Highland Perthshire, Scotland - visitor information

Sawmill Return

Posted by Guest on Wednesday, 21 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Good numbers of fish continue to enter our beats and Andrew Khakoo was in the right place this morning to land a fresh fish of 10lbs on the fly on our Sawmill beat. Definitely worth a cast and hopefully a few more this week....

Dam Fishing Well

Posted by Guest on Friday, 16 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river remains at a good height and our Dam beat continues to fish well: John Love persevered this week and was rewarded on his final day with a fish of 12 lbs from Pitlochry bank this morning; and Hugh Robertson was successful last night landing a fish of 16lbs on...

Sawmill Return

Posted by Guest on Wednesday, 14 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

It was a quiet day at the Dam but the recent lift in water levels has brought our Sawmill beat back to life and Andrew Khakoo was able to take advantage with a fish of 9lbs on the fly this morning. The river remains at a good height – room for...

First Tummel Fish!

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 13 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Conditions looked good today but the fish remained stubbornly uncooperative for the day rods - despite their best efforts. In the evening, though, new club member Bertie Warren got his first Tummel fish – a 3lber on the fly from Port-na-Craig bank – well done! Bertie has put in the effort...

Excellent Start To The Week

Posted by Guest on Monday, 12 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river was at a good height this morning - prospects looked good - and with two fish caught it was an excellent start to the week: William Smith landed a fresh fish of 18lbs on the fly on Pitlochry bank this morning; and in the evening Brian Joseph caught a...

Dam Fishing Well

Posted by Guest on Saturday, 10 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river was settled and at a great height this morning – very promising. A couple of fish were lost on Port-na-Craig bank early on but Gavin Hutchison, on his first visit to the beat, managed to hang on to one – landing a superb fish of 14lbs on the spinner...

Ticking Over

Posted by Guest on Friday, 09 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Heavy rain overnight put water levels up again but with the river running clear this morning prospects looked good. It didn’t take long for Laurent Memeteau to take advantage, catching a fish of 9lbs on the spinner with his second cast on Port-na-Craig bank this morning! More rain followed, though, and...

Rain .... And Fish!

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 06 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With heavy rain overnight the river was on the rise this morning. The fish were very active early on by all accounts and Martin Wilson was able to capitalise with a fish of 7lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank this morning with another lost not long after. By mid-morning the...

Dam On Form

Posted by Guest on Friday, 02 June 2017 in Highland Perthshire

While the rush of salmon through the ladder seems to have slowed down a bit over the last few days there's still good numbers showing at the Dam and Tony Brown did well this morning to intercept one on Port-na-Craig bank - a nice fish of 8lbs caught on the fly....

Fishing Well

Posted by Guest on Wednesday, 31 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Good numbers of fish were showing at the Dam today – and some of them hung about long enough to get caught: Jim Fisher was the successful angler, landing a fish of 9lbs on Pitlochry bank on the fly this morning – it can be done. Should be a few more...

Good End To The Week

Posted by Guest on Sunday, 28 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Perseverance was the key yesterday (Saturday) and it paid off for Jamie McCulloch who landed a fresh fish of 7lb on Pitlochry bank in the morning. With five fish caught it wasn’t too bad a week given the difficult conditions – and room for optimism for next week....

Dam Success

Posted by Guest on Friday, 26 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Lots of fish moving ….. but not easy to catch: it was more of the same at the Dam today. Ewan Maclachlan was up to the task, though, landing a nice fish of 16lbs on the fly from Port-na-Craig bank this morning – it can be done! Looks like more of...

Lots Of Fish About

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 23 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river rose by 6 inches overnight and this brought lots of fish into out Dam beat this morning - conditions looked excellent. These fish were moving fast, though, - over 200 have ascended the ladder in the last 24 hours – but with three fish caught it was still an...

