Photo Galleries
NB All these photos have been taken by us, either on the property or within walking distance
We are proud of the numbers and variety of wildflowers here, especially orchids. This one is a Butterfly Orchid which are not always easy to find, but last year we had about a hundred in one small field! Yellow irises are a feature in the river opposite the garden. There are also some normally domesticated plants growing wild like honeysuckle and fuschia.
Mushrooms
We have aways been fascinated by the number and variety of mushrooms (or Fungi as more properly named). This one is a Fly Agaric bravely growing in the garden! Mushroom numbers vary from year to year, but never appear much before early August. They can be found in the trees alongside both the river and the loch and in the forestry south of the house. However you have to be good at spotting them, especially in poorer years. Most are poisonous, so NEVER ever eat anything unless you are really sure about what your doing. Getting it wrong can literally be fatal!
Berries & Nuts
Our children loved going off on their bikes (or walking) to collect wild berries. The strawberries start in late June and the raspberries start to take over in late July. Both require some spotting. The brambles in September are much easier to find, as there is a good lot by the waterfall in the garden. Hazelnuts appear in some years but rarely get to the edible stage.
Butterflies etc
If you are interested, bring your butterfly nets, as on a warm sunny there is plenty to see. Apart from the Peacocks, Meadow Browns and Tortoiseshells there are Small Blues and Marsh Fritillaries. Most fun are the blue dragon flies (Beautiful Damsels) that defy having their photo taken as they are always on the move. There are also many moths, but not so easily seen unless you bring your own trap
Birds
Mull is well known for its sea eagles and golden eagles and you might even see an osprey if you are lucky. This picture is of a Sea Eagle just taking off from the shore opposite the house. There are also buzzards and kestrels.On the loch you can often find geese, duck, cormorants and sometimes swans too. Some of these can be seen on the river too, alongside herons and smaller birds like dippers. In the garden watch out for Stonechats, Robins, chaffinches, goldfinches etc (for more sea birds see 'Outings' page).
Animals
Red deer can sometimes be seen grazing in the garden. They are more reliably seen on the long ridge above the left bank of the loch. The stone circle there is a good place to start. There are signs of otters up and down the river but they are very difficult to spot.
Fishing
Despite a 44lb salmon being reputedly taken in the river next to Ledmore in 1913, most of the fishing is now for trout and concentrated on Loch Frisa. The season is from 15th March to 6th October and smaller trout are fairly easily caught, even by children. Just troll a fly out of the back of a boat and you should be lucky. Many a person has returned with their first fish and had it cooked for their supper. They are delicious. The larger fish are more difficult to catch, but an old Hooked on Scotland TV programme will attest that they are there and worth fishing for. We can hire you our small rowing boat with oars and you can either bring your own outboard engine or hire our electric one. If you give us enough warning we may be able to get you a fishing guide to help you.
Panoramas
Sometimes 4 x 3 photos just don’t do justice to the scenery, so here are some panoramic shots to help.