Stopover Coup for the Cairngorms

Leading band, Mumford and Sons, are returning to the Highlands at the end of July to please an anticipated audience of 25,000. The band have performed in the Highlands before at the Loopallu fesival in Ullapool and also at a surprise gig for their fan base here in Boat of Garten; at our community hall.

The surprise was on us one winter evening when sitting in the dining room, we saw crowds of visitors passing by on their way round the corner to the community hall. Then a bus reversed back down the street. Speculation ran wild. It wasn’t until after the event that we found out what we’d been missing, even though the music drifted across to us from the hall. Mumford and Sons were here, in Boat of Garten, of all places in 2011.

We’ve booked tickets for the weekend and so have many others up in the Highlands though the band is expecting to sell most tickets online. If there are still tickets available we’ve got a wee bit of midge free availability at Fraoch Lodge and will probably be able to offer transport through to Rothiemurchus for any guests here. Why not make more of the weekend and extend your stay. We’re running the Complete Cairngorms itinerary in the week leading up to the festival. Alternatively you can take a “Get off the Beaten Track” package getting introducted to the area by Andy and then extending your trip with a personalised self-guided tour based at Fraoch Lodge.

For further details of the festival check the press announcement from the Rothiemurchus estate: www.rothiemurchus.net/Pages/About%20Us/Latest%20News1.html

Read more from the national press:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-31664475

https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/inverness/512394/hardy-fans-queue-for-mumford-and-sons-tickets/

The post Mumford and Sons in the Cairngorms appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

Boat of Garten is a vibrant village in the Highlands of Scotland on the north side of the #Cairngorms National Park. Who knows if #Rabbie #Burns came to the village during his lifetime? Probably not as the village essentially grew up with the establishment of the railway and became popular as a holiday destination then. However, on Saturday 25th January 2014 we gathered to celebrate Burns Night. This night celebrates the continuing influence the work of Rabbie Burns has on our lives worldwide. There’s no other event which showcases the traditions of Scotland to such good effect.

We were fortunate this year to have some very energetic organisers in the village who put together an excellent and well-thought out Burns tribute. One of the stars of the village amateur dramatic society (Malky Taylor – retired policeman) was the master of ceremonies. He gave introduced all the rest of the top table and gave the “Address to the Haggis”, as he did for the international delegates at the 2010 ATWS (Adventure Travel World Summit). If you’ve never seen an Address to the Haggis, it’s definitely something to see.

A very traditional Burns Night involves the following:

• Kilts and full Highland regalia;
• a piper,
• a haggis,
• a tribute to Rabbie Burns (Immortal Memory – in this case by Fergus Ewing MSP, who is often in Boat of Garten),
• a Toast to the Lassies (by James Dunbar, a leading light in the community company),
• the Reply from the Lassies (by Jo Blair – who was magnificent and sang a lot of her response to the tune of “Flower of Scotland”);
• plus many songs and readings from the work of Rabbie Burns.

Address to the Haggis by Malky Taylor, skein dhu in hand ready to open the haggis

The evening ended with “Auld Lang Syne” of course.

Piping in the haggis with Calum McPhee on the pipes

The meal was very well organised. We had smoked salmon pate and oatcakes to start, which was on the table when the guests arrived. This was followed of course by the most traditional of Scottish main courses – haggis, neeps and tatties (neeps = swede, tatties = potatoes). For dessert we had Cranachan ice cream and shortbread (both of which are very Scottish in their origins). Cranachan is a dessert made with cream, oatmeal and raspberries.

We were very lucky to attend such a well-organised event. All our guests on the Winter Munros guided walking holiday with Scot Mountain Holidays were very appreciative. The event was almost sold out and at £12 quite a bargain.

Burns Night was a bonus for the guests at Fraoch Lodge this year but could well be an annual event. Could be something for you next year!

2019 update

The format has changed a wee bit this year and we’re now including the Showboaters in a Murder Mystery dinner extravaganza.

Related blogs:

Hogmanay explained

The post Review: #Burns in the Boat appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.

Chainsaw carving exhibition in Carrbridge

Here at Scot Mountain Holidays we never cease to be inspired by and in awe of the talent which produces the local arts and crafts, and this September 3rda family favourite event, showcasing exceptional creativity, returns to the Cairngorms.

Carve Carrbridgeis an annual Scottish open carving competition which takes place in the village sports field, 4 miles from Fraoch Lodge (cycling distance, according to Rebecca, whose done it several times! You can cycle either on or off-road.)

Dragonfly

The details

The event has stands for spectators who can watch the competition live, as top chainsaw carvers from around the world compete for prize money and the coveted Claymore trophy. Some competitors come from as far as the US or Europe to compete amongst UK’s own.

It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to get outside and hear live music, partake in activities, games and stalls and treat themselves to local food and drink. Not to mention a traditional Scotland Highland event.

Mountain lion

The creativity of the competitors is simply amazing. They take what looks like nothing more than a chunk of tree to create visually stunning pieces of art. Wolves, eagles, people, and even landscapes are common inspiration. One memorable year a carver created a man with ball and chain!

Eagle

There is also speed carving segment with a different theme each year (in most recent memory, it was owls). To see them created before your eyes at improbable speeds is simply astounding.

Bonus results

It’s always exciting to attend Carve Carrbridge and see what the artists have in store for the season. This is a highly recommended event for couples, families, friends and solo travellers alike. Carrbridge is a charming Highland village with warm welcomes for its international visitors. They also host the World Porridge Making Championship, this year will be its 23rd Annual Golden Spurtle(the lucky best porridge maker’s prize).

We hope you come to stay with us at Froach Lodge just outside Carrbridge and join in on the fun!

The post Review: Carve Carrbridge – a family friendly event in the Cairngorms appeared first on Scot Mountain Holidays.