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The best boozy breaks and day trips around the UK | Travel

WINE

FizzFest, Hampshire

FizzFest is the Vineyards of Hampshire’s annual festival, held at a different vineyard each year – this year, for the first time, it is at Exton Park. Visitors can taste 16 still and sparkling wines from eight Hampshire vineyards (Exton Park, Hambledon, Hattingley Valley, Cottonworth, Jenkyn Place, Danebury, Raimes and Black Chalk), book a wine and food-pairing masterclass, and take a tractor ride around the 55-acre vineyard, which isn’t usually open to the public. Food comes from local producers and there is a live band. • 21 July, from £15, extonparkvineyard.com

New wine region, Surrey

Albury vineyard tour. Photograph: Jonathan Blackham

Five vineyards have united to form a new English wine region, called Vineyards of the Surrey Hills. All are open for tours and tastings, and run special events. Denbies now opens for brunch at weekends, and has a host of events including regular vineyard train tours with sparkling wine and canapes, and there’ll be live jazz with wine, beer and a barbecueon 16 June. Albury has a wine, cheese and gin tasting day on 7 July, and a “dine between the vines” event on 18 July. At Greyfriars, there is a summer solstice tasting with local cheese and charcuterie on 21 June, sunset yoga and wine tasting on 22 June, and a free open day on 14 September. The other two vineyards to visit are Chilworth Manor and High Clandon. • surreyhillsvineyards.co.uk

Vineyards tour by ebike, Kent

Chapel Down. Photograph: Jason Alden

The UK Electric Bike Centre in Bibbenden rents ebikes for riding on suggested routes through the Kent countryside. One of the most popular is the Kent Vineyards route, taking in wineries including Chapel Down near Tenterden – a good stop for lunch or wine tasting (and panniers are provided for those who want to stock up). Another is the Brewery route, which includes a microbrewery tour and a pub lunch a few miles on. More itineraries are being developed this year, including off-road routes for e-mountain bikes. The company supplies maps, or cyclists can navigate using a new app. • Half day £35, full day £45, ukelectricbiketours.co.uk

Stay in a vineyard hobbit house, East Sussex

Oastbrook is a new vineyard, planted last year near the village of Bodiam. At the same time, the owners built a “hobbit house” into a grassy bank next to the vines. The living room has a vaulted and beamed ceiling and a woodburner, there are two double bedrooms and a garden with a hot tub – a nice spot to sip Oastbrook’s first vintage, a sparkling rosé (which, until their own vines grow to maturity, is being made in partnership with another vineyard). Guests can walk down to the river and use the kayaks, or continue to Bodiam Castle, a 15-minute walk away. • Sleeps four, from £735 for three nights or from £980 for a week, originalcottages.co.uk

BEER

Brewery sportives, nationwide

A sportive at Purity brewery. Photograph: James Rudd

Toby Fellows of LetsGoVelo launched a series of brewery cycle sportives in 2016. The idea was to create non-competitive, sociable cycling events with a place to relax afterwards – so where better than a brewery? That first started and finished at the Wye Valley Brewery in Herefordshire and is still an annual fixture, but the schedule has grown to 11 sportives at breweries including Thornbridge in the Peak District, BrewDog in Aberdeenshire and Purity in Warwickshire, plus cider mills and distilleries. New locations for 2019 include the Chase Distillery in Herefordshire (with post-race gin and vodka), the Towcester Mill Brewery in Northamptonshire and the Dartmoor Brewery in Devon. Cyclists can opt for the half-pint sportive (usually 23-35 miles) or the full pint (usually 50-60 miles) – plus as many pints as they like when they cross the finish line. • Next event 23 June, near Ledbury, last event 7 September, Dartmoor, from £20pp, letsgovelo.co.uk

Canoe pub crawls, Norwich

You can’t beat meandering along the river in a canoe, then mooring at a waterside pub. Pub and Paddle in Norwich offers just that along four routes, with suggested pub stops along the way. It hires out canoes and also collects them from your final watering hole, so there’s no danger of paddling under the influence. The shortest trip is a two-hour evening paddle into the city centre, calling at the Ribs of Beef pub (nine real ales, pie night on Wednesdays). The longest is seven hours to Surlingham, with six possible pub stops en route. There are new activities each summer, such as late-night solstice canoeing and pizza – check the website for upcoming events. • Daily, £12.50 to £30, pubandpaddle.com

GIN

Paddleboarding, foraging and gin-making, Highlands

Photograph: Ed Smith

Daffy’s Gin is made at Strathmashie Distillery, a Victorian shooting lodge in the Cairngorms. Its “gin school” opened last year and offers gin-making with a twist – pupils go out foraging for their own botanicals, either on foot in the hills or by paddleboard on Loch Insh. The price includes three 20cl bottles of foraged gin to take home and a G&T in the bar. Guests who fancy another drink or two can stay over in the Distillery Cottage or the Butler’s Flat, and go hiking, biking, fishing or wild swimming the next day. • From £95, next foraging trips 12-16 September, or by arrangement for groups of five or more, daffysgin.com

