The New Season Approaches

With only two weeks to go to public opening all across the estate small teams of people are working hard to make sure that everything is in place. The gift shop now stocks many local crafts and the Minstrel tea room has an updated menu.   The Victorian kitchen and Visitor centre have had their annual spring clean and  the gardeners have been hard at work clearing around the upper loch which has been opened up to give breathtaking views from the front of the house.

You can be assured of a warm welcome from everyone when you visit.

Trish

Marley & Me

I’m beginning to feel that Spring is on its way at long last.  One of the pleasures of working here is the ability to walk in the beautiful Estate and watch the seasons changing.  Today I walked rescue dog, Marley, around the upper and lower lochs and was astonished to see ice still on our top loch, so we’ve a way to go yet.  The snowdrops are still blooming and the daffodils are beginning to poke their heads above the soil, nicely in time for Easter we hope.  The swans have returned to the upper loch too, always a welcome site, even if they did make Marley quake in his paws!

Helen

Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards - 8 March

We have been nominated for a 2010 Scottish Borders Excellence Award under the Homecoming Scotland 2009 initiative.  This has been sponsored by Homecoming Scotland and is a special award to recognise an outstanding contribution to the local economy during the Year of Homecoming.

Winners are to be announced on March 19th.  Fingers Crossed!

Sarah

London - bright lights, big city

Well, the visit to Windsor and London was certainly memorable.  The Earl of Wessex was charming and it was fascinating to see the State Apartments of Windsor Castle and to see the refurbishment after the fire there some years ago.

We stayed in a very comfortable hotel too – a real treat.  The day following the presentation we headed into London.  We hadn’t bargained on it being half term and it was even busier than we had imagined.  At one point I was trying to get from Piccadilly to Kings Cross and the underground platform was so busy no more folk were allowed down.  I joined a huge queue and when the gates finally opened it was just a boiling mass of humans pushing and shoving to get to the trains.  It was an experience I was glad not to miss, but give me the peace of the Scottish Borders any day. I didn’t get to the Van Gogh exhibition either as the waiting time was 3 hours and it was pouring it down. I decided my dedication to the artistic cause wasn’t enough for that so took myself off to the V and A instead.  And my clever plan to travel light with just a rucksack on my back was very clever at the time, but my shoulders have been sore ever since.  Note to self: there is no comfortable way to enjoy London.  Unless, perhaps, you are the Earl of Wessex…

 I met Lynsey at Kings Cross in time for the train back and she was equally exhausted.  We congratulated ourselves on getting to the train on time and were really quite glad when the beautiful scenery of the Northumberland and Berwickshire coasts came into sight

Helen

Sandford Success

Last week Lynsey (Countryside Ranger) and Helen (Education and Events Manager) travelled to London to receive our Sandford Award for Heritage Education. 

Here is Lynsey receiving the award from the Earl of Wessex.

First Impressions

It has been a great first month working at Bowhill and getting to know the people and wildlife here!  I have been trying out some of the great walks around the estate as research for a new Ranger Service leaflet. Our snowdrops have arrived and our swans are back on the Upper Loch as the ice continues to melt.  Most days I hear woodpeckers hamming on the trees near the house, but so far the red squirrels remain elusive.  What a wonderful place to work!

Sam, Countryside Education Ranger

Special Delivery - 12 February

Spring Summer Leaflet 2010

This morning our brand new joint Theatre and Events leaflet was delivered, remember to get yours or if you can't wait download the above pdf!  If you would like us to send one out to you by post please email bht@buccleuch.com

Sarah

The Big Smoke

Lynsey and I are off to Windsor on Monday to be presented with our Sandford Award for Heritage Education by Prince Edward.  Yippee!  A little reward for a lot of hard work. Lynsey plans to do the tourist thing on a big red bus round London afterwards (I think you’d be better on the horse Lynsey!) but the older half of the duo is visiting the Van Gogh exhibition at the Royal Academy. Wonder how two rural folk will survive in the big smoke?  Watch this space…….

Helen

Green Tourism. A step too far?

A viable way to lower our carbon footprint?

 Not sure...

New Start for the NewYear

We are delighted to welcome Sam Ranscombe, our new Countryside Education Ranger, to the team at Bowhill.  On her journey to work Sam has had to contend with the worst snow fall and icy road conditions in the Borders for a very long time.  Things can only get better Sam!

12th January 2010 - The early bird..

The bird table at home is extremely busy at first light and again in the early afternoon.  Regular appearances by a woodpecker, robins, chaffinches, tits of all shapes and sizes, blackbirds and the ever resourceful jackdaws provide some entertaining viewing.

