Blog Posts

Winter Wonders in Briar Land Loch Earn

11/12/2015

Happy Pumpkin Head on Misty Sunny Day Loch Earn

Bramble Bushes +Sloe Trees line Briar Cottages

Autumn seemed to come and go quickly this year. Mind you we have been fully booked and time flies when you are having fun! Still managed to pick brambles (blackberry's). My favourite flavour for crumble. The sun shone on the autumn leaves making them even more spectacular this year. Then out came the pumpkins. Its been a long time since I smelled the more traditional turnip lantern. Mr pumpkin simply has a bigger ba' face to work on. Fraser did us proud with four carvings strategically placed on our loch garden lights for best effect. Next on the list of to do's was picking the sloe berry's for gin. In Lochearnhead we use a rough measurement.

Lochearnhead Locals Sloe Gin Recipe

Freeze sloes first so that they open
Buy inexpensive gin and whisky (Not Malt).
Pour alcohol into bottles until they are a third full.
Add Sloe Berries to each bottle
Add a third of castor sugar to make up the final third
Fill to the top and screw the lid back on tightly
Give each bottle a good shake then lie them on their side
Shake them every day for a week
Shake once a week until the sugar has dissolved
The Gin and whisky will turn a lovely pinky red colour
Drink after 3-6 months or leave longer if you can.

I like to experiment and have made blackcurrant Gin and Vodka as well as Rose Hip vodka using berries from the garden. I don't advise bramble white rum after trying it. Turned out like rocket fuel......maybe not even that nice!

Scary Briar Pumpkin

Smlley Briar Pumpkin

Snow fell just before we took a winter break, leaving our lovely guests from somerset in charge of the grounds in November.

Snow Falling at Briar Cottage

Misty morning behind Solar Owl

Autumn leaves falling in the rear garden, Lochearnhead

We will be revealing our "Statue" in the loch garden next. He has been added to help celebrate 2016 Year of Architecture Innovation and Design. Fraser has been busy as usual!

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50th Birthday Bathing in the Blooming Summer - August & September at Briar Cottages Loch Earn

10/10/2015

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Frasers's Pavillion

Who said it was a bad summer? Summer is not all about the weather in Lochearnhead. Guests enter into the spirit here (especially at the 19th hole on our loch side putting green, also known as "Frasers Pavillion" )

Guests don't come here to sunbathe, though it is a pleasant bonus when they can. Some do come to bathe in Loch Earn and its not just pet guests that have been in for a dip; as illustrated by our August 50th birthday girl accompanied by her Danish relatives. They challenged Fraser to join them and he was first in at 9am. I would have obliged but someone had to take the pics!

This summer brought us:

50th Birthday Swim Aug 15

Fraser taking a morning dip wth Danish contingent

Fraser and the Danish contingent -Morning Dip Loch Earn

Pink Sunset Petanque

Indian Summer September on Loch Earn

Briar in Bloom

Summer lettuce and vegetables grown at Briar Cottage

Blue Hydrangea and crocosmia - Little Briar

Looking East from Briar Cottages garden Loch Earn

Burning red sunset

Flowers at Summer House

Change to Autumn end of September

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Baby birds and Brides at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn

23/7/2015

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Wildlife and weddings this month. Mallard ducklings, baby swallows, marriage vows and a double wedding at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn in July. What a month and the BLS Highland Games in Lochearnhead are on 25th July.

One of our regular mallards nested amongst the plants behind our fish pond where she likely hatched herself.

Mallard nesting

10 ducklings hatch

Proud mum

We watched a pair of swallows as they built a nest under the roof of the hot tub building at the back of Briar Cottage. What a treat to be able to see them from the comfort of the kitchen. We can see the swallows feeding their young as they grow stronger and battle for space in the nest, with regular feeds dropped off by mum and dad.

5 swallows waiting for next feed.

Briar Steading Romance: Canadian guests asked if we would witness them renewing their wedding vows. The ceremony was conducted on a sunny evening on the banks of Loch Earn and a celtic eternity ring was given to the bride followed by champagne all round.

One week later we had a double wedding ceremony in our garden on the banks of Loch Earn.

