Let's Go to Stramash!

Take a hike! In the City of Fort William there is a well developed series of hiking trails. Little did I know that Fort William is known as the outdoor capital of the UK.  There are trails on trails on trails. It is a hiker's dream!  The most frequently used trail is the West Highland Way.  People come from across the globe to hike its 96 mile trek that extends from Glasgow to the Highlands.  The great thing about the trail is the novice hikers are welcome.  If you want to learn more check out this link: www.walkhighlands.co.uk/west-highland-way.shtml

What a lovely 2 mile hike to Stramash

Inverlochy Castle: A Glimpse Into the 13th Century
Just outside the entrance of Stramash lies a hidden gem of Scottish history, Old Inverlochy Castle. Nestled on the south bank of the River Lochy, this remarkably well-preserved 13th-century ruin is often considered one of the best preserved castle in all of Scotland.

Built around 1280 by the Comyn Lords of Badenoch and Lochaber, Inverlochy Castle held a commanding position at the entrance to the Great Glen, a strategic location that made it a formidable stronghold during its time. Its thick stone walls and scenic setting stir the imagination, conjuring images of medieval life and the stories etched into its weathered stones. From what I am told, it is the best preserved castle in all of Scotland.  Currently it is under reconstruction, but it is definitely inspiring.

The Entryway & Drop Off: As you approach Stramash, signs welcome guests and families. A small barn with stalls serves as the entry area, where students drop off their coats and backpacks, much like in most preschools.

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  🌿 Outdoor Nursery Check-In Space with Wooden TagsNestled near the entrance of the outdoor nursery, the check-in area is designed to be child-friendly, naturalistic, and intuitive. A child-height wooden board helps track attendance. Each child has a wooden tag with their names on them. Children hang their tag on a peg when they check in.  The colors are coded for each age group of the children.
The space is divided into two sections:

• "Who is here today?" – where children hang their tag when they arrive
  
• The Bin – where tags stay when children are absent
  

Children move their own tag each day, building independence and a sense of belonging. Staff can easily see who is present at a glance. Natural materials like wood and twine keep the design simple, inviting, and in harmony with the outdoor setting.
This simple process does the following:

• Encouraging Ritual and Independence
  As part of their morning routine, each child retrieves their tag from the bin and hangs it on the “Who is here today?” section. This simple act builds a sense of agency, responsibility, and belonging.
  
• Staff Reference and Safety
  Staff can quickly glance at the board to see who is present. It also serves as a backup for attendance and safety checks, particularly during outdoor transitions or emergency drills.
  
• Natural Aesthetic
  The materials—untreated wood, twine, and hand-painted details—reflect the nursery’s emphasis on nature-based learning, creating a warm and inviting environment.