5 Bedroom Lochside House 6 nights £690, Lomond and Trossachs cottages

Lochside House 5 Bedroom sleeps 10

Special offer 6 nights at Lochside House 23rd May 2010

We have a gap period of 6 nights right on the waters edge of Loch Katrine just 10 yards from the water. Situated in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.

www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottage Special Offers

SPECIAL OFFERS AT lOCH lOMOND AND TROSSACHS COTTAGES


3 Bedroom Waterside Cottage, sleeps 6
MAY 16th 5 nights for £420

5 Bedroom Lochside House, sleeps 10

April 17th 2 nights for £390

May 8th 2 nights for £450

www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Travel Insurance for holiday Cottages in Loch Lomond Park

Here's a question. Should guests have their own travel insurance for damage done to the property they are staying in?

Today I had a flood at 2 of my properties because a guest left the tap running in a sink with the plug in from 5am until 7am. The upper flat damaged the ceiling and walls of the property below. I now have holes in my ceiling which were made to stop the ceiling from collapsing and stains on walls that will need repainting.

Fortunately for me I had guests in the house below who spotted it at 7am and were able to get the tap turned off so that the ceiling did not collapse and cause a potential costly repair bill.

I have building and contents insurance etc. that has a large excess due to previous water damage claims so if I had to claim there would be a large shortfall.

In this case it just needs polyfilla and paint so I will do this with out a claim or cost to my guests. The guest below have been accomodating and not made a fuss about the inconvenience to their holiday either, which might not have been the case, and could have involved large refunds etc. I will still make a partial refund.

But all of this made me wonder how many guests actually take out travel insurance and does it cover damage done to property by accidents? Most will probably take it out if abroad but not if staying in the UK.

Are Owners expected to foot the bill for damage and pay the insurance excess and increased premiums? Trying to claim costs back from people without insurance would be a very difficult business involving courts etc which would not look good for business.

I think the reality is like me most owners will foot the bill. Maybe the answer is cleaning / housekeeping deposits. I have always tried to avoid this as it just implies a lack of trust in people.

Anyway thats my rant over
Richard

Historic Scotlands Top 10 visited Attractions in 2010

Historic Scotlands Top 10 visited Attractions in 2010



Historic Scotland’s Top 10 properties are:

1. Edinburgh Castle

2. Stirling Castle

3. Urquhart Castle

4. Linlithgow Palace

5. St Andrews Castle

6. Fort George

7. Caerlaverock Castle

8. Melrose Abbey

9. Skara Brae

10. Iona Abbey

www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Holiday Cottages in Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottage Guest Attractions to visit

Scotland’s earliest human face takes to the road
5,000 year old ORKNEY VENUS to go on tour

http://www.youtube.com/historicscotlandtv


Scotland’s earliest human face, the Orkney Venus is to go on temporary display at venues across Scotland.

The 5,000 year old figurine- also known as the Westray Wife, was discovered last summer by archaeologists working on the Historic Scotland excavation at the Links of Noltland, on the Orkney island of Westray. The figurine is the only known Neolithic carving of a human form to have been found in Scotland.
Measuring 41mm by 31mm- the Venus is made from sandstone and depicts a human face and body. The name comes from its resemblance to prehistoric carvings from elsewhere in Europe- often referred to as Venus figurines.

The exhibition will open this Saturday (13th March) at the Chapel Royal at Stirling Castle and will remain in Stirling until 26th March before progressing to Kilmartin House in Argyll and Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness. It will then return to Orkney for the summer and will be on display at the Westray Heritage Centre before moving to the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall.

Minister for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said;
“This was a find of tremendous international as well as national importance, so it is fantastic that people have the opportunity to see the Venus first hand.
“By taking it on tour across Scotland we want to ensure that as many people as possible get to see the Orkney Venus and find out more about the vast amount of activity that is going on to protect and enhance our rich archaeological heritage.”

As well as providing an overview of recent research on the Venus, the exhibition will tell the story of the current excavations on Westray. The Links of Noltland is one of Orkney’s richest and most threatened sites, with severe wind erosion causing the collapse of the dune system which has protected the archaeology for thousands of years.

Richard Strachan, Senior Archaeologist at Historic Scotland explains;
“The Links of Noltand is one of the most fascinating sites in Scotland – with extensive evidence still surviving about the people who lived there from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.
“The site is under our care, and each year archaeological teams record and preserve as much information as we can from the site – as the wind strips away and uncovers different layers.
“The discovery of the Orkney Venus was further confirmation of the importance of this site- and the secrets it may hold. It is extremely rare to find any replicas of the human form dating from this period- this is the first of its kind in Scotland, and certainly one of the best preserved.
“Research is still ongoing looking at the possible origins of the figure - was it for example a sacred object or used for decorative purposes, and we hope that people will take the opportunity to come along and see this mysterious and extremely rare creature.”

