Links

For more details about Carrbridge please visit the Carrbridge Community Council site at www.carrbridge.com. Link requests, please see foot of page.

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Associated Miscellaneous
Carrbridge News Coverage
Events Sport
Environment Spurtles
Food & Health Surrounding Village Sites
Highland Tourism
History Tourism Attractions
Maps Transport
Media Weather
Mills Site Design and Feedback


Associated

Ashers Bakery
For well over a century, Ashers Bakery have built their business on using the finest ingredients available.
They also produce a range of whisky cakes made to a tradional recipe.

Baxters of Speyside
Family business known the world over for its peerless soups and jams, pickles and preserves, chutneys and sauces.

Columba Cream
Makers of a delectable blend of malt whisky, cream and honey.

Craft Guild of Chefs
The Craft Guild of Chefs aim is to "promote the advancement of the art of cookery and the science of food" by increasing standards through greater awareness and training.

Craigellachie Hotel
Relax... Indulge... Enjoy... the award winning four star hotel, restaurant and "whisky bar" at the very heart of Speyside - Scotland's Malt Whisky Country. Located within the beautiful village of the same name, at the confluence of the Fiddich and the Spey rivers, the Craigellachie Hotel offers the rare opportunity to savour the style and elegance of a by-gone era, combined with all the comforts of a first-class hotel.

Federation of Chefs Scotland
Promoting excellence in the art of professional cookery.

Gleaner Oil
For almost 50 years, Gleaner have been distributing Oil and LP Gas products and maintaining impeccable standards of service to our customers in the agriculture, commerce,industry,transport, fishing, petrol stations and to residential householders.

Hamlyns of Scotland
Hamlyns of Scotland are delighted to be the main sponsor of the World Porridge Making Championships for a seventh consecutive year. Hamlyns of Scotland is the only brand of oatmeal and porridge oats guaranteed to be 100% Scottish from seed to mill to finished product. The range is produced at Hamlyns of Scotland state-of-the-art mill at Boyndie, in the north east of Scotland, where the traditional skills of millers are combined with the latest technology to give you a traditional quality Scottish product. To find out more about Hamlyns products, including a great range of recipes using oats and oatmeal, visit Hamlyns web site.

Nairns Oatcakes
Produce a range of wheat free products including oatcakes and sweet biscuits. All products contain only natural ingrediants, have no hydrogenated fat, are high in fibre, have no GM ingredients and are suitable for vegetarians. Our oat cake range includes Rough, Cheese, Mini, Fine Milled and organic varieties.

Roy Brown eCommerce
eCommerce, custom data driven eBusiness systems and web applications.

Scottish Caterer
Scottish Caterer is the publication for Scotland's fast growing, increasingly high-flying catering industry. Covering all aspects of preparing, serving and presenting food to an ever more knowledgeable and scrutinising public, Scottish Caterer is the market leader. It also covers new concepts and keeps updated across the spectrum from the 'celebrity' end of the market to the best 'pub grub' - so there's something for everyone.

Scottish Water
Scottish Water is a new organisation replacing East of Scotland Water, North of Scotland Water and West of Scotland Water and it provides water and waste water services to household and business customers across one third of the land area of Britain.

Walkers Shortbread
Scottish baking at its best. Shortbread from Scotland, biscuits, cakes and oatcakes, Walkers Shortbread still use the original Scottish recipes which have made its bakery famous. Please enjoy the site … your virtual taste of Walkers Shortbread, the best of Scotland and Scottish baking.


Carrbridge

Bridge Garage
Petrol, Derv, repairs, MOT, appointed agents for RAC, ASA, national Breakdown etc. 24 hour rescue and recovery.

The Cairn Hotel
Enjoy the country pub atmosphere - log fire, malt whiskies, real ales and affordable food in this family-owned village centre hotel.

Carrbridge Bunkhouse
Traditional wood panneled cabin with sauna. 10 minute walk from village, on road to Inverness. Sleeps 18 in bunkbeds, 2 singles, 2 Alpine Platforms. For other hostels in the area see Scottish Youth Hostel Association or Independent Backpackers Hostels Scotland.

Carrbridge Curling Club
Outdoor Rink located on Station Road. One of the few clubs which regularly plays outdoors. The village has one of the best frost records in Scotland. The club is fortunate to have a purpose-built pond complete with floodlights and has recently installed its own water supply for filling the pond.

Carrbridge Football Club
Our local club who play in the Badenoch & Strathspey Welfare League. Home ground: Carrbridge Public Park.

Carrbridge Golf Club
Carrbridge Golf Club was formed in 1980 but there had been a Golf Course on this site for many years before. The course has been moulded around the natural contours of the land and so offers few man made hazards, but many natural ones. Burns abound and there is water somewhere on every hole, the course rises over 300 feet to about 1000 feet at the highest, and there can be found excellent views of the Cairngorm Mountains some 13 miles away. For the past couple of years, due to the hard work of our Greenkeeper and his staff, the condition of Carrbridge Golf Course has improved beyond our wildest dreams and the greens are recognised in the Spey Valley as some of the best.

Carrbridge Hotel
The Carrbridge Hotel is situated in an 18th Century village deep in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This family run Hotel is set in breathtaking scenery on the banks of the River Dulnain with spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountain Range. Originally established as an Inn for weary travellers in 1803, the Hotel has been sympathetically extended and refurbished over the years. The famous pack-horse bridge, reputed to be one of the oldest bridges of its kind in Scotland, dating back to 1717, is situated directly opposite the Hotel.

