March 2010 Events in 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)
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
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
1 Feb - 15 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. Visit Scotland 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.
Contact - Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre Tel - 01350 727688
Email:
dunkeld@visitscotland.com Web
www.visitscotland.com/snowdrops
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
Wednesday 3rd March 7.30pm
Rannoch & Highland Branch, Clan Donnachaidh, AGM
Aldour Community hall, Pitlochry.
Speaker Jane Anderson "The Atholl Highlanders".
Thursday 4th March
Heartland Film Society - Man on Wire cert 12A
The Locus Centre The Square Aberfeldy.
A reconstruction with some original footage of Philip
Pettit's illegal wire walk between the twin towers of the
World Trade Centre. Gripping and very satisfying. £30 for
10 films as a member, or £5 per film
www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk
Friday 5th March 7.30pm
Benny Gallagher
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
With the release of his first-ever solo studio album, At The
Edge Of The Wave, Benny makes a long overdue return to the
spotlight in 2009 to perform the hits he penned for McGuinness
Flint and Gallagher & Lyle, along with some great songs from his
new album. Benny Gallagher toured the world as part of the duo
Gallagher & Lyle performing songs from such critically acclaimed
albums as Breakaway, which featured the hit singles I Wanna Stay
With You, Heart On My Sleeve and, of course, Breakaway. The duo
went their separate ways in 1979 and, since then, Benny has
written and worked with many famous names such as Paul
McCartney, Eric Clapton, Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane, Elkie Brooks,
Sandy Denny, The Manfreds, Ralph McTell, Georgie Fame, Jim
Diamond, Andy Fairweather-Low and Don Williams. Benny makes a
welcome return to the Pitlochry stage, following a fantastic
headline concert as part of the Perthshire Amber Festival in
2008. Tickets £15 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office
Tel - 01796 484626
Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Friday 5th March
Heartland Film Society - Blindsight PG.
The Locus Centre The Square Aberfeldy.
The Himalayas. A blind Mountaineer leads six blind
Tibetan teenagers to the 23,000 ft mark on Everest. A
remarkable and beautiful story. £30 for 10 films as a member,
or £5 per film
www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk
Friday
5th March
Heartland Film Society, - cert 12A - Man on Wire (English)
Locus Centre in the Square, Aberfeldy
- A reconstruction with some original footage of Philip Pettit’s
illegal wire walk between the twin towers of the World Trade
Centre. Gripping and very satisfying. You get 10 films for £30,
a half season for £18 or, if you come along as a guest, it’s a
fiver a film.
www.heartlandfilmsociety.org.uk
Friday 5th March 7-10pm
John Davidson-
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road 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 mandola. Tel: 01796473888 . Email: info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Saturday
6th March 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 6th March 9.30am to 2.30pm
Refreshments in the Castle Ballroom
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
The ballroom will be open for the enjoyment of morning teas
and coffees, soup, sandwiches and light lunches. Enjoy the
finest of refreshments in the grandest of settings. Prices:
Adults £6.75, Seniors £5.85, Children £3.95, Family Ticket £15.
FREE admission to gardens, grounds, restaurant and shop.
Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 6th March 10am - 12noon.
Coffee Morning in aid of Branch funds and local groups,
The Tryst, Pitlochry,
Tea/coffee and pancakes, Cake and Candy Stall and Raffle.
Tickets £1.50 from committee members or pay at the door.
Saturday 6th March 7.30pm
New York, New York
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Broadway glitz, hits and razzmatazz! New York, New York is a
huge show presenting some twenty musical numbers over two hours,
celebrating an era of memorable music associated with the likes
of Sinatra and Gershwin and features classics such as Mack The
Knife, All The Way, Come Fly With Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin
and, of course, New York, New York. With an experienced West End
cast of five costumed singer-dancers and six musicians, this
will be an exhilarating night packed with Broadway glamour and
razzmatazz, featuring the greatest hits from the American
songbook. Tickets £15 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office Tel
- 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 6th March 8pm
Anna Massie
Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam by Dunkeld.
