Western Saab Challenge, Scottish Snowcross Championships

Olympians Ben Kilner from Banchory and Aviemore’s Alain Baxter will both be attending the Western Saab Challenge, Scottish Snowcross Championships, which returns to Scotland on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March 2011. The Olympians will be attending the event to support the riders and award prizes at the two day event. It is organised by Aberdeen Snowsports Club and heads to Glenshee Ski Centre for what is sure to be an action packed, adrenaline fuelled event.

 

The event is the only one of its kind to be held in the United Kingdom. At last year’s event nearly 100 competitors from all over Scotland raced head to head in an adrenalin and action packed knockout race along a course consisting of man-made and natural rollers, jumps, kickers and banked turns, all at high speed. Banchory’s Olympic Snowboard Super-pipe finalist in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Ben Kilner said: “Snowcross is a great event and I’m stoked that Aberdeen Snowsports Club have brought this to Glenshee where I learned to ride all those years ago! “It’s really exciting for spectators and competitors alike, bringing together alpine and freestyle skiers and boarders in the same event.”

 

Former Olympic Skier and BBC wintersports pundit Alain Baxter added: “Last year’s Championships were a great addition to the Scottish and British snow sports scene and it is fantastic to see such a prestigious sport coming to the UK. It is also great to see the continued support from Saab.  “I can’t wait to see the action at Glenshee for myself and absolutely delighted to support Aberdeen Snowsports Club with the Western Saab Scottish Snowcross Championships.”

 

For more info on Skiing and Snowboarding the Cairngorms check www.cairngorms-park.com/activities/Winter-Sports/

 

Calling all Bed & Breakfast owners

 

Great opportunity for B&B owners to promote their business and the Cairngorms National Park area: Channel 4 is back to make a second series of Four In a Bed and you could be a part of it. Do you think you have a great B&B? Would you like to show the nation why they should book in? Do you think your business knowledge would make you a good judge of other peoples B&Bs? They would like to talk to passionate and out-going Bed and Breakfast owners for the second series of Channel Four's popular Four In a Bed. They are looking for B&B owners who feel they have something special to offer their customers – and are willing to put their businesses to the test. They're looking for a wide range of B&Bs, but they'll all be run by proud B&B owners. For more information please contact Studio Lambert ASAP on fourinabed@studiolambert.com Please state the name of the B&B that you run, your contact details and tell us why you are so proud of your business.

 

Royal Deeside £100 million golf and leisure development get backing

Plans for a £100 million golf and leisure development on Royal Deeside have secured the backing of local councillors who rejected the recommendations of senior planners that the scheme should be refused.

Members of the Marr area committee of Aberdeenshire Council voted five to three in favour of the development of the major complex, including a luxury hotel, which would be centred on the existing championship course at Inchmarlo Golf Club on the outskirts of Banchory.

Although the plans by developers Frank Burnett Ltd had been backed by both Scottish Enterprise and VisitScotland as a key development in boosting tourism in the area, planning officials recommended refusing permission as the application was “significantly contrary” to the wider strategy of the local development plan.

The full council will meet on 10 March to make a final decision.

The Cairngorms Park needs you!

It's all change at the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum as it reaches its sixth year. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is keen to hear from volunteers who can make a positive contribution to outdoor access in the Cairngorms National Park by becoming a member of the Forum.

The Forum plays a vital role in advising the CNPA and others on matters to do with outdoor access, sculpting and shaping future projects to deliver wide ranging benefits to communities and visitors alike whilst respecting the land, the wildlife and the culture of the Cairngorms National Park.

Paul Corrigan, Convener of the Forum said: "The Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum really does mean 'local' with members drawn from all communities of the Park using their experience, knowledge and judgement collectively to formally advise the Park Authority on access matters across the whole National Park. Forum meetings are always stimulating, interesting and enlightening."
The CNPA is inviting applications for six places on the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum. The Forum which comprises 21 members and meets quarterly at various venues through the Park, with the Forum's summer meetings always providing an opportunity to get out and about and learn more about outdoor access in other parts of the Park.

More information can be found on the Park Authorities website including an application form, guidance notes. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about the Forum please contact Adam Streeter Smith, Outdoor Access Officer on tel: 01479 873535 or email.

Anyone interested in applying should note that the the closing date for applications is Friday the 25 February.

Royal Deeside Golfing Complex

Plans for a £100 million golf, housing and leisure development in Royal Deeside just outside the Cairngorms National Park, including a new cookery school run by celebrity chef Nick Nairn, are set to be rejected. Developers unveiled proposals last August for the massive complex, including a luxury hotel, which would be centred on the existing championship course at Inchmarlo Golf Club on the outskirts of Banchory in Aberdeenshire. Planning officials are recommending that permission for the scheme should be refused. The application is due to be discussed by members of the Marr area committee next Tuesday before a decision at a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council. The development includes plans for 90 exclusive houses - with a top price of £900,000 - and 35 affordable homes.

 

It ain't your grannies trifle!

FOOD ON FILM 2011 KINGUSSIE 3RD-6TH OF FEB

 

The Annual Cairngorms Food Festival held in and organised by the village of Kingussie and local high school kick off today.

 

A feast of local food, celebrity chefs, short films, documentaries and feature films to make you laugh, make you think and make you hungry!

 

 

Kingussie’s annual winter festival – FOOD ON FILM – brings the big screen to the beautiful Highlands of Scotland in a unique way, to celebrate and explore the world of food. With filmmakers and food producers gathering to share their passions and skills, a Food Hall showcasing the best of Highland produce and a red carpet Film Award – it’s a recipe for a fabulous weekend! 

 

A new film starring Scots actor Dougray Scott and chef Gordon Ramsay will debut at Kingussie's Food on Film Festival.

 

No Ordinary Trifle's director and writer James Hacking will also be among the guests at the annual celebration of movies and cuisine.

 

He will be joined by actor Lee Boardman, who also stars in the film which will not be released at UK cinemas until later this year.

 

The Food on Film Festival will open on Thursday. More info on the Festival and other celebrations of food in the Cairngorms National Park check - http://www.cairngorms-park.com/Cairngorms-Farmers-Market/