flies in for a chat - Country Lifestyle Scotland

Transcription

LIFEstyyle
C O U N T R Y
Scotland ’s rural lifes tyle mag azine
SCOTLAND
Inspired
Falconry
Autumn 2015
flies in for a chat
Art holidays Travel in
Borders farm
NI awardScotland
winning meat marquee venue in Argyll
LIFEstyle
For your FREE e-edition subscription to Country Lifestyle Scotland, register at www.countrylifestylescotland.co.uk
C O U N T R Y
Scotland ’s rural lifes tyle mag azine
SCOTLAND
Welcome
food:
country sport:
fashion:
feature:
An Ulster meat merchant has Inspired Falconry talks to
CLS about the daily routine
the crowds queuing up for
of keeping raptors
his dry-aged beef
pages 9 to 11
pages 4 and 5
to the autumn issue
of Country Lifestyle Scotland.
At least autumn has turned up, unlike the
mystery of the Scottish summer – I don’t
think it managed past the border.
However, with the darker nights comes the
chance to spend more time indoors, and
we have a lovely feature on Whitehouse Art
Courses in Argyll, which opens its doors,
and bedrooms, to budding artists to spend
quality time perfecting the art of capturing
our beautiful Scottish countryside, which
will keep you occupied through autumn.
As for food, we are further afield than usual
with a meat merchant in Northern Ireland
featured with his unusual technique of dry
ageing beef – and it seems to be very
popular with his many customers.
A couple of lovely travel features in this
issue too – solitude in a shepherd’s hut in
stunning Ardnamurchan is featured, and a
jaunt up to Blair Atholl for some rest and
relaxation in the castle grounds.
Also if you have a party or wedding to
organise, get yourself to Kelso to see the
marquee venue at Runningburn Farm, it
really is as stunning as the photos suggest.
Country style easily
We take a trip to
transforms into city
Runningburn Farm’s stunning
chic fashion
wedding marquee venue
pages 13 to 19
pages 20 to 25
Karen
karen carruth,editor
[email protected]
Contact:
art:
travel:
Serenity at Ardnamurchan
Whitehouse Art Courses
and caravanning at Blair
welcomes artists to Argyll
Atholl caravan park
to hone their skills
pages 35 to 42
pages 26 to 29
Editor: Karen Carruth
[email protected]
Sales executive: Paul Johnstone
[email protected]
Sales executive: Karen MacKenzie
[email protected]
Marketing: David Boyle
[email protected]
Advertising production: Joyce Brady
[email protected]
PA to publisher: Mandy McHarg
[email protected]
Country
Lifestyle
Scotland
Tel. 0141 302 7750
Tel. 0141 302 7368
Tel. 0141 302 7756
Tel. 0141 302 7719
Tel. 0141 302 7747
Tel. 0141 302 7722
@countrylifescot
www.countrylifestylescotland.co.uk
Published by Newsquest Herald and Times Group Magazines, Glasgow
COUNTRYlifestyle / 3
food
A European first
The Meat Merchant
in Moira using its own
Himalayan salt chambers
By Chris McCullough
THERE IS not much Peter
Hannan doesn’t know about
meat and how to produce the
best flavours from top quality
cuts.
After all, he is a former supreme
champion of the Great Taste
Awards, and winner of more than
120 gold stars for his meat.
Peter is a real meat guru and
his public retail outlet, The Meat
Merchant, just outside Moira in
County Armagh is always packed
during opening hours.
Over the course of five and a
half days opening each week,
almost 2500 people visit his store
and more importantly, purchase
his wares.
It’s part of Hannan Meats,
Northern Ireland’s largest
supplier of gourmet meat to top
restaurants and hotels in the UK
and Ireland.
But now his meat is going that
little bit further as just recently The
Meat Merchant launched into
Paris, and next month will launch
on the Algarve.
His dry-aged Shorthorn beef
steaks are rated among the best
in the world, proving Peter knows
exactly what customers demand.
In the last two years, five of
Hannan’s beef cuts have been
listed in the Top 50 Foods in
Europe by the prestigious Guild of
Fine Food.
The combination of a top quality
cut of meat based on how it is
fed and slaughtered plus how the
meat products are hung and later
aged make for the perfect meat
recipe.
At The Meat Merchant, Peter’s
method of drying and adding
flavour to the meat in his store is
what makes his products stand
out from the rest.
In what is claimed to be a
4 / COUNTRYlifestyle
European first, Peter uses salt
blocks imported all the way from
Pakistan to dry age his meat and
give it that unique characteristic
flavouring.
Although originally from the
Republic of Ireland, Peter’s
colourful career has taken him
around the world, all in pursuit of
the best meat.
Customers at Peter’s retail
outlet rub shoulders with real
meat connoisseurs and top chefs
while they shop, such is the
reputation of the bursting portfolio
of products.
It’s one of the top selling meats
from the shop and Peter’s dryaged Shorthorn beef steaks come
from cattle reared in the idyllic
setting of Glenarm Castle Estates
in County Antrim, and other
specially selected producers.
Thanks to the breed’s natural
characteristics and reputation as
an excellent beef producer, plus
the natural grass feeding system
used at Glenarm, ensures a top
quality cut but Peter goes a
step further in preparing the
meat for customers.
In quite a bold move
Peter built himself some
12 foot high walls of
salt in two beef
storage rooms
to enhance
the dryageing
process.
But
it’s no
ordinary salt, its
Himalayan salt that
Peter imports himself from
a private salt mine in the foothills
of the Himalayas in Pakistan’s
Punjab region.
The translucent blocks which
vary in colour from white to
orange and a myriad of shades
of pink date back over 250 million
years.
The health and therapeutic
benefits of Himalayan salt have
been well known and documented
for centuries, but its benefits in
the dry–ageing of meat are only a
recent phenomenon.
Through a process called
ionisation, the negative ions from
the salt counteract the positive
ions of meat, and result in a totally
unique sweet and flavoursome
end product.
Continued on page 6
Peter Hannan from The Meat Merchant in Moira, Co Armagh, inspects his
dry-aged beef
first!
Loins and ribs of beef are dry-aged in Peter’s salt room for 28-45 days, the salt blocks line the wall on the left
The Meat Merchant shop is always well stocked in Moira
food
The Meat Merchant in Moira using its own
Himalayan salt chambers
Continued from page 5
It is not the salt alone, but a
combination of temperature,
humidity, and light combined, that
deliver supreme dry–aged meat.
