THE SELKIRK ARMS HOTEL - KIRKCUDBRIGHT

CHRISTMAS PARTIES, HOGMANAY AND A NEW YEAR AHEAD

2011-12-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

It's been a wee while since I updated the blog but with a few photos from our Christmas Party nights I thought it was an ideal time to update you on our Christmas Party dates for next year and let you know what we are up to in the new year.

We have had just under 600 guests join us at our Party Nights - and what a blast we have had. With just two more to go the feedback we have had has been super and a big thank you to all our guests for choosing to come to us.

We've updated our facebook page and if you haven't had chance to give us the thumbs up we'd appreciate your support and continued feedback at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Selkirk-Arms-Hotel-Kirkcudbright/163242433701304

Hogmanay is just about upon us and time to reflect on a hectic year. 2011 wasn't the greatest start with my health suffering and forcing us to pull out of taking over the Barons Craig Hotel in Rockcliffe. My Wife's brother lost his year battle with Leukemia at the age of just 54 and we are fundraising during our party nights for Leukemia and Lymphona. Sue infact has got a place in the ballot for the London Marathon next year and will be looking for sponsorship in the early part of next year.

The economy was showing all the signs of slipping into a double dip recession and every time we turned the news on it was doom and gloom. But there's nothing like a Royal Wedding to lift the nation and we had a great Easter and the season was off to a flying start.

It's not been easy, it's probably been one of the hardest years to drive business through the doors but we have continued to work on our web site and internet presence and have been happy with the results this year.

Kirkcudbright continues to amaze us at the active, thriving volunteers that put so much time into creating a wonderful calendar of events throughout the year, from Jazz Festivals to Spring Fling, Scottish nights to Maggies tours, From the Sculpture symposium to The Arts and Crafts fair.

So for next year we have a fairly packed program to start the year off.

Gourmet Dinner with wines - Friday 20^th January 2012

Kevin Smith from Alliance wines presents simply the most stunning wines from the Alliance collection to complement a gourmet menu produced by our Executive Chef Paul Somerville. Kevin will present each wine and chat about the grape, the region and the vineyard as we work our way through this 5 course Gourmet feast. Dinner and all wines included at £50pp

Stay over for just £30 each Bed and Breakfast

Burns Week – Monday 23^rd January to Sunday 29^th January 2012

A Burns menu running daily in the bistro and restaurant peppered with a daily dose of Burns recitals, music, craic and banter.

Monday 23^rd January – 7pm Bistro Acoustic Celtic folk duo Gaelic mist

Tuesday 24th January – 8.30pm Burns Room – Wylie McCulloch presents Tales, banter and craic with Burns

Wednesday 25^th January – 7pm Bistro Acoustic Celtic Folk duo Gaelic mist

Thursday 26^th January – 8.30pm Burns Room – Burns recital – Mark Williams

Further acts to be confirmed.

Friday 3^rd February – 4 decades of music party night.

If you have been to one of our christmas parties or have experienced Chris’s party nights of old you will know this is one not to miss. Dinner, Quiz and Music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s – Four decades of music is sure to get you on your feet to dance the night away. Special price of £20pp including 3 course dinner and coffee – arrival 7pm for 7.30 sit down

Stay over for just £30pp Bed and Breakfast

Valentine Week – Thursday 9th to Thursday 16th February

Valentine’s Weekend break – 2 nights £170pp Dinner, Bed and Breakfast with a third night Free on a bed and breakfast basis

Choose to come any two nights from Thursday 9^th February to Thursday 16^th February at our Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate of £85pp per night and then take a third night Free ( on a bed and breakfast basis )

Tuesday 14^th February – Valentine’s Dinner £29pp – a romantic 4 course dinner with chocolates for the lady or wine, dine and recline for £85pp including a bottle of bubbly in the room on arrival.

The Brain Game 2012

Friday 2^nd March – The Annual Brain Game – £19pp includes a 2 course supper and coffee.

Can you beat last year’s winning team? Enjoy canapés on arrival, a 2 course supper with coffee and 8 rounds of question including history, sport, in the news, the year that was, TV and music. Maximum team size 8. Booking now.

Mothering Sunday

Sunday 18^th March 2012 – Mothering Sunday £24pp for a 3 course traditional Sunday lunch including chocolates for Mum. Children under 12 ½ price and under 3 free.

All that remains for me to say is thank you all for all your support. Have a very merry Christmas and happy new year.

Food Festival hits town, Joanna runs for defibulator and winter is on its way

2011-10-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last blogged. The Summer seems a long time ago now, although i have to admit - it wasn't the best summer weather wise. And so we have arrived in October and our sights are firmly set on some refurbishment during November and the Christmas.

But ahead of all things winter we have had a wonderful few days of the Kirkcudbright Food Festival - organised by my old pal Tom Kirkpatrick from Kirkpatricks restaurant in the town. A wonderful attendance of local food producers whose cards and samples I eagerly gathered and ate !!

Some great finds too - Waulkmill fresh apple drinks and local cider along with Cream Cuties (as seen on the Dragon's Den ) who are based in Colvend, also there was The Goof life Home Bakery from Twnholm and Grannie Jean's home baked pies from Lockerbie ( I came away with a delicious Pork and Haggis Pie ).

Time however for Lisa and I to head down and watch Will Gill ( our Sous Chef ) in a ready steady cook.

What a bag - Pork and Queenie Scallops !!
Will opted for starter and main to create in 30 minutes - Queenie scallops on asparagus and leek compote followed by Fillet of Pork on sweet potato with wilted spinach and a red wine jus.

He didn't win it - but it's the taking part that really counts - good effort and a good bit or PR for us.

Talking about PR - Here's a bit of news we are very proud to have been associated with. Joanna Scott or Head Receptionist raised nearly £600 to go towards our very own defibrillator. Joanna ran the Kirkcudbright 1ok last year and we have had a year of saving towards buying our own defibrillator. Well it's here and we're trained and we're ready for action ( hoping that doesn't actually happen ).

So well done Joanna and thank you to all those organisations who phoned us asking us for raffle prizes and dinners for two that were disappointed when we said sorry but we're saving up our annual giveaways to get a defibrillator.

As I mentioned we're just about to head into winter so I thought I would put a link to our What's on guide this winter including a Bangers and Beer fortnight, Festive Fayre, Christmas Party nights, A Burns week next year, A gourmet dinner event, Valentines week and a 4 decades of Music Party night. So plenty to keep us all warm this winter. Hope to see you all soon.

Click through to the web site for full details of our winter offerings

CHRIS

What a tremendous exhibition and festival year in Kirkcudbright.

2011-08-23T03:02:00.001-07:00

We are now approaching the end of the Glasgow Boys exhibition in Kirkcudbright and what a tremendous success it has been. I hope all local businesses have found the additional footfall of visitors to the town beneficial. Hat's off to all the organisers.

I write though with the whole Summer Festivities committee in mind, all those who work tirelesly behind the scenes, all those involved in the Arts and Crafts trail and all those involved with the Sculpture symposium. Quite frankly you have been a life line to our business and I suspect the town. Kirkcudbright is alive and well, visitors have been delighted, wowed and fallen in love with this Utopian town. The brightly painted houses, the kind greeting on the street, the warmth of hospitality in the shops and businesses and the dedication of the unsung heroes behind the scenes that make it happen.

I have found a cracking blog that sums the amazing talent in and around Kirkcudbright written by local resident Sandy and known as Sandy's Wittering
http://miceforlent.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html

Keep in touch with everything that happens in the town via the Calender of events

http://www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/viewers/event7days.asp

Still to come this week is the Parade day, Vintage Car rally and the Tattoo - so much to see and do - Thank you to all the Visitors who came to Kirkcudbright and who found the hotel, thanks to all those who checked in via facebook and foursquare, thanks to all those who left feedback for us on Tripadvisor. We hope you will return next year if not before.

She did it - Joanna's charity 11k from zero to hero.

2011-06-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Running is like Marmite: you either love it or you hate it. When I got studied and measured for a new pair of trainers in which to perform my new hobby, I paid £90 which shocked me and I knew I HAD to make sure and love it and get my money’s worth.

It wasn’t easy in the early days. In fact, it was hellish and sore. I’m not a natural athlete by any stretch of the imagination and could barely run 400 metres without stopping. My sofa and I loved each other and were loath to be parted to, god forbid, exercise or run! However, anyone I spoke to who did run spoke so glowingly about it and were so encouraging that I was determined to get past that pain, get fitter and lose a bit of weight.

Step one: ‘run a minute, walk a minute’. It’s hard to believe now but those teeny tiny sixty second bursts of running seemed to go on forever. I was proved to be disgracefully, disgustingly unfit. I persevered to stage ‘run 2 minutes, walk 2 minutes’. . . . . and so on and on – you get the idea.

I have a brother who by comparison was (is) fit. He runs, swims, hikes, gyms and offered to run with me one day. What a difference it made to have someone encouraging and pep-talking as we ran out The Sandside road. All of a sudden running a reasonable distance for more than one minute seemed possible and I wasn’t as rubbish as I thought. I got better as weeks progressed and my clothes felt looser – result!

Somehow, and this part is foggy, an 11k run was mentioned. Oh, and joy, Kirkcudbright does indeed host such an event in May. Is it conceivable that Plodder here could run that far without stopping and with half of the town watching? I convinced myself that 11k is only 6 miles and 6 miles is only 1 mile further than round The Buckland. I suspect that 11k is actually closer to 7 miles. Ignorance is most definitely bliss though.

I kept my idea of doing this run to myself until I was quite sure I could do it. Once I said to other people, other humans with ears, with memories that I was going to do it there would be no going back. Commitment made! So I kept practicing and eventually could go round The Buckland (4.7 miles)without stopping. Talk about a major landmark moment! Happy, happy!

Big brother pointed out that it would be an idea to try the actual 11k route soon so that there would be no nasty surprises or major disheartenment on the day of the run. I was still buoyed from the success of the (almost) 5mile Buckland run and heartily agreed.

Ooooooooft!

My poor heart raced, buckled and plummeted all at the same time. I still do wonder if, so used to The Buckland Run that, a change of route made it seem so much harder. I mean, the familiarity was gone. Big Brother refused to let me be beat. He insisted we do it again and then again. He ignored all petulance and scowls, credit to him.

