A Week in February…

Progress and Purpose in The Cabrach

It’s been a whirlwind of a week here in The Cabrach, and of course, that’s exactly how we like it. When a busy week feels like a normal part of the rhythm, it’s a clear sign that we’re making strides in our mission to regenerate this special place. Each of these moments, small steps in the bigger picture, bring us closer to the long-term change we envision for The Cabrach.

Despite the wintry challenges of wind, snow, and rain, this week has been full of activity and meaningful progress.

First up, we had the privilege of welcoming international visitors, Maltstock, to The Cabrach Distillery, offering them a warm introduction to the distilling process and the vision behind our Wild Spirit. Their appreciation for the heart and history of The Cabrach was truly inspiring.

In a moment of great excitement, we also launched our Cabrach Tapestry|A Stitch in Time project. Held at the Acorn Centre, the event was packed with enthusiasm, as locals and newcomers came together to begin stitching the story of The Cabrach into something beautiful and lasting. It’s a project that will stitch together the heritage, future, and spirit of the region in a way that can be shared and celebrated for years to come. Stay tuned to see and here much more exciting news to come on this project and how you can get involved.

On the awards front, we attended the Scottish Property Awards, where we were thrilled to celebrate two nominations. While recognition is always appreciated, it’s the impact on the community and the future of The Cabrach that matters most to us. This is just another marker on the journey of progress.

We also had the opportunity to host members of The Cabrach Collective at Inverharroch. The collective continues to be a vital force in shaping the future of this community, and it was inspiring to discuss how we can collaborate and elevate one another’s efforts in the coming months.

The week wasn’t all about celebration. We’ve been hard at work on significant nature recovery initiatives. These plans are essential as we aim to restore the land, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. And, of course, in the distillery, we’ve kept the Wild Spirit flowing—mashing, distilling, and filling casks with the essence of The Cabrach.

Our collaborations have also extended to strategic partners, including Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR). It’s through these partnerships that we continue to develop and refine the plans that will drive our regeneration mission forward.

A particularly proud moment this week came when we awarded four Charles Gordon Bursaries to young people in The Cabrach. These bursaries are designed to support their educational journeys, and we are so excited to see how they’ll use these opportunities to grow and contribute to the community.

Amidst all of this, we’ve dedicated time to planning for the year ahead. There is much to be done, but with the support of all involved, we are confident in the progress we’ll continue to make.

A few years ago, the idea of being so active in The Cabrach during winter may have raised a few eyebrows. “In The Cabrach? In the winter? Are you wise?…” We don’t hear that question as much anymore, and that speaks volumes about how far we’ve come.

With every step, we’re laying the foundation for the long-term transformation we seek. We’re not just marking time; we’re creating a legacy.

Onwards, The Cabrach! The journey continues… Very glad to have you with us.