Last minute bookings in October

24th to 31st October
Sleeping 2 Thatched Cottage in Newburgh
Sleeping 4 Abercromby in Bridge of Allan
Sleeping 5 Braemhor in Auchterarder

Book online or call us on 01764 684100 for part weeks and discounts, and for availablity in November.

October Holiday Home feature

Our featured cottage of the month is Aberturret Cottage. Situated one mile from Crieff, on the west side, this 4 star cottage sleeps 5.

The cottage, dates from the 19th century,and nestles in the tranquil grounds of Aberturret House, within walking distance of The Famous Grouse Distillery. One of the many pleasures of staying at Aberturret Cottage is the benefit of a large private garden with a fresh water burn running through it. This provides the perfect setting for a barbeque on warm afternoons or a peaceful few hours relaxing to the sound of nothing at all!

Aberturret Cottage has three comfortable bedrooms (all of which are situated on the upper floor). There is a generous sized double-bedded room, a single room and a larger bedroom which also contains a single futon bed. The decor throughout is tasteful and relaxing, reflecting the pastoral atmosphere of the cottage.

Several of the walks featured on Perth and Kinross Council Countryside Trust’s extensive paths network for walkers, cyclists and riders are on the doorstep of Aberturret Cottage. Ranging from one to eight miles and covering a wide variety of terrain, the Crieff Walks embrace some of the area's finest scenery.

Normal price range of £420 to £570 per week or £12 to £16 per head per night when fully occupied for 7 nights. We believe that Aberturret Cottage offers excellent value for money.

Snap up bargain weeks 10 – 16 October at £416 (normally £520), 24th to 31st October at £468 (£520) or ask us about the October bargains in our other Abade properties. Visit our website and book online at any time, most 2010 prices showing now.

Late breaks for week 26th September

It's a fabulous time of year to visit Scotland; the leaves are just beginning to turn colour, the days have been beautifully sunny, with a hint of chill in the evenings - we call it harvest weather.

Abade has a number of late offers to tempt you, including The Wee House at The Loaning near Crieff. A perfect little getaway for 2 at only £320 for the week. Walk into the local village of Muthill to a lovely restaurant or play on the 9-hole golf course, only a short step away.

For 2/4 Moulinalmond has a lovely setting only a few minutes from Perth and with a walled garden to relax in and an open fire for the evenings at £369 for the week.

For 4, Glenmhor in Auchterarder (famed for its excellent shops and proximity to The Gleneagles Hotel) is £495 for the week and Windsor Gardens at Gleneagles Village is £489.50

For these and other options, see our website or call us on 01764 684100 we'd be delighted to find you a place to suit your taste and budget.

Perthshire for Apple Orchards

One of Scotland’s main apple growing areas, dating back 800 years, was the Carse of Gowrie, situated between Perth and Dundee, to the north of the River Tay. The old Scottish Orchards once numbered tens of thousands of trees and, as part of the celebrations of its 200th anniversary, the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society wants to encourage the planting of new orchards. Native varieties include The James Grieve, The Coul Blush, The Bloody Ploughman, The Cambusnethan Pippin, The Lass O’Gowrie and The White Melrose.

A Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust survey found that, of 50 recorded orchards, only 17 remainand only 9 of those have any commercial potential. This year’s apple conference will be held at the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and hopefully the blooming of more apple trees will follow; good for us, our environment, our insects and and birds.

Don't forget to look at the What's On and Places to Visit sections on Abade. Remember that late season can be a wonderful time to visit. Book a short break or longer to enjoy some spectacular autumn colours.

Perthshire for archaeology

Much work has been done over the years on excavating sites of archeological interest. Visitors are familiar with the Roman Camp at Ardoch and the fine reconstruction of the ancient settlement at the Crannog near Kenmore where underwater survey continues.

Recently a rare 4000-year old Bronze Age grave has been uncovered at Forteviot only a few miles from Perth. Covered with a huge 4-ton sandstone slab that was removed by a crane, the grave is described as “spectacular” by experts. The site where the find was made is where Kenneth McAlpin, the first king of a united Scotland, died in AD858

A Historic Scotland spokesman said, “ Bronze Age cist burials are not uncommon finds in Scotland, but early indications from this new discovery, both the quality of the grave goods and also the careful construction and decoration of the burial cists, suggest that the individual buried here was someone of the highest social standing – and that is very rare and very exciting.”

Visit our Places to Visit and What's On pages for fascinating visits to make during your Perthshire holiday.

Scone Palace Orchid Show

The Orchid Show at Scone Palace

A vist to Scone Palace is worthwhile at any time. It’s open between April and October. Scone Palace was the crowning place of the Kings of Scotland and the original home of the Stone of Destiny which now lies in Edinburgh Castle.

On the first weekend in August, there is an Orchid Show in the grounds. The Head Gardener at the Palace for over 20 years, Peter Timony, produces a wonderful show of orchids in the Palace and is renowned for his knowledge and experience on how to grow orchids.

A Jazz Band played in the grounds, the sun shone, Scots Chef, Kevin MacGillvray ran a barbecue and it was a wonderful day out.

Remember to look at the Places to Visit and What’s On sections of our website. There are so many reasons to holiday in Perthshire.

The Gathering 2009

The Gathering of the Clans in Holyrood Park

An estimated 30,000 people gathered at Holyrood Park, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh on the last weekend in July for The Gathering 2009. There was music from popular bands, Capercaillie and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Pipe Bands, Highland dancing, readings from Alexander McCall Smith and Ian Hamilton, who talked about his involvement with the Stone of Destiny, and a whole host of other things. We watched some spectacular caber tossing.

There were dozens of Clan tents where visitors could find out more about their family roots, and staff from of the General Register for Scotland giving advice on genealogy.

It was a well run event, with visitors from all over the world. Crafts were of very high quality, catering well run and litter pickers everywhere. There was a real sense of family coming together from every part of the world and a warmth and friendship that was worth the visit alone.