-- Wild Fungi Picking and Plant Foraging Scotland --

Whats on in and around Aviemore July 2008

2008-06-30T17:13:00.001+01:00

The many and varied attractions in this part of the Highlands appeal to visitors with a very wide range of interests.. Accordingly in these posts we aim to give you a short, comprehensive & informative summary of what is available to you. Once you've made your plans, if you'd like us to find out some more or make arrangements for you, please just ask. We'll happily do the arranging, leaving you to concentrate on the enjoying!!

Summer is Here
- this our list of whats on in July in the Valley

Aviemore Badenoch & Strathspey

Thursday 3rd July • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided walk to the summit of Ben Macdui, 9am-5pm £40 Friday 4th July • Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, ‘See Red’ Live Music 9pm ‘till late • Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, River Rock, 9.30pm • Tipsy Laird, Kingussie, Karaoke with Gordy Peters, 10pm Saturday 5th July • Corrieyairick Challenge, Fort Augustus to Kincraig walk/run/cycle race • Kincraig Village Fete, 12.45pm Pipe Band and Shoestring Circus Procession,
Suie Hill Race (info – Kincraig Village Stores),
Marquee Dance to Dunphail Ceilidh Dance Band, 9pm-1am £5 • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided Coire Cas Mountain Trail Walk 1-4pm £12/£6 • The Eilan, Newtonmore, Shinty - Newtonmore 2nds v Fort William Throw up 2.30pm • The Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown, River Rock, Live Music, 9pm ‘till late • The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, Rob Simms 9pm – Midnight • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, “Off the Wall” Live Band, 9.30pm • Tipsy Laird, Kingussie, Andy Murray, Live Music, 10pm Sunday 6th July • The Square, Grantown, Cairngorms Farmers Market 10am-4pm Monday 7th July • Cairngorm Mountain T-Bar – Hands on workshop and exhibition on spinning and weaving with plant-dyed fibres 10am-4pm Free • Boat of Garten Community Hall, RSPB Illustrated Talk, Wetland Wonder - Peter Moore, 8.30pm £3.50 (Under 18 £1.50) complimentary tea and coffee Thursday 10th July • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided Northern Corries rim walk 9am-5pm £40 Friday 11th July • Beallich, Cromdale, Children’s Climbing Day, Venue tbc £18 • The Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown, John Morrison, Live Music, 9pm ‘till late • The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, Alfie, 9pm – Midnight • Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Mike Darren, 9.30pm Saturday 12th July • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided walk to Coire an Sneachda 1-4pm £12/£6 • The Eilan, Newtonmore, Shinty – Newtonmore 2nds v Kilmallie, Throw up 2.30pm • Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, ‘Off the Wall’ Live Music 9pm ‘till late • The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, David Holt, 9pm–Midnight • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, Crossover, Live Band, 9.30pm • Tipsy Laird, Kingussie, ‘Hunky Dory’ Live Music, 10pm Sunday 13th July • Talla nan Ros, Kingussie, Street Food Festival and Cheese and Wine Evening Monday 14th July • Cairngorm Mountain T-Bar – Hands on workshop and exhibition on spinning and weaving with plant-dyed fibres. 10am-4pm Free • Boat of Garten Community Hall, RSPB Illustrated Talk, Ospreys - Louise Gregory, 8.30pm £3.50 (Under 18 £1.50) complimentary tea and coffee Tuesday 15th July • Royal British Legion, Grantown, Scots Night, 8.30-11pm £4 Thursday 17th July • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided walk from the plateau to Lurcher’s Crag 9am-5pm £40 • Boat of Garten Community Hall, Cairngorms Ceilidh Trail, Evening of Traditional Music and Dance, 8pm £5 Friday 18th July • Boat of Garten Community Hall, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, 8pm, £5 • The Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown, Alfie on guitar, 9pm ‘till late Saturday 19th July • beallich, Cromdale, Yoga Day, 10am-3pm £33 including lunch • Public Park, Tomintoul Highland Games T:01807 580407 • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided walk to Coire an Lochain 1-4pm £12/£6 • The Dell, Kingussie, Shinty – Kingussie 2nds v Fort William, Throw up 2.30pm • Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, ‘EL 34’ Live Music 9pm ‘till late • Highland Council Badger Watching Event, Venue tbc on booking 01479 873914 9pm-Midnight • The Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown, Tipsy Laird, Live Music, 9pm ‘till late • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, Alfie-Singer/Guitarist, 9.30pm • Tipsy Laird, Kingussie, Davie Holt, Live Music, 10pm Monday 21st July • Boat of Garten Community Hall, RSPB Illustrated Talk, Wildlife of the Cairngorms National Park-Allan Bantick 8.30pm £3.50 (Under 18 £1.50) complimentary tea and coffee Tuesday 22nd July • Royal British Legion, Grantown, Scots Night, 8.30-11pm £4 • Highland Council Badger Watching Event, Venue tbc on booking 01479 873914 9pm-Midnight Wednesday 23rd July • Nethy Bridge Community Centre, Scottish Evening for all the Family, 8pm, £5 Adults, £3 Concessions, £12 Family (2 Adults, 3 Children under 16) • Boat of Garten Village Hall, Elgin Strathspey and Reel Society, Annual Fiddlers Concert, 8pm, £5 Thursday 24th July • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided walk to the summit of Cairngorm from Coire na Ciste 9am-5pm £40 • beallich, Cromdale, yoga morning, 10am-12.30, £18 T: 01807 510242 Friday 25th July • Carrbridge Village Hall, The Accidental Death of an Accordionist, Comedy Ceilidh Mystery, 7.45pm, £10/£6 01479 841211 www.thebooth.co.uk Early Booking Advised • The Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown, Dave Levon, Live Music, 9pm ‘till late • The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, Alfie, 9pm – Midnight • Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Bleeker, 9.30pm Saturday 26th July • Grantown Museum grounds, Figgat Fair with Cairngorms Farmers Market stalls, childrens entertainment, teas etc 11am onwards, FREE with FREE Entry to Museum • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided half day Cairngorm summit walk via Fiacaill Coire Cas 1-4pm £12/£6 • The Dell, Kingussie, Shinty – Kingussie 2nds v Aberdeen University, Throw up 2.30pm • The Eilan, Newtonmore, Shinty – Newtonmore 1sts v Lochaber, Throw up 2.30pm • Aviemore Village Hall, Aviemore Ceilidh Dancers, Marion Anderson Trio, 8pm-Midnight £4 with refreshments • Silverfjord Hotel, Kingussie, Donald Livingston, Live Music 9pm ‘till late • The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, Andy Chung, 9pm – Midnight • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, Gordy Peters-Singer/Entertainer, 9.30pm • Tipsy Laird, Kingussie, Gail Golding sings, 10pm Sunday 27th July • Hayfield, Glenmore Forest Park, Highland Council, Dog Owners Activity Day, Top Dogs Day Out, 12-4pm, Bring a picnic Monday 28th July • Boat of Garten Community Hall, RSPB Illustrated Talk, Abernethy Forest-Jeremy Roberts, 8.30pm £3.50 (Under 18 £1.50) complimentary tea and coffee Tuesday 29th July • Insh Marshes, RSPB Reserve car park, Highland Council, Wildlife Watching Event, An Evening Prowl, 7-9.30pm T: 01540 673907 • Royal British Legion, Grantown, Scots Night, 8.30-11pm £4 Thursday 31st July • Cairngorm Mountain – Ranger guided walk to the summit of Ben Macdui 9am-5pm £4 Every Monday • Rothiemurchus Estate, Highland Lady Tour, 11am, £10 Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, Graeme Mackay 4-6pm/9.30-11.30pm • beallich, Cromdale, yoga, 6.30-7.45pm £9 Books of 4 available £33 T: 01807 510242 • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Bubbles 7-8pm • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore, Andy Murray Singer and Guitarist 8.30-11pm • Macdonald’s Four Seasons Hotel, Aviemore, Stuart Anderson Scottish Music 8.30-10.30pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, George