Snow in Scotland

Scotland - The best small snowy country in the world

Well - what a year this has been for snow - here is a photograph of the gardens in Princes Street in Edinburgh with snow in early December.

Usually we don't have a lot of snow in the capital and it usually doesn't lie for more than a day or so. However this year 2010 we have had great snow, great skiing and total chaos on the roads. The main motorway link from Edinburgh to Glasgow was closed for 2 days. The main roads north from Edinburgh have been closed for hours at a time over a 2 week period. Temperatures have fallen dramatically reaching a bone chilling -18c in Perthshire.

If you are coming to Edinburgh for the new year celebrations - bring some extra warm clothing. Last year we had a cold snap over the christmas holiday break. Perhaps it will be the same this year. So much for global warming!

However this ideal weather to take photographs for our range of Scottish Christmas cards for next year 2011 - see them at www.flavell.com

Scotland - The best wet small country in the world

The early summer has been the wettest since records began more than 240 years ago, the Met Office has confirmed. Figures covering three months up to 23 July show more than 387mm (15.2in) of rain fell. That is more than double the average of 186mm (7.3in) for the period, resulting in two bouts of devastating floods in parts of Scotland in June and July. August has been even worse. The previous biggest summer deluge since records started in 1766 came in 1789 when almost 350mm (13.8in) fell.

I have been drenched on several occasions but am happy to have had ny Waterproof Paper Notebook to keep my records. I just write on it with an ordinary pencil.

The good news is that it has been great for some of the plants and scenery. If you get a chance go and visit Argyll in the next few weeks and see some of the fantastic colours.

Watersports in the Islands round Scotland

Watersports in the Islands around Scotland

Scotland is famous for its watersports. Sailing in the West Coast or Powerboating in Loch Lomond - there is always much wildlife to see and things do and photograph from the boat.
This weekend saw boat owners all along the Clyde coast preparing their craft for the annual used boat show - it is also the start of the Wave Classic on the Hebridean island of Tiree.

The Tiree Wave Classic has become an annual fixture for sailors more used to the tropical climes of Hawaii. The island's surf-swept beaches, combined with autumn storms sweeping the Atlantic, produce perfect conditions for this spectacular winsurfing competition.
Known as the "land below the waves", Tiree's lack of hills allows the wind to blow uninterrupted while its beautiful sandy beaches are directly exposed to the Atlantic waves.

Yours Aye

Gordon Flavell

www.flavell.com

Supporting Scottish tourism and wildlife

Oban and District

Oban in Argyll is the gateway to the Western Isles of scotland.

The islands of Scotland are some of the most enchanting places on earth. Even the tiniest of them has its own individual character and charm. Dramatic sunsets, spectacular scenery and a traditional Scottish island welcome are just a few of the things that await you. Whether you visit one island or island-hop round a few, we invite you to find your perfect island with Caledonian MacBrayne.

Although the town is most famous for the Caledonian McBrayne ferry which carries visitors and locals alike to the wonders of the Isles of Mull, Islay and beyond , the town and surrounding areas are particularly scenic and historic.

I enjoy my journeys to the local area as there are so many different places to see. Loch Awe and Loch Etive on the road to the east and Tyndrum. Inveraray on Loch Fyneon the road south.

In Oban I particularly like the walk up the hill to McCaigs Tower and also Pulpitt hill which overlooks the fishing harbour and ferry terminal. If you enjoy fine whisky don't forget the visit to the distillery in the middle of the town. Enjoy the cafes, shops and fresh fish stalls near the seafront. Dunstaffnage castle and marina is just outside the town and is worth a visit. Cross Connel bridge on the way to Port Appin and the Isle of Lismore.

Our Oban Callendar is one of a range of local Argyll and Bute stationery all available in the town and surrounding area.

Enjoy your visit

Yours Aye

Gordon Flavell

www.flavell.com

Linlithgow Palace West Lothian

A year in Linlithgow, West Lothian

Interesting places in Linlithgow - this is the statue of the green man in the Rose Garden beside Linlithgow Palace - an excellant plae to start your tour of Linlithgow

A small selection of the many places and opportunities that may interest you to include in your customised tour of Linlithgow

Linlithgow Palace the birth place of Mary Queen of Scots.
Union Canal , experience a leisurely cruise into the Royal Burgh.
Gain an insight to the amazing Life of Mary Queen of Scots.
Linlithgow Story Museum, experienced Linlithgow's excellent Museum.
Scottish Garden Rigg, appreciate, and walk through, the wonderful garden
Linlithgow Loch, enjoy the view and feed the Royal Swans.
St.Michaels Church,appreciate the wonderful interior of this magnificent Church.
Canal Museum, visit the only one in Scotland at the Manse Road Canal Basin.
See and hear about the towns Doo'cot, Provost's Lamp and Cross Well.
Find out why the locals are proud to be called 'Black Bitches'.
Visit the site of the first 'gun murder' in Scotland.


See them all in the Linlithgow Calendar for 2007 photographed by Gordon Flavell

If you have time to enjoy your visit why not also go and see the Falkirk Wheel

Good luck

Gordon Flavell
www.flavell.com

North Berwick

North Berwick

A Royal Burgh in East Lothian. The name North Berwick means North 'barley farmstead'. Bere in Old English means 'barley' and wic in Old English is 'farmstead'.

The word North was applied to distinguish this Berwick from Berwick-upon-Tweed, which throughout the Middle Ages the Scots called South Berwick. It was recorded as Northberwyk in 1250

A very pleasant and tranquil town not far from Edinburgh. A splendid beach, an interesting and sometimes challenging links golf course and now with its own immensely popular visitor attraction, the Scottish Seabird Centre.

North Berwick also boasts a famous island - the Bass Rock and a castle near by - Tantallon

I have enjoyed visiting North Berwick for many years and am pleased to have produced the North Berwick calendar for 2007.

The North Berwick calendar is one of a series of Scottish calendars which can be personalised for business, cub and association promotions

Yours Aye

Gordon Flavell

www.flavell.om

Linlithgow, West Lothian

The ancient burgh town of Linlithgow in West Lothian

It is well worth taking the opportunity to look round Linlithgow - a special place with its own loch, palace, canal and museum. Walk along the old Linlithgow high street and visit the local independent shops, pubs and restaurants.

Find out about the story of Linlithgow and its growth during the reigns of the Stewart kings of Scotland . Learn about the early trades of the town and something of the life of the towns people.

Explore the extensive terraced garden at the museum or walk through the peel at Linlithgow palace. See the views across Linlithgow town to the historic St Michaels Church dedicated as early as 1242 and the imposing Linlithgow Palace, birthplace, in 1542, of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Get your own 2007 Linlithgow Calendar and Linlithgow Notebooks and Stationery

Take a guided tour with Linlithgow Tours - this is what they offer

Linlithgow Cross and Palace Tour
A walking tour highlighting the historic sites around the Town Hall , Kirkgate , St.Michaels Church and Linlithgow Palace , the Birth Place of Mary Queen of Scots.

Historical Linlithgow Tour
Includes a visit to Linlithgow Story at Annet House, the garden riggs, the site of the first 'Gun Murder' in Scotland and the back ‘wynds’ of the Royal Burgh.

Linlithgow Canal Sail and Walking Combined Tour
Cruise into the town along the Union Canal on board the St.Magdalene or Victoria , visit the Canal Museum, and check out the Royal DooÂ’cot. Walk along the back wynds, visit Linlithgow Story Museum , view Linlithgow Loch, Linlithgow Palace and St Michaels Church and much more.

Good Luck
Yours Aye

Gordon Flavell

www.flavell.com

Souvenir memories of your visit to Scotland