Absolute Escapes Ltd - Tailor-made Holidays
Absolute Escapes Ltd - Tailor-made travel and self-guided walking holidays in Scotland.
Absolute Escapes are specialists in the Scottish travel industry. They design self-guided walking holidays, self-drive itineraries, personal guided tours and group trips around Scotland and its Islands. The Company was founded with the belief that they could offer imaginative and unique travel experiences to Scotland. Their innovative approach to arranging holidays and corporate trips allows them to offer you the opportunity to share some of this country’s spectacular scenery, unspoilt environment and many unique attractions.
They believe that travel should be exciting, intriguing, rejuvenating and memorable. That’s why the company is staffed by the most knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic experts available. All itineraries are customised to your exact requirements based on their experience and knowledge of Scotland.
Choose from the many touring itineraries, experiences and accommodation options that they have to offer - then contact one of the specialist consultants who’ll turn your ideas into your perfect tailor made trip.
Enjoy browsing their website and find inspiration and ideas to help you plan your trip to Scotland.
Absolute Escapes believes that it is the amazing experiences that they offer in this beautiful country that will inspire you to travel with them.
Absolute Escapes Ltd
Tel / Fax: +44 (0) 131 447 2570
info@absoluteescapes.com
www.absoluteescapes.com
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments then please use the following contact form.
Postal Address:
XEC Internet Consultants
11 Trout Road
Haslemere
Surrey
GU27 1RD
Tel: 0845 2246147
Scottish Tour Companies
We have produced this guide to Scottish Tour Companies. If you know of any others or have any experience of the companies we have listed here then please do contact us.
Absolute Escapes Ltd - Tailor-made travel and self-guided walking holidays in Scotland
McKinlay Kidd - Scottish Self Drive Holidays
McKinlay Kidd - Scottish Self Drive Holidays
Scottish specialists McKinlay Kidd (www.SeeScotlanddifferently.co.uk) may be experts at planning self-drive holidays but they also know a thing or two about where to go if you really want to leave the car behind.
Surprisingly, many of the stunning islands off the West Coast of Scotland can be enjoyed without having to drive, leaving visitors free to take full advantage of the breathtaking scenery. McKinlay Kidd’s ‘Treasured Islands’ is an inspired pairing of historical Iona and tiny Colonsay, a true escapists paradise reached by carefully planned train, ferry and local bus. (Treasured Islands: from £349 per person for 5 nights).
No car is needed to appreciate the best that beautiful Mull has to offer, including a full day’s wildlife tour and a full day whale watch expedition. Staying in Tobermory, guests can also enjoy the ‘craic’ at the local bars which are all within stumbling distance! (Mull Wildlife Experience: from £369 per person for 4 nights).
Holidaymakers flying into Glasgow can fly straight back out again to ‘Land on the Sand’ in Barra without a car hire desk in sight. The wide sweeping sands at Cockle Strand provide a unique landing strip which will appeal to even the most jaded of travellers. (Land on the sand in Barra: from £249 per person for 2 nights).
Leaving the car behind means that guests can experience the ‘Best Railway journey in the World’ (as voted by readers of Wanderlust Magazine) and enjoy the glorious scenery along the West Highland Line. Part of the journey is on the famous Jacobite steam train which meanders from Fort William to Mallaig inspiring that ‘Harry Potter’ feeling at every turn. (West Highland Line to Skye: from £395 per person for 3 nights).
Grappling with coordinating train and ferry timetables is not easy, however McKinlay Kidd have years of experience and organise holidays so that independent travelers can enjoy the best that Scotland has to offer without the hassle.
For more information call 0844 804 0020 or visit www.SeeScotlanddifferently.co.uk
Glasgow Jobs
Jobs in Glasgow
Located on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, and is also a main focus for Scotland’s economy and job market. There are jobs available across all sectors in the city, and some of Britain’s biggest organisations have major offices or headquarters here.
Working in Glasgow
Glasgow City Council has a vision to ‘create a prosperous city for all Glaswegians’, so it’s no surprise that they are one of Scotland’s largest employers. They offer vacancies at many different levels, across all sectors of their operations.
