What's On in the Cairngorms April 2016

What’s On FREE

APRIL

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Local Story: A whole new – or rather old - ball game!

Special Offers!

Events: Over 90 inside

www.visitcairngorms.com

Cycle Highlands Demo Weekend

1 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 Local Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . 14

What’s On in april

1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 16 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 1 Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 1 Accommodation. . . . . . . . . . 22 The What’s On guide is also available online at www.visitcairngorms.com

Published by and all advertising sales Cairngorms Business Partnership Tel: 01479 810200. info@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Event calendar on your smartphone at m.visitcairngorms.com Produced by Landmark Press Carrbridge www.landmark-press.com Tel: 01479 841900.

Photo credits: Front Cover: Glenlivet 10k by Action Heroes/PeterDiender. Cycle Highlands www.cyclehighlands.com, Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Dave Fallows, Stewart Grant on behalf of CNPA, John Robertson, Loch an Eilein Pottery

www.visitcairngorms.com

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elcome to the Cairngorms National Park and the April edition of What’s On, the free events guide.

Spring is well underway and to blow away those winter cobwebs there are lots of sporting events throughout the Cairngorms to get involved in or spectate at. Kingussie Golf Club celebrate their 125th anniversary with an Open Competition on the 2nd. Glenlivet 10k road running race is “the most beautiful run in Scotland” and they invite you to come and feel the Spirit of the Glen! Ballater Bike Festival returns with demos, all day BBQ and a free bike cleaning service in return for donations to CLAN Cancer on the 16th-17th. Run Balmoral with thousands of spectators creates a huge buzz around the Estate over the weekend of 23-24th with races for all ages and abilities. The Loch Morlich Sailing Club Frozen North Dinghy Regatta welcomes visitors and new members on the 24th. If you need some inspiration to get out into the great outdoors get along to the Aviemore Adventure Film Festival 22-24th at Macdonald Aviemore Resort which hosts an inspiring programme of films as well as talks from outdoor athletes and fellow adventure explorers.

april 2016

Contents

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The Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone.

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What’s On

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28th-30th April

what’s on in april

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ou are in an all year round destination with lots going on.

Use the listings to plan your fun! The Events list outlines exhibitions and events of interest over more than one day, the Calendar section gives you a day by day list of events and Day

by Day shows regular events. For more information on all the events below please refer to www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson

Philippa Mitchell & Anne Bridgen The Druie Cafe, Rothiemurchus Centre, Aviemore. 9.30am-5pm.

Events of Interest 2nd-30th April (closed Sundays)

what’s on april 2016

F Exhibition of l

Contemporary Quilts Iona Gallery, Duke Street, Kingussie.

Exhibition of 25 contemporary quilts.

1-5pm. T: 01540 673422.

4th-9th April F Exhibition by Pat l

Hughes Iona Gallery, Duke Street, Kingussie.

1-5pm. T: 01540 673422.

11th-23rd April (closed Sundays) Exhibition by Marie-Louise Napier Iona Gallery, Duke Street, Kingussie.

1-5pm. T: 01540 673422.

25th March-3rd April Teddy Bears’ Picnic Hunt in the Forest (2-8years) Laggan Wolftrax Centre, Strathmashie, Laggan. 10am-5pm.

T: 01528 544366. www.lagganforest.com

6th-30th April ‘A Bird in the Land’ exhibition of art by F l

F Free Entry to Event l 4

9th April-8th May (not Tuesdays or Thursdays)

Strathspey Railway Tour & SPEY Whisky Tasting with Afternoon Tea (SOSWF) Strathspey Railway, Aviemore.

2.30-4.30pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Artist in Residence (SOSWF) Speyside Distillery, Tromie Mills, Kingussie. 11am-3pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

F Photofest 2016 l

28th April-2nd May

Abernethy Old Kirk, B970, Nethy of Speyside Bridge. 12-5pm. T: 07934 413063. Spirit Whisky Festival (SOSWF) www.oldkirknethybridge.org See daily listings Throughout Cairngorms & Speyside.

