Fire at the Braeriach Hotel August 2010

Last night a fire broke out at the Braeriach Hotel, in Newtonmore, Cairngorms National Park.  Local fire fighters attending the scene and extinguished the fire before it causes severe damage.

It is understood that there were no injuries.  We do hope this popular bar and hotel is back up and running as normal as soon as possible.

Nethy Bridge - Cairngorms National Park

Situated in the heart of beautiful Strathspey in the Highlands of Scotland between Aviemore and Grantown, Nethy Bridge is the perfect centre to enjoy the countryside of the glorious Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park.

Nethy Bridge boasts a full range of accommodation from hotels to bed and breakfast, self catering establishments or hostels, and has easy access to a vast range of activities throughout the area. www.Cairngorms-Park.com

The village of Nethy Bridge - often affectionately referred to simply as "Nethy" has been a holiday destination since Victorian times, yet it remains unspoilt with the majority of accommodation hidden away in quiet locations next to the ancient Caledonian pine forest.

With the dramatic backdrop of the often snowcapped Cairngorm mountains and hundreds of acres of Abernethy Forest (RSPB owned) Nethy Bridge spans the lower reaches of the River Nethy a mile before it reaches the River Spey, one of Scotland's foremost salmon rivers. The forests around Nethy are full of interesting wildlife from Red Squirrels, Crested Tits, Crossbills and Capercaillie, to Pine Martens and the rarely spotted Wild Cat. There are also rare flowers like the Twinflower and Creeping Ladies Tresses.

Built in 1810, the bridge is a classic Telford design with three arches, and is in the heart of the village. It had to be repaired after the August 1829 Moray (N.E. Scotland) Flood when part of it was washed away. In all, Nethy can boast 4 Telford bridges in the village.

Originally called Abernethy, Nethy Bridge was renamed when the railways came this far north in the 1860's. The Great North of Scotland Railway already had a village called Abernethy on its line further south, so renamed this one Nethy Bridge to differentiate the two. The place name Abernethy is still frequently used around here - Abernethy Highland Games, Abernethy Forest etc. For more info on Nethy Bridge..

This project has been supported by: Passionate about good food and walking?

The great outdoors is about to become your dining room at a new ‘gastro ramble’ taking place this autumn. Organised by Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation (DMO), the 2010 TanaLonga will lead walkers through the Glen Tanar Estate in Royal Deeside taking in stunning beauty spots and four mouth-watering food stops along the way.

During the day walkers will have the chance to explore a number of historic sites, including the Chapel of St Lesmo and Victoria’s Fountain, while indulging in the finest local produce Royal Deeside has to offer. To bring the TanaLonga experience to life, story tellers and rangers will help to set the scene and answer any questions about key areas of interest.

Getting the debut event off on the right footing, a light snack of muffins, scones and pastries will be on offer at the Chapel courtesy of Woodend Barn. After a leisurely roam to Knockie View Point, walkers will be able to capture the day with a few photos taken by the TanaLonga photographer. A tasty starter will be served at this pretty location – giving walkers a quick energy boost.

Next stop on the estate is the Lime Tree, where participants will see an illicit still and sample a dram from Royal Lochnagar Distillery while listening to tales of its production in days gone by. The main course which includes a selection of locally sourced meats will be served here on picnic blankets and tables.

The last stop on the walk is the Porphyry Bridge – a stunning setting thanks to the succulent blaeberrys which cover the land at this time of year. Delicious deserts from Milton of Crathes will be served to weary walkers– a perfect way to end this new gastro ramble experience.

The TanaLonga is suitable for the whole family however some small hills will make it difficult for wheelchair users and pushchair access. Please contact organisers who will offer an alternative route, if required. Dogs more than welcome!

Comfortable shoes and waterproofs are highly recommended. The event will take place even if the weather is inclement.

Tickets must be purchased in advance
Price

£20 for adults, £15 for under 15s and free for children under 10. There is no charge for parking.