Customer Service and Call Centre operations are also thriving industries in Glasgow. The quality of service and innovation in this sector was even recognized by U.S Ambassador, Robert Tuttle on a visit to the city in 2007. Call centre jobs account for some 20,000 employees, with new positions available via recruitment agencies, leading call centre operations like ‘Response’, and a wide range of employers such as telecoms companies, insurance and banking providers, and organizations like Strathclyde Police.
There are also many tourist attractions, hotels, distilleries, and a thriving naval base in the area, providing an interesting range of options for any job hunter.
Job Hunting in Glasgow
There are several different places to start when searching for jobs in Glasgow. The Job Centre and other national recruitment agencies will have branches in the city, and there will be other local/Scottish agencies with jobs to fill. Local newspaper groups often collaborate on job sites, bringing together all their vacancies under one roof.
Glasgow also plays host to regular job and education fairs, and open days for specialist careers, such as those in the NHS. There is also a jobs and recruitment exhibition specifically to encourage diversity among Glasgow’s workforce.
Glasgow Transport Links
A busy working life in Glasgow often means reliance on good transport links, and this is one city ready and willing to provide this. Glasgow Airport, run by BAA, offers regular flights to most airports in the U.K, and is also a gateway to popular European and long haul destinations. There are bus services running from the airport to the nearby train station, and from here you can easily reach the city centre. Glasgow Prestwick, the smaller of the cities two airports, flies to 35 U.K and European destinations. One of the benefits of flying from this airport is substantial discounts on rail travel within Scotland.
The city centre itself has ample car parking facilities, and two train stations. Central Station which has connections with the rest of the U.K and South-West Scotland, and Queen Station, which connects with Northern Scotland, the scenic West Highland Line, and Ferries to Northern Ireland.
Life in Scotland
Investment in many areas of Glasgow, its services and infrastructure, has transformed Glasgow into a vibrant city with lots going on to suit all ages.
Glasgow was given the European City Of Culture accolade back in 1990, and its many art galleries, museums, and theatres, continue to be popular with visitors and locals alike. There is also the S.E.C.C. Arena which may well have played host to famous Glaswegians such as Texas, Simple Minds, and Primal Scream.
Other attractions in the area include Bothwell Castle, the largest castle in Scotland, over 70 parks and open spaces, and not forgetting that the city is also the second largest shopping area in the U.K! With the Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow in 2014, Glasgow looks like the place to be in the future as well.
Scotland’s largest city is thriving, and it wants to take you along for the ride, so why not research a job in the city today, and open the window of opportunity on all that Glasgow has to offer.
Glasgow Region
South Ayrshire
Stirling Region
Fife
Perth & Kinross
Argyll & Bute
Edinburgh Region
Dundee Region
Aberdeenshire
City of Aberdeen
St Andrews
St Andrews is a small but picturesque town located on the East Neuk of Fife in Scotland. It is most famous for their golf as well as having the oldest established university in Scotland. There are three major streets in which most everything is located on. They are North Street, Market Street and South Street and are linked by other minor roads. North Street hosts the cinema as well as golf shops and restaurants. Market Street is your main shopping centre with some of the best pubs and restaurants in the area. South Street has even more restaurants, pubs and more shopping. At the end of the roads you will find St Andrews Cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Scotland.
St Andrews is where the famous Old Course is located, which is close to the town centre with another five golf courses nearby. Old Course is not a public course so you won’t be able to play, but they offer some great views of St Andrews in general. The old club house is next to the 18th green as is the Old Course Hotel. You can enter the Royal and Ancient club house free of charge and is considered a treat to dine there. The University is a major attraction in itself. With fine old buildings on North Street you can view you can then walk north towards the east part of St Andrews castle which has a beautiful interior. Following a smaller road called The Scores you can head to the coast where you can take a dip in the North Sea.
A short drive away you can enter the foothills of the Grampians where you can do some hill walking or skiing before heading back to town. There is plenty of shopping to do for woollen wear or souvenirs before heading out for more golf or pub hopping. Some of the best are The Cellar Bar, The Whey Pat Tavern and Ogstons.
Stirling
Known as the smallest city in Scotland, Stirling offers a lot for visitors to see and do with its modern touches. The old town, which is the heart of this ancient city, is what gives Stirling its distinctive appearance. Here is where you can find Stirling Castle which sits on an 80m high volcanic plug. Other castles in Stirling include Doune Castle as well as Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen, both of which have excellent walking areas. Taking the old town trail, you start at the Castle Esplanade car park and follow it into the old town streets past the Smith Art Gallery and Museum before heading to the beautiful parks of Stirling. There is the Doune Ponds, Gartmorn Dam Country Park and Nature Reserve, Plean Country Park, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Airthrey Gardens located at the University of Stirling.
