Scotland Group Travel Guide 2012 by Rory Simpson

Scotland G R O U P T R AV E L G U I D E 2 0 1 2

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ALL THAT IS BEST FOR GROUPS & TRAVEL ORGANISERS, SCOTLAND’S ONLY NATIONAL GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com

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Scotland G R OUP TRAVEL GUIDE 2012

CONTENTS Each section features an area description, must see destinations, events listings and local information contacts. SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND Dumfries & Galloway Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran & Cumbrae Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley

20-31

SOUTH EAST SCOTLAND Scottish Borders Edinburgh & Lothians Kingdom of Fife

32-43

CENTRAL & WEST SCOTLAND Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs

44-55

NORTH CENTRAL & EAST SCOTLAND Perthshire Dundee and Angus Aberdeen City and Shire

56-65

THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND Highlands of Scotland Outer Hebrides

66-81

THE NORTHERN ISLES Orkney Isles Shetland Isles

82-88

Foreword

Map of Scotland

National Tourist Routes

VisitScotland Divisions, Contacts and Network Offices

How to use this guide

Transport to and within Scotland

8-9

Car Hire in Scotland

Hotels and Consortia

Theatres

Sporting Venues

Major Events

10-11

VisitScotland Quality Assurance Schemes

12-13

Incoming Tour Operators

90-91

Notes and Indexes

92-96

SCOTLAND’S only NATIONAL GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE in2 Design & Publishing, in conjunction with VisitScotland, have

Published in Scotland.

designed and produced this publication to help and inform Group

Editor: Bruce Simpson, Design: Boyd Calder

Tour Operators and Group Organisers by offering a comprehensive

Sales/Web Design: Lorna Brown/Rory Simpson

description of the tourism products Scotland has to offer. It is compiled using a large database of visitor attractions and other tourism businesses catering for the Travel Trade & Groups

Principal Photography: © VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint © The National Trust for Scotland Photo Library/Brian Chapple, © VisitBritain/Britainonview.com. The information contained within this publication has been collated in

Market.

conjunction with VisitScotland. It has been published in good faith and

Finding your way through the Guide and Scotland is simple; just

every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Neither the publishers nor

follow the sections, running logically, geographically, south to

VisitScotland can accept responsibility for error or misinterpretation. Liability

north. The first section has pertinent information on Scotland in general. The other sections feature each of the areas.

for loss, damage or disappointment caused by reliance on information in this publication or in the event of failure or cessation of trade of companies, individuals or firms mentioned is hereby excluded. At time of going to print all prices were current. We recommend checking prior to arrival.

sections as they appear in print, on our web site:

Concept, editorial content, data content and all design, publication &

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

website: © in2 Design & Publishing Ltd

design&publishing

We provide an online downloadable pdf version of the area

in2design & publishing limited, P. O. Box 19068, Motherwell ML1 9DG Tel: +44 (0) 141 445 2778 info@in2designandpublishing.com

www.in2designandpublishing.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com

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EXPO BUYERA4ad_Layout 1 07/10/2011 09:40 Page 1

Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier travel trade event

vi si ts c Re otl gi an st de er x NO p o W .co m

Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh 25 & 26 April 2012

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As Chairman of VisitScotland, it is my pleasure to present your copy of the VisitScotland - Scotland Group Travel Guide 2012.

Tourism is undoubtedly Scotland’s most important industry, with a recent independent report by Deloitte valuing it at £11 billion to the country’s economy. This is proof that, in these difficult economic times, our industry is as determined as ever. Robust. Resilient. This guide illustrates the vast wealth of quality tourism products that cement Scotland’s reputation as a must-see, must-return destination - from visitor attractions to accommodation providers, event venues to activity operators. With nearly £2 billion worth of investment in Scottish tourism either proposed or currently underway, it is increasingly important that together we continue to target potential visitors effectively and efficiently. We must be ready to take best advantage of the invaluable opportunities offered

MICHAEL B. CAN T L AY CHAIRMAN VISITSCOTLAND

by the upcoming Year of Creative Scotland, during which we will demonstrate Scotland’s world-class cultural offering. We can also look forward to the 2012 Olympics and the global audience that will bring, and VisitScotland expo 2012 - Scotland’s only flagship business-to-business event for the travel trade - in Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre. The groups and travel trade sector is an invaluable partner in our ambitions for Scottish tourism, and I hope this guide will prove invaluable to you. We look forward to welcoming you in the coming year! Yours sincerely, Michael B. Cantlay, Chairman, VisitScotland.

e h 2

WELCOME

EDINBURGH CASTLE, PRINCES STREET GARDENS

ABERDEEN

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VS GTG front_2012.indd 4

GLASGOW

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MAP of SCOTLAND

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The NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTES of SCOTLAND ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO THE MAIN TRUNK ROADS AND MOTORWAYS

ST. ANDREWS CATHEDRAL, FIFE

G L E N F I N N A N V I A D U C T, L O C H A B E R

PROVOST SKENE’S HOUSE, ABERDEEN

GALLOWAY TOURIST

FIFE COASTAL ROUTE

BORDERS HISTORIC

HIGHLAND ROUTE

ROUTE

85 MILES/136 KM

ROUTE

140 MILES/224 KM

96 MILES/154 KM

From Dunfermline,

95 MILES/152 KM

From Ullapool through

From Gretna to Ayr on

Scotland’s ancient

From the great border

the Ayrshire coast.

capital along the coast

city of Carlisle

of the ‘Kingdom of Fife’

through historic border

to the City of Dundee on

country to Scotland’s

the River Tay.

capital, Edinburgh.

NORTH & WEST

to John o’Groats.

PERTHSHIRE TOURIST

MORAY FIRTH ROUTE

ROUTE

80 MILES/128 KM

45 MILES/72 KM

From Inverness round

From just north of Dunblane to Ballinluig near Pitlochry.

3 ARGYLL COASTAL ROUTE 149 MILES/238 KM From Tarbet on the banks of Loch Lomond to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis.

4 FORTH VALLEY ROUTE 39 MILES/62 KM

the three firths of Beauly, Cromarty and Dornoch to the heart of

8 ROUTE

to Hamilton.

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

8 ABERDEEN

ROUTE

Perth” all the way to

Clyde through

INVERNESS

Stirling.

following the River

DEESIDE TOURIST

From “The Fair City of

From Abington

ULLAPOOL

Inverness.

the historic town of

42 MILES/67 KM

LAIRG

ACHILTIBUIE

From Aberdeen to

From Edinburgh to

CLYDE VALLEY ROUTE

1 LOCHINVER

118 MILES/189 KM

107 MILES/171 KM

KINLOCHBERVIE

the Northern Highlands.

HIGHLAND TOURIST

JOHN O’GROATS

DURNESS

Aberdeen.

BRAEMAR FORT WILLIAM

BALLINLUIG

10 ANGUS COASTAL ROUTE 58 MILES/93 KM From Dundee - “One City. Many Discoveries” along the coast to Stonehaven.

DUNDEE PERTH ST. ANDREWS

CRIEFF

DUNBLANE TARBET

STIRLING

KINCARDINE 11 BRIDGE DUNFERMLINE

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW LANARK

HAMILTON

5 AYR

BIGGAR

ABINGTON

and things to do. More detailed information is available from VisitScotland Information Centres.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VS GTG front_2012.indd 6

GALASHIELS SELKIRK

The National Tourists Routes are well signposted. They show the diverse landscape of Scotland, with its many and varied attractions

MONTROSE

ARBROATH BLAIRGOWRIE

OBAN

ABERFELDY

STONEHAVEN

DUMFRIES DALBEATIE

LANGHOLM GRETNA

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USEFUL CONTACTS and LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

C R O V I E A N D G A M R I E B AY, A B E R D E E N S H I R E

VisitScotland Contacts OCEAN POINT ONE, 94 OCEAN DRIVE, EDINBURGH EH6 6JH TEL: +44 (0) 131 472 2222 FAX: +44 (0) 1463 717 2255 traveltrade@visitscotland.com www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com INTERNATIONAL MARKETING VisitScotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Marketing team is tasked with generating increasing demand for Scotland holidays in key markets. We work closely with VisitBritain to ensure optimum impact for our promotions in all markets, and in priority markets, run solo Scotland campaigns. For information on how you can tie in with our marketing activities or how we can assist you in developing new Scotland holiday products within your programme, please contact the travel trade team at Ocean Point: TEL: + 44 (0)131 472 2323 FAX: 1-800 726 8785 / +44 (0) 131 472 2009 tradepromotions@visitscotland.com UK & IRELAND MARKETING VisitScotland is keen to work with UK & Ireland based tour operators, group travel organisers, coach tour companies and travel agents who are already bringing clients to Scotland or considering developing Scotland-based holiday and short break packages for their clients. For further information on how we can assist you and work together through our promotions, please contact the UK & Ireland travel trade team at: traveltrade@visitscotland.com

PAGE 6 VS GTG front_2012.indd 7

Key VisitScotland Information Centres Detailed area information can also be obtained from the centres listed below.

VISITSCOTLAND INFORMATION CENTRE -

ABERDEEN

GLASGOW

23 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BP www.aberdeen-grampian.com Tel: +44 (0) 1224 288828

11 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DY www.visitscotland.com/glasgow Tel: +44 (0) 141 204 4400

VISITSCOTLAND INFORMATION CENTRE -

EDINBURGH

INVERNESS

3 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2QP www.edinburgh.org Tel: +44 (0) 845 2255121

Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3BJ www.visithighlands.com Tel: +44 (0) 1463 252401

VISITSCOTLAND INFORMATION CENTRE -

FORT WILLIAM

ST ANDREWS

15 High Street, Fort William PH33 6DH www.visithighlands.com Tel: +44 (0) 1397 701801

70 Market Street, St Andrews KY16 9NU www.visitfife.com Tel: +44 (0) 1334 472021

VisitBritain Offices Worldwide A FRIENDLY VOICE AROUND THE WORLD INFORMATION WHEN & WHERE YOU NEED IT For full details and contacts all over the world visit:

www.visitbritain.org/aboutus/contactus/officefinder/index.aspx

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HOW to USE the SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE

CROABH HAVEN, NEAR OBAN

P E RT H

GLASGOW

For ease of reference, the Scotland Group Travel Guide is broken down into 6 areas: SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND

CENTRAL & WEST SCOTLAND

THE NORTHERN ISLES

(The M74 corridor and including Dumfries & Galloway, Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae and the City of Glasgow)

(Argyll and the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs)

(The Orkney Isles and The Shetland Isles)

SOUTH EAST SCOTLAND

(Perthshire, Dundee and Angus and Aberdeen City & Shire)

(The eastern routes into Scotland, A1, A7, A68 and A697 and including the Scottish Borders, the City of Edinburgh and the Lothians and the Kingdom of Fife)

NORTH CENTRAL & EAST SCOTLAND

THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND (Highland region, Nairn, Moray and the Outer Hebrides)

Each area consists of up to 6 categories where

SERVICED ACCOMMODATION

some abbreviations are used as below:

R = Restaurant available CP = Coach Parking available

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS PR = Party (Group) Rates available GL = Guides and/or Lecturers available R = Restaurant/CafĂŠ facilities available

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION R = Restaurant on site C = Coach Parking available GROUP ACTIVITIES

EPW = Educational Parties Welcomed

PR = Party (Group) Rates available

Last figure refers to the Maximum Party Size

Max Number = Maximum single party size that

that can be accommodated at any one time

can be accommodated Min Age = Minimum Age of customers that are

MC = Morning Coffee available L = Lunches available AT = Afternoon Teas available

accepted EF = Educational Facilities available HOSTELS AND BUNKHOUSES

Bronze Green Tourism Award Silver Green Tourism Award Gold Green Tourism Award

Walkers Welcome Unassisted wheelchair access Assisted wheelchair access Access for visitors with mobility difficulties

Capacity = Total sleeping capacity of the

D = Dinners available

establishment

Other = Other Catering available

Min = Minimum party/group size accepted for

CP = Coach Parking available

Group Rates

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SYMBOLS USED

Cyclists Welcome

CP = Coach Parking available

MEAL STOPS

There is also a separate section covering Tour Operators who specialise in Scotland and are willing and eager to help you with your group itineraries, organisation and logistics.

More detailed information is available at www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com PAGE 7 1/12/11 09:58:13

SCOTLAND TRAVEL GETTING HERE and GETTING AROUND ABERDEEN 421

BIRMINGHAM

529

113

CARDIFF

357

465

DUNDEE

131

290

398

EDINBURGH

161

396

504

123

138

152

286

394

108

GLASGOW

387

137

251

318

255

384

275

HULL

118

446

553

134

162

178

444

INVERNESS

200

469

577

179

207

184

459

KYLE OF LOCHALSH

201

440

548

163

182

152

428

109

MALLAIG

345

201

281

214

320

210

370

393

376

MANCHESTER

244

208

323

175

112

267

159

148

274

343

311

147

NEWCASTLE

190

385

493

121

125

371

112

125

309

310

OBAN

177

304

411

113

131

279

201

204

176

228

168

120

PRESTWICK

115

324

425

124

265

145

189

172

247

123

114

ROSYTH

234

555

663

250

278

183

293

559

112

177

223

499

391

233

311

254

SCRABSTER

241

297

404

172

133

196

284

265

272

240

224

161

172

131

382

STRANRAER

179

499

607

194

222

119

238

504

159

444

335

169

255

199

128

327

ULLAPOOL

343

132

246

279

191

318

208

367

391

363

307

226

212

477

218

421

YORK

549

118

150

481

412

514

406

216

573

590

559

201

288

502

418

437

690

415

635

208 LONDON

Details of travel options to Scotland including destinations and airline, train, ferry, coach and bus services can be found on: www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com or www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com

BY ROAD Scotland has an excellent primary road network with motorways and dual carriageway roads linking cities and most towns. The primary road network extends over most of the country, except in a few remote areas. In these areas you will find single-track roads with passing places where you have to draw in to the left to let others pass or overtake. Getting away from traffic jams and out onto Scotland’s quiet roads can really put the fun back into driving. There are no tolls on roads in Scotland.

Car Rental There are many companies offering competitive car rental rates. Details of many of the major car rental firms in Scotland are given in the Car Hire section (see page 9). Conditions of hire vary but most require the driver to be between 23 and 75 years old, with a current driving licence having been held for at least one year. The rental charge is due when you collect the vehicle and usually covers passenger liability, third party, fire and theft insurance. You will also be required to leave a deposit which PAGE 8 VS GTG front_2012.indd 9

DRIVING TO & WITHIN SCOTLAND

FORT WILLIAM

will be refunded if you return the vehicle without damage. Be sure to check if you are required to fill the tank full or to the same level as when you hired the car, otherwise you will have to pay a re-fuelling fee. For details of branch locations and rental conditions please either view the company's website or contact them directly.

Fuel Many fuel stations in cities are open 24 hours a day. In rural areas the distance between stations is greater and opening hours may be shorter. Fuel prices fluctuate and tend to be lower in cities and towns.

TO SCOTLAND BY COACH

do so for longer journeys.

Inverness Airport, Dalcross, Inverness IV1 2JB Tel: +44 (0) 1667 464000 www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport

CONTACTS: Scottish CityLink +44 (0) 8705 50 50 50 www.citylink.co.uk

Domestic Airports

Stagecoach For all enquiries: www.stagecoachbus.com Rapsons (Stagecoach) Highland’s and Islands +44 (0) 871 200 22 33 www.rapsons.co.uk Postbus (available in some more remote areas of Scotland) +44 (0) 8457 740 740 www.postbus.royalmail.com Highland and Islands Transport Map: available from +44 (0) 1463 702660 or public.transport@highland.gov.uk

National Express and Stagecoach taking you to well over 1000 destinations throughout the UK. CONTACTS: National Express +44 (0) 8717 818181 www.nationalexpress.com For information on disabled travel: +44 (0) 8717 818179 or textphone 0121 455 0086

TO SCOTLAND BY AIR

Stagecoach For all enquiries: www.stagecoachbus.com

Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh EH12 9DN Tel: +44 (0) 844 481 8989 www.edinburghairport.com

AROUND SCOTLAND BY COACH/BUS There is an excellent network of coach services in Scotland and information can be obtained from VisitScotland Information Centres. Advance booking is not usually required, although you are advised to

Scotland is well served by airports offering airlines with destinations both international and domestic.

International Airports Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, Inverness. Aberdeen Airport, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DU Tel: +44 (0) 844 481 6666 www.aberdeenairport.com

Glasgow Airport, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA3 2SW Tel: +44 (0) 844 481 5555 www.glasgowairport.com Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Aviation House, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2PL Tel: +44 (0) 871 223 0700 www.gpia.co.uk

Barra Airport, Northbay, Isle of Barra HS9 5YD Tel: +44 (0) 1871 890212 www.hial.co.uk/barra-airport Benbecula Airport, Benbecula, Western Isles HS7 5LW Tel: +44 (0) 1870 602051 www.hial.co.uk/benbecula-airport Campbeltown (Machrihanish) Airport, Moss Road, Campbeltown PA28 6NT Tel: +44 (0) 1586 553797 www.hial.co.uk/campbeltown-airport Dundee Airport, Riverside Drive, Dundee DD2 1UH Tel: +44 (0) 1382 662200 www.dundeecity.gov.uk/airport Islay Airport, Glenegedale, Islay PA42 7AS Tel: +44 (0) 1496 302361 www.hial.co.uk/islay-airport Kirkwall Airport, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1TH Tel: +44 (0) 1856 872421 www.hial.co.uk/kirkwall-airport Shetland (Sumburgh) Airport, Virkie Mainland, Shetland ZE3 9JP Tel: +44 (0) 1950 460905 www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport Stornoway Airport, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS2 0BN Tel: +44 (0) 1851 702256 www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 09:58:19

CAR HIRE in SCOTLAND Car, van and mini-coach hire is widely available throughout Scotland. The major national companies operating throughout the country are:

Alamo Car Hire: 0871 384 1086 www alamo.co.uk OBAN

Tiree Airport, Isle of Tiree PA77 6UW Tel: +44 (0) 1879 220456 www.hial.co.uk/tiree-airport

Group business can also be carried out on: www.scotrail.co.uk/content/ group-travel.html

Wick Airport, Caithness KW1 4QP Tel: +44 (0) 1955 602215 www.hial.co.uk/wick-airport

TO SCOTLAND BY SEA

TO SCOTLAND BY RAIL There are fast and efficient crossborder rail links with England and Wales to both Edinburgh and Glasgow and thence to Perth, Stirling, Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick, Thurso, Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, Mallaig and Oban. There are also extensive urban services especially throughout the west central and south west of Scotland. CONTACTS: www.virgintrains.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 870 010 4490 (Groups) www.eastcoast.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 8457 225 010 (Groups) www.nationalrail.co.uk www.firstscotrail.com SLEEPER SERVICES First ScotRail’s Caledonian Sleeper is the overnight train service operating between London (Euston) and a number of Scottish cities via the west coast route. CONTACTS: First ScotRail Telesales: +44 (0) 8457 55 00 33 (Groups) www.firstscotrail.com

AROUND SCOTLAND BY RAIL First ScotRail’s rail network covers almost all major towns. www.firstscotrail.com RAIL TRAVEL PASSES There are a number of incentive passes available offering special discount pricing. These include: Freedom of Scotland Travelpass: covers many ferry, rail and bus routes. Highland Rover: unlimited travel on many routes in the Highlands Central Scotland Rover: unlimited travel on many routes in the central belt. Club 55: is a discount scheme for the over 55s, see: www.scotrail.co.uk/club55 For further information contact any staffed railway station, railappointed travel agents or First ScotRail on +44 (0) 8457 55 00 33

FERRY LINKS WITH EUROPE There is a large selection of ferry links between England and Europe. Details can be found on www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com FERRY LINKS WITH NORTHERN IRELAND Stena Line operates both fast ferries and superferries from Belfast to Cairn Ryan Contact: +44 (0) 8445 764 764 (Groups) www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/groups P&O Irish Sea operate between Larne/Cairnryan and Larne/Troon Contact: +44 (0) 871 66 44 888 (Groups) www.poirishsea.com FERRY LINKS WITHIN SCOTLAND With over 130 inhabited islands, ferry links are very important in Scotland. Main operators are: Caledonian MacBrayne (sailing to 24 destinations off the west coast and in the Clyde) +44 (0) 1475 650 355 (Groups) www.calmac.co.uk or email: traveltrade@calmac.co.uk Western Ferries (Gourock to Dunoon) +44 (0) 1369 704452 www.western-ferries.co.uk

Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental: +44 (0) 141 237 4374 www.arnoldclarkrental.com Avis Rent-a-Car: +44 (0) 844 581 0147 www.avis.co.uk Budget Rent a Car: +44 (0) 844 544 3439 www budget.co.uk Easycar: +44 (0) 8710 500 444 www.easycar.com Enterprise Rent-A-Car: +44 (0) 800 800 227 www.enterprise.co.uk Europcar: +44 (0) 8713 849 847 www.europcar.co.uk Hertz: +44 (0) 8708 41 51 61 www.hertz.co.uk Thrifty: +44 (0) 1494 751 500 www.thrifty.co.uk There are, in addition, a number of independent car hire companies, details of which can be found (together with more detailed information on the national operators) at www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

HOTELS & CONSORTIA in SCOTLAND Within Scotland a large number of hotels are owned/managed by multinational hotel chains or are part of marketing consortia. These include companies and consortia such as: The Hilton Group Choice Hotels Best Western Hotels Corus Hotels MacDonald Hotels

Several of these hotel companies and consortia have online booking facilities and special groups departments. Information on a large number of hotels and consortia can be found at www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

VENUES in SCOTLAND

Highland Council (Corran Ferry) +44 (0) 1397 709000 www.lochabertransport.org.uk Skye Ferry (Glenelg to Kylerhea) www.skyeferry.co.uk NorthLink Ferries (Orkney, Shetland and Aberdeen) 08456 000449 www.northlinkferries.co.uk John o’Groats Ferries (John o’Groats to Burwick, Orkney non-vehicular) +44 (0) 1955 611353 www.jogferry.co.uk Orkney Ferries (Orkney inter-island) +44 (0) 8445 764 764 www.orkneyferries.co.uk Pentland Ferries (John o’Groats to St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney) +44 (0) 1856 831226 www.pentlandferries.co.uk Shetland Isles Council for Shetland inter-island services www.shetland.gov.uk/ferries

THEATRICAL VENUES Scotland is renowned for its association with the performing arts as shown at Festivals such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. On www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com there are contact details for over 90 theatrical venues throughout the length and breadth of the country, many of them are willing to accept group bookings at discounted prices.

SPORTING VENUES

www.vis

itscotla

nd.com

/creativ

Celebra ting Scotlan and promoting d creative ’s cultural and vi a spotlig brancy, shining creative ht on Scotland ’s as and futu sets, past, pre sent re - all o ver Sco tland.

The “beautiful game” of football is often seen as being Scotland’s favourite spectator sport - however it is by no means the only spectator sport available to the general public. On www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com you will find contact details of Premier League clubs in addition to main rugby venues, racecourses, athletics stadiums, ice rinks, motor racing circuits, golf clubs (Championship), ski centres and mountain biking centres. This list is constantly being added to. Group rates are often available.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VS GTG front_2012.indd 10

Thistle Hotels Strathmore Hotels Premier Travel Inn and many others.

PAGE 9 1/12/11 09:58:24

WHAT’S ON

HIGHLIGHTS and MAJOR EVENTS MUSIC, DANCE, CULTURE AND MUCH MORE. Scotland is host to a year-round programme of truly world-class celebrations and festivals. In 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland, groups can experience Scotland’s cultural and creative vibrancy first hand in this celebration of Scotland’s creative assets. www.visitscotland.com/creative Enjoy one of our many Highland Games, immerse yourself in the world’s biggest arts event, Edinburgh’s International Festival and Fringe, or savour the unique atmosphere of a live Scottish band in the local bar. Try a dram or two at a whisky festival and sample delicious scallops at our seafood fairs. Whatever you’re looking for, Scotland always has something to entertain you with - plus the guarantee of a warm Scottish welcome. For a full listing, please see: www.visitscotland.com/guide/ see-and-do/events/

JANUARY 1-31 January TURNER IN JANUARY, Edinburgh Annual exhibition of Turner watercolours. Tel: +44 (0) 131 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org 2 January (and 25 December) THE BA’, Orkney Historical street football game with around 400 players. Tel: +44 (0) 1856 872856 www.bagame.com 19-5 February e CELTIC CONNECTIONS, Glasgow Celebration of traditional music. Tel: +44 (0) 141 353 8000 www.celticconnections.com 25 January e BURNS’ NIGHT, Throughout Scotland Celebrating the anniversary of our national poet. 31 January UP HELLY Aa, Shetland Viking fire festival. Tel: +44 (0) 1595 693434 www.uphellyaa.org

FEBRUARY 11 February-27 May FASCINATING MUMMIES National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. An exhibition of Egyptian treasures. Tel: +44 (0) 300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk

PAGE 10 VS GTG front_2012.indd 11

16-26 February GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL Showcase of movies from around the world. Tel: +44 (0) 141 332 6535 www.glasgowfilmfestival.org.uk

MARCH

e INVERNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Instrumental, speech, dance and vocal competitions. Tel: +44 (0) 1463 716616 www.invernessmusicfestival.org 5-24 March NEW TERRITORIES, Glasgow International festival of live art. Tel: +44 (0) 141 357 5538 www.newmoves.co.uk 14-18 March StANZA, St Andrews Scotland’s International Poetry Festival - a celebration of poetry. www.stanzapoetry.org 15 March-1 April MAGNERS GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL Stand-up, theatre, film, children’s shows and workshops. Tel: +44 (0) 141 552 2070 www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com 31 March-13 April EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL Stunning science for all ages. Tel: +44 (0) 131 558 7666 www.sciencefestival.co.uk

APRIL MELROSE SEVENS Rugby 7s tournament. Tel: +44 (0) 1896 822993 www.melrose7s.com 20-21 April CORAL SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL, Ayr Racecourse The highlight of the jumps season in Scotland. www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk 20 April-7 May GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF VISUAL ART Experience the vibrancy and depth of the city’s art scene at its best. Tel: +44 (0) 141 276 8384 www.glasgowinternational.org 30 April e BELTANE FIRE FESTIVAL, Edinburgh A celebration of the arrival of summer. www.beltane.org

MAY May-September e HIGHLAND GAMES Around 100 Highland games and gatherings take place in Scotland each year. Each one has a mix of piping, athletic events and Highland dancing. www.visitscotland.com 3-6 May e SHETLAND FOLK FESTIVAL Presenting the best folk music from around the globe. Tel: +44 (0) 1595 694757 www.shetlandfolkfestival.com 3-7 May e SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL Whisky, music, food, fun - more than 200 events over 5 days. Tel: +44 (0) 7789 671635 www.spiritofspeyside.com 4-6 May e GIRVAN FOLK FESTIVAL Concerts, ceilidhs, competitions and sessions throughout the weekend. Tel: +44 (0) 1560 321102 www.girvanfolkfestival.co.uk 17-27 May PERTH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Annual arts festival. Tel: +44 (0) 1738 621031 www.perthfestival.co.uk 19 May e SCOTTISH PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS, Dumbarton Tel: +44 (0) 141 221 5414 www.rspba.org 25 May-3 June e ISLAY FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND MALT www.islayfestival.org 25 May-4 June DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ARTS FESTIVAL Tel: +44 (0) 1387 260447 www.dgartsfestival.org.uk 31 May-3 June ANGUS GLENS WALKING FESTIVAL This award-winning 4-day festival has walks to suit all tastes and abilities. www.angusahead.com/walkingfestival 31 May-3 June e ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL Tel: +44 (0) 1856 851331 www.orkneyfolkfestival.com

2 June TASTE OF GRAMPIAN, Inverurie Sample the wide range of quality produce from the north east of Scotland. www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk 9-10 June UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP, Fort William A stunning celebration of 2 wheeled action in the Highlands. Tel: +44 (0) 131 555 3820 www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk 10 June e ARDROSSAN HIGHLAND GAMES, Memorial Playing Fields, Ardrossan www.ardrossanhighlandgames.org.uk 21-24 June ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW, Edinburgh The highlight of the Scottish country calendar. Tel: +44 (0) 131 335 6200 www.royalhighlandshow.org 29 June-1 July GWCT SCOTTISH GAME FAIR, Scone Palace, Perthshire Demonstrating the importance of game and other wildlife to the Scottish countryside. www.scottishfair.com 30 June e BRITISH PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS, Annan, Dumfriesshire Tel: +44 (0) 141 221 5414 www.rspba.org 30 June-13 July JEDBURGH CALLANTS FESTIVAL Tel: +44 (0) 1835 863687 www.jethartcallantsfestival.com

JULY 2-7 July e CEÒLAS MUSIC FESTIVAL, South Uist, Outer Hebrides Gaelic music and dance summer school. www.ceolas.co.uk 6-9 July THE SCOTTISH OPEN, Castle Stuart, Inverness Major PGA golf championship. Tel: +44 (0) 141 887 2992

JUNE

7-8 July SCOTTISH TRANSPORT EXTRAVAGANZA, Glamis Castle Tel: +44 (0) 1307 840311 www.svvc.co.uk

1-3 June GARDENING SCOTLAND, Edinburgh Scotland’s national celebration of gardening and outdoor living. Tel: +44 (0) 131 333 0965 www.gardeningscotland.com

11-14 July e HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL Premier Celtic music festival. Tel: +44 (0) 1851 621234 www.hebceltfest.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 09:58:25

HOGMANAY, EDINBURGH

28 July-5 August PITTENWEEM ARTS FESTIVAL, Fife 100 artists, craft workshops, evening events - sand, sea and art. Tel: +44 (0) 1333 313903 www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk 28 July-6 August EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL www.edinburghjazzfestival.co.uk

AUGUST 1-11 August ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL International youth arts event with music, dance theatre and orchestras. Tel: +44 (0) 1224 213800 www.aiyf.org 3-27 August EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE The world’s largest Arts festival. Tel: +44 (0) 131 226 0026 www.edfringe.com 3-25 August e EDINBURGH ROYAL MILITARY TATTOO Military extravaganza with breathtaking displays. Tel: +44 (0) 131 225 1188 www.edintattoo.co.uk

* 6-12 August

INVERNESS TATTOO, Inverness Tel: +44 (0) 1463 242915 www.tattooinverness.org.uk

SECC, GLASGOW

11-27 August EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL Tel: +44 (0) 131 718 5666 www.edbookfest.co.uk 11 August e WORLD PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS, Glasgow Green, Glasgow The ultimate pipe band championships. Tel: +44 (0) 141 221 5414 www.rspba.org 23-25 August e COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING, Dunoon Traditional Highland games. Tel: +44 (0) 1369 703206 www.cowalgathering.com 23-26 August BLAIR CASTLE INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS AND COUNTRY FAIR, Blair Atholl International 3 day event. Tel: +44 (0) 1796 481543 www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk 31 August-2 September EDINBURGH MELA A mix of theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts and multi art form performance. Tel: +44 (0) 131 332 2888 www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 1 September e BRAEMAR GATHERING Traditional Highland games and gathering. Tel: +44 (0) 1339 755377 www.braemargathering.org

8 August-1 September SPEED OF LIGHT, Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Join thousands of walkers in a human-powered light installation on Edinburgh’s iconic mountain. www.speedoflight2012.co.uk

8 September RAF LEUCHARS AIRSHOW, Nr St Andrews (check details before travelling) Official military air show. Tel: +44 (0) 1334 839000 www.airshow.co.uk

10 August-2 September EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Three weeks of the best opera, theatre, dance and classical music from around the world. Tel: +44 (0) 131 473 2000 www.eif.co.uk

9-17 September e BLAS FESTIVAL - CELEBRATING THE HIGHLANDS The Blas Festival is a unique cultural celebration of the Gaelic language and music of the Scottish Highlands. Tel: +44 (0) 1349 865349 www.blas-festival.com

20-22 September WILLIAM HILL AYR GOLD CUP FESTIVAL, Ayr Racecourse Scotland’s premier flat race meeting of the season. www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk 21-23 September e THE BELHAVEN BEST DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Traditional concerts, ceilidhs and sessions. Tel: +44 (0) 1368 863301 www.dtmf.dunbar.org.uk 28 September-7 October THE WIGTOWN BOOK FESTIVAL A 10-day celebration in Scotland’s National Book Town. Tel: +44 (0) 1988 403222 www.wigtownbookfestival.com

OCTOBER 26 October-4 November e PERTHSHIRE AMBER - THE DOUGIE MACLEAN FESTIVAL Scottish and international acoustic music in wonderful venues throughout Perthshire www.perthshireamber.com 27 October e GLENFIDDICH PIPING CHAMPIONSHIPS, Blair Atholl 10 of the world’s finest solo pipers compete in majestic surroundings. Tel: +44 (0) 845 602 1974 www.glenfiddich.com 28 October e GLENFIDDICH FIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIPS, Blair Atholl 8 of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians compete in majestic surroundings. Tel: +44 (0) 845 602 1974 www.glenfiddich.com 31st October SAMHUINN FESTIVAL, Edinburgh A celebration of the arrival of winter and the Celtic New Year. www.beltane.org

NOVEMBER 30 November ST ANDREW’S DAY Celebrations of Scotland’s patron saint.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VS GTG front_2012.indd 12

G R E AT L O CA L P R O D U C E

DECEMBER Throughout December FESTIVE EVENTS, Throughout Scotland Festive events and markets are held throughout Scotland, ideal for getting into the Christmas spirit and for unique Christmas shopping ideas. www.visitscotland.com 30 December-2 January EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY Celebrate the New Year at the home of Hogmanay. www.edinburghshogmanay.com 31 December THE FLAMBEAUX, Comrie Ancient torchlight procession signifying the New Year. www.comrie.org.uk 31 December HOGMANAY New Year celebrations take place in most towns and cities throughout Scotland. www.visitscotland.com 31 December STONEHAVEN FIREBALL FESTIVAL Fire festival to welcome the New Year. www.stonehavenfireballs.co.uk

Denotes provisional date. Denotes an event with traditional music or bagpipes.

The information contained in this publication is as supplied to VisitScotland and to the best of VisitScotland’s knowledge was correct at the time of going to press. VisitScotland can accept no responsibility for www.vis itscotla any errors. nd.com /creativ e Events can Celebra ting and be subject to promotin Scotlan g d creative ’s cultural and change, we vi a spotlig brancy, shining recommend creative ht on Scotland ’s as you check and futu sets, past, pre sent re - all o ver Sco details tland. before travelling.

For a full list of events, please see:

www.visitscotland.com/guide/ see-and-do/events/

PAGE 11 1/12/11 09:58:46

The entrance to Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, Fife

Concierge at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh

Granniesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Heilanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hame, Embo, Sutherland

Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Star Quality!

- A simple, impartial, consistent approach to quality

VisitScotland, under the Scottish Tourist Board brand, runs the star grading schemes which assess the quality standards of all types of accommodation and visitor attractions from castles and historic houses to garden centres and arts venues. We quality assure over 70 percent of the accommodation in Scotland and 90 percent of the visitor attractions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so wherever you want to stay or visit, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got it covered. Each establishment is reviewed once a year. We do the hard work so you can relax and enjoy your holiday. How does the system work?

Graded visitor attractions

A consistent standard wherever you stay

Visitor attractions from tourist shops and museums to leisure centres and tours are graded with 1 - 5 stars depending on their level of customer care. The focus is on the standard of hospitality and service as well as presentation, quality of shop or cafĂŠ (if there is one) and toilet facilities.

We grade all types of accommodation from hostels, through to B&Bs and self catering properties to hotels grand and small. We even grade campus accommodation and parks offering holiday homes and camping. So whether you prefer to spend the night under canvas or the canopy of a four-poster bed, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make sure you know the standard to expect.

The promise of the stars:

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it is clean, tidy and an acceptable standard

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it is a good, all round standard

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it is excellent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; furnished using high quality materials, superb food where provided and friendly, professional service

it is a very good standard, with attention to detail in every area

Our advisors visit and assess establishments on up to 50 areas from quality, comfort and cleanliness to welcome, ambience and service. The same star scheme runs in England and Wales, so you can follow the stars wherever you go.

Â?Â?Â?Â?Â? an exceptional standard where

It should be noted that those establishments that fail to meet our minimum standards will not be awarded a star rating.

Establishments awarded gold stars have consistently achieved the highest levels of excellence within their star grading.

Access all areas

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The following symbols will help visitors with physical disabilities to decide whether accommodation is suitable:

presentation, ambience, food where provided and service are hard to fault

Unassisted wheelchair access

Assisted wheelchair access

Access for visitors with mobility difficulties

Symbols - Please note you should always check that a particular facility/service is available at the time of booking Ensuite bath and/ or shower for all bedrooms

[ Telephone in bedrooms/self catering unit

Ensuite bath and/ or shower for some bedrooms

\ Payphone available P Television available

Private bath and/ or shower for all bedrooms

Q No Television Ground floor bedrooms available

Private bath and/ or shower for some bedrooms

/ Bed linen provided on request â&#x20AC;&#x201C; free or for hire

: Washbasins in bedrooms/rooms

7 Towels provided on request â&#x20AC;&#x201C; free or for hire

+ Hairdryer in bedrooms

PAGE 12 VS GTG front_2012.indd 13

J Laundry facilities on site Z Washing machine W Tumble dryer z Eating out facilities within 2 miles or meal service available (Hostel) ] Full alcohol drinks licence/Licenced bar D Lounge E TV Lounge < Open hearth fire Satellite/Cable TV

Â Broadband Â&#x2DC; WiFi iPod docking station w DVD player available { CD player available S Private parking

Garden

M Leisure facilities Outdoor swimming pool

Games room $ Childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; play area

T Limited parking } Disabled parking on site *

Indoor swimming pool = Regular live entertainment

Â&#x20AC; Short Breaks Available Credit/debit cards accepted

d Building of historic/ literary/architectural interest ~ Gaelic language spoken 0 Additional charge for power/fuel/ heating , Not all properties/ caravans have all facilities

- Property on working farm/croft

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;

Pets accepted by arrangement

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 09:58:51

Quality Assurance

South Whittleburn Farm B&B, near Largs, North Ayrshire

Further information For more information on Quality Assurance at VisitScotland, please contact us:

ic/ ral

Tel. 01463 244111 Fax. 01463 244181 customerservices@visitscotland.com

The Lochside Restaurant, Craigard House Hotel, Campbeltown, Argyll

Am Bothan Bunk House, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

We welcome your comments on star-awarded properties:

Call into any VisitScotland Information Centre for further information.

VisitScotland - Customer Liaison Team Cowan House, Inverness Retail & Business Park, Inverness IV2 7GF

www.visitscotland.com/wheretofindus

Tel. 01463 244111 Fax. 01463 244181 qa@visitscotland.com

We want you to feel welcome

New Holiday Parks scheme

VisitScotland has developed Welcome Schemes to complement the Star Quality Assurance grades. These schemes tell you about establishments which pay particular attention to the specific needs of these visitors. As well as the established Walkers Welcome ' and Cyclists Welcome & schemes, there are similar schemes for: Anglers

Bikers

This year VisitScotland introduces our new Holiday Parks Quality Assurance scheme. The star awards now better reflect the aspects which impact on your enjoyment of your Scottish park holiday, the things that you told us are important to you. This has resulted in changes to the level of awards given to some parks but you can still be assured of the same high level of customer service and all the facilities you’ve become accustomed to.

