#Copper Recycling Castle Hill

[ourcopperscrap]

Copper is regarded as one of the most valuable metals to recycle. However, the quality of any copper scrap is the primary factor that determines the price. The grades range from copper #1 and #2 all the way to bare bright.

[sydneycopperrecycling]

Sydney Copper Recycling offers top-notch metal recycling and scrapping services in Castle Hill. They specialize in collecting and processing a wide variety of scrap metals, including copper, aluminum, brass, and steel, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly recycling. With a focus on sustainability, they provide convenient and reliable services, including free pick-up options and competitive payouts. Their advanced facilities and professional team guarantee responsible handling and recycling of all materials. For residents and businesses in Castle Hill seeking dependable metal recycling solutions, Sydney Copper Recycling is the go-to choice for excellent service and environmental responsibility.

[scrap-recycling617]

Metals And More - Scrap Metal Recycling Secrets Revealed In Castle Hill

If you're like me, you probably don't think about scrap metal all that often. I mean, it's just a bunch of discarded materials, right? But here's the thing - there's a whole world of opportunities hidden in those heaps of metal, and it's time to reveal some of the secrets of scrap metal recycling in Castle Hill! 

So, grab a cup of your favourite beverage and settle in because we're about to dive into the world of scrap metal recycling in Castle Hill. 

What's the Big Deal About Scrap Metal Recycling in Castle Hill?

First things first, why should you care about scrap metal recycling in Castle Hill? Well, aside from the obvious environmental benefits, there are some surprising economic advantages to it.

When you recycle scrap metal, you're essentially contributing to resource conservation and energy savings. But there's more to the story. By recycling, you're also playing a part in reducing the demand for raw materials. This means lower production costs for businesses and, ultimately, more affordable products for consumers. That's a win-win for everyone, right?

The Types of Scrap Metal in Castle Hill

Before you embark on your journey into the world of scrap metal recycling, it's essential to know what you're dealing with. Castle Hill, like any other place, has its fair share of scrap metals. Let's break down the different types:

Ferrous Metals: These are the metals that contain iron. Think steel and iron. They are incredibly sturdy and can be found in everything from cars to kitchen appliances.

Non-Ferrous Metals: These metals don't contain iron. Examples include aluminium, copper, and brass. They're prized for their corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.

Precious Metals: Yes, we're talking about the bling! Gold, silver, and platinum fall into this category. These metals are rare and valuable, making them a hot commodity in the recycling world.

The Scrap Metal Recycling Process in Castle Hill

Now that we've got the basics down, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the scrap metal recycling process in Castle Hill. It's not as straightforward as tossing your soda can into the recycling bin, but it's equally rewarding.

Collection: First, the scrap metal needs to be collected. This can happen in various ways, from individuals dropping off old appliances to businesses generating scrap as a byproduct.

Sorting: Once collected, the scrap metal is sorted into different categories based on the type of metal. This step is crucial because it determines the recycling process that follows.

Processing: After sorting, the scrap metal goes through a cleaning process to remove any contaminants. This could include paint, plastic, or other non-metal materials.

Melting and Purifying: The cleaned metal is then melted down to its purest form. This process uses high temperatures to separate the metal from any impurities.

Solidifying: Once the metal is pure, it is cooled and solidified into shapes that can be used for manufacturing new products.

Distribution: Finally, the recycled metal is ready to be shipped to manufacturers who will use it to create new products, reducing the need for raw materials.

The Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling in Castle Hill

Scrap metal recycling in Castle Hill has a range of benefits that extend beyond the environment. Here are some of the most significant advantages:

Conservation of Natural Resources: By recycling, we reduce the need for mining and extracting new raw materials. This helps in conserving valuable resources and protecting natural habitats.

Energy Savings: Recycling scrap metal uses significantly less energy compared to mining and refining raw materials. This results in reduced carbon emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Economic Growth: Recycling generates jobs and stimulates the local economy. People involved in the collection, sorting, and processing of scrap metal contribute to job creation and financial stability.

Reduction in Landfill Waste: When scrap metal is recycled, it doesn't end up in landfills. This not only saves space but also prevents the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Lower Manufacturing Costs: Businesses benefit from using recycled materials as it reduces their production costs. This, in turn, can lead to more affordable products for consumers.

Getting Involved in Scrap Metal Recycling in Castle Hill

So, now that you're clued in on the secrets of scrap metal recycling in Castle Hill, how can you get involved? It's easier than you might think.

Start at Home: You can begin by collecting scrap metal at home. Old appliances, aluminium cans, or even that broken bicycle in the garage can be a good starting point.

Visit a Recycling Center: Castle Hill has several recycling centres where you can drop off your scrap metal. They'll handle the sorting and processing for you.

Support Local Recycling Businesses: There are many local businesses in Castle Hill that are involved in scrap metal recycling. They're always on the lookout for valuable materials.

Spread the Word: Share the benefits of scrap metal recycling with friends and family. The more people know, the greater the impact.

In conclusion, scrap metal recycling in Castle Hill is not just a way to make the world a greener place; it's a fantastic opportunity to be part of an environmentally conscious and economically beneficial community. So, let's get out there, collect some scrap, and make a positive change, one piece of metal at a time.

[scrapmerchantsydney]

Scrap Metal in Sydney | Silverwater

Scrap Merchant Sydney, A premium technologically advanced scrap metal recyclers and buyers in Sydney, Silverwater, Castle Hill. We offer Aluminum, Brass, and Copper Scrap Metal recycling at the best prices. Call 0481360776 us today.

