Chilly in the Highlands.

We have been enveloped in freezing fog for the past few days which has been blowing in from the North Sea, travelling along the Moray Firth and sweeping down the Great Glen. Temperatures during the day have stayed well below freezing with overnight temperatures of at least minus 10C in the Cairngorms. Today on the news it was stated that temps were minus 15C in the Highlands and a climber has been reported missing on Ben Nevis, but exactly why anybody would want to go out in these appalling conditions is beyond belief. Went into Inverness for a Tesco shop before Hogmanay - a bad move as it was completely manic. The good thing was the beautiful scenery as we travelled in and back.The frost was really thick on all the trees and vegetation and we felt as if we were driving through winter wonderland.
Enjoy the following slideshow of our journey.

Christmas reflections.

 Woke up to a beautiful reflection on the loch on Christmas morning. Most of the snow on the mountains opposite has been washed away by the recent rains. As we were admiring the tranquil scene before us The Lord of the Glens cruise ship steamed right in front of our window and disturbed the reflection. It doesn't usually come this side of the loch and we realised just how big the craft is. It travelled up to Urquhart Castle where it stayed for a long while, possibly while Christmas lunch was being served. Later in the afternoon it sailed back down towards Fort William and we gave everyone on board a seasonal wave.

Loch Torr an Tuill

Managed to fit a long walk in recently after the strong winds and rain had subsided. Walked into Farigaig Forest and up the hill to Loch Torr an Tuill or 'the wee pond' as it is affectionately known by locals. The reflection of the surrounding trees in the loch was amazing and we were pleased to find two new picnic benches had been installed there. It really is a very peaceful wee loch and a beautiful place for a picnic or just a breather after the uphill climb.

Continued on our uphill walk to the view point at the very top where we found another welcome bench. The forestry had recently been at work clearing alot of the tall pine tees allowing for a much better view of Loch Ness.Through the haze we could just make out Urquhart Castle on the opposite shore.

Long tailed tits..

The colder winter weather heralds the arrival of the long tailed tits. These delightful birds are easily recognisable by their long black and white tail which is longer than their body. Their body is black and white with delicate pinkish tones with black button like eyes. They go about in noisy flocks of up to 20 birds. As we were watching the other birds gently feeding on the sunflower hearts a gang of long tailed tits suddenly flew out of the forest and descended on the fat ball hanging from the bird table until it was almost impossible to see any of the ball. After a few seconds they all zoomed off in a flurry of wings to the next feeding post.Check out more information on the long tailed tits and see them in action.

Stag Party

Been a very cold week with a sharp frost lasting for most of the day accompanied by the odd flurry of snow. We did not have the terrific snowfall on Thursday that other parts of the UK experienced. Today it has been raining all day and rather gloomy. Just when we needed cheering up a magnificent stag suddenly crossed the driveway and munched on the grass at the front of the house. Not the best of photos due to the wet and dull weather.

St. Andrew's Day.

The temperature dropped dramatically on Friday. Snow fell overnight on higher ground and there was a sharp frost everywhere at lower levels which is expected to last well into next week. In the afternoon I walked carefully down to the loch-side beach and felt as if I was in a picture postcard. All the pebbles and leaves were fused together with the frost making it rather slippery underfoot. Hadn't been there long when our guests staying in Aspenwood Cottage arrived on the beach with Ben the dog. They had just returned from walking to the Falls of Foyers and back and were now looking forward to a warming cup of coffee from their flask in their rucksack.

Today is St Andrews Day - the patron saint of Scotland -and it has been well below zero all day with a slight snowfall this evening. More snow is forecast for Thursday which will please our guests arriving next Saturday who have ordered snow for their holiday...anything to please !

New Hosts at Dores Inn.

 After reading the article below we decided to check out the Dores Inn to see if it was good enough to recommend to our guests......things we have to do !

'New mine hosts at Dores Inn promise fine local food.

Press & Journal: Published: 12/11/2008

A HIGHLAND couple whose restaurant at a wildlife haven has built a reputation for fine local food will spread their wings next week by opening the doors of their latest venture on the banks of Loch Ness. Farmer Quintin Stevens and his wife Michelle, who have run the Storehouse of Foulis visitor attraction at Evanton on the Cromarty Firth for three and a half years, have just renovated the Dores Inn.
As part of extensive refurbishment, they have fitted a new kitchen, dining area and cellar, and opened up the pub restaurant to allow views of the loch.
Mr Stevens said..It is an amazing location and we felt the south side of Inverness was lacking good eateries. What better place to be than plumb on the end of Loch Ness. We wanted to recreate a traditional pub with the emphasis on food, beer and wine, which I think there is a lack of in the area. We have recreated the menu with the emphasis on local food.
Former host and ex-Highland councillor Ella MacRae called time on the inn earlier this year, ending a half-century link with the place she first worked at as a waitress at the age of 15. The popular venue has become a firm fixture of music lovers who flood into the village for the annual RockNess festival. If all goes to plan the Stevens intention is to reopen the inn for business a week today.'

The Dores Inn is positioned at the eastern end of Loch Ness with commanding views and looking onto a wonderful crescent beach - ideal for a stroll before or after eating.

We found the staff very friendly and wearing attractive uniforms. The new manageress is excellent, really making you feel welcome combined with a vast experience of the hospitality trade and knowledge of food and wines. It now serves food all day - from morning coffee and cakes to lunch, afternoon teas and an evening meal. We were very impressed with the menu, the variety of food and 'specials of the day' which made actually choosing our meals rather difficult - we kept changing our minds. The food was wholesome and delicious, the atmosphere was relaxing and the staff were very attentive. There was a choice of fresh home made desserts or large slices of chocolate or lemon drizzle cake which went down a treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and are so pleased to be able to recommend The Dores Inn to our guests and also to have somewhere pleasant and local to dine at ourselves.

November sunset on Loch Ness.

 Watched the sun setting on Loch Ness yesterday at 3.30 in the afternoon - spectacular.