Monday, 29 January 2007
Saturday, 27 January 2007
Abernethy Round Tower Perth
Abernethy Round Tower
The name Abernethy is an extremely potent name in Scottish history. Here was an ancient Pictish capital, and then an ecclesiastical metropolis of the Celtic Church of the Culdees, before St Andrews, conveniently near to Scone, the one-time Royal centre of government only 8 miles away across the River Tay, as the crow flies. Indeed even before that, Abernethy was important, with a Pictish and also Roman fort, port and baths, at Garpow just to the north.
Now little more than a village, Abernethy stands at the foot of its own steeply-climbing Ochils glen, right on the Fife border, looking out across the level carse to the junction of Earn and Tay rivers, just where the latter begins to widen to an estuary, 6 miles south-east of Perth. It is perhaps now most famous for its Celtic Round Tower, one of the only two remaining in Scotland, the second being at Brechin. These are tall, slender, tapering columns, free-standing and not part of church buildings, although sited in later kirkyards. The Abernethy Tower dates probably from the 9th or 10th century, with 11th century alterations. It is 72 feet high and only 8 feet in interior diameter, with walls 3 1/2 feet thick. There were six stages of timber flooring, and door and windows are in the Irish style. The modern clock is somewhat incongruous. These towers served the Celtic clergy as steeples, watch-towers against Viking invaders and others, and refuges. There are still 76 of them standing in Ireland.
With its Tower, Church and Churchyard, new Museum, winding Glen walks, Mercat Cross and Traditional Houses, Abernethy village has much to show the visitor, in addition to its resounding history, although scarcely resounding perhaps was the sorry day when the great King Malcolm Canmore did homage to William the Conqueror, in 1072, at Abernethy, as evidently the only way to get the Norman and his invading army to go home. It was Malcolm's English Queen Margaret, later sanctified by grateful Rome, who instituted the pro-Romish movement in Scotland which was to oust the Celtic Church not only from Abernethy but from all the land.
Abernethy was made a burgh of barony in 1476, under the famous Archibald Bell-the-Cat Douglas, Earl of Angus; and his present-day descendant, the Duke of Hamilton, bears the style of Lord Abernethy amongst his many subsidiary titles. The Douglases had inherited Abernethy by marriage with the heiress of the MacDuff line of Hereditary Abbots of Abernethy, who became secularised as the de Abernethy family. To them, as the second main stem of the great MacDuff house, had passed the right of crowning the Scots monarchs, after the end of the senior stem, Earls of Fife, hence the Duke of Hamilton's presenting to the present Queen her Scottish crown at St. Giles Cathedral in 1953, at that significant ceremony.
About two miles east of the village, and actually over the Fife border above Newburgh, are the remains of MacDuff's Cross, where once all man-slayers to within the 9th degree of consanguinity with the Earls of Fife or Lords Abernethy, could claim sanctuary and gain remission of penalty other than the payment of a fixed indemnity to the victim's family--a most useful inheritance in otherwise lawless days.
To the other side of the village, high on a shoulder of Castle Law hill to the south-west, is the site of a famous Scots hill-fort, massively built of dry-stone walling with binding timber beaming, a type of construction noted by Julius Caesar. These forts were roughly contemporary with the Roman Invasions. It was in 80 AD that the celebrated Agricola "opened up new nations, for the territory of tribes as far as the estuary named Tanous (Tay) was ravaged", according to the Consul's son-in-law Tacitus. The Carpow Roman fort's site, unlike the Pictish one, is on low ground near the Tay. Nearby is Carpow House, and the scanty remains of old Capow. Here was the ancient seat of the Lords of Abernethy.
Abernethy is ideally located for easy trips to the St Andrews, Dunfermline, Culross, Perth, Edinburgh, Falkland Palace, and all of historic Fife and Perthshire. Nearby are several quality self catering cottages.
Thursday, 25 January 2007
Cheap Holiday Cottage Scotland

Cheap Holiday Cottage in Scotland
At this time of year when money is tight,a short break in fife Scotland by the sea is an ideal place.Is it a for a short break or holiday to get away from it all?. January and February are ideal times for a Cheap Cottage Break or holiday at one of our properties in Fife, Scotland, as you will see from our prices listed below:
Prices 2007
Pounds (£) stirling per week | Castaway Sleeps 5 | Seashell Sleeps 6 | Weavers Sleeps 6 |
January | £275.oo | £225.oo | £250.oo |
February | £275.oo | £225.oo | £250.oo |
March | £295.oo | £250.oo | £275.oo |
April | £395.oo | £350.oo | £375.oo |
May | £375.oo | £325.oo | £350.oo |
June | £420.oo | £375.oo | £395.oo |
July | £485.oo | £455.oo | £455.oo |
August | £485.oo | £455.oo | £455.oo |
September | £455.oo | £385.oo | £395.oo |
October | £425.oo | £375.oo | £375.oo |
November | £295.oo | £250.oo | £270.oo |
December | £375 - £485 | £220 - £395 | £250 - £455 |
We believe these prices to be really good value for money for a Self Catering Cottage break in Scotland.Castaway Cottages are a great location for a holiday or a short break.
