Category Archives: Wildlife

Conservation, Pet Friendly, Seasonal, Things to do, Things to see, Travel, Wildlife

Summer stays in Scotland: walk, hike and cycle through stunning Scottish scenery

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Scotland is truly magnificent all year round, but there’s nothing quite like exploring Scottish landscapes under the summer sun. Guests venture to Scotland every year to explore the incomparable vistas found lochside, atop Munro summits and in completely secluded, rural spots. Choose Scotland this summer for extraordinary adventures like nowhere else. 

A scenic autumn view in Scotland featuring vibrant orange and red trees surrounded by rolling hills.

Walk through Wildflower Meadows in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Carnmore Cottage, sleeping 6 guests, is tucked away in a private spot surrounded by natural landscapes of the charming rural settlement, Balquhidder, near the shores of Loch Voil in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Carnmore is the perfect place to explore, take brilliant walks, cycle to your heart’s content and relax in the peaceful Perthshire countryside. Start off your adventure by finding the nearby kirkyard of Balquhidder Parish Church, known as the final resting place of Rob Roy MacGregor, the ‘Scottish Robin Hood’. Join in on the Rob Roy Way, and be guided through the lands where the famous outlaw lived, worked and fought.

Scotland in the summer means beautifully vibrant views. Walk the trail from your doorstep at Carnmore, through the trees and the wildflower meadow. Take a challenge and scale Ben More and its twin, Stob Binnein (4 miles), for a rewarding climb and unbelievable vistas from both summits. Stroll alongside Loch Earn to the peak of Ben Vorlich and carry on for an even more demanding journey to Stùc a’ Chroin; there are plenty of Munros to bag during your stay at Carnmore Cottage.

Hire a bike from Roll Outdoors in Callander and follow the brilliant array of cycling routes. The Glens Loop includes Glen Kendrum, Glen Dubh, Glen Dochart and Glen Ogle and is 20 kilometres in total. Beyond Balquhidder, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is just over 30 miles away and well worth a day trip. On the eastern shore of the loch, the towering Ben Lomond Munro offers more amazing opportunities for hiking.

After the excitement, relax in the outdoor seating at Carnmore, watching for the frequent visitors of Balquhidder Glen: red deer, red squirrels and the golden eagles. Cook up a storm on the BBQ and appreciate the unbelievable scenery towards the outlook of Loch Voil.  

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A scenic view of a dog walking along a tree-lined path in a peaceful Scottish landscape.

Lochside Summer Strolls in Argyll

Gabh Fois (meaning ‘chill out’ in Scottish Gaelic) is the perfect summer getaway base to return to after peaceful adventures on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in Argyll. This cosy cabin for 2 is ideal for guests looking to wake up to magnificent vistas of western Scotland. Discover local history on a journey along the banks of the River Shiel up to Castle Tioram, an iconic Highland Castle on the shores of Loch Moidart. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for featuring in the Harry Potter films, is also worth a visit while you’re up.

Explore the sandy shores of Ardtoe beach, holding stunning views across the water to Eigg, Rum and Muck. Saunter along Singing Sands Beach and look out across Kentra Bay (6 miles). Sanna Bay is within an hour’s drive from Gabh Fois and offers vistas like nowhere else on the West Coast. Head to the most westerly point of mainland Britain and the Stevenson lighthouse, which has been guiding sailors since its construction in 1849; it’s a must-see spot.

For walking and hiking challenges, scale Beinn Resipol and marvel at the unforgettable west coast scenery from the summit. Nestled in the foothills of the mountain at Resipole Studios, a fine art gallery to wander is just 15 minutes away. Try the Silver Walk, one of the most magnificent trails in the Highlands.

Hire a bike from the Acharacle Community Company and instead of driving to the lighthouse, try a challenging cycle, or the Loch Shiel and Loch Sunart loops are popular with many riders.  

Make friends with the otters and seals at Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide (8 miles), which also holds beautiful views of Loch Sunart. Return to Gabh Fois and experience the extraordinary west coast sunset from your cosy cottage.

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A scenic view of a winding path through a forest with autumn foliage in Scotland.

A Highland Hideaway on the shore of Loch Fleet

The Birdwatcher’s Cabin is a cosy hideaway, sleeping 2 guests, on the shores of Loch Fleet and the Loch Fleet Nature Reserve. Settle into your own private corner in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands.

