CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND HOGMANAY IN THE HIGHLANDS … · Christmas & Hogmanay Break 2018 / 2019 Our Programme of Events commences on Sunay 23rd December 2018 and ends after breakfast

CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND &HOGMANAY IN THE HIGHLANDS

2018/2019 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

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We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Grant Arms Hotel for our

Christmas & Hogmanay Break 2018 / 2019Our Programme of Events commences on Sunay 23rd December 2018 and ends after breakfast on Wednesday 2nd January 2019. As with all stays at the Grant Arms Hotel, you are welcome to join in with as much or as little of the Programme as you wish —it’s your holiday and we want you to enjoy it in your own way. The Programme offers activities both in the Hotel and out and about. If you intend to join in with any of the Guided Walks/Field Trips please remember to pack warm, waterproof clothing and stout footwear. Booking forms will be available for you to book on the programme activities. Some of the walks/trips may include walking up hills—this will be notified on the event details in the programme.

*Please note that ALL Guided Walks and Field Trips are weather dependent, as such venues may be changed—or trips cancelled as a last resort. The guide of each walk/trip will make a decision the evening before and post any updates on the notice board in Reception, please check for any updates before you leave.

If you haven’t already informed us of any dietary requirements, if you require large-print menus, or have any mobility or medical issues that you think we should be aware of, please do let us know before you arrive.

We have included a wine pre-order form for evening Dinners and Christmas Day Lunch—we would be grateful if you could take the time to fill this in and give it to Reception upon arrival (additional sheets will be available if required).

Packed lunches are available to be booked for your days out at £8.50pp, however, if the packed lunch is instead of a Soup/Sandwich Lunch in the hotel, then it will be complimentary. Order forms can be picked up from Reception, and returned to Reception by late afternoon/early evening before the day you need it.

If you have any questions or require any further information before you arrive, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using the contact details below. We wish you a pleasant journey to Grantown-on-Spey.

Yours Sincerely,

David Duncan Sue Williams General Manager BWWC Programme OrganiserTelephone: (01479) 872526 | Email: [email protected]: The Grant Arms Hotel, 25 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey, PH26 3HF.

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BOXING DAY TRIP TO SEE & FEED THE CAIRNGORM REINDEEROn Boxing Day why not take a trip out to see and feed the ever popular Cairngorm Reindeer herd, getting close to these animals in their natural habitat is a real delight. If you wish to go on this trip, please book with Reception on your arrival. Our Wildlife Guide, Simon Pawsey will be accompanying you on the visit, and you can follow Simon up from the Hotel on Boxing Day, leaving at 9.30am. Alternatively, you can make your own way there, but please be at the Reindeer Centre in Glenmore (near BWWC Map Site 22) by 10.30am. At 11am you will depart the Reindeer Centre in convoy, to park at a car park part-way up Cairngorm Mountain. From here you will walk for approx. 20mins before meeting the Reindeer. IMPORTANT—PLEASE NOTE: there are a couple of short steep sections on the walk and conditions could be snowy—please ensure you are fit enough and wear sturdy footwear and

warm, waterproof clothing—don’t forget your hat and gloves! Driving directions: From the Hotel drive into Aviemore via the A95. Drive through Aviemore, turning left at the roundabout opposite ‘La Taverna’ restaurant. You will now be on the ‘ski road’ – follow directions for Cairngorm Mountain. You will drive through Glenmore and pass Loch Morlich on your right-hand side. The Reindeer Centre/Reindeer House is just a little further down the road, on your left-hand side. Please park on either side of the road as indicated by the Reindeer Centre signs. To be environmentally friendly car sharing is recommended. If you are happy to car share or would like a lift – please use the Notice Board at Reception to advertise or request a lift. We will contact the Reindeer Centre at 9am to check weather conditions and confirm that the trip can go ahead—please check with Reception before you depart the Hotel.

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ARRIVAL DAY—SUNDAY 23RD DECEMBER

From 12noon: ARRIVE AT YOUR LEISURE AND SETTLE INTO THE HOTEL, get to know your surroundings by taking a stroll through Grantown-on-Spey or simply relax in the Capercaillie Bar.

2pm–5pm: AFTERNOON TEA will be served in the Capercaillie Bar.

