Recent blog posts - Highland Perthshire Blogs

Fishing Well

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 05 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Heavy rain at the Dam today but this didn't put a damper on the fishing: Graham Fyfe was first into action with a 7lb fish on the fly from Port-na-Craig bank this morning; Steve Watt then had an 11lber from Port-na-Craig bank on the spinner in the afternoon; Tom Monaghan followed...

It's been a wet day at the Hermitage today, making it a great time to view the w...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 05 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It's been a wet day at the Hermitage today, making it a great time to view the waterfall from Ossian's Hall.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Sawmill Success

Posted by peter on Monday, 04 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river went up about a foot over the weekend and it wasn't to the liking of the Dam salmon - nothing caught despite best efforts. Further downstream at Sawmill it was a different story: Martin Timmins did well catching a sea-liced fish of 10lbs and losing another on a Vision...

Hedgehog Awareness Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 04 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This week marks National Hedgehog Week, designed to raise awareness of these beautiful but endangered animals and to inspire us with ideas of how we can help them in our area. The west-European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus is one of the 17 hedgehog species found around the world and is unmistakable as...

Ranger dog Alba's been checking out the view over the River Braan at the Hermita...

Posted by peter on Monday, 04 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Ranger dog Alba's been checking out the view over the River Braan at the Hermitage. The leaves on the trees are really starting to open up :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Osprey Update 3rd May

Posted by peter on Sunday, 03 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Despite the recent constant changes in the weather conditions here at Lowes, in the last few days life at the eyrie has been quiet. With our first egg of the year laid on the 14th April, we are now approaching the half-way point of its incubation period (5 – 6 weeks)...

Super Saturday

Posted by peter on Saturday, 02 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It 's been a relatively quiet week on the Dam so far - five fish caught but all hard won. Today, though, was different - fresh fish were seen throughout the beat and this was reflected in the catches: Gary Waugh was first into action with a 7lb fish early morning...

Slavonian Grebe at Lowes!

Posted by peter on Saturday, 02 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Much excitement this morning as we have a Slavonian Grebe on the loch showing well from the observation hide! With our Wildflower Family Fun Day in full swing too why not take the opportunity to pop along and see it for yourself? It will likely be on passage to its more...

First Of May!

Posted by peter on Friday, 01 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was a cold start at the Dam this morning - one angler reported iced rod rings first thing! - but fishing conditions looked reasonably good. As it turned out the fish weren't really in the mood and, as ever, perseverance was the key. Roger Collins stuck to the task and...

This roe deer buck was caught on our trail camera at the Linn of Tummel, scent m...

Posted by peter on Friday, 01 May 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This roe deer buck was caught on our trail camera at the Linn of Tummel, scent marking his territory. Scent glands between his antlers will help mark out his boundary when rubbed on trees like this.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good End To The Month

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

A stiff downstream breeze made things tricky at the Dam today. Casting skills were tested to the full and with only a few fish showing over the course of the morning a blank was becoming a real possibility. Shortly before midday Ally Gowans broke the deadlock, however, with a fish of...

CONTRASTING START FOR HILL LOCHS

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

The early season rods that have braved the elements have had mixed results.Bhac rainbows have been uncooperative to say the least with only a few reacting to flies fished deep on sunk lines.Kinardochy brownies,on the other hand,have responded well to spiders and black flies.We have been experiencing sharp frosts,snow flurries and...

Winter’s final fling?

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

We have been enjoying unseasonable warmth since the eggs were laid, but the skies are once again grey and foreboding of colder winds. The higher peaks of the Grampians have been smothered with a fresh coat of snow, and the ospreys’ full attention is turned to smooth incubation changeovers and efficient...

Here's the view looking over the Pass of Killiecrankie, taken from the summit of...

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

Here's the view looking over the Pass of Killiecrankie, taken from the summit of Craig Fonvuick, looking over to Ben Vrackie in the east. You can almost spot Killiecrankie Visitor Centre down below the A9 :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Ticking Over

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

A cold wind on the river today but fishing conditions were reasonably good. Gary Westhead took advantage this morning with a superb 14 lb fish from Port-na-Craig bank on the fly - well done. Despite best efforts this proved to be the only fish of the day. With the river at...

