"Since you had 9 points on your licence it is much nicer driving with you" she said

Our pal Mark left us at the Holly Tree bar at 2100 on Thursday. The sign at Crianlarich warned him the the Pulpit Rock works would start at 2200, he had 15 minutes to get there. Go on there, what would you do? That's right, he went around Callendar instead. The words Valour and Discretion come to mind.

This road closes after 2200 at night, opens early in the morning. They are building a viaduct to carry a wider road. Major, major project. £9million cost, the works will last for three months at least.

As we drove past ourselves yesterday on our way home Gillian murmured something to me about my much nicer driving habits, the essence of which is in the headline. Hm.

John
Ps. The opening chapter of Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge comes to mind....briefly.

The cottage by Glencoe.
Short breaks, at the last minute, Glencoe cottage. £80 night

We've changed. We'll take short bookings now £80 night to the end of April. Or £395 for 7 days. The market has spoken

We used to take low season bookings on Fridays or Mondays, but the market wants to come at all sorts of times. So be it. We'll not make any surcharge for weekends nor for half term but the minimum would be 2 nights. We'll keep the same prices from November until Easter. Xmas and New Year excluded of course.
Michelle, our housekeeper says she does not mind doing the house at odd times.
I spent most of yesterday doing a new layout for this on the website. Ugh!

If you "LIKE" our PAGE on FACEBOOK (not just liking the post, then we'll give you the chance of a free holiday break in the Spring for three days. Look middle top right on Facebook to "like the page".
John

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage Our cottage details and photos More details about the cottage 20 brilliant walks around the cottage area

THE HIGHLANDS ARE A BAD PLACE FOR BAD PEOPLE. GOOD FOR THE REST OF US THOUGH

The Crime stats for the Western highlands showed a big drop, nearly one-fifth versus last year.
Nearly 3 out of 4 crimes are solved as well in the North-West highlands, an area so huge it covers half the land mass of Scotland. Yet there were just 70 thefts reported in 5 months. That is about 3 per week. Big crime wave that.

The stats also show that the crime rate is continuing to fall making this area the second lowest in the entire country for recorded crimes. The crime figures have now fallen for six years in a row.

The thing is that locals know who are the wicked ones in the area, so do the police. Therefore any skullduggery must take place outside the thief's own area. They usually visit Skye, Lochalsh or Fort William. People don't secure cars, lock doors or their sheds.

John
Ps. Lot of drunks though. More than 3 per week!
Pps Lots of bad, fast driving too. On bendy roads, driving too close, overtaking etc etc.

LINKS
Misunderstandings about Scottish weather Get off those speeding fines on Scottish roads Masses of information about the area in our Site map This is about Fort William Appin is beautiful Bed and breakfast and hotels from Oban to Fort William Walks around our cottage Autumn short breaks in Glencoe Ben Nevis walking is a slog, but worth it Cottage holidays Scotland in the Autumn, Winter, Spring The highlands of Scotland Find holiday cottages anywhere Gorgeous photographs of Glencoe Hill walks in Glencoe Munroes in Glencoe Port Appin Barcaldine Accommodation in Lochaber Kentallen Ballachulish Onich How to find cottage owners self catering websites

DON'T KNOW THE  COTTAGE - NOT OURS, BUT IT IS NICE.pic from Magdalena

With your description we found everything. We had a nice stay in your cottage. Everything was well prepared for us. Thank you very much.

Attached you will find some pictures from our tours and walks close to Kentallen. We did so many things. We travelled to Fort William, Oban and the Isle of Mull. We were a bit hiking in Glen Nevis valley, to the “three sisters” and from Kinlochleven. We enjoyed everything. Nothing was bad. We really had a great stay even if we had typical Scottish weather. It changed every 15 min.

At the evenings we read something from your books. Some of them were really interesting. Back in Germany we ordered one of your books in a book store so that we can read it fully.
We liked your maps as well. They helped us for planning our small hiking tours.

Thanks a lot!

Magdalena + family

links

How to play jazz Jazz bands in West Sussex
WEST OF SCOTLAND ACCOMMODATION

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Two people shot James Stewart of the Glens? Forget it.

