It was with some sadness that on 11 October 2010, Yuri was put painlessly to sleep. Yuri arrived at the Park, along with his long time mate Sasha, from Edinburgh Zoo on 25 September 2008. The arrival of the tigers was both a clear signal of our expanded species plan to include cold weather adapted animals from around the globe and not just Scottish species, and the real trigger for our greatly increased visitor numbers.
Yuri was born in Duisburg Zoo in Germany on 13 June 1993, and was sent to Edinburgh Zoo in July 1999 as recommended by the European Zoo Association’s Amur tiger breeding programme, which is coordinated from London Zoo. Yuri was introduced to Sasha later that year and mating was soon observed. They had two litters whilst at Edinburgh of three cubs each time. A few months after moving to the Highlands, mating was observed and on 11 May 2009 Yuri and Sasha again produced and reared a litter of three cubs. Although Yuri and Sasha did not always see eye to eye and their “arguments” could be heard across the Park, he was incredibly gentle with all his offspring, especially when they were very small and just starting to stumble out of the cubbing den.
As this last litter of cubs grew and became more boisterous, Yuri was observed to be keeping a lower profile, and more importantly was seen to be drinking more than normal. At 17 years old, Yuri is an old boy and as is usual in big cats of this age, we suspected that he may be developing arthritis and his kidneys were beginning to fail. If this was the case, the only outcome for him would be increasing levels of discomfort and inevitably death, and not a very pleasant one. Through testing his urine, we ascertained that his kidneys were failing and after lengthy discussions with our veterinary colleagues and the keepers who have been caring for him, we concluded that the only option open to us was to put him to sleep before the symptoms started to compromise his welfare. Simon Girling, the Zoological Society’s head of veterinary services says of Yuri’s condition, “Kidney failure is extremely common in ageing cats, both wild and domestic, as are age-related arthritic problems and sadly Yuri is showing all the classic signs. Animal welfare has to be our top priority and so this decision, although a difficult one, is the right one.” In addition, Jane Harley, the Park’s local veterinary consultant has a similar opinion, “In common with many geriatric pet cats, Yuri has kidney failure and painful arthritis. His keepers and I have been monitoring him closely and although this has been a difficult decision for everyone involved with him it has been made with his quality of life as priority”
In life he played his part in both increasing the number of his endangered species and raising the profile of the plight of Amur tigers in the wild. In death, the exhaustive post mortem examination and the distribution of key biological samples to different conservation research institutions will help expand our knowledge of this magnificent animal and may offer further clues that might aid in saving the species in the wild.
Welcome to www.Cairngorms-Park.com, your online solution for finding accommodation and things to do in the Cairngorms National Park. Search for accommodation, and book directly with the hotel, BandB or holiday home owner, completely free of charge. We have the widest range of Hotels, BandBs and Cottages, all situated in the Cairngorms Park, from Blair Atholl onwards to Aviemore into Royal Deeside.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Yuri the Amur Tiger
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Highland Chieftain - Inverness to London Train may be saved
Although a decision on future rail provision will not be announced until later this month, rail minister Theresa Villiers has acknowledged the importance of through services to passengers as well as the - and indicated they could continue.
Her comments come amid growing support for The Inverness Courier's campaign to save the Highland Chieftain which provides a daily direct service between the UK and Highland capitals. Fears have been growing that it could be axed following an appraisal of plans to replace Britain's ageing high-speed trains with a new generation fleet fuelled by both electricity and diesel.
The review suggests one way to save money is for passengers from Inverness to swap from diesel trains at Edinburgh to electric locomotives bound for to London. A decision will be announced as part of the government's comprehensive spending review on 20th October.
But Ms Villiers has now acknowledged that if the new bi-mode train programme does not go ahead, a possible solution is to refurbish and extend the life of the existing High Speed Trains. Her comments come in a letter to Sir Robert Smith, the Lib-Dem MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, who has taken up the issue on behalf of business organisation the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).
Monday, 4 October 2010
Visit Scotland Launch another grading - This time activity providers
VisitScotland, the country’s tourist agency, has launched the world’s first activity provider grading scheme.
It means that dozens of small businesses – ranging from kayak instructors to fishing gurus and walking instructors to white water rafting guides – now have an official rating to help boost their bookings from tourists.
