Some of my favourite places so far . . .

Well what can I say, it appears that in such a small village there exists a great place that encourages a whole array of activities and that serves to bring the community together for various events or even just for a coffee & chat! It has to be said, and there are no two ways about it, The Birnam Institute (http://www.birnaminstitute.com/) is such an asset to the area. Although there may have been some objections at first to what the funding should be spent on, and there were concerns that such an outlay could have been better served, but I think that can be put to rest in the knowledge that the institute has increased traffic to the area and serves the community extremely well on so many levels. There are so many things going on including concerts, classes, conferences and workshops. They have managed to balance the sophisticated look of the place without it being stuffy or too formal. To best honset and from what I have experienced, it is very family friendly and a great meeting place for individuals and business people alike. The food is excellent, the staff helpfull and the atmosphere relaxed. In fact I can be found most mornings sitting enjoying my morning coffee & home made carrot cake after having finsished breakfast service!

They also have a wonderful Beatrix Potter exibition and gardens, which is great for little ones. The shop itself has some lovely pottery and gift ideas which is always nice to take as a souvenir.

Last month I went to a worshop which was developed in conjuntion with "China Now" and hosted by Suzanee Chong, a wonderfully talented lady. She ran some chinese kite making worshops which the kids appeared to love but aside from that her art is exquisit. She has a very interesting backdround and I would suggest checking out her art which is currently being exhibited in Glasgow.

To view her artwork and for exibition information log on to http://www.necdaf.co.uk/artist-info/88-suzannechong .

"Flowers are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out-values all the utilities of the world." Ralph Waldo Emerson . This sums up my thoughts quite well and I am always happier when I can see fresh flowers in my home! On that note. . .

Flowers by Audrey Rudd, is a lovely flower shop on Dunkeld main street and supplies our flowers, including fresh chinese lilies & beautiful blue thistles. Audrey, among many other talents, does exclusive displays for weddings and such like. Anyone interested I would advise to book well in advance as The Hilton at Dunkeld House and the Dunkeld Cathedrale host many weddings and she is always in great demand. Her hand made cards are fabulous and worth every penny, the only problem is you may want to frame them instead of giving them away!
Tel 01350 728966 Fax 01350 728163

The Taybank is also a favourite place of ours and it has a great atmosphere. The food is really good although service can be a little bit slow but not surprising when you see how full the place gets. It is situated on the banks of the beautifull Tay and looks across the river to Birnam Hill, site of the ruins of King Duncan's Castle (made famous in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth"). It was previously owned by local singer songwriter Dougie MacLean and his wife Jennifer and the current owners have certainly followed in their footsteps with live music being enjoyed most nights. Described as "Scotland's Musical Meeting Place" it is a centre for Scottish Music and Culture with instrumental classes, concerts and spontaneous music sessions.

http://www.thetaybank.com/