in2 groups

Don't pass on this great offer!

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:08:00 +0000

The Scottish Heritage Pass offers entry to Scotland’s most outstanding historic attractions.

Historic Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland and selected members of The Historic Houses Association Scotland have joined forces to create the Scottish Heritage Pass.

It makes visiting a host of ‘must-see’ heritage attractions all over Scotland – including Edinburgh Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Culzean Castle, Urquhart Castle, Traquair House, Mount Stuart and Stirling Castle – simple and great value for money.

Available exclusively through the travel trade with commission on all sales.

To order passes and for a full list of sites contact the Historic Scotland Travel Trade Team on +44 (0) 131 668 8797 or email hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

New ‘Royal Sailing Exhibition’ at Britannia

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 25 May 2010 08:54:00 +0000

In Summer 2010 a new ‘Royal Sailing Exhibition’ opens at The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.

This new exhibition tells the story behind the Royal Family’s passion for sailing. The focus will be on the annual Cowes Week regatta in the Isle of Wight, the Royal Family’s private holiday sailing in the Western Isles of Scotland, and past royal racing yachts.

In addition to this exhibition the classic and elegant 1930s racing yacht Bloodhound, owned by The Queen and Prince Philip in the 1960s, will be moored alongside Britannia. Visitors will have the opportunity to view one of the most successful racing yachts ever built. (Group organisers should note that from 2011, Bloodhound will be sailing on private charter during July and August and will not be on view to the public at Britannia.)

Special group rates are available for groups of 15 or more when pre-booked. For further information call our Group Sales Office on 0131 555 8800 or email groups@tryb.co.uk

Truly Scottish Hospitality at its best

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:16:00 +0000

We at Morton Golf Holidays are delighted to have arranged for an enthusiastic group of 52 golfers from Australia to come to Scotland in July for this year’s Open Championship at St Andrews.

Morton Golf Holidays have been arranging wonderful golf holidays for groups since 1989 and we offer packages to suit every need possible. The group from Australia will enjoy rounds of golf on Carnoustie, North Berwick, Gullane, Kingsbarns, Lundin Links and Gleneagles as well as attending the Open on 3 days.

The will be staying at both the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh and the Craw’s Nest Hotel in Anstruther. We will ensure the group enjoy some real Scottish hospitality and 3 dinners have been arranged at the Kingarroch Inn in Craigrothie, a Scottish night in the Craw’s Nest and a gala dinner in the new Rocca at Rusacks overlooking the Old Course itself and we are delighted that this last dinner is being sponsored by Tullibardine whisky.

If you have a group who wish to come to Scotland get in touch with Morton Golf Holidays who will take care of your every need and ensure that you see Scotland at its very best.

Contact Mr Peter Craigen, Morton Golf Holidays, Northlands, 48 The Muirs, Kinross, KY13 8AU Tel: 01577 865679. Web: www.mortongolf.com

A great deal for the travel trade!

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:46:00 +0000

Agent Commissions increased to 25% on 2011 Travel Trade Discover Tickets

From 2011, commission rates will be increased from 20% to 25% on sales of the Trust’s flexible 3-, 7- and 14-day Discover Tickets. As a result, agent commissions will range from £6.25 to £17.50 per Discover Ticket sold.

Extremely cost-effective, Discover Tickets are perfect for both visitors and agents, providing easy access to National Trust for Scotland castles, palaces, stately homes, industrial heritage, gardens, parks, and the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.

2011 Discover Tickets:

retail from £25.00
can save visitors over 70% on standard admission prices
allow unrestricted access to over 90 attractions across Scotland
are sold exclusively to the Travel Trade
are issued on a sale or return basis
are valid all year
are only available through the Trust’s One-Stop-Shop

The Trust has also just launched its 2011 group rates with over 65% of 2010 rates held until 29 February 2012

For all bookings and enquiries email the National Trust for Scotland at traveltrade@nts.org.uk or telephone 0844 493 2104 (+44 131 243 9304 from outside the UK).

Come Fly With Us!

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:26:00 +0000

The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick offers visitors a unique experience of becoming a wildlife cameraman for the day to watch amazing wildlife close up - thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins and gannets in spring and summer and seals in winter with their fluffy white pups. Sightings of dolphins, porpoises or whales are on the increase, so you could be lucky!!

