Autumn Star Gazing in Scotland

Scotland’s skies are just heavenly - Come see for yourself!

Are you amazed and overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe and the infinite number of stars shining down on us? Then you will appreciate the efforts of the International Dark Sky Association.

The Association has a program where it approves Dark Sky Parks , places where visitors can see the vast starlit night without interference from the abundant light pollution that limits stargazing in densely populated parts of the world. Currently there are only seventeen such parks in the world.

The latest approved Dark Sky Park is in the southwest corner of Scotland, the first of its kind in Britain, located in the Galloway Forest Park.

Galloway Forest Park's general Web site offers downloadable guides to their events and twenty-seven walking trails, as well as information about canoeing, biking, and other activities.

Exploring a real gem of a coast in Scotland

Are you looking for a quality self-catering holiday cottage in a part of Scotland that you have never been to before? Then have a look at the EmbraceScotland website with has self-catering accommodation from bustling city centres to off-the-beaten track destinations.

The following article is about just one of those many destinations to choose from. The Banffshire Coast, Northeast Scotland, is situated along the Moray Firth and has spectacular cliff top and sea views.

Hope you enjoy the article ....

Exploring a real gem of a coast

Magnificent coastal views, stunning sandy beaches, picturesque villages and an abundance of wildlife make the Banffshire coast a real haven. Caroline Brodie found all this and more on a family day out

Press & JournalPublished: 21/10/2010

FROM the Royal Burgh of Cullen in the west to Pennan’s world-famous red telephone box in the east, we had a lot of ground to cover on our whistlestop tour of this fantastic tourist destination.

Our adventure began at one of the region’s most popular hotels, the Seafield Arms, Cullen, where proprietor Sheila Cornwallis ensured we got off on the right foot with a welcome cup of coffee. The 22-bedroom hotel, which lies in the centre of this historical village, is known for good food, a well-stocked wine cellar and a vast selection of malt whiskies, more than 150 at the last count.

More important for my three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter it is just up the road from one of Cullen’s most famous trading posts – the Ice Cream Shop.

This delightfully Willy Wonka-esque sweetie shop, packed ceiling to floor with gums, drops and lollipops, also produces homemade vanilla ice cream, hailed by many as Scotland’s best.
Unable to believe their luck at being handed ice cream cones at 10 o’clock on a Sunday morning, my two were soon covered head to foot and enjoying every minute, as was I. The ice cream was extremely good.

Cullen is also home to one of the area’s best sandy beaches, a harbour and Seatown and a mishmash of fishermen’s cottages dating back to the 17th century, where we did a bit of exploring.

Also on clear view from there are the town’s most striking feature, a series of railway viaducts which make the perfect walkway for visitors in search of fantastic seascapes and a possible glimpse of the many bottlenose dolphins which inhabit the Moray Firth.
Another popular coastal walk goes from Cullen to the ruins of Findlater Castle, a 15th-century fort which clings precariously to the cliff top, which can also be reached by car from the A98 Cullen-Banff road.

Instead, we made tracks for the mediaeval village of Fordyce, where higgledy-piggledy streets wind their way round a 13th-century church and a beautiful 16th-century fairytale castle.
Tourist attractions there include the Fordyce Joiner’s Workshop and Visitor Centre, where the role of the rural carpenter is brought back to life, and the enchanting Annie’s Gift Shop, set up in Anne Geddes’s dining room which provides tea and cakes to weary visitors as well as a choice selection of soaps, candles, crafts and gifts.

Just a short drive back towards the coast is Portsoy, home to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival which attracts around 15,000 visitors to the historic village each summer ....

To read the full article, click here

Lanark Christmas Market: 20 November 2010

Lanark Christmas Market is probably the largest one day Christmas Market in Scotland, normally attracting more than 5,000 visitors to the medieval Royal Burgh.

Lanark’s wide main street is closed for the day and taken over by up to 100 traders, coming from Caithness in the far north of Scotland to the south of England. On sale is a wide selection of crafts, and specialist gifts, food and drink, most of which is not readily available in the shops.

