Winner Scottish Thistle Awards 2009

Well – you may have already observed the logos plastered all over our website – or, if you live locally, you may have spotted two lunatics doing a jig near the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last Friday night, but, if not, the news is that we did it! After being a finalist for customer care last year, this time we took home the much-coveted ‘Thistle’ trophy in the category: ‘The Extra Mile’ (small businesses) , and we are absolutely delighted! The competition is fierce, and, all of those who achieve being narrowed down to the final three truly deserve a prize… The joy, though, in being declared the winner is fantastic – and, it feels as if all our efforts over the last few years has been recognised and rewarded – so, thank you to the Scottish Thistle Awards and Visit Scotland!

I was nominated to go on stage this year, should we win, and, typically, after donning a long black evening gown and all my glittering  jewels last year, this year so convinced was I that we wouldn’t win, I dared to wear black velvet trousers (with nice comfortable elasticated waist!) and my old summer comfy sandals – and we sat in a row well to the back of the auditorium. I can only be relieved that the photographer did not do a close-up of me from the knees down… (usually it’s the other way around). Midge Ure was guest presenter and very nice he was too.

Out of Africa

What a boost this latest celebration has been to our somewhat flagging energy levels and spirits at this time of the year – we admit it – we are tired. So, are shortly off on a break to Africa to bask in some winter sunshine and be guests ourselves for a bit. But, laptop will be with us and bookings will still be taken, so do keep emailing – just - fogive us if we reply a little less briskly than usual.

Apart from clearing the equivalent of half a tonne of leaves from the garden most days, all is just ticking along and there is no major news to report.

So, until next time we meet in the winter wonderland season, on behalf of Philip and myself, thank you so much to all our guests for choosing to come and stay with us and for being so gracious and kind in your reviews, comments, letters and, when staying here! And, thank you to those of you who come back year after year.

We look forward to seeing those of you who are due to stay over Christmas and New Year, and in 2010.

Meanwhile, till December – take care.

Debbie and Philip

Sunny September Greetings

Hello again,

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun

Ahhh – autumn. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to write and be able to report that (admittedly a case of sunshine after the rain!) we are currently basking in the late summer sunshine – the air has that delightful autumn tang, the sky is clear blue with barely a trace of cloud, the leaves are gloriously tinged in russets and gold, and there is a lovely stillness all around which seeems to prevail at this delicious time of year – heavenly!

Tomorrow let’s hope it stays this way, as one of our guests from California has arranged a photo-shoot here at Pilrig House, which she intends to use on her fabulous jewellery website on return home – a historic setting to hopefully show to great effect her stunning creations.

What to write?

I find myself sometimes a little at a loss of what to write in this blog - and am at risk of rehashing old themes and becoming a hideous bore (yes, I hear you say, know, I am already).  As the weather, guests, and what to do in Edinburgh become somewhat tedious – would love to hear your suggestions as to what you would like to hear about… Send me any thoughts and ideas via our email address: pilrighouse@aol.com – headed ‘Blog Ideas’ – I expect I will soon have it confirmed – that there are only around 3 readers out there.  But, I am open to your requests and will happily respond on the next blog.

So, on that note…

I have come to the decision to share a few places that I like – all of them off/or nearby the Royal Mile, and all too often overlooked by visitors, who tend to stay on the main thoroughfare and miss out on the secret treasures within easy reach:

The Scottish Poetry Library – a fantastic building which is located on Crichton’s Close – almost next door to the Scottish Parliament building on the Royal Mile… poetry-lovers rejoice.

The Secret Gardens of The Royal Mile Walking Tour – tucked away behind the tenements of the Royal Mile and described as ’Edinburgh’s hidden jewels’ are some wonderful gardens with fascinating histories and, you can enjoy them by taking a Greenyonder Tour - one guest came back elated from this experience a few weeks ago… sounded marvellous.

