The Clansman

2010-12-09T13:38:00.003Z

THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN....
What are you doing for New Year? Staying home with the telly and a hot toddie :( or getting out for a great Scottish Hogmanay Party? Contrary to popular opinion - we are not completely snowed in up here....the road to the hotel is absolutely clear and we have some lovely icicles hanging around the frosty trees. AND (here's the good news) we've still got a few spaces left for our Hogmanay festivities so give us a call on 01456 450326 to join in.

The whole two day package includes all this >>>>

Two nights B&B accommodation
Pre-dinner champage cocktails
Five course Hogmanay Gala Dinner
Fireworks
Dram at midnight
Dancing 'til the small hours
Highland Stovies at 1 am
Loch Ness Quiz on New Year's Day
Loch Ness cruise on New Year's Day (weather permitting)
Three course table d'hote dinner on New Year's Day
Clansman Folk Band (bring your intrument & join in)
New Year Survival Pack

£245 per person - Woodland View Room
£285 per person - Loch View Room
(based on two people sharing)

Be honest, what more could you possibly want ???
Go on........ 01456 450326

Weddings & Loch Ness Trivia

2010-09-16T15:06:00.004+01:00

Great wedding last week for Robin and Nicola. Everything went so well - our congratulations to them both. Our wedding co-ordinator, Jane, is only a 'phone call away so call or email to sort out your wedding arrangements. Pipe Major John MacDonald piped the afternoon away for the guests as they sat down at 4pm to a sumptuous wedding feast.

The music from the DJ in the evening was excellent and even our assistant manager Garry got up and gave a great rendition of the Stereophonics "Dakota" - hidden talent indeed!

The rest of the blog for the next few weeks is to give you some 'trivia' about Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit, so here are your first 10......

In the gaelic language Drumnadrochit means 'ridge over the bridge'. The village nestles at the mouth of Glenurquhart on the edge of Urquhart Bay. The villages of Lewiston and Drumnadrochit are split by two rivers, the Coiltie and the Enrick and the woodland in the bay is known locally as 'the cover'. It is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and is an unspoilt area that gives access to the Loch when the conditions are right.
Drumnadrochit is an excellent base for touring. The Cairngorm ski slopes are just an hour's drive south on the A9. Aonach Mor near Fort William is an hour's drive on the A82, south.
The glitterati and literati of Europe came to Drumnadrochit at the turn of the 20th century. JM Barrie, RF Scott, the artist Millais, and the author Trollope all holidayed at Divach Lodge above the village.
Loch Ness is approximately 227m deep - near Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness has the largest volume of fresh water in Great Britain. There is more water in Loch Ness than in every lake, river, stream, tributary, pond, canal and reservoir in England and Wales put together.
In September 1952 John Cobb was killed attempting the World Water Speed Record on Loch Ness. His jet-powered boat was called 'Crusader'.
The nearest distilleries to Drumnadrochit are Tomatin, Glen Ord and Ben Nevis. These are all worth a visit as well that the many distilleries in Speyside.
Urquhart Castle dates from the 13th century and was once a Pictish stronghold. Today it attracts 250,000 visitors per year and is under the guardianship of Historic Scotland.
The village of Abriachan on the north west side of Loch Ness was once famous for the illicit distilling of whisky. It is a very scenic area high above the Clansman Hotel and has some lovely woodland walks.
Dolphin watching - a popular pastime for visitors to the Highlands. Dolphins can often be seen from Chanonry Point on the Black Isle.

Friends, films & features

2010-08-24T16:29:00.001+01:00

August is still very busy. As well as having a pretty full hotel, we have the catering facility at Scotland’s Housing Expo 2010 which is going really well with over 20,000 visitors as I write. We also cater for crews and guests that fly into Inverness on their private planes, many of whom are attending pop festivals or coming for the grouse shooting season which started on 12th August. Of course people come to us for many reasons including fishing parties and golfing groups so you can imagine August has been ‘mega’. Our thanks go to all the staff at Signature and the chefs here at the Clansman for pulling off some amazing delivery deadlines.

The Housing Expo continues until 31st August and believe you me it is worth a visit - a tremendous insight into the latest building materials and techniques. A great coup for Highland Council in having the foresight to pull this one off, and our congratulations to Fiona Hampton and her amazing team in putting it all together.

The next big thing in the Loch Ness diary is the Loch Ness Film Festival. Scotland’s newest film festival, taking place from 23rd to 26th September 2010, showcases short films from talented and new film makers with feature films, live music and entertainment. The Clansman is one of the venues along with Abriachan Village Hall, the Craigmonie Centre and the Steading Bar in Glenurquhart. Congratulations are due to our dear friend Willie Doig (The Murphy Brothers) and his son Andrew and friends for pulling this event together. Please give us a ring if you want to book accommodation for that weekend. And don’t forget that we also have Loch Ness Country House Hotel and many other contacts for B&B.

This coming weekend is the Glenurquhart Highland Games in the village of Drumnadrochit - a must for all visitors in the area and at night enjoy dinner and a ceilidh at Cobbs Restaurant here at The Clansman. Immerse yourself with the locals at play! Quite an experience.

We welcome back our Dutch guests this month and I will certainly enjoy taking them on our trip to Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.

Anyway, it’s still busy so I must get on. Remember where we are for that getaway break or just a quiet supper with friends.

2010-08-17T16:18:00.000+01:00

Craic from the Clansman has now returned after a short rest period. Although the weather has not been brilliant, and the BBQ summer promised to us has not materialised, business in May, June and July has been excellent. As always, people from all over the world descended on Loch Ness this year with the usual high profile events taking place which both gives added PR to the area and great publicity.

RockNess in June was brilliant and we welcomed the whole team from Strongbow Cider who were great fun. John and Sarah did a brilliant job ferrying the team back and forth from the Clansman Harbour to Dores beach. The event was a one off and thrilling experience. Also the time to cross the loch in good conditions was only 10 minutes. We welcome them all back next year.

As always the standard of food in Cobbs Restaurant is complimented by nearly all our guests, and this year Head Chef West has been aided by Chris Crombie, who has brought additional culinary flair to our kitchen – we welcome him aboard.

This month is going very well with our acquisition, through a new management company, of Loch Ness Country House Hotel (formerly Dunain Park Hotel). We wish this venture all success and hope it will compliment our present portfolio. Visit the website www.lochnesscountryhousehotel.co.uk for further details.

Other activities this month include catering for Scotland’s Housing Expo 2010 at Milton of Leys, outside Inverness. The first time this has happened in the U.K. and is well worth visiting where you can see at first hand the future of housing on our planet with all the latest building and energy saving techniques. So pop along and see your dream house and enjoy a light lunch and some of our home baking at Cobbs Coffee shop on site.

We are still very much involved in the wedding business and our PA Jane MacDonald will be delighted to assist with your requirements.

There are still some great deals on the loch at Laterooms.com and Booking.com, plus our own website, so treat yourself to that short break in August, September or October. Don’t forget to ask about our 3-for-2 autumn offer. It might not be BBQ weather but could be very pleasant with the spectacular scenery combined with the perfect autumnal colours.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our establishments.

Drop us an e-mail or give us a ring.

Marriage lines, tight lines and short putts

2010-03-01T15:12:00.005Z

Well that's another event on the Loch Ness Clansman calender over with. However if you missed our WEDDING FAYRE this week and are still looking for information and ideas for that special day, please contact Jane Fraser, our wedding organiser here at the hotel. She will be able to point you in the right direction and recommend the excellent exhibitors that were here yesterday.

Next item on the social calender is MOTHERS DAY on the 14th March 2010. Hopefully the snow and adverse weather conditions will be away by then and at least a hint of spring will be in the air, anything to wipe away these winter blues.

It certainly has been a long and arduous period since the week before Christmas.

It's an ill wind, so congratulations to our hospitality colleagues at the Scottish Ski Resorts who are experiencing their best season in years. In fact, last week Glen Coe was voted the top ski resort for fresh snow and conditions in the world - well done!

Here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, we are all waiting in anticipation - the return of our erstwhile leader Rory Cameron general manager and director who will be returning to these shores on or about the 11th March. After a long break with his folks in Australia we are hoping Rory will come back totally refreshed with lots of new ideas to make you, our guests your stay with us even better.

Rory's timing is always 'bang on' arriving back at Loch Ness 4 days before the trout fishing season starts - and as we know, Loch Ness is famous for its brown trout, very large ferrox trout and other large mysterious things.

So if you're looking for a day out that's different why not book the hotel boat - 'TIME BANDIT' with our own ghillie Alex, a great local story teller - wrap up well - nice pack lunch - and all your fishing and safety equipment supplied. Then back to the hotel, where our head chef Dave West will cook your catch to suit your requirements.
How about fresh grilled trout with caper butter set on crushed potatos and leeks, served with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc - yes - the end of a perfect day - 'tight lines'!

However, if fishing is not your bag and you're more into a leisurely stroll round the golf course, we've just tied up a great deal with TORVEAN GOLF CLUB only 5 miles from the hotel on the A82 on the outskirts of Inverness.
If you're one of our guests and book your golf in advance, the charge for a round is only £20 - what a deal! LET'S TEE OFF!

