Bears, lynx, wolves and elk considered for reintroduction into Cairngorms

A report compiled for Britain's largest national park, The Cairngorms, has identified 23 species of mammals, birds, amphibians and fish that once thrived in Britain and have the potential to live here again.

Ecologists who wrote the report, which is still in draft form, claim that large carnivores such as wolves, brown bears and the Eurasian lynx can all have beneficial impacts on the environment and act as a huge draw for tourism.

in reference to: Bears, lynx, wolves and elk considered for reintroduction into British countryside - Telegraph (view on Google Sidewiki)

AREA WALK 3 - GLEN BANCHOR TO CLUNY OR LOCH DUBH

Cairngorms National Park - Newtonmore

AREA WALK 3 - GLEN BANCHOR TO CLUNY OR LOCH DUBH

From the village square take the Glen Road (opposite the village hall), marked in yellow on the map above, and continue, crossing three cattle grids, till you reach the end of the tarmac road. This area is shown as Lurg (An Lurg -- the ridge) on OS 1:25,000. At the end of the public road cross the Dalchurn Bridge, also known locally as Shepherds Bridge. This area is known as Dalchurn (Dail a’ Chaorainn -- the meadow of the rowan tree) and up to the right from the bridge can be seen the remains of the old township that was inhabited until 1874.

Lurgan, Dalchurn and other settlements that you will pass on your way up Glen Banchor were the original habitations lived in before Newtonmore was founded. The Glen was heavily populated at the beginning of the 19th century, but gradually, as their small farms became uneconomic or as the land was let for sheep farming, the people moved into the new community of Newtonmore, which was growing in the area, or left the vicinity. The type of houses they lived in at the start of the 18th century can be seen at the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore. The final big exodus was in 1876 when five families from the townships of Westerton and Easterton had to leave because the land on which they lived and worked was let as a sheep farm. Continuing along the road you will see the remains of Westerton, to the north just before you cross the bridge over the Allt Fionndrigh (Allt Fionn-ruighe -- the burn of the white sheiling-ground). Having crossed the bridge you pass Glenballoch, until recently the last inhabited house in the glen. Turn left to the River Calder and continue along its bank past Dallballloch (Dail Ballach -- the meadow of the mottled place) till you reach Carnegies Bothy, marked Dail na Seilg (Dail na Seilg -- the meadow of the hunting), on the OS 1:25,000 maps.

1. Continue to Cluny,

At Dail na Seilg cross the River Calder by the footbridge and take the estate track through the Strath an Eilich (Strath an Eilich -- the valley of the mill-lade) and reach Cluny on the Laggan Road, 6 miles from Newtonmore. To avoid having to walk back to Newtonmore along the road, walkers can take the morning post bus from the Post Office, get off at Cluny Lodge and tackle the walk in reverse direction. In the summer months there is also a bus to Fort William which will set you down at Cluny.

 2. Continue to Loch Dubh

For Loch Dubh: turn North-west and either follow the path from Dalballoch along the north bank of the Allt an Lochain Duibh (Allt an Lochain Duibh -- the burn of the black lochan) or the path which converges with it from Carnegies Bothy. Loch Dubh is a picturesque but sombre lochan under dark cliffs 2 miles from the junction of Allt an Lochain Duibh and the River Calder.

For more infomation on walks and other activities please check the local village web site www.Newtonmore.com for accommodation ideas why not check www.NewtonmoreHolidayCottages.com 

WIN a Winter White Family Outdoor Activity Break to Aviemore!

Experience a 4-night outdoor activity break for a family of up to four, at the luxurious Cairngorms Holiday Cottages near Aviemore. Nestling in the heart of the Cairngorms

in reference to: Wild Day (view on Google Sidewiki)

Wild Camping Crack down at Loch Morlich

Shocked to read that local authorities and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) are considering actions to reduce OUR rights to wild camping in the Cairngorms National Park.

They say the police were called to the beauty spot of Loch Morlich & Glenmore on four occasions last year, but Northern Constabulary confirmed none of these were serious incidents. I’m not sure how this makes it a problem area? As they get more calls in an hour to the Aviemore high street, at the weekends. Loch Morlich will just have to get used to having people wild camping in the area and start to offer better facilities, just as more litter bins, dog waste bins, and a recycle station for cans, glass paper and plastics. Why don’t we start to embrace all who want to wild camp, whether young or old? Even before the Outdoor Access Laws, teenagers from all over the Cairngorms have headed out to key spots to camp and enjoy themselves, this a right to passage to become an outdoor enthusiast. There is room for everyone from teenagers to families, wild camping is a right.

