A View With A Room - Lochearnhead

NEW DELUXE BEDROOMS

New Deluxe Bedrooms -Clachan Cottage Hotel on Loch Earn

New Deluxe rooms available over looking Loch Earn

Visit The Clachan Cottage Hotel, Lochearnhead

New Deluxe rooms have been designed with the colours of the surrounding countryside - rich purples and greens - inspired by the autumn heather. When you’re looking out on the stunning views, you feel part of the landscape. There is every conceivable luxury to enjoy:whirlpool baths, steam rooms, power showers, under-tile heating, Nespresso coffee, mini bar, super king beds, luxurious leather furniture and of course, a view to amaze you.

One guest said, “Surely you can’t put a price on the view from here...? It’s outstanding!”

The Clachan has been busy once again! We’d like you to know what’s happening on the shores of Loch Earn.

FOOD

The spring menu has just been launched - and as the new St Fillans to Lochearnhead walking route has attracted some hungry walkers, there is more emphasis on the ‘light bite’ side. The restaurant has just won another award as the Best Informal Dining Hotel in Scotland. Try our daily specials: Fresh langoustines simply served with lemon and soda bread or antipasti sharing platter with 3 meats, olives, chilli infused hummus, Highland Perthshire Oatcakes and our very own home grown salad garnish.

NEW ACTIVITIES FACILITIES

Six years ago we transformed an old inn into a boutique hotel with a world class restaurant and bar. This has brought with it an entirely different customer base and a strong leaning towards activities.

Lochearnhead has also changed, with the demise of the water sports centre. We have now geared up to provide our own activities for hotel guests. Alan has recently sold his engineering business and will now have time to indulge in his passion for water sports and cycling. He can often be seen

out and about with his wife Shirley as they are always training for some event, be it a triathlon or road bike race. So we have started by providing a range of bikes (including electric models) to ensure that even the not-so-fit can get out there and enjoy the local cycling trails.

CANOES  • BIKE • BOAT TRIPS • WATER SKIING

If you stay in one of our rooms you can access a range of activities: Guided cycling tours can also be arranged for groups or individuals. Take advantage of the amazing variety of bike trails - with either road or mountain bikes.

Clachan Cottage Hotel
Lochside, Lochearnhead,
Perthshire FK19 8PU.
Email: info@clachancottagehotel.co.uk
By telephone: 01567 830247
International: +441567 830247
By fax: 01567 830300
International: +441567 830247

Stuc a’ Chroin Hill Race, May 3rd 2014, Strathyre

Strathyre: In 2013, on an action packed day, the Stuc a’ Chroin Hill Race celebrated its 25th Anniversary and we hosted the Scottish Athletics Long Hill Race Championship and one of the two Scottish Hill Runners Championship races. 

Stuc A Chroin Hill Race Competitors Set Off

In 2014, our race is one of the more popular races with the runners, and for good reason – stunning scenery, good timing (Bank Holiday), it’s well marked all the way to the summit, plenty of water stops, and our marshals always provide loads of encouragement for the runners, not to mention plenty of energy boosts to the runners in the form of jelly babies & jelly beans and chocolate.

There are prizes for the 1^st 3 places for every category of male and female ( adult, 40+, 50+, 60+ and 70+), as well as team prizes and Marshals spot prizes.

Normally for a non-Championship event, we attract 150 – 200 runners, all of whom require water, and have to be timed and marked at the staging posts. If you’ve been thinking about helping out or would like to be involved, this is the year to do it. We’re always on the lookout for marshals to take water up the hill, keep the runners on track and dispense water for them. 

Marshals are usually out on the hill for a couple of hours plus walking time and it’s an immensely satisfying day. We’ll need people to help set up the field on Friday 2^nd  including erecting the marquees.

For anyone interested in either coming to watch or helping out, a brief itinerary follows and don’t forget to come to the Strathyre Inn on Saturday night for live music to celebrate a great day out. 

Contact details can be found on the website www.stucachroin5000.org.uk

Fri 2^nd May

Hill Marking, Field preparation & marshals meeting.