3pm: FILM: ARTHUR CHRISTMAS: (2011, Cert U, 1h 37min). Animation. How can Santa deliver billions of presents to the whole world in just one night? With an army of one million combat-style Field Elves and a vast, state-of-the-art control centre under the ice of the North Pole! So how could this incredible operation have MISSED one child?! To Santa’s young son, Arthur, it threatens to end the magic of Christmas. With retired Grandsanta, a rebellious young elf, an old sleigh and some untrained reindeer, Arthur sets out in a crazy mission to deliver the last present! Deck the halls with excitement, fun and wonder in this new Christmas classic!. In the Osprey Suite

5.30pm: WELCOME RECEPTION: This is a chance to meet the Hotel Staff and your fellow Guests and speakers and to hear more about the Programme of Events we have planned and to ask any questions you may have about the local area - with a glass of Buck’s Fizz to begin the festive celebrations! In the Capercaillie Bar

6pm–8.30pm: DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed form and handed to reception on arrival. Please book a Dinner time with our Reception Team

From 7pm: REINDEER TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION: Join the Pipe Band, Santa and his Reindeer for a Christmas torchlight procession. The procession starts at the Craiglynne Hotel—meeting at 7pm for a 7.30pm start and will end in The Square in front of the hotel by approximately 8pm with carol singing and mince pies and fruit punch for sale. (To get to the Craiglynne for the start, turn left out of the Grant Arms and continue down high street for about 0.5 mile—the Craiglynne will be on your right opposite Grant Park at the end of the town)

8.30pm: EVENING TALK: BIRDS & WILDLIFE IN COSTA RICA BY SARAH SANKEY: Sarah Sankey of Orcadian Wildlife talks about the colourful birds and wildlife of the wetlands and volcanic highlands of Costa Rica. From the Pacific coast to Volcan Arenal, birds featured will include the unique resplendent quetzal, sun bittern and hummingbirds; whilst the animals range from several species of monkeys to sloths and multi-coloured frogs! Orcadian Wildlife tours Costa Rica in April 2019 and expects to see 300 species of birds! In the Osprey Suite

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CHRISTMAS EVE—MONDAY 24th DECEMBER

7am–10am: ENJOY A FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST in the Restaurant.

9am: GUIDED WALK: LOCH GARTEN WITH RALPH TODD: After breakfast join our guest speaker Ralph Todd at Loch Garten looking to look for some of our local and iconic wildlife, including the chance to hand-feed the Coal Tits (take some sunflower hearts with you). Possible sightings at this time of year include Blue, Great, Coal and Crested Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Wren, Robin, Siskin, Goldcrest, Crossbill, Red Squirrel, Roe Deer, Brambling and Woodcock in the woods, Goldeneye, Goosander, Heron, Mallard, Pink Footed Geese and Whooper Swans on the lochs. Meet in Reception at 9am and follow Ralph to the venue or meet at the Loch Garten Car Park by 9.30am.

9.30am: GUIDED WALK: RIVER SPEY WITH STEVE SANKEY (approx. 2 hrs): After breakfast, join our guest speaker Steve Sankey on a guided stroll through Anagach Woods and down along the River Spey. A gentle amble looking for Dipper, Goldeneye, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Heron, Buzzard, Mallard, Whooper Swan as well as Crested and other Tits, Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Roe Deer and Red Squirrel. Meet at Reception at 9.30am

10.30am: FILM: THE WIZARD OF OZ: (1939, Cert A, 1h 42min). Dorothy Gale is swept away from a farm in Kansas to a magical land of Oz in a tornado and embarks on a quest with her new friends to see the Wizard who can help her return home to Kansas and help her friends as well. In the Osprey Suite

11.45am–2pm: A SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCH will be served in the Capercaillie Bar.

1pm: FIELD TRIP: BURGHEAD WITH STEVE SANKEY: After lunch, meet our guest speaker, Steve Sankey at Burghead to look for some of the many sea birds and other wildlife that can be found there. Possible sightings include Guillemots (maybe a Black Guillemot if lucky), Razorbill, Red Breasted Merganser, Goosander, Redshank, Curlew, Eider, Goldeneye, Kittiwake, Heron, Hooded Crow, Rock Pipit, Cormorant and Shag, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common and Grey Seals, Gulls including Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Bar and Black-tailed Godwits, Common and Velvet Scoter, Black, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, Purple Sandpiper, Long Tailed Duck, Oystercatcher, Pink Footed Geese, Slavonian Grebe and Turnstone. Meet at Burghead harbour BWWC Map Site 34 by 1pm. After spending some time here, we will move around to the maltings.

