The Scottish Midge and how to cope!
In any combat scenario it is essential to know your enemy, so here then is the lowdown on that most fearsome of opponents, that fabled beast known for defeating intrepid globetrotters and reducing the most hardened holidaymakers to tears. The Scottish midge. Complaining about the midges or “a’chuileag” in Gaelic is a national obsession, a bit like grumbling about the [...]
Land Management Strategy – Summary for Consultation
25 years from 2018 – incorporating ecological restoration This consultation document – which we hope will circulate widely – is intended to gather opinions about plans to change land use at Ardtornish. It proposes, over a long period – perhaps fifty years or more – to restore a more natural landscape. And it suggests how Ardtornish could support a [...]
Spring on the Ardtornish Estate – a seasonal trilogy (part 3)
On 28 February the ‘Beast from the East’ arrived with a vengeance and much of Scotland ground to a halt. Roads were impassable, public transport stopped, schools and workplaces closed and panic buyers cleared supermarket shelves! After three days of snow we had cabin fever. When day four dawned, Scotland’s fleet of snow ploughs had cleared an escape route [...]
Ardtornish Winter Retreat
Nothing could be more soothing for the soul than a winter break at Ardtornish. Whilst most of the leaves have left their branches and the vivid autumnal colours have disappeared, there is still an enchanting winter wilderness to experience. Shorter days, fewer visitors and spectacular sunsets, you may even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights "Aurora Borealis". [...]
Roast Leg of Hogget with Mint Sauce
Cooking time: 25 minutes per 450g (1lb) plus 25 minutes Oven Temperature: Gas mark 4-5, 180-190°C Serves: 6 For the hogget: 1kg (2.2lb) Hogget leg joint Salt and pepper 2tbsp olive oil 2 – 3 Sprigs of Rosemary 3 Garlic cloves 450g (1lb) small leeks, cut into chunks 450g (1lb) medium parsnips, peeled and cut in half lengthways For the [...]
Winter on the Ardtornish Estate – A Seasonal Trilogy (part 2)
When we visited the Ardtornish Estate last month, autumn was in full bloom. We’d been hoping for an Indian summer but got grey skies and soaked to the bone. Despite the foul weather it was a wonderful trip, and the autumn tones surrounding us, at least gave the illusion of warmth. Fast forward to November and we’re heading to [...]
