Self Catering Loch Ness

Looking beautiful!

2011-04-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

No, I don't mean HRH - I'm referring to the Highlands of Scotland!
We've had glorious days of sunshine and just the right amount of light rain at night and everything is already out in full bloom. The colours and smells, the birds are truly lovely.

We're coming into Festival Season with Tartan Heart Festival on the 5th & 6th August - our cottages are just 5 miles away and so always an option to wet sleeping-bags and cueing for a shower!
Rockness is happening on 10th, 11, 12th June - as the crow flies, the cottages are probably no more than 4 miles away however that crow is having to fly over the other side of Loch Ness however you can drive around the Loch in about 25 minutes or else extend your stay in the Highlands and book up the cottages pre or post festival!

23rd July sees our Inverness Highland Games - fantastic spectacle of 'tossing the caber'; 'throwing the hammer'; highland dancing; Pipe Bands and the best of our athletic events.

Give me a call if you wish to book either or both the Stables Cottage or Oscar's Bothy...get your shorts on, enjoy the garden and BBQ to hearts content!

Best for now,
S

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival - accommodation

2010-07-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

With Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival now one of the most popular festivals in the UK, tickets are selling fast. 6th & 7th August,it has a brilliant line-up of acts including the headlining Amy MacDonald and with its quirky sidelines and extensive children's entertainments running over the 2 days, Belladrum is a hot favorite for all ages who just love music!

The 2 cottages at Self Catering Loch Ness are located less than 5 miles from the festival and so if tenting is not your style, book now and enjoy the best of both worlds - the comforts of a cosy clean bed, lovely hot shower or bath - fresh clean hair! washing and drying facilities for soggy festival cloths whilst maximising on everything to be experienced at Tartan Heart!

Stables Cottage sleeps 6 people and Oscar's Bothy sleeps 2 with option of sofa bed for little person if required.

Call Sarah on 07977 228016 to book

Self Catering Loch Ness summer availability!

2010-07-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

WE STILL HAVE AVAILABILITY THROUGHOUT JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2010!

The Stables Cottage sleeps 6 people and offers you clean stylish comfort in a beautiful location that gives you and your family tranquillity and privacy. Enjoy the lazy evenings and stunning summer sky's in the big garden - with some good wine and good food on the BBQ ...all good craic!
Costs: July £450pw; August £500pw and September £450pw

Oscar's Bothy sleeps 2 and a sofa bed for a little one if required - this charming little studio is just fun! Beautifully decorated it is ideal for romance or may be you just want to escape and catch up on some reading or perhaps take your paints - from your window you look across the stunning Glen Affric.
Costs: July £175pw; August £275pw and September £175pw

SHORT BREAKS ARE WELCOME and so why not make some plans, grab a few days fun and relaxation and enjoy the best of the year!

Located in the hills above the well equiped village of Drumnadrochit, the Stables Cottage and Oscar's Bothy give you complete peace and quiet but access (2 mile drive or 15 minute walk) to restaurants, bars, super markets, chemist and gift shops.

Contact Sarah on 07977 228016 to book

Scotland in summer is simply the best!

2010-07-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of Scotland, born and bred in the Highlands and having travelled the world, there is nowhere quite as stunningly beautiful, peaceful and vibrant as Loch Ness especially at this time of year.

'40 shades of green'...doesn't come close to the layer upon layer of lush native growth - alive with wildlife and the wonderful chatter of birds.

July is full of events - The Inverness Highland Games in Bught park on the 24th July is an absolute 'must see' for anyone visiting Scotland for the first time. The Inverness Tatoo runs from the 26th - 31st July showcasing the best of Scottish talent.

Only 5 miles drive away from the Stables Cottage and Oscar's Bothy, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on 6-8th August has established itself well and truly in the UK's festival calendar and so if camping's not your thing - book the cottages and enjoy the best of both worlds!

There are 30 golf courses within a 1 hrs drive of our cottages here in Drumnadrochit - a spot of salmon fishing can be arranged or perhaps some clay pigeon shooting or an exhilarating trip down Loch Ness in a RIB!