Peter’s salt venture is a
European first and one that has
secured Peter and his team a host
of Great Taste Awards and some
pretty high profile restaurant and
store customers in London.
Peter said: “We are not just
about selling beef; it’s more about
eating beef.
“Our Shorthorn dry-aged steaks
are highly rated and the salt rooms
add a real enhanced flavour to the
meat.
“We hang the meat for 33 to 45
days in the salt chamber to ensure
the best flavour and texture of the
cut.
“We also recently completed a
Peter’s Shorthorn sirloin steaks are very popular in his shop
trial on 200 day aged meat, and
the results were phenomenal.
“The walls are 12 foot high and
contain just over 16 tonnes of salt
in each wall.
“The salt blocks are all hand-cut
in Pakistan. It’s some craic getting
the salt from there to Moira but we
manage it.”
Peter kills about 20 to 25
Glenarm Shorthorn cattle per
week locally in Glenavy and pays
a 10 per cent premium to his
suppliers above commercial rates
to farmers.
Himalayan salt is exceptional
in terms of purity and its flavour
enhancing qualities.
The salt walls erected by Peter
and his team create the perfect
environment for the ageing
process. Over a period of 28–45
days, it concentrates the flavour of
the meat and purifies the air in the
room, producing a totally unique,
sweet and flavoursome meat
product.
All of The Meat Merchant’s
Glenarm Shorthorn and European
Angus beef loins and ribs are now
aged in the salt chamber, creating
aged beef with a purity of flavour
that really is exceptional.
Peter was raised on a beef
and sheep farm in County Kildare
where unstinting hospitality was a
family way of life.
At just 11 years old he began
slaughtering and selling his own
meat and by 14, when others
his age were playing sport and
chasing girls, he was becoming
an experienced meat farmer.
Although he now freely admits
to chasing his fair share of girls
later on in life, by the age of 22 he
was running abattoirs in America.
Of course, his business today is
not only about selling beef. He has
a full range of poultry, pork, bacon
and lamb products to whet the
appetite of everyone who comes
through the shop door.
The variety of meat in the store
is a real carnivore’s dream. The
pork and chilli sausages are also
worthy of a try!
Among his clientele list, Peter
supplies the famous store
Fortnum & Mason, all of Mark
Hix’s restaurants in London, The
Merchant Hotel in Belfast, The
Mourne Seafood Bar and The
Killyhevlin Hotel.
And though he would never
disclose any names, Peter and
The Meat Merchant also boasts
a very prestigious book of private
clients.
His outlet is open Monday to
Friday and half day Saturday, on
the Old Kilmore Road outside
Moira.
Potential customers are warned
to empty their car boots and clear
the back seats before they arrive
because thanks to Peter’s “superb
food and unbelievable value” they
are going to need all the space
they can get!
www.themeatmerchant.com
Tel: 028 9261 9790
E: [email protected]
One of the hand-cut Himalayan rock salt bricks used by Peter Hannan to
dry-age his beef
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country sports
Fergus, the 25-year-old
Eagle Owl about to have
his morning exercise
Inspired Falconry
takes to the wing
By Linda Mellor
Dougal the Harris Hawk returns on command to Steve’s arm
STEVE BRAZENDALE and his
‘Inspired Falconry’ business are
based at Wester Pitscottie Farm,
Ceres, near St Andrews, Fife.
He moved to Fife from the West
Highlands in November 2011
and set up his falconry business
in February the following year.
As a passionate outdoorsman,
Steve was keen to share his
extensive rural knowledge and
introduce more people to the
countryside. He plugged a gap in
the market by offering customers
a one to one countryside
experience enabling them to get
up close to a bird of prey, gain
an insight into their history and to
fly them. Steve said: “Falconry is
one of the oldest country sports,
and it gives people a reason
to experience the outdoors.
Everyone, no matter their age
or ability can enjoy a bird of prey
experience.”
Steve grew up in Aberdeenshire
and his first bird of prey was a
Kestrel. He often travelled around
the county with his Dad, a farrier,
and both enjoyed fishing and
shooting pastimes. By his late
teens Steve was a deer stalker
on the Lochgilphead Estate and
wanted to further his interest in
Continued on next page
country sports
Dougal the Harris
Hawk flies back to
Steve’s arm
Inspired Falconry
takes to the wing
Continued from previous page
red deer.
At 19 he was employed by the
Forestry Commission in Galloway
as a trainee wildlife ranger then
progressed to senior ranger. He
left after 10 years to become a
stalker and estate manager on the
Laudale Estate on the west coast.
After 17 years he became self
employed and relocated to Fife.
Now settled on the east coast,
Steve focuses on his falconry
business from March to October
and, as the season tails off during
the colder winter months, he
works on his other business, the
‘Scottish Countryman’ managing
deer through to March.
The daily caring for the birds
usually starts around 7am; Steve
has Harris Hawks, Kestrels,
Peregrines, a Barn Owl and an
Eagle Owl, which are all moved
from their overnight mews (a
traditional building for hawks
and falcons) onto perches on
the weathering lawn. All the
equipment, including radio
transmitters, is checked, baths
are filled with fresh water and the
birds are left to bathe and cast a
pellet.
When the birds eat, the food
goes into the crop, a food
storage area towards the base
of their neck. As it is digested, it
Peggy the Peregrine Falcon catches the lure
passes down from the crop to
the stomach and the undigested
content such a feathers, fur and
bone are coughed up in a pellet.
Most of us have found owl
pellets on a woodland walk and if
you break them open you can see
the undigested content of small
rodent bones.
It can take a number of hours
for the birds to cast a pellet so
Steve uses this time to attend
to his office work organising
bookings, phone calls and admin.
Once the office work is finished,
food preparation is next on the
Steve’s agenda. Later on the
birds will be fed on a varied diet
Squawk if you want fed!
of day old chicks, quail or mice.
During the summer months while
they are moulting they are also fed
a vitamin supplement.
A great deal of care is required
handling the birds during their
annual moult as their feathers
have a blood supply when they
grow. Birds also require their
talons to be clipped and their
beaks to be reshaped.
Loaded into custom made
travel boxes, the birds are ready
for the client arriving or to travel to
the client venue.
Steve flies the birds on the farm
over a large open paddock with
trees or he will travel to a client’s
venue where he
requires an open
paddock with a
minimum three
acres; the falcons
like an open sky
and the hawks like
a tree.
The first bird to fly
is Dougal the Harris
Hawk. It is a treat
to get so close to a
bird of prey as most
of us only see them
from a distance.
