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February
2010
Events in Highland Perthshire
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for February 2010 What's On for Highland Perthshire
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Blair Castle
Blair Atholl
WINTER 2009/2010 OPENING TIMES
31 October to 31 March 2010 Open every Tuesday and Saturday,
9.30am to 2.30pm
(last admission to Castle Tour 1.30pm) Prices: Adults £6.75,
Seniors £5.85, Children £3.95, Family Ticket £15. FREE admission
to gardens, grounds, restaurant and shop.
Friday 29th Jan - 7 Feb 2010
Perth 800 - Winter Words Festival
Winter Words Festival Brochure 2010
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Where Scotland’s literary year gets into gear -The Scotsman
Winter Words is six years old in 2010 and continues to attract
more visitors with each passing year. This year, the Festival
has expanded and will run over ten days and two weekends, with
events taking place at some new and unusual venues!
With a programme featuring a variety of authors and wordsmiths -
including Gyles Brandreth, Neil Oliver, Barbara Dickson, Joss
Ackland, Elaine C. Smith, Alasdair Gray, Don Patterson and Julia
Donaldson (who returns with The Gruffalo in tow) – Winter
Words offers something, or someone, for everyone.
Across all ten days, there are events to entertain, engage and
stimulate: from poetry, history, fiction and memoirs, to stories
of places and people, of travel and exploration. A number of
themes wind their way through the Festival this year – rural
life, Scottish history and culture, life on the stage,
horticulture and the natural world – though which a host of
entertaining writers and raconteurs will be charting very
different paths.
hiper once again brings you a great selection of child-friendly
entertainment for this year’s Festival. We’re giddy with delight
at being able to welcome back Julia Donaldson and Frank
Rodgers, and thrilled by a new development: watching the wee
ones cuddle up for some great bedtime stories – a wonderful way
to finish the day for young and old alike . . .
Our ever-popular Writing Workshops offer opportunities to
develop and expand your own creative skills. Neil Forsyth
will lead a session for aspiring fiction writers, whilst
Rachel Marsh tackles the short story format. For a more
intensive and thrilling experience, tutor Tom Murray will
take you Out Of Your Head during his three day writing course!
As thousands of happy literature lovers have already discovered,
Winter Words provides the perfect antidote to those mid-winter
blues.
Book Fair
The Winter Words bookstall is organised by The Watermill
Bookshop in Aberfeldy, who will be selling signed books by guest
authors throughout the Festival. Located in a Grade-A listed
former watermill, and winner of the UK’s Best Independent
Bookshop, The Watermill is well worth a visit whilst in Highland
Perthshire. Visit
www.aberfeldywatermill.com
The unique Pitlochry Station Bookshop will be running a second
hand bookstall in the Theatre foyer throughout the Festival. The
Station Bookshop sells a wide range of donated books to raise
money for many different charities. Bestsellers, children`s
classics and interesting antiquary gems are waiting to be
enjoyed – and not just by train travellers!
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk
Web www.pitlochry.org.uk
Winter Words Festival Brochure 2010
Monday 1st Feb - Monday 15th Mar 2010
Scottish Snowdrop Festival
Perthshire
From the Latin name meaning 'milk flower', these tiny green
and white flowers are amongst the first blossoms to emerge in
the new year. In the mid 19th century soldiers in the Crimean
War brought them back from the battlefields to plant in their
gardens. Today they thrive throughout Scotland, in gardens, damp
woods and on river banks. VisitScotland has teamed up with
gardens around the country to bring you the Scottish Snowdrop
Festival. At locations throughout Scotland, you’ll find snowdrop
after snowdrop, bringing brightness and magic to your day.
Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre Telephone - 01350 727688
Email:
dunkeld@visitscotland.com Web
www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops
Tuesday 2nd February to 27th February
Snowdrops and the Scented Castle
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
In February, enjoy the seasonal delights of snowdrops in bloom
on a walk around the castle grounds. A gentle meandering route
passes through the Hercules Garden and weaves along to St Brides
Kirk. The walk also includes access to two new paths (only open
to the public at snowdrop time). Then step in from the cold and
enjoy the indoor flowers. The castle's entrance hall, Banvie
Hall and restaurant will be filled with bowls of scented
daffodils, hyacinths and tulips.
