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Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Press and Journal
Tributes paid after sudden death of Pine Marten Bar and Scran owner Scott Fleming
Tributes have been paid to an Aviemore and Glenmore 'legend'. Scott Fleming, known as Scotty, has died at the age of 34. Hundreds have since paid tribute to The Pine Marten Bar and Scran owner, and people say he will be remembered for his 'kind soul' and 'great sense of humour'. He was well-known in the area, with many saying they appreciated his 'funny' posts to the Pine Marten social media pages. Scotty was also known for his generosity – including the time during the Covid pandemic, he gave away free Christmas dinners to those most in need. In a post to social media, the bar confirmed Scotty's passing. They said: 'We are so sorry to share this news with you all. We want to share this so that all are informed of what's happened. 'Please allow our community time and space to grieve and thank you for your support. 'Over and out, love from the whole Pine Marten Team.' His friends are now trying to find somewhere to donate an assortment of meat from The Pine Marten Bar. An additional post reads: 'There's an assortment of meat and what not here at The Pine Marten Bar and Scran that needs a good home. 'We all know our boy would've loved it to go to some good.' Scotty had owned the popular Pine Marten Bar and Scran in Glenmore since November 2018. Since that time, he had built up a name for himself and gained customers and friends around the globe. Scotty was even named as a 'Character of the Cairngorms' as part of a Visit Cairngorms project that celebrated the stories of the communities who live and work in the area. At the time of the project, Visit Cairngorms said: 'Having left school at 15 to work towards becoming a snowboard instructor in Canada, Scott came back home to 'sort my life out'. 'From being a 'lifty' at Cairngorm Mountain to working in local bars, he's now a co-owner of the legendary Pine Marten Bar in Glenmore. 'It's the people of the Cairngorms that have kept him here and his alternative, sociable and banter filled 'PR' exploits attract many others in turn. 'With such a vast area to explore he admits he is still to see most of the Cairngorms, 'even though I have lived here for almost 10 years!' 'Scotty is a true character in every sense of the word and he is very happy putting himself out there on film to entertain us through his brilliant use of social media. 'Not always fully clothed and very straight to the point, his sense of humour keeps us entertained and makes light of the tough world of hospitality.' Scotty's friend and co-worker Rodrigo Falcon went missing after they had been on a night out in December 2022. Along with the police, his friends organised various large-scale search operations in the area and raised the profile of his disappearance by speaking to the local and national media. Sadly, Rodrigo's body was eventually found in April last year on the outskirts of Aviemore. Friends as well as those who knew Scotty from social media and their time in the bar posted tributes. The post has hundreds of comments. Heather Meek said: 'Terribly sad to read this. What a character. 'Was a fun and caring person to be around in Canada and loved following his antics in the Spey Valley. Thoughts with his family and friends.' Steve Kennedy paid tribute to the bar owner, saying Scotty's Facebook posts 'always made him chuckle'. 'So very sad to read this, Scott was such a character, always made me chuckle with his FB posts, and made us feel so welcome on our visit,' he said. 'All my thoughts with his family and friends. A true loss to Aviemore.' Janis Bootle said everyone will remember his 'funny' fundraising efforts. She said: 'So sad, RIP Scotty with Rod now. 'We will all remember laughs and kindness shown to all in lockdown and all your funny fundraising efforts. Thinking of all family friends & colleagues at this time.' June McIntosh added: 'My heart goes out to your loved ones. 'Your passing leaves a huge void, but I'm so grateful for the memories we shared at Lossie. You were a shining star, and your memory will live on.'