Sorry everyone. I can't help it. I love history, particularly Scottish history - all blood, guts, wild men, and changing sides. And I love Kentallen. They go together with the story of the Appin murder.

This chap, George 1st ordered the elimination of the Clan system in the mid 18th century. No more Jacobite uprisings, after Culloden Moor he said. After all, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Scots clans invaded England right down to Derby, and frightened poor old George to death that they would get to London. They only turned back because they wanted to go home, were not developing an uprising of the people and someone said the government forces were massing in Scotland. They weren't but it is the kind of rumour you spread you want to go home.

So 7 years after Culloden they got James Stewart for the murder of Colin Campbell of Glenure. Hanged him by Ballachulish bridge and left his body in chains as a warning to others. The story became famous when Robert Louis Stevenson based his book Kidnapped on it. A single shot was heard at Lettermore, on a little hill between Ballachulish and Kentallen.

James Stewart almost certainly did not do it. He was a friend of Colin Camnpbell and they had shared a meal together a few weeks beforehand he was working in his fields at Duror when the incident took place. A young chap called Alan Breck probably did it.

There is a new investigation to take place in Fort William. Someone is confused already. There were two bullets found side by side in the body, therefore someone says there were two assailants.

Daft theory. The old long bore gun used to fire two bullets at the same time just to make sure. One was smaller than the other. Called a "chaser" this is what they call to-day the dram of whiskey they put into a beer.

There is more of this in the previous blog post for those of you who are short of a proper life to lead. Search, a bit low down.

John
The magnificent community website for Glencoe Scottish castles in the West Highlands New page in our site about driving on snow and ice Masses of information about the area in our Site map This is about Fort William Appin is beautiful Bed and breakfast and hotels from Oban to Fort William Walks around our cottage Autumn short breaks in Glencoe Ben Nevis walking is a slog, but worth it Cottage holidays Scotland in the Autumn, Winter, Spring The highlands of Scotland Find holiday cottages anywhere Gorgeous photographs of Glencoe Hill walks in Glencoe Munroes in Glencoe Port Appin Barcaldine Accommodation in Lochaber Kentallen Ballachulish Onich How to find cottage owners self catering websites

Typical Highland Stories. Everything happens here.

The Glencoe community has this wonderful system. If anyone wants accommodation and everywhere is booked, they circulate everyone else to find rooms. It truly is a good system.

Sometimes you get lovely, simple, silly incidents like this.

This is the internet at its best. This is a community at it best. Isn't this gorgeous?

This is the message which was circulated

Hello all,

This wee dog was found this morning on the A82 near the Old Ferry Road junction.

If anyone is looking for it it has been taken to the dog warden in Fort William.

Please feel free to phone me if you want to know more.

Sarah Holroyd

01855821277

But here is a different story.

A man was taken ill in Stalker Castle a few days ago. This is the 3rd most photographed castle in Scotland, absolutely gorgeous. But it is a private home, and is open to the public only once or twice a year.

It is surrounded by water at most states of the tide. So this chap had to be winched off the top of the castle by a helicopter.

From the Oban Times. For Oban’s lifeboat crew – on what was their 1,000th call-out – it was also their most unusual rescue ever.

Usually they are called out to sea. But this was 80 feet up on a 15th century castle roof.

The lifeboat team assisted a Royal Navy helicopter crew to airlift an ill visitor from the top of the historic Castle Stalker, a picturesque building in Appin which is completely surrounded by water on the west coast of Scotland.

Iain Fulton, of Oban Lifeboat, said: “We were called out because the castle is not accessible by ambulance.

“The casualty had taken ill at the upper level of the castle and when we arrived it was decided it would be easier to take him to the top to be winched up, rather than tackle the massive spiral staircase down.

OLD BATTLE 1653 RE-ENACTMENT

This lot are going to re-create the 1653 battle around Duart Castle. Resisting an invasion of Mull no less.

Duart castle was in the Wars in the mid 17th century. In the Civil Wars, the nastiest Wars of all.

In 1647, Duart Castle was attacked and laid siege to by the Argyll government troops of Clan Campbell, but they were defeated and driven off by the Royalist troops of Clan MacLean.