Gin garden tours, Edinburgh

The Secret Herb Garden, a 7½-acre site at the foot of the Pentland Hills just outside Edinburgh, is the UK’s first working gin botanical garden. More than 1,000 juniper bushes and 500 herbs are grown and dried here, then used to make Old Curiosity gin. Now visitors can go on a guided tour of the garden, visit the drying room and distillery, and taste the Secret Garden range (lemon verbena, chamomile and cornflower, apothecary rose, and lavender and echinacea) in the gin lounge. • Three tours on Saturdays and Sundays year-round, one on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 June to 21 September, £15, theoldcuriosity.co.uk

WHISKY

Raft to a distillery, Perthshire

Not in the Guidebooks, a travel company offering unusual experiences, has a whisky tour with a difference. Intrepid tipplers can now reach Dewar’s Distillery by raft. The six-mile journey from Aberfeldy to Grandtully in the Perthshire highlands is a scenic one, traversing the waters that go into the whisky. After lunch, visitors take a blender’s tour and make their own whisky from a blend of cask-strength single malt and grain whisky. The price includes rafting, tour and tasting, a glass and a 500ml bottle. • £65, notintheguidebooks.com

Whisky Trail sailing, western Scotland

If rafting to one whisky distillery sounds good, sailing to several must be even better. This holiday starts in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and finishes at Oban in Argyll and Bute, island-hopping Jura, Islay, Mull and Skye along the way. There is plenty of shore time to tour the distilleries – there are eight to visit on Islay alone. Depending on the weather, there may be visits to other islands such as Colonsay, which has a brewery. No sailing experience is necessary – the first full day is a training day, and there are daily lessons from two instructors. • Next available trip 2-13 October, from £1,499 for 12 days, including all meals and equipment, rubicon3.co.uk

MIX IT UP

Aperol and Campari, Manchester, Edinburgh and London

The revolving Aperol Bar at Oast House in Manchester

Two Italian aperitifs, Aperol and Campari, are celebrating centenaries this year. Aperol was created in 1919 – as was the negroni, the classic Campari, gin and vermouth cocktail. In Manchester, the Oast House has an Aperol terrace until the end of August, plus a Big Birthday Social with a revolving Aperol carousel bar, live music and DJs (19-23 June, lineupnow.com). There are seven parties to celebrate Negroni Week – in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (20-27 June, lavitacampari.com). Drinkup London runs Negroni Experiments, where drinkers can sample various gins and vermouths before making their perfect cocktail (next event 4 September, drinkup.london). The Applebee’s Fish pop-up on the Southbank has Aperol spritz and negronis on tap (until 15 September, applebeesfish.com).

Great British booze break, Gloucestershire

Photograph: Mark Bolton

The Tudor Farmhouse, a boutique hotel in the Forest of Dean, has a two-night Great British booze break celebrating the area’s breweries, orchards, vineyards and distilleries. The package includes bed and breakfast, a minibar stocked with local beers and ciders, pre-dinner cocktails and three-course dinners. Guests also receive a copy of the hotel’s Great British booze trail, a guide to nine producers in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. At the Hillside Brewery, for example, visitors can brew their own beer, while the Apple County Cider Co has orchard walks and picnics. • From £235 a night for two, tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk

Unusual tastings, London

Agave Sessions at The Distillery in Notting Hill. Photograph: Justin Gardner

The capital has some interesting alternative tasting tours. The Distillery in Notting Hill holds Agave Sessions, with tastings of tequila, mezcal and other lesser-known Mexican spirits. The session also includes four cocktails and a Mexican lunch, plus a bottle and small barrel of tequila to take home (£100, next events 6 and 20 July, the-distillery.london). At Laki Kane, a tiki bar in Islington, there are 20 mini pot stills for tipplers to make their own rum (from £45, daily, lakikane.com). TT Liquor in Shoreditch runs a range of tastings and masterclasses, including a molecular cocktail-making class (£70, next event 5 July, ttliquor.co.uk). And the Capital hotel in Knightsbridge runs vermouth sessions, with tastings and charcuterie (£45, Sunday-Thursday, capitalhotel.co.uk).

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

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captaingardening100-blog · 6 years ago

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THIS WEEK: Winter Words Festival at Pitlochry

New Post has been published on https://gardenguideto.com/awesome/this-week-winter-words-festival-at-pitlochry/

THIS WEEK: Winter Words Festival at Pitlochry

Pitlochry Festival Theatre has an amazing array of demonstrates for this year’s Winter Words Festival from 14 – 17 February :P TAGEND

Thursday, 14 February

Mary Miers and Christina Noble: Journey To A Highland Estate

Enter the wonderful world of the Highland Estate with two fascinating writers. Mary Miers will introduce some of the most dramatic and little-known homes in the romantic north of Scotland, with some specially commissioned images, many from the world famous Country Life picture archive. Christina Noble will focus on one estate- Ardkinglas, a 45,000 -acre estate at the head of Loch Fyne- now famous for its Oyster Bar. She’ll tell the story of the estate, based on personal memories, letters and household diaries- from her great-grandfather buying the estate in 1905, to the community Ardkinglas has become today, looking at a Highland estate in the modern world and asking what is it for?