Below are some wild camping tips for all you wild campers!

Whether you are a beginning camper or an experienced one, it’s always good to have a list of camping equipment you need to take with you.


Food
It is a good idea, just to prepare food. Make a list before you want to prepare meals and go shopping. You can always check the Internet for a good camping recipes. To hand dry spices like salt, pepper, spices, sugar and cream in powder form. Be sure to staple foods such as coffee, bread, potatoes, Tommy K, mustard, onions, bacon, put eggs, and marshmallows.
Sleeping Equipment
The tent is a very important part of the campsite. Make sure it is waterproof and has a roof drain for rain. Add a tarp or ground cloth under the tent. Make sure the tent is stored in a dry place so that it is free of mould. Include sleeping to keep you warm and keep an air mattress for you off the ground. Do not forget the Pillow.
Lighting
There is nothing worse than walking around a campsite without a light. Bring a lantern powered by either propane or batteries. A good heavy torch and it's always good to have a spare one. Do not forget the extra batteries.
Cooking utensils
Ladle, stove with fuel (much better for cooking than open fire), pot with lid, grill, spatula, coffee pot and tongs. Tin foil
First Aid Kit
A great idea is to together a watertight box filled with the following supplies that you always stored with your camping equipment and is always ready to go. Such antiseptic, band-aids/bandages, tweezers, allergy medications, if needed, sunscreen, bug repellent (Skin so soft is the best),

Cairngorms Naturally -
Remember that you're going to enjoy nature and that means caring for the environment, so that others can have the same experience after you've left.

We all know the cardinal rule "Leave the area just as you found it," but here some other tips to keep in mind on your camping trip:

Use reusable dishes: Do not use Styrofoam and plastic picnic dishes and flatware. Washing dishes can be a chore, but it will reduce the amount of waste you produce onsite.

Sort your waste: Bringing different waste bags to separate food scraps and other waste from paper waste can be helpful. When sorted, recycled fibre paper napkins, can help you start a campfire later.

Repackage food: Remove all food packaging and repack it in reusable containers. Don't bring individual packed food items, and clean up all food scraps while camping. Food left out will attract unwanted wildlife.

Bathroom Etiquette: Bring and use one-ply bathroom tissue because it's made from 100 per cent recycled fibre, and breaks down faster. Did a hole and make sure you cover it up afterwards.

Respect others – Have fun but do remember to respect other people.

AREA WALK 2 - MACPHERSON’S ASHES

From the village square take the Glen Road (opposite the village hall), marked on the map in yellow, up on to the open moor beyond the cattle grid. Carry on along the road till the signs for the Wildcat Trail at Milton are reached. On the left are two plinths showing on one, the skyline of the Glen, and on the other the information on the old Milton township that was a settlement used in the early 19th century until the people moved out to make way for sheep. 

 Follow the road till just past the second cattle grid a quarried out knoll is reached. Two tracks diverge here onto the moor. Take the left hand one leading up towards the nearest hill, Creag an Loin (Creag an Loin -- the crag of the pool), and follow it to a point just below the nearest prominent crags on the hillside. Here you will find a plaque inscribed to "Lt-Col. Duncan Iver Macpherson O.B.E. of Banchor whose ashes are interred at this spot". From here there is a wide ranging view over the strath of the Spey and the surrounding hills.  After a grassy start this path climbs into thick heather, which is a glorious sight when in bloom in late August and September.

For more info on walks and other things to do in the village of Newtonmore. Check the community web site - www.Newtonmore.com for Accommodation ideas in the Cairngorms Nation Park check out www.CairngormsHolidayCottages.com 

Wildcat captured on the prowl by camera

THERE has been much excitement at the Highland Wildlife Park in Aviemore after staff captured on film a wildcat roaming at night.

Wildcats are an endangered species with only 400 thought to exist in the wild throughout Scotland.

In the first week in January eight movement-activated cameras were installed throughout the park, and what appears to be a wildcat was recorded on the infra-red camera just after midnight in mid-January.

Animal control officer at the park, Doug Richardson, said the keepers were really excited with the find.

