by ssc | Feb 5, 2015 | Blog
Sunrise is about 8am now
January is over, there is a little more light, and the birds are just beginning to sing again. But sometimes we need reminding that spring is just around the corner. Here are five tell-tale signs that we are on our way!
The days are lengthening: Since the shortest day on 21 December, the days have been getting just a little bit longer. School runs are no longer done in the dark, and with sunrise now at around 8am, all but the earliest risers will be breakfasting in the light. If you want to be exact, in the month of January, we gain between 1.5 to 2 minutes of daylight with each new morning. That picks up in February, with about 2.5 precious minutes of daylight gained every day! For an engaging little website to track the daylight hours across the globe, right down to your postcode, see this: suncalc.net/
The farmers markets have reopened: After a hectic Christmastime, the stallholders of Scotland’s many farmers markets hang up their thermals for a well-earned rest in the quiet month of January. But February sees them setting out fresh wares across the country. Stirling Farmers market takes place every second Saturday from February on. For details see here: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/ In Perth, stall holders are out on the first Saturday of the month in King Edward Street and St John’s Place. For details, see here: http://www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk/
Snowdrops: one of the first floral signs of spring
It’s time for the snowdrop festival: Scotland’s annual snowdrop festival is in full swing, celebrating one of our nation’s most cherished flowers. It seems the snowdrop sums up everything we love about spring: it’s a hopeful, beautiful and determined little bloom that reappears undaunted every year despite late snows and biting cold. To witness this inspiring annual spectacle for yourself, find a participating garden near you here: http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/scottish-snowdrop-festival
Love is in the air: Resist it if you can, but love is in the air. Want a traditional Valentine’s Day? Why not see Romeo and Juliet at the Macrobert Stirling, or enjoy a special Valentine’s menu in the historic surroundings of the Old Bridge inn, Bridge of Allan. For those who want to spend this significant date in a way that they’ll (literally) never forget, how about a Valentine’s ‘Feast and Forage’ in Stirling? You and your loved one will spend the day foraging with Mark Williams of Galloway Wild Foods followed by a wild food cook-in. You can even camp out! For details and booking, see http://www.whatsonstirling.co.uk/event/015445-st-valentines-day-feast-&-forage-event/
The garden of Redcarr Lodge, Stirling Self Catering
We are all planning holidays: It seems that as soon as the last of the Christmas Quality Street have been devoured, it’s time to start thinking about summer holidays. Most of us turn our thoughts to our summer break in January and February in order both to get good deals and to give us something to look forward to after winter’s festivities. If you’re planning to spend your holiday in Scotland, why not make Stirling or Perthshire your base? Both provide great access to Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Highlands, as well as being stunning destinations in their own right. Have a look at our properties and check availability here: https://stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/ We’ll be happy to see you!
by ssc | Jan 28, 2015 | Blog
All smiles on the Heartland Travel Tour Bus
The road to success is rarely a smooth one, but Nory and Louise Hope of Heartland Travel in Stirling are living proof that running your own business really is worth the effort. We spoke to Nory about the couple’s thriving minibus tour business and learned more about what has earned them their incredible run of reviews from happy clients. Nory explains: ‘I’d been working with Coca-Cola as a Sales Executive for 20 years and was getting fed up of the corporate world. Then five years ago, my wife Louise took maternity leave from her management career with Standard Life in Edinburgh to have our first son, Harris. We were all set to put him into childcare and go back to work full time before realising we just didn’t want that. So I quit Coca-Cola to be at home until Harris started nursery. From that point we were trying to figure out what it was we wanted to do. On a visit to Doune Castle near Stirling we watched a ‘Rabbies’ tourbus pull in to the car park. Louise turned to me and said “That would be a great wee business for us” and that was it. We spoke to the driver, we did our research, and soon found that no one in Stirling was offering bus tours. We applied for an operator’s licence, having been told it would take just three months, and it took 11. We were in limbo – Louise had taken redundancy from Standard Life and I wasn’t working either. It was a tough time. By the time we secured our operator’s licence, Louise had had our second son Andrew, money was tight and the launch of Heartland Travel became a smaller event than we’d planned.’