Dam Double

Posted by peter on Monday, 27 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The weather was distinctly wintry today at the Dam but fishing conditions, in the morning at least, were fairly good. As it turned out two fish were caught: first into action was Steve Watt who continued his good run with a fish of 6lb this morning from Pitlochry bank on the...

The weather held for the Tayside Conservation Volunteers who worked with us at t...

Posted by peter on Monday, 27 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The weather held for the Tayside Conservation Volunteers who worked with us at the Linn of Tummel this weekend. Thanks folks for the great work carried out fixing the path revetments and burning the brash :) Interested in volunteering - http://bit.ly/1fvYmBiOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good End To The Week

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

Gordon Hanslip, Martin Wilson and Steve Watt on Portnacraig bank on 25 AprilThe river went up overnight but was still at a good height this morning and with plenty of fish showing throughout the beat prospects looked good. With a fish lost early on it looked like it could be one...

In the wee pond by the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre this week, were some amazing...

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

In the wee pond by the Killiecrankie Visitor Centre this week, were some amazing pond skaters. Their forelegs are short and for grasping prey, the middle and hind legs are long and slender; the hind pair are used as 'rudders', while the middle pair of legs are used to propel themselves...

Late Fish At The Dam

Posted by peter on Friday, 24 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was another frustrating day at the Dam - conditions looked good but the fish weren't in the mood. In the evening, though, Steve Dora struck silver - landing a superb fish of 15lbs on Pitlochry bank on the fly - well done. The river remains at a good height and...

Ticking Over

Posted by peter on Thursday, 23 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Bright sunshine and warm today at the Dam - not ideal fishing conditions. With one fish lost early on and nothing caught by mid morning it looked like it was going to be one of those days. Steve Watt had different ideas, though, and swung into action on Pitlochry bank with...

Spring is in the air

Posted by peter on Thursday, 23 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A beautiful glow has been creeping over Loch of the Lowes this week, as the wildlife acknowledges the arrival of spring with a flurry of activity. The ospreys, already committed to their brood continue to invest their time and energy in protecting the nest and providing for the family. However the...

Male Palmate newts are still busy performing their elaborate courtship dances in...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 23 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Male Palmate newts are still busy performing their elaborate courtship dances in the ponds at Killiecrankie, Linn of Tummel and The Hermitage. A good way to try and see them if you have a pond, is by going out at dusk and shining a torch into the water.Original linkOriginal author: North...

Dam Double

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 22 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was warm and sunny today but with good water levels the Dam continues to fish well: first into action was Ben Thompson with a 7lb fish from Port-na-Craig bank on the fly this morning; and soon after Adam Brougham followed up with a fish of 8lbs on Pitlochry bank -...

Late Fish At The Dam

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was quiet at the Dam during the day - the water level was good but bright sunshine didn't help - and despite best efforts nothing was caught. In the evening, though, Graeme Stewart was successful - opening his account for the season with a fresh fish of 9lbs from Pitlochry...

This amazing large bee fly has been guarding its territory in the office garden...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 21 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This amazing large bee fly has been guarding its territory in the office garden for a couple of weeks now. Looking more like a bee than a fly with its hairy body, the long rigid proboscis is used for drinking nectar and the fly is totally harmless, we are getting quite...

Excellent Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 20 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river dropped off to a good height over the weekend and with two fish caught at the Dam it was an excellent start to the week: first into action was visiting angler Matti Rautio who landed his first ever Scottish salmon this morning on Port-na-Craig bank on the fly -...

Three of the best!

Posted by peter on Monday, 20 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

For those of you who weren’t fortunate enough to be watching the webcam earlier this afternoon, I’m delighted to tell you that we now have a third egg on the osprey nest at Loch of the Lowes. At about 12.35 we noticed that our female had become very restless, laying low in the...

Our mystery picture this month, which river and property is this?

Posted by peter on Sunday, 19 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Our mystery picture this month, which river and property is this?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good End To The Week

Posted by peter on Saturday, 18 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

When I arrived at the Dam shortly before midday it was clear that the river was well up on the 7am Sepa reading of 1ft 7ins - and with the sun splitting the sky conditions were less than ideal. Just when it looked like it was going to be one of...