[jeremystrele]

Announcing Our 2020 The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards FINALISTS!

Announcing Our 2020 The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards FINALISTS!

TDF Design Awards

by Lucy Feagins, Editor

RaeRae House by Maynard Architects. Photo – Peter Bennetts

Quandong Cottage by Zana Wright. Photo – Caitlin Mills.  Highgate Park House by Vokes and Peters. Photo by Christopher Frederick Jones

CJH Studio by Penthouse M. Photo – Cathy Schusler. Malvern Residence by Doherty Design Studio. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Whynot Street Carport and Pool by Kieron Gait Architects. Photo – Cristopher Frederick Jones. Garden House Garden by Ben Scott Garden Design. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

HARU Light by Skeehan Studio. Photo – Rachel Byron. Ceto Collection by Ross Gardam. Photo – Haydn Cattach.

Chromatic Fantastic Cabinets, Danielle Brustman. Photo – Jonathan Griggs. L’Art de vivre Lounge Chair by Fomu. Photo – Sean Fennessy. Styling – Jess Lillico

Annie Coop Textiles by Annie Coop. Photo – Lillie Thompson. The Tiwi Strong Women’s Collection by North. Photo – Hilary Faye.

Holding Light by Daisy Watt and Samantha Seary. Photo – Daisy Watt. Graft Vase Series by Liam Flemming. Photo – Grant Hancock.

100% Recycled Eyewear by Good Citizens. Photo – Dan Hilburn. New Model by Dowel Jones and Soft Serve Studio. Photo – Cricket Studio.

Studio Collection by Lucas Wearne. Photo – Lucas Wearne. J5 Cabinet by James Howe. Photo – Peter Ryle.

Gulnura Table by Foolscap Studio + Foolscap Studio. Photo – Tatjana Plitt. In Absence by Edition Office + Yhonnie Scarce. Photo – Ben Hoskings. 

Drum roll please…. in partnership with Laminex, today we share the finalists in the 2020 The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards!

From incredible Australian homes in the Residential Architecture category; to thoughtful, detailed craftsmanship in the Handcrafted category; to innovative and inspiring ideas in the Sustainable Design or Initiative category, the thing I love most about our Awards program is the broad range of projects it encompasses – big and small! It really presents such a thorough and varied snapshot of the design landscape in this country, and if this Awards program is anything to go by, there’s so much to celebrate.

We have 119 finalists (!) across 10 categories – Residential Architecture (supported by Brickworks), Interior Design (supported by DeLonghi), Landscape Design, Lighting Design, Furniture Design (supported by Jardan), Textile Design, Handcrafted, Sustainable Design or Initiative (supported by Country Road), Collaboration and Emerging Designer (supported by Phoenix Tapware).

The shortlisting process this year was not for the fainthearted! Over countless emails, Zoom calls and a couple of socially distanced meetings, we worked alongside our 25 judges to refine each shortlist. Honestly – it wasn’t easy, the calibre was so high across the board, and we’re so grateful for every single entry. THANK YOU to everyone who entered, and of course, to our expert judges for lending their time and wisdom to the process.

While each shortlisted project is listed below, the photographs here represent only a small sample of the lineup! You can see more about each finalist right now on our Awards website. We’ll be taking a closer look at all these projects over the coming months, as we get closer to our Awards Ceremony in November. (Fingers crossed on that!).

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

This category seeks to award one standout Australian residential architecture project. Ground-up builds, renovations and additions are all eligible within this category.

Judges: John Wardle (John Wardle Architects), Rachel Nolan (Kennedy Nolan) and Karen Alcock (MAA Architects)

The Residential Architecture award is supported by Brickworks.

Austin Maynard – RaeRae House Benn & Penna Architecture – Balmain Rock Vokes & Peters – Highgate Park House Topology Studio – House at Otago Bay Anthrosite Architects – Waratah Secondary House Clare Cousins Architects – Beaumaris House Zana Wright – Quandong Cottage Archier & HIP V HYPE – Davison Street Emma Mitchell Architects – CLT House MRTN Architects – Good Life House Andrew Burges Architects – Bismarck House Sibling Architecture – Glassbook House Lineburg Wang – Park Road House Ron Kennon Architects  – Fitzroy North House 02 CO-AP Architects – Woollahra Courtyard House Jesse Bennett Studio – Tjuringa FMD Architects – CLT House Studio Bright  – Ruckers Hill House

INTERIOR DESIGN

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian residential interior design Project created by an individual or studio.

Judges: Miriam Fanning (Mim Design), Chelsea Hing (Chelsea Hing) and Juliette Arent (Arent & Pyke)

The Interior Design award is supported by De Longhi.

Flack Studio  – Potts Point Residence Flack Studio – Middle Park Residence Fowler & Ward  – Bourke Street Apartment Studio CD  – Art House Workroom – Toorak Residence Edwina Glenn – Brass House Robson Rak Architecture & Interiors – Spanish Queen House Studio Gorman  – The Quarterdeck YSG Studio  – Budge Over Dover Studio Moore  – Ross Farm – Barn Studio Moore – Ross Farm – Dairy Hearth Studio  – Slow Beam CJH Studio – Penthouse M Doherty Design Studio – Malvern Residence Two

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 

This category seeks to award one standout Australian Landscape Design project. Residential, public and community gardens completed within the last three years are all eligible within this category.