*Please note: The castle and grounds are open on Tuesdays and
Saturdays only. Also open for Mothering Sunday on 14 March.
Opening Days: 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27 February 2, 6,
9, 13, 14 March Times: 9.30am to 2.30pm Prices:
Free entry to grounds, restaurant and gift shop
Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Every Wednesday Night Sept 09 to 24th march
2010
Night Time Mountain Bike Riding
North Car Park in Dunkeld.
Meet at the North car park in Dunkeld Leaver 7pm Prompt
for a variety of routes technical and non-technical. Good
lights essential, full suspension isnot. Please ensure you
are necessarily equipped for winter weather & trailside repairs.
Contact Scot Tares 07763 013862
Tuesday 2nd
Feb 2pm to 4pm
Queen Victoria's Highland Journals
A performance in Blair Castle’s ballroom as part of Pitlochry
Festival Theatre’s
Winter Words Festival.
Queen Victoria was a frequent visitor to the Highlands,
especially to these Perthshire hills, and her journals reveal
the solace that these visits brought her after the death of her
beloved husband, Albert.
Readings from her diaries will be brought to life by some
familiar faces from the Pitlochry stage in the historic setting
of Blair Castle’s ballroom, by a roaring fire. The event will
start with a tour of Victoria’s apartments and a chance to
examine family photographs, portraits and the many letters that
passed between Duchess Anne and Queen Victoria.
Blair Castle’s Tullibardine Restaurant will be open before the
event for the enjoyment of light lunches, teas and Victoria
sponge! Prices: £8 Booking: Via the Pitlochry
Festival Theatre Box Office on 01796 484626 or online at
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Tuesday, 2nd Feb, 7.30pm
Winter Words Festival - Angus Konstam
Blair Castle Blair Atholl
A
performance in Blair Castle’s ballroom as part of Pitlochry
Festival Theatre’s
Winter Words Festival.
For hundreds of years, Scottish soldiers fighting
for sovereign and country have recorded their experiences in
words: letters, diaries, poems, ballads and reports. Historian
Angus Konstam has now brought these accounts together for the
first time and will read from his moving and inspiring book
There Was A Soldier in the historic setting of Blair
Castle’s ballroom. Angus will be illustrating his talk with
examples from the castle’s magnificent weaponry collections.
Angus’ book recently formed the subject of the fascinating STV
programme The Scots At War.
Prices:
£7 Booking: Via Pitlochry Festival Theatre's Box Office
on 01796 484626 or online at
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Wednesday 3rd February 4.30pm
Bashabi Fraser
The Watermill Aberfeldy,
Bashabi Fraser will be presenting her modern epic poem From
Ganga to the Tay.
www.aberfeldywatermill.com
Thursday 4th February 4.30pm
Aberfeldy author Maisie Steven
The Watermill Aberfeldy,
will be talking of her unique experiences as a child growing
up in Glen Urquart. The events will take place at in The
Watermill Aberfeldy, for more details go to
www.aberfeldywatermill.com
Thursday 4th Feb, 3.15pm.
Winter Words Festival - Charles MacLean
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Festival partner Dewars welcomes whisky writer extraordinaire
Charles MacLean for a fine afternoon’s blend of entertainment,
beginning with a free tour the heritage exhibition and
distillery at 2.00pm, followed by an audience with the author of
eight whisky books to date, including Whiskypedia, published in
June 2009. Tickets £7.00 Pitlochry Festival
Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk
Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Thursday 4th & Friday 5th February
Heartland Film Society - Persepolis cert 12A
The Locus Centre The Square Aberfeldy.
Iran in 1979. Marjane Satrapi's funny and intelligent
autobiographical animation captures her childhood, adolescence
and exile in the turmoil of the Iranian revolution. £30
for 10 films as a member, or £5 per film
www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk
Friday 5th February
Pictism
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road Pitlochry.
