This Month - Archive

December 2023

A typical December scene between snowfalls - a raging river from excessive rain and snow-melt, moss-covered rocks emerging through the dying bracken and a backdrop of vibrant evergreen conifers.

December 2022

We enter December with crisp, frosty mornings under colourful skies.

Historically, we have seen Kildermorie's first snow appear on Meall Mor on the 20th or 21st of October, but this year has been very different.

The first dusting of snow did not appear until December 5th (below left), and by the 8th it was 'Winter Wonderland' across the whole Estate.

Photos: M Rudzinska

December 2021

Regular falls of snow characterise this month at Kildermorie. Generally up to the end of the year the deer still have access to the grass because they find it easy to scrape through the soft snow, especially in the low lying parts of the estate.

December 2020

The end of each year is a time for reflection – this year perhaps more than most.

Sadly, for most of the year, large groups were unable to gather in Meall Mor Lodge because of coronavirus restrictions. However, April and May Cottages have been popular with couples who were happy to be able to spend their days walking or fishing and enjoying the tranquillity that Kildermorie offers.

The magnificent deer larder has been equipped with meat processing and packaging equipment, and guests are now able to enjoy burgers and sausages as well as the traditional cuts of venison.

Two major infrastructure projects, in the planning stage last year, have been completed:

A new communications centre sits atop Meall nam Bo, providing fast, unlimited broadband to all guest accommodations.
The Estate’s generation and management of electricity has been improved significantly to minimise the use of fossil fuels; the hydro system has been upgraded to give increased capacity and a battery storage facility has been added in order to reduce reliance on the back-up diesel generator. Additionally, charging points have been installed to satisfy the anticipated move to electric or hybrid cars.

The routine of the estate has continued throughout the year; the garrons have performed well, ably assisted by our young modern apprentice keepers.

Photo: W Mackay

December 2019

Stag photo: R Finch

December 2017

What a difference a month makes!
Before November was out, an early snowfall created a picturesque winter welcome to the Estate. The snow continues into December, with a white Christmas anticipated.

December 2016

Recent activity on Kildermorie has resulted in changes in vocabulary with extensive use of such terms as "harvester", "forwarder", "skyline engine and ropeway" and "tracked digger", all powerful and intimidating machines but mesmerising in action.

The mature forested areas of Kildermorie date back to the 1950s when the style of planting was to use lodgepole pine and Sitka spruce in large blocks, regardless of the terrain. However, the age and condition of the trees rendered them vulnerable to wind-blow, so the last few months have seen these areas harvested. We enter the winter with felling completed and the last log piles being loaded onto the transporters.

Replanting will begin in the spring, using mainly mixed native hardwoods and Scots pine, with a sensitivity to the landscaping around water courses and the provision of open areas of lawn - ultimately attracting a roe deer population.