National Library of Scotland

This is sited on  George IV Bridge, again, off the Royal Mile. It now has a new Visitor Centre, cafe and shop – and as well as being a fantastic library with genealogy resources amongst its many rooms, you may want to take a peek and see the ‘Treasures Cabinet’, which houses Mary Queen of Scots’  last letter ever written (apparently soon to be locked away once more for fear of damage), a Gutenberg bible (one of only 20 in existence) and reputed to be the first book published using movable print, a first edition of Pride and Prejudice… and a host of other literary treasures.

Winter Availability

With a little availability left in September, and some in October in our Balfour Apartment, we appear to be almost booked up now right through to December. Do get your skates on – quite literally, and get booking for Edinburgh’s Winter Wonderland. View photos of last year in Edinburgh throughout the festive season and get in the mood!

Philip is just back from another treasure-hunting in East Lothian field – he took two American guests with him today (glamorous ladies – no wonder he looks so happy) – and reports (stop press) that they had more luck than him, much to their great joy (and amusement I imagine).

My small nephew is calling me to go outside and play football in the park – so,  until next time…

Debbie

August

The Clan Gathering 2009

Well – what a marvellous weekend!  Philip and I went to the Clan Procession on the Saturday evening and stood near the foot of the Royal Mile, camera at the ready. We were hooked from start to finish as all the clans (around 8,000 people participated) - from A-W – marched from Holyrood Palace, accompanied by the best pipe bands, up the Royal Mile – of course, we cheered on each and every clan, waved, shook our flags, and had a truly fantastic time. It was really quite wonderful to see clan members from all around the world - America, Canada, Australia, Japan, Africa and all the rest - come ‘home’ to Scotland, dressed in their clan tartans, proudly acknowledging their heritage. Many were quite emotional – and, I am not ashamed to admit, so was I…

I was poised to show photographs we took on the night, but, (sob), in our haste to make videos on disc for guests who were returning home to the US the following day, and who had attended the whole weekend of The Gathering events, we created moving images on CDs of the images we took, and, fogot to save the still images… ahhhh. Sorry! But, to get a flavour of the whole weekend event, take a squint at The Scotland on Sunday Newspaper’s photographic images…. am sure you will enjoy – they are fabulous.

2009 Scottish Thistle Awards

Philip and I are just thrilled to report that we are finalists, once more, for a Scottish Thistle Award  (Scotland Tourist Board’s highest accolades), in the category: ‘Extra Mile’ (small businesses). We know we were up against all accommodation sectors and faced some fierce competition, so, are immensely proud of this achievement. We hope it inspires you too. Finger’s crossed for the outcome on 23 October later this year – will keep you posted on how we fare! 

Other News….

The Edinburgh Festival is under way and the city is a riot of colour and movement once more… We are fully booked and our guests seem to vanish in a flurry from first thing in the morning till last thing at night.  All are having fun – so we gather from the brief summaries we receive as they dash to another play or review or event.

2010 Bookings

We are already receiving and taking bookings for next summer! So, get in there early and get booked up – it has taken us a little by surprise this year as bookings usually come in thick and fast as from around Nov/Dec the previous year. Mind you, it’s a great sign that we have happy guests, which makes us happy too.

Till next time,

Debbie

July

The Sweltering Heat in Scotland… yes, you heard it right!

June’s heatwave came to an end - and some magnificent storms were viewed from the safe spectator vantage point of the other side of our living-room window! Thunder, lightning, torrential rain – even the wind-strewn seagulls took refuge in the park. Must be an omen that August this year is destined to be glorious… well, we live in hope. Thankfully, for sports fans, Wimbledon and The Open at Muirfield saw some sunshine. Mind you, didn’t seem to agree with Tiger this time around.

Accommodation Update

We are gearing ourselves up once more for Festival madness – fully booked for the whole of August, except for 3 nights in the Balfour Apartment, and lots of interesting guests are coming to stay.

