What is Signal Rock and where can I find it.

Signal Rock is located within the woodlands of An Torr a National Trust site of beauty, there are many stories linked to Signal Rock but it is most famous for its connection to the Glencoe Massacre. This rock is said to be the place where the signal was given for the attack on the MacDonalds of Glencoe. The story claims this is where a fire was started at 5am to give the signal to the soldiers to begin the vicious attack on the village, but local experts claim this is not correct and the rock was used for other purposes.

The rocks original title is “Tom a Ghrianain” meaning the knoll of the sun, and it is said that Druids used this rock because it’s a great location to view the rising of the sun and the sun setting and used for worshipping the sun. It is also claimed that this was a meeting place of the MacDonalds to reach in case of an emergency, or the site where a beacon would be lit by the clan to warn of any dangers and this could be another link to the Glencoe Massacre. Whatever the correct reason Signal Rock is still a historical location and deserves a visit, So how can I find Signal Rock.

The rock can be found by taking a small walk through An Torr 1.3 miles from the National Trust Visitor Centre heading towards Glencoe pass, Google map location of the car park below.

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Towards the end of the car park there is a sign detailing the routes you can take to walk through An Torr and Signal Rock, the route to Signal Rock is the shortest route and should only take about 20 minutes to reach ( this can depend on your walking speed) there are some moderate slopes to get there and also some steps, so decent footwear is needed for this walk. From the car park you will see a wooden bridge crossing the River Coe, cross the bridge an go through the gate and continue up the path following some steps, the path continues to Signal Rock but be careful not to take the right fork in the path as this leads you around the An Torr walk, there are several markers on the walk to direct you to your destination. not long before the rock you will reach a crossroads in the paths and then the path rises upwards before you reach the Rock itself.

Signal Rock Glencoe

At the rock you will find an information board detailing the history of the rock, and if you walk around Signal rock you will find some natural steps that will enable you to stand on the top of the rock for some great views of the surrounding Mountains and Woodlands. To return to the car park retrace your steps and this will return you back to where you started, overall I would give yourself 1 hour for the walk including the return. An alternative route for this walk would be from the Clachaig Inn if the bridge is not accessible, and of course this would give you a great reason to enjoy a nice drink afterwards.   

This summer a fleet of spectacular wooden yachts will be sailing into Argyll’s Secret Coast, a little-known corner of the west coast of Scotland that’s steeped in nautical history. The Fifes, considered the world’s most prestigious classic yachts, are coming from across the globe to compete in the Fife Regatta 2013. Resplendent in gleaming varnish-work and polished brass, the boats, ranging from 20 to 100ft in length, will be a striking sight as they race through glistening sea lochs and past islands and hills.

The inaugural Fife Regatta was held in 1998 and this unique seven-day event now happens every five years in and around the Firth of Clyde. It’s as much a homecoming and a celebration of great Scottish sailing as it is a competition. The Fifes were designed and built by one of Scotland’s most famous boat builders, William Fife III, in Fairlie, the Clyde Estuary, during the 19^th and early 20^th century. Fife was a master of his craft whose customers include royalty and the tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton. The Dragon and Wheatsheaf emblem engraved in the bow of Fife yachts is symbolic of the level of craftsmanship in each creation. Many of his magnificent boats still sail today, and this dazzling event is a chance to celebrate their great beauty in the waters of their birth.

The 2013 regatta will take place from 28^th June to 5^th July. The yachts will begin in Largs and will have passage races to Rothesay, Tighnabruaich and Portavadie before returning to Largs.  Fifes, as you might imagine, inspire great passion, and boats will be travelling from as far afield as the Caribbean to take part in the event. Two fabulous boats, Kentra and Astor, celebrate their 90^th birthdays this year. Kentra, a 100ft Gaff-Ketch has been in storage for nearly seven years, is being re-launched for the regatta. Astor, an 86ft Schooner, will be coming all the way from California for the occasion.

Hatasoo, the 19ft Gaff sloop build in 1894 will be the oldest yacht. She will be the local Clyde entrant from McGruers yard, Clynder on the Gareloch. The larger yachts will include Moonbeam III (105ft), Aventuress (100ft) along with Kentra. Seabird and Oblio are more recent builds from William Fife drawings and confirm just how these yachts have a place in modern times.

