The Bothy, Auchencastle

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the South of Scotland Dark Sky Festival next month, about how Moffat can grab the opportunity with both hands. Also, about how fortunate we are to enjoy real Dark Skies here - apparently only 10% of the population of the western hemisphere live under dark skies, get to see the Milky Way when they glance up. We take it for granted here.
I was taking a break from all this big thinking this evening to walk my dogs, Suzy & Radley. I was striding up the lane with my head torch on, thinking that the bit of dry grass I had just stepped over looked just like a lizard when I thought… it really did look like a lizard! I’d better go back and take a closer look. What do you think? I’m thinking juvenile palmate newt, and that I need to improve my photography skills! It looked like it was in deep conversation with a juvenile toad, maybe they met at kindergarten?
There is a bird that calls loudly in the woods around The Bothy most nights, and I’ve never seen it or identified it. A few days ago I heard it as I was walking the dogs downhill from the Bothy, and the sound coincided with a young tawny owl clumsily flying over head from branch to branch. Later that evening I heard a bird close to the cottage shouting so loudly. I pointed my phone at the sound a few times and eventually caught an image of two shiny eyes on a branch so close, right on the edge of the woodland. It was the owl again.
It is definitely worth popping on the hi-viz vest and head torch provided in The Bothy and going for a walk after dark, I see and hear wildlife and beautiful views of the moon and stars most evenings.

29/06/2026

A quick insight into how The Bothy is prepared for guests arriving in warm weather:
* A jug of water chilling in the fridge for a refreshing drink as soon as you arrive.
* Ice cubes and ice packs in the freezer
* Dehumidifier / Air purifier - while it isn't air conditioning, it does create a breeze and help you cool down faster in the reduced humidity. At other times of the year this machine is great for drying wet coats after walks, and laundry.

24/06/2026

Happy 30th birthday to Claudios Moffat! Remember to book a table when you next visit Moffat. Delicious food and great service.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹

30 years ago our parents Claudio and Florence lived out their dream of owning and running their own family run Italian restaurant. An adventure that found them moving from Dumfries to Moffat.

On this night 30 years ago they opened the doors to “Claudios restaurant”

Myself and Davide are forever thankful for the continued custom and support from our wonderful customers and also to the numerous staff members that have worked within our team, we couldn’t have done it without you🥰

Tonight we will raise a glass to our parents continuing their dream🍾🥂

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹

23/06/2026

Next time you visit The Bothy, look out for the very talented working sheep dogs in the fields. They are fast, dedicated and definitely know what they are doing. There is also a farm cat, but unlike this cat in Idaho, the Lawesknowe Farm cat leaves the dogs to get on with sheep management unsupervised.

A farm in Idaho has a working border collie named Sadie who moves the sheep, and a barn cat named Otis who has decided he is also doing that job. He trots out with her every morning, takes up a position on the opposite flank, and crouches and stalks alongside the flock like he knows exactly what he is doing.

The farmer says Otis is not actually helping and the sheep largely ignore him. Sadie has chosen to tolerate the arrangement. The two of them now bring the flock in together every evening, one of them doing the work and one of them supervising.

23/06/2026

Moffat has one of the best High Streets (including Well Street, of course 😘) for miles and miles. So many independent shops selling good quality, locally made products. A new addition to the High Street, opening this weekend is Feel Good Farming. I’m excited to see what they have on their shelves - I’ll give you an update soon!

19/06/2026

I have a confession… just occasionally it rains at The Bothy, Auchencastle 😮. I know, who would have thunked it?! But it does make the garden grow, and adds a certain something to photos of the flowers. This is a David Anderson rose in the courtyard, taken this morning. I think it is Queen of Sweden.

19/06/2026

I was in one of my favourite shops yesterday, 17 Reasons. Aren’t these sheep and cows utterly adorable? I think the only reason that one didn’t come home with me was that I couldn’t decide which to buy. And it wouldn’t be right to buy them all and leave none for you, would it?!
And the stylishly packaged small soaps - perfect for a “thank you” gift for the kind person keeping your houseplants alive 😘🪴.
Next time you visit The Bothy, Auchencastle, do take a minute to walk down Well Street. There is The Moffat Bookshop, Lothlorien Antique & Collectables Emporium, Pets Corner and Tidy Paws Dog Grooming of Moffat, The Little Closet, MRHS Provisions, Mop & Bucket Hardware Moffat - Traditional Ironmongers, Harvest Time Deli, two hair salons, 3 beauty salons, and a Chinese take-away 😮. I honestly think I could live quite happily on Well Street and never leave 😂 There is even a Spitfire airplane at the end of the road, in the grounds of Dowding House.

06/06/2026

I don’t usually mention the treat box in The Bothy, next to the tea & coffee, because of the old “under promise, over deliver” thing. It’s nice to have a little treat when you arrive, tired after travelling.
But…

05/06/2026

I forgot! After I bought much deliciousness at MRHS Provisions I went over the road to Harvest-Time Delicatessen and bought some Scottish cheeses. They will be so good with oatcakes. Thank you Julie!
You will not be short of local food and drink suppliers when you visit The Bothy, Auchencastle 😂. You might have difficulty fitting in your favourite trousers at the end of your stay… that’s why you need to get exploring all those great walks and bike routes nearby! 🥾🚶🏼‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️