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Daily Record
Seven family days out in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park this summer
From zip lines to beekeeping, there is something for everyone. Summer is rapidly approaching, so time is running out to make plans. Every corner of Scotland has something to offer families looking for a fun staycation. When it comes to days out in nature, however, it is hard to beat the Cairngorms National Park. The national park, which was established in 2003, covers the Cairngorms range of mountains and the surrounding hills in the northeast of Scotland. The largest national park in the UK, there is a wealth of things to get up to. The Cairngorms offers opportunities for watersports, snowsports, wildlife watching, and much more. The Daily Record has rounded up seven of the most exciting family days out in the Cairngorms National Park over the coming months. From beekeeping sessions to a zip line park, there is bound to be something that appeals. Read on for seven of the best family days out in the Cairngorms National Park this summer. More information about family days out in the Cairngorms can be found on the Visit Cairngorms website. 1. Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie Highland Wildlife Park is a 105-hectare safari park and zoo near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park, home to more than 200 amazing and endangered animals. It is a gateway to the natural world, where visitors can experience nature and learn about the challenges facing wildlife. The attraction's Wildlife Discovery Centre is now open to explore. It features an interactive exhibition, a hilltop den where visitors can learn about the charity's conservation work, and new classrooms providing space for local communities to engage with the natural world. Newly on public display this summer at Highland Wildlife Park are female snow leopard Pari and two native felines in their Wild Cat Wood. Also new for summer 2025 is The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail, with the beloved children's story brought to life across the grounds. 2. Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Carrbridge Visitors can experience this ancient forest eight metres high up in the tree canopy as part of the Red Squirrel Trail. It is ideal for everyone from little adventurers right through to grandparents. One of the highlights is Wild Water Coasters, which feature plenty of soaking twists and turns. Elsewhere, guests can take part in the RopeworX aerial adventure, skydive, and try their hand at the towering Pinnacle climbing wall. Meanwhile, the Dinosaur Kingdom features 22 life-sized roaring dinosaurs and is a must for dino fans of all ages. Visitors can also check out the Butterfly House, which is filled with butterflies, exotic flowers, tropical birds, tortoises, insects, and fish. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Landmark Forest Adventure Park website. 3. The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kingussie The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre is nestled in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, at the lower end of Glen Feshie. It offers a wide selection of multi-sport activities on the loch for the whole family, and even dogs can join in on the fun. Guests can take their pick from 1.5 hour canoeing, kayaking or sailing—priced as little as £20. There is also the opportunity to rent out family-friendly pedalos, which can be hired for £40 for up to six people. There is no extra charge for dogs joining their owners on a kayak and paddleboard or yachting session. However, owners are responsible for making sure their pet is safe on the water. More information about bookings and prices can be found on The Loch Insh Outdoor Centre website. 4. Strathspey Railway, Aviemore This unique experience allows families to immerse themselves in the sights, the sounds, and the smells of a bygone era on a nostalgic train journey. On Strathspey Railway, visitors can journey through the stunning scenery between Aviemore, Boat of Garten, and Broomhill. The return trip takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes, and is usually steam-hauled—though subject to change. The Aviemore to Broomhill is timetabled to run and offers family discount tickets. There is also the opportunity to upgrade for an extra charge, with first-class travel and an Observation carriage both available. Travellers can even enjoy a light lunch experience or indulge in an Afternoon 'Steam' Tea. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Strathspey Railway website. 5. Beekeeping taster session, Loch Alvie For those who have ever wanted to try their hand at beekeeping, the Rowan Tree Country Hotel has its own apiary. The one-of-a-kind attraction is managed by a qualified beekeeper, offering tours to people interested in the secret life of bees. The beekeeper will provide an overview of how the bee colony functions, before the hive is carefully opened to show how busy it is. Beesuits and gloves are provided, though visitors will need to provide their own wellies or hiking boots. The beekeeping taster session can be booked by guests at the Rowan Tree Country Hotel or by non-residents. However, the latter will need to call or email to book. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Rowan Tree Country Hotel website. 6. Clay shooting experience and farm tours, Alvie and Dalraddy Estates Alvie and Dalraddy Estates near Aviemore both offer a selection of fun activities for anybody looking for a unique way to spend their summer. Clay shooting experience and farm tours are both available. The clay pigeon shooting ground has targets to suit all levels of ability, and is open to anybody over the age of 12. Experienced instructors will be on-site to ensure visitors hit as many clays as they can. Also on offer is a guided farm tour that will provide an interesting glimpse into traditional Highland farming life. Headed by a member of the Balchurn Home Farm team, visitors will meet Shorthorn and Simmental cattle, Blackface Sheep, Scotch Mule, and Cheviot Sheep. More information about bookings and prices can be found on the Alvie and Dalraddy Estates website. 7. Killiecrankie Zip Park, Killiecrankie Killiecrankie Zip Park is a unique adventure zip park located in the Valley of Killiecrankie. It was created to offer an alternative adventure in the Perthshire area for thrill seeking families, couples, solo adventures, and groups. The park features a course linking a series of nine zip lines, with two crossing over the River Garry. Visitors can zip from tree to tree through the stunning valley of Killiecrankie at heights of up to 30 metres.