Also located at the University of Stirling you can find the MacRobert, a theatre that has been refurbished and is one of the highlights of Stirling. Other theatres include The Albert Halls, The Cowane Theatre, and the Tolbooth. Another popular attraction in Stirling is the Ghostwalk with Jock Rankine’s Spirit Guide. Meeting at the Stirling Old Town Jail you take a walk through the ancient graveyard of Stirling and other areas of the city. There is also the Doon Hill Fair Walk through the woodlands. Also on the skyline is the National Wallace Monument where you can find out more about the city’s history and local heroes Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
For more attractions you can head to the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Ailie’s Garden with a willow tunnel and outdoor activities as well as The Changing Room Gallery. Churches in Stirling are a great sight to see such as Holy Trinity Scottish Episcopal Church built in 1875, and The Church of the Holy Rude with its original oak roof beams from the 15th century. Other beautiful churches include The Parish Churge Bridge of Allan and St. Mark’s Parish Church of Scotland.
Pitlochry
Located between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Pitlochry offers tourists so much adventure and exploration. With plenty of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, golfing and fishing there are many must see things to do. From the trip to Fish Ladder, the medieval village of Moulin to the nearby distilleries, Pitlochry offers it all. The Edradour Distillery in particular is one of the best for views and whiskey as is The Blair Atholl Distillery. For entertainment, the Pitlochry Festival Theatre offers a different play every night from May through October as well as other entertainment.
One of the most popular attractions in Pitlochry is Blair Castle located a mile away from the village of Blair Atholl. This impressive sight has 32 rooms for public viewing and is packed full of history, art, furniture and surrounding gardens. Back in town you can take a circular walk from Main Street to the dam on Loch Faskally where you can see the salmon ladder on the banks of the River Tummel. You will travel through the ancient hamlet of Port na Craig and over a footbridge back into Pitlochry. There are over 8 marked trails along the sides of lochs, rivers and through the woods so you can see the entire town by foot.
Other attractions in Pitlochry include the Atholl Curling Rink, Matchless Leisure, North Perthshire Family History Group – a research centre in Moulin Kirk, Pitlochry Golf Course, Rannoch Moor Golf Course, Black Spout Wood hiking trail, Pitlochry Heritage Centre as well as Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s best loved mountains. Shopping is also popular and well catered for in Pitlochry. Main Street has a variety of small shops with local products, but Pitlochry also offers The House of Bruar, one of Scotland’s most prestigious country stores.
Perth
Once the capital of Scotland, Perth still offers some of the best views and attractions in Scotland. Situated on the River Tay, Perth has some of the best scenery and interesting sights, many of which are free to the public. The most popular attraction is the Scone Palace on the outskirts of town. It is one of the most historically important places in the country and was once home to the Stone of Destiny and where every Scottish King was crowned. Though not as large as Scone Palace, the Huntingtower Castle is well worth a visit as well. With two towers from the 15th and 16th centuries it is still a sight to behold.
There are many colourful parks in this Highland region such as Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park where you can take a trip to the top of the hill which oversees Perth before walking through the Tay Estuary and Fife to the Lomond Hills. The Fife tourist route is quite an attraction in itself where you can drive through the fishing villages along the coast while taking a walk through the beautiful Pass of Killiecrankie. Nearby you can stop at Blair Castle which is the headquarters to the only private army still standing in the UK.
Back in town you can stop at the Black Watch Museum located in Balhousie Castle before heading out for a round of golf at one of the 36 golf courses in the area. The Old Course is one of the best but if you can’t get a tee time you can head to St. Andrew’s Duke Course or Kingsbarns Links. The town of Perth is very accessible and offers many historical buildings, excellent shopping and many leisure facilities. Other must see attractions include the Branklyn Garden, the Perth Art Gallery and Museum, Kirk of St. John the Baptist, Perth Theatre, and Abernathy Village which is nearby to Perth.
