Lochearnhead, Strathyre, Balquhidder and St Fillans Village News On line

Read all about village life in this stunningly beautiful area of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park of Scotland. The Villages of St Fillans, Lochearnhead, Balquhidder and Strathyre are popular destinations for day visitors and holiday makers from home and abroad. Anyone who wishes to relax amongst stunning scenery including lochs, mountains and forests populated with seasonal wildlife, will be at home here. Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice of walking, cycling, golfing, hunting, fishing, horse riding, water skiing and wake boarding options.  This is a fantastic region for photographers and artists too as well as wildlife and nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone interested in history and folklore.  Now you can read all about the area,  its inhabitants, holiday accommodation in Perthshire, events, trade suppliers, businesses and  news via the on-line version of local newspaper The Villagers.   Also available to view at www.robroycoutry.com under The Villagers archives.

Scotland's First Minister Visits St Fillans Golf Club in Perthshire



Alex Salmond signs flag at St Fillans GC, to be auctioned
 Photo's courtesy of  Fraser Ballantyne

  St Fillans Golf Club members were delighted to welcome Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond to their Perthshire course recently, following some high profile compliments this season.

Club Captain Ena Bennie explained, "It was great to see the First Minister here at St Fillans. This follows on from some great publicity recently from the Sky Sports commentators at Gleneagles and of course in July Sandy Lyle nominated St Fillans as his favourite inland course in the Country. We're pleased to welcome all our visitors to the club and Mr Salmond was very happy to chat with members about his golf, and promised further support from professional golfers for junior golfers in the area."




Scotlands First Minister with Sf Fillans GC
Gents  Captain, Fraser Ballantyne



If you are keen to find out what the attraction is (Sir Ian Botham is also rumoured to be a fan according to The St Fillans GC website),  then  get your name down to play free on Sunday 11th September 2011 between 11am and 3pm. Play an introductory round of golf at this beautiful and challenging course at the east end of Loch Earn. Experience the friendly club members. Relax in the Clubhouse. Enjoy stunning scenery. Dine in the restaurant. Take in the fresh air and healthy exercise. Join in putting and chipping competitions. The Open Day activities are free to those who pre register or £5 on the day. Trolleys, buggies and clubs will be available for hire. To pre register: telephone 01764 685312, email stfillansgc@aol.com or call in at the Clubhouse anytime. www.stfillansgolf.com. If you are not into golf then turn up for the excellent value food and drink in the clubhouse or a drink and a chat in the bar. Locals will make you most welcome. Why not make a night of it and book into a St Fillans hotel or other Perthshire accommodation.

  

"My favourite inland course in Scotland? - St Fillans "

- Sandy Lyle - Golf Monthly, July 2011

Loch Earn Tourism Initiative:  This is a great course for holiday visitors. If you are impressed with St Fillans Golf Club, which is open all year round to play, check out their outstanding membership deal. Pay £120 now and enjoy full playing rights for the remainder of the 2011 club year. Only pay a further £120 when the 2012 subs are due in February 2012. In other words £240 buys you membership for the rest of 2011 and the whole of 2012 and you can pay it in 2 lots. For more details chat with club Manager, Gordon Hibbert 01764 685312 or email stfillansgc@aol.com





.

ST FILLANS FILLIES IN LADIES DAY ROMP!

You don't have to think city to experience performance, theatre and the arts. Villages in Scotland are often brimming with creative and talented theatre groups and St Fillans in Perthshire is no exception. July sees enthusiastic drama group "The St Fillans Players" presenting its production of “LADIES’ DAY” -  a  bittersweet comedy by Amanda Whittington. 

The story is based around the time that the Royal Ascot races temporarily relocated to York. It inspired a brilliant play about four female fish factory workers from Hull. They replaced their hairnets with fascinators to spend a day at the races - a day that would change each of their lives in unexpected ways. 

The venue is The Sandison Hall, St Fillans with performances on Thursday 7th, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July.   Tickets are on sale in advance from St Fillans Village Store, St Fillans Golf Club, Comrie Post Office and Strathearn Gallery, Crieff.  Doors open at  7pm on Thursday and Friday with the curtain going up at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £8 per person. Saturday's Gala night tickets are £12 including sparkling wine served with canapés and the curtain goes up at 8pm. The producers are warning that the play contains strong language and is not suitable for children. They also invite you to get in the mood by dressing up in your best Ladies’ Day outfit – advising that you could be a winner!  Presumably this offer is open to all genders!

