Kingussie

Kingussie (Gaelic: "Ceann a' Ghiuthasaich") (pronounced kin-yewsie) is a small town and is head of Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland, adjacent to the A9 road, although the old route of the A9 served as the town's main street. Kingussie is the capital of the district of Badenoch and is 3 miles from Newtonmore, which is its greatest rival in the game of Shinty.

Shinty

Kingussie have been the dominant team in Shinty for the last 20 years although Newtonmore had it for 20 years before this and indeed have been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as being the most successful sporting side in history.

History

The name "Kingussie" comes from the Gaelic, "Ceann a' Ghiuthsaich" which means "Head of the Pines".

The ruins of the early 18th century Ruthven Barracks (Historic Scotland; open to visitors at all times) lie near the original site of the village which was moved to avoid the flood plain of the River Spey. The Hanoverian Barracks were built on the site of Ruthven Castle, the seat of the Comyns, Lords of Badenoch in the Middle Ages.

Tourism

The main railway line to Inverness passes through from Edinburgh, Glasgow and points south. Kingussie railway station is about 200 metres south east of the High Street. In the past few years, the TV series Monarch of the Glen has been filmed in and around the area of Kingussie. Ardverikie Estate, where Monarch of the Glen was filmed, is about 12 miles from Kingussie. You can park in a lay-by across from the Gatehouse and hike back to the 'Big House'. It is about an 8 mile round trip hike but is well worth it, especially if you are a Monarch of the Glen fan.

The Highland Wildlife Park is sited very close by.The Highland Folk Museum is in Newtonmore, 3 miles from Kingussie. It is free and well worth the visit.

The Kingussie public library offers free internet access and many of the B&Bs have internet access also.

Speyside Way

The Speyside Way is a long distance route which currently has its southern terminus at Aviemore, north of Kingussie. There is, however, a proposed extension to the route to Newtonmore, going through Kingussie on the way. See the link below for more information:

External links

* [http://www.kingussie.co.uk/ Kingussie Community Website]
* [http://www.highlandfolk.museum/ Website of the Higland Folk Museum]
* [http://www.kingussie-golf.co.uk/ Kingussie Golf Club]
* [http://www.kingussiehigh.highland.sch.uk// Kingussie High School]
* [http://www.speysidewayextension.co.uk/ Speyside Way Extension - Information Website (With 3D Mapping)]
* [http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/ Kingussie - undiscoveredscotland.co.uk]