Gordon 8.30pm • Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Kenny sings, 8.30-10.30pm • Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge, Games Night, 9pm • Star Hotel, Kingussie, Killiecrankies, 9-11pm Every Tuesday • beallich, Cromdale, yoga, 10.30-11.30am £7 Books of 4 available £26 T:01807 510242 • Cairngorm Mountain, Ranger-guided summit walk 10.30am-3pm £12/£6 T:01479 861261 • Explore Abernethy Centre, Nethybridge, The Life and Times of and Ancient Forest, FREE Guided Walk, (Donations Appreciated), 10-11.30am www.exploreabernethy.co.uk • Rothiemurchus Estate, Archery Sessions, 11.30am, £22, Child Under 18 £15 Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Ace Adventures, Family Gorge Swim and Walk. £35pp, 10am-1pm, Booking Required T:01479 810510 • Craig Maclean Leisure Centre, Grantown on Spey, yoga, 6-7pm, £3.50 T:01479 870281 • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Nature Man, 7-8pm • Macdonald’s Aviemore Inn, Ronan Tribute, 7.30-10.30pm • Macdonald’s Academy Hotel, Aviemore, Stuart Anderson Scottish Dance, 7.30-10.30pm • Carrbridge Hotel, Alfie on Guitar 60s/70s 8.30-11pm • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore, Graeme Mackay, Accordionist, 8.30-11pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Ann Dickson, 8.30pm • Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown, Folk Singer Davie Holt, 9pm • Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge, David Hood, Tribute to the decades, 9pm • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, Acoustic Folk Set from 9.00pm • Star Hotel, Kingussie, Capone, (Country & 60s/70s) 9-11pm • Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Ronnie Douglas, Scottish Music, 9-11pm • Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, Quiz Night 9.30-11pm £1pp Every Wednesday • Cairngorm Mountain, Guided lower Cas loop walk 11am and 2.30pm Free/£1 T:01479 861261 • Rothiemurchus Estate, Beginners Pony Treks, 12pm, £22, Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Ace Adventures, 2.5hour Bird Watching River Cruise, 10am-2pm £40pp Booking required T:01479 810510 • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Disco, 7-8pm • Muckrach Lodge Hotel, Dulnain Bridge, Jazz Night Supper, £28 - 2 courses, glass wine and Jazz, Booking Advised T:01479 851257 • Macdonald’s Aviemore Inn, Jazz Night, 7.30-10.30pm • Macdonald’s Academy Hotel, Aviemore, Disco and Karaoke, 7.30-10.30pm • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore. Alistair Stirling plays Lounge piano, 8-10pm • Carrbridge Hotel, Derrick Sturrock, Live Music 8.30-11pm • Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Paula MacAskill sings, 8.30-10.30pm • Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown, Folk Singer Billy Riddle, 9pm • Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge, Graeme Mackay Accordion Champion, 9pm • Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Keith Mair, 9.30pm • RD’s Bar and Bistro, Aviemore, Disco 10pm – 1am Every Thursday • Rothiemurchus Estate, Aviator Ranger Led Safaris on Foot, 10am £6, Child £1.50, Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, Graeme Mackay 4-6pm/9.30-11.30pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Merson, 7-8pm • Carrbridge Hotel, Traditional Ceilidh and Highland Feast with Fraser McLean and Eric Spence, Highland Dancers, 7pm Adults £20, Kids £10 • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore, Scotty’s Family Fun night, Games, Competitions and Karaoke 7-11pm • Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge, George Gordon, Local Entertainer, 8.30pm Macdonald’s Four Seasons Hotel, Aviemore, Stuart Anderson Scottish Music 8.30-10.30pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Bonnie, (24th – Bleeker), 8.30pm • Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Nigel sings Country and Western, 8.30-10.30pm • Boat Hotel, Boat of Garten, McConnachie, 2 piece band, a violin and an accordion, Scottish Traditional Music 8.45 – 11pm • Ben Mhor Hotel, Grantown on Spey, Alfie with Karaoke 9pm • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, Music Jammin Session-everyone welcome from 9.00pm • Café Mambo, Aviemore, Karaoke 9pm – Late • Star Hotel, Kingussie, Ronnie Douglas, Scottish Music 9-11pm • The Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, Quiz Night 9.15pm-Midnight • The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore: eclectic mix of sounds 10.30pm-2am Every Friday • Rothiemurchus Estate, Clay Shooting Silver experience, 10am, £35 Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Ace Adventures, Family Gorge Swim and Walk. £35pp, 10am-1pm, Booking Required T:01479 810510 • Cairngorm Mountain, Guided early bird watching walk to Cairngorm summit 8.30am-12.30pm £15 T:01479 861261 • Cairngorm Mountain, Geocaching GPS treasure hunt 11am & 2.30pm £5 per child, Adults Free T:01479 861261 • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Bubbles, 7-8pm • Macdonald’s Academy Hotel, Aviemore, George Gordon (not 18th-Swing Tribute Rat Pack) 7.30-10.30pm • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore, Ceilidh Dancing (4th & 18th) 70s &80s Disco(11th &25th), 8.00-11pm • Carrbridge Hotel, Derrick Sturrock, Sing along songs 8.30-11pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Cue the Music, 8.30pm • Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge, Family Quiz Night 9pm • Café Mambo, Aviemore, DJ or Live Band 9pm – Late • Star Hotel, Kingussie, Capone, (Country & 60s/70s) 9-11pm • Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, Ronnie Douglas, Scottish Music, 9-11pm • Glen Hotel, Newtonmore, 9pm-Midnight • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, In House Disco with ‘Dreamspin’ from 9.30pm • RD’s Bar and Bistro, Aviemore, Disco with resident DJ Spencer, 10pm-1am • The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore: eclectic mix of sounds 10.30pm – 3am Every Saturday • Rothiemurchus Estate, Canoeing on Loch an Eilein, 2pm, £30, Child £20 (Under 16) Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Disco, 7-8pm • Carrbridge Hotel, Traditional Ceilidh and Highland Feast, Highland Dancers, 7pm Adults £20, Kids £10 • Macdonald’s Academy Hotel, Aviemore, Family Disco Fun Night, 7.30-10.30pm • Dalfaber Golf and Country Club, Aviemore, Stars in your eyes finalist George Gordon sings popular chart songs 8.30-11pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Disco, 8.30pm • Craiglynne Hotel, Grantown, Scottish Ceilidh Band 9 – 11pm • Café Mambo, Aviemore, DJ or Live Band 9pm – Late • Star Hotel, Kingussie, Ronnie Douglas, Scottish Music 9-11pm • Woodshed Bar in the grounds of Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, DJ, 9.30pm • Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, EL34s 9.30pm (not 19th) • RD’s Bar and Bistro, Aviemore, Disco with resident DJ Scott, 10pm-1am • The Vault Nightclub, Aviemore: eclectic mix of sounds 10.30pm – 3am Every Sunday • Ace Adventures, 2.5hour Bird Watching River Cruise, 10am-2pm £40pp, Booking required T:01479 810510 • Explore Abernethy Centre, Nethybridge, Living in Dell Woods, FREE Guided Walk (Donations Appreciated) 2-4pm www.exploreabernethy.co.uk • Rothiemurchus Estate, Feed the Deer, 2pm, £6, Child £2. Booking Advised T:01479 812345 • Cairngorm Mountain, Guided downhill Allt Mor Trail Walk 2.30-4.30pm £5/£2 T:01479 861261 • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Kids Entertainment-Merson, 7-8pm • Macdonald’s Aviemore Highland Resort Auditorium, The Aviemore Highland Show celebrating Burns and Hogmanay all in one show. 7pm, £12, Child under 16 £8 0844 8471684 • Macdonald’s Academy Hotel, Dave ‘Remember Then’ 7.30-10.30pm • Macdonald’s Aviemore Inn, Cue the Music, 7.30-10.30pm • Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel, Alfie, 8.30pm • Lochanhully Woodland Club, Carrbridge, Family Bingo 9pm • Mackenzies Highland Inn, Aviemore, Karaoke with Gordy Peters, 9.30pm • Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore, Jazz Night with Alistair 9.30-11.30pm (not 4th)

