Loch Ness Blog

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

My little piece of Scotland.

We were very surprised and extremely pleased to see the following article in the 'Scotland on Sunday' newspaper.It was written by a very special young guest who regularly visits Aspenwood Cottage with mum,dad and gran. Youngsters between the ages of 5-12 were asked to write an article for the newspaper explaining where their favourite piece of Scotland was and why.
Megan's article was printed last Sunday and reads as follows:-

My little piece of Scotland - Inverfarigaig
You can see squirrels and deer from your bed in Inverfarigaig and you might even spot Nessie if you look hard enough.

MY SPECIAL place in Scotland is Inverfarigaig, on the south side of Loch Ness. I go there two or three times a year, to a place called Aspenwood. It has a great view of the loch and the hills on the other side.
When we arrive, there are always sweets for me, a biscuit for my dog and champagne for my mum, dad and gran as well as a nice note from the owners. There's an enormous kitchen for baking, and my room looks on to some woods where we often see red squirrels scampering around and sika deer wandering down towards the loch. We call my bedroom window Squirrel TV, and sit on the bed looking out to see what the wildlife is up to.
Mum and dad's room has a balcony. We sometimes sit out on it, even if it's cold, and play cards or Scrabble.
Once or twice I've seen a rainbow over Loch Ness, which looks magical. At night, there are no street lights, so the stars are amazingly bright. Tornado jets fly over every other day, and the noise is ear-bursting! Perhaps the racket they make is too much for Nessie, which is probably why we've never seen her.
My family and I go walking in Inverfarigaig forest. I found a tiny loch at the top of the hill, called Lochan Torr an Tuill. It has lily pads on it and trees shading the clear water, and there's even a table with a bench to sit on for a picnic. If it's rainy, I bake or paint with my gran, or we make cards for our friends.
I love Loch Ness because it is so full of mystery. Once, I found the skeleton of a sheep's head on the shore. I'm sure Nessie must have sneaked up on the sheep and devoured it.
One time, I tried to build a dam across the loch. I didn't manage it, but I did make a small pier of stones so I could walk out a little further and look for Nessie.
I still haven't spotted her.

By Megan Hammell(12),
Edinburgh
SCOTLAND on SUNDAY
Published Date: 21 September 2008.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Local Heroes on Loch Ness.

Press report from the Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat...with photo.
14th September 2008

Local Heroes on Loch Ness.
Two off duty Lifeguards came to the rescue of a 21 year old woman who suffered a suspected spinal injury in a water ski accident on Loch Ness this afternoon . Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat team launched and arrived on scene with an RAF rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth.The original incident was witnessed by the off-duty Lifeguards, Laura Munro and Mhairi Burns, who quickly recognised the need to immobilise the injured woman until emergency teams arrived.The three people in the water were sheltered by the quick thinking skipper of the fishing boat "Asbo".Ross Edwards, RNLI Loch Ness volunteer Helm, says."The two off-duty lifeguards and the skipper of the fishing boat did a magnificent job in providing vital stability and reassurance to the young woman." "The crews of the Jacobite tourist boats, understanding the seriousness of the incident, kept their boats at an absolute crawl, minimising the possibility of their wake disturbing the casualty, a highly commendable action."The young woman was placed in a Spinal Board by the lifeguards and RAF Winchman, Mark Dean and the Loch Ness RNLI crew, Howie Whyte and Vivian Bailey. She was then airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for further assessment and treatment.RNLI volunteer crewman, Howie Whyte heard about the incident when he was taking tourist passengers on a trip on the loch. He immediately brought the boat, "Nessie Hunter" back into harbour and ran to the lifeboat station. His surprised but supportive passengers were taken care of and given a complimentary trip out on the research vessel "Deepscan" skippered by John Minshull. This arrangement is typical of all loch users and boat owners keen to support the RNLI and the work of its volunteer crews.The Loch Ness RNLI team give their sincerest thanks to all the people involved in today's incident.
Loch Ness RNLI lifeboat station has been operating since April 2008.

Loch Ness is Scotland's only Inland Lifeboat.

To learn more about the lifeboat station go toLoch Ness RNLI website

Monday, September 08, 2008

Loch Ness from Dores beach.

After a chilly night we woke up to a clear blue sky. Went into the city of Inverness this morning on business and found the city still very busy. On our return journey we couldn't resist pulling in and parking by Loch Ness beach at Dores village. The view down to Fort Augustus enveloped on either side by mountains was amazing. We enjoyed a casual stroll along the crescent shaped shingle beach.Click here for more Ness facts and for the full journey around Loch Ness.

Monday, September 01, 2008

Heather on the hills.

The colourful scene of purple scottish heather blooming on the hills and mountain slopes is always a welcoming sight and it will now continue to bloom until the first frosts arrive.
It also provides essential food and shelter for many species of deer, grouse and smaller mammals who inhabit the Highlands of Scotland.