Lifestyle Magazine Scotland - August September 2026
Aug/Sept 2026
DISTILLED
2 X DISTILLED TICKETS
BOOGIE WOOGIE
£20 VOUCHER
SUMMIT ROOF CARE
£50 VOUCHER
DOCS & FROCKS
DOCS & FROCKS ORIGINALS T-SHIRT
NEOS
WATERGAW
£30 VOUCHER
CARPET DEPOT
£25 VOUCHER
NEOS | WHEELS OF NAIRN | CAFÉ TRAIL
READERS IMAGES | TRACY GOES OUTSIDE | ADVENTURE IN MOROCCO
DISTILLED | TRAVEL WITH MARINA | LUXURY CAT HOTEL
2 North East Open Studios
Showcasing Artisans and Makers across the North East
6 Wheels of Nairn
Annual classic and modern vehicle show
7 Findhorn Bay Festival Programme of more than 100 events
8 New Café Trail
Featuring cafes across the area
18 Baxter Design Company Rural Architecture
20 Huntly Hairst
Celebrating Rural Life
24 SOSWF Distilled Showcasing the region’s food & drink
28 Tracy Goes Outside Follow her latest adventure To Fyvie Castle and The Lake
32 Maroc Challenge Part 2 of Nick and Stuart’s adventure
36 Nairn Book & Art Festival Celebration of literature, art, music and drama
38 MADE /Pot Still Development Renovating project in Elgin
40 Laura Baker Laura’s Chef Adventure
44 Travel with Marina Tracks, Trains and Turkish Delight
48 Luxury Cat Hotel First Longcroft Cat Hotel in Scotland
Perimenopause Part 2 By Dr Deborah Kingston
Bereavement Support By Alex Russon
All areas
Rhona Patterson
rhona@lifestylemoray.scot
Tel: 07900 954 134
Inverness & Highlands
Linda Bailey
linda@lifestylemoray.scot Tel: 07769 693 993
Social Media
Tracy Chalmers
Distribution Speyside Couriers
www.lifestylemoray.scot
All material within this magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertising artwork or any other content, without the publisher’s prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright. Intellectual copyright: Lifestyle Magazine. features
North East Open Studios 2026
12th – 20th September
North east Open Studios is an annual open studios event where artists and makers across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus and the surrounding areas, open their working studios to the public for nine days each September.
Visitors travel from studio to studio, meeting artists, discovering original work and experiencing creativity in the places it is made.
This is not an art fair or a craft market. This is Open Studios.
Grantown on Spey | Tel 07811 187066 www.ronakantartist.com
WATERGAW CERAMICS
As always a warm welcome awaits you from Fiona Duckett in her pottery for North East Open Studios.
This is Fiona’s 23rd year and she is delighted to have Emma Rodenhurst Grant back with a range of her beautiful paintings, and more. Jacquie of Boyndie Bears will also be showcasing her fantastic Bears for the first time.
Demonstrations will be ongoing throughout NEOS with the pottery open every day from 10am to 5pm from Saturday 12th September through to Sunday the 20th of September.
We close on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th to go visit other exhibitors, we hope!
Fiona Duckett
Emma Rodenhurst Grant
Boyndie Bears
Delgatie Castle
EVENT
Saturday 19th September 2026
Free Entry
Amodern and classic car show is taking place for a sixth time and this year, and the public is being encouraged to vote for their favourite motor.
Wheels of Nairn will take place on Saturday, September 19 and will see over 300 vehicles descend on the Links in the seaside town.
Organisers of the event, Nairn BID, have introduced a People’s Choice category where visitors to the event can cast a vote for their top vehicle.
The event, which attracts entrants from across Europe, is sponsored by Nairn Car Sales and is a great day out for all the family.
This year there are 14 categories including pre-1944, show and shine, military and commercial, campervans and club stands.
One of the highlights is the return of ‘Betsy’ a 110-year-old fire appliance. She will be brought along for a second time by the North East Scotland Fire Heritage Trust.
As well as the vehicles, there will be an array of trade stands, food vendors and the opportunity to have a ride on the Green Hive Trike.
A fun car treasure hunt which was a first for last year’s event will also make a comeback this year where, in the weeks running up to the event, people are encouraged to visit Nairn town centre and spot miniature cars ‘parked’ in shop windows. Each car represents a letter, and people are tasked to collect all the letters and work out what the magic words are. All correct entries will be put into a prize draw and a winner announced at the event.
For more information, visit www.nairnconnects.com or follow the event on Facebook.
The Findhorn Bay Festival Returns for 2026
Award-winning arts, music and culture return to Moray this autumn as the 6th Findhorn Bay Festival takes over the region from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October 2026 with an ambitious programme of more than 100 events.
Fresh from winning Best Large Festival at the 2025 Scottish Events Awards, the multi-award-winning festival has become one of Scotland’s most distinctive and applauded cultural events, transforming unexpected spaces and spectacular landscapes across the towns and villages surrounding Findhorn Bay into stages for world-class artistic experiences.
Music leads the programme, with acclaimed artists including The Ayoub Sisters, Rachel Sermanni, Ireland’s Joshua Burnside, Julie Fowlis, Kris Drever and Findlay Napier, alongside the premiere of musician-in-residence Hamish Napier’s new album, The Hill. Audiences can also enjoy jazz from celebrated trumpeter Colin Steele, global music, electronic performances and exciting new collaborations.
The festival’s rich programme extends beyond music, with theatre, dance, circus, visual arts and
family events offering something for every age. Highlights include Scottish Dance Theatre’s festival debut, Alan Bissett’s When Billy Met Alasdair, Farah Saleh’s thought-provoking Balfour Reparations and interactive family shows for even the youngest audiences. Circus and outdoor arts continue to be a festival hallmark, with Northern Ireland’s Tumble Circus presenting four performances during the festival and Scotland’s All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre, whose spectacular Flying Ceilidh takes traditional Scottish dancing into the air in the stunning grounds of Brodie Castle.
Visual arts exhibitions, outdoor installations and community-led projects celebrate creativity across Moray with the return of Culture Day Forres.
Bringing together outstanding local, national and international artists, the Findhorn Bay Festival continues to build its reputation as one of Scotland’s most distinctive cultural celebrations. Across ten unforgettable days, audiences are invited to experience inspiring performances, discover remarkable places and celebrate the power of creativity to connect communities.
The Ayuob Sisters
Hamish Napier photography by Somhairle MacDonal
NORTH EAST
CafE Trail
The North East Café Trail is coming this October!
After sharing Laura from Bumble & Brae’s idea for a North East Café Trail in our last issue, the response from independent cafés across the region has been fantastic.
So much so, that the trail is now set to officially launch this October, with a brilliant collection of independent cafés already on board.
The idea behind the trail is simple – to encourage us all to get out and discover some of the fantastic independent cafés we have right here in the North East, while supporting local businesses along the way.