Classic Cars

Golfers

Because we care

Children

Field Sports

Groups

Ancestral Tourism This means that a bothy or bod has been inspected

The Thistle symbol recognises a high standard of Holiday Park

The Green Tourism Business Scheme has been championing sustainable tourism in the UK, and has become the largest and most successful scheme of its type in the world.

This means individual caravan holiday homes have been assessed

Businesses that work in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way are graded: Bronze , Silver or Gold . www.green-business.co.uk

Serviced accommodation may also provide the following:

O Laundry service 3 Porterage

Self Catering may also provide the following:

Hostels may also provide the following:

A Four-poster beds

N Tea/Coffee making facilities in bedrooms

Ensuite bath and/or shower room(s) in self catering unit

z Meal service available

5 Restaurant ; Evening meal available U Room service _ Restricted alcohol drinks licence

Packed lunches by arrangement

9 Vegetarian diets provided

Non-smoking establishment

6 Special diets provided

> Microwave G Dishwasher

X Passenger lift

Freezer

K Domestic help

b Drying facilities ) Family rooms available Twin/double rooms available Alpine sleeping platform

Smoking rooms available

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VS GTG front_2012.indd 14

The very best of food and drink EatScotland is a nationwide food Quality Assurance scheme from VisitScotland. Only those operators who meet the EatScotland quality standards are accredited to the scheme so look out for the logo to ensure you visit some of Scotland’s best, quality eating establishments. Those with extra special standards of food are awarded EatScotland Silver or Gold . We assess the presentation, quality and service of food in every kind of eating establishment in Scotland from fish and chip shops to pubs, takeaways and top class restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly bar or a romantic restaurant, EatScotland gives a reliable, authoritative and comprehensive guide to eating out in Scotland. Look out too for the new Scotland’s Best Bars scheme, assuring the quality of the vast range of bars and pubs on offer. www.eatscotland.com

Caravan and Camping Parks may also provide the following:

b Drying facilities 4 Gas cylinders for exchange refill

¤ Car parking adjacent to caravans or tents

@ Café/Restaurant 1 Take away food available

n Chemical toilet disposal facility

Cycle hire nearby q Motor homes welcome

m Chemical toilet disposal for motor homes . Shop within 2 miles/mobile food shop calls g Shop on site

p Pitches for touring caravans j Tents welcome V Shower available ` Bath available PAGE 13 1/12/11 09:58:54

Enjoy the best

of Scotland

Earn 25%, SavE 80% with nTS Enjoy unlimited access to over 90 of Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest historic attractions including Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Culzean Castle, Glencoe, Culloden Battlefield, Inverewe & Threave Gardens, all NTS properties in Glasgow and Edinburgh and many sites on Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle Trail. Our flexible 3-, 7- and 14-day adult and family Discover Tickets are perfect for FITs and groups, short breaks and extended trips, saving visitors over 80% on standard admission charges.* Become an NTS agent and receive 25% commission on all Discover Tickets sold. Discover Tickets are risk-free and issued on a sale or return basis. Many properties are 4 and 5 star visitor attractions with tearooms/restaurants, gift shops and coach parking. Our travel trade team will help develop bespoke/themed itineraries, pre-book your group visits and ensure you get great value for money.

For more information on how we can help you, contact:

Tel: 0844 493 2663

+44 131 243 9304 (from outside the UK)

email: traveltrade@nts.org.uk

visit: www.nts.org.uk/discover

*84% saving using 14-day family Discover Ticket and visiting one property per day, includes agent discount The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

ADS pages 2012.indd 2

1/12/11 10:16:09

EXPLORE SCOTLANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PAST WiTh ONE GREAT VALuE PASS

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Valid for 10 days out of 30 from the date of first visit

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Name

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Explorer Pass

Pa s s

Must be completed before first visit

visit

Initial

Our Explorer Pass is available over flexible time periods (10 day pass exclusive to the trade). They are offered on a sale-or-return basis with all sales attracting commission. Our dedicated Sales Team is on hand to answer your enquiries and help plan your tours.

Historic Scotland is the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest operator of heritage attractions. We have over 78 sites including Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart castles as well as the ancient sites of Skara Brae and Maeshowe on Orkney.

10 Day Chi

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Fast track entry to Edinburgh Castle.

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0131 668 8831 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

ADS pages 2012.indd 3

1/12/11 10:16:19

UP TO

30% OFF GROUP RAIL TRAVEL Great for the pocket ScotRail Group Travel Discounts offer exclusive rates for groups of ten people or more travelling together. Valid on any ScotRail service across Scotland, your group can get away for less. You can also get great group rates on the ScotRail Caledonian Sleeper service linking London Euston with over 40 Scottish towns and cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen 6 nights a week.

For more information please contact Sue Perez, Sales Development Manager, on

0141 335 4508 or 07725 938921 susan.perez@firstgroup.com

PAGE 16 ADS pages 2012.indd 4

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 10:16:22

Scotland

We don’t just show it to you, we share it with you Explore the real Scotland with Timberbush Tours, on your very own tailor-made tour. Learn, Explore, Discover Scotland’s rich history and scenic beauty, with our experienced and passionate guides. Travel between Whisky Distilleries, Castles, Lochs and Glens in the comfort of our luxury Mercedes Benz coaches. Whether you already have a route in mind, or would like us to create a bespoke itinerary for your group, our Private Tour Specialists are on hand to help design a unique Scottish experience that suits your individual interests. Discover: • Lochs and Glens • Ancient Castles • Whisky Tasting • Scottish Islands • Golf Tours

• • • •

Stunning Scenery Trace your Clan Roots Native Wildlife All of this and more, with your very own personal Guide, in a luxury Mercedes Benz coach

For more information contact leisure@timberbushtours.com or call us 7am-10pm daily on

+44131 226 6066

Visit www.timberbushtours.com for more details Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 5

PAGE 17 1/12/11 10:16:24

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Scotland is home to a huge range of creativity - from our world famous festivals and literary scene, to our stunning architecture, eclectic art and lively traditional music. Throughout 2012, we’ll be celebrating Year of Creative Scotland with a year-long programme of vibrant events. We’ll be welcoming people from all over the world to share in our celebrations, so why not join us? For the latest update on Year of Creative Scotland events check out www.visitscotland.com/creative

Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland, and VOCAL.

PAGE 18 ADS pages 2012.indd 6

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 10:16:28

in2groups VisitScotland’s SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE NEWSLETTER

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PAGE 19 1/12/11 10:16:57

GLASGOW

and SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND When visitors drive up the M74 corridor how many of them are aware of the huge group tours potential that lies to the west culminating in a major ferry link from Northern Ireland? This is one of the most beautiful, accessible and contrasting areas of Scotland, yet one of the least explored. All that is best about Scotland; acres of sky, miles of rugged coastline, sandy beaches, mysterious forests, rolling hills and green pastures, tranquil lochs, fresh local produce and authentic traditions stretching back into the past, with plenty of “themes” available - this is an area with undoubted potential, that is, if you have not already discovered it!

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY Cumnock Dalmellington Girvan S

New Galloway

h Loc

Bargrennan Cairnryan

Moffat

Moniaive Lochmaben

Annan Gretna Dalbeattie

Ryan

Kirkcudbright

Luce Bay

Whithorn Wigtown Bay Drummore

Abbey Head

Burrow Head

Mull of Galloway

Langholm Lockerbie

Dumfries

Newton Stewart Castle Douglas

Stranraer Portpatrick

VisitScotland Information Centre S W E E T H E A RT A B B E Y

Castles, gardens and country parks, a stunning coastline, the sea, islands, bustling inland and coastal towns and award-winning visitor attractions - whatever your clients are looking for, the stunning scenery of Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae on the beautiful Clyde Coast will simply take their breath away. Steeped in history dating back to the very dawn of civilisation - from the mysterious Bronze Age standing stones on Arran and the Viking attacks of the early Middle Ages to the magnificence of Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire Coast - and the romance of Robert Burns. If you are a golfer, the area offers over 50 courses including three Open Championship links venues this is, indeed, also a golfers’ paradise

AYRSHIRE & the ISLES of ARRAN and CUMBRAE Dunoon Greenock Wemyss Bay GLASGOW Largs Paisley Kilbirnie Millport East Kilbride Lochranza Beith Dalry Dunlop Strathaven Ardrossan Kilwinning Rothesay

Arran

Brodick

Machrie

Lamlash Lagg Dippin

Ailsa Craig

Kilmarnock

Irvine

Galston Mauchline Muirkirk

Troon Prestwick

Ayr

Cumnock

Maybole

Turnberry

Dalmellington

New Cumnock

Girvan Ballantrae

Barrhill

VisitScotland Information Centre

New Galloway

Cairnryan

R O B E RT B U R N S

Stranraer

& the CLYDE VALLEY Gourock

Dumbarton

Lennoxtown

Port Glasgow

Falkirk Kilsyth Cumbernauld Armadale

Clydebank

Wemyss Bay Johnstone Largs

Kirkintilloch

GLASGOW

Airdri e

Bathgate

From the vibrant streets of Glasgow with their spectacular architecture to the upper reaches of the River Clyde with some of Scotland’s most magnificent scenery.

Shotts Paisley Hamilton Motherwell Barrhead East Kilbride Carluke Larkhall Carstairs Strathaven Lanark

Kilbirnie

Kilmarnock

Lesmahagow

22 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BW Tel: +44 (0) 1292 290300 www.ayrshire-arran.com

Hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games and a venue for the 2012 Olympic Games, Glasgow is one of Europe’s most exciting, friendly and energetic destinations - a true European city of the arts, architectural elegance and education with an eclectic atmosphere, chic shopping, excellent restaurants, theatres and all the nightlife you could wish for!

GLASGOW Greenock

64 Whitesands, Dumfries DG1 2RS Tel: +44 (0) 1387 253862 www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk

Biggar

Douglas Abington Crawford

Cumnock

VisitScotland Information Centre

Leadhills

G A L L E RY O F M O D E R N A RT

PAGE 20 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 2

11 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DY. Tel: +44 (0) 141 204 4400 www.visitscotland.com/glasgow

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:00:16

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

SEE & DO 2012 DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, THORNHILL One of Scotland’s great houses with its magnificent rooms and spectacular collections of silver, porcelain, French furniture and art. www.drumlanrig.com

GRETNA GATEWAY, GRETNA GREEN 100’s of leading brands at huge reductions all year round plus five tasty cafes, free parking, disabled facilities and cash machines. www.gretnagateway.com

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Getting to Dumfries & Galloway could not be simpler - up the M6 and turn off at Gretna on the M74. A tour taking in eastern Dumfriesshire and the Borders would follow the A7 which goes to Edinburgh from Carlisle via Langholm, Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels and Melrose. From Gretna to the west, a number of themed tours could be created, perhaps contrasting the beautiful Solway Firth coastline with the rugged beauty of the Galloway Hills and Forest Park or discovering the “theme towns” of Kirkcudbright (artists’ town), Castle Douglas (food & drink town) and Wigtown (book town). Events of interest to the Groups Market include the Wickerman Festival “Scotland’s Alternative Music Festival” held near Kirkcudbright annually in July together with the annual Jazz Festival held in June and the Dumfries & Galloway Arts festivals - including the “Spring Fling”, Scotland’s premier Art and Craft Open Studios Event - held throughout the area in May. The Wigtown Book Festival in late September attracts visits from many well known writers and offers an exciting programme of events. The Dumfries & Galloway Wildlife Festival attracts many visitors to the area in April as do the many walking events especially those that take place in the Galloway Forest Park. For full up to date information see: www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk Scotland’s National Bard, Rabbie Burns, was an excise officer in Dumfries and died nearby. Many of his verses were related to the Dumfries area and combining this with a visit to his birthplace in Ayrshire and the “book town” of Wigtown could be the basis of a very interesting literary tour. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

P O RT PAT R I C K

Coast & countryside, forests and hills This is an area with tremendous group tourism potential, on the road from Northern Ireland (Cairn Ryan ferries) its attraction to groups includes its land and seascapes, country and fishing culture, wildlife, activities and history. The administrative centre of the area is Dumfries on the River Nith - a town closely associated with Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard who worked and eventually died here at a very young age. Rivers offer another theme for tours in Dumfries & Galloway and the region boasts the longest salmon fishing season in Scotland. Langholm to the east lies on the River Esk and is noted for its woollen/ textile heritage and its Clan Armstrong Museum with its connections to Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. Moffat just off the M74 in the northern part of the region is another woollen/textile town. Once a fashionable spa town, it now celebrates the magnificent opportunities for walking, as it is set in beautiful rolling hills - in fact, it is Scotland’s first “Walkers are Welcome” town. To the west lies one of Scotland’s most beautiful stately homes, Drumlanrig Castle with its fine gardens and parks. Both Gretna and Gretna Green (with two superb group attractions, Blacksmith’s Centre and Outlet Centre) are ideally situated just north of the border at the crossroads to the Borders, Dumfries & Galloway or northern destinations. In the centre of the area and into deepest Galloway, art, literature and food draw the unsuspecting visitor in the three “theme” towns of Kirkcudbright, artists’ town and Wigtown, book town, both on the coast and Castle Douglas food & drink town, with Threave Castle - NTS nearby, respectively. Here the scenery is on par with the best anywhere in Scotland - forests, hills, rivers - right down to the shoreline with attractions to suit - try the Creetown Gem Rock Museum, Threave Garden, Cream o’ Galloway and many others right down to the Rhins of Galloway and the lighthouse on the Mull of Kintyre, Scotland’s most southerly point. This is where you can savour the many gardens by following Scotland’s Gardens Route. To the north, Galloway Forest Park offers a plethora of activities, not only for the fit and adventurous but for all ages and abilities, it’s home to the Galloway Red Deer Range a short trail for wonderful views of red deer in their natural environment. Wildlife, walking, fishing, cycling all have a place here and many activities take place on Forestry Commission Scotland land. Galloway Forest was also awarded Dark Sky Park status in 2009 (the first in the UK) and is the perfect place for a spot of stargazing. Beautiful countryside and rural landscapes also tend to go with wildlife and the RSPB Reserves at Mersehead and the Wood of Cree offer excellent opportunities to learn more about the local and transient birdlife - and wildlife in general. There is also the Caerlaverock Wetland Centre (WWT) a spectacular 1,400 acre wild reserve situated on the Solway coast. For new group themes and group products, look no further than the potential offered by Dumfries & Galloway.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

Gardens, golf, walking, cycling, wildlife, arts and crafts, coast and countryside, Dark Sky Stargazing, the three theme towns of Castle Douglas (food & drink town), Kirkcudbright (artists’ town) and Wigtown (book town).

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T H R E AV E CA S T L E

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AYRSHIRE

& the ISLES of ARRAN and CUMBRAE

SEE & DO 2012 ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERY, LOCHRANZA

GOLFING, LARGS

A ‘state of the art’ visitor centre with guided tours, a shop and restaurant with an interesting and appetising menu based on the best of local produce available. www.arranwhisky.com

Some of the world’s best golfing - all on your doorstep

CULZEAN CASTLE & COUNTRY PARK, BY MAYBOLE (NTS) Set in nearly 600 acres of stunning countryside and miles of waymarked paths leading visitors through majestic woodland and past secluded ponds. www.nts.org.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Ayr Racecourse hold meetings throughout the year including the Scottish Grand National in April and the Ayr Gold Cup in September. The annual Burns an’ a’ that! Festival is held in May, the Arran Folk Festival in June with the Largs Viking Festival, Brodick Highland Games and Irvine’s Marymass Festival being held in August. The Isle of Arran Mountain Festival is a good choice for September. For full up to date information see: www.ayrshire-arran.co.uk One of the main themes, Robert Burns, covers both Dumfries and Ayrshire and a coastal tour of South West Scotland would take you right along the Solway Firth from Dumfries and north up the Clyde coast past the spectacular splendour of Culzean Castle (with Ailsa Craig the focus of attention out in the Firth) and the hallowed links of Turnberry to Ayr and on to the famous links of Troon. Travelling from the north, the M77 route - Glasgow - Kilmarnock - Ayr - is the most direct. Dumfries House near Cumnock should not be overlooked being one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes. No matter where you go in this area, the pull of the islands is strong. Relatively short ferry trips take you to the very popular Isle of Arran, “Scotland in Miniature” as it has been dubbed and its smaller neighbour, Cumbrae. Apart from scenic beauty and a plethora of activities, they offer a special Island culture and hospitality. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

PAGE 22 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 4

C U L Z E A N CA S T L E

80 miles of unspoilt coastal scenery with some of the world’s best golf. Stunning sea views, rolling countryside and a warm welcome from the locals make this an ideal corner of Scotland to visit. Over a century ago, towns like Largs and Ayr on the Clyde Coast developed as major holiday resorts Arran was an extra special attraction needing a ferry trip across the Clyde! Today, Ayrshire and the Isles of Arran and Cumbrae are still major visitor destinations and for very good reasons - superb championship golf being only one of them with over 50 courses including Turnberry, Troon and Prestwick. Excellent transport facilities (rail, road, ferry and Glasgow Prestwick International Airport) mean that the mainland and islands are very easily accessed. Robert Burns is a key attraction, especially for the popular seaside town of Ayr - the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which opened in January 2011 is popular with many group itineraries. Ayr Racecourse is also a major venue with frequent meets. To the north lie Largs and Irvine with Kelburn Castle, Eglinton Castle and Vikingar! nearby. To the east, Dumfries House is a must see and to the south, the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) Culzean Castle, featuring President Eisenhower’s rooms, a jewel of Scotland’s architectural and historic heritage, would be an automatic addition to any group visit. Further castles like Dunure and Dundonald as well as Souter Johnnies Cottage (NTS), at Kirkoswald add to the Castles and Burns themes respectively. Dubbed “Scotland in Miniature”, the Isle of Arran gives the best of what Scotland can offer in one stunning location. The golf theme continues with 7 courses to enjoy, their very own distillery (with golden eagles) and the splendour of Brodick Castle and Country Park (another NTS property) - this is in addition to excellent walking, cycling, local food and drink. For the energetic, the view from the top of Goatfell is exquisite! Smaller neighbour, the Isle of Cumbrae, is “built” for cycling, being flat and only 4 miles by 2 miles wide, with a Marine Biological Station, golf (of course) and in Millport, the smallest Cathedral in Europe! Accommodation throughout the area is abundant right up to 5 star luxury standard (Turnberry) - Ayrshire & Arran is, truly, a self-contained group tourism destination.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Golf, Robert Burns, seascapes and scenic beauty, country houses and castles, islands culture, food & drink.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:00:40

GLASGOW

& the CLYDE VALLEY

SEE & DO 2012 RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, GLASGOW Scotland’s new Museum of Transport and Travel opened in June 2011 and is located in an iconic building down by the riverside. www.glasgowliferiverside.co.uk

NEW LANARK UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Robert Owen made the village and textile mills on the banks of the River Clyde world-famous with his innovative ideas on social reform. www.newlanark.org

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Glasgow has a year-round programme of arts and music festivals including Celtic Connections (January), Glasgow Film Festival (February), the Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March), International Jazz Festival (June) and Glasgay! (October/ November) and many others. For full up to date information see: www.visitscotland.com/glasgow Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city is resplendent with excellent Museums, Art Galleries (most are free entry), Theatres, Science Centre and stunning architecture. This is the home of superlative architects like Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Alexander “Greek” Thomson. In the 19th century, Glasgow was the centre of European Art and the Glasgow School of Art was world renowned - it still is! Attractions include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, The Burrell Collection, House for an Art Lover, Hunterian Art Gallery and The Lighthouse which applauds the design and architecture of Glasgow’s superb buildings. In addition, the National Trust for Scotland has three properties - Greenbank Gardens, The Tenement House and Pollok House. Outside the city, spectacular buildings like Chatelherault in Hamilton and the World Heritage site of New Lanark are further tour itinerary options. Other ideas could include the regular meetings at Hamilton Races which attract group visitors. But no tour of Glasgow is complete without the option of enjoying the city chic, style and buzz of a vibrant, modern and truly European city. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

NEW LANARK

City culture, the arts & design, city of music, theatre and shopping Glasgow - Scotland’s biggest city - is a city of culture where iconic architecture, Italianate steeples and medieval spires sit harmoniously with neogothic towers, sensuous Charles Rennie Mackintosh art nouveau and the titanium, glass and steel of the contemporary city. A city of parks, gardens and centres of educational excellence has made Glasgow one of THE major centres of the arts in Europe. There are over 20 museums and art galleries in Glasgow, many of them housed in the very same buildings of architectural elegance for which the city is renowned. With such a rich offering, themed tours linking to the Year of Creative 2012 will be an ideal option for this area or could be coupled with a visit to the Commonwealth Games - hosted by Glasgow in 2014! 21st century Glasgow is very much an international city with an exciting eclectic atmosphere especially in the huge range of restaurants, bistros and pavement cafés - from the magnificent malls of Princes Square and Buchanan Galleries to the ultra-chic of the Merchant City. There is some seriously good shopping available, some of the very best in Britain now branded as “Glasgow’s Style Mile”. Then there are the theatres - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Kings Theatre, Theatre Royal, Citizens Theatre and the Tron Theatre - all these combined with comedy, music and dance provide an array of evening entertainment options all year round. Since 2008 Glasgow has been a UNESCO City of Music. With a legendary music scene that stretches across the whole spectrum from contemporary and classical to Celtic and Country. Its venues are equally varied and the city hosts an average of 130 music events each week! The River Clyde not only spawned the great streets of Glasgow, it also gave rise to a number of other towns and villages along its length including Wemyss Bay, Inverkip, Port Glasgow and Greenock, all of which were involved with heavy industry or shipbuilding in the past. Paisley was built around its magnificent 12th century Abbey and for many years was at the centre of the textile industry in the UK the Paisley Pattern is well known - it is now an influential University town. Rural Renfrewshire is full of thriving residential towns and peaceful villages - Houston, Elderslie and Kilbarchan. A particularly pretty village is Lochwinnoch, in the heart of the countryside. To the south east of Glasgow lies the Royal Burgh of Lanark which was the site of Scotland’s first parliament meeting in 978AD. New Lanark - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse of a fascinating past in the award winning visitor centre. Robert Owen’s 19th century revolutionary “new town” is tastefully preserved in its spectacular riverside setting near the Falls of Clyde and is still home to a community of 200 residents. The area around Hamilton is very historic with 13th century Bothwell Castle and the superb hunting lodge of Chatelherault, designed by William Adam.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS City culture, city tours, the arts and design, creative, city breaks, city of music, theatre and shopping “Glasgow’s Style Mile”.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 5

R I V E R S I D E M U S EU M , G L A S G O W

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www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 10:18:56

fun for kids | hall of fame | Gift shop | cafe

("+&& ;n^_X_ji" '* =Wbb[h_[i" ' 7cWp_d] <eejXWbb Cki[kc Visit the Scottish Football Museum at Hampden Park and learn about Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing football heritage.

Tel: 0141 616 6139 for enquiries & bookings www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk

The ScoTTiSh FooTball MuSeuM, haMpden park, GlaSGow, G42 9ba

open 7 dayS, Mon - SaT 10aM - 5pM, Sun 11aM - 5pM

297 BATH STREET GLASGOW G2 4JN

PHONE SALES 0844 871 7648 BKG FEE

GROUPS 0844 871 7602 www.atgtickets.com/ glasgow BKG FEE

282 HOPE STREET GLASGOW G2 3QA

PHONE SALES 0844 871 7647 BKG FEE

GROUPS 0844 871 7602 www.atgtickets.com/ glasgow BKG FEE

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 9

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ICIA F F O O O F G L AS

with

Historical tour commentary featuring

Renowned Scottish archaeologist, historian, author and broadcaster. Science Centre

Riverside Museum

Botanic Gardens

H H we speak your language

Choice of live guide or multi-lingual commentary via headphones in 9 languages. Full accessibility for wheelchair users on selected tours. Contact us for more details. your ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days

Discounts for group bookings and agents rates available contact us for further details 5FM XXX DJUZTJHIUTFFJOHHMBTHPX DP VL JOGP!DJUZTJHIUTFFJOHHMBTHPX DP VL 2VFFO 4USFFU t (MBTHPX ( #+

CASTLE

STABLEYARD CAFE

GARDENS

CASTLE TOURS

WAYMARKED ESTATE TRAILS

TEA ROOM

SHOPPING

rumlanrig Castle & Country Estate is nestled in the heart of the Dumfries and Galloway countryside, only a stones throw from the M74. With stunning grounds, a colourful history and an enviable art collection including Rembrandtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Old Woman Readingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Drumlanrig Castle offers something for everyone

ACRES OF NATURAL

BEAUTY

FOR YOU TO EXPLORE. . .

Groups welcome all year round, please contact us for more information.

Thornhill Dumfries & Galloway DG3 4AQ Tel: 01848 331555 Email: enquiries@drumlanrig.com

www.drumlanrig.com PAGE 26 ADS pages 2012.indd 10

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 10:19:08

A few good reasons to stay with us The four-star Beardmore Hotel is the perfect choice for a visit to Scotland. Situated on the River Clyde, our location is the ideal for visiting Glasgow and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Our flexible rates and packages are designed to suit your needs. We have the following facilities: • • • • • •

168 stylish bedrooms, many with a river view; iMac computers offering 40 freeview channels; DVD/CD players, full computer functionality (with free WiFi) and Skype; health club onsite with 15m swimming pool, sauna and steam room; Delicious food including set and choice menus; and and free parking for 300 cars with a dedicated area for coaches

The Beardmore Hotel & Conference Centre Beardmore Street, Clydebank, Glasgow, G81 4SA thebeardmore.com 0141 951 6000 135 x 184 visit scotland_Layout 1 28/11/2011 17:11 Page 1 groupreservations@beardmore.scot.nhs.uk

SHORT BREAKS | CONFERENCES & MEETINGS | BANQUETS | LEISURE

S o m e t h i n g fo r eve r yo n e . . .

Group Rates Scotland’s only football club and hotel complex, offering the very best in Ayrshire hospitality. Modern stylish and luxurious, The Park Hotel looks forward to welcoming you. 50 King-sized luxurious bedrooms

Bespoke Weddings

Football and leisure breaks

Coffee Shop

Blues Restaurant & Bistro

Private Fitness Club

Ayrshire Conference & Banqueting Centre

Free Wi-FI throughout

for dinner, bed and breakfast from only £37 per person

The Park Hotel, Rugby Park, Kilmarnock KA1 1UR t:01563 545999 | www.theparkhotelayrshire.co.uk Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 11

PAGE 27 1/12/11 10:19:28

Think... paradise island

Think... no single room supplements

Think... cottages & castles

Think... 1 FREE place in every 20

Think... Scotland in miniature!

Think... service with a smile!

Best Western

Isle of Arran The Best Western Kinloch Hotel offers exceptional value for our group customers. Prices from £40 per person per night DBB.

Best location, Best value, Best short break this year Please call our groups department now for further details 01770 860 444 Best Western Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, The Isle of Arran Tel: 01770 860444 www.bw-kinlochhotel.co.uk

New Lanark

World Heritage Site

“A very inspirational place and one which should be on everyone’s list of places to visit.”

OPEN DAILY. GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. Award-Winning Visitor Centre | Scotland’s largest Roof Garden | Coffee & Gift Shops | Edinburgh Woollen Mill Store | Working Historic Textile Machinery | New Lanark Mill Hotel Close to the famous Falls of Clyde, this unique mill village was founded in 1785 and became famous as the site of Robert Owen’s radical reforms. New Lanark Visitor Centre, Lanark, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB tel: 01555 661345 email: visit@newlanark.org www.newlanark.org

PAGE 28 ADS pages 2012.indd 12

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Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell

01698 333777 www.scotlandsthemepark.com

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 13

PAGE 29 1/12/11 10:19:37

Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell ML1 3RT Tel: 01698 333777 Fax: 01698 338 733 enquiries@discoveramazonia.co.uk www.discoveramazonia.co.uk Contact: Becky Scott Ad Page 29 Educational and Fun. Amazonia is Scotland’s only indoor tropical rainforest attraction, packed full of exotic animals. It offers a new fun and educational experience for all ages. A unique place to learn and explore, giving insight into a tropical rain forest. Tours arranged for groups booked in advance. Prices: Please Check Our Website Open: Jan-Dec Except Christmas Day & New Years Day PR GL CP EPW No Limit

MACKINTOSH CHURCH AT QUEEN’S CROSS

870 Garscube Road, Glasgow G20 7EL Tel: 0141 946 6600 Fax: 0141 946 7276 info@crmsociety.com www.crmsociety.com www.mackintoshchurch.com Mackintosh’s only built church. The simplicity of the design is inspiring where light and space are used to dramatic effect. Shop, Resource Centre, Cafe with Mackintosh video presentations. Special group tours can be arranged. Prices: Adults £4.00, Conc £2.00 (Free Wednesday afternoons) Open: Mon, Wed & Fri (Call in advance) PR GL EPW No limit

M&D’s

Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell ML1 3RT Tel: 01698 333 777 Fax: 01698 338 733 info@scotlandsthemepark.com www.scotlandsthemepark.com Contact: Sharon Luxton Ad Page 29 Scotland’s largest Theme Park, boasting over 40 major rides and attractions, including the awesome Tsunami, The Tornado, The Captains Curse and MUCH MUCH MORE! Watch out for fantastic NEW rides and attractions and loads of New Events! Save £££’s Book Online! Prices: Please Check Our Website Open: Mar-Oct PR GL R CP EPW No limit

NNNN Visitor Attraction

AYR (AA)

STRANRAER (DG)

MACKINNON MILLS

Kirkshaw Road, Coatbridge ML5 4SL Tel: 01236 440702 Fax: 01236 426193 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk Contact: Lesley O’Neill An excellent selection of ladies and gents knitwear, countrywear, outerwear, golf equipment and accessories, household textiles,Lingerie,Ponden Home Interiors,shoe shop and foodshop. Restaurant and Coffee Shop Drivers’ room. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

NNN Tourist Shop

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 14

Brand new museum opened 2011! See the most important Burns collection in the world with state of the art multi sensory exhibition; visit the cottage where Robert Burns was born 250 years ago; stroll across the romantic Brig O’ Doon; relax in the spacious restaurant and visit Burns themed gift shop. Prices: from £5.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

NNNNN Museum

DUMGOYNE (GC)

ATTRACTIONS

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COATBRIDGE (GC)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ISLE OF ARRAN (AA)

Contact: Dylan Paterson

NNNN Garden

1 VISITOR

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ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Castle

1 VISITOR

Prices: From £8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

GLASGOW (GC)

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 14 Impressive 800-year old island castle with superb collections of paintings, silver and porcelain. Extensive gardens and estate with fabulous sea views.

Prices: £1.00-£10 Open: 15 Mar - 31 Oct PR GL R CP EPW No limit

GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY

On Scenic A81 Road, Dumgoyne, NEAR KILLEARN, Glasgow G63 9LB Tel: 01360 550254 Fax: 01360 550094 reception@glengoyne.com www.glengoyne.com Contact: Rhona Hunter Ad Page 48 Visit Scotland’s Most Beautiful Distillery for guided distillery tours, whisky tastings, blending, masterclass sessions and superb whisky shop. Situated on the A81, approx 35 minutes drive from Glasgow, Stirling and Loch Lomond. Prices: £6.75 - £100.00 Open: Mar-Nov 10am-5pm and Dec-Feb 10am-4pm GL CP EPW No Limit

Don't miss out...

THE National Trust for Scotland, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 1AT Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover Ad Page 14 Grand Edwardian Country Home, set in extensive parkland near Glasgow city centre, Pollok House has a magnificent art collection and superb period furnishings. Excellent restaurant, and retail facilities. Prices: From £4.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

HENSIVE

A COMPRE

Contact: Booking Officer Ad Page 28 Discover the fascinating history of the unique 18th century mill village of New Lanark, and the mill manager and social pioneer Robert Owen in the award-winning New Lanark Visitor Centre. Prices: Adult £8.50, Concession (senior/student) £7.00, Child £6.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No limit

NNNN Visitor Attraction

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SERS, ORGANI GUIDE & TRAVEL GROUPS GROUP TRAVEL AL BEST FOR THAT IS D’S ONLY NATION TO ALL SCOTLAN

d.com

ingscotlan

lorna@in2designandpublishing.com

0141 445 2778 for more details

The definitive guide to Scotland’s Group Travel! Scotland Group Travel Guide is the only official VisitScotland Group and Travel Trade publication for Scotland. Available via post to around 4,000 tour operators and available online at:

www.scotlandgroupsguide.com

in2 Design & Publishing Limited, www.in2designandpublishing.com

c .

nEW LANARK, LANARK ML11 9DB Tel: 01555 661345 Fax: 01555 665738 visit@newlanark.org www.newlanark.org

GUIDE

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NNNN Historic House

NEW LANARK VISITOR CENTRE

...on early booking opportunities for Scotland Group d Scotlan Travel Guide 2013. GRO UP

POLLOK HOUSE (NTS)

NEW LANARK (GC)

AMAZONIA

THE National Trust for Scotland, Brodick KA27 8HY Tel: 0844 493 2263 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.co.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

Unrivalled as ‘Scotland’s Most Exotic Garden’, Logan is home to a spectacular collection of bizarre and beautiful plants - you’ll find it hard to believe you’re still in Scotland!

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 25 One of Scotland’s most historic and significant theatres. It opened in 1904 as one of the most brilliant designs of the prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham and has played host to top stars and shows ever since. The theatre continues to present first class musicals and pantomime alongside a wider range of drama, dance and comedy. Open: Jan-Dec PR GL EPW

BRODICK CASTLE GARDEN AND COUNTRY PARK (NTS)

The National Trust for Scotland), Murdoch, Alloway KA7 4PQ Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

Contact: Richard Baines Ad Page 40

1 VISITOR

297 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JN Tel: 0844 871 7648 (bkg fee) Fax: 0141 240 1301 www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (online bkg fee)

NNN Tourist Shop

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (NTS)

Port Logan, Stranraer DG9 9ND Tel: 01776 860231 Fax: 01776 860333 logan@rbge.org.uk www.rbge.org.uk/logan

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KINGS THEATRE

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LOGAN BOTANIC GARDEN

1 VISITOR

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Presenting a wide variety of drama, dance, comedy, opera, musical and children’s theatre. It is home to Scotland’s resident companies, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet, and is a unique City Centre venue for conferences, meetings and seminars. The Victorian auditorium and stylish contemporary corporate areas provide privacy and flexibility for many occasions.

d +

Contact: Thomas McDonald Luxurious Cashmere, mens and ladies fashions, Highland Dress, whisky shop, golf shop, childrenswear,Scottish food and gifts, Costa Coffee, restaurant, new takeaway offers. Just off the M74, Drivers lounge,coach washing facilities. Tax Free Worldwide - City Refund service

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282 Hope Street, Glasgow Tel: 0844 871 7647 (bkg fee) Fax: 0141 332 4477 www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (online bkg fee)

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Ladyknowe, Moffat DG10 9EP Tel: 01683 220134 Fax: 01683 221066 MoffatWM@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

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THEATRE ROYAL

Ad Page 14 5 Star Visitor attraction including stunning cliff-top castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and extensive country park. Excellent group facilities including restaurant, cafes, shops and plant sales. New - Apple i-phone touch guide. Prices: from £10.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

MOFFAT WOOLLEN MILL

1 VISITOR

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NNNNN Museum

1 VISITOR

Prices: Children £3.00 - Adults £6.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No Limit

MOTHERWELL (GC)

See Scottish football past and present, walk amongst Scotland’s legends in the Hall of Fame and take the Stadium Tour.....it’s who we are. Cafe and gift shop.

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 25

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GLASGOW (GC)

1 VISITOR

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Contact: Colin Lobban

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Hampden Park, Glasgow G42 9BA Tel: 0141 616 6139 Fax: 0141 616 6101 info@scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk

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NNNNN Castle

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d .

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

1 VISITOR

NNNN Garden

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 14 World class garden with spectacular daffodils, colourful summer displays and beautiful autumnal trees & heathers. Excellent restaurant, shops & plant sales. Threave House open for guided tours. Home to the UK’s first Bat Reserve! Prices: from £7.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Feb-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 One of Scotland’s finest Castles, it is the epitome of a Medieval Fortress and was the scene of two famous seiges. This moated castle has a Childrens Adventure Park and Nature Trail.

1 VISITOR

THE National Trust for Scotland, Castle Douglas DG7 1RX Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

AYR (AA)

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1 VISITOR

THREAVE GARDEN & ESTATE (NTS)

OWEN’S WAREHOUSE

Mill 2, Level 3, New Lanark Mills, New Lanark ML11 9DB Tel: 01555 662322 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk Contact: Agnes Lindsay Set in the World Heritage Village an excellent selection of ladies and men’s clothing, Cashmere knitwear, outerwear, countrywear, golf clothing, equipment and accessories. Scottish foods and gifts. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

PAGE 30

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Not just in2 SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE...

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RIVERFRONT, ERSKINE, GLASGOW PA8 6AN Tel: 0141 812 0123 Fax: 0141 812 8666 susanmilne@cosmopolitan-hotels.com www.cosmopolitan-hotels.com Contact: Susan Milne Ad Page 24 Set in 18 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Clyde, The Erskine Bridge Hotel is a short drive from the centre of Glasgow and makes a perfect base for visiting the great outdoors with the Trossachs and Loch Lomond all minutes away. Tariff: From ÂŁ28.00 - ÂŁ42.00 per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 73 D, 101 T, 3 F, All ensuite CP R

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89 BUCCLEUCH STREET, GLASGOW G3 6QT Tel: 01413311261 f.sloan@gsa.ac.uk www.gsa.ac.uk/summervacation Contact: Fiona The Glasgow School of Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student residence offers great value 2 star hostel accommodation. We are ideally located for city breaks just a few minutes walk from the city centre. Tariff: From ÂŁ19pppn to ÂŁ150pp per week. Open: June 23rd to Sept 4th Units: Flats 116 Bedrooms sleeping 128 CP Min Party Size - 1

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7/8 PARK TERRACE, GLASGOW G3 6BY Tel: 0141 332 3004 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com Ad OBC In the heart of the Historic West End, our 4 star hostel offers great value accommodation and facilities. A great base for discovering Glasgowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many art galleries, museums, architecture and friendly culture. Tariff: from ÂŁ14.50 Commission: Neg Open: Jan-Dec Acc. Type: en-suite, private, family & dorms 4 Public rooms Sleeping - 144 Min party size - 10

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See Scottish football past and present, walk amongst Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legends in the Hall of Fame and take the Stadium Tour.....itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who we are. CafĂŠ and gift shop.

NNNNN Museum

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JLâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x17E;

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3 SERVICED

NNN Hotel

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, MAYBOLE KA19 8LE Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover Ad Page 14 Relax and enjoy the best of Scottish food at a unique location. Morning coffees and afternoon teas with traditional home baking and quality refreshments, delicious lunches made with the finest ingredients, tasty light snacks, healthy options and treats to take away, make this the perfect stop for groups and FITs at any time of day. Pre-booking advised for groups. MC L AT D Other 100 Max CP

SCOTLAND

Contact: Suzanne Jackson Ad Page 29 Situated close to the centre of Dumfries, the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location has proved to be a particularly popular choice for overnight stops on the first and last night of a Scottish Tour and many operators use the hotel on this basis. Alternatively it is an ideal base for Touring South West Scotland and the Borders. Also an ideal stop for High Teas. Tariff: ÂŁ39.00-ÂŁ62.50pp (D,B&B sharing T/D) ÂŁ12-ÂŁ25 Sing. supp per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 8S 37D 24T 22F All ensuite CP R

ACCOMMODATION

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This 4 star hostel is situated on the north of Arran. Close to some of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest attractions the hostel is ideal for groups, individuals and families. Visit Arranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only whisky distillery and enjoy hillwalking, mountain biking and golf nearby.