So, don't spend any more time deliberating whether to visit Loch Ness, contact me and book in for a real holiday to remember!

All the best
S

Loch Ness ...The place to be this summer!

2010-05-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

There's just masses to do this summer up in the Highlands and something for everyone!

I'm taking my Mum to see THE SCOTTISH BALLET perform ROMEO AND JULIET soon at Eden Court Theatre - the Nutcracker in January was just fantastic and so we really looking forward to it.
Eden Court is also presenting 'PETER PAN' 1st - 5th June - an absolute treat for youngsters.

On the 24th July the INVERNESS HIGHLAND GAMES sports lots of muscle bound, sweaty athletic men...most in kilts! from all over the world fighting it out for the WORLD HIGHLAND GAMES HEAVY CHAMPIONSHIP. Defending champion Ryan Vierra and his felloww countrymen and American Champion Hanison Bailley III will be tossing the caber and throwing the hammer among several other spectaterly thrilling events! Plenty Scottish Dancing, pipe bands and the infamous annual tug of war all happening. How about incorparating the games into your holiday with us at Self Catering Loch Ness?

BELLADRUM FESTIVAL on 6th and 7th August is just fantastic. A truely family experience to which I can't recommend highly enough. Meticulously organised and jammed packed with events for kids and of course - AMY MACDONALD is fronlining Belladrum this year. Our Cottages are situated 6 miles from Belladrum offering an ideal alternative to camping!

The Insider Festival 17th - 20th June in Aviemore is 30miles from Stables Cottage and Oscars Bothy however, to incorporate one day of this festival into your holiday with us may be fun!

So with something happening every day from now until the end of October in the Highlands - we can offer you, your family and your dogs fantastic accommodation from which to base your adventures!
Drop me an email or call me to check out availability
info@selfcateringlochness.co.uk
07977 228016

Bye for now
Sarah

Inverness Half Marathon - Accommodation

2010-03-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday 14th March 2010 sees the 26th Inverness Half Marathon. With thousands of runners competing for what is now a highly prestigious date in the marathon calendar - allowing Inverness to show case some of the most beautiful scenery any of the UK marathons have to offer.

Needing accommodation? We are situated in Drumnadrochit and offer self catering for 2, 6 and 8+. With only a 14 mile drive along the A82 running parralel with Loch Ness, you'll not only be refreshed but highly inspired by the time you reach the start!

Well, we're really looking forward to Spring now - having just got through yet another particularly harsh week of heavy snow - although stunningly beautiful...we've had enough!

One of our lovely local farmers arrived on Friday past with his tractor and snow plough and not only cleared our roads but pulled one car out of a ditch and towed another which was blocking the road to a safe parking spot, whose clutch burnt out trying to pull the car (in the ditch)out!

It all sounds hirendous but there's a great commeraderie between all who put on their waterproofs, gloves and hats and get stuck into digging, pulling and pushing...it can be a great medium for the best of black humour and is definitely what living in the country is all about!

After the plough had finished, the single track road was packed so high with snow it looked like the tabbogoning track we've been watching at the Canadian Olympics this last week.

Ironically, the snow drops had emerged the week before...that was in the 3 days when we could see grass - hopefully they'll survive and we get the benifit of them again.

With Mother's Day on Sunday 14th March 2010 and Easter Weekend (Fri 2nd, Sat 3rd and Sun 4th April) coming up - why not book a short break with us and enjoy the Highlands in Spring time. With Oscar's Bothy sleeping 2, the Stables Cottage sleeping 6 and Fir Chlis sleeping 8, there's plenty choice for simple romance or bring all the family.

All the best for now
Sarah

Love it up in the Highlands

2010-02-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

The Highlands of Scotland at this time of year has to be one of the most romantic places in the world...ok it's not tropical and it's not exotic - no but it boasts the most beautiful scenery, the cleanest, brightest air, wonderful walks - and gives you that excuse to wear bright winter woolies and look georgous in hats and scarves, walk hand in hand in crisp beech wood and similar (like the adverts)!