He said: “The keeper was going through the images, rabbit, rabbit, rabbit, wildcat, rabbit – and had to go back to make sure he saw what he thought he did. He was so excited he nearly fell off his chair.

“The wildcat just strolled in front of the camera.”

There are three single females and a pair as well as two kittens in captivity at the park and they will be keeping an eye open around their enclosures as mating season approaches to see if any wild ones come into the area.

Apart from rabbits, the cameras have also recorded hares fighting, a fox, roe deer and a white domestic cat.

The £3,000 cost of the cameras was funded by the keepers collecting money for wildcat conservation.

in reference to: Wildcat captured on the prowl by camera - Press & Journal (view on Google Sidewiki)

Sustainable Tourism Programme

How Sustainable is your Business? Aims to inform 1,000 Scottish Tourist businesses with £600,000 European Regional Development Fund Money

Scotland aims to be the most sustainable destination in Europe by 2015.

VisitScotland launched its first sustainable tourism programme today to help businesses understand how sustainable practices can improve their bottom line and in turn aid into growth in Scottish tourism.

Today’s launch at the new John Hope Gateway in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens marks the start of a series over 20 free seminars and workshops being held throughout 2010. Workshops are taking place across Scotland to encourage the maximum number of businesses to take part but minimising the impact of travel.

The Scottish government says it knows that the environment plays a large part in why people come to Scotland. VisitScotland research shows that this is a huge draw - visitors from Denmark, Spain and the US listing it as their top reason to visit from their recent Visitor Experience survey.

Three quarters of visitors also feel that Scotland protects and cares for its natural environment.
With millions of people coming to Scotland because of the landscapes and scenery and increasing pressure for businesses to show sustainable practices to visitors, Scotland feels that it has the opportunity to take a lead in line with the Scottish Government’s plans to establish Scotland as Europe’s most sustainable destination by 2015.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, launched today’s programme supported by ERDF funding, with the unveiling of a new booklet, ‘Sustainable Tourism for Dummies to Sustainability’ - produced in partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Environment Link.

Mr Swinney said: “Sustainable development is at the heart of this Government’s purpose and it is something we all need to recognise as the way forward. Encouraging tourism businesses to incorporate sustainable practices will produce cost savings, and attract the environmentally-conscious visitor to view Scotland as a must-see, must-return destination.”

Aiming to attract participation from more than 1,000 businesses, the programme is working in partnership with some twenty organisations across Scotland to demonstrate the value of sustainability. Sustainable tourism isn’t just about being ‘green’ and protecting the environment, it also addresses the economic and social issues facing businesses - helping to create a sustainable community and in turn ensuring that visitors have a great experience when they come to Scotland.

Each workshop will features a range of topic including: waste, water, energy use, community engagement and local and seasonal procurement They will combine advice from experts and local sustainability champions, sustainability surgeries and one to one mentoring sessions.

Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland said: “Tourism growth is critical to the future of Scotland. Sustainable tourism aims to ensure that economic development as a result of tourism is a positive experience for everyone involved; the local community, tourism businesses and visitors.”

“These workshops will help equip tourism businesses across the country with the information they need to minimise the impact of their activities on the environment and community, whilst securing economic growth and importantly we are working in partnership with many organisations across Scotland to help promote the benefit of sustainability.”

“At the same time, we are developing our own Sustainable Tourism Strategy to ensure VisitScotland is recognised as a leader in sustainable tourism development through our internal operations, engaging with visitors, businesses and working in partnership with key tourism players.”

in reference to: Visit Scotland Launches £600,000 New Sustainable Tourism Programme-09 February, 2010 (view on Google Sidewiki)

Walks in Newtonmore - Cairngorms National Park

 Walks in Newtonmore - Walk 1

From the village square take the Glen Road (opposite the village hall next to Blasta), up onto the open moor beyond the cattle grid. Carry on along the road till the signs for the Wildcat Trail at Milton are reached. On the left are two plinths showing on one, the skyline of the Glen, and on the other information on the old Milton township that was a settlement used in the early 19th century. 

The road crosses two more cattle grids reaching a parking area where the upper glen opens out and the first of the Calder tributaries, Allt a’ Chaorainn (Allt a’ Chaorainn -- the burn of the rowan tree) passes under the bridge known locally as Shepherds Bridge or Dalchurn Bridge. Looking to the north along the line of the burn you can see a conical summit, Sidhean Mor Dail a’ Chaorainn (Sithean Mor Dail a’ Chaorainn -- the big fairy hill of the meadow of the rowan tree) which is called locally "Johnny Blair’s Garden". Johnny Blair was a local man who made a garden with trees, flowers and vegetables on the top of the hill to prove that crops could grow even on such an unpromising site. Its unusual profile is due to its use in prehistoric times as a double palisaded enclosure. 