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CULZEAN CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK (NTS)

EURO HOSTELS

318 CLYDE STREET, GLASGOW G1 4NR Tel: 0141 222 2828 Fax: 0141 222 2829 reservations@euro-hostels.co.uk www.euro-hostels.co.uk Contact: Rosanna Burns Ad Page 28 Budget en-suite accommodation in Glasgow city centre, breakfast included, 2 minutes walk Central Station. Bar, TVs in twin and double rooms, Self-catering kitchen, 24hr Reception, internet, laundry. Clean, secure, fun and friendly. Tariff: ÂŁ13.00-ÂŁ52.00 10% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 60S/T 35(4) S, 13 7 Dorms D, All ensuite CP

NNN Hostel

ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

67 SHANDWICK PLACE, EDINBURGH EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk Contact: Julie Morris

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

visitscotland.com/creative

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NEW LANARK (GC)

NNN Hotel

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Surrounded by woodland, this world heritage site has been beautifully restored. Visit the waterfall of Cora Linn, the Scottish Wildlife Visitor Centre or live the past with the Annie Macleod experience. Tariff: From ÂŁ16.75 Commission: Neg Open: Mar-Oct (RentaHostel Nov-Feb) Acc. Type: all rooms en-suite, private, family & dorm 1 Public room. Sleeping - 60 Min party size - 10

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NNN Hostel

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Contact: Susan Milne Ad Page 24 The Normandy hotel is located close to Glasgowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many attractions, and Loch Lomond; ideally located for the leisure and group traveller. We have recently refurbished many of our rooms to our new Signature Standard. Tariff: ÂŁ28.00 - ÂŁ42.00 per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 96 D, 41 T, 3 F, All ensuite CP R

4 SELF CATERING

INCHINNAN ROAD , RENFREW , GLASGOW PA4 9EJ Tel: 0141 886 4100 Fax: 0141 812 8666 susanmilne@cosmopolitan-hotels.com www.cosmopolitan-hotels.com

GLASGOW (GC)

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NNNNN Visitor Attraction

6 HOSTELS &

NNNN Historic House

Ad Page 14 Relax and enjoy the best of Scottish food at a unique location. Morning coffees and afternoon teas with traditional home baking and quality refreshments, delicious lunches made with the finest ingredients, tasty light snacks, healthy options and treats to take away, make this the perfect stop for groups and FITs at any time of day. Pre-booking advised for groups. MC L AT D Other 120 Max CP

3 SERVICED

AYR (AA)

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BUNKHOUSES

Relax & enjoy the best of Scottish food in a unique location. Morning coffees & afternoon teas with traditional home baking & quality refreshments, delicious lunches made with the finest ingredients, tasty light snacks, healthy options & treats to take away.The perfect stop for groups and FITs at any time of day. Pre-booking advised for groups. MC L AT D Other 60 Max CP

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ACCOMMODATION

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THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, POLLOK COUNTRY PARK, 2060 POLLOKSHAWS ROAD, GLASGOW G43 1AT Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

MURDOCH, ALLOWAY, AYR KA7 4PQ Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

Ad Page 14 Relax and enjoy the best of Scottish food in a unique location. Morning coffees and afternoon teas with traditional home baking and quality refreshments, delicious lunches made with the finest ingredients, tasty light snacks, healthy options and treats to take away, make this the perfect stop for groups and FITs at any time of day. Pre-booking advised for groups. MC L AT D Other 72 Max CP

Booking a tour to Scotland? POLLOCK HOUSE (NTS)

ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 1RX Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

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PAGE 31

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EDINBURGH

and SOUTH EAST SCOTLAND An area of rolling hills and rivers, cattle, sheep and crops - in other words, excellent farming country steeped in tradition. The wealth generated over the centuries by this productive land has resulted in there being more stately homes here than in any other part of Scotland.

SCOTTISH BORDERS Bonnyrigg Penicuik

Dunbar

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Cockburnspath Coldingham Eyemouth

West ds Linton an Blyth Bridge U p l Stow LauderGordon Peebles rn Earlston h e Galashiels ut Melrose Kelso

Biggar

Abington

Coldstream

Selkirk

Tweedsmuir

Jedburgh Hawick

Bonchester Bridge

Moffat

The Borders were always in the front line of defence for Scotland’s freedom and the view from Carter Bar on the A68 shows why - to the south, moorland and rocks, to the north, rich pasture, always coveted and often fought over.

e Ch

lls

VisitScotland Information Centre

Langholm

N E I D PAT H CA S T L E , P E E B L E S

Scotland’s capital and seat of Government is one of the truly classic European capital cities dominated by one of the most awe-inspiring castles in the world. Its upper Old Town is historic, atmospheric, compact and vibrant and is complemented by a neoclassical lower New Town with some of the finest museums and art galleries in the UK.

EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS of

For

It is also a city of festivals, the most prestigious being the annual Edinburgh International Festival held in August. With Year of Creative Scotland in 2012, Scotland’s capital will help celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative vibrancy. Find out more at: www.visitscotland.com/creative

North Berwick South F Gullane East Queensferry Bo'ness Dunbar Linton Falkirk Leith Linlithgow Haddington Broxburn EDINBURGH Musselburgh Thorntonloch Bathgate Livingston Dalkeith lls Hi Bonnyrigg Bilston Whitburn uir m Penicuik Pathhead er m m

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VisitScotland Information Centre

Peebles

R OYA L M I L E , E D I N B U R G H

Dundee ay of T th Fir

Kinross

Glenrothes Lochgelly

for all - with some of the finest beaches in Scotland, 5 with Blue Flag awards. Fife is known as “The Home of Golf” with over 45 courses close-by including 11 in and near St Andrews. Seabirds and seals can be seen from

Carnoustie Monifieth

93miles/150km of the stunning Fife Coastal Path which

Leuchars

is suitable for both recreational and serious walkers.

St Andrews

Leven Elie Buckhaven

Hill End Cowdenbeath Kirkcaldy Dunfermline Bogside Kinghorn Kincardine Culross Burntisland t h Inverkeithing ir

Alloa

based at Falkland Palace, Fife is now a leisure area

Tayport Newport-on-Tay

Mewburgh Cupar Auchtermuchty Ladybank Falkland

Bridge of Earn

Fo of

3 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2QP Tel: +44 (0) 845 2255 121 www.edinburgh.org

Once the playground of Scotland’s Kings and Queens

The KINGDOM of FIFE Perth

Murrays Green, Jedburgh TD8 6BE Tel: +44 (0) 1835 863170 www.visitscottishborders.com

Boarhills

Relax into an easy-going pace of life as the coastal

Crail Kilrenny Anstruther

walks, quaint and picturesque fishing villages, historic

Isle of May

towns and plentiful outdoor pursuits of the Kingdom of

rth

Fife take hold.

VisitScotland Information Centre

70 Market Street, St Andrews KY16 9NU S T. A N D R E W S O L D C O U R S E

PAGE 32 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 6

Tel: +44 (0) 1334 472021 www.visitfife.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:03:55

SCOTTISH BORDERS

SEE & DO 2012 ABBOTSFORD HOUSE, MELROSE Newly restored and open to the public - and groups! The majestic home of Sir Walter Scott, the foremost literary figure of his day. www.scottsabbotsford.co.uk

DAWYCK BOTANIC GARDEN, NEAR PEEBLES One of the world’s finest arboreta, home to some of Britain’s tallest trees. One of four gardens run by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. www.rbge.org.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY The many traditional “Common Riding” festivities held in most Scottish Borders’ towns over spring and summer are major local attractions for both the Scottish Borders diaspora and general visitors. Many of the country houses, gardens and estates have calendars of events throughout the year. In sporting circles, the famous Melrose Rugby Sevens takes place in April and racing at Kelso racecourse is popular with many meetings throughout the year. For full up to date information see: www.visitscottishborders.com/ eventscalendar There are three main routes into the Scottish Borders (A7, A68 and A1) all of which pass close-by the many magnificent tourism attractions on offer throughout the region. There is absolutely no shortage of attractions to satisfy groups off any of these routes and with the Scottish Borders having more grand houses and stately homes than any other part of Scotland outside Edinburgh, it is a definite ‘must see, must visit’ destination for Group Travel Operators to add to visitor itineraries. There is also a “Cross-Borders” route (A72) through Melrose, Galashiels, Innerleithen (with Traquair House) and Peebles (Cardrona Hotel and Golf Course). The routes are numerous, so are the attractions - an area of outstanding potential and quality. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

S I R WA LT E R S C OT T

Rich in tradition, farmland, rivers and opulent country houses The choice and quality is unparalleled - Paxton House, Manderston, Floors Castle, Thirlestane Castle, Traquair House, the Abbeys of Melrose, Jedburgh, Kelso and Dryburgh, Bowhill House, Hermitage Castle, in addition to the newly re-opened (and highly recommended) Abbotsford House and the National Trust for Scotland’s Priorwood Gardens in Melrose, Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen - and that is just listing a few of the many on offer. These houses and the wealth required to build them was borne out of the soil - this is rich farming country, fed by the famous River Tweed, itself a world renowned salmon fishing river - one of the main reasons why the area was so heavily fought over in the past. Your first view of the Borderlands from Carter Bar on the A68 explains it all, green fertile hills and valleys in sharp contrast to the rough hill country of the near south and there are plenty of opportunities to explore them, observe the wildlife and take part in cycling or even mountain biking at the new £8.5 million visitor centre at 7stanes Glentress, near Peebles. The east coast along the A1 route is spectacular - from the busy harbour at Eyemouth through the seabird haven and National Nature Reserve of rocky St Abbs and then through the Lammermuir Hills to Cockburnspath. Just off the A1 is Paxton House built to the design of John Adam in 1758 and one of the finest 18th century Palladian country houses in Britain, boasting interiors by Robert Adam and the pre-eminent collection of furniture in Scotland by Chippendale and William Trotter. At Duns, the spectacular Manderston House where no expense was spared in its construction, boasts the worlds only silver staircase and is set in some 56 acres of landscaped gardens. Further inland, the picturesque town of Kelso on the River Tweed is home of one of the four Border Abbeys destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII (the others being Jedburgh, Melrose and Dryburgh). It is also home of the opulent Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland, as opposed to the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, Traquair House, Innerleithen on the road to Peebles. Jedburgh is a first ideal stop over the border on the A68. The abbey, castle and jail, woollen mills and Ferniehirst Castle (in July) offer more than enough for an afternoon or morning sojourn. Melrose with its Abbey and walks down the river is another excellent stop, with Sir Walter Scott’s home (Scotland’s most famous author) Abbotsford House lying just along the road towards Galashiels. This is an excellent area for groups to explore and can easily be combined with a trip to Edinburgh/ Stirling so why not come and explore all that is on offer in this magnificent part of Scotland - truly a destination for all seasons.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Country houses and gardens, fishing, golf, cycling, mountain biking, wildlife, walking, coast and countryside.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 7

G A L A S H I E L S B R AW L A D S G AT H E R I N G

PAGE 33 1/12/11 14:04:01

EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS

SEE & DO 2012 EDINBURGH CASTLE So many things to see in Edinburgh, but if you had to choose then the amazing Edinburgh Castle is the obvious choice. www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

THE REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE Buried deep beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies the city’s deepest secret warren of hidden streets frozen in time since the 17th century! www.realmarykingsclose.com

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY The Edinburgh Festival which includes the International Festival, The Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Book Festival, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Jazz & Blues Festival and Edinburgh Mela, all in August. Other Festivals include, Snowdrop (Feb/Mar), Childrens’ (late May), Ceilidh Culture (late Mar/Apr), Science (Apr), Beltane Fire Festival (late Apr), Film (June), Art (Aug), Politics (Aug), Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay. It is fairly simple to target any particular festival as the theme of any tour product. Accommodation of all types is abundant especially when the universities and colleges are closed. Apart from the festivals, Edinburgh is full of itinerary possibilities under a number of themes. The Arts in particular are strong with many art galleries and literary attractions. The National Museum of Scotland re-opened in 2011 offers free entry. Evening entertainment is particularly well represented with many theatres, cinemas, clubs and pubs. Edinburgh & the Lothians is also a region of golf courses with the jewel in the crown being Muirfield. For full up to date information see: www.edinburgh.org History abounds: the Real Mary King’s Close instructs on the hidden Edinburgh of old and there are also a number of superb walking tours covering a variety of themes including literary characters, ghosts, horror stories, infamous characters and witches. Excursions out of the City to West Lothian (Hopetoun House, House of the Binns, Linlithgow Palace,) Midlothian (Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish Mining Museum) or East Lothian (Dirleton Castle, Scottish Seabird Centre, Tantallon Castle, Museum of Flight) are highly recommended. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

PAGE 34 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 8

E D I N B U R G H M I L I TA RY TAT T O O

GOLFING, GULLANE

Inspired, historic, cosmopolitan & cultured, a truly classic European capital and World Heritage city The City of Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations for groups in the UK because of the diversity and quality of its attractions, entertainment and accommodation provision. Its Old Town is a maze of ancient thoroughfares where the most unusual of souvenirs can be found. The Royal Mile offers a plethora of attractions down its length and covers history from a bygone age to the very present - from the ancient Castle at the top down to the new Scottish Parliament and attractions such as Our Dynamic Earth - and the new National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street will be a magnet for groups of all ages. The New Town was built over a long period of time from 1766 to 1840 and is full of fine architecture, sweeping crescents, squares and circles where gardens form an integral part of the overall architectural effect. Both Old and New Towns, however, offer an array of stylish bars, award-winning restaurants and quality shopping. A similarly eclectic feel is to be had in the Port of Leith where The Royal Yacht Britannia resides awaiting your pleasure. During the International Festival in August, every theatre, hall, church hall - in fact any venue capable of being commandeered - is used by a cosmopolitan plethora of performers, artists, comedians and special evenings for the Fringe. It is an extremely exciting, atmospheric and busy time for the city. During the Year of Creative Scotland in 2012, celebrating and promoting Scotland’s cultural and creative vibrancy, Edinburgh will be helping to get Scotland dancing, recognising great historic names and contemporary icons in culture. Shining a spotlight on the contribution that people and places play in making Scotland a leading creative nation - a showcase and a global platform for the Scottish creative talent of today. To really get to know Edinburgh, though, a walking/theme tour is suggested as part of any itinerary. Bus tours are also available and take the strain out of walking long distances on pavements or, in the case of the Old Town, cobbled streets. Edinburgh sits centrally, surrounded by the Lothians to the east, west and south and the Firth of Forth and then the Kingdom of Fife via the Forth Bridges, to the north. Hopetoun House stands quite close to South Queensferry and the bridges as does Linlithgow with its grand palace. Midlothian to the south offers an insight into the heavy mining of the past at the Scottish Mining Museum in addition to a little gem, Rosslyn Chapel, a renowned (or infamous) Knights Templar location and one of the ‘stars’ in Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’. East Lothian is a rich agricultural area of red soils with fine golf courses like Muirfield, Gullane No 1 and North Berwick all overlooking the sea. The Bass Rock with its myriad seabirds - David Attenborourgh described it as one of the twelve wildlife wonders of the world. The Scottish Seabird Centre runs boat trips to the Firth of Forth islands from North Berwick and also has remote cameras for birdwatching. Scotland’s inspiring capital seems to grow in stature every year and certainly does a good job as the “shop window” for the country it represents.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS City culture, festivals, shopping, the arts and theatre, themed walking tours, historical sightseeing, golf.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:04:14

The KINGDOM of FIFE

SEE & DO 2012 SCOTLAND’S SECRET BUNKER, NEAR ANSTRUTHER

Scotland’s best kept secret for over 40 years, a tunnel leads to 24,000 square feet of bunker on two levels 100 feet underground. www.secretbunker.co.uk

DEEP SEA WORLD, NORTH QUEENSFERRY

Discover the mysteries of the deep in one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks. It boasts one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels. www.deepseaworld.com

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY

S T. A N D R E W S CAT H E D R A L

CRAIL HARBOUR, EAST NEUK

Ancient holiday playground of Scottish monarchs, golfing mecca and picturesque fishing villages Dunfermline was Scotland’s capital for six centuries and many Scottish Kings and Queens are buried in its Cathedral, Abbey and Palace. Fife has always been at the heart of the nation’s history, evidence of which can still be found in its wealth of castles, cathedrals and places of historic interest. Falkland

Events include the Fife Festival of Music (Jan), StAnza 2010 (poetry, March), East Neuk Festival (early July), The Big Tent Festival (July), Pittenweem Arts Festival (August), Lammas Fair, St Andrews (Aug), Fife Outdoor Access Festival (August), Leuchars Airshow (September) and the St Andrews Festival (November). Meanwhile golf events to look out for are the St Andrews Golf Week (April), and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October). For full up to dates and information see: www.visitfife.com

Palace was a country retreat for many monarchs and Fife was used as their leisure playground. To a

Crossing the Forth Road Bridge, Deep Sea World in North Queensferry is a popular stop, as are Dunfermline Abbey, St Andrews with its Cathedral, Castle and Golf Museum and the National Trust for Scotland properties, Hill of Tarvit (Cupar), Kellie Castle (Pittenweem) and Falkland Palace. The villages of the East Neuk of Fife on the coast of the Firth of Forth - Elie, Pittenweem, Crail, Anstruther - are must sees popular with artists and harbouring a strong heritage of sea fishing. Fife Animal Park near Cupar is a fairly new attraction dedicated to exotic pets and animals, while the Scottish Deer Centre (near Cupar) offers nine species of deer, falconry displays and wolves. For the more active, watersports are to be found in Elie, golf on around 45 courses and multiactivity opportunities in at least three centres.

countryside and see the abundance of wildlife. Through the centre of Fife, wildlife flourishes (especially

WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

certain extent, that is exactly what Fife is today - a place to relax, enjoy the local environment and learn more about the life styles of the people. This is, of course, the Home of Golf and the Kingdom offers over 45 golf courses from links to inland courses to suit all tastes and abilities. The highly fortunate golfers whose names come out of the ballot can get to play the Old Course but St Andrews has 11 courses to choose from, including the newest addition, the Castle Course. St Andrews is an attraction in its own right, having the oldest university in Scotland and an ancient Castle and Cathedral. One of the best and healthiest ways to see Fife is by just walking! The Fife Coastal Path alone offers a plethora of different types of walk - this is a breathtaking way to experience and explore the real

around Lomond Hills Regional park) including roe deer, badgers, foxes and red squirrels. There is no lack of wildlife to look out for whilst taking in the scenery on foot or by bike. The weekly Farmers’ Markets in different locations every Saturday are an excellent option for purchasing and enjoying the best of the Kingdom’s local produce. From the 16th century village of Culross in the west, to Leven and Methil in the east lie a range of towns and picturesque villages - Culross with its historic 16th century palace, Charlestown, Limekilns, North Queensferry, Burntisland, Kinghorn, West Wemyss and Leven. The old fishing villages of the East Neuk including Elie, Pittenweem, Crail and Anstruther, apart from being very picturesque and frequented by artists, are full of families born and bred into the strong heritage of sea fishing. And whilst in Anstruther, should members of your group feel peckish, tell them to try the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar!

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS History, golf, cycling, walking, watersports, multi-activity.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 9

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menus available for all group sizes and events

Simply give us a call or email edinburgh_sales@hardrock.com

edinburgh ®

20 george street +44-131-260-3000 • hardrock.com

UNT1823ED11_Edinburgh_Visit_scotland_fp_184x274.indd 1

PAGE 36

ADS pages 2012.indd 14

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PAGE 37 1/12/11 10:35:03

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T So many reasons to visit. All grouped together. Â&#x2039; .\PKLK ;V\YZ VM :JV[SHUKÂťZ 3HYNLZ[ 0UOHIP[LK *HZ[SL Â&#x2039; )LH\[PM\S .YV\UKZ >VVKSHUK 9P]LYZPKL >HSRZ Â&#x2039; =PJ[VYPHU >HSSLK .HYKLU 4PSSLUUP\T 7HY[LYYL Â&#x2039; *V\Y[`HYK 9LZ[H\YHU[ ;LYYHJL *HMt IV[O ^P[O V\[ZPKL ZLH[PUN 7PJUPJ (YLHZ Â&#x2039; .PM[ :OVW +LSP *HZ[SL 2P[JOLU 7YVK\JL :OVW Â&#x2039; 6U ZP[L 7SHU[ *LU[YL (K]LU[\YL 7SH`NYV\UK Castle, Grounds & Courtyard Restaurant open Easter Weekend and May - October. Terrace CafĂŠ, Walled Garden & Plant Centre open all year. For more infomation, please contact: 01573 223333

hree miles west of Selkirk on the A708. The Scottish Borders home of the Duke of Buccleuch displays an outstanding art collection with works by Canaletto, Claude, Raeburn, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Ruysdael. Its fine rooms display tapestries, superb French furniture, Sevres and Meissen china and silver. Groups welcome all year round, please contact us for more information.

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Perfect for groups of all sizes! Close proximity to the sights of Edinburgh and the historical Scottish Borders Competitive Rates for Groups Free Driver Places Leisure Facilities, Health & Beauty Salon

Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

Tel: 01721

T: 0131 451 3115 E: info@edinburgh-conference.com

Prices: Free Open: Jan-dec R CP no limit

NN Tourist Shop

C/O HISTORIC SCOTlAnd, lOnGMORE HOUSE, SAlISbURY PlACE, EdInbURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

NNNNN Historic Attraction

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TRAQUAIR HOUSE

InnERlEITHEn, PEEblES EH44 6PW Tel: 01896 830323 Fax: 01896 830639 enquiries@traquair.co.uk www.traquair.co.uk Scotland’s oldest inhabited and most romantic house. Visited by 27 Scottish Monarchs. Also 18th century working brewery, brewery shop & museum, gift shop, woodland walks, maze, craft workshops. Prices: £4.10-£7.60 Open: Apr-nov PR Gl R CP EPW no limit

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C/O HISTORIC SCOTlAnd, lOnGMORE HOUSE, SAlISbURY PlACE, EdInbURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Prices: £3.00-£5.00 Open: Jan-dec (closed 25 & 26 dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP no limit

NNNNN Historic Attraction

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Contact: Charlotte newton Ad Page 40 largest inhabited castle in Scotland. Home of duke of Roxburghe. Spectacular state rooms. beautiful grounds & gardens. House, gardens & specialist tours - Restaurants with groups’ menus. Prices: Please contact us for details Open: Easter Wknd - End Oct 2011 11.00am to 5.00PM- last admission 4.30pm PR Gl R CP EPW no limit

NNNN Visitor Attraction

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dAWYCK bOTAnIC GARdEn

STObO EH45 9JU Tel: 01721 760254 Fax: 01721 760214 dawyck@rbge.org.uk www.rbge.org.uk/dawyck

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Perhaps the most beautiful of all the border Abbeys. The ruins of dryburgh Abbey are remarkably complete, the burial place of Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshall Earl Haig.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com Southpages East 2012.indd ADS 2012.indd 41 19

One of Scotland’s finest Georgian Houses, and a unique example of both William and Robert Adam’s work. Tearoom, stunning terrace gardens designed by Sir Reginald blomfield, with beautiful walks around the parkland and lake. booked parties anytime, and guided tours available upon request. Prices: £2.50 - £8.50 Open: From Easter Weekend-Oct PR Gl R CP EPW

FlOORS CASTlE

ROxbURGHE ESTATES OFFICE, KElSO Td5 7SF Tel: 01573 223333 Fax: 01573 226056 cnewton@floorscastle.com www.floorscastle.com

ATTRACTIONS

GORdOn, bERWICKSHIRE Td3 6lG Tel: 01573 410225 Fax: 01573 410636 enquiries@mellerstain.com www.mellerstain.com

1 VISITOR

NNN Tourist Shop

MEllERSTAIn HOUSE

STOBO (SB)

Prices: Free Open: Jan-dec R CP no limit

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Tracee darsky A fine selection of quality ladies, gents and childrens knitwear, tartan, gifts and souvenirs.Whisky Shop, Golf Shop, Highland dress plus much more. Reivers Restaurant serving hot and cold food. drivers lounge & coach washing facilities.

1 VISITOR

bAnKEnd nORTH, EdInbURGH ROAd, JEdbURGH Td8 6Eb Tel: 01835 863585 Fax: 01835 862802 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

Contact: Katy lockett

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 At one time, probably the richest Abbey in Scotland. The 14th, 16th Century remains retain a unique elegance. believed to be the burial place of Robert the bruce’s heart. Prices: £3.30-£5.50 Open: Jan-dec (closed 25 & 26 dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP no limit

JEdbURGH WOOllEn MIll

ST BOSWELLS (SB)

JEDBUrGH (SB)

JEDBUrGH (SB) ATTRACTIONS

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www.peebleshydro.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Jane Shepherd An historic mill with a superb choice of knitwear, countrywear and outerwear, as well as Scottish foods, gifts and souvenirs. Abbey Mill Tearoom serving Costa Speciality Coffee and enjoy homemade soup or afternoon tea.

1 VISITOR

AnnAY ROAd, MElROSE Td6 9lG Tel: 01896 322158 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

NNNNN Historic Attraction

PEEBLES (SB)

THE AbbEY MIll

Prices: £3.30-£5.50 Open: Jan-dec (closed 25 & 26 dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP no limit

ATTRACTIONS

C/O HISTORIC SCOTlAnd, lOnGMORE HOUSE, SAlISbURY PlACE, EdInbURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

1 VISITOR

NNN Tourist Shop

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: Free Open: Jan-dec R CP no limit

JEdbURGH AbbEY

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 A majestic building founded by david 1 in 1138. The Visitor Centre contains the priceless Jedburgh Comb and other Artefacts found during excavations. Audio guides available.

1 VISITOR

Contact: Vicki Renilson An excellent selection of ladies and gents knitwear, clothing and countrywear at the lowest possible prices.Hotters Shoes and Gift hall with wide selection of items on offer. Coffee shop serving Costa Coffee

MELrOSE (SB)

bAnKEnd nORTH, EdInbURGH ROAd, JEdbURGH Td8 6EA Tel: 01835 863773 jedburgh@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

EdInbURGH WOOllEn MIll

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

MELrOSE (SB)

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

JEDBUrGH (SB)

www.edinburgh-conference.com

720 602

Email: conferences@peebleshydro.co.uk

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton,

1 VISITOR

Edinburgh Conference Centre

Contact: Vicky brunt Ad Page 40 Enjoy Scotland’s first five star Garden. Explore dawyck’s wild woodland walks, majestic specimen trees and secret delights in a stunning landscaped setting in the Scottish borders. Award-winning Visitor Centre. Prices: £1.00-£10 Open: Feb-nov PR Gl R CP

NNNNN Garden

PAGE 41 PAGE 41 30/11/2011 15:56:57 1/12/11 10:56:56

LINLITHGOW PALACE

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. All the Stewart Kings lived here and later it housed Cromwell, Bonnie Prince Charlie & after Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland. See the oldest fountain in Britain. Prices: £3.30-£5.50 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR No limit

NNNN Historic Attraction

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Contact: Eliza Watson Ad Page 38 The Scotch Malt Whisky Society specialises in the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies. With a reputation for oneof-a-kind hospitality, guests delight in unique private dining and whisky tastings. The Michelin-recommended restaurant, The Dining Room, at 28 Queen Street is also available for entertaining in style. Prices: Free PR R 65

Open: Jan-Dec

BRUNTON THEATRE

Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA Tel: 0131 6652240 Fax: 0131 6535264 boxoffice@bruntontheatre.co.uk www.bruntontheatre.co.uk Contact: Sharon Forbes/Esther Quinn Ad Page 40 Brunton Theatre presents a variety of events to appeal to all ages and tastes, including drama, dance, music, comedy, children’s theatre, pantomime, film, workshops and musicals. We are open all year round, please call the Box Office for more information. Open: Jan-Dec PR R CP EPW No Limit

Awaiting Inspection

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED)

Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR Tel: 0131 552 7171 Fax: 0131 248 2901 info@rbge.org.uk www.rbge.org.uk

EDINBURGH (ED)

THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE

354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE Tel: 0131 220 0441 Fax: 0131 220 6288 info@scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk Contact: Julie Trevisan Hunter Take a barrel ride as you become part of the whisky making process. See the World’s largest collection of Scotch whiskies. 15 languages. Amber restaurant & coffee shop, whisky bars & whisky & gift shop. Prices: Adults: £12.50, Concession: £10.00, Children (6-17 years): £6.50, Children 5 and Under: Free. Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R EPW No limit

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

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MUSSELBURGH RACECOURSE Linkfield Road, Musselburgh EH21 7RG Tel: 0131 665 2859 mail@musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk Contact: Sarah Montgomery

Ad Page 40

Award winning Musselburgh Racecourse hosts 27 race days each year. We offer great value family days and our weekend and evening meetings have special themes and entertainment in addition to the racing. Prices: £16 - £30 (Conc £10). Children 16 & Under Free Open: Jan-Dec (25 racedays) PR R CP EPW No limit

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Garden

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED)

Prices: Free admission but a charge for the glasshouses Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R EPW No limit

EDINBURGH (ED)

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH

ATTRACTIONS

d +

28 Queen Street and The Vaults, Edinburgh EH2 1JX Tel: 0131 555 2266 Fax: 0131 553 1003 events@smws.com www.smwsevents.co.uk

1 VISITOR

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

NNNN Visitor Attraction

HARD ROCK CAFE

20 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF Tel: 0131 260 3000 Fax: 0131 225 4530 edinburgh_sales@hardrock.com www.hardrock.com Contact: Lesley Ross

NORTH BERWICK (ED)

Contact: Pete Chambers Explore five decks of Britannia with a self-led audio tour, available in 22 languages. Highlights include the State Dining Room, Sun Lounge and Engine Room. Special rates for pre-booked groups of 15 or more. Gift shop & onboard Tea room. Prices: Adult £9.50, Senior (60+) £7.75, Child £6.75 Open: Jan-Dec PR R CP EPW No Limit

NNNNN Historic Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ Tel: 0131 555 8800 Fax: 0131 555 8835 groups@tryb.co.uk www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Prices: Group Rates: Adult: £9.50, Child £5.75, Senior/Student £8.40 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL EPW 20 per tour

Ad Page 14 Experience a taste of 18th-century ‘high society’ living in this magnificent Robert Adam town house situated in the centre of Edinburgh’s New Town. Exquisite collections of china, silver, paintings and furniture. Prices: From £5.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Mar-Nov PR GL CP EPW

Contact: Education Dept Ad Page 40 One of the world’s finest gardens. 70 acres of beautiful grounds, magnificent glasshouses, events and exhibitions and Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden. New John Hope Gateway visitor centre now open.

1 VISITOR

THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

1 VISITOR

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EDINBURGH (ED)

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

Buried beneath Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lie some of the city’s deepest secrets. Your guided tour will explore a warren of hidden streets and hear about the real people who lived, worked and died there since the 17th century.

THE National Trust for Scotland, 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.co.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Visitor Attraction

Prices: £9.50 Adult, £6.20 Child Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No limit

2 Warriston’s Close, THE ROYAL MILE, Edinburgh EH1 1PG Tel: 0845 070 6255 Fax: 01904 527701 groups@continuum-group.com www.realmarykingsclose.com Contact: Elizabeth Mounser Ad Page 39

Our Dynamic Earth, it’s the Mother Earth of all adventures. Explore our planet’s past, present and future. Group discounts and foreign language guides available. Gift shop and cafe.

Contact: Rena Ramsay Ad Page 40 One of the three great medieval churches of the Lothians and the longest parish church in Scotland. There is a tearoom and shop. Disabled access and toilet. Groups are welcome with advance notice. Prices: Free, but donations welcomed Open: Easter and May-Sep (13.30 to 16:00, Sat 11:00 to 16:00) GL CP EPW 60

EDINBURGH (ED)

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED)

Contact: Liz Nolan

THE REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE

THE GEORGIAN HOUSE (NTS)

1 VISITOR

Sidegate, Haddington EH41 4EE Tel: 01620 824494 groupvisits@stmaryskirk.com www.stmaryskirk.com

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS Tel: 0131 550 7800 Fax: 0131 550 7801 enquiries@dynamicearth.co.uk www.dynamicearth.co.uk

MUSSELBURGH (ED)

ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH

OUR DYNAMIC EARTH

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: £2.70 - £5.40 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 16 Jan - 15 Mar, 6 Apr, 17-27 Sept, 25 & 26 Dec) PR GL R CP EPW No limit

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Group Prices: Adult: £10.00 Child £7.00 Concessions £9.00. 1 free leader place with 10 paying Open: Jan-Dec. Daily from 10am Closing times vary PR EPW no limit

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 37 Treasures from The Queen’s Palaces brings together outstanding works from the Royal Collection to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, including pieces by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Monet and Fabergé.

NNNNN Castle

31 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB Tel: 0131 240 1001 Fax: 0131 240 1002 Edinburgh.Dungeon@ merlinentertainments.biz www.thedungeons.com Based in the city centre, this unique attraction combines Edinburgh’s horrible history with live actors, rides, shows and special effects to transport visitors back to those black, bleak times.

ATTRACTIONS

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE, Edinburgh EH8 8dx Tel: 0131 556 5100 bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk www.royalcollection.org.uk

Prices: £8.60 - £16.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec) PR GL R CP No limit

EDINBURGH DUNGEON

Contact: Debbie Fisher

1 VISITOR

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Scotland’s number one visitor attraction. Home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Scottish National War Memorial, Mons Meg, One o’Clock Gun and much more. Audio Guides available in eight languages.

MUSSELBURGH (ED)

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Tourist Shop

EDINBURGH CASTLE

1 VISITOR

Contact: Dougie Neave A wide selection of knitwear, countrywear, outerwear, golf equipment & accessories, shoe shop, Ponden Home interiors, textiles, Scottish foods & gifts, Whisky Shop. Licensed Restaurant,large free coach park coach washing facilities. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

ATTRACTIONS

Leith Mills, 70-74 Bangor Road, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 5JU Tel: 0131 553 5161 Fax: 0131 553 4415 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

1 VISITOR

JAMES PRINGLE RETAIL WAREHOUSE

EDINBURGH (ED)

ATTRACTIONS

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 40 A hit for visitors of all ages. The interactive attraction is the birthplace of one of our famous Scots. Drop in activity sessions for families 3 to 4pm daily during school holidays. Coach parking is available at the nearby Leisure Centre. Please book in advance. Prices: Free Open: 10am to 5pm Mon-Sat and 1pm-5pm Sun (closed Mon and Tue Nov-Mar) CP EPW

LINLITHGOW (ED)

126 High Street, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1JJ Tel: 01368 865899 www.jmbt.org.uk

1 VISITOR

DUNBAR (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

HADDINGTON (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

JOHN MUIR’S BIRTHPLACE

Ad Page 36

The only Scottish Hard Rock Cafe! Come and visit our retail shop for exclusive Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh merchandise ranging from t-shirts to glassware. Prices: n/a Open: Shop open all year 10.30am - late (not Christmas Day) PR GL R EPW

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

Edinburgh EH8 8dx Tel: 0131 556 5100 bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk www.royalcollection.org.uk Ad Page 37 Celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2012. A visit includes an audio tour of the State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary Queen of Scots and a guided tour of the romantic Abbey ruins, from April to October. Prices: £5.85 - £9.65 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 6 Apr, 25 & 26 Dec & Royal visits) PR GL R CP EPW No limit

NATIONAL MINING MUSEUM SCOTLAND

Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange EH22 4QN Tel: 0131 663 7519 Fax: 0131 654 1618 visitorservices@ nationalminingmuseum.com www.nationalminingmuseum.com Contact: Robin Robertson Set inside the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery, this 5 star attraction tells the story of coal for Scotland. Be amazed at the engineering & retrace the lives of the miners. Prices: Adult £7.50, Child FREE, Conc £5.50. Groups: Adult £6.50, Child £1, Con £4.50 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW 50

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

+ ƒ

DIRLETON CASTLE AND GARDENS

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 The oldest part of this romantic castle dates from the 13th Century. It was rebuilt in the 14th Century and modified in the 16th Century. Today there are splendid gardens. Prices: £3.00-£5.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP No limit

NNNN Castle

e /

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„ L J

67 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk Contact: Julie Morris

NNNNN Castle

e .

CITY OF THE DEAD TOURS

Leaving from large black signs, St Giles Cathedral, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RE Tel: 0131 225 9044 info@blackhart.uk.com www.blackhart.uk.com Contact: Jan Henderson Underground City and Haunted Graveyard walks - featuring the world famous MacKenzie Poltergeist - the world’s best documented supernatural case. ‘Terrifying’ - Beyond Chance. ‘Brilliant’ - About Edinburgh. ‘Wonderful’ - Edinburgh Evening News Open: Jan-Dec PR Max Party Size: 10-50 EF

DUNFERMLINE (FF)

CUPAR (FF)

e /

HARD ROCK CAFE 20 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF Tel: 0131 260 3000 Fax: 0131 225 4530 edinburgh_sales@hardrock.com www.hardrock.com

L D Other 150 Max CP

Awaiting Grading

HARD ROCK CAFE

20 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF Tel: 0131 260 3000 Fax: 0131 225 4530 edinburgh_sales@hardrock.com www.hardrock.com

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ST ANDREWS (FF)

Ad Page 36

Catering for up to 150 for a sit down meal and up to 250 for a reception/ buffet style event. Group menus available on request. Open: Jan-Dec 12pm - late (not Christmas Day) PR Max Party Size: 250 Min Age: n/a EF

Awaiting Grading

DUNFERMLINE ABBEY AND PALACE

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 The remains of the great Benedictine Abbey founded by Queen Margaret. The foundations of her church are under the superb 12th Century Romanesque style Nave. Prices: £2.40-£4.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR No limit

NNNN Historic Attraction

ST ANDREWS CATHEDRAL

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 The remains still give a vivid impression of the scale of what was once the largest Cathedral in Scotland. St Rule’s Tower provides spectacular views. Joint Ticket with St Andrews Castle available. Prices: £2.70-£4.50 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR No limit

NNNN Historic Attraction

e /

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS Tel: 0131 451 3115 Fax: 0131 451 3199 reservations@edinburgh-conference.com www.edinburgh-conference.com Contact: Lynne Geary

Ad Page 36

The only Hard Rock Cafe in Scotland and well worth a visit! Eat and drink from our delicious menu in the atmosphere of some of the greatest names in Rock! Groups welcome, Group menus available.

Contact: Lesley Ross

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Castle

1 VISITOR

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 See the fascinating mine and counter mine, a rare example of Medieval seige techniques and peer into the Bottle Dungeon, hollowed out of solid rock from which death was the only release. Joint Ticket with St Andrews Cathedral available. Prices: £3.30-£5.50 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR No limit

EDINBURGH (ED)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ST ANDREWS (FF)

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Contact: Lesley Ross

STOPS

MC L AT D Other CP

ST ANDREWS CASTLE

ACCOMMODATION

c/o Travel Trade, Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

/ ƒ

3 SERVICED

EDINBURGH CASTLE

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

Prices: On application Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW 200

EDINBURGH (ED)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ST ANDREWS (FF) ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Mairi Scott Scotland’s best kept secret for over 40 years, hidden beneath an innocent Scottish Farmhouse, a tunnel leads to 24,000 square feet of Secret accommodation. The size of two football pitches, one on top of another, On two levels 100 feet underground.