And eventually the day came a week before the actual run when I,WE, got all the way round and did not stop once! Not even up that sodding hill towards Twynholm. Not even when I realised that once on to The Beeches stretch that it actually continues to slope uphill. Not even at Tongland Bridge when you are lulled into thinking you are very close to home – (do not be fooled!) –you are still 2 miles from the finish line! There are no words to describe how good that felt. I used to be the person saying ‘running, ugh. No way. You must be mad’ and now I was the person listening to other people say that. Score.

The day of the run dawns dull and grey. Good, I dislike running in the heat! The run doesn’t start until 1pm and I wished it started earlier – I just want to be ready, steady, go ! 1pm came and o-f-f we went. Everyone surges away from the line and we keep up. Actually no. Too fast. Too quick away. I realise this and slow down on the bridge towards Twynholm aware that the hill is looming. A lot of people stream past and my heart trembles a little once again – I would never be first, I know that, but really don’t want to be last!

On and on and on until the welcome stretch at Cumstoun beckons. My favourite part, ie downhill. My niece and nephew beam and clap as we go past not quite understanding why Auntie Joanna is running and giggling happily. Them. Not me. I’m definitely not giggling. Over Tongland Bridge and nearly home. . .no, don’t forget!. . . 2 miles to go, don’t be fooled, concentrate. Along that l-o-n-g straight and into town. If I can get to the Town Hall. That’s my target and then the rest is easy. Got there. Feel fine. Past it and down towards Castledykes Road. Turn in towards the schools. So close now.

Left into the school car park and at that point the winner of the ½ marathon glides past. The same man has won it for four years now. Go Ben! Well done! Hearty clapping is still ringing out for him as we head down the grass towards the finish. Over the line, I can hear the compere shouting my name, happy, happy!

Everyone has been brilliant and thank you. All you people who encouraged. All you people who sponsored and waved us along. Thank you. £585 has been raised towards buying a defibrillator to keep on the hotel premises.

I’m delighted and feel like we’ve achieved something brilliant. ...... Until I think I hear something. Again, this is a foggy moment and I think I must have misheard. Until I see the same words on Facebook. A whisper, something about a half marathon next year.

Not 11kk, Half Marathon. Now, . . .see that cloud of Joanna shaped dust? That was me, legging it and running away faster than ever before!

Note from the Editor - Well done Joanna from all the team

Good on them....hands up if you'd do it !!

2011-06-14T00:37:00.000-07:00

It was one of those damp Sundays in June that forces many off the brightly coloured streets of Kirkcudbright into our hostelry for shelter,refreshment or indeed a bed for the night.

And that's exactly what happened when Lori Beckwith walked into reception. Looking a little damp and tired from a cycle this tough American cookie from Utah ( via Costa Rica ) was wanting to haggle a deal out of me on a room but in the end the thoughts of free Wi Fi, a warm shower, comfortable twin room and the choice of bars and dining she conceded and opted to take the deal. Bikes parked, panniers unloaded time to find out what this pair were up to.

It was then that I discovered she was on an amazing journey along with her son Sage. The pair were cycling, with no support or back up vehicles, from the lake district, through Dumfries and Galloway, onto Arran, then up the West Coast to Oban, across onto the Western Isles and beyond...30 days in all. Wow - I was impressed, I wasn't so sure she was when I started laughing at the thought of cycling from Newton Stewart to Ayr via Girvan - my idea of a nightmare ride.

So I've got a note of Lori and Sage's blog - turns out she's a pretty good photographer as well and there's me saying - why the hell did you bring such a heavy camera on this trip !!

Follow this link to Lori Beckwith's blog

You may want to follow their journey, you may even bump into the pair. I have a huge respect and admiration for them - enjoy your time together, enjoy Scotland and it was a pleasure meeting you both. Good luck on the rest of the trip.

A story worth sharing

2011-05-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

As a local family gather to remember their ancestors it's a story we would like to share with you....

Two hundred years ago this month, the last man hanged for stealing a horse in Scotland was sent to the gallows.

George Watson probably thought he had got away with his crime, but had not reckoned on the remarkable lengths the horse's owner would go to in pursuit of justice.

That man was John Kerr, a farmer at Knockburnie, near New Cumnock in Ayrshire. Kerr was, by all accounts, a benevolent man who gave shelter to the many tinker-travellers who passed his way. One of them was George Watson.

But Watson abused this hospitality, making off in the middle of the night with Kerr's best horse, a distinctive grey Clydesdale mare.

“They were apparently able to track the thieves because the stolen horse had a broken shoe and left distinctive hoof prints on the muddy roads”

When Kerr awoke in the morning to find both horse and tinkers gone, he was an angry man. Even more so when he discovered that they had also stolen a horse from his brother William on the neighbouring farm, Marshallmark.

Together the farmers saddled-up and set off in pursuit.

Given that they left without food or money, they obviously expected to catch the thieves quickly, but Watson's band had a good start and were well ahead.

When the Kerrs reached Kilmarnock, William had had enough and turned back. John, however, pressed on.

He followed the tinkers over Fenwick through Mearns and Glasgow and up Loch Lomond-side.

At Tarbet, he headed west to Inveraray where he got a warrant from the Sheriff and the help of two police constables who rode on with him.

Historic journey recreated

The story of John Kerr and his pursuit of George Watson has been researched over the past four years by Kerr's great, great, great grandson John Nelson, a retired farmer from Crossmichael, near Castle Douglas.

To mark the bi-centenary of the incident, Mr Nelson is about to re-create his ancestor's ride, as far as modern traffic conditions will allow. Because it would be too dangerous to negotiate Glasgow on the back of a Clydesdale horse he will start just north of the city at Balloch.

The ride will pass through Glencoe to Appin where Watson was captured and end at Inveraray where Watson was first incarcerated. Mr Nelson plans, as far as possible, to use the drove roads the original chase would have followed.

They were apparently able to track the thieves because the stolen horse had a broken shoe and left distinctive hoof prints on the muddy roads.

They also got information from people in communities they passed through who were able to confirm that the tinkers had passed by ahead - a grey mare leading the way.

The pursuit continued by Dalmally, King's House, Glencoe and Appin. Watson was eventually caught in a remote glen near what is now Benderloch.

A later account of the episode reveals his surprise.

"I didn't expect to see you, Knockburnie" he said.

"I didn't expect you would steal my horse", replied Kerr.

At that, Watson is said to have tried to attack Kerr but was stopped by the two constables who arrested him.

Kerr's "pursuit of justice" had taken more than a week and covered 150 miles.

George Watson was taken initially to the jail at Inveraray and then sent for trial to Ayr where he was found guilty and sentenced to hang.

Shortly after the punishment was carried out the law changed and Watson's theft was longer a capital offence. Thus, he became the last man to steal a horse in Scotland and pay for it with his life.

As for the horse, it is said to have lived to a ripe old age under a new name: Tinker!

Story edited from the BBC - full story and video click here.

Great news as we top Tripadvisor for Artistas restaurant

2011-05-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

First the Hotel tops the local Tripadvisor and now the restaurant is no.1 in Kirkcudbright.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186516-d1759032-Reviews-Artista_Selkirk_Arms_Hotel-Kirkcudbright_Dumfries_and_Galloway_Scotland.html

We are naturally delighted and it is a huge boost to our hard working team

We’re getting into the main part of our season now and looking forward to another spell of good weather.

One of the highlights this year is the GLASGOW BOYS exhibition.

This exhibition of paintings by artists from The Glasgow Boys will be on show in Kirkcudbright Town Hall from 2nd July to the 29th August 2011.

Curated by Roger Billcliffe, and following the highly successful “The Glasgow Boys” exhibition in Glasgow and London in 2010, this is an entirely new selection of works from public and private sources.

It includes paintings by Hornel, Henry and Guthrie – three artists whose work in and around Kirkcudbright is of particular significance in the story of the boys.

Admission is FREE and the exhibition will be open 10am – 6pm daily in The Town Hall.

Then just a heads up to keep an eye of Kirkcudbright’s calender of events for this summer. The famous Scottish Nights return as does Maggies Tours – you’ll find all the information you need here

http://www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/eventcalendar.asp

See our main hotel web site for our updated SEE & DO PAGE

WEEKLY NEWS

2011-04-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Get a weekly news update from our new weekly paper. It's really quite amazing how it works, all the people we follow on twitter and all those that follow us are trawled for news and a weekly summary update published. Have a look and subscribe http://paper.li/selkirkarms

NEW MENU AND NEW TYPE OF BREAK

2011-04-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

We are just about to launch our new Spring menu. There is an air of great excitement mixed with panic as the Kitchen team practice the dishes and organise the suppliers and delivery schedule to meet what can only be described as our best menu yet. We've gone for a new style in the Bistro and introduced a Taste of Dumfries and Galloway menu in Artistas to run alongside a brand new menu for Artistas. We have managed to hold our prices in order to offer the best value for money dining in the area. Click the pic.

OUR NEW MENU LAUNCHES WEDNESDAY 13th April AT 6pm

Having pioneered the regions Stargazing breaks we are delighted to be one of the first hotels to offer an all inclusive,

GOURMET WILD FOOD FORAGING WEEKEND AT THE BEST WESTERN SELKIRK ARMS HOTEL THIS SEPTEMBER

- Expert tuition on how to find, identify, pick and prepare delicious wild ingredients from the forests, hedgerows and coastline of beautiful Galloway.

- Gain the confidence to identify ceps, chanterelles, samphire, seaweeds, sweet cicely, sorrels and lots more.

- Hunt for razor clams, cockles and crayfish.

- Eat your findings al fresco for lunch, then relax in the evening as our chefs serve you a delicious 4 course meal using Galloway’s finest ingredients – many picked by you!

Click the photo for the full itinerary, dates and prices.

We have joined forces with local foraging expert Mark Williams from Gatehouse of Fleet.

For more information on Mark and to view his Website CLICK HERE

Ill health forces Barons Craig off the menu

2011-03-08T02:54:00.000-08:00

By CHRIS WALKER

It has been a roller coaster month for us all here at the hotel following a small stroke ( TIA ) that I had in mid February and the subsequent discovery of an aneurysm on the brain which is going to require some treatment in the near future. It is after much consultation that we have withdrawn from the management contract at the Barons Craig Hotel in Rockcliffe.