THE SPEY DAM AND GARVA BRIDGE

2008-06-17T18:38:00.002+01:00

Thought I would highlight some great places to drive and explore while staying at Highland Holiday Cottages. As the mushroom season is still out of sight, you can use these drives to spot some great picking location for later in the year. Thanks to the newtonmore web site for the info.

Exploration No 1 -

The Spey Dam and Garva Bridge:

This short tour is especially good in a summer evening

Take the Fort William road out of Newtonmore as far as Laggan, where, instead of following the main road sharp left over the bridge, turn off to the right along the single track road. The Laggan Shop can be found here, It's open seven days a week and is well stocked with provisions, including tasty hot snacks.

Carry on up the single track road, through several sharp bends, and eventually sharp left over a bridge, with the Spey Dam wall visible upstream to your right, continuing up the hill until you see the loch in front of you. On your left is the ancient hill fort of Dun na Lamh - if you feel like a spot of exercise, stop near the river bridge and walk along the track to the left at the base of the hill (before the road starts climbing) - follow this round until the obvious track up hill takes you eventually to the summit of this fort, with superb views all round.

The loch of the Spey Dam is stocked regularly by the Badenoch Angling Association and provides good fly fishing, with boats available - strictly fly only, and a permit is required (you can buy one from Highland Holiday Cottages), or from Laggan Shop or local Petrol Stations.

Carry on along the length of the loch, and just beyond the end, where you reach a junction, turn right, over the narrow bridge, then continue past Garvamore, where the remnants of the General Wade Barracks can be seen on your right

A short while further on, you will come to Garva Bridge, a solid double span stone bridge, built by General Wade - part of the route of the Corrieyarick Pass from Fort Augustus to Laggan. Anywhere from the end of the Spey Dam, you are likely to encounter many red deer, very close to the road - even jumping out in front of you, so take care, and have the camera ready! You will not find a better opportunity to photograph deer in the wild than hereabouts. As long as you are early in the morning, or approaching dusk, the deer will be plentiful.

At Garva Bridge, you can stop and picnic, enjoy the upper reaches of the River Spey, or, if the gate on the other side of the bridge is not locked, you can continue to drive on for several more miles, as far as Melgarve - a really wild and remote place, and as far upstream on the River Spey as it's possible to get with a car. This section of the road is particularly rewarding when the deer are rutting, in October - but they will be very, very close to you, and they are aggressive at this time - so DON'T get out of the car

Return by the same route - sorry, this is the only route we feature that has no real alternative for return, but it's well worth the trip anyway!

Whats on in and around Aviemore May/June 2008

2008-05-17T13:15:00.002+01:00

Aviemore Badenoch & Strathspey
Stathspey in May
May 1st – 10th
Strathspey in May
Traditional music Festival and lots more check the web site for more info.

If you are staying at Highland Holiday Cottages your in luck its only a 25min drive to Grantown

Creatures of the Night

May 20th
Insh Marshes. See moths up close and watch bats
leave their roost. 8.30-10.30pm. Advance booking
is required. Charges Adults £5m RSPB Members
£2 Children Free. Meet at the RSPB car park (off
B970, 2 miles from Kingussie, just past Ruthven
Barracks. More info call: 01540 661518

May 24th-25th
Teddy Bears Weekend
Strathspey Steam Railway.
Children travel free if accompanied by a bear. You can borrow one from Highland Holiday Cottages - www.HighlandHolidayCottages.com
Telephone 01479 810725.
www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

May 25th

Arverikie Castle
Arverikie Gardens,

Yes the garden of Glenbogle setting of Monarch of the Glen, Arverikie only opens its doors once a year, a must for all the Monarch of the Glen
Open 2pm – 5.30pm
Adults £4 Children under 12 £1.
Teas, Baking, Proceeds to Charity.

May 3rd
Nethy Village Hall Live Ceilidh Band "Barley
Bree" to raise funds for the Local Kids. Tickets:
Adults £4.00, Children £1.50. Family £10 includes
two adults and two children. All tickets include
stovies or soup. Licensed Bar, Bouncy Castle.
May 28th

Highland Council
14.00-16.30 Helping Ratty in Kincraig
Meeting place given out on booking Water Voles
need your help in the Cairngorms National park.
A short talk will be followed by a field visit to
look for Water Voles signs. Telephone 01540
673907

Walking and Mounatin Festival
10th to 17th May Aviemore and the Cairngorms
Walking and Mountain Festival. Po Box 5439,
Aviemore, Scotland. Ph22 1YG
May 31st

May 31st
Aviemore Ceilidh Dance
Aviemore Village Hall 8pm to midnight
Dance to Ian Cameron Duo.
Come along and enjoy the great talent.

31st May
Laggan 10k Highland Road Race and Mile Fun Run
Laggan 10K-2.00pm. Fun Run-2.10pm
10K entrants must be 15 or over.
www.laggan.com/entry.htm

Fresh white and black truffles

2008-05-16T16:46:00.002+01:00

Why not treat yourself to some truffles, its not likley your going to find any in the UK, so why not order some from this great online gormy food web site. I bought some and they were great with most foods. Although expensive, very worthwhile to get that mushroom flavour.

Truffles go best with simple foods like scrambled eggs, omelettes, pasta, rice, or a typical meat dish, with truffle thinly, delicately sliced over it. While you might think you need a special truffle knife, a regular paring knife or a mandolin will do just as nicely to shave the truffles. In fact, you will release even more flavor out of a truffle if you break it up and mash it with a fork. Garlic, onion, chives, leek, celery, celery root, and parmesan enhance its flavor, and many recipes pair them with scallops, crayfish, foie gras, asparagus or cabbage.
Keep it simple, though, if you want to enjoy the aroma and taste that will enhance just about any food.

Why not even buy some for a foody friend....a great present

Cakes and Yummy Stuff.....

