Grantown on Spey

Grantown on Spey

Grantown-on-Spey is a traditional town, located on a low plateau beside the river Spey at the northern edge of the Cairngorm mountains. It sits within the north-western part of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains.

Grantown-on-Spey (Scottish Gaelic: Baile nan Granndach, meaning Town of the Grants) was founded in 1765 as a planned settlement during the Scottish Enlightenment and was originally called simply Grantown after Sir James Grant. The addition ‘on Spey’ was added by the burgh council in 1898. It is characterised by its Victorian heritage and town layout with wide tree-lined streets, traditional stone buildings and a central square. Grantown still retains a strong Victorian character and has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.

It has several listed 18th and 19th century buildings, including a number of large hotels and serves as a regional centre for tourism and services in the Strathspey region. Historic churches and bridges reflect the architectural charm of the area and it plenty of outdoor space, an attractive Square, a High Street full of independent shops, local supermarkets, health centre, museum, hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering properties and a caravan park, many of which are award-winning.

Grantown is a haven for nature lovers and the community-owned Anagach Woods right next to the town, offer miles of scenic trails ideal for walking, biking and exploring. Situated in Speyside, the town is near several world-renowned whisky distilleries and is a gateway to the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail. Its own local distillery – the Cairn distillery of Gordon and MacPhail – opened in 2022 right on the edge of the town. Local shops and cafés reflect Highland hospitality and there are numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including Hogmanay in the Square, Thunder in the Glens (Grantown), Strathfest and Fiddlers of Strathspey music festivals, Greentown Show and the Christmas Torchlight procession with Santa and his real-life reindeer. Grantown also boasts a fantastic display of Christmas lights.