Milton of Crathes Spring Celebration
Schedule
Sat, 12 Apr, 2025 at 10:00 am to Sun, 13 Apr, 2025 at 04:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
milton of crathes, AB315QH Banchory, United Kingdom | Aberdeen, SC
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Come and join us at The Milton of Crathes in Aberdeenshire, as we celebrate the return of Spring on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April from 10:00am - 4:00pmWe have a whole host of events and activities for all the family, across each business all weekend, and we would love for you to join us.
*** Food & Drink ***
THE MILTON BRASSERIE
The Milton Brasserie is delighted to introduce its brand-new Spring menu, featuring standout dishes like their irresistible Halloumi fries and Prosciutto, Buffalo Mozzarella Focaccia.
While walk-ins are welcome, guests are encouraged to book in advance to guarantee a table for breakfast (served from 9:00am) or lunch. For those who prefer dining outdoors, takeaway options are available—perfect for enjoying on the nearby benches or with a picnic blanket by the scenic River Dee.
WEEKEND SPECIAL: LOST LOCH SPIRITS TASTING
Across the weekend, Lost Loch Spirits will be offering samples of their distinctive drinks range at The Milton Brasserie’s outdoor decking area. Renowned for producing Scotland’s first Absinthe, the distillery will also showcase its small-batch gin and whisky. Visitors can purchase any of these exceptional spirits during the event.
*** Activities for Kids ***
EASTER EGG HUNT
Grab your free map and take part in our easter egg hunt around our grounds! Discover all the hidden Easter eggs to claim a prize.
KIDS' SUNFLOWER PLANTING WITH CULTER PERENNIALS
Let your little gardeners get their hands dirty in this fun planting session. Children will learn how to plant and care for their very own sunflowers, with all materials provided.
Every participant gets to take home their potted sunflower seed for FREE – the perfect start to their gardening adventure!
Date: Saturday, 12th April
Time: From 2:00pm onwards
Date: Sunday, 13th April
Time: From 10:00am onwards
Location: Outside the Culter Perennials Shop, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: FREE
Notes: While stock lasts
*** The River Dee Trust ***
The River Dee Trust, a community-based conservation charity (SCO28497), will be in attendance to discuss their vital work protecting the River Dee and its ecosystems. A key focus will be their "Save the Spring" campaign, an initiative aimed at safeguarding the river’s famous spring salmon and their habitats.
*** Activities for Kids by The River Dee Trust ***
ACTIVITIES INSIDE THE GAZEBO
- Origami Fish Crafting
- Beat the Buzz Fish Challenge
- Paint a Pebble Station
- Colouring Sheets – Featuring a mayfly, salmon, otter, and dipper, each with fascinating facts about these key species.
- Learn About "Save the Spring" – Discover how the Trust is working to protect the river’s future.
OUTDOOR EXPLORATION BY THE COY BURN
Aquatic Detectives Session
Families and young explorers can join the Trust’s team to:
Discover Tiny River Creatures – uncover the hidden world of aquatic invertebrates.
Identify Species – Use magnifying glasses and reference sheets to match findings with pictures of common river dwellers.
Note: For safety reasons, participants will not enter the water.
Date: Saturday, 12th April & Sunday 13th April
Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Ticket Price: FREE
*** Hidden Scotland Shop ***
EMILY HOGARTH PAPER CUTTING WORKSHOP
(limited spaces available)
If you’re a fan of Hidden Scotland magazine, you’ll likely know their beloved Folklore, Myths & Legends feature, where writer and Scottish storyteller Graeme Johncock brings to life some of Scotland’s most fascinating tales. Each story is beautifully illustrated by Emily Hogarth, a renowned Scottish artist celebrated for her intricate papercut designs.
Emily will be joining us on Saturday, 12th April, to host a papercutting workshop in The Old Sawmill & Bothy.
During this 2-hour workshop, Emily will introduce you to the art of papercutting, share insights into her work, and discuss her collaborations with Hidden Scotland magazine. She’ll guide you step-by-step as you create your own papercut masterpiece, with a Scottish theme to inspire you—though you’re free to let your creativity run wild!