The scheme has been launched as Scotland plays host to the prestigious Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) which takes place this week in Aviemore.
Around 600 delegates from more than 50 different countries have descended on the Highlands to take part in the conference.
The event - which has been organised by the Seattle-based Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) – brings together tour operators, destination management organisations and a host of other industry experts as is the global adventure travel industry’s main annual conference.
Paul Easto, co-director of Edinburgh-based Wilderness Scotland which has just become one of Scotland’s first five-star activity providers, said: “Holding this major international summit in the Highlands is a once in a generation opportunity for Scotland to present itself to the world’s adventure travel trade.
It is the first time the ATWS has been held in the UK and only the second time it has been held in Europe. Guest speakers will include Tourism minister Jim Mather and VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay.
Cantlay added: “This fantastic event will help to enhance Scotland’s reputation as the adventure capital of Europe, bringing a healthy return on investment.
“Whether you are into rock climbing, bungee jumping or more easily accessible adventures such as taking a stroll and enjoying the stunning scenery, there are an enormous range of exciting outdoor activities available.”
VisitScotland said the new activity provider grading scheme will benefit the growing number of people who run their businesses without a visitor premises - those who meet their customers, for example, by a loch, on the beach or at the base of a mountain.
Up until now, businesses could be graded only as a visitor centre, meaning those companies without fixed premises could not receive a grading.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Autumn Newsletter 2010
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Friday, 24 September 2010
Will it increase fly-tipping in the Cairngorms-Park?
Yesterday Highland Council followed in the footsteps of many other local authorities by voting to end weekly bin collections. Badenoch and Strathspey will be the first to go fortnightly in July next year. Do we want this in the Cairngorms-Park? will it increase fly-tipping in the Cairngorms-Park? Your comments please.....
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Scotland's National Parks: Whose Parks are they anyway?
The Cairngorms National Park Authority and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority are hosting at joint public event, 'Scotland's National Parks: Whose Parks are they anyway?' at Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 28 September 2010.
In the week before the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park is extended to incorporate Northern Perthshire, the conference provides a fantastic opportunity to explore what being part of a National Park means.
Scotland's two National Parks are home to some of the most special and protected landscapes, habitats and species in Scotland and offer something for everyone regardless of background, interests and ability.
The event will be hosted by David Green, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority, and Grant Moir, Director of Conservation & Visitor Experience at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
David Green said: "Our National Parks deliver a huge amount for Scotland and its people. The beautiful and diverse landscape of the Parks is there to be explored and enjoyed and our businesses and communities support not just the local but the national economy.
"This event will bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate what they have to offer as well as look at some of the challenges facing our National Parks."
On the night, there will be a series of short presentations followed by discussion and the opportunity to ask questions. The panel will consist of:
Andrew Bruce Wootton, General Manager of Atholl Estates, on what National Parks add to tourism, business and the economy.
Linda McMillan, Deputy Vice-Chairman of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and President of Mountain Protection Commission, on Citizen Scientists - a project which engages all stakeholders in the stewardship and management of National Parks to use their skills to protect the places they cherish.
Bill Wright, Vice President of the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, on why Scotland needs its National Parks and how the two Parks are protecting the country's most special landscapes.
Paul Corrigan MBE, Chair of the Cairngorms Local Outdoor Access Forum and senior fundraiser for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, on the benefits and enjoyment of National Parks and how they are helping to deliver a healthier and active Scotland.
Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, on the role of National Parks in Scotland and how they are helping to deliver the Scottish Government's strategic objectives.
Pete Wishart MP said: "Scotland's National Parks are an important part of protecting and preserving important aspects of our natural environment as well as promoting enjoyment of the countryside.
"These parks are for the people and for the future and I am delighted that an area I represent will be a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.
"Highland Perthshire should never have been left out from the Park boundaries and this enlargement of the Park underscores the present Scottish Government's commitment to this area and to the role and purpose of National Parks."
Paul Corrigan MBE said: " I am delighted to be taking part in this prestigious event on behalf of the CNPA.
"Having lived, worked and played in both of Scotland's National Park areas for the past 30 years, I hope to relate how these special places provide numerous physical, emotional and health benefits and opportunities for people of all ages and interests including recreation, quiet enjoyment, exploration, challenge and discovery and of course great fun.