Highly energetic performances and a warm and friendly stage
appearance have earned the band a growing fan base and
nominations as “Best Up and Coming Band” at the 2004 Scots Trad
Music Awards and the Horizon Award at last year’s BBC Radio 2
Folk Awards. In 2005 Anna was nominated as Best Instrumentalist
at the Trad Music Awards. The band's biggest achievement was
being named "Best Folk Band" at the 2006 Scots Trad Music
Awards. Tickets: £10 / £8
Tel Box Office 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Saturday 6th March 7-10pm
MacPolvo
Live at McKays Bar &
Restaurant, Atholl Road Pitlochry.
MacPolvo have delighted audiences from
Skye to Salamanca with their reportoire 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
Sunday 7th March 3-7pm
Benefit for Haiti featuring local Bands
Mackays Bar & Restuarant, Atholl Rd Pitlochry.
The Fat Dads and Pickled Tink. Tea available with
Mackays donating £1 from each order. No entry fee, but
donations will be accepted at the venue.
Tuesday 9th March 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 March 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 March 7-10pm
Lisa & Fiona
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road 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 RSAMD 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 13th March 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 13th March 9.30am to 2.30pm
Refreshments in the Castle Ballroom
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
The ballroom will be open for the enjoyment of morning teas
and coffees, soup, sandwiches and light lunches. Enjoy the
finest of refreshments in the grandest of settings. Prices:
Adults £6.75, Seniors £5.85, Children £3.95, Family Ticket £15.
FREE admission to gardens, grounds, restaurant and shop.
Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 13th March 7-10pm
The Whistleblowers
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road 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 March 13th 7.30pm
“Rock the Catwalk” an evening of Fashion, Dance and Music
Perth Concert Hall Perth
a fundraising event for Help for Heroes. The money
raised will help servicemen and women who have been seriously
injured in Iraq and Afghanistan with their rehabilitation.
Tickets are on sale at
www.horsecross.co.uk or telephone 01738 621031 Mike
Dickinson Perthshire Coordinator Help for Heroes Tel: +44
(0)1796 474128 Mob: +44 (0)7968 868472 mike.dickinson@h4hcounty.org.uk
Saturday13 March 8pm
Mr Mcfall's Chamber
Birnam Institute Birnam
Mr McFall's Chamber is a music ensemble which plays a range
of music from tango through jazz and rock to contemporary
classical, taking in quite a lot besides. It consists of string
quartet, bass, piano, percussion and sometimes vocals - and more
as required. Tickets £12 (Concessions £10) Tel - 01350 727674
Email:
admin@birnaminstitute.com Web
www.birnamarts.com
Sunday 14th March 9.30am to 2.30pm
Mothering Sunday at Blair Castle
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
Enjoy a tour of the winter castle on Mothering Sunday. The
ballroom will be open for the enjoyment of morning teas and
coffees, soup, sandwiches and light lunches. Enjoy the finest of
refreshments in the grandest of settings. Prices: Adults
£6.75, Seniors £5.85, Children £3.95, Family Ticket £15. FREE
admission to gardens, grounds, restaurant and shop.
Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 13th March 7.30pm
McFall's Chamber
Birnam Arts Centre Birnam by Dunkeld.
Mr McFall's Chamber is a music ensemble which plays a range
of music from tango through jazz and rock to contemporary
classical, taking in quite a lot besides. It consists of string
quartet, bass, piano, percussion and sometimes vocals - and more
as required. Tickets: £12 / £10 Tel box office 01350
727674
www.birnamarts.com
Sunday 14th March 7 for 7.30pm
Birnam & Dunkeld Film Society - The African Queen
Birnam Arts Centre Birnam by Dunkeld.