To find out more or to purchase tickets for the TanaLonga ‘gastro ramble’ visit www.activeaboyne.co.uk/tanalongawalk/ or call 01224 646488.

in reference to: Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms :: TanaLonga (view on Google Sidewiki)

Highland Wildlife Park's polar bear to be weighed

The UK's only polar bear is to be weighed to help her keepers determine the state of her health.

Mercedes was moved from Edinburgh Zoo to the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig in the Cairngorms Park last year.

Her estimated age of 29 is old for a polar bear, but wildlife park staff said she was healthy and in good condition.

Mercedes has been "trained" to step on to mechanical scales set up in her enclosure.

Animal collection manager Douglas Richardson said the scales were in a small passage which connects her two roofed den areas.

He said: "Although Mercedes is actually quite gentle for a polar bear, we still need to be very careful when working close to her, even when separated by a wall of steel mesh, as she is very capable of harming any one of us."

Mr Richardson added: "The real drive to get her weighed accurately is to allow us to carry out a comprehensive health check.

"She gives all the signs of being in perfect health, but she is at the upper end of a polar bear's lifespan and we want to ensure that we are not missing any potential age-related problems that may reduce her quality of life if they are not dealt with.

"All wild animals are pre-conditioned to hide illness to avoid predation or harassment, and a zoo polar bear is no exception, so her pending health check is very important."

in reference to: BBC News - Highland Wildlife Park's polar bear to be weighed (view on Google Sidewiki)

NEWTONMORE HIGHLAND GAMES

This Saturday 7th of August 2010

www.newtonmorehighlandgames.co.uk

Featuring the Annual Clan Macpherson Rally

Welcome to the official website of the Newtonmore Highland Games. We hope you will take a few minutes of your time to enjoy the site.

The Newtonmore Games have always been based on tradition and 2010 is no different.

We have for your entertainment at least four Pipe Bands taking part in a spectacular festival of colour and sound.

As usual we have the spectacular sights of the Clan Macpherson Annual Rally and March to the Games. We expect to welcome many clansmen from all parts of the globe.

A great crowd pleaser as always are the heavy events which consist of many varied disciplines of strength and skill. For 2010 we are delighted to host once again a heavyweight contest.

The highland dancing is another very popular attraction as the dancers perform their intricate moves to the sound of the pipes.

You will find at the top end of the field the lone pipers competing in the Pibroch and Strathspey and Reel all hoping to please the judges.

Also on display are the athletes, young and old running sprints and middle distance races. The kids events are not to be missed.

On the athletics front the Creag Dhubh hill race is the highlight of the day.

The 2010 Newtonmore Highland Games are a day out not to be missed.

in reference to: Newtonmore Highland Games and Clan Macpherson Rally (view on Google Sidewiki)

Introduction to Beekeeping in the Cairngorms

Up here in the Highlands of Scotland bees are famous for producing Heather Honey. A particular type of honey due to it being produced from the nectar of only Heather, of which there is lots of - especially here in the Cairngorms National Park!

There was great excitement in the Cairngorms-Park.com team when they were informed that the CNPA  were running an Introduction to Beekeeping Course in conjunction with Highland Bee Supplies (HBS) .

Unfortunately, Susan and Al could not make it, but I headed of to the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey to learn about all things honey and buzzy. The course was split into two main sections, the morning involved classroom lectures presented by Neil from HBS. The class was very informative and all the students got involved in asking all types and levels of questions. The practical in the afternoon was great, it was very hand on, and we all got to handle a live hive with over 40,000 bees. We were supplied with all the protective clothing needed, suits or smocks, and gloves. Unfortunately one or two people got stung, but that’s just life when handling 40,000 bees. Rest assured, I will be putting an order in for bees in 2011.

A big thank you to Andy from the CNPA for organising the event and also to the team from Highland Bee Supplies who put on a great course. If you get a chance, I would recommend going on this course, whether you plan to get bees or not. Anyone for honey?

Below are some picture of the training course and some little info snippets. As you can see the practical was REALLY hand on...it was great!

