Scotland’s Whisky Month Begins
May is Scotland's whisky month and a host of events are taking place
May is Scotland's whisky month and a host of events are taking place
Book your holiday in Scotland to coincide with one of these whisky events taking place during May 2009, and view our selection of holiday homes and self-catering accommodation in the area.
Spirits are high as Scotland’s iconic drink is celebrated as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.
May is Scotland’s whisky Month which celebrates the traditional and contemporary aspects of whisky through a wide range of events, from musicals and smugglers walks, to cookery and a rare whisky auction.
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Aberlour in Morayshire, May 1st - 9th
The starting point for the month long festival is the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which will this year conclude in a spectacular Homecoming finale on Saturday 9th May on the banks of the Spey in Aberlour.
The festival finale embraces the music, dance and song of the region. Headlined by renowned Scottish band, Capercaille, the entertainment will come to a dramatic close with a stunning display of fireworks.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages in Moray, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Moray, Banff & Nairn, Scotland.
Maclean’s Malt Whisky Tour of Scotland, University of Aberdeen, May 16th
Learn more about whisky by heading across to the University of Aberdeen’s Word Festival 2009 for Maclean’s Malt Whisky Tour of Scotland. Charles MacLean will talk about his new book MacLean’s Malt Whisky Handbook and explore the flavour and character of Scotch malt whisky.
Whilst in Aberdeenshire, take the opportunity to enter Ardmore Distillery which is rarely open to the public, and experience a bespoke tour and whisky tasting session.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Visit a whisky distillery whilst staying at a self-catering cottage in Scotland
Visit a whisky distillery whilst staying at a self-catering cottage in Scotland
Dewars World of Whisky, The Highlands, throughout 2009
Head up to the Highlands and visit Dewars World of Whisky in Aberfeldy, Perthshire. Homecoming is celebrated with “Dewar’s Signature Tour” which is a chance to taste some of the world’s finest and rarest whiskies from Dewar’s premium portfolio, and a warehouse tasting of Aberfeldy Single Malt.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages in Perthshire, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Perthshire, Scotland.
Highland Park Flings Open Weekend, Orkney, May 23rd - 24th
Heading further north to Orkney, Scotland’s most northerly distillery, Highland Park flings open its doors for a free, exclusive Open Weekend on the 23rd and 24th May.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages in Orkney, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Orkney and the Shetland Isles, Scotland.
Spirit of the West & Feis Ile - Islay Malt & Music Festival, Islay. May 16th - 17th, and May 23rd - 31st
On the 16th and 17th of May the distilleries that make up the dramatic Whisky Coast come together in the stunning grounds of Inveraray Castle in the brand new Spirit of the West.
Combine your stay in a self-catering cottage in Scotland with a whisky event
Sign up for sessions with the master distillers, cooking demonstrations from Nick Nairn and the top chefs from the West Coast. Feast on the freshest local produce and experience the culture and heritage of the region through a programme of music, dance and unique entertainment. Be quick to pick up tickets for the sumptuous Burns Ceilidh Dinner at the castle on the Saturday night.
Continuing the Islay celebration, take part in the legendary Feis Ile - Islay Malt & Music Festival from the 23rd- 31st May which features a week long programme of events at Islays Distilleries.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes on the Inner Hebrides.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to the Inner Hebrides.
Guided Walks on the Isle of Skye, May 9th and 29th
On the Isle of Skye Guided walks along the routes of the smugglers and Excisemen in the forests of Balmacara on May 9th, and Glen Affric on 29th May.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Auchentoshan Visitor Centre, Glasgow, May 15th and throughout 2009
In the Lowlands of Scotland there are plenty of opportunities to sample a dram and get a flavour of Whisky Month. Visit Auchentoshan’s newly refurbished Visitors Centre near Glasgow.
The Homecoming Whisky Auction, May 13th at McTear’s Auctioneers in Glasgow is your chance to bid for some of the rarest bottles of Scotland’s national drink.
