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 intall 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 disappoint. 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 4 years ago.  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 4 years 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 2007 - 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

November Greetings

Hello,

Well, it’s winter again here in Scotland – snow in the Highlands – the leaves are fast diappearing, and, the temperature has dropped – but, blue skies and bright sunny mornings have welcomed in the days this last week, and our guests have enjoyed visting Edinburgh during a quieter time of year…

Thistle Awards Update

Last week, Philip and I attended the Thistle Awards event for all finalists (Scottish Tourist Board’s highest accoldades) – Ronnie Corbett was host for the evening, and we had a wonderful time. Despite not winning in our category, We were very proud in this, our first entry to the awards, to be recognised and nominated as a finalist in such a wide category – ‘Accommodation’ includes all sectors – hotels, B&Bs, hostels, self-catering… so, to be one of three in the last leg, was a great achievement for us. We’ll take heart and try again next year!

Pilrig News

Last week, on 5 November, we had our very own fireworks display from the comfort of our front window – rather nice to sit in the warmth and watch the sky explode with colour directly outside… Our guests enjoyed the ‘private viewing’ too…

We are pleased that a very nice bistro. The Guilty Lily, has just opened across the road from the back entry to Pilrig House Close. It is serving hot food and tapas all day/evening, plus breakfasts – good news for those of you who don’t want to cook when here – now all you have to do is stroll over and sit down to be served a cooked breakfast each day! Think you may see Philip and I there too…

Park Apartment - we are in the midst of our yearly ‘improvements’ at the moment – the painters are in as I write, giving the whole apartment a re-paint, and, we have purchased new: dining chairs, log-effect fire, chest of drawers for the single bedroom, bed headboards and several other furnishings to keep improving the apartment. Our first major job was having all the window frames renovated and painted by the wonderful Georgian Windows – now all the windows will glide up and down with ease … So, the Park Apartment will be in sparkling condition for 2009.

Edinburgh Pass – Reduced Entry to Edinburgh’s Attractions

Before you visit, you may want to consider purchasing an ‘Edinburgh Pass’. This offers reductions of entry to many of the historic sites, such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace… as well as eating & drinking and retail discounts…

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions we get asked,  concern:

- our location and exact proximity to the centre of Edinburgh (and to Edinburgh University/Veterinary School)

- location of the nearest restaurant

- recommendations on what to go and see and do in Edinburgh

- tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands & Islands

All of this information, and more, is on our FAQs  and Useful Links pages on our website – I highlight this, not becasue we are not delighted to write back with details in our email replies, but, to draw attention to these pages on our website, as we really have tried to give as much useful information as possible on them, and, they contain so much more detail - which may help you with the planning of your trip and optimistaion of your time here in Edinburgh! Do take a look…  You can even take a 360-degree eTour of each apartment and see the gardens and park views at Pilrig House.

Rates

We publish our nightly and reduced weekly rates on our website, but, did you know that we also offer reductions for longer stays? And, we offer solo travellers a 10% reduction on our nightly rates? We felt that so many business actually do the opposite and penalise solo occupancy of a room, that we wanted to buck that trend!

Well – with Christmas trees and hampers just around the corner, I am off to the attic on that yearly expedition (no, not to down a bottle of brandy…).

Philip is tinkering in the garden this morning - he has been busy – planted a new ‘arched’ garden to one side od the house, and, with our gardener’s help, planted a new bed at the front of the Garden Apartment – full of wild roses – will hopefully look, and smell, wonderful come next spring/summer…  

Happy November!

Debbie & Philip

Sunny September….

Hello,

As ever, I am slow in writing – life just gets in the way! I am so pleased to report that we have actually seen sunshine – throughout much of September in fact. What joy.  Am sitting looking out the window – the park is bathed in sunlight and the autumnal colours of the leaves on the trees are glorious – gladdens the heart. Currently. we have guests staying in all three apartments, from Ireland, Denver and Portugal.

Old Friends Returning…

Philip and I have delighted in the company of many previous guests returning to stay here once more – some for a third successive year, and whom we now consider friends. In fact, almost all of July and August were booked by returning guests, which made summer, despite the weather, far from dreary. Meals, bottles of wine and various expeditions were enjoyed…  Word-of-mouth bookings are also very high in this, our fourth year,  which, we have found tremendously rewarding. We do hope we shall see many more well-known faces in 2009! And, of course, we look forward to meeting those of you coming to stay for the first time. Please be assured that we are as invisible as desired – we are aware that for many, the idea of seeing the owners every day is like a nightmare!