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Spectacular, scrumptious and seriously good, with stunning views. Explore the castle then relax and enjoy everything from a biscuit to a banquet in one of two truly unique venues - The Queen Anne and Redcoat Cafes.

Ad Page 19

Abbey Tours Scotland offers a full range of services in Scotland for Groups, FIT/Online and Corporate Travel, working exclusively with the Travel Trade. It was set up in 2008 by a team of experienced travel professionals who founded and still operate Abbey Tours, Ireland’s leading tour operator.

Crown Buildings, Troywood, St Andrews KY16 8QH Tel: 01333 310301 Fax: 01333 312040 mod@secretbunker.co.uk www.secretbunker.co.uk

NNN Visitor Attraction

EDINBURGH (ED)

ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

SCOTLAND’S SECRET BUNKER

2 MEAL

MC L AT Other 150 Max CP

Prices: Group Rates on application Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP No limit

BUNKHOUSES

NNNN Hotel

Ad Page 37

NNNN Historic Attraction

An exciting wildlife park with 12 species of deer, resident wolves & daily bird of prey demonstrations, otter enclosure together with our excellent selection of quality shopping including the Highland Smokehouse and Courtyard Coffee shop.

6 HOSTELS &

INNERLEITHEN ROAD, PEEBLES EH45 8LX Tel: 01721 720602 Fax: 01721 722999 conferences@peebleshydro.co.uk www.peebleshydro.co.uk Contact: Isobelle Nairn Ad Page 41 Set in 30 acres of grounds this is an ideal indoor and outdoor resort. With a wide range of conference and leisure facilities. Tariff: £78.00 per person per night dinner, bed and breakfast 8% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Offer excludes Christmas, New Year & Easter Packages Rooms: 30 S, 19 D, 61 T, 22 F All ensuite. CP R

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

STOPS

2 MEAL

SCOTLAND

PEEBLES HYDRO

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

STOPS

2 MEAL

PEEBLES (SB) ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE, Edinburgh EH8 8dx Tel: 0131 556 5100 www.royalcollection.org.uk The Café at the Palace offers simple home-made dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce. Choose from a selection of soups, two hot main courses and a range of delicious salads, sandwiches and home-baked cakes.

Winner of the Best Light Meal in the Borders 2004, the 1745 Cottage Restaurant is set in the old walled garden at Traquair. Seating up to 50 in the restaurant and additional seating on patio and in the garden.

NNNN Historic House

CAFE AT THE PALACE

Contact: Katy Lockett

MC L AT D Other 50 Max

Prices: From £8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Mar-Oct PR GL CP EPW

Contact: Simon Lounden

EDINBURGH (ED)

Innerleithen, Peebles EH44 6PW Tel: 01896 830777 Fax: 01896 830639 enquiries@traquair.co.uk www.traquair.co.uk

NNNNN Museum

Ad Page 14 Stunning 16th century Renaissance palace set in the gentle scenery of Fife. Country retreat of the Royal Stuart Kings and Queens, it is also home to Britain’s oldest Royal tennis court.

THE SCOTTISH DEER CENTRE

Cupar KY15 4NQ Tel: 01337 810391 Fax: 01337 810477 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

1745 COTTAGE RESTAURANT

Contact: Judy Chance This 5 star museum displays over 500 years of golf history. Imaginative exhibitions and hands on activities will entertain all the family at the heart of the home of golf. Prices: Adults £6 Seniors 60 and over and Students £5 Children aged 6- 15 £3 Children aged 5 and under Free Open: Jan-Dec. Only closed 24th, 25th 26th & 31st Dec and 1st & 2nd Jan PR GL EPW

EDINBURGH (ED)

d /

BRUCE EMBANKMENT, ST ANDREWS KY16 9AB Tel: 01334460046 Fax: 01334460064 enquiries@randa.org www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk

STOPS

NNNN Historic House

BRITISH GOLF MUSEUM

2 MEAL

Prices: From £5.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

c .

EDINBURGH (ED)

Ad Page 14 Kellie’s oldest tower dates from 1360 and is said to be haunted! Magnificent plaster ceilings, furniture designed by Sir Robert Lorimer and beautiful garden spaces with fine views over the Firth of Forth.

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

THE National Trust for Scotland, Pittenweem, Fife KY10 2RF Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

ST ANDREWS (FF)

KELLIE CASTLE (NTS)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

NNNN Castle

Ad IFC

Meet our friendly and knowledgeable staff, experience our unique exhibition, see the process at first hand and taste the product. Prices: From £6.00 (Group Rates £5.00) Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW No limit

FALKLAND PALACE (NTS)

THE National Trust for Scotland, Cupar KY15 7BU Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

Pencaitland, Tranent EH34 5ET Tel: 01875 342012 Fax: 01875 342007 glenkinchie.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Robbie Girvan

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock. This formidable castle was a stronghold of the Douglas family. Prices: £3.00-£5.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP No limit

GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY

CUPAR (FF)

PENCAITLAND (ED)

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

EDINBURGH (ED)

NORTH BERWICK (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

PITTENWEEM (FF) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

PEEBLES (SB)

TANTALLON CASTLE

Ad Page 41

Set in beautiful parkland on the edge of Edinburgh, the University offers 165 ensuite rooms throughout the year, 960 ensuite rooms during the summer vacation, excellent on-site amenities and free parking. Tariff: £45.80 (single) - £32.10(double) per person 8% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 940S, 20D, All ensuite CP R

NN Campus

EDINBURGH CENTRAL YOUTH HOSTEL

9 Haddington Place, off leith walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AL Tel: 0131 524 2090 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com Ad OBC In the heart of the city and ideally situated for enjoying and exploring Scotland’s vibrant capital. This stylish and modern building is well equipped to suit the needs of large groups. Tariff: From £17.00 Commission: rates negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Acc. Type: en-suite, private, family, disabled & dorms 1 Public room. Sleeping - 296 Min party size - 10

NNNNN Hostel

PAGE 43

South East 2012.indd 43

30/11/2011 15:14:25

Coll Arinagour Tobermory

and WEST SCOTLAND

Portnacroish

Bridge Lismore of Orchy Connel Killin Tyndrum Oban Lochearnhead Iona Crieff Loch Crianlarich Fionnphort Awe Auchterarder Loch Luing Katrine Inveraray Callander Tarbet Scarba Dunblane Colonsay Strachur Loch Bridge of Allan Alloa Lomond Scalasaig Ardlussa Lochgilphead Stirling Helensburgh Oronsay Denny Grangemouth Alexandria Dunoon Bo'ness Dumbarton Falkirk Port Jura Tighnabruaich Greenock Askaig Tarbert EDINBURGH Kennacraig Rothesay GLASGOW Portnahaven Islay Largs Gigha Port Ellen Tayinloan Arran

Ulva

Craignure Isle of Mull

K i n t y r e

CENTRAL

Scarinish Tiree

Glencoe Lochaline

Brodick

Campbeltown

Mull of Kintyre

INVERARAY CASTLE AND VILLAGE

LOCH LOMOND

WA L L A C E M O N U M E N T

ARGYLL & the ISLES

LOCH LOMOND, BUTE & the COWAL PENINSULA

STIRLING and the TROSSACHS

The true value of Loch Lomond was finally recognised in 2002 when it became Scotland’s first National Park. More popular than ever, the loch splendours in scenic beauty and offers boundless activities - it is now a place of learning, understanding and conservation all aimed at preserving its idyllic beauty. More groups have passed Loch Lomond than probably any other location in Scotland - many on their way to Dunoon or Bute, over the “Arrochar Alps” - memories and views to cherish forever!

The City of Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland is engraved forever in the country’s history as a major logistical prize for any invader. Highly significant battles were fought near here including Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge battles that were to shape the future of Scotland’s independence as a sovereign state. Stirling’s majestic castle has seen plenty of action over the centuries and still stands proud over the Forth Valley - a symbol of power and strength, designed to send a signal of defiance to any foe.

Coast, countryside, castles and gardens, a plethora of islands, spectacular seascapes, history, wildlife, lochs, mountains, glens, and rivers. It’s no wonder this area is one of the gems of Scotland. Highly popular and very accessible with a surfeit of attractions, accommodation of all types and world class fresh, local produce. And then there is the culture, born out of Gaeldom and Highland heritage and a style of living prevalent to these shores; crofting. This is the land of Mull, Iona, Jura, Islay, Kintyre and Oban, an area as diverse as one can find. e

/creativ

nd.com

itscotla

www.vis

g promotin ting and Celebra ’s cultural and d Scotlan rancy, shining vib creative t on Scotland’s h nt a spotlig ts, past, prese asse and. creative - all over Scotl re and futu

PAGE 44 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 10

VisitScotland Information Centre

Old Town Jail, St John Street, Stirling FK8 1EA Tel: +44 (0) 1786 475019 www.visitscottishheartlands.com www.visitargyllandtheisles.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:06:41

ARGYLL & the ISLES

SEE & DO 2012 CRUACHAN, THE HOLLOW MOUNTAIN POWER STATION, DALMALLY A short coach journey will transport you into the mountain and at its centre lies a massive cavern, high enough to house the Tower of London! www.visitcruachan.co.uk

CRARAE GARDENS, INVERARAY (NTS) The main garden is unique, with a strong ‘sense of place’. Set on a hillside down which tumbles the Crarae Burn, the scene is reminiscent of a Himalayan gorge. www.nts.org.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Islay Festival of Music & Malt (May), Cantilena Summer Festival (Chamber Music) in Islay and The Machrihanish Golf Festival (July), Mull of Kintyre Music Festival (August), Islay Jazz Festival (September), Tunnock’s Tour of Mull Rally (October). For full up to date information see: www.visitargyllandtheisles.com The most popular “base” for tours in this part of the West Highlands is Oban. From here it is an easy trip north to Fort William/Mallaig or Tyndrum or south, down the spectacular coastline to Lochgilphead and Kintyre. Gardens abound here with the National Trust for Scotland and Glorious Gardens of Argyll being useful contacts. Tours of Mull are highly popular taking in Tobermory with ferry trips to Fingals Cave, Staffa and Iona and its Abbey. Basing tours in Mull is also popular. Islay and Jura are both easily accessible from Kintyre, Jura being the more rugged and wild. Inveraray should form part of any tour to Kintyre with the castle, jail and Crarae Gardens (NTS) essential viewing. The road from Inveraray to Campbeltown (A83) is full of attractions but make sure you give yourself time. Argyll and the Isles offer myriad tour opportunities with so many themes available. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

S E A P L A N E A P P R OA C H I N G T O B E R M O RY

The birthplace of Scotland and the cradle of its Christianity Oban the “Gateway to the Isles” and now the “Seafood Capital of Scotland” has been a major port to the islands for centuries. Ferries to Mull leave regularly and the port is the starting point for hopping over to many Inner Hebridean islands. Warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream, the beautiful gardens of Argyll are a horticulturalist’s paradise ranging from the unusually lime-rich soils of the Isle of Lismore to the more common peaty soils of the mainland - both offer distinctive ranges of floral displays. Oban abounds with evening entertainment, accommodation, shopping, eating out (the whole area offers the best of fresh produce and seafood, two thirds of the world’s langoustines come from Scotland) and its very own distillery. Group attractions include Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel; Arduaine Gardens (NTS); Bonawe Iron Furnace, Taynuilt; Oban Distillery; Barcaldine Castle; Scottish Sealife Sanctuary, Barcaldine; Ardchattan Priory, North Connel; Ardanaiseig Gardens, Kilchrenan; Barguillean’s Angus Garden, Taynuilt; Cruachan Power Station Visitor Centre, Dalmally; Kilchurn Castle, Dalmally; Craignish Castle, Ardfern; Inverawe Fisheries and Smokery, Taynuilt; Ardmaddy Castle; Ardmaddy Gardens, Isle of Seil; Oban; Oban Chocolate Company. Mull, only a 45 minute ferry trip from Oban, is a haven of wildlife watching opportunities on both sea and land - whales, dolphins, seals and numerous species of seabird, in addition to otters, red deer, golden and white-tailed sea eagles and the occasional osprey. Tobermory is famed for its colourful waterfront buildings, its distillery and the Spanish Galleon lying in the silt somewhere offshore. The peaceful, spiritual Island of Iona, which radiates harmony and is the birthplace of christianity in Scotland - the fertility of the island contrasts sharply with the mountains and moorland of Mull. Tiree is almost completely flat although its situation strongly favours windsurfing and it has hosted the Tiree Wave Classic for the past 25 years. Coll is a wonderful wilderness of sand dunes, fields and lochs with superb collections of birdlife and wild flowers. Islay, Jura, Kintyre and around Kilmartin are where the original Scots (6th century) settled. Pre-historic cairns, hill forts, standing stones, ancient castles and crannogs are all part of this area. Wildlife abounds here too - in the air, on land (and many superlative beaches) and in the sea. Picturesque short walks are a fine complement to the famous single malt whiskies distilled here, especially on Islay! Both Inveraray (castle, town jail and NTS Crarae Gardens) and around Lochgilphead are are highly popular holiday destinations with Tarbert having one of the most photographed harbours in Scotland. The eastern seaboard of Kintyre, overlooking Arran, is full of historic sites like Saddell Abbey, Skipness Castle and the sublime setting of Carradale, with the busier western side offering spectacular views over to Islay, Jura and Gigha.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Island hopping, coast and countryside, history, wildlife, activities, scenic beauty, castles and gardens.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 11

“THE BEST SEAFOOD IN THE WORLD”

PAGE 45 1/12/11 14:06:56

LOCH LOMOND, BUTE & the COWAL PENINSULA

SEE & DO 2012 SWEENEY’S CRUISES, BALLOCH One and two hour experience tours and evening sunset cruises on beautiful Loch Lomond - live commentary, bar and toilet facilities. www.sweeneyscruises.com

MOUNT STUART, ISLE OF BUTE This flamboyant and astounding Victorian gothic mansion house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. www.mountstuart.com

T H E WAV E R L E Y O F F K I L C R E G G A N

R OT H E S AY, I S L E O F B U T E

Historic houses and gardens, scenic beauty & outdoor activities Loch Lomond the largest loch in Great Britain by surface area, is an impressive 24 miles long, 5 miles

WHAT'S ON

wide and contains 38 islands. One of its islands, Inchlonaig, is scattered with yew trees that were

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

originally planted by Robert the Bruce to supply bows for his archers at the Battle of Bannockburn.

The main A82 Glasgow to Inverness road, is one of the main arteries into the Highlands. Loch Lomond lies alongside this road so no detour is really required. At Tarbet, turn west and follow the A83 over the magnificent Rest

The remains of ancient loch dwellings - crannogs - can be found just off Inchcailloch, one of the most accessible islands of Loch Lomond. National Park status was gained in 2002 and the National Park Centre together with the sheltered harbour in Balmaha and the Loch Lomond Shores complex at Balloch offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about this national treasure as well as giving them the chance to explore or take part in many watersports on the Loch. Loch cruises for groups can be

and be Thankful and turn off at Cairndow on

arranged with Sweeneys Cruises, Balloch and Cruise Loch Lomond from Tarbet.

to the A815. This takes you deep down into

The magnificent shore setting of Loch Lomond Golf Club attracts some of the best golfers in the world.

Cowal through St Catherine’s and Strachur

Helensburgh stands at the mouth of the Gareloch with superb views down towards Dunoon and the Holy

(visit the Strachur Smiddy Museum) with Inveraray in view across Loch Fyne. Dunoon lies 19 miles south past Loch Eck amidst some superb scenery. For full up to date information

Loch. This handsome town, birthplace of John Logie Baird, the inventor of the television, dates back to the 18th century. The National Trust for Scotland’s Hill House, is a fine example of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s distinctive and innovative design.

and details see:

West from Loch Lomond, over the “Arrochar Alps” the Saddle, Cnoc Coinnich, The Brack, The Cobbler

www.visitscottishheartlands.com

and Beinn Ime is where the rugged Highlands take over from the rolling hills and fertile fields of the

From Dunoon, attractions like the Castle House

east and south. Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula, sitting on the shores of the Clyde Estuary offers a

Museum and Benmore Botanic Gardens (north

fascinating selection of craft shops, cafes and museums, as well as the opportunity to take a pleasure

of Dunoon) can be visited en route to Bute to

cruise amidst the breathtaking coastal scenery of the Firth of Clyde.

see the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, Mount Stuart House and Gardens, and Rothesay Castle in addition to a round tour of the island taking in the scenery and ever changing vistas - paying close attention for the seals in Scalpsie Bay and the mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

PAGE 46 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 12

The Isle of Bute, once the island retreat of Scottish kings, lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde and is the favourite destination of the famous Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. The Royal Burgh of Rothesay splendours in Victorian architecture and in past decades was a major summer holiday destination. The wildlife on Bute is also varied with mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer in the hills and fine fishing in the lochs and sea where seals keep a constant eye on proceedings.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Historic houses and gardens, scenic beauty, outdoor activities, wildlife.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:07:07

STIRLING and the TROSSACHS

SEE & DO 2012 STIRLING CASTLE Experience the Renaissance Palace of James V, which has recently undergone a £12m refurbishment. www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk

THE FALKIRK WHEEL This magnificent, mechanical marvel, linking the Forth & Clyde and Union canals is already being recognised as an iconic landmark worthy of Scotland’s reputation for innovation and engineering. www.thefalkirkwheel.co.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Based in Stirling, there are a number of different themes on which to create itineraries. History draws you to Stirling Castle, Bannockburn Heritage Centre, the National Wallace Monument, Doune Castle, the Old Town Jail, Castle Campbell (Dollar), Blackness Castle and the Antonine Wall. Stirling is also an excellent city to explore and then relax in the centre’s shops and cafes - excellent for that “free” day. For full up to date information see: www.visitscottishheartlands.com Scenic beauty takes you along the River Forth into the Trossachs - Aberfoyle (Scottish Wool Centre, David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre), Loch Katrine (perhaps a cruise and a cycle to Rob Roy’s birthplace for the fittest?), Venachar and the Lake of Menteith. Heading further north via Callander into the mountains of Breadalbane, past Loch Lubnaig and Strathyre and up to Killin (Breadalbane Visitor Centre and the NTS Moirlanich Longhouse) and Crianlarich through spectacular glens. Callander is also a popular “base” from which to tour the surrounding countryside with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, shopping and activity opportunities. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

FA L K I R K W H E E L

History, castles, scenic beauty, walking, city culture and great shopping The city lies at the heart of the nation’s history; its strategic position being recognised by many a friend and foe. Today, the city offers the group visitor superb shopping options, excellent pubs and entertainment, with eclectic restaurants and cafes and excellent accommodation choices. Attractions for the group visitor are plentiful in and around Stirling and include Bannockburn Heritage Centre (NTS), celebrating the Battle of Bannockburn (the battle has its 700th anniversary in 2014), Stirling Castle and the regimental Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, National Wallace Monument, the Old Town Jail, Cambuskenneth Abbey, Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum (Stirling), Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park (by Stirling), Dunblane Cathedral, Alloa Tower (NTS). Falkirk, to the east, was once the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and the remains of the Antonine Wall, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, can be explored at Rough Castle about a mile and a half away from the remarkable Falkirk Wheel on the Forth & Clyde Canal, the world’s first and only rotating boat lift - a testimony to modern technology and engineering. And, for 2013 read up on the new environmental Helix Project (www.thehelix.co.uk) near Falkirk. A reminder of earlier, more turbulent times is the 15th century Blackness Castle, poised above the River Forth. Callendar House in Falkirk has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today, costumed interpreters bring history to life, creating the most exciting kind of interactive experience and telling stories spanning 600 years of Scottish history. The Trossachs lie at the frontier between the Highlands and the Lowlands and form part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. The popular holiday town of Aberfoyle offers superb walking and cycling opportunities. Steamship cruises on the SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine are very popular and take the visitor near to Rob Roy’s birthplace at Glengyle. In the middle of the Lake of Menteith lie the ruins of Inchmahome Priory, once a refuge for the infant Mary Queen of Scots. The River Teith flows sedately through the town of Callander and walks along its banks while watching for signs of salmon is always interesting. Here, the woollen mills at Kilmahog and the Hamilton Toy Collection are worthy of inclusion in any itinerary as is the NTS property, Moirlanich Longhouse near Killin. Above all, this is a remarkably beautiful area full of activity opportunities, walks, wildlife and discovery!

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS History, castles, loch cruises, scenic beauty, walking, city culture, shopping.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 13

S T I R L I N G CA S T L E

PAGE 47 1/12/11 14:07:22

PAGE 48 ADS pages 2012.indd 20

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:09:48

find all you want to do in the heart of scotland from the comfortable hotel surroundings of Stirling Management Centre

Visit the Wallace Monument | Stirling Castle Blair Drummond Safari Park | Loch Lomond Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth. Relax and enjoy Stirling Management Centres first class hotel facilities. 101 Deluxe bedrooms | Exclusive restaurant & fantastic choice of food and drink | Nature trails Stunning scenery | Free sports facilities. Set amidst 300 acres of beautiful parkland, Stirling Management Centre is a first class hotel set in the perfect location to discover the heart of Scotland. Our hand-picked, dedicated hotel team turns the simple necessity of eating and drinking into a more than memorable experience for your guests. We can also advise you on what to see and do or plan your travels for you. Call or visit our web site for details. Stirling Management Centre, Stirling FK9 4LA Tel: 01786 466171 | www.smc.stir.ac.uk

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 21

PAGE 49 1/12/11 11:01:25

Drive through Wild Animal Reserves, Boat Trips around Chimp Island, Sea Lion Shows, Bird of Prey Centre & Displays, Lemur Land, Pets Farm, Elephant Habitat, Adventure Playground with Pirate Ship, Giant Astraglide, Pedal Boats, Flying Fox, Fun Fair & Amusements, Restaurant, BBQ & Picnic areas. Free Parking. For information on Seasonal Memberships, Keeper for a Day, Animal Experiences & Encounters, Animal Adoptions & Hawk Walks visit our website. Open daily: 24th March - 28th October 2012 - 10am - 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm

PAGE 50 ADS pages 2012.indd 22

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:01:33

An underground world on a spectacular scale

Cruachan

BRITAIN’S MOST OUTSTANDING VICTORIAN GOTHIC MANSION

the hollow mountain

‘It’s like stepping into a James Bond film set’.

AWARD-WINNING VISITOR ATTRACTION One of the world’s great houses! Open daily March to October

HOUSE • GARDENS • VISITOR CENTRE RESTAURANT • GIFT SHOPS GARDEN CENTRE • TEA ROOMS FARM SHOP • ADVENTURE PLAY AREA CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION surrounded by 300 acres of gloriously maintained gardens and grounds - amongst Europe’s finest Just 90 minutes from Glasgow with frequent rail/ferry services daily Isle of Bute THE most accessible island in Scotland

T. 01700 503877

www.mountstuart.com

• Visitor Centre & Interactive Exhibition • Guided Tours • Lochside Cafeteria • Picnic Area • Gift Shop Cruachan Visitor Centre, Dalmally, Argyll PA33 1AN, Scotland Tel: 01866 822618. www.visitcruachan.co.uk Email: visit.cruachan@scottishpower.com Open February - December

Discover the 13th century home of the Clan Maclean

Discounts for groups of 10 or more

T:01680 812 309

E: guide@duartcastle.com W: www.duartcastle.com *Castle open April to Mid October *Opening *Opening times times vary vary

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 23

PAGE 51 1/12/11 11:01:45

GLORIOUS

GARDENS

Callendar Park, Falkirk FK1 1YR Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sun (Apr-Sept only): 2pm - 5pm

Working Georgian Kitchen Costumed Interpreters Exhibitions Gift Shop & Tea Shop Free Admission & Parking

OF ARGYLL & BUTE

(including coaches)

20 gardens set in the spectacular landscape of the west coast, on both the mainland and the islands. Rich plant collections flourish in the mild climate and acid soils of the gardens, ranging from woodland to more formal design. Most are open throughout the year and help in planning tours is available.

Bookings/Enquiries: 01324 503770 callendar.house@falkirk.gov.uk www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

For details see:

INVERARAY

c in dr oa ce iv ch nt er iv es

www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk

For luxury coach travel...

& Witness Living History

“Brilliant and fun”. “A superb experience!”

Face t he Ju dge Get lo cked up Samp le t he punis hmen ts

...visit www.fitzcharles.co.uk Established family coach tour operator for groups of 30 to 800, bch bonded.

“One of the best attractions we have ever been to!” larger discounts for pre-booked parties

OPEN ALL YEAR www.inverarayjail.co.uk. Church Square, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8TX Tel 01499 302381 e: info@inverarayjail.co.uk

PAGE 52 Fitcharles10_ 1_4p.indd 1 ADS pages 2012.indd 24

Fitzcharles Coaches Ltd

87 Newhouse Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8NJ Tel: 01324 482093 Fax: 01324 665411 info@fitzcharles.co.uk www.fitzcharles.co.uk

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

28/11/11 11:29:09 1/12/11 11:01:52

Unique Quality & Country House Character • Country house set in twenty acres, riverside setting. • Dining capacity 120 in main dining room. • Private dining for groups 4 to 30. • 3 AA rosette (10% of UK Restaurants) one of only 15 in scotland and the only one in stirling area. • 14 bedrooms all ensuite spa baths in most rooms, LCD TV Broadband etc. • Group services of Lunch, Dinner, Coffee & Teas, conference and meetings. Callander, Perthshire FK17 8BC www.romancamphotel.co.uk

NNNN Garden

DUMGOYNE

DALMALLY

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

INVERARAY

INVERARAY JAIL

INVERARAY

ALEXANDRIA

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com Central2012.indd 53 25 ADS pages 2012.indd

CHURCH SQUARE, INVERARAY PA32 8TX Tel: 01499302381 Fax: 01499302195 info@inverarayjail.co.uk www.inverarayjail.co.uk

Ad Page 14 One of Britain’s finest examples of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland with an array of exotic plants & shrubs all year round. Prices: From £4.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW no max

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

Contact: Fiona Munro Ad Page 52 In a stunning lochside position witness ‘living’ history at the Courthouse & Prison. Experience the atmosphere, brought vividly to life by the ‘real’ warders, matron and prisoners. Interest and excitement for all. Prices: Seniors £5.95, Adults £7.50 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL EPW 100

Contact: Rhona Hunter Ad Page 48 Visit Scotland’s Most Beautiful Distillery for guided distillery tours, whisky tastings, blending, masterclass sessions and superb whisky shop. Situated on the A81, approx 35 minutes drive from Glasgow, Stirling and Loch Lomond. Prices: £6.75 - £100.00 Open: Mar-Nov 10am-5pm and Dec-Feb 10am-4pm GL CP EPW No Limit

INVERARAY WOOLLEN MILL THE ANVIL, INVERARAY PA32 8UY Tel: 01499 302166 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

CRARAE GARDENS (NTS)

Ad Page 51 Journey deep into the secret heart of this majestic mountain and you’ll discover one of the hidden wonders of the Scottish Highlands. An underground world on a spectacular scale, a place like no other. Prices: Adults £6.50 Sen/Stu £5.50 children 6 yrs to 16 yrs £2.50 Open: Apr- Oct 7 Days, Nov-March, Mon-Fri only (closed Jan). PR GL R CP EPW No limit

GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY

ON SCENIC A81 ROAD, DUMGOYNE, NEAR KILLEARN, GLASGOW G63 9LB Tel: 01360 550254 Fax: 01360 550094 reception@glengoyne.com www.glengoyne.com

1 VISITOR

NNNN Historic House

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CRARAE, INVERARAY PA32 8YA Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Garden

NNN Tourist Shop

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 52 See history brought to life in the working Georgian kitchen, or find out more about the House’s colourful history from permanent displays. A changing programme of exhibitions, gift shop, Teashop at the Stables and the Park Gallery. Free parking. Prices: Free Admission Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sundays (Apr-Sept) 2pm-5pm. Last admission: 4pm R

CALLENDAR PARK, FALKIRK FK1 1YR Tel: 01324 503770 Fax: 01324 503771 callendar.house@falkirk.gov.uk www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Contact: Peter Innes Ladies & Men’s fashions, Cashmere, Golf Shop, Whisky Shop with free tastings, Pavers Shoes, Ponden Home Interiors, Scottish gifts and food. Hector Russell Highland Dress Village Restaurant with Costa Coffee Drivers room. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

CRUACHAN - THE HOLLOW MOUNTAIN CRUACHAN VISITOR CENTRE, DALMALLY PA33 1AN Tel: 01866 822618 visit.cruachan@scottishpower.com www.visitcruachan.co.uk

1 VISITOR

Contact: Peter Baxter Ad Page 40 An enchanting garden steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. Benmore boasts a world famous collection of rhododendrons and one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden in the world - a spectacular avenue of Giant Redwoods. Come and visit the newly restored Victorian Fernery. Prices: £1.00-£10 Open: Mar-Oct PR GL R CP No limit

1 VISITOR

INVERARAY

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Visitor Attraction

CALLENDAR HOUSE

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP EPW No limit

BENMORE BOTANIC GARDEN DUNOON PA23 8QU Tel: 01369 706261 Fax: 01369 706369 benmore@rbge.org.uk www.rbge.org.uk/benmore

1 VISITOR

Contact: Bryan Conlan Informative live show with sheep dogs and ducks. Donkeys, Miniature Horses, various sheep breeds and duck pond. Birds of Prey centre Browse quality shopping.150 seat restaurant with Costa Coffee. Coach washing facilities.

FALKIRK

GL, CP PR, R(some gardens)

1 VISITOR

Open: See website for locations and entrance details.

DUNOON

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 52

ANTARTEX SHOPPING VILLAGE

LOCH LOMOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HEATHER AVENUE, ALEXANDRIA G83 0TP Tel: 01389 752393 Fax: 01389 750656 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

OFF MAIN STREET, ABERFOYLE FK8 3UQ Tel: 01877 382850 Fax: 01877 382854 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

Tel: 01499 600261 Fax: 01499 600241 www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk

20 gardens to visit in the West of Scotland, from Helensburgh to North of Oban,including 8 on islands. Something for everyone with interesting plants to see throughout the year.

THE SCOTTISH WOOL CENTRE

1 VISITOR

GLORIOUS GARDENS OF ARGYLL AND BUTE

ABERFOYLE

ARGYLL & BUTE

email@romancamp hotel.co.uk.

Contact: Kirsteen Bell Originally a Blacksmiths shop, dating from 1787. Here you will now find a wide selection of knitwear, tartans, countrywear and outerwear, Scottish gifts and foods. Whisky Shop with free tastings, Clan Tartan Centre. Anvil Coffee Shop. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

NNN Tourist Shop PAGE 53 PAGE 53 30/11/2011 15:24:35 1/12/11 11:00:02

We pride ourselves on our excellent service. Stirling Management Centre is committed to: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Delivering a better experienceâ&#x20AC;?. From your initial enquiry, throughout the booking process and organisation of your stay. Open: Jan-Dec

NNN Hotel

LOCH LOMOND SHORES, BEN LOMOND WAY, BALLOCH G83 8QL Tel: 01389 721500 Fax: 01389 756429 lochlomondsealife@merlinentertainments.biz www.sealife.co.uk Contact: Emma McDougal Ad Page 47 Located in Loch Lomond Shores by the gateway to the Highlands, guests can discover strange and beautiful creatures from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans and our loch-side shores. Enjoy spectacular views of Loch Lomond from the cafe. Prices: Group Prices: Adults ÂŁ7.50 Child ÂŁ5.50 Concession ÂŁ6.00. 1 free leader with every 10 payingOpen: Open Jan - Dec daily from 10am. Closing times vary. PR R CP EPW No limit

NNN Visitor Attraction

Ad Page 14 Site of Robert the Bruceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous victory over the English in 1314. Colouful exhibitions and filmshows capture the special atmosphere of this iconic battlefield. Prices: From ÂŁ5.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Mar-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

NNN Visitor Attraction

Booking a tour to Scotland? STIRLING OLD TOWN JAIL ST JOHN STREET, STIRLING FK8 1EA Tel: 01786 450050 info@oldtownjail.com www.oldtownjail.com

Contact: Duty Manager Stirlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victorian Prison Experience at the heart of the Old Town - and a compelling visit for all groups. Live Prison Tours, Rooftop Viewpoint, Souvenir and Gift Shop, Prison life exhibition. A favourite for school parties. Prices: Adults - ÂŁ6.65 (Discounted rates for groups of 10+). Special rates for school parties. Open: Easter to Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en PR GL EPW 50

ISLE OF ISLAY ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Visitor Attraction

THE VILLAGE AT MACHRIHANISH DUNES

MACHRIHANISH PA28 6PT Tel: 0185 681 0000 Fax: 0185 681 0001 info@machdunes.com www.machdunes.com Ad Page 51

Luxury hotel accommodations, award-winning self-catering cottages, fine dining & pubs, spa and 18 holes of world-class links golf await you on this beautifully rugged corner of western Scotland. Open: Jan-Dec PR R

THE NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, GLASGOW ROAD, STIRLING FK7 0LJ Tel: 0844 493 2263 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

ABBEY CRAIG, HILLFOOTS ROAD, STIRLING FK9 5LF Tel: 01786 472140 info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

BANNOCKBURN HERITAGE CENTRE (NTS)

1 VISITOR

NNNN Visitor Attraction

Ad IFC

One of the finest distilleries on the Isle of Islay. Next to Dunyvaig Castle, three miles from Port Ellen. Free entry to Caol Ila Distillery included in tour price. Prices: From ÂŁ4.00 Open: Feb-Dec GL CP EPW By appointment.

Contact: Stacy Keys

CALLANDER

The Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, located on the shores of Loch Creran, houses a busy seal rescue centre, a superb aquarium, Canadian Otters, adventure play trail, stunning forest walk and Shoreline coffee shop. Perfect for coach stop-off. Prices: Group Prices: Adult: 8.00 Child ÂŁ6.00 Concessions ÂŁ7.50. 1 leader free with every 10 paying. Open: Open Jan-Dec daily from 10am (ex. Christmas day). Closing times vary. PR GL R CP EPW

MACHRIHANISH

LOCH LOMOND SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Visitor Attraction

LAGAVULIN, PORT ELLEN PA42 7DZ Tel: 01496 302730 Fax: 01496 302733 lagavulin@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Tricia MacIntyre

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

LOCH LOMOND ATTRACTIONS

Prices: From ÂŁ4.00 Open: Feb-Dec PR GL CP EPW By Appointment

STIRLING

1 VISITOR

Contact: Tricia MacIntyre Ad IFC Pronounced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cull-eelaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the distillery is situated on the north eastern shores of Islay, tucked away in a hidden cove near Port Askaig. 2 distilleries for the price of 1 - tour Caol Ila and see Lagavulin for free.

LAGAVULIN DISTILLERY

STIRLING

ISLE OF ISLAY

ISLE OF ISLAY ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

PORT ASKAIG, ISLE OF ISLAY PA46 7RL Tel: 01496 302760 Fax: 01496 302763 caolila.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

)RU VSHFLDO UDWHV GLVFRXQWV DQG FRPPLVVLRQV H[FOXVLYHO\ IRU WKH WUDYHO WUDGH

Contact: Ian Anderson A national hero - a national landmark, and a memorable experience for all groups. Panoramic views, Wallaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broadsword, Hall of Heroes, Legends Coffee House, Woodland Walks, Free Coach Parking, Audio Tour (5 languages). Prices: Adults - ÂŁ7.75 (Discount for groups of 10+). Special rates for school parties. Open: Jan-Dec PR R CP EPW 60

NNNN Visitor Attraction

ROMAN CAMP COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

OFF MAIN STREET, CALLANDER FK17 8BG Tel: 01877 330003 Fax: 01877 331533 mail@romancamphotel.co.uk www.romancamphotel.co.uk Contact: Eric Brown Ad Page 53 A beautiful 17th Century house hotel set in 20 acres of gardens with river views directly off the main street of Callander. Two Restaurants with AA 3 rosette awards, offering quality food service and a fantastic setting.

visitscotlandtraveltrade.com STOPS

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

CAOL ILA DISTILLERY

2 MEAL

Prices: ÂŁ6.00 Open: Feb-Dec PR GL EPW No limit

Ad Page 49

ATTRACTIONS

e /

Contact: Craig Connor

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING, STIRLING FK9 4LA Tel: 01786 451666 Fax: 01786 449940 smc.sales@stir.ac.uk www.smc.stir.ac.uk

1 VISITOR

NNNNN Castle

NNNN Visitor Attraction

BARCALDINE, CONNEL, OBAN PA37 1SE Tel: 01631 720386 Fax: 01631 720529 slcoban@merlinentertainments.biz www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

STIRLING MANAGEMENT CENTRE

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURY PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Considered to be one of the grandest of all Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s castles with outstanding architecture and spectacular views. Enjoy the recently refurbished Renaissance Royal Palace and let our costumed performers transport you back in time. Prices: ÂŁ6.50-ÂŁ13.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec) PR GL R CP No limit

LOCH KATRINE 1 VISITOR

Contact: Carol Bennett Ad IFC This year Oban is offering a new flavours tour where visitors to the distillery will explore exactly what happens in the process to produce Oban single maltâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique spirit character.

STIRLING STIRLING CASTLE

Prices: Special group rates and reservations available on all sailings Daily sailings: 1 Apr-28 Oct 2012 PR R CP EPW 150

ATTRACTIONS

TROSSACHS PIER, LOCH KATRINE, BY CALLANDER, STIRLING FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 332000 Fax: 01877 376317 cruises@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com

1 VISITOR

NNNN Garden

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: From ÂŁ5.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW

LOCH KATRINE

SCOTTISH SEA LIFE SANCTUARY

STAFFORD STREET, OBAN PA34 5NH Tel: 01631 572004 Fax: 01631 572011 oban.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 14 This tranquil garden oasis is renowned for its spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, blue Tibetan poppies & giant Himalayan lillies - a real horticultural adventure across the temperate world.

STIRLING

1 VISITOR

OBAN DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, ARDUAINE, OBAN PA34 4XQ Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

ATTRACTIONS

NN Tourist Shop

NNNN Visitor Attraction

Contact: Gail Canaway A special experience for all groups - cruising Loch Katrine on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lady of the Lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or the famous steamship â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sir Walter Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Live commentary and kiosk service on all sailings. Shopping, Katrine Cafe, free coach parking. ATTRACTIONS

ISLE OF IONA

ARDUAINE GARDENS (NTS)

1 VISITOR

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

OBAN

Contact: Claire Muir Visit the Weaving Exhibition where the Looms date back to 1927 producing the famous Trossachs Rugs. Beautiful knitwear, countrywear, outerwear, as well as Scottish foods and gifts - and Hamish and Heather plus Honey the calf.

At the end of the road on the remote southern coast of Islay, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come to Ardbeg and receive a warm welcome as well as a dram after the tour. More indepth tours and tastings available by prior appointment. Prices: ÂŁ5.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed Christmas and New Year) PR GL R CP EPW 12

OBAN

NNN Tourist Shop

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

TROSSACHS WOOLLEN MILL KILMAHOG, BY CALLANDER FK17 8HD Tel: 01877 330178 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

1 VISITOR

Contact: Claire Muir 250 year old mill complete with original waterwheel. Discover your Scottish Clan and tartan at Clan History and Heraldry Centre. Hector Russell Highland Outfits. Restaurant serving hot & cold food daily. Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. Coach washing facilities.