The boats will spend three days of the regatta – Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd July – on Argyll’s Secret Coast. Bordered by two beautiful and narrow stretches of water, the Kyles of Bute and Loch Fyne, this stunning corner of Scotland is the perfect place from which to admire the Fifes as they sail by. What’s more, local people are organising viewpoints and onshore festivities, sponsored by Event Scotland as part of the Year of Natural Scotland, to encourage visitors to come and enjoy the spectacle in this area of natural beauty. There will be a host of celebrations on Monday to welcome the boats, including a local producers’ market, a Loch Fyne Ales bar, Winston Churchill’s venison barbecue, a pipe band and a Scottish skiff rowing race.

On Monday afternoon the boats will sail into Tighnabruaich where the crews and all their supporters will spend the afternoon and evening ashore. On Tuesday morning the boats will set sail en-masse for Loch Fyne. This will be a truly breath-taking sight against the backdrop of the Isle of Bute. They’ll be heading to Portavadie Marina where they’ll spend the night. Visitors will be able to follow their progress from a number of viewpoints along the coast, stopping off for refreshments at the cafés and hotels on the way. For something more strenuous, walk the Lower Stillaig Loop from Portavadie which takes you up over the headland to Stillaig Bay. From this vantage point you can watch the boats speed up the loch with views of Ayrshire, Arran and Inchmarnock Island as a backdrop. Alternatively, why not grab a bite to eat at Portavadie Marina and watch the boats sail in? It’s a glorious spot and a great place to sample a ‘taste of Argyll’ amid contemporary surroundings.

Wednesday is a layday/challenge day, where some of the yachts may challenge each other and others will stay berthed at Portavadie Marina. Once the challenges are made to the Regatta organisers, they will publish this information on their website www.fiferegatta.com. To complement the history and glamour, the Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, will be in town on Wednesday. It has been magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks and gleaming brass and will be offering cruises from Tighnabruaich.

Photography enthusiasts should put the dates firmly in their diaries, as this is a unique opportunity to capture images of the beautiful boats amid magnificent Scottish scenery. The Tighnabruaich Art Gallery will be running a photography competition this summer with the theme ‘sailing on Argyll’s Secret Coast’ and there will be a special category for photos of Fifes. The gallery will also be showing an exhibition of seascape art.

Whether you decide to come for the day or make the Fife Regatta part of a longer trip, make sure you find the time to explore Argyll’s Secret Coast.  There’s great walking, the quiet country roads are ideal for cycling and the sheltered waters are excellent for kayaking. And if the Fife Regatta inspires you to set sail, the Tighnabruaich Sailing School is a great place to learn the ropes.

The Fifes are coming to Argyll’s Secret Coast. Are you?

www.argyllsecretcoast.co.uk/fife/

From unique birds like the pink-footed goose to incredible highland creatures like the ‘hairy coo’ – an instantly recognizable breed of Highland cattle – Scotland has a truly amazing variety of birds, land mammals, and sea life within its borders.

Whether you’re searching for stunning highland beasts to photograph or elegant sea life to experience, read on to learn more about the great wildlife that makes Scotland such a rewarding country to visit.

Scottish Bird Watching: The Country’s Most Remarkable Birds

Scotland is home to an incredible variety of birds, ranging from charming lakeside sparrows to impressive birds of prey. From the fast-moving peregrine falcon to the unique pink-footed goose, Scotland’s bird life is a great reason to visit the country.

Birds of prey inspire all of us. Scotland’s peregrine falcon reaches speeds of up to 240 miles per hour as it hunts its prey, making it the fastest animal that the world has ever known. The golden eagle is another remarkable Scottish bird of prey, with a wingspan that extends to 2.3 metres.

As well as its remarkable range of birds of prey, Scotland is home to a variety of less aggressive aerial animals. The pink-footed goose, a migratory bird that flies from as far away as Greenland to winter in Scotland, is a popular photography target due to its unique look and accessible, friendly nature.

Highland Wildlife: From Red Deer to Highland Cattle

Britain’s largest land mammal, the remarkable red deer, is easy to find in Scotland. A popular sight throughout the country’s Highlands, red deer are an iconic animal that have become an international symbol of Scottish wildlife. Over 300,000 red deer are spread throughout the country, making them a popular target for photographers.