All materials & refreshments will be provided, and each participant will get the brand new issue of Hidden Scotland magazine to takeaway as well as the materials to make many more creations at home.
Date: Saturday, 12th April
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: The Old Sawmill, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: £60 each
Booking Link: https://shop.hiddenscotland.com/products/emily-hogarth
HIDDEN SCOTLAND MAKERS MARKET
Hidden Scotland is hosting a Mini Makers Market, bringing together some of the talented artisans they’ve collaborated with or featured in their magazine over the years. You will be able to meet the makers behind the brands and have the chance to shop their selection of beautiful products. List of makers below:
Laura Bremner - Juniper Press
Laura is a designer, illustrator, and printmaker based in the Northeast of Scotland. Her work draws inspiration from the intricate details of Scandinavian and Eastern European folk art, weaving nature and botanicals into storytelling through positive messages. She creates cards, prints, jewellery, stationery, and an array of leafy-themed treasures for fellow folk art enthusiasts. Much of her design work is influenced by her love of exploring Scotland’s landscapes, capturing its beauty in every piece.
Megan Falconer
Megan Falconer is an Aberdeen-based jeweller and silversmith working from her studio at Deemouth Artist Studios. Specialising in handcrafted jewellery, silverware, and bespoke commissions, she blends traditional silversmithing techniques with contemporary design to create elegant, personal pieces.
Laura - Fernweh
Drawing inspiration from Scotland’s wild landscapes, particularly the Cairngorms’ natural palette, Fernweh produces slowly crafted waxed cotton and leather bags and accessories. The brand’s ethos is deeply rooted in Laura’s love for off-the-beaten-path adventures and rock climbing, ensuring every item is built for durability and style.
More makers to be confirmed soon
Date: Saturday, 12th April
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: The Old Sawmill, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: Free entry
HIDDEN SCOTLAND SHOP
Hidden Scotland is absolutely delighted to celebrate a major milestone —10 issues of Hidden Scotland magazine! To celebrate they will have some great prizes available to customers who come in store to purchase a copy. This will be for this weekend only.
As well as this the team will have set up a postcard station where you can post a postcard on us. A chance to send a message to a friend or loved one!
*** TwinPeakes Fly Fishing ***
TwinPeakes are celebrating the grand opening of their brand-new shop, where you will discover an exciting range of familiar favourites and premium outdoor gear, plus brand-new additions like the Ooni Pizza Ovens and much more! They feature top of the range clothing brands, including Patagonia, in-store.
Chat with their expert team about their guided fly fishing experiences and learn new skills at their live demonstrations.
Details on these below:
INTRODUCTION TO SPEY CASTING
Learn about the art of Spey casting in TwinPeakes’ introduction to Spey casting demonstration. Designed and developed in Scotland in 1800’s as a way to cast a fly to a salmon with limited space behind you. Scotland is now world renowned as the birthplace of Spey casting for Altanitc Salmon.
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: 11:00 am – 11:30am
Location: The Fly Casting School, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: Free
INTRODUCTION TO SINGLE HAND CASTING
Learn about the art of fly casting in the TwinPeake’s introduction to single handed fly casting demonstration. Single handed casting is the method we use to deliver a delicately presented artificial fly to a feeding fish. With the correct cast we can fool the fish to think the fly is an actual fly or other type of food. We use this type of casting in Scotland for fly fishing for trout, pike, grayling, salmon and sea trout and many other species.
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: 3:00 Pm – 4:00Pm
Location: The Events Field, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: Free
FLY TYING WORKSHOP
Learn the art of fly tying in the workshop at TwinPeakes’ over the weekend. Learn how to make your own salmon fly and take your fly home with you. Flyfishing not your thing? Why not tie up a brooch pin for your tweed hat or shawl. We have demonstrations and two seats available for you to have a go and make your own.
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: From 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: TwinPeakes fly fishing shop, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: Free
WOODFIRED SAUNA & PLUNGE POOL EXPERIENCE
TwinPeakes Outdoor invites you to unwind with their newest offering – a serene woodfired sauna and plunge pool nestled along the banks of the River Dee.