Summer is the perfect time to wander around Balblair Wood with your furry friend, or head towards the bird hide, which can be found just along from The Birdwatcher’s Cabin. Take unforgettable morning strolls from the sandy shores of Golspie Beach to Brora Beach. Located on the North Coast 500, there is plenty of natural landscape to explore and see during your stay at The Birdwatcher’s Cabin. Make your way to Sputtie Waterfall. Walk along to Dunrobin Castle and recharge in the tearoom with a warming bowl of soup or homemade cake. The Big Burn Walk in Golspie is the perfect hidden gem; the 1.5-mile circular route leads up a gully along the side of The Big Burn and then finishes at a stunning waterfall.

It’s not a Scottish holiday without a round of golf; luckily, in Golspie, there’s a brilliant links golf course where you can feel the fresh sea breeze from the Moray Firth.

Climb to the peak of Ben Bhraggie and marvel at the amazing vistas as well as the impressive Duke of Sutherland Monument. This great Highland hill also offers excellent mountain biking trails from Highland Wildcat, who have tails graded green, blue, red, black and double black, mountain bikers of all levels can enjoy the trails and the unforgettable landscapes.

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A scenic view of a winding path through a forest with autumn foliage in Scotland.

Spend your days walking, cycling, wildlife watching or simply soaking up the scenery from your cottage doorstep. However you choose to explore, choose Scotland this summer with a rural retreat perfect for making the most of Scotland’s long summer days.

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Conservation, Pet Friendly, Seasonal, Things to do, Things to see, Travel, Wildlife

Glorious Gardens in Scotland

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The Japanese Garden at Cowden

As the warmer weather sets in, more time is spent out enjoying the sun, the most magnificent places to see the impact of the glorious sun are of course gardens. As the flowers and trees continue to bloom the land is only getting more beautiful, and there an abundance of majestic gardens to visit all around Scotland, some found in the grounds of your very own holiday home or grand garden grounds waiting for your arrival, whichever it is we’ve got the best places to see them. 

A scenic autumn view in Scotland featuring vibrant orange and red trees surrounded by rolling hills.

A personal haven at the Japanese Garden

The perfect location to visit for your garden getaway is, without a doubt, the Japanese Gardens at Cowden. Not only will guests delight in strolling the gardens’ radiant landscapes, but they can stay at our very own The Christie Lodge among the extraordinary scenery and wide variety of flora. The Christie Lodge houses 4 guests and sits in an elevated position overlooking the water features, plants, rocks and pathways of the Japanese Garden, a truly special and unique place to call home for a little while. With vibrant south-facing windows overlooking the lake, even before you step outside, you’ll never get bored of the views from The Christie Lodge.

The Japanese Gardens were created in 1908, after Ella Christie’s travels in Japan. She was inspired by her trip and entrusted Taki Handa to design the gardens. As noted by Ella Christie, the garden is ‘the place of pleasure and delight’.

The entire garden is magnificent, though some highlights include the Japanese dwarf pine trees (Matsu-no-i), prunus trees, maples, azaleas, and one of Japan’s half-double pink cherry trees. There are many flowering shrubs, azaleas, rhododendrons, double thorn, lilac, syringa and iris, while there are one or two very fine maples. A list of much of the natural life can be found at The Japanese Garden’s List.

Take a peaceful woodland walk, after wandering the grounds, visit the shop, or book in for afternoon tea in the tearoom. The site is 16 miles west of Stirling and under an hour away by car or train from the capital city, Edinburgh. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh contains 70 acres of stunning biodiversity, horticulture and panoramic vistas of the city skyline, though we’re confident staying at The Christie Lodge at the Japanese Garden will be enough to keep you excited for your stay.

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A scenic view of a dog walking along a tree-lined path in a peaceful Scottish landscape.

A botanical gem on loch shores

During your stay on the shores of Loch Gairloch at Portnahaile in Wester Ross, visit Inverewe National Trust for Scotland heritage garden, where rare species thrive due to the effects of the Gulf Stream. This botanical gem on the northwest coast of Scotland was created over 160 years ago and is renowned for its enormous California redwoods, spectacular rhododendrons, exotic plants, and Jetstream-powered microclimate. Portnahaile accommodates 4 guests for garden adventures.

50 miles down the road are the award-winning Attadale Gardens. 20 acres of water gardens, another brilliant Japanese Garden all alongside the magnificence of Loch Carron. Take a self-guided audio tour, arrange a guided tour or plan your family day out with walks in the woodland, red squirrel spotting and be introduced to the Highland Cows and end your busy day with a treat in the café.

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A scenic view of a winding path through a forest with autumn foliage in Scotland.

Gorgeous Gardens and Glamis Castle

The Garden Apartment at Reswallie House, sleeping 4, is an idyllic place to take your loved ones for a peaceful rest in nature near Forfar in Angus. Hinted at by the name, the Garden Apartment’s charm extends beyond the confines of the house and delights in its beautiful, flower-filled, walled garden. Sit in the outdoor seating with a fresh cuppa, gazing and relaxing in the peaceful garden or embrace the warmer nights and cook up a storm on the barbecue.