With hospitality facing challenging times, the trail is all about cafés working together, sharing customers and giving people another reason to explore the towns and villages along our beautiful corner of Scotland.
And there are some wonderful places waiting to be discovered!
In this issue, you can read more about two of the participating cafés, Boogie Woogie and Sweet & Sips, with plenty more to come.
CAFÉS TAKING PART SO FAR
Boogie Woogie, Keith
Brew and Renew, Portknockie
Yellow Deli, Cullen
Royal Oak, Cullen
Sunhoney, Cullen
Sands Café & Deli, Sandend
Aspire, Portsoy
Port House Café, Portsoy
The Seafront, Macduff
Bumble & Brae, Gardenstown
Delgatie Castle, Turriff
Sweet & Sips, Fraserburgh
Café 19, Peterhead
The full North East Café Trail, including how to take part, collect your stamps and enter the competition, will be revealed in our October/November issue.
For now, perhaps it’s time to start planning your route…
Coffee • Homemade cakes
Tasty Lunches • Sweet Treats
New Ground, Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire TEL: 07369 209 737
OPENING TIMES: Wed–Sun 10am–4pm
Cosy Café By The Coast
Delgatie
Bumble & Brae
BOOGIE WOOGIE
Boogie Woogie – just saying that out loud conjures up thoughts of cheerful lively music and puts a smile on your face. The shop’s red door and pristine white windows make sure that the smile continues and by the time you are inside the smile is firmly fixed on your face.
This is a most cheerful and welcoming coffee shop, a perfect place to meet friends and catch up or to simply relax and recharge batteries. Excellent food and drinks are served by attentive staff and the whole experience is one of professionalism wrapped up in friendliness.
Boogie Woogie is, however, not just about food and drinks; it is also a very well stocked gift shop. A browser’s paradise, with crafts/gifts, ladies accessories and greetings cards. Browse with your eyes as you eat the freshly prepared food (using locally sourced produce where possible) and then explore what’s on offer.
So boogie on down and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Sweets & Sips in Fraserburgh’s Cross Street is family owned and family run. They have been running for nearly 2 years and are always excited to see new faces come through the doors. The tastefully decorated tearoom has a little something for everyone. The menu always consists of freshly made sandwiches, wraps and paninis, which you can have with the soup of the day, should you wish. The main attraction of course is the desserts and you can choose from cakes, cookies, pavlovas and brownies – literally something for everyone. With a couple of days’ notice sumptuous afternoon teas can be set up for you or, if you prefer, they can make platters of your choice. Nothing is too much trouble.
Whether you fancy a soup and sandwich to go, an afternoon tea with family or a nice cuppa with some friends there is always a seat for you! (and a bowl for any of you dog parents).
Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Brodie Castle, now open from 10 AM to 4 PM, 7 days a week until 31 October. As summer gives way to autumn, take time to explore our peaceful estate walks and experience the calm of the historic grounds.
Don’t miss out on Moray Doors Open Day on Saturday the 5th of September, with the rare opportunity to step inside the Laird’s Rooms for an exclusive look behind the scenes. Whether you’re seeking a quiet escape after the back-to-school rush or a memorable day out, Brodie Castle has something special waiting for you.
Plan your visit at nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle @BrodieCastleNTS
Brodie Castle, Forres, Moray, IV36 2TE
Rooted in Moray: The people behind Howden Elgin
When rugby legend Gavin Hastings cut the ribbon at the official opening of Howden’s Elgin office in May 2024, it marked the launch of the company’s 14th office in Scotland and solidified our commitment to serving businesses across Moray and the North-East.
At the heart of the office are Account Executives Steven Ingram and Frances Grant, experienced insurance professionals with deep roots in Moray and the wider North of Scotland.
Steven has supported commercial clients since 2009, developing expertise in agriculture, motor trade and construction. After 15 years with the same brokerage, he welcomed the opportunity to help build a new local branch. Two years on, the commitment is paying off.
“Our greatest achievement has been the client recommendations we’ve received,” says Steven. “Word of mouth is crucial in our area, and it shows how much our clients value the service we provide.”
That people-first approach extends beyond insurance too. Steven supports several community initiatives, including Howden’s partnerships with Elgin City FC and the Elgin Sports Community Trust.
Frances matches this commitment. She has worked in insurance since 2008, building experience across personal lines, claims and commercial insurance. Frances also serves as a Board Director of Moray Chamber of Commerce and supports DYW Moray in encouraging young people to explore careers in insurance.
Together, Steven and Frances have built a reputation for delivering local specialist advice backed by the strength of the wider Howden Group.
“We want to continue growing sustainably, creating local opportunities and supporting the businesses that make Moray such a great place to live and work,” says Steven. “Our goal is to become the broker of choice for the area.”
Thinking about your business insurance? Speak to Steven or Frances for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
There are many properties across our rural communities, in farms and crofts for instance that have opportunities that are being overlooked.
From traditional stone steadings and redundant agricultural buildings to underused corners of farmland and existing homes with development potential, these assets could provide valuable new income streams, while supporting the long-term sustainability of rural businesses.
Baxter Design Architectural and Building Consultants can help unlock that potential within your rural property.
As farming continues to evolve, many landowners are exploring ways to diversify their income without compromising the day-to-day operation of their farm.
Sensitive, well-planned development can unlock significant value, whether through the conversion of traditional buildings, the creation
of new rural homes, or the addition of modern agricultural facilities that improve efficiency and future-proof the business.
One of the greatest opportunities lies within existing farm buildings. Many traditional steadings have reached the end of their original agricultural use but retain considerable architectural character.
Subject to planning and design considerations, these buildings can often be transformed into high-quality homes, holiday accommodation, offices or workshops, preserving an important part of our rural heritage while creating a valuable new asset. Structural integrity of the buildings has to be a key consideration in how this could go forward.
Equally, carefully selected plots of land may offer the potential for a new home, either for the next generation of the farming family, retiring farmers, or those wishing to live and work in the countryside.
Every site is different, and understanding local planning policy is key to identifying realistic opportunities that balance development with the character of the surrounding landscape.
Diversification isn’t solely about housing. Increasingly, farms are introducing new enterprises such as farm shops, cafés, visitor attractions, glamping sites, equestrian facilities, renewable energy projects and commercial workshops. These developments can provide welcome additional income while making better use of existing land and buildings. See example of project to create an Agricultural Education facility in image above.
For many landowners, however, the planning process can seem daunting. Questions around planning policy, access, drainage, protected species, heritage, servicing and design quality can quickly become overwhelming. Early professional advice can help identify opportunities before significant costs are incurred, allowing projects to be designed around both planning requirements and the practical needs of the farming business.
Good design is about far more than producing attractive drawings. Successful rural development respects its surroundings, works with the landscape and creates buildings that are
practical, energy efficient and built to last. When projects are carefully considered from the outset, they often progress more smoothly through planning while delivering better long-term value.