10. 00 am- 11.00 am | PS8. 50

Ken Cox: Adventures In Woodland Gardening

Festival favourite, Ken Cox returns to Winter Words with a talk on Woodland Gardening, detailing how to landscape with Rhododendrons, Magnolias and Camellias. With plenty of gorgeous images, Ken will take audiences through the history and evolution of the woodland gardening style, from Japan and China, to Europe and around the world. Plus insights and advice on intend, management and restoring woodland gardens. Ken is a third generation woodland gardener at Glendoick, Scotland, a nurseryman and writer of 11 volumes on Scottish gardens, gardening and rhododendrons.

11. 30 am- 12.30 pm | PS8. 50

Chris Townsend: Strolling The Spine Of Scotland Literary Lunch

Chris Townsend, passionate hillwalker and backpacker, is currently Hillwalking Ambassador for the British Mountaineering Council. Here he turns his attention to the spine of Scotland,’ The Watershed’ which operates between the Atlantic and the North Sea, covering 1200 km and describes his walk along the line where fallen rainfall operates either west to the Atlantic or east to the North Sea, showing us some of the stunning images he’s taken along the way. But this tale isn’t simply a travelogue, instead Chris will reflect on nature and history, conservation and rewilding, land use and literature, and change in a time of limitless possibilities for both better and worse.

12. 45 pm- 2.15 pm | PS24. 50 includes a two course lunch and coffee or tea.

Gary Sutherland: Walk This Way

Gary Sutherland is not your typical nature writer. He lived on the doorstep of the West Highland Way for many years, dismissing it, until one day he started to walk- and walking and walk. Gary tells how mounds dedicated him the heebiejeebies, and woods frightened him. Add to that his deep aversion to most forms of wildlife. Then, one day, he decided to tackle the West Highland Way … and the Great Glen Way … and the Speyside Way. This is a tale- with images- of fortitude, cows, resilience, feral goats, ambition, Belgians, ludicrous ridges, cataclysmic quagmires and creepy messages spelt out in pine cones!

3. 00 pm- 4.00 pm | PS8. 50

Donald S Murray and John MacLeod: Remembering The Iolaire Disaster

In 1918, more than 200 men succumbed when His Majesty’s Admiralty Yacht, Iolaire sank, just outside Stornoway Harbour. It was one of the worst shipping catastrophes in British history. The 100 th anniversary of the Iolaire disaster is a time to remember, and we’re doing just that in this event. Donald S. Murray will discuss his fictional account of the tragedy, As The Women Lay Dreaming, while John MacLeod brings us a factual story from the day that so many Scottish hearts were violated. Join us for what will surely be a moving and fascinating discussion.

4. 30 pm- 5.30 pm | PS8. 50

Liz Lochhead with Steve Kettley: Something Old, Something New

A selection of favourites, old and new, from fifty( ouch !) years of bittersweet, polemical, comical, in-character monologues, theatre pieces and performance poems by the former National Poet of Scotland and recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, Liz Lochhead. Plus bluesy, soulful and playful saxophone stuff from musician, composer and occasional performer, Steve Kettley of long-standing quartet, Steve Kettley’s Odd Times, whose varied career includes work touring the UK and with residencies in New York and Baltimore.

7. 30 pm- 9.00 pm | PS12. 50

Friday, 15 February

Donald S Murray and Robin A Crawford: Discovering The Story Of Peat

Peat. The Dark Stuff. Art historian, Robin A Crawford delves Into The Peatlands of the Outer Hebrides over the course of the year, explaining how they have been created and examining how peat has been used from the Bronze Age onwards plus many other aspects, including the wildlife and folklore relating to these lonely, watery places. Playwright-poet, Donald S. Murray’s talk extends from Lewis and the Highlands to the Netherlands and Australia, unpicking how this landscape affected him and the ways that humans have represented the moor in literature, art and folktale. Together their conversation is a fascinating discourse on this most Scottish of materials.

10. 00 am- 11.00 am | PS8. 50

Andy Howard: The Secret Life Of The Mountain Hare

Andy Howard is a wildlife photographer, ecologist, and expert on the mountain hare. “Usually shy, always charming, they can run like the wind and their presence is an indicator of a healthy environment, where predators and prey live their lives in a constantly changing balance.” In this event Andy will take the audience on a journey with this ultimate survivor, accompanied by his own stunning images.

11. 30 am- 12.30 pm | PS8. 50

Polly Pullar: A Richness Of Martens Literary Lunch

Polly Pullar is a novelist, photographer and field naturalist. She has a particular passion for wildlife, the countryside and in particular remote the sectors of the Highlands and Islands.

Join Polly for a fascinating insight into the story of the Humphreys family and their pine martens, a much misconstrue animal, and a passionate portrait of one of Scotland’s richest habitats- the oakwoods of Scotland’s Atlantic seaboard. Polly’s previous Winter Words appearances ought to have festival highlightings- knowledgeable and packed with energy!

