Lifestyle Moray Magazine - April May 2022

Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair - Sunday 15th May 2022

After a two year pause due to the pandemic, the much-loved Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair - brought back to life in 2011 by the current owners - returns to Fochabers, Moray on Sunday 15th May 2022 (10.00 to 17.00), with an eclectic mix of entertainment for all the family. Completed as one of Scotland’s largest houses in the 1770s by the Duke of Gordon, Gordon Castle is the spiritual home of the House of Gordon, one of Scotland’s oldest families. The estate nestles in the Spey valley, in the heart of whisky country, with a stretch of the Spey River running through the estate, which boasts some of the best salmon fishing in the world.

By the early twentieth century the Gordon Castle Highland Games had become a hugely popular event. Thanks to the patronage and great enthusiasm of the then Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon the Games became renowned throughout Scotland. By the late 1920s the Gordon Castle Highland Games had become synonymous with world record

breaking escapades in the heavy events and was an unmissable fixture in the Highland Games calendar.

The Games was halted during the Great War as the castle was used as an auxiliary hospital to care for injured soldiers. In 1938, the Estate was sold back to the Crown following two successive deaths and then fell into disrepair before being ‘rescued’ by Lieutenant General Sir George Gordon Lennox (grandson of the 7th Duke of Richmond and Gordon) after World War Two. He was forced to knock down much of the original house due to dry and wet rot, but he and his wife began the loving restoration, which Angus Gordon Lennox (Grandson of Sir George) and his wife Zara, continue today.

Held in the historic grounds of Gordon Castle, the games brings together traditional Scottish entertainment and country sports performances, offering something for all the family. The games arena will once again play host to the Scottish 28lb Weight for Distance Championships as well as the ever-popular caber toss, massed pipe band parade and tug o’ war.

The Country Sports Arena will welcome back Mordor Gun Dogs, Drakes of Hazzard and the much-loved Gordon Setter gathering. In between the packed schedule of both arenas visitors will enjoy massed pipe band displays, stilt walkers, wood turning, lazer clay, army demonstrations and falconry display.

There’s also plenty to keep the little ones entertained with lots of new attractions for 2022 in the children’s play zone – bouncy

castles, face painting, sand art, races and much more!

New for 2022, Tower Hall events space has been transformed into a shopping boutique showcasing over 40 small businesses. In addition to this we will be welcoming a wide variety of traders throughout the grounds. With an audience of avid foodies, the Games will be welcoming many food businesses that will be sure to have something to tempt you.

GORDON CASTLE

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Games & Shows

2019 was the last time Shows and Games were held before we all know what happened in 2020 and 2021.

This meant of course that none of these fabulous annual events, along with many life events were either postponed or just didn’t happen.

Now it’s 2022 and with restrictions being lifted it is time for all these great events to re-start and the plans that have been on hold, to swing back into action.

This is definitely an opportunity for us all to show our support to these events that rely mostly on volunteers who undertake a power of work over many months. I’m sure we all now realise how much we missed them and had maybe taken them for granted for many years.

As the previous pages show the calendar starts off with Gordon Castle Highland Games on the 15th May.

We are all praying that we have some amazing weather for all the events, as no matter how much goes into the planning and organising, the weather plays a major part on crowd numbers.

Maybe this year because we have missed out for two years we will just decide, no matter what the weather, we will just decide we are attending as many events as possible. There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. So, make sure you are prepared with a pair of wellies, a good waterproof jacket and you’ll be sorted.

I really hope that advice is unnecessary, but you know Scotland, all seasons in one day.

There are plenty events going ahead this year for you to get your fill so please check out their facebook and websites and get them in your diary to make sure you don’t miss out on a great

summer calendar of Agricultural Shows and Games throughout June, July and Aug.

Royal Highland Show 23rd -26th June

Forres Highland Games 2nd July

Tomintoul Highland Games 16th July Nairn Show 30th July

Turriff Show 31st Jul & 1st Aug

Black Isle Show 4th Aug

Aberlour Highland Games 6th Aug

Keith Country Show 7th & 8th Aug

Lifestyle’s June/July issue will feature many of these events in detail so make sure you pick up a copy too.

THURSDAY 11TH AUGUST 2022

6th – 8th May 2022

three-day food and drink festival celebrating the seaside town of Nairn May 6th - Numerous events at different venues throughout the seaside town. Businesses across the town are taking part in the gastro-event, Nairn has such a fabulous food and drink offering. May 7th – A market showcasing producers, crafters and artists from across the region in The Nairn Community & Arts Centre. A great line up of demos and loads of tasters too. Take part in the World Tattie Scone Contest. This event is being supported by the Oakwood Cookery School.

May 8th – is the Showstopper Contest Submit cakes with a Nairn theme to be judged on the day. This event is sponsored by

Athree-day food and drink festival celebrating the seaside town of Nairn is set to take place next month.

Taste of Nairn, supported by title sponsor

Ashers Bakery, includes a two-day artisan food and drink market, food and drink demos, and the public will be invited to take part in two fun competitions.

There will also be numerous events at different venues throughout the seaside town.

The event is being co-ordinated by Nairn

Connects BID which is in place to work with local businesses and the community to make the town a more attractive place to visit and do business.

Lucy Harding, Nairn BID manager said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Taste of Nairn back. The event was first held in 2019 and was a roaring success with over 40 businesses taking part, but the 2020 event had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2021 event sadly never got off the ground.

“However, it’s back and is shaping up to be a fabulous weekend. The core event will be held in The Nairn Community & Arts Centre and will feature a market showcasing producers, crafters and artists from across the region. We also have a great line up of demos, so people will be able to come and learn a thing or two and there will be loads of tasters too.”

Businesses across the town are also taking part in the gastro-event and at the time of printing, over 15 ‘satellite’ events had been confirmed.

“It’s so great to see the businesses getting on board and grasping the opportunity to take part and showcase themselves. Nairn has such a fabulous food and drink offering. With so many bakeries, bistros, delis, cafes, pubs and restaurants, our town has a lot to shout about when it comes to food and drink.”

Why not get involved

Frying pans and mixing bowls at the ready! Taste of Nairn has two tasty competitions for you to get involved in.

