Panama...Hats off!

D&G are cruising the Panama Canal throughout December, missing the big freeze & enjoying the sunshine with David's 91 year yound mother!

They are celebrating both David's 69th Birthday as well as their 41st Wedding anniversary.

We look forward to their return just before Christmas.

Loch Ness Trail

Voluntary Payback Scheme Update from Destination Loch Ness

















Thank you all for your contributions.

Since the scheme was launched in December last year participating members have now raised almost £600.

All monies to date are going towards interpretation on the South Loch Ness Trail Project (Update attached for your information). When the Trail is officially launched early summer next year, all participating members of the Scheme will receive acknowledgement of their contribution in publicity material for the trail.

We hope in due course to make contributions to other environmental projects around the loch but until we have more DLN members participating in the scheme, this is unlikely. So please, if you know someone whose business could be part of the Scheme we would appreciate some gentle persuasion! As we are all aware, visitors are more than happy to make a contribution.

All wired up..

David had a lucky escape whilst driving home along the A9 on his return from New York. A roll of wire fell of the back of a farm vehicle & got caught around the car's prop shaft!

The AA came to the rescue to cut out the wire & set David back on his way!

Phew!

New York...New York

Well...Caroline did it!

Out of 44, 829 runners, Caroline came 8649 – this means she came in the first 19% of runners. She also came 1480 out of all the females running.

It truly was an immense experience – the sun shone, the skies were blue & the skyline was amazing. The crowds were around 2 million & were an incredible boost along the route. David, Caroline's father, went out to support her & managed to catch a glimpse of her running 3 times along the way.

In the end, Caroline ran, representing the Fire Department, FDNY – they also gave her a little preferential treatment: from 7am there was a pre-race tent with coffee & cover until the start at 9:40am. They then all met for drinks & managed to get showered up after the marathon in a posh Central Park hotel!

Caroline's final time was 3hrs, 43 mins & 59 secs.

So 'Congratulations' goes to: Joe Guadagno who guessed 3hrs, 44mins so was 1 second out! A voucher will be on its way to him!

Thanks for everyone’s support – role on Vienna when Caroline will be doing another one!

No No No...

Do you often find yourself in a similar situation? Hampered by Scotland's inability to offer you what you want, when you want it & how you want it?

Well maybe a few years ago businesses could be picky - they could dictate to you what they gave you, how they gave it to you & if they gave it to you.

However, cunningly enough this recession has certainly sharpened attitude...it has made the customer wise to the fact that actually...they are entitled to get what they want, when they want it & how they want it...they want quality, they want to know that their hard earned money is going on something that will be a benefit to them, enrich their lives & have a positive impact. If they don't get this, well - they'll think with their feet & never return or more likely they'll think with their computers, type until their heart is content on sites such as Tripadvisor...then they'll never go back...

So the recession has affected the customer, the consumer & the visitor - it has changed their way of thinking...& why not? Why should the business be complacent - expecting the visitor to come whatever the consequence. Businesses need to wake up, if they haven't already & home in on the fact that actually - we are in business to be a business, to make a business & to offer a future business. It is not all about now - it is about the...I can't quite reach it yet bit...

This picture makes me laugh but if you really think about it - it is incredibly sad because you only have to look around you to see that subconsciously, this is all around us...'Don't park here'; 'Don't do this...'; 'Don't do that...' - why can't we educate people to actually do what should be common sense because we should have a pride in our country. Do we really have to indicatively tell people not to litter? I mean c'mon...is respect so low?

Well, if hard times are making people think about how they spend their money & what they get for it then maybe it is only time before this will spread into other ways of life. We need leadership, action & positivity to bring those who are quite happy to be complacent, with us or indeed leave them behind to moan & groan...well they are good at it, aren't they?

FREE NIGHT DBB...

...BUT what time can Caroline do her New York Marathon in?

Email your answer to caroline@thelovat.com

Guess the correct time & win a free night at the Lovat, Loch Ness - Dinner Bed & Breakfast between 2010 - 2011 (subject to availability & excludes speciality events)

Run CG Run!

Free Champagne!

