What’s On FREE
MARCH
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Insider’s Guide: Battle of the Bikes Special Offers! Events: Over 70 Inside
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Cairngorm Ski Club
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1 Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1 Insider’s Guide. . . . . . . . . . . 12 1 Eat and Drink . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1 To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 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: Kirsti McIntyre for Mikes Bikes www.aviemorebikes.co.uk Photography: Cairngorm Ski Club, Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Pine Marten Bar & Scran, Glenlivet Estate, Tony Marsh (Summer Soltice bike photo), Aviemore100.
What’s On W in march
elcome to the Cairngorms National Park and your March edition of What’s On, the free events guide. Storm Dennis brought with him the snow in February, just in time (fingers crossed!) for this month’s much loved snowsports events, such as the Scottish Masters Ski Races and the Upbattle Splitboarding Derby Weekender (see listings on page 4 for full details). Don’t forget that this month also brings with it Mother’s Day on Sunday 22nd March. As well as the many cafes & restaurants to treat her to in the valley, there are also some special events being laid on, such as ‘A Wild Mother’s Day’ at the Highland Wildlife Park where you can feed the macaques and learn about the snow leopards, in Kincraig. This month is particularly brimming, too, with exciting musical events showcasing some of the area’s most lauded talents. For example, the Hamish Napier Band is performing at Boat of Garten Community Hall on Saturday 21st March. The same night, you can hear ‘The Johnny Cash Story’ at St Margaret’s, Braemar. There’s also the Strathfest Music & Dance competition. As usual, all these fantastic events are in addition to the regular raft of (often free!) entertainment put on in the valley from talks, walks, runs, quizzes and live music. In the Cairngorms National Park there really is something for everyone!
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What’s On
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Contents
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Wednesday 4th March
what’s on in march
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
Events of Interest
21st-29th March F l Creating Space Exhibition
what’s on march 2020
3rd February-30th March F Douglas Spalding l
Iona Gallery, Kingussie. 10am-5pm. T: 01540 673422.
Paintings from Everest Base Camp Exhibition
Calendar of Events Friday 28th February
6th-8th March Scottish Masters Ski Races Glenshee Ski Centre. www.snowsportscotland.org
9th-15th March
Deeside Inn, Ballater. 8.30pm.
Monday 2nd March
F Nethy Bridge Annual l
Abernethy Church of Scotland, Dell Road, Nethy Bridge. T: 079661 78051. www.facebook.com/Nethy-Bridge-AnnualCharity-Shop
Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore. 9am-4.30pm. T: 07867 771001. www.facebook.com/upbattle 4
Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-10pm. T: 01479 831123. www.boat_reel_thekeeper.eventbrite.co.uk
Live Music with Road Trip
Inverallen Church, Grantown on Spey & Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. T: 01479 873582. www.strathfest.org
UpBattle Splitboarding Derby Weekender with Backcountry Seminars & Product Demos
The Falkland Islands Talk by Dorothy Grace
Kincraig Church Hall. 7.30-10pm. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-falkland-islandsdorothy-grace-tickets-54340263190
Thursday 5th March Talk by Jack Harland on his book Highland Journal
Grantown Museum. 7-9pm. T: 01479 872478. www.grantownmuseum.co.uk/whats-on.html
Scott by Tony Blackler
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Night Boat Reel: The Keeper [15] Quiz The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. (2018) T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Saturday 29th February
StrathFest Music & Dance Competition
14th-15th March
Old Railway Line, Grantown on Spey. 11am-12.30pm. T: 07818 588222. www.highlifehighland.com
F Evening Talk: Sir Peter l
Chapel House Arts, Kingussie. 10am-4.30pm. T: 01540 662438. www.chapelhousearts.co.uk (closed Sunday, Tues, Wed).
Charity Shop
A Short Walk Into Nature
Concert by Palisander Recorder Quartet
St Bride’s Parish Church, Newtonmore. 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01540 673422. F Evening Talk: Animals l
F Live Entertainment l
with Chris Grant Guitarist Singer Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
Friday 6th March F Live Entertainment l with Davy Holt
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. F Live Music with Mark l
McMillan
The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
& Birds of Nepal & India by Tony Blackler
Saturday 7th March F Ramblers 8 mile walk l
Quiz Night
Burnfield Car Park, Grantown on Spey. 9.30am. T: 01479 821760. www.badenochandstrathspeyramblers.org.uk
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Darnaway Forest
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. What’s On
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Free Entry to Event
Cairngorm Mountain. 8am-5pm. www.Gbski.co.uk
Atholl Country Life Museum, Blair Atholl. 7.30-9pm.
