Callander, Scotland

 Callander is a bustling tourist town situated on the River Teith, near Stirling, and is often described as the 'Gateway to the Highlands'. The pretty town of Callander lies South of the Highland Boundary Fault which is historically a meeting point between the Highlands and the Lowlands. The town is a popular holiday destination for tourists exploring the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park or stopping off en route to the Highlands. 

The beautiful town is packed with tearooms and souvenir shops, the ideal holiday destination for the whole family. There are also a number of walks in the area which are popular with tourists and locals alike. Some examples of these are the Bracklinn Falls and the River Keltie which have mesmerised people for generations, as well as the cycle tracks which follow the old Callander to Oban railway.

Orkney Islands & Balfour Castle, Scotland

"Scotland really is a spectacular country with so much history"

Susan Eisenhower

 So far, my blog posts have been about places I have visited personally, however today's post is taking a slightly different angle by exploring the beauty of the Orkney Islands. I am yet to experience this island but hope to this summer. 

One of the prime attractions of Orkney is the rich archaeological heritage. The beautiful beaches, greenery, cliffs and wildlife are equally important too. The Orkney Islands lie just north of Mainland Scotland and is made up of around 70 islands, 18 of which are inhabited by about 21,000 people.

For visitors coming to the Orkney Islands, there are a wealth of visitor attractions ranging from archaeological sites, local museums, the Highland Park Distillery and St Magnus Cathedral.  

Travelling to Orkney is easier than you'd think, from Central Scotland there are flights, ferries, and coaches available weekly. 

Commonwealth Games 2014, Glasgow

The 2014 Commonwealth Games were held in Glasgow, Scotland from 23rd July - 3rd August. It was the largest multi-sport event ever held in Scotland with around 4950 athletes from 71 different nations competing in 18 different sports!

Sports

Athletics 

Badminton

 Boxing

 Cycling

 Hockey 

Judo 

Netball 

Rugby 

Tennis 

Triathlon and more.

Brand Identity

The full games brand identity was developed by Glasgow design studio Tangent Graphic. The official logo was inspired by three factors: time, data, and measurement. The rings are proportioned to represent the 20th Commonwealth Games, across 17 sports, over 11 days in 1 city.

Impact of The Games on Glasgow

Being the host of the Commonwealth Games 2014 did not only bring people to Glasgow but also created jobs for the people of Scotland. Glasgow 2014 is believed to have cost more than £500m to stage and the finances needed to host future events was believed to be one of the issues. 

Was Glasgow Really A Big Success?

There has been speculation over the success of The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow which The Guardian have an article on here.

Edinburgh, Scotland

“This is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.” Alexander McCall Smith

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is the seventh most populous city in the United Kingdom. Not only is Edinburgh home to the world’s largest art festival every year, but it is packed with things to do to keep the family busy all year round!

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the worlds largest arts festival which takes place for three weeks in August of every year. It allows thousands of performers to take to the stage throughout various locations within Edinburgh to present shows to suit every taste. The artists range from well known big names, to unknown artists hoping to build their career. The festival includes comedy, theatre, comedy, circus, dance, cabaret, musicals, opera, children’s shows, exhibitions and events which ensures there is something to suit the whole family!

In 2014 there were 49,497 performances in 299 venues which made it the largest ever arts festival in the world. However, it was back in 1947 that the Fringe story began. Eight theatre groups showed up, unexpectedly, to the Edinburgh International Festival, an initiative created to celebrate European cultural life. Even although these groups weren’t invited to perform, they went ahead anyway and staged their shows on the ‘Fringe of the Festival’ anyway which gave the event it’s name.

Find out more at: https://www.edfringe.com/

Edinburgh Castle

Over one thousand years of history sit on top of the famous Edinburgh Castle which attracts over one million visitors per year. No visit to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle, and once you have ventured up to the highest parts of Edinburgh Castle’s structure, you will be overwhelmed by the spectacular views of Edinburgh afforded from this Scottish “Castle of Castles”.

Edinburgh Castle is every schoolboy’s dream of what a castle should look like and the Edinburgh Castle website endeavours to give the Edinburgh visitor an in-depth view of Edinburgh Castle and it’s history from early times right up until the present day.

Book your tickets today at http://www.edinburghcastle.biz/

The Dome

No visit to the capital is complete without dinner and cocktails in one of the most beautiful buildings Scotland has seen. Located at the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, The Dome opened its doors in 1996 and has become established as a first choice venue for weddings, conferences, seminars, dinner and cocktails.

