New Lochearnhead Souvenirs

Visitors to the area can now take home a range of Lochearnhead souvenirs, available exclusively from the Lochearnhead Post Office.

Using designs inspired by the local scenery and photographs by Alistair Barclay of Alba Virtual Tours; a range of bookmarks, mugs, fridge magnets and coasters are now available. A new selection of Lochearnhead postcards has also been produced for 2009, available singly or in specially priced assorted packs. It is not easy to find modern or ancient post cards from Lochearnhead so collectors take note. Who knows, this latest batch by a local photographer may appear on Antiques Roadshow in years to come!

LETI: Members Richard and Cathy Nicholson add a personal touch to the Lochearnhead Post Office and shop going out of their way to assist locals and make visitors feel very welcome. They also host the St Fillans service on a Tuesday in its village shop. In addition to regular Post office services, the Nicholsons provide a cash machine, fishing permits, books by local authors, area maps, Greetings Cards, Ice-cream and more.

Cooper Cottages Prides Itself in Finding Suitable Accommodation to Meet Individual Requirements.

We work closely with accommodation providers in the Breadalbane area of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where the owners are looking forward to offering you a warm welcome. All of our properties are inspected regularly to ensure that you have the highest standards of accommodation. Just contact us with your requirements and we will do the searching for you.

For the Holiday Maker ... Cooper Cottages brings together a selection of properties providing excellent self-catering accommodation in beautiful locations. Our properties sleep 2 to 8 people comfortably. Each property is personally inspected to ensure that cleanliness and good service are ensured by each property owner. Visitor information with suggestions of places to visit will be available in your accommodation.

For the Cottage Owner ... The collection of holiday cottages featured are brought together by one owner with 10 years experience of running a self-catering business in Scotland. All personally visited prior to acceptance. No allocation is required which means that owners can continue to take their own booking at any time. If you require more information, please contact us, Tel: 01877 384331.

LETI: Christine Cooper is a member of The Loch Earn Tourism Initiative and the owner of Cooper Cottages - a holiday cottage management and letting service.

Holiday Cottage in Scotland with Wild Otters and Famous Grouse Experience

Just back from our holiday cottage in Balquhidder, where we had a wonderful sojourn even managing to see a pair of wild otters enjoying a frolic in the burn. We entertained a friend from South Africa, packing in a visit to the Famous Grouse Experience, night walks to watch the deer coming down off the hills, swimming in Loch Voil (surprisingly warm) and haggis, neeps and tatties for dinner, complete with a wee dram! Although we are green with envy for people renting our self catering cottage Tigh na Croit over the coming weeks, our southern friends have been surprised to see our healthy, sun-kissed complexions.

LETI: Gail is a member of the Loch Earn Tourism Initiative. Her 400 year old stone built self catering holiday cottage, Tigh Na Croit, is available throughout the year offering 1 twin and 2 double bedrooms in the stunningly beautiful setting of Balquhidder Glen; a tranquil spot within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park of Scotland.

Scotland's Premier Annual Wakeboarding Event, with Air Tricks, Coaching, BBQ, DJ and Live Band "Chunks"- 1st and 2nd August

Loch Earn Tourism Initiative member Matt McGrandles is the business development director of Active Scotland based at the Water Sports and Activities centre in Lochearnhead, where a number of spectacular events are held throughout the year. Matt is proud to be hosting WakeScot 09 - Scotland’s premier wake boarding event which will be held every year on the first weekend in August. Wakeboarding regulars and wannabees will compete and entertain in the event that will attract rider entries in the U16’s, Rookie, Open Men and Open Women categories. Guest Brett Hodgkins will be on site offering coaching clinics. Brett coached the 1995 and 1996 junior European and world waterski teams and was team captain of the 2002 wakeboard worlds. The event has attracted top sponsors; Rock Star energy drink, Morrisons Landrover Stirling, Belhaven Breweries, Wake and Ski boats UK and Spiked Magazine. In addition to competitors showing off their air tricks against the picturesque backdrop of Loch Earn, there will be a VIP area for invited guests, a DJ marquee with a drinks promotion and an all day BBQ . Finishing off in style, popular live band Chunks will front the after party event. It is little wonder that this well organised event is endorsed by Waterski Scotland and British Water Ski. Well worth a day out if you want to experience a magnificent event in an idyllic setting. Check out the Loch Earn Tourism Initiative website for details of holiday accommodation in the area.