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
Parking in Perth Scotland

Car Parking Perth
Car Parking in Perth and Kinross Throughout Perth and Kinross the Council is actively involved in the provision and operation of public parking. The Council operates a total of 28 charging car parks with a total of 2158 spaces and 20 free car parks providing a further 581 spaces. The centre of Perth is covered by a controlled parking zone where 1219 on street spaces are controlled by a pay and display charging system. The council has produced a handy Perth parking guide Please note the Parking Guide is currently being reviewed as the charges shown are out of date. the correct charges are listed under Parking Charges Perth.
If staying at The River Chambers in Perth, self Catering apartments, the nearest long stay car park is at the South Inch Car Park.Parking Charges Perth
Parking Charges
In Perth the cost of parking and the maximum time you can park for depends on how close the spaces are to the city centre. Check signs and ticket issuing machines at the location for details. Charges apply 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Free Days
All on-street Pay and Display and Council operated car parks are free of charge on 1 and 2 January and also on 25 and 26 December. Charges apply on all other Bank and Local holidays.
Handy Tip
If you want to park your car ovenight you can pre-pay for parking to cover the following morning. This will to save you having to dash to your car at 8am to purchase a ticket. The valid period on any parking ticket purchased after 6pm starts at 8am the following morning. e.g. a 4 hour ticket purchased any time after 6pm would be valid from 8am until 12 noon the following day.
On Street Parking in Perth
Maximum Stay | Time Periods | Parking Charge |
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30 Minutes | 30 Min | 60p |
1 Hours | 30 Min 1 Hour | 60p £1.40 |
2 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hour | 60p £1.40 |
4 Hours | 1 Hour 2 hour 3 Hour 4 Hour | 60p £1.30 £2.10 £3.00 |
6 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hour 3 Hour 4 Hour 6 Hour | 60p £1.20 £1.90 £2.7 £3.60 |
10 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hour 3 Hour 4 Hour 6 Hour 10 Hour | 50p 90p £1.20 £1.50 £2.00 £2.50 |
Off Street Parking in Perth
Car Park Location | Maximum Stay | Time Periods | Charge |
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Various Central Short Stay. Locations 1 to 10 inclusive on Plan. Total 501 spaces | 3 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours | 60p £1.40 £2.20 |
Back Wynd Short Stay for Local Facilities Location 11 on Plan. 23 spaces | 4 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours 4 Hours | 60p £1.20 £1.80 £3.50 |
Norie Miller and Riverside for Riverside Public Park. Locations 12 and 13 on Plan. 26 spaces | 4 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 Hours 4 Hours | 50p 90p £1.20 £1.50 |
Canal Street Multi Storey. Location 14 on plan Secured car park with 439 spaces. Shopmobility operates from this car park. Season ticket £65 per month | 10 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 hours 4 Hours 6 Hours 10 Hours | 60p £1.20 £1.80 £2.50 £3.60 £6.00 |
South Inch. Location 15 on plan. Commuter and long stay car park with 440 spaces Season ticket £45 per month. Coaches £2.50 per visit | 10 hours | 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 hours 4 Hours 6 Hours 10 Hours | 40p 80p £1.10 £1.40 £2.00 £2.50 |
Victoria Street. Location 16 on Plan Long stay with 49 spaces. Season Ticket £65 per month | 10 Hours | 1 Hour 2 Hours 3 hours 4 Hours 6 Hours 10 Hours | 60p £1.20 £1.50 £2.40 £3.00 £4.00 |
RiverTay Perth Scotland in January
The Tay still looks beautiful in January,but I would'nt like to swim!
Stay in an apartment /holiday cottage with this view
Monday, 22 January 2007
Events Arbroath and Angus 2007
Events in and around Arbroath and Angus.
Angus hosts a lively annual calendar of festivals, events, and great family days out.
In 2007, the Open Championship will return to Carnoustie from Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd July, bringing around 200,000 visitors and focusing the attention of the world on this small but famous coastal Angus town in golf's historic heartland.
Superb golf to watch on one of the world's most challenging courses, visitors from around the world and a party atmosphere around the county, with the terrific buzz which the Open generates, all make this one of the most exciting times to be here. Check out our advice on visiting the Open Golf Championship, and visiting, staying, and playing golf at any time in the county.
You too can play in the footsteps of the greats - from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 May 2007 the Carnoustie Country Classic Tournament takes place. Now in its sixth year, it has already built up a loyal followiing with entries from all parts of the UK and beyond. It offers you the challenge of playing four of the world's best courses, including the venue for the 2007 Open Championship, under competitive conditions. Go to Carnoustie Country golf for more information.
Angus' annual Tartan Day celebrations provide a week-long programme of events in April each year to mark the Signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on 6 April 1320 and Angus as Scotland's Birthplace. Highlights include a historic re-enactment at Arbroath Abbey itself, together with a wide range of daytime and evening cultural and family events.