"It is vitally important that we do not take our National Park landscapes and our world class access freedoms for granted and we should continually benchmark, review and hold wide-ranging discussions with varied groups to undertake every action possible to ensure that we are doing the right things to look after the Parks for future generations whilst deriving the benefits for the current generation."
The event is part of the Global Change and the World's Mountains Conference - an international conference which brings together leading scientists and others working in and concerned with mountain areas around the world.
The event is open to the public and will take place between 7.30pm - 9pm on Tuesday 28 September 2010 at Perth Concert Hall,
Fruity forecast of bumper ski season
SNOWSPORTS enthusiasts will enjoy another bumper season in the Cairngorms this winter, according to a local forecaster with a novel way of predicting the weather.
Forget meteorological forecasts about jet streams and new fronts moving in – Colin Matthew, 50, bases his predictions on the size of the snowberries in his garden.
After a record-breaking ski season in the Highlands last year when 145,000 people visited the Cairn Gorm resort, Mr Matthew, of Inverdruie, near Aviemore, reckons the berries could point to another winter of heavy snow.
He said: “In 2009 the snowberries in my garden appeared early in August and were particularly large.
“They budded and flowered again two or three times during the season, on each occasion coinciding with the massive falls of snow we experienced last season.”
Mr Matthew, CairnGorm Mountain Ltd’s head of ski patrol, added: “The berries are as big as ever this year, so if my theory is right we are in for another winter with a lot of snow.”
Almost 375,000 people used Scotland’s ski resorts last winter, generating £37.5million for the country’s economy – the most successful season since 1995-96.
That appears to have whetted appetites for the coming winter, with CairnGorm Mountain already receiving more than 750 applications for ski season passes
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Fort William 3-2 Kingussie
Fort William claimed the 103rd Camanacdh Cup final against Kingussie at a rainy Bught Park in Inverness. Fort's Gary Innes opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a powerful close-range drive then Brian Simpson made it two in the 40th minute.
Ronald Ross pulled one back as half time approached then Thomas Borthwick struck a 76th-minute equaliser.
As the final whistle approached, Innes fired in an angled shot from the right of the D to claim a hard-fought win.
"Fort's Gary Innes opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a powerful close-range drive then Brian Simpson made it two in the 40th minute. Ronald Ross pulled one back as half time approached then Thomas Borthwick struck a 76th-minute equaliser. As the final whistle approached, Innes fired in an angled shot from the right of the D to claim a hard-fought win."
- BBC Sport - Fort William 3-2 Kingussie (view on Google Sidewiki)
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Christmas and New Year in Aviemore and the Cairngorms-Park.
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| Homanay in Highland Style - Cairngorms National Park |
Friday, 17 September 2010
Industry bites back against TripAdvisor
An internet regulatory group called the Cloud Industry Forum is claiming that around 400 UK and US hotels and restaurants have reported being unhappy with TripAdvisor and are considering a group defamation action.
The group says “false” and “unfair” reviews written by anonymous writers without proof is not acceptable and damages innocent suppliers.
Chairman Andy Burton said: “TripAdvisor is undeniably one of the most successful online travel websites and has illustrated how the internet can be used effectively as a strategic business model.
“On the other hand, this is one of the first public battles against a company based online and automatically sends a warning signal to those who may be open to defamatory claims, and particularly where the accusation is that some of the information published on the site by anonymous third parties is untrue and misleading.”
CIF was set up to ensure websites show accountability, take control over content from third parties, abide by industry regulations and show good practice.
MURDER MYSTERY CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS
Loch Kinord House Hotel is delighted to anounce Festive Murder Mystery Dinners at Loch Kinord Hotel in the Cairngorms National Park. The format for the evening is very simple starting with a drinks reception when the actors assume their roles.
The 4-course Murder Mystery Dinner follows during which the actors develop the cunning plot and "accidents" do and will happen. The murder(s) are enough to test even the greatest detectives but are you up to it? Plots and themes do change regularly with new ones being shown all the time!
Nights available throughout December for parties up to 70.