The first day of the market – May 7 – people will get the chance to take part in the World Tattie Scone Contest. The event is being supported by the Oakwood Cookery School near Elgin and was originally launched in 2013 at Piping At Forres.

However, the organisers offered the contest to Taste of Nairn in 2019 and have said it can return this year too.

Elaine Sutherland, owner of the Oakwood Cookery School said she was delighted the competition will return.

She said: “It’s great the World Tattie Scone Contest lives on for another year. The contest will appeal to budding cooks wanting to put their culinary skills to the test and those just looking for a bit of fun.

“The aim of the competition is to make a tattie scone using a set recipe with mashed potatoes and flour, and contestants bring their own magic ingredient to wow the judges. The most tasty and imaginative scone will be chosen as the winner.”

If baking is more your thing, there’s chance to take part in the Showstopper Cake Bake Off, sponsored by this very magazine!

Lucy said: “Two great opportunities for people to show off their culinary skills and in very different ways. The Tattie Scone Contest is a lot of fun, and the Showstopper Contest which will take place on May 8, will be interesting as we are asking people submit cakes with a Nairn theme. We cannot wait to see – and taste – all the entries.”

SPIRIT

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is back as good as ever! A multitude of fascinating whisky flavoured events are taking place this year, and there are still tickets available for many events at prices to suit all budgets on www.spiritofspeyside.com.

The 2022 annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink, the largest celebration of its kind in the world, runs from 27 April to 2 May 2022 at locations across Speyside, the heart of malt whisky country. Entertaining events will be staged the length and breadth of the region with the greatest concentration of distilleries in the world. Nearly every distillery in Speyside welcomes visitors from near and far with events for enthusiasts as well as novices.

Ticket holders have the chance to enjoy tours of distilleries with the operators who make the drams or the managers, to enjoy tastings with master distillers and master blenders, or see behind the doors which are normally closed to visitors and sample drams straight from the cask. You can learn how to raise a barrel under the eye of an expert. Tutored tastings led by industry experts will reveal a multitude of whiskies from different distilleries, at varying ages, and a range of styles of casks.

If you still have a thirst for knowledge, then you start the week with the Festival’s own 3-day Whisky School or the comprehensive EWA 2-day Certificate in Scotch Whisky.

Fancy some food with your whisky? You will be spoilt for choice with breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners galore! Taking place in distilleries, restaurants, hotels, and village halls throughout Speyside, they feature a variety of whiskies paired with almost every type of food – pizza, steaks, seafood, cheese and Spanish delicacies matched to drams matured in Spanish sherry casks. Chocolate and whisky events include tastings and a workshop dedicated to researching the best matches for craft chocolates with malt whiskies.

If you would like a breath of fresh air, try guided walks, or trail runs, with a dram or two at the end. Enjoy the Speyside Way on an E-bike, or embark on paddleboard or canoe trips along the “Whisky River”. Go up into the hills in allterrain vehicles to discover the trails taken by illicit distillers and enjoy views across the entire Speyside region with a dram. A less energetic open-air event is the aperitif hour at Telford Bridge with fellow Festival-goers.

Community events include the return of the Whisky Auction in Craigellachie and the free Scottish Theme Day on Elgin’s Plainstones. It will be busy with pipers & drummers, Scottish princesses, tartan stilt walkers, whisky tastings as well as the Farmers’ market.

To get about Speyside, try the Keith Dufftown Railway and enjoy a distillery visit at either end or contact one of the transport providers whose details are on the Festival website www. spiritofspeyside.com. As well as tickets for all the events it has details of how to get to Speyside, how to get around the area, as well as sections on where to stay, where to eat and things to do.

Discover something for all the family

Whisky Tour – Follow the production process from mashing to distilling and enjoy a tasting.

Shop – Choose from Exclusive Glen Grant merchandise. Buy our range of quality single malt whiskies.

Gardens – Walk around secluded Victorian Gardens, see the waterfall, glimpse deer and red squirrels – enjoy a picnic.

Take Away Coffee Shop – Try our range of Illy Italian coffees, tantalise your tastebuds with homebakes and relax in peaceful surroundings.

OPENING TIMES

April to October (inclusive)

Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4pm Sunday 11am - 4pm

November to March (inclusive) Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 3.30pm Sunday CLOSED

ADMISSION

Admission charge is £7.50 for the Glen Grant Distillery Tour.

Children under 18 years old are free of charge. Children under the age of 8 are not admitted to the production areas, though they are welcome in the visitor centre and garden where they can discover the Animal Trail.

Event runs from Good Friday to Easter Sunday

part in the

Volunteering at the Keith and Dufftown Railway

Your railway needs you! If you have ever fancied giving up some spare hours to help maintain this wonderful little railway, then read on.

The Keith and Dufftown Railway is an organization run by volunteers who carry out all the tasks that keep the line running; from driving and train crew, engineering, line maintenance and carriage repairs, to gardening, cleaning, lopping branches along the line and dressing up for one of their many fun events.

The railway are always looking for folk to join the team. You don’t need a technical background or be a train buff to get involved and you can do as much or as little as you’d like. New volunteers are given full safety training before they start. More specialized jobs such as Train Guard and Driver also require a course of training and have minimum age requirements. The railway has no upper age limits.

At the moment, the trains and stations are getting spruced up ready for the railway re-opening to visitors from Good Friday. The new operating season begins with the Easter trains, where young and old are invited to try the Easter Bunny Challenge and will continue throughout the year with various themed events, culminating in the ever popular Santa Specials.

Volunteering with the railway can be an excellent gateway for work in the rail industry and young volunteers have gone on to find jobs with national rail companies. Older teens, with an interest in this line of work, are welcome to join us.

Being part of the KDR team is very rewarding. There’s always something to get involved with and keep you busy. The work can be as relaxed or as challenging as you want it to be. Want to try something new and exciting, like crewing a vintage train? - Come give it a shot. Prefer a more relaxed environment? - The carriage cleaning team like a blether while they work.

Current volunteers, as well as new recruits, can get involved with the full programme of track work planned along the line this year. This is essential work as many of the old sleepers need to be replaced and if you like working outside, this is a perfect way to get fit and meet new friends. Join the Permanent Way Team and do your bit!

