Highland Perthshire - Highland Perthshire Blogs

No sound on webcam and CJS vacancy clarification

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Many of you have been contacting us over the last few days with regards to the lack of sound on the osprey webcam. We are currently experiencing some technical difficulties with the new microphone which was professionally installed and tested earlier in the year. We believe the issue is at the visitor centre...

Here's this month's mystery picture :) On which North Perthshire property would...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Here's this month's mystery picture :) On which North Perthshire property would you find this?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Vacancy extension – Community Jobs Scotland Assistant

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 17 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Due to a lack of interest in our Community Jobs Scotland vacancy for a 16-19 year old to complete a six month paid placement at Loch of the Lowes, the age restriction for this post have been relaxed to allow applicants up to the age of 24. If you know anyone...

Good Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 16 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Conditions looked good this morning and it didn't take long for Saul Mackay to capitalise - catching a 9 lb sea liced fish early this morning (fourth cast!) It was taken from Pitlochry bank on the fly. Things look to be picking up....

On a recent trip up Craigower, we spotted this female crossbill (males are reddi...

Posted by peter on Monday, 16 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

On a recent trip up Craigower, we spotted this female crossbill (males are reddish). Zooming in on the photo you can see how they get their name. The crossed tips of the bill allow them to prise seeds out of pine cones.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Off The Mark!

Posted by peter on Saturday, 14 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With four fish hooked and lost on PAC waters so far this year it looked at times like our first fish would never come. Gary Waugh managed to break the deadlock first thing this morning, though, with a fine fish of around 7lbs from Pitlochry bank - well done. With settled...

Osprey e-newsletter

Posted by peter on Friday, 13 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We understand that some of you have been experiencing difficulties accessing the live osprey webcam since we added the prompt screen to sign up to our new Osprey e-newsletter. You should be able to access the webcam either straight away or having signed up to the newsletter by clicking on the ‘No...

Swallows and cuckoos come later, in Highland Perthshire the real sign of spring...

Posted by peter on Friday, 13 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Swallows and cuckoos come later, in Highland Perthshire the real sign of spring on the way is the return of the oystercatcher. First heard at night about three weeks ago, now pairs are being seen on the ground in breeding territories. Their calls will become the backdrop to our lives for...

The Osprey Countdown begins!!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 12 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Osprey fever is growing here at Loch of the Lowes as we inch ever nearer to the potential return of our famous resident female ‘Lady’, for what would be her landmark 25th year. There have been a couple of reports of osprey sightings in Scotland already – one yesterday near Coupar Angus (not 15...

You might think it’s a good day for ducks today as the rain pours down, but they...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 11 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

You might think it’s a good day for ducks today as the rain pours down, but they seemed happier sleeping in the sunshine on the Dunkeld riverbank yesterday. Hard to disagree.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

It may have snowed yesterday, but the sun was out today and a few early leaves a...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It may have snowed yesterday, but the sun was out today and a few early leaves are beginning to appear like these elder at Killiecrankie, any leaves out where you are yet?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The rocks upstream of the Linn of Tummel falls are in geological terms referred...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 08 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The rocks upstream of the Linn of Tummel falls are in geological terms referred to as a mélange. A mélange typically consists of a jumble of large blocks of varied lithologies (rock types) with no continuous bedding planes.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The snow has melted away and the frogs are spawning now - have you seen any frog...

Posted by peter on Friday, 06 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The snow has melted away and the frogs are spawning now - have you seen any frog or toad activity in your local ponds? Sorry the pics a bit blurry - they kept moving :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

European Tree of the Year – The results are in!!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 05 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The results of European Tree of the Year 2015 were announced this morning and ‘Lady’s Tree’ has finished in ninth place with 4,193 votes. An oak tree in the middle of a football pitch in Estonia has been awarded the title. The oak tree in Orissaare, a coastal resort in western Estonia,...

It's a wintry scene at Killiecrankie at the moment

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 04 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It's a wintry scene at Killiecrankie at the momentOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

It was a beautiful day at the Hermitage yesterday with plenty of water flowing d...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 03 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was a beautiful day at the Hermitage yesterday with plenty of water flowing down the Braan.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Some more snowdrops - this time on the riverbank in Dunkeld - but can you spot r...

