Photographic Paradise: 
Whether you’re an amateur photographer with a smartphone or a seasoned professional with a DSLR, Lochearnhead’s romantic ever changing landscapes provide a magnificent canvas. Seasonal weather and a seiching tide can alter Loch Earns surface throughout the year. Serene waters will mirror the surrounding peaks, creating stunning reflections and ever-changing vistas as the light shifts throughout the day. Guests staying in luxury Briar Steading and Little Briar pet friendly cottage,  can pick their moments when the light or dark is right for them. Be decisive though, as sometimes waiting too long can mean missing out on those magical colors and patterns. The scenes you witness can transform in an instant meaning that your magic moment can no longer be recorded and shared, only remembered.
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Here are some must-capture moments:
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​​Sunrise and Sunset: Lucky guests will begin the day witnessing the golden, peach and pink hues of sunrise casting a magical glow across Loch Earn. As evening approaches,  sunsets can  paint the sky and loch in brilliant shades of orange, pink, lavender and even turquoise -perfect conditions for capturing dramatic silhouettes of mountains, trees and the BLiSS trail art sculptures in the loch garden.​

• ​​​Historical Landmarks:
• The ancient structures around Lochearnhead tell stories of a bygone era. Edinample Castle, with its storied past and ghostly legends, provides a hauntingly beautiful subject seen from the water. The Glen Ogle Viaduct, once part of the railway network, offers an impressive backdrop with its stone arches and lush surroundings. Original railway bridges on the old Lochearnhead to Comrie railway and the original platforms on the Lochearnhead to Callander line.​ are also fascinating as are some of the quirky traditional cottages in the area, like Briar Cottage.​​​​

​Photogenic Objects: Discover and shoot the BLiSS trail of art installations starting with a giant steel thistle sculpture by Kev Paxton of ArtFe Blacksmiths,  as well as the popular ornamental feature "Stan The Stag" in the loch garden. Briar Cottage has a thatched roof and stone walls that exhibit interesting colours and textures when hit with light or in snowy surroundings.

​Seasonal Changes:
​Each season in Lochearnhead brings unique photographic opportunities. Capture the vibrant wildflowers and fresh greens of spring, the lush, full foliage of summer, the stunning autumnal hues, and the serene, snow-dusted mountains of winter.​

​Clear Night Skies: The absence of light pollution in Lochearnhead ensures that the stars shine bright. On clear nights, constellations like Orion and the Great Bear are easily visible, their stories waiting to be rediscovered under the twinkling firmament. Use a Sky Map app to help you identify stars and planets from your chosen cottage or in the garden on Loch Earn.

​Milky Way Marvels: During certain times of the year, the Milky Way arcs across the sky, a spectacular sight that invites awe and contemplation. Capture long-exposure shots to reveal the galaxy’s ethereal beauty, with its millions of stars creating a celestial river of light.  The best time to see the Milky Way in Scotland is February to October, usually between 00:00 and 5:00, and on nights with a new moon.

​​​Meteor Showers: Lochearnhead is an ideal location to witness meteor showers. Events like the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December offer thrilling displays of shooting stars, making for unforgettable nights spent under the open sky.​

​Astrophotography: For those keen to delve into astrophotography, Lochearnhead provides the perfect setting. From capturing star trails to photographing distant planets and the moon, the clear, unpolluted skies are a dream come true for enthusiasts of all levels.

​Tips for the Best Experience
Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast and moon phases to ensure optimal conditions for both photography and stargazing. Clear skies and a new moon phase will enhance your experience. New Moon dates are mentioned on the right  hand column of Briar Cottages price and availability chart.

