Tuesday, 20 October 2009

New Scotland In The Fall


Once again the glorious colour display of autumn can be seen in the Perthshire hills, as the the cold nights take their toll on the deciduous trees and the leaves change from green to lime green, yellow brown and red. The varied palate of colour which is displayed changes by the day and the brief period of change before the leaves drop provides some stunning views, particularly near dawn and dusk. A great place to see these changes and relax and walk by loch, river, and wood is around Loch Earn where varied accommodation including hotel, Inn, Guest house and B&B can be found (by clicking) Perthshire accommodation, the community website of the people around Loch Earn. An example of self catering accommodation "Perthshire holiday cottages Scotland" can be found at Killin Highland Lodges.


"New England in the fall" may be a trip too far for some but some excellent scenery to rival that famous area can be seen in the hills of Perthshire in the middle of Scotland. The biochemistry that causes these changes is complex, but a dimished ability of the veins in leaves to carry nutrient to the leaf is a primary cause and often the veins remain green as the tissue between changes colour. But rather than simply drop the leaves the processes allow some nutrients to be saved for the next year's leaf production. Another intriguing discovery is that the pigments in the leaves can stunt the growth of nearby saplings proving a better growing environment for the adult tree. Whatever the science involved, we can simply admire and photograph the constantly changing visual scene and enjoy walking through many of the Perthshire woodlands.


LETI: Member Jim Bradley is the owner of two self catering holiday sites offering weekly holidays in log cabins and lodges in St Fillans and Killin.

Monday, 5 October 2009

The Art of Quilting - Dianne from Lochearn Guest House Wins Again



Dianne Watson from Lochearn Quilting has picked up another 3 prizes at this years Great Northern Quilt Show. For the fourth year running, Dianne was awarded a 1st for Longarm Quilting. In addition, she won a 1st for Bed Quilt and a 1st for Wholecloth. She also quilted a number of designs entered by other people, who won awards in different catagories.

Dianne and Matthew run Lochearn House, a 4 star guest house. In addition to bed and breakfast they offer special 3 day breaks including dinner, bed and breakfast. Many quilters and patchworkers take advantage of this by booking in their pieces to have them quilted while they enjoy their holiday and Matthew's delicious food. Lochearn House is in Scotland's Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park amongst spectacular scenery.


LETI: Dianne and Matt are an enthusiastic and talented couple who run their Perthshire guest house in the village of Lochearnhead, where the A84 meets the A85. Dianne's Quilting, and chef Matt's cooking and singing talents are a great talking point ensuring a dinner bed and breakfast experience with a difference.