"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.

January

Often glorious with pale blue skies and still, early morning frosts. The same temperature as Kew Gardens so bonfires on the beach are a must. Wild ducks on the loch and the start of Salmon fishing on the Thurso. The new seasons sloe gin for tasting and in the garden the first signs that Spring is just round the corner. Burns Night is celebrated with haggis, the finest rib of Caithness beef and the best Johnnie's cellar has to offer.

February

Warm and hospitable inside, clear and fresh outside. Aconites and snowdrops carpet the woods & verges, inspiration wherever you look and the Northern Lights perform on a calm, frosty evening. St Valentines in the middle of the month is a popular House Party for romantics of all ages. The seas around Orkney provide Oysters and Scallops and the hills of Helmsdale heather-fed lamb.