Bothies & Bannocks

28/07/2024

Well, it's been a tough week here at HQ, I seem to have come down with some kind of flu!

Was flat out until Tuesday night, then been bedded since 🤒

It's been hectic rescheduling things to make sure our clients didn't miss out. But thanks to good friends and colleagues, services were unaffected!

Big thanks to -

The B&B team, especially Hayley & Isabelle👌
Stuart @ Chef for Hire Aberdeenshire
Mike @ Macdui Bike Adventures
Paul @ Taxi Muir Private Hire Ballater
Stevie @ Dees Taxi Service
Elizabeth @
Desiree
Jim @

And of course, my super wife and poppy the dug for looking after me and putting up with my whinging 😂

I have heard of tour operators letting clients down under these circumstances.

Bothies & Bannocks will always do everything in our power to deliver 👌💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

10/07/2024

June and July have been crazy busy again!

Welcoming guests from all over the world.

Some big multi-day trips, local runs, adventure shuttles and assisting local groups with adventures and outings

Our first aid is all up to date and we're ready to take on the rest of the summer season.

Had a bit of a disaster with Trip Advisor - they seem to have lost our page - but I'm working on getting that back up and running 🙄😫

Oh and the weather's nae been the best 🌧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Apart from them 2 wee issues we are smashing it ! 💪

Get in touch to plan your Scottish Adventure for later In the year ! 😀

15/06/2024

So today I had a wee nostalgic trip to my old stomping ground.

After dropping off some fine local loons at Glasgow Airport I took a drive by some of my old east end flats.

As a teenager growing up in the Aberdeenshire countryside I took the leap to try out city life.

Not only did I head down with a couple of my best mates but there was already a wee squad of Deeside loons down there.

That, combined with the sense of community that the east end of Glasgow offers, led to a good few years of pure dead happiness!

It was great to see that not only is Celino's still going, its thriving!

When I walked in with a big smile on my face the lass on the till welcomed me like a local. When I explained I lived round the corner 15 years ago and I wanted a sandwich, she pointed above to the menu.

The choice was simple a Celino Special - exactly as it was all those years ago, and even the "sun blushed or sun dried tomatoes" & "would you like it toasted" took me right back.

I then sat in the Bothy Bus right opposite my old door at 83, Meadow Park Street and ate my peice and reflecting on good times!

This led to a slightly emotional drive home 😑

It's true what they say - "The People Make Glasgow" ❤️

05/06/2024

What a month May was, Party - Graft, Graft, Graft -Party !!!

We started with our annual trip to with friends, then back to back guiding, driving and hosting for the rest of the month.

Myself and the team have been all over the country exploring some incredible locations with awesome people.

We then saw the month out with another social trip, this time to Amsterdam for my brothers 40th celebrations with some old friends.

Overworked and over partied, but we are looking forward to another busy month.

Thanks to all local businesses that send guests our way and help promote our business, you know who you are 👌❤️

Also, thanks to all our incredible guests for making our job so much fun!

And of course, our incredible team of helpers -
Natalie, Mike, Matt, Anna, Hayley, Kayleigh, Isabelle, and Jim ❤️❤️❤️

28/05/2024

Isabelle, Jim and Marloe, the dug, producing the goods on last week's Great Glen paddle expedition!

A tough week with winds changing directions but clients and team adapted to suit, well done to all!

Check out our paddle sports page @ for details of upcoming adventures 👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

26/05/2024

Huge excitement at demo weekend as I am finally away with a new steed !

It's only taken 2 years of tyre kicking and test riding 😂 (and loads of chatting 😅)

A cracking deal from our pals at - who, as always, continue to support our business 👏

Looking forward to joining our clients on the next MTB adventure 👍

But even more so, looking forward to getting back up the hills with pals ❤️

04/05/2024

Looking forward to being involved in Cyclehighlands, demo weekend.

Ballater 25th & 26th of May.