The multi award-winning five star visitor attraction is perched on the sea at North Berwick with a Discovery Centre, Gift Shop and Licensed Café for refreshments to full meals, cooked on the premises using fresh local produce. We can cater for large numbers with, for example, lunch or high teas, also offering complimentary lunch/refreshments for drivers and free off site coach parking. Dine on the deck overlooking the sea and stunning views. Full disabled and baby changing facilities. An all weather attraction, the Centre is open all year. Open all year. Easy access from the A1.

The exciting Discovery Centre features live remote control cameras with giant screens, wildlife cinema, daily fish feeding, wildlife talks and walks, events and exhibitions. Environment Zone and Migration Flyway. Kids’ Playzone and family events programme with something for everyone and children’s workshops at weekends and school holidays. Boat trips to the Bass Rock and the Isle of May, including landing trips, home thousands of gannets and puffins.

North Berwick is just a short trip from the bright lights of Edinburgh, but it feels a million miles away. Stunning unspoilt coastline, blue flag beaches, dramatic panoramic landscapes, lovely individual shops, cafes and restaurants and officially the sunniest place in Scotland!

The Seabird Centre has a great website at www.seabird.org with nine live webcams and lots of information for planning your journey.

For further information visit www.seabird.org or call 01620 890202

The mighty miniature!

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:06:00 +0000

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society's 'Out and About' Whisky Tastings...if only we could bottle the atmosphere...

Impress with an exclusive and entertaining single cask, single malt whisky tasting at your event. As the provider of the world's widest range of single cask whiskies, the Society can add the extra touch with a variety of flexible formats, including tutored tastings before or during meals through to informal market-stall style whisky bars.

For a limited period the Society will provide a complimentary 10cl Mighty Miniature of Society whisky for each guest, when you book a tasting, any location of your choice, in 2010 for 25 people or more.

Contact the Events Team on 0131 555 2266 or events@smws.com to discuss how the Society can parti'sip'ate in your next special event. Visit www.smwsevents.co.uk

New SYHA restaurant & hostel

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:59:00 +0000

Two Hostels. One mile apart. Countless adventures for groups await.

Scotland’s largest hostelling organisation SYHA Hostelling Scotland is excited to announce the opening of Corrour Station House Restaurant and Hostel. Located on the remote and beautiful Rannoch Moor, this newly acquired hostel is being heralded as the destination for groups looking for a unique experience in 2010 and beyond.

Being situated just one mile from SYHA’s already well-established eco-destination Loch Ossian, school, walking and youth groups can now be easily accommodated between the two properties to enjoy the stunning scenery and abundance of wildlife right outside the hostel doors.

Corrour Station House will provide full dining services alongside Loch Ossian’s traditional style of self-catering accommodation – giving groups flexibility across two fantastic hostels.

For further information about opening dates and for group reservations please visit hostellingscotland.com or call 0845 293 73 73.

SYHA Hostelling Scotland is a registered charity dedicated to providing low cost, quality accommodation across Scotland. The charity is committed to promoting the social, environmental and educational benefits of hostelling to all, from families to retired people, couples to groups of friends.

A sensational journey with the The Scotch Whisky Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:47:00 +0000

From Perfect Pairings to Cocktail Capers the Scotch Whisky Experience is launching a series of new hands-on experiences. Visitors will be able to delve deeper into the world of

Scotland

’s most famous export and explore fabulous food and whisky matches, wonderful whisky cocktail recipes and tempting Scottish tapas.

These “mini master-classes” will be available to visitors who take the whisky tour or as a separate group event.

Scent of Success

Discover the world of Scotch whiskies through their unique aromas and learn how the master distillers use their nose to evaluate a whisky. Includes a tasting of one single malt whisky and a certificate with your score.

Cocktail Capers

Guests will all have a go at learning some cocktail skills and putting them to the test. Includes one mini cocktail and sampling of other cocktails made by the group.

Tempting Tapas

Our Amber Restaurant chef reveals a few gems of knowledge about the best of Scottish fresh and raw produce and how it can be used to create some great “Scottish Tapas”. Includes a tasting of one single malt whisky, three pieces of tapas and recipe cards.