Guest tickets are £4.50 each. Films are shown at the BACC
usually on the evening of the second and fourth Sunday of each
month, starting at 7:30p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and
there is a bar and light refreshments available before each
screening. When a film is longer than 2 hours, there is an
interval when the bar re-opens. contact the secretary Tom
Barnard 01350 727740
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
Monday 15th March 7.30-9.00pm.
Scottish Wildlife Trust: Polecats: the return of a native.
The Tryst, Pitlochry.
Entry by donation.
Tuesday 16th March 8pm
Bruce Molsky Concert- A Fiddle Tree Production
Birnam Arts and Conference Centre Station Rd Birnam/ Dunkeld
One of the most influential old-time fiddlers around, Bruce
Molsky is also a remarkable guitarist, banjoist and singer.
Bruce Molsky's high-spirited music melds the archaic mountain
sounds of Appalachia, the power of blues and the rhythmic
intricacies of traditional African music. He holds a stage as
few roots musicians can: with skill, a varied and deep
repertoire, a reverence for the past, a healthy curiosity about
music outside old-time, and a relaxed, conversational wit that
draws listeners in as if they were sitting in his living room.
www.thefiddletree.com for info and ticket contacts
Wednesday 17th March 8.00pm
The Fiddle Tree presents The IVAN DREVER BAND.
Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam by Dunkeld.
First UK tour for ex-Wolfstone frontman with his new band.
Tickets: Adult - £10 (advance), £12 (on door); Under-18s - £3 /
2 for £5 Cash / cheque: Birnam CD (01350 727158) or Zigzag's,
Dunkeld (01350 728666) Cards:
www.thebooth.co.uk /
www.ticketweb.co.uk (08444 771000)
Thursday 18th March 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 18th March 7.30pm
End of the Line - Documentary Film
Birnam Arts Centre Birnam by Dunkeld.
Special Screening of a major documentary about the devastating
effect of overfishing based upon a book by Charles Clover.
FREE Donations on the Door. Tel box office 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Friday 19th March 6.30pm for
7pm start
Bingo Tea
Aberfeldy Town Hall
Sixth form at Breadalbane Academy, Aberfeldy are holding a Bingo
Tea this Friday (19th) in Aberfeldy Town Hall as a fundraiser
for their Prom in June. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
The pupils from Aberfeldy, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl
and the surrounding areas are hoping for a good turnout and
would be grateful for the communitys support.
Friday 19th March 7-10pm
Andrew Gordon
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road 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 19th March 7.30pm
Fascinating Aida
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Imagine Absolutely Fabulous sung by the Andrews Sisters. Think
Edith Piaf but with better frocks, Marlene with cellulite, Emma
Thompson with rhythm... Fascinating Aida is a sassy show, full
of sex, surgery and hot flushes. Oh, and it’s about science,
survival and modern art. Actually, it’s about life, love and how
men are basically quite nice, really. And you’ll learn how to
keep a stiff upper lip in true British style whilst laughing
like a drain. Britain’s top female comedy trio are 25 years old
(having performed in five continents, had six West End runs,
recorded six albums and received five award nominations (three
Olivier, one Drama Desk, one Perrier)). Well, actually, they’re
older than that, but the girls have decided their Silver Jubilee
can be celebrated for a few more years at least. For those of
you who thought they’d retired, this isn’t a comeback; it’s a
chance for you to help them celebrate this auspicious birthday.
They’re doing it for the fun, not the money, which will soon be
worthless anyway! Tickets £18.50 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box
Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Friday 19th - Sunday 21st March 2010
The Niel Gow Festival
Dunkeld & Birnam
The 7th Niel Gow festival will feature some of Scotland's
finest fiddlers as well as other top Scottish musicians.