Judges: Paul Bangay (Paul Bangay Garden Design), William Dangar (Dangar Barin Smith) and Georgina Reid (The Planthunter)

Acre – Dune House Kate Seddon Landscape Design – Tarrawarra Estate Pathway Kate Seddon Landscape Design  – The Composed Garden Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design – Native Retreat Studio Garden Ian Barker Gardens – Deepdene Tristan Peirce Landscape Architecture – Cottesloe 01 Rolling Stone Landscapes – Amongst The Trees Keiron Gait Architects + Dan Young Landscape Architect –Whynot Street Carport and Pool Eckersley Garden Architecture – Yarra River Cascading Garden Garden Life  – Palm Beach Garden Ben Scott – Garden House Garden

LIGHTING DESIGN

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian lighting design project. Individual products or product ranges developed within Australia, bespoke designs, one-off lighting projects and installations are all eligible in this category.

Judges: Volker Haug (Volker Haug Studio) and Kate Stokes (Coco Flip)

Skeehan Studio  – Haru Dale Hardiman & Stephen Royce – Open Garden Liam Fleming & Dean Toepfer  – Solute Ross Gardam – Ceto Koskela – Ngalya/Together Studio Henry Wilson  – Pillar Copper Design  – Flask Lighting System Takeawei – Lighthouse Lamp Alex Earl  – Olid Ring Pendant Pop & Scott –Cosmos Collection

TEXTILE DESIGN

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian textile design project. One-off textile designs, textile collections and textile-based fashion or homewares products will be considered in this category.

Judges: Cassie Byrnes (Variety Hour) and Luciana Wallis (Warwick Fabrics).

Kip & Co with Bábbarra Women’s Centre – Kip & Co x Bábbarra Annie Cooper – Annie Coop Textiles Baina – Collection .01 Ellen McKenna  – From Art To Fashion Gemma Threadgate  – Sleep Magpie Goose – Magpie Goose North Home – The Tiwi Strong Women’s Collection Gorman & Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency – Mangkaja x Gorman Pampa – To-yik-ca CASTLE – Little Garden Bedlinen

FURNITURE DESIGN

This category seeks to award one distinctive Australian furniture design project. Individual products and/or product ranges developed within Australia, bespoke pieces, fixed and freestanding furniture designs are all eligible in this category.

Judges: Nick Garnham (Jardan) and Khai Liew (Khai Liew Design).

The Furniture Design award is supported by Jardan.

Adam Goodrum & Arthur Seigneur – Exquisite Corpse Credenza Danielle Brustman – Chromatic Fantastic Cabinet Manapan x Foolscap Studio – Gulnura Table AKWT – Itto Table Cenzo – Loop Chair Ferguson George – Flyde Lounge Chair Fomu – L’Art de Vivre Lounge Chair Foolscap Studio – Soufflé Lounge Hugh McCarthy & Foolscap Studio – JX8 Dining Table James Howe – J7 Day Bed Manuel Canestrini & Colin Whitehead – Symbiont Coffee Table Oku Space – Breezeway Cabinet Studio Thomas Lentini – Central Park Road Table Biasol Studio – Comoda Sofa

HANDCRAFTED

This category seeks to award one outstanding Australian handcrafted project, completed by either an individual, group or organisation. A single handcrafted functional, decorative or wearable item, or a handcrafted product range are all eligible in this category.

Judges: Amanda Dziedzic (Amanda Dziedzic Glass), Elisa Carmichael, Bruce Rowe (Bruce Rowe Studio)

Tjunkaya Tapaya of Tjanpi Desert Weavers – Tjanpi Teapot James Lemon – Pest Chairs Szilvassy – Aether Daisy Watt and Samantha Seary – Holding Light Georgina Proud – Glass Houses Cut Throat Knives – Imprint Kirsten Perry – The Lost Homes of Soft Boiled Beings Liam Fleming – Graft Vase Series Nicolette Johnson – Assemblage Siân Boucherd – Oyster Shell Tantri Mustika – Lithify

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN or INITIATIVE 

This category seeks to award one outstanding Australian sustainably designed product, concept, idea or initiative, developed by either an individual, group or organisation. This includes functional products, furniture and lighting, as well as concepts, ideas and community initiatives with positive environmental outcomes.

Judges: Karina Seljak (Seljak Brand) and Jeremy McLeod (Breathe Architecture)

The Sustainable Design or Initiative award is supported by Country Road.

Adam Cornish Design & Junglefy – Junglefy Breathing Wall Dale Hardiman & Stephen Royce – Open Garden Dowel Jones & Soft Serve Studio – New Model Five Mile Radius – Waste Terrazzo Good Citizens – 100% Recycled Eyewear Commune & Co – Cirque du Soil Koala Eco – Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Returnr – Deposit-return system + products Seed & Sprout – Raise The Bar Melbourne Food Hub – Grow/Source/Eat Sussex Taps – Circa Waverly Woolen Mills – 100% Natural Fibre

EMERGING DESIGNER

This category seeks to award one designer, architect, independent creative or studio, working in any creative discipline, who has launched their own professional practice within the last three years.

Judges: Sophie Gannon (Sophie Gannon Gallery) and Simone LeAmon (Hugh Williamson Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, NGV).

The Emerging Designer award is supported by Phoenix Tapware.