In September 1653, a Cromwellian task force of six ships anchored off the castle, but the Macleans had already fled to Tiree.

In 1678, Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, son of the Marquess of Argyll, successfully invaded the Clan MacLean lands on the Isle of Mull and Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet fled the castle.

Less than 20 years alter, in 1691 Duart Castle was surrendered by Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet to Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll. The Campbell clan demolished the castle, and the stones from the walls were scattered. Donald Maclean, 5th Laird of Torloisk used some of the stones to build a cottage for his family close to the site of the castle.

MOVE ON TO 1752

One the most publicised stories of the area is the Appin murder. It was publicised widely by Robert Louis Stevenson the Victorian novelist no less, who called it "Kidnapped" a sort of Boys Own romp through the Highlands. The truth was nastier. They, the Campbells,  got someone for it, hanged him beside the Ballachulish Bridge - it was a ferry then - and left his skeleton in chains for months, high on a rock so that everyone could see it.

The only problem was the jury was packed, and they hanged an innocent man. As ever. 

Well, the story is that they are going to re-enact the Trial of James Stewart in Fort William. Actually it took place in Inverary but don't let that stand in the way of a good re-enactment. 

Organised by the Royal Society of Eninburgh there are going to be talks by experts about the trial, and 

a proper re-trial. Ben Nevis Hotel, Sep 3, 7.30. A case review same place following day.

You can go if you want to, but you'll need to register first at Registration for the Re-Trial of James Stewart

James Stewart is buried in a very small graveyard which is now situated in a farmyard off the Appin Road to Oban just south of Duror. The owners do not make it easy to find and explore. You'll get chased out by a bull. Gillian and I have seen it. We chased back the bull. No prob.

John

HISTORY PAGES. Scottish castles in the West Highlands The story they don't tell you about the Glencoe Massacre History around the cottage in Appin Did the Vikings stage a battle in Glencoe? The Pictish broch in Lismore West of Scotland millions of years ago Robert the Bruce and the Ardchattan parliament Robert the Bruce and the Knights Templar The story of the MacDonalds of Glencoe Ancient roads of the Highlands Glencoe, the 4th Wonder of Scotland Castles in the Glencoe area

OUR LOCAL GOLF COURSE IS VOTED THE BEST 9 HOLE IN THE WHOLE OF SCOTLAND OUT OF 170

DRAGON'S TOOTH golf at Ballachulish. Its name comes from the mountain behind it. No one minds losing a ball or two here. They look at the view and feel better immediately.

It is one of the most dramatic and beautiful loch-side locations in the Highlands. It is not hard to see why golfers from all over the world love this little course. The course lies on a picturesque pocket of an undulating, tree-lined estate at the entrance to Loch Leven, just south of Fort Williams. It is surrounded by munro mountains. It is, in every respect, a true ‘hidden gem’ in the words of bunker magaine which did the survey..

Green fees from £19.50 but guests of our cottage have a concession on  the price. They all report loving it.

Let’s be honest, golf is not exactly the cheapest sport to play. The equipment costs a pretty penny and, depending on where you play, your green fees or annual subscription can make a dent on your savings.

Scotland has over 170 nine-hole courses. The magazine hand-picked 18 of the finest nine-hole courses from across the country - courses that we reckon will be right up your street. And selected Dragons tooth as the best.

John
Ps I have another website and I need a link to it to get google search engine started. Hope you don't mind.
Jazz smugglers and its bands
The Jazz Smugglers duo
Thanks.
WEATHER WEST COAST
Weather Misconceptions Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
January February Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
March April Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
May June Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Jul August Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
September October Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
November December Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Wind in the mountains and West Coast
What to do about Rain in Scotland
PHOTOGRAPHERS GLENCOE
Glencoe is the photographers paradise
Photographic locations Glencoe
Winter Photography Glencoe

Honeymoon. Where do we start?

Now this is the sort of story that makes the cottage really worthwhile for us. Thank you so much you two. (Lovely pic Briget. Happy girl)

Hi John & Gillian,

Well where do we start?

Firstly a very big thank you for the bottle of bubbly & chocolates it was a very kind and much appreciated thought.

The cottage was amazing, in a location that is superb and second to none and made our honeymoon perfect.

