Cullen Bay Dookers (wild swimmers)

The main summer season is now ended, but there is still lots to see and do around Moray, Speyside, Cairngorms and Aberdeenshire. Some attractions are now closed, but many are still open on a winter timetable. Many are offering a variety of different types of activities, such as craft workshops, painting, festive fairs, and tastings of gin, wine, and whisky. As we get nearer to Christmas, there will also be mulled wine, mince pies, and festive crafting.

This is the time when people tend to do more inside than out, but the coast is still very busy. The ‘Dookers’ are out in force, braving the elements as they swim, paddle or just have a ‘blather’ in the sea in minus temperatures (brave people)! We have beautiful sunsets, with migratory birds travelling to warmer climates overhead. Our seas are still teeming with marine mammals, with numerous people on Facebook sharing sightings of them along the coast.

The Cairngorms are getting ready for the first proper winter snow and the flurry of guests that will arrive for the winter sports and activities. Our Business Members’ guest accommodation becomes cosy getaways amongst the amazing views with roaring fires and little luxuries that make for a memorable holiday or short break.

The community groups, hubs, and churches come to the fore with a raft of different clubs, social activities, soup and sweets, craft fairs, talks and physical activities. The opportunity to come out and meet friends and family over a cuppa and a ‘piece’ is very welcome and provides a much-needed opportunity to socialise. Chaleighs and live music are well worth braving the winter nights for. Choirs are practising for the Christmas services and Remembrance Day( which is only a few days away). The village flower displays have been dismantled and the beds made ready for next year, and in some cases are now a riot of winter colour.

Photo Buckie Roots Gardening Group

The team at the North East 250 are busy working through the winter to ensure that 2026 is even better for our Visitor Members and Business Membership. On 28 October, we hosted an event at the Scottish Lighthouses Museum, Ballindalloch Distillery and online, where our strategic partners, such as Visit Scotland, Moray Chamber of Commerce, Visit Aberdeenshire and Cairngorm Business Partnership, joined in a conversation with our Business Members about the trends from this year’s visitors and plans for 2026. Guy and Anne shared our plans for next year to further enhance the visitor experience. Please see our .pdf, which is on the website, for more information.

Photo Portknockie Community Association

The team at the North East 250 are busy working through the winter to ensure that 2026 is even better for our Visitor Members and Business Membership. On 28 October, we hosted an event at the Scottish Lighthouses Museum, Ballindalloch Distillery and online, where our strategic partners, such as Visit Scotland, Moray Chamber of Commerce, Visit Aberdeenshire and Cairngorm Business Partnership, joined in a conversation with our Business Members about the trends from this year’s visitors and plans for 2026. Guy and Anne shared our plans for next year to further enhance the visitor experience. Please refer to our PowerPoint presentation (converted to a .pdf), available here, for additional information.