12. 45 pm- 2.15 pm | PS24. 50 includes a two course lunch and coffee or tea.

Alex Boyd: Images Of St. Kilda- The Silent Islands

Alex Boyd’s photographs of the ever-mysterious St. Kilda archipelago depict the beauty of the islands, but he also captures the modern signs of military presence- jarring with the empty landscape: the inter-relationship between heritage, myth and Britain’s ongoing role on the world stage as a major weapons producer.

Alex will take you on the journey across the largest isle of Hirta, from the hills above Village Bay, or in the valley of Gleann Mor beyond, pointing out the structures both ancient and modern built by the St. Kildans themselves.

3. 00 pm- 4.00 pm | PS8. 50

Christopher Baker: J.M.W. Turner, A Life In Watercolour

J.M.W. Turner( 1775 -1 851) was perhaps the most prolific, innovative and one of the best-loved of all British artists. His outstanding watercolours were bequeathed to the National Gallery of Scotland in 1899 by the distinguished collector, Henry Vaughan, and are one of the most popular features of its collection. Join Christopher Baker, Director of the Portrait Gallery, for an illustrated talk that will provide a remarkable overview of many of the most important aspects of Turner’s Career.

4. 30 pm- 5.30 pm | PS8. 50

Doddie Weir: His Name’5 Doddie

Scottish rugby legend, George Wilson Weir is better known to the world as Doddie. Winning 61 caps, he was a fan-favourite of the Scottish crowd, before retiring in 2004. Then, in 2017, Doddie announced he had motor neurone disease. There is currently no remedy, and most patients diagnosed with this illness die within three years of developing symptoms. His foundation, My Name’5 Doddie, is creating money to help find treatments and a remedy. Come along to this special evening and hear Doddie, along with his ghost writer, Stewart Weir, talk on this funny, moving and fascinating uncover of Doddie’s career and life.

6. 00 pm- 7.00 pm | PS10. 00

Prof Dame Sue Black& Dr Richard Shepherd: The Truth About Life And Death

Professor Sue Black is known the world over for her work as a forensic anthropologist and anatomist. From uncovering war crimes in Kosovo to identifying bodies in the Indian Ocean tsunami, she’s returned bodies to their loved ones, often years after they disappeared.

Dr Shepherd takes nothing for granted in the pursuit of truth. Each post-mortem is a detective narrative in its own- and Shepherd has performed over 23,000 of them and involved in some of the most high-profile cases of recent times.

How do these extraordinary people was also able to separate work and the rest of their life- and what happens when those lines blur? Sue and Richard will discuss this and some of the extraordinary instances they’ve covered in their long careers. Q& A conference and book-signing.

7. 30 pm- 9.00 pm | PS14. 50

Saturday, 16 February

Jonny Muir: The Mountains Are Calling

Jonny is a successful hill and fell runner. In an exhilarating story of runners who go to high places, he explores the history and culture of the athletic, and meets the legends who are venerated for their extraordinary endurance. Discovering the insatiable lure of the hills led Jonny to the supreme test of mountain operate: Ramsay’s Round- a daunting 60 -mile circuit of twenty-three mountains, climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest and culminating on Ben Nevis, to be completed within twenty-four hours. Did he manage it? Find out in Jonny’s talk- illustrated with some of the incredible photo as well as maps contained within his book.

10. 00 am- 11.00 am | PS8. 50

Hamish Brown: East Of West, West Of East

Hamish Brown is a legendary climber, traveller and author. Here he tells the story of his remarkable family, caught in Japan at the outbreak of the Second World War in the Pacific. With letters, journal extracts , notes from his mothers, and his own recollections, he brings the epoch to life: is not merely the dying days of the British Empire, but the terrible reality of the intrusion of Singapore into which they escaped. In 2015, Hamish Brown was awarded an Outdoor Novelist and Photographers Guild, Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contribution to outdoor writing and photography.

11. 30 am- 12.30 pm | PS8. 50

Rosemary Goring: Scotland: Her Story Literary Lunch

Scotland’s history has been told many times, but never exclusively by its girls. Rosemary takes a unique view on dramatic national events, as well as ordinary life, as experienced by women down the centuries. From the saintly but severe medieval Queen Margaret, via Nan Shepherd and Muriel Spark, to today’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, Rosemary encompasses females from all stations and notoriety and brings to life the half of history that has for too long been hidden or ignored.

12. 45 pm- 2.15 pm | PS24. 50 includes a two course lunch and coffee or tea.

Penny Junor: All The Queen’s Corgis

The Queen has had corgis by her side ever since she was seven years old and persuaded her parent to buy one for the family. The dogs are the Queen’s constant companions and Jenny’s book discloses the scraps and scrapings in which the dogs have been involved.

Daughter of Sir John Junor and school-mate of Princess Anne, journalist, TV presenter and popular novelist, Penny Junor is maybe best known for her royal biographies, originating with Diana: Princess of Wales, earning her the label of’ royal expert’. This is a fascinating and affectionate look at the Queen and her most faithful companions on what really attains our much-loved and longest reigning monarch truly light up.

