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