Scotland Group Travel Guide 2015

Group Travel Guide 2015

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

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Glenkinchie

Blair Athol

Pencaitland, Tranent, East Lothian EH34 5ET t: 01875 342012 e: glenkinchie.distillery@diageo.com

Perth Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire PH16 5LY t: 01796 482003 e: blair.athol.distillery@diageo.com

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Dalwhinnie

Royal Lochnagar

Dalwhinnie, Inverness-shire PH19 1AA t: 01540 672219 e: dalwhinnie.distillery@diageo.com

Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5TB t: 01339 742700 e: royal.lochnagar.distillery@diageo.com

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Cragganmore

Cardhu

Glen Ord

Clynelish

Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9AB t: 01479 874715 e: cragganmore.distillery@diageo.com

Knockando, Aberlour, Banffshire AB38 7RY t: 01479 874635 e: cardhu.distillery@diageo.com

Muir of Ord, Ross-shire IV6 7UJ t: 01463 872004 e: glen.ord.distillery@diageo.com

Brora, Sutherland KW9 6LR t: 01408 623000 e: clynelish.distillery@diageo.com

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Talisker

Oban

Caol Ila

Lagavulin

Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8SR t: 01478 614308 e: talisker@diageo.com

Stafford Street, Oban, Argyll PA34 5NH t: 01631 572004 e: oban.distillery@diageo.com

Port Askaig, Isle of Islay PA46 7RL t: 01496 302769/302760 e: caolila.distillery@diageo.com

Port Ellen, Isle of Islay PA42 7DZ t: 01496 302749 e: lagavulin.distillery@diageo.com

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@12distilleries Diageo Global Supply, Moray House, 1 Trinity Road, Elgin, Moray IV30 1UF

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Welcome to Group Travel Guide 2015 Contents

Each section features an area description and suggested itineraries.

Group Tourism Contacts

02

CENTRAL & WEST SCOTLAND

What’s on - Major Events

03

Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond,

Transport to and within Scotland

04-05

Car Hire in Scotland

05

Theatres

05 05

Sporting Venues

14 & 38

How to use this guide

54-55

Incoming Tour Operators

56

National Tourist Routes

08-11

SOUTH WEST SCOTLAND

Stirling & the Trossachs NORTH CENTRAL & EAST SCOTLAND Dundee & Angus Aberdeen City and Shire HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

40-48

OF SCOTLAND Highlands of Scotland

Ayrshire, Arran & Cumbrae

Outer Hebrides

Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley

Orkney Isles 16-19

32-35

Perthshire

Dumfries & Galloway

EDINBURGH & SOUTH EAST SCOTLAND

24-27

Shetland Isles

Scottish Borders Edinburgh & Lothians Kingdom of Fife

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO ALL THAT IS BEST FOR GROUPS & TRAVEL ORGANISERS, SCOTLAND’S ONLY NATIONAL GROUP TRAVEL GUIDE in2 Design & Publishing has designed and produced this publication. It is compiled using a large database of visitor attractions and other tourism businesses catering for the Travel Trade & Groups Market.

We provide an online and a downloadable version of the guide: www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com follow on Twitter, Facebook and sign up for the in2groups newsletter for updates direct to your desktop. Plus also available as an iPhone app - download to your mobile device from the Apple app store.

Designed by BC design. Published in Scotland.

Principal Photography: ©VisitBritainimages.com, ©VisitScotland.com, ©National Trust Scotland ©Alister G. Firth ©McAteer All information contained within this publication has been collated and published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. The publishers will not accept responsibility for error or misinterpretation. Liability 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.

design&publishing

Concept, editorial content, data content and all design, publication, website and iPhone app: ©in2 Design & Publishing Ltd, 2015.

in2 Design & Publishing Limited PO Box 21620, Stirling FK7 1EA t: +44 (0) 141 445 2778 info@in2designandpublishing.com www.in2designandpublishing.com www.in2websitedesign.com www.in2appdevelopment.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com 01 and cover Calton Hill, Edinburgh.

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Travel Trade Contacts “local knowledge and a friendly smile, it’s the Scottish way” 01

VisitScotland Contacts SCOTLAND’S NATIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY

OCEAN POINT ONE, 94 OCEAN DRIVE, EDINBURGH EH6 6JH TEL: +44 (0) 131 472 2222 www.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 holidays. For further information

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING

please contact the UK & Ireland travel trade team.

VisitScotland’s International Marketing team is tasked

VisitScotland Information Centres

with generating increasing demand for Scotland holidays in key markets.

For information on how you can tie in with their marketing activities or how they can assist in

23 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BP www.aberdeen-grampian.com Tel: +44 (0) 1224 269180

developing new Scotland holiday products, please

3 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2QP

contact the travel trade team at Ocean Point:

www.edinburgh.org

TEL: + 44 (0)131 472 2323

Tel: +44 (0) 131 4733868

15 High Street, Fort William PH33 6DH www.visithighlands.com Tel: +44 (0) 1397 701801 170-174 Buchanan Street, Glasgow G2 2LW www.visitscotland.com/glasgow Tel: +44 (0) 141 566 4083 Castle Wynd, Inverness IV2 3BJ www.visithighlands.com Tel: +44 (0) 1463 252401 70 Market Street, St Andrews KY16 9NU www.visitfife.com Tel: +44 (0) 1334 472021

VisitBritain Offices Worldwide For full details and contacts all over the world visit: www.visitbritain.org/ aboutus/contactus/officefinder/index.aspx

01 Canongate silhouette, Edinburgh sunset skyline.

02

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What’s on

“highlights and major events happening in Scotland 2015”

1 January

30 April - 3 May

July TBC

15-31 August

The Ba’ Orkney, Kirkwall, Orkney.

The Famous Uppies and Doonies ba’ game. The Ba’ is thrown up to the crowd at the Mercat Cross in Kirkwall. www.orkney.com

Shetland Folk Festival, Shetland.

UK’s most northerly folk festival it is regarded a prestigious event for performers locals and visitors alike. www.shetlandfolkfestival.com

Hebridean Celtic Festival, Outer Hebrides.

A celebration of the top fine quality live Celtic music around this year. www.hebceltfest.com

Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh.

The largest and most dynamic festival of its kind in the world. www.edbookfest.co.uk

23-31 January

30 Apr-4 May

3-5 July

All September across the isles

Big Burns Supper, Dumfries 9 days of music, theatre, comedy and more to celebrate Scotland’s world favourite poet www.2015.bigburnssupper.com

Spirit of Speyside Whisky, Festival, Highlands, Moray and Speyside.

Celebrates Scotland’s national drink through an inventive programme of whisky-inspired events. www.spiritofspeyside.com

27 January Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland.

The traditional Shetland festival comprising a series of marches and visitations culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley. www.uphellyaa.org

15-18 May

15 January - 1 February

17-31 May

Celtic Connections, Glasgow.

This festival blends traditional and distinctive Scottish sounds with a huge variety of music from across the globe. www.celticconnections.com

Tweedlove Bike Festival, Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders.

14 days of biking in the beautiful Scottish Borders www.tweedlove.com

February - March

21-31 May

Scottish Snowdrop Festival Across Scotland In February Scotland’s gardens and woodlands will display hundreds of varieties of this delicate white flower. www.visitscotland.com

Perth Festival of the Arts, Perth.

One of the highlights in Scotland’s cultural calendar which includes classical music opera drama rock folk and visual art. www.perthfestival.co.uk

12-29 March

6-7 June

Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Glasgow.

Last year’s event saw Richard Herring Russell Kane and Chris Ramsey grace its stages along with other international favourites and home-grown talent. www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com

Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William.

A magnificent showcase of the best mountain bike action in the world which taking place in June at the Fort William Nevis Range. www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk

4-19 April

11-14 June

Edinburgh International Science Festival, Edinburgh.

One of Europe’s largest Science Festivals. www.sciencefestival.co.uk

Borders Book Festival, Meltose.

One of the most friendly and relaxed book festivals in the UK. www.bordersbookfestival.org

11 April

Edinburgh International Film Festival, Edinburgh.

One of the world’s first and finest international film festivals the EIFF has seen the likes of Kiera Knightley, Danny Huston ,Sam Mendes, America Ferrara on the red carpet. www.edfilmfest.org.uk

The 125th Melrose 7s, Melrose, Scottish Borders.

World’s oldest Rugby Sevens tournament sees it’s 125th birthday in the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Borders. www.melrose7s.com

12 April Scottish Grand National, Ayr. Without doubt the biggest and best Festival of National Hunt racing in Scotland. www.scottish-grand-national.co.uk

Arran Mountain Festival, Arran.

A huge variety of guided walks and scrambles throughout Arran’s stunning hills and mountains. www.arranmountainfestival.co.uk

17-28 June

19-24 June St Magnus International Festival Kirkwall, Orkney.

Orkney’s annual celebration of the arts. www.stmagnusfestival.com

Scottish Game Fair, Scone Palace, Perth.

Demonstrating the importance of game and other wildlife to the Scottish countryside. www.scottishfair.com

9-12 July Scottish Open Golf, Gullane.

The Championship will be played over a composite of Course No. 1 and Course No. 2 at Gullane Golf Club. www.gullanegolfclub.com

16-19 July Open Golf Championship, St Andrews.

Once again at the “Home of Golf” www.theopen.com

24-25 July Wickerman Festival, Dumfries & Galloway.

Unique festival set in the idyllic setting of Dundrennan which sees iconic acts past and present take to the stage. This year runs on 24 & 25 July. www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

August TBC Edinburgh Art Festival, Edinburgh.

Scotland’s leading annual visual arts festival showcasing a diverse and vibrant programme of exhibitions and events in August. www.edinburghartfestival.com

7- 9 August Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique and memorable celebration of music dance and military pageantry. www.edintattoo.co.uk

7-31 August Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh.

The largest arts festival in the world. www.edfringe.com

7-31 Aug Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh.

Invites the world’s best artists and companies to perform in Edinburgh during the month of August. www.edinburghartfestival.com

10-16 August Piping Live! World Pipe Band Championship, Glasgow.

In August Glasgow immerses itself in true Scottish culture with two fantastic events: The World Pipe Band Championships and Piping Live! www.pipinglive.co.uk

Hebtember, Outer Hebrides.

Combining truly traditional island pursuits and pastimes with contemporary arts and entertainment. www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/whatson/hebtember

10-13 September FEI European Eventing Championships, Perthshire.

Watch the best horses and riders in action at Blair Castle Perthshire. www.blair2015.com

26 September - 5 October Wigtown Book Festival, Dumfries & Galloway.

Scotland’s National Book Town has embraced the likes of Joanna Lumley Clare Balding James Kelman and Peter Snow has attended. www.wigtownbookfestival.co.uk

October TBC MOBO Awards Glasgow, Glasgow.

The renowned music ceremony will make a return to the city in October at The SSE Hydro Glasgow to celebrate its 20th anniversary! www.mobo.com

October TBC BWA Tiree Wave Classic, Inner Hebrides.

The most prestigious and longest standing windsurfing event in the UK which takes place in October on the Isle of Tiree. www.tireewaveclassic.co.uk

30 October - 2 November TBC The Scottish Paranormal Festival, Stirling.

A festival exploring Scotland’s strange and supernatural happenings. www.paranormalscotland.com

Autumn - Winter TBC Turner Prize, Glasgow.

Arguably the world’s most prestigious award for contemporary art comes to Scotland Glasgow for the first time ever during Autumn/Winter. www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/ exhibitionseries/turner-prize

31 December - 1 January 2016 Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Edinburgh.

The world-renowned Edinburgh’s Hogmanay sees thousands of revellers from all corners of the globe take to Princes Street on the eve of New Year. www.edinburghshogmanay.org

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Travel Scotland “getting here and getting around is so easy”

into driving. There are no tolls on roads in Scotland.

SCOTLAND 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

SCOTLAND BY COACH

01

National Express and Stagecoach can take you to from over 1000 destinations throughout the UK to Scotland.

CONTACTS: National Express +44 (0) 8717 818181 www.nationalexpress.com For information on disabled travel: +44 (0) 8717 818179 or textphone 0121 455 0086

Stagecoach For all enquiries: www.stagecoachbus.com

TO SCOTLAND BY AIR

Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Aviation House, Prestwick, Ayrshire KA9 2PL Tel: +44 (0) 871 223 0700 www.gpia.co.uk Inverness Airport, Dalcross, Inverness IV1 2JB Tel: +44 (0) 1667 464000 www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport

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

SCOTLAND BY AIR

International Airports

Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, Inverness.

Aberdeen Airport, Dyce, Aberdeen AB21 7DU Tel: +44 (0) 844 481 6666 www.aberdeenairport.com Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh EH12 9DN Tel: +44 (0) 844 481 8989 www.edinburghairport.com Glasgow Airport, Paisley PA3 2SW Tel: +44 (0) 844 481 5555 www.glasgowairport.com

04

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 5). 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

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

Domestic Airports

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 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 advised to do so for longer journeys.

CONTACTS: Scottish CityLink +44 (0) 8705 50 50 50 www.citylink.co.uk Stagecoach For all enquiries: www.stagecoachbus.com

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. 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

Rapsons (Stagecoach) Highland’s

Highland and Islands Transport Map: available from +44 (0) 1463 702660 or public.transport@highland.gov.uk

Campbeltown (Machrihanish) Airport, Moss Road, Campbeltown PA28 6NT Tel: +44 (0) 1586 553797 www.hial.co.uk/campbeltown-airport

Shetland (Sumburgh) Airport, Virkie Mainland, Shetland ZE3 9JP Tel: +44 (0) 1950 460905 www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport

Dundee Airport, Riverside Drive, Dundee DD2 1UH Tel: +44 (0) 1382 662200 www.dundeecity.gov.uk/airport

Barra Airport, Northbay, Isle of Barra HS9 5YD Tel: +44 (0) 1871 890212 www.hial.co.uk/barra-airport

Islay Airport, Glenegedale, Islay PA42 7AS Tel: +44 (0) 1496 302361 www.hial.co.uk/islay-airport

Benbecula Airport, Benbecula, Western Isles HS7 5LW Tel: +44 (0) 1870 602051 www.hial.co.uk/benbecula-airport

Kirkwall Airport, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1TH Tel: +44 (0) 1856 872421 www.hial.co.uk/kirkwall-airport

Stornoway Airport, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS2 0BN Tel: +44 (0) 1851 702256 www.hial.co.uk/stornoway-airport

Tiree Airport, Isle of Tiree PA77 6UW Tel: +44 (0) 1879 220456 www.hial.co.uk/tiree-airport Wick Airport, Caithness KW1 4QP Tel: +44 (0) 1955 602215 www.hial.co.uk/wick-airport

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SCOTLAND BY RAIL SCOTLAND BY SEA

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, Oban and in mid 2015 to Galashiels and Scottish Borders. 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

FERRY LINKS WITH EUROPE There is a large selection of ferry links between England and Europe. Details can be found on www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

P&O Irish Sea operate between Larne/ Cairn Ryan and Larne/Troon Contact: +44 (0) 871 66 44 888 (Groups) www.poirishsea.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

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

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: www.firstscotrail.com +44 (0) 8457 55 00 33 (Groups)

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 Western Ferries (Gourock to Dunoon) +44 (0) 1369 704452 www.western-ferries.co.uk 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

Central Scotland Rover: unlimited travel on many routes in the central belt.

Club 55: is a discount scheme for the over 55’s, see: www.scotrail.co.uk/club55 For further information contact any staffed railway station, rail-appointed travel agents or First ScotRail on +44 (0) 8457 55 00 33 Group business can also be carried out on: www.scotrail.co.uk/content/ group-travel.html 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

02

Venues

Hotels & Consortia

Car Hire

THEATRICAL VENUES

Within Scotland a large number of hotels are owned/managed by multi-national hotel chains or are part of marketing consortia.

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 Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental: +44 (0) 845 6074500 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

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 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 amended. Group rates are often available.

These include companies and consortia such as: The Hilton Group Choice Hotels Best Western Hotels Corus Hotels MacDonald Hotels

Thistle Hotels Strathmore Hotels Premier Travel Inn Bespoke Hotels and many others.

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

There are, in addition, a number of independent car hire companies, details of which can be found at www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com (together with more detailed information on the national operators)

01 Edinburgh Castle, Military Tattoo.

02 Burns Memorial and Auld Brig, Alloway, Ayrshire.

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Enjoy the best

of Scotland

Discover wonderful castles, palaces and stately homes; explore 35 major gardens; and walk some of the UK’s most famous historic battle sites.

Our award-winning collection of heritage attractions includes Brodick Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Culzean Castle, Inverewe Garden and Glencoe (featured in the 007 blockbuster Skyfall), as well as many top sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow and on Scotland’s famous Castle Trail.

Most are 4- or 5-star visitor attractions with multi-lingual interpretation, tax-free shopping and group-friendly cafés.

700 years after King Robert the Bruce’s famous victory in 1314, discover how the tactics and decisions of two kings inspired events which defined the Scottish nation.

CONTACT US:

+44 (0)131 458 0204 email: traveltrade@nts.org.uk

visit: www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

06

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GROUP ACCOMMODATION & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS

Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club, Fort William

Alexandra Hotel, Fort William

Nethybridge Hotel, Speyside

Salutation Hotel, Perth

Cairn Hotel, Harrogate

Cumbria Grand Hotel, Lake District

Royal Hotel, Oban

1 FREE PLACE FOR GROUPS 20+ • Accommodation • All bedrooms en-suite • Entertainment • Dancing, Tribute and Murder Mystery holidays • All hotels in great tourist locations • Return Coach Travel • Excursions and Tickets • Day Trips • Festive and Seasonal Breaks

Strathmore Travel GROUP ACCOMMODATION BREAKS Call us to discuss your requirements on

01355 266886

COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS Call us to discuss your requirements on

01355 598490

groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

sales@strathmoretravel.com www.strathmoretravel.com

Registered in Scotland 128215

Registered in Scotland 286355

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SATURDAY 31ST JANUARY 2015 10AM-2PM To register to attend the show visit www.tourismshowcase.com National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ

To get your free copy of GTO magazine please contact Julie Hart on 01424 572089 or email julie.hart@grouptravelorganiser.com or visit www.grouptravelorganiser.com/subscribe

Contact us at: www.scotlandmadeeasy.co.uk Email: office@scotlandmadeeasy.co.uk Telephone: + 44 (0) 1667 453285 07

2015 SPREADS.indd 9

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South West Scotland “fantastic arts and culture, worldclass golf, stunning coast and sea” 01 Dunoon

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Abbey Head

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Annan Gretna Dalbeattie

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Newton Stewart Castle Douglas

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Greenock Wemyss Bay Rothesay GLASGOW Largs Paisley Kilbirnie Millport East Kilbride Lochranza Beith Dalry Dunlop Strathaven Ardrossan Kilwinning Arran Kilmarnock Irvine Brodick Machrie Galston Troon Lamlash Prestwick Mauchline Muirkirk Lagg Ayr Dippin Cumnock

Ailsa Craig

Maybole

Turnberry

Dalmellington

Barrhill

Dumbarton

Port Glasgow

Wemyss Bay Johnstone Largs

Lennoxtown Kirkintilloch Clydebank

Falkirk Kilsyth Cumbernauld Armadale

Airdrie

Kilmarnock

Lesmahagow

Biggar

Douglas

Prestwick

Ayr

Abington Crawford

Cumnock

New Galloway

Bathgate

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

New Cumnock

Girvan Ballantrae

Gourock Greenock

Leadhills

Cairnryan Stranraer

Dumfries & Galloway

Ayrshire Arran and Cumbrae

Glasgow and the Clyde Valley

From streams to summits and forests to shores, the landscape in Dumfries & Galloway is naturally inspiring, influencing the region’s history, culture and everyday life. Groups can discover how this region’s beautiful scenery has filled artists and writers with the passion to create great works and see how it is the perfect backdrop for exciting activities and an abundance of rare wildlife. This is one of the most beautiful, accessible and contrasting areas of Scotland, yet one of the least explored and the potential for a plethora of “themes” for group tours.

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 will simply take their breath away. Steeped in history - 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.

Countless millions of pairs of eyes were on Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games in 2014 and this most exciting, friendly and energetic city let no one down. Apart from proving itself as a true European city of sport, it holds the same credentials as a city of the arts, architectural elegance and education with an added eclectic atmosphere, chic shopping, superb restaurants, theatres and nightlife and a range of accommodation to suit.

08

A golfers’ paradise, with over 50 courses including three Open Championship links venues.

From the vibrant streets of Glasgow to the upper reaches of the great River Clyde - some of Scotland’s most magnificent scenery and the World Heritage site of New Lanark.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

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Dumfries & Galloway...coast & countryside, forests and hills Dumfries on the River Nith is heavily associated with Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Bard who worked and eventually died here at a very young age.

unsuspecting visitor in the three “theme” towns of Kirkcudbright (artists town), Wigtown (book town) and Castle Douglas (food & drink town).

Langholm with its Armstrong Museum and Moffat are both famous woollen/textile towns. Moffat was once a fashionable spa town, and as is now Scotland’s first “Walkers are Welcome” town. To the west lies one of Scotland’s most beautiful stately homes, Drumlanrigg Castle with its fine gardens and parks.

This is where you can savour the many gardens by following Scotland’s Gardens Route including Theave Castle (NTS) nearby.

Gretna and Gretna Green lie just off the M74 and turning west into the centre of the area and into deepest Galloway, art, literature and food draw the

02

The Galloway Forest Park offers a plethora of activities for all ages and abilities. It is 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

03

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Getting to Dumfries & Galloway could not be simpler - up the M6 and turn off the M74 at Gretna. A tour taking in eastern Dumfriesshire and the Borders would follow the A7 which leads to Edinburgh from Carlisle via Langholm, Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels and nearby 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

land. This is also an award winning Dark Sky Park and is the first of its kind in the UK. 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 Solway coast.

For new Group Themes and group products, look no further than the potential offered by Dumfries & Galloway.

04

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

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Gardens, golf, walking, cycling, wildlife, arts and crafts, coast and countryside, the three theme towns of Castle Douglas (Food Town), Kirkcudbright (Artists’ Town) and Wigtown (National Book Town).

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

THREAVE CASTLE (NTS)

CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE

WICKERMAN FESTIVAL

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

www.forestry.gov.uk

2015

Woodland, pasture and wetland, home to a diversity of fauna and flora.

www.nts.org.uk

2015

A great medieval fortress - it played an important historic role in the defence of Scotland.

2015

Britain’s largest forest park, includes Dark Skies, moorland and lochs from seashore to mountain tops.

“An area with tremendous group tourism potential on the road from the Northern Ireland ferry. A ‘must do’ for groups - great landscapes, seascapes, country and fishing culture, wildlife, outdoor activities, gardens and fascinating history” 01 Kelvinside Art Galleries and Museum, Glasgow.

02 Sandyhills beach, Solway Coast.

03 Threave Gardens.

04 Port Patrick.

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Ayrshire, the Isles of Arran & Cumbrae...great golfing all on the doorstep Over a century ago, Largs, Ayr and the Isle of Arran developed as major holiday resorts - Arran was an extra special attraction needing a ferry trip across the Clyde. Today, they are still major tourism destinations and for very good reasons - superb championship golf being only one of them with almost 50 courses including Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick.