On May 15th Scotland’s oldest Whisky Merchant, Robert Grahams, invites visitors to its Edinburgh and Glasgow stores to sample their exclusive Robert Graham Homecoming Single Islay Malt, especially selected to mark the Year of the Homecoming.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages and holiday home in Glasgow, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Glasgow, Scotland.
whisky Tours & Events In Edinburgh on selected dates in May and throughout 2009
The still room of Glenfiddich distillery, north east of Dufftown, Moray
Uncover more about Scotland’s top export at the National Archives ‘From the Vaults: Whisky and the Scots’ exhibition. Running from 7th May to 26 June over 500 years of the history of Whisky will be brought to life through rare exhibits including the ‘founding document’ of the industry and poignant reminders of the close links between whisky and another international icon of Scotland, Robert Burns.
There are also dining experiences at Edinburgh’s exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Make sure you stop at Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience for ‘Enthusiasm for Scotch’ and The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection which is- the world’s largest collection of whiskies – an essential ‘must see’ for whisky fans and novices alike.
May 15th Scotland’s oldest Whisky Merchant, Robert Grahams, invites visitors to its Edinburgh and Glasgow stores to sample their exclusive Robert Graham Homecoming Single Islay Malt, especially selected to mark the Year of the Homecoming.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages and holiday home in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Edinburgh, Scotland.
whisky Cruises On The Loch Ness, May 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
Experience whisky tastings with a difference as you cruise the majestic waters of Loch Ness on board the Jacobite Queen on their Just Add Water Tours taking place on May 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.
- View our selection of self-catering cottages in Inverness-shire, Scotland.
- Plan your holiday in Scotland with our destination guide to Inverness-shire, Scotland.
Central & South West Scotland, cottages in Scotland
Leave crowded roads behind and head for your holiday home or self-catering cottage in South West Scotland to enjoy the unspoilt and unhurried way of life.
Expect long sandy beaches with secret bays and inlets used long ago by smugglers, and beautiful countryside which rises through lush agricultural land to the gentle hills and moorland.
Central Scotland covers the area surrounding the vibrant city of Glasgow. Dunbartonshire borders Loch Lomond and lies to the north and west of Glasgow, whilst Lanarkshire lies to the east and south of Glasgow. Holiday homes and self-catering cottages in these counties enjoy rural surroundings whilst being within easy reach of Glasgow.
The South West covers a large area of beautiful countryside incorporating the delights of farmhouses in Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran; and crofts, cottages and we have holiday homes in Wigtownshire, Kirkcudbrightshire and Dumfriesshire available too.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Central & South West Scotland.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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Wigtownshire, cottages in Scotland
In Wigtownshire, the coastline supports palm trees and other exotic plants, showing how temperate the south west coast climate can be with the benefit of the Gulf Stream.
Stay in a self-catering holiday cottage in Wigtownshire, South West Scotland for magnificent scenery, palm-lined coastlines, pretty harbour villages, salmon fishing and walking.
Bird watchers will be delighted by the array of wildfowl on the coast and on Loch Ken. The rich farmland bordering the shore gives way to forest and then to high moorland and rocky hilltops, providing higher, wilder and more magnificent scenery.
Holiday homes throughout the area provide the opportunity to relax and enjoy a peaceful break away from the stress of everyday life. With salmon rivers, trout lochs, falconry, walking and of course, just exploring, there are activities for everyone.
The 212 mile Southern Upland Way begins in the region – stretching east into the Galloway hills and forest parks, providing walks for all levels of fitness.
Wander around the pretty harbour village of Portpatrick in Wigtownshire, or take the ferry from Stranraer for a day out to Ireland. Book a self-catering cottage near the ‘Book Town’ of Wigtown, the market town of Newton Stewart or the picture postcard village of Isle of Whithorn. The 24-acre Logan Botanic Garden near Port Logan is an outstation of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, and is well-worth a visit.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Wigtownshire, Scotland.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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Kirkcudbrightshire, cottages in Scotland
Kirkcudbrightshire, pronounced “Kir – cood – bri – shire” used to also be known as East Galloway and is a picturesque location to rent a holiday home or self-catering cottage.
The beautiful county town of Kirkcudbright, with its 17th and 18th century town houses lining dignified streets, is famous as an artists’ colony and is a popular choice for a holiday home or Scottish self-catering cottage.
It surrounds a busy fishing harbour and offers both a museum and art gallery. Other picturesque locations in this area include Gatehouse of Fleet, Rockcliffe and Kippford and we have a wide selection of holiday homes and self-catering cottages in these areas to choose from.
