Recent blog posts - Highland Perthshire Blogs

New arrivals from Europe

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 09 March 2016 in Highland Perthshire

No, I’m not talking about ospreys… this last week we have welcomed Chris Cachia-Zammit and Chloe Fourneret to Loch of the Lowes through the European Voluntary Service – a scheme which allows EU citizens between the ages of 17-30 to undertake a 12-month work placement with a charity or not-for-profit organisation in another...

Booking system maintainance outage 10th March 2016

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

Our "Beatbooker" permit booking system will be offline for essential maintenance starting on Thursday 10th March for several hours. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. ...

Osprey Tracking Update – 2nd March 2016

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 02 March 2016 in Highland Perthshire

There’s nothing new to report on FR3 who remains at home within the confines of the bolongs (creeks) to the north of Bulok. FR3’s activity between 16th & 27th February 2016 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust The fact that our young osprey has been so settled has worked in our favour as it has...

Good Fishing

Posted by peter on Saturday, 27 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

It was good to see a couple of rods out today - conditions looked good and there was a great chance of a fish. One was lost first thing but later in the morning Geroge Renwick was successful with an 11lber from Port-na-Craig bank on the fly. With the river at...

Fish At The Dam

Posted by peter on Friday, 26 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

The river dropped back to an excellent height overnight and fishing conditions looked excellent this morning. It didn't take Saul Mackay long to take advantage with a 16 lb fish caught on his third cast and this was followed later in the morning with another of 10lbs. Both fish were caught...

First Fish Of The Season!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 23 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

The first fish of the season was caught today - a fresh 8lber from Sawmill this morning. The successful angler was Les Dargie who, not for the first time, wins the Mitchell Trophy for the first fly caught salmon of the season caught by a member on Club waters - well...

Open – Water On Again!

Posted by peter on Friday, 19 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Well – the water is on again! The Visitor Centre is now OPEN! We look forward to seeing you. By the way … we saw a stoat in its white coat today. Stunning! CherryOriginal linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Visitor Centre Temporarily Closed

Posted by peter on Friday, 19 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

We currently have no water supply at Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre so we cannot open to the public. However, the Hides are still open but please bear in mind that all the toilets are locked. Apologies for any inconvenience and we will open just as soon as we can....

Osprey Tracking Update – 16th February 2016

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 16 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

FR3’s behaviour pattern over the past fortnight has been largely consistent with that of the last couple of months, with one exception. Yesterday afternoon between 12 and 1pm our young osprey headed north for approximately 6km (4 miles), perhaps following the bolong (creek) that flows northwards from Bulok towards the Gambia...

Diary date - Open Night 7pm Wed 9th March 2016.

Posted by peter on Friday, 12 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Can you name this insect?Our club Open Night at Scotland's Hotel, Bonnethill Road, Pitlochry is free and guests are very welcome to attend. Refreshments provided.This year we are delighted to have arranged a talk by Craig Macadam the Conservation Director with Buglife who has been studying freshwater invertebrates for over 20 years. He is...

1 Day Birdwatching Course

Posted by peter on Monday, 08 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

It is a beautiful sunny day today without a breath of wind to mask the clear calls of distant buzzards, ‘whistling’ wigeon on the loch and the excited spring chattering from woodland birds. Even the woodpeckers are drumming! It certainly makes a change from all the dark stormy weather we have...

Osprey Tracking Update – 4th February 2016

Posted by peter on Thursday, 04 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

FR3 It’s been business as usual over the past week for FR3, who shows no inclination to travel beyond the immediate vicinity of Bulok (The red points and orange lines indicate new activity while the purple lines are historic data). FR3’s activity from 29th January-3rd February 2016 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust My internet searches...

Fancy working at Loch of the Lowes this summer?

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 03 February 2016 in Highland Perthshire

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to provide a first class wildlife experience for visitors to Loch of the Lowes throughout our busy osprey breeding season. Assisting in the day-to-day running of the centre’s reception and osprey/wildlife exhibition areas, our Visitor Centre Assistant will also focus on promoting conservation the work of...

Winter Weather

Posted by peter on Saturday, 30 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

If you are planning to come up to the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre today, please call ahead first (01350 727337) to ensure we are open. The weather is closing in and reports of heavy snow and strong winds are forecast for this afternoon. I may well close up early...