We are naturally disappointed that this venture won't be happening this season and hold an open mind to next year dependent on my progress and whether the stress of running the two businesses is going to impact on my health.

Huge thanks must go to my wife Sue, who has been an absolute brick and to Douglas our business partner who has continued to man the helm of the Selkirk and will do so for the foreseeable future. A big sorry goes out to Will Gill our third Chef here at the Selkirk. Will was due to come down to Rockcliffe with me for the season as joint Head Chef. Sorry Will.

I must also thank all those who have sent me cards and get well wishes, thank you so much.

Business has been quieter than in previous years, a sign that perhaps the recession is finally biting in Scotland but the team here have managed very well over January and February and I feel that we are turning a corner to brighter weather and a busier time ahead.

As for the Barons Craig team, we wish Michelle and David the best of luck this season and hope that some of the ground work will be of benefit to them. It really is a lovely spot and we had been looking forward to giving it our best shot this year. Alas it wasn't to be. The Barons Craig re opens on 1st April 2011.

End of the shooting season and the wonders of the net and social media

2011-02-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

The shooting season has come to an end and despite some fairly horrific weather most shoots have had a good year and guns have been happy with both the shoot and the hotel.

If you feel you want to keep your eye in over the summer months we are delighted to promote two local facilities for clay pigeon shooting.

Laggan Outdoor ( just outside Gatehouse of Fleet)
http://www.lagganoutdoor.co.uk/

Forrest Estates near Dalry http://www.forrestestateexperiences.com/clay-pigeon-shooting-c18.html

The Internet has revolutionized how we operate, how we think., how we access data. I get a daily google alert for Kirkcudbright and for The Selkirk Arms just so I am aware of what is being published to the web that is relevant to the Hotel.

You can imagine how delighted I was to stumble upon the Forestry Commissions new Stargazing podcast with Lucy Hadley and Steve Owens. You can find the podcast here to download and listen to http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-8defrd

I have created a link on the hotel's main web site to the Kirkcudbright calendar of events - but here's the link so that you can keep up to speed with everything that is happening in Kirkcudbright this year http://www.kirkcudbright.co.uk/eventcalendar.asp

So much information - so little time to surf - hope the blog has been of help - we'll keep an eye out for any new sites that we think will help you plan your break here in Galloway.

Don't forget to follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/selkirkarms

New Web site & Robert Burns's night

2011-01-20T11:43:00.000-08:00

We have created a new website for the Hotel giving it a fresh new look and sistering it up to our new venture at The Barons Craig Hotel at Rockcliffe.

We value your feedback and would like to hear your thoughts on the site and how would could improve it and perhaps what we have missed.

All our menus are here, plus you can download our latest newsletter and check out of picture gallery. You might even want to download a couple of iphone apps that we have found that may be of interest to some of you in the downloads section.

We are just about to head into the annual round of Burns suppers, so with that in mid I thought I would put a few Robert Burns links on the blog. Naturally here at the Selkirk Haggis is always on the menu and Douglas McDavid co owner and General Manager is often found addressing the Haggis to unsuspecting customers.

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.

Read all about the Haggis and Robert Burns's address here

And if you're heading out to a Burns supper this year - enjoy yourself, book a taxi or stay over and make few plans for the following day !!

http://www.robertburns.org/suppers/itinerary.shtml

Happy New Year

2011-01-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

At last - the snow and ice seems to have gone... for the time being anyway.
Happy New year to all of you from Kirkcudbright. Our latest newsletter is now ready to download from the new look web site http://www.selkirkarmshotel.co.uk/downloads/

We'd love your feedback on the site and our sister hotel's site The Barons Craig Hotel in Rockcliffe.

We're now turning our attention to the months ahead and are offering a super 3 night Bed and Breakfast deal for just £99pp up until the end of March - the catch - it doesn't include a Saturday night.

Lot's happening in the next few months from our Gourmet night on Friday 21st January to our annual Brain Game quiz on Friday 4th march. Sandwiched in between is Valentine's day on Monday 14th January and Mothering Sunday is upon us in Sunday 3rd April. It's all on the newsletter which we'd love you to download.

Go to the new look Selkirk Arms Website for details of all our events.

Happy Christmas from all the team by Joanna Scott

2010-12-25T03:25:00.000-08:00

Jingle Bells

A-a-a-a-h. . . .twas the week before Christmas. . . .and it was bleeding bedlam in The Selkirk Arms!

Frantic last minute changes were being made to Christmas Day lunch bookings, office festive lunches were abounding and the famous Party Nights were in full swing.

I admit I find December slightly bewildering. Every frequent phone call is Christmas related and every hotel department wants a piece of reception. The kitchen are churning out different menus for creation faster than I can even type ‘menu’, the restaurant wants these menus, and table plans, table grids and pre-orders... NOW...update now. And all of the time you are aware that the New Year celebrations are smiling sweetly and begging for attention.

The Christmas Party Nights are a very well oiled machine...Chris plans the format and choons with hugely excited gusto, even recruiting Jedward, Simon Cowell, Alan Sugar amongst others to kick start the fun. Now, admittedly these ARE masks but they are scarily effective nonetheless and a brilliant talking point. In the kitchen Paul has it staffed and prepped to the hilt and the waiting staff are polished and poised.

Now I don’t actually work on the nights of the parties and sometimes have the vague feeling of missing out or not getting to see how all of the work pays off. [Weird? Dunno...] In the end it doesn’t matter because it’s all so worth it when you ask the guests the next morning how they enjoyed themselves. I’ve never heard a negative yet – everybody loves the Parties and it makes us all so proud.

Christmas Day lunch is looming as I write this. Again, I’m not working at that, (how jammie am I? A polished apple a day left on Douglas’s desk clearly pays off. . . ), and Douglas isn’t working this year either but Chris and the rest of the team will all be ready and waiting to welcome you into the warm and serve up a fab, festive lunch in a relaxed atmosphere.

I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year. - Oh and here's Chris's Christmas message ( I do have a part in it though !!! )

And what of 2011 - Lots happening including the Barons Craig hotel at Rockcliffe which joins our ranks. Go to the BC Blog from here http://baronscraig.blogspot.com/

Stargazing success.

2010-11-16T00:34:00.000-08:00

We ere absolutely delighted with our first Stargazing weekend ( 12/13 Nov ) and have had some tremendous feedback already. 2 of our guests Gordon and Sharon have written to thank us ...

Hi Douglas & Chris, Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that we had a fantastic weekend at the Selkirk Arms Hotel. Our room was very comfortable and the food was superb and to top all this off, Steve Owens was absolutely brilliant. His excellent introduction and explanation of astronomy in general and what we would be able to see whilst out in the Galloway forest was pitched just right for novices like ourselves. Many thanks again for a wonderful weekend, Best wishes to you all, Gordon & Sharon

You can see that Gordon and Sharon mention Steve - Steve Owens is our resident Astronomer who has a huge experience in all things Astronomical having been involved from the very start in the Dark Sky Park application. You can keep up to speed with Steve's blog by following the link here http://darkskydiary.wordpress.com/

Our next Dark Sky weekend is scheduled for the 3rd and 4th December but residentially we are fully booked - however if you are interested in joining us for dinner and heading out stargazing we have some spaces available for dinner and stargazing at £45 each. Phone for details on 01557 330402

Joanna Scott - Assistant Manager blogs about Scowling !

2010-10-09T04:15:00.000-07:00

Look out for the Scowler

Sometimes I worry that working in a hotel brings out the worst elements of my character when it’s my turn to be a customer. That picky-er side. That I morph into a Mrs Richards type a la Fawlty Towers. I suspect I do.

You see, it’s all about service. Good quality service in the days where first impressions really count. I was in Edinburgh recently and went into a pub (in between shops, you see) which also, happily for me, served teas and coffees. It was a lovely, old style place with high ceilings, a big wooden bar and oldy-fashionedy tiles from floor to ceiling. There was nothing shiny, sparkly or plastic here. Proper. It should have had a great atmosphere. There was a female serving whose body language I clocked instantly. It screamed go away. I put it to the back of my mind and asked for a pint for Him and a mug of coffee for me. [Common I know, but I do like a mug, not a cup.] Blondie rolled her eyes. “We have teacups here, NOT mugs.” Hands on hips. Scorn in eyes. Not good.

“Okay....get me a TEACUP full of coffee. I’ll be sitting over there.”

She glared. He chortled, nay...laughed. I seethed at her downright unpleasantness. My point is, she was horrible and I swore never to go back. That place should have been busy yet the atmosphere was flat and was as lifeless as her attitude.

Now...the darker mornings and nights, the falling leaves..these are reminders that winter is stealthily approaching. [Yeah..not so good.] BUT, business at The Selkirk is as bracing as it is outside.. still, although summer has gone. The restaurant is full most nights...still. Accommodation rates are excellent and guests are coming back again and again. I like to think there is a happy buzz as you walk through the door...that’s WOW 1. The smile and hello from the staff member you first encounter is WOW 2. The food and service you receive throughout your visit is WOW 3.

That immediate, horrid yet inevitable winter slump hasn’t quite hit yet and THAT’S what a good reputation does for you! Well done Team Selkirk for your efforts, kindnesses and smiles. Well done Chris and Douglas for making it all possible in the first place and always striving and improving.

Mrs Richards would approve!

Hoping to see you all soon.

JO xx

Kayaking on the Solway

2010-09-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

Ok - so it may be raining today but last Sunday the four musketeers, Caygill, Caygill, Atkinson and Walker set out on their first training day in preparation for May 2011. I'm talking about my latest passion "Sea Kayaking" and the fact that it is a growing pastime and we are sat on the most beautiful stretch of coastline. And the sun was shining, we could have been in the Med !!

Based here in Kirkcudbright we are in an ideal position to take advantage of the numerous trips you can make either from leaving Kirkcudbright or heading down the coast as we did to Rockcliffe to paddle out to Hestan Isle.

We are training for our May 2011 paddle from Rockcliffe to Port William along the Solway coast stopping off en route at Ross Island, Ardwell Island, The Isle of Whithorn before the final stretch to Port William.