If you wish to make your way up to it cross the Shepherds Bridge and, going through the fence, follow the burn to the base of the hill. It is a steep but easy climb. On the summit you can make out the line of the wooden fortifications by the depressions on the ground where the timbers have rotted. During recent archaeological exploration the remains of burnt wood have been found in the sheep scrapes round the top of the mound. Return to the village by the same route. For more info check www.Newtonmore.com the village web site.  For more information on the Cairngorms National Park click here.

Discount available on innovative food waste disposal solution

Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), Green Cone Limited and Strathspey Waste Action Network (SWAN) are working together to encourage local homes and businesses dispose of their food waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

This is now achievable thanks to the innovative Green Johanna food waste digester from Green Cone Limited. The Green Johanna unit, which stands on flat ground in the garden and cleverly produces rich compost from ALL food waste including meat, fish and bones mixed with green garden waste, is now available to Park residents at £30 instead of the normal retail price of £130.

The patented action of the Green Johanna means residents can now help reduce their own carbon footprint by turning leftover kitchen waste into a valuable resource for growing healthy fresh vegetables, whilst simultaneously helping reduce CNPA's waste disposal costs.

Collectable from the Park Authority office in Grantown-on-Spey, in order to take advantage of this promotion and guarantee their product, residents should telephone 0800 731 2572 before the end of February, quoting 'Cairngorms Discount CNPA10'. Each Green Johanna will also be supplied with a 'winter jacket', designed to keep the composter working in colder weather.

in reference to: Cairngorms National Park Authority: News (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Lecht

The Lecht competition will be going ahead this weekend!! if you fancy hitting up the rail jam make sure you are around the nursery slopes for a 5 o'clock kick off, if the kicker jam takes your fancy that will be kicking off on Sunday morning around 10am . All runs complete with hard packed snow with all nursery runs open, we are expecting white cloud and temperatures of -3 on Saturday, on Sunday the sun will be popping through to say hi every now and then, and temperatures are set to be a little warmer, so that should set the scene for the kicker, there should be a good crew of people there so hope to see you all their!!

in reference to: unbez: Friday Forecast (view on Google Sidewiki)

“Olympic Flame Descents” at CairnGorm Mountain

To mark the February half term break and the start of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, Canada, CairnGorm Mountain invite the public to take part in and / or watch “Olympic Flame Descents” on Monday 15th and again on Wednesday 17th February 2010.
To take part in one of these descents you are required to be a competent skier or snowboarder of intermediate/ advanced standard (able to ski confidently from the top to the bottom of the mountain). Children wishing to take part should be aged 8- 16 years and need to be accompanied by a participating adult. Spaces are limited for both events. Participants will take the funicular railway to the top station from 4.30pm, where they will be given a hot drink and a beef roll. At dusk (which we expect to be around 5.30pm), 40cm light torches will be issued to every participant by ski patrol (flashing whistles are also available for a small charge). The CairnGorm ‘Olympic’ Flame will be carried by ski patrol who will lead and guide the descent

in reference to: Cairngorm Mountain - Survival Tips for Half Term (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms National Park soon to have a Bungee Jump

THRILL-SEEKERS look set to flock to Killiecrankie, soon to be part of the Cairngorms National Park,  after the first permanent bungee-jumping platform in the UK was given the go-ahead.

Murray Trail, who works with adventure tourism company Highland Fling – based at the Nae Limits unit in Ballinluig – outlined the economic benefits jumping 50m from a base underneath the Garry Bridge would bring.

 Garry Bridge

He told this week’s meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s development control committee: “We chose Highland Perthshire because it’s already established within the adventure tourism industry. “Bungee-jumping has been commercially viable throughout the world for 25 years. “Successful companies that have been around for that length of time are still experiencing growth. “We expect the overall economic benefit for the area to be around £3m in year one and around £4.5m the following year.”

