Cairngorms Christmas Treats

Written by sarah on December 23rd, 2011

 

With Christmas on the horizon, thoughts at What’s On HQ invariably turn to food! Namely what locally grown produce we will be piling on our plates this festive season and the abundance of restaurants and hotels that will be serving up a host of treats on their menus.

So, to satisfy ourselves we caught up with three chefs around the Cairngorms National Park to discuss all things food and ask them how they will be celebrating the 2011 festive season. Prepare to abandon the diet until New Year!

Rebecca Ferrand is head chef at Muckrach Lodge

Chris McCall is head chef at The Old Bridge Inn

Neil Keevill is head chef at Loch Kinord Hotel

  1. How did you become a chef?

NK - I was meant to go to Abertay Uni to study chemical engineering, but spent the summer working as a KP in a hotel and when the commis chef failed to appear one day I stepped in – that was 17 years ago and I have still to go to uni!

RF - Muckrach was my first experience of running a hotel with a restaurant, and a very steep learning curve indeed.  I delight in discovering new tastes, new food experiences, and I wanted to impart some of this joy in the food we served.

  1. What’s your perfect Christmas day meal ?

CM -  For me, it’s breast of wild Gunknowe Loch grouse with all the traditional trimmings.

RF – With the great company of friends and family I much prefer goose to turkey. Goose is harder to cook and takes time and patience but it is really worth the effort as the meat is rich, dark, gamy and warming. Goose fat roasted potatoes with thyme and a sprinkling of sea salt makes a perfect partner with this wonderful bird. And of course finished with a Christmas pudding. I try and make mine in late August, so it has months for the flavours to meld together.

NK – Roast goose, bread sauce and all the trimmings

 

 

3. What food or smell puts you in a festive frame of mind?

NK – nice aromatic flavours like cinnamon and cloves

RF – The delightful smell of mince pies cooking in the oven with slightly puffed pasty and the wonderful tangy taste of the mince meat.  The sweet bonfire smell of cinnamon and rum and the dark alluring scent of molasses sugar. The bouquet of pine cones and mulled wine with its lovely aroma of stewed plums and of course the tangy, zesty fragrance oranges.

CM - The warm aroma of mulled wine and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

 

 

4.What local produce is always on your shopping list?

NK – at the hotel we get our meat from small local independent suppliers – our pork and lamb come from Wark Farm in Cushnie and pure Aberdeen Angus beef comes from Cairnton Farm near Lumphanan.

CM - White mountain hare, Sikka deer – especially the haunch for smoking on our in-house smoker and the loin for searing – and Clava Brie.

RF – The venison is outstanding, so it’s always on the menu when it is available – it’s wild off the hills around Tomintoul and has dark rich meat that goes so well with Juniper, a local plant.  We serve it with the truly remarkable and very special venison haggis, which is the king of Scotland’s famous pudding. I also love the local Speyside smoked salmon with rich oaky flavours that just comes alive with a little lemon juice and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

 

5. Best Christmas Eve or Boxing Day dish?

RF- Cold goose with baked potatoes loaded with softly melting Stilton, buttery and creamy, soft velvety brie and hard pungent cheddar. Crisp crunchy homemade coleslaw; tart, vinegary pickled onions that crunch when you bite into them, soft and yummy warm bread, pickles and homemade chutney. All washed down with a good glass of red wine. Then fried Christmas pudding and mince pies with a glass of port.

NK – I love having cold turkey or goose on Boxing Day with bubble and squeak made from the left over vegetables

 

6. Who cooks at Christmas in your household?

CM – I normally cook but I tend to leave the mess for everyone else to clean up!

RF – Since we’ve been here and I’ve been cooking I tend to. Last year the family came up and we all had a great time!

 

  1. Any Christmas foods you wouldn’t touch with a barge pole?

RF - Cheap, nasty mince pies – you know, 48 pies for 20p. Intensively reared deep frozen turkey that dries to dust as soon as you put it in the oven.  Tinned Christmas pudding – eugh!

 

8.  And lastly, what’s the best thing about Christmas in the Cairngorms?

NK – The fact that you are almost guaranteed a white Christmas!

RF – The snow, the reindeer, the scenery, the whisky, the wonderful crisp cold weather, warm fires and the smell of pine and finally the great people.

CM - The stunning scenery and being with my good friends at the Old Bridge Inn!

 

 

 

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Skiing, sledging, snowboarding and walking in a winter wonderland!

