A B C Scotland

Part 1 of 3 – Aberfeldy

When most people think of welcoming the in the New Year in Scotland, they think of Edinburgh. Little thought is given to the smaller towns and villages, away from the Cities. It congures a picture of bland, I imagine. However we had one of our best New Years yet in such a place – and I’m talking even pre-child!

‘Grandpa’s Cottage’ (the name alone paints a cozy picture), was in a rather tiny village between Aberfeldy and Kenmore. Spoiled with everything Scotland offers best, Perthshire really is the heart of Scotland. Great walks, including two well known Munro’s – Schiehallion and Meall Buidhe (Glen Lyon), Castle Menzies and Taymouth Castle showing clan’s are very much still a part of Scotland and surrounded by Estates filled with wildlife. Pitlochry, Perth and even Aviemore are all within 1-2 hours drive.

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In the centre of Aberfeldy, ‘The Birks’ is a fantastic walk suitable for most abilities (wheelchairs and prams can go a little, but not all the way as there are stairs and steep inclines), even the littlest legs could manage this at a slow pace. “The Birch trees of Aberfeldy” inspired ‘The Bard’ during his tour of the Highlands, this is a circular walk with ‘The falls of Moness’ making it well worth a trip around.

Both Kenmore and Aberfeldy have plenty of places to eat, or for takeaway (inlcuding a fantastic bakers Breadalbane), there is a cinema for those days the weather just isn’t great (is there such a time?), and as always in the Highlands and Islands, a trusty Co-op*, willing to go further than all other supermarkets.

So you have your cozy isolated cottage, complete with log fire and plenty to see and do. But no one celebrates New Year like the Highland and Islanders (in particular Knoydart, but thats for another day), Aberfeldy hosted a New Years Eve street party, with Ceilidh and live band, street bar and a warm friendly Scottish celebration to see in 2019. The next day it was Pitlochry’s turn to have a street party, the main street became one big ceilidh dance floor as neighbours and strangers span each other around the shop fronts Orcadian style. Is there a better way to do it?

It is worth mentioning that accomodation books out fast for the Chrismtas and New Year period in Scotland, we found ‘Grandpa’s cottage’ by chance as it came up new to the market on ‘Unique Cottages’ that week.

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Slainte.

*Co-op sometimes gets bad press in remote Scotland as taking away jobs from local business’, but I dont know how many times we’ve found ourselves somewhere remote and in need of Calpol (on January 2nd when chemist was closed), milk or food, when all other business’ have closed on Sunday’s/Bank Holiday/ 3pm closures or takeaways that only open on Friday’s from 5-7pm with food pre-ordered on a Thursday before 5pm. Trusty Co-op has always been there 7am-10pm regardless.