Fire and Ice

We decided to brave the weather and head off to the Scottish Crannog Centre for an evening's display of Fire and Ice on 4th December. We're certainly glad we did as it was an evening to remember.

A visiting master ice sculptor (who makes ice hotels!) taught some local artists to sculpt in ice. The local artists also made sculptures that were set alight which made for a fantastic visual display...which also gave out a lot of heat!

The photographs show the Crannog Centre and one of the fire sculptures.

Afterwards, there was storytelling in the Crannog in front of a lovely fire, followed by some fire dancing. Hats off to the Crannog Centre and the local artists who successfully pulled off their first Fire and Ice Festival. I've been so impressed with the Crannog that I've added it to our list of Things To Do in Pitlochry on our new website.

Best wishes, Liz

Knockendarroch House Hotel, the finest of Pitlochry Accommodation

Pitlochry Welcomes Santa and his Reindeer Parade

I've been thinking of dusting off a couple of old tennis rackets to use as snowshoes as most modes of transport have become very treacherous in the snow. Perhaps we could all use a little assistance from reindeer and sledges to get around, and that might cheer everyone up too.

Well, Saturday 11th December sees the 'real deal', when Santa, together with his troupe of trusty reindeer, make their way along Atholl Road, all the way through Pitlochry, and finishing up at Bells Blair Atholl Distillery. There will be storytelling for the children, courtesy of Mrs Christmas, and lots of Christmas stalls from 10 am to 2 pm. This will be a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit and buy some lovely original presents.

Pitlochry in Bloom will also be hosting a Coffee Morning from 10.30 am to 12.30pm so you're guaranteed a hot drink and some delicious home baking too, while at the same time supporting a great local fundraiser.

Here at the hotel, work is progressing despite the adverse weather, and we're delighted to present you with our new-look website. We've improved the visibility of our customer reviews to give you a flavour of what to expect when you come to stay.

Best wishes, Liz

Knockendarroch House Hotel, the finest of Pitlochry accommodation

Look out Behind You! - Pitlochry's First Ever Pantomime

We're delighted that very soon Pitlochry will be able to enjoy the cheesy lines and slapstick comedy of the good old panto, as Pitlochry Festival Theatre will be putting on Cinderella for the festive season.

A new twist to an old favourite, this production features the evil Ivana as the wicked stepmother, who intends to start building a luxury golf resort! Help is at hand in the form of the mysterious Fairy Godmother who sends Cinders off to the Royal Ball.

This fun-filled family show is guaranteed to be a Christmas hit, so book your tickets early – it starts on 3^rd December and will run until New Year’s Day.

Best wishes, Liz

Knockendarroch House Hotel, the finest of Pitlochry hotels

House of Bruar Annual Sale, 12th-14th November 2010

Sharpen your elbows and get ready to brandish your purses and wallets, the massive House of Bruar Annual Sale is kicking off on Friday 12^th November! The House of Bruar is known as the ‘Scottish Harrods’, and for good reason, as the range and quality of goods is unparalleled. The sale is in store only and not available online. With thousands of products and terrific bargains to be had, it’s really worth a visit.

You can combine your shopping experience with a relaxing stay in one of our beautifully refurbished rooms. If you prefer to visit Pitlochry midweek, you will find our special offers very inviting.

Since my last blog the clocks have turned back and we're facing the onset of night from around 5 pm. To cheer everyone up, the dazzling Pitlochry Winter Lights have been switched on as part of the Autumn Festival and will continue to sparkle and delight until next March, hooray!

There is still time to enjoy the Perthshire Amber Festival too. Pitlochry Festival Theatre is the venue for a Dougie MacLean concert on Friday 5 November, supported by Grada, a lively and original Irish band. Tickets are selling fast so book soon to avoid disappointment.

Lastly, the hotel will close on 14th November for essential works, re-opening on 11th February 2011. Why not plan ahead and book in a lovely Valentine's break?

Kind regards, Liz

Knockendarroch House Hotel, one of the finest 4 star hotels in Pitlochry

Perthshire Amber Festival 2010

Running from 29th October to 7th November, this celebration of Scottish music is the brainchild of Dougie MacLean, internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter. Now in its sixth year, this year’s line-up of artists promises to be the best ever. Look out for home-grown talents such as Julie Fowlis, Fred Morrison, Aly Bain, Karen Matheson amongst others, plus some exciting international acts too.

There will also be lots of free music events, workshops and talks, plus a shuttle bus service for revellers. The venues range from our own beloved Pitlochry Festival Theatre to magnificent Blair Castle, from an iron-age crannog on Loch Tay to the gothic splendour of Dunkeld cathedral, to name but a few.

New for this year is The Perthshire Amber SongBus, taking it's first musical mystery journey on 1st November! You'll be looked after and entertained along the way by some fine musicians. There'll be lots of singing on the bus, a little walking, a picnic lunch (included in the £20 ticket price) and perhaps a surprise encounter with Dougie MacLean along the way. The bus will whisk you to areas of beauty and musical importance...through the 'Garden Valley', along the River Tay, from the Berry Fields o Blair to the Birks of Aberfeldy via the Sma' Glen. Not to be missed!
Why not take advantage of our hotel Special Offers, come along and share in the spirit of Perthshire Amber this autumn . And what better way to finish off your evening than by relaxing in front of a roaring log fire with a fine selection of malt whiskies and liqueurs, whilst you review some of the other wonderful activities Pitlochry has to offer.

Best wishes,
Liz
Knockendarroch House Hotel, an independent luxury hotel Pitlochry, Scotland

Pitlochry in Bloom wins Gold!