Written by sarah on December 23rd, 2011

 

Like icing on a scrumptious carrot cake, little flakes of snow have already started to dust the mountaintops in the Cairngorms National Park. High street shops are stocking up on down jackets, ski poles and snowboard boots and a mere mention or photo of snow on Aviemore and the Cairngorms Facebook page prompts hundreds of “likes” and gleeful comments of expectant joy! That’s right folks winter is on its way and with it a whole host of winter sports, exciting events and celebrations.

This month, What’s On turned up the heating, settled down with a mug of gluhwein and started to watch re-runs of Ski Sunday in preparation…. oh and we researched and wrote about some of the best things to do in the Cairngorms National Park during the winter months!

Snowholing and Winter Skills

The Cairngorms, protected from Gulf Stream warmth, are universally recognised as providing the most consistent snow and ice conditions. They’re Britain’s highest mountain range, Scotland’s high arctic and home to our most permanent snow beds. However, most of all we must remember that the conditions on these stunning mountains can change in a blink of an eye and that we have to have the upmost respect for them.  That’s where winter skills come in! The most important aspect of getting out into the hills, at anytime of year but especially winter, is to be experienced and to be prepared. With plenty of courses going on around the Park there is no excuse not to be prepared when facing the mountains and the environment.

In addition, we are so lucky to have loads of experienced guides and instructors who will take you on guided walks across these stunning landscapes and teach you how to build your very own evening accommodation – a snow-hole! Made from cutting into the snow rather than building the blocks of an igloo, a snow-hole can become quite a cosy way to spend the night, but you must know what you are doing before you start to build your very own snowy Sistine Chapel!

Skiing and Snowboarding

This winter marks an incredibly important milestone for two of our resorts – Cairngorm Mountain and Glenshee. Cairngorm is celebrating 50 years of mechanical uplift and Glenshee 50 years of being an official resort. Celebrations will include a retro ski patrol day, a photo competition resulting in a memory exhibition, and a ceilidh. Both mountains have seen hundreds of thousands of people ski and board down the pistes since the winter of 1961-1962 – including Olympic champions, families happy to occupy the host of slopes and the new generation of freestyle skiers and boarders.

With over 90km of pisted runs across the National Park and heaps of off-piste terrain to explore (we’ll come to that later!) there is something for every skier and snowboarder to enjoy.

Recent research into the history of mechanical uplift at Cairngorm Mountain led me to a fascinating piece published in The Scotsman newspaper on December 23rd 1962. The reporter wrote how the ski road (finished the winter before) put paid to the three and half mile trudge up the mountain from Glenmore Lodge and that the new Cairngorm chairlift would save legs even more. Although he concedes a “walk to stretch and warm up the legs from the car park to The White Lady Shieling, the new centre of the resort, would still have to be accomplished!”

Since then, the resort has gone on to much bigger and better things and Glenshee, to mark their 50-year anniversary, will be opening their brand new chairlift this winter. It seems that as long as we have snow, there will always be a passion for snow-sports in the UK’s largest National Park.

Ski Touring

If you would, however, prefer a quieter jaunt into the wilderness than that of the busier pistes then ski touring may well be the sport for you.

If you’re a parallel skier with a decent level of fitness, it is possible to ski the original way – and experience that blissful tranquility. However, it does involve skiing up a mountain…. The idea is that you attach special grippy skins to your skis in order to prevent yourself sliding backwards. When you eventually reach the top of your mountain, you take them off and ski down. There are many guides within the Park who will lead you on a journey over untracked, unpopulated off-piste routes that penetrate the mountainscape. Many people see it as skiing as nature intended – elevating, sustainable and a great calorie burner.

So this winter, why not check out the Visit Cairngorms website for a list of activity providers and experts that run snow-holing, mountaineering, ski touring, winter skills and ice climbing classes. In addition, why not try out Nordic skiing, snow-shoeing or ski joring this winter – the winter sports list in the Cairngorms National Park is endless!

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Things that go Bump in the Park!

Written by sarah on October 20th, 2011

I must admit I love a good scary story – from myths to the macabre, ghostly to ghouly there is still something rather exciting about terrifying ourselves over the unknown!

So this Halloween, sit yourself down in front of a roaring campfire with some toasted marshmallows and your copy of this month’s What’s On, as we prepare to lift the lid on some of the Cairngorms National Park’s most mysterious myths and legends…..

