March 2016 What's On in the Cairngorms

What’s On FREE

MARCH

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Local Story: A Feast of Festivals Special Offers!

Events: Over 70 inside

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1 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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1 Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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What’s On in march

1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1 Local Stories. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 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: View to the Cairngorms from Rothiemurchus. Great North Lodges, Magnus Nicoll, Groove Cairngorms/Cuban Brothers, Speyside Distillery, Hendy Pollock, Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

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

To help you make the most of your time here we’ve put together an essential guide packed with what’s happening in the area. We’ve got some great ideas for things to do, places to see, where to eat and drink, and places to stay.

The UK’s first resort based snowsports festival in partnership with Cairngorm Mountain and Badaguish Outdoor Centre has a line up featuring the likes of Grandmaster Flash making for a pretty awesome Groove Festival (11th-12th). The Scottish Slopestyle Championships invite some of the best riders from around the UK to battle it out for the title of Scottish Slopestyle champion and provides the entertainment on the mountain during the festival. Glenshee runs its very own Scottish Snow Festival (19th-20th) with slalom racing, snow sculptures and retro gear make for a fun weekend in the snow. The Badenoch and Strathspey Music Festival returns for its annual visit with lots of local musical talent on show around Grantown and Kingussie.

Braemar Castle reopens for the season and has some Easter treats in store. There will be lots of Easter egg hunting opportunities for the kids over Easter weekend at Rothiemurchus, Kingussie, Mar Lodge, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, Abernethy Golf Club and Strathspey Steam Railway. Spring is finally in the air so get out and enjoy the Cairngorms.

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Contents

*Smartphone users*: Put The Park In Your Pocket: Download the Cairngorms National Park App for FREE today!

Visit www.visitcairngorms.com/app for more details.

The Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone.

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or 07787 323264. allanbantick@yahoo.co.uk Talk on Atholl ou are in an all year round destination with lots going on.

Place-Names Use the listings to plan your fun! The Events list outlines Atholl Arms Hotel, Blair Atholl. exhibitions and events of interest over more than one day, the Calendar section gives you a day by day list of events and Day 7.30-9pm. T: 01796 481443.

by Day shows regular events. For more information on all the libbymacrae@yahoo.com events below please refer to www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson F Illustrated Talk: Nanga l Parbat - The First Ascent Scottish Snow Festival of the Mazeno Ridge by Events of Interest Glenshee Ski Centre T: 01339 741320. Sandy Allan www.ski-glenshee.co.uk Cairngorms Christian Centre, Kincraig.

7th-12th March 7.30-9.45pm. T: 01540 661263.

25th-28th March Nethy Bridge Annual F Vintage Embroidery, Thursday 3rd March l Charity Shop Tapestry Exhibition & Church Hall, Dell Road, Nethy Bridge.

Bingo Tea Refreshments 10am-4pm. T: 01479 821281.

Boat of Garten Community Hall, Abernethy Old Kirk, B970 (next 7.30pm. T: 01479 831123. to Castle Roy), Nethy Bridge.

11th-12th March www.boatofgarten.com 12-5pm. T: 07934 413063.

Groove Cairngorm F Evening Talk: A l www.oldkirknethybridge.org Snowsports Festival Naturalist’s France Cairngorm Mountain & Badaguish

by Brian Fuller Outdoor Centre, Aviemore.

Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

Calendar of Events www.groovecairngorm.co.uk 8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk 19th-28th March (not Sundays) Sunday 28th February F Live Music with Anne l F Creative Cairngorms Glenshee Junior Freeride l Dickson & Calum Beange Exhibition Competition Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Glenshee Ski Centre.

Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 1-5pm. www.snowsportscotland.org T: 01540 662900.

Friday 4th March www.theionagallery.co.uk Live Music with Charlie Woodwork Course McKerron & Friends Grantown Grammar School, Grantown 14th-23rd March Talla nan Ros, Kingussie. 7pm. on Spey. 2-4pm. T: 01540 662420.

Badenoch and Strathspey T: 07786 454470. lexy.clp@btconnect.com.

Music Festival sandra@criochan.com www.clp-online.net Venues in Kingussie & Grantown.