3. 00 pm- 4.00 pm | PS8. 50

Gabriella Bennett: Coorie In, The Scottish Way

Coorie, or cosagach in Gaelic, is the Scottish version of hygge- a recently popularised Danish word, meaning to create a warm ambiance and enjoy the good things in life with good people. Gabriella Bennett has travelled Scotland speaking to people whose love of coorie shows in their homes, ingenuity and approach to a life lived well. Join Gabriella as she explores what coorie is and how it has helped nurture the astonishing creativity for which Scotland is famed, despite an often harsh and unforgiving climate.

4. 30 pm- 5.30 pm | PS8. 50

Richard Holloway: Waiting For The Last Bus

Get together with one of the most important and beloved religious leaders of our time as he widens an invitation to reconsider life’s greatest mystery. Now in his ninth decade, former Bishop of Edinburgh, Richard Holloway presents a positive, meditative and profound exploration of the many important lessons we can learn from death: facing up to the limitations of our bodies as they falter, reflecting on our fails, and forgiving ourselves and others.

A reviewer and writer for the press, including The Times, The Guardian and The Scotsman, Richard is a frequent presenter on radio and television and is well known for his support of progressive causes, questioning and addressing complex ethical issues in the areas of sexuality, drugs and bioethics.

6. 00 pm- 7.00 pm | PS10. 00

Neil Oliver: The Story Of The British Isles In 100 Places

Archaeologist, historian, conservationist, writer and broadcaster, Neil Oliver is best known as presenter of the BBC documentary series, Coast. This event is his personal account of what induces these islands so special, told through places which have borne witness to the unfolding of our history. Cradling astonishing beauty, the human narrative here is a million years old, but the tolerant, easy-going peace we’ve enjoyed has been hard won. We’ve made and known the best and worst of days. We have been hero and villain and all else in between.

Beginning with humankind’s earliest ancestors, he takes us via Romans and Vikings, the flowering of religion, civil war, industrial revolution and two world wars. From windswept headlands to battlefields- each is a place where the spirit of the past seems to linger. “I have chosen what I consider to be the most characteristic features of the face I have grown up to know and love … in this present climate of public anxiety, disagreement and uncertainty about the future, I think it is timely to seem again at the past, the histories of this place from its earliest times.”

7. 30 pm- 8.30 pm | PS14. 50

Sunday, 17 February

David Ross: Highland Herald

From 1988 to 2017 David was the Highland Correspondent of The Herald. His patch stretched from the Mull of Kintyre in the south to the Shetland island of Unst in the north; from St. Kilda in the west, to the whisky country of Speyside in the east. David helped the first community land buyout in modern times in Assynt, covered the anti-toll campaign on the Skye Bridge, together with the efforts to save Gaelic and protect ferry services. Join David reflecting on the issues affecting the Highlands and Islands during his time of coverage.

10. 00 am- 11.00 am | PS8. 50

James Crawford: Scotland From The Sky

Accompanying the BBC documentary series, novelist and broadcaster James Crawford’s talk will be based on his lavishly represented volume which draws on the vast collecting of aerial photography held in the Historic Environment Scotland repositories. Opening an extraordinary window into our past this is the remarkable story of a nation from above, showing how our great cities have dramatically altered with the ebb and flow of history, while whole communities have faded in the name of progress. James reveals how aerial imagery can unearth gems from the ancient past, and secrets interred right beneath our feet. Come along to get a glorious bird’s-eye opinion of this story of Scotland, from the sky!

11. 30 am- 12.30 pm | PS8. 50

Christopher Fleet: Scotland: Defending The Nation Literary Lunch

Scotland has had an important military history over the last five centuries. 16 th century conflict with England, Jacobite insurrections in the 18 th century, two world wars, as well as the Cold War, all resulted in significant cartographic activity. Christopher Fleet, Senior Map Curator in the National Library of Scotland will explore this rich legacy through rare maps, some reproduced in book sort for the first time. These maps tell particular tales about both attacking and defending the country: castles, reconnaissance mapping, battle schemes, military roads, mines, adversary maps, unrealised proposals and projected schemes.

12. 45 pm- 2.15 pm | PS24. 50 includes a two course lunch and coffee or tea.

Kaye Adams and Nadia Sawalha: Disaster Chef

Are your family rude about your cook? Do you think cake-bakers come from another planet? Disaster Chef is borne out of MasterChef-winner, Nadia Sawalha’s annoyance with Kaye Adams’ kitchen mishaps. It is a recipe volume for the culinary-challenged to be able to dish up delicious maggot fast. Best friends and television services and facilities presenters Nadia and Kaye are well-known for the ITV daytime show, Loose Women. Nadia rose to fame as Annie Palmer in EastEnders, and Disaster Chef is her sixth cookbook. Kaye, meanwhile, is a highly respected journalist and broadcaster, for ITV and STV and BBC Radio Scotland. Join Nadia and Kaye as they chat about quick and simple recipes, and how not to be a Disaster Chef!

