Strathyre Music Festival 24th and 25th May 2014

Jenny Reeve

The Strathyre Music Festival is hosted by local Balvaig Music Group and takes place on 24^th and 25^th May 2014. 

The Festival has attracted Celebrate Lottery funding towards the costs of delivering what is now widely considered as the Largest Community based Festival in Scotland in 2014. This accolade is even more remarkable for a small community of only 200 residents. This was recently acknowledged by a motion read out and supported by 33 Members of the Scottish Parliament.

Muckle Flugga

Strathyre is the first village in the Scottish Highlands and also resides within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 

The Festival is set at several venues in the heart of the village of Strathyre and enjoys the beautiful natural amphitheatre backdrop of Ben Ledi, Ben Sheann and the Two Munro’s Stuc A Chroin and Ben Vorlich. 

The Deadly Winters

The Festival boasts no less than 260 participating musicians representing 53 Solo artists, bands and choir members. The small communities of Strathyre, Balquhidder and Lochearnhead hold a wealth of local talent and many will participate in the Festival. The Festival is an essential event that pulls the local community together in a sense of common purpose and helps with an essential contribution to the local economy, which relies almost entirely on tourism. The Music Festival is helping to restore Strathyre’s position on the map as popular Tourist stop.

Callander Pipe Band

Kenny Higgins chairman of local music Group Balvaig, stated; “We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the Music Festival and we are delighted at the quality of the artists that have agreed to support the event. Demand has been so good we have a sizable waiting list and already bookings for 2015.

Kenny Herbert

The Festival line up includes: The Deadly Winters, Adrian Spina, Stefan van de Sande (Netherlands), Jim Lee and the Edge of Chaos Orchestra, (W.Sussex) Kenny Herbert and the Applebeggars, Muckle Flugga, Dwight and Jo-ann Pereira (Malaysia), Kim Seymour, Chief Chebe African drummers (Ghana) Plus many other impressive acts. Jazz & Blues are also well represented with Callander based Jenne Mcclure Jazz band and Edinburgh’s top Jazz band “Jazz main” led by Nick Gould. Renowned drummer, Phil Ragsdell and the Big Band Rhythm section for Glasgow based GCBB.  Riverside Ceilidh band and Jock the Box will round of the Festival on the Sunday evening with a Big Ceilidh Party Celebration.

K T O'Neil

Festivities start with the Festival Market and it’s special “Commonwealth” theme opening up from 10:00 am with local Crafts, Food and local produce, Music Workshops, busking, face-painting, Juggling and many other attractions likely to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Jock The Box 

The opening ceremony at 11:30am on Saturday 24^th May will be preceded by Callander Brass band, Forth Bridges Accordion marching band and Callander Pipers heralding the start of the Festival Celebrations. A special surprise is also planned as part of the opening ceremony.

                                                               

Wine tasting from Barefoot Wines on  Saturday 24th and the Sunday 25th May. 14 other Stalls with a wide range of  Food and Goods on display. A special opening ceremony will take place on the Saturday at 11:30 am and a large crowd is expected.

Further enquiries:

Kenny Higgins, Balvaig                     

e.mail:kenny@balvaig.co.uk

Tel: 01877 384660

Festival Web site: www.balvaig.co.uk 
Tickets http://balvaig.co.uk/strathyre-music-festival.html

Accommodation: Click the following link and send your accommodation request to local B&B, hotel, cottage, cabin, campsite, Inn, Guest House, Restaurant With Rooms and other accommodation owners. Enquire Now

      

                  

  

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.

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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.

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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

 

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 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

 

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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.

 

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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. 

Creagan House Tastes Gold

Master Chef Gordon Gunn of Creagan House Strathyre

Gordon and Cherry Gunn have been awarded
VisitScotland's prestigious Gold Award for exceptional customer care at Creagan House. The 5 star Restaurant with rooms in Strathyre village, is one of only 4 in the whole of Scotland.

Creagan House is also one of the first restaurants to be accepted into the new VisitScotland "Taste our Best" scheme". The Gunn's attended the launch at Hopetoun House in September. 

"Taste our Best" is a new quality assurance scheme designed to recognise businesses that include and promote Scottish produce on their menus in addition to offering consistently high quality food and drink.  Quality of cooking, service, presentation skills and use of seasonal produce are all considered by assessors. A minimum of 40% Scottish produce must be identifiable to guests on the menu.

