2021 Pitlochry and Highland Perthshire Start of the Season News

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What did I learn from Covid? A three week shut down which went on and on. What did I learn? Not to watch nor listen to TV and radio news broadcasts. I have stopped watching and listening to the main stream media, since March 2020.

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery

2. The media is totally unaccountable. Only some publications allow the reader to make a comment. If they put out a poor story, it is nigh on impossible to hold them to account.

Take Slavery. The constant one sided account put out by the BBC Yes, I have not heard one News and media in general. Yes the bulletin whether on TV or on RaNorth American Slave trade was dio for over a year. absolutely terrible. But so was the equally bad treatment of the 1.25 Why? Because the news stories million white, European Christian were very flimsy at best. By flimsy, slaves, held in North Africa. The I mean, if you stopped and anaMughals in India had a slave army. lysed what the media were actually The media fail to remind us all that saying, it just did not stack up. It slavery was conducted in almost was one dimensional, not logical, every society throughout the world not balanced, often not credible. until Britain set out to abolish slavery in the early 19th century. Yes, I totally get Covid causes The Royal Navy was used to blockdeaths. I totally get that. So do ade West and later East Africa. many other things too. Britain built in antislavery clauses What I found hard to accept was in treaty after treaty, in an attempt the sensationalism. May be the to stop slavery. isolation gave me time to stop and So what am I saying? I ask why properly listen for a change. do we watch and listen to ‘media’ So no radio or TV news for us, we that abuse its position of influence. select the stories we choose to Often it appears, any story will do, watch and read from a variety of so long as we fill the slot. With sources including web sites. social media now attracts most advertising revenue, main stream I have concluded that:media struggles to survive, with less and less resources. 1. The media are all powerful, they control all our lives. By creating news storms that dictate our lives. Politicians have to jump to the media tune.

The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery will be reopening on 26th April 2021 with Aberfeldy, Cask Tasting and Whisky Connoisseur Tours on offer, with ‘driver’s drams’ available. E x p e r i e n c e s m u s t b e b o o k e d i n ad v a n c e a t www.dewarsaberfeldydistillery.com due to a limited capacity of 8 visitors every 30 minutes. Whilst currently we are not able to allow access to our Still House, we are pleased to say a multisensory production process explanation will take place in our warehouse instead. Our onsite and online shop offering is gathering pace and is home to a great range of rare whisky expressions so if your guests are fans of rare and collectable whiskies they will find plenty to whet their appetite at shop.dewars.com. We are also running monthly live whisky tasting experiences on our Facebook page so be sure to follow us @DewarsAberfeldyDistillery and sign up for our free guided tastings. We look forward to welcoming visitors back from the end of April, and as always if you have any questions just reach out to us at AberfeldyDistillery@Dewars.com.

I for one, will no longer listen or watch sub standard reporting, when there are good alternatives. 1


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Fern Cottage is all set for a New Adventure! same time, and although it will be a huge task to also I would like to thank everyone who improve what Fern Cottage used to be for showed huge support throughout the initial many years, we are set to bring out the best of stages of this new venture of ours! this adorable cosy little restaurant! Who are we? There is three of us joined in this venture: Most importantly Istvan Varga who is an incredible and amazing Chef full of creative ideas and enthusiasm! Levi Papp who although was my Main Man responsible for the front of house we decided he will be better suited as a second amazing chef making sure our food offering is always on point! And Reka Papp set to make the most of this new adventure with my main focus being on the marketing and all back office details of the business.