If you are outgoing and love to have fun, get involved with our events team. Or if you are looking for something quiet and contemplative, come along a do a spot of gardening at the stations.

We have two volunteer work days each week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am. Why not pop in to Dufftown or Keith Town Station, introduce yourself and see what we do.

For more information on what we do and how to get involved, visit our website www. keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk or our Facebook page: Keith Dufftown Railway Association or call Dufftown Station, 01340 821181, on a Tuesday or Saturday.

Give the railway a shout if you’d like to get involved . It’s a great opportunity to get out, keep active and meet new folk.

THE SPIRIT OF COLOUR Exhibition at the Gallery in Aberlour

Aunique collaboration between painter Jude Edgar and jeweller Sally Nowell, The Spirit of Colour is an exciting exhibition that will run at the Gallery in Aberlour from 23 April to 14 May 2022, throughout the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

It was during North East Open Studios that Sally first saw Jude’s work - and gave some of her watercolour tree paintings a new home. Jude, in turn, checked out Sally’s instagram (see below), and instantly fell in love with Sally’s jewellery... she wears it every day .

They discovered that they shared a similar response to the colours of Nature, and found that the colours they use echo and complement each other’s work. So when Kerry offered them a joint show at the Gallery in Aberlour, they jumped at the chance. As part of the preparation for the show they also experimented with taking each other’s work as a starting point for colour combinations.

Jude’s paintings are a mixture of acrylic, experimental watercolours and mixed-mediaoften featuring gold leaf details. She is inspired by the ever-changing colours of the natural

world - from fields of golden barley against a steelgrey sky, to the mauve of heather-covered hillsides, and the breaking waves on Findhorn beach, where water changes colour with shifts in light, wind and weather. Works on display range in size from small wooden panels and mounted watercolours to larger framed watercolours, mixedmedia paintings and large, statementpiece acrylics.

The colours in Sally’s jewellery also reflect the changing seasons. Mainly using exquisite Czech glass beads, she creates pieces of jewellery that are inspired by local landscapes in Speyside, where she works as a guide for the tour company Speyside Wildlife. Echoing Nature’s colours as they vary month by month, her earrings, bracelets and necklaces come in dazzling, yet subtle, colour combinations. All pieces use silver fittings.

The show will run from 23 April to 14 May 2022 at The Gallery in Aberlour, 79 High St, Aberlour, AB38 9QB. Please contact Kerry on 07766704910 or kerrydoran122@icloud.com for more details.

Jude’s work can be seen on her website judeedgar.com and www.instagram.com/ judeedgarartist

Sally’s work can be seen on www.facebook.com/Bowerbirdjewels and www.instagram.com/Bowerbirdjewels

After two years of holding a virtual weekend of events the Keith Traditional Music & Song Association (TMSA) Festival is back! The weekend of music, song and dance returns, in-person, to various venues through The Friendly Town during the weekend of Friday 10th – Sunday 12th June 2022.

Having started in 1976, the Keith TMSA Festival has been a yearly fixture in the town during that time but during the pandemic it went online. However, the committee are delighted that a strong line-up of musicians and singers have agreed to entertain at the popular weekend of traditional music and song.

There will be some aspects of the Festival that continue to be online with all but one of the performance competitions as well as the Prizewinners Concert being held virtually this year. More information about the performance and written competitions, including the rules and how to enter, can be found at www. keithfestival.com/competitions.

The Festival kicks off on the Friday night with an Old Time Dance in the Legion dancing to Robert Whitehead and his band. At the same time there will be a Bothy Ballads and Other Songs Concert in The Ploo. Both events start at 8pm.

Saturday will see the competition entries published on the Festival website as well as sessions and sing-a-rounds throughout the day. The hotly contested Bothy Ballad Competition will take place in-person and spectators are welcome to go and see which singer clinches the coveted place at the Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions Competition in Elgin.

In the evening, Scottish supergroup Mànran make a very welcome return to the Festival to headline the Concert in The Royal. The multi award-winning, seven-piece band will bring

Mànran by Elly Lucas

their uplifting and unique live performance to the heart of the Festival. Meanwhile, the everpopular Concert in The Bowling Club will also start at 8pm featuring a wide variety of the very best traditional singers, musicians, and bands in the country.

Sunday is another packed day of music and song with the Bairns Ceilidh, Open Air Concert, Sessions and Sing-a-rounds and Chorus Quaich Competition all taking place. The weekend is rounded off by a Farewell Concert in The Royal Hotel starting at 7.30pm.

The 2022 list of guest artistes includes 7-time Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions Joe Aitken, as well as fellow singers Geordie Murison, Moira Stewart, Allan Taylor, Scott Gardiner and The Quiggs. Shetland duo Peter Wood and Andy Kain will be in Keith for the weekend as will The Cruickshank Family Band, Steven Carcary and his band and The Mayfield Group.

Speaking about the upcoming Festival, Kathleen Anderson, Chairman, said:

“We are over the moon that we are able to run a Festival in-person again! Boy have we missed it! The virtual weekends were brilliant but there’s nothing like being in the room and being able to listen and join in with the music and songs – as well as socialise with friends old and new.

“Once again we have managed to attract a wide variety of guest artistes to perform for us – all of whom are top class singers and musicians.

“There really is something for everyone be that the headline concert with Mànran to the Bairns Ceilidh to the sessions and sing-a-rounds.

“After a two-year absence we can’t wait to get back and we look forward to welcoming new and old friends along to a great weekend of music, song and dance.”

Keith TMSA Festival runs from Friday 10th June – Sunday 12th June 2022 in various venues throughout the town. For more information about the Festival, the events during the weekend and how to get tickets visit www.keithfestival.com. Also, keep an eye out on the Facebook page for updates.

Keith TMSA Festival is very grateful to Lifestyle Magazine for its support and sponsorship. A full list of all sponsors can be found at www.keithfestival.com/sponsors.

Andy & Peter

Chorus Cup

Skerryvore Pushes Out the Boat as Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Returns

He comments: “It’s taken time, but Skerryvore will certainly be worth the wait, as this will be a top-rate concert that will set the tone for the return of our in-person festival.

