I’d like to thank you for supporting me and my small family business. For those of you who don’t follow Burnbraehol on FaceBook, I thought I’d update you with a few changes that have happened since I last wrote.

Our wonderful news is that we have seen a small, younger owl flying from the owl box in the open wood-drying shed. There have been a pair of barn owls using the box for the last couple of years.  The box has been there about 20 years but we think this is the first time a young one has been reared.  I think that the rough grassland around the young trees in Mungo’s Well field is an ideal hunting ground for the owls.

This autumn I have also seen at least 2 young great spotted woodpeckers on our feeders, one is very scruffy looking. There appears to be more than one pair of adults nesting nearby.  We have also had a robin, a couple of swallows, a juvenile woodpecker checking out the inside of the cottages.

For fire safety, we have changed the locks on the conservatory doors to thumb locks. i.e. ones that can be unlocked from the inside without a key. The key to lock the door from the outside is on the key fob with the front door key. I started repainting the outside woodwork on the cottages but the weather stopped me so I hope it’s a dry spring for me to continue.  

I’ve been out discovering even more local walks to share with you when you next visit. I have also started cycling and checking out local routes.  I’m hoping that one of my teenage sons will help me to put the routes on Strava as an easy and free way for you to follow. We continue to have OS Maps of the Borders area and books of walks for you to borrow while you are staying at Burnbrae Holidays.

Kelso still has its unique independent shops, delicious cafes, restaurants, monthly farmers market (4th Saturday of the month) and abbey. Just a short drive away are historical houses and gardens, and wonderful coastal and inland walks. Or you can just relax in your peaceful cottage at Burnbrae Holidays, either in front of your woodburning stove, in your south-facing conservatory, or outside in our beautiful garden.

Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy 2024.  We are looking forward to welcoming you to Burnbrae Holidays. If you’d like any help or advice with your booking please phone me. Our 3 cottages are slightly different.

Mungo’s Well Cottage is ideal for couples or singles

Begrum Cottage is pet-friendly and has a double sofa bed in the living room.

Thairn Cottage is slightly bigger, has a separate shower, and can sleep 3

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