Although we live in Stonehaven, I was born in Fort William which is just over 50 miles from Drumnadrochit. I passed this village many times when I was younger  and never really considered to go there for a weekend break.

However I was attracted by the offer and the information on their website so off we went. We travelled from Stonehaven by car along the Slug Road to Banchory,Lumphanan and headed towards Huntly stopping at an excellent cafe at Mossat. We joined the A96 at Huntly and stopped at the Brodie Country Fare just outside Forres for lunch and a browse round the shopping complex.

When we arrived at the Drumnadrochit we received a warm friendly welcome. The weather was glorious and the scenery was great. We had a walk round the village and visited a couple of local hostelries and then returned to the hotel where we had an excellent dinner in the Loch Ness Bistro.

Model of Loch Ness Monster

Next morning after breakfast, we took a cruise on Loch Ness which was quite exhilarating with some fantastic views of Urquhart Castle.

Unfortunately we did not see the real Nessie.

We then took a drive up the glen and had lunch in Cannich before heading to the Plodda Falls which was well worth seeing. We had a wonderful walk for an hour or so through the forest.

In the village of Tomich nearby, we stopped for a light refreshment before heading back to the hotel,where we had another excellent meal. The two days passed really quickly . We would certainly go back again for another Short Break. The hotel lived up to it’s promise of a warm friendly highland welcome, the rooms were comfortable and the food was very good. The reception was very helpful in suggesting things to do.

Was this bargain break worth the money? Without a doubt.

See details on Two4OneOnline.com  There is even a chance to win 2 nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast at this hotel.

George McGillivray

Judges arrived in the town in August 2009 to be greeted with the sight of numerous colourful baskets and troughs of flowers in bloom, thanks to the exceptional work of the volunteers of the Stonehaven Horizon group.

At the recent award ceremony at the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen, John Summers OBE, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, paid tribute to the local people who have worked tirelessly in their free time for the benefit of others.

The Horizon Group are to be congratulated for their excellent efforts in enhancing the town of Stonehaven and they deserve their recognition.

Stonehaven Folk Festival Open Air Concert

The high calibre of acts such as Ralph McTell, Peatbog Faeries, Sands Family etc means that tickets for Thursday Saturday and Sunday night Concerts are already sold out.

Most of the local pubs are welcoming musicians this weekend, so all those unable to get tickets for the concerts can still enjoy a wide variety of music. There will be  Free Open Air Concert in the Market Square on Saturday 10th July starting at 12 noon. M0re details at www.stonehavenfolkfestival.co.uk/

The World Paper and Comb Championship is set to take place at the Stonehaven Folk Festival.

World Paper and Comb Championships

Former champions include Bob Kibble, a science education lecturer at Moray House School of Education at Edinburgh University, who won the title in 2002. Watch a video of him giving tips at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8141789.stm

Last weekend was also a very busy weekend in Stonehaven with The Continental Market in the Market Square, on Saturday and Sunday, The Farmer’s Market on Margaret Street and a Craft Fair in thr Town Hall on the Saturday and a Car Boot Sale on the Sunday.

Stonehaven Open Air Pool celebrated it’s 75th year with a visit from First Minister Alex Salmond on Fri 3rd July and various activities at the Pool all weekend. The good weather ensured good crowds at all events.