Returing to one of Self Catering Loch Ness's cottages after your walk, is a treat. Really cosy and very well appointed - the Stables Cottage has a wood burning stove and a very large fridge to chill that bottle of Chablis.
Oscars Bothy is just 'fun'. Everyone loves its sense of humour and enjoys an atmosphere not to be found every day!
Fir Chlis is very smart - there's loads of space and has a lovely sauna which all guests are welcome to enjoy.
On returning from your day trip, walk or cycle, cook yourselves something yummy, uncork and let it breath and relax infront of a good film.

For Valentines Day, Mothers Day and Easter upon us, treat yourselves to even a short break.
Remember - dogs are welcome
Look forward to hearing from you

All the best
Sarah

Inverness Half Marathon - Accommodation

2010-01-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to imagine just now - the fields ever being green again or the roads being black...however, the Inverness Half Marathon and Fun Run is happening on Sunday 14th March 2010! Why not make a long weekend of it and book one of our cottages for a short break.

The Stables Cottage and Oscar's Bothy is a scenic 15 miles drive (or jog if you're super fit!) along Loch Ness from the starting point of the Marathon.

For more details on the Inverness Half Marathon and how you can enter - www.invernesshalfmarathon.co.uk

Happy training!
S

Loving the Snow!

2010-01-15T01:06:00.000-08:00

I think it's week 5 now with just perhaps a hint of a thaw this weekend here with us at Loch Ness although today the skiing at the Cairngorm Mountains is closed due 'too much snow'!

I personally absolutely love it and so have our guests who've thoroughly enjoyed their stay with us in the cottages over Christmas and New Year - we've also had guests enjoying a post Christmas weekend breaks since - the secret is to make the most of it!

Billy Connolly says 'there's no such thing as bad weather - it's just inappropriate clothing'! So pack your wellies & woolies, pick up some yummy food, a couple of bottles of wine, a good book and come and stay with us at 'Self Catering Loch Ness' www.selfcateringlochness.co.uk - Dogs Welcome.

If you're thinking of visiting the Highlands of Scotland and Loch Ness later this year - our SELF CATERING COTTAGES may be just what you're after. The Stable's Cottage sleeps 6, Oscar's Bothy sleeps 2 and Fir Chlis sleeps 8. Not only are all the properties beautifully finished, we will make sure you're time with us goes smoothly and you get to see and do all that's best at LOCH NESS.

I love the feeling of satisfaction in the evening knowing that my animals are all inside, warm, safe and munching on hay!

A wee thought though for the birds....please throw some food out for them - they're not fussy just now and so if you don't have bird food, they will eat fruit, bread, most of our breakfast cereals...they're just so hungry.

Wishing you all a fabby New Year and look forward to hearing from you!

All the best for now

Sarah

Relax, Christmas shop and Show

2009-11-12T02:12:00.000-08:00

Why don't you make a 'break' of it before the festivities - come and enjoy some cosy time in the cottages, take your walking boots and gloves and get some fresh air with a nice walk and get all your Christmas shopping done in Inverness or Beauly and take in a show or two at Eden Court.

Inverness and Eden Court is only a 20 minute drive from 'Self Catering Loch Ness' cottages with the charming village of Beauly - 15 minutes drive in another direction.

I mention Beauly as I always find it extra special on the run up to Christmas. It has a wonderful selection of lovely 'one off' shops with very unusual gifts from the 'The Beauly Gift Shop', to cashmere and tartan from the world renowned 'Campbells of Beauly', fabby outdoor clothing from 'Morrison's Iron mongers' - you could spend half a day in 'House of Beauly' looking at the very best of what Scotland has to offer. 'Maggie Blythe' ladies cloths and now 'Gary Blythe' men's cloths shops, both in Beauly have people traveling from far afield already!
Beauly also has the most delicious deli called 'Corner on the Square' - with cakes, coffee, lunch and deli food to die for! Beauly always reminds me of a location from a Rosemary Pilchard novel!

Eden Court is hosting JACK AND THE BEANSTALK this year starting 7th December with performances every day until 10th January 2010. They show a range of current and classic oldies in their LA SCALA CINEMA. THE STEAMIE is a really funny comedy classic drama being performed on stage 16th - 21st November and there's the 'HOLLY AT CHRISTMAS' live Buddy Holly show running for 2 nights 16th and 17th December. Oodles more besides.

