tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72560375421454077662024-02-07T02:05:51.865-08:00Luxury Self-catering, holiday cottages, vacation rentals, Perthshire, ScotlandBriar Cottages are 2 x two bedroom holiday cottages sleeping 4 offering luxury and pet friendly self catering vacations in the village of Lochearnhead, Perthshire. Both cottages face south with stunning views over Loch Earn from 3 acre gardens that include our B listed thatched cottage. An ideal location for golf,fishing,walking,cycling,water-sports,history and folklore, clan geneology,wildlife,flowers,birds, mountains,lochs and friendly hospitality. Please also visit www.stayatbriar.co.uk.Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-40277165005789323652015-05-07T08:54:00.000-07:002015-05-07T08:54:04.359-07:00Whisky Month at Briar Cottages with a Bottle of The Famous....You Know Who - on World Whisky Day<div>
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I have re-launched our l<a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">uxury and pet friendly cottages</a> website with a new look and photos's. What do you think? www.stayatbriar.co.uk Do let us know. <div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztxXmRHE138/VUtyWNwXacI/AAAAAAAAOpI/v4RvqvO6Y8k/s1600/The%2BFamous%2BFraser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztxXmRHE138/VUtyWNwXacI/AAAAAAAAOpI/v4RvqvO6Y8k/s640/The%2BFamous%2BFraser.jpg" width="358" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
May means it is <a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/info/events/searchresults?isoenddate=31%2F05%2F2015&prodtypes=even&refine-date=on&p=2&src_category=12259&src_category=12269&src_category=12309&name=whisky&isostartdate=01%2F05%2F2015#resultsPane">Whisky Month</a> and we are celebrating by offering 2 special bottles of Famous Grouse Whisky. One for anyone booking 7 nights from 16th May 2015 - Also World Whisky Day - and the other during week 30th May 2015. </div>
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See my new <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/kims-blog">Lochearnhead holiday cottage blog</a> here for more details. </div>
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When you book either of these weeks you will be asked for one or two names to appear on the label. Look at Fraser's bottle on the left. What will yours say? The Famous Bob, The Famous Granny Jean, The Famous Clan McLaren? Tel Kim 07917 416 497 or 01567 830 443 www.stayatbriar.co.uk</div>
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See <a href="http://www.scotsmagazine.com/articles/whisky-month-map/">The Scots Magazine</a> map of distilleries plus food and drink events.</div>
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Glengoyne will be present at the <a href="http://mhor.net/nbsp/mhor-festival-2015/">MHOR food and drink festival</a> May 23 and May 24 in Balquidder Glen. There will be so many things to do, eat and drink and this years raft race has a Whisky Galore Theme. </div>
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Enjoy the rest of Whisky Month and <span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24.9199981689453px;">slàinte</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24.9199981689453px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24.9199981689453px;">mhath</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24.9199981689453px;"><span style="color: #545454;"> (good health)</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16th May 2015</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/booking-contact.html">Briar Cottages, Lochearhead, FK19 8PU www.stayatbriar.co.uk 01567 830 443 </a></div>
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Stirling FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.2710096000000737.9561279 -45.57960360000007 74.8165109 37.037584399999929tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-84733146204419152102014-04-30T14:47:00.000-07:002014-05-01T00:05:37.196-07:00Boule Court, Baby Ducklings, Boating and Briar Steading WIFi -Lochearnhead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring is well under way at Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottages on Loch Earn</a> and Lochearnhead has already had a taste of 20 degree sunny weather. There is nothing like sitting out in the loch garden with a cold beer or glass of wine. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fraser The Smug Boule Champion of Briar Cottage on Loch Earn</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Boule Court: </b>Those of you who have met my husband Fraser probably can not picture him sitting around for long spells at a time as he always has a project or five on the go. His latest challenge has been a "Boule" or "Petanque" court.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>10 Tons of Granite Dust to be Shoveled</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boule in the grass is not ideal here as the bowls just sink and leave big holes. Plus we need the grass for the putting flags! So, a proper area has been created to the right of the slipway and we are gradually raking and rolling to improve it. (When I say we......!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Mallard Ducklings 2014:</b> Crispy, our mummy mallard for 2014, had 8 ducklings on the grounds of Briar Cottages. She brings them several times a day to the loch garden to feed. As of today 30th April 2014, there are only 5 left. See 8 swimming beside our jetty in the video below. We swim here too in the summer. Sorry no photos. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">So far one duckling has been killed by a speeding car. The others have been taken by a big fat seagull with a smirk on its face. </span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ducklings Swim With Mum, Briar Cottage, Loch Earn</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5 Mallard Babies and Mum. They Let Me Get Closer Each Day</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> 70+ year old activity, Lochearnhead!</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boating On Loch Earn</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fraser took the rib out for an airing on 29th April 2014. It was a beautiful Monday morning and the loch was flat calm with fish jumping and the ospreys combing up and down the loch. Fraser says "this is what 70 year olds do in Lochearnhead". Won't be long before he takes it 6.5 miles to St Fillans to investigate how the new Loch Earn Brewery Hotel and Visitor Centre is coming along. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Improved WiFi at Briar Steading:</b> Another item on the continuous improvement agenda has been WiFi. The WiFi reception at Briar Steading was becoming critical as more and more guests have been using iPad which does not receive a WiFi signal as well as phones and laptops. We tried adding a large antenna to the booster which helped but eventually decided to hard wire. Fraser and I physically dug a 70 metre channel through concrete, mud and stone and crawled up and down buildings to secure the Ethernet cable at both ends before back filling. Quite satisfying. We now have a 100% perfect WiFi signal anywhere inside Briar Steading. Little Briar next, but can I wait for my back to recover?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">New Year is booked in both cottages. Looking forward to a busy season. There are a few short breaks and weeks left in the summer plus autumn winter. Please check our calendar here <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">www.stayatbriar.co.uk</a> or get in touch with me 07917 416 497 or Fraser 07876 212 505. If we are booked on the dates that you want then check out our neighbouring villages accommodation </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> here -</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://robroycountry.com/accommodation/enquiry.html">http://robroycountry.com/accommodation/enquiry.html</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Have a great Spring and keep in touch.</span></div>
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com0Lochearnhead, Stirling FK19 8PU, UK56.3856358 -4.27490360000001656.3680523 -4.3152441000000161 56.4032193 -4.2345631000000159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-31705154321072565162014-01-21T14:37:00.000-08:002014-01-23T01:23:03.113-08:00Loch Earn Beer, Fine Food and Film Lochearnhead<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px;"><b>Happy New Year From Kim and Fraser </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px;"><b>In the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Briar Cottages Loch Garden January Sunrise - Lochearnhead, Scotland</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_114">Both of our <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">self catering cottages</a> were full over Christmas and New Year. We had a busy week of parties, concerts, our village hall Hogmanay hop and Briar Cottages annual January 1st BBQ (with the help of our double garage for shelter and heat this year). Thankfully </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_245"><a href="http://mhor.net/mhor84-motel/">MHOR84</a> bar and restaurant kept open all winter. A welcoming lively stopping place offering tasty food all day. Under the guidance of famous chef Tom Lewis; fresh, reared, baked and grown ingredients are used in recipes. Thursday is folk night with an ever changing line up of musicians. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The popular venue attracts walkers, country sports enthusiasts, holidaymakers, journalists plus a few famous faces. Last week Gordon Buchanan was spotted there, filming in the area. He is quite famous following his amazing TV serious "The Bear Family and Me". I know many people who use his line "it's me bear" when trying to make peace with another human being! He also filmed polar bears as part of The BBC Frozen Planet series. I hope that he finds this section of <a href="http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/living/balquhidder-lochearnhead-strathyre/menu-id-202.html">The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park</a> and our amazing wildlife equally beautiful to film. Another film maker and photographer Tom Walker has been in the area. I am more than impressed with his landscape photography and am curious to know when and where we can see the results of whatever he is working on. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Mhor84 Motel, Restaurant and Bar, Balquhidder</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">MHOR84 d</span><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_149" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">isplayed a magnificent 4ft long Christmas cake in a glass cabinet from mid December. Every time I popped in it was at least a foot shorter (not guilty, but what a lovely fantasy). We get our Christmas cake made every year by a local lady, Carol. Sorry mum but it is the best home made Christmas cake ever. Full of cherries and goodies and we are not sure if you are allowed to drive after eating a slice. Once opened it gets eaten very quickly in case the alcohol evaporates.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><b><i>The Golden Larches Restaurant and Cafe A84</i></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px;"><a href="http://www.thegoldenlarches.com/">The Golden larches restaurant</a> a couple of miles from Briar Cottages on the A84 at <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/railway-heritage.html">Balquhidder Station</a>, stays open for long weekends in winter too. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;">They also offer take away food and beverages which makes them our nearest chippie. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">So our guests had a lovely choice of places to eat, drink and hear live music near by. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;">The Clachan Cottage Hotel is 150m from our door. Amanda and Robert in the</span><a href="http://www.lochearnhead-hotel.com/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;"> Lochearnhead Hotel </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;">(200m) take a well earned break with the family in winter and will open up again in February. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">We are lucky having a taxi and tour service in the village. The business </span><a href="http://www.highlandglentravel.co.uk/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">Highland Glen Travel</a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;"> is run by Lochearnhead locals George and Helen (Cunningham). They can offer bespoke tours or a list of routes to choose. They also operate the local Demand Responsive Taxi service. This means that you can travel to local villages between 9am and 9pm in a private hire vehicle for the same price as the bus. You can also hire a coach or taxi via Kingshouse Travel who operate </span><a href="http://www.kingshousetravel.com/buses/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">the local bus service </a><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">too.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_249" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Shopping Deliveries</b>: <a href="http://www.tesco.com/">Tesco</a> and <a href="http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/index.jsp">Sainsbury's</a> now deliver groceries to luxury Briar Steading and <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarlittle.htm">pet friendly Little Briar cottage</a> in addition to ASDA. So if you are thinking of a break you can plan your shopping ahead of schedule and have your goods delivered on arrival. We can help out by putting fridge and freezer goods away in the event of any travel delays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">The exciting buzz and news in the area is the opening of <a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/loch-earn-brewery-p882881">The Loch Earn Brewery</a>.</span> </b> Oh yes. We will have our own local micro brewery lovingly producing "Loch Earn Beer". Arran Brewery has bought the Drummond Hotel looking over Loch Earn at the east end in St Fillans. The owners are planning a micro brewery and visitor centre, 3 restaurants; including native chef made dishes that use Loch Earn Beer and 2 bars including a sushi bar. Word has it that they will produce a Scottish Saki too. The owners have the keys, the drinks licence and they have already employed a manager and some staff. They plan to open in April 2014. Fingers crossed that they meet their target. Can't wait to travel there by car, bus, taxi or our boat (They have a jetty in the loch garden too).</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Creagan House Strathyre owned by</b></i><br />
<i><b>Master Chef, Gordon Gunn and his wife Cherry</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Master Chef: </b></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gordon Gunn owner of <a href="http://www.creaganhouse.co.uk/">Creagan House restaurant</a> (in Strathyre 3.5 miles from Lochearhead A84) became a Master Chef last year. Together with his wife Cherry, the couple secured a </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_205" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taste our Best</b><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_208" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_215" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> quality assurance accreditation too. The scheme recognises businesses that </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_225" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">promote Scottish produce and </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_228"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">offer first quality food and drink. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_235"> A minimum of <b>40% of th</b></span><b>e menu must be Scottish produce</b><span id="yui_3_7_2_37_1390212839050_240"><b>. </b> Guests dine in a Baronial style hall and the fixed price menu's are exceptional value. Creagan House also features in <a href="http://scotland.trenchermans-guide.com/restaurants-with-rooms/creagan-house/">The Trenchermans Guide</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Homecoming Scotland:</b> 2014 is going to be a sensational year. Nothing to do with politics whatsoever, purely the wonderful list of events that will take place. Homecoming Scotland 2014 lasts all year and consists of thousands of events all over Scotland. The government has backed a TV commercial to promote </span>Scotland's<span style="text-align: justify;"> Homecoming and the opening scenes are of </span><a href="http://www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/" style="text-align: justify;">The Lochearnhead Highland Games</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span><b style="text-align: justify;">Seems like this is the region to film this year.</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> Anyone else interested? Our thatched cottage on the banks of Loch Earn would look great on film. You can see footage of our games field and competitors in the Homecoming </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/+KimProven/posts/KRv9Sxvyxky" style="text-align: justify;">TV advert here</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> but don't blink or you will miss </span>Lochearnhead<span style="text-align: justify;">. This year the </span>Balquhidder<span style="text-align: justify;">, </span>Strathyre<span style="text-align: justify;"> and </span>Lochearnhead<span style="text-align: justify;"> Highland games take place on July 26th 2014 from 12.00.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://battleofbannockburn.com/tickets/bannockburn-live/">Bannockburn Live</a> is one of the many Homecoming Scotland Events. It takes place 28-30th June. A new visitor centre has been built in Bannockburn 2 miles south of Stirling. This promises 3D battle re-enactments, feasts and more. The result of the battle is the least interesting part. The concept is to give visitors a real sense of what life was like, as though you have gone back to that era. There will also be a parade with thousands of pipers and more. <a href="http://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/">National Armed Forces Day</a> takes place on the same weekend. I am not sure if it is a wise decision to have two major events on the same weekend but it will certainly be busy and a challenge for tourism businesses. The Commonwealth Games will be under way in Glasgow July 23rd to August 3rd. Fraser and I are delighted to have secured tickets for one of the athletics days and we have some guests taking a break up here in addition to visiting the games. The Ryder Cup 2014 golf event is huge and the world will be watching. It take place 45 minutes from here in Gleneagles, Auchterarder. We are delighted to have had both self catering cottages booked for a while. A national crime writing festival and many other <a href="http://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/homecoming-scotland-2014/">events information can be found here.</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2Z7ofMPQxU/TGEuzcecylI/AAAAAAAAA-I/0DP0Ox7W76c/s1600/Frasers+first+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2Z7ofMPQxU/TGEuzcecylI/AAAAAAAAA-I/0DP0Ox7W76c/s1600/Frasers+first+fish.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Rare pic of Fraser fishing in garden, Loch Earn!</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Ducklings hatched at Briar Cottages </b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3opbBTiKyPOzvTpWWnYXU3HR8fxeT27Ypo65V7z3_ev86T_drh9fqHL4QPB3OjDnNsWax-WGc-h7SqIzF12srYGflQaG478JZetKD_jpp9vyki1wvJkjqS_6MGECKsSKSmHB7wx6rlVo/s1600/2013-12-29+09.39.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3opbBTiKyPOzvTpWWnYXU3HR8fxeT27Ypo65V7z3_ev86T_drh9fqHL4QPB3OjDnNsWax-WGc-h7SqIzF12srYGflQaG478JZetKD_jpp9vyki1wvJkjqS_6MGECKsSKSmHB7wx6rlVo/s1600/2013-12-29+09.39.01.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>bench near slipway, Briar Cottages</b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;">Much to look forward to. The </span><a href="http://www.drummondtroutfarm.co.uk/" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;">fishing season starts March 15 </a> M<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: justify;">allards will pair and seek a place to hatch their ducklings on our grounds while we wait for the return of the Osprey pairs. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Slipway Briar Cottages </b></i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Wishing you all the best for the forthcoming seasons. Please get in touch 01567 030 443 if we can quote for <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarcontact.htm#avail">holiday cottage availability</a> or with any questions about the cottages and area. Dates are booking up earlier than usual due to the number of events in Scotland and demand for self catering holidays.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Front garden, jetty, summer house on Loch Earn, Briar Cottages</b></i></td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px;">Kim and Fraser Proven</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lochearnhead</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">www.stayatbriar.co.uk</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>T: 01567 830 443</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>M: 07917 416 497</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">Twitter @Briarcottages</span></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To celebrate Homecoming 2014 and Scotland's special events programme, we are offering Briar Steading guests a bottle of Prosecco with chocolates for any 3 to 14 nights booked, before 31st January. If you are thinking about a first or return visit, secure your preferred dates with a deposit before 1st February. This applies to any 3-14 nights throughout 201</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 that are currently available.</span></b><br />