Strathspey Thistle v Keith Highland League Football Match
Thursday 12th March
The Osprey Music Society Presents: Trio Apaches
Quiz Night
The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368. www.thewinkingowl.co
Live Music with the Coaltown Daisies
Friday 13th March
Deeside Inn, Ballater. 8.30pm.
with Anne & Calum
Sunday 8th March
Boat Reel: The Good Liar [15] (2019)
Encounter with an Eagle
Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-10pm. T: 01479 831123. www.boat_reel_good_liar.eventbrite.co.uk
Glen Doll Ranger Base, Glen Clova, Kirriemuir. 11am-3pm. T: 01575 550233. www.ticketsource.co.uk/angusalive
F Live Entertainment l
F Live Entertainment l
with Scott Ramsay Singer Guitarist
Monday 9th March
40 Wildlife Sites in the UK by Iolo Williams
Saturday 21st March F Ramblers 8.5 mile walk l
Grantown-on-Spey to Dava on the Dava Way
Dee & Don Ceilidh Collective present Ballater Ceilidh Day
Live Music with Iona Fyfe Trio
F Evening Talk: Iolo’s Top l
The Boat Country Inn, Boat of Garten. 8-11pm. T: 01479 831258. www.boathotel.co.uk
Saturday 14th March F The Making of the l
Tomintoul & Glenlivet Discovery Centre. 10am-4 pm. T: 01807 580760. www.facebook.com/ events/2516279151980433
Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 831123. www.boat_talk_unfinished_business. eventbrite.co.uk
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 7.30-9pm. T: 07709 270044. www.thegrantownsociety.org
Burnfield Car Park, Grantown-on-Spey. 9.30am. T: 01479 873806. www.badenochandstrathspeyramblers.org.uk
Tomintoul Coat Replica Community Workshop
Boat Talk: Finishing Unfinished Business. A Talk by Roddy Riddle, International Cyclist
February Meeting
with Anne & Calum
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6.30pm.
Friday 20th March F Grantown Society l
Mair
Community Hall, Nethybridge. 7-10pm. T: 01479 851405.
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
F Live Music with Keith l
Nethy Bridge Quiz Evening
F Live Entertainment l
Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, Aviemore. 11am-12.30pm. T: 07818 588222. www.highlifehighland.com
George Gordon Singer
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-10pm. T: 01479 831213. www.boatofgarten.com
A Short Walk Into Nature
Wednesday 18th March F Live Entertainment with l
Evening Talk: The Dippers River by Mick Jenner F l
Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 3pm. www.facebook.com/strathspeythistlefc
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Tuesday 17th March
Wednesday 11th March Talk on Wade’s Roads in Perthshire
Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. 6.30-9.30pm. www.glenbuchatmusic.co.uk
Monday 16th March Wildlife Wander
RSPB Lookout Hide, Kingussie. 10am-1pm. T: 01540 661518. www.visitcairngorms.com
Victoria & Albert Halls. 10am. www.deedonceilidhcollective.org.uk
Hamish Napier Band perform ‘The Woods’
Boat of Garten Community Hall. Doors 7pm for 7.30-9.30pm. T: 07971 561693. www.hamishnapier.com/live/info
The Johnny Cash Story
St Margaret’s, Braemar. 7.30-9pm. T: 07553 088605. www.ticketsource.co.uk/stmargaretsbraemar/the-johnny-cash-story/e-ozmrpg F l
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what’s on march 2020
Scottish Children’s Alpine Championships and Bairns Bucket
What’s On
Free Entry to Event 5
F Live Entertainment l
Wednesday 25th March
with Anne & Calum
Folk Concert with Charlie McKerron & friends
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
Grantown Museum, Grantown on Spey. 7-9pm. T: 01479 872478. A Wild Mother’s Day at the www.grantownmuseum.co.uk/whats-on.html
Sunday 22nd March
Park to feed the Macaques & learn about our Snow Leopards Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig. 10am-4pm. T: 01540 651270. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.uk/eventsexperiences
Live Entertainment with Scott Ramsay Singer Guitarist F l
what’s on march 2020
Monday 23rd March
F Evening Talk: A Life for l
Animals by Polly Pullar
Boat Talks: Cairngorm Connect: Restoring Landscapes for the Future Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 831123. www.boat_talk_cairngorm_connect. eventbrite.co.uk
F Live Entertainment l
with Chris Grant Guitarist Singer
Friday 27th March Boat Reel: Blinded by the Light
‘WHAT’S ON’ KNOWS
WHAT’S ON! Contact Sarah at info@visitcairngorms.com or register your event online at www.visitcairngorms.com/whatson to get your events in
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Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
MAKE SURE
F Live Entertainment l
Sunday 29th March F FLAG (Families Learning l
Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon. 7pm. www.eclecticglen.co.uk
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Victoria & Albert Halls, Ballater. 7-9.30pm.