Congratulations to our wonderful team of volunteers, supported by Pitlochry businesses, who have won Gold for the third time in a row. This prestigious RHS event has cities, towns and villages from all over the country competing, and the standards are extremely high. Overall, Perthshire won 4 awards, the most for any local authority in the UK.

At the end of October some of the team will visit Halifax in Nova Scotia to find out the results of the ‘International Challenge’. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to finding out how they got on. The displays are still going strong, why not take a few days’ break and stroll through our parks and public spaces to enjoy them. Pitlochry will also feature in an upcoming episode of Gardener’s World, BBC2, so keep a look out for that too.

Continuing with a horticultural theme, Pitlochry Festival Theatre will be hosting Garden Tours on 10th and 17th October in their Explorers' Garden. These guided tours promise to be fun, fascinating and informative, giving insights into plants, wildlife, art and architecture.

While you're in Pitlochry, why not drive up to the House of Bruar, currently offering excellent discounts on cashmere coats and jackets. Perfect for keeping you cosy and warm for the coming months.

Best wishes, Liz

Knockendarroch House Hotel, the finest of hotels, Pitlochry

The Enchanted Forest Sound and Light Show in Pitlochry

You may have heard of the dazzling sound and light show that takes place in Faskally Wood every autumn. This year's show, entitled 'Force of Nature', is set to be the biggest ever, so make a note in your calendar, it starts on 22nd October. Running alongside this unique event is the Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival, with stalls, activities, street entertainers and even a treasure hunt, all in and around Pitlochry's main street.

Woodland and hill walks, golfing and fishing are perennially popular at this time of year, and there are plenty of other things to do too.

We can assure you of a warm welcome and fabulous food during your stay with us - why not take advantage of our special offers for a peaceful mid-week break this autumn.

Best wishes, Liz
Knockendarroch, a luxury Pitlochry hotel

Enjoy Autumn Colours in Pitlochry

It's been such a busy few weeks here, what with the Antiques Roadshow, the fantastic Pitlochry Highland Games, and many other entertaining events. We're well aware that autumn is just round the corner, and it seems that many leaves were blown off before their time last weekend.

All in all it's been a successful summer and we've enjoyed welcoming many visitors to our spruced up yet still very welcoming hotel. We're looking forward to a beautiful autumn as the surrounding forests put on their displays of fiery colours. We still have many fine days ahead so come and enjoy a special break with us.

As you may know, we pride ourselves on our warm welcome, fine cuisine, ambience and attention to detail. It should not come as a surprise, therefore, if we recommend you book a ticket for Tastes and Shades of the Season at Pitlochry Festival Theatre on Sunday 26 September. Top chef Christopher Trotter and floral artiste Diane Flair host a feast for the senses which will doubtless be an inspiration for all. Hope to see you there.

Best wishes, Liz
Manager, Knockendarroch House Hotel
the finest of Pitlochry hotels

Pitlochry Highland Games

Looking ahead, September promises to be a busy month for Pitlochry, with so much to see and do. From the Highland Games to the Antiques Roadshow, from the Philharmonic Orchestra to ceilidhs and live bands, it's all happening here! Along with all the sporting and outdoor pursuits, you can really cram a lot into a few days break.

Since 1852, Pitlochry Highland Games has been entertaining the crowds with a variety of events and competitions. One of the last Highland Games of the season, highlights include a Mass Parade of Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing events, running, cycling, and heavy events, plus a myriad of stalls and tents offering products and refreshments. This is one of the best family days out to be had, with children's races too! Come and join the fun on Saturday 12th September.

The Antiques Roadshow team will be using the splendid backdrop of Blair Castle as the setting for their roadshow on Thursday 9th September. Bring along all your treasured items for an expert and honest valuation and have a great day out.

Look forward to seeing you,

Liz, Knockendarroch House Hotel, an independent luxury Pitlochry hotel

Pitlochry Hotels - Things to Do in August

Pitlochry has been enjoying an influx of visitors this summer, with a wide range of activities on offer for everyone. When you stay at Knockendarroch House you can be assured of a warm welcome, delicious food, and luxurious ambience.

During your stay, visiting Pitlochry Festival Theatre is a must. Enjoy 'Hooray for Hollywood', a tribute to film favourites, performed by John Scrimger and his quartet, on Monday 16th August. Alternatively, Tuesday 16th August features a performance by a rising star of the Scottish folk scene, Don Nicholson. One not to be missed!

Blair Castle provides the stunning backdrop for the International Horse Trials and Country Fair, a 4-day extravaganza running from 26th-29th August. Featuring lots of equine events, dog and falconry displays, and lots of things for all the family to do, it is sure to be a huge success.

Best wishes, Liz
Knockendarroch House, an independent luxury hotel, Pitlochry

Highland Games in Perthshire - Enjoy the Spectacle

From May to September, across Scotland, the calendar becomes filled with the traditional spectacle of the Highland Games. From Pitlochry in the heart of Scotland, all the way up to the Outer Hebrides, communities and visitors gather to watch and take part in a multitude of events such as tossing the caber, tug-o-war, throwing the hammer, highland dancing, and of course piping. Make a note in your diaries to sample this unique blend of sporting, cultural and social heritage. Take advantage of our special summer offer to make the most of your visit.

The origin of the Highland Games is unknown but they probably derived from the trials of strength, speed, agility and skill which were commonplace in medieval Scotland. The clans' warriors used these events to test their physical prowess. Thankfully, the gruesome pursuit of 'twisting the four legs off a cow for which a fat sheep is offered as a prize', no longer features in the schedule of events!

Make sure you look out for Atholl & Breadalbane Agricultural Show & Highland Gathering on Saturday, 14 August and, of course, Pitlochry Highland Games on Saturday, 11 September 2010.

Kind regards, Liz
Knockendarroch House Hotel, luxury hotel Pitlochry