Stirling: the perfect base for an Outlander tour

by ssc | Aug 20, 2015 | Blog

The world of Outlander has captivated TV viewers the world over, and the star of the series is neither Claire nor Jamie, but Scotland itself.

Doune Castle – Castle Leoch in Outlander

Author Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore at the New York premiere of Outlander

Filmed entirely on location here, Outlander has used some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes to create its fictional backdrop. And many of these are just a stone’s throw away from our properties in Stirling. So why not create your own Outlander tour today? In this first of two blogs, we will look at Outlander locations close to Stirling. Next time, we’ll do those best reached from Perth. Start planning your tour!

Doune Castle: Just eight miles from Stirling, Doune Castle has become the darling of film crews the world over, attracting the makers of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and many more. In Outlander, Doune Castle is used to depict Castle Leoch, home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the episodes set around the first rumblings of the Jacobite Rebellion. Look out for it too in the 20th-century timeline, when Claire and Frank visit the castle in ruins. More detail on this stunning 14th century castle, how to get there, and admission.

Culross: Just 19 miles from Stirling, the historic Royal Burgh of Culross will be familiar to Outlander fans as Cranesmuir, home to Geillis Duncan and her husband Arthur. Described by the National Trust for Scotland as ‘the town that time has passed by’, Culross provides a near-perfect tableau of preserved 17th and 18th century buildings and townhouses. Walk the cobbled streets in Claire’s footsteps, and don’t forget to visit Culross Palace: the herb garden there is the one which Claire tends in the grounds of fictional Castle Leoch. More information on Culross.

Boness and Kinneil Railway: Just 21 miles from Stirling is the hidden gem of Boness and Kinneil Steam Railway. The carefully preserved platform of this working railway provided the backdrop to Claire and Frank’s fond farewell in wartime London – a gift for film crews. Steam trains at Boness and Kinneil run throughout the year, with additional events including afternoon tea trains and seasonal specials. There’s also a museum, café, and super-helpful volunteer staff. Plan your visit around their timetable.

Aberdour Castle: Drive just 32 miles from Stirling and you will find Aberdour Castle on the Fife coast. This 12th century castle appears in Outlander as the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré, where Jamie seeks refuge in Episode 16. Pay particular attention to the castle’s Old Kitchen and Long Gallery, as these were used most in filming. Arguably the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland, Aberdour also boasts lovingly tended walled gardens and views overlooking the Forth. More information.

Linlithgow Palace: Just 21 miles’ drive will take you to Linlithgow’s 15th century palace. This commanding loch-side ruin was used in Outlander to double for the prison entrance and corridors Jamie’s imprisonment scenes in Episode 15. Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a refuge for Edinburgh’s brightest students during the Great Plague, Linlithgow Palace is a beguiling place with a fascinating history. More details.

Blackness Castle: Just 27 miles from Stirling is Blackness Castle, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Outlander crews used this formidable fortress to depict the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Built as a garrison fort and state prison, the austere castle offers expansive views across the Firth of Forth to Fife, as well as Scotland’s celebrated Forth Bridges. More information.

Culross became Cranesmiur for Outlander filming

Linlithgow Palace, which doubles as a prison in Outlander episode 15

Photo credits: Doune Castle: By Wikifan75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.  Street in Culross: By KENNETH BARKER [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Outlander Premiere: By Christine Ring [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Linlithgow Palace: Paul Taylor [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

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Local Heroes: Falleninch Farm Butchers

by ssc | Aug 6, 2015 | Blog

In the shadow of Stirling’s historic castle grazes a contented herd of pedigree Charolais cattle. This distinctive, light-coloured herd is a living trademark of Falleninch Farm. Selling top-quality meats direct from its lush fields to the customer, Falleninch Farm Butchers are this week’s Local Heroes.

Grazing in the shadow of Stirling Castle

The Charolais herd has adoring fans of all ages

The Hornall family have farmed on the carse of Stirling for more than 50 years and three generations. But they’re not only experienced farmers: with a talented team of 16 that includes finance and logistics experts as well as skilled butchers, they have transformed Falleninch Farm into a thriving direct retail business in little over a year. We spoke to Michael Campbell, their Chief Operating Officer, to learn more.

What drove the change to selling direct? “Our Managing Director Andrew Hornall had several requests from local people asking if they could buy from us – they’d heard about our reputation for quality produce and meat that we have been delivering to restaurants, caterers and hotels across central Scotland for 50 years. Andrew then got me involved in setting up the retail butcher’s operation and website which we launched in February 2014. It’s been well received, with customers coming to the farm to shop or collect orders placed online, or enjoying free delivery to their home or workplace.”