Tigerlily

Looking for somewhere to stay during your visit? Choose Tigerlily – Edinburgh’s most talked-about boutique hotel, bar and restaurant. With it’s stylish interior, mirrored walls and chandeliers lies 33 bedrooms that feature originality within the Georgian building. Also home to a buzzing bar and restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The infamous cocktail menu with over 150 mouth-watering concoctions blends beautifully with the vibrant night-life on a Friday and Saturday.

The Open, St. Andrews

"This summer's sports event that's open for business"

So I decided to take a different approach with this blog post after a recent Business article caught my eye! The Open at St. Andrews is a Golf Championship held yearly and attracts golfers and tourists from all over the world. However, this is also a great opportunity for business, read on to find out why! 

The Open helps cement business relationships like no other major sports event. For a start, time is on your side, with the sporting event and relaxed hospitality present throughout the day. This summer from 12 - 19 July, The Open is back in St. Andrews and sales of tickets and increasingly-accessible packages are at record levels with a number of options already sold out.

Next month, the grandstand contractors start their work transforming the golf course into an arena in which the worlds greatest golfers will compete. Three-time Champion Golfer of the Year Jack Nicklaus triumphed twice in the 'Auld Grey Toun' in 1970 and 1978. With a famous quote of his to be, "you need to be the champion at St. Andrews if you are a player that will be remembered." 

Jack Nicklaus

Newcomers to The Open will encounter a bandwagon of would-be corporate hospitality hosts but The Open Hospitality Programme is the only ticket and hospitality provider approved by The R&A. No other company can offer facilities within the historic boundaries of The Old Course or guarantee tickets.

The Open Hospitality Programme offers a wide range of corporate hospitality options from on-course private chalets through fine dining course perimeter hotel suites and bistro style catering in the popular Champions Club. Located next to the 16th fairway on the Old Course, The Champions Club is making it's first appearance in St. Andrews. It combines admission ticket, Spectator Village location, exclusive entertainment and all-day hospitality. Dining is informal so patrons are free to come and go as they please to relax and refuel throughout the day. 

Unique to St. Andrews is a range of hospitality options hotels that sit on the fairway edge, The Old Course Hotel as previously mentioned, and the MacDonald Rusacks Hotel next to the 18th hole. Hospitality packages range from £345pp in The Champions Club to £899pp in the Rocca Restaurant next to the 18th hole. 

Full details on hospitality options at the 144th Open can be found at TheOpen.com/Hospitality or call +44 (0) 844 381 0565

Loch Lomond & The Cameron House Hotel

Loch Lomond is a freshwater Scottish loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault. It is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area and contains many islands such as Inchmurrin, the largest freshwater island in the British Isles. There are so many activities to take part in at Loch Lomond, but my favourite is climbing Ben Lomond. 

Ben Lomond is a distinctive mountain situated on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The mountain is 974 metres (3,196 ft) and on a clear day it is visible from the higher grounds of Glasgow. Nearer the bottom of the mountain there are paths made by walkers in order to ease the initial walk up the mountain, then thereafter it can get difficult climbing but definitely worth the challenge! 

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The Cameron House Hotel

There really is no where better to stay in Loch Lomond than the Cameron House Hotel. Whether it be fine dining, loch cruises, championship standard golf, spa breaks or simply chilling out, Cameron House is the place for you. The hotel is known for its legendary hospitality, location and beautiful grounds. You certainly won't be disappointed!

The room tariffs per room per night are as followings all on a Bed & Breakfast basis:

Chambre Unique - £309

Classic Garden View Room - £279

Loch View Chambre Unique - £339

Junior Suite King Bed - £354

Contemporary Feature Room - £404

Luxury Loch View Whisky Suite - £669

Full hotel information can be found at http://www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/cameron-house/

Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland

Back in 1924 when the Gleneagles Hotel opened, it was described as 'a Riviera in the Highlands' and 'the eighth wonder of the world' and to this very day, this luxury hotel remains dedicated to excellence. The hotel was built by the Caledonian Railway Company, which is also just minutes away.  The hotel's golf course and luxurious surroundings meant that golf and grouse shooting had become a fixed part of high society's calendar.

