Inspirational Landscapes

From Highland peaks to Lowland shores, Scotland is a canvas of stirring landscapes. Tour your group through the majestic, unique, unforgettable nature of Caledonia.

Gett in g high in the Low lands

On the excitimometer, where does your calibrated adrenaline level lie? Are you right up their with ‘junkie’ or somewhere nearer to ‘occasional user for recreation purposes’. Where else but in Scotland can you experience so much in one day, the highs and lows, all in one manageable, exciting trip?

Take the South West. It’s where Scotland begins for so many visiting groups. Standing on the shores of the Solway Estuary, with the wide open tidal flats in front of you. Behind you, the Galloway hills and glens, every bit as dramatic as the Highlands. All around, surrounded by fertile green fields and welcoming towns, each with their own character and attractions, there’s a land to discover that really should take your attention.

Dumf ries and wil dlife

From the parks of Dumfries, where Robert Burns spent much of his life, to the book shops of Wigtown, there are places throughout South West Scotland that make it a unique visit. Seafood suppers in a traditional inn can be a charming way to experience the region. Maybe your group will enjoy the gardens of Castle Douglas, or the artworks of Kirkcudbright - the home of artist EA Hornel and his coterie of ‘Glasgow Boys’. Everything and everywhere paints a picture of Scotland that is unique to you. ere are plenty of accommodation optionsso we’ll pick just one. Holiday Inn Dumfries has a spot of character to go with a recent refurb. Enough rooms for a coach party too. www hidumfries co uk

Wildlife thrives here, as it does throughout Scotland. Encounters with eagles, discoveries with deer, sightings with squirrels (red ones) - it’s all possible in Scotland. Among the agencies with a remit for the wild, RSPB Scotland have a range of guided walks on offer providing something for everyone as well as an abundance of fresh air. From early morning sunrise goose walks at Loch Lomond, to leisurely high-tide guided walks at Crook of Baldoon

Nature Reserve www rspb org uk › crook-ofbaldoonin www devils porridge.org.uk

Newton Stewart, there are opportunities in abundance to explore the range of wonderful natural landscapes and wildlife in Scotland.

A colossal explosion lights up the sky to the north. Moments later, a cacophony assaults the ears. It can mean only one thing. e nightmare of a huge accident at the biggest munitions factory in the world. Fortunately, it’s a nightmare that was never realised. Yet, your group can visit e Devil’s Porridge Museum, between the towns of Gretna and Annan, and learn about the explosive past of this corner of Scotland.

Hidden away, out of reach of Zeppelin raids, this was the unlikely source of British munitions in the Great War. Take your adventurous group for a devilish delve back into the early years of the twentieth century. Explore this little known slice of Scottish history. Not only is this region famed for its gardens and its pints of prawns. You may be eloping to Gretna, but even the hammer on the anvil would be as nothing to the unending toil of the war effort. gretnagateway com

You’ll find no explosives in Gretna Gateway, but you’ll find shopping goes down a bomb at the famous outlet mall. Not to be confused with the nearby village and perennial betrothal spotGretna Gateway satisfies your lasting love with the bargains of fashion. If your group are the sort who find a haggle in the aisles preferable to being walked down one, this is a marriage made in heaven.

West C oast Wizardr y

Move the canvas further up the West Coast, and the picture remains just as breathtaking, though not quite as explosive. Subtract the chemistry of war, and add the alchemy of warlocks and wizards. Maybe even introduce a young sorcerer too.

Yes, amid the fairy glens and magical mountains, what inspiration it was to place the young Harry Potter in such spellbinding surroundings. ere has been magic in the land and waters of Scotland for generations, and for generations before that. Wave the magic wand of time travel, and before your very eyes, you can journey way back, to when the ice age sculpted a landscape that makes modern day Scotland such a dramatic canvas.

Perhaps nowhere is that more so apparent than in the green and blue and hazy vista of Glenfinnan. Take in the view, from the picture windows of a West Coast Trains Jacobite express, steaming over the famous viaduct, looking out on the sea loch that once bore the would-be air to the British throne, the rebel Bonnie Prince Charlie. His monument, in the valley below, the only such memorial to a genuine rebel on British soil, is testament to the deep history that pervades this magical landscape. Yet, as your party cruise by, behind an authentic steam locomotive, it is likely the fictional young wizard, rather than the Young Pretender that will be evoked most oen.