Carrbridge Studios
Exclusive range of pottery, sculptures and original paintings in water-colour, oils, and pastels. Specialising in Scottish landscapes and wildlife.

Dalrachney Lodge Hotel
A Country House Hotel set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Your ideal location for a memorable holiday or function. We offer accommodation in the Lodge, the Coach House the Garden Houses also Restaurant and Bistro Bar Dining. Dalrachney Lodge dates from 1845 and was formerly a Hunting Lodge central to one of Scotland's largest Estates. Additions were made through the turn of the century linking the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The main house is in fact Edwardian and was completed in 1910. Today we are set in 16 acres of peaceful surroundings bordered on two sides by the Dulnain River. We are situated on the outskirts of the historic village of Carrbridge described by Queen Victoria as "the jewel of the North". Many other members of the Royal Family have stayed here as private guests of the Estate owner including King George V who was a great sportsman.

Fairwinds Hotel
Built in 1850 Fairwinds Hotel is an early Victorian Former manse, which has been sympathetically and extensively modernised to afford our guests every comfort, yet retaining the character of the original. It has been further enhanced by the addition of a period conservatory.

Féith Mhór Lodge
It would be hard to find a more peaceful setting than that of Féith Mhór, (pronounced Fay Moor) situated in a quiet valley just over a mile from Carr Bridge. Built in 1876, it has all the charm and character of a Victorian country lodge, and is surrounded by beautiful unspoilt countryside. The garden is partly walled and has been attractively designed with mature trees, herbaceous borders and lawns.

Guest Houses and Bed & Breakfast and Holiday Lets
List of local accommodation.

Landmark Forest Heritage Park
Landmark is much more than just a great day out…it's a theme park with a difference! Set in 30 acres of native pinewood, the park offers 'white water rafting' on the thrilling 'Wild Watercoaster'. Kids love Microworld, the 'Ant City' play structure and the 'Wild Forest Maze'. Discover 'The Timber Trail' and climb the '70 foot Forest Tower' and view the Cairngorms. Have a go on the mini-cars or the remote controlled trucks. Don't miss 'The Squirrel Trail', 'The Tree Top Trail', or 'The Pinnacle' climbing wall. After that relax in The Landmark Restaurant and Pinewood Snack Bar or enjoy some retail therapy in our visitors shop.

Lochanhully Woodland Club
After a day in the outdoors, the Scandinavian-style pine chalets offer you superbly furnished accommodation. Within the Club House is a friendly and informal bar with coffee, teas, drinks and snacks available all day - the Club House restaurant also provides a full menu in the evenings. To work up an appetite, or wind down after a day's walking, you can choose from a fully heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and solarium. Outdoors you'll find tennis courts, trout fishing in season and a dry ski slope.

The Old Bakery
Village centre coffee shop and local crafts. The Carrbridge Tapestry hangs in the shop. Many cards of the tapestry have been sold (with proceeds to the Riverside Bowling Club). Open all year for light refreshments and home baking.

Recycling (Highland Council)
Link to list of Highland Council recycling facilities. Carrbridge has bottle banks in the village centre car park (Location: MultiMap). Also see WHAM Highland Waste Minimisation.

Riverside Bowling Club
Visiting bowlers are welcome to test their skills at Riverside Bowling Club, one of the newest sports facilities to be established in Carrbridge. The six-rink green is located near the sports field and children's playground and is adjacent to the village's central car-park. The club enjoys changing room and unlicensed refreshment facilities in the modern Marie Anderson Pavilion. Bowls are available for visitors' use but visiting bowlers must provide suitable footwear - trainers are not acceptable.

Seafield Estate
For generations the Seafield family has had the privilege and responsibility of managing large areas of rural Scotland. Today, there are family estates in the lowland district of Cullen on the Moray Firth and in Strathspey with its particular Highland charm and beauty. The estates have made a significant contribution in the past to rural land use and this positive management continues today.

The Slochd
With it's holiday cottage, group accommodation and above all it's superb location, provides the perfect base for actvities in the Highlands. It is within easy reach of the Cairngorms and the ski centres, Inverness & Loch Ness. Surrounded by woods and hills there are wonderful trails from the doorstep and it's a great area for birdwatching, walking, skiing or just a quiet break.

Slochd Mhor Lodge
Slochd Mhor Lodge offers a genuine welcome to groups or individuals in warm and friendly surroundings. There is a fully equipped kitchen with woodburing stove together with a spacious dining area and a large lounge/lecture room also with woodburner. Central heating throughout and hot showers. Other facilities include drying room and washing machine, an on-site cycleshop/workshop, mountain bike hire and, in winter, nordic ski hire and instruction. There is an outside seating and BBQ area, a bikeshed and ample parking. We will have very basic provisions for sale.

Weaver Spar Shop
Groceries including fresh bread, fruit, vegetables, milk, beers, wines spirits, newspapers, magazines, postcards and Post Office. Orders taken and local deliveries made.


Events

Aviemore's Annual Walking Festival
Aviemore is staging it's it's fourth Walking Festival from 6th to 14th of May 2006. So come and enjoy the best of British countryside with fine walks, through magnificent scenery. Our programme offers plenty for everyone - short leisurely strolls through forests and along river and loch banks to more strenuous hill walks to the remaining snowfields at over 4,000 feet high. When you are not out in the countryside, you can relax at exhibitions, talks, workshops, ceilidhs and some of the best of that famous Highland Hospitality!

Carrbridge Community Arts
A dynamic and innovative local community group founded in November 1999. The group is involved in organising a mixed programme of art activities and local events.

Carve Carrbridge
The annual 'Landmark Chainsaw Log Sculpture Competition Carrbridge' held in Carrbridge in September.

The Gaick Pass Sponsored Walk
Join us in a sponsored walk through the Gaick Pass, 'The Cleft'. A hike of about 22 miles; climbing 600 feet and encountering some of Scotland's most rugged and spectacular scenery. Saturday 28th June 2008

Golden Spurtle (this site!)
World Porridge Making Championship held annually in Carrbridge on the first Sunday in September.

Glencalvie Challenge
18.5 mile sponsored walking, running or biking event for charity in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday 10th May 2008.

Strathspey in May
Grantown-on-Spey's Traditional Music Festival every year in the middle of May. Featuring an exciting blend of local boys made good, national and international guests in concerts and sessions, the emphasis of our festival is firmly on the strong range of adult workshops for Fiddle, Flute, Whistle, Guitar, Uillean pipes, voice and performance. Impromptu sessions in many of the local hotels and bars are a fun aspect of the festival, playing in a friendly environment where the mix of abilities is welcomed.

 


Environment

Badenoch and Strathspey Conservation Group
The objects of the group is to: to stimulate public interest in, and care for, the beauty, history and character of Badenoch & Strathspey; to encourage active conservation of the area through wise use; and to encourage high standards of planning and architecture in harmony with the environment.

Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms was made a National Park in September 2003 because it is a unique and special place that needs to be cared for - both for the wildlife and countryside it contains and for the people that live in it, manage it and visit it. It is Britain's largest national Park. The Cairngorms National Park has the largest area of arctic mountain landscape in the UK at its heart, with diverse communities around it. It is home to 17,000 people and 25% of Britain's threatened birds, animals, and plants. It includes moorlands, forests, rivers, lochs and glens. Carrbridge is within the National Park.

Highland Birchwoods
A partnership initiative to promote and stimulate the development of a local woodland economy and culture in the Scottish Highlands.

RSPB
The RSPB is the charity that takes action for wild birds and the environment. Includes the the Loch Garten osprey webcam.

Scottish Natural Heritage
Our mission is to work with Scotland's people to care for our natural heritage.
Our aims are: to safeguard and enhance Scotland's natural heritage, particularly its natural, genetic and scenic diversity; to foster awareness and understanding of the natural heritage; to promote enjoyment of, and responsible public access to, the natural heritage in ways which do not damage it; to encourage public support and voluntary effort for the benefit of the environment; to promote improvement of the natural heritage in and around towns and cities, where most of Scotland's people live; and to encourage environmental sustainability in all forms of economic activity.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust
Is a conservation organisation with thousands of members working to protect Scotland's wildlife. We are a national charity founded in 1964, relying completely on donations from individuals, companies and other organisations to fund our work. We represent almost 20,000 members who share our aims and support our work in many ways, both financially and through active involvement as volunteers. We are the only voluntary body that aims to enhance and conserve the whole of the natural environment and wildlife of Scotland. We manage over 125 wildlife reserves throughout Scotland, covering more than 22,500 hectares.

The Soil Association
Certifies organic food. Food you can trust, annotated links and info explaining how clean soil makes healthy food.

Strathspey Wildlife
Scotland has become a favourite destination for tourists from all corners of the world, and "The Highlands" in particular draws people eager to sample the beauty of its wild unspoilt landscape, or to explore its history. Others are drawn by its wildlife, from the magnificent golden eagle of the high tops - down through the lochs and  rivers, to the woodlands, home of the Scottish crossbill, crested-tit and pine marten. Here  you will also find the endangered capercaille, and of course, the osprey. Not too far beyond Strathspey lie the wild craggy coastal areas  of the the west, favourite haunt of the otter, and  the gentler coastline of the North-east Highlands, with  dolphin just a stones-throw from the beach.

Trees for Life
A Scottish conservation charity dedicated to the regeneration and restoration of the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands of Scotland.

Wildlife Scotland
Site by Visit Scotland.

The Woodland Trust
The UK's leading conservation charity dedicated to the protection of our native woodland heritage. Glencharnoch wood in Carrbridge is in the care of the Woodland Trust. OS Landranger 36; NH 900226; 35.4 acres (14.3 ha).


Food & Health

Black Isle Brewery
Quality organic beers, brewed in the Highlands of Scotland. Visitors welcome.

Cairngorm Brewery
The Cairngorm Brewery Beers are all premium Highland ales, brewed from the finest natural ingredients and the purest of crystal clear water from the Cairngorm Mountains.

EliteFarmer
Aims to disseminate information of use to people with small farms or rural property. Topics include Food, farm, garden, agriculture and garden. Most documents are in pdf format.

Healthy Living Scotland
Website is to promote Scotland’s National Healthy Living Campaign.

Stoats Porridge Bars
Provide a range of organic flavoured porridge to on-the-go consumers at events, festivals and markets. A combination of organic jumbo and flaked oats are blended to create a unique Stoats porridge mix.

The Porridge Bowl
A family run business serving hot bowls of flavoured porridge from a funky quilted stainless steel trailer. They travel across Scotland providing people with the healthy alternative. Al Beaton is the 2007 World Porridge Speciality winner.

Highland

Cairngorm Park i
Park i is the concise up-to-date, day-by-day listing of facilities and attractions in and around the Cairngorms National Park, from hotels in Aviemore to restaurants in Ballater, we even include a Park i happy map for the children. All in all you name it, we list it!

CairnGorm Mountain Ltd
The Cairngorm Ski Area is located 10 miles east of Aviemore on the North side of the Cairngorm Mountain. It covers an area of 598 hectares which is part of the 1418 hectare Cairngorm Estate owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The ski area including the Funicular Railway is operated by Cairngorm Mountain Ltd. View webcams to check snow conditions.

Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park officially opened on the 1st of September 2003. The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland's second national park, and the U.K's largest at 3800 square kilometres (1400 square miles). It stretches from Grantown on Spey to the heads of the Angus Glens, from Ballater to Dalwhinnie and Drumochter including much of the Laggan area in the southwest and a large area of the Glen Livet estate and the Strathdon/Glen Buchat area. The National Park area is home to a quarter of Scotland's native woodland with the biggest continuous stretches of near-natural vegetation in Britain. It is a refuge for a host of rare plants and creatures, including 25% of the U.K's threatened species.

Cairngorms Online
CairngormsOnline will tell you all you need to know about this area, including the towns and villages of Dalwhinnie, Laggan, Newtonmore, Kingussie, Kincraig, Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Carrbridge, Nethybridge, and Grantown-on-Spey.

The Highland Council
Visit The Highland Council for information about the Council and its services.

hi-ways...
Your on-line gateway to the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. hi-ways is a partnership of public agencies, creating a gateway to all public service information across the region.

Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise
Our services aim to help communities, individuals and businesses located in the area.

Northern Constabulary
Welcome to The Web site of Northern Constabulary. These pages are mainly aimed at those who would like more information on Northern Constabulary and the area we police. Our aim is to develop this site in partnership with the communities we serve.

think net
Discussion forum for the Highlands


History

Exploring Archaeology in Badenoch & Strathspey
Badenoch and Strathspey have each always had strong individual identities. The rich flood-plain of the river Spey and the farmland and forests stretching up the valley sides have provided an island of relative prosperity surrounded by the mountains. They also still provide a welcome stopping-point for travellers arriving from a variety of directions. There is a wealth of surviving archaeological features - from the cairns of Neolithic farmers, built some 5000 years ago, to the deserted villages and industrial archaeology of recent centuries. By the Highland Council Archaeology Service.

Highland Folk Museum
The Highland Folk Museum, Kingussie and Newtonmore, invites you to enter the World of the Highlander - to see, touch, smell and feel the atmosphere as you walk through the material remains of 400 years of Highland life from clansman to crofter. Track how Highland people dealt with their environment, creating ingenious solutions to their everyday problems of providing light, heat, shelter, clothing and food.

Stones of Wonder - Avielochan Chambered Cairn
This chambered cairn is set within a little stand of trees at the edge of a field and is almost hidden away, especially in summer. It is definitely of the Clava type, but lacks a surrounding ring of free-standing stones.


Maps

Google Maps
See Carrbridge.

Multimap
Multimap.com - the leading site for maps and travel directions on the web.
Ordinance Survey Carrbridge contour Map or Carrbridge street map.

Streetmap
This site provides address searching and street map facilities for the UK. We currently have street and road maps for the whole of mainland Britain.
Ordinance Survey Carrbridge contour Map or Carrbridge street map.

Old-maps.co.uk
Providing access to Britain's most extensive digital historical map archive. Find out where your ancestors used to live or check out what your neighbourhood looked like over a hundred years ago. Carrbridge 1875 and Sluggan 1875 maps (large files).


Media

Broadband for Strathspey
Information on broadband in the Badenoch and Strathspey area. The Carrbridge exchange now has ADSL (broadband). Or see The Broadband Resource or ADSL Guide. Or British Telecom Broadband.

Emazing
Offer free daily tips on more than 100 different topics including the Internet, health & fitness, home repair, dieting, and cooking! Emazing listed The Golden Spurtle as Web Site of the Day on Thursday February 28, 2002 (but we don't understand the discomfort bit! - Ed.):
"If you can get over your discomfort with the word "spurtle," check out this site dedicated to champion makers of porridge. (A spurtle, by the way, is a straight wooden spoon or stick that is used to stir porridge.) We Americans might be more comfortable calling porridge "oatmeal," but it's much the same thing. And who knew there were so many ways to cook it up? (Well, I guess the Scots did.) Along with the photos and details of the porridge competition, there are also recipes on this site. So eat your oatmeal! Not only is it good for you, but now you can make it even better with help from the experts. - Carla Joy"

Google
With the largest index of websites available on the World Wide Web and the industry's most advanced search technology, Google Inc. delivers the fastest and easiest way to find relevant information on the Internet. Badenoch and Strathspey Directory and Recreation > Food > Contests Directory.

Hi-Lands
Guide for North of Scotland including content from local papers.

Guiness World Records
Every year, thousands of people from around the world contact Guinness World Records Ltd in the hope of becoming an official Guinness World Record holder. Many of them do.

Hi~Arts
Highlands and Islands Arts Ltd is an independent company limited by guarantee with charitable status, established in 1990 to promote and develop the arts in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Highlander
Web Magazine is the major web gateway from Scotland to quality web sites, businesses and subjects of interest.

Inverness Courier
The Inverness Courier. A bi-weekly local newspaper for Inverness and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. With local news, local sport, local advertising and searchable databases.

Monarch of the Glen
BBC series filmed in Badenoch and Strathspey including Carrbridge. You can follow the 'Monarch Country Trail'.

Monarch of the Glen - BBC
The official BBC site. 'The Clan returns with a third series next year which is in production. This site will be updated then with loads of new features.'

Moray Firth Radio
Local commercial radio station. 96.6MHz, for Cairngorm area.

Open Directory Project
The Open Directory Project is the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web. It is constructed and maintained by a vast, global community of volunteer editors. Regional: Europe: United Kingdom: Scotland: Highland: Badenoch and Strathspey Directory and Recreation: Food: Contests Directory.

Rampant Scotland
The primary purpose of the Rampant Scotland Directory is to provide an index of Scottish-related Web sites. 10,000+ Scottish-related Links, regularly updated. 1,000+ Web page features on Scotland and the Scots.

Record Breakers
The BBC Record Breakers programme featured The Golden Spurtle in 2000 with Sally Gray visiting the competition. The site is currently unavailable (one assumes until the next series). You can visit Children's CBBC.

Seven Wonders
One of the Web's longest running Web Award sites. Seven Wonders awarded Golden Spurtle 'Education and Information Site of the Week' on 23 October 2001.

Speysound Radio (broken link)
Community Radio station sharing 96.6MHz with Moray Firth Radio. Staffed entirely by volunteers, providing news, information and entertainment to the people of Badenoch and Strathspey as well as to the thousands of tourists who visit this most glorious part of the world every year.

The Strathspey and Badenoch Herald
The local newspaper for Strathspey and Badenoch. Known locally as the "Strathy".

Tartan TV
Tartan TV is a brand new television service featuring Scotland worldwide. On air every week as a half-hour magazine programme on cable and satellite channels in the USA and Canada. Each week we'll take the features we've produced and put them on this web site - so this resource will get richer and richer. See 'Food and drink' section for feature on porridge and video on making porridge.

Undiscovered Scotland - Carrbridge
The ultimate online guide to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.


Mills

Aberfeldy Water Mill
The Mill is a living part of Scottish history, producing organic oatmeal and offering a major attraction for tourists and educational visits. The present Mill built in 1825, was lovingly restored in 1987 by Tom Rodger, a seventh generation miller from Cupar in Fife. Awarded a Civic Trust Commendation in 1988, its first year of opening. This Commendation is one of the most prestigious architecture awards in the United Kingdom. Winning a conservation award the following year from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Times newspaper. Visitors will see stone ground oatmeal being made in traditional Scottish manner.

Blair Atholl Water Mill
This is a delightful working water mill dating from 1613, where stone ground high quality oatmeal and wholemeal flours are still milled and sold.

Golspie Mill
The Golspie Mill in Sutherland is a fine example of a typical Scottish Estate Meal Mill. Built in 1863 and fully restored in 1992. Situated at the foot of the lovely Dunrobin Glen it continues to produce quality meals and flours slowly ground using horizontal millstones driven by water from the Big Burn. Specialities include peasemeal and beremeal.

Hamlyns of Scotland
See enty in 'Associated' section.

The Oatmeal of Alford
Produced at Montgarrie Mill Alford, in the heart of Aberdeenshire in the rich agricultural lands of Northeast Scotland. There has been a mill at Montgarrie since Jacobite times and the present one , an impressive grey granite building, dating back to 1880. Also dating back to then is the waterwheel which, driven by the Esset water, powers the mill. This wheel is indeed a piece of Scotland's engineering heritage which operates as efficiently today as it did in 1880.


Miscellaneous

The Cairngorm Brewery Company
The Cairngorm Brewery Beers are all premium Highland ales, produced from the finest ingredients, with no added chemicals or gases. A wide range of quality cask conditioned ales and the nearest thing to real ale in a bottle. The Brewery, based in Aviemore, rolled out its first barrel in September 1997. In May 2000 Tomintoul Brewery brands were added to the portfolio. The idea is to produce not only quality real ale, but also filtered beer which is lightly carbonated, in other words, enough to give it a shelf life without making it over gaseous. We are a new company with new ideas using old Scottish brewing methods. Our aim is to satisfy as many palates as possible. Brews include: Cairngorm, Ruthven, Murdoch and Sheepshaggers'. Also see BeersScotland.com for info.

Heavens-Above
Astronomy site with sky charts and satellite predictions. Link is for Carrbridge predictions.

Isle of Skye Brewery
At the Isle of Skye Brewery we put quality of product and customer relations as our priorities. Skye ales are made from only premium quality grains and hops; only natural ingredients are used, with no additives. Brew Hebridean Gold (4.3% ABV), "a distinctively different ale, brewed with porridge oats. An ale of exceptional smoothness, with a deep and creamy head".

Porridge for Parkinson's
We've put together this website to show how you can hold an inexpensive, delicious, simple, and profitable event. The website will be a scrapbook of past parties, tips for putting on a party, and a running tally of funds raised for Parkinson’s research.

Portsoy Coffee Shop (No web site).
Opened in 2003 by Duncan Hilditch and wife Anne in Portsoy, Banffshire. Duncan was famous for winning The World Porridge Making Champinship four times, in 1996, 2000, 2001 and 2004.

Scotloads
Home of Scottish Music. Visit for great Scottish CDs and mp3s. Sample all our music, free mp3 for new members, gig listings and more..