The Guardian
29-01-2025
- The Guardian
My winter campervan adventure in the Cairngorms, Scotland
The road north takes us through a landscape muted by frost, the hills hazy beneath the milky winter sun. My friend Anna and I are heading for the Cairngorms in a red campervan called Rowan, which we picked up from Big Sky Campers, just across the Forth from Edinburgh. It's an appropriate name, for we see the red berries of rowan trees everywhere we go, shining so brightly it's as though someone's strung tiny clusters of baubles on the silver-barked branches. At 1,748 square miles, the Cairngorms is the UK's largest national park, stretching from Perthshire in the south to Moray in the north; mountains rear up just after we pass the riverside village of Dunkeld, armed with pastries from Aran Bakery. When I've been up here before, I've only skirted the edge of the park, sticking close to the hiking-shop-crammed town of Aviemore and seeing the hills – cloaked in snow at Easter and resplendent in purple heather in summer – from afar. Determined to get right into the mountains, winter feels like the perfect time for a road trip – with few other tourists and the landscape arguably at its most dramatic. Our journey will take us north along the A9 before heading south from Grantown-on-Spey on what Visit Cairngorms calls the Snow Roads. A 90-mile route that includes the highest public roads in Britain, the Snow Roads wind south through mountain passes to Blairgowrie, just outside the national park. Our plan is to drive its entirety over a couple of days, then loop back into the park near the village of Blair Atholl. With the short days, it feels like we're chasing a sun that only just makes it above the hills. The light is already fading when we arrive at RSPB Insh Marshes after a two-hour drive, silhouetting the leafless trees against the cotton-wool sky. The path – we have only enough daylight left for the one-mile track – winds through purple-tinged birch, frost crunching underfoot. Mountains, dusted with snow like icing-sugared cakes, loom in the distance, and honking gaggles of greylag geese stripe the sky in Vs. Our campsite for the night, Dalraddy Holiday Park, was set up on Alvie Estate in the late 1960s by the current laird's father to cater for skiers. Today, it's a sprawling but quiet site, handily open all year, with expansive mountain views and more secluded spots hidden among the trees. Rowan has two beds – one in the roof tent and the other on the back seats, which fold down – though we opt for the warmer option of sharing the latter, made extra cosy by the duvets, hot-water bottles and blankets Big Sky Campers provide. We sleep pretty well and wake to the piercing shriek of a tawny owl. The estate works in partnership, its manager Jonny tells me, with other local businesses including horse riding and ziplining, which I do at night, whizzing above the silver streak of a river. Many of these are run by people who have decided to diversify after having run ski businesses; the changing climate means snowfall is less reliable. Despite the estate being managed it still feels wild, particularly as we climb up above the tree line for a view of the surrounding snow-streaked mountains. We have lunch in a candlelit bothy while red deer eat just outside; afterwards, we head to a hide to watch for red squirrels, though they only tease us with a brief appearance. Scotland's relaxed Outdoor Access Code means that anyone can explore the land here on foot, but access to the bothy and hide is easiest (and most fun) on a tour with Jamie, the laird of the estate. If anything, we are too spoiled for choice here in the Cairngorms – particularly when there are only about seven hours of daylight to play with. By the time we're on the Snow Roads later that day, the only thing we can make out in the darkness is the thick fog that descends with no warning. It is with a sigh of relief that we reach the cosy pods at Howe of Torbeg, tucked on a hillside just outside the Cairngorms' dark sky park; normally this would be a fantastic spot for stargazing, but tonight the weather is not in our favour. The next day, we retrace our steps to see the road in all its glory. It's just 20 miles to Tomintoul, but it takes us a good couple of hours with all the stops to take in the views. 'It's like constant golden hour,' Anna says, our shadows cast long on the ground when we park up at The Watchers, an art installation of four striking cocoon-like seats. Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion I'll be honest: we're not hardy enough to stick out four nights in the caravan at this time of year and only spend the first night in Rowan. (Judging from the number of vans we see at Dalraddy and Braemar campsites, there are a fair number of campers made of sturdier stuff than us.) Still, having a van is a real treat. At lunchtime, Rowan really comes into her own: we park beside a narrow burn on the Glenlivet Estate and make tea to accompany our sandwiches, which we enjoy with a mountain view from the back seat. Later, when the weather turns, we use the back of the van to squeeze into more thermals, and warm up on the heated seats after our walks. We head south for our next stop, Ballater, arriving in the dark (again) at the Balmoral Arms; the morning reveals the village's graceful buildings and independent shops, the wide River Dee rushing nearby. We have just 50 miles left of the Snow Roads from here but allow a whole day to drive it, stopping at Braemar to join a tour with Simon Blackett of Yellow Welly Tours, who takes us to the Linn of Dee ('a linn is a narrow, whooshy gorge,' he tells us, as we watch the frothy coffee-coloured river buffer between steep rocky walls) and to see shaggy coated highland cows. The landscape becomes gentler and greener as we near the end of the Snow Roads, but swinging back up to the Old Manse of Blair for our final night takes us back into the drama of the national park. We're greeted with mulled cider and a warm welcome from front-of-house Jason. The next morning we wake to the hills just coming into focus, streaked with heather and soft sunlight. The trouble with having a campervan is that we feel even more untethered to normality than we usually would on holiday; there's a feeling we could just keep going and going. Instead, we put off reality for just a little longer, wandering the woodlands around Blair Castle to find red squirrels, before chasing the last of the sun back to Edinburgh. Van hire was provided by Big Sky Campers (from £285 for three nights). The trip was hosted by Cairngorms Business Partnership and Visit Cairngorms. To plan a visit, see Visit Cairngorms. Rail travel from London to Edinburgh with Lumo (from £24.90 one way)
