Lying on the magnificent River Spey and home to the Scots Osprey, Boat of Garten nestles in woodland among rolling heather-clad hills and the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park just a few miles north of Aviemore. Taking its name from the ferry at Gartenmore, the village itself may only be around a hundred and fifty years old but there have been settlements in the outlying areas (Drumuillie, Chapelton, Tulloch Moor etc) for many thousands of years. The village has its own web site www.boatofgarten.com.

Boat of Garten's primary tourist attraction is the Strathspey steam railway, which runs from the Boat to Aviemore and Broomhill, setting for the fictitious 'Glenbogle Station' in the television series Monarch of the Glen. The line, part of the original Great North of Scotland route from Aviemore to Aberdeen, will eventually be extended to Grantown-on-Spey. Boat of Garten is well known as the Osprey Village because it was here that they first reintroduced themselves in the fifties after completely dying out in the UK a hundred years ago. You can view them at the Osprey Centre.

Lisi's Restaurant just on the outskirts of Boat of Garten offers great home cooking and offers both a lunch and evening menu. Andersons Restaurant located on the high street is a superb addition to the Cairngorms wine and dine portfolio. It offers outstanding food, using local produce, wherever possible. The famous gourmet pie nights on a Wednesday (winter period) are definitely worth a try. The Boat Hotel overlooking the steam railway is perfect for a lunch time snack or delicious evening meal. The hotel has improved greatly over the years, with signifanct investment, and now offers some outstanding food in great surroundings.

The village of Boat of Garten is home to one of the true hidden gems of Scottish Golf Courses. Often referred to as the 'Gleneagles of the Highlands' the Boat of Garten Golf Course is renowned internationally as one of the most scenically attractive tests of golf designed by the grand master of course architecture and master golfer, James Braid. There are many other courses close by, just check the golf page for more info.

The Boat of Garten village hall it the hub of community events. It hosts many different events throughout the year from the Hogmanay Ceilidh, wildlife talks in the summer to Rock the Boat. The Boat of Garten book festival, winter talks, summer festival events,  osprey music society concerts and Show boaters all use this hall. For more information check out the village hall web site for up-to-date event listings.

When in Boat of Garten why not drop into the only store in Boat of Garten, M&B Stores. They sell a wide range of goods, from all your grocery and bakery requirements to newspapers and magazines, wines and spirits, souvenirs and much more. They also offer bike hire and sell fishing permits and tackle. There is also a well stocked mountain bike & hiking shop next to the Boat Hotel which is well worth a visit.