Excellent transport facilities 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 is popular with many group itineraries. Ayr Racecourse

01

is also a major venue with frequent meets. To the north lie Largs and Irvine. To the east, Dean Castle, and Dumfries House are must sees and to the south, the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) Culzean Castle is a jewel of Scotland’s architectural and historic heritage.

Further castles like Dunure and Dundonald as well as Souter Johnnies Cottage (NTS), at Kirkoswald add to the Castles’ and Burn’s themes respectively.

Brodick Castle and Country Park - this is in addition to excellent walking, cycling, local food and drink.

For the energetic, the view from the top of Goatfell is exquisite!

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, its very own distillery (with golden eagles) and the splendour of

Accommodation throughout the area is abundant right up to 5 star luxury standard (Turnberry) - Ayrshire & Arran is, truly, a self-contained group tourism destination.

02

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Ayr Racecourse holds 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, the Brodick Highland Games and Irvine’s Marymass Festival in August and the Isle of Largs Viking Festival in September.

One of the main themes, Robert Burns, covers both

Smaller neighbour, the Isle of Cumbrae, is “built” for cycling, being flat and only 4 miles by 2 miles wide, with the Museum of the Cumbraes, golf (of course) and in Millport, the smallest Cathedral in Europe.

03

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 is one of Britain’s most beautiful stately homes and 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 very special island culture and hospitality.

For full up to date information see: www.ayrshire-arran.com

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

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

BRODICK CASTLE, GARDEN & COUNTRY PARK (NTS)

ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM (NTS)

CULZEAN CASTLE

2015

A staggering setting - fronted by the sea, bedecked with gardens, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the majestic mountain of Goatfell.

2015

His birthplace, the monument and gardens created in his honour, a modern museum housing a collection of his life and works. www.nts.org.uk

2015

Dramatic clifftop setting, Robert Adam architecture, beautiful Country Park surroundings - one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. www.nts.org.uk

“A warm welcome, stunning sea views, two very different islands to explore, castles and country parks, rolling countryside, the bustle of country towns and some of the world’s best golf!”

01 Culzean Castle.

02 Brodick Castle, Arran.

10

03 Cumbrae Ferry slip, Largs.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 12

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Glasgow and the Clyde Valley...city of culture, arts and design and world class sport The stunning aerial views of this great city taken during the 2014 Commonwealth Games brought gasps from visitors and local alike - never before had Glasgow been seen from this angle and it emphasised what a great European city Glasgow is. The wide range of parks, gardens and open spaces was visible to all as was the sweeping flow of the River Clyde through the heart of the city.

21st century Glasgow is now very much an international centre 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

01

Galleries to the ultrachic of the Merchant City. There is also some seriously good shopping, some of the very best in Britain now branded as “Glasgow’s Style Mile”.

is tastefully preserved in its spectacular riverside setting near the Falls of Clyde and is still home to a community of 200 residents.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Kings Theatre, Theatre Royal, Citizens Theatre and the Tron Theatre offer a combination of live comedy, music and dance options all year round.

Built around its magnificent 12th century Abbey, Paisley was for many years at the centre of the textile industry in the UK - the Paisley Pattern is well known - and its Museum has the finest collection of Paisley shawls in the world - is a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland.

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”

02

What’s On

The area around Hamilton is very historic with 13th century Bothwell Castle and the superb hunting lodge of Chatelherault, designed by William Adam.

03

Glasgow has a year-round programme of arts and music festivals including Celtic Connections (January), Glasgow Film Festival (February), the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (March), International Jazz Festival (June) and Glasgay! (October/ November)…and many others including the National Mod in Paisley in October.

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, Riverside - Scotland’s Museum of Transport and Travel, 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.

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 many group visitors.

Glasgow is resplendent with excellent museums, art galleries (most are free entry), theatres, the Science Centre and stunning architecture. This is the

In addition, the National Trust for Scotland has three properties - Greenbank Gardens, The Tenement House and Pollok House. Outside the city, spectacular

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

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

But no tour of Glasgow is complete without the option of enjoying the city chic, style and buzz of a vibrant modern, truly European city.

For full up to date information www.visitscotland.com/glasgow

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

POLLOCK HOUSE (NTS)

THE HAMPDEN EXPERIENCE

KINGS THEATRE

Tours of the National Stadium - Scottish football, over 2500 objects on display, 14 galleries and the Scottish Cup.

Opened in 1904, designed by the prolific theatre architect Frank Matcham, it is an historic and significant Scottish theatre.

www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk

www.atgtickets.com

2015

This grand country house near to Glasgow city centre is Scotland’s answer to Downton Abbey giving a real taste of upstairs/downstairs life in the 1930s.

www.nts.org.uk

2015

2015

“Host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games - a city of culture, iconic architecture, Italianate steeples and medieval spires, sensuous Charles Rennie Mackintosh Art Nouveau and the cosmopolitan living culture of a vibrant contemporary city” 01 George Square, Glasgow.

02 Clyde Arch Bridge, Glasgow.

03 The Burrell Collection, Glasgow.

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2015 SPREADS.indd 13

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Group deals 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 PART OF LANDOR TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS

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June/July

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P ORK FOR GROU THE NETWPROFESSIONALS TRAVEL

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THE NETWORK FOR GROU TRAVEL PROF ESSIONALSP

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ALSO

ISSUE 252 October/No vember 2014

Trips on COVER FEATURE

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Full of ideas for group trips at home and abroad. Includes reader profiles, features, news and events. GTO magazine has a readership of over 10,000 people across the UK. NOW IN ITS

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UL Meet clients in person for invaluable face to face connections

The PREMIER GROUP TRAVEL SHOWCASE for YORKSHIRE and NORTHERN

ENGLAND

SATURDAY 31ST JANUARY 2015 10AM-2PM

Download our free app

To register to attend the show visit www.tourismshowcase.com National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ

Search for M&D’s

Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell ML1 3RT LOADS OF DISCOUNT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ONLINE:

www.scotlandsthemepark.com 12

To get your free copy of GTO magazine please contact Julie Hart on 01424 572089 or email julie.hart@grouptravelorganiser.com or visit www.grouptravelorganiser.com/subscribe

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 14

3/12/14 16:36:42

IT’S HISTORY IN THE MAKING... IT’S WHO WE ARE

Visit our World Class Football Museum OVER 2,500 EXHIBITS STADIUM TOUR • HALL OF FAME HAMPDEN HOTSHOTS • CAFÉ

Book Online or Call: 0141 616 6139 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

13

2015 SPREADS.indd 15

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Robert Burns pocket diary 2015

The only one of its kind in the world!

This edition, 16th in the series, tells about Burns' visits to Glasgow and introduces friends who came from his native Ayrshire and Glaswegians who became new friends.

Beautifully finished, the diary has a gold blocked cover, metal corners, gold page edges, a silk ribbon marker and perforated page corners.

Available in three colours - black, navy blue & burgundy.

ONLY ÂŁ5.99 plus ÂŁ1.50 postage from: www.robertburns-gifts.com or telephone Fred MacKenzie 0141 637 7414

LADYKNOWE, MOFFAT DG10 9EP Tel: 01683 220134 Fax: 01683 221066 MoffatWM@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

NNNN Tourist Shop

SYMBOLS USED Bronze Green Tourism Award Silver Green Tourism Award Gold Green Tourism Award Cyclists Welcome Walkers Welcome Unassisted wheelchair access Assisted wheelchair access Access for visitors with mobility difficulties More detailed information is available at www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

AYR (AA)

SPECIAL Offer CULZEAN CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK (NTS)

Ad Page 6 Award-winning museum housing the world’s definitive Burns collection.

Step under the thatched eves of Burns Cottage, birthplace of Scotland’s national poet. Cross the Birg o’ Doon and explore Alloways Auld Kirk, both immortalised in ‘Tam o’ Shanter’.

Prices: from ÂŁ6.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

An 18th-century Robert Adam masterpiece in amazing clifftop location.

Beautiful interiors and collections including impressive Armoury. Strong links with President Eisenhower.

Magnificent terraced gardens, sandy beaches and caves. Interactive multimedia tour.

Prices: from ÂŁ11 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

NNNNN Visitor Attraction $Š CD¾

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, MAYBOLE KA19 8LE Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade Ad Page 6

ATTRACTIONS

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

ATTRACTIONS

Luxurious Cashmere, mens’ and ladies’ fashions, Highland Dress, whisky shop, golf shop, childrenswear, Scottish food and gifts, coffee shop, restaurant, new takeaway offers. Just off the M74, Drivers lounge, coach washing facilities.

Min = Minimum party/group size accepted for Group Rates

ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM (NTS) THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, MURDOCH, ALLOWAY KA7 4PQ Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

1 VISITOR

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NNNN Garden

MOFFAT MILL

Contact: Thomas McDonald

Ad Page 6 Nominated the second best garden in the UK by ‘The Independent’, this 26 hectare garden boasts exotic plants, ‘champion’ trees and over 200 varieties of daffodils. Home to Scotland’s first Bat Reserve!

Prices: from ÂŁ8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Feb-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

AYR (AA)

MOFFAT (DG)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 1RX Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

1 VISITOR

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

CASTLE DOUGLAS (DG)

KEY TO THE GUIDE

14

THREAVE GARDEN (NTS)

SERVICED ACCOMMODATION

R = Restaurant available CP = Coach Parking available SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION R = Restaurant on site C = Coach Parking available GROUP ACTIVITIES PR = Party (Group) Rates available Max Number = Maximum single party size that can be accommodated Min Age = Minimum Age of customers that are accepted EF = Educational Facilities available HOSTELS AND BUNKHOUSES Capacity = Total sleeping capacity of the establishment

1 VISITOR

Each area consists of up to 6 categories some abbreviations are used as below: VISITOR ATTRACTIONS PR = Party (Group) Rates available GL = Guides and/or Lecturers available R = Restaurant/CafĂŠ facilities available CP = Coach Parking available EPW = Educational Parties Welcomed Last figure refers to the Maximum Party Size that can be accommodated at any one time MEAL STOPS MC = Morning Coffee available L = Lunches available AT = Afternoon Teas available D = Dinners available Other = Other Catering available CP = Coach Parking available

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NNNN Visitor Attraction

Ă&#x; $CDº¾

Two for the Price of One. Enjoy an excellent day out at the beautiful Mackintosh Queen’s Cross and get two for one on your entrance fee.

Please Quote: MACK2010

MACKINTOSH QUEENS CROSS 0141 946 6600 info@crmsociety.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

South West 2015.indd 14 2015 SPREADS.indd 16

27/11/2014 10:44:33 3/12/14 16:36:51

Ad Page 6

MC L AT No Limit CP

NNNNN Museum $

THREAVE GARDEN (NTS)

NNNN Garden

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Special Rates For Fantoosh bookings - fun and fantastical ramble o’er the hills and glens of Scottish Culture, all in four delicious courses!

Groups of 20+ £15 off Standard Quote: ScottishFun2015 Contact: Kelly Travers

CASHEL TRAVEL 0131 560 2850 info@casheltravel.com

PR GL EPW

Theatre

%

Special Discount for Private Group Tours in Scotland and England in 2015 GroupTours with 10 or more PAX qualify.

Groups with less PAX can obtain reduced discount.

Quote: VSTSPGD Contact : Ivor

MURDOCH, ALLOWAY, AYR KA7 4PQ Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

VORSCOT TOURS 07775840138 info@vorscottours.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

MOTHERWELL (GC) ATTRACTIONS

Open: Jan-Dec

1 VISITOR

Presenting a wide variety of drama, dance, comedy, opera, musicals and children’s theatre. It is home to Scotland’s resident companies, Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.

SPECIAL Offer

Ad Page 6 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. Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT D Other 120 Max CP

GLASGOW (GC)

GLASGOW (GC) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

GLASGOW (GC)

282 HOPE STREET, GLASGOW G2 3QA Tel: 0844 871 7647 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (online bkg fee)

$© C D µ

POLLOCK HOUSE (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, POLLOK COUNTRY PARK, 2060 POLLOKSHAWS ROAD, GLASGOW G43 1AT Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade Ad Page 6 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.

Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT D Other 50 Max CP

NNNN Historic House ∫%C D µ

BEST WESTERN KINLOCH HOTEL

BLACKWATERFOOT, ISLE OF ARRAN KA27 8ET Tel: 01770860444 Fax: 01770860447 reservations@kinlochhotel.eclipse.co.uk www.bw-kinlochhotel.co.uk Contact: Catriona McNeice Ad Page 12 This family run hotel on the beautiful Isle of Arran offers superior accommodation, excellent food and outstanding service. A holiday for all budgets on an Island for all seasons.

Tariff: £40-160 per room Open: Jan-Dec Rooms: 12S, 12D, 13T, all en-suite CP R

NNN Hotel

© CD‰

Open: Jan-Dec PR GL EPW

Theatre

%

AMAZONIA

STRATHCLYDE COUNTRY PARK, MOTHERWELL ML1 3RT Tel: 01698 333777 Fax: 01698 338 733 enquiries@discoveramazonia.co.uk www.discoveramazonia.co.uk Contact: Amanda Gott Ad Page 12 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 the rain forest.

Prices: Please Check Our Website Open: Jan-Dec Ext Christmas Day & New Years Day PR GL CP EPW No Limit

CULZEAN CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, MAYBOLE KA19 8LE Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade Ad Page 6

GLASGOW (GC)

Ad Page 6 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.

Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT D Other 85 (+40 outside) Max CP

THEATRE ROYAL

Ad Page 13

ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CASTLE DOUGLAS DG7 1RX Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

NNNNN Museum

MAYBOLE (AA)

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Ad Page 13

STOPS

NNNN Historic House

297 BATH STREET, GLASGOW G2 4JN Tel: 0844 871 7648 (bkg fee) www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (online bkg fee)

Presenting first class musicals and pantomime alongside a wide range of drama, dance and comedy.

2 MEAL

Ad Page 6 See Scotland’s own ‘Downton Abbey’ surrounded by beautiful parkland in the heart of Glasgow.

Fabulous interiors, period furnishings, silverware and ceramics. One of the finest collections of Spanish art in Britain.

Prices: From £4.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

Prices: Children £5 - Adults £11 Open: Jan-Dec *Subject to Events PR GL R CP EPW No Limit

$

ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, POLLOK COUNTRY PARK, 2060 POLLOKSHAWS ROAD, GLASGOW G43 1AT Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

KINGS THEATRE

Ad Page 13

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.

AYR (AA)

1 VISITOR

POLLOK HOUSE (NTS)

Contact: Colin Lobban

1 VISITOR

DUMGOYNE (GC) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

GLASGOW (GC)

COATBRIDGE (GC) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

$DCõ

HAMPDEN PARK, GLASGOW G42 9BA Tel: 0141 616 6139 Fax: 0141 616 6101 info@scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk

ACCOMMODATION

HAMPDEN PARK, GLASGOW G42 9BA Tel: 0141 616 6139 Fax: 0141 616 6101 info@scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk

Distillery

THE HAMPDEN EXPERIENCE

4 SELF CATERING

THE HAMPDEN EXPERIENCE

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. Open subject to events at the Stadium.

STOPS

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

SPECIAL Offer

Contact: Colin Lobban

2 MEAL

Contact: Dylan Paterson

Contact: Rhona Hunter Ad Page 28 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: £8.50 - £125.00 Open: Mar-Nov 10am-5pm and Dec-Feb 10am-4pm PR GL CP EPW No Limit

ISLE OF ARRAN (AA)

&

870 GARSCUBE ROAD, GLASGOW G20 7EL Tel: 0141 946 6600 Fax: 0141 946 7276 info@crmsociety.com www.crmsociety.com www.mackintoshchurch.com

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

ACCOMMODATION

NNNN Visitor Attraction

MACKINTOSH QUEEN’S CROSS

GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY

3 SERVICED

Contact: Sharon Luxton Ad Page 12 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

$

STOPS

STRATHCLYDE COUNTRY PARK, MOTHERWELL ML1 3RT Tel: 01698 333 777 Fax: 01698 338 733 info@scotlandsthemepark.com www.scotlandsthemepark.com

NNN Tourist Shop

2 MEAL

M&D’s

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

GLASGOW (GC)

GLASGOW (GC)

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

MOTHERWELL (GC)

traveltrade@nts.org.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, Peacocks and foodshop.

Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

STOPS

NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND 0131 458 0204

KIRKSHAW ROAD, COATBRIDGE ML5 4SL Tel: 01236 440702 Fax: 01236 426193 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

2 MEAL

25% comm on NTS flexible, multi-day Discover Tickets: risk-free (saleor-return), DTs are valid all year and can save visitors 80% on standard admission prices to 90 historic attractions.

Quote: 123 Contact. Anne Edwards

MACKINNON MILLS

GLASGOW (GC)

SPECIAL Offer

ATTRACTIONS

∫%D C µ

1 VISITOR

NNNN Castle

CASTLE DOUGLAS (DG)

Ad Page 6 ‘The jewel in Arran’s crown’, this impressive 800-year old island castle has superb collections of paintings, silver and porcelain. Extensive gardens and estate with fabulous sea views. *Special Arran seasonal sailings offer for coaches with CalMac ferries.

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

STOPS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, BRODICK KA27 8HY Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.co.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

2 MEAL

ISLE OF ARRAN (AA) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

BRODICK CASTLE, GARDEN AND COUNTRY PARK (NTS)

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. Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT D Other 120 Max CP

NNNN Visitor Attraction ß $CDµ

MARGARET MACDONALD HOUSE

89 BUCCLEUCH STREET, GLASGOW G3 6QT Tel: 01413311261 f.sloan@gsa.ac.uk www.gsa.ac.uk/summervacation Contact: Reception The Glasgow School of Art’s student residence Margaret Macdonald House 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 £21pppn to £165pp per week Open: 23 Jun-4 Sep Units: Flats - 116 Bedrooms sleeping 128 CP Min Party Size - 1

NN Hostel

d

15 South West 2015.indd 15 2015 SPREADS.indd 17

02/12/2014 14:38:09 3/12/14 16:36:53

Edinburgh & South East Scotland “arts & culture, rural beauty and the ancient playground of Scotland’s Royalty” 01

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St Monans Anstruther Leven Elie Pittenweem Isle of Buckhaven May

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

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Scottish Borders

Edinburgh & the Lothians

The Kingdom of Fife

An area of lush green hills and rivers, extensive forests,

Scotland’s capital and seat of Government. A truly

rolling fertile pastures, arable fields, cattle, sheep and

classic European capital city dominated by one of the

horses - excellent farming country steeped in tradition

most awe-inspiring castles in the world. Its upper Old

and from mid 2015 accessible by train with potential

Town is historic, atmospheric, compact and vibrant and

Once the playground of Scotland’s Kings & Queens spending leisure time at Falkland Palace, Fife is now a leisure area for all - with some of the finest beaches in Scotland.

for special steam charters. The wealth generated over

is complemented by a neoclassical lower New Town

the centuries by this productive land has resulted in

with some of the finest museums and art galleries in

there being more stately homes here than in any other

the Britain.

part of Scotland. Historically the front line of defence

It is also the World’s Festival Capital, the most

for Scotland’s freedom - always coveted and often the

prestigious being the annual Edinburgh International

stage for bloody border battles.

Festival held in August.

16

Known as “The Home of Golf” the Kingdom has over 45 courses including 10 in or near St. Andrews. Seabirds and seals can be seen along the length of the stunning Fife Coastal Path, suitable for both recreational and serious walkers. Relax into an easy-going pace of life as the coastal walks, quaint and picturesque fishing villages, historic towns and plentiful outdoor pursuits of the Kingdom of Fife take hold.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 18

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Scottish Borders...rich in tradition, farmland, rivers and opulent country houses This is rich farming country full of green fertile hills

Kelso on the River Tweed is home of one of the four

lying just along the road towards Galashiels where

and valleys which is one of the main reasons why

Border Abbeys destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII.

the new Borders Rail link to Edinburgh will terminate

the area was so heavily contested in past skirmishes

Nearby Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in

- opening mid 2015, this is a line calling out for special

and battles. As a result, the Borders has more stately

Scotland - as opposed to the oldest inhabited castle in

steam train charters combined with visits to some of

homes than any other rural part of Scotland.

Scotland, Traquair House in Innerleithen.

these magnificent stately homes.

Paxton House was built to the design of John Adam in

The abbey, castle and jail, woollen mills and

This is an excellent area for groups to explore and

1758 and is one of the finest Palladian country houses

Ferniehirst Castle in Jedburgh offer more than enough

can easily be combined with a trip to Edinburgh and

in Britain. No expense was spared at Manderston

for an afternoon or morning’s sojourn. Melrose with its

Stirling so why not come and explore all that is on

House, Duns which boasts the world’s only silver

Abbey and walks down the river is another excellent

offer in this magnificent part of Scotland - truly a

staircase. Further inland, the picturesque town of

stop, with Sir Walter Scott’s home, Abbotsford House,

destination for all seasons.

02

03

What’s On

04

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Galashiels, Innerleithen (and Traquair House) and Peebles (Cardona Hotel and Golf Course) almost following the route of the magnificent River Tweed.

There are three main routes into the Scottish Borders (A7, A68 and A1) all of which pass close by the many magnificent visitor 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 visit, must return’ destination for Group itineraries. There is also a “Cross-Borders” route (A72) through Melrose,

The routes are numerous, so are the attractions in this area of outstanding potential and quality. The many traditional “Common Riding” festivities held in most Scottish Borders’ towns over spring and summer are major local attractions for both the locals and the Scottish diaspora. Many of the country houses, gardens and estates have calendars of events throughout the year. In sporting circles, rugby rules V661-14-64-aw-03 and the famous Melrose Rugby Sevens drawing participants from all over the world takes place in April. Many other towns such as Hawick, Selkirk,

SEE & DO

Galashiels and Jedburgh to name but a few also host their own Sevens tournaments. Racing at Kelso racecourse is extremely popular with many meetings throughout the year. And Glentress Forest in the Tweed Valley is regarded by many as Britain’s best mountain biking centre and is a Mecca for beginners to more experienced alike! You’ll also find a new Go Ape treetop adventure course at Glentress if you want to get the pulse racing further!

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

07/01/2014 12:34 Page 1

SEE & DO

& DO DiscoverSEE more!

TRAQUAIR HOUSE, INNERLEITHEN

BORDERS RAIL

On land and sea; experience wonderful wildlife with VIP tours, expert guides and special group discounts.

SCOTTISH SEABIRD

www.traquair.co.uk

www.bordersrailway.co.uk

2015

Dating back to 1107, a refuge for the Jacobite cause, complete with its own successful brewery!

2015

2015

CENTRE

Closed in 1969, to re-open mid 2015 one NORTH BERWICK, it has something for of the most scenic routes in Scotland the whole family, with a Discovery www.seabird.orgCentre, gift shop, café and boat trips. from Galashiels to Edinburgh.

01620 890202 The Harbour, North Berwick EH39 4SS

www.seabird.org

“The choice and quality is unparalleled - Grand Houses and Magnificent Castles, Image © Rob McDougall / Scottish Charity no SC025837

OPEN ALL YEAR DISCOVERY CENTRE · BOAT TRIPS · CAFÉ · GIFT SHOP

the Border Abbeys and stunning Gardens abound - these and the wealth required to create them was borne out of the fertile borders soil” 01 Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens.