The Spectre of the Bloody Hand

Even the famous Sir Walter Scott wrote about the old man with the bloody hand at Loch Morlich. Despite the golden sands, and stunning views up to the Cairngorm Mountains a seemingly gigantic figure, clad in full Highland warrior dress, one hand always dripping with blood used to guard the east end of the loch. According to legend, anyone unfortunate to meet the spectre would be challenged by him to an instant contest of mortal combat. Should the challenge be accepted no bodily harm would follow, yet those too timid to stand up to the fight would face dire consequences.  Despite his gruesome appearance and hostile manner it seems that the Old Man had a kind streak when it came to animals of Rothiemurchus and stories tell of him assuming the role of guardian of deer and other wild creatures.

 Lass o’ the Lecht

The wind, rain snow and freezing winter weather of the braes of Glenlivet creates some hardy characters in the north of the Park. However, a sudden change in weather can surprise and endanger even the most prepared of walkers. One famous story involved a young 19 year old girl, Margaret Cruikshank or the ‘Lass o’ the Lecht’ as she became known. Margaret set off from Tomintoul one day in February 1860 to cross the Lecht Pass over the Ladder Hills, however a gale sprung up and with it a violent blizzard. Becoming quickly lost, Margaret decided to follow a burn she thought would lead to safety, but this mistake ended up leading her deeper into the hills where she perished. 500 men turned out to help in the attempt at rescue, but it was not until 3 months later that her frozen body was discovered in Strathdon, on the banks of the river Earnan, many miles from the Lecht. No subsequent sights of Margaret’s ghost have been reported, but she is immortalised in the famous poem ‘Lass o’ the Lecht’.

The Old Man Of Garten

Am Bodach Ghoirtean is spoken about with fear and dread in Boat of Garten and it’s surrounding areas. The Bodach was said to be a spirit that dwelt in the woods around Loch Garten and Loch Mallachy and roamed the countryside at night giving anyone he met a warning of impending death of a family member or friend. The Bodach would sometimes appear to his victims as a huge white object – faintly luminous – but always his trademark warning was a terrifying high-pitched scream.

The story of Donald Macpherson of Tulloch is famous in the area as he is the last person said to have encountered the Bodach. Soon after his meeting with the phantom, the tenant of the farm in which Donald played cards was found dead. Even more curious was the fact that at the tenant’s funeral – on passing the spot on the road where Donald encountered the apparition – the stallions pulling the funeral wagon reared up, biting and kicking and eventually upturning the hearse whilst admitting the same blood curdling scream heard by Donald a few nights before!

 French Kate

The lonely ghost of Kittie Rankie is said to walk through the halls and stairs and the surrounding lands of Abergeldie Castle in Ballater. Also known as French Kate (according to legend she was a woman of French origin who was at one time employed in the castle) it is said that she once was accused of practicing black magic and arrested soon after to be charged with witchcraft. After confinement in the castle she was eventually found guilty and thereafter taken to a local hill where she was tied to a stake and burnt for her supposed crimes. Over the years, there have been various encounters with Kittie, most notably in the mid-nineteenth century when the daughter of a local doctor, Patricia Lindsay, was happy to play in the castle cellars during the day.  However, she would never do so after dark as she recounted hearing several terrifying noises and ringing of bells clattering through the stone walls. 

The White Lady of the Rowan Tree

At a bridge in Glentruim near a sharp bend on the glen road an old rotten rowan tree used to stand. On a full moon, local people would refuse to pass the spot, horses would refuse to cross the bridge and dogs would howl in discomfort. Tradition has it that one night a local by the name of John Barleycorn agreed to go, on horseback, to the spot and attempt to cross the river. However, his horse refused to budge, so John dismounted and stumbled over the bridge, past the rowan tree where he came face to face with a white lady. What happens next nobody knows, but the next day John was found a quarter of a mile along the road, in a ditch, his face in a pool of water. His horse was grazing quietly nearby.

 Happy Halloween!

see www.visitcairngorms.com for more infor on the spooky park!

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From California to Carrbridge for a good bowl of porridge

Written by sarah on October 5th, 2011

Porridge makers from around the world are heading towards the home of the World Porridge Making Championships in the Highland village of Carrbridge. The 18th World Porridge Making Championship takes place on 9th October and will see competitors from Sweden, Ireland, America and the UK compete for the coveted Golden Spurtle.

Perfect Porridge 5 star style!

