Who says festivals are all about summer, music, mud and portaloos? Autumn brings a host of brilliant, family-friendly festivals throughout Perthshire, so embrace the season, and make some dates in your diaries!

Chocolate: Perthshire’s antidote to autumn and winter blues

October Tayfest: This Perthshire autumn festival celebrates ‘the very best of family fun and nature rolled into one!’ Running from Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st October 2015 the festival will include a food and craft fair, ghost walks, poetry and art exhibitions, tasting day, Halloween holiday storytime and night rides, crazy golf, walking tours, a beaver safari, animal encounters, cookie decorating workshops, canoeing taster sessions, night safaris and a screening of the new Peter Pan movie ‘Pan’. Phew! Definitely something in there for everyone. For full details of all the events, their locations and pricing, see http://www.octobertayfest.co.uk/

Celtic Samhain Festival: if you are tired of trick or treaters and want a fresh slant on Halloween, then why not spend it in an Iron Age timber house on the atmospheric banks of Loch Tay? The Crannog Centre in Kenmore celebrates Samhain, the Celtic autumn festival marking the end of the harvest, the onset of the darker half of the year, and the predecessor to Halloween. Come suitably dressed for an evening of myths, legends, flaming torches, incense burning, and a wicker ram bonfire. There will be refreshments too. Book early to avoid disappointment: http://www.crannog.co.uk/

The Enchanted Forest: Okay, not a festival in name, but truly an autumn festival of nature, light and sound. Faskally Wood’s ‘Enchanted Forest’ runs 1 October to 1 November and is fast becoming THE event of the Scottish autumn calendar and deserves a mention. This multi-award winning show fuses light and music to illuminate the forest at night and set your imagination alight. It drew 46,000 visitors last year alone, and has swept the boards at several Scottish events awards. This year’s show is all about movement, waves and energy, and has been named ‘Flux’. To find out more and book tickets (quickly) see: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Perth Festival of Chocolate: Celebrating ‘the delights of the cocoa bean’, Perth Festival of Chocolate is now in its third year, and takes place on 21 and 22 November in King Edward Street, Perth. Coinciding with Perth’s Christmas lights switch on, the Festival attracts hundreds of visitors to the scenic city. Organised by Perth Farmers Market, the Festival will comprise market stalls selling speciality chocolate, home-baked chocolate products, chocolate drinks, cocoa-based cosmetics and much more. Local restaurants will also participate by showcasing their own “chocolate dinners”, and chocolate-themed specials and cocktails during the event. As well as chocolate, there will be a great selection of hot street food, cooking demos, and story-telling. Details here: http://www.perthfestivalofchocolate.co.uk/

At the foot of Stirling’s Old Town, and a minute or two away from the bustling city centre, are the Albert Halls, which have become Stirling’s acclaimed venue for conferences, weddings and the arts. Tucked inside, with a warm welcome and a mouth-watering menu, Henderson’s Bistro has distinguished itself as one of Stirling’s best restaurants, with the ability to cater for everyone from pre-theatre diners to large weddings and conferences.

Attention to detail, creativity and seasonal flavours characterise the Henderson’s menu

Henderson’s Bistro is owned by Jill and Lindsay Henderson, who, with head chef Lawrence Crompton Howe, set up the thriving business over eight years ago. They were joined by Kenny Nairns, who was soon promoted to front of house and the team was further augmented by the arrival of second chef Andrew Harrison two years later.

Theirs is an experienced line-up: before opening the Bistro, Jill and Lindsay had spent some 15 years providing outside catering, while Lawrence arrived fresh from the kitchens of Gleneagles. Kenny brought 16 years’ experience of hospitality in Stirling and Aberdeen, while Andrew added his own years of experience working in kitchens.

It’s clear that this collective knowledge pays off: the Bistro has an enviable reputation both for its attention to detail on the one hand, and the ability to create incredible food for very large numbers on the other. Their menu includes Daily Specials, inspired by seasonal local produce, as well as lunch and dinner menus that bring a modern twist to classic dishes. ‘Our customers come for our delicious wide range of food that is all freshly prepared in house and our excellent customer service,’ explains Kenny. The restaurant’s famed beer battered haddock and hand cut chips is a particular favourite amongst regulars.