Unexpected news from Senegal!

Posted by peter on Friday, 29 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

As many of you will no doubt be aware, staff and volunteers from the Rutland Osprey Project have recently returned from a trip to the Gambia and Senegal. Since 2011 the Rutland team have made an annual visit to West Africa as part of their Osprey Flyways Project – a groundbreaking education project working...

Osprey Tracking Update – 29th January 2016

Posted by peter on Friday, 29 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

There has been no change in FR3’s behaviour over the last couple of weeks with our young osprey remaining within the confines of the bolong (creek) to the north of Bulok in the Gambia. FR3’s activity between 10th & 28th January 2016 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust As you can see from the close-up...

River Tummel competition dates for 2016.

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 26 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

River Tummel offers great trout fishingThe River Tummel between Pitlochry and Ballinluig is famous for its great trout and grayling fly fishing and is much in demand for competitions. Clubs and others wishing to hold competitions on our waters please note that we would appreciate being informed in advance so that other anglers...

Chanterelles in January

Posted by peter on Monday, 25 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

In Highland Perthshire, we're very lucky to be able to take advantage of nature's larder in many ways, and one of the best treats is the annual crop of chanterelle mushrooms - some of us have our own favourite locations for finding this delicious, but sometimes elusive delicacy! The thing...

Opening Day 2016

Posted by peter on Friday, 15 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

With the river at a good height there was some optimism on the Tummel this morning. A few members turned out for a cast and a few more dropped by to follow proceedings. Unfortunately - despite best efforts - the first springer of the season remained elusive. Hopefully not too long...

Osprey Tracking Update – 13th January 2016

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 13 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

Since last week’s worrying news of FR4’s disappearance we have all been waiting anxiously for any further information. Unfortunately none has been forthcoming – no new data has been received so it looks as if FR4’s tag has stopped transmitting. As to the reason for this it’s very difficult to say....

Visitor permits at Pitlochry Dam are now available for booking.

Posted by peter on Saturday, 09 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

We look forward to meeting visiting anglers fishing our popular and prolific beats at Pitlochry Dam this season which starts on January 15th. Permits are now available online via our Beatbooker booking system. Remember the permit is not bought until its paid for, first to pay gets it!Tight lines!...

Job vacancy at Loch of the Lowes: Osprey Protection Officer

Posted by peter on Friday, 08 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

We currently have a vacancy for two Osprey Protection Officers at Loch of the Lowes. Working in rural Perthshire, the successful candidates will monitor all aspects of the returning breeding ospreys from their wintering grounds of West Africa. They will ensure protection of the nest and eggs on a predominantly nightshift...

New Year’s greetings and an osprey tracking update

Posted by peter on Monday, 04 January 2016 in Highland Perthshire

As I write 2015 has been consigned to the history books and 2016 is already a few days old. I hope that you all had a restful and enjoyable Christmas and wish you all the best for the year ahead. Downloading the tracking data this morning I was eager to find out...

Flood water on the R Tummel Dec 30 2015

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 30 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

No parking today! Dam gates spill was impressive! The River Tummel has been exceptionally high several times over past weeks and it looks like we will see the year ending with it on another high! Spirits and expectations also are high in anticipation of another great year's fishing on the river in 2016 after...

Update on viewing window – OPEN!

Posted by peter on Sunday, 20 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The ‘technical hitch’ has been resolved and the metal shutters on the visitor centre viewing window are now working again! Right now we have red squirrels, woodpeckers, blue tits, great tits and masses of coal tits in the feeding station as well as a yellow hammer, siskins and a host of...

Viewing window problem

Posted by peter on Sunday, 20 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Just a quick note to say that if you are planning to visit Loch of the Lowes today to enjoy watching the feeding station – please note that we have an electrical fault and the window remains shuttered. Why do things like this always happen on a Sunday? We are open...

Osprey Tracking Update – 18th December 2015

Posted by peter on Friday, 18 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This week’s tracking update will be very brief as there’s little to report in the way of change. FR3 seems to have settled on the mangrove swamp to the north of Bulok as being the prime fishing area for the time being. The red points indicate new data while the purple...

