ssc, Author at Stirling Self Catering

Local Hero: Made in the Shed

by ssc | Oct 26, 2017 | Blog

Suzie Moore runs her home décor business, Made in the Shed, from her home in beautiful Stirling. Her range of boards are designed with love to help organise busy lives, as well as bring pleasure to the eye. A former team member here at Stirling Self Catering, we caught up with Suzie to learn more about her thriving business.

Organising life just a little more beautifully

Suzie’s boards reflect the palette and textures of the Scottish landscape

Seizing the day

Suzie launched Made in the Shed after redundancy from her public-sector job presented her with an unexpected opportunity: “I have a young family and being able to work locally, with flexible hours, meant I could have the best of both worlds! I graduated from Grays School of Art in Aberdeen way back in 1994, and I’ve found it really energising to rediscover the creative me!”

Inspiration from Scotland’s landscape

Where did she get the inspiration to create her range? “I love the colours and textures abundant in Scotland. As a dog owner I am out in all weathers, and never tire of the beauty around us – even in the rain. I have family in the Outer Hebrides, where I can soak up the colours of the ever-changing landscape. I’m also a list fanatic. I have an eternal quest for bringing some semblance of organisation to our busy family life. This is where my chalkboards were born.”

Utility and beauty

Suzie’s boards bring together utility and beauty, but what do her customers love most? “I get great feedback about the boards having a magnetic section, for organising all the important pieces of paper that follow us through our busy lives, and a section for writing up messages and notes to jog our memory. This practicality, combined with stunning Harris Tweed fabrics, and hand-formed glass magnets, provides a welcome addition to any home. I make all boards by hand and pride myself on a high-quality finish.”

Hebridean tradition

Why Harris Tweed? “This fabric is steeped in history and renowned world-wide. All of it is dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides, and hand-woven in the home of the Harris Tweed weaver. It’s an ecologically sound textile, and the island communities are proud to pass their techniques down through the generations.”

Perfect partners

To complement the Harris Tweed, Suzie searched for the perfect magnet for her boards. “I’m so lucky to work with Elin Isaksson who has a studio locally in Cambusbarron. Elin is an incredibly talented glass artist who creates the glass for my magnets. I love getting a delivery and seeing the individual characteristics in every piece of glass.”

Sharing the fun

It’s clear that there’s a part of Suzie that feels honoured to create something that families can use and enjoy. “It’s heart-warming to make boards as wedding gifts. My customers put in so much thought and consideration, deciding on which fabric suits the newly-weds’ taste, and the wording they choose to commemorate the big day. Sharing in the excitement is a privilege and my customers always give feedback when the Bride and Groom receive their gift. I had a ‘goose bump moment’ recently, when a customer wanted her family name on her board. She intended to pass it on to her children for when they grow up, have their own families, and begin to appreciate how hectic life can be. It was lovely to know the customer considered her board something that should stand the test of time!”

Hand-formed glass by Elin Isaksson make Suzie’s magnets something special

Made in the Shed choose fabrics to suit both you and your home

Suzie loves choosing fabrics that suit both you and your home

More information:

Follow Made in the Shed here: https://www.facebook.com/madeintheshedscotland/
Watch out for Suzie’s website online soon: http://www.madeintheshed.co.uk/
Follow Elin Isaaksson here: https://www.facebook.com/elinI.glass/

Photo credits: All photos kindly supplied by Suzie Moore. All photos reamin copyright of Suzie Moore.

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Hygge happiness: it’s time to embrace the chill

by ssc | Oct 10, 2017 | Blog

Recent research claims that the Danish are actually the happiest people on the planet, and it’s all down to ‘hygge’. Loosely pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, this term roughly translates to a cosiness of the soul, or contented mindfulness. Hygge is an appreciation of simple pleasures, embracing indulgence, cherishing yourself, and living in the moment. It’s one of the reasons the Danish thrive, even through tough winters. So, now that the mercury’s falling, why not discover hygge in Stirling?