At Baxter Design, we work closely with landowners, farmers and rural businesses across North East Scotland to identify opportunities that complement existing farming operations. Our work ranges from securing planning permission for new rural homes and converting traditional steadings to designing modern agricultural buildings and supporting farm diversification projects.
Every farm and rural property is unique, and the best opportunities are often those that are not immediately obvious. Whether it’s an unused building with hidden potential, land that could accommodate a carefully designed home, or a diversification project that strengthens the future of the business, taking the first step is often simply understanding what is possible.
For rural businesses looking to plan for the future, unlocking the potential of existing assets can provide lasting benefits, not only financially, but by helping preserve Scotland’s rural communities and ensuring farms remain viable for generations to come.
Steading conversion project by Baxter Design
Visual representation of a farm diversification proposal
EVENT HUNTLY HAIRST
31st August - 6th September
Huntly Hairst time again!
31st August to 6th Sept with plenty on offer to entertain the whole family.
Hairst week starts off with a Deveron Project Food chain Hairst Special Cook Along Workshop, on Mon 31st Aug, from 6-8pm in Square Deal.
Lots of competitions for everyone to enter. World Stovies Championship, Scone Competition sponsored by Castle Coffee Cafe this year and kids’ gingerbread and cup cake decorating sponsored by Sinclair’s Bakers.
Free ingredients for stovies and recipe bags will be available from Tuesday 1st September.
Feeling energetic, then why not enter the Room to Run, it’s going ahead again this year.
Saturday is going to be a busy day with lots going on, in the Stewart’s Hall you will find free crafts with Christian Fellowship for kids from 10-2pm. www.huntlyhairst.co.uk
Stovies and scone judging and drop offs for entries, a butchery demonstration from Forbes Raeburn at 11.30-12.30. Don’t miss the Aberdeenshire Saxophone orchestra at 1-2pm.
It is of course Market Day on Sat 5th Sept and it is from 9am - 3pm with over 60 stalls in the Square, The Bank Cafe Club Room and upstairs in Number 30.
In the evening the Huntly Hoolie sponsored by Torrisoule Cider with BROMA. You are advised to get your tickets fast at torrisoule@gmail.com and on socials.
On Sunday head to Greenmyres, for some pool and cycle adventures. Booking via Greenmyres website with Hairst discounts on offer.
Coastal dining and rooms on the Aberdeenshire shore
Some places take a little finding. Pennan is one of them: a single row of white cottages tucked beneath the cliffs, where the road runs down to the sea and simply stops. Film lovers will recognise it at once. This was the setting for the 1983 classic Local Hero, and the famous red telephone box still stands just a few steps from our door.
At the heart of the village sits The Pennan Inn, a small family-run inn with three comfortable letting rooms and a restaurant that has become a destination in its own right.
Chef-owner Peter first took on the inn in 2009 and returned in 2024 to bring it back to life. Since then, the kitchen has been awarded an AA Rosette, and the ambition does not stop there. The cooking is rooted in what lands on the doorstep. Seafood comes in from the nearby harbours at Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Macduff, alongside the best of Scottish beef and seasonal produce. The menu is small, changes with the catch, and vegetarian and dietary requirements are looked after with the same care as everything else.
Upstairs, three individually furnished rooms offer somewhere restful to wake to the sound of the sea. Dogs are also very welcome.
Whether you come for an unhurried dinner or to stay the night and watch the light change over the water, you will find honest cooking, a proper Scottish welcome, and a village quite unlike anywhere else.
SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE RETURNS WITH DISTILLED EVENT
Spirit of Speyside: Distilled. Where the world’s best whisky distillers unite under one roof on their own doorstep. At the festival, Speyside’s whisky distillers are accompanied by award-winning brewers and gin crafters.
After a record-breaking year at the Spirit of Speyside Festival, the celebrations continue with the 10th anniversary of Distilled, the popular two-day spirits and craft beer event.
Following a one-year hiatus while Elgin Town Hall undergoes major refurbishment, Distilled returns on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September 2026 at the Alexander Graham Bell Centre at UHI Moray in Elgin, bringing together more than 20 drink producers from across Speyside.
While whisky remains a major attraction in the area, Distilled is about much more than Scotland’s national drink. The event shines a spotlight on Speyside’s vibrant community of craft producers, allowing visitors to discover everything from whisky and gin to beer and other premium spirits, all under one roof.
Three sessions are available, starting on Friday evening at 6pm, followed by two sessions on the Saturday at 11am and 4pm. Attendance is limited to just 150 visitors per session, and organisers expect tickets to sell out quickly.
Speyside brands confirmed include The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Gordon & MacPhail, Strathisla, Benriach, The GlenAllachie and Cardhu. Gin enthusiasts can enjoy samples from Red Door and Byrons Gin.
Visitors will be able to choose from 3 passes for each session with the line-up still being finalised. A Discovery Pass gives access to the event where you can sample from each stand at your own pace.
The Masterclass Pass includes two exclusive 45-minute Masterclasses. Confirmed brands so far include Glen Moray, Elixir Distillers and Speyburn. If you prefer a more laid-back experience guests can opt for the Premium Pass with access to a chill-out area and two exclusive pours from Speyside brands.
Henry Angus, Chairman of the festivals, said:
“It’s wonderful to be back with Distilled after a break last year. While the venue has changed, the enthusiasm from Speyside producers remains as strong as ever.
“Distilled creates a fantastic opportunity for visitors to have the chance to meet the people behind the brands, sample fantastic products and experience the incredible diversity of drinks production across the region.”
TICKET INFORMATION
All sessions £40. All tickets include a Glencairn Crystal glass with a lanyard.
There will only be 25 Premium Passes available at £60, which gives access to the Premium Lounge where there will be exclusive pours during each session.
Again, to make it very exclusive, there will only be 25 Masterclass Passes at £70 and includes a deeper insight into the drams and heritage behind the brands.
Large stock of Beds and Mattresses, Mobility Rise and Recline Chairs, Pictures and Gift Ware all available for immediate delivery
FREE DELIVERY
WITHIN A 60 MILE RADIUS
OPENING
TIMES
Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 9am - 4pm • Sun CLOSED
160 Mid Street, Keith AB55 5BL Tel: 01542 780172
Fyvie Castle & The Lake
This is a beautiful walk around the grounds of Fyvie Castle, exploring the man-made loch known locally as the Lake. Although it is marked as Loch Fyvie on maps, the locals simply call it “the Lake”. This is a very peaceful walk with so much to see along the way. If you are a keen wildlife photographer, this is a fantastic place to visit with plenty of photo opportunities.
Starting at the car park, leave through the entrance, cross the road and turn left towards the war memorial. Once you have passed the war memorial, take the next road on your left, signposted for Fyvie Castle.
Follow the road, taking care as there is no pavement and vehicles use this route. After the last house, look for a gap in the hedge on the right-hand side beside a small passing place. Here you’ll find the track leading to the loch.
