With Christmas just around the corner it's that exciting time of year when all becomes festive. What better way to start off the season than a trip to Edinburgh's traditional German Market.

With all the hustle and bustle and a wonderful displays and aromas will get you right in that Christmas spirit!
The market runs from 17th November until 24th December.

The market however, is only one of a host of attractions in the run up to Christmas. You will be spoiled for choice of what to do first with so much to do for all ages.

 Always popular is the ice skating in St Andrew's Square.

After an exhausting day out why not return to the relaxed luxury Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course and chill out with that glass of festive spirit in one of our many properties that have Hot Tubs.

Situated in the picturesque village of Kenmore, we are only a 1.5  hour journey away from Edinburgh. Enjoy a trip over the brand new Forth Road Bridge in its inaugural year! 

We currently have a special offer on during with any 4 night stay for the price of 3 with Monday being the arrival day. Extend your experience and enjoy the Festive Fun!

Please visit our website for a selection of last minute deals.

Chocolate and Gin perhaps a strange combination!

Here in Scotland we are known for our adventurous ways! deep fried Mars bar anyone?

Just four years ago Perth Chocolate Festival was launched in the City Centre and has now grown from a mere 15 stalls to over 40 with the addition of our new nation's favorite, GIN. Did you know that 70% of Gin in the UK is made in Scotland?

The weekend of Saturday and Sunday November 18th & 19th the centre of Perth will be alive with delicious aromas of all things chocolate and the distinct taste of new craft Scottish Gins that are on offer. 
It is also the official turning on of the Christmas lights.

Gin has become increasingly popular with all variety of flavours to suit everyone's taste. Among the most popular of Gins appearing at the Chocolate and Gin Festival is Redcastle Gin known best to be served with pink peppercorns and a zesty twist of lime.

 
The award winning Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course is within easy reach of Perth merely a short 40 minute drive away.  Why not stay with us and enjoy the luxury of our properties, many with log burning stoves, saunas and hot tubs to relax with that special gin of your choice.

Whilst staying with us you can enjoy Perthshire's finest 9 hole Golf Course, The Courtyard Bar & Restaurant, the award winning Courtyard Shop & Deli - also selling all things chocolate and gin related and much more! or else why work off all that chocolate have a trek at the stables also onsite.

We currently have a special offer on during with any 4 night stay for the price of 3 with Monday being the arrival day. Extend your experience and enjoy the mystic charm.

Please visit our website for a selection of last minute deals.

Scotland is the home of a host of haunted castles. For a truly supernatural experience why not visit Highland Pethshire which offers a variety of all things spooky! From haunted castles to ghost walks and wonderful traditions. 

  

Be dared to be scared!!

Here at the award winning Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course we are lucky to be situated so close to Taymouth Castle which is thought to be haunted. Castle Menzies also close where a number of paranormal encounters have been recorded in the castle. Reports of a man shouting near the Chief's bedroom, children are heard laughing and there is whistling, footsteps and a boy seen running down the main cellar. As is that is not scary enough three women thought to be Witches have been seen in the meat Cellar.

Further on down the Loch side a short drive from the Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course you will find the village of Lawers, an area rich in romantic history and romantic traditions.  There you will find the House of Lawers a former Laird’s House which was the last home of the Lady of Lawers who is remembered for her various mysterious prophecies.

She is said to have planted an ash tree at the north end of the church, with the warning that when it grew to the height of the little spire, the church would fall. Spookily, the church was so severely damaged in a the thunderstorm and the ash tree perished and the church was never used again.
She also warned that “A ship driven by smoke will sink in Loch Tay with great loss of life’ before the construction of steam ships - one of which did sink in the loch!!!!

Ghost walks are very popular throughout the area where Spooky adventures for all the family, with ghostly stories along the way.

Whatever your  ghostly goings on why not be come back and relax in one of our properties here at Mains of Taymouth, where we cannot guarantee a ghostly encounter but a bit of luxury in tranquil and serene surroundings.

 

We currently have a special offer on during Halloween with  any 4 night stay for the price of 3 with Monday being the arrival day. Extend your experience and enjoy the mystic charm.

Please visit our website for a selection of last minute deals.

The Wait is Finally Over!

 
With Season Three having just started, Outlander fans of Scottish time travel drama are in their element!

Outlander has done wonders for Scottish tourism with many fans visiting the location where filming has taken place hoping for a glimpse of their favourite character.

Why not stay at the award winning Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course and treat yourself to a first hand visit to the wonderful locations from Outlander.

Within an easy drive, you can get to many locations in one day. Our particular favourite being Kinloch Rannoch (series 1) one the last remaining wildernesses in Europe, perfect for their location filming with vast stretches of land composing of blanket bog, lochans, rivers, and rocky terrain.

Whatever your plan you can rest assured you will return back to Mains of Taymouth Country Estate and enjoy our wonderful accommodation and surroundings. Onsite we have Perthshire's finest 9 hole Golf Course, Riding stables,  The Courtyard Bar & Restaurant and the award winning Courtyard Shop & Delicatessen

We currently have a special offer for any 4 night stay for the price of 3 with Monday being the arrival day. Extend your experience and discover more of magic of Highland Perthshire.