Furthest flung competitors are Merry Graham and Patrick Potter who are travelling over 5,000 miles from California to Carrbridge. Merry beat off stiff opposition in the North American ‘qualifying’ heats run by Oregon based Bob’s Red Mill’ to win the all expenses paid trip to Scotland.

Competitors come from all walks of life including an astrophysics student; a Gaelic singer;  a high flying managing director; a mill owner; mother of four, professional chefs and bed & breakfast proprietors.

The competition will determine what is judged to be the best bowl of traditional porridge made from nothing but oatmeal, salt and water. The competition will also crown the champion of the speciality porridge section where competitors have complete free reign to bring together other ingredients and flavours to traditional porridge to make their own creation. Speciality dishes in the past have included : Canadian Cran-Apple Crunch, Thai Curried Porridge, Oatmeal Bangers & Porridge Mash, Kedgeree Porridge and West Coast Seafood Porridge.

Judging is taken very seriously, as befits a world championship.  Two professional Masterchefs of Great Britain, George McIvor and Colin Bussey sitting on the judging panel along with celebrity judge, Karen Mackenzie, producer and co-host of the Fred MacAulay Show on BBC Radio Scotland. Karen’s credentials being she was brought up in a bed & breakfast household where a large pan of porridge was on the stove at the start of every day.

The volunteer event organisers and residents of Carrbridge are looking forward to welcoming the competitors, spectators and press that the event attracts to the village hall. The village hall featured in the hit BBC programme Monarch of the Glen so is no stranger to the small screen and fame.

The event is open from 10.30am-4.00pm, with competitors and judges led to the hall by the Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band at 11.50am for the toast to the porridge and the start of the competition heats. The final cook off to decide the 2011 World Champion who carries off the Golden Spurtle takes place at 3.00pm. Cairngorms Farmers Market and local craft/produce stalls run throughout , in what is a day when the world beats a path to Carrbridge.

 See www.goldenspurtle.com for more details and for overall area information www.visitcairngorms.com

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Walking back to happiness…

Written by sarah on September 16th, 2011

 I remember them well from my childhood days – wrapped up in a scratchy scarf, welly boots tugged onto my feet and a Cadbury’s chocolate éclair stuffed into my pocket for the journey – whatever the weather I loved heading out on walks to explore the countryside. The only problem with those walks was that- living in the Midlands – the space, views and abundance of nature I craved (thanks to Terry Nutkins and his pals) was not there. So when I was old enough I moved here – to the Cairngorms National Park. How’s that for space, views and as much wildlife as you can shake a stick at (only a phrase, please don’t literally do this kids!)?

So, with my comfy walking boots on my feet and my obligatory Cadbury’s chocolate éclair in my pocket (ok maybe a family size bag!) What’s On set out in search of some of the best family walks around the Cairngorms National Park. Get out there and explore this Autumn!

 

Bellabeg Forest Walk, Strathdon 1.75 miles/3km – 1 hour

This is a really pretty walk with a gentle climb through the trees, which allows you to access a host of stunning views across Donside and the picturesque village of Bellabeg.  As you start out on the walk you follow the sign for “Lost” (don’t worry – it’s not a forewarning!) It is a rather steep initial climb, but the ground underfoot in not challenging.

This walk could be combined with a visit to The Lost Gallery or an exploration of the Doune of Invernochty, the large mound where a castle once stood.

Loch Brandy, Glen Clova 3.25 miles/5.5km – 2.5 hours

Loch Brandy is a superb example of a mountain Corrie. Backed by craggy slopes and cradling a perfect loch it is a great place to spend a few hours. The walk has the benefit of a very well constructed path making this a good short, and relatively easy, hill walk.

Once again you get excellent views, but this time they stretch across Glen Clova and the Eastern Grampians to Lochnagar and Mount Keen. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for mountain hare, red deer, peregrine falcon, raven, buzzard and golden eagle as wildlife is in abundance.

Uath Lochans, Feshiebridge 3 miles/5km – 3 hours

This is one of my favourite family walks as what’s great is that you don’t need any special footwear to enjoy it. The Uath Lochans are real gems – like a diamond necklace amongst the pine trees – and a great place to take in the wonder of the Cairngorms National Park.

You can break this walk into three mini walks depending on the time you have available, taking in views of Glen Feshie, the Cairngorm Mountains and exploring the lochans themselves. Lily pads burst into life during July, but the lochans look stunning throughout the year. 