- A traditional two piece from Edinburgh playing a mixture
of Scots and Irish tunes and songs. The song's they perform can
either be from within the last couple of hundred years such as
Robert Burns or Robert Tannahill songs or the may be of an older
tradition that is of an unknown origin usually part of a long
forgotten oral tradition. Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Friday 5th February 9.30pm to 10.30pm
Fearie Tales
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Ben-Y-Vrackie Bar.
Round of the day with tales of the macabre and the
supernatural, read by some familiar faces from the Pitlochry
stage. Each evening will feature a selection of different
hair-raining tales, but a dram or two should help to keep the
chills at bay. FREE event. Pitlochry Festival
Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 6th February 7pm
Winter Puddingsnight!
in the McLean Hall. Fearnan
£5 per person. All proceeds to towards a Permanent
Photographic Exhibition in the Hall. Live music, tea/coffee.
Saturday
6th February 10am to 12.30pm
Winter Red Squirrel Safari
Blair Castle Blair Atholl
Enjoy a morning walking and driving through our farm land
and forests in search of red squirrels as they play and search
for food. Winter is a great time to watch red squirrels as
there's less cover from tree foliage and the squirrels are more
active in their search for food.
As part of the tour you will stop at one of our wild life hides
to witness these cheeky creatures move around in their natural
setting and while there, enjoy some warm refreshments and listen
to our guide, Sandy, a man who has lived and worked on Atholl
for almost 50 years.
Sandy has lived and worked on the estate for all his career and
will share his specialist knowledge of the natural area which is
rich in wildlife including red squirrels, birds of prey,
deer and mountain hares. Pick up and drop off at Blair Castle
(in front of glass entrance doors).
Prices:
Adults £30, Children (3 to 17 years) £18 Booking:
Contact the Estate Office on 01796 481355, Blair Castle on 01796
481207 or Blair Castle Caravan Park on 01796 481263. Pre-booking
essential. Numbers limited to 6 per tour. Group or private
bookings are welcomed on other dates by prior arrangement
(subject to availability).
Saturday 6th February 10am to 12.30pm
Land Rover Tour
Atholl Estates Blair Atholl.
Enjoy a breath-taking 2.5 hour Land Rover tour through some
of the most remote, dramatic and tranquil areas on Atholl
Estates. Our drivers both live and work on the estate and will
share their specialist knowledge of the natural area, which is
rich in wildlife including red squirrels, birds of prey and
mountain hares. Winter tours will include a stop off for hot
refreshments at a bothy or out on the hill (weather permitting).
Pick up and drop off at Blair Castle. Prices: Adults £30,
Children (3 to 17 years) £18. Group or private bookings are
welcomed on other dates by prior arrangement (subject to
availability). Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 6th February
Perth & District Ramblers - Clunie Walk - 8 miles
Start Grid Ref: NN940580 or Fishers Hotel Pitlochry at 10.04am
Climb Fonab Hill then through conifer plantations onto open
moor, good views from the moor before returning to Pitlochry.
Return Bus 15.30 or 16.30. Phone leader to confirm bus details.
Note: No dogs please. Contact phone: 01738 637286.Local grade: B
Meeting Info: ASDACP at 9.00 a.m. to catch X27 bus to Pitlochry
(9.03 a.m. at Mill Street or 9.05 a.m. opposite Asda) or Fishers
Hotel, Pitlochry at 10.04 Phone: 01738 632645
www.perthramblers.blogspot.com
Saturday 6th February 7 - 10pm
MacPolvo
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road Pitlochry.
- MacPolvo have delighted audiences from Skye to Salamanca
with their repertoire of traditional song from Scotland, with
Irish songs and even the odd English number thrown into the mix.
Check out macpolvo.com Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
6th February 9.30pm to 10.30pm
Fearie Tales
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Ben-Y-Vrackie Bar.
Round of the day with tales of the macabre and the
supernatural, read by some familiar faces from the Pitlochry
stage. Each evening will feature a selection of different
hair-raining tales, but a dram or two should help to keep the
chills at bay. FREE event. Pitlochry Festival
Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 6th February 3 - 4.30pm
Afternoon workshop
Birnam Arts Centre, Station Rd, Birnam, Dunkeld
TRADITIONAL TUNES WORKSHOP (suitable for 10 years - adult)
Performer: ANGUS GRANT / LUKE PLUMB Tickets: £5 Tel.:
07971 511952 or email: jamie@jauncey.co.uk to reserve a place
Saturday 6th February 7pm
Evening CD launch & concert
BIRNAM ARTS CENTRE, STATION ROAD, BIRNAM, DUNKELD.