Falleninch have thought long and hard about what its customers want, and deliver the ease of supermarket buying with a lot more attention to detail. As well as building a fully stocked farm butcher’s shop that’s open six days per week, they have built a car park and new access road to make it easy for visitors to pop in to see the products on offer, chat to the butchers, and get exactly what they need. Not only that, but the staff will even carry your bags out to the car. And those who can’t make it into the shop, or live a bit further away, can order online, by phone or Facebook, and Falleninch will deliver – free if your order is over £50. And there’s click and collect too.

They’ve made great changes in a short space of time, and that takes pride and enthusiasm. “We’re proud to provide people in Stirling and central Scotland with a wide range of meat products that’s fresher, cheaper and better quality than you can find in the supermarkets – and service with a smile.” explains Michael. “We’re also very proud of our team and what they’ve achieved: it’s great to create local employment and career opportunities, and see people thrive in a growing business.”

Though Falleninch Farm Butchers also prepare and sell top quality chicken and pork, their bestsellers are beef in all its preparations – from steaks to handmade burgers, their award-winning sausages and much more. And that’s down to Managing Director Andrew Hornall’s deep knowledge of his animals and his product. As well as having spent all his life on the farm, he is a Director of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society and Vice Chairman of the British Charolais Cattle Society Ltd. In addition to various business interests, his passion is rearing pedigree Charolais cattle, like the Falleninch Herd. As a breeder and international judge of cattle, he is also skilled in sourcing the very best meat from his own farm and other carefully selected suppliers. Couple that expertise with the skills of Mark Ramsay, Head Butcher, and his dedicated team of butchers, and the farm produce a range of meats that’s difficult to beat for quality, taste, or value.

As consumers become ever more interested in what they are eating, and where it is from, Falleninch’s timing couldn’t have been better. As well as their pedigree Charolais cattle, the farm has a commercial herd of mixed breeds, including Aberdeen Angus crosses and traditional Scottish breeds like Luing. Building on the heritage of third-generation farming with a respect both for animals and the land, these cattle are grass-fed in as natural a way as possible. Michael explains more: “For the commercial cattle, we introduced an ‘extensively grazed’, or ‘New Zealand’ style system last year, where the cattle spend most of the year outdoors and are out-wintered – as far as possible. We invest in cultivating best quality, highly nutritious grass, which in turn results in healthy, happy cattle and high quality beef. This style of farming is commonplace in the southern hemisphere but not yet widespread in Britain. Our Farm Manager, Jason Hodgson, hails from New Zealand, where he spent many years raising cattle on the family farm: he has vast experience in this field – no pun intended!”

Having gained some 17,000 fans on Facebook in just 18 months, a large regular customer base, and deliveries across central Scotland, what are the goals for the future? “Keeping existing customers happy, and finding new customers who will love what we do, to continue to build our business based on our values of freshness, quality and friendly service. Nothing makes us happier than making our customers happy, and they rate us 4.9/5!”

Top quality meat from farm to fridge

To order: see their website: http://www.falleninchfarm.co.uk/

Like them on Facebook for prizes and offers: https://www.facebook.com/falleninchfarm

All photos by kind permission of Falleninch Farm.

 

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Spotlight on Perthshire: Five great days out

by ssc | Jul 22, 2015 | Blog

During the summer holidays it’s sometimes a challenge planning days out that will appeal to all (or at least most!) of your family members. Here are a few ideas for simple days out that will make each of your party smile for a day. They are all highly rated on Trip Advisor too.

Ron Gillies raises a glass of his acclaimed Scottish cider

Cairn O’Mohr Fruit Wines: Owned by Ron and Judith Gillies, (who met playing poker on a river boat in the mangroves of the Panamanian jungle – yes, it’s true), The Cairn O’Mohr Winery has been making wine since 1987. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Carse of Gowrie, Perthshire, the winery uses the very best local berries, wild flowers, fruits and leaves to make its wines, ciders and fruit punches. In their words you can visit the Cairn O’Mohr winery and cider house ‘just about any time you like apart from the middle of the night probably’. Tours regularly run Wednesday and Sunday at £6 a person, but rustle up a group and you can arrange a tour for any day. In early summer take a walk through their elderflower plantation bursting with insects, elderflowers, and buttercups, or make a date in your diary for their International Bottle Smashing Tournament. For full details see: http://www.cairnomohr.com/

