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 briarinfo@btinternet.com 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.