Great spells of weather in February and March have meant we've been able to get a lot of 
outdoor jobs done, so a lot of the house is bright and white again and we have a lovely new wall between the house and the Cottage, which has tidied things up considerably. We are delighted to see so many of our guests returning again this year - we're so glad you keep coming back and telling your friends about us. I'll give you a little sneak preview of some of the changes in store! Cottage guests will find not only the wall, but some bonnie new tiling in the kitchen and the addition of a kitchen trolley to provide a little more work and storage space, as one of our guests thought it could do with a bit more.
outdoor jobs done, so a lot of the house is bright and white again and we have a lovely new wall between the house and the Cottage, which has tidied things up considerably. We are delighted to see so many of our guests returning again this year - we're so glad you keep coming back and telling your friends about us. I'll give you a little sneak preview of some of the changes in store! Cottage guests will find not only the wall, but some bonnie new tiling in the kitchen and the addition of a kitchen trolley to provide a little more work and storage space, as one of our guests thought it could do with a bit more. 
We ourselves lived in the Cottage years ago with our 2 teenage children and never had a problem, but we try to listen to your feedback and give you what you want! The additional outside light on the corner of the building has improved the illumination of the path from the gate for winter visitors. A new gate is on its way.
Island View already has its new gate and also has a new tile splashback in the kitchen. New dimmable lights are going in in the kitchen dining area next week and the bathroom now has a privacy lock handle - an improvement on the old bolt.
Creag Mhor's gate is moving to a new, improved we hope, position and is wider than previously, which required an additional stretch of path. We hope to have this work finished for our guests arriving on Saturday for the week. The old gate area has been tidied up, with a stone step and edging to define the flower bed and grass and leading to the back garden.
Both Creag Mhor and Glen Mhor have new Viner's cutlery sets and pans with steamers and egg poachers. Glen Mhor also benefits from an additional outside light, at the end of the building.
In all the properties, we now are delighted to have lots of original watercolours commissioned from Laura Kingswood who studied at Newcastle, did an MA at Goldsmith's in London, worked first for Zakee Shariff, a textile and clothes designer in London, then for Damian Hirst, who needs no introduction, and now works as Artist in Residence with the children of Room 13 at Caol Primary school in Fort William. Recent commissions, apart from us, have been for the new Medical Centre in Fort William.
Everywhere is painted, washed, scrubbed up and sparkling ready for the new season - just a bit of outdoor painting to do in the next few weeks, weather permitting. It's still a bit chilly for that at present.
As you see, we don't sit still at Ach na skia - especially since I retired!!
For those of you who have been monitoring the (snail's pace!) progress of our new house up the hill, we are excited to report that as I write the slates are going on and the main section is almost complete. Hopefully all will be complete in 3 or 4 weeks' time and we can get those funny shaped windows in!
Our visitors this week have enjoyed beautiful sunny days, vivid sunsets and perfect skiing conditions at Nevis Range.
Eagle Watch cruises on Loch Sheil at Glenfinnan have started up for the season this week and the boats are going into the water at Arisaig marina. The Sheerwater trips from Arisaig to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Muck, with time ashore to explore these diverse and interesting islands, will commence on April 28th. 2008 and run until 21st. September. A wide array of sea and bird life can be spotted on and around the islands and it is not unusual for sailings to be slightly late due to a detour to watch Minke Whales, Basking Sharks or Dolphins!
If you're coming over the March Easter break you will be disappointed if you're hoping for one of Jeed's nummy Thai take-aways, as she's off on holiday herself from the 23rd. for a couple of weeks to get some r&r before another busy season. You could wet your taste buds with a look at her menu if you are visiting after 6 April. Meanwhile you could try the Indian restaurant in Mallaig, "Mallaig Spice", which specialises in excellent contemporary Indian Cuisine and you can eat in our get a take-away.I had a delicious meal last week at the Cornerstone restaurant in Mallaig, who also serve fish and chips to take away. If you want to feel like one of the local fishermen you could try the food or just a cuppa at the Fisherman's Mission.
Well, that's all for this update - I know I'll keep thinking of things I've forgotten, but it's time to go and get on with things on the croft. The only reason I had time for this was I was making Hot Cross buns for the roofers (and us) ............... mmm!!
One final thought - maybe this year I will meet the ever-busy-on-his-computer John Winkler of Bayview in Kentallen, another fan of Arisaig, with his own lovely holiday cottage in Glencoe.