02 Melrose Abbey.

03 Kirkhope Tower.

04 Common Riding, throughout the Scottish Borders.

17

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Edinburgh & The Lothians...historic, cosmopolitan and cultured The Royal Mile offers a plethora of attractions from the ancient Castle at the top down to the new Scottish Parliament and Our Dynamic Earth at the bottom.

The New Town 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, 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

01

theatre and hall 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.

an insight into the heavy mining of the past at the National Mining Museum Scotland in addition to a little gem, Rosslyn Chapel of the famous Da Vinci Code book and film.

To really get to know Edinburgh, though, a walking/ theme tour is suggested as part of any group itinerary.

You can also take in fantastic views of Edinburgh from open - top city bus tours.

East Lothian abounds with fine golf courses like Muirfield, Gullane No 1 and North Berwick all overlooking the sea, the Bass Rock and its myriad seabirds. The Scottish Seabird Centre runs boat trips to the Firth of Forth islands from North Berwick.

Edinburgh sits centrally surrounded by the Lothians.

Hopetoun House stands quite close to South Queensferry and the Forth bridges as does Linlithgow with its grand palace. Midlothian to the south offers

02

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 take place in August. Other Festivals include 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 to suit all is abundant.

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.

03

Edinburgh is also full of itinerary possibilities under many other themes. The Arts in particular are strong with many art galleries, museums and literary attractions such as the National Galleries of Scotland, National Museum of Scotland, Scottish Storytelling Centre and the Writers’ Museum.

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, an Open Championship course.

History abounds: the Real Mary King’s Close instructs on the hidden Edinburgh of old and there is 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, National Mining Museum Scotland) or East Lothian (Dirleton Castle, Scottish Seabird Centre, Tantallon Castle, National Museum of Flight) are highly recommended.

For full up to date information see: www.edinburgh.org GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS City culture, festivals, shopping, the arts and theatre, themed walking tours, historical sightseeing, golf.

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

OUR DYNAMIC EARTH

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

www.dynamicearth.co.uk

2015

Discover what life was like on board The Queen’s floating royal residence. UK’s no.1 attraction (TripAdvisor).

2015

Tour the 14 breath-taking interactive galleries, groups will embark on the journey of a lifetime!

2015

Scotland’s official residence of The Queen. Tours highlight both Holyrood’s dramatic past and the Palace’s important role today.

www.royalcollection.org.uk

“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” 01 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle.

02 The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

18

03 Tantallon Castle.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 20

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The Kingdom of Fife...Ancient Kingdom, golfing mecca & picturesque villages Historic Dunfermline was the Nation’s capital for six

attraction in its own right, having the oldest university in

weekly Farmers’ Markets, held in rotation in St Andrews,

centuries and many Scottish Kings and Queens are

Scotland and an ancient Castle and Cathedral.

Dunfermline, Cupar or Kirkcaldy every Saturday are an

buried in its Abbey and Palace.

For walkers, the Fife Coastal Path offers a plethora

excellent option for purchasing and enjoying the best of the Kingdom’s local produce and meeting the locals.

This is, of course, the Home of Golf and the Kingdom

of different types of walk - a breathtaking way to

offers over 45 superb golf courses from links to inland

experience and explore the real countryside and see

courses to suit all tastes and abilities, in fact St. Andrews

the abundance of wildlife. Through the centre of Fife,

is hosting the Open this year. You can enter a ballot for

wildlife flourishes including roe deer, badgers, foxes

the privilege of playing the Old Course but St Andrews

and red squirrels - there is no lack of wildlife to look

Neuk including Elie, Pittenweem, Crail and Anstruther, are

has another 10 courses to choose from, including the

out for whilst taking in the scenery on foot or even

very picturesque and frequented by artists. A beautiful

newest addition, the Castle Course. St Andrews is an

by bike. Being a seriously agricultural community, the

area with an ancient seafaring heritage.

01

02

What’s On

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 especially Culross with its historic 16th century palace. The old fishing villages of the East

03

in North Queensferry is a popular stop, as are

National Significance’.

Dunfermline Abbey, St Andrews with its Cathedral,

The Scottish Deer Centre (near Cupar) offers nine

Castle and Golf Museum and the National Trust for

Events include the Fife Festival of Music (Jan/Feb),

species of deer, falconry displays and wolves. For the

Scotland properties, Hill of Tarvit Mansion House

StAnza (poetry, March), East Neuk Festival (early

more active, watersports are to be found in Elie, golf

(Cupar), Kellie Castle (Pittenweem) and Falkland

July), Pittenweem Arts Festival (August), Lammas

on around 45 courses and a number of riding centres

Palace. The villages of the East Neuk of Fife on the

Fair, St Andrews (Aug) and the St Andrews Festival

throughout Fife.

coast of the Firth of Forth - Elie, Pittenweem, Crail,

(November). Meanwhile golf events to look out

Anstruther - are must sees popular with artists

For full up to date information

for are the St Andrews Golf Week (April), Open

and harbour a strong heritage of sea fishing. The

Championships (July) and the Alfred Dunhill Links

collection at the Scottish Fisheries Museum at

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

Championship (October).

Anstruther which houses 66,000 objects from across

History, golf, cycling, walking, watersports, multi-

Crossing the Forth Road Bridge, Deep Sea World

Scotland, was recently awarded ‘Recognition of

activity, food.

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

www.visitfife.com

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

FALKLAND PALACE, CUPAR (NTS)

SCOTTISH DEER CENTRE, CUPAR

HILL OF TARVIT MANSIONHOUSE & GARDEN

2015

Built in the 16 century, it was the hunting lodge of eight Stuart monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots.

www.nts.org.uk

2015

One of Fife’s largest visitor attractions with the kids, fantastic education, great shopping deals and most of all FUN!

www.tsdc.co.uk

2015

(NTS). One of Scotland’s finest Edwardian

mansionhouses, splendid collection and superb paintings by Sir Henry Raeburn.

www.nts.org.uk

“Fife has always been at the heart of the nation’s history and Falkland Palace was a country retreat for many Monarchs - Fife was used as their leisure playground. A place to relax, enjoy the local environment and learn more about the life-styles of the people” 01 St. Andrews, Old Course, 4th hole.

02 Dunfermline Abbey.

03 Culross.

19

2015 SPREADS.indd 21

3/12/14 16:38:17

20

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 22

3/12/14 17:40:27

V661-14-98-aw-01 23/09/2014 21:30 Page 1

Discover more!

On land and sea, enjoy special group discounts and meet our expert guides.

www.seabird.org 01620 890202 The Harbour, North Berwick EH39 4SS

Image © Rob McDougall / Scottish Charity no SC025837

OPEN ALL YEAR DISCOVERY CENTRE · BOAT TRIPS · CAFÉ · GIFT SHOP 21

2015 SPREADS.indd 23

3/12/14 16:38:28

jumbo combo

east lothian visit

Edinburgh’s Coast & Countryside

explore play stay amazing! visiteastlothian.org

A MONSTER SERVING OF FIVE DELICIOUS STARTERS. PILED HIGH. SERVED WITH OUR THREE SIGNATURE SAUCES. TASTE OUR GREATEST HITS.

Image © bluefinart.com

EDINBURGH | 20 GEORGE ST. | +44-131-260-3000 HARDROCK.COM

#THISISHARDROCK ©2014 Hard Rock International (USA), Inc. All rights reserved.

22

Ad Page 22 John Muir is a world figure who continues to inspire. The Dunbar birthplace of the pioneering conservationist has been transformed into a stunning interpretative centre highlighting the work and achievements of this remarkable man.

Prices: Free Open: 10am to 5pm Mon-Sat and 1pm-5pm Sun (closed Mon and Tue, Oct-Mar) CP EPW

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

HARD ROCK CAFE 0131 260 3000 lesley_ross@hardrock.com T&C Apply

©

THE GEORGIAN HOUSE (NTS) THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, 7 CHARLOTTE SQUARE, EDINBURGH EH2 4DR Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.co.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

Ad Page 6 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

NNNNN Visitor Attraction ß DC µ

PEEBLES (SB)

KELSO (SB)

MELROSE (SB)

JAMES PRINGLE SHOPPING WAREHOUSE

LEITH MILLS, 70-74 BANGOR ROAD, LEITH, EDINBURGH EH6 5JU Tel: 0131 553 5161 Fax: 0131 553 4415 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk 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

NNN Tourist Shop &

ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS

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1 VISITOR

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1 VISITOR

NNNN Historic House

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

11/21/14 2:15 PM

TRAQUAIR HOUSE

INNERLEITHEN, PEEBLES EH44 6PW Tel: 01896 830323 Fax: 01896 830639 enquiries@traquair.co.uk www.traquair.co.uk Contact: Sarah Macdonald 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.

EDINBURGH (ED)

Up to 20% off menu prices when booking a group of 10+!, Organiser eats for Free! Choosing a group menu can save you up to 20% discount!

Quote: HRCSGG10

Prices: £2.50 - £8.50 Open: Easter (4 days), May to end of Sept (Fri-Mon).

PR GL R CP EPW

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

ATTRACTIONS

126 HIGH STREET, DUNBAR, EAST LOTHIAN, EH42 1JJ Tel: 01368 865899 infor@jmbt.org.uk www.jmbt.org.uk

ANNAY ROAD, MELROSE TD6 9LG Tel: 01896 322158 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

1 VISITOR

JOHN MUIR’S BIRTHPLACE

NR

JEDBURGH (SB)

SPECIAL Offer

THE ABBEY MILL

Contact: Jane Shepherd

EDINBURGH (ED)

&

GORDON, BERWICKSHIRE TD3 6LG Tel: 01573 410225 Fax: 01573 410636 enquiries@mellerstain.com www.mellerstain.com

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Tourist Shop

MELLERSTAIN HOUSE

Experience one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. Admire the unique Adam design, fine art, embroidery and furniture collections within. Relax in the parkland & gardens. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the coffee shop.

ATTRACTIONS

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

UNT2057ED14 Edinburgh In2Design_90mmx135mm.indd 1

1 VISITOR

&

Contact: Kim Oliver 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

NNN Tourist Shop

BANKEND NORTH, EDINBURGH ROAD, JEDBURGH TD8 6EB Tel: 01835 863585 Fax: 01835 862802 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

EDINBURGH (ED)

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

JEDBURGH WOOLLEN MILL

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Kim Oliver 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 light snacks and tea for 2 @£9.95.

ATTRACTIONS

BANKEND NORTH, EDINBURGH ROAD, JEDBURGH TD8 6EA Tel: 01835 863773 jedburgh@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH WOOLLEN MILL

1 VISITOR

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

DUNBAR (ED)

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

JEDBURGH (SB)

join hardrockrewards.com

Prices: Groups £7.60 Adults; £6.60 Seniors and £3.60 Child Open: 3rd Apr-Oct. Weekends only November 2015 PR GL R CP EPW No Limit

NNNN Historic House & ß µ

OUR DYNAMIC EARTH

HOLYROOD ROAD, EDINBURGH EH8 8AS Tel: 0131 550 7800 Fax: 0131 550 7801 enquiries@dynamicearth.co.uk www.dynamicearth.co.uk Contact: Leigh Aitchison/Chris Hunter 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.

Open Apr-Oct 10am-5.30pm daily; Jul-Aug 10am-6pm daily; Nov-Mar 10am-5.30pm, Wed-Sun. Prices: £10.50 Adult, £7.00 Child, £9.00 Concession Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No limit

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www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

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BRITISH GOLF MUSEUM

BRUCE EMBANKMENT, ST ANDREWS KY16 9AB Tel & Fax: 01334 460046 enquiries@randa.org www.britishgolfmuseum.co.uk 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. New cafe opening summer 2015.

Prices: Adults £7 Seniors 60 and over and Students £5 Children aged 6-15 £3 Children aged 5 and under Free Open: Jan-Dec. Only closed 24-26 & 31 Dec and 1-2 Jan PR GL EPW

NNNNN Museum &

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c.

CAFE AT THE PALACE THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE, EDINBURGH EH8 8DX Tel: 0131 556 5100 www.royalcollection.org.uk Ad Page 20 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.

MC L AT Other 150 Max CP

Ad Page 6 Stunning 16th century royal hunting lodge, where Mary, Queen of Scots spent some of the happiest days of her life. Beautiful tapestries and interiors. The gardens designed by Percy Cane are the only complete example of his work in Scotland. Also home to Britain’s oldest tennis court, built in 1539.

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

NNNN Historic Attraction © DCµ

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 Ad Page 21 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

Walking Tour

© $

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

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1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

MUSSELBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Pete Chambers Experience the UK’s No.1 Attraction (TripAdvisor 2014). Explore The Queen’s former floating residence on a self-led audio tour of five decks, available in 27 languages, plus BSL and Braille. Special rates for prebooked groups, 15 or more.

Prices: Adult £12.60, Senior (60+) £11.30, Student £11,30, Child £7.65 Open: Jan-Dec PR R CP EPW No Limit

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: Phillip Quirie 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 and whisky & gift shop.

Prices: Adults: £13.50, Concession: £10.50, Children (6-17 years): £6.75, Children 5 and Under: Free Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R EPW No limit

NNNNN Visitor Attraction ß $‰

SPECIAL Offer The St Andrews Golf Week.

Can you imagine playing over the world famous links of the Old Course?

Quote: STAGW

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 22

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: £15 - £35 (Conc £12 except Ladies Day) Open: Jan-Dec (27 racedays) PR R CP EPW No limit

NNNNN Visitor Attraction $

THE SCOTTISH DEER CENTRE

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

LINKS GOLF ST ANDREWS 01334 478639 info@standrewsgolfweek.com

PITTENWEEM (FF)

FALKLAND PALACE (NTS)

OCEAN TERMINAL, LEITH, EDINBURGH EH6 6JJ Tel: 0131 555 8800 Fax: 0131 555 8835 groups@tryb.co.uk www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Contact: Simon Lounden An exciting wildlife park with 14 species of deer, resident wolves, Brown Bears & daily bird of prey demonstrations, otter enclosure and new Go Kart race track together with our excellent selection of quality shopping and Courtyard Coffee shop Prices: Group Rates on application Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP No limit

NNN Visitor Attraction &

ATTRACTIONS

Ad IFC

Meet our friendly and knowledgeable staff, experience our unique exhibition, see the process at first hand and taste the product.

Prices: From £7.50 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW No limit

Awaiting Inspection

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CUPAR KY15 7BU Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

PENCAITLAND, TRANENT EH34 5ET Tel: 01875 342012 Fax: 01875 342007 glenkinchie.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Rhona Paisley

Prices: Varies Open: Jan-Dec PR R CP EPW No Limit

THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

1 VISITOR

GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY

Contact: Sharon Forbes Ad Page 22 The Brunton presents a variety of events and offers the best in drama, music, comedy, children’s theatre, pantomime and film all year round.

It is the ideal venue to experience productions for a range of tastes.

1 VISITOR

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LADYWELL WAY, MUSSELBURGH EH21 6AA Tel: 0131 6652240 Fax: 0131 6535264 boxoffice@eastlothian.gov.uk www.bruntontheatre.co.uk

CUPAR (FF)

NNN Visitor Attraction

THE BRUNTON

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: Free, but donations welcomed Open: 13.30 to 16:00 weekdays and Sundays, 11.00 to 16.00 on Saturdays GL CP EPW 60

MUSSELBURGH (ED)

Contact: Rena Ramsay Ad Page 22 One of the three great medieval churches of the Lothians and the longest parish church in Scotland.

Shop. Disabled access and toilet.

Groups are welcome with advance notice.

ATTRACTIONS

SIDEGATE, HADDINGTON EH41 4EE Tel: 01620 824494 groupvisits@stmaryskirk.com www.stmaryskirk.com

1 VISITOR

ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH

CUPAR (FF)

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

HADDINGTON (ED)

reception@nationalminingmuseum.com

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1 VISITOR

© $DC√‰

NATIONAL MINING MUSEUM 0131 663 7519

EDINBURGH (ED)

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T&Cs Apply

HILL OF TARVIT MANSIONHOUSE & GARDEN (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CUPAR, FIFE KY15 5PB Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade Ad Page 6 Treat your groups to a taste of Edwardian life with parlour games and a 9-hole round of golf as it was played a century ago with traditional clubs and balls. Indulge in a slice of our famous hummingbird cake in the Garden Tearoom! Pre-booking essential.

Prices: from £6.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Historic House

ß & DC√µ

SPECIAL Offer 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

Ad Page 22

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.

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

Ad Page 21 Control the interactive live cameras and zoom in on the wildlife action on the Firth of Forth islands, at the five star Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick. Seabird Café, gift shop and seasonal boat trips.

Prices: £8.95/£4.95/ under 3s free Open: Jan-Dec (only closed Xmas Day) PR GL R CP EPW 50

Please quote VSGROUP

ATTRACTIONS

THE HARBOUR, NORTH BERWICK EH39 4SS Tel: 01620 890202 Fax: 01620 890222 info@seabird.org www.seabird.org (live webcams!)

Ad Page 20 The Queen’s Gallery hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Exhibitions on display in 2014 include In Fine Style, the Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion and Poetry for the Palace, from Dryden to Duffy.

Prices: £3.00 - £6.60 Open: Jan-Dec ( Closed 25 & 26 Dec 2014, 9 Feb-26 March, 3 April, 27 July - 6 Aug) GL R CP EPW No limit

1 VISITOR

THE SCOTTISH SEABIRD CENTRE

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

EDINBURGH (ED)

$C

10% off our group admission charges.

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

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 £8.50, Child FREE, Conc £6.50.

Groups: Adult £7.50, Child £1, Con £5.50 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW 50

1 VISITOR

LADY VICTORIA COLLIERY, NEWTONGRANGE EH22 4QN Tel: 0131 663 7519 Fax: 0131 654 1618 visitorservices@ nationalminingmuseum.com www.nationalminingmuseum.com

PENCAITLAND (ED)

NATIONAL MINING MUSEUM SCOTLAND

ATTRACTIONS

%µ

1 VISITOR

Historic House, Royal Palaces

EDINBURGH (ED)

Ad Page 20 At the Palace of Holyroodhouse group visitors can explore the State Apartments with their magnificent tapestries combined with a guided tour of the gardens and Abbey ruins.

Palace open daily, Historic Garden Tour May - Sept.

Prices: £6.30 - £11.60 Open: Jan-Dec (Closed 25 & 26 Dec 2014, 3 Apr 2015 & Royal visits) GL R CP EPW No limit

STOPS

EDINBURGH EH8 8DX Tel: 0131 556 5100 bookinginfo@royalcollection.org.uk www.royalcollection.org.uk

2 MEAL

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

EDINBURGH (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

NORTH BERWICK (ED) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ST ANDREWS (FF) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

SPECIAL Offer

Open: Jan-Dec 12pm - late (not Christmas Day) PR Max Party Size: 250 Min Age: n/a EF

25% comm on NTS flexible, multi-day Discover Tickets: risk-free (sale-or-return), DTs are valid all year and can save visitors 80% on standard admission prices to 90 historic attractions.

Quote: 123 Contact. Anne Edwards

NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND 0131 458 0204

traveltrade@nts.org.uk

23 South East 2015.indd 23 2015 SPREADS.indd 25

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Central and West Scotland “landscapes as diverse as Scotland itself islands, mountains & history all around” 01

Coll Arinagour Tobermory

Coll Arinagour Tobermory Scarinish Tiree

Lochaline

Glencoe

Lochaline

Scarinish Tiree Portnacroish

Coll Glencoe Tobermory Arinagour

Portnacroish

Scarinish Lismore

Tiree

Bridge of Orchy

Glencoe Lochaline

Lismore

Portnacroish

Bridge

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

Craignure

Campbeltown

Port Ellen

Argyll & the Isles Mull of Kintyre

Coast, countryside, castles and gardens, 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 with groups 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.

24

Gigha Tayinloan

Arran Portnahaven

Islay

Brodick

Port Ellen

Kennacraig

Gigha Tayinloan

K i n t y r e

Brodick

K i n t y r e

K i n t y r e

Stirling

Loch Lomond, Bute Campbeltown and the Cowal Peninsula Campbeltown

Mull of Kintyre

Mull of Loch Lomond is part of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Kintyre

National Park. More popular than ever, the loch splendours in scenic beauty and offers boundless activities - it is now

Rothesay Largs

Arran

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

Stirling and the Trossachs Brodick

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 in or near here including Bannockburn and Stirling Bridge - battles that were to shape the future of

a place of learning, understanding and conservation all

Scotland’s independence as a sovereign state. Stirling’s

aimed at preserving its idyllic beauty. More groups have

majestic castle has seen plenty of action over the centuries

passed Loch Lomond than probably any other location in

and still stands proudly over the Forth Valley - a symbol of

Scotland - many on their way to Dunoon or Bute, over the

power and strength, designed to send a signal of defiance

“Arrochar Alps” - memories and views to cherish forever!

to any invading foe.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 26

3/12/14 16:39:02

Argyll & the Isles...Scotland’s birthplace and the cradle of its Christianity This is nature at its very best and the reason why so many visitors choose to come here - land and sea in harmony producing some of the best of Scotland’s seafood exported to all corners of the globe - with an ancient history and surfeit of wildlife.

Whales, dolphins, seals. seabirds, in addition to otters,

The beautiful gardens of Argyll are a garden lover’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.

Popular garden attractions include Arduaine Gardens (NTS); Ardanaiseig Gardens, Kilchrenan; Barguillean’s Angus Garden, Taynuilt; Ardmaddy Gardens, Isle of Seil.

hunted to extinction. Tobermory is famed for its colourful

02

red deer, golden and white-tailed sea eagles (see Mull Eagle Watch at www.rspb.org.uk) and the osprey are all to be seen in and around Mull. Beaver have also been re-introduced to Knapdale Forest 400 years after being waterfront buildings, its distillery and the sunken Spanish Galleon.

The peaceful, spiritual Island of Iona radiates harmony and the Abbey is a “must see”. Tiree is almost completely flat and has hosted the Tiree Wave Classic Windsurfing Festival for the past 25 years.

03

What’s On Special events of interest to groups include the 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, Best of the West Festival (September) and Tunnock’s Tour of Mull Rally (October).

The most popular “base” for tours in this part of the West Highlands is Oban, the seafood capital

Islay and Jura are both easily accessible from Kintyre, Jura being the more rugged and wild. Inveraray should

INVERARAY

SEE & DO

2015

c in dr oa ce iv ch nt er iv es

& Witness Living History

Picturesque walks, stunning beaches and wildlife are a fine complement to the famous single malt whiskies especially on Islay! Tarbert is renowned as a sailing base/port, having one of the most photographed harbours in Scotland.

Eastern Kintyre is full of historic sites and the sublime setting of Carradale, with the western side offering spectacular views over to Islay, Jura and Gigha.

04

of Scotland. From here it is an easy trip north to Fort William/Mallaig or Tyndrum or south, down the spectacular coastline to Lochgilphead and Kintyre or across the sea to Mull and Iona. Gardens abound here with the National Trust for Scotland’s Arduaine and Crarae Gardens and the Glorious Gardens of Argyll (www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk is a very useful website). Tours of Mull are highly popular taking in Tobermory the island’s main town, with ferry trips to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa and Iona Abbey from Fionnphort on the south of Mull.

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Islay, Jura, Kintyre and around Kilmartin are where the original Scots (6th century) settled. Pre-historic cairns, standing stones, ancient castles and crannogs (Bronze Age/Neolithic loch dwellings) are all part of this area.