If you need to contact us: our phone number is We all agreed that Fern Cottage always was and 01796 473840 will remain a restaurant with a Mediterranean influence and local Scottish cuisine so we are Some of you might be aware that Fern Cottage keeping Rifat`s famous Kebabs on the menu as has gone through a change of owners in January a Special and adding new and exciting dishes 2019 when Rifat decided he wanted a change that we hope everyone will enjoy! from running the restaurant and he gave us the chance to buy it from him. Which even though somewhat reluctantly.. we did! Due to the long history Rifat had with the restaurant and with the strange year we have all had last year, I did not find the right time to write about it until now.

and if you have any exciting ideas that Fern Cottage can assist in please email reka@ferncottagepitlochry.co.uk

One amazing dessert I must mention is Isti`s Rifat was a good friend to all of us, whom we Homemade Cheesecake! all met due to working with Karen and him Absolutely Delicious! My Favourite dessert in about 15 years ago here in Fern Cottage. the world! It’s a must try! We all loved the vibe and food this little place We would love to have the pleasure of welcomhas offered so when we got the opportunity to ing you to Fern Cottage so you can see it for purchase it, we were shocked and excited at the yourself what this little restaurant has to offer,

Fern Cottage is wishing everyone an amazing 2021 season! And looking forward to working with all of you if possible!

McKays Fish and Chip Shop Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last year. It was with excitement and relief that we opened McKays Fish and Chip Shop on the 26th April 2021. With social distancing all in place and the team having completed Covid 19 training we’ll have the take away and sit in available. With online ordering now in place, so you can now order in the comfort of your home and select a time to collect your freshly cooked fish supper. Just visit the website and order today! https://www.MckaysFishAndChips.com We’re ready to welcome visitors and locals back to the chip shop for the rest of the summer in a safe way. 2


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Get Outdoors with Wee Adventures We are delighted to have reopened again in March and to be sharing our ethos and spirit once again with our fabulous Perthshire clients from our regular Wee Scamps sessions with parents and toddlers, monthly Wee Adventures Club and Bike Club sessions as well as private family adventures.

The outdoors and a spirit of adventure have always been important to us at Wee Adventures. The pandemic has highlighted to us all that nature is a vital part of our being and that you don’t have to go far for an adventure.

covid environment where the benefits far outweigh the risks. All of our activities are classed as ‘Organised sports and activities’ and as such, benefit from larger groups being permitted.

The social element of our activities at this time are not to be underestimated. Organised activiIt’s SO good to see the kids back outdoors, ties are a way to connect with more people testing their physical skills, honing those social again and provide an opportunity for people of skills and having lots of fun together again. And all ages to enjoy birthdays with friends. we find that family adventures have a knack of We look forward to being able to adventure sustainably with visitors to the area again soon, showing the best of the local environment and enabling that wonderful life-affirming sense of wellbeing that is gained from a shared outdoor experience. Not to mention the enthusiasm for life that rubs off from any meeting with Biscuit!

How lucky we are to live and work in Highland Perthshire: our backyard provides a world class canvas for outdoor activities and wellbeing. mixing up the family dynamic and enabling everyone to enjoy each other’s company in a totally refreshing way - a welcome change after home schooling and working from home! We are accredited ‘Good to Go’ and operating under industry and government best practice guidelines. The outdoors gives us all access to a lower risk

The Old Mill Inn beer tent across the burn which we’re sure will be in high demand. Look out for information coming to you soon about our new online Reward scheme making it easy for your guests to receive their complimentary glass of wine and for you to earn points when your customers dine with us. This will replace our wine cards as it’s all going online. Live music will be making a come-back just as Eyes on the horizon and we’re raring to go! soon as the Government allows us to host gigs The Old Mill Inn will be re-opening on Monday 26th April better than ever before. Our friendly team will be ready and waiting to wine, dine & welcome you back with every Covid-safety measure in place. Over the winter lock-down we’ve been busy making things even better here at The Old Mill, streamlining processes and making things digital to reduce contact points for our customers. We’ve also installed a bigger and better heated

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again, but in the meantime we will have a huge TV in the beer tent for the Euros, why to come along! We can’t wait to see you all for a catch-up and to hear your lockdown stories. Thanks once again for all your custom and support over the years & see you soon!


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

All change at Errichel April, the Bistro will be open from 10am-3pm, 7 days a week. Its opening hours will then be extended until 8.30pm on 14 May. Deli

Errichel has used the lockdown to make a number of changes to its business, making it even more of an essential stop for your visitors.

