The short answer? That depends... Most folk who visit Scotland do so between April and October and there is a good reason for that. In these months you have the best chances for good weather, the days are relatively long, there are lots of events on and travelling is usually straight forward. And if you have kids you're mostly stuck to the school holidays anyway. Making the trip to Scotland between April and October makes therefore good sense. So why would you even consider visiting Scotland in the winter? There are some very good reasons to consider a winter visit... If you are looking … [Read more...] about Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Scotland?
Autumn Tip: The Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest, a light and sound show in the midst of stunning woodland surrounding a loch, is held annually in the Perthshire woods near the lovely village of Pitlochry. Now in its 18th year, The Enchanted Forest has won numerous awards, most recently being named finalist for Best Cultural Event at the Scottish Thistle Awards. The show has been captivating audiences since 2002 and attracts around 80,000 visitors each year to Loch Faskally in Pitlochry throughout the month of October. The 2019 event, entitled Cosmos, is inspired by the vastness and natural beauty of the skies that … [Read more...] about Autumn Tip: The Enchanted Forest
Graffiti on a 13th Century Castle? Really?
A little over 30 miles to the south-west of Glasgow, in North Ayrshire, you'll find Kelburn Castle and Country Centre, set amidst some of Scotland's most beautiful woodlands. Based around a 13th century castle that's had a unique makeover, Kelburn Country Centre features exciting play areas, breathtaking woodlands and glen, beautiful gardens and many features of historical interest. The Kelburn grounds have been owned by the Boyle family since the 1100s. The historic house is packed full of heritage and tradition. Tours are run daily throughout the summer months and give an insight into the … [Read more...] about Graffiti on a 13th Century Castle? Really?
Special Events at Culzean Castle this Autumn
Culzean Castle in Ayrshire boasts two amazing adventure playgrounds for kids of all ages and this autumn there will be a few fantastic events for children, both for the young ones, and for the 12+ aged kids during Halloween. Sat 14th & Sun 15th September from 11:00-16:00 is the Pirates & Smugglers Weekend, location Swan Pond. Learn how to become a pirate by taking on many swashbuckling challenges. Walk the plank, dig for treasure, pin the patch on the pirate and create your very own treasure map are just some of the challenges you’ll undertake. Visit the storytelling tent to learn … [Read more...] about Special Events at Culzean Castle this Autumn
Dundrennan Abbey
The reorganisation of the Scottish Church, which started in the early 12th century, saw the setting up of many important abbeys, such as the Abbeys in the Scottish Borders. Dundrennan Abbey was one of them. Dundrennan Abbey was founded in 1142 for Cistercian monks, either by King David I, or by the great magnate of the area, Fergus Lord of Galloway. The first monks were brought from the Cistercian order's northern missionary house at Rievaulx in Yorkshire. The Abbey was home to a community of Cistercian monks for 400 years. This is the spot where Mary Queen of Scots sheltered during … [Read more...] about Dundrennan Abbey
Wigtown Book Capital of Scotland
In Wigtown, a lovely Scottish town in Dumfries and Galloway a few miles south of Newton Stuart, you'd better not say the word e-reader out loud as this is the Book Capital of Scotland, and we're talking about the real paper books, and lots of them. The official title is Scotland's National Book Town! And now I hear you thinking how it became the Book Capital of Scotland? Well Wigtown wasn't the book capital of Scotland all it's life, it just happened years ago to boost the local economy and it has been a success. Wigtown has a good number of second hand bookshops dotted around the town … [Read more...] about Wigtown Book Capital of Scotland