The Old Man of Storr on Skye: spot the tour group!
Nory and Louise started Heartland Travel with Hamish, their (cherished) 16-seater bus originally owned by Rabbies, and began with tours of Stirling. But it soon became apparent that this offered only limited opportunities, so they created a stunning three-day tour of the Highlands, Skye and Loch Ness departing from Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee and St Andrews, with incredible results. In a short space of time, they’ve earned themselves 91 five-star reviews on Trip Advisor with glowing feedback from clients the world over. The couple also provide private tours for clients and minibus hire too, with Nory driving and Louise delivering the administration of the business. ‘She’s amazing with detail’ explains Nory, who confesses it’s not his strong point – he’d rather be out there, revealing Scotland bit by bit to his passengers. ‘Every 30 minutes, Scotland changes completely. Visitors have an idea of what Scotland will be like but it invariably delivers more. When we are still in the central belt, our passengers remark on how beautiful Scotland is. I say “you ain’t seen nothing yet!” then we get to the Trossachs and they are amazed. Again I say “you ain’t seen nothing yet” and so on through Glencoe, Kintail and finally into Skye.’
Scallop fishing on Neil’s boat
Because it’s a small, family-run business, Nory and Louise are able to offer some unforgettable experiences hard to find elsewhere, including scallop-fishing with local fisherman Neil Macrae on the Strome Slipway, and accommodation in what they describe as ‘the most beautiful hostel in Scotland’, Stationmaster’s House in Strome Ferry. They are also happy to go off-itinerary in pursuit of a magic moment, as they did recently for a Brazilian family who had never seen snow. Thanks to Nory making an unscheduled (but very deliberate) stop in the Cairngorm mountains, that family were able to enjoy their first ever snowball fight, returning to the bus 40 minutes later covered in snow, delighted, and with the memory of a lifetime.
But what are Nory and Louise most proud of? ‘Three years on we are still here. Sixty percent of new businesses fold in their first year, forty percent in their second. But we are still here. And still with an unbroken run of five-star reviews!’
For more information on Heartland Travel, or to book your own tour, see: http://www.heartlandtravel.co.uk/ All photos courtesy of Heartland Travel.
by ssc | Jan 21, 2015 | Blog
Robert Burns by Alexander Naysmith
There’s no denying that Robert Burns is a complex historical figure. His poems are recited the world over and his famous ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is sung (albeit badly) on every continent – at New Year, and at the untidy end of weddings, reunions and other celebrations. Yet the man was vilified by the British nation’s press during his lifetime, and he died dispirited and largely alone. What’s the real truth about Robert Burns?
A womaniser? Burns undeniably liked the ladies. His marriage to wife Jean Armour, with whom he had three children, was a troubled one at best, and blighted by the poet’s wandering eye. In total, Burns fathered at least 12 (known) children with four different women during his short 37-year lifetime. His youngest child, Maxwell, was born on the day of his funeral. Contemporary critics blamed Burns’s death on ‘intemperance’ and even gleefully alleged syphilis as the cause, but there’s no real evidence of this. What records do exist claim that Burns’s death was caused by complications arising from his existing rheumatic heart disease. Ahead of his time, it seems that Burns was even one of the early victims of what we now call ‘trolls’ – those people who seem bent on publicly criticising others and muddying their names.
Statue to Jean Armour, long-suffering wife of Burns
The first celebrity activist? In past decades we’ve become familiar with images of people like Bob Geldof, Sting, Sigourney Weaver and countless other A-listers harnessing their celebrity status to highlight a political issue. But this is no new concept, and it could be said that Robert Burns was an early pioneer of the phenomenon. Burns publicly sympathised with the French Revolution; a dangerous stance to take at that time, and the revolution’s themes permeate his poetry. Burns was also outspoken against the barbarism of slavery, even writing ‘The Slave’s Lament’ in 1792, though, admittedly, not amongst his best works. American president Abraham Lincoln had a lifelong admiration for the poet’s work, and many claim that the poet’s verse helped inspire Lincoln to win the American civil war and abolish slavery.