2008-05-06T13:25:00.003+01:00

Sian writes about what she knows best.......cakes and yummy stuff. Below are some of Sians favourite cakie places! If you are staying at Highland Holiday Cottages near Aviemore we recomend you try some of these places....No mushroom cakes...sorry

Mountain Café in the centre of Aviemore produces homemade breads, scones and muffins. Their specialties, such as spiced apple cake, blueberry & lime drizzle cake and passion fruit melting moments are to die for! There are large glass windows and an outside veranda, so you can enjoy your hot chocolate and cake with a fantastic view! Aviemore is just a short drive north from Highland Holiday Cottages. visit http://www.mountaincafe-aviemore.co.uk/

The Pottery Bunkhouse and Coffee Shop in Laggan. Favourites include their famous carrot cake, “best ever” cheese scones and homemade soups. Their baking looks rustic and tastes really fresh and hearty! You should walk to the coffee shop from Highland Holiday Cottages because as the crow flies it is only about 3 miles, but to drive it, it is about 15 miles from Highland Holiday Cottages! You could walk off all the calories you’ve just eaten! visit www.potterybunkhouse.co.uk/coffee-shop.asp

The Potting Shed is in Inshriach Nursery, where they have a viewing gallery overlooking a feeding station that attracts red squirrels and a variety of birds. Located within Jack Drake's Alpine Nursery in Aviemore, the tearoom serves up a tasty selection of home-baked cakes and coffee served on beautiful bone china plates and cups! Nominated one of Britain top ten cake shops. The drive from Highland Holiday Cottages takes you on the back road to Aviemore, which has some amazing views! visit http://www.drakesalpines.com/

Gillys Kitchen in Kingussie serves delicious homemade cakes, flapjacks and cookies. Very rich, but very tasty! Just 10 minutes from Highland Holiday Cottages, there is plenty of other things to do in Kingussie as well. visit http://www.kingussie.co.uk/

The Dalwhinnie Inn always has fresh and tasty cakes and muffins as snacks, or proper homemade crumbles and pies for desserts. The menu here is so exceptional that I strayed from just eating cake and had a starter of tempura vegetables with satay sauce! VERY good! It is about 4 miles south of Highland Holiday Cottages and has a beautiful river running right behind the inn. visit www.theinndalwhinnie.com/inndulge/inndulge.html

The Cas Bar is at the bottom of the funicular train at the Cairngorm Mountain resort in Aviemore. It offers a range of fine things to eat - their Fair Trade coffee and Cairngorm hot chocolate are always on offer, and go well with their home made scones! Aviemore is just a short drive north from Highland Holiday Cottages, and there is loads of other things to do once you’re there. visit www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/cas-bar

At Loch Insh there are big glass windows and veranda overlooking the loch which is really fabulous (and great to have a laugh at other people trying out some watersports whilst you are sipping a latte!) Their cakes are tasty, very chocolate-y! visit www.lochinsh.com/Default.htm

Finally we have to mention the Mountain Base cafe located at the base of Wolf Trax....the best place for carrot cake this side of the Cairngorms. You can cycle off the calories afterwards. They alos do a mean milkshake.visit www.basecampmtb.com/BC_Cafe.htm

The bad ass Mushrooms!

2008-04-20T21:15:00.007+01:00

What's bad, mushrooms can be bad and make you mad!

It's a very good idea to be cautious around wild mushrooms. Although many species are considered quite tasty, even some edible mushrooms can cause upset stomachs in vulnerable people, especially the old and the young. Many poisonous mushrooms can cause such severe gastric distress that people who eat them require hospitalization. A few species of mushrooms can even be lethal. In fact, it is so difficult to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic varieties of mushrooms that it is considered safest not to eat wild ones at all. Only gather mushrooms that you can positively identify; if you have even the slightest uncertainty about the identity of a mushroom, don't pick it. Even with this precaution, you should always have an expert verify the safety of the mushrooms you collect.

The Worst Mushrooms

The Amanita family of mushrooms includes many different toxic species, including two that are responsible for a large number of severe illnesses and deaths each year: the Death's Cap (see below) and the Destroying Angel (see above).

A few members of the Amanita family are edible, such as the Caesar's Mushroom, which is considered a delicacy. To prevent potentially fatal mistakes, however, no mushroom that fits the description of an Amanita should be picked, or eaten, by a novice or so called expert mushroom gatherer.

Characteristic Appearance

At the base of the stem is a volva, a membranous sheath of tissue that resembles a sack or bag. The cap is egg shaped when young, but flattens out as the mushroom ages. There is usually a ring or circular flap of tissue that runs around the stem beneath the cap.

Signs of Amanita Poisoning

Until approximately 24 hours after ingesting an Amanita, there are few, if any, signs that anything is wrong. After that time, a stomach upset occurs, with diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats. Over time, the vomiting grows worse, until there is a serious danger of dehydration. If not cared for, people get so weak that they die due to heart failure. If this does not happen, the outward symptoms may diminish, but the poisons continue to destroy the internal organs, especially the liver and kidneys. The victim usually remains lucid until death from massive organ failure.

There is no cure for Amanita mushroom poisoning. No one has ever found an antidote for the toxins in the Amanitas, although a combination of vitamins B and C has been found to help eliminate or destroy them. Because of the potential for liver damage, hepatic protectors are often administered, including cortisone, various anti-enzymes, and silymarin (a liver-protecting drug extracted from a plant in the cardoon family).

In serious cases of poisoning, blood transfusions, dialysis, or even liver and kidney transplants are necessary to save the victims' lives. Even these extreme measures are not always successful.
Death's Cap (Amanita phalloides)
The Death's Cap mushroom is responsible for the majority of mushroom deaths; 90% of all fatal mushroom poisonings are caused by this species. Common in both North America and Europe, this mushroom poses one of the biggest risks to casual gatherers. It has a variety of appearances, so it can be difficult to properly identify. Known to contain more than twenty different toxic chemicals, the Death's Cap is not something that you want to eat; ingesting even one mushroom can be lethal.

Identifying Characteristics
The Death's Cap has a surprisingly large number of different appearances. It comes in a variety of colours, so this is not considered a reliable identifying characteristic, but it is most often olive or olive-brown in colour. It can also be pale green or yellow, and is rarely pure white in colour. It is normally about 10 - 18cm in height, with a cap that is about 5 - 15cm in diameter. The gills on the underside of the cap are white, are not directly attached to the stem, and are fairly crowded together. The cap is covered in radiating fibrous tissue, and has a wave-like edge when mature. The spores of this mushroom are white. Oddly enough, the flesh of this mushroom has a faint odour of rose petals; this is an extremely important sign. It is found mostly in the autumn, but also in the summer.

Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa)
This pure white mushroom is actually quite beautiful, but its beauty is only skin deep; like the Death's Cap, this is a lethal mushroom. It's best to stay away from any totally white mushrooms that you come across, even if you think they're safe, because the Angel resembles several other harmless or edible species.

Identifying Characteristics

This mushroom has a hemispherical cap, almost like an inverted bowl or saucer, although this has a tendency to flatten out with time. Also, it has a slightly unpleasant taste and smell, in addition to being totally and completely white. When dry, the cap will feel silky; when wet, the cap will become slimy to the touch. This species often loses its ring, so don't use the presence or absence of a ring to identify it. It is normally about 10 - 18cm tall, with a cap that is about 5 - 10 cm in diameter, and is usually found in summer and autumn.