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1pm: FIELD TRIP: STRATHDEARN (FINDHORN VALLEY) WITH NIGEL MARVEN: After lunch join our guest speaker Nigel Marven at Strathdearn (Findhorn Valley) to look for some of the raptors and other wildlife that can be found there. Potential sightings include raptors such as Buzzard, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Red Kite, Crossbills, Dipper, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, Pied and Grey Wagtail, Mistle and Song Thrush, Mountain and Brown Hare, Grey and Red-legged Partridge, Raven, Red Deer, Wild Goats, Red and Black Grouse, Red Squirrel, Lesser Redpoll and Woodcock, Redwing and Fieldfare. Meet at the car park at end of the road (BWWC Map Site 13) by 1pm (we may move around the area to find the best wildlife spots)


3pm: FILM: CHARLES DICKENS’ SCROOGE: (1951, Cert U, 1h 26min). Christmas just would not be the same without Alastair Sim giving the performance of a lifetime as Scrooge in this truly wonderful British adaptation of Charles Dickens immortal A Christmas Carol. An old bitter miser is given a chance for redemption when he is haunted by three ghosts on Christmas Eve... In the Osprey Suite

At 7pm: CHRISTMAS EVE GALA DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar. Large group tables will help you get to know your fellow guests. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed form and handed to reception on arrival.

8.45pm: EVENING TALK: THE NATURAL WONDERS OF ICELAND BY RALPH TODD: Ralph and Brenda Todd give us a fascinating insight into Iceland. Sitting just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland is perhaps one of the most dramatic countries, relatively small in size, sparsely populated away from the capital Reykjavik. Geologically quite unique with many active volcanoes and geysers, stunning scenery and fantastic bird life. Having made two circular tours (20 years apart) along with some short visits this talk takes a look at the beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and geysers along with some of the flowers and birds to be encountered especially the seabird colonies of the towering sea cliffs. In the Osprey Suite



CHRISTMAS DAY—TUESDAY 25th DECEMBER MERRY CHRISTMAS!7am–9:30am: ENJOY A FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST and a glass of Buck’s Fizz

in the Restaurant.

9.30am: GUIDED WALK: RIVER SPEY WITH NIGEL MARVEN (approx. 2 hrs): After breakfast, join our guest speaker Nigel Marven on a guided stroll through Anagach Woods and down along the River Spey. A gentle amble looking for Dipper, Goldeneye, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Heron, Buzzard, Mallard, Whooper Swan as well as Crested and other Tits, Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Roe Deer and Red Squirrel. Work up a bit of an appetite for that Christmas Lunch. Meet at Reception at 9.30am

9.30am: GUIDED WALK: ANAGACH WOODS WITH RALPH TODD (approx. 2 hrs): Alternatively, join our guest speaker Ralph Todd for a guided stroll from the Hotel through Anagach Woods looking for some of our local and iconic wildlife. Blue, Coal, Crested, Great and Long Tailed Tits, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Crossbill, Goldcrest, Robin, Siskin, Treecreeper, Wren, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Redpoll, Goshawk, Capercaillie, Woodcock, Buzzard, Heron, Raven, Red Squirrel and Roe Deer and work up a bit of an appetite for that Christmas Lunch. Meet in Reception at 9.30am

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9.45am: FILM: PADDINGTON: (2014, Cert PG, 1h 35min). Starring Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters. PADDINGTON follows the comic misadventures of a polite young Peruvian bear with a passion for all things British, who travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he begins to realise that city life is not all he had imagined—until he meets the kind Brown family, who read the label around his neck (‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’) and offer him a temporary haven. But little do the Browns realise just how much comic mayhem one young bear will bring to their family life, and when this rarest of bears catches the eye of a sinister, seductive taxidermist, it isn’t long before his home—and very existence—is under threat. In the Osprey Suite

12:15pm & 1.15pm: CHRISTMAS LUNCH with all the traditional trimmings will be served in the Restaurant. Large group tables will help you to have fun with your fellow guests and we are delighted that Santa will be paying us a visit. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed form and handed to reception on arrival.


3pm: THE QUEEN’S SPEECH will be shown in the Capercaillie Bar and in the Osprey Suite.

3:30pm: FILM: PADDINGTON 2: (2017, Cert PG, 1h 43min). The much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. In the Osprey Suite

6:30pm–8pm: A BUFFET SUPPER will be served in the Restaurant followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar.

8pm: EVENING TALK: SNOW CREATURES—FILMING WITH NORTHERN WILDLIFE BY NIGEL MARVEN: In this talk, TV wildlife producer, film-maker and presenter Nigel Marven, will tell us about some of his filming adventures in snow and ice at both poles. How do walrus, polar bears, albatross and penguins spend the Festive season?. In the Osprey Suite

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BOXING DAY—WEDNESDAY 26th DECEMBER

7am–10am: ENJOY A FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST in the Restaurant.