Dam Fishing Well

Posted by Guest on Friday, 19 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

When Tony Brown lost a good fish early this morning on Port-na-Craig bank it looked as if it could be one of those days. More was to come, though, and with three fish caught it turned out to be an excellent day at the Dam: Graham Fyfe was first on the...

Fishing Well

Posted by Guest on Wednesday, 17 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Two fish were caught at the Dam today – not too bad given the conditions. Saul Mackay was the angler on form - continuing his good run with fish at 18 and 8lbs both caught on the fly from Pitlochry bank this morning – it can be done. Fresh fish can...

Mixed Fortunes!

Posted by Guest on Wednesday, 17 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

More frustration for the day rods on the river yesterday (Tuesday) - lots of fish about but none willing to take - a now familiar pattern. Late in the evening, though, Jim Fisher ventured out to try a new rod / line combo. Starting on the top pool on Pitlochry bank...

Good Start To The Week

Posted by Guest on Monday, 15 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Heavy rain was forecast for today but it didn’t come to much – the river remains low and clear. It was a pleasant fishing day, though, and with one fish caught it wasn’t a bad start to the week: Jim Fisher was the successful angler with a fish of 10lbs on...

Good Catches

Posted by Guest on Friday, 12 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

It's been a frustrating week on the Dam - no lack of fish but they haven't been in the mood - despite the best efforts of the rods. This evening, though, the deadlock was broken: Martin Wilson landed a fish of 9lbs and not long after Saul Mackay had a fish...

Dam And Sawmill Produce

Posted by Guest on Saturday, 06 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Lots of fish moving at the Dam - especially first thing - but with wall to wall sunshine it was hard going and the day rods had no luck. In the evening, though, Martin Wilson landed a superb fish of 21lbs on the fly on Pitlochry bank - it can be...

Sawmill Return

Posted by Guest on Thursday, 04 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

It was a frustrating day at the Dam - no shortage of fish but none willing to take - the bright sunshine didn't make things easy. Sawmill continues to fish well, though, - Gordon Nichol landed a nice fish of about 12lbs on the fly this evening. The counter at the...

Steady Catches

Posted by Guest on Wednesday, 03 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Bright sunshine today but with plenty of fish on the move and two caught it was another good day at the Dam: Roy Longair caught a sea-liced fish of 11lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank this morning; and in the afternoon Alun Williams landed a 12lber on Pitlochry bank -...

Dam Picks Up

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 02 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Settled weather made for more pleasant fishing conditions and with two quality fish caught it was an excellent day at the Dam: Peter Fitzpatrick got things going with a fish of 12lbs on the spinner early this morning on Port-na-Craig bank; and Alistair Hamilton followed up with a fish of 13lbs...

REPLACEMENT OF OUTFALL PIPE AT BALLINLUIG WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS - SAFETY NOTICE

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 02 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Work will be taking place from 2 May to approximately 16 May to replace a broken outfall pipe at Ballinluig Wastewater Treatment Works on the east blank of the River Tummel just above the bridge at Ballinluig. Although the contractors are making every effort to keep the work area safe, anglers also need...

Sawmill And Ruan Ruarie Returns

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 02 May 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Last week the wind blew downstream and yesterday (Monday) it blew upstream – other than that not much changed at the Dam – fish showing but none willing to take – despite the best efforts of the rods. The Sawmill can still produce a fish, though - Ally Gowans landed a...

Sawmill Success

Posted by Guest on Saturday, 29 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river cleared nicely overnight and with good numbers of fish showing early on it was looking promising this morning. The fish weren’t really in the mood, though, and as it turned out the only catch of the day was on our Sawmill beat where Gordon Nichol landed a fresh fish...

Dam Success

Posted by Guest on Friday, 28 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With the river up about 10 inches and lots of fishing showing at our Dam beat conditions looked promising today. James Robertson was able to capitalise with a fish of 21.5lbs this afternoon on the fly from Pitlochry bank. The river is now dropping back to a good height for tomorrow...