Follow the track until you reach a fork. Take the left-hand path, which leads to a bench with a lovely view across the end of the loch. After taking a few photos, take the path on the right to rejoin the main track that take you along the side of the loch.
A little further on, you’ll come to the bird hide. This is a great place to stop and watch the wildlife on the water. During my visit, I saw swans, geese, ducks and moorhens. (Sorry, I’m not very good at identifying all the different species!) If you have a pair of binoculars, I’d definitely recommend taking them.
Leaving the bird hide, you’ll soon reach the boathouse. Just around the corner is a small area where I found lots of ducks and managed to get some lovely close-up photos. Next to this is a small mound; climb to the top for another excellent view across the loch. You’ll also find a bench here, which would be an excellent quiet spot to stop, have a wee snack and watch the world go by.
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1½ hours
Terrain: Mix of road, track and gravel paths.
Access: Parking is available in the small car park opposite the Co-op in the village (AB53 8PB). There is also a regular Stagecoach No. 35 bus service running from Elgin to Aberdeen, stopping at Fyvie.
Continue along the track until you reach a boardwalk on your left. Follow it until you reach the road, then turn right to head towards the castle grounds.
Fyvie Castle is a historic fortress with origins dating back to the 13th century. It is renowned for its impressive architecture, beautiful gardens and rich collection of art and antiques. The castle is also famous for its legends and ghost stories, making it a fascinating place to visit. Since 1984, it has been owned and managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Once you’ve admired the castle, return to the end of the loch. From here, follow the road, taking care as vehicles use this route. You’ll enjoy more views of the boathouse and, of course, the wildlife on the loch. When you reach the castle gates, continue following the road back to the village and return to the car park.
Please note: Access to the Fyvie Castle grounds is free. However, if you wish to visit the castle or formal gardens, there is an admission charge, although entry is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
MAROC CHALLENGE (Part 2)
By Nick Hopkinson
In Jun/Jul we left Nick and Stuart at the village garage having crashed over a sand dune on day one of the challenge. “The front corner of the car wasn’t there anymore, a mix of wires and torn plastic where it once was, coolant was flooding out of the engine. We wouldn’t have made it more than a few more yards.”
The disappointment was crushing, surely this was our race over before it had really started. We’d had conversations about the risk of one of us damaging the car, potentially seriously, and had made our peace with it. We just didn’t think it might happen by doing something we probably shouldn’t have done. I also felt guilty for realising I was glad it was Stuart that had done it to his car and not me, but Stuart, being the lovely gentleman and great friend that he is, said exactly the same thing. He knew I’d have felt even worse. But he had to contend with the fact that it had been him who had ended our dream so early. I pressed the SOS button on the race-provided GPS safety system; thankful I’d bothered to read how to use it in advance. Back came the coded message that
help was on the way. We sat and waited. The only good thing about having an issue so early on was that the support teams hadn’t had to help anyone else yet and were still nearby at the start point. Within minutes all the local kids from the village had appeared and we were entertaining them and showing them the car and dishing out some snacks and goodies from our supplies. The support team arrived and investigated the damage. A cracked radiator was confirmed and, amazingly, not much else other than cosmetic issues. To our complete surprise, they told us we’d be back in the race the next day. Apparently desert garages deep in Morocco are global experts in repairing things. They can’t get new parts easily and things just have to last, which means they can fix pretty much anything. Pretty much anything…
Two hours later we were on a recovery truck to the nearest garage. The mechanics there said the same, they’d have it sorted that night. The rollercoaster of emotions was palpable but we were over the moon to know we’d be able to continue the race. That night the call came, the car was ready, Stuart collected it but within a mile of leaving the garage it was leaking coolant again. The garage took it back in and told us to give them another day to fix it, again, confident that they’d sort it. We thought about trying to source a new part ourselves but knowing this would be tricky, and hearing the confidence of the mechanics, we decided to leave it to them. Twenty-four hours came and went, and it was clear they were struggling with it. We started working on a plan to buy a new radiator somewhere, anywhere in Africa or even Southern Europe. Getting hold of senior people within Land Rover who could try to fast-track us a part went better than we’d expected, but the closest one was back in the UK. The quickest way to get it was for someone to fly it out to Casablanca,
a pretty grotty industrial port on the west coast of Africa. Stuart and I could get a once-daily flight there from the desert to pick it up and fly back with it. Stuart’s partner needed less convincing than expected to help us, possibly due to the importance of the task and the chance of a bit of good old last-minute adventure. Two days later we flew to Casablanca to meet up. Due to flight timings, we finally got back to our desert hotel after being up for twenty-three hours. We collapsed into bed for a few hours before getting up again to get the radiator to the garage for 8am on the penultimate day of the race. They fixed it that day and we could have re-entered for the final day. A difficult decision to not do this was made, if there’d been another problem with the newly fitted part, we’d have been deep in the desert again and not able to make our return journey to the UK. So, we reluctantly sat it out and finally accepted what had perhaps been obvious – our race wasn’t going to start again, we were done.
When you finally accept something, you’ve been fighting for a while it sometimes comes with a feeling of relief, and this is where we found ourselves as we spent the final day sunbathing and wondering what might have been. We started looking at the positives – we were together, in an exciting new part of the world, we were safe and uninjured, and we had new memories and a story to tell. It wasn’t over yet either, we still had a cross-European journey to make to get home. Thankfully the Octa behaved impeccably, the garage had done a great job with the new radiator, and we enjoyed the journey home, including a detour over the Millau Viaduct, the world’s second tallest bridge. When Stuart dropped me off in London for my flight home, he apologised again. I replied by saying if he’d phoned me and asked me to spend three days with him, driving an amazing car to Africa,
then turning straight round again and driving back, I’d have jumped at the chance. And on top of that we had an African adventure in the middle, just not the one we expected. Watch this space though, we returned with a colossal unscratched itch and are already making plans for a second attempt in the future. We’ll take it easy on the dunes next time though.
That warm, fuzzy feeling
We believe the experience is everything. After all, it has stood us in good stead for nearly a quarter of a century! Regardless of whether you’re buying a new vehicle, servicing your existing one, arranging car or van hire, or simply booking in for an MOT, we believe our outstanding service is what brings customers back time and time again.
Summer isn’t over when the schools go back – the countdown is on for Nairn Book and Arts Festival 2026. Running from 29 August to 6 September, this year’s festival is one of the most ambitious in its 23-year history, bringing together acclaimed authors and innovative arts events inspired by the theme A Sense of A Place: Overland and Underground.
Headline guests include Nicola Sturgeon, Douglas Stuart, Graeme Macrae Burnet, Sarah Hall, Len Pennie and Innua Ellams, alongside
Alan Bissett’s acclaimed play When Billy Met Alasdair.
New for 2026 is Storriestreet, a storytelling trail through intimate High Street venues. The closing weekend features the premiere of Vision Mechanics’ Circus of Dreams, outdoor dance at Nairn Beach and a spectacular giant creepy-crawlie puppet parade.