The Taybank Telephone - 01350 727340 Email:
admin@thetaybank.com
Web www.niel-gow.co.uk
Saturday 20th March 9.30am to 2.30pm
Refreshments in the Castle Ballroom
Blair Castle, Blair Atholl
The ballroom will be open for the enjoyment of morning teas
and coffees, soup, sandwiches and light lunches. Enjoy the
finest of refreshments in the grandest of settings. Prices:
Adults £6.75, Seniors £5.85, Children £3.95, Family Ticket £15.
FREE admission to gardens, grounds, restaurant and shop.
Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Saturday 20th March 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 20th March
DRAM FINE -
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road Pitlochry.
Husband and wife duo Ewan and Marieke McBean live north side
of Loch Tay close to Lawers village. Marieke, originally from
The Netherlands, has lived in Scotland for nine years, sings and
plays bodhran, guitar and also sings with band RALLION and has
several CDs out with this band. Regularly plays at festivals and
folk clubs here and abroad. Performed at Celtic Connections this
year. Ewan originally from Edinburgh playing fiddle for 17
years also plays with Killin Thyme and Loch Tay Steamers played
at various festivals including T in the Park for three years
running. Play both new and traditional , mainly Scottish folk
music. Tel: 01796473888 . Email: info@mckayshotel.co.uk
www.mckayshotel.co.uk
Saturday 20 March 2010
The Original Windows Live Concert
Fishers Bar Pitlochry
Original classic rock band inspired by the sounds of The
Beatles, Kinks, Stones and Zombies. Contact - Athole Fleming
Telephone - 01738 639747 Email: mail@theoriginalwindows.com Web
www.theoriginalwindows.com
Saturday 20 March at 8.30pm
Ceilidh.
Molteno Hall.Fortingall.
Tickets on the door £7 kids go free!
Saturday 20th March 2010 7.30pm
Hardeep Singh Kohli
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Grab a seat and chow down in the company of broadcaster,
raconteur, writer and cook Hardeep Singh Kohli, who combines
stand-up comedy with inventive cuisine in a wonderfully funny,
laid back evening’s entertainment. Just think Ready Steady Cook
but with great cooking (Hardeep was runner-up on the first
series of Celebrity Masterchef) and funny anecdotes, all
delivered by Glaswegian Hardeep in his own unique, articulate
and utterly charming way. Having debuted at the 2009 Edinburgh
Fringe Festival, where the show played to sell-out audiences,
this is an extended, two-course version of The Nearly Naked
Chef, combining more of Hardeep’s winning talents and recipes.
Tickets £16.50 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796
484626
Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Tuesday 23rd March 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 25th March 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 25th March 7.30pm
North Perthshire Family History Group
The Tryst Lounge, Pitlochry
Fergussons of Dunfallandy Speaker Vivien Stapylton-Smith
Friday 26th March 7-10pm
Lisa & Fiona
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road 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 RSAMD 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
Friday 26th March 7.30pm.
Breadalbane Heritage Society meeting.
Grandtully Village Hall
Tom Addyman 'The Archaeology of Taymouth Castle Revealed'.
Friday 26th March 7.30pm
Behind the Bamboo Curtain
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Pitlochry
Did you know that 30% of our garden plants, like clematis,
lilies and primulas, originated from China? And do you know who
discovered and introduced those sumptuous magnolias, sweet
scented buddleia and other exotic shrubs into the UK? Join
broadcaster and lecturer David Mitchell, a curator at the Royal
Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, as he recounts the extraordinary
history of botanical exploration in China. In this fascinating
illustrated talk, David will examine the lives and recount the
adventures of the intrepid individuals who went plant hunting
and the botanists they worked with. You’ll discover the roles
the Russians, Italians, Americans and the British (especially
the Scots) played and learn what happened to them as they
explored this vast region, so rich in biodiversity. You’ll also
hear about the plants they discovered and the huge numbers of
specimens they brought home. This fascinating evening is a rare
opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the origins of your
garden. If you’re a gardener who talks to their plants, you may
need to think about learning Mandarin! Tickets £7.50 Pitlochry
Festival Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796 484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Saturday 27th March 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 27th March 7-10pm
The Whistleblowers
Live at McKays Bar & Restaurant, Atholl Road 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 March 7.30pm
Bill Shankly
Birnam Arts Centre, Birnam By Dunkeld
One actor, 45 minutes each way – first half in black and white
with half time oranges, then second half in colour - set in the
infamous boot room at Anfield – a live television event in a
theatre. It’s a new piece of interactive multimedia documentary
theatre, using digital recording technology and giant projection
screens – a cross between a personal audience with Bill Shankly,
the legend and the myth – an in depth documentary about
Liverpool and Match of the Day.
