Red squirrels

We were concerned that the extremely severe winter weather had affected the red squirrel population around South Loch Ness but we have seen several lately. This cheeky chap arrived outside the cottage and really enjoyed himself on the nut feeders. Notice the lovely long ear tufts - very useful for the cold weather.

Cruises on Loch Ness.

Yesterday was very wet and windy making the water of Loch Ness extremely choppy.Several cruisers passed along the loch bobbing up and down like corks on the white waves.The 117ft 'Scottish Highlander' barge seemed to take these weather conditions in its stride and glided smoothly by. This spacious luxury barge sleeps 8 and is available for hire for a 6 night trip. It cruises along the Great Glen from Inverness towards Fort William and uses a minibus for excursions along the way to Cawdow Castle and Culloden Moor.The temperature dropped overnight and we woke up to see a covering of snow on the mountains opposite although the wind had died down and the rain had stopped. Along came the Jacobite Legend,one of three boats which form the Jacobite fleet offering cruises on Loch Ness. It was very close to the house and not on its usual route cruising along the Caledonian Canal to view the ruins of Urquhart Castle. It was possibly a corporate event as there were lots of people inside,and a few brave ones on the top deck,who seemed to be having a good time.

Lambs at Dores.

On the way back from Inverness this afternoon we saw our first lambs in the field at Dores where gangs of them were playing and leaping about in the warm sunshine. The weekend weather has been gorgeous with temperatures nearing 20C and the week is set quite fair.

Lochan Torr an Tuill.

After the final blizzard of a dying winter last Wednesday we are now experiencing Spring at last with the temperature into double figures. All 5 Ski Centres in the Highlands have had their best season for a long time and they are all staying open until May. Good Friday was literally a good friday, chilly but with a clear blue cloudless sky. It encouraged us to go on a 6 mile walk. We strode out along the forest road beside the river and up to the bridge, through Farigaig Forest trails and up to the 'wee pond' as it is known by locals which is alot easier to say than its official name of Lochan Torr an Tuill. We were surprised to see all the damage done on the trees by the weight of the snow and ice during the earlier months of the year and the forestry staff must have worked flat out to keep the road clear. The 'wee pond' was very calm and peaceful but still surrounded by patches of snow. The scene from the top bench viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle was awesome and well worth all the huffing and puffing to get there. The Easter weekend saw a variety of boating craft on the loch - cruisers, the Fingal barge, the Ness Express RIB, private yachts and even a few kayaks. It is good to see the boats and walkers out again and it is so pleasant to be able to sit outside and watch the world and his wife go by.