Stirling's new bridge

Did you know, as well as Stirling's old bridge associated with the Battle of Stirling Bridge, we now have a new bridge? It takes us from the newly developed Forthside area across the railway line into the main part of the city. It's quite a striking feature.

Bedrooms finished and on webpage

What a successful day! The photos of the bedrooms came out really well and are now on the webpage. We've also been able to arrange printing business cards and invitations for the launch in January. So all systems GO!

Iona Crawford's exhibition in Stirling's Tolbooth

What a delight to see Iona's latest exhibition To See The Sky. It was most impressive and Stirling is rightly proud to have such a talented young designer living and working here. See her work and biography at http://ionacrawford.com

Motor Sports Association Rally finish

We had the most tremondously exciting afternoon and early evening last Saturday on Stirling Castle esplanade welcoming in the RAC Motor Sports Association Rally of Scotland finalists. This was the inaugural event over 3 days, hosted by Perth and Stirling. The world's top drivers drove through some of the country's most stunning landscapes to arrive at Stirling Castle. The Esplanade was packed. Afterwards we were treated to a magnificent fireworks display. An event to remember for a long time.

Bedspreads

I've been considering what type of bedspreads to get for some time. I think they're really important, not only for comfort, but also for the look of the bedroom. Initially I was going for patterned cotton with a filler and a lining, that was until I saw this wonderful thick boiled wool material. It's like a blanket weight and merely needed stitching around the cut ends. So there we are, it looks really great & will be warm & cosy. Pictures of the bedrooms coming soon!

Mattresses just arrived

Not having needed to buy a new mattress for a while, I had forgotten how immensely complicated the whole process of choosing one is. With the different types, makes etc. it's a minefield. But as I needed ones with the increased fire protection (known as CRIB 5), this cut down my choice a bit. There are also some very good websites giving insights into the various issues. So I've bought Sealy mattresses with a pillow of additional fabric on top. They are so comfortable.

Lavender and rabbits

Do rabbits like lavender? Oh yes they do! I'm really disappointed that they've eaten the tops out of the 6 lovely little plants I recently put in front of the house. You can probably see from the attached picture that the front is very open and with a field on the other side of the road, I suppose there is little hope for the lavender. I've bought some liquid that's supposed to scare them off & it does smell terrible, and seems to be working so far (after 3 days). But is there any hope for the lavender in the longer term?

Benjamin Britten's War Requiem at Dunblane Cathedral

Thank you very much and many congratulations to the Rosenethe Choir and all who put this together. It was a splendid evening in magnificent surroundings, with 3 choirs, soloists and orchestra.

Fire regulations

I'm very grateful to the local Fire Prevention Officer who's given guidance on the regulations and also just sent text for the fire notices in each room. Now to look for a frame and buy Fire Extinguishers.

Hogmanay at Stirling Castle

Just got my ticket. Gary Mullen's playing - do you remember him winning Stars in their Eyes a few years ago, as Freddy Mercury, lead singer with Queen? Hogmanay at Stirling Castle is one of the best in Scotland, after Edinburgh & Glasgow, so should be an excellent evening, with fireworks etc. all from the Esplanade. See http://www.stirlinghogmanay.co.uk/hogmanay.htm

The Beds have arrived!

All arrived this morning and looking perfect. Good colour choice as well as being nice & chunky. They fit in the rooms perfectly. The delivery guys were really helpful by phoning first to give an exact delivery time; saved me hanging about for the 3 hour slot originally given.

Now for the bedding ... Exciting times.

Tremendous excitement! The beds are arriving tomorrow, so we should be able to open in January as expected. We've yet to choose the fabric for the bed covers and we'll be looking for a pattern to compliment the curtains - off to Glasgow next week to search. Then we can post some pictures of the bedrooms on http://www.accommodationbedscotland.com

The last year of restoration/renovation is finally coming to fruition. The building will then compliment the magnificent surroundings.

More later ...