Consistent Catches

Posted by Guest on Thursday, 27 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

One landed and another lost at the net – not too bad given the conditions: Ally Gowans was the successful angler with a nice fish of 15lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank this morning. With the current weather set to continue it looks like more of the same for the...

Ticking Over

Posted by Guest on Tuesday, 25 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Another difficult day on the river – cold, very high winds and snow! The fish didn’t seem to mind, though, with Gordon Nichol landing one of 10lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank this afternoon. The forecast improves significantly from tomorrow – hopefully more pleasant fishing conditions and a few more...

Fishing Well

Posted by Guest on Monday, 24 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Cold, windy and occasional sleet showers – not ideal fishing conditions but with two fish caught it was a excellent start to the week: Bruce Campbell was first into action with a fish of 10lbs on the spinner on Port-na-Craig bank this morning; and Richard Hamilton followed up in the afternoon...

Good End To The Week

Posted by peter on Saturday, 22 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Another low water day at the Dam but with plenty of fish about there's still good sport to be had: Neill Sproull persevered and was rewarded with a 9lber on the fly from Pitlochry bank this afternoon. The forecast looks to be more of the same for the foreseeable future –...

Good Fishing At Dam

Posted by peter on Thursday, 20 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Low water is making for testing conditions at the moment but John Simpson was equal to the task landing a fish of 8lbs on the fly on Pitlochry bank this morning and Danny Docherty followed up with a fish of 9lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank in the afternoon –...

Excellent Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 17 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river dropped back over the weekend but there were lots of fresh fish about and with three caught it was an excellent start to the week: Ally Gowans landed two in quick succession at around 7lbs on Port-na-Craig bank this morning on the fly; and not long after Neil Tong...

Dam Continues To Fish Well

Posted by peter on Friday, 14 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Favourable conditions again at the Dam today and another fish caught: Kenny Horne was the successful angler landing an 18lber on the fly from Pitlochry bank this morning. The quality of the fish getting caught at the moment is exceptional - and hopefully more tomorrow....

Good Catches

Posted by peter on Thursday, 13 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With the wind easing conditions were more favourable today and with three fish caught it was another excellent day at the Dam: Thomas Andrew was first into action with a fish of 19lbs caught on the fly on Pitlochry bank mid-morning; soon after Jim Fisher then landed a 17lber on the...

Ticking Over

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 12 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With a strong westerly breeze for much of the day it was another testing day at the Dam. Perseverance was the key and Iain McLaren was rewarded with a fish of 8lbs caught on the fly late in the afternoon on Pitlochry bank. The wind is forecast to ease for tomorrow...

Fishing Well

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 11 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

A stiff downstream breeze made things awkward today but with another two caught on PAC waters the fishing remains good: at the Dam Callum Imray landed a superb fish of 20lbs this morning on Pitlochry bank on the spinner; and the good fishing at Sawmill continues with Andrew Khakoo landing a...

Great Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 10 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Conditions looked good this morning and sure enough it was a great start to the week with five fish caught: Tony Brown had a day to remember with a hat-trick – fish at 15, 13 and 8lbs – all from Pitlochry bank this morning on the fly; Allan Young was next...

Good End To The Week

Posted by peter on Saturday, 08 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With lots of fish showing it was looking promising first thing this morning. They proved hard to tempt, though, and despite best efforts only one was caught: Neil Tong was the successful angler with a fish of about 8lbs caught this morning on a floating devon. Not a bad week with...

Sawmill Success

Posted by peter on Friday, 07 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river remains steady at a good height but the fish weren't in the mood on our Dam beat today. Downstream on Sawmill, though, Paul Carter was successful, landing a superb fish of 14lbs on the fly this morning - the quality of the fish being caught at the moment is...

Good Fishing Continues

Posted by peter on Friday, 07 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

An awkward downstream breeze for much of day (Thursday) may have made casting tricky but the fish didn't seem to mind and it was another good day on PAC waters: Ian Lindsay got things going with a hard fighting fish of 15lbs caught on the fly from Pitlochry bank in the...

