The trouble with writing about food around Lochearnhead and beyond is drooling on to my computer as I type. 

No shop bought biscuit in the cupboard will substitute for the local home made cake and tray bake flavours in cafe's, unless from a packet of MHOR Bread's shortbread of course but more about local produce in my next blog.  We are talking cafes, restaurants AND take-aways here. #EatLocally

Self Catering gives you freedom of choice to eat in or out. Consider our local choices of cafes, table d'hote and food connoisseur restaurants plus take-away menus. Guests often ask us to recommend eateries so I tell Fraser that he has a duty to take me out to eat often, whether new establishments or staying up to date with the evolving local menus within a 20 mile radius and beyond. 

So,  lets start locally. The closest pub food is the Clachan Cottage Hotel ably managed by Rhoda and her team. In Scotland there has been a shortage of chefs, especially in rural places.  "The Clachan" has had its challenges though they still manage to turn out comfort food favourites like burgers, steak pie and fish and chips with a changing specials board to add variety and vegetarian options. The latest news is that they have 3 new chefs lined up. Hooray! Grab a coffee or light lunch after using the water sports hire services in the same building.  Top tip! The Loch Earn Wakeschool shop underneath the hotel, also sells delicious take-away coffee and ice lollies in summer. The hotel is only 150 metres from the garden gates,  so no driving if you are able. #eatlocal #sustainabletourism.  NB - A pet friendly hotel.

Then there is the short romantic lochside stroll home. Take one of the cottage torches in winter if the moon is hidden as there are no street lights this end. Trust me it is pitch black. We like it that way. If we wanted street lights we could have moved to most other areas. You see cars coming easily in the dark due to head lights...even if they are electric and silent. Dark skies are great for star gazing. The lit Briar Cottages sign does help to guide you back as does Blawn Wi The Wind sculpture, up and until around 11pm.

The same applies when walking home from The Lochearnhead Hotel which is only 50 metres further on. Chef owner Robert Kerr knows how to present tasty food. Choose the bar meal or sit in the restaurant with its white table clothes and fabulous views over Loch Earn.  Amanda Kerr is an amazing multi tasker with an infectious laugh who takes care of guests front of house. Favourites often shared by our guests include venison pie and beer batter fish and chips with the freshest salad and a warm baked roll with butter.  Do your best to select one pudding from the delicious and well presented options  too.  Also consult the seasonal specials board.

Guests that eat out often like change and variety. Discover The Golden Larches near the turn off to Balquhidder.  A good value menu with a restaurant in the conservatory on the A84.  They also offer breakfast, snacks and a takeaway menu. 

​Mhor84 is at the Balquhidder turn off further south on the A84, signposted for Rob Roy's Grave.  Chef owner Tom Lewis and family created this quirky motel that serves all day food.


​Try their home brew ale. The home made soups never disappoint.  Fresh ingredients are used to make tasty variations of home cooked favourites whether you opt for breakfast, macaroni cheese for lunch or  seasonal specials like locally sourced pork or langoustines. They are also known for their gourmet burgers.  Try the thick cut slices of beef with seasonal root veg and the "MHOR..kshire" puddings for Sunday lunch. Scrummy cakes come from their MHOR Bread bakery in Callander.  Some people are fans of the giant merinques, chocolate brownies and various tarts. I can never see past the chocolate and hazlenut flapjacks.  I am usually the driver so I appreciate their elderflower press bubbly to drink too.  No matching chairs, tables or crockery here, which adds to the fun and charm. Interesting objects and pictures are displayed against white washed walls and sanded floors.  Eat in or out on the deck on dry days. 

If you are a foodie and know your fine dining follow the road to Balquhidder, past Rob Roy MacGregor's burial ground at Balquhidder  Kirk all the way up to Monachyle Mhor boutique hotel.  This is also owned and run by the Lewis family. Stop for coffee or book in for a fine dining experience.  A few famous people have dined here. We hate to name drop but are happy to whisper names when you stay at Briar Cottages:). The food is delicious offering fine views of the Braes O' Balquhidder. Stay by the fire in winter or listen to the birds and sheep bleating alfresco.  Look out for special food events there and art installations on the BLiSS trail. 
  
Strathyre village has a popular award winning cafe called the Broch Cafe. It has become so popular,  with limited indoor seating and extensive outdoor seating that it has now opened up the Broch n Roll stop on site,  for takeaways. If you have time, try the soups, breakfast rolls, paninis and cakes. They serve Luccaffe coffee here which is delicious if you are a "good coffee" fan.  If you don't have time... grab a roll and take-away beverage instead.  In the cafe you will find genuine home baked cakes. No ready made scone mix in sight. They are truly crafted by hand. I do like a tuna melt panini followed by the Malteser tray bake myself.  I am not ashamed to say that I have also tried the scones, flapjacks and carrot cake... all in the interest of tourism research of course.  You can also have a game of Petanque at The Broch cafe which is fun! Simply ask to use the equipment. The cafe is conveniently situated between the A84 and National Cycle route 7. 

In Killin you will find The Falls of Dochart Inn. A traditional inn with candlelit stone walls. A lovely atmosphere inside. Sit by the fire in winter or outside overlooking the falls in summer.  Discover Falls of Dochart smoked salmon either by ordering a dish here or go to the rear of the car park where you will find the smokehouse. Treat yourself to a plate of salmon treats at the tasting counter in the smokehouse building or in one of the outdoor bubble pods. Their pate on a blini with a squirt of lemon is a heavenly mouth teaser.
 