The amazing thing is the new perspective you get from the sea, the coastline, the hills, the towns and villages all look different, the views new, the scenery breathtaking. I'll keep you posted via the Hotel blog on our training days and paddles prior to the big event.

Join our facebook group to see all our photos and keep up to speed with the Hotel, Offers and deals http://www.facebook.com/people/Best-Western-Selkirk-Arms/1151490906

Schools back soon and the sun will shine !!!

2010-08-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

I wish I could report a blisteringly hot Summer but alas there have been days when the rain has not stopped. To all the region's regular visitors to caravans and camping we salute you, despite the rain everyone has had a smile on their face and a spring in their step.
It has been a busy Summer and special mention and thanks must go to Kirkcudbright 2000 and Dumfries and Galloway council for supporting the Glasgow Girls exhibition. Kirkcudbright is a vibrant Artists town and we are looking forward to the next event in our artists calendar.

The Sculpture Symposium From Friday 27th August until Saturday 4th September, seven sculptors, many of international status, will be working outdoors on large pieces of stone or wood sculptures in the ‘Artist’s Town’ of Kirkcudbright. The seven sculptors are Marina Weir; Tom Allan; Mike Cairncross; Nils Hansen; Andy Breen; Peter Dowden; and Dmitri Broe
Click here for more details

Along with the Sculpture Symposium we are looking forward to taking part in the Scottish Food and Drink fortnight. Dumfries and Galloway has a huge number of events on throughout the fortnight, click here for the Savour the Flavours Fortnight brochure

Click here to go to the Scottish Food Fortnight site

In other news Douglas has been busy with his golfing blog and I've just posted some new pictures to our Flickr account showing some stunning shots of Kirkcudbright Golf course which I took on the Kenneth Davis Memorial cup day on Saturday 21st August 2010 - oh and the sun was shining, you can tell the schools are about to go back !!

And finally - We try and sponsor and support as many local groups and charities as possible. We set an annual budget of £1500 for donations so you can imagine how delighted we were when our name was pulled out of the hat to sponsor the home shirt for Creetown FC. This is Douglas's home town and infact his father played for Creetown in his day so it is really fitting that the Hotel's name will be on the front of the Creetown strip this year. Good luck Lads !!!

Until next time. All the best CHRIS

I've started a golf course blog by Douglas McDavid

2010-07-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Golf in Galloway - a new blog and opportunity for you to comment.

We've had a really good uptake of our golfing package in May and June and a fab Tripadvisor from a recent golfing group. We are tremendously lucky to have so many wonderful golf courses on our doorstep at very competitive prices. Have a look at my blog and feel free to comment on your experiences on the courses.

Link to Blog http://golfingalloway.wordpress.com/

Link to Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186516-d192347-Reviews-Best_Western_Selkirk_Arms_Hotel-Kirkcudbright_Dumfries_and_Galloway_Scotland.html

Kirkcudbright, Jazz, Sunshine, Art and happy holidays by Joanna Scott

2010-06-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

Wooohooo!...The Selkirk Arms is THE place to be: least that’s what our stats and experiences are telling us. You see, people are reluctant to go away too far on holiday

a) because of the recession and

b) because of that confounded ash cloud [though, it seems to have evaporated away recently...?] and

c) the BA strikes and seem to be sticking closer to home. The hotel is situated in the popular and charming seaside town of Kirkcudbright...the weather has been super -dooper this past fortnight and visitors to the area and the hotel have had a ball. We’re delighted!

We’ve had group after group of golfers: they’ve walked for miles on the local courses every day and then after their 18 holes, or in some cases, 36, rested their weary legs back at The Selkirk where they base themselves. The real ales which are sold in the bars of the hotel have gone down an absolute storm with the guys and the Tripadvisor and Best Western feedback received from them since their departure are true testament to the outstanding cuisine and friendly service which the hotel is famed for.

The town held it’s 13th Jazz Festival last weekend and wasn’t it fab? The sun shone Thursday, Friday and Saturday meaning that bands could play outside and the audience who had taken the trouble to travel from far and wide could tap their feet in the garden, favourite tipple in hand. Once again, feedback was outstanding with everyone having thoroughly enjoyed the bands and hospitality – the hotel is FULL already for Jazz 2011!

Here's a wee clip of the Yorkshire Stompers in the garden last week.

The next projects for the staff at The Selkirk Arms are a series of wedding parties and celebrations...it’s the time of year to say “I do”......Excited families have booked out the hotel for their ‘wedding weekend’ – months of meticulous room planning , special requests and rate negotiating have gone in to place. Others have booked the Artistas restaurant for their wedding meal....my fingers are crossed for sunny skies for all of you coming to Kirkcudbright for your big day. Enjoy.

Now, Scotland isn’t exactly famed for it’s reliable, good weather but to anyone who’s reading this and looking for a perfect short break destination – give us a call and come and see our happy little corner in the South West: we promise you a warm welcome, great food and drink and a charming area with lots and lots to see and do – and the sun just looks as if it might shine...bonus!

We have castles and history galore. There are countless golf courses, many beaches, lovely long walks, hill climbs and bike trails. There are loads of art and crafts being made and displayed. For the kids the river cruise and trip to the organic ice cream farm are a must – actually, never mind the kids, just go!

Oh and just have a look at the video Chris posted below this piece. Just beautiful.

See you soon Joanna xx

A great wee video

2010-06-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

I came across this video and although not entirely shot in Dumfries and Galloway it does a pretty good job of showcasing Scotland - Visit Scotland take note !!

a trip to Scotland from Mario Feil on Vimeo.

Spring Fling, Kirkcudbright half Marathon & sunshine !

2010-06-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

We mosey along steady away for the majority of the year, its a bit like manana land and then suddenly bang - it's mobbed.
Well it has been incredibly busy and the final bank holiday in May seemed to be a record breaker in so many ways.

Firstly Mr and Mrs Gamble ( Pictured ) are themselves record breakers. Mr Gamble has now won the Kirkcudbright half marathon 3 years running. His secret he tells me " staying at the Selkirk Arms Hotel " after the full Scottish breakfast he packed away I'm surprised he could run at all !!! And as for Mrs G - I was pinning my hopes on it being a husband a wife double but alas it wasn't to be, but no disgrace to the 5th place Mrs Gamble achieved in the ladies listings. Well done to both and we look forward to seeing you both next year. Could Mr Gamble make it 4 in a row - rooms are selling fast for this box office extravaganza !!!

Our second record was that we sold more art over the weekend than any other weekend of the year. Perhaps it was enthusiastic collectors following the Spring Fling route that saw over 40 local artists throw open their studio doors for the weekend. I just wish it could last a week. So many of our guests want to stay and do the fling right across the region.

So here's a little taster if you've missed out on Spring fling and here are some of the local Galleries and Artists for your perusal.

HIGH STREET GALLERY - just along the road from us, they also hand a selection of art in our Bistro and Burns room.

Freida Dyson's work - we have a wonderful oil on canvas of Broughton House Gardens @£295 on display

Lisa Hooper - Lisa's work sells well here at the Hotel especially when it is covering Kirkcudbright

Richard Brinley - talented Gatehouse of Fleet artists is also a well respected and supported artist

If you visit our main web site you will find plenty of links to Kirkcudbright Artistes and Galleries.

And Finally - setting a new record for himself and due to be launched next week my business partner Douglas ( the one in the Kilt ) has written a Golfing blog about all the courses in Dumfries and Galloway from a golfers perspective. It will be live next week as the final tweaks are being made but it brings this techno dinosaur a little closer to the 21st century !!!

Hope the sun is shining where you are - the weather has been great - don't forget you can check out our web cam anytime - Click here

Take care - CHRIS - ( Chris Walker co owner )

Work has begun on new Taste of Galloway Menu by CHRIS WALKER

2010-05-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

We are great believers in co operation and sharing - especially in an industry such as ours and especially as a member of Best Western Hotels. Having stayed on several occasions at The Best Western Castle Green Hotel in Kendal and having been so blown away by the quality and imagination of the restaurant menu it seemed an obvious choice to do the cheeky thing and ask if we could come and have a day in the kitchens. And why not, it is very easy to become blinkered when you don't get out of the box. So our Executive Chef Paul Somerville and I headed down to Kendal on a fact finding mission.
Firstly a huge thank you to Tim Rumney MD and Justin Woods Exec Head Chef for allowing us to come and for being so welcoming. (Pic Paul and Justin outside Castle Green Hotel )
Paul and I wanted to examine the success of Justin's Taste of Cumbria menu and work out how we could incorporate a show case menu of everything Dumfries and Galloway has to offer alongside our Bistro and Artistas menus. We were fascinated by some of the techniques Justin and the team use at The Castle Green from Sous Vide to Water Bath cooking methods - more on sous vide in Thomas Keller's YouTube

Work has now begun on the Taste of Galloway menu and we are really excited about developing some of the Sous Vide and Water bath techniques Justin introduced us to.

Watch this space - you'll be the first to know when we launch the new menu.

There's a feeling of optimism in the air

2010-05-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

At last, Sunshine and bluebells, a sure sign that summer is on the way. There is a strange sense of optimism in the air. I sense that we may just have a warm, sunny summer and I feel that the UK will benefit from a summer of stay vacation,in other words as a nation we'll stay at home. How we'll fair in the International market remains to be seen and the outcome of any Coalition Government's impact on the Euro and the markets will determine whether we see our European and American friends this year.

As usual Kirkcudbright has a packed calender of events starting with the regions Spring Fling, an open studio weekend across Dumfries and Galloway at the end of the month. http://www.spring-fling.co.uk/

Our latest Newsletter which has a calender of events for the whole summer is available from the link below - it's a pdf download http://www.selkirkarmshotel.co.uk/downloads

A couple of new pics too including our latest refurb to the bathroom in room 1, a shot from out walking in the woods, and a wide angle of the reception area.

Finally in our latest round up I've popped a link to our news and events page.
http://www.selkirkarmshotel.co.uk/news-and-events-at-the-selkirk-arms-hotel

that includes our EAT OUT FOR £10 lunch offer throughout May and June every Monday to Thursday.