Be the Lovat's first guest to book online through Facebook & receive a complimentary bottle of champagne to celebrate your social network style!

Love it!

The future...

...of tourism.

It is all to easy to sit back & say nothing...maybe you can't be bothered; maybe you don't actually care; maybe there is no-one to talk to; or maybe you are just fed up saying the same old sentences on the same old topics to the same 'old' people (obviously not wanting to categorise any age groups here).

It is all to easy to sit back & be complacent to expect business to come knocking on your door & to expect that phone to keep ringing but reality isn't so kind & if you haven't already had a sharp prod to realise that you actually need to work at business to make it work for you, your industry & dare I sound a little American here, & your country - then you seriously need to take your clothes off & step outside into this bitter, dreich night (or maybe that is how you are getting the business?)...to wake the *#?! up.

What I am getting at is...things are going to change & like it or not, things are going to have to change...sustainability is a word here to stay.

Attending a 'think tank' - I thought it quite apt to scribble down:

Sustainability v Selfishness

Sustainability - a word that scares most people because it has 6 syllables but honestly - it is just another word for, say, 'survival'. There, that's 3 syllables - can you swallow that?

Sustainability is not only about the environment - it is about competition, community, Scotland, You, Me, profit, quality, protection + other aspects of business development. Sustainability is your business plan - it is your way forward & ours.

I could go on but am losing my thought, sustainability ironically getting the better of me - just have your say & make a difference here.

Monopoly

Back in 2007-2008, the Lovat did a 'Bank on Us' campaign, offering guests the opportunity to 'Take a Chance' or 'Community Chest' on arrival at this Loch Ness hotel. The cards would offer anything from a bunch of grapes to an upgrade straight to the Grand Master Bedroom - it proved very successful.

Now monopoly life is going to be for real with the introduction of a new game featuring this Highland area...we all wait with anticipation!

Maybe, 'Bank on Us' will make a comeback with Loch Ness Monopoly!

Green & Supreme...like it!

Scotland Outdoors, comes to stay...you should to! Mention this article on booking & get a complimentary room upgrade as well as a bottle of wine!

(subject to availability)

Read the article here

Great North Run - now New York!

Great North Run accomplished by Caroline & her sister, Alison.

Caroline raised

£513.85

Including Gift Aid for MS Society so thanks to everyone who assisted in gaining this target.

She also finished the 1/2 marathon, not a personal best but in 1hr, 48mins.

Roll on New York!

Gin o'Clock!

Geraldine is in Spain enjoying a G & T before dinner, whereas here at the Lovat we are offering a litre jug of Pimms for £12.00...a perfect pre-dinner punch!

Pimms O'Clock!

Caroline Gregory is fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis Society

Caroline Gregory is fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis Society

In training for the New York marathon on 7th November 2010 - the Great North 1/2 marathon is a wee training opportunity!

Sponsor me whatever you can - thanks!

Listening...

...to YOU!

On the back of your feedback, the Lovat Brasserie now has the following permanently on its menu:

• West Coast Skye Scallops
• Roasted Red Pepper & Apple Lasagne
• Gluten Free Buckwheat Pasta
• Local Butcher, MacDougall's Chieftan o' the Pudding Race (Haggis!)
• Fruit Desserts, such as Scottish Raspberry Cranachan & Torridon Rhubarb Crumble
• Cullen Skink
• Local Loin of Venison

We are now working on more:

pasta dishes;
beef cuts;
vegetarian options &;
shellfish

Thanks for your feedback as part of DOVE, we value your comments, criticisms & coaching as you assist us in driving our business forward.

Any further comments are most welcome so complete this survey

Not in a day's work!

Break away from the norm & indulge in some 'rush to the head' Loch Ness activity with breathtaking Scottish scenery.

Check out our last minute deals at the Lovat, Loch Ness.

Weekend Break...

...away from the city or from your normal daily routine & sample some fresh Scottish air at the Lovat Loch Ness.

Stay for the weekend to benefit from some reduced rates:

2 nights Bed & Breakfast with 50% off on 3rd night.
Rates start at £37.50 per person per night.

Book now for this fantatsic deal!

What a surprise!

