River Walk

I had a walk by the river today as the wind has changed direction and it wasn't nearly so cold.

The river is high as the snow is slowly melting in the mountains but that's normal at this time of year.

I'd love to get started properly on the garden but I've promised my gardening friend I would wait until the 1 May. All this came about because I said a few weeks ago I was going to dig out plants which I've lost over winter. So far I calculate the number to be 9.

My expert friend told me to wait until the beginning of May just to ensure there was no growth as certain plants could recover. I can't see any signs of life in them but I will wait as I promised.

When I'm taking out the dead ones I may just remove some of the old heathers. They've become very 'woody' and really do need replacing.

Of course, for all this work I will require a willing under-gardener as I don't have the strength to dig out large shrubs, so I suppose I'd better start doing a little spoiling before the first of next month.

A Happy New Year for 2010

This is the view outside the front door around midday on Hogmanay. It looks lovely but the fresh snow covers hard-packed ice.

We've cancelled our plans to go to a party and are going to keep safe and warm in the house. There's not much point in driving in weather like this if you can avoid it and the council staff are still on holiday so, with the exception of the main roads, walking is treacherous.

I've ordered a pair of pull-on cramptons for my boots as I find it hard to balance on the ice. Maybe once they arrive I'll feel more confident getting out and about.

Happy New Year!

The Homecoming, Scotland

Another year is with us here at Heathpark Lodge and I do hope any resolutions you made are still holding.

The main event in Scotland this year is The Homecoming which is a national celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.  There is a spectacular programme of events all over Scotland during the year plus, of course, The Gathering which will take place in Edinburgh on 25th and 26th July.  This is a gathering of all Scottish clans and is sure to be a sell out.  For further information see The Gathering.

I know many of the guests who have booked with me this year intend to visit old haunts, famous haunts and generally go haunting.  Sounds like fun when there is so much to do in this area.  

The drop in the value of the pound is sure to encourage more to return to Scotland or even to visit for the first time.  It has been a few years now since foreign visitors felt the monetary exchange rate was reasonable.

Since new year the weather, with the exception of two days, has been just wonderful winter weather.  Sharp frosts with temperatures around 0 or slightly less overnight and beautiful sunny days with blue skies.  Of course the days are chilly too because there is no heat in the sun yet, but if you ensure you have a few layers of clothing on, then walking is a pure pleasure.

Merry Christmas All

May I wish all my readers a Very Happy Christmas and a Guid New Year.

Please view the following link on YouTube, it's a lovely musical greeting:  

Youtube White Christmas

Mince Pies

Doesn't that mince pie just look delicious?  Mouthwatering and the pastry, looking so crumbly and light, will surely melt in your mouth within seconds.

No, it's not a photo of my home baking - how I wish it was!  I've been struggling to buy a quality mince meat to bake my own, but yesterday I finally decided to make my own.

Emptying the contents of the baking cupboard it was a surprise to find plenty sultanas, raisins and cherries. Complimented by ground almonds and various spices the fruit was put in a pan and warmed thoroughly using generous tots of rum, amaretto, port and anything else to hand.  This was then cooled and put into the fridge in a covered bowl.  I've stirred it today and added more booze and have to admit, my fridge smells rather festive.  Overpoweringly festive, but at least I'm doing my best to get into the spirit of things (excuse the pun).

I'll leave the concoction to 'mince' ( or is it 'meat') until Sunday then do the pies. Hopefully I can manage a comparison photo with the one above, but I don't intend to 'break' more than two just to improve my photography skills as I would like to offer my New Year guests some.  So keep your fingers crossed!  

Christmas Markets

This photo was sent to me as a Christmas card and it took my mind back to my years of working in Europe.

Christmas in Germany, Switzerland and Austria was a wonderful experience.  The superb Christmas markets where you could buy all your food for the festive season, plus of course gifts for everyone.

Traditions were far more marked than they are here and Christmas Eve was the time to put up the tree which would be adorned with real candles.  I can understand why they've been banned I suppose, but seeing a Christmas tree lit by candlelight is a true joy.

We opened our presents on Christmas Eve too and Christmas Day was the day for food, food and more food.  Goose was a favourite rather than turkey and, to this day, I do enjoy goose for my Christmas meal.

The Europeans don't seem to over-hype Christmas or over decorate, it's all rather subtle and gentle.

