BRAVEHEART COUNTRY
Bloody Battlefields & Historic Monuments
Central Southern Scotland was pivotal to our nation’s history. For three centuries Scottish monarchs ruled from here and the nearby Wallace Monument pays tribute to one of Scotland’s greatest heroes – Sir William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace – and overlooks the historic sites of theBattlefield of Bannockburn (1314) the scene of the decisive battle in the first war of Scottish independence under another Scottish hero, Robert the Bruce. The area also includes Linlithgow Palace the birthplace of Scotland’s tragic Mary Queen of Scots and the spectacular fortress of Stirling Castle.
EAST LOTHIAN
Golf, History, Nature & Whisky
Heading east out of Edinburgh along the coast you’ll find beautiful golden sandy beaches, picturesque villages and some of the finest links golf courses in the world including Muirfield, which is home to the world’s oldest golf club, The Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. The East Lothian coast is also one of Europe’s most important stretches of heritage coastline and is home to Bass Rock, an internationally significant gannet nesting site. There are spectacular castle ruins, as well as the birthplaces of a signatory of the America’s declaration of Independence and the founder of Yellowstone National Park not to mention the only remaining lowland whisky distillery.
GLENCOE, LOCH NESS & THE HIGHLANDS
Massacres, Legends and Stunning Scenery
An enthralling day’s touring which includes visiting the towering mountains of Glen Coe, the scene the infamous massacre of 1692, through theGreat Glen and to the world renowned Loch Ness and its monster and picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle. Further north to Inverness with the possible visit to the Battlefield of Culloden (1746) before turning south through some of Scotland’s most barren yet spectacular scenery passing Dalwhinnie Distillery and Blair Atholl.
LOCH LOMOND AND THE TROSSACHS
Scenic Charm, Peaceful Lochs and Deep Glens
Straddling a natural fault that marks the start of the highlands you’ll find The Trossachs. Often referred to as ‘Scotland in miniature’, this area offers the visitor a kaleidoscope of beautiful scenery, peaceful lochs and deep glens. Enjoy the splendour of Loch Katrine from the decks of the elegant Steam Ship Sir Walter Scott as you cruise past the land that inspired the historical novel Rob Roy. Loch Lomond, with its bonnie banks and spectacular views, is second only in fame to Loch Ness, and boasts the largest surface area of fresh water loch in Britain.
CITY OF EDINBURGH
A Grand Capital Full of Contrasts, Contradictions, History and Much More
Often referred to as ‘The Athens of the North’, Edinburgh boasts some of the most spectacular and varied architecture in Scotland justifiably deserving its status as a World Heritage Site. The lofty tenement buildings and winding closes of the medieval Old Town contrast visually with the graceful grandeur of the Georgian New Town while, at the foot of the historic Royal Mile, the majestic splendour of the Royal Family‘s official residence in Scotland, thePalace of Holyroodhouse, dramatically challenges the controversial modern designs of Scotland’s Parliament. Watching timelessly over the whole city, from its vantage on top of an ancient volcano, towers the formidable historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle.
EDINBURGH AND SURROUNDINGS
Tours of Edinburgh and Surrounding Area
Spend half a day discovering Edinburgh then head out to explore the spectacular surrounding area. Visit the iconic red iron rail bridge; the hidden gem of a chapel that sprung to prominence following the publication of Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’; the birth place of Scotland’s tragic Mary Queen of Scots and the modern engineering marvel of the canal boat lift.
CITY OF GLASGOW
The Second City of the Empire
Glasgow has become one of Scotland’s most popular and stylish cities. It achieved European City of Culture status in 1990 and ended the millennium as UK City of Architecture with its mixture of Classical, Italian Renaissance and Art Nouveau. Glasgow is also known for its museums such as the Kelvingrove Museum, The Riverside Museum of Transport, St. Mungo Museum of religion and the Burrell Collection. World-renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh was born in the city and many buildings have a ‘Mackintosh’ association.
KINGDOM OF FIFE
History, Romantic Fishing Villages & the Home of Golf
The Kingdom of Fife is rich in both history and breathtaking scenery – from Dunfermline, the seat of Scotland’s early Celtic kings, the picturesque seascapes of the Firths of Forth and Tay with their romantic fishing villages to St Andrews the ‘Home of Golf.’ The Royal and Ancient clubhouse looks out over the world’s most famous and most challenging golf courses, the Old Course. St. Andrews is also the home Scotland’s oldest universities (established in 1410) and the third oldest in the English speaking world and the site of magnificent castle and cathedral ruins.
BORDER COUNTRY
Beautiful Scenery full of the Historic Ruins of a Turbulent Past
South of Edinburgh are the gentle landscapes of the Scottish Borders dotted with quiet towns and villages, magnificent stately homes and historical ruins of abbeys that bring Scotland’s turbulent past to life before your eyes. The rolling hills and history of the Scottish Borders were the inspiration to Sir Walter Scott, author of Rob Roy and Ivanhoe.
WHISKY GALORE
Three Whisky Distilleries In One Day
A definite choice for the whisky connoisseur, this tour takes you through the beautiful countryside of Perthshire to visit (and sample) the oldest distillery in Scotland, the smallest distillery in Scotland and the home of the best-selling blended Scotch whisky in America.
Full itineraries are available on request, so please contact us for more information and prices.
There is a wide and varied collection of interesting places to visit in the different tours available. However, depending upon how long clients spend at different places and the mileage between the various attractions, it may not always be possible to visit all the places of interest on every tour. Depending on the time of year, some attractions may be closed.
Sleigh’s Scotland
Visit our site dedicated to tailor-made sightseeing tours of Scotland.