The jump platform is on the underside of the Garry Bridge, which spans the River Garry before joining the B8019 to Tummel Bridge. Spectator pods will also be set-up in a small clearing off the wooded walk at the popular Pass of Killiecrankie beauty spot.  The operation will be run from the Killiecrankie visitor centre – run by the Natural Trust for Scotland – with shuttle buses taking people to the site. Mr Trail said he hoped jumpers and spectators would explore local beauty spots as well as going in search of an adrenaline rush.

At a Glasgow conference on the 3-02-2010, Scottish Southern Energy released a map which details the route of the Beauly to Denny transmission line and the removal of associated pylon lines in the Cairngorms.

 

Both Scottish Renewable and SSE claimed the development would mean a reduction in the number of pylons in the Cairngorms National Park. As you can see most of the Cairngorms National Park will benefit from the removal of the existing pylons.

 

At Last....we have a Cinema in Aviemore

Since the closure of the cinema at the Old Aviemore Centre, movie-goers from The Cairngorms National Park have had to head to Inverness to see the biggest blockbusters.

 

But that's about to change with the latest films - including those in 3D - to be screened at the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

 

The very first to be shown at the new facility in the 650-seat auditorium at the resort will be James Cameron's Avatar in 3D and the newly released Astro Boy.

 

Following on will be Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, Up in the Air starring heart-throb George Clooney, and the big screen adaptation of Alice Sebold's hit book Lovely Bones.

 

There will be three showings per day with a first release running for a week or two at 2.15pm and 5.45pm, and a second movie screened at 8.15pm.

 

For more info and booking tickets click here.

 

New Cairngorms Wood fuel Web Site

USING wood to heat homes and businesses in the Cairngorms National Park could cut fuel bills by up to two-thirds, boost the local economy and shrink residents’ carbon footprints.

 

A new website, www.lowcarboncairngorms.org, which highlights ways in which the park’s abundant natural wood resource can be harnessed more effectively, has been welcomed by local businesses and sector leaders.

 

People with little or no knowledge of the options for using wood for heating can discover a wealth of information on the basics of wood fuel and where to find out more.

 

The website was launched as part of Woodfuel in the Cairngorms, a joint venture between the Cairngorms National Park Authority and Clim-Atic, an EU-funded project to help rural communities adapt to climate change.

 

Highland councillor Ian Ross, who chairs the Cairngorms Wood Fuel Steering Group, said: “Switching from fossil fuels to locally-produced, renewable sources of fuel will put communities ahead of the game, both economically and in meeting the climate change targets for reductions in greenhouse gases.”

 

A series of free events throughout the park will help people learn more about the options open to them. To find out more and book a place on the next one, Making the Most of Farm Woodlands, at Glenbuchat, Strathdon, on Tuesday, March 9, visit http://www.lowcarboncairngorms.org/woodfuel/calendar.asp or phone 01479 870535.

 

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1589056?UserKey=#ixzz0eSuAD7Yo

 

All cottages at the Gold Eco Rated  Highland Holiday Cottages, have Charnwood  wood burning stoves using clean burn technologies.

Aviemore gets a golfing boost

£200,000 Challenge Tour event at Aviemore starts the ball rolling......

Scottish Hydro and Macdonald Hotels, together with EventScotland, yesterday announced they are backing the Scottish Challenge tournament for this year and beyond. Starting in Aviemore for £200,000

Spey Valley in Aviemore

Over the two years, more than £1million in cash and payment in kind is going into the Scottish Hydro Challenge which will again be played at the stunning Macdonald Spey Valley Golf course in Aviemore.

Whats on February 2010 Cairngorms National Park

Monday 1st February
• Boat of Garten Community Hall – Winter Series of Illustrated Talks. “Crossing Australia: Travels on a bicycle from Perth to Sydney” with Dave Wells, 7.30pm. £4.50 includes glass of wine. Local crafts on sale and art exhibition by local artists.

• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Ann Dickson, 8.30pm.

Tuesday 2nd February

• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Bonnie, 8.30pm.


Wednesday 3rd February
• The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore – Wine Tasting (both tutored and un-tutored) hosted by Richard Meadows of Great Grog. 3.30-5.30pm. Tickets £15 and £10 redeemable against a case of wine with 30+ wines to try. T: 0131 555 0222 for tickets (30 available).
• Church Hall or Cairngorms Christian Centre, Kincraig – Winter Talks in aid of Kiwoko Hospital, Uganda. ‘Wild Cats’ by Dr David Hetherington, 7.30pm. FREE. Donations welcomed.
• Mountain Cafe, Aviemore – Free Winter Mountain Safety Lecture by Simon Steer Deputy Team Leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. Arrive at 7pm for bargain meal £8 and lecture starts at 8pm. www.mcofs.org.uk/winterlectureseries.asp


Thursday 4th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Dennis Alexander, 8.30pm.
• The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore – Quiz Night, 9.30pm.


