturday, 14th June 2025 for an unforgettable day of culture, community, and ceilidhs. Hosted at the welcoming Keith Bowling Club, this beloved event is part of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland’s annual calendar and is a must-visit for music lovers of all ages. Now in its 49th year, the TMSA Keith Festival is more than just a celebration—it's a living tribute to Scotland’s rich musical heritage. The day features a vibrant mix of concerts, competitions, singarounds, workshops, and of course, the much-anticipated ceilidh dance, where visitors and locals alike can kick up their heels to live traditional music. Whether you're a budding musician, an experienced performer, or simply enjoy toe-tapping tunes and heartfelt ballads, the festival offers something for everyone. Festival-goers can expect performances by renowned artists from across Scotland, alongside opportunities for amateur performers to shine in competitions covering everything from storytelling and instrumental solos to bothy ballads and Scottish song. Set against the scenic backdrop of Keith in Moray—a town steeped in musical history—this intimate, family-friendly festival embodies the warmth and spirit of the community. Local food and drink vendors, artisan stalls, and informal jam sessions throughout the day ensure an atmosphere that’s lively, welcoming, and unmistakably Scottish. Whether you're a regular on the folk scene or a first-time visitor, the TMSA Keith Festival promises a memorable experience full of music, laughter, and tradition. Mark your calendar, bring your instruments and dancing shoes, and join us in celebrating the soul of Scotland on 14th June 2025! #TMSAKeithFestival #ScottishMusic #CeilidhInKeith #TMSA2025
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Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival (June 13–23, 2025)
Discover the wild beauty of Moray with the Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival, Scotland’s midsummer celebration of nature and adventure. With more than 50 guided walks, cycling routes, storytelling sessions, and historic tours, the festival takes you deep into the dramatic coastlines, ancient woodlands, and sweeping glens of the region. Whether you're a seasoned rambler or a casual stroller, there’s an outdoor experience tailored just for you. And what better place to rest your feet than Isla Bank House, a grand Victorian manor nestled in Keith—the gateway to Moray. Just a short drive from many event locations, Isla Bank House offers luxurious accommodation, period charm, and a tranquil setting after your day's explorations. Enjoy a warm bath in a clawfoot tub, a dram of Speyside whisky in the drawing room, or a book in the walled garden.
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