Also in Killin, you will find the Courie Inn,  The Capercaillie and The Killin Hotel. Fraser claims that he had over 20 pieces of scampi at The Capercaillie once and all of our guests now count and compare when ordering. They are famed for generous portions. Check out the menus at the Ardeonaig Hotel, tucked away on the road that goes around the back of the Falls of Dochart. Follow the south Loch Tay road through forest for about 8 miles.
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St Fillans east Loch Earn offers The Achray Hotel where Laura Muirhead and her team will look after you. Enjoy loch views and a choice of menus including for example the Fish and Chips pictured below or an a la carte menu of culinary experiences by head Chef David Racz. Sit on the deck for a drink in fair weather and visit the loch garden. 

Susan Stuart runs the Four Seasons Hotel where pets are more than welcome. In fact Finn the dog is often on reception to greet you! They are currently offering light refreshments in the snug bar. 

​There is also a cafe with a takeaway kitchen inside the Strathyre village shop where you may meet locals having a "blether" and a cup. 

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Hidden at the east end of Loch Earn is the St Fillans Golf Club.  The club house is lucky to have Julie and her team from Nutricious and Delicious on catering, promoting ever changing specials. Members will be happy to welcome visitors looking for breakfast rolls, cakes and lunches.  Also, try the Sunday lunches and early dinners as advertised. An informal setting overlooking the impeccable golf club grounds.
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Moving further east Comrie and Crieff have their fair share of wee gems to eat in. The Deil's Cauldron specialises in Mediterranean and Scottish Cuisine. Husband and wife team Katy and Brian will look after you. Choose a fixed lunch menu or a la carte in the cottage style restaurant with stone walls. Sunday lunches are delicious and in an intimate setting that almost feels like someones home dining room.

The Royal Hotel is a luxury boutique Hotel with charm,  offering  locally sourced produce and sound cooking techniques putting a modern twist on classic dishes. We love to sit in The Garden Room with its roof light or by the fire reading the papers and magazines in winter with a coffee and a dram or pint (I am on the coffee of course :). 

If you enjoy Indian food you will love the Ghurkas Indian and Nepalese dishes, whether sitting in or to take away. Don't be put off by the small, clean, basic table set up.  The food is delicious.

The family run Meadow Inn is exceptionally good value for pub grub. Well presented food favourites with a family friendly service.  

Pop in to Cafe Rhubarb on Crieff High St with its large corner window so that you can watch what is going on in the street. Laura and Martijn attract many locals and repeat visitors who love their cakes, crepes, waffles, friendly chat and service. 

Keep an eye on The Steading Cafe owned and run by Gourlays -Crieff's high Street butcher and events organiser. Pop in for coffee, soup, rolls and sandwiches though monitor facebook for their fixed evening meal nights like "Steak Night" or BBQ.
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In Callander we recommend The Potting Shed Bistro within the Roman Camp Hotel grounds. A simple menu for lunch or dinner in a delightful historic setting. Candle lit at night with easy listening music in the back ground. A cheerful and attentive  young service team too. Visit the walled gardens and listen to the peacocks after your meal. Ample parking off road and a short walk down to the river.  Pop in for tea or coffee and a double fruit and plain scone.

Another popular cafe is Deli Ecosse in Callander. They also offer  Gluten and Dairy free options. 

In additon to take-aways already mentioned Lutis woodfired pizza and pasta parlour goes down very well with fans. ​Callander is 14 miles away but dont worry about the food getting cold....you will probably devour it long before you get back to the cottage as the wafting woodfired smell will tease you!

A little further afield, don't go past The Smiddy at Blair Drummond or The Buttercup Cafe in Doune. Both excellent choices for breakfast or lunches and afternoon cakes.

I could go on and on with recommendations. If this lot does not work for you I can recommend more places and further afield.  See our website eating out guide too. Better get the dinner on now.  Having smoked haddock (finnan haddie) from the Crieff Fish shop.  Will tell you more about their choice of fish and seafood plus other local produce next time.  Happy noshing. Enjoy our local scran.

FOOD 2:  Local Produce blog coming soon #shoplocal​

We never tire of waking up to nature's swimming pool in Briar Cottages lochside garden, Lochearnhead village.

Is it odd to be writing about water sports when there is 6 inches of snow outside? There is good reason. We can embrace the coming Spring season and look forward to all that it offers.   

We were delighted when The Loch Earn Wakeschool launched its services, 150 metres from our garden gates. A wonderful addition to the village and situated conveniently from an equipment hire shop under the Clachan Cottage Hotel. Very handy for a hot or cold drink and sustenance after messing about on the water. 
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​Guests and pets make use of our 250ft loch garden all year round.

Some  like to get their feet wet (we have attracted hardy November swimmers).



Many pets would spend all day swimming out to retrieve sticks and balls if they could.

Another popular pastime is observing and photographing Loch Earn and its changing light conditions from dawn to dusk.

Did you know that Loch Earn has a seiching tide? An unusual phenomenon shared with lakes Garda, Erie and Baikal.  Wind pressure blowing along the loch causes the water level to build up at one end. Water reaches one end then comes back again over a 16 hour period. Look at this link for a more detailed explanation on the physics of a tidal sieche.     ​

Open water swimming has really taken off as a physical and mental health sport that encourages fresh air and outdoor activity.