Posted by peter on Monday, 02 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Some more snowdrops - this time on the riverbank in Dunkeld - but can you spot ranger dog Alba?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Loch Rannoch fishing permits available online

Posted by peter on Friday, 27 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Loch Rannoch - Spectacular surroundings and outstanding fishing potential for brown trout, perch and pike. Click here for Google map linkThe loch is over 10 miles long east/west by up to 1 mile wide and drops to over 130m in depth at the east end. It is most noted for its huge...

Even with snow this week, we are still seeing signs of spring appearing, like th...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 26 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Even with snow this week, we are still seeing signs of spring appearing, like these hazel catkins. They add a nice hint of yellow to the bare twigs and branches :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Daily opening, forthcoming events & European Tree of the Year

Posted by peter on Thursday, 26 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Daily opening As of this coming Sunday (1st March) the Visitor Centre resumes daily opening, from 10am-5pm. The exception to this will be on Monday (2nd March) when we’re holding our Pre-season gathering for our volunteers; more on that later… as a consequence the centre is closed to visitors but the...

Open Night Thursday March 19th

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 25 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Free Open Night to which members and the public are invited - Scotland’s Hotel on Thursday March 19th at 19.30.Programme: Presentation of Trophies.Raffle in aid of Yorkhill Royal Hospital for Sick Children.Fly-tying by local angler Ian Christie from ‘flybox uk’ of Perth. Ian will tie some trout and salmon flies using some...

We've tried many a time to try and catch a local otter on camera and finally we...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 25 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We've tried many a time to try and catch a local otter on camera and finally we got one :) Caught on our trail camera on the River Garry, at Linn of Tummel.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

We've had a good few inches of snow in the last 24 hours - here's the Linn of Tu...

Posted by peter on Monday, 23 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We've had a good few inches of snow in the last 24 hours - here's the Linn of Tummel looking wintery again :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Snowdrops are looking beautiful at The Hermitage in todays sunshine.

Posted by peter on Friday, 20 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Snowdrops are looking beautiful at The Hermitage in todays sunshine.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Yes this month’s mystery photo was of a wood pigeon, there are over 10 million o...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 19 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Yes this month’s mystery photo was of a wood pigeon, there are over 10 million of them in the UK. We think they are rather beautiful and worth a second glance. At Killiecrankie they can be seen close up at the bird feeders in front of the Visitor Centre.Original linkOriginal author:...

Who’s looking at you in this month’s mystery photo?

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Who’s looking at you in this month’s mystery photo?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

European Tree of the Year – why you should vote NOW!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 17 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We are now over halfway through the voting period for European Tree of the Year, with only 11 days remain to register your vote! “Lady’s Tree” is still sitting in 9th place, with 1,860 votes. The early front-runners, Estonia and Hungary, continue to lead the competition by some distance. Here the voting as it currently stands…...

A pregnant cow was badly savaged in a ferocious dog attack at the Linn of Tummel...

Posted by peter on Monday, 16 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A pregnant cow was badly savaged in a ferocious dog attack at the Linn of Tummel earlier in the year, she suffered extensive facial injuries. But the good news is she has made a good recovery and given birth to a healthy bull calf. Please remember that dog owners have a...

Our bird feeders have been busy this week at Killiecrankie.

Posted by peter on Friday, 13 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Our bird feeders have been busy this week at Killiecrankie.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

There's been a fresh landslide on the Forestry Commission owned land adjacent to...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 12 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There's been a fresh landslide on the Forestry Commission owned land adjacent to the tallest tree at the Black Linn pool at the Hermitage. This path has been closed for sometime because of the landslip risk and this slide is clearly visible across the pool.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The view from Craigower looking towards Schiehallion is one of our favourites on...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The view from Craigower looking towards Schiehallion is one of our favourites on our properties, this photo is a twist on that, it's been taken from the summit of Schiehallion looking back towards Craigower, the challenge is can you spot Craigower in the picture?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

European Tree of the Year – One week down, three to go!!

Posted by peter on Monday, 09 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

After one week of voting in European Tree of the Year there are two early front-runners, Estonia (18,125 votes) and Hungary (14,634 votes). “Lady’s Tree” is currently sitting in 9th place, with 1,508 votes. Here’s the full leaderboard as it stands at the time of writing: Country No. of votes Estonia – Oak...