Highland Safari: For an amazing day outdoors, try Highland Safaris, based in Aberfeldy. Their award-winning Land Rover safaris get your right up close to the landscape and wildlife of the Highlands, with an experienced guide who can help you spot even the most elusive animals. There are a range of safaris on offer: mountain or forest safaris, walking safaris, cycle safaris, and private charters too. If you want something a bit more sedate you’ll enjoy their Red Deer and Barn Owl centre for daily ‘encounter’ sessions where you can meet, touch, and photograph these beautiful creatures. For full details and prices, see: http://www.highlandsafaris.net/

Loch Dunmore, Faskally Wood, Perthshire

Faskally Wood: Faskally Wood in Perthshire is quickly earning the name of ‘The Enchanted Forest’. Every year from 1 October, the forest is lit up in the evening with hi-tech light displays to illuminate nature and to draw visitors to the outdoors in a new and engaging way. It’s an award-winning event that is gathering momentum every year, so book tickets early. You can do that here: http://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/ However, Faskally wood is a beautiful forest to enjoy at any time of year, and in daylight hours! One mile north of Pitlochry, it lies on the banks of Loch Dunmore and offers a network of well-tended and easy footpaths with spectacular views. More information on this brilliant website: http://www.perthshirebigtreecountry.co.uk/places/pitlochry-road-isles/faskally-wood

Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery: This one is for dads! Lying just three miles from the birthplace of its founder John Dewar, the Dewar Distillery in Aberfeldy has been distilling the single malt whisky that is the key component of Dewars Scotch. There’s a café and whisky lounge, and interactive tours offer an engaging insight into the age-old process of distillation. There are limited editions on sale and you can even ‘fill your own’ cask strength bottle to take home. The expert and critically acclaimed tours take place daily throughout the day at £9.50 for adults (with a dram!) and under 12s go free. Details here: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/dewars-aberfeldy-distillery-p421491

The majestic Queens View, Pitlochry

Queens View: Said to be one of the most photographed spots in Scotland, Queen’s View in Pitlochry is worth a visit in itself. Queen Victoria reportedly favoured the spot on her visit to the area in 1866, though it’s likely that it was actually named after Queen Isabella, the first wife of Robert the Bruce, some 500 years earlier. Queen’s View overlooks Loch Tummel and beyond to the striking peak of Schiehallion, and is part of the Tay Forest Park. It’s an ideal point from which to choose from one of a number of forest walks for all abilities. Hungry walkers can eat at the Visitor Centre cafe, where you will also find lots of information about the area. For full details, see: http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/forest-parks/tay-forest-park/queens-view-visitor-centre

Photo Credits: 

• Cairn O’Mohr Winery: Photo used with kind permission of Cairn O’Mohr Winery: http://www.cairnomohr.com/
• Reflections on Loch Dunmore: Arthur Bruce [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
• Queens View: By Phil Sangwell from United Kingdom (Queens View ,Pitlochry) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Summer holidays 2015

by ssc | Jul 9, 2015 | Blog

Highland Games hammer throwing

The summer holidays are upon us! School’s out and the kids are home. Whether you love summer with your family or agree with writer Caitlin Moran in declaring it ‘a state of emergency’, here are some ideas to keep both you and the little ones sane throughout the summer.

Highland Games: These traditional Scottish events offer something for everyone – from serious competition to dancing, audience participation tug o’war and kids’ activities. And there’s good food to be had too. For some Highland Games close to Stirling and Perth check out Alva Games on 11 July, http://www.alva.ukctest.co.uk/home/, Loch Lomond Highland Games on 18 July http://www.llhgb.com/ and the Kinlochard Family Highland Games on 19 July http://www.kinlochard.org/gala2015.html – there’s lots for the children to do at that one in particular.

The Crannog Centre, at beautiful Loch Tay

Foodie Festivals: 2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and drink and there’s never been a better time to sample some of our nation’s greatest flavours. For a fun and educational family day out, why not try some Iron Age fare at the Crannog Centre on Loch Tay, Aberfeldy on 16 July, learning about ancient cooking methods and tasting the finished results. For details and tickets, see http://www.crannog.co.uk/. Or, if you’re in Stirling, celebrate the Old Town Jail’s summertime reopening with its fabulous family day out, The Great Escape. This event on 18 July will include an outdoor market, magicians, story-telling, live music, and brand-new Crime and Punishment exhibition featuring costumed actors. And it’s free. Click here for details.

