Kincraig

Kincraig

Kincraig village (Scottish Gaelic: Ceann na Creige) was originally called Boat of Insh, the name given to the station that served the village when the main line railway reached this far in 1863. But in 1871 the railway company renamed the station Kincraig, possibly signifying the moment at which the ferry, which until then always used to cross the River Spey just to the east of the village, was first replaced by a bridge. As happened in other places, the name of the village followed the name of the railway station, and ‘Kincraig’ it has been ever since.

The ‘community’ that is covered by Kincraig & Vicinity Community Council is in fact made up of a number of separate villages and settlements, which include Kincraig, Insh, Dalnavert, Alvie, Feshiebridge, Lynchat, Drumguish, Speybank and Inveruglas.

Despite this geographical spread, a strong connection exists between all of these localities and Kincraig village. Although residents of the outlying settlements often look to their larger neighbours (Aviemore and Kingussie) for amenities and services, they remain connected with the village due to the strong bonds with the land and the presence there of the village hall, local primary school, cafe, church and pub which all play a pivotal role in the social cohesion of this scattered community.

Kincraig Stores and Post Office which traded continuously for 120 years, closed in July 2016. It was reopened in June 2019 as the ‘Old Post Office Cafe & Gallery’. Alvie Primary School is located at the north end of Kincraig village, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre about 2 miles south east and The Highland Wildlife Park about 3 miles south west. Dalraddy Holiday Park based in Alvie offers holiday homes, self-catering, touring and camping facilities.