Cairngorm Leader - Cairngorms Local Action Group

The event will consist of a ceremony at the ruined township of Beglan, near Glenmore, where John Roy's standard bearer lived; the unfurling of the Green Banner on Cairngorm,recreating the original walk and unfurling of the banner performed annually by John Roy's standard bearer in the 18th Century; a family day at Glenmore with craft activities, living history displays and re-enactors in period costume; and a ceilidh featuring music and poetry by John Roy, as well as other songs and tunes associated with Badenoch and Strathspey. The event will include contributions by local people and local musicians, including children from Feis Spe, as well as professional artists. In addition to contributing to the main event the Forestry Commission has undertaken to construct a heritage trail round the historic township of Beglan, with interpretation boards and a memorial cairn. The trail will be formally opened as part of the festival.

It is proposed that the main public events will be the family day and the ceilidh, with limited numbers attending the unfurling of the banner and the ceremony at Beglan. A minibus will be hired to ferry participants to and from Cairngorm and Beglan to ease traffic congestion. The family day and ceilidh will be run in conjunction with the Forestry Commission and will be held on Forestry Commission land at the Hayfield, Glenmore. All events will be free of charge in order to avoid excluding anyone on the basis of cost and encourage the widest possible participation.

It is the organisers intention to expand the event in future years to include a conference; exhibition; publication of book and CD; drama performances; community archaeological survey; and publication of a heritage leaflet. It is also planned to involve local schools and community groups in producing their own green banners in 2007.