Aurora Viewing: Dancing Lights
One of the most magical experiences Lochearnhead has to offer is the chance to witness the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. While sightings are not guaranteed, this village’s location makes it a prime spot for encountering this spectacular natural light show. Aurora Watch UK and other alerts can tip you off.   The STEVE photo by Kim Proven, was taken with a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone in night mode, snapped from the front door of Briar Cottage. ​

​​Gear Up: For photography, bring a tripod for stability, especially for low-light and night-time shots. For stargazing, a telescope or binoculars will enhance your view of distant celestial objects.
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Stay Safe: Dress warmly, as nights can get chilly, and bring along a flashlight with a red filter to preserve your night vision while navigating in the dark. Drones are great however we would not recommend going in or on to the water after dark. Visit the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park safety code for Loch Earn for best advise 

A Splash of Fun for Everyone: Loch Earn is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the Loch Earn Wake School offers a range of exhilarating activities that will leave you craving more. Picture yourself gliding across the water, the wind in your hair, and the stunning mountainous scenery as your backdrop. Hire options and lessons include single and double paddleboards and kayaks, wake surfing and boarding, water skiing and ringo rides.

Wakeboarding Wonders:  
Wakeboarding at Loch Earn is a must-try experience. Lochearnhead's wake school expert instructors will have you mastering the waves in no time. Feel the thrill as you ride the wake, performing tricks and jumps that will make you feel like a true aquatic acrobat. Graduate to wave surfing without a board! Hand the instructors your camera if you want to be filmed in action. Newcomers have to start somewhere and this school has a fantastic reputation for visitor satisfaction, playful learning and results. ​​And the best part about the location? After an adrenaline-fueled session, you can retreat to your cosy lochside cottage, just a stone's throw away, to relax and relive the day's adventures.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP):
Stand-up paddleboarding is another fantastic way to enjoy Loch Earn. It's a fun and accessible activity that offers a great workout while allowing you to take in the breathtaking scenery. You might prefer sitting or kneeling to begin with and lying on your front or back floating is fine if you want to just relax. Whether you're paddling solo or with friends, SUP is an excellent way to connect with nature and experience the loch from a unique perspective. Launch your own board from Briar Cottages slipway or hire one locally. The Loch Earn Wakeschool supplies wet suits and safety gear as part of the hire package or you can purchase a new wet suit and other equipment in their shop. A session is currently £22.50 which is excellent value for a lesson, wetsuit, board, floating paddle and a buoyancy aid. What age for youngsters? From 10 years old upwards. The professionals will gauge your experience and demonstrate safety. Experienced pets that SUP will be welcome to join you. ​

Exhilarating swim:
The benefits of open water swimming are well reported these days. From Briar Cottages garden, you can jump in, dip your toe or dive off the jetty and revel in the breathtaking scenery of rugged hills and lush greenery. The invigorating experience of swimming in this fresh water loch, combined with the warm hospitality of Briar Cottages, creates the perfect retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.  Pets that love to swim or fetch balls and sticks from the water, will be in their element here.  Safety is paramount. Guests will receive a link to The Loch Earn Safety Code after booking and there are other useful sites for open water safety in Scotland as well as drowning prevention.
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​Motor Boating ,Yachts and Ribs:
In addition to booking a piloted speed boat ride with the local water sports centre, or hiring a ffishing boat with Drummond Boat Hire, you can aslo arrange to launch a small boat from Briar Cottages slipway and there are two mooring buoys available. Consider how you would get from the buoy to the jetty or slipway after securing the boat.  It is imperative that you have adequate insurance "Every power-driven boat of 10hp (7.5KW) and over must be covered by 3rd party liability insurance" and read Loch Earn's safety code   

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​After an exhilarating day of watersports, Briar Cottages offer the perfect retreat. Each cottage is exquisitely furnished, blending home-like comfort with charming touches and breathtaking southern views.  Unwind at Briar Steading by the cozy wood burner, indulge in a luxurious soak in the large bath or spacious walk-in wet shower room. Relax on your private terrace or from the comfort of your bedroom while taking in the stunning loch views. Briar Steading cottage sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms en-suite

At pet friendly Little Briar, light up the outdoor chiminea or BBQ in the expansive garden while your pet lounges safely on the see-through fenced patio. The partial awning provides shelter for everyone on sunny days or showers. A water hose is available to fill the dog drink bowls, cool them down or hose off any mud and grass after their walks and play time. Use the retractable clothesline to air out your wetsuit, ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. Little Briar cottage sleeps 3 plus 2 pet.

