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Tour Scotland, Lower Speyside, South From The Moray Firth. Steep red-sandstone cliffs sweep down to sheltered sandy coves and rocky outcrops, where thousands of sea birds flock together. Scattered farmsteads and fishing villages border the fertile land by Moray Firth, known as the 'Granary of the North'. The Spey's soft, peaty waters supply a host of malt whisky distilleries, and its rocky pools are alive with salmon and brown trout.

Novalis Voyages. Imagine...A tranquil loch on Scotland’s western shore surrounded by majestic mountains. Anchor is dropped, water lays glittering around the boat. The sea surges onto the shores, birds scream and flutter, seals wail, red dear high on mountain ridges, tide rips over invisible rocks. At night enjoy the silence, the gentle movement of the boat, the hoot of an owl on a moonlit mooring. Scotland provides the most dramatic cruising ground in Europe and offers one of boating’s last great escapes. A warm welcome is guaranteed in every port-of-call. Cruising to remote islands and bays is our most challenging and enjoyable activity. We explore the land, meet the people, enjoy delicious food and savour good wine. Join us on our adventures, relax, enjoy nature, be part of the action for several days or weeks or even a month if you like.

Dingwall, the town's oldest building, a former schoolhouse, dates from 1650. Town House, mostly 18th century with older tower, has a museum. Good bird watching possible from harbour's foreshore.
Dingwall is a busy and businesslike town that serves as the commercial centre of the area. There are shops and other tourist facilities and the town has a railway station. The Dingwall Museum, housed in a monument building, overlooks the town. Dingwall was the birthplace of Macbeth, and lies at the head of the Cromarty Firth.

Balhousie Castle is not a true castle, although it does incorporate a 16th century towerhouse. It is a large mansion built in 1860. Balhousie served as the seat of the Earls of Kinnoul, and overlooks the North Inch of Perth. The Hay arms appear on one wall, and a skewputt on another is dated 1631. The main block basement has two cellars and a kitchen without the usual connecting passage. The wing contains a wide stair from the entrance to the hall. A stair to a third story and attic in the main block are later additions. The tower was held by the Eviot family until 1478, when it was sold to the Mercers, and later passed to the Hays, who owned it in 1631. In 1962, it became the regimental headquarters and museum of the Black Watch. The museum spans three stories within the castle, and one wing serves as offices for the regiment's officers. Like many of the Highland Regiment museums, this one contained keepsakes, medals, campaign pennants, and other memorabilia from the regiment, which was founded in 1739. Many believe that the regiment was named for the distinctive dark tartan (or sett) that they wear. However, it is likely that they were called the "Black Watch" because the word for black, dhu, also means 'hidden' or 'covert', and may refer to their task to spy on the Jabobite rebels.

When the Scottish Monarchs began to stay at Falkland during the 15th century the village of Auchtermuchty started to grow, providing provisions for the Royal Court and accommodations for those who could not find it, or afford it, in Falkland. Thus though agriculture remained the mainstay of the village, by the beginning of the 16th century Auchtermuchty was turning into a commercial center.

Situated almost in the mouth of Glen Lyon, Fortingall is considered to be one of the most interesting and picturesque villages in all of Scotland. And behind and above the single attractive street of houses, on the crest of a wooded escarpment, perches the site of Dun Gael, a fort of unrecorded age.

Wonderfully situated east of the settlement of Kinloch Rannoch and between beautiful Loch Tummel and wilder Loch Rannoch, Dunalastair is set amidst one of the most scenic areas of Scotland.

Tour Teviotdale and Lauderdale on a small group tour of Scotland. Tour Scotland, Scottish Borders, Teviotdale, Lauderdale, River Valleys On The Border The region's gentle, wooded landscape rising to rounded hills is at odds with its violent history -- this border country saw numerous clashes between Scots and English.

Visit St andrews on a highly personalized small group tour of Scotland. Visit St Andrews on a unique small group tour of my Scotland. St Andrews is a matchless blend of past and present. As a town it has no equal in Scotland. Its ecclesiastical connections began at least as early as 747; the burgh came into being about 1144.