Pierce Widera – Architects and Interior Designers Brahman Perera – Interior Designer Cassie Hansen – Ceramicist CJH Studio – Interior Architects and Product Designers James Howe – Furniture Designer Fowler and Ward – Architects Neighbourhood Studio – Sculptor Kennon – Architects and Interior Designers

COLLABORATION

This category seeks to award one collaborative design project, where two or more separate creative practitioners, businesses or entities have come together to create one collaborative product, product range, installation, built structure or other creative project.

Judges: Amanda Henderson (Gloss Creative), Jeremy Wortsman (The Jacky Winter Group) and Megan Morton.

Nudie Jeans x Waverley Mills – Recycled Blanket Arthur Seigneur & Adam Goodrum – Exquisite Corpse Centre for Appropriate Technology, Elliat Rich & Outside Assembly -Wren Furniture Suite for ApMurra Furniture Edition Office & Daniel Boyd – For Our Country Edition Office & Yhonnie Scarce – In Absence Manapan Furniture x Foolscap Studio – Gulnura Furniture Suite Nicholas Johnston & Kristian Klein – Krof Cutlery Obus & Olana Janfa – Olana x Obus Pan After & Alice Oehr – Paper Pattern Collection The Big Group & Koichi Takada Architects – Landmark by Lexus

Phew!

Winners will be announced in an awards ceremony at Deakin Edge, Federation Square in Melbourne on Thursday, November 5th, 2020.

You can explore photographs of all the shortlisted projects over on the TDF Awards website. Stay tuned for in-depth coverage of each category shortlist over the coming weeks – starting with a closer look at the Residential Architecture finalists next Monday!

[boozedancing]

After our beautiful 24 hours on Islay, the Spring Break 2018 trip to Scotland continued from Glasgow as we headed north to Ballachulish. Exiting the airport in the rented Land Rover was… challenging. We weren’t on Islay anymore. There were other cars to tailgate, pass, ward off and not hit. Yet, no cows or sheep which was a big plus. I think.

The screams of “STAY TO THE LEFT!” from my co-pilots (Mrs. Satellite Engineer, Teenager Daughter #1 and Teenager Daughter #2) were taken a bit more seriously this go around. The rumor is true. Everyone really does drive on the other side of the road in Scotland. I thought maybe it was a cute little Islay thing from days long ago when horse and buggies ruled the world. I was actually hoping that was the case. And speaking of go around… ROUNDABOUTS! 

The nice British lady stuffed into the dashboard alerted me with “At the next roundabout, take the second exit” which was very kind and almost didn’t scare me. She sounded very nice, yet a tad authoritative for my liking. We’d battle for days as she nagged and nagged.

The drive was gorgeous with a variety of greenery abounding from the road up into the hills as we trekked the A82 through the western side of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Snow covered mountains were upon us before we knew it.  Snow?!  This was going to be a great drive as long as I STAYED TO THE LEFT. And it didn’t snow.

Ballachulish

The goal on this day was reaching Ballachulish. We were staying in the Craiglinnhe House, a bed and breakfast, on Loch Linnhe’s southern side. Built in 1885, this Victorian home is across the road from the loch and was a splendid and comfy place to rest our weary heads for a few nights as we explored the Glencoe and Fort William areas. Owner Lawrence Hughes is the nicest of hosts offering help of all sorts, tourist tips, and tasty full breakfasts with warm and and pleasant attention. The bedrooms were quaint and warm.  The sitting room was cozy and, much to my delight, stocked with a table of spirits, wines and mixers to pour oneself to relax with. And after a day of driving, I warranted, daresay deserved, some relaxing.

Our stay in the area led us to a gondola ride up Ben Nevis (recommended by Lawrence) where there was still a fair amount of snow. The Beast of the East had played havoc with Scotland in much of January and February so it’s not certain if the white stuff we tromped around in was remnants of that bizarre storm pattern or just normal for the country’s tallest hill. At over 4,000’ it’s tough to call Ben Nevis a mountain where it would barely make the top 50 highest in California. But it was majestic overlooking the Highlands valley below, and shocked us as a ski and snowboarding destination.

We also had a couple nifty views of The Castle of Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh, i.e. Castle Stalker situated in an inlet of Loch Linnhe.  It looked rather menacing at 600 years old.  But who wouldn’t?  A long guided hike in Glencoe’s Highland Reserve got us out into nature.  And in the little village of Banavie we took a pleasant walk up Neptune’s Staircase, the longest staircase canal lock in Britain, showing us a fascinating industrial side of the area as well as (and more importantly) many dogs!

After our second day’s breakfast at the Craiglinnhe House and our goodbyes to Lawrence, we headed again up the A82 north towards Inverness. A stop at Urquhart Castle was a chilly and breezy one along Loch Ness. A busy place with tour buses and visitors from all over with Germans leading the numbers, Urqhart was interesting as our first “touristy” stop (we happily avoided any of the Nessie stops).  The ruins are intact enough to see how the Scots and English lived at the fortress. My guess is that it was no 13th century version of the Craiglinnhe House.

