Activity Breaks & Holidays in Pitlochry

The physical situation and instinctive style of the hotel in Pitlochry makes it attractive to couples or small groups who wish to take a restful and relaxing short break of, say, three or four nights. They spend the days taking advantage of the many delightful walks through the rich woods, along the streams and lochs or out onto the open hills and mountains. Others prefer to drive along the quiet roads through the glens of Perthshire and the near Highlands.

That said, in the late autumn and winter months, as the days grow shorter and the attractions of warmth and indoor pursuits beckon, the hotel offers :-

PAINTING COURSES

Bob Smith, becomes our artist in residence each January and February. His accolades include over ten one-man shows at the Scottish Gallery since 1965, and his last official post was as the Assistant Principal of Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh. His works in private and public collections include the Edinburgh City Arts Collection, the IBM International Collection, and the Talbot-Rice Collection, as well as works for the Scottish Arts Council.

Bob's courses are designed for the painter - established or otherwise - who would like to improve his or her craft. To allow as much time as possible for personal tuition, numbers for each course are restricted to no more than seventeen pupils, and everyone is encouraged to bring with them a work in progress, be it in oils, acrylics, or watercolours.

THE ART CLASSES DATES FOR 2009

- From Sunday the 11th of January, until the morning of Thursday the 15th of January.

- From Sunday the 25th of January, until the morning of Thursday the 29th of January.

- From Sunday the 1st of February, until the morning of Thursday the 5th of February.

- From Sunday the 8th of February, until the morning of Thursday the 12th of February.

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BRIDGE BREAKS

Each February and November, Marion Hill, a past President of the Scottish bridge Union and Scottish Lady Internationalist, ably assisted by fellow devotee Rita Chalmers, join us at the Green Park to host their extremely popular four day bridge course. The four day break has evolved over time, to become both social and competitive. Bridge playing sessions are interspersed with teaching seminars, while various distractions are also arranged - such as wine tasting with Lance Sharpus-Jones from Inverarity Vaults, and food demonstrations with Chris Tamblin our Head Chef, and his much put upon assistant Mhairi.

THE BRIDGE BREAK DATES FOR 2009

- From Sunday the 15th of February, until the morning of Thursday the 19th of February.

- From Sunday the 29th of November, until the morning of Thursday the 3rd of December.

There is no supplementary charge for single accommodation, and bridge players without partners are most welcome - as are non-playing spouses or friends along to offer support!

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SCRABBLE BREAKS AND CRYPTIC CROSSWORD WEEKENDS

Alan Sinclair and Wilma Warwick are two of the leading Scrabble players in Scotland. Both have been Scottish Champion, and have also represented Scotland in the World Championships. Alan was also a series champion on Channel 4's Countdown afternoon quiz programme, and was so good, that they had to ask him to voluntarily step down!

The 2009 Scrabble Break is from Sunday the 22nd of February, until the morning of Thursday the 26th of February. Like the four day bridge break, Alan and Wilma's Scrabble break is both social and competitive. It is aimed at those who already have a basic understanding of the game, but who would like to improve. There will be morning tutorial sessions, followed by an opportunity to try out your newly acquired skills in competitive play in the evenings.

THE 2009 CRYPTIC CROSSWORD WEEKEND is from Friday the 11th of December, to mid-day Sunday the 13th of December. If you have trouble completing cryptic crosswords, or even starting them, then Alan and Wilma's short weekend will try endeavour to put you on the right track. They will show you how you can learn to recognise the various types of clues, and how they lead to those elusive answers. With plenty of examples from published crosswords, the course will set you on your way to the satisfaction which comes with filling in that final answer!

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There is no supplementary charge for single accommodation on any of our activity breaks, and as normal, we can arrange free transport ( on arrival and departure ) between the hotel and the bus and railway stations.

Details about all of our activity breaks are readily available - either ask for them during you stay, or just telephone the hotel and ask us to forward a programme for whatever activity you are interested in.