16th-17th April www.spiritofspeyside.com Ballater Bike Festival (Demo Day, Guided Rides T: 07789 671635.

Speyside Distillery Visit & BBQ) Cyclehighlands, The Pavilion, Ballater. (usually closed to the public) (SOSWF) 10am-5pm. T: 013397 55864.

Speyside Distillery, Tromie Mills, www.cyclehighlands.com Kingussie. 10am, 12pm, 2pm.

Booking essential.

22nd-24th April www.spiritofspeyside.com.

Aviemore Adventure Film T: 07789 671635.

Festival Whisky Brunch (SOSWF) Spey Valley Cinema, Aviemore.

Speyside Centre, Dulnain Bridge.

10am-10pm. T: 07422 515582.

10am-4pm. Booking essential. www.aviemoreadventureff.org www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

23rd April-7th May F l Spey Art Group Annual Exhibition Calendar of Events Grantown on Spey Museum.

10am-5pm. T: 01479 873534.

Friday 1st April www.speyartgroup.wordpress.com Music Afternoon Tea 23rd-24th April Dance Glen Grove Lounge, Newtonmore.

Run Balmoral 2-4pm. T: 01479 810004 Balmoral Estate, Crathie. www.ct4u.co.uk www.runbalmoral.com

What’s On

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F Live Music with George Stone Circle outside the Visitor l

Saturday 2nd April General Natural History Ranger Walk Glen Doll Ranger Base, Kirriemuir.

11am-2pm. T: 01575 550233.

Glendollranger@angusalive.scot Spring Treasure Hunt Glen Tilt Car Park by Blair Atholl.

2-3.30pm. T: 01796 481355. pf@atholl-estates.co.uk F Highland Lads Ceilidh l Band Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8pm-12am.

F Live Music with Davy l Holt Singer/Guitarist Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

F l

Wednesday 6th April Deer, Ponies, Lambs & Calves Farm Walk Glen Tilt Car Park by Blair Atholl.

3-4.30pm. T: 01796 481355. pf@atholl-estates.co.uk Battle of Killiecrankie

Centre, Killiecrankie. 2-3.30pm.

T: 0844 4932192. eoshea@nts.org.uk Badger Watch Details on booking, Boat of Garten.

7.15pm. T: Allan 01479 831768 or 07787 323264. allanbantick@yahoo.co.uk. www.highlandbadgers.net Aviemore Community Cafe St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore.

10am-4pm.

walk Glen Doll Ranger Base, Kirriemuir.

11am-3pm. T: 01575 550233.

Glendollranger@angusalive.scot

Monday 11th April F Evening Talk: The l

Underwater Wildlife Artist

by Chris Rose Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

Tuesday 12th April

Friday 8th April F Live Music with Keith l

Mair Singer/Guitarist Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Saturday 9th April F Live Music with Davy l

Holt Singer/Guitarist Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233

Sunday 10th April Glenlivet 10K Road Race Glenlivet Distillery, Ballindalloch, Moray, Glenlivet. 10.45am.

T: 03001 212777. www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraisefor-us/events/glenlivet-10k

www.visitcairngorms.com

F Birdsong Ranger led l

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Inverallan Old Time Dancing Inverallan Church Hall, Grantown on Spey. 7.30-10pm.

T: 01479 851353.

Wednesday 13th April Hermitage Spring Shelters (Help making animal shelters) Information Panel in the lower car park, Killiecrankie. 10am-12 noon.

T: 0844 4932192. eoshea@nts.org.uk Badger Watch Details on booking, Boat of Garten.

what’s on april 2016

Gordon Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

F Free Entry to Event l

What’s On

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7.15pm. T: Allan 01479 831768 or 07787 323264. www.highlandbadgers.net

Thursday 14th April

what’s on april 2016

Ranger-led all day Walk Details on booking, Boat of Garten. 10am. T: 07710 387510. alison.greggans@rspb.org.uk F Foraging Walk l Burn o’ Vat Visitor Centre, near Dinnet. 1-4pm. T: 01339 881667.

