Boat Fishing at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park

Boat fishing is now available again at Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.
Loch Katrine has not been fished for many years and is full of Brown Trout and Pike.
Boats are now available again for hire at Stronachlachar Pier both for fishing and for pleasure trips.
Details are available at Pier Tearoom 01877 386374
http://www.thepiertearoom.com/

Why not come at stay at Lochside House or Lochside Cottage, Waterside Cottage, Lochside Apartment at Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

For all your self catering holiday cottage and cottages and houses in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park National, Scotland. Great places for walking such as the West Highland Way along Loch Lomond. Hire a bike and enjoy cycling at Loch Katrine in the heart of the Trossachs. Visit the tourist attractions of Aberfoyle and Callander. Sailing on the Sir Walter Scott or at Kinlochard Sailing Club or Loch Earnhead.. Try quad biking at Kinlochard or Go Ape activity centre at the David Marshall Lodge Aberfoyle. Visit Loch Lomond at the Inversnaid Hotel just minutes away where you will find Rob Roys cave. Climb some of the local attractions like Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and Ben Ann. Sail on the lassy of the Lake at Loch Katrine. Enjoy tea and scones at the Pier Tea room cafe, Stronachlachar, Loch Katrine. You will find accomodation to suit all your needs. B&B bed and breakfast, hotels guest houses, self catering cottages, hostels. restaurants. Bike hire around loch Lomond and Trossachs for cycling, boats for hire. fishing boats even a seaplane on Loch Lomond. The Lake Hotel is great for Bar meals at Lake of Mentieth. The Forth in has great atmosphere at Aberfoyle friendly locals. Tourist information at Aberfoyle and Callander and woolen mills to with shops and cafe.

Winter at Loch Lomond & Trossachs Cottages

Some photos from around our cottages at Loch Katrine during the last few weeks of snow.

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 era of using 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 which is independant from the agencies and is generally fully booked each year. The anxiety is that the level of booking would drop and and cost more than the commission.

Oh the joys of business planning.

Loch Katrine Lady of the Lake Winter sailings

Sparkling Winter Weekends at Loch Katrine
SAILING DATES – WINTER 2010/11
(November 2010 to March 2011)
‘Lady of the Lake’ will depart Trossachs Pier on the following dates

Saturday and Sunday

•6th and 7th November
•13th and 14th November
•20th and 21st November
•27th and 28th November
•4th and 5th December
•11th and 12th December
•18th and 19th December
SAILINGS EVERY DAY – 27th December 2010 until 2nd January 2011

Saturday and Sunday

•12th and 13th February
•19th and 20th February
•26th and 27th February
•5th and 6th March
•12th and 13th March
•19th and 20th March
•26th and 27th March
•ADULT FARE - £10.00
•CONCESSION FARE - £9.00
•CHILD (u.16) FARE - £7.00

Tel(01877) 332000

•Panoramic Cruises on ‘Lady of the Lake’
•Fully heated saloon with exhilarating views of Loch Katrine
•20% OFF on all Family Tickets(*)
•10% Winter Savings on Family Cycle Hire with Katrinewheelz
•Katrine Café for lunch and refreshments – Enjoy a FREE Piacetto Coffee or Sir Henry tea with your lunch. (Subject to Minimum Spend: £5.00 per person)
Katrine Café, Katrinewheelz and Katrine Gifts Open on all Sailing Days - 11.00am until 3.00pm. ‘Lady of the Lake’ departing on all Sailing Days at 1.30pm (1-hour cruise)

(*) Discount available on all bookings for 2 adults travelling with one or more child (aged under 16). Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Sailings are subject to revision due to weather conditions, operational reasons, or passenger numbers.

Group Reservations Available Call (01877) 332000. Hire ‘Lady of the Lake’ for your own exclusive cruise – Full on-board catering services available.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages, Loch Katrine

Autumn brings out the best in the Trossachs !
By Nick Mitchell Scotsman Newspaper 21st October 2010

The Trossachs has a sleepy charm of its own that is best discovered in the autumn months.

• Sailing out on Loch Katrine

A visit to the secluded forests and calm lochs at this time of year will be rewarded with an endless array of reds and oranges as the trees stage their annual, fleeting burst of colour.

A good place to start is by taking a boat trip on Loch Katrine. Until the end of October they have daily sailings for tourists and day-trippers departing from the the eastern edge of the waters.

The small jetty and visitor centre is just a short drive from Callendar, which is itself easily accessible from Glasgow and the central belt, making it an ideal destination if you want to spend an afternoon away from the urban hubbub.

• On board the evocative Sir Walter Scott steamship

We made it just in time for the 1.30pm cruise on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which took us about halfway out and back in just under an hour.

The steamship itself is an item of historical note. It has been sailing these waters since 1898, when it was transported piece by piece from Dumbarton, and is now believed to be the UK's first green passenger vessel after it was recently refurbished to run on biofuel.

• Looking west towards Stronachlachar

The famous 19th century writer from which the vessel takes its name centred his 1810 narrative poem The Lady of the Lake around Loch Katrine, which he describes in a memorable line as "one burnished sheet of living gold".

It's not hard to see why this peaceful stretch of water inspired Scott as you sail past deserted, rocky little islets and ancient forests mirrored at the water's edge.

• White farm houses nestle on the northern shores of the loch

Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor is said to have been born in a 17th century stone cottage at Glengyle at the head of Katrine, and we were told by one of the guides during our cruise that the idyllic farm houses on the banks of the loch were once used as hide-outs during the Jacobite uprising.

But beneath the romantic allure of Loch Katrine is a vital function. The loch supplies the bulk of Glasgow's drinking water and several islands were submerged when the water level was artificially raised six feet for the purpose.


• The late afternoon sun shimmers on the loch

Having left Loch Katrine by three o'clock, there's still plenty of time to take in the surrounding area with a drive around the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. This area of protected woodland and moorland runs from the east shore of Loch Lomond to the rugged terrain of Strathyre and is a worthwhile detour from the main road.

The roadside views of golden forests reflected in glassy lochs is a sight to behold, and more than a little reminiscent of similar picture postcard scenes in the Canadian Rockies.





• A view of the amusingly named Loch Drunkie in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

From here on we continued up and over the Duke's Pass, past the David Marshall Lodge and down into Aberfoyle, where you can grab a bite to eat and set off for a much less scenic drive home.

.....End of article.....

Why not come and stay at Lochside House 10 yards from Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Stirling Castle, Loch lomond and trossachs Cottages at Loch Katrine

PRESS RELEASE
DATE: 05/10/10

STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE 17TH CENTURY - AND THE SIEGE OF STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October

The year is 1651 and Stirling Castle is under siege. Scotland has been defeated by the Auld Enemy at the Battle of Dunbar, the English army has invaded the south of the country and is desperate to lay claim to the majestic stronghold of Stirling which guards the route north.

Come along to Stirling Castle on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October and step back in time to the days of the Covenanters and this crucial period in the history of both the castle and Scotland.

The two-day Holding Scotland For The King 1651 family event revisits this important siege -which heralded the rapid collapse of Scottish control in the face of the English invasion – and brings to life the characters and weapons of both the Scots and English troops of the period.

A large cast of historical interpreters and costumed performers will be staging a spectacular series of colourful parades, with artillery and firepower displays, musketry exchanges and pike drill, and static tableaux providing an insight into battle camp and garrison life.

Events Manager Nick Finnigan says: “The 1651 siege of Stirling Castle, although brief, was incredibly important and marked a turning point in the history of our country. Our costumed performers will be highlighting the background – why Scotland was at war with England and the eventual outcome - illustrating what military life would have been like for the troops involved, and demonstrating a variety of interesting aspects such as the weaponry and costume of the period.”

The programme for both days is as follows:

 12:00 Opening parade into the castle from the Esplanade and welcome in the Inner Close.
 12:30 Story of the siege in the Great Hall
 13:00 The Siege begins - musket skirmish from the walls
 13:30 The clothes of the mid-17th century – Great
 14:00 Artillery display
 14:30 Pike drill
 15:00 Parade of musketeers and display of
 15:30 The soldiers of the 17th century
 16:00 Display of firepower featuring cannons and muskets and culminating in the closing parade of the army out of the castle

Holding Scotland For The King 1651 is on from 12.00 noon to 4pm on both days, with all the entertainment and activities included in Stirling Castle’s normal admission price: adults, £9.00, concessions £7.20, children £5.40, and 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 (due for completion in Spring 2011) 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.For further details of all of Historic Scotland’s sites visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places

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

Callander Jazz Festival near Loch Lomond and trossachs cottages

http://www.callanderjazz.com/

Fri 1st - Sun 3rd October

The 5th annual Callander Jazz and Blues Festival will take place over the weekend of 1st / 2nd / 3rd October 2010. The Festival Event is centred in the Trossachs town of Callander which is the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park an area of outstanding scenic beauty and historical interest.

This years musical event stages over 50 live performances spread over 22 venues and features a host of local, national, and international musicians playing live for you entertainment and appreciation every style of jazz and blues music with just a hint of soul thrown in.
A long weekend of superb live music with constant performances plus Jazz Cruising, Jazz Parades, Open Mic Sessions for both jazz and blues vocalists and instrumentalists, workshops hosted by professional musicians even an inter-denominational Jazz Church Service.
The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is now firmly established on the UK Festival map and is one of the largest rural music festival events in Scotland. Visit the Heart of Scotland and experience a weekend of first class entertainment amongst the early Autumn splendour of the Trossachs.


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Join the Jazz Cruise
One of the highlights of the Callander Jazz Festival is The Jazz Cruise on the SS Sir Walter Scott on beautiful Loch Katrine. 2 hours cruisng the 7 miles of Loch Katrine listening to the band with refreshments served on board. Take in the stunning views of Ben Venue and Glen Gyle, once the home of Rob Roy MacGregor.

There is a covered sun lounge area and a viewing deck and lounge should the weather be inclement.

Spaces are limited therefore booking in advance is highly recommended. This was a great day out in 2009 as the weather was sunny and everyone had a great time listen to Winstone's Pennine Jazz Band.

Specials at Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

SPECIAL OFFERS AT LOCH LOMOND AND TROSSACHS COTTAGES

3 Bedroom Waterside Cottage, sleeps 6

OCTOBER 22nd 3 nights @ £350

5 Bedroom Lochside House, sleeps 10

SEPTEMBER 11th 7 NIGHTS @£650

3 Bedroom Lochside Apartment, sleeps 6

11 Sepember 2 nights @ £220 sleeps 6

17 September 3 nights @ £270 sleeps 6

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Waterside Cottage a lochside Cottage, Lomond and Trossachs

Waterside Cottage, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park

3 bedroom Cottage just 10 yards from Loch Katrine with great loch views.

7 nights from 27th August for Special rate of £ 600

Late Deal Waterside Cottage, Lomond and Trossachs Cottage

Late deal at Waterside Cottage 3 Bedroom cottage 10 yards from the water at Loch Katrine in the Lomond & Trossachs Park. Sleeps 6.

27th August 7 nights for £600

Call 0141 644 0914 or 07590 010860

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Local events around Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Details from Historic Scotland Summer Magazine about local events in and around Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages.

This information is provide for guests of Lochside House, Lochside Cottage, Lochside Apartment and Waterside Cottage at Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/