See you Jimmy…

But, more immediately, we are looking out our tartan scarves and regalia for tomorrow night and (drum roll…) - The Gathering - the biggest parade of Pipe Bands ever to congregate in Edinburgh – around 8,000 pipers will march from Holyrood Palace up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle tomorrow evening. All our guests have tickets for the whole weekend’s events, but, Philip and I will be making a mad-dash for the evening procession only alas – promise to take a photo or two and reveal here… Stirring stuff I am sure.

The mention of Scottish pipe bands brings a smile to my face as I recall our last guest – a delightful child, Kambree, from Sante Fe, who is blind and was desperately keen to hear a Scottish piper ‘in the flesh’. (Hello wee Kambree – we miss you!) She asked me: ‘Do Scottish Pipers play Country & Western Music?’ I love it. Doesn’t it conjure up a delightful picture in your mind… line dancing thrown in the mix?

All of Philip’s fans will be relieved to know that, following his op last month, he is returned to form once more – tinkering, pottering, treasure hunting for that elusive Roman horde, and gardening away in all weathers… He can be seen in a field near you every weekend if you look hard enough.

I was so keen to take a photograph of the garden at its peak, that I missed it – for the second year running. Mid-June is the time – I will have it slotted in the diary for next year and take some pics of the roses in abundance, surrounded by lavendar and climbers all around and up the walls.  In early morning, the scent is heavenly. The foxes are still here and can be seen daily – this garden seems to suit them perfectly.

Am keeping it short and sweet this month to avoid becoming even more of a perpetual bore.

See you here again in August! Adios for now.

Debbie

June Greetings

Guests’ Photographs

Hope you have enjoyed looking at our new Guests’  Photos page on our website - Philip and I have delighted in receiving photographs from guests who have stayed – it is something we rarely have the privilege of viewing – the post-stay images. I actively encourage more of you to send in your photo of choice – we’d love to publish them! Go on… every few months or so, we will change the banner photograph, and you could star in the next one!

A Complaint of a Twittering Nature

I have a very serious issue to report – our first major complaint in 4 years – a very traumatic day for us a few weeks  back. One of our guests, who shall remain anonymous, when asked on day 2 if she had slept well, said that, no, she hadn’t. I braced myself for what was to come, and expressed concern.  The response was: ”The birds were singing too loudly. What sort of birds are these?” (deadly serious, I kid ye not… )

I wish I could say that we were surrounded by lush rainforest and were serenaded by heavenly birds of paradise and colourful parrots, however, we  make do with the good old blackbirds, thrush, sparrows, blue tits and the like… What a lovely singer is the blackbird! I am just delighted to awaken to this dawn chorus – couldn’t help but feel it is more desirable than city centre traffic and sirens – but, it takes all sorts. It did make me smile however…

This week there has been a mini-heatwave – just glorious to see clear blue skies each day. The garden has burst into colour and the bees are a-buzzin’ all around the climbing honeysuckle and lavendar…

Green Aware

After our ‘Green’ assessor visit – we realised that we have not drawn attention, anywhere on our website, to all the things we have been doing since start-up, and which you may want to know about. So, rather than subscribe to a scheme (which is rather costly), we have created our own Green Aware logo on our Home page – if you click on it, you can read all about our philosophy here at Pilrig House and the things we do to show we care about our environment and the local community in which we live.

Nature Watch at Pilrig House…

Last week, around 2am, I couldn’t sleep, so sat at our kitchen window overlooking the side garden. All of a sudden I heard very loud rustlings in the garden below, by the wall, below the bird-table. I thought it must be the resident foxes, but, much to my surprise and delight, out trundled a family of hedgehogs, who wandered down the path and disappeared into some dense bushes. Think we may have to install a web cam.

Our foxes do like their late night and early morning jaunts in the garden… they can be seen most days at such times if you are prepared to wait and watch! The squirrels run rampant as ever – their acrobatic feats supplying endless amusement at our windows… Better not tell Prince Charles or we may have a culling on our hands.

