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Rade is an old Scottish word describing an enterprise or expedition.It is also the title of the 1st of May celebrations of the Faeries and believed by others, to be a celebration taking place late in summer each year. | |||||||||
Close to Loch Lomond, in the heart the Trossachs Scotland, is the tourist haven and traditional holiday destination of Aberfoyle. On the Main Street sits the Rade Shop, an aladdins cave of gifts, art, books, statues (some limited edition fantasy artist pieces) and many other unusual items that will appeal to both adults and children. Also held in stock is a wide range of The Mountain T-shirts with fabulous designer prints ranging from Fairies and Dragons to the popular animal designs of Wolves and Horses. |  | ||||||||
 | The Mountain Tshirts are a very high quality product that are a special import to the UK and can only be purchased through authorised outlets. Many of the designs are copyrights of famous fantasy artists such as Amy Brown, Jessica Galbraith, Brian Froud and the UK's own Linda Ravenscroft amongst others. Some of the dragon T-shirts contain fabulous designs taken from artwork drawings in the Dragon Chronicles Book. All of these designs are available through the Rade On-Line Shop. | ||||||||
Fairy lovers the world over will be delighted to know that Rade Ltd also stocks the hardback illustrated reprint of The Secret Lives of Elves and Faeries and the paperback version of The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Faunes and Fairies both taken from the original 1680s manuscript of Rev. Robert Kirk. Robert Kirk was the minister in the parish of Aberfoyle and spent much of his time walking Doonhill (also referred to as the fairy hill) and conversing with the fairies that live under the fairy tree. These books make popular presents and the shop has sent copies as far as USA, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa as special orders for mail order customers. |  | ||||||||
| The Rade Shop is run by June and Diana. June is known in the whippet racing world and her own dogs have won many championship medals over the years. You may have noticed that Rade logo portrays a fairy style variation of the goddess Diana with her hunting dogs. If pets are your passion and you want a special treat or accessories for your dog then this could be the shop for you. June stocks a wide range of collars, leads, harnesses and coats, from basics right through to high quality handmade items and she is always available for advice.Her specialist knowledge on whippets, greyhounds and various other dog breeds can help you pick the right designs for your individual pet. | ||||||||
Aberfoyle is known to many people. Historically it was home to one of the largest slate quarry operations. Evidence of the old railway line that transported the slate can still be seen. The line also transported many an early tourist who came to experience the Trossachs and Loch Katrine, made famous by Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake. In the war it was used for troop transportation and to bring evacuated children to the Dounans Centre, still used today for groups and school as an outward bound centre. |  | ||||||||
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Walking, Cycling, Fishing and many other outdoor pursuits are available in the area. | ||||||||
Much of Rob Roy's life was spent in this area and the Rob Roy Way passes through the village. The Scottish Wool Centre provides a welcome stop and good entertainment for many coach trips and every year in October there is the well known Mushroom Festival. The Mushroom Festival plays host to a new country each year bringing cultural exchange opportunities. |  | ||||||||
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Aberfoyle hosts many other events throughout the year but the calendar is by no means full. Maybe future years will include an event for fairy fans too, perhaps a 1st of May celebration? Or a fairy market? If you have ideas and wish to contact Rade with your thoughts we would be happy to hear from you. | |||||||||
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