We don't normally expect January to be any good for gliding, but there was one notable weekend this year. We share two of the best photos here, from Saturday 18th, although the following day was brilliantly sunny too.

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In the first photo by Stewart Hills we see the afternoon shadows falling across Glen Einich from about 4,500 feet looking east. Almost all of the loch is in shadow, and we can see low cloud encroaching from the southern side of the mountains.

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New member Rhona Paton (14) from Aviemore, who attends Grantown Grammar school, was lucky enough to hitch a ride in the mighty ASH two-seater with Nick Norman for a memorable trip around the Cairngorms. She took the second photo, showing the low cloud hugging the southern slopes of the mountains.

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She writes:  "Everyone at the club was really welcoming and even managed to make Mum feel (slightly) comfortable with letting me go flying! I was spoiled rotten with the blue skies and stunning views. It's amazing how small everything looks from 6,700ft! It was fantastic to fly almost as far as Braemar. I loved every moment I spent up in the gliders or at the club itself, and I am well and truly hooked!"

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Later the same day, Rhona had an instructional flight in one of our two-seat trainers, and apparently enjoyed learning the basics for herself. See you again soon, Rhona!