Honey is basically nectar with added enzymes. Nectar is the clear liquid that drops from the end of a flower blossom, which is 80% water with some complex sugars. The bees suck the nectar and once their stomach is full, they return to the hive or nest. The bees need to visit between 100 and 1500 flowers in order to fill their stomach. When full it holds almost 70 mg of nectar, which is almost as much as the bee weighs itself.

Once back at the hive, worker bees suck the nectar from the honeybees' stomachs, then "chew" the nectar for about half an hour. During this time, enzymes are passed into the nectar, breaking them down into simple sugars to make them more digestible for the bees. The nectar is then spread throughout the honeycombs where it evaporates into thick syrup, aided by the bees fanning it with their wings. Once the honey is thick enough, the bees seal off the cell of the honeycomb with wax and it is stored there ready to be eaten.

For more info snippets check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beekeeping#Modern_beekeeping

For the great ecological and environmental benefits of bee keeping, check the Plan Bee Campaign by the co-op, yes the co-op www.co-operative.coop/ethicsinaction/takeaction/planbee/what-The-Co-operative-is-doing-for-bees/

More than 100 march in support of folk museum

More than 100 people joined a march through a Highland village yesterday to show their support for a local museum.

Residents of Newtonmore walked along the main road to the Highland Folk Museum to voice their concern that the facility could be closed due to budget cuts by the local authority.

Highland Council is seeking to make millions of pounds of savings in the next three years and it is feared that museums, galleries and swimming pools will fall victim.

They are now proposing to transfer all leisure facilities to an arms-length organisation, a move which they claim could save £700,000 a year.

Adults and children from Newtonmore waved placards as they marched through the village, led by riding centre proprietor Ruaridh Ormiston and his Highland pony pulling a traditional crofters cart.

in reference to: More than 100 march in support of folk museum - Press & Journal (view on Google Sidewiki)

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO JOIN THE WOLF PACK?

Set yourself a goal for 2010 and sign up for the WildHearts WolfTrek, an epic outdoor challenge taking place across 45 miles of Highland wilderness, from Forres on the magical Moray Firth Coast all the way to monstrous Cairngorm Mountain! Now in its third year the WolfTrek has been named one of ‘9 Events Everyone Must Do’ by Men’s Fitness Magazine and described as ‘Epic…One of a kind’ by Men’s Health Magazine. The spectacular WolfTrek route was created by the WildHearts team (you won’t find it on any map) and due to the unique conservational sensitivities of the terrain it passes through can only be held on ONE weekend a year. Demand for this year’s event has been huge, so get together with your friends or colleagues and register your team now!

The WolfTrek is the only event in the UK that:
• Plunges you into Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, including remote lochs, ancient Caledonian forest and desolate moors where the wolves roamed
• Immerses you in Highland history, from abandoned distilleries to ancient crofts, across long forgotten clan territory
• Lures you to a mysterious moonlit Werewolf Gathering on the shores of black Lochindorb, by the eerie ruined Castle of a medieval tyrant, the Wolf of Badenoch (Is it really haunted? You'll find out!)
• Rewards you with a roaring reception at the UK’s highest bar, where you can howl with your fellow wolves to celebrate your conquest!
• Helps you battle global poverty with WildHearts by creating your own unique online fundraising page to promote your team's efforts

The WolfTrek is open to teams of 3 or more who can choose to tackle the full 45 mile WolfTrek challenge or take part in the Wolf Relay, walking around 15 miles each to complete the spectacular route. Alternatively, teams can choose to do the 17 Mile Midnight March and walk from Forres to the eerie shores of Lochindorb. Find out more by clicking on one of the event options below or click “sign me up” to register now! www.wilddayout.com

in reference to: http://www.wilddayout.com/WDO_Detail.aspx?id=48 (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Big Tent Festival 2010 www.bigtentfestival.co.uk

Last weekend saw the arrival of the fifth Big Tent festival in the beautiful grounds of the Falkland Palace in Fife. The Big Tent Eco Festival is a three day celebration of sustainable living featuring music from around the world, green workshops, and camping in Fife just north of Edinburgh.