Performer: THE BIRNAM QUARTET Tickets: Adult - £5; Under-18s
- £3 / 2 for £5
Online:
www.thebooth.co.uk Tel.: 01350 727158
Tuesday 9th February 8pm
Quiz Night
The Auld Smiddy Inn, Atholl Rd Pitlochry.
Teams of 4 £5 entry fee per team (money to Guiding
Group) hot food for all participants at half time. SPACE
AT A PREMIUM SO A MAXIMUM OF TEN TEAMS CAN COMPETE PLEASE CALL
TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM ON 01796 472356 Quizzes continue every 2nd
Tuesday of the month until March, then Grand Final In April
Every Wednesday Night Sept 09 to 24th march
2010
Night Time Mountain Bike Riding
North Car Park in Dunkeld.
Meet at the North car park in Dunkeld Leaver 7pm Prompt
for a variety of routes technical and non-technical. Good
lights essential, full suspension isnot. Please ensure you
are necessarily equipped for winter weather & trailside repairs.
Contact Scot Tares 07763 013862
Thursday 11th February 7pm
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS - A ONE WOMAN PLAY
The Watermill Bookshop & Gallery Mill St Aberfeldy
The Watermll is very pleased to be hosting this outstanding
one-woman play performed by local actress Anna Hepburn telling
the tragic story of Mary Queen of Scots.The evening starts at
7pm with drinks and a hearty supper, followed by the play.
Tickets (£17.50 including meal and wine) are limited so book
early, from The Watermill on 01887 822896 or e-mail
marketing@aberfeldywatermill.com
Thursday 11th February 7-7.30pm
Scottish Country Dance Class
Moulin Hall Pitlochry.
Great exercise, music & fun. No partner required.
Class commences at 7.30pm and if you have not danced before or
need a refresher then come along at 7pm. Admission £2.50
nightly contact June Templeman 01796 473488
Friday 12th February 1.30pm
Mindstorm Challenge - Childrens Workshop ages P4-P7
Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam by Dunkeld
A fun programming and Robotics Workshop. brought to you by
Generation Science.
Learn how to programme your robot to follow commands and
navigate its way around our obstacle course. Bring Lego to
life in this fun and engaging hands on session. £5.00 Tel
Box Office 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Friday 12th February 7pm
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS - A ONE WOMAN PLAY
The Watermill Bookshop & Gallery Mill St Aberfeldy
The Watermll is very pleased to be hosting this outstanding
one-woman play performed by local actress Anna Hepburn telling
the tragic story of Mary Queen of Scots.The evening starts at
7pm with drinks and a hearty supper, followed by the play.
Tickets (£17.50 including meal and wine) are limited so book
early, from The Watermill on 01887 822896 or e-mail
marketing@aberfeldywatermill.com
Friday 12th February 7-10pm
John Davidson.
Live at McKays bar & Restaurant, Atholl Rd Pitlochry
John has an extensive repertoire, focusing mainly on Scots
and Irish popular folk. Depending on his audience he adds some
music hall, American folk and melodic blues to his set. A true
entertainer, his warm engaging personality ensures that
audiences have a great night. As a soloist he accompanies
himself with guitar and mandolin. Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Friday 12th February 2010 7.30pm
Alvin Stardust with his Band
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
We are delighted to welcome the legendary Alvin Stardust and his
band to Pitlochry for one night only. And what a night it
promises to be... This concert celebrates the Rockabilly roots
of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with songs from the 50s and 60s, before moving
on through the decades, right up to the present day. The show
will include Alvin’s own array of unforgettable hits from the
70s and 80s, as well as classics by Elvis, Buddy Holly, Joe
Brown, Marty Wilde, Billy Fury, Eddie Cochrane, Gene Vincent,
The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Make sure you don’t miss
this great night out with the Godfather of Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Tickets £18.50 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796
484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday
13th February -15th March
Exhibition - Printworks
by Kate Downie
The Watermill Mill Street, Aberfeldy.