Another brilliant garden, 8 miles from the Garden Apartment, is the brilliant Glamis Castle and Gardens. The Kitchen Garden provides fruit and veg for the Castle Kitchen. Wander through the East Woodland, which hold many impressive towering trees like conifers, which are native to North America. Here you’ll also find the enchanting Macbeth Loop with seven sculptures of some of Macbeth’s most fascinating characters, which is covered in Douglas firs. On the east side of the castle, the Italian Garden boasts ‘a thrilling kaleidoscope of colour’. Return to the Garden Apartment decorated with pine panelling, parquet floor and finished the day nestled next to the huge log fire surrounding by enchanting scenery.

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A scenic view of a winding path through a forest with autumn foliage in Scotland.

Tranquil Gardens by the River Tweed

Hope Park West is a charming property that houses 2/6 guests, nestled among secluded, tree-lined gardens just a short walk from the rushing River Tweed. Remain at Hope Park West for tranquil garden sounds made by the array of wildlife that are encouraged to the property by the owners, such as: hedgehogs, sparrowhawks, tawny owls, and keep an eye out for the bat, bee and bug hotels. The home is towered over by nearby 150-year-old trees, including a Scots pine. If that’s not enough, nearby in the historic town of Kelso is the wonderful greenery at the Floors Castle Gardens, boasting one of the finest Victorian Kitchen Gardens in the walled garden, with the produce used in the estate’s cafés. A formal Millennium Garden with French-style parterre and in 2016, a Tapestry Garden was designed, the perfect place to rest in when exploring the grounds.

Harmony Garden is a peaceful haven across from Melrose Abbey and is overlooked by the towering Eildon Hills. The azalea and rhododendron are perfect to visit at this time of year and especially exciting in June as it hosts the Borders Book Festival. The National Trust for Scotland, Priorwood Garden, is a brilliant walled garden also in Melrose. Floors Castle, Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden are all free to visit (excluding inside Floors Castle) and extremely dog-friendly.

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A scenic view of a winding path through a forest with autumn foliage in Scotland.

There are plenty of extraordinary gardens to visit in Scotland, find your own on the Scotland’s Gardens list and stay in a charming cottage in magnificent surroundings. Explore hundreds of years of hard work at castle gardens, contemporary creations like the Japanese Garden, or choose a cottage with an exquisite garden to spend your days enveloped by peace.

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Conservation, Pet Friendly, Seasonal, Travel, Wildlife

Bemersyde Estate: A Hidden Gem in the Scottish Borders

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Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Bemersyde House is not any ordinary holiday home; it’s a destination and an unforgettable experience to share with the people you love. Despite its grandeur, Bemersyde House will feel like a home away from home the moment you enter. Here, you’re not a guest, you’re a part of the story.

You have full run of the estate, including the array of woodlands to wander, lawns to lounge on, a tennis court and a yoga room. While the estate alone has enough to fill your holiday agenda, Bemersyde is located among the magnificent landscapes of the sublime Scottish Borders, meaning there’s plenty of hills to scale, rivers to stroll along and woodland wanderers to find on your adventures. 

A scenic autumn view in Scotland featuring vibrant orange and red trees surrounded by rolling hills.

A Harbinger of History

Bemersyde House, originally built in the 12th century, is found among 12,000 acres of estate and offers 800 years of fascinating history. The impressive 16th-century Peel Tower, which played a part in defending the Scottish Borders, still remains at the front of the house. Bemersyde has faced many challenges, including being burned down in 1545. After being rebuilt in 1581, Bemersyde House has remained ever since, though some of the stones from the original building date back to the 12th century. Just outside the front of the house, you will find the 800–900-year-old ‘Covin Tree’, one of the UK’s oldest sweet chestnuts that was once struck by lightning.

A scenic autumn view in Scotland featuring vibrant orange and red trees surrounded by rolling hills.

A Room for Every Mood

Bemersyde retains the authenticity of the 16th-century building but benefits from luxury modernisation. It is noticeable upon entrance that Bemersyde is beautifully decorated throughout with breathtaking art. Bemersyde’s east wing can be turned into a private space if you’re travelling with multiple groups who require their own accommodation. While the bottom floor of the west wing (the fisherman’s wing) is ideal for those with limited mobility, another couple or for accommodating a private chef.