 The weekend is aimed at getting people to a fun festival with a purpose, which is to increase awareness in climate change and other green issues. And they didn’t disappoint. The festival was well laid out, and easy to navigate and everyone was very helpful when asked (my) amateur questions! There was so much information about all the advancing green energy technologies that are available for everyone. You can’t help but start thinking about your impact on the environment. All this presented with the back ground sounds of music and laughter and consumption of organic liquids and food; including organic whisky served up by the Black Isle Brewery team.

To mention but a few of the people that had come to present there were wind turbines, beautiful wooden carved seats from sustainable wood sources, armadillos (no, I didn’t know what an armadillo was either!). It’s a wooden structure that the makers say have several different uses.... anything from a kids’ playhouse to garden shed to hen house (a very luxurious hen house I might add!).

Saturday was glorious weather, until about six in the evening unfortunately, when the humidity had risen so much that something had to give and the clouds burst releasing a very heavy shower! People were seen running for cover under the many grand and great oak and other broad leave trees in the grounds of the palace.  This did not dampen the sprits and both young and old were back out dancing to the sounds of Brazilian beats at the main stage with views of the grand Falkland Palace in back ground!

I liked the subtle but ever present eco theme, such as the recycling bins that were provided. The organisers had recycling for everything under the sun, virtually! All organised through Fife Council, which is encouraging to those of us who think we are banging our heads against a brick wall when it comes to the council recycling, well done Fife Council!

Even from the start of the ticket buying process you can pledge how green you want to be. They give users a discount if they pledge to help the charity that is organising the event, the Falkland Centre for Stewardship, which in it’s own right is an incredible charity.  

More than just a music festival Big Tent may be – but it should still be top of the list for all festival-goers in search of inspirational live bands, kids activities and great food. For more information on the Big Tent 2010 and of course, in preparation for next year’s event visit: www.bigtentfestival.co.uk.

Thanks to Big Tent for inviting Cairngorms -Park. 

Dolphins warning after police alert

THE Moray Firth's bottlenose dolphin colony have been delighting wildlife watchers along the coast over the past few weeks. But the influx of visitors has led one wildlife organisation to issue a plea for the public to act responsibly to ensure Scotland remains the number one place in Europe for dolphin watching.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society is concerned following reports of harassment.

Sightings of dolphins in the Moray Firth were reported on 19 days in June from the Dolphin and Seal Centre at North Kessock and on 25 days at Spey Bay.

Harbour porpoises and minke whales have also been reported from the WDCS wildlife centres and other shore-based watching sites around Scotland.

in reference to: Dolphins warning after police alert - Highland News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Great Local Produce in the Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms Park and surrounding Scottish Highlands are wealthy in seasonal produce as well as scenery. Soft fruit is world class, at Alvie Estate near Aviemore they grown the Elsanta variety of strawberries and Glen Ample raspberry; these are the most outstanding varieties in terms of texture, appearance, taste and shelf life. When travelling through the National Park in early summer you will see signs everywhere advertising the sale of Alvie soft fruit, from the petrol station in Newtonmore to the butchers on Aviemore high street.  Alvie soft fruit is gaining a real name for quality and flavour.  Elsanta are dessert strawberries grown by the estate and are particularly sweet, large and firm with a glossy red appearance.

 

The seafood especially is exceptional with the opportunity of tasting scallops, langoustines, mussels and other delicious offering all caught just an hour or two drive from the Cairngorm s Nation Park in the west coast.  The Park has a good share of quality restaurants where local ingredients are treated with the respect they deserve and served to perfection.  Freshness is paramount when it comes to seafood and that you can be assured of when you eat at the excellent Crannog Seafood Restaurant on the pier at Fort William, just 40mins drive from the Cairngorms village of Laggan. The wonderful location is matched by the fare on offer, the tantalising menu featuring the best of west coast seafood. Another outstanding aspect of Crannog is that they have a smokehouse where locally caught fish are smoked in the age old Scottish tradition. Many of the fine wine & dine restaurants such as The Cross, Ord Ban, Andersons, Green Inn, in the National Park offer a wide varieties of seafood from this region.