David & Geraldine met the Darntons earlier this month, who were their first guests at the Kinlochbervie Hotel, all those years ago & who also visited several times at The Torridon...maybe they will make it to The Lovat soon!

5 years on...

David & Geraldine accepted some lovely gifts from the staff as the Lovat hit its 5 year anniversary.

The Lovat team surprised them both, expressing their dedication & commitment to the continued success of the business.

Thanks go to all those involved, in particular Lesley (Head Housekeeper) who had a large role to play in pulling all the efforts together.

Both David & Geraldine were thrilled with the attention that means so much & makes us all remember where we have come from, where we are now & where we aim to be.

List'ed

Eating & Drinking Guide 2010

Is it wrong to start a review with ice-cream? If so, special rules must be invoked: the home-made ice-cream at The Lovat deserves headline status, with dreams made of a scoop of the lemon crème fraiche.

The restaurant for The Lovat Hotel is a little bit different. There’s a girlie, 'SATC' hint to the décor that’s a surprise in the Highlands, but it's sufficiently funky not to scare your boyfriend off. As oft-claimed as it is, a number of ingredients here do come from near rather than far: Lochaber salmon and venison, West Coast mussels, Stornoway black pudding . . . these are served with an inclusive vibe that aims to please everyone.

The dairy-intolerant aren’t excluded from the ice-cream experience with a home-made soya version available, along with gluten-free options. The slight quirkines of the décor extends to the food: original touches such as a fried poached egg or chicken liver and fois gras brûlée rouse the curiosity but also deliver on the palate.

As far as service goes - The Lovat recently won a gold medal from VisitScotland, so no worries on that front either.

Have your say

List';ed

Loving Lochaber!

Lochaber, No Fuss Events 1/2 marathon, was held on Sunday, 16th May 2010.

The Lovat Team comprised of Cooper, Drummond & Caroline who completed the undulating course in 1hr, 59.30 - not bad for our 1st attempt!

The day was beautiful with interspersed sunshine on the Scottish mountains. David Gregory came to cheer us on as well.

This course is highly recommended so contact the Lovat team to book your accommodation in the Highlands for 2011!

Mmmmm Marmalade!

Business profile of Caroline Gregory as the Environmental Business Driver for the North of Scotland in her Loch Ness hotel. The Press & Journal completed a great article on the Lovat, followed by an insightful Q & A session!

Marmalade I hear you say?

Well - Paddington Bear loved his marmalade sandwiches!

What a load of rubbish...

...scary thought.

Why reduce waste?

It is increasingly difficult and expensive to dispose of waste

A hotel guest generates about 1kg (2lb) of waste per night, more than half of it in paper, plastic and cardboard. In addition to negative environmental impact, as landfill capacity diminishes, so the cost of waste disposal becomes more expensive. In the UK, for example, landfilling costs are now £48 per tonne (1.1 tons) compared to £18 a tonne in 2005.

It creates huge environmental problems

Landfilling not only takes up valuable land space but causes air, water and soil pollution, discharging carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane into the atmosphere and chemicals and pesticides into the earth and groundwater. In addition, waste often has to travel long distances to the landfill site, consuming fuel and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.


To meet tougher government legislation

National and local governments are introducing more stringent requirements with regards to waste disposal to landfill and recycling, and the hotel industry must respond to these high green standards.

It is an inefficient resource use

Often it is more resource-efficient to make new products by recycling rather than starting from scratch. For example, recycling used aluminium tins into new tins requires 95% less energy than processing bauxite ore into aluminium. Many discarded materials, such as furniture and food, also have value.

It makes good business sense

* When supplies are used more efficiently, it saves money on raw materials.
* Income can be generated by selling old equipment and reusing or recycling valuable waste materials.
* Waste disposal costs fall as the amount of waste you produce decreases.

Pat Maher, a former hotel executive now serving as an environmental consultant to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, says that good waste management and recycling is an effective public relations tool, because it shows a dedication to corporate responsibility with environmental policy. “Doing in-room recycling is important because the guest sees that,” he says. Also, by removing paper, plastic and other recyclables from their waste, hotels can trim their disposal bill by as much as 50% — a significant savings in cities where waste removal is expensive. “In New York City, it’s not unusual to have a $100,000-a-year waste bill,” says Maher, “and if you can cut that by $50,000, that’s a big deal to the operator of a hotel.”