Additional Mushroom Facts

Mushrooms are fungi, and so are neither plants nor animals. They belong to a totally different branch of living things. Mushrooms are also known as 'toadstools', although many people use this word to describe inedible mushrooms.

The mushroom is actually only a small part of the entire fungus. The part above ground that we see is a fruiting body, known as a sporophore or hymenium, designed to spread reproductive material in the form of spores. Most of the fungus is made up of a complicated underground network of filaments, called the mycelium. The individual filaments are known as hypha (plural, hyphae). Mushrooms form when two different mycelia meet and fuse, producing fruiting bodies.
Fungi contain no chlorophyll, and so are unable to photosynthesize. They digest decaying organic material or parasitize other living things, including animals and insects. Athlete's Foot is an example of a fungus that parasitizes humans. Many cultivated mushrooms are grown deep underground in caves, cellars, and other damp, dark places. A variety of different growth mediums are used, although the most common one is manured soil.

thanks to H2G2 for the information

Highland Holiday Cottages get GOLD

2008-04-17T17:38:00.006+01:00

GREAT NEWS

Highland Holiday Cottages near Aviemore are the first in Strathspey & Badenoch for self catering accommodation to attain Gold Eco-rating in the Green Business Tourism Awards.

More to follow shortly.

Making Tracks for Grantown-on-Spey

2008-04-05T09:16:00.003+01:00

Passengers using the Strathspey Steam Railway will be able to make the journey from Aviemore all the way to Grantown for the first time in over 50 years today, albeit not all the way by rail -- at least for now.

The launch of the new “Grantown Special” bus service will link the final stop on the steam railway at Broomhill to the town of Grantown on Spey each Wednesday over the summer. The new trial service will run from 12th July until 30th August inclusive.

The pilot programme is paving the way for what organisers hope will be the completion of the rail line all the way to Grantown in the future.

One of the organisers of the bus link, Grantown Initiative’s Development Officer said: “It’s a very exciting day that will see people able to travel in style from Aviemore or Boat of Garten right into Grantown without having to use the car. It will make a lovely day trip for visitors and locals alike and I would encourage everyone to use the link so that we can expand on the service for next year.”

Passengers embarking at Aviemore or Boat of Garten can buy a through ticket to Grantown -- and once on the bus at Broomhill will receive the added bonus of a book of vouchers for money off or special offers in the town.

The “Grantown Special” train will leave Aviemore at 10.30am, arriving into Grantown at approx.11.30am which means there will be ample opportunity for exploring the town, visiting the Museum taking a wander through Anagach woods with time for lunch and using some of the discount vouchers before leaving the town mid-afternoon and arriving back into Aviemore at 4.15pm. “The timing should make sure everyone has plenty of time to enjoy all that Grantown has to offer” said Douglas “it will make a full and interesting day trip for all the family. However, space on the bus will be limited so people should make sure they get to Aviemore or Boat of Garten railway stations early or book in advance”.

The Chair of the Grantown Business Association, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting this project which will not only bring visitors to the town but help create stronger links along the Strath. The issuing of the special voucher books will not only help underline our backing for this project, but also enhance visitors enjoyment of the town”.

Mr Black of Strathspey Railway Company said “It is very encouraging to have Grantown Initiative promote this project. The Strathspey Railway was formed in 1971 to re-establish the railway in the town and although this is a combined rail and bus service I hope that it will develop through subsequent years. Until such time as we are able to bring the trains into Grantown the bus connection will provide that missing link.”

Passengers wishing to book can call Strathspey Railway on 01479 810725 or go to their website at http://www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk/

Whats on in and around Aviemore APRIL/MAY 2008

2008-03-28T18:47:00.002Z

Aviemore Badenoch & Strathspey

Birth of the Modern Highlander
Exhibition Cairngorm Mountain
100 images of contemporary records of 18th century
life in Strathspey

April 4th, Friday
A Night in Brazil – Brazilian Music and Latin Jazz
8 pm
Iona Gallery, Spey Street, Kingussie

April 4th, Friday
Andy’s Ceilidh Party
7.30 pm to 10.30 pm
Cromdale Hall

April 5th , Saturday
Family Orienteering Sessions
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Abernethy Primary School,
Nethy Bridge

April 6th
Continental Market
9 – 4 in The Square Grantown on Spey

April 13th 2008
Lauren MacColl Fiddling
Talla nan Ros Kingussie, 8pm
Tickets at Door or from www.thebooth.co.uk

April 19th 2008
Aviemore Ceilidh Dance
Aviemore Village Hall 8pm till midnight
Dance to Ian Anderson Trio.

April 27th – 29th
Aviemore Tradeshow

Osprey Suite MacDonald
Highland Resort. A three-day trade event for
Scottish makers in the art, craft and gift sectors. A
trade show that will offer a shop window for
Scottish makers to exhibit their products to buyers
from Scotland, other parts of the UK and indeed the
rest of the world. Contact Gail Steel or Ruth Black
on gail@aviemoretradeshow.co.uk for more
information Tel: 01667 460079 (Office Hours:
12noon – 5.00pm Wed and Thurs) Aviemore Trade
Show, Station Road, Ardersier Inverness IV2 7ST

May 1st – 5th
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
www.spiritofspeyside.com

May 1st – 5th
Strathspey in May
Traditional music Festival

www.strathspeyinmay.com

May 4th
The Square Factor
Talent Show (ages 8 – 100!)
Come along and enjoy the great talent.
Venue Grantown Grammar School
For more information email
info@grantownonspey.com
Or telephone: 01479 872150

May 10th – 17th
Aviemore & Cairngorm
Walking &Mountain Festival
Various times and events
Contact Details Neil Bremner
Aviemore Business Association
PO Box 5349
Aviemore PH22 1YG
enquiries@aviemorewalking.com
www.aviemorewalking.com

Inverness, Loch Ness, and Nairn

Traditional Music Sessions / Live
Hootananny, Church Street,
Tel: 01463 233 651, www.hootananny.co.uk

Live Music / Comedy
Ironworks, Academy St; Tel: 0871 7894173,
www.ironworksvenue.com

Car Boot Sale
Co-Op Car Park, Telford Street, 9am
Saturday Ceilidh with Fraser, Erik and Guests
Hootananny, Church Street, 14.30 – 18.00
Sunday Car Boot Sale
Highland Council Car Park, 9am

Capturing the Coastline - Images of
Scotland’s coastal scenery which is at
threat from erosion.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Castle
Bishops Palace, Eden Court
A permanent exhibition on the history of
the building and also of Eden Court.

Mixed Exhibitions
Castle Gallery, Castle Street.
THEATRE and CINEMA
Eden Court www.eden-court.co.uk
01463 234 234
Vue www.myvue.com
08712 240 240
Florians www.florians.org.uk

Wolfstone Celtic fusion
Tickets: £14 Tel: 0871 7894173
Ironworks, Academy Street.
www.ironworksvenue.com
2

0:00 The Shee – formerly The Sirens
Gaelic song to American Bluegrass.
Glen Urquhart Public Hall, Blairbeg,
Drumnodrochit.
www.thebooth.co.uk

21:30 Scone Fairies – Local musicians play
guitar, banjos and fiddles.
Hootananny, Church Street, Inverness.