October: time to embrace the season the Danish way

When you've done something worthy, coming home to this is even better

See Doug Scott at the Albert Halls, Stirling, and check out the menu at Henderson’s Bistro, too

Stretch your mind

There’s nothing more in keeping with hygge than listening to an inspiring talk in a beautiful theatre – it’s all about coming in from the cold night to the warmth, the plush seats, the massage of your intellect, and that glass of wine at interval. Here are a couple of ideas to inspire you:

Tamed, with Professor Alice Roberts is at the The Macrobert, Stirling on 17 October. How do you tame wildness? Join Alice Roberts as she delves into archaeology, history and genetics to reveal the amazing stories of the species that became our allies. From dogs, cattle and horses to wheat, potatoes and apples, find out how taming all these species has left its mark on them – and us. For more information, visit: http://macrobertartscentre.org/event/tame-with-alice-roberts-/

Doug Scott: Crawling Down the Ogre is presented at the Albert Halls on 26 October. Doug Scott’s greatest adventure is undoubtedly his first ascent, accident and then escape from The Ogre, the most difficult of the world’s high mountains. In 1977 Doug Scott and Chris Bonington made the first ascent. While abseiling off the summit, Doug slipped on ice, breaking both legs just above the ankles, before suffering broken ribs and pneumonia. It took eight days to reach Base Camp – made possible only by the selfless support of Clive Rowland and Mo Anthoine. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/doug-scott-crawling-ogre/

Outdoors

Wrap up warm, see your breath on the air, and pack up your family to embrace hygge outdoors too. And get the slow-cooker on for your return home.

The Woodland Light Experience is a brilliant family-friendly event in central Scotland, just a short drive from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth. ‘Reflections’ is an all new light and sound show for 2017. Set in a private woodland near Balfron, on the edge of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the trees and dark autumn skies are the natural backdrop to a magical theatre of light and colour. Explore the woodland paths at night, illuminated with stunning lighting effects and installations. For more information, visit: http://www.woodlandexperiences.co.uk/light-experience/

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Gala on 21-22 October promises a nostalgic weekend of steam and spectacle. There will be a variety of steam locomotives at this family-friendly heritage railway and museum. Get yourself a hot chocolate and a hunk of cake in their café afterwards too! For more information, visit: http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/events/

Food

Wonder what to put in that slow-cooker? Hygge eats hearty, so stock up for autumn from these local suppliers.

Stirling Farmers Market has an autumnal twist this Saturday, from 10-4, in Port Street Stirling. There will be pumpkins for Halloween, organic squashes and vegetable spaghetti, seasonal game and wild venison, new locally hand-made cheeses, plus all the regular 25 or so stalls. Take time to chat to your stall-holder too, and make your grocery shop a day out rather than a chore. It’s the ‘hygge way’! For more information, visit: http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.co.uk/

Falleninch Farm has some of the best beef for miles around, perfect for colder nights, slow-cooking and comfort food. Pop in to see them at their farm butcher’s shop under the shadow of the Castle – the parking is free. If you’re pushed for time, there’s free local delivery for orders over £50 too. https://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/about-us/

Music

And lastly, hygge means taking time out of your schedule just for you, so how about some music for an autumn evening with a friend you’ve not seen in a while?

Joe Longthorne is at the Albert Halls, Stirling on 19 October, joined on stage by his live band and special guests. Joe’s performance is bog on nostalgia, with a musical rollercoaster of songs and impressions including Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and more. Enough song, chat and laughter to light up any dark night. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/joe-longthorne/

China Crisis are at The Tolbooth, Stirling on 20 October to showcase songs from their new album ‘Autumn in the Neighbourhood’. It’s their first album of new material in 20 years. Eddie Lundon and Gary Daly are the founder members of the band which started in Kirkby, Merseyside back in 1979. Known for their string of hit singles, including African & White, Working with Fire and Steel, Black Man Ray and Wishful Thinking, the band will be performing these classics and more, alongside tracks from the new album. For more information, visit: http://culturestirling.org/events/china-crisis-autumn-neighbourhood/

Magical illuminations at the Balfron Woodland Light Experience

Falleninch’s distinctive herd under the shadow of Stirling Castle

Photo credits:

Albert Halls exterior: Kenneth Allen [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Falleninch Farm: Kindly supplied and reproduced with permission of Falleninch Farm.
Woodland Light Experience: Image courtesy of Woodland Experiences Ltd.