Scottish trad rockers Skerryvore will ensure that the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival hits the high notes when it returns this summer.

The Celtic rockers will honour a pledge made back in 2019 to perform as headliners at the festival’s opening concert. They will finally play the live stage at Portsoy’s Big Gig on Back Green on Friday, 17 June, after Covid restrictions put paid to them bringing their distinctive brand of rock to Portsoy for two years running.

In between times, Skerryvore whetted fans’ appetites with a set recorded exclusively for the Ahoy Portsoy virtual boat festival last year which attracted thousands of viewers from around the world.

Now, the chance to see the award-winning rockers perform in person at Portsoy is being met with eager anticipation, according to David Urquhart, chair of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival committee.

“We’re eager to get people back to Portsoy – savouring a distinctly nautical atmosphere with heritage boats, maritime crafts, sailing and rowing events. All this alongside a medley of music, dance, crafts, food and drink marquee, stalls, road races, children’s entertainment and much more.”

Scotland’s leading maritime festival makes its welcome return to Portsoy on the Aberdeenshire coast on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June.

Organisers are inviting retailers and traders, food and drink producers, craftspeople and entertainers to join the celebration. Applications are now open and with limited availability, the advice is to register interest early via the website stbfportsoy.org

Portsoy’s unique boat festival has been running since 1993 and has welcomed visitors from across Scotland and much further afield, including boat clubs in Germany, Norway and Sweden, cultural groups from the Baltic States and Shetland’s Jarl Squad Vikings. In 2019, it won best cultural event/festival at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards.

Find out more about the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival on social media at @STBFPortsoy #ahoyportsoy or at https://www.stbfportsoy.org/

GARTH HOTEL

Since it was built in 1769 the Garth Hotel has been an important cornerstone of Grantown on Spey. It began its time as a highland woollen mill, has been a home to one of Queen Victoria’s favourite authors and has also been a residence to the town’s physicians and ministers. It is now firmly enjoyed as a vibrant and relaxed hospitality environment.

After new management took over the reins under the expert guidance of General Manager Peter Macnab, the hotel has quietly undergone some very subtle changes. Some of the reception rooms have been revamped and there is an ongoing programme of upgrading the bedrooms. Next in line will be the restaurant itself; not that it would need a vast swathe of “improvements” as it is already a very quiet, calm and intimate room that oozes atmosphere.

On two levels, the tables are spaced so that everyone is a comfortable distance away from neighbours; not so much that they feel like currants in a bun but just far way enough to allow for private conversations whilst still retaining that close intimacy. The lighting is provided by chandeliers and candles on the tables, music plays but does not intrude and the

staff are professional and friendly without being intrusive. They have got the mix just right.

Having heard very good reports about the food we decided to meet at the Garth Hotel to test the waters. Three friends who have dined out at several venues over the years, who appreciate fine dining and are always on the lookout for a new gastronomic experience, we are – in the vernacular – up for it.

It is a chilly but clear Monday evening and we arrive at 6-30pm, fully expecting the restaurant not to be full – but we are pleasantly surprised. It is rather busy, with many tables occupied. The warm welcome that we have received at reception follows us into the restaurant itself where we are seated at our window table, drinks order taken and menus presented with a flourish. And well might they be thus presented, as the dinner menu is nothing short of exceptional, worthy of a top ranking five star hotel.

Five choices for the starters; five for the mains (with four additional choices of steaks and six choices of side dishes too), then five choices for desserts. To be followed by coffee and homemade petit fours. Wow. We all look at each other in amazement – this is some menu, to be sure.

Then the fun starts – what to choose? Back and forth go the decisions and heaven knows how many times the (patient) waitress visits our table; but, in all honesty, every single dish is worth savouring. We finally arrive at our choices and, in true chum form, we all have something different so we can try each other’s food. Why not? But we do draw the line in asking for three soup spoons, as one of us has chosen the carrot, orange and caraway soup, with smoked yoghurt and warm homemade bread. Just as well it comes with bread as we have demolished the warm rolls that were delivered to our table along with a bottle of ice cold water, as standard. The other two dishes chosen are braised Ardgay Estate venison shoulder with celeriac remoulade, savoy cabbage, pickled walnut and grain mustard and pan seared Atlantic scallops with shaved fennel, saffron emulsion, black pudding soil, chilli and ginger.

My goodness! When the plates arrive they are a riot of colour and shapes – more like an oil painting by Jolomo than a plate of food. Gasps all round. It is a shame to take a knife and fork (or spoon, as applicable) to the dishes but hey ho, here we go. And yet another wow. The taste of each dish is indescribable; how on earth do all these various flavours that have been included in the manufacture of each dish, and would not normally be associated with these dishes – how come they work? And work exceedingly well. Everything is as tender as can be and the taste sensations continue until the last mouthful. They surely know what they are doing in that kitchen.

But will this high standard be continued into the next course? We are afforded ample time to discuss this fact, as the empty dishes are removed and their replacements come after a most respectful time (nothing worse than one

plate being whipped away from you and its replacement waiting immediately to be plonked down). That does not happen here at the Garth; they know that timing is critical and they afford their diners just the right amount of breathing space.

Balliefurth Farm 48 hour braised beef shin with garlic whipped potato, Jerusalem artichoke, red onion tartlet and smoked cheddar crust; garlic chicken supreme with chunky homemade chips, field mushroom, cherry tomatoes and onion rings and pan roasted Isle of Gigha halibut with saute purple potato, braised leeks, Chanteray carrots, spinach, samphire and saffron foam – who is the genius behind these imaginative dishes? More appreciative noises from all of us, to the amusement and obvious delight of the waitresses who are diligently looking after us. As with the starters, we have nothing but the highest praise to bestow on the chef.

It is exactly the same with the desserts : Disaronno and dark chocolate ganache, with caramelised banana, candied hazelnuts and roasted white chocolate; blood orange Bavarois with cinnamon soil, bitter orange puree, crushed meringue and roasted pecans and Cairngorm honey glazed plums with crystallised oats, passionfruit gel, lemon shortbread and salted caramel ice cream. This is a feast that even the pickiest eater could not find fault with – it is truly magnificent.