Saturday 29 March 2008
10:30 –12:30
‘‘To Hell and Back’’ – Book Launch of
Ross-shire author Jay Muirhead.

Navigation for Numpties
Learn about navigation, compass work, route
planning and equipment.
Great Glen Way Ranger Event, Craigmonie
Centre, Drumnadrochit. Booking required.
Tel: 01320 366633
Wednesday 2 April 2008 14:00 – 17:00

The Culloden History Tour
Meet some characters from the past and
learn about Culloden’s history.
Tickets: Adult £4, Child £2.
John Orr, Inverness East and Nairn Ranger.
Tel:01463 702939 john.orr@highland.gov.uk
20.00 Claik an’ Clype Storytelling Circle

Hear stories from Scottish folklore,
contemporary material and music.
La Tortilla Asesina (upstairs), Castle Street,
Inverness. Tel: 01463 233729
Thursday 3 April 2008

Fort William & Lochaber

Traditional Music Sessions
Weekly Thursday Nights 9pm Ben Nevis Hotel
Informal Folk Session
Weekly Friday Nights 9pm Ben Nevis Inn
Clachaig Inn
Regular live music featured in the Boots Bar - everything from
contemporary to traditional music featured
Also regular beer festivals, the occasional tasting and lecture.
Clachaig Inn, Glencoe www.clachaig.com Tel: 01855 811252

Shinty
On MOST (but not every) Saturday afternoons between March
and October, you can see the ancient sport of the Celts - Shinty –
being played at various locations in the Highlands. D There is a
full fixture list available from the Camanach association
www.shinty.com

The Sunart Centre
For details of regular sports activities in The Sunart Centre see
www.sunartcentre.org Tel: 01397 709227
THEATRE & SHOWS
Nevis Centre
Ft William
Tel: 01397 700707
4th April Wolfstone On Tour

12th & 13th European Highland Dancing Champs.
Glenuig Hall
Parish of Moidart
Tel: 01687 470267
14th April Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett 8pm
The Sunart Centre Tel: 01397 709227

18th Scottish Dance Theatre 8pm
Nevis Centre
Wolfstone On Tour
Wolfstone are best described as a rock band from the Highlands
that happen to use pipes, whistles & Fiddles in their repertoire.
£15.
Tel: 01397 700707
12th & 13th April

Easter Snow Conditions @ The Cairngorms

2008-03-20T20:46:00.004Z

Easter Weekend Snow Conditiond at CairnGorm Mountain

General Conditions Great skiing and boarding! More fresh snow has fallen this week and is consolidating today due to milder temperatures giving an excellent base for Easter. Good skiing and boarding for beginners and intermediates in the Ptarmigan and Coire Cas.
Ski Runs There are runs down the White Lady and the M1 - narrow in places so take care. The top of the ski area and Coire Cas have the best skiing and boarding for all ages. We plan to open the West Wall Poma tomorrow (Friday) and the best route down there is the M2 and Over Yonder, both pisted. The groomers have been doing fantastic work to provide these runs and will continue to work on Ryvoan to open that. There are 2 large holes in the Ciste Gully and the West Wall has a significant build up of unstable snow. There are excellent runs from the top to the middle station on the Traverse, 105, Cas, Gunbarrel and M1. White Lady pisted down to the Elephant fence.

Sledge Park The Sledge park will be open subject to conditions at the Top Station and sledge hire can be arranged in the shop at the top (it is not possible to carry sledges on the train). Sledging sessions can be booked and purchased from the Shop at the Top; please enquire about availability at the ticket office before you purchase your funicular ticket. As always please visit our web site for the most up to date conditions and weather. http://www.cairngormmountain.org/.

Weekend Weather Outlook for the CairnGorms National Park Area Friday 21st March: Northerly 35-40mph gusts of 60mph. Frequent snow showers all day with some sustained blizzards. Variable cloud base between 800m - 1100m. Sunshine to the south. Excellent visibility outside snow showers. Temp at 900m: -5C but feeling like minus 22C. Freezing level 250m.
Saturday 15th March: Northerly 20-30mph gusts as high as 45mph. Snow showers will continue. Cloud base between 600m - 900m. Bursts of bright sunshine outside of snow showers. Temp at 900m. -6C feeling like minus 19C in wind. Freezing level 250m.

The Ski School have lesson availability but please pre-book by calling 01479 861319 (10.00-16.00). Buying Tickets Purchase your tickets on line at

http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/buy-tickets-online/

www.HighlandHolidayCottages.com for more info on where to Stay.

Whats on in and around Aviemore

2008-02-27T18:57:00.002Z

This our updated list of what's on in and around
- Aviemore Badenoch & Strathspey Highland Region-

In March

What - Mountian Spirit Winter Fest
When - 1st March
Where - Cairngorm Mountian

FREE to all snowsports ticket holders. Your chance to try a new snowsports discipline. Choose from alpine, telemark, cross country and ski mountaineering. Come test the lastest gear or join up for a short clinic and enjoy free instruction from some of the experts! Clinic times from 10am through until 2.30pm. (lasting between 60- 90mins). Conditions permitting there will be an Apline/Tele competition at 3pm and a ski mountaineering Le Mans Course Challenge! All this fun followed by a Winter Fest Party in the Hilton Coylumbridge Woodshed Bar from 5pm. BBQ, Band and Apres Fun. All welcome! If weather conditions do not permit a Saturday programme the event will run on Sunday.

Film for sale "Seachd"

2008-02-05T14:30:00.000Z

Young Films has secured a deal with an international sales agent to sell Gaelic film, Seachd, at the Berlin Film Festival and around the world. Producer Christopher Young resigned from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts last year because the film was not put forward for an Oscar

Làn fhìrinn na sgeòil. The truth is in the story. When a young man, Angus, visits his dying Grandfather in hospital he cannot hold back his boyhood quest for the truth - the truth behind the death of his parents and the truth behind his Grandfather's ancient, incredible, fearful stories. Stories from the whole swathe of Gaelic history of poisoned lovers, bloody revenge, water-horses and Spanish gold. His Grandfather hijacks Angus' life for one last time leading him to one of Scotland's most treacherous mountains, The Inaccessible Pinnacle, and an ancient truth he never expected to find.

Great Film Check out -

CultureGaelic & Highland culture [11]Gaelic online [18]Gaelic media [14]Gaelic music [46]Gaelic writing & folklore [20]Gaelic & Scottish books [18]Gaelic & Scottish food & drink [7]Learn Gaelic [18]
FilmFilm festivals [5]Seachd cast and crew [3].TravelVisit Gaelic Scotland [12]The Isle of Skye [13]The Cuillin mountains [11]Where Seachd was filmed [6]
ProtectionGaelic development [7]Gaelic around the globe [14].HistoryGaelic & Highland history [10]Highland clans & geneology [8]Scottish history [10]History related to Seachd [11]

Skiing Cairngorms

2008-02-01T18:31:00.000Z

Another snow up-date for the week ahead at the Cairngorms

www.HighlandHolidayCottages.com

Planning on some highland skiing, why not check out our 3 night

weekend breaks at our luxury 4 star cottages

Weekend Weather Outlook for the CairnGorms National Park Area Friday 1st Feb: Wind NW, 40-55mph gusting 60 - 80mph! Will ease later from the West. Heavy snow showers giving blizzard conditions in N Cairngorms. Cloud base will be low some clearing will occur in brighter periods. Visibility poor - nil in showers. Temp at 900m will be minus 8 C but will feel like minus 32 C in wind. Freezing level around sea level.