Green hotelier - Issue 51, Waste Management

Jolly June!

As the snow melts...as the warm weather approaches & as the blue sky beckons - grab the Lovat's Jolly June so you can look forward to some outdoor invigoration balanced with some hotel cosy comfort.

Stay for 1 night Dinner Bed & Breakfast & get dinner on 2nd night, complimentary. Prices start from £56.25 per person, per night.

Book your Loch Ness accommodation for your holiday in Scotland

May Day - May Day!

Whisk yourself away in May & take advantage of our 3 night Loch Ness special accommodation deal.

Stay for 2 nights & get 50% off 3rd night, Dinner Bed & Breakfast

Offer available Sunday - Thursday inclusive, with rates starting from £55.80 per person, per night, DBB.

Book online or visit the Lovat website for more information.

Wet & Wild!

Thursday, 22nd April 2010

After getting the bedrooms ready & clearing up after breakfast, the Lovat team headed out for a day on the water. Caroline stayed behind to hold the fort out front whilst James held the kitchen.

The team spent the day on the River Garry, with instruction from Highland Activties. Despite it being rather cold, everyone had loads of fun.

The day ended with a buffet, some drinks, some truth or dare antics & also good old Karaoke! We had a dance off between Salsa & Ballet as well as some 'X' Factor singing style displays! We said our 'final' Goodbye to Ailsa who after 3 years of Lovat Life, has headed to another job role in the area - we wish her well.

Thanks to all those who participated & made it such a great day.

Easter Lunch 2010

12noon - 2:30pm
Friday - Monday


Sandwiches

A choice of Pannini, Traditional White or Multi Grain Bread
All served with Mixed Leaves & Cajun Scented Potato Wedges

Brie & Provençale Vegetables
(Panini only) 6.45
(V)

Honey Roast Ham,
Whole Grain Mustard 6.45

Isle of Mull Cheddar,
Chives 6.25
(V)

Tuna Spring Onion,
Black Olives 6.20

Pesto Chicken,
Pine Nut 6.75

Oak Smoked Salmon,
Mini Capers, Cream Cheese 7.25

Salads

Salad of Seasonal Melon Small 5.50
Prawn Marie Rose Large 9.95 (GF)

Chicken Caesar Salad Small 6.95
Baby Gem Lettuce, Parmesan, Large 10.95
Croutons, Anchovies

Soup of The Day 4.50
(GF)

Classic Thai Spiced Mussels Small 6.50
Large 12.00
(GF)

The Lovat Fish & Chips 11.95
Battered Mallaig Haddock
Crushed Peas, Tartare Sauce, Hand Cut Chips

Crispy Breaded Scampi 10.95
Crushed Peas, Tartare Sauce, Hand Cut Chips

Chargrilled Venison Sausages 11.25
Creamed Potatoes, Onion Sauce,
Root Vegetable Crisps

Desserts

Buttermilk Pie 5.95
Fresh Strawberry Sauce, Chantilly Cream

Chocolate Soufflé Cake 5.95
Grand Marnier Butter Cream, (GF)
Dark Chocolate Glaze

Walnut & Plum Linzer Tart 5.95
Lemon Crème Fraîche Ice Cream, Fresh Berries

Jog Jog Jog!

Fancy sponsoring me?...even £2.00 - my target is £300!

Shortlisted...

...by the IoD.

David, Geraldine & Caroline attended the Institute of Directors award ceremony on Thursday, 18th March 2010 to see if Caroline was crowned Female Director of the Year. Caroline didn't get the award but is pleased to say that it went to a fellow Highland business lady. There is always 2011!

Got the Looks...?

...well Book!

Are you free in April 2010?
Are you edgy, classy & quirky?

Register your interest to be a Lovat model (male & female required) for our new website photos.

Be pampered after the photo shoot with a Swedish massage, bottle of champagne & dinner for 2, followed by relaxing accommodation & a Scottish Breakfast before departure, in exchange for...you looking good!