Downie's third solo show
features prints: new, previously unseen as well as works from
the artist's archive at Watermill Gallery Mill Street, Aberfeldy
PH15 2BG tel: 01887 822896
www.aberfeldywatermill.com Open: Mon- Sat 10am - 5pm & Sun
11am -5pm
Saturday
February 13th 10am
Perth & District Ramblers -
Glen Banvie 8 miles
Meet Glen Tilt Car park
Up Glen Banvie, down to Bruar Falls and returning by Blair
Castle grounds. Note: No dogs please. local grade: C+ Tel 01738
445930.
Saturday
13th February 10am to 12.30pm
Winter Red Squirrel Safari
Atholl Estates Blair Castle Blair Atholl
Enjoy a morning walking and driving through our farm land
and forests in search of red squirrels as they play and search
for food. Winter is a great time to watch red squirrels as
there's less cover from tree foliage and the squirrels are more
active in their search for food.
As part of the tour you will stop at one of our wild life hides
to witness these cheeky creatures move around in their natural
setting and while there, enjoy some warm refreshments and listen
to our guide, Sandy, a man who has lived and worked on Atholl
for almost 50 years.
Sandy has lived and worked on the estate for all his career and
will share his specialist knowledge of the natural area which is
rich in wildlife including red squirrels, birds of prey,
deer and mountain hares. Pick up and drop off at Blair Castle
(in front of glass entrance doors).
Prices:
Adults £30, Children (3 to 17 years) £18 Booking:
Contact the Estate Office on 01796 481355, Blair Castle on 01796
481207 or Blair Castle Caravan Park on 01796 481263. Pre-booking
essential. Numbers limited to 6 per tour. Group or private
bookings are welcomed on other dates by prior arrangement
(subject to availability). Tel:
01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 13th February 7-10pm
Andrew Gordon.
Live at McKays bar & Restaurant, Atholl Rd Pitlochry
Andrew has been singing solos since 1999. Since then Andrew
has played in The US, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands and all
over Scotland. A firm favourite in McKays check out
andrewgordon.co.uk Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Saturday 13th February 2010 7.30pm (dinner
6pm)
A Tribute to Ella and Oscar
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Featuring Joni Keen and The Euan Stevenson Trio. A romantic,
musical celebration for Valentine’s weekend, with one of
Scotland’s finest stars of the British Jazz scene performing her
tribute to the songs of Ella Fitzgerald and the late, great
Oscar Peterson. Joni’s voice has been thrilling audiences and
critics alike this year, with her live festival and radio
performances promoting her acclaimed album Fragile. Her sultry,
accomplished range beautifully resonates with the jazz heroines
of yesteryear. Joining her onstage will be the Euan Stevenson
Trio. Euan is a talented and charismatic piano player and
composer, much in demand as a sideman for many of Scotland’s
finest jazz musicians. Euan’s reputation as a skillful and
sensitive vocal accompanist is also growing rapidly. Together
with Andy Sharkey on bass and Jim Drummond on drums, they
provide the perfect accompaniment to Joni’s voice. To enhance
the mood, why not join us earlier in the evening for a special
Valentine’s dinner in the intimate atmosphere of the River Room
Restaurant? Tickets £13 (with dinner £29) Pitlochry Festival
Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 13th February 2010 Saturday 6pm
Music in Blair Atholl
Lude House Blair Atholl
A series of delightful chamber concerts given in informal
surroundings at Strathgarry - todays music is performed by
members of The Yehudi Menuhin School of Music.
Admission - Tickets £15 Lavinia Gordon Telephone - 01796
481216
Email:
info@musicinblairatholl.com Web
www.musicinblairatholl.com
Saturday 13th February
Dance at the Birnam
The Birnam House Hotel Perth Road Birnam by Dunkeld
Dance at the Birnam – Music by Bill Jackson – 50s, 60s, 70s, &
80s Tickets £5.00 per person available the hotel reception
Tel: 01350 728 030
enquiries@birnamhotel.com
www.birnamhotel.com
Saturday 13th February 8pm
“Wonderful Day” Celebrate the life and music of Hollywood’s most
adorable star!