Just about to start work on a new video that we hope to release in July on Youtube, it's not cooking or a tour of the Hotel this time - it will be totally unique, but you'll just have to wait and see.

Joanna our Assistant Manager will be picking up the blog next time, keep in touch and check out the web site for all our latest news.

Take care. CHRIS

Grounded flight brings couple to the Hotel

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Due to be flying to Dublin the O'Kanes suddenly found their travel arrangements scuppered as volcanic ash grounded all European flights. Undeterred and desperate for a break the couple decided that staying at home was the best option. They were straight on the phone to Andrea in reception who juggled arrivals about to ensure they could stay in the same room for 4 consecutive nights. Mentioning the couples circumstances to General Manager and co owner Douglas McDavid the team have come up with a last minute Lava Break:

As Eyjafallajokull explodes and your travel plans erupt
Consider a "Lava Break" at the acclaimed Selkirk Arms Hotel in Kirkcudbright
You are assured to find a sizzling welcome, a relaxing aura and dining to ignite your senses.

Come, let the dust settle in style.

4 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast & a bottle of bubbly on arrival £299(stay must include a Sunday night and is available until the end of May 2010 subject to availability) or 2 nights Bed and Breakfast for £99

(Rates apply to those disrupted by the Volcanic ash crisis and are per person based on 2 people sharing a twin or double bedded room. Single rates on application.)

Pictured are Mr and Mrs O'Kane with General Manager and Co Owner Douglas McDavid enjoying the spring sunshine and a bottle of bubbly.

Dark Sky Astronomy breaks

2010-04-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

Stargazing Astronomy breaks – November / December 2010

New to the Best Western Selkirk Arms Hotel – Galloway Stargazing Astronomy breaks.

Whilst we cannot guarantee the weather will allow us to stargaze with totally clear skies our resident expert Steve Owens will captivate you with his knowledge and ability to communicate such a complex field in layman’s terms.

The Galloway Forest Park covers 300 square miles of woodland, forest and open moor. But you needn't venture into the park itself to experience the amazing dark skies. Even from here in Kirkcudbright you can experience the stunning site of a star-studded sky.

See the Space station orbiting earth in just 90 minutes; see satellites, planets, the Milky Way, Orion the Hunter, a host of constellations, and much more.

Did you know that the star Vega, visible to the naked eye has a number of planets orbiting it mach as the Earth orbits the Sun. The only difference is that it is over 20,000 light years away.

Galloway Stargazing Astronomy breaks are a wonderful experience for all the family. 90% of the UK population have never experienced a truly dark sky and when you are in absolute darkness the heavens just comes to life. It is an amazing experience come and join us.

November 12th for 2 nights –Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and Astronomy tutorials £199pp

December 3rd for 2 nights – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and Astronomy tutorials £199pp

The Format

Arrival - check in followed by arrival drinks reception and welcome from the Hotel manager and your Dark Sky guide Steve Owens followed by Dinner in the Burns Room at 7pm

8.30 Retire to Meeting room for Lecture / Presentation from Steve Owens

9.30 Depart (Weather permitting on a Dark Sky Tour for stargazing)

Warm clothes, hats, wellies or warm boots should be packed. If you can bring binoculars (10x50) we will supply torches, filters and telescopes. We will be taking flasks of Hot Chocolate and Soup with us for the Dark Sky Tour. You will be collected from in Landrovers by Laggan Outdoor who will take you high into the hills above Gatehouse of Fleet to experience skies as you have never seen before.

Day 2 - Day of leisure – Your break your choice. You may fancy a quiet meander through the pretty streets of Kirkcudbright visiting the many galleries and shops, perhaps a drive down the stunning coast to Auchencairn and on to Sweet heart Abbey. 20 Golf courses are on our doorstep along with the world famous 7 Stanes mountain bike network or maybe it’s one of our beaches that take your fancy?

Re group for drinks at 6.30 in the Burns Room

Dinner will be served in Artistas Restaurant at 7pm then you will be collected once again by Laggan Outdoor in Land-rovers to go stargazing from deep in the Galloway hills at 9pm

(Weather permitting – alternative lecture / talk will replace stargazing if the weather doesn’t allow us to go out.)

Return to the Hotel for 11.30pm to hot chocolate or coffee

Depart the next morning

Price Dinner, Bed and Breakfast £199pp

Steve is freelance science communicator with a decade of experience. With a broad knowledge of science and the scientific method, and a deep knowledge of astronomy and physics

For more information on our Dark Sky expert Steve Owens visit

http://www.owens-online.co.uk/

http://darkskydiary.wordpress.com/

HAPPY EASTER

2010-04-03T03:59:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining here in Kirkcudbright this morning, it's Easter Saturday and we are gearing up for a busy weekend. It's been a wee touch slow in recent weeks, the recession perhaps is biting in the South West of Scotland, an election looms and folk are generally unsettled by what the future holds. That's why we have extended our 3 night Bed and Breakfast break to the 25th April - Yes 3 nights for £99.

Anyway, here's a true Easter tale... I thought I had lost faith in mankind....

But my faith was restored this week after a rather bedraggled chap came in and asked if he could use our foyer computer.
"Of course you can" I said.
"How much is it" he asked
"It's free" I said "perhaps you will partake of our hostelry at some stage with a coffee or a snack but you can use our Wi Fi for Free"
"Thank you so much" he replied and busily sat down in the hall, logged on and spent the next 2 hours immersed in some on line work. When he finished he got up and walked straight out without even a cheerio.
Well I huffed and I puffed and thought how selfish he was and got myself worked up in the same way I do when someone comes in to spend a penny and walks straight out without a) even asking in the first place or b) saying thank you.
Anyway - I got on with my day and forgot all about it.
Then at 6pm when we start to serve food in the Bistro Mr Wi Fi computer man and 5 others come through the door, he looks at me and said
"You guys were so kind to me letting me sort out our holiday itinerary on line that I told the group we had to come back and dine with you"
The 6 of them thoroughly enjoyed their meal and Mr free Wifi man is really Mr Farrell and he hopes to come and stay with us next year.
Well, as my Gran used to say..."I'll go to the foot of our stairs" !!

Happy Easter to all our friends around the Globe and Congratulations to Sue Morris who won our Easter Egg competition.

Annual Brain Game and DG Life lunch

2010-03-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where time goes these days but we have had a busy time of late with a little lull now prior to Easter in 2 weeks.

We held or annual Brain Game quiz and supper earlier in the month and an enjoyable evening was had by all teams. 100 questions over 8 rounds, 4 before supper and 4 after. Trimbles Trumbles returned to defend the title although some new faces on the team had been drafted in the lend some grey matter to that of Leach, Leach and Co but alas even the inclusion of Carson senior was not enough to stop The Mavericks AKA Houstons, Johnsons, Henkelman and co.

The Mavericks took the lead at the half way stage after playing the Joker in Round 4 but nipping at their heels was the medical crew in the Mystery Machine and the Silver Survivors looked a hot tip at that stage.

From Gatehouse Per Ordure ab astra were hoping to play the Joker in the second half and sweep the opposition aside. Alas in Round 6 they struggled and only just made the Joker Cut. Final results were:

THE MAVERICKS 133
PER ORDURE 126
MYSTERY MACHINE 123
SILVER SURVIVORS 114
JELLY BABIES 90
KLANGERS 89
HAUGH HORRORS 53

We'll be hosting the Brain Game next March - the date will be confirmed in November.

Onto hosting the first DG Life lunch. The region's premier glossy with more local life information than you can shake a stick at held. It was a celebration of the first anniversary of the new look monthly DG Life as opposed to it's earlier format as DGB life. With more readers in a monthly format the DG Life team were on a high following earlier successes as Scottish Magazine of the Year 2009 and Consumer Magazine of the Year [Scottish PPA Awards].

The magazine goes from strength to strength with some fascinating articles on local produce, local people and local life. It was an honour to hots the first of what we hope will be a regular lunch stop for the DG Life team.

Here are a few snaps from the magazine thanks to Phil Rigby DG Life photographer - Recipes and more details will be published in the next DG Life magazine so look out for it in early May.

A special thanks to all the team at the hotel for allowing me to sit down and enjoy the lunch and the exceptional craic on our table thanks to the Coulthards, Alison Wallace, Maurice Holliday and DG Life editor Andrea Thomson.

Dark Sky Park will be big business for Tourism sector

2010-03-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Just back from a Galloway Forest Park " Stargazers Welcome " - a Tourism workshop run by the Foresty commission and The Royal observatory in Edinburgh.

And what a wow - we saw the Space Station - it orbits the earth in 90 minutes, yes 24,000 miles in 90 minutes.

Vega, one of our youngest and closest stars has a solar system of planets just like ours. The problem is that it is over 20,000 light years away.

There are billions upon billions of stars and the beauty of stargazing is that you can be any age, it appeals to the family market just as much as the older generation.

To find out more about the Dark Sky Park here in Galloway visit

The Galloway Forest Park - Dark Skies

Heavens above

We hope to be offering some accompanied Dark Sky weekends towards the end of the year

I am currently working on the site to bring you all the up to date information on the Dark Sky park - you should be able to visit the main hotel site next week for a full explanation - but don't let that stop you going now - new menus are up along with some great Spring offers.

Spring has sprung !!

2010-03-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Despite freezing temperatures there's that spring feel in the air, bright, crisp clear days, carpets of snowdrops at every turn and the daffodils pushing through the thawing ground. There's never been a better time to visit Kirkcudbright and explore Dumfries and Galloway.

That's why we're trying to tempt those of you who golf to dust down the clubs and take advantage of our FREE golf offer in March. Stay for 2 nights on a Dinner, bed and breakfast basis for just £149 per person including two rounds of Golf at Kirkudbright and Gatehouse of Fleet. For those of you who don't golf then it's a great deal for two nights and there's plenty to do an explore in Kirkcudbright. Ladies, go mad in the Showroom ladies dress shop, gents visit Kathryn Kings bespoke hand made jewelry shop, browse in Solway books and pick up a bargain in the second hand department, treat yourself to a classic piece of art in The High street Gallery or The Whitehouse Gallery... infact just come and enjoy the diversity of shops, talent and history that makes Kirkcudbright so unique.