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-58896610611871165672013-08-21T08:41:00.001-07:002013-08-21T08:49:41.810-07:00Summer Holiday Spotlight on Briar Cottages Lochearnhead <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zA9LRpzbkK0/UhCiLZckl0I/AAAAAAAAEMo/FHjPT66Ivxc/s1600/Fraser+in+The+Classic+Morgan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fraser poses in guests classic Morgan at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead" border="0" height="464" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zA9LRpzbkK0/UhCiLZckl0I/AAAAAAAAEMo/FHjPT66Ivxc/s640/Fraser+in+The+Classic+Morgan.JPG" title="Fraser poses in guests classic Morgan at Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fraser poses in guests Morgan outside Briar Cottages</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a summer at Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottages on Loch Earn</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No.. Fraser has not bought a Classic Morgan he just fancies himself in one and a guest allowed him a few seconds of make believe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">School kids are back but summer is not over in Lochearnhead. The Loch Earn 6.5 mile and 1 mile open water swimming championships take place on 24th and 25th August at The Lochearnhead Water Sports Centre. The Horticultural Show in the Lochearnhead Village Hall is on the 31st August and the Village Hall's 25th anniversary party is on the 7th September.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This summer the weather was hot and we had many weeks without rain. The stream running the length of Briar Cottages dried out. So, no doggy splash pool (other than Loch Earn of course). Not a drop in the mini waterfall behind Briar Steading for a while either. In fact Loch Earn has been so warm this year that Fraser and I have been swimming from the garden - sorry no pictures (at least I hope not).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The master boat for water skiiers has hardly stopped at <a href="http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/">The Lochearnhead Water Sports</a> Centre. Captain Martijn has had a steady stream from beginners to professionals, water skiing and wakeboarding, while Laura in the café has been making extra Panini's and cake to keep locals and visitors happy. Personal favourites are the chocolate chip shortbread and the toffee sponge. <u><strong>Inside secret</strong>.</u> <em>Go to the water sports centre and ask Martijn or Laura for "<b>one of Fraser Proven's special coffees</b>". Make sure that you are over 18, not driving and that you like whisky!</em></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHvG-Yzl71k/UhClRKq9VcI/AAAAAAAAENo/2p-qQPfmRvA/s1600/Clan+March+Highland+Games+Lochearnhead+July+2013.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iHvG-Yzl71k/UhClRKq9VcI/AAAAAAAAENo/2p-qQPfmRvA/s320/Clan+March+Highland+Games+Lochearnhead+July+2013.MOV" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The BLS <a href="http://www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/">Highland Games in Lochearnhead</a> were absolutely fantastic this year. The games take place on a Saturday in July every year (<i>Date for your diary 26th July 2014</i>). This year we enjoyed a record turn out, blue skies, Visit Scotland filmed a kilted heavy weight competitor for TV and a stunt pilot spun and looped the loop over head for the finale. See my video snippet of this years parade by McNabs, McLarens and MacGregors .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another date for your diary next year is the Sunday the day after the Highland Games. If you are a </span><a href="http://www.clanmaclarensociety.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">McLaren, </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you will be rallied by your chief to "Creag an Tuirc" - meaning The Boars Rock- behind Balqhuidder Church. In the afternoon, however, you will spot chief Donald McLaren playing football in Lochearnhead for the married versus single men's local charity challenge. I made my debut performance for the married ladies this year (no pics... phew!). The married ladies scored all 4 goals. Not bad, however the result was 3 - 1 to the married ladies. The first own goal was a tactic to let the singles think we were soft!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRNU2xvKJTw/UhCiCaGtnqI/AAAAAAAAEMk/nja69YdtbZ4/s1600/Jester+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Fraser Proven as The Jester" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QRNU2xvKJTw/UhCiCaGtnqI/AAAAAAAAEMk/nja69YdtbZ4/s320/Jester+001.JPG" title="Fraser Proven as The Jester" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fraser Proven as The Jester</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif01e1I0DNE2i6tsvgMHht4NQ3YJmcS6glj15GRPm_iOoIgK0fMu6hcDB6_Zj7_ysYUwPKBp1ZJuMj_szOAt7E-PYbEj7uC4JeVc5QN8Kx3ZtMiwi6q8tJ4eDlct894UozxeqtLFfvnDs/s1600/Jester+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Kim Proven as M'lady" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif01e1I0DNE2i6tsvgMHht4NQ3YJmcS6glj15GRPm_iOoIgK0fMu6hcDB6_Zj7_ysYUwPKBp1ZJuMj_szOAt7E-PYbEj7uC4JeVc5QN8Kx3ZtMiwi6q8tJ4eDlct894UozxeqtLFfvnDs/s320/Jester+002.JPG" title="Kim Proven as M'lady" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kim Proven as M'Lady</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> During Games week, Fraser and I attended a fancy dress in the village much to the hilarity of our guests who made us parade before them. The theme was Medieval night. I managed to turn a duvet cover and pillow case into a graceful M'lady outfit using a staple gun for hems. Fraser was perfectly cast as the jester no less. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last weeks fancy dress was a "School Dinners" theme at a neighbours garden on the loch. We were served up mince, dough balls and cabbage followed by jam sponge, toffee tart with chocolate bits on top and pink and chocolate custard. Much tastier than I remember. I won best dressed as the school janitor in my dungarees and cap and Fraser picked up the prize for the naughtiest boy. If you remember Terry Scott in the Curly Wurly advert you can imagine Fraser in shorts, blazer, school tie, cap and also wearing a mischievous grin.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nIjvA5aWCI/UhCiT4EwlaI/AAAAAAAAEMw/vk1RRDx5Eic/s1600/Ducklings+Briar+Steading.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nIjvA5aWCI/UhCiT4EwlaI/AAAAAAAAEMw/vk1RRDx5Eic/s320/Ducklings+Briar+Steading.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ThIs picture is of two of the ducklings that hatched in Briar Steading's garden this year. The photo is by 14 year old guest Corey Booker who kindly sent the image to me to share. I love this shot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One footed duck "Peggy" (guests named her and her partner Peg and Greig) nested on the grass roof of our thatched cottage again but sadly no show from any ducklings rolling down the roof.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next year promises to be eventful in Scotland. We have a number of events lined up in Lochearnhead for 2014 and guests are already booking accommodation here in order to attend The Ryder Cup 2014 golf championships at Gleneagles, The Commonwealth Games 2014 in Glasgow, Bannockburn and Homecoming Scotland 2014 and The Balquhidder, Strathyre and Lochearnhead Highland Games. So, regular guests, please consider any special dates and term times that you would like to secure now and let us know. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you again to everyone who has sent photographs to me and to those of you who share them on TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The summer is not over and we are looking forward to meeting many new visitors to the area. We already have a booking for NewYear week in pet friendly Little Briar so have a think about <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Autumn, Winter, Christmas and New Year self catering breaks</a> if you can stomach the thought. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great Autumn and keep in touch here as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Briarcottages">Briar Cottages Facebook</a> page and via my Twitter address @Briarcottages.</span> <br />
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<strong>NB: If you are into Twitter, look out for </strong><a href="http://www.scotlandhour.com/"><strong>#Scotlandhour</strong></a><strong> where Scotland's accommodation, hospitality attractions and events businesses share tourism information covering many subjects and sharing all that Scotland has to offer visitors. Check it out on the last Wednesday of every month from 9pm-10pm </strong><br />
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.Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com4Briar Cottages, Loch Earn in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park56.386551254195481 -4.271042346954345756.385452254195478 -4.273563846954346 56.387650254195485 -4.2685208469543454tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-72834708723075899922013-07-08T23:14:00.000-07:002013-07-17T06:09:02.723-07:00A List Scottish Hollywood Actor and and other native species captured by Briar Cottages Guests <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Njc8b5HSfNE/UduhkPjZNpI/AAAAAAAAEHU/4YoWzdIPVTA/s1600/Deer+spotted+in+garden+early+evening+June+26th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Njc8b5HSfNE/UduhkPjZNpI/AAAAAAAAEHU/4YoWzdIPVTA/s320/Deer+spotted+in+garden+early+evening+June+26th.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer spotted in the garden by R White</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIlVXsFD_kg/UduhrRXB3eI/AAAAAAAAEHc/CtwP0G8ARXY/s1600/Briar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIlVXsFD_kg/UduhrRXB3eI/AAAAAAAAEHc/CtwP0G8ARXY/s320/Briar+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double rainbow over Briar Cottage from Briar Steading- A Mackenzie</td></tr>
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Fraser and I are always humbled by the magnificent photographs and helpful comments that guests take time to send to us and for <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g551941-d1086533-Reviews-Briar_Cottages-Lochearnhead_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html">TripAdvisor</a> and <a href="https://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041">Holiday Lettings review pages</a>. New guests often comment that reviews and pictures help them to match what they desire from a holiday and location. Thank you to everyone who has given me permission to use their pictures on my blog and social media sites. Some guests use professional cameras that can capture the ospreys in flight, for example, however we are delighted to see all photos even if they are taken on a mobile phone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV_PG9cz_kSePOUGdigcDwCzyG-LqwD47P2dm4eqzPyhBeMFg2NWgzC1VhI0Uq-r_BnrZhTTpfh0MiGp-CGhqQfgOeau-_q7QTjyqW2mNLAVvVa27ABif2tfkreO9_rdbgJH-MPa-rKs/s1600/Gerard+Butler+with+guests+from+www.stayatbriar.co.uk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIV_PG9cz_kSePOUGdigcDwCzyG-LqwD47P2dm4eqzPyhBeMFg2NWgzC1VhI0Uq-r_BnrZhTTpfh0MiGp-CGhqQfgOeau-_q7QTjyqW2mNLAVvVa27ABif2tfkreO9_rdbgJH-MPa-rKs/s320/Gerard+Butler+with+guests+from+www.stayatbriar.co.uk.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briar Steading guests meet Gerard Butler at The Four Seasons Hotel, Loch Earn by Fareshta</td></tr>
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Guests have captured deer, ospreys and other birds. Last weeks guests managed to photograph a native species that was very special indeed. Having journeyed from Bahrain for their first family holiday in Scotland, they asked where they should go locally to experience Scottish salmon that was "beautifully cooked with a nice recipe" They had already been wowed by the tasty food at <a href="http://mhor.net/mhor-84/">MHOR84 in Balquhidder</a> so I suggested <a href="http://www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk/map-of-perthshire/st-fillans-hotel/">The Four Seasons Hotel at St Fillans</a> overlooking Loch Earn. They were pleased with the recommendation and enjoyed their meal, however there was a bonus surprise. The sons in the family spotted a familiar face in the restaurant. They told their parents that an A list Hollywood actor was in the restaurant. The parents were sure that they must be mistaken, however the waitress confirmed that it was indeed <b>Gerard Butler.</b> He was made aware of their presence and invited them to have a chat after dinner. Even better, he kindly posed with them for the photograph shown. This was their first family holiday in Scotland. They feel very lucky to have met one of Scotland's most successful actors who was approachable and generous with his time in the true spirit of Scottish hospitality.<br />
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Some more wonderful guest pics!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PuIcJipjEY/UdudAHqt9CI/AAAAAAAAEG8/l31kR2Ybhto/s1600/S+Meridith+-Osprey+fishing+Loch+Earn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PuIcJipjEY/UdudAHqt9CI/AAAAAAAAEG8/l31kR2Ybhto/s200/S+Meridith+-Osprey+fishing+Loch+Earn.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Osprey fishing Loch Earn -Merediths</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E8nHFqJNKw/UeaWbJF4rCI/AAAAAAAAEJM/oYTYgG_v5PM/s1600/Panorama+Lochearnhead.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--E8nHFqJNKw/UeaWbJF4rCI/AAAAAAAAEJM/oYTYgG_v5PM/s400/Panorama+Lochearnhead.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic View from Briar Steading by S Paton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWSyz_QW1EQ2N1YsJbuuCUko7N30uFeLmeTfjoraPoKY0lj1Tom-8NVzmTmnXvBR3le81fR6gPJcR7_SRD6MoCBPzI97LFgCmiMuUN2z-VWgS3YX6e2VEd_1fjhO-T0PEytPLnmSVVOM/s1600/Briar+Steading+patio+-Meridiths.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWSyz_QW1EQ2N1YsJbuuCUko7N30uFeLmeTfjoraPoKY0lj1Tom-8NVzmTmnXvBR3le81fR6gPJcR7_SRD6MoCBPzI97LFgCmiMuUN2z-VWgS3YX6e2VEd_1fjhO-T0PEytPLnmSVVOM/s320/Briar+Steading+patio+-Meridiths.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from west gable, Briar Steading- Meridiths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHZC3mzd245HWpqD2ncw8rwDrY6CE8lGP4spuJjxTnediZL1zZ6gipJKb_1hamb71BmHMjkSVZxWDda_gsosv1NVE3Bj4II_40qNT7VD39nXbrglSYU2B9j0UVED8P6Zpqm-OuWNY_iQ/s1600/Loch+Garden+-Meridiths.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHZC3mzd245HWpqD2ncw8rwDrY6CE8lGP4spuJjxTnediZL1zZ6gipJKb_1hamb71BmHMjkSVZxWDda_gsosv1NVE3Bj4II_40qNT7VD39nXbrglSYU2B9j0UVED8P6Zpqm-OuWNY_iQ/s320/Loch+Garden+-Meridiths.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meridith family enjoy Loch Earn from garden<br />
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<h2>
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g551941-d1086533-Reviews-Briar_Cottages-Lochearnhead_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html">TripAdvisor Comments:</a></h2>
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 623px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 4494; mso-width-source: userset; width: 95pt;" width="126"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 13397; mso-width-source: userset; width: 283pt;" width="377"></col>
<col style="mso-width-alt: 4266; mso-width-source: userset; width: 90pt;" width="120"></col>
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<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl67" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt; width: 95pt;" width="126"></td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 283pt;" width="377"></td>
<td class="xl69" style="width: 90pt;" width="120"></td>
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<td class="xl67" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;"></td>
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<td class="xl69"></td>
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<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">25 May 2013 </td>
<td class="xl71">Utterly perfect</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">18 May 2013 </td>
<td class="xl71">Little Briar Cottage</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">19-Apr-13</td>
<td class="xl71">The best cottage view in Scotland</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
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<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Feb-13</td>
<td class="xl71">Excellent, Cannot Fault It</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">11 Dec 2012 </td>
<td class="xl71">Great wee cottage in perfect location</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">10 Dec 2012 </td>
<td class="xl71">5-star accommodation and hosts</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">19 Nov 2012 </td>
<td class="xl71">Will take your breath away!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">27-Oct-12</td>
<td class="xl71">Cosy cottage, picturesque views and...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Sep-12</td>
<td class="xl71">Beautiful setting, lovely accommodation...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">29-Jul-12</td>
<td class="xl71">Just what the doctor ordered</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">24-Jul-12</td>
<td class="xl71">Wonderful holiday at Briar Cottages</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">20-Jul-12</td>
<td class="xl71">Marvellous place!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">20-Jul-12</td>
<td class="xl71">What a place!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">27 May 2012 </td>
<td class="xl71">Bliss!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">21 Mar 2012 </td>
<td class="xl71">Simply the best!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">17 Nov 2011 </td>
<td class="xl71">Superb Accommodation, location and Hosts </td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Nov-11</td>
<td class="xl71">It's the real deal</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">26-Sep-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Can't wait to go back</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">25-Sep-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Excellent holiday</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">08-Sep-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Lovely place high quality accommodation</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">06-Sep-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Can't wait to be back!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">27 Aug 2011 </td>
<td class="xl71">We wish we were still there.</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">07-Aug-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Plan to return!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">03-Aug-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Yet again superb ready to book for the...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">11-Jul-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Absolutely stunning - could not be...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">04-Jul-11</td>
<td class="xl71">A truly wonderful wee break</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">06-Jun-11</td>
<td class="xl71">The best</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Jun-11</td>
<td class="xl71">I don't want to go home</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Jun-11</td>
<td class="xl71">What an amazing place! Kim and Frazer... </td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
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<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">04-Jun-11</td>
<td class="xl71">I don't want to go home</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">17-Apr-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Perfect holiday</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">29 Mar 2011 </td>
<td class="xl71">Perfect weekend away!</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">27-Feb-11</td>
<td class="xl71">perfect</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Jan-11</td>
<td class="xl71">Fabulous cottage with beautiful...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Jan-11</td>
<td class="xl71">I wish I was there now</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">13 Nov 2010 </td>
<td class="xl71">Ideal break</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">19-Oct-10</td>
<td class="xl71">Everything just right and better</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">19-Sep-10</td>
<td class="xl71">An unforgettable experience</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">30 Aug 2010 </td>
<td class="xl71">Too good to miss</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">01-Aug-10</td>
<td class="xl71">So relaxing, can I come again</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">22-Jul-10</td>
<td class="xl71">Lovely wee cottage in beautiful location</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">03-Jul-10</td>
<td class="xl71">Simply the best cottage, hosts and...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">19-Jun-10</td>
<td class="xl71">Chance travellers</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">29-Apr-10</td>
<td class="xl71">An exceptional holiday for the whole...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-Apr-10</td>
<td class="xl71">Great break [Again!!!]</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">03-Mar-10</td>
<td class="xl71">a wee piece of heaven</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">25-Oct-09</td>
<td class="xl71">Great location at any time</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">02-Sep-09</td>
<td class="xl71">Best of the best.</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">05-May-09</td>
<td class="xl71">THE PERFECT GETAWAY</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl70" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">16 Mar 2009 </td>