Such treasured memories. 

Skiing at Glenshee near Blairgowrie

A heavy fall of snow overnight and now a great possibility of Glenshee opening for business.  As usual it's very picturesque here but cold (-3 outside earlier).  The cold is a 'dry' cold and if you're dressed warmly it's lovely outside.

I didn't take the above photo of Glenshee but I've borrowed it.  Such a wonderful landscape and skiing for all levels of skill.

Why have all the hassle of airports when you can access Glenshee easily.  Blairgowrie is at the south side of the Cairngorms and the last town before the slopes, so do stop and stock up with the painkillers and moisturiser!

B & B Blairgowrie, Christmas 2008 and Hogmanay 2008/9 opening

Our little red squirrels are still about but I've only seen two recently.  It's quite obvious the autumn is well underway as the bird no longer play in the garden, but arrive, eat, then fly off to their next destination.

Some years we've been open for both Christmas and New Year.  This year I've decided to close for Christmas, mainly because family are coming to join us for a few days and it's hard work juggling my guests as well as family.  Only twice over the years I've done this and I feel I neglect everyone.

So, no guests over Christmas but we shall open for Hogmanay (New Year) this year.  Last year we had a quiet evening and enjoyed cooking ourselves a good meal accompanied by some rather delicious wine.  We had such a pleasant time we've decided to try it again.  Must be my old age catching up with me!  I turned down many enquiries for Hogmanay last year so this year I shall open.  So many businesses close over the festive period and it's a shame if people want to spend Hogmanay with family or friends but can't find accommodation.

I shall put the price for Hogmanay on the website in the next couple of days but it will be £32.50 per person per night.  I will not be taking one night bookings - just in case you ask!

Highland Cattle in Perthshire & New Year BBQs

It's been a very busy few weeks and I feel guilty at not spending a little time writing.  

This photograph was taken locally the other day but the weather wasn't too bright.  I think it's amusing as it was so strange they all turned to face me - just as if they were about to burst out in song!

September was a hectic month, lots of golf finals to be played, fishermen making their last attempts to find the elusive record-breaker trout or salmon and many other guests here for family parties or some type.  More and more people seem to prefer small bed and breakfasts to large hotels these days.  

Barbeques seem far more popular in Scotland these days and party guests usually speak highly of the variety and quality of the food offered.  It no longer seems to be a choice of burgers or sausages.  My favourite BBQ meal is a venison steak, baked potato with courgette and carrot salad (either hot or cold).  Just delicious!

Must tell you about my strangest BBQ.  It was New Year some years ago and we'd invited friends round for a meal and to welcome the New Year.  I'll take the blame for coming up with the idea of having a BBQ, although the food would be cooked outside and consumed inside. Guests were forewarned to bring warm clothing if they wanted to be part of the cooking staff.

Around teatime that Hogmanay the snow started.  Then it snowed and snowed.  The BBQ went ahead amid such stunning scenes of winter and it was a roaring success.  Part of the secret I'm sure, was providing everyone with a whisky mac on arrival, just to warm their insides. 

For quite a few Christmases (weather allowing) we've taken the portable BBQ up into the hills on Christmas Day and thoroughly enjoyed our meal - even though I have kept my gloves on to eat at times!  A thermos of soup, baked potatoes done here at home then wrapped in tinfoil, a decent steak from my favourite butcher and stunning scenery make the event as near to perfection as possible.  Saves on all the washing up a traditional turkey Christmas dinner creates too!

 

Highland Games, Scotland

It's been a busy few weeks with so many events going on in Perthshire. Last Saturday was the Braemar Gathering, possibly the most famous of all the Scottish Highland Games and fortunately the weather was reasonable for all concerned.

Blairgowrie jumps to life during the weekend which locals refer to as 'Braemar Night'.  The town buzzes with hundreds of visitors stopping en route through the Grampians to see the spectacle of Highland entertainment.  There is something for everyone to see including a glimpse of HM The Queen as she is a staunch admirer and visits the Gathering every year.  On the Saturday evening music is to be heard all over the town and a ceilidh is organised in a local hotel for anyone who wishes to have a wee dance or just enjoy some Scottish music.