As well as the iconic red deer, Scotland is home to another uniquely Scottish animal: the ‘hairy coo,’ or Highland cattle. Known for their incredible hairy winter costs, the Highland cattle is one of Scotland’s most valuable exports, playing a vital role in the country’s agricultural industry.

Coastal Creatures: Seals, Puffins, and Sea Eagles

For a truly engrossing look at Scotland’s wildlife, you’ll need to visit the country’s rugged and beautiful coastline. Grey seals congregate on the rocky coastline every year during winter, giving visitors a close-up view of these incredible creatures.

As well as seals, Scotland’s coastal cliffs and rocky beaches are home to a variety of unique birds. The sea eagle – Scotland’s largest eagle by wingspan – can be found in rocky outcrops, while charming puffin colonies can be observed along the coast.

 From cute puffins to wild peregrine falcons, Scotland’s bird life is truly remarkable. Image

Scotland’s Sea Life: Bottlenose Dolphins and Minke Whales

Scotland is home to some of the world’s most northerly bottlenose dolphins. While bottlenose dolphins are typically found in tropical seas such as those surrounding Africa and South America, Scotland remains a major bottlenose dolphin hotspot.

Measuring in at ten metres, the minke whale is one of the world’s largest mammals, with Scotland their region of choice. Get up close and personal with these amazing sea creatures during the summer months, when they’re visible in large colonies off the coast of Scotland.

Staying Safe: Scottish Wildlife Laws and Safety Tips

Scotland’s wildlife is one of the country’s biggest tourist draws, and the government understands the importance of keeping animals safe. In response to people stealing birds of prey and attempting to sell them, Scotland’s wildlife laws were modified in 2011 to better protect animals from the potential threat of humans.

For both your own safety and the safety of the animals you’re observing, it’s best to keep your distance when viewing Scotland’s wildlife. While many animals feel safe and comfortable around humans, many others – particularly territorial animals – could view you as a threat, and respond with aggression.

This guide to Scottish wildlife was written by Shearings Holidays, one of the UK’s top travel companies. Visit their website to learn more about coach holidays to Scotland for bird watching, whale watching, and wildlife photography.

Scotland is a great place for touring, with many visitor attractions and places of interest; you can pretty much stay anywhere in Scotland and be accessible to many tour destinations. There are lots of choices for tours of Scotland from Great Castles to whisky islands, what ever choice you want you will be sure to find the right tour for you.

Tours around Scotland can be found in many of the main tourist cities of Scotland like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness, and you will also find tour operators all over Scotland. Many small tour businesses in Scotland will offer private tours from almost any Highland areas, which specialise in their local area but will go further afield.

Scotland is a fantastic place to tour with a great road network to all the main areas, the Isle of Skye is now much more accessible since the bridge was built connecting the island to the mainland, Giving coaches and buses a much easier route than boarding a ferry, although some ferry services to the island are still in use and can make a much better experience reaching the island if you have more time.

Loch Ness is a very popular area to tour and boat trips that venture down the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness are a very popular choice, tours sailing the loch can be combined with trips to Urquhart castle and the loch Ness expedition centres, these are great days out and enjoyed by all the family.

The cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow offer great tours of the city on open top buses guiding you passed all the historical buildings and places of interest. Edinburgh offers more tours with a difference like Ghost tours and is a very popular choice all year round. Edinburgh castle is one of Scotland’s most popular attractions and defiantly a must if visiting the city.

Scotland’s ‘water of life’ Whisky is a big attraction in Scotland and most Distilleries do guided tours for the public, the larger Distilleries are often free of charge but you will find some charging a small fee, but still defiantly worth it. For the connoisseur more detailed tours can be booked giving you a more in depth tour of the Distillery and tasting sessions of their whiskies. Tours to whisky Distilleries and famous whisky areas can be toured by coach including the Spey Valley Whisky Trail and the Isle of Islay, where many of Scotland’s popular Whiskies are produced, in fact you can book a full weeks holiday just touring Scotland’s whisky heritage.