I have posted up our latest Kitchen confidential for you featuring the famous Kirkcudbright King Scallops cooked with a twist by Executive head Chef Paul Somerville and featuring in her YouTube debut the hugely talented Charlotte McDowell.

Enjoy, spread the word that we have some great deals on this March and we are still offerening our 2 course lunch for £10 throughout March.

Sign up for our monthly e news follow the link below

http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1011370901250

New YouTube posting and New Kirkcudbright Blog

2010-02-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

Here's our latest YouTube Kitchen confidential featuring Exec Head Chef Paul Somerville and making her YouTube debut Charlotte McDowell - well done guys another cracker cooking Kirkcudbright's finest SCALLOPS - enjoy

Whilst we're talking about the wonderful harbour town of Kirkcudbright, check out the latest Kirkcudbright Blog starting with the chilling tale of The Ross Island Lighthouse Murder

http://kirkcudbright.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/31/

Valentine's Day and how we can help you read the menu.

2010-02-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's day - As I drove to work this morning I thought I'll paste a little song to the blog - something romantic. I decided that Fleetwood Mac's Rumours wasn't going to cut the mustard with tracks such as The Chain, Go your own way and Don't stop not quite living up the Valentine theme. Toni Braxton - Un-Break my heart was the next song I heard on the radio - that'll do I thought until I found that it's all about a guy who has walked out leaving his girlfriend in floods of tears, thrashing about screaming for him to come back and un-break her heart. So what have we ended up with as our song for the day...... It's chain reaction by Diana Ross... Happy Valentine's Day.

SO.......ever wished you'd popped your reading glasses in your bag when your out reading menus in hotels and restaurants? We have the solution and boy is it a wow.

Last night I heard a lady say " I can't read a thing, I haven't brought my glasses."
Quick as a flash I chirped up - " No problem madam, we have some sets here, would you like 1.5, 2.5 or 3.5." It's those little touches we love.

Happy reading !!!

PS - New menu on the way - should be in for 4th March - it's looking fab.

Bye for now..........CHRIS

Dark Sky Status and Best Western Conference

2010-02-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

Lot's of news this week kicking off with a wonderful article by Marissa Duffy in the Herald promoting the Galloway Forest Park and the Dark Sky status.

Marissa wrote "We might be keen to see the back of dark winter nights at the moment – but for one Scottish region, pitch-black skies could prove a big asset for the tourism industry.

In November, Galloway Forest Park – where 7000 stars are visible, compared to 500 in Glasgow’s light-polluted skies – became Europe’s first official dark-sky park.

And the new status has already started to make a difference to this vast region which is routinely ignored by holiday-makers heading for the dramatic charms of the Highlands."

Read More http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/where-darkness-is-the-star-1.1004467

And fresh back from the Best Western Hotel conference at Celtic Manor in Newport, South Wales. A wonderful hotel which will play host to the Ryder Cup this year in October.

A great conference with some interesting and entertaining speakers coupled with some really exciting news from the Best Western team.

But, firstly, as a customer what does BEST WESTERN mean to you? Many people think it is a faceless hotel chain, that it is a middle of the road American owned corporation or franchise. The fact is that in the UK every Best Western Hotel is individually owned and managed. We market together under the umbrella of Best Western - Hotels with personality. Best Western is a Worldwide Marketing organisation, as a Hotel we belong to the UK affiliate office based in York. If you are unfamiliar with Best Western follow the link below to find out more......... We're excited that The brand is about to embark on its biggest ever marketing campaign on national TV - Look out for the ad launch on 15th April. We are 100% behind the commitment of the GB team at York to raise the standard in Hotels. The only way forward in our minds in to continue to give great service, great food in quality surroundings. Second best simply won't do.

http://www.bestwestern.co.uk/

And finally links to two of the Speaker over the weekend. Firstly Jim Lawless from Taming Tigers

http://www.tamingtigers.com

who was inspirational. He went from zero to hero in training to become a professional jockey in under 12 months having never ridden a horse before - and all for a £1 bet

Secondly - Geoff Burch - star of the BBC's series All over the shop and respected business mentor and speaker http://www.geoffburch.com/

Are you gaggin tae go baggin, play the baseballs and go on a treasure hunt??

2010-02-03T14:36:00.000-08:00

What on earth is he on about ??? Could Baggin be the next International Tourism craze that sets Scotland apart? The idea is simply to Bag as many Munro's, lochs, Salmon rivers, distilleries even bag our Malt Whisky collection in the Bar ( There's over 40 to choose from ), you could even bag your way through all Scottish real ales starting here at The Selkirk with The Grace. Do it, get it in the bag and then post your pics and travelogue onto the web site, meet up with others en route etc.Here's the link to the site so that you can go and explore.

www.baggin-scotland.com

For those of you who comment on our background music in the Bar, one band that has resulted in a lot of attention in recent weeks has been The Baseballs. I came across them thanks to the recommendation of Nightwish singer Anette Olzon. They are a German band and have an album out called STRIKE featuring a variety of covers from Leona Lewis to Rhianna all covered in a rock n'roll style - here's the Umbrella video for you to have a look and listen to

And finally - I've written about Geocaching in our newsletters before, but in case your unfamiliar with it and you fancy adding a new dimension to your walking and travel then check out the Geocaching site. In a nutshell

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.

http://www.geocaching.com/

Dining out offers - What really works?? by Chris Walker

2010-01-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

We are always looking at the best way to drive business through the door. Our latest promotion for Valentine's night is to offer those who want to bring friends along the chance to do so in a 4 dine for the price of 3 offer. WHY? Because all our tables that usually seat 3/4/5 or 6 are taken up with just 2 covers on Valentine's night. Whilst we love looking after the romantics that fancy a candlelit dinner for 2 we're also happy to serve larger groups that fancy a night out.... Hence our 4 for 3 offer.

But just last weekend we headed down to Ambelside to try out a promotion that the Glasshouse restaurant was running for January. You might remember the Glasshouse from one of Gordon Ramsay's earlier Kitchen Nightmares. The deal effectively is this - no prices on the menu and you pay for drinks but at the end of your meal pay what you feel the meal was worth !! WOW - we just had to go and see how it worked.

We had a lovely meal but felt a moral dilemma when it came to settling up. We didn't want to offend the Chef and yet we had come because we thought we'd get a bargain. So our 2 courses of Goats Cheese for Mrs W, Stir fried Prawns for Lisa and Caesars salad for me followed by Daube of Beef and 2 Seabass was very good, the service element was excellent and attentive and the ambiance and general atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

So to the bill - the drinks came to about £9 or so and we decided that we would pay £16 a head for our 2 courses on the basis that we felt at the price we had had exceptional value for money and in the hope that chef and the team realised that we had indeed enjoyed our trip to try the dining concept.

Will it catch on? I'm not sure, the Glasshouse said they had had a couple who had a 3 course meal give £7.50 each and others who had paid over the odds and others who felt so uncomfortable that they just asked for the bill to be priced as normal.

I think we'll stick with our Lunchtime eat out for £10 and our 3 for the price of 4 for Valentines night.

If you have any PROMOTION ideas for us to use then please comment on the blog or get in touch.

Here's the link to the Glasshouse http://www.theglasshouserestaurant.co.uk/

Curling Bonspiel for Gatehouse of Fleet

2010-01-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

I'm a little biased as I actually live in Gatehouse of Fleet, but it is literally just 10 minutes up the road from Kirkcudbright.I know I have the best of both worlds - Kirkcudbright and Gatehouse. Anyway - the reason for the post is to let you know that a little bit of history was made last weekend in Gatehouse thanks to my business partner Douglas McDavid and Gatehouse community Councillor Shaun Burnie plus a host of other volunteers - 41 years since the last outdoor curling event on bush loch and the boys pulled it off. Here's the video for you to see - well done Gatehouse of Fleet.

Happy New Year - 2010 is here.

2010-01-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all our readers and customers. Hoping 2010 brings you all the best of health, wealth and happiness.
It should be an exciting year once again for us here at The Selkirk Arms Hotel.

So what a start to the year - SNOW - yes, famed for our Palm trees and the warm air of the Gulf stream we have had a dusting of snow. Nowhere near as bad as Yorkshire, Cumbria and further North in Scotland - here's a couple of pics....

More refurbishment and upgrade is on the cards. But before I go on to describe our future plans take a couple of minutes to see our new video and just realize how far we have come in just 3 years.

So planned capital investment for 2010 includes new car park lighting and resurfacing, bathroom refurbishment to the three cottage bedrooms - rooms 1,2 and 3, external decorating, and major investment in a new fire alarm system.

As usual we will continue to build on our strengths in the Kitchen and under the watchful eye of Executive Head Chef Paul Somerville we have taken on Charlotte McDowall as a trainee Chef. Charlotte takes the team total to 5 at present although we will be looking for an additional qualified team member later in the year. Paul has started working on the next menu which will be coming on stream on the 3rd March. We are currently working on our third Kitchen Confidential which we hope to have out by the end of February.

There's still space on our Valentine weekend offer - details are on the web site and the annual Brain Game makes a return on Friday 5th March - tickets are £27 including supper, wine, drinks reception and canapes. Then after all that we expect you to answer 60 questions !!!

Further details at www.selkirkarmshotel.co.uk

Catch up with you all soon. Best wishes CHRIS ( Chris Walker co owner )

Hostage crisis averted

2009-12-22T05:54:00.000-08:00

We've been busy with Christmas Party nights, balloons, crackers, tables set to exacting standards and our little Santas sit in the middle of each table with half a dozen helium balloons tied onto them. Imagine how shocked we were when last week as the last party revellers left we discovered a Santa had gone walk about. Our faith in the human race is restored because today Santa was returned in the post carefully wrapped in bubble wrap along with this note:

Oh Selkirk Arms Hotel
Did you miss me when I went?
I just had to get away
All the noise and wild parties and those extra long balloons !!
You wouldn't believe the things I've seen
and where those extra long balloons have been.

The table top's a dangerous place
I thought I'd take a break
Flyglobespan somewhere hot
OR NOT
Just my luck the airlines ***ed
But truth be told I miss the Bistro and the
fun and games more than I can say,
So I'm back where I belong
Just in time for Christmas Day.