Sat 3^rd May

08:30     Marshals’ muster and leave for hill

13:00     Race starts

15:00 +  Anticipated first finisher

21:00     Music at the Inn

Sun 5^th May Field take down

www.stucachroin5000.org.uk/marshals for information on the race, or follow the marshals link on the home page.

*  *  * 

LETI: If you are looking for accommodation in Strathyre or the surrounding area,  use the time saving live enquiry service on The Loch Earn Tourism Initiative website. Type in dates, party numbers and essential criteria and let the local accommodation providers get back to you with up to the minute availability. Additional tourist information, photos, events, services, where to eat and drink and more can be found at www.robroycountry.com.

.

Christmas Day Lunch at The Four Seasons, Loch Earn, St Fllans- 5 Courses £48

How about Christmas Day Lunch Looking out at Loch Earn

 in the The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Looking towards The Four Seasons from A85

 

Looking for Christmas Day Lunch in Central Scotland?  Check out this fabulous menu at The Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans.  Excellent value at £48 per person for a five course lunch looking out to Loch Earn and the surrounding hills.  ook now for 12-2pm sitting.  Have a look at the website for more information and photographs here www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk . Contact Mary or Carlotta now to secure a table 01764 685 333 or with any other questions about the hotel and its naturally beautiful surroundings.  Loch Earn Tourism Initaitive members The Four Seasons Hotel also offers accommodation, special activity holiday packages and more throughout the year.

 

Meall Reamhar Restaurant  - Christmas Day 2013

 

*

 

 Sweet Chilli and Lemon home cured Salmon

ginger sorbet, watercress and lime salad

Duck Confit, Pickled Gherkin and Coarse Mustard Terrine

toasted brioche, aubergine chutney

Parmesan and Thyme Timbale

sun blushed tomato reduction, micro herbs

vvv

 

Savoy Cabbage and Smoked Paprika Veloute

vvv

Baked Turkey Ballotine

festive trimmings, seasonal vegetables, natural gravy

Venison Loin Fillet Wellington

cepes duxelle, braised red cabbage, spicy pear, cocoa jus

Witch Sole and West Coast Langoustine Turban

seared scallops, wild red rice, braised baby vegetables,

saffron and champagnr beurre blanc

Trilogy of Mushrooms

stuffed with garlic and pine nuts, cassoulet with brie, ravioli and pesto

vvv

 

Raspberry and Cinnamon Sorbet

 

vvv

 

Traditional Christmas Pudding

warm brandy sauce, mulled wine sorbet

Heather Honey Pannacotta

orange tuille, drambuie chantilly

Raspberry and Oatmeal Cranachan

rosemary shortbread, pistachio truffle

Trilogy of Ice Creams or Sorbets

 vvv

Plate of Scottish Cheeses

walnut bread, fresh fruits

(supplement of £6,95 if taken in addition to dessert)

Mysore Coffee, home made Petit Fours and Mince Pies

 

Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur.

 

.

The Golden Larches Restaurant With Rooms, Balquhidder Station

Alistair and Alida Buchan

Alistair and Alida Buchan have been happily running The Golden Larches restaurant with rooms, Balquhidder Station,  since October 2012. Their original intention had been to buy a ski chalet but the credit crunch intervened and a foreign venture was no longer feasible. 

Undeterred, they started to travel round Scotland from John O’ Groats to the Borders trying to find their ideal property and finally found it in Balquhidder Station.

They realised that a business, which had been running for 32 years with the previous owners, would have a regular clientele who they wanted to keep so they were a little apprehensive about “Judgement Day”. However, they soon discovered that people were interested in the new owners and willing them to succeed. 

Double Sided Wood Burner
 between main room and conservatory

They have gradually added to the menu and introduced a double sided log burner to allow them to extend their out of season opening hours. They plan to continue to be open each week between Friday and Monday during the winter. They have also started to offer Bed and Breakfast with one room at the moment and a family room planned as the next stage. 

Their first room has been very successful, offering comfortable accommodation with a “Wow” factor and en suite facilities with a great view. They are delighted that they have just had their first returning guests.