3. 00 pm- 4.00 pm | PS10. 00

Denise Mina and Lin Anderson with James Crawford: Bloody Scotland

In Bloody Scotland twelve of Scotland’s best crime-writers use the sinister side of the country’s build heritage in tales by turns, gripping, chilling and redemptive- exploring the potential of Scotland’s iconic sites. Join writer and broadcaster James Crawford as he talks to two of the twelve: Denise Mina- win of the Short Story Dagger for her story in this collecting, the 2017 McIlvanney Prize and Theakstons Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year Award( twice !); and Lin Anderson, best known as creator of the forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod series of crime thriller fictions, and her part in founding the Bloody Scotland crime-writing celebration itself. From murder in an Iron Age broch, to a dark psychological thriller set at Edinburgh Castle, uncover the intimate- and deadly- connections between people and places, as James guides you on a dangerous journey into the dark darkness of our nation’s houses- where passion, ferocity, longing and death collide!

4. 30 pm- 5.30 pm | PS8. 50

Peter Cairns: SCOTLAND: A Rewilding Journey

Not so long ago vibrant, wild forest stretched across much of Scotland. Beavers and cranes were at home in extensive wetlands. Salmon and trout filled the rivers. Lynx, wolf and wild boar roamed wooded glades. Today, it’s easy to be seduced by the raw beauty of the Scottish landscape, but it is sadly an ecological darknes of its former self.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Join conservation photographer Peter Cairns, who results the call for a new vision of a wilder Scotland, where woodlands abundant with life are regenerating, rivers lined with alder and willow operate freely, injury peatlands are revitalised and oceans support the great whales: a place where nature works as it should, wildlife prospers and crucially, where people prosper.

6. 00 pm- 7.00 pm | PS8. 50

Read more: glasgowtheatreblog.com

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abigailswager · 6 years ago

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Royalty Companies Move Ahead, Justifying Their Premiums

New Post has been published on https://tradegold.today/royalty-companies-move-ahead-justifying-their-premiums/

Royalty Companies Move Ahead, Justifying Their Premiums

Source: Adrian Day for Streetwise Reports 11/15/2018

Money manager Adrian Day reviews royalty companies and also updates exciting news at other companies in his portfolio.

Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV, NY, 64.89) had a strong quarter, with gold streams from two large copper mines (Antapaccay and Candelaria) better than expected with strong oil and gas revenues (which represent somewhat over 10% of revenues, and growing). As always, some assets perform better than expected, while some has softer quarters. There were no particular significant shortfalls in the recent period. Franco said it was on track to meet its annual guidance. This is a benefit from having nearly 40 minerals assets generating revenue, none representing more than 15% of the total.

Its next large asset, Cobre Panama, is expected to start production in the first quarter of next year, though sales (and Franco’s revenue) may come a little later. There is a somewhat complicated challenge to the way the mine concession was granted, though owner First Quantum expects that to be resolved in the near term, and it should not affect the mine start-up. Meanwhile Franco has made its final contribution under its agreement.

The balance sheet remains strong, with $77 million in cash and no debt, and a $1.1 billion undrawn credit facility. In the current environment, oil and gas revenues are expected to increase in relative as well as absolute terms, perhaps exceeding 20% next year, before Cobre Panama is producing at full capacity.

Franco-Nevada is a core holding for us, with best-in-class management, business model, assets and balance sheet. If you do not own, we would buy here, but otherwise look for prices closer to the recent floor around $62.

Low production at key assets hurts revenue

Royal Gold Inc. (RGLD, Nasdaq, 73.69) saw royalty and stream revenue down, largely because of lower production at Mt. Milligan and lower grades at Peñasquito. The former have been well advertised to the market. Milligan’s operator, Centerra, has faced a water supply issue all year, but it just hit the last quarter’s revenues. The company has applied for permits to gain access to alternative water sources. It is currently operating on temporary permits, and if not made permanent, mine will not move back up to full capacity until the snow melt next spring. Royal also took losses on fair value on

investments, notably Rubicon, in the quarter. On the positive side, the company saw lower G&A, while the balance sheet remains strong, though not as strong as Franco, with net debt of $238 million, down from the previous quarter, and an unused $1 billion credit facility.

Though its valuations are in line with other major royalty companies, it needs Milligan to come back to full production, representing as it does, over 25% of its NAV and revenues. If this happens, Royal—down from over $90 in July—could recover strongly.

A different approach to royalty generation

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. (OR, NY, 7.39) reported royalty revenue in line with estimates. Canadian Malartic Mine, on which Osisko holds its largest royalty, is on track to achieve guidance, while Éléonore continues its long ramp up, with sustained mining of around 400,000 ounces annually is expected by the end of the year.

There has been some activity in the portfolio this past quarter. As expected, Pretium exercised its right to repurchase the royalty on its Brucejack mine; Osisko retains, for now, the offtake agreement on the same mine. Osisko also renegotiated its stream with Stornoway Diamond, paying $21.6 million to expand the stream to the entire production on slightly different terms. It also acquired an attractive stream on Falco’s Horne project. Falco is one of Osisko’s “incubator” companies. This novel approach provides Osisko with opportunities to more early stage projects, though makes it somewhat more risky than its larger peers.