Whoever you are - thank you for returning our Santa... thank you for the note
it made us all smile... wishing you a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Joanna is delighted Santa returned in the post - no ransom, no hostage crisis just good old fashioned Christmas spirit in the season of goodwill

Stargazing in Galloway by CHRIS WALKER

2009-12-17T06:22:00.002-08:00

Galloway Stargazer arrives.

You know me - I have these occasional flashes of inspiration.... I said occasional !!!
So when I heard the news that the Galloway Forest Park had won the Dark Skies Park award it set me thinking !!!

Forestry Commission Scotland has established part of Galloway Forest Park as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK, the result of some 15 months of work pulling together audits, controls and readings from around the forest park. Announced on Monday the 16th November 2009 in the International Year of Astronomy, it is a massive achievement for the UK and the south West of Scotland.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/darkskygalloway

Let's create a Real Ale - and so the idea of Galloway Stargazer was born.
Having used our local brewer Sulwath on my last two creations - The Masonic Boom and The Grace, I was keen to get another Brewer involved. Now don't let me take the credit for making them - I just came up with the idea and a rough feel for what I wanted it to taste like. The brewing has been down to Allan Henderson at Sulwath and Fiona Deal at Geltsdale.

Those of you that know a thing or two about real ale will understand the importance of the local water - and for a complete change I choose Cumbria.
(There have been some that say I should have stayed in Scotland for this brew - I say to them - Give a little back to our neighbours who come and prop up our Tourism industry year in year out. The folk in Cumbria are delighted that they too have got some coverage and recognition. It's all about networking and throwing that net wider than your own back yard.)
Anyway, I'd had a pint of Geltsdale's brew when I was in the North Lakes a few weeks earlier and was impressed by the tradition of the brewing and the traditional bitter taste. Imagine my surprise when I found the brew was made by the fair hand of a female - Fiona Deal. Now that's my brewery now for the Beer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8401543.stm

http://www.geltsdalebrewery.com/

I rang Fiona - told her the tale and said would she be interested in creating a brew....

No problem - in fact the Hell Beck brew is just what your looking for, darkish, crystal clear a real traditional bitter - we'll base Stargazer on that.

And so we agreed to launch Galloway Stargazer - the BBC picked up the Story, Border News came to film a piece, The Galloway Gazette and The Galloway News have all run stories. We've had e mails from Boston USA wondering how they could get hold of the brew.... so it seems to be going down well and those who have had a pint or two say it's a real traditional bitter that goes down a treat. Hopefully we'll get some into bottles next year - in the meantime I'm delighted that it has generated an interest in The Galloway Forest Park, in real ale and of course in The Selkirk Arms Hotel.

What's next - now that would be telling !!!

THE BIG APPLE by Joanna Scott

2009-12-17T06:06:00.001-08:00

Big Apple

So... I was at work one day about 6 months ago and I overheard Kerry saying that she was close to booking another trip to New York. My ears pricked up...
”Oh you lucky thing, I wish I was going!”
“Well I’m going with mum, why don’t you come too?”
Ooh, okay !

How many of you have been to New York? Isn’t it fabulous... The beauty of it is that it’s the sort of place you can go for a weekend shopping trip or a fortnights holiday. It doesn’t matter - there’s SO much to see and do and there isn’t any format which needs adhered to: anything goes. The Americans embrace anything and everything and their enthusiasm is boundless. However, to appreciate this I think you need to actually be in the USA where your senses are caught up, thrown around and swept along in it all – you know what I mean....in Scotland a cheerful American sticks out like a sore thumb, sounds like a foghorn and is often peered at curiously as if they’ve maybe fallen from another planet. Our reservedness, properness and dare I say uptightness [don’t be offended – I’m all of the above] makes the personality gulf between the Yanks and the Scots seem Super Vast.

There are 8 million of these aliens in NY and, as I reflect on my holiday experience, I would struggle to say a bad word about any of them – it was great. I went feeling unsure of what to expect. NY’s dirty, right? It’s cold and hostile, right? There are murders and muggings on every corner in broad daylight, right? No, no, no – how wrong! Everywhere I went my preconceived notions and stereotypical ideas were shaken and discarded. The streets are really clean, the NYPD are noticeably present and a strict clampdown on drugs and crime is in full swing. In restaurants the servers cannot do enough for you – their efficiency is Scary Good and seems mismatched to their laid back(ness). Somehow it works. In shops, the assistants greet you at the door. They offer to look for your size, chat easily as they serve you at the tills and carry your bag to the door. Yikes. All of a sudden, Scotland seems surly.

We spent our first couple of days happily shopping, spending and eating massive, sculpted cheesecake portions in bustling diners. Day 3 meant a trip to The Statue of Liberty and this is where my delight with all things American wanes, nae, vanishes. (Oh! see above - surly!) One piece of advice to anyone reading this. Don’t. Do. It. The short ferry ride is fine, that’s after they’ve searched you and scanned your belongings. Upon arrival, there’s even more delightful queuing. You begin to lose the will to live and throwing yourself off the top of the damned statue seems like an appealing alternative. Hang on.... Hooray! We’re at the front of the queue. Oh, wait. There’s another line of people kicking off shoes and removing jackets for further scanning. Only there’s a twist – you also step into a booth where the entire length of your body is blasted with cold air strong enough to lift a skirt and mess your hair (Grrrrr, don’t mess my hair.) Twice. This is just in case you have a chemical bomb on your person. Tip to security; no Al Qaeda member could be bothered to wait in your queues for that long – you’re quite safe. Thoroughly fed up, we agree to take a couple of obligatory snaps at the Observation deck and scarper, sharpish back to Manhattan. Of course, the lifts broken.***ck!!!!!

Tip to the reader, if you’re planning a visit to The Big Apple, here are some do’s.

DO go to Pigalles for breakfast – it really will make your day.

DO go to Juniors for lunch and order Carrot Cake Cheesecake.

DO go to Gordon Ramsays’ ‘Maze’ for dinner where there’s no salt or pepper on any table. Trust me, it’s not required. Fantastic.

DO go on the red bus tour downtown – you’ll learn lots.

DO go ice skating at Rockerfeller Centre – beginners welcome!

I’m back and I’m skint but it was thoroughly worth it........although....... if I could just get my $12 back from that confounded statue, that would be great.............

New era for Public Bar

2009-11-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

The public bar has been refurbished and re launched as the SPORTS BAR - complete with new look, new logo and it is hoped a new lease of life. Many people have asked why we decided to change the good old public bar - the answer is simple - the good old public bar was loosing money. Our bedroom and food operation was subsidising the public bar. At a time when many stand alone bars are closing their doors, boarding up their windows and calling it a day it would have been easy to do the same but we felt that Kirkcudbright needs a Sports Bar, it's part of the history of the Selkirk Arms.
You might say little has change since the picture we have found in our archives. Well the same warm welcome awaits those who just fancy a nip, pint or glass of wine on their way home or out with friends. We even have a small snack menu available. The increase and availability of cheap booze in supermarkets has changed our PUB culture, the generation coming through behind us are more at home in Starbucks with free wifi sipping a caramel latte than being in a Pub. That is no bad thing, we don't want a generation of alcoholics but we also don't want to loose the community spirit that no Starbucks or Costa Coffee can replace from the good old pub. Whet er it is re branded as a sports bar, carpeted, blinded and furnished with red leather club style furniture it has the same function, to serve a community, for holiday makers to mix with the locals, to enjoy the banter and craic, to watch and support the wealth of Scottish and National sports and to hopefully re engage with the locals. We have selected a superb selection of beers including Stella 4%, Tennents lager, Belhaven Best, Caffreys and Blackthorn Cider along with a rotating selection of REAL ALES - A first for the Selkirk Public Bar. Welcome to THE SPORTS BAR

FREE WIFI is available in the Public Bar,
2 x 42" Plasma screens show live sport all day.
Winter opening hours Friday, Saturday and Sundays only.
Available mid week for Private rental or Private Parties.
Come and see for yourself.

JOANNA TRIES MOUNTAIN BIKING !!

2009-09-21T02:11:00.000-07:00

Spurred on by my festival success I decided to accept a new challenge, issued by the same guy. Mountain biking.

Great fun, apparently. Despite my protests that I couldn’t even remember when I last sat on a bike he again said “C’mon, go. It’ll be good, you’ll love it, how can you live in Dumfries and Galloway and NOT?”

Hmph, fine.

Big brother was amenable to my request for Help With Biking and the rest of the worlds thought it hilarious. “You?” puzzled Michelle, “on a bike?” “You?” snorted Chris Walker “oh, Jo, I can’t see it at all”. (You get the general theme here...)

Anyway, undeterred, brother and I set off to Kirroughtree and again the weather was fab. We did the green trail which was easy peasy. Except. For. The Cows. A field of them. And they had biggish calves. “It’s fine” Brother roared cheerfully “they’ll move. They’re more scared of you.” Aye, right, demonstration please. And of course, they didn’t move. They glared and scowled as he was forced to weave around them towards the gate at the far end. With my heart thumping and beating like it would jump clean out of me, I followed. And it was okay, until one of the blighters flinched and sort of bolted.

That was IT, there must still be scorch marks in the grass, I’m sure, my bike and I moved so quickly.

The Blue Trail was next and it was truly fun. It was more woodland than field with lots of lovely downhill bits and no farm animal of any kind. We did the ‘taster loop’ three times and confidence grew with each time. Am I converted? You bet... I even bought a Seven Stanes mug! Glentrool’s next and I can’t wait.

Paul Somerville blogs from the Kitchen

2009-08-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Phew lunch service finished !!!
Another 60 lunches and what a day everybody came at once ( what a surprise, it always happens). Wish people would be patient too as we cook all the food to order, to keep it as fresh as possible.
What a month August has been been non-stop. Over 100 meals every night. Myself and the other boys in the kitchen are shattered, with all of us working all the hours God sends. But it has been worth it all- very satisfying- as we have had a lot of good comments about our new summer menu, and very few complaints. What a team we have all working to an excellent standard day after day.
Well its 3.15 and I have finally managed to get a seat to write this blog (thought I left school over 20 years ago) that Chris has been pestering me to do for over the last 7 weeks. I have finally given into it all, another happy customer.
Thats me for now need to the recipe for the new newsletter, before Chris rhymes about that next.
Don't forget you can view my on line Kitchen Confidential videos at our YouTube site
www.youtube.com/selkirkarms
I'm now starting to put a few ideas on paper ready for the menu change in November and of course we will be doing our eat out for £10 offer at lunchtime in November, Gosh... we just don't seem to stop...best keep busy.
See you next time.
Paul

Joanna reports on The Wickerman experience 2009

2009-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Assistant Manageress Joanna Scott reports....

