My little piece of Scotland

Frogs, ducks, rabbits and squirrels – Lochanhully is bursting with cool wildlife

MY FAVOURITE place in Scotland is Lochanhully, next to Carrbridge. We have a timeshare there and always have a great time when we go. It has a swimming pool with a gym for adults to work out in. There is a sauna, which dries you out, and a steam room where you can't see your hand in front of your face. There is also a games room with a pool table, just across from the bar and restaurant.

One of the best things about the lodge is the wildlife and walks. The loch has a lot of frogs and toads, which you see when you go on walks. Hares and rabbits happily frisk around the resort, and you can feed the ducks and swans that live there. Sometimes you see fish jumping out of the water. If you are lucky, you might even see red squirrels playing in the trees.

There are walks you can go on by crossing a stile. They have wildlife of their own. You might see deer or birds of prey. Once I saw an eagle owl. That was truly incredible.

You can also walk to Carrbridge, but you have to cross a bubbling stream with no bridge. You can jump across and risk getting wet, or if you are lucky and light you may be able to cross on a fallen tree trunk, the way I usually do.

If you do go to Carrbridge, there are a couple of things you have to do. The first is to visit the Carrbridge coffee shop. You can have lunch, a snack or afternoon tea. It also has delicious coffee cake and superb milkshakes.

The other thing you must do is visit the sculpture shop, across the road. Not only does it have beautiful statues and statuettes, but also some wonderful paintings.

Finally, at the end of a tiring day, I love to return to the familiar wooden lodges and glass conservatories, play a family game after tea and then relax in my room blissfully happy in my little piece of Scotland!

Heather McDade (ten), Pitlochry

What's your favourite piece of Scotland? If you are between five and 12 years old, tell us where your favourite place is. Just write 350 words explaining where it is and why it's the best place in Scotland, then fill in the coupon in the magazine (ask your parent to sign it first) and send both, along with a small photo of yourself, to: My Little Piece of Scotland, Scotland on Sunday, 108 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS