Events
Explore our local wellness events calendar connecting you to nature, our roots and the community.
From outdoor yoga sessions to guided forest walks and seasonal supper clubs, find the perfect event to help you slow down and nurture your body, mind & spirit in the natural beauty of Scotland.
Winter Store
✨ Winter pop-up store at Guardswell Farm ✨
“Beautiful + considered gifts, incredible Scottish Makers, festive treats to eat at home and on the farm, cosy mulled apple juice, a roaring fire, a little collection of our favourite drinks for you to enjoy over the festive period, our old record playing... we can't quite describe how wintery and festive it is, but we'd love to welcome you to the farm for it.”
11am - 6pm
5th-8th December
12-15th December
18-22nd December
Come along and say hello.
Bowhouse Christmas Market 2024
The Bowhouse December market weekend will be held on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of December and will feature an array of Scottish food and drink traders and a fine selection of Tea Green craft makers.
PLUS… WREATH MAKING WORKSHOPS
The Greenshed Flower Studio is a luxury flower studio specialising in weddings, elopements and commercial floral ventures.
Their creative floral workshops offer the perfect opportunity to get stuck in and have a go yourself. Join us this December at the Bowhouse Festive Market to create your very own festive wreath using foliage sourced from Balcaskie Estate.
The workshops are drop-in over the weekend – no need to book!
Price per head: £26. Cash and card accepted
Festive Pop-Up
Rooted + Seven Chaga: Festive Pop-Up
Join two fabulous Aberdeen businesses at their winter pop-up on Saturday the 14th December.
Seven Chaga will be popping up inside Rooted’s botanical emporium! Inside you’ll find lots of fantastic natural gift ideas from chaga tinctures, skincare, gift sets, teas, cacao and more! Rooted will also be stocking her usual gorgeous greenery as well as some beautiful creations from local artists and makers around Scotland.
This is a winter event not to be missed!
Ballintaggart Cook School: Mince Pies
Learn to create the perfect mince pies and mincemeat to keep you eating and entertaining throughout the festivities.
Half day masterclass 12 -3pm at Ballintaggart Farm.
Class includes all ingredients, and a glass of mulled wine on arrival.
Ballintaggart masterclasses are packed with expert tips and hands on experience and include all ingredients, class notes, recipes and a kitchen goody bag. You’ll enjoy a light lunch at the end of the masterclass, and there will be plenty of food to take home with you too.
Winter Store
✨ Winter pop-up store at Guardswell Farm ✨
“Beautiful + considered gifts, incredible Scottish Makers, festive treats to eat at home and on the farm, cosy mulled apple juice, a roaring fire, a little collection of our favourite drinks for you to enjoy over the festive period, our old record playing... we can't quite describe how wintery and festive it is, but we'd love to welcome you to the farm for it.”
11am - 6pm
5th-8th December
12-15th December
18-22nd December
Come along and say hello.
Free Field Flower Farm: Christmas Pop-Up
Come along and tick some last minute festive gifts off your list!
British festive flower bunches, table arrangements, seasonal foliage and some lovely makes from her talented neighbours.
Friday 20th & Saturday 21st December
10am - 4pm at the Free Field Flower Farm!
Pre-orders for flowers are more than welcome too!
Winter Solstice Yin Yoga & Herbalism Workshop
An invitation plan ahead and give yourself some time & space; join Liz (The Honeybee Sanctuary) and Tamsyn (Yin Yoga with Tamsyn) for a Winter Solstice celebration. We'll create a cosy and peaceful setting for you in the Snug and Studio spaces at Whitekirk Hill.
A little window of time to re-centre, replenish and recharge.
Saturday 21. December, 9:30 - 11:30am
Whitekirk Hill snug & studio
Herbalism and Yin Yoga are a perfect complement: both work intrinsically with the Seasons, to support body/mind health and wellbeing.
Yuletide Celebrations: Winter Solstice at The Fife Arms
From 22nd November the Fife Arms will be dressed in its festive finery, incorporating plants and foliage including ivy, mistletoe and holly, which are believed to hold symbolic importance in Yuletide traditions.
We celebrate the importance of light throughout the dark winter nights of December, when hotel guests are invited to delight in our Sunday evening Candlelit Classical Strings recitals in the Drawing Room.
On 21st December, celebrate the Winter Solstice with the ancient Scottish custom of decorating Yule Logs as we mark the shortest day of the year, as well as burning rowan twig bundles in our Courtyard firepit – believed to ward off evil and dark supernatural forces – which since ancient times, has become a way of households heralding in light and good luck for all.
Ballintaggart Cook School: Winter Warmers
A heartwarming class giving you all the tools you need to create wonderful dishes to keep you nourished through the Winter.
Full day masterclass 12-5pm at Ballintaggart Farm.
Using seasonal ingredients, root vegetables, grains and well sourced meat to create balanced dishes for weekday meals and simple easy entertaining. The class will also cover simple veg prep and basic knife skills.
Ballintaggart masterclasses are packed with expert tips and hands on experience and include all ingredients, class notes, recipes and a kitchen goody bag. Your indulgent late lunch will include the food you've prepared throughout the class and there will be plenty to take home with you too.
Ballintaggart Cook School: Half Day Pickling & Fermenting
This course is an introduction to the art of pickling and fermentation.
A beginner’s guide packed with theory, techniques and our in-house recipes. You will have the chance to work with stunning seasonal ingredients, and benefit from enjoying these flavours long after they are harvested
Ballintaggart masterclasses are packed with expert tips and hands on experience and include all ingredients, class notes, recipes and a kitchen goody bag. You’ll enjoy a light lunch at the end of the masterclass, and there will be plenty of food to take home with you too.
Ballintaggart Cook School: Introduction to Bread
For those wanting to master the basics of breadmaking, this masterclass is aimed at complete beginners or those with only a little experience in bread making.
Full day masterclass 12-5pm at Ballintaggart Farm.
The class covers our basic bread recipe, shaping a loaf, focaccia, flatbreads and soda bread.
Ballintaggart masterclasses are packed with expert tips and hands on experience and include all ingredients, class notes, recipes and a kitchen goody bag. Your indulgent late lunch will include the food you've prepared throughout the class and there will be plenty to take home with you too.
Herbal Winter Wonder
Join Liz from The Honeybee Sanctuary for a cosy herbalism workshop at the Scottish Seabird Centre.
Inspired by last year’s successful workshops in partnership with the SSC, Liz will host a Seasonal Herbalism session in their Booking Office exhibition space which will be transformed once again for the winter months.
Take some peaceful and creative time-out in this pop-up exhibition space to enjoy the bespoke installation by Eilidh Muldoon. Liz will be adding to the programme of creative and reflective offerings with a seasonal herbalism workshop:
Ballintaggart Cook School: Fish & Shellfish
A beginner’s guide to Scotland’s world-class ocean larder. Learn how to select, fillet and cook fish and shellfish.
Full day masterclass 12-5pm at Ballintaggart Farm.
You will gain hands-on experience of fish preparation including filleting, pin-boning, curing and skinning. You will also learn how to prepare and open shellfish from our expert chefs. Cooking techniques will include pan frying, poaching or baking.
Ballintaggart masterclasses are packed with expert tips and hands on experience and include all ingredients, class notes, recipes and a kitchen goody bag. Your indulgent late lunch will be made up of the food you've prepared throughout the class and there will be plenty to take home with you too.
Fort William Mountain Festival: Winter Foraging with The Wild Cooke
Join Lucy, The Wild Cooke, for a short introduction session into the beautiful world of wild foods.
Even in the depths of winter, we can forage edibles, and I'll show you some of the best of the season in the shadows of Ben Nevis.
This event is part of the Fort William Mountain Festival.
Fort William Mountain Festival: Winter Foraging with The Wild Cooke
Join Lucy, The Wild Cooke, for a short introduction session into the beautiful world of wild foods.
Even in the depths of winter, we can forage edibles, and I'll show you some of the best of the season in the shadows of Ben Nevis.
This event is part of the Fort William Mountain Festival.
Ballachulish Forgaing Workshops - April
Unleash your wild side and immerse yourself in the world of foraging with The Wild Cooke. This two-hour mini-workshop will tickle your taste buds!
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Foraging basics: Get a short introduction to wild foods, including identification, harvesting, and foraging ethics. This is a perfect session for someone that's new to the subject or a returning guest looking for a refresher.
Wild bites: As this workshop is the mini you will get the chance to try a snack and a drink utilising foraged ingredients.
Best of the season: each mini course will focus on the local highlights at the time so no two are the same!
Check out my longer & lunch courses if you are looking for a more in depth experience.
Ballachulish Forgaing Workshops - May
Unleash your wild side and immerse yourself in the world of foraging with The Wild Cooke. This two-hour mini-workshop will tickle your taste buds!
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Foraging basics: Get a short introduction to wild foods, including identification, harvesting, and foraging ethics. This is a perfect session for someone that's new to the subject or a returning guest looking for a refresher.
Wild bites: As this workshop is the mini you will get the chance to try a snack and a drink utilising foraged ingredients.
Best of the season: each mini course will focus on the local highlights at the time so no two are the same!
Check out my longer & lunch courses if you are looking for a more in depth experience.
Newton Dee Advent Fair
Join the Newton Dee community for a magical day at their Advent Fair!
Discover unique handmade crafts, festive treats, live music, and heartwarming community spirit.
A perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends!
Free entry ✨
SLOW LIVING SCOTLAND: FESTIVE FAYRE
FESTIVE FAYRE | SAT 7TH & SUN 8TH DEC | 10-4PM | THE SAWMILL, MILTON OF CRATHES, ABERDEENSHIRE
WE’RE BACK!!
I am thrilled to announce that on Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of December, we will return with a brand new Christmas market…. A Festive Fayre!
This new mini-festive market will be held in the old Sawmill at Milton of Crathes near Banchory, Aberdeenshire. It’s free entry for all, and we even have a new theme in mind.
After meeting so many fantastic businesses through our new directories, I wanted to showcase some of their beautiful creations in a way that is more tangible than just on paper… or on a screen as it is. This time around, our mini-market will highlight local handcrafted goods made from natural sources using traditional methods.
Our small businesses will be there to discuss how they use traditional skills such as foraging, felting, silversmithing, beekeeping, soap making, weaving, and more to create their products and how important it is to them that we continue to keep these traditions alive.
There will be plenty of stalls to shop, products to buy and fantastic local makers to meet. I’ll also be there on the day to greet you with a complimentary winter tea!
So, save the dates, and I look forward to seeing you inside our cosy bothy market soon!
Christmas Makerie: Botanical Gift Wrap
Textile artist Aymee Charlton will guide participants on how to use easily accessible botanical colours to create beautiful, dyed silk ribbon and cotton fabric for the upcoming gift-giving season.
Participants will experiment with various botanicals to see how they interact on silk and cotton. Then, create beautiful prints alongside leaf printing. Once the fabrics are set and dry, you will be introduced to traditional Japanese wrapping, known as Furoshiki, using our newly decorated fabric and ribbon.
Aymee is a textile artist from Aberdeen and a Gray's School of Art alumna. She enjoys working with botanicals to apply print and pattern on silk and other natural materials. Her art practice embodies the idea of ‘care’, in both artwork and products created.
Age : 16+
Re:treat Apothecary Christmas Shopping Evening
It's Christmas, and Re:treat Apothecary is opening its workshop doors to welcome you to the Re:treat Apothecary Christmas Shop.
“Back again for 2024, and bigger than ever! Our Christmas Shop is home to our full range, all handmade right here in our Inverurie workshop. Shop eco-friendly gifts, handcrafted haircare and award winning organic skincare - including exclusive new products only available within re:treat Apothecary Christmas Shop.
Herbs, Honey & Hygge @ The Honeybee Sanctuary
Herbs, Honey & Hygge: An introduction to making herbal remedies for winter wellness.
These workshops are suitable for anyone who's new to herbalism, or would like to expand their confidence and herbal remedy making skills.
Join me by the fire and around the home apothecary kitchen table to learn about and make herbal remedies to support healthy minds and bodies as we step towards the winter months.
This is a mini-series block of 3x Wednesday evenings in November.
Winter Infusion Workshop
Join Milla @leavesandsnails and Claire @redrocks2011 for their Winter Infusion Workshop on the 8th November in @chapeltonlife !
Create your own warming winter infusion using wild leaves, berries and herbs.
Spice up mulled wine, cider or non-alcoholic winter glogg. Taste and take some home!
The boring but important stuff:-
Spaces are very limited so if you’d like a spot, please don’t delay!
Cost £28.50pp
For more information or to book, contact Claire @redrocks2011
PETAL - Christmas Collection Launch
“PETAL will reopen on Friday the 8th of November with our gorgeous Christmas Collection of stock, and will have festive drinks and nibbles all day to celebrate the launch...
Please join us from 10am, open as usual with spiced winter tea on the go, and warm mulled cider and mince pies from 4pm - 8pm!
We will have a REALLY special promotion in store on the day, as a little thank you to all our wonderful customers.
We really can't wait to welcome you all, and we hope you'll help spread the word!!
Winter Food Fair
Winter Food Fair at Ardross Farm Shop
Join Ardross Farm for a day celebrating all that is wonderful about winter. Coorie in with us and meet our wonderful local suppliers. Learn how to cook with local game, beat the bugs with micro greens and kimchi, taste our free-range turkeys, and taste some delicious preserves. It’s going to be tasty!
Free entry ✨
Halloween Fancy Dress Sauna Party with Sea Biscuit Sauna
Join Sea Biscuit Sauna for their first Halloween sauna night!
“Prize for best dressed
Snacks
Silent disco with Halloween-themed songs
Think thriller and you’ll be on the right tracks , we will have snacks , songs and a sauna.”
£25 per person
Limited to 10 tickets
Breathe In Autumn: A Yoga & Herbal Wellness Evening
Breathe In Autumn: A Yoga & Herbal Wellness Evening
“Join Wild Tide Yoga & The Honey Bee Sanctuary for a nourishing evening filled with seasonal yoga and herbal remedies made by the open fire.
Friday, 25th October from 7pm - 9:30pm at the beautiful Tyningham Village Hall, complete with a cosy open fire.
We’ll begin with breath practices to boost your immune system before flowing into a gentle Seasonal Yoga sequence that will leave you feeling grounded and balanced as we embrace the energy of autumn.
Calligraphy & Pumpkin Painting Workshop
What better way to welcome the spooky season than to spend it learning the mindful art of modern calligraphy and using the skills you learn to paint and hand letter your very own ceramic pumpkin with the help of local calligraphy expert and wedding stationery designer, Donia Rae Designs.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to refine your craft, you’ll walk away with new techniques, creative inspiration, and plenty of hands-on practice.
What You Can Expect:
- Step-by-step instruction
- Personalised feedback
- A fun, creative atmosphere with like-minded learners
- All materials are yours to take home
Westerton Farm: Pick Your Own Pumpkins 2024
Join us between 11-31 Oct to hand-pick the perfect pumpkin grown right here at Westerton Farm. Eat, play and shop whilst you're with us too!
Our hugely popular autumnal event returns for its sixth year. Beat the bale maze, conquer the bale mountain and if you want to stay and play, we’ll have a barn full of fun with areas for under 4s and 5s and older.
With an outdoor play area, goats and alpacas to see and food and drinks in our cosy farm shop and barn – Westerton is the perfect destination for a fun-filled pumpkin experience this October.
Plenty? 2024
FESTIVAL | PLENTY? 2024
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 October 2024
From 12pm-4pm
Tickets Free (but booking required)
Event programme...coming soon!
Plenty? festival returns! Taking place across the Barn’s site, this year’s gathering brings together a diverse mix of performances, talks, installations, creative activities, workshops, apple pressing and more. Join us, as together we ask, ‘how much is enough?’ through play, conversations and reflection.
Plenty? is a festival, suitable for all ages, that reimagines a traditional harvest celebration and focuses on the idea of ‘degrowth’ in a consumerist world that demands more and more. At Plenty? Festival, we aim to foster a joyful, open, and exploratory atmosphere where diverse perspectives and ways of thinking can come together.
Autumn Plant sale
Our Autumn Plant Sale takes place from 10.30am till 12 noon on Saturday 5 October. Hardy shrubs and easy-going herbaceous perennials will be among the types of plants available to buy at very reasonable prices.
All plant donations, clearly labelled, are gratefully received. Please hand plants to the helpers on the day, letting them know if you have brought anything rare or unusual so we can price it accordingly.
Our sales have become increasingly popular and usually sell out, so we advise arriving in good time!
Halloween Alternative Market @ Krakatoa
Halloween Alternative Market @ Krakatoa
FREE ENTRY!
2 Trinity Quay, Merchant Quarter, Aberdeen.
14+ (with guardian)
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Art / Crafts / Clothes / Cakes / Prints / Bags / Jewellery / Accessories / Monsters / Goth / Horror / Kitch / Contemporary
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Step right up, folks!
Get ready to explore the Halloween Alternative Market @ Krakatoa, where Tuesday nights turn into treasure hunts for the weird and wonderful!
Apple Sunday 2024
The Annual Apple Sunday Festival is back on 29th Sept from 10:30am-4pm
For entry, we just ask for a donation to our charity.
Enjoy an autumn day packed with fun for all ages and treat yourself to some of the delicious varieties of Pitmedden Garden’s own apples & pears…
Among the entertainment this year:
• Facepainting, Storytelling, Trails & Craft Area
• The Balloon Mannies & Family Lawn Games
• Woodturner Demos
• Music from Ythan Fiddlers, Tarves Folk Club & Meldrum Academy
• Local Craft & Food Stalls
• Pitmedden Garden Homebakes, Refreshments & Hot food
No tickets required - please bring cash for any purchases.