LETI: If you want to combine events with a short break or holiday,  St Fillans hotels, bed and breakfasts, lodges and self catering accommodation are listed on the Loch Earn Tourism Initiative website www.robroycountry.com .  You will also find an events calendar of  things to do in St Fillans and its neighbouring villages.  St Fillans is a picturesque village on the banks of Loch Earn.

Raising The Bar At Achray House

New sun terrace at the Achray Hotel, St Fillans

Up until now most of the work Alan and Jane have done at The Achray House Hotel has been internal. Now they have turned their attention to the outside.



The first job was challenging, but worthwhile and visible from miles around.

After that the terrace was refurbished in preparation for a fine summer. With seating for 25 people, and a fine view over Loch Earn and the hills beyond it's an ideal spot for an informal lunch, or a relaxing drink in the afternoon or early evening. So all we need now is the weather.......

Oh, and the challenging first job; they painted the weather vane on the top of the building with gold paint.

LETI: The Achray House hotel in Perthshire lies in the picturesque village of St Fillans, owned and run by Alan and Jane Gibson.  The new sun terrace and hotel restaurant offer stunning views over the East end of Loch Earn and the surrounding mountains.





St Fillans Golf Club Ace for Sandy Lyle



"My favourite inland course in Scotland?...St Fillans "-Sandy Lyle - 2011

For several years members at St Fillans Golf Club have enjoyed visits from Masters and Open Champion Sandy Lyle. He plays the course and some lucky visitors have even had the privilege of playing a few holes with him. During the club's Centenary year, 2003, he played with Graeme Courtney and Captain Barry Crighton in an exhibition match and set a course record which still stands today.

We've not seen so much of Sandy lately due to his many golf commitments, but in a recent interview with Golf World magazine* he was asked about various Scottish golf courses. He highlighted a number of prestigious Open courses and kindly went on to say, "If I was asked for my favourite inland course in Scotland, I'd go for St Fillans in the heart of Perthshire ............"

Club Manager Gordon Hibbert commented, "Now quotations don't get any better than that, so many thanks Sandy - and don't forget to pop into the clubhouse for a coffee and bacon roll next time you're passing".

LETI: Not only is St Fillans golf course in Perthshire beautiful, members have a reputation for welcoming day visitors and holiday makers with open arms. Meals and snacks are not only popular they are excellent value too. Well worth visiting for a round or two on the course and in the club house!

*Golf World magazine July 2011 page 32 



Ariel view of St Fillans Golf Course near Loch Earn



.

Fathers Day Idea Might Be A Dripping Roast

Stuck for a Fathers Day idea?  The Four Seasons Hotel in St Fillans, Perthshire might just have the answer. Food is the way to a mans heart so why not treat your dear old dad to a traditional Sunday roast lunch. Take him for a scenic drive arriving at the country house hotel in time for lunch between 12.00 and 14.20.  The hotel looks out over Loch Earn and the surrounding hills in the picturesque village of St Fillans.  If you are not a dad and your mouth is now watering at the mere suggestion of a juicy dripping roast and all the trimmings; do not despair! The traditional lunch is being offered every Sunday throughout the summer season at £13.50 for two courses!  Enjoy the lochside location,  relaxed atmosphere and the contemporary Scottish cuisine at two AA Rosette level.  Booking is essential. Email info@thefourseasonshotel.co.uk  or  Tel: +44 (0) 1764 685333

LETI: The Four Seasons Hotel is an award winning 12 bedroom hotel with spectacular views over Loch Earn offering contemporary cuisine using local produce. The chefs cater for breakfast, morning coffee, lunches, afternoon tea, bar meals and fine dining. Dog owners might want to check out the Pet Concierge service too.  The resident pet butler will take care of your pets every need from special menus to grooming and walking. 

.

.

Lochearnhead Village Hall Party

If you are planning something different this New Year and are not already organised, consider staying in Lochearnhead  on the banks of Loch Earn in Bed and Breakfast, holiday cottages, lodges,cabins or  hotel accommodation. Bring in the New Year at the Lochearnhead village hall party.  Only £7.50 per ticket including hot stovies around midnight. Dance the night away to band "The Session" who play popular cover tunes from the 50's to modern day plus spot ceilidh dances. This years raffle promises top prizes including  a quality Scottish Food Hamper containing local venison, clootie dumpling and champagne amongst the goodies.  Take part in the feature fun competition to win a bottle of whisky. This years event promises to be a lot of fun. The village hall will be decorated for the festive season with a licensed bar  Doors open at 9am and the dancing will go on until 2am. Tickets will be available in the local shop and post office and on the door on the night or email briarinfo@btinternet.com  if you would like to request tickets in advance.