Visit Strathpeffer on a relaxing small group vacation of my homeland Strathpeffer village, once Victorian health resort with sulphur springs, now famous for doll museum housed in remains of baths complex. Dolls, teddy bears, games and toys spanning 150 years on display, as well as other features of Victorian nursery such as baby clothes, lace and cradles.

Tour the Isle of Skye on a relaxing small group vacation of my homeland Skye and its smaller neighbours that make up the Inner Hebrides are known for their wild, beautiful landscapes of deep lochs and jagged mountains, which provide a challenge for the most experienced climbers. The islands have a harsh history, with Norse invasions, fierce clan feuds and the forcible eviction of much of the population during the Highland Clearances of the last century.

Tour Dunkeld on a relaxing small group vacation of my homeland Tucked away at the foot of thickly wooded hills, you will discover one of Perthshire's gems - the cathedral town of Dunkeld. And that's not all ! Resting on the opposite bank of the river Tay is the Victorian village of Birnam. Together the beautifully restored buildings and rich heritage of these Highland Perthshire sister towns are an inspiration for lovers of history, the arts and the outdoors.

Tour Kinross on a relaxing small group vacation of my homeland Bounded by hills Kinross enjoys a stunning setting at Perthshire's southern border. When you consider its close proximity to the splendour of the Perthshire Highlands, as well as Edinburgh St Andrews, Dunfermline and Stirling, it easy to understand why this area has established itself as an excellent touring destination.

Tour Pitlochry on a relaxing small group vacation of my homeland Situated at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and surrounded by the most resplendent mountain scenery in Europe, Pitlochry is a gloriously colourful and vibrant Victorian town with the River Tummel running along its edge. Pitlochry's fame as a vacation resort dates from as long ago as the 1860's ensuring that this is an area very proud of its tradition of hospitality and the extraordinary warm manner with which visitors are welcomed.

Tour Crieff on a relaxing small group vacation of my homeland For centuries Strathearn, the broad valley of the River Earn, has been a resting place for travelers. As the capital of Strathearn, Crieff - a small town built on the slopes of the Grampian foothills - was transformed from a trading town to a popular vacation resort during the reign of Queen Victoria. This is truly one of Scotland's most unspoiled areas, situated, as it is, at the point where the lush countryside of the Lowlands meets the wonderful grandeur of the Perthshire Highlands.

Visit Muthill and Crieff On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Muthill, a small conservation village, lies not far from the town of Crieff. Here you'll discover one of Perthshire's most unexpected jewels. The wonderful Drummond Castle Gardens. These are the beautiful gardens featured in the Hollywood Blockbuster, Rob Roy, starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange. There may be no stars on your visit but I promise that the sun will feature - even if it is only in the shape of the historic sundial.

Visit Blairgowrie and Meigle On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Blairgowrie or "Blair " as it is known locally, sits with its sister community Rattray on the banks of the River Ericht, a major tributary of the River Tay. The Ericht is considered to have outstanding salmon fishing but there is much more than salmon here. History, sporting activities and natural heritage are among just some of the area's attractions.

Visit Auchterarder On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Looking across from the steep sided glens of the Ochil Hills across the broad strath of the River Earn Auchterarder is set amongst some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. It is not a city but it has stood in the path of a thousand years of history.

Visit Anstruther On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Anstruther gained its Royal Charter in 1587 and comprises Anstruther Easter & Wester, Cellardyke and Kilrenny. In its heyday, Anstruther was one of the busiest ports in the East Neuk and is steeped in history. Even with the general decline of the Fishing industry Anstruther is still a great attraction because of the Scottish Fisheries Museum. The museum is housed in old domestic buildings and also in the 16th century site used by the monks from Balmerino Abbey.

Visit Crail On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Crail is a very popular East Neuk village adored by both artists and photographers. The picture of Crail harbor with its little houses, white walls, crowstepped gables and red pantile roofs, features on the front of numerous brochures and many calendars. Yet there is much more to Crail than the pretty harbor which was the lifeline for one of Scotland's most prosperous burghs in medieval times.