Session Details:
Available daily from 10am
Book privately for your group (max 6)
Join a shared session to connect with fellow wellness enthusiasts
Walk-ins welcome (subject to availability)
Embrace the healing contrast of heat and cold while surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Your moment of relaxation awaits.
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: From 10:00am – 4:00pm (last booking slot is 3:00pm)
Location: TwinPeakes fly fishing shop, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: TBC
Notes: This would be a brilliant addition to the Springtime Yoga, meditation & sound healing event (more below)
*** Deeside Wellbeing Collective ***
SPRINGTIME YOGA, MEDITATION & SOUND HEALING
Deeside Wellbeing Collective invite you to join them for an uplifting experience of Springtime Yoga, Meditation and Sound Healing.
The Sunday morning session will be led by Vikki Cleal. Where you will begin with a Grounding Yoga Flow, then enjoy a Springtime Meditation and Soothing Sound Bath. New for this Sound Bath are the uplifting Chimes and Heart Chakra Drum, both of these create wonderful sounds to brighten your mood!
No previous Yoga/Meditation experience is necessary for this event. However, the Sound Bath is not suitable if you are pregnant or wearing a pacemaker.
Yoga mats, blankets, cushions & eye pillows will all be provided.
Date: Sunday 13th April
Time: From 11:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Old Sawmill & Bothy, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
Ticket Price: £20 pp
Booking Link: https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/6905/events/6511629
Notes: Why not extend your wellness afternoon with a sauna & plunge will TwinPeakes Outdoors (more info above)
*** The Milton Art Gallery ***
CONCERTINA SKETCHBOOK DEMONSTRATION WITH ARTIST KIM MORRIS
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn the art of creating concertina sketchbooks from professional artist Kim Morris, who will be demonstrating her craft in the gallery throughout the weekend.
During these informal sessions, Morris will showcase:
Step-by-step construction of concertina books
Specialised materials and illustration techniques
Creative approaches to developing sketchbook content
Guests are encouraged to observe, ask questions, and discover more about Morris's upcoming workshop series for those interested in deeper study. These drop-in demonstrations offer valuable insights into the artist's unique bookmaking process.
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00pm
Location: The Milton Art Gallery, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
*** White Stag Barrels ***
MEET THE MAKER: SIMON WHITE'S WHISKY BARREL WORKSHOP
Join us across the weekend for a live workshop with master craftsman Simon White, where you’ll get a firsthand look at his process of transforming whisky barrels into stunning furniture and unique pieces. Simon loves to chat—so feel free to ask questions, hear his stories, and learn about his craft.
Sourcing barrels from distilleries across Scotland, including the renowned Speyside Cooperage, Simon brings a touch of whisky heritage to every creation. Each piece has a tale to tell—come discover the artistry behind it!
You can pick up something to take home on the day or place your bespoke order - Simoni s always up for a challenge and has some great ideas of his own.
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00pm
Location: White Stag Barrel Shop, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
*** WhiteSky Photographics ***
DARK SKY TALK
Not only a master craftsman, Simon White also runs his photography studio, WhiteSky Photographics right here —showcasing yet another facet of his creativity.
As a Scottish Night Sky Guide and award-winning astrophotographer, Simon’s lifelong passion for the cosmos began in childhood and has since blossomed into a thriving career. Known for his captivating storytelling and deep expertise, he thrives on sharing his knowledge with others.
Whether leading individual courses, guiding groups under the stars, or giving talks to photography clubs, Simon’s enthusiasm for the night sky is infectious. Come along to learn from Simon at his Dark Sky Talk, you’re guaranteed to leave inspired!
Date: Saturday, 12th & Sunday 13th April
Time: From 2:00 pm
Location: White Stag Barrel Shop, Milton of Crathes, AB31 5QH
We hope to see you there, any questions please ask in the comments and we will be happy to help you!
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Where is it happening?
milton of crathes, AB315QH Banchory, United Kingdom, Aberdeen, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
