15 May 2008
April
During April we had some lovely guests visit us from Ireland, USA, England and Canada – highlights included a 40th wedding anniversary, an engagement, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip. It has been a very enjoyable and sociable past few weeks.
I have been reminded that I have not been keeping my blog up to date as often as I should – it’s all new to me – I’m a complete computer duffer! So, apologies. I can’t use the excuse that I have been lying out in the sun these last glorious 10 days or so – although it has been very gratifying to see guests soak up the sun and relax in the gardens – no, Philip and I have been working around the clock to complete the renovation of the Balfour Apartment. Three days to go before our first guests arrive, and, we are nearly there. It is looking great – well, we think so! Photographs and an eTour will be posted on our site in around 2 weeks’ time - we do hope that you’ll like it.
Martin Wishart’s New Cookery School – Close to Pilrig House!
The Michelin-star restauranteur, Martin Wishart, has recently opened a fabulous cookery school – only minutes’ walk from Pilrig House – do take a look at the website: www.cookschool.co.uk You can attend a cookery course or book in for a cookery demonstration – the wide range of classes and courses look (and almost smell) wonderfully inspiring and not at all threatening (if you are not an experienced cook or are a little wary… ). This would be a special ‘event’ to combine with your stay here – why not book up to coincide with your visit? I am longing to go myself, but will have to wait for quieter times. So, please go and tell me – and others via this blog – all about your experience. Having eaten in Martin Wishart’s restaurant at the Shore area in nearby Leith, I have no doubts that you will enjoy it.
Alistair Sawdays’ Inspection Update
In the midst of all the chaos, we heard that our review/inspection had gone well, and that we are to be amongst those select few included on Alistair Sawday’s website for self-catering accommodation: www.specialescapes.co.uk We are absolutely thrilled. Not only that, but, we have also been invited to be featured in Alistair Sawday’s Scotland guidebook (due out in the Autumn). What a morale booster-and-a-half this month, especially when we have been so tired. Do look at the AS guides – they are a fantastic source of great places to stay that are not run-of-the-mill.
Old Friends
Many ex-guests write to us from around the world – we really enjoy hearing from you all – especially so long after you have visited - and count ourselves very fortunate to have met so many nice people - whom we now regard as friends. Keep writing. And, we will to you too – if you can bear it.
Edinburgh Shuttle Door-to-Door – New Fare
The fare has just gone up from £8.50 to £9 for a single fare door-to-door from the airport – and, notably, all, guests seem to have enjoyed arriving via this bus service from the airport – you can prebook online in advance of your stay – see previous blog for website details.
On that note, I am taking the bus to dreamland. Hope you are all well and happy wherever you are, and, that, your gardens, if you have one, are bursting with colour, as ours did at the first sight of sunshine this month – a joyous sight to see.