From literature and music to theatre and visual arts, Nairn Book and Arts Festival offers an inspiring celebration of creativity for all ages.
Alexander Williamson
MADE/Pot Still Development
When we first began exploring what the future could look like for the former M&Co and Gordon Arms Hotel site on Elgin High Street, we knew this was about much more than renovating a building. It was about creating a place where people could come together, make things, learn, share ideas and feel connected.
At MADE (Moray Arts Development Engagement), we are incredibly proud to be the creative partner on this redevelopment project. The Gordon Arms is a building that holds so many memories for people across Moray, and our ambition is to honour that history while creating something new that can serve the community for generations to come.
The project is supported through the UK Government’s Levelling Up initiative, with £3.1 million ring-fenced for the redevelopment. It is exciting to see real progress being made. We are having regular design meetings with Oberlanders the architects. Robertons have been appointed as the official contractor. The planning application has now been submitted to Moray Council.
We are currently looking at an opening date of January 2028, when the building will reopen as the Pot Still, a name chosen as a nod to the pub that was once beside the Gordon Arms Hotel.
The name felt right because the history of this building is such an important part of its future. Through our community engagement, we have heard so many wonderful memories from people who remember evenings spent in the Pot Still, as well as stories of the Buckler Bar upstairs. Apparently the place to go if you wanted a cocktail and a slightly more sophisticated night out!
Those stories matter. They are part of the identity of this building, and we want the Pot Still to feel like a continuation of that community spirit rather than a completely new chapter.
When complete, the building will become a creative hub with a public gallery, printmaking facilities, a darkroom, an artist social and library space, a one-to-one recording studio, a fabrication lab, a ceramics room and a community education space.
The four pillars guiding our work are showing work, making work, learning and belonging.
Belonging, is particularly important to us. We want the Pot Still to be a place where everyone feels they have a connection, whether they are creating art, discovering something new, meeting others or simply spending time in a welcoming space.
Alongside the practical work of bringing a building of this scale to life, we are also getting to work on the elements that will make it feel unique.
We have recently refreshed our branding with the help of Dean Taylor, and we are commissioning local artists Codie Anne, June Lillico and Lynne Strachan to create new work specifically for the building. We are also developing an exhibition for the grand staircase, which will explore the history of the Gordon Arms, wedding culture and the many stories that have shaped this place. The Gordon Arms was known as a key wedding venue in Elgin, and we will be looking at traditions such as blackening’s, as well as sharing more about the redevelopment journey itself.
One of the most special parts of this process has been seeing what people have shared with us. Members of the public have gifted items that tell the story of the building. From an 1890 print
of the exterior to old menus and photographs. Each item adds another layer to the story and reminds us how deeply people care about this place.
For anyone walking past, you can see signs of change. Through the front doors, you will find Robertsons carrying out surveys, testing the walls and exploring how we can make our ambitions work within the existing fabric of the building.
Our hope is that the Pot Still becomes a resource for everyone in Moray, as well as visitors to the area. We want people to feel proud of it, to feel that it belongs to them and that they have played a part in shaping its future.
Creativity has always been a huge part of Moray’s identity, and we believe this building can help strengthen that. We want people to leave the Pot Still feeling lighter, inspired and connected, feeling that they are part of something bigger.
This is not just about creating a new arts facility. It is about creating a home for creativity, community and belonging. You can follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram and our own website. all
photography: Jason Sinclair
I adore the upcoming potential of autumn in August, and the certainty of it in September. This time of year, is a wonderful transition period for making the most of the remaining summer fun, whilst acknowledging that our lifestyle and eating habits will, and should be, adapting with the change in weather and temperature here in Northern Scotland.
Laura’s Chef Adventure
@lauras_chef_adventure
Recently, I’ve been looking back over my contribution to Lifestyle Magazine, and I noticed we’ve enjoyed just over a year’s worth of content, in print and online, together; where does the time go? It’s a welcome reminder to appreciate the present moment and understand that the journey is just as fruitful and significant as the goals we’re setting and striving towards.
LIFESTYLE
As the summer school holidays finish and the new term starts, routine settles back into place for me and many other families. Although I enjoy the structure and predictability of a routine, I often find I relish the opportunity for spontaneity and change. Finding the balance between consistency and novelty is a surprisingly challenging synchronicity that can be harnessed to produce some excellent opportunities for learning and growth. Dedicating time to journalling and reflecting on how I behave, and what my intrinsic motivations and core values are, has enabled me to find and select professional/personal paths that align with my reason for being. If you’ve never heard of the Japanese concept of Ikigai, now is the time to look it up for some inspiration.
ADVENTURES
By the time this article will have reached you, I will have gone through my initial training course with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. This has been in the making for nearly a year and the pride I feel to finally step into this new role and start training as a retained firefighter makes me smile from ear to ear. It’s such a privilege to be able to join my team and learn from their experience, developing my skillset whilst bringing some of my own strengths into the equation also. I really do enjoy helping my community and working in challenging environments with a calm approach, so this should be a purposeful and fulfilling adventure alongside my chef work for many years to come. I recently organised a fun trip for Cullen Nursery to visit Cullen Fire Station so the children could learn about the exciting and varied role of a firefighter. It is so important to sow the seeds from a young age, encouraging children to think of their contribution within their own (and wider) communities, and of course, it was a pleasure to show strong, confident women as role models for our children, challenging the perception of the type of person who can take on this role. From my experience so far, it can be a very rewarding way to work, and the benefits often spill over as transferrable skills into other areas of my personal and professional life.
Turn over to find this edition’s deliciously seasonal recipe on the next page for you to try. Enjoy the sunny days and longer evenings, and until we meet again in the next article. Eat Well.
Laura
WHAT’S IN SEASON
A little snapshot of the late summer/early autumn harvest
Aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, tatties, beetroot, onions, sweetcorn, cucumbers, fennel, courgette and summer squash, brassicas, lettuce and salads, celery, chard, peas, raspberries, apples, pears, figs and plums
Laura’s Recipe
Beetroot Fruit Slaw
SERVES 6-8 AS A SIDE
I keep returning to this quick and easy slaw recipe when the fruit and veggies are in season. Just because we’re heading for autumn, it doesn’t mean we sacrifice on colour and drama in our diets. So much vibrancy in our food is still to be had, and I always think colour = nourishment! If you can grow your own beets, even better. The closer you eat something to it being picked, the more flavour and nutrients you’ll have.
For a punchy immune-boosting twist, add in a thumb of grated fresh ginger.