SEE & DO

2015

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 to explore.

Argyll and the Isles offer myriad tour opportunities with so many themes available.

For full up to date information see: www.visitargyllandtheisles.com GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Island hopping, coast and countryside, history, wildlife, activities, scenic beauty, castles and gardens, food and drink.

SEE & DO

2015

INVERARAY JAIL

LAGAVULIN DISTILLERY

A living museum and top Scottish visitor attraction where real people portray life in a 19th century prison. “Brilliant and fun”.

Lagavulin - the flavours of Islay. On the distillery tour, see the distillers at work and view the unusual pear shaped stis

18 glorious gardens set on the west coast, both on the mainland and the islands.

www.discovering-distilleries.com

www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk

“A superb experience!”

www.inverarayjail.co.uk “One of the best attractions we have ever been to!”

GLORIOUS GARDENS OF ARGYLL & BUTE

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

“Oban the “Gateway to the Isles” is a starting point for many inner Hebridean islands.

It abounds with evening entertainment, accommodation, shopping, eating out (the area is renowned for its fresh produce and seafood) and its very own distillery” 01 Tobermory, Isle of Mull.

02 Castle Stalker, near Appin.

03 “Best seafood in the world” Loch Fyne.

04 Oban - Gateway to the Isles.

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2015 SPREADS.indd 27

3/12/14 16:39:16

Loch Lomond, Bute and the Cowal Peninsula ...historic houses and gardens, scenic beauty & outdoor activities The remains of ancient loch dwellings - crannogs

the inventor of the television, dates back to the

cruise amidst the breathtaking coastal scenery of the

- can be found just off Inchcailloch, one of the most

18th century. The National Trust for Scotland’s Hill

Firth of Clyde. The Isle of Bute, once the island retreat

accessible islands. The National Park Visitor Centre

House, is a fine example of architect Charles Rennie

together with the sheltered harbour in Balmaha and

Mackintosh’s distinctive and innovative design and is

the Loch Lomond Shores complex at Balloch offers

one of his original works.

visitors the opportunity to learn more about this

West from Loch Lomond, over the “Arrochar Alps” the

national treasure as well as giving them the chance to

Saddle, Cnoc Coinnich, The Brack, The Cobbler and

explore or take part in many water-sports on the Loch.

Beinn Ime is where the rugged Highlands takes over

Helensburgh stands at the mouth of the Gareloch.

from the rolling hills and fertile fields of the east and

fine fishing in the lochs and sea where seals keep a

This handsome town, birthplace of John Logie Baird,

south. Dunoon offers the opportunity to take a pleasure

constant eye on proceedings.

01

famous Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. The Royal Burgh of Rothesay splendours

02

What’s On

of Scottish kings is the favourite destination of the

in Victorian architecture and wildlife on Bute includes mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer in the hills and

03

Tarbet and follow the A83 over the magnificent Rest

see Mount Stuart House and Gardens and Rothesay

and be Thankful then turn off at Cairndow on to the

Castle in addition to a round tour of the island taking

A815. This takes you deep down into Cowal through

in the scenery and ever changing vistas - paying

The main A82 Glasgow to Inverness road, is one of

St Catherine’s and Strachur (visit the Strachur Smiddy

close attention for the seals in Scalpsie Bay and the

the main arteries from Glasgow to the north. The

Museum) with Inveraray in view across Loch Fyne.

mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer.

attractions of Loch Lomond lie either alongside

Dunoon lies 19 miles south past Loch Eck amidst

For full up to date information see:

this road or near to it so no major detour is really

some superb coastal scenery. This is where the

www.visitscottishheartlands.com

required except for turning east through Balloch en

famous Cowal Highland Gathering is held annually in

route to the National Park Visitor Centre, Balmaha.

August.

For Dunoon, Cowal and the Isle of Bute, turn west at

A ferry trip to the Isle of Bute is always popular to

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

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

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE, Balmaha.

COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING

MOUNT STUART, ISLE OF BUTE

The most spectacular Highland games in the world. Stunning Highland location in Dunoon, Argyll. 27-29 August 2015.

Britain’s most astounding Victorian Gothic mansion and one of the world’s great houses.

www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

www.cowalgathering.com

www.mountstuart.com

2015

Discover what makes the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park on the edge of the Highlands so special. .

2015

2015

“Beautiful Loch Lomond is an impressive 24 miles long, 5 miles wide and contains 38 islands. One of its most romantic, Inchlonaig, is scattered with yew trees that were originally planted by Robert the Bruce” 01 Loch Lomond.

02 Kerrycroy, Isle of Bute.

26

03 Lochgoilhead.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 28

3/12/14 16:39:25

Stirling and the Trossachs

...history, castles, great views, walking, city culture and great shopping Some say that Stirling Castle is the finest in the whole of Scotland but who is to judge? Stirling is the ancient capital of Scotland and its fortress was a key strategic asset in Scotland’s war of independence. It was near here, at Bannockburn 700 years ago, where Scotland fought to become a nation in its own right and a visit to the Bannockburn Centre and the Castle itself are highly recommended.

The town of Falkirk was once the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire and the remains of the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can

01

be explored in the grounds of Callendar Park and at Rough Castle about a mile and a half away from the remarkable Falkirk Wheel on the Forth & Clyde Canal.

near to the popular holiday town of Aberfoyle, are

A reminder of earlier, more stormy times is the 15th century Blackness Castle, poised above the River Forth. Callendar House and Park in Falkirk has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Menteith lie the ruins of Inchmahome Priory, once

The Trossachs form part of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and cruises on Loch Katrine,

this is a remarkably beautiful area full of activity

02

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY From Stirling, there are a number of different themes on which to create itineraries. History alone draws you to Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument, Doune Castle, the Old Town Jail, Castle Campbell (Dollar), Blackness Castle, the Antonine Wall and

very popular and take the visitor near to Rob Roy’s birthplace at Glengyle. In the middle of the Lake of a refuge for the infant Mary Queen of Scots. Walks along the banks of the River Teith in Callander while watching for signs of salmon is always interesting.

Here, the woollen mill at Kilmahog and the Lade Inn are worthy of inclusion in any itinerary. Above all, opportunities, walks, wildlife and discovery!

03

- excellent for that “free” day.

Callander, with the salmon enriched River Teith

A scenic drive from Stirling takes you into the heart

meandering through it, is also an extremely

of the Trossachs and towards the Lake of Menteith with boat trips to Inchmahome Priory. Aberfoyle is where you will find the Scottish Wool Centre and from here journey north across the dramatic Dukes Pass towards David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre and Loch

popular “base” from which to tour the surrounding countryside with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, shopping, walking and activity opportunities.

For full up to date information: www.visitscottishheartlands.com

Callendar House & Park - some of Scotland’s most

Katrine for cruises on the SS Sir Walter Scott. Journey

important historical venues, all within a few miles

past Loch Vennachar towards Callander and north

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

of one another. Stirling is also an excellent city to

into the mountains of Breadalbane past Loch Lubnaig

History, castles, loch cruises, scenic beauty,

explore and then relax in the centre’s shops and cafes

towards Lochearnhead, Killin and Crianlarich.

wildlife, walking, city culture, shopping.

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

STIRLING CASTLE

GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY

BANNOCKBURN (NTS)

www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk

Proud to offer distillery visits, including the Master Blender Tour where guests create their very own blended whisky.

2015

See the Royal Apartments, the Great Hall, Great Kitchens and Tapestry Studio.

2015

www.glengoyne.com

2015

On the battlefield, stand face-to-face with Robert the Bruce and Edward II 1314 Scotland’s history changed, forever.

www.battleofbannockburn.com

“The City of Stirling offers not just historical attractions but also superb shopping options, excellent bars and entertainment with eclectic restaurants and cafes and excellent accommodation choices in this vibrant university town” 01 Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument.

02 Statue of King Robert the Bruce, Bannockburn.

03 Loch Katrine.

27

2015 SPREADS.indd 29

3/12/14 16:39:36

‘THERE CAN BE NO BETTER PLACE ON EARTH TO SIT AND TAKE A GLASS OF WHISKY’ Richard Grindal, The Spirit of Whisky

‘THE BEST WHISKY TOUR IN SCOTLAND’ The Sunday Times

INCOMPARABLE Nestled below the Campsie Hills in picturesque Blane Valley, just north of Glasgow, is Scotland’s most beautiful distillery. Only 30 minutes drive from Glasgow and Stirling, this traditional, hard working distillery has bee flourishing since 1833, producing a unique selection of award-winning Single Highland Malts, Single Casks and Special Vintages.

WORTH THE WAIT GLENGOYNE.COM TAKE YOUR TIME, ENJOY YOUR DRAM RESPONSIBLY

28

THE GLENGOYNE EXPERIENCE We’ll show you behind the scenes, giving insights into the techniques that make Glengoyne Single Highland Malt Whisky so unique, we’ll introduce you to our resident experts, tempt you to a sample dram, even show you how to blend your own. Contact us to find out more about our bespoke tours.

GLENGOYNE DISTILLERY

Dumgoyne, by Killearn, Glasgow G63 9LB T: 01360 550254 F: 01360 550094 E: reception@glengoyne.com

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 30

3/12/14 16:39:40

GLORIOUS

A special experience for groups to enjoy!

GARDENS

OF ARGYLL & BUTE

Classic Steamship Cruises on the 115 year old

world famous SS Sir Walter Scott (200 pax)

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.

www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk or phone: 01499 600261

For details see:

Panoramic Cruises on Lady of the Lake (65 pax) Special Discounted Group Rates 60 mins. from Glasgow & 75 mins. from Edinburgh Free Coach Parking Toilet Facilities Brenachoile Restaurant Katrinewheelz Katrine Gifts Information & Reservations (01877) 376315/6 E-mail: groups@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, by Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ

INVERARAY

c in dr oa ce iv ch nt er iv es

& 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

“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

29

2015 SPREADS.indd 31

3/12/14 16:39:51

Ad iFC

NNN Visitor Attraction

INVERARAY

Contact: Samantha Potts Ad Page 29 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.

$ D C √ µ

LAGAVULiN diSTiLLERY

1 VISITOR

distillery

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Rhona Hunter Ad Page 28 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: £8.50 - £125.00 Open: Mar-Nov: 10am-5pm and dec-Feb 10am-4pm PR GL CP EPw No limit

Ad iFC

One of the finest distilleries on the isle of islay. Next to dunyvaig Castle, three miles from Port Ellen.

Prices: From £6.00 Open: Jan-dec GL CP EPw By appointment.

NNNN Visitor Attraction

Prices: Seniors £5.95, Adults £7.50 Open: Jan-dec PR GL EPw 100

KiLMAHOG wOOLLEN MiLL

BY CALLANdER FK17 8Hd Tel: 01877 330268 Fax: 01877 331631 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

LAGAVULiN, PORT ELLEN PA42 7dZ Tel: 01496 302730 Fax: 01496 302733 lagavulin@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

ATTRACTIONS

Prices: From £6.00 Open: Jan-dec PR GL CP EPw By Appointment

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

Contact: Leigh Aitken

Pronounced ‘cull-eela’, the distillery is situated on the north eastern shores of islay, tucked away in a hidden cove near Port Askaig.

iNVERARAY JAiL

dUMGOYNE, NEAR KiLLEARN, GLASGOw G63 9LB Tel: 01360 550254 Fax: 01360 550094 reception@glengoyne.com www.glengoyne.com

KILMAHOG

DUMGOYNE ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Contact: Leigh Aitken

ISLE OF ISLAY

CAOL iLA diSTiLLERY

PORT ASKAiG, iSLE OF iSLAY PA46 7RL Tel: 01496 302760 Fax: 01496 302763 caolila.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

GLENGOYNE diSTiLLERY

1 VISITOR

NNNN Visitor Attraction

%

ATTRACTIONS

Ad iBC At the end of the road on the remote southern coast of islay you will arrive at Ardbeg. A warm welcome, great tours, wee drams and good home cooked food awaits. More in-depth tours and tastings available. See website for details.

Prices: from £5.00 Open: Jan-dec (closed Christmas and New Year) PR GL R CP EPw 12 Contact: Jackie Thomson

NNN Tourist Shop

1 VISITOR

ARdBEG diSTiLLERY

PORT ELLEN, iSLE OF iSLAY PA42 7EA Tel: 01496 302244 Fax: 01496 302040 jthomson@glenmorangie.co.uk www.ardbeg.com

ISLE OF ISLAY

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

$

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Tourist Shop

NNNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

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

Prices: Free Open: Jan-dec R CP EPw No limit

Contact: Peter innes Ladies & Mens 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 speciality coffee drivers room.

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

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. drivers’ room. Coach washing facilities.

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

NNN Tourist Shop &

2015 SPREADS.indd 32

STIRLING

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

OBAN

ILMAHOG

30

Contact: Kirsteen Bell Originally a Blacksmith’s 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.

Contact: Bryan Conlan informative live show with sheep dogs and ducks, donkeys, Miniature Horses, various sheep breeds and duck pond & mini golf. Browse quality shopping.

150 seat restaurant hot meals, snacks & Coffee. Coach washing facilities.

OBAN

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

THE ANViL, iNVERARAY PA32 8UY Tel: 01499 302166 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

ISLE OF ISLAY

iNVERARAY wOOLLEN MiLL

ATTRACTIONS

GL, CP PR, R (some gardens)

1 VISITOR

Open: See website for individual locations and entrance details.

KATRINE

INVERARAY

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 29 20 gardens to visit in the west of Scotland, from Helensburgh to North of Oban, including many on islands.

Something for everyone with amazing plants from all over the world to see throughout the year.

ANTARTEX SHOPPiNG ViLLAGE

LOCH LOMONd iNdUSTRiAL ESTATE, HEATHER AVENUE, ALEXANdRiA G83 0TP Tel: 01389 752393 Fax: 01389 750656 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

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

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

Prices: Vary from garden to garden, several are free.

THE SCOTTiSH wOOL CENTRE

ALEXANDRIA

ABERFOYLE

ARGYLL & BUTE

GLORiOUS GARdENS OF ARGYLL ANd BUTE

3/12/14 16:39:57

FREE!

(download from Apple app store)!

Contact: Leigh Aitken

ARdBEG diSTiLLERY

Visitor Attraction

& D C √ µ

BOOK NOW!

Central2015.indd 31

ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

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

NNN Tourist Shop &

STIRLING

ATTRACTIONS

OBAN Ad Page 6 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.

Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT d Other 120 Max CP

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. drivers’ room. Coach washing facilities.

OBAN diSTiLLERY ViSiTOR CENTRE

THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN (NTS)

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 malt’s unique spirit character.

Ad Page 6 700 yrs after the famous Scots victory in 1314, the Battle of Bannockburn experience puts you right at the heart of the action using cutting-edge 3d technology. its central location is perfect for day trips and as an exciting start or finish to any tour of Scotland.

Prices: from £8.50 or discover Tickets Open: Jan-dec PR GL R CP EPw no max

THE NATiONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLANd, GLASGOw ROAd, STiRLiNG FK7 0LJ Tel: +44 (0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

Prices: From £8.00 for adults Open: Feb-dec PR GL EPw No limit

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

ROYAL HOTEL

ACCOMMODATION

Open Jan-dec (except Christmas and New Year).

MC L AT Other 50 Max

NNNN Visitor Attraction

OBAN

∫ % C D

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Garden

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 6 This tranquil garden oasis is renowned for its spectacular displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, blue Tibetan poppies & giant Himalayan lillies - attracting enthusiasts from all over world. *Special offer for Oban based coaches with CalMac ferries.

Prices: from £5.00 or discover Tickets Open: Jan-dec PR GL CP EPw

GLASGOw ROAd, STiRLiNG FK7 0LJ Tel: +44 (0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

Ad iBC

Prices: From £6.00 Open: Jan-dec GL CP EPw By appointment.

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

THE BATTLE OF BANNOCKBURN (NTS)

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

NNNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

OBAN % D C

Contact: Jackie Thomson

STOPS

NNNN Visitor Attraction

NNNN Visitor Attraction

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.

2 MEAL

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Contact: duty Manager discover the life and legend of Scotland’s National Hero at The National wallace Monument. See the wallace Sword, Visit the Hall of Heroes, and relax in Legends Coffee House. Free Car and Coach Parking.

Special events include performances and presentations by costumed actors and historians.

PR R CP EPw 60

Ad Page 29

A special experience for groups - cruising Loch Katrine in the heart of The Trossachs on the iconic Steamship Sir walter Scott [1900] and legends of the loch cruises on the M.V. Lady of the Lake. Live commentary, kiosk service on all sailings, gift shop, bar & bistro, toilets, free coach parking.

Prices: Group rates available on all sailings. Open: Jan-dec, daily Sailings from February 2015 PR R CP EPw 150

ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

LOCH KATRINE

Contact: david wyles

ABBEY CRAiG, HiLLFOOTS ROAd, STiRLiNG FK9 5LF Tel: 01786 472140 info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com

THE NATiONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLANd, ARdUAiNE, OBAN PA34 4XQ Tel: +44 (0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

3 SERVICED

THE NATiONAL wALLACE MONUMENT

ARdUAiNE GARdENS (NTS)

TROSSACHS PiER, LOCH KATRiNE, BY CALLANdER, STiRLiNG FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 332005 david@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com

1 VISITOR

%

THE STEAMSHiP SiR wALTER SCOTT LTd

STIRLING

NN Tourist Shop

in2design&publishing NNN Visitor Attraction

STOPS

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

NNNN Visitor Attraction

2 MEAL

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 Hamish dhu and Honey.

Coffee shop.

STIRLING

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

KiLMAHOG, BY CALLANdER FK17 8Hd Tel: 01877 330178 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

TROSSACHS wOOLLEN MiLL

1 VISITOR

NNN Tourist Shop

ISLE OF ISLAY

KILMAHOG

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

Prices: From £6.00 Open: Jan-dec PR GL CP EPw By Appointment

Ad iFC

One of the finest distilleries on the isle of islay. Next to dunyvaig Castle, three miles from Port Ellen.

situated on the north eastern shores of islay, tucked away in a hidden cove near Port Askaig.

KiLMAHOG wOOLLEN MiLL

BY CALLANdER FK17 8Hd Tel: 01877 330268 Fax: 01877 331631 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

tours, wee drams and good home cooked food awaits. More in-depth tours and tastings available. See website for details.

Prices: from £5.00 Open: Jan-dec (closed Christmas and New Year) PR GL R CP EPw 12

LAGAVULiN diSTiLLERY LAGAVULiN, PORT ELLEN PA42 7dZ Tel: 01496 302730 Fax: 01496 302733 lagavulin@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

1 VISITOR

CAOL iLA diSTiLLERY

PORT ASKAiG, iSLE OF iSLAY PA46 7RL Tel: 01496 302760 Fax: 01496 302763 caolila.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

Contact: Jackie Thomson and Ad iBCpicture entries, the website web Use the printed guide, with advertising Contact: Leigh Aitken Ad iFC At the end of the road on the remote southern coast of islay you arrive in Scottish Pronounced ‘cull-eela’,Travel. the distillery is entries and the iPhone app to access thewillbest Group at Ardbeg. A warm welcome, great

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

Prices: Seniors £5.95, Adults £7.50 Open: Jan-dec PR GL EPw 100

Visitor Attraction

& D C µ

STIRLING

Contact: Kirsteen Bell Originally a Blacksmith’s 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.

ARdBEG diSTiLLERY

PORT ELLEN, iSLE OF iSLAY PA42 7EA Tel: 01496 302244 Fax: 01496 302040 jthomson@glenmorangie.co.uk www.ardbeg.com

STiRLiNG wALKiNG TOURS

ARGYLL SQUARE, OBAN PA34 4BE Tel: 01355 266 886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

44 ST JOHNS STREET, STiRLiNG FK8 1EA Tel: 01786842349 info@stirlingwalkingtours.com www.stirlingwalkingtours.com

Contact: Rhonda wood Ad Page 7 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.

Contact: Jason Clark Stirling Old Town Tour discover the secrets of the Royal Burgh! A hilarious mix of comedy, drama and storytelling with costumed local guides. departs: 2pm & 4pm from Cowane’s Hospital just 5 minutes from Stirling Castle.

Private Tours and group discounted available

Tariff: Negotiable Open: Jan-dec Rooms: 21S 19d 46T 5F All Ensuite R

NNN Hotel &

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

THE ANViL, iNVERARAY PA32 8UY Tel: 01499 302166 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

$ D C √ µ

by the ‘real’ warders, matron and prisoners. interest and excitement for all.

Get the Scotland Group Travel Guide iPhone app

Don’t miss out - check out Scotland’s only National Group Travel Guide

iNVERARAY wOOLLEN MiLL

distillery

1 VISITOR

%

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Tourist Shop

Situated on the A81, approx 35 minutes drive from Glasgow, Stirling and Loch Lomond.

Prices: £8.50 - £125.00 Open: Mar-Nov: 10am-5pm and dec-Feb 10am-4pm PR GL CP EPw No limit

KILMAHOG

$

1 VISITOR

NNNN Visitor Attraction

tastings, Pavers Shoes, Ponden Home interiors, Scottish gifts and food.

Hector Russell Highland dress Village Restaurant with speciality coffee drivers room.

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

ISLE OF ISLAY

1 VISITOR

Prices: Free Open: Jan-dec R CP EPw No limit

ATTRACTIONS

& mini golf. Browse quality shopping.

150 seat restaurant hot meals, snacks & Coffee. Coach washing facilities.

ISLE OF ISLAY

ATTRACTIONS

GL, CP PR, R (some gardens)

1 VISITOR

Open: See website for individual locations and entrance details.

ISLE OF ISLAY

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

INVERARAY

Prices: Vary from garden to garden, several are free.

Open: May-Sep PR Max Party Size: 50 Min Age: 8 EF

Attraction

Don’t miss out - be in Scotland’s only National Group Travel Guide

27/11/2014 11:05:43

CHECK OUT THE GREAT RATES FOR THE 2016 EDITION!

GREAT PRICES ON ALL ADVERTISING and PICTURE ENTRIES, WEB ENTRIES, ENHANCED WEB ENTRIES and iPhone app LISTINGS! You can follow us on twitter: twitter.com/in2groups or visit our Facebook page. Search for: Scotland Group Travel Guide.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com in2design&publishing

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2015 SPREADS.indd 33

3/12/14 16:40:09

North Central and East Scotland “ “ancient towns and cities, the heart and the home of Scotland’s independence” 01 Lossiemouth

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

Tarfside

Calvine

Kinloch Rannoch

Rannoch Station

Killin

Bridge of Cally Kirriemuir Blairgowrie CouparAngus

Dundee Methven Tay of St Fillans th Lochearnhead Crieff Bridge Perth Fir Cupar Auchterarder of Earn Auchtermuchty Callander Greenloaning Gleneagles Kinross Dunblane Glenrothes Stirling

Waterside

Alloa Dunfermline

Kirkcaldy Cowdenbeath

Brechin

Dykehead Kirriemuir

Forfar

Blairgowrie Coupar Angus

Aberlour Dufftown

Edzell

Brewlands Bridge

Crianlarich

Cullen Banff

Buckie

Glamis

Friockheim

Inverkeilor

Rhynie

Aviemore

Todhills

Auchterhouse

Arbroath

Carnoustie

Rathen

Peterhead Boddam

Huntly

Mossat

Oldmeldrum

Alford

Inverurie

Corgarff

Inverarity Carmyllie

Dundee

Montrose

Grantownon-Spey

Fraserburgh

Macduff Turriff

Keith

Clova

Pitlochry

Aberfeldy Kenmore Dunkeld Milton

Elgin

Forres

Ballater

Braemar Inverey

Ellon Newburgh

Aberdeen Aboyne Banchory Stonehaven

Monifieth

Tayport ay Newport of T -on-Tay th Fir

Inverbervie St. Cyrus Brechin

Montrose

Perthshire

Dundee & Angus

Aberdeen City and Shire

One of Europe’s finest adventure playgrounds. You will find, amongst other things, a strong emphasis on outdoor activities. “Big Tree Country” 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 high mountains, tumbling streams and waterfalls, lochs and rivers, all amongst Scotland’s best scenery.