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The Osprey Music Society presents ‘Maximiliano Martin & Friends’ Boat of Garten Community Hall.

7.30pm. T: 01479 831213. ann.nap@btinternet.com

Sunday 17th April

‘Gaelic in the Landscape’ The Art of Guiding Day Course St John’s Hall, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233.

Friday 15th April www.wild-scotland.org.uk F Live Music with Davy l F Village Craft Fair l Holt Singer/Guitarist Village Green, Aviemore.

Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

12-4pm. T: 01479 811235.

T: 01479 810233.

Cameron109@btinternet.com F Community Litter Saturday 16th April l ‘Bag the Pipe’ Snowsports Pick & BBQ raising money for Abernethy Competition Primary School Cairngorm Mountain, Nethybridge Football Field.

Aviemore. T: 01479 861261.

1-3pm. T: 01479 821436 www.cairngormmountain.org abernethyprimarypc@gmail.com F Hands on l The Uplands of Mar Conservation Braemar Village Hall. 7.30-9pm.

Glen Tanar Visitor Centre, Ballater.

T: 01339 741511.

10am-4pm. T: 01339 886072. www.braemarlhg.com ranger@glentanar.co.uk F Royal Regiment of l Monday 18th April Scotland Pacestick (Drill) Bushcraft Day Course/The Competition Dalwhinnie Distillery. 10.30am-1pm. Art of Guiding Rothiemurchus Estate, Aviemore.

T: 01540 672219.

9am-5pm. T: 01786 459233. dalwhinnie.distillery@diageo.com www.wild-scotland.org.uk Highland League Football Match: Tuesday 19th April Strathspey Thistle FC Words in the Landscape v Formartine United FC Day Course/The Art of Seafield Park, Heathfield Road, Guiding Grantown on Spey. 2pm.

St John’s Hall, Rothiemurchus, www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233.

F Free Entry to Event l www.wild-scotland.org.uk What’s On

Wednesday 20th April Geology Day Course / The Art of Guiding St John’s Hall, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk Cultural History & Interpretation Day Workshop / The Art of Guiding Glen Banchor, Newtonmore.

9am-5pm. T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk Hoot (Harp & flute duo) St Bride’s Parish Church, Newtonmore. 7.30-9.30pm.

T: 01540 673422. roya@a9partnership.co.uk

Thursday 21st April Geology Day Course / The Art of Guiding St John’s Hall, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk

Friday 22nd April Environmental Storytelling Day Course/ The Art of Guiding St John’s Hall, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk F Live Music with George l Gordon Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

F Evening Talk: l Death on the Nile

by John Miles Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Ballater Farmer’s Market Glenmuick Church Green, Ballater.

10am-2pm. www.facebook.com/ ballaterfarmersmarket Loch Morlich Sailing Club: Open Clubhouse for the new season Loch Morlich Sailing Club.

Nr Glenmore, Aviemore.

12-4pm. T: 01479 841351. www.lochmorlichsailingclub.org F Secrets of Strathdon l Ranger led walk Car park/picnic site on A944 between war memorial & Doune, Bellabeg, Strathdon. 1.30-5pm.

T: 07787 583976. marr.ranger@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Casino Evening Austin Powers Theme British Legion, Grantown on Spey.

7.30pm-1am. T: 01479 870143. swandipper@btinternet.com

Sunday 24th April Loch Morlich Sailing Club: Frozen North Challenge Dinghy Sailing Regatta Clubhouse, Near Glenmore, Aviemore.

12-4pm. T: 01479 841351. www.lochmorlichsailingcub.org

Monday 25th April Upland Interpretation Day Workshop / The Art of Guiding Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk

Tuesday 26th April Woodland Interpretation Day Workshop / The Art of Guiding

Rothiemurchus, Aviemore.

9am-5pm. T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk

Wednesday 27th April Riparian/Freshwater Interpretation Day Workshop/The Art of Guiding Rothiemurchus, Aviemore.

9am-5pm. T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk

Thursday 28th April Wild Stargazing Day Course/The Art of Guiding St John’s Hall, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore. 9am-5pm.