Monday 29th February F Live Music with George 9am-9pm. T: 07599 957100. l Gordon Singer www.strathfest.com F Evening Talk: Island l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Hopping 19th-20th March Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

Saturday 5th March 8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526.

UpBattle Splitboard F Book Bonanza & www.bwwc.co.uk Specific Weekender l Refreshments Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore.

Wednesday 2nd March Abernethy Old Kirk, B970 (next T: 07867 771001. www.facebook.com/upbattle to Castle Roy), Nethy Bridge.

Badger Watch Details on booking, Boat of Garten. 11am-4pm. T: 07934 413063.

F Free Entry to Event l 5.30pm. T: Allan 01479 831768 www.oldkirknethybridge.org

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Friday 11th March Woodwork Course Grantown Grammar School, Grantown on Spey. 2-4pm. T: 01540 662420. lexy.clp@btconnect.com. www.clp-online.net F Live Music with Davy l Holt Singer Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Dickson & Calum Beange Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Saturday 19th March F Hands on Conservation l

Ranger Event Glen Tanar Visitor Centre, Ballater.

10am-4pm. T: 01339 886072. ranger@glentanar.co.uk Sunday 6th March Coffee Morning F Quiz Night l Village Hall, Braemar. 10am-1pm.

Saturday 12th March Spey Valley Golf & Country Club, www.braemarbuzzard.org.uk F Live Music with Keith l Aviemore. 8-10pm.

Newtonmore 10 Mile Race Mair Guitarist & Singer Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. & 2 Mile Fun Run Monday 7th March Newtonmore Village Hall. 11am-2pm.

Snowsport Scotland Illustrated Talk: The T: 01540 670048.

Slopestyle Champs Battle of Jutland by www.newtonmore.com Tim Honnor Aviemore. T: 0131 625 4405.

Highland League Football Boat of Garten Community www.snowsportscotland.org Match: Strathspey Thistle Hall, Boat of Garten. 7.30pm.

FC v Clachnacuddin FC Sunday 13th March T: 01479 831123.

Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. www.boatofgarten.com Basket Whist 3pm.

Boat of Garten Community Tuesday 8th March Ghost Walk Hall. 7pm. T: 01479 831123.

Location to be given out on booking, Inverallan Old Time www.boatofgarten.com Grantown on Spey. 7.30-10pm.

Dancing T: 01479 873914.

Inverallan Church Hall, Grantown on Monday 14th March saranne.bish@highland.gov.uk Spey. 7.30-10pm. T: 01479 851353. l F Evening Talk: Welsh F Live Music with Davy l Wildlife by Iolo Williams Wednesday 9th March Holt Singer Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

Badger Watch Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526.

Details on booking, Boat of Garten. www.bwwc.co.uk Sunday 20th March 5.30pm. T: Allan 01479 831768 Thursday 17th March or 07787 323264.

Haughs of Cromdale 10K allanbantick@yahoo.co.uk The Osprey Music Society Road Race presents Jonathan Fournel Cromdale Hall, Grantown on Spey.

Floral Art Evening T: 01479 873488.

Newtonmore Village Hall, Newtonmore. on the Piano Boat of Garten Community Hall.

F Health Walk & Talk 7.30-9pm. T: 01540 673211. l 7:30pm.

T: 01479 831213.

Glen Doll Ranger Base, Kirriemuir.

F Live Entertainment l ann.nap@btinternet.com 11am-2pm.

T: 01575 550233. with Davy Holt Singer glendollranger@angusalive.scot F Live Music with Anne Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. l Dickson & Calum Beange F Kincraig’s Spring Fayre l Thursday 10th March Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. & Children’s Easter Egg Hunt F Live Music with Anne l Friday 18th March Dickson & Calum Beange F Free Entry to Event l F Live Music with Anne Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. l www.visitcairngorms.com

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Strathspey Thistle v Deveronvale Highland League Football Match Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey.

3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk F Live Music with Davy l Holt Singer Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

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Kincraig Christian Centre.

11am-3pm. T: 01540 651373. www.kingussie.co.uk/events/kincraigsspring-fayre-childrens-easter-egg-hunt Talk on Invercauld Estate during WW2 Braemar Village Hall. 7.30-9pm.