<td class="xl71">A wonderful view - the best of hosts too</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">27-Feb-09</td>
<td class="xl71">What holidays are meant to be...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">22-Feb-09</td>
<td class="xl71">A perfect retreat in a postcard...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">04-Jan-09</td>
<td class="xl71">Better than advertised</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">28-Sep-08</td>
<td class="xl71">A Taste Of Scotland</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">23-Sep-08</td>
<td class="xl71">Fantastic accommodation in a stunning...</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">15-Sep-08</td>
<td class="xl71">Loved our stay</td>
<td class="xl71">4 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
<tr height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">
<td class="xl72" height="25" style="height: 18.6pt;">22-Jun-08</td>
<td class="xl71">Lovely Cottages On Loch Erin.</td>
<td class="xl71">5 of 5 stars </td>
</tr>
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<div class="review_display_holder" id="review_row_117249067" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; border-bottom-left-radius: 4px; border-bottom-right-radius: 4px; border-top-left-radius: 4px; border-top-right-radius: 4px; border: 1px solid rgb(214, 235, 255); font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 5px; text-align: left;">
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<span class="quotes" style="color: #3399ff; font-size: 20px;">“</span>Location, Location, Location!!<span class="quotes" style="color: #3399ff; font-size: 20px;">”</span></div>
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My wife and I and two friends have just returned from a long, bank holiday weekend at Briar Stedding (the larger of the two cottages) under the Briar Cottage banner.<br />
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Hosts Kim and Fraser... <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041#" id="review-more-117249067" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;">more</a></div>
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08 May 2013</td><td class="review_cell" style="font-size: 9pt; padding-left: 5px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: inherit; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span class="quotes" style="color: #3399ff; font-size: 20px;">“</span>Fantastically welcoming and with a view<span class="quotes" style="color: #3399ff; font-size: 20px;">”</span></div>
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This is a brilliant place to stay, the view over the loch, and the comfort of the cottage plus the friendly welcome and help received. A stag was a regular visitor, along with many birds including an... <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041#" id="review-more-117249070" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;">more</a></div>
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<b>Response:</b><br />
Fraser and I are delighted that you enjoyed the comfort and scenery that Briar Steading offers and it was a pleasure to have you here. We are lucky to offer an all year round scenic destination... <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041#" id="review-more-117249070" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;">more</a></div>
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26 Jan 2013</td><td class="review_cell" style="font-size: 9pt; padding-left: 5px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: inherit; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span class="quotes" style="color: #3399ff; font-size: 20px;">“</span>If you look up tranquillity in the dictionary you will see a picture of Briar Cottages<span class="quotes" style="color: #3399ff; font-size: 20px;">”</span></div>
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2 couples stayed for the weekend in mid January and loved everything about the place. A modern well equipped cottage that was immaculately clean. What can I say about the views, just loved sitting... <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041#" id="review-more-117249073" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;">more</a></div>
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<b>Response:</b><br />
Thank you very much. We are delighted that you enjoyed the experience and comforts of Briar Steading on your short break. We loved your dictionary reference. Look forward to welcoming you back to... <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041#" id="review-more-117249073" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;">more</a></div>
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com4Lochearnhead, Stirling FK19, UK56.388758 -4.28611356.388208500000005 -4.2873735 56.3893075 -4.2848525tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-51709470687380781642013-05-09T09:54:00.001-07:002013-05-09T10:18:09.903-07:00Lochearnhead Events, Wildlife On Our Doorstep and Frasers latest construction <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What on earth is Fraser Proven up to now?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Any ideas?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did you guess?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Frasers Couch! Can you spot the red squirrel?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check the close up below</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone else would call this a garden bench but Frasers says its a "couch". Four people can sit here. Of course it's not a real red squirrel. We don't have to glue resin animals to our garden as there really are red squirrels in the area. Be careful if you spot them on the road though as they are slow to cross. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our friend Tony runs the local wildlife watch centre in Strathyre. If you don't want to leave wildlife spotting to chance, book a session with him for around £15 and he will take you to camera hides focused on red squirrels, pine martins and badgers. He knows where the otters are too! You can also book a "birding weekend" to get familiar with the sight and sound of seasonal birds. Natural Trossachs is an eco friendly wildlife watch business where they run special activity weekends like, birding and bushcraft skills (handy outdoor survival skills). See more here <a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/">http</a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a></a></a></a></a></a></span><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: large;">://www.naturaltrossachs.co.</span></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/">uk</a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If</span><span style="font-size: large;"> you prefer to go off road in a Land Rover, then check out Hidden Glen Safaris. Owner Alan will pick you up from Briar Cottages and take you to well known parts of Balquhidder Glen to look for eagles, deer, foxes and more. The picturesque terrain was the final stomping grounds of Rob Roy McGregor </span><a href="http://www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from £28 per person.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The deer have been spotted around Lochearnhead all winter and they leave evidence every night in our gardens. Normally they go back up the hills however this lot are enjoying local pickings. Briar Cottages offers a lovely grassy paddock to the rear. The deer and stags love our flowers and laurel bushes appeal to their taste too. They are in our garden most nights and sometimes during the day much to the delight of guests that report sightings.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer visit Lochearnhead regularly<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are extremely lucky to have ospreys fishing all summer. They come back from Africa at the beginning of May and will be here throughout the summer. Briar Cottages offers a 250 foot loch garden and both cottages face south over Loch Earn so our guests have front row seats. Watch ospreys fishing all summer. It is useful to have a camera around here at all times. The swallows are back too and the mallards have had their first ducklings. One mother has been feeding here all winter. She only has 2 ducklings left however she brings them to the garden every day several times so that we can help to feed them. We can't look out for them all the time. They are under threat from other creatures and the trunk roads if drivers don't see them. Our mother duck has an extra challenge. She only has one foot. We call her "hoppy". I hope that is not duckist or mallardist as she is named with affection.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fraser celebrating the 1st day of the fishing season<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The fishing season is well under way however we could do with temperatures rising a bit for more trout to surface. This picture was taken on 15th March when Fraser decided to celebrate the start of the fishing season. He celebrates most days to be fair!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a week or two the sea plane will be a familiar sight on Loch Earn, based at The Lochearnhead Water Sports Centre. Guests can enjoy the regular take off and landings by qualified pilots who are learning or improving sea plane and mountain flying skills.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaIUjD6fqw_lCgh_3POZawNoeqYqiFeBgEQFmLThE3BSQOLm-mqN-CduNfoNxYG9VxK7twyWn3QpZnXiFUJkZL91x8LMN8bxJG8IqBhonHz7OuLpzJo_3CF6rICNJ-MzBrZWQKlvxSzg/s1600/Seaplane+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaIUjD6fqw_lCgh_3POZawNoeqYqiFeBgEQFmLThE3BSQOLm-mqN-CduNfoNxYG9VxK7twyWn3QpZnXiFUJkZL91x8LMN8bxJG8IqBhonHz7OuLpzJo_3CF6rICNJ-MzBrZWQKlvxSzg/s320/Seaplane+026.JPG" width="211" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Lochearnhead photographer<br />
Alistair Barclay of Alba virtual tours<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Power Skiing Event: </strong>On the 24th May we see the return of the formula one power boat ski race. Witness all ages of people skiing at up to 110 miles per hour. No mistake, they really go that fast.See </span><a href="http://www.skirace.net/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.skirace.net</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/activities-to-make-you-feel-alive/"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/activities-to-make-you-feel-alive/C">http</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/activities-to-make-you-feel-alive/</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null">C</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Food and Drink?</strong> Great news. <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/mhor84">MHOR84</a> has opened up 3 miles down the A84 from Lochearnhead. Chef Tom Lewis has woven his magic once again along with his wife Lisa and siblings Dick and Melanie. They have taken over the old Kingshouse Hotel, whitewashed it and created a Motel with fresh, very tasty and great value food. You can eat most of the day. Drop in for breakfast, snacks, soups, Illy coffee and home made cakes and main meals too. A great place for ramblers and walkers to gather for tea and well behaved dogs can sit on the wooden floors under your table. The Golden Larches restaurant on the A84 has been taken over by husband and wife team Alistair and Alida. In addition to all day food, snacks and beverages in the restaurant or conservatory, you can now order takeaway fish or scampi and chips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Next years events:</strong> Briar Steading has already been booked for The Ryder Cup 2014 and The Highland Games 2014 however Little Briar is still available. We are hoping that some Commonwealth Games enthusiasts will take a short break up this way while they are in Scotland. After all, we are only an hour and 15 minutes from Glasgow. Give us a call if your need <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">luxury and pet friendly accommodation</a> for a week or short break 01567 830 443 throughout the year in any season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Catch up with more of my news on Twitter @Briarcottages </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>For other Whats On events in the area:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></strong></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">May
16th</span></span></span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Golf
Senior Men's Open. </strong></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">St Fillans Golf
Club St Fillans<strong></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact
:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> TEL:01764
685312 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Email
:</strong> </span><a href="mailto:Stfillansgolf@aol.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none;"><u>Stfillansgolf@aol.com</u></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">,
</span><a href="http://www.st-fillans-golf.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none;"><u>http://www.st-fillans-golf.com</u></span></a><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">,</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time :
</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">All Day
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">To enter please
send your details along with a cheque to the club: St Fillans Golf Club, South
Loch, Earn Road, St Fillans, Perthshire, PH6 2NJ. Visitors are welcome at St
Fillans Golf Club which is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of
Scotland surrounded by magnificent lochs and towering mountains. The terrain is
quite level in spite of the imposing hills that surround the course. It is
popular with beginners yet proves to be a difficult course to score well on for
the more experienced player. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>May 24th-26th</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Event: Birding Weekend</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Venue: Strathyre Outdoor Centre</strong></span></div>
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<strong>Event:</strong> Learn about the call of birds. <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Watchbirds from a distance in the various habitats; woodland, marshes & moorland, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Identify birds by sight with visual ID, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> bat detection, P</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">re breakfast bird walks</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Price £205 with food and accommodation £150 without. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Contact: </strong><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/page4.htm" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.naturaltrossachs.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">co.uk</span></strong></span></u></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">May
25</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup>
and 26<sup>th</sup> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: British Power
Boat Water Skiing, Loch Earn</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: The
Lochearnhead Water Sports Centre, Lochearnhead.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price:
</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Free to
spectate<strong></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact
</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Laura and
Martin </span><a href="http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><u>http://www.lochearnhead-<wbr></wbr>watersports-centre.com</u></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> and <a href="http://www.skirace.net/british-racing-calender2013" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.skirace.net/</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">british-racing-calender2013</span></span></u></a>
</span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:
</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">12.00<strong></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Witness up to
30 power boats pulling brave water skiers at speeds of 70 to 110 miles per hour.
</span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">JUNE
</span></u></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">June
1</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>st</sup>/2<sup>nd</sup></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Strathyre
Music Festival</strong> </span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: Various
including The Inn at Strathyre, Creagan House, Strathyre Village
Hall</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
(TBA)</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Ken Higgens
</span><a href="http://balvaig.co.uk/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://balvaig.co.uk/index.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">html</span></span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> All Day
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Strathyre's 1st
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Music Festival,
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">hosted by local
group Balvaig who have invited another 100 entertainers to join them in creating
a memorable music festival. Showcasing an eclectic mix of local and
international musicians to suit a variety of musical tastes.</span></div>
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</div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">June
8</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Even</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">St Fillans Golf
Club</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price:
</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">See
website</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> All Day from
8.00</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">please send
your details along with a cheque to the club: St Fillans Golf Club, South Loch,
Earn Road, St Fillans, Perthshire, PH6 2NJ </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Visitors are
welcome at St Fillans Golf Club which is situated in one of the most beautiful
parts of Scotland surrounded by magnificent lochs and towering mountains. The
terrain is quite level in spite of the imposing hills that surround the course.
It is popular with beginners yet proves to be a difficult course to score well
on for the more experienced player. </span></div>
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</div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">June
12th</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Ben
Sheann Hill Race</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Strathyre
register at The Inn</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> : <a href="http://stucachroin5000.org.uk/bensheann/the_ben_sheann_race.html" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://stucachroin5000.org.uk/</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">bensheann/the_ben_sheann_race.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">html</span></span></u></a></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time
</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">7.30 -9.30pm
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The 4km course
climbs steeply through forest looping around the summit of An Sidhean before
descending back through the forest. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The climb is
426m. </span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">June
22nd</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event The
Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge (All Day)</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: Starts at
Drymen</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Charity
Event</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> WildFox Events
on 01567 820409</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The Rob Roy
Challenge is one of the most successful fundraising events in Scotland. 55 miles
of the Rob Roy Way are covered by teams and individuals. A 16 mile walk from
Drymen through the Trossachs to Callander is follwoed by a 39 mile cycle to
Kenmore via Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead. </span></div>
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</div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">June
29</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup>
and 30th</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">:
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Lochearnhead
Shears, Scotlands Premier Sheep Shearing
Competition</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: Lochearnhead
Games Field, Lochearnhead</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price:
</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">£6</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Saturday
4pm, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Sunday- Heats
9am, hand shears 12 noon, Finals 5.00pm + Crook making</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Ceilidh Dance
30th June 9.00pm -1.00am</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: Colin
McGregor Tel:01567 830236 Email :<a href="mailto:carstraancroft@btinternet.com" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">carstraancroft@btinternet.com</span></span></u></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Url: </span><a href="http://www.lochearnheadshears/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.lochearnheadshears</span></span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This annual
event is one of the larger sheep shearing competitions in the UK. Now in its
20th year. International sheep shearers will arrive in Lochearnhead with the
aim of taking the revered "Scottish Blackface Shearing Champion" title.