Finalist ‘Customer Care (Accommodation)’ – Thistle Award Update

Last month, prior to the actual Awards Ceremony (24 October), we attended the celebrations for the Thistle Awards’ finalists, and very nice it was too. Philip even donned his kilt ensemble – he looked quite unrecognisable for those whose most familiar memory will be a paint-splattered ‘tramp’ wandering around the gardens here….!   We were ‘bagpiped’ down the red carpet and welcomed aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia with a crystal glass of champagne. Canapes were handed out, speeches made, photographs taken and more champagne flowed throughout the evening. I even managed to escape the hordes – and Philip engaged in deep conversation – and was given a personal tour of the Yacht – brilliant!

We were just delighted to chat at length to the finalists in the ‘Scottish Young Entreprenuers’ award category – and they were most impressive. So much so, that, despite hearing about hundreds of companies and their offerings, we would like to share their details with you – we feel that they are offering very special days and experiences in Scotland.  Do take a good look! And get booking…

Loch Visions – A One-Off Scottish Photogtraphic Wildlife Experience

For those interested in wildlife, and in digital photography – even if an enthusiastic beginner, please do look at ‘The Loch Visions’ website. Philip Price - a wildlife photographer and tour guide – can organise a one-day experience around the magnificent Loch Awe in the Scottish Highlands. He will provide you with a camera , a 1-hour tutorial and you then spend time in his purpose-built photographic zones around Loch Awe – tips and advice at hand all day. Lunch is also included. It sounds so good that many of my family and friends are already thinking of going themselves! It is only a few hours’ drive from Edinburgh – or, for those heading North after a stay in Edinburgh, you really should consider building this in to your ‘Highland’ itinerary – it is such a memorably ‘Scottish’ day. Philip’s enthusiasm and friendliness, and  his passion for his very exceptional ‘experience’ won us over completely. (Think we’ll be heading North soon.)  We will feed back on this one!

Ms Bond – A Licence to Thrill… Ladies Only!

Now – I loved the sound of this – for ladies (not exclusively I hasten to add), Caroline Whitney has filled a niche for women’s special days when here in Scotland via her wonderful company, Ms Bond. Perhaps your husbands are all away playing golf for a day? Or, are you here with a friend? Your mum, sister, aunt?  Well – why not thrill yourselves for a day, or sample some luxurious pleasure. Caroline (Ms Bond), can arrange to have you whisked off in a helicopter, with your own personal butler for the day, to a 5-star hotel for a ‘champagne’ afternoon tea. Or, chauffeur-driven to a heavenly spa? Or, taken for afteroon tea at Edinburgh Castle? Or, provided with a personal shopper for the day, or out-of-hours at, say, Harvey Nicks – all your shopping desires indulged?? Sounds good doesn’t it! Go on ladies, be tempted –  take a look at all the delicious experiences that Caroline can arrange for you. Make your Edinburgh stay that little bit more unique and utterly memorable! Caroline is fun, friendly and so professional – I am really quite jealous – you can invite me, too, if you want!

Men – Note Please: I should add to all those fiances or husbands/boyfriends/partners reading this – if ever there was a special experience that the love of your life would thank you for, for the rest of her life – it is this! Believe me on this one…. get booking. What a lovely, romantic gift this would be – the piece de la resistance – also shows that you have taken time and thought – and we women love this!

Amazing Days in Scotland – Ladies – your turn to get booking!

Last – we also met the third finalist, Ross – the only other man wearing a kilt that night - who has a super company – and organises, as the name suggests, amazing days out in Scotland – more for the boys this one – well, I had to reveal the best days out for the men in your life, ladies!  We think it’s a brilliant company, and that Ross would be a fantastic host. Also, it’s all located in and around Edinburgh, and fairly nearby  - at beautiful Loch Lomond & in the surrounding countryside. This area – known as The Trossachs – is also called ‘The Gateway to the Highlands’ – simply stunning scenery. Ross can arrange high-octane, thrilling, one-off Scottish days out. To whet your appetite: a seaplane tour, interactive falconry, helicopter tour, whisky tasting, off-road Range-Rover experience, speedboat tour… and a whole lot more! Do look at his site and get booking…

You may think it’ s odd taking up so much of this diary promoting other people’s businesses – but, Philip and I feel that these ’special days’ merit very special mention! And, it’s not often that we are quite so impressed. 