Battle of Glenlivet Path, Tomintoul 4 miles/6.5km – 2 hours

A perfect walk for anyone wanting a bit of history on a hike! The Battle of Glenlivet Path is a well-sheltered route, which gives some wonderful views of the Glenlivet area and provides access to the site of the Battle of Glenlivet, which took place in 1594. You can wander along the path where a force of about 2000 local men routed 10,000 highlanders in a dramatic victory.

In addition, you may even be fortunate enough to hear the piping call of a well disguised golden plover in the lichen rich heather and see herds of red deer browsing on the steep slopes of the local hills.

Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore 6.75 miles/10km – 3.5 hours

This wonderful way-marked trail, which encircles the village, takes in the banks of the River Spey, open heather moorland, wooded glens and burbling streams.

Easy and clear way marked trails take you through a site of a Pictish stone circle and along the side of Allt Laraidh falls. It’s very rare that you will come across a real wildcat, but keep your eyes peeled for some of the 50 Scottish wildcat models that have been placed on the trails and around the village. You can even get a Wildcat Experience Trackpack which allows you to mark you ‘found cats” on a map and receive a certificate or prize if you find 25 or more. A great fun activity for all the family and kids love it!

Glen Banvie Trail – 9miles/14km – 4.5 hours

This is a tad longer than the other featured walks, but the good thing is there are no hills just a gentle rise from Blair Atholl village. From birds, to butterflies, ruined villages, red deer rubbings on trees and more, the walk has it all as you pass through the farm and moor land of Atholl Estate.

You will also see the ruins of Bail an t’Sepail (Chapel Town) leading into Baluain Wood and if you take a slight detour you will find the Falls of Bruar, immortalized in a poem by Robert Burns in 1787, ‘The Humble Petition of Bruar Water to the Noble Duke of Atholl’.

There are so many more walks to chose from that we haven’t had the chance to cover in this feature – Loch An Eilein, Seven Bridge and Knock Tower and Glenmulliach Forest the list goes on! So check out www.visitcairngorms.com for more ideas and full descriptions of each walk featured in this article.

The Tomintoul and Glenlivet Walking Festival runs 8th-12th September and Blairgowrie and East Perthshire Walking Festival the 15th-18th September featuring some great walks in the Cairngorms National Park.

See www.tgwf.co.uk and www.walkingfestival.org

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Carve Carrbridge “Raw Adrenaline”

Written by sarah on September 2nd, 2011

This Saturday 24 top international chainsaw carvers descent upon the sleepy highland village of Carrbridge. Dayton Scoggins is currently favourite to challenge last year`s winner Ian Chalmers. Dayton will be competing at Carve Carrbridge for the first time.

During the event competitors only have four hours to create their main carving from a 2.5m (8 foot) Sitka Spruce log. He is a native Mississippian and prior to becoming a full time chainsaw artist worked as a towboat captain, pushing barges. Now a world class chainsaw artist, he travels the world and is recognised as highly competitive and extremely talented.

In 2009 top American carver Bob King won with an impressive cougar carving but was defeated when defending his title in 2010 by Chalmers with his ‘Bear Necessities’ carving. Commenting on the build up to this years event Ian said “ The line up is the strongest yet but anyone could win. I won’t be giving up the title easily. I have three ideas for my carving but will decide once I see the log.” Iain added “No other show in the world is like it, it is just so rapid and what is achieved in four hours is outstanding”.

Another contender for first place is Tim Klock from Altoona, Pennsylvania who has never before travelled outside America. Tim in particular enjoys the “raw adrenaline” of the 30 minute quick carve event calling it “full throttle art”. As well as six Scottish carvers, there are also carvers entered from the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, England and Wales. Event organiser Gavin Gerrard said “Carve Carrbridge is now established on the world chainsaw carving calendar.

Each year the standard just gets higher and higher from the local and international carvers. This year with so many expert chainsaw carvers competing it is likely to be the most competitive and greatest spectacle for visitors yet.” Guest judges this year will be joined by Euan McIlwraith, presenter for BBC Landward. Further details can be found on the event website: www.carvecarrbridge.com

Day of Events Carve Carrbridge includes a highly popular day of family activates in the village playing fields. The event included woodland crafts, live music, The Badenoch and Strathspey Pipe Band, craft and food stalls, refreshments, a beer tent as well and numerous side shows and family activities. Vintage buses run a shuttle service between the event and the parking sites. Full details can be found on the event website: www.carvecarrbridge.com

 Community Benefits The event was organised by a team of volunteers with the help of the sponsors and many local businesses. Funds raised are donated to the local community. Previously funds have been used for many causes including cutting equipment for the Retained Fire Service and repairs to the Village Hall.