Blackface sheep are predominant in this region. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The flighty
nature and coarse wool of this mountain breed can be very challenging requiring
extra skills. Expect a strong representation from Europe this year for a
preliminary European Championship . A lively dance ends the weekend. Licensed
Bar and Food all Day </span></div>
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</div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u><br /></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">JULY</span></u></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">July
3</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>rd</sup>
</span></strong></div>
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E<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">vent:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Golf,
Ladies Open, St Fillans</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: St Fillans
Golf Club, St Fillans</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contac</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">t: Managing
Secretary: 01764 685312 email :<a href="mailto:Stfillansgolf@aol.com" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Stfillansgolf@aol.com</span></span></u></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Url: </span><a href="http://www.st-fillans-golf.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.st-fillans-golf.com</span></span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> 8.30am (All
Day)</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">To enter please
send your details along with a cheque to the club: St Fillans Golf Club, South
Loch, Earn Road, St Fillans, Perthshire, PH6 2NJ. Visitors are welcome at
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">St Fillans Golf
Club which is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland surrounded
by magnificent lochs and towering mountains. The terrain is quite level in spite
of the imposing hills that surround the course. It is popular with beginners yet
proves to be a difficult course to score well on for the more experienced
player. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">July
14</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup>
-18<sup>th</sup> August (Sundays weekly )</span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:
</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Balquhidder
Summer Classical Music Programme, Balquhidder</strong>
</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Balquhidder
Parish Church, Balquhidder.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Summer Music
concerts throughout the summer celebrating classical music through the talents
of a number of young, up and coming musicians. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Parking
available around the church. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
7pm</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contac</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">t Wouter Van
Doom Email :<a href="mailto:bsm.chairman@gmail.com" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">bsm.chairman@gmail.com</span></span></u></a>
</span><a href="http://www.balquhiddersummermusic.org.uk4/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">balquhiddersummermusic.org.uk</span></span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">July
20</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup></span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>BLS
Highland Games Lochearnhead ( </strong></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Balquhidder,
Lochearnhead, & Strathyre Highland Games</span></strong><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">)</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Lochearnhead
Games Field, Lochearnhead</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> £5 entrance
ticket on the day</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
12.30</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Alex
Gargolinski. Tel: 01567 830 231 Email :<a href="mailto:gus.dundhu@btinternet.com" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">gus.dundhu@btinternet.com</span></span></u></a>
</span><a href="http://www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">uk</span></span></u></span></a></div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">A thrilling and
traditional Highland Games in the magnificent setting of Lochearnhead beside
Loch Earn in the lands of MacGregor, McLaren, MacNab, Stewart and
Campbell. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The traditional
events often attract world champions though visitors and locals can take part in
the open events. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This is a
terrific day out for all the family whether you want to watch the caber being
tossed, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">listen to the
bagpipes, enjoy the highland dancers or take part in the married ladies
sprint! </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">AUGUST</span></u></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">August
31</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>st</sup>
</span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>BLS
Horticultural Society Annual Show - Lochearnhead</strong> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> The Village
Hall, Lochearnhead</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">:
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Adults £1
(includes tea and cake/biscuits), children go FREE</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
2-4pm</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Pauline
Perkins 01877 384228 <a href="mailto:email%3Apollyp1@btinternet.com" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">email:pollyp1@btinternet.com</span></span></u></a></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Come along and
experience the (BLS) Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre annual
Horticultural Show where locals showcase their growing and craft skills.
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">A number of
classes are judged by an external panel including pot plants,
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">flowers, fruit
and veg, floral art, </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">kindred
activities (also know locally as "industrial engineering" but good old fashioned
baking to most of us!), handy craft and an </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">art
section. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The
presentation of trophies will be at 3.30.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><u>SEPTEMBER</u></span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">September
14</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup></span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Gents
Open St Fillans Golf Club, St Fillans</strong> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> St Fillans
Golf Club</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: All
Day</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Managing
Secretary, Tel:01764 685312 Email :<a href="mailto:Stfillansgolf@aol.com" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Stfillansgolf@aol.com</span></span></u></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Url: </span><a href="http://www.st-fillans-golf.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.st-fillans-golf.com</span></span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">To enter please
send your details along with a cheque to the club: St Fillans Golf Club, South
Loch, Earn Road, St Fillans, Perthshire, PH6 2NJ Visitors are welcome at
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">St Fillans Golf
Club which is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland surrounded
by magnificent lochs and towering mountains. The terrain is quite level in spite
of the imposing hills that surround the course. It is popular with beginners yet
proves to be a difficult course to score well on for the more experienced
player. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><u>OCTOBER</u></span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">October
12</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup>/13th</span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Scottish
Aeromodellers "Splash In" (Radio Controlled Water Planes) - Lochearnhead
</strong></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: Loch Earn -
(Lochearnhead </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Watersports and
Activities Centre)</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">:
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Free to
spectate</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
10.00-16.00</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact:</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Colin McLean,
Tel:01592 569981 Email :<a href="mailto:cmacvulcan@blueyonder.co.uk" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">cmacvulcan@blueyonder.co.uk</span></span></u></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> Url: </span><a href="http://www.saaweb.org.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.saaweb.org.uk</span></span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Free to
spectate. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This is a very
impressive event that is suitable for all ages. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The setting is
the shores of Loch Earn in Lochearnhead against a backdrop of Glenample,
Edinample castle and an island that was once a Crannog (dwelling house in the
water at the time of the Picts).Come along </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">and be amazed
by the enthusiastic flying skills of Aeromodellers Association members.
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This event is
run under the auspices of the Scottish Aeromodellers Association as a "Fly
in". </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">SAA members
attend and fly a wide variety of radio controlled model water planes, large and
small, over two days. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This is not
just boys and there toys. It takes a great deal of skill and training to do what
this team does. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">You will love
the variety of planes. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">In the
interests of safety, the public is asked to remain in the "roped off" viewing
area. </span></div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">October
19</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><sup>th</sup>/20th</span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Event:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>Tracking
and Wildlife Weekend</strong></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Venue</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">: Strathyre
Outdoor Centre, Strathyre</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Price</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">:
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">£150 per
weekend or £75 per day (£10 discount if full weekend booked for)</span><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Time:</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">2 full days:
starts 19.00 on Friday night and ends 16:00 Sunday afternoon.</span><span lang="EN" style="color: grey; font-family: "Arial Narrow","sans-serif";"><br /></span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Main
lessons will be from 09:00 - 17:00 on Saturday and 09:00-16:00 on
Sunday</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Contact: <a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/page4.htm" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial Narrow;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.naturaltrossachs.</span><wbr></wbr><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">co.uk/page4.htm</span></span></u></a></span></strong></div>
<div align="justify">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Instructor Leon
is a qualified and experienced wildlife biologist with a BSc (hons) in Ecology
and a PhD based on otter research in Scotland. He has over 13 years field
experience, studying badgers, foxes, grouse & otters. In 2004, Leon
formalised his bushcraft interests and achieved a nationally accredited
qualification (with distinction)to teach the subject. This year long NCFE course
covered all aspects of leading groups, including </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">bushcraft
skills, understanding of the natural environment, teaching ability, knowledge of
legislation, health and safety.</span></div>
</span><br />
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2Little Briar, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863297 -4.271466799999984756.3687462 -4.3118072999999848 56.4039132 -4.2311262999999846tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-57161628680933780572013-03-01T02:23:00.000-08:002013-03-05T10:59:19.147-08:00Wildlife Watch Land Rover Safari Vouchers with Lochearnhead Cottages<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nINHc49sXM/UTYgB5yULGI/AAAAAAAADso/rM3QlDZSHlQ/s1600/100_2814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nINHc49sXM/UTYgB5yULGI/AAAAAAAADso/rM3QlDZSHlQ/s320/100_2814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mallard chicks feed at Briar Cottages</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p>To celebrate <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">Year Of Natural Scotland 2013, we are offering our guests vouchers for <a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.com/">Wildlife Watching </a>and for a <a href="http://www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk/">Land Rover Dawn Safari </a>experiences with local experts when you book a weeks holiday in April or May.</span></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You may have read about Year of Natural Scotland in the press. It is <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">a Scottish Government initiative being led by Event Scotland and Visit Scotland and supported by: key tourism related organisations; </span></span><a href="http://www.snh.gov.uk/" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Scottish Natural Heritage</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"> , <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></u></span></span></span><a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/" title="click here to visit the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Historic Scotland</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;">, <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></u></span></span></span><a href="http://www.creativescotland.com/" title="click here to visit the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Creative Scotland</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;">, <u><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Scotland’s National Parks ( </span></u></span><a href="http://www.cairngorms.co.uk/" title="click here to visit the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Cairngorms National Park</span></span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;"><u> and </u></span></span><a href="http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/" title="click here to visit the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"><u><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">), </span></u><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></u></span></span></span><a href="http://www.nts.org.uk/Home/" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">National Trust for Scotland</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"> , </span><a href="http://www.rbge.org.uk/" title="Link to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh website "><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"> , <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.scotlink.org/index.php" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Scottish Environment Link</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;">, <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Forestry Commission Scotland</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;">, <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.scotlandfoodanddrink.org/" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Scotland Food and Drink</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"> ,<span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/Directorates/marinescotland" title="click here to visit the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Marine Scotland</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;">, <span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.wild-scotland.org.uk/" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Wild Scotland</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"> ,<span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: blue;">Scottish Enterprise</span></span></a><span style="color: blue;"> and <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.hie.co.uk/" title="click here to go to the website"><span lang="EN" style="color: #0066cc; 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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With a 7 night holiday in Little Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottage Lochearnhead</a>, you will be given a <span style="color: #2d2d2d;">voucher for two adults to visit animal hides in The Trossachs. You can choose to look for pine martens, badgers, red squirrels, and otters. The experience starts at The Strathyre Outdoor Centre off the A84. This is also know as part of "The Rob Roy Way" and is on Scotland’s first national trail sponsored by GORE-TEX. Owner Anthony Phillips will welcome you to the centre and answer your queries before taking you to hide outs and viewing stations at the best time of day. <a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.com/" target="_blank"> See <span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></a><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.com%29%20for%20more%20information%20on/">www.naturaltrossachs.com</a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> for more information on </span> Natural Trossachs eco-tourism business </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYJrGR7iLOAfe7JTKFV0pVdMHrtekQ-UwNaExtkhX8426GhWO1LrIwN8idDOvJbCMAdVoWQ9IV0Wp6rticmDEHHahU_gUNXYQfrUAwHRXgO95BJ7Y2mdhMDgDSlh9SYLW4hFQQhVdjxw/s1600/100_3841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYJrGR7iLOAfe7JTKFV0pVdMHrtekQ-UwNaExtkhX8426GhWO1LrIwN8idDOvJbCMAdVoWQ9IV0Wp6rticmDEHHahU_gUNXYQfrUAwHRXgO95BJ7Y2mdhMDgDSlh9SYLW4hFQQhVdjxw/s320/100_3841.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">7 nights in May at our <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">luxury cottage</a> Briar Steading comes with a Land Rover Dawn Safari experience for two, with Hidden Glen Safaris. Local guide Alan Sneddon will pick guests up from the cottage before driving off road through Balquhidder Glen, with binoculars at the ready, to spy on birds and animals in the naturally stunning terrain that was the final stomping grounds and resting place of Rob Roy MacGregor (</span><a href="http://www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> In addition to the wildlife experiences you will likely spot birds and animals when walking cycling and even sitting in the cottages and gardens. We have nightly visits from deer, plus mallards, oyster catchers and Canadian geese on the lawn in the loch garden. In different seasons you will see a variety of creatures, </o:p></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">butterflies, herons, swallows, bats martins, bumble bees, mallard ducklings, owls, cuckoo’s, red kites, sea eagles, golden eagles, otters and more. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In addition to wildlife and nature there are some magnificent walks, cycle paths, Munro's lochs and forests to explore in the area. Trout fishing season starts on 15th March so guests can also fish from the loch garden or use the slipway, jetty, moorings and summer house. Request use of our hot tub and visit inside our B listed thatched cottage to see the original cruck framed Scots Pine ceiling, where centuries of MacGregors and McLaren were tenant crofters of the Earls of Breadalbane. Visit </span><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">www.stayatbriar.co.uk</span></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">to find out more about Briar Cottages luxury and pet friendly holidays for 2-4 or telephone Kim: 01567 830 443.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Wildlife professionals and amateurs will love the surroundings. Photographers should always have their cameras on hand here. Whether you are happy to be amongst nature when relaxing on holiday or taking part in a choice of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone here at Briar Cottages in The Loch Lomond and The Trossacshs National Park.</span></div>
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-46813381014933572562013-01-30T10:19:00.000-08:002013-01-30T10:22:24.835-08:00Lochearnhead Luxury Cottages News Update 2013<br />
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<a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4221">www.stayatbriar.co.uk</b></a></div>
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<b id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_17_1359292087178_47"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_33_1359239566176_2113" style="font-family: garamond, new york, times, serif; font-size: large;">Briar Cottages, Luxury and Pet Friendly </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: garamond, new york, times, serif; font-size: large;">Self Catering Holiday Cottages
Lochearnhead</span></b></div>
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<b id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_17_1359292087178_50"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_33_1359239566176_1983" style="font-size: medium;"></span></b> <var id="yiv60141011yui-ie-cursor"></var><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_17_1359329903741_1911" style="font-size: large;"><b><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4224" style="background-color: #0000bf; color: #e6e6e6; font-size: x-large;">News Update:</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hello from Kim and Fraser</span></span></b><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4223" style="font-size: large;"> </span><img alt=":) happy" height="28" src="http://mail.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo1.gif" style="height: 38px; width: 44px;" width="48" /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Sunset at Briar Cottages garden on Loch Earn 1st January 2013</span></strong></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3074" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>How is your New Year so far?</strong> Our Merry
Christmas flag came down weeks ago however we are still talking about the
Lochearnhead Hogmanay dance and 1st of January <u><b>BBQ</b></u> at the
garage. This year we had mulled wine, sausages, and curry. Our guests met
neighbours around "<span id="yiv60141011misspell-5">Fraser's</span>
Bar". It was such a lovely clear night on the 1st Jan. The photo above was taken
at sunset, then we lit fireworks from the loch garden. <u id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_17_1359329903741_1928"><b><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="">It is never too early to book for Christmas or New Year 2013</a></b></u>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Short breaks and holiday
weeks, 2013:</b> Are there special birthday or anniversary dates that you would
like to <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarcontact.htm#avail">book at Briar Cottages</a>? Easter, School holidays or Valentines? Book a
holiday around a birthday and Fraser will raise the birthday flag! There is a
<b>Valentine's Party at The Lochearnh</b></span><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3094" style="font-size: medium;"><b>ead Water Sports Centre</b> on Friday, 15 February. Entry is £10 for a 2 course buffet and all
drinks £2 or £10 for a bottle of wine. Tickets from yours truly. The following
day, The <a href="http://www.lochearnhead-hotel.com/">Lochearnhead Hotel</a> re-opens for the season with Dominoes Night Feb 16.
