The town takes it's name from it's
founders', members of the Grant family. It was laid out in 1776 by Sir James Grant
an enlightened and energetic person who was also responsible for many of the road and
village improvements in and around Strathspey.
One of Queen Victoria's favourite towns with
it's wide tree lined streets leading to a central square. This traditional Highland resort
grew in popularity when Victorian doctors began recommending its dry, bracing climate for
those "requiring rest and quiet on account of nervous overstrain and debility".
Grantown is an excellent all year round centre for sport & leisure
activities, walking, fishing, golfing, climbing and skiing are just a few of the
activities on offer for the adventurous holiday maker. The River Spey
and other local waters offer excellent fishing for salmon, sea-trout and brown
trout. Grantown golf course is a must for any keen golfer holidaying in the
highlands. The Cairngorms and the Cromdale Hills have excellent Climbing
& Skiing facilities.
To the south of Grantown is an unusual tourist attraction, Revack
Estate, where you can explore it's 15,000 acres of spectacular Highland countryside. You
can stroll along trails through wet ground habitats which provide nesting sites for Oyster
Catchers, Lapwings, Skylarks and Curlews as well as colourful colonies of butterflies. The
Estate also has a stunning collection of exotic orchids on display and for sale, the
Estate has a gift shop, licensed restaurant, cafe and childrens play area.
About
6 miles south west of Grantown is the Speyside Heather Garden & Visitor Centre, which
has more that 300 varieties of heather growing in its landscaped show garden. The heather
centre also houses a heritage exhibition on the varied historical uses of the
plant, thatching, rope making, medicine, cooking, drinks and dyeing wool, the centre
has a craft and gift shop.
Castle
Grant on the north outskirts of the town is the ancient seat of the chiefs of
the Clan Grant, the Earls of Seafield for 5 centuries it is a combination of a 15th
Century keep and 18th Century extensions carried out by Robert and John Adam. Robert Burns
and Queen Victoria have been guests at the Castle.
Wish
you were here....
Background tune: Horo, My Nut Brown Maiden |
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