The Angus Glens Walking Festival is a four-day event in May and June offering a varied programme of walks and evening entertainment to suit all ages and abilities. It has attracted hundreds of walkers to Angus, walking everywhere from the heights of the Glens to the gentle rambles by shore and cliffs. The fifth Festival, will be held in 2007 from Thursday 31st May to Sunday 3rd June.
The Hairst is Angus' summer-long festival of traditional Scottish culture. Held over six weeks, it provides a range of events for arts and culture lovers, focusing on fine traditional singers and instrumentalists and creating accessible events in pubs, hotels, local halls, and theatres.
The Arbroath Smokie Blues Festival 2006 was held on the weekend of 15th & 16th July 2006 (the same weekend as the Seafront Spectacular). It had numerous acts performing at various venues throughout the town. There was music to thrill all blues lovers, including delta blues, Chicago blues, bluegrass, early rock and roll and even Cajun/zydeco music. For more information, visit www.smokieblues.com.
Arbroath SeaFest is an annual festival of the Sea held in August along Arbroath's seafront, charming harbour and new marina. It celebrates the town's maritime heritage, including the famous Arbroath Smokie which now has the same protected status as Parma Ham and Champagne.
The Forfar Food Fest is an annual celebration of the fantastic food and fine produce of Angus. Mouth-watering dishes to tempt the palate, fresh home-grown produce, and the best of Angus beef, fruit and fish - all this and more is showcased at this event held in August each year in Forfar, and now expanding throughout Angus.
Highland Games and Country Shows are held throughout the summer in Angus at a wide range of locations including Glamis Castle, Cortachy, Glenisla, Kirriemuir, Brechin and Montrose. There's a full line-up of events with traditional favourites including agricultural shows and competitions, heavies tossing the Caber, track events, Tug-of War and plenty of piping and highland dancing.
There is a wide variety of annual Transport Events throughout Angus, such as the Arbroath Seafront Spectacular, featuring the stunning Red Arrows, Scottish Transport Extravaganza at Glamis Castle and the Caledonian Steam Railway seasonal events which include Murder on the Brechin Express, Days out with Thomas the Tank Engine, and the Christmas Santa Specials.
The Scottish Transport Extravaganza is hosted by the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club at Glamis Castle in July each year. In 2007 the event will take place on 7th and 8th July. A magnificent celebration of things mechanical and roadworthy, the weekend is a must for lovers of classic, vintage, and veteran vehicles of every sort. Suitable for the whole family, with craft and food stalls, and set in the glorious surroundings of the grounds at Glamis.
The Ancient Cathedral City of Brechin in Angus hosts the Brechin Arts Festival
over two weeks at the end of September each year. The Festival has grown in a short time into a veritable feast of cultural activities, with an exciting variety of classical, folk and jazz music, poetry readings, visual art and craft, and street performances.
A wide range of outdoor, wildlife and environmental events make up the year-long Angus Ranger Events Programme. Events for both children and adults are based around the Rangers Centres in Monikie, Crombie and Forfar Loch Country Parks, Montrose Basin and the Angus Glens.
When visiting Arbroath and Angus area the ideal place to stay is The Nestings self catering cottage style apartments. Overlooking the old fishing harbour, the Nestings 4 star apartments have been tastefully converted to provide modern comforts with stunning sea views. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family holiday or golf expedition.
Friday, 19 January 2007
Events Perth and Perthshire Scotland
Events in Perth & Perthshire I have done my best to be accurate with these latest Events in Perth,please let me know if there are any errors or an event you would like me to add. Event Location in Perth
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Drawings and Caricatures Exhibition | 13 Sep - 31 Mar 2007 | ||||||
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Twenties and Thirties in Colour Exhibition | 21 Oct - 25 Aug 2007 | ||||||
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The Watcher | 19 - 20 January 2007 | ||||||
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The Nutcracker | 20 January 2007 | ||||||
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Glenfarg Village Folk Club - Burns Session | 22 January 2007 | ||||||
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Lunchtime Concert with Boris Giltburg | 22 January 2007 | ||||||
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Muthill Acoustic Music Appreciation Society | 22 January 2007 | ||||||
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Burns Nicht | 24 January 2007 | ||||||
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Acoustic Sessions | 25 January 2007 | ||||||
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Essential Scottish Opera 2007 | 25 January 2007 | ||||||
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On Burns Nicht with Isla St Clair | 25 January 2007 | ||||||
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Perth Youth Theatre - Cutting Edge Cabaret | 25 - 26 January 2007 | ||||||
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St Johnstone FC Burns Supper | 25 January 2007 | ||||||
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Winter Words Festival | 25 - 28 January 2007 | ||||||
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Glenfarg Village Folk Club - The Queensberry Rules | 29 January 2007 | ||||||
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Scottish Snowdrop Festival | 1 Feb - 11 Mar 2007 | ||||||
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Stairwell Sisters | 02 February 2007 | ||||||
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The Little Foxes | 2 - 17 February 2007 | ||||||
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Yonex Scottish National Badminton Championships | 2 - 4 February 2007 | ||||||
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