Sunday 27 December 2009

Today at Glenshee




This morning we woke up to another 7cm of fresh snow, on top of what we already had, so it was on with the computer to check the road reports. The A93 was open, but there seems to have been a lot of road disruption around the A9. After the absolutely freezing weather we have been having, it was actually a bit warmer today. Here are today's morning pictures from Glenshee.

Wednesday 23 December 2009

Festive Greetings

Another year nearly over, so wishing you all a Merry Christmas. It is very cold in Scotland at the moment and we have had quite a bit of snow, so this year we will have a white Christmas, which I think makes it more magical, especially for the youngsters.

Thursday 3 December 2009

Perthshire Breakfast Course




Today I attended a course in Abernethy at a new cookery school called Let's Cook! Scotland. The course was entitled Perthshire Breakfast and was run in conjunction with Perth & Kinross Council's Developing Rural Tourism in Perthshire, Kinross and Angus. There have been 3 of the courses run this week and it was targeted at the B&B/Guest House Sector. There were 8 people on the course, 3 of us from Blairgowrie, 2 from Pitlochry, 1 from Perth and 2 from Forfar. It was fun exchanging B&B stories!!!
Let's Cook! is owned and run by a lovely engaging lady called Sarah, who has had vast cookery experience. Our day started by making Cinnamon and Raisin Bread, then a Raspberry & Strawberry Compote followed by a Basic Granola. We then had a tasting of different sausages and bacon. We sampled some delicious local Boar Sausages. (they are available at Perth Farmers Market) We then made some Potato scones which were fried using Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, which is made near Crieff at Summer Harvest
After lunch we made 2 different types of muffins, Raspberry & Pecan then Ham and Mushroom. We were all presented with a certificate and were given some Loganberry Jam to take home along with the goodies we had cooked.

Sunday 29 November 2009

Scottish Theme Shop Windows





This year again as part of the St Andrew's Day Celebrations there was a competition for the 'Best Dressed Premises', so this morning I had a wander and took a few photos. The winner was Doig & Sons. I also had a browse around the Continental market which was being held in the Wellmeadow.

Saturday 28 November 2009

Stanley Mills




This weekend Historic Scotland are letting you access their properties for free, so I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to have a trip along to Stanley Mills at Stanley (15 minutes drive) It is a huge complex of old mill buildings, part of which have been converted into flats. The mill is right beside the River Tay. The visitor centre has been very well done, interest for all ages and very hands on in places. They have a fantastic water display where you work sluice gates and wheels etc, great fun. Stanley Mills is open all year, so pop along.

Friday 13 November 2009

Knockhill Racing Circuit



Yesterday I was lucky enough to have an Ultimate Drivers Day experience at Knockhill, which is just over an hour away. I'm afraid I do not have many photos, but I have great footage on video.
It was a wet drive down, but cleared up quickly and stayed dry until late afternoon. The first drive of the day was in a SEAT Ibiza, learning how to go around the racing circuit. This was followed by a solo drive in single seater mini racing car, it was great fun. Unfortunately by the time you were getting comfortable with driving it, it was time to finish. It was then time for the go-karting. After a quick lunch break it was time for the rally driving on a specially built rally stage. I have to say the rally driving was my favourite part of the day and at the end the instructor went into the driving seat and took you round the course showing just how it should be done.
The whole day was run very smoothly, hardly any hanging around, and I was surprised at just how many people were at the circuit doing one of the many 'experiences' they have on offer. I received mine as a present, so if you are stuck for present ideas, try Knockhill.

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Service at Community Campus



Today I attended a Remembrance/Re-dedication service at the Community Campus. The war memorial was situated at the old Hill Primary and has just been moved to it's new position at the Blairgowrie Community Campus.
For the Fallen

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them

Wednesday 28 October 2009

St Andrew's Day Celebrations 2009

Below is a list of events which will be held over the last weekend of November.

FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
CONTINENTAL MARKET in Wellmeadow (all day to 9pm)
Judging of 'Best Dressed Premises' Competition by Sheila Stewart, MBE (3pm)
FOLK MUSIC Evening (free entry, at selected venues in Blairgowrie and Rattray)
Grand St Andrew's FAMILY CEILIDH - Angus Hotel (7.30pm to midnight): tickets on sale now at The Angus Hotel Reception and Visitor Information Centre

SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
CONTINENTAL MARKET in Wellmeadow (all day to 9pm)
CRAFT MARKET, The Royal Hotel (11am to 4pm)
Children's Story Telling, The Royal Hotel (11am to 3pm)
Children's Face Painting, The Royal Hotel (11am to 4pm)
MASSED PIPE BANDS March through Town & Display in Wellmeadow (2pm to 3.15pm)
'Scottish Flavoured' QUIZ NIGHT, The Royal Hotel (7.30pm to 10pm)
FOLK MUSIC evening (free entry, at selected venues in Blairgowrie and Rattray)

SUNDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
CONTINENTAL MARKET in Wellmeadow (all day to 5pm)
Blairgowrie & Rattray PIPE BAND DISPLAY in Wellmeadow (2pm to 2.45pm)
FOLK MUSIC evening (free entry, at selected venues in Blairgowrie & Rattray)

MONDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
FAMILY BAR-BQ and FOLK MUSIC featuring the well renowned folk singer Sheila Stewart, MBE. The Dalmore Inn (4pm to 9pm) - tickets on sale now from The Visitor Information Centre and NO. 31 (Wellmeadow)

Monday 26 October 2009

A Kind Note

When I went up to clean the bedrooms, this morning, I found that the guests who had been staying in Room 3 had left me a very kind note. Thank you very much.

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Blair in Bloom Awards 2009


Another year, another Blair in Bloom Award Ceremony. Attended the awards yesterday evening where I picked up my 2nd place certificate. This year I managed to get you a photo of the cups and shields given out to the winners. The judge this year had made a video of all the gardens he had visited which was very interesting. I think for next year I am going to have to go down the begonia route and drastically improve my hanging baskets. I will be the first to admit that my baskets and tubs were not looking very good this year and I need to get more later flowering perennials in the border.

Saturday 17 October 2009

A Bike Ride to Stormont Loch



Today was yet again a gloriously beautiful October day. Early afternoon I took the children on a bike ride. We went along the Dunkeld Road and turned down by Myreside, signposted Ardblair Trail, and continued along the track across the Essendy Road along the track by Ardblair wood and continued straight ahead until we came back onto the Perth Road. We crossed onto Golf Course Road and opposite Woodlands Road there is a small track which takes you along through the Golf Courses. We continued through the woods to the edge of Stormont Loch. The Loch is an important area for over wintering wildfowl. Tufted ducks and great crested grebes also nest here. It is very good cycling terrain and of course walking. We returned the route we came, back to Golf Course Road, but there are various other routes you could take to return.

Thursday 8 October 2009

A Trip down to Perth



On Tuesday we had a little trip out down to 'The Fair City' of Perth, so took a few random photos whilst wandering about. I was very impressed by the machines in 'Boots' where you can instantly print out photos from your camera memory card (you can tell I don't get out much!!!) lots of fun. Just did the usual wandering around shops and as it was one of my children's birthday, we went out for a lovely lunch at a place called Cafe Breizh on the High Street.
The Bed and Breakfast is starting to get a bit quieter now, but it is still steady. The weather for October so far has been very nice, but a huge change in the temperature, especially in the mornings. I think the grass will have had it's last cut for the season.

Tuesday 22 September 2009

Fungi Walk at Dunkeld



This afternoon I had the opportunity to nip across to Dunkeld to go on a fungi walk arranged by the Atholl Estates Ranger Service. Anyone wanting to go was to meet at Cally car park, which is just before Dunkeld, and this is a good place to go if you were wanting to go out walking. Quite a few people turned up and the walk was led by two knowledgeable ladies. Unfortunately with the dry spell we have been having the fungi were a bit scarce. I had an enjoyable time and picked up some hints and tips. There are quite a few fungi walks/forays coming up take a look at this link for all the events.

Friday 11 September 2009

A Postcard from Cannes


My second postcard this year!! from some lovely guests from France, thank you very much.

Friday 4 September 2009

The River Ericht






These photos were taken late morning, today, after a day and night of torrential rain. The top three are taken from the bridge in the town centre looking downstream, and the bottom two photos are from the riverside path. Unfortunately with all the rain Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games, which were to be held on Sunday have been cancelled. The Braemar Day Celebrations on Saturday are still going ahead, with fancy dress parades, dancing, pipe bands, a climbing wall, etc and at 9.00pm there will be a firework display set to music. There will be a Victorian theme to Braemar Day, so dress up if you wish.

Thursday 3 September 2009

By the River Tay

A derelict Victorian Greenhouse
Grapes growing in old greenhouse
The River Tay
Fisherman's Boat on River Tay
Old Kinclaven Railway Bridge

Yesterday I had a wander down by the River Tay at a spot called Kinclaven. Many years ago a railway used to pass this spot, unfortunately you can't get onto the bridge, not that I didn't try though! Shame they don't open it up as it would make a superb walk. Also came across a beautiful old Victorian Greenhouse, now sadly past it's best, but I was surprised to see the grapes still growing away in it. I can imagine what it must have been like when it was being used. I really love old Victorian architecture.