For opening times and further information please visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/orkneyvenus or to see a sneak preview of the Venus please go to www.youtube.com/historicscotlandtv.
8 March 2010
PHOTOGRAPHY IS AVAILABLE FROM HISTORIC SCOTLAND


The Orkney Venus:
The Orkney Venus will be at the following venues and dates:
• Stirling Castle: Sat 13th March – Friday 26th March
• Kilmartin House: Friday 2nd April – Sunday 18th April
• Urquhart Castle Thursday 22nd April – Sunday 9th May
• It will then return to Orkney for the summer season will be on display at the Westray Heritage Centre before moving to the Orkney Museum in Kirkwall.



Latest deals for breaks in Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottage.
www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottage guests should visit Stirling Castle Easter Event

Historic Scotland

PRESS RELEASE
DATE: 10/03/10

CELEBRATE SPRING AND ENJOY AN EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT STIRLING CASTLE

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S MOST MAGNIFICENT HISTORIC PROPERTIES GEARS UP FOR A WEEKEND OF REVELRY

Looking for some Spring cheer after the long winter? Then make sure you head for Stirling Castle this Easter for a great day out. The stunning stronghold is gearing up for a superb weekend of family fun and entertainment.

‘Easter Revelry’ - on Saturday 3rd April, Sunday 4th and Monday 5th – promises a packed programme of light-hearted amusement for all ages. A colourful cast of costumed characters will be performing comedy, magic, puppetry and interactive shows. And with everything included in the normal admission price to the castle, great value, as well as great fun, is guaranteed.

Historic Scotland events manager Nick Finnigan said: “We’ve got a fantastic line-up of entertainment in store at our big ‘Easter Revelry’ event at Stirling over the three days, and a really talented cast of performers.

“There will be a jester and juggler, a puppet show based on tales from Scottish history, music and dancers, and a hilarious panto-style comedy show featuring ‘Baron Hardegg’ and ‘Squire Softboiled’ - characters who were a huge hit at our previous popular Easter events.

“And as well as all of that, we’ll have a ‘World of Owls’ interactive display, offering visitors a chance to get a close look at a range of different types of owls, and watch some of these fascinating birds of prey taking part in flying displays.”

Gillian MacDonald, Stirling Castle Visitor Services and Business Development Manager said: “Our three days of excellent entertainment offer superb value for money – plus, of course a chance to explore one of Scotland’s most outstanding historic attractions, so we hope that as many families as possible will join us here at Stirling Castle this Easter.”

‘Easter Revelry’ takes place from noon to 4pm on each of the three days over the Easter Weekend. Stirling Castle admission charges are: adults, £9.00, Concessions £7.20, Children £5.40, and entry is free for Historic Scotland Members.




 Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. From the castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views over two of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Stirling Bridge (1297) and Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town, off M9 junction 9 or 10. Tel: 01786 450000. For details of opening times and further information on the castle, visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk.
 Major conservation work has been carried out at Stirling Castle over many years to preserve the attraction as a major national and international monument. An ambitious £12 million scheme, the Stirling Castle Palace Project, is currently underway to restore and refurbish the Royal Palace at Stirling and present the Royal Lodgings as they might have appeared in the heyday of Scotland’s Stewart court in the mid 16th century. An interpretive display on the court of James V will be created in the palace vaults and a Renaissance Gallery on the upper floors of the palace will house the original Stirling Heads, a rare group of intricately carved oak ceiling medallions depicting kings,queens, courtiers and mythological creatures. Costumed interpreters will bring to life the history of the 16th century to enrich visitors’ enjoyment.

 Stirling Castle is one of the most popular of 345 outstanding heritage properties and sites in the care of Historic Scotland. Ranging from prehistoric dwellings to medieval castles, and from cathedrals to industrial buildings, these include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country. Among these are Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles, Skara Brae, and the Border Abbeys. For further details of all of Historic Scotland’s sites visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties and for more information on Stirling Castle, visit: www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk

 Historic Scotland’s Mission is: to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment and to promote its understanding and enjoyment.

Visitors to the formidable garrison fortress of Dumbarton Castle will, on Saturday 20th March, be transported back to the troubled times of the 17th c

PRESS RELEASE From Historic Scotland
DATE: 05/03/10

SOLDIERS AND SIEGE AT DUMBARTON CASTLE

Visitors to the formidable garrison fortress of Dumbarton Castle will, on Saturday 20th March, be transported back to the troubled times of the 17th century for ‘The Siege – 1640’.

This informative, entertaining event will focus on the story of Dumbarton Castle during the Scottish wars of independence, when Covenanters and Royalist troops clashed to gain control of the castles and forts throughout the country which were the backbone of its strategic defences.