If you can only manage a few days, don't worry, give me a call to discuss and come and spend some time with us here at Loch Ness.

All the best
Sarah

Is this 'Highland Hospitality?'

2009-09-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

I have a great life! Friday just passed my partner John Robins escorted 5 London firemen along the length of Loch Ness whilst the boys swam in relay for a charity. I dropped off the RIB (boat) and the boys at 5.30am at Ft Augustus and joined them all for a celebratory drink 11 hours later at The Dores Inn.
The following day, with time then on their hands, the swimmers and their back-up team came to our house to try their hand at clay pigeon shooting (another activity along with quad biking and water sports, we provide).
Having only been informed of their arrival a few hours before I was absolutely delighted but rushed off to make my chicken curry for - in total 10 hungry bears - we're talking a rugby team here!

They all shot clays and after a wee recital from John - all had a go of his bagpipes! I had commitments mid afternoon and left them tucking into some excellent malt whisky!

On my return I found them all laughing and telling stories in our lounge in front of a huge roaring fire and noticed several more bottles of excellent malts discarded in the middle of the table!

I joined them and whilst thoroughly enjoying their 'craic' it occurred to me they had no plans on heading off soon and my thoughts turned - 'the bears will need feeding again'!
A couple of them jumped up and said they'd help as they cooked in the fire station and between us, we prepared a feast that our own Nick Nairn would have been proud of!

John sparked up our bon-fire that we have in our garden and all ate dinner sitting on logs around the fire and singing - of all things Elvis Presley songs!
They were absolutely overwhelmed at our hospitality but reflecting on this later John and I know nothing else with our friends and family having taught us well!

Congratulations boys and look forward to the 'double challenge' you have in mind for next year!

If you're still looking for accommodation for THE FIRST MONSTER CHALLENGE or the LOCH NESS MARATHON - give me a call as the cotages are still available.

What a month!

2009-08-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Self Catering Loch Ness. With our website now up and running and my marketing experience I intend to keep you all up to date with life in the Highlands and all exciting events being hosted in the Loch Ness area.

August is definitely the social highlight in the Highland calendar with endless local, national and international events happening in and around Inverness.

The BLACK ISLE SHOW is our annual agricultural and having competed extensively at most of them throughout Scotland - rate it the next best to the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston in Edinburgh. Thursday the 6th August was the Black Isle's 172nd event and with glorious weather, boasted record numbers.

MOY GAME FAIR is held the day after the Black Isle Show and offers visitors the opportunity to try many of our local traditions including clay pigeon shooting, archery and working dog trials -the timing of both these events draws visitors to come and stay every year to meet up with old friends, compete or just play!

BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART FESTIVAL on the 7th and 8th August was sold out - however I had tickets and enjoyed every minute! Tartan Heart is only 5 miles from our self catering cottages 'The Stables Cottage' and 'Oscars' Bothy' in Drumnadrochit.

The GLENURQUHART HIGHLAND GAMES are happening this Saturday (22nd August) in the village of Drumnadrochit - the ultimate in spectacles for all who wish to compete or simply just observe all things traditional and treasured in our Highland culture. Tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, athletics, highland dancing, the treacherous 'hill race' - plenty of kilts to be seen and bagpipes to be heard. 'The Stables Cottage' and 'Oscars Bothy' are located on the hill and with a good set of binoculars - can watch the proceedings from your garden!

For you diaries...
FIRST MONSTER CHALLENGE is on Saturday 12th September 2009 www.firstmonster.co.uk
The BLAS FESTIVAL celebrates the Highlands 4th - 12th September www.blas-festival.com

Our cottages are set in an excellent location offering you privacy, quiet and space but within a few miles you have a selection of great restaurants, bars and amenities.
To check availability for any of the above events or short breaks just give me call on 07977 228016 or email at info@selfcateringlochness.co.uk.

Slainte!
Sarah

Welcome to the Self Catering Loch Ness Blog!

2009-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Here Self Catering Loch Ness will keep you update to date with our latest news.