Learn the Art of Bushcraft at The Strathyre Outdoor Centre



Firelighting and fuel collection

Loch Earn Tourism Initiative member Anthony Phillips of Natural Trossachs (an eco tourism business) is hosting a Bushcraft weekend course at The Strathyre Outdoor Centre on May 4th & 5th,  for Year of Natural Scotland 2013, lead by a qualified instructor and experienced wildlife biologist.

Build a shelter

 

Anthony says  "This is an excellent beginner's bushcraft weekend and a valuable consolidation for those with a little bushcraft experience. You will learn the safe use of sheath knife and saw and can use these tools to help in maintaining a bow drill set. We will also cover firelighting with bow drill and sparks, water preparation, shelter building and plant uses."



 

 

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course you should; know how to use a knife and saw safely, be able to tie some basic knots required to string up a tarp, know how to build a leaf shelter, understand how to find water and make it safe, understand the basic principles of responsible firelighting and fuel collection,  have succeeded in lighting a fire with sparks and/or bow drill and know how to recognise some of the plants that can provide food and other valuable materials

 

Instructor: Leon is a qualified and experienced wildlife biologist with a BSc (hons) in Ecology and a PhD based on otter research in Scotland. He has over 13 years field experience, studying badgers, foxes, grouse & otters. In 2004, Leon formalised his bushcraft interests and achieved a nationally accredited qualification (with distinction) to teach the subject. This year long NCFE course covered all aspects of leading groups, including bushcraft skills, understanding of the natural environment, teaching ability, knowledge of legislation, health and safety.

 

 

Duration: 2 full days: starts 19.00 on Friday night and ends 16:00 Sunday afternoon. Main lessons will be from 09:00-17:00 on Saturday and 09:00-16:00 on Sunday

 

Cost*: £150 per weekend or £75 per day (£10 discount if booked for both days) *(This cost does not include accommodation) 

 

Accommodation: To book from a wide choice of accommodation in Strathyre and neighbouring villages ,Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans,  including;  campsites, bunkhouses, cabins, bed and breakfasts, hotels and more visit www.robroycountry.com 

A Tracking and Wildlife day is provisionally arranged for Monday 6^th May with a cost of £75 per day or £65 if booked alongside the Bushcraft weekend.

For further information and bookings please contact Anthony Phillips, Natural Trossachs:

Email: mail@naturaltrossachs.co.uk  Tel: 07917 674967   Web: www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk 

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Strathyre's 1st Music Festival June 1-2

Locals booked to perform at the Strathyre Music Festival

 

100 performers have already committed to perform at Strathyre's first music festival to be held over 2 days  during summer 2013 in an historic Trossachs village on the A84. Mark your diaries for June 1st and 2nd or why not make a week of it and book holiday accommodation with local members of  The Loch Earn Tourism Initiative (LETI) who live and work in the community www.robroycountry.com

LETI members look forward to assisting performers and guests with their requests for restaurants, outdoor activities, accommodation, things to see and do, history, private tours and taxis, wildlife watching, landrover safaris and cottage industry product shopping as well as the  music festival programme and venues. This applies to Strathyre  and the neighbouring villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans on the A84 and A85.

 

Jenny McLure

The Strathyre Inn and restaurant will be the flagship venue for performers.  Resident band "Balvaig" are behind the launch of this exciting new event.  If you can not wait until the festival you might like to go along to one of Balvaigs open music sessions at the Inn every Sunday at 3pm.   Band Chairman and musician Ken Higgins told us "News of the festival has already attracted interest from over  100 musicians, singers and choir members including a folk band from Jerusalem,  a musician from Rome, an act currently performing on celtic Connections,  a local Jazz band that regularly performs at the Callander Jazz festival  and a well known choir from Glasgow with 25 members attending".

 

Scottish tourism businesses are celebrating and promoting "Year of Natural Scotland 2013" .This  new music event, set in Strathyre Village, combines a beautiful and popular setting at the gateway to The Highlands with the opportunity to experience; an eclectic mix of music and musicians, outdoor activities, nature, wildlife watching, locally sourced food and drink and a warm and friendly community.



Stevie Higgins

Strathyre has a reputation as a venue where walkers, cyclists and tourers stop for food and shelter and leave with so much more.  A stop over is made all the more memorable  when you experience the warmth of the locals and their stories, a plate of hot food and a drink or two by the fireside or in the beer garden accompanied by a variety of musical sounds. 

 LETI accommodation includes Strathyre's  Immervoulin camping and caravan site, The Strathyre Outdoor Centre Bunkhouse, The Strathyre Inn,  Creagan House (an award winning five star restaurant with rooms) and other bed and breakfast and self catering options.

 

Visit  Balvaigs website www.balvaig.co.uk for  updates on the festival timetable and performers and www.robroycountry.com for accommodation and other activities and events in this area of The Loch Lomond and The Trossahs National Park of Scotland. 

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