OBAN

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

BY CALLANDER FK17 8HD Tel: 01877 330268 Fax: 01877 331631 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

PORT ELLEN, ISLE OF ISLAY PA42 7EA Tel: 01496 302244 Fax: 01496 302040 jthomson@glenmorangie.co.uk www.ardbeg.com Contact: Jackie Thomson Ad Page 72

ATTRACTIONS

KILMAHOG WOOLLEN MILL

NNNN Historic Attraction

ARDBEG DISTILLERY

STIRLING

KILMAHOG

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Founded by St Columba in AD 563. A celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere & remains a vital place of worship. The Abbey houses a collection of medieval & religious carved stones. Prices: ÂŁ3.30 - ÂŁ5.50 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR GL CP No limit

1 VISITOR

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com/ newsletter

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURY PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

ATTRACTIONS

Sign-up via:

IONA ABBEY AND NUNNERY

1 VISITOR

design&publishing

ATTRACTIONS

Get updates and special offers from Group Travel Guide advertisers direct to your inbox!

1 VISITOR

VisitScotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE NEWSLETTER

KILMAHOG

in2groups

MC L AT D Other 180 Max CP

NNNN Country House Hotel

PAGE 54

Central2012.indd 54

30/11/2011 15:53:56

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In Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the hostel is an impressive country house with spectacular views. Excellent facilities that are well suited to groups and within easy reach of many tourist attractions. BUNKHOUSES

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Tariff: From £17.75 Commission: Neg Open: Mar-Sep (RentaHostel Oct-Mar) Acc. Type: private, family, en-suite & dorms 4 Public rooms. Sleeping - 110 Min party size - 10

NNN Hostel

d L J

STIRLING

LOCH LOMOND ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

L J c .

SCOTLAND

NNN Hotel

STOPS

2 MEAL

NNN Hotel

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INVERBEG, Loch Lomond G83 8PD Tel: +44 (0)1436 860 678 Fax: +44(0)1436 860 203 inverbeg.reception@loch-lomond.co.uk www.innatinverbeg.co.uk Contact: Events Team Ad Page 50 Modern Inn style rooms, plus lochside, beach house accommodation just a short walk from the main building. Mr.C’s restaurant and whisky bar with award-winning fish & chips, whiskies and real ales. Special group rates available. Tariff: £69 - £179 B&B per room 10% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 6S, 19D, 12T, 1F, All ensuite showers & WC, 8 with bathrooms CP R

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OBAN YOUTH HOSTEL

STIRLING YOUTH HOSTEL

Ad OBC Both our seafront hostel and purposebuilt Oban Lodge offer panoramic views across the bay. A great base for groups looking for action-packed adventure, a taste of local culture and history or a gateway to the islands. Tariff: From £17.00 Commission: rates negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Acc. Type: private, family, disabled, en-suite & dormitory 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 110 Min party size - 10

Ad OBC Stirling is steeped in history and its location makes it easily accessible from Edinburgh or Glasgow and perfect for touring Scotland. The hostel offers superb modern facilities and a friendly international atmosphere. Catering available. Tariff: From £12.35 Commission: Neg Open: Jan-Dec Acc. : en-suite, private, family, disabled & dorm 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 122 Min party size - 10

Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5AF Tel: 01631 562 025 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com

By Drymen, Glasgow, G63 0AR Tel: 01360 870 259 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com Ad OBC Set in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, offering an unrivalled location. Relax and enjoy the magnificent views, fish, sail or walk the West Highland Way which passes the front door. Tariff: From £15.75 Commission: Neg Open: Mar-Oct (RentaHostel Nov-Feb) Acc. : private, family, ensuite, disabled & dorms 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 75 Min party size - 10 EPW, GL

THE INN AT INVERBEG

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ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

Contact: Julie Morris

ROWARDENNAN YOUTH HOSTEL

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67 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

Tariff: from £49.00 per room Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 6S 29D 19T 19F all ensuite CP R

Situated at the seaward gateway to Scotland’s National Park, has been tastefully modernised whilst retaining lovely original features. Highland nights are featured with great Scottish menus. All guests at are treated as individuals whether they choose to arrive by coach or travel independently. Tariff: Negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 9 S, 18 D, 11 T, 3 F All ensuite CP R

NNNNN Castle

ACCOMMODATION

Contact: Shirley Greig

Hunter’s Quay, Dunoon PA23 8HJ Tel: 01369 705810 Fax: 01369 702329 info@royalmarinehotel.co.uk www.royalmarinehotel.co.uk

MC L AT D Other CP

3 SERVICED

DUNOON Contact: David Warnes Ad Page 53 The Winnock has recently been extensively refurbished whilst retaining the 18th century character of the original inn. It is ideally located for exploring Scotland’s 1st national park and nearby cities.

traveltrade@visitscotland.com

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WINNOCK HOTEL

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Contact: Rhonda Wood Ad Page 19 Built in 1895 the Royal Hotel offers traditional Scottish hospitality within quality modern surroundings. The hotel stands in the centre of town close to the harbour and ferry terminal.

MC L AT D 150 Max CP

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ACCOMMODATION

NNNN Country House Hotel

3 SERVICED

ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

Contact: Eric Brown Ad Page 53 A 17th Century country house hotel set in 20 acres of secluded gardens by the beautiful river Teith in the heart of the Trossachs. Offering refined dining in our award winning restaurant, luxury bedrooms with modern facilities. Tariff: From £75.00 per night per person 10% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 6D, 6T, 2F, All ensuite CP R

Argyll Square, Oban PA34 4BE Tel: 01355 266 886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

3 SERVICED

Contact: Events Team Ad Page 50 Stunning loch-side location with panoramic views. Short walk from picturesque conservation village of Luss. Stylish accommodation, Colquhoun’s restaurant, resident only health suite with swimming pool. Tariff: £89-£249 B&B per room 10% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 32 D, 10 T, 3 F, All ensuite CP R

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The Square, Drymen G63 0BL Tel: 01360 660245 Fax: 01360 660267 info@winnockhotel.com www.winnockhotel.com

ROYAL HOTEL

Luss, Loch Lomond G83 8PA Tel: +44 (0)1436 860 201 Fax: 44 (0)1436 860 203 events@loch-lomond.co.uk www.loch-lomond.co.uk

NNNN Inn

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Make lunch a part of the whole castle experience & eat under the arches of the Unicorn Cafe encasements. Whether you fancy a light lunch, hot tasty soup or delicious homemade cakes, there’s something for everyone.

STIRLING

ROMAN CAMP COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

OBAN LODGE ON LOCH LOMOND HOTEL

LOCH LOMOND

3 SERVICED

ACCOMMODATION

LOCH LOMOND

visitscotland.com/creative

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BUNKHOUSES

NNNN Visitor Attraction

c/o Travel Trade, Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Contact: Events Team Ad Page 50 Informal Dining Restaurant of the Year Winner at The Scottish Hotel Awards 2011, Colquhoun’s has panoramic views of the Loch and mountains. Excellent group lunch and dinner menus/rates are available, by prior arrangement.

6 HOSTELS &

MC L AT Other 50 Max

Ad Page 50

STIRLING CASTLE

Luss, Loch Lomond G83 8PA Tel: +44(0)1436 860 201 Fax: +44(0)1436 860 203 events@loch-lomond.co.uk www.loch-lomond.co.uk

NNNNN Hostel

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St John Street, Stirling, FK8 1EA Tel: 01786 473 442 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com

BUNKHOUSES

The Inn at Inverbeg was named ‘Pub with Rooms of the Year’ at The Scottish Hotel Awards 2011. The Inn’s fish and whisky restaurant/bar, Mr.C’s, offers award-winning fish and chips, over 200 whiskies, real ales and folk music.

LODGE ON LOCH LOMOND HOTEL

6 HOSTELS &

Contact: Events Team

With the aromas of home baking and the sound of the sea outside, The Old Kiln cafe is a magical place. People flock here to enjoy hearty, traditional dishes.

STOPS

Contact: Jackie Thomson

Off Main Street, Callander FK17 8BG Tel: 01877 330003 Fax: 01877 331533 mail@romancamphotel.co.ukwww. romancamphotel.co.uk

To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to

THE INN AT INVERBEG

INVERBEG, Loch Lomond G83 8PD Tel: +44 (0)1436 860 678 Fax: +44(0)1436 860 203 inverbeg.reception@loch-lomond.co.uk www.innatinverbeg.co.uk

2 MEAL

LOCH LOMOND

Port Ellen PA42 7EA Tel: 01496 302244 Fax: 01496 302040 jthomson@glenmorangie.co.uk www.ardbeg.com

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NNNN Historic House

2 MEAL

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Ad Page 52 Take time during your visit to Callendar House to sample the fare at The Teashop at the Stables. Open daily throughout the summer season (Monday to Saturday in winter), the Teashop serves a range of lunch options, snacks and home baking.

ARDBEG DISTILLERY

2 MEAL

Callendar Park, Falkirk FK1 1YR Tel: 01324 503775 Fax: 01324 503771 callendar.house@falkirk.gov.uk www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

DRYMEN

ISLE OF ISLAY

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NORTH CENTRAL and EAST SCOTLAND

Perthshire is at the centre of Scotland and is one of Europe’s finest adventure playgrounds where you will find, amongst other things, a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. “Big Tree Country” as this area is also known, is full of superlatives - home to the world’s highest hedge, Europe’s oldest tree, the widest conifer in Britain, the sole survivor from Shakespeare’s Birnam Wood and where you will find high mountains, tumbling streams and waterfalls, lochs and rivers, all of which provide a kaleidoscope of Scotland’s best scenery. It is this, along with the unbeatable range of things to see and do, that makes Perthshire such a magnet for visitors.

PERTHSHIRE n s t a i o u n n M a p i Spittal of a m Dalnaspidal Glenshee G r

Calvine Kinloch Pitlochry Rannoch

Rannoch Station

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Bridge of Cally Kirriemuir Blairgowrie CouparAngus

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Kenmore

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Crianlarich Lochearnhead

Callander

Kinross

Dunblane Stirling

VisitScotland Information Centre

Glenrothes Kirkcaldy

Alloa Dunfermline

Cowdenbeath

B L A I R CA S T L E

Angus - an ancient name for an ancient land where Kings and Queens, adventurers and inventors have woven tales of magic and mystery that have become part of the landscape and culture for over two thousand years - and from where Scottish independence was declared in 1320. It was the heartland of the Picts and fought over by the Scots and the English. But now you can take relaxing walks, absorb romantic castles, enjoy glistening beaches and stunning formal gardens and experience first-rate visitor attractions that are as informing as they are inspiring and entertaining.

DUNDEE and ANGUS Tarfside Auchmull

Clova Rottal Dykehead

Marykirk Brechin

Tannadice

Forfar

Friockheim

Inverkeilor

Glamis Inverarity

Blairgowrie Coupar Angus

Marywell

Muirdrum Carnoustie Monifieth

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VisitScotland Information Centre

Arbroath

Todhills

th Fir

Montrose

Inchbraoch

Kirriemuir

Tayport Newport -on-Tay

RRS D I S C O V E RY, D I S C O V E RY P O I N T, D U N D E E

Elgin

Forres

Cullen Banff

Buckie

Grantownon-Spey

Peterhead Boddam

Huntly Rhynie

Mossat Aviemore

Rathen

Turriff

Keith Aberlour Dufftown

Fraserburgh

Macduff

Oldmeldrum

Alford

Inverurie

Corgarff Ballater

Braemar Inverey

Ellon Newburgh

Aberdeen Aboyne Banchory Stonehaven

VisitScotland Information Centre

Inverbervie St. Cyrus Brechin

Montrose

ABERDEEN

PAGE 56 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 14

Discovery Point, Discovery Quay Dundee DD1 4XA Tel: +44 (0) 1382 527527 www.angusanddundee.co.uk

Scotland’s North East - a culture steeped in sea fishing, castles, open countryside, salmon rivers, coastal and country villages, whisky, Highland Games and North Sea oil. Aberdeen’s clutch of “Britain in Bloom” awards is fully complemented by some of the most fertile and scenic landscape in the UK. The Granite City of Aberdeen is also the gateway to Royal Deeside, an area of outstanding natural beauty, sparkling Highland rivers and misty mountains which is adored by the Royal Family. A buzzing city, whisky, castles, salmon fishing, adventure sports and Royal patronage - no further explanation required!

ABERDEEN CITY and SHIRE Lossiemouth

Lower City Mills, West Mill Street, Perth PH1 5QP Tel: +44 (0) 1738 450600 www.perthshire.co.uk

23 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BP Tel: +44 (0) 1224 288828 www.aberdeen-grampian.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:09:34

PERTHSHIRE

SEE & DO 2012 BLAIR CASTLE, BLAIR ATHOLL With collections that fill over 30 rooms, there are few historic homes in Britain that can claim to have more family treasures than Blair Castle. www.blair-castle.co.uk

SCONE PALACE, NEAR PERTH The Palace of Kings, the crowning place of Scottish Kings, where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were crowned. Five Star attraction. www.scone-palace.co.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Perth Races (April - September), Perth Festival of the Arts (May), Game Conservancy Scottish Fair (July), Blair Castle International Horse Trials (late August), The Enchanted Forest (mid-late October), and Perthshire Amber Festival (Late October - early November). For full up to date information see: www.perthshire.co.uk Perth (Scone Palace, Perth Racecourse, Concert Hall, Museum and art galleries), Pitlochry (Festival Theatre, Hydro Dam, Bell’s Blair Athol Distillery, Edradour Distillery, Queen’s View, Killiecrankie Visitor Centre - NTS) and Blair Atholl (Blair Castle, House of Bruar) are the major towns for group tourism just off the A9 with plenty of attractions and accommodation. However the draw of the countryside brings more options such as Aberfeldy & Loch Tay (Dewar’s World of Whisky, The Scottish Crannog Centre), Blairgowrie, Crieff (Crieff Visitor Centre, Drummond Gardens, The Famous Grouse Experience/Glenturret Distillery), Dunkeld (Cathedral, The Hermitage - NTS) and Kinross (Loch Leven Castle, Kinross House Gardens, Burleigh Castle). In winter, Glenshee Ski Centre is not far from Blairgowrie which can be used as a base. On the A9 from Stirling, the Gleneagles Resort is a major draw as is Baxters at Blackford.

KENMORE

S C O N E PA L A C E

The heart of Scotland - some of the finest and most accessible scenery anywhere in the Scottish Highlands The first impression of Perthshire from the A9 northwards is of trees, rivers and mountains - in essence the epitome of all that is expected of a Scottish Highland landscape. Three of the most popular group destinations in Scotland are here - Perth, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl - and for very good reasons. The Fair City of Perth, once the capital of Scotland, became a major trading port and with the Palace of Scone nearby, was the crowning place of Scottish Kings. Perth has always been at the forefront of Scottish culture and history and stands on one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the UK, the River Tay - the longest and fastest flowing river in Scotland. Shopping to be found here can be attributed to the core of family-owned and specialist businesses. Pitlochry is well served by both rail and road transport links and its fame as a holiday resort dates back as far as the 1860’s. Its most popular attractions include the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, Plant Explorer’s Garden and Pitlochry Festival Theatre as well as offering a wide selection of fine restaurants and accommodation and excellent walks around the town. There is a wide range of attractions in the area from Blair Castle and Edradour Distillery to the superlative shopping and restaurant at the House of Bruar. Killiecrankie Visitor Centre is an interesting NTS property and the Queen’s View shows Scotland’s landscape at its spectacular best. The superb natural environment of Perthshire offers opportunities to either relax and unwind in the outstanding scenery or to take a more active role in the many hills, mountains, forests, rivers and lochs there to explore - or more simply, just walking alongside the rivers and in the glens. Off the A9, Lochs Earn, Tay and Rannoch nestle in some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland. Here, watersports are popular, complemented by superb attractions like the Scottish Crannog Centre at Kenmore on Loch Tay, Drummond Gardens and Crieff Visitor Centre on the way to Loch Earn - and there are the distilleries, Dewar’s World of Whisky in Aberfeldy, the Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery in Crieff and Tullibardine Distillery near Baxter’s at Blackford and Gleneagles Resort, to name but three. En route to Perth, the M90 passes Loch Leven, here you can mention to group members the daring escape from the Castle in the middle of the loch by a young Mary Queen of Scots.

Access using the A9 and the M90 is quick and easy from the south.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

within the Perthshire area), lochs and rivers, scenic beauty, wildlife, golf, gardens.

Multi-activities (40 different activities available and around 30 activity operators

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 15

PAGE 57 1/12/11 14:09:46

DUNDEE and ANGUS

SEE & DO 2012 GLAMIS CASTLE

DUNDEE

Spectacular childhood home of the late Queen Mother. A “must” in any itinerary especially during Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. www.glamis-castle.co.uk

Unspoiled highland glens, stunning rugged coastlines and a vibrant cosmopolitan urban centre

VERDANT WORKS

A story that transports you back over 100 years when jute was king and Dundee was its realm. A five star visitor attraction. www.rrsdiscovery.com

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY The annual Angus Glens Walking Festival (early June), the Strathmore Highland Games at Glamis Castle (June), Scottish Transport Extravaganza (July), the Scottish Countryside Festival (September) and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October). Dundee hosts the Dundee Flower and Food Festival (September). For full up to date information see: www.angusanddundee.co.uk Nestling on Scotland’s east coast, between Edinburgh and Aberdeen - en route to Royal Deeside - Angus and Dundee are easy to reach from either Edinburgh via Fife or Perth. Using Dundee as a base, groups can explore the influence of the ancient Picts at Pictavia near Brechin, celebrate the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother at Glamis Castle, mark the 14th century Declaration of Independence by Scottish nobles at Arbroath Abbey, honour Victorian explorers like Captain Scott at the RRS Discovery, witness the influence of the jute barons of Dundee on modern day life at Verdant Works or discover a child’s eye view of our five senses at the award winning Sensation Science Centre. Discover the Angus Glens, places that offered shelter to Highland outlaws and ‘caterans’. Enjoy a round of links golf at Monifieth, Panmure, Arbroath and Montrose or on one of the hardest layouts on the British Open circuit, at Carnoustie. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

PAGE 58 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 16

G L A M I S CA S T L E

This area offers dramatic and breathtaking scenery from rugged coastlines to Highland glens and a unique blend of ancient Scottish history, romantic castles, formal gardens, top quality visitor attractions and modern 21st century shopping. Dundee is served by an excellent road system, luxury long-distance coach services and a mainline railway station, it’s also served by a domestic airport with flights to and from London, Birmingham, Belfast and Jersey and has been growing in popularity over the years as a short break destination. Many visitors are introduced to this vibrant riverside city through science, education and its two Universities. This is the perfect place to combine all the advantages of city life with the ease of access to the countryside of Angus and beyond. Dundee also boasts a plethora of attractions, events, entertainment, shopping, the arts and culture. Captain Scott’s ship RRS Discovery and “Sensation”, Dundee’s Science Centre are two of the city’s best attractions. The performing arts are also very strong moting in Dundee with the Caird Hall, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Dundee Rep and pro g n ti d ra Celeb ural an d’s cult g an in tl Theatre, and the Whitehall Theatre offering a full year’s entertainment. Why not in co S , sh vibrancy creative t on Scotland’s celebrate the Year of Creative Scotland in 2012, by adding a show or exhibition t h n a spotlig ts, past, prese asse and. tour to your itinerary? creative - all over Scotl re e

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The ancient county of Angus stretches from the base of Balmoral Forest and Lochnagar to the coast - a drop of well over 3,000 ft. In fact, there are 9 Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet) in Angus and some of the best salmon and sea trout fishing in Scotland. It was in Arbroath Abbey that the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320, six years after the battle of Bannockburn, (commemorating its 700th anniversary in 2014), confirming Scotland’s independence from England. Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Kirriemuir, birthplace of Peter Pan author J. M. Barrie, is a charming small red sandstone town located at the foot of two Glens and is, therefore, often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Angus glens’ - glens which offer excellent walks with some of the most amazing scenery in Scotland and which have been the hiding places of many a Scottish warrior - William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the Marquis of Montrose and Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee) all made use of the Angus Glens. They are fully utilised nowadays by hikers and walkers taking in the superb scenery, flora and fauna. Like Fife, Dundee and Angus is blessed with some fine golf. Carnoustie is renowned as the hardest of all the Open Championship courses especially when the wind blows off the Firth of Tay!

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Golf, seascapes, city breaks, creative, history, shopping, walking, cycling, horse riding/trekking, wildlife, Peter Pan.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:09:59

ABERDEEN CITY & SHIRE

SEE & DO 2012 FETTERCAIRN DISTILLERY

See how time-honoured methods and craftsmanship are responsible for distilling one of Scotland’s purest malts in one of its oldest distilleries. www.scotchwhisky.net/distilleries/fettercairn.htm

PITMEDDEN GARDENS (NTS)

Enjoy the spectacle of this great National Trust for Scotland garden, with over 40,000 plants bursting with colour in the summer months. www.nts.org.uk/property/pitmedden-garden

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Aberdeen Youth Festival (late July), Braemar Gathering (September) and the Stonehaven Fireball Festival on Hogmanay are all popular major events. More local events include the Royal Deeside Golf Week (May), Castle Fraser Steam & Vintage Fair (June), Stonehaven Folk Festival (July), The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (July), Aberdeen International Football Festival (Youth Football - July), The Aboyne and Deeside Festival (July), Turriff Show (agriculture, August) and numerous Highland Games and Agricultural Shows. For full up to date information and to download the Castle Trail map see: www.aberdeen-grampian.com Possibly the most popular group tour themes are Royal Deeside and castles - there are more here in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in Scotland. Balmoral, Crathes, Tolquhon (Tarves), Slains (Cruden Bay), Drum (Banchory), Corgarff (Strathdon), Dunnottar (Stonehaven), Kildrummy & Craigievar (Alford), Castle Fraser (Inverurie), Huntly, Delgatie and Kildrummy (Turriff). Enjoy fantastic malt whisky with a visit to Aberdeenshire’s distilleries - Royal Lochnagar (Ballater), Fettercairn, Glen Garioch (Inverurie), and Glen Dronach (Huntly) all open to visitors. Aberdeen should also be part of any itinerary with attractions such as David Welch Winter Gardens, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Storybook Glen, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Provost Skene’s House, Satrosphere, Aberdeen Arts Centre, Gordon Highlanders Museum, St Machar’s Cathedral, Marischal Museum, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen Fun Beach and Blairs Museum. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

D U N N OT TA R CA S T L E

The captivating north eastern corner of Scotland - castle and whisky country Aberdeen is a city with two pseudonyms, the “Oil Capital of Europe” and the more ancient “Granite City” as many of its notable buildings were constructed out of this exceptionally hard wearing stone. At the confluence of the Rivers Dee and Don with its own international airport, this is Scotland’s third largest city with the customary buzz of a great university city packed with businesses, shops and restaurants. It’s also a major holiday resort boasting two miles of clean sandy beach, children’s playgrounds, a huge fun fair, pleasure pool, ice rink, indoor sports facilities and plentiful evening entertainment, especially in the theatres. But it is the sea that is Aberdeen’s “raison d’etre”. Its harbour has always been busy, previously with a huge fishing fleet but now with ferries to Orkney and Shetland and oil support vessels, and the Aberdeenshire coast has been a major economic resource for centuries. Sea fishing is now, for the most part, concentrated in Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Fraserburgh also has award-winning sandy beaches and small picturesque villages including Pennan, Crovie and Gardenstown can be found nearby. Attractions like the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and the Heritage Centre appeal to the groups market. Peterhead is Europe’s busiest fishing port, with a bustling daily fish market and leisure marina. Some of the best links courses can be found here (Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Fraserburgh), the area (Royal Aberdeen) recently hosted the Walker Cup and Trump International Golf Links will be offering golf in 2012 on their new course which has been designed to be the finest in the world. In and around Peterhead, the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, Pitmedden Garden, Haddo House, Tolquhon and Slains Castles and the Peterhead Maritime Museum are all excellent itinerary options. You can explore Aberdeenshire by following one of its signposted visitor trails - Scotland’s Castle Trail, the Coastal Trail and the Victorian Trail - highlighting the best of the coast, the areas loved by Queen Victoria and the magnificent structures on the Castle Trail (see www.visitscotland.com/castletrail). Inverurie is set in the midst of this superb flowing countryside. Group attractions in this area include Grampian Transport Museum, Alford Valley Railway, Kildrummy Castle and Craigievar Castle (all around Alford), Castle Fraser, Glen Garioch Distillery, Carnegie Museum and The Bennachie Centre (all either in or near to Inverurie). Huntly and Turriff also have a number of excellent group-orientated attractions such as Archaeolink Prehistory Park (Oyne), the castles at Fyvie, Huntly, Delgatie and Kildrummy and the NTS property of Leith Hall. Royal Deeside beckons but beforehand it is well worth calling in at the Grassic Gibbon Centre in Laurencekirk (and set the scene by reading his trilogy), view Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven and perhaps visit the Fettercairn Distillery. Balmoral Castle is open from April to July only but even if you are unable to secure a visit, Royal Deeside is teeming with attractions suitable for any group - Crathes Castle and Garden, Banchory Museum, Banchory Woollen Mill, Drum Castle (all in or near Banchory), Balmoral Castle and Estate and Crathie Church, Glenshee Ski Centre, Loch Muick and Lochnagar Wildlife Reserve, Royal Lochnagar Distillery & Visitor Centre and The Old Royal Station (in or around Ballater), the International League for the Protection of Horses (Aboyne) and Corgarff Castle (Strathdon).

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

Royal Deeside, Castle Trail, golf, activities (walking, cycling, skiing, fishing, adventure and watersports), scenery, whisky, city culture, city breaks and shopping.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 17

C R A I G I E VA R CA S T L E

PAGE 59 1/12/11 14:10:15

The Crowning Place of Scottish Kings See the Crowning place of Scottish Kings and the site of the Stone of Scone Visit the home of the Earls of Mansfield Superb collection of furniture, fine art and objets dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;art The Murray Star Maze, Pinetum, Plant Huntersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Pavilion and glorious gardens Gift-Food Shops, restaurant, audio visual, picnic area and play area 45 minutes from Edinburgh airport, 2 miles north of Perth on the A93 Open: 1st April - 31st October from 09.30 with last admission 17.00 (Mon - Fri & Sun) (16.00 on Saturdays) Please call for winter opening details

t: 01738 552300 e: visits@scone-palace.co.uk w: www.scone-palace.co.uk

PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com

01796 484626

To receive your copy of our Groups Guide 2012, which features full details of our Summer Season of plays (and musical!), make sure you contact our box office team today!

The 39 Steps Rope Dear Brutus Little Shop Of Horrors Communicating Doors

PAGE 60 ADS pages 2012.indd 26

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:12:49

Call us purists, but we believe that a distillery tour should feel more like a journey of enlightenment than a factory visit. Come and see how timehonoured methods and craftsmanship are responsible for distilling one of Scotland’s purest malts in one of the country’s oldest distilleries.

SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Malt whisky at its purest Fettercairn Distillery, Fettercairn, Kincardineshire, AB30 1YB. Tel: +44 (0)1561 340205, www.fettercairndistillery.co.uk Our Visitors Centre is open Easter through September, Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm (last tour 4pm). Adults £3.50, under 18’s free

ORTON ESTATES Holiday Properties

Fochabers, Nr Elgin, Morayshire Discover Speyside in Morayshire from this central location. This lovely estate is host to TEN comfortable country properties. The picturesque River Spey running through it gives a real sense of Scottish rural peace, yet you are only 10 minutes away from the village of Fochabers, 10 miles from the beaches of Moray and the town of Elgin.

Share the Secret. Interactive heritage exhibition, distillery tours and dramming. Premium whisky experiences

• Peace, Relaxation and Comfort in Beautiful Surroundings • Fishers, Golfers, Walkers & Castle enthusiast’s paradise • Dolphin watching from the Moray Coast • Ideally situated for Spey Whisky Trail • Linen, towel and welcome pack provided • Almost all properties have en-suite bathrooms • Children welcome • Pets welcome • Electricity, linen, gas and logs included • Ample Private Parking at each property • No smoking • Some properties disabled friendly. All properties are serviced by our team of housekeeping staff daily. We can suggest or organise a wide range of activities, enabling you to benefit from expert local knowledge in an area widely known for its beauty and outdoor pursuits.

and cask tastings.

Contact: Catherine Milton, Accommodation Manageress or Mr Peter Millar, Proprietor. Tel: 01343 880240 Email: enquiries@ortonestate.com Website: www.ortonestate.com Price Details - See Website

www.dewars.com

Discover the Spirit of Dewar’s. Aberfeldy Distillery Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2EB 01887 822010

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 27

PAGE 61 1/12/11 11:13:01

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Throughout 2012, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be celebrating Year of Creative Scotland. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be welcoming people from all over the world to share in our celebrations, so why not join us? To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to www.visitscotland.com/creative

PAGE 62 ADS pages 2012.indd 28

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:13:09

KEITH & DUFFTOWN RAILWAY Experience Malt Whisky Country by Train         

Open Easter to the end of September Saturday & Sundays plus Fridays in Jun, Jul & Aug. Special events and Whisky Festival trains. 22 mile return journey takes 90 minutes. Enjoy wooded hills and valleys, lochs and castles and the rolling countryside of Banff in our heritage DMU’s. Group bookings at special rates are welcome on all services. Charters trains are available throughout the year. The Buffer Stop Restaurant at Dufftown Station is open between 10am and 4pm on operating days, freshly prepared refreshments and light meals. Special arrangements can be made for small parties or charters. For further details visit our website at

www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk or call Rod Furr on 01340 821181(summer weekends)

Holiday Inn Express Perth Consistently a favourite among budget Perth hotels, the Holiday Inn Express Perth hotel offers 81 guest rooms, with satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities, FREE WiFi, Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet and FREE car parking. Rates from £25.00 Bed & Breakfast, per person per night.

Holiday Inn Express Perth

200 Dunkeld Rd, Inveralmond, Perth PH1 3AQ t: 01738 636666 f: 01738 633363 w: www.hiexpressperth.co.uk e: info@hiexpressperth.co.uk

Moness Country House Hotel and Resort

H I Express Perth.indd 1

28/11/11 11:46:38

Set in 35 acres of mature gardens in the very heart of Highland Perthshire, Moness House Hotel and Resort offers flexible accommodation options, good food and friendly staff. Set in a scenic location packed with interesting thing to see and do, Moness is popular with all sorts groups. Choose from our refurbished 26-bedroom hotel – a stylish blend of the traditional and the modern - or well equipped lodges in the grounds, available on a serviced or self catering basis. All have access to our upgraded leisure facilities including swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. Drying facilities are also available for walkers, cyclists, golfers etc.

Call Jean Kilpatrick on 0871 226 2301 email jean.kilpatrick@monesspgl.com or visit us at www.moness.com

Moness Resort, Crieff Road, Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2DY

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 29

PAGE 63 1/12/11 11:13:12

VisitScotland’s SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE NEWSLETTER

CRATHIE, BALLATER, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB35 5TB Tel: 01339 742700 Fax: 01339 742702 royal.lochnagar.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Stewart Adamson Ad IFC Royal Lochnagar is a small traditional working distillery situated on the River Dee close to Balmoral Castle. Visitor centre shop has a range of rare and unusual malt whiskies. Prices: From £6.00 Open: Jan-Dec GL CP (by Appointment), 25

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

Get updates and special offers from Group Travel Guide advertisers direct to your inbox! in2groups is our free quarterly newsletter for the travel trade released as an ezine 4 times a year as well as a special printed edition in conjunction with the launch of VisitScotland’s only official Travel Trade Guide Scotland Groups Guide.

Sign-up via:

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com/ newsletter in

PERTH (PH) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

GLAMIS (DA)

KENMORE (PH) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

NORTHLINK FERRIES LTD STROMNESS FERRY TERMINAL, STROMNESS, ORKNEY KW16 3BH Tel: 01856 852086 Fax: 01856 851795 info@northlinkferries.co.uk www.northlinkferries.co.uk Contact: Steve Nottage

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 87

Northlink Ferries provide fast and frequent sailings to Orkney and Shetland, from Aberdeen and Scrabster, using three state-of-the-art ships. Net rates available to group organisers. Prices: Various Open: Jan-Dec R CP 600

CRATHES CASTLE AND GARDEN (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, BANCHORY AB31 5QJ Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover Ad Page 14 Crathes has something for everyone - superb 16th-century castle, beautiful garden spaces and estate walks, newly designed courtyard cafe and Go Ape highwire adventure course! Prices: from £8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

ABERDEEN (AG)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ABERDEEN (AG)

NNNN Castle

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Historic House

Ad Page 15

Prices: £3.00-£5.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP No limit

Contact: Elspeth Bruce Ad Page 60 Home of the Earls of Mansfield. Crowning place of Scottish Kings. Gardens, woodland walks and treasure trove of objets d’art. Coffee Shop, Gift & Food Shops, Playarea, Audio Visual, Maze & Plant Hunters’ Pavilion. Prices: £4.00 - £10.00 Open: Apr-Oct PR GL CP EPW

NNNNN Historic House

GLAMIS CASTLE

GLAMIS, BY FORFAR DD8 1RJ Tel: 01307 840393 Fax: 01307 840733 enquiries@glamis-castle.co.uk www.glamis-castle.co.uk Contact: Libby Reynolds Glamis Castle, with its many turrets and spires, its links with history, Royalty and legends, is the most impressive and welcoming of Scottish visitor attractions. Group Tours, Restaurant,Garden Walks, Exhibitions, Shopping area and much more.

1 VISITOR

Prices: From £8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

EDZELL CASTLE & GARDEN

FETTERCAIRN (AG)

Ad Page 14 Elegant Georgian mansion house with sumptuous Victorian interiors and superb collections of portraits and furniture. Guided tours only of the House and Garden (special themed tours bookable in advance).

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

The beautiful Walled Garden at Edzell is one of Scotland’s unique sites, created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604.

ATTRACTIONS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, METHLICK, ABERDEENSHIRE AB41 7EQ Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org www.nts.org.uk/discover

Prices: £4.50-£6.50 Open: Apr-Nov PR GL CP EPW 100

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURY PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

1 VISITOR

HADDO HOUSE (NTS)

in2groups ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY

EDZELL (DA)

CRIEFF (PH) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec GL CP EPW No limit

ATTRACTIONS

ABERFELDY (PH) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

PITLOCHRY (PH)

DUNDEE (DA)

Contact: Alan Findlay One of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and Scotland’s third most visited garden. It boasts a beautiful floral paradise all year round with many rare and exotic plants on show from all around the world.

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R EPW

Contact: Ms Barrie Andrian Experience the Iron Age. Guided tours (English,Dutch, French, German), exhibits, and ancient craft demonstrations bring the past to life. Groups welcome - booking essential. Giftshop. Refreshments.

Contact: Sales Team

SCONE PALACE

PERTH PH2 6BD Tel: 01738 552300 Fax: 01738 552588 visits@scone-palace.co.uk www.scone-palace.co.uk

KENMORE, LOCH TAY, PERTHSHIRE PH15 2HY Tel: 01887 830583 info@crannog.co.uk www.crannog.co.uk

Prices: As advertised. www.glamis-castle.co.uk Open: Apr-Dec 11/12 Daily PR GL R CP EPW No Limit

NNNNN Castle

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PITMEDDEN GARDEN (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, ELLON, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB41 7PD Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org www.nts.org.uk/discover Ad Page 14 Extravagant formal garden originally created in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton. Pitmedden features a series of beautiful planteries filled with over 40,000 plants bursting with colour in the summer months. Prices: From £4.50 or Discover Tickets Open: May-Sep PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Visitor Attraction

FETTERCAIRN DISTILLERY DISTILLERY ROAD, FETTERCAIRN AB30 1YB Tel: 01561 340205 Fax: 01561 340547 Contact: Mrs Jennifer Sim Ad Page 61

One of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Free guided tour, audiovisual presentation and dram. ATTRACTIONS

NNN Visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: Cragganmore Tour £5.00, Expressions Tour £10.00 Open: May-Oct GL CP Groups On Application

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Laura Sharpe Ad IFC Savour the atmosphere on a unique journey around the distillery. Cragganmore is a small distillery of huge character. Friends of the Classic Malts are welcome to visit all year.

DUTHIE PARK, POLMUIR ROAD, ABERDEEN AB11 7TH Tel: 01224 585310 Fax: 01224 210532 wintergardens@aberdeencity.gov.uk www.aberdeencity.gov.uk

Contact: The Manager An award-winning Victorian Gothic building where art and history offer a fascinating insight into Dundee. Following a recent refurbishment, stunning new displays and visitor facilities make it an attraction for the 21st Century.

THE SCOTTISH CRANNOG CENTRE

1 VISITOR

BALLINDALLOCH, BANFFSHIRE AB37 9AB Tel: 01340 872555 Fax: 01340 872556 cragganmore.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

DAVID WELCH WINTER GARDENS

THE MCMANUS: DUNDEE’S ART GALLERY & MUSEUM

BANCHORY (AG)

CRAGGANMORE DISTILLERY

ATTRACTIONS

ABERLOUR (AG)

traveltrade@visitscotland.com

NNNN Arts Venue

NNNN Visitor Attraction

ALBERT SQUARE, MEADOWSIDE, DUNDEE DD1 1DA Tel: 01382 307200 Fax: 01382 307207 themcmanus@leisureandculturedundee.com www.leisureandculturedundee.com

PORT NA CRAIG, PITLOCHRY, PITLOCHRY PH16 5DR Tel: 01796 484626 boxoffice@pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com Contact: Box Office Ad Page 60 A special Summer Season of plays including “The 39 Steps” and “Dear Brutus” - both written by Scottish playwrights - plus the smash-hit musical Little Shop Horrors. For complete programme details, call Box Office or visit the website! Prices: Various Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No limit

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP 100

1 VISITOR

To find out more simply contact

PITLOCHRY FESIVAL THEATRE

Contact: Stuart McLaren Ad Page 62 Something for everyone - Great Shopping, top Brands, 180 seater licenced Restaurant, Caithness Glass workshop,viewing gallery & make your own paperweight, FREE Highland Drovers Exhibition, Arts & Antiques & Garden Centre.

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1 VISITOR

Contact: Julie Riddell Ad Page 63 Add something extra to your group touring programme - An Off-Road Safari tour in beautiful Highland Perthshire with kilted guides *Coffee or Whisky on the hill *Group rates from £15.00 per person *Gold Panning *Hill walk and/or Picnic in our mountain bothy. Prices: On Application Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW 2-50

CRIEFF VISITOR CENTRE

MUTHILL ROAD, CRIEFF PH7 4HQ Tel: 01764 654014 Fax: 01764 653868 info@crieff.co.uk www.crieff.co.uk

ABERDEEN (AG)

NNNN Visitor Attraction

THE SAFARI LODGE, DULL, BY ABERFELDY PH15 2JQ Tel: 01887 820071 info@highlandsafaris.net www.highlandsafaris.net

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: From £6.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW Groups on application.

HIGHLAND SAFARIS

1 VISITOR

Contact: Jill Scougall Ad IFC Blair Athol Distillery stands at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Come along and enjoy a tour at one of the oldest working distilleries. Wheelchair access limited to shop and reception.

