C onnect Outdoors �1

Padd le & Dram Tour

2020

C onnect Outdoors �2

Welcome to C onnect Outdoors Paddle & Dram Tour 2019. We are excited to have you join us for the week of Padding and whisky tasting at the home of Scottish Whisky.

Every year in may, the Speyside attracts visitors from all over the globe eager to learn and taste the famous Speyside single malt whiskies. Connect Outdoors will take you on a journey through the spey sharing all that the cairngorms has to offer, adventure, wildlife, spectacular scenery and most importantly whisky, after all it is the whisky festival.

By Day you will be guided through the skills needed to paddle on a 40km journey, from Kingussie to Spey Bay.

And by night you will be taken through the world of whisky from the Speyside to Island single malts through a range of blends and whisky cocktails with our very own whisky expert Neil Forbes.

“Welcome to your adventure, I hope that you are excited to learn more about whisky and enjoy paddling down Scotland’s fastest river”.

- Aarron Mitchel l - Founder

CONTENTS03 About us & guiding principles of 09 Medical consent form Connect Outdoors

04 Meet the Team 11 Photographic/Video & Digital Media Consent Form

05 Trip Itinerary 2019 12 Terms & Conditions

06 What’s in the Dram?

07 Cairngorms National Park & The River Spey

08 How to get there

C onnect Outdoors �3

ABOUT US & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Growing up as the oldest sibling, it was always emphasised to me that it is important to share and include all those that are around you. Fast forward to the date I enlisted with the Army, it was quickly enforced that we develop “Selfless Commitment” within our community.

As a adventure sports coach and guide it was important to me that my sessions reflect what my past experiences have taught me and share those through visually rich, interactive and enjoyable experiences that inspire long-term development and participation.

C onnect Outdoors aims “to develop your Spirit of Adventure by creating experiences that connect you to the natural playground of the outdoors and enhance your Scotland experience”.

C onnect Outdoors Values People First - As a coach, putting People First is a priority that ensures we remain approachable with our social interactions. Being outdoors offers space, where social relationships can be developed through action, movement and language.

Learning & Growing - No matter what age you are, the outdoors is the place where everyone can get pleasure from being in and can act upon their strong impulse to investigate. Investigate their natural environment, time to explore new challenges, learn & manage risk and offers time away which provides an opportunity to cope with change & adversity.

Seek Balance - As adults we have learned that we have to work to achieve the things that we need or want. Being outdoors isn’t just a playground for children but an opportunity for adults revitalise, seek their inner child and spend time, simply being yourself.

Sustainability & Socially Conscious - With the support of increasing the publics participation in adventurous activities we are reintegrating with our natural environment (Which is GREAT!) but the more we use it, the more effort it takes to ensure that it remains. Connect Outdoors will endeavour to use products that have a reduced impact on our environment and provide opportunities for all our staff participating in local, environmental projects that support Scotland remaining wild.

Not Taking Ourselves to Seriously - By leaving our hang ups in the changing room we can focus more of our time on ourselves, capsize a boat, get a little wet and simply live in the moment of pure appreciation.

Embrace the Adventure - We have no idea what our future holds. It is only through the combination of physical exercise & exploration of our natural environment we can discover more about ourselves allow time for reflection, which, over time, will improve the quality of our choices.

C onnect Outdoors �4

MEET THE TEAM

Aarron Mitchell - Founder Aarron has served with the Army for over five years and is a keen adventurer, passionate about sharing our natural environment with everyone. Aarron has taught youth & corporate groups throughout the west coast of Scotland & the Cairngorm’s National Park.

Neil Forbes Whisky has always been one of Neil’s passions and he has worked previously as a guide at Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian, Scotland where he was able to share his love of whisky & history with visitors from all over the world.

Jordan McNeilage Jordan has came to Connect Outdoors from a competitive paddling background and continues to share his passion through recreational paddling and has developed a flair for planning and providing an excellent guiding experience.

C onnect Outdoors �5

Trip Itinerary 2020

Welcome to C onnect Outdoors Paddle & Dram Tour 2020, where you will experience first hand all the iconic wildlife & natural beauty of the spey during the day. By the evening you will be whisked away to your accommodation. After we have had some time to relax we will sit down to a 3 course meal and for dessert we will take you through the drams of the ages, looking into the history of the Speyside Whisky’s, Blends or Malts, Best of Blends and learn why Single Malts Matter.