Friday 5th February
• The Imagination Workshop, Aviemore – Ladies Night, 7-9pm, £10pp.
• Grantown Grammar School – The Grantown Players present ‘Background Artiste’ a one act comedy by Stephen Smith. First half performances by new local youth band PACE and by well known singer and harper Marie-Louise Napier. 7.30pm. Tickets £5/£3.
• Kingussie High School – Kingussie Food on Film 2010 ‘Oscar Night’ with Live Music and a Chocolate Fountain. Tickets on the door £5/£4.
• The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore – ‘We Were Promised Jetpacks’, 8pm.


Saturday 6th February
• Kingussie High School – Food on Film Festival 2010. The Food Hall with a cookery demonstration by celebrity chef Jacqueline O’Donnell. Stalls, Food Tastings, Competitions and Short Film Screenings. 11am-4pm, £1 (FREE to concessions). Feature Films “Julie and Julia” and “Bee Movie”, 4.30-6.30pm, Tickets on door £4/£3.
• The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore – Laki Mera, 8pm.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Disco, 8.30pm.
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore – Gordy Peters, 9pm.
• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Bonnie, 9.30pm.
• The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore – Night hosted by ‘Sound Clash’, 10.30pm-3am.


Sunday 7th February
• The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore – Old Bridge All Dayer with ‘Horndog Brass Band’, ‘Woodenbox with a Fist Full of Fivers’ and DJs.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Alfie, 8.30pm.


Monday 8th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – George Gordon, 8.30pm.


Tuesday 9th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Ann Dickson, 8.30pm.


Wednesday 10th February
• Mountain Cafe, Aviemore – Free Winter Mountain Safety Lecture by David (Heavy) Whalley, Retired RAF Mountain Rescue Team Leader. Arrive at 7pm for bargain meal £8 and lecture starts at 8pm. www.mcofs.org.uk/winterlectureseries.asp


Thursday 11th February
• Boat of Garten Community Hall – The Osprey Music Society presents the ‘Doric String Quartet’. 7.30pm. £12 members, £14 non-members, £5 students, £2 under 16. Book early to avoid disappointment T: 01479 831213.
• Carrbridge Village Hall – Essential Scottish Opera ‘Opera Highlights’, 7.30pm, £10, £5 (under 26’s). Tickets T: 01479 841211.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Bonnie, 8.30pm.

Friday 12th February
• The Imagination Workshop, Aviemore – ‘Fiver Friday’, 11-5pm, Decorate any small animal for £5.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Children’s Entertainment ‘Bubbles the Clown’, 7-8pm, Child £2, adults FREE.
• Carrbridge Hotel – Live Music, 8.30-11pm.


Saturday 13th February

• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Acoustic Apres Ski Party, 4-7pm.
• Royal British Legion, Grantown – Valentines Buffet and Dance, 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £15 on door.
• Carrbridge Hotel – Valentine’s Ceilidh, 8.30pm.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – H Factor, 8.30pm.
• The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore – Live Music, 9.30pm.


Sunday 14th February
• Aviemore Village Hall – Cairngorms Farmers Market with healthy food cookery demonstrations from the Food Standards Agency Scotland. 10.30am-3.30pm.
• The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore – Valentines Dinner, (details tbc) T: 01479 810233.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Kevin Fraser, 8.30pm.


Monday 15th February
• The Imagination Workshop, Aviemore – ‘Masterpiece Monday’, Create your own canvas. 11.30am-1pm, £12pp Booking Required T: 01479 812111.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Children’s Entertainment ‘Bubbles the Clown’, 7-8pm, Child £2, adults FREE.
• Boat of Garten Community Hall – Winter Series of Illustrated Talks. “Everest a Woman’s Way”. An account of the ascent of Mount Everest by the first woman to lead a British Expedition, with Sue Harper-Todd, 7.30pm. £4.50 includes glass of wine. Local crafts on sale and art exhibition by local artists.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Ann Dickson, 8.30pm.


Tuesday 16th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Bonnie, 8.30pm.