Their powerful
beaks, large talons
and their wide,
searching eyes are
a constant reminder
that you are very
Above: Peggy the Perigrine Falcon shows off her aerial agility and right, sits
on Steve’s arm waiting for a command
close to one of nature’s most
efficient killers. Watching Dougal
fly from Steve’s arm up in to the
tree and return on command is
fascinating.
Dougal is returned to his
box and next out is Peggy the
Peregrine Falcon. Peregrines are
the fastest creatures on the planet;
one was recorded stooping (flying
high, folding their wings back and
dropping quickly at a bird or a lure)
at more than 200mph.
Peggy flies effortlessly up high
into the sky and drops down at an
incredible speed to Steve’s lure.
She flies close and fast, making
turns and changing direction with
ease, her lightning speed never
faltering.
Fergus, the 25-year-old Eagle
Owl, is a very large bird with
mesmerising amber coloured
eyes. It is strangely relaxing to
watch him fly.
Steve calls out to Fergus, and
as he flies over you can feel the
air move with the beat of his huge
wings as they bring him down
gently onto the glove. Watching
Steve working with his birds, it is
very evident there is a great bond
and respect between them.
When the flying is finished
the birds are put back in their
boxes, driven back to the farm
and returned to the weathering
lawn where they are fed their daily
rations. They are left to digest
their food then settled back in the
mews overnight.
Over coffee Steve tells me he
had a ring delivery at a wedding
with one of his barn owls.
“All was going to plan on the
wedding day until I noticed the
mother-in-law was wearing a
colourful, wide brimmed hat with
a huge yellow feather sticking
out. I feed my birds yellow chicks
so this would definitely catch the
owl’s eye.
“The owl was on a line as he
flew in with the rings, he hovered
for about three seconds and was
about to stoop on mother-in-law’s
hat! I gave the line a gentle tug
which took his attention away
from the hat and, much to my
relief, he carried on with the ring
delivery to the best man.”
In addition to hawk walks and
bird of prey experiences Steve
offers a six week introductory
course to falcon husbandry. It
is an ideal starting point if you
are interested to know more or
considering owning a bird of prey.
Steve said: “Anyone thinking of
getting a bird should seek advice
as they are a huge commitment.
I always recommend the
British Falconers Club (www.
britishfalconersclub.co.uk).”
For more details:
www.inspiredfalconry.com
Tel: 07801 544 124
fashion
From country to city life
Dubarry Foxglove mini kilt £199
Dubarry Galway boot £299
Country style effortlessly transitions into city chic in
this new collection from Dubarry
Continued on page 14
fashion
Above and
right: Dubarry
Gorse jacket
£399
From country
to
city
life
Country style effortlessly transitions
into city chic in this new collection from
Dubarry
Dubarry
Bracken
jacket
Dubarry
Daisy
waistcoat
£369
£239
Continued on page 17
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fashion
Dubarry Heather
jacket in both
shale, and cafe
(main photo)
colours
£379
Dubarry
Longford
boot
£239
Dubarry
Clonard
men’s
padded
jacket
£179
Fox fur cashmere cape
£295
One size, available in mid
grey; driftwood (left), or
black.
Wrap yourself in supersoft
cashmere with this
beautifully draping cape.
Trimmed with plush tipped
fox fur. Concealed clasp
fastening.
Available from House of
Bruar or go to
www.houseofbruar.com
Cashmere tie cardigan
£195 Sizes S-XXL
A classic edge to edge tie
cardigan, with an extra new
detail – ribbed panels at the
side to give a great shape.
Cashmere blazer
£149.95
Sizes S-XXL
A lovely versatile knitted
blazer. Slightly fitted. Both
available from House of
Bruar or go to go to
www.houseofbruar.com
From country to city life
All clothing available from www.dubarryboots.com (unless
otherwise stated), check out the website for local stockists
across the UK. Tel. +353 (0) 90964 2348
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fashion
Luxury
cashmere brand
pops up in
Edinburgh
EDINBURGH-BASED ‘THE Tailor
Retailored’ has designed and created
an exquisite collection of men’s knitwear
using the finest Scottish cashmere,
which has launched at a new pop up
store in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
The brainchild of John MacEwan and
Richard Olive – the pair having worked
and designed for international brands
such as Kenzo, Lagerfeld, Balenciaga
and Scottish cashmere women’s wear
brand Belinda Robertson, have created a
collection of stylish men’s’ knitwear, using
the finest Scottish cashmere.
The Tailored Retailored’s ‘Goat to Gent’
philosophy, has been brought to life with
a collection of investment knitwear and
statement pieces.
John McEwan, co-founder said: “The
Tailor Retailored has been in development
for some time and the launch of our first
pop-up store is our first chance to show
off not only the collection but our brand
ethos and vision.
Richard and I envisioned a collection
of cashmere for the modern well-styled
gentlemen with the heritage of one of
Scotland’s most iconic industries.”
Handcrafted with skill, the limitededition garments are eminently wearable
- classic with a twist for the independently
minded man.
Store open at The Grassmarket,
Edinburgh, where the full range is
stocked.
Available from:
www.thetailorretailored.com
Tel: 0131 667 7213
Symmetry two colour intarsia crew neck cashmere sweater £395.00
Neodandy Jacquard sleeveless 100% cashmere sweater £335.00
The collection is the brainchild of John MacEwan and Richard Olive
feature
The venue of choice in the Borders
Runningburn Farm
Above: Jim Neil and Yvonne Baird
have yet to encounter a request that
they couldn’t accommodate at their
venue
Above right: The marquee is a blank
canvas for the clients to dress as
they wish
By Karen Carruth
FARMS ARE great locations for
a party, aren’t they? I’ve been to
some amazing hooleys on farms
that could never have happened
in a hall. There’s all that space,
no neighbours to bother with
the noise, the views, you can
be outside if the weather allows
and there’s no one calling time
at the bar.
Getting married on your own
farm is a romantic idea, but the
reality is there is an astonishing
amount of work involved to get
a working farm into shape to
cater for guests, who may not
appreciate their party shoes being
speckled by something other than
confetti.
Why would you bother, when
you can go to a farm that has
addressed all these problems and
offers a really stunning marquee
venue in the scenic Scottish
borders, just one hour from
Edinburgh, and the same from
Newcastle.
Jim Neil and his partner Yvonne
Baird know exactly how much
work it takes to host a wedding,
as they have diversified their
arable farm just outside Stichell,
near Kelso, into a beautifully
maintained marquee wedding
venue that is available all the year
round, and takes all the hard work
and preparation needed out of
your hands.
