Can you tell what it is yet? (day 3)

The secret is out. Partly because there's a big play frame sat outside the inn now, and partly because we tagged our blog entry with CHILDRENS PLAY AREA!

Anyway, the frame is now all but complete and as soon as the little finishing touches are added the landscaping will start. Hopefully we'll have the new addition open for the end of next week.

It's been a long time coming, but we already think that although we've had to wait we've definitely made the right  decision. It looks fantastic, and the kids are going to love it. And chances are, that will mean that mum and dad will love it too.

We're off to write our risk assessments now, which will extend to, amongst other things, keeping the big kids off it!

Can you tell what it is yet? (day 2)

There were a few slightly concerned faces on some of the staff this morning (though work rates did improve considerably!)

 However, a few sighs of relief this afternoon as things progressed a little further.

Can you tell what it is yet?

The diggers are back at Clachaig again. But what are they up to this time?

Check back here again later in the week and all will be revealed!

Family Appeal

Have you visited Clachaig over the past couple of years and marvelled at the new car park? Making the most of the spoils from some fairly significant local roadworks, we were able to infill a boggy and useless piece of ground and provide some more much needed car parking.

Looks good doesn't it. But what's that big bit left in the middle for?

Well, it's taken a while to find the right solution, but we've got there in the end. Finally, we can reveal the new Clachaig Children's Play Area. Orders have now been placed and we're optimistic that we'll have one of these fully installed and ready to go in time for the Easter holidays.

As Clachaig and Carefree Self Catering Holidays increasingly cater to a larger number of families, both as residents and simply as customers within the bars, we think this investment will help to continue our broad and popular appeal as THE place to stay, wine and dine when in the Glencoe area.

More in due course, or follow our progress by becoming a Facebook fan.

£223 for Ballachulish kids play

Having adopted our new local 'good cause', we've just paid over a cheque for £223 from our FebruaryFest fund-raising activities to date. The Parent Forum Fund Raising Group at Ballachulish Primary School are aiming to raise funds for enhanced childrens' play facilities at the school, as well as aiming for Eco School Status.

The first bits of equipment the school would like to acquire is a train (of the variety pictured above, courtesy of Timberline), though they also have their sights set on a boat a few other interactive pieces if funds permit.

We hope that the contribution you've generously helped us to raise so far helps them on their way.

Car Park Extension

As promised, here's a few more photos of the ongoing works.


None of this work would be possible without being able to obtain various fill materials from others in the area. And we've been really lucky with the timing of things. Some resurfacing of the A82 has meant that we were able to secure some planings which will bind to provide a really strong sub base. Next up is some surface dressing which is hopefully coming from the soon to be finished works replacing the bridge at the Clachaig road/A82 junction.



The area set aside for a play area is clearly visible now. And though exact plans are still being worked on (along with a budget - jeez, these commercial things cost a bit more than a swing set from Argos!), we're hoping to be able to find room for a mid sized play frame and a couple of sets of swings.

As soon as the growing season starts, we hope to get some seed into the 'green' bits and have it all looking good for the summer.

Busy as ever.

Every January its the same. We go from the busiest week of trading (Hogmanay) to the quietest. Its as if all our customers are in one big bath and someone pulls the plug on the first weekend of the New Year and everyone goes whirling round and round, down the plughole and back to work.

So are we all sat on our laurels doing very little as a result? No, and neither are we dashing up those ice covered hills in anticipation of a great day out on the tops. No, we're mostly planning, scheming, cleaning and preparing for the year ahead. As busy as ever.

Not least of which is the ongoing landscaping work which you might just have noticed if you've been past Clachaig in the last month.


These photos were taken a few days ago and the site has moved on significantly already. More photos soon. The plan is to create further parking - probably 13 car spaces, plus 2 oversized vehicles with turning head, a new access through to the Chalet car park and a childrens' play area. The play area being at the foot of the bank where the drain pipe is currently visible, ideal for M&D to sit out by the Bidean Lounge seating and enjoy a drink while keeping a watchful eye.


If the saying that you learn something new every day is indeed true, then today's education has been in how much space you need for a swing in order to comply with British Standard EN1176 and keep your insurance company happy!