Our Scottish Itinerary

Day 1: Friday 11 August

We will meet you at the Edinburgh Airport with our local guide and private motor coach, and we are off to Perth.  The city of Perth Scotland is the county town of Perthshire and also known as St John's Town or even as the Fair City.  Known to the Romans as Bertha from the Celtic 'Aber The' meaning mouth of the Tay, the city has been a Royal Burgh since the 13^th century and was a Royal residence throughout the middle ages. Perth is often referred to as the Ancient Capital of Scotland on this account.   Nearby Scone is the ancient coronation site of Scottish monarchs. All kings and queens of Scotland have been crowned here, up until the creation of the United Kingdom. Today the early 19^th century Palace of Scone marks the site.  

Perth's city center is compact with two large and open public parks (the North and South Inches) on each flank and the mighty River Tay along the east side. Much of Perth's High Street is closed to traffic, with a wide variety of shops, large and small. Many of the streets around the center are comprised of elegant Georgian terraced houses. Perth has probably always been a center for farming and less dependent on the traditional Scottish industries of fishing, textiles and engineering. This may be responsible not only for its relatively small size but also for its air of prosperity. The city is a bustling market town with much to offer the visitor with shops, galleries and theaters right in the town center. On touring days, we will enjoy the local scenery, castles, history, walks and attractions in the surrounding countryside.

In the evening, we will get to know one another better at our Welcome Cocktail and Dinner Party in the restaurant of the Royal George Hotel.

Day 2: Saturday 12 August

Full Scottish breakfast is provided daily throughout the tour.

The golfers will play locally at Gleneagles today, with lunch at the Clubhouse (Golfers: click the "Golf Details" button on the previous page for more information about the four courses we will be playing). 

The non-golfers will visit Branklyn Gardens in the morning and after lunch in a nearby village, enjoy a visit to Scone (pronounced "scoon") Palace.   

Branklyn Gardens were bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1967 by John T. Renton, CBE, who, with his wife, began the garden planting in 1922.  They developed this attractive garden, a haven of peace within walking distance of Perth, and gardeners and botanists from all over the world come to Branklyn to see the outstanding collection of plants, particularly rhododendrons, alpines, herbaceous and peat-garden plants. One of the most striking and unusual plants here is the vivid blue Himalayan poppy, meconopsis.  Branklyn also holds national collections of cassiope and lilium and is developing a collection of rhododendron taliense.

Scone is famous for its former Abbey and Palace. The Abbey was sacked and burned in 1559 by a mob of followers of John Knox.  The celebrated Stone of Scone, traditionally identified with Jacob's pillow at Bethel, and later the Stone of Destiny at Tara in Ireland, was brought here in the 9th century and carried away to England by Edward I in 1297 when it was placed under the seat of the Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey.  All the early Scottish Kings were crowned at Scone until the time of Charles II.  The present palace, largely rebuilt in 1803, incorporates parts of the earlier 1580 palace.  There is a fine collection of French furniture and clocks, china, ivories, 16th century needlework including bed hangings worked by Mary, Queen of Scots. 

Evening free.

Day 3: Sunday 13 August

This group touring day will be spent at the gateway to the beautiful central highlands area called The Trossachs. 

The fame of the Trossachs district is due not only to its extraordinary and very lovely combination of mountain, loch and woodland, but also to the graphically-written descriptions in Sir Walter Scott’s “Lady of the Lake” and “Rob Roy”, which have served as an introduction to many thousands of visitors. The word Trossachs means “bristly country” and the richly wooded gorge of the Trossachs actually extends from Loch Achray to Loch Katrine. We will visit Stirling Castle in the morning, enjoy a nice lunch, and then set off for a cruise on the legendary Loch Lomond.  After touring this beautiful region, we will return to Perth. 

Evening free.

Day 4: Monday 14 August

We will head the the east of Perth today. The Golfers will play Carnoustie with lunch in the club house.

The non-golfers will continue on a bit to the village of Arbroath, where we will have morning coffee in a charming spot called Sugar and Spice, before an interesting tour of the ruins of Arbroath Abbey. Founded in 1178, it was from here that Robert the Bruce wrote the Scottish Declaration of Independence from England in 1320.  Also in the town we will see the Bell Rock lighthouse, one of may Scottish lighthouses built by the family whose most famous son was Robert Louis Stevenson.

From Arbroath, we will continue to Glamis (pronounced "glams") village for lunch, followed by a tour of Glamis Castle. In 1372, King Robert II of Scotland made Sir John Lyon the “Thane of Glamis” and gave him Glamis Castle which had previously been used as a royal hunting lodge. Four years later Sir John married the king’s daughter Joanna, and was appointed Chamberlain of Scotland. Their descendants still live here. Their grandson became Lord Glamis in 1445, the title “Earl of Strathmore” was created in 1667, and the title “Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorn” in 1677. The family name became Bowes-Lyon in 1767.