It is this, along with the unbeatable range of things to see and do that has make Perthshire such a enduring magnet for visitors from Victorian days.

Angus - an ancient name for an ancient land where Kings, 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. 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.

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, stretching out to a stunning coastline that includes ‘Scotland’s Dolphin Coast’ in Banffshire. The Granite City of Aberdeen is the gateway to Royal Deeside, an area of outstanding natural beauty, sparkling rivers and misty mountains which is adored by the Royal Family. A buzzing city, whisky, castles, salmon fishing, adventure sports and Royal patronage.

32

Dundee - the host to some top quality visitor attractions and modern varied shopping.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 34

3/12/14 16:41:45

Perthshire...the heart of Scotland with accessible scenery to inspire and awe The Fair City of Perth, once the capital of Scotland

most popular attractions include the Pitlochry Dam

some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland and

and now its seventh city, became a major trading

and Fish Ladder and Pitlochry Festival Theatre and a

from here, watersports are popular, complemented by

port and with Scone Palace nearby, was the crowning

wide selection of fine restaurants, accommodation and

superb attractions like the Scottish Crannog Centre

place of Scottish kings. Perth has always been at the

excellent walks around the town.

at Kenmore on Loch Tay and Crieff Visitor Centre on

forefront of Scottish culture and history and stands

the way to Loch Earn - and then there is Blair Atholl

on one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the UK

Attractions in the area range from Blair Castle and

and Scotland’s longest, the River Tay. Here, shopping

Edradour Distillery (Scotland’s smallest) to Killiecrankie

abounds with family-owned and specialist businesses.

Visitor Centre (NTS) and the Queen’s View showing

Pitlochry, served by both rail and road transport links, has been a holiday destination since the 1860’s. Its

02

Scotland’s landscape at its spectacular best.

Off the A9, Lochs Earn, Tay and Rannoch nestle in

03

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Distillery to help quench a thirst.

En route to Perth, the M90 passes Loch Leven, here you can learn about the daring escape from the Castle in the middle of the loch by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568.

04

Forest (mid-late October) and Perthshire Amber Festival (Late October - early November).

Perth (Scone Palace, Perth Racecourse, Concert Hall,

Dunkeld (Cathedral, The Hermitage NTS) and Kinross (Loch Leven Castle and the RSPB Loch Leven NNR and Loch Leven Heritage Trail). 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 the host of last year’s Ryder Cup is a major draw.

Access to this beautiful and diverse part of Scotland

Museum and art galleries), Pitlochry (Festival Theatre,

is easy by way of the A9 and the M90 from the south.

Hydro Dam, Bell’s Blair Athol Distillery, Queen’s View,

Perth also lies on a “crossroads� for train travel north

Killiecrankie Visitor Centre NTS) and Blair Atholl are

to Inverness and east to Dundee and Aberdeen.

the major towns for group tourism with plenty of

Events of interest to groups include Perth Races

attractions and accommodation.

(April - September), Perth Festival of the Arts (May),

The draw of the countryside brings more options

Game Conservancy Scottish Fair (July), Blair Castle

such as Aberfeldy & Loch Tay, (The Scottish Crannog

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Royal connections, history, culture, lochs and rivers,

International Horse Trials (late August), The Enchanted

Centre), Blairgowrie, Crieff (Crieff Visitor Centre),

scenic beauty, wildlife, golf, whisky, gardens.

For full up to date information see: www.perthshire.co.uk

The Crowning Place of Scottish Kings

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

BELL’S BLAIR ATHOL DISTILLERY

SCONE PALACE, NEAR PERTH

PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE

www.discovering-distilleries.com

www.scone-palace.co.uk

FDOO %R[ 2IĂ€FH RU YLVLW 3LWORFKU\)HVWLYDO7KHDWUH FRP www.pitlochry.org.uk

2015

See how uisge beatha is made, distilled in our traditional copper pot stills and matured in oak casks.

2015

2015 Scotsman

Times

Gurdain

EdinburghGuide.com

tripadvisor

The crowning place of Scottish Kings “The stylistic equivalent of a West where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and End producing theatre set against a...

For full information on our 2014 Summer Season ďż˝ See the crowning place of Scottish ďż˝ 1 hour from Edinburgh and 1.5 of six shows by six Scottish authors, including group rates and packages, Charles II were crowned. attraction.

Kings and the site5î ˆ of the Stone of hours from Glasgow, 2 miles north backdrop of rolling Perthshire hills.â€?

Scone. of Perth on the A93. Open 1 April 31 October, daily from 9.30am. � Roam around the extensive grounds featuring the Murray Star Maze, � Winter Hours: FREE ADMISSION to Pinetum, Plant Hunters’ Pavilion, the Grounds, Food Shop, Christmas Children’s Play Area and Glorious Shop & Coffee Shop each Friday, Gardens.

Saturday and Sunday from November to March. � Browse around our Food and Gift Shops, enjoy refreshments in our Old Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop.

“The first impression of Perthshire is of trees, rivers and mountains - in essence the epitome t: 01738 552300 e: visits@scone-palace.co.uk www.scone-palace.co.uk

of all that is expected of a Scottish Highland landscape. Three of the most popular group destinations in Scotland are Perth city and Highland Perthshire - and for very good reasons�

01 Eagle eye view of Kenmore.

02 Scottish Crannog Centre, Loch Tay.

03 The Queen’s View.

04 Scone Palace.

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Dundee and Angus...first rate attractions, romantic castles an ancient land Many visitors are introduced to this vibrant riverside city through science, education and its two Universities. Dundee also boasts a plethora of attractions, events, entertainment, shopping and the arts & culture.

Captain Scott’s ship RRS Discovery and Dundee’s Science Centre: Sensation are two of the city’s superb attractions. The performing arts are also very strong in Dundee with the Caird Hall, Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre and the Dundee Rep Theatre offering a full year’s entertainment.

The ancient county of Angus stretches from the

01

base of Balmoral Forest and Lochnagar to the coast.

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 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’

02

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY 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. Events of interest to groups include the annual Angus Glens’ Walking Festival (end May/early June), the Strathmore Highland Games at Glamis Castle (June), Scottish Transport Extravaganza and the Scottish Countryside Festival (July) and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (October). Dundee also hosts the Dundee Flower and Food Festival (Sept).

- glens which offer excellent walks with some of the most amazing scenery in Scotland and which have been the hiding places of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the Marquis of Montrose and Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee). They are fully utilised nowadays by hikers and walkers taking in the superb scenery, flora and fauna.

Dundee and Angus are blessed with some fine golf. Carnoustie is the hardest of all The Open Championship courses especially when the wind howls off the Firth of Tay.

03

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 and find out all about the 14th century Declaration of Scottish Independence by empowered Scottish nobles at Arbroath Abbey.

The life of Victorian explorer Captain Scott is celebrated at Discovery Point in Dundee and group members can also 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 Dundee Science Centre:

Sensation.

The Angus Glens that once offered shelter to Highland outlaws and patriots can now be explored by anyone and, for golfers, a round of links golf can be enjoyed at Monifieth, Panmure, Arbroath and Montrose or even on one of the hardest layouts on The Open Championship circuit, Carnoustie.

For full up to date information see: www.angusanddundee.co.uk

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Golf, seascapes, city breaks, history & heritage, shopping, walking, cycling, wildlife, Peter Pan.

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

GLAMIS CASTLE

THE MCMANUS: DUNDEE’S ART GALLERY

DUNDEE CONTEMPORARY ARTS

2015

Childhood home of the late Queen Mother and legendary setting for Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth”.

www.glamis-castle.co.uk

2015 & MUSEUM

With a retail area and café with an outdoor terrace designed to improve groups’ overall visitor experience.

www.mcmanus.co.uk

2015

At the heart of Dundee’s cultural and social life. Come and experience an exhibition, film, get creative, buy a lovely gift or have something to eat and drink.

www.dca.org.uk

“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” 01 Captain Scott’s ship RRS Discovery.

02 Glamis Castle.

34

03 Montrose Basin.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

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Aberdeen City and Shire...a booming city, whisky, castles and stunning coast The sea is Aberdeen’s “raison d’etre”. Its harbour has

(www.visitscotland.com/castletrail), the Coastal Trail,

Prehistory Park (Oyne), Fyvie Castle, Huntly Castle and

always been busy, previously with a huge fishing fleet

and the Victorian Trail (www.visitroyaldeeside.com)

Delgatie Castle.

but sea fishing is, mostly, concentrated in Fraserburgh

which explores the areas best loved by Queen Victoria.

home to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and

Around Inverurie, set in the midst of this superb

Peterhead, Europe’s busiest fishing port, with small

flowing countryside, you’ll find Grampian Transport

picturesque villages including Pennan, Crovie and

Museum, Alford Valley Railway, Kildrummy Castle,

Gardenstown nestled around the coast.

Craigievar Castle and Castle Fraser (all around Alford),

In this northeastern corner, Pitmedden Garden and

Glen Garioch Distillery and The Bennachie Centre.

Glenshee Ski Centre, Loch Muick and Lochnagar

Haddo House are excellent itinerary options. The three

Towards Huntly and Turriff, there are further excellent

Wildlife Reserve and Royal Lochnagar Distillery &

“Trails” are worth exploring - Scotland’s Castle Trail

group-orientated attractions such as Archaeolink

Visitor Centre.

01

02

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY Popular with groups: Aberdeen International Youth Festival (late July), The Braemar Gathering (September) and the Stonehaven Fireballs Festival on Hogmanay. Local events include the Royal Deeside Golf Week (May), Castle Fraser Steam & Vintage Fair (June), The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (June), Stonehaven Folk 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.

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 Crathie Church,

03

Possibly the most popular group tour themes are Royal Deeside, including the Victorian Heritage Trail, and Scotland’s Castle Trail: Dunnottar (Stonehaven), Crathes (Banchory), Drum (Peterculter), Fraser (Dunecht), Tolquhon Castle & Haddo House (Tarves), Fyvie & Delgatie (Turriff), Duff House (Banff), Huntly, Spynie Palace (Elgin), Balvenie (Dufftown), Kildrummy, Corgarff (Strathdon), Braemar, Balmoral (Ballater), and Craigievar (Alford). Enjoy fantastic malt whisky with a visit to Aberdeenshire’s distilleries: Royal Lochnagar (Ballater), Fettercairn, Glen Garioch (Oldmeldrum), and Glen Dronach (Huntly) are all open to visitors.

Aberdeen City attractions: the David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park, Aberdeen Art Gallery,

Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Provost Skene’s House, Satrosphere, Aberdeen Arts Centre, His Majesty’s Theatre, Gordon Highlanders Museum, St Machar’s Cathedral, Marischal Museum, Old Aberdeen and Blairs Museum. For literary interest there is the superb Grassic Gibbon Centre - his classics are all based in the Aberdeenshire Mearns.

For full up to date information: www.aberdeen-grampian. com/explore

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Royal Deeside, Castle Trail, golf, activities (walking, cycling, skiing, fishing, adventure and water sports), scenery, whisky, city culture and shopping.

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

THE GRASSIC GIBBON CENTRE,

PITMEDDEN GARDEN, ELLON (NTS)

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY

www.nts.org.uk

www.discovering-distilleries.com

2015

LAURENCEKIRK The life and work of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, his works included the classic “Sunset Song”.

www.grassicgibbon.com

2015

In the Great Garden and Museum of Farming Life 1,000’s of bedding plants make up an elaborate summer spectacle.

2015

One of the jewels in the Royal Deeside crown situated beside her Majesty the Queen’s Scottish Home, Balmoral Castle.

“At the confluence of the Rivers Dee and Don with its own international airport, Aberdeen, the “Oil Capital of Europe” or “Granite City” is Scotland’s third largest city with the customary buzz of a great university institution” 01 Mercat Cross and Castlegate, Aberdeen City.

02 Royal Braemar Games.

03 Craigievar Castle.

35

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HOUSE I GARDENS I MAZE I SHOP & EAT

The Crowning Place of Scottish Kings

Home of Caithness Glass

� See the crowning place of Scottish Kings and the site of the Stone of Scone. � Roam around the extensive grounds featuring the Murray Star Maze, Pinetum, Plant Hunters’ Pavilion, Children’s Play Area and Glorious Gardens. � New for 2014/15 "Dido Belle" Exhibition � Browse around our Food and Gift Shops, enjoy refreshments in our Old Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop.

� 1 hour from Edinburgh and 1.5 hours from Glasgow, 2 miles north of Perth on the A93. Open 1 April 31 October, daily from 9.30am. � Winter Hours: FREE ADMISSION to the Grounds, Food Shop, Christmas Shop & Coffee Shop each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November to March.

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

36

Restaurant ŏ Caithness Glass ŏ Gift Shop ŏ Antiques & Arts ŏ ŏ Plant Centre ŏ FREE Coach Parking ŏ

www.crieff.co.uk

Muthill Road, Crieff PH7 4HQ (A822).

Tel: 01764 654014 E info@crieff.co.uk

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

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Add something exceptional to your tour programme and take your group on an Off-Road personalised Land Rover tour of beautiful Highland Perthshire with your kilted Safari Ranger.

Take in some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Combine with the following options:

RED DEER CENTRE Voted "Scotland's Best Visitor Experience"

GOLD & GEM PANNING CENTRE OPTIONS FROM £6 PER PERSON FREE COACH PARKING

Up to 49 pax. Open all year.

AWARD WINNING CAFÉ & GIFT SHOP

HIGHLAND SAFARIS ABERFELDY PERTHSHIRE PH15 2JQ www.highlandsafaris.net | info@highlandsafaris.net | 01887 820071

The Whisky Line

Keith & Dufftown Railway

Open weekends from Easter to September, plus Fridays in June, July and August.

Come and enjoy a day out on the Whisky Line.

There’s a full season of special events, starting with an Easter Egg Hunt, a 1940s weekend in June and ending with a Ghost Train in October All the details on the website We welcome group bookings and have disabled facilities on all stations

www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk 01343 870429

37

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PART OF LANDOR TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS

ISSUE 249

COVER FEATUR

June/July

2014

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ENHANCED REALITY

Guided tours

P ORK FOR GROU THE NETWPROFESSIONALS TRAVEL

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ISSUE 252 October/No vember 2014

Trips on COVER FEATURE

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A CITY IN

The leading magazine for group travel organisers!

Sign today up your for fr copy ee !

Full of ideas for group trips at home and abroad. Includes reader profiles, features, news and events. GTO magazine has a readership of over 10,000 people across the UK. NOW IN ITS

5TH

SUCCESSF YEAR!

UL Meet clients in person for invaluable face to face connections

The PREMIER GROUP TRAVEL SHOWCASE for YORKSHIRE and NORTHERN

ENGLAND

SATURDAY 31ST JANUARY 2015 10AM-2PM To register to attend the show visit www.tourismshowcase.com National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ

Silver Green Tourism Award Gold Green Tourism Award Cyclists Welcome Walkers Welcome Unassisted wheelchair access Assisted wheelchair access Access for visitors with mobility difficulties

Contact: ms Barrie Andrian Ad Page 37 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.

Prices: £6.00 - £8.00 Open: Apr-Oct. mar & Nov by appointment PR GL CP EPW 100

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

$ © D C √ º µ

Contact: margo Baird Ad Page 36 Once the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings and rightful home of the Stone of Scone. Home of the Earls of mansfield. Gardens, walks and objets d’art. Coffee Shop, Gift & Food Shops, Playarea, Audio Visual, maze & Plant Hunters’ Pavilion Prices: £7.50 - £10.00 Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

NNNNN Historic House

% © D C √ º µ

PITLOCHRY (PH)

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

ATTRACTIONS

PERTH (PH)

More detailed information is available at www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

1 VISITOR

% D C √ º

Bronze Green Tourism Award

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

Something for everyone - great shopping, top brands, 180-seater Restaurant, Caithness Glass workshop, viewing gallery & make your own paperweight, FREE Highland Drovers Exhibition, Arts & Antiques & Garden Centre.

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec R CP EPW 180

THE SCOTTISH CRANNOG CENTRE

SYMBOLS USED

1 VISITOR

% © ‰

Contact: Stuart mcLaren Ad Page 36

1 VISITOR

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

CRIEFF VISITOR CENTRE

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

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Julie Riddell Ad Page 37 Voted Scotland’s best Visitor Experience! make your programme memorable! Red Deer Centre - OffRoad Safaris - Coffee & Whisky on the hill - Kilted Guides - Gold Panning - Award winning Café and Shop - Group rates from £6p.p.

VisitScotland Taste our Best Award winner Prices: On Application Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW 2-50

Min = Minimum party/group size accepted for Group Rates

SERVICED ACCOMMODATION R = Restaurant available CP = Coach Parking available SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION R = Restaurant on site C = Coach Parking available GROUP ACTIVITIES PR = Party (Group) Rates available Max Number = Maximum single party size that can be accommodated Min Age = Minimum Age of customers that are accepted EF = Educational Facilities available HOSTELS AND BUNKHOUSES Capacity = Total sleeping capacity of the establishment

KENMORE (PH)

THE SAFARI LODGE, DuLL, By ABERFELDy PH15 2JQ Tel: 01887 820071 info@highlandsafaris.net www.highlandsafaris.net

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

38

HIGHLAND SAFARIS

CRIEFF (PH)

Each area consists of up to 6 categories where some abbreviations are used as below: VISITOR ATTRACTIONS PR = Party (Group) Rates available GL = Guides and/or Lecturers available R = Restaurant/Café facilities available CP = Coach Parking available EPW = Educational Parties Welcomed Last figure refers to the Maximum Party Size that can be accommodated at any one time MEAL STOPS MC = Morning Coffee available L = Lunches available AT = Afternoon Teas available D = Dinners available Other = Other Catering available CP = Coach Parking available

ABERFELDY (PH)

KEY TO THE GUIDE

To get your free copy of GTO magazine please contact Julie Hart on 01424 572089 or email julie.hart@grouptravelorganiser.com or visit www.grouptravelorganiser.com/subscribe

BELL’S BLAIR ATHOL DISTILLERy

PERTH ROAD, PITLOCHRy, PERTHSHIRE PH16 5Ly Tel: 01796 482003 Fax: 01796 482001 blair.athol.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com 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 Prices: From £5.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP EPW Groups on application.

NNNN Visitor Attraction &

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

East 2015.indd 38 2015 SPREADS.indd 40

27/11/2014 11:10:20 3/12/14 16:42:57

NNN Hotel ß

∫& C D µ

SRUC

CRAIBSTONE ESTATE, BUCKSBURN, ABERDEEN AB21 9YA Tel: 01224 711012 Fax: 01224 711298 accommodation@sruc.ac.uk www.sruc.ac.uk/holidayletsaberdeen

STOPS

NNNN Castle

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: £40.00-£67.00 per room 10% Commission Open: Mar-Apr Jul-Sep Rooms: 45 S, 15 T, All ensuite CP R

NNN Campus ß $

Ad Page 6 Magical 16th-century turreted castle with resident ghost, the Green Lady.

Extraordinary interiors and painted ceilings. One of Europe’s finest walled gardens and the estate is home to Go Ape, the north of Scotland’s only high wire tree-top adventure course. www.goape.co.uk Prices: from £8.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Visitor Attraction ß %DCµ

CRIEFF VISITOR CENTRE

ABERDEEN (AG) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

KNOCKANDO (AG) ATTRACTIONS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, BANCHORY AB31 5QJ Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

MUTHILL ROAD, CRIEFF PH7 4HQ Tel: 01764 654065 Fax: 01764 653868 rest@crieff.co.uk www.crieff.co.uk

Ad Page 6 Magnificent 800-year old 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 £8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

CRATHES CASTLE AND GARDEN (NTS)

1 VISITOR

ABERDEEN (AG) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

BANCHORY (AG)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, FYVIE, TURRIFF AB53 8JS Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

∫& D C µ

PERTH (PH)

FYVIE CASTLE (NTS)

NNNN Historic House

Contact: Kersten Jacobsen Ad Page 36 Serving great value delicious hot meals, snacks, teas, coffees and fresh baking 7 days a week 9-5pm.

Ideal refreshment and shopping stop.

Large parties welcome! Home of Caithness Glass Factory, workshop, viewing gallery and shop, Free Entry to Highland Drovers Exhibition on site, excellent shopping opportunities and local walks.

MC L AT D Other 180 Max CP

NNNN Visitor Attraction %DC√

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

Contact: Julie Riddell Ad Page 37 Voted Scotland’s best Visitor Experience! Make your programme memorable! Red Deer Centre - OffRoad Safaris - Coffee & Whisky on the hill - Kilted Guides - Gold Panning - Award winning Café and Shop - Group rates from £6p.p. VisitScotland Taste our Best Award winner.

Open: Jan-Dec PR Max Party Size: 49 Min Age: NA EF

NNNNN Visitor Attraction %© ‰

SERCO NORTHLINK FERRIES KILN CORNER, AYRE ROAD, KIRKWALL, ORKNEY KW15 1QX Tel: 01856 852086 Fax: 01856 851795 grouptours@northlinkferries.co.uk www.northlinkferries.co.uk Contact: Joyce Muir

Ad Page 52

NorthLink Ferries provide tailored itinerary packages to group organisers looking to travel to Orkney and Shetland from Aberdeen and Scrabster.

Prices: Various Open: Jan-Dec R CP 600

CARDHU DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE

KNOCKANDO, MORAYSHIRE AB38 7RY Tel: 01479 874635 Fax: 01479 874636 cardhu.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Laura Sharp 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 £4.50, Glassic Tour £7.99 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP Groups on application

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

SCONE PALACE

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

STOPS

NNNNN Visitor Attraction

Ad Page 6 Elegant Georgian mansion house with sumptuous Victorian interiors and superb collections of portraits and furniture. The terraced garden is a must-see. Magnificent avenue of lime trees leads to country park with lakes, monuments and walks.

Prices: from £6.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

2 MEAL

Prices: From £7.00 Open: Jan-Dec GL CP By Appointment

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, METHLICK, ABERDEENSHIRE AB41 7EQ Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

DUNDEE (DA)

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.

ATTRACTIONS

CRATHIE, BALLATER, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB35 5TB Tel: 01339 742700 Fax: 01339 742702 royal.lochnagar.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

1 VISITOR

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR DISTILLERY

CRIEFF (PH)

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

2 MEAL

ABERDEEN (AG) ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Ad Page 7

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

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.