Live Music with Yorkston Thorne Khan
Live Music with MacCrimmons’ Gold
Evening Talk: A Wild Time in Scotland Filming Adventures with The One Show by Mike Dilger
Ballater Films present Green Book (12A)
with The Soil
Thursday 26th March
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Grantown Museum, Grantown on Spey. 10.30am-12.30pm. T: 01479 872478. www.grantownmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
Seafield Park, Grantown on Spey. 8pm. www.facebook.com/strathspeythistlefc
The Old Bridge, Aviemore. 9-11pm. www.ticketweb.uk/event/yorkston-thornekhan-old-bridge-inn-tickets
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
Copy deadline 4th March for April 2020 edition.
Strathspey Thistle v Fraserburgh Highland League Football Match
Museum Coffee Morning
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
About God) Activities, Games, Learning & Food St Columbas Hall, or Inverallan Hall, Grantown on Spey. 4-6pm. sallyg@post.com
Monday 30th March F Evening Talk: The Past, l Present and Future of Caledonian Pinewoods by Ron Summers Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Tuesday 31st March A Short Walk Into Nature: Grantown Old Railway line, Grantown on Spey. 11am-12.30pm. T: 07818 588222. www.highlifehighland.com
Boat of Garten Community Hall. 7.30-10pm. T: 01479 831123. www.boat_reel_blinded_by_light. eventbrite.co.uk
F Cairngorm Hill Climb l
F Live Entertainment l
Year around Peterborough by Mike Weedon
with Anne & Calum
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm.
Saturday 28th March
Aviemore Retail Park Car Park near Tisos. 6.30-8pm. www.cairngormcc.co.uk/events F Evening Talk: A Birding l
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown on Spey. 8.30-10pm. T: 01479 872526. www.bwwc.co.uk
Newtonmore Easter Craft Fair
Newtonmore Village Hall. 10am-12pm. T: 01540 673301. www.newtonmore.com What’s On
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Free Entry to Event
Meet at Wildcat Centre, Newtonmore. 10.30-11.30am. T: 01479 870520. www.cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/ things-to-do/walking-trails/health-walks
Every Monday Life Drawing
The Winking Owl (back of the Bothy Bar), Aviemore. 7.30-9.30pm. T: 01479 812368 (not 2nd).
Rotary Club of Spey Valley Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 6-8.15pm. T: 01479 810233. www.speyvalley.rotary1010.org
Ballroom Dancing with Kenny Nairn
The Killiecrankies Cabaret Band
The Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.45pm. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk
Live Music with Graeme Mackay F l
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30pm. T: 01479 810233.
Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.
F Live Music with Tweed l
Winking Owl, Aviemore. 8.30pm.
F Live Music with Davy l
Holt
Every Tuesday F Grantown Health l
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30-11.30pm. T: 01479 810233. www.cairngorm.com
Walk
F Carrbridge Health Walk l
Meet at Community Centre, Nethybridge. 1.30-2.30pm. T: 01479 870520. www.cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/ things-to-do/walking-trails/health-walks/
The Old Bridge, Carrbridge. 11am-12.00pm. T: 01479 870520.
Weekly Bike Rides
Ardvonie Park, Kingussie. 6.30-8.30pm. www.facebook.com/cyclefriendlykingussie
Gordon
The Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.45pm. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk
Quiz Night
Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore. 9.30-11.30pm.
Every Wednesday Community Cafe
St Andrews Church Hall, Aviemore. 10am-4pm.
Outside Logie Coldstone Village Hall, Dinnet. 1.30pm-2.30pm. T: 01479 870520.
Meet Tomnabat Court, Tomintoul. 10-11am. T: 01479 870520.
Live Music with Carl Wilson Singer & Guitarist Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.30pm. T: 01540 661302.
Every Saturday F Aviemore Parkrun 5km l timed walk/run
Route 7 Cafe, Aviemore. 9.30am (run brief 9.20am). T: 01479 873918. www.parkrun.org.uk/aviemore St Anne’s RC Parish, St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Grantown on Spey. 5-6pm. T: 01540 661322. www.facebook.com/StAidansAviemore F Vigil (Sunday) Mass l
Our Lady of the Rosary & St Columba’s RC Church, Loreto, Kingussie. 7-8pm. T: 01540 661322. www.facebook.com/StAidansAviemore
Live Music with Nigel Dyson Singer & Guitarist
Every Sunday
F Ballroom Dancing with l
F Live Music with George l
F Tomintoul Health Walk l
Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30pm. T: 01540 661302.