Visit Pittenweem On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Pittenweem is the number one port in the East Neuk of Fife and visitors will see the harbor at its liveliest when the fish sales are held early in the morning. The name Pittenweem means " place of the cave " and dates back to the very early days when a cave in old Cove Wynd was used as a place of worship by the missionary St. Fillan during the 7th century.

Visit Elie On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. The two villages of Elie and Earlsferry are linked around a natural harbor and are now popular seaside resorts with many facilities to offer both locals and visitors. Gone are the days of the 1800's when the harbor was a bustling port. Today Elie and Earlsferry have a more relaxed atmosphere where people enjoy windsurfing, sailing and golf. The most famous Elie golfer is James Braid who won the Open Golf Championship five times between 1901 and 1910.

Visit Newburgh on a unique small group tour to my native Scotland. Newburgh, in north Fife, on the banks of the River Tay, has had a settlement or a village on the present site from a period much earlier than the end of the twelfth century, but it was at this time that the village grew in importance, due to the founding of Lindores Abbey, and was named in a Royal Charter as Newburgh.

Visit Auchtermuchty on a unique small group tour of my Scotland. Auchtermuchty's name - the field of the pigs - indicates that the community started as an agricultural one. The original field for the pigs was probably cleared from the forest which covered most of Scotland in medieval times. On the higher ground above the marshes of the Howe of Fife the land was fertile.

Visit Falkland, Fife, Scotland, On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Falkland shot to importance in the 14th century when the Stewart monarchy acquired Falkland Castle from Macduff, the Thane of Fife. Unlike the Picts who had built a fort on the East Lomond for defensive purposes the Stewarts were most interested in Falkland as a place of sport and relaxation. The name of Falkland is associated with falconry which was one of the popular sports in the area and the Howe of Fife with its vast forests was ideal for hawking as well as hunting deer and wild boar.

Visit Abernethy On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland The name Abernethy is an extremely potent name in Scottish history. Here was an ancient Pictish capital, and then an ecclesiastical metropolis of the Celtic Church of the Culdees, before St Andrews, conveniently near to Scone, the one-time Royal centre of government only 8 miles away across the River Tay, as the crow flies. Indeed even before that, Abernethy was important, with a Pictish and also Roman fort, port and baths, at Garpow just to the north.

Visit Dunning, Scotland, On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Dunning is situated at the south east of Strathearn. St Serf's church in the centre of the village was rebuilt in the 19th century but the tower is early medieval (12th century) with two-light arched Anglo-Saxon windows like Muthill Church. Like so many Strathearn villages, Dunning was burnt after the Battle of Sheriffmuir by the retreating Jacobite army. However the village retains it's earlier pattern with later buildings (18-19thC) gathered around the church. A standing stone outside the village is said to mark the site of the Battle of Duncrub in 964AD. A local woman, Maggie Wall, was burnt as a witch in 1657 and a monument commemorates this sad event.

Visit Newport-On-Tay, Fife, Scotland, On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Newport - on - Tay was previously named New Dundee and was regarded as a fashionable place to reside by the wealthy Jute Barons of Dundee in the 19th century. Consequently this led to the village of Wormit being established as a commuter town and rail link between Newport - on - Tay and Dundee. Wormit also claims its place in history as the first village in Scotland to be powered by electricity. Today Newport-on-Tay and Tayport are ideal places to use as a base to explore North East Fife and Dundee area. The narrow country roads from Wormit lead to Balmerino with its ruined abbey, picnic area and wonderful views of the Tay. The Abbey was founded in 1229 and lies on the shores of the River Tay and was always a popular ferry crossing for pilgrims travelling between St. Andrews and Arbroath. In 1559 the Abbey was destroyed by the Reformers and eventually was taken under the wing of the present managers, the Trust for Scotland, in 1936.

Visit Leuchars, Fife, Scotland, On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Leuchars is renowned for its long association with the Royal Air Force base and also the Church of St. Athernase which dates back to the late 12th century. The Church is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain and proudly stands on a grassy knoll overlooking the village.

