Autumn Colours in Perthshire, Scotland

So often recently I've been out and forgotten my camera.  Not today though!  Travelling though Alyth to visit a friend the colours of the trees were just stunning in the sunshine.  Just takes your breath away.

Another trip I enjoy at this time of year is up Glenshee to the Spittal (where you can have a relaxing cup of tea).  The enormity of the Glen is so much more obvious when its colour palette varies from a light gold to a deep deep copper, and all shades in between.  It's rather difficult to describe the intensity of colour and the atmosphere.  It feels as if the trees are making a last attempt to be centre stage before taking to the wings for the winter.

The A93 is one of these roads which has an entirely different vista driving north and driving south.  Definitely a worthwhile trip.

Highland Cattle in Perthshire & New Year BBQs

It's been a very busy few weeks and I feel guilty at not spending a little time writing.  

This photograph was taken locally the other day but the weather wasn't too bright.  I think it's amusing as it was so strange they all turned to face me - just as if they were about to burst out in song!

September was a hectic month, lots of golf finals to be played, fishermen making their last attempts to find the elusive record-breaker trout or salmon and many other guests here for family parties or some type.  More and more people seem to prefer small bed and breakfasts to large hotels these days.  

Barbeques seem far more popular in Scotland these days and party guests usually speak highly of the variety and quality of the food offered.  It no longer seems to be a choice of burgers or sausages.  My favourite BBQ meal is a venison steak, baked potato with courgette and carrot salad (either hot or cold).  Just delicious!

Must tell you about my strangest BBQ.  It was New Year some years ago and we'd invited friends round for a meal and to welcome the New Year.  I'll take the blame for coming up with the idea of having a BBQ, although the food would be cooked outside and consumed inside. Guests were forewarned to bring warm clothing if they wanted to be part of the cooking staff.

Around teatime that Hogmanay the snow started.  Then it snowed and snowed.  The BBQ went ahead amid such stunning scenes of winter and it was a roaring success.  Part of the secret I'm sure, was providing everyone with a whisky mac on arrival, just to warm their insides. 

For quite a few Christmases (weather allowing) we've taken the portable BBQ up into the hills on Christmas Day and thoroughly enjoyed our meal - even though I have kept my gloves on to eat at times!  A thermos of soup, baked potatoes done here at home then wrapped in tinfoil, a decent steak from my favourite butcher and stunning scenery make the event as near to perfection as possible.  Saves on all the washing up a traditional turkey Christmas dinner creates too!