Imagine your guests driving
up the fairy-light-lined driveway,
toward the huge marquee
surrounded by a white picket
fence. You enter the marquee and
one side of the structure has been
opened up to allow the guests
to mill around both outside in the
gardens or inside enjoying a glass
of bubbly.
Enjoy the uninterrupted views
over the Cheviot hills, with Jim’s
fields of golden barley swaying in
the breeze. It all sounds too good
to be true, but the reality is just
so. The marquee lights up in the
evening to resemble a fairy castle,
you can even have a bouncy
castle for the kids in the garden to
keep them entertained throughout
the day.
“We are aiming to be ‘thee’
place in the Borders to get
married,” says Yvonne. And they
are on the right track. This is their
first year in operation, and the
reviews are already five star.
The idea came to Jim and
Yvonne even before they moved
into Runningburn Farm, just
outside Kelso in the Scottish
Borders. Jim was moving from
Boreland of Balmaghie Farm,
The marquee from above. It’s secluded but not remote, and has
views over the Cheviot hills
The entire marriage and wedding reception can take place at Runningburn
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feature
Runningburn Farm can offer dramatic location shots for the wedding album
Continued from previous
where he had livestock, at Castle
Douglas. So if big changes were
afoot they took the leap – in for
a penny in for a pound – and
decided to diversify the farm into
a wedding venue as well. Yvonne
could see right away that the
location was ideal for hosting
events, like parties, corporate
days, or weddings. It had the
land, the views, the location, and
they had the knowledge to pull
the whole project together.
In 2009 when they moved to
Runningburn they took advice
from Custom Covers, a firm
specialising in event management,
and they gave them an idea of the
size of marquee they would need,
they talked about catering needs,
toilet blocks, parking etc, all the
un-romantic logistics that need
to be taken into account when
staging large events.
They then took their business
plan to the Clydesdale bank,
which gave it its approval, and
they were off – a period of intense
marketing and attending wedding
fairs followed to get their name
out into the public domain.
They also ran a Facebook
competition to win your wedding
at Runningburn, which was a
great success in spreading the
message.
Having put the initial work into
organising the venue, the couple,
along with Yvonne’s daughter,
Ashley Hogg, and the man on
the ground making everything
happen, James Johnston (JJ),
they are now seeing the bookings
coming in.
“If something needs built, or
organised or sourced, then JJ is
our go-to man, we can’t imagine
not having him here sorting
everything out,” says Ashley.
So what’s on offer. The first
thing that strikes is the view. It is
a beautiful location for a wedding.
The farm is immaculately
maintained, and the farm buildings
are all available for the couple
to use in any way they need.
Runningburn Farm
There is a fishing pond on the
property with brown trout hiding
in the depths that has proved the
perfect spot for wedding photos.
You can also get married on
the farm, which means no extra
travelling for the guests.
Runningburn offers the
marquee, which can be dressed
whichever way the couple wish.
They can arrange that themselves,
getting access to the marquee in
the week running up to the big
day, or Jim and Yvonne can take
on the job and have it arranged.
Yvonne and Jim run the bar, work
with the bride from the start of
the process, Jim has compered
when required, and they can
step in to serve drinks during the
reception. The couple can either
arrange their own caterers, or
again, Runningburn can organise
that too.
“So far,” Yvonne says, “we
have been really impressed by the
different themes that our couples
have chosen for their weddings,
they have been stunning, and all
so different.
“We’ve had shabby chic,
glitzy, rattan furniture, even blow
up armchairs, bouncy castles,
photo booths – we are happy to
accommodate anything here.” If
there is going to be children at the
wedding, the area is totally safe,
it is secluded offering a totally
private venue.
As for numbers, Jim says that
they can comfortably take, for a
sit down meal and then party, 200
guests. For corporate events, they
can cater for 300.
It seems an unusual change
of career for Jim, who was a
livestock farmer, then moving to
arable – he proudly waves a hand
over his fields of wheat, winter
barley and spring beans – and he
also fattens Black and White bulls.
However, Jim had dabbled in the
hospitality industry before being a
half owner in a pub, and Yvonne
has a long career in the catering
industry, having worked in hotels
Dress the marquee whichever way you wish. From palatial glitz or basic shabby chic, the space is a blank canvas to allow your imagination to run wild
feature
Runningburn Farm
for years. So the workload, long
hours and dealing with the needs
of customers was no surprise to
either of them.
There is so much open space
around the marquee that I was
commenting that you could easily
fly in the bride on a hot air balloon
or even a helicopter. “Yes, that
wouldn’t be a problem,” says Jim,
“as long as they don’t land on my
spring beans!”
Flexibility is the keyword at
Runningburn – they understand
that every couple has a different
vision of what their wedding
should be like, and they will try
to accommodate any request.
“There’s been nothing we couldn’t
cope with yet,” they say.
This location could easily
attract couples from the north
of England up to Edinburgh
and Glasgow and further afield.
Accommodation in the area is
plentiful, there are hotels, selfcatering accommodation and bed
and breakfasts all within a few
minutes drive.
Next year the plan is to offer a
more complete package. At the
moment there is a starting price,
and then you can add services
as needed – the family have a
bulging contacts book, so can
source most things. They have
looked at other venues in the area,
and are confident that they are
very competitive when it comes to
price. The complete package will
have catering, marquee dressing
etc, all included. All these things
can be achieved already, but they
hope to package it all together
more efficiently, which will make
choosing an easier process.
If guests and family members
are planning to come to the area
before the wedding day, there
is plenty in the Borders to keep
them busy. For the ladies, Stobo
Castle isn’t too far away for a
spa day, and there is a few clay
pigeon shooting venues in the
surrounding area. If fishing is the
chosen pursuit Jim will share
his pond... he’s reluctant, and
protective of his man made pond,
but has already organised fishing
permits, and Yvonne says she will
see to it that he shares his toys
with the guests.
There are golf courses and pony
trekking, lots of walking trails, and
if all that sounds too industrious,
then Kelso, which is just a few
minutes away by car is a lovely
old town offering lots of boutique
Dance the night away – there’s plenty of space to kick up your heels, or kilt...
shopping.
At the moment, Runningburn
is the only marquee venue in the
Borders, and they hope to promote
their name even further so that it is
the first place people think of when
they think of holding a gathering of
any type.
“We are happy to host 21st
birthday parties, anniversary parties,
charity events – anything at all, we
can offer the perfect venue,” says
Jim.