Golf  Course Tip

Lots of recent golfer guests have visited St Andrews to see the Old Course in the flesh – and it never fails to delight. I feel a duty to report the following – my contacts tell me that, whilst not having the same cache,  Kingsbarns Golf Course is the one to play when in Scotland (in St Andrews)… You heard it here first!

Those Trundlin’ Edinburgh Trams

The Edinburgh Trams project – and what a project it is – still rolls out – a little like our Scottish Parliament building did - late, over-budget and, unlike the latter, causing mayhem to local businesses and the streets of Edinburgh. Be patient when you come – the buses still travel as frequently, they are just a little slower navigating the single-lane traffic we have to endure throughout much of the city right now.

Book Festival Tickets

The Edinburgh Book Festival tickets went on sale last week and many of this year’s ‘hot’ tickets are already sold out, eg Margaret Atwood. Still, don’t be downhearted, it is always worth queueing on the day and trying for a cancellation or ‘no show’, as I experienced to my eternal happiness the first ever time the incredible Maya Angelou made an appearance at the Edinburgh Book Festival… a night to remember.

More ice-cream please…

Philip is just out of hospital – a double hernia op – and is laid up in bed, feeling sore, tired and a bit miserable right now. So, if you have a few minutes to spare, do send him a cheery message! 

Bye till next time,

Debbie

Hello Again…

I refrain from my last greeting: ’Howdy Doody’. On reflection,  I realise it made me sound like the Cathy Bates character ‘Annie Wilkes’ in the film Misery… And, to those guests who perhaps saw me stomping through the garden muttering to myself on a bad day, and are now quietly musing that that is, indeed, who I reminded them of, please don’t write in.

”It’s Too Hot…”

… said a hot and bothered guest on departure yesterday. I had to stop myself from rushing to grab the Visitors’ Book so that those words could be  immortalised for all eternity!

What a wonderful week it’s been… the park was filling up at 8am with die-hard, bikini-clad sunworshippers, barbequers, cricket teams… fantastic. Ohhh, Summer Breeze – makes me feel fine…  everyone was smiling, spirits were raised, and we all reflected on the whole summer remaining in this lovely warm haze… here’s hoping.

FlipKey and TripAdvisor

The international review site FlipKey (linked to TripAdvisor)  is now listing ‘vacation rentals’ – or, to UK readers ’self-catering’ properties. And, we got listed as soon as it was up and running.  We wanted to demonstrate that we are totally open to people writing on an acknowledged international review site about our apartments.

A Big Thank You…

… to all of those guests who have reviewed us – we are incredibly touched, and pleased to know that you rated Pilrig House, and us, so highly.

No doubt we can expect some criticism – that would only be natural – but, we do hope prospective guests take reassurance from reading others’ comments and feelings about staying here. We don’t rest on our laurels - and always strive to provide the same level of welcome and assistance to all our guests!

Going Green

We are meeting with the Green Assessor in a few weeks’ time - had to delay the previous visit as all our apartments were booked solid, and access is necessary - so, watch this space.

Payment by Credit Card

Again – delays on this front. The company supplying this facility decided to completely change its computer systems, just as we were ready to launch – so, this should be available in the next few weeks – apologies for the wait.

Other Guests’ Tips

A while back, we introduced the concept of guests leaving their tips for other guests. It has been really worthwhile, and thrown up quite a few ideas and suggestions that opened our eyes as owners, too, as to what was important to guests.

Here are a few of the tips that have been submitted:

• Prebook your tour of Mary King’s Close - there is high demand and you may not get to see it if you just turn up on the day!
• Rabbies Tours of the Highlands are good as they run smaller coaches so their tours are more personal, and flexible, on the day.
• Buy an Edinburgh Pass in advance of your stay – it will save you so much money on entrance fees!
• Pack light – especially if moving from place to place.
• Hire your car locally once here – Debbie and Philip can help with this – is cheaper. And, some of the local firms do hire on the basis of dropping off your car in Inverness, for example.