About Carrbridge: Carrbridge – famous for its 1717 pack horse bridge – is a lively community and boasts a second international event in October, The Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships www.goldenspurtle.com  as well as many arts events throughout the year. For more info on Carrbridge see www.carrbridge.com . Main sponsor is the Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge www.landmark-centre.co.uk  See also www.visitcairngorms.com for area information.

2012 Event The provisional date for 2012 is Saturday 1st of September 2012.

Media Resources: Event results, Photos & Media Contact See ‘Media Resources’ section of our website for free to use high resolution images. Soon after the results are announced photos of the event and winners with their winning carvings will be added, as will a post event press release.

Media contact: Gavin Gerrard, Event Organiser. Mobile 0777 191 4598, email: info@carvecarrbridge.com or Roy Brown, Mobile 0771 424 4142, email roy@roybrown.co.uk Event Website: www.carvecarrbridge.com

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SCOTS CALLED TO DEFEND WORLD PORRIDGE TITLE

Written by sarah on September 2nd, 2011

The organisers of the World Porridge Making Championship, held annually in Carrbridge in the Cairngorm National Park, are calling all Scots porridge makers to answer the call to defend the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy at this years event, which takes place on Sunday 9 October-

 Shona Rankin, Co-ordinator of the event said: “The Scots have in the past defended their honour with claymores and muskets. Today we call upon Scots everywhere to safeguard the World Porridge Making Champion title and ensure it remains, along with the Golden Spurtle trophy, in it’s homeland for another year.”

Continuing, she added, “We’re absolutely thrilled to see that porridge makers around the globe are entering what is set to be a fierce competition but also want to remind our local porridge makers that the, without a fight, this slice of Highland tradition is more than likely going to be packing it’s bags and setting sail to some international destination once again!”

Toasting the Porridge

The Championships, now in its 18th year, has grown from humble beginnings into one of Scotland’s’ most renowned culinary cook offs and now draws an international contingent of competitors from Europe, America and further afield.

Entrants from overseas are currently honing their skills in a bid to represent their country. In the USA, Bob’s Red Mills have organised heats and a final cook off at their oat mill in Portland, Oregon with the winner set to fly to Carrbridge this October to compete.

Meanwhile previous winner Ian Bishop from Slochd near Carrbridge, spent time this summer judging at the Swedish Porridge Making Championships. Ian explained, “I had a marvellous time in Sweden and it was great to see such passion for our national dish. I look forward to welcoming the Swedish Porridge Champion to our village this coming October.”

Neal Robertson, proprietor of the Tannochbrae Tearoom, Auchtermuchty and the current “World Porridge Making Champion” is set to make a return at this years’ event to defend his title. He said:-

“ being World Porridge Making Champion 2010 has changed my life in that I have become a bit of local “celeb” in Fife and have even been recognised at Heathrow Airport! Expectations are running high for this year’s event but over the last year I have been conjuring up some great ideas using my spoon (a double sided spurtle) and together with my Golden Spurtle tattoo, I know I am ready to defend my title!”

The title of World Porridge Making Champion will be awarded to the competitor producing the best traditional porridge, made from pinhead oatmeal, salt and water, with a further award being made for the best “Speciality Porridge.”

The Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships is also encouraging all porridge enthusiasts around the globe to promote World Porridge Day on the 10th of October by hosting a World Porridge Breakfast to raise money for Mary’s Meals, who daily feed over 479,000 of the poorest school children in Malawi.

This years’ Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship takes place on the iconic date, 09.10.11 in Carrbridge.

Further details can be found at www.goldenspurtle.com -

Notes to Editors: – Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships 2011 Carrbridge Village Hall takes place on Sunday 9th October (11.30am – 4.30pm) – Each competitor is required to produce at least 1 pint (500ml) of porridge which is divided into 3 portions for the judges to taste. The judges will be allowed to accompany the tasting with milk, cream, salt or white sugar. Judging of the porridge will be made on the consistency, taste and colour of the porridge. – A further award will be made for the best specialty porridge.

Some specialty dishes from the past have included:-West Coast Seafood Porridge with langoustine tails and smoked salmon, Clootie Dumpling with Gran’s custard, Savoury Oat Fritters, Oatmeal Bangers and Porridge Mash and Kedgeree Porridge.