Between 1982 and 1986, £11million was spent on renovating the hotel and every year since then the hotel has been awarded five red stars by the AA. In 2014, the hotel was redeveloped in preparation for hosting the 40th Ryder Cup Matches played on the Centenary Course.

Suites

There are 232 rooms in the hotel, as well as 26 luxury suites. Each room has it's very own individual design and layout, with all amenities of a five star resort. Guests have the option of a traditional or modern room. 

Room Tariffs per room per night are as follows (inc. breakfast):

Classic - £355

Large Sovereign - £405

Estate - £455

Estate Suite - £745

Whisky Suite - £900

Spirit Suite Tier 2 - £1,075

Spirit Suite Tier 1 -  £1,350

Blue Tower Suite - £1,815

Royal Lochnagar - £1,815

Dining

There are four restaurants within the hotel, set with the highest culinary standards, including Scotland's only two Michelin stars in Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles. There are also a fine selection of of elegant bars to choose from.

Activities

Guests staying at Gleneagles make the most of it's beautiful 850 acres. The three championship golf courses are among the very best in the world: 

The King's

The Queen's

The PGA Centenary

Other outdoor leisure pursuits include shooting, fishing, falconry, off-road driving, horse riding and swimming in The Club's two indoor pools.

Spa

The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA, is a sparkling experience of treatments and healing waters, as well as ESPA Life, an innovative residential programme encompassing complementary and alternative medicine practices, lifestyle treatments and personal training.

Pitlochry & The Fonab Castle Hotel, Scotland

Pitlochry is a busy mountain resort set in spectacular scenery, ideally located for touring Highland Perth. Within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, it is a popular holiday destination for the whole family. Pitlochry has been busy since the railways arrived in 1863, however these days tourists arrive to take in the most of the towns woolen mills and visit the famous Festival Theatre. The theatre have a range of plays on throughout the year to suit the whole family. Here are an example of just some coming to 2015:

'The Frank and Ella Show' - March

'The Wind in the Willows' - April

'A Little Night Music' - May

'Lady In The Van' - June

'Home & Beauty' - July

'Being Earnest' - August

'Pyrenees' - September

'Our Man In Havana' - October

'White Christmas' - November & December

"When staying in Pitlochry during the early part of the war, I chanced to see a stately house with a fairly large garden, quite close to the town. I at once realised that here my dream theatre might well be established in this fashionable resort right in the heart of Scotland"… John Stewart, Founder of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

 

Pitlochry's name comes from the Gaelic 'Pit Cloich Aire' which means 'place of the Sentinel Stone'. Visitors of any age will be intrigued by the Pictish carvings on the huge Dunfallandy stone, as well as partaking in mountain walks, white water rafting, the famous salmon ladder, or even a tour at one of the two local distilleries Edradour and Blair Athol, for adults only of course! 

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The Fonab Castle Hotel

When you do decide to visit the beautiful town of Pitlochry, you are going to need somewhere to stay! Why not live in luxury at the 5 star Fonab Castle Hotel.

The hotel newly opened in 2013 and has already established itself as one of the most magnificent and mind-blowing places to stay, definitely the premier hotel in Pitlochry. The castle is unique, luxurious and it is little wonder that guests have described their stay at the Castle as "faultless" and "a fairytale experience".

The range of rooms available at the hotel come at a variation of prices. You are best to book your stay as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the best price, and also to avoid disappointment. Room tariffs per room per night are as follows: 

Castle Room - £250 

Woodland Room - £250 

Castle Signature Room - £290

Woodland Suite - £290

Castle Penthouse - £470

More information on the hotel can be found at: http://fonabcastlehotel.com/

Stobo Castle Health Spa

There’s something incredibly magical about a Scottish Castle. Perched on a hill amongst green grounds, shaded by trees and set around a picturesque loch; Stobo Castle effortlessly sets the scene for an extraordinary experience.

The luxurious interiors are carefully designed to  encourage guests to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of relaxation. Unobtrusive and calm, the staff are elegantly trained to make your stay as memorable as possible. Just as importantly though, there’s endless opportunity for comfortable alone-time should you time out.

At Stobo, the very high standards of operations allows guests to feel that their visit is both memorable and effortlessly revitalising. Both day visitors and residents enjoy the very best of spa technology, nestled deep in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Stobo Castle is located at Stobo in the Scottish Borders in the county of Peeblesshire. The House is protected as a category A listed building while the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland; the national listing of significant parks and gardens. The building of the castle began in 1805 and was completed in 1811.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and when it comes to meal-times, guests can enjoy a well-balanced menu of fresh, wholesome meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in all residential packages and vegetarian options are available.