ABERFELDY (PH)

SALUTATION HOTEL

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

HADDO HOUSE (NTS)

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

STOPS

2 MEAL

ß %

Contact: Rod Furr Ad Page 37 Take a nostalgic trip on the Whisky Line. Spot the wildlife and enjoy superb scenery from our heritage trains. Restaurant at Dufftown, shop at Keith Town. Disabled access and facilities at both stations.

Prices: Adult £10, Group Bookings welcome Open: W/ends Easter-Sep, and Fridays June-Aug PR R CP EPW 50

Contact: Rhonda Wood

Ad Page 6

NNNN Visitor Attraction

KEITH & DUFFTOWN RAILWAY

SCONE, SOUTH STREET, PERTH PH2 8PH Tel: 01355 266886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, BANCHORY AB31 5QJ Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade 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. Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT D Other 850 Max CP

NNN Visitor Attraction

DAVID WELCH WINTER GARDENS

5 GROUP ACTIVITIES

CRATHES CASTLE AND GARDEN (NTS)

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ABERLOUR (AG) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

%DC º µ‰

Prices: Cragganmore Tour £4.50 Open: Apr-Oct GL CP Groups On Application

DUFFTOWN STATION, DUFFTOWN AB55 4BA Tel: 01343 870429 info@keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk www. keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk

PERTH (PH)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ABERDEEN (AG)

NNN Visitor Attraction

Ad IFC

Savour the atmosphere on a unique journey around the distillery.

Cragganmore is a small distillery of huge character.

Contact: Mrs Williamson

Prices: £2.25-£3.00 Open: Mar-Oct PR R CP EPW 100

CRAGGANMORE DISTILLERY

BALLINDALLOCH, BANFFSHIRE AB37 9AB Tel: 01479 874715 cragganmore.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Laura Sharpe

ARBUTHNOTT, LAURENCEKIRK AB30 1PB Tel: 01561 361668 lgginfo@grassicgibbon.com www.grassicgibbon.com

Visitor centre, coffee shop, home baking, exhibition on Scottish author Lewis Grassic Gibbon. Situated on B967 accessible from A90 & A92.

ß $DC√º

TURRIFF (AG)

THE GRASSIC GIBBON CENTRE

NNNN Arts Venue

ATTRACTIONS

ß & DC

Prices: Various Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW No limit

1 VISITOR

NNNN Visitor Attraction

For complete information on our programme of plays, musicals, concerts, talks and tours, call Box Office or visit the website today!

ABERDEEN (AG)

Ad Page 6 One of Britain’s most famous historic gardens dating from 1675, the inspirational Great Garden has over 5 miles of intricate box hedging, forming 6 parterres filled with 40,000 bedding plants; herb garden, fountains, sundials and topiary.

Prices: from £4.50 or Discover Tickets Open: May-Sep PR GL R CP EPW

ATTRACTIONS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, ELLON, ABERDEENSHIRE, AB41 7PD Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

1 VISITOR

PITMEDDEN GARDEN (NTS)

Ad Page 36

ACCOMMODATION

LAURENCEKIRK (AG)

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

ABERDEEN (AG)

info@crannog.co.uk

Contact: Box Office

MORAY (HS)

SCOTTISH CRANNOG CENTRE 01397 772797

PORT NA CRAIG, PITLOCHRY, PITLOCHRY PH16 5DR Tel: 01796 484626 boxoffice@pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com PitlochryFestivalTheatre.com

BALMORAL (AG)

Please Quote: GD2015 T&Cs apply.

PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE

3 SERVICED

Group Discount Available for parties of 12 or more

PITLOCHRY (PH)

SPECIAL Offer

Ad Page 36

Visit the Old Servants’ Hall Coffee Shop where you will receive a warm welcome not to mention the delicious selection of home baking freshly prepared in the Palace kitchens.

Home-made soups and freshly made snacks are also available. Old Kitchen Coffee Shop available for private groups.

MC L AT Other CP

NNNNN Historic House %© DC√ºµ

B2G EXPERIENCE LTD

TANNADICE PARK, TANNADICE STREET, DINDEE DD3 7JW Tel: 0333 311 0270 info@b2gexperience.co www.b2gexperience.com Ad Page 38 From Gorge Walking to White Water Rafting and Archery to Rock Climbing we have activities in and around Dundee and Angus 7 days a week.

We can even pick you up at your accommodation.

Check our website for availability.

Open: Jan-Dec (some activities weather dependant) PR Max Party Size: 30 Beginners Intermediate EF

Outdoor Activities

& DCµ

39 East 2015.indd 39 2015 SPREADS.indd 41

28/11/2014 17:21:18 3/12/14 16:43:00

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H of

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Fort William, Loch Ness and Skye

The capital of the Highlands, Britain’s largest National Park and Moray Strathspey - this area contains three of Scotland’s most outstanding attractions.

Booming Inverness is the commercial and cultural ‘capital’ of the Highlands with historic Culloden battlefield and mysterious Loch Ness on its doorstep; the Cairngorms National Park protecting a sublime natural mountain environment; and Moray Strathspey, home of many iconic malt whisky brands.

William A spectacular naturalBarra environment of mountains, glens, This areaFort offers splendid variety, all the way from the Head Ballachulish rivers, lochs and sea. An introduction to Coll Gaeldom and a sublime wildness of the austere rock-hewn landscapes of Tobermory Glencoe culture unique to the Highlands and Islands. This is one of the west coast - the location of Scotland’s first “Geopark” Craignure the most popular visitor destinations in Europe withIsle all of of Oban Mull Fionnphort around the top of the UK mainland overlooking the Pentland the necessary resources to hand - a superb selection of Firth to Orkney, down the east coast and the ancient accommodation options, visitor attractions, quality local archaeological sites of Caithness, Dornoch the vast open shopping and restaurants, cafes, bars - serving the very

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40

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Inverness, Strathspey and Moray Speyside

Mingulay

Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness

Muck

best of local Highland produce and some of the World’s most spectacular scenery.

spaces of East Sutherland and then the quintessentially Scottish architecture of the old burgh of Cromarty.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 42

3/12/14 16:43:33

Inverness, Strathspey and Moray Speyside

...the magic of malt whisky, mountains and glens with unique outdoor activities.

Inverness is an expanding and beautiful city. It 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. From Inverness you can also visit Culloden Battlefield, the scene of the last battle on British soil.

To the east, the seaside town of Nairn offers miles of sandy beaches and championship golf courses.

Moray Speyside leads the way to Malt Whisky Country

02

where the River Spey winds from its source high in the Cairngorms National Park. Visitors can explore Elgin’s ruined cathedral, watch whisky barrels being made or visit one of eight distilleries on the Malt Whisky Trail. (www.maltwhiskytrail.com) Aviemore offers myriad activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing - but also less strenuous ones, like canoeing, walking and pony trekking in this outstanding natural environment. Here, visitors can try and spot the local inhabitants like red squirrels at the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, pine martens (and

03

What’s On

polar bears!) at the Highland Wildlife Park, ospreys and elusive capercaillie at Loch Garten or Abernethy Forest or mountain hare, dotterel and ptarmigan.

Group members do not have to walk all the way - the funicular railway at CairnGorm Mountain and the Strathspey Steam Railway can do the legwork for them. 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 accessible area.

04

Whisky Festival, Dufftown and the Blas Festival (Sept).

the east along the Moray Firth, the imposing barracks

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Driving up the A9 it is easy to turn off and visit the

at Fort George guard the entrance to Inverness by

attractive towns of Newtonmore and Kingussie

sea and together with Cawdor Castle are popular

Highland Games naturally feature throughout the

- Ruthven Barracks, Highland Wildlife Park and

attractions.

summer months with walking and mountain festivals

the RSPB Insh Marshes National Nature Reserve

making lively additions to the programme (www.shga.

Further east, lie Nairn and Elgin (Elgin Cathedral,

before travelling north to Aviemore which for many

co.uk). Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (May) has a

is the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, the

Pluscarden Abbey)WINNING and the Malt Whisky Trail.

AWARD

full programme of tastings, events and ceilidhs.

funicular railway at CairnGorm Mountain, Glenmore

Other highlights include the Burning of the Clavie

Forest Park and en route to Inverness, the Loch

(Burghead, January), Inverness Music Festival

Garten Osprey Centre and Strathspey Railway (Boat

(March), Nairn International Jazz Festival and the Inverness Book Festival (August), Autumn Speyside 600 years of Highland history

SEE & DO

LOCH NESS

TheShopping WhiskyVillage.

Line To Visitor Centre (NTS), Holm Mills Keith & & Dufftown Dufftown Railway Railway Keith

CAWDOR CASTLE, NAIRN Come in over the drawbridge

you will be swept back in centuries of time.

A magical name, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. A superb fairy-tale Castle. 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

www.cawdorcastle.com

PERTH GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

Situated between Inverness and Nairn on the B9090 off the A96

castles, cruises - Dolphin and “Nessie” spotting.

SEE & DO

2015 A SUPERB FAIRY-TALE CASTLE, AND JUST WHAT EVERY VISITOR IS LOOKING FOR

www.visithighlands.com

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS C RU I S E S & TO U R S History, mountains and lochs, whisky, activities, of Garten). Inverness offers the Culloden Battlefield

SEE & DO

2015

For full up to date information see:

2015

KEITH & DUFFTOWN RAILWAY

JACOBITE CRUISES, INVERNESS

www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk 01343 870429

www.jacobite.co.uk

Open weekends from Easter to September, plus Fridays in June, July and August.

Come and enjoy a day out on the Whisky Line.

There’s a full season of special events, starting An eleven mile line linking the World’s Malt with an Easter Egg Hunt, a 1940s weekend in June and ending with a Ghost Train in October All thethe details market on the website Whisky Capital, Dufftown, to We welcome group bookings and have disabled facilities on all stations town of Keith.

5 star Loch Ness cruises from Inverness, and other historic locations. Superb entertainment and facilities for groups.

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

days a year “At Loch Ness, some very popular cruises depart for• Open trips363down to Drumnadrochit

TOUR

• A range of tours available

and Fort Augustus. Inverness sits on the picturesqueFor River Ness, which flows into the more information call 01463 233999 visit our webiste at www.jacobite.co.uk or email us at info@jacobite.co.uk

Moray Firth - probably one of the best places in Europe to see bottlenose dolphins” 01 The old man of Storr, Isle of Skye.

02 Inverness Castle, River Ness.

03 Strathisla Distillery, Keith.

04 Cawdor Castle and Gardens.

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Fort William, Loch Ness and Skye

...romantic, supremely beautiful, historic and full of mystery The ancient region of Lochaber abounds with tales

The Road to the Isles leads you to Mallaig and the

mountains are ever-present and a boat trip on Loch

of Bonnie Prince Charlie fleeing from the Redcoats

ferries to Skye and the Small Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum

Coruisk from Elgol offers some of the best views of

through these hills, moors and mountains to Skye and

and Canna, via the Glenfinnan Monument which group

this stunning part of Skye - Dunvegan Castle, Armadale

the Outer Hebrides and of treacherous deeds like the

visitors may want to experience by steam train just

Castle and Gardens, Talisker Distillery and Portree.

Massacre of Glen Coe. Fort William has many stories

like Harry Potter (peak season).

The Lochaber, Loch Ness and Skye area offers an

to tell and the West Highland Museum is a good place

Towards the Isle of Skye, picturesque little villages

introduction to Gaeldom - a culture unique to the

to start. The natural environment is used to the full

such as Plockton and Glenelg and spectacular castles

Highlands and Islands in one of the most popular

for outdoor activities, this being the Outdoor Capital

like Eilean Donan adorn Lochalsh, before you arrive on

visitor destinations in Europe complemented by a

of the UK, and part of this vast and dramatic area can

an island of scenic splendour, folklore and a romance

superb selection of accommodation, visitor attractions,

be viewed from the top of the Nevis Range Mountain

associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora

quality local shopping, restaurants, cafes and pubs

Gondola.

MacDonald. The soaring, craggy heights of the Cuillin

serving the very best of local Highland produce.

01

02

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

03

The most popular tours are along parts of the Road

the way up the A82 as can Loch Ness to the north via

to the Isles, following in the footsteps of ancient

Fort Augustus.

cattle drovers and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The route

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.

can also be undertaken on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by the Harry Potter movies. The A830 to Mallaig offers breathtaking scenery and suggested stops are Glenfinnan, Loch nan Uamh, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. This is a great route to the Isle of Skye

(Motorcycle) Trial, Fort William and area (May); UCI

and the CalMac ferry from Mallaig is often preferred

Mountain Bike World Cup, Fort William (June); the

to the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh. Ben Nevis, the UK’s

Skye Agricultural Show (August); Ben Nevis Race

highest mountain as viewed from the top of the Nevis

(September) in addition to many Highland Games.

Range gondola is a must. Glen Coe can be visited on

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

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

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

DUNVEGAN CASTLE

TALISKER DISTILLERY

LOCH NESS GIFTS

www.discovering-distilleries.com

www.lochnessgifts.com

2015

On a rocky outcrop on the shores of Loch Dunvegan once entirely encircled by the sea, Dunvegan is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

www.dunvegancastle.com

2015

The only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins.

2015

The largest range of fine quality gifts from the shores of Loch Ness in The Highlands of Scotland.

“Spectacular mountains, glens, rivers, lochs and sea, full of history, romance and wildlife. Visitors are welcomed to Lochaber through the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor before passing the Buachaille Etive Mor guarding the entrance to Glen Coe” 01 The Cuillin, Skye.

02 Portree.

42

03 Loch Duich.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 44

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Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness

...scenic beauty, northern mountains, lochs & glens, castles, gardens and great golf These sublime landscapes are made for walkers and climbers with caves, sea-stacks, seals and dolphins.

Golf, cycling, riding and watersports and even a sub tropical garden are also to be found here but, ultimately, it is the wilderness experience and its vast grandeur, which will leave the strongest impression.

Mountains with wonderful names as Canisp, Foinaven, Suilven, Stac Pollaidh, Ben More Assynt and Quinag punctuate the landscape. The whole coast is indented with the fjord-like sea lochs of Carron, Torridon, Gairloch and Ewe. Opportunities for wildlife spotting abound and, for walking, are infinite. For group tours,

01

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 area of sparsely populated moorland and glens supporting some superb rivers with excellent trout and salmon fishing.

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 ‘Glenmorangie Whisky’ and another fine links golf course. Another bridge then takes you to Cromarty Firth on the Black Isle where a detour of the harbour town of Cromarty itself is recommended, simply for the architecture and for dolphin spotting!

02

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY The Northern Highlands offers a number of excellent festivals and events, many spontaneously! Most notable ones are the Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival (May), Dunrobin Castle Vintage Car Rally (August), Ullapool’s Loopallu Music Festival, Wild About Food, Wester Ross (Sept), Wild North Festival, Caithness and Sutherland (Sept-Oct), The lush oasis of Inverewe Gardens, special walking and wildlife spotting events and the various Highland Gatherings including those of Dornoch, Strathpeffer, Tain and

03

Halkirk, all add to the holiday experience.

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, with perhaps a detour and glimpse of, or a boat trip to, the Summer Isles (from Ullapool or Achiltibuie), especially during an evening sunset, to Durness and Tongue. Along the top of Scotland past many secluded beaches and tumultuous seas crashing on the rocks and sheer cliffs and on to John o’Groats then Wick taking in the Castle and Gardens of Mey, Caithness Horizons, Pulteney Distillery, Wick Heritage Centre, Castle

Sinclair Girnigoe Beinn Eighe NNR. Continue 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 (with superb views out to the Tarbat Peninsula) along the beach and the renowned Royal Dornoch championship golf course!

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

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

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

TIMESPAN, HELMSDALE

CLYNELISH DISTILLERY, BRORA

JOHN ‘O GROATS FERRY

www.timespan.org.uk

www.discovering-distilleries.com

www.jogferry.co.uk

2015

Developed from a small local heritage centre to an award-winning museum and contemporary art gallery in Sutherland.

2015

2015

The original distillery was purpose built partly to overcome the working of illicit distillers.

A 40 minute vehicle ferry crossing of Pentland Firth to Orkney plus Day Tours of Orkney and wildlife cruises.

“The sheer expanse of these northern lands makes a big impression. This area offers splendid variety from beautiful wildness and austere rock-hewn landscapes to natural untouched seascapes all the way along the coastal fringes” 01 Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland.

02 Sango Beach, Caithness.

03 Dalbeath Castle, Caithness.

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North West Scotland The Outer Hebrides “Islands at the edge, unique in language and culture” 01 Cape Wrath

The Outer Hebrides

numerous outdoor activities, Gaelic culture, wildlife and adventure. The wealth of history

Tarbert

is a rr

Uig Dunvegan Portree

Benbecula

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Eriskay

Soay Rum

Sandray Mingulay

Ardvasar

Muck

Barra Head

Coll

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

Eigg

Ullapool

Kinlochewe Garve Torridon Achnasheen

La Bonar Bridge

T

Alness C Dingw

Inverness

Lochcarron

Cannich

Drum Invermoriston Shiel Bridge Fort Augustus Kingus Mallaig Newtonmore D Spean Bridge

Fort William Ballachulish

Tobermory

Glencoe

Craignure

Isle of Mull Fionnphort 2015 SPREADS.indd 46

Summer Isles

Isle of Kyle of Lochalsh Skye Kyleakin Dornie

Canna

Barra Castlebay

44

Altnaharra Unapool Lochinver

Gairloch

Tighary Sollas North Uist Lochmaddy Greagory South Uist Stoneybridge Daliburgh Lochboisdale S

02

T

Scalpay

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visit” at least once in your lifetime.

Laxay

Balallan

Harris

S.

offers a rare opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in authentic island lifestyle. A “must

Portnaguran

Stornoway

Taransay

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culture gives these island communities a strong sense of identity. A visit to these special places

te

combined with unrivalled scenic beauty, natural heritage, unique language, traditions and

i n c h

from the Butt of Lewis in the north to Barra Head in the south and offers fabulous beaches,

M

Tongue

M

40 miles, this string of islands known as the Outer Hebrides, stretches in an arc 130 miles long

Isle of Barvas Lewis

e

Sheltering the north west of Scotland from the ravages of the Atlantic Ocean from a distance of

Durness

Port of Ness

h

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Butt of Lewis

Oban 3/12/14 16:55:38

The Outer Hebrides...a place to unwind - an oasis of calm in a chaotic world This magnificent string of islands is blessed with some of the oldest known geology in the world - the east of Harris is clear evidence of that. It has also been inhabited for at least 5000 years as the Calanais Standing Stones indicate. Its culture is unique as island cultures tend to be but has also been “exported” far and wide as islanders have left their homelands for lands further afield. The Blackhouse at Arnol gives an insight into how people lived in these islands in the early 20th century.

lies nearby. Tarbert is the main town of Harris and the car/coach ferry terminal from Uig on Skye. 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 west, 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). Lochmaddy, the main port in North Uist, links the islands by ferry to Skye.

Stornoway in Lewis is the largest town and is the main ferry port from Ullapool on the mainland - the airport

For visitors there is the Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre (North Uist)and the Kildonan Heritage

03

04

What’s On

05

The Gaelic Culture is strong here and Gaelic events, highland games, agricultural shows 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 Arts Festival (July and August).

Lochmaddy (North Uist) being serviced from Uig in Skye. The Port of Ness which seems at the edge of the world at the very top of Lewis is always a major draw for its harbour beaches and wildlife - just because it is there! The Calanais Standing Stones are even more impressive and older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza but being so far from centres of population, are not so well known.

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

Stornoway is one of the main “bases” with a busy harbour, welcoming cafés and traditional unusual shops. Harris has a stunning landscape with mountains with ancient rocks rising up out of crystal clear waters and is world-renowned for Harris Tweed

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Centre and Museum (South Uist). Both Nature Reserves in the Uists, at Balranald, North Uist and at Loch Druidibeg, South Uist, renowned for their visiting bird-life (corncrakes in particular hiding in the machair - you can hear them but try seeing them!) and around the coast you may spot seals, dolphin and even otter.

On Barra, Kisimul Castle stands proud in Castlebay.

The beaches, everywhere, are superb and where else in the world will you find an airport runway that is washed twice a day by the tide - only on Traigh Mhor!

In fact Barra is ideal for beachcombing and fresh Atlantic air!

which is unique to these isles. 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 - don’t be surprised if they do!

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

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Beachcombing, watersports, nature, fishing, archaeology, local culture, walking, cycling, history and heritage.

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

BALRANALD RSPB NATURE RESERVE, NORTH UIST. Hebridean reserve, sandy

HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL

KISIMUL CASTLE, ISLE OF BARRA

www.rspb.org uk

www.hebceltfest.com/festival

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

2015

beaches, rocky foreshore, marshes and sand-dunes and Information centre.

2015

Celtic cultures tinged with contemporary music, traditional, rock, indie-folk in Stornoway’s Lews Castle grounds in July.

2015

Spectacularly sited on a rock in the bay, take the short journey and follow in the wake of the clan chiefs.

“Lewis and Harris both have west coasts with fabulous white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and big Atlantic swells which are perfect for surfing, beachcombing or simply relaxing” 01 The Beach at Luskentyre, Isle of Harris.

02 Traig Lar, the Machar, North Uist.

03 Rodel Church, Isle of Harris.

04 Stornoway Harbour, Isle of Lewis.

05 Horgabost, Isle of Harris.

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The Northern Isles The Isles of Orkney and Shetland

“Viking tradition is matched by striking beauty & charm”

“Seabird haven, ancient Skara Brae & living heritage” 01

02

The Orkney Isles

The Shetland Isles

From the northern shores of Caithness, Orkney is clearly visible over the Pentland

One of the really special group destinations for people who like adventure, the outdoors

Firth - seems just a stone’s throw away - but far enough away for these islands to

and unique cultural traditions.

develop their own independent culture and lifestyle; a lifestyle with strong Viking

Over 100 islands featuring spectacular cliffs and seascapes, abundant wildlife including Baltasound

influences. But the Vikings were latecomers as far as Orkney is concerned, as Its attractions are guaranteed

North

Papa Westray

Ronaldsay Westray Sanday Rousay Birsay

six of all British species of

Orkney

seabird (over 350 recorded species) nest here on every

Evie

Scapa Flow

Flotta

Hoy

and power of a mesmerising Atlantic Ocean.

Auskerry

Orkney Deerness

Houton

airborne grace above the fury

Shapinsay

Kirkwall

Stromness

cliffs giving a contrast of

46

Finstown

Swona

conceivable rock, cranny and ledge on Orkney’s dramatic

Stronsay Tingwall

Longhope Swona Stroma

Gills

St Mary’s

Burray St Margerets Hope South Ronaldsay Burwick Pentland Skerries

John O'Groats

superb seafood!

Islands

Ulsta Yell Burravoe Toft

Hillswick

To the visitor the ShetlandShetland Isles

St Magnus Bay

Muckle Roe

estate of Norway for hundreds of

Scalloway West

Burra Shetland

Scotland in the late 15th century.