As well as dining, you visitors will be able to shop for groceries and foody treats in the beautiful new Deli, with cheese counter, charcuterie counter, Deli counter, and a range of cooking ingredients as well as Errichel farm meats. Currently open 10am-3pm from Thursday to Sunday inclusive, the Deli will be opening 7 days a some leaflets to provide to your visitors, please contact Becky at Errichel. Accommodation

Bistro Once a formal dining restaurant, Errichel's 'Thyme' restaurant has now become 'Thyme Bistro', an informal dining experience where visitors can enjoy delicious full meals by Chef Paul Newman, all-day breakfasts using Errichel farm produce, sharing Deli platters, afternoon tea, or just artisan coffee, cake, in the beautiful surroundings of the roundhouse, with stunning views over the Tay Valley. From Tuesday 27

week from Tuesday 27 April. Prepared Meals

If you need additional accommodation, Errichel now has 6 luxurious farmhouse bedrooms, as well as two cottages. Tel: 01887 820850 Aberfeldy, PH15 2EL www.Errichel.co.uk Directions—turn left at the Aberfeldy traffic lights by the Black Watch Inn, driving up past the Birks of Aberfeldy, beyond the speed limit, for about 1 mile. Errichel is clearly signed on the right to their entrance.

Your self-catering visitors will love discovering Paul's own frozen meals. This sumptuous range of tagines, oriental dishes, curries, and traditional favourites is prepared in the kitchens at Errichel by Paul's own team, and is like having a chef in your holiday home. A flier is available with a fully priced menu, and Errichel can even deliver to Aberfeldy and the surrounding area on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you would like

Gold Award for Green Tourism - Blair Athol Distillery Blair Athol Allt Dour Experience, with more experiences being reinstated once further restrictions are lifted. To adhere to Scottish Government guidance and ensure social distancing, tours will have limited capacity and will need to be booked in advance. Online booking is now available via our website www.blairatholdistillery.com The Mash Tun Bar will reopen to public when serving alcohol inside is permitted again. Freshly prepared cocktails will be served, with some Just before the second lockdown, Blair Athol non-alcoholic options available as well. We look forward to welcoming you back as Distillery has been certified with the Gold soon as it is safe to do so. Award for Green Tourism for our commitment and efforts in sustainability. Our website and Facebook page will be updated regularly with details of opening plans. We are very proud of the achievement and cannot wait to share with you some of the Contact info: things we’ve been working on during your visit. Blair Athol Distillery Visitor Centre, Perth Road, Pitlochry PH16 5LY Blair Athol Distillery Visitor Centre will be Tel: 01796 482003 opened 7 days a week 10am-5pm with regular www.blairatholdistillery.com tours throughout the day. Email: blair.athol@malts.com At the time of reopening, we will be offering Facebook: Blair Athol our Blair Athol Signature Experience as well as 4


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

The Scottish Crannog Centre

The Scottish Crannog Centre will open for the 2021 on 26th April, with bookable tours of the museum, roundhouse and demonstration areas available throughout the year.

We hope to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors who travel to see us in the next few months, and although some of our usual hands-on activities won’t be available for the foreseeable future, there will be plenty of interactive demonstrations of ancient technologies, textiles and cooking to give visitors an authentic Iron Age experience and our Interpreters will be on hand to ensure the story of the crannog dwellers from 2,500 years ago is still alive and well. We hope with the easing of restrictions throughout the coming months we

will be able to provide more interactive handson activities.

The Centre will be open 7 days a week, with tours running hourly from 10am (last entry at 4pm). Tours will now be booked in advance with limited capacity to ensure social distancing and to adhere to government guidelines.

Workshops are also now available to book through our website. Suitable for complete beginners, these half day and full day sessions are a chance to discover traditional methods among fellow enthusiasts all whilst immersed in the stunning setting of our prehistoric museum, set in the hills of Highland Scotland.

Booking will be available through our website, www.crannog.co.uk or by phoning 01887 830583.

The Crannog Community looks forward to welcoming you all to the Scottish Crannog Centre very soon!

