Did you know that Scotland has more identified Roman camps than any other European country? This reflects Rome’s repeated attempts to stamp its rule without the success achieved elsewhere. A recent survey of Roman remains will boost the total of officially recognised sites and give them greater legal protection. Traces of at least 225 Roman military camps can be found in the Scottish countryside from the Borders to Aberdeenshire. This compares to 150 in England.
The Romans waged at least three large military campaigns in Scotland from the late 1st to early 3rd centuries AD. The Antonine Wall, the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, was named a World Heritage site in 2009. Built in 140 AD on the instruction of Emperor Antoninus Pius, the wall runs from the river Forth to the river Clyde.
If you wish accommodation in Scotland and are looking for good access to the Antonine Wall areas close to Edinburgh and Glasgow, then there is this Castle Apartment. It sleeps 2 adults and 2 children and in summer 2010 for one week costs £655. Visit Scotland and see what the Romans did for Scotland.
May 11th, 2010 | Category: General News | Leave a comment
Farmers from all across Scotland have worked very hard over the last few years to make farmers’ markets not just an attraction but to be part of the weekly shop. With their fresh local seasonal produce, this offers consumers an alternative shopping experience to the major supermarkets. Proper food at its most fresh, with some of the best quality products that only Scotland can produce. If you have concerns about the air miles your food may have clocked up, then this is the solution. To find out where the nearest Farmer’s market in your area or at the Scottish holiday house you have chosen, go to the Scottish Association of Farmer’s markets website.
For example, at Cairndow in Argyll, between April and October, the Farmer’s market is on the fourth Saturday of the month, between 10am – 1pm. This would be the nearest venue if you chose to stay at the Cottage with Sea Views, which can sleep up to 8 adults or the larger castle accommodation, the Baronial Castle, which can sleep up to 13 adults. Both provide excellent holiday accommodation in Argyll, with great access to good quality local produce.
May 4th, 2010 | Category: Holiday Advice | Comments (1)
In the aftermath of the “Volcanic Ash” incident with the lack of flights to and from the UK, there have been many tales of the dramas involved in returning to the UK. On Tuesday 20th April 2010, “The Times” reported the story of the Brown family from Dundee. They had been at a holiday resort in Spain and they eventually hired a car to get to Calais, to get a ferry, to hire another car – just to get home, at vast expense and inconvenience. And as Mrs Brown said “The worst thing is, the weather was terrible – it wasn’t even worth it. Next year we’re going to Inverness”.
Well, Mrs Brown, Inverness and the Highland region in general is an excellent holiday destination choice. It is home to Loch Ness, Culloden Moor and Urquhart Castle, to name but a few iconic Scottish visitor attractions. This walled garden cottage is ideal accommodation for a small family group of 4 people or for a larger group, the Georgian lodge, can sleep up to 12 people. Both are situated on a private estate and perfect for taking bicycles for these tarred estate roads and for exploring the area. Next year, instead of Spain – stick with Scotland and keep that promise to go to Inverness!
April 28th, 2010 | Category: General News | Leave a comment
A question that is being frequently asked and one that no measurements are adequately provided for - is how big and deep are the baths? It seems that modern houses and hotels in general provide showers in many different formats and if a bath is available it is of a plastic type and not generous in size. A lot of the self-catering country houses and castles in Scotland do include fabulous old baths of all shapes and sizes.
This Arts and Crafts Town House in Aberfeldy, sleeps up to 10 adults, has bathrooms with the original enamel baths from the period of the house dating back to 1899, which are over six foot in length and surrounded in wood panelling. However, one of the best examples of a superb bathroom can be found at this Luxury Castle Apartment, in Angus. Within the en-suite bathroom to the large four-poster bedroom, in the centre of the room is a large enamel stand alone bath, along with a separate shower cabinet, and from the windows there are stunning views over the estate. To paraphrase E.M. Forster – “A bathroom with a view”!
To find out more about the size of the baths in the large holiday house that takes your fancy, please feel to free to ask.
April 20th, 2010 | Category: General FAQ's | Leave a comment
Pope Benedict XVI, is visiting the UK on a 4-day visit from 16th – 19th September 2010 and will be making an official visit to Scotland on the first day. The Queen will travel from Balmoral to Edinburgh to greet the Pope on his first state visit to the UK. A ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse will take place, before travelling to Glasgow for an open-air mass at Bellahouston Park.