F Cromar Health Walk l
F Cycle Friendly Kingussie l
Meet Glenlivet Public Hall. 9.45-10.45am. T: 01479 870520.
F Vigil (Sunday) Mass l
Meet Anagach Wood, Curling Rink Car Every Thursday Park, Grantown on Spey. 10.30-11.30am. F Kingussie Health Walk l T: 01479 870520. Meet Badenoch Centre, Kingussie. www.cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/ 10.30-11.30am. T: 01479 870520. things-to-do/walking-trails/health-walks/ www.cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/ F Nethybridge Health l things-to-do/walking-trails/health-walks/
Walk
F Glenlivet Health Walk l
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Sunday Mass
The Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. 8.30-10.45pm. www.dukeofgordonhotel.co.uk
Our Lady of the Rosary & St Columba’s RC Church, Newtonmore Road, Kingussie. 10-11am. T: 01540 661322. www.facebook.com/StAidansAviemore
F Quiz Night l
F Sunday mass l
Kenny Nairn
The Winking Owl, Aviemore. 9pm. T: 01479 812368.
St Aidan’s RC Church, Grampian Road, Aviemore. 11.30am-12.30pm. T: 01540 661322. www.facebook.com/StAidansAviemore
Every Friday F l
what’s on march 2020
Newtonmore Health Walk
Every Day in March
Glen Tanar Health Walk
Outside Boat Inn, Aboyne for lift 9.40am or meet at Glen Tanar Car Park for 10am. T: 01479 870520. www.cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/ things-to-do/walking-trails/health-walks/ www.visitcairngorms.com
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Details correct at time of going to press - please note events may change.
What’s On
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what’s on march 2020 CHECK OUT 100 THINGS TO DO IN THE CAIRNGORMS #100thingstodoCNP www.visitcairngorms.com/100
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map
See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.
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insider’s guide things to do 12 12
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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!
THE CROSS AT KINGUSSIE RIVERSIDE RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS
Fine Dining in the Cairngorms Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner AA Three Red Rosettes Good Food & Michelin Guides 2020 www.thecross.co.uk 01540 661166
Royal Tandoori Restaurant and Take-away OPEN 7 DAYS
eat & drink
Authentic Indian Cuisines 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
What’s On
The Place to Eat and Meet Opposite Aviemore Railway Station
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Evening 5-10.30pm
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Cairngorm Hotel
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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Newly Refurbished Function Suite
(Ideal for Weddings, Meetings or Special Occasions) n
Enquiries or Book Direct on 01479 810233
Grampian Road Aviemore 01479 810 233 n www.cairngorm.com
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Rowan Tree
Country Hotel & Restaurant
Open every evening for meals in a cosy and inviting country setting Perfect for group lunches and special occasions, pre-booking required Fine dining with locally sourced produce, freshly prepared and cooked to perfection.
Rowan Tree Hotel, by Loch Alvie, B9152, Aviemore, PH22 1QB
01479 810 207
www.rowantreehotel.com
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What s on at the
Garth Hotel
eat & drink
Situated by beautiful Loch Alvie, 2 miles south of Aviemore.
March 2020 Our Live Music Wednesdays continue throughout March Treat your Mother to a special day at the Garth Hotel. On Sunday the 22nd, all Mothers will receive a complimentary glass of champagne when dining with us from our delicious Mothers Day Set Menu. Booking essential.
The Garth Hotel Spotlight We would like to give our very own Sheila Wallace a special mention this month. This year marks 15 years since Sheila joined our team. She is the heart and soul of what we do and keeps us all right! We look forward to another 15 years of excellent service, congratulations Sheila! Here she is with her posing with what she got with her reward money. To stay up to date with Whats On at the Garth Hotel find us on Facebook! Search for Garth Hotel & Restaurant & like our page to follow our latest releases & deals.
Grantown on Spey n PH26 3HN n 01479 872 836 n www.garthhotel.com
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to do
T
to do
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.
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What’s On
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TRAVEL BACK IN TIME ON THE HIGHLAND STEAM RAILWAY
STRATHSPEY RAILWAY www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
What’s On
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eat & drink
APRIL TO OCTOBER 2020
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