Vaulted ceilings, carved stone fireplaces, unique wallpaper and canopy beds, each bedroom tells its own story. Bemersyde House boasts an impressive 11 bedrooms housing 23 guests altogether, holding either a king-size or super king-sized bed, excluding one single bedroom and a dormitory bedroom, perfect for the young ones. Whichever bedroom you choose, it’s sure to have its own distinctive personality. Although each bedroom is unique, one thing is certain: magnificent views of the beautiful Scottish Borders. Down to the Tweed, out to the Eildon Hills or the rolling hills on the Bemersyde Estate.

The cloakroom is equipped with golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets, croquet mallets and more. While the games room on the top level, adjacent to the dormitory bedroom, is equipped with a pool table, table tennis, and plenty of books and board games, enough to keep you entertained for days.

Spend sunny afternoons down at the tennis court, sneak into the morning room at dawn and watch the sunrise, or cook up a hearty meal on the impressive outdoor BBQ station, built by the estate. Any and every activity you desire is available at Bemersyde.

A scenic autumn view in Scotland featuring vibrant orange and red trees surrounded by rolling hills.

Indulge in the Kitchen Garden

Depending on the season, the walled garden at Bemersyde will be stocked with an abundance of goodies from sun-warmed tomatoes, crisp lettuces, soft berries, rhubarb, courgettes, or armfuls of herbs. Guests not only have the gift of cooking with the delicious ingredients grown just out the door, but experience a taste of Bemersyde. Much of the produce also finds its way to the Kitchen Garden, where jam, chutney, pickles, pesto, soup, pasta sauces and more are prepared by hand by the mastermind behind it all, Margaret. Guests can also request for the goodies from the Garden Kitchen to be left in Bemersyde House, sorting out lunches and snacks for your stay.

A scenic view of a dog walking along a tree-lined path in a peaceful Scottish landscape.

The Estate Grounds

The River Tweed makes the perfect walk companion, where you’ll find ospreys and otters while strolling along the bank. The river is brilliant for trying the world-class salmon fishing or catching a few trout in the late hours. Relax in the sunken garden or the bench underneath the ‘Covin Tree’. Book guided walks, wildlife tours, clay pigeon shooting and private dining experiences on the estate. Opportunities for bird watching and photography on the estate can be found on quieter walks. The estate also boasts Bemersyde Moss, a nature reserve, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts to watch wildlife pass by. The dark skies at Bemersyde are another natural beauty. Grab the handy telescope provided by the estate and host a beautiful evening of stargazing at the unpolluted night sky.  

A scenic view of a dog walking along a tree-lined path in a peaceful Scottish landscape.

Beyond Bemersyde

One of the highlights of staying at Bemersyde House is how effortlessly the outdoors becomes part of your stay. A few minutes’ walk brings you to the iconic lookout at Scott’s View, the same sublime Scottish Borders scenery that Sir Walter Scott once cherished. A 20-minute stroll guides you down to the William Wallace Statue. Walk further along the River Tweed for an abundance of beautiful routes; the Eildon Hills rise just across the valley for longer, more challenging adventures. Horse riding is available at the stables near Bemersyde, or venture a little further for clay pigeon shooting at Bisley at Braidwood (the top shooting school in Scotland) in Selkirk.

Travel to a charming nearby town, Melrose and Kelso, both of which have beautiful Abbeys to wander and cafés to rest and dine in. Wander the Walled Garden at nearby Floors Castle or take an hour’s walk, passing over the Tweed into St Boswells’ for the award-winning book shop, Mainstreet Trading Company, browse, try a sweet treat in the café, or pick up a snack from the deli.

A scenic view of a winding path through a forest with autumn foliage in Scotland.

Memories to last a lifetime

If somehow Bemersyde House isn’t big enough, the estate also provides extra accommodation in the form of West Cottage. Ideal for access to all the luxuries of the Bemersyde Estate but with a cosy cottage as your base! Sleeping 4 (and your pet), West Cottage offers the perfect additional space for groups staying at Bemersyde House or smaller groups wishing to experience all the benefits of the Bemersyde grounds and estate.

As guests contend:

“Such a beautiful house in a beautiful setting. Truly unique experience”

“We really are starting to think of this as a home from home.”

“We will always cherish the memories that we made here.”

Bemersyde is impressive and grand, but never formal. Always warm, comfortable, and full of personality, the house encourages watching the sunrise from the morning room, board games by the fire, long conversations around the dinner table, and spending quality time with the people you love.

Come see for yourself and be a part of the Bemersyde story.

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Things to do, Travel, Wildlife

Wild at Heart – the Whitmuir Estate

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Guest blogger Lucy Cooke tells us all about her wildlife spotting visit to the beautiful Whitmuir Estate.

Deep in the heart of the Scottish Borders lies a very special secret – you don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to find a piece of the Scottish wilds and some absolutely stunning wildlife. This rolling countryside contains valleys, lochs, mountains and forests all ready to be explored or simply appreciated from the comfort of your chosen cottage.

