These majestic birds are routinely seen by diners in the aptly named Osprey Restaurant at The Lodge on the Loch between April and August during their mating season, prior to returning to the tropics for the winter sun.

The Osprey Restaurant is Open for Lunches 12 -3 and Dinners 5:30 to 9 pm. Bookings advised

The Lodge on the Loch of Aboyne has been reaffirmed a Gold award, for a second time under the Visit Scotland Green Tourism Business Scheme, for demonstrating excellence in environmental practice and promoting sustainable tourism.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. The scheme honours tourism and hospitality businesses that demonstrate high levels of commitment in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable tourism with bronze, silver and gold awards. Award winners are scrutinised on over 145 separate measures by qualified advisors before being appointed the relevant award.

Derek McCulloch, proprietor commented:

“Our primary goals are to continuously reduce our carbon footprint, reduce landfill waste and improve recycling by reviewing our energy requirements, monitoring how supplies are purchased, packaged, delivered, used and disposed of whilst complying with all applicable environmental legislation”

The Lodge on the Loch is an exclusive 4 Star Golf and Spa retreat resort on Royal Deeside with exceptional views over the loch and Cairngorms National Park. It is ideally situated for tranquillity GAFIA (get away from it all) breaks in Aberdeenshire.

Built by Derek and Jean McCulloch, The Lodge combines a modern eco friendly business development in an area ensconced in history and traditions. The quality of the building is reaffirmed throughout the interior, with all public rooms, having large picture windows designed to capture the majestic outdoor views and to bring them inside. The Lodge is affordable, yet indulgent, intimate and exclusive.

The Lodge on the Loch is located on the A93 North Deeside Road ½ mile east of Aboyne. Bookings recommended Tel. 013398 86444

Ends

Notes to Editors:

The Lodge on the Loch recognises its environmental responsibility and is committed to improving its performance towards a sustainable future.

Contact: Mr. Derek McCulloch

 April 3 2012

The strange weather conditions in Aboyne over the past few weeks have caused a lot of media interest – and they have all been heading to the Lodge on the Loch of Aboyne.

Please click on the links below to see the video:

From BBC news

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17600347

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17601709

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17594536

From BBC Radio 2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01f1ghw/Jeremy_Vine_03_04_2012/
(starts at 40.20 and ends 43.05)

If you are looking for fishing and accommodation the Lodge on the Loch is THE most scenic place to stay whilst Salmon fishing the River Dee, One of the worlds great Salmon rivers. As well as being close to the river we also offer outstanding Spa and Leisure facilities to keep the non fishers in the party (and fishers of course when they have the time) very well pampered and catered for. This family run, Wood Lodge building offers open plan public areas with spectacular views out over the Loch and the Cairngorms National Park, a variety of restaurant food from Bar Suppers to Fine Dining, an excellent wine cellar and a great selection of Malt Whiskies. Situated just outside Aboyne  we are ideally located for the Lower, Middle and Upper beats of the Dee, including nearby Kincardine, Dess, Birse and Aboyne.

Everything for the angler is provided including rod storage and boot drying, and flexible meal times. We can also provide packed lunches  and riverside meals if required. The Lodge has 6 Double en-suite bedrooms all with loch side views and two suites, for groups of fishermen and larger families. We have been awarded a Gold Green Tourism award and accredited 4 star by both the AA and Visit Scotland.  All bedrooms are of a high standard throughout with free WiFi. We also have our own 9 hole Golf Course and Driving Range for those days when you need a small break from the river. Whether travelling as an individual or a group, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome at the Lodge on the Loch and do not forget to ask about our special 7 day Fishermans rates for our rooms and suites that are not promoted elsewhere!

Both Jean and I are looking forward to developing this new phase of our business growth. We have also be awarded a Visit Scotland 4 star rating also.