Scottish Association of Farmers Markets
Here you can find out where Scottish farmers’ markets happen, who takes part and what’s sold. Fresh produce is guaranteed - and with many of Scotland’s organic food producers, a visit to a farmers’ market ensures you get the best quality ingredients, and support Scotland’s farmers and producers at the same time....we trust you enjoy the occasion. Market is usually on the first Saturday of each month from 8.30am - 3pm in the Eastgate Shopping Precinct. List of Inverness market dates.

Scottish National Dictionary Association (SNDA)
The Scottish National Dictionary Association (SNDA) was founded in 1929 to foster and encourage the Scots language, in particular by producing a standard dictionary of modern Scots. This primary aim was fulfilled in 1976 with the completion of the 10-volume Scottish National Dictionary (SND), covering the language from 1700 to the present. (A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue, begun about the same time, covers the medieval period and up to 1700.) The SND is based on a wide variety of written sources and also on the spoken language of Lowland Scotland from Shetland to the Borders and the South-West; it also includes Ulster Scots. SNDA are currently producing electronic versions of their main dictionaries.

Tartan Day: USA - Canada - Australia - New Zealand - UK Site
April 6th in USA and Canada, July 1st in Australia and New Zealand.


News Coverage

BBC News
BBC Online has covered the competition during previous years:

From the Press and Journal:

Carrbridge set for porridge contest (18 July 2002)
The ninth annual World Porridge Making Championships will take place at Carrbridge on Sunday, September 1, it was announced yesterday.

Portsoy porridge prodigy in BBC Food series (23 May 2002)
The world's premier porridge maker intends to put his home town on the map as part of a BBC documentary.

From The Scotsman:

Yahoo! UK & Ireland
The Golden Spurtle web site was featured in Yahoo!'s Picks of the Week section. Their criteria is that the site must be cool, useful, or quirky!


Sport

Aviemoregolf
Site to promote golf and tourism in the Scottish Highlands.

Ian Bishop Cycles & Mountain Bike Centre
Mountain Bike Hire with Helmets. Maps, panniers, etc. are available.

Bothy Bikes
Bothy Bikes is a rider owned & staffed mountain bike shop & hire centre in Aviemore, in the Highlands of Scotland. This website is about the local bike scene & also gives you a taste of what’s available in the shop.

Cairngorm Gliding Club
The club has been operating from Feshie Airstrip for over 30 years. It is situated in an area of outstanding beauty and breathtaking scenery on the edge of Cairngorm Mountains and the Spey Valley. Feshie is an ideal location and superb conditions for ridge, wave and thermal cross country flying.

Lecht
The Lecht Ski & Multi Activity Centre, Strathdon, on the A939 Cockbridge to Tomintoul road.

Loch Morlich
Situated at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains in the scenic Glenmore Forest Park, this beautiful location provides an ideal site for you to enjoy a wide range of activities. From watersports to walking, mountain biking to fishing, you will find activities to give many fun filled days.

Slochd Mhor Lodge
Slochd Mhor Lodge offers self-catering accomodation for up to 28 people (see Carrbridge section). On-site cycleshop/workshop, mountain bike hire and, in winter, nordic ski hire and instruction. The Slochd offers some of the best cross country skiing in Scotland! We have an extensive ski hire department with a selection of skis for trails and low level ski touring in the forest tracks. Also, metal edged cross country skis for touring at high levels. Alpine Skiing, at the Slochd offer instruction and guiding in the ski area for family's individuals or small groups. We also offer snow boarding, mountain biking, a range of outdoor pursuits incliuding guided hiking and walking treks. . .

Walk Highlands
The online guide to walks and the outdoors for the Highlands of Scotland. Each of the series of websites offers a comprehensive guide to walking routes in each area, giving you all you'll need to get the most from your holiday. Walks included range from family rambles to tough cross-country hikes and scrambling mountain ascents. Now includes Cairngorm walks.


Spurtles

If you know a supplier or supply genuine Scottish spurtles, let us know so we can add a link.

Scottish Wood Craft
Order from choice of two designs of spurtles online.

Traquair House
Order the 'Traquair spurtle' made at the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.

The Wooden Quaich
The quaich is the classic small drinking bowl of Scotland, taking its name from the Gaelic word 'cuach' which is itself derived from the Latin 'caucus' meaning drinking cup. Quaich and beech or sycamore spurtles can be ordered online. Turned in rural Perthshire by Stewart McCarroll.


Surrounding Town & Village Sites

Aviemore
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains and ancient Scottish Pinewoods, Aviemore remains Scotland's favourite all year round visitor destination. Whether you're skiing, snow boarding, climbing, walking or just touring, you'll be doing it in some of Europe's finest and most spectacular scenery.

Boat of Garten
Boat of Garten, a peaceful Highland village, set amongst heather clad hills and native woodland. Abundant wildlife, magnificent scenery, the many sporting and leisure activities, together with a traditional Highland welcome will ensure the enjoyment of your visit.

Dalwhinnie (site down?) see Visit Highlands page.
Nestling amidst the Glens and Mountains at the Southern corner of the Spey Valley at 1180 feet, Dalwhinnie is the highest village and has the highest Distillery in the Highlands.

Dulnain Bridge
A small  village in the Scottish Highlands of about 500 inhabitants. Situated in the Heart of Strathspey, it is centred around the 18th Century bridge.

Grantown-on-Spey (site down?) see Undiscovered Scotland page.
The capital of Strathspey, nestling in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, was founded in 1765 by Sir James Grant. This fine example of an 18th century planned town has plenty to offer for all seasons.