ATTRACTIONS

PERTH ROAD, PITLOCHRY, PERTHSHIRE PH16 5LY Tel: 01796 482003 Fax: 01796 482001 blair.athol.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

1 VISITOR

BELL’S BLAIR ATHOL DISTILLERY

ABERDEEN (AG)

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Rhona Harrison Ad Page 61 Described as “the ultimate Scotch Whisky visitor centre”. Enjoy our superb heritage exhibition and a guided tour of Aberfeldy Distillery, then enjoy a taste of one of our finest whiskies. Relax in our coffee shop and brand store. Allow min one hour for visit, ideally hour and a half. Prices: Adults £7.00, concs available. Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No Limit

1 VISITOR

ABERFELDY DISTILLERY, ABERFELDY PH15 2EB Tel: 01887 822010 Fax: 01887 822012 worldofwhisky@dewars.com www.dewars.com

BALMORAL (AG)

ABERFELDY (PH) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

PITLOCHRY (PH) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

DEWAR’S WORLD OF WHISKY

Prices: Adults £2, under 18’s free Open: Easter-Sep GL CP EPW No Limit

NNNN Visitor Attraction

PAGE 64

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Contact: Julie Riddell Ad Page 63 Add something extra to your group touring programme - An Off-Road Safari tour in beautiful Highland Perthshire with kilted guides * Coffee or Whisky on the hill * Group rates from ÂŁ15.00 per person * Gold Panning * Hill walk and/or Picnic in our mountain bothy. Open: Jan-Dec PR Max Party Size: 49 EF

NNNN Visitor Attraction

Contact: Julie Morrisa

Ad Page 19

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SERS, ORGANI GUIDE & TRAVEL GROUPS GROUP TRAVEL AL BEST FOR THAT IS Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ONLY NATION TO ALL SCOTLAN

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Contact: Gwen Bruce Quiet rural location within large woodland estate only 5 miles from Aberdeen city centre and a 5 minute drive from the Airport. It is the ideal venue for touring the North East of Scotland. Tariff: ÂŁ35.00-ÂŁ57.00 per room 5% Commission Open: Mar-Apr and Jul-Sep Rooms: 45S, 15T, All ensuite CP R

ingscotlan

.com at www.book ravelguide be found andgroupt groups can n for www.scotl informatio Further

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in2 Design & Publishing Limited, www.in2designandpublishing.com

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in2 brochures, guides, newsletters - in fact any print related design! We can take your project from design through to print ready files at great rates. See our growing portfolio of successful print designs on our website or contact:

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PITLOCHRY YOUTH HOSTEL Knockard Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5HJ Tel: 01796 472 308 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com

Ad OBC Pitlochry is a bustling Victorian town at the very centre of Scotland boasting the celebrated Festival Theatre and the smallest whisky distillery in Scotland. An excellent base for touring groups. Tariff: From ÂŁ17.25 Comm Negotiable Open: Feb-Oct (RentaHostel Nov-Jan) Acc. Type: private, family, en-suite and dormitory rooms 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 62 Min party size - 10

NNN Hostel

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Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9TR Tel: 01224 711012 Fax: 01224 711298 accommodation@sac.co.uk www.sac.ac.uk/holidayletsaberdeen

Contact: Karen Johnston Ad Page 63 A favourite among Perth hotels, the Holiday Inn Express Perth offers 81 guestrooms with satellite TV and tea & coffee making facilities. We also offer FREE WiFi throughout, FREE Buffet Breakfast and FREE car or coach parking. Tariff: from ÂŁ25.00 per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 34D, 47T, All ensuite CP

NNN Metro Hotel

ORTON ESTATE

ORTON, FOCHABERS IV32 7QE Tel: 01343 880240 Fax: 01343 880267 enquiries@ortonestate.com www.ortonestate.com Contact: Catherine Milton Ad Page 60

ACCOMMODATION

...on early booking opportunities for Scotland Group d Scotlan Travel Guide 2013. GRO UP

SAC

SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE...

67 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk

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ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

NNNN Visitor Attraction

PITLOCHRY (PH)

ACCOMMODATION

NN Hotel

3 SERVICED

ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

The Safari Lodge, Dull, Aberfeldy PH15 2JQ Tel: 01887 820071 info@highlandsafaris.ne www.highlandsafaris.net

The Salutation Hotel has been welcoming guests through its doors since 1699. The hotel is full of character and thought to be one of the oldest hotels in Scotland. Tariff: Negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 16S 23D 40T 5F All Ensuite R

BUNKHOUSES

HIGHLAND SAFARIS

SCOTLAND

Awaiting Grading

Contact: Rhonda Wood Ad Page 19

NNNNN Historic House

Ad Page 14

Relax & enjoy the best of Scottish food in a unique location. Morning coffees & afternoon teas with traditional home baking & quality refreshments, delicious lunches made with the finest ingredients, tasty light snacks, healthy options & treats to take away, make this the perfect stop for groups and FITs at any time of day. Pre-booking advised for groups. MC L AT D Other 72 Max CP

MC L AT Other CP

6 HOSTELS &

Scone, South Street, Perth PH2 8PH Tel: 01355 266886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

Crieff ROAD, ABERFELDY PH15 2dy Tel: 0871 226 2301 Fax: 01887 820062 jean.kilpatrick@monesspgl.com www.moness.com Contact: Jean Kilpatrick Ad Page 63 Refurbished country house hotel and cottages with leisure including swimming pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms, restaurant, bar. Within walking distance of town centre. Ideal for touring, culture, adventure. Tariff: ÂŁ47.50 per person 10% Commission Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 25D, 14T, 4F, All ensuite CP R

SALUTATION HOTEL

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS PERTH

200 Dunkeld Road, Inveralmond, Perth PH1 3AQ Tel: 01738 636666 Fax: 01738 633363 info@hiexpressperth.co.uk www.hiexpressperth.co.uk

the National Trust for Scotland, Banchory AB31 5QJ Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

Visit the Old Servantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Hall Coffee Shop where we serve home-made soups and freshly-made snacks using local produce whenever possible.

ABERDEEN (AG)

visitscotland.com/creative

PERTH (PH)

MONESS HOUSE HOTEL & RESORT

To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

STOPS

2 MEAL

ABERFELDY (PH) ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

ABERFELDY (PH) 5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

CRATHES CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE (NTS)

Contact: Elspeth Bruce Ad Page 60

Drovers Restaurant serving great value tasty snacks, soups & refreshments; Speciality Coffees & Teas, cakes & scones,sandwiches & baked potatoes. Excellent range of hot meals from Breakfasts to High Teas! Open 7 Days 9-5pm

NNNN Visitor Attraction

Awaiting Grading

4 SELF CATERING

Perth PH2 6BD Tel: 01738 552300 Fax: 01738 552588 visits@scone-palace.co.uk www.scone-palace.co.uk

Contact: Brenda Scarlet Ad Page 62

MC L AT D Other 180 Max CP

SCONE PALACE

visitscotlandtraveltrade.com

MC L AT D Other 100 Max CP

ABERDEEN (AB)

Muthill Road, Crieff PH7 4HQ Tel: 01764 654065 Fax: 01764 653868 rest@crieff.co.uk www.crieff.co.uk

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Contact: Jean Kilpatrick Ad Page 63 Close to quality visitor attractions, Moness is the perfect place for your Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunch/coffee stop or High Tea. Small and large groups welcome. We will create menus around your requirements and budget. Booking essential.

BUNKHOUSES

CRIEFF VISITOR CENTRE

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Ad Page 14 800-year old Fyvie is a magnificent Scottish baronial fortress with lavish Edwardian interiors and one of the largest private collections of Raeburns in the world. Set in beautiful landscaped grounds with loch and 18th-century walled garden. Prices: From ÂŁ5.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

MONESS HOUSE HOTEL & RESORT

STOPS

NNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

Visitor centre, coffee shop, home baking, exhibition on Scottish author Lewis Grassic Gibbon. Situated on B967 accessible from A90 & A92. Prices: ÂŁ2.25-ÂŁ3.00 Open: Mar-Oct PR R CP EPW 100

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Mrs Williamson

The National Trust for Scotland, Fyvie, Turriff AB53 8JS Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

2 MEAL

Arbuthnott, Laurencekirk AB30 1PB Tel: 01561 361668 lgginfo@grassicgibbon.com www.grassicgibbon.com

FYVIE CASTLE (NTS)

BANCHORY (AG)

TURRIFF (AG)

THE GRASSIC GIBBON CENTRE

PERTH (PH)

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

LAURENCEKIRK (AG)

Contact: Laura Sharpe Ad IFC Hear the story of the only Malt Distillery pioneered by a woman. The malt whisky produced here has a warmth and cleanliness of taste which is described as silky and is used in the award winning Johnnie Walker. Prices: Cardhu Tour ÂŁ5.00, Glassic Tour ÂŁ7.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP Groups on application

ATTRACTIONS

Knockando, Morayshire AB38 7RY Tel: 01479 874635 Fax: 01479 874636 cardhu.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

1 VISITOR

KNOCKANDO (AG) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

CRIEFF (PH)

CARDHU DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE

Booking a tour to Scotland?

5 cottages + 5 large country houses. Lovely surroundings. Golfing, skiing, salmon fishing, woodland/hill & coastal pursuits and the Whisky trail. Self, part or fully catered. Logs, electric, gas, linen provided. Pets welcome. Tariff: From ÂŁ238 per week Open: Jan-Dec Units: 10

NNNtoNNNN Self Catering

ABERDEEN YOUTH HOSTEL

8 Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Aberdeen AB15 4ZT Tel: 01224 646 988 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com Ad OBC A historic building packed full of character and offering excellent facilities. A great base for exploring the Granite City and its many attractions including a fantastic range of restaurants, nightlife and shopping and close to castles on Royal Deeside. Tariff: From ÂŁ18.00 Open: Jan-Dec Commission: rates negotiable Acc. Type: private & dormitory 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 107 Min party size - 10

NNNN Hostel

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The Orkney Isles

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Fi Tain ay Gairloch Tighary Sollas or Lossiemouth Invergordon M Alness Cullen North Uist Lochmaddy Uig Cromarty Elgin Buckie Kinlochewe Garve Dingwall Nairn Forres Fochabers Achnasheen Torridon Benbecula Dunvegan Keith Greagory Inverness Portree Lochcarron Aberlour Dufftown South Uist Cannich GrantownKyle of Lochalsh Isle of Drumnadrochit on-Spey Rhynie Stoneybridge Skye Kyleakin Dornie Invermoriston Mossat Daliburgh Lochboisdale S Shiel Bridge Fort Soay Aviemore Corgarff Eriskay Canna Augustus Kingussie Ardvasar Barra Castlebay Rum Mallaig Newtonmore Laggan Braemar Sandray Eigg Dalwhinnie Spean Bridge is a rr

ra ar fB

The HIGHLANDS of SCOTLAND

r H eb ri

Isle of Barvas Lewis

Scrabster John O'Groats Melvich Thurso Castletown Tongue Bettyhill Wick

Durness

Port of Ness

Mingulay

Muck

Barra Head

Coll

Fort William Ballachulish

Tobermory

Glencoe

Craignure

Fionnphort

Isle of Mull

Oban

INVERNESS

RANNOCH MOOR

S A N G O B E A C H , CA I T H N E S S

INVERNESS, STRATHSPEY and the EASTERN HIGHLANDS

FORT WILLIAM, LOCH NESS and SKYE

NORTHERN HIGHLANDS -

The capital of the Highlands, Britain’s largest National Park and Strathspey - this area contains three of Scotland’s most outstanding attractions. Inverness is the commercial and cultural ‘capital’ of the Highlands with historic Culloden and mysterious Loch Ness on its doorstep; the Cairngorms National Park protecting a sublime natural mountain environment; and Strathspey, home of many iconic malt whisky brands.

A spectacular natural environment of mountains, glens, rivers, lochs and sea. An introduction to Gaeldom and a culture unique to the Highlands and Islands. This is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Europe with all of the necessary resources to hand - a superb selection of accommodation, visitor attractions, quality local shopping and restaurants, cafes and pubs serving the very best of local Highland produce.

ROSS-SHIRE, SUTHERLAND & CAITHNESS This area offers splendid variety, all the way from the wildness of the austere rock-hewn landscapes of the west coast - the location of Scotland’s first “Geopark” - around the top of the UK mainland overlooking the Pentland Firth to Orkney, down the east coast to the ancient archaeological sites of Caithness and then the quintessentially Scottish architecture of the old burgh of Cromarty on the Black Isle.

VisitScotland Information Centres

Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3BJ Tel: +44 (0) 1463 252401 15 High Street, Fort William PH33 6DH Tel: +44 (0) 1397 701801 www.visithighlands.com

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INVERNESS, STRATHSPEY and the EASTERN HIGHLANDS

SEE & DO 2012 HIGHLAND WILDLIFE PARK, KINCRAIG Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world’s mountains and tundra in a spectacular Highland setting. www.highlandwildlifepark.org

CAWDOR CASTLE, NAIRN A superb fairy-tale Castle - just what every visitor is looking for - Scottish history and heritage that you can touch, see and experience for yourself. www.cawdorcastle.com

WHAT'S ON

S C OT C H W H I S K Y

CAW D O R CA S T L E

History, mountains, activities and whisky in abundance

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY Highland Games naturally feature throughout the summer months with walking and mountain festivals making lively additions to the programme. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (May) is a major event. Other features include the Burning of the Clavie (Burghead, January), Inverness Music Festival (March), Nairn International Jazz Festival, Inverness Tattoo and the Inverness Book Festival (August), Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival, Dufftown and the Blas Festival (September). For full up to date information see: www.visithighlands.com Driving up the A9 it is easy to turn off and visit the attractive towns of Newtonmore and Kingussie - the Highland Folk Museum, Clan Macpherson Museum, Ruthven Barracks, Highland Wildlife Park and the RSPB Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve (Kingussie) before travelling north to Aviemore which for many is the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, the funicular railway at CairnGorm Mountain, Glenmore Forest Park and en route to Inverness, the Loch Garten Osprey Centre (Boat of Garten) and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park (Carrbridge). Inverness offers the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre (NTS), Holm Mills Shopping Village and towards Beauly, the Moniack Castle Wineries (Kirkhill). To the east along the Moray Firth, the imposing barracks at Fort George guard the entrance to Inverness by sea and together with Cawdor Castle are popular attractions before venturing to Nairn and Elgin (Elgin Cathedral, Pluscarden Abbey, Johnstons Cashmere Heritage Centre), Fochabers (Baxters Highland Village) and the Malt Whisky Trail. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

Always popular with groups, Inverness, the bustling, attractive capital of the Highlands and one of Scotland’s millennium city, makes an ideal destination and base for exploring the area. Situated close to the head of Loch Ness, Inverness is also “Nessie” spotting HQ with ever-popular cruises leaving here for trips down Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. The city sits on the picturesque River Ness, which flows into the Moray Firth - probably one of the best places in Europe to see dolphins. From Inverness you can also visit Culloden Battlefield, the scene of the last battle on British soil, culminating with the demise of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s 1745 Jacobite Rising. This ever expanding and beautiful city offers excellent shopping, bars, restaurants and cafes, with Eden Court Theatre supplying some excellent evening entertainment. Accommodation of all types is plentiful and of a very high quality. To the east, following the A96 Aberdeen road, the seaside town of Nairn offers miles of sandy beaches and championship golf courses. Moray is an area of contrast with fertile coastal land around Findhorn, Lossiemouth and Spey Bay giving way to Malt Whisky Country where the River Spey winds from its source high in the Cairngorms National Park. Visitors can explore Elgin’s ruined cathedral and watch whisky barrels being made at the Speyside Cooperage near Craigellachie, or visit one of eight distilleries on the Malt Whisky Trail: Benromach, Glenfiddich, Glen Moray, Cardhu, Glen Grant, Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery, The Glenlivet and Strathisla - some of the great and good of malt whiskies. Aviemore, set within Britain’s largest National Park offers myriad activities, some strenuous like mountain biking, canoeing, rock climbing and skiing - but mostly relaxing - like walking and pony trekking - however, all enjoyable and make the most of this outstanding natural environment. Here, visitors can become better acquainted with the local inhabitants (and some not so local like reindeer) such as red squirrels at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, pine martens (and polar bears!) at the Highland Wildlife Park, ospreys and elusive capercaillie at Loch Garten or Abernethy Forest or take to the hills to see the mountain hare, dotterel and ptarmigan. And, you do not have to walk all the way - the funicular railway at CairnGorm Mountain and the Strathspey Steam Railway can do the legwork for you. Kingussie, Newtonmore and, to the north, Grantown-on-Spey are further options for use as tour “bases” and all are within easy reach of all of the attractions in this remarkably attractive and accessible area.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS History, mountains and lochs, whisky, outdoor activities, wildlife, castles, cruises Dolphin and “Nessie” spotting.

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FORT WILLIAM, LOCH NESS and SKYE

SEE & DO 2012 TALISKER DISTILLERY

Skye’s very own whisky distillery, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillin. www.discovering-distilleries.com

TREASURES OF THE EARTH, CORPACH

Europe’s finest private collection of Crystals, Gemstones and Fossils housed in an atmospheric simulation of caves, caverns and mining scenes. www.treasuresoftheearth.co.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Music, mountains, Highland Games, motorcycle trials and mountain bike events all feature throughout the year, the most popular being the Fort William Mountain Festival (February); Scottish Six Days Trial, Fort William and area (May); UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William (June); The Skye Festival (June - September): Ben Nevis Race (September) in addition to many Highland Games. For full up to date information see: www.visithighlands.com The most popular tours are along parts of the Road to the Isles, following in the footsteps of ancient cattle drovers and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The route can also be undertaken on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by Harry Potter. The A830 to Mallaig is now much improved and stops at Glenfinnan, Loch nan Uamh, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig should be allowed for. This is a great route to the Isle of Skye and the CalMac ferry from Mallaig is often preferred to the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. Ben Nevis, which is the UK’s highest mountain as viewed from the top of the Nevis Range gondola together with the nature trails are also a must. Glencoe can be visited on the way up the A82 as can Loch Ness to the north via Fort Augustus. An Isle of Skye tour is always popular, perhaps visiting the Clan Donald Centre and the ruins of Armadale Castle in the south and Dunvegan Castle in the north, taking in Portree, Broadford and Talisker Distillery along the way. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

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GLENFINNAN VIADUCT

THE BLACK CUILLIN, SKYE

Romantic, supremely beautiful, historic and full of mystery If there is an area that encapsulates everything that the Highlands as a whole has to offer, then this is it - an area full of history, romance, wildlife and scenic beauty to match anything in the world; a spectacular natural environment of mountains, glens, rivers, lochs and sea. From the A82 Glasgow to Inverness road, visitors are welcomed to Lochaber through the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor before passing the majestic Buachaille Etive Mor which guards the entrance to dramatic Glencoe - a stop at the Glencoe Visitors Centre is a must. The ancient region of Lochaber, with Fort William at its centre, abounds with history and tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie fleeing from the Redcoats through Lochaber, Skye and the Outer Hebrides and of treacherous deeds like the Massacre of Glencoe. Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis has many stories to tell and the West Highland Museum is a good place to start. The natural environment of mountains, glens, rivers, lochs and sea are used to the full for outdoor activities and part of this vast and dramatic area can be viewed from the top of the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola, another “must experience”! This is a land of superlatives Ardnamurchan Point and its visitor centre being the most westerly point on the British mainland, Ben Nevis the highest and Loch Morar the deepest! The A830 - Road to the Isles - takes you to Mallaig and its ferries to Skye and the Small Isles, of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna, via the Glenfinnan Monument which enhances the Jacobite stories. Another popular option is to travel by The Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William over the Glenfinnan Viaduct just like Harry Potter did! Enjoy fantastic views over famous Loch Ness (monster spotting optional) from Fort Augustus or Urquhart Castle, near Drumnadrochit. Cruises on Loch Ness are also popular from either Fort Augustus or Inverness. Towards the Isle of Skye, picturesque little villages such as Plockton and Glenelg and spectacular castles like Eilean Donan adorn Lochalsh, before you arrive on an island of scenic splendour, folklore and a romance associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald. The soaring, craggy heights of the Cuillin mountains are ever-present - a haven for walkers and climbers and a boat trip in towards Loch Coruisk from Elgol will offer some of the best views of this stunning part of Skye. The nearby islands of Scalpay and Raasay offer superb wildlife watching, watersports and excellent walks. The Isle of Skye is a magnet for visitors, especially to Dunvegan Castle, Armadale Castle and Gardens, Talisker Distillery and Portree - and the folklore will intrigue any visiting group. The Lochaber, Loch Ness and Skye area offers an introduction to Gaeldom - a culture unique to the Highlands and Islands. This is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Europe with all of the necessary visitor resources to hand - a superb selection of accommodation, visitor attractions, quality local shopping and restaurants, cafes and pubs serving the very best of local Highland produce.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Lochs and glens, mountains and scenery, history, activities, coast and countryside.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:12:48

NORTHERN HIGHLANDS -

ROSS-SHIRE, SUTHERLAND & CAITHNESS

SEE & DO 2012 DUNROBIN CASTLE, GOLSPIE

Somewhat resembling a French chateau, this majestic castle is the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and dates back to the 1300s. Home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY, TAIN

Shake hands with a man of Tain, stand next to the tallest stills in Scotland, and (of course!) sample the finished product for yourself. www.glenmorangie.com

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY

D U N R O B I N CA S T L E

LOCH MAREE & SLIOCH

Scenic beauty, northern mountains, lochs & glens, castles and gardens and great golf The sheer expanse and drama of these northlands makes a big impression. This area offers splendid variety and is the location of Scotland’s first “Geopark” (these are areas of clearly defined geological heritage of particular importance in terms of their scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal and educational value). All the way from the wildness and austere rock-hewn landscapes of the west coast. Then around

The Northern Highlands is not a place for extravagant festivals and events - spontaneity is the key word, but that is not to say that organised events and festivals do not exist. Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival (May), Dunrobin Castle Vintage Car Rally (August), Ullapool’s Loopallu Music Festival (September), Inverewe Gardens’ special walking and wildlife spotting events and the various Highland Gatherings including those of Dornoch, Strathpeffer and Tain, all add to the holiday experience.

the top of the UK mainland with views over the Pentland Firth to Orkney. On down the east coast to the

For full up to date information see: www.visithighlands.com

seascapes overlooking the isles of Skye and Raasay. The whole coast is indented with the fjord-like sea

To go round the top of the UK mainland is a supreme experience. From Inverness to Gairloch where there is plenty of good tour accommodation up to Ullapool via Inverewe Gardens and then to Tongue after a stop at Durness. Along the top of Scotland past many secluded beaches and tumultuous seas crashing on the rocks and sheer cliffs - and perhaps to John o’Groats then Wick and down the east coast through the small fishing villages of Lybster, Latheron, Dunbeath, Helmsdale (Timespan Museum and Arts Centre), Brora and Golspie with a popular stop at Dunrobin Castle. Dornoch lies a few miles south - excellent for accommodation, walks along the beach and the renowned championship golf course! WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

ancient archaeological sites of Caithness. Ending at the quintessentially Scottish architecture of the old burgh of Cromarty on the Black Isle. These sublime landscapes are made for walkers and climbers. There are fishing lochs and salmon rivers, many boat trips and cruises for close encounters with caves, sea-stacks, seals and dolphins. Golf, cycling, riding and watersports are also to be found here. Ultimately, however, it is the wilderness experience of the far north and its vast grandeur, which will leave the strongest impression - along with the punctuation of stand-alone majestic mountains which include such wonderful names as Canisp, Foinaven, Suilven, Stac Pollaidh, Ben More Assynt and Quinag. Wester Ross is world famous for its beauty and myriad remote communities still deeply associated with fishing, crofting or both. The remoteness of Applecross is only one of its many charms with spectacular lochs of Carron, Torridon, Gairloch and Ewe. Opportunities for wildlife spotting abound and for walking are infinite. For group tours, there are towns neatly spread out just far enough away to make itinerary planning simple - Gairloch, Aultbea, Ullapool, Lochinver then the long run to Tongue or else travelling straight down to Lairg leaving the east coast for a future trip! Sutherland is a vast, sparsely populated area of mountains, moors, lochs and rivers - once famous as a playground of fishing and shooting for the rich. There is still some excellent fishing and shooting today but it is for the many, not just the few. Along the top of mainland UK, Viking names adorn the coastline - Durness, Tongue, Melvich, Reay, Thurso, Wick - testament to the Viking settlement and governance of this area some 1,000 years ago. The eastern side of northern Scotland is peppered with quaint old fishing communities offering beautiful views. Standing resplendent on the coast, Dunrobin Castle is a must see attraction as is a visit to Dornoch with its championship golf course and sandy beaches. Over the Dornoch Bridge, Tain is the oldest Royal Burgh in Scotland and is home to another fine links golf course. A further bridge takes you over the Cromarty Firth to the Black Isle where a detour to Cromarty itself is recommended, simply for the architecture and for dolphin spotting!

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS History, castles, gardens, archaeology, scenic beauty, walking, wildlife.

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Cape Wrath

Harris

i n c h

Summer Isles

Tarbert

Scalpay

Ullapool

H of is a rr

Gairloch

Tighary Sollas North Uist Lochmaddy

Uig Dunvegan Portree

Benbecula

Greagory South Uist Stoneybridge Daliburgh Lochboisdale S .o

ra ar fB

Eriskay

Altnaharra Kinbrace Unapool Lochinver He

Laxay

Balallan

Portnaguran

Stornoway

Scrabs Melvich Th Tongue Bettyhill

Durness

Port of Ness

Isle of Barvas Lewis

Taransay

NORTH WEST SCOTLAND

r H eb ri de s

Butt of Lewis

Kinlochewe Garve Achnasheen Torridon

Soay

Barra Castlebay

Rum

Sandray Mingulay

Ardvasar

Muck

Barra Head

Coll

Eigg

Bonar Bridge

Dornoch

Tain Alness Invergordon Cromarty E Dingwall Nairn F

Inverness

Lochcarron

Cannich

Fort William Ballachulish

Tobermory

The OUTER HEBRIDES

Glencoe

Craignure

Isle of Mull Fionnphort

ARRIVING IN SOUTH UIST

Oban

H O R G A B O S T, I S L E O F H A R R I S

CA L L A N I S H S TA N D I N G S T O N E S , I S L E O F L E W I S

Sheltering the north west of Scotland from the ravages of the Atlantic Ocean from a distance of 40 miles, this string of islands known as the Outer Hebrides stretches in an arc 150 miles long. From the Butt of Lewis in the north to Barra Head in the south, these islands offer fabulous beaches, numerous outdoor activities, Gaelic culture, wildlife and adventure. The wealth of history combined with unrivalled scenic beauty, natural heritage, unique language, traditions and culture gives these island communities a strong sense of identity. A visit to these special places offers a rare opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in authentic island lifestyle.

VisitScotland Information Centre

26 Cromwell Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2DD. Tel: +44 (0) 1851 703088 www.visithebrides.com

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Drumnadrochit Gr Invermoriston Shiel Bridge Fort Aviem Augustus Kingussie Mallaig Newtonmore Laggan Dalwhinnie Spean Bridge

Isle of Kyle of Lochalsh Skye Kyleakin Dornie

Canna

Lairg

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The OUTER HEBRIDES

SEE & DO 2012 TAIGH CHEARSABHAGH MUSEUM & ARTS CENTRE, LOCHMADDY Through exhibitions, residencies, research, commissions and events, Taigh Chearsabhagh provides unique opportunities for thought, creativity and interaction. www.taigh-chearsabhagh.org

E AVA L , N O RT H U I S T

T O L S TA B E A C H , I S L E O F L E W I S

ARNOL BLACK HOUSE A traditional Lewis thatched house, fully furnished, complete with attached barn, byre, stackyard and a peat fire burns in the open hearth with the smoke filtering out through the roof. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

A place to unwind - an oasis of calm in a chaotic world

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY The Gaelic Culture is strong here and Gaelic events and ceilidhs are highly popular with both locals and visitors - many are spontaneous! Events include Cèolas Music School, South Uist (July), Hebridean Celtic Festival (July), BarraFest (July), Harris Festival (August). For full up to date information see: www.visithebrides.com

Lewis and Harris both have west coasts with fabulous white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and big atlantic swells which are perfect for surfing and beachcombing. The east of Harris is rocky and mountainous with some of the oldest known geology in the world. Stornoway in Lewis has an impressive harbour, is the largest town in these islands and is the main ferry port from Ullapool on the mainland. Tarbert is the main town of Harris and the car/coach ferry terminal from Uig on Skye. The earliest known settlers came here about 5,000 years ago and many ancient remains have been found. Places to visit include An Lanntair, the Standing Stones at Calanais (which are older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza), Carloway Broch, Gearannan Blackhouse Village, the

Thanks to modern ferries and causeways, it is now possible to tour all of the islands in the Hebrides by coach/car. Ferries travel from Ullapool to Stornoway in the north, Oban to Castlebay and Lochboisdale in the south with the ports of Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist) being serviced from Uig in Skye.

Black House at Arnol, St Clement’s Church and “Seallam!” Visitor Centre in Harris.

The Port of Ness which seems at the edge of the world at the very top of Lewis is always a major draw, just because it is there! The Callanish Standing Stones are even more impressive and older than Stonehenge but being so far from centres of population, are not so well known.

Lochmaddy is the main port in North Uist linking the islands by ferry to Skye. Of interest to visitors is

Stornoway is one of the main “bases” with a busy harbour, welcoming cafés and uniquel shops. Harris has a stunning mountainous landscape with ancient rocks rising up out of crystal clear waters. North Uist, Benbecula and South Uist are connected by causeways with each island having its own noticeable environmental differences. Barra is a delight to explore where you will meet welcoming locals - just make sure none of your group absconds and decides to stay - and don’t be surprised if they do! WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

The middle set of islands consists of Berneray (a favourite of Prince Charles), North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay: all of which are linked by causeways. 40 miles offshore, the island of St Kilda (a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site) remains a major once-in-a-lifetime attraction with boat trips available (subject to weather conditions).

Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre (North Uist); Borve Castle (Benbecula); Kildonan Heritage Centre and Museum (South Uist). There are two Nature Reserves in the Uists, at Balranald, North Uist, where there is an RSPB Visitor Centre and at Loch Druidibeg, South Uist, both renowned for their visiting bird life. On Barra, Kisimul Castle, standing proud in Castlebay, is the most commonly used picture promoting the island but there is much more to Barra than that. The beaches are superb like many on the west coast of the Outer Hebrides but where else in the world will you find an airport runway that is washed twice a day by the tide - only on Traigh Mhor! From Barra there is no further landfall until Newfoundland, making a beach walk here ideal for beachcoming and fresh Atlantic air!

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Beachcombing, watersports, nature, fishing, archaeology, local culture, walking, cycling.

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Glenmorangie distillery ad_resized_Layout 1 09/09/2011 13:47 Page 1

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY VISITOR EXPERIENCE

On the gentle shores of the Dornoch Firth in the Highlands of Scotland lies the Glenmorangie Distillery, renowned for creating the most delicious malt whisky in the world.

ON THE A9, 45 MINUTES FROM INVERNESS 1 mile north of Tain.

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY SHOP Open all year – Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm June to August – Saturday, 10am to 4pm Sunday, 12pm to 4pm.

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Tain Inverness Perth Glasgow Edinburgh

Tours every 30 minutes between June and August and every hour any other time. Pre-booking is recommended. Admission: £2.50 (£1 for those unable to climb stairs) redeemable against purchases of £17 or over* in the distillery shop. *One voucher per purchase. The Glenmorangie Distillery is a working distillery. For a few weeks a year we undergo essential maintenance when tours may be restricted.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Email: tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk or visit: www.glenmorangie.com The Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain, Ross-shire IV19 1PZ, Scotland, Telephone: 01862 892 477.

PAGE 72 ADS pages 2012.indd 30

Unnecessarily Well Made

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:16:16

600 years of Highland history

A SUPERB FAIRY-TALE CASTLE, AND JUST WHAT EVERY VISITOR IS LOOKING FOR

Come in over the drawbridge you will be swept back in centuries of time. walk one of our five popular nature trails

Picnic in the park

It makes a superb day out for all, rain or shine!

Cawdor:

A magical name romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. INVERNESS

CAWDOR ABERDEEN

PERTH GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

Situated between Inverness and Nairn on the B9090 off the A96

Open seven days a week. May 1st until the 2nd Sunday in October, from 10am until 5.30pm. Last admission 5pm. Ample parking.

For information T: 01667 404401 | E: info@cawdorcastle.com | W: www.cawdorcastle.com Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 31

PAGE 73 1/12/11 11:16:35

Dunrobin Castle & Gardens

t: 01408633177 f: 01408634081 info@dunrobincastle.co.uk www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the North of Scotland and dates from 1400. The Castle contains a magnificent collection of furniture, silver, tapestries, family portraits and memorabilia. Outstanding formal gardens designed by Sir Charles Barry. Informative Falconry Displays every Monday to Saturday with additional Sunday displays during June, July and August. Tearoom and Gift Shop, pre-booked coaches welcome. Group rates available. Open 1st April - mid October. Dunrobin.indd 1

21/9/10 11:28:16

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open: 1 April - 15 OctOber 10Am - 5.30pm (lAst entry 5pm) 16 OctOber - 31 mArch Open by AppOintment DunvegAn cAstle isle Of skye iv55 8Wf T: 01470 521206 e: infO@DunvegAncAstle.cOm w: WWW.DunvegAncAstle.cOm FINAL Dunvegan A3 with 5 images2011.indd 1

PAGE 74 ADS pages 2012.indd 32

30/9/10 16:35:50

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:16:58

‘A wild environment where quality service leaves you with a natural high’

‘Cairngorms 3-attractions day-tour package available’

Highest mountain railway in the UK Mountain garden and trails Panoramic viewing terrace Restaurant and café bar

Suitable for all abilities • Guided summit walks • Mountain exhibition Open year round • Group discounts • Camera obscura • Gift shops

Near Aviemore (just off A9) in the Scottish Highlands • www.cairngormmountain.org • Tel: 01479 861261 Coach Advert 2011.indd 1

For Groups Visiting The Highlands

25/11/2011 18:49:25

NEW FOR 2012

Unique Deal 3-in-1 Visitor Attractions for only £24pp

Gairloch - Just The Ticket! • Single, easy book ticket for three prime visitor attractions. • 44 rooms within walking distance of the harbour • Easy day runs to Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Dunrobin Castle, Glen Ord Distillery and more.

The Old Inn

• Superb walking: Torridon Mountains, Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve. • Memorable wildlife: whales, dolphins, eagles, puffins etc. • Highland gem Links Golf Course; Pony Trekking Centre. • Award-winning seafood and game restaurant. • Ales brewed on the premises. For information and bookings call +44 (0)1445 712006 or e-mail: info@theoldinn.net www.theoldinn.net Gairloch Highland Lodge

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 33

PAGE 75 1/12/11 11:17:10

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Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre Monday to Friday 10.00 hrs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17.00 hrs Saturday 10.00 hrs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 17.00 hrs (Easter to October production DVD viewing and taste)

Sunday 12.30 hrs- 4.30 hrs (Easter to October production DVD viewing and taste)

Tours: Monday to Friday. First tour 10.15 hrs for all other tour times and availability please contact the Visitor Centre. (Booking advisable) The visitor centre is open at weekends from Easter to end of October, although we regret tours are not available. Throughout the day, every day (FREE OF CHARGE) is a taste of the Tomatin 12 year old single malt and a viewing of the production process film. Large groups need to book in advance.

For more details please contact the Visitor Centre Tel: 01463 248144 email: marie@tomatin.co.uk web: www.tomatin.com Please savour our whisky responsibly.

PAGE 76 ADS pages 2012.indd 34

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:17:24

ORKNEY DAY TRIPS

MINUTE FERRY CROSSING!

FOR COACH PARTIES

From John O’Groats Every Summer Morning “A FASCINATING DAY OUT”

Wildlife Cruises for Coach Parties Afternoons from John O’Groats

“AN AmAzING 90 mINUTe experIeNCe”

www.jogferry.co.uk John O’Groats Ferries, John O’Groats, Scotland, KW1 4YR Tel: 01955 611 353, Fax: 01955 611 301 deb@jogferry.co.uk

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 35

PAGE 77 1/12/11 11:18:10

Not just in2 SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE...

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Meander along the tree lined Ness Bank and you will reach The Glen Mhor Hotel in Inverness, in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Ness in the shadow of Inverness Castle. Our high quality of hotel accommodation, reputation and excellent standards of service with two of the best seafood and grill restaurants in Inverness make the Glen Mhor a popular destination. Perfect for short breaks, weekend breaks, touring Loch Ness, visiting the Grampians and their castle and whisky trails, and Cairngorms National Park. With world class golf at Royal Dornoch and Brora. Packages available for group lunches, dinners and accommodation.

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Located on the banks of the Caledonian Canal and Neptuneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staircase, looking onto Ben Nevis. Large function suite with dining up to 120. Rosette award winning restaurant, and comfortable lounge bar serving afternoon tea. Ample free parking for cars and coaches. Continental cold buffet and full Scottish breakfast. Fitness suite. Drying facilities (by arrangement). )UHH ZLĂ&#x20AC; LQWHUQHW DFFHVV

01397 772797

www.moorings-fortwilliam.co.uk The Moorings Hotel | Banavie, Fort William

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PAGE 78 ADS pages 2012.indd 36

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:18:20

Prices: From £11.50 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW 94

NNNNN Tour

Prices: £7.00- £8.00 Open: Apr-Oct 15th PR GL R CP

Not just in2 SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE... JAMES PRINGLE WEAvERS SHOPPING vILLAGE

HOLM MILLS, DORES ROAD, INvERNESS Iv2 4RB Tel: 01463 223311 Fax: 01463 231042 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk Contact: Neil Souter Here you will find a wide selection of knitwear, countrywear,outerwear,golf equipment and accessories, whisky shop,Scottish gifts and food, Pavers Shoe shop.Highland Weaveing Exhibition. Ghillies Restaurant. Coach washing facilities. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

NNN visitor Attraction

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ELGIN (HS) CAWDOR CASTLE

NAIRN, HIGHLAND Iv12 5RD Tel: 01667 404401 info@cawdorcastle.co.uk www.cawdorcastle.co.uk

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ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 73

A superb fairy-tale castle and just what every visitor is looking for. Fine paintings, tapestries and furniture. Three gardens, courtyard café, shops, nature trail, golf course, events programme and much more. Prices: Groups (over 20 people) £8.00 Open: May-Sep PR GL R CP EPW 50

NNNNN Castle

CLAN DONALD SKyE

ARMADALE, SLEAT, ISLE OF SKyE Iv45 8RS Tel: 01471844305 Fax: 01471844275 office@clandonald.com www.clandonald.com Ad Page 76

visit Clan Donald Skye - the romantic ruined Armadale Castle & Gardens, Museum of the Isles, woodland walks, outdoor activities, study centre, plus restaurant & gifts shop–all with glorious views across the Sound of Sleat. Prices: Groups (over 8 people) £5.25 Open: Mar-Nov PR GL R CP EPW 100

NNNN visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

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1 VISITOR

NNNN visitor Attraction

INVERNESS (HS)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Prices: £3.30-£5.50 (2011-12 rates) Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR GL CP No limit

Contact: Mags Macdonald

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com Highlands 2012.indd 79 ADS pages 2012.indd 37

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURy PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Contact: Alison Clark

Working at the cutting edge of new media, specialising in iPhone and Android applications.

