We Recommend

Highland Lodges – Scotland

From castles and sporting estates to activity breaks and party houses, Highland Lodges is the last word in quality accommodation and high-class adventure. Each of the properties that they offer have been personally vetted by their highly trained and professional staff and both the locations and types of breaks are tailored to suit the needs of their individual clientele.

So whether you are celebrating, organising a family holiday or looking for that special something, these guys will sort you out; and we  love working with them.

Link – Highland Lodges Scotland

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admin on July 7th 2011 in Accommodation Edit

Ski Europe Online

Europe has lots of great ski resorts: places to have fun and play, or to push your snowsport skills to the max. From the traditional slopes and pistes of the Alps and Pyrenees, to the emergent resorts in Bulgaria there is a huge range of facilities and grades  of skiing and snowboarding to be had.

Ski Europe online, run in Scotland by Sammi Nisbet will work with you to offer the best option for you and your party, and with their long experience in arranging snow sport vacations high quality and value for money is a guarantee. Their advice is impartial, and they are not bound to larger commercial businesses which means that your holiday will be tailored exactly to you needs, interests and expectations of what a fantastic ski holiday is all about. You will be in the safest hands out there.

Ski Europe Online – Link

For more information on their services and how to book your snowsport dream package.

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admin on May 18th 2011 in Uncategorized Edit

Scotch Whisky Experience

Near the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, and close to her historic castle is one of the city’s gems: a magical world of whisky, and a must see for any visitor. Originating from the Gaelic language, Uisge Beatha, and meaning ‘Water of Life’, Whisky is Scotland’s national drink; and the Scotch Whisky Experience is the national centre for discovering its story.

Join them on an adventure tour through history: learn about the heritage of whisky, how it is made and various forms and blends that adorn many the cabinet today. It is a fun experience as well as informative – take a barrel ride through a replica distillery and meet some of the ghosts of the old Whisky Barons. In all a wonderful way to explain the secrets of the most popular spirit on earth. There is also a fantastic tasting room and restaurant on site, serving some magical malts and high quality food. There are also options for functions and specialist whisky classes.

For anyone visiting Edinburgh, this attraction is a ‘must-see’. The centre is open every day except Christmas day, and tours are available in the summer from 10am to 5.30pm

Link -  www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

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admin on April 12th 2011 in Uncategorized Edit

Dalmore Single Malt Whisky

Over the last couple of weeks I been lucky enough to host a couple of whisky tastings in New York; and I have to say a big thank you to the guys at the Baddish Group for supplying a couple of bottles of Dalmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky. For the first session we sampled the great 15 Year Old – a rich, sherry casked glass of magic. Although everyone has different experiences and senses this double gold medal winning dram, explodes with citrus and spices; and has a long, sweet finish. Fantastic! The 18 year old, which was casked in a bourbon barrel for fourteen years, and then four years of sherry finishing and wonderfully married together, is a sharper whisky; with more of a coffee and spice finish. Personally, I prefer the 15, but both these two Scotches are great examples of good aged Highland malts – and if you’re in the mood for something new and exiting, hunt down a Dalmore.

http://www.thedalmore.com

http://www.thebaddishgroup.com

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admin on March 18th 2011 in Uncategorized Edit

Culdearn Country House

Culdearn House, once the country retreat of the Earls of Seafield, is a top quality small hotel nestling in the lively, but charming village of Grantown on Spey in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. A five star residence, with an AA Rosette and a mention in the Taste of Scotland guide, this family run establishment combines great dining with luxurious and comfortable rooms; including Kings, Twins and Singles.

The hotel is an ideal place to base yourself to explore the breathtaking countryside in Strathspey: whether you come for the walking, the music and heritage; the Malt Whisky Trail, fishing, or simply to relax amongst some of the most stunning scenery in Britain.  Rates are available for Bed and Breakfast, and for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.  In all a great place to stay.

Links – Culdearn House

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admin on February 27th 2011 in Uncategorized Edit

The Royal McGregor – Edinburgh

The Royal McGregor is a charming, family run bar/restaurant in Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, with a well deserved and excellent reputation amongst locals and tourists alike.

Situated close to St Giles Cathedral and other city landmarks The Royal McGregor is the ideal spot to relax with a meal, quiet drink, or coffee to recharge the batteries in the midst of all the sightseeing that the famous Old Town has to offer.  With a great range of beers, wines and spirits, including a frequently changing array of fine cask ales and malt whiskies you are spoilt for choice.

The reasonably priced meals epitomise the best in traditional Scottish food and all dishes are homemade using the finest ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The authentic taste of Scotland includes haggis, crofters chicken, Aberdeen Angus steak, local seafood and salmon dishes. The standard British classics of fish and chips and steak pie are also a welcome sight on the menu.

I have to say that this is one of my fave places to eat and enjoy a pint or glass or wine,  the craic is great and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and friendly.  There are nearly a thousand bars in Edinburgh, but this little gem on the Royal Mile is a must visit.

The Royal McGregor is open for breakfast from 10.00 am serving throughout the day until 10.00 pm, 7 days a week. Free WiFi also available.

154 High Street, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh

0131 225 7064

www.royalmcgregor.co.uk  /  info@royalmcgregor.co.uk

The Royal McGregor comes well recommended on Trip Advisor

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admin on February 13th 2011 in Uncategorized Edit

National Wallace Monument

High above the City of Stirling, on Abbey Craig is the imposing tower of the National Monument to Sir William Wallace. Built in the 1860s, and commanding spectacular views across the Forth Valley, to Stirling Castle, and west to the Highlands.

The monument towers above the scene of William Wallace’s most famous victory over the armies of the English King, Edward I in 1297. Here at Stirling Bridge a patchwork Scottish force, made up principally of infantry took on and annihilated the heavy horse and bowmen of the English. The rout gave the Scots a brief respite from Edward’s occupation, and Wallace was knighted for his success. He was also made Guardian of Scotland, which displeased certain sections of the nobility, who refused their support at the next battle in 1298. Eventually, Wallace was captured and taken to London where he was Hanged, Drawn and Quartered for treason against a foreign monarch.

Wallace became a martyr to the cause of Scottish Freedom, and fighting in his name the Scots finally in 1314 threw off the shackles of English domination. Led by Robert the Bruce, the victory at Bannockburn won our freedom – and with the blood of Wallace fresh in the minds a covenant was drawn up between king and people to ensure the freedom of all Scots, from tyranny home and abroad.

The monument has several floors with exhibitions that tell the story of Wallace, of our other great heroes and even the telling of how the tower was built. There is a small shop and cafe on the ground floor.

It can be accessed by way of the A9 from Stirling to Bridge of Allan and is well signposted. For more information please visit their site -

www.nationalwallacemonument.com

info@nationalwallacemonument.com   /   ++44 (0)1786 472140