Dreams come true in scenic Strathearn

Oct 10 2008 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

STRATHEARN was the place where dreams came true last weekend when GMTV chose Crieff as the base for its popular feel good feature.

The magic wand was waved for Tony and Diane Fines, from Hove, who wrote to the breakfast television show about their dream of spending some time in a Scottish castle.

And, from the moment the lucky couple set foot in Strathearn, all their wishes were granted.

They were collected at Edinburgh Airport by helicopter and, after taking in the sights from Loch Lomond to Lochearnhead, were dropped off on top of the mountain above Loch Lednock. There, the sound of the pipes, played by Phil Gill from Comrie, resounded through the glen as the pair tucked in to a posh picnic of canapes and champagne. Then it was back into the helicopter for the short flight to Knock Castle Hotel in Crieff where they would be staying.

Tony is a hospital maintenance engineer and Diane is a cook. Both have been in the wars recently and have spent most of the year on crutches. Tony fractured his ankle in a motorcycle accident and Diane has had a knee and hip replacement. It was while Tony was recuperating that he decided to write to GMTV, never really expecting that their dream would be chosen. However, after reading their story, the programme producers decided that some pampering was just what the couple needed.

Tony said: “We’ve always wanted to stay in a castle in Scotland and see the mountains but we couldn’t believe it when presenter Jenni Falconer arrived on our doorstep to spring the surprise.

“We were planning to come to Scotland for a holiday before we were laid low. Usually we stay in B&Bs and hire a car. Now we have a castle, helicopter, personal piper and pianist, and luxury cars at our disposal. It’s amazing. We love Scotland. We've had massage treatments and Diane's had reflexology. We’re sleeping in a traditional four-poster bed and we even have a jacuzzi in our en suite!

“Strathearn is a wonderful place. We can't praise everyone we have met enough. Everyone is so warm, welcoming and friendly.”

“The people and the atmosphere here are fantastic”, added Diane. “The autumn colours are just coming out, and on the mountain on Saturday the weather couldn't have been better. The sun shining through the heather was such a lovely sight.”

The couple’s packed itinerary continued on Monday when they spent the morning sampling Scotland's national drink at Glen Turret Distillery and the afternoon touring Drummond Castle gardens. In fact the hardest decision of the day was whether to be driven to their destinations in a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.

Knock Castle proprietor Jason Henderson was delighted to oblige when GMTV approached him with the idea, and didn’t hesitate to organise everything down to the last detail. He told the Herald: “I love to see people smile and was happy to make all the arrangements to see that Tony and Diane’s dream was fulfilled.

“People love Scotland and all it has to offer. We are so lucky here in Strathearn. There is an abundance of activities, scenery and products at our disposal. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to promote the area and especially Scottish hospitality.

“Tony and Diane are real gems. The whole experience has been an enjoyable one for us all. They are such genuine people and really deserved to have their dream come true. I am just glad that we have been given the chance to promote Crieff and the surrounding area at the same time.”

You can see Tony and Diane’s story when they relive their visit to Strathearn from the comfort of the famous GMTV sofa next Tuesday, October 14.