Every year we are fully booked for this event and this year I had the pleasure of two European couples staying with me - one couple from Germany and the other from Belgium.  The Belgium couple had come specifically for a pop concert which took place at Glamis Castle on the Friday evening and the other couple were intent on visiting Braemar.  In fact, they were so intent they had booked their tickets online 5 months ago!  

The Sunday following the Braemar gathering Blairgowrie holds its own Highland Games. Another success this year by all accounts and the turnout was excellent.  Again the weather was kind.  All in all another pleasant weekend enchanced by the company of lovely guests.  Who says doing bed and breakfast is boring?  It's hard work I agree, but such times make it so worthwhile.

A Visit to Dunkeld, Perthshire

The weather during August has been the worst on record all over the UK.  I've had many visitors from Europe this month and most say it's very similar in their countries so at least I don't feel as if Scotland is unique.  Mind you I think Scotland is quite beautiful in any weather as long as you have the right clothing.  Yesterday was a dry day so I decided I would like a drive to Dunkeld.  It is a 20 minute drive from Blairgowrie along a pleasant, winding road.  Although it was a Bank Holiday weekend parking was available in The Square (see photo) which is the centre of the town.

The wonderful Dunkeld Cathedral is just a few minutes walk away and it never ceases to impress me with its dignified splendour.  What a building.  How many cathedrals are half ruin and half community places of worship?  Over the years I've had the privilege of attending several musical events in the Cathedral and have never been disappointed.  Most events sell out quickly so do book in advance.  The Cathedral website has a programme of most events.

 No visit to Dunkeld would be complete without a walk along the banks of the River Tay.  What a grand river it is although, with the recent rain, it was exceptionally high. The picture is looking east from the riverbank in front of the Cathedral and towards the Dunkeld Bridge designed by the famous Thomas Telford.

The day wasn't very sunny but it was reasonably warm and we ended by having a quick drink at the Taybank Hotel.  This used to be owned by the famous folksinger Dougie MacLean and his wife. The new owners have continued to use it as a centre for Scottish music and culture with instrumental classes, concerts and spontaneous music sessions.  Pop in if you're in town, you may be surprised what you hear!

Vintage Motor Cycle Club at Blairgowrie, Perthshire

Last week the Central Scottish Section of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club held their 34th Scottish National Assembly here in Blairgowrie (in fact just 2 minutes walk from the house).

I was delighted champions Fran and Harry Wiles stayed with us at our Bed and Breakfast in Blairgowrie.  What an inspiration they are to us more mature adults.  They've participated in this sport for many years and what they don't know about motor cycles isn't worth knowing.

Fran rides pillion and I thought her a brave woman, until she told me there's no suspension in a vintage motor cycle, with the exception of a wee bit of springing in the seat.  I'm still wondering if she's brave, a bit eccentric or both!

This is the motor cycle on which they won the Cup.  This was for the best performance on a Sunbeam motor cycle in the vintage class of the time trial. They also won overall second in the same trial. The bike is a Sunbeam 1929 Model 5 which, you can see, has been given much tender loving care for years.

Thank you Fran and Harry for sharing your interest with me.  I enjoyed our chats very much and you can be assured a little of your enthusiasm rubbed off.  Next year I'm going to visit the meeting to see these works of dedication.  Good luck to the two of you for future events.

Fran and Harry gave their permission for the use of their names in this article.

Red Squirrels, Blairgowrie, Perthshire

The other evening I was sitting in the sitooterie reading whilst I waited for guests to arrive.  My other half had received his new camera that morning and was putting it through its paces.  You know the kind of thing - silly photos of me and zooming in and out of plants with his new 10x lens.  

Red squirrels are frequent visitors to our garden.  They usually appear between 7 and 8am for breakfast and hang upside down for ages on the bird feeders extracting as much as possible.  It was no surprise to see one that evening at 7pm having its last meal of the day from their usual place.

Suddenly though, it rushed across the lawn, jumped up onto a stone by the water feature, then nipped into a nearer stone and had a lengthy drink from the bottom well!  This photo is its arrival at the water feature and the photo of it having a drink has gone forward to a national competition (I'll post that one at a later date).

To think all this happened within half a minute of time was incredible!  Nature is always full of surprises.

A link which may be of interest to you:  Highland red squirrels

Rumbling Bridge near Dunkeld, Perthshire

Having to visit a friend in Crieff yesterday, I decided to take the scenic route.  That's from here to Dunkeld, cross the A9 onto the Sma Glen and Crieff road.  The whole journey takes around 40 minutes and the scenery through the Sma Glen is absolutely stunning at any time of year.