West Coast Railw ays westcoastrailways.co.uk › jacobite › s team-train-trip

Be n Nevis view s

As the line twists and turns, rises and falls, hugging the shores of lochs and skirting round munros, including the mighty Ben Nevis, the drama of the landscape equals anything on screen. ere will be time to ponder at a station or two, as the regular services pass by, carrying folks from Mallaig to Fort William and on to Glasgow. Your party can settle back into the relaxed surroundings of your own special train,

Step into Highlan d romantic ruins of the former castle and manor house are set within 40 acres of stunning gardens, where visitors can enjoy wandering among exotic colourful plants and magnificent trees.

South Skye’s 5 Star visitor attraction extends a warm Highland welcome to tour groups. Spectacularly positioned overlooking the Sound of Sleat, Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum is a ‘must-see for a visit to Skye’ (Trip Advisor). In this unforgettable location you can explore exotic gardens, take in the spectacular views, and discover the epic story of Clan Donald – Scotland’s largest and most powerful clan.

is historic site was formerly the ancestral seat of the Macdonalds of Sleat and is now run by a charitable trust. e named Jacobite aer that rebel prince. Its appearance on screen as the Hogwarts Express may have brought new fame to the train, but you’ll know it more for the journey and the destinations. specially designed Museum of the Isles, included in the entrance ticket, provides a fascinating introduction to Highland history and culture with artefacts ranging from Jacobite memorabilia to a reconstructed emigrant ship. ere’s also a fascinating library with lots of information on family history and helpful staff on hand to assist with enquiries.

Like everywhere in Scotland, even Mallaig need not be the end of the line. For sure, it’s as far as the rails travel, but that just means it’s time to change to another mode of transport.

From Mallaig, that almost always means a ferry. Not quite the ‘grand central’ of ferry traffic represented by Oban, this terminal is nevertheless busy with traffic to a whole array of destinations.

One exciting option looms large on the horizon, literarily.

Armadale Bar & Bistro offers welcome refreshment in the beautifully restored stables building. Run by award-winning Z’s Amazing Kitchens, the bistro can provide either set lunches or a daily menu with rapid service. ere are two lovely gi shops too, selling everything from Macdonald tartans to locally made cras.

e Sleat Peninsula, where Armadale

Isle of Skye castle s e misty Isle of Skye has plenty of reasons to visit. From Mallaig, it’s a gentle crossing over the Sound of Sleat to the southern pier at Armadale. Astute travellers will have spotted that of Armadale there is a surfeit in Scotland. Whatever the one in West Lothian, or the one in Sutherland may have in abundance, this island Armadale - or ‘elongated valley’ as the name derivesis the only one with a Gaelic language university, notable gardens, a clan centre, and a fabulous ruined castle. Well worth the sea crossing.

Making Armadale the start of an inspiring adventure on Skye is an astute choice. e fourth biggest island in the British archipelago commands more than a day to visit. It’s over sixty miles,

Castle is situated, is easily accessible via the Armadale Ferry or on a fast road from the Skye Bridge and Broadford. With its mild climate and abundance of trees the peninsula is known as the ‘Garden of Skye’. Don’t miss this ‘garden within a garden’ – open March to November and a floral paradise waiting to be discovered.

Arm ada le Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles Armadale, Sleat, Isle of Skye I V45 8R S Tel 014 71 84430 5 www arm ada lecastle com office@arm ada lecastle com

Open March – end October around the foothills of the challenging Cuillin mountain range, to Dunvegan, the next most notable fortification on the island. Home to the historic Fairy Flag of the Clan Macleod, legend has it that the unfurled standard will protect the clan and their allies in times of great danger. is power is said to persist for three occasions and, in the centuries since the flag came to reside at the castle, it has only been so displayed twice in the face of grave danger, or the approach of an invading army. Who knows when it might be unfurled for a final time, that its charm may save the day one more time? www dunvegancastle com www.armadalecastle.com

Invading armies may not be a threat these days, but Scotland is not without armed castles - even today. Blair Castle, ironically built as a baronial mansion in the fashion of a fortress, but without any real military pediments, is home to the only private army in Britain. Permitted by royal decree, the Duke of Atholl exercises his right to raise men at arms. See the Atholl Highlanders, around 100 strong and the only private army in Europe, parade on a visit to the distinctive white Did youknow?