Taste Perthshire his magic on our displays so everything is ship shape for reopening. Our local friendly team have been on furlough throughout lock-down and are all raring to get back to serving delicious food & drink in our Restaurant and looking after you in our shops. Our takeaway menu is returning and when we re-open we will have a new Food to Go Mobile App where you can order and pay for your food online. Our takeaway service is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner & home-baking and contactless collection is available from It feels like winter has lasted forever but spring 9am until 7.30pm every day. Keep an eye on is most certainly here and we’re getting ready to your inbox for more details soon! open our doors from 9am on Monday 26th April 2021. We can’t wait to welcome you As before lock-down, we have many Covidback for delicious food & drink and shopping. safety measure in place for your safety and the safety of our team and we know we can count Summer clothing, homewares and gift ranges on your co-operation in adhering to them. are arriving daily and Cameron is busy working 5

Opening hours will be 7 days from 9am to 7pm until further notice. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for further updates as the Government relax restrictions further.


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Spirit of Wood We were also delighted to be asked to furnish the show house at the Duntuim development in Aberfeldy. Our brief was to create a stylish environment for prospective homeowners; a place that was bright but also cosy and great to entertain friends.

We pride ourselves on giving our customers a personal service, combined with quality products at unbeatable prices. With our extensive warehouse facilities we can coordinate customer orders in advance and organise free delivery and installation.

Despite all the challenges Spirit Of Wood has had a busy time supplying fantastic interiors to domestic & trade customers.

We chose contemporary, practical and comfort- For more information please contact Conor on able furniture. We also provided custom made 01887 829899 www.Spirit-Of-Wood.com curtains, blinds, cushions and headboards. Our Nordic range was ideal for the living room and our painted ranges for the bedrooms. Our popular Campdens chairs in Moon wool really brightened up the chill out area upstairs. We have furnished a large number of private homes, hotels, B&B’s and self catering properties.

The project was a great success with the initial phase selling out quickly. If you have a project coming up don’t forget to contact us for a quote.

Victoria’s Restaurant Marius, Susan & Laura, along with some new friendly faces to meet will be here to serve you delicious food & drink all summer long. The rise of the staycation this year will hopefully mean a busy season ahead and we wish everyone the best of success in 2022. Fingers crossed visitors will stay in the area a bit longer and wine, dine & explore widely whilst they are here.

We’re so glad to be back! The team at Victoria’s Restaurant can’t wait to welcome to Victoria’s from 10am on Monday 26th April 2021.

As implemented last year, we have a full suite of Covid-safety measures in place to protect both our customers and our team. We’ve missed you all so much so please do come in for a cuppa and a catch up, we’d love to hear what you’ve been up to over the winter. See you soon x As ever, we are always extremely grateful to you, our Friends of Victoria’s Restaurant, who refer guests to dine with us. We have been working on our Reward Card/ Wine Card system to make it digital and will be in touch with you with all the details very soon. 6


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

McKays Hotel, Bar and Restaurant The focus is on regular cleaning and disinfection in all areas and corresponding to the social distancing rules. We’ll be taking bookings for the restaurant and bar so you can be sure we’ll have the space to look after you. Also, we’ve introduced room service so that you can dine in the comfort of your room and this is ordered through the hotel app to minimise contact.

We’re ready to welcome visitors and locals back to McKays Hotel, Bar and Restaurant for 2021.

With a new menu in place, Chef has worked on a series of specials and we’ll have a range of freshly cooked favourites for everyone.

In preparation for opening we’ve been awarded the ‘We’re Good to Go’ Covid-19 Industry Standard and updated for 2021 our own ‘Looking After You’ policy to reassure our guests and protect our team going forward.

https://www.mckayshotel.co.uk/looking-afteryou our Reward Card/ Wine Card system to make it digital and will be in touch with you with all the details very soon. As implemented last year, we have a full suite of Covid-safety measures in place to protect both our customers and our team.

We’ve also introduced guidelines which require adjustment of all hygiene and disinfection procedures throughout the hotel, alongside detailed training for each member of staff and frequent checks and monitoring of the procedures put in place.