 

Why not try some of the superb craft beer brewed in the cairngorms park? The region is fortunate in that it has two award-winning independent breweries - Cairngorm brewery and  Deeside Brewery -  both giving tours to visitors.

 

The Deeside Brewery, situated close to the pretty village of Lumphanan in Royal Deeside, surrounded by the magnificent Grampian Mountains, this micro brewery produces a range of traditional ales using age old brewing practices, the finest ingredients and the soft, clear, delicious waters of the sparkling River Dee.   In the beginning, the recipes were perfected in the kitchen of a croft and sold to local farm shops and village stores.  However, in no time at all, word had spread and demand grew, which meant larger premises were required.  So the brewery folks moved over the hill.  They named their new premises ‘Deeside Brewery’ and opened for business in early 2009.

 

The Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore also excels with the excellent Trade Winds and other quality offerings. The Cairngorm Brewery Company, established in 2001, is situated in the village of Aviemore within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland.  They brew traditional ales with a fresh new edge, by using well established brewing methods, the finest malted and roast barley, hops and crystal clear mountain water.

 

Crubenbeg Holiday Cottages - Summer Deals

Dear Guest

 

Great £££ saving deals this summer at Crubenbeg.

 

Why not come and enjoy a 7 night stay in one of our newly refurbished one bedroom cottages.  All of our one bedroom cottages have now had up-grades with new solid handmade wooden king-size beds, new carpets and new bathrooms. Just check our web site to see the new pictures at www.HighlandHolidayCottages.com

 

We would like to let you know about our summer deals at Crubenbeg - we are now offering seven nights in one of our one bedroom cottages this summer for the mid season rates, normally £450 per week now only £395 per week, saving you £55.00.

 

We have the following one bedroom cottages available in July and August:

 

23^rd-30^th of July - Ash or Birch Cottage

6^th-13^th  of August - Birch Cottage

7^th-14^th of August - Pine Cottage

13^th-20^th of August - Ash or Cedar Cottage

14^th-21^st of August - Larch Cottage

21^st -28^th of August - Larch Cottage

 

We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you at Crubenbeg, email us at enquiry@HighlandHolidayCottages.com

 

British Snow Tour Announces New Dates and New Sponsors for 2010

The British Snow Tour is back and raring to go with a line-up of 14 prestigious British Champion events kicking off from September. Stopping at four of the UK's top snowsport hotspots - Norwich, Glasgow, Milton Keynes and Castleford - with two new sponsors onboard, a smartprice 3 for 2 offer and a hefty £20,000 combined prize purse, the 2010 British Snowboard & Freeski Tour is set to be a banger.

"We're stoked that a host of the industry's biggest brands continue to appreciate the impact of the British Snow Tour, as protection heavyweight Giro and boardwear specialist Protest join in the action to complement our long-serving friendships with Trespass, SNO!zone, Snow + Rock and Cushe Footwear... Here's to the continued invasion of new participants and the developments of UK rippers... bring it on!" - Spencer Claridge - Director Soulsports / British Snow Tour

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES:

British Artificial Championships:
- 11th & 12th September - British Dryslope Championships, Norfolk Snowsports Centre.
Featuring Giro Big Air, Protest Slopestyle & Trespass Ski/Snowboardcross Championships.

British Indoor Championships:
- 18th September - Trespass Ski/Snowboardcross Championships & Rail Jam, Glasgow SNO!zone
- 25th September - Giro Big Air Championships, Milton Keynes SNO!zone
- 9th October - Protest Slopestyle Championships, Castleford SNO!zone

British Invitational Championships:
- 22nd October - London Ski & Snowboard Show

in reference to: British Snowboard & Freeski Tour inc The Brits - 2010 Events & News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Walk @ The Top - Managed Cairn Gorm Walks in July

The Walk @ The Top is a 90 minute guided walk taking visitors on a circular route to the summit of the UK‘s 6th highest summit – Cairn Gorm . Visitors take the funicular up to the Ptarmigan Top Station and exit the building accompanied by a guide at all times. The route is approximately 2 miles long, on rough, uneven surfaces and includes a steady ascent in altitude of 486ft (148m). Visitors, in small groups of 10 will walk with the guide up onto the largest land mass above 3,000 ft in the UK. You must remain with your guide at all times and return back into the Ptarmigan building. With its ancient glacial landscapes, and weather similar to that nearer the Arctic Circle, the Walk @ The Top is your opportunity to experience the Cairngorms up close and personal. Access to any other parts of the mountain is not permitted.