'Love is in the air' - 'Love is on the Loch'

2010-02-13T21:57:00.002Z

Well that's the season started for all at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, with the hotel re-opening on 5th February.
The first big event of 2010 is Valentines weekend and already the bookings are pouring in. So there are still plenty of romantic people out there!
So for that romantic dinner overlooking Loch Ness with an overnight stay - get in touch with us. Then enjoy a great deal with Jacobite Cruises of a trip down Loch Ness for the special Clansman Valentines deal of £5.00 - what a lovely way to spend that special week-end.

If everything goes well that weekend, you may want to take your romance further - well here at the Clansman we have an answer for that!
On 28th February - two weeks after Valentines, we have our annual Wedding Fayre organised by our wedding co-ordinator and marketing manger Jane Fraser.

So do come along - have a coffee, have baking, a bite of lunch and have your queries answered together with a chat to our extensive range of exhibitors.

Once you have all the wedding arrangements tied up, how about treating your Mum and/or Mum-in-law to a special lunch on Mothers Day (14th March 2010).

As you can see we have all the angles covered and to to add a little bit of extra fun, check out our website and have a go at our competition to win a Weekend Break for 2.

Yes...love id definitely in the air and on the Loch!

Winter Wonderland - Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2010-01-15T08:48:00.002Z

White Christmas - White New Year, White 2010 - Happy White New Year, all the best for 1020.

Well they got a White Christmas and a winter wonderland but sad to say it has now gone on long enough and we would like to get back to some sense of normality.

The New Year party at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel was a great success although I was away on holiday - all reports from food, company, entertainment, weather, fireworks and staff were brilliant and so congratulations to everybody for making it such a ball.

The Street Party in Drumnadrochit also went well and Fraser and Jackie were running the bar.
It was a bitterly cold night so well done to the organisers and the brave souls who came out to celebrate the New Year.
...Considering the 'big party' in Inverness with the 'Red Hot Chili Pipers' was cancelled - it's all the more of an achievement for Drumnadrochit - Loch Ness.

Although the hotel is closed for some refurbishment - the coffee shop and gift shop is open every day. So if you are on the A82 and fancy a stop in this wintery wonderland - give us a call and Lilian or Emma will be delighted to serve you a really good coffee and home made cheese scone - yummy!!

- Chase away these winter blues this spring - THINK SUMMER! Book now for that well deserved break.

Rory and Anna are on their annual holiday with a break in Thailand and then onto Rory's home in Australia to see his folks - well deserved after a really hard season.

Remember the snow hopefully won't last forever so go on to our website and start planning for 2010.

- Have a Healthy - Wealthy New Year
Yours aye
Willie

Parties, Groups and Christmas Trees!

2009-12-01T15:43:00.002Z

Well that's the first big party of the season over with, last Friday we hosted 80 members and friends from Glenurquhart Shinty Club for their annual dinner dance and prize giving. It really went very well and everybody had a ball if not a few sore heads the next day.

Some stalwarts who were playing on then Saturday had to be admired for sticking to soft drinks and water throughout the night - I congratulate them.
And unfortunately the late night must have effected them as they were beaten 4-0. However the team had a great season and our congratulations go to David Menzies and Billy MacLean who steered them to some great victories. Enjoy your retirement boys and we look forward to another successful season under new management.

This week we have the GLENURQUHART LADIES CLUB on Thursday followed by CULLODEN ROTARY on Saturday under the watchful eye of the organiser of all event type things Mr Ritchie Paxton - we extend a warm welcome to you all.

The Christmas trees arrived yesterday and Rory has been busy stacking them for onward sale to customers and locals alike - so if you want that real Christmas tree, come along to the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel ans we will kindly oblige.

Just heard today that the hotel is now full for New Year and so the party will go with a swing and 2010 will be brought in here at Loch Ness with all you lovely people having the time of your life. - Sadly I won't be there to join you as I am in Austria for a pre arranged family get-together but may I take this opportunity to wish you a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Finally for all you guys out there who want to book a group trip in 2010 - the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel is the best base you could choose for touring the Highlands. Everything from the ideal 'morning coffee stop', 'lunch', 'afternoon tea' and 'dinner' as well as shopping, cruising, golfing, fishing and lots of other outdoor activities.
So if you want to organise a group booking give us a ring on 01456 450326 - and remember 2010 is just around the corner.

All the best
Willie

Winter White and polar Bears!

2009-11-24T17:33:00.002Z

Visit Scotland have launched their 'Winter White' campaign to attract visitors to Scotland over the next few months. We wish them well and here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel we are open until the beginning of January, closed for maintenance then re-open on the 5th February. We welcome you all most sincerely.

Come and sample 'Winter Walking' in Glen Affric and if there is snow then skiing or snow boarding either at Cairngorm or Aonoch Mor.

If 'down-hill' seems a bit adventurous try some Nordic cross-country skiing - very exhilarating and a great way to see the country side. For those of you wanting an early Christmas feeling, Inverness is the place to be to see the fantastic Christmas lights switched on last Sunday night.
Also the Ness Islands on the river is lit up in a winter extraveganzza.

The other big event before Christmas is of course St Andrews Day (November 30th) - a celebration of Scotland's patron saint. There are a lot of activities taking place all over the country to mark the end of the 'Year of Homecoming' - so check the various websites to see what's on.

The official opening of the archive centre in Inverness took place yesterday with the opening undertaken by Prince Edward / Earl of Wessex who looked absolutely splendid in his kilt and tweed jacket. A fine young man with an excellent sense of humour and COBB'S had the privilege of catering for all the guests with our outside catering division. This was a great success with wonderful finger food prepared by our chefs David and Christopher - the very best of Highland produce Beef from Stuart Grant, Grantown on Spey, Smoked Salmon from Aultbea, and a large variety of smoked Highland meats.
The centre piece was a wonderful display of cheeses from the Connage Organic Highland Dairy - SMOKED DUNLOP, GOUDA, CROWDIE and CLAVA an organic Brie style cheese. This was served with artisan breads and Highland oatcakes accompanied by quince jelly, apple jelly and greengage preserve - however the piece de' resistance was Cobb's wonderful mini desserts lovingly prepared by Fraser himself - Gluten Free CHOCOLATE BROWNIES served with whipped cream, mini CRANNACHAN PAVLOVA which contained fresh raspberries, cream and BRUADAR liqueur and the finest of Highland Heather Honey, MINI SHORTBREAD STARS tiered with whipped lemon cream - to die for!

So remember - if you can't come to one of Cobb's restaurants or Coffee Shops just give us a call and we can come and cater at your event.

Don't forget our Christmas parties and New Years celebrations!

Finally, the other big attraction in the Highlands this winter is MERCEDES the POLAR BEAR at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kingcraig.
So get away from it all, wrap up well, a drop of mulled wine, some mince meat pies and a winter adventure awaits you here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.

Movies, Media & Monkfish!

2009-11-12T09:43:00.002Z

Inverness film festival takes off this week with the climax on Sunday 15th with the premier of a film shot here in Glen Affric. The viking story 'Valhalla Rising'. This is a 'must' for movie buffs with all showings happening at Eden Court.
We here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel give you an ideal spot for basing yourself as we are on the right side of the city for the Theatre.

Another busy week with old friends and new ones staying here. We were delighted to welcome back Scott Wardlaw with his wife and son, up for a couple of days. They are frequent visitors and it was a pleasure to have them return.
We've also had guests from Australia, USA, France and Italy so Loch Ness is still a big attraction. So much so I have done two radio shows in the last two weeks - the first one was to 'Jackson Hole' in Wyoming and the second to ABC Adelaide with the Loch Ness Story for their breakfast listeners. The new John Sargent travel programme on TV will also feature his trip to Loch Ness so look out for it on ITV 8.00pm on Tuesday - a great guy, very entertaining who I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with last years Chambers of Commerce Dinner in Inverness.
- So Loch Ness is never very far from the medias attention.

After watching Loch Ness in John's new programme just get on that computer and book ahead to come up and see what everyone is talking about. Great deals are on offer from now till the end of the year.
Have that break before the festive season is upon us and sample good honest fresh air here in the Highlands followed by an excellent meal in our restaurant. The food just gets better and better.
Last night Christopher prepared pan fried Monkfish tails served with mildly curried spicy lentils. It was superb and well favoured by our guests. Just what you need on a cold Autumn night and don't forget a glass of Pinot Grigio to wash it down!

Sliante
Willie Cameron

Ghosties, Ghoulies and Garlic!

2009-11-03T10:16:00.004Z

Well that's Halloween over and we had a grand time here at Loch Ness. The bar was decorated with pumpkin lights and fresh pumpkin lanterns carefully crafted by Rory. A special cocktail of Vodka and Iron Brew created by myself and aptly named 'the Loch Ness Witches Brew'. Being a glorious orange in colour it co-ordinated ideally with the pumpkins!
Brian our KP dressed up as a ghoul together with Amy one of our waitresses and duly scared the adults and children alike as they trick and treated their way around the restaurant. Traditional butternut squash soup was served together with a special dish of scallops wrapped in parma ham served with basil mash. A brilliant night for ghosties, ghoulies and garlic.

The big excitement in the Highlands at the moment is the marriage of Mark Owens of 'Take-That' secretly taking place at Cawdor Castle this month. I wonder if the 3 withes from Macbeth will be on the guest list?