The restaurant has come a long way. When they opened eight years ago, they catered only for lunches Monday to Saturday and ran the bar on show nights in the Albert Halls. Now they have added evening dinners on weekends and cater for the Albert Halls’ bespoke wedding service, corporate events, charity dinner dances, pre-theatre meals, outside events, parties and much more. With such catering expertise under its own roof, the Albert Halls is enjoying its current status as Stirling’s premier wedding venue.

The benefits work both ways, however: ‘The Albert Halls provides us with a beautiful historic building in which to ply our trade and provides us with exciting business opportunities,’ says Kenny. ‘We provide our excellent food and friendly service to bands, musicians, and comedians, as well as weddings and other events.’

The future? ‘Our goals are not to rest on our laurels. We want to keep growing the business to ensure that our existing customers are extremely happy, while attracting new customers who will be equally as pleased.  Our motto is Delivering Uncompromising Quality and we want to keep that up.’

And they are true to their word about never resting: though every day is incredibly busy, they’ve already finalised their Christmas menu, which looks both delicious and creative (shot glass mousse trio, anyone?). And it’s September. Now, that’s organised.

More information: Henderson’s Bistro, Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling FK8 2QL. Tel: 01786 469727 Website: www.hendersonsstirling.co.uk

Photo credits: Food and interior pics of Albert Halls, reproduced by kind permission of Henderson’s Bistro. Photographer Paul Andrew. Albert Halls exterior: Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

Around a fifth of tourists coming to Scotland now state that they’ve come because they’ve seen Scotland in TV and film. It’s no surprise that productions like Outlander and Game of Thrones have hugely boosted Scotland’s tourism industry.

Glencorse Old Kirk in Penicuik will appeal to romantic Outlander fans

One of the beauties of ‘set-jetting’ – visiting the film locations of your favourite movie or series – is that you can easily create your own location itinerary. Our properties in Perthshire are perfectly placed for an Outlander Tour, so here’s how to build your own – all locations are around an hour or less from Perth.

Just 18 miles from Perth takes you to Falkland in Fife, which appears in the first series as the perfect stand-in for 1940s Inverness. Make sure to look out for the local shops and hotels that appear in the series – Falkland’s Covenanter Hotel became Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse, while the Fayre Earth Gift Shop was transformed into Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture Store through whose windows Claire gazes. You might also recognise the Bruce Fountain, the landmark where Frank encounters the ghost of Jamie in the first episode.

Just 37 miles or 44 minutes’ drive from Perth and you can be in Hopetoun house, which appears in the Outlander series as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham. Described as ‘Scotland’s Finest Stately Home’ you may find Hopetoun House a much more impressive façade in real life, as portions of the buildings were digitally removed in the TV series. The real house retains much of its 18th century furniture and wall coverings and, situated in pretty South Queensferry, is worth a day out in its own right. Details on how to visit here: http://hopetoun.co.uk/

It’s just 43 miles, or a picturesque hour and 12 minutes, in the car to the Dunalastair Estate in Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire. You may recognise the landscape here as that in which Claire disappeared amongst the standing stones of Craigh na Dun. Though you won’t find the film set’s stones anymore, you will witness the majestic scenery that provided the backdrop to the dramatic episode. Encircled by Munros, nearby Rannoch Moor is an evocative place – a true wilderness that is well worth a visit. For more information, see: http://www.kinlochrannoch.com/

The more romantic among us won’t mind the one-hour drive to Glencorse Old Kirk in Penicuik, where Outlander’s Jamie and Claire get married. The 17th century kirk is definitely a church that time forgot, with a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, set in the foothills of the Pentlands. Avid fans might be interested not only in visiting but getting married here – find out all about it on their website: http://www.glencorsehouse.co.uk/

And if you want a short city visit, jump on the train for the one-hour journey from Perth to Glasgow Queen Street. Leave the station and you’ll immediately find yourself facing George Square, which was given a 1940s makeover for Frank’s marriage proposal to Claire. This impressive square has become a favourite for locations scouts in recent years, appearing in both Cloud Atlas and World War Z. The architecture is stately and beautifully preserved, and the surrounding streets offer some great dining too. For more information, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Square

Photo credits: Falkland Fife: By Kim Traynor (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Glencorse Old Kirk: james denham [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Hopetoun House: By Mehmet Karatay (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons.

