ARDCLACH BELL TOWER
A place I have always seen from afar when driving to the coast and wanted to explore is Ardclach Bell Tower near Nairn. This tiny yellow painted building was built in 1655 and is a hidden gem amongst the trees, overlooking River Findhorn. Sitting below the bell tower is Ardclach Old Parish Church which is currently being painstakingly restored with love by the current owner.
TURNBERRY HOTEL
I enjoyed a weekend away in Ayrshire at Turnberry Hotel, situated along the west coast overlooking the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig it is truly a stunning location. The hotel features snug leather chairs and sofas, stylish black wooden panelled walls, the obligatory tartan on the bed canopies as well as more chandlers than I have ever seen together in one place! The food was superb and amenities such as the pool, spa and golf keep you entertained all weekend long. Despite the controversial āDTā association, the history of this iconic landmark and spectacular nature of this hotel makes it a wonderful place to visit.
GORDON CASTLE WALLED GARDEN
I am very lucky to live near one of the most picturesque walled gardens at Gordon Castle, and this month I managed to pop over for a nosey at the last of their summer flowers and to enjoy a scrumptious lunch. They cook with all their own fruit and veg and even have a little pop-up market where you can take home your own floral bouquet and fresh produce straight from the garden. The cafƩ dƩcor is light rustic country with garden tools and equipment utilised as wall art and a cosy fire either side of the building.
NEW ETSY PORDUCTS & SUMMER SALE
I had a small ānew productā launch this month, with some pieces including a couple stoneware jars and a single flower vase. The summer sale ended with many of my items selling well, and although I do not like to have discounted items too often, I appreciate times are tough and everyone is looking for a bargain. My next focus with the Esty shop will involve some new products for autumn including more dried floral hanging frames (which always sell out) and some original vintage books.
CAIRN CANDLES
A lovely new āluxurious and sustainableā candle shop has opened in my town – Cairn Candles. They take influence from our natural surroundings and the Scottish Highlands with scents such as Caledonian Forrest, River Spey and Lairig Ghru. The shop acts as both a place to sell the candles as well as a workshop to make them, which means it smells amazing in there. The shop dĆ©cor features rich green painted walls reflecting the theme of the outdoors in our Cairngorm National Park, as well as wooden partition screens to separate the shop from the workshop and a few eclectic touches such as the vintage radio and plentiful plant life.
BOOKS I HAVE READ THIS MONTH
The Queenās Gambit by Walter Tevis
The End of Her by Shari Lapena
Lies, Lies, Lies by Adele Parks
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Dead Fashion Girl by Fred Vermorel
Jalan Interior 