Romantic wedding Briar Cottages Garden

Briar mallards witness a wedding

The blackcurrants and gooseberries are ready to pick! So, there is some advantage to rain and fortunately most of it has been through the night. We have not had to water the garden once this summer and we have enjoyed some lovely sunsets this month.

Petanque Piste in the Pink

Reflecting Ben Our and Stuc A Chroin

Pink watercolour sunset

July is not over yet. We still have the annual BLS Highland Games to look forward to this Saturday 25th July. Even the TV cameras are coming this year. Weather permitting, we will be treated to a stunt pilot looping the loop and blowing smoke rings in the sky above the games field. Starts 12.00 and the McLaren, MacGregor, Stewart and McNab clans will march onto the field around 1pm. There will be piping, Highland dancing, fun open events, invitation heavyweight events, food and drink and stalls. Pure Malt play in the beer tent from 4pm. This is a very well run traditional event. Only £6 on the gate if you want to come along.

March of The Committee Highland Games Lochearnhead

As Chair of the Loch Earn Tourism Information group, I will be assisting on and off at the LETi stand on the Highland Games field. Come and say hello and find out about where to stay, eat and things to do in the surrounding villages and area. Hope to see you there.

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Continuous Improvement at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead on Loch Earn

20/6/2015

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So, what was under wraps in the last blog photo? Did you guess?

Fraser Proven , Top of the hill Briar Cottages

Fraser admires his handy work

Fraser's hill project

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.

Full time job cutting and strimming

Read at Briar Steading

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.

Danny admires Fraser's bench and the view from the top

View Loch Earn from top of Briar Cottages

How's that for a view over Briar Cottages and Loch Earn

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.

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TOP MARKS FOR LOCHEARNHEAD COTTAGE WITH 5 BUBBLE TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

5/6/2015

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Thanks to all of our lovely guests who took time out to share their experiences and photographs of Briar Cottages self catering on Loch Earn, our area within The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, things to do and places to eat. Thanks to you we have been awarded the highest bubble rating by TripAdvisor in the world and a Certificate of Excellence Award for customer services 2015. We have decided to display it in our luxury cottage Briar Steading.

"TripAdvisor is pleased to honour exceptional hospitality businesses that have received consistent praise and recognition by travellers on the site,” said Marc Charron President, TripAdvisor for Business. “By putting a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers, TripAdvisor not only helps drive increasing hospitality standards around the world, it also gives businesses both large and small the ability to shine and stand out from the competition.”

Top Garden View from Briar Cottages Loch Earn

Top Of The Garden- Briar CoTTAGES

Fraser working on a project, top of the hill Briar Cottages

Fraser's latest project

You can be sure of continuous improvement at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn. Never a dull moment for the energetic Mr P. So what's he up to now? All will be revealed next time.

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Strathearn Luxury Cottage on World Whisky Day? Toast Whisky Month with The Famous....You Know Who.

7/5/2015

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The Famous Fraser labelled Grouse Whiskyslyv

The Famous Fraser Grouse Whisky

World Whisky Day is 16 May 2015

May is Whisky Month in Scotland and World Whisky Day is 16th May. To celebrate we will present a bottle of Famous Grouse Whisky with your name on it, to whoever books Briar Steading luxury cottage on Loch Earn in the village of Lochearnhead for 7 nights starting 30th May 2015 - This is no ordinary off the shelf bottle of whisky. Once you have booked we will ask you for a name or two that you would like to see on the label of the bottle. What will yours say? The Famous Who? For example; The Famous Charlotte (well her mum and dad are also The Earl and Countess of Strathearn) or The Famous Grandad, The Famous Cousin Bob, The Famous Kardashian Family, The Famous G Butler, The Famous Clan Donald or perhaps a nickname. Any name or two that makes sense to you and yours. For more information on Briar Steading Lochearnhead and to book contact Kim 07917 415 497 or 0044 (0)1567 830 443 www.stayatbriar.co.uk.

NB:
This whisky celebration offer is for 7 nights booked direct with Briar Cottages on the advertised date. NB: No cash or gift alternative.