Weekends are proving to be the busiest part of the week. Sunday’s tend to be their busiest day with people out for the day, often from the Lothian area, and wanting a traditional Sunday lunch. They also know they are a very popular “comfort break “ stop for travellers venturing up to the West Highlands. Alistair has often helped people who are lost or broken down. Even helping to tie up an exhaust on a mobile home, all in a day’s work for the chef!

Golden Larches : Restaurant, Snacks, 
Tea and Cake, Take Away Menu

They continue to co-operate fruitfully with other businesses in the area as they realise that it is helpful to all in these difficult trading conditions and mutual support can be useful. 

They were open on New Year’s Day this year for the first time in the Larches history. They were so busy that they were too exhausted to go to the party in Balquhidder Hall which they had managed to get tickets for. They plan to open on Jan 1^st 2014, with additional help so they avoid making that mistake next year!

Meanwhile they hope to continue enjoying the fantastic views from their new home, especially when the larches do turn golden. 

Scotlands Top Chefs Prepare Great British Feast at MHOR Family Fun Festival 25-26 May

Saturday 25th Sunday 26th May 2013

MHOR Festival

Family Run Luxury Boutique Hotel Monachyle Mhor and chef owner Tom Lewis 

Look out for a range of exciting Balquhidder, Strathyre, Lochearnhead and St Fillans.  events this spring and summer.

 

Something for everyone? Be one of 100 diners experiencing the culinary delights of Gleneagles chef Andrew Fairley alongside other leading chefs from famous Scottish restaurants. Check the impressive programme of bands, children's entertainment, food stalls, races and more at the annual MHOR festival held in the grounds of  luxury boutique hotel Monachyle Mhor,  Balquhidder.  

Programme

Saturday 25th May 2013

• 11:00  Raft Race, build your own boat or raft, life jackets + rescue boat provided
• 12:00 Barbeque and bar opens: Barbeque, Bacon rolls, soups and refreshments , Oyster bar, Homemade Pimms, Gin and Tonics, Champagne, Beers, Mhor fish & chip food truck, Food market.  Live music.  Djs, Childrens entertainment
• 13:00 Roman Road kick off the music with an accoustic set on the front lawn,
• For children: planting in the garden,  face painting, bouncy castle. guided walks, boules
• 14:00  Mini Olympics -  egg + spoon race, three-legged race, sack race, wheelbarrow race, welly throwing, tug of war
• 14:00  Afternoon Tea –  tea, cake and finger sandwiches, gin & tonic, Pimms, champagne
• 15:00  Cake competition – free style cake – enter by 1pm.  prize for winner
• All day  BBQ, Bacon rolls and refreshments

Evening Entertainment

• 19:00  The Great British Feast for 100 seats in the marquee/barn £60 per ticket,  Andrew Fairley- restaurant Andrew Fairlie - Gleneagles, Michael Smith 3 chimneys, Roy Brett – Ondine and Loch Fyne, Neil Forbes – Cafe St Honore, Tom Lewis – Monachyle Mhor
• 20:00  Recital by acclaimed Perthshire fiddler Pete Clark
• 21:00  Charity Auction after dinner – prizes donated to HIT Scotland and Mountain Rescue

Sunday 26th May 2013

• 12:00  Food  Market/Craft stalls/Beer Festival/Demos/live music,
• Tea & Tango – come and watch the wonderful dancers and learn how to walk the tango,  Food Demos throughout the day, Bread baking competition – bake and bring your best loaf– prize for winner, Children's entertainment
• 17:00  £10 for A Play, a pie & a pint  -  A  musical, by Dave Anderson – Butterfly Kiss

Evening Entertainment

• 19:30  Ceilidh, live music -  Brian McAlpine piano, Gregor Lowrey accordion and Alison Smith fiddle
• 21.00  SHOOGLENIFTY 

NB Prices

1. £5 day entry
2. weekend all inclusive £100 camping, day entry, feast and Sunday night entertainment
3. The Feast £60 per ticket 
4. Play, pie pint £10
5. Sunday Night Ceilidh and Shooglenifty  £15
6. Camping £10 per pitch. Day entry £5

For MHOR information http://mhor.net/  Tel: 01877 - 384 622

 

Where Else Can I stay? 