So – we ask to meet the chef, as such a presentation of perfection cannot go unpraised. There are two chefs, we hear, and they will both come out to meet us. Head chef Adam Kyle and Chef de Partie Ryan Turner - and here comes the rub; the head chef is but 24 years of age and his partner in the kitchen not much more. How can this be? This is the work of highly experienced persons, who have been in catering for a good many years. A talent like this can travel the world creating exceptional dishes to tempt and excite the palate; is it any wonder that the hotel management are justifiably proud of their team.

This is not a pretentious hotel, swaggering under the weight of its own self-importance but a hotel that aims to give each and every guest a memorable experience. It is a hotel that prides itself on friendly professionalism with exceptional attention to detail. Definitely not one to be missed.

ROSIE BARRON IS THE TIDY COO

Rosie Barron is The Tidy Coo, an award winning Professional Organiser. Scotland’s only Master KonMari Consultant and member of APDO (the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers). Rosie lives in Aberdeenshire with her husband, four Home Educated children, eight ponies, five dogs, three cats, four bunnies, chickens, ducks and fish which all Spark Joy.

With restrictions finally lifting, many of us are looking forward to a break this summer. Whether you are heading away to the sun, or intending on staying closer to home, with holidays back on the agenda, Rosie is here with some packing tips.

Decluttering Travel Products

Packing is a good time to declutter your travel products. I always suggest to my clients that when it comes to storing items in their home, they store like with like and with that in mind, I suggest that you make a Travel Box in your home. In the Travel Box, store anything that you only use when travelling or on holiday, such as neck pillows, travel sized toiletries and luggage scales. You can include clothing that you only wear whilst on holiday too.

I like to store the travel box with the suitcases, but you may find it more convenient to store it elsewhere – as with everything else that I do, this is very personalised to each individual, and you must work out exactly where it suits you and your lifestyle to keep it.

Packing is a good time to look at decluttering your travel supplies, especially as you need to pull them all together into one place to pack. See which supplies you have used and which ones you haven’t and consider letting go of the ones that you haven’t, particularly if they are travel sized toiletries that have been open since you last went on holiday!

I often discover lots of travel sized bottles taken from hotels in my clients’ homes. Some people like to take them away on holiday with them, and others like the idea of this, but never actually do so. If you have a set of hotel bottles for this purpose and you really don’t want to discard them, I suggest relocating them to your Travel Box. The next time that

Images: Laura Walter Photography

you go away, see if you use them. If you do, then that’s great. If you don’t, then release the ones in your home and make sure to leave the others in the hotel next time. I have a set of refillable bottles that I use for travel that I fill up with my favourite products to travel with. This is also a good time to look at sun screen. Most sunscreen should be thrown away after being open for 12 months. This is a safety issue as it degrades and doesn’t provide as much protection after it has been open for a while. Check your suitcases and other travel bags. See how many you have and whether or not they are in good working order – particularly check the stitching and zips. We used to have all sorts of hard-shelled cases, but unfortunately, once they were packed, they tended to exceed airlines’ weight allowances, so we moved to lighter soft-sided ones. If you are discarding suitcases and other bags, do make sure to check them thoroughly! My husband found a pair of cuff links that his late Grandfather had given him, that he thought he had lost, in the pocket of a suitcase.

Pack like a Pro Preparation

The key to a well-packed suitcase is preparation. I have a packing list so that I don’t forget anything important. Although it has changed over the years, the change has been relatively gradual, and the list has gently evolved. The first thing that I do is to check the list and edit it according to what type of holiday we are going on. I remove anything from it that we don’t need. I also have a look at the holiday

and sketch out a plan of what we might be up to each day. Then I gather everything that I need for the holiday and bring it all together in to one place.

Minimise

I try to pack the absolute minimum that I can get away with. I like to travel light and have a manageable amount of stuff, but also, with four children, we all have to pack as little as we can get away with so that we can fit in the car. To that end, I often decant large toiletries into smaller bottles to take up less space.

I also choose clothes that can be worn as part of several different outfits. It’s like travelling with a mini capsule wardrobe.

Fold into outfits

Once I have gathered everything together, it’s time to actually pack. I like to fold clothes in to outfits, based on what I might be up to on the various days, and pack the things that I will need first at the top of the suitcase. If I am wearing something twice, then I will pack it in the first outfit. This is particularly helpful when travelling with children as they can just grab a whole outfit rather than rummaging through the suitcase.

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Surviving a long haul flight with children

Sixteen hours, sat in an aeroplane, with a couple of toddlers… it’s every parent’s worst nightmare.

Long-haul flights are hardly anyone’s idea of fun, but with their short attention spans, restlessness and need for constant amusement, young children make far less patient travel companions. But, before you resign yourself up for hours of screaming and temper tantrums (or just give up and cancel your flights altogether), make the most out of your foresight.

So, with all you tense parents in mind, we’ve put together a list of our top tips for surviving a long haul flight with your little darlings. These include easy game ideas, tips for affordable treats to keep them happy, and simple activity packs that you can put together in advance.

Make sure they are comfortable Comfort is key here. Help your children settle down for the flight by encouraging them to wear extra-comfy clothes, and shoes that you can slip on and off (that way, they can put their feet up, and snuggle down into their seat when they want to sleep).

When the flight is taking off and landing, it can be really strange for children to feel the pain in their ears, especially if they don’t know how to ‘pop’ their ears yet. So, you could try bringing soft ear buds or plugs to stop the pressure from building in their ears. Alternatively, you could bring some sweets, a sippy cup or a lolly for your children to suck on.

For the sanity of the parents, we would also recommend having plenty of wet wipes and a spare set of clothes easily to hand, just in case your children are sick or spill anything.

Choose the right snacks

It’s a balancing act - while you want to bring some fun to the journey, try not to choose anything that’s too sugary, so that your kids don’t get hyper after their snacks (in such a small space, this is an absolute recipe for disaster). We think that a box of dried fruit plus a biscuit or two make the perfect middle-ground option.

Make sure that you bring plenty of water for them to drink, too.

A few new little toys

The fun and excitement of a brand new toy is a surefire way to keep your kids happy.