Escape

'Common Blue Butterfly'
Common Blue Butterfly

Past the picturesque Eildon Hills and near the lovely town of Selkirk sits Whitmuir Farm and Estate that is set in 176 hectares of wonderful countryside with exceptionally rich grasslands, wildflowers and a mixture of woodland with more deciduous trees being planted every year. The estate has an impressive range of biodiversity, boasting as many as 1,400 different species including badgers, wild orchids, butterflies and fungi like the out-of-this-world Smurf Blue mushroom.

Explore

Whitmuir offers the perfect base for further exploration of the area within easy reach of the best the Borders has to offer. Lovers of the untamed and uninhabited can take their pick from the many hill ranges in the area, from the Lammermuirs to the Cheviots, that each provide a different experience and reward walkers with uniquely beautiful views and scenery.

Several long distance foot paths wind their way around the region from the Southern Upland Way that skims the outstandingly beautiful St Mary’s Loch and the Border Abbeys Way that takes in 4 historic abbeys, to St Cuthbert’s Way that leads from Melrose all the way over to the east coast. If waterways are your passion, pick from the many walks along the River Tweed where salmon jump, osprey fish and kingfishers dart.

Embark

Take a drive into any of the Border towns to find excellent local food, quirky little shops and many museums, castles and abbeys celebrating the life, culture and history of the region. For sport enthusiasts there is horse riding, rugby, golf and fishing and a trip up to the capital is easily achievable within an hour by train for a day trip to enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer.

And relax…

We have a range of properties on the estate to choose from with everything from the remarkable Whitmuir House which is great for families or larger groups right through to Meadowside Cottage that is a warm and cosy hideout for couples in search of peace and tranquillity. There is also Marl Moss Cottage, Whitmuir Steading Cottage and Knowpark Cottage to choose from. Teyl, the Estate Factor, shares the environmentally friendly ethos and will be sure to make your stay a pleasant one.

Waking up Wild

Whitmuir truly is a wildlife haven and every year improvements are made that encourage a rich mixture of environmental habitats across the estate. One of the recent ambitious projects was to remove large areas of Sitka Spruce and replace it with a diverse range of tree species including some from the International Conifer Conservation Program based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

FungiExamples of fungi from the estate

Fungi fanatics won’t have to go far to find a wide abundance of species such as penny buns, fly argaric, witches butter or scarlet elfcaps. The previously mentioned blue smurf (entoloma madidum) is a fabulous and rare fungus and the estate even boasts a species that was new to science when it was found in 2013. It was finally named Cortinarius brunneiaurantius in 2014 and has since been found a few more times but in Northern Scotland.

Over 90 species of birds have been recorded on the estate from warblers to water rail and goshawk to crossbill. Winter visitors may well spy waxwings and redwings feasting on berries or fields full of skylarks whilst those catching the beginnings of spring may hear the sound of the cuckoo call.

Emperor Moth
Female Emperor Moth

Those with a passion for wildflowers can walk through the gorgeous meadows in spring and summer enjoying a canvas of colour that attracts pretty pollinators like the common blue butterfly. Moth traps have been set up to attract and record the many varieties of moth that visit throughout the year including the beautiful emperor moth.

So whether it’s walking in the footsteps of St Cuthbert, listening to skylark singing overhead, or watching the mighty hares box outside whilst enjoying a roaring fire and a glass of something special, the Whitmuir Estate has something for everyone. Explore them for yourself and decide which Whitmuir property suits you best.

Things to do, Travel, Wildlife

Scotland’s First Snorkel Trail

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Scotland is famous as a location for a wide range of active holidays, from golf and fishing to skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, and many more.

Now, thanks to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, it also boasts its first ever snorkel trail – a set of nine, self-led trails in the waters off the North West Highlands that allow both beginners and advanced snorkelers to dive down and see the impressive variety of Scotland’s marine life.

snorkel-blog-woman-snorkeller-large
Exploring the Waters

Many people might think it is too cold to snorkel in Scotland, but the British Sub Aqua Club disagrees, saying that the colours and life under the surface in places like the north west coast are up there with the coral reefs you can find abroad.

snorkel-blog-starfish
Sunstar Starfish

So while you won’t be able to ‘Find Dory’, the Pacific Regal Blue Tang of the recent animated blockbuster, in Scottish waters you are likely to see lobsters and various species of crab as well as a surprising variety of starfish including common starfish, sunstars and brittlestars. Scotland’s living seas are also home to extensive beds of Maerl (an unusual red coralline algae) and colourful sea urchins that cling to rocks around the coast and harbours. Keep your eyes peeled too for sea squirts, sponges and anemones, as well as cuttlefish, dead man’s fingers, dogfish, butterfish, jellyfish and periwinkle. If you are lucky you might even manage to see dolphins or the impressive, but harmless, basking sharks.