Tickets: £10 / £8 Tel box office 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Sunday 28th March to 18 Apr 2010
Children's Castle Tours - aged 5 and above.
Blair Castle - Blair Atholl
Marvel at amazing exhibits and find out some fascinating
facts on a Children’s tour of Blair Castle.
See Viscount “Bonnie” Dundee’s breastplate, the actual armour he
wore in battle! He was killed in his moment of victory over
government forces at the battle of Killiecrankie, three miles
south of Blair Atholl in 1689. The breastplate has a bullet
hole. But is it a real bullet hole or just a clever fake? Blair
Castle was famously the last castle to be held under siege in
1746 during the Jacobite uprising. The castle was bombarded with
cannon balls and several of them remain here to this day. Find
out how they cooled down the red hot cannon balls that blasted
through the walls. You may find the answer very surprising.....
There will be two children’s tours per day and times will
vary. Please ask at the reception desk for details. Tour
duration: approximately 30 minutes. Children must be
accompanied by an adult and numbers are limited. Times
will vary, ask at reception Prices: Free as part of
standard Castle entry Booking: In person only at the
Castle Reception desk Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Sunday 28th March 11am - 12noon
Attics Tour
Blair Castle Blair Atholl
Discover the secrets of Blair Castle’s attics. Hidden from
view in the maze of attic rooms and corridors are many strange,
wonderful and interesting artefacts. Uncover the strange and
fascinating collection of objects in Baron Maule’s room, look
through some of our historic estate records and marvel at the
eclectic collections of family paintings, walking sticks,
weaponry and period costume. The tour culminates in a climb to
the castle rooftops for breathtaking panoramic views of the
castle grounds. Please note: This tour involves several
flights of spiral stairs, the occasional tight space and heights
and is only suitable for the fully able. Prices: £11 Booking:
Booking: In advance on 01796 481207 or in person on the day
(subject to availability). Numbers limited to 10 people per
tour. Tel: 01796 481 355
www.atholl-estates.co.uk
Sunday 28th March 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Easter Bunny Pots Ages 7+
Birnam Arts Centre Birnam by Dunkeld.
A taste of Easter for the young ones - a fun-fulled active
workshop making Easter Bunny Pots with one of the kids favourite
workshope leaders, June McEwan. Wear old clothes £5.00
Tel box office 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com
Sunday 28th March 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Flower Arranging for Spring with Carol McGill,
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Experienced arranger Carol will teach you how to create your own
contemporary Spring flower design - with not a daffodil in
sight! All containers, plant materials and flowers will be
provided for you (but bring your own scissors!). This class is
for both beginner and intermediate flower arrangers. £28
Capacity 15 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Box Office Tel - 01796
484626 Email:
boxoffice@pitlochry.org.uk Web
www.pitlochry.org.uk
Sunday 28th March at 7.30pm
The Pitlochry and District Choral Society - 'A Night at
the Opera'
in the Atholl Suite at the Atholl Palace Hotel.
'The Pitlochry and District Choral Society is giving a concert
entitled 'A Night at the Opera'. The programme includes
popular opera choruses and a concert version of Gilbert and
Sullivan's Trial By Jury. Tickets £12 available from members and
the Tourist Information office. Please see our website
www.pdcs.info
for more details.'
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