As it is nearer to Bergen in

St Magnus Bay

Brae

Sandness

Baltasound Belmont Gutcher

West Sandwick

Fetlar

Ulsta Yell Burravoe Toft Out Skerries

Vidlin

Whalsay Girlsta

Islands

Shetland

Sumburgh Walls

Lerwick

Foula

Scalloway West Burra

Norway than Edinburgh, it is not

Sandwick Levenwick

surprising that the Viking influence can be seen in the culture, dialect

Lerwick Hillswick Isle of Noss Bressay

MousaRoe Sandwick Muckle Papa Stour Levenwick

years before becoming a part of

Unst

Whalsay Girlsta North Roe Shetland

Foula

Muckle Flugga Out Skerries

Vidlin

Brae

offers a completely different Sandness destination and experience.Islands Walls Shetland was part of the royal

Fetlar

West Sandwick

Sound Yell

and ornithologists. One in

North Roe

Papa Stour

Eday

- especially archeologists

Belmont the highest number of otters in Europe and over a million Gutcher breeding seabirds can be found

here, all enjoying Shetland’s

to keep any group of visitors fascinated and entertained

Unst

Sound Yell

evidence shows that there were communities here 8,000 years ago.

Muckle Flugga

Fair Isle

Isle of Noss

Bressay Mousa

Sumburgh

and place names.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com Fair Isle

2015 SPREADS.indd 48

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The Orkney Isles...defined by the past and sculpted by the sea For such a relatively small destination Orkney has an unprecedented array of both natural and man-made attractions filling any seven day itinerary.

Offering a rich variety of activities, these islands are superb for wildlife watching, rich and varied angling and archaeology. The quality and importance of many of the 1,000 recorded archaeological sites 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,

03

the Ring of Brodgar, Barnhouse Neolithic village and Skara Brae, a well preserved Neolithic village engulfed by sand 5,000 years ago. Viking heritage and cultural influences are also seen - Kirkwall is a fine example, dominated by the magnificent 12th century St Magnus Cathedral and 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.

Stromness, dates from the 17th century when trade between Europe was growing rapidly. The town was an important port of call for the Hudson’s Bay

04

What’s On & SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Company. 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. Italian prisoners of war helped to build these causeways and they created the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm from old Nissen huts. Each island in Orkney has something different to offer, the Mainland may be the largest but from a total of around 70 islands and skerries, there are 20 lively communities each with easy going, friendly people.

05

the most popular group travel themes as the

of Brodgar and Maeshowe, with its runic “graffiti”

Orkney Isles are a haven for both. The plethora of

being excellent examples) to the Viking era 2,000

birdlife includes guillemots, razorbills, shags, storm

years ago (the Orkneyinga Saga Centre, Orphir) and

Four of the main events of interest to group visitors

petrels, cormorants and the favourite, puffins. Over

are the Orkney Nature Festival (May), the Orkney

8000 hectares of nature reserve land are managed

Folk Festival (May), the St Magnus Festival (June)

by the RSPB including their reserve in Hoy.

and the Orkney Science Festival (September).

Diving is a “specialist” activity located, in

There is, however, a long list of other events

particular, in Scapa Flow.

throughout the year covering golf, sailing, Nordic

Walks and cycle trips in Orkney take visitors

Studies Summer Schools, agriculture and arts and

through thousands of years of history - from the

Ornithology, archaeology, fishing, sea angling,

crafts.

Neolithic Settlers (Skara Brae - now part of a

diving, wildlife, walking, cycling, island tradition

Ornithology/wildlife and archaeology tend to be

UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Ring

and heritage.

right up to 20th century maritime history (Scapa Flow and the Italian Chapel on Lamb Holm).

For full up to date information see: www.visitorkney.com/events GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

MAESHOWE, STENNESS

ST MAGNUS CATHEDRAL, KIRKWALL

THE ITALIAN CHAPEL

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

www.stmagnus.org

www.orkneycommunities.co.uk

2015

It is the finest Neolithic chambered cairn in north-west Europe. Built around 5,000 years ago.

2015

Known as the ‘Light in the North’, the Cathedral belongs to the people of Orkney and its doors are open to all.

2015

This lovely chapel is known as the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war inside a Nissan Hut, during World War II.

“Inhabited for over 8,000 years - long before settlement by the Vikings its archaeology is world-renowned. One of the “must-see” group destinations for people who love nature and the great outdoors” 01 Skara Brae, Skaill. The Orkney Isles.

02 Up Helly Aa! The Shetland Isles.

03 Yell, The Orkney Isles.

04 Rackwick Bay, The Orkney Isles.

05 Marwick Head, The Orkney Isles.

47

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The Shetland Isles...dramatic coastlines, Norse heritage and stunning wildlife Shetland has a deep interdependence with the sea

Shetland has a wealth of archaeology to discover.

This rich heritage manifests itself in a vibrant array

that permeates every facet of life from the rich cultural

The Broch of Mousa is over 2,000 years old and

of arts, crafts and music, from the world famous Fair

traditions to the unforgettable wildlife. Shetland’s

astonishingly intact - the stairs to the top of the Broch

Isle knitwear to beautiful handcrafted jewellery. Don’t

afford breathtaking views and a midnight trip to see

miss Shetland’s Craft Trail or an informal fiddling

the nesting Storm Petrels is a must. Meanwhile, the

session at one of Lerwick’s bars.

prehistoric and Norse settlement of Jarlshof provides a

Attractions for groups include the fabulous Shetland

even orca. Wildlife watching trips are easily arranged

record of human history going back 5,000 years, from

Museum and Archives, the new Mareel Music and Arts

with knowledgeable guides who know the best places

the late Bronze Age right through to the Middle Ages,

Centre, Hermaness, Noss and Sumburgh reserves and

to visit.

with Viking influence evident throughout the isles.

Viking Unst.

spectacular cliffs are home to millions of seabirds including fulmar, gannets, guillemots and the ever popular puffins. Seal, porpoise and dolphin sightings are common and lucky visitors will see otters and

01

02

What’s On

03

lifestyle and experience their culture. This is where

islands have their own museums/heritage centres to

Scotland meets Scandinavia, where the Atlantic meets

inform visitors of the history, culture, heritage, natural

the North Sea and where the local English dialect

history of their own island community. Exploring the

Shetland has a number of major festivals each year

has a definite Nordic lilt to it - Bergen is closer than

scenery and landscapes of Shetland by foot or by bike

including Up Helly Aa (Viking Fire Festival January),

Edinburgh! For groups, the ideal place to get a feel for

also offers added opportunities to see local wildlife.

Shetland Folk Festival (April/May), the Bergen-

these islands is with a visit to the excellent Shetland

Shetland Races (Yachting June), the Shetland Fiddle

Museum and Archives in Lerwick. This will prepare

and Accordion Festival (October) and the Shetland

those who have never been here before for ancient

Guitar Festival October - and this is just a flavour as

sites like Jarlshof and the Brochs at Mousa, Clickimin,

there are many other events throughout the year.

Old Scatness and many more.

Probably the main reason why people like to visit

Travel to the outer islands by ferry and air. Island

island hopping, geological, outdoor activities,

island communities is to take a glimpse into their

hopping is popular and rewarding as most of the

traditional crafts.

& SUGGESTED ITINERARY

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

GROUP TRAVEL THEME SUGGESTIONS Archaeology, history, ornithology, wildlife, culture,

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

SEE & DO

JARLSHOF, SUMBURGH

UP HELLY AA, LERWICK

THE UNST HERITAGE CENTRE

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

www.uphellyaa.org

www.unstheritage.com

2015

An important site with a complex that includes a Bronze Age village of oval stone huts and an entire Viking settlement.

2015

Famous Viking Festival takes place annually (on 27th Jan 2015). Culminating in the burning of a Viking galley.

2015

Comprises the Heritage Centre and Boat Haven, on Unst - Britain’s most northerly island.

“With Bergen in Norway being nearer than Edinburgh, it is no surprise the culture and lifestyle of the Shetland Isles reflect that of its near neighbours in Scandinavia and it truly remains a destination worth visiting in its own right” 01 Up Helly Aa, The Shetland Isles.

02 True spirits of the sea and loch. The Shetland Isles.

48

03 Lerwick Harbour, The Shetland Isles.

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 50

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Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle Two of Scotland's greatest icons in one cruise

Jacobite the only way to experience the legend

jacobite.co.uk T. +44 (0)1463 233999 F. +44 (0)1463 710188 E. info@jacobite.co.uk

49

2015 SPREADS.indd 51

3/12/14 18:10:17

TEL FREEFONE

0800 688 8998 or BOOK ONLINE

www.pentlandferries.co.uk

T h e 2 1 st Ce nt u r y c ro ss i n g to O r kn ey!

Kirkwall

Gills Bay

St Margaret’s Hope John o Groats

50

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.

top deck has safe, comfortable seating.

Light snacks and drinks are available.

A comfortable lounge offers excellent views on passage, and for those who prefer fresh air, the

We accept cash on board or credit, debit card at our onshore offices.

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.

PENTLAND FERRIES Pier Road, St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney KW17 2SW St Margaret’s Hope: 01856 831226 Gills Bay: 01955 611773 Fax: 01856 831697

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 52

3/12/14 16:57:01

SKYE’S FAVOURITE GROUP TOUR EXPERIENCE r '*7& "$3&4 0' '03."- ("3%&/4 800%-"/% 8"-,4 50 &/+0: r "8"3% 8*//*/( 4&"- #0"5 53*14 0/ -0$) %6/7&("/ r " 8"3. )*()-"/% 8&-$0.& "5 5)& ."$-&0% 5"#-&4 $"'& 4&"5*/( 07&3 r 5)3&& '"#6-064 4)014 8*5) " 3"/(& 0' )*() õ6"-*5: (*'54

rs u ed To end p m u ecom ro e r G ll tim ee dwe Fr 2hr 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: +44 (0) 1470 521206 e: info@dunVegAncAstle.com WWW.dunVegAncAstle.com New tours Dunvegan A3 2013.indd 1

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

2015 SPREADS.indd 53

4/10/13 18:41:12

51

3/12/14 16:57:21

A �illi�n �ile� fr�� wh�t you i��gine...

Orkney and Shetland are closer than you think. In order to make the most out of your Northern Isles adventure, Northlink Ferries can provide you with the tailored services associated with having your very own local guide. Or if it is a bespoke itinerary package that you are looking for, built around your group’s personal tastes and preferences, simply contact one of the Northlink Ferries team and we will be happy to discuss the range of options and prices available to suit.

F�r i�n’t f�r www.northlinkferries.co.uk

/northlinkferries

@NLFerries

To make a booking or for more information contact grouptours@northlinkferries.co.uk or phone 01856 852 086

★ ★ ★ ★ quality B&B near to the sea

Home from home,

in the town of Nairn. Only two lovely double rooms. French spoken.

Free WIFI. www.ambraighe.com

explore the Moray Firth and the Highlands.

ATTRACTIONS

NNNN Visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

52

Prices: from £6.00 Open: Jan-Dec GL CP EPW On Application

Contact: Ewan MacKintosh

One of Scotland’s highest distilleries - mid-way between Perth and Inverness. Home of the Gentle Spirit.

A warm welcome awaits.

Prices: from £7.50 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP On Application

NNNN Visitor Attraction

Ad Page 6 Beautiful 16th-century tower house, packed with paintings, antique furniture and porcelain and the magnificent library contains 6,000 volumes. Surrounded by peaceful parkland. National Collection of daffodils.

Prices: from £6.50 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Castle

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FORT WILLIAM (HS)

FORRES (HS)

Ad IfC

THE NATIONAL TRuST fOR SCOTLAND, BRODIE, fORRES, MORAy IV36 2TE Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

ATTRACTIONS

Ad IfC

Visit Clynelish Distillery and take a guided tour to see the distillers at work producing their own brand of liquid gold.

DALWHINNIE, INVERNESS-SHIRE PH19 1AB Tel: 01540 672219 fax: 01540 672228 dalwhinnie.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

BRODIE CASTLE (NTS)

1 VISITOR

Contact: Kate Keith

DALWHINNIE DISTILLERy VISITOR CENTRE

ATTRACTIONS

BRORA KW9 6LR Tel: 01408 623000 fax: 01408 623004 clynelish.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

1 VISITOR

CLyNELISH DISTILLERy

DALWHINNIE (HS)

Scottish Highlands and Islands

BRORA (HS)

Tel: +44 (0)1667 453285

BEN NEVIS HIGHLAND CENTRE

BELfORD ROAD, fORT WILLIAM PH33 6BZ Tel: 01397 704244 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk Contact: Aileen Haggart Here you will find a wide selection of knitwear, countrywear, Scottish gifts and food as well as the whisky shop offering 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 &

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

Highlands 2015.indd 52 2015 SPREADS.indd 54

27/11/2014 11:23:04 3/12/14 16:57:32

NNNNN visitor Attraction

WEST HIGHLAND WOOLLEN COMPANY

Contact: Donna Douglas Superbly located on the harbour front, here you will find a unique selection of quality knitwear, countrywear, gifts and food.

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec CP No limit

Contact: Scott Christie Ad IFC Enjoy a tour at the nearest 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.

Prices: Glen Ord Tour £5.00, Tasting Tour £10 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL CP No Limit

NNNNN visitor Attraction

DUNROBIN CASTLE

GOLSPIE KW10 6SF Tel: 01408 633177 Fax: 01408 634081 info@dunrobincastle.co.uk www.dunrobincastle.co.uk

Prices: From - Adults £8.00 Open: Jan-Dec GL CP All by Appointment

NNNN visitor Attraction

INvEREWE GARDEN (NTS)

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, POOLEWE, ROSS-SHIRE Iv22 2LG Tel: +44 (0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade Ad Page 6 Journey through breathtaking scenery to the UK’s most northerly subtropical-style garden paradise. This award-winning oasis of the north boasts 10,000 recorded plants from around the world, including China, Chile, the Himalayas and Indian subcontinent, as well as the rare Wollemi pine, until recently considered extinct.

Prices: from £7.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Apr-Oct PR GL R CP EPW

NNNN Garden

© % D C

CAWDOR CASTLE

NAIRN, HIGHLAND Iv12 5RD Tel: 01667 404401 info@cawdorcastle.co.uk www.cawdorcastle.co.uk

Contact: Scott Morrison Ad Page 50

Contact: Sandra Campbell Ad Page 49

Combine your visit to Dunrobin Castle with morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Facilities only available to groups paying admission to Dunrobin Castle. Private facilities available on request. Prior bookings advisable.

When you visit our Castle or gardens, a freshly ground Cappuccino, light lunch or a tasty afternoon tea in our Courtyard cafe is an absolute must.

We offer an array of freshly cooked local dishes. Group menu available on request.

MC L AT Other 90 Max CP

visitor Attraction

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MC L AT Other CP

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INVERNESS (HS) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

JOHN O’GROATS (HS)

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.

ATTRACTIONS

INVERNESS (HS) ATTRACTIONS ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

POOLEWE (HS)

ATTRACTIONS

5 SHORE STREET, ULLAPOOL Iv26 2UJ Tel: 01854 612399 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

MUIR OF ORD, ROSS-SHIRE Iv6 7UJ Tel: 01463 872004 glen.ord.distillery@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com

ATTRACTIONS

Ad Page 49 Large FREE Car/Coach Park with FREE access to the Loch-Side! Great value, large Gift Shop with Whisky, Crystal, Books, Clothing, Souvenirs & sundry items. OPEN ALL YEAR. Hourly Boat Trips & Coffee Shop on site.

Prices: Free Open: Jan-Dec except Xmas Day & Boxing Day GL R CP EPW

GLEN ORD DISTILLERY vISTOR CENTRE

1 VISITOR

@ LOCH NESS CLANSMAN HOTEL, BRACKLA, LOCH NESS-SIDE, INvERNESS Iv3 8LA Tel: 01456 450743 info@lochnessgifts.com www.lochnessgifts.com

Historic House

µ

INVERNESS (HS)

LOCH NESS NESSIE SHOP

1 VISITOR

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ISLE OF SKYE Iv47 8SR Tel: 01478 614308 Fax: 01478 614302 talisker@diageo.com www.discovering-distilleries.com Contact: Fiona MacIntyre

Ad Page 51

MUIR OF ORD (HS)

NNNNN visitor Attraction

TALISKER DISTILLERY

1 VISITOR

No visit to the Isle of Skye would be complete without savouring the wealth of history and clan legend on offer at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens - ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. On the shores of Loch Dunvegan, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

Prices: Please visit website for details of admission charges, Open: Apr-15 Oct 10am-5.30pm. 16 Oct-31 Mar by appointment. PR R CP

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SPEAN BRIDGE (HS)

visit Clan Donald Skye - the romantic ruined Armadale Castle & Gardens, Museum of the Isles, woodland walks, study centre, plus restaurant & gift shops–all with glorious views across the Sound of Sleat.

Prices: Group rate (minimum 10 people) £6.95 Open: 30 Mar-Oct PR GL R CP EPW 100

NNNNN visitor Attraction

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Mags Macdonald Ad Page 51

Ad Page 6 Award-winning visitor experience with 360deg total immersion theatre and superb displays of artefacts and weaponry. Listen to first-hand accounts leading up to 16 April 1746 when the course of British and world history changed forever. Multilingual audio battlefield guides.

Prices: from £8.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

1 VISITOR

DUNvEGAN CASTLE AND GARDENS

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CULLODEN, INvERNESS Iv1 5EU Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

INVERNESS (HS)

D C √ º µ

1 VISITOR

NNNNN Castle

ISLE OF SKYE (HS)

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ISLE OF SKYE (HS)

Prices: Groups (over 20 people) £8.75 Open: May- 5th Oct, all week PR GL R CP EPW

DUNvEGAN HOUSE, ISLE OF SKYE Iv55 8WF Tel: 01470 521206 info@dunvegancastle.com www.dunvegancastle.com

ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

ISLE OF SKYE (HS) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

Contact: Sandra Campbell Ad Page 49 A superb fairy-tale castle and just what every visitor is looking for. Fine paintings, tapestries and furniture.

Three gardens, courtyard cafe, shops, nature trails, putting green, golf course, events programme and much more.

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD (NTS)

STOPS

Contact: Annette MacKenzie Ad OBC On the gentle shores of the Dornoch Firth in the Highlands of Scotland lies the Glenmorangie Distillery, renowned for crafting the most delicious malt whisky in the world. Open to visitors for tours and tastings.

Tour Prices: Original £5, Signet £30 & Hertitage £120 Open: Peak: Jun-Aug 7 days, Mid: Apr/May/Sept/Oct Mon-Sat, Low: Mon-Fri GL CP EPW Larger groups pre-booking advisable

NAIRN, HIGHLAND Iv12 5RD Tel: 01667 404401 info@cawdorcastle.co.uk www.cawdorcastle.co.uk

2 MEAL

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

TAIN, ROSS-SHIRE, Iv19 1PZ Tel: 01862 892477 tain-shop@glenmorangie.co.uk www.glenmorangie.com

ARMADALE, SLEAT, ISLE OF SKYE Iv45 8RS Tel: 01471844305 Fax: 01471844275 office@clandonald.com www.clandonald.com

CAWDOR CASTLE

STOPS

THE GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY

CLAN DONALD SKYE

1 VISITOR

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

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GOLSPIE (HS)

A superb selection of quality knitwear, clothing, accessories and souvenirs at the UK’s most northern point. Coffee Shop serving Costa Coffee.

visitor Attraction

STOPS

COUNTY ROAD, JOHN O’GROATS KW1 4YR Tel: 01955 611326 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

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. Additional Sunday falconry displays during June, July and August. Tea Room and Gift Shop.

Pre-booked coaches welcome.

Prices: £7.50- £8.50 Open: Apr-15th Oct PR GL R CP

2 MEAL

JOHN O’GROATS KNITWEAR COMPANY

LOCH NESS (HS)

&

ATTRACTIONS

NNN visitor Attraction

1 VISITOR

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 Weaving Exhibition. Ghillies Restaurant. Coach washing facilities.

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

ULLAPOOL (HS)

HOLM MILLS, DORES ROAD, INvERNESS Iv2 4RB Tel: 01463 223311 Fax: 01463 231042 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk

ATTRACTIONS

JAMES PRINGLE WEAvERS SHOPPING vILLAGE

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

INVERNESS (HS) ATTRACTIONS

1 VISITOR

JOHN O’GROATS (HS) ATTRACTIONS

© % D C µ

TAIN (HS)

1 VISITOR

NNNN visitor Attraction

GOLSPIE KW10 6SF Tel: 01408 633177 info@dunrobincastle.co.uk www.dunrobincastle.co.uk Contact: Scott Morrison Ad Page 50

Ad Page 6 Location of James Bond film ‘Skyfall’.

Award winning visitor centre with innovative interactive displays and stunning mountain views. Wildlife safari tours.

Prices: from £5.00 or Discover Tickets Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW

DUNROBIN CASTLE

2 MEAL

THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, GLENCOE PH49 4LA Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

INVERNESS (HS)

GOLSPIE (HS)

GLENCOE (HS)

GLENCOE vISITOR CENTRE (NTS)

LOCH NESS BY JACOBITE

DOCHGARROCH LOCK, DOCHGARROCH, INvERNESS Iv3 8JG Tel: 01463 233999 Fax: 01463 710188 info@jacobite.co.uk www.jacobite.co.uk Ad Page 49 Experience the mystery of the world’s most famous loch on a Jacobite cruise. We sail all year and offer a range of tours from 1 hour to 3 hours with information in 9 languages.

Prices: From £14.00 Open: Jan-Dec PR GL R CP EPW 150

NNNNN Tour © D

JOHN O’GROATS FERRIES

FERRY OFFICE, JOHN O’GROATS, CAITHNESS KW1 4YR Tel: 01955 611353 Fax: 01955 611301 fred@jogferry.co.uk www.jogferry.co.uk Contact: Fred Fermor Ad Page 51 ORKNEY DAY TRIPS FOR COACH PARTIES 40 minute ferry crossing from John O’Groats. Once ashore on the Islands your exclusive coach with local driver guide will take you on a fascinating tour. Ferries leave Daily at 9am and 10.30am Prices: On Application Open: May-Sep PR CP 100

SPEAN BRIDGE MILL

SPEAN BRIDGE PH34 4EP Tel: 01397 712260 simplythebest@ewm.co.uk www.simplythebestdestinations.co.uk 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 and Drivers’ rest area.

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

NNN Tourist Shop

CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD (NTS) THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND, CULLODEN MOOR, INvERNESS Iv2 5EU Tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

Ad Page 6 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.

Contact us for group catering menus.

MC L AT D Other 150 Max CP

NNNNN visitor Attraction © $ D C µ

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ATLAS TRAVEL SOLUTIONS SCOTLAND LTD 6a mill Lane, edinburgh eH6 6tJ tel: 0131 510 7171 pasquale@atlastravelsolutions.com www.atlastravelsolutions.com Contact: Pasquale Foniciello member of: sIte, Uk Inbound, mPI

1 VISITOR

Prices: Various open: Jan-Dec r CP 600

main markets: worldwide with a focus on Italy, spain, France, sweden, Netherlands

specalist group operator with an office in London

% CASHEL TRAVEL LTD 39 Commercial street, edinburgh eH6 6JD tel: 00(44)1315602850 Fax: 00(44)8701329820 info@casheltravel.com www.casheltravel.com Contact: James Aitken member of: Ukinbound, sIte, IAtA, etoA, VisitBritain, VisitDublin, marketing edinburgh, edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

Languages : english, spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Polish, russian, Chinese and Norwegian

& D C √ º

The Northern Isles

WESTER ROSS (HS) ACCOMMODATION

NNN Hotel

3 SERVICED

NETHY BRIDGE (HS) ACCOMMODATION

tariff: Negotiable open: Jan-Dec rooms: 8s 19D 37t 5F All ensuite CP r

ORKNEY (OR)

“tHe LoGs”

tomACHArICH, torLUNDy, Fort wILLIAm PH33 6sP tel: 01397 702532 Fax: 01397 702532 thelogs@scotland-info.co.uk www.scotland-info.co.uk/theLogs

3 SERVICED

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Anne & Alistair smyth well-appointed Norwegian log house sleeping up to 10 in 6 bedrooms. Quiet rural setting - Views of North face of Ben Nevis. 5 minutes from Fort william. Ideal for discovering the west Highlands of scotland.