If you are looking for an unusual,
impressive, venue, and you have
an image in our head of what your
wedding will look like, then speak
to Runningburn and they will make
it happen.
Last word from Yvonne: “We just
want to encourage people to come
see us, arrange a viewing of the
marquee, or have a friendly chat
about what’s on offer. Don’t hesitate
to get in touch, that’s what we are
here for.”
Jim’s beloved pond is proving the perfect location for wedding photos
Contact:
www.runningburn.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/
runningburn
Tel. 01573 470392
Turn up in
whatever form of
transport you like,
there’s access for
everything. Even
a helicopter could
easily land here
The marquee lit
up and ready for
a party
art
Capturing Argyll...
...with the help of Whitehouse Art Courses
By Karen Carruth
THERE’S NO denying that the
summer that never arrived has
had its chance, and autumn
can now legitimately take up
residence.
And with autumn comes the
glory of the natural autumnal
colour spectrum that never fails to
enchant.
If you are an artist, this
time of year is thrilling, and
Karen Beauchamp, who runs
Whitehouse Art Courses in Argyll,
is excited to open the doors of
her home to the next batch of
artists who make the journey
up the west coast to the Kintyre
Peninsula in Argyll, to polish their
artistic techniques as part of her
residential art courses.
What is unique about Karen’s
courses is that you don’t pop up
for the day – you immerse yourself
in the experience by either staying
over the weekend, or staying for a
five day course. Staying in Karen’s
stunning home, and being fed and
pampered along the way, with
like minded people in one of the
most beautiful areas of Scotland?
Where do I sign?
Karen says: “It doesn’t matter
whether you have been painting
for years, or have never put a
brush to canvas, I welcome all.
Beginners are wonderful, as they
are a clean slate to work with,
with no bad habits yet. But I offer
something for all levels. And with
only six on each course, there’s
lots of time for the tutors to work
closely with everyone, no matter
what level they have reached.”
Karen’s rambling and eclectic
arts and crafts house on the
peninsula - a stunningly scenic
two and a half hours drive west
of Glasgow – is surrounded by
inspiring landscapes. It offers
wide sandy beaches, crazy
rock formations, dramatic views
and a patchwork of indigenous
vegetation, and the area has been
a Mecca for artists for more than
two centuries. The house was
built by the White Horse whisky
baron, Peter Mackie, one of the
big five movers and shakers in
the whisky industry at the turn
of the century, and a wee dram
is on offer in front of the log fire
after a hard day at the easel in his
honour.
The twelve courses are themed
to the seasons, and run from
February to November. This is the
third year the courses have been
running – in which time there’s
been an amazing response from
the guests, many of whom have
said ‘The Whitehouse Experience’
was magical and helped them
to a new and wider vision and
original, creative work.
Apart from Karen, the three
other tutors for the courses
are Jane Human, who is a
printmaker/ painter - www.
janehuman.co.uk; Hannah Tofts,
ja
designer/ artist/ illustrator - www.
hannahtofts.com; and Margaret
Ker, a graduate of Glasgow
School of Art in painting and
printmaking.
The art studio that Karen has
built in the roof space is huge,
with every facility, along with 10
velux windows flooding the space
with natural light. The space is
designated a computer free zone,
For yo
your
ur F
FREE
REE
RE
E e-edition
esubscription to Country Lifestyle Scotland, register at www.countrylif
www.countrylifestylescotland.co.uk
Top left: Whitehouse art
courses are conducted
from Karen Beauchamp’s
stunning home
Above: A guest captures
Argyll’s ever changing
landscape
as Karen firmly believes
that the physical act of
looking, drawing and
painting is the only true
path to understanding art
and creativity.
“Reconstructing,
designing, and transforming the
house has been a dream come
true,” says Karen. “I’ve always
wanted to live and entertain in the
Scottish countryside in a rambling
old house.”
In Karen’s words: “The alchemy
of colour and space are my
enduring passions, from collecting
pigments to experimenting with
painting and printing techniques.
The incredible changing
panoramas of texture, tone and
contour, the innate design within
the landscape, fascinate me. My
ongoing quest is to discover,
nurture, share and inspire others.”
The idea is that you really enjoy
a home-from-home experience.
Bring along your own brushes,
materials, whatever you are
familiar with, all your favourite
pieces of equipment. Karen has
stocks of equipment too, that can
be used should you need them.
art
Capturing Argyll...
Karen says there has been
quite an eclectic mix of people
who come along to the courses.
All age groups, but the majority
are people who are either retired,
or have decided to change
direction in their lives. People
whose kids have left home,
giving them more time to indulge
themselves, and also, she says,
people who are just fed up,
and want to cultivate their own
interests for their own reasons.
Whitehouse art courses can
also cater for clubs, which may
want to come en-masse, and
the dates would be more flexible
for a group of six. She also offers
customised courses, if there is
something in particular that you
want to pursue.
If you enrol for the three day
weekend course, you really get
your money’s worth, as you
arrive on the Friday evening,
spend three days painting and
then leave on the Tuesday
morning. The same idea goes
for the five day course, you
arrive on the Sunday evening
fresh for the Monday morning.
Getting to Whitehouse is easy
enough whether you are driving
or taking a bus, Karen says
there is a bus from Buchanan
Bus Station in Glasgow that
stops at her road end. And the
drive up is a delight for anyone
who loves the dramatic beauty
of Scotland’s west coast.
The artists have various
painting locations that they
can choose from. The beach
is a short drive away, there
are wonderful wooded areas,
there is Skipness Castle, and
the Crinan lochs and canals
are a painter’s dream. For
the landscape fans there are
amazing views across the
islands from Crinan; and if you
can walk up the surrounding hills
the views are spectacular.
There are one or two courses
a month, but Karen doesn’t run
the courses through the summer
as she feels that the landscapes
are not nearly as interesting as
during the other seasons.
The
kitchen,
the heart
of Karen’s
home,
where
all the
guests are
made to
feel most
welcome
After spending the day doing
what you love most, you come
back to the house to be fed,
watered and wined (if you wish)
for the evening, and spend
some time getting to know the
other guests. I would imagine
that there would be strong
friendships made over those
days together, sharing the same
wonderful experience.
Karen herself has had a very
colourful and highly successful
career. She trained initially as
an architect and then became
a set designer at the BBC. She
established her own hand print
wallpaper company, which
culminated with buying the
world renowned wallpaper
block printers, Cole & Son. She
was then creative director for
the company for ten years,
transforming the wallpaper
market with her dramatic,
international award-winning
creations, often her own vibrant
reinventions of iconic designs.