Join your party with others to try and solve the murder over a 4 course dinner, followed by music & dancing (or karaoke) to the small hours. Or why not book the whole function room for a private party. Special accommodation rates available for party goers. Exclusive use of the whole hotel incl. 29 bedrooms sleeping up to 60. Christmas Party Menus available from £17.95pp Call Loch Kinord for more details on 013398 85229 or enquire about your accommodation at Loch Kinord..click here.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Food and Drink Plan for Cairngorms National Park
The aim of the Food for Life initiative is to build a sustainable food economy across the Cairngorms. The plan will do this in practice through encouraging an increase in food production and processing across the Park and increased consumption of Cairngorms produced food and drink. It will reduce food miles, boost the tourism and retail sectors and encourage people to consider a healthier diet.
T
he plan and the corresponding initiatives arising are called 'Food for Life' since the plan has adopted the framework for sustainable food which has been developed by Soil Association Scotland's Food for Life programme.
It was written in partnership with Soil Association Scotland and is also the first regional food strategy for Scotland which recognises the importance of food and drink as a medium for economic and social development.
Richard Lochhead MSP was at the Cairngorm Brewery in Aviemore this morning to launch the Food for Life plan and unveil the producers' directory - the very first outcome of the newly launched Plan.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Lochhead said: "In its first-ever worldwide study, the International Culinary Tourism Association recently declared Scotland as one of the most "unique, memorable and interesting places" for food and drink on the planet. The Cairngorm National Park is harnessing that vision.
"The Food for Life Plan and the Cairngorm Producers Directory will enhance the National Park's ability to build its own sustainable food economy, promote a healthier diet and provide tourists with a real taste of the region.
"Scotland's food and drink sector is both a huge success and vital to our economic recovery. In 2008, the supply chain employed over 369,000 people across Scotland and in 2007, generated value added of almost £9 billion for Scotland's economy.
"We are currently celebrating Scotland's Year of Food and Drink, and Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight - a fitting occasion to launch the Food for Life' Plan for the Park and the Cairngorms Producers Directory."
Delivery of the Food for Life project is being co-ordinated by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA). Crucially, this is underpinned by considerable input from a wide range of partners including Soil Association Scotland. The CNPA board approved - less than two weeks ago - £55,000 towards the implementation of the initiative.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Whats on September 2010 in Aviemore, Glenlivet, Royal Deeside and Highland Perthshire
Aviemore Area
Cairngorms Adventure Triathlon Taster Day - Loch Morlich, Glenmore, 10am. Entry £10pp. E: info@cairngormadventuretriathlon.org
Carve Carrbridge Scottish Open Chainsaw Carving Championships - Carrbridge Village Sports Field. Family day out with music, activities, games, stalls, food & drink.10.30am £4/£2. www.carvecarrbridge.com
Fundraising Coffee Morning - Newtonmore Village Hall. Home baking & produce, bric-a-brac, book stall, raffle & refreshments. 10.30am-12noon. Entry £2.50.
Kinrara Art Exhibition & Craft Fair - Kinrara, Woodside Avenue, Grantown on Spey. See the work by members of Creative Cairngorms , artists & craftworkers who live & work in & around the Cairngorms National Park. £2.50 including refreshments. 11.30am-4.30pm.
Live Music with Andy Duncan - Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, 10pm.
Sunday 5th
Try Tri Event - Craig Maclean Centre, Grantown on Spey. Triathlon for teams & individuals. 300m swim, 16km cycle, 4.8km run. Entries now closed but spectators welcome. 9.30am T: 01479 872061 www.try-tri.co.uk
Cairngorms Farmers Market - The Square, Grantown on Spey, 10am-4pm.
Motor Mania 2010 - The Square, Grantown on Spey, Noon arrival of vintage & classic vehicles. From 1.30pm Highland dancing, pipes, drums, stalls, displays, Creative Cairngorms, Cairngorms Farmers Market & more. Complimentary vintage bus connects with 11.15am & 1.15pm steam train arrivals at Broomhill Station.
Thursday 9th
Poker Night - The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore 9.30pm.
Friday 10th
Edinburgh String Quartet - Boat of Garten Community Hall presented by The Osprey Music Society. 7.30pm £15/£13/£5/£2 For tickets T: 01479 831213.
Saturday 11th
Peak to Peak Cycle Challenge - 70 mile route from Ben Nevis to CairnGorm Mountain in aid of Disability Snowsport UK. £15 entry plus £100 sponsorship. T: 0161 7492290.