Tours to the Islands of the Hebrides and Orkney Isles are a very good choice if you love island life, with many islands around Scotland’s coast and great ferry services, most of the islands can be reached with ease, you can tour Scotland’s islands with dedicated tours specialising in Island tours. The Islands give you a different feel to Scotland, one that many tourists don’t often experience, but with fantastic marine and land wildlife a holiday to Scotland’s islands must be experienced.

Here at Holiday Scotland we have teamed up with ‘Go Scotland Tours’ offering you the best Scotland has to offer, we offer tours run by Scotland’s best tour operators and guarantee you will find a quality tour to suit what you need. If you require any help with tours we can be contacted via our Contact Us page and we can help you design a bespoke tour to your needs, we can also help you organise your full holiday package, with our many contacts in the tourist industry.

So stop thinking about Tours to Scotland and visit our tour pages, where you will find half day trips to 2 weeks trips, in all areas of Scotland. Discover what tours you can book with our easy links below.

Scotland Sight Seeing Tours

Scotland Highland Tours

Scottish Island Tours

Scottish Whisky Tours

I have wanted to see Scotland ever since I was a kid. I felt its mystical allure for the first time while watching the first part of Highlander and of course Braveheart, and I am not afraid to admit it. There was something magical and captivating about those lush green hills, ice-clear water, fairy-tale castles and the ancient Celtic traditions. When offered a chance to go, I didn’t think twice and took the bait. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the hills or the castles up close.

Fortunately, we watched something just as beautiful and magical, only in a somewhat different manner – Scottish football.

After a 20-hour flight from Australia and then a long ride from London, I cried tears of happiness when I finally set my foot on Glasgow soil and greeted my friend Will, who I will be staying with.

Will welcomed me with greasy fish and chips, encouraging me to eat it while it’s hot, assuring me that the extra grease will warm me up and help me adapt to their climate and the time difference.

He handed me a Celtic FC scarf and took me to his house to rest before the match.

When we got out later that day, low April clouds looked like they were ready to unleash a shower storm any second. That can be very unnerving for an Aussie, but Will told me not to worry. “It is often cloudy here, but without rain. Let’s get a beer”.

To a Sidneysider, used to living in a country that is only a couple of hundred years old and has plenty of sunshine, a place like Glasgow can look like an ancient, misty northern land of wonders.

Everything has a great and longstanding tradition, and football is no exception. Scots are crazy about it, as every football fan knows, and fans of Celtic FC, known for their gentlemanly conduct, are the cream of the crops.

While entering 121-year-old Celtic Park, I felt very safe and comfortable, like I was among lifelong friends. I haven’t seen a trace of violence and hooliganism that European football supporters came to be known for in the last couple of decades.

Glasgow’s George Square

The Celts, as Celtic FC supporters are known, make a fantastic atmosphere at every game, turning Celtic matches in an incredible experience for every visitor unaccustomed to the ways of British football.

The match itself was great, too. Celtic welcomed Hibernian in a glorious 3:0 victory and got another three points in this first phase match (and eventually Celtic won the championship).

It was a glorious victory, indeed, worthy of an equally glorious celebration, so after the game we triumphantly went to the pubs.

Group of Celtics we were with found my accent hilarious, insisting that I repeat some of their slang expressions, none of which is, unfortunately, remotely appropriate for mentioning here.

I can only tell you they are very creative and have a number of expressions for everything inappropriate you can think of, and much, much more.

Although Scottish food is not for everyone, the beer is fantastic and I took full advantage of that fact that evening, which took its toll the next morning. Scots work hard and they celebrate in the same manner, so on the second day we took it easy.

Will took me through the center of Glasgow the next day, showed me the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral. It seems that faith in god means much to my friend, but seeing a cathedral doesn’t do anything special for me.

The Necropolis cemetery on the other hand feels creepy to visit, especially since I have no kin there. I have to admit that finding out people from both WWI and WWII buried there was interesting, especially so as it provoked an interesting conversation between Will and me where we figured that we are thought slightly different versions of history. It seems that it is true that the victor writes the history as he wants it, and this makes me wonder…

After the Necropolis we changed scenery a bit and went to the Botanic Gardens. They seem to be a public park, not that it lessened my enjoyment. Kibble Palace glasshouse is huge and the excitement I felt being in it might be comparable to the football match I say the day earlier. Mind you, I am not into horticulture, but I do enjoy the fresh air and basking around all the different types of plants just makes me feel good.