Inverness
Situated on the coast of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is full of history and legend. This starts of course with the famed Loch Ness which is 23 miles long and the place where you can find Ness Islands as well as Inverness and Cawdor castles located on the Caledonian Canal. Inverness Castle houses the Sheriff’s Court which you can view before heading around the rear of the castle to get to the statue of Flora MacDonald. The Ness Islands are a nature lover’s paradise where you can view the River Ness, walk along a Victorian footbridge and walk along the banks.
Nearby to the Ness Islands, is Saint Andrew’s Cathedral. Also in that area is the Eden Court Theatre which incorporates part of the old Bishop’s Palace and houses many of the theatre productions and cinemas. Back in the city centre there are many old houses that you can tour such as the Steeple on the corner of Bridge and Church Street. Opposite that is the Town House which is used for government offices. Cromwell’s Clock Tower on Shore Street is part of the old citadel built in 1652. Back at Bridge Street you can find the Museum and Art Gallery of Inverness located nearby to the castle.
There is plenty of shopping in Inverness such as the Eastgate Shopping Centre located near Falcon Square which much of the entertainment can be found. On Academy Street you will find Victorian Market which has many impressive shops and restaurants signifying the old Inverness. On Church Street you will find the Riverdale Centre for more interesting organic shops and cafes.
Sporting and outdoor activities are also huge in Inverness with three golf courses; Inverness Golf Club, Loch Ness Golf Course, and Torvean Golf Club. There is the Inverness Leisure Centre as well as many footpaths and guided walks. Bught Park is nearby as well as holds many of the city’s festivals and games. Finally, a trip to the Inverness Floral Hall and Gardens as well as the Culloden Battlefield grounds will round out a great holiday.
Oban
Oban is often called the “Gateway to the Isles” with regular ferries to nearby islands of Kerrera, Iona, Coll, Tiree, and Colonsay. The town itself was build as a fishing station and offers many marine activities such as a visit to McCaig’s Tower, also known as McCaig’s Folly, which overlooks the town and water. It can be found behind the town on the Battery Mount before heading back down to the esplanade where the ferries can be found. On the Oban Harbour you can find much of the freshly cooked seafood as well as outdoor activities such as fishing.
Oban is also home to the War and Peace Museum, as well as the Rare Breeds Park, mini zoo, and Sea Life Centre as well as entertainment such as the cinema, theatre, amusement arcade and more. A short walk from the centre of town you will find the Leisure centre as well as a bowling alley. Back in the centre of town you can tour the Oban distillery which has a visitors centre open to the public where you can find the history of Oban.
Outside activities abound as well with the Oban golf course, walking paths, guided tours, and even more fishing. Cyclists can hire a bike and travel the small roads around Oban as well or they can stay in town and enjoy the many restaurants and pubs with traditional Scottish music and entertainment.
Glasgow
Glasgow has a plethora of exciting attractions and experiences. Whether you long for modern art, dinosaurs, historical museums and sites or some of the greatest collections in Scotland, Glasgow has it all. By jumping on a topped tourist bus you can see the city many times over before deciding which attraction to go into first. Many stop first at the Pollock Country Park where the famed Burrell Collection is located. This collection of art is one of the best in Scotland, as is the collection at the Centre for Contemporary Arts. Also, the Gallery of Modern Art is recommended as much for what is inside as the neoclassical building it is located in.
One of Glasgow’s must see attractions is the Glasgow Science Centre containing hundreds of interactive exhibits, a full planetarium and the Glasgow Tower. Nearby you will find the Museum of Transport, the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, and the St. Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. The Lighthouse is a popular stop as well with six floors of architecture and Design showcased in several exhibitions.
Heading over to the harbour you will find The Tall Ship where you can voyage back in time before entering the modern day shops and restaurants nearby. Nearby on Buchanan Street, one of the most popular streets in Glasgow you can find The Willow Tea Rooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. For even more history a stop at the Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis is mandatory. As the only medieval cathedral in Glasgow to survive the 1560 Reformation it is a highlight of your trip, as is a trip to Provand’s Lordship where you can find the only house to survive. It gives you a real sense of Glasgow as it once was. With plenty of museums, galleries, parks and more to visit, a holiday to Glasgow is not only educational but exciting as well.
Fort William
Fort William, a major tourist centre in Scotland is an exceptional outdoor recreation area that offers so much to see and do. From hill walking to climbing the Munro Mountains, it is well known for its nearby Downhill Mountain Bike Track which attracts thousands per year. Considered by some to be the outdoor capital of the UK, the beauty of the countryside is what draws so many visitors in each year.