The North West Highlands Snorkel Trail comprises of sites at beaches and bays along the coast near Gairloch, Ullapool and Lochinver. It is a stunning part of the world with truly majestic scenery and that, in addition to its rich marine life, is famous for other wildlife including ptarmigan, golden eagles and deer.

snorkel-blog-pebble-coast
Pebble Coast

We have several beautiful self catering properties in the area that would make a perfect base for exploring both on land and at sea. The Old Schoolhouse at Achiltibuie, north west of Ullapool is set just 200 yards from the sea with beautiful views across to the Dundonnell Mountains. The nearby Kirkaig Falls and Suilven Mountain are well worth visiting, as is the ruined and rumoured to be haunted Ardvreck Castle.

Other accommodation options in the area include the gorgeous Pebble Coast that is set in an amazing clifftop location near Gairloch with magnificent views out across The Minch to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides and direct access down to a lovely pebble beach.

snorkel-blog-first-officers-quarters
The First Officer’s Quarters

Also near Gairloch are The First Officer’s Quarters in the spectacular setting of Rua Reidh lighthouse, which comes complete with a private wildlife hide for the use of guests. It is known as a great spot for witnessing the beautiful natural light show of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.

If you do decide to go snorkeling, please read the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Snorkel Safety information on their website before you go. It contains lots of vital information to keep you safe and help you make the most of your watery adventure.

To discover more about our properties in the North West Highlands, click here or call us on 01835 822 277.

General Information, Scottish folklore, Things to do, Things to see, Travel, Wildlife

Monster-hunting Holidays!

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Scotland is a land of legends, from kelpies (water-horses) to faeries and giants to selkies (seal-folk); there are no shortage of stories about supernatural creatures which thrived in the wild and untamed Scottish landscape in times gone by. Possibly the most famous of all these beings is Nessitera rhombopteryx who some believe still resides in the one of Scotland’s largest, deepest, fresh water lochs, right in the heart of the Highlands.

Famous? Then why haven’t you heard about this legendary entity?

Ah, but you have, possibly by one of her other, more common, names. For the creature of which I speak is the notorious Loch Ness Monster, more affectionately referred to as Nessie!
The first recorded sighting of a monster living in the area of Loch Ness was over 15 hundred years ago, when Irish monk St Columba was visiting the Pictish shores. After having sent one of his followers into the water to attract the ‘water beast’ he demonstrated the power of his God by commanding the creature to break off his attack and caused it to flee in terror!

The first ever picture of the Loch Ness Monster?Fast forwarding to the beginning of the 20th century, further interest was sparked when George Spicer and his wife saw what they described as ‘a most extraordinary animal’ cross the road in front of their car and disappear into the Loch. The sighting lead to numerous ‘hunting’ parties visiting the loch over the following few years determined to catch the monster ‘dead or alive’. It was at this time that the well known ‘Surgeons photograph’ was taken, which has now been exposed as a hoax. However in 1938 a South African tourist called G. E. Taylor made a 3 minute recording on 16mm colour film of the elusive creature, and although only a single frame was ever made publicly available, experts have said that it is ‘positive evidence’ of Nessie’s existence.

In 1943 the monster was seen again by C. B. Farrel of the Royal Observer Corps as he carried out his duties on the Loch. He described a finned creature with large eyes and a neck that protruded 4-5 feet out of the waters. 11 years later, the crew of a fishing boat called the Rival III reported sonar readings of a large object at a depth of 480 feet keeping pace with them for approximately half a mile as they sailed across the loch.

What lies beneath the tranquil waters of Loch Ness? (photo courtesy of conner395)In 1960 the monster was again caught on film by Tim Dinsdale, which, when digitally enhanced in 1993, showed a creature with rear flippers and a plesiosaur-like body (plesiosaurs were carnivorous aquatic reptiles which lived at the end of the Triassic Period). Sceptics have said that due to the poor quality of the film, these features could have been created by tricks of the light as it reflected on the water, but no one really knows.

Just 4 years ago the monster appeared on film again, when Gordon Holmes videoed a jet black ‘thing’, about 45 feet long, moving quickly through the loch waters, but because the footage did not include anything which could be used as a scale comparison, once again it can not be classed as definitive proof.

A visit to the Loch Ness Monster Visitor Centre in Drumnadrochit ensures you a sighting of the beast! (photo courtesy of n.hewson)So, the legend remains just that!  There is no undisputed verification of the existence of a monster living in the waters of Loch Ness, but then again, there is no sure proof that there is not! Perhaps, sometime soon, someone will get the evidence that Nessie isn’t just a myth or tale, but rather another example of how the unique, unspoilt landscape of Scotland supports species that have been long extinct elsewhere.