Birnam Arts Centre Birnam Dunkeld.
“Scott’s impression just seizes the day...” Scotsman
Remember Que Sera Sera, the Deadwood Stage and Sentimental
Journey? Reminisce and rediscover with great songs from Calamity
Jane, Pillow Talk, Young at Heart, Love Me or Leave Me and The
Pyjama Game. Enjoy this stylish musical cabaret tribute to Doris
with glitz, glamour, songs, stories, laughter and anecdotes from
her life.
Find out the story of the real Doris Day, who she was, where she
came from and how she became a huge international star!
Don’t miss out on singing along with Doris backed by her Rhythm
Boys, a live band of talented top UK jazz musicians. Tickets:
£12 / £10 Tel Box Office 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Sunday 14th February 2010 2.30pm
Music in Blair Atholl
Lude House Blair Atholl
A series of delightful chamber concerts given in informal
surroundings at Strathgarry - todays music is performed by
members of The Yehudi Menuhin School of Music.
Admission - Tickets £15 Lavinia Gordon Telephone - 01796
481216
Email:
info@musicinblairatholl.com Web
www.musicinblairatholl.com
Every Wednesday Night Sept 09 to 24th march
2010
Night Time Mountain Bike Riding
North Car Park in Dunkeld.
Meet at the North car park in Dunkeld Leaver 7pm Prompt
for a variety of routes technical and non-technical. Good
lights essential, full suspension isnot. Please ensure you
are necessarily equipped for winter weather & trailside repairs.
Contact Scot Tares 07763 013862
Thursday 18 February at 7.30pm
FREE music evening at
Fortingall Church, Fortingall
Donations taken on the night. It will be an eclectic mix of
classical, traditional and modern.Claire Hewitt will be doing a
story to!
Thursday 18th February
Heartland Film Society - AGM - Waking Ned cert 15
The Locus Centre The Square Aberfeldy.
A Black Irish comedy as two rogues pursur a dead man's
winning lottery ticket. £30 for 10 films as a member, or
£5 per film
www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk
Thursday 18th February 7-7.30pm
Scottish Country Dance Class
Moulin Hall Pitlochry.
Great exercise, music & fun. No partner required.
Class commences at 7.30pm and if you have not danced before or
need a refresher then come along at 7pm. Admission £2.50
nightly contact June Templeman 01796 473488
Friday 19th February
Acoustic Perthshire
Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam by Dunkeld
An evening of the finest, locally made acoustic music
featuring a number of artists from the area. Tickets £8
advance £10 on the door/under 18s £3 (2 for £5) Ticket
info 01350 727158 (cash/cheque only) card bookings online at
www.thebooth.co.uk www.thefiddletree.com
Friday 19th February 7-10pm
Lisa & Fiona
Live at McKays bar & Restaurant, Atholl Rd Pitlochry
This young female duo on fiddle and accordion are gaining
quite a reputation for themselves on the traditional live music
scene. Lisa, who is studying the BA Gaelic and Traditional Music
degree at the Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye, and Fiona who
studied the BA Scottish Music degree at the RAM in Glasgow, take
their influences from the West Coast tradition, and will provide
us with a night of Ceilidh Music. Tel: 01796473888 .
Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Saturday
20th February 10am to 12.30pm
Winter Red Squirrel Safari
Blair Castle Blair Atholl
Enjoy a morning walking and driving through our farm land
and forests in search of red squirrels as they play and search
for food. Winter is a great time to watch red squirrels as
there's less cover from tree foliage and the squirrels are more
active in their search for food. As part of the tour you
will stop at one of our wild life hides to witness these cheeky
creatures move around in their natural setting and while there,
enjoy some warm refreshments and listen to our guide, Sandy, a
man who has lived and worked on Atholl for almost 50 years.
Sandy has lived and worked on the estate for all his career and
will share his specialist knowledge of the natural area which is
rich in wildlife including red squirrels, birds of prey,
deer and mountain hares. Pick up and drop off at Blair Castle
(in front of glass entrance doors).
