Hello. We are Guthrie and Horst and we own & host The Mended Drum. We do enjoy meeting people and welcoming them to this lovely area which offers so many interesting things to do OR not to do. Holiday breaks are so personal. Naturally, we will be happy to offer suggestions/advice based on our guests desires or wish lists for their break. Alternatively, sitting back with a glass of wine/cuppa, a book and a little doze in the sun (hopefully...it is Scotland) may be preferable. On holiday we like to explore different places off the "tourist" tracks. Also enjoy an interesting meal, swim, read and relax. Hobbies? Maintaining our garden and home becomes a priority pre the summer season. Prior to being Hosts we had our own residential centre for natural research and treatment for 35 years, working with very gifted scientists, travelling & lecturing internationally. It was very rewarding but also demanding. This is still very much part of our life in a quiet manner. Interestingly, we have had many "meeting of minds" discussions with guests over health, the environment & life in general. Equally, our guests may wish seclusion and we respect their needs also. Sharing is about respect.

The Mended Drum is quirky & unique standing on the ancient Fiery Hillock where warning fires were lit to warn locals of invaders. But some say it was where witches met their end looking out to sea! The garden has various levels one of which allows you to sit & watch the sea, the golfers at the last hole & the historic Fort George across the water. If you are lucky you may see the Dolphins swimming to their feasting ground at Chanonry point where the famous Brahan Seer was tarred and burnt, all a short walk from our back garden. Speaking of burning there is a BBQ & sitting area, a parking area & approx. a thousand golf balls decorate the garden sections. This is our home & we do like to welcome guests to share it & enjoy the stunning environment around us. We avoid chemicals using natural cleaning & washing products & steam clean each unit between new arrivals. A sanitiser is fixed at each entrance. Weather permitting all duvets/pillows are aired outside between guests. Our decor is classic & fairly minimalist but with quality furnishings & quality beds dressed with cotton covers etc. Cleanliness & our guests comfort is our priority. Welcome.

Fortrose is located on the Black Isle Peninsula. The Black Isle is a farming area but growing in diversity. A huge attraction for our guest is the proximity to our resident Dolphins & the iconic Stevenson Lighthouse at Chanonry point situated at one end of our beautiful bay. Across the bay is the famous Fort George built to keep in check the rebellious Scots after the infamous Battle of Culloden in 1746. Historians appreciate the old cathedral in Fortrose, Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns and of course the many castles with their history that reside a short journey from us. Archaeologists can visit our local Groam museum and walk the interesting rock formations and see where the ancient remains of a skeleton were found. The Outlander books are based around many locations in the nearby area and of course Loch Ness with our elusive Nessie is a short drive away. For Whisky, Gin and beer enthusiasts there are distilleries ancient and new to visit. Our neighbour is the famous Fortrose & Rosemarkie Links Golf Club where you can have a meal and drink looking out at a stunning sea vista. (there are numerous other restaurants and carry out places nearby) Numerous famous and testing golf courses are within a short drive. There are many local craft, jewellery designers and local artist places to visit. Panacea in Rosemarkie is interesting & nearby Cromarty has a variety of local artists and places to eat or carry out. Guests such as Blue Planet have photographed our local Dolphins and wild life in the area. Photographers, ornithologists, walkers, swimmers, water sports, cyclists etc. all come to experience their special holiday preferences. And some guests just love to take a book and have a picnic on the beach. The Black Isle is not over crowded like many tourist spots yet offers so much variety for individual & family pursuits such as Wild wood Games, Cycle trails and tourist trips. The local bus service is good & connects with Inverness to explore further afield.