Late Fish

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 04 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Hopes were high today after the success of yesterday but despite best efforts the day rods had no luck. Plenty of fish were moving but none were willing to take and an awkward westerly breeze didn't make things easy. Jim Fisher saved the day, though, with a late fish of 14lbs...

More Like It!

Posted by peter on Monday, 03 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Lots of fish were showing thoughout the beat today and with three caught it was a great start to the week: Alistair Hamilton was first into action with a very nice fish of 18lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank this morning; on Port-na-Craig bank Alan Greene caught a fish of...

Salmon now making their way up Pitlochry fish ladder

Posted by peter on Sunday, 02 April 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With the rise in water temperature and a drop in water height over the last few days making it easier for salmon to find the entrance to the salmon ladder and ascend it, salmon are now starting to make their way up the Pitlochry fish ladder just above our Portnacraig Pitlochry Beat....

Port-na-Craig success

Posted by peter on Thursday, 30 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Steve with his salmon.Congratulations to Steve Dora from Edinburgh. He arrived at the water last, this was his first outing of 2017 and on his first run down the Green Bank he met with a nice fish conservatively estimated at 12lbs which took a size 8 Cascade. Not an easy average...

SUCCESS ON THE SAWMILL

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 29 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

So far this week, things have been slow on Portnacraig Pitlochry beat, although a salmon was lost on Monday following the line getting snagged around a rock. Yesterday afternoon Steve Watt landed a lovely spring salmon of about 10 pounds whilst spinning on the members' Sawmill Beat just downstream of Portnacraig Pitlochry beat....

Atholl Estate fishing available for 2017

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 28 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Lower TummelDetails of fishing available direct from Atholl Estate have been added to the Home Page of our website under Tummel Garry Fishing Links to help support and promote the Tummel Garry Protection Order in association with other Liaison Committee members. The list of Atholl fishing can be downloaded here. ...

Rannoch and Tummel fishing information for 2017.

Posted by peter on Saturday, 25 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Loch Ericht - just one of the many lovely places to fish around Rannoch.Kinloch Rannoch and Tummel, Perthshire, Scotland - a haven of Scottish native wildlife and unspoilt landscape of mountains, lochs and heather covered hills where walking is pure pleasure. Lots for fishing available for trout, pike and perch.Fishing information...

Sawmill Sea-Licer

Posted by peter on Friday, 24 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The river rose slightly overnight and with nothing caught by lunchtime and few fish showing things weren’t looking too promising at the Dam. Further down on our Sawmill beat, though, it was a different story; Ally Gowans had a quick run through and was rewarded with a superb sea-liced fish of...

TAY SALMON FISHERIES BOARD ANNUAL OPEN MEETING - THIS THURSDAY EVENING

Posted by peter on Monday, 20 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The Tay Salmon Fisheries Board annual open meeting is this Thursday evening at 7pm at the Birnam Institute, Birnam. There will be detailed presentations about all the varied work the Board has been doing recently and the meeting will provide a good opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have. All are welcome and...

Dam Looking Good

Posted by peter on Friday, 17 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The heavy rain that was forecast didn’t really come to much today and fishing conditions were just about perfect at the Dam. Saul Mackay was quick to make the most of it with a good fish of 12lbs caught on the fly on his first run down Port-na-Craig bank this morning....

Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory Open Day

Posted by peter on Thursday, 16 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The Freshwater Fisheries Laboratory are hosting a "Science Open Day" on May 13th at the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry. Tickets are free and can be booked online....

Dam Success

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 14 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The past week has been a frustrating one – conditions looking good with fish showing but none willing to take. Today we had some success, though, with Paul Kelly landing a 9lb fish on the spinner from Pitlochry bank this morning. The river is dropping back nicely and hopefully there will...