November – Availability

We still have availability in November – please do look at our reduced weekly rates (and our even greater discounts for longer stays). November can be a lovely month to visit – ahead of the Christmas rush. Why not come and see the city in the still autumnal light and when it is not quite so busy – do a spot of Christmas shopping??

Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay Celebrations

This year, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Fireworks and Winter Wonderland are even bigger and better.  Take a look at all that’s on offer – the ice-rink in Princes St Gardens, German street market, stalls, fare, Spiegeltent with live entertainment… why not come and enjoy a Scottish Chrismas or New Year! We still have availability.

Last, before I finally head off into the park for my morning saunter… do keep looking at our website - it has all sorts of interesting & useful information – for example, have you read through our FAQs or Useful Links information? You may be surprised at all the information and links provided…. we hope it will inspire you and get you excited about for your stay.

More later… till then,

Debbie and Philip

Our First Wedding at Pilrig – All the Way from Atlanta!

Last week, we had our first wedding guests come to stay – Kelly and Chad from Atlanta, together with Chad’s parents.  The men donned their family ‘Campbell’ tartan, and, by their own account, their day exceeded all expectations. As it was the Festival, they were applauded & photographed  by the crowds on the Royal Mile after the ceremony. Kelly’s mother-in-law, Patty, said they were like celebrities on the red carpet as they walked towards the Castle for some memorable photos – taken by Carrie, from Premier Photography.

Before thier marriage ceremony in Edinburgh, we were delighted that they chose to be photographed in the Balfour Apartment, and in the gardens here at Pilrig House. They have kindly given permission for a few of their beautiful photographs to be shown here. Hope you like them – we thought they were just lovely!  And, by a miracle – the sun came out!!

Philip and I wish Chad and Kelly every happiness in their future together, and hope they may return to Scotland one day to see us and recall their very Scottish wedding day!

August

Well – apologies for the gap in writing the blog. It has been so busy over the last couple of months, that, finding the time to write has been nigh on impossible.

The Festival is under way – and, despite the torrential rain – and it has been relentless, all guests are made of spirited stuff and have still managed to enjoy Edinburgh to the full. Philip and I have had fun hearing second-hand about all the plays and events that have been seen…  Our guests throughout July and August have come from the US, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Canada and Holland.  And, they have all been so nice – a pleasure to meet.

Scottish Tourist Board Thistle Award – We are Finalists – Yippee!

We have just been notified by Visit Scotland that Pilrig House Apartments is a finalist for a Scottish Thistle Award in the category ‘Customer Care – Accommodation’. We are just delighted as, since we started up a few years ago,  our aim has been to ensure that guests leave us feeling ‘looked after’, and, that they have a great time during their stay in Edinburgh.  So – Philip is off looking to get kitted out in a kilt, as, on September 3,  we have been invited to attend a champagne reception on board The Royal Yacht Britannia where we meet other finalists. Them in late October, we go to the actual awards ceremony and gala dinner. We are so thrilled to even be one of three finalists, we will enjoy the event no matter who wins! Will keep you posted. And, may post a picture of Bonnie Prince Philip in all his regalia…

Remember that Visit Scotland is a great site for checking what events will be on during your stay – it lists all events in Scotland, as well as in Edinburgh, including all those related to the Clan Gathering in 2009.

Our August wedding takes place next Monday – and, the bride to be is dropping off her wedding dress later today – I have arranged for it to be steam-pressed for her big day – especially since it has come all the way across the Atlantic, from the US, for the occasion.  We are hoping against hope that the sun comes out for the occasion.

Talking of weddings, a favourite guest, and now friend, of ours from the US – Dori – returns in September for the third year running.  She designs the most exquisite wedding jewellery and acccessories. Do take a look at her website - your order can be made online and mailed anywhere in the world – and, the prices are fantastic for such beautiful, handcrafted pieces!

If only we had taken new garden photographs in June – the roses were in full bloom and colour seemed to suddenly explode in all nooks and crannies… sadly, Philip never seemed to think it was just at its peak – and then the rains came… Ah well, next year!

Often we get asked to refer guests to a good restaurant in Edinburgh. Please do look at ‘What’s On’ and click on the Useful Links on our website- it includes Edinburgh Restaurant Guides/Recommendations, and give you an chance to read reviews.

More news and updates later!

Bye for now, Debbie