Please visit our website for a selection of last minute deals.

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We are delighted to announce that the award winning Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course came first in the inaugural Embrace Scotland Paws for a Break 2016/2017 Awards.

Not only are we dog friendly but today we were happy to rescue this little fellow! he spent a rather cold, rainy, windy night out in the wilds by himself before one of our guests pointed him out this him this morning. Poor wee thing appeared blind! Fortunately, we are lucky to live very close to the amazing wildlife photographer and journalist Polly Pullar. With one phonecall he was on his way to safety. Polly is always happy to help out and take in any size, shape or form of wildlife.
 

• There are 17 species of hedgehog.
  
• They are found in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and were introduced in New Zealand by settlers.
  
• Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, often sleep during the day in a nest or under bushes and shrubs before coming out to feed at night.
  
• Hedgehogs are not related to other spine covered creatures such as the porcupine or echidna.
  
• The spines of a hedgehogs, are stiff hollow hairs, they are not poisonous or barbed and cannot be easily removed, they fall out naturally when a hedgehog sheds its baby spines and grows adult spines a process called "quilling".
  
• Hedgehogs have about 5,000 to 6,500 spines at any one time.
  
• Most hedgehog species will roll into a tight ball if threatened, making it hard for its attacker to get past the spiky defences.
  
• A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet.
  
• Hedgehogs communicate through a combination of snuffles, grunts and squeals.
  
• Hedgehogs have weak eyesight but a strong sense of hearing and smell. They can swim, climb and run surprising quickly over short distances.
  
• For their size hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan. They live on average for 4 - 7 years in the wild and longer in captivity.
  
• Hedgehogs in colder climates such as the UK will hibernate through winter.
  
• If hedgehogs come in contact with humans they can sometimes pass on infections and diseases.
  

Dog News

With statistics showing that 24% of the UK’s households own at least one dog, and a dog population of 8.5 million, it just goes to show we are a nation of dog lovers!

Kiera at Black Rock, Drummond Hill

Office Dogs Surka & Bug on Duty

With our breath taking scenery and wonderful walks who would want to leave their four legged companion at home? I know here at Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course, we would not. The majority of the staff here own at least one dog with some of the team owning three, so we know a thing or two about dogs!

We welcome all dogs, all breeds and all sizes on the Estate. Many of our guests comment on how welcome they are made to feel. It starts with check-in, you are encouraged to bring your dog into Reception so we can all swoon over your precious friend. Then each dog receives their own welcome bag containing a map of walks, spare poo bags and a treat (and sometimes a goodie out of our secret stash!)

From then on it is Canine bliss all the way.

A quote from one of our guests:

“The accommodation is brilliant set in beautiful surroundings.  So very dog friendly; our spaniel was welcomed in the courtyard and was even allowed to join us on the golf course!  The walks around the area are amazing”.

Why not come and see for yourself? Take your best friend on holiday to Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course, photograph them here having a wonderful time, send us the photo for our gallery and your dog’s next stay will be free.

We do however, appreciate not everyone is a dog lover. We have a selection of 
 properties that are pet free.

Please visit our website for a selection of last minute deals.

 

Come and join us for a fantastic Hogmanay celebration in Scotland!  

Last few remaining of our 5 star luxury self-catering properties with on site entertainment only a short walk away.  Situated in the beautiful village of Kenmore by scenic Loch Tay in Highland Perthshire, within easy reach of all major Scottish cities.Here at the award winning Mains of Taymouth Country Estate & Golf Course we still have limited availability so don't miss out!

You can expect a warm welcome and a wonderful Hogmanay with the award winning Courtyard Bar & Restaurant hosting a Gala dinner dance with live music to get you going. Our traditional piper will pipe you all outside for the countdown of the 'Bells' followed by a stunning display of fireworks and back inside for more music and dancing, not forgetting the highly 'spirited' Auld Lang Sine!!!

Here are some ideas of activities to do and see during your stay.

HORSE RIDING
A selection of horses to suit most levels of rider from age 4 upwards 
at Mains of Taymouth Riding Stables.  Subject to availability, weather & weight restrictions apply.

GOLF
Free golf for residents on our own 9 hole course, subject to availability/weather conditions.

SHOPPING
At our on site Courtyard Gift Shop & Deli or enjoy a day out at
The House of Bruar, by Blair Atholl.  


PITLOCHRY STREET PARTY 1st JANUARY
Fantastic day of celebrations suitable for all the family

HIGHLAND SAFARI'S, DULL
Activities for all ages & cafe serving breakfast, lunch & snacks

WALKING
Enjoy a leisurely stroll round nearby Taymouth Castle Estate, visit Black Rock viewpoint 
overlooking Loch Tay or choose from one of the many hills and Munros nearby

 SKI-ING
Glenshee, Aviemore and Glencoe all within travelling distance

CINEMA
Visit our local cinema The Birks, Aberfeldy, great selection of movies for young and old alike

  See our website for details www.taymouth.co.uk or call 01887 830226.