T: 01786 459233. www.wild-scotland.org.uk F Whisky Tasting with l Hugh from Hunter Laing (SOSWF) Whisky Castle, Tomintoul.

11.30am-5pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Whisky Master Class with Hugh Muir, Hunter Laing (SOSWF) Richmond Memorial Hall, Tomintoul.

6-9pm. Booking Essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Curry & Quiz Night (SOSWF) Rosehall Guest House, Grantown on Spey. 7-11pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Highland Meets Speyside Distillery Tasting (SOSWF) Speyside Centre, Dulnain Bridge.

7.30-9.30pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

www.visitcairngorms.com

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Friday 29th April F Open Whisky Tasting l

with Carn Mor’s Peter MacKay (SOSWF) Whisky Castle, Tomintoul.

10.30am-5pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Making Sense of Whisky (SOSWF) Glenlivet Distillery. 2-3.30pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Whisky Master Class with Carn Mor’s Peter MacKay (SOSWF) Richmond Memorial Hall, Tomintoul.

6-9pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

what’s on april 2016

Saturday 23rd April

F Free Entry to Event l

What’s On

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what’s on april 2016 things to do

Kilted Dramble (SOSWF) Rosehall Guest House, Grantown on Spey. 7-9.30pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Music Afternoon Tea Dance Aviemore British Legion. 2-4pm.

T: 01479 810004. www.ct4u.co.uk F Live Music with George l Gordon Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810233.

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Whisky Master Class with Mike, Gordon & MacPhail (SOSWF) Richmond Memorial Hall, Tomintoul.

6-9pm. Booking essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 07789 671635.

Roving Dinner & Ceilidh (SOSWF) Ravenscourt Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

7-11.45pm.

Highland Meets Speyside Distillery Tasting (SOSWF) Speyside Centre, Dulnain Bridge.

Saturday 30th April 7.30-9.30pm. Booking essential.

‘Name that Tune’ Ranger www.spiritofspeyside.com Event T: 07789 671635.

Community Hall Cark Park, Boat of Garten. 5-8am. T: 07710 387510. Ceilidh with the Highland Lads (SOSWF) alison.greggans@rspb.org.uk YMCA, Grantown on Spey. 8-11.45pm.

‘Lords of the Dance’ Black Booking essential.

Grouse Ranger Event www.spiritofspeyside.com Location given out on booking.

T: 07789 671635.

Badenoch, Grantown on Spey.

F Live Music with Davy l 5-7am. T: 01479 873914.

Holt Singer/Guitarist saranne.bish@highland.gov.uk Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

Open Day (SOSWF) T: 01479 810233.

Glenlivet Distillery. 10.30am-4pm.

Booking Essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com Every Day in April T: 07789 671 635.

Whisky Pancake Brunch Every Monday (SOSWF) F Braemar Health Walk l YMCA, Grantown on Spey.

Group 10.30am-12.30pm. Booking Under the Mews, Braemar. 10-11am. essential. www.spiritofspeyside.com T: 01339 741426.

T: 07789 671635.

Grantown Bridge Club F Open Whisky Tasting l Wheatley Hall, Grantown on Spey. with Gordon & MacPhail 6.50-10pm. T: 01479 873113.

(SOSWF) www.bridgewebs.com/grantownonspey Whisky Castle, Tomintoul.

Cash Bingo 10.30am-5pm. Booking essential.

Royal British Legion, Grantown on www.spiritofspeyside.com Spey. 7.50pm.

T: 07789 671635.

F Live Music l F Free Entry to Event l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

What’s On

F Live Music & Dancing l

with Raymond Chuchuk Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music with l Graeme Mackay on Accordion Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Every Tuesday Grantown on Spey Health Walk Curling Rink Car Park, Anagach Woods. 10.30-11.30am.

T: 01479 841233.

F Nethy Bridge Health l Walk Group Meet by Community Centre, Dell Road, Nethy Bridge.

1-2pm. T: 07519 569005. www.cairngormsoutdooraccess.org.uk F Ballater Health Walk l Group Glenmuick Church Hall, Ballater.