SPA BREAK OPTIONS AND TARIFFS

• Pure Spa Break – Includes two nights’ accommodation, one Express Facial (25 mins) and a choice of: one Full Body Massage (55 mins) or one Jessica Prescriptive Manicure Deluxe (55 mins) or one Luxury Mud Wrap (55 mins).From £320pp
• Revitalising Break – No treatments included, you can choose from the wide range of individual treatments. From £125pp per night
• Afternoon Tea – Includes a selection of sandwiches, crackers with toppings, handmade cakes and scones, strawberries and cream. £19.95pp.
• Morning Chill Out – Includes unlimited use of the spa facilities, access to the Japanese Water Gardens and a delicious, healthy buffet lunch. £45.00pp.
• Sparkle & Shine – Includes leisurely buffet lunch with 1/4 bottle of champagne, Jessica Prescriptive Manicure (40 mins) including polish to take home. Use of the spa facilities is not included. £45.00pp.
• Stobo Spa Day – Includes a choice of two of the following treatments Back Massage (25 mins), Facial Massage (25 mins), Paraffin Wax (25 mins) or Body Exfoliation (25 mins), unlimited use of spa facilities, a three course lunch with coffee. £115.00pp.
• Ultimate Spa Day – Includes Stobo Exclusive Hot Stone Massage (55 mins), Darphin Viltality Awakening Facial (55 mins), Deluxe Manicure or Deluxe Pedicure (55 mins), unlimited use of spa facilities, three course lunch with Prosecco and a Molton Brown mini gift set. £225.00pp.

There’s something incredibly magical about a Scottish Castle. Perched on a hill amongst green grounds, shaded by trees and set around a picturesque loch; Stobo Castle effortlessly sets the scene for an extraordinary experience.

The luxurious interiors are carefully designed to  encourage guests to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of relaxation. Unobtrusive and calm, the staff are elegantly trained to make your stay as memorable as possible. Just as importantly though, there’s endless opportunity for comfortable alone-time should you time out.

At Stobo, the very high standards of operations allows guests to feel that their visit is both memorable and effortlessly revitalising. Both day visitors and residents enjoy the very best of spa technology, nestled deep in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Stobo Castle is located at Stobo in the Scottish Borders in the county of Peeblesshire. The House is protected as a category A listed building while the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland; the national listing of significant parks and gardens. The building of the castle began in 1805 and was completed in 1811.

Aviemore, Scotland

With a thriving local population and welcoming atmosphere, Aviemore is a well known and popular holiday destination packed full of things to do for the whole family, alongside breath-taking scenery. Aviemore is a destination which caters to it’s visitors all year round with snow sports being the most popular winter activity. Other popular activities include: walking, climbing and biking.

Aviemore is the outdoor area of the Cairngorms National Park which is a great base for families along with many award winning attractions in the village and surrounding areas.

With regards to accommodation in Aviemore, well, it doesn’t really get any better than this:

The Aviemore Highland Resort Hotel

The MacDonald Highlands Hotel is situated at the very heart of the Cairngorms National Par, set amidst ancient Caledonian pine forests  You’ll find the perfect room for your stay in the luxurious Scottish Highlands Hotel at Aviemore.

Prices for the hotel per room per night:

• Highland Classic Double: £169
• Highland Classic Twin: £169
• Highlands Family 4: £179
• Highland Executive Double: £217
• Craigellachie Suite: £265

There is also a really good selection of self-catering properties including chalets, lodges and log cabins to choose from. Book a property with a hot tub and enjoy the fresh air and views from a different perspective! Or why not take your caravan along or camp at one of the 4 campsites in and around the village.

You can learn to ski, climb or walk here to name just a few activities and at the same time some of the countries most talented sports people choose Aviemore as their base for the excellent outdoor playground we have. The Badenoch and Strathspey area, which includes Aviemore, has produced more Olympic athletes per head of population than anywhere else in Britain. Aviemore also has its very own gold postbox in recognition of David Smith’s Gold Medal in the Mixed Coxed Fours Rowing at the London 2012 Olympics. Aviemore is brilliantly placed to escape into the Cairngorm Mountains with views to blow you away.

