There is a remote possibility we will struggle to be open for the 20th March. As I am sure you are aware this winter has been extraordinarily harsh, from the wet weather at the end of November through the continuous snow we have had since. We had factored in a month's bad weather over the winter, and had initially hoped to be open in plenty of time for the Feb mid term holiday. Despite the weather we have had we were confident that we would be on schedule for the Easter break when we made the decision to open, as we were keen not to let anyone down. However, we are very high here and have not been with out snow on the ground for more than a few days since mid December. We are sitting with over foot of snow and ice lying on the ground as I write. If we get a break with the weather we will manage to get the remaining outside work done - it is the concrete pad for the isolation kennel and security fencing we will struggle with, which are necessary for the licence. As well as the lost days from not being able to get up the lane. However, if we get another heavy snow fall we are scuppered. I realise that many of you will think building over the winter was bad planning, but our hand was forced by the length of time it took to get the planning, building warrant, the expenditure we have had in the last two years and the less than slick planning of the original firm we had intended to use. This was one of the many reasons we decided to use a timber framed building, which shouldn't be affected unduly by the weather and only took a week in itself to get up and watertight.
The tradesmen are working very hard to complete to the deadline. I have been overwhelmed by the professionalism of the local guys we eventually decided to work and the pride they have taken in getting this done to a high standard and in trying to ensure the work is completed for the Easter break. They are going to put in extra hours etc, as soon as the ground clears I will keep this page updated as soon as we are able to get the outside work started.
The opening date for the first canine clients has been set for March 20th 2010
as the Spring Equinox, we thought this would be fortuitous.
The daily rate of £15 per day will be held for any 2010 booking made and confirmed before April 1st.
Thereafter the rate will be increasing to £19 per day
26.02.2010; Joiners have had a busy couple of months. Kennels are now starting to look nearly finished;
It was all looking good - but we have had another couple of big dumps of snow
- about 45cm/foot and a half - and that's where it hasn't drifted!
These are the sleep areas. under floor heating going in and tiles
Most sleep areas are 1.5m/2m x 2m. and would fit one or two medium size dogs very comfortably
There are two bigger (3mx2m)sleep areas for multiple/large dogs
below are the exercise areas- ceilings are going in and hatches to cover the pop holes at night
These are the 'pop holes' from the sleep areas which lead into these bigger enclosed runs and will have hatches that are closed at night.
These runs are 3m x 2m are lined with a impervious, insulating and non chewable coating, non slip tiles to go on the floor and also have galvanised gates looking out onto the countryside
Doors and larch cladding going on.
Mark Anderson has done a fantastic job during the rotten weather - as our lane blocks quite easily, and we are fairly high, so get a lot of snow.
These windows look into the main corridor and sleep areas
The kitchen/utility area
We are using an environmentally friendly timber frame kit, exactly as you will have seen many of the new houses that are being built in Aberdeenshire, rather than concrete blocks, for the walls. This is for better insulation, for both warmth and sound reduction, and is much quicker to erect.
the roof space- there will be a ceiling and this will be insulated
The view from the runs
The outside walls will be timber clad, to fit in better with the surrounding countryside and the insulated internal walls will be lined with a coating which is easy to wash and reasonably indestructible. The floors are non slip tiles - which will be nice for the dogs to lie on, with the underfloor heating.
Please book your dates early as we are getting lots of calls for the peak times already!
If we have your details we can invite you to our open day and you can have a look at the facilities - although you will be welcome to pop in anytime to take a look.
We will keep this page updated and post pictures as it's happening. We look forward to seeing you and your petsin the near future!