                The 5-storey ‘L’ shape pink sandstone castle was remodelled in the 17th century. There is a Great Hall with a magnificent plasterwork ceiling, dated 1621, a family built chapel built in 1688, an 18th century Billiard Room housing what is left of the once extensive library, a 19th century Dining Room containing family portraits and the Royal Apartments used by the late Queen Mother and King George VI. Glamis is the childhood home of the Queen Mother Elizabeth who, before her marriage, was Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Princess Margaret was born here in 1930.  Glamis Castle is also renowned as the setting for Shakespeare’s famous tragedy “MacBeth” or “the Scottish play”. 

Evening free.

Day 5: Tuesday, 15 August

Free day in Perth, with a guided morning walking tour and then plenty of time to explore on your own, at your own pace.  Our hotel is within steps of the pedestrian shopping streets, the riverside walk, and many other points of interest. 

A shopping street in Perth                                                    The Perth Bridge over the River Tay

Day 6: Wednesday, 16 August

Today the golfers will play at the Dunkeld and Birnum course, with lunch at the club house.

The non-golfers visit Blair Castle. Cumming’s Tower in Blair’s North West corner has foundations that are part of the original 13th century castle on this site. A great deal of the ancient upper stonework was lost. However, when the 2nd Duke of Atholl decided the castle no longer had a military use and transformed it into a Georgian mansion. Today’s medieval appearance is mostly the result of alterations made by Bryce during the late 19th century for the 7th Duke. Prominent as the home of the powerful Atholl family since the 13th century, Blair has played host to many historical figures including Mary Queen of Scots. In 1746, Lord George Murray, the 1st Duke’s son supporting the Jacobite cause, arrived here with his “Atholl Brigade”, part of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces, and unsuccessfully laid siege to his family home.  This episode is notable for being Britain’s last siege and also the last time the nation witnessed a private army in action. Blair castle has some fine 17th century interiors and great collections of paintings, china, weapons and Jacobite relics. The Duke of Atholl still maintains an 80 man private army, the last in Britain.

We will have lunch in the village of Pitlochry at a charming restaurant called The Old Armoury, and if time allows, take a look at the nearby Salmon Ladder, where the fish are aided in their migration up the River Tay by a series of locks which allow them to bypass a hydroelectric plant. 

After picking up the golfers, there will be time for a drive through the village of Aberfeldy and a visit to the Dewar's Distillery before returning to the hotel. 

Evening free.

Day 7: Thursday, 17 August

Group touring day to Edinburgh, with a guided tour of the Royal Mile and the Edinburgh Castle, with lunch in a well known establishment called Deacon Broadie's Pub.

Edinburgh is justifiably famous as one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe. This ancient town lies along the "Royal Mile" which stretches from the massive fortress of Edinburgh Castle, perched on its rocky crag, down the “Royal Mile” to the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland.  Our tour today will visit the historic Castle, taking time to enjoy the panoramic view of the graceful squares and streets of Edinburgh, with its many elegant examples of Georgian architecture.  You’ll see the differences between the Old and New Towns, you will see St. Giles' Cathedral, and you will hear the stories of Knox, Burke & Hare, “Greyfriars Bobby" and much, much more.

This evening, you will be on your own to discover a special place for dinner, or maybe even "high tea" after which we will meet again within the grounds of the Castle for a truly once-in-a-lifetime treat. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo in known around the world for its drama, music, and pageantry, and it is an essential element of Scottish culture. This takes place out of doors, so we will be sure to dress warmly. When the Tattoo is over, we will board our coach for the ride back to Perth, perhaps humming a martial tune. 

Day 8: Friday, 18 August                      

A drive to St Andrews today.  The golfers will play the "New" Course, with many holes running adjacent to the "Old Course". 

While the golfers enjoy a round of golf, the non-golfers will enjoy a tour of the ancient town of St. Andrews, including the University and remains of the Cathedral, and some free time for a little shopping. St Andrews is best known as the home of the world’s oldest golf club, the Royal and Ancient which was founded in 1754.  There are also remains of a 12th-century cathedral on the eastern edge of town and the Church and tower of St. Rule lie nearby (St Rule is reputed to have brought St. Andrew’s bones to Scotland). The Castle ruins date from the 13th century and St. Andrews University, the oldest in Scotland, was founded in 1411.  We will meet the golfers for lunch at the very famous Rusack’s Hotel, overlooking the 18^th hole of the "Old Course". There will also be time for a visit to the Golf Museum after lunch before we return to Perth.

Evening free.

Day 9: Saturday 19 August                            

A full day at leisure to enjoy personal sightseeing in Edinburgh, shopping, or whatever strikes your fancy.  We will begin with a guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and then your are on your won to spend the day as you like.  The coach will take us back to Perth at around teatime, so you will have a moment to pack or take a last minute look around your new hometown of Perth. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the hotel, complete with typical Scottish food and maybe even a bagpiper.   

Day 10: Sunday 20 August

Departure transfer to the airport, with our guide available for any help we may need. We will accompany you as well, and wave goodbye, for Auld Lang Syne, until we see you again on another Stowe Away Tour.