This year's festivities were enhanced by a backdrop of fabulous cold, clear and sunny days with the little bit of snow that we had, staying on the ground for the whole holiday. Surfaces were slippery and the piles of grit and salt at the side of the road were frozen solid. It was a good excuse to stay close to the fire and keep warm fuelled by chocolates and wine in the traditional Christmas manner.
Keeping the house and cottages warm was quite a challenge with firewood production dominating much of our time. Eventually Kirkland succumbed to the frost and had no water for 3 days. Fortunately none of the pipes burst and as the temperatures rose above freezing, water flowed once again. Even with no water, our visitors couldn't be persuaded to leave the stunning views and sunsets at Kirkland for a cottage where everything was working.
Many of the local lochs were frozen over and we enjoyed a walk right around the edge of Loch na Laraiche wondering if it would be a once in a lifetime experience or a taste of things to come. The Dubh loch was completely frozen and even Coille Bharr had a skin of ice in places.
Hogmanay was seen in quietly with food, drink, good company and sending lanterns into the sky.
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