9.30am: CAIRNGORM REINDEER VISIT WITH SIMON PAWSEY: Time to depart the Hotel to drive to Cairngorm Mountain to see and feed the local Reindeer herd with our own local wildlife guide Simon Pawsey. (Full details and driving directions can be found on page 3). (Note: there may be some hill walking to find the reindeer). Meet in Reception at 9.30am and follow Simon from the Hotel or meet at the Reindeer Centre BWWC Map Site 22 by 10.30am

10.30am: UDALE BAY WITH STEVE SANKEY: As an alternative to the Reindeer, why not meet our guest speaker Steve Sankey at the Udale Bay hide up on the Black Isle. With an incoming tide this is the best place to look for overwintering flocks of sea ducks and waders as well as geese and swans and much more. Some of the potential sightings include Pintail, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Slavonian Grebe, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Greylag and Pink-feet, Black and Bar-tailed Godwits, Wigeon, Ruff, Scoter, Knot, Redshank, Dunlin, Red Kite and if you are lucky you might see the Peregrine hunting over the firth. Meet at the hide BWWC Map site 06 by 10.30am

10.30am: FILM: WHITE CHRISTMAS: (1954, Cert U, 2h). White Christmas is a treasury of Irving Berlin songs. A successful song-and-dance team (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. In the Osprey Suite

11.45am–2pm: A SOUP & STOVIES LUNCH will be served in the Capercaillie Bar.

1pm: FIELD TRIP: INSH MARSHES WITH NIGEL MARVEN: After lunch, meet our guest speaker Nigel Marven at the RSPB Insh Marshes Reserve where he will take you around the 3 hides they have there and help you spot the wildlife that could potentially be seen at this time of year including overwintering Greylag Geese (look out for any rare visitors too), Whooper Swans, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Teal, Wigeon, Roe Deer, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Siskin, Red Squirrel, Redwing, Fieldfare, Brambling, Lesser Redpoll, possible Waxwing and maybe Hen Harriers coming in to roost and the possibility of Merlin, Peregrine, Golden Eagle and White-tailed Eagle. Meet at BWWC Map Site 17 at 1pm

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1.30pm: FIELD TRIP: CAIRNGORM WITH SIMON PAWSEY: After visiting the Reindeer, continue up to Cairngorm with our local wildlife guide Simon Pawsey. We will start off at the cairngorm viewpoint, and then move up to the Funicular Car Park. If time and weather permit (and if the train is running), we may go up in the Funicular to the Ptarmigan Restaurant viewing platform at the top. We will be on the lookout for Black Grouse, Mountain Hare, Ravens, Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and any other birds and wildlife. Meet at the Cairngorm Viewpoint, Coire na Ciste Car Park (BWWC Map Site 21) at 1.30pm


3pm: FILM: WHAT WE DID ON OUR HOLIDAY: (2014, Cert 12A, 1h 35min). Rosamund Pike, David Tennant and Billy Connolly star in this family comedy. As Doug, his wife Abi and their three children prepare to travel up to the Scottish Highlands for Doug’s father Gordie’s birthday, they fail to give their children a list of things that are to be kept secret. While their offspring set about telling Grandpa and Grandma the ins and outs of their lives down in London, including intimate details of arguments their parents have had, Doug and Abi try to put aside their differences and have an enjoyable weekend. In the Osprey Suite

6pm–8.30pm: DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed form and handed to reception on arrival. Please book a Dinner time with our Reception Team

8.30pm: EVENING TALK: THE FALKLAND ISLANDS BY STEVE SANKEY: Steve Sankey of Orcadian Wildlife shares the penguins, elephant seals and diddle-dee of the Falkland Islands with you. Johnny Rook will also feature, as will many islands full of natural and military history. You can also expect five species of penguins, an orca kill, and island life not dissimilar to Orkney! Orcadian Wildlife tours the Falkland Islands in December 2019 and will visit five different islands with a focus on black-browed albatross and penguins. In the Osprey Suite

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DAY 4—THURSDAY 27th DECEMBER

7am–10am: BREAKFAST will be served in the Restaurant.