Mrs. Satellite Engineer and I get a kick of ruins and she had more interesting ones in mind. The daughters would have to deal with it. Corrimony Chambered Cairn is west of Loch Ness outside of Drumnadrochit which is just fun to type. Corrimony is a burial cairn site, oh, about 4,000 years old for those of you scoring at home. A domed construction made of rocks and out in the middle of nowhere, it’s a place I’d like to be buried if you can keep the sheep out and guarantee that some joker won’t take the rocks as souvenirs. Bastards. All three women in our party climbed into the small passageway towards the middle never to be seen again…uh, I mean, and were heard laughing and shrieking scaring the nearby sheep as I walked back to the car pretending not to know them while apologizing to the sheep on the way.

A bit more driving via Inverness and we were in Speyside. Brown Malt Whisky Trail roadside signs popped up and I knew we were in a good place to be on our planet.

Rothes

On the recommendation of a friend who we will meet in a bit, we made our way to the small town of Rothes. It could well classify as a village but I’m not sure what the Scottish definition is. Night skies were upon us as we parked at the Station Hotel on the side street adjacent to the hotel. There was a small parking lot right across the street that was interesting since it had a large copper still in it looking like a monument of sorts. Hmmm. As we unloaded the car to check in, it was hard not to miss the factory behind the hotel not a few steps from where we parked. Forsyths was the name on the sign. Yeah, that one. The one that makes the majority of the copper distillation vessels for the whisky industry. Huh. Right behind our hotel. Go figure.

At the registration lobby and our brief look into the hotel, copper seemed to be a “theme”. And a Forsyths company brochure laying on a table brought more head scratching. The Station Hotel was beautiful and our two room family suite was roomy and quite elegant. After a quick unpacking we headed back to the hotel pub, Toots Cafe, for some dinner. A lively group filled the tables. Football on the big screen. It was like any bar at home almost. The menu was full of many choices but the whisky list was…heavy on the “many”. Oxford Dictionary heavy but with bigger font. This was going to take awhile to peruse. Order some food, family!  I’m reading!

The hotel’s whisky bar, The Spirit Safe, a few turns aways from Toot’s has 500 or so whiskies and…a spirit safe made next door at Forsyths. A unique drinking space, the front of the bar is adorned with a copper silhouette of a still for each Speyside distillery. Speyside has 60 distilleries. That’s a lot of silhouettes.  As we learned that night, the Forsyth family owns the Station Hotel. An old hotel in need of repair, Richard Forsyth and his wife took it upon themselves a few years ago to restore it back to its former grandeur. And they have. The food, drink and accommodations were superb. Five star in my book. This was not a sleepy roadside motel. There was a quiet elegance to it and a highly recommended stop by us.

Glen Moray Distillery

The next morning after a delicious breakfast of oatmeal, salmon, eggs, toast and tea in the hotel, we headed back to Elgin about 20 minutes away. First stop: the Glen Moray Distillery.  On my last trip to Scotland with the Single Cask Nation boys, they took us to Glen Moray for a fun visit that included a tour led by Master distiller and distillery manager Graeme Coull, a blind tasting to choose a cask for The Jewish Whisky Company, and then an entertaining dinner out with our group, Graeme and his wife, Faye, and their visitor center manager, Iain Allan. I’ve kept in touch with the Coulls and after various exchanges, a visit again was in order.

The drive to Glen Moray is a bit of an eye opener and a wee bit confusing. Did this woman in the dashboard know where she was going? Why are we in a neighborhood? With houses. And trees. And frontyards. And rubbish and recycling containers. We all know neighborhood bars but Glen Moray is a neighborhood distillery. Faye and Graeme actually live on the premises in a house next to the distillery shop. 

The lovely Faye met us in the shop and it was like seeing an old friend. She welcomed the family with open arms asking all kinds of questions about our trip to date. She was a trove of information too. And truth be told, she recommended the Station Hotel (thank you, Faye!). She also gave us great ideas for lunch that day and dinner later on (keep reading).  

Iain then Graeme made their way into the visitor center and it was just great to visit again with them. The boys as affable as I recall. The shop is half whisky-centric and half cafe. But I found the cafe area almost more interesting. As we stood and chatted, the cafe slowly filled up. It was 10:00 am. A stream of locals were making their way in for their morning tea, scone, or whatever was on the menu. Yes, there was potato leek soup (The National Soup of Scotland). We weren’t on a desolate piece of farmland or in an industrial strip of warehouses. The Glen Moray Visitor Center is a hangout for the neighborhood which made it feel hyperlocal and even more welcoming. 

The distillery has been undergoing a wealth of construction and upgrades to increase capacity. And much like here, the wheels of progress grind to a halt waiting for permits from the local government offices. Graeme had his hands full this morning so he put us in the vary capable hands of Ionna to lead us on a private tour of the distillery. This “special” treatment didn’t go unnoticed by the girls who like their mother was agog at the industrial science on display. After a tour of the “hardware”, Ionna led us to a warehouse that was undergoing a roof replacement – bit breezy and chilly in there with the blue skies above. She popped opened a few casks so we could put our noses in.  Mmmm.

Back inside the visitors center, it was tasting time (and shopping). Since I had driving to do, Ionna and Faye kindly packed me some to-go samples for later while Mrs. Satellite Engineer sampled at the counter. We spent a “few” pounds in the store of course on whisky and stuff because we’re very good at spending money in foreign countries on stuff. We’re pro-globalism and the economic “benefits” of it. We did our best to prop up the Elgin economy. A bottle of the Glen Moray cream whisky liqueur that I’ve been jonesing for since my last visit, a 100% Chardonnay cask expression; a 22 year old that spent the last six years in an Islay cask from an “L” distillery (you guess which one); and a 13 year old bourbon cask pour-your-own which I poured and the teenagers labeled and sealed under Iain’s guidance. I sense internships in their future.