There has been an increase in the number of guests who bring  paddle boards and kayaks or canoes to the cottages making  use of our slipway and steel jetty. 

Some arrive with a small motor boat or yacht having sought permission to  use our slipway and mooring buoy. There is plenty of space to park a boat and trailer.

Loch Earn has a code of conduct.  That sounds very strict but the emphasis is on safety. The rules also serve as a reminder that land owners who live and work around the loch should be respected. You can read the full code of conduct leaflet for swimming, boating and fishing prepared by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Download it here -https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Loch-Earn-Code-2021-webcopy.pdf

For example, when open water swimming:
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• Always wear a brightly coloured swim cap and, if possible, use a swim safety device – these are brightly coloured inflatable bags which you can tow behind you whilst swimming.
• Swim with at least one other person.
• Where possible, use an escort canoe/kayak which can also display the alpha flag (international sign of diver in the water).
• Always swim within your own capabilities and be aware of the effects of gradual chilling.
• Check weather conditions before heading out..."

Iron Man and Woman training has taken place at Briar Cottages. Athletes in training made use of the loch, nearby NCR7 cycle tracks and local Munro's.

Jenny MacLaren, who once lived in Briar Cottage,  is said to have swum in Loch Earn every day before cycling up Glen Ogle to babysit in the early 1920's. Perhaps the original Iron Woman.

We have documents and books relating to Jenny's ancestors, the MacLaren families that lived at Briar Cottages over a 200 year period.  
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​In addition to swimming and boating, guests can fish for trout from Briar Cottages garden from March 15th to October 6th. Bait and floats can be purchased from the village shop. A one mile stroll away.


Drummond Boat hire 2 miles east, enables guests to hire fishing boats and permits to fish out on the water. 

There is a sailing club on Loch Earn.  Witness colourful yacht sails as  competitors tack their way to the finish.  Race days and regattas are detailed on the clubs calendar here

If earthly sights, sounds and activities on the water are not enough for you, then look out for Each Uisge. Loch Earn's very own water spirit. Said to have been chased by Fingal the Giant over the mountains from Killin. The supernatural water horse is the most dangerous water creature in Britain according to local folklore. The shape-shifter can manifest as a horse, pony or handsome man.

​Beware of any man with water reeds in his hair. Likely the water horse in disguise.  Never let the horse entice you to ride on its back. As soon as Each Uisge glimpses the loch with a mounted rider, its neck becomes adhesive and victims will be ridden in to the deepest part of the loch.  ​

Doggy Patio: ​So, Fraser and I had one of our regular "continuous improvement" board meetings during lock down. Our ambitious action plan included a new patio, kitchen, plus other fixtures and fittings at Little Briar pet friendly cottage.​

The results? ​Stone paving has replaced the old slippy wooden deck for starters. 

As much as Fraser loves a project,  we decided to enlist the help and expertise of  Thistle Landscapes to achieve this. 


Fraser and I set to work lifting the old timbers which we managed to recycle locally in October 2022 

The paving, fence building, gate construction and framework for the poly-carbonate awning, was left to Gareth. The awning provides partial shelter, leaving the other half of the patio exposed for fair weather days in Lochearnhead. 

A table and four chairs with cushions,  2 dog bowls and toys completed the outdoor patio area. A new barbecue in the extended garden, outside the secure gate, sits near the chiminea and other garden furniture.

Moving inside, we lifted the old laminate flooring, then employed Bennan Flooring from Crieff, to replace the lounge carpet and fit a non slip vinyl covering in the kitchen dining area.

The sofa and leather chair were also upgraded.  A new cabinet was built (by yours truly) to hold the TV and house leaflets and DVDs. I would love to claim the skills of a cabinet maker, however I simply have the patience to follow DIY instructions.

​Curtains were replaced throughout. Night light torches were added to the bedrooms and a new fire blanket replaced the old one. This phase was completed in March 2021

New Kitchen: Our next job was to rip out the old kitchen in November 2021 and smash the tiles off leaving a blank canvas to work on. 

We employed the skills of a local joiner and electrician who set to and built our new shiny kitchen with modern appliances. 

We added a mini dishwasher. The old under counter fridge is now replaced by a full 50:50 integrated fridge freezer. The built-under Hotpoint double oven has a digital ceramic hob on top and a cooker hood that extracts steam and odours to the outside. The original wee micro​wave on a shelf was exchanged for an integrated version. 

The old ceiling fan and lights are superseded by a modern chrome bar with 4 LED spotlights. New tiles and under counter lighting complete the look.

We ensured that modern linked heat and smoke alarms were added  ahead of the Scottish Government's new law and deadline for all properties by February 2022. Our Fire Risk Assessment has been updated and a new fire blanket is in situ. The Guest Quick Guide has been amended too, so we are good to go, safely. January 29th 2022
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Stan The Stag at Briar Cottages, has a reputation for turning heads. This time he drew the attention of "Cavendish" script writer Maddy Bryce (also the leading lady "Gracie Bennett") while she was searching for beautiful Scottish locations that are rarely shown on film. 
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 Maddy is a writer, producer and actress. She is working on a series of short films to showcase her story and characters in Cavendish - surrounding a fictitious Scottish School.