We’ve missed you all so much so please do come in for a cuppa and a catch up, we’d love to hear what you’ve been up to over the winter. See you soon x

Caffe Scozia Pitlochry’s only Italian Restaurant with a twist will be open from June 2021, with a new menu including classic Italian pizza and pasta with a Scottish Twist. Booking is advisable https:// www.caffescozia.co.uk At Caffe Scozia we also cater for Gluten Free and Vegan diets and we also offer an extensive Takeaway menu. We have a children’s menu and a dog friendly area so the whole family can dine together.

Pitlochry’s Turkish Barber Kadir signed the lease for the property in April 2020, only to be able to open in July after the first round of Covid Lock Down measures. With the second lock down he was able to reopen on the 6th April 2021. It has been a very tough start for his fledgling business venture with his wife, Kamile. Both he and Kamile cut men's hair. No appointments, just walk in. 7

They will cut your hair to any style you want and of course they specialise in hard towel shaves. Not that I know what these are! Kadir said the world’s best barbers come from Italy and Turkey. Explaining they start cutting hair from when they are boys and girls. No college courses needed here. Kadir says the biggest challenge after lock down, has been putting right all the home made hair cuts. It is easier cutting long hair he says. Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday. 104 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5BL


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Highland Safaris and Loch Tay Safaris

Highland Safaris and Loch Tay Safaris are Limited availability – Don’t Miss Out BOOK hugely excited about re-opening and welcoming NOW! you back on the 26th of April 2021. We’re all set to go and you can be assured that you can visit us with confidence and enjoy our usual 5 star warm welcome. Celebrating the Year of Coast and Waters and making a real SPLASH for the re-opening. Join Loch Tay Safaris and The Scottish Crannog Centre on a Unique Cruise of Discovery and Visit Loch Tay as never before! This unrivalled opportunity takes you on a cruise to discover why these waters, the beautiful landscape and fascinating Crannogs of Loch Tay were the lifeblood of the people living on these shores.

Visit Highland Safaris with Confidence: Your Safety Comes First!

Feel at ease with our guidelines which are there to protect you and keep us all safe: That is our top priority! Accompanied by a costumed CranArriving at Highland Safaris: our nog guide, this special collaborative team are there to help you feel more secure and cruise is part of Scotland’s celebra- confident. tion of our coasts and waters 2021. Reduced Capacities: Private use of vehicles for families and /or social ‘bubbles’!

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Outdoor Seating: plenty of our usual outdoor seating and space. Hand Washing and Sanitising Stations – Watch out for our outdoor Hand Washing Station and loads of hand sanitiser points. We will encourage Cards not cash – booking activities and pre-payments can be done on-line and cards payments when visiting too. Visit Highland Safaris Café & Gift Shop: Delicious new menu additions as well as our trusted favourites. Out Door Seating and lovely new NEW fireside sofas from Spirit Of Wood! NEW Hire Bikes have arrived to add to our range of top quality Hire Bikes and amazing routes good for everyone – so much to see and do! Book your Safari Experience Now! Offer: 25% discount running from Monday 26th April to Sunday 23rd of May! Limited Availability Book Now—Highland Safaris & Loch Tay Safaris For Great Days Out!


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Fern Cottage Following on from our previous article, we are delighted to let you know, that even though we could not be busy with our lovely customers, we have taken this unique opportunity and caught up on things like a new website and changing the interior and exterior of the restaurant a bit!

Here are a few photos to give you a small taster of what to expect when you decide to come and visit us! From new décor to new ideas in the pipeline for outdoors, we have made a dent in getting closer to sharing our ideas with you all! While serving the same fantastic food that was so loved.

With the help of the amazing team from WebSmart Media we have finalised the website which now has abeautiful feel, a brand-new logo and most importantly, it ties in with our vision of the restaurant! Obviously, we could not just stop there… so we have changed the interior accordingly, keeping the warm cottage feel which Fern Cottage is known for, but also bringing the Mediterranean vibes to Pitlochry!

Looking forward welcoming you all to Fern Cottage Restaurant for a cuppa and a chat! Why not visit us and

changes we`ve completed so far, you will all enjoy!

