T H E C A R N E G I E C L U B – 7 7 – A P R I L A pair of nesting ospreys are caught on camera. A live video feed means that members are able to watch the goings-on at the nest from the comfort of the Clubhouse. – Peter Crome takes part in Hospitality Action’s ‘Back to the Floor’ fundraising event, helping to raise over £92,000 to support those in crisis with his superior waiting skills. The scent of freshly baked hot cross buns and simnel cake fills the castle as we celebrate Easter weekend with the help of Hoppy the bunny. M A Y A hand-forged steel osprey, commissioned by the club and crafted by local sculptor James Ritchie, is installed at the entrance of the Skibo Clubhouse. – Over the early May bank holiday, children enjoy a fun-filled activity programme including a treasure trail through the walled garden. – Adventurer Sue Harper Todd, who has climbed Everest and sailed across the Atlantic, leads our Scotland’s Last Great Wilderness weekend, which sees members walk 23.3 miles over two days. J U N E Whisky & Writers, an exhibition of legendary artist Ralph Steadman’s work, opens in the Skibo Gallery. – The inaugural Three-Course Challenge sees members play three courses – Royal Dornoch, Machrihanish and The Carnegie Links – over three days of friendly golfing competition. J U L Y Our Club Championship sees players of all abilities take part in a Stableford tournament played over two days. – Members are invited to a Carnegie Club Members’ Night at the hit West End production of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, hosted by producer and fellow club member, Scott Delman. – Members on our Italian Opera Trip enjoy seeing La Bohème at La Scala and opera Nabucco at Arena di Verona. A U G U S T House of Garrard join us over the August bank holiday, and members are able to borrow jewellery to wear during the weekend’s Gala Dinner. – Jeweller to the stars, Stephen Webster MBE, joins us to talk about his glittering career and showcase his stunning creations. S E P T E M B E R Members enjoy two days of walking through the Cairngorm National Park and the beautiful landscape of Sutherland with Martin Treacher. – The annual Skibo Pro-Am teams members and their guests with professionals from the PGA Tartan Tour for two days of friendly competition on The Carnegie Links. – Members are invited to bring their horses to the Focus on Equestrian event, where Scottish Paralympics and RDA dressage representative Erik Mackechnie offers world-class coaching. O C T O B E R Our Focus on Food event gets the taste buds tingling with cocktail experts Barnomadics, confectioners Cocoa Mountain, fungi expert Neville Kilkenny, grappa distillers Nonino and Italian chef Riccardo Scaioli, as well as wine from Italy’s Petra Toscana and Bellavista wineries. – Pumpkin carving, fancy-dress parade and buggy decorating keep the kids happy over Halloween weekend, while a fireworks display at the castle entertains the whole family. N O V E M B E R Our Arts, Wine & Music Weekend takes place, with a performance from Highland Chamber Orchestra in the stunning surroundings of the Skibo pool, with special guest violinist Stephanie Childress. – The club hosts the Luxury Shopping Weekend, with pop-ups from carefully curated brands and the opportunity for members to have their portraits taken by esteemed photographer John Swannell. – Thanksgiving is celebrated at the castle, with turkey, yams and corn fritters among the traditional dishes on offer to members. D E C E M B E R Our pre-Christmas House Party allows members to enjoy a castle Christmas, complete with a visit from Santa Claus! – Christmas sees the debut of this year’s panto, Hansel and Gretel, written, directed by and starring the indomitable Peter Crome. – We ring in the new year with a traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebration complete with cèilidh and firework display. – 7 6 – Y E A R I N R E V I E W JA N U A R Y The second phase of work begins on the Clubhouse redevelopment. – The cupola in the Great Hall is restored to its former glory, as a specialist conservator team refresh the paintwork and apply Italian gold leaf to this magnificent original feature. – Work begins in the walled garden with new Arts and Crafts-style beds created where fruit, vegetables and flowers for use in the castle will be grown. – The club’s new public website launches, showcasing the best of Skibo and featuring some familiar faces! F E B R U A R Y At the Stables, Zoe, Mia, Emily and Ellie all pass the prestigious BHS Equestrian Tourism Ride Leader qualification. Gunner, a rising nine bay gelding, joins the Skibo Stables. – Members are invited to a cocktail party, hosted by Peter, Emma and Claire, at The Savoy Hotel in London. – The club’s Opening Weekend is celebrated with a spectacular fireworks display in front of the castle. Members enjoy the unveiling of the upgraded Clubhouse and the opening of the new Skibo Shop. The annual programme of maintenance continues as the damaged crow steps at the front of the castle are replaced with locally sourced sandstone. M A R C H A group of staff volunteers from the club lay the turf plaza at the new community-owned Falls of Shin visitor centre. The new centre, which also houses a café and shop, was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 2013. L OO KING BACK Once again, it has been an inspirational year at Skibo, full of thrilling adventures and first-rate entertainment