9.30am: GUIDED WALK: LOCH AN EILEIN WITH NIGEL MARVEN (approx. 2 hrs): After breakfast join our guest speaker Nigel Marven on a walk around the beautiful Loch an Eilein on the Rothiemurchus Estate. Possible sightings at this time of year include Blue, Great, Coal and Crested Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Wren, Robin, Siskin, Goldcrest, Crossbill, Goldeneye, Goosander, Heron, Mallard, Red Squirrel, Roe Deer and Buzzard. Meet in Reception at 9.30am and follow Nigel to the venue or meet at the Loch an Eilein Car Park by 10am (please note there is a parking charge at this location of £1.50pp)

10.30am: FILM: HOLIDAY INN: (1942, Cert U, 1h 40min). With music by Irving Berlin, songs by Bing Crosby and dancing by Fred Astaire, Holiday Inn is one of the most delightful and memorable musicals of all time. At an inn which is only open on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer. In the Osprey Suite

1pm: FIELD TRIP: LOSSIEMOUTH WITH RALPH TODD: After lunch, join our guest speaker Ralph Todd for a trip to Lossiemouth to look for some of the sea ducks, waders, gulls and other wildlife in the area. Potential sightings include Gulls including possibly Glaucous and Iceland, Wigeon, Teal, Bar and Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Little Grebe, Stonechat, Rock Pipit, Red-throated Diver, Purple Sandpiper, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser. Meet at the West Beach car parking area BWWC Map Site 35 by 1pm.

3pm: FILM: MIRACLE ON 34th STREET: (1994, Cert U, 1h 54min). Remake of the classic film starring Richard Attenborough, Dylan McDermott and Mara Wilson. A little girl discovers dreams do come true if you really believe. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about childhood’s most enduring miracle—Santa Claus. Her mother told her the “secret” about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn’t expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who’s convinced he’s the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all—something to believe in. In the Osprey Suite

6:30pm–8:30pm: DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed list and handed to reception on arrival. Please book a Dinner time with our Reception Team

8.30pm: EVENING TALK: THE WITNESS WAS A FLY—HOW ANIMALS AND PLANTS HELP SOLVE MURDERS AND CRIMES BY NIGEL MARVEN: Animals and plants can help the police in many fascinating ways. In this talk by TV wildlife producer, film-maker and presenter Nigel Marven, we’ll see how flies and wasps gave the exact time of a murder. How diatoms, wood chips and pollen linked villains to the scene of their crime. How dogs are trained to sniff out arson, and we’ll meet drug busting pot-bellied pigs and find out how flies trapped a murderer in Ancient China. In the Osprey Suite

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DAY 5—FRIDAY 28th DECEMBER


9am: GUIDED WALK AND FIELD TRIP: LOCH GARTEN/MALLACHIE WITH CHRIS ROSE: After breakfast join our guest speaker Chris Rose for a guided stroll around Loch Garten and Mallachie looking for some of our local and iconic wildlife. Possible sightings include Blue, Great, Coal and Crested Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Wren, Robin, Siskin, Goldcrest, Crossbill, Goldeneye, Goosander, Heron, Mallard, Snipe, Red Squirrel, Roe Deer, Woodcock, Buzzard, Brambling, Pink Footed Geese, Whooper Swans and if you are very lucky Capercaillie. Meet in Reception at 9am and follow Chris to the venue or meet at the Loch Garten Car Park by 9.30am.

10.30am: FILM: EMMA: (1996, Cert U, 2h). Gwyneth Paltrow stars as the matchmaker Emma Woodhouse in this adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Although her heart is in the right place and she only wants the best for people, Emma’s meddling sometimes can have unforeseen effects, and when she turns her attentions to creating a love match between her young friend Harriet Smith and the local vicar, Mr Elton, events look certain to get out of hand. A cautionary note is, however, sounded by the admiring Mr Knightly (Jeremy Northam), towards whom Emma begins to feel attracted herself. In the Osprey Suite

1pm: FIELD TRIP: LOCH SPYNIE WITH NIGEL MARVEN: After lunch meet our guest speaker Nigel Marven at the beautiful Loch Spynie to look for some of the overwintering birds including Mute and Whooper Swans, Pink-footed and Greylag Geese, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Goldeneye, Smew, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, and Water Rail. Meet at BWWC Map Site 36 at 1pm



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3pm: FILM: YOU’VE GOT MAIL: (1998, Cert PG, 1h 59min). Romantic love story with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The owner of a large bookstore chain starts putting the owner of a small local bookstore out of business. Meanwhile they have been corresponding over the internet without knowing who either of them is. They can’t stand each other in person but over the internet they are very attracted. He finds out who she is but she doesn’t know. He starts to like her more but she still hates him. He has to fix it. In the Osprey Suite


8.30pm: EVENING TALK: PAINTING DEMONSTRATION BY CHRIS ROSE: After dinner, internationally renowned Wildlife Artist Chris Rose will give a painting demonstration, where he will attempt to paint an entire picture from start to finish in the space of an hour and a half. It will be a white-knuckle ride for him but should be a lot of fun for you!. At the end, the picture will be auctioned off to the audience with the money from the highest bidder going to a charity of their choice. In the Osprey Suite

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DAY 6—SATURDAY 29th DECEMBER


