Philiphaugh News January 2012

Happy New Year from everyone at Philiphaugh Estates.
 

2011 was an eventful year for the estate. Our archaeology of the ancient battlefield began in April and the final report should be ready this month. The project attracted many volunteers and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and long hours. In all, over 900 artefacts were recovered and these are currently with Treasure Trove for cataloguing.

This year, we will be concentrating on the interpretation and would hope to have a dedicated walkway along the A708 in place by summer 2012 and a booklet covering the archaeology and main events of the battle by the end of the year.
 

The Battle Re enactment in August attracted many visitors some of which came from as far away as Bavaria to watch the skirmishes.

In the Salmon Viewing Centre the underwater cameras continue to be out of action as we make essential repairs to the cauld. As soon as these works are complete the centre will be fully functional, you can, however, view all our highlights on the video screens.

There are some colourful pot plants for sale in the gardens that will add a splash of colour to your home after the decorations have gone. The gardens are open form 8 – 4 pm weekdays and at weekends by appointment.

Our free estate walks continue to be very popular and we have 3 running through January as listed below.


 

Dates for your Diary

January

January 4^th

No walks scheduled on these Wednesdays but feel free to come for a walk on the estate.

11 January

Estate Walk

Spend an hour with our wildlife expert as he talks about all the seasonal highlights of the estate in winter. Wear warm clothing and boots.

18 January

Battle Walk

Take a tour of the ancient battle site at Philiphaugh with Olivier Hofer. Hear the tale of the covenanters and royalists who fought across the land in 1645. Wear warm clothing and boots.

25 January

Wildlife Walk

Spend an hour with our wildlife expert  as he talks about all the interesting creatures lying dormant or still active through this very cold period of the year.  Wear warm clothing and boots.

Philiphaugh Audio Tour

At the Waterwheel Café you can collect an audio player to accompany your visit.

It’s packed full of interesting facts about the Salmon Centre, the life cycle of the salmon and the fascinating battle of Philiphaugh which will enhance your visit to this beautiful spot.

Some of the audio is about the Cauld and can be taken with you on your walk.

The player can be stopped and started at any point and you can listen to sections again if you wish.

The Audio Tour lasts for about 30 minutes, so It’s great value for money!

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.