Fantail of Galia Melon and Citrus Sorbet (V)

Chicken Liver and Brandy Pâté with Cumberland Sauce

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup (V)

North Sea Prawns Marie Rose with Brown Bread

* * * * *

Supreme of Chicken stuffed with haggis and served with Arran Mustard Sauce, Duchess Potatoes and Vegetables of the Day

North Sea Fish Pie topped with mashed potatoes and Gruyere cheese and Fresh Vegetables

Golden Filo Basket filled with Roast Vegetable Ratatouille (V)

Served with Couscous and Mixed Leaf Salad

Roast Topside of Beef with Yorkshire pudding and Bordelaise Sauce

Served with Roast Potatoes and Fresh Vegetables

* * * * *

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Brandy Basket and Ice Cream

Bread and Butter Pudding with Fresh Cream

Raspberry Crème Brûlée served with Homemade Shortbread

Scottish Cheese Platter

* * * * *

Tea or Coffee with Chocolates

Price Two Courses £17.00 per person

Price Three Courses £21.00 per person

Set on the shores of Loch Aboyne with the majestic Cairngorms National Park as your backdrop, you will be able to soak up the mystique of a Royal wedding in a truly romantic destination that is sure to impress. Enjoy celebration menus with meat sourced locally from Royal Deeside and Seafood from the North Sea, prepared by our award winning Chef, who is sure to tantalise your taste buds and offer a feast your eyes.

Partake in the spirit of Scotland with our local Royal Lochnagar whisky, made on the Queens Balmoral Estate, or choose from a wide range of single malts, including Speyside classics, Highland treasures, Island gems and the Dalmore Dee Dram from the “Rivers Collection”, to toast the health of Kate and William on their wedding day.

This first sign of aggression for the year has also led, to the time when last year’s baby, is gently encouraged also, to seek his home elsewhere. This may take a week or two if he resists, but it is a sure thing he will not get to stay much longer.

On the brighter side, the mallards and goosanders are back on the loch and the Oyster catchers arrived today for the first time this year.

The sun is low and strong, but this leads to some wonderful sunsets over the Loch, so if you are interested in nature, and spectacular views, why don’t you take time out to visit us. We are open for Lunches and Dinners every day except Monday and have some exciting changes to our Bistro Bar menu, including special menus for the Dine on Deeside gastronomic festival March 18th to 27th.

Situated in 55 acres of stunning scenery and literally a stones throw from Aboyne Loch, The Lodge on the Loch’s unparalleled surroundings and exceptional facilities are amongst the most impressive in Scotland’s North East.

The Lodge is a unique Spa and Golf Retreat Centre with Accommodation, Loch side Restaurant, Osprey Viewing Deck, Bistro Bar; Conference, Function and Wedding Facilities, Fitness and Leisure Facilities, Health and Beauty Spa and a 9 Hole Golf Centre with Driving Range.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park, the Loch side Restaurant is accredited by Eat Scotland, and offers a relaxed affordable fine-dining experience in peerless Scottish tranquillity. Ideal for anything from informal dining to special occasions, customers can enjoy wonderfully varied and healthy cuisine. Head Chef Sandy Cowie is an award winning Grampian Chef and the delectable fare reflects his devotion to quality locally sourced ingredients and culinary innovation.

The Lodge on the Loch features an osprey viewing deck for those interested in catching a glimpse of the majestic emblematic bird of prey, and visitors can take advantage of the two challenging 9 hole golf layouts (Tiger and Pussycat) which offer a fun and fair test of golf, for a wide range of players from novice to scratch golfers. A 6 bay driving range completes the golf facilities to make this an ideal centre in idyllic surroundings.

The “Reflect” health spa is a sanctuary for exclusive spa retreats for individuals and groups or romantic escapes, with three treatment rooms, a Hammam Room and a private relaxation suite. The Hammam room features a sauna, steam bathing facilities, Japanese deep soak tub and a monsoon shower.

Those seeking absolute zen-like tranquillity can indulge in a wide range of holistic treatments and therapies from around the world with exotic blends of natural botanical products, aromatherapy oils, spices and “LaStone” hot and cold stone treatments. Visitors can experience time honoured therapies, in stunning surroundings.

The Osprey, Formaston, Lochnagar and Glentanar Function suites all with panoramic windows overlooking the Loch and Cairngorms National Park offer the perfect setting for special events such as corporate away days, celebrations and especially weddings. The facilities are second to none, and the picturesque loch side location is perfect for special occasions.