T: 01339 741511. www.braemarlhg.com

2.45pm. T: 01479 810 725. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk Cadbury Easter Egg Trails Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.

Saturday 26th March 11am-2pm. T: 0844 4932192.

Ptarmigan Slopestyle Jam Easter Sunday Tea & Quiz Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore.

Braemar Castle, Braemar. 12-4pm.

T: 01479 861261.

T: 01339 741219. www.cairngormmountain.org www.braemarcastle.co.uk Braemar Castle Opening F Easter Funday Ranger l Monday 21st March Day Event F Evening Talk: The l Braemar Castle. 10am-5pm.

Abernethy Golf Club, Nethy Bridge.

Peregrines of Lincoln T: 01339 741219.

2-4pm. T: 07710 387510.

Cathedral by Steve Lovell www.braemarcastle.co.uk alison.greggans@rspb.org.uk Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. Easter Fair & Clue Hunt Bingo Tea 8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526.

Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie.

Boat of Garten Community Hall, www.bwwc.co.uk 11am-3pm. T: 01540 662485.

7.30pm. T: 01479 831123. www.kingussie.co.uk/events/easter-fairWednesday 23rd March www.boatofgarten.com and-clue-hunt Strathspey & Badenoch Egg Olympics Monday 28th March Music Festival Showcase Blair Atholl Information Centre, Concert Easter Special 2-3.30pm. T: 01796 481355.

Kingussie High School. 7pm.

Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore pf@atholl-estates.co.uk www.strathfest.com Station. 10.30am, 12.30pm & F Evening Talk: Unravelling 2.45pm. T: 01479 810725. l Whist Drive the Mysteries of Migration www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk Glen Grove (Hanover), Old Glen

by Dawn Balmer Road, Newtonmore. 7.15-10pm.

F Evening Talk: The A-Z l Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. of Changes of Birds in T: 01540 673020.

8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526. basg@mybtinternet.com Scotland by Dawn Balmer www.bwwc.co.uk Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey.

F Evening Talk: l F Live Music with Keith l 8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526.

Extremadura by Steve Mair Guitarist & Singer www.bwwc.co.uk Lovell Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Wednesday 30th March 8.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 872526.

Sunday 27th March F www.bwwc.co.uk l Live Music with Davy Scottish Cross Country Holt Singer Friday 25th March MTB Series Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

Laggan Wolftrax. T: 01528 544366.

Easter Egg Hunt www.sxc.org.uk Burn o’ Vat Visitor Centre, Dinnet.

Please check the 12-3pm. T: 01339 881667.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt online calendar at Stag Ballroom, Mar Lodge Estate, Charity Quiz Evening Braemar. 10am-4pm. www.visitcairngorms.com/ The Royal British Legion, Grantown whatson on Spey. 7pm. T: 01479 851405. T: 01339 720164.

Carbt21@gmail.com Easter Special for further details Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore and extra events F Free Entry to Event l Station. 10.30am, 12.30pm &

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F Live Music with Davy l

Holt Singer Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

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F Live Entertainment l

with Davy Holt Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

F Woodshed Wednesday l Woodshed Bar, Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 9.30pm.

T: 01479 810661.

Every Thursday F Kingussie Health Walk l

Badenoch Centre. 10.30-11.30am.

T: 01540 661878.

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 Walk l Papa Rock, Aviemore. 1.30-2.30pm.

T: 01479 810519.

The Killiecrankies Cabaret Band Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

8.30-11pm. T: 01540 661302.

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.

what’s on march 2016

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

6.45pm. T: 01479 821435.

Every Monday Ballater Bridge Club F Braemar Health Walk l Mike Sheridan Room in the Victoria Group & Albert Halls, Ballater. 7-10pm.

Under the Mews, Braemar. 10-11am. T: 01339 755308.

T: 01339 741426.

F Poker Night l Grantown Bridge Club Claymore Bar, High Street, Grantown Wheatley Hall, Grantown on Spey. on Spey. 7.30pm. T: 01479 873108.

6.50-10pm. T: 01479 873113.

F Live Music with www.bridgewebs.com/grantownonspey l Kenny Nairn Singer & Cash Bingo Accordionist Royal British Legion, Grantown on Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Spey. 7.50pm.

