Forget the Baftas, Oscars or even the Rasberries, The Fort William Mountain Film Festival (info@mountainfestival.co.uk) is where its at!!!

There is a fantastic line up of films, lectures and workshops starting from Fri.16th Feb. with the Festival opening party at the Lime Tree in Fort William. Plus the first viewing of festival light-show on Meall an t-Slamain hillside overlooking Fort William.
The festival runs for 2 weeks and at the end of the first week on the 23rd Feb. thereis a party 2150ft up Aonach Mor at Nevis Range. Free shuttle bus to and from Fort William.
The closing party takes place at the Clachaig on Sat.3rd Feb. but it is not all about partying there is a spectacular range ot things to see and do, have a look at the Festival website www.mountainfestival.co.uk

If you are still looking for accommodation why not give us a ring (01855 821272) for a chalet. We do short breaks from £185 for 3 nights, have a look at our website www.glencoeselfcatering.co.uk.

Just because the weather has been bad don't hibernate away!!!! Why not come up to Lochaber and experience some of the diverse activities we have going on in the winter months. There is not much snow at the moment so skiing might be out but you can still venture up the Gondola at the Nevis Range (www.nevisrange.co.uk) for a brisk walk or just a warming coffe in the Snowgoose restaurant. If you are around on the Saturday the 20th Jan. you can see the Torchlight Descent. This is where the instructors and ski patrol descend the mountain by torchlight - fantastic!!!! (Snow dependant).

If that all sounds a bit too energetic how about experiencing some of the UK's best songwriters at the Burnsong Event at the Sunart Centre in Strontian on Saturday 27th January. It will be a unique and entertaining chance for the public to hear their songs. There will be Emily Smith Singer/songwriter and winner of BBC Radio Scotland's Young Scottish Traditional Musician of the Year in 2002, Sophie Bancroft Jazz singer and Glasgow Band Pearlfishers will be represented by David Scott acclaimed songwriter and many more. This will be a great night!! Tickets are available from www.thebooth.co.uk and by post from the Sunart Centre or from the Granite House in Fort William. (enquiries@sunartcentre.org)

The fantastic new Lime Tree Gallery (www.limetreefortwilliam.co.uk) will be showing a selection of artists work until 20th Jan. You can also see or buy a huge range of David Wilson's fantastic prints. Why not visit and enjoy this unique working artists studio or savour the delights of the cafe/restaurant.

This is just a tast of whats going on in Lochaber in January but there is pleanty to keep your mind off the wind and rain of the last few weeks!!!