Revealing a new toy part-way through your long

haul flight is a great way to keep their spirits up, particularly if it’s a toy that they wouldn’t normally be treated with. These don’t have to be expensive, it’s not about treating your child to a massive present.

Choose a toy like a magazine or a sticker book, that’s filled with lots of new surprises on each page. Toys like these keep kids engaged and entertained for absolutely ages.

The iPad is your new best friend

Although we wouldn’t recommend plonking your children down in front of a screen for hours, the iPad is a fantastic back-up option to have in hand for when you’re running low on entertainment ideas. You can download some child-friendly games and programmes on the iPad in advance of the flight, so that they’re all ready to go on the plane. Plus, by the time you’re a few hours into the flight, you’ll almost certainly be ready for a bit of a break!

Take this opportunity to strategically prepare for your upcoming long haul flight in advance, in order to minimise the ordeal. Yes, when they’re bored children can be a nightmare (you don’t need an expert to tell you that), but if you think about ways that they can be kept entertained now, and then get some supplies together to bring with you on the day, you’re sure to secure yourself an infinitely more relaxing experience.

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Portsoy and Sandend circular

Tracy undertakes lovely walks all over our beautiful country and we are delighted she has agreed to provide Lifestyle readers with the inside knowledge that she has gleaned from her many adventures. I hope you enjoy Tracy’s walks? Please do let us know and send us some photos. Follow Tracy goes outside on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tracygoesoutside)

This beautiful walk takes in the old harbour that dates back to 1693 that has been recently used for a film set for Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore. You will explore the coastal path that runs along past the cliffs between Portsoy and Sandend with many paths that branch off to do your own exploring before arriving at the stunning Sandend beach and

Distance: 5 miles

Time: 2hrs

Level: Easy with some elevation

Terrain: Tarred road, pavements, coast trail paths and beach.

Access: Arrive by car, there is plenty of parking available in The Square, Portsoy AB45 2NX. The No35 service bus runs between Elgin and Aberdeen and drops off on Seafield Street only a short walk along South High Street to the start of the walk.

returning along a quiet country lane with coastal views.

Route: At the square head down North High Street past the Boyne Hotel till you come to the Old Harbour. This is a great chance to have a look round with some fabulous photo opportunities. Head over to the left of the harbour where you will find the stunning bottlenose dolphin statue that was made by local artist Carn Stading. Next to the statue you will find the ruined remains of a cottage that has a lovely view out the window. To the left of the ruin there is a narrow path where you can skirt round the wee hill or go up the top to get a great view of Portsoy. Carry on down the narrow path which will take you to a small yard, follow the

path up towards the houses to where you will find a waymarker post for the coastal trail.

The path will skirt past the houses till you finally leave Portsoy and into the countryside. Not long after you leave the town, Portsoy Lido the disused outdoor pool will come into view. The Lido was opened in 1936 and was in use until it was closed in 2001. Just after the Lido there is a short stretch on a narrow country lane so be careful of cars here.

The very well-marked path carries on along the coastline with plenty of paths off to the side if you are keen to look for seabirds along the coast line. You will reach Redhythe Point where there are remains of a building which would have been part of the WW2 rifle range that was once here.

After the Redhythe Point the coastal path winds along the edge of the cliffs, you can choose to stick to the main path or explore the narrower paths closer to the shoreline. You will come to a grassy track with heather at each side on the left. In the not too far distance, you will see a vehicle barrier (that is your return route). Turn right to pass the bay with the ruined house.

Once past the small bay you will come to a gate, go through it and down the steep path and on to the steps to Sandend beach. At the end of the beach you will find a WW2 pillbox along with other remains from WW2 which can be found in several coastal areas around Aberdeenshire and Moray.

You could stop for a picnic here and walk along to the beautiful sandy beach or even explore Sandend more before returning back up the steps and the steep path and through the gate. Once past the small bay head to the right towards the vehicle barrier. Once past the barrier head straight on past a big house on your right.

Continue straight on along the country lane. You will have some great views of

the coast and Portsoy as you are walking back. Once you arrive in Portsoy you will go along the street named Park Crescent which then goes on Cullen Street before leading you straight back to the square where you began. There are some lovely wee shops and cafes in Portsoy if you have plenty of time they are worth a look!

your images of our wonderful area!

Sweet & Sticky BBQ Fajitas

For the Sauce

1 small onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (crushed), olive oil, 1 tsp fajita spice blend, 55g dark brown sugar, 50ml dark soy sauce, 300ml tomato ketchup, salt & pepper.

METHOD

Fry the onion and garlic in olive oil with the fajita spice and sugar.

Add the soy sauce and ketchup and season with salt and pepper.

Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavours.

For the Fajitas

320g chicken breast (diced medium chunks),

1 red pepper (sliced), 1 yellow pepper (sliced),

1 small onion (sliced), olive oil, tortilla wraps, 150g cheese (grated).

METHOD

Fry the chicken in olive oil until it’s changed to white, add your peppers and onions and fry gently.

Add your BBQ sauce to the mixture and stir to ensure everything is coated.

Once the chicken has cooked through it’s ready to serve in Tortilla Wraps with grated cheese.

Spaghetti Carbonara

INGREDIENTS

320g Spaghetti, 3 egg yolks, 150g parmesan, 150g pancetta, 2 garlic cloves (crushed), ½ tsp chilli flakes ½ tsp oregano, olive oil, salt & pepper.

METHOD

Get a saucepan with boiling water and start to cook spaghetti. Heat a sauté pan with olive oil and garlic, you want it to go golden in colour for a nutty flavour. Add the pancetta and cook off for a couple of minutes.

Once your pasta is cooked add the pasta to the pancetta, keeping the water to one side. This is liquid gold and will build your sauce. Add the chilli mix and cheese, then take ladles of your pasta water to coat the pasta. Once the cheese has cooked out, remove from the heat and add the yolk mixture stirring like your coffee.

Serve.

Pink Berry Shake

INGREDIENTS

Cranberry & raspberry tea, 100ml boiled water, 100ml coconut milk, dash caramel syrup, ice, frozen berries.