This week sees Guy Fawkes night on November 5th and as usual there will be a bonfire night and firework display in Inverness. So book up for this spectacular night here in the Highlands.

Last week again was another celebration of birthdays and anniversaries - so keep us in mind as the deals are really good.

As we all can see, the shops now have their Christmas decorations up and people are concentrating on getting ready for the next 2 festival - Christmas and New Year. Our party nights are filling up so don't wait to long to book up and also there are still places left for our New Years celebrations - so go on line to check out the frolics to celebrate 2010 coming in.

November is now upon us - days getting shorter and nights getting colder - so what better than a cosy night in a nice warm hotel bed after a hearty meal prepared by our chefs David and Christopher - a meal designed for these cold autumn days. Here's a new one for me - 'turnip and mustard soup' - absolutely delicious!! Not to spicy and full of flavour.
Rory last week made a delicious 'carrot and apricot soup' - a variation on the traditional 'carrot and orange' but more subtle and sweet in flavour. We had Arctic Char on the menu last week which was very well received served with an oyster, mushroom and garlic sauce - something really different.

Now now that the hotel is little bit quieter, it gives the chefs more time to experiment with special dishes and to cater for the seasonal element. So we can look forward to more 'specials' like 'breast of wood pigeon set on crushed new potatoes and served with a tangy mandarin sauce' - Deeeelicious!
And what better accompaniment than a nice glass of RUBEN HALL MERLOT at room temperature - doesn't that get your taste buds going and put you in the, mood to forget about dark nights , ghosties and ghoulies - come and join us!

Win, Win, Win

2009-10-27T17:13:00.002Z

Congratulations to the team at Cobbs bakery - especially Sheena Lloyd our manager for winning the 'PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS' award at the HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS FOOD & DRINK AWARDS' - a brilliant achievement.
This is a result of many years of hard work, together with our productive collaborative partnership with Fife Creamery.
Congratulations also to Jane Fraser (marketing) who put the entry submission together - a real team effort.

Drumnadrochit must have been on a roll last week as our colleagues 'FIDDLER'S MALT WHISKY BAR & RESTAURANT' won the 'SCOTTISH LICENCE TRADE - MALT WHISKY BAR OF THE YEAR' for the third time! - our hearty congratulations.

Talking about Malt Whisky's...we had a great party of 6 staying over the weekend - (the William's party). They were on a serious quest - to find the perfect Malt.
This of course would take a lifetime but a most pleasurable experience, searching!
They were very generous with their praise of myself - helping them to the best of my ability and with the assistance from the gantry with tastings - BALBLAIR, THE MACALLAN, BENROMACH ORGANIC (another award winner last week), LAGAVUILIN and many more - to many to mention - all success guys.

We had another old friend of the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel staying for 3 days - Michael Christie and Wendy from Balmedie - as usual, they sailed up the Loch and moored at the Clansman Harbour.
Michael was joined by his brother Irvine and his wife and family who stayed in one of our lodges and sailed the Loch over the weekend. A great time was had by one and all.
My only disappointment was that Irvine's daughter Hannah didn't manage to pluck up the courage to give us a display of her Highland Dancing...we even provided some cracking dance tunes - provided by the Murphy Brothers - anyway, may be next visit Hannah!

In the THISTLE AWARDS, our neighbours over the hill at Belladrum won the BEST SMALL FESTIVAL award for TARTAN HEART - our congratulations go to Joe Gibbs and all his team - very well deserved and great for the area.

So you can see as I have been preaching quality and value here in the Highlands since 'The Craic' started and all I can say now is I've been proved right by all those award winners.

So it's Win, Win, Win here at Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland - remember... if you're not in it, you won't win it - Give us a ring

Sliante
Willie

Autumn Adventure

2009-10-22T21:07:00.002+01:00

Last week was another marvelous week of autumn weather - cold mornings and glorious afternoon sunshine portraying the wonderful Autumn colours at their best - yellows, oranges and russet browns - a photographers paradise.
Many people arrived at the hotel to take advantage of a last break before Christmas and New Year.

Although we're closed at Christmas, a full New Year's package is available - so forget about house-work, cooking and entertaining - just escape to Loch Ness for that well deserved break and see-in 2010 here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel. Full details of the package are available on our website.

If you've already made plans for New Year how about planning a trip at Easter or early Spring. Some brilliant deals available - just go on-line to find out.
This week there are many homecoming celebrations in the city of Inverness with films, music drama and lectures. For those interested in history and heritage with a cultural twist, go to the Eden Court Theatre website.

Although it is coming to the end of the season there is still plenty to do in the area - Jacobite Cruises on Loch Ness, walk the battlefield at Culloden, scramble around the ruins at Urquhart Castle or walk in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie in Glen Affric or Glen Morriston and see the wonderful colours of the season.

For those of you with a spirit of adventure or you want to do something completely different -how about archery in the morning and gorge walking in the afternoon - this can be organised through Rothiemurchus Estate.

The excitement of white water rafting can be fixed up through 'Monster Activities' - quad biking at Bogbain Farm outside Inverness and throw in some clay pigeon shooting and finally mountain biking on the world championship course at Aonach Mor.

So, put the gear in the car, head up north, wrap up well and find that spirit of adventure to really test your skills in the great outdoors that is the Highland of Scotland.

Then look forward to a nice hot shower, a warming dram of single malt and some good Highland grub here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel - for example tonight's menu has everything from Arctic Char, Breast of Wood Pigeon, wonderful Smoked Haddock and the best of Aberdeen Angus Rid-eye steaks.

So make a date and come and see us.
Slainte

Homecoming - Ancestral Tourism and a Hole in One!

2009-10-14T22:21:00.005+01:00

Tracing your roots and ancestral tourism is the new 'black' as far as the current tourism trends are concerned.
To this end, Highland Council are about to open their new archive centre in Inverness.
This impressive new building is on the west side of Inverness next to the floral hall and leisure complex.
It is also on the right side of town to base yourself at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel to start your search into your family history.

As this is also the year of Homecoming, it is more reason for anyone with any Scottish connections to make that visit to the country of their fore-fathers.

A conference at the end of October at Eden Court will also enlighten you as to 'who are the Scots and particularly those with Highland and Islands ancestry and what impact these people have had on the world in general.
So you've been promising yourself to trace your family heritage - what better time than now.

Last week saw the successful Inverness Book Festival with a great presentation from Ian Rankin creator of Inspector Rebus - so you too can play detective and put to good use, all his tips in investigating the past of your family. Who knows what skeletons might be in your cupboard!

It's not only relatives that people want to come and trace but old friends. 2 weekends ago we entertained Walter, Ann and family from Gartmore, great friends of Fraser's Mum Marjory - they had a ball.
Marjory also had a reunion with an old nursing colleague - Helen Mackay who she has known for 50 years. So as I've said before, the Clansman is a great place to renew old acquaintances.

This weekend past, we had a group of over 30 Edinburgh golfers under the team leadership of Michael Martin. These family and friends have been meeting every year for over 20 years at various venues and playing the local courses. They had superb golf weather and had a brilliant time playing SPEY VALLEY, NAIRN DUNBAR, TAIN and finishing off at the new CASTLE STUART course on Sunday. To top this great get-together, one of the players scored a 'hole in one' at Tain... so the drinks were on him! Not bad after a night of Karaoke and the BEN ROMACH ORGANIC single malt.
They found the Clansman the ideal base for playing these superb courses.

Thanks to our good friend Steve Appolinari who plays with them for suggesting ourselves - it was a great pleasure to have you guys and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.

So if it's tracing your roots, renewing old friendships or a group of family and friends getting together for a bit of fun and relaxation - we have it all.

The October school holidays have now started and we welcome all the families with children who have come to do a bit of Nessie spotting. If you haven't decided what your doing this October - give us a ring.

Anniversary Waltz

2009-09-30T21:18:00.002+01:00

This was definitely the 'Anniversary Weekend' just past. We had a big family and friends celebration all day Saturday for Mr Donald and Mrs Lydia Morrison from Inverness celebrating 40 years together. After a splendid afternoon-tea and get-together the party went for a cruise on Loch Ness then returned for dinner, speeches and dancing to the nimble finger playing of Mr Tom Cruikshank on the accordion. By all accounts it was a fantastic evening and our congratulations go to Donald and Lydia.

Also celebrating an anniversary were William and Nadine Johnston of Washington in the north of England who stayed with us for 3 nights. They are a delightful couple who are deeply interested in our local history and apart from touring all around the area they spent a full afternoon at Culloden Battlefield and were more than impressed with the new visitor centre. They were so impressed with their stay at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel that they are coming back with their daughter next year to hunt for Nessie!. They also pointed out that they are avid readers of our blog 'Craic from the Clansman' !

Last week we also had Joanne and her fiancee - she was celebrating her 40th birthday and Kristian, our waiter created much hilarity at her table when he let the cork of the Champagne take off on it's on accord. Thank you for your e-mail Joanne and all your comments are deeply appreciated.

The media rose to the occasion again last week when we featured front page of the local Highland News with a story about Mr Ray Leaning - the gentleman who sculpted our Loch Ness Monster which sits in the car-park - dare I say it... nearly 30 years ago!

