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

24 June Update

Hello again,

Our First Letter!

First – a big thank you to Anais for her letter – all the way from Texas – the first one posted on this blog from a guest – she and her husband John, were the hardy guests who went on the guided walking tour in May and bagged a Munro – Ben Lomond. I will give the company details again as they were so impressed by them: http://walkaboutscotland.com

Balfour Apartment eTour

The 360-degree eTour of the Balfour Apartment is on our site’s Home page – so do take a look – especially if you have booked, or are considering booking.

Golfers?

We have a lot of golfers stay – most make the pilgrimage to the Old Course, of course, in St Andrews, but some play locally… There are some fabulous courses, including Muirfield, along the East Lothian coastline – take a look at: http://www.golfeastlothian.com And, it may be of interest to know that Gleneagles course is around an hour-and-a-half’s drive away.

Car Hire

Bear in mind that, when booking your car hire, if your rental firm states that it is located ‘minutes from the station’ ask which one… Haymarket station is on the other side of Edinburgh – it is not the train station in the city centre, which is Waverley Station. If you would like advice on hiring a car, cheaply, and locally, do ask us – we’ll be happy to give some suggestions for firms that are based nearby and which are excellent value for money.

An August Wedding

Well – we have our first Edinburgh wedding taking place in August- and, are honoured and delighted that the bride and groom, and close family – from the US – have chosen to stay at Pilrig House. I am, somewhat anxiously I profess, awaiting delivery of the wedding dress – for which, I have made arrangements to have steam-pressed on time for the ‘Big Day’. I hope I can persuade the happy couple to have their photo taken on the Palladian staircase entrance here at Pilrig House, and, can show you in a later blog! We are looking forward to this event…

Reduced Rates

Please remember to take advantage of our reduced rates for weekly, and longer, stays – go to the Rates page for each apartment and it tells you the weekly rate and the percentage discounts for longer stays. And, you may have noticed, we are now posting ‘Special Offers’ for late deals on our Home page, which we hope you’ll take advantage of!

Summer in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is teeming with visitors and it is fun walking around in the city centre and seeing what’s happening, with cameras at the ready on every corner of the Royal Mile… despite the new Edinburgh tram system being laid and causing havoc on the main streets! It is fine if you are not taking buses everywhere – just as well Edinburgh is a great city for walking around in and easily navigatable… I suppose this is one way of reducing cars in the city centre – albeit a drastic one. But, it wouldn’t be Edinburgh if our local council didn’t decide to carry out major roadworks in the middle of summer… We ‘Edinbuggers’ (as our friendly neighbours the ‘Weegies’ call us (Glaswegians) are a hardy breed!

Well – must dash. Guests arriving shortly and off to welcome them.

If you’re due to visit us soon – we look forward to meeting you!

Debbie

A letter from Anais

Dear Debbie’s Diary,

Hi, to all readers. What a privilege to be able to write here! Almost up to the level of staying in Pilrig House! Debbie and Philip have created an atmosphere of hospitality and history second to none. And we were able for a short time to feel like stewards of the old house. During our ten-day stay we experienced what it must have been like to be residents of 17th century Leith with all the conveniences of the 21st. Over the next few months I hope to share with you some of our memories of Pilrig House.

So here goes. I spent a lot of time in the window seat in the Park Apartment watching Pilrig Park and Arthur’s Seat in the distance. The view changed with the passing of the day, but the tranquility remained. It was from this window that I saw Mr. Fox, a red fox who visits the garden on occasion. And I drank many soothing cups of Debbie’s tea on the front steps of the Park Apartment while admiring Philip’s lovely garden and observing the fat wood pigeons that frequent it. We are back in Austin, Texas now, but we have left a part of us back at Pilrig House.

More soon!

Anais, June 18, 2008

June

Hello – hope you are also enjoying the lovely weather that we have been experiencing in Scotland for the last 3-4 weeks. May has been heavenly – sunny, occasional breezes, and almost sunbathing weather – well, for us Scots anyway – our visitors from Austrlia are wearing heavy coats and can’t believe that we find this warm… I informed them that we have built up our immunity over a lifetime!

Balfour Apartment Opens
The Balfour Apartment welcomed its first guests last week – and, the response was as we had hoped. The photos are now posted in the gallery on the website, and a 360-degree eTour will be appearing on our website around the end of June/first week in July – in the meantime, do take a look at the pics.