  Rather than reading my version of the synopsis, I suggest that you delve straight in to the first two episode tasters. This will give you a flavour of the potential for a full blown drama series or maybe a film one day.

Look now, while they are available to view on YouTube, as Maddy has ambition to move episodes 1-3 on to Amazon Prime soon. See Cavendish by Maddy Bryce Episode 1 and Cavendish The Scottish School Series Episode 2 and So Scottish Productions on You Tube for Cavendish Behind The Scenes.

Having been drawn in and impressed from the opening sequence,  with its rich scenes, luxurious props and stirring music,  Fraser and I were amazed to meet the band of film creatives. Everyone in the team had offered their talent services to this film project, via a Facebook page request.  Volunteers included media students, a retiree on lighting and the pastry chef from the Achray Hotel in St Fillans  - also a keen drone operator.   

If Stan the Stag makes the cut, he will be seen over split seconds in the opening sequence,  regardless of the fact that the crew were at Briar Cottages with a camera on rails and other film equipment for over an hour.  Honing shots during a rather chilly breeze on the banks of Loch Earn, was a test of their dedication.  We were able to watch from a social distance as with everything these days.   

It is encouraging to note that film and media students from Glasgow and Stirling have given their spare time for this Scottish film project. Films like this could work wonders for tourism never mind Scotland's  film industry while inspiring new media students and ideas. These media students are not only showing dedication to the arts but they are out in fresh air, practising what they have learned and they will likely pick up tips and share knowledge with others around them on set. That is the way to handle the pandemic. Look for positive opportunities. This will look good on their CV's and impress prospective job interviewers when asked what they did during these restricted times. Maybe they will chat on TV about Cavendish one day,  when they are famous film makers reflecting on their start point.  Dare to dream has always worked for us.
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.Whether Stan The Stag features or not,  we are left wondering what will happen in episode 3. Will there be other characters? Will Gracie survive her time at Cavendish? The story possibilities are surely endless and with all kinds of potential beginnings and spin offs. 

No disrespect to Grange Hill but Cavendish in contrast offers beautiful backdrops and pure escapism.  Wait till you see the interiors of the building used for the school!

We are aware that Maddy and crew will rely on crowdfunding in order to progress with Episode 3. ​Fraser and I wish the crew the best of success and of course " break a leg" to all the actors.  We hope that they will keep the camera's rolling for many years to come and we will always remember our time with the passionate crew of Cavendish. 

Oh and thanks to our Stan The Stag on the BLiSS trail for introducing us to Maddy.  We make no apologies for having him "shot"!

NB: If you are interested in backing this Scottish film project with even a small contribution, go to the Cavendish crowdfunding page set up here. Lots offered in return, including your name in the credits.

​We are both keeping well and hope that you are too. No-one saw this virus coming in spite of claims that it was inevitable!

Amidst all of the pain and suffering there has to be hope. For some of us - not in the front line - our contribution has been to stay at home, out of harms way and to carry on with some kind of routine,  preparing for the future, as best we can. 

​We look out for each other as neighbours in a great community here in Lochearnhead and the surrounding villages. Our community newspaper The Villagers has even adapted to an on-line version to keep us all in touch. We have been maintaining and improving the grounds and cottages and I have been updating our local tourism group LETi,  on national tourism information as it unfolds. So, it's a busman's holiday for us this year, with no complaints.  

Loch Earn's Achray House Hotel, has been offering a free and subsidised delivery service of hot meals for vulnerable locals with regular takeaway menus for others within a radius of about 6 local villages.  The takeaway and delivery service will be offered to local self catering guests after lockdown and before hotel restaurants are fully open again. 

We are appreciative of tourism associations like Visit Scotland, The Association of Self Catering Scotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and others like the Federation of Small Businesses, who have been working non stop to support our industry on employment and financial assistance guidelines. They are constantly in touch with the Scottish government, lobbying and sharing, ensuring that there will be a national approach to recovery, with cleaning protocols and other guidance.  Visit Scotland has helped by promoting and encouraging image sharing on social media and by informing the world about Scotland's rich experiences. Holidays to consider in safer times. For example, look at this YouTube video  Absence makes the heart grow fonder..
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​We are missing guest stories, personalities and pets as each garden  plant has bloomed and faded over the last 10 weeks. While we are delighted that the weather has enabled so much time out of doors, we are sorry that guests have missed out on one of the most consistent periods of weather in Lochearnhead for decades.    At least everyone has had good weather in the UK

We know that we are fortunate to live in a naturally beautiful landscape. This is the first time since opening in 2008 that we have taken the time to enjoy our grounds together for weeks on end.  I feel as though a pause button has been pushed on life.  A good time to rest, reflect and reset.  

There have been some novelty moments for me like scone and banana bread baking plus his and hers hair cut creations. 