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Local Hero: The Hideaway Café

by ssc | Sep 20, 2017 | Blog

Tucked down a lane in beautiful Bridge of Allan is The Hideaway Café. Opened in 2014 by owner Elena Menichetti, the aptly named Hideaway is a Scandi-inspired hangout, that is ‘all about socialising and escaping’. Just a stone’s throw from one of our newest properties at Walmer Apartment, it’s also our Local Hero this month. We spoke to Elena to find out what makes her café so special.

Quirky, cosy and fun: the interior of The Hideaway

Bringing the comfort of Scandi hygge to the heart of Bridge of Allan

Both stylish and homey, The Hideaway Café interior brings together the cosy spirit of Scandi hygge with Elena’s training in fashion. And the setting is perfect, though Elena had her doubters: ‘I chose Bridge of Allan because I was brought up there. My family’s restaurant is 30 years strong and the longest standing restaurant in the village. People thought I was mad opening up ‘another’ café – especially down a lane – but I knew it was missing from the village. I just knew it would work and it did!’

Home is where the heart is

Was it an obvious career path? ‘Restaurants run in my family; I was brought up in one. As I grew older I swore to my dad I wouldn’t end up working for the family, which he respected. Then I reached a certain age, college had ended, the fun had stopped, my family was growing bigger by the day with nephews and nieces – and I met someone. Home now looked so much more appealing, so I decided to open my own place.’

Team work and pride

When asked about what makes the café work so well, Elena points first to her people: ‘The core behind The Hideaway is the team. I never call myself the owner or the boss, because I’m part of that team. And because every single one of us takes so much pride in working there.’ And what does it offer its clientele? ‘The Hideaway is so many different things to different people,’ observes Elena, ‘but for me I think it’s laid back, all about coffee, all about good food and all about chilled-out vibes. It’s a little bit ‘city’ too, a bit quirky, and I think people appreciate that!’

Valuable time

But behind the aesthetics, Elena knows a thing or two about graft: ‘The thing I learned most from my family growing up in a successful restaurant was consistency. Be really good at what you do. Work really hard. And be consistent. That’s why our regular customers come back. Because they know what they’re getting – every time. Life is fast-paced for many of us, and people enjoy spending money on nice things. If they know they can come and leave feeling the little time they had wasn’t wasted, and that their money was well spent, then we’re doing our job.’

An ever-evolving menu

And what are the café’s food inspirations? ‘My favourite thing to do at the cafe is change the forever-changing menu. Staying ahead of the game and coming up with new dishes you won’t find elsewhere. I’m forever reading cookbooks, pinning on Pinterest and screenshotting on Instagram. I’m lucky I have an awesome chef who listens to me and gets my vision. Seeing what you had imagined on a plate going out to customers is pretty cool.’

A family’s heritage

It’s clear that Elena’s heritage is at the very heart of the café: ‘I’m from a really driven family. It’s totally built in me. My papa – who passed away last year – was a diligent, amazing man and – I guess from the age of three – watching him in his pet shop and seeing how hard he worked, rubbed off on me. Followed by watching my parents. I’d hang around their business when I was young, waiting for them to finish up. I’d listen to the regulars, who would always say how hard-working they were. My drive is to be the same, and to make them proud – which I know I have.’

More information: Follow The Hideaway Café on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/THE-HIDEAWAY-CAFE-248979541914456/
Photo credits: All photos kindly supplied by The Hideaway Café, copyright The Hideaway Café.