Ray was holidaying' in the Highlands last week and got the shock of his life when his wife pointed out his creation from all these years ago sitting at the end of the car-park - a great story.
We also had 'Stig' from Top Gear doing a photo shoot for Google. This raised quite a stir locally as a recent poll put him No.1 above Nessie as one of the UK's greatest mysteries - 'who is Stig?' Nessie was not amused! ...but once his identity is revealed Nessie will be back on top.

This weekend coming up is the Loch Ness Marathon and we would like to congratulate Malcolm Sutherland and his team for their stalwart efforts in growing this event. As the hotel is full this weekend with competitors and their families - we would like to wish them all the best.

Coming again next week is our very good friend Mr Steve Appolinari and his golfing chums. We extend them a warm welcome, hope the weather's with them and the greens are not running too fast.

The hotel is quieting down after a hectic season - so this is the time for you guys to come for that quiet chill-out that you've been promising yourself and you to can do an 'anniversary waltz' at Loch Ness this autumn.

Sliante WC

Cheesy-Ness!

2009-09-24T09:59:00.003+01:00

Double Blog this week as we missed last week with so much on. Anyway we will fill you in with what's been happening here at Loch Ness.
Autumn is almost upon us and another great 2 weeks has been had by our guests at this iconic Highland location. The last 2 weekends have had fantastic weather, great company, brilliant food, excellent drink, a little bit of music and a lot of laughs - is that not what chilling-out is all about.
Total relaxez-vous!!

First of all we had, for the second year the annual tournament of the 'Gemini Cribbage Club' who's members come from all over - even as far as New York. They had 3 full days organised again by Angus and Ann Beaton - a delightful couple who live locally.

A week past Saturday, we had the FIRST MONSTER CHALLENGE - a team duathlon which is going from strength to strength. Celebrity competitors Nell McAndrew and Gavin Hastings couldn't praise the event high enough. Rory and team supplied 240+ competitors with hot tea and coffee at the Castle jetty on Loch Ness.
This jetty is to be renewed next year with a splendid oak replacement courtesy of Historic Scotland.

Rory then changed from sporting gear to kilt and all the trimmings to host a wedding at Urquhart Castle with a drinks celebration on the Jacobite Legend on Loch Ness before the wedding meal was served at the castle - the weather was magnificent - what a day for a wedding.
Meanwhile back at the hotel we catered for an extremely busy lunch followed by an equally busy dinner followed by a cracking Ceilidh with Stuart andWillie (The Murphy Brothers). Really good Highland 'craic' with some malt whisky tasting thrown in.

Many of our guests did the Applecross trip last week and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This is a must excursion when you come to stay with us. Some of the other places to visit are Cairngorm Mountain, Culloden Battlefield, Castle Stuart Golf Course, Dolphin Watching and Plodda Falls. There is so much to do in the Highlands in the autumn - so spoil yourself and get away for a 3-day break. Good deals on-line or telephoning will secure a room for you.

Our congratulations to Daniel Campbell who trained as a waiter here at the Clansman before going on to the Cesar Ritz Hotel School in Switzerland. Daniel has won through to the UK final of the young waiter of the year to be held in London on October 6th. We are all very proud of him and wish him all the best.
One of the disciplines he was judged on was creating a cheese-board and presenting it to the client with a story and history of all the cheeses selected - a cheesy task!

This reminds me of an incident which happened 2 weeks ago - 2 lovely guests asked a member of staff to deposit some wonderful Caithness Smoked cheese in the fridge overnight prior to departure the next day. At breakfast next morning, they asked Jay, their waiter to fetch the cheese - on close examination it was noticed that the packet was opened and a considerable hunk had been removed. Unknown to our dessert lady Joyce, the cheese had been placed next to our hotel selection and duly used on the previous nights cheese-board. They took it all in good faith and we had a chuckle - them knowing they had supplied this speciality cheese to our dinner guests the previous evening. The gentleman remarked (tongue in cheek) that on his next return visit if we told him in advance, he would supply us with some of his own local delicacies - and by the way the Caithness smoked cheese was very tasty!

That's one thing about the Highlands - we have a great selection of cheeses - what a lovely way to finish off your meal with some Connage Cheese or some Fine Highland from Tain complimented with a glass of our GRANT BURGE AUSTRALIAN TAWNY PORT. Who says that's cheesy! - well it is Loch Ness.

So why not make a date with cheese this weekend - there will be a fantastic selection on show at Cawdor Castle for the LIVING FOOD EVENT -a wonderful celebration of organic and slow-food from the Highlands. A great experience for all you foodies.

And finally if you have any friends or relatives competing in the Loch Ness Marathon, please drop in to see us and have our afternoon cheesboard with a glass of Red Cuillin Real Ale from the Isle of Skye Brewery.

Your Seasonal Event at Our Event

2009-09-08T14:28:00.002+01:00

We are now in September here at Loch Ness and although historically this is one of the nicest months of the year it certainly has come in like a lion with really wild wet weather and blustery gales, however this week has started off very well.

Although the weather is unpredictable it is still a good time to come touring the Highlands - less visitors, quieter roads and staff have more time to speak with guests.

Another successful relay swim on the loch took place last Friday when a team of 5 London fire brigade operatives completing the 24 miles from Ft Augustus to Lochend in 11hours 5 minutes. Supported in his RIB boat and a good friend of the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel is local businessman Mr John Robins - an excellent guy to have on board if you are at attemping any water based venture in the Highlands www.highlandrib.co.uk

Here at the Clansman we are lucky to have a vast array of facilitators we can call upon to assist with any project you have in mind here at Loch Ness or further afield. All you have to do is send us your shopping list and we will oblige.

We have been involved in lots of projects from swims, rallies, walking events, film projects and many other events.
This, as I always say is an ideal base for your venture.

Again this last week Loch Ness has been in the headlines. From Nessie getting knocked off the No. 1 spot of the 'UK Mysteries' being replaced by 'Who is the Stig' www.highland-news.co.uk - to the world famous film director Ken Russell playing the 'Loch Ness Master' in a new spoof film about Scottish Myths.
A travel feature in the Sunday Mail on the 6th September to the Press & Journal covering the fireman's swim. As I've said before, Loch Ness is always an 'in story'!

If you have never been here, now is the time to come and try it out. You don't need to have a project in mind but if you have... give us a call.

P.S. This is the last few weeks of the salmon fishing season - so give Rory a call for that small corporate day outing - a days fishing on 'The Time Bandit'.
Also if you have not booked accommodation for the LOCH NESS MARATHON or FIRST MONSTER CHALLENGE - don't forget about us - give us a call or go online to www.lochnessview.com

Whilst you're reading - why not make a date for our big 'Casino Night' in October in aid of the Highland Hospice. A great night for an extremely worthy cause - details, again on our website.

Just before going to print - our Home Baking company - COBBS has just been shortlisted in the Highlands Food & Drink Awards. Congratulations to Sheena and her dedicated team and all the other nominations!

Googled and More!

2009-09-01T10:04:00.003+01:00

Yes - we've been Googled!
Last week Nessie was spotted on Google Earth on the surface of Loch Ness - so all you guys out there take a look at http://www.google.com/ and see what you think.

Also we are one of the iconic places in the UK to be photographed for Google - so it all helps to promote the area. You can go onto Google and see where you are coming to for that weekend break or holiday. What would we do without the Internet?.

For an area like Loch Ness the media is the life blood to getting our message across and like all good mysteries and stories media attention comes and goes like the weather. The last few weeks has seen a lot of media attention over and above the Google story - 2 weeks ago the Guardian section covered a review that I was asked to submit called 'My Inverness-Shire'. Last week Diana Plater from 'Australian Associated Press' stayed with her sister and cousin at the hotel and interviewed me about the Loch Ness story. Last weekend, Charles Miranda the London bureau chief of 'News Limited Australia' covered the whole story for both press and Internet for News International.
That well known personality and journalist Bill McAllister interviewed myself on tourism for the local I'mag. To add a little more excitement to the area Nigel Coles and his team of swimmers swam Loch Ness in relay over 2 days as the weather on Saturday night was atrocious. Our congratulations to the whole team for such a stalwart effort under such extreme conditions and hopefully they raised a lot of money for the 'Rainbow Children's Hospice'.

So as you can see there is always a story here at Loch Ness.

At the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, we are used to catering and accommodating the media. In our previous hotel we entertained nearly all the film crews and documentary makers that have covered this story for the last 20 years - so we know what you require and we are flexible enough to provide it for you and so don't go past us

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!

Let's roll by phoning 10456 450326 and ask for Willie or Rory

Let's make movies! Write a story! Create a feature! or just Blog -it and base yourself at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.

Drive and Dine

2009-08-24T16:55:00.002+01:00

Even if your not staying at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel you can still dine at the Cobb's restaurant and use the bar facilities.
If you are staying at one of the many great B&B's or guest houses in the area or are sailing Loch Ness or the Caledonian Canal, please make use of our DRIVE AND DINE SERVICE.
We have been operating this for many years and it is eezy-peezy! All you do is when you phone to make your dinner reservation just request wherever you are be it the harbour, self catering cottage or B&B - we operate within a 8 mile radius of the hotel. Larger groups can be transported if we have pre-warning. Our hotel 'people carrier' will arrive and take you for dinner and return you afterwards. This allows you to have a drink and relax without worrying about your car. So remember - hassle free dinning at Cobb's with our drive and dine.

