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