Our Website Designer – Look Him Up – He’s Just Gone Freelance!

Colin Abercrombie – our wonderful website designer really is THE business – empathetic, totally professional, charming, patient, outstandingly good at what he does – and with great design flair. So, if you are considering having a website created/relaunched, or rebranding, do take a look at his website and contact him.  His fees are more than reasonable…

Guests’ Photo Page on our Website..

We think it would be great to include a photo page on our website – not of our ugly mugs, but of our guests… we are often sent the most lovely holiday photos from ex-guests – and, think it more than merits making space for these on our site. So, by the end of the year, hopefully we will have the makings of an album that you can enjoy.

The Thistle Awards 2009 – ‘The Extra Mile’ category (for small businesses)

Oh dear – have left our entry far too late this year and am swithering as to whether to withdraw until 2010 so as to have time to submit a halfway decent application. Nine days to go – will keep you posted as to whether the wee small hours were enough.

With Leith Festival this weekend, full bookings for the next 2 months – bar a few days here and there – it’s all go now for a busy summer.

So, will say goodbye for now. Hope you’re all enjoying the sunshine where you are too.

Debbie (and Philip)

May

Howdy Doody,

Where does the time go! I can barely keep up with a blog, far less a twitter or  the rest…  Perhaps it’s the fact that we had such glorious weather for most of April that I have been ‘pottering’ in the garden and making the most of outdoors – well, that’s my excuse.

Despite all the news of doom and gloom these last 9 months, with the worldwide recession, we are grateful to be busy again this year  – so a big thank you to all our loyal guests who have already returned, or are returning this year – and to first-time visitors.

May/June Events

From 29-31 May, Taste of Edinburgh is returning to Edinburgh – in the lovely setting of Inverleith Park (near the Botanical Gardens) – a veritable food extravaganza. For those of you who, like me, love your food – a ticket will enable you to wander and indulge your tasting palette to your heart’s desire. As well as live demonstrations, all the best local restaurants and famers’ market stallholders will feature – so, for foodies, it really is a great day out. Jean-Christophe Noveli and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are two of the well-known chefs/restaurantuers to appear at the 2009 event.  I am off to buy my tickets now…

Leith Festival bursts into life  from 5-14 June. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Edinburgh – Leith is the area on the waterfront -Edinburgh’s old port area, and only a 10-minute walk from Pilrig House. The festival is great fun – featuring music, comedy, arts, exhibitions, jazz, stalls, and much more. Do take a look!

New ‘Green’ cab shuttle link from Edinburgh Airport

We were very sad to hear that Edinburgh’s excellent Shuttle service had come to an end. They had served our guests well over the last year, and were always helpful and reliable. However, after a bit of research, I have forged a link with a new company – Edinburgh’s first carbon-neutral cab firm – and, will soon give details on our website – so, you can be assured, you will still be able to prebook your collection at the airport on arrival – for less than the cost of a cab.

Pilrig House – Going Greener

Philip and I have arranged a meeting with  ‘Green Assessor’ – we are keen to do all that we can to be Green-rated and approved, and, with this in mind, are about to start clearing our external cellars in the garden to be used by guests as recycling areas. We already do much to be proud of – we use eco products for cleaning our apartments, and provide these for our guests, leave recycled shopping bags for guests to use in all kitchens, have bird table and both bird and squirrel feeders in the garden, and, we use storage heaters in all apartments which are very economic. Over the last two years, we have had all our sash window frames restored by Georgian Windows – ensuring that no heat is escaping!

‘The Extra Mile’ Customer Care Award

We decided to try once more and are entering Scotland Tourist Board’s (Visit Scotland) 2009 Scottish Thistle Awards - the highest accolades awarded to tourist-related businesses. Last year, we were one of three finalists. This year, the category we are to enter is, again, for customer care, and is called ‘The Extra Mile Award’. It is for all small buinesses across Scotland – so, will attract a huge number of entries. Wish us  luck. Will keep you posted.