Dam 1 - Sawmill 2

Posted by peter on Friday, 17 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Conditions looked excellent at the Dam this morning but for the most part the fish played hard to get. One fish was caught, though: Thomas Monaghan was the successful angler with a fish of 8lbs from Pitlochry bank on the fly. Further downstream Iain MacLaren continues to set the pace at...

Eggcitement all round at Lowes!

Posted by peter on Friday, 17 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

More wonderful news at Loch of the Lowes as we announce the arrival of our second osprey egg at 2.36pm this afternoon. Our female made the laying look effortless as she gave us little in the way of warning of the imminent new addition. Thankfully our centre was very busy at...

Labour of Love

Posted by peter on Thursday, 16 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The excitement of the first egg being laid on Tuesday evening was palpable as Loch of the Lowes staff and volunteers rushed to watch the live video feed to witness the first minutes of parenthood for our new pairing of ospreys. Anxious moments followed as we, and thousands of webcam viewers...

Dam On Form

Posted by peter on Thursday, 16 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river had settled back to a good level after yesterday's rise and with warmer temperatures and light winds prospects looked excellent this morning. First into action was Tummel regular Graham Nichols with a 14lber from Pitlochry bank on the fly. Ally Gowans then followed with a fish of the same...

The Wee Limits Adventure Academy have been very busy this week, here they are ra...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 16 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The Wee Limits Adventure Academy have been very busy this week, here they are rafting on the River Garry.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

BANK MAINTENANCE

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 15 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Some of tonight's work party - Club President Jimmy Ross to the left of photoClub members trimmed back vegetation which was obstructing paths on the members' Sawmill Beat tonight. This is part of this year's maintenance programme on the various Club waters which Club President Jimmy Ross organises....

Coming up: Weekend events and new trail launch

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 15 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

If last night’s “eggcitement” and the anticipation of more to come over the next few days isn’t enough for you, then we have a packed weekend of events and activities coming up. On Saturday afternoon at 2pm we once again welcome professional storyteller Lindsey Gibb to Loch of the Lowes for the second...

First osprey egg at Lowes!

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 14 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We are delighted to announce that this evening at Loch of the Lowes our first osprey egg of 2015 was laid! Only 10 minutes before the event did our night watch staff first notice the classic signs of egg laying behaviour, including the female tail lifting and panting. At 20:50 she...

Last Cast

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 14 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river was up a few inches this morning but still a great height for fishing. After a quiet day a few members ventured out for a cast in the evening and it was Martin Wilson who struck silver late on with a very nice 9 lb fish from Port-na-Craig bank...

A different angle of the Green Footbridge in the Pass of Killiecrankie

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 14 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A different angle of the Green Footbridge in the Pass of KilliecrankieOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Fishing Well

Posted by peter on Monday, 13 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Fishing conditions were excellent today at the Dam - a falling river, light winds and an overcast sky - and the catches reflected this: Gordon Hanslip had a day to remember with two from Port-na-Craig bank in the morning at 18lbs and 12lbs - one on fly and one on a...

It wasn't quite as sunny at the Linn of Tummel today, but it is always a good wa...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 12 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It wasn't quite as sunny at the Linn of Tummel today, but it is always a good walk, whatever the weather!Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Last Gasp

Posted by peter on Saturday, 11 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We've had a quiet couple of days at the dam - a few fish showing but none willing to take - despite best efforts. Today it looked like more of the same and with some inclement weather to contend with if anything success looked even less likely. With none caught during...

Three is a crowd, four is a mob.

Posted by peter on Saturday, 11 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It has been a chaotic 24 hours for our new pairing as we eagerly await their first egg. A large influx of ospreys from the continent has been making passage north after sheltering from severe weather in Iberia. Late on Friday morning a male intruder appeared but was swiftly chased off...

Nuts About Squirrels!

Posted by peter on Saturday, 11 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Having seen fewer red squirrels around our feeding station over the winter, it is lovely to see them back again! This Sunday, 12th April, we are delighted to have Ken Neil from Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels with us at Loch of the Lowes. Do you have Red Squirrels visiting your garden?...