If you fancy taking on the challenge and take part in a bit of Nessie spotting then Unique Cottages has a selection of cottages close to Loch Ness, including two where you can actually see a great length of the loch from the window!

See cottages near Loch Ness >

Conservation, Things to see, Travel, Wildlife

Horses for Coarses

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It is the time of year that the necessary chore of cutting the grass of any green space that you are responsible for begins. Indeed, here at Unique Cottages, the office Flymo was dragged out of hibernation in the garage and put to work in the garden this morning! However, with much of Scotland’s fine landscape covered in greenery, some of it very remote and hard to access for even the most robust of mowers, a more imaginative approach has been required for one particular east coast beauty spot. Many horses this weekend will be traveling great distances in order to race in the English Grand National (there is a Scottish Grand National, but not until next weekend). But none have probably travelled quite so far as the newest residents of the Loch of Strathbeg nature reserve in Aberdeenshire. Rare wild Konik horses have been brought all the way from Holland to help with the battle against the coarse grasses of the area taking over. The last descendants of the truly wild horse, which last ran free in Scotland approximately 6000 years ago, these remarkable animals love nothing more than eating their way through the coarse grasses, which, if left uncontrolled begin to impact on the more delicate habitats of the area. Reducing the need for vegetation to be artificially stripped away by mechanical devices, this tiny herd will help to ensure that many of the other wild inhabitants of the nature reserve continue to enjoy the unique environment that Loch Strathbeg provides. Loch Strathbeg, a designated Special Protection Conservation Area, is the largest dune loch in Britain. There are hides where visitors can watch the natural residents as well as an information centre where you can find out more about what you spied. The loch is looked after by the RSPB and more details about the variety of wildlife that lives here can be found on their website. Aside from the reserve itself there is much to be enjoyed in this attractive part of the country, to the east is the Cairngorm National Park, to the north and west is an inviting stretch of Scottish coastline which boasts the title of ‘sunniest corner of Scotland’! Unique Cottages has two fabulous properties not far from Loch Strathbeg, Cairness Lodge and Beach Retreat both ideal bases to explore this charming region.

Conservation, Wildlife

Safeguarding the Sparling!

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It is easy to write about the cute, cuddly, cretins and beautiful, bodacious, birds that make up Scotland’s abundant wildlife.  However this week I feel I should give mention to a rather unusual fish that has been in the news this week.  The Sparling, a fish indigenous to Scotland, was once very common in Scottish rivers but now its numbers have seriously declined and it has to be said not many people even know about its existence, let alone the challanges it faces.

If you put the word ‘Sparling’ in Google, you will find that the top listings have absolutely nothing to do with this small silver fish – but perhaps that is because they are better known as European Smelt (Sparling being the Scottish name for this uncommon aquatic vertebrate).  They spend their most of their lives in the coastal waters around Western Europe, but in March (infact right about now) they take advantage of the high spring tides and these courageous little fish make their way upstream to spawn.

The River Cree

Despite their ability to withstand the changes from salt water to fresh water, Sparling are actually pretty poor swimmers (not something I ever thought I’d find myself saying about a type of fish) and this has played a part in its elusiveness in British rivers.  As the water quality in our inland waters has decreased, so the number of rivers in which Sparling can be found has reduced vastly, and now they are only found in three rivers in Scotland – the Forth, the Tay and the Cree.

Newton Stewart

It was the fight to save the future of these fish in the river Cree that caught my attention this week as volunteers braved the river during the night to carry out important conservation work – I have to say, rather them than me!  The river Cree, in the west of the country, flows from Loch Moan in the heights of the Glentrool Forest to exit into the North Channel not far from the bustling market town of Newton Stewart.  It is the only river on the West Coast that still attracts Sparling to its waters, although the conservation work that is being undertaken includes an attempt to establish the nearby river Fleet as another place that they will spawn.  This is great news, as Sparling were, for so long, an important part of the eco-system for many Scottish rivers and their visits support the survival of many other animals such as seals, goosanders and otters in the waters that they manage to continue to journey through.

It seems odd, even to me, that the plight of this wee fish has caught my imagination, especially as I was not aware of it until this week – but I will definitely hold out hope for the survival of Sparling in the Cree and the success of its re-introduction to other rivers in Scotland!

Things to do, Things to see, Wildlife

A Scottish Safari

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A trip out of the office this week taught me that you don’t need to go to Africa to embark on an expedition which surrounds you with fascinatingly diverse habitats and puts you in to close proximity with an assortment of rare and fascinating wildlife!