There was an incredible sunset at the weekend in North Perthshire

Posted by peter on Monday, 09 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There was an incredible sunset at the weekend in North PerthshireOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The remaining snow's melting quickly in the winter sun - here's the view south f...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 08 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The remaining snow's melting quickly in the winter sun - here's the view south from Craigower, looking down over Pitlochry.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

These red squirrels were spotted at Linn of Tummel this morning, chasing each ot...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 05 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

These red squirrels were spotted at Linn of Tummel this morning, chasing each other up and down the trunk of the tree as part of their courtship display - spring is in the air :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The recent freezing conditions have created some impressive icicles. These ones...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 04 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The recent freezing conditions have created some impressive icicles. These ones formed from water dripping off the Pass of Killiecrankie railway viaduct.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

European Tree of the Year – cast your votes NOW!!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 03 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

So the time has arrived… Following our “treemendous” success at the end of 2014 with “Lady’s Tree” being “crowned” inaugural Scottish Tree of the the Year, voting has now opened for the even more prestigious title of European Tree of the Year 2015. The online vote which began on Sunday runs until the...

Some of Dunkeld's fallow deer have been sheltering and resting up on Stanley Hil...

Posted by peter on Monday, 02 February 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Some of Dunkeld's fallow deer have been sheltering and resting up on Stanley Hill, just behind our office, but it looks like the one on the right isn't allowed much rest!!Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

A beautiful weekend, sunshine and a light dusting of snow at Killiecrankie. But...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 31 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A beautiful weekend, sunshine and a light dusting of snow at Killiecrankie. But take care if you’re out for a walk because there’s still ice on many pathsOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Alexander Mackenzie 1st Liberal Prime Minister of Canada was born on the 28th Ja...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 28 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Alexander Mackenzie 1st Liberal Prime Minister of Canada was born on the 28th January 1822 at Logierait, he spent his childhood living at Killiecrankie and Cathedral Street in DunkeldOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

What a difference a few days make, still some snow and ice around The Hermitage,...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 27 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

What a difference a few days make, still some snow and ice around The Hermitage, but nothing like it was last week when the spray from the falls was freezing everything it touched. What will the next cold spell bring?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

You can see both Killiecrankie and The Hermitage on a special Burn’s night editi...

Posted by peter on Friday, 23 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

You can see both Killiecrankie and The Hermitage on a special Burn’s night edition of the BBC’s Countryfile programme 6.30 this Sunday evening. This was presenter John Craven learning about Niel Gow's meeting with Robert Burns from local fiddler Pete Clark. To hear the story tune into to BBC1 and let...

Some Craigower pictures in the snow

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 20 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Some Craigower pictures in the snowOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

We have had our first charcoal burn of the year with the help of our Junior Rang...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 20 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We have had our first charcoal burn of the year with the help of our Junior Rangers, it took a long time for the kiln to warm up but it did provide a good place to warm cold hands on a chilly day.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Calling all young people… Loch of the Lowes needs YOU!!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 20 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Original linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Tune in tonight to see a wintery NTS Mar Lodge and its wildlife :)

Posted by peter on Monday, 19 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Tune in tonight to see a wintery NTS Mar Lodge and its wildlife :)Winterwatch at Mar Lodge Estatewww.nts.org.ukThe National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410 and depends on support from members' subscriptions, donations and legacies. The...

Snow on the Loch

Posted by peter on Sunday, 18 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

After several dramatic storms over the last week, we are relieved to say that there has been no serious damage to the Loch of the Lowes reserve or Visitor Centre. Instead of lashing rain and high winds, we are now being treated to blue sky and sunshine sparkling off snow and...

Spring is just around the corner! The snowdrops at the Hermitage are starting to...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 18 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Spring is just around the corner! The snowdrops at the Hermitage are starting to emerge..........Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Here is the first mystery picture of 2015. Have you seen any of these this winte...

Posted by peter on Friday, 16 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Here is the first mystery picture of 2015. Have you seen any of these this winter? What do you call them?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Opening Day 2015

Posted by peter on Thursday, 15 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The new season got under way today in conditions that were far from ideal - the river running high and strong gusty winds to contend with. A few members did venture out, however, and a numbers of others dropped by to follow the proceedings. Unfortunately that first springer remained elusive -...

Did you spot the Hermitage on last night's BBC1 The One Show? If not, check it o...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 15 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Did you spot the Hermitage on last night's BBC1 The One Show? If not, check it out on iplayer http://bbc.in/1BvuUng, about 23 and half minutes in, and learn about the legend of Ossian!Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

How's the weather with you? We've had quite a bit of snow here in the last coupl...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 14 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

How's the weather with you? We've had quite a bit of snow here in the last couple of days. More snow showers at Killiecrankie this morning - but it looks amazing :) .....................Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Coming soon.............