Am I fit enough to do this walk?

- If you can walk steadily for two hours without a break and do not suffer from any serious medical conditions you should comfortably complete the walk. You will require waterproof outer clothing and walking boots or trail type shoes to participate.

Can children take part in the walk?

- The walk at the top is suitable for children aged 6 years and over. We also recognise that some children under this age are able to walk for two hours without a break and these children are welcome to join the walk too. Toddler & babies in backpacks may also participate as long as weather conditions are deemed suitable by the guide.

- The footpath conditions are not suitable for strollers, buggies or wheelchairs.

Can dogs participate in the walk?

- Registered assistance dogs only.

Why is this walk so special?

- The Cairngorm Mountains are one of Europe’s largest wilderness providing a unique habitat for many arctic/alpine plants and wildlife not normally associated with the UK. Most of the land surrounding the ski area is protected under European and UK Environmental Law.

- CairnGorm Mountain Ltd has been granted permission by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Highland Council (THC) to allow managed numbers of funicular passengers exit the Ptarmigan Top Station to take part in a series of guided walks as part of a carefully managed trial.

- The trial concludes on the 31st October 2010, when the mountain railway operators will report back to SNH and THC. All being well the report will conclude that the managed programme did not impact the heart of the National Park in a negative way. Every participant in the trial Walk @ The Top programme will be invited to provide their own feedback on this trial.

in reference to: Cairngorm Mountain - Walk @ The Top (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Star Gazing

When you're planning a visit to the Cairngorms Park, don't overlook the dark side. No, we aren't suggesting you join forces with Darth Vader, but many parks offer a great opportunity to enjoy a view that's unfortunately becoming increasingly rare in much of the country—the night sky. 

Many of us live in or near cities, where the wonders of the night sky are obscured by artificial light. Some the best remaining spots to enjoy celestial views are in the Highlands, prompting us to remind visitors, "On your next Cairngorms Park visit, remember that a spectacular sunset is just the prelude to the wonders of the night sky.

You don't have to make a long trek to a remote location in the Cairngorms Park to take part in efforts to understand and protect night skies. Just a few miles out of any of the parks village will be enough to appreciate the wonders of Astronomy.

You can also check out the Dark Skies  at www.darkskiesawareness.org.  The web site has tips on lighting, energy conservation, posters, post cards, teacher packets, measuring the night sky, and information on how light pollution affects animals.

The night sky is every bit a part of the Cairngorms Park as land, water, wildlife and those famous sunrise and sunset scenes. It’s all our responsibility to preserve the night sky for this and future generations. One of the best locations for viewing the Stars is the Newtonmore area, why not stay at the luxury cottages at Highland Holiday Cottages or for other accommodation and activities in the Cairngorms National Park,  check out www.Cairngorms-Park.com.

Police appeal for big cat sightings near Kincraig

Police have appealed to hillwalkers to report sightings of a "very large black cat" seen by a member of the public in woodland in the Highlands.

Northern Constabulary said the animal was reportedly seen in woods at Inshriach, Kincraig, at about 1115 BST.

Police said: "The person who reported the sighting was certain the animal was a cat and was the size of a German shepherd dog."

Officers have been unable to confirm the report.

in reference to:

"Police have appealed to hillwalkers to report sightings of a "very large black cat" seen by a member of the public in woodland in the Highlands. Northern Constabulary said the animal was reportedly seen in woods at Inshriach, Kincraig, at about 1115 BST. Police said: "The person who reported the sighting was certain the animal was a cat and was the size of a German shepherd dog." Officers have been unable to confirm the report."
- BBC News - Police appeal for big cat sightings near Kincraig (view on Google Sidewiki)

native american given key role at Abernethy Games

BERNETHY Highland Games, claimed by many to be one of the best traditional games in Scotland, will have a native American Cherokee as chieftain this year.

