End of June

Don't know about you, but this year is flying by.  The children went away on their annual summer holiday to France this morning, their father took them over, which means I have no transport for the week. Don't think you can take dogs on the local bus so will mooch about here and anyway the B&B is busy,  plenty local walks to enjoy.  Honestly haven't been up to anything much since my last post, well not quite true, lots going on but not to do with the B&B.  The eagle eyed amongst you will notice in the photo selection a For Sale sign, yup the house is on the market with Hodge It went on last Friday and judging by the total lack of interest I assume it will be on the market forever!!! It is a bit soul destroying as it really is a fabulous property, but that's the housing market at the moment for you.  I am still running the B&B the same as usual and I would imagine if, no WHEN (be positive) it sells it will probably continue as such.  Possibly shooting myself in the foot by declaring the house is on the market as might put potential guests off booking far in advance, but that's the risk you have to take.  A lot of my regular guests already know and when I explain the reasons to anyone I can honestly say not one person has thought I was totally bonkers with my huge decision which is not just about the house but my personal life also.  Life is going too quickly now to stand still. I certainly don't want to plod on and regret not doing anything about my current situation whist I had the opportunity. Hard to believe this is my 17th season here and I have been in the Hospitality industry 27 years now.
Anyhow, as I said, will no doubt be here for a good while yet, so come and stay and if you know anyone who wants to run a B&B, well you know a pretty decent one for sale!

Strathmore Arts Festival

Today the Strathmore Arts Festival was held in the Wellmeadow with over 40 Art 'workshops' round and about.  Along with my daughter I had entered a photo competition, she won her age group with a photo of a Highland Cow. The theme for the oldies age group was 'Bridges of Strathmore' which was won by a superb shot of Kinclaven Bridge.  Lovely to see so many people out enjoying the sun and atmosphere in the town centre.

Regional Finals - Scottish Thistle Awards

Well today was the day of the Regional Finals for the Scottish Thistle Awards, so I made an effort and brushed my hair and put a skirt on.  It was a lunchtime event so I was picked up by Cllr Bob Ellis who is also chairman of Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association and he also picked up my guest Tracey Baxter who is the brains behind 'Love to Eat' and all the spin -offs, inspiring lady who works damn hard.  The finals were held at Scottish Natural Heritage HQ at Battleby just outside of Perth, some place.
We received the obligatory name badge and mingled, fortunately I knew a few people so not too awkward.  Of course one of the highlights of these events is the rather nice food thrown in! Then it was time for the awards and everyone took their seats in the auditorium.  Fantastic array of businesses up for awards all doing their own unique and diverse thing and excelling at it.
My wee B&B didn't win the best guest house/B&B category, the worthy winner was Craigatin from Pitlochry. I'm not saying that through gritted teeth either, it really is an amazing, beautiful guest house and all credit to the work the owners have put in, hat's off to them. Delighted to even have got through to the regionals with the calibre of the two places Gilmore House was up against. Of course a blessing of not winning was that I didn't have to have my photograph taken!, prefer to hide behind the camera.
Lovely few hours out and I have another certificate to put on my wall.

'The Weekend'

'The Weekend' in Blairgowrie & Rattray is a new event promoting all the local businesses and organisations in and around the town.  There was lots going on today with some businesses having open days, craft stalls in the Town Hall, stalls in the Wellmeadow, fire engines, classic cars..........list goes on. Just a few random photos as lots of people about and I'm sure judging by the success today the organisers will hold it again next year.