Winter Solstice Family Fun Days this weekend!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 17 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Coming up on Saturday and Sunday we have our final event for 2015; our Winter Solstice Family Fun Day. This weekend precedes the shortest day and longest night of the year (Monday 21st December), so to mark this astronomical event we have two days of children’s activities, quizzes and a wintery themed trail....

Visitors fishing permits for 2016

Posted by peter on Monday, 14 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

2016 permits for all of our waters (apart from Pitlochry Dam) will be available for sale online via our booking system from December 15, 2015.Permits at Pitlochry Dam will be released for sale online to visitors around the second week of January. Full details of our fishing and permit prices for visitors are...

Osprey Tracking Update – 12th December 2015

Posted by peter on Saturday, 12 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The relative behaviour of our two young ospreys over the past fortnight has been starkly contrasting. FR3 hasn’t ventured beyond the confines of the bolons (creeks) to the south of the Gambia River which have been home for the past six weeks. The area around Bulok appears to be the favoured location, with...

More details on the sighting of FR3

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 09 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Following on from last night’s exciting news Chris Wood has very kindly provided us with more photos of FR3 and an account of how he and Fansu were able to track our young osprey down, which I’m delighted to be able to share with you. “We should have been at Georgetown but...

BREAKING NEWS: FR3 has been spotted in the Gambia!!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We received the very exciting news this evening that our osprey community friends Chris Wood and Fansu Bojang have this afternoon located and photographed our young osprey FR3, near Kafuta in the Gambia! We know that FR3 has been visiting this area regularly in recent days and from the photo below...

Booking system will be unavailable on Wednesday 3rd December

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 02 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Our booking system will be out of service for essential maintenance on Wednesday 3rd December 2015. We apologise for any inconvenience caused....

Osprey Tracking Update – 2nd December 2015

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 02 December 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It’s been another pretty quiet week for our two young ospreys in the Gambia. The majority of FR3’s activity has been focussed around the villages of Faraba Sutu and Kafuta, slightly further west than last week. The only exception to this was on the 28th when FR3 made a quick return...

Osprey Tracking Update – 25th November 2015

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

After FR3 and FR4’s recent adventures, the last week or so has been fairly uneventful, with both birds settled in their respective areas of the Gambia. FR3’s activity between 19th and 22nd November 2015 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust FR3 continues to make daily journeys between the two bolongs (creeks) near Sutu Sinjang and Bulok. FR4’s...

Osprey Tracking Update – 19th November 2015

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

Both of our young ospreys have been relatively active over the past week, particularly FR4 who having travelled all the way to Guinea-Bissau the previous week has promptly returned to the Gambia! FR3 spent the first few days of last week continuing to move between the bolongs (creeks) beside the villages of Bulok, Sutu Sinjang...

Has winter arrived?

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

There is a distinctly wintery feeling in the air at Loch of the Lowes today. The weather system associated with “Storm Abigail” which hit the west and north of Scotland overnight is certainly making its presence felt. Temperatures have dropped by about 10 degrees compared to yesterday and a mixture of heavy rain, sleet...

Osprey Tracking Update – 11th November 2015

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

It has been a week of contrast for our two young ospreys, with one unsettled but not covering any great distances, and the other going country hopping! FR3 has had another fairly quiet seven days, travelling back and forth between the various bolongs (creeks) along a roughly 15km (9 mile) stretch on...

In search of FR3

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

Earlier this week we were contacted by Chris Wood, a volunteer from the Rutland Osprey Project. Chris has visited the Gambia on a number of occasions in recent years and is regularly in contact with Fansu Bojang, an experienced birdwatcher and freelance wildlife tour guide. Last month Fansu successfully located and...

Osprey Tracking update – 5th November 2015

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

Following on from an extended excursion into Senegal last time out, FR3 made a brief return trip across the border on 2nd November in what was otherwise a relatively uneventful week for our young osprey. FR3’s activity between 28th October and 2nd November 2015 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust Virtually all of the past seven days have...

Last Day at Lowes

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

With the sun silently dipping down towards the horizon, the treetops surrounding our loch take on an orange glow, intensified by the beautiful, crisp autumn colours. The loch empties of birds as they take to their roosts and the squirrels bury the last of their peanuts; little flashes of red disappearing...

Osprey Tracking update – 28th October 2015

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

Last week it looked as though FR3 was possibly heading for the mouth of the Gambia river and the Atlantic coast, but over the past seven days our young osprey has been on a round-trip over the border into southern Senegal instead. FR3’s movements from 21st-27th October 2015 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust After a...