She returned to Scotland and
the peace of Argyll to explore
her own art and to inspire people
in her studio.
Next year’s programme of
events is due out in October, and
Karen promises it is a dynamic
and interesting programme linking
up with some new tutors to add
to the diversity of the experience.
Karen concludes by saying:
“I liken the experience to being
at a house party, that is the
experience I am trying to achieve
for my guests.”
What are you waiting for, this
is a party invite with your name
on it.
■ Check out the website www.
whitehouseart.co.uk for details or
ring and have a chat.
For those people who
live locally, Karen offers the
opportunity to join in with the
residential courses on a daily
basis, contact her for details on
01880 730 287 or by email on
[email protected]
Upcoming courses
OCTOBER
Sun 4th to Sat 10th - 5 Days
Colour and form in the landscape
with Jane Human
An opportunity to explore your
approach to drawing and
painting from the landscape in
greater depth, with a particular
focus on thinking about colour,
form and composition.
You will mostly be working
with the tutor on an individual
basis; this course is ideally
suited to those with some prior
experience who wish to revitalise
and develop their work.
NOVEMBER
Fri 6th to Tues 10th - 3 Days
Winter colour and form with
Hannah Tofts
Time to see the essential
beauty of the skeletal beauty
structure of the landscape
and to rejoice in the shapes
and colours. Research and
sketch on location and return
to the comfort of the studio
to work with the images and
composition in any medium.
Working on a one to one basis
with your tutor to develop and
evolve your work.
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home
Copper triply pans, available from: www.next.co.uk
Tel. 0333 777 8000. Wooden serving board: £12.00, copper salt and pepper grinder
set: £20.00, Copper trivet: £6.00
Sunningdale large brass dome lantern
On trend copper lantern in a beautiful chunky wire design.
Glass candle holder to protect from the wind so you can take
them outside. Comes in small and large.
Available from: www.one.world/product/1752/sunningdalelarge-brass-dome-lantern Tel: 02089742211
Price: £47.50
Brassy brilliance
The warming tones of brass and copper have never gone out of
fashion, exuding classic style in whatever form they are used
Fair trade hare
necklace
Made from brass by
women employed by a
fair trade project in India
which provides them with
new skills, sustainable
employment and a
valued status in society
for the first time. Chain
length 45cm.
Other designs available:
rain cloud, hare and
fox and umbrella. Coordinating earrings also
available.
Price: £24.95
Available from: www.
decoratorsnotebook.
co.uk
Tel: 0845 474 1747
Bequai Box
These classic antique style
brass storage boxes offer an elegant storage solution.
Small 5.5 x 18 x 18cm Large 8 x 20 x 20cm
Price: £24.95 Available from www.nkuku.com
Tel: 01803866847
home
Antique Lassi
Cup
These elegant
Lassi cups are
based on the
traditional Indian
style. Each one is
handmade from
brass, skilfully
decorated using
age-old etching
techniques
Small 9.5 x 7 cm
(dia) Large 11.5 x
8cm (dia)
Price: £26.95.
Available from
www.nkuku.com
Tel: 01803866847
Left – L’Objet Bird Salt and Pepper
Shakers - Gold
Price: £150.00
Available from: www.amara.com
Brassy
brilliance
Brass Wall Shelf
These brass wall shelves glow with understated glamour and simplicity.
The contemporary way to display a favourite piece. H20 x W28 x P15.5cm.
Also featured: Baby Face Plant Pot £9.95.
Available from: www.miafleur.com/brass-wall-shelf Tel: 0116 2986393 Price: £78.00
Copper Salt and Pepper Set
The salt cellar is a shaker and the pepper a grinder. Height 13cm
Available from: www.tch.net Tel: 02392 469400 Price: £20.00
Newport Brass Umbrella
Stand
The Newport metal umbrella
stand will brighten up your
hallway with its practical good
looks. Made from brass with a
silver nickel finish, this umbrella
stand is attractive as it is
useful, with its ridged cylinder
design and dimpled top adding
sophistication. Dimensions
(WDH) = 20 x 44.5cm
Available from
www.artisanti.com
Tel: 0345 259 1410
Price: £141.00
‘Ivoire’ Brass Plantholder
Delightful metallic plant holders
are sophisticated simplicity.
Available from:
www.outthereinteriors.com
Dimensions:
H15 x Diameter 13.5cm
Tel: 02080997443
Price: £50
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travel
Solitude secured
in the Lochan shepherd’s hut
By Dave McFadzean
COPING WITH extreme weather
can be a frightening experience.
Particularly so if you are camping
on the unsheltered parts of
Ardnamurchan peninsula.
The flimsy fabric of a double
skinned tent gives little assurance
if you are pitched in the eye of a
savage storm.
Sitting it out in gale force winds
and driving rain, the old adage
‘no place to hide’ might spring to
mind. It is just a case of literally
hanging on in there and hoping
the material and poles of your
shelter are really up to the job.
At Kilchoan, the prominent
township in Western
Ardnamurchan, we find a rather
more stable alternative to life in
a flimsy tent. In this spread out
village there is a small tidal lochan
frequented by teal and hunting
heron. Its skirts provide a home
for the corncrake. Its rasping crex
crex call sounds out from the
undergrowth.
Also on its edges sits an
intriguing looking structure. It
looks like a hybrid between a large
gypsy caravan and an old steam
roller tender trailer. It is actually a
shepherd’s hut built to a traditional
design.
travel
Solitude
secured
in the
Lochan
shepherd’s
hut
There is a firepit for when the weather allows you to cook alfresco
In the 18th and 19th Century
these huts were moved along
with the shepherd and his flock
from pasture to pasture. They
were also heavily used at lambing
time. Sometimes they were also
utilised by river wardens and
gamekeepers to deter poachers.
Portability was the essential
factor in their use. They could be
conveniently hauled from location
to location as and where required.
Constructed on a set of iron
wheels, they mostly used cheap
local timber for the body and walls
and a corrugated tin roof. It was
rough and ready living with few
home comforts.
There would be a bed and a
stove and a few basic sticks of
furniture. What Dale Meegan and
her partner Rob Bolton planned
was something a lot more
salubrious and comfortable.
Co owners Dale and Rob had
been looking around the Kilchoan
area for a while for a suitable site
for their hut.
“Local crofter Tom Bryson
came up with the ideal location
for us here on his Craigard Croft,”
Rob told.
