For a great many years travel to the remote Scottish islands has only been available to the very rich.  During the last few decades transportation links have improved considerably. Because of this the islands are now open to the majority of visitors and islands such as  the Outer Hebrides can now be reached via sea or air. One of the key reasons why tourists travel to islands, such as Harris and the likes, is that, even though tourism is a major industry, they are extensively unspoiled. In the following article I discuss the relatively small village known as Leverburgh on Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland. Leverburgh is the second largest settlement on Harris with the town of Tarbert being the largest.

Most frequently the main attraction of Harris is the great many incredibly beautiful beaches of golden sand which can be found along the west coast. These beaches feature the clearest and cleanest waters in the British Isles. Beaches such as Seilabost, Nisabost, Huishnish and Luskintyre prove the most popular, however you must not expect to see masses wind breaks, sand castles, beach towels and buckets and spades because  it is more than likely to find yourself the only person enjoying the breathtaking views.

The majority of the finest beaches are found on South Harris and all are only a short distance away from Leverburgh. The village has a number of accommodation including Grimisdale Guest House, with superb self catering accommodation not far from the village and several crucial amenities such as a general store, Leverburgh is a great place to base yourself for a touring vacation of the Western Isles.

Spending time in bed and breakfast on Harris is a rewarding experience. The hospitality of Harris is renowned the world over and all providers of accommodation work extremely hard to make sure that all visitors have an excellent vacation. Guest houses and hotels are always incredibly clean with clean bedding and towels and if you are in need of advice staff are always approachable.

The breathtaking landscape of the Western Isles is home to a vast array of plants and wildlife, some of which are extremely rare or unique species. While it is rare to find a naturally growing tree on Harris you will see a small number of plantations in various parts of the Western Isles. A few small forests of pine where cultivated long ago and, thankfully most recent plantations are of native species more suitable to the unique environment and obviously far more picturesque.

Man’s impact upon the Hebridean island of Harris is immense way back in history the island was covered in trees. When man first lived on the islands of the Outer Hebrides, many thousands of years ago, they lived along the coast. making a living by hunting and fishing, and using the trees as fuel, over time they settled inland. Today fishing is still a vital industry and most inhabitants own a croft (a small holding where they grow crops such as potatoes.

Farming the land creates land which is ideal for endangered and rare birds such as the Corncrake. An impressive variety of species of flora and fauna, Golden Eagles are common place and around Leverburgh are numerous superb areas to indulge in a spot of birdwatching. Annually large numbers of birdwatchers arrive on the islands to catch a glimpse of a rare bird. Many people choose to spend some time in Leverburgh and then sail on the ferry over to the Uists to visit such places as the RSPB sanctuary.

If you are planning a vacation on the island please take a look at our listings of Harris hotel accommodation.

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city, in relationship to population numbers. Aberdeen’s buildings, since the mid 18th century, have been made using local grey granite and the city is well known for its sandy coastline. This has led to the city being nicknamed the Granite City and also the Silver City with the Golden Sands. However in more recent times the city has also gained the nicknames of the Energy Capital of Europe or the Oil Capital of Europe due to the discovery of oil in the North Sea. The city has benefitted greatly from its involvement in the oil industry and the support industries. Nowadays Aberdeen is thoroughly modern and immensely vibrant with a wild nighlife.

Aberdeen hotels are often booked by people visiting on business but also by various other types of visitors eager to enjoy the many visitor attractions the city has to offer. Below you will find details of three; Duthie Park Winter Gardens, Aberdeen Maritime Museum and Satrosphere Science Centre:

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum is found close by the harbor, at the historic Shiprow. There are breathtaking panoramas across the harbour from the museum. The Maritime Museum occupies quite a few buildings, which include a former church and one of the oldest residences in Aberdeen. The museum has exhibits that cover everything to do with the seagoing environment, from fishing boats to the oil industry. In essence, the museum conveys the  story of the city’s long relationship with the ocean. Some of the collections contain photographs, models, paintings and ship plans from the foremost of Aberdeen’s shipbuilders.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

