Tartan: Scotland’s national dress

There is no other country that is represented so clearly by a fabric but Scotland and tartan are synonymous with one another. In fact so closely is tartan interlinked with Scotland’s history that it has evolved and even been suppressed in much the same way as the Scottish people.

Traditionally tartan was just a common form of fabric used in kilts and other garments providing a warm and waterproof layer – warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It was not, as is often thought, associated with a particular clan rather the colours and designs were regional. If a producer in an area was able to fashion a tartan with a good set of colours perhaps a bright red and or yellow then anyone may have bought and worn it in that region. It was not until much later that the different colours and patterns became the property of individual clans.

The Dress Act of 1746 prohibited the wearing of tartans by men or boys unless they were in the military. This was a deliberate attempt to rob the clans of their normal attire worn as a sign of their Scottish identity. The highland clans had leant considerable support to the Jacobite rebellions and the intention was that by removing a key part of their identity they would more easily integrate with the English culture. Perhaps it could be said that the act in fact gave Scots a defining symbol of their identity.

This was seized upon by Walter Scott when he organised King George IV’s Highland Pageant in 1822. Here the clans were paraded through the streets of Edinburgh dressed in tartans and a national dress for each clan. The clans repeat the parade up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle each summer to the delight of tourists from around the world.

There are as many as 7000 tartans and the bodies that register and catalogue tartans add more each year. The simple construction of the “warp” that crosses each thread and the “weft” that runs at right angles to this allows for many variations in design and colour. These did not become owned by clans until the early nineteenth century when the first register was set up. In fact during the Jacobite battles clans had to identify themselves by wearing different coloured ribbons.

Tartan today