Recent Guests
These last few weeks, we have welcomed guests from the US, Australia, England and Germany. One couple’s daughter was playing in the Junior European Golf Championship at Gullane; a lovely couple from Texas managed to ‘Bag a Munro’ (climb one of Scotland’s mountains) – Ben Lomond – at over 3,000 feet (well done!). They highly recommend to other guests: www.walkaboutscotland.com (see blog on that site with their photo – ‘Mildred and John’). Other guests had a busy time visting ever-popular places such as Inverness, Rossyln Chapel (of the Da Vinci Code fame), Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, St Andrews (and, naturally, the Old Course), and the sites of Edinburgh. Another popular choice is Alnwick Castle – where Harry Potter was filmed (as well as the film ‘Elizabeth’ and the BBC series ‘Blackadder’). We told some who were driving to Alnwick to also consider stopping off at Lindisfarne: www.holy-island.info/lindisfarnecastle/index.htm and Bamburgh Castle nearby: www.bamburghcastle.com/ Both are only around an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Edinburgh! A few courageous souls were brave enough to go on the late-night ghost and torture tours here in Auld Reekie…

Upcoming Events
19-22 June: The Royal Highland Show. See: www.royalhighlandshow.org
(Availability is as follows: Balfour: 18-20 June (3 nights); Park: 21-23 June (3 nights); Garden: 14-24 June still available
1-30 August: The Edinburgh International Festival - We still have availability for the Edinburgh Festival in August, as follows. Please enquire:
Garden Apartment: 1-27 August – £150 per night for 2 people (week-long bookings only)
Park Apartment: 29-31 August (3 nights) – £170 per night for 2 people (can sleep up to 4)
Balfour Apartment: 1-3 August (3 nights) & 11-14 August (4 nights) – £170 per night for 2 people (can sleep up to 4)

Genealogy Links
For those of you interested in genealogy, I have added even more links on our website that may be of interest. Click on What’s On/Useful Links and scroll down till you come to ‘Useful Genealogy Websites’.

2009 – The Gathering of the Clans
I have also added the website that contains all the information about ‘The Gathering 2009′ event -  one of the largest clan gatherings in history to  be held over two days – 25-26 July 2009, in Holyrood Park. Be part of history!  See: www.clangathering.org  We have already taken a ‘Homecoming’ booking, so, if you are keen to attend, book up now. We think it will be a fabulous event!

Local Car Hire Firm
A local car hire firm that can drop off the car here at Pilrig House for you, and collect it, at great rates, has come to our attention, and you may wish to take a look: www.1car1.com (click on Scotland on the map, and the nearest local office is ‘Bothwell St’).

On the domestic front – Philip has been busy installing new parking bollards outside in our car park to ‘protect’ our spaces – on the brink of an outbreak of ‘parking wars’ – free parking in Edinburgh is a rare commodity! During this activity, he has been seen sitting on the wall ‘blethering’ to neighbours, guests, park visitors… and, seems to be having a very nice time of it – until he nearly hammered his finger into the ground along with the bollard.

On that note, au revoir till next time!

15 MAY

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.

 

 

 

 

22/4/08

Phew… It’s been a busy few months. As some of you will already know, we have been busy renovating a third apartment in Pilrig House – the ‘Balfour Apartment’ – it seemed appropriate to name it after the family who lived here for hundreds of years! The first guests arrive in May, so, I am pleased to report that, after blood, sweat and tears (Philip’s mostly – he may take up full-time residence at the Scottish Malt Whisky Society shortly) – we are on the home straits and it is, at last, coming together and looking lovely… Well, we think so, and hope you do too! Pictures will be posted on the site – and an eTour – by the end of May. We were so impressed with the refurbishment of all the old sash windows, we are having the Park and Garden Apartments‘ windows given the same treatment in November.

April weather has been disappointing and most unusual – snow, rain, hail, wind and sun – mostly on the same day, then a few days’ sunshine, and the sweet relief of brief interludes of warmth… but, the brave daffodils all emerged in the garden, and have decided to stay with us all month.

We have been delighted to see some friendly faces return to us this year already, from as far away as Australia – and, it was heartening to see their genuine delight at the above weather conditions after the heat from which they had fled! It’s always nice when people come back to Pilrig House Apartments – feels like old friends popping in.

Good reports and feedback from guests about Rabbies’ Tours – in case you are booking a tour in advance of your stay.

And, for those guests arriving at Edinburgh Airport, remember that you can prebook, online, the door-to-door Edinburgh Shuttle bus service that will bring you straight from the airport direct to our door (£8 single fare): www.edinburghshuttle.com

Last week, we were visited by the Alistair Sawdays reviewer/inspector – a charming woman, and most ‘uninspector’-like. So, we are waiting with baited breath to see if we are to be included on their self-catering accommodation website. Will keep you posted.

Must dash – furniture being delivered and unloaded as I write.

Keep reading. Will write again soon. Wishing you all health and happiness wherever you are.