9.30am: GUIDED WALK: ANAGACH WOODS WITH ASHLEY GROVE (approx. 2 hrs): Join our guest speaker Ashley Grove for a guided stroll from the Hotel through Anagach Woods looking for some of our local and iconic wildlife. Blue, Coal, Crested, Great and Long Tailed Tits, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Crossbill, Goldcrest, Robin, Siskin, Treecreeper, Wren, Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Redpoll, Goshawk, Capercaillie, Woodcock, Buzzard, Heron, Raven, Red Squirrel and Roe Deer. Meet in Reception at 9.30am

9.45am: FILM: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES: (2012, Cert 12A, 2h 44min). With Christian Bale as Batman and Tom Hardy as Bane, the opening locations to this film include Cromarty and the Firth area. Eight years after the Joker’s reign of anarchy, Batman, with the help of the enigmatic Catwoman, is forced from his exile to save Gotham City, now on the edge of total annihilation, from the brutal guerrilla terrorist Bane. In the Osprey Suite

1pm: FIELD TRIP: BURGHEAD WITH NICK WILCOX-BROWN: After lunch join our guest speaker Nick Wilcox-Brown at Burghead to look for some of the many sea birds and other wildlife that can be found there. Possible sightings include Guillemots (maybe a Black Guillemot if lucky), Razorbill, Red Breasted Merganser, Goosander, Redshank, Curlew, Eider, Goldeneye, Kittiwake, Heron, Hooded Crow, Rock Pipit, Cormorant and Shag, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common and Grey Seals, Gulls including Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Bar and Black-tailed Godwits, Common and Velvet Scoter, Black, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, Purple Sandpiper, Long Tailed Duck, Oystercatcher, Pink Footed Geese, Slavonian Grebe and Turnstone. Meet at Burghead harbour BWWC Map Site 34 by 1pm. After spending some time here, we will move around to the maltings.

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3pm: FILM: MRS BROWN: (1997, Cert PG, 1h 41min). Starring Judi Dench and Billy Connolly and filmed in various locations in Scotland including Ardverikie Estate near Laggan. In mourning for her late husband Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) has abandoned all public duties and appearances, retiring to her Isle of Wight home, Osborne House. When Albert’s pony handler, John Brown (Billy Connolly), arrives in service to the Queen, he manages to coax her out of her depression. As the pair grow increasingly familiar, a warm friendship develops, much to the consternation of the other members of court. In the Osprey Suite


8.30pm: EVENING TALK: SCOTTISH WILDLIFE IN WINTER BY NICK WILCOX-BROWN: Nick is a wildlife photographer and wildlife cameraman and film-maker. Photographing and filming wildlife is a challenge at the best of times. The Scottish winter adds another dimension, but also a different perspective; the weather can change in a flash. Wildlife photography and film-making is all about field craft; the ability to understand and second-guess your subject, to be able to work your way towards them without disturbance. In the Osprey Suite

The 2018 BWWC PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION is open to all Grant Arms Hotel GuestsPhotos must have been taken by Grant Arms Hotel Guests during a stay with us between 1st January and 31st December 2018. So, get busy snapping away during this holiday and enter some of your photos. Send your photographs to Sue Williams, BWWC Programme Organiser by 05/01/2019 either via email in jpeg form to [email protected] or posted using a CD/DVD (jpeg file format preferred). Photographs must be titled with the name of the species/location and date taken and not watermarked. There is no limit to the number of photographs

you can enter and you are welcome to enter photographs into one or more of our four categories:

• Best Landscape Photograph • Best Wildlife Photograph• Best Bird Photograph • Best Insect/Plant Photograph

If you’re chosen as the Overall Winner you’ll win a 4-night stay for two here at the Grant Arms!

If you’re one of the three lucky Runners-up you’ll win a £150 voucher towards a future stay here.

Full details and terms and conditions can be found on our website www.bwwc.co.uk

Happy Snapping!