I enjoyed my birthday in May in spite of not seeing family and friends. I made my own coffee and walnut cake (good effort but not a patch on my mum's).  Fraser had us putting on the lawn ( he beat me with 2 holes in one, though revenge has been taken recently)  We popped fizz up at our recently landscaped Norman's View by the stream and ordered a takeaway 3 course dinner from the Achray House Hotel in St Fillans.  Fraser set the table up outside Briar Steading to ensure a great view over Loch Earn to the hills. He placed garden cut flowers on the table and played Ella Fitzgerald ballads on YouTube, courtesy of his mobile phone and the cottage WiFi.  Family presents arrived in the post including a decadent double layer Signature Collection of  Cocoa Mountain  chocolates that are made in Scotland.  What a treat. Glad there were 2 tiers. One each! I also received a delicious selection of Arran Cheeses,  Perthshire oatcakes and Scottish chutneys amongst other gifts.   A memorable foodie birthday and a party for 2.
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Self catering should be one of the safer options for holiday accommodation after lockdown if we are vigilant and guests are careful.  Lochearnhead and local villagers have remained locked own and trouble free from the beginning, so we can understand why they want the area to remain safe.  We don't know what the protocols will be.  Maybe use of masks in shops will be prudent to make locals and guests feel safer when outside of Briar Cottages three acre gardens. 

Regular guests know how clean our cottages are.  Liquid hand and washing soaps have always been included at Briar Cottages along with a range of cleaning materials to assist.  Countless articles explain why soap is best for Covid 19.  Nevertheless, we will check everything against the national cleaning protocols once they are approved by the Scottish government and shared to enable consistent national health and  safety standards.   

We have accepted people hopping over our garden fence to photograph Stan the Stag and our BLiSS trail thistle sculptures even though they are visible from the roadside. This will have to change now. The time has come to put up "Guest Only" signs so that the loch garden space remains exclusive to cottage guests, our  family and friends. Some minor changes like this will be sensible and necessary.  

We don't know when we will be open again, however we will follow guidelines and think everything through.  We are honouring all guest holidays that were booked direct with us and that were cancelled by the government from 23rd March,  whether this year or next year. No one is at fault. We did not cancel guests and they did not cancel their holidays.

I am disappointed to hear so many tales of insurance companies that have not helped guests or businesses though. I would still encourage people to take out insurance for any travel ( even home travel) though wonder if they will still choose to make Covid  19 and any new unknown epidemics exempt in future.  A regular guest made a claim to recover loss of their holiday around Easter. It took weeks for them to get a response. It was like jumping through ridiculous hoops. They were rejected but asked to produce even more information if they persisted, with no guarantee of any assistance. How unhelpful. I suggested to the guest that they should not waste further precious time. We immediately guaranteed to re-book their holiday for the same time next year and are flexible if they want to change the date once we know that we can start up again.  And there will be no price increase if it turns out to be next year.  So,  we lose half the value of the booking while still paying to maintain the cottage.  That is so much better than losing valued guests and does not begin to compare with what many people have lost during this epidemic.  

​We look forward to welcoming many guests back and meeting new people in the future. We just don't know when...yet. Phase 3...ish. Whatever that actually means.  So, in the mean time we will continue to make the most of our time together on this safe busman's holiday, while our hearts go out to key workers and those that have suffered pain and loss and our very best wishes go to guests past and future.  ​

Fraser and I (Kim) are celebrating "Year of Coasts and Waters 2020" along with the rest of Scotland's tourism businesses and Visit Scotland.

​The topic points the way to Scottish water themed events, music, accommodation, art, attractions, theatre, drinks and so much  more. ​ Wonderful coastal areas of Scotland will be highlighted in the media along with rivers, waterfalls, whisky, gin and beer. In fact, anything to do with Scottish water including over 37 000 lochs and lochans.

Naturally we are flying a flag for Loch Earn.  Briar Cottages already offers lochside accommodation with a slipway and jetty for fishing, open water guest and pet swimming and for launching small boats, paddle boards and inflatables. We even have lochside sculptures in the garden that are part of the award winning BLiSS trail of art installations. 

In addition, we have joined forces with a local ecologist and ornithologist from Aquila Ecology based in St Fillans village on Loch Earn. Aquila Ecology expertise includes bird-craft and wildlife tours,  bat conservation, breeding raptor monitoring, international bird migration camps and moorland management.   

Together we will host "Loch Earn Wildlife Watch" events.  Three two hour, adult only, nature watch events will take place in Briar Cottages loch garden on 17th March, 12th July and 13th September 2020 starting at 10.30am. 

Ecologist Andrea Hudspeth and Ornithologist Terry Williams will lead the wildlife watch sessions. Binoculars and telescopes will be supplied.  Andrea hopes that guests will spot ospreys and eagles in addition to garden birds. 

Andrea told us, “I love what I do whether it's consultancy, surveys, training or leading local bird-craft walks and nature tours at home or further afield. We expect to see a variety of garden birds, bees and butterflies from the comfort of Briar Cottage’s lochside garden and summerhouse, though the icing on the cake will be spotting the Ospreys that glide over the loch hunting for fish from spring to September and Golden Eagles that soar over the mountains on both sides of  Loch Earn.”  

Ornithologist Terry Williams said  “May is an excellent time for this event as Spring marks the return of many migrant birds that breed over the summer months - some returning to the same nest every year. Aquila Ecology’s base is in St Fillans on Loch Earn where we organise nature watching excursions all year round. We are also delighted to work with individuals and groups on bespoke nature tours and sessions.”     ​

Fraser and I will set up hot drinks and biscuits inside our thatched cottage on the grounds. During the beverage break we will invite guest nature watchers to see the original cruck framed Scots Pine timber ceiling in our lounge. Anyone will be welcome to take a photograph as this ancient remnant of Scottish architecture is rarely seen other than by Briar Steading and Little Briar Cottage self catering guests.  