The sunshine has been great this week :) We hope you're getting nice weather whe...

Posted by peter on Friday, 10 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The sunshine has been great this week :) We hope you're getting nice weather where you are. Here's a sunny Linn of Tummel.....Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Osprey Update 10th April

Posted by peter on Friday, 10 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The staff and volunteers at Loch of the Lowes are very proud of our history and association with osprey conservation, having been privileged to have these incredible birds on our reserve since 1969. In 1991, a new female appeared on the nest, and little did we know then just how important...

Another great PAC Open Night result £1200 raised for RHSC Yorkhill, Glasgow

Posted by peter on Friday, 10 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Cheque presentation from Pitlochry Angling Club to RHSC Yorkhill Children's Charity. From Left to Right Liam Mullin, Stevie Mullin, Gary Donlin from the Yorkhill Children's Charity, James Ross Pitlochry Angling Club President.Quote from Kirsten Sinclair Director of Fundraising Yorkhill Children's Charity, “We are incredibly grateful to the Pitlochry Angling Club for...

This comma butterfly was enjoying the sunshine at lunchtime, in the Dunkeld offi...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 09 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

This comma butterfly was enjoying the sunshine at lunchtime, in the Dunkeld office garden. It seemed to think the dog toy was a colourful flower :)Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Remeber to be careful during this dry spell :)

Posted by peter on Thursday, 09 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Remeber to be careful during this dry spell :)Timeline PhotosScottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Wildfire Forum have issued a warning of increased #wildfire risk over next few days. For more information visit this link and check out the map - http://bit.ly/1yVwP0bOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Ospreys make a splash at Loch of the Lowes.

Posted by peter on Thursday, 09 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

As I’m sure many of our keen webcam viewers will have noticed our current female hasn’t been spending an enormous amount of time on the nest. However, never fear, this is nothing to worry about. It may seem a little strange considering the previous female was rather partial to spending a...

Quality Fish At The Dam

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 08 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was a quiet morning at the Dam - conditions looked good but the fish didn't seem to be in the mood. That changed in the afternoon, though: Dave Stewart was first into action with a superb fish of 18lbs from Pitlochry bank on the fly; and Curtis Brunker followed up...

Meet The Team!

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 08 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Osprey season at Loch of the Lowes is our busiest time of the year, and we are so lucky to have a wonderful team of volunteers who travel from across the region to help us provide an exciting and educating experience for our visitors. We are also very fortunate to have on site volunteer...

Another animal caught on our trail camera up on Craigower was this red squirrel....

Posted by peter on Wednesday, 08 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Another animal caught on our trail camera up on Craigower was this red squirrel. It made several passes collecting bedding for its drey (nest) - what do you think it's carrying?Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Two At The Dam

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 07 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It was another good day at the Dam: Peter Shaw got things going with a 9lber on Port-na-Craig bank on a Toby this morning and soon after Steve Watt continued his good run with a hard fighting 16lber on Pitlochry bank on the fly. The river remains at a great height...

KINARDOCHY - 12 BHAC - 0

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 07 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A very contrasting start to the season at the hill lochs. To be honest I am not in the least surprised as the week leading up to the opening weekend was bitterly cold with further snow showers and icy conditions. However, the brave souls who ventured out on Kinardochy were rewarded with...

Excellent Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 06 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river dropped away nicely over the weekend and conditions looked to be close to ideal at the Dam this morning. Just one fish was caught, though, - Steve Watt landing an 8lber on the fly this morning on Pitlochry bank. Further downstream at the Sawmill we're finally off the mark...

Osprey Update 6th April

Posted by peter on Monday, 06 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Like the staff and volunteers at Loch of the Lowes, I’m sure the regular webcam viewers amongst you will have been equally relieved to see the pair back at the nest this morning. Over the Easter weekend the female seemed to be showing little interest in the male, and was instead...

Our first interactive "Battle of Killiecrankie" talk takes place this Wednesday...