METHOD

Brew the cranberry & raspberry tea in boiled water.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and coconut milk and the caramel syrup. Give it a good shake for 10/20 seconds.

Serve with frozen berries in a tall glass.

Bearded Chef HQ

South Street, Elgin, Moray,

M A DE F OR M U S I C

Wendy Toner had just set up the community choir ‘Made for Music’ in January 2020. It was set up to help everyone’s mental health and wellbeing and was open to all but especially those suffering from loneliness or anxiety.

Due to Corona virus they had to close the doors in March 2020 until October 2021 when they could set up again safely.

Now they are back and meeting regularly, they have around 30 plus regular attendees to the choir who meet at Elgin City football club every Wednesday from 7pm till 9pm.

Wendy said “Our youngest member is 16, and our oldest is well, just say she won’t see 65 again. Not only has singing become the tool for connection, but the project has also become supportive to all members, inclusive and inter-generational.”

“When I arranged an initial public meeting to gauge interest, I had no idea so many people were struggling with loneliness, anxiety etc and this was pre covid. We have had more join recently due to social anxiety post covid and depression due to

lockdown and isolation, and we really hope more continue to join us.”

“The choir choose the music, they have ownership over their group, which is essential to create relationships and belonging.

Can sing, can’t sing, it doesn’t matter, it’s here for the joy of singing and laughing together

We have recently been asked by the local Rotary to sing for the Jubilee, the choir are delighted after such a short space of time in operation.”

The choir is so much fun, and they make new members feel very welcome.

Please check out our Made For Music Moray Facebook page for more information.

“A fun choir with great laughs. If you have ever had a hard day then this is the best therapy You leave feeling de-stressed and happy Would highly recommend to anyone who likes to sing even if it’s for fun!”

“Love Wednesday nights, great people singing great songs and having lots of laughs along the way. Cannot recommend our Choir enough.”

Isla Art and Crafts Group

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May are the dates the Isla Arts and Crafts Group has chosen for their Grand Exhibition and Sale

Hopefully it will be third time lucky as both Covid and snow put paid to their last two attempts to hold this event.

Just as Covid lockdown began the group kindly donated £500 to the Longmore Community Hall. That along with matched funding from the local windfarm fund allowed the hall to install a picture hanging system in the small hall.

The hall has undergone quite a number of improvements including painting, new blinds with beautiful matching tartan pelmets supplied by Interior Inspirations of Cornhill.

The small hall was used by the ‘Flexible Childcare Services’ through Covid while they awaited the new Strathisla Children’s Centre to be completed. Once they vacated, the floor of the hall was sanded and revarnished.

The Isla Art and Crafts Group started life as an adult education class almost 20 years ago and have moved venues over the years as they evolved. Now meeting in the Longmore Community Hall, they are a group of likeminded people who want to use and share their creative skills, learning from each other and from visiting tutors.

They will be the first group to hold an Art exhibition in the Longmore Community Hall and

the hope is they will continue to use the space to exhibit their work throughout the year.

The Grand Exhibition and Sale will be on Saturday 7th May 10am to 4pm and on Sunday 8th May 11am to 3pm.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands

We have all been shocked and horrified at what is unfolding in Ukraine. A few weeks ago, the people of Ukraine were living their lives, doing all the ordinary things we do. Now, they are living with the devastating consequences of an unprovoked invasion and an illegal act of aggression that has no justification.

Scotland has offered its unqualified support for Ukraine. We support all that the international community is doing to sanction Putin’s regime and support the UK Government’s application of sanctions against Russia. We have written an open letter to Scotland’s business community asking those with links or supplies or trade with Russia to review these links and connections, and sever them.

We know that everyone wants to do the right thing here. Many businesses have already acted and that is welcome. We would encourage every business to review its activity and do so at pace, with due regard for the safety of any employees or individuals you work with.

The Scottish Government has also taken action. We made clear we would not take part in current talks on fishing opportunities with officials from the Russian Federation at the table. We have investigated our own trade and supplier links and urged public bodies, especially enterprise agencies, to do the same. We continue to work with the UK Department for Transport on measures to prohibit the entry of vessels with Russian connections to ports in Scotland and the UK and we are collectively monitoring vessel movements across our marine area.

But we also know that this makes things hard for some of our businesses, especially in the food and drink sector. So we will also work to support any affected business or exporter. And we would

encourage local people and communities, including in Moray, to support any business they know that might have lost trade with Russia or Ukraine by buying local.

The UK Government has recently increased tariffs on some imported goods, including agricultural products and foodstuffs, from the Russian Federation. This includes whitefish and we are alert to the potential significant adverse effect this may have on Scotland’s whitefish processors. We have made clear to the UK Government the need for them to provide appropriate support to all businesses in Scotland impacted by these tariffs – that should include some form of furlough for affected workers.

The war in Ukraine will also have an impact on key imports, like sunflower oil and maize for cattle feed. It is important that we analyse carefully how this might affect Scottish food supplies and prices. So I will be co-chairing a food supply taskforce with James Withers, Chief Executive of Scotland Food and Drink, bringing together key stakeholders to undertake this work to maintain our food resilience in the challenging months ahead.

But the taskforce will also explore how we might still try to get products and produce to Ukraine that they rely on for their food needs. In the last few weeks, this proud independent country has gone from being one of the world’s great food exporters to potentially not being able to feed its own population. It is unfathomable how fast things have changed with war on the borders of Europe. We must continue to do what we can, with the powers and resources we have available to us, to stand with Ukraine, and for democracy, human rights and the rule of law at home and abroad.

FIRST

RADAR

(Responsibility & Action on Domestic Abuse with R-evolution)

RADAR is a brand new service for men now open for referrals in Moray.

RADAR will work with men and support them with the aim of reducing and eradicating violence against women.

There are long-standing support groups for women who suffer domestic violence but in the North East there have been no groups for men who want help with their anger and rage. If men are not supported then the risk of them perpetrating abuse in their next relationship is increased.

This is not an easy journey and RADAR has its critics, but it also has many supporters and they say “we can’t afford not to do it”.

The service RADAR is offering is not a punishment, it is a self-referral programme for men who want to change.