First Minister Alex Salmond stated: “The Scottish Government will be working with the palace, the Catholic Church and UK Government to ensure the Pope’s visit is a successful and memorable event.” The visit will start on St Ninian’s Day – in honour of the fifth-century missionary who reputedly brought Christianity to the Picts.
For those wishing to stay in Scotland during this historic “pastoral visit”, why not stay in a former church in the centre of Scotland in Crieff. From here, you are equidistant between Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as being close to the Highlands for touring. This church tower apartment sleeps 6 adults and 3 children, with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The main feature being the church tower room which enjoys phenomenal 360 degree views. In fact – a room with view.
April 13th, 2010 | Category: Special Celebrations | Leave a comment
Galloway Forest Park has become the first “Dark Sky Park” in the UK, and the fourth around the world, in recognition of being one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The award, presented by the International Dark Sky Association recognises the quality of the night sky in this area of Scotland, where light pollution is minimal.
The park was established in 1947 covering 300 square miles and is the largest of its kind in Scotland. Light pollution is kept to a minimum because of the limited number of buildings within the park’s boundary. Skies like this are rapidly disappearing and it estimated that less than 10% of people in the UK can now see the Milky Way from where they live.
For accommodation nearby, there is this Restored Medieval Castle which can sleep up to 7 people or for a larger property there is this Delightful Country House that can accommodate up to 12 people. Wonderful Scottish holiday houses in their own right, but even better for stargazing.
April 7th, 2010 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment
On 25th March 2010, after a 3,000 mile migration from Africa, the resident female Osprey returned to its nest beside the Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire. What is quite remarkable is that this will be her 20th breeding year. So far, this one bird has laid 55 eggs, 46 of which have hatched into chicks which have successfully fledged and left the nest.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre is open all year, offering visitors the chance to observe wildlife in its natural setting. This Osprey will be the main attraction over the coming months, and anyone sighting the bird dive into the water to catch fish will have an unforgettable memory to treasure.
For those wishing to witness the Scottish Osprey in action and are looking for accommodation within 10 miles of the loch, then this Holiday Lodge near Ballinluig in Perthshire is ideal for up to 10 people. Situated within a secluded countryside setting it also has a tennis court to the rear of the property. For those not travelling to Scotland this year, then the Osprey can be viewed by web cam via the Scottish Wildlife Trust web site. Once you are inspired by this - book to stay in Scotland and see the real thing for yourself next year!
March 29th, 2010 | Category: Outdoor Activities | Leave a comment
You will recall that the Met Office infamously forecast a “barbecue summer” for 2009 for the UK, which turned out not to be the case, and they are not making any such claims this year. However, Positive Weather Solutions are and they have stated that June will be fine and warm; July will start unsettled, but will then be dry and warm; and for August they are anticipating unbroken sunshine and record high temperatures for the UK in 2010.
Whether this is going to happen, who knows, but this firm correctly forecast last years damp summer, “the 2009 white Christmas” and the “big freeze” for early 2010. They are also stating that this summer could beat 1976’s record average of 17.8°C (64°F) thanks to a combination of the El Nino weather pattern and Atlantic jet stream.
Whilst visitors to Scotland do not necessarily come for the weather, this may help you choose when you wish to travel. For those looking for clean air and rugged beauty that only the Highlands of Scotland can provide. Look no further than this Traditional Highland Lodge. It is set within its own 13,000 acre private estate with as many hills and lochs as you wish to visit. It is a large holiday house sleeping 12 people and is the perfect retreat to enjoy Scotland - whatever the weather.
March 23rd, 2010 | Category: Holiday Advice, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
At Scotts Castle Holidays, we are always looking for new ways to be more “green” to protect the environment and are advocates of the 3 “R”’s – reduce, recycle and re-use. However, make that 4 “R”’s as we would like to introduce you to the concept of re-cork!
“Re-cork” is the simple act of re-cycling natural cork, particularly from wine bottles, that normally end up in the rubbish. For anyone booking a large holiday house in Scotland for a group of family and friends, recycling can now apply to the cork, as well as the bottle. The goal is to recycle corks and to educate a new generation about the crucial role cork forests play in curbing climate change. There is an official recycling programme, to be found at ReCork. This is linked to a global “green” initiative to save and protect over 6 million acres of cork forests that can be found in the Mediterranean Basin. Whilst on a more local level, recycled corks make excellent drainage within flower beds and The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh have been using their recycled corks in this way for a number of years now.
So next time you drink wine responsibly, please recycle both the bottle and cork.
March 15th, 2010 | Category: Holiday Advice | Leave a comment
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 | Comments (1)