8pm. T: 01540 661302.

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

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

8.30pm.

F Live Music with l Quiz Night Raymond Chuchuk Ballroom & Latin Dancing Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

9.30-11pm.

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

Every Wednesday F Live Music with l F l Boat of Garten Health Graeme Mackay on Walk Accordion Boat Hotel. 1.30-2.30pm.

Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

T: 01479 831562.

9.30pm.

Rotary Club of Spey Valley Every Tuesday Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore.

F Grantown on Spey l 6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233.

Health Walk www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org Curling Rink Car Park, Anagach Woods. 10.30am-11.30am.

Let’s Linedance T: 01479 841233.

Inverallan Church Hall, Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm. T: 07541 372524.

F l Nethy Bridge Health Walk Group F Live Music with George l Meet by Community Centre, Gordon Dell Road, Nethy Bridge.

Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.

1-2pm. T: 07519 569005.

8pm. T: 01540 661302. www.cairngormsoutdooraccess.org.uk F Scottish Night with l F Ballater Health Walk Stuart Anderson l Group Spey Valley Golf & Country Club, Glenmuick Church Hall, Ballater.

Aviemore. 8-10pm.

1-2pm. T: 01339 755634.

T: 01479 811244.

Every Day in March

Every Friday Glen Tanar Health Walk F l

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what’s on march 2016 things to do

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

T: 01339 886072.

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.

F Live Music l

Kingussie 2nds v Beauly The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

Saturday 19th March F Live Music with Ronnie l Kingussie 1sts v Douglas Accordionist Kinlochshiel Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

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

Shinty www.shinty.com

Saturday 26th March

Saturday 5th March

Kingusssie 1sts v Lochaber The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

Strathspey v Glengarry Grantown Grammar, Grantown on Spey. 2.30pm.

Every Saturday Newtonmore 2nds v Kinlochshiel F Music in the Forest l Pine Marten Bar, Glenmore, Aviemore. The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm.

7.30pm. T: 01479 861253.

Saturday 12th March F Live Music with George l Newtonmore 1sts v Gordon Glenurquhart Spey Valley Golf & Country Club, The Eilan, Newtonmore. 2.30pm.

Aviemore. 8-10.30pm.

F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore.

8.30pm.

Live Music with Nigel Dyson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.

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

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

Kingussie 1sts v Fort William The Dell, Kingussie. 2.30pm.

Strathspey v Lochcarron Grantown Grammar, Grantown on Spey. 2.30pm.

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

Every Sunday F Quiz Night l

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

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Rolling Eggs at Easter What’s On

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shopping & 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!

Cairngorm Highland Bungalows

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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.

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

March Breaks up to 33% Off 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.

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. HHHH Contact Linda Murray Tel: 01479 810653 www.cairngorm-bungalows.co.uk

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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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A Feast of Festivals

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local stories things to do

“Festival” means different things to different people.

Whatever your interpretation, there is sure to be something right up your street among the wealth of festivals that take place across the Cairngorms National Park. To illustrate this diversity, What’s On dips into but a few events happening over the coming months.

Firstly, a Festival that occurs annually, across the country, but on different dates every year – yes, Easter. For many businesses across the Park, Easter marks the start of the visitor season but in reality there is a range of natural attractions and organised events to appeal to everyone throughout the year. For information about what’s on in the Cairngorms National Park over Easter period, for all the family, check our online calendar at www.visitcairngorms.com

Flash and the Cuban Brothers. Great DJ sets include Hot Chip and Eton Messy. Add to this other acts such as Prides, Niteworks, DJ Yoda, Monki, Spring Break and Elephant Sessions and you have a real eclectic mix.

If that wasn’t enough action the Scottish Slopestyle Championships are taking place at CairnGorm Mountain over the same weekend.

Here you can see some of the best riders from around the UK compete for the title of Scottish Slopestyle champion.