1-2pm. T: 013397 55634.

Cairngorm Bridge Club St John’s Church Hall, Rothiemurchus.

6.45pm. T: 01479 821435.

Ballater Bridge Club Mike Sheridan Room in the Victoria & Albert Halls, Ballater. 7-10pm.

T: 01339 755308.

F Poker Night l Claymore Bar, High Street, Grantown on Spey. 7.30pm.

T: 01479 873108.

F l

l www.visitcairngorms.com

Please check the online calendar at www.visitcairngorms.com/ whatson

for further details and extra events

with Kenny Nairn Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

Quiz Night Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30-11pm.

F Carrbridge Health l

Walk The Old Bridge. 11am-12pm.

T: 01479 841749.

Improvers Duplicate Bridge Afternoon Wheatley hall, Grantown on Spey.

1.30-4.30pm. T: 01479 873113. www.bridgewebs.com/grantownonspey F Aviemore Health l Walk Papa Rock, Aviemore. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 810519.

Grantown Senior Citizens Thursday Club Grantown Community Centre.

2-4pm. T: 01479 872262. grantowncommunitycentre@gmail.com.

The Killiecrankies Cabaret Band Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-11pm. T: 01540 661302.

what’s on april 2016

Let’s Linedance Inverallan Church Hall, Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm. T: 07541 372524.

F Live Music with Swing l Singer George Gordon Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Scottish Night with l Stuart Anderson Every Wednesday Spey Valley Golf & Country Club, Aviemore Community Cafe Aviemore. 8-10pm. T: 01479 811244.

F Live Entertainment St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore. l with Davy Holt 10am-4pm.

Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

F Boat of Garten Health l F Woodshed Wednesday Walk l Boat Hotel. 1.30-2.30pm.

Woodshed Bar, Coylumbridge, T: 01479 831562.

Aviemore. 9.30pm. T: 01479 810661.

Rotary Club of Spey Every Thursday Valley F Kingussie Health Walk l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

Badenoch Centre. 10.30-11.30am.

6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233.

T: 01540 661878. www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org F Live Music & Dancing l

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

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F Live Music l

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Jammin Night l Ghillies Lounge Bar, Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 9pm-12am.

T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music with Band l ‘Tweed’ Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30pm.

Every Friday

what’s on april 2016 things to do

F Glen Tanar Health l

Walk Glen Tanar Visitor Centre Car Park, Dinnet. 10-11.30am.

T: 013398 86072.

Grantown Community Cafe Grantown Community Centre.

10am-2pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

Live Music with Carl Wilson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-11pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l The Woodshed Bar, Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 9pm.

Every Saturday F Music in the Forest l

Pine Marten Bar, Glenmore, Aviemore.

7.30pm. T: 01479 861253.

F Live Music with George l Gordon Spey Valley Golf & Country Club, Aviemore. 8-10.30pm.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.

Live Music with Nigel Dyson Singer & Guitarist 10

Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

F Live Music l Woodshed Bar, Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 9pm.

Every Sunday F Big Quiz l

Spey Valley Golf & Country Club, Aviemore. 8-10pm.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

F Scottish Night with l Ceilidh Dancing Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

Golf

Saturday 9th April Strathspey v Locharron Grantown Grammer School. 1.30pm.

Saturday 16th April Kingussie 2nds v Beauly The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

Newtonmore 2nds v Fort William The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm.

Saturday 23rd April Kingussie 1sts v Glenurquhart The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

Newtonmore 2nds v Lovat The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm.

Saturday 30th April

www.visitcairngorms.com/onthetee

Saturday 2nd April Kingussie Golf Club Opening Competition 125th Anniversary Kingussie Golf Club.

T: 01540 661600. www.kingussie-golf.co.uk

Newtonmore 2nds v Glasgow mid Argyll The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm.

Details correct at time of going to press - please note events may change.

Saturday 9th April Mixed Texas Scramble Ballater Golf Club.

T: 01339 755567.

Shinty www.shinty.com

Saturday 2nd April Strathspey v Lewis Grantown Grammer School. 1.30pm.