BASE MIX:
1 large raw beetroot (grated)
(you can also use cooked without vinegar)
1 sweet apple (skin on and grated)
1 carrot (skin on and grated)
½ red onion (sliced thinly)
¼ small red cabbage (sliced thinly)
1 large handful sultanas/dried cranberries
1 small bunch fresh chive (finely chopped, or 1tsp dried chive)
1 handful toasted mixed seeds (optional)
DRESSING MIX:
4-6 tbsp good quality mayonnaise
A wee dash of apple cider vinegar (to brighten the flavour)
A wee drizzle of maple syrup (to sweeten and balance)
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)
MAKE:
1. Assemble, then wash/prepare your ingredients.
2. Put the base mix into a bowl and toss/stir gently to combine evenly.
3. Mix together your dressing mix, tasting and adjusting for balance, then gradually add into the base mix until you have the desired consistency for your slaw.
4. Try a mouthful of the slaw and see what you think. Does it need more crunch, more apple, more salt? Tasting and testing is one of the joys of cooking and a recipe is more of a guideline for you to springboard off of to make your own!
ASSEMBLE:
Put the coleslaw into a serving dish and top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chive and toasted seeds. This is delicious in rolls/wraps with other fillings, alongside burgers and BBQs, baked tatties or even as part of a ploughman’s platter. You can also store this coleslaw in the fridge for a couple of days. Enjoy!
A Gallery That’s Always Evolving
Step into a collection that’s constantly growing and thoughtfully curated for quality and character. Discover new artwork, beautifully crafted clothing, and an ever-expanding range of yarns.
New lines in from both Stylecraft & Woolcraft. Adriafil, Alafosslopi, WYS & Jamiesons of Shetland Spindrift stocked too.
Always something new to admire, discover, and take home.
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Tel: 01340 521132 : 3bagswool
Open: Tue–Sat, 10am – 4pm (Closed Sun/Mon)
More Than
Just A Café…
We’ve carefully curated a menu of high-quality food designed to nourish.
From fresh artisan bread and delicious bakes to expertly brewed coffee, all chosen with care. A cosy, creative space to unwind in and take the whole family, speaking of...
We are so delighted to announce the safe arrival of our own newest Gather’n family member, beautiful baby boy Cash.
When most people think of Türkiye as a holiday spot, they tend to imagine package tours, crowded resorts, sandy coastlines, and maybe a few days spent wandering around Istanbul. But what about a ten-day journey by train? That is exactly what we did a few years back, and lately I have found myself wanting to repeat the experience. I have been going through our old photos, checking train schedules, ferries, hotels, and places to visit, and it seems we could follow almost the same route again today.
We picked rail travel partly because I get travel sick on buses, and also because we did not want to spend every day behind the wheel. Türkiye is a vast country. Taking the train let us relax and watch the scenery change, while also giving us a look at daily life that we might have missed otherwise.
We started our journey with a couple of days in Istanbul, then crossed over to the Asian side of the Bosphorus. There is something very special about beginning a train trip in a city that spans two continents. From there, we caught the highspeed YHT train to Ankara, the capital of Türkiye. The experience felt almost like flying: assigned comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, an airline type meal, and a level of comfort we would not see again for the rest of our travels. The train reached speeds of about 250 kilometres per hour, carrying us quickly through the countryside.
Ankara is a blend of old and new. We visited Roman ruins, strolled through markets, found friendly cafés, and spent time at the excellent Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
Next, we took the overnight sleeper train to Izmir. Our compartment was comfortable, with bunk beds, but the train stopped at every station, which probably explains why the journey lasted about 16 hours. After a while, though, the steady rhythm became part of the adventure: doors opening, people boarding, families calling their farewells from dimly lit platforms.
We only stayed one night in Izmir, before heading towards Pamukkale with its famous white limestone terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis. Ephesus is close by as well, but we just did not have enough time. Museum entry in Türkiye is not especially cheap anymore, but there is now a 15-day “Museum Pass Türkiye”, currently priced at €165, which covers more than 350 museums and archaeological sites, which could make major savings.
One of the most enduring memories of our last trip is swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool at Hierapolis. There is an extra fee, but how often do you get to float in naturally warm water with your feet brushing against ancient columns and pieces of Roman rubble below you? Tip – go early, miss the crowds and influencers!
Turkish Lanterns
Cleopatras Pool
Our last train took us north to Bandirma, where we caught a ferry back to Istanbul. It was the slowest train of our journey, winding through fields of crops such as sunflowers, pomegranates and corn. We even saw a man standing in a river, sponge in hand, washing his tractor, though we were still moving too fast to get a photo.
Back in Istanbul, we visited the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, and took a short cruise along the Bosphorus. We enjoyed delicious food, and my hubby grew rather fond of simit, a round sesame bread sold by street vendors and sold on trains by locals carrying huge trays of them on their head.
We travelled at the end of September, when daytime temperatures were about 25°C. Mornings and evenings sometimes called for a fleece jacket, but there were fewer tourists and the cooler weather made exploring much more pleasant.
Next time, we plan to take things even slower, stay longer in Izmir, and maybe spend a few days relaxing in a resort by the sea at the end of our holiday
Our Turkish delight came not dusted with sugar in a little box, but by train, sleeper and ferry.
Marina Bruce, based in Portgordon, owns Arabian Cities and Sands, an ATOL-protected travel agency specialising in holidays across the Middle East.
The Blue Mosque
FIRST LONGCROFT LUXURY CAT
HOTEL TO OPEN IN SCOTLAND
Anew standard in feline care is arriving in northeast Scotland, as Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel prepares to open this September in the charming village of Garmouth, in Moray. This will be the 36th Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel location to open since the boutique cat hotel brand was founded, demonstrating the growing demand for premium cat care in the UK. It is the first Longcroft hotel to be opened in Scotland and represents an exciting new chapter for the trend-setting luxury cat hotel brand.
On Sunday 13th September 2026 Nicole Gray and her husband Judd will welcome residents, customers and friends to the special Grand Opening event for the new cat hotel, between 12 and 2pm. Ward Councillor Marc Macrae will cut the ribbon to declare the hotel officially open. Guests can take a tour of the beautiful new hotel, enjoy some Longcroft hospitality, and there will be goodie bags for the first 50 guests.
The beautiful new hotel will be run by cat loving couple, Nicole and Judd and offers just eight luxury suites – four in each of its two bespoke buildings. Each suite has its own climate-controlled bedroom, leading to a private, safe,
play area, complete with multi-storey viewing platforms for feline guests to play or relax.
Longcroft Garmouth is situated in a peaceful and welcoming little village in Moray, northeast Scotland, close to the River Spey and the coastal village of Kingston, with plenty of natural beauty and fresh coastal air. The hotel feels tucked away and peaceful in the couple’s lovely garden, while still being within easy reach of nearby towns and villages, including Elgin and Fochabers.
“Longcroft Garmouth is inspired by our experience as cat owners. We know how much trust it takes to leave your cats in someone else’s care, and we want every owner to feel the same reassurance we felt when our own cats had their first stay at a Longcroft Cat Hotel. Our goal is to offer a safe, calm, loving place where cats are treated as individuals and cared for as if they were our own family members,” says Nicole.