In 1881, Lady Elizabeth Duthie of Ruthrieston, gifted 44 acres of land, to the council. The land for the park was purchased, as a lasting memorial to her uncle and brother. In 1899, when the gardens were completed, they opened up to the public. However, in 1969 misfortune occurred and the greenhouses had to be knocked down and rebuilt. This was due to severe storm damgage. Today, the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park are one of Scotland’s favourite garden attractions, and also the largest indoor gardens in the whole of Europe. Each greenhouse has an important collection such as, the Japanese Garden, Tropical House, Fern House, Victorian House, Temperate House and Corridor of Perfumes.

Satrosphere Science Centre

In Aberdeen, the Satrosphere Science Center was one of the first science and discovery centers in Scotland. This hands-on, interactive science center, has over 50 exhibits and live science shows, and opened its’ doors to the public in 1988. Although the center is aimed at primary age children, the attraction of the exhibits is universal. The center is situated in the old tram sheds, close to the sea front, on Constitution Street. The purpose is to inspire youngsters to become scientist’s, as entry into science courses in universities, is in decline. One of the favorite exhibits at the center is the famous giant soap bubble, where each child can be enclosed within a magic bubble.

There are many more tourist attractions in and about Aberdeen which are well worth visiting and the three above were chosen randomly. If you are planning to spend some time in Aberdeen, Scotland then you will discover numerous quality hotels in Aberdeen, or various other types of accommodation, available to book online.

For some years now a group of the so-called “budget airlines” in Europe have been embroiled in a price war attempting to offer the lowest air fares to a huge number of European cities. It’s quite normal to see that one of the leading budget carriers such as Easyjet or Ryanair has an offer of return flights from the UK to Spain, France or Germany for £1 (approx $1.45). There could be airport landing fees and taxes to be added to the fare, but it remains an absolute bargain if you’re looking to see a variety of European cities. One of the biggest disadvantages of flying with the budget airlines is that they frequently fly to the smaller municipal airports instead of the more well known majorinternational ones. This sometimes means that a flight that is supposed to be flying to a big European city actually lands up to fifty miles away. In fact there are a number of plus-points with this arrangement, the municipal airports will always offer a much quicker service on check-in and luggage since they are catering for far fewer flights. The downside is that transportation serving these airfields can be scrappy at best and a very popular option is to hire a car from the airport. The following are some of the wonderful cities that we’ve visited whilst making use of cheap floghts from the low cost airlines. We’re sure that you’ll enjoy visiting any of these scenic, without doubt they have plenty to offer to visitors to their shores.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, once the butt of so many jokes about the slums of the Gorbals has undergone a Renaissance and has become a wonderful, architecturally diverse city attracting huge numbers of tourists throughout the year. The trendy West part of the city is home to one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. Perched on a hill amidst the Medieval region of Glasgow, its students add greatly to the fun loving and vibrant atmosphere of that area. The low cost carriers utilise Prestwick Airport which is approximately 35 miles (51 km) north east of the centre of the city and you will find a good road between the airport and the city centre. It’s a popular sightseeing area, so you are advised to hire a car at Glasgow Airport in advance of your trip. A congestion free half hour journey from the airport on the M77 motorway takes you to the centre of the city. Glasgow is a perfect starting point for an adventure in the Trossachs National Park. Just 13 mile (20 km) journey out of Glasgow and you could find yourself enjoying stunning countryside on the back of a pony, whilst a 50 km (30 mile) drive eastwards along another excellent motorway will find you in Edinburgh together with its ever popular festivals, Princes Street shopping, the historic Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Florence, Italy