Guests’ Reviews – FlipKey and Trip Advisor

We have had wonderful praise in all our Visitors’ Books, on independent websites, and in personal letters and emails since we first started up with our one apartment.  But, after attending a Visit Scotland course last month, it shook me into reality that most of you want to go on to TripAdvisor or FlipKey and read guests’ reviews. Currently, on TripAdvisor, if you type in ‘Pilrig House’ or ‘Pilrig House Apartments’, many previous guests’ reviews/comments appear on Forum pages – please do read!

We are impatiently awaiting news back from FlipKey regarding listing on that site under a newly created ‘Self-Catering’ section – this in turn will feature on TripAdvisor – so, even if you stayed here 9 months ago or last week – as soon as you see the TripAdvisor logo on our website’s Home page, PLEASE LOG ON AND WRITE US UP.

Australian guests winging their way here right now from Edinburgh Airport – and, as Philip has disappeared with a metal detector and headphones glued to his ears, I’d better get going for now…

More updates next month – or sooner.

Cheers for now,

Debbie

Happy Easter…

Yes – we are still alive – apologies for the blog absence. I wish I could say we have been in hibernation and are just awakening from a deep sleep, but, we have just been so busy that my dear old blog, and its three readers, has been sadly neglected.

Anyway – spring is here at last and at Pilrig the blossom has appeared on the trees, the daffodils have sprung from the earth, the hyacinthine made a late appearance, while our gardener made his first visit last week – giving a much-needed tidy-up and mowing the front lawns – the same day as the parks department had the grass cut – so, the heavenly scent of freshly-cut grass lingered in the air and it truly felt as if summer was beckoning. Hurray! To think that we had snow storms early in March… what a lovely change.

January through to March has been steady this year – with a lot of repeat guests – some coming for the fourth year running, many of whom feel like good friends now – from Canada, Holland, USA, Ireland, Germany and the UK.  Some with children starting at St Andrews University, some visiting their son or daughter already at Edinburgh Veterinary school or Uni, and many simply taking a city break in Edinburgh… By some miracle, only one party of guests were here during the blizzards, and they seemed to actually enjoy the spectacular weather from the viewpoint in the Balfour Apartment.  The park can be quite beautiful in weather like this, when it is totally deserted and utterly silent.

Philip is reduced to hobbling around - he injured his back a few weeks back, and  as one not well-disposed to the concept of ’rest’, he has been a little frustrated at the limitations imposed on him.  But, despite the pain, he has somehow managed to go on his weekly jaunts to farmers’ fields on his metal-detecting missions. As yet, the Roman burial ground and gold remain to be discovered, our kitchen is transformed into a chemical laboratory much of the week, and our window-sills are littered with bits of chain, old coins, pottery and such artefatcts as ’sword-hangers’, but one can only live in hope!  So long as I hear him whistling, I know he’s happy! And, that’s always good…

Spring Developments

During March, we have been busy with spring-cleaning and updating – the Park Apartment has been totally repainted; we purchased a new double bed – a most comfortable, top-of-the-range sprung mattress and base, and new bedroom blinds/cushions, and the bedroom carpets were shampooed. The Garden Apartment has also lifted by a complete new coat of paint, and we purchased lots of lovely new bedlinen and towels for the summer season.  

New Website

Another change with which I have been immersed has been updating our website - we decided to give it a fresh new look, too, this year. Hope you approve. We wanted to emphasise our unique location and Pilrig House’s history on the Home page, and to reduce the text & and naviagtion buttons – making the site cleaner, easier to navigate and with larger photographs. The feedback so far has been very positive.  Something must have happened, as no sooner did the new-look site go live, than we attracted a fabulous review in last Saturday’s edition of the Edinburgh Evening News, entitled: ‘Secret Luxury in Pilrig Park’.

Grading v Reviews?