Wednesday 17th February
• Mountain Cafe, Aviemore – Free Winter Mountain Safety Lecture by Simon Steer Deputy Team Leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. Arrive at 7pm for bargain meal £8 and lecture starts at 8pm. www.mcofs.org.uk/winterlectureseries.asp
• Nethy Bridge Community Centre – Ceilidh with dancing to ‘Fine Blend’. Families welcome, bar and raffle. 8-11pm. Tickets on door £5/£3 Family Tickets £12.


Thursday 18th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Children’s Entertainment ‘Merson the Magician’, 7-8pm, Child £2, adults FREE.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Foreign Affair, 8.30pm.
• The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore – Quiz Night, 9.30pm.


Friday 19th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Children’s Entertainment ‘Bubbles the Clown’, 7-8pm, Child £2, adults FREE.
• Grantown on Spey Museum – Grantown Society Talk “Doric” by Alistair McKenzie. 7.30pm, FREE, Donations welcomed.


Saturday 20th February
• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Acoustic Apres Ski Party, 4-7pm.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Disco, 8.30pm.
• Royal British Legion, Grantown – Live Music in the bar from 9.30pm.
• The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore – ‘Why Not’ Dance Music Night with special guest ‘Caged Baby’ playing a live DJ Set, 10.30pm-3am.


Sunday 21st February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Raymond Chuck, 8.30pm.


Monday 22nd February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Foreign Affair, 8.30pm.


Tuesday 23rd February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Ann Dickson, 8.30pm.


Wednesday 24th February
• Mountain Cafe, Aviemore – Free Winter Mountain Safety Lecture by David (Heavy) Whalley Retired RAF Mountain Rescue Team Leader. Arrive at 7pm for bargain meal £8 and lecture starts at 8pm. www.mcofs.org.uk/winterlectureseries.asp


Thursday 25th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Bonnie, 8.30pm.


Friday 26th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Children’s Entertainment ‘Bubbles the Clown’, 7-8pm, Child £2, adults FREE.
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore – George Gordon and Rhuari Macdonald, 9pm.


Saturday 27th February
• Grantown Museum, Grantown on Spey - Fundraising Coffee Morning, all welcome.

• The Eilan, Newtonmore – Newtonmore Shinty Club Open Day. Primary Schools 6-a-side, Shinty Memorabilia Exhibition, Newtonmore 1st Team Challenge Match, Complimentary Snacks and Refreshments, Merchandise/Season Tickets for sale, 12.30pm, FREE admission.
• Aviemore Village Hall – Ceilidh Dance to the ‘Nicky McMichan Trio’, 8pm-Midnight. £4 with refreshments.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Willy Campbell, 8.30pm.
• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Bonnie, 9.30pm.


Sunday 28th February
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Raymond Chuck, 8.30pm.



Day by Day in February


Every Monday
• Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore – FREE Tours, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Booking advised T: 01479 812222.
• beallich, Cromdale – Ashtanga Yoga, 6.30-7.45pm, £9 T: 01807 510242.
• Royal British Legion, Grantown – Cash Bingo, 8pm (Over 18s only).
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore – David Hood Tribute to the Decades, 8pm.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie - Kenny Nairn on guitar and keyboard, 9-11pm.
• Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore - Graeme Mackay 9.30-11.30pm.


Every Tuesday
• beallich, Cromdale – Hatha Yoga, 10.30-11.30am, £7 T: 01807 510242.
• Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore – FREE Tours, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Booking advised T: 01479 812222.
• Craig Maclean Centre, Grantown – Hatha Yoga, 6-7pm, £3.50 T: 01479 870281.
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore – Acoustic Set, 8pm.
• Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge – David Hood Tribute to the Decades, 8.30-10.30pm.
• Carrbridge Hotel – Alfie, 8.30-11pm (not 2nd or 9th).
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore – Scottish Night, 8.30-10.30pm.
• Star Hotel, Kingussie – Capone (Country & 60s/70s), 9-11pm.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie - Ronnie Douglas, Accordion, 9-11pm.
• Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore - Quiz Night 9.30-11pm £1pp, Cash Prize, Free Stovies.