An international star? While Burns embodies the very essence of Scottishness, and all the complexities which that brings, Burns has also captured the global imagination: he is celebrated everywhere. The Soviet Union was the first country in the world to honour Burns with a commemorative stamp, marking the 160th anniversary of his death in 1956, and (excepting Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus) Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other secular figure. He was the first ever person to appear on a commemorative bottle of Coca-Cola, and his ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as being one of the top three most popular songs in the English language.
Haggis neeps and tatties, traditional fare on Burns Night
He brought us Burns Night: By the happy event of a winter birthday, Burns has given us an excuse to lift our spirits in January, Scotland’s coldest month, in convivial celebration of his life. Haggis, speeches, whisky, dancing and a healthy smattering of bawdy jokes will drive away even the most persistent of January blues on the evening of the 25th – so whether you’re an admirer of Burns or not, we can thank him for that! Happy Burns Night!
Picture Credits:
- Alexander Nasmyth [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
- Jean Armour Statue, Dumfries: By Rosser1954 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Haggis, neeps, tatties and tartan © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons
by ssc | Jan 14, 2015 | Blog
Head to the Tolbooth Stirling for great fiddle music in February
They say that ‘January is the cruellest month’, in which the combined force of cold weather and credit card bills can dismay even the most positive among us. But the New Year is also a blank canvas for trying something new, and in this blog, we’re making a suggestion that could lift your spirits through to spring – it’s time for live music! Stirling and Perthshire are blessed with some brilliant live music venues. Here are just a few – do let us hear your recommendations too.
The Tolbooth, Stirling: Stirling’s venue for Music and the Arts kicks off its musical year on 6 February, with ‘Think Thoughts’, its unique monthly platform for intimate singer-songwriter performances. Just a week later, four of Scotland’s finest female fiddle players will perform from their album ‘Rant’. Thursday 26 Feb brings McGoldrick, Cusker and Doyle, bringing together the traditional instruments of flute, fiddle, pipes and whistles with guitar and vocals. More information: http://tolbooth.stirling.gov.uk/
The Albert Halls, Stirling: This imposing venue has been at the heart of Stirling’s Civic life for more than 150 years. Its first live music event is the Simon and Garfunkel Story on 18 February. If that appeals, make a note in your diary for the Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular too – that’s in June. For details: http://alberthalls.stirling.gov.uk/alberthalls/albert-whats-on
The Guildhall Music Club brings together musicians of all genres and ability
Guildhall Music Club, Stirling: Stirling’s newest music venue meets monthly in the 17th century Cowane’s Hospital, in Stirling’s historic Old Town. These informal evenings combine music, craft beer, wine, food and chat, bringing together musicians from across Scotland in an informal, intimate setting. From professional to keen amateur, musicians of all genres are invited to come along and join the open session which runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Next meeting is 24 January, with a Burns theme. More information: http://www.cowanes.org.uk/guildhall-music-club-cowanes-hospital/
The Macrobert, Stirling: Celebrated as one of Britain’s foremost chamber ensembles, performing over fifty concerts throughout Scotland and beyond each year, the Macrobert welcomes the Edinburgh Quartet on 23 January, when they will be performing from Haydn, Mendelssohn and Elgar. For bookings: http://www.macrobert.org/event/edinburgh-quartet/
Perth Piano Sundays feature the Dvorak Piano Quintet in January
Perth Concert Hall, Perth: If you’re staying in one of our Perthshire properties, this venue has a packed schedule even in the winter months. Choose from 150th birthday celebrations for composers Carl Nielsen and Jean Sibelius, the Dvorak Piano Quintet performed as part of the successful ‘Perth Piano Sundays’ series, a semi-staged performance of The Marriage of Figaro, and A Celebration of American Voices. And that’s just January! For full listings: http://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on
Pub Venues: If you like your music informal and enjoyed over a pint, pull up a bar stool in one of Stirling’s pub music venues. The Allanwater Brewhouse (http://bridgeofallan.co.uk/) combines both traditional pub and brewhouse, and has regular music events thrown in too. It’s tucked away in picturesque Bridge of Allan, and well worth a visit. Head to No2 Baker Street, Stirling for regular live acts, jam nights, and a Burns Special on 25 January. Details here: http://www.no2bakerstreet-stirling.co.uk/whats-on. As well as its famed ghosts, Nicky Tams Bar and Bothy in Stirling is home to some great live music. Wednesday night is ‘jam night’ for local musicians and Saturday’s live acts perform from 4pm til 6pm. Check the Nicky Tams Facebook page for up to date listings: https://www.facebook.com/nickytams123
by ssc | Dec 29, 2014 | Blog
The Kelpies in early morning mist
There’s something special about being outdoors when everyone else is inside. To do something quiet when all else is noise. Ask a runner what it’s like to pound the pavements before dawn on Christmas Day – their eyes will go misty and they’ll use adjectives like ‘magical’. The same goes for New Year’s Day. When everyone else is at home, eating too much steak pie and highlighting the last remaining pages of the Radio Times, why not head outdoors for fresh air and silence? It takes little more than a thermos and a sandwich to have a New Year’s Day with a difference. Here are four inspirational places to start 2015. Enjoy!