Saturday 2nd Feb : Wind NW backing westerly 20 - 30mph gusting 45mph. Snow showers largely confined to West of A9 and N Cairngorms. Cloud base will vary as showers come and go typically 500- 750 m in W and 900m - 100m elsewhere. Patchy sun with some excellent visibility outside snow showers. Temp at 900m minus 9 C rising to minus 6C but will feel as cold as minus 22C. Freezing level 250m.

Outlook: Gales on summits on Sunday, with outbreaks of snow at higher levels. Freezing levels will rise from West. Unsettled early next week with further snow showers across the Highlands at higher levels.

Snow sports this week... Heavy snow fall today (Thursday 31st) has improved conditions on the hill and we expect more snow on Friday to improve the situation further. Top to bottom skiing possible - lots of fresh drifting snow on a firm base. Good terrain for beginners, intermediates and advanced. Big drifts in the Ptarmigan Bowl and the Traverse (the piste machines are on it). White Lady run is complete again (narrow in places). Coire Cas (pisted) and the Lower slopes are all skiable. Fiacaill poma is complete and the Car park T Bar is filling in. Ciste Gully / M2 will be assessed when visibility improves.

Vans Terrain Park in the Ptarmigan Bowl has rails, jumps and features ready for use! See the web for details of the Shred event on the 9th February.

Opening Times First train up is 9.00 am. Last train up 3.50 pm. Last train down 4.30 pm. Conditions permitting the Shieling will be open for packed lunches and the T Bar at the Day Lodge will be available for hot drinks and packed lunches.

Buying Tickets. Purchase your tickets on line at http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/buy-tickets-online/ or You can buy and collect your snow sports tickets from Aviemore Ski and Board Hire on Friday night up until 10pm.

Bob's Blog. This is a blog from the Chief Executive, Bob Kinnaird. It's a personal perspective and he is updating regularly. To read Bob's Blog follow the link http://www.cairngormmountain.co.uk/blog/

Falls of Truim

2008-01-26T14:09:00.000Z

Highland Holiday Cottages, Nr Aviemore Scotland, Cameron and Sian captured these images which show the impact on the River Truim in the Highlands. After severe storm weather over the weekend parts of Badenoch and Strathspey are underwater. This includes the river Truim, luckly we are nice and dry up in Highland Holiday Cottages on top of the hill.

Self Catering Special Offers for Easter

2008-01-24T09:46:00.000Z

March and Easter, is a fantastic period in the Highlands of Scotland with a variety of snowsport attractions on offer. The snow is falling today (24/01/08) and the snowsport resorts in the area are having their best season in over 10 years. All this snow will ensure that we have skiing and snowboarding right into the easter holidays.

There is usually some late snow which allows good skiing at the Cairgorm Mountain Range which is only 20 mins drive from our Luxury 4 star self catering cottages or if you fancy try out the Lecht, Glencoe or Glenshee resorts, these are all within an hours drive

Highland Holiday Cottages luxury self catering have lots of special offers on during March as well as a fantastic 10% off a weeks booking in March if booked before March 01st. Have a look at http://www.highlandholidaycottages.com/ for more info or for the 10% off specila offer check out http://www.visitaviemore.com/SpecialOffers.html

Highland Holiday Cottages are ideally situated just 10 miles south of Aviemore so they are a perfect base for exploring the Highlands in early spring. Check availability and book online at http://www.highlandholidaycottages.com/.

Fungi Podcasts from the BBC

2008-01-19T22:08:00.000Z

THE FIFTH FUNGI

You wonder why you pay a TV license, and then you get to 30 something, and discover the wonderful world of the wireless. I don’t mean WIFI, I mean radio. “Radio 2” ,” Radio Five Live” and now “Radio 4”. I must be getting old!!!

The great BBC have done it again and produce a great Fungi Series featuring scientists and amateur naturalists studying fungi, one of the largest and most fascinating groups of organisms on the planet. Its well worth a listen, it is a series of 5 episodes “THE FIFTH KINGDOM” all which are linked below…. Enjoy

Episode 1 – The world of Fungi (click here to listen)
Fungi at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Mycologists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, reveal some extraordinary facts.

Episode 2 – What Lies Beneath (click here to listen)
The work of Lynne Boddy and colleagues at Cardiff University
More fungi can be found in woodlands than anywhere else, appearing every autumn as their fruit bodies burst through the ground. Lynne Boddy of Cardiff University reveals the complex struggles which take place underground.

Episode 3 – Grassland fungi (click here to listen)
Waxcaps and other species
Beyond woodland, there is a group of fungi that like nothing better than old unimproved grassland. From red to yellow and pink to green, amateur naturalist Rosemary Winnall reveals the colourful delights of her garden where endless waxcaps, fairy clubs and earth tongues emerge.

Episode 4 – Anywhere and Everywhere (click here to listen)
Fungi can survive in any type of habitat. They form intricate relationships with their hosts or partners, manipulating the growth of plants and the relationship they have with insects.

Episode 5 – A Fungus Amongst Us (click here to listen)
The Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol
For all their fascinating lifestyles, fungi can be friend or foe. Mycologists reveal the impact that fungi have had on the planet and how our survival is dependent on their own.

What on

2008-01-16T07:50:00.000Z

- This our updated list of what's on in and around the Cairngorm National Park -

What - "SNOWSPORTS" At last the snow is back in the Cairngorms

Where - Cairngorm Mountain

When - Now and hopefully for a few months

The sun is shinning (well yesterday) and there is snowsport at the Cairngorms

Status dated 16-01-08

They have excellent cover of snow on the upper, middle and lower slopes. There is still a good, complete, run from the top to the bottom, with a dusting of fresh snow on a hard base. The Ptarmigan Bowl, Ciste Fairway, Traverse, 105, Gunbarrel, Zig Zags, Home Road, Burnside, Fiacaill Traverse and M1 provided great pisted skiing. Some icy patches on the lower runs. White lady is good skiing on chopped up powder. Some rock showing. Ciste Gully open - West Wall is closed. Other runs are also available, but unpisted.

check http://www.cairngormmountain.org.uk/ and get up on that white stuff now!

What -Aviemore Sled Dog Rally
When: This weekend 18th/19thJanuary 2008
Where: Glenmore Forest Park

Aviemore Every year, mushers from throughout the UK gather in the forests around Aviemore for one of the most challenging and prestigious of the British Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies. We have some of the mushers staying at Highland Holiday Cottages. They are always hoping for plenty of the white stuff to make it a real arctic experience, and they got their wish!however, my sources from the track say its icy very icy. All are hoping for more snow and it look like it may come....let's hope so.
Click here for more

What - Croft and Creel - Harvesting the land and Sea

When - 5 October 2007 - 3 February:

Where - Anstruther

A new exhibition at the Scottish Fisheries Museum, looks at the west coast and Hebrides from the early 19th century to the present day, where the story of fishing has always been intimately entwined with the story of the land. Open Monday to Saturday: 10am- 4.30pm, Sunday 12 noon- 4.30pm. Admission free with museum entry ticket. Last entries 1 hour before closing.

http://www.scotfishmuseum.org/

What - Vans SnowBoard Competition

When - Feb 9,10 (08)

Where - Cairngorm Mountian

Lots of snowboarding RADness in Scotland's number one snowboarding comp, remember snowboarding is not for sheep. SAD snowboarders against dendex......