Every Wednesday
• Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore – FREE Tours, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Booking advised T: 01479 812222.
• beallich, Cromdale – Hatha Yoga, 1-2pm, £7, Men’s Ashtanga Yoga, 6.15-7.15pm, £7 T: 01807 510242.
• The Imagination Workshop, Aviemore – Jewellery Classes, 1.30-3.30pm, £12pp.
• Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore – Gilly, 5-7pm.
• Glenmore Lodge Dry Ski Slope – Cairngorm Snowboard Club Night with rails, boxes and jumps, 7-10pm, £3. www.cairngormsnowboardclub.co.uk
• Cairngorm Explorer Scouts - For girls/boys aged 14-18, meeting at various locations in Badenoch and Strathspey, 7.30-9pm. Further Details: Jenny T: 01479 872989 or Mark T: 01479 873981.
• Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge – Scottish Night, 8pm.
• Carrbridge Hotel – Live Entertainment, 8.30-11pm (not 3rd or 10th).
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore – Fun Family Bingo, 8.30-10.30pm.
• Café Mambo, Aviemore – Music Quiz Night, 9pm-late.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie - Paula MacAskill, Vocalist, 9-11pm.
• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Keith Mair, 9.30pm.


Every Thursday
• Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore – FREE Tours, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Booking advised T: 01479 812222.
• Boat of Garten Community Hall - Virtually Famous Youth Drama Group. Open to children across the valley age 10-17. 5.30-7.15pm. £3 entry. T: 07912 054511.
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore – Chinese Buffet Night, 6-9pm, £9.95/£5.95.
• Carrbridge Hotel – Ceilidh and Highland Feast with Fraser Maclean and Eric Spence, Highland Dancers, 7pm. Adults £20, Children £10 (not 4th or 11th).
• Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge – George Gordon, 8pm.
• Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown on Spey– Karaoke with Alfie, 9pm.
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore – Live Music Jam Session, everyone welcome, 8pm.
• Café Mambo, Aviemore - Karaoke 9pm-late.
• Star Hotel, Kingussie – Ronnie Douglas, Scottish Music, 9-11pm.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie - Nigel Dison, Vocalist and Guitar, 9-11pm.
• Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore - Graeme Mackay & Duncan Farquhar, 9.30-11.30pm.
• The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore – DJ Stevie, 10.30pm-3am.


Every Friday
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore – FREE Pool all day.
• Cairngorm Brewery, Aviemore – FREE Tours, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Booking advised T: 01479 812222.
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore – Kids Pool Party, 5.30-6.30pm. £3 per child including pizza and chips.
• Royal British Legion, Grantown – Cash Bingo, 8pm (Over 18s only).
• Academy Hotel, Aviemore Highland Resort – George Gordon, 8.30-10.30pm.
• Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – ‘Cue the Music’, 8.30pm.
• Café Mambo, Aviemore – DJ or Live Music, 9pm-late.
• Star Hotel, Kingussie – Capone (Country & 60s/70s), 9-11pm.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie - Ronnie Douglas, Accordion, 9-11pm.
• Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore – Erik Spence, 9.30pm – 12am.
• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Mike Darren, 9.30pm.
• The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore – Live Band, 10.30pm – 3am.
• 2 Hoots Nightclub at the Winking Owl, Aviemore - DJ till 3am.


Every Saturday
• Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge – Quiz Night, 8.30-10.30pm.
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore – George Gordon, 8.30-10.30pm.
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore – Live Band or Disco, 9pm (see 6th for details).
• Café Mambo, Aviemore – DJ or Live Music, 9pm-late.
• Star Hotel, Kingussie – Ronnie Douglas, Scottish Music, 9-11pm.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie – Brian Casey, Accordion 9-11pm.
• Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore – Gilly, 9.30pm-12.30am.
• Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel – Mike Darren, 9.30pm.
• The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore – Party Night with Gordy Peters, 10.30pm–3am (not 6th or 20th – see listings).
• 2 Hoots Nightclub at the Winking Owl, Aviemore - DJ till 3am.


Every Sunday
• Opposite Rothiemurchus Visitor Centre – Cairngorm Runners long distance social runs, 10am.
• Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge – Family Fun Bingo, 8pm.
• Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore - Quiz Night, 8pm.
• Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie - Carl Wilson, Accordion and Vocalist, 9-11pm.
• Café Mambo, Aviemore – ‘Sunday Sesh’ 9.30pm-1am.
• The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore – ‘Sunday Sesh’, 9.30pm-1am.
• Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore - Karaoke with Gordy Peters from 9pm.