Striking the right cord This March, two very different music festivals take place around Aviemore and Kingussie. A first for the Park and indeed, a first for the UK, is Groove CairnGorm - the nation’s first ever resort based snowsports festival. Held in conjunction with Cairngorm Mountain, over the weekend of 11-13 March, Groove Cairngorm is a must for snowsports and music fans. Aside from the snowsports, each day there will be Scottish Slopestyle Championships entertainment on the mountain, followed by apres ski and a top line up of live music and DJs in the superb setting of Badaguish near Aviemore. Groove CairnGorm is just one event in a week Get yourself along and groove to Grandmaster long programme of activities happening between 11-18 March as part of Scottish Tourism Week.

If you are a visitor attending the Scottish Slopestyle Championships or Groove CairnGorm we extend a warm welcome to a fun filled line up of snowsports, entertainment and music in our very special part of the world. Perhaps this is your first visit and you had not thought about visiting the area before. If so, we hope you will want to return to the National Park to experience more of the stunning diversity of this amazing place. www.cairngormmountain.org/groove-cairngorm

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Also taking place this month, between 14-23 March is the well-established Badenoch & Strathspey Music Festival which incorporates music, dance, speech and drama. Now in its 59th year, the Festival was founded to encourage participation and to promote the development and enjoyment of performing arts across all age groups within the area and from further afield. Run by a dedicated team of volunteers, the Festival runs classes and competitions in singing, instrumental music, drama, dance and poetry. You may be too late to enter as a competitor, but a pick of the contestants will be giving a celebratory end-of-Festival concert at Kingussie High School Hall on 23 March 2016. www.strathfest.com

At one with nature The Cairngorms National Park is the ideal location to host a Festival dedicated to the natural environment.

The Cairngorms Nature Festival, which takes place over the weekend of 14 and 15 May, is a celebration of the Park’s outstanding wildlife and scenery.

An exciting programme, packed with events for young and old, will get you close to nature.

See the Cairngorms wildlife in action with ranger-led walks, get involved in a conservation project or take part in a family activity. The full programme and booking details will be available from Easter 2016: do come along if you can.

A ‘must do’ Festival for whisky aficionadas is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which takes place between 28 April and 2 May 2016.

The Festival celebrates Scotland’s national drink with a range of entertaining and educational whisky inspired or themed events.

An increasingly large section of the programme takes place in the Park, with activities not just based around the distilleries but complementary events run by other businesses. A flavour of what to expect: Tours, nosings and tastings at Glenlivet, Tomintoul and Speyside Distilleries.

A whisky master class at Richmond Hall Tomintoul, or tastings at Speyside Centre Dulnain Bridge, to test if you know your Highland from your Speyside! You will not go hungry either. Choose from brunch paired with whiskies (Speyside Centre); a delicious Afternoon Tea and SPEY tasting on board the Strathspey Railway; a 4 course Whisky Dinner with whisky themed courses (Muckrach Country House Hotel, Dulnain Bridge) or a whisky themed Roving Dinner followed by a relaxing evening walk through Anagach forest while being entertained with fascinating tales, accompanied by a malts and chocolates (Rosehall Guest House Grantown on Spey). www.spiritofspeyside.com

Speyside Distillery Walk on the wild side Combine fresh air, stunning scenery with some great walking. Open to all, the Angus Glens Walking Festival between 2–5 June covers 18 walks, for all levels of ability, passing through fantastic scenery. The walks are led by local mountain leaders and countryside rangers who have excellent knowledge of the Glens.

Learn about its history and its wildlife. Walk along Scotland’s oldest right of way or if you’re feeling more ambitious - try a Munro. To book a walk, and for more details on the 4-day festival, visit www.visitangus.com/walkingfestival So, there we have five festivals to relish.

Visit www.visitcairngorms.com to explore the many other events planned for 2016. Many are outdoor and sporting gatherings; others celebrate food, heritage and creative arts.

As we said, there really is something for everyone.

www.visitcairngorms.com

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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 2015 www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166

Dows Store & The Osprey Café

THE

ROWAN TRE E

COUNTRY HOTEL & RESTAURANT

·· · ··

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 14

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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

Great Freshly Prepared Food All Day Beers, Wines, Spirits & Malts 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 www.visitcairngorms.com

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Aviemore | Boat of Garten | Broomhill

Dining on Board Special Events Tours & Packages

www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

to do

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.

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