 Check out our extensive range of accommodation in Perthshire and The Trossachs around 4 villages,  whether you prefer a tent, caravan, bunkhouse, cabin, lodge, cottage, bed and breakfast, guest house, restaurant with rooms, hotel, motel or luxury boutique  hotel. 

 

Can I book a taxi? Yes.  Pre book with LETI members Highland Glen Travel,  Lochearnhead or Kingshouse Taxis Balquhidder for transport to and from your preferred accommodation

 

What Else Is On in this area of The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park? 

 

May 16th

Event: Golf Senior Men's Open. Venue: St Fillans Golf Club St Fillans

Contact : TEL:01764 685312 Email : Stfillansgolf@aol.com, http://www.st-fillans-golf.com,

Time : All Day

To enter please send your details along with a cheque to the club: St Fillans Golf Club, South Loch, Earn Road, St Fillans, Perthshire, PH6 2NJ. Visitors are welcome at St Fillans Golf Club which is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland surrounded by magnificent lochs and towering mountains. The terrain is quite level in spite of the imposing hills that surround the course. It is popular with beginners yet proves to be a difficult course to score well on for the more experienced player.

 

 

May 24th-26th

Event:   Birding Weekend

Venue: Strathyre Outdoor Centre

Event: Learn about the call of birds.  Watchbirds from a distance in the various habitats; woodland, marshes &  moorland,  Identify birds by sight with visual ID,  bat detection, Pre breakfast bird walks

Price £205 with food and accommodation £150 without. 

Contact: http://www.naturaltrossachs.co.uk

 

 

May 25^th and 26^th

Event: British Power Boat Water Skiing, Loch Earn

Venue: The Lochearnhead Water Sports Centre, Lochearnhead.

Price: Free to spectate

Contact Laura and Martin http://www.lochearnhead-watersports-centre.com and http://www.skirace.net/british-racing-calender2013 Time: 12.00

Witness up to 30 power boats pulling brave water skiers at speeds of 70 to 110 miles per hour.

 

JUNE

June 1^st/2^nd

Event: Strathyre Music Festival

Venue: Various including The Inn at Strathyre, Creagan House, Strathyre Village Hall

Price (TBA)

Contact Ken Higgens http://balvaig.co.uk/index.html

Time: All Day

Strathyre's 1st Music Festival, hosted by local group Balvaig who have invited another 100 entertainers to join them in creating a memorable music festival. Showcasing an eclectic mix of local and international musicians to suit a variety of musical tastes.

 

.

An Olympic Seafood Festival

Following the great success of its taster menu focusing on Scottish produce in winter and early spring Achary House Hotel in rural Perthshire is running a Seafood Taster night during the Olympics from July 27th to August 12th. The taster will be a six small courses, each featuring Scottish sea produce (even the dessert!). Langoustine Rates for two people are from £180 to £150, depending on the room booked. This includes the six course seafood taster menu and breakfast the following morning as well as an overnight stay. To book, call 0560 368 4252.

LETI: Alan and Jane Gibson are the proprietors of The Achray House Hotel in St Fillans Perthshire overlooking Loch Earn from the restaurant, bar and outdoor decking.  Check their website for information on accommodation, food and drink, short breaks and a choice of hotel or holiday lodge accommodation. 

.

Four Seasons Inspired Head Chef

Hi Folks,

Just a quick note on what is happening here in the Four Season Hotel kitchen right now!!  All change with the seasonally inspired menus both in the Fine Dining Meall Reamhar Restaurant and the Tarken Bistro.

As far as the Bistro is concerned, we have kept some of the old favourites like the Beer Battered Haddock and our ‘famous’ Scotch Steak and Spring Onion Pate, served with Mary’s favourite ‘tomato and sweet chilli jam’ (got to keep the management happy).  We have also added other delights such as Salmon and Crab Fishcakes, our own Thai cured cold smoked Salmon (an absolute must try) and due to popular demand, a spicy Curry (fresh spring Lamb and Apricot).  There is also a twist on a classic ‘Surf & Turf’ – prime Scotch Rib Eye Steak with grilled Langoustine. 