Even though we have not managed to fully complete all our ideas yet (needed to leave some more fun stuff for later!) we hope all the new

Prince of India

Offering attentive service & a fantastic selection of dishes, including authentic Balti dishes, Chef’s recommendation & European dishes (for non-curry eaters in the party). 3-course lunch £7.95, children under 12 eat for £4.95, 12noon to 4.00pm (to 2pm winter). Main menu is served from 5pm to 10.30pm. There is a 10% discount on all Take Away meals. OPEN 7 days 5-7 Station Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AN Tel: 01796 472275 /473770 9

www.FernCottagePitlochry.co.uk Tel 01796473840 E: info@ferncottagepitlochry.co.uk


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Celebrate Coasts and Waters

Celebrate Coasts and Waters with Loch Tay These special departures on Loch Tay Safaris Safaris and the Scottish Crannog Centre with our Skipper and crew, accompanied by Scottish Crannog Centre Guide, will stimulate Throughout 2021 Scotland will celebrate its your senses in the magical surroundings of the Coasts and Waters albeit, slightly delayed due to loch and bring the loch’s Iron Age history to the Corronavirus Pandemic. life.

This special year is an ideal opportunity for Highland Safaris, Loch Tay Safaris and the Scottish Crannog Centre to spotlight the fabulous streams, rivers and lochs that are so part of this beautiful natural land scape and have shaped our culture, our stories and our way of life. To celebrate this special year, Loch Tay Safaris and the Scottish Crannog Centre are offering a truly unique, 5* tour collaboration on the stunning waters of Loch Tay.

were constructed; the technologies used and highlight some of the works done underwater to record and preserve artefacts found.

The earliest loch-dwelling in Scotland is some 5,000 years old but people built, modified and re-used crannogs in Scotland up until the 17th century AD.

Climb aboard Iolaire our custom-built RIB Iolaire with a comfortable heated cabin and listen to stories from the past, learn about how the loch was formed, how people adapted to living around its mysterious dark waters and how modern man is now influencing the Loch and the landscape around it.

Here in Highland Perthshire the prehistoric crannogs were originally timber-built roundhouses supported on piles or stilts driven into the loch bed. Loch Tay has a unique concentration of Crannogs, 18 in all.

These cruises are available on Wednesdays at 14:00 from the 5th of May until the 23rd of June and have to be prebooked online at www.lochtaysafris.net or by phone on 01887820071.

Whilst on a Loch Tay Safaris trip we do pass the site of these mysterious relics from the past and have often wondered why they were placed at these sites, especially when they peak out of the loch’s dark waters during lower summer levels. A joint familiarisation cruise and Crannog visit for our respective teams inspired us to create a special cruise to celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters. The cruise will take passengers to sites of four of the original Crannogs and explain how they

On a personal note We first came to Pitlochry and the highlands of Perthshire in November 1996. Having worked in Glasgow for over 20 years as a production engineer. Thanks to Mike Cheesewright and the Pitlochry Community Council back in 1996 who supported our idea of creating a large painted map of Pitlochry. A vital step in our tenuous step to trying to get our own business off the ground.

Well here we are 25 years later. Our business concept having evolved over time from large painted map boards, to print, to web sites and more recently social media in the form of Face Book where we have some 30,000 followers and You Tube. It has been a fascinating journey, picking up new skills on the way. Meeting loads of wonderful people. Being involved in various challenges to help drive tourism forward across the highlands of Perthshire. From the Gate10

way to the Cairngorms group in Blair Atholl which pioneered the Information Centre. To keeping the Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry . Etape Caledonia and latterly Killiecrankie Battlefield and our Jacobite history. This year we have decided to down size from our lovely home of 21 years in Killiecrankie. We plan to do one thing at a time. Sell the house first. Only after that, looking for the house we want to end up, as we go in to our seventies.


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Loch of the Lowes Owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Loch of the Lowes wildlife reserve nestles in a peaceful valley two miles east of Dunkeld, Perthshire, five minutes’ drive from the A9.

ever season you visit, there is plenty to see and do for all the family (check website for Events).