Finally, we agreed to spend a quiet evening with Will’s family, still a bit tired from the night before. Then, a couple of hours later, we hit the pub for the last beer before I had to leave for home and summarize my impressions of Scotland (and I would rate my trip 5 stars, if you missed it in the text).

Mark Tomich satisfied his desire to see Scotland after he flew to UK via http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/ and had a blast when his friend Will showed him around Glasgow.

Holiday Cottages and lodges in Scotland are a great way to have a Holiday in Scotland, but when you are lucky enough to find a cottage by a Loch or a great sea view it makes your accommodation that little bit more special.

There are some fantastic locations in Scotland with stunning views, but Scotland boasts some excellent locations when it comes to waterside holidays. There are actually well over 31,000 freshwater Lochs in Scotland but only 350 that are a considerable size, you don’t have to travel far in any direction to discover a nice Loch. as well as freshwater lochs you will also fine sea lochs around Scotland’s coast especially on the North Western coast. There are also 26 rivers in Scotland that flow directly into the sea with an abundance of wildlife in the water and around the banks, most of these rivers are unknown, but larger rivers like the River Tay, River Spey and River Tweed are well known all over the world. Scotland’s coastlines boasts an 11,500 miles (estimated) of coast including Scotland’s 790 Islands with breath taking views out to sea, the Scottish coast is alive with sea birds, mammals, sea life and history and sets a stunning location for any holiday home.

Deciding what holiday cottage or lodge by the water is not an easy task given the amount of waterside locations around the country, that’s why at Holiday Scotland we have teamed up with Waterside Breaks to help you find that dream holiday in Scotland by the water.

What we offer

We can help you find the best locations in Scotland by the waterside, by using our easy to use search box you can find the available accommodation of your dreams from the 1000,s to choose from, and you will be spoilt for choice with cottages and lodges with hot tubs, or the most romantic setting by the sea. Enjoy fishing and want to be located by the best Lochs and rivers in Scotland, then you will find that dream cottage to enable you to fish all day from your holiday base, or do you enjoy spectacular walks around lochs or along river banks, whatever your needs are for your holiday you will find exactly what you’re looking for.

We also provide holiday options for larger groups and many of the properties also accept dogs, so no need to leave any of the family or friends at home. There is something for all ages and tastes, from remote cottages, to Highland Estate lodges and log cabins with excellent facilities all around, and cottages in quaint highland villages to enjoy the simple highland life. We have even made it easy for you with readymade search lists for Lodges with Hot Tubs or Pet Friendly Holidays.

So are you looking for the best Waterside holidays in Scotland, if so take a look at our excellent choices on our Holidays by the Water Page

Glen Affric

One of the most beautiful glens in the whole of Scotland, this stunning and dramatic gorge tears its way west into Scotland’s stunning scenery.

The glen spans for some 30 miles from nearby Cannich to Kintail in the west, it boasts scenery that has attracted photographers and artists from all over the world, and the very famous painting ‘Monarch of the Glen’ was painted in Glen Affric by landseer, and is an icon image of Scotland to this day. The glen is a Caledonian Forest Reserve and is one of the few places you can see Scotch Pine today, in 2001 Glen Affric was given the award of a National Nature Reserve, and helps preserve some of Scotland wildlife and nature including Scotland’s wild flowers, mammals and birds.

Glen Affric is an excellent place for the adventurous and active amongst us and attracts walkers and cyclist from all over the world who follow the various tracks and paths winding their way through the glen, the river and loch also provide plenty of action for those who love to fish with plenty of Salmon and Trout passing through the glen every year. But if you prefer to just relax and wind down the Glen is the perfect way to experience a Scottish holiday.

One of the best times to visit the glen is the autumn when the whole forest changes to stunning colours, with the beautiful purple heather backdrop at this time of year the vista is one of awe and wonder, with Scotland’s nature defiantly at its best, however anytime of the year is great for this glen and the ever changing weather and seasonal wildlife makes this one of Scotland’s great glens and worth a visit when on holiday in Scotland.