First Fish Off Sawmill - a 22lber!

Posted by peter on Sunday, 05 March 2017 in Highland Perthshire

All of the action so far this year has been on your Dam beat but yesterday the Sawmill was the place to be: Martin Timmins was the successful angler catching an outstanding fish of 22lbs on a Vision 110 in the afternoon in the pool below the layby. Those of you...

Dam Picking Up

Posted by peter on Friday, 24 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

With fish now starting to show regularly on our Dam beat - and a couple of fish lost close to the bank already this week - hopes of success were high on the river this morning. Saul Mackay didn’t disappoint – landing a very nice fish of 12lbs on the fly...

Open Night - Scotland’s Hotel on Wednesday March 8th at 19:30

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 21 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Dr David Summers TDSFBdAs usual our open night is open to anyone with an interest in fish or fishing and new faces are always very welcome. This year's guest speaker is Dr David Summers, Fisheries Director, Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board. David has nearly 30 years experience in the field of...

February Sightings

Posted by peter on Monday, 13 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

February brought in mild weather, with the occasional dusting of snow. This has made our feeding station a popular spot with many of the usual birds. Loch of the Lowes © Chris Cachia Zammit Two greenfinches were spotted in the feeding station, a bird that has become rare in the area...

First Fish Of The Season!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 09 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

A few fresh fish have been seen on our beats over the last couple of weeks but so far the fishing effort has been very light – even though our first fish of the season usually comes about this time in the month. Steve Watt ventured out today, though, and was rewarded...

Yellow Hammers Brighten a Rainy Day!

Posted by peter on Sunday, 05 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

It’s a grey, chilly day here today. Low cloud shrouding the surrounding hills darkening the sky, while rain showers fall onto soaked grass, splashing where puddles fill hollows. There’s a Scottish word to describe this kind of day: dreich. Despite the weather, the red squirrels, chaffinches, great, coal and blue tits...

NEW VISITOR CENTRE AT PITLOCHRY DAM NOW OPEN

Posted by peter on Saturday, 04 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The new SSE Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre opened on Monday. It is immediately downstream of the Dam on the Pitlochry bank. Entry is free of charge and there are good displays about Pitlochry Dam, its history and hydro more widely, and a shop, café and good views of the Dam. The intention is that it will be open...

Importance of Loch of the Lowes

Posted by peter on Thursday, 02 February 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Today is World Wetlands DayWorld Wetlands Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the international importance of all wetlands, from peat bogs to marsh lands, and highlighting the threats that they face. Is-Simar Nature Reserve ©Nadja Tschovikov Wetlands are a magnet to a variety of wildlife, from insects to mammals....

January Sightings

Posted by peter on Monday, 30 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

The mild weather continued to persist into mid-January and then temperatures dropped. This has brought in a big number of chaffinches to the feeding station, with a peak count of 50+. Yellowhammers are still making a presence, with the highest number being 4. Winter scene © Chris Cachia Zammit On...

Beavers want your vote!!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 19 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Please vote beaver! We’re delighted that the successful reintroduction of European beavers to Scotland has been nominated for Wildlife Success of the Year in the 2017 BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards. Voting is open until Tuesday 28 February. Original linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Come and volunteer at Loch of the Lowes!

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 18 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Are you looking to do something totally different and highly rewarding this year? How about volunteering for Scotland’s largest charity dedicated to protecting our incredible native wildlife? There are lots of opportunities to volunteer with the Scottish Wildlife Trust wherever you are in the country and Loch of the Lowes is no exception to...

OPENING DAY ON PORTNACRAIG PITLOCHRY BEAT

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 17 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Club member Bob Crowther giving the toby a try on opening dayAlthough several club members fished in good conditions on opening day with both fly and spinner, no salmon were caught. ...

