Watched the Aurora Borealis.....WOW

The 'Aurora Borealis', also known as the Northern Lights, gave one of its best displays for ten years last night due to a cloudless and starry night sky. This spectacular phenomenon is caused by electrically charged particles originating from solar winds leaving the Sun. On entering the Earth's atmosphere they cause gas atoms in the sky to glow in a dramatic display of colours ranging through the spectrum of greens, pinks, reds and purples. The display was seen over wide ranging parts of the UK from Wick in N.Scotland as far south as Jersey. It was also seen in N.Ireland, Essex,Gloucestershire, Norfolk and S.Wales.
Click here for dramatic photos from BBC News. 
Click here for YouTube footage from Sutherland in N.Scotland.
Ali was out working and phoned to tell us to go up to Whitebridge and watch the display. It was amazing and is due to occur again tonight.

Tea Room going well

The wood cladding around the building is in progress and the work is being assisted greatly by the rather mild weather with the occasional shower of rain. The footings have been completed and earth filled, just waiting for the grass seed. The taper is working inside on the plasterboard and should be finished within the week when we will be allowed inside to take more interior photos. All going well.

Working around the front door

Two doors leading out to the decking

Large window facing the pond

the pond

Jay is for January.

Jays have been spotted in the nearby woodland of Farigaig and Easter Boleskine. They are usually in pairs and are quite shy woodland birds. They are distinguished by the bright blue flash on their wings as they suddenly fly past low along the forest floor. For more info on these elusive birds visit the RSPB site. 

Squirrels getting ready for winter

The weather has been a lot colder this week with a dusting of snow settling on the mountains around Loch Ness and also on lower ground for a short while. The native red squirrels in the surrounding woodlands are preparing for the cold winter weather ahead. The red squirrel sheds its coat twice a year, switching from a thinner summer coat to a thicker, darker winter coat for extra warmth. At this time of year the red squirrels also displays striking ear tufts - a prominent distinguishing feature of this species - which can be between 2 – 3.5 cms long and give them their appealing appearance.

  

 

  

Highland cattle on your doorstep.

While staying at Camerons Cottage in the Highlands take full advantage of the unique area surrounding you. Sit outside at the table and chairs provided and watch the herd of Highland cattle drink from the nearby pond and feed on the lush grass. They are curious about you as well and will often come very close to the cottage fence!

 

 

  

 

 

Autumn colours

Beautiful colours of Autumn showing on the trees and foliage everywhere now. 

Loch Ness looks particularly stunning and the panoramic view from Dores beach is amazing. Autumn is truly a beautiful time of the year to visit the Highlands.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

Fort Augustus

For a good day out from Camerons Cottage take a scenic car trip of about 14 miles to the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. Stop about halfway on your journey at the highest point of the trip known as the Struie - and look at the amazing panoramic view back towards Inverness.

 

Continue on the road down to Loch Tarff....used for one of the famous scenes from the film 'Local Hero' and drive alongside the loch.

 

Enter the village of Fort Augustus, park in the car park and stroll along to the Caledonian Canal.

 

Walk up the steps by the side of the Caledonian Canal and cross over on the lock gates to get a superb view of the canal opening out on to Loch Ness.

 

 

You could continue walking up to the top of the canal passing all the lock gates and stroll along the banks of the canal for some way. After a good walk return to the swing bridge and cross over the road. Walk down towards Loch Ness and watch the pleasure boats returning laden with happy passengers.

 

A very good day out with plenty of places to eat and drink.

Brown Hare

A neighbour spotted this big brown hare in their driveway this morning. It stayed for a good wash before speeding off along the lane.