Harry Potter stars to make flying visit to Cairngorms
Two of the stars of the Harry Potter movies will be making a flying visit to Kincraig this summer.
Hedwig and Eral stole the show in the blockbusters and they will no doubt do just the same at the village’s annual fair on June 30.
Mr Andrew MacKenzie, executive director of Badaguish Outdoor Centre by Glenmore, said: "I was bowled over by them and all their friends at a social enterprise exhibition in Glasgow and I told them to make it a date."
"I thought they’d be the perfect attraction for Kincraig Fair and fortunately they agreed!"
Now based at Aberdeenshire’s Owl and Pussycat Centre, the birds were the original stars of the first Harry Potter films.
Ruth Hickling, who runs the centre in Maud, took them on unaware of their superstar status.
Their previous owner had to sign a confidentiality clause agreeing not to reveal their true identity, but on their semi-retirement to the North-east she was let in on the secret.
The snowy owl was one of five used to play Hedwig in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
The great horned owl, "spelled" Errol by some and Eral by Ruth, was the bird who delivered Harry’s invitation to Hogwarts in the very first film.
"They’re beautiful and everybody loves them," Ruth told the Strathy. "Harry Potter fans of all ages will be able to get up close in Kincraig.
"It’ll be a lot of fun. And I’ll be bringing ten or so of their friends!"
All profits generated by people visiting the creatures at her centre go towards developing the animal-assisted therapy programme there for adults and children with special needs.
Ruth, whose background is in social work, added: "We try to subsidise our work with people with learning difficulties and special needs but we’re also available to tourists."
The Badaguish Centre will also benefit from the big Kincraig day and there are lots more surprises planned for the event, which this year be the climax of the 20th Corrieyairack Challenge.
Ramsay Steven, chairman of the organising Kincraig Community Hall committee, was over the moon this week at the booking of the village’s high-flying guests, joking: "This will give us a flying start!"
He said hopefully the owls will have the crowds ‘Rowling’ in . . .