Perfect Pairings

Do you share our love of chocolate or cheese? Scotch whisky has found its perfect food partners in recent years and we will share with you the secrets behind the best dram to match. Includes two single malt whiskies matched with chocolate and cheese.

Groups of under 10 £300.00 (choice of 2 sessions)
Groups of over 10 £30.00 per person

For further information contact Gillian Armstrong at The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, 354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NE. Tel: 0131 220 0441 or visit: www.whisky-heritage.co.uk

3 of the best!

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:31:00 +0000

Nestling in a mature spruce forest on the shores of beautiful Loch Creran, the Scottish SEA LIFE Sanctuary, Oban enjoys one of the most picturesque settings in Britain.

With over thirty captivating natural marine habitats in a large indoor aquarium containing everything from shrimps and starfish to seahorses, sharks and rays. All this is in addition to a busy rescue centre for ailing seal pups, close encounters with playful North American otters, a fascinating woodland trail, a rustic children’s play area, a souvenir shop and a restaurant overlooking the stunning loch. Visitors will enjoy a truly memorable day out whatever the
Scottish weather.

For more information: 0871 222 6944 or email: www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

The Loch Lomond Aquarium SEA LIFE is situated within Loch Lomond Shores.

This is home to the National Park Gateway Centre and shopping mall and just five minutes from Balloch and introduces its visitors to many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep.

Visitors will go on a journey that offers intriguing close encounters with a wide variety of species from humble starfish to mighty sharks ending up at the top of the aquarium with stunning views over the loch.

For more information: 0871 222 6944 or email: www.sealife.co.uk

The Edinburgh Dungeon located in Edinburgh city centre, is the perfect addition to any city break or tour programme.

This unique visitor attraction invites you to delve into Scotland’s blood-curdling history. Combining live actors, rides, shows and special effects to transport you back to those black, bleak times…are you brave enough?

For more information: 0871 222 6944 or email: www.thedungeons.co.uk

To register for special offers and up to date group visit information please visit www.groupfundays.co.uk

Bowhill, 5 Star as standard

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:26:00 +0000

Fresh from the success of achieving 5 stars in the Visit Scotland Grading Scheme and the first ever International Clan Scott gathering, Bowhill is gearing itself up for a great year of group visits.

The Scottish Borders home of the Duke of Buccleuch is internationally recognised for its outstanding art collection with works by Canaletto, Claude, Raeburn, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Ruysdael. Its fine rooms display tapestries, superb French furniture, Sevres and Meissen china and silver.

However, this year it is not only the indoors creating an interest. Part of an ancient royal hunting forest - Bowhill provided much poetic inspiration for Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsmouth - ranger led tours cover the gardens at Bowhill or can take visitors around Bowhill’s magnificent woodlands with its variety of peaceful walks.

Trish Gray, House Manager says “more visitors want to experience Bowhill as a whole including
the Victorian Kitchen, James Hogg Exhibition and the landscape, this really helps to bring their
visit to life.”

For information: 01750 22204 or email: www.bowhill.org

Celtic Welcomes - new island odyssey tours

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Celtic Welcomes, established Scottish tour wholesaling specialist, is leading the way for UK coach operators in 2010-11 with a new range of island-hopping and inclusive boat cruise tours.

Celtic Welcomes has developed a range of purely island-based, as well as island/mainland combination tours. These itineraries open up often neglected areas to the UK coach tour market and make comprehensive use of Caledonian MacBrayne’s excellent ferry network. Proving particularly popular are “Scotland in Miniature” tours which combine several nights in either Ayrshire, Homecoming country, or on the Isle of Arran, then onto the Isle of Mull, following in Saint Columba’s footsteps from the Mull of Kintyre to the island of Iona.

Other popular Island Odysseys include the Southern Hebridean Isles of Gigha, with its world-famous gardens, Jura with its George Orwell connections, and Islay, renowned for its peaty malt distilleries. For those who prefer one base for their holiday, there is also an enticing variety of inclusive tours, such as “Cruise 3 Scottish Lochs” or “Steam breaks” - choose from boat trips with a warming whisky coffee, ocean-going steamship cruises, conventional and steam rail trips, adding colour and interest to enhance any tour programme.

