Cottage Diary - Aspenwood self catering luxury Holiday Cottage overlooking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland.

This morning we had an appointment - to go aboard The Jacobite Queen for a corporate function associated with our tourist group. We drove to the designated car park at Muirtown Basin in Inverness but were informed that the swing bridge was frozen after an extremely chilly night and unable to operate. We were advised to drive further along to access the Caledonian Canal at Tomnahurich Bridge. We were all piped aboard by a very talented young man trying to keep warm. As we set off from the doch side we enjoyed BucksFizz [champagne and orange juice] and some rather tasty canapes whilst listening to various speakers and learning about the history of the Caledonian Canal. We went through Dochgarroch Lock which is where the water level of the canal is adjusted to that of the River Ness and ultimately of Loch Ness itself. The author Roy Pedersen explained the history of the Jacobite Cruise Company as highlighted in his new book 'Loch Ness with Jacobite' and personally signed copies. In between speakers a youngster entertained us on his fiddle with some very lively music to keep all feet tapping. The journey along the canal initially runs parallel with the River Ness and the closeness of the frosty banks and towpaths on either side provided breath-taking scenery......enjoy.