A series of enlightening presentations involving costumed performers from re-enactment group ‘Fraser’s Dragoones’ will highlight how effectively historical re-enactments can bring these dark days to dramatic life. Visitors will learn about the goals of the two opposing forces and why they were so passionate about their cause. And weaponry displays will demonstrate the combat challenges of fighting with the musket and infantryman’s pike, and the skills required to handle them.

Historic Scotland events manager Nick Finnigan said: “Dumbarton Castle’s impressive strategic location on a volcanic rock overlooking the Firth of Clyde, made it a key gateway, and it played a significant role – as a Dark Age fortress, medieval castle, and garrison fort in the 17th and 18th centuries - in the shaping of Scotland’s history. Through the centuries its control was fought over repeatedly and it figured prominently in the Scottish struggle for independence.

“The various activities of ‘The Siege – 1640’ offer a great opportunity for all the family to learn more about the past of this fascinating castle, to appreciate its importance during the wars of the mid-17th century, and how it was battled over. Our presentations and displays will shed light on why Covenanters and Royalist troops were so opposed, and why it was so crucial to them to win control over properties like this - to the extent that they were prepared to sacrifice their lives in the process.”

‘The Siege – 1640’ at Dumbarton Castle takes place from 12.00 noon to 4pm on the 20th and entry is included in the admission price ( Adult £4.20, Child £2.10, Concession £3.20 and free for Members of Historic Scotland).

www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Rowing boat at Loch Ard. Lomondandtrossachs.com

Boat at Loch Ard on way to lomond and Trossachs cottages at Loch Katrine

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

£275 for 7 nights at Lochside Apartment Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

7 Night Special Offer £275 at Lochside Apartment from 20th March 2010

3 Bedroom Self catering just 10 yards from Loch Katrine in the Loch lomond and Trossachs Park. http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

£295 for 7 nights at Lochside Apartment Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

7 Night Special Offer £295 at Lochside Apartment from 20th March 2010

3 Bedroom Self catering just 10 yards from Loch Katrine in the Loch lomond and Trossachs Park. http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Fishing on Loch Ard Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Swans looking for fish on the frozen Loch Ard. Picture taken on our way to Lochside House at Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs. www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Fishing on Loch Ard Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Swans looking for fish on the frozen Loch Ard. Picture taken on our way to Lochside House at Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs. www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Marketing our self catering Holiday Cottages in Loch Lomond and Trossachs

Trying to find the best way of promoting our self catering holiday cottages is always an area of concern because although what you have in place may be effective now, there is no guarantee this will still work in the future. The methods of business promotion are constantly changing, for example when we first started the internet was almost non existant as a means of advertising our lochside holiday cottages, we had to advertise in the brochure of the holiday cottage agencies.

Now we have our own websites with online bookings etc http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/ that work very effectively along side the agencies and their websites and brochures. We are now slowly entering the new face of beginning to use Blogs, Flicker, Twitter, Facebook.

The problem is now deciding if we should continue to stay with the agencies and pay their high commission fees or risk using only our own sites. The benefits are we would save about £10000 some of which could be used to fund our own marketing initiatives. We also already have one cottage Waterside Cottage http://www.waterside-cottage.com/ which is independant from the agencies and is generally fully booked each year. The anxiety is that the level of bookings would drop and and cost us more than the commission we pay.

So far it has been easier to stick with the status quo, no risk involved...Oh the joys of business planning.

Loch Arklet on way to www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Come and stay at our cottages in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park at Loch Katrine and experience these views. http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Loch Arklet on way to www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Come and stay at our cottages in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park at Loch Katrine and experience these views. http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Loch Arklet on way to www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Come and stay at our cottages in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park at Loch Katrine and experience these views. http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Lochside House at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs

Lochside House at Loch Katrine is now a 5 bedroom holiday home with a connecting 3 bedroom apartment. This allows groups of up to 16 to stay right on the waters edge at Loch Katrine.
This is a wonderful place from which to experience the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park. You can take a sail on the SS Sir Walter Scott steamer, walk or cycle around the loch, fish at the local lochs, walk some of the West Highland Way, climb some local Bens or Munroes or just relax around the log fire.
Next door to Lochside House is Waterside Cottage, Lochside Cottage and Wattie & Scott Cottages. All these properties are within 30 yards of each other allowing a large group of up to 42 to stay. www.lomondandtrossachs.com

Waterside Cottage loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Just finished our annual redecoration at Waterside Cottage up at Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park. http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

The road to Cottages at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs

New form of ice skating, Kayaking on frozen Loch Ard

The road to Cottages at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs

New form of ice skating, Kayaking on frozen Loch Ard

The road to Cottages at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs

New form of ice skating, Kayaking on frozen Loch Ard

The road to Cottages at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs

New form of ice skating, Kayaking on frozen Loch Ard