Lunch party: Rothiemurchus staff raise a glass at Loch an Eilein
A loch in the Highlands has been voted Britain’s best picnic spot in a nationwide competition. Loch An Eilein in Rothiemurchus in the Cairngorms National Park topped the poll.
Loch An Eilein, in the historic Rothiemurchus estate, was the top choice for Scotland for the past two years but only now has beaten the competition from South of the Border.
The best picnic spot competition was run by Warburtons.
Owner of the estate Philippa Grant said: “It’s been a long time coming, but we can finally celebrate Loch An Eilein being named as the UK’s favourite place to picnic.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for us. Visitors to Loch An Eilein know how very special the area is not only as a picnic spot for our visitors, but also as home to rare species of wildlife, many of which are unique to this area.
“Fans of Rothiemurchus realise that we need to care for this exceptional part of the UK so that future generations can take the same pleasure and enjoy picnics here for many years to come.”
ESTATE IN OUR NATION
Loch an Eilein, which means loch of the island, is a hidden gem within the forest of Rothiemurchus in the shadow of the Cairngorm mountains.
The spectacular picture is completed by the castle ruins in the middle of the water.
Philippa said: “By winning an award such as this, is that it allows important messages about caring for our wonderful living landscape to reach a wider audience across the UK.
“It takes dedication and plenty of long term planning to enable 125 species of birds, 27 species of animal and 400 species of flowers amongst many others, can thrive here.”
