Birchbrae Blog

Nice weather in Scotland due to last

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-09-27T16:01:59+01:00

The weather in the Fort William area on the West coast of Scotland looks set fair into next week. The Autumn colours are fantastic and the sea lochs look just look wonderful in the sunshine. Why not come and experience this at Birchbrae luxury self catering lodges (www.birchbrae.com) - check out the special offers on the website.

The first Winter Geese have arrived with several Pink Footed Geese in the area. There are also Red Squirrels and Pine Martens at the lodges and these are relatively easy to see. Come and experience these beautiful Scottish specialities.

Loopallu - 21st and 22nd September 2007

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-09-27T15:14:18+01:00

We set off at 8.30 on Saturday morning for Ullapool and the ‘Little Fest in the West’ (http://www.loopallu.co.uk/) and after a detour to Inverness Airport to collect our friend from London, we got to Ullapool about 1.30pm.

Parking was a doddle when we arrived as the signs led us to the School where there was plenty of spaces. From the school we walked along the front bumping in to Julie from Fired Art Events (http://www.fired-art.co.uk/) on the way. She was very busy blowing up balloons to give out (free) to children!.

We had a lovely lunch in the Ceilidh Place (http://ceilidhplace.com/ceilidhplace/default.asp) and although it was very busy, the service was fantastic.

Outside the ticket office there were a group of Street Entertainers grabbing unsuspecting passersby and getting them to join in their antics. After we got our passes (special thanks to Robert!.) we proceeded through the packed Campsite and into the festival area which is down by the water (Loch Broom a sea loch) and it is just the most beautiful location.

First things first and most important at a festival we headed for liquid refreshments and we were very lucky as our passes got us into the VIP bar. The music had started by this time so we headed out to see the Amphetameanies who were getting everyones feet tapping which is always a good sign. The Tiny Dancers (http://www.thetinydancers.com/) were next on - we have seen them a couple of times before at Fired Art and the BA Club in Fort William. They get better every time I think and deserve to go far - the audience seemed to agree with me too!. Family Mahone do great ‘drinking songs’ and always get everyone going with the infectious exuberance of frontman Mark Radcliffe. We saw them here first last year and although their set was the same this year it doesn’t matter ‘cause they are such fun!. In case you’re wondering, yes we did keep nipping back to VIP for refills and we did a bit of shopping too - a Loopallu Festival T Shirt for Stephen. The Bees (http://www.thebees.info/) who again we have seen before at the BA Club, Fort William were good, my favourite tune of theirs is ‘Listening Man’ I just love the Trombone in the chorus. They all seem to be very talented in this group, playing different instruments and at least two of them do lead vocals!. So we come to the headliners - Franz Ferdinand. This is the first time I have really listened to them and they were brilliant - it does make a difference if you see and hear bands live. The tent was packed and the atmosphere amazing a great end to a fabulous day.

Except at Loopallu. This is not the end as there is the Late Night Festival Fringe so if you wander into town and go in any of the main Hostelries you will find a variety of musical entertainment until late - Hurrah!. Crash My Model Car were in the Caley Inn which was packed but we did manage to squeeze in and the Vatersay Boys were in The Arch Inn (http://www.thearchinn.co.uk/) but sadly it was so full in there that they were turning people away. The Arch is just outside the campsite area so is always very,very busy.

Feeling really sad now, no more Festivals until next year - can’t wait!.

Otters and Sea Eagles near Birchbrae

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-09-13T18:19:24+01:00

On Wednesday 12th September we headed south from Birchbrae (www.birchbrae.com) for about 20 minutes to Cuil Bay (http://www.rain.org/~cwsmps/panos/pan8.html), next to the village of Duror. It is a wonderful bay looking south down Loch Linnhe towards the island of Lismore. It is a great place for wildlife all year round but in the Summer also is a great place to go to the beach for a picnic.

We headed West towards the second large secret bay in the search for Otters. Cuil Bay is one of the better spots to find these elusive creatures and most trips are rewarded with a sighting. There was a nice flock of Turnstones and Ringed Plovers as well as a flock of about 30 Twite flitting around. A few Curlews were foraging on the sea shore and a couple of Golden Plovers appeared when we reached the second bay. Disappointed that there were no Otters visible we headed back towards the first bay and as we came round the corner saw a female Otter sitting on a clump of seaweed. We scrambled up the bank out of sight and peeked over the top - and there she was. Sitting on a clump of seaweed eating a crab. We were so close we could hear the crab shell cracking as she showed a fair set of teeth!. We watched her for about half an hour hunting under the seaweed for crabs and small fish. She caught at least 3 crabs and 2 eels! Graham managed to get 14 pictures so let's hope some of them come out.