Scotland’s national animal is a unicorn

Castle Tours | Walled Gardens

Terrace Café & Deli Shop | Events | Gift Shop mansion house. You’ll find Blair Castle about ten miles north of the victorian spa town of Pitlochry. You can’t miss it, even as it nestles in the coniferous woodland of the Caledonian Pine Forest. en again, built not as a fort, but as an ostentatious display of feudal financial power, isn’t conspicuous display the whole point. www.blair-castle.co.uk

Meanwhile, back on the train, there is more to the timetable than the fishing village and ferry port of Mallaig. e west coast is not the only destination for West Coast Railways. Rather belying their name, they organise frequent eastward excursions to Edinburgh, departing from many English towns. For the highest of railway experiences, the Northern

Belle luxury train is in their care too, with ultimate destinations including Glamis Castle on Royal Deeside. No luxury gap to mind on this regal railway excursion. Memorable group experiences for sure.

Cr uise with Crannog

Take a more leisurely pace at the helm of Crannog Cruises, taking in Fort William, the West Coast and Ben Nevis, all from a vantage point at sea. To get there, follow the A82 Great Western Road, all the way from Glasgow’s leafy and prosperous West End. ree hours or thereby, of everchanging scenery later, and you’ll be there. From the historic and industrial River Clyde; along the shores of Loch Lomond; through the Trossachs National Park; into the mountainous

Highlands and the shores of Loch Linnie and the Atlantic Ocean; to reach Scotland’s self-proclaimed capital of outdoor living and inspirational adventure: Fort William.

Almost as you cross the town boundary, you encounter the Crannog Restaurant. is well known stop has recently been completely refurbished on its original site on the Town Pier. e business runs in tandem with the cruising operation which takes groups out on to the waters, and the surrounding coastline. A highlight of the cruise is a visit to Seal Island, where the eponymous residents bask in the sunlight waters, and can’t help but be playful in the presence of visitors.

ere’s plenty of room aboard the cruiser, with 126 berths in heated lounges. Do spoil your appetite with the tempting snacks on offer, but save yourself, especially if you’ve booked for a meal at the terminal restaurant. All ashore that’s going ashore, for sure. ww w.crannog.net

Did youknow?

You've heard of Nessie, now meet Morag, the monster of Loch Morar. is large and elusive female is said to have attac ked two fishermen in August 1969. ey saw a creature described as around 30ft long with rough brown skin, three large humps and a snakelike head

Bla ir Ca stle and Ga rdens

Blair Castle has been the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. e castle has had a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, enlarged and adapted over 700 years to suit the needs of the family and style of the day. Home to politicians, soldiers, agriculturalists and entrepreneurs, the family history is brought to life against a backdrop of fine 18th century interiors and Scottish baronial architecture, in 30 rooms

Blair Castle is ideally located for group visits, located conveniently off the A9, 40 miles north of Perth, Guided tours for groups are normally available, covering all 30 of the exhibition rooms, finishing in their Victorian Ballroom, a space that epitomises the Highland spirit, As well as English, tours are usually available in other languages by prior arrangement. Room notes are provided in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Japanese and Swedish for visitors to read at their leisure.

e

Tullibardine

Restaurant seats up to 125 people and serves a range of home-made hot

Blair Castle Caravan Park Blair Castle and Gardens

Blair Castle is situated in the Cairngorms National Park, 7 miles North of Pitlochry and provides the perfect stop on your journey exploring Scotland.

• Self-guided tour around 30 rooms with translated notes in each room.

• Visit our gift shop lled with local products or dine in our Tullibardine Restaurant for lunch, speciality tea & coffee and homebaked cakes.

• Head out into the grounds and enjoy walking round Hercules our 9 acre walled garden, discover some of the tallest trees in Britain in Dianas Grove.

• For the children there is our deer park and adventure playground.

• Group discounts and speciality tours available, please contact us for more details.

Castle Open Daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm 1st April - 31st October 2021 and cold meals, sandwiches, soups, salads and a large selection of cakes. Groups are welcome to visit the restaurant in their own time when visiting the castle or they can prebook from their wide selection of menus and where available theywill reserve an area for groups to sit together.

If you would like to discuss your group visit to Blair Castle and Gardens, please contact the bookings office on 01796 481207 or email bookings@blair-castle.co.uk