Newtonmore 1sts v Skye The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm.

What’s On

l www.visitcairngorms.com

MAKE SURE

‘WHAT’S ON’ KNOWS

WHAT’S ON! Contact Sarah at info@visitcairngorms.com or register your event online at www.visitcairngorms.com/ whatson to get your events in Copy deadline 8th of April for May 2016 edition.

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The Cairngorms National Park means so many things to so many people.

If you have a good story or would like to tell us why you love the Park, let us know so we can share it!

Email Sarah info@visitcairngorms.com

map

See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.

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What’s On

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map www.visitcairngorms.com

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What’s On

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A whole new - or rather old - ball game!

S

local stories things to do

hinty is a fast, physical contact sport played outdoors. Each player has a caman, or curved stick, which is used to strike a small leather ball, the aim being to score goals. A well-struck shinty ball can travel over 100 metres at very high speed so it is not a sport for the feint hearted!

The origins of shinty can be traced back many centuries. It is likely that sports involving hitting a ball with a curved stick were played in different places around the world as early as the fifth century BC. Shinty and hurling, as played in Ireland today, certainly have the same historical roots. It is probable that emigrants from Scotland took the game with them to Canada, playing on ice during the cold winters - and so emerged ice hockey! Somewhere in its development shinty was linked to training warriors. It was seen as a way to develop the skills needed in battle. Then and in the present day sport, shinty is an ideal activity to learn the current holders of the Camanachd Cup team-working and to develop positive attitudes. (shinty’s most coveted trophy, first played for in 1895). Can they match this record in 2016, In Scotland, shinty developed as a sport played retaining both the Cup and league? Not if their by people within one community, sometimes local rival has anything to do with it! Kingussie competing against people from another has an illustrious past in the game, holding the community - and that attribute is very evident most successful team record for winning the in the game today. Grand exponents of the league 20 years in a row. But they will wish to game - and among the greatest of rivals - are relegate recent performance to the past. Will the Badenoch villages of Newtonmore and Kingussie bounce back from their relegation Kingussie. They may only be 3 miles apart but scare last season? And how will their young each community is extremely competitive and team fare in the top league? The games are passionate about their teams. usually on a Saturday at 2.30pm with a £5 Newtonmore is very much a star in the shinty admission charge. www.newtonmoreshinty. world right now. The team has had a winning com and www.kingussieshinty.com run, topping the National League and they are Kingussie’s ground, The Dell, is regarded as one of the best shinty grounds in the country; perhaps something to do with flood waters from the nearby River Spey which irrigate the area from time to time? Newtonmore’s home, The Eilan is to be enhanced with new training pitches which means their main ground will remain in tip top condition for matches.

So when can you see these teams going head to head? The two teams meet a couple of times throughout the season and always on the first Friday evening in August for the Sir Tommy Macpherson Trophy.

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What’s On spoke to Rona Stewart, Badenoch & Strathspey Ladies Captain.

Kincraig is also looking to attract players and their activity can be followed on Facebook: Kincraig Camanachd Club.

Can anyone take up the sport? Do you need any particular skills?

Yes, the sport is open to anyone, at any age and level. There are many different teams in the Badenoch area ranging from primary to senior level and this includes three women’s teams. Shinty is a very fast moving and skilful game, particularly at a senior level. You have to be strong and agile but your skills will develop as you train with your team. Teamwork and communication are two main attributes required as the team will perform best when working together.

Competitive shinty is organised into league and knock-out cup competitions at various levels and grades with matches taking place throughout the summer. A full fixture list, involving other teams from across Scotland, can be seen on www. shinty.com and local matches are listed on the What makes shinty special to you?

The thing I like most about the game is the fact online calendar at www.visitcairngorms.com that it is different from every other sport. Shinty But shinty is not the exclusive domain of males. is a reasonably small community, in relation to The ladies game has gathered momentum over most other sports, so everybody is well known, the last few years and the sport is also a popular but there is still plenty of competitiveness and addition to school PE lessons. Badenoch and the game is developing all the time.