Posted by peter on Monday, 06 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Our first interactive "Battle of Killiecrankie" talk takes place this Wednesday 8th April 2-3.30pm. Learn about the battle and the famous Soldier's Leap + kids crafts and replica weapons. £4 adult, £2 child. Meet at Killiecrankie Visitor Centre.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Wordsworth’s favourite flower wasn’t the daffodil, it was the beautiful lesser c...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 05 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Wordsworth’s favourite flower wasn’t the daffodil, it was the beautiful lesser celandine. He wrote no less than three poems about it. "There's a flower that shall be mine, 'Tis the little Celandine."Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Another Good Day At The Dam

Posted by peter on Friday, 03 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With almost ideal conditions it was another good day at the Dam: visiting angler Nick Webster followed up his success of Wednesday with another superb fish first thing this morning - a 12lber from Port-na-Craig bank on a Flying C; while Teasses gamekeeper Kenny Horne continued his good run with two...

One couple have already arrived at Killiecrankie for the Cadbury Easter Egg trai...

Posted by peter on Friday, 03 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

One couple have already arrived at Killiecrankie for the Cadbury Easter Egg trail on Sunday 11am-2pmOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good Catches

Posted by peter on Thursday, 02 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We've had contrasting conditions at the Dam over the last two days - snow showers and strong winds yesterday and settled sunny weather today - but the result was the same with one fish on each day: yesterday (Wednesday) Nick Webster caught a 7lber on Port-na-Craig bank on a Flying C; and this...

Easter Weekend Eggstravaganza!!

Posted by peter on Thursday, 02 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With the osprey season now in full swing and Easter weekend nearly upon us, we have a packed line-up of activities for all the family to enjoy at the visitor centre over the next few days… Tomorrow afternoon at 2pm we are joined by professional storyteller Lindsey Gibb who will be reading two...

A New “Lady” in Residence

Posted by peter on Thursday, 02 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It’s been nearly 48 hours since the new unidentified female osprey arrived at Loch of the Lowes, and she certainly hasn’t wasted any time settling in. Despite some rather regular hostility from our male she has not been put off and has firmly stood her ground in the nest. Since we...

Nearly time for the Cadbury Easter Egg Trails at The Hermitage on Saturday and K...

Posted by peter on Thursday, 02 April 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Nearly time for the Cadbury Easter Egg Trails at The Hermitage on Saturday and Killiecrankie on SundayOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

31st March – A New Rival for Lady

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 31 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

At 4.25pm this afternoon a female osprey arrived at the nest and a ripple of excitement immediately washed over the staff, volunteers and visitors at the reserve. Following detailed reviews of the footage we can confirm that it is not the veteran female “Lady” but is a new unidentified female. Her...

Good Start To The Week

Posted by peter on Monday, 30 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

With the river up and snow showers to contend with conditions weren't ideal for fishing at the dam today. Iain McLaren did well, though, catching a fresh 9lber on the fly on Port-na-Craig bank this morning - see below - safely returned. An excellent start to the week....

Osprey Update 30th March

Posted by peter on Monday, 30 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

All of the staff and volunteers are holding their breath and watching the skies waiting for the first glimpse of another osprey arriving at Loch of the Lowes. So far, there has been very little in the way of other osprey visitors, although the reported bad weather in Europe appears to...

Who said it was spring?! This was Killiecrankie this morning.

Posted by peter on Monday, 30 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Who said it was spring?! This was Killiecrankie this morning.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Week Ends On A High

Posted by peter on Saturday, 28 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

It's been an excellent week at the dam with fish now here in numbers. Prospects today, however, weren't too promising - a rise in river levels overnight with unsettled windy conditions forecast. Steve Watt was equal to the task, though, continuing a good run with an 8lber on the fly from...

On Sunday 5th April we are running a Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Killiecrankie,...

Posted by peter on Saturday, 28 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

On Sunday 5th April we are running a Cadbury Easter Egg Trail at Killiecrankie, starting times from 11am, the cost is £2 per child and like the Hermitage trail on the 4th no booking is required.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good Fishing Continues

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

With an overnight rise in water levels and few fish showing the river had a quiet feel about it this morning - it looked as if the good run at the dam was coming to an end. Steve Watt persevered, though, and was rewarded with a 12lb bar of silver on...

