Autumn Sunshine

Just a few pictures of the lovely weather we have been having lately. The sun has been out but its still quite chilly!

You can see the seasons changing in the colour of the hills.

The sun setting on the very imposing Pap of Glencoe.

A fantastic view down Loch Leven from just outside the hotel.

Uisge Beatha

Scotch whisky making relies on only three ingredients: water, malted barley and yeast. Ingredients which seem very humble for a drink termed “the water of life”. With a huge number of single malts available, each with their own unique characteristics, it is amazing that these three ingredients can produce such variety.

Yesterday we received our delivery of thirty Scotch whiskies which look fantastic in our bar. Not being a big drinker myself, the appeal was somewhat limited; however, Anthony was very excited when we eventually managed to squeeze all the bottles on the shelf! He says he is going to educate me in the beauty of good single malt. He is right; you can’t very well live in the highlands and not enjoy a wee dram!

The hotel is looking fantastic, everything is so close to being finished! Just a final push and then we can open the doors.

Yesterday we lit the wood burning stove for the first time and it was lovely. Not only did the lounge heat up in no time but it made the hotel feel really homely. I think we were all glad of the warmth, you can tell we are into autumn! Although yesterday was cold it was actually a really lovely day – very still and we didn't have any rain – the colours of the season are everywhere. If we can get a few spare hours before we open we will need to go bramble picking, before the birds have them all. The bushes are laden down at the moment and the rowan trees are full of berries. It is said that if the rowan trees are heavy with berries in the autumn then its going to be a cold winter with lots of snow. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that this isn't just an old wives tale and that there is going to be a fabulous ski season ahead!