The Kelpies, The Helix, Falkirk: These two 30-metre high structures are the largest equine sculptures in the world, and they’re stunning. When you first lay eyes on them as you approach on the M9, or by boat on the Forth Clyde Canal, you will catch your breath momentarily. And they are the perfect place to spend New Year’s Day. The Kelpies are a beautiful tribute to Scotland’s industrial past: a past that was fuelled by the power of water, and of horses just like them. But more than that, the Kelpies also celebrate Scotland’s departure from that past, its promising future, and our new appreciation of nature, beauty, and sustainable industry. If you want a focal point to contemplate past and the future, you’ll be hard pushed to beat the Kelpies. Go as early as you can, as the mist rises, ghostlike, from the canal waters in the first morning sun. For more information: http://www.thehelix.co.uk/things-to-do/the-kelpies/
The Wallace Monument, Stirling, a historic landmark to see in the New Year
The Wallace Monument, Stirling: If there is one place in Scotland that crystallises what it is to be Scottish, it is, perhaps, the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Built upon the outlook where William Wallace and his small army lay the night before their unlikely victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297, the Monument gives an unparalleled view across the snaking River Forth to Stirling Castle and beyond. You needn’t enter the monument itself to get a spectacular vista, and indeed, the Monument is closed on 1 January anyway. Just park in the car park, follow the winding road up to the foot of the monument and look out. Breathe in the history – there are few more historically important views than this in the world. And its great exercise getting up there too.
The Birnam Oak, Birnam: Those who love literature might want to connect with the New Year and our literary history with a visit to the Birnam Oak, just outside Dunkeld. The 300 year old Birnam Oak and its neighbour the Birnam Sycamore are thought to be the sole surviving trees of a once great forest, celebrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth as the famous Birnam Wood. The prophecy of Shakespeare’s three witches has origins in history: the branches of trees from great Birnam Wood were used nearly 1,000 years ago to camouflage armies advancing against Macbeth (See: http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Duncan-MacBeth/ for background!) . It is believed that Shakespeare got inspiration for this section of `The Scottish Play` during a visit to Perth, Birnam and Aberdeen in 1599 as one of a troupe of comedians. Visit these trees as part of the Birnam Walk.
The Falls from the Hermitage
The Falls of Braan, Dunkeld: Despite being one of Perthshire’s most popular beauty spots, the Falls of Braan, seen from Ossian’s Hall, also referred to as The Hermitage, is unlikely to be crowded on New Year’s Day. This Georgian Folly was built by the Duke of Atholl to face one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the River Braan. The balcony viewing area fills the senses with the sight and sound of the crashing water below, true to its origins in the Romantic era, when appreciation of rugged nature was first in vogue. While this spot is the ideal place to watch salmon leap in autumn, it’s an unbeatable place to contemplate the year ahead on 1 January too. Wear strong waterproof shoes after rains, as the path up to Ossian’s Hall can get muddy in bad weather. Happy New Year! Photo credits:
