Roman Fortress

I know it just looks like a field, but this is where the Roman Fortress was, beside the garden at Spittalfield which I visited today (see blog below). In the bottom picture, unfortunately a bit dark, you might see a man with his 'Time Team' equipment. Click here and it will take you to a great website with all the info and pictures you need if it interests you. A lady who I follow on Twitter told me to look at Canmap which you can access from the link, fascinating stuff. I have now found out about the Fir Hillock in the field behind us, which I mentioned in my blog of 1st February 2009, so will give you the information another time.

Another Open Garden Visit

Went along to a garden open under Scotland's Garden Scheme 10 minutes away across at Spittalfield. What an amazing garden, it is not formal, but there are trees and ponds and flowers and views galore. It is huge with meandering grassy footpaths everywhere, little bridges across the ponds, quite magical. The garden is by a place called Inchtuthil (the island that floats) an old Roman Legionary fortress. I didn't see any signs of it, but by chance near where the car was parked I saw a man doing a Geophysical survey and moving flags around in a big field, so I went to investigate and found out from a lady that this is where the fort was, the field is huge. So I have been checking it all out on the Internet. Will follow this blog up with pictures from the field and a link.

The Scottish Game Fair

Today, tomorrow and on Sunday 'The Scottish Game Fair' is being held in the grounds of Scone Palace. The weather held up today and I had an enjoyable time wandering around, there is something for everyone. Lots of displays, a food hall, crafts and line upon line of exhibitors, the list is endless. Above are a few random photos which really are not very good!! If you go on Twitter and follow Tour Scotland, he has some fantastic photos. I didn't bump into my guests who attend every year, but they as always had a great day.

The A68

We have just returned from a short break away and I took some photos on the journey home yesterday evening. We had flown from Newcastle, which is 3 hours away. The reason we flew from Newcastle is that the choice and times of flights was better for where we were going. Anyhow, from Newcastle to Edinburgh you can travel along the A68 which is the most glorious journey through Northumberland and the Borders. Naturally I had to stop and take a photo at the Scotland - England Border. It was the most gorgeous summer evening and the views just kept coming. I have definitely put a break in the Borders on my list to do, my Mum is from Jedburgh originally. I was very impressed by the parkland type landscapes, straight out of a Catherine Cookson novel.

AA Highly Commended Award

I am delighted that for the third year running we have received an AA Highly Commended Award certificate. This means we are in the top 10% of our 4 star rating.

Euro Diagonale

My cycling guests who stayed last night were doing an amazing cycling trip called the Euro Diagonale, they were doing the stage Inverness - Brest in France. It all has to be completed in 150 hours averaging at 125 miles a day. Above I have a copy of the route they took to reach us, a very mountainous route I must add. Naturally they were very tired when they reached Blairgowrie, but they were up and away early this morning destination Longtown in Cumbria. When they reach Brest they are doing another stage which is Brest - Strasbourg. For information about the routes click here it will take you to a web site I found and then click on 'en Diagonales'. I have a great photo of the cyclists, but unfortunately forgot to ask permission to put it on here, so best not.

Hill Primary School

This evening and tomorrow afternoon Hill Primary School is open, to former pupils and the community, for a final wander around before it closes at the end of the month. We went along for a look around at the classrooms etc, the girls enjoying having a nosey in other classrooms. In the hall they had albums and displays of old school photos and pupils, former pupils of all generations were enjoying looking themselves up. It is strangely quite sad it will be closing, but exciting for everyone to move to the new campus.

If you have a moment have a look at Van winkles art blog, she has kindly given me a mention.