Stag in the snow.

On the way to Daviot today we spotted this magnificent stag illuminated against the glistening white background. The fields on either side of the road to Daviot are still covered in quite thick snow even though the area around our house on the banks of Loch Ness is now finally clear after a very long winter. We wondered just when the snow will finally disappear from these fields on the higher ground. From Daviot we turned right onto the A9 and took a trip down to Pitlochry.....but that is for another day

Inverness.

Inverness is the 'capital of the Highlands' and was designated a city status in 2000. The River Ness flows from Loch Ness through the centre of the city and out to the Moray Firth. There are a significant number of churches on both banks and the snow capped mountain of Ben Wyvis can be seen to the north.

The city itself is dominated by the red sand stone castle proudly overlooking the river.
The present building only dates from about 1836 but it was built on the site of an original 11th century defensive structure. It is not open to the public and is used as the Sheriff Court.
Opposite the castle is St Andrews Episcopal Cathedral which was intended by its architects to be one of the grandest buildings in Scotland. However, funds ran out before the giant twin spires of the original design could be complete so hence the rather unfinished appearance.

Next to the Cathedral is the new Eden Court Theatre which we have been entertained in a few times. Cross over the Ness on one of the many bridges and you can walk along Ness Bank with hotels and restaurants looking out onto the river. Our favourite is 'Contrast' Restaurant which we just have to visit now and again to see if the food and service is kept up to standard....and we can report that it was.
See a more detailed history of Inverness.

Moray Firth Dolphins.

The guests who came to visit us last week during the blizzard also braved the elements during their holiday and went to Chanonry Point on the Black Isle where they were lucky enough to see about 15 bottlenose dolphins.

It is one of the best dolphin spotting sites in Europe with a large resident population of bottlenose dolphins.
Chanonry Point is a spit of sand that juts out into a narrow but deep channel of the Moray Firth opposite Fort George. Here different currents converge bringing fish close to the surface and thus the dolphins close to the shore. Prime dolphin spotting time is the hour or so before high tide as the dolphins come in on the tide in their hunt for food.

Bottlenose dolphins are very adept at leaping clear of the water often in unison with other dolphins in their group and can sometimes put on a spectacular display. Although we have been to Chanonry Point several times we have not always been lucky enough to see them as they cannot be guaranteed to show. Even so - there are picnic tables to sit at and enjoy lunch while watching and hoping for them to appear.

Angie, Michael and Nikki kindly sent me these photos to use.....so thanks very much.

Dores beach covered in snow.

A very chilly week which culminated in a spectacular blizzard which lasted all day last Thursday. Snow fell in bucket loads and the wind blew it everywhere but we felt really cosy to be inside in the warm talking to guests with a few welcome glasses to keep the spirits up. We wondered what we would wake up to on Friday morning as we needed to go into Inverness. The local radio station reported warnings of school closures, the A9 was shut down to Perth and no trains or planes were operating due to the extreme weather conditions and we suddenly felt isolated. As we cautiously looked out of the bedroom window we were very pleased to see that the area around the house was not too badly covered so we ventured into town, not quite knowing if we would get there or back. The top road had been gritted and was fine if driven with care. After our business in Inverness we came back and stopped at the village of Dores at the eastern end of Loch Ness. The beach was covered in snow and it looked very strange and so different from the normal vision of the famous crescent beach. The Dores Inn looked very inviting but we decided to leave that for another day and head back to the safety of home.

BrodieCountryfare

The thick frost and ice on the ground with temperatures well below zero did not put us off driving into Inverness for our shopping. We decided to have an awayday so we drove out of the city and onto the A96, passing through the quaint seaside town of Nairn. We aimed for the BrodieCountryfare, about 20 miles out of Inverness which we had not visited for some time. We were surprised to find both the car parks almost full and the place was heaving. The complex was very busy as it is a favourite haunt for tourists purchasing amazing gifts to take back home. There is also a food hall and deli with shelves full of Walkers scrumptious products and a restaurant which was just too busy and buzzing for us. We came out and drove home passing by this amazing railway viaduct with the backdrop of snow covered fields and clear blue skies - an omen of another chilly night with an amazing show of star constellations. We somehow managed to fall into the Cawdor Tavern on the way back home where we enjoyed a fish and chip lunch by the roaring fire. The road back via Daviot was stunningly beautiful but that is another story........so watch this space.

Silver and Gold.

The snow returned this week and is still lying thickly on the higher ground although it has melted on lower ground . The mountains opposite and the high fields are covered again. It has also been very frosty at night and the freezing temperature continues throughout the day. The clear night sky allows for a good showing of the stars and the silver crescent moon reflected in the water of Loch Ness. The new fence has now been completed at the front of Aspenwood with a specially designed platform along the top for the birds and red squirrels to play on - also useful to rest a glass of wine on in the evening looking out at the view. The birds were very pleased to find their feeders back in position. Last Saturday we saw a pair of goldfinches on the nut feeders on the old fence so we will treat them to a new niger feeder - their favourite food - and will hang it on the new fence this weekend.

New 360 Tour.

The new 360 Tour is now on the website giving potential guests a very good idea of the design of the rooms. We are very impressed by the prompt reply from Alba Tours who came to Aspenwood last Friday to take the photos and also by our webmaster who put it onto the site.
So sit back and take a virtual stroll around the cottage interior by clicking on 360 Tours underneath this Cottage Diary.
A little note for our guests arriving this Saturday.....we are surrounded by snow again so bring your wellies.

Sunset over Loch Ness.

Witnessed a beautiful sunset reflected in the water of Loch Ness the other evening and we went out to watch the ever changing colours in the sky and in the water. Had thick coats on as it was below freezing but the 'wee dram' clasped tightly in our hands helped keep us warm inside.