Strathspey based in Kingussie do particularly well at a national level, while Strathspey just If someone was interested in taking up the started last year and are in North division 2 sport how would they get involved? and Kincraig ladies also have a team. Badenoch The ladies’ clubs in the area are always trying to and Strathspey won the ultimate competition in encourage new players. Anyone is welcome to 2013 - the Valerie Fraser Camanachd Cup - and come along to training and give it a shot, even are striving to win both the league and cup in if they have little or no experience. We can be the same year. contacted through Badenoch and Strathspey So what’s the differences between the mens’ and ladies shinty club Facebook page. www.facebook.com/Badenoch.Strathspey ladies’ game? In men’s shinty there are 12 players LadiesShintyClub/ in each team - including a goalkeeper. In women’s shinty, and in some competitions for children So, ladies why not give it a go? Or if you’re and young people, there are fewer players in a just content to watch, the ladies play at the team (10 in women’s National Division 1 or 8 in Dell, Kingussie on a Sunday afternoon (times Division 2) and the pitch dimensions are smaller. confirmed near match day) so go along if you www.womens-shinty.com can and give them your support. www.visitcairngorms.com

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A new kid on the block is the relatively recently formed Strathspey. Based in Grantown on Spey, the team play on the Grantown Grammar school pitch. They train on a Thursday so why not go along and find out more or follow the team on Facebook: Strathspey Camanachd.

What attracted you to what’s often regarded as a “man’s” game?

Growing up in Kingussie, its difficult to avoid the sport and a lot of children are handed a camen at a very young age. I first tried shinty when I was around the age of 13 and have enjoyed it ever since. I love the quick, physical and competitive aspects of the game.

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eat & drink

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ook out for local produce & help reduce food miles within the Cairngorms National Park. We really are spoilt for choice. If you’re still stuck for ideas have a look at the next few pages and you’ll soon be inspired!

Boat of Garten - Tel: 01479 831 466 Local, Seasonal, Creative Food, Relaxed & Informal Dining Experience.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PIE NIGHT ~ A Delicious pie with mash or chips, and a beer or wine for only £12 CELLAR SUNDAY NIGHT ~ Traditional Sunday Roast £11.95. Bring your own wine. (Normal menu also available) T: 01479 831 466 or E: info@andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

www.andersonsrestaurant.co.uk

THE CROSS AT KINGUSSIE

eat & drink

RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

Fine Dining in the Cairngorms Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner AA Two Red Rosette Good Food & Michelin Guides 2016 www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166

Dows Store & The Osprey Café

THE

ROWAN TRE E

COUNTRY HOTEL & RESTAURANT

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Fresh Food & Groceries Firewood & Kindling Serving homemade and locally sourced produce daily Open 7 days a week Home Delivery Available

Boat of Garten 01479 831225

M Family run hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere M Modern Scottish Cuisine using local produce created by Award-winning team M Good Selection of Wines and Local Beers M Over 70 malt Whiskies M Childrens Menu Restaurant open Tues-Sun 6-8.30pm Reservations Recommended Loch Alvie, by Aviemore - 2 miles S. on B9152 T: 01479 810 207 www.rowantreehotel.com

Garth Hotel

& Restaurant

Lunch served Monday-Sunday 12-2pm, Evening meals served 5.30-9pm Early Bird Voucher - Sun-Fri until 6.30pm.

25% discount based on pre-booking & taking 2 Courses - booking essential.

The Square (Castle Rd) n Grantown 01479 872 836 n www.garthhotel.com 16

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LATAVERNA

Pizzeria, Bar & Takeaway Italian all you can eat buffet Served all day Original Stone-Baked Pizza New takeaway menu available Tel: 01479 810 683

Cairngorm Hotel

Royal Tandoori Restaurant and Take-away OPEN 7 DAYS

Lunch 12noon-2pm

eat & drink

High Range, Grampian Rd Aviemore PH22 1PT www.highrange.co.uk

Evening 5-10.30pm

Authentic Indian Cuisines Three Course Business Lunch ~ £7.95 10% Discount on Take-away Meals A La Carte Menu Freshly Prepared Coffees Private Function Room ~ Ideal For Stag, Hen Or Birthday Parties

