August 2023: Lots Going On!

No-one can say that the building hasn’t been well used over the last few weeks.  The summer exhibition Scenes and Seasons, featuring six talented local photographers has attracted many visitors to St Margaret’s.  If you haven’t managed to visit it yet you still have an opportunity.  It doesn’t close until 3 September.

Our Programming Group brought a varied range of high quality concerts to Braemar during July and August, all playing to large and appreciative audiences.  First up was the Earthtones Trio, led by pianist Euan Stevenson.  Their repertoire included original pieces blending elements of classical, jazz and world folk music.  

We then supported the Aboyne Cello Festival by bringing the Three Cellos to the St Margaret’s stage led by Festival Director James Halsey.  They delighted the audience with a wide range of music from Bach to Rodgers and Hammerstein.  And finally we heard the hauntingly beautiful voice of Hannah Rarity supported by Rory Matheson on keyboard and Innes White on guitar.

And what a fantastic job our team of volunteers did afterwards by clearing away all the chairs and the stage in record time to make way for the following day’s Ghillie’s Market.  Well done everyone!

Ahead lies a busy weekend wrapped around the annual Braemar Gathering.  On Friday 1 September we welcome internationally renowned and award winning singer Julie Fowlis.  That concert is already sold out!  

It has become a tradition that Professor Paul Mealor brings one of his choirs to Crathie Kirk and then afterwards to St Margaret’s on the Sunday following the Gathering.  This year he will be bringing the Caritas Choir and they will perform at St Margaret’s at 3.30pm.

Preparations are already well underway for our annual Braemar Folk Festival running from 6 – 8 October.  Visit our website at www.stmargaretsbraemar .org.uk for full details of events running throughout the village.

Brian Wood

Chair, The St Margaret’s Trust