Contact me on caroline@thelovat.com

Mother's Day 2010

Show the Love!

14th March 2010

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Sweet Potato Soup
Coconut

Chicken Liver Parfait
Apple Chutney, Toasted Brioche

Lochaber Smoked Salmon Blinis
Highland Crowdie, Dill

Watercress, Orange & Walnut Salad
Balsamic Vinaigrette


~~~~~


Roast Rib of Scotch Beef
Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Pan Gravy

Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta
Lemon, Rocket, Basil, Parmesan

Baked Loin of Cod
Herb Crust, Crushed Potatoes, Smoked Pepper Essence

Roast Corn Fed Guinea Fowl
Herb Mash, Wild Mushrooms, Tarragon Jus


~~~~~


Warm Bourbon Pecan Pie
Vanilla Ice Cream

Dark Chocolate Truffle Cake
Grand Marnier Butter Cream, Raspberry Compote

Caramelised Apple Tarte Tatin
Croissant Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce

Selection of Cheese
Grapes, Chutney, Celery, Oatcakes


2 courses
£15.50

3 courses
£20.00


3 courses includes a lovely gift for the lovely Lady
Bookings required

Choo Choo!

What an amazing email to receive whilst away for the weekend snowboarding...on Scottish snow no less!

"My wife and I stayed at The Lovat last Saturday and had a most enjoyable time. Thank you so much and congratulations on the transformation you have made to the hotel.

I mentioned to your receptionist that the date you have for the opening of the railway at Fort Augustus (1880) is not correct. The line opened on 22 July 1903, closed temporarily on 31 October 1911, reopened on 1 August 1913 and finally closed to passengers on 1 December 1933 and completely on 31 December 1946. The extension from the station over the Caledonian Canal by means of a swing bridge then over the River Oich on a bridge the castellated piers of which still stand in the river and on to the pier on Loch Ness was used by one train per day for only four years until 30 September 1907.

I hope you find this of interest and don't mind me pointing out the mistake in your literature! Thanks again, and best wishes for success with the Lovat Jack Kernahan"

If anyone else has additional historical information then please let us know (info@thelovat.com or caroline@thelovat.com) as we always love to be kept informed & updated on our past as we continue to develop the future.

Full circle...

...once Caroline worked at the IoD, Pall Mall, now she is being recognised but not for being an employee - this time from a different angle as Caroline is shortlisted for a Director of the Year Award!

The ceremony is to be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh on 18th March 2010.

Watch this Space!

Gobbledy Google!

What will they think of next...?!

Shame it isn't 'on the spot' up to date but not bad for the first round of virtual touring...this'll make it easier for Nessie hunting!

Google Us

Stay for FREE!

Capture the Loch Ness monster on camera & stay for free!!

(some conditions apply - please contact Caroline for further details 0845 4501100)

A monster sighting you say?

The monster is captured on camera - come to the Lovat to see what you can find!

Rates from £29.00 per person, Bed & Breakfast
Rates from £52.00 per person, Dinner Bed & Breakfast
(Based on 2 people sharing & staying for 3 nights)

See for yourself!

Loch on the Bright Side

Caroline is recognised for her achievements with a recent write up in the industry magazine 'Caterer & Hotelkeeper'. Read the article

sNOw sNOw sNOw more

Despite the treacherous conditions - you can hardly miss the beauty of Scotland covered in snow - heavy branches & white purity at its best. However, it is getting to the point of willing the ice, slush & cold to end, not because we are averse to a bit of bitter chill but more to the fact that we are so unprepared for this weather. Lack of salt on the roads & an inability to function as normal creates a sense of panic & disruption to most individuals - something that should really be avoided.

The Highlands feels the most organised out of the lot but gaps & cracks are starting to form as the usual 2 days of heavy snow is starting to creep into what could be 2 months.

Business suffers under the stress & strain of cancelled bookings, limited sales & frustrated customers...not exactly what we wished from Santa for Christmas but it makes you think...maybe we weren't that good in 2009 afterall so instead of a sack of coal we have a blanket of snow.

Comfort the Cold at the Lovat - 3 for 2 Offer, Dinner Bed & Breakfast