BWWC 2018 PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

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DAY 7—SUNDAY 30th DECEMBER


10am: STRATHDEARN (FINDHORN VALLEY) WITH NIGEL MARVEN: After breakfast join our guest speaker Nigel Marven at Strathdearn (Findhorn Valley) to look for some of the raptors and other wildlife that can be found there. Potential sightings include raptors such as Buzzard, Golden and White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Kestrel, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Red Kite, Crossbills, Dipper, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Grey Heron, Pied and Grey Wagtail, Mistle and Song Thrush, Mountain and Brown Hare, Grey and Red-legged Partridge, Raven, Red Deer, Wild Goats, Red and Black Grouse, Red Squirrel, Lesser Redpoll and Woodcock, Redwing and Fieldfare. Meet at the car park at end of the road (BWWC Map Site 13) by 1pm (we may move around the area to find the best wildlife spots)

10.30am: FILM: LOCAL HERO: (1983, Cert PG, 1h 51min). Directed by Bill Forsyth and starring Burt Lancaster, an American oil company sends a man to Scotland to buy up an entire village where they want to build a refinery. But things don’t go as expected. Filming locations include Pennan and Banff on the Moray Firth Coast. In the Osprey Suite

1pm: FIELD TRIP: INSH MARSHES WITH CHRIS ROSE: After lunch, meet our guest speaker Chris Rose at the RSPB Insh Marshes Reserve where he will take you around the 3 hides they have there and help you spot the wildlife that could potentially be seen at this time of year including overwintering Greylag Geese (look out for any rare visitors too), Whooper Swans, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Teal, Wigeon, Roe Deer, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Siskin, Red Squirrel, Redwing, Fieldfare, Brambling, Lesser Redpoll, possible Waxwing and maybe Hen Harriers coming in to roost and the possibility of Merlin, Peregrine, Golden Eagle and White-tailed Eagle. Meet at BWWC Map Site 17 at 1pm


3pm: FILM: SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN: (2011, Cert 12A, 1h 47min). Starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt and filmed in Morocco and at the Ardverikie Estate near Laggan. This is the story of a fisheries expert who is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik’s vision of bringing the sport of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible. In the Osprey Suite




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5.30pm: WELCOME RECEPTION: A welcome reception for those guests joining us for Hogmanay. Come and meet your new fellow Guests and hear more about the Programme of Events we have planned over the last few days of your break - with a glass of Buck’s Fizz to begin the celebrations! In the Capercaillie Bar

6pm–8:30pm: DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed list and handed to reception on arrival. Please book a Dinner time with our Reception Team

8.30pm: EVENING TALK: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO—HOME OF THE HUMMINGBIRD BY ASHLEY GROVE: Hummingbirds have always fascinated me and my dream to one-day photograph them finally came true in November 2013. This lecture gives you not only some lovely images of these little jewels, but some fascinating facts about some of the smallest birds in the world. Besides the Hummingbirds, Trinidad & Tobago has some wonderfully colourful bird life and also plays host to some of the birds we watch in disbelief on the TV documentaries, like the Bell Bird, Oilbirds and Manikins. This lecture has plenty of great images from Honeycreepers at the famous Asa Wright Centre in Trinidad, to the majestic Tropic Birds of Little Tobago Island. If you have been thinking of visiting, this talk may just make up your mind to book your trip. The lecture also includes film with sound of some species, so a very entertaining show. In the Osprey Suite

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NEW YEAR’S EVE—MONDAY 31st DECEMBER

7am–10am: FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST will be served in the Restaurant.

9am: PHOTO TRIP: LOCH GARTEN WITH NICK WILCOX-BROWN (approx. 2 hrs): After breakfast join our guest speaker Nick Wilcox-Brown for a session at Loch Garten looking to look for and photograph some of our local and iconic wildlife. Possible sightings at this time of year include Blue, Great, Coal and Crested Tits, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Wren, Robin, Siskin, Goldcrest, Crossbill, Red Squirrel, Roe Deer, Brambling and Woodcock in the woods, Goldeneye, Goosander, Heron, Mallard, Pink Footed Geese and Whooper Swans on the lochs. Meet in Reception at 9am and follow Nick to the venue or meet at the Loch Garten Car Park by 9.30am.

9.45am: FILM: SKYFALL: (2012, Cert 12A, 2h 23min). With the Scottish scenes being filmed in Glencoe, Daniel Craig returns as James Bond. Bond’s loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. When MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. In the Osprey Suite

11.45am–2pm: A SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCH will be served in the Capercaillie Bar.

1pm: FIELD TRIP: LOSSIEMOUTH WITH ASHLEY GROVE (approx. 2 hrs): After lunch, join our guest speaker Ashley Grove for a trip to Lossiemouth to look for some of the sea ducks, waders, gulls and other wildlife in the area. Potential sightings include Gulls including possibly Glaucous and Iceland, Wigeon, Teal, Bar and Black-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Little Grebe, Stonechat, Rock Pipit, Red-throated Diver, Purple Sandpiper, Teal and Red-breasted Merganser. Meet at the West Beach car parking area BWWC Map Site 35 by 1pm.