Just as the game reserves of Kenya and the Serengeti aim to protect and conserve the area’s indigenous species in their natural habitats, increasingly Scottish farmers are endeavouring to ensure that the land they tend promotes the prosperity of our native ecosystems. One particular estate in the heart of the Scottish Borders has demonstrated its commitment to the conservation of local wildlife by ensuring all its land is used with the benefit of nature as a primary concern.

Whitmuir Estate, not far from the town of Selkirk, illustrates definitively that modern farming methods need not infringe on the resident plants and animals with which it shares it soil. In fact, over 170 different species of animal have been found on Whitmuir Estate in the last 10 years! Large areas of the lands are now scattered with wild flowers where numerous varieties of butterflies, moths and ladybirds are clearly in seventh heaven!

Among the exceptional provisions which have been made are special ‘beetle banks’ created in the estate’s arable fields, ensuring that when the ground is ploughed insects have a safe and undisturbed sanctuary close by in to which they can scuttle. There are quite a few ponds, wooded areas, hedges and fields which have been specifically set aside for native fauna and flora to thrive. And although the word ‘safari’ is actually Swahili, it literally means ‘journey’ –

Whitmuir Estate offers you the opportunity for a journey which takes you through a hidden wonderland of Scottish natural treasures, one that even most locals are unaware exists! Because of the need to preserve the delicate plant life that makes up the rare habitats as well as protect its inhabitants from too much human interference, Whitmuir Estate is not open to the public, but Unique Cottages clients who choose to book one of the 3 properties on the estate will find themselves right in the middle of this wildlife haven.

Place to stay on the Whitmuir Estate:

Things to do, Things to see, Tips, Wildlife

Small Cat, Big Attitude.

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When I was at school (not so long ago – honest!) there was a period of time when sightings of unidentified big cats in places such as Cornwall and Dartmoor were common place in the tabloid newspapers.  As a teenager I found these stories rather intriguing.  Perhaps it was the allure of the unknown that fed my imagination, or the idea that these predators were surviving against all odds out with their preferred environment and eluding humans in the process.

Rarer animals that avoid human contact and lurk far from civilisation often do have that bit more appeal than the common, every-day species of animals that share our lives and lands.  I think it’s the air of mystery which they create, through the privacy they crave and their almost secretive nature, which sparks our imagination.  One such example, which has quickly become a favourite of mine, is the Scottish Wildcat.

Wildcat at the Highland Wildlife Park, Inverness-shire

I share my home with two gorgeous (although I recognise that I am slightly biased) Siamese cats and I am incredibly fond of them.  They’re cuddly, affectionate, comical, cute and amazingly human-like, but the thought of them surviving without the comforts with which I provide them is almost not worth considering.   Their breeding and the way I have raised them has resulted on them being almost entirely dependent on me.  A good example of this was provided during the period of heavy snow at the end of last year.  As I trudged in and out of the house collecting wood from the shed for the fire I left the back door of the cottage open.  Isis, the more inquisitive of my two cats, decided to venture out on to the door step, putting her front paws into the snow that had gathered.  Next thing I heard was an almighty cry (more like that of a baby than a cat) and a flash of black fur as she shot past me back into the warmth of the house – she hasn’t attempted to venture out since!

Pampered Pets!

As much as I love my cats (I even got rid of my husband because my cats were allergic), I found myself even more greatly charmed by their native cousins when I visited the Highland Wildlife Park this weekend.  Just as beautiful as my domestic felines, these cats are truly enthralling creatures – in their natural environment they are extraordinarily illusive and extremely wary of humans, keeping well away from populated areas.  It is thought that there are as few as 400 of them left in the wild, hiding out in the remotest, most isolated parts of the Scottish Highlands – so seeing them in their natural habitat is a very special treat for those lucky enough to do so.

Seeing these untamed, independent and self-sufficient wild animals, with their perfectly honed instincts, determined nature and resilient attitude it was difficult to believe that the delicate, indulged, wimpy wee ‘scaredy’ cats that I live with are related to them at all!  In my eyes Scottish Wildcats resemble larger cats such as tigers, lions and pumas, more than they do our domesticated pet moggys and I think it is the inherent unpredictability and enigmatic attitude that they share with larger predators which makes them so enchanting and fascinating.  If you have the opportunity to visit one of the centres which is supporting the survival of this scarce, and often underappreciated, native prowler I wholeheartedly recommend you do so.

If you want to get £2 off per person, per ticket, to visit the Highland Wildlife Park , Scottish Holiday company ‘Unique Cottages’ are running a discount promotion, just sign up to their free E-magazine or join them on Facebook to gain access to the offer.