Any Briar Cottages holiday guests who book 3 to 7 nights around and including the Loch Earn Nature Watch dates,  will be invited to join in free of charge.  Anyone else can purchase a ticket from Andrea Hudspeth. Email Andrea at andrea@aquilaecologyscotland.co.uk to request ticketing information. Tickets are £6 and spaces are limited, so if you are interested, book now and secure any of the dates in your diary.

To book luxury Briar Steading or Little Briar pet friendly cottage including the wildlife watch event dates, contact me Tel: 07917 416 497 or email briarinfo@btinternet.com 

During Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 we can also share information on local lochside eating and drinking venues including in Lochearnhead, The Clachan Cottage Hotel and The Lochearnhead Hotel and in St Fillans,  The Four Seasons Hotel and The Achray House Hotell.  Do not hesitate to ask us about any other local activities, venues and events e.g. Loch Earn fishing boat hire and watersports activities.

So what can you look forward to in the Lochearnhead and surrounding area for 2019?  Consider annual events like the Lochearn Shears Sheep Sheering,  The Great Loch Earn boat race, The BLS Highland Games in Lochearnhead July 20 2019,  The Vigour Events Loch Earn Swim in September 2019.  There is also the great MHOR festival in May and running events by runMHOR. 

Strathyre Music Festival is taking a break this year though band Balvaig plays on the first Sunday of every month at the White Stag Inn Strathyre.  MHOR84 also has a regular slot for folk musicians at MHOR84 on Thursday nights from 7pm in winter and 9pm in summer. 

Throughout the year our villages organise charity fun nights and the annual horticultural show. Look out for keep fit classes too.  Guests are welcome to join in. Its a great way to meet the villagers and "tap" them for information. Try Keep Fit or Yoga. Our village shops in Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans are also a good spot for a chin wag and a take away coffee.  Ask questions there or buy the Villagers Newspaper to find out what's on and where. 

Two major events in Strathearn and Perthshire this year are the Scottish 6 Day Orienteering Event 28th July to 3rd August and The Solheim Cup at Gleneagles 9-15th September.  These events will attract thousands of visitors and participants so consider Briar Cottages and this area if we can help with accommodation.  We can also suggest alternative accommodation in Lochearnhead and neighbouring villages 


Anyone who loves walking and mountain climbing will adore the fact that we are so close to Ben Vorlich and Stuc A Chroin as well as other hills and mountains.  Ben Shean, Ben Ledi, Ben Lawers.  Sustrans Cycle Route 7 is a great place to walk, cycle or stroll.  Dog owners love it because it is off road. The section from Lochearnhead is also part of the Rob Roy Way.

The start point from  Lochearnhead Village is marked by the sculpture of a West Highland Terrier by Kev Paxton.  Our tourism group commissioned the sculpture using an ArtRoots grant awarded by Sustrans Scotland.  The dog tag says Ewen.  The sculpture was named after a local tourism hero. You can hear Ewen's son Angus Cameron telling the full story on the audio tour. If you download the BLiSS trail Geotourist App to a smartphone, you can hear stories about all 25 installations on the Scottish Thistle Award winning  trail.

The trail makes use of main roads A84 and A85 for car touring and National Cycle Route 7,  for cyclists and walkers of all ages.  Recent guests at Little Briar Cottage loved walking between Lochearnhead and Balquhidder and described the experience as "like walking through Narnia" That is because they followed the idyllic path with their dogs to witness brooks and bridges, wild flowers, lichen, needle carpet forests, birds, art installations, deer and stags, designer mile markers and more. 

Walk from Lochearnhead on NCR7 turning left to The Golden Larches in about 2 mikes or follow the path right and walk on to MHOR84 in 3 miles.  You can also keep going on the path to Strathyre or Callander 

If you turn right on the path from Lochearnhead you will go up a short steep incline until you are level with the path across the Glenogle Viaduct.  The path joins the A85 where you can cross over and continue the 4.5 miles to Killin and The Falls of Dochart.  ​

​You  would think that representing your local tourism group - Loch Earn Tourism Information (LETi) - to pick up the groups Scottish Thistle Award for BLiSS trail "Innovation in Tourism"  would be honour enough!  It absolutely feels like the ultimate reward in the tourism industry.  Nevertheless, the rewards just kept coming in.  
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Fringe Benefit 2:  Fishers Laundry group encouraged us to take selfies with Thistle,  to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Thistle Awards this year #thistles25.

We were asked to post them on social media during a four week period,  after the awards event. The winning photo on Twitter, chosen in April, was by Rona Burstow. Rona tweeted a lovely selfie with Thistle at Eileen Donan Castle.  A worthy winner, Rona won a £300 voucher for the Principle Hotel in Edinburgh. 

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Imagine my surprise then, when two enormous parcels landed on my doorstep with a message from Fishers Laundry saying that they were impressed with the creativity of my photo entry.  My runner up prize was  two of the biggest,  heaviest, whitest, quality, fluffy dressing gowns I have ever seen.  

In my photo you see A.Thistle Dog,    B. The two headed thistle of BLiSS trail sculpture "Blawn Wi The Wind" by Kev Paxton, which stands proudly in Briar Cottages garden ( we bought it for our 25th wedding anniversary celebration)  C.The Thistle Award trophy.  D. My hair! ...lets face it,  my hair looked like a thistle top that day with a filtered purple tinge completing the look. 