Glen Affric

Glen Nevis

Winding its way through the foothills of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis this glen is more accessible than most people think, only a short distance from Fort William the glen boasts an excellent road to take you into some of Scotland stunning scenery, when the road comes to an end you are left with some great trails to take you into true Scottish wilderness, at times is hard to think that you just left your car just down the road.

One of the best paths for those who don’t want to tackle some of Scotland’s Munros (Mountain over 3000ft) is the path to Steall Falls, following the path through the gorge you are rewarded with excellent views of the falls as they roar and tumble down various sections of the cliffs bouncing through rock pools and cascading down the mountainside, It’s a great place to take some excellent pictures of your holiday in Scotland to take home and show your friends.

This Glen is an ideal location to have a great holiday in the Scottish Highlands, with a great campsite set within the glen and Fort William very close by for excellent hotels and amenities. This Glen also marks the end of the famous and very popular walk ‘The West Highland Way’ a 95 mile walk from Milngavie , and is a special place to end such a demanding and long trek.

Glen Nevis

Glencoe

When you ask anyone about Scotland and its astounding beauty the words Glencoe is often the first thing people will mention, the A82 slices its way through the heart of the Glen and gives everyone a chance to see this iconic view from the car without ever stepping foot onto the Glen. But this is a real shame and anyone planning to have a holiday in Scotland should stop and take a good look around as there are many things to do and see in Glencoe, that should not be missed.

The Glen is full of secrets and charm that anyone with an exploring mind will find exciting and enthralling. History in the Glen is most famous for the massacre of Glencoe and many people will venture into the glen to discover the true feel and unchanged image of the Glen, a short walk through the Glen is Signal Rock the place where the signal was given at the start of the massacre. But the Glen is host to some of the greatest climbs and walks in the whole of Scotland, with such well known mountains of Bidean nam Bian, Stob Coire Sgreamhach and Aonach Eagach Glencoe is a massive attraction to climbers and walkers of these great mountains.

The village of Glencoe is also nearby the valley and provides you with excellent amenities to keep you well stocked up for your daily adventures, Fort William is also a short distance away, and at the South of the Glen you have Rannoch Moor to explore and to the North you have beautiful lochs like Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven, all providing excellent water sports and lovely drives and places of outstanding beauty.

So remember next time you are on your way up North passing through the Glen on the A82, there is more to see around the Glen than you can from your car window, get out and explore.

Glencoe Scotland

Glen Etive

Often passed by and ignored by tourist excited about driving through Glencoe, this Glen guarded by the two great Mountains Buachaille Etive Mor and  Buachaille Etive Beag also known as the Heardsmen of Etive, is situated just before Glencoe comes into view travelling North, the left turn just passed the Kings House Hotel, is probably one of the best left turns you could ever take.

The Glen stretches by road 14 miles till you come to an abrupt end at Loch Etive, the road however is worth every bit of tarmac, and the best thing about it is, you have to drive back and see it all again, this Glen is just truly magnificent, you see a bit of everything along this drive from stunning mountains, forest, rivers , waterfalls and wildlife, this Glen as it all.

The glen is very popular with walkers and climbers as well as Kayakers braving the fast white water rapids that the River Etive throws at them, it is an excellent place to just stop and look with plenty of passing places on the road to stop and take in all the views, it is also a much quieter road with not as much traffic of its neighbour Glencoe.  

Driving down the first section of the glen you are treated to open moorland and massive mountain passes, meandering by rivers and stone bridges, with waterfalls teasing you from all directions, further down the glen you are welcomed by green forest before you reach the end at Loch Etive, here you can stop and think back of what you just seen, ready for the journey back along the same road but with different views, and just as stunning, till you return to the busy A82, the road to Glencoe.

This Glen deserves more credit than most of its sister glens, mainly known by the most dedicated tourist of Scotland but fairly unknown by the major stream of tourist companies and buses, maybe we should just keep it this way?

Glen Etive Scotland

When one thinks of Scotland, it might be easy to get lost in the romance of its ancient lands, the mysterious moors that witnessed many a battle or were the idyllic settings for gothic novelists and fabled legends alike.  But it is due to Scotland’s unique climate, loamy vegetation and gracefully rolling foothills that lent it to be the birthplace of golf.  Historians surmised that perhaps ‘gowf’ was invented by shepherds as a way to while the day by plunking stones from their staff into the many rabbit holes that punctured the grassy lands, and over the course of time this game soon gave way to the more modern version of ‘golf’ that is still enjoyed today.  Others opined that the game ‘kolf’ (stones hit with a club, mainly upon ice) had been brought to England by way of the Netherlands, nevertheless, Scotland is as synonymous with golf as France is for producing a full-bodied wine.     