The world of Outlander has captivated TV viewers the world over, and the star of the series is neither Claire nor Jamie, but Scotland itself.

Author Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore at the New York premiere of Outlander

Filmed entirely on location here, Outlander has used some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes to create its fictional backdrop. And many of these are just a stone’s throw away from our properties in Stirling. So why not create your own Outlander tour today? In this first of two blogs, we will look at Outlander locations close to Stirling. Next time, we’ll do those best reached from Perth. Start planning your tour!

Doune Castle: Just eight miles from Stirling, Doune Castle has become the darling of film crews the world over, attracting the makers of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and many more. In Outlander, Doune Castle is used to depict Castle Leoch, home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the episodes set around the first rumblings of the Jacobite Rebellion. Look out for it too in the 20th-century timeline, when Claire and Frank visit the castle in ruins. More detail on this stunning 14th century castle, how to get there, and admission.

Culross: Just 19 miles from Stirling, the historic Royal Burgh of Culross will be familiar to Outlander fans as Cranesmuir, home to Geillis Duncan and her husband Arthur. Described by the National Trust for Scotland as ‘the town that time has passed by’, Culross provides a near-perfect tableau of preserved 17th and 18th century buildings and townhouses. Walk the cobbled streets in Claire’s footsteps, and don’t forget to visit Culross Palace: the herb garden there is the one which Claire tends in the grounds of fictional Castle Leoch. More information on Culross.

Boness and Kinneil Railway: Just 21 miles from Stirling is the hidden gem of Boness and Kinneil Steam Railway. The carefully preserved platform of this working railway provided the backdrop to Claire and Frank’s fond farewell in wartime London – a gift for film crews. Steam trains at Boness and Kinneil run throughout the year, with additional events including afternoon tea trains and seasonal specials. There’s also a museum, café, and super-helpful volunteer staff. Plan your visit around their timetable.

Aberdour Castle: Drive just 32 miles from Stirling and you will find Aberdour Castle on the Fife coast. This 12th century castle appears in Outlander as the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré, where Jamie seeks refuge in Episode 16. Pay particular attention to the castle’s Old Kitchen and Long Gallery, as these were used most in filming. Arguably the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland, Aberdour also boasts lovingly tended walled gardens and views overlooking the Forth. More information.

Linlithgow Palace: Just 21 miles’ drive will take you to Linlithgow’s 15th century palace. This commanding loch-side ruin was used in Outlander to double for the prison entrance and corridors Jamie’s imprisonment scenes in Episode 15. Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a refuge for Edinburgh’s brightest students during the Great Plague, Linlithgow Palace is a beguiling place with a fascinating history. More details.

Blackness Castle: Just 27 miles from Stirling is Blackness Castle, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Outlander crews used this formidable fortress to depict the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Built as a garrison fort and state prison, the austere castle offers expansive views across the Firth of Forth to Fife, as well as Scotland’s celebrated Forth Bridges. More information.

Linlithgow Palace, which doubles as a prison in Outlander episode 15

Photo credits: Doune Castle: By Wikifan75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.  Street in Culross: By KENNETH BARKER [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Outlander Premiere: By Christine Ring [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Linlithgow Palace: Paul Taylor [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

In the shadow of Stirling’s historic castle grazes a contented herd of pedigree Charolais cattle. This distinctive, light-coloured herd is a living trademark of Falleninch Farm. Selling top-quality meats direct from its lush fields to the customer, Falleninch Farm Butchers are this week’s Local Heroes.

