Arisaig Hotel
Autumn in Arisaig: What's Going On?
17/09/2019
Like it or loathe it, for most of us the stroke of midnight on the 1st of September marks the unofficial start of autumn. This may sound a bit defeatist, like we’re just giving up on the final three weeks of summer (23rd September is the official first day of autumn), but no wonder when you consider how good Arisaig looks in that gorgeous autumn light!
As the leaves begin to turn, Arisaig and the surrounding landscape is completely transformed into a world of russets, reds and golds. Added to that, there’s still a little warmth in the autumn sunshine (heck, heatwaves have even been known!), the midges disappear along with the summer crowds and the shorter days allow for the first glimpses of the northern lights.
Autumn is also the season where we get to witness some seriously impressive wildlife events taking place. Take a wander around the village after dark and listen out for the roar of stags as they lock horns to compete for a mate. Birdwatchers are also in for a treat as thousands of migrating birds can be spotted as they head south to escape the harsh winters of the north. Kayakers and boat trippers will get to see hundreds of seals hauling themselves ashore in preparation for giving birth to their pups.
If all of the above doesn’t have you hankering for a trip to Arisaig, there’s also a tonne of exciting goings on in the area over the next couple of months. Here’s what’s in the pipeline:
LIVE MUSIC
As ever, the next couple of months will be jampacked with amazing live music. Our popular open music sessions will continue as usual on Friday nights from 9pm and Sunday afternoons from 2pm. As well as the music sessions, we’re also excited to welcome the following artists and music events to the village:
18th September: Ally Bain & Phil Cunningham (Astley Hall)
21st September: Ronnie Dyer & Jamie Milligan
28th September: The Marwalls
4th – 6th October: Feis na Mara
8th– 11th November: School of Daimh (fully booked)
A FEW FOR THE FOOD LOVERS
The arrival of the cooler autumn weather makes the majority of us get a serious dose of the hungries, so we’ve put together some great deals and culinary events to tempt you out of hibernation…
Sunday Roasts: Who doesn’t love a traditional roast dinner after a bracing coastal walk? Come and enjoy a two/three course (£15/£19) roast dinner from 12.30pm – 4pm every Sunday. Why not make an afternoon of it by staying on for the Sunday music session from 2pm?
Steak Night: Every Wednesday night you’re invited to get stuck into an 8oz sirloin steak with all the trimmings for just £10.
Vegan 'Specials' Tuesday: Here at the Arisaig Hotel we have to admit to being a primarily carnivorous team, but we're LOVING the vegan movement and have decided to educate ourselves on the wonderful world of vegan cookery! So, every Tuesday our daily specials are going to be 100% vegan and we would love your feedback ahead of next season where we're going to embrace veganism like never before!
Arisaig - A Taste of Autumn: On Friday 25th October food lovers with a penchant for seasonal and locally sourced produce are in for a treat with our eight-course tasting menu. More details to follow, so stay tuned into our Facebook page for further information.
Cheese & Wine Pairing Evening: On Thursday 17th October at 7pm cheese and wine lovers will be unBRIElievably happy to discover that we’ve picked our favourite cheeses from across Europe and Alan Chapman from Wildflower Wines has paired them with the perfect tipple! Further information to follow.
GET OUT!
Autumn is a great season to embrace the great outdoors and Arisaig is the place to do it. With world-class sea kayaking literally on the doorstep (Arisaig Sea Kayaking Centre is based at the hotel), plus archery, horse riding, golf and some seriously impressive walks for all abilities (see our website for routes), there’s something outdoorsy for everybody to enjoy. As well as all of the above, why not sign up to:
Traigh[athlon] 2019: Now in its third year, Mallaig Pool & Leisure Centre’s Traighathlon is set to be bigger and better than ever. On Saturday 21st September, a multiple distance series of triathlons aimed at both novice and experienced competitors will be taking place. After the event, triathletes are invited to come along to the pub to enjoy great food plus an open mic night hosted by Ronnie Dyer and Jamie Milligan.
Open Water Swimming: If you’re interested in open water swimming but would prefer to dive into the crystal-clear water with some likeminded buddies, then get in touch with Arisaig’s dedicated open water swimming group who regularly take to the sea. Contact Anne Widdop on: [email protected]
Guided Walks: Step-Up Highland offer free guided walks in the area every Thursday morning at 10.30am. As well as benefitting from getting out and enjoying the fresh autumn air, the guides are a font of knowledge on the area so if you’re unfamiliar with Arisaig, it’s well worth joining in. Contact Lynne Bannister at [email protected] for more information.
CULTURE VULTURES
Here in Arisaig, it’s not all live music, good food and the great outdoors, the village also has its very own museum; the Land, Sea & Islands Centre! This autumn, the LSIC will be hosting two great events so if you’re in the village, head along to:
16thSeptember: John McKenna’s landscape photography exhibition - ‘The Road to the Isles: A Journey through Scotland’ - will kick off on 16th September with an informal talk by McKenna from 5pm – 7pm.
25th September: The amazing Henrik Chart will give an illustrated talk on Arisaig’s fascinating history with the wartime organisation, the Special Operation Executive (SEO).
LITERARY LOVERS
For the bookworms amongst us, we highly recommend heading along to the West Highland Hotel in Mallaig on the weekend of 8th November to check out the area's very own Book Festival, A Write Highland Hoolie! The weekend is packed with talks, events and readings from some of the UK's legends of literature.
GUY FAWKES NIGHT
Arisaig’s annual bonfire and firework display is really worth pulling your woollies on for! Held on the shore in front of the LSIC, you can enjoy homemade food and cakes whilst watching the fireworks as they burst into the sky and reflect off Loch nan Ceall.
ALAN CARR AT GLENUIG HALL
Yes, you’ve read correctly! On Sunday 13thOctober, Alan Carr (Chatty Man), will be raising the roof at Glenuig Hall as part of his tour of the Highlands. Definitely not to be missed.
COMPETITION TIME
With Alan Carr in mind, why not enter our amazing Facebook competition, which offers one lucky winner two nights bed & breakfast (double/twin room), two tickets to see Alan Carr and a return taxi to Glenuig. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is like the Facebook post and tell us your best joke in the comments! The winner will be announced after midday on 23rdSeptember.
CHRISTMAS MENU
Nobody wants to think about the C-word in September, but if your team at work are on the lookout for a fantastic Christmas night out with amazing food this December, it’s best to book as soon as possible. You can find our menu here.
OPENING TIMES
The bar, restaurant, hotel and hostel will all be open as usual up until Sunday 17thNovember, after which the hostel and bar will remain open with pop-up events scheduled throughout the winter months.