Media Contact Shona Rankin, Competition Co-ordinator shonarankin@gmail.com 07554 662 820 Or Roy Brown roy@roybrown.co.uk 07714 244 142

Posted in aviemore, cairngorms national park, Carr Bridge, festivals, food, porridge, Uncategorized | No Responses »

Launch of the Glenshee Heather Festival Programme

Written by sarah on August 3rd, 2011
Glenshee Heather Festival

Glenshee Heather Festival

Following on from a successful launch event last year, Glenshee is playing host to the 2nd annual ‘Heather Festival’ which takes place from the 13th August – 4th of September.  This year’s Festival sees new additions to the programme plus enhancements to several of the most popular events from last year.

The 34 individual events and activities are designed to showcase the best of Glenshee, Bridge of Cally, Blackwater and Strathardle to visitors and locals alike when the area is looking at is best with the hills and moors ablaze with a stunning show of blooming heather.

New for 2011 is the Love to Eat in the Glen Day on Saturday 13th August at the Blackwater Hall. Designed as a free family fun day for ‘foodies’ there will be a series of cookery demonstrations and workshops featuring local produce, food foraging forays, and local produce stalls. Also linking in with the food and drink theme on the same day is the Real Ale Festival at the Bridge of Cally Hotel.

Also new for 2011 is a free Golf Day at the 9-hole Dalmunzie Golf Course, designed by the famous James Braid and one of the highest golf courses in the Country, on Sunday 28th August as part of the Festival to which everyone is welcome.

Following the success of the craft weekend in 2010 and a strong demand from local crafts and producers the ‘Craft in the Glen Weekend’ at the Blackwater Hall takes place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August with over 30 craft stalls confirmed in both the Hall and adjoining marquee. The Craft Weekend offers fun for all the family with free admission, children’s entertainment, face painters and story-tellers. Light lunches, teas and home-bakes will be served on both days.

A series of 9 guided walks and mountain bike ridges which tie in with the newly launched Glenshee Walking & Mountain Biking Guide are on offer during the Festival. The routes cover the whole of the Glenshee and Strathardle area and take people up into the glens and hills to let them see the Heather at its best and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Some of the walks have specific wildlife or heritage themes.

Other events being organised as part of the Heather Festival include a Geocaching day on the Cateran Trail, a talk on Perthshire’s Military Road System, a Heather Hop Dance, and Heather Honey Cream Teas. The Festival links in with the popular Glenisla Highland Games on the 19th August and the Strathardle Gathering on 27th August.

In addition 4 car touring routes have been developed to guide people through some of the areas where the Heather will be out, all from the comfort of their own car. The routes cover from Glenshee to Linn of Dee, Glenshee to Pitlochry, Around Mount Blair and Glenisla, Alyth and Drumderg.

Philip Smith of the Glenshee Tourist Association explained “In these difficult economic times we are delighted to have had such strong involvement and support from members of the Mount Blair Community as well as funding support from the Drumderg Community Fund, Perth & Kinross Council and Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association. This support has enabled us to grow the Heather Festival in 2011 and put on a wide range of events to appeal to all – many of which are free to take part in.

 The Heather Festival is for both visitors to the area and our local communities and we look forward to welcoming local residents plus visitors from further afield to the many events planned. Copies of the programme can be obtained at the Blairgowrie, Perth, Dundee and Pitlochry Visitor Information Centres, Glenshee Pottery and Visitor Centre plus at local hotels and shops.

Particular highlights for me are the Craft in the Glen Weekend and the Love to East in the Glen Day as they provide a great platform for local crafters and producers to showcase their products. I am also delighted that the Dalmunzie Golf Course has joined the Festival and is offering a free golf open day to which everyone is welcome – from complete beginners to the keen golfer!

Councillor Bob Ellis said “I am really impressed with the extensive and fun programme of events taking place during the 2011 Heather Festival. The Glenshee Tourist Association has been working hard over the last several months to develop events and to work with others in the community to put on the many events which make up the Festival.

 I am delighted that Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust has assisted in organising a Geocaching event on the Cateran Trail on 21st August and a Guided Walk on the Cateran Trail from the Spittal of Glenshee to the Lair on the 29th August. Perth & Kinross Countryside Rangers are leading a wildlife walk from Kirkmichael to Loch Curran on the 19th August and Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust is staging a talk on the Bridging Perthshire’s Past Project on the 30th August.