But I'm going to tell you about a hidden gem tucked away on this route.  Once you are over the A9 and into the Crieff road, you pass through a couple of hamlets and around 4 to 5 miles from Dunkeld, there is a small sign of the left hand side saying 'Rumbling Bridge 1/4 mile'.  Turn down here to the right and park in the car park on the right hand side.

Walk down the wee hill to the bridge (you'll hear the noise of the water) and you will see the fall of the River Braan down the gorge.  Look to the right hand side of the bridge first then the left where it is dark, still and deep.

In any weather this is just a lovely reminder of the wonders of nature and definitely worth a visit. Rumbling Bridge can also be accessed from the Hermitage Walk starting at Dunkeld.  There are even picnic places (although just a few) for those who wish to sit and watch the rolling waters.

There is another Rumbling Bridge in this part of Scotland near Kinross and it seems to get all the publicity.  This one is far more interesting - but then I would say that, wouldn't I !

Botanic Gardens, Dundee University

It's a beautiful sunny day and around 25 degrees.  Too nice to stay indoors, now my work is finished, so I'm going to have a trip to the wonderful Botanic Gardens at Dundee University.  The gardens are just a 20 minute drive from here on a pleasant road.

These gardens are exceptional and so much of the work is done by volunteers.  Unfortunately, owing to the restrictions of the bed and breakfast business, I'm unable to be a reliable volunteer but I can enjoy the results of their toils.

The photograph is of a beautiful climbing, highly scented rose on the front wall of the house here.  It was just coming into flower.  I was told a few years ago it was a very old rose, possibly having been planted not long after the house was built in the 1840s.  So today, I'm taking a stem complete with a flower, in the hope that one of the experts at the Botanic Gardens can identify the rose or at least give some idea of it's heritage.  Doubt if I will get the results back for a while but they should be interesting.

Here in Scotland, there are few opportunities to really use air conditioning in the car, but today is one of them.   It's not so long ago it was thought air conditioning would never be used in a place like Scotland but I have used it for the past few months quite often.  Perhaps we don't get enough days like today but our climate isn't as bad as it is pictured at times.  England often gets far worse weather than Perthshire!

Clunie Loch near Blairgowrie, Perthshire

Had a few hours free yesterday afternoon having completed all the work required for the bed and breakfast, so decided to go for a short walk.  A ten minute drive took me to the Loch of the Lowes, which has been famous for nesting ospreys since the late 1060s, but it was very busy so I decided to drive round  the other side and make my way back via Clunie Loch (doing more or less a circle from Blairgowrie).  

Clunie Loch is charming.  It's a small loch, although trout fishing is permitted, but it's just the right size for a short walk.  I parked by the church and strolled round enjoying the peace and the lapping of the water on a warm summer afternoon.  'Clunie' means 'meadow' in Gaelic I was told today by a friend and I would agree it is in a meadow-like setting.

When I returned to the car a party of cyclists arrived.  They had been practising for a big competition and decided to relax there for an hour before continuing their gruelling training.  Most set off round the loch with gusto although some sensible ones (in my opinion anyway!) sat at the edge of the water and enjoyed the calmness.

My apologies for taking the photograph too far away but I assure you the loch is there!  Just a slither of it shows about two-thirds of the way down right of centre.

Scottish Boys Golf Championship, Blairgowrie Golf Club

It's been such a pleasant week.  Not only has the weather improved beyond belief, we've been basking in sunshine with temperatures well over 20 degrees.  My guests have all been excellent company and I do hope they've enjoyed staying as much as I've enjoyed having them in my home.

The photograph is of James Hendrick who is competing in the 47th Scottish Boys Golf Championship which is taking place at Blairgowrie Golf Club this week and he's been well up the rankings.  James was accompanied by his Dad and I've learned a great deal about the really tough competition there is around for youngsters like James to 'make it' in a sport such as golf.  The odds are unbelievably high but so are the rewards although I'm not sure it's reward that motivates James.  An intense love of the game seems to be his reason for getting up in the mornings plus a natural ability to hit the ball well.

