Crème of the Crop 

Egg Hunters on fine form

Rarely is humankind’s innate skill and expertise in ‘hunter-gathering’ more fully on display than at the annual Rothiemurchus Easter Egg Hunt, which took place last Sunday amidst record Spring temperatures.

Across a morning and an afternoon session, about 150 extremely eager (and extremely hungry) youngsters put on a fine display of hunting, scouring the ground near Loch an Eilein with unparalleled intensity in the quest for chocolatey goodness. As is always the case for the Ranger Team who help to organise the event, the hiding of the eggs takes about twice as long as the hunt for them! But it is always a joy to see so many happy children and their families out and about enjoying the sunshine whilst devouring (and simultaneously burning off) many Bank Holiday weekend calories.

2018’s Easter Egg Hunt took place in early April, with patches of snow still present on the ground. This year, however, the weather was warm, breezy and dry. Amidst the organized chaos of the hunts themselves, Jacky from the Druie café kitchen was cooking up a storm on the BBQ outside the Loch an Eilein Gallery. Wonderful Rothiemurchus Highland Beef burgers were served up to many cheery visitors at the Loch, and it was great to see so many people enjoying the lovely Spring weather.

Indeed it’s a good thing that the Egg Hunting talent was so strong this year, as the high temperatures meant that there was a real risk of the afternoon eggs melting before they were found! Luckily this didn’t happen, and by 2.30pm the last of the eggs had gone, and the car park was filled with the smiling, chocolate-smeared faces of many children (and, it must be said, parents).

All that remains is for the Rangers to say a big thank you to all those who came to hunt, it’s always a great day for us, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year! And on a personal note, I would like to thank the car park team – who did an excellent job on what is the busiest day of the year for them, ensuring that everyone arrived safely. Sadly, there were no eggs to reward them with, but they did each get a ‘thank you’ burger and an ice-cream!

Until next Easter!!

Matthew, Alph and the Ranger Team.