What’s On FREE
JANUARY / FEBRUARY
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Insider’s Guide: Friends in High Places Special Offers! Events: Over 70 Inside
www.visitcairngorms.com
1 What’s On. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1 Insider’s Guide. . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 17 1 Accommodation. . . . . . . . . . 18 The What’s On guide is also available online at www.visitcairngorms.com
Published by and all advertising sales Cairngorms Business Partnership Tel: 01479 810200. info@visitcairngorms.com www.visitcairngorms.com Produced by Landmark Press Carrbridge www.landmark-press.com Tel: 01479 841900. Photo credits: Front Cover: Aaron Sneddon. Photography: Mairi Eyres, Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
What’s On
in january & february
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elcome to the Cairngorms National Park and the January/February edition of What’s On, the free events guide. To help you make the most of your time here we’ve put together an essential guide packed with what’s happening in the area. We’ve got some great ideas for things to do, places to see, where to eat and drink, and places to stay. Kick of the New Year with a splash at the Loch Insh New Years Day Dip, an experience which is sure to blow away the cobwebs and leave you feeling invigorated! Nature lovers can enjoy a series of talks at the Grant Arms Hotel throughout January and February, and the RSPB centre at Loch Garten has two great family friendly events to get involved with on the 28th Jan & 18th Feb. The Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain returns to Aviemore for the 35th year bringing mushers from all over the UK to race through the woods on the 27th & 28th Jan, a sight not to be missed. Finally don’t forget to book your tickets for Groove Cairngorm with live music and apres fun at Cairngorm Mountain and Badaguish! The Cairngorms National Park has something for everyone.
www.visitcairngorms.com
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What’s On
january & february 2018
Contents
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what’s on in january & february
ou are in an all year round destination with lots going Y on. Use the listings to plan your fun! The Events of Interest list outlines exhibitions and events of interest over more than one day, the Calendar section gives you a day by day list of events and Day by Day shows regular events. For more information on all the events below please refer to www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson
what’s on january & february 2018
Events of Interest 27th December-3rd January Mince Pie Specials on the Strathspey Steam Railway Strathspey Steam Railway, Aviemore. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
1st December-29th March F Free Winter Distillery l
Tours Dalwhinnie Distillery. (Excludes bus & coach groups). T: 01540 672219. dalwhinnie.distillery@diageo.com
20th-21st January Gordon Skiers Open The Lecht, Strathdon. www.snowsportscotland.org
27th-28th January F Siberian Husky Club l
Sled Dog Rally Glenmore, Aviemore. www.siberianhuskyclub.org.uk
23-24th February Groove Cairngorm 2018 Cairngorm Mountain & Badaguish, Aviemore. www.groovecairngorm.co.uk F Free Entry to Event l 4
24-25th February Hilton Coylumbridge Cairngorm Ski Club Open CairnGorm Mountain, Aviemore. www.snowsportscotland.org
Calendar of Events Saturday 30th December F Evening Talk: l
Adventures in Antarctica by Nigel Redman Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk Strathspey Thistle v Fraserburgh Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk
Sunday 31st December Torchlit Procession and Family Ceilidh Nethybridge Community Hall. 7pm. Booking essential. T: 07753 362352. abernethyprimarypc@gmail.com Hogmanay Ceilidh with Eabhal Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30pm. Booking essential. T: 01479 831123. info@boathall.org.uk What’s On
Scottish Hogmanay at the Carrbridge Hotel Carrbridge Hotel. Booking essential. www.carrbridgehotel.com Hogmanay with Totico in Ballater Victoria and Albert Halls, Ballater. Booking essential. www.victoriaandalberthalls.co.uk Hogmanay Dinner & Dance The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. Booking essential. www.cairngorm.com/festive-specials Highland Hogmanay Dinner & Dance Muckrach Lodge, Dulnain Bridge. Booking essential. www.muckrach.com Hogmanay at the OBI The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore. 9.30pm. Tickets on the door. www.oldbridgeinn.co.uk
