Burns Night - 250th Birthday Anniversary

On 25 January 1759 Robert Burns was born.  He became known as Robbie, Rabbie or Rab but I believe, when he mixed with Edinburgh society, he introduced himself as Robbie.

He is commonly referred to as Scotland's Bard (poet).  Not only was he a poet he was a lyricist and composer.  One of his many famous songs is "My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose," a lovesong supposedly dedicated to his wife Jean Armour, but he wrote well over 300 songs and many are in regular use today. 

Burns was 'a bit of a lad' and spread his affections generously, mainly around well-heeled society ladies, who delighted in his company.  Not all his relationships were of an intimate nature, some were just sincere friendships.

There is so much excellent information on the internet about Robbie Burns I suggest, if you're interested, have a browse.

I have just returned from my second Burns Supper this week and am still enthralled by the quality of the speakers, the haggis and the music. A Burns Supper is a very special occasion and certainly one worth attending.

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!

Online Booking

The past couple of weeks I have been inundated with emails offering me online booking and/or credit card facilities.  I do hope the following explains the reasons why I do not use these services.

I do not accept online bookings as I find them too impersonal so please email me or telephone.  

Also online booking companies charge for the facility (including visitscotland) and this would increase my standard rate.  Why should a guest have to pay more than necessary?

Credit card companies also charge fees which would have to be passed onto my guests and that is the reason I do not accept them.

It is important to me that my guests receive value for money when staying here and I do my best to keep rates as low as possible.