October treats with a twist of “Cosagach”
Còsagach, pronounced “kaw-sa-goch”, is the old Gaelic word for feeling snug, sheltered or cosy – the Scottish equivalent of Scandi Hygge - and Autumn is the time of year when it comes into its own in the Borders and north of England. From distillery tours to the Scottish Conker Championships, a plethora of events and activities await that will inject a wholesome dash of Còsagach to your Crabtree & Crabtree holiday.
Floral workshops
Flexible dates | Ginger House Garden, Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed
If you are a budding florist, why not hone your skills at a Ginger House Garden workshop? Using flowers grown on the family farm in Horncliffe, the most northerly village in England, Ali and Steph specialise in a natural, garden-gathered style, taking inspiration from the seasons and the surrounding countryside. Whether you’d like to create pretty jam jar posies and flower crowns or perfect the art of a hand-tied bouquet or festive wreath, Ali and Steph are happy to host you at their flower farm - with a tour of their cutting gardens - or will come to your Crabtree & Crabtree holiday cottage armed with all the requisite ingredients.
Mainstreet author events
4th and 12th October | Mainstreet Trading Company, St. Boswells
This award-winning Borders bookshop is renowned for its captivating range of books, gorgeous homeware and mouth-watering wares of the café and deli. Equally compelling are the high-profile author events they host throughout the year. This month sees talks from celebrated writers Alexander McCall Smith and Val McDermid. Tickets are £10, each event promising a delightful evening of interesting stories and insight, complemented with a nice glass of wine.
Alexander McCall Smith - 2018 marks 20 years since McCall Smith’s first No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency was published. The Times described this novel in the most Còsagach way imaginable so we expect this to be a thoroughly feelgood evening: ‘It is as warm as cocoa, as cosy as thermal underwear, and just what the doctor ordered for cold winter evenings. Exceedingly good.’
Val McDermid – the bestselling Queen of Crime will be in St. Boswells to discuss her new novel, Broken Ground, on Friday 12th October. McDermid’s newest Karen Pirie thriller unravels a case where nothing is quite as it seems… perfect holiday reading!
RSPB Activities for Kids
19th and 20th October | The Courtyard, Archerfield Walled Garden
The RSPB is the largest wildlife conservation charity in Europe. Members of the RSPB team will be at Archerfield Walled Garden this October to show youngsters how they can support nature this autumn, by taking part in activities such as making apple bird feeders for your garden and playing detective on a bug hunt through the gardens and Fairy Trail. There are no set timings, just drop by any time between 10am & 4pm and get involved in giving nature a home.
Don't miss: Children's Play Area, Garden Café and Market Garden.
Borders Distillery tours
Tours run from Monday - Saturday | The Borders Distillery, Hawick
As the nights lengthen throughout October, the Scottish ‘hot toddy’ is the perfect tipple – warming, mellow and comforting. Combining whisky, hot water, lemon and honey with herbs and spices, it is traditionally enjoyed as a soothing nightcap or to lift the spirits in “dreich” weather. Take a tour of The Borders Distillery and you’ll be guided through the mashing, fermenting and distillation halls and learn how their Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Gin are made. We recommend purchasing a bottle to take back to your Crabtree & Crabtree cottage for a cosy evening of hot toddy mixing and tasting.
Scottish Conker Championships
20th October | Tweed Valley Forest Festival, Peebles
Evoke childhood memories with a jolly good game of conkers, fun for all the family and a hugely popular part of the annual Tweed Valley Forest Festival. ‘Smash Off’ at the Scottish Conker Championships starts at midday on Saturday 20th October at Tweed Green, Peebles. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled to find that winning horse chestnut! The popular Forest Festival also showcases skilled crafters at their wood market and live demonstrations of chainsaw carving techniques at "Carvefest!".
Crabtree & Crabtree top tip...
It's best to keep your conker string short to enhance your aim and ensure a successful smash!