Visitor Centre Opening Times

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

Engineers have been today and replaced the faulty component of our water pump so the Visitor Centre will be open for the rest of this week. We are open from 10am-5pm tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. From Sunday (1st November) until 1st March 2016 we switch over to winter opening hours which are 10:30am-4pm, Friday to Sunday...

Osprey Tracking update – 21st October

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 21 October 2015 in Highland Perthshire

FR3 has continued to travel west over the last six days and is now only around 40km (25 miles) from the coast and the mouth of the Gambia river. By the evening of the 14th where we pick up the story, FR3 was roosting on the floodplain of the Bintang Bolon...

Osprey tracking update – 16th October

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

Having arrived in Gambia, FR3 has spent the last few days travelling west, exploring both the main Gambia river and its lower tributary. Tendaba Camp Roosting close to the north bank of the main river on the night of the 11th, FR3 set off down-river the next morning sometime after 10am....

Misty mornings

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

The mornings at Lowes are becoming more mystical and atmospheric every day, as Autumn progresses. The mist trapped by the hills, sweeping over the golf course and hovering over the loch, along with the bellowing of rutting deer and honking of migrating geese creates a wonderfully tranquil setting where one can...

Ruan Ruarie Success

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 13 October 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Dave Wilson rounded his season off nicely with a 5lb fish from the Viaduct Pool at Ruan Ruarie on Monday. Quite a few fish about by all accounts - and still time to get a ticket for the last couple of days of the season....

Osprey tracking update – FR3 joins sibling in the Gambia!

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

FR3 has wasted no time since last week and I’m delighted to report has arrived safely in the Gambia. In the space of five days our young osprey has crossed three deserts: the Western Sahara, Akchar and Trarza; passed through the whole of Mauritania and most of Senegal, to arrive on...

Fly Tying evenings at Scotland's Hotel

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

Our 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 these...

Osprey tracking update – 8th October

Posted by peter on Thursday, 08 October 2015 in Highland Perthshire

FR3 has made considerable progress over the past week, travelling around 1300km (800 miles) and as of 4pm on 6th October was in the central eastern part of Western Sahara. Flying south from the Oued Grou river on the 2nd, FR3 roosted overnight close to the Barrage Al Massari dam on the Oum...

Start of the grayling marks the end of 2015 trout season

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 07 October 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There are good populations of brown trout in all of our waters. The season finished yesterday and the trout are already colouring up for breeding. Let's hope that conditions for them spawning are good. Our annual River Tummel fishing permit for grayling and trout from October 7, 2015 to October 6, 2016...

Visitor Centre Closed Sunday October 4th

Posted by peter on Sunday, 04 October 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Unfortunately, the visitor centre still has no running water and therefore will be closed today. The Double Decker Hide is open as usual if you wish to visit, however, please bear in mind that the toilets are closed. Apologies again for this inconvenience and we will post an update tomorrow as...

Visitor Centre CLOSED

Posted by peter on Saturday, 03 October 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The visitor centre will not be open today as we have no running water. If this situation changes and we are able to open tomorrow we will let you know. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.Original linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Osprey tracking update – 2nd October

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

After last week’s exertions travelling from France to Morocco last week, FR3 has slowed the migration pace again this week. Over the last seven days our young osprey has travelled approximately 120km (70 miles) further SW. The bulk of this journey took place on 25th September, since when FR3 has once again settled into...

Help us protect Perthshire’s Wildlife!

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

With your support our ranger can work all year round to protect even more of Perthshire’s incredible wildlife. The Perthshire Ranger is a key member of our team and plays a vital role in looking after wildlife on our five local Scottish Wildlife Trust reserves and beyond. As another successful summer...

New salmon fishing announcement by the Scottish Government

Posted by peter on Monday, 28 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Following further consultation the minister Aileen McLeod stated:The product of that further consideration has led to a revised scheme and accompanying activity which we have just made public through a press release and detailed web content. I am writing therefore to provide you with notice of that detail, the key elements...

Sawmill Success

Posted by peter on Saturday, 26 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There's still a few fish about and Paul Carter was in the right place this morning with a 6lb fish from Sawmill on the fly. The counter at the dam currently stands at 5332 and good numbers of fish were showing below the dam....