At one end of the high street is a children's fairground, with traditional carousel, and at the other and entertainment stage, whilst Sanhta and his Reindeer traditionally make an appearance. During the day the county town's Christmas lights are officialy switched on.

ASSC Member, Bag End Cottage, uses imagination to build their quality self-catering cottage

It took five years for Mark and Joyce Richardson to create their dream home - and new business - at Bag End Cottage in Fife

The Scotsman

Published Date: 11 October 2010
By nichola hunter

Only slightly less glamorous than an actual Hobbit hole, Bag End Cottage is still a little piece of magic in the Fife countryside.

Joyce and Mark Richardson were on their way home from visiting friends in Ceres when they spotted the For Sale sign in the hamlet of Chance Inn. They were living in a flat in Dundee and were desperate to move. The dilapidated but 'n' ben they found offered them a great opportunity.

However, their move into Bag End Cottage was not a quick process. It took 18 months to complete the sale, and three architects and a further 18 months to get their plans passed. Their commitment to this project has been remarkable - it's not everyone who could live in a caravan for five years which is what they have done to build their dream home and start a new business...

... Both benefit from Mark's imagination in exploring differing heights and shapes. Curves and right angles are juxtaposed and every room has something special to offer, but surprisingly nothing jars the eye, much to Mark's delight: "I truly believe you can make a building interesting and comfortable simply by getting the rooms to flow. I love when guests arrive and they feel instantly at home which helps get their holiday off to a great start. I've even ensured the Italian porcelain floors flow from room to room without door treads so as not to create any visual barriers."

To read the full article, click here.

Kelso Races - Borders Charity Day featuring The BBA Pantomime Horse Race in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

Racing returns to Kelso this weekend for their second meeting of the Autumn season.

Saturday 16th October will see Macmillan Cancer Support as the biggest winners of the day, with fund raising for the charity beginning as soon as gates open at 12.30pm.

With help from Galashiel’s based charity fundraisers the Borders Barmy Army, the Racecourse is hosting its second running of the PANTOMIME HORSE RACE in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

There are 15 “horses” entered in the dash down the final furlong from a range of local business based throughout the borders. R P Adam have kindly sponsored the race and will be presenting a cash prise to the winning “horse” of the race that will precede racing at 1.20pm.

Come have a great day out at Kelso Races & support a charity too!

Beatrix Potter Exhibition at Birnam Arts Centre

Come explore the Victorian school room and enter the world of Beatrix Potter at the Birnam Arts Centre.

Look at creepy crawlies up close, catch Jeremy Fisher’s dinner, and help Mrs Tiggy Winkle do her washing up …dress up in Victorian costume.

Help Peter collect vegetables in his wheelbarrow, and Mrs Tiggy Winkle really needs your help with her ironing.

Enjoy a wealth of activities, traditional games and vintage toys, and later, you can sit quietly in the cushioned area, watching the lovely animated tales of Peter Rabbit and friends … great for younger children.

Halloween Experience at Traquair: Sunday 31st October 2010

GHOSTS COME TO LIFE AT TRAQUAIR

The past will come back to haunt Traquair this Halloween with candlelit historical ghost tours taking place over two weekends.

In addition the very popular Halloween Experience will be taking place on Sunday October 31st with lots of Halloween fun for all ages.

HISTORICAL GHOST TOURS
Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd October
Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October

Dare you enter the ancient castle of Traquair at night where doors creak unexpectedly and the wind whistles through the ancient walls?

Find out about the characters who really lived here and the trials and adventures they faced as Jacobite supporters and Catholics when the ghosts of Traquair’s past come alive and take you on a tour of bringing history to life as never before.

Perthshire Amber The Dougie MacLean Festival: 29 October to 7 November 2010

Perthshire Amber gives locals and visitors the opportunity to explore Perthshire with a focus, and for enthusiasts for Dougie MacLean's music to experience the place where he lives and gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of and inspiration for some of his songs and instrumental compositions.

The Festival brings together many musicians and entertainers from different parts of the world who have been involved with Dougie MacLean over the years.

Perthshire Amber also provides an opportunity for him to perform little heard songs, as well as well known favourites!