Sound on the Webcam

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

We are currently experiencing issues with the sound quality from the Lowes’ webcam. Please bear with us, your patience is much appreciated. On a positive note – our male osprey has been giving a great demonstration on how to spruce up a nest! CherryOriginal linkOriginal author: jonathan...

Have you got plans for the Easter weekend? Why not join us on one of our Cadbur...

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

Have you got plans for the Easter weekend? Why not join us on one of our Cadbury Easter Egg Trails? On Saturday 4th April we are at the Hermitage, trail departures are anytime between between 11am and 2pm and no booking is required, just turn up!Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger...

Ticking Over

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

With sleet and snow showers this morning it wasn't a day for the faint hearted. Craig Cowan persevered, though, and with some nice casting on show was rewarded with a fresh 9lb fish on the fly early in the afternoon on Port-na-Craig bank - good effort. The river remains at a...

Osprey Update 26th March: Not quite spring yet…

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

Whilst waiting for his female to arrive, our resident male kept himself busy yesterday by making valiant attempts to enhance the nest with freshly collected sticks, delicately arranged into exactly the right position. Earlier this morning however his efforts to tidy appeared slightly in vain as his hard work was covered...

Fishing Well

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

It was a cold start on the Tummel this morning but the conditions were good for fishing and it wasn't long before the first fish came to the net: mid morning Saul Mackay landed a fine fish of 17lbs and then followed up with an 8lb sea liced fish - both...

This pair were spotted at the Linn of Tummel

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

This pair were spotted at the Linn of TummelOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Good Day At The Dam

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 24 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

The river has been at a good height for about a week now but the salmon have remained frustratingly elusive. Today, though, things took a turn for the good: Steve Watt got things going with a superb fish of 22lbs from Port-na-Craig bank in the morning and followed up with another...

Osprey Update 24th March

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 24 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

Since his arrival in the early hours of Sunday, our resident male osprey has been busy organising his nest for the coming season. He immediately got to work, displaying some interesting cleaning techniques by using his body and splayed wings to flatten the growing grass tufts in the centre! It is...

A few more eclipse photos, (a little late we know!) these were taken over Craigo...

Posted by peter on Tuesday, 24 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A few more eclipse photos, (a little late we know!) these were taken over Craigower on Friday morning.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Lovely morning by the Tay today

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

Lovely morning by the Tay todayOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

A big thank you to our volunteers who worked with us last week as part of their...

Posted by peter on Sunday, 22 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

A big thank you to our volunteers who worked with us last week as part of their Thistle Camp - see www.nts.org.uk/volunteering for more info. They carried out a great amount of work across our properties including path work, charcoal making, putting up nest boxes, fencing and much more. Thanks folks...

Resident Male Returns

Posted by peter on Sunday, 22 March 2015 in Highland Perthshire

We are delighted to announce that at 5.38am this morning the resident male returned to the nest at Loch of the Lowes. Having been observed fishing on the loch the previous night, he arrived back at the eyrie in the early hours and immediately began housekeeping duties. He left at 6.18am...

No sign of ospreys yet…

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

Anticipation at Loch of the Lowes is reaching fever pitch as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our osprey pair. The male returned on 21st March last year so could he turn up over the weekend or even today?… we’ll all just have to keep watching and waiting. Needless to say...

We have had a trail camera up on Craigower for the first time. We caught lots of...

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

We have had a trail camera up on Craigower for the first time. We caught lots of wildlife including these.......Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

Eclipse of the sun 9.30 this morning in Dunkeld, an eerie twilight descended upo...

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

Eclipse of the sun 9.30 this morning in Dunkeld, an eerie twilight descended upon the town, if you look closely you can see a small image caught in the photo of the fountain, and the second image was using the pin hole camera methodOriginal linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

If you guessed the Hermitage you were correct - it's the totem pole that stands...

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

If you guessed the Hermitage you were correct - it's the totem pole that stands in the woods between Ossians Hall and Cave.Original linkOriginal author: North Perthshire Ranger Service...

More Fish

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

The good start to the week continued yesterday: Les Dargie opened his account with a 9lb sea liced fish on the fly from Port-na-Craig bank. The river remains at a good height and with generally settled conditions things are looking good as we head into the weekend....

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...