Shuttles will be available for demo bikes and we have some trail builders to move around for the Aberdeenshire Trail Association

Check it out and get signed up to try out some of the best bikes on the market !

Our annual Spring Demo weekend supported by returns 25th and 26th May…can’t wait to have all our brands back up with great bikes , a BBQ and much more . Email or phone to book a demo bike or find out more !

03/05/2024

Back in my happy place for a few days as the bosses are off to sunny Lisbon for one of their Stag Do's. 🙃

But we have our own (long overdue!) sunshine here on Deeside, so come and see me at The Strong Water Co. - Banchory 🌞

Fridge is stocked with some cold tinnies & bubbles, shelfs are full of summery wines, some exciting new whiskies in stock and the boy behind the counter is full of great chat 😉

It's maybe even a day for a The Port of Leith White Port & Walter Gregor's Tonic Water down by the river ❤️🌞🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

03/05/2024

Check out some of the awesome SUP expeditions we are offering through our partners at Sup2summit - some even include full support from us!

SUP Expeditions 2024!

Our Sup Expeditions are just one week away from starting! However we still have some places left, grab your chance to explore Scotland this summer!

Loch Shiel Expedition - into the wilds of the west coast from the foot of the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. This trip really has it all. We also have a special guest - Brendon Prince-Long Paddle SUP joining us for one trip in August. Limited spaces available.

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/loch-shiel-4-day-sup-adventure

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/loch-shiel-brendon-prince

Great Glen Sup Trail - paddle across Scotland between Fort William and Inverness. This trip is supported by Bothies & Bannocks providing a SUPport bus to follow us along the way and transfer our kit as well as cook awesome home cooked food each evening. This is the perfect start for someone looking to start their sup touring journey. Spaces available for August.

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/great-glen-sup-trail

Knoydart Expedition - join us into one of the most remote places in the UK. This is a truly amazing place to explore from seals to sea otters and porpoises to eagles . Only 3 spaces left.

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/paddleboarding-konydart-sup-expedition

West Coast Sup Odyssey - our most northerly sup expedition. Starting in Loch Maree this trip is an exploration of the wild north west coast and inland waters. 1 space available.

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/west-coast-sup-odyssey

River Spey Descent - Join us and EM Paddlesports: Coaching & Guiding for a four day white water adventure down the River Spey! Spaces available

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/river-spey-4-day-expedition

Great Glen unsupported expedition - five days of paddle boarding across the width of Scotland. Setting off from under the foot of Ben Nevis. This is five days not to be missed. Spaces available.

https://widget.eola.co/690/activities/great-glen-sup-trail-unsupported

28/04/2024

Our guide Mike & driver Jane have had a busy day in the rain with a lovely group of Norwegians.

Kjetil got in touch to say he and his crew had been planning a pilgrimage to Cragganmore for some years, as this is his favourite dram!

We linked this up with a visit to a special Stone Circle. Followed by a very informative private tour of Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate NTS

They then got a sneaky visit to a very special remote Inn - can you name it from the picture? Looks like Jane found the bar easily! 😉🤣

Lunch was provided by the super friendly and knowledgeable staff at Highlander Inn - Craigellachie - our favourite Speyside lunch stop!

Thanks Kjetil and crew for booking with Bothies & Bannocks and thanks to Jane and Mike for doing such a fine job as always ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

27/04/2024

Delighted to be supporting such an epic MTB trip with Endless Trails MTB

Guide and clients had a blast crossing the Cairngorms yesterday ❤️

Our pals at Cyclehighlands dropping everything yesterday afternoon for some emergency repairs!

A night at the The Boat Inn, Aboyne and a days riding the Aboyne trails today.

Homemade soup and fresh coffee will be welcomed at today's lunch stop! 😋

25/04/2024

Pretending to get along with our competitor for the film crew. 🤜

We were on his turf, so all Bothies & Bannocks branding hidden 🙄

If you're really stuck over the dark side or can't get us to do your job, then give Highland Yaks - Activity Transport a shout 😉

On a serious note - big respect to Kelty, he openly let me copy his business idea and now puts up with my cheek! ❤️🤣

Good to catch up and discuss the hardship of running a seasonal business among rising costs.

