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

Keep on running...

...it's a long road ahead!

To keep her eye on the New York marathon, in November 2010, Caroline is entering some UK races to test her stamina! The first of its kind will be the Edinburgh 10k in May 2010, closely followed by the Great North Run. If you would like to get involved in supporting her, the first charity is Alzheimers, on behalf of a team mate whose father is struggling with the illness.

Let it snow...let it snow...

...let it snow!

















The skies are heavy with snow, with more forecast. Lots of fun to be had...but believe it or not...the Nevis Range is not open for business yet...I know...don't even get me started!

Safe driving all those who are out & about & remember to throw a snowball!

40 years on...

...4 successful businesses, 3 strong minded daughters, many fond memories together as well as a few stressful times thrown in for good measure but above all an exceptionally strong bond that has kept them together through the hard times & strengthened them through the good.

David & Geraldine Gregory
Ruby Wedding, 13th December 2009

What amazing parents, mentors, entrepreneurs & above all characters who light up our lives & all those who come into contact with them...occasionally the light flickers through natural emotion but we are human after all.

Good luck for the next few years which could prove tough - what with walking sticks, zimmer frames & a few more finger wags accompanied by a 'David Malcolm Gregory'!

Keep enjoying life & enjoying memories together.

I am proud to say that these two are certainly the 'icing on the cake'.