The menus in the Meall Reamhar Restaurant have had their three monthly makeover, (in keeping with the four seasons, no pun intended).  We have some night light summery dishes such as smoked Salmon and Cucumber Panna Cotta, Goat’s Cheese, Orange and Beetroot Salad and of course, our signature dishes of hand dived Scallops and Gateau of Angus/Limousin Beef Fillet, both of which are always well received. 

Over the past year, we have had very good feedback about our vegetarian food (not just from vegetarians) and we continue to make dining for vegetarians as interesting, varied and delicious as everyone else. 

The team at the Four Seasons, (kitchen and front of house) which is largely unchanged from last year, are always striving for excellence and will continue to push ourselves towards this goal, to which end, I need to return to the stove!  We look forward to greeting guest’s – old and new – in the coming seasons and if you wish to meet me during your stay / visit, please just ask.

Bon Appetit

P J Woods

Head Chef.
The Four Seasons Hotel- St Fillans

LETI: The Four Seasons Hotel is in the picturesque village of St Fillans with stunning views  over the east end of  Loch Earn.

A Great Day Out At Any Event

 

Mark your calendars for the 2010 events around Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, and Strathyre. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor events, spectating or participating there is something for everyone.

On the banks of Loch Earn in Lochearnhead you can witness model aeroplane stunts (17-18th April), the great Loch Earn Boat race (25th April) and the Loch Earn swim race (11th -12th September). Yes - People travel for miles to swim the 6.5 mile length of Loch Earn from the village of Lochearnhead to the village of St Fillans. Seeing is believing!. WakeScot takes place on Loch Earn on the 7-8th August.  Enter this water skiing and wakeboarding contest organised by Active Scotland who are based at the Clachan Cottage Hotel in Lochearnhead or spectate with a hot drink (or something stronger ).  Marvel at the range of talent in each age group from rookie to advanced,  each performance taking place with Loch Earn, Glen Ample and Edinample Castle as the stage setting.

Are you a fan of live music and entertainment? Check the programmes at the Clachan Cottage Hotel in Lochearnhead every Saturday night (from 3rd April throughout the summer) or follow the eclectic Balquhidder Summer music programme at Balquhidder Church (visit Rob Roy McGregor and his family’s gravestone in the grounds while you are there). Tullybannocher, a café near St Fillans,  also hosts a programme of jazz suppers throughout the year.

Take part in or spectate at the Stuc a Chroin Hill race (1st May) organised by the Kingshouse Hotel in Balquhidder. A well organised event but not for the faint hearted as athletes run 22km climbing to 1500m. Impressive stuff!

Come dancing! The village Hall in Balquhidder is hosting a Ball (6th June). Whether you attend the Lochearnhead village ballroom dance classes or are on holiday,  you are welcome to buy a ticket and join in the glamorous fun.

Who will take the Black Face sheep shearing trophy this year? If you have never been to a sheep shearing contest then start at the top and witness the Loch Earn shears in the Lochearnhead games field (3-4th July). International contestants travel far just to take part. The same venue hosts The BLS Highland Games (July 24th) and the fun filled village fete (August). The Highland Games are traditional, attracting chieftains of the local ancient clans,  with invitation heavyweight and open prize events for children and adults.

The St Fillans village weekend is a 3 day affair (13-15th August) with a mixed programme including a cricket match, dance, live bands, a hog roast party, BBQ, and village games. For more regular village chat check out the Tuesday coffee mornings in the St Fillans village shop and tea room. The St Fillans golf club is due to announce its ladies, gents and mixed open challenge fixtures for the year too.

All four villages run regular classes like yoga, keep fit, youth club, oil painting and upholstery. For more event details and contacts check out the four villages website for events in Perthshire. Find out where to stay in Perthshire and where to eat in Perthshire as the website covers accommodation, restaurants, cafes and snack bars too.

LETI: The Loch Earn Tourism Initiative website offers information on holiday accommodation  in Perthshire and the Trosshachs in central Scotland - an area of outstanding beauty.  The site includes information on, accommodation, events, food and drink, shops, things to do, nature and more. You can be sure that you will be made to feel very welcome when visiting this area of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park..