29th April 2020 > Arrive at the accommodation > Meet the host and guides > Prepare & pack for Day 1 > Socialise

30th April 2020 > Breakfast > Transport leave for Loch Insh > Introduction to the river and basic paddling skills > Paddle from Loch Insh Aviemore > Lunch > Skills development > Moving down river to Aviemore > Transport to Accommodation > 3 course Dinner > Whisky tasting - Intro to whisky & tastes

1st May 2020 > Breakfast > Transport leave for Boat of Garten > River skills down the river > Lunch > Continue paddling to Cragganmore > Transport to the accommodation > 3 Course Dinner > Whisky Tasting - Difference & Diversity between bourbon & sherry cask

2nd May 2020 > Breakfast > Transport to Cragganmore > Paddling starts as we head to Craigellachie > Lunch > Continue to Craigellachie > Transport to accommodation > 3 Course Dinner > Whisky Tasting - Difference of character of blended whisky

3rd May 2020 > Breakfast > Transport to Craigellachie > Onwards journey to Spey Bay > Lunch > Transport to Accommodation > 3 course Dinner > Whisky Tasting - Whisky variations from all over the world

4th May 2020 > Breakfast > Meet with the host > Presented with 2 Glencairn Glasses > Depart

C onnect Outdoors �6

What’s in the Dram?In the evening, after paddling down Scotland’s fastest river we will meet our expert speaker, Neil Forbes. Neil will guide you through this unique opportunity to get to know some of Scotland’s most-loved whiskies. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to nose and taste a range of whisky from all over Scotland.

Neil will give you a rare opportunity to learn about the diverse world of whisky from an introduction, covering topics such as the regions of whisky, discover the differences between Bourbon and Sherry Casks and how blended whisky is made.

On our first evening of whisky tasting Neil will take us through an introduction to whisky, explaining the history and the process of making the Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The selection of whisky for the evening will be a Glenkinchie, Balvennie Double Wood and an Edradour.

On the second evening we will sample some of Speyside’s finest Single Malt Whisky and explain the diversity and difference between bourbon and sherry Casks. For this evening we will be tasting Aberlour, Glenlivet and Dailuaine.

Having delved into the world of Single Malt Whisky, we will meander through the world of blended whisky and explain the making of blended whisky and you will discover the difference on character complexity. Famous Grouse, Cameron Brig Single Grain and the Johnnie Walker Black Label shall highlight the complexity.

After gaining knowledge of whisky and understanding the differences of what makes a great single malt or blended whisky we will take you on a journey through the regions of whisky making in Scotland and show how the surroundings and different types of water influence the final product. Tasting our way through the regions this evening’s selection of whisky are Laphroaig, Auchentoshan and Highland Park.

After learning and tasting whisky from all around Scotland, we have some fun and get creative introducing some whisky cocktails famous from all over the world. Our selection of whisky for the last evening is Jock Collins, Whisky Sour and a Whisky Royale.

C onnect Outdoors �7

Cairngorm National Park & The River Spey

Cairngorm National Park The Cairngorm National Park is located in the North East of Scotland and was established in 2003 and it is the largest national park in the British isles. It’s Gaelic name is Pàirc Nàiseanta a’ Mhonaidh Ruaidh.

The cairngorms covers an area of over 1700 square miles, from Aberdeenshire to the Highlands, Angus through to Perth and Kinross. The Cairngorms is the home of three of Scotland’s five ski resorts - Cairngorm ski centre, Glenshee ski centre and The Lecht ski centre.

River Spey The river Spey third longest river and is the fastest-flowing river in Scotland. It’s Gaelic name is Uisge Spé. It is one of the most important rivers for salmon fishing and is famous for the production of whisky and that the region produces more whisky than any other region.

The total length of the river Spey is 107 miles and rises over 1000 feet at Loch Spey in the Corrieyairack Forest in the Scottish Highlands. The river descends through Newtonmore and Kingussie, crossing Loch Insh reaching Aviemore. From Aviemore it flows through to the Moray Firth North East of Scotland.

As for canoeing activities the river Spey is a great river to learn on because it gradually gets faster as we paddle closer to the sea. It increases speed due to a broadly convex profile. The mean flow is around 16 metres per second (36mph).

