Cittaslow Perth

I am pleased to say I was recently accepted as a Cittaslow Perth business supporter and yesterday evening myself and other businesses were invited to Perth to the council offices to receive our certificates from the Provost. Cittaslow is all about taking the time to enjoy life and protecting your environment, conserving your town, getting out and about in your town, buying and thinking local, being part of your community and welcoming visitors.

Cittaslow is a network of over 100 towns in 15 countries that have adopted the goals and principles to improve the quality of life. Cittaslow grew out of the Slow Food movement.

The Lady Returns

The Ospreys are back along at Loch of Lowes after their warm winter in Africa. I have been waiting and watching the webcams and following people on twitter to see and hear about the Ospreys return. Yesterday an Osprey landed in the nest but then went away before returning again in the evening. This morning it was confirmed as being the regular female 'Lady', she is also known as 'Marge'. What is more remarkable is that this is her 21st consecutive visit for the breeding season and she is aged at about 26 years old. Last year she was seriously ill in her nest and everyone thought she wouldn't survive but she rallied round and successfully raised two chicks with her partner. Because of her traumatic time last year she probably wasn't expected to return this year, but the grand girl has surprised everyone again, she must overwinter in a magical place that gives her super powers!

Naturally I had to nip along this morning to see for myself and get some photos. The centre was quite quiet when I arrived but soon filled up with people including TV crews and professional photographers in to report the story. The STV crew filmed me and another lady, who is also from Blairgowrie, taking photos and they did a small interview with us!, should have brushed my hair and put a better top on. We were all treated to a spectacular fly past of 2 Ospreys coming in and lady taking off to chase them away.

*Just saw my 'starring' role on the tv - cringes!*

Peter Pan on Ice

This afternoon my Mum treated us to Peter Pan on Ice at Perth Concert Hall. I have walked past the concert hall many times but this was the first time inside. They have lots of events through the year, full details here. Today's spectacular was performed by a hugely talented group of Russian Ice Stars, pretty amazing what they could accomplice on an iced stage. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Perth Concert Hall is easy to find in Perth with nearby parking in the multi-storey and it is only 25 minutes away by car or you could easily take the regular bus services into Perth.

A walk at Stanley

Looking at these pictures you wouldn't believe we had quite a bit of snow yesterday, but I promise these were taken today. On the way back from Gloagburn I stopped at the Thistlebrig car park on the south side of Stanley. This car park is very popular with canoeists as the path takes you down to the River Tay and the reason is it is a superb stretch for whitewater even in the height of the summer. There is access further up the river at Burnmouth or at the Kinclaven bridge for the canoeists to start their descent. It was a bit muddy today but a nice stroll all the same.

The Independent's 50 Best B&B's

We are delighted to have been included in The Independent Newspaper's 50 Best B&B's feature which came out yesterday, of course I had to rush out and buy a couple of copies. Click here for the link to the online version. The online picture is of the dining-room which unfortunately doesn't show my lovely new chairs, come to think of it don't think I've shown you yet. I take so many pictures of 'things' to blog about and then I never get around to doing it, catch up time I think!

Gloagburn Oats

Had a quick trip over to Gloagburn Farm Shop as my Mum had informed me that they were now growing and producing their own Oatmeal. Naturally this was music to my ears for my Perthshire Breakfast. Their oatmeal comes in Pinhead, fine and medium textures and they also have oatflakes, perfect for soda bread. They are also producing their own chicken feed which I have already tried out on the chickens, they love it. Proud to say my chickens, their house and their feed all come from Perthshire! and of course my ladies produce their delicious Perthshire eggs for your breakfast.

Little's Restaurant

Today I had the rare treat of being taken out for lunch, well we all went. We decided to try Little's Restaurant at 4 Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie which opened a few weeks ago where the Pizza Place used to be. I have had some guest's who have been and said it was excellent. The decor is lovely and fresh and simple. The menu is super and there is a blackboard with 'specials' on. To start I had scallops and risotto followed by John Dory and Red Mullet. My daughters had lemon sole for a main course and the little one had mussels. Whatever your tastes there will be a dish to suit and they have a super choice on the 'fish' side. Can't fault it and it's only 10-15 minute walk away in the Wellmeadow. So if you come to stay I have some sample menus for you to have a look at.

We are very fortunate in Blairgowrie to have a good selection of places to have a meal.

A walk to Mill Dam

We have been having several days of glorious sunny weather, certainly lifts the spirits. I decided to drive along the A923 towards Dunkeld and park up at the side of the road where a waymarked path starts for Mill Dam. The parking place is about 3/4 of the way along the A923 on the right hand side, easy to spot, about 15 minutes drive away. The path takes you through Drumbuie Wood, where you can easily spot red squirrels, then opens out onto beautiful scenery. You will walk near a house called The Glack and there is a big metal gate which takes you onwards up towards Mill Dam. The 'Dam' still had a fine coating of ice and there are couple of benches to sit and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. I have more photos on flickr. You could continue along the path to Loch Ordie, there are the upper and lower paths to choose from. The walk from the car is quite straightforward with good paths.