“The site is right next to
Lochan Na Nal with all its
wonderful wildlife and stupendous
seascapes down the Sound of
Mull. Hence the hut being named
The Lochan.”
The hut was custom built
down in Lancaster to bespoke
specifications.
“It’s actually a couple of feet
longer than most traditional huts
and a couple other things are
quite different to the standard
design,” Rob related.
Once they got the hut built
and the ideal site for it, there was
the no small matter of getting it
up the long and winding road to
Kilchoan.
Hughie MacLachlan, another
local crofter, came to the fore for
that job. Hughie and Rob brought
it from Lancashire on a trailer
pulled by Hughie’s pick up truck.
After a bit of manoeuvring it
eventually found its ideal home on
the Ardnamurchan shoreline.
Rob used his excellent joinery
skills to fit it out. He also built a
handy adjacent kitchen and toilet
unit.
Dale on the other hand has
added the feminine touch to the
place and has ensured that the
place is run as eco friendly as
possible. What they really have
created is an off grid haven where
visitors can get away from the
pressures and paraphernalia of
modern living.
It is truly a highland hideaway
with a difference. Yes, it would be
a great place to sit out a full blown
storm but when the suns really
shines what an idyllic place this is
as well.
There is a handy barbecue and
even a fire pit for warmth while
watching the magnificent Kilchoan
Stunning scenery surrounds the
shepherd’s hut
sunsets from this superlative spot.
Climbing the steps and opening
the hut door for the first time
gives a real sense of surprise. The
first thing that strikes you is the
amount of available space. It really
does not feel at all cramped in the
hut and compared to some tents it
is quite palatial.
There is plenty of room for
two and a comfortable double
bed with loads of storage space
underneath.
Heating is provided by the small
wood burning stove with its own
oven. There is fuel provided and it
doesn’t really take much to warm
the hut to a cosy atmosphere.
The front door is the split stable
type. So, if it gets too warm there
is really no problem ventilating the
hut and what a view you get for
your trouble.
Watch the wildlife on the lochan
and look out for otters and seals in
Kilchoan Bay.
A cosy and homely interior welcomes guests to this remote part of Scotland
travel
Solitude
secured
in the Lochan
shepherd’s hut
In good weather you
can lie in bed with the
top half of the stable
door open and enjoy the
view over the bay to Ben
Hiant
Ben Hiant, the area’s high hill,
rears away in the distance, the
domain of herds of red deer and
the elusive golden eagle.
“The hut has a mix of ages
staying,” explained Rob. “Mostly
they stay for one or two nights
but some do stay longer. The
feedback we have been getting
from the hut visitors book has
been fantastic. Many of those
writing there are already planning
a return trip.”
The place also holds an allure
as a romantic getaway. The
exclusive solitude seems to be a
great attraction. The hut sits in a
quiet corner of its own fenced off
field.
Electricity for lighting and
battery charging is powered from
small solar panels.
Being off grid also seems to
add to the charm of the place.
“Switch off your phone and enjoy
the freedom,” one visitor wrote.
The hut is also proving popular
with newlyweds. “We have had
four honeymooners this year
already,” Rob told.
“Another couple came here to
Scotland to meet up with friends
and the man actually proposed
here. What we are finding is that
people like to come here, turn off
their phone and relax. They sit
and watch the wildlife and maybe
go to Sanna and the lighthouse.
Some just stay here for a few
days and completely chill out.
“In good weather you can lie
in bed with the top half of the
Heat from the wood burning stove keeps the hut snug
stable door open and enjoy the
view over the bay to Ben Hiant.
The exclusive use of the place is
proving attractive. It is not like a
campsite with other people there
all around you.”
There is a single gas burner
in the hut for making a cuppa.
Outside Rob has built a separate
kitchenette and loo. The lighting
for those is also solar powered
and can be switched on and off
by remote control from the hut.
The kitchen has a double
burner for cooking and a gas
fridge containing a jug of milk on
arrival.
Fresh water is easily hand
pumped from a tank. The loo is
an eco-friendly composting toilet.
It must have one of the best views
The view from the loo...
in the West Highlands.
There are curtains for modesty’s
sake, though if you really wish to
shut out the seascape. There is
adequate storage in the hut for
gear and clothing and the radio
for forecasts and news.
There is also a pair of
binoculars for watching the prolific
wildlife and a selection of useful
books and guides and a local
map. In fact Dale and Rob seem
to have thought of absolutely
everything you might possibly
need for a comfortable stay.
■ For more details, go to: www.
thelochanshepherdshut.co.uk
If you want to book, please
email Dale at bookings@
thelochanshepherdshut.co.uk or
ring 01972 510322
travel
Blair beckons
Stay within the grounds of the historic Blair
Castle and enjoy its regal surroundings
By Eleanor MacKay
THE DRIVE North from Perth up the A9 has
to be one of the nicest stretches of road in
the country – crossing the River Garry as the
landscape becomes wilder and wilder, until
you eventually reach the southern tip of the
Cairngorms National Park.
There, just round the bend from the historic
village of Killicrankie, and nestled in the hills of
Glen Garry, is Blair Atholl Estate – and our home
for the weekend, Blair Castle Caravan Park.
Just seconds past the ‘Welcome to Blair
Atholl’ sign we drove past the two resident
Highland coos posing for photos for an excited
group of tourists, and into the caravan site. After
checking in we made our way to our caravan,
which was placed in a cul de sac of other static
caravans of varying sizes.
Our home was a luxury caravan complete
with all mod cons – which you would expect
from holiday homes that carry the prestigious
Thistle Award for quality. It did not disappoint,
with a spacious open plan kitchen/living room,
two bedrooms, including one en-suite, and a
decent sized bathroom for a family of four.
But it is the outside of the caravan which is
most impressive. The site is situated within the
historic grounds of Blair Castle and surrounded
by the breathtaking landscapes of the
Cairngorms.
From the site you have 360 degree views
onto spectacular mountain scenery – and lucky
enough for us, blistering sunshine all weekend
meaning we could make full use of the
caravan’s decking while enjoying the view with a
beer (or three).
The Cairngorms National Park accounts
for 145,000 acres of Highland Perthshire,
covering the Cairngorm mountain ranges, and
surrounding hills – the site was already the
largest national park on the British Isles before
it expanded into the Perth and Kinross county
in 2010.