Close to Castle Douglas lie Threave Gardens, displaying the best of the south-west’s horticultural expertise. Hear tales of smugglers operating along the coast and enjoy picnics on the beautiful beaches.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of holiday homes and self-catering cottages in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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Glasgow, cottages in Scotland
Rent a self-catering apartment or holiday home in the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and really soak up the atmosphere of this exciting city, bursting with style and culture.
From the famous architecture and art galleries to internationally acclaimed shopping and restaurants, Scotland’s largest city is a revelation. Attractions include the Burrell Collection, the People’s Palace and Winter Garden, Kelvingrove Gallery or the famous Willow Tea Room designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Combine all the attractions with the famed friendliness of the locals and it’s easy to see why Glasgow is such a popular destination for days out and short breaks.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottages and holiday apartments Glasgow, Scotland
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Dunbartonshire & Lanarkshire, cottages in Scotland
Lying between the shores of Loch Lomond and the River Clyde and stretching eastwards to the Campsie Fells, Dunbartonshire is a great destination for a self-catering cottage or holiday home, combining hill-walking in superb scenery with easy access to Glasgow’s city culture and retail therapy.
Renting a Scottish self-catering cottage in Dunbartonshire provides the opportunity to enjoy a memorable trip on the Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.
To the south of Glasgow, Lanarkshire stands astride the River Clyde amidst rolling hills and celebrates its industrial heritage at the New Lanark World Heritage Site, a beautifully restored 18th Century Cotton Mill village. Another popular choice for a family day out from your Lanarkshire holiday home is the Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton.
Loch Lomond Shores
Loch Lomond Shores is one of Scotland’s finest attractions and a principal gateway to Scotland’s first National Park.
Discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Loch Lomond area at the contemporary visitor centre, enjoy the regular events and leisure facilities, or visit the retail crescent for a major shopping opportunity.
Two viewing galleries offer stunning views of the Loch and there is a choice of restaurants day and evening. Waterbus or shuttlebus services are available from Balloch during the day, and Loch cruises are also on offer.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes in Dunbartonshire & Lanarkshire, Scotland.
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Dumfries & Dumfriesshire, cottages in Scotland
Try your hand at salmon-fishing whilst staying at a self-catering cottage or holiday home in Scotland’s Dumfries & Dumfriesshire.
‘Queen of the South’ is the romantically named football team in Dumfries, the largest town in the South West of Scotland. Dumfries has a long history and sits beside the River Nith - a salmon river of some repute, and fishing fanatics will enjoy her spoils on a self-catering holiday here. Robert Burns worked and died in Dumfries and is commemorated by a statue and visitor centre.
In the north of the county, explore the pretty villages of Thornhill and Moniaive or head into the Lowther hills to see the fascinating mining museum at Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village – a great day out from your holiday cottage could include some gold panning.
Gretna Green, the first stop over the border from England, is famous for the many weddings performed at the Blacksmith’s shop.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Dumfries & Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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Ayrshire & Isle of Arran, cottages in Scotland
Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran are a wonderful base for your self-catering cottage in Scotland because this area has lochs, castles, golf courses, whiskey distilleries, coastal walks and beaches.
Ayrshire is a golfers’ paradise with almost 40 courses to choose from, including championship courses at Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick and a holiday home or self-catering cottage in this area allows you the freedom to explore all of them.
No visit to the region is complete without seeing the historic birthplace of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns at Alloway. You can follow the Burns Heritage Trail before returning to the comfort of your Ayrshire holiday home.
In a picturesque cliff top setting just south of Ayr, stands the beautiful Culzean Castle, rebuilt in 1777 under Robert Adam’s classical eye on the site of a 14th century fortress. The surrounding gardens and grounds form Scotland’s first country park.
Ayrshire boasts beautiful sandy beaches and wonderful scenery inland ,and self-catering cottages here are the perfect base for experiencing everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Isle of Arran
The beautiful Isle of Arran is reached by ferry from Ardrossan, crossing the Firth of Clyde, and holiday cottages here are very popular. It is one of the most southerly Scottish islands and is like a condensed version of the rest of Scotland, with mountains and lochs in the north, and rolling hills and meadows in the south, all of which can be easily reached on a family day out from your holiday home.
