Have you ever watched an actor being recognised for their extreme acting abilities in the guise of a highly sought after and highly reveared oscar? As they walk with lightened and excited gait to the stage, dressed in their finest gladrags, the moment the golden statue is placed in their hands, it is clutched with love, as a parent with a new born baby to the chest, upon the place where all our emotions ebb and flow - the heart. As the newly crowned winner embraces the glittering nugget, tears spark in their eyes, and in a trembling voice they utter the immortal words "I've dreamt about this my whole life"!
As we sat with bated breath in the sleek auditorium in Edinburgh, Alastair McGowan, great impressionist and our MC for the glamorous occasion announced "there are 3 nominees in the category for the coveted award for sustainable tourism" .Then on a large screen behind him, a brief clip of footage from the 3 nominees was played to the invited 800 guests. " The nominees are the Glenlivet Estate, Rabbie's Trail Burners and The Radisson SAS"......
Alastair then opened the golden envelope containing the winner's name, and read, " the winner is..( bit of a drum roll here) Rabbie's Trail Burners! Aah! We congratulated each other with a hug and a kiss in a raucous display of joy. Others joined us, confirming their own congratulations, as our lovely Hazel elegantly glided to the stage to collect our Thistle! It was passed around us like the world cup! (ok that's still a dream! ) Some of us even laid a gentle kiss upon what is now one of our greatest achievements! Alastair McGowan was impressed. He had, at the beginning of the night, began by apologising for disclosing that all his life he assumed that with a name like his, he was bound to have Scottish roots - alas though, in a recent programme where he traced his family history, he discovered that he was an Irish, Anglo Indian! Still, we forgave him.

Where now does the dream take Rabbie's - and where to, your own?

December 2nd - December 11th - Hornbeam Tree
(Do you recognise yourself..!)
Someone falling from this tree will have cool beauty, care for their looks and fitness, but not be egotistical. They will have good taste, and make life as comfortable as possible. They will lead a fairly disciplined life, being conscientious. In a partner they look for kindness and acknowledgment. They dream of exotic lovers, and are seldom happy with their feelings, often mistrusting people. They are also indecisive!

December 12th - 21st - Fig Tree

Someone falling from this tree is very strong, self willed, independent, and does not enjoy contradiction or arguments! They love life, family and animals. They are a bit of a social butterfly, enjoy a good sense of humour, are pratical and intelligent. They also tend to be a bit idle and lazy!

December 22nd - a special day all to those born on the 22nd! - Beech tree

Someone falling from this tree enjoys good taste and are materialistic. They are often concerned about their looks and participate in fitness regimes and diets! They are good leaders, but will not take unecessary risks. They are economical and practical, and make good life long companions!

December 23rd - 31st - Apple Tree

Someone falling from this tree is generally slim, flirtatious, adventurous, attractive, lots of charm and always in love! They make faithful and tender partners with imagination! They live for today!

As we slip into winter - here is the perfect cure for the common cold - Scotland's hot toddy!

Take a glass and fill with a whisky of your choice, add hot water, a spoonful of honey, a dash of lemon and some cloves, and there you have it! It will kill any germs..

Or alternatively you could try rubbing goose fat into the nose! Try nettle tea. Or an old favourite, wrapping up warm with a bowl of chicken soup.

Congratulations to Hazel, who this October ran the Loch Ness Baxters marathon! 5,600 souls set off, and in her first attempt Hazel crossed the winning line in a phenomenal 3hrs and 53 mins! She also raised just under £500 for cancer research. About £19 per mile. I guess that helped the gruelling tarmac as it burned into her feet! And no, although the race ran along the shores of Loch Ness, ' Nessie' relaxed under the murky depths! If she had made an appearance I dare say Hazel may have sprinted over the finishing line in under 3 hours! If you would like to contribute further to Hazel's efforts to raise money for cancer research you can do so here (her target is £1000)

Sadly we said goodbye to George last week, who having served Rabbie's as a faithful member of staff for 5 years, primarily as a driver/guide and latterly as part of the sales team, decided it was time to move on, and further his career in marketing. We wish him all the very best in his new position, and for the future!

Rabbie's End of Season Party!

Our party was a great success this year!

It was held in Highland Perthshire. After our conference we relaxed with an afternoon of orienteering! Our mission, if we chose to accept it, was to navigate our way around a course, organised by Calum, before we self destructed in the evening! Calum obviously had his doubts about our skills, as he chased around after us like a collie herding its sheep! Woof woof! Glad to report that we all successfully completed the course in record pace. It must have been the thought of all that whisky waiting for us that egged us on..!

Afterwards we enjoyed an evening of eating, singing, dancing and the odd glass or two ensured that this was a night to remember. We rocked! Oh I also know who I want on my quiz team again - Donald - what an encyclopedia of knowledge! Hoorah!

Our festival celebrations kicked off on 22nd November with the Christmas lights being turned on, accompanied by fireworks, and the yearly Scots - German market in Princes Street gardens.
Mmmmmm..... hot punch!

Hogmanay celebrations start on 29th December opening with the famous torchlight procession, continuing on 30th Dec, with the night afore fiesta, and of course ending in the world famous Edinburgh street party on the 31st! Lets hope for a windless night!

And thats it for another quarter! We would like to wish you all a happy, hearty and healthy Christmas and a very successful New Year in 2008!
See you next year..............

...........from Suu and all at Rabbie's!