My question on Twitter was "How many Thistle's can you see?  The answer should really have been "one" as the dog's name is spelled with a capital T.  A huge thanks to Fishers Laundry for going one step further in the fun that they invest at the Scottish Thistle Awards. Very much appreciated.

Is that the Fringe Benefit story over?? No! 

International Fringe Benefit 3.  Fraser and I decided to take a break and visit friends in Valencia in May, following the tragic, shocking and untimely death of Fraser's 48 year old son Andy, who we miss every day. 

​We booked into the Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace in Valencia which turned out to be in a perfect, central location, near the incredible food market and old town. We gave our business card to the receptionist to save reading out our contact details.  We then checked in before going out to explore. Can you imagine our surprise when we opened the bedroom door on return to find a dish of sugar banana jelly sweeties and the following message from the hotel reception team with a beautiful photo.

​ "Dear Kim and Fraser,  its a huge honour to accommodate the winners of... 
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​A lovely touch and example of "above and beyond" service where the reception team recognised and applauded the significance of our team Scottish Thistle Award,  thinking on their feet to provide a unique welcome.   
  
Fringe Benefit 4 I also received many letters on behalf of LETi from tourism partners and politicians as reported in my last blog. 

Then LETI was awarded Fringe Benefit 5. The opportunity to work with Geotourist in collaboration with VisitScotland.

Geotourist were the sponsors of the "Innovation in Tourism" category at the Thistle Award regional and national finals. They are world audio tour enablers via Smartphone technology.  How perfect for BLiSS trail! You can now follow a map and listen to fab stories about the artworks on your apple or android phone as you tour. 

It has been a great pleasure to work with Lindsey Wilson from Geotourist over the last few months. My task was writing a script outline for each installation, recruiting and working with the storytellers and getting 23 recordings over to Lindsey along with photographs and their GPS locations. Lindsey used the information to set up the Geotourist website page for BLiSS trail, ensuring that the recordings would be audible at each location with a smartphone. Lindsey is one of the most positive people I have ever worked with.

Then we both worked with Visit Scotland on the official news story.

Artists, locals, school and university students, Sustrans Scotland and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park all collaborated on reading various stories and facts to complement the installations on the trail along with yours truly. I represent Stan The Stag at Briar Cottage and Drover's Bho in Strathyre and... shhh top secret...  I am the voice of the MHOR coo. A fun coo! A pun coo! You have been warned, listen! https://geotourist.com/tours/2040/points/7058

​The audio tour was launched last week and has already attracted 880 visitors to date, with around 100 new people discovering it daily. Have you looked and listened to it yet? Check out the website here https://geotourist.com/tours/2040 

​VisitScotland went on to release the news story from their media centre on July 14th  NB: Full story here A Touch Of BLiSS  

So, I would encourage others to take part in the Scottish Thistle Awards. The discipline of reviewing your goals and achievements is rewarding enough. A trophy at this event nicknamed "The tourism Oscars" is definitely worth trying for,  though the fringe benefits of recognition, gifts and a bonus business opportunity can make you and your team feel like Hollywood Stars.  

None of it has gone to our heads though. Its Briar Cottage and LETi business as usual for me,  with extra adrenaline oomph from the feel good factor of the Scottish Thistle Awards win to spur me on. 

We are in the midst of launching the new Geotourist BliSS trail audio tour and will be announcing our first international artist on the BLiSS trail in conjunction with a new partner soon. 

That should give us enough material to enter the 2019 Thistle Awards when they open next June.  Best of luck to everyone who has entered this year though....missing it already.

This weekend is the Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Highland Games in the Games Field opposite the Lochearnhead Village Hall - 21st July 12.30. 

​McLarens,  MacGregors and other local clans will gather for what is one of the best wee Highland Games in Scotland.  Guests from both of our cottages will be there as will Fraser and I.  Hope to see some of you too.

Let the BLS Highland Games begin where the Scottish Thistle Award fringe benefits end...for now!  Slàinte mhath! #ScotlandIsNow

If you think we were excited picking up the regional Scottish Thistle Award trophy for BLiSS trail in 2017, imagine our shock and delight when Visit Scotland announced our local tourism group as the Scottish national winner in March 2018 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre!

LETi (Loch Earn Tourism Information representing Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans tourism businesses) was crowned winner of the "Innovation In Tourism" category in the National grand final of the Visit Scotland, Scottish Thistle Awards.  The trophy was presented by the couple in the photo above, representing sponsors Geotourist.

The Scottish Thistle Award finals are referred to in the industry as the "Tourism Oscars".  I am delighted that our four village tourism business group was able to compete on the big stage with larger companies and organisations who have healthy marketing budgets and dedicated experts working full time. We represented Central (and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park) and emerged as winners amongst entrants from Fife, Tayside. Lothians, Borders, West, Highlands and Islands, Aberdeen City,  and Aberdeenshire. 

The LETi group delivered three new sculptures to the Scottish regional and now, national award winning BLiSS trail during 2017 Year of History Heritage and Archaeology ( #HHA2017 ) - while securing the fun roadside art and architectural trail as a permanent attraction all year round. 