Inverness
Inverness is the City in the Highlands where you'll find the warmest of welcomes - whether you choose to visit, explore, shop, relax or just live Inverness. It's in our nature to be friendly and helpful, and we enjoy the craic - Gaelic for chat and light-hearted conversation. Inverness is an exceptional place, the 'in' place to be where there's a real buzz to life and work. We're open to new ideas, new people and new businesses.

Kincraig
Readily accessible by all forms of travel, Kincraig offers you the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the large town, and with the less hectic pace of village life, offering an insight into the Highlands of Scotland.

Nethy Bridge
Situated in the heart of beautiful Strathspey (The Spey Valley) between Aviemore and Grantown, Nethy Bridge is the perfect centre to enjoy the glorious Highland countryside.

Newtonmore
In the Heart of the Highlands - An ideal touring base - quiet, friendly, yet close to all the facilities of Aviemore.

Tomatin
Seven miles North of Carrbridge on the River Findhorn. Currently no website.


Tourism

The Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board
On this site you'll find the definitive accommodation listing for the area - 100% quality-assured, inspected and graded by the Scottish Tourist Board. You'll also find details of events, what to see and do, guides to areas within the Highlands and travel information.

Undiscovered Scotland
Undiscovered Scotland is a combination of business directory, accommodation listing and visitor guide. It includes a comprehensive range of links and a large and growing collection of in-depth and illustrated feature pages about places to go and things to do, and mountains to climb.

Visit Scotland (Scottish Tourist Board)
Over 16,000 ideas for your holiday in Scotland, 8,500 places to stay, 2,500 events to choose from. Check out our latest special offers. Discover the best of Scotland. Also see Visit Aviemore & the Cairngorms.


Tourism - Attractions

Glenmore Forest Park
At Glenmore Forest Park there is so much to do for all the family: Native Woodland; Visitor Centre & Restaurant; Audio Visual Exhibition & Shop; Camping and Caravan Site; Orienteering; Way Marked Forest Trails; Cycle Routes; Cross Country Skiing; Water Sports & Beach; and Bird Watching.

Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way is 73 miles/117km in length. It runs from Fort William to Inverness, with spectacular views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all along the way. The route begins at the Old Fort in Fort William, under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britains highest mountain. From here it skirts the shores of Loch Linnhe to join the historic Caledonian Canal at Corpach. From Corpach, the journey along Scotland's longest Glen and greatest geological fault begins. The canal towpath is followed to Gairlochy, passing several interesting canal features such as Neptune's Staircase and the awesome aqueducts.

Highland Wildlife Park
The Highland Wildlife Park specialises in Scottish Wildlife past and present, animals from our past include wolves, and our Wolf Territory shows off these magnificent animals very well. There are habitat areas with creatures such as Scotland’s largest and rarest grouse the capercaillie, the otter and many more.

The Legend of Nessie
Welcome to The Legend of Nessie, her Official web site on the Internet that brings you facts, pictures and sightings of this most elusive of creatures. If it's information about the Loch Ness Monster you're after then this is the site to visit. With documented evidence, film, first-hand accounts, stories, scientific studies and expeditions you will find that we are one of the most concise Loch Ness Monster sites on the WWW.

The National Trust for Scotland
The conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland's natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy. Properties include Culloden, the scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain.

Rothiemurchus
Come and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, from clay pigeon shooting and off road driving to guided walks and tours. Try your hand at our range of loch and river fishing, get out and about on our woodland cycle tracks or take a leisurely walk along our 50km footpath network.

Speyside Heather Centre
Our multi-award winning centre remains very much a family concern run by David and Betty Lambie and their two sons Craig and Iain. The Lambies and their friendly, helpful staff are pleased to welcome you and will do all that is necessary to make your visit to the centre an enjoyable one.

Speyside Way
The Speyside Way is one of four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland (the others are the West Highland Way, the Southern Upland Way and the Great Glen Way). It was first opened in 1981, to run from Spey Bay to Ballindalloch, with a spur to Tomintoul being added in 1990. A northern extension from Spey Bay to Buckie followed in 1999, with the route finally being completed between Ballindalloch and Aviemore in April 2000. The route now links the Moray coast with the edge of the Grampian Mountains, generally following the valley of the River Spey.

The Tomatin Distillery
We are very proud of The Tomatin Distillery Co., Ltd., our stronghold in whisky's homeland. This famous Scottish large-scale malt distillery became a Takara subsidiary in 1986.


Transport

AA Route Planner
Plan your road journey. Great Britain, Ireland and Europe. Provides routes between postcodes, towns, villages, road names and places of interest.

bmi Airways
Inverness to London Heathrow

British Airways (including BA CitiExpress and BA franchise partner Loganair)
Inverness to London Gatwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh.

Caledonian MacBrayne
Ferry company with a fleet of 28 ferries that link 23 islands to the mainland and each other via 52 ports and terminals.

Eastern Airways
Inverness to Birmingham and Manchester.

EasyJet Airways
Services from Inverness to Belfast, Bristol, Luton and London Gatwick.

GoByCoach
Web site including National Express bus services.

Highland Airways
Inverness to Stornoway

The Highland Cycle Campaign
Highland Cycle Campaign - regular newsletter on cycle campaign issues in the Scottish Highlands.

Highland Rail Partnership
Campaign group to enhance regional competitiveness and environmental sustainability the rail services and infrastructure. Note: Highland Council has been awarded £1.45m for Invernet, which includes a new commuter service between Kingussie and Inverness, stopping at Aviemore and Carrbridge. This is due to start in December 2005, funded initially for three years. The 1650 Inverness to Glasgow train may also stop at Carrbridge. The 1052 Inverness to Edinburgh will stop at Carrbridge at 1125 from 13/12/2004.