Prices:
Adults £30, Children (3 to 17 years) £18 Booking:
Contact the Estate Office on 01796 481355, Blair Castle on 01796
481207 or Blair Castle Caravan Park on 01796 481263. Pre-booking
essential. Numbers limited to 6 per tour. Group or private
bookings are welcomed on other dates by prior arrangement
(subject to availability). Tel:
01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 20th February 7 - 10pm
MacPolvo
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road Pitlochry.
- MacPolvo have delighted audiences from Skye to Salamanca
with their repertoire of traditional song from Scotland, with
Irish songs and even the odd English number thrown into the mix.
Check out macpolvo.com Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Monday 22nd February - 7th March
Fairtrade Fortnight
Aberfeldy.
swap your usual tea, coffee, t-shirt, wine for a Fairtrade
one . Visit
www.thebigswap.org.uk to find out more watch out for
posters and news of what Aberfeldy Traidcraft Group are planning
for Fairtrade Fortnight
www.traidcraft.shop.co.uk
Monday 22nd February 7.30pm
Constructiing military & agricultural landscapes 18th C map
making in Perthshire
Moulin & Pitlochry History Circle The Tryst Pitlochry
A talk by Christopher Fleet, Deputy Map Curator of the
National Library of Scotland.. Visitors £3 are welcome.
Tuesday 23rd February 8pm
Quiz Night
The Auld Smiddy Inn, Atholl Rd Pitlochry.
Teams of 4 £5 entry fee per team (money to Guiding
Group) hot food for all participants at half time. SPACE
AT A PREMIUM SO A MAXIMUM OF TEN TEAMS CAN COMPETE PLEASE CALL
TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM ON 01796 472356 Quizzes continue every 2nd
Tuesday of the month until March, then Grand Final In April
Every Wednesday Night Sept 09 to 24th march
2010
Night Time Mountain Bike Riding
North Car Park in Dunkeld.
Meet at the North car park in Dunkeld Leaver 7pm Prompt
for a variety of routes technical and non-technical. Good
lights essential, full suspension isnot. Please ensure you
are necessarily equipped for winter weather & trailside repairs.
Contact Scot Tares 07763 013862
Wednesday 24th - Saturday 27th February
7.30pm
SCDA 78th Perthshire District Festival of One Act Plays
Birnam Arts Centre Birnam by Dunkeld.
Book for the whole run and get a £6 concession.
Balcony £9 Stalls £8/£6 concession Tel Box Office
01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Thursday 25th February 7-7.30pm
Scottish Country Dance Class
Moulin Hall Pitlochry.
Great exercise, music & fun. No partner required.
Class commences at 7.30pm and if you have not danced before or
need a refresher then come along at 7pm. Admission £2.50
nightly contact June Templeman 01796 473488
Thursday February 25th 7.30pm
North Perthshire Family History Group
The Tryst Lounge, Pitlochry
Donald Isles will speak of his Welsh Ancestry. All
welcome.
Saturday 26th February 7-10pm
Andrew Gordon.
Live at McKays bar & Restaurant, Atholl Rd Pitlochry
Andrew has been singing solos since 1999. Since then Andrew
has played in The US, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands and all
over Scotland. A firm favourite in McKays check out
andrewgordon.co.uk Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Friday 26th February 7.30pm.
Breadalbane Heritage Society meeting.
Village Hall, Grandtully.
Dave McNicoll 'Telford's crossing of the Tay at Dunkeld'.