The other advantage is that most of our drivers have a good local knowledge and can act as both the tour guide for the journey or a tourist information service to help you plan your next days activities.
This free information service applies to all our staff both in the hotel reception, bar, shop and restaurant.
So don't be frightened to ask what you want to know and if they can't answer you, they'll find someone who will.

Staff as you know are the main stay of any business and we have a hard working team from all over the world - Poland, Czech Republic, Australia as well as our own Scottish students. This month many will be returning to University to continue their studies.
George and Jana have already returned to Czech - we will miss them, thank them for their efforts and wish them well - we also hope to see some of them return next year.
That is the nature of the tourism business - short periods of getting to know people, then there on their way. It is the same as many of our guests - good friendships created and hopefully many will return.

We have many guests who come back to see us and it is very heartening to know they have enjoyed their visit so much that they wish to return - so we must be getting something right.

So you guys out there - give us a try and if you don't stay with us remember 'drive and dine' - BON APPETIT

Games people play

2009-08-18T13:46:00.002+01:00

This weekend sees the Glenurquhart Highland Games taking place at Blairbeg Park in Drumnadrochit.
People come from all over the world to see the various competitions. Throwing the hammer, tossing the caber, the Achmony Hill-race, weight over the bar, tug of war, cycling, running, piping and dancing - a very varied programme and something for all interests.

Historically the sun has always shawn on Games Day and it's a great experience for those of you who have not seen this spectacle before and a great meeting place to catch up with new and old friends alike. So if you want a true Scottish experience and spend a day at the highland Games, book into the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel and head along to Blairbeg Park on the 22nd August.

Events start with local competitions in the morning progressing to the open challenges in the afternoon. Guests staying at the hotel benefit from free transport to and from games field.

The season is now well under way with the Highlands being visited by many to enjoy its glorious scenery, spectacular landscapes, comfortable accommodation, good local food, great malt whisky and lots to do.

The month of September coming up is a beautiful month which in North America they call 'the fall'. The scenery is autumn gold with the leaves turning brown and yellow - so for that special break from all the seasonal hassle give us a call or go online to book www.lochnessview.com.

Whatever your outdoor activity this is a great time of year to come north - you can still fish for salmon until October, golf at the new Castle Stuart just outside Inverness recently rated as 'better than Kings Barns'. Walking and cycling is still great exercise among great spectacular scenery - so whatever games you play - this is where it's at.
Check out the LOCH NESS MARATHON and the FIRST MONSTER CHALLENGE - events
coming up soon.

So if you want to participate in these activities or you just want to relax and watch others doing the hard work - Loch Ness and the Highlands is the place to be over the next few weeks and no better place to stay than the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.

Birthdays to Remember

2009-08-11T16:41:00.002+01:00

This month seems to be ...birthday month as far as the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel is concerned. In Cobbs restaurant the other night we had three people all celebrating their respective special days. If you dine on a Saturday night Willie and Stuart (The Murphy Brothers) our intrepid musicians will play ''that song'' for you as our staff take in the surprise birthday cake.
If you have forgotten to organise a cake we can usually drum up something as a token- always with the 'hotel birthday candle'.
Last month our head chef Davie West celebrated his wife's 40th with a trip to the famous Norton House in Edinburgh.
Our well known driver Brian celebrated his 65th, arriving to the hotel in a Stretch Hummer with champagne cocktails and bagpipers to pipe him into Cobbs Restaurant where he entertained the staff to celebratory drinks. Brian, we believe was still celebrating a week later as he said 'you're not 65 every day'.

Last night, we catered for a very special birthday for the world famous scientist Mr Adrian Shine who was celebrating his 60th birthday. Cobbs did all the catering and as well as a wonderful dressed salmon we had a large selection of both vegan and vegetarian food.
Our chefs cater for all tastes and it gives us both a great pleasure and a challenge to get it right. Adrian's party took place aboard the 'Jacobite Legend' with a lovely sunset cruise down Loch Ness with music supplied by 'The Clach' folk group and the guests were shown a special film of 'archive Adrian', created by his wife Marilyn and narrated by myself.

So, as I've said before - for that special occasion - especially that landmark birthday, contact us at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel and we will make that special day even more special - happy birthday!

Who You Know

2009-07-27T16:53:00.004+01:00

For those who read 'Craic from the Clansman' you all know the hotel here is an excellent base for touring. Over the years we have built up a great relationship with both other accommodation providers, restaurants and pubs throughout Scotland. Many of these people have both stayed and dined with us and as they recommend the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel to their guests who are heading in our direction we in turn like to recommend their establishments to our guests both potential and existing.
Recently we had a good friend of ours - Mr Javen Walker and family staying for a couple of days - apart from Javen being the catering manager at the HOUSE OF BRUAR, his wife runs the excellent OLD SMIDDY RESTAURANT in Pitlochry - so on your way up north or down south a stop at either Bruar or the Smiddy or both is worth a vist.

On the Isle of Skye we like to recommend both the Broadford Hotel and the Bosville in Portree with its multi award winning restaurant. These are owned by Mr Donald MacLeod - a good friend of us here at the Clansman.
In Fort William we have our own bar, coffee-shop and restaurant at NEVIS SPORT where Shona and her capable staff will give you a warm highland welcome in the OUTDOOR CAPITAL of the UK.

Whilst in Fort William a trip up Aonach Mor in the gondola to see the magnificent views is a must. In the restaurant at the top another good friend of Cobbs is the catering manager - Peter, who will also give you a very warm welcome.

Throughout Scotland the various Edinburgh Woolen Mill sites are a great visitor experience for both eating and shopping. Mike Gilbert, head of catering stayed with us last week together with his family. Mike has assured us that all guests of the Loch Ness Clansman will be made most welcome at all his establishments.

In Aberdeen our coffee shop in Sterling Warehouse is always busy and gives first class food and service. Jo, our manager and staff look forward to seeing you.

Not to forget our vibrant young manager Sean in Cafe Bleu in Aviemore, a super stop where you can sit and watch the Ospreys at Loch Garten on the big screen whilst enjoying a good coffee and home made cakes.

There are many places we recommend and if you can't get a room ata the Clansman we are more than happy to point you in the direction of some of the excellent guest houses and B&B';s in the surrounding area - all friends of ours.
To name but a few, TRAMPS, GLEN ROWAN, FERNESS COTTAGE, GLENKIRK, GREENLEA, WOODLANDS and BRIDGEND - all in Drumnadrochit. KIMCRAIGAN B&B at Lochend and our good friend Anne and Colin at Abriachan.

So its the old adage - it's not 'what you know' but 'who you know' and here at the Clansman - Willie knows everybody'

Trip Advisor

2009-07-21T15:33:00.005+01:00

Before you decide where you're going to stay these days most people look at trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ and I must say that thanks to all our wonderful guests and their comments we favour extremely well on this consumer site.

Out of all the Inverness / Loch Ness hotels listed we are the ninth most popular and 73% of our guests would recommend us to someone else and in the top 10 there is only one other 3 star hotel above us.
Our thanks to all our guests both one night stays and all those people on short breaks and longer stays for all their very positive comments on our staff, service, food and general feel good factor of their stay here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.
We are very proud of these comments - so everybody out there - please look at them as well as all the previous Blogs at 'Craic at the Clansman' - you will get a real feel of what to expect.

We are what we are and we try to please everybody all of the time. Sometimes things do go wrong as in all walks of life but Rory and his team here are delighted to hear your comments, know what you want and what you're looking for and we try to resolve all problems as best we can.
Fortunately we score fairly high - and that we're pleased about but there is always room for improvement. The following are some recent comments from Tripadvisor:

'Dining - Yum!I was so impressed by the food that I thought I'd write about it first. We ate in the hotel restaurant both nights of our stay. It's on the front of the hotel so has stunning views over the Loch - Nessie Spotting is a fine past time after dinner with a glass of wine!'

'This was a 'passing by' booking, as it was a lovely spot overlooking the Loch. The receptionist was very helpful and gave me a small discount off the Loch View room we had. The room was very clean, well appointed, great shower and the best view out of the window I've seen for ages!'

'My wife, three year old son and myself have just returned from a weeks break touring around the Highlands of Scotland. I'm writing this as we were so impressed with the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel that we extended our stay another night with them. The staff were just fantastic and were wonderful with my son. We dined at the hotel both nights and I have to say the quality was as good as I've experienced anywhere in the world - thank you and well done to all at the hotel.'

Please look at the site and if you have stayed with us, please add your impressions - we take all comments on board.

Talking about 'on board' you'll never guess who's wonderful yacht berthed in the Clansman harbour last week - the one and only Dame Ellen MacArthur on her way to Inverness to open the magnificent new marina.

WIN A WEEKEND BREAK FOR 2
Going back to trip advisor, any suggestions that are forwarded to the website by email - we will look at and the best suggestion we will give the winner a weekend break for 2 at dates of their choice subject to availability. Your contribution is important to us and you are the best market research we can get. We will also throw in a cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to Urquhart Castle - so get thinking and you to could be sailing Loch Ness just like Dame Ellen

Wild at Heart

2009-07-14T15:30:00.002+01:00

For those of you reading this who are interested in both nature and wildlife, there is no better place in the UK than the Highlands of Scotland. Here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, you are in an ideal spot to explore the area and see all our indigenous creatures in their natural habitat and possible - non indigenous for example big cats have been sighted in the area.