TAY OPENING - VERY WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT RE RIVER GARRY

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 17 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Jim Smith of SSE, with Claire Mercer Nairne and Calum McRoberts, the ghillie,heading out in the boat to make the first cast at the opening ceremony at MeikleourThe guest of honour at yesterday's opening ceremony at Meikleour was SSE’s Managing Director of Generation Jim Smith. Mr Smith made the very welcome...

First casts 2017

Posted by peter on Monday, 16 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Green BankSteve Watt was the first person to fish our Portnacraig beat this season. Best wishes and tight lines to all our anglers!...

TAY SALMON SEASON OPENING DAY ARRANGEMENTS

Posted by peter on Sunday, 15 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Portnacraig Pitlochry Beat, yesterday, 14/1/17Conditions are excellent on Portnacraig Pitlochry beat for the start of the salmon season tomorrow (Monday 16th January), with the snow on the hills slowly thawing and the river at a very nice height. The opening day is just for paid-up members who take turns if necessary with the...

Pitlochry Dam salmon fishing permits for 2017

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 10 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Visitor permits for Pitlochry Dam beat salmon fishing are available for booking online (17 January to 15 October). No Sundays.3 rods per day on each bank (Portnacraig and Pitlochry) rotate beats at 12:00 noon.Jan/Feb £20 - 17/01 to 28/02March £25 - 1/03 to 14/03March £35 - 15/03 to 21/03March £45 -...

January Sightings

Posted by peter on Sunday, 08 January 2017 in Highland Perthshire

Hope you all having a good new year. The year at Loch of the Lowes started with very mild weather, this brought in a lot of activity in the feeding station, birds like chaffinches and coal tits are still high in numbers. Yellow Hammers are making a comeback, with a male...

Highlights from 2016

Posted by peter on Saturday, 31 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

As 2016 comes to an end, here are the highlights of the year January, February These two months saw us busily preparing activities for the events for the coming season. March In March we had two events, ‘Spring equinox – family fun’ day on the 19th and 20th and a successful...

HIGH WATER AT PITLOCHRY DAM

Posted by peter on Monday, 26 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Following very heavy rain, Christmas Day produced the first high water pulse of the winter on the Tummel. This flushed out lots of debris in the way of fallen timber and the like from further upstream and peaked at lunch time at about 7 feet above summer height.The new Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre (not...

Latvia’s Beavers

Posted by peter on Monday, 19 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

You may remember that back in September I got the chance to go to Latvia and learn all about their culture and conservation practices. With the recent news of the success of the beaver reintroduction project and the Scottish Government’s decision to reclassify the species as a native species to Scotland,...

Update on FR3: 15th December 2016

Posted by peter on Thursday, 15 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Our young satellite tagged osprey from 2015, FR3, has been settled back into his “home territory” near Bulok in the Gambia for over two months now, having ventured eastwards towards Kassagne and the Bintang Bolon for a period from late July to October. From the latest satellite data you can see that...

December Sightings

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 13 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

December started off with a bang – a male smew in eclipse plumage, was spotted on the loch swimming close to the hide. An exciting sighting indeed! Chaffinches and coal tits are still visiting the feeding station in good numbers and feasting from the food provided in the feeding station....

Buzz in the Visitor’s Centre

Posted by peter on Monday, 12 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Still looking for that special gift? How about one of these handcrafted dragonflies? At Loch of the Lowes we are selling dragonflies for £9.99 each, beautifully created by our Visitor Centre Assistant, Melissa Shaw. They can come in these different colours: Bronze Purple Green Yellow Lilac Red Handmade Dragonfly. ©Richard Cachia-Zammit...

Christmas wildlife gifts

Posted by peter on Thursday, 08 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Christmas will soon be upon us… are you still looking for that special gift for a loved one? Then look no further! At Loch of the Lowes we have the perfect presents for you. Why not a photo of our ospreys?… Supplied with an easy to use hanging kit, these stunning...