Trish

The Journey to Work 11 January 2010

Listening to the radio and hearing the struggles others are having on the roads, I feel fortunate to live close to work!  The walk from home today was magical albeit a bit slippy.  On walking up the drive I came upon a flock of blackbirds looking for something to eat and although they stopped and looked at me they continued to search as I passed by.  They were there again on my walk home, so tommorrow I will make sure that I have something in my bag to give them.

Trish, House Manager

Happy 2010

Sneak Preview for Happy Holly-day

Head Gardener David shows us his wreath making skills!

Guides Christmas Lunch

Almost forty seasonal and full time staff from BHT held their annual Christmas lunch at the Kingsknowes Hotel in Galashiels on Thursday 3rd December.

Crackers were pulled, jokes were told and a successful year at Bowhill celebrated.  Many thanks to Gilbert and Barbara for organising the lunch – the rice pudding with hot cherry sauce was to die for!

2010 beckons and with the enthusiasm and commitment from all our staff both seasonal and part time, we look forward to an even more successful year ahead.

Trish, House Manager

Buccleuch Estates Norwegian Spruce Erected in Jenners

Rally of the Tests 2009

Last Sunday, 1st November, Bowhill Estate had over 80 Classic Cars through the Estate as part of a Classic Rally Assosiation Event.  These cars ranged from a Sunbeam Aplines  and Sunbeam Tiger to Porsche's, Volvo's and a Ford Zodiac!

Sarah

Picking of Jenners Christmas Tree

Wizards, Witches and weird goings on

If you happened to be in the woods at Bowhill last Friday night, you were in for a big surprise! Some well known characters such as Sir Walter Scott, Michael Scott the Wizard, Border Reivers, a headless horseman (The Duke of Monmouth), a large brown bear and some strange ghostly apparitions were to be seen making an appearance during the annual Haunted History of Buccleuch ghost walk.  Feedback from our audience suggests that this was the best ghost walk yet so make a date in your diary for next year’s walk which takes place annually at Halloween.

 Trish, House Manager (and ghost!)

The gardening year never ends

As the lawnmowers are put away for the winter, the hard work begins. The main job is to tidy up the borders and leaves to prepare for next year. On top of this, there is the renovation work which is always ongoing. This year this includes finishing the Sunken Garden, removing the overgrown Rhododendrons on the Drive side and thinning the trees around the terraces in conjunction with the Forestry Department. All these areas will be replanted and maintained. We are also going to reinstate a border at the front of Bowhill House.

David, Head Gardener

Work Experience 5-9 October

I have been doing my work experience at Bowhill for the past week and have really enjoyed it, everything I have done from cutting back trees and clearing out flower beds to working with schools and working on play park ideas, it has all been enjoyable. The highlight of the week has been seeing an otter hiding under leaves in the gardens. The week has been valuable to me as it has given me an idea of what I might want to do after leaving school. Thanks to every one at Bowhill who I have worked with and met in my week.

Michael Paton.

We would all like to thank Michael for his valuable contribution last week, it was nice to have some fresh ideas, views and opinions.  The biscuits were also well received! - BHT Office

23-27th September: Clan Scott Gathering

Good Luck for the Future

The last month we have had to say au revoir and goodbye to several members of seasonal staff.  Hopefully our House Guides, Tearoom and Shop staff will once again return to us but to our Seasonal Ranger Fiona we wish all the best as she takes on a new challenge.

 Thank you all for your help and commitment over the summer season. 

Sister Site Success

17 Sept: Bowhill Sees Stars

We have recently found out that we have achieved 5 stars in VisitScotlands quality assurance scheme.   We are all delighted that all the hard work has paid off!

Hoorah!

Sarah, Visitor Services Manager

15 Sept: Only a week and a bit to go

Well it’s hotting up here as we get ready for our Clan Scott Gathering!  We are getting excited about seeing so many new faces here at Bowhill and to sharing our beautiful country with friends from all over the world.  The Muster, which is happening on 26th September, is the main event when everyone can get together and locals can mix with those from across the globe and enjoy an amazing assortment of entertainment we are working hard to bring you.  Join us for music, singing, dancing, animal displays, competitions, shopping, and more.  Let your mouth water at some of the offerings on sale in our catering area, everything from burgers to genuine haggis (caught fresh that morning!) sandwiches, cakes, coffees and ice cream.  It’s the place to be… mark the date in your diary and don’t miss it!

Helen.  Education / Events Manager