Nicole and Judd share their beautiful, rural home with their two much-loved Scottish Fold cats, Luna and Blu. The couple are originally from South Africa and Nicole grew up surrounded by pets and volunteering at local animal shelters. Nicole and Judd both enjoy working from home, running their own businesses, so they are close to the cats throughout the day. Judd is a Senior Software Engineer. Nicole runs a magnet supply company with her mother and recently completed a Diploma in Silver jewellery making and takes on commissions.
“Opening a Longcroft hotel has grown from a lifelong love of cats. Our own cats Luna and Blu are such a huge part of our lives. The idea of opening a cat hotel first started when we needed somewhere for Luna and Blu to stay, but we found it quite difficult to find accommodation that felt right. Finding a Longcroft hotel near us completely changed how we felt about boarding our cats. Luna and Blu were so happy and settled during their stays and I fell in love with the idea of having a Longcroft hotel ourselves. When we moved to Scotland, our garden offered the perfect, peaceful location,” explains Nicole.
“We are really looking forward to getting to know our customers and their special felines’ personalities, routines, likes, dislikes and quirks. One of the most rewarding parts will be helping owners feel relaxed. They can enjoy their time away without worrying, because their cats are in safe and loving hands, in a calm, secure, and homely environment.”
For bookings and enquiries at Longcroft Garmouth or to attend the Open Day: T: 07347260496
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Part Two
Perimenopause, Relationships and the Conversations Many Couples Are Not Having
By Dr Deborah Kingston
It is a phrase many women quietly say during perimenopause, often with confusion, guilt, or fear. Some describe feeling emotionally overwhelmed or constantly irritated. Others feel disconnected from themselves, their partner, or their relationship in ways they do not fully understand.
For many couples, these changes can feel frightening, particularly when nobody has explained that perimenopause can affect far more than periods or physical symptoms alone.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can affect emotional regulation, sleep, stress tolerance, cognition, confidence, energy levels, and sexual wellbeing. Oestrogen and progesterone can fluctuate chaotically, while testosterone levels may also decline. These changes can affect mood, patience, desire, emotional connection, and the ability to cope with stress.
Many women describe feeling emotionally flooded more quickly than before. Small frustrations that once felt manageable can suddenly feel overwhelming. Poor sleep can intensify this further. When someone is exhausted, anxious, hormonally dysregulated, and already carrying significant emotional and practical responsibilities, their capacity to cope can become significantly reduced.
Partners may interpret changes in mood or behaviour as criticism, rejection, or evidence that
something is wrong within the relationship itself. Meanwhile, many women are privately wondering the same thing. They may blame themselves for feeling distant, reactive, emotionally numb, or no longer interested in intimacy in the same way.
One of the most difficult symptoms for many women to talk about openly is a loss of desire.
It is also important to say clearly that many women like sex and value sexual connection. Sex is not simply something women do to keep partners happy. When it is wanted, safe, pleasurable, and emotionally connected, sex can be an important part of wellbeing, intimacy, and identity. For some women, it is also part of how they express love and connection within a relationship. Good sexual experiences can help people feel close, desired, relaxed, and emotionally connected. They can also support the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the love hormone, which plays a role in bonding, closeness, and feeling good.
This is why changes in desire can feel so distressing. Some women experience reduced libido, discomfort during sex, exhaustion, or simply feeling too emotionally overwhelmed to engage physically. Others describe feeling burned out after years of caregiving, work pressures, parenting responsibilities, and constantly meeting the needs of other people.
Some women also quietly describe changes in attraction towards their partner, which can feel deeply confusing and upsetting. These experiences are often accompanied by shame and fear, particularly in long term relationships. However, hormonal fluctuations can affect desire, emotional responsiveness, confidence, and attachment in ways that are still not widely understood.
This does not mean every relationship difficulty during perimenopause is caused by hormones. Relationship dynamics, unresolved conflict, unequal emotional labour, stress, and communication problems all matter too. In fact, perimenopause often exposes relationship patterns that may have existed quietly for years.
Understanding the role of hormones does not mean excusing poor behaviour from a partner. If someone has been dismissive, unkind, unfaithful, controlling, or emotionally unavailable, perimenopause does not wipe that away. Women should not be expected to blame themselves or their hormones for real relationship problems. Both things can be true: hormones may be intensifying feelings, and a partner may still need to take responsibility for their behaviour.
Many women reach a stage where they can no longer continue carrying the invisible emotional labour that often falls disproportionately on them. Tasks that once felt manageable may suddenly feel intolerable. Resentments that were previously pushed aside can become harder to suppress when emotional resources are depleted.
For some couples, this stage becomes a period of significant conflict and misunderstanding. For others, it becomes an opportunity for more honest conversations and greater emotional awareness.
When couples recognise that perimenopause can affect mood, stress tolerance, sleep, intimacy, and emotional connection, it can reduce
blame and defensiveness. Many women describe enormous relief when they realise they are not “going mad” or failing as a partner. Equally, many partners feel relieved when they begin to understand that these changes are not necessarily personal rejection.
Compassion matters during this stage. So does curiosity. Asking “What is happening for you?” is often far more helpful than responding with criticism or withdrawal.
Practical support can also make a significant difference. Sharing responsibilities more equally, reducing pressure around intimacy, improving communication, and encouraging medical or psychological support where needed can all help women feel less alone.
Some women benefit from Hormone
Replacement Therapy, therapy, improved sleep support, lifestyle adjustments, or stress reduction. Every experience is different, which is why informed and non-judgemental conversations are so important.
Perimenopause does not simply affect hormones. It can affect identity, confidence, emotional resilience, sexuality, and connection. Women should not have to navigate these changes in silence or shame. The more openly we talk about the realities of perimenopause, the more likely couples are to move away from blame and towards understanding, compassion, and support.
If any of these experiences feel familiar, it is important to know that support is available. Speaking to your GP or a menopause informed healthcare professional can help you explore the options available to you, whether that involves lifestyle changes, psychological support, Hormone Replacement Therapy, or simply gaining a better understanding of what is happening in your body.
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Bereavement Support by Alex Russon
Itook the long drive down to Kent last week, to visit a dear friend. He’d found himself in a hospice after a ten-month disagreement with cancer and I’d been informed that if I didn’t visit soon, I might not get the chance to see him again. Sadly, they were proved right, my next visit to Kent will be to his funeral.
Bereavement is a trial that all of us have to face at one time or another, sometimes frequently. And whilst there’s no pecking order of who might mourn the most, the pain is clearly much more intense the closer you are to the individual, so my prayers are very much for his wife, son and daughter. Dave was only 57 and had visited the doctor last summer complaining of chest pain which reminded him of the fractured
rib he’d sustained a couple of decades prior. If only it were a rib injury and not the pressure, as it turned out, of a pancreatic tumour. He was to endure months of aggressive treatment with all the hope that brings, but eventually this came to naught.