November sightings

Posted by peter on Friday, 02 December 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Ferns with frost. Photo taken by Chris Cachia Zammit November has been mild but still cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below zero. The cold conditions have increased the number of chaffinches and coal tits visiting the feeding station, due to lack of naturally available food in the countryside. The local great...

Beavers at Loch of the Lowes

Posted by peter on Friday, 25 November 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Loch of the Lowes has been home to charismatic species including ospreys and red squirrels for decades. Recently a more unusual species took up residence at the reserve when two beavers, part of the wider Tayside population, moved in. The first unmistakable clues were found here in 2012. The felled trees...

Changing Scenery.

Posted by peter on Monday, 21 November 2016 in Highland Perthshire

The Loch of the Lowes changes constantly with every season. Here are some photos of the loch in different seasons. Panorama of the Loch in early Spring. Photo taken by Chris Cachia Zammit Loch of the Lowes in Summer. Photo taken by Marion Moore. Autumn colours at Loch of the Lowes....

Squirrel mania!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 17 November 2016 in Highland Perthshire

As winter approaches more and more red squirrels are visiting the feeding station, Squirrel stashing peanutsPhoto by Chris Cachia Zammit frantically collecting peanuts and hiding them in safe storage spaces for the lean months to come. It’s fascinating to watch them scampering about all over the feeding station, digging little stashes...

Fly tying evenings on Mondays during the winter months.

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 08 November 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Tummel ShrimpOur friendly and sociable fortnightly fly tying evenings start shortly. These evenings are open to all anglers/fly tiers, not just Club members. Evenings are informal and members are happy to teach anyone who wants to learn how to tie flies, join in for a blether or as many do try to refill...

It’s beginning to look a lot like winter

Posted by peter on Monday, 07 November 2016 in Highland Perthshire

As the temperatures are falling lower and lower, increasing numbers of wintering bird migrants are coming to Loch of the Lowes. Sizable flocks of pink footed and greylag geese can be heard flying over, with some stopping off at the reserve for a short break. Redwings and fieldfares can still be seen...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Posted by peter on Monday, 31 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Autumn colours at Loch of the Lowes. Photo taken by Chris Cachia Zammit HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! From the Loch of the Lowes team. Reminder that from the 1st of November (tomorrow) we start our winter hours; open Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:30 till 16:00. Regards Chris Cachia Zammit Original linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Small is beautiful

Posted by peter on Saturday, 29 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Two closely related species lay a claim to the title of the UK’s smallest bird – the goldcrest and the firecrest. However only one of them, the goldcrest, is seen with any degree of regularity in Scotland – the firecrest having a breeding range restricted to SE England. These tiny warblers are a...

We are now on Facebook!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 27 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

We are pleased to announce that you can now follow what is happening at Loch of the Lowes by just a click of a button. Like and share our new Facebook page. Link to Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Lochofthelowes/ Regards Chris Cachia ZammitOriginal linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Hibernating Hedgehogs

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 26 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Autumn is famous for its cooling temperatures, shorter days and turning leaves. The changing of the seasons is an important trigger for many behavioural and physiological changes in our native wildlife to help them prepare for winter. For some, like our red squirrels it acts as a warning, spurring them on...

Greening at Loch of the Lowes – leading by example

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 25 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Global climate change and the degradation of ecosystems through resource depletion are two of the biggest challenges that our planet currently faces. As much as we may not wish to, the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s operations are contributing to this. Consequently the whole organisation is committed to reducing, where possible, the detrimental impacts of our...

Visitor Centre Open

Posted by peter on Thursday, 20 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

I’m pleased to confirm that the visitor centre is now open, and will remain open as usual until 5pm. Original linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Visitor Centre Closed

Posted by peter on Thursday, 20 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Due to unforeseen circumstances the visitor centre will not be opening at 10am this morning. The observation hide is open so you can still come down and enjoy the spectacular autumn colours and waterbirds on the loch. We will let you know if we are able to open later in the day....