Arran’s history dates so far back that it becomes tangled up in the Celtic myths and legends of Scotland’s past from the strange standing stones on Machrie Moor to the chequered history of Brodick Castle, and the very cave where Robert the Bruce was supposed to have encountered the spider.
Arran has a whiskey distillery, castles, a brewery, museums, outdoor activities, high quality local crafts and locally produced food that’s fast gaining an international reputation.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran in Scotland .
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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Central Highlands & Islands, cottages in Scotland
The Central Highlands has plenty to offer as a region of lochs and looming mountains, deep forest glens and lush countryside dotted with small pretty villages. If you are looking for natural beauty during your stay at a Scottish self-catering cottage or holiay home, this area is where you should stay.
The Central Highlands stretch from east to west, encompassing the old counties of Argyll, Inverness-shire, Banff, Moray, Nairn and Aberdeenshire, and we have a wide choice of holiday homes, Scottish crofts and pretty cottages available in this region.
You can marvel at the rugged coastline in the west with the blue Atlantic ‘breakers’ crashing into shore, or visit the excellent sheltered beaches of firm sand on the east coast, backed by high, red, sandstone cliffs.
Self-catering cottages in the beautiful glens of Urquhart, Affric and Moriston make perfect settings for walking, fishing or lazing away a summer afternoon.
From Inverness to Fort William, the Great Glen and Caledonian Canal almost divide the Highlands in two. At the southern end of the Glen, towering above Fort William is Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, visible from a number of lovely holiday homes.
The region includes all the features for which a Scottish holiday is famous – mountains, moorland, lochs, rivers and coast as well as activities for all members of the family and all levels of ability.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering holiday cottages in the central Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
For details of areas within this region, use the links below.
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Inverness-shire, cottages in Scotland
Situated in the central Highlands, Inverness-shire is the ideal place to rent a self-catering cottage or holiday if you love the great outdoors, skiing and stunning mountain scenery.
Climbing in the Cairngorms is unsurpassed but the views can be enjoyed by everyone thanks to a funicular mountain railway, which makes a spectacular journey up to the panoramic Ptarmigan station at 3600 feet.
Any of the villages lying along the River Spey would be the perfect base for a Scottish activity holiday, and we have a varied selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes to choose from.
The capital of the Highlands is Inverness and perfect for soaking up some Highland culture and boasts some excellent restaurants and varied shopping.
A boat trip on Loch Ness may provide the opportunity to spot the famous monster, but if not, you can still enjoy the superb scenery and an excellent view of Urquhart Castle.
We have self-catering cottages and holiday homes located in places with magical names such as Drumnadrochit, Glen Affric and Invergarry. Stay in Scottish croft at the western end of the Great Glen and Caledonian Canal for easy access to Fort William, the outdoor capital of Scotland with an unrivalled range of activities on offer including walking, hiking, shooting, fishing and much more.
Skiing At Aviemore
Self-catering cottages near Aviemore are popular with winter sports enthusiasts. The Cairngorm centre is approximately 8 miles from Aviemore and caters for all standards. There are 15 lifts and a wide choice of ski schools, ski equipment hire shops and restaurants. Downhill and Nordic skiing are available plus snowboarding, sledges and special courses for beginners, improvers and ‘over 35s’!
Nevis Range
Britain’s only mountain gondola rides through stunning scenery to the clear mountain air at 2150 ft on Aonach Mor, beside Ben Nevis. You should book a holiday home or self-catering cottage near Fort William to enjoy this experience. In the winter months the gondolas take skiers, snowboarders and climbers up the mountain to a network of 12 lifts accessing 35 runs and extensive off piste areas.In other seasons, 25 miles of marked trails provide for mountain bikers of all abilities.
For experienced and intrepid cyclists, a 3km track drops 2000 ft down the mountainside from the gondola station. Walkers are well catered for too, and you can try paragliding. Take a course or experience a taster tandem flight.
At the top station, step off the gondola and stroll to a panoramic viewpoint before enjoying a drink, snack or meal at the Snowgoose restaurant.
Follow the link to view our extensive selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes in Inverness-shire.
Destination Guides in the Central Highlands & Islands
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