Tag Archives: bank of scotland

A trip to the Highlands

Last week I managed a few days up by Loch Rannoch and it was wonderfully peaceful.

Just off the main routes for tour busses and caravans my wife and I enjoyed a break at the Loch Rannoch Hotel and Spa and I thoroughly recommend it.

Perfectly positioned on the loch with walks all around us we ate and drank well, and exercised in the surrounding hills. Even heading up and over to Loch Garry on a couple of electric bikes.

This view was from an afternoon walk and sketch when we saw a group of stags eating infront of the village of Kinloch Rannoch.

I can’t wait to return.

Pencil and paint gives Bellevue a softer feel

ES_WAI200317For this drawing of Bellevue Terrace I skipped the usual fine liner and drew with a 2b pencil instead.

I pass this street almost daily and love the way the Georgian terrace curves from Bellevue to East Claremont Street. I often wonder about the shape of the rooms inside, and the gardens to the back. I guess I could see them on Google Street View now.

I like the softer  touch of pencil, its always good to have a change from the norm 😉

Drawn on location with pencil, and a watercolour wash. 

Afternoon Tea at The Scotsman Hotel’s North Bridge Brasserie.

ScotsmanHotel_AfternoonTea

The Scotsman Hotel commands stunning views over Edinburgh from it’s North Bridge location, and provides an Afternoon Tea to match even for those with particular dietary requirements.

As a ceoliac I follow a gluten free diet and although that is much easier to do so when supermarkets provide an ever increasing range of foods, eating out can be more hit and miss. Usually resulting in a dish simply missing certain items rather than a replacement added or substitute thought of.

Which is why I was so pleased to hear the North Bridge Brasserie has created a gluten free afternoon tea available alongside their regular option. As you can see from my sketch the three layered display was packed with tasty mouthfuls and beautiful creations. So much so my dining partner let out a ‘wow’, as the food arrived, not a sound usually heard when the gluten free option is unveiled.

Each of the miniature courses had been thought about too, sandwiches on both rye and wholemeal bread that was soft and well made. Both the Mull cheddar and Herb Scone and the classic Freshly Baked Fruit Scone with Butter, Clotted Cream and Selection of Preserves were extra ordinary treats, greatly appreciated by this non wheat eater.

Afternoon Tea at the North Bridge Brasserie is priced at £19.95 per person or £24.95 with a glass of Prosecco. See the website below for more details and to book.

 

The sketch was drawn in fine liner, with a watercolour wash.

 

North Bridge Brasserie website

The Scotsman Hotel website

 

WhereArtI – my weekly sketch quiz

WAI021213How well do you know your country? It’s the first Monday of the month and so this week’s sketch could be anywhere in Scotland, can you name this location?

 

There is more to the sketch and I’ll post that later for those strugling. Points are on offer for the hotly contested leader board, so leave you guess below. The rules are simple, each week I sketch a mystery location, all you have to do is tell me where I am. Can you place the sketch?

Answer below and also to keep an eye on the facebook and twitter for clues throughout the day if they are needed. Answers to come by this time tomorrow, if not before. If you would like to donate a prize for the quiz get in touch HERE.

Pasteled headquarters

This is the HBoS (formally Bank of Scotland) headquarters which stands high above Princes Street Gardens on The Mound. I took my Derwent pastel pencils/crayons with me today to add some colour.

It was a little messy but I like the effect you can achieve by adding a lighter colour on top of a darker one. Blending the two. I will stick with the pastels for a while as I could of spent all day experimenting, if only I had the time.