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Scotland: the most beautiful country in the world

by ssc | Sep 7, 2017 | Blog

Scotland has officially been voted the world’s most beautiful country, by readers of the acclaimed Rough Guides. Beating Canada and New Zealand into second and third place, Scotland was praised especially for its unspoilt beaches, brooding lochs and historic castles. We agree wholeheartedly! Isn’t it time you came to see some of the sights that made all those voters choose Scotland?

Crannog on Loch Tay, Perthshire

Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith

Scotland’s Beaches

Scotland’s beaches invariably turn up on the Top 25 listings every year, favoured for their white sands and clear waters. In addition, you’ll rarely have to jockey for position on a Scottish beach. Especially in the Highland beaches, you’ll likely get the place to yourself. Rough Guides cites remote and captivating Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull as Scotland’s most beautiful beach. And by default, that means it’s the best in the UK too. Though worth the visit, that’s pretty far north. If you’re based in Stirling, and that’s just too far a drive, why not stroll along the magnificent golden sands of Gullane Beach, around an hour from Stirling? Or recreate the opening sequence of ‘Chariots of Fire at St Andrew’s, just an hour and a half from Stirling. Outlander fans will love the shingly beach at Blackness Castle, which had a starring role in the first series of Outlander. And it’s just half an hour’s drive, too.

Scotland’s Castles

Stirling Castle stands, magnificent, above the city on a volcanic outcrop which gave the city a strategic fortress against all comers. You’d be hard put to find a castle more steeped in Scotland’s historic narrative than this one, and it’s been beautifully restored to reflect how it looked at its prime. The staff are brilliant too – nothing is too much trouble. To add to your whistle-stop tour of Scotland’s best castles, visit Doune Castle, which not only is a 14th-century looming masterpiece, but stars as Castle Leoch in Outlander. And it’s a mere 15 minutes from Stirling. (Why not visit Deanston Distillery for a wee dram while you’re at it?) Throw in Linlithgow Palace, a favoured bolthole for Mary Queen of Scots, and you’re getting a real taste of Scotland’s strongholds. And if you want more, within easy striking distance of Stirling, read our blog all about it: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/blog/castle-tour/

Scotland’s Lochs

Voters who put Scotland in first place list find something romantic about her tranquil, glassy lochs. And from Stirling, you can reach plenty of these inland waters. Take a walk round Linlithgow Loch when you visit the castle. The path round the loch will take you around thirty minutes. It’s an easy walk and offers brilliant selfie opportunities with the Castle and the distinctive crossed spires of St Michael’s Church behind. The Lake of Menteith (which claims to be Scotland’s only ‘lake’) is just 25 minutes away from Stirling and well worth a visit. Take a boat out to Inchmahome Priory on the tiny island on the lake. Dating from 1238, it once served as a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots, and retains its atmosphere of quiet sanctuary. Up for an hour and a half drive? Take a day trip to Loch Tay. This is the largest loch in Perthshire and one of the deepest in Scotland. Ancient settlers once lived here, inhabiting artificially created islands known as crannogs. There are 18 of these on Loch Tay, and you can still see one of them near the northern shore at Kenmore. This was the ancient burial place of Queen Sybilla, wife of Alexander King of Scots. To get inside a crannog, visit the Scottish Crannog Centre at Kenmore – Scotland’s only authentic recreation of an Iron Age loch dwelling. If you just love being near water, read more in our blog: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/blog/water-fun/

More?

If these aren’t enough reasons to come visit Scotland, the most beautiful country in the world, look at our blog page. It’s bursting with day-trip ideas and secret places to discover. Start your Scottish Bucket List here: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/our-blog/

Unspoilt sands at Gullane Bay

Doune Castle’s brooding splendour

Photo credits:

Crannog Centre on Loch Tay: By Dave Morris from Edinburgh, UK (Flickr.com – image description page) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Doune Castle: By Wikifan75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Inchmahome Priory: By Eileen Hendersonand is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license

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Plan the best of times in Stirling: Autumn

by ssc | Aug 23, 2017 | Blog

Here’s where to stay, and what to do, as we leave summer behind in Stirling. Time to kick up some leaves, explore historic sites, and throw the first log on the fire!

