Philiphaugh News February 2014

 

Despite the cold weather, snowdrops and daffodils are beginning to poke their tips out of the frozen earth, buds are showing signs of swelling on the estates many trees and the promise of spring doesn’t feel so far away.We have had some spectacular sunsets and blood red dawn skies that paint the estate in vivid colour and highlight the range of tones to be found on every bare trunk – come for a walk on the estate at dawn or dusk to experience this amazing wonder of nature.

 

The Cauld And Salmon Viewing Centre

Our extensive works to the cauld are complete and  the Hydro Electric Power Station is generating electricity.

 

The turbines have now produced over 200,000 kWh since November 1st 2013.

 

The two Archimedes screw turbines can generate

900,000 KW of electricity per year which is enough to power 225 standard sized homes.

 

We have worked closely with SEPA and Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the free passage of wildlife and have installed a new salmon pass and smolt chute. 

 

Four cameras, sending live feeds to the Salmon Viewing Centre have been installed and we expect to have the system fully operational within the next few weeks.

 

Here is a short video of the turbines in Action.

 

 

Philiphaugh Gardens

There are some colourful Azaleas, Primulas and cut Daffodils for sale in the café and gardens that will add a splash of welcome colour to your home.

 

The gardens are open Monday to Friday 8-4 and weekends by appointment.

Walks

The estate has a number of beautiful walks at any time. Please collect a leaflet or consult the map in the salmon viewing centre for route information.

Mobile Phone App

A mobile phone app is available to download from www.philiphaughaudio.com which you can listen to as you walk. Leaflets and a booklet about the project and the battle are available from the Waterwheel Café. 

 

Battlefield Self Guided Walk

Leaflets and a booklet about the battlefield project are available from the Waterwheel Café.

  

Salmon DVD

A fully narrated film entitled "The Philiphaugh Salmon" showing twenty minutes worth of the best, recorded images from the salmon viewing centre, will be available to purchase from the Waterwheel Restaurant.

The species included are salmon, trout, grayling, eel, perch, a brief view of an otter knocking the camera and a goosander swimming underwater below the cauld.

All proceeds will be used towards the upkeep of the centre, for the purchase of equipment, cameras and towards maintaining the facilities. The DVD is priced at £5.