The history of Fort William can be found at the West Highland Museum located near the centre of town. This is also where you can find the Fort William Leisure centre that offers a full day of activities for all the members of the family. Travelling a bit outside of the town you can find the Road to the Isles where the Jacobite Steam Train can be found. It leaves from Fort William every morning on an 84 mile round trip train ride that takes you through the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, and passes by the deepest freshwater loch, Loch Morar en route to Loch Nevis. This all day adventure is one of the greatest parts of visiting Fort William. There are also all day cruises to Seal Island, passenger ferry access to Loch Linnhe to Trislaig, as well as the town centre shopping that can all be found in this area.
Within 10 minutes from Fort William you will find Ben Nevis and Nevis Range which are renowned as mountainous areas with great beauty to explore. Glen Nevis itself has some of the most wonderful landscapes complete with waterfalls and unspoilt valleys. Ben Nevis also offers the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour of the highland whiskey. Back in town you can visit Treasures of the Earth which is one of Europe’s finest collections of priceless gemstones and crystals. Finally, located nearby is the Caledonian Canal which is an ancient water thoroughfare, one of the highlights of visiting Fort William.
Dundee
As the fourth largest city in Scotland, Dundee is a vibrant destination which has earned it the name of “City of Discovery.” Home to a wealth of activities, Dundee is considered the best kept secret on Scotland’s East Coast. It is one of the premiere areas of art and theatre in Scotland with a large Cultural Quarter that hosts the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre, McManus Galleries, Whitehall Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre, and Sensation Science Centre. This is where some of the festivals such as the annual summer festival of street entertainment are held, as well as the Guitar and Mountain Film Festival. In September Dundee holds the Food & Flower festival which is the largest in Scotland.
The Broughty Castle and Museum is a top spot to visit. This 15th century coastal fort has an armoury, an observation post and a view of local history and wildlife. Nearby you will find Discovery Point, an award winning attraction with its spectacular exhibits including the RRS Discovery, one of the main attractions in Dundee. Maritime enthusiasts visiting Dundee can also head to Victoria Dock where they’ll see the oldest British-built wooden frigate still on the water, the Frigate Unicorn. Dudhope Castle also offers a lot to see with its long history as both a woollen factory and the barracks for soldiers from 1796 to 1879. Other attractions nearby include:
- Old Steeple of St. Mary’s Church - The oldest building in Dundee
- Wishart Arc in Cowgate - A relic of Dundee’s past
- Clatto Country Park - Rich in fishing and water sports
If you are a nature or animal lover then Dundee is perfect for a holiday. There are plenty of zoos, aquariums and nature reserves such as the Camperdown Wildlife Centre. Housing nearly 100 animals on over 400 acres of land, there are plenty of walking trails and wildlife exhibits. Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre is also one of the best with plenty of animals in their natural habitats. Finally, a trip to Dundee would not be complete without a trip to St. Andrew’s Sea Life Centre where you can enjoy the marine life.
Castletown
The village of Castletown offers visitors a unique look of much of the history of the area. It lies on the south side of Dunnet Bay which is backed by a two mile long beach. Castletown is a well planned out settlement which means almost everything is within walking distance to each other. One of the main attractions is Castlehill House, which was owned by James Traill who planned out the town. Although it was burned down in the 1900’s the site lies between the village and harbour and allows for a wonderful tour.
As an old harbour village, much of the town is in ruins but offers so much in the way of tourism. Starting at the Flagstone Trail you can head to the west of the Castletown Harbour which is where much of the action used to take place. Here you will find the old windmill which used to drain water before heading over to Castletown Mill which was built by Traill to process corn. Open to visitors it is an impressive ruin that leads to the car park at the end of the beach footpath. Once there you can enjoy the beach access and dunes that allow you to swim, kite board and sunbathe.
Until recently, Castletown was home to a WWII military airfield which is a couple of miles from the village. Although desolate now it is perfect for visitors to explore and sightsee. Back in the village you can enjoy much of what made this town so popular when it was first settled. On the main street is where you can find the restaurants, charming shops and flagstone streets that are so attractive.