Today, back home at the house (2 minutes from Birchbrae) we were looking out of the window down Loch Linnhe towards Mull when a huge dark shape flapped slowly across the water. It turned out to be an adult White Tailed Sea Eagle (http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/whitetailedeagle/) being mobbed by lots of Gulls as it headed towards the shore next to the road past Clovullin (http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/towns/townfirst4422.html) (by the Corran Narrows). It landed on the rocks by the sea shore and spent about 20 minutes flitting from rock to rock as it was continuously mobbed by other birds. Finally it must have had enough because it took off and very quickly disappeared over the hills heading towards Strontian. What a great couple of days!!

Big Ben's Big Top - Saturday and Sunday 8th & 9th September

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-09-13T18:04:59+01:00

We were asked by our wonderful friend, Julie Green of Fired Art Events (http://www.fired-art.co.uk/), if we would work on the Bar at these events, so on Saturday night (http://www.bigbensbigtop.com/) we went along and helped to get things ready. People started arriving about 8pm and by 10.30pm we started getting really busy. It was great fun and everyone was really nice and just out to enjoy themselves. Saturday was the Ceilidh Night and DJ Dolphin Boy started the evening off and got the crowd in the mood for what was a fabulous evening. Babel Fish carried on the good work and had everyone jumping until 2am with their Celtic Rock tunes.

On Sunday night it was the End of the Worlds Party which featured.. Mama Funk's disco sounds of the 70s and 80s . There were a lot of excellent fancy dress costumes and even someone going round giving away wigs and medallions!. There were lots of antics and fun dance routines going on on stage - I think Ben and Big G were the main culprits and there were plenty of people in the audience eager to get up there too! Great selection of 70's and 80's tunes which I loved as I was around in those far off days.

I couldn't sign off without saying how well run the bar was - Simon who organised the bar did a great job and thanks to everyone else who worked on it with us. Jules organised the whole weekends entertainment so a huge well done and thank you to her.

Guillemots, Edinburgh Corn Exchange

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-08-22T11:23:10+01:00

We have had the Guillemots CD, 'through the windowpane', for ages and first got to see them at the 'Outsider' festival, Rothiemurchus, Cairngorms National Park by Aviemore on Sunday 24th June this year.

It was a really wet weekend and the Guillemots (http://www.myspace.com/guillemotsmusic) had to do an Acoustic set because of the rain making the stage wet and therefore dangerous!. They were really,really good so Stephen bought tickets straight away when he saw that they were going to be at the Corn Exchange (http://www.ece.uk.com/), New Market Road, Edinburgh on Monday 20th August this year.

We got to the Corn Exchange at about 8pm, it is about a two and a half hour drive from home, but it was, worringly, all closed up. the few people milling about outside were all looking v.anxious. Eventually someone appeared and told us that the 'Gig' had been moved to the Liquid Rooms (http://www.liquidroom.com/), Victoria Street, which is in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. The two guys (Alex & Emma) next to us had just got out of a taxi which had cost them £7.00 from the City Centre, so we gave them a lift back in - going to see the 'Guillemots' was Emmas birthday treat from her brother Alex!. We got parked quite easily in the Castle Terrace Car Park considering it is Edinburgh Festival at the moment.

The Venue was packed but we found a space by the merchandise table (St. bought some bright green,stripy 'Guillemots' socks!.)

The band came on just after 9.30pm and did a mixture of new and old tunes - we really liked the new stuff so can't wait for the Album. My favourites from 'through the windowpane' were 'annie let's not wait' (a good portion of the audience knew all the words!.) and 'blue would still be blue' which Fyfe Dangerfield sings solo with just a keyboard and no mic (the Air Con had to be turned off so we could hear him properly!.) He was brilliant - as was the whole band, who are all so obviously hugely talented people.

So thats it, glad we went and we will definitely go and see them again when we can!.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-08-16T20:59:43+01:00

Had a fabulous day last Friday - we went to the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (http://www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/) We set off from Birchbrae (www.birchbrae.com) at 11am and as always had a stop at Fort Augustus - there are toilet facilities and a fantastically stocked shop. finally got there at 1.45pm. we then had a sumptuous picnic - smoked salmon & cream cheese sandwiches, stuffed olives, cava & fresh strawberries all purchased in Fort William Morrisons. Stephen went off to get our passes & came back with 'hospitality' we were so happy - big,huge thanks to Robert! (http://www.beyondit.net/).

