The Scottish diaspora is large and there are many who celebrate their heritage and ties to the country around the globe. The traditions of clans and tartans are kept alive at Highland Games events and there is a wealth of history for visitors to explore. If you are interested in researching your family history there…
The film “Mary Queen of Scots” comes to cinemas across the country this month and tells the story of the power struggle between Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth. Mary would go on to have a son, James, who became king of both England and Scotland following the Union of the Crowns in 1603. During her…
Many of our guests have been coming to Scotland for many years and some are at an age when more sedate activities are appealing to them while on holiday. There will still be a few adrenalin junkies within the older age group but for those looking for gentler activities and days out, we have selected…
Hogmanay While the rest of the world celebrates New Year’s Eve, in Scotland we celebrate “Hogmanay”. But what does it mean? Etymologists have debated the derivation of the word and there is no one accepted source. The word first appears in a 1443 Latin source as “hagnonayse”, with the first appearance in English being…
The 2018 Netflix movie “Outlaw King”, stars Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce in his quest for the crown of Scotland. The film was shot on location in Scotland giving it a sense of authenticity. The film also had an overwhelming response to a call for local extras to play footsoldiers in Robert the Bruce’s…
The Engine Shed is Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre, based in Stirling. Run by Historic Environment Scotland, it serves as a central hub for building and conservation professionals and the general public. Scotland’s historic built environment is a finite and unique resource, yet its care calls for conservation skills that are in short supply. This…
History After the Battle of Dunbar (1296), in which King Edward I had sent his commander, the Earl of Surrey, north in answer to a refusal by the Scottish King John Balliol to support his wars in France, the Scottish commanders Andrew Moray and William Wallace had succeeded in bringing under their control the vast…
Stuck for ideas of what to do with the kids this Autumn? There are a number of fantastic places for them to enjoy. Here are our top five ideas to get you started. The Battle of Bannockburn Experience, Stirling. A recent addition to Stirling’s array of historical sites, this one is a little different. Step…
Last night we enjoyed a tour around the Cultybraggan Camp just outside the village of Comrie, formerly used as a World War Two Prisoner of War camp. The Nissan huts used as lodgings and officers quarters were later re-purposed for British Army cadets so many of the buildings dating back 70 years remain remarkably intact.…