Ayr
Situated on the Firth of Clyde, Ayr is a small town in South-West Scotland. For visitors coming to Ayr there are several tourism activities to keep everyone active and busy. There is a beautiful sandy beach complete with an esplanade that is very popular with joggers and day visitors. With plenty of shopping and eating you can easily spend the day on the esplanade of Ayr
The Citadel, Ayr’s only leisure centre is also a popular attraction. Located at the mouth of the River Ayr and the seafront at the South Harbour area it is a facility that hosts numerous sports. You can choose swimming, tennis, indoor cricket, football, basketball and more. This is where all the sporting competitions for the town are located as well as exhibitions, trade fairs, concerts and more. The old harbour itself is an attraction as well. With plenty of residential and commercial development it offers the best shops and restaurants in the area.
The two main streets of Ayr are home to the most prominent landmark, the spire of the Town Hall built in 1832. Nearby is another great attraction, the Auld Brig, the original bridge of Ayr built in 1250. Open to pedestrians it is one of the most distinctive features of Ayr. The nearby Wallace Tower offers a great look at Ayr’s history as well. Finally, a holiday in Ayr is not complete without a visit to Loundoun Hall, which is Scotland’s oldest merchant’s house, built in 1513.
If you are looking for outdoor recreation you can head five minutes to the north where you will find many golf courses. The golf courses in and around Ayr are some of the best in Scotland. In particular, Troon, one of the best hosted the British Open. Also nearby is the home of famed poet Robert Burns, as well as a castle in ruins that used to be owned by the Kennedy family.
Ballater
Ballater, a burgh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a known for its high elevation which makes it perfect for outdoor recreation. Located on the River Dee, Ballater is a centre for hikers and campers as well as general tourism. Nearby you will find the Cairngorms as well as the Balmoral Castle which is a 10 minute drive from the village. The main attraction of Ballater is the Old Ballater Station which used to be a railway. Although long since closed as a train depot, it is now used as a visitor centre which contains Queen Victoria’s waiting room. It includes a replica of the royal carriage.
For those who enjoy walks amidst the countryside there is the Craigendarroch hill that starts in the heart of the village. About 12km from Ballater there is Loch Muick where experienced hikers can head up the mountain Lochnagar. There are a lot of Munros in the area to choose from actually if you choose to explore Ballater by foot.
Ballater is known for its festivals, including The Ballater Walking Festival which is held every May. People of all levels join in and are guided through the hills of the Cairngorms. From November through March there is The Ballater Boules Challenge which is similar to curling for when the weather isn’t quite cold enough. Then of course there is Victoria week which is held every August. It is a large celebration of the connection of Queen Victoria and Balmoral Castle. Whether you choose to explore the outer areas of Ballater by hired bike or hiking or whether you want to stay inside and learn about the history of Ballater, there is much to see and do here.
Aberdeen
As Scotland’s third most populous city there is so much to see and do in Aberdeen City. Located in the North East of Scotland, there are many cultural, musical and theatrical events that can be found at The Music Hall located on the popular Union Street, The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, as well as His Majesty’s Theatre. Art is also extremely important in Aberdeen which can be seen at the Aberdeen Art Gallery which also shows off their exquisite architecture that can be found all over Aberdeen. If you are looking for general culture such as an arthouse cinema you can check out The Belmont located around Belmont Street, which is about halfway down Union Street. In that area there are plenty of nice bars, live music venues and restaurants which make it a very popular area in which to visit.
For a family holiday, there are places to go such as the interactive children’s museum known as The Satrosphere, as well as Storybook Glen. There are many museums scattered throughout Aberdeen as well, such as The Gordon Highlanders Museum where you can relive the story of the British Army’s most famous regiments. Another five star rated attraction is the Maritime Museum which shows off Aberdeen’s rich maritime history. You can end your day at The Marischal Museum located on Broad Street where you can explore 8,000 years of local and world history.
If outdoor recreation is more your style then head over to the Beach Leisure Centre which has swimming pools, access to the Beach Promenade, as well as water slides, rapids and waves. Aberdeen’s long beaches are also great for windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing and swimming. Shopping is also extremely popular in Aberdeen and you can find plenty of stores to browse again on Union Street which is about a mile long and filled with British high street shops.
Edinburgh
As one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Edinburgh was built on extinct volcanoes nearby to the inlet leading to the North Sea. With cobbled alleys and elegant streets, Edinburgh is the ideal city in which to take a holiday. Edinburgh Castle located on Castle Rock dominate the city skyline with plenty of historical attractions in between.