All welcome. <a href="http://www.clachancottagehotel.co.uk/">The Clachan Cottage Hotel's</a> pub and restaurant are being
refurbished and will open soon. You might consider booking around other key
events like <a href="http://www.getawayearth.com/point-of-interest/poi1146.html">The Highland Games 20 July 2013</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3084" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Events:</b> Look out for other great
events around Loch Earn. This year sees the return of The formula 1 power boat
skiing race weekend of 25/26 May, Strathyre's 1st Music Festival with 70
performers June 1 and 2, The World Black Face Sheep shearing Championships June
29/30, The BLS Highland Games Lochearnhead July 20, plus model aeroplane flying,
The Great Boat Race Lochearnhead to St Fillans, Open Water Swimming, <span id="yiv60141011misspell-15"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_1_1359449708240_7216">wake boarding</span></span>
contests, horticultural shows, summer music concerts, village Fete and
more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3077" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Wildlife Watching:</b> This is "Year of
Natural Scotland 2013" when we celebrate nature, landscapes, wildlife and the
arts. In addition to driving, walking or cycling around beautiful lochs, forests
and Munro's to spot wildlife, you can book with Tony from Natural Trossachs. He
is based at the outdoor centre in Strathyre 4 miles away and can take you to
squirrel, pine marten and badger hides to see and film creatures around their
habitats. Excellent value including coffee and biscuits at the
centre, </span></span><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3103" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk/">www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk</a>. If you prefer to be in a Landrover check
Hidden Glen Safaris who will take you off the beaten track into B<var id="yiv60141011yui-ie-cursor"></var>alquhidder Braes to look for pheasant, deer
and eagles while you hear stories of Rob Roy MacGregor. If there are 4 of you
owner Alan will pick you up first </span><a href="http://www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk/">www.hiddenglensafaris.co.uk</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Twitter:</b> Do you tweet? My account
name is @Briarcottages where you can follow whats going on at Briar Cottages and
in the area.</span></span></div>
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<a class="yiv60141011rapidnofollow" href="http://uk.mg.bt.mail.yahoo.com/photos/33989514@N02/8416751450/in/photostream" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Snow pics 23rd Jan 2013 024" border="0" class="yiv60141011pc_img" height="180" id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3111" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8334/8416751450_5831fdba35_m.jpg" style="height: 196px; width: 272px;" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a class="yiv60141011rapidnofollow" href="http://uk.mg.bt.mail.yahoo.com/photos/33989514@N02/8415652725/in/photostream" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="012" border="0" class="yiv60141011pc_img" height="177" id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3108" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8084/8415652725_526a58bd6c_m.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Flickr: More snow pics at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/33989514@N02">http://www.flickr.com/photos/33989514@N02</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3158" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3115">YouTube:</b> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">If you have not viewed our YouTube
videos please look here: </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/stayatbriar1">http://www.youtube.com/user/stayatbriar1</a>. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">The latest images
show <b>Fraser </b><b>sledging down our garden slopes</b> in deep snow. This is
the sort of activity that 70 year olds get up to in
Lochearnhead. </span><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_3151" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> NB: We are only 40 minutes from winter
skiing at Glencoe from here too. Did you see Glencoe on the latest Bond Movie?
A majestic place! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4217" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_17_1359329903741_1957">TripAdvisor</b> We were awarded a
5 out of 5 certificate of excellence in 2012. Thanks</span> to our lovely guests
for sharing experiences and photos. It is never too late to comment. If you
have experienced Briar Cottages and would like to share what you saw and where
you ate, please leave any feedback or add photos and videos
here:<b> </b></span><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_17_1359329903741_1895" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/briarcottages">http://tinyurl.com/briarcottages</a> .</b></span></span><br />
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<span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4065" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Do get in touch if you would like us to
quote a price for you and your family or friends or ask us any questions about
Briar Cottages and the surrounding area. We look forward to welcoming many of
you back and to meeting new people. </span></div>
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<span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4100" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Kindest regards</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4215" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Kim and Fraser Proven<var id="yiv60141011yui-ie-cursor"></var></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Briar Cottages</span></div>
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<span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4216" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Lochearnhead</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="yiv60141011mark" id="yiv60141011misspell-34">FK</span>19 8PU</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv60141011yui_3_7_2_18_1359449708240_4064" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://stayatbriar.blogspot.com/">http://stayatbriar.blogspot.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: red; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: blue; color: white; font-size: small;">Briar Cottages are open all year round</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">.</span></b></span></div>
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com11Briar Cottages Lochearnhead, FK19 8PU56.386257612213939 -4.2714285850524956.385708112213941 -4.27268908505249 56.386807112213937 -4.27016808505249tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-18462773465110093082012-12-15T09:22:00.001-08:002012-12-15T09:25:57.521-08:00Merry Christmas from Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead, Scotland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee Santa at the loch garden gates with Little Briar and Briar Cottage behind</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee antique santa and Aphrodite in Briar Cottages garden Loch Earn</td></tr>
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Merry Christmas and thank you to everyone who stayed at Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottages Lochearnhead</a> and those who left a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g551941-d1086533-Reviews-Briar_Cottages-Lochearnhead_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html">TripAdvisor</a> review sharing photographs and experiences here during 2012. <br />
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Thanks to everyone who is coming back to see us during their favourite week or special occasion for a holiday or short break in 2013 too.
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Are you aware that 2013 is "Year of Natural Scotland"? Those of you who have visited will know that there are few places as natural and unspoilt as this area. Scottish tourism was born around here thanks to visitors like Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria and William and Dorothy Wordsworth who spread the word throughout Britain and the world, making others curious about this magical landscape of lochs, towering mountains, ancient forests and wildlife. We are lucky to have very little light pollution here and around other parts of The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park too.<br />
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It is not too early to enquire about 2014. Especially with big events planned for Scotland. The Ryder Cup 2014 takes place at Gleneagles Golf Course, Auchterrarder, over the weekend of 26-28th September 2014. Anyone staying here week 20th-27th September 2014 or 27th September to 4th October 2014 might want to get tickets for the exciting event which is taking place only 40 mins by car from here. We are lucky to have St Fillans golf club and a choice of other golf courses nearby, e.g. Killin, Comrie, Crieff, Muthill, Callander. Briar Steading our luxury cottage shows Sky Sports so anyone staying there can still watch the Ryder Cup or catch up with the highlights. <br />
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If you are planning to go the The Commonwealth Games
in Glasgow, it is only 60 miles to Glasgow taking no more than 90 minutes from here. From Glasgow travel 30 miles on the M9 to Stirling junction 10 and 30 miles on the A84 all the way to Lochearnhead- easy. So if you want a holiday week and plan to fit the Commonwealth Games into your itinerary this might be the place for you. You can even drive to Stirling, take a train to Glasgow and park your car at the train station all day for £3.50. The Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow from 23rd July to 3rd August 2014. <br />
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Then there is Homecoming Scotland. Visit Scotland and Event Scotland are planning to rally as many people with Scottish blood back to the country to engage in events, trace their family history and celebrate all things Scottish. If you are into genealogy you might want to keep an eye on planned events. We have a history of McLarens who lived in Briar Cottage for 200 years as well as McGregors who lived here under the pseudonym of Murray. My maiden name is Donald and thanks to my dad I am aware of links to hundreds of other people and surnames through my grandparents. Incredibly, this includes a Janet McLaren my 7 times great grandmother born in 1690 in this region and also McNabs who hid Bonnie Prince Charlie! I plan to blog more about my mix of ancestors next year.<br />
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Of course we have our own special "Annual Events in Lochearnhead" e.g.<br />
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<li> The Great boat race -April</li>
<li> The Lochearn Shears championships- July</li>
<li> The BLS Highland Games, Lochearnhead –July</li>
<li> WakeScot, wakeboarding championships – August</li>
<li> The Balquhidder/Lochearnhead/Strathyre Horticultural show –August </li>
<li> The Lochearnhead village Fete- August</li>
<li> The Loch Earn open water swimming race- September</li>
<li> The Lochearnhead New Year village party- December</li>
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Do not hesitate to get in touch with Fraser or me with any queries and have a lovely Christmas break with your families and loved ones.<br />
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Kim and Fraser<br />
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Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-86291256975901485372012-09-17T13:55:00.002-07:002012-09-18T04:39:42.224-07:00Scots Magazine Features Loch Earn Tourist Villages and Personalities<br />
It was my great pleasure to accompany D C Thomson & Co Ltd journalist Garry Fraser on a tour of the four villages around Loch Earn in July on behalf of The <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/">Loch Earn Tourism</a> Initiative (LETI) of which I am a member. Garry Fraser was considering material for a story in <a href="http://www.scotsmagazine.com/">The Scots Magazine</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August edition of The Scots Magazine</td></tr>
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LETI members support each other in looking after visitors and in promoting local events, services, private tours, <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/index.php/Index/Holiday-Accommodation-Perthshire-The-Trossachs-Scotland-Balquhidder-Lochearnhead.htm">Perthshire holiday accommodation</a> and places to eat and drink via website <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/">www.robroycountry.com</a> . I drove Garry around Loch Earn to the picturesque villages of St Fillans, Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead visiting many points of interest and covering local stories and folklore. We visited St Fillans Golf Club (Sandy Lyle's favourite inland golf course), the entrance to majestic Munro Ben Vorlich from Ardvorlich House, Edinample Falls and bridge beside Edinample Castle, Glen Ample (where Diana Rigg once lived with SAS founder David Stirling's brother Archie), Balquhidder Kirk which houses stories of famous visitors including Queen Victoria and William and Dorothy Wordsworth and where Rob Roy MacGregor is buried, Sula <a href="http://www.sulafurnishing.co.uk/">Soft Furnishings</a> new workshop, <a href="http://www.lochearnhead-hotel.com/">The Lochearnhead Hotel</a> and The <a href="http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/">Lochearnhead Water Sports Centre.</a> We discussed ancient pine forests, the drove roads, fairy stories, the close knit community, wild camping, The Highland Games, the annual sheep shearing event and The Black Face Sheep trophy, <a href="http://www.robroycountry.com/index.php/News/The-Villager.htm">The Villagers newspaper</a>, The Lochearnhead Water Sports Centre, fishing, history of the first person to water ski on Loch Earn, local Munro's, ospreys on Loch Earn and so much more. The result was a four page feature in the August edition of the magazine with a quote from yours truly and a photo of Fraser and me in front of Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Holiday Cottages</a>. Garry returned to interview local personalities including Loch Earn's resident <a href="http://www.neils-seaplanes.com/">sea plane flying instructor</a> and The president of <a href="http://www.lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/">The BLS Highland Games</a>. This time a seven page feature was published in the September issue. The front cover is a fantastic photo of the local red sea plane taking off at the water sports centre. The shot was taken by local photographer Alistair Barclay of Alba <a href="http://www.albavirtualtours.co.uk/">Virtual Tours</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September issue of The Scots Magazine</td></tr>
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A two page teaser view of the September issue can be seen on the<a href="http://issuu.com/dcthomson/docs/septteaser"> Scots Magazine</a> website. </div>
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I have been very impressed with the quality of articles and the people that are interviewed for The Scots Magazine. I am about to order three 2013 calendars for relatives in Canada and America and am now planning a subscription for a family member for Christmas. <br />
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NB: For a self catering holiday cottage on Loch Earn for Christmas or New Year visit <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">www.stayatbriar.co.uk</a> .<br />
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<br />Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.271009656.377528899999994 -4.2907506 56.3951099 -4.2512686tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-52779976327768119672012-08-10T05:05:00.001-07:002012-08-10T07:57:31.149-07:00#Brave doll meets Kelly James (Olympic torch bearer) at her fund raising stall, Highland Games, Lochearnhead 2012.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida Dolly holds the Olympic Torch that young fundraiser Kelly James Held</td></tr>
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<a href="http://twitpic.com/ahmtwq#.UCTvQigRuik.blogger">#Brave doll meets Kelly James (Olympic torch bearer) at her fund raising stall, Highland Games, Lochearnhead 2012.</a>: My #Brave doll met "fellow" red head Kelly James (<a href="http://www.highlandperthshiremarathon.co.uk/the-charities/build-africa">Olympic torch bearer)</a> at her fund raising stall, during the Highland Games, Lochearnhead 2012.<br />
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Looking forward to the launch of the Disney Pixar cartoon #Brave this August? I suspect that more adults will watch it than children all over the world. Well, so many generations were brought up with the fantasy world of Disney and it never leaves you. We love the Brave trailer as the fantasy setting reminds us of Loch Earn and the surrounding area full of lochs, mountains, ancient forests and castles and many folklore and fairy stories, like the ones that I tell to our <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">holiday cottage</a> guests. Anyone who is into Natural Scotland; the imagery, wildlife, peace and outdoor activities will be in seventh heaven at Briar Cottages in Lochearnhead, bang in the centre of Scotland. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida, Brave doll at Lochearnhead Highland Games <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida with a McLaren, Lochearnhead</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida with local character Maggi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida doll copies the Highland dancers Lochearnhead</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida Dolly at Briar Cottages Loch Earn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida doll points to Briar Cottage thatched roof</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merida does highland dance to piper music Lochearnhead</td></tr>