Visit Largo, Fife, Scotland, On A Unique Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. The coastal scene of Largo Bay with its sandy beaches and golf courses, lying in the shadow of the old volcanic mound of Largo Law ( hill ), forms an attractive setting for the old villages of Lundin Links, Upper Largo and Lower Largo. Consequently Lundin Links has always been a favorite of vacationers and especially golfers. The Lundin Links course was designed in 1868 and today is of the required standard to hold the qualifying rounds of the Open Championship when it is held in St Andrews. The course is dotted with ancients stones and ruined towers from ancient times.

Visit Gigha Island Gaelic for 'God's Island', area scattered with fort remains and standing stones. Throughout history, the isle has been noted for its fertile soil; from 1700 until 1850 it was treeless, until the owner planted the woods around Achamore House. Its value in terms of agriculture is reflected throughout its history - good land provided men and women who could carry arms and take part in the islands battles, with the means to survive and prosper.

Visit Kenmore On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Kenmore. Lying on green knolls where the broad smooth Tay issues from its great loch, under the long wooded hog's-back of Drummond Hill, the white houses, white hotel and kirk of Kenmore, all tastefully grouped around a wide 'place' amid ancient trees, seem to speak of settled peace and serenity--by no means the normal impression of this challenging, vehement if beautiful land. Charm, a much misused word, is one that might decently be applied here. The village of Kenmore might appear to have been dropped down here as from some altogether different, softer and non-Highland ambience.

Visit Brodick. Arran's main port set by sandy Brodick Bay. Goat Fell, at 2866ft, dominates mountain trail. Views of bay and surrounding peaks from String Road, to west.

Visit Innerpeffray, Madderty and Kinkell On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Innerpeffray, Madderty and Kinkell. These areas of the great and wide tract of mid-Strathearn lie between Gask and Crieff, the first two on the north side of the Earn, Kinkell on the south. Although they contain no true villages, they have always had their own importance in Scotland's story, their names recurring again and again over the centuries. These are level, fertile lands, between the Ochils and the Highland hills, dotted with farms, woodlands and old estates.

Visit Killiecrankie, Tenandry and Strathgarry, On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Killiecrankie, Tenandry and Strathgarry. Killiecrankie is one of the famous names of Scotland, renowned both for its history and its scenery. The Pass of Killiecrankie lies three miles north of Pitlochry, and for a mile threads the deep, steep, thickly-wooded gorge of the Garry, between a spur of Ben Vrackie (2757 feet) and Tenandry Hill, with the village at the north end. Through this narrow winding defile, above the rushing river, run the A 9 highway and the railway to Inverness.

Visit Perthshire, Scotland, On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. By any standards Perthshire is one of the truly great old counties of Scotland. In size it is the fourth largest of the old counties in Scotland, comprising 1,595,804 acres. But size is not everything; and despite having no extremely large city, it has a much larger population than the other Scots counties which top it in size, Inverness, Argyll and Ross and Cromarty. Yet it has no industrial area, apart from the town of Perth itself. It has its great mountain tracts, of course, including some of the most famous scenery in the United Kingdom; but there is an enormous amount of fertile, populous countryside--far more, probably, than is generally realised--its great green straits, or wide open valleys, its especial pride. Contrary, therefore, to frequent pronouncements, the true glory of Perthshire is not its hills and lochs, however fine--for in these it can be excelled by Argyll and Inverness-shire, Ross or Sutherland; it is in its magnificent, age-old settled lowlands, its characterful small towns and its unnumbered villages. Especially the latter. Here are, probably, more ancient and interesting small communities than anywhere else in Scotland. These communities are unfortunately generally bypassed by the typical traveler.

Visit Aberfoyle On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. This is the most readily accessible truly Highland community, from the south, with Glasgow only 30 miles by road, and Stirling 16. It is consequently highly popular for visitors, and deservedly so--indeed it is today becoming so for 'commuters' also. Itself an attractive area, it is also the gateway to further delights.