Posted by peter on Monday, 12 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Coming soon.............Cover photosOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Online booking system

Posted by peter on Sunday, 11 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Traffic volume on the system over the last couple of days has been huge. Thanks to everyone who booked permits we hope that our fishing will again live up to your expectations.Some customers were frustrated by "loosing" permits so here is what happens. Permits are selected from the calendars and put...

Pitlochry Dam visitor permits available.

Posted by peter on Saturday, 10 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Pitlochry Dam looking upstream. Pitlochry Bank is on the RHS of picturePitlochry Dam - salmon day permits (16 January to 15 October) No Sundays, 3 rods per day on each bank (Portnacraig and Pitlochry) rotate beats at 12:00 noon. Jan/Feb £15 16/01 to 28/02 March £25 1/03 to 14/03 March £35 ...

The BBC was filming at both Killiecrankie and Dunkeld yesterday for a special Bu...

Posted by peter on Friday, 09 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The BBC was filming at both Killiecrankie and Dunkeld yesterday for a special Burn’s night edition of Countryfile. Here’s presenter John Craven with battlefield archaeologist Tony Pollard. Any idea what the Robert Burns link is?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

We may be finding it hard to get back to work after the festive season, but the...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 06 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We may be finding it hard to get back to work after the festive season, but the rangers dogs are more than happy to be back out on the properties :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Looking for some inspiration to get out and about in 2015 to see what wildlife i...

Posted by peter on Monday, 05 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Looking for some inspiration to get out and about in 2015 to see what wildlife is on NTS properties? Visit the NTS Nature Channel to see more..... and you might spot some North Perthshire properties in the mix :)Visit the Trust Nature Channel to watch more amazing wildlife and stunning landscapes...

Happy New Year – 2015!

Posted by peter on Friday, 02 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Today, Loch of the Lowes is alternately shimmering in brilliant sunshine and then flattening beneath pounding sleet and hail stones. Rainbows and dramatic cloud effects are delighting the brave, warmly dressed people who are visiting the hides (the Visitor Centre is closed today) and from time to time snow showers attempt...

Happy New Year :) All the best for 2015

Posted by peter on Thursday, 01 January 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Happy New Year :) All the best for 2015Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Onwards to 2015!

Posted by peter on Sunday, 28 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

It has been a glorious week-end at Loch of the Lowes! Clear blue skies, crisp white snow and frost sparkling to the top of every tree! A perfect Christmas Card scene. While Fallow Deer roamed the reserve, eyeing visitors with curiosity, children learned interesting facts about them by taking part in...

One Minute of Heaven from Highland Perthshire!

Posted by peter on Friday, 26 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Such a glorious Boxing Day! This one minute video probably explains more than a thousand words why Highland Perthshire is such a great place to live or visit... panning from the right we see Bein a'Ghlo in the background (three munros in a day sized bite), the River Tay valley in...

Advent Calendar - Day 24. From all of the team, thank you for your support and w...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 24 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent Calendar - Day 24. From all of the team, thank you for your support and we wish you a very Happy Christmas xOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent Calendar – Day 23. We hope you have enjoyed our advent calendar photos th...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 23 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent Calendar – Day 23. We hope you have enjoyed our advent calendar photos this year; hopefully we’ll soon get some snow like this at the Linn of Tummel.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent Calendar – Day 22. This wonderful view of the Pass of Killiecrankie was...

Posted by peter on Monday, 22 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent Calendar – Day 22. This wonderful view of the Pass of Killiecrankie was one of the most popular photos in last year’s calendar, so we thought we would let you enjoy it again.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 21. We couldn’t do an advent calendar without a robin. Str...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 21 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 21. We couldn’t do an advent calendar without a robin. Struggling to think of what to buy someone for Christmas, why not get them a bird feeder?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

No apologies for another view over the Pass of Killiecrankie towards Carn Liath,...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 20 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

No apologies for another view over the Pass of Killiecrankie towards Carn Liath, but the early morning light was so lovely earlier on this week. Close enough now to place you bets on if there be snow were you are this Christmas! Carn Liath is totally white this morning!Original linkOriginal author:...

Advent calendar – Day 19. Following on from yesterday’s theme, if you get the ch...