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DALLAS DHU DISTILLERy

FORT WILLIAM (HS)

DRUMNADROCHIT (HS) 1 VISITOR

FORRES (HS)

Contact: Scott Morrison Ad Page 74 Dunrobin Castle dates from 1400. The Castle contains a magnificent collection of furniture, silver,tapestries, and family portraits. Outstanding formal gardens designed by Sir Charles Barry. Falconry displays Monday to Saturday. Sunday falconry displays during June, July and August. Tea Room and Gift Shop. Pre-booked coaches welcome.

INVERNESS (HS)

GOLSPIE KW10 6SF Tel: 01408 633177 Fax: 01408 634081 info@dunrobincastle.co.uk www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

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DUNROBIN CASTLE

NNNNN Castle

1 VISITOR

NNNN visitor Attraction

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Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 The superb remains of a magnificent 13th century cathedral. Almost destroyed in 1390 by Alexander Stewart the infamous “Wolf of Badenoch”.

ISLE OF SKYE (HS)

Ad Page 14 Modern, eco-friendly visitor centre with state of the art exhibition and visitor services. Set in one of the most stunning landscapes in highland Scotland and winner of Gold Green Tourism Business Scheme award. Prices: from £5.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Castle

ATTRACTIONS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND), GLENCOE PH49 4LA Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

Wonderful 16th-century tower house, packed with enough art and antiques to keep connoisseurs happy all day. In Spring the grounds are carpeted with a magnificent collection of daffodils. Prices: From £6.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 The remains of one of the largest Castles in Scotland. Dominates a rocky promontory on Loch Ness. Splendid views up and down the Loch. The visitor centre provides a fascinating display of artefacts plus an audiovisual presentation. Prices: £4.50-£7.40 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec). PR R CP No limit

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURy PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 A completely preserved time capsule of the distiller’s craft. Wander at will through this fine old victorian Distillery with the aid of an audio guide and then enjoy a dram.

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

GOLSPIE (HS)

1 VISITOR

GLENCOE (HS)

GLENCOE vISITOR CENTRE (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, BRODIE, FORRES, MORAy Iv36 2TE Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover

ELGIN CATHEDRAL

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURy PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 77 There is no better way to experience Loch Ness than by boat. Award winning Jacobite Cruises gets you onto the water and into the heart of this iconic landscape.

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BRODIE CASTLE (NTS)

URQUHART CASTLE

1 VISITOR

TOMNAHURICH BRIDGE, GLENURQUHART ROAD, INvERNESS Iv3 5TD Tel: 01463 233999 Fax: 01463 710188 info@jacobite.co.uk www.jacobite.co.uk

NNNNN visitor Attraction

NNNN visitor Attraction

ISLE OF SKYE (HS)

JACOBITE CRUISES LTD

Open: 7 days Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Sunday 11am - 5.00pm GL R CP EPW

Prices: From £5.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP On Application

Ad Page 14

ATTRACTIONS

NNN visitor Attraction

visit us to enjoy our latest range, alongside our Courtyard Home and Garden Shop, interactive Heritage Centre and Mill Tour. We also offer the finest quality food in our Food Hall and Coffee Shop. 211 year history and only UK mill to transform cashmere from fibre to finished article.

1 VISITOR

Prices: Group rates available Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 77 Experience one of Europe’s finest private collections of crystals, gemstones and fossils, displayed in an atmospheric simulation of caves and caverns. Open 10am – 5pm 7 Days a week Summer (July – mid September) 9.30 – 7pm Dec, Jan & Feb – Please phone or go online for hours.

1 VISITOR

CORPACH, FORT WILLAM PH33 7JL Tel: 01397 772283 info@TreasuresOfTheEarth.co.uk www.TreasuresOfTheEarth.co.uk

INVERNESS (HS)

TREASURES OF THE EARTH

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

INVERNESS (HS)

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

FORT WILLIAM (HS)

visitscotland.com/creative

1 VISITOR

To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Charlotte Mountain Ad Page 76

One of Scotland’s highest distilleries - mid-way between Perth and Inverness. Home of the Gentle Spirit. A warm welcome awaits.

ATTRACTIONS

NEWMILL, ELGIN Iv30 4AF Tel: 01343 554000 Fax: 01343 554093 shop@johnstonscashmere.com www.johnstonscashmere.com

Ad IFC

1 VISITOR

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN visitor Attraction

DALWHINNIE, INvERNESS-SHIRE PH19 1AB Tel: 01540 672219 Fax: 01540 672228 dalwhinnie.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Ewan MacKintosh

1 VISITOR

Prices: From £5.00 Open: Jan-Dec GL CP EPW On Application

DALWHINNIE DISTILLERy vISITOR CENTRE

ATTRACTIONS

Ad IFC

visit Clynelish Distillery and take a guided tour to see the distillers at work producing their own brand of liquid gold.

ELGIN (HS)

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Contact: Claire Fraser

FORRES (HS)

NNNN visitor Attraction

BRORA KW9 6LR Tel: 01408 623000 Fax: 01408 623004 clynelish.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Ticket Office Ad Page 75 Highest and Fastest Mountain Railway in the UK, Spectacular views, Mountain Exhibition, Gift Shops, Panoramic Restaurant, Ceilidhs, Mountain Garden, Camera Obscura (free entry), Guided Walks, Footpath Network. Ptarmigan restaurant also available evenings for exclusive events bookings. Prices: £4.50-£9.75 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No limit

CLyNELISH DISTILLERy

DALWHINNIE (HS)

BRORA (HS)

By AvIEMORE PH22 1RB Tel: 01479 861261 Fax: 01479 861207 info@cairngormmountain.org www.cairngormmountain.org

1 VISITOR

AVIEMORE (HS) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN

Prices: £3.00-£5.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR GL No limit

NNNN Historic Attraction

e .

BEN NEvIS HIGHLAND CENTRE BELFORD ROAD, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6BZ Tel: 01397 704244 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

Contact: Aileen Haggart Here you will find a wide selection of knitwear, countrywear, Scottish gifts and food as well as the whisky shopoffering free tastings.Original end of the West Highland Way where you can purchase souvenirs. Drivers’ room. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

NNN Tourist Shop

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CULLODEN, INvERNESS Iv1 5EU Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover Ad Page 14 5 Star world class visitor attraction - scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain. Exciting 360 deg. battle immersion theatre, fantastic weapons display, and GPS audio battlefield guides. Excellent restaurant and branded Culloden gifts for sale. Prices: from £7.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

NNNNN visitor Attraction

e .

TALISKER DISTILLERy

ISLE OF SKyE Iv47 8SR Tel: 01478 614308 Fax: 01478 614302 talisker@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Fiona MacIntyre Ad IFC visit Talisker Distillery, the only distillery on the Isle of Skye and home of Talisker single malt. Tastings, tours, selection of fine malt whiskies available. Restricted access for wheelchair users. Please book in advance during summer months as we can be very busy. Prices: Adults £6, 8-17yo £3.00, under 8’s unable to tour. Open: Jan-Dec GL CP All by Appointment

NNNN visitor Attraction

PAGE 79 PAGE 79 30/11/2011 15:18:21 1/12/11 11:24:40

GOLSPIE KW10 6SF Tel: 01408 633177 Fax: 01408 634081 info@dunrobincastle.co.uk www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

STOPS

2 MEAL

MC L AT Other 90 Max CP

NAIRN, HIGHLAND IV12 5RD Tel: 01667 404401 info@cawdorcastle.co.uk www.cawdorcastle.co.uk Contact: Alison Clark Ad Page 73 From a freshly ground Cappuccino, light luncheon, or our renowned afternoon teas, a visit to the Courtyard café is an absolute must. We offer a fantastic array of home baking and a sumptuous selection of freshly cooked local dishes using the very best of produce available. A wide selection of group menus is available on request. Spoil yourself at the courtyard cafe. Open: May-Sep MC L AT D Other CP

NNNNN Castle

Ad Page 76 Large FREE Car/Coach Park with FREE access to the Loch-Side! Great value large Gift Shop, with Whisky, Crystal, Books, Clothing, Craft/Souvenir & sundry items. OPEN ALL YEAR. Hourly Boat Trips on site, via our Car Park. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec (exc Xmas Day) GL R CP EPW

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURY PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 A traditional, fully furnished, Lewis thatched house. There is an attached barn, byre and stackyard. Beside the blackhouse, a furnished 1920s house and a ruined blackhouse can also be seen. Prices: £2.40-£4.00 Open: Jan-Dec (closed every Sunday, 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR CP No limit

NNNNN Historic House

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CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CULLODEN MOOR, INVERNESS IV2 5EU Tel: 0844 493 2663 or from outside the UK +44 131 243 9304 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/discover Ad Page 14 Relax and enjoy the best of Scottish food in a unique location. Morning coffees and afternoon teas with traditional home baking and quality refreshments, delicious lunches made with the finest ingredients, tasty light snacks, healthy options and treats to take away, make this the perfect stop for groups and FITs at any time of day. Pre-booking advised for groups. MC L AT D Other 150 Max CP

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

e +

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

TOMATIN DISTILLERY

TOMATIN, INVERNESS SHIRE IV13 7YT Tel: 01463 248144 Fax: 01463 248149 marie@tomatin.co.uk www.tomatin.com Contact: Marie Macleod Ad Page 76 Tomatin Distillery home of the finest Highland single malt scotch whisky, is located in the Monadhliath Mountains just south of Inverness. If your looking for a tour,production DVD viewing or a taste of the whisky, our friendly staff are on hand to help. Open: Jan-Dec, Mon-Fri. Easter-Oct,+Sat & Sun GL CP 50

NNN Visitor Attraction

ELGIN (HS)

NNNN Visitor Attraction

URQUHART CASTLE

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN

C/O TRAVEL TRADE, HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURY PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

NEWMILL, ELGIN IV30 4AF Tel: 01343 5540000 Fax: 01343 554093 shop@johnstonscashmere.com www.johnstonscashmere.com Contact: Charlotte Mountain Ad Page 76

Enjoy Scottish home baking, freshly ground coffee, speciality teas or a light meal in our bright and airy coffee shop or at our outdoor Courtyard Cafe, covered and heated for winter months. Fine Foods, from local produce to global specialities, are available in our Food Hall. Only the best is good enough. Open 7 days.

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Enjoy the best selection of good old fashioned home baked cakes whilst relaxing in our cafe. The food, the panoramic views of the castle and Loch beyond will remain in your memory for a very long time! Picnic lunches available to order. MC L AT Other CP

NNNNN Castle

e +

STOPS

BLACKHOUSE

Glenmorangie Distillery can be found on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. Visitors can enjoy tours and tastings by experienced guides and a chance to explore the well-stocked whisky shop. Prices: £2.50 - redeemable against purchases in the shop Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW 12 (larger groups prebooking advisable)

2 MEAL

NNN Tourist Shop

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

visitscotland.com/creative

Contact: Annette MacKenzie Ad Page 72

1 VISITOR

Contact: Marianne Campbell Watch Mary Carol Souness, our resident weaver, bring the Scottish weaving tradition alive. Knitwear, tweeds, tartans, Scottish gifts and souvenirs, food and whisky shop with tastings. Coffee Shop serving Costa Coffee Drivers’ room.

TAIN, ROSS-SHIRE, IV19 1PZ Tel: 01862 892477 Fax: 01862 893862 tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk www.glenmorangie.com

To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to

TOMATIN (HS)

LOCH NESS (HS) ATTRACTIONS

@ LOCH NESS CLANSMAN HOTEL, BRACKLA, , LOCH NESS-SIDE, INVERNESS IV3 8LA Tel: 01456 450743 info@lochnessgifts.com www.lochnessgifts.com

TAIN (HS)

1 VISITOR

LOCH NESS NESSIE SHOP

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY

SPEAN BRIDGE PH34 4EP Tel: 01397 712260 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

DRUMNADROCHIT (HS)

ATTRACTIONS

SPEAN BRIDGE MILL

STOPS

KYLE OF LOCHALSH (HS) ATTRACTIONS

SPEAN BRIDGE (HS)

1 VISITOR

CAWDOR CASTLE

NNNN Visitor Attraction

2 MEAL

1 VISITOR

JOHN O’GROATS (HS)

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com/ newsletter

Contact: Nigel Smith Ad Page 77 Voted ‘Best Wildlife Watching Experience in the UK’by the Telegraph. Totally unique, very informative and extremely popular. See all the local wildlife above & below the waves. Seals,Otters,Scenery, Birds & Underwater Kelp Forests. Prices: Group Rates £8.50, Adults £12.99, Child £6.99, Family £38, Concession £11.99 Open: Easter - 31st Oct PR GL CP EPW 55

ISLE OF SKYE (HS)

DUNROBIN CASTLE

Sign-up via:

KYLE OF LOCHALSH IV40 8AE Tel: 01471 822716 seaprobe@msn.com www.seaprobeatlantis.com

STOPS

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec CP No limit

in2groups is our free quarterly newsletter for the travel trade released as an ezine 4 times a year as well as a special printed edition in conjunction with the launch of VisitScotland’s only official Travel Trade Guide Scotland Groups Guide.

SEAPROBE ATLANTIS

2 MEAL

Superbly located on the harbour front, here you will find a unique selection of quality knitwear, countrywear, gifts and food.

Get updates and special offers from Group Travel Guide advertisers direct to your inbox!

ISLE OF LEWIS (OH)

5 SHORE STREET, ULLAPOOL IV26 2UJ Tel: 01854 612399 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

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1 VISITOR

NNNN Historic Attraction

INVERNESS (HS)

Prices: £4.10-£6.90 Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec) PR R CP No limit

STOPS

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 15

Built following the battle of Culloden. Fort George, is the mightiest artillary fortification, in Britain, if not Europe. Audio tour available in six languages.

design&publishing

WEST HIGHLAND WOOLLEN COMPANY

Combine your visit to Dunrobin Castle with morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Facilities only available to groups paying admission to Dunrobin Castle. Prior bookings advisable. STOPS

FORT GEORGE

VisitScotland’s SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE NEWSLETTER

Contact: Scott Morrison Ad Page 74

2 MEAL

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP No limit

in2groups

Contact: Donna Douglas

GOLSPIE (HS)

ATTRACTIONS

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

A superb selection of quality knitwear, clothing, accessories and souvenirs at the UK’s most northern point. Coffee Shop serving Costa Coffee.

Contact: Sales Team

1 VISITOR

Prices: From £5.00 Open: Jan-Dec GL CP No Limit

COUNTY ROAD, JOHN O’GROATS KW1 4YR Tel: 01955 611326 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.ewm.co.uk

C/O HISTORIC SCOTLAND, LONGMORE HOUSE, SALISBURY PLACE, EDINBURGH EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

MUIR OF ORD, ROSS-SHIRE IV6 7UJ Tel: 01463 872004 Fax: 01463 872008 glen.ord.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Barbara Cameron Ad IFC Enjoy a tour at the closest distillery to Inverness and have a dram of the Classic Highland Malt we have been making since 1838. Browse our range of Single Malt Whiskies from all corners of Scotland.

JOHN O’GROATS KNITWEAR COMPANY

2 MEAL

GLEN ORD DISTILLERY VISTOR CENTRE

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: On Application Open: May-Sep PR CP 100

1 VISITOR

Contact: Fred Fermor Ad Page 77 ORKNEY DAY TRIPS - FOR COACH PARTIES. 40 minute ferry crossing from John O’Groats. On arrival on the Islands your exclusive coach with local driver guide will take you on a fascinating tour. Ferries leave at 9am and 10.30am Daily.

NAIRN (HS)

FERRY OFFICE, JOHN O’GROATS, CAITHNESS KW1 4YR Tel: 01955 611353 Fax: 01955 611301 fred@jogferry.co.uk www.jogferry.co.uk

INVERNESS (HS)

JOHN O’GROATS (HS) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

MUIR OF ORD (HS) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ULLAPOOL (HS)

JOHN O’GROATS FERRIES

MC L AT CP

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

Don't miss out...

BOSVILLE HOTEL AND CHANDLERY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

9-11 BOSVILLE TERRACE, PORTREE IV51 9DG Tel: 01478 612846 Fax: 01478 613434 bosville@macleodhotels.co.uk www.bosvillehotel.co.uk Contact: Dennis Connell, Manager A visit to Portree is not complete without sampling a meal at the Bosville Hotel which sits above Portree’s busy harbour. You will sample the freshest of local produce in the Bosville’s multi Award Winning Restaurant. MC L AT D Other 100 Max CP

NNNN Hotel

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in2 Design & Publishing Limited, www.in2designandpublishing.com

PAGE 80

Highlands 2012.indd 80

30/11/2011 16:25:13

25 GRAMPIAN ROAD, AVIEMORE PH22 1PR Tel: 01479 810 345 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com

ACCOMMODATION

4 SELF CATERING

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BUNKHOUSES

NNNN Hostel

6 HOSTELS &

BUNKHOUSES

In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, providing excellent facilities & quality accommodation. Great in summer & winter for outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, watersports & mountainbiking. 5 mins from town centre.

Tariff: From ÂŁ17.00 Open: Jan-Dec Commission: rates negotiable Acc. Type: private, family, disabled and dormitory. 2 Public rooms Sleeping - 100 Min party size - 10

Tariff: From ÂŁ76.00 per night B&B per room Open: Apr-Oct Rooms: 1S, 8D, 14T, 4F All ensuite CP

NNN Small Hotel

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TOMACHARICH, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6SP Tel: 01397 702532 Fax: 01397 702532 thelogs@scotland-info.co.uk www.scotland-info.co.uk/TheLogs Well-appointed Norwegian log house sleeping up to 10. Quiet rural setting - views of North face of Ben Nevis. 5 mins from Fort William. Ideal for discovering the West Highlands of Scotland. Tariff: ÂŁ620 - ÂŁ1,350 Open: Jan-Dec Units: 1 Log House 4 Public Room(s) 6 Bedrooms sleeping 10

visitscotlandtraveltrade.com

NNNN Self Catering

CAIRNGORM LODGE YOUTH HOSTEL

GLENMORE, AVIEMORE, PH22 1QY Tel: 01479 861 238 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com Ad OBC Quality accommodation and facilities in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The hostel is ideal for year-round activities including walking, rock and ice-climbing, skiing, snowboarding, watersports and mountain biking. Tariff: From ÂŁ17.00 Min party size - 10 Commission: negotiable Open: MarNov. Weekends Jan, Feb (RentaHostel Nov-Jan) Acc. Type: private, family and dorms 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 72

NNN Hostel

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CARBISDALE CASTLE YOUTH HOSTEL

CULRAIN, SUTHERLAND, IV24 3DP Tel: 01549 421 232 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com Ad OBC Steeped in turbulent and fascinating history. Overlooking Kyle of Sutherland. Castle is an enchanting place to visit. An hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive north of Inverness. Very popular destination for groups who can partake in many outdoor activities. Tariff: From ÂŁ21.00 Commission: Neg Open Apr-Oct (RentaHostel Nov-Mar) Acc.: private, family, disabled & dorms 5 Public rooms. Sleeping - 140 Min party size - 10

NNNN Hostel

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Contact: Craig Webster Known as the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest hotel the Cabarfeidh is set in extensive gardens, on the outskirts of Stornoway. Excellent bedrooms, superb food and attentive service contribute to an enjoyable stay. Free wi-fi. Tariff: ÂŁ59.00 - ÂŁ79.00 DBB per night per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 10S, 9D, 27T, All Ensuite CP R

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ISLE OF SKYE (HS) ACCOMMODATION

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ISLE OF LEWIS (OH)

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MANOR PARK, STORNOWAY HS1 2EU Tel: 01851 702604 Fax: 01851 705572 groups@calahotels.com www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION

Contact: Sharon Longley Ad Page 75 Good for lunch stops as well as overnight stays, plenty of off road parking, close to Inverewe Garden, 27 rooms all ensuite. Drying room, small workshop for bikers.

CABARFEIDH HOTEL

3 SERVICED

GAIRLOCH, ROSS-SHIRE IV21 2AH Tel: 01445 712006 Fax: 01445 712933 enquiries@gairlochhighlandlodge.net www.gairlochhighlandlodge.net

ISLE OF LEWIS (OH)

GAIRLOCH HIGHLAND LODGE

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ACCOMMODATION

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SCOTLAND

FORT WILLIAM (HS) ACCOMMODATION

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WESTER ROSS (HS) ACCOMMODATION

Ad Page 78

On the banks of the Caledonian Canal with superb views towards Ben Nevis. There is a choice of dining options from appetising bar meals to the award-winning Neptunes Restaurant. We also offer free use of our gym and free golf. Tariff: From ÂŁ85.00 per person per room 8%% Commission Open: Jan-Dec, excluding Christmas Rooms: 2S, 13D, 10T, 2F, All Ensuite CP R

DUISDALE HOUSE HOTEL SLEAT, ISLE OF SKYE IV43 8QW Tel: 01471 833 202 info@duisdale.com www.duisdale.com

Contact: Anne Gracie Ad Page 78 Duisdale House Hotel is an award winning hotel on The Isle of Skye with stunning views. 18 bedrooms with luxury amenities. Award winning restaurant & excellent Malt Whisky selection. Exclusive Daily Sailing Trips. Tariff: From 95 B&B per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 1S, 15D, 2T, 18 ensuite R

NNNN Country House Hotel

CALADH INN

JAMES STREET, STORNOWAY HS1 2QN Tel: 01851 702740 Fax: 01851 703158 groups@calahotels.com www.caladhinn.co.uk Contact: Christina Maciver Just a short stroll to the town centre and ferry terminal, the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest hotel is known for its friendly hospitality. Guests enjoy comfortable, well appointed bedrooms and excellent dining. Free wi-fi. Tariff: ÂŁ49.00-ÂŁ69.00 DBB per person Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 20S, 20D, 26T, 2F, All Ensuite CP R

NN Hotel

ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

67 SHANDWICK PLACE, EDINBURGH EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk Contact: Julie Morris

Ad page 19

To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to visitscotland.com/creative

LOCH OSSIAN & CORROUR STATION HOUSE CORROUR, BY FORT WILLIAM PH30 4AA Tel: 01397 732207 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com

Ad OBC Traditionally-styled eco-hostel, on Rannoch Moor. Operated with wind & solar power, grey water & dry toilet systems. Only a one-mile walk from Loch Ossian. Excellent for wildlifewatching, walking or relaxing. Tariff: From ÂŁ19.50 Open: Apr-Oct (RentaHostel Nov-Mar) Acc.: Private, family & dorms 2 Public rooms. Sleeping - 29 Min party size - 10

NNN Hostel

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INVERNESS (HS)

AVIEMORE YOUTH HOSTEL

NNN Hotel

Contact: David Macdonald

INVERNESS YOUTH HOSTEL VICTORIA DRIVE, INVERNESS IV2 3QB Tel: 01463 231 771 reservations@syha.org.uk www.hostellingscotland.com

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rory@in2designandpublishing.com in2 Design & Publishing Limited, www.in2designandpublishing.com

Tariff: Negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 8S 19D 37T 5F All Ensuite CP R

Contact: Anne & Alistair Smyth

CAIRNGORM (HS)

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Contact: Rhonda Wood Ad Page 19 Well known to generations of travellers, this Victorian hotel of magnificent character is situated amidst the splendour of the Cairngorm Mountains and the lushly wooded Strathspey.

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NETHY BRIDGE PH25 3DP Tel: 01355 266886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

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Tariff: Negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 20S 31D 57T 8F All Ensuite CP R

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Contact: Rhonda Wood Ad Page 19 Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William, The Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club is in a prime spot for exploring the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most scenic countryside.

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NORTH ROAD, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6TG Tel: 01355 266 886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

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Tariff: Negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 12S 26D 44T 11F All ensuite CP R

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Contact: Rhonda Wood Ad Page 19 The Alexandra Hotel provides traditional Scottish Hospitality at its best and located in the centre of Fort William is an ideal base from which to explore the Highlands and Islands.

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THE PARADE, FORT WILLIAM PH33 6AZ Tel: 01355 266886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

FORT WILLIAM (HS)

ALEXANDRA HOTEL

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Inverness is an excellent centre for touring the Highlands of Scotland, with the possibility of day trips to Loch Ness, Culloden Moor and dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth. Tariff: From ÂŁ16.50 Commission: rates negotiable Open: Jan-Dec Acc.: en-suite, private, family & dorm 3 Public rooms. Sleeping - 166 Min party size - 10

NNNN Hostel

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PAGE 81

Highlands 2012.indd 81

30/11/2011 15:18:59

Papa Westray Pierowall

The NORTHERN ISLES of ORKNEY and SHETLAND

Westray

Hollandstoun The North Sound

Rousay

Birsay

Evie

Islands

Stronsay Firth Tingwall

Roadside Sanday Loth Whitehall Stronsay

Shapinsay Finstown Kirkwall

Auskerry

Orkney

Stromness

Houton

Hoy

Backaland Bringan

Ronaldsay

Burness

Eday

Orkney

North

Scapa Flow

Lyness

Flotta

Longhope Swona

St Mary’s

Burray South Ronaldsay Burwick Pentland Skerries

John O'Groats Castletown

The ORKNEY ISLES

KIRKWALL HARBOUR

SKARA BRAE

O L D M A N O F H OY

From the northern shores of Caithness, Orkney is clearly visible over the Pentland Firth - seems just a stone’s throw away - but far enough away for these islands to develop their own independent culture and lifestyle; a lifestyle with strong Viking influences. But the Vikings were latecomers as far as Orkney is concerned, as evidence shows that there were communities here 5,000 years ago. This is one reason why these stunning islands are now world famous for their fascinating archaeology. The islands’ attractions are guaranteed to keep any group of visitors fascinated and entertained for a long time - especially ornithologists. One in six of all British species of seabird (over 350 recorded species) nest here on every conceivable rock, cranny and ledge on Orkney’s dramatic cliffs giving a contrast e /creativ of airborne grace above the fury and power of a mesmerising Atlantic Ocean. om .c cotland its

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g promotin ting and Celebra ’s cultural and d Scotlan rancy, shining vib creative t on Scotland’s h lig sent a spot past, pre d. assets, an creative - all over Scotl re and futu

PAGE 82 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 24

VisitScotland Information Centre

The Travel Centre, West Castle Street, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1GU. Tel: +44 (0) 1856 872856 www.visitorkney.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:15:41

The ORKNEY ISLES

SEE & DO 2012 RSPB NATURE RESERVES Birsay Moor, Hoy, Brodgar, Copinsay, Marwick Head Nature Reserves - in fact 13 of them! A must for anyone interested in Orkney’s astounding ornithology. www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/

HIGHLAND PARK DISTILLERY AND VISITOR CENTRE, KIRKWALL Founded in 1798 by notorious smuggler Magnus Eunson. The distillery is one of only six remaining in Scotland which malts its own barley. www.highlandpark.co.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Four of the main events are the Orkney Ceilidh Weekend (April), the Orkney Folk Festival (May), the St Magnus Festival (June) and the Orkney Science Festival (September). There is, however, a long list of other events throughout the year covering golf, sailing, Nordic Studies Summer Schools, agriculture and gardening. For full up to date information see: www.visitorkney.com/events Ornithology/wildlife and archaeology tend to be the most popular group travel themes as the Orkney Isles are a haven for both. The plethora of birdlife includes guillemots, razorbills, shags, storm petrels, cormorants and the favourites, puffins. Over 8000 hectares of nature reserve land are managed by the RSPB including their reserve in Hoy. Walks and cycle trips in Orkney take visitors through thousands of years of history - from the Neolithic Settlers (Skara Brae - now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Ring of Brodgar), 5,000 years ago to the Vikings (Maeshowe being an excellent example, the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, Orphir) right up to 20th century maritime history (Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel, Lamb Holm). WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

I TA L I A N C H A P E L , L A M B H O L M

Defined by the past and sculpted by the sea Orkney has been inhabited for over 5,000 years - long before it was settled by the Vikings - and its archaeology is world-renowned. For such a relatively small destination it has an unprecedented array of both natural and man-made attractions guaranteed to fill any seven day itinerary - from history and archaeology to ornithology and wildlife and with inter-island transport being so good, island-hopping is a popular option. It offers a rich variety of activities on land, loch and sea to suit all abilities and interests. With almost 600 miles of coast and some great unspoilt areas, the islands are superb for wildlife watching and for rich and varied angling. Divers love it too, particularly around Scapa Flow where the German fleet was scuttled at the end of the First World War. There are well over 1,000 recorded archaeological sites throughout the islands and the quality and importance of many of them has resulted in Orkney’s Neolithic Heartland being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Status. This includes sites such as Maeshowe chambered tomb in Stenness, dating back to 2,800 BC, the Standing Stones of Stenness, the Ring of Brodgar, Barnhouse Neolithic village and probably the most well known of them all, Skara Brae, a well preserved stone age village engulfed by sand 5,000 years ago. By contrast, modern day Orkney is a hive of creative industry, with several internationally renowned jewellery manufacturers and many professional crafts people at work in the islands. Studios and workshops are often open to the public, and there are Craft and Artists’ Trails to follow. Viking heritage and cultural influences are also seen all through these islands. One of the best preserved examples of an ancient Norse town, Kirkwall, is dominated by the magnificent 12th century St Magnus Cathedral. Nearby are the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace and the Earl’s Palace. The Orkney Museum in Tankerness House provides an introduction to Orkney’s history and archaeology stretching back five millennia. The Orkney Library and Archive caters for the needs of increasing numbers of people researching their Orcadian ancestors. Orkney’s second town, Stromness, dates from the 17th century when trade between Europe and distant colonies was growing rapidly. The town was an important port of call for ships of the Hudson’s Bay Company before they set sail across the Atlantic. Following the sinking of HMS Royal Oak in 1939 in Scapa Flow, sea defences were strengthened resulting in the islands of South Ronaldsay, Burray and Lamb Holm being joined by four causeways called the Churchill Barriers to eliminate entry from the east. Italian prisoners of war helped to build these causeways and these same prisoners created the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm from old Nissen huts. It is one of the most moving attractions in Orkney and is extremely popular with visitors. Each island in Orkney has something different to offer visitors, the Mainland (not to be confused with mainland Scotland) may be the largest but out of a total of around 70 islands, there are 18 lively communities. Each has wonderful archaeological sites, scenery, seascapes and wildlife, quality assured accommodation and easy going, friendly people.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

www.vis

itscotla

nd.com

/cre

ative Celebra ting Scotlan and promoting d’s cult ural and creative vi a spotlig brancy, shining creative ht on Scotland ’s as and futu sets, past, pre sent re - all o ver Sco tland.

Ornithology, archaeology, fishing, sea angling, diving, wildlife, walking, cycling, creative, island tradition and heritage.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 25

RING OF BRODGAR

PAGE 83 1/12/11 14:15:53

Unst

Sound Yell

Isbister

Hillswich

Shetland

Papa Stour

Muckle Roe Hillside

Melby

Fetlar

West Sandwich

Muckle Flugga

Ulsta Yell Burravoe

Unst

Vidlin

Whalsay Girlsta

Isbister

Shetland

Walls

Lerwick Hillswick

Foula

Scalloway

West Shetland Burra

Isle of Noss

St Magnus Bressay Bay Muckle Roe

Leebotten Papa Stour Mousa Levenwick Melby

Islands

Brae

Belmont Gutcher West Sandwick

Fetlar

Ulsta Yell Burravoe

Toft

Out Skerries

Vidlin

Whalsay Girlsta

Shetland

Walls

Sumburgh

Lerwick

Foula

Scalloway West Burra

Leebitten Levenwick

Fair Isle

Norwick

Out Skerries

Sound Yell

The Islands NORTHERN ISLES of ORKNEY and SHETLAND

Belmont Gutcher

Toft

St Magnus Bay

Unst

Isle of Noss

Bressay Mousa

Sumburgh

The SHETLAND ISLES Fair Isle

VOE

U P H E L LY A a , L E R W I C K

JARLSHOF

One of the really special group destinations for people who like adventure, the outdoors and unique cultural traditions. Group trips to Shetland are never forgotten - from the elation of first glimpse - be it from sea or air - to the reluctance to leave. Here, the strength of tradition is matched by the sheer spectacle of its natural environment. Over 100 islands featuring spectacular cliffs and seascapes, abundant wildlife including the highest number of otters in Europe and over a million breeding seabirds can be found here, all enjoying shetland’s superb seafood! e /creativ tland.com

itsco www.vis

g promotin ting and Celebra ’s cultural and d Scotlan rancy, shining vib creative t on Scotland’s h nt a spotlig ts, past, prese asse and. creative - all over Scotl re and futu

PAGE 84 VSGTG area_spreads.indd 26

VisitScotland Information Centre

Market Cross, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0LU. Tel: +44 (0) 1595 693434 info@visitshetland.com www.visitshetland.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 14:17:28

The SHETLAND ISLES

SEE & DO 2012 JARLSHOF PREHISTORIC AND NORSE SETTLEMENT, SUMBURGH An extraordinarily important site with a complex which includes a Bronze Age village of oval stone huts and an entire Viking settlement. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

SHETLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES, LERWICK View over 3000 artefacts, including world famous textiles, Pictish art and traditional boats of all kinds in the Boat Hall. Explore Shetland’s history further through the extensive archive collections. www.shetlandmuseumandarchives.org.uk

WHAT'S ON & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Shetland has a number of major festivals each year including Up Helly Aa (Viking Fire Festival - January), Shetland Folk Festival (April/May), Flavour of Shetland (food, music and culture - June), the Bergen-Shetland Races (yachting - June), the Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Festival (October) and the Shetland Guitar Festival (November) - and this is just a flavour as there are many other events throughout the year. For full up to date information see: www.visitshetland.com Probably the main reason why people like to visit island communities is to take a glimpse into their lifestyle and experience their culture. This is where Scotland meets Scandinavia, where the Atlantic meets the North Sea and where the local English dialect has a definite Nordic lilt to it - Bergen is closer than Edinburgh! For groups, the ideal place to get a feel for these islands is with a visit to the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick. This will prepare those who have never been here before for ancient sites like Jarlshof and the Brochs at Mousa, Clickimin, Old Scatness and many more. Travel to the outer islands by ferry and air is very good and island hopping is popular and rewarding as most of the islands have their own museums/heritage centres to inform visitors of the culture, heritage, history and nature of their own island community. Exploring the scenery and landscapes of Shetland by foot or by cycle also offers added opportunities for ornithology. WWW.SCOTLANDGROUPTRAVELGUIDE.COM

LERWICK

A land of unmistakeable beauty an entrancing blend of Scotland and Scandinavia With Bergen in Norway being nearer than Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, it is no surprise that the culture and lifestyle of the Shetland Isles reflect that of its neighbours in Scandinavia and the Faroes. This mix of cultures works so well that the friendly demeanour of the people coupled with their hard-working nature creates a serious love of community, music and leisure - groups will never be far from excellent entertainment here. As well as ferry links from Aberdeen, there are air connections from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Norway (in summer) to Sumburgh Airport and to many of the outer islands from Tingwall airport near Lerwick. Lerwick is also one of Scotland’s top cruise ship destinations. For further information see www.cruisescotland.com Shetland’s largest town, Lerwick, is the commercial and industrial centre and also the hub of a busy cultural and social scene. Dating from the 17th century, it was a popular trading port for Dutch herring fishermen. Merchants built their own piers and warehouses known locally as “lodberries”. By the beginning of the 20th century Lerwick was one of the chief fishing ports in Scotland and today the old waterfront is bustling with pleasure boats, visiting yachts, historic craft and working fishing boats. Attractions for groups include the fabulous Shetland Museum and Archives, Bod of Gremista, Clickimin Broch, Up Helly Aa Exhibition, Fort Charlotte, Lodberries and Town Hall (Lerwick). On the west coast, eight miles from Lerwick lies the former capital of the island, Scalloway. Here Scalloway Castle and Scalloway Museum are popular and rewarding attractions. With awesome cliffs and spectacular seascapes, the whole of Shetland has lots to explore whether it is by bus, car, cycle, foot or boat. Throughout the mainland you will find many fascinating places of interest such as archaeological sites, areas with rare wild flowers, spectacular wildlife and breathtaking sea views. Unlike many of the Scottish islands, Shetland has retained healthy rural communities on its outer islands including Fair Isle - a bird sanctuary owned by the National Trust for Scotland. All have excellent ferry links to the main island and some to each other - ideal for island ferry/plane hopping and discovery trips. One of the reasons for the stability of these remote settlements is the Shetland economy, greatly strengthened by North Sea oil. Attractions not to be missed include Unst Heritage Centre, Hermaness Visitor Centre, Unst Boat Haven, Old Haa, Muness Castle (Unst); George Waterston Memorial Centre (Fair Isle); The Hanseatic Booth Museum (Whalsay); Fetlar Interpretive Centre (Fetlar); Mousa Broch (Mousa); Noss National Nature Reserve (Noss); Bressay Heritage Centre (Bressay); Cabin Museum (Vidlin). Shetland is a destination in its own right - visitors come here for a reason, they cannot just drive through en route to some other location and there are so many reasons to come here. This is a special place, a place to inspire and a place to remember for a very, very long time.

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Archaeology, history, ornithology, wildlife, shetland culture, island hopping.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com VSGTG area_spreads.indd 27

SHETLAND PONIES

PAGE 85 1/12/11 14:17:41

Tel FreeFone

0800 688 8998 or BOOK ONLINE

www.pentlandferries.co.uk

The 21st Century crossing to Orkney! Using the very latest technology and meeting the highest safety standards demanded by today’s modern travellers, Pentland Ferries now has Scotland’s finest catamaran car and passenger ferry crossing the old Viking Highway – the Pentland Firth, a journey time of an hour, and with three return sailings each day.

Passengers should be at the terminal thirty minutes before sailing time and are advised to book, either via the web or by telephone, to avoid disappointment.

A comfortable lounge offers excellent views on passage, and for those who prefer fresh air, the top deck has safe, comfortable seating. Light snacks and drinks are available.

We accept cash on board or credit, debit card at our onshore offices.