The games, which incorporate the international Clan Grant Rally, is at the games field Nethy Bridge on Saturday, August 14, from 10.30am.

Among the international visitors will be a special delegation from the US of members of the Cherokee Nation, led by their Principal Chief, Chad “Corn-tassel” Smith, who will be games chieftain this year.

Chief Smith is a direct descendant of Ludovick Grant, who sailed to America in the 1700s.

Continuing the international flavour, this year the spectacle of the massed pipe bands will include a visiting German band.

As well as all the traditional heavy and athletic events, the Highland dancing, piping and drumming, the RSPB 10-mile race is always well contested and the children’s fun events in the morning have become a major attraction.

There is a beer tent and catering service, from light snacks to full lunches.

The field is surrounded by an array of interesting stands and amusements, with local organisations and good causes well represented, making it a truly grand day out for all the family.

Visitors can choose to arrive by train as the Strathspey Steam Railway provides a service at 10.30am from Aviemore via Boat of Garten, to Broomhill, where a complimentary bus takes passengers up to the games field.

Special all-inclusive tickets are available from the steam railway.

Games admission is adults £6, children £4, and a family ticket £16. Free car parking www.nethybridge.com

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1815177?UserKey=#ixzz0tITgswPE

in reference to: Games get Cherokee chieftain - Press & Journal (view on Google Sidewiki)

Aveimore will not make a big splash!

DAREDEVILS will have to keep their dodgem cars, water "skis" and bathtubs locked up for at least another year. Organisers of The Big Splash - based around self-confessed "idiots" launching themselves off a ramp into the River Spey at Aviemore - will not be going ahead later this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIR2faCVXqU

Last year's event attracted over 1,000 spectators but organiser Mike Gale said he simply does not have the time or resources to put on this year's gathering. Participants take the plunge off a 25ft ramp into the Spey using a variety of contraptions which have also included snowboards, canoes and rollerskates in the past. Organised by Aviemore-based outdoor sports firm G2 since 2005, the Big Splash has proved a popular tourist draw and a success with locals looking for a day out with a difference. But the event attracts no public funding and has failed to find a major sponsor following an appeal at the end of the last year's bash which took place on August 21-22.

A Facebook campaign has been launched to try and persuade him to hold The Big Splash once again this summer. Supporters have left pleading messages to get it back on, but Mr Gale said: "By having a year off we might keep it fresher." However, he remains optimistic about the future of the fun event. Mr Gale has encouraged anybody interested in sponsorship for The Big Splash 2011 to approach him.

For other annual events such as the Soap Box Cairngorm Downhill click here.

Summer Holiday in the Cairngorms

Holiday time is around the corner, kids are on summer holidays, and it’s time to plan where to go and what sort of holiday you prefer. If you dislike the hustle and bustle of a city or going overseas, what are your options!

You can rent a caravan or hire a tent, or you could decide to take a cottage holiday. Holiday cottages come in all shapes and sizes tiny ones for two people or large ones for ten to twelve people or more. They can be quaint and crooked or up to date with all the mod cons.

You can find one with a loch view which is every ones picture of a real country cottage, or many of them have a hot tubs or games rooms for kids! They can be in the depth of the Cairngorms National Park away from it all, where woodland and wild flowers are in abundance, or in a small village where the local shop sells anything and everything.

If you like the idea of farming life where the children can see the animals and feed the hens, you’re in luck because many highland farms rent out the little cottages on their land some even have a horse to ride.

Climbing and hiking holidays are very popular for the fit and hardy in the Cairngorms National Park, you can find a cottage or a cozy wooden chalet on the side of a Cairngorm Mountain in the Scottish Highlands.