Of course, the game has not lost any appeal; as a matter of fact it has only gained in popularity as seen in its global audiences which draw numbers into the millions.  And with Scotland being the land of golf’s inception, we are fortunate that we can still visit the places where the first of many opens were organized and played.

St. Andrews: This is the granddaddy of them all.  The most famous of golf courses the world over, and what’s not to love about its traditional settings and still challenging course that stumps the masters even today? Popular among those who travel the world with their ‘golfing’ bucket list in hand, St. Andrews offers the quintessential golfing experience to the novice and expert alike. 

Muirfield: Similar to St. Andrews with its historical roots, this course has also intrinsically helped shape the game with its iconic rolling greens set amidst a languishing backdrop of rugged crags and moors. Located 20 miles east of Edinburgh in the village of East Lothian, Muirfield opened officially in 1891 and has hosted many an open for every conceivable skill level.

Turnberry: If you want to include Scottish flair with your next round of golf, then a round at Turnberry should also be on your shortlist.  Home of Robert the Bruce, remnants of his familial castle still remains, though it now shares space with a lighthouse built in the 1800’s and unfortunately you’ll also have to use your imagination to reconstruct in your mind what his castle might have looked like.  Likely you’ll be distracted instead by the haunting beauty of its wind-ravaged coastal cliffs and hidden coastal inlets.

Prestwick: Situated on Scotland’s west coast, Prestwick drinks in the lavish views of the Isles of Arran as well as the rock-island of Ailsa Craig (the lone geologic erratic formation with its unique blue-speckled micro granite composition).  When speaking of golf, though, you won’t be disappointed with Prestwick’s seamless transition from tradition to modern standards, starting with the stone cairn which marked the first of the original 12-hole course.  Founded in 1851, it has retained its elegant charm with the addition of its full dining room and comfortable clubhouse. 

Whether you are an avid golfer, competitive hacker or links aficionado, you’ll leave Scotland forever changed by its historic beauty and rustic charm.  Take a little break from the greens and visit some of the nearby villages with their period homes of thatched roof and wattle and daub or the whimsical stone castles that still loom courageously in the distance, a romantic reminder of lost kingdoms, gallantry and adventure.

Scotland offers unique vacation getaways, why not combine your love of the greatest game with a land steeped in great history and charm.

David Bryce is a Branson native and freelance blogger. He writes several reviews of cabins in Branson, Missouri. When he’s not writing, David can be found perfecting his drive on the golf course.

The days of camping holidays without technology to keep your adolescent offspring content are long gone. In an age where the vast majority of us are heavily reliant on TVs, laptops and all different kinds of electronic gaming for entertainment, it was only a matter of time before going away for “a quiet break” in rural surroundings became very different to that of a decade or two ago and caravans and camping embraced technology driven entertainment too.

Whether it’s a caravan holiday in Scotland or camping in the New Forest, the rise in ‘Glamping’ (glamourous camping), with more camping and caravanning sites offering power supplies and even pre-erected tents, yurts and tepees with lighting, heating and power supplies to keep all those gadgets charged

Prepare for the Unpredictable

You may worry that by decking out your tent or caravan with all the latest mod cons you will defeat the objective of taking your family camping and cutting all ties with suburban-city life to spend quality time together. However, the weather in Scotland is unpredictable and it could take a sudden turn for the worst at any given time. All it takes is for the heavens to open and your outdoor activity plans will suddenly become very unappealing and for anyone having to share hours in a caravan or under canvass with a bored teenage you may be glad of the mod cods and modern technology to give you a Plan B.

Maintaining Tradition

Board games or playing cards are all well and good, but these can very quickly lose their appeal over a prolonged period of inclement weather. Times have changed and with the heavy reliance on technology being so popular, it’s hard to adapt to life without it, especially for teens, even if it’s just for a few days! If you’ve ever tried to prise a mobile from the hands of a teenager, I’m sure you will sympathise.