Monday 1st January New Year Dip Loch Insh. 11am-12pm. T: 01540 651272. www.lochinsh.com New Years Day Shinty Challenge Match Market Stance, Kingussie. 12pm. New Years Day Walk The Wildcat Centre, Newtonmore. T: 01540 673131. F Evening Talk: l Wonderful Winter Wildlife Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Tuesday 2nd January F Evening Talk: Round l
the Horn: Africa’s Endemic Hotspot Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
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F Braemar Mountain l
Thursday 18th January
F Evening Talk: Black, l
White, Grey and Gold In Finland Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Friday 5th January F Music from Midnight l
Pacific Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm-12.45am. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com/whats-on
Sunday 7th January Loch Morlich 5K! Loch Morlich Watersports, Aviemore. 11am-6pm. www.entrycentral.com/event/107392
Saturday 13th January New Year Family Ramble Glen Doll Ranger Base, Glen Clova, Kirriemuir. 11am-3pm. T: 01575 550233. glendollranger@angusalive.scot Waterstones 9-12 Years Book Club: The Nowhere Emporium Waterstones, Aviemore. 11.30am-12.30pm. Booking essential. www.facebook.com/aviemore684/ Strathspey Thistle v Deveronvale Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk F Evening Talk: Polar l Wildlife by James Fenton Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Sunday 14th January TOMS Quattro MacJazz Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-9.30pm. www.boatofgarten.com
F Evening Talk: Skomer l
Island Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Friday 19th January Raclette Friday Boathouse Restaurant, Loch Insh, Kingussie. 5-8pm. T: 01540 651394. www.lochinsh.com
Saturday 20th January Environmental Volunteering in the Cairngorms Killiecrankie NTS Visitor Centre. 11am-3pm. T: 01479 870566. www.cairngorms.co.uk/volunteers Advie Hall Burns Night Advie Hall, Grantown on Spey. 7.30pm. T: 07701078207 F Evening Talk: The l Manx Shearwater Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Tuesday 28th January Loch Garten’s Big Garden Birdwatch Loch Garten Osprey Centre, Boat of Garten. 11am-3pm. T: 01479 821897. abernethy@rspb.org.uk
Monday 29th January Evening Talk: Tales of Damsels and Dragons by Richard Pegler Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F l
Thursday 1st February Evening Talk: Land Of The Snow Leopard Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30pm-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk F l
Sunday 21st January Talk: Harper Bridges Braemar Village Hall, Braemar. 7.30-9pm. T: 01339 741511. www.braemarlhg.com
Saturday 3rd February
Friday 26th January
Glenshee Open Glenshee Ski Centre. www.snowsportscotland.org
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Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 7.30-9pm. www.thegrantownsociety.org
Monday 5th February
Saturday 27th January Live Music: Red Tail Ring Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. 7.30-10.30pm. T: 01975 641303. www.facebook.com/GlenbuchatMusic
www.visitcairngorms.com
Sports British Skimo Championships Glenshee Ski Centre, Braemar. 12-7pm. www.skimoscotland.co.uk Strathspey Thistle v Clachnacuddin Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk Kincraig Burns Night Celebration Kincraig Community Hall. Time TBC. T: 01540 651268.
what’s on january & february 2018
Wednesday 3rd January
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Talk: Petticoats & Pinnacles Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 831123. www.boatofgarten.com F Free Entry to Event l
What’s On
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Thursday 22nd February
Saturday 10th February
what’s on january & february 2018
Strathspey Thistle v Huntly Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 3pm. www.strathspeythistlefc.co.uk Valentine’s ‘Great Gatsby’ Themed Party Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kingussie. 7-11pm. T: 01540 651272. www.lochinsh.com
Friday 16th February TOMS Anthony Hewitt & Timothy Ridout Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-9.30pm. Booking essential. T: 01479 831213.