So satiated with said picnic, off we set. We had to go through the bag search which I usually resent but the guy was so nice & friendly I did'nt get that p..... off feeling that I usually get!. The first 'stall' we encountered was the 'Fancy Dress' - well we bought a skirt, pair of shoes and a luvely arm bracelet all for £6.00!. So suitably attired off we set again into the Festival proper. 1st stop - tokens for Bar (v.important), 2nd stop Bar (v.v.important) - pint of lager & 2 white wines - heaven!. Just in time to see the Jyrojets (http://www.jyrojets.com/) - we love them as have seen at B.A. Club,Fort Willliam and also Bannermans,Cowgate,Edinburgh (http://www.bannermansgigs.co.uk/). They are always v.professional and we luv their tunes so, good start to the Festival!.

It gets better 'cause then we went 'shopping' - and bought lots of adornments, as girls do, big rings and bracelets etc.,. We called at the Fired Art tent (http://www.fired-art.co.uk/) - they were packed out with peeps wanting their faces painted - Jenny, Phoebe, Felicity and Brian were hard at work as always, (Brian had done the wonderful 'Festival' decorations that were everywhere!.) I had a go at Salsa dancing - thought I did quite well actually (I'm quite a rythmical person on the quiet!.) although I could see my so called 'best mates' tittering away, Stephen had a go at wood turning - making a Drum Beater from Lime Wood but all the other peeps having a go seemed to be under 12, so it was my turn to titter!.

Onward & upward to the 'Hospitality', well at first we were the only peeps there - bar staff were v.friendly & excellent at serving a pint of lager & 2 white wines!. As we lounged on the grass bathing in the 'Belladrum' atmosphere (which was v.chilled) I noticed the 'Magic Numbers' (http://www.themagicnumbers.net/) nearby being interviewed. We kept half an eye, as you do, and they seemed to be the nicest guys out - so relaxed and good natured.

Next up we went to see Angus & Julia Stone (http://www.angusandjuliastone.com/a_book_like_this/index.htm) - we had missed them at Fired Art in Fort William a few weeks ago so were looking forward to seeing them at Belladrum. They were fantastic - I was mesmerised and the crowd were v.enthusiastic. You know when you are enjoying something so much but then it finishes - it was that sort of feeling, well for me anyway, when they went off. ohhh!.

If I go on at this rate this is going to get boring so to condense - we then saw Martha Wainwright - fabulous voice. Alabama 3 - my most favourite group in the world I love them. First saw them at the B.A.Club in Fort William and then at Loopallu (http://www.loopallu.co.uk/) last year - have got all their CD's and saddo that I am know all the words to their songs!.oh and I've got the DVD which was done at the Astoria, London - so there!.

As Amy MacDonald was on at same time as Alabama 3 I did'nt get to see her but Stephen said she was fantastic - so many peeps tho he could'nt get in the tent!.

Well last but no means least 'Magic Numbers' can't tell u how much I enjoyed their set. Their tunes just make u want to dance and they were so sleek - resepect to them!.

Well in a nutshell I/we ('cause we agreed) had a fantastic day at Belladrum and wished we were staying for the Saturday too. Next year we'll be there for the duration!. Thank you.

Come and experience Scotland's beaches

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-04-11T13:02:51+01:00

Scottish beaches must be some of the most peaceful and idyllic in the whole of the UK and April and May are probably the best time of the year to experience them. They don't have ice cream stalls, burger vans, donkey rides and sun loungers packed together like sardines, but they do have vast acres of white sand, turquoise blue seas, unique wildlife and lots of peace and quiet. In the Spring months you can often have the beach almost to yourself.

Camusdarrach beach, which is between Arisaig and Mallaig is a beautiful stretch of white sand that was used in the filming of Local Hero. You can spend a day here gazing out across the water to Skye and the Small Isles of Eigg and Rum. Drive time from Birchbrae is just over 1 hour.

Cuil Bay is a shingle beach (http://www.rain.org/~cwsmps/panos/pan8.html) which looks down Loch Linnhe towards Mull. The road runs right up to the beach so it easy for people of all ages to access. There is abundant wildlife including White Tailed Sea Eagles, and it is one of the best places in the area to see Otters. Cuil Bay is only 20 minutes drive from Birchbrae.