There is a time for mountain hikes, riding bikes and other outdoor family activities during the day, providing the weather is kind, but when it’s cold and windy or the evening has turned dark, you will all want to settle down for some family time indoors.

Traditionally, families used to all sit around and watch one television together sharing their viewing experience. Today, with televisions in bedrooms and cable or satellite television providing a great deal of choice for all the members of a family, many watch in isolation and share the experience with their peers, often through social media, rather than with their family members. Watching a television programme or DVD together as a family can bring you closer as you talk about the shared experience together, so just because you are camping do not dismiss a television or DVD as part of your time away during dark evenings and rainy days.

There is, of course, the argument that the whole point of a camping or caravanning holiday in Scotland is to get away from electronic entertainment, mobile phones and televisions. However, the fact is that for most families the children are used to having instant entertainment available at any time and convincing them to give it up even for a week can be a near impossible task. By planning on having some entertainment at least available, you stand a better chance of convinicing them to at least try to enjoy it!

The experience of camping should be a relaxing break; giving you access to clean, fresh, country air and quality family time together. Coming “home” to your caravan after a day outdoors, having a hot shower, warming up some soup and then settling down to watch the TV together in the dry and warm, rather than recalling a holiday of boredom and strained relationships, having been forced to stay inside with nothing to do but stare out of the windows and wait for the weather to clear makes a great deal of sense when caravanning or camping in Scotland.

Leisure Kings has a massive range of products for campign and caravaning available instantly online. From 12v Televisions to Barbeques, they have the right equipment for any weather!

Cairngorms National Park is located in northeast Scotland, officially established as a park in 2003.  At 1,467 square miles, it is Britain’s largest National Park and located within the heart of the Scottish Highlands.  The park has a large upland plateau, and is categorized as a “protected landscape” which allows for limited development within its borders.  The park is home to reindeer, ospreys, eagles, wildcats, red squirrels, and boasts an extensive array of activities that range from hiking, skiing to visiting traditional villages.

A visit to the Cairngorm Mountain Centre is an essential part of any trip, regardless of the season.  The winter months attract skiers and snowboarders with high-quality ski runs – seven green, six blue, and eight red – and an extensive snowboard park.  When the snow has melted, a number of guided walks are offered to explore the beautiful landscape around the Centre.  These range from the 4-5 hour Northern Corries walk to the less extensive 90-minute Walk to the Top.

Bicycling within the park is also a major attraction, with more than 64 kilometers of off road trails.  Amenities are currently being built within the park, with the Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trail Centre slated to open in the summer of 2013.   Some highly recommended routes include Speyside Way, Badenoch Way, and the Cateran Trail.

The Highland Wildlife Park within Cairngorms contains native Scottish wildlife along with endangered animals from all over the world, including musk oxen, tigers, and polar bears.  The park has won awards for its wolf enclosure, and the popular Keeper for a Day program allows visitors to learn from professionals and get up close and personal with the animals. 

Cairngorm Mountains

While the wild beauty of the park is stunning, there are also a number of amenities that add a level of comfort.  The Dalwhinnie Distillery (claim to fame – the highest distillery in the country) has been open since 1897.  The tour provides insight into whisky-making techniques used to this day to produce world-class spirits.

There are also a number of attractions that allow visitors to explore the human history of the Highland area.  At the Highland folk museum at Newtonmore, interactive exhibits provide a window into the traditional way of life of the Scots who lived in the area.  Aultlarie Farm is a reconstructed working farm that recreates life in the 1930s, allowing visitors to learn traditional crafts and wield old-fashioned tools.  A nearby townstead recreates the 1700s, providing a taste of life even farther back in Scottish history.

There are a number of attractions near the wildlife park.  A mere 10 minute drive brings one to the Ruthven barracks, the site of many historic conflicts.  The barracks were built in 1721 later captured by Jacobite forces, an example of Scotland’s dramatic and often turbulent history.  The nearby Balmoral Castle and Estate is still used as a royal residence today, and guided tours take visitors into selected rooms inside the estates.

Angie Picardo is a writer at NerdWallet, a blog dedicated to helping you save money while traveling with by understanding the benefits of an independent financial advisor