News and Events

News for 2010

I have put together a couple of new extended itineraries for this year. Take a look at the tours page for one which is very much a whisky-centred journey - the other being a more general historical, cultural trip. There are some wonderful hotels recommended en route of course.

In the summer of 2009 I did a few tours in collaboration with Hebridean Cruises and I am looking forward to working with them again this year. Without exception people had enjoyed a wonderful holiday sailing around the unique locations of the islands off our West Coast in the comfort and style of the Hebridean Princess.

Whether you are planning a mini-break from the cities and are looking for the comfortable seclusion of a Country House hotel or you want to get a taste of the West Highlands and Islands and a glimpse of its rich heritage and history, I will be delighted to help you make the most of your visit to Scotland.

 

A Review of 2009

Having survived the coldest spell of weather, and the ice-rink outside the back door, for two weeks and more, which is exceptional for the West coast, it is good to be able to look back at last year and also look forward to the Spring.

 

Clan Gatherings

There is much to be positive about from the events and tours of last year and I had great trips with some delightful clients. Lots of people will have been aware that there were many special events across Scotland as part of the Homecoming celebrations. This kicked off with the 250th anniversary of the birth of the poet Robert Burns and one of the summer’s highlights was the 2- day Clan Gathering in Edinburgh in July.

Following on from the huge Macintyre World Gathering in 2008, the MacDougall Clan gathered at Dunollie in Oban for a week of activity, including a specially written drama of episodes from the clan’s history. I was very much involved in this, organising tours for Clans-folk from across the globe and even had a small part in the drama, playing my ancestor who, in this context, was the ‘Baddie‘, fighting with Robert the Bruce against the MacDougalls! I was also with some of those who came over for the Clan Campbell festivities in Inveraray, which was their first gathering in this country for 25 years.

 

Speyside and Scotland's Malt Whiskies

Another feature of the year was a handful of tours through the Spey valley in the North East, which as a region has the highest concentration of distilleries anywhere in the country. Whisky is not my tipple of choice yet it is a real voyage of discovery to have the chance to hear about - and occasionally to sample - the very wide variety of malt whiskies. The producers of Scotland’s biggest export are involved in a real craft and the experience of the staff and guides for visitors to the distilleries is invaluable.