Over and above bird watching animal spotting and insect identification we have both the Kingcraig Wildlife Park, the Black Isle Wildlife Park and Rare Breeds down at Fort Augustus. These are visitor attractions that cater for the nature lover who wishes to see various species in a controlled environment.
From the Clansman the chances of seeing osprey, buzzards, roe deer and foxes is not uncommon. Round the the hotel we have two wonderful pine-marten - a very rare species which was almost extinct forty years ago. With there russet coat and cream waistcoat they are most beautiful, inquisitive animals.
An early morning walk up the Abriachan forest trail beside the hotel may give you an insight into these very shy creatures.

We are only a few miles from the RSPB site at Corrimony - this is definitely worth a visit. A trip to Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, you'll hopefully catch a glimpse of the bottle-nosed dolphins in the Moray Firth. Two of our guests last week - Mr & Mrs Higgins had a great afternoon watching the dolphins playing with fish opposite the magnificent Fort George where by the way we have one of our excellent coffee-shops - another great day out.
The Highland Wildlife Park just south of Aviemore is another great experience for all you city dwellers - tigers, bison, wolves and just added recently - two humped camels.
A great chance for children to see animals living naturally rather than in television or in books.

Many nesting buzzards have a habitat behind the hotel - now known as the 'tourist eagle' they are magnificent birds with large wind span and incredible predatory actions. You also might be able to see the red-kite with its forked tail which were introduced to the Black Isle a number of years ago but often seen over Loch Ness at the eastern end.

Close to the hotel in Drumnadrochit is an SSI known as 'the cover'. A large area of woodland at the mouth of Glenurquhart and a tremendous wildlife habitat. Glen Affric is close by and also is an amazing habitat.

So if you were a fan of the 'Really, Really Wild Show' - then this is the holiday for you - a few days at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel gives you the chance to explore all these habitats - not to mention the amazing habitat that is on our doorstep - Loch Ness - and who knows what's in there...

A hole in one!

2009-07-06T14:21:00.007+01:00

(photo courtesy of Gary Anthony SPP)

Well that's it folks - our great Scottish hope Andy Murray out of Wimbledon in a thrilling semi-final - there's always next year!
The next big thing on the Scottish sporting calendar is the Open Golf Championship at Turnberry - so all eyes will be focused on Scotland.
Scotland is the home of golf and here in the Highlands we have both well known courses and some hidden gems. The Loch Ness Clansman Hotel is a great central base to test your skills on these courses - Royal Dornoch, Nairn, Dalfaber, Boat of Garten, Tain and the new Castle Stuart course to name but a few. Really closes at hand are Ft Augustus and the course at Aigas. These nine hole'rs are great courses to teach youngsters wishing to take up the game. Even closer is the Torvean golf course in Inverness - 9 miles from the front door of the hotel and showing our commitment to the Royal and Ancient game, Cobb's have sponsored the 9th hole at this well know course where we can obtain special rates for all our guests.
Just over the hill is the 18 hole at Muir of Ord course - combine a round there with a days shopping in the village of Beauly and a visit to Glen Ord Distillery. If you time this right Thursday evening, you'll find the pipe band play in Beauly square - all that in one day! Golf - whisky - bag-pipes - shopping for tweed and tartan at the world famous Campbell's of Beauly - a truly Scottish experience topped off with dinning and sleeping next to the Loch Ness Monster!

It sounds impossible but what a gift for someone special - THE COMPLETE AUTHENTIC SCOTTISH PACKAGE.
We can organise all of this from the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel - just email us your 'wish list' and we can tailor make the package to suit. info@lochnessview.com

Rory is in Marbella - a weeks R&R and studying the Spanish tourism business. His main comment so far is 'it is very, very, very expensive!!'. Your pound doesn't go very far in Europe today so all the more reason to holiday in the Highlands - check us out - really good value for money on accommodation, food and drink. Your pound will go further here at Loch Ness and always remember Loch Ness is 'more than a monster' and that elusive hole in one could be easier to get than a sighting of Nessie herself.

DarkNESS and light

2009-06-30T17:53:00.003+01:00

Wimbledon is well under way and our Scottish hope is storming on - Andy Murray is our man and the whole country is right behind him.

Synonymous with Wimbledon is Strawberries & Cream while here at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel we add a little bit extra with our own meringue cases and Scottish strawberries with fresh cream - delicious.

Watching Wimbledon with the roof pulled over and artificial lighting then seeing London, dark at 10.30pm - while here in the Highlands it was still bright at that time - so a holiday at Loch Ness gives you extra daylight to continue your outdoor activities or bright enough to try something new.
How about a bit of fly fishing off Rory's boat 'Time Bandit' and may be lucky enough to catch a nice brown trout for supper. Grilled brown trout with caper butter followed by strawberry and wild berry pavlova - the perfect way to end a day here at the Loch Ness Clansman.

Recently I was talking about cocktails - well our O'Donnell wedding party had a novel toast at the Castle last Saturday. Instead of Champagne, Prosecco or Cava they had a wonderful cocktail of sloe-gin and bitter lemon, a really refreshing drink for these hot summer days.

So this Blog has almost completed your summers day menu - all that's left is a starter and a good wine. Our most popular starter here ate the Clansman is the warm goats cheese salad with balsamic dressing.

To wash this meal down try our Elementos Torrontes - an incredible floral scented dry white wine from the San Juan region of Argentina in the foothills of the Andes.

So - I hope our Andy keeps going and beats all to take the Wimbledon crown.

Exams over - holiday at home

2009-06-29T12:21:00.002+01:00

Exams over, school holidays on the horizon - What will we do for the next six weeks asks every parent. Well if you are not going abroad this year, like many people to holiday at home that is in the UK is top of the priority list. Here in Scotland is a great place to holiday - wonderful scenery, great outdoor activities, good camping - hotels - guest houses - restaurants and plenty visitor attractions.
Castles, museums, battlefields, cruises for Nessie, dolphin watching...it's all here.
All you have to do is create your wish list and Google what you want to do in Scotland and particularly here in the Highlands.

As I said before The Loch Ness Clansman is an ideal base - just look at the website www.lochnessview.com and www.visitlochness.com to see what activities you can do around Loch Ness.

So have a chat with the family and get on that world wide web - do a bit of research about the Highlands of Scotland.
Our colourful history, our national dress, our music, the bagpipes, Highland games, Braveheart country, Local Hero country and Water Horse country. Then book up a couple of nights here at Loch Ness and we can advise you where to go next.

With the school holidays you might be planning a wedding or a honeymoon - What more romantic setting than Loch Ness.
Great value for money - so for a good deal all round give Rory Cameron a ring on 01456 450326.
So my advice is 'beat the credit crunch - holiday at home where your pound goes further than the Euro.

On the subject of weddings - Rory and team had two weddings this past week-end. Both involving the Castle, the hotel and the boats.
The wedding at the hotel of Daniel and Kim O'Donnell (not the singer) was a unique affair. As Daniel is a chef the wedding here was a culinary one, with the magnificent floral arrangements set in cooking pots with the glass lid placed strategically and diagonally in the pot so the reflection was displayed when hit by sunshine or artificial light.
The table plan was straight from the kitchen - Pastry, Larder, Veg and The Pass. Place names were set in two forks back to back - most unusual.
The piece de'resistance was the wedding cake which was a tower of different cheeses topped by a truckle. So creative - so many different ideas.
Our congratulations to Kim and Daniel and all the success for the future.

Whisky Cocktails and the Flaming Lips

2009-06-17T10:34:00.002+01:00

Apart from the marvelous performances from the headlining acts like the 'Flaming Lips', 'The Prodigy' and 'Basement Jaxx' the drink success of Rockness 2009 was 'Cobb's Whisky Bar' - Rory and his team projected the SCOTCH WHISKY INDUSTRY to the forefront of the modern music market and covered all angles no matter what the weather was like.
While it was hot and sunny, long, iced cocktails like the 'Monster Mule' with Clayva, ginger beer and lime and the 'Highland Mohito' with Atholl Brose, sugar syrup, mint, lime and soda water - nice long cool drinks with that wonderful whisky flavour, great socialising and talking point drinks.
When the heavens opened on Saturday night and the weather was inclement to say the least, Rory's 'Hot Toddies' with whisky, lemon and honey was just the order of the day to heat you up and get you in the mood for the long night ahead.

The whisky cocktail is not a new thing but presenting it to such an audience is the way forward to sustain and nurture interest in our national drink - bringing it to a wider audience and presenting it as a drink that is both versatile and creative and also encourages the sensible consumption of alcohol.

These cocktails will all soon be available at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel served by our engaging staff - I hope you will come along and try one.
Our thanks to Gordon and Mcphail, Elgin - Whyte and Mackay - Glenmorangie - all our hard working staff and crew and to the organisers of Rockness 2009 to have the foresight to have a 'whisky based only' bar on site.

Well it is Loch Ness! It is Scotland! and it is our National Drink!!

Rory hopes to roll out this concept for parties, corporate functions, weddings or just a 'bit of a doo'.
The future is bright, the future is the golden amber necter with a twist.
To contact Rory visit our website www.lochnessview.com or telephone the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel on 01456 450326 and you too could be sitting, sipping the Highland Mohito at your next event.

