We have had a real taste of early winter here in Blairgowrie. Yesterday it snowed on and off nearly all day and today we had a few heavy wintry showers in the afternoon. There has been road chaos across Perthshire and Scotland with many of the main roads closed and many people stuck. It has been good news for the children though as schools were closed today and they are to remain closed again tomorrow. 
For the past few years our local Tourist Association organises events in the town and area to coincide with St Andrew's Day Celebrations. Today there was a pipe band and brass band display as well as a Christmas Craft market. Not the best of weather to be outside today as it was very cold. Last night we had a biggish snowfall, apparently it is the first time in 17 years snow has fallen so early in Britain down at lower levels. Glenshee ski resort opened yesterday as well, which is great news for the winter season.
After being at the reservoir I continued along to Kirkton of Glenisla, a very small charming village. I had a walk along a small part of the Cateran Trail which involved crossing a small bridge over the River Ardle. The dog did not take kindly to crossing the bridge and froze in terror halfway across, finally managed to coax him across and all was well. I have lots of guests who walk the Cateran Trail so it was nice to think they had all walked along this path to their next overnight stop. There is a hotel in Kirkton of Glenisla and a couple of B&B's. If you continue to drive along this road you can loop back onto the A93, there are lot's of little roads going here there and everywhere. I returned the same way and stopped at Reekie Linn which I mentioned in May 2009 and the water was gushing down. I have put yesterdays photos of Reekie Linn on my flickr album and a wee video of it on my facebook page.
Yesterday I went on one of my little jaunts out, to discover places 'On my doorstep' that I have never been before and can recommend to visitors. Having a look at my local map I decided to head up Glenisla way. Along the road at Alyth there is a roundabout where you take the B954 and just follow the signpost's for Glenisla. When this road meets up with the B951 you will see a road straight ahead of you which takes you up to the Backwater Reservoir, and what a fantastic place it is! There is plenty of parking before the bridge over the dam or you can continue over the bridge and around the dam to another parking area. The reservoir was opened by the Queen in 1969 and extends to 3 kilometres. The dam itself is 42.6 metres high and 570m long. It is an amazing piece of engineering and actually a superb place to go for a walk and enjoy the scenery. 
I have quite a number of bird feeders in the back garden of Gilmore House and it is lovely to see the variety of feathered visitors that come to stock up. Today there were a huge amount of Goldfinches, they particularly enjoy the niger and sunflower seeds. In my upstairs guest lounge you will get a good view of all the feeders and there is a pair of binoculars and bird identification book should you wish to use.
A couple of years ago part of the A93 just outside of Blairgowrie was realigned cutting off a stretch of road that took you over an old Bailey Bridge en route North. So today I decided to have a wee wander along the old road. It was a very strange feeling walking along what used to be a very busy A road, almost eerie, and walking across the Bailey Bridge was a bit worrying, don't know why as huge lorries used to thunder over it daily. Through the trees you can catch glimpses of Craighall Castle which towers over one of the deepest gorges in Scotland. The castle was recently sold after being in the Rattray family since around 1533 and is currently covered in scaffolding. If you google Craighall Castle in google images you will see what a fantastic building it is. The whole ancient woodland in this area is of scientific interest. I shall walk further along another day and see if I can get better pictures of the gorge. The whole area would make a great waymarked walk from the town itself, but that's not up to me!
Today I took the children up to Glenshee to do a bit of sledging, they have had quite a bit of snowfall in the past week. The ski centre is not yet open for the season so none of the lifts or cafes are open, but if you are prepared to walk to the top of the mountains with your ski's or snowboard there was some decent cover on the runs to get down again.
As mentioned before, this year I reached the final three in the category for 'Small Business Extra Mile award' in the annual Scottish Thistle Awards. Yesterday afternoon we left for Edinburgh and decided to use the Park and Ride at Queensferry and take the bus into Edinburgh, much easier and quicker than negotiating unknown streets in Edinburgh!, I would highly recommend anyone to use this facility. The bus stopped pretty much opposite where we were staying, so we checked in then had a wander to find the Edinburgh International Conference Centre where the event was being staged, it was only a 10 minute stroll. Had a look at a couple of shops then back to the hotel for a quick change and polish up. The event started at 6.15pm with a drinks reception then we went upstairs to the auditorium for the awards presented by Ronni Ancona. The whole presentation was superb, we didn't win though, the winner in my category was another B&B in Mull called Seaview. After the awards dinner was served downstairs, after dinner entertainment by Ms Ancona finishing off with a ceilidh. I have to say the whole evening was brilliant and I have a lovely certificate to hang on my wall, maybe try again next year! Here is a small video of our Bed and Breakfast Gilmore House minute of fame. 
Today I attended a workshop run by Visit Scotland called 'Sustainable Tourism'. It was held in the local Altamount Hotel, so as it is not far away I walked over. It was a super workshop, there was an introduction, a short film then talks by various people. First talk was about Scottish business in the community, then a case study by Gleneagles hotel, a talk by Keep Scotland Beautiful finishing off with the Energy Saving Trust. I came away with lot's of useful information which I can implement in the B&B. I like to think I carry out quite a lot of 'Green' measures, but there is so much more I can and will do - watch this space!
En route somewhere today I stopped at Quarrymill Woodland Park, which is on the left before you reach Perth just after the entrance to Scone Palace. Unfortunately not the best of weather for a walk, but still a lovely place. There is also a coffee shop, which is open from April until September. As a dog owner I was immediately impressed by the provision of dog waste bags around the park as well as disposal bins. There are lots of places to sit as well as a dedicated barbecue area and a lovely duck pond. A nice place to stop on your way to Perth.
That time of year again for the prize-giving for Blair in Bloom Awards. It was held again in the Royal Hotel this evening with the presentations being made by Sir William MacPherson. Naturally I was highly delighted to have won the best garden for establishment providing tourist accommodation and have a nice shiny shield to keep for the year!