Osisko has a good balance sheet with $137 million in cash, a portfolio of investments valued at about $365 million, and $100 million drawn on its credit facility (with another $350 million available). It is trading at a discount to the other large royalty companies, particularly on a price-to-NAV (under 1x compared to well over 2x for Royal and Franco). However, given that its junior portfolio represents 16% of its NAV and that it is a smaller, less diversified company, some of this discount is justified. However, the current level is overdone; down from $9.50 in July and almost $12 at the beginning of the year, Osisko is a buy at this level.

Creating your own royalties

Altius Minerals Corp. (ALS, Toronto, 13.22) reported strong results, on the back of higher iron ore and potash revenues offsetting lower base metals and thermal coal. There were some peculiarities, mostly positive, in recent results: the resumption of Labrador Iron Ore Royalty distributions after a work stoppage; mine sequencing at Sheerness coal; the settlement of litigation and resumption of royalty payments at Voisey’s Bay; and Nutrien closing one operation on which Altius does not hold a royalty and shifting to Saskatchewen mines on which it does. All in all, Altius said it remains on track for annual revenue of between $64 million and $69 million this year. Again, this is a benefit of having exposure to different resources.

On an annual basis, copper accounts for about 44% of revenues, coal 24%, and potash 13%, with iron ore and nickel accounting for most of the remainder. Though total revenues would remain fairly stable (from existing producers) for the next five years, by 2022 the potash revenues will have more than doubled, while copper will have declined to around 33%, due to the closing of one large mine, and the start of another (Gunnison, in Arizona, which will start this year and still be a small contributor, around $1 million by 2022, though rising to $7 million by 2026).

Altius has made additional royalty investments, increasing its stake in Labrador Iron Ore Royalty and the new Lithium Royalty company. It has also spun out a new diamond company, currently private, with DeBeers Canada as a leading investor. Following drilling this winter, the company plans to go public. As is its game plan, Altius will retain a significant share ownership as well as a royalty on any future revenues.

Equities and royalties in multiple juniors

The balance sheet is strong, with $84 million in net debt and $100 million available on an unused credit facility. It also holds a portfolio of junior equities valued at around $68 million. The appreciation in this portfolio was due largely to a 15% interest in Evrim (which is also on our list of current holdings). It has bought back some of its own shares this past quarter. Alderon Iron Ore announced an updated feasibility study on its Kami project, showing strong economics on the high-quality product; though Altius sold down some of its share-holding, it remains a 3% royalty. Altius also exchanged a 50% interest in various exploration interests in the James Bay area for an equity interest in Midland.

Altius is a core holding for us, though the share price tends to be volatile. It has risen from lows under $12 in August and early September to nearly $14 earlier this month, before the recent drop. We would wait to buy for prices closer to the mid-$12 level, depending of course on whether you already own or not.

New option generates cash and potential

Lara Exploration Ltd. (LRA, Toronto, 0.55) signed an option agreement with Capstone Mining on its Planalto Copper project in northern Brazil. The project returned very high-grade drill results over the past 12 months. Under the agreement, Capstone will make payments to Lara (US$150,000 immediately and $200,000 following receipt of a drill permit) as well as exploration commitments of $5 million over three years to earn 49%. At that point, Capstone can earn another 2% (for majority ownership) upon payment of $400,000 to Lara.

The agreement is a good one, seeing fairly aggressive exploration of a high-potential project as well as providing ongoing revenue to Lara.

Lara has other key assets, including a high-potential zinc project, Puitico in Peru; a 2% royalty on a new coper mine, Maravaia (formerly Curionopolis); and an interest in a lawsuit on its Libertade project.

The company has about C$2 million in cash and marketable securities, and has a history of making progress throughout the bear market at a low spend rate. It has various payments coming in, including on Maravia, where its partner must pay Lara $1 million if it is not in production this month (which it won’t be). Lara has already granted one extension.

It also has several other properties, mostly in Brazil and Peru, with drilling under options and joint ventures. Lara has been very active in recent years, has multiple properties being worked and two high-potential assets, as well as Planalto. Management has proven itself most adept at doing attractive deals even in a down market and without excessive dilution. (Indeed, Lara is one of the juniors with minimal dilution over the past decade.) At this level, it’s a very strong buy. Indeed, we will add another tranche of Lara to our list at C$0.55.

Waiting and wishing and hoping

Evrim Resources Corp. (EVM, Toronto, 1.50) is currently drilling on its 100%-owned Cuale project in Mexico. Evrim has planned a minimum of 3,000 meters comprising 10 to 15 drill holes, with the first holes testing the depth of the high-grade mineralization found in trenching at La Gloria. Drilling is also planned for four step-out areas identified by geophysics. Results will likely be released by the company in two batches, with the first round of results expected potentially by month end.