 I would encourage locals and visitors to visit and participate in the many planned events and also simply to enjoy the beauty of Glenshee and Strathardle whether on foot, bike or by car.

Press: For more information contact Philip Smith Tel. 01250 882200, Email psmith@motomo.co.uk

General Public: For more information go to www.glenofthefairies.co.uk 
email gta@girlfridayadmin.com

Background: Glenshee Tourist Association (GTA) is a voluntary group with the aims of promoting and developing tourism in the Glenshee & Mount Blair area. GTA is grateful to have received financial support from the Drumderg Community Fund, Perth & Kinross Council and Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association towards the costs of the 2011 Glenshee & Mount Blair Heather Festival.

See www.visitcairngorms.com for information on the Cairngorms National Park including places to stay.

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SCOTLAND’S SKI AREAS REPORT ANOTHER GOOD SEASON

Written by sarah on June 30th, 2011

Scotland’s five mountain ski areas report another good snowsports season, with close to 290,000 “skier days”, the measure which allows one season to be compared with another and is the basis for calculating the value of the industry for the country.

“This figure is around 25% ahead of the average for the previous three seasons, which included the outstanding season of 2009-10,” said Chair of ski-scotland Heather Negus. “That season was amazing, and we knew that we’d be unlikely to match it, particularly given the exceptionally warm spring weather in April.”

Excepting the 2009-10 “mega season”, the latest results are the best for a decade, and are good news not only for the snowsports areas themselves, but also for businesses in the locality. Using currently available data, from November 2010 until April 2011, at least £29M was spent by skiers and snowboarders, of which around £22M was spent in local accommodation, eateries, pubs, shops, attractions and filling stations.

“Of course, the ski season lasts all year round in Scotland,” continued Heather, “as SNO!zone, Scotland’s other real snow ski area, is open 364 days of the year, so you can even ski on real snow in the summer holidays!”

ski-scotland’s short film commercial can be viewed on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynjBOVm2pXo

Posted in aviemore, aviemore activities, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, Skiing Aviemore, Skiing Cairngorm, skiing glenshee, skiing lecht, Snowboarding Aviemore, Snowboarding Cairngorm, snowboarding glenshee, snowboarding lecht | No Responses »
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What’s On in Royal Deeside in the the Cairngorms National Park

Written by sarah on June 30th, 2011

Welcome to the July 2011 edition of What’s On in Royal Deeside and The Cairngorms. Here are just a few of the events!

Deeside Sessions
Some of the north-east’s best musicians return to Royal Deeside this summer with more Scottish traditional music! Live music sessions will take place in various pubs and hotels around Royal Deeside in this two month programme promoted by the DMO from the end of July through September. All the dates and locations can be found here – download the Deeside Sessions poster.

Aboyne and Deeside Festival
The 20th Annual Aboyne and Deeside Festival is on during July with an incredible variety of live shows, music events, films, exhibitions and workshops. Something for absolutely everyone and all interests!  Check the Festival website for more details and booking information.

Braemar Junior Highland Games – July 8th-10th
Three days of events including the Junior Games, an Arts & Crafts Fair, Highland Dancing and Piping Competitions, a Tug of War Teams Event and adult races – a Hill Race and a MultiTerrain 12k Run! Check the Braemar Junior Games website for programme details.

Royal Deeside Golf Classic – July 25th-29th
A 72-hole Stableford event for both Ladies and Gentlemen played over four majestic courses in Aboyne, Ballater, Banchory and Inchmarlo. Prizes are awarded for each round and for the full event. A free day has been included this year for an optional additional competition at Braemar or to visit the many places of scenic beauty around Royal Deeside. More information may be found at the Ballater Golf Club.

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham -  July 30th
The famous duo will be performing a concert on the Crathes Castle lawn from 7.30-10pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music! Call 0844 4932166 for details and ticket information.

For more information on what is happening throughout the whole of the Cairngorms National Park in July see www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson

Read our online magazine here

Posted in Accommodation Aviemore, aviemore, aviemore activities, aviemore hotels, ballater, Balmoral, Boat of Garten, braemar, cairngorms, cairngorms national park, Carr Bridge, crathes, Cromdale, Dulnain Bridge, festivals, food, Golf, grantown on spey, Kingussie, laggan, music, Nethy Bridge, Newtonmore, royal deeside, Weather | No Responses »
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