Boleskine Wetlands Project

Monday was a warm blue sky sort of day so after a good breakfast we set off on the Easter Boleskine walk. Bit wet underfoot along the forest track and we were glad to get up to the road leading to Foyers and along to the gate of Easter Boleskine. The next bit we find the most strenuous part of the round trip - a rather steep climb up the path to the house - but well worth it as there there are stunning panoramic views looking down onto Loch Ness. In front of the house there is an established forest trail and a very ambitious project is now taking place nearby on a piece of land owned by the Forestry Commission for Scotland. The project has been mainly engineered by the owners of Easter Boleskine House, Frank and Katie.
This project was started back in 2007 and after much hard work and fund raising the wetlands is finally beginning to take shape. The view from inside the new hide is breath taking with the backdrop of the mountains and Loch Ness. The variety of wildlife using the wetlands is already better then expected for the area.While we were there we saw several large dragonflies, different species of butterflies, a tiny brown toad and the acrobatic swallows were performing with delight. Find out more about this very interesting Boleskine Wetland Project.

'Ness Express' success..

The Ness Express boat service which started in April 2009 has been a great success with the general public as well as our own guests. It can seat 12 people and travels at the exhilarating speed of 30 knots. It leaves Fort Augustus four times during the day and goes up to Urquhart Castle jutting out on Loch Ness and back, a trip of about 90 minutes. We do enjoy waving to the passengers as they zoom past the house often accompanied by loud shrieks of excitement.

Thirsty work

The greenfinch is a regular visitor to the sunflower and peanut feeders after which he has a good old drink at the bird bath. Cleaned out the bird bath yesterday but all the rain expected today will keep it well topped up with fresh water.

Summer sunsets

A warm windy week with the occasional shower. Took another bench down to the Loch Ness beach nearby and enjoyed many an evening watching the sun setting over the mountains opposite. Often joined by passing walkers and had many interesting conversations and put the world to rights.