It often feels like a councilling session!

Here's to another season working with our buddy fae oer the hill 💪🥃 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

18/04/2024

Some lovely feedback for our guide Mike from Tuesdays tour with a couple of local ladies.

As Betty says, you don't need to be a tourist to enjoy our tours ❤️

16/04/2024

3 spaces left on our final group Market Day Cookery Class of the season.

*Saturday 20th April *
*09.00-17.00*
*Aberdeen City*
*£115 per person*

● Trip to the farmers market to buy ingredients
● Wee stop at the wine shop
● Afternoon of food, drink and fun in the kitchen

Get in touch to book !

Banchory Farmers Market
The Strong Water Co.
Chef for Hire Aberdeenshire
CFINE

07/04/2024

Not quite a TV debut but YouTube is the new telly anyway!

Snapped this incredible action shot of me giving a wee insight into the history of the AA boxes to Avtomobilnost 🤣

Check out the full video below, mind and click on English subtitles. Either skip to the best bit at 2.44 or watch the full review of the new Toyota Land Cruiser.

Some epic Deeside scenery on show.

Allan & Black Coaches
Glen Tanar
Balmoral Arms

https://youtu.be/8IUDNSu9Btg?si=oViqDlmKfTgKhwX1

03/04/2024

Throwback to our first ever post on Facebook - the birth of Bothies & Bannocks !

5 years in business today, celebrating by working, decorating the home office and finally having a wee dram 🥃

Sláinte to all our followers, guests and friends. Thank you for you support ❤️

Here's to another 5 years of driving around Scotland telling stories 🤣

Bothies & Bannocks Est. 2019 ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

25/03/2024

And here I am, all proud, smug and ready to post about our new website that I've spent months working on.

But there's one last thing to muck me up!

Where on earth has that picture below come from?!

It's certainly nae Deeside 🙄

That's the problem with making a website when your not a Web designer 🤣

Anyway ignore that and check out the new site and let me know any feedback you have.

**EDIT - thanks to my awesome technical pal we now have a much more familiar photo on display 👍**

Bespoke guided tours and transport services in the North East of Scotland, offering tours from Aberdeen, Inverness & Dundee areas.

15/03/2024

Back in the kitchen tomorrow with this loon - Chef for Hire Aberdeenshire

Get in touch if you would like to spend a day in the cook school with top banter!

Private groups of up to 8 people. Can involve a trip to a market or farm shop to purchase quality ingredients.

The perfect day out for friends, families and corporate groups looking for something different to do in Aberdeen city.


Banchory Farmers Market
The Strong Water Co.

08/03/2024

What an awesome day at NEAT's annual industry event.

Very interesting and inspirational talk from the guys at Dolomiti Paganella Bike

Great to catch up with guides, accommodation providers and funding partners.

And nothing but the best hospitality from the masters at Maryculter House ❤️

VisitAberdeenshire
VisitCairngorms
VisitScotland

22/02/2024

To all our American customers who can't take as much whisky home as you like.

We finally have the answer.

Our good pal Mungo at has managed to find a way.

That now means that we can ship whisky to over the pond !

It's who you know sometimes!

21/02/2024

Check out some of these incredible SUP retreats from Sup2summit - the really good ones even come with the Bothies & Bannocks adventure bus and our super host Isabelle on support !

30/01/2024

Well, would you look at that 👀 the team at TripAdvisor have awarded us with the Travellers Choice 2023 award.

They just failed to notify us of this 🙄😖

Anyway, we are delighted to be recognised alongside some of the best tour operators and guides in the world ❤️

Thank you to all our customers who have taken the time to write a review. They really do mean so much to a small business like ours! ❤️❤️

24/01/2024

🍽 Exciting News from Braemar Bistro! 🌟

This evening, we had the pleasure of attending the relaunch of Braemar Bistro. It's great to see this amazing space back in good hands.

Tomorrow night marks Burns Night, and Braemar Bistro has prepared a special menu that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Scotland. From traditional haggis to delectable neeps and tatties, every dish is a celebration of Scottish flavors.

Make sure to follow them on Facebook for updates on their new menus and opening times.

12/01/2024

We had a cracking day at the Shee yesterday. Conditions not perfect but great to see the effort they are going to, to make it rideable.

We were met with a smile at the ticket office, had good banter with the lifties, tasty lunch from Hazel and the team and service with a smile in the shop!

Thanks again to all at Glenshee Ski Centre, keep up the good work!

Still spaces on our beginners level snowboard camp at the end of February, get in touch for more details.

End of day image 12 January 2024

Well the forecast didn't let us down 😎. What a great day to be outside. Blue skies and sunshine all day. Warm in the sun up to +6.5 and cold in the shade,very low humidity so the air was very dry. Snow was firm and hard packed after the nights of frost we've had.

Tomorrow, we are opening Sunnyside, claybokie, Plastic Baddoch, D**k D**k and Rope Tow. We have plenty of beginners area and also an area which is set aside for sledging.

Forecast is showing the start of the change in weather fronts, which have been identified on the telly and elsewhere, with milder air (+1) and an increase in wind speeds to around 20mph. Could see some snow on Saturday afternoon and through Sunday. Winds from the North and temperatures dropping after dark. Next week is looking very cold.

Visit Braemar VisitCairngorms VisitAberdeenshire Visit Perthshire's Cateran Country Visit Ballater Snowsport Scotland Ski-Scotland Glenshee & Strathardle Tourist Association Welcome to Braemar Community

10/01/2024

🏂🌨️ Discover the Magic of Snowboarding in Scotland! Join Our Beginners Snowboard Camp - February 26th to March 1st 🌨️🏂

Embark on an unforgettable snowboarding journey amidst the breath-taking landscapes of Royal Deeside, Scotland! 🏔️ Whether you're strapping in for the first time or looking to revisit the basics, our Beginners Snowboard Camp is your ticket to an epic winter adventure.

✨ Camp Highlights:
🗓️ Dates: February 26th to March 1st
📍 Location: Ballater, Scotland
💷 Price: £750pp

🏂 What's in Store:

3 Mornings of Expert Lessons: Master the basics with our certified instructors.
Free Afternoons: Enjoy ample time to practice what you've learned and explore the slopes at your own pace.
Optional Friday Slope Day: Extend the thrill with an extra day on the slopes (optional).
Glamping at Howe of Torbeg: Immerse yourself in nature with comfortable, glamping-style accommodation.
Chef-Prepared Meals: Fuel your adventure with delicious, hearty meals prepared by our talented chef.
Evening Activities: Unwind with yoga sessions, stargazing under the Scottish night sky, and optional massage sessions.

👉 Limited Spots - Get in touch to book your space on this epic camp

🎉 Share the Excitement!
Tag your adventure-loving friends and make this winter one for the books. Let's ride the Scottish slopes together!

05/01/2024

Only one date left for this years camps - 26th February - 1st March.

Come and join us for a week of learning, good food and excellent company 😉

Perfect for couples, solos and friends.

Get in touch for more details and to book your place.

Howe of Torbeg
Glenshee Ski Centre

03/01/2024

Happy New year to all our customers and followers.

Are you looking for a new challenge this year or looking to get a way for a week of activity and chill time?

Join us on our Snowboard Camp

26th February - 1st March
Ballater, Scotland
5 Days - all inclusive (except one evenings dinner and some optional activities)
£750pp

Get in touch for more details & to book your place on this week of fun and adventure!

Small group, lovely accommodation, chef prepared meals, expert tuition, yoga, massage and stargazing in the evenings and of course the usual standard of Bothies & Bannocks hospitality and top banter!

Howe of Torbeg
Glenshee Ski Centre