1 VISITOR

tariff: £750.00 - £1,350.00 open: Jan-Dec Units: 1 Log House 4 Public room(s) 6 Bedrooms sleeping 10

NNNN self Catering D C √ º µ

Tour Operators

1ST EVENTS LTD

FORT WILLIAM (HS) ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

& D

serCo NortHLINk FerrIes

NorthLink Ferries provide tailored itinerary packages to group organisers looking to travel to orkney and shetland from Aberdeen and scrabster.

Prices: Various open: Jan-Dec r CP 600

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, Australasia main Business: walking tour operator. single day private guiding through to full scale multiday guided packages. Independent self guided and tailor-made packages. we’re well informed and passionate about scotland.

Also with: All can include transport, baggage transfers, accommodation, meals.

Languages : english

Contact: sharon Longley secluded off-road parking. residents’ lounge & bar. Close to Inverewe Garden ,whale-watching, golf, spectacular walking. Drying room, wIFI. 28 rooms all ensuite.

Group rate DB&B From £49.00 pppn open: Apr-oct rooms: 1s, 5D, 18t, 4F, All ensuite CP

NNN small Hotel &

JoHN o’GroAts FerrIes

Ferry oFFICe, JoHN o’GroAts, CAItHNess kw1 4yr tel: 01955 611353 Fax: 01955 611301 fred@jogferry.co.uk www.jogferry.co.uk Contact: Fred Fermor Ad Page 51 orkNey DAy trIPs For CoACH PArtIes. 40 minute ferry crossing from John o’Groats. once ashore on the Islands your exclusive coach with local driver guide will take you on a fascinating tour. Ferries leave Daily 9am and 10.30am.

Prices: on application open: may-sep Pr r 100

1ST EVENTS LTD 30 Canmore street, Dunfermline ky12 7Nt tel: 01383 727999 Fax: 01383 727927 enquiries@1st-events.co.uk www.1st-events.co.uk

main Business: Incentive events, conferences, venue finding, team building, golf events, meetings with leisure activities.

Day excursions and spouses programmes for clients when attending conferences in scotland.

Ad Page 52

C-N-DO SCOTLAND

GAIrLoCH HIGHLAND LoDGe

GAIrLoCH, ross-sHIre IV21 2AH tel: 01445 712006 Fax: 01445 712933 enquiries@gairlochhighlandlodge.net www.gairlochhighlandlodge.net

Contact: ronnie Pook main markets: europe, UsA, Canada, s Africa, Australia, Japan, korea

kILN CorNer, Ayre roAD, kIrkwALL, orkNey kw15 1QX tel: 01856 852086 Fax: 01856 851795 grouptours@northlinkferries.co.uk www.northlinkferries.co.uk

Contact: Dorothy Breckenridge member of: GtBs(Gold), AALs

main Business: Incoming tour operator specialising in the Uk and Ireland.

Group tours, Luxury tours, incentives and conferences. twenty five years experience in the business and handling over 25,000 clients per year.

Also with: transfer and chaffeur services with own vehicles

NN Hotel

Contact: Joyce muir

main markets: worldwide

main Business: we only work with groups:- tour series, special interest, ad hoc, sporting teams, incentives, mICe

Languages : Italian, spanish, French, German, Japanese

open: Jan-Dec Pr

FORT WILLIAM (HS)

FORT WILLIAM (HS) ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

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.

ATTRACTIONS

NorthLink Ferries provide tailored itinerary packages to group organisers looking to travel to orkney and shetland from Aberdeen and scrabster.

tariff: Negotiable open: Jan-Dec rooms: 20s 31D 57t 8F All ensuite CP r

Contact: rhonda wood Ad Page 7 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.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

PIer roAD, st. mArGAret, orkNey kw17 2sw tel: 01856 831 226 Fax: 01856 831 697 sales@pentlandferries.co.uk www.pentlandferries.co.uk

Contact: rhonda wood Ad Page 7 situated at the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort william, the Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club is in a prime spot for exploring the area’s most scenic countryside.

NetHyBrIDGe HoteL

NetHy BrIDGe PH25 3DP tel: 01355 266886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

CREATIVE TRAVEL AND EVENT MANAGEMENT tweedview Farmhouse, tweedsmuir mL12 6QN tel: 01899 880207 Fax: 01899 880207/0208 58 20464 enquiries@ctem.co.uk www.ctem.co.uk or www.aboutscotland.co.uk/tour/ guide/margot.html Contact: margot mcmurdo, Nick wilson, Fiona whitehead member of: AtoL stGA DGA GrtG ABtot

EUROPE INCOMING SCOTLAND

PeNtLAND FerrIes

ACCOMMODATION

NN Hotel

4 SELF CATERING

tariff: £49.00-£69.00 DBB per night per person open: Jan-Dec rooms: 20s, 20D, 26t, 2F, All ensuite CP r

Ad Page 50

6 TOUR OPERATORS

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Contact: Groups Advisor Just a short stroll to the town centre and ferry terminal, the island’s largest hotel is known for its friendly hospitality. Guests enjoy comfortable, well appointed bedrooms and excellent dining. Free wi-fi.

Ad Page 52

Also with: tailor made tours

54

JAmes street, storNowAy Hs1 2QN tel: 01851 706600 Fax: 01851 703900 groups@calahotels.com www.caladhinn.co.uk

NortH roAD, Fort wILLIAm PH33 6tG tel: 01355 266 886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

main markets: worldwide main Business: Corporate Groups, Luxury Groups, Conferences & Incentives, Corporate Hospitality, special Interest Groups Also with: Driver/Guide Car tours, tailor-made tours, Flight requirements, Accom, Golf tours, Activity Breaks, theatre tickets Languages : english German spanish French Italian

6 TOUR OPERATORS

ATLAS TRAVEL SOLUTIONS SCOTLAND LTD

1 VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Contact: Joyce muir

CALADH INN

BeN NeVIs HoteL & LeIsUre CLUB

CREATIVE TRAVEL AND EVENT MANAGEMENT 6 TOUR OPERATORS

kILN CorNer, Ayre roAD, kIrkwALL, orkNey kw15 1QX tel: 01856 852086 Fax: 01856 851795 grouptours@northlinkferries.co.uk www.northlinkferries.co.uk

& ß

SHETLAND (SH)

serCo NortHLINk FerrIes

NNN Hotel

ATTRACTIONS

NNN Hotel

tariff: Negotiable open: Jan-Dec rooms: 12s 26D 44t 11F All ensuite CP r

1 VISITOR

tariff: £59.00 - £79.00 DBB per night per person open: Jan-Dec rooms: 10s, 9D, 27t, All ensuite CP r

Contact: rhonda wood Ad Page 7 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.

C-N-DO SCOTLAND

Contact: Groups Advisor known as the island’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.

ALeXANDrA HoteL

tHe PArADe, Fort wILLIAm PH33 6AZ tel: 01355 266886 Fax: 01355 260 782 groupsales@strathmorehotels.com www.strathmorehotels.com

6 TOUR OPERATORS

CABArFeIDH HoteL

mANor PArk, storNowAy Hs1 2eU tel: 01851 706600 Fax: 01851 703900 groups@calahotels.com www.cabarfeidh-hotel.co.uk

ISLE OF LEWIS (OH)

© % D C

ACCOMMODATION

NNNN Garden

3 SERVICED

Ad Page 6 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.

Contact us for group catering menus. mC L At 180 max CP

ORKNEY (OR)

tHe NAtIoNAL trUst For sCotLAND, PooLewe, ross-sHIre IV22 2LG tel: +44(0)131 4580204 traveltrade@nts.org.uk www.nts.org.uk/traveltrade

CASHEL TRAVEL LTD

POOLEWE (HS) STOPS

2 MEAL

ISLE OF LEWIS (OH) ACCOMMODATION

3 SERVICED

ORKNEY (OR)

INVerewe GArDeN (Nts)

Also with: British open st Andrews 16-19 July 2015.

Book early.

British open royal troon 14-17 July 2016.

Corporate enquiries welcome.

Languages : english

EUROPE INCOMING SCOTLAND Herkimer House, mill road Industrial estate, Linlithgow eH49 7sF tel: 01506 847000 james@europeincoming.co.uk www.europeincoming.com Contact: James Grieve member of: Uk Inbound, etoA main markets: worldwide - russia, Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, spain, Canada, UsA 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 business operated all year round, we achieve and offer good rates/service Languages : spanish, Italian, French, German & english

www.scotlandgrouptravelguide.com

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The Braighe, 32 Albert Street, Nairn, Scotland IV12 4HQ Tel: +44 1667 453285 office@scotlandmadeeasy.co.uk www.scotlandmadeeasy.co.uk Contact: Marie Cruickshank Member of: Visit Scotland Scots Specialist Counselor Main Markets: Worldwide, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UK.

Also With: The Braighe B&B Nairn www.ambraighe.com Enjoy a warm welcome in my cosy Victorian B&B near Inverness.

Languages : English and French spoken

6 TOUR OPERATORS

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: Locally based in the Scottish Highlands. We specialize in customized self drive upmarket and upscale tours & itineraries using 4 & 5 star accommodations.

All itineraries are customized to suit clients interests & time.

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 British Open St Andrews 16-19 July 2015. Book early. British Open Royal Troon 14-17 July 2016.

MORRISON TOURS 4 Shore Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6SW Tel: 0131 561 0523 Fax: 0131 223 9000 peter.schuller@morrisontours. co.uk Contact: Peter Schuller Member of: Cruise Scotland Main Markets: UK, Europe & America Main Business: Experienced & Professional Ground-Handler, specialising in quality Group Tours, Shore Excursions & Corporate Hospitality Also With: Golf & other special interest or themed tours Languages : French, German, Italian, Spanish

SCOTLAND’S BEST! 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, or coaches. Specialist interests welcomed. Itineraries planned and accommodations suggested to suit requirements and tour route.

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.

Contact: Mark Rigg Member of: Golf Tourism Scotland.

Golf Tour Operator of the Year 2010, 2012 & 2013 Main Markets: USA, Japan, Europe, Worldwide Main Business: Links Golf St Andrews provide the finest golf tours to combining the championship golf courses with the best in accommodations and transport. We have St Andrews Old Course tee times and provide customised packages for British Open.

Also With: Organisers of the St Andrews Golf Week - April & October. Visit website for details www.standrewsgolfweek.com

RABBIE’S SMALL GROUP TOURS 6 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG Tel: 0131 226 3133 tours@rabbies.com www.rabbies.com Contact: Caroline Caskie Member of: VisitScotland (5 star) GBTS (Gold) SDMA ETOA STA

HEART OF SCOTLAND TOURS 6 TOUR OPERATORS

LOCH NESS TRAVEL

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

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

West Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Scotland IV63 6UW Tel: 01456 450550 george@lochnesstravel.com www.lochnesstravel.com www.walklochness360.com

ROB ROY TOURS LTD 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

Main Business: GUARANTEED DEPARTURES Walking/Cultural, Study, Coach, Whisky, Railway, Wildlife Tours. Wander- und Erlebnisreisen, Studienreisen Also With: Sondergruppen, Incentives, Tailor-made tours, Golf Tours Languages : German Italian French Spanish Russian Poland

VORSCOT TOURS ONLY CONTACT BY EMAIL info@vorscottours.co.uk Tel: 07775840138 info@vorscottours.co.uk www.vorscottours.co.uk Contact: Mr Ivor Henrichsen Member of: Various Trade Bodies

Main Markets: Worldwide

Main Markets: Worldwide

Main Business: We specialise in high-quality golf tours to Scotland, Ireland and throughout the UK for large and small groups, including tee reservations, accommodation, transport and sightseeing arrangements...we can guarantee a memorable trip!

Special discounts for groups of 8 or more

LOCH NESS TRAVEL

Main Markets: Germany Austria Switzerland, Italy, France, Poland, Russia, Spain Worldwide

Member of: SIGTOA, IAGTO

Languages : Specialist language guides as required.

Languages : Any by arrangement

Also With: Castle Tours / Whisky Trail / Wildlife Tours.

Contact: Andrew Syme

Also With: Incentive,corporate golf, and sightseeing tours for non-golfers to beautiful and historic places in Scotland.

Main Business: Small group tours of 16 in the Wee Red Bus. 1-7 days. 5-star grading Visit Scotland.

Driver/guides, group tours, student groups. 14 years experience in Edinburgh.

Main Business: Customised/ Escorted Highland and Islands Car or Minibus Tours for the Individual or Groups of up to 8 Passengers Maximum.

Main Business: Award winning small group tours since 1993.

Covering the whole of the UK and Ireland with tours from 1-17 days. Guaranteed Small Groups - max. 16 passengers.

Guaranteed departures - no minimum numbers. A guaranteed experience!

Languages : Various on request.

Contact: Nick Roche Main Markets: Worldwide

Contact: George Simpson Main Markets: Worldwide

Main Markets: Global

Also With: Customised group and special interest tours, transfers, city-breaks, Edinburgh Tattoo and self-drive packages.

Hill House, Beech Hill Rd, Coupar Angus PH13 9AZ Tel: 0131 228 2888 info@heartofscotlandtours.co.uk www.heartofscotlandtours.co.uk

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish

RABBIE’S SMALL GROUP TOURS

Also With: Extensive Fly/Drive Programme plus 10,000 hotels available to book online across 56 countries.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: Hotels Online & Inbound Travel Services. Touring Programmes, City Breaks, Special Interest Groups and Scheduled Tours to UK & Ireland. Specialist for the UK & Ireland. Specialist for the UK & Ireland.

LINKS GOLF ST. ANDREWS

ROB ROY TOURS LTD

6 TOUR OPERATORS

LINKS GOLF ST. ANDREWS

Main Markets: Worldwide

Also With: Individual self drive tours, self catering cottages, hotels, castles, B&Bs, islands, ferries, car hire.

HEART OF SCOTLAND TOURS

Also With: Bespoke group tours, student language groups, airport transfers

6 TOUR OPERATORS

HART HOLIDAYS

HAGGIS ADVENTURES 6 TOUR OPERATORS

JACTRAVEL LTD

116 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 5DQ Tel: 0131 556 4500 Fax: 0131 558 5570 groups@jactravel.co.uk www.jactravel.co.uk

Main Business: Specialist tour operator for Scottish island holidays and self drive touring itineraries across Scotland for FIT clients & small groups. Passionate, reliable, flexible & competitive, with over 60 years experience of Scotland.

VORSCOT TOURS

SCOTLAND MADE EASY Ad Page 7 & 52

Contact: Robert Kidd Member of: AITO, ATOL, SDMA Main Markets: UK Europe North America Australia South Africa Main Business: Tailor-made and personally researched Scottish holidays and short-breaks.

Customised self-drive tours, itineraries and special experiences for individuals and small groups from Scottish experts.

See Scotland Differently.

Also With: Whisky breaks & escorted group tours, islands, Orkney & Shetland, trains, car-free, wildlife, classic cars.

Languages : All major languages by arrangement

Main Markets: UK, Europe, Middle East, North America, Worldwide.

Main Business: Private tailored escorted tours for groups of any size in Scotland, England, Norway and Spain. Also Day Tours.

Packages arranged all year round.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Languages : English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Also With: Customised interest tours including, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Whisky, Gardens and Castles programmes.

SCOTLAND TOURS CO LTD

SCOTLAND MADE EASY

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Business: Established Incoming Tour Operator offering extensive group and individual services: scheduled coach tour series, FIT services, Fly Drive programs, incentives and special interest programmes.

Baltic Chambers, 50 Wellington St, Glasgow G2 6HJ Tel: +44 (0)844 873 6110 Toll-free from USA/Canada 1-866 922 8538 Fax: +44 (0)141 278 6013 scotland@mckinlaykidd.co.uk www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk

JACTRAVEL LTD

Contact: Karen Robertson Member of: ETOA, UKinbound, STA, GTBS, NTA, SYTA

6 TOUR OPERATORS

FOCUS SCOTLAND 6 TOUR OPERATORS

Main Markets: Worldwide

MCKINLAY KIDD LTD

Languages : Any by arrangement Visit Scotland 5 star Highland Tours.

The Holiday Centre, Building 3, Cameron Dr, Glasgow G61 2NH Tel: 0141 280 0172 Scotland@hartholidays.co.uk www.hartholidays.co.uk

Member of: SDMA

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Contact: Mr Ross Clark Member of: UKInbound

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

Also With: Bespoke Group Tours, Transfers and Airport Shuttle Services. We can take care of entire trip or transport only

HART HOLIDAYS

Contact: Douglas Hart

Contact: Laura MacNeil Main Markets: Worldwide

THISTLE GOLF (SCOTLAND) LTD

51 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG Tel: 0131 556 7559 Fax: 0131 557 4222 mail@macitalia.co.uk www.macitalia.co.uk

20 Old Abbey Road, North Berwick, Edinburgh EH39 4BP Tel: 0044-1620 890908 Fax: 0044-1620 892442 schocentiv@aol.com www.incentive-Schottland.de

60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TB Tel: 0131 557 9393 Fax: 0131 558 1177 groups@radicaltravel.com www.haggisadventures.com

6 TOUR OPERATORS

MACITALIA LTD

INCENTIVE SCHOTTLAND

HAGGIS ADVENTURES

Main Business: FIT Tours throughout Scotland, England and Wales. 20 years experience delivering world-class tours, from 1-10 Days. Accommodation is in Youth Hostels, 16-41 Seat Mercedes Coaches, Local Guides, Never EVER Cancel!

MORRISON TOURS

A 5 Star Tour operator with over 8 years experience touring in Scotland

Contact: John Clifford Member of: FRSA; Consular Corps in Edinburgh and Leith Main Markets: Austria Germany France Switzerland Italy all Europe, Turkey & beyond. USA & Canada Main Business: Delegations; incentives; political and professional, commercial, cultural and study programmes; specialist and general tours. Meetings and symposia. Both organisation and (multi-cultural) content.

Also With: Inter-national public affairs and connection: people, ideas. Policy, information, culture exchange Languages : German French and others as required

6 TOUR OPERATORS

Contact: Laura MacNeil Member of: Visit Scotland, Edinburgh Capital Group Main Markets: Worldwide Main Business: 5 Star tours for FIT. Year round. 1-7 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 Also With: Private tours for Groups/Corporate. Groups department will tailor make the perfect tour of the Highlands.

Languages : Any by arrangement

FOCUS SCOTLAND < Outlook Europe groups-on-the-move, 9 Howard Place, Edinburgh EH3 5JZ Tel: +44 131 558 1800 john.clifford@focusscotland.co.uk www.focusscotland.co.uk

SCOTLAND’S BEST!

60 High Street, Royal Mile, EdinburghEH1 1TB Tel: 0131 558 3738 info@highlandexplorertours.com www.highlandexplorertours.com

FOCUS SCOTLAND

6 TOUR OPERATORS

HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS

INCENTIVE SCHOTTLAND

Contact: Ronnie Member of: Visit Scotland, Confederation Of Passenger Transport, Falkirk Chambers of Commerce Main Markets: Local and International Main Business: Corporate Groups, Luxury Groups, Conferences, Special Interest Groups, School Groups and Leisure Groups Also With: Tailor-made Tours, Accommodation, Ferries, Visitor Attractions, Event Tickets and Conference Venues.

Languages : English, German, & Other Language Guides can be organised.

Fully bonded for financial protection and we only use our own vehicles.

6 TOUR OPERATORS

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

MCKINLAY KIDD LTD

FITZCHARLES COACHES LTD. 6 TOUR OPERATORS

HIGHLAND EXPLORER TOURS 6 TOUR OPERATORS

MACITALIA LTD

FITZCHARLES COACHES LTD.

Ad Page 7 & 29

Also With: Also Driver/Guide for Escorted Packages and Day Tours.

ForFamilies; Friends; Ladies Only; Associations Groups Languages : Norwegian Spanish

55 Highlands 2015.indd 55 2015 SPREADS.indd 57

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National Tourist Routes

“take the scenic route and see the best of Scotland”

01

6

1

11

12

NORTH & WEST

GALLOWAY TOURIST

FIFE COASTAL ROUTE

BORDERS HISTORIC ROUTE

HIGHLAND ROUTE

ROUTE

85 MILES/136 KM

95 MILES/152 KM

140 MILES/224 KM

96 MILES/154 KM

From Dunfermline,

From the great border city

From Gretna to Ayr on the

Scotland’s ancient capital

of Carlisle

Ayrshire coast.

along the coast of the

through historic border

‘Kingdom of Fife’

country to Scotland’s

to the City of Dundee on

capital, Edinburgh.

From Ullapool through to John o’Groats.

2

7

PERTHSHIRE TOURIST

MORAY FIRTH ROUTE

ROUTE

80 MILES/128 KM

45 MILES/72 KM

From Inverness round

From just north of

the three firths of Beauly,

Dunblane to Ballinluig

Cromarty and Dornoch to

near Pitlochry.

the heart of the Northern Highlands.

3 ARGYLL COASTAL ROUTE

8

149 MILES/238 KM

HIGHLAND TOURIST

From Tarbet on the banks

ROUTE

of Loch Lomond to

118 MILES/189 KM

Fort William at the

From Aberdeen to

foot of Ben Nevis.

Inverness.

9

4 FORTH VALLEY ROUTE

DEESIDE TOURIST ROUTE

39 MILES/62 KM

107 MILES/171 KM

From Edinburgh to the

From “The Fair City of

historic town of Stirling.

Perth” all the way to

Routes are well JOHN O’GROATS

DURNESS KINLOCHBERVIE

Scotland, with its many

1 LOCHINVER

and varied attractions

LAIRG

ACHILTIBUIE

CLYDE VALLEY ROUTE 42 MILES/67 KM

10 ANGUS COASTAL ROUTE 58 MILES/93 KM

From Abington following

From Dundee - “One City.

the River Clyde through

Many Discoveries” along

to Hamilton.

the coast to Stonehaven.

signposted. They show the diverse landscape of

and things to do.

ULLAPOOL

7

INVERNESS

GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

8 ABERDEEN BRAEMAR FORT WILLIAM

3

MONTROSE

10

9

ABERFELDY OBAN

STONEHAVEN

BALLINLUIG

ARBROATH BLAIRGOWRIE DUNDEE CRIEFF PERTH ST. ANDREWS DUNBLANE

2

KINCARDINE

11

TARBET STIRLING BRIDGE DUNFERMLINE

4

Aberdeen.

5

The National Tourist

the River Tay.

EDINBURGH

LANARK HAMILTON BIGGAR

5

AYR

ABINGTON

GALASHIELS SELKIRK

12 6

DUMFRIES DALBEATIE

LANGHOLM GRETNA

01 The shores of Loch Morar, Highlands.

56

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