Badenoch and Strathspey

Badenoch and Strathspey encompasses a large, sparsely populated area of the central Highlands, defined by the valleys of the Spey and its tributaries. The landscape is dominated by the Cairngorm Mountains, with significant tracts of native Caledonian pine forest. The economy has long been tied to the land, with forestry, farming, and field sports as traditional mainstays. The River Spey itself is a major feature, known for its salmon fishing and shaping the strath's character.

The area includes the towns of Kingussie, Newtonmore, and Aviemore, the latter being a key hub for tourism focused on the Cairngorms National Park. This brings outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and wildlife watching to the fore. The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore offers a detailed record of local social history. The remains of Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie stand as a stark reminder of the area's pivotal role in the Jacobite era.