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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​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  

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

Frasers been up to his tricks again. He tried to build a stag installation from wood a few Christmas's ago. Anyone remember? I titled it "Oh Deer"  

He then worked hard to convince guests that one of the bushes near Little Briar cottage was a stag, created using his topiary "skills". No one knew which end was which. Nevertheless, our guests humoured him one by one, year after year.

Finally! He found a stag statue in an ornamental landscape yard that specialises in second hand outdoor classics. An amazing place! We can all enjoy and be proud of this one. We call him Stan after the majestic beast that roamed Lochearnhead village eating neighbours bedding-out plants. Who said that deer don't eat daffodils? They love ours.

Local 007's with license to - you know what? - had to "take care" of him in the end. Shortly after, we received an invitation from one of our comedian friends to "dine on an old friend!"  Moving on swiftly .....Fraser has delivered this time.  A recognisable stag - - well except that he is in fancy dress for Christmas playing Rudolph reindeer. He looks great and he is slowing the traffic on the A85.

Once again, photogenic "wee santa" gets in on the act. Christmas would not be the same without him. He has been in the Proven family for over 100 years.

Our luxury and pet friendly holiday cottages have been prepared for Christmas and New Year with decorated trees, cinnamon cones, Christmas crackers, festive scented candles, shortbread and prosecco. 

Lochearnhead village hosts a Hogmanay dance in the hall with a live band,  raffle, licensed bar and stovies. A great night for £10 per ticket. Some guests come along and others love to immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings of Briar Cottages on the bonny banks of Loch Earn.  

Next month will be a busy month for me including local PR for #IAD2016, Scotland's Year of Architecture Innovation and Design 2016 and I have been asked to perform the "Toast to the Laddies" at the magnificent Monachyle Mhor Hotel, Burns in the Barn event 24th January.  Until then, Merry Christmas and slàinte mhath.

A simple bench courtesy of Mr P.  The seat enables you to catch your breath at the top ,especially if you find the garden hill challenging at Briar Cottages looking over Loch Earn. More importantly when you turn around and see the view you will want to sit and admire it.  

Guest Danny Ward made it all the way up, at 81 years old.  Guest dogs adore the run around space. 

Behind the fence is the old railway walkway that leads back to the village.  Brambles grow here in autumn and sloe trees bear fruit, right of the picture, in winter. Crumbles and sloe gin go down well in winter months however we are looking forward to summer veg, strawberries. apples, gooseberries, cherries and blackcurrants first. Guests are welcome to pick anything that grows at Briar Cottages to enjoy with their lunch or dinner.  We have a fantastic rosemary bush at the foot of the driveway to the cottages too. 

There are a few cook books in Briar Steading, including "The Reluctant Cook" by local authoress Libby Ransom,written in the name of her grandmother, E.   Bentinck. Libby's husband John Ransom has written numerous books on transport and local history including our local railway heritage. Copies are available to purchase at SULA furnishing shop at , The Tryst, Balquhidder net door to MHOR 84 motel. Drive 2.5 miles or go by bike along cycle route 7 Lochearnhead to Strathyre.

All in a days work for Fraser. Since the bench he has varnished the garden furniture, erected an international flag on one poll and the Scottish Saltire on the other, created a vegetable border, made hanging flower baskets, trimmed back the wisteria from our thatched roof, cut and rolled the various lawns and so much more. 

If you want to come and see for yourself, visit www.stayatbriar.co.uk in the first instance, email [email protected] or call Kim and Fraser 01567 830 443 to book.  

NB £50 local restaurant gift voucher choice when you book any short break that is left in Briar Steading our luxury cottage. QUOTE: Briar50 July offer.