Highlands and Islands Airports
Operators of Inverness Airport which is located at Dalcross, 10 miles to the east of Inverness close to the A96 Inverness-Aberdeen trunk road. Scheduled flights operate daily to Inverness from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stornoway in the Western Isles, Kirkwall in Orkney and Sumburgh in Shetland.

Highland Voyages
Information on boat trips and cruises around Inverness, Loch Ness and Fort William.

National Rail
Live Train Arrival and Departure boards for
Carrbridge Station and Aviemore Station.

Railtrack Timetables Online
Check train times to Carrbridge Station.

Rapsons
Scotlands leading independednt bus and coach operator. The Group consists of Highland Country Buses, Orkney Bus and Shalders, three companies serving mainland Scotland, Orkney and Shetland respectively, and Rapsons Coaches who provide executive coach hire. Services 15, 35, 36 and 136 stop in Carrbridge. See 'Strathspey and Badenoch Area' timetable.

First ScotRail
Franchise now run by First Group, it provides around 95% of all train services within Scotland as well as the Anglo - Scottish overnight Caledonian Sleepers linking Inverness with the heart of London. More details on Carrbridge Station. History of Inverness and Aviemore Direct Railway (Highland Railway) line.

Scottish Citylink
Scotland's leading provider of Express Coach services.

Smyril Line runs a ferry service between the Shetland Islands, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Smyril Line has launched a new ship Norröna which will be introduced in April 2003. This ferry connects with the new NorthLink services to Lerwick in Shetland.

The Strathspey Steam Railway
The Strathspey Railway, located in the Central Highlands of Scotland, runs from Aviemore to Boat-of-Garten and on to Broomhill. The railway plans to reinstate the line past Broom Hill to Grantown on Spey which was part of the 1863 Inverness and Perth Junction Railway.

Superfast Scotland
Superfast offer daily sailing's between Rosyth in Scotland and Zeebrugge in Belgium. The over night service carries passengers, leisure vehicles and freight on state-of-the-art roll-on roll-off ferries.

Sustrans
A civil engineering charity which designs and builds routes for cyclists, walkers and people. Route 'R7' from Glasgow to Inverness passes through Carrbridge. The optional signed 'off road' route follows part of the old General Wade road which crosses over the River Dulnain at the historic Sluggan Bridge which was repaired for the network. Sustrans route map.

Traveline Scotland
Where you can plan any public transport journey within Scotland and from Scotland to main points in the UK.


Weather

BBC Weather - Carrbridge
Regional forecast with temperature, precipitation and wind charts. Link to five day forecast. Cairngorm ski report.

Cairngorm Weather Station
The Automatic Weather Station is situated on the summit of Cairngorm and provides temperature and wind data every half hour. The pictures are provided by a camera at low level looking up the hill. Run by Heriot-Watt University, Department of Physics.

camvista.com
Webcam site. Scotland, Highland webcams: Enjoy our webcam view from the banks of the River Ness of the famous Inverness Castle . We have two cams showing Loch Ness, one from the shore the other from on a boat. On the west coast, view the 'Gateway to the Western Isles', Oban.

Carrbridge Weather Station - live weather station readings. Not yet active (Spring 2008).

Metcheck
Metcheck has grown rapidly to become the fastest growing independent weather company in the UK in 2003. Weather for Aviemore.

The Met Office - Aviemore Webcam
Highly recommended. Current observation data and weather photos every hour from five miles south of Carrbridge. Look North to see Carrbridge weather. Click on images for high resolution photos. Information on the Scottish Climate.

Scottish Ski and Winter Activity Report (site down?)
Snow conditions and ski lift status.

Snow Forecasts - Scotland
Check out the latest weather in one of over 30 countries. Forecasts are updated twice daily and show show, snow, rain, freezing levels and surface temperature. Some items are now subscription only.

SportScotland Avalanche Information Service
Daily forecasts of the avalanche, snow, and climbing conditions at five climbing areas of Scotland including Northern Cairngorms (Observations in Northern Corries and Loch Avon Basin) and Southern Cairngorms (Observations on Lochnagar, in Glenshee, and some coverage of the Southern Cairngorms).

Strathspey Weather
A private weather-monitoring facility situated within the Morayshire village of Cromdale, approximately three miles east of Grantown-on-Spey, in the north-east Highlands of  Scotland.  Strathspey is subject to extremes of British Climate, experiencing differences of  45°C  between the highs of the summer, and the lows of the Highland winter. 

The Weather Channel
Carrbridge 10 Day Forecast.

 

Site Design and Feedback

Any problems, suggestions or comments regarding the web site, please e-mail: roy AT roybrown D0T co DOT uk
Roy Brown, Bruach, Station Road, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire, PH23 3AN, Scotland.

Link requests: we ONLY list links for good RELEVANT sites. No link requests only for sake of rankings please. We do welcome requests for relevant links. These are mainly restricted to sites about porridge (and it's benifits), oatmeal, our sponsors, Carrbridge and attractions in the local Caringorm area. Please send link requests with suggested existing category, brief descritive text in style of other listed links, and URL.You must include 'GSLR' (Golden Spurtle Link Request) in email subject otherwise request will not pass our filters. Sorry for being so detailed but we are inindated with requests due to our high search ranking, but this should ensure we do list good relevant sites..

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Last updated 25.3.2008.


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