Romantic iews oer Loch Earn at Briar Cottages

Romantic Views over Loch Earn from Briar Cottages Lochearnhead

Briar Steading sleeps 4 + baby with 2 en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy the romantic views over Loch Earn and visit the loch garden. Look out for the ospreys fishing and don't forget your camera to capture Stuc A Chroin Munro and Edinample Castle at sunrise or sunset. White you are here you have the option to fish in the garden for trout, play lawn putting, use the petanque piste and boule, sit in the summer house or ask for a shot of the hot tub on the grounds. Then again, you might just want to sit in one of the comfy wide leather chairs, have a dram and toast the view with the traditional Scottish "slàinte mhath!" meaning good health.

Why not visit the oldest distillery in Scotland - Glenturret - and do The Famous Grouse Experience while you are here. The distillery is 20 miles east along the A85 from Briar Cottages. Look for the sign posted on the left just before you enter the town of Crieff. You will travel through St Fillans then Comrie. You will see Dalchonzie fruit farm on the right off the A85 just outside St Fillans. They sell perfect Scottish strawberries and raspberries in season and wonderful jams, sauces and other Scottish artisan food products. There is a whisky shop within Glenturret Distillery that also showcases Scottish products.

Our whisky and personalised label offer only applies to 7 night bookings on the dates mentioned, when you book direct with us. Call me Kim 07917 416 497 or 00 44 (0)1567 830 443

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Website Makeover for Briar Cottages Luxury and Pet Friendly Cottages Lochearnhead

1/5/2015

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Maisy enjoying the garden on Loch Earn

Welcome to our new look website. What do you think? Please use the social media tabs above to tell us. You will find them at the top right of every page. Please let us know what you think on Twitter ,Google+ Facebook and other sites that you use.

We've added a page about us. We are now mobile friendly so you should be able to view this site easily on tablets and mobiles. You will also see my Twitter updates and your TripAdvisor guest reviews on the home page in the right hand column. If we are not already social media friends please follow us on Twitter @Briarcottages and RT any pages of interest or become a fan on our Briar Cottages Facebook Page.

Thank you to all guests who let me take pictures of their pets for the Little Briar Cottage Page. I look forward to taking more pictures this summer and seeing some of yours.

Both cottages are booking fast this year however there are still summer gaps for weekly holidays and short breaks on Loch Earn, so please get in touch if you are planning some time off. We are entirely flexible on your start day of the week and our minimum price is based on 3 nights. Get in touch about this year and 2016 and NB New Year is already booked at Briar Steading.

We are always grateful for input and feedback so if you see anything that needs amending on this website please don't be shy in telling us.

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Forward>>

Winter Wonders in Briar Land Loch Earn

50th Birthday Bathing in the Blooming Summer - August & September at Briar Cottages Loch Earn

Baby birds and Brides at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn

Continuous Improvement at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead on Loch Earn

TOP MARKS FOR LOCHEARNHEAD COTTAGE WITH 5 BUBBLE TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Strathearn Luxury Cottage on World Whisky Day? Toast Whisky Month with The Famous....You Know Who.

Website Makeover for Briar Cottages Luxury and Pet Friendly Cottages Lochearnhead

Author Kim Proven.

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Categories

Briar Cottages,
Lochearnhead, Perthshire, Scotland, FK19 8PU Tel: 01567 830 443 Mob: 07917 416 497
website: www.stayatbriar.co.uk email: briarinfo@btinternet.com

Winter Wonders in Briar Land Loch Earn

50th Birthday Bathing in the Blooming Summer - August & September at Briar Cottages Loch Earn

Baby birds and Brides at Briar Cottages on Loch Earn

Continuous Improvement at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead on Loch Earn

TOP MARKS FOR LOCHEARNHEAD COTTAGE WITH 5 BUBBLE TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Strathearn Luxury Cottage on World Whisky Day? Toast Whisky Month with The Famous....You Know Who.

Website Makeover for Briar Cottages Luxury and Pet Friendly Cottages Lochearnhead

Author Kim Proven.

Archives

Categories

Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead, Perthshire, Scotland, FK19 8PU Tel: 01567 830 443 Mob: 07917 416 497website: www.stayatbriar.co.uk email: briarinfo@btinternet.com

Briar Cottages,
Lochearnhead, Perthshire, Scotland, FK19 8PU Tel: 01567 830 443 Mob: 07917 416 497
website: www.stayatbriar.co.uk email: briarinfo@btinternet.com