RADAR gives men an opportunity to discover themselves and gives them hope that they wouldn’t normally be given.

The process starts with self-referral followed by an assessment involving some paperwork but most importantly, a conversation and a lot of listening.

RADAR also works with the women and children who have been the victims of the abuse. The partner/ex-partner will be contacted in writing and told the man has asked for support. The safety of women and children is paramount.

The men will have a programme of approx. 8 weeks pre-groupwork coaching. This will cover essential basics which will then be developed in the group. When they are ready, they will move to the group.

There are 5 modules of group work over a rolling 20 weeks with new members joining every four weeks. It is a very flexible programme for the men to work at their own pace and the groupwork is delivered by a man and a woman, offering a gender balance in delivery.

The modules will focus on attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviour change.

Maintenance of positive change is encouraged through continuing participation in the group and one to one coaching sessions.

This is an invitation to Men to take responsibility and actively make change with the support of grassroots weekly groupwork, coaching and counselling.

It is hard to reach out for help, it takes courage to pick up the phone, take that first step. It is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. Men can self-refer or can be referred by contacting radar@revolutionforgood.org.uk

SILENT COUNSELLING

Beautiful healing without words. It's a simple soothing method that does not require people to talk about past traumas. It's very effective for helping with a full range of problems.

Silent Counselling was developed in Scotland by two energy psychologists, Marjorie and John Cooper. When a young woman came into their clinic in Dundee, who was so badly traumatised by the events of her life that she was not able to speak, she could only stammer and croak.

She had been sexually abused and prostituted from the age of 5 and in her teens, she'd turned to drugs and alcohol. By the time she was 18 and turned up in the clinic, she was also familiar with prison, but couldn't talk about any of it.

As they listened and tried to understand the small sounds that she was making, they decided to try muscle testing with her. They paired it with their knowledge of bio-energetic feedback - a little-known technique to get simple yes/no answers to closed questions, where the response is felt in the body.

They were shocked as they started to feel her able to release some of her negative emotions in that session.

This is where silent counselling was born, out of an urgent need to help her where no existing methods could reach.

It's so powerful you can get to the root cause to release any negative emotions that keep pulling you back, even ones where you don't

remember the cause or can't consciously identify it. Blocked energy is released and restored to a balance flow through touch and deep breathing techniques.

Silent counselling gets truly incredible results very quickly you will be amazed.

Suzy at Rejuvenation Station has recently qualified in Silent Counselling and is already delighted with the results she is seeing for her clients. She had been aware of the results other practitioners were getting. She said “It is amazing, it’s helped people that had been going to counsellors and been on medication for years and not getting any better and feel they still deal with their trauma. After a few sessions they feel a big weight has been lifted as they have been able to get to the root cause and then been able to heal and move on from it. It’s also helped people that have suffered with pain for years and also addictions.”

Silent counselling can offer support for all sorts of issues from phobias of spiders or flying to trauma, grief and anxiety problems.

Suzy is available to visit you at home, arrange a private venue or even arrange a video call.

Message on facebookRejuvenation Station or telephone 07825 881316.

Do you think you can influence your baby’s birth? Have you adopted an attitude of whatever will be will be, or are you determined to control every aspect and have a whole plan mapped out in your head?

Would it surprise you to know that you can massively influence your baby’s birth no matter what type of birth you have on the day?

Birth planning is less about regimented control, and a lot more about preparing your mind and body. The process of planning helps you consider what is (or is not) important to you and gives you valuable information so that you’re able to discuss your options on the day.

You have options; this often comes as a surprise to many women, particularly second time mums who simply ‘did as they were told’ first time round. When you feel knowledgeable enough (you don’t have to be an expert!) to chat to your midwife or consultant you’ll feel far more involved and empowered in your baby’s birth. It’s your body, your baby, your birth.

In hypnobirthing we use the acronym BRAINS to help you navigate the right birth path for you and your baby.

B – Benefits. What are the benefits of a specific course of action for you and your baby?

R – Risks. What are the risks to you and your baby?

A – Alternatives. What are the alternatives? What other options are there?

I – Instinct and intuition. How do you feel? What does your gut tell you?

N – Nothing. What would happen if you did nothing at all and just waited?

S – Smile. I suggest a smile because it helps foster an attitude of collaboration. Many women experience calm, relaxed births and when you smile you flood your body with feel good hormones that support greater physical and emotional comfort.

Using your BRAINS is not about confrontation, it’s about feeling empowered enough to make the right decision based on the facts and how you feel. The ‘do nothing’ part often confuses people, surely if medical intervention or assistance is being suggested there is ‘always’ a need? Not necessarily; sometimes options are presented to help speed up the birth, but if you and your baby are both doing well why would it need to be accelerated?

Plenty to think about!

In a world that’s all about speed and efficiency remember that you only get to birth this baby once, and you have choices! Wishing you the best birth possible!

@highlandhypnobirthing

Another issue and another collection of fabulous prizes for you, my loyal readers to win.

Kindly donated by A M McPherson in Keith we have a £50 voucher you can spend on a wide selection of household items.

Two amazing books donated from Jane, The Town Planner, both by Jenny Main; A-Z of Elgin: Places-People-History and Elgin Through Time.

Now that the Keith Traditional Music and Song Association Festival is back with in person concerts again this year, the committee have kindly donated a selection of tickets for concerts over the weekend. Enter and you could be going to the Bothy Ballads Concert, Manran or the Farewell Concert.

CODES

Spoilt for music choice this issue, if Portsoy and Skerryvore is a must see, then we are delighted to say we have been donated tickets for that too.

After having reviewed The Garth in Grantown, I know the winner of this prize will be in for a treat. The Garth have kindly offered an afternoon tea experience for four people, you will not be disappointed.

If you read about the amazing Silent Counselling offered by Suzy at the Rejuvenation Station then maybe this prize is for you. If you would like to give it a try Suzy is offering one lucky winner a taster session.

As always I would like to say a massive thank you to all my advertisers for these amazing prizes.

Good Luck everyone.

Amy McIntosh Elgin

Coull Bridge of Don

Sally Shand Keith

Mackie Portnockie

Ennis Huntly

Huntly

Mcpherson Huntly