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Friday 23rd February Live Music Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. 7.30-10.30pm. T: 01975 641303. www.facebook.com/GlenbuchatMusic
Every Monday
Tracks, Trails and Signs Glen Doll Ranger Base, Kirriemuir. 11am-3pm. T: 01575 550233. glendollranger@angusalive.scot RSPB Nature Event: Show the Love Loch Garten Osprey Centre, Boat of Garten. 11am-3pm. T: 01479 821897. abernethy@rspb.org.uk F Sunday Evening with l Scott Ramsay Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com/whats-on
Monday 19th February
Play Laggan Hall. 7.30-10pm. T: 01528 544722. scslimon@gmail.com
Every Day in January & February
Sunday 18th February
Talk: The Development of Victorian Strathspey Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-9.30pm. Booking essential. T: 01479 831123. www.boatofgarten.com
F Laggan at Work and l
F Glenlivet Health Walk l
Glenlivet Public Hall. 9.45-10.45am. (not the 1st) T: 01807 590689. F Braemar Health Walk l Group Under the Mews, Braemar. 10-11am. (not the 1st) T: 01339 741426. Cash Bingo (18+) Royal British Legion, Grantown on Spey. 7.50pm. (not the 1st) T: 01479 873690. F Live Music & Dancing l with George Gordon Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm. F Graeme Mackay in the l Cairn Bar Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. (not the 1st) T: 01479 810233.
Every Tuesday Grantown Health Walk Group Curling Rink Car Park, Anagach Wood. 10.30-11.30am. (not the 2nd) T: 01479 872142. F l
What’s On
F Ballater Health Walk l
Group Glenmuick Church Hall. 1-2pm. (not the 2nd) T: 01339 755634. F Nethy Health Walk l Nethy Bridge Community Centre. 1.30-3pm. (not the 2nd) T: 07519 569005. www.cairngorms.co.uk Grantown-on-Spey Slimming World Royal British Legion, Grantown on Spey. 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm. (not the 2nd) T: 07545 399160. F Live Music & Dancing l with Kenny Nairn Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8pm. T: 01540 661302. F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm. Quiz Night Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. T: 01479 810233.
Every Wednesday Community Cafe St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore. 10am-4pm. F Boat of Garten Health l Walk Group Boat Hotel. 1.30-2.30pm. T: 01479 831562. Rotary Club of Spey Valley Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233. www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org The Killiecrankies Cabaret Band Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302. F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm.
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Holt Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Every Friday
Community Cafe YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Spey. 10am-2pm. T: 01479 872262. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org Every Thursday F Glen Tanar Health l F Kingussie Health Walk l Walk Group Glen Tanar Visitor Centre. Badenoch Centre. 10.30-11.30am. 10-11.30am. T: 01339 886072. T: 01540 661878. F Tomintoul Health l F Carrbridge Health l Walk Walk Group Tomnabat Court. 10-11am. Meet by the Old Bridge, Carrbridge. T: 01807 590689. 11am-12pm. T: 01479 841749. Y-Engage F Aviemore Health Walk l YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Group Spey. 7-9pm. T: 01479 872262. Myrtlefield Car Park, near Mike’s Bikes. www.grantowncommunitycentre.org 1.30-2.30pm. T: 01479 810519. F Live Music l Junior Youth Club Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm. YMCA Community Centre, Grantown on Live Music with Carl Spey. 6.30-8pm. T: 01479 872262. Wilson Singer & Guitarist www.grantowncommunitycentre.org Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. F Live Music & Dancing l 8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302. with Ronnie Douglas F Live Music with Davy l Duke of Gordon Hotel, Holt Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm. Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk 9.30pm. (not the 5th or 19th). F Live Music with Tweed T: 01479 810233. l Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. Every Saturday 9.30pm. Friday Afternoon Kids Club F Live Music l Bluff House, Kincraig. 1.30-5pm. Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. T: 01540 651272. www.lochinsh.com 8.30-10.30pm. T: 01479 810661. Live Music with Nigel www.hiltonaviemore.com Dyson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, MAKE SURE 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302. ‘WHAT’S ON’ KNOWS l F Live Music WHAT’S ON! Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. Contact Jolene at 8.30pm. info@visitcairngorms.com or register your event online at F Live Music l www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. to get your events in Copy deadline 30th of January for 9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233. March 2018 edition. www.cairngorm.com www.visitcairngorms.com
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Christmas Party Nights The Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 7pm-12.45am. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Every Sunday F Live Music with Anne l
& Calum Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8pm. T: 01479 810233. F Live Music l Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. 8.30pm. F Scottish Night with l Ceilidh Dancing Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.
Details correct at time of going to press - please note events may change.
What’s On
what’s on january & february 2018
F Live Music with Davy l
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map
See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.