FR3 in Morocco; FR4 exploring the Gambia!

Posted by peter on Friday, 25 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The latest satellite data which we downloaded this afternoon shows that FR3 has made considerable progress over the last week and is now in Morocco! FR3’s movements to 24th September 2015 ©Scottish Wildlife Trust Having left the fishing ponds near Saint-Paul-Lizonne on the 20th, home for the past three weeks, FR3...

Sawmill Return

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 23 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river is now sitting at summer levels but Bob Crowther showed it is still worth a cast with a fresh fish of 5lbs on the fly in Sawmill yesterday. Hopefully a few more to come before the end of the season....

On The Move

Posted by peter on Monday, 21 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The latest satellite tracking data arrived today showing both our tracked ospreys are moving south. FR3 is heading further south through France and FR4 is now in Gambia! View Tracking Page Here Here at Loch of the Lowes autumn is turning foliage into fabulous colours and giving us atmospheric misty mornings....

In Case You Missed It

Posted by peter on Sunday, 20 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Amazingly, FR4 has reached Senegal! Although FR4 was the last chick to leave the nest at Loch of the Lowes, he/she is now safely in Senegal. The exact positions of the satellite tracked flight are on our Osprey Tracking Page . I wonder where our juveniles will be when the next batch...

FR4s Journey Through Africa

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 15 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Since departing on their migration last month FR3 and FR4 have shown us that they both have very different approaches to making the journey. FR3 arrived in France on 22nd August and seems to be showing no signs of being in a hurry to reach West Africa, still sticking to the...

Ruan Ruarie Salmon

Posted by peter on Saturday, 12 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Dave Wilson was the successful angler today with a 9lb salmon on Ruan Ruarie. Conditions weren't the best but the fish didn't seem to mind - quite a few showing on the beat at the moment. The heavy rain should freshen things up - hopefully a few more to come next...

Ticking Over

Posted by peter on Friday, 11 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river has dropped back a bit over the last week or so but fish are still passing through steadily with the odd one getting caught: Sylvian Barry landed a 4lb grilse on the spinner on Port-na-Craig bank last Saturday; and Iain McGinlay caught a fish of 4lbs on Ruan Ruarie...

NEWSFLASH: FR4 in Morocco!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 10 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We have just received data showing that FR4 has arrived safely in Morocco! The tracking page will be updated next week FR4 in Morocco ©Scottish Wildlife TrustOriginal linkOriginal author: jonathan...

FR4 in Africa (almost)

Posted by peter on Thursday, 10 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

FR4’s migration journey shows no signs of slowing down. Having made rapid progress through France and northern Spain, our young osprey has continued SW and as of 1pm on the 8th (the last data point we have) was flying about 12km (8 miles) off the NW coast of Morocco! Setting out from...

Reminder: 2020VISION Talk with Pete Cairns

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 09 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Next Thursday at the Birnam Arts Centre renowned wildlife photographer Pete Cairns will be giving a fascinating evening talk and presenting stunning imagery from the 2020VISION project. 2020VISION showcases the amazing landscapes and wildlife that the UK has to offer and reminds us why nature matters to us. See my previous blog from a couple...

Osprey tracking update: 7th September

Posted by peter on Monday, 07 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With the last data download on Friday showing FR3 firmly ensconced in France and FR4 halfway across the English Channel (two days previous), we were all eager to find out where the latter of our two young tagged ospreys had got to. The answer was: Spain! FR4 would have made landfall on the...

Ruan Ruarie Grilse

Posted by peter on Saturday, 05 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Not many rods out this week but still a few fish about. Dave Wilson took advantage catching a 3lb grilse on Ruan Ruarie today and losing another. The forecast for next week is for more settled conditions - definitely worth a go....

Farewell FR4

Posted by peter on Friday, 04 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

FR4 was last seen by the staff and volunteers at Loch of the Lowes on Monday so we had strong suspicions that our last remaining chick had departed on migration. An eagle-eyed webcam viewer informed us that FR4 was on the nest at 6.39am on Tuesday and downloading the latest satellite data this morning...

August Report From Hill Lochs

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 02 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This season so far has certainly been very challenging in the hills as far as the weather was concerned and August certainly continued where July left off.However,catches have been good on the days when conditions were suitable i.e.without driving rain and very strong winds.Both Bhac and Kinardochy have fished well to...