Loch Ness

Loch Ness, close to the Highland city of Inverness, is one of the most popular UK holiday destinations. Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous loch and one of the world’s most famous lakes. Over 300 million years ago a collision of tectonic plates forced the land to bend and buckle, forming high mountains and deep gorges. In Scotland the collision is marked by the Great Glen which cuts across Scotland from Fort William on the southwest coast to Inverness on the northeast coast. The depths of these gorges were gradually filled with water and a string of lochs were formed; Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and Loch Ness.

The lake is about 24 miles long, up to half a mile wide and 980 feet deep containing roughly 265,000 million cubic feet of water; it is fed by eight rivers, sixty sizeable streams and countless smaller streams. These rivers and streams, w make visibility in the loch practically nil. However, the Loch is free of pollution and teeming with life; sea trout, brown trout, salmon, arctic char, eels and pike can all be found in its murky depths. There have even been reported sightings of sturgeon and dolphins. However, the loch is famed for a larger creature which is said to live here, known as the Loch Ness Monster or “Nessie”. The very first ‘sighting’ of Nessie was in 565AD.  St Columba, stopped off by the loch side to preach to some local people. While Columba was preaching there was a disturbance in the waters and the monster appeared. It was said that monster attacked a member of the congregation, at which point the saint made the sign of the cross and invoked the power of God to drive the beast away.

The central location of Loch Ness makes it the perfect destination for holidays in the Scottish Highlands. . Inverness too is enviously served with first class air, road and rail links from the rest of Scotland, the UK and the continent making it an ideal destination for corporate functions and business conferences too!

Where to Stay in Loch Ness

The Lovat Hotel, Fort Augustus

The Lovat *** is a landmark Victorian Loch Ness hotel overlooking the loch side village of Fort Augustus, in the centre of the Scottish Highlands. This exceptional hotel is surrounded by stunning scenery as it sits at the southern tip of the mysterious deep waters of Loch Ness.

The 28 bedrooms are all designed to a high quality with interior design carefully chosen to offer comfort and luxury. The Lovat is an eco-conscious hotel awarded the GTBS Gold Award with a character & class of its own. Its grace & charm is complimented by natural décor, modernism & a genuine, warm hospitality offered by a devoted & passionate team.

This independent hotel offers a high class of comfort in traditional Victorian surroundings, however, solitude can be found with stunning panoramic views across Loch Ness, the five lock canal staircase of the Caledonian Canal & the surrounding mountains.

Room Rates are as follows:

• External Studio Double Room   –   £61
• External Studio Twin Room       –   £61
• Deluxe Double                           –   £86
• Deluxe Twin                               –   £86
• Super Deluxe Double                –   £109
• Master Double                          –   £122
• Grand Master Double               –   £157

Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews

“Luxury along the Scottish coastline”

Bordering the renowned 17th Road Hole of the Old Course, the Old Course Hotel overlooks the famous links courses, the West Sands Beach and the beautiful Scottish coastline. This prestigious AA Five Star-awarded hotel has 144 rooms including 35 suites and is recognised as one of Europe’s leading resorts. The Old Course Hotel features a combination of classically elegant and contemporary interiors, and French designer Jacques Garcia designed many of the hotel’s suites. Located just a short stroll from the historic university town of St Andrews, it’s a great vacation spot for golfers and non-golfers alike.

St Andrews is a former royal burgh on the east coast Scotland, and was named after Saint Andrew the Apostle. The town is home to the University of St. Andrews which is the third oldest university in the English-speaking world and the oldest in Scotland. St Andrews has a population of 16,680, making this the fifth largest settlement in Fife. St Andrews is also known worldwide as the “the home of golf”. This is partly because the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, exercises legislative authority over the game worldwide, and also because the famous links is the most frequent venue for The Open Championship Visitors travel to St Andrews in great numbers for several courses ranked amongst the finest in the world, as well as for the sandy beaches.

The Room Tariffs of the hotel range from £305 per room per night, right up to £1410 per room per night. These prices include Bed and Breakfast; and you really make the most of your money! Full prices are as follows:

Eden Parkland                –        £305

Old Course Room           –        £355

Eden Parkland Suite        –        £355

Old Course Suite              –        £780

Fairway Suite                   –        £780

Deluxe Suite                     –        £1360

Royal Ancient Suite          –        £1410