For more information: 0870 290 3030 or email diana@celticwelcomes.com

The Robert Burns experience with the National Trust for Scotland

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:12:00 +0000

Humanitarian, national hero, poet and musician, lover and international icon, Robert Burns is Scotland’s most remarkable and best-loved son.
Perfect for groups, Burns National Heritage Park connects Burns Cottage and Museum, Burns Monument and Gardens, Alloway Auld Kirk, Brig o’Doon and the Tam o’ Shanter Experience, all within easy walking distance of each other. Services include coach parking, 120-cover restaurant and Burns-themed gift shop. Free driver/guide lunch vouchers are also available. From summer 2010, Burns National Heritage Park will be replaced by Robert Burns Birthplace Museum,
with admissions prices ranging from £5.25 per person.

For more information traveltrade@nts.org.uk, telephone 0844 493 2104

A Walk On The Wild Side

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Private group - walking trips in scenic Scotland - an exciting and dynamic country with more accessible wilderness areas than practically any other European country, making it a perfect destination for walking and hiking holidays.

Scotland’s landscape is steeped in natural and cultural history and our Private Group Walking Holidays offer a diverse range of walking experiences which showcase the finest of scenery. Your clients can enjoy anything from an exploration of the wild and prehistoric landscapes of the Orkney Isles, to a coastal walk which highlights Cape Wrath’s contrasting scenery of pristine beaches and iconic peaks, or an ambient hike amongst the ancient Caledonian pine forests in Glen Affric.

We offer a highly personalised service with complete flexibility where clients can choose from day walks to a week long expedition - our walking itineraries are exactly tailored to your clients needs. Nothing is too much trouble and you can be safe in the knowledge that our guides are the very best in Scotland. Coupled with our renowned Highland hospitality our Private Walking trips will leave your clients with an inspiring and satisfying experience, and the desire to enjoy more Wilderness Scotland adventures.

To take advantage of choosing the right date and the preferred accommodation, please book this Autumn/Winter time for next year. We offer excellent commission rates to all tour operators who refer a booking.

Wilderness Scotland - Europe’s leading adventure company (National Geographic Adventure Magazine)
www.wildernessscotland.com
or tel: 0131 625 6635.

Truly unique tastings

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:50:00 +0000

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

Unique Whisky Tasting Experiences: The Unusual Suspects. The Society’s latest collection of private whisky tasting experiences are truly one-of-a-kind.

Each has its own individual personality, whether it’s passionately seductive, internationally eclectic, shamelessly indulgent or unanimously triumphant. These partners in crime all have their own unique guilty pleasure.

The Society offers unrivalled single cask, single malt whisky tasting experiences at each of their three striking venues in Edinburgh, Leith and London. Or, if you have your own place in mind, they’ll take their Unusual Suspects out on the run. Anywhere in the world, the choice is entirely yours.

There’s something to suit all tastes, with the collection of whisky tastings including: ‘Introduction to Single Cask Whisky’, ‘International Society Spirits’, ‘The Panel’s Unanimous Choice’, ‘Love is Blind’ and ‘Whisky and Chocolate Workshop’.

Or if you would like something more bespoke, the Society will put you in touch with your personal Whisky Ambassador who will help create your very own whisky tasting experience.

www.smws.co.uk/tasting-and-venues

Come fly with us

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:40:00 +0000

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a multi award-winning five star wildlife visitor attraction overlooking the sea and sandy beaches of North Berwick. There is a Discovery Centre, Gift Shop and Licensed Café with open decking over the sea.

Visitors enjoy a close encounter with nature – thousands of spectacular seabirds and marine wildlife including puffins, gannets and seals and the occasional dolphins and whales. The Centre features an exciting Discovery Centre with giant screens and live remote control cameras, Wildlife Cinema, daily fish feeding, wildlife talks and walks, events and exhibitions.

New this year are daily boat trips to the islands on two rigid inflatable boats – which gives visitors an exhilarating boat trip, with excellent commentary from our experienced wildlife guides. The Seabird Centre is delighted to welcome groups and
can offer teas, coffees and home baking, lunches and high teas, with food cooked on the premises, using fresh local produce. It also offers complimentary lunch/refreshments for drivers.

An all weather attraction, the Centre is open all year. There is easy access from the A1 and a drop off point close to the Centre with free off site coach parking There is full disabled access and baby changing facilities.

