Big Tree Country Awards 2011

This year's Big Tree Country Awards theme was 'Trees Matter' as it is the International Year of Forestry.  There are three categories - Education, Community and Local Business.  Every year the theme is different so some year's it may not be applicable to the type of business you have.  This year's business award was aimed at local business and service providers that work hard to ensure that visitors and locals alike are aware of all the fantastic trees and woodlands in Perthshire.  So I thought I would give it a go and was delighted to be shortlisted in the business category.  The Awards were held yesterday at the impressive Gleneagles Hotel and we were treated to cake coffee, tea etc. The Education award was won by Blackford Primary school, the community award by The enchanted Forest in Pitlochry, large business award by Gleneagles Hotel and small business award by me!! - Gilmore House, pretty chuffed I am as well.  I was presented with a certificate and the most fabulous 'leaf' trophy which is made from Ash.

As you will know if you follow my blog I have an immense interest in the great outdoors and have had since a young child.  I was fortunate to grow up in a small village called Crook of Devon  and virtually had the River Devon flowing past the bottom of our garden so many happy hours were spent on the riverbank and the woodland surrounding it.  Trees have always been a part of my life as my father owned a sawmill and timber merchant business which he was involved in all his working life - he loved trees so perhaps this has rubbed off on me.  Rather aptly his final resting place is at a Woodland Cemetery in Comrie, with a lovely oak dedicated to him.  My parents met and married and started their life together in Comrie so it seems appropriate to me to support Trees 4 Scotland who own and manage Teaghlach Wood at Comrie.  The B&B is a business supporter so I have the opportunity to continually donate and increase the amount of trees planted and if you wish to donate whilst staying with us I can print you a certificate and you will forever have your own small piece of woodland in the glorious Perthshire countryside.