Cherry said "The assessors report commented on Gordons long standing approach to knowing the provenance of his food, which easily surpassed their benchmark. We have just celebrated 27 years at Creagan House, so would like to think these awards show we are still as passionate as ever to achieve excellence in all that we do."

Earlier this year, Gordon Gunn was accepted into The Master Chefs of Great Britain and Creagan House was singled out to be included in The Trencherman's Guide to Best Restaurants In Scotland.  So, It has been quite a year for The Gunn's and Creagan House in Strathyre!

LETI: Loch Earn Tourism Initiative businesses based in Strathyre and the neighbouring villages of Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and St Fillans are proud to be associated with members Cherry and Gordon Gunn and to recommend Creagan House to visiting guests. Congratulations on 27 years and your magnificent achievements together! 

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A Case Against Bracken by Mal Dingle, Strathyre

 The biodiversity at the top of the beautiful Tyness Burn Path

Bracken is a prehistoric plant. It has survived for approximately 55 million years by 3 main specialisation methods:

1. By being a hermaphrodite, able to reproduce by itself and then disperse its seeds by wind distribution. Each plant disperses hundreds of spores, developed on the underside of its leaves. Within a few years one plant can cover an entire hillside. 
2. By producing a carcinogen chemical makeup, giving it an unpleasant taste to animals and causing stomach cancer to those who eat it. Farmers will clear a field of bracken before allowing grazing animals onto it.
3. It can grow up to 6 foot tall, blocking out the light to wild plants, soon becoming a monoculture. It presents no real danger to humans, although a study is being made into the high incidence of stomach cancer in Japan linked to their appetite for the young emerging frons of bracken.

Midway down the Tyness Burn path, the bracken marches upward

Bracken therefore produces no food for either our insects or our wildlife, stifles the bio-diversity of plant life (which does provide food for insects and wildlife) and is dangerous to our animals. 

For dog owners, it is also the preferred habitat of the Tick. You may believe that bracken provides  shelter for nesting birds from the eyes of preying Hawks etc, however, I think it also gives cover to small mammals such as rats and mice who would steal the eggs.  

That is my case against bracken. There is no easy way to rid ourselves of the plant. In fact it is probably impossible to do so however I would urge you to treat this plant as a pariah and to pull out any bracken that you can (especially when inside a group of wild plants such as heather).  When out and about on walks, just be aware of this pernicious plant!  A war on this plant!

Mal Dingle

LETI. Mal Dingle is the current secretary of The Loch Earn Tourism Initiative (LETI) group of Scottish Tourism business members who live and work in the neighbouring villages of Balquhidder, Strathyre, Lochearnhead and St Fillans.  Mal is also the owner of Rosebank House bed and breakfast in Strathyre.  The Tyness Burn path runs along the back of the grounds of Rosebank House and is one of the many naturally beautiful walking routes that Mal and LETI members recommend within The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.  
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People Reflecting Waves in The Four Seasons Hotel Beach Garden Loch Earn

Have you driven past The Four Seasons Hotel and lodges in St Fillans lately thinking that you have seen ghostly men and women in the water?  

Standing Figure by Rob Mulholland at The Four Seasons Hotel in St Fillans

The Four Seasons by Rob Mulholland

Residents and guests will know that  they are sculptures standing in the water in front of the hotel's garden and jetty on Loch Earn.  

You could stare at them for hours.

The mirrored figures reflect Loch Earn whether calm or with waves.  All you see is the  outline of a standing figure. 

The sculptures are called "The Four Seasons" by Rob Mulholland, an installation artist who graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1986 and is now acclaimed internationally. 

"This installation 'The Four Seasons', particularly with the pier, suggests a mood of anticipation, as if the figures are awaiting the return of others sent on a distant passage. It refers to a sense of homecoming, returning and re-connecting to our ancestral roots. The title also refers to the passing of time and natural cycle of the seasons, which are physically and metaphorically reflected in the figures."

See more of his impressive pieces and commissions here Rob Mulholland  or drive along the picturesque A85 at the east end of Loch Earn to see these examples for yourself. Stay at The Four Seasons Hotel and you can take a much closer look,  relax by the water, watch the sun set, fish from the jetty or launch a small boat and kayak