Visit Scotland from Loch Earn or Loch Lubnaig in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Book holiday accommodation in the villages around Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig if you are considering a picturesque base with stunning views, outdoor activities, an excellent choice of food and drink and easy access to other tourist towns and attractions in Scotland.

Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig are positioned where Perthshire and Stirlingshire meet at the gateway to the Highlands within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The surrounding villages of Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans stem from the A84 and A85 trunk roads enabling easy access to Scottish towns and cities in all directions including; Callander, Stirling, Falkirk, Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Inverary, Oban, Fort William, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Crieff, Perth, Edinburgh and more.

Towering mountains, Munro’s, forests and glens enhance the backdrop of the villages, lochs and golf courses in the area. On the 15th March every year the lochs attract fishermen, fisherwomen and their children. The Perthshire trout fishing season runs through to October 6th. Local retail outlets sell bait, floats and permits and you can rent a rod and tackle from the Lochearnhead Post Office. Gradually fishing boats, water skiers and wake boarders punctuate the lochs joined by intermittent yachts, kayaks, swimmers, model aeroplane groups and the resident sea-plane.

Locals and visitors are not the only ones to enjoy the water though. Throughout the year deer will come down from the hills to drink. Visiting ospreys return to fish alongside mallards, geese, heron, swans, otters and other wildlife.

Hotels, bistro’s and restaurants (many chef owned) within a 15 mile radius of the region offer something for everyone. Choose from snacks and home made cakes to inns that run guest beer festivals to award winning restaurants that use local ingredients to create first class cooking.

Whether you enjoy the outdoors, food and drink, history and folklore, wildlife, flora and fauna, fresh air, peace and tranquillity or you are looking for the perfect base to travel to other tourist towns and attractions; the villages surrounding Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig in the centre of Scotland take some beating.

LETI: For further information on Loch Earn and Loch Lubnaig as well as Perthshire accommodation, food and drink, outdoor activities, retail and other services in this region of Scotland, click on Rob Roy.

Celebrating Tourism, Fine Dining and Christmas Spirit in Strathyre

Creagan House in Strathyre hosted this year's Loch Earn Tourism Initiative (LETI) members Christmas party. Perthshire accommodation and hospitality members gathered to enjoy the festive spirit, share tales of tourism in 2009 and to sample chef Gordon Gunn's Christmas menu. We received a very warm welcome from Cherry Gunn before warming up with a drink and tasty nibbles including the finest black olives and maple sugar pecans. The baronial dinning hall has a magnificent vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace. Tables were beautifully set and laid out in a rectangle in the centre of the hall to accommodate our party. Being in the tourist trade, members are well aware of Gordon’s reputation as an award winning chef who has been designing delicious meals using the finest of local produce for over 22 years. He more than lived up to his reputation as we ooo'd and mmm'd over each course that included -Roasted tail of North Sea monkfish, crab and prawn croquette, shellfish and tomato sauce- as well as -Medallion of local Aberdeen Angus beef fillet on daube with foie gras sauce - and puddings to die for. We selected a range of wines to suit individual choices and the "mmmm" noises started up again.

No wonder the house is recommended in "The Good Food Guide" and "Scotland the Best" amongst others, with two rosettes from the AA. This is a unique and romantic setting that offers dinner bed and breakfast for those who wish to enjoy the dining room experience again and again. Gordon and Cherry's magnificent house is also perfect for hosting private dining functions.

Perthshire accommodation providers in LETI will now be able to advise visiting guests on the Creagan House restaurant experience..... and what a wonderful experience it was!

LETI: Members who offer B&B's, hotels, Inns, Guests Houses, Cottages, Lodges, Log Cabins, Camping and Campsites, food and drink, outdoor sports, events, shops and other services would like to thank everyone who visited Strathyre, Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans in 2009 in this stunning area of Scotland where Perthshire, Stirlingshire, the Trossachs and the Highlands meet. Please come and visit us in 2010 and do not hesitate to contact members at http://www.robroycountry.com with any queries. Have a very Merry Christmas.