Edinburgh Castle is the number one visitor attraction in Scotland and has many facets to the castle such as military garrison, David’s tower, Crown Square at the top of the castle and the National War Museum of Scotland. It is an all day experience when you visit Edinburgh Castle. Following that you can walk the Royal Mile, the one mile long street linking the Castle with Holyrood Palace which is the residence of the Queen. The Scott Monument on Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main street, is also a must see as one of the most recognisable spires in the city.
Visitors also enjoy taking a tour on an open top bus before visiting world class museums and galleries such as the Museum of Scotland, Queensferry Museum, the Royal Scottish Academy, the Royal Museum, and the Museum of Childhood. With more attractions per square foot in the City Centre Old Town than any other European capital there is a lot of sightseeing to do. Old Town itself is a medieval town in which you can explore the city’s legends and mystery as well as to take a stroll through the Dean Gallery of Modern Art.
For more natural scenery, no trip to Edinburgh will be complete without a visit to the two extinct volcanoes, Arthur’s Seat and Castle Rock. Both offer stunning views and excellent exploration. Finally, finish up your trip to Edinburgh with a leisurely dinner on Calton Hill where you can watch the sunset amidst the gorgeous city. Visiting Edinburgh is truly an incredible experience and one that you will never forget.
Highland
The Highland Region of Scotland contains:
Aviemore
Aviemore
Founded in the 1600s Aviemore is a wonderful town in which to visit and experience the old feel of Scotland while providing the overall feel of a mountain resort since the Cairngorm ski areas were built in 1961. The Cairngorm ski area on Cairn Gorm Mountain has recently built the Cairngorm Mountain Railway which replaced the old chairlifts to bring people up and down the mountain all year round.
The town itself has everything to offer from amazing eateries, theatre, a dry ski slope and plenty of shopping. One of the top attractions is the Strathspey Steam Rail which starts in Aviemore, and takes you through Boat of Garten to Broomhill for an hour and a half tour of the beautiful scenery. Since Aviemore is set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, it is also perfect for any kind of outdoor sports and recreation. You can take hikes through the forest but there are a lot of choices for cycling routes as well.
Just a few miles from Aviemore, still in the Cairngorms National Park, is Rothiemurchus Estate. As one of the finest outdoor recreation centres it offers you some of the rarest animals in Scotland and stunning wildlife where you can revel in the picture taking opportunities of ospreys, roe deer, woodpeckers, various songbirds and more. At the Highland Safari Park you can get your fill of even more magnificent creatures such as rare Siberian tigers. There is even the famed Cairngorm Sleddog Adventure Centre with kennel tours and evening sleddog trips located nearby. If you take a trip up the Funicular Railway you can see Cairngorm Reindeer Centre which offers a view of reindeer roaming freely on the mountain.
After working up a thirst you can head to Cairngorm Brewery located within walking distance of Aviemore town centre which offers the finest Highland beers. For more information about the Highlands, a trip to the Highland Folk Museum is in order. Exhibiting different aspects of a Highlander you can see the homes, crofts and animals of the area.
Activities
Attractions
Eating & Drinking
Shopping
Travel
Useful websites
Scottish Regions
Here is the list of Scottish Regions. Click on the relevant region for detailed information about each.
City of Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire
Angus
Argyll and Bute
Clackmannanshire
Dumfries and Galloway
City of Dundee
East Ayrshire
East Dunbartonshire
East Lothian
East Renfrewshire
City of Edinburgh
Falkirk
Fife
City of Glasgow
Highland
Inverclyde
Midlothian
Moray
North Ayrshire
North Lanarkshire
Perth and Kinross
Renfrewshire
Scottish Borders
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
Stirling
West Dunbartonshire
West Lothian
Western Isles
Orkney Islands
Shetland Islands
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Welcome to ScotlandOvernight.co.uk - your comprehensive guide to hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation and guesthouses in Scotland.
Use the menus above to navigate around the site. We have organised our pages geographically. Click on the Scottish Region of interest and then you are presented with further drop downs of towns and villages of interest. Alternatively use the search box at the top right of this and any page on the site.
We are always looking to improve the guide and as such it is constant ‘work in progress’. If you would like to suggest any useful resources, corrections or additions then please submit them via our contact form.
Thanks,
The ScotlandOvernight.co.uk team.