Lallybroch, on the Kersebonny Carse, sleeps 10

Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn getaway

Sleeping up to 10, Balfron Hayloft would make a great autumn family getaway

Where to stay

As we leave summer behind, why not consider one of our more rural properties so that you can make the most of the turning leaves and new birdsong? Lallybroch (named after the fictional estate in Outlander) is an impressive 5-bedroom steading conversion. Set on the Kersebonny Carse just outside Stirling, Lallybroch is within easy reach of all amenities and historic sites. Yet it has a tranquil setting, with striking views to the Castle. In addition, we have Balfron Hayloft, a magnificent traditional stone-built farm steading conversion. It offers ideal family-sized holiday accommodation. Set in the rolling countryside of Stirlingshire with picturesque views of Ben Lomond and the Ochil Hills, Balfron Hayloft is an ideal base for touring the Scottish heartlands. And what’s more, both of these properties have stoves you can warm your toes at in the evenings. To book these and any of our properties, see: https://www.stirlingselfcatering.co.uk/properties/

Kick up some leaves

For those who love autumn colour, there’s no need to get on board an expensive flight to New England. Take a walk round Stirling University Campus in late September/early October for amazing foliage displays. Just an hour from Stirling by car or even less by train, Perthshire has earned itself the title of ‘Big Tree Country’. Here, you can find Europe’s oldest tree, the world’s highest hedge, Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood in present day, and lots more. Visit some of the stunning sites recommended for leaf peeping by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust at https://www.pkct.org/Pages/Category/perthshire-big-tree-country

Bloody Scotland 8-10 September

Far from being a ‘just Stirling’ event, Bloody Scotland is fast becoming a national literary treasure. Scotland’s International Crime Writing Festival draws crime writers from all over the world to Stirling every September. In this sixth year of the festival they welcome back popular favourites Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Denise Mina and last year’s McIlvanney Prize winner Chris Brookmyre. You also have the chance to catch Simon Kernick, Lynda La Plante, Peter May, Mark Billingham, and many more. The authors give unforgettable talks on crime and writing. They offer panels on everything from forensics to soil science and witness identification. If you love a crime thriller, you need to be in Stirling this weekend! For a full events line-up, see: www.bloodyscotland.com/

Doors Open Days

Doors Open Days is an annual event throughout Scotland each September. It does exactly what it says on the tin. It opens doors to the most fascinating buildings, sites and landscapes we have, whether large or small, grand or quirky. And it’s free. More than a thousand venues throughout Scotland will open this year. The website is brilliant – simply choose where you are or want to go, and you’ll find your listings. Stirling is opening at least 25 buildings to visitors for free, with plenty more in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire too. Have a browse and plan your itinerary: http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

The Enchanted Forest

To celebrate autumn, how about leaving the city behind and heading outdoors for a bit of natural magic? The Enchanted Forest is renowned for being Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracted over 70,000 visitors in 2016. With dazzling visuals and innovative design set against an original music score, explore Faskally Wood near Pitlochry in an unforgettable way. Scots Gaelic for ‘Edge of the Water’, this year’s show name Oir an Uisge has taken its inspiration from the magnificent Loch Dunmore that’s at the heart of Faskally Wood. For tickets (and don’t delay), see: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/

Autumn colour at Loch Faskally

Craigvinean pine cone shelter by Ronald Weir

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter. Photo by Ronald Weir

Photo credits:

Craigvinean Pine Cone Shelter: Photo by Ronald Weir and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/
Faskally Wood: Photo copyright Perthshire Picture Agency and originally supplied by Perthshire Big Tree Country, now http://www.pkct.org/

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