Group rates are £6.50 (adults) and £4.95 (concessions).
North Berwick is an attractive seaside town with blue flag beaches and individual shops, cafes and restaurants.
For further information visit www.seabird.org
or call 01620 890202.

Bigger network, better rates!

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:09:00 +0000

Fitzcharles Coaches are proud to announce that we are now members of The Edinburgh Convention Bureau, which opens up a whole network of hotels, visitor attractions at very competitive corporate rates.

Fitzcharles Coaches are now offering special Winter rates for private hire throughout Scotland, with some very special fully inclusive package deals, please check out our groups dedicated website. As well as operating our own package holidays, we also offer coach trips to the famous Glasgow SECC, who have excelled themselves this year with a record number of top performing concerts, and trade shows, in fact come and see us at The Retirement Show or the Travel and Holiday Show, where we will have our own vehicles to view at these public shows this Winter.

Despite all the negative recession stories in the press, Fitzcharles Coaches has enjoyed a very busy Summer, with a record number of international visitors visiting us this year we pride ourselves in receiving record satisfactory reports about all our services this year, yet still managing to find new ways to improve our services even further.

Our tour support staff have also had a successful year finding new and very unusual destinations, hotels with a difference, with 2009 focused on the numerous garden focused events, but for 2010, you will need to keep an eye on our web site.

Ronnie, Olive, David and all our experienced, professional staff look forward to assisting you in the near future.
To find out more please telephone +44(0)1324 482093
or visit www.fitzcharles.co.uk

Experience a taste of High Society

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:48:00 +0000

With the National Trust for Scotland

New and exclusive Living History Tours of the National Trust for Scotland’s 4-Star Georgian House in Edinburgh are now available from Scotland’s leading conservation charity’s Travel Trade department.

Guided by the Lady or Gentleman of the House attired in traditional costume, visitors will experience the life of a wealthy 18th-century merchant’s family. As they are escorted round Edinburgh’s only authentically furnished New Town house, visitors will listen to stories and be mesmerised by the opulence and splendour of their host’s exquisite collections of china, silver, paintings and furniture, before going ‘below stairs’ to experience the contrasting life of the cooks, maids and household staff who made this elegant lifestyle possible.

Dating from 1796 and located in Charlotte Square, in the heart of Edinburgh’s famous World Heritage Site, the Georgian House forms part of Robert Adam’s masterpiece of urban design. Within easy access of Princes Street and the Royal Mile, a visit to the Georgian House is perfect as part of a memorable day out in Scotland’s capital.

These unique and personalised tours are currently available at a special introductory group rate of £70 (including VAT) for groups of up to 10 guests. Tours last approximately 1hour; pre-booking is essential.

For all bookings and enquiries email the National Trust for Scotland at traveltrade@nts.org.uk or telephone 0844 493 2104 (+44 131 243 9304 from outside the UK).

160 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Homecoming Scotland 2009 the Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland has proved to be achieving its aims. A recent report shows that most European city destinations have registered a drop in occupancy rates, while Edinburgh has shown a rise.

This celebration of Scotland has attracted visitors from around the world, particularly from countries with large Scots diaspora populations, such as Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand and other parts of the UK. However, the continuing celebrations are not only for people with links to Scotland; they are for anyone who simply loves Scotland.

The overall objective of Homecoming is to deliver £40m of additional tourism revenue to the country, with just over 6 months to go it looks set to achieving this aim.

New for 2009 - Extremis: drop ride to doom

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Feel the adrenaline pump and your heart pound as Edinburgh Dungeon unveils the city’s first ever drop ride - Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom

Based on the ghastly historic hangings that took place at Edinburgh’s Grassmarket during the 17th and 18th centuries, the three story ride will plunge visitors into oblivion within a second flat – in pitch darkness.

Plummeting down that fast in the dark leaves your stomach above your head, your heart pounding and your blood buzzing long after you’ve braved the drop.

With the Edinburgh Dungeon already host to a damp, chilling boat ride, the installation of Extremis signifies a major investment into the Dungeon, which now boasts two rides as part of its fearsome dark tour of Edinburgh’s darkest, most horrible history.

The investment sees the Edinburgh landmark cement its place as one of the most ambitious tourist attractions in the Scottish capital and a great addition to any city break or group touring programme.