As I expected, the good folks at Glen Moray were simply kind, wonderful hosts and great ambassadors for Speyside. The neigborhood is lucky to have them and we’re lucky to have Graeme, Faye, and Iain as friends.

Elgin Adjacent

Next stop on the Old Ruins Tour (without Ozzy) was Duffus Castle between Elgin and Lossiemouth. Built around 1150, this ancient motte and bailey style castle is but ruins now, and one of those landmarks that seemingly doesn’t get many visitors if the size of the car park is any gauge. Atop a big grassy hill in the middle of somewhere with the North Sea in the distance, the ruins are desolate, breezy, and peaceful. There were a few informative signs of what this wall or that wall were long ago, just enough to fill one’s quest for some answers. It’s a vast property that takes some imagining to wonder about how the castle looked and functioned centuries ago. On this day it functioned admirably as a dog park as we met a couple walking their two retrievers, Sam and Frodo. The two hobbit dogs were much like their owners; as friendly as can be.

The quiet of the visit was interrupted every five or ten minutes by a very loud blur in the sky. The Royal Air Force’s Lossiemouth airbase lies between the castle ruins and the North Sea. Lossiemouth is home to the RAF’s Typhoon fighter squadrons responsible for intercepting Russian aircraft per Sam and Frodo’s master. I wasn’t doubting him since breakfast was whisky and eggs, not borscht and vodka. The jets took off and landed in easy sight distance.  Scorching across the skies with regularity, the nearby sheep barely cared obviously feeling very protected from enemy foreign rustlers. We drove by the airbase that was built in the late 1930’s and could see the castle not far back in the rearview mirror. Bet those kings would have liked to have these flying machines at their disposal.

Lossiemouth

Off to the quaint coastal town, again a suggestion from Faye at Glen Moray, we found ourselves mesmerized by the homes overlooking the rough North Seas. We could have driven up and down every little street all day. Moray Golf Club hugged the sea and duffers battled the winds on this links course. This was golf in the traditional Scottish way, no doubt, and for a bit, was played under no sunshine either. We made it to “downtown” Lossiemouth and walked the small streets by the ocean and harbor as waves crashed over the break walls. It was lunchtime so we headed into Harbour Lights Bistro & Cafe (highly recommended by Faye). We brought the average age down a bit as this place catered to the senior set. Canes and walkers (which is the name of my future distillery) were the transportation aid of choice. But the well dressed crowd were pleasant only staring at the Southern California contingent occasionally.

Lunch was delicious and highlighted by soup! No, not potato leek. Don’t you wish. A hearty bowl of Cullen skink was intoxicating with all the its aromas. Thick and chunky, creamy and a bit salty, this was a soup that pulled you into its depths and to the folks sitting around you. The haddock was fresh and was locally sourced from the sea. Duh. The vegetables were firm and from the earth nearby. This tasted like Scotland and the people seated around us. This was a working class albeit retired crowd who no doubt worked hard through their lives weathering good and bad days, and harsh winters by the sea. This was a soup that spoke of the sea and their Speyside people. And a few crusty rolls and a dram of BenRiach made it all the better.

Before leaving Lossiemouth, we stopped a few blocks away from where the buildings ended. The bluff there was covered in long grass and edged towards the rough North Sea. We were a long 9-iron from the rocky beach below. The short tromp across the bluff put us pitching wedge distance in rough that would be challenging enough for Rory, Justin, or Tiger. The battering waves were mesmerizing even as birds ducked in and around the puffs of wind flitting above the shore. To the west the Typhoons jetted towards the cloudy horizon barely visible from this spot. The sea air was chilly and damp, the wind was no friend here. Turning to look at back at the buildings of Lossiemouth behind, it was hard not to envy the locals and their particular spot on the map.

Downtown Elgin

Next stop was Elgin Cathedral. This 13th century series of remaining structures is impressive in scope, size, and sheer age. A self-guided tour takes one up the cathedral towers and the many levels they have. Each landing has a well organized display of artifacts and historical data. The climb up the narrow  spiraling staircases is a bit dizzying but well worth the spin. And the view of Elgin, River Lossie, and Cooper Park, from the roof is spectacular as well as the bird’s eye view of the Cathedral’s expanse. Each parent explored with one daughter. I got the 15 year old who was more than happy to lead me up and down the staircases, through the chapel ruins, and amongst the centuries old cemetery plots. Again, there were a scattering of folks walking the ground leaving us relative quiet aside from the riding lawnmower chugging along the property tidying up the grass.

Before heading to dinner, we stopped in “downtown” Elgin proper. The Gordon & Macphail Shop was on the list to see. The front part is more of a foodie shop with deli options, various jams, honeys, cheeses, and the like. The back of the store is the whisky room with full walls of G & M offerings of all ages.  There were almost as many non G&Ms but by and large nothing noteworthy. There was a top shelf with unreachable bottles in the thousands of pounds. Port Ellens, Broras, Macallans, et al. The gentleman behind the desk was nice enough and let me peruse the list off offerings. The sheer size of the list was more impressive than the actual shelves. I’m not sure what I was hoping for but I felt a bit disappointed. I did add to my mini bottle inventory with a few purchased there though.

