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