Without doubt one of Europe’s most impressively beautiful cities, Florence is served by the airport at Pisa, which is 50 miles (84 km) west of the city. Hire a car at Florence airport and you will be perfectly positioned to explore Pisa with its leaning tower, majestic Florence and a selection of Europe’s most picturesque countryside, that of the majestically beautiful Tuscany. It is therefore not surprising that Florence is high in the popularity stakes when looking at European cities. Once you arrive at the city of Florence you will find that most of the city centre is pedestrianized thus preserving its many ancient architectural treasures and statues from the vibrations and pollution associated with hectic traffic. The traffic free status brings a sense of tranquility as you meander from one fragment of history to the next. You do not need to walk too far before being hit by the evil, ear splitting roar of Florence’s legion of scooter riders. Apart from the Ponte Vecchio the remainder of the bridges into the city centre are noisy, polluted places, thus giving us a further reason to stay within the ancient alleyways and peaceful sanctuaries of Florence’s beautiful piazzas.

Tours, France

Tours, the centre of the famed Loire Valley chateaux with not a single chateau to its name! The ideal centre for discovering the Loire Valley famed for its wonderful array of palatial residences, the city boasts a number of charms of its own. Although the little airport is only a couple of miles from town, it’s pretty much essential that you rent a car in the Loire Valley to fully explore some of the most picturesque towns and villages to be found throughout France. Along the banks of the River Loire between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes, a number of cultural treasures are presented for the visitor to enjoy. The Loire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers beautiful countryside, historic villages and lots of flamboyant castles. During the renaissance the Loire Valley was known as the “Retreat of Kings and was a big favourite of the French royal family. Built originally as working fortified castles, the buildings were converted into the palatial chaeaux that you will find today. Tourists from around the world are attracted to the historic towns that are situated along the banks of the Loire. Towns such as Blois, Chinon and Tours have lots to see and do whilst the most popular of all the chateaux is probably that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the area you will discover small, family owned vineyards offering a variety of wonderful wines at budget prices. Look out for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and provided that ‘Le Patron’ is not in the middle of a long leisurely lunch you will be made very welcome and he will be more than willing to offer you a tasting of his complete selection of wines. Of course, it is strongly advised that you take a non-drinker as your chauffer, some of these tasting sessions can get very serious!.

Glasgow is the largest, and most lively, city in Scotland with wonderful shopping plus an incredible nightlife. For the more bohemian visitor there are many places to visit especially in the West End which features boutiques, cafés, tea rooms, bars, restaurants and clubs as well as some upmarket Glasgow bed and breakfast. In the article which follows I will discuss three attractions in Glasgow which should be especially interesting to those folk who enjoy all things artistic; the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Burrell Collection and the House For An Art Lover:

The Burrell Collection

Sir william Burrell and his wife gifted the Burrel Collection to the city of Glasgow in 1944 and the collection can be found at Pollok Country Park in the south of the city This beautiful collection of works of art includes more than nine thousand pieces of art. The collection is incredibly cosmopolitan containing a selection of modern sculptures as well as an Islamic art collection. There are works of art by Degas, Cezanne and other European artists. As well as paintings and sculptures visitors can enjoy the spectacular collections of English furniture, tapestries, alabasters and stained glass. As well as all this, the Burrell Collection also exhibits a very important selection of medieval art and collections from ancient China and Egypt.

House For An Art Lover

The House For An Art Lover is one of Glasgow’s most popular tourist attractions. The Art Nouveau House was originally designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow’s most famous architect, with the help of his wife.

In actual fact the design was an entry for a 1901 competition to create a design for a ‘House for an Art Lover’, however, the entry by Charles and his wife was disqualified from the competition on the grounds that it was submitted after the closing date. Luckily, over one hundred years later the house stands in Bellahouston Park due to the efforts of the architect Professor Andy Macmillan and the engineer Graham Roxburgh. Building commenced in the year nineteen eighty nine, stopped for a short amount of time but resumed again in nineteen ninety four thanks to a collaboration between the Glasgow City Council and Glasgow School of Art.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery is home to one of Europe’s great civic art collections and one of Glasgow’s, and Scotland’s premier museums and art galleries, but also it has been voted one of the most popular free to enter visitor attractions in Scotland.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located on the banks of the River Kelvin,  in the West End of Glasgow, on Argyle Street. The gallery was constructed in a Spanish Baroque style using the traditional red sandstone. The building was followed the designs of E.J. Milner Allen and Sir John W. Simpson and opened in the year nineteen hundred and one. The collections of the museum were originally from the McLellan Galleries and the old Kelvingrove House Museum in Kelvingrove Park.