I don’t like the wind; it makes my hair stick to my lip gloss. I don’t like the rain; it makes my hair frizz after hours of meticulous straightening. And I don’t like cows; I mean, you just can’t be sure they won’t, can you. Charge, I mean. Run at you and kill you because you’re wearing red or are too near to their calf. Which, I feel, makes my recent exploits all the more Impressive and officially makes me Brave.

I NEVER go to The Wickerman, my official line is that I have to work. All the ‘young’ staff at the hotel book that time of year off months in advance and the oldies definitely have to work that last weekend in July in their absence. The real reason, perhaps, is that I’m not sure The Wickerman’s really for me. What if it rains? (See above.) I don’t own a pair of wellies and am loathe to buy a pair which will gather dust and rot in my cupboard. Still, this year someone pulled me up on it. He said “C’mon, go. You never go. It’ll be good. At least try and get the time off.” So I asked Douglas and yippee, the man from The Selkirk, he said YES.

Well, he gave me the Saturday night and Sunday morning off which was good enough for me. And you know what, I had a bloody good time. I missed the Friday night when The Human League played an absolute storm but that’s okay, I have their greatest hits cd – I can pretend I saw them.

The Saturday dawned bright and sunny, yaay – no wellies required. The Wickerman site was hugely impressive. Well organised entry and parking led to a vast sea of tents to get through before reaching the crest of the hill and down towards the stages, fair, stalls, food vans, cool looking, posher-than-a-tent teepees and of course the man himself; the huge Wickerman awaiting midnight and his magnificent finale.

We waited patiently for 7pm and Candi Staton and passed the time with pints of Tennents and the BEST cheese toastie ever experienced. It was worth every penny of the £4 paid. Made on sour-dough bread and containing mature Scottish cheese, finely chopped leeks and garlic and toasted to perfection – I was in heaven.

Candi Staton was WOW – I had a feeling she’d be fab and I was right. Dreadzone followed her, loved them, loved them. At that point it got a wee bit cold and the trainers I’d very sensibly packed replaced the flip flops... The Zutons came on, how shameful, I didn’t know a single song till they played ‘Valerie’. After that, the wickerman’s moment came and he was burned and fireworks exploded and danced overhead to the crowds delight. Utah Saints finished off a truly great day and made me genuinely pleased to have been there. And I camped. Yes, you read that right; I slept in a tent, even though it chose to rain then. See, Brave. And the rain didn’t stop the next day despite the tent needing dismantled and the gear needing transported to the car, aargh. My hair frizzed and curled like nothing on earth and my nose had a permanent drip at the end, but I did it...! Wickerman 2010? You bet.

NEXT INSTALLMENT - My Mountain biking experience !!

NEXT BLOG... Executive Head Chef Paul Somerville.

Schools break up... does that mean rain??

2009-07-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

Stunning - Welcome to Paradise

What an absolutely wonderful spell of weather we have had. The Solway coast has looked at it's stunning best. Here's a shot I took from just along the coast near Carrick - unspoilt, quiet and tranquil. But just as the Schools break up the forecast predicts rain. Don't believe what the weather man tells you. For regular visitors to the region you'll be well aware of the Gulf Stream influence. We have a micro climate all of our own here and my advice is to check out our garden web cam or the one in neighbouring gatehouse of fleet.

www.gatehousewebcam.co.uk

Our latest newsletter is now printed and available at the Hotel or you can download it from the site at:

www.selkirkarmshotel.co.uk

The latest menu is going well and Executive Head Chef Paul Somerville will be logging next week with a behind the scenes look at the pressure of putting a new menu in and the trick of juggling home life with running a Kitchen producing over 1000 meals a week.

Our BEST VALUE offer which seems to be proving popular is our stay 3 nights for £69 ea per night on a 2 course dinner inclusive offer. Again full details are on the web.

We've got the Golf Open at Turnberry next week so I'll be updating you with all the action as it happens via Twitter. If you want to keep track of our daily updates join and follow us at

www.twitter.com/selkirkarms

Keep well and take care

CHRIS
Chris Walker

JOANNA RECEPTION MANAGER BLOGS....

2009-05-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

Joanna Scott our reception manager writes exclusively for the Blog... a little insight into her hectic life

Oh for goodness sake, there I was having a perfectly fine day – good hair day, out of bed on the right side – that sort of thing, and boss #1 (Chris) says “Could you to write a blog for me? A week in the life of Joanna, that kind of idea. You know what I mean”.
Erm, no, actually. I mean, if you were to listen to me day to day, ramble [complain] about my hectic week you could be forgiven for thinking I didn’t enjoy it and I don’t want to bore you to death.
It’s pretty jam packed with a good mix of college, work, family, friends and the odd futile attempt to get the new kitchen painted in between...

I work at the Selkirk Arms Hotel in Kirkcudbright in reception. The hotel is relatively small but perfectly appointed and hugely popular, benefiting from its excellent reputation for great food, keen staff and welcoming atmosphere. After 3 enjoyable years first waitressing and then on reception, I decided yep, I like it here; the bosses Chris and Douglas had bought the place and were committed to constant improvements and the staff, including the nations darling, Betty, Robbie ‘The Rottweiler’ (yes, really) and Ian ‘oh, my back, where’s my pills?’ Barron were good to work with.

So, keen to add another (or at least 1) string to my bow yet not leave my job, it was a good idea of mine to do a college course in accounts and fit it around my reception work and vice versa. Bosses #1 and 2 were hugely supportive, so off I went. College days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Friday. Going back to ‘school’ after 15 years is a massive shock to the system and I’m out of practice. I find myself wanting to scold the loud, lanky, hooded topped lads for their BAD language, carry on and smoking and also to present most of the lassies with a large mirror; “What HAVE you got on...?” [When did I get old...?] The actual accounting work and brilliant tutors, however, (Yes, I know, probably the only things I need concern myself with) teach me something new every day. There are topics I can safely say I’ll NEVER do for a living (Process Costing and Budgets, anyone? Ugh), yet also ones I thoroughly enjoy, Payroll, Business Law and Preparing Final Accounts.

And of course when Chris gets elected as a Conservative MP next year, this will all fall into place perfectly. He can be secure his invoices are being posted properly and Douglas won’t have nightmares at the words ‘revenue’ and ‘what do you think?’

Amidst the work and the college is a little voice piping up repeatedly ‘Auntie Joanna,’ [or ‘Auntie Joa’ cos Joanna’s a bit tricky]. Paige is 2 and my very cute, curly headed niece who worships mummy and granny also, but is less keen on little brother Conor! She doesn’t really understand the work or college concept and is disgusted when they interfere with play times. (As am I...!) This week for example, I work Monday at the hotel and on Tuesday go to college, [ratio report ahoy] – as a result I, reluctantly, don’t see the rug rats but will go round for a spot of dinner after Wednesday college, [payroll: goody, goody]. Thursday is a split shift at the hotel which means 7am-3pm then 6pm-9pm and after college on Friday [Business law, outcome 3] I’m on holiday for 3 whole days and will definitely have a barbeque with the family – or maybe not, I have a terrible vision of Paige trying to load her brother onto the hot coals when no-one’s looking! Again. (Nah, just kidding).

Easter kicks off the season proper....

2009-04-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wow - if last week is anything to go by we're in for a good season. Kirkcudbright was packed and so were we. 4 days of wall to wall sunshine helped and Easter Monday saw the garden full to busting, it was very continental despite the spring chill in the air.

Our monthly quiz on Easter Monday attracted a fair few - they're the second Monday of the month at 9.30pm by the way - Oh yes and those Irish Eyes were shining - those Northern Irish eyes !! But alas despite the luck of the Irish they managed a poor fifth, better luck next time my friends. Scooping the £74 those Folk in Hell did it again... come back Borgue Boys all is forgiven.

I drove home tonight thinking about how lucky we are to have such a wonderful team of staff. They work tremendously hard and I am extremely proud of them.

This Easter has pushed us to the limit with a record 137 on Easter Saturday and even 107 tonight, Friday 17th April. I hate to have to turn folk away but I for one would rather do 100 top notch with exceptional service as opposed to packing 150 in and throwing it at them. We just don't do that, so our apologies in advance if we have to turn you away.

Douglas is back from his weeks hols on Tuesday and despite being a complete technophobe we'll get him to write a piece on the Blog, we'll even get a picture of the famous kilt posted up in due course. Hoping you had a wonderful Easter, looking forward to welcoming you to The Selkirk Arms in the near future or at least keeping up to date with all our goings on in the Blog.

Joanna, Robbie, Andrea, Kerry, Alex, Laura and gang are all being primed for submissions to the blog. But as a belated Easter present here's one of Alex's cocktails due for release in May....
Go mix it.. sit back, relax and enjoy...

Mojito

3 shots white rum
1 teaspoon brown sugar
half lime
mint leaves
Top up with Old fashioned Lemonade

mash the lime, sugar and mint leaves for approx 1 minute fill up with crushed ice and add the rum. stir a little with a teaspoon for the mint leaves to rise. garnish with lime and mint leaves then top up with old fashioned lemonade

Blog by Chris Walker - Financial Director and Partner 17th April 09

Weekly updates to come

2009-04-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

The idea of the blog is to keep you up to speed with the Hotel and the array of characters that work here at The Selkirk Arms Hotel.

Updates from the owners Chris Walker and Douglas McDavid, updates from our reception team Joanna and Fiona along with regular recipes and features from our Executive Head Chef Paul Somerville. We'll even tempt Betty to log on and keep you up to date with all the gossip.

Until we start blogging on a regular basis book mark the page and we look forward keeping you up to speed with all our latest happenings including the release date for our Kitchen Confidential behind the scenes YouTube which we are currently filming.

Come back soon - we've plenty in the pipeline.