Boats in harbour

 

Classic Scotland Tour

Welcome to Scotland!

Here is the outline of a Scotland tour which affords the visitor a first class to introduction to Scotland, its long, tumultuous and varied history together with stunning scenery, golf, whisky, food, 700 castles and not forgetting the famous Loch Ness.

Like all Catswhiskers tours the itinerary can be flexed to match requirements of individual clients, e.g. ancestry research or activities such as golf or fishing.

Day 1- Edinburgh

This is a historic city and the capital of Scotland. The city is based on a medieval pattern and therefore quite compact and best seen on foot. There is something for all interests including:

  • Famous castle
  • Whisky tastings.
  • The Old Parliament Building
  • New Parliament building
  • Architecture
  • John Knox House
  • Royal Mile
  • Shopping in Princess Street
  • New Town-architecture
  • Good food
  • Arthur’s Seat -for the energetic!
  • St. Giles Cathedral
  • Tattoo and Fringe (August)
  • Calton Hill views.

Not to be missed and just a few miles/kilometres south of Edinburgh is the famous Rosslyn Chapel; a fascinating building dating back 600 years and packed with intensive stone carvings which are open to all sorts of interpretations. Not to be overlooked is the connection with the Da Vinci Code and Freemasonry. Nearby are the remains of an old castle. Well deserving of a visit.

Day 2-East Neuk and St. Andrews

Over the famous Forth Road Bridge (with view of famous sister Rail Bridge) to Dunfermline, the ancient capital of Scotland where the following heritage sites can be visited:

  • Dunfermline Abbey Church wherein is buried the hero King Robert the Bruce.
  • Impressive ruins of the former Royal Palace dating from the 16 th century.
  • The 12 th century Dunfermline Abbey Nave.
  • Andrew Carnegie Birthplace, a 17 th century weaver’s cottage where the famous U.S. industrialist and benefactor was born.

After Dunfermline-and perhaps some refreshment in the 15 th century Abbot House- drive on to the quaint and picturesque fishing villages of the Fife Coast which include:

  • Lower Largo , birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the role model for Robinson Crusoe.
  • St. Monans with its famous church.
  • Pittenweem
  • Anstruther (pronounced ‘Anster’), a working small port with a famous fish and chip shop (not to be missed!)
  • Crail-possibly the archetypal fishing village and very popular with artists and photographers.

Finish the day’s tour at St. Andrews, a name synonymous with Scotland’s patron saint. Places to see include the ruined Cathedral, the Castle and of course the famous Old Course-the Holy Grail to golfers worldwide. This is also a city with a famous university (which dates back to 1410). There are also easy access sandy beaches to enjoy. Overall, a unique experience combining golf, heritage, the university campus and good shopping.

Day 3-To Perthshire

Relatively low mileage but taking in some interesting sights and scenery including:

  • Meikleour Hedge. This is comprised of beech trees and is, reputedly, the tallest hedge in the world.
  • Glamis Castle . Archetypal Scottish castle dating from the 15 th century and closely connected with the British Royal Family. Was the setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An excellent tour of the Castle is available. The extensive grounds are home to a herd of attractive (and very photogenic) Highland Cattle.
  • Meigle Stones. A unique collection of carved symbol stones dating from the Pictish era in the eighth and ninth centuries AD.
  • Dunkeld Cathedral. Part ruin and part living parish church which sits in an idyllic location on the banks of the fast flowing River Tay.
  • Ossian’s Hall. A unique 18 th century experience on the River Braan. Great for photographs.

Day 4-To Inverness

A lengthy drive taking a diverse range of experiences including:

  • A free tour of the smallest distillery in Scotland, Edradour.
  • Blair Castle . More of a Grand House but with lots of history and a magnificent garden. Home of Britain’s only legal private army, the Atholl Highlanders.
  • Balmoral Castle . Again, more of a Grand House than a military structure but famous for its Royal connections. Extensive parkland and a Highland Garden. (Restricted opening hours.)
  • Clava Cairns. A 5000 year old Bronze Age site comprising burial cairns and standing stones. Stand and ponder at what drove the people from ancient times to build these impressive structures.
  • Culloden Battlefield. Site of the last battle on British soil in 1746 and where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s quest to take the Crowns of England and Scotland came to an inglorious end. The battle was very well documented and there is a visitor information centre providing details and background to this famous event.

Day 5-To Isle of Skye

Today, travel down the Great Glen tracking Loch Ness for most its 23 miles. Stop at Castle Urquhart for photographs and monster spotting.

Then on to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich for more photographs. This castle has featured in a number of films but actually dates from the 1930s albeit based on design of the original which dates from 1230. Home to the McRae Clan.

Across the famous Skye Bridge to the famous and fascinating Isle of Skye.

Day 6-Tour Isle of Skye

At least one full day is required to truly experience this famous ‘Misty Isle’. Geology, scenery, Gaelic culture and castles help to make up the unique atmosphere of Skye. Here is a list of just some of the key attractions:

  • Elgol-a single track road to one of Britain’s most beautiful views –the Cuillins across Loch Scavaig and the islands of Soay, Rum and Canna.
  • Trotternish peninsula featuring such strange formations as the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr.
  • Kilt Rock and Lealt Falls. These are close to the road with easy access.
  • The Fairy Glen near Uig comprising a concentration of perfect conical hills up to 60 ft in height.
  • Flora MacDonald’s memorial in Kilmuir graveyard, a link with Bonnie Prince Charlie.
  • Dunvegan Castle , home of the Chiefs of Clan Macleod.
  • The impressive Cuillin mountains which attracts walkers and climbers.
  • Learn about the whisky process via conducted tour at Talisker Distillery.
  • Visit many of the artists and art galleries hidden away in various nooks and crannies.
  • Dine at Creelers or the Three Chimneys.

Day 7-To Glasgow

Last day but by no means least. Still some classic sites which include:

  • Glencoe. Rugged scenery and site of a famous massacre which resonates to this day.
  • Inveraray. An 18 th century planned village on Loch Fyne together with eponymous castle which is the home of the Duke of Argyll and head of the Campbell clan.
  • Maybe a spot of lunch at the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar?
  • Luss on Loch Lomond. A quaint heritage village right on the edge of this famous loch. Final refreshment stop before final stop at Glasgow.

How can Catswhiskerstours help you to benefit from this experience? Here are some answers:

  • An escorted small group (or large group) tour together with lodgings to suit budget and preference.
  • A self-drive tour. Detailed itinerary and lodgings to suit.
  • Golfing arranged if required, even the famous Old Course- with benefit of sufficient notice.
  • Fishing for salmon on the Tay in Perthshire (or elsewhere).

How to proceed?

For more information and help contact Nigel-

T  44 (0) 141 638 5500

E ncole67@googlemail.com
Or info@catswhiskerstours.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

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