Activities at Ackergill Tower

Activities 1 | Activities 2 | Seasons 1 | Seasons 2

July
Warm summer days and the endless caress of the waves. Highland Games in full swing throughout Caithness. Crowning of the Wick's Herring Queen and fireworks to mark the occasion. Mr McNulty plies the waters of Sinclair Bay, fresh lobsters and crabs aplenty from Johnnie's creels. Lupines, hollyhocks, lilies and sweetpeas to name but a few of the glories in the garden.

August
A glorious month for sporting guns and discovering the treasures that abound. The August House Party guests will take on the locals at the Mey Games, any trophies for the Ackergill Tower hopefuls? The local estates and coastline are rich with produce whisked to the Tower kitchen. Katrona's finished the Christmas puddings and we all wait in anticipation of the delights in store.

September
Brown trout, sea trout and wild salmon all at their best in this corner of Scotland and the start of the rough shooting season. If we are lucky the first of the arctic geese will arrive later this month. The Northlands Festival celebrates the work of artists, poets, writers, composers and musicians from Scotland & Scandinavia. The Tower's Opera House Party coincides with the Festival. Barbecue in Helen's Courtyard looking out over the bay.

October
The end of the salmon and trout for this year, but red mullet and venison on the menu. Autumn in full flow and the Alpine Garden still shows plenty of colours. We mark Trafalgar Day, and toast Captain Duff of Ackergill, one of only two captains who died in the battle. Geese now in arriving in big numbers and Hamish readies for the first of the shooting parties.

November
Up before dawn for the duck, bacon rolls in the Gun Hall and see the sunrise over Wester - back in time for breakfast. Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. Wild Goose Chase House Party, always popular with keen guns and non-shooters alike, all enjoy the magic of Ackergill at this time of year. Stephen is busy in the greenhouse and a final autumn dressing for the lawn.

December
"A welcome to ye all" the Hogmanay House Party approaches and the houseladies are busy decorating the Christmas trees. Holly, ivy and mistletoe from the garden. Traditional seasonal fare from the kitchen and wines aplenty. A month of reflection, celebration and hopes for the new year.