A visit to Handa Island, a very different Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 01 September 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A ten minute boat ride off the Scottish mainland, right up in the north west of the country lies Handa Island, a tranquil little place and home to an impressive show of wildlife. As volunteer ranger interns based at Loch of the Lowes, we jumped at the chance to take a...

Osprey update: 31st August

Posted by peter on Monday, 31 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

FR3 Having made rapid progress along the Atlantic coast of France, FR3 appears to have settled for the time being in the south of the country. Travelling slowly south-west over 25th & 26th August, FR3 then headed north-west on the 27th to the current location; an agricultural area on the border between the departments...

Fantastic news about Blue YD!

Posted by peter on Friday, 28 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We are all very excited and delighted to share the news that Blue YD, a male osprey who hatched from a nest in Angus in 2012, has been spotted alive and well in Fife. We were successful in following his first migration south with the help of his satellite tracker, but...

Still Fish About

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 26 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river level has dropped back over the last couple of days but there are still fish to be caught: Andy Khakoo managed to winkle out a sea trout of about 2lbs on the fly in Sawmill this afternoon; and this evening Brian Joseph landed a 5lb grilse on Port-na-Craig bank...

Pete Cairns 2020VISION Talk @Birnam Arts Centre

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 26 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

I’m excited to tell you that renowned wildlife photographer Pete Cairns will be giving a talk about the 2020VISION project at the Birnam Arts Centre on the evening of Thursday 17th September at 7.30pm. 2020VISION is the most ambitious conservation photography project ever staged in the UK. 20 of the country’s...

FR3 has left for migration!

Posted by peter on Monday, 24 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We are delighted to announce that after an incredible osprey season at Loch of the Lowes, one of our satellite tagged chicks FR3 has set off on its autumn migration. It left Scottish soil just south of Ross on the south-west coast at 9am on the 18th August, and by 1pm...

Sawmill Grilse

Posted by peter on Friday, 21 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Quite a few fish showing at the Dam today but nothing caught, unfortunately. Further downstream at Sawmill Gordon Nichol landed a 4 lb grilse on the fly this evening. Will be interesting to see what the weekend brings....

Sawmill On Form

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 18 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There's still a few fish about - Andy Khakoo struck again in Sawmill today with a fish of 4lbs on his first cast! Plenty of fish were showing in the beat by all accounts - definitely worth a cast....

Good weather for ducks (and fallow deer apparently!)

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 18 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

After a few days of something more akin to summer weather normal service has been resumed here at Loch of the Lowes. The signs weren’t good from the word go today, with grey clouds gathering over the loch from early morning. By lunchtime the rain had arrived any continued to fall for...

Sawmill Success

Posted by peter on Friday, 14 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The Sawmill was looking good today and Gordon Nichol took advantage with a fish of 12lbs on the fly this afternoon. The river remains at an excellent height and with good numbers of fish about prospects look good for tomorrow....

Optics Fair at Lowes

Posted by peter on Friday, 14 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This weekend we have our second Optics Fair for 2015. On Sunday between 10am and 4pm we will be joined by Donald from Opticron, who will be on hand to provide expert advice, with a wide selection of binoculars and telescopes available to try and buy. So if you’re needing a...

Dam Fishing Well

Posted by peter on Thursday, 13 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Lots of fish showing at the Dam this morning and Gary Waugh took advantage continuing his good run with a 7lber from Pitlochry bank this morning on the fly. With the river at a good height and plenty of fish about prospects look good for the weekend....

Fish About!

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 12 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There's still fish about: Andy Khakoo continued his good run with a grilse of 4lbs on the fly this afternoon in Sawmill: and this evening Brian Joseph landed a fish of 4lbs on Port-na-Craig bank on the spinner. Good numbers of fish showing by all accounts and definitely still worth a...

Osprey update and a first departure

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 12 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A month has now passed since FR2 and FR3 fledged (three weeks for FR4) and as we approach mid-August they are spending increasing intervals of time away from the nest site. Both satellite tagged birds have now made short forays away from Loch of the Lowes as can be seen from the latest batch...

Good Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 10 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

There was some unsettled weather about today - including very heavy showers - but we did have one return with Gordon Graham landing a clean 5lb fish. Hopefully there will be more to come as the water settles back over the next few days....

