This October, Boat Hall in Boat of Garten will play host to a landmark cultural heritage event, shaped by a group of nine local people involved in cultural heritage. 

The event, shaped by a group of nine local people involved in cultural heritage, will take place on Thursday 9 October from 9am to 5pm and will bringing together those involved in (or with a passion for) cultural heritage for a series of talks, showcases and conversations. It is hoped that the gathering will help establish a shared voice for cultural heritage in and around the National Park, as well as providing an opportunity for networking, developing collaborations and influencing future policy, funding and practice. 

The structure of the event has been designed by a group of nine cultural heritage practitioners, with backgrounds as diverse as farming, museums and the creative arts. Over a series of four workshops, they worked with expert facilitators Carron Tobin and Diane Smith from SCOTO CIC to shape an engaging programme that meets the needs of a wide variety of attendees. 

The event will be hosted by Siobhán Beatson, the Manager / Curator at Ullapool Museum Trust, a small independent Highland museum situated in a Grade A-listed parliamentary church. As well as the day-to-day running of the museum, Siobhán is an academic researching the history of sea loch communities of the northwest Highlands, and also sits on the board of Museums and Heritage Highlands. As part of the programme, Siobhán will be talking about the power of cultural heritage networking. 

One of the event’s organisers, Dan Cottam, Curator and Manager of Grantown Museum, said: “Cultural heritage belongs to everyone and it’s at its strongest when we look after it together. This event is about creating a shared voice, not only to celebrate the richness of our past and present, but to ensure these traditions and stories remain alive for generations to come. I’d encourage anyone with a passion for our area's rich heritage to come along, join the conversation and help shape the future of cultural heritage in the National Park.” 

Dan Cottam, Curator and Manager of Grantown Museum Cathleen Nicol

Eilidh Todd, Communities and Rural Development Manager at the Park Authority, said: "From our castles and heritage sites to language, music and traditional cultural practices, the Cairngorms has a rich history of cultural heritage dating back many thousands of years. 

"This event - which has been co-designed by nine members of the local cultural heritage community - is a great opportunity to come together to celebrate what makes the Cairngorms National Park unique. It's completely free to attend but places are limited so we'd urge everyone with an interest in cultural heritage to book their place soon."   

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance on the event booking page before midnight on 28 September 2025. There is also an opportunity for cultural heritage practitioners to display posters at the event in the exhibition space. Those interested should email  [email protected] by 26 September to request space.

The cultural heritage event builds on key elements of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan, which commits to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage and providing opportunities for everyone to experience and learn about the National Park’s outstanding historic environment, history and culture.