Watch the sport of Kings at Perth Races

Something Different: For an exciting day out with a difference, why not head to Perth Races on 12 July for its Family Fun Race Day? There’s racing for the grown-ups, a One Direction Tribute band for the teenagers, and the ‘Action Glen Extravaganza’ for the kids, including giant inflatables, archery, pony rides, segways and much more. All these activities are included in the ticket price, with junior race cards throw in too. Full details here: https://www.perth-races.co.uk/. Love to dance? There’s Scottish dancing for all, throughout the summer, In Linlithgow Palace Courtyard. This brilliant, inclusive event is becoming incredibly popular with both tourists and locals alike. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy your tea and shortbread too! Under 12s go free, tickets on the door: http://www.scotchhop.org.uk/. Fans of Alice in Wonderland, young and old, will love The White Rabbit Treasure Hunt in Pitlochry, presented by the Walking Theatre Company. The White Rabbit is looking for the Red Queen, and the Red Queen is looking for her flowers – don’t lose your heads! For ticket prices and booking, see https://pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com/

• Highland Games pic: By Alasdair Middleton from Rothesay, Scotland (Bute Highland Games 2010) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
• Crannog Centre: Elliott Simpson [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
• Other pics: allfreedownload.com

Local Heroes: The Wee Kitchen Company

by ssc | Jun 24, 2015 | Blog

Jennifer’s sparkling new kitchen

In a brand new kitchen in Stirling Enterprise Park, Jennifer McEwan of the Wee Kitchen Company is busy creating some unique recipes for her range of savoury jams, preserves, and accompaniments. It’s been an incredible journey for Jennifer, from the day she made her first chilli jam to opening up sparkling new premises this month, and she is this week’s Local Hero.

The Wee Kitchen Company opened just a year and a half ago, with Jennifer initially cooking from her home, then moving to Stirling Enterprise Park in June. It’s a big change: what drove the decision to move out of home? ‘It had got to the point where I was receiving a lot of orders and it was proving difficult to separate work from family life – and to get the kitchen to myself! I felt I couldn’t take the business any further from my home kitchen. It wouldn’t have been fair on my family.’

Crusty bread, mature cheddar with red pepper and chilli jam

Where did the inspiration for the Company come from? ‘I was a stay at home mum for years – we have five kids. Then everything just fell into place – there wasn’t really a plan as such. I made my first batch of jam around 18 months ago, my friends and family tried it, wanted more, and that was it!’

What’s the best thing about running the Wee Kitchen Company? ‘I love doing events when people are tasting all my flavours and they tell me that they can actually taste the different fresh ingredients.’ (Jennifer will be at Alva Games and the Doune and Dunblane Show very soon.) I also love reading reviews on my Facebook page page. These keep me going when I have had a tough working week working till early hours.’

So things get challenging then? ‘The biggest challenge is trying to run the business alongside family life. I do plan to get help on board soon: at present I’m running everything alone. I’d like to get to a point where I can progress some new ideas I have, like my range of wedding favours. Right now, I work at nights a lot of the time and it can be exhausting. I even have my older children helping me at times – I have to thank them for that. Then you have the guilt of being a working mum – I don’t think that ever goes!’

Fathers Day Hampers, complete with chilli popcorn by Popor

Where is her produce stocked? ‘Quite a few places around Stirlingshire – Hogan’s Fine Foods, Aberfoyle Butchers and Deli, Falleninch Farm, Doune the Deli , Michael More Butchers, The Woodhouse Kippen, The Cardboard Box, Rhubarb Lime, and Torwood Garden Centre, for example. All my stockists have been brilliant, though I have to admit it was a proud moment when the buyer for Historic Scotland phoned and asked if they could stock my jams in Stirling Castle. I really like working with local businesses. I’m working with Stirling Whisky Shop at the moment, on a very special new product that will be launched soon. Wrapistry by Cherene help source the wrap, fillings, bows and accessories for my hampers, and I stock some local handmade food products – including even chilli popcorn from a local supplier Poporopo – that go fantastically well in my hampers.’

Fresh produce is the core of The Wee Kitchen Company’s flavours

I comment that she’s pretty big-hearted to stock the produce of competitors, but it seems that’s just her way – there’s love, laughter and generosity in how she works and cooks. ‘My jams and preserves are fresh, handmade with love, and they are never the same twice. I’m beginning to realise the importance of the seasons in my cooking too. My top sellers change as consumers’ tastes move with the weather. Also, cooking fresh is the centre of everything for me: I buy in season to get the best tastes and to keep costs manageable. Fresh ingredients are naturally variable, so it means that the consistencies and flavours of my products change, no matter how exact my cooking. It’s authentic and, I think, part of the attraction.’

Jennifer’s cooking sounds like alchemy: all bubbling pots, passion, and creativity. Her understanding of her ingredients – chillies especially – is almost scientific. When I ask what product she is most proud of, she simply can’t answer. ‘I like them all!’ she explains. ‘But I am proud of where I’ve got in such a short time – I never thought I could have achieved this.’

Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theweekitchencompany