Craigellachie

The twenty minute drive south on the A941 took us through Rothes and onto Craigellachie. A tiny burg on an elbow of the Spey, Craigellachie was our stop for dinner. Fay Coull (thanks again, my dear!) suggested that night’s choice and called ahead to get us reservations at the Copper Dog located on the ground level of the Craigellachie Hotel. The hotel’s exterior has an old world charm but the Copper Dog has a new world ambiance. Small part pub, large part restaurant, it was quite the fun experience. Regulars populated the pub, football on the telly, pints poured. We sat in a quaint dining room that was adorned with plenty of wood and repurposed furniture. It was casual, not trying too hard to be cool or hip. Our redheaded server seemed more of manager than server and took great care of us, laughing with us at just about everything we talked about. My Glencairn never went empty for long with the long list of choices. The dinner choices were not simple pub fare. This was a sophisticated menu that was difficult to choose from. Meats, fish, veggies, all locally sourced (within a 40 mile radius) and prepared without fault tempted us in so many directions. A delicious evening and highly recommended. After dessert (of course), we walked up Victoria Street past the noted Highlander Inn. The chilly air felt good as did the short jaunt with our full bellies.

Back to the Station Hotel, the missus and I headed to the The Spirit Safe for nightcaps. A long day filled with food, whisky, history and the best of Speyside’s beauty.

Before breakfast in the hotel the next morning, Teen #1 and I took a walkabout Rothes. We started south along the main street passing ancient building and store fronts, the Church of Scotland, the pharmacy and the road to the Glen Spey Distillery, with Glenrothes a bit farther west. Heading back through the neighborhood to the east, we met various locals, humane and canine, all pleasant and friendly. River Spey separated Rothes Primary School from Mackessack Park, a large triangular public green space and home to the Rothes Football Club. We made our way along the river spotting several pooches on their morning jaunts before turning back towards the A941 from the north. We passed a driveway into the Forsyths plant and saw many stills at some point in production possibly awaiting to be loaded up and delivered or shipped. The stills were a tad blinding with the sun beaming off their reddish skin.  Teen #2 found a new friend in a little black cat from a house next to the factory. Back to the main drag and were we back at The Station. 

It was time to pack the car and head south. Speyside struck a chord in our hearts. Its villages and people had grown on us over the last two days. It’s a special place with an ancient heart from sea to valley, from hills to Spey.

Part II of @AaronMKrouse + his Clan's #SpringBreak travels in #Scotland takes us to #Speyside. @VisitScotland @TheMWT After our beautiful 24 hours on Islay, the Spring Break 2018 trip to Scotland continued from Glasgow as we headed north to Ballachulish. 

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Dining Room Pendant Lights: 40 Beautiful Lighting Fixtures To Brighten Up Your Dining

You can invite the guests, prepare the dinner, travel out of town to find the right drinks. You can dress the table with napkins, cutlery holders and a crockery set to impress. Yet a dining table setting just isn’t the same without a light at its centre. The ancients used candelabras; today, we use pendant lights. These forty pendant lights bring a glow to your table and a focal point to your dinner party. Entertain guests under painted gold, with a row of differently-shaped lights. Beam light across the room, with an LED diffusing light horizontally. Take a peek at your next dinner table feature in our list below.

$275BUY IT PH5 Pendant Replica: A replica of the original worth $848, these multi-tiered pendant lights mimic the beauty of the fuschia. Hang them above a bouquet of flowers for a simply stunning way to light a table.

$288BUY IT Ronde Pendant: Inject masculinity into your dining room, with Oliver Schick’s debut design. These aluminium bells flood light across their table from their white interiors.

$76BUY IT E27 Socket Pendant: Fill your room with idea bulbs, with these glass and silicone socket creations. Available in a range of colours, let them stir up the light above your dining room table.

$456BUY IT Caviar Pendant: Glass and steel with a brown nickel finish make these unusual bulbs glow with fury. Hang them as a trio above a wooden surface, for a simple lighting fixture with a twist.

$150BUY IT Aplomb Suspension Lamp Replica: The art deco dining room would be a perfect fit for these fluted greys. Hung from near invisible strings, their matte surface evokes a contemporary feel in an everyday fixture.

$794BUY IT Castle Concrete Pendant: Concrete isn’t the first material to come to mind for your dining room lampshade. These industrial domes work both indoors and outdoors with their water-resistant surface.

$40BUY IT Copper & Wood Finish Pendants: Continue the industrial look with these large pendants above your kitchen table. Wood and copper work together to shed light through tiny perforations.

$107BUY IT Beat Pendant Replica: Beat pendants always steal the show in a kitchen or dining room. This copper-interior pendant is no exception, and charges only a fraction of the price of the original.

From $34BUY IT Beat Lights: Shape your beat pendants your way – in an upside-down trumpet, sand timer or classical vase. These white-painted beauties appear unified above a dining table side by side.

$500BUY IT Roll & Hills Agnes Chandelier Replica: Monochrome networks of spangling LEDs create dining with a difference. Hang this replica above a black or white table, for a chandelier that ties together all the elements.

$400BUY IT Octo Pendant 4240 Replica: Natural birch wood forms a cocoon in this inspiring fixture. Pop it above a wooden table and afront white walls for ultimate lightness and brightness.

$1052BUY IT Secto Pendant: Designed by Seppo Koho and hand crafted in Finland, this understated design draws people into conversation. Choose from birch, walnut, black or white for your meal time finish.