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Video of Gordon McLaren at the McLaren marquee, Highland Games Lochearnhead 2012. Gordon's ancesters lived in Briar Cottage Lochearnhead over a 200 year period.</div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com3Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.271009656.3841219 -4.2759451 56.3885169 -4.2660741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-66094181922409234062012-07-04T07:12:00.001-07:002012-07-04T07:25:36.694-07:00New Lochearnhead Circular Bus Journey linking Breadalbane and Strathearn Country<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Earn, Lochearnhead on The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer route</td></tr>
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<strong>A new summer tourist bus "The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer" will offer holiday cottage guests of </strong><strong> Briar Cottages <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">self catering in Lochearnhead</a> and holidaymakers in the surrounding regions a fantastic opportunity to be driven around some of the most scenic routes, popular attractions and mountains in this naturally beautiful area. The bus service started by The Breadalbane Co-operative will be operated by Kingshouse Travel of Balquhidder. The hop on and off service links Lochearnhead, Killin, Kenmore, Weem, Aberfeldy, Crieff, Comrie and St Fillans together for the very first time, in one continuous loop. The area will have tremendous appeal to visitors who can leave the car behind and explore, eat and do outdoor sports at their leisure covering a large territory of Perthshire and Stirlingshire for just £9 a day or £15 for a 2 day ticket. Its great news for locals too! Whether you are into sight seeing and exploring, photography, eating, walking, cycling, wildlife watching, munro bagging or fishing, each of the points along the route offers plenty to see and do including; the Rob Roy Way, The Lochearnhead Water Sports centre, fishing points, hotels, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin, Cycle Route 7, The falls of Dochart, village walks, Killin Golf Club, Ben Lawers and its Hotel, The Crannog centre and oldest Inn in Scotland at Kenmore, Highland Safaris, gold panning and a deer centre near Weem, The Birks of Aberfeldy, A stunning drive through the Small Glen past Amulree, The Glenturrett Whisky Distillery and visitor centre at Crieff, <a href="http://www.auchingarrich.co.uk/">Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre</a> and coffee shop at Comrie, Boat Hire, hotels and a <a href="http://www.st-fillans-golf.com/">Golf Club at St Fillans</a> - then back to Lochearnhead. These are just a few of the attractions that each area has to offer. I cant wait to try it myself. Launching on 17th July 2012 there will be six circular journeys per day offered 4 days per week and the full circle is estimated to take 3 hours. There will be leaflets in Briar Steading and Little Briar Cottages here for our guests however more details of the timetable can be accessed by facebook users at </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/breadalbaneexplorer"><strong>http://www.facebook.com/breadalbaneexplorer</strong></a><strong> now. </strong></div>
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<strong>The service will run throughout the summer on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays until 16th September for this year. Dont forget your cameras folks!</strong></div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.271009656.3841219 -4.2759451 56.3885169 -4.2660741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-29948872473436295262012-06-21T07:01:00.000-07:002012-06-24T02:35:48.059-07:00TripAdvisor 2012 Winner and Certificate of Excellence 5 out of 5 for Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fraser and I are delighted to have received a "2012 Winner" Certificate Of Excellence rated 5.0 out of 5.0 for Briar Cottages from TripAdvisor for the second year running. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our guests who have taken time to give us feedback; verbally, in our guest book and on review sites like TripAdvisor. We are aware of the time that it takes and that your descriptions, suggestions and photographs help other people decide on accommodation that is best suited to their parties number, budget, requirements and taste. TripAdvisor is an excellent forum which we use ourselves and it encourages businesses like ours to keep working at improving our facilities and services.<br />
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We received a letter of congratulations from Christine Petersen, The President of TripAdvisor for Business that we would like to share with you as follows: "<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Director</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Briar Cottages</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Lochearnhead</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>FK19 8PU</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>United Kingdom</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The Certificate of Excellence</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>A Testament to Your High Standards</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>TripAdvisor has become the worlds largest travel site by recognising the power of travellers feedback and today, we're proud to recognise Briar Cottages for earning exceptional ratings over the past year.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>The certificate of Excellence honours businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travellers.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>With a rating of 5.0, Briar Cottages has earned a place among the very best</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>This award, which is given only to the most exceptional performers in TripAdvisor's global business community, is a significant achievement deserving recognition, from both travellers and staff. We hope that you will proudly display the enclosed certificate for everyone to see....</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Congratulations again and we look forward to working with you to build a successful 2012.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Best wishes</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Christine Petersen</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>President, TripAdvisor for Business "</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-small;">______________________________________</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our very best wishes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kim and Fraser</span><br />
<a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/</a><br />
Twitter @Briarcottages<br />
01567 830 443<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-small;">..</span></strong>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com6Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.271009656.3841219 -4.2759451 56.3885169 -4.2660741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-15534183892461812942012-06-20T14:40:00.000-07:002012-06-20T14:42:10.518-07:00Brave Events and The BLS Highland Games Lochearnhead<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZlBs0fCxdQSwIR3M_WolL5gAjUtTEVDfH0a-UzERuzzOLt86cNIIDkdk7MqQ-IYCUekSprZE7U-xd1_ZLALlhhqHafp0hu_qgBjQFjGDl3KyxvVzyM2kKq9hTN4MLXy9w_ZHVmqT4lI/s1600/713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZlBs0fCxdQSwIR3M_WolL5gAjUtTEVDfH0a-UzERuzzOLt86cNIIDkdk7MqQ-IYCUekSprZE7U-xd1_ZLALlhhqHafp0hu_qgBjQFjGDl3KyxvVzyM2kKq9hTN4MLXy9w_ZHVmqT4lI/s320/713.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Little Briar in Spring 2012<br />
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Spring is long gone. Funny to think back to these 22 degree hot sunny days in March when there was still snow on Ben Vorlich and Stuch a Chroin opposite. April and May teased us with scorching days when Fraser and I swam in Loch Earn. The barometer on the summer house read 35 degrees (sorry no photos of us in our swimsuits!) <br />
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We witnessed an amazing event on Loch Earn during Jubilee weekend 2nd and 4th June. The British Water Ski Racing Championships. Water Skiers were pulled at up to 110 miles per hour around a course with life jackets and crash helmets by formula 1, 2, and 3 power boats. Incredible! Lets hope they return next year.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-H0kHPKpjA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>The <a href="http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com/">Lochearnhead Water Sports centre</a> was the perfect venue to host the event and the evening entertainment on 4th June. See my video of a boat warming up the day before and you will appreciate the speed! There is also some footage live from one of the teams here on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc4J2R0h9hs&feature=colike">You Tube</a>. If you are more into fun and leisure water sports then look out for the giant doughnut ride, banana boat, pedaloes, kayaks and water zorbing balls. You can also hire a 4 man motor boat to take for a pleasure cruise or for trout fishing. There is a kiddies soft play area inside the cafe and a sand pit made from a rowing boat flying the skull and cross bones. Sit inside the cafe or outside and watch activities or feed the greedy local mallards. </div>
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The 19th <a href="http://www.lochearnheadshears.org/index.htm">Lochearnhead Shears</a>, sheep shearing competition will take place in the Lochearnhead Games Field 30 June-2nd July 2012. An incredible display of skill and strength, speed and accuracy and well worth witnessing even once. Then we prepare for the traditional BLS <a href="http://lochearnheadhighlandgames.co.uk/index.html">Highland Games</a> in Lochearnhead on 21st July. This year the chief of The McNabs will lead the parade with his clan followed by local clans McLaren, McGregor, Stewart and Campbell who will also do battle against each other in the tug of war. A great day out for all the family with open heavyweight events as well as; local fun races, a hill race, dancers, pipers and popular band Pure Malt perforning in the beer tent. Luxury Briar Steading is already booked however Little Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">cottage is available 21st -28th July</a>.</div>
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<strong>August sees the launch of Disney Pixars cartoon Brave. Having seen the adorable </strong><a href="http://pixar.wikia.com/Brave"><strong>Brave trailer</strong></a><strong> with voice overs by Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly and Robbie Coltrane amongst others you might think that the story was based on the ancient clansmen from the territories around Loch Earn where we still boast; local clan chiefs, naturally beautiful mountains and glens, ancient forests, folklore stories, castles, standing stones, an abundance of wildlife, a sense of humour and some smart and feisty females. Come to the BLS Highland Games 21st July, Lochearnhead and see for yourself!</strong> </div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.271009656.3841219 -4.2759451 56.3885169 -4.2660741tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-79775908959243654742012-03-01T03:58:00.000-08:002012-03-01T03:58:51.014-08:00Golf, Tea, Wildlife Park, Petrol, Dinner Vouchers with 7 nights in Lochearnhead cottages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbX507xxReM/T09Yy65vfSI/AAAAAAAADQI/2K8nUze_FI0/s1600/Local+Highland+Cows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbX507xxReM/T09Yy65vfSI/AAAAAAAADQI/2K8nUze_FI0/s200/Local+Highland+Cows.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highland Cow at Auchingarrich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Briar Cottages <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">self catering holidays, Lochearnhead</a> are giving away local hospitality and activity vouchers for selected 7 night bookings in Briar Steading and Little Briar cottages, valued between £15 and £80. Check out our monthly offers on our price list. Book 7 nights in May and June to receive free tickets to <a href="http://www.auchingarrich.co.uk/index.php">Auchingarrich Wildlife Park</a>, Comrie You will be awarded 4 tickets with luxury Briar Steading and 2 free tickets when you book Little Briar Cottage. If you prefer, use the voucher in the coffee shop where they serve delicious snacks and lovely cakes indoors or outside on the wooden deck looking over the children's novelty play park and the beautiful Strathearn Valley.<br />
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Golfers will appreciate our July vouchers for both cottages. 2 can play from Little Briar cottage and 4 can play from luxury Briar Steading or 2 people can play twice. The 2 and 4 player vouchers are for 18 holes at <a href="http://www.st-fillans-golf.com/">St Fillans Golf Club</a>, St Fillans, at the east end of Loch Earn. The course is quoted at Sandy Lyle's favourite inland course. No wonder it is very picturesque as well as a great course to play on. The voucher can be used at weekends as well as week days. Its your choice. Show the voucher again and again over the course of your weekly stay and you can arrange<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">St Fillans Golf Club, St Fillans, Loch Earn</td></tr>
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September visitors will receive vouchers for Afternoon Tea at the luxury <a href="http://www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk/">Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans</a> where pets are also very welcome. Enjoy views over Loch Earn while you tuck into a sandwich with your favourite filling followed by scones, tea bread, shortbread and pots of tea or coffee. Luxury Briar Steading bookings award 4 vouchers and pet friendly Little Briar mean that 2 vouchers will await your arrival. Look out for other vouchers for dinner and drinks in The Chef owned <a href="http://www.lochearnhead-hotel.com/">Lochearnhead Hotel</a> and for free petrol from <span id="goog_849156875"></span><a href="http://www.lixtoll.com/">Lix Toll garage<span id="goog_849156876"></span> </a>5 miles from Lochearnhead. Keep checking for additional vouchers throughout the year or telephone Kim and Fraser with any queries and to book 01567 830 443 or 07917 416 49. Remember that you can fish free of charge, launch and moor a small boat or canoe, use the summer house and picnic spots within the three acre gardens and ask for a shot of our hot tub too! Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Briarcottages">@Briarcottages </a><br />
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</div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Briar Cottage, Lochearnhead, Perthshire FK19 8PU, UK56.3863194 -4.2710096000000731.331623399999998 -64.03663460000007 81.4410154 55.49461539999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-61888791739053138152012-02-15T08:16:00.002-08:002012-02-15T08:33:05.427-08:00Little Briar Cottage Gets a Makeover<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edERKd8uy1w/TzvVQXL0qaI/AAAAAAAADOI/sqMpEqcMtjs/s1600/100_4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edERKd8uy1w/TzvVQXL0qaI/AAAAAAAADOI/sqMpEqcMtjs/s320/100_4286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounge from dining kitchen Little Briar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double room faces south over Loch Earn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xD1R8Z1xFw/TzvWElbMfCI/AAAAAAAADOg/LTM2Er1o3gY/s1600/100_4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xD1R8Z1xFw/TzvWElbMfCI/AAAAAAAADOg/LTM2Er1o3gY/s200/100_4272.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass dining table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nkMYi9hXxk/TzvVfPgzfsI/AAAAAAAADOQ/aZWhLxbAyjo/s1600/100_4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2nkMYi9hXxk/TzvVfPgzfsI/AAAAAAAADOQ/aZWhLxbAyjo/s320/100_4265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massage chair and Arie Vardi print</td></tr>
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Can not believe it! At the end of March it will be 4 years since we took Little Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottage on Loch Earn</a> into our lives. The detached stone cottage is cute and cosy and charming however we decided to treat it to a little makeover. So, the sunny yellow walls are now a little more sophisticated in toasted almond. We moved the large mirror behind the sofa to make the lounge look more spacious and reflect more light. I love the curtains. Cream, brown and "beige meets gold" with a lustre effect, all in horizontal stripes. We even changed the old wooden curtain poles to more modern black metal poles to set them off. We placed a large <a href="http://www.curiouserandcuriouser.com/shop/arie-vardi/199-arie-vardi-running-wild.html">Arie Vardi limited edition print</a> called Running Wild, behind the electric massage chair. The print is set off by a chunky cream coloured frame which works well. New textured neutral shade cushions on the leather lounge furniture finish it off nicely. Guests who have been before will appreciate the difference. Oh and for those that remember the big bulky telly it is now a flat screen TV in the corner with Sky Freeview. We have also put a new chiminee outside to burn logs in the garden. 2-4 guests can sleep in the <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarlittle.htm">pet friendly cottage</a>. Little Briar holiday cottage offers a double and a twin room with one bathroom and electric shower. 2 guests can bring up to 2 dogs and 4 guests can bring 1 pet. Tel: Kim or Fraser to book 01567 830 443 or check our website for <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Lochearnhead Cottages</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvgpbsgqLBp9dVWMvSzEYxW6X5KydILcZKfy3rYkfi2npjJ62GgU5HJgOomPoOre04TbUB8Msnb5itBAVJEJ7vMflv2B9au13Y0CL3BRaZ64ocOzjvUerTF5t3ZFZfMVzciGPdDybMAE/s1600/100_4278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvgpbsgqLBp9dVWMvSzEYxW6X5KydILcZKfy3rYkfi2npjJ62GgU5HJgOomPoOre04TbUB8Msnb5itBAVJEJ7vMflv2B9au13Y0CL3BRaZ64ocOzjvUerTF5t3ZFZfMVzciGPdDybMAE/s200/100_4278.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounge windows face south</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-50204539461995545822012-01-09T06:21:00.000-08:002012-01-09T06:24:23.199-08:00TripAdvisor TripWow slideshow of luxury cottage LochearnheadLook at this new slide show for our <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarsteading.htm">luxury self catering cottage</a> Briar Steading on TripAdvisor courtesy of <a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/lochearnhead/199041">Holiday Lettings</a> Amazing what can be done.<br />