Just another manic Monday

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 18 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Another quiet autumn day at Loch of the Lowes I thought, when I arrived on Monday and looked out of the hide and across the loch. Rain was falling, mist rolling in – dreich indeed. The ‘usual suspects’ greeted me – by totally ignoring my presence – and I settled in...

Hunter’s Moon and upcoming Stargazing Event

Posted by peter on Sunday, 16 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

There will be a fabulous full moon tonight, a Hunter’s Moon. It will rise 20 minutes earlier than a usual moonrise and appear to be glowing orange. This is the first full moon after the autumnal equinox but because it appears on the horizon unusually soon after sunset, the daylight seems...

BUCKLAND LECTURE EVENING: HOW SMART ARE FISH?

Posted by peter on Sunday, 16 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

One of Pitlochry Angling Club's committee members Dr Andy Walker is speaking at the Buckland Lecture evening in the Pathfoot Lecture Theatre, University of Stirling on Thursday 27th October18:30 Professor Felicity Huntingford “How smart are fish and why does this matter?”19:20 Dr Andy Walker “Are domesticated trout less smart than wild ones? A fisherman's...

Guest blog by Lari Don – Hares and riddles, toads and trickery, crows and curses

Posted by peter on Friday, 14 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Writing about magical animals can lead to a lot of research into real animals. I’ve often written about imaginary animals – dragons, phoenixes, centaurs, selkies – which gave me the freedom to make up physical attributes and unusual behaviours. But recently I’ve been writing a trilogy in which many of characters...

Autumn colours and recent arrivals

Posted by peter on Thursday, 13 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Loch of the Lowes has taken on a very autumnal feel over the past few weeks with signs of the changing season increasingly evident. With the leaves on the trees gradually losing their green chlorophyll, they are transforming into a vibrant kaleidoscope of golds, yellows, reds and burnt oranges. Eventually falling to the ground, children...

Tonight – Dolphins!

Posted by peter on Sunday, 09 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

This evening (Sunday 9th October) at the Birnam Arts Centre, Charlie Phillips will be talking about the Bottlenose Dolphins in the Moray Firth. This will not only be fascinating (fact-wise) but it is also a fabulous opportunity to see Charlie’s stunning photographs. Please come along and join us (most of the...

Reminder: An evening with Charlie Phillips – On a Rising Tide

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 04 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

This Sunday evening at 7.30pm a very special event will be taking place at the Birnam Arts Centre, in aid of Loch of the Lowes and the Birnam Arts charity. We are delighted to be joined by dolphin behavioural expert and renowned photographer Charlie Phillips. Charlie, who is based near Inverness, works...

Ruan Ruarie Return

Posted by peter on Monday, 03 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Good numbers of fish have been showing on our Ruan Ruarie beat recently and Nick Berridge Sharp was in the right place today catching a 6lber on the fly. With plenty of fish heading through the Dam over the last couple of weeks there should be more opportunities on our Garry...

Fish At The Dam And Conditions Looking Good

Posted by peter on Saturday, 01 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Good numbers of fish have been seen on all our beats over the last few days - and with the counter at the fish ladder already at 6319 the fish just seem to keep on coming. Martin Wilson took advantage with a nice fish of 13lbs caught on the fly on...

Trip to Latvia

Posted by peter on Saturday, 01 October 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Recently I got the opportunity to go to Latvia through ARCH Network with Erasmus+ funding as part of a learning experience geared towards expanding the knowledge of culture in another country and comparing conservation practices to Scotland. Whilst in Latvia we learned everything from how to identify tracks from wolves, moose...

Improve your bird ID skills this autumn!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 20 September 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Due to popular demand we are offering another Birdwatching for Beginners Course with experienced local ornithologist Scott Paterson, on Sunday 9th October from 10:30am-4:30pm. This one-day course aims to provide an informal and enjoyable introduction to birds and birdwatching. Aimed primarily at beginners, by the end of the day participants will be able...

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