We've been busy refurbishing the bedrooms at Kiltearn House- we've so far completed the Single room and Superking room and have made a start on the King. 

The look is modern whilst being in keeping with the character of the manse, using a neutral colour pallet with a hint of Scottish tartan.

The walls have been brightened with a lick of paint and paintings of Kiltearn House have been added for a home-from-home feel.

Luxury benningborough mandarin natural wool tweed fabric was used for the curtains and bed throw.  To tie everything in, the larger cushions were covered in matching fabric.

The headboard was custom made using glamis mandarin natural wood tweed fabric.  We had the chaise longue and smaller cushions covered in matching fabric.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Mothers should be appreciated all year round but Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to show just how much you care.

As the shops swamp us with overpriced novelty gift ideas, it's easy to lose sight of what is important- not so much spending a lot of money as spending time with loved ones.  A homemade card or a lovely sunday lunch can be so much more meaningful.

With this in mind, we've listed a few recipe ideas that are baked from the heart.  The results may not be as good as these images but it's the effort and thought that counts!

So go on, make your mother's day...

the ultimate Mother's Day ritual- breakfast in bed.  Try Gordon Ramsey's eggs benedict- image and recipe via BBC Good Food

Try a twist on the traditional.  Almond crusted chicken and orzo with peas and mint- image and recipe via Martha Stewart

Cupcakes with a difference! Hidden shape cupcake image and recipe via Good To Know

Delicious date and ginger malt loaf- image and recipe via BBC Good Food

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Those who follow us on facebook will know that lately our feathered friends have had to share their bird table with two rather cheeky cats! 

Neither cats belong to us and after doing a little bit of research it seems the grey stripey kitten is in fact a Scottish Wildcat!  Sadly, evidence suggests less than 100 remain, however The Scottish Wildcat Association is a charitable organisation dedicated to protecting and conserving Britain's only remaining wild feline.

We are delighted to have them both as regular visitors- it's just a shame the birds now have to wait until they've gone to eat their seed!

To learn more about The Scottish Wildcat and how you can help, please click here.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

As businesses launch their Christmas adverts this week on television, it's officially the most magical time of the year!

The Highlands is a beautiful place to be over the festive season, with landscapes dusted in snow and countless crisp winter walks.

If the weather gets a little too chilly, it can be nice to view the sights from inside.  Which is why we're so excited about the Santa Express!

Santa Express trains depart from Aviemore station throughout December.  Sit back, relax and get reaqdy to be transported through a magical winter wonderland!  The perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

It's the spookiest time of the year this weekend- click here to read of special events happening in the Highlands.

Halloween isn't just for children you know- celebrate in style with these ghoolishly good ideas for adults!

Flame pumpkins via Better Homes and Gardens

Be creative when it comes to pumpkin carving- there are no rules to say all pumpkins must have a scary face. Make a feature by grouping them together.

Bleeding Heart Martini via Martha Stewart

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating the perfect Halloween cocktail- from floating eyeballs to blood-filled test tubes... see the Martha Stewart website for some fun recipe ideas!

Witch hat cookies via Driven By Decor

Caramelised roast pumpkin via A (Life) Time of Cooking

Forget pumpkin soup- try something new like caramelised roast pumpkin, above.

Owl pumpkin via Martha Stewart

Silhouettes via Martha Stewart

I love how these silhouettes have formed spooky shadows by candlelight- what a quick and easy way to create the ideal setting!

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Fresh air, brisk walks, tranquil surroundings- the Scottish Highlands is the ideal place to relax and get away from it all.  A short break away from the stresses and strains of every day life can do you the world of good.

We all know that plenty of rest, a healthy diet and a clear mind can work wonders for your skin but what about when you just need that little bit of extra help?

We recently welcomed Camilla Campion-Awwad to Kiltearn House and as a woman constantly in search of the ultimate in skincare, I was really interested to hear of Camilla's company, Medico Beauty.

A family run business, Medico Beauty provides the most innovative, skin health science available worldwide.  Finally- real, long lasting results which targets and heals the root cause of your symptoms!  Your own personal Skin Health Guru will conduct a consultation and in depth analysis, tailoring a perfect treatment programme best suited to your exact requirements.

Read more about Medico Beauty here.  I know what will be on my wish list this Christmas!

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Great British Railway Journeys is a popular BBC travel documentary television series presented by Michael Portillo.  A fourth season is being filmed for release in early 2013, in which Mr Portillo travels around the British railway network, guided by a Victorian guidebook, comparing how the destinations have changed in Victorian and modern times.

As filming has come to the Northern Highlands, we were pleased to be able to accommodate Mr Portillo and the BBC crew for the night.

Mr Portillo told us he really enjoyed the dinner and had an excellent stay, recommending the 'very comfortable' Superking room.

Kiltearn House “ is easily the best place that Michael and the crew have ever stayed in on our Great British Railway Journey, ” producer Matt Walters said. 

What a great note to end the week on- we are delighted!

Catch the next episode of Great British Rail Journeys on BBC4

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Enjoy the thrill and freedom of a motorbike while seated safely and comfortably as if you were in a car. It’s the perfect way to take in the unique beauty of the Highland scenery!

Our guests below definitely recommend hiring a trike.

Pre-planned tours with Highland Trike Tours depart from Invergordon and Inverness, conveniently close to Kiltearn House.  Alternatively, you can be picked up from our front door.

Why not arrange extended stoppage periods e.g. to do a distillery tour, or stop for a meal etc or even create your own custom tour?  Trikes are a great way to see everything the Northern Highlands has to offer.

For more information and to book, click here.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Chanonry Point lies at the end of Chanonry Ness, a spit of land extending into the Moray Firth between Fortrose and Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. 

It is one of the best areas in the UK to view Bottlenose Dolphin- these amazing shots were taken by recent guest Gerion Wolff...

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

We're delighted to be able to share these photos with you of Royce and Anne's special day!  The couple married in Dingwall on a Saturday July 7th and had their honeymoon here, spending 4 nights at Kiltearn House.

Anne was a picture-perfect bride and Royce looked just the part wearing his Spirit of Scotland tartan kilt!

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

Not too far from us over at Gairloch Harbour, you can take the popular glass-bottom boat ride which allows you to get close enough to see amazing creatures up front in their natural habitat.

The ‘Sealife’ cruises have been designed to give you the maximum opportunity to see as much marine, bird and wildlife Gairloch can offer.  A must whilst you are in the area!

It’s amazing to think that 80% of life lives below the water!!

Above water you may also spot eagles (both sea and golden) along with puffins, black and red throated divers, basking sharks, harbour porpoises, otters and much more.

Cruises last 1 1/2 hours and run daily.  For further information and to book click here.

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website

We were delighted when Ken and Jane Rowe shared a few amazing photographs of their recent stay with us in May.  

Below are some of the stunning photographs taken...

Above and below: Findhorn beach, Findhorn, near Inverness. © Ken Rowe

Above: a ruin seen along Cromarty beach. © Ken Rowe

During their stay, keen bird watchers Ken and Jane spotted tree sparrows, meadow pipits, crested tits, chaffinch, mute swans, mallard, hooded crows, oyster catchers, ringed plovers, an osprey and several herring gulls in the garden, the local ruined church and along the Cromarty Firth!

Above: a male chaffinch perched in Kiltearn House gardens. © Ken Rowe

Above: a ringed plover spotted on the banks of the Cromarty Firth. © Ken Rowe

Below: a ringed plover chick. © Ken Rowe

Above: a male tree sparrow in Kiltearn House gardens © Ken Rowe

All images © Ken Rowe

This feed was drawn from the Kiltearn website