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What’s On
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Friends in High Places
insider’s guide things to do
You’ve been enjoying a day’s walking in the mountains, but now with darkness closing in you find yourself separated from your group and you’re lost. How reassuring then to know that a team of experienced mountaineers are on their way to search for you and take you safely off the mountain. What’s On caught up with two such heroes, Iain Cornfoot of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team and Julian Fennema of Braemar Mountain Rescue Team to find out more about this vital emergency service. So, how long have you been a part of Mountain Rescue and what attracted you in the first place? Iain: I have been a member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team since 1995. I joined a training programme at the age of 15 and moved into the full team at the age of 18. The chance to learn climbing and mountaineering skills from respected guys in the team first attracted me to CMRT. Julian: I was fortunate to have the chance to climb and hillwalk as a youth, spending several summers in the Alps before concentrating on a career as an academic. On moving to Braemar I decide to find out if I could make a more direct contribution and was thrilled to be given the opportunity – I joined the team as a trainee in October 2015 and was accepted as an operational member the following July. How many members are in your team and what are their backgrounds? Iain: CMRT has 42 members who are all volunteers, from all different walks of life: Mountain Guides, Doctors, Builders, Ski Patrollers, and Teachers to name a few! The one thing that we all have in common is a love of the mountains. Julian: The BMRT benefits from a close collaboration with Police Scotland, and approximately a quarter of our 38 members are serving officers. The rest of us are a motley crew of teachers, estate workers, engineers, tour guides… all walks of life are represented. So what do you need to volunteer & become part of the team? Iain: You need to have lots of time to attend training and the ability to be flexible and leave other commitments if there is a call-out. A sense of humour is also a good thing! Julian: The willingness and ability to be part of a team operating in challenging 12 12
What’s On
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environments and circumstances is certainly up there, along with hill skills. That said, the most important element is the support (and forgiveness) of partners and family; meals are left uneaten, conversations unfinished and chores incomplete because when the phone goes off it’s time to go!
Why do people get into difficulty? Iain: People can get into difficulty for a number of reasons, anything from a fall when climbing to being caught out by the ever-changing weather. Julian: The public discourse tends to concentrate on poor preparation or risk evaluation, but there is a myriad of reasons. The team operates without judgement – somebody is out there having one of the worst days of their lives and we are trained, equipped and supported to help them.
How do you reach high, inhospitable terrain? Iain: We have various ways that we can reach the high areas of the Cairngorms. If the weather is favourable, we would mostly try to ask for assistance from the Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter. If this isn’t an option we use Land Rovers, ATVs, Piste Grooming Machines from the Ski Area but most of the time it will just be on foot. Training must be intensive? Iain: Yeah, there are lots of different facets to Mountain Rescue that we train for but the training officers always ensure a variety. Our most intensive training period is prewinter when we recap a lot of the avalanche and medical protocols. A lot of the senior team members will help at the training events; it’s always pretty varied and good fun! Julian: A training day is an intense learning experience, focused on skills that will keep us safe and those who we go out to rescue. The advantage of living in the Braemar area, though, is that we are all out in the outdoors regularly, be it alone or practicing with other team members, thereby supplementing the formal training.
insider’s guide
So what happens when you receive a call? Julian: A rescue callout will be coordinated by one of our specially trained team members who will plan and implement an appropriate response. When the phone goes we need to move as fast as we can to get suited and booted, fill the thermos, grab the rucksack and get to the rescue centre. In October it was 8 minutes from receiving a call (about to get into the shower after a trail run) to being aloft in a helicopter.
How is the service funded? Iain: The Cairngorm team receives funding from the government as part of a grant for all Mountain Rescue teams in Scotland. This equates to about 20% of our running costs with a further 10% coming from Police Scotland. One of the main differences between us, and a lot of other teams in Scotland is that we are independent from Scottish Mountain Rescue (SMR). As a result, if anyone donated to SMR, the Cairngorm team would not receive any percentage of these donations. The other 70% of our running costs is made up of donations directly to the team as well as fundraising. Julian: The balance for each team is different, as is the end cost. For Braemar MRT approximately a quarter is received from government through Scottish Mountain Rescue, but the rest is the... 13
insider’s guide things to do
...generosity of the public. Fundraising forms an important part of team activity, and we benefit from donations at events as well as bequests. These are often linked to amazing personal stories, sometimes tragic ones, and serve to remind us why we do what we do.
