September in Scotland is always a beautiful time to visit regardless of whether the world is experiencing a Covid 19 pandemic or not.
Here at Blervie House we are getting used to our new normal and all our Breakfasts are served to guests appropriately socially distanced but still slightly informal element and too many of Graham’s jokes. Of course many of the events that people would normally be planning to attend are not taking place such as Highland Games, Clan Gatherings, Gin Festivals and other Events. However this means our guests have changed their own plans so instead of soaking up the sun in Spain or playing golf in Sicily they are exploring Loch Ness and other local attractions.
It also means that people are finding the time to explore the more natural side of Scotland. So if you want to climb a Munro, go for a long cycle, learn to Kayak, get out walking, play some first rate Golf – this is the year to visit Scotland what are you waiting for!
Our mild climate in this part of Scotland makes for a lovely time just pottering around enjoying Scotland. A beach at any time of year is always special and we have ones with miles of flat sand or ones with caves and crags just waiting to be explored or climbed. Just a reminder for those planning on sea swimming – the famous Moray Firth Dolphins are some of the largest dolphins to be seen anywhere – this is because they have a healthy layer of blubber to protect them from the cold sea temperatures.
So September in Scotland means:
Harvest Time
Barley is crucial for all of our 50+ local distilleries so the combines are out as the harvest come in leaving the fields looking yellow gold in the sunlight. Many people visiting for Scotland for the first time are surprised at the size and importance of the Whisky Industry and enjoy spending time here learning more about the intricacies of the industry adding at least one Distillery Visit to their day. We all love learning and the history, skills and size of the Whisky Industry are fascinating even if you do prefer Whisky Ice Cream to the Amber Nectar.
Outdoor Theatre
We are lucky enough to have Logie Steading near us and every year Outdoor Theatre events are organised. One of the benefits is that this complies with Social Distancing requirements so if you want a fun evening at a professional theatre in exceptional surroundings this is your chance. For once something that is the old normal and not the new normal.
Autumnal Colours
This part of Scotland is the second most forested County in the UK so although you expect to see Pine Forests in Scotland up here you can enjoy the vistas of lovely deciduous trees interspersed with Larch trees and the delightful golds of Autumnal colours shining through. If the Sun is right the colours are stunning. Near us and on the west side of the River Findhorn are exceptional Beech forests with give you a whole new tone of Autumnal colour drifting in throughout the month.
Autumn is already coming in early as you see the Rowan trees with full red berries on display – not a good sign and we already have the most incredible array of Fungi on display.
Much as I love walking along the Findhorn sometimes as the leaves start to disappear and the vista enlarges the experience becomes both different and more exciting at the same time. And if you are out on Moorland the heather should be out in full mesmerising purple.
Deer Coming Down from the Hill
Witness one of the animal kingdom’s most magnificent spectacles as red deer put on a captivating performance for mates during the autumn mating season, known as the ‘rut’. It starts towards the end of September. A drive or a walk in the Cairngorms National Park is a great place to see this take place.
On the Coast
If you’re exploring the coast, keep an eye out for adorable fluffy seal pups who are born at the end of September.
All this means that in the so called new normal actually September in Scotland and Nature still carry on as before and it is up to us to enjoy everything Scotland has to offer us insofar that we do not need a specific activity. Visitors are coming to enjoy relaxation, quietness and solitude and just to admire Nature – perhaps this is the old normal not the new normal?