Last week, I attended a course run by Visit Scotland, the aims of which were to examine its quality assurance grading system and future scenarios for tourism providers and Visit Scotland.  The attendees represented a whole range of businesses, from large hotels, to chalet owners, to forestry management. I was in a very lively discussion group in the ‘afternoon session’ - views were put forward regarding whether guests viewed our star-grading scheme as still relevant and valid in this day and age, with increasing usage of sites such as ‘twitter’ and ‘Facebook’, or if the way forward was via global review sites such as Trip Advisor. I came to the conclusion that a mix of both is important and relevant to our guests. We will be actively encouraging and promoting independent reviews on such global sites…we already actively promote independent reviews on sites on which Pilrig House is listed, but, have not consolidated this promotion via one global player – so, please do get your pens out and don’t be too hard on us! The vacation rental sector on FlipKey and TripAdvisor is due to start in the next month. Will keep you posted just as soon as we  are ‘live’! Meanwhile, I genuinely feel that there is a definite place for being independently, and objectively, graded by Visit Scotland on the quality and cleanliness of our accommodation – I think our 4-star grading offers immediate reassurance to our visitors of what they can expect – and, we really do try to exceed those expectations! I know that I always look at accommodation gradings when I book  a place to stay. Let me know your thoughts! And last, we do not want to target only the young – there did appear to be a trace of that persepctive creeping into the views expressed. 

Mela Festival and Festival Availability

This year, the Mela Festival returns to Pilrig Park between 7-9 August – this is a lively Asian Festival with music, stalls, food… which is full of colour and excitement. We still have Festival availability (min. 7-night stays during the Festival):

Garden Apartment:  between 1-7 August and 23-31 August;

Park Apartment: between 1-14 August and 22-30 August;

Balfour Apartment: between  5-10 August (6 nights) and 29-31 (3 nights).

Excavations in Pilrig Park

Last week it was reported in our local newspaper that there may be further excavations at the site of the ancient fort in Pilrig Park, and that, dependent on funding, a special garden may be created within the park at the site of the fort, with plaques to detail the history of the site.  There is so much history here… and not many people entering the park realise this, we feel that it would be an inspirational move!

Well, must crack on – guests arriving shortly!  I will leave you with a few forthcoming events in Edinburgh during the next few months.

Hope to see you soon!

Debbie

May

2-3 Rugby League’s Magic Weekend

3  – Bob Dylan concert

23 – Heineken Cup Final

26 - 1st June Bank of Scotland Imaginate Festival

June

30 (to 6 September) – Edinburgh International Film Festival

July

25-26 - The Gathering

30 (to 6 September) – Edinburgh International Festival

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year

Hope you had enjoyable, and restful, Christmas and Hogmanay! Here’s wishing you all the very best of health and fortune for 2009…

It is, remarkably, a sunny morning with blue skies… mind you, there is a huge storm up on the west coast of Scotland coming in over the Isle of Skye.  This December and January has been much milder than previous winters, and we did not get blessed with snow on Christmas Day – much to the chagrin of some of our guests who had travelled from Australia and New Zealand – sorry! If only we arrange the weather to order for you… The good news is that this summer is predicted to be much warmer than in 2008 – hurray. It was such a wet old summer last year.

Philip and I managed a short break ourselves to blow away the cobwebs – a few nights at a lighthouse hotel, famous for its good food. In the middle of nowhere, with a field of Highland cattle at the rear and the sea stretching into the distance and Irleand on the horizon, there was little else to do except admire the views and watch the ferry float back and forwards, relax and eat till we nearly exploded. Heaven. The diet begins now…

Valentine’s Break

We still have Valentine’s weekends available in the Park & Garden Apartments – and, for an extra £30 we can throw in champagne on ice, a dozen red roses and special Valentine’s choccies… Go on treat your loved one!

 

Competitive Rates

We have kept the same rates since we started up - aware that it has been a tough year or two for so many, and we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to you in offering good value. Remember, we also publish our reduced weekly rates and discounts on longer lets on our individual apartment  rates pages. We hope that, with the dollar and euro strong against the pound, you will be encouraged to visit during 2009.