History of the River The river Spey has supported many industries, from salmon fishing to shipbuilding. At one point timber from the forests around Aviemore and Aberlour were used to create wooden-hulled ships. The timber was rafted down the river to Garmouth which was the capital of shipbuilding in Britain.

C onnect Outdoors �8

What to Bring

Paddling Activity As we are paddling down the River Spey, it is important that we remain warm and comfortable throughout the trip and if any one of us were to fall in then have appropriate spare clothing to become warm again. We will have driving facilities on offer to be provide

> Waterproof Jacket > Waterproof Trousers > Shorts and/or Trousers x2 > T-shirt x2 > Jumper x2 > Socks x2 > Boots and/or Trainers (one for inside the transport and one for your comfort out paddling).

This is based on one day of activities.

Evening Wear As we wind down for the evening to our meal and whisky tasting we recommend wearing clothes that you are comfortable in after a full day of activities.

> Shirt/polo shirt > Jeans/Trousers

Connect Outdoors can provide any items that you may need throughout the canoeing, whether it is a waterproof jacket, trousers or waterproof footwear that you need. Do not hesitate to ask as your comfort is a priority throughout the week.

C onnect Outdoors �9MEDICAL CONSENT FORM

Personal Details

First Name: Last Name: D.O.B: Age: Address: Telephone:

Postcode: Email:

Previous Experience through Paddlesports:

Emergency Contact Details

First Name: Last Name:

Relationship: Telephone/Mobile:

Work Telephone:

Disability

Do you consider yourself to have a disability?

If yes, what is the nature of your disability and what particular support you require:

Medical Information

Do you suffer from any of the following conditions?

Asthma Bronchitis Chest Problems Diabetes Fainting Migraines Heart Trouble Raised Blood Pressure Tuberculosis

Epilepsy? What specific epilepsy syndrome has been diagnosed?

What is the pattern of any seizure?

Do you suffer from any other medical condition requiring medical treatment or medication? Please provide details:

Are you allergic or sensitive to any medication (eg. Penicillin), insect bites or food?

C onnect Outdoors �10

MEDICAL CONSENT CONTINUED…

Medical Information Continued…

Please ensure that you bring adequate supplies of medication & dosage for the duration of the activity.

To the best of your knowledge, have you been in contact with any contagious or infectious diseases, or suffered any recent condition that may become infectious or contagious? If so, please provide details:

Please supply any additional information that the company/leaders should be aware of (eg, recent illness, medical information, special requirements etc) which may affect the full range activities in this ride, and what support/modifications are needed:

Declaration In the case of the applicant being over 18 years of age, the following must be read and signed:

I declare that the above information is correct and that the person in charge has my permission to authorise medical treatment in an emergency. If I have answered “yes” to one or more of the above questions, I should seek medical advice before attending the event. I agree to tell the leader if there is a change in my medical condition. I understand that this information will be shared with other with the leaders and that I participate at my own risk.

Signed: Date:

C onnect Outdoors �11

PHOTOGRAPHIC/VIDEO & DIGITAL MEDIA CONSENT FORM

To comply with Data Protection Law (including the General Data Protection Regulation and associated legislation), we are required to obtain your consent so that we may take and use photographs and video recordings of your and/or your child.

Photography and videography may be used at Connect Outdoors for the purposes set out below. Only images of children in suitable dress will be recorded and shared. Staff are not allowed to take photographs or videos on their personal equipment.

If we would like you or your child’s image linked to their name we would contact you separately for permission (for example, if you or your child won a competition and wanted to be named in press/literature).

We would like your consent to take photos and videos of you or your child and use them in the ways described below. If you are not happy for us to do this, we will accommodate your preferences.

I am happy for Connect Outdoors to take photographs/videos of me and my child:

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used on Connect Outdoors websites

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used in Connect Outdoors newsletters

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used on Connect Outdoors internal displays

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used on promotional materials (ie. posters, banners, etc.)

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used on social media sites (ie. twitter, Facebook, etc.)

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used in local newspapers/magazines

I am happy for photos/videos of me and/or my child to be used once I or my child has left the activity day with Connect Outdoors.

You are free to withdraw your consent at any time. If you wish to withdraw your consent for any of the above activities, please contact Connect Outdoors at info@connectoutdoors.co.uk if you have any questions.

Participants Name

Parent/carer Signature (if applicable)

Participants Signature

Date