The Charolais herd has adoring fans of all ages

The Hornall family have farmed on the carse of Stirling for more than 50 years and three generations. But they’re not only experienced farmers: with a talented team of 16 that includes finance and logistics experts as well as skilled butchers, they have transformed Falleninch Farm into a thriving direct retail business in little over a year. We spoke to Michael Campbell, their Chief Operating Officer, to learn more.

What drove the change to selling direct? “Our Managing Director Andrew Hornall had several requests from local people asking if they could buy from us – they’d heard about our reputation for quality produce and meat that we have been delivering to restaurants, caterers and hotels across central Scotland for 50 years. Andrew then got me involved in setting up the retail butcher’s operation and website which we launched in February 2014. It’s been well received, with customers coming to the farm to shop or collect orders placed online, or enjoying free delivery to their home or workplace.”

Falleninch have thought long and hard about what its customers want, and deliver the ease of supermarket buying with a lot more attention to detail. As well as building a fully stocked farm butcher’s shop that’s open six days per week, they have built a car park and new access road to make it easy for visitors to pop in to see the products on offer, chat to the butchers, and get exactly what they need. Not only that, but the staff will even carry your bags out to the car. And those who can’t make it into the shop, or live a bit further away, can order online, by phone or Facebook, and Falleninch will deliver – free if your order is over £50. And there’s click and collect too.

They’ve made great changes in a short space of time, and that takes pride and enthusiasm. “We’re proud to provide people in Stirling and central Scotland with a wide range of meat products that’s fresher, cheaper and better quality than you can find in the supermarkets – and service with a smile.” explains Michael. “We’re also very proud of our team and what they’ve achieved: it’s great to create local employment and career opportunities, and see people thrive in a growing business.”

Though Falleninch Farm Butchers also prepare and sell top quality chicken and pork, their bestsellers are beef in all its preparations – from steaks to handmade burgers, their award-winning sausages and much more. And that’s down to Managing Director Andrew Hornall’s deep knowledge of his animals and his product. As well as having spent all his life on the farm, he is a Director of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society and Vice Chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society Ltd. In addition to various business interests, his passion is rearing pedigree Charolais cattle, like the Falleninch Herd. As a breeder and international judge of cattle, he is also skilled in sourcing the very best meat from his own farm and other carefully selected suppliers. Couple that expertise with the skills of Mark Ramsay, Head Butcher, and his dedicated team of butchers, and the farm produce a range of meats that’s difficult to beat for quality, taste, or value.

As consumers become ever more interested in what they are eating, and where it is from, Falleninch’s timing couldn’t have been better. As well as their pedigree Charolais cattle, the farm has a commercial herd of mixed breeds, including Aberdeen Angus crosses and traditional Scottish breeds like Luing. Building on the heritage of third-generation farming with a respect both for animals and the land, these cattle are grass-fed in as natural a way as possible. Michael explains more: “For the commercial cattle, we introduced an ‘extensively grazed’, or ‘New Zealand’ style system last year, where the cattle spend most of the year outdoors and are out-wintered – as far as possible. We invest in cultivating best quality, highly nutritious grass, which in turn results in healthy, happy cattle and high quality beef. This style of farming is commonplace in the southern hemisphere but not yet widespread in Britain. Our Farm Manager, Jason Hodgson, hails from New Zealand, where he spent many years raising cattle on the family farm: he has vast experience in this field – no pun intended!”

Having gained some 17,000 fans on Facebook in just 18 months, a large regular customer base, and deliveries across central Scotland, what are the goals for the future? “Keeping existing customers happy, and finding new customers who will love what we do, to continue to build our business based on our values of freshness, quality and friendly service. Nothing makes us happier than making our customers happy, and they rate us 4.9/5!”

To order: see their website: http://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/

Like them on Facebook for prizes and offers: https://www.facebook.com/falleninchfarm

All photos by kind permission of Falleninch Farm.