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<div style="background: #000 url(http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/vr-0025-ae41-6ba1/e/24f0af6352/bg)0 0 no-repeat; border: none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 420px;"><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="http://images.travelpod.com/bin/tripwow/flash/" bgcolor="#000000" flashvars="xmlPath=http%3A%2F%2Ftripwow.tripadvisor.com%2Ftripwow%2Fvr-0025-ae41-6ba1%2Fapxml%3Fed%3D24f0af6352%26ref%3D" height="272" name="TripWow" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://images.travelpod.com/bin/tripwow/flash/tripwow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
<div style="background: #fff url(http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalsTracking?id=vr-0025-ae41-6ba1) 0 0 no-repeat; border: none; color: #999999; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 9px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: justify; width: 420px;">Welcome to the <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g551941-d2469441-Briar_Cottages-Lochearnhead_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html" style="color: #cc6600;">Briar Cottages</a> by Kim Proven in <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals-g551941-Reviews-Lochearnhead_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland-Vacation_Rentals.html" style="color: #cc6600;">Lochearnhead</a>, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals-g551927-Reviews-Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland-Vacation_Rentals.html" style="color: #cc6600;">Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park</a>. Brought to you by <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals" style="color: #cc6600;">TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals</a>, powered by <a href="http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/" style="color: green;">TripWow!</a>™</div></div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-4056979376003672222012-01-04T02:33:00.000-08:002012-01-04T03:44:38.210-08:00Wee Santa poses in the calm before the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCJcC4hOk40/TwQgKw_Ql2I/AAAAAAAADJ8/mFJ8gmx7lsw/s320/100_4226.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">santa in the west loch garden, Loch Earn </td></tr>
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Happy New Year. Please look at these pictures of wee santa at Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottages, Lochearnhead</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONFZKVLk9JjdItWYmHWWjWhRrDe8zThK-NxD2lIMtrbsRYgfyu4tGZVf5ajjrgYmUTFLK37whNVEqQv65KMd_bfKZwLDLXGRWGbGvt19x_oQHI1ByHqh7y5QpcWk7DHC81FDuHdhpyO41/s1600/100_4212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONFZKVLk9JjdItWYmHWWjWhRrDe8zThK-NxD2lIMtrbsRYgfyu4tGZVf5ajjrgYmUTFLK37whNVEqQv65KMd_bfKZwLDLXGRWGbGvt19x_oQHI1ByHqh7y5QpcWk7DHC81FDuHdhpyO41/s200/100_4212.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee santa at the picnic table Briar Cottages<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">He is an antique little guy that belonged to Frasers Aunt. A possible contender for <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mj2y">BBC Antiques Roadshow</a> if it were not for the fact that his red hat was actually a 1980's red sock! Sshh! Dont tell him. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He is lovingly brought out every year with a big smile on his face. Fraser's children and grandchildren get a little spooked by his appearance however he is a fun little man once you get to know him. All he asks for is a little respect. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIfhFAHEul20hAvHeH9csXj-Gm8louWJZi7KrcJbDFYs2rJrx3DokDUINJKJ3q1RDcEDByNXPXPuY74JGzAhA4htX1C1AGjT2_HkLLXjYwNhtyhcVjXhpGXlD1XV0Dn2rIaOYW4ivZA6W/s1600/100_4213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIfhFAHEul20hAvHeH9csXj-Gm8louWJZi7KrcJbDFYs2rJrx3DokDUINJKJ3q1RDcEDByNXPXPuY74JGzAhA4htX1C1AGjT2_HkLLXjYwNhtyhcVjXhpGXlD1XV0Dn2rIaOYW4ivZA6W/s400/100_4213.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briar Cottages summer house Big and Wee santa catch up</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">He looks magnificent against the back drop of snow around our holiday cottage grounds. Look at him sitting with big Santa Claus who is stuffed and propped up at Briar Cottages every year. This year Big Santa was at home in the summer house. No wonder. What a view he gets of Loch Earn, Edinample Castle and Glen Ample. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptlbouwxew8/TwQg7kD34gI/AAAAAAAADKk/5M7EqREzlPU/s1600/100_4217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptlbouwxew8/TwQg7kD34gI/AAAAAAAADKk/5M7EqREzlPU/s320/100_4217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee santa sits on the swing in the garden, Loch Earn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOyGOY0rjm-mDLsRA5gy1wG386yr1CFhkrdz3X2y5zlyqxDzybsA97BGxY8T40uoyvqp3qwENNK19hXMiHaZariy6oy44620SH6FxQD3u52hm7vSUfwdQDK5ibih1GnZ6XWJYsVLJBYJf/s1600/100_4218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOyGOY0rjm-mDLsRA5gy1wG386yr1CFhkrdz3X2y5zlyqxDzybsA97BGxY8T40uoyvqp3qwENNK19hXMiHaZariy6oy44620SH6FxQD3u52hm7vSUfwdQDK5ibih1GnZ6XWJYsVLJBYJf/s200/100_4218.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swing in front of xmas tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyy-WBEuT6RkiWyOmtSGD3itQHc-IxYFSWd7kBzp6UEWoP6mn8BLPkPkjFvBFxlitFF7jwJvMHVqan-iZAkz08uVTPWIA1uV9EECHme56q6VAfTbbG2vU4lw1fWqejesfY81j2Nvh5ohF/s1600/100_4220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyy-WBEuT6RkiWyOmtSGD3itQHc-IxYFSWd7kBzp6UEWoP6mn8BLPkPkjFvBFxlitFF7jwJvMHVqan-iZAkz08uVTPWIA1uV9EECHme56q6VAfTbbG2vU4lw1fWqejesfY81j2Nvh5ohF/s200/100_4220.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee santa on one of the loch garden lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkpFSB_MuLo/TwQhiKHaLmI/AAAAAAAADLM/hOX2dbYflPI/s1600/100_4222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bkpFSB_MuLo/TwQhiKHaLmI/AAAAAAAADLM/hOX2dbYflPI/s320/100_4222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee santa near the stair to the jetty, Loch Earn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwLinN_B5Ow/TwQh8svDzlI/AAAAAAAADLg/Yk8Vz8JtmlI/s1600/100_4224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zwLinN_B5Ow/TwQh8svDzlI/AAAAAAAADLg/Yk8Vz8JtmlI/s200/100_4224.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of Briar Cottage and Little Briar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OVfJYVr6ro/TwQhsmS5l5I/AAAAAAAADLU/nH8TP7WnymQ/s1600/100_4223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6OVfJYVr6ro/TwQhsmS5l5I/AAAAAAAADLU/nH8TP7WnymQ/s320/100_4223.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venus protects wee santa near the slipway, Briar Cottage garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUeuv8XHmbCQsBnDr_CfxnIzXfzl32Bp0jOse9xJrZOvHgsx0il7F5DEf4XNbNZnoDi5bB69N0IeVhb5K8SZMMDIOJcEiID-MhI7aEVjUBy75KhdcN8mg1NKdMe9TpGXQgvo_g1KszOqq/s1600/100_4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUeuv8XHmbCQsBnDr_CfxnIzXfzl32Bp0jOse9xJrZOvHgsx0il7F5DEf4XNbNZnoDi5bB69N0IeVhb5K8SZMMDIOJcEiID-MhI7aEVjUBy75KhdcN8mg1NKdMe9TpGXQgvo_g1KszOqq/s200/100_4225.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee santa in front of Briar Steading</td></tr>
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These photographs were taken around Christmas 2011 when the snow fell. Look how calm and pretty the loch was then compared to the video below taken in yesterdays storm on 3rd January 2012. Or was it a hurricane? It blew out in about 3 hours then the sun came out. Hard to believe when you see the loch. Click on the arrow and take a look.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you to everyone who stayed at <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Briar Cottages Lochearnhead</a> in 2011. Wishing you a magnificent, happy and healthy 2012 with long sunny days in spring, summer and autumn. Okay... maybe a bit of rain to keep Scotland looking green and luscious with quality crops.</div><br />
.Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-17195857181194771322011-12-05T10:56:00.000-08:002011-12-05T10:57:23.755-08:00Snowfall at sunset, Briar Cottages, Loch Earn<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset 5/12/11 garden on Loch Earn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Winter pictures at sunset from Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead. The snow came down and we had a glorious, scenic sunny day tody, 5th December. Our guests have not taken up the offer to sledge yet. Who will be the first down the hill?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jetty is under water</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Deer! Fraser is doing sculptures! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVX9hrF-X-6DPaHkz39ZltVlSIwoMxBBUrnB4dmXQgLEZ7hQLEGpIiPQWMFsn4E1drz3oB43UBu6B1kgICRcOcIEmtaiN5W3WTVvwh6kgCFBUVBif5NnBguW-6AFh2jczWp6xx98kpUU/s1600/100_4167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVX9hrF-X-6DPaHkz39ZltVlSIwoMxBBUrnB4dmXQgLEZ7hQLEGpIiPQWMFsn4E1drz3oB43UBu6B1kgICRcOcIEmtaiN5W3WTVvwh6kgCFBUVBif5NnBguW-6AFh2jczWp6xx98kpUU/s200/100_4167.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken near the stream in the garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKluPViCxbUSv2DytcS8KTe_6Aaxsz09kySpin_C44q-M4sBe652WhFcYr3HdZRH6n7VC4lBE5vsvDqZzGm0PtNA4LzJV37EY0DDR1yUSr64BupI2DQ2-Z3hq6wIV6nq8HIh6DP7DGJM/s1600/100_4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKluPViCxbUSv2DytcS8KTe_6Aaxsz09kySpin_C44q-M4sBe652WhFcYr3HdZRH6n7VC4lBE5vsvDqZzGm0PtNA4LzJV37EY0DDR1yUSr64BupI2DQ2-Z3hq6wIV6nq8HIh6DP7DGJM/s200/100_4173.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sledge marks from Briar Steading </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHdTts0HfPd4dG_R0RcDIQHRi7Bd1HHBd9O1D8_reWLtiIxUeDSOyUjx4qHZWr_z_KWCfLWAby2Hhx1NzwFRrpC4AcV2oHdzF_7cxXoRxQiNzCJo_hSFqCGfuAGaF-Oxzzuw-F3bCS-Q/s1600/Venus+at+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHdTts0HfPd4dG_R0RcDIQHRi7Bd1HHBd9O1D8_reWLtiIxUeDSOyUjx4qHZWr_z_KWCfLWAby2Hhx1NzwFRrpC4AcV2oHdzF_7cxXoRxQiNzCJo_hSFqCGfuAGaF-Oxzzuw-F3bCS-Q/s200/Venus+at+sunset.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goddess shivering at the sllipway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkHlkVFU2wI-6wGDpkisIa6krbO9LbYehL5glw1AQCd-Ymu-JG8h7IfmDNWyzmcKd3OrXfixoIMQXGamt6grwREl0sPtBOz1I4C1lY9X2MwoLdGolY92BwD7qlpGBkYBlBvUGxSqdjdY/s1600/Stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkHlkVFU2wI-6wGDpkisIa6krbO9LbYehL5glw1AQCd-Ymu-JG8h7IfmDNWyzmcKd3OrXfixoIMQXGamt6grwREl0sPtBOz1I4C1lY9X2MwoLdGolY92BwD7qlpGBkYBlBvUGxSqdjdY/s320/Stream.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powerful Stream in the garden </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbUK6j-qgaQ/Tt0PVdeXbNI/AAAAAAAADJc/Ejf1vNDIMPw/s1600/bbq+%252Bsummerhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbUK6j-qgaQ/Tt0PVdeXbNI/AAAAAAAADJc/Ejf1vNDIMPw/s320/bbq+%252Bsummerhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summer house is also open in winter </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AbUK6j-qgaQ/Tt0PVdeXbNI/AAAAAAAADJc/Ejf1vNDIMPw/s1600/bbq+%252Bsummerhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"> </a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-19867770118905146082011-11-30T09:51:00.000-08:002011-11-30T12:11:58.375-08:00Briar Birthday, Summer House, Sloe Gin and Scotland Hour news from Lochearnhead<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTL5PTPbUek/TtZiYVvydeI/AAAAAAAADGw/j6VWe6XLiqE/s1600/dining+in+Briar+Steading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dTL5PTPbUek/TtZiYVvydeI/AAAAAAAADGw/j6VWe6XLiqE/s200/dining+in+Briar+Steading.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set for Dinner in Briar Steading</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej7dL5Ohtb8/TtZl8BfUZ1I/AAAAAAAADHk/5Jdoo_144zk/s1600/Christmas+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ej7dL5Ohtb8/TtZl8BfUZ1I/AAAAAAAADHk/5Jdoo_144zk/s200/Christmas+Card.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Tree, Briar Cottages loch garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Happy Birthday: </b>Briar Steading is already one as we approach the Christmas Holidays. The <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarsteading.htm">luxury cottage's</a> first guests have re booked to celebrate New Year. Both cottages are booked for Hogmanay. Just as well I got everyone tickets for the Lochearnhead village party in the hall as they sold out in 4 hours. There is an excellent prize raffle with gifts donated by local businesses like St Fillans Golf Club, The Lochearnhead Hotel, Lix Toll petrol Station, Glenample Estates Venison and more. I should know as I am the volunteer fund raiser for the event.<br />
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<b>Pet Friendly Christmas:</b> We still have <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">pet friendly cottage availability</a> for Christmas week if anyone wants a festive break in Little Briar. Cosy up in our cottage for 2-4. We put a tree and lights into the cottage with some festive wine and smackery. </div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_HL8rHFW8M/TtZivO2OlqI/AAAAAAAADG4/PhoWxqLZZGE/s1600/Summerhouse+at+Briar+Cottages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2_HL8rHFW8M/TtZivO2OlqI/AAAAAAAADG4/PhoWxqLZZGE/s200/Summerhouse+at+Briar+Cottages.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>Summer House in Winter:</b>The garden on the banks of Loch<b> </b>Earn<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>gives a lot of pleasure. We improved the summer house this year with a dining table and chairs new games and pictures on the wall. Guests love the area to; watch wildlife and Loch Earn, listen to iPods using the docking station, read and generally relax.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3iu_p2b8oUX6HKY6Mwa8DqPoQb8ANGjHCy8lV0zn-EhjKw7OOvFymx8Pj23KZ5Wg_EEIiVECbZ76yW77b6WA_dsxo0zgr2LnnOOBZ2lkEUXeDkF_apNOTmb9LleeT1bLu8XFBqIBiPk/s1600/Fishing+from+jetty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3iu_p2b8oUX6HKY6Mwa8DqPoQb8ANGjHCy8lV0zn-EhjKw7OOvFymx8Pj23KZ5Wg_EEIiVECbZ76yW77b6WA_dsxo0zgr2LnnOOBZ2lkEUXeDkF_apNOTmb9LleeT1bLu8XFBqIBiPk/s320/Fishing+from+jetty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fishing Loch Earn by Paul Patchett</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>One fishing guest sticks his rod into a pole on the jetty then reads his paper in the summer house. Not everyone's idea of fishing but it suits him. He dozes off and occasionally stirs to share lunch with the friendly mallards (and their ducklings in spring).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAj7guqo57o/TtZjERGHxdI/AAAAAAAADHA/vY5saTV3eMs/s1600/ducklings+eat+oats+at+Briar+Cottage+Loch+Earn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAj7guqo57o/TtZjERGHxdI/AAAAAAAADHA/vY5saTV3eMs/s200/ducklings+eat+oats+at+Briar+Cottage+Loch+Earn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ducklings eat oats at Briar Cottages</span></td></tr>
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Some of you have met neighbouring villagers in our summer house. When Fraser puts the cocktail flag up it means "visitors welcome" for a glass or two or three or more!<br />
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</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sloe Gin:</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Anyone staying here is welcome to pick our berries in different seasons. There are 3 blackcurrant bushes behind Little Briar, a cherry tree, gooseberry bush, brambles lining the boundary fences and sloe berry trees in the rear paddock. Aside from fruit crumbles I have laid down fruit gin, vodka and Bacardi. All you do is add one third spirit, one third sugar and one third berries (prick or squeeze the berries first) in a bottle. Shake the bottle once a day for about a week until the sugar dissolves then let the alcohol turn into berry coloured nectar before your eyes. They make delicious liqueurs if left 3-6 months or more. A great Christmas present idea too. We already tried the blackcurrant gin made early August. Decant the alcohol first and then use any edible berries like blackcurrants to accompany a pudding. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Social Media</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Have you seen my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/chxa9dj">facebook business page</a>? I also have a presence on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Briarcottages">Twitter</a> @Briar Cottages if you want to follow what’s on around Briar Cottages and Lochearnhead. If you like our website<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">www.stayatbriar.co.uk</a> please click the +1 button on our homepage as every vote helps us to be found amidst a sea of a million other self catering holiday cottage accommodation sites in the world. Thank you for all the delightful feedback and photos on<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/c8pcyvn">TripAdvisor</a> which is really useful for us and helpful for new guests. It is never too late to provide feedback. If you use a mobile phone to search for accommodation, our website is adapted for mobile use with an app from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/c8pcyvn">lovetoescape</a> and we can easily be found on Google Maps under<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/c3lf3rv">Holiday Cottages Scotland</a>. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_psaTa9oJ99aaE-wlgMhY9YUMzk8fvh0uhHO9nrus57VTQLQG1qtJZIIfO3ZpbbzliJJ7FjoFmYhaYlmqX_DLaP6Wyp9vEwAXr1ZUNYRmb5dWJDSDcGViYOYrThz1JbVdzijZOUxZNEo/s1600/ALEX+PIC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_psaTa9oJ99aaE-wlgMhY9YUMzk8fvh0uhHO9nrus57VTQLQG1qtJZIIfO3ZpbbzliJJ7FjoFmYhaYlmqX_DLaP6Wyp9vEwAXr1ZUNYRmb5dWJDSDcGViYOYrThz1JbVdzijZOUxZNEo/s640/ALEX+PIC.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Loch Earn by Briar Cottages guests Alex and Brenda Geddes</span></td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/d3nyzpt">#Scotlandhour</a>:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></b> If you want to follow <a href="http://fr.twitter.com/#!/2crail/scotlandhour-participants">Scottish tourism</a> in general, get on to Twitter during <a href="http://bairdstravel.com/Scotlandhour.aspx">#Scotlandhour </a>between 9-10pm on the last Wednesday of every month. How appropriate that it lands on St Andrews Day, 30th November this month. Join <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Scotland</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s travel writers, accommodation providers, outdoor sports businesses, photographers, social media gurus, tourism associations, tour operators, food and drink specialists, Visit Scotland and more. Whether you live and work in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Scotland</st1:country-region>, enjoy travelling, are planning to visit in the near future or just have a burning question relating to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Scotland</st1:place></st1:country-region> you can ask questions live on Twitter or follow the tweets and images about all things Scottish. I will be on line to promote Lochearnhead and its neighbouring villages around Loch Earn. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It has been raining more than a bit of late, making this the perfect time to come and see The Falls of Dochart, Edinample Falls and the incredible burn (stream) that Fraser has landscaped which runs the length of our garden.<br />