Rugby Internationals in February/March 2009 – Availability

As at 17 January, we have the following availability

Scotland v Wales:  8 February – availability in our Balfour Apartment

Scotland v Italy:  28 February - availability in all 3 apartments

Scotland v Ireland:  14 March – availability in our Park & Garden Apartments

FAQs & Useful Links

Can I draw your attention to our FAQs & Useful Links pages on our website – they really do answer most of your questions! The most frequently asked questions are:

1. How far are you from the city centre?   A: 1 mile – you can walk in 15-20 mins or catch a bus which will take you there in around 5 mins.

2. How far are you from the nearest grocery store?  A: There is one across the road from the back entrance, and a larger one 5 mins’ walk away.

3. Can I take a 1-day tour to St Andrews/Inverness?  A: Yes, there are a host of excellent bus tour companies that run daily tours to the latter places, and all over Scotland. (These are all listed on our Useful Links page.)

Improvements/Maintenance

Philip and I have been busy, as ever, making improvements to the apartments. Since we focused on the Garden Apartment in 2008, and completed a total renovation on the Balfour Apartment by May 2008, over the last few months, we have turned our attention back to the Park Apartment: new dining-chairs, new chest of drawers in the single bedroom, new bed headboards on both beds, complete redecoration, and all the window-frames have been renovated and repainted. Currently, new blinds are being made for all rooms, and shortly, we will have new carpeting installed in both bedrooms – in time for spring. The Garden Apartment will also be given a re-paint for springtime.

To Bed…

I know this is a somewhat mundane subject, but, as someone who is incredibly fussy about bedding whenever I stay in accommodation, I hope you find it reassuring to know that we insist on putting clean mattress-protectors, pillow protectors and patchwork quilt on all beds between each and every guest stay. And, we have duvets in all apartments – I really have an aversion to those blankets and bedspreads that are, in my opinion, of dubious cleanliness… All our duvets are dry-cleaned each month, and we purchase new pillows for all beds around every 8 weeks. Mattresses are replaced the minute they become saggy – and, we buy the best quality mattresses!

In the last week, I have been busy purchasing luxurious new bedlinen; our lovely Egyptian cotton towels (which a lot of guests  love) – we provide three per guest, plus handcloth, on arrival, and change as and when requested by our guests;  and new DVDs for all apartments.

Hope this is a relief to know for those of you, like me, who have resorted to taking your own bedding when you travel in the UK, and means you can leave it behind!

On that note – away to get busy. In 2009, we hope to introduce some special days out for guests – and will keep you posted. So, keep reading.

Look forward to meeting you in 2009 – or to meeting up with old friends again.

Debbie & Philip

Christmas Greetings

Hello again,

Hope you are all keeping calm in the days preceding Christmas!

Edinburgh is chilly, but enjoying truly crisp, frosty winter days with magical skies around 4pm… snow has fallen but has only been seen from our windows on Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park – we are longing to awaken to a white-out in the park one morning soon – will post photos when this happens.

Note: We came across a good website that has some great information on Edinburgh’s attractions – do take a look.

Yorkshire Guests

We have recently had many guests from the Yorkshire area and wanted to make special mention here – you have all been truly outstanding in your warmth, kindness, fun and have shown the utmost respect for our properties on each and every occasion – thank you!

Philip and I are busy with decorating the apartments and putting in the Christmas trees – and untangling those *!** fairly lights – despite the most careful storage last year… HO HO HO. But, oh, it’s all worthwhile when it gets to dusk and you switch them on, isn’t it? The magic begins.

So, on that note, and immersed in tinsel and baubles…

…to all of those who have stayed with us, and to all our prospective guests, we wish you a very, very happy Christmas. We know it has been a difficult year for many  – and, we wish you good health & our very best wishes for the new year.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Debbie & Philip xx