If you are considering a vacation in Glasgow you will find a large selection of online hotels and guest houses offering bed and breakfast accommodation in Glasgow. You will find a comprehensive listing of guest houses and hotels in Glasgow at http://www.glasgowhotelscotland.com/

Renting a car in Scotland and touring the wild and wonderful surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland. Cheap Scotland car rental is trouble-free and available in all major cities.

Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.

Day 1

From Glasgow or Edinburgh, join the A93 at Perth and stick to it through Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern access to the Cairngorm Mountains. Pay a visit to Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is at this time operated by the local community. Stay on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s ‘dear cloud nine where everywhere you look seems to breathe freedom and calm.

Further east, the old royal station at Ballater consists of a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria. You can find out extra ancient history at the Kinord Stone, a 9th century Celtic symbol stone in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve prior to leaving the A93 for the A97 up to Strathdon, where a little deviation will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also keep dazzling Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in wild landscape in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.

Stop at the bottom of the Lecht pass to visit the Lecht Mine – active during the 18th and 19th centuries.Carry on to the planned 18th century township of Tomintoul with its square, museum, Telford church and manse.

Day 2

Commence the day from Tomintoul and go north on the A939 and take the right hand turning after Bridge of Avon. Just at the side of the road is Fodderletter Lum – placed there by early road menders to provide shelter at night. Keep on Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to superb 15th century Drumin Castle, sometime home of the Wolf of Badenoch. Continue to Bridgend of Glenlivet and turn right onto the B9008 to the ancient Livet pack horse bridge after quarter of a mile.

Continue to Auchnarrow and take a left turning signposted Chapeltown and Scalan. Park at the end of the road and walk a mile on level ground to find the spectacular Forbidden College of Scalan where Roman Catholic priests were trained in secret during the 18th century. End the day at Grantown and benefit from an evening of local hospitality.

Day 3

From Grantown, head south and maybe visit splendid Castle Roy by Nethybridge on your way to the ruined 18th century Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie, which were built following the first Jacobite uprising. From here it’s on to Clan MacPherson Museum at Newtonmore, where you will also find part of the multi award winning amazing Highland Folk Museum where a 1700s township has been recreated.

Conclusively head south past Dun da Lamh Pictish Hillfort at Laggan Bridge before taking the A9 south to Blair Atholl and outstanding Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders - the only remaining private army in the UK.

Now that Inverness is a city, Fort William is now the largest town in the Highlands. The town of Fort William is a massively popular tourist center with numerous folk arriving to climb or view Ben Nevis. In the following article I discuss a small number of alternative places worth a visit if you are taking a vacation in Fort William.

The Educational West Highland Museum

Founded in 1922 was the West Highland Museum in Fort William. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and can be found in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Fascinating and small is how some people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a fascinating insight into life in the West Highlands throughout the years. Folk from all walks of life are represented, through the magnificent collections of picture’s, photograph’s and artefact’s

The Excellent Old Inverlochy Castle

In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the more recent Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, erected in the village of Torlundy (which is now a luxurious hotel). The Old castle was said to of been built between 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Although the castle is ruined, the layout has not changed very much since it was first built. Lord Abinger made alterations and enhancements to the house, for a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of English and Scottish history, because of the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.

The Fascinating Jacobite Steam Train

An excursion on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an exhilarating way to explore the magnificent scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig journey takes one on a magical tour through the glens. One of the most exciting elements of the journey is going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the majority of folk|people will be familiar with thanks to the fact that it appears in the Harry Potter movies. The 84 mile excursion takes you past Loch Morar, Loch Nevis and Ben Nevis, with a break in Glenfinnan before arriving in Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to discover Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has frequently been described as, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the World.

There is plenty of accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/