Posted by peter on Friday, 19 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar – Day 19. Following on from yesterday’s theme, if you get the chance looking down onto trees can also be amazing. This was looking down from the Garry Bridge at Killiecrankie in 2013, the almost black area to the left is the River Garry.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger...

Advent calendar – Day 18. Snow can change the look of everything, so don’t forge...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 18 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar – Day 18. Snow can change the look of everything, so don’t forget to look up sometimes, this was at the Linn of Tummel. The North Perthshire properties are fantastic for winter walks and are a great time to really see just how amazing deciduous trees are. Do you...

Winter Solstice & Christmas Opening

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 17 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

This weekend sees the passing of the “Winter Solstice” – the astronomical phenomenon which brings the shortest day and the longest night of the year, when the sun’s daily maximum elevation in the sky is at its lowest. Around the world this event is interpreted in a myriad of ways, but many cultures...

Advent calendar – Day 17. Dunkeld looks great in the snow (Jan 2013) and there’s...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 17 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar – Day 17. Dunkeld looks great in the snow (Jan 2013) and there’s still time this year to buy some Christmas presents in the Trusts Ell Shop.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

2015 PAC Permits and Loch Tummel permits available online

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 16 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Loch Tummel from Queen's View2015 PAC trout fishing permits for Lochs Bhac and Kinardochy and for the River Tummel are available for booking online.Salmon permits for Ruan Ruarie are also available now and visitor permits for the Pitlochry Dam beats will be made available in January. Loch Tummel PermitsThe Loch Tummel...

Advent calendar - Day 16: Here's a wee coal tit braving the snow, to visit the f...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 16 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 16: Here's a wee coal tit braving the snow, to visit the feeders at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre. We feed the birds, red squirrels and pine martens throughout the year, so keep you eyes peeled if you are visiting :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 15: Still looking for a unique gift idea? Why not get read...

Posted by peter on Monday, 15 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 15: Still looking for a unique gift idea? Why not get ready for next summer with some NTS Killiecrankie BBQ charcoal - available from the Ell Shop, Dunkeld (open until 24th Dec).Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 14: this week's snowfall on Carn Liath, the 975m high Munr...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 14 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 14: this week's snowfall on Carn Liath, the 975m high Munro that sits at the north end of the Pass of Killiecrankie.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 13: it's Santa Day! There's lots going on in Dunkeld toda...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 13 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 13: it's Santa Day! There's lots going on in Dunkeld today, come along and meet Santa and the Cairngorm reindeer herd.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 12: here are some Angel Wings, (Pleurocybella porrigens) o...

Posted by peter on Friday, 12 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 12: here are some Angel Wings, (Pleurocybella porrigens) one of our favorite wild mushrooms. They are relatively straightforward to identify and commonly grow in the autumn on rotting conifers at the Hermitage.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Pitlochry Angling Club keep permit price the same for another year.

Posted by peter on Thursday, 11 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Good news, at last night's AGM members agreed to freeze all the Club's permits at last season's prices. Visitor salmon permits for the productive fishing below Pitlochry Dam will be available on our booking system around January 10, 2015. Pitlochry Dam - salmon day permits (16 January to 15 October) No Sundays...

Scottish Government Salmon Kill licence consultation in 2015.

Posted by peter on Thursday, 11 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

"One for the pot" could become very rare!The killing of wild salmon could require a licence following a public consultation that will be launched early in the new year. The consultation will seek views on a conservation measure to ban killing wild salmon except under licence, along with an accompanying carcass...

Advent calendar - Day 11: Ice in the Tummel on a cold winter's day in 2011.

Posted by peter on Thursday, 11 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 11: Ice in the Tummel on a cold winter's day in 2011.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 10: this little creature was discovered in the Pass of Kil...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 10 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 10: this little creature was discovered in the Pass of Killiecrankie on a cold morning this week, she soon recovered from her roll down the steep bank to scamper away into her nearby home.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 9: it's Santa Day in Dunkeld on Saturday: there's a commun...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 09 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 9: it's Santa Day in Dunkeld on Saturday: there's a community market in the Cross from 11am and the Santa sleigh and Cairngorm reindeer herd leaves Birnam at 1pm.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 8: the first snow of the year has fallen on our properties...

