We may have seen the last of the raspberries but our apples are looking gorgeous!  We've picked a few already but there are still many more to harvest.  Who needs a supermarket when you have luscious red apples like these in your garden!

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

The Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie is the home of Britain's only polar bear, 27 year old Mercedes.

But why Scotland?  Mercedes arrived at Edinburgh after a mission to prevent her from being shot in Canada.  A life member of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland stepped in with her cousin, a former Canadian fisheries minister, to find the polar bear a new home and she was transported to Edinburgh Zoo.

Last year Mercedes was moved to The Highland Wildlife Park, where she has a whole 4 acres of land to herself (polar bears are suited to a solitary existence).  The huge area is dotted with rocks, trees, hills and pools, left open to the Highland elements where winter temperatures regularly plunge far below freezing.  To me it seems a shame she wasn't placed there originally, as the new suroundings are a great improvement on the 40m diameter pen she called home in Edinburgh Zoo.

Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Wildlife Park.  Just an hours drive from Kiltearn House and a great day out!

Click here for more information, including opening times and ticket prices.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Recently it seems genealogy has become rather fashionable.  It can be fascinating to discover where and how your ancestors lived and perhaps if you have a famous relation! 

We occasionally have guests staying with us who are researching their family history in the area.  Kiltearn House is situated close to the Heritage Centre in Alness, a friendly little place where you can find out about local history and its people.  It's a great source of information!

Researching your family tree can be a very time consuming, complex and sometimes expensive process.  Many of us lead busy lives and just can't spare the time for such a large project.  This is where Treesearch comes in! 

Treesearch offers a comprehensive genealogy research service and makes available a selection of reports and charts which together will provide a lasting record for you and your family.  They go into great depth and do the searching for you, helping you to piece together your family history.

We recently had Steven Braid staying with us who owns Treesearch and he found the Heritage Centre to be an invaluable source of information.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

One of the joys of running a guest house is meeting new people and chatting to guests. We welcome visitors from far and wide and it’s always interesting to find out a little more about people.

Recently we had Mags and Mark Ford stay with us for their anniversary and discovered that Mags practices a healing therapy known as Bi-Aura.

Bi-Aura is an advanced system of bio-energy healing that works through balancing the human bio-field (related to a person’s stress and energy levels) using mostly non-touch techniques.

Suitable for people of all ages, the results can be remarkable, from a complete sense of peace and well-being to relief from chronic pain.

Mags is our local Bi-Aura practitioner located in the Scottish Highlands. Not only is she a lovely, approachable person but also believes 100% in what she does and is very knowledgeable in her field of work.

If your needing treatment for your health and well-being , whether it is a physical, mental or emotional concern, contact Mags here.
 

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

We're huge animal lovers here at Kiltearn House, so far as to say we wouldn't even hurt a fly.  You can imagine our delight when the cows were released in to the field next door... with their little calves!

Two even posed for the camera, albeit only for a second.  Nel is a huge fan of cows and loves to watch them from the kitchen window.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

We like to use organic, seasonal fruit and vegetables wherever possible and what better way than to pick them straight from our garden?!

lettuce

From lettuce and spinach to courgettes and broccoli, we've certainly enough choice!  Our peppers are slowly sprouting, too, along with the tomatoes in the greenhouse.  It's almost becoming a full time job! 

raspberries

rhubarb

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Just an hours drive away from Kiltearn House are the Falls of Shin, a definite must on your 'to-do-list' whilst you are here!

The River Shin is one of the great salmon rivers in Scotland, where you can witness the Atlantic Salmon battle upstream in the falls to return to Loch Shin, where they will spawn the next generation.  It's fascinating to see!

With forest walks, children's entertainment and a gift shop, there's plenty to see and do, making the Falls of Shin a great family day out.  (Please note that there is no wheelchair access to the falls).

Please call 01549 402231 for further details or visit http://www.fallsofshin.co.uk

Open all year round with free entry.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

We recently welcomed some intrepid cyclists to Kiltearn House who were in the process of completing a charity cycle ride from Lands End all the way up to John O'groats!

16 brave people participated in the CCCB (Cycle Britain Beat Cancer) cycle ride, which totalled a huge 964 miles.  What an achievement!

One in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our lifetime and sadly a worrying one in four of us will not recover.  Recovery rates are improving but still these statistics are just not good enough.

The cycle journey was successfully completed on 24th June, however it is still possible to donate.  Please help to make a difference and let's beat cancer together.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Loch Ness and the surrounding area offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world and what better way to experience it than by horseback?

The Highland Riding Centre at Drumnadrochit is a BHS approved riding centre offering regular quality instruction, a peaceful trek or exhilarating trail rides.  Whether you are a beginner like me, a novice or an experienced rider, everyone is welcome! 

Just a 45 minute drive from Kiltearn House, it's an experience not to be missed!

For bookings and enquiries call 01456 450220. Prices start at £23.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

This stunning hotel in Puglia, Italy is made up of a cluster of whitewashed farm buildings set around a kitchen garden and surrounded by ancient olive groves.  Sounds delightful!

Modern touches accentuate the rustic buildings at Masseria Cimino, complimenting the traditional structure whilst maintaining the original features.  When travelling, I like to experience the culture of the area.  This little gem will certainly get you in the Italian spirit!

The hotel is decorated to perfection- I love the bathroom!

Click here to book this hotel with luxury hotel specialist, Mr and Mrs Smith

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

The Royal Highland Show comes just once a year- pop it in your diary and make sure you're there! 

Bringing the best of food, fun, countryside and farming to Edinburgh every June for 4 days only, there really is something to interest everyone and it's guaranteed to be a fun day out for all the family.

Amongst other attractions there will be new product launches, food farming, livestock competitions and all things 'countryside'... so you're sure to be kept entertained!

With attendances thought to be around the 170 000 mark, book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.  Kids go for free!

See the official website for further information.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website