Party Time

2009-06-10T17:14:00.003+01:00

It's hard to believe here we are in June and the Christmas panto at Eden Court is being launched this week - The panto 'Jack and the Beanstalk' as always will be a great success and will attract people from all over the Highlands. What a great opportunity to have your staff night out at the panto with a stay at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel. Look at the website for all the Christmas and HOGMANAY deals and PARTY NIGHTS available. We are only 8 miles from the new Eden Court Theatre and we are also on the West side of the city - so you don't have to negotiate the Inverness city traffic, so all in all it will be a great base for the holiday break.

It's not just Christmas we have parties - we cater for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Christenings...just about any excuse and we can tailor make a party night for you sometimes incorporating a cruise on the Jacobite boats.

Last Saturday we had a great night for a local couples Diamond Wedding (60 years married!). Our congratulations go to Jackie and Cath Wilson on reaching such a momentous milestone.
It was a night full of fun with some great Scottish music from Malcolm Munro and his band - a local lad with a lot of talent.
So it's up to you whenever the occasion arises, give us a ring and Jane Fraser our marketing and events organiser will be able to put together your Shindig - supply sample menus, advise on wine and drinks and organise a great accommodation deal for your guests - just send us your shopping list. Party time is any time.

The big party this weekend is 'Rockness' - we hope the weather will be good for all the revellers and we wish Rory and his team all the best with 'Cobbs Whisky Bar' - if you're there, pay them a visit - Slainte!!

Closer than you think!

2009-06-03T22:05:00.003+01:00

It's that time of year again - festival time with T in the Park, Glastonbury - there all about to happen.
Here at Loch Ness, we have the world famous Rock-Ness just across the Loch from the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel. If you decide to go why not visit the WHISKY BAR run by Rory and crew from the hotel. Nothing better than 'The Prodigy' accompanied by one of Rory's whisky cocktails - the WMC (Whyte & Mackay and Coke) - eat your heart out Jack. WMC are also my initials - so it is a house special (Willie Mackie Cameron).

Talking about house specials, David West our head chef has put together a stunning new menu for festival time, summer time, anytime! Something for everybody's taste and mostly sourced locally - West Coast Mussels; Seafood Salad; Cullen Skink and for the Continental in you, try our fresh grilled sardines with local garlic and lemon & lime olive oil. That with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio - summer's here - bring on DIZEE RASCAL! Main courses include slow roast Scottish Lamb, strips of beef and a favorite with our Asian customers - Sticky Pork Belly infused with honey, sesame and Soya sauce. Some Malaysian guest last week said it was the best they had ever tasted - Good Morning Vietnam!

Vegetarians are always well catered for with Penne al'arrabiata; half aubergines with Mediterranean vegetables; roast tomato tartlet with olives and peppers...and so much more.
So all you veggies - take in a festival, stay at Loch Ness and eat till your hearts content - talking about hearts - how about the Tartan Heart at Belladrum in August - it's just over the hill from where we are - headlining act The Editors, Ocean Colour Scene and The Saw Doctors.

So book a bed ahead where you'll eat well, drink well and sleep well at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.

We are closer than you think - we are not at the end of the world.

Trains & Boats & Planes

2009-05-27T09:48:00.003+01:00

I have been working in the hospitality industry here at Loch Ness for the last 20 years and I can honestly say I never get bored. Everyday here is really interesting - folks like yourselves from all over the world and on the doorstep come to sample good Highland Hospitality and see the magnificent scenery that is the Highlands of Scotland.

I am always interested why they want to come to come to Loch Ness - where they are going afterwards, how they found us and how they get here.
Last week we had a couple who lived in Paris and flew to Inverness on their own private jet. An afternoon at Loch Ness, dinner with us here at the Clansman then flew off to Milan for lunch the next day - oh how the other half live!
Another couple this week arrived in their Bentley on a touring holiday - next stop Gleneagles - nothing but the best. We had two chaps cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End for one of the Cancer Charities and four diners last night walking the Great Glen Way for their local Hospice Charity - one of the gentlemen was a dead ringer for Sir Ranulph Fiennes:- anyway he was conquering his own Everest walking the challenging coast to coast walkway which passes above the hotel. They were returning south on the overnight sleeper train from Inverness.
Two ladies from California wanted to try malt whisky - after 2 drams of a Dalwhinnie 15yr old they were sold - fired up for a Jacobite cruise on the Loch.

So whatever your purpose, whatever your mode of transport you all will be made most welcome at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel.
We look forward to hearing your stories and we will tell you ours.

Sweet Tooth

2009-05-19T13:07:00.004+01:00

For all those with a sweet tooth, members of the 'pudding club' and dessert divas - Cobbs is the place to be.
All our cakes and sweets are made in our own bakery in Drumnadrochit village and the desserts finished off by hand at the restaurant.

Coffee and cake is a wonderful morning or afternoon pastime -knowing it is homemade adds to the thrill of indulging in these delights.
Coffee-cake; carrot-cake; whisky-cake are just a few of our fantastic range - also our tray bakes are mouth watering. Look at the website for the full range http://www.cobbs.info/

In the evening sweets like Wild Berry Pavlova served with Arran ice-cream and home made Lemon Cheesecake...are to die for. This week Fraser picked some wonderful rhubarb from his own garden and created a Raspberry and Rhubarb Coulis to top the new cheesecake - believe you me, this sets your senses alight with its tartness.
It is a great job being a 'dessert guinea-pig'.
Creme Brulee infused with Clayva liqueur and drizzled with fresh cream is a real Highland dessert with the added kick of the whisky liqueur setting you up nicely to finish off with a few malts.

Cobbs is just about to launch a new range of mouth watering cakes made with pure Scottish butter, natural ingredients and to top it all - home made toffee. This is to be called 'toffeelicious'. This range will be available from June - I can't wait to sample them as I am a toffee fanatic - hope you are aswell - hope to see you all soon at Cobbs 'pudding club'
Yours in 'sweet ness'
Willie Cameron

2009-05-14T07:58:00.002+01:00

After a week of atrocious weather only suitable for ducks and monsters, Monday was a scorcher all over the North of Scotland - The West Coast up to Applecross was superb - no wind just sunshine and clear blue skies.
That is a great trip to make when you come to stay at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel - I did this same trip with guests yesterday.
Coffee at Clunie Inn, viewpoint at Ratagan looking towards the Five Sisters of Kintail, stop at Eilean Donan Castle where Highlander was filmed, lunch at Applecross Inn - fabulous scallops in garlic - then back by Shieldig along the Trans-Atlantic Highway via Ord Distillery and back in time for dinner at the Clansman Hotel.
Later that evening, the guests were taken out by Rory on his boat 'Time Bandit' - a beautiful May evening and guess what they returned with - a lovely 1.5lb brown trout which chef duly grilled with lemon, butter and a little crushed black pepper - Deeelicious.
You to can experience these trips - book on-line now
Look forward to seeing you
Willie Cameron

2009-05-04T17:13:00.002+01:00

A great partnership
Another stunning weekend at Loch Ness - May bank holiday, yourselves and the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel...what a great partnership. GOOD WEATHER, GOOD COMPANY & GOOD FOOD.

We were really busy throughout the holiday weekend with guests from all over the world out to enjoy themselves. After a day touring, sailing, hiking and biking around - what you need is a relaxing drink and a good meal.
Here at the Clansman Hotel our head chef David West, assisted by Mark MacMillan and team put on a cornucopia of edible delights all sourced locally with a Scottish flavour and an international fusion style.

Our meat comes from Stuart Grant in Grantown on Spey, our fish from Andy Race inMalaig, our Salmon from Letterfinlay and our fruit and veg from Williamsons in Inverness.

Everything else comes from our main supplier to all our outlets - Fife Creamery in Kirkaldy are the No.1 operators for 'Chilled Food' in Scotland. They have excellent representatives all over the country and our own - Charlie Sinclair is not only our business contact but has become a personal friend to the company.
If we have trouble sourcing something, Charlie is our Mr Fix-it and constantly keeps us up to date with the latest lines on offer to the hotel and catering industry.

Our wonderful Scottish cheeses from the Connage Organic Highland Dairy come to us via Fife Creamery - a lovely way to finish off a meal together with a glass of our Taylor's late bottled vintage port.

As you know, we own Cobbs Bakery - the premier supplier of home-made cakes in Scotland. These also can be sourced through Fife Creamery as they distribute these wonderful treats throughout the whole of Scotland.
Finally - a great partnership, a great team...send us your shopping list and we will oblige.
See you soon, Willie Cameron.

2009-04-27T12:09:00.002+01:00

Hottest Tickets in Town
Well that's us back from Visit Scotland Expo selling the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel - a hard and tiring couple of days but the rewards are worth it.
The great interest in Scotland and particularly Loch Ness and the Highlands as a holiday destination is fantastic. A trip to Loch Ness is the hottest ticket in town and with the present economic crisis, it is fantastic value for money.

