Scotland v England is the oldest international rugby union fixture on the international circuit. But what is the connection to India and Calcutta?
Back in 1872, members of the Calcutta football club in India, also organised games of rugby, which whilst initially popular, soon declined due to the sapping heat or perhaps it was the closing of the free bar! When the club folded and as the subscriptions were still banked, it was decided to melt down the silver rupees into a trophy and it was presented to the Rugby Football Union. There it was decided to offer it as the challenge cup for the annual game between Scotland and England. Whilst Scotland had played England back in 1871, the first match where the Calcutta Cup was presented was in 1879. Since 2009, there have been 116 games, with England winning 63, Scotland winning 39, with 14 draws. On Saturday, 13th March 2010, Scotland will again be competing for this historic Calcutta Cup against England at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh – and may the best team win!
If you have divided loyalties not knowing which team to support, you may find staying at this Stylish Country House to your taste. It sits in England, but Scotland is viewed from it! Ideal for a family holiday for up to 10 people.
March 10th, 2010 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment
The recent freezing temperatures at the start of 2010 in Scotland are believed to have killed off a large proportion of Scotland’s midge population. It seems that midges die off in the cold. The midge larvae spend the winter months a few centimetres below ground so will have been very vulnerable to this prolonged cold spell. All of this is good news that there will be less in the summer months.
As it is, the midge is more prevalent in the west of Scotland compared to the east. So if you really don’t like midges stick to the east coast, where the cooler air from the North Sea keeps them at bay. This Unique Fishing Station near St Cyrus beach is an excellent Scottish holiday house where there is not likely to be midges. It sits high above the North Sea with superb sea views all the way down to Montrose, as well as access to its own private beach. So not only are you away from the midges, you have a place all to yourself. Ideal conditions for a perfect family holiday in Scotland.
March 4th, 2010 | Category: General News | Leave a comment
The skiing season in Scotland for 2010 has been the best season in years and now is the chance to join the crowds on the slopes. After many years of dull winters with poor snow, the skiing in Scotland and volume of snow this year has been plentiful. Apparently this is due to the “El Nino” weather pattern, keeping the arctic winds close retaining the cold air and holding the Gulf Stream at bay keeping the warm air away. Whatever the reason – it comes to one thing, fantastic skiing in Scotland and perhaps a “once in a lifetime” chance to enjoy it as good as this.
The main skiing destination is the Cairngorm mountain ski resort, which is approx 8 miles from Aviemore, and generally has the most snow, with the expectation of it lasting well into April. This large Highland Shooting Lodge can sleep up to 16 people and is ideal accommodation for a group to get-together for a skiing trip, being only 24 miles away from the resort. Any group booking this property for a weekend up to 26th March 2010 will have the price reduced from £1,150 to a special offer price of £950. Go skiing in Scotland now. Seize the moment – contact the office today.
February 23rd, 2010 | Category: Outdoor Activities, Special Offers | Leave a comment
It has been reported that the 2010 spring run of salmon and sea trout has started early this year and the fishing on the South Esk has been the best in recent years. To tie in with this, there is a special offer on the accommodation near the river at the castle apartment, which sleeps up to 9 people or the Scottish castle apartment, which sleeps up to 10 people.
The castle estate has five miles of double-bank fishing, starting from 1 mile below Brechin and stretching to the Montrose basin, and permits are available seperately via the estate office. Traditionally the best weeks for catching fish are during the spring runs, and this is the case for 2010. It is only a ten minute walk from the castle to the top two beats – so fishermen and fisherwomen what are you waiting for? Contact the office now for more details. Tight lines!
February 18th, 2010 | Category: Special Offers, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
This was just one of the more memorable questions asked in 2009 to staff at the Fort William tourist information centre. The answer is that it doesn’t close – it is just there. At 1,344 metres high (4,406 ft) above sea level, it is the highest mountain in the UK and since 1993 there is a dedicated centre to assist with those who wish further local information. The Glen Nevis Visitor Centre is open 9 – 5 throughout the year and is an information point to guide anyone who requires the weather report, further guidance or to buy any items they may have forgotten.