Friday 26th February 7.30pm
Nightmare Songs
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
The infamous patter songs of Gilbert & Sullivan – all to be
learned in one, panic stricken night... On a rainy night in a
town in the north of England, the patter man’s understudy in the
famous D’Oyly Carte Opera company is given a day’s notice that
he is ‘on’! A sleepless night ensures and, in the dingy bedroom
of his theatrical digs, he tries to rehearse his role – helped,
but often hindered by one of the other residents of the house,
an itinerant variety performer. As the night progresses, their
discussion take on a more disturbing tone as the understudy’s
rehearsal begins to turn into a true nightmare. Opera Della Luna
create new and innovative productions of musical theatre, comic
opera and operetta in English. In this performance, Simon
Butterkiss, renowned master of the ‘patter roles’, is joined by
Jeff Clarke, artistic director of Opera Della Luna, as his
musical adversary. This new theatre-music piece contains most of
the G&S patter songs within a play that is, by turn, hilariously
funny and surprisingly moving. Tickets £15-£17
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk
Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 20th February 10am to 12.30pm
Winter Red Squirrel Safari
Blair Castle Blair Atholl
Enjoy a morning walking and driving through our farm land
and forests in search of red squirrels as they play and search
for food. Winter is a great time to watch red squirrels as
there's less cover from tree foliage and the squirrels are more
active in their search for food. As part of the tour you
will stop at one of our wild life hides to witness these cheeky
creatures move around in their natural setting and while there,
enjoy some warm refreshments and listen to our guide, Sandy, a
man who has lived and worked on Atholl for almost 50 years.
Sandy has lived and worked on the estate for all his career and
will share his specialist knowledge of the natural area which is
rich in wildlife including red squirrels, birds of prey,
deer and mountain hares. Pick up and drop off at Blair Castle
(in front of glass entrance doors).
Prices:
Adults £30, Children (3 to 17 years) £18 Booking:
Contact the Estate Office on 01796 481355, Blair Castle on 01796
481207 or Blair Castle Caravan Park on 01796 481263. Pre-booking
essential. Numbers limited to 6 per tour. Group or private
bookings are welcomed on other dates by prior arrangement
(subject to availability). Tel:
01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 27th February 7-10pm
Whistleblowers
Live at McKays bar & Restaurant, Atholl Rd Pitlochry
The Whistleblowers are a trio who play a mixture of Scottish
and Irish music with a couple of contemporary tunes thrown in
for good measure!! From ballads to foot tappers, The
Whistleblowers go out of their way to make you feel a part of
the night Tel: 01796473888 . Email:
info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Saturday 27th February 2010 7.30pm
The Sorcerer
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Opera Della Luna return for a second night in succession, with a
brand new production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s first full length,
successful operetta. The story is relocated from its quaint
Victorian setting to sleepy rural Britain in the 1970s. John
Wellington Wells, the celebrated dealer in ‘magic and spells’
spreads chaos and havoc in an unsuspecting country village, when
he places a powerful aphrodisiac in the village hall tea-pot.
The resulting revelations and numerous comic twists are indeed
“a marvellous illusion, a terrible surprise!” Touring the UK for
over ten years, Opera Della Luna have earned themselves a
matchless reputation with acclaimed productions of Gilbert &
Sullivan, Offenbach and Johann Strauss. We welcome them to PFT
for the first time in what promises to be a great evening’s
entertainment! Tickets £18-£20 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box
Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 27th February 8pm
Fundraising Event for 3 charities
at Moness Country Club, Aberfeldy
Dance the night away to the music of Sandstorm, playing hits
from the 60s to the present day. There will also be an
auction on the night with many fantastic lots.
This is the first in a series of events I am involved in
organising this year and along with 9 other girls (carrying out
various challenges and organising further events) we are hoping
to raise £100,000 for 3 charities: CLIC Sargent (Childrens
cancer), Breast Cancer UK and Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Please help to support these very worthy causes, tickets are
only £10 per person and can be bought from me in advance.
Later in the year, all 10 girls will be driving from John O
Groats to Lands End on vintage tractors to raise money for these
charities therefore PLEASE give up one night and £10 - we are
giving up two weeks of our time to drive over 1000 miles on
40-50 year old cab-less tractors, with no power steering, no
ipods and a top speed of 19mph! 10 girls on 10 vintage tractors
covering 1000 miles - seeing is believing!
For further information or to book tickets, please email or call
me on 0787 231 3996
If you have an Event you
would like to advertise Free of Charge
e.mail
eileen@explorescotland.net
with Date/Time/Event/Venue/Price
NB We try to make sure all the
information we post is accurate, but please check directly with
the venue concerned before committing yourself.
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