3pm: FILM: THE QUEEN: (2006, Cert 12A, 1h 43min). Filmed in various locations in Scotland including Glenfeshie Estate near Insh, Helen Mirren plays Queen Elizabeth II in Stephen Frears’ critically acclaimed portrait of the English Monarch in time of strife. Diana the ‘People’s Princess’ has died in a car accident in Paris. The Queen and her family decide that for the best, they should remain hidden behind the closed doors of Balmoral Castle. In the Osprey Suite

At 7pm: HOGMANAY GALA DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, including the traditional haggis and whisky offerings, followed by tea & coffee. Large group tables will help you get to know your fellow guests. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed list and handed to reception on arrival. After Dinner, enjoy some music and dancing with The Balnacraig Ceilidh Band!

11pm–1am: GRANTOWN HOGMANAY STREET PARTY outside in the Square! Join in with the town’s Hogmanay celebrations, with music, fireworks, mulled wine and ceilidh dancing!

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NEW YEAR’S DAY—TUESDAY 1st JANUARY 2019

8am–1pm: NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH with a glass of Buck’s Fizz will be served in the Restaurant.

9.45am: FILM: FORREST GUMP: (1994, Cert 12, 2h 22min). Tom Hanks gives an astonishing performance as Forrest, an everyman whose simple innocence comes to embody a generation. Alongside his mamma (Sally Field), his best friend Bubba (Mykelti Williamson), and his favourite girl Jenny (Robin Wright), Forrest has a ringside seat for the most memorable events of the second half of the 20th Century. Winner of six Academy Awards®, including Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Zemeckis), and Best Actor (Tom Hanks).. In the Osprey Suite

10am: GUIDED WALK: RIVER SPEY WITH CHRIS ROSE (approx. 2 hrs): After breakfast, join our guest speaker Chris Rose on a guided stroll through Anagach Woods and down along the River Spey. A gentle amble looking for Dipper, Goldeneye, Goosander, Red-breasted Merganser, Heron, Buzzard, Mallard, Whooper Swan as well as Crested and other Tits, Crossbills, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Roe Deer and Red Squirrel. Meet in Reception at 10am

1pm: FIELD TRIP: BURGHEAD WITH ASHLEY GROVE: After lunch join our guest speaker Ashley Grove at Burghead to look for some of the many sea birds and other wildlife that can be found there. Possible sightings include Guillemots (maybe a Black Guillemot if lucky), Razorbill, Red Breasted Merganser, Goosander, Redshank, Curlew, Eider, Goldeneye, Kittiwake, Heron, Hooded Crow, Rock Pipit, Cormorant and Shag, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common and Grey Seals, Gulls including Glaucous and Iceland Gull, Bar and Black-tailed Godwits, Common and Velvet Scoter, Black, Red-throated and Great Northern Divers, Purple Sandpiper, Long Tailed Duck, Oystercatcher, Pink Footed Geese, Slavonian Grebe and Turnstone. Meet at Burghead harbour BWWC Map Site 34 by 1pm. After spending some time here, we will move around to the maltings.




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3pm: FILM: JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN: (2011, Cert PG, 1h 41min). Rowan Atkinson returns to the role of the accidental secret agent who doesn’t know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller Johnny English Reborn. In his latest adventure, the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty’s Secret Service must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos. For Johnny English, disaster may be an option, but failure never is. In the Osprey Suite

6pm–8.30pm: DINNER will be served in the Restaurant, followed by tea & coffee in the Capercaillie Bar. Please ensure your wine choice is pre-ordered using the enclosed list and handed to reception on arrival. Please book a Dinner time with our Reception Team

8.30pm: EVENING TALK: STOP… AND TAKE A MOMENT. NATURE IS THE FINEST WELLBEING TONIC! BY WENDY PALMER-GROVE: At one of the busiest and often most fraught festive times of the year, Wendy will be taking things back to basics and exploring the reasons why nature is the best antidote to our fast paced and often stressful lives. We will dip our toes into why and how outdoor hobbies, such as Birdwatching can help maintain healthy minds and improve our overall wellbeing. Plus a snap shot from decades of research proving why being with trees makes us feel so good…no tree hugging required!. In the Osprey Suite

From 9pm: MUSIC FROM THE BALNACRAIG CEILIDH BAND: After the talk, come back to the bar and enjoy some more music from the band and the chance to say cheerio to your fellow Guests. In the Capercaillie Bar

WEDNESDAY 2nd JANUARY


11am: CHECK OUT TIME for Guests leaving today, end of Hogmanay in the Highlands Programme.



Documents

CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND HOGMANAY IN THE HIGHLANDS … · Christmas & Hogmanay Break 2018 / 2019 Our Programme of Events commences on Sunay 23rd December 2018 and ends after breakfast