If you are wondering when the best time is to visit Scotland and are thinking about spending April in Scotland, Well, this is when it all starts to happen: the new season begins, heralded by the appearance of Spring. Expect to see snowdrops, crocuses, snow-white lambs in the fields, and especially the fragrant yellow gorse flowers adorning the 
countryside.
Guests often ask when the best time to visit Scotland is, and there is never a wrong time. However, April is potentially too early in the year for visiting. The weather is improving, the days are longer, and visitor attractions are open, so life is good. And Orcas are being seen out in the Moray Firth.
After a very wintery December and January, we look forward to an amazing April. In this part of Scotland, having had such heavy snowfall in the Mountains this year, we will see full, fast-flowing Rivers this month. So, if you enjoy walking along spectacular Rivers and watching flowing waters, visit the River Findhorn or even take a raft trip down it. Where the river has shaped the gorges over the years is truly spectacular.
Alternatively, visit the Dee when driving through Ballater or Braemar or visit the huge, fast-flowing River Spey with the Cairngorm Mountains in the background if exploring Aberlour village. Truly fabulous nature at work.
You will probably still see snow on the mountains in the distance, making it all the more magical.
Suppose you are looking for events in Scotland in April. The world-famous Speyside Whisky Festival begins at the end of April, bringing international visitors to sample some superb Speyside Malts.
Another local attraction I have always associated with spring is Brodie Castle. Brodie Castle attracts visitors from all over the world to view its exceptional collection of specialist Daffodils.
It started with Major Ian Brodie, the 24th Laird of Brodie and clan chieftain. In 1899, he began tinkering with daffodils at his ancestral castle home, first cross-breeding from around 49 different bulbs. Almost immediately, his experimentation had to be put on hold after he joined the Lovat Scouts in 1900 to fight in the Second Boer War.
But Major Brodie persevered and bred over 400 named cultivars, of which 116 can be seen today in the National Collection at Brodie Castle. It is well worth noting that the UK still produces 90% of the world’s cut daffodils and exports them to Europe and the USA, many of which may have originated in this corner of Scotland. If you want something new, Spring-like and fabulous, add Brodie Castle grounds to your list.
Once again, this is Spring in Scotland, so the best Scottish motto you can rely on is to be prepared! Spring could be early or later than the rest of the UK. We could just as quickly have early Sunshine or Snow Flurries. Who knows? However, looking out for snowdrops and newly emerging leaves on the trees is always fun.
The sign I always look for is newborn lambs in the fields with their Mums, which add to the countryside vista of everything re-inventing itself again.
As always, Scotland offers something for everyone, so the simple pleasures of being outdoors are there for everyone to enjoy. Check out the seals on the beach, take a long winding walk or sit and watch a pretty burn in the sunlight, and watch the ewes looking after their lambs.
Early Spring often brings out the bright yellow on the Gorse bushes everywhere in Scotland. Tending to grow on poor soil, their colourful yellow flowers lift the landscape. Try picking the flowers and turning them into coconut-like flavoured ice cream.
If you are looking further afield, you might be thinking of driving the unique North Coast 500 Route and exploring Scotland’s most northerly scenery, and so you should.
Some people prefer to travel when the weather is more guaranteed, and there are more daylight hours. It is always worth checking some of the Annual Events for your preferred time to visit.
Many of our guests use us as a starting or finishing point for their North Coast 500 trip and take an extra few days to explore our local surrounding area or visit their favourite whisky distillery. There are at least 50 nearby to choose from. There is one for every taste.
Guest Blogger Spot
So, this month, it is my turn to introduce myself as another resident at Blervie House. My name is Derry, short for Derrynasagurt Cross, which is a bit of a mouthful; hence, I am known as Derry. I am named after the place where I was born in Ireland. Like Rosie, I am an Irish Draught Chestnut Mare. I am a big girl; I am 16.3 years old and now 15 years old.
My temperament is very different from Rosie’s. I am slower and steady, but I get there just as fast because I have long legs. My Mum says I would have made a perfect police horse because I have the right temperament.
I have lived in Scotland for two years now. Before that, I lived on Dartmoor, where I was used as a broodmare. Nowadays, I go out hacking or trail riding, and I love looking around to see what is happening in the countryside; it is my favourite activity after eating. So, if you see me in the field, come and say hi—I am super friendly and love meeting people. You will often see me looking for new friends over the fence.
During the Winter, I live in my warm stable at night, and quite often in the Summer, I am in the stable during the day, avoiding any nasty flies that like to bite me. My thick winter coat starts to shed in April, and my thinner, shiny Summer coat is in evidence. This makes me a bit itchy, and I love a good groom to eliminate Winter.
If you are considering visiting Scotland in April, please use the above information for ideas on things to do. Then again, if you are looking for a unique bed and breakfast and even the best bed and breakfast accommodation, you can find that you will love staying with us at Blervie House and will find our best room rates by booking directly via our website.
Stay three nights, and the room rate gets even better! Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy a spectacular Scottish Sunset. So my advice this month is to enjoy April wherever you are—at least it brings us closer to Summer. Let me or my Mum know if you would like more specific help and ideas.