​Two of the sculptures Drover's Bho and Ewen Westies of Craggan were made by TV personality artist blacksmith Kev Paxton paid for with a Sustrans Scotland ArtRoots grant.

The sculptures mark the entrance to National Cycle Route 7 in Strathyre and Lochearnhead and it is possible to cycle from one to the other passing the BLiSS trail "Cockerel" Mile Marker by Iain McColl, on route. 

​Drover's Bho is a steel cow sculpture acknowledging the hard working drovers who gathered in Strathyre on their way to the Falkirk Tryst.

"Ewen Westies of Craggan" is named after a local tourism hero - Ewen Cameron OBE - who kick started water sports on Loch Earn in 1955, revived the BLS Highland games in Lochearnhead and so much more. The west highland terrier dog sculpture also marks Sustrans Cycle Route 7 from the grounds of St Angus Church in the Craggan Road where they were once bred by the honorable Torfreda Rollo (sister of Lady MacGregor of MacGregor) in Lochearnhead.

This year marked 25 years of the Scottish Thistle Awards for Tourism achievements #Thistles25. The evening was fantastic.  Expertly hosted by ex Miss Scotland and STV host Jennifer Reoch alongside Still Game and River City star and funny man Sanjeev Singh Kohli.  

Lovely singer and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2018 Hannah Rarity kick started the entertainment. Ventriloquist and comedian Paul Zerdin, winner of America’s Got Talent 2015 was brilliant with his suitably cheeky co-star puppet pal. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards main sponsor was full of fun. We had photos taken in the Fishers Laundry Truck photo booth. The laundry company also gifted all tables with "Thistle" a green dog with ears, sunglasses and a purple tartan bow. (Don't tell Thistle he's really a facecloth!)  They challenged us with a Twitter competition to take a selfie with Thistle.  Fraser and I have put in the following entries if you want to RT @Briarcottages ​

We could not have shared a flavour of the awards without the assistance of the official photographer Chris Watt  He quietly worked the room to record the event on behalf of Visit Scotland. Have a look at Chris Watt Photography, his commissions, portfolio, awards, accolades and achievements. Simply Amaaaazing and he is charming too.

Have a read at this lovely letter from Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief Executive of Visit Scotland.  

...and another letter of congratulations from Fiona Hyslop MSP -Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs

Another lovely letter, this time from Roseanna Cunningham MSP

Finally, have a look at this delightful drawing of me and the Scottish Thistle Award Trophy by "JoSunshineArt". Jo is a visually impaired artist who records moments in history as they happen in Scotland and sometimes further afield. She is constantly drawing people, animals, nature buildings and events from every day life around her in Glasgow and in the the news. Jo draws in bright colours on a large A1 scale. She always manages to create lovely compositions with warmth, playful characters and plenty of #ScotSpirit humour.  Jo can not actually see! All she sees is a misty blur in one eye. Find out more about Jo on Twitter @JoSunshineArt or read this about the wonderful Jo Adamson.

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​LETi is now working on Year of Young People 2018 promotions

​Long time no blog!  I know.

Being Chair of the Loch  Earn Tourism Information group for Lochearnhead, St Fillans, Balquhidder and Strathyre villages means that I am doing PR and social media work on www.robroycountry.com and Twitter for @robroycountry as well as planning strategies. And that's just for fun. My day job is running Briar Cottages business including all cleaning services and check-ins while Fraser tackles the three acre gardens. 

​It's all a labour of love and we never take the exceptional views that we wake up to for granted. We are proud to share Briar Cottages and gardens with visiting guests.

I am also passionate about sharing; whats on, things to do, where to eat and drink and more. It means that I need to keep up to date on everything that is going on like,  winter events , Hogmanay parties, Christmas markets plus the opening of a new local shop MHOR in Store,  coming to Kingshouse near Mhor84 on 9th December 2017. Fraser loves to chat to passers by who take an interest in the gardens and BLiSS trail sculptures on display. 

In addition to our "Blawn Wi The Wind" thistles and  Stan The Stag (whose photo was on The One Show this month) there is a Pop up art installation by Kev Paxton called Brunas.  Brunas is a CrazyColor pink coo.  Let me explain.  Renato Brunas invented Crazy Color hair dye. It is described as "hair colour for the fearless".  Bold pinks, purples,  and rainbow colours.  Renato Brunas had a hairdressing shop in Mayfair, London called "Brunas".  He sadly passed away in 2014, so when the Renfrew Scotland based Crazy Color team were planning a hair show in London, they recruited Kev Paxton to style one of his metal cows with a pink and purple Crazy Color ombre hairstyle. Brunas is currently taking the air in our garden after his recent modelling event. He is on holiday on The regional Thistle Award  winning BLiSS trail, for the winter.  Come and see him!

Please enjoy the picture blog of our wonderful celebrations of LETi's award for Innovation In Tourism - #BLiSStrail 2017.

The Visit Scotland regional awards event for Central, Tayside and Fife, was held in the incredible stables building at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh. The food was exquisite. How they produce such quality for hundreds of diners, I will never know. The service team were charming too.  A special thanks to Amitt who served table 23 for the LETi support team. 

Finally,  I was very honoured to be nominated by Gordon Watson of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park in the Regional Tourism Ambassador category for services to tourism over and above my day job.  I made it to the top three and was delighted to receive this finalist certificate as joint runner up.