What's On in the Cairngorms National Park March 2020

What’s On FREE

MARCH

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Insider’s Guide: Battle of the Bikes Special Offers!

Events: Over 70 Inside

www.visitcairngorms.com

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 10

What’s On

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map

See www.visitcairngorms.com for more information on each of the villages in the area.

www.visitcairngorms.com

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insider’s guide things to do 12 12

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insider’s guide www.visitcairngorms.com

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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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