EXPERIENCE SCOTLAND WITH

A warm welcome to Scotland and the “Drambuie Trail”, a unique, Scottish voyage of discovery which retraces the steps of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the history of the world famous liqueur with which he is so closely associated.

DAY 1

Set off from Edinburgh driving west past the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, and then Stirling Castle in its striking setting, perched high above the town and the Wallace Monument, erected to Scottish freedom fighter, William Wallace (Braveheart).

From Stirling proceed north via the small town of Doune, famous until 1746 for pistol making.

Further north is the picturesque town of Callander in the region known as “The Trossachs” (the bristly country), an area closely associated with another legendary figure from Scottish history, Rob Roy Macgregor.

The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic over the Pass of Leny past Loch Lubnaig and on to Lochearnhead and Crianlarich which stands at the head of 3 valleys, before beginning the steep climb to Rannoch Moor and from there into the haunted valley of Glencoe.

Glencoe is unquestionably one of Scotland's most historic and scenic glens, but also the scene of one of the most infamous massacres in our country’s history.

The sheer scale and grandeur of the surrounding mountains is inspiring and visitors are fascinated by the intrigue of its turbulent past.

In the Visitor Centre watch a short video on the history of the glen. This features the massacre, and the beginning of the Jacobite period when armies of Highlanders were raised in an attempt to put the rightful male heir on the throne which they considered to have been usurped by the House of Hanover.

From Glencoe proceed to Glenfinnan and the monument erected in honour of the clansmen who fought for Charles Edward Stuart. It was here that the Prince’s standard was raised on 19 August 1745, marking the beginning of the campaign, which would end so tragically on the battlefield of Culloden the following year.

From Glenfinnan, continue to Mallaig for the ferry across to Armadale on the Isle of Skye. It was here that Prince Charlie fled after his final defeat, with the help of brave Flora Macdonald.

On Skye enjoy the hospitality of lovely Kinloch Lodge. Idyllically located on the shores of a sea loch, Kinloch is the home of Lord and Lady Macdonald of Macdonald full of family furniture and paintings and renowned for its fine cuisine – Lady Claire Macdonald is an award-winning journalist and has written a number of best selling cookery books.

And after dinner savour the scenery over a glass of “Drambuie on ice” before retiring for the night.

DAY 2

After a delicious cooked Scottish breakfast, the first visit today is to the Clan Donald Centre. Armadale Castle houses the Museum of the Isles which traces the chequered history of the Macdonald clan.

From Armadale proceed to Kyleakin and the splendid new bridge which connects the island to the mainland.

Time permitting, visit Eilean Donan, the most romantic castle in Scotland and symbol in the past of the sea kingdom of the Lords of the Isles. Continue through Glen Shiel and along the shores of legendary Loch Ness, via Inverness, capital of the Highlands for dinner & overnight at Culloden House.

At the time of the Jacobite rising in 1745-46, Culloden House was requisitioned by Bonnie Prince Charlie and used as his lodging and battle headquarters prior to that fateful and final battle on Culloden Moor on the 16th April 1746.

Today, this handsome Palladian country house stands in nearly 40 acres where guests are free to wander about the elegant lawns and parkland to enjoy the exceptional peace, tranquillity and majesty of the grounds. The interior features a wonderfully comfortable drawing-room with magnificent Adamesque plasterwork, many fine antiques and a large open fire – the ideal setting to enjoy a “Drambuie on Ice”.

Dinner this evening will feature the very best of purely Highland produce cooked to the highest standard.

DAY 3

This morning visit the Battlefield at Culloden, site of the last battle fought on British soil, where Jacobite dreams and the old Highland way of life came to an end. After Culloden the Highlanders would become urbanised or emigrate to North America, Australia and New Zealand.

And as no visit to Scotland would be complete without the whisky experience, the next port of call today is Dalwhinnie Distillery. Located in a barren, isolated spot in the heart of the highlands, this is the highest distillery in the country producing a full-bodied single malt with a surprisingly delicate taste.

Bonnie Prince Charlie and his men camped on these very moors on his way south after the raising of the standard at Glenfinnan.

Continue south to see Blair Castle, once the home of Lord George Murray, the Young Pretender’s best general and hear the story of the Atholl Highglanders, the only legal, private army in the UK.
From Blair, drive through the gentle rolling Perthshire countryside, through the ancient kingdom of Fife and across the magnificent bridge which spans the River Forth, to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.

Dinner and overnight at beautiful Prestonfield House.

One of Scotland’s finest historic buildings. Only 5 minutes from the city centre it stands in 13 acres of designed parkland and restored 18th century gardens. Magnificently furnished with the original family collection of paintings and antique furniture and many pieces dating from the building of the house in 1687 by Sir William Bruce, the Architect Royal for a close friend of the Scottish Royal family. The interior is a unique example of Scotland’s rich and decorative past.

The house was frequented by eminent political and literary figures including Benjamin Franklin, Boswell and Johnson and of course, Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Dinner is traditionally prepared Scottish fare.

DAY 4

Today is dedicated to exploring Edinburgh.

Edinburgh, the beautiful capital city of Scotland, is situated amongst green volcanic hills and its earliest settlement was on the castle rock itself, overlooking the city and surrounding area. The Old Town of today grew up around the castle walls and in the 18th century the Georgian New Town was designed and built by eminent architects.

While in the past Edinburgh was the focal point of the Scottish enlightenment, today the lively cultural life of the city continues with the world famous Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe. In addition there are the Scottish National and Chamber Orchestras, the Galleries and Museums and three thriving universities, not to mention the city’s newest attractions – the former royal yacht Britannia and Dynamic Earth, the world’s very first geological museum. The city is also a financial centre, second only to London in importance.

A visit to Edinburgh would not be complete without seeing The Castle – this landmark dates back over 900 years and today houses the splendid Scottish Crown Jewels and the Famous Stone of Destiny upon which Scottish monarchs were once crowned. Your guide will regale you with stories of bloodthirsty sieges and executions and also the sad, romantic history of Mary Queen of Scots.

And at the foot of the Royal Mile stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Originally built as a monastery in 1128, the palace is the official residence of the present day queen and is closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past. Mary Queen of Scots lived here from 1561 – 1567 and it was also here that Prince Charlie held court after his victory at the battle of Prestonpans.

Edinburgh is also the home of Drambuie, and where better to enjoy a final “Drambuie on Ice” than in one of the city’s inns or taverns!

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