Live Music Far & Away - Ireland & Cape Breton - Badenoch Centre, Kingussie. Part of the Highland wide Blas Festival including artists Gerry O'Connor , Noeleen NÃ Cholla & more. 7.30pm £28/£12/£10/£5, T: 01540 661594.
Live Music with Willie Campbell - Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, 10pm
Sunday 12th
Highland Nordic Roller Ski Race - Glenmore to Coire Cas Car Park, CairnGorm Mountain. 9am-12noon. Free to spectators.
Water for Kids Corporate Challenge Day - Craggan Outdoors Centre from 10am. To enter a team T: 01479 873283.
Tuesday 14th
Cairngorm Bridge Club, Simultaneous Green Pointed Event - Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Any visiting pair welcome, £2/£3 6.45pm for 7pm. T: 01479 821075.
Charity Golf Day - Spey Valley Golf Course, in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity. £400 per team of 4 including refreshments, 18 holes and 3 course dinner. T: 07825 180961.
Friday 17th
Golf Texas Scramble Fundraiser - Grantown Museum, Grantown on Spey. For details T: 01479 87247.
Saturday 18th
Cairngorms Adventure Triathlon - Canoe, bike & run your way around the Cairngorms National Park. www.cairngormadventuretriathlon.org
Live Music - Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, 10pm.
Sunday 19th
Cairngorms Farmers Market - Opposite Myrtlefield Shops, Aviemore, 10am-4pm.
Wednesday 22nd
Badenoch Gardening Club - Newtonmore Lesser Hall, Newtonmore. Speaker: Duncan Macdonald, Countryside Ranger, 'Foraging for Fungi'. Review of Annual Show & produce supper, refreshments & raffle. 7.30pm, members free, non-members £2.50.
Foraging for Fungi Talk - Newtonmore Lesser Hall. Newtonmore. Find out how to safely collect fungi with Duncan MacDonald. 7.30pm, £2.50.
Thursday 23rd
Poker Night - The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore 9.30pm.
Friday 24th
Bats! Bats! Bats! Guided Walk - Grantown on Spey. 7pm-9pm, £3/£2 T: 01479 873914
Saturday 25th
Silent Auction & Car Boot Sale - Boat of Garten Community Hall. Stalls, home baking, refreshments & raffle for Marks & Spencer vouchers. 12noon, FREE entry.
Aviemore Ceilidh Dance - Aviemore Village Hall. Ceilidh Dance to Lindsay Weir Trio , 8pm midnight, £4.
Sunday 26th
Craiglynne Fete for Help for Heroes - Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown on Spey. Family entertainment with bouncy castle, police dog & strong man demos including Scotland s Strongest Man, stalls, refreshments, pipe band & more. 11am-5pm. FREE.
Royal Deeside
Glenlivet and Tomintoul
The Red Deer Rut Off Road Land Rover Safari T: 01807 590241 - Every Monday and Wednesday from 20th September 20th October 2010 @ 2.30pm
First Friday in every month 2010 - Glenlivet Hall - Music Night
8th - 14th September - Tomintoul and Glenlivet Walking Festival details www.tgwf.co.uk
Highland Perthshire
The Blair Atholl Golf Challenge for the Atholl Quaich is due to take place during, September 2010. The event which is open to teams of four male and female golfers will tee off with a shotgun start at 9.30am. Scoring will be based on the best two net stableford scores recorded by each team over 18 holes. To obtain an entry form or to find out more about the arrangements for the event, contact Peter Barr on barr17@btinternet.com or phone/text 07969 155 005.09 Sep 2010 - BBC Ones ever popular Sunday evening programme Antiques Roadshow will be filming its 33rd series at Blair Castle. The event will take place in the south-facing private gardens to the rear of the castle (not normally open to the public).
Ranger Walks and Talks - Cairngorms National Park
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Fire at the Braeriach Hotel August 2010
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.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Nethy Bridge - 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..
Friday, 13 August 2010
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/
Sunday, 8 August 2010
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."
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
NEWTONMORE HIGHLAND GAMES
This Saturday 7th of August 2010
www.newtonmorehighlandgames.
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.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Introduction to Beekeeping in the Cairngorms
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/