Visit Callander On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. Callander is not an especially ancient burgh, having reached that status only in 1859. It is not a large community either. But it is famous, competing with Crieff and Pitlochry as a gateway to the Highlands. The tradition is that Callander owes its rise from a small village in part to the settlement here of discharged soldiers from the Seven Years War, in s 763; and thereafter to the publicity given the area by Sir Walter Scott in The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, Rob Roy and so on. But, in fact, it was always an important strategic community at the junction of vital South Highland valleys in the land of Monteith, became an earldom in the 17th century, and was the centre of a large parish of 54,000 acres. The church was founded in 1238 and was an appendage of the Priory of Inchmahome, belonging to the Earls of Menteith. But even before all this, there was a Roman camp here, at Kilmahog, at the junction of the Leny and Teith.

Visit Doune On A Highly Personalized Small Group Tour Of My Scotland. The little burgh of Doune is a proud place, and worthy of its pride. It is the capital of Menteith, more properly Monteith, the mounth of the River Teith, which was once one of the great earldoms and divisions of ancient Scotland. Near by stands one of the finest castles in this, or any other, land. Doune had, inevitably, a stirring history. And it is an attractive place, attractively sited, old fashioned and authentic.

Visit Carradale Village situated on hill above small harbour. Remains of Aird Castle and 1500 BC fort lie nearby. Walks through 16,000 acre estate have splendid views of Arran and 2366ft Bein Bharrain.

Visit Glamis, Fields of raspberries and strawberries stretch between the ancient cities of Perth and Dundee, while further north wooded glens and tranquil lochs show some of Scotland's wilder side. This is a region rich in history and legend: kings were crowned at Scone, Macbeth scanned Birnam from Dunsinane Hill, Guinevere was imprisoned at Barry Hill, and ghosts still stalk the corridors of Glamis Castle.

Tour Edzell Castle, Strathmore's fertile vale with its cattle farms and steep braes divides the Grampian Mountains and Sidlaw Hills from the Firth of Tay and the area's splendid beaches. Wildlife abounds, from wooded watersides to marshy stretches such as Montrose Basin. The remains of rugged castles proliferate, along with intriguing gardens such as Edzell and fine houses like the House of Dun.

Tour Dornoch, Invergordon, Helmsdale, Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, Tain, Sutherland, Cromarty, Inland From Dornoch Firth Forests and heather-covered hills, sea cliffs and sandy beaches: the east coast may not have the high drama of the west, but it offers beauty, solitude and a wealth of history. It takes the visitor from the ruined brochs of the Iron Age people to the carved stones left by the mysterious Dark Age Picts and on to the bitter memories of the Highland Clearances and the desolation they caused.

Mull of Kintyre, Southern point of Kintyre Peninsula. Lighthouse built here in 1788. One of the most treacherous points for shipping on the Scottish coast. Kintyre is a narrow peninsula in the far West of Scotland, which extends a distance of approximately 30 miles, from Tarbert in the North to the Mull of Kintyre in the South. Along the middle or spine of Kintyre, runs a line of hills which rise to a maximum height of approximately 2000 feet. Along the West coast runs a narrow fertile strip of land which is exposed to the frequent Atlantic gales. The Eastern coast is more fertile, being protected as it is by the line of hills. Prior to modern roads being constructed, Kintyre remained relatively isolated from the rest of Scotland, access being gained from the sea.

By any standards Perthshire is one of the truly great old counties of Scotland. In size it is the fourth largest of the old counties in Scotland, comprising 1,595,804 acres. But size is not everything; and despite having no extremely large city, it has a much larger population than the other Scots counties which top it in size, Inverness, Argyll and Ross and Cromarty. Yet it has no industrial area, apart from the town of Perth itself. It has its great mountain tracts, of course, including some of the most beautiful scenery in the United Kingdom; but there is an enormous amount of fertile, populous countryside--far more, probably, than is generally realised--its great green straits, or wide open valleys, its especial pride. Contrary, therefore, to frequent pronouncements, the true glory of Perthshire is not only its hills and lochs, however fine; but also in its magnificent, age-old settled lowlands, its characterful small towns and its unnumbered villages.

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