The weather was raining all day on the Saturday as we drove there but on the Sunday it started to pick up with just an odd shower now and then to settle the dust. The amazing scenery and views made up for that. 

We had a slow ride out to Fort William one day and a ride to Oban another, stopping wherever we could on the way just to take in the views. We found plenty of coffee shops and of course you just have to have a slice of cake as well. Friday we drove to the Corran ferry and then went to the Lighthouse at Ardnamurchan. an interesting drive we where just glad we wasn't trying to drive anything bigger than our car as its the biggest and longest self drive roller coaster we have ever been on but well worth it. when we arrived back at the ferry the temperature was 18 degrees and we had clear blue sky all day.

We had a couple of evening bar meals at the Holly Tree hotel, the staff where very nice and the meals excellent.

We also tried the fish restaurant at Loch Leven, our first time in a proper fish restaurant and the staff where more than helpful advising us on how to tackle a whole brown crab in a bowl. The food was really nice with yet again stunning views.

We tried some fishing a couple of times in the evening just up the road but according to the locals the mackerel haven't come in yet they say they are about a month behind due to the weather so we just practised our casting. The guy in the hardware shop was really helpful and gave us lots of good advice.

Once again a very big thank you and we are sure you will be hearing from us in the future, might have to make it two weeks next time though.

Steve & Bridget xx

WEATHER WEST COAST
Weather Misconceptions Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
January February Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
March April Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
May June Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Jul August Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
September October Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
November December Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Wind in the mountains and West Coast
What to do about Rain in Scotland
PHOTOGRAPHERS GLENCOE
Glencoe is the photographers paradise
Photographic locations Glencoe
Winter Photography Glencoe
OTHER LINKS
The magnificent community website for Glencoe Scottish castles in the West Highlands New page in our site about driving on snow and ice Masses of information about the area in our Site map This is about Fort William Appin is beautiful Bed and breakfast and hotels from Oban to Fort William Walks around our cottage Autumn short breaks in Glencoe Ben Nevis walking is a slog, but worth it Cottage holidays Scotland in the Autumn, Winter, Spring The highlands of Scotland Find holiday cottages anywhere

Week starting June 1st AVAILABLE. Discount offered

I've never had to say this before, but we have a week available in early June. We'll knock off £50 if you say you saw it in this blog. I like to know where the enquiries come from. The cottage is fully refurbished, sleeps 4, brilliant location.

John
Ps. Me, in a shouty voice. "Gill do you want to go to the cottage in early June? You'd better say quickly."

WEATHER WEST COAST
Weather Misconceptions Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
January February Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
March April Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
May June Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Jul August Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
September October Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
November December Weather Glencoe Oban Fort William and West Coast
Wind in the mountains and West Coast
What to do about Rain in Scotland
PHOTOGRAPHERS GLENCOE
Glencoe is the photographers paradise
Photographic locations Glencoe
Winter Photography Glencoe

WONDER. THE TREES HAVE COME OUT OVERNIGHT

Yesterday, I promise you, the trees around Ballachulish were all bare. If you looked carefully, close up, you could see tiny buds.
Last night we had torrential rain, and to-day the waterfalls are having children.

But THE TREES ARE ALL OUT. Overnight they did it.

Up on high ground they are still bare, but to-morrow who knows...?

John
PHOTOGRAPHERS GLENCOE
Glencoe is the photographers paradise
Photographic locations Glencoe
Winter Photography Glencoe

GENERAL LINKS TO THE AREA.
Discoverglencoe the magnificent community website for Glencoe Scottish castles in the West Highlands New page in our site about driving on snow and ice Masses of information about the area in our Site map This is about Fort William Appin is beautiful Bed and breakfast and hotels from Oban to Fort William Walks around our cottage Autumn short breaks in Glencoe Ben Nevis walking is a slog, but worth it Cottage holidays Scotland in the Autumn, Winter, Spring The highlands of Scotland Find holiday cottages anywhere Gorgeous photographs of Glencoe Hill walks in Glencoe Munroes in Glencoe Port Appin Barcaldine Accommodation in Lochaber Kentallen Ballachulish Onich How to find cottage owners self catering websites