Winter Stoat

We've seen the stoats in the garden over the winter but have not managed to get a photograph of them until now. Unfortunately for the stoats their winter coats have only made them more visible this year due to the unseasonably warm weather and distinct lack of snow. The nature reserve has been very busy for the last few weekends with people making the most of the glorious sunshine. This has kept us amused with the wacky races style parking and some of the strange questions we get asked. Our garden has come alive with a variety of birds which is fantastic to see. The only downside is the imminent requirement to start cutting the grass and no chance to get the ride on mower fixed - sorry Miles.

Fire in the hole

We decided a while ago that we would install a second wood burning stove. The first which was a Jotul had made a huge difference to the lounge and we hoped that the second would do the same job in the kitchen. As there is no radiator in the kitchen and the oil fired range is expensive to run, we decided that a small stove which would be easy to light and quick to heat up would fit the bill. After quite a bit of research we decided on a Morso Squirrel which we purchased from Ely Boat Chandlers. The fire has been installed for a couple of months now and we have been very impressed thus far. In comparison to the Jotul it did look a bit like a toy but it has proven itself to be anything but. We have however had to rethink our wood chopping technique to accommodate the wee fire.

Toad Watch

   Back on the nature theme we had a strange experience tonight. In the past we have seen toads on the road leading up from the house but not in the numbers we experienced this evening. There were hundreds of toads so much so that Allison had to get out of the car to move them along.

   As far as I can tell they are Common Toads ( Bufo bufo ) but not being an expert I could be completely wrong so please let us know if you happen to think differently. It was only after we got home that I discovered that toads contain toxins on their skin ( don't tell Allison ). Fortunately her Prince was in the car or it could have been fatal !!!

Happy New Year!

With best wishes from us to you for a healthy, happy new year. We were both a little taken aback by how busy we were last year, having opened our doors at the beginning of August. We look forward to welcoming you in 2012!
 The renovation/refurbishment of The Old Fishing Station continues this year. We now have three bedrooms available - two doubles and one twin - with the new addition on the ground floor. As with the other rooms, access is gained to "Scurdie Ness" via a separate entrance to the main house. The focus of our attention is now the breakfast room and the fourth bedroom (ground floor double). We've also started working on the outside of the house: guttering, drainage, whitewashing... Cultivating the "garden" (a term to be used in its loosest sense!!) is way down the line. However the addition of pots and containers to the front of the house has brought some welcome colour. Primroses and pansies are certainly brightening the place up.
It's our resolution to contribute more frequently to our blog - we are well aware that we have been neglecting it. Be prepared for some renovation updates and photographs!

First of many

Well we have finally managed to open the B & B after many delays. We have been surprised by how busy it's been already, with guests in virtually all week and a few advance booking by phone. Considering we have not advertised - apart from the signs at the top of the road and on the fence - we seem to be going along quite nicely. We should be on the Visit Scotland website shortly and are trying to make our website more appealing to search engines (any tips welcome). Allison has also set up a page on Facebook and as you are probably aware the web site adress is www.theoldfishingstation.co.uk. Here are a couple of pictures of the two rooms which are finished.

Bell Rock

Tod Head

So we have seen our first guests from three different nationalities (none of them British) and all very friendly indeed. We have served our first breakfasts and managed to process a card transaction for the first time. I dare say there will be many more firsts in the weeks to come!

Stoatally Different

For the last few weeks we have seen a family of three stoats playing in the garden from time to time. We assume due mainly to the proliferation of rabbits we seem to have. Quite amazing how nature does its job. Last night we actually saw one of the stoats chasing a rabbit although unsuccessfully. Sorry about the poor picture quality but they move rather fast!

More delays...

In all reality it looks like we will not be able to open before Monday 18th July. Whilst two bedrooms are almost completed (a little bit of dressing left to do) slow progress is being made with the breakfast room. The mucky building work is now complete but we have to re-decorate part of the kitchen and the new breakfast room. We plan to use our dining room as the breakfast room for the short term. The location will not detract from the quality of the food!!