$297BUY IT Ambit Pendant: Hand-painted aluminium sheds light on your table without too much brightness. Pick sheer pink or four other pastel shades, for a dreamy interior that packs a punch.

$320BUY IT Clava Dine Pendant: Reflect light horizontally through your dining and kitchen area. This aluminium pendant looks space age and behaves it, too.

$1195BUY IT Aim Multi-Light Pendant: Black and white camera lights add a touch of drama to a room. This multi-light pendant combines three in one, with a monochrome design draped around different corners.

$185BUY IT Caravaggio P4 Pendant Replica: Dangle a pendant from your ceiling to draw guests to the dinner table. This stunning replica based on the original subtly and stylishly marks the eating place.

$101BUY IT Larmes Mini Low Volt Round Pendant: Polished chrome sparkles in these low-voltage finds. Cluster them beside your kitchen wine glasses for a magical lighting effect.

$134BUY IT Everly Glass Pendant: A bronze glaze brings a hint of the olden to these vase-shaped pendants. Use their bulbous glass forms to inject subtle design interest.

$127BUY IT Grain Pendant: Bamboo fibres and polypropylene are the unusual materials behind these Scandinavian fixtures. Colour them in teal or six other pastel shades for a low-key partner to your kitchen bench.

$161BUY IT Unfold Pendant: Look like they’re made of silicone rubber? We didn’t think so either. These multi-coloured finds inject a modernist edge into the most simple of dining room environments.

$49BUY IT Copper Globe Pendant: Know a rose-gold lover who reads a bit of sci-fi? These globes are plated copper on the outside, chrome on the inside for a luxurious and intergalactic dining room approach.

$89BUY IT Panton VP6: Focus your dome’s rays with the Panton VP6. Their aluminium exteriors and copper inners light up the best parts of your favourite dinners.

$259BUY IT Moon Scraplight Pendant: Cardboard looks sophisticated in these moon-shaped domes. Hang their intricately-cut forms over a wooden or brown-hued table for the ‘can’t be cardboard’ effect.

$157BUY IT Intergalactic Ceiling Light: Metal slats assemble a kaleidoscope in this white light. Hang it beside white curtains for a dreamy vibe reminiscent of the East.

$119BUY IT Carmina Pendant: Receive your dining room light in one flat package. Its polycarbonate and eco-friendly polypropylene design will whip your dinner guests up in a frenzy.

$720BUY IT Linear Suspension Light: Vertical in form and innovative in nature, this rolled metal creation has a few tricks up its sleeve. Coated in rubber, a hidden LED beams through its panels for a light that seems otherworldly.

$192BUY IT Ariana LED Pendant Light: Bring the wind chime to your dining table. These painted grey LEDs chime in unison, for an easy-to-achieve contemporary look at home.

$160BUY IT Piper Dining Pendant: Suspend these metal cylinders as low as they can go, with six feet of suspension cable.

$119BUY IT Vibia Slim Pendant Replica: Lost hope in the search for the thinnest kitchen light? Look no further than these blink-and-you-miss-them classy kitchen fixtures.

$966BUY IT Volta LED Pendant: Go for a structure that the neighbours won’t be boasting. This aluminium bow design doubles over itself to shed light across the table.

$270BUY IT Lyrique 6-Light Chandelier: Tungsten bulb-ended rods form a fixture you can adjust at your own pace. Get just the right angle with its gold-painted metal twisting and turning on axes.

$702BUY IT Under The Bell Pendant: A surprising and innovative find lies in this recycled PET polymer light. Designed to keep your conversations ‘under the bell’, it focuses light and sound to help the quieter ones be heard again.

$243BUY IT Dome One Pendant Light: Painted bronze on the inside and black on the outside, these large domes keep those seated at the table bathed in golden light. House their LED forms in pairs, or as the central feature of a small table.

$998BUY IT Vertigo Pendant: Get caught in a twister with this metal, iron and fiber glass-shaded find. Its vertical storm is a stunning display for an open kitchen and dining area.

$993BUY IT Heracleum II Replica: Designed to look like a flower, this light literally blooms out with bursts of bulbs. A white table against a darker wall best illustrates its beauty.

$275BUY IT Random Light Replica: Captivate your dinner table audience with your own spider web. Three colour choices and a one year manufacturer’s warranty make this replica of an original hard to ignore.

$500BUY IT Corona Pendant: Metal and an acrylic frosted shade mimic the ring of plasma that surrounds the sun. This light thinks outside the box and into your monochromatic kitchen.

$500BUY IT Smithfield Pendant Replica: Add a simple dome high up above your table setting. These aluminium and polycarbonate lights come in two colour replicas of the famed original.

$1554BUY IT Cala Pendant: Also available in flush mount, this black and white hollowed circle is a minimalist’s dream. Hang its convex diffuser above a simply-coloured setting to focus on the food.

$140BUY IT Six Light Piping Chandelier: For those after a trace of steampunk, this metal piping chandelier is the find for you. Suspended from a metal chain, its an interesting addition to industrial style lighting.

Related Posts:

Lighting Inspiration

Remarkably Artistic Lighting Designs

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3 White Apartments in Different Styles

Take a Bite Out of 24 Modern Dining Rooms

Supercool Lights - Set 2

from Interior Design Ideas http://www.home-designing.com/unique-dining-room-pendant-lighting-fixtures

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