Lochs and rivers are always popular, although they are not a perfect environment for young children so families should steer clear of these Cottages are everywhere and it is not only the summer time when they can be enjoyed. Even in the middle of winter you can curl up in front of a real log fire or wrap up warmly and face the elements of a wintry countryside.

Many cottages allow dogs; imagine their delight with so much open space and all the different smells that send them ecstatic with joy. If you are looking for accommodation in the Cairngorms Park, then Cairngorms-Park if for you.

Castles and Buildings of Interest in the Cairngorms

Castles began to appear from about the 12th century and lingered until about the 17th century when permission was given by the central government at the time to build mansions and country houses, which were more applicable to the time.  The castles of the Cairngorm National park were built in either the 16th or 17th centuries.  These are mostly built as rectangular or square tower houses with a L and Z shape to suit their defensive design.  Below is a brief detail about some of the castles present at the Cairngorm National Park.

The Glenbuchat Castle is strategically located at the entrance to Glenbuchat, it overlooks the River Don and the Water of Buchat.  This castle was built in 1590 and is a classic example of a Z plan, rectangular castle.  Today, the Glenbuchat castle is in a semi ruined state, not having any roof above the first floor.  Apart from that it has been well preserved.  This castle was built for John Gordon of Cairnburrow and Helen Carnegie, his second wife.

The Castle Grant was built in 1536 with further expansions being made in the 17th and 18 centuries.  Initially, it started out as a Z plan rectangular castle, but now resembles a tall tower house as a result of the expansions done in the 17 and 18th century.  These expansions were done to give a castle a more modern look at the time, as there was no need for the defensive houses which at the time was seen to be old fashioned and gloomy. 

There is the Muckrach Castle which is thought to have been built in 1598.  It has the shape of a typical Scottish tower house, comprising of 3 storeys and an attic and also the Braemar Castle which was built in 1628 by Earl of Mar. 

The Balmoral Castle was the home of the Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.  The castle was built in the 1850s.  Today the property provides displays, exhibitions, trails and walks and Land Rover Wildlife Safaris.  

Apart from the historically classic castles present.  Buildings inclusive of memorials, town halls are also buildings that are of interest to the park and are used for tourist attractions.  The Victoria Hall located in Braemar is an extraordinary building, built from granite with a glazing pattern that adds interest to the building.  This hall is still being used by the community.  The Strathdon’s Lonach Hall is another place of interest; this was built in the mid-19-century to uphold the tradition of the highland dress.  This building still flourishes today. 

There is also the classical town hall located in Kingussie, this building is beautifully decorated with a bracketed cornice over the door, and chimney stacks with decorative square cans and aproned window.  Another classical building made from granite is the Speyside House, which was established in 1795 as the Speyside Charity School.  The drinking fountain, is also another majestic site, it is made of cast iron and is located in the square of Tomintoul.  This was believed to have been built in 1915 as a gift to the people of Tomintoul.  

 Blair Castle stands in its grounds near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire  in Scotland. It is the home of the Clan Murray family, who hold the title of Duke of Atholl, though the current (11th) Duke, John Murray, (born 1929) lives in South Africa.

The Castle is said to have been started in 1269 by John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, a northern neighbour of the Earl of Atholl, who started building on the Earl's land while he was away on crusade. Upon his return, the Earl complained about the interloper to King Alexander III, won back his land and incorporated the tower that had been built into his own Castle.

It commands a strategic position on the main route through the Central Scottish Highlands. Lowland Clan Agnew held Blair Castle, seat of the Duke of Atholl, against the Jacobites who laid siege to the castle during the Jacobite uprising of 1745-1746. They were besieged to near starvation until the Jacobite forces withdrew to fight the British Government forces at the Battle of Culloden.

The Castle, one of Scotland's major stately homes, is open for visitors on a daily basis (entrance charge). Its many rooms feature important collections of weapons, hunting trophies, souvenirs of the Murray clan, ethnographica, paintings, furniture, needlework etc, collected by the Murray family over many generations.

Reference

A selection of the Cairngorms National Park’s architectural heritage

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/cairngorms.pdf