Posted by peter on Monday, 08 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 8: the first snow of the year has fallen on our properties over the last 24 hours, we are wondering if we will get lots of snow this winter as seen here from a very snowy Craigower in 2010.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 7: Here's a picture taken last week whilst out doing our a...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 07 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 7: Here's a picture taken last week whilst out doing our annual tree inspections. It's taken in the Pass of Killiecrankie, above the railway. Can you spot the railway viaduct in the distance?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent Calendar - Day 6: Spotted earlier this year - green elf cup fungus- maybe...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 06 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent Calendar - Day 6: Spotted earlier this year - green elf cup fungus- maybe Santa's little helpers will be enjoying an elf sized dram after a busy day in the workshop ;)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 5: Here's this month's mystery picture - and a nice easy o...

Posted by peter on Friday, 05 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 5: Here's this month's mystery picture - and a nice easy one :) Looking back through our trail camera footage we found this shot- what is carrying out a peanut grab and dash?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 4: The last few days have been crisp and frosty with tempe...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 04 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 4: The last few days have been crisp and frosty with temperatures sitting around freezing. Here's a frosty Linn of Tummel. What's the weather like where you are?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - Day 3 Christmas trees are sprouting up everywhere now, this we...

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 03 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 3 Christmas trees are sprouting up everywhere now, this wee one is in the Ell Shop in Dunkeld. You can support our work by doing some of your shopping here, we would love to see you.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Feeding the birds this winter needn’t cost you the earth!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 02 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

As one of the UK’s 47 Wildlife Trusts we have a long-standing relationship with birdfood supplier Vine House Farm. Vine House grow many of the crops which go into making their products on their conservation award-winning farm and because Vine House Farm is committed to reducing its impact on the environment, as much produce as...

Advent calendar - Day 2: Has our trail camera caught Santa's reindeer out and ab...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 02 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - Day 2: Has our trail camera caught Santa's reindeer out and about at Linn of Tummel? Not quite - these red deer, often associated with more upland habitats, have been coming down off the hills to feed here.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Advent calendar - day 1: Welcome to this year's North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Posted by peter on Monday, 01 December 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Advent calendar - day 1: Welcome to this year's North Perthshire Ranger Service Advent Calendar :) We hope you enjoy our daily posts in the countdown to Christmas. Check in each day to see highlights from 2014, previous years (like this snow seen at the Hermitage December 2010) and upcoming events.Original...

The Hermitage was at its atmospheric best today, with the tops of the Douglas Fi...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 29 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The Hermitage was at its atmospheric best today, with the tops of the Douglas Firs disappearing into the mist.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Christmas Fayre

Posted by peter on Thursday, 27 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The visitor centre team will be out and about over the next few weekends attending some our our local Christmas markets. This coming Saturday, from 9-3 we will be running a stall at the Craft Market on King Edward Street in Perth, selling a range of festive wildlife-themed gifts including Christmas...

We can spot 8 birds. 7 mistle thrush and 1 redwing, the hardest being the redwin...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 27 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We can spot 8 birds. 7 mistle thrush and 1 redwing, the hardest being the redwing, top left. We have seen 10 species feeding on the berries over the last few days, including a female blackcap and collared doves.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

The Conservation of Salmon (Annual Close Time and Catch and Release) (Scotland) Regulations 2014

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 25 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Changes laid before the Scottish Parliament on 24 November 2014 coming into force 9 January 2015 will have the undernoted effect ( for full details see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2014/327/introduction/made ).Summary of the new laws that will apply to our fishing:No person may retain any salmon caught by rod and line in a salmon fishery...

The sorbus tree next to the office in Dunkeld has been alive with birds over the...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 25 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

The sorbus tree next to the office in Dunkeld has been alive with birds over the last few days, all feasting on its berries. How many birds can you see in this photo?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Online booking system back in service.

Posted by peter on Monday, 24 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

We are pleased to announce that essential maintenance work on our BeatBooker system has been completed and online permit booking and membership services are available again. Apologies for any inconvenience caused during the outage....

A big thank you to the Junior Rangers and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who were...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 23 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

A big thank you to the Junior Rangers and Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who were busy today in the Pass of Killiecrankie clearing out the footpath drains after the recent heavy rains.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

This nuthatch was spotted visiting the feeders at Killiecrankie this afternoon.

Posted by peter on Sunday, 23 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

This nuthatch was spotted visiting the feeders at Killiecrankie this afternoon.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Staff training at Linn of Tummel yesterday, we found lots of fungi including thi...

Posted by peter on Friday, 21 November 2014 in Highland Perthshire

Staff training at Linn of Tummel yesterday, we found lots of fungi including this porcleain fungi on a beech tree and learnt about lichens too.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...