Extremis will provide a perfectly horrific addition to the actor led shows and interactive features the Dungeon is infamous for.

Discounted rates are available for groups of 10+ along with the added benefits of priority entrance, a free place and free familiarisation visit for the group leader.

Adult (16yrs +) - £9.95
Child (6-15yrs) - £6.95
Concession - £8.95

To book your group visit please call 0871 663 1672 or visit www.groupfundays.co.uk for more information.

For details on preferred trade rates and terms please contact debbie.fisher@merlinentertainments.biz

2010 prices fixed at 2009 rates

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:00:00 +0000

The National Trust for Scotland has just announced that it is holding its advertised 2009 travel trade prices until 31 December 2010.

This means that the Trust’s already excellent value-for-money Group Rates and flexible, multi-day Discover Tickets and are now even more attractive, saving coach and tour operators, and their clients, up to 78%* on standard admission prices.

Their new 3-, 7- and 14-day Discover Tickets also offer greater opportunities to visit more National Trust for Scotland properties than ever before. With the addition of Burns National Heritage Park this means even better value-for-money at no extra cost!

Discover Tickets:
· attract a 20% commission on all sales
· are sold exclusively to the travel trade
· are issued on a sale or return basis
· allow unrestricted access to all National Trust for Scotland attractions
· retail from £20.00 per person

· 3-day tickets are valid 3 days out of 7 consecutive days
· 7-day tickets are valid 7 days out of 14 consecutive days
· 14-day tickets are valid 14 days out of 30 consecutive days

The National Trust for Scotland offers a wealth of 4 star and 5 star visitor attractions including world-famous gardens, battlefields, industrial heritage, castles, palaces, mansionhouses, collections and interiors. Many venues also offer excellent coach parking, catering facilities and exclusive gift shops.

For all bookings and enquiries, email the National Trust for Scotland at traveltrade@nts.org.uk, telephone 0844 493 2104 (+44 131 243 9304 from outside the UK), or visit www.nts.org.uk/TravelTrade

* 78% saving based on 14-day adult Discover Ticket.

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:49:00 +0000

The Loch Lomond Aquarium SEA LIFE centre is situated on the southern tip of Loch Lomond on the Loch Lomond Shores development, just 20 miles from Glasgow.

This magical attraction takes visitors on a journey from highland stream, via the depths of the loch, to the North Sea and onward to the Carribean. It houses a trio of otters, countless freshwater and native marine species and ends with a voyage under the sea through the ocean tank teeming with colourful reef and tropical sharks. The centre is in fact home to the largest selection of sharks in Scotland, with a new pair of Bonnethead sharks having arrived in 2009.

With breathtaking views from the Loch View coffee shop, discounted group rates from as little as £4.50*, discounted food and beverage deals, free leader places and free talks and demonstrations, the Loch Lomond Aquarium is a great place for groups to visit at any time of the year.
To book your group visit please call 0871 222 6935 or visit www.groupfundays.co.uk for more information.

For preferential trade rates and terms please email: debbie.fisher@merlinentertainments.biz
*to qualify for group rates, a minimum of 10 people applies. Adults: £6.50. Seniors: £5.50, Children: £4.50

Address: Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL
Website: www.sealife.co.uk
Site contact: Emma McDougal
Tel : 01389 721500
Email: emma.mcdougal@merlinentertainments.biz

2 great theatres, 2009 highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:44:00 +0000

Summer and Autumn highlights at Glasgow’s King’ Theatre and the Theatre Royal

For anyone planning a holiday or a long weekend to the city a visit to Glasgow would not be complete without a trip to either The King’s or Theatre Royal.

King’s season highlights include the comedy Stepping Out (15-19 Sept), starring Jesse Wallace (Eastenders) and Brian Capron (Coronation Street). The comedy continues with Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies (22 – 26 Sept). Reprising their roles from the original series are Shobna Gulati and Andrew Dunn. Richard O’Brien opens his brand new show, The Stripper (29 Sept – 3 Oct), a new musical brought to the stage by same team who created the Rocky Horror phenomenon. And the children’s classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang glides in from 20 Oct – 14 Nov.