Check - snow comps

What -Scottish Snowdrop Festival
When: 1st February - 16th March 2008
Where: Throughout Scotland

VisitScotland has teamed up with National Trust for Scotland, Scotland's Gardens Scheme and gardens around the country to bring you the second Scottish Snowdrop Festival. Find time to head outdoors and marvel at these beautiful little plants, set against the backdrop of some of Scotland's most captivating castles, gardens and stately homes. Read more about this event

What - Fort William Mountain Festival
When: 15th February - 23rd February 2008
Where: Fort William

A two-week celebration of mountains and the culture that surrounds them! During the best winter walking and climbing conditions of the year, the Festival offers a varied and very full programme of lectures, films, activities, exhibitions, plays and music to entertain visitors to the UK's outdoor capital. Read more about this event

What - Historic Buildings Exhibition

When: 7th -27th January 2008

Where - Cairngorm Mountain

A free exhibition and free accompanying book by Historic Scotland celebrating the Cairngorms National Park's architectural heritage. Open daily from 10.00am until 4.00pm in the T Bar adjacent to the Base Station.

What - Kingussie Food on Film Festival

When - 1st- 3rd Feb 2008

Where - Kingussie

Kingussie is celebrating food this winter with an extravaganza of films, food and music! From the opening night of the festival featuring wonderful local food produced by Kingussie’s own Auld Alliance Gourmet Academy and an exciting selection of films by Scottish filmmakers - through a Saturday packed with a bustling food hall, food tastings, art and film-making fun, documentaries, a feature film and late night international short films - to our Awards Ceremony and closing end of festival party on Sunday evening, with live music and more delicious food! Check http://www.kfff.co.uk/ for more info.

What - Winter Talk

When - Mon 28 January 7.30pm

Where - Boat of Garten Hall

Trekking the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas
With Tania Alliod (Marketing Manager for Cairngorm Mountain, Skier Trekker and Mountain Biker!) Admission: £4.00 includes complimentary glass of wine for adults. http://www.boatofgarten.com/

What -Winter Talk 2

When -Tue 12 February

Where - Boat Garten New Community Hall

Utah - America’s most remarkable state With Chris Carter (Lecturer, Photographer and Traveller) :30PM. Admission: £4.00 includes complimentary glass of wine for adults.
http://www.boatofgarten.com/

What - Winter Talk 3

When - Mon 25 February :

Where - Boat of Garten New Community Hall

Billericay to Kathmandu by car in 1973
a DVD of an 8mm movie taken at the time.With John Bruce (Publisher, Website Developer and Intrepid Adventurer!) 7:30PM. Admission: £4.00 includes complimentary glass of wine for adults.

http://www.boatofgarten.com/

What - Inverness Music Festival
When: 18th February - 6th March 2008
Where: Inverness

Inverness's Music Festival is a competitive event attracting over 1000 entrants to venues throughout the city. Prizes are awarded in a multitude of styles across Vocal, Instrumental, Speech, Gaelic and Scottish disciplines. Read more about this event

The type of wild fungi found in the Highlands

2008-01-05T21:55:00.000Z

There are so many wild mushrooms found in Scotland, and there is always the danger of getting it wrong. Before eating any scotish wild mushrooms, by far the safest thing to do is have the identification confimed by an expert. Also ensure that you have at least three postive ids from books before eating. If in doubt, thow it out. Below is a short list of the key edible fungi found in and around the Cairgoms National Park, and some actually found on the door step of Highland Holiday Cottages.

As mentioned Highland Holiday Cottages plan to run some wild fungi picking breaks later in the year 2008, so make sure you check my blog and http://www.highlandholidaycottages.com/ for more info.

Field Mushroom, main found on pasture land in late summer early autumn.

Cep, Penny Bun, Porchini or latin Boletus Edulis on pine forest floor Autumn early Winter

Chanterelle, found in all kinds of woodlands, but usually found in old pine/birch forest in the local area in summer to late autumn, see some of my old postings for cooking ideas.

Shaggy Ink Cap, also know as the lawyers wig, for obvious reasons. I have found these while golfing, in fact golfing and mushroom picking go well togther, especially when your in the rough as much as me! Found late summer early Autumn, some cooking recipes to follow!

Hedgehog Fungus , this can be found in many of the plantations in the area. Usually in dense firs where there is lots of standing water. A great fungi for cooking and one of my favs as you can see in the piture taken in the kitchen. Late summer to late autumn. Hopefully this will become a more popular mushroom as I seem to find load of them around Highland Holiday Cottages. Also see my fungi map for a better location.

Wild Oyster Mushroom, these can be found from autumn to late winter, in fact I picked some only a few weeks ago. Usually found on old tree stumps and once you have found them, they are always there, year after year.

What's on in Aviemore and the Cairngorms. What's on in Januray & February

2008-01-04T19:38:00.000Z

Aviemore Highland Holiday Cottages
The many and varied attractions in this part of the Highlands appeal to visitors with a very wide range of interests. The vistscotland video shows this...click here to watch Visit Scotland Video. Accordingly in these pages we aim to give you a short, comprehensive & informative summary of what is available to you. Once you've made your plans, if you'd like us to find out some more or make arrangements for you, please just ask. We'll happily do the arranging, leaving you to concentrate on the enjoying!!
Winter is Here

- this our list of whats on in Januray & February-

Aviemore Sled Dog Rally

When: 19th & 20th January 2008

Where: Glenmore Forest Park,

Aviemore Every year, mushers from throughout the UK gather in the forests around Aviemore for one of the most challenging and prestigious of the British Siberian Husky Club's series of rallies - always hoping for plenty of the white stuff to make it a real arctic experience. And, even if there's no snow at ground level for the event, the races will still go on with mushers using a three-wheeled rig that looks like a bike without a seat.

Click here for more

Scottish Snowdrop Festival

When: 1st February - 16th March 2008

Where: Throughout Scotland

Fort William Mountain Festival

When: 15th February - 23rd February 2008

Where: Fort William

Inverness Music Festival

When: 18th February - 6th March 2008

Where: Inverness

Secret Wild Mushroom Locator Map

2007-11-15T08:50:00.000Z

Most mushroom hunters won’t share their favourite locations or reveal their hunting secrets. However if you are lucky enough to find my site, you're in luck. For many years I wanted some guidance and help on locating good areas for wild mushroom picking, but whoever I asked, the answer was the same...."if I told you I would have to kill you".

In my opinion anyone who is willing to explore woodlands for hours on end to find wild mushrooms and plants, are the kind of visitors the Cairngorms National Park needs. Generally, I find that anyone with an interest in mushrooms and wild foraging, are the type of people who pick up discarded rubbish, spend money in local butchers and farmers markets and most importantly respect the Scottish Mushroom Picking Code.

Just the kind of people needed to make Cairngorms National Park what it should be. No doubt I will upset some local mushroom gathers, but I think the more people we invite to experience the National Park, whether for fungi forging or just taking a stroll the better. Because of this I have developed a secret (well semi secret!) Wild Fungi Map, on this map you will see little shroom icons, click on the icon and it will give you a picture, summary and other information on the mushrooms likely to be found in this area dependant on season. I also supply information on other edible plants and berries found in the area.