Posts Tagged ‘scotland tours’

As we’ve mentioned all along, we expect this trip to be quite unique.  We’ll try to see as much as we can in the time we are there, but still have time to enjoy that time.  Does that make sense?

For instance, our journey into the Highlands on Friday will take us by Loch Lomond and wind its way into the Highlands across Rannoch Moor, by Glencoe and into Fort William for lunch. The trip continues north from there and features some beautiful scenery and a stop at Urquhart Castle (1) on the shores of Loch Ness. This castle stood during the time of Wallace and was one of the most formidable of its kind. A giant step back in time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urquhart_Castle

We’ll find our way to Inverness from there, check into the Columba Hotel, across the Ness River from Inverness Castle (2) and prepare ourselves for an evening at Hootananny, http://www.hootananny.co.uk/index-2.php a great night spot with a performance by Ted Christopher, http://www.bannockburnband.co.uk/ one of Scotland’s busiest and most entertaining singers. (And close friend of David’s)

On Sat. we rise, have our breakfast and say goodbye to Inverness as we make our way to Culloden Battlefield. http://www.nts.org.uk/Culloden/Home/  We will stand on the ground that saw the end of a way of life for Scotland. A haunting place that stirs emotions of those that understand its significance, a place Big Davey said was a must see on this trip.

Did I mention that our guide for the Highlands and Culloden is Hugh Allison, http://www.scottishtalespinner.com/ (another friend of David’s) who is the former Director of the Culloden Battlefield.  A writer himself, Hugh will be a great addition to our trip. I bet he will have some interesting insights and a few funny stories about Davey.

We leave Hugh at Culloden and head south toward our next evening’s lodging in Pitlochry. On our way there we will make another stop at Blair Castle (3). http://www.blair-castle.co.uk/  This is the home of the Murray Clan and is one of the busiest castles in Scotland. We will not be doing an inside tour of the castle but we will see the grounds and visit the ruins of St Brides Kirk, that is tucked away under some very old, very large trees. St Brides was built on a Druid mound and was constructed during the 1100s. Buried under the floor of the Kirk is Bonnie Dundee, one of Scotland’s strongest military leaders during the time of King James II & IV, who was killed during the battle of Killiecrankie, just a couple of miles down the road.

After an early afternoon check in at our hotel and time to catch your breath, we’ll head toward our evenings destination, a wedding and dinner at Murthly Castle (4) near Dunkeld. http://www.murthly-estate.com/page2.html We plan to be there around 4 pm to tour the glorious grounds of this 15^th century castle in daylight then move into the 17^th century chapel for the wedding of our good friends Randy Dedrickson and Susan Barry Hallenburg. We’ll have great music for the service featuring bagpipes, Susie Malcolm on harp and her husband, 2004 Scots Trad Songwriter of the Year, Jim Malcolm, singing and playing guitar. http://www.jimmalcolm.com/  The local minister, Rev. Bill Ewart (in kilt of course), will be officiating at one of his last services, as he is due to retire in April.

Once the service is completed we move into the castle for dinner and an evening of more great music. Jim will join us again in the evening and Scottish fiddler Pete Clark http://www.musicinscotland.com/PeteClark/ along with a pianist will perform and also play some dance music for us. Can you say ceilidh? (kay-lee)

I might also mention that our special guest for the evening (besides the bride & groom) will be the owners of Murthly Castle. Cool, huh?

So, there you go, four castles and a wedding. And this all happens within a 36-hour period.

The Celtic Force – Visit our website: www.thecelticforce.com

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Due to last minute cancellations we now have 4 seats available for the Albannach Homecoming Tour to Scotland March 9-16, 2010!!!

This trip will allow you to see some of the best Scotland has to offer and there will be plenty of music and merriment to be had.

Stirling, Bannockburn, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glencoe, the Highlands, castles, all will leave their marks. Featuring performances by Albannach, Ted Christopher, Jim Malcolm and Mickey Harte, in some of Scotland’s most interesting places.

This trip will be the experience of a lifetime!!!

For more information, visit: CLICK HERE!

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By: Donovan Murray

Last March Eric & I had the privilege of visiting Chris (Christine Macleod) at the Weavers Cottage in Scotland. We hope to have this as a stop on the upcoming tour in March. Chris is the person that made the Wallace tartan that is worn by David R Ross. She picked the plants and made the dyes from places associated with William Wallace and used to weave this one of a kind garment on the loom featured in the piece. Cool, hey?

CLICK HERE to learn more and to watch a video about the cottage.

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DAVID R ROSS…
is a patriotic Scot who loves his country and its people. He is passionate about the rich tapestry of Scottish history. David is a writer and historian who has specialised in the great Scottish hero Sir William Wallace.

He released his first book in 1999 called On the Trail of William Wallace followed in turn by 6 more publications on topics including Robert the Bruce, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and his latest on The Black Douglas. Ross manages to write about Scotland and her historical past with a poignancy and touch of humour.

As a result of his unique style, the reader not only learns history but travels to the sites in which all transpired. David tours the United States extensively appearing at Highland Games and Celtic festivals as well as lecturing at academic institutions and historical societies.

For more on David, please visit: http://www.davidrross.org/

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