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Look out for late availability offers if you want to experience Briar Cottages for a short break in December www.stayatbriar.co.uk and please note that we are offering £50 vouchers for petrol to spend in our local garage Lix Toll when you book a week in Briar Steading for 2012 before the end of 2011 (Does not apply to existing bookings and can not be taken in conjunction with other offers). </div></div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-31697031684291831242011-09-20T02:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T02:01:55.837-07:00Holiday cottage Scotland- Last chance to fish on Loch Earn!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxQUmdiZdT0/TnhPR5TySPI/AAAAAAAADD0/CZvyIotKJ3w/s1600/Steffanie+Fishing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxQUmdiZdT0/TnhPR5TySPI/AAAAAAAADD0/CZvyIotKJ3w/s320/Steffanie+Fishing.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest Stefanie fishing on Loch Earn </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">Alert! The end of the fishing season is looming on Loch Earn. You can still book the last week 1-8th October or book a 3-4 night short <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarcontact.htm#avail">fishing break in Lochearnhead.</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briaractivity.htm">Trout fishing</a> is not permitted after October 6th. I suppose fish need a break too and they can get on with the business of creating more fish. Could they possibly sense the end of the fishing season? Every year we witness trout flipping into the air making water rings on the 6th October. Is it coincidence? I imagine that they are celebration flips as they shout "yipeeee we made it". Is it only young agile fish that do these gymnastic turns? I wonder what kind of tsunami ring would be created if Loch Earns record breaking catch of a 26lb 10oz trout could flip. That would be one for YouTube.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">It has been a great year for our guest fishing folk. Nobody beat last years family record of over 50 trout caught in a week, however, there were some good quality brownies and rainbows landed. We have had seasoned professionals here with impressive technical gear and three novices (including children) managed to catch a fish on their first go with a simple rod and a few maggots, - much to their and our delight. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>Guest Steffanie from Frankfurt in Germany sent us the above photo of her fishing on Loch Earn . She may not have caught many but its surely the quality of the catch that counts. Hugh and Anette from Edinburgh(pictured below) launched their fishing boat from our slipway. You do not need to buy a permit to fish anywhere along our 250ft garden or from the jetty. If you go by boat then it is £25 for a weeks permit or £9 per person per day. You can bring your own gear or hire tackle from the Lochearnhead Post Office. You can buy maggots and floats there and in the local store too. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugh and Anette bring their fishing boat to launch at Briar Cottages </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Briar <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Cottages in Scotland</a> are available in all seasons. Once the fishing stops the pheasants appear, the hills and bracken turn to rust and Briar Steadings wood burning stove and Little Briar's outdoor chiminee become poplar for <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">Autumn and Winter short breaks</a>. As for the deer...they have already started to come into the garden for grass in the rear garden slope. They will come closer and closer to the cottages in search of plant food to keep them going in colder weather. A remarkable sight if you are lucky enough to spot them. Some people consider them a pest, however they are just doing a bit of pruning. They left one leaf on our Laurel bush last year and it came back in full glory in the spring. Telephone now to book up the last of the fishing dates for 2011. Kim and Fraser: 00 44 (0)1567 830 443 or mobile 07876 122 505. <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/</a></div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-8797251131885153852011-07-10T13:51:00.000-07:002011-07-10T14:04:46.784-07:00Lochearnhead Photographer's Virtual Cottage Images To Represent Scotland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNgQdILYOi0gNhUjqurOVMbyyUx5EUp_Wq4PnqzQnvtZIXXedjDeDJkh2pkfwaKb2FAlDDN_o8WjspULn_qcqTmfrgcRtaR_uh4Y5_ZihQy9fc8BMYilHOP2Rsm3Da_JRUpJcAC8bitc/s1600/Briar+Steading+and+gardens+from+Loch+Earn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNgQdILYOi0gNhUjqurOVMbyyUx5EUp_Wq4PnqzQnvtZIXXedjDeDJkh2pkfwaKb2FAlDDN_o8WjspULn_qcqTmfrgcRtaR_uh4Y5_ZihQy9fc8BMYilHOP2Rsm3Da_JRUpJcAC8bitc/s400/Briar+Steading+and+gardens+from+Loch+Earn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to luxury cottage Briar Steading via the garden on Loch Earn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Photographer Alistair Barclay of Alba Virtual Tours in Lochearnhead has been selected to represent <a href="http://www.albavirtualtours.co.uk/">virtual tour images</a> of <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">self catering holiday accommodation in Scotland</a> by <a href="http://www.virtualcottagecompany.com/">The Virtual Cottage Company</a> on its new website. Alistair has chosen his 360 degree virtual tour of luxury Briar Steading cottage overlooking Loch Earn to showcase his work. Promoting a directory of self catering properties in the UK that uses 360 degree virtual tour technology; The Virtual Cottage Company's new website aims to help holiday makers match properties with their wish list. Richard and Julie Scutt who are behind the innovative website believe that <a href="http://www.virtualcottageco.blogspot.com/">virtual tours</a> offer everyone an opportunuity to view a property as if they were present. Guests no longer have to be surprised by the layout and setting of their holiday accommodation on arrival.<br />
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Briar Steading owner Kim Proven says "I have taken many <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1954601049"></span>photographs of the holiday cottages<span id="goog_1954601050"></span></a> and the grounds around Loch Earn They are available to view on various websites including Flickr, Picasa, Google Maps and Facebook. Guests are very complimentary about my amateur snaps however I would love to stitch them all together to show the bigger picture. Alba Virtual Tours 360 degree images are the answer for me. A virtual tour may not allow you to smell the fresh air and hear the birds or the sea plane landing in front of the garden but it does concentrate your mind on the important detail in your list of essential and desirable features and benefits when <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarcontact.htm">booking self catering accommodation</a>. It's a great idea to search a directory of <a href="http://www.albavirtualtours.co.uk/1805briarsteading1/tourviewer_briarsteading1.html">virtual tour accommodation</a> in one spot. I am delighted with Alistair Barclays work and I also wish The Virtual Cottage Company all the best with its new website."<br />
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Alistair Barclay of Alba Virtual Tours offers a range of standard and <a href="http://www.albavirtualtours.co.uk/">specialist photography services</a> within the tourism industry. Services include virtual tours, panoramic and ariel photography and floor plans for hotels, self catering holiday cottages, bed and breakfasts and other accommodation businesses in Scotland.Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-73506833384654018922011-06-19T09:01:00.000-07:002011-06-19T09:49:46.625-07:00Golf crazy or Crazy Golf? There is something for everyone around Loch Earn<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPJgku1yafI/Tf4a0pBOuPI/AAAAAAAADAM/x9oUGDa8bPE/s1600/newest+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPJgku1yafI/Tf4a0pBOuPI/AAAAAAAADAM/x9oUGDa8bPE/s320/newest+021.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BL3cdcD0QHI/Tf4YZ2jGzHI/AAAAAAAADAE/AN7roTEWbWI/s1600/newest+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BL3cdcD0QHI/Tf4YZ2jGzHI/AAAAAAAADAE/AN7roTEWbWI/s320/newest+025.jpg" width="320" /></a>Do you play <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briaractivity.htm">golf on holiday</a> or are you a fun putter? Self catering at Briar Cottages may be just the ticket. There is something for everyone here whether you are in training for the Ryder Cup 2014 or looking for ways to entertain family and friends on holiday. If you are easily pleased then putting on our loch side lawn might satisfy your needs. We put 4 flags into the grass and supply putters and balls. You will see them on our new 360 degree virtual tour of Briar Steading our <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/vtour.htm">luxury Perthshire cottage</a>. Hit the ball nearest to the flag. What could be easier. Of course the lie of the land depends on the angle that Fraser has cut and rolled the grass. A lot depends on visiting ducks too as they tend to nod off on the green once fed. I make it sound more like an obstacle course or worse an assault course..."look out daffy!" Oh and watch out for that other course hazard...its called Loch Earn. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X1z5t2x1ZoECu3qNvSGSrYYKAalgChJsX5s3qaY0DcZCY9pLbdk5sir7d_ZrufqThEsvbft8sYYKICXOOQAp333MkBx3kEZ7qhGonYXzEnYo-sNWdLXUjjvHAEMvOkl7BFB5JaOjSi4/s1600/newest+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X1z5t2x1ZoECu3qNvSGSrYYKAalgChJsX5s3qaY0DcZCY9pLbdk5sir7d_ZrufqThEsvbft8sYYKICXOOQAp333MkBx3kEZ7qhGonYXzEnYo-sNWdLXUjjvHAEMvOkl7BFB5JaOjSi4/s320/newest+039.jpg" width="320" /></a> There is a set of boule and toy croquet in the summer house if you fancy a change. If you are rained off, shelter in the summer house and have a game of Jenga or extra large connect 4. If that is not mad enough for you then try the crazy golf course at Achingarrich <a href="http://www.auchingarrich.co.uk/coffee_shop.html">wildlife park near Comrie</a>, 14 miles East on the A85. Not only an innovative park full of interesting animals and birds but a childrens playground and picnic spot too with a restaurant on site. Neighbouring village Killin has a fun putting green near the bowling green in the main park in the centre. For the discerning golfer, Killin Golf club is a beautiful 9 hole golf course at the other end of the village. The clubhouse is run by a charming couple that will pander to your every needs with a smile. St Fillans golf club is at the east end of Loch Earn. A very pretty course and said to be local Masters champion Sandy Lyle's favourite inland course...according to a quote that he gave to Golf World magazine recently. According to the <a href="http://www.st-fillans-golf.com/">St Fillans GC</a> website it is also said to be popular with Sir Ian Botham. Like Killin, St Fillans is a very welcoming course thanks to those that run it and the regulars who welcome visitors and holiday makers with open arms. The clubhouse food is excellent value too. If you are keen to play a few courses in this area look up the Perthshire Green Card offering discounts for 5 rounds and 3 rounds at selected 18 hole courses in the area. The Perthshire Highland Ticket is great value too and can be used at 12 of the 9 hole courses in the area, including St Fillans, Comrie, Crieff, Killin and Kenmore. Play 5 days of golf at £65 or 3 days at £40! Check individual club terms as some may not agree to the ticket being used at weekends. Well if thats not enough then Gleneagles is only 29 miles away, Loch Lomond 45 minutes and only 60 miles to the Old Course at St Andrews or courses in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Merely a day trip away in any direction. Loch Earn is so central that it makes an excellent base for touring places and attractions in Scotland in an easy day trip. If you are on holiday with a golfer but its not your thing you might consider water sports, quad biking, zorbing, horse riding, forest walks, cycling or Munro climbing. You night prefer to hire a Ferarri or Aston Martin locally or a jeep safari in the hidden glen at Balquhidder. It is also perfectly okay just to relax and read or take in the stunning views around our 3 acre grounds. Ask for a shot of our hot tub if you want the ultimate in relaxation...zzzzzzzzzzzz! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n0ZeOlLbIA/TdjTDcEfZTI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/sOcXWJe_00k/s1600/Pics+from+dig+camera+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n0ZeOlLbIA/TdjTDcEfZTI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/sOcXWJe_00k/s640/Pics+from+dig+camera+037.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Earn, Lochearnhead, Scotland from luxury cottage Briar Steading's open plan lounge<br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">We have added a 360 degree virtual tour of our <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/vtour.htm">luxury holiday cottage</a> Briar Steading (<a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/">http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/</a>). Have a peak inside. "Walk" around and get a feel for the cottage and grounds. Start in the garden on Loch Earn. Look through the open plan living area, both bedrooms and en-suites, then end up looking down from the top of the garden behind the cottage. The 8 panoramic photographs were taken by Lochearnhead photographer Alistair Barclay from Alba <a href="http://www.albavirtualtours.co.uk/home.htm">Virtual Tours</a> using a special 360 degree camera. Let me know what you think! Please contact Kim or Fraser with any queries or to book a <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarsteading.htm">luxury break in Lochearnhead</a>. Tel: 01567 830443 or 07876 122505.<br />
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<strong>Click here to see the tour</strong> <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/vtour.htm">http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/vtour.htm</a><br />
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.</div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256037542145407766.post-57868539678310313502011-05-16T06:04:00.000-07:002011-05-16T06:12:21.668-07:00Luxury Self Catering Experience - 3 nights at Briar Steading for just £25 per head! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1nLzGaDLyVlQpocKLNVadgCT1cG3wXUB1supvUc1MahnjnJgHvodfTkLKlI-6hSuTHJW028io93-8Q_7hdh3SJiyUItuVSXme-CU1piE4s9mtlj_jITYFNgV15149UymUOJcK3bBHy0/s1600/Pics+from+dig+camera+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1nLzGaDLyVlQpocKLNVadgCT1cG3wXUB1supvUc1MahnjnJgHvodfTkLKlI-6hSuTHJW028io93-8Q_7hdh3SJiyUItuVSXme-CU1piE4s9mtlj_jITYFNgV15149UymUOJcK3bBHy0/s400/Pics+from+dig+camera+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning views south over Loch Earn from Briar Steading open lounge </td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/lateavailability.php">Late availability</a>. Briar Steading is available this Saturday 21st May for 3 nights only. This is the perfect opportunity to try the new build <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarsteadingphotos.htm">luxury cottage</a> for just £300 instead of the list price of £560. That's only £25 per person per night if 2 couples or a family of 4 share. Both bedrooms offer en suite bathrooms separated by a 26ft open living area. Check in 4pm on the 21st May and check out 11am on the 24th. Sorry no pets. Only 60 miles from Edinburgh and Glasgow. 30 miles on M9 to Junction 10 and then the A84 All the way to Lochearnhead. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxubji7bmik/TdEfwHTHlqI/AAAAAAAAC_E/cYxoLHaDosg/s1600/Pics+from+dig+camera+316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxubji7bmik/TdEfwHTHlqI/AAAAAAAAC_E/cYxoLHaDosg/s200/Pics+from+dig+camera+316.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Integrated kitchen and dining area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5E_1eWib9_eQQVUdLhl6F8KXTaHrJFYtdGjBmjtzAWTdzMIoJHdyHZwrKh4tkcuQQoPE4bNVho3f0_Nt9OU6F0GizGV6tc1GND3SeJayEUtPanHNu7eVqbFORPwWgT6hsnCfGNGPFWg/s1600/Pics+from+dig+camera+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5E_1eWib9_eQQVUdLhl6F8KXTaHrJFYtdGjBmjtzAWTdzMIoJHdyHZwrKh4tkcuQQoPE4bNVho3f0_Nt9OU6F0GizGV6tc1GND3SeJayEUtPanHNu7eVqbFORPwWgT6hsnCfGNGPFWg/s320/Pics+from+dig+camera+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall for sitting aound the fire pit looking to patio furniture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/briarsteading.htm">Self catering cottage</a> guests can fish from the garden, launch a small boat and pick up a mooring. There are 2 hotels and 2 water sports centres within 200m. See Briar Cottages on <a href="http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/tripadviser.htm">Trip Advisor</a> for latest reveiws. Phone Kim: 01567 830 443 now to book or with any other queries.</div>Briar Cottageshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13812156870143044450noreply@blogger.com0