Join us for a fantastic weekend of Spring fun and celebrations on Saturday, 12th and Sunday, 13th April at Milton of Crathes near Banchory.

There will be special offers on across the businesses as well as pop-up shops and free activities for children and families.

 

*** 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

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

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 Sawmill

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 Sawmill

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 Flyfishing

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

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

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

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

Ticket Price: TBC

Notes: This would be a brilliant addition to the Springtime Yoga, meditation & sound healing event (more below)

 

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 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