With winter approaching what words of advice would you give to those heading for the hills? Iain: Start early. Always give yourself enough time for unforeseeable changes in conditions or weather. Have the mindset to change your plans should the weather and snow conditions not be favourable. Julian: Dealing with winter conditions is not just about lots of shiny new gear, but also the experience to make good decisions and knowledge of how to use the equipment. If in doubt, there are some great training courses out there. Regardless, though, always remember to let someone know where you are going and when you’ll check back in – this is vital information for the rescue teams. To learn more about CMRT & BMRT or to donate to these remarkable organisations, visit www.cmrt.org.uk and www.braemarmountainrescue.org.uk
to do
to do
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here’s a whole host of things to do in the Cairngorms National Park and more and more people are discovering just how special this place is. There are so many ways to make the most of our beautiful surroundings so what are you waiting for? See www.visitcairngorms.com for more ideas and offers.
What’s On
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to do 16
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eat & drink
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ook out for local produce & help reduce food miles within the Cairngorms National Park. We really are spoilt for choice. If you’re still stuck for ideas have a look at the next few pages and you’ll soon be inspired!
Garth Hotel
& Restaurant
THE CROSS AT KINGUSSIE
Fine Dining in the Cairngorms Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner AA Three Red Rosettes Good Food & Michelin Guides 2017
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Restaurant open 7.30am-9.30pm Lunch served Monday-Sunday 12-5pm Evening meals served 5-9:30pm Early Bird Voucher - Sun-Fri until 6.30pm 15% discount based on pre-booking & taking 2 Courses - booking essential
The Square (Castle Rd) Grantown 01479 872 836 n www.garthhotel.com
www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166
Cairngorm Hotel
Boat of Garten - Tel: 01479 831 466
eat & drink
RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS
The Place to Eat and Meet Opposite Aviemore Railway Station
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Local, Seasonal, Creative Food, Relaxed & Informal Dining Experience. * LUNCH SPECIAL ~ Monday to Saturday, daily changing blackboard menu, 2 courses £12.99, 3 courses £15.99 (Normal menu also available. Closed Tuesdays.)
T: 01479 831 466 or E: info@andersonsrestaurant.co.uk
www.andersonsrestaurant.co.uk What’s On
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Great Freshly Prepared Food All Day Beers, Wines, Spirits & Malts In the lively Lounge, All Day ‘til Late with Regular Entertainment + Live TV Sports
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Bed & Highland Breakfast from £52 pppn Book Direct on 01479 810233 to Guarantee The Best Prices
Grampian Road Aviemore 01479 810 233 n www.cairngorm.com
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eat & drink
Royal Tandoori Restaurant and Take-away OPEN 7 DAYS
& RESTAURANT
Lunch 12noon-2pm
Restaurant Open Tues - Sun 6 - 8:30pm Reservations recommended
Family Run hotel with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Freshly prepared food using local and seasonal produce. Large selection of Wines, Malts and Gins. Loch Alvie, by Aviemore - 2 miles south on B9152
accommodation
T: 01479 810 207
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www.rowantreehotel.com
Evening 5-10.30pm
Authentic Indian Cuisines Three Course Business Lunch ~ ÂŁ8.95 10% Discount on Take-away Meals A La Carte Menu Freshly Prepared Coffees Private Function Room ~ Ideal For Stag, Hen Or Birthday Parties
Tel: 01479 811199 or 01479 811118
43 Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH www.royaltandoori.uk.com
accommodation
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e have a superb choice of quality accommodation in the area. Use the accommodation finder on visitcairngorms.com to help plan your trip and keep an eye on the special offers page for last minute deals and great savings. What’s On
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Cairngorm Highland Bungalows Beautifully furnished and equipped 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed bungalows sleeping 2 - 8. Open fires. Mountain views, pets welcome, Leisure Club/Golf facilities available. Easy walking distance to Aviemore. S.T.B. 3H - 4H Contact Linda Murray Tel: 01479 810653 www.cairngorm-bungalows.co.uk