The Bothy, Auchencastle

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! 🥾🚶🏼‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

I’ve got friends and family staying in The Bothy this weekend. I want to treat them to delicious local food, but we don’t want to be spending time on food prep or doing the dishes when we could be out walking, visiting castles and shops and the coast… and it’s easier to eat at home with the dogs. So I contacted Jamie at MRHS Provisions a couple of a days ago, gave him a few ideas of what I was looking for and… tah-dah! From his regular range we have chicken & bacon pies and beef & red wine pies, 3 different curries including a vegan option, a huge bag of delicious chicken pakora and cauliflower and chickpea pakora (also vegan) and fresh fruit and veg. Then, freshly made for me, oh I wish you could smell the chocolate!, chocolate bread & butter pudding, cauliflower cheese, saag aloo, potatoes roasted in butter and thyme, and spring cabbage with bacon. I’m putting it all in The Bothy freezer. We can eat it when it fits in with each day, it’s all easy to defrost and reheat. And any leftovers (like that’s going to happen!) can go home with my parents or into my freezer. 😊. Sorted!
Get in touch a few days before you are due to arrive at The Bothy and Jamie and I will put treats in the freezer ready for your arrival. You can pay Jamie directly by bank transfer. He’s great value, and it’s so good to know that it is all locally made with no weird preservatives or flavouring.
The sacrifices I make for you guys, trying out local suppliers, 😂😁😂!

29/05/2026

Aren’t the flowers looking gorgeous just now?! The laburnum, rhododendrons, wisteria and clematis are so kind to all flower at the same time 🥰