Speaking with him the week before he passed, it was telling how quick witted and intelligent he’d remained. His body was failing but not his mind so he was able to speak quite lucidly about his condition and what was soon to befall him. His earthly tent, the vessel created to cart his thoughts and soul around for over half a century, had come to its natural end, but he remained sharp as a tack. This was something he treasured, and he was even thankful that he’d not succumbed to one of a number of other
degenerative diseases which instead takes hold of the cognitive brain before bringing the body low also.
There’s one guarantee when we’re born, well two but the other seems immaterial by comparison. That guarantee is that there will come a day when our earthly tents fold up and our minds check out. It’s a given, yet despite our full knowledge of this the desolation it leaves behind can feel too much for loved ones to bear. The emptiness and yearning it leaves you with, that sensation that you’ve been hollowed out, the numbness of body and soul, it’s all so devastating. This is where family and friends come in, to support you in your journey, with their time, their words of comfort, their reassurance and their love. Indeed, bereavement can bring families together, not that they’d ever wish it this way, their shared pain providing a source of succour and strength.
Thankfully Dave’s family are a tight knit unit and will offer great support to each another, but not every bereaved individual has that privilege. If you are one of those persons, suffering having lost someone dear to you, there are many organisations who make it their business to help you, guide you and walk alongside you through this traumatic season in life. Cruse Scotland is a good place to start, a registered Scottish charity with expertise in bereavement support. Why not try them and know that everyone is rooting for you when you do-
www.crusescotland.org.uk
tel: 0808 802 6161
Wedding Season
The summer months have always belonged to weddings. Long evenings, colourful gardens and, with a little luck, blue skies all combine to make this the season when couples gather family and friends to celebrate.
Last Saturday morning, Speyside Spa found itself welcoming no fewer than four brides-to-be within the space of just a couple of hours. It struck me that although they all shared the same destination, each was travelling a very different path.
One had already married quietly the day before and was simply preparing for an evening celebration. Another talked excitedly about a wedding still more than a year away, delighting in endless possibilities before reality and budgets begin to narrow the choices. A third was carefully planning hair appointments to ensure everything would look perfect at just the right moment. The fourth laughed that she’d reached the frustrating stage where “everything I can do is done, and everything else can’t be done yet.”
Whether it’s a first marriage or a second chance at love, every wedding tells its own story. Each bride carries her own hopes, dreams and expectations into the day, and we sincerely wish every one of them happiness that lasts far beyond the photographs.
Of course, it’s not only brides preparing for special occasions. Wedding guests, proud mums, anniversary couples and those celebrating birthdays or reunions all want to look and, just as importantly, feel their best. Hair, nails and makeup are often the first thoughts, but healthy skin, relaxed muscles and a sense of wellbeing can make just as much difference. Starting a course of facials early can restore a natural glow, while massage eases away tension, encourages better sleep and leaves you standing a little taller. Whatever your special occasion, the team at Speyside Spa is here to help you feel confident, relaxed and beautifully yourself.
Competitions
It is lovely to receive feedback from Lifestyle competitions winners.
Wilma Fielding won afternoon tea at Bumble & Brae in Gardenstown. Here’s what Wilma told us. Rebecca and I had a lovely time at Bumble & Brae. Laura and staff were great. They were very busy, a popular venue, and we were very well looked after. The afternoon tea was excellent. Despite having only had a small breakfast we were both absolutely stuffed with, sandwiches, quiche, sausage rolls, cakes etc. and the biggest strawberry scones I’ve ever seen in my life along with jam and cream. As we couldn’t eat it all, Laura provided us with a box to take the rest home. We will definitely be going back and have been recommending Bumble & Brae to everyone!! So chuffed to have won that prize!!”
John Ross was delighted with his book The Dreich and The Drouthy by James Roberts. Unfortunately, John wasn’t at home when we delivered his book, but he kindly sent us a photo.
Elizabeth Harvey was the lucky winner of the Speyfest weekend tickets from the June/July issue.
This is what Elizabeth had to say…
“I was delighted and shocked to win two Weekend Passes to Speyfest.
My Friend and I went to Speyfest on each of the days and thoroughly enjoyed it. The event was also very sociable. This was only my second time at Speyfest, the other one being a number of years ago. The best part for us was Natalie MacMaster and her Husband - they were absolutely fabulous; we saw them two different times and also when they joined the Fiddlers who have played over the years.
My Friend and I enjoyed the Speyfest so much that we plan to go next year.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful prize.”
Would like to be the next winner of a Lifestyle competition, you know what to do. Please don’t forget your contact details.
The prizes on offer in Aug/Sep are 2 tickets for the returning Distilled event, thank you Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
It is NEOS time again, £30 is on offer from the talented Fiona at Watergaw Ceramics in Whitehills.
Food prizes are always popular so, not to disappoint, Boogie Woogie is kindly offering a £20 voucher. This is for anything except crafts.
You could be the owner of a fabulous new Docs and Frocks Originals T-shirt thanks Julie.
Have you been putting off that roof repair or cleaning. A £50 voucher might help from Summit Roof Care.
A £25 voucher off a fireside rug or new mat for the front door. Visit Carpet Depot to spend this one.
Good Luck everyone!!
Wilma & Rebecca
John Ross
2
Watergaw
BOOGIE
Boogie
Docs and Frocks Originals T-shirt SUMMIT50
Summit Roof Care £50 voucher CARPETDEP
Carpet Depot £25 voucher
Congratulations to our June/July winners
YOGA
Presentation Anxiety: Stop Mopping the Floor
By Sophia Hanson
Imagine walking into your kitchen tomorrow morning and finding a little puddle of water on the floor.
You’d probably grab a cloth and mop it up. If it happened the day after, you might get a bit more curious.
But if it happened a third time, you’d be a lot less interested in mopping it up and far more interested in finding out why the floor kept getting wet.
Yet when it comes to speaking in front of people, whether that’s presenting to a room, contributing to a meeting or introducing yourself to a small group, we often do the opposite.
We become experts at mopping up the nerves.
Box breathing, gargling, grounding techniques, a calming playlist on the drive over are all useful and they help take the edge off when nerves kick in, but they’re still coping mechanisms.
What if speaking didn’t throw you into survival mode and you could just do it in your stride?
Our nervous system learns from experience. It stores memories, recognises patterns and decides what’s safe and what isn’t.
Sometimes a boardroom isn’t just a boardroom. At some level, it might feel like being told off in front of your school friends, so your body does what it thinks it needs to do to protect you (even though you’re now an adult).
Questions to ponder
1.What is your earliest memory of standing in front of a group?
2.Did it feel safe to have a different opinion from the adults around you?
3.Were you encouraged to shine, or warned not to show off?
4.When you made a mistake as a child, what happened next?
5.If speaking up feels scary today, is it possible your reaction belongs to an older story rather than the moment you’re in?
Breathing techniques will help you move through a difficult moment, but if you’re mopping up the nerves every single time you have to speak, it’s time to stop reaching for the cloth and start looking for the leak.