If you are looking for a self-catering house in the vicinity, then this Highland House, which sleeps 7 people, is situated on a private estate, with vehicular access to Corrour Railway station. This station is the highest mainline station in the UK and is not accessible by any public road. What a special place to base yourself to climb Ben Nevis.
February 15th, 2010 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment
A new addition, a white rhino calf called Ailsa, had her first outing this month at Blair Drummond Safari Park. Taking her first steps out in the cold enclosure must have been a bit of a shock, but having been born in Scotland she will soon get used to the temperature. Amazingly, whilst the staff were waiting for her birth, they received a phone call from Cyprus by an eagle-eyed viewer on their webcam to say that it had started and within minutes they had been activated and Ailsa duly appeared.
Blair Drummond Safari is a very popular visitor attraction situated in the central region of Scotland and is well worth a visit. If staying at this mansion house apartment in Crieff or the larger luxury country house near Gleneagles, both are ideal bases to tour Scotland and for a family day out to see a Scottish rhino.
February 8th, 2010 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment
New in February 2010, is this short break holiday house in its own grounds, located close to Glenshee in Perthshire.
It is perfect for larger groups of up to 20 people, looking for a large holiday house in Scotland. Uniquely, it is available to let for 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 night bookings, hence the reason it is ideal as a short break destination. So if you are looking for that large Scottish holiday house for a special occasion over a weekend – look no further and go on-line and discover more today.
February 2nd, 2010 | Category: Uncategorized | Leave a comment
“Bagging Scotland” is the latest concept being put forward in 2010 to energise the tourism industry within Scotland. It is the simple concept of creating lists of things to see in Scotland and getting away from the obvious candidates like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness. So whilst on holiday, people will be encouraged to visit islands, distilleries, beaches, historic monuments, pubs and places that are not necessarily on the beaten track. The Scotts Castle Holidays property manager has put forward his own top ten list and they include:
1, seeing the statue of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh; 2, a shinty match, preferably Kingussie v Newtonmore; 3, Orkney; 4, have a Hawick Ball in Hawick; 5, enjoy a dram at the Glenfarclas Visitor Centre; 6, Speyside Cooperage visitor centre at Aberlour; 7, walk across the Swilken Bridge at St Andrews; 8, take the ferry to Skye; 9, taste the Cullen Skink in Cullen; 10, walk on the beach at Tiree.
To be based centrally within Scotland, why not stay at this Holiday Lodge near Pitlochry in Perthshire. Perfect for 10 people and an ideal base to take in as many sites as you wish to see in Scotland.
January 25th, 2010 | Category: General News | Comments (2)
New in January 2010, is this Large Georgian Mansion in its own grounds, located 4 miles south of Melrose in the Scottish Borders.
It is perfect for large groups of up to 24 adults and 4 children, looking for a large holiday house in Scotland. As extra, there is also an additional impressive ballroom to the rear of the house that can be hired for one-off events. This large country house specialises in weekend bookings, which is ideal as the Scottish Borders prides itself as being the short break destination of Scotland. Go on-line now and discover more.
January 18th, 2010 | Category: New Properties | Leave a comment
Burns Night is on Monday 25th January 2010, and is a regular date in the Scottish calendar and celebrates the life and works of the national bard, Robert Burns, who was born on 25th January 1759. Celebrations amongst family and friends are conducted during a Burns Supper which includes a number of traditions such as piping in the haggis.
Once seated, the chairman welcomes the guests and this is followed by the Selkirk Grace. When the haggis is piped in, one of the group does the “address to the haggis”, followed by a toast. This is followed by the “immortal memory”, a toast “to the lassies” and a response, any songs and poems, a vote of thanks and is rounded off with the song of “Auld lang syne”. A fine Scottish evening.
Why not host your own evening in Ayrshire, in the home county of Robert Burns within this Georgian Country House? Contact the office for more details – and “lang may your lum reek”.
January 11th, 2010 | Category: Special Celebrations | Leave a comment