For the slightly more adventurous there are the 'Singing Sands' at Kentra. Access is from Arivegaig which is off to the left on the Ardtoe road out of Acharacle. You can park before the bridge and then walk for about one and a quarter hours through the woods to the beaches. It is worth the walk!! There are several beaches - the fourth one is the biggest, best and remotest. Acharacle is about 40 minutes from Birchbrae.

Sanna Bay is one of the most painted beaches in the Highlands and renowned artist Jolomo (John Lowrie Morrison) is one to have painted it (http://www.the-artwork.com/fullsize/sannabay.html). It sits almost on the most westermost point of Britain's mainland just around the corner from the Ardnamurchan lighthouse. You can take in a visit here on the day trip as well. Why not stop off at the Arnamurchan Natural History Centre for a cup of coffee and a trip round the Living Building (http://www.anhc.co.uk/). Sanna is a good hour and a half from Birchbrae - non-stop!!

Last but not least are the famous 'Silver Sands of Morar' which are just beyond Camusdarrach on the old road to Mallaig (http://www.scotland-photo-library.co.uk/photonet/road/5.html). Another idyllic spot for a day out with a picnic. These are just over an hour from Birchbrae.

All these beaches, and indeed several more are very accessible from Birchbrae self catering lodges (www.birchbrae.com), located just 8 miles south of Fort William, so why not come and stay during April or May and experience their splendour for yourself.

Waverley excursions in May

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-03-21T12:01:25+00:00

The Waverley, which is the world's largest ocean going paddle steamer, comes up to the West Coast of Scotland every year during May. It sails mainly out of Oban and visits many of the scenic spots off the West Coast (http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/sdisp.htm?port1=oban&port2=)

This year why not combine a trip on the Waverley with a stay at Birchbrae luxury self catering lodges (www.birchbrae.com). There is still availability during the week commencing the 13th May and this would allow you to take the trip from Oban on the 14th may to the Gulf of Corryvreckan (http://www.wylliedraughts.com/jura/corryvreckan.htm) and then on to Islay. It is definately a once in a lifetime experience. Book now to avoid disappointment on either the Waverley or Birchbrae

Lochleven Seafood Cafe

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-03-02T11:53:50+00:00

Yesterday evening we were invited along to the Lochleven Seafood Cafe to sample their Spanish evening which is running every Thursday evening from March onwards. Having eaten there several times before we knew we were in for a treat and we were not disappointed.

The Tapas selection to start was fantastic - Monkfish and Bacon Skewers, Surf Clams with Aioli, Onion and Anchovy Toasts, Marinated Olives, Melon, Chorizo and Artichoke Salad, Baked Eggs, Peppers and Sausage, Orange and Fennel Salad, Parika spiced Almonds, Baked Tortilla, Tuna and Pepper Rolls and Butter Beans and Blue Cheese. To follow there was Paella Valencia which looked and tasted tremendous. Big juicy Langoustines, Mussels and succulent Rabbit were all in there. To finish there was a very subtle Saffron Pears, Honey and Ice Cream which just rounded off a beautiful gastronomic treat.

The Spanish menu is available every Thursday evening - just call Alison on 01855 821048 to book. And there is a website coming very soon so keep your eyes out for this at www.lochlevenseafoodcentre.co.uk/ The Seafood Cafe is located on the north side of Loch Leven about half way between Ballachulish and Kinlochleven.

Self catering special offers for March

Stephen Fenwick — 2007-02-27T13:24:02+00:00

March can be a fantastic month in the Highlands of Scotland with a variety of attractions on offer. There is usually some late snow which allows good skiing at Aonach Mor (http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/winter/) or Glencoe (http://www.glencoemountain.com/). Early Spring means lots of flora and fauna with the woods full of early Primroses and Bluebells. Red Squirrels are very active and the Pine Martens are busy at night collecting food for their young. There are no midges and the roads are relatively quiet so it is very easy to get around.

Birchbrae luxury self catering lodges have lots of special offers on during March as well as a fantastic 4 nights for the price of 3 offer. Have a look at http://www.birchbrae.com/online-booking/special-offers.asp They are ideally situated just 8 miles south of Fort William so are a useful base for touring. Short breaks are available beginning any day of the week and the lodges sleep up to six people in each. Check availability and book online at http://www.birchbrae.com/online-booking/index.asp Special Offers start at £50 per lodge per night with most of March priced at either £60 or £65 per lodge per night. Don't miss out!!