Osprey season may be coming to an end, but the wildlife is here to stay

Posted by peter on Monday, 10 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

At Loch of the Lowes, visitors are drawn in by the promise and allure of the breeding ospreys, but wildlife of all shapes and sizes is here to greet you as soon as you arrive on site. On the path between the car park and visitor centre, interesting invertebrates can often be spotted in...

Dam On Form

Posted by peter on Saturday, 08 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was good to see some rods on the Dam today and with six fish caught and at least another four lost the fishing was exceptional: Gary Waugh got things going with a sea liced fish of 5lbs on the fly from Pitlochry bank in the morning and followed up with...

Fishing Well

Posted by peter on Friday, 07 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With the water level dropping back nicely and lots of fish showing conditions were excellent at the dam today. Docherty took advantage with a fish of 8lbs on Pitlochry bank this afternoon on the fly - and another two lost. Looking good for tomorrow.Danny Docherty on Pitlochry bank this afternoon...

The adventurous osprey!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 06 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Despite the miserable wet weather recently at Loch of the Lowes, there has been plenty of osprey action in and around the nest. As well as fending off several unwanted intruder ospreys, the male had to see off a red kite who came a little too close for comfort, providing quite...

Sawmill Sea Trout

Posted by peter on Thursday, 06 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Andy Khakoo showed it is still worth a cast - catching a 2.5lb sea trout on the fly at BP burn on our Sawmill beat yesterday. Still fish about for those willing to have a cast....

Ospreys Galore!

Posted by peter on Sunday, 02 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The three young ospreys may have fledged but they are continuing to provide great entertainment for visitors to Loch of the Lowes. Not only do they perch around the trees opposite the hides and fly back and forth to the nest (giving superb views) but they are also honing their fishing...

Good End To The Week

Posted by peter on Saturday, 01 August 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With the river height close to ideal at the moment and plenty of fish showing it was good to see a few day rods out on our Dam beat today. As expected the fishing was excellent with five fish caught: Gary Waugh was first into action on Pitlochry bank this morning...

Salmon And Sea Trout

Posted by peter on Friday, 31 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Paul Carter did well tonight with a salmon at 10lbs, a sea trout at 2lbs and a further two salmon hooked but lost. Paul tells me he was trialling a new fly - looks like it's a winner! Should be more to come tomorrow....

Grilse At The Dam

Posted by peter on Thursday, 30 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Good numbers of fish were showing at the Dam this evening. Gordon Nichol was the lucky angler tonight with a 3lb grisle on Pitlochry bank on the fly. For those willing to venture out this weekend prospects look excellent....

JULY REPORT FROM HILL LOCHS

Posted by peter on Thursday, 30 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Although July weather has been very unseasonable to say the least both hill lochs have fished well on days when conditions were conducive for fishing. Bhac rainbows have been in the mood with boat and bank anglers doing well. Kate McLaren,buzzers,damsel nymphs and dries have all proved popular. Kinardochy brownies have...

Fish At The Dam

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Not many rods out at the moment but those willing to have a cast are being rewarded: Brian Joseph ventured out late this evening and landed a 5lb grilse on Port-na-Craig bank on the fly. The river remains at a great height and there are still lots of fish moving about...

PAC Double

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 28 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Fish are showing throughout PAC beats at the moment and today we achieved a double with fish caught at the Dam and Sawmill: Ian Hislop caught a 5 lb fish on the fly this evening on Pitlochry bank while further downstream at Sawmill Andy Khakoo landed a grilse of 3lbs -...

Osprey tag, a swoop and a screaming frenzy!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 28 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Anyone visiting Loch of the Lowes over the past few days could be forgiven for thinking that autumn has come early, with damp and dreary weather dominating proceedings. Thankfully however, we still have plenty of wildlife to remind us that summer hasn’t passed us by yet at least! Our young osprey fledglings continue...

Good End To The Week

Posted by peter on Saturday, 25 July 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We're now almost at the end of July and with good water levels PAC beats continue to fish well:Friday: Martin Wilson landed a 7lber on Pitlochry bank on the fly in the eveningSaturday: Paul Carter caught a fresh fish of 6lbs on the fly this morningConditions remain excellent - looking good...