Tel: 01479 811199 or 01479 811118

43 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH www.royaltandoori.uk.com

THE Place to Eat and Meet Opposite Aviemore Railway Station

PINE MARTEN BAR

Great Freshly Prepared Food All Day Beers, Wines, Spirits & Malts

Alpine Style Bar Glenmore

In the lively Lounge, All Day ‘til Late with Regular Entertainment + Live TV Sports

Bed & Highland Breakfast from £40 per person, per night

Grampian Road n Aviemore 01479 810 233 n www.cairngorm.com

Real Ales, Log Fire LIVE ACOUSTIC FOLK MUSIC MOST WEEKENDS Visiting Musicians Welcome

www.visitcairngorms.com

01479 861 229

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to do

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here’s a whole host of things to do in the Cairngorms National Park and more and more people are discovering just how special this place is. There are so many ways to make the most of our beautiful surroundings so what are you waiting for? See www.visitcairngorms.com for more ideas and offers.

Balmoral Luxury Land Rover Safaris

T: 013397 42534 e: info@balmoralcastle.com Accompany a ranger on a fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ tour of Balmoral Estate.

to do

An excellent opportunity to experience the stunning mountain scenery of the Cairngorms National Park from the comfort of a luxury Land Rover Discovery.

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For full details please visit our website www.balmoralcastle.com

What’s On

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Strathspey Highland Ponies Rothiemurchus Aviemore

All levels of rider welcome w Rides organised according to ability w Exhilarating hacks over varied terrain w Spectacular scenery and wildlife All on fit, fun, active and good mannered mounts Book at Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre T: 01479 812345 (daytime) M: 07884 276368 www.rothiemurchus.net

www.visitcairngorms.com

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shopping and crafts

shopping and crafts

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here are lots of specialist shops throughout the area where you can find everything you need from outdoor kit to gifts for friends, or even a treat for yourself!

LOCH-AN-EILEIN POTTERY Rothiemurchus, Aviemore PH22 1QP Hand thrown terracotta pottery by Penny Weir.

Open by appointment or by chance if you’re passing ‘Throw Your Own’ on Thursdays, £14 a shot.

Open Daily - Please phone Penny for opening times & workshop details.

01479 810837 info@penspots.co.uk www.penspots.co.uk

Cairngorm Highland Bungalows

accommodation

accommodation

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e have a superb choice of quality accommodation in the area. Use the accommodation finder on www.visitcairngorms.com to help plan your trip and keep an eye on the special offers page for last minute deals and great savings.

Great North Lodges

silverglades

holiday homes

Group of luxury self catering lodges. Set in fantastic locations, throughout the Spey Valley, within the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. We cater for all tastes, budgets and party sizes from 1 guest up to 23 guests. (Pets Welcome). Most of our lodges have log fires and wonderful outside Hot Tubs, many have luxury extras, including Saunas, Sky TV, Wi-Fi Internet access and much, much more. www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk gnl@greatnorthlodges.co.uk “Book Online” or call our Aviemore Office on 01479 812266

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Beautifully furnished and equipped 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed bungalows sleeping 2 - 8. Open fires.

Mountain views, pets welcome, Leisure Club/Golf facilities available.

Easy walking distance to Aviemore.

S.T.B. 3H-4H Contact Linda Murray Tel: 01479 810653 www.cairngorm-bungalows.co.uk

tel: 01479 810165 email: info@silverglades.co.uk web: www.silverglades.co.uk

20% Off Spring Breaks Stylish self-catering bungalows in Aviemore. 3 & 4 star available. From 1-4 bedrooms.

All have TV, DVD, free view channels & Wi-Fi. BBQ, own garden & drive. Some with sauna, wood burner, designer kitchen & flat screen TV. Pets welcome in allocated properties. Guests discounted golf & leisure nearby.

STB HHH & HHHH. Colour brochure & Virtual Tours.

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