Being paid to take part in a scavenger hunt

Though Cuale is the focus of the company and the market at present, Evrim is not standing still on other fronts. Last week, it announced a very attractive exploration alliance in the western U.S. with Yamana. Under the agreement, Evrim has free access to Yamana’s extensive dataset (obtained from work conducted over 30 years by Meridian and FMC). Yamana is funding the exercise with an initial $1 million. Yamana has the right to enter into an option agreement on any project unearthed by Evrim on predetermined terms (including payments to Evrim, initially of $150,000 and subsequent three years of $100,000 annually; and a royalty to Evrim). At the end of a three-year alliance, both companies have equal access to the database and are free to pursue any projects independently.

This is a superb opportunity for Evrim on very attractive terms which provide it with cash and a royalty on properties that Yamana wants, and opportunity for multiple projects it is free to deal to other companies if Yamana declines.

Drilling is also underway on a very prospective property Cerro Cascaron, optioned to a junior, Harvest Gold, and First Majestic is undertaking an infill drilling program on Ermitaño (on which Evrim holds a royalty) to upgrade the resource to indicated.

How good will the drill results be?

Results from Cuale could move the stock price significantly in either direction. Certainly, disappointing results—which we do not expect—could see the stock price fall back to levels before the initial trench results set the market aflame. Results which confirm the grade and show it extending to depth could see the stock price jump meaningfully. We are holding. Our next move will depend on the results when released and the market’s reaction.

The fat lady is preparing to sing

Nevsun Resources Ltd. (NSU, NY, 4.48) continues to inch up as the acquisition by Zijin draws closer. In Canada, at C$5.90, the shares are just 10 cents below the tender price. Given we are not expecting another competing bid for the company—nor, on the other hand, do we see much risk of the acquisition not completing—this is a small discount for 50 days. Given the weakness in the Canadian dollar over the past month and a half, the U.S. price has not moved so much.

If taxes are an issue, you might wait and tender your shares, and if the proceeds are received next year (and you are a cash-basis taxpayer), potentially postpone your tax bill a year. (Note: we are not tax accountants; ask your accountant.) Now that the Lundin offer has expired, there is also the possibility that Nevsun and Zijin bring forward the closing date, which would make the tax consideration moot. Zijin has already received two of the three approvals from China (as well as the Canadian approval, which was fully expected).

If taxes are not an issue, a Canadian might sell, while a U.S. holder might wait in anticipation of a stronger Canadian dollar in coming weeks offering a better opportunity to sell. But we are only talking about pennies here. Much depends on whether you have alternative uses for the funds.

A potential new discovery is worth watching

Midland Exploration Inc. (MD, Toronto, 0.94 x 1.05) released very promising high-grade results from a new project in James Bay, with copper, gold, molybdenum and silver showings. The property, called Mythrill, is a new discovery in an underexplored area, though one with excellent infrastructure (a road and electricity). The second set of results on the heels of the initial release extended the strike length of mineralization to 2 km (from 700 meters); it remains open in all directions. The high-grade boulders suggest strong mineralization.

This is very early, with the assays mostly from grab samples and some channel samplings. It is not known yet if the mineralization is continuous. Although the company plans to conduct an IP survey and fly an electromagnetic survey, probably by Christmas, with snow falling, there will likely be little work on the ground and no drilling until spring. The company aims to generate drill targets from its work over the winter.

Midland is well funded, with $11 million cash and no debt. Moreover, in Quebec, there is a rebate of 38 cents for every hard dollar spend on exploration in the province.

The stock price jumped on the news, following both releases, from under 80 cents to over $1.20 before falling back. Given the likely lack of exciting news over the winter, the short-lived gains was not a surprise and the stock will likely further drift back in coming months, giving us an opportunity to more up more shares.

Adrian Day, London-born and a graduate of the London School of Economics, heads the money management firm Adrian Day Asset Management, where he manages discretionary accounts in both global and resource areas. Day is also sub-adviser to the EuroPacific Gold Fund (EPGFX). His latest book is “Investing in Resources: How to Profit from the Outsized Potential and Avoid the Risks.”

Disclosure: 1) Adrian Day: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Evrim, Nevsun, Lara Exploration, Franco-Nevada, Royal Gold, Midland Exploration, Osisko Gold Royalties and Altius. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: None. Funds controlled by Adrian Day Asset Management hold shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: Evrim, Nevsun, Lara Exploration, Franco-Nevada, Royal Gold, Midland Exploration, Osisko Gold Royalties and Altius. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Pretium Resources. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports (including members of their household) own securities of Evrim, Nevsun, Lara Exploration, Franco-Nevada and Royal Gold, Midland Exploration, Osisko Gold Royalties and Altius, companies mentioned in this article.

( Companies Mentioned: ALS:TSX.V, EVM:TSX.V, FNV:TSX; FNV:NYSE, LRA:TSX.V, MD:TSX.V, NSU:TSX; NSU:NYSE.MKT, OR:TSX; OR:NYSE, RGLD:NASDAQ; RGL:TSX, )

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