This particular competition is open to boys under the age of 18 and this will be the last one James is able to enter as his eighteenth birthday is not far away.  His Dad was explaining to me the next steps in James' golfing career and it's quite a leap.  I do admire the parents and families of young people who enter this type of popular sport with the intention of making it their career.  The support and care parents give is quite remarkable (and that's without making comment about the financial support required).

So James, you'll be playing your final round and I wish you all the very best  You're a lovely lad with a most pleasant personality and I'm sure you'll go far.  Do wish you'd eat a good breakfast though!

For those of you reading this - golf isn't just for experts and people who luckily have the natural ability for the sport.  Anyone can play. In this area of Scotland there are so many courses to choose from that we're very spoilt for choice.  (I say anyone can play - unfortunately I'm one of these people who couldn't hit a ball even if it was the size of a melon!)

James has given his permission for his name and photograph to be used in this wee story.

Beech Hedge, nr Blairgowrie, Perthshire

When driving into Perth yesterday on the A93, I was suddenly struck by the imposing splendour of the Beech Hedge at Meikleour near Blairgowrie (see photo).  I have driven past this for the best part of 20 years and just accepted it as part of the landscape, but for some reason yesterday - perhaps the sunlight on it, I realised it really is spectacular.

It stands 120ft tall at the highest point and is approximately 600ft long.  Since 1966 it has had the accolade of the tallest beech hedge in the world and it has a romantic history.  It is said it was planted by a woman named Jean Mercer and her husband Robert Nairne.  Both lived in the small nearby village of Meikleour.  Robert Nairne, it is believed, was later killed on the battlefield of Culloden.  The hedge is now maintained by the Meikleour Trust and it takes 4 men around 5 weeks to keep it looking good.

Unless you know it is there, it's quite easy to miss.  On the A93 from Blairgowrie it is just at the end of the long straight on the right hand side.  Coming from Perth on the A93 it's not so easy to see.  Once you're over the Isla bridge (with the traffic lights) continue along and round the slight right hand bend.  You will see a small lay-by on your left.   Park there if you can.  The hedge is above you but the best view is from the north side.  There is a pavement which you can use to walk the length of it.  Shame it does not have a larger sign, as it has such a 'claim to fame' with a world record, but now you know where it is at least!

Perthshire Major Events 2008

29 June - 4 July        Scottish Mixed Foursomes Golf Week.

4 - 6 July                  Scottish Game Fair Scone Palace.

6 July                       Elton John at McDiarmid Park Perth

11 - 13 July              T in the Park, Kinross

12 - 13 July              Scottish Transport Extravaganza, Glamis Castle

9 -10 August            Scottish Prom Weekend, Glamis Castle

6 September            Braemar Highland Games

6 September            Braemar Night, Blairgowrie

6 - 7 September       Scottish Countryside Fair, Glamis Castle

7 September            Blairgowrie Highland Games

3 - 9 October           Walking Festival Blairgowrie/East Perthshire

Member of Ancestral Tourism

Ancestral Tourism is an accredited qualification given to a small number of Scottish bed and breakfast or guesthouse businesses who have proved their ability at helping visitors with the time consuming and enjoyable interest of tracing their ancestors. Indeed I am most fortunate to be a member of this initiative and learn something myself most days.

Genealogy (the tracing of ancestors) has become most popular in the past 5 - 10 years and as a 4 star bed and breakfast in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland I have attracted my share of these most delightful guests who pursue their interest in a most enthusiastic and cheerful manner. The tenacity of most would shame lesser mortals!

Being a member of Ancestral Tourism ensures any guest staying at Heathpark Lodge will be given as much help as possible with regard to places (such as graveyards, record libraries etc) and at times help finding people. It's so much easier to speak to people local to an area than attempt to find details even on the internet.

Most of my guests have done a great deal of research prior to visiting Scotland, or indeed Perthshire, but usually there are one or two loose ends which can be tied up to make a picture complete. Perhaps I'm lucky because guests from as far a field as Australia, New Zealand, Canada plus the US have stayed with me and before their trip I've known about their quest thanks to the technology of email. Of course that helps me because I can do a little research of my own prior to their arrival and at times save them hours of slogging round churchyards.

So if your desire is to trace your Scottish ancestral roots, do try to stay with someone who is a member of this initiative as they could be quite valuable in your search. I never knew so many of Scottish descent worldwide are still so deeply interested in their roots. It's a pleasure to be part of their quests.