So don't hesitate - book now or availability might be snapped up.
Staying at the Loch Ness Clansman gives you a hassle free holiday with plenty to do - trips on the Jacobite - visit Urquhart Castle - Monster Exhibition - walks in Glen Affric - day trips to Cairngorm National Park, Ben Nevis, Applecross and the West.
So much to do - so little time.
We cater for the new 'nano' break (1 night) - short stay or longer if required.
So please be like all the operators we met at Expo - contact us today and book that break you have been promising yourselves - You deserve it - yes, the hottest ticket in town.
Willie Cameron

2009-04-21T06:40:00.002+01:00

Happy Lambing!
Spring has sprung at Loch Ness with Marion our Head Housekeeper taking time off to deliver this years lambs. She lives with her husband high in the hills above Loch Ness in a place called Abriachan.
You can take a marvellous walk from the hotel right up to the top of Abriachanand get both excellent exercise and see the stunning views over Loch Ness. There is also a fantastic mountain bike assault course for the brave hearted.
It is said in the olden days that Abriachan was famous for the illicit distilling of whisky to supply the growing population of Inverness - sadly those days are all gone - fallen into the mists of time of local history.

Talking about history, last week was the aniversary of the Battle of Culloden - 16th April 1746 and yesterday the Gaelic Society of Inverness held a service of Rememberance for the fallen.
People came from all over the world. We even had a gentleman and his son from Dublin staying with us to attend the ceremony. The Loch Ness Clansman Hotel is an excellent base.

This week Rory, Sarah and myself are off to Visit Scotland Expo at the SECC in Glasgow - This is a showcase exhibition for the tourist trade, where buyer meets supplier. We would like to extend an invitation to you all to visit us at stand D7 (hall 3) where I will be able to regail you with stories from the Clansman here at Loch Ness.
Look forward to seeing you and good luck with the lambing!!
Willie Cameron

Ken your Country
On New Year's Eve 1940, a World War II Bomber ditched into Loch Ness. The Wellington was recovered in 1985 and can now be seen at the Brooklands Museum in Surrey.

2009-04-14T09:53:00.003+01:00

WELCOME TO TROPICAL SCOTLAND

Wow!! - What amazing Easter weather.

Here at Loch Ness we have been blessed with a wonderful sun filled weekend.
It was a pleasure looking after all of you who ventured to the North of Scotland and the worlds most famous stretch of water.
You ate well, drank well, soaked up scenery, walked, jogged, sailed, motored, cycled and then in the evening listened to the Scottish and Celtic sounds of our resident musicians - Willie and Stuart - for tax purposes known as the Murphy brothers then sampled our range of malt whisky's with a little lesson on the subject from myself.

As always, the world was represented really well, people from Australia, China, Japan, India, Europe and of course England, Ireland and Wales - the place to be seen was definately Loch Ness.

The weather was so good - Rory got the BBQ out on Saturday and Sunday and was inundated with hungry people getting their first bite of an Aberdeen Angus beefburger before sailing to Urquhart Castle and on return picked up dessert - a cool 99' cone with Rory's freshly made ice-cream.
What more could one ask for?
REAL LOCH NESS CHILLOUT!! - HAPPY HOLIDAYS

KEN YOUR COUNTRY
Loch Ness was the birth place of commercial Hydo Electric Power at Ft Augustus on the south side of the Loch.
Today, the new Hydro scheme at Glendoe is one of the jewels of modern Scottish industry - this is also at Ft Augustus.

2009-04-09T16:00:00.002+01:00

WELCOME TO THE MOVIES!
Easter is upon us and Loch Ness is getting busier after the long winter.

Someone writting in the local paper said they were amazed that no-one had sighted 'Nessie' - as we know, that event will arise.

The highlight of the week so far is the arrival of a major Indian film company shooting a new psychological thriller called 'Purple Lake' directed by Vishal Pandya. Most of Sunday's filming took place at the Clansman Harbour and on the Jacobite boats on Loch Ness.

Loch Ness is no stranger to film companies using this amazing location from documentaries, adverts and promotions to full films.
In 1962 'What a Whopper' staring Adam Faith, Sid James and Spike Milligan - an early 'Carry- On' type movie was part filmed here and a very rare original poster of the film can be seen in the Loch Ness Clansman games-room.
Released in 1970, 'The Private Life of Sherlock Homes' directed by the world famous Billy Wilder was also shot here. In 1968 'Submarine X1' with James Caan; in 1996 'Loch Ness' with Ted Danson and Joley Richardson; in 2001 the horendous 'The Evil Beneath Loch Ness' staring Patrick Bergin was filmed between here and California as can be cheesily seen in the continuity matching. Water Horse, although filmed mainly in New Zealand, featured the Loch Ness story.
Cartoons like 'Skooby-Doo' and the 'Simpsons', commercials for Toyota, Abercrombie and Fitch, 'Orange' and 'Vodaphone' together with 'Kit-Kat' all features 'Nessie'.

So the magic of Hollywood or Bollywood is not a stranger to us here at Loch Ness - in fact it's pretty normal, so much so that we ran a PR stunt a number of years ago with a look alike Sean Connery and Julia Roberts photographed at a new road sign 'DRUMOLLYWOOD - Welcome to the movies'!!

Ken Your Country
Loch Ness attracts one million visitors per annum, generating £25 million sterling to the local economy.

2009-04-01T17:19:00.002+01:00

Today, ofcourse is the 1st April 2009 - April Fool's day and no where on earth is more appropriate for practical jokes, hoaxes and generally taking the 'mick' out of Jo public than Loch Ness - world famous for numerous hoaxes - the most noted being the 'Surgeons' photograph created with a toy submarine from Woolworths and a peice of plastercine to replicate the 'beasts' neck - then duly photographed - then passed to the Daily Mail - then fooled the world for 50 years.
Here at the Loch Ness Clansman we have been renounced for our April Fool stunts...remember the floating golf course on Loch Ness and the re-sighting of the Little Mermaid of Copenhagen - both stories featuring in national newspapers.
However today we played a minor joke on our earst hotel Managing Director Mr Rory Cameron. Rory was left a note to contact Mr H. Vanrental, a Dutch tour operator from a company called 'Debustours, DeNederland' Ref. Lunch bookings throughout the summer and to call 0870-850-2661.
On my return, Rory informed me that the number I gave him belonged to HERTZ Car Hire and that they didn't know what he was talking about. The whole conversation was witnessed by a former employee who is pregnant and is due tomorrow 2nd April.
On my revealing that Mr H. Vanrental was infact HERTZ-VAN-RENTAL the penny dropped too much hilarity for all parties concerned including pregnant Louise who nearly had her baby there and then - another Loch Ness hoax!!

2009-03-30T08:52:00.002+01:00

Following on from 'Have you seen Nessie?' the LOCH NESS STORY is still as much alive as it has ever been. This weekend saw the arrival of Nick Watt and his crew from ABC News to film 'Good Morning America' live from Loch Ness.
After interviewing local eye witnesses Val Moffat and Ronnie Mackintosh, they interviewed scientist Adrian Shine to get the other side of the story.
Later on Nick Watt bravely donned dry suit and all the gear to go Nessie hunting - plunging into the cold dark depths. The episode took place in the Clansman Harbour opposite the hotel where the amazing picture window gives you a mind blowing panoramic view of the Loch - the ideal position to await the arrival of something strange and paranormal.
Your wait can be softened by an excellent choice of single malt whiskys served in the bar - slainte!!

Ken your Country
Loch Ness holds the greatest volume of fresh water in Great Britian. There is more water in Loch Ness than in every lake; river; stream; tributary; pond; canal and reservoir in England and Wales put together.
Into Loch Ness, you can immerse every human being living on earth 3 times over!

2009-03-25T09:26:00.003Z

Years ago when the SWATCH submarine plied its trade from the Clansman Harbour an American lady was overhead asking the price of this once in a lifetime trip. '£75 madam' was the reply to which she asked 'is that a return?'!
Loch Ness attracts all sorts - James Barrie who wrote Peter Pan, Millais the artist, Trallope the writer to name but a few.
You too can holiday here or short break and be an eccentric for a few days.
Join us.

Ken your country
Drumnadrochit means 'ridge over the bridge' in gaelic. What it means in English - who knows. Capital of Loch Ness, 8 miles from the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, Scotland in Bloom winners. Pretty little village with its central point - the village green and its floral Urquhart Castle, well photographed. Well worth a visit to see the castle and the exhibition to you know who!!

2009-03-20T07:39:00.002Z

The two most asked questions at the Loch Ness Clansman bar are
1. Have you seen the Loch Ness monster?
2. How far is it to the Isle of Skye?

My name is Willie Cameron - answer to all things Scottish especially Loch Ness, whisky, food and drink, a little bit of history, tall tales, short tales, fable and fiction.
Welcome to the living X-files - an experience of a lifetime.

I was once described by Alan Brown of The Sunday Times as having 'boyish sincerity' and by BBC Natural History Unit as likened to Indiana Jones!
I can be found at the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel most days and most nights...usually near the bar or thereabouts.

Going back to these questions, there are two seasons for sightings The Loch Ness Monster "January and the rest of the year" and Skye's not for passing the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle on the way - film location for the original 'Highlander'. You too can walk in Sean Connery's footsteps -see you soon!!

Ken your Country
Drumossie Moor is 4 miles east of Inverness - better known as Culloden Battlefield.
Here the Jacobite rising, fought so bravely but drained away - cut down by the Duke of Cumberland, the last battle fought on British soil - 10th April 1746.

Welcome to Craic from The Clansman

2009-03-12T14:55:00.002Z

Welcome to our new blog. We will begin posting here very shortly ...