Over at the Theatre Royal we welcome for one night only Ms Elkie Brooks (13 Aug). For our younger audience we have the Tweenies Live (31 July - 2 Aug) and family favourite Annie (4 – 8 Aug) starring the irrepressible Su Pollard! Enjoy comedy? Why not pop along for night with Bill Bailey, one of the finest comedians the country has to offer (17 – 22 Aug). For dance check out Dorian Gray (29 Sep – 3 Oct) the massive sell out at the Edinburgh Festival in 2008. This sexy and slick production by choreographer Matthew Bourne is a truly seductive event.

This really is a taster of what’s on offer. To find out details of the entire season log on to www.ambassadortickets.som/glasgow

Scotland - golf heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:38:00 +0000

There are more golf courses per head of population in Scotland than almost anywhere else on Earth.....featuring some of the world’s most famous golfing challenges, including the Old Course in St. Andrews, the Old Course at Royal Troon, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and the Ailsa Course at Turnberry, host to The Open Championship in 2009.

However, Scotland has much more to offer visiting golfers, with some of the finest hidden gems to meet your required course standard and budget, ranging from Southerness in the south to the amazing 9 hole course at Durness in the far north; from Machrihanish in the west to Montrose on the east coast. Experience the superb new course at Castle Stuart.

At Thistle Golf we pride ourselves in our knowledge of the finest golfing venues in Scotland, together with the best places to stay throughout our beautiful country.....the interesting places to visit, and the great restaurants and pubs to enjoy.

If you fancy a trip to Scotland to savour the delights of playing golf, as well as enjoying the magnificent scenery and perhaps partaking of a wee dram too.....we’ll be delighted to assist you in making all your arrangements, from your group’s arrival here until departure.

To request a free quotation, contact us on +44 (0)141 942 4043 or visit our website at www.thistlegolf.co.uk . Thistle Golf......large enough to cope, small enough to care!

Monks, Mines & Museums

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:34:00 +0000

The Scottish Mining Museum and Newbattle Abbey in Midlothian have joined forces to tailor a fantastic full day tour aimed specifically at the groups market. Your journey into the past begins with a visit to enigmatic Newbattle Abbey College where Cistercian monks mined possibly the first coal in Scotland in the 12th century. Here, visitors will learn about the Abbey’s many links to Scotland’s past including the Declaration of Arbroath, Mary Queen of Scots, the Knights Templar and how the development of this ancient house came to be responsible for the Lady Victoria pit which is now the Scottish Mining Museum.

Following lunch at the Abbey, the tour resumes at the Scottish Mining Museum, housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery. Opened in the 1890s the “Lady Vic” became renowned as one of the first Scottish 'super pits' and a showpiece for the industry. Today the A-listed complex is recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in Europe, and is home to the extensive collections of the Scottish Mining Museum. Now a five star visitor attraction, the museum tells the story of coal for Scotland through two floors of exhibitions - A Race Apart and The Story of Coal - Magic Helmet tour, recreated underground roadway and coalface, the largest winding engine in Scotland and the Big Stuff – Massive Mining Machinery tour.

For further information or to make a booking please contact Rae McGhee (Newbattle Abbey) on 0131 663 1921 or Gillian Rankin (Scottish Mining Museum) on 0131 663 7519.

When I’m 64...

noreply@blogger.com (Lorna Brown) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Fitzcharles Coaches now in it’s 64th year, family owned, managed by the third /fourth generations of our family, which our grandparents started, still going strong, which is quite an achievement in this day and age.

Why are we still going strong? Perhaps it’s because we give a personal service, lost by large companies. Perhaps it’s because when you travel on a Fitzcharles coach tour, it will be a Fitzcharles coach that will do the tour. Perhaps it’s because when you travel with us, one driver per tour, and he is your friend from start to finish. Perhaps it’s because most entrance fees to places of interest and travel insurance are included, which allows you to budget your spending money. Perhaps it’s because all our coaches are ours and are air conditioned with toilets. Perhaps it’s because we are fully bonded for your financial security.

Whatever your group interests, we will work hard to ensure we offer you new and exciting itineraries with great excursions included. We have worked with many individual hotels as well as hotel groups over the years and can offer very competitive prices as well as often added value items such as welcome drinks, speciality dinners, etc.

Ronnie, Olive, and all our experienced, professional staff look forward to assisting you in the near future.

To find out more please telephone ++44(0)1324 482093 or visit www.fitzcharles.co.uk.