January 5th, 2021 by srsm
January 25th is an important date in Scotland and, indeed, for Scots around the world. The celebration is the anniversary of the birthday of the Scottish Bard (poet), Robert Burns. Burns was born in 1759 in the beautiful town of Alloway, about 40 miles southwest of Glasgow. The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum operates as a member … read full article
January 1st, 2021 by srsm
Hogmanay, greeting the new year with a new view of the celebrations. Celebrating the arrival of a new year has many traditions. We thought you might like to know a little about New Year celebrations in Scotland. Peter was born and grew up in Scotland so he is our guide to New Year celebrations in … read full article
June 3rd, 2020 by srsm
Scottish icons are visible throughout West Hill House B&B. Here’s a summer photo of the front of West Hill House B&B. We are often asked about the blue and white flag. Guests wonder if it is the flag of Finland, but no, it’s the flag of Scotland. The white X represents the cross of the … read full article
September 25th, 2019 by srsm
A great adventure began by accepting a friendly wager! That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, a physician and car enthusiast from Burlington, Vermont! In 1903 Dr. H. Nelson Jackson of Burlington, Vermont was visiting in San Francisco, California when he overheard someone say he bet no one could drive one of ‘those … read full article
July 1st, 2019 by srsm
Stirring it up: Chilled Fruit Soup – A Cool Idea For Hot Summer Days. Chilled fruit soups are simple recipes which can be made in minutes, refrigerated for a least an hour and served as a tasty part of any meal. Makes about 10 half cup servings. I’ve updated this recipe as some of the … read full article
October 25th, 2017 by srsm
Stirring it up: Scottish Oatcakes are made with oats but the result isn’t a traditional cake! This recipe can be mixed and baked in about 30 minutes. The result is a crisp and cracker-like Oatcake to be eaten with cheese, butter, jam or meat. Makes ~32 Oven 375°F (190°C) Bake 15 to 20 minutes … read full article
September 25th, 2017 by Peter MacLaren
In today’s world of constant up-time, it can be hard to fit in that much needed vacation. Luckily, the same thing causing us to be on-call 24-7 also allows us to work remotely. When you need to get away yet still have work to do, come stay, play, & work at West Hill House B&B, … read full article
July 18th, 2016 by Peter MacLaren
Did you know you can take direct flights to Burlington VT from an increasing number of major cities? It’s true! Direct flights to Burlington VT are increasingly common – and talk about convenience! When you take a commercial flight into Burlington, you’ll land at Burlington International Airport (BTV). BTV is a small, and friendly airport. … read full article
March 6th, 2016 by srsm
Serving it up Lorne Sausage, also known as Square Sausage, Flat Sausage or Slice Sausage, is a traditional Scottish food made with beef and pork. It is said to have originated in Lorne, Argyll in Scotland. If you are in Scotland and ask for a full Scottish Breakfast you will see Lorne Sausage on your plate. … read full article
January 14th, 2015 by srsm
At breakfast on January first I presented our guests with my variation of the Icelandic dessert Vínarterta, a Shortbread and Prune Jam Layer Cake. If you want to learn more about our amazing Icelandic Experience check our January 5, 2015 blog. So, with thanks to the Icelandic cooks for the inspiration which I gained from the Vínarterta recipe and apologies to Icelandic cooks … read full article
January 5th, 2015 by srsm
Iceland , ‘The land of Ice and Fire’. If you have ever dreamed of an Icelandic holiday, stop dreaming and go! As we have in past years, we kicked of 2015 by watching and listening to, via a live web cam , the midnight fireworks from Reykjavik, Iceland. The closer it got to midnight the more … read full article
February 1st, 2013 by srsm
The magnificent 11 meter tall Royal Arch, a symbol of Bejing-Canada friendship, welcomes visitors and residents alike as they explore Chinatown in Ottawa, Canada. Built entirely of reinforced concrete and stone it is in the style of the wooden arches found in China. Artists from China undertook the detailed hand painting and finishing work. The Royal … read full article