Gills Bay

Kirkwall

St Margaret’s Hope

John o Groats

PENTLAND FERRIES LTD

Pier Road, St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney KW17 2SW St Margaret’s Hope: 01856 831226 Gills Bay: 01955 611773 Fax: 01856 831697

PAGE 86 ADS pages 2012.indd 38

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 11:26:56

Orkney Museums and Heritage

From Prehistory Visit our museums and attractions including

to the present day

THE ORKNEY MUSEUM ST. MAGNUS CATHEDRAL CORRIGALL FARM MUSEUM KIRBUSTER MUSEUM SCAPA FLOW VISITOR CENTRE AND MUSEUM

FREE ENTRY For further details telephone: 01856 873535 or email: museum@orkney.gov.uk Managed on behalf of the people of Orkney and visitors by Orkney Islands Council

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 39

PAGE 87 1/12/11 11:33:32

Alfred Street, Stromness KW16 3DF Tel: 01856 850025 Fax: 01856 871560 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk

Ad Page 87

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

NN Museum

Ad Page 87 Impressive display of communications equipmement, staffed by knowledgable volunteers. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. Wealth of photos and small shop. Prices: ÂŁ1.00 - ÂŁ3.00 Open: Apr-Sep GL CP 20

NORTHLINK FERRIES LTD. Stromness Ferry Terminal, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3BH Tel: 01856 852086 Fax: 01856 851795 info@northlinkferries.co.uk www.northlinkferries.co.uk Northlink Ferries provide fast and frequent sailings to Orkney and Shetland, from Aberdeen and Scrabster, using three state-of-the-art ships. Net rates available to group organisers. Prices: Various Open: Jan-Dec R CP 600

NNNNN Historic Attraction

. e

CORRIGALL FARM HOUSE Midhouse, Corrigall Tel: 01856 771411 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk

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KIRKWALL (OR)

SANDWICK (OR) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

CORRIGALL (OR)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ST MAGNUS CATHEDRAL

Ad Page 87

Broad Street, Kirkwall Tel: 01856 874894 cathedral@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk Contact: Custodian

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Museum

Ad Page 87

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Over three acres of remains spanning 3,000 years from the Stone Age. Oval shaped Bronze Age houses, Viking long houses, medieval farmstead and a 16th century lairdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Free audio tours available. Prices: ÂŁ3.30-ÂŁ5.50 Open: Summer only. PR CP No limit

NNNN Historic Attraction

d /

Tankerness House, Broad Street, Kirkwall KW15 1DH Tel: 01856 873535 Ext 252 Fax: 01856 871560 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk Ad Page 87 16th century merchant house containing displays on Orkneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and prehistory covering the habitation of these islands over 5000 years. Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec GL No limit

NNN Museum

SCAPA FLOW VISITOR CENTRE AND MUSEUM

Ad Page 87

Preserved wartime buildings tell the story of Scapa Flowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic importance to the British fleet since Napoleonic times. Shop; cafe. Prices: Free Open: Mar-Oct, please phone for details of opening times GL R CP No limit

NNN Museum

Booking a tour to Scotland? JARLSHOF

THE ORKNEY MUSEUM

Lyness Tel: 01856 791300 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk

Fabulous 12th century cathedral founded by Norse Earl Rognvald in memory of Norse Earl Magnus. Superb collection of carved grave markers. Prices: Donation Open: Jan-Dec GL CP No limit

Prices: Free Open: Mar-Oct GL CP 40

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

traveltrade@visitscotland.com

LYNESS (OR)

To find out more simply contact

Contact: Steve Nottage Ad Page 87

Orkney maritime and natural history including whaling, fishing, Hudsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay Company, Scapa Flow, birds, butterflies, fossils and geology. Prices: ÂŁ1.00-ÂŁ3.50 Open: Jan-Dec CP 40

Kiln Corner, Junction Road, Kirkwall KW15 1LB Tel: 01856 871400 Fax: 01856 871560 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk/heritage

Contact: Sales Team Ad Page 15 Uncovered by a storm in 1850, Skara Brae presents the remarkable picture of life around 5,000 years ago. It is one of the best preserved groups of stoneage houses in Western Europe. Prices: ÂŁ4.10-ÂŁ6.90 (Aprâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Oct 2011, Joint Ticket with Skaill House). Open: Jan-Dec (closed 25 & 26 Dec and 1 & 2 Jan) PR R No limit

From design to full functionality.

To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to visitscotland.com/creative

SCOTLAND

STROMNESS MUSEUM

ORKNEY WIRELESS MUSEUM

c/o Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel: 0131 668 8831 Fax: 0131 668 8888 hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

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ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

67 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk Contact: Julie Morris

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

STROMNESS (OR)

in2 Design & Publishing Limited, www.in2designandpublishing.com

1 VISITOR

boyd@in2designandpublishing.com

SHETLAND (SH)

See our growing portfolio of successful print designs on our website or contact:

ATTRACTIONS

We can take your project from design through to print ready files at great rates.

Prices: ÂŁ2.00 - ÂŁ3.50 Open: Apr-Sep R CP 50

in2 Website design

SKARA BRAE & SKAILL HOUSE

ATTRACTIONS

in2 brochures, guides, newsletters - in fact any print related design!

Open: Jan-Dec

1 VISITOR

SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE...

Ad Page 86 Pentland Ferries Ltd offer the shortest crossing to Orkney for your coach at approximately one hour. The route is very sheltered providing an appealing option to travellers who are unsure of travelling on the sea.

SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE...

18th century/19th century Orkney farming, interpreted, with peat fires, livestock and a warm welcome. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activites and gift shop.

KIRKWALL (OR)

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ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Pier Road, St. Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope, Orkney KW17 2SW Tel: 01856 831 226 Fax: 01856 831 697 sales@pentlandferries.co.uk www.pentlandferries.co.uk

Superb display of Orkney and world geology and fossils, plus small social history display and lovely gift shop.

KIRKWALL (OR)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

NNN Museum

Burray Tel: 01856 731255 Fax: 01856 871560 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk

Rural life museum with unique surviving central hearth, restored garden, machinery display. Prices: Free Open: Mar-Oct GL CP 70

ORKNEY (OR)

Ad Page 87

FOSSIL & HERITAGE CENTRE

1 VISITOR

PENTLAND FERRIES

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SUMBURGH (SH)

Birsay Tel: 01856 771268 museum@orkney.gov.uk www.orkney.gov.uk

ATTRACTIONS

KIRBUSTER MUSEUM

THE Stromness Ferry Terminal, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3BH Tel: 01856 852086 Fax: 01856 851795 info@northlinkferries.co.uk www.northlinkferries.co.uk Contact: Steve Nottage Ad Page 87

1 VISITOR

Prices: On application Open: May-Sep PR R 100

NORTHLINK FERRIES LTD.

1 VISITOR

Contact: Fred Fermor Ad Page 77 ORKNEY DAY TRIPS FOR COACH PARTIES.40 minute ferry crossing from John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Groats. On arrival on the Islands your exclusive coach with local driver guide will take you on a fascinating tour. Ferries leave at 9am and 10.30am Daily.

ATTRACTIONS

ferry office, John oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Groats, caithness KW1 4YR Tel: 01955 611353 Fax: 01955 611301 fred@jogferry.co.uk www.jogferry.co.uk

BURRAY (OR)

ORKNEY (OR) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

BIRSAY (OR)

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Ad Page 19

PAGE 88

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Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland, and VOCAL.

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 41

PAGE 89 1/12/11 11:36:31

20 Old Abbey Road, North Berwick, Edinburgh EH39 4BP Tel: 0044-1620 890908 Fax: 0044-1620 892442 schocentiv@aol.com www.incentive-Schottland.de Contact: Klaus Frömmel: deutschsprachiges Büro and F, Es, Po Ru, Ilaria: Italian enquiries Main Markets: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Poland , Russia , Worldwide Main Business: Incentive Reisen, Special Interest Groups, Sondergruppen, Adhoc Reisen. Also, for GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Walking/Cultural/Study/ Railway Tours,Erlebnisreisen, Busrundreisen: please see www. RobRoyToours.com Also With: INCENTIVES, SONDERGRUPPEN, SPECIAL INTEREST, GOLF Languages : German, Italian, French, Polish, Russian, Italian, Spanish

JAC TRAVEL 116 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ Tel: 0131 556 4500 Fax: 0131 558 5570 groups@jactravel.co.uk www.jactravel.co.uk Contact: Karen Robertson Member of: ETOA, UK Inbound, NTA, STF, GTBS

60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TB Tel: 0131 557 9393 Fax: 0131 558 1177 haggis@radicaltravel.com www.haggisadventures.com Contact: Craig Irving Member of: FIYTO

Also With: Bespoke Group Tours, Transfers and Airport Shuttle Services. We can take care of entire trip or transport only Languages : Any by arrangement

LINKS GOLF ST. ANDREWS 7 Pilmour Links, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY16 9JG Tel: +44 (0)1334 478639 Fax: +44 (0)1334 474086 tours@linksgolfstandrews.com www.linksgolfstandrews.com Contact: Mark Rigg Member of: Golf Tourism Scotland Main Markets: USA, Japan, Europe, Worldwide Main Business: Links Golf St Andrews are a UK golf tour operator based in St Andrews. We provide the finest golf tours to Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales, combining the championship golf courses with the best in accommodations and transport. We have guaranteed St Andrews Old Course tee times and provide customised packages for British Open. Also With: Organisers of the annual St Andrews Golf Week Mid April. Visit website for details www.standrewsgolfweek.com

C-N-DO SCOTLAND

CLAYMORE TRAVEL

6 TOUR OPERATORS

FOCUS SCOTLAND

6 TOUR OPERATORS Main Business: Offices also in London, France and Italy, we can network the whole of Europe. Scotland opened in 1997, we offer a wealth of knowledge and due to the volume of biz operated all year round, we acheive and offer good rates/service Languages : Spanish, Italian, French, German & English

HART HOLIDAYS The Holiday Centre, Suite 3, Cameron Dr, Glasgow G61 2NH Tel: 0141 280 0172 Scotland@hartholidays.co.uk www.hartholidays.co.uk Contact: Douglas Hart Main Markets: UK, Europe, North America, Worldwide. Main Business: Specialist tour operator for Scottish island holidays and self drive touring itineraries across Scotland.

West Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Scotland IV63 6UW Tel: 01456 450550 Fax: 01456 450550 george@lochnesstravel.com www.lochnesstravel.com

FOCUS SCOTLAND FOCUS SCOTLAND Outlook Europe, groups-on-the-move, 9 Howard Place, Edinburgh EH3 5JZ Tel: +44 131 558 1800 Fax: +44 131 558 1124 john.clifford@focusscotland.co.uk www.focusscotland.co.uk

Also With: Conferences; meetings; public affairs; information, political and cultural exchange Languages : German French, Gaelic and others as required

HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS 60 High Street, Royal Mile, EdinburghEH1 1TB Tel: 0131 558 3738 info@highlandexplorertours.com www.highlandexplorertours.com Contact: Laura MacNeil Member of: Visit Scotland, Edinburgh Capital Group Main Markets: Worldwide Main Business: 5 Star tours for FIT. Year round. 1-5 Days in duration. Discounts for groups of 4+ as well as Child & Senior Prices. Mercedes Coaches with Air Conditioning, Local Guides, Never EVER Cancel Guarantee. A 5 Star Tour operator with over 16 years experience touring in Scotland Also With: Private tours for Groups/Corporate. Groups department will deal with your enquiry and help plan itinerary etc. Languages : Any by arrangement

MACITALIA LTD 51 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG Tel: 0131 556 7559 Fax: 0131 557 4222 mail@macitalia.co.uk www.macitalia.co.uk Contact: Mr Ross Clark Member of: UKInbound

Contact: George Simpson Main Markets: Worldwide

Main Markets: Worldwide Main Business: Established Incoming Tour Operator offering extensive group and individual services: scheduled coach tour series, FIT services, incentives and special interest programmes.

Main Business: Customised/ Escorted Highland and Islands Car or Minicoach Tours for the Individual or Group Traveller. Also With: CastleTours/Whisky Trails/Wildlife Tours/Guided Hillwalking around Loch Ness and Wester Ross.

Languages : English

Main Business: Incentives; delegations; political, professional, study and cultural programmes; specialist + general tours.

Also With: Customised self drive tours, self catering cottages, hotels, castles, B&Bs and car hire across Scotland.

LOCH NESS TRAVEL

Also With: Car tours with or without walking.

Contact: John Clifford Main Markets: Austria Germany France Switzerland Italy all Europe Turkey & further afield USA & Canada

Main Markets: Worldwide - Russia, Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, USA

6 TOUR OPERATORS

EUROPE INCOMING SCOTLAND 6 TOUR OPERATORS

CASHEL TRAVEL LTD 6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: Hotels Online & Inbound Travel Services. Touring Programmes, City Breaks, Special Interest Groups and Scheduled Tours. Specialist for the UK & Ireland.

Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Hungarian

HAGGIS ADVENTURES

Main Business: FIT Tours throughout Scotland, England and Wales. 17 years experience delivering world-class tours, from 1-7 Days. Accommodation is in Youth Hostels, 16-39 Seat Mercedes Coaches, Local Guides, Never EVER Cancel!

Main Markets: Worldwide

Also With: Extensive Fly/Drive Programme plus 6,000 hotels available to book online across 56 countries.

Languages : English German Spanish French Italian

Main Markets: Worldwide

Main Business: Bespoke golf and sightseeing tours to Scotland, England and Ireland. Self Drive or escorted tours with coach and driver. Tee times at all major championship venues. St Andrews Old Course packages available throughout the season. Also With: Toll Free number from the USA & Canada - 888 209 4094 Members of SIGTOA (Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators Association)

Main Business: Corporate Groups, Luxury Groups, Conferences & Incentives, Corporate Hospitality, Special Interest Groups

Contact: James Grieve Member of: UK Inbound, ETOA

HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS

Contact: Eddie Gilbertson Main Markets: International golfers worldwide travelling to the UK

Main Markets: Worldwide

Also With: Driver/Guide Car Tours, Tailor-made Tours, Flight Requirements, Accom, Golf Tours, Activity Breaks, Theatre Tickets

Main Business: Walking Tour Operator. Single day private guiding to full scale multi-day packages, independent and ‘specially for you’. We’re well informed and passionate about Scotland.

Also With: Transfers - Airports, Rail Stations.

Herkimer House, Mill Road Industrial Estate, Linlithgow EH49 7SF Tel: 01506 847000 Fax: 01506 847700 james@europeincoming.co.uk www.europeincoming.com

33 Stirling Enterprise Park, Springbank Road, Stirling FK7 7RP Tel: +44(0)1786 445 703 Fax: +44(0)1786 445 703 info@cndoscotland.com www.cndoscotland.com

Main Markets: UK, Europe, N.America

6 TOUR OPERATORS

6c Clifford Court, Cooper Way, Parkhouse, Carlisle CA3 0JG Tel: 01228 598089 Fax: 01228 510389 sales@golfvacationsuk.com www.golfvacationsuk.com

Contact: Margot McMurdo, Nick Wilson, Fiona Whitehead Member of: ATOL STGA DGA GRTG ABTOT

Main Business: Guided tours for small groups. Maximum 6 passengers. Day & extended tours. Personalised tours. History, Culture, Wildlife etc. Collection for tours from Stirling, Edinburgh or Glasgow.

EUROPE INCOMING SCOTLAND

C-N-DO SCOTLAND

Contact: Dorothy Breckenridge Member of: GTBS(Gold), AALS

Main Markets: Worldwide

HART HOLIDAYS

GOLF VACATIONS UK LTD

CREATIVE TRAVEL AND EVENT MANAGEMENT 6 TOUR OPERATORS

Languages : French

Tweedview Farmhouse, Tweedsmuir ML12 6QN Tel: 01899 880207/0208 42 Fax: 01899 880207/0208 86 enquiries@ctem.co.uk www.ctem.co.uk or www.aboutscotland.co.uk/tour/ guide/margot.html

Contact: Mr G Myles

MACITALIA LTD

INCENTIVE SCHOTTLAND

Main Business: Self-guided walking tours in Scotland - the West Highland Way, East Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Speyside Way, St Cuthbert’s Way, Fife Coastal Path, Cateran Trail, Rob Roy Way, Ayrshire Coastal Path, Borders Abbeys Way and Arran Coastal Way.

CREATIVE TRAVEL AND EVENT MANAGEMENT

72 Randolph Road, Stirling FK8 2AR Tel: 01786 470350 claymoretours@btinternet.com www.claymoretravel.co.uk

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Contact: Ronnie Member of: Visit Scotland, Edinburgh Convention Bureau, Confederation Of Passenger Transport, Coach Drivers Clu Main Markets: Local and International. Main Business: Corporate Groups, Luxury Groups, Conferences, Special Interest Groups, School Groups and Leisure Groups. Fully bonded for your financial protection, and only use our own vehicles. All our staff are very experienced and highly trained. Also With: Tailor-made Tours, Accommodation, Ferries, Visitor Attractions, Event Tickets and Conference Venues. Languages : English, German & Other Languages.

Contact: Karen Townsend Main Markets: Worldwide

Contact: James Aitken Member of: UKinbound, SITE, IATA Main Markets: Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Russia Main Business: Incoming tour operator specialising in the UK and Ireland. Group tours, Series, Fly and drive programmes, incentives and conferences. Twenty five years experience in the business and handling over 20,000 clients per year. Also With: Destination management consultants with excellent knowledge of London, England, Scotland and Ireland Languages : English, Spanish, French, Italian, Czech, Polish, Norwegian

CLAYMORE TRAVEL

6 TOUR OPERATORS

87 Newhouse Road, Grangemouth FK3 8NJ Tel: 01324 482093 Fax: 01324 665411 info@fitzcharles.co.uk www.fitzcharles.co.uk

Barton House, 21 North End, Wirksworth DE4 4FG Tel: 01629 821900 Fax: 01629 821901 info@contours.co.uk www.contours.co.uk

39 Commercial Street, Edinburgh EH6 6JD Tel: 00(44)1315602850 Fax: 00(44)8701329820 info@casheltravel.com www.casheltravel.com

LOCH NESS TRAVEL

FITZCHARLES COACHES LTD.

CONTOURS WALKING HOLIDAYS

CASHEL TRAVEL LTD

6 TOUR OPERATORS

INCENTIVE SCHOTTLAND

6 TOUR OPERATORS

FITZCHARLES COACHES LTD.

Main Markets: Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Nordics. Worldwide: US, Canada, Australia, South Africa Main Business: Leisure Groups, Special Interest & Study Tours, FIT/Online Travel, Corporate Travel, Incentives & Events. Also With: Tailor-made tours, Accommodation - Bed & Breakfast Programmes, Guesthouses, Castle stays. Golf, Self-Drive Packages, Railtours, Guaranteed Departure Tours. Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish & Dutch.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com/ newsletter

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Sign-up via:

GOLF VACATIONS UK LTD

design&publishing

in2groups is our free quarterly newsletter for the travel trade released as an ezine 4 times a year as well as a special printed edition in conjunction with the launch of VisitScotland’s only official Travel Trade Guide Scotland Groups Guide.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Get updates and special offers from Group Travel Guide advertisers direct to your inbox!

JAC TRAVEL

VisitScotland’s SCOTLAND GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE NEWSLETTER

6 TOUR OPERATORS

in2groups

CONTOURS WALKING HOLIDAYS

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Languages : English

Contact: Julie Morris Ad Page Member of: SDMA, ETOA

HAGGIS ADVENTURES

Main Business: Incentive events, conferences, venue finding, team building, golf events, meetings with leisure activities, day excursions and spouses programmes.

67 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4SD Tel: 0131 656 5900 Fax: 0131 656 5929 info@abbeyscotland.co.uk www.abbeyscotland.co.uk

LINKS GOLF ST. ANDREWS

Contact: Ronnie Pook Main Markets: Europe, USA, Canada, S Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea

ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

6 TOUR OPERATORS

30 Canmore Street, Dunfermline KY12 7NT Tel: 01383 727999 Fax: 01383 727927 enquiries@1st-events.co.uk www.1st-events.co.uk

ABBEY TOURS SCOTLAND

1ST EVENTS LTD

Also With: Customised interest tours including, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Whisky, Gardens and Castles programmes Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish

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20 Old Abbey Road, North Berwick, Edinburgh EH39 4BP Tel: 01620 890908 Fax: 01620 892442 tours@RobRoyTours.com www.RobRoyTours.com Contact: Klaus Frommel (deutsch, français, English) Ilaria (Italian) Member of: Green Business Scheme, visitscotland, various Travel Trade Organisations

Also With: Sondergruppen, Incentives, Tailor-made tours, Golf Tours

Tweedsmuir Farmhouse, Oliver Farm, Tweedsmuir ML12 6QN Tel: 01899 880207 margot@ctem.co.uk www.aboutscotland.co.uk/tour/ guide/margot.html Contact: Margot McMurdo Member of: ATOL STGA DGA GRTG ABTOT Main Markets: USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, UK Main Business: Quality tours customised to suit individual travellers or groups of any size in luxury people carriers, 4x4 or coaches. Specialist interests welcomed. Itineraries. Also With: Driver / Guided Tours; Coach Tours; Accommodation; Flight Requirements; Activities; Worldwide Travel with London Office. Languages : Tours organised in many other languages with qualified guides.

SCOTLAND TOURS CO LTD 30 Canmore Street, Dunfermline KY12 7NT Tel: 01383 727999 Fax: 01383 727927 enquiries@scotland-tours.com www.scotland-tours.com www.scotlandgolftours.com www.1st-events.co.uk Contact: Mr Ronnie Pook Member of: ASTA , SIGTOA, Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Main Markets: USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, S Africa, Japan, Korea, NZ, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland. Main Business: Golf, touring, Edinburgh Festival, Whisky, FITS and Groups, Ground Handling for overseas Tour Operators/Travel Agents/Incentive Companies/ Corporations Conferences, incentives and corporate inquiries dealt with by subsidiary company 1st Events Ltd

English

THISTLE GOLF (SCOTLAND) LTD 3 Hillcrest Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2EB Tel: 0141 942 4043 Fax: 0141 942 4043 info@thistlegolf.co.uk www.thistlegolf.co.uk

Also With: A complete ground handling service throughout Europe with offices in London, Dublin, Madrid, Rome and Paris Languages : Italian, German, French, Spanish

VORSCOT TOURS PO Box 1894, Livingston EH54 7UY Tel: 01506 409944 Fax: 01506 409944 info@vorscottours.co.uk www.vorscottours.co.uk

PANORAMA TOURS

Contact: Mr Ivor Henrichsen Member of: Various Trade Bodies Main Markets: Worldwide

Main Markets: USA + Worldwide Main Business: Based in Glasgow, Thistle Golf specialise in customised tours to Scotland, Ireland and the rest of the UK, including quality golf, accommodation, transport and sightseeing arrangements

Languages : Specialist guides as required

Contact: Pasquale Foniciello Member of: SITE

Main Business: Tour series and special interest groups, Charter Programmes, FIT programmes (online booking system), incentives and meetings, sporting teams and supporters, cruise ships

Contact: Andrew Syme Member of: Golf Tourism Scotland

Also With: Corporate tours + events

30 Maritime Street, Edinburgh EH6 6SE Tel: 0131 554 2444 Fax: 0131 555 2550 pasquale@panoramatours.co.uk www.panonline.biz

Main Markets: Worldwide - particularly Italy, Spain,rest Europe and Scandinavia

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: Fully inclusive activity holidays with homestay accommoation in the Cairngorms National Park; focusing on walking and mountain biking with some cultural aspects, including whisky and castle visits. We include full board & transportLanguages.

PANORAMA TOURS

Main Business: Private tailored escorted tours for individuals, families and groups in Scotland, England, Norway and Spain. Programmes and packages prepared for Independent travellers to all our destinations. Feature; Day Tours; Short Breaks; Study and Corporate programmes. AYR. Also With: Third Age, Ladies Only, Seniors, and Special Interest Groups Languages : Norwegian Spanish

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Languages : German Italian French Spanish Russian Poland

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Walking/Cultural, Study, Coach, Whisky, Railway, Wildlife Tours. Wander- und Erlebnisreisen, Studienreisen

SCOTLAND’S BEST!

Contact: Rebecca Field Member of: Wild Scotland, VisitScotland, Responsible Travel, Cairngorms Business Partnership, ATTA Main Markets: UK, France, US, Germany (over 50s and families)

Main Business: Customised Golf Tours for groups and individuals. Also With: Transport, Chauffeur Hire, Self Drive, Golf Tuition, Scenic & Special Interest Tours, Accommodations, Whisky Tastings, Hickory Demonstrations

Fraoch Lodge, Deshar Road, Boat of Garten PH24 3BN Tel: +44 1479 831 331 group@scotmountain.co.uk www.scotmountain.co.uk

VORSCOT TOURS

ROB ROY TOURS LTD

Languages : French, German, Italian

Main Markets: USA Canada Germany Scandinavia France Australia Soth Africa.

MoUNTAIN INNOVATIONS

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Languages : All major languages by arrangement

MoUNTAIN INNOVATIONS

Also With: Golf & other special interest or themed tours

Contact: Peter and Fiona Craigon Member of: SIGTOA Golf Tourism Scotland and Golf Tourism Scotland.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Also With: Whisky, golf, history, romantic breaks, honeymoons, island-hopping, wildlife, gardens, classic cars, & Ireland

48 Muirs, Kinross KY13 8AU Tel: 01577 866716 Fax: 01577 866996 info@mortongolf.com www.mortongolf.com

THISTLE GOLF (SCOTLAND) LTD

Main Business: Experienced & Professional Ground-Handler, specialising in quality Group Tours, Shore Excursions & Corporate Hospitality

MoRTON GOLF HOLIDAYS

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: Customsied self-drive tours and itineraries for individuals and small groups. See Scotland Differently. See Scotland through McKinlay Kidd.

MoRTON GOLF HOLIDAYS

Main Markets: UK, Europe & America

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Markets: UK Europe North America Australia South Africa

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Contact: Peter Schuller Member of: Cruise Scotland

SCOTLAND TOURS CO LTD

90 Giles Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ Tel: 0131 561 0523 Fax: 0131 553 3698 peter.schuller@morrisontours. co.uk

Contact: Robert Kidd Member of: ATOL, SDMA

Main Markets: Germany Austria Switzerland, Italy, France, Poland, Russia, Spain Worldwide

6 TOUR OPERATORS

MORRISON TOURS

6 TOUR OPERATORS

MORRISON TOURS

Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington St, Glasgow G2 6HJ Tel: +44 (0)844 804 0020 Fax: +44 (0)141 202 0639 info@mckinlaykidd.co.uk www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk

SCOTLAND’S BEST!

MCKINLAY KIDD LTD 6 TOUR OPERATORS

ROB ROY TOURS LTD

MCKINLAY KIDD LTD

Throughout 2012, we’ll be celebrating Year of Creative Scotland with a year-long programme of vibrant events. We’ll be welcoming people from all over the world to share in our celebrations, so why not join us? To find out more and to sign up for your free Scotland e-newsletter, go to www.visitscotland.com/creative Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland, and VOCAL.

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N O T E S

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N O T E S

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com ADS pages 2012.indd 43

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Don't miss out... ...on early booking opportunities for Scotland Group Travel Guide 2013. Email: lorna@in2designandpublishing.com

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E 2012 V E L G U IDEL ORGANISERS, A R T P U AV GRO OUPS & TR EL GUIDE

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The definitive guide to Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Group Travel! Scotland Group Trave Guide is the only official VisitScotland Group and Travel Trade publication for Scotland. Available via post to over 4,000 tour operators and available online at:

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PAGE 94 ADS pages 2012.indd 44

in2 Design & Publishing Limited, www.in2designandpublishing.com

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Index of Display Advertisers Abbey Tours Scotland Beardmore Hotel & Conference Centre Blair Drummond Safari Park Bowhill House & Country Estate, Selkirk Cairndale Hotel Cairngorm Mountain Callendar House, Falkirk Cawdor Castle Clan Donald Trust, Skye Cosmopolitan Hotels Creative Scotland Crieff Visitor Centre Cruachan Hollow Mountain Dewar's World of Whisky Diageo Drumlanrig Castle, Thornhill Duart Castle, Mull Dumfries House, Cumnock Duisdale House Hotel, Sleat, Skye Dunrobin Castle & Gardens Dunvegan Castle

19 27 50 40 29 75 52 73 76 24 18 62 51 61 IFC 26 51 IBC 78 74 74

Eastgate Retail Village East Lothian Council Edinburgh Bus Tours Edinburgh Conference Centre Euro Hostels Express by Holiday Inn Perth Fettercairn Distillery Visitor Centre First Scotrail Fitzcharles Coaches Floors Castle Gairloch Highland Lodge Glasgow Sightseeing Glasgow Theatres Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne Glenmorangie Distilleries Glen Mhor Hotel, Inverness Glorious Gardens of Argyll & Bute Hampden Scotland Hard Rock Cafe Highland Safaris Historic Scotland Inveraray Jail

62 40 39 41 28 63 61 16 52 40 75 26 25 48 72 78 52 25 36 63 15 52

Inverbeg Hotel, Loch Lomond Jacobite Cruises John o'Groats Ferries Johnstons Cashmere Keith & Dufftown Railway Kinloch Hotel, Arran Loch Ness Gifts Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel M&D Leisure Moness House Hotel & Resort Moorings Hotel, Fort William Mount Stuart, Brodick, Isle of Arran National Trust for Scotland New Lanark Trust Northlink Ferries Orkney Museums and Heritage Orton Estate Park Hotel, Kilmarnock Peebles Hydro Pentland Ferries Pitlochry Festival Theatre Roman Camp Country House Hotel

50 77 77 76 63 28 76 50 29 63 78 51 14 28 87 87 61 27 41 86 60 53

Royal Botanic Gardens Scone Palace Scottish Crannog Centre Seaprobe Atlantis Stirling Management Centre Strathmore Hotels SYHA Hostelling Scotland The Inn at Inverbeg, Loch Lomond The Real Mary King's Close The Royal Collection The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick The Village at Machrihanish Dunes The Winnock Hotel, Drymen Timberbush Tours Tomatin Distillery Visitor Centre Treasures of the Earth University of Strathclyde VisitScotland expo

40 60 62 77 49 19 OBC 50 39 37 38 38 51 53 17 76 77 29 2

Index of Visitor Attractions GLASGOW & SOUTH WEST

EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST

HISTORIC BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS Brodick Castle & Country Park - NTS, Arran

Caerlaverock Castle - NTS, Dumfries

Culzean Castle and Country Park NTS, Maybole

Mackintosh Church at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross, Glasgow

New Lanark Visitor Centre

Pollok House - NTS, Glasgow

GARDENS & COUNTRY PARKS Logan Botanic Gardens, Stranraer

Threave Garden & Estate - NTS, Castle Douglas

WILDLIFE Amazonia,Motherwell

FACTORY SHOPS, MILLS & SHOPPING Mackinnon Mills, Coatbridge

Moffat Woollen Mill, Moffat

Owen's Warehouse, New Lanark

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS & VISITOR CENTRES Robert Burns Birthplace Museum - NTS, Ayr

M&Ds Theme Park, Motherwell

The Hampden Experience, Glasgow

CULTURAL FESTIVALS, SHOWS & THEATRES Kings Theatre, Glasgow

Theatre Royal, Glasgow

42 41 43 42 43 41 41 42 43 43 41 41 42 43 43 42 43 42 43 41

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES British Golf Museum, St Andrews Queen's Gallery, Edinburgh Scottish Mining Museum, Edinburgh

43 42 42

DISTILLERIES & WHISKY Glenkinchie Distillery The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Edinburgh

41 42 41 41 43

FACTORY SHOPS, MILLS & SHOPPING Antartex Shopping Village, Alexandria Inveraray Woollen Mill Kilmahog Woollen Mill The Scottish Wool Centre, Aberfoyle Trossachs Woollen Mill, Kilmahog

Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium, Loch Lomond Scottish Sea Life Sactuary, Oban

53 53 54 53 54

Arduaine Gardens - NTS, Oban Benmore Botanic Garden, Dunoon Crarae Gardens - NTS Glorious Garden of Argyll and Bute DISTILLERIES & WHISKY

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS & VISITOR CENTRES

CULTURAL FESTIVALS, SHOWS & THEATRES Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh 42

Cruachan - the Hollow Mountain, Dalmally Stirling Management Centre

54 54 53 54 54

53 54

The Village at Machrihanish Dunes

Haddo House - NTS, Aberdeen

Scone Palace, Perth

GARDENS & COUNTRY PARKS David Welch Winter Gardens, Aberdeen

Pitmedden Garden - NTS, Udny

Museum

DISTILLERIES & WHISKY 64

Cardhu Distillery Visitor Centre, Knockando

Cragganmore Distillery, Aberlour

Dewar's World of Whisky, Aberfeldy

Fettercairn Distillery

Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Balmoral

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS & VISITOR CENTRES Crieff Visitor Centre

The Grassic Gibbon Centre, Laurencekirk

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL TOURS Highland Safaris, Aberfeldy

Cultural Festivals, Shows & Theatres 54

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

TRANSPORT & FERRIES

SPORT & LEISURE 42

Glamis Castle

The Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore 64

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL TOURS The Steamship Sir Walter Scott, Loch Katrine

Fyvie Castle - NTS, Turriff

Bell's Blair Athol Distillery, Pitlochry 54 53 53 53

42 42

Edzell Castle

The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & 54 54

Crathes Castle & Gardens - NTS, Banchory

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

GARDENS & COUNTRY PARKS

Further information for groups can be found at www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com Indexes_2012.indd 94

HISTORIC BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS 54 53 53 54 54 54 54 54

Ardbeg Distillery, Islay Caol Isla Distillery, Islay Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne Lagavulin Distillery, Islay Oban Distillery Visitor Centre

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS & VISITOR CENTRES Edinburgh Dungeon 42 Hard Rock Cafe, Edinburgh 42 Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh 42 The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh 42

SPORT & LEISURE Musselburgh Racecourse

Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Stirling Callendar House, Falkirk Inveraray Jail Iona Abbey & Nunnery Mount Stuart House, Isle of Bute National Wallace Monument, Stirling Stirling Castle Stirling Old Town Jail

WILDLIFE 41 42

FACTORY SHOPS, MILLS & SHOPPING Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Jedburgh James Pringle Retail Warehouse, Edinburgh Jedburgh Woollen Mill The Abbey Mill, Melrose The Scottish Deer Centre, Cupar

EASTERN SCOTLAND

HISTORIC BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS

GARDENS & COUNTRY PARKS Dawyck Botanic Gardens, Stobo Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

MARITIME HERITAGE The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

DISTILLERIES & WHISKY Glengoyne Distillery, Dumgoyne

HISTORIC BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS Dirleton Castle and Gardens, North Berwick Dryburgh Abbey, St Boswells Dunfermline Abbey & Palace Edinburgh Castle Falkland Palace, Cupar Floors Castle, Kelso Jedburgh Abbey John Muir's Birthplace, Dunbar Kellie Castle - NTS, Pittenweem Linlithgow Palace Mellerstain House, Gordon Melrose Abbey Palace of Holyroodhouse St Andrews Castle St Andrews Cathedral St Mary's Parish Church, Haddington Scotland's Secret Bunker, St Andrews The Georgian House - NTS, Edinburgh Tantallon Castle, North Berwick Traquair House, Peebles

CENTRAL SCOTLAND

Northlink Ferries, Aberdeen

PAGE 95 1/12/11 10:04:32

Index of Visitor Attractions THE HIGHLANDS HISTORIC BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum of the Isles, Armadale, Isle of Skye 79 Black House, Isle of Lewis 80 Brodie Castle - NTS, Forres 79 Dunrobin Castle, Golspie 79 Cawdor Castle, Nairn 79 Elgin Cathedral 79 Fort George, Nairn 80 Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit 79 FACTORY SHOPS, MILLS & SHOPPING Ben Nevis Highland Centre, Fort William 79 James Pringle Weavers Shopping Village, Inverness 79 John o'Groats Knitwear Company 80

Index of Meal Stops GLASGOW & SOUTH WEST Culzean Castle and Country Park NTS, Maybole Pollock House - NTS, Glasgow Robert Burns Birthplace Museum NTS, Ayr The Hampden Experience, Glasgow Threave Garden & Estate - NTS, Castle Douglas

31 31 31 31 31

43 43 43 43

CENTRAL SCOTLAND Ardbeg Distillery, Islay Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel Roman Camp Country House Hotel, Callander The Inn at Inverbeg, Loch Lomond The Teashop at the Stables, Falkirk Stirling Castle

55 55 54 55 55 55

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory Crieff Visitor Centre Scone Palace, Perth

65 65 65

The Moness House Hotel & Resort

Indexes_2012.indd 97

Treasures of the Earth, Corpach

Spean Bridge Mill

Ullapool

DISTILLERIES & WHISKY

Corrigall Farm House, Corrigall, Orkney 88

John o'Groats Ferries

Clynelish Distillery, Brora

Dalwhinnie Distillery

Dallas Dhu Distillery, Forres

WILDLIFE CRUISES

Glen Ord Distillery, Muir of Ord

Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye

Seaprobe Atlantis, Kyle of Lochalsh

The Glenmorangie Distillery, Tain

Tomatin Distillery

Jacobite Cruises, Inverness

Erskine Bridge Hotel, Glasgow

Euro Hostels, Glasgow

Normandy Hotel, Glasgow

EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Peebles Hydro

CENTRAL SCOTLAND

Sandwick, Orkney

Index of Self Catering Accommodation

80 80 80 80

Margaret Macdonald House, Glasgow

THE HIGHLANDS "The Logs", Fort William

Orkney & Shetland

Northlink Ferries, Orkney & Shetland

Pentland Ferries, Orkney

Index of Hostels & Bunkhouses GLASGOW & SOUTH WEST Glasgow Youth Hostel

Lochranza Youth Hostel

New Lanark Youth Hostel

EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST EASTERN SCOTLAND Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel Orton Estate, Fochabers

CENTRAL SCOTLAND

Callander

Royal Hotel, Oban

Royal Marine Hotel, Dunoon

The Inn at Inverbeg, Loch Lomond

Winnock Hotel, Drymen

Index of Group Activities

EASTERN SCOTLAND

Loch Lomond Youth Hostel

Oban Youth Hostel

Rowardennan Youth Hostel

Stirling Youth Hostel

EASTERN SCOTLAND

Express by Holiday Inn Perth

SAC, Aberdeen

Salutation Hotel, Perth

The Moness House Hotel & Resort

ALL SCOTLAND Abbey Tours

31, 43, 55, 65, 81, 88

THE HIGHLANDS 81

EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST

Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club,

Stromness Museum, Orkney

John o'Groats Ferries, 88

GLASGOW & SOUTH WEST

Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club,

and Museum, Lyness, Orkney

TRANSPORT & FERRIES

Skara Brae & Skail House,

Dumfries

Lodge on Loch Lomond Hotel

THE NORTHERN ISLES

Jarlshof, Sumburgh, Shetland

Index of Serviced Accommodation

The Orkney Museum, Kirkwall, Orkney 88

Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore

Kirkwall, Orkney Scapa Flow Visitor Centre

HISTORIC BUILDINGS & MONUMENTS

NTS, Inverness

Orkney Wireless Museum, 79

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS & VISITOR CENTRES Culloden Battlefield -

Fossil & Heritage Centre, Burray, Orkney 88 Kirbuster Museum, Birsay, Orkney

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL TOURS

St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney 88 MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

TRANSPORT & FERRIES

West Highland Woollen Company,

Alexandra Hotel, Fort William

THE HIGHLANDS

PAGE 96

Glencoe Visitor Centre - NTS

Roman Camp Country House Hotel,

EASTERN SCOTLAND

Bosville Hotel and Chandlery Seafood Restaurant, Isle of Skye Cawdor Castle, Nairn Culloden Battlefield, Inverness Dunrobin Castle, Golspie Johnson's of Elgin Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit

Loch Ness Gifts, Drumnadrochit

GLASGOW & SOUTH WEST

EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST 1745 Cottage Restaurant, Peebles Edinburgh Castle Hard Rock Cafe, Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

Johnson's of Elgin

(continued)

Fort William

City of the Dead Tours, Edinburgh

Cabarfeidh Hotel, Isle of Lewis

Hard Rock Cafe, Edinburgh

Caladh Inn, Isle of Lewis

Duisdale House Hotel, Sleat, Skye

Gairloch Highland Lodge

Moorings Hotel, Fort William

Nethybridge Hotel

EASTERN SCOTLAND Highland Safaris, Aberfeldy

Aberdeen Youth Hostel

Pitlochry Youth Hostel

THE HIGHLANDS Aviemore Youth Hostel

Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel

Inverness Youth Hostel

Loch Ossian & Corrour Station House

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 1/12/11 10:05:09

ADS pages 2012.indd 49

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t: 0845 293 73 73 e: reservations@syha.org.uk w: hostellingscotland.com Experie nce SYHA NATIONAL OFFICE: 7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA T: 01786 891400 Scottish Youth Hostels Association (also known as SYHA or Hostelling Scotland) is a registered Scottish charity No.SC013138 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC310841. Registered Office 7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA.

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