Embraced by mature woodland, this picturesque loch is home to a wealth of wildlife, including great crested grebe and beaver, red squirrels, great spotted woodpeckers and a rich array of woodland birds.

The centre, two Hides, toilets and our winding Woodland Path are fully wheelchair accessible. Copyright of Lowes photo to Scottish Wildlife

osprey webcam, website details below. Which-

For over half a century, osprey have been breeding here and the loch-side Hides allow spectacular views of these rare, protected raptors. Inside the 4 Star Visitor Centre, snacks and drinks are available and visitors can browse the shop or watch the antics of red squirrels and woodland birds from a viewing window overlooking our leafy feeding station.

For children there are puzzles and nature trails, as well as a dedicated indoor play area. Whether you are a serious birder, a keen photographer or simply wish to enjoy the peace of nature, we look forward to welcoming you to Lowes! Due to Covid restrictions, admission is by prebooked ticket from our website. Please take note of your specified 1hr 15min Timeslot and arrive in time to make the most of it. Tickets and further information visit https:// scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/loch-of-the -lowes/

Loch of the Lowes is open all year round with ospreys between April-August, check out our Copyright of Beaver photo to Brian Taylor.

The Loft Restaurant – Blair Atholl Located in Bridge of Tilt, Blair Atholl, behind the old Bridge of Tilt Hotel, on the right on the way to Pitlochry Golf.

Our Menu - Over the last 5 years we have learnt what our customers like, while we each new season allows us to make minor tweaks to the menu.

dishes for those who do. Many of our visitors from the continent like to eat at lunch times. The popular evening menu is geared for fine dining. Parties, groups and events. We can accommodate coaches, which is ideal for lunch and a visit to Blair Castle . If you have a special occasion to celebrate please get in touch and we will do our very best to meet your requirements.

Open Hours:- Open 12noon to 3pm and The ever chang- 5pm to last orders ing Chef’s Spe8.30pm . March to May cials board, allows – 5 days (closed Mon us to try out new and Tues). June & July dishes and offer – 6 days (closed Tues). dishes using seaAugust – open 7 days. sonal produce. September & October 6 days (closed Tues). Our lunch menu We look forward to offers lite bites for welcoming you. Adrian those who do not and Nicoletta. a whole meal and Tel:-01796 481377. more substantial 11


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Explore Highland Perthshire Tourism Newsletter 2019

Karelia House We are delighted to announce that our doors will be open on Monday 26th April.

number of customers in the shop at any one time to allow free movement and space whilst shopping.

We have put in place all the necessary measures to make our showroom safe for all to visit under current COVID guidelines. We will have a delicious selection of tray bakes, cakes, teas and coffees for you to enjoy, all will be served outside on our (currently being constructed and hopefully all

We cannot tell you how much we are looking forward to seeing you all. We have a fabulous selection of new yarns and fabrics and a beaming team to serve you. From the Karelia House Team

ready) undercover patio. We will have a limited

What makes a successful web site? The 6 Things That Make a Successful Website

5) Content marketing - The creation and sharing of valuable content to attract and convert prospects into customers.

A pretty website is not enough your website should inspire action - get your visitor to do something.

6) Lead generation - The process of attracting and converting strangers into someone who has indicated interest in your business.

For a website to work, it needs to be successful in 6 key areas:

4) Search Engine Optimization 1) Appearance - A website must be (SEO) - Increasing both the quality visually appealing, polished and profes- and quantity of website traffic. sional. Your website may be the first, and only, impression a potential guests/ visitors receives of your business. 2) User-experience (UX) - Your website needs to provide meaningful and relevant experience to visitors.

You don’t have to be perfect in all six, but you do have to work in all six areas to make you website successful. We are a web design agency based in Pitlochry, we’ve designed & build websites for over a decade and we’ve learnt exactly what works to make a website a success. Find out more at https://

3) Website copy Core text that narrates visitors through your website.

www.WebSmartMedia.co.uk 12


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