As well as the upland scenery, the park is
also home to some of Europe’s tallest trees and
‘bushes’, which has given rise to the county’s
name ‘Big Tree County’. Known as the ‘Planting
Dukes’, the Dukes of Atholl created an estate
that is home to some spectacular foliage.
Planted in Diana’s Grove – the tranquil wooded
area next to the castle, named after the Roman
Goddess of Hunting – is the Grand Fir, which is
the UK’s second tallest tree, measuring 62.70
metres.
Diana’s Grove is also home to the UK’s tallest
Japanese Larch at 44 metres and the country’s
tallest Red Fir which is 39 metres.
Needless to say walking through the grove
gives you quite a sore neck, but entirely worth
it for the peace and quiet it offers and the
beautiful smell of trees as the season is about to
turn into Autumn.
One of the species that caught our eye was
a Wellingtonia called Mount Strange, sat on
top of a muddy mound, it seemed to dominate
all the others around. The tree was planted
from seed collected from an ancient Californian
tree, spawning this impressive 45.7m plant, to
commemorate the 2nd Duke of Atholl taking his
seat in parliament.
The Duke had recently inherited the title
of Baron of Strange through his paternal
Grandmother and went under this to parliament
in 1737, the year in which Diana’s Grove was
originally laid out.
The Wellingtonia was introduced to the UK
in 1852, the giant redwood was named in
memory of the Duke of Wellington and although
Mount Strange is more than a century old, the
proud specimen is still a baby compared with
its ageing parent now believed to be more than
2000 years old.
After a comfortable first night in the caravan
we decided to take the short walk next door to
explore the neighbouring castle and its grounds.
We travelled there alongside a chatty group of
segwayers from the caravan site - the estate
offers many activities including traditional tractor
rides, wildlife safaris, pony trekking and segway
classes.
Ancestral home to the Clan Murray and
historically the seat of their chief, the Duke
of Atholl, the castle sits proud in its historic
surroundings.
As we arrived, the piper, who plays several
times a day on the steps of the castle, much
to the tourists amusement, was playing, rather
fittingly, the Atholl Highlanders march. This all
became clear while taking the guided tour of
the Castle where the Murray clan and line of
Dukes come to life.
Entering through the grand doors we were
greeted by a lovely woman called Jane who
stood in the entrance foyer surrounded with as
many guns that would fit on its walls – around
500 she informed us. On the ground floor of the
house is the First World War museum which
remembers the role the castle and the Duke
had in helping the war effort – during the war
the home was transformed into a Red Cross
hospital for the returning wounded.
Next door, and continuing the military theme,
Blair Castle is ancestral home to the Murray clan and historically the seat of t
The beautiful Hercules Garden
Murray clan and historically the seat of their chief, the Duke of Atholl
Our luxury twobed caravan
Happy segwayers
out enjoying the
grounds
travel
Blair beckons
you find a narrow room cased
with all things tartan, from kilts
to bagpipes, in dedication to the
Atholl Highlander regiment.
The Atholl Highlanders were
a foot army formed as a relief
for other regiments serving
in North America in 1777 but
spent most of their existence in
Ireland. The regiment earned its
hardy reputation for their lengthy
marches including one to Dublin
which lasted three days!
Under the 7th Duke, the
regiment regularly provided guards
for royal visitors to Blair Castle
(which was a convenient stopping
point on the journey to Balmoral)
and are now the only “private
army” in Europe recognised by
law.
Steeped in history, the rest
of the castle is as ornate as it
is educational – the beautifully
decorated dining rooms and
bedrooms, not to mention several
kids play rooms, are all a feast for
the eyes.
Our tour coincided with a
falconry display taking place on
the garden just below one of
the turrets. Walking round we
managed to catch glimpses of the
huge bird flying round us before it
swooped back down to the join
the onlookers.
Sticking to the castle’s roots, it
would appear the Dukes weren’t
fond of central heating as it was
a rather chilly tour up and down
the turrets! After making our way
around the entire history of the
Murray Clan and 12 lines of Atholl
Dukes we found ourselves outside
again with the piper, ready for his
second rendition of the day.
With the sun beating down on
the castle it was a perfect day to
explore the grounds further, so we
took the short walk up the path
opposite the building towards the
Hercule’s Gardens.
The stunning nine acre walled
garden, recently restored to its
original Georgian design, is named
after the life-size statue of Hercules
overlooking it.
Walking through the garden
you might forget that you are
in Perthshire – the beautifully
landscaped gardens, folly, fruit
trees and a Chinese bridge over a
pond with two white swans gliding
across, seems more fitting for a
scene from a mythical land – the
gates to the garden even hold a
quote from John Milton’s Paradise
Lost, “Heaven open’d wide Her
ever during gates, harmonious
If you fancy a night in, there’s plenty of room to relax
sound on golden hinges moving.”
After a afternoon on our feet it
was time for some lunch. Given its
size Blair Atholl has a reasonable
selection of eateries, including
five star rated The Loft Country
Kitchen and Restaurant.
But just a walk down the
estate’s driveway you will find The
Atholl Arms, a traditional Scottish
hotel, the building and decor looks
like it could be an extension of the
Castle itself. Through the grand
dining room, as big as the Castle’s
ball room, is a cosy wee bar to the
back of the restaurant, the perfect
setting for a traditional pub lunch
or evening drink. Used to tourists
using the town as a stopping
point, the staff are extremely
friendly and accommodating.
On our second day in Blair
Atholl, and last day on the caravan
site, we made the four minute
drive north to the famous House
of Bruar.
One of Perthshire’s busiest
tourist attractions, the place was
heaving with people less interested
in the clothes, more in getting a
taste for its famous ice cream.
After braving the crowds, we
found ourselves walking the path
of the Falls of Bruar, an idyllic
walk which begins just behind
the House of Bruar, along and up
the gorge to the top of the falls
that offer great views from the top
bridge.
You can see why Robert Burns
would want to visit the Falls of
Bruar in 1787, where he wrote
‘The Humble Petition of Bruar
Water’ as a request to the 4th
Duke of Atholl to surround the
falls with trees. While the first pine
plantations laid out in 1796 no
longer survive, today a natural
canopy is provided by a mixture of
mixed larch and Scots pine trees
on this wonderful woodland walk –
a fitting end to the weekend.
For more details:
www.blaircastlecaravanpark.co.uk
Tel. 01796 481263
The caravan’s decking comes into its own when the sun is out
Hercules Garden has been restored its former glory
Take the walk up the Falls of Bruars for stunning views from the bridge
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flies in for a chat - Country Lifestyle Scotland

Transcription

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