With our four characterful and well-placed self-catering holiday cottages, beautiful and unique Garden, and The Coachhouse Music Studio all within easy walking distance of each other, Blackhills is a wonderful event venue offering music courses, Gaelic cultural activities and more.

Garden Opening

For one or two days during the month of May, the Garden at Blackhills is opened to the public (for charity donations), the highlight being viewing species of rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. On these special viewing days, the Garden is open from 11am - 6pm. Teas are served on the day. Toilet facilities are provided.

Garden Opening for 2024 is Sunday, 26th May.

Please note that the garden is closed to the public, and anyone wishing to arrange a visit must contact us in advance, or they will be turned away. The gardens are private, and to maintain the privacy of those staying in our holiday cottages and of family members, we must manage access. Please remember that Blackhills Estate is a private home and working farm and that there is no public parking or facilities. We thank you for your understanding.

Music

Five-day courses are held in the The Coachhouse Music Studio, within the Blackhills Garden setting. Courses are open for groups of up to 12 students at a time. Celebrated performer and recording artist, Alison Kinnaird, teaches a variety of traditional Scottish tunes, songs and techniques. The teaching is aural so there is no need to worry if you don't read music. In this way, the lessons are inclusive of all abilities; a harp and your passion are all the essential elements required. A typical day on the course runs from 9:30 - 3:30 with breaks for tea and lunch. The early afternoon end-time allows for reflection on your learning and practice, and a chance to take a walk in the Garden. Everyone gathers again for dinner at seven. Food is locally sourced, organic where possible, and freshly made. All refreshments, wine and meals are included in the price. Vegans and vegetarians can be catered for.

Alison Kinnaird MBE is a sculptor, author, teacher, lecturer, harpist and recording artist. She is at the forefront of the tradition of playing the clàrsach, a triangular framed Gaelic harp. She has written many books about the harp including ‘Tree of Strings’ co-authored with Keith Sanger.

Look out for details of future courses.

Music lessons with Steph Christie

Steph Christie is an ABRSM CME qualified music teacher with many years of experience and a strong record of success. Steph works with beginners all the way up to university entrance level with students supported throughout their ABRSM grade exams. She can also create less formal plans for those that prefer to learn without exam pressure.

Lessons take place at The Coachhouse Music Studio here at Blackhills Estate.

For more details please contact steph@clarbo.com

Instruments taught:
Piano
Traditional lever harp
Accordion
Theory

Ability Levels:
Beginners to Advanced

Fèis Mhoireibh: Keeping traditions alive

Fèis Mhoireibh, meaning Moray Festival in Gaelic, is a charitable organisation dedicated to the perpetuation of Scottish Highland culture. Their outreach activities are enlightening and engaging, offering children access to knowledge and understanding of the early roots of Gaelic culture and a chance to explore its myths and legends. Activities range from full-day music courses, playing the clàrsach (small harp), accordion, fiddle, chanters (bagpipes) and singing traditional songs, to storytelling, woodland walks through Blackhills Garden and making gifts for fairies and weather gods.

You can find out more on the Fèis Mhoireibh Facebook page.

Blackhills Estate as a wedding venue

Blackhills has hosted several wonderful, imaginative, bespoke weddings. Mid-late May/June is an especially lovely time of year with the rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom but there’s usually something flowering at all times of the year.

Please contact us for more information