Ledgowan Lodge Hotel

The final run of 2009 Ledgowan arts, crafts and gifts fairs will be taking place on Friday, 27 November, 2009

Ledgowan fairs have become popular events for both locals and visitors alike, offering wonderful quality arts, crafts, gifts and yummy food, all produced by talented, Highland businesses.

It's easy to get to Achnasheen - trains leave Inverness, via Dingwall, and Garve, and also Kyle of Lochalsh at convenient times.

For those wishing to return to Inverness by bus, the D&E (school) bus will be leaving Achnasheen around 4.35pm.

By car it's easy, the hotel is at the 'crossroads' to Skye and Gairloch, on the A890 - and there's ample free parking.

Whichever mode of transport selected, the traveller will be wowed by the fantastic winter scenery of Wester Ross.

As well as shopping at the fair, the day out could include morning coffee, lunch, or afternoon tea, at the hotel, or all three!

Everyone will be made welcome and are invited to make themselves comfortable, relax by one of the open fires, toast toes and enjoy the beautifully decorated Victorian rooms, and soak up the atmosphere of Christmas from a time gone by - before leaving, to return to the 21st century.

The Christmas fair this year will showcase delicious festive home baking, art prints, pottery, cards, calendars, candles and soap, and much, much more.

Local author, Bryan Islip, will also be making an appearance, and talking about his forthcoming second novel, 'Going With Gabriel' - pre-launch copies will be available on the day, which Bryan will be pleased to sign.

In addition, for the children (and adults!) - face painting sessions will be taking place from 2pm to 4pm.

Three local organisations will be present, raising funds for their good causes - Garve and District Community Council, Achnasheen Amenities (with the now famous Gill's Emporium) and Gairloch High School.

A short history of Ledgowan Lodge Hotel

The hotel was originally built as a private shooting lodge in 1904, for a Major Ross as part of his 8,500 acre Ledgowan estate. It took six years to complete, being virtually 'hand' built. However, due to the high costs involved in running the estate it was sold to Lord Latymer of Coutts Bank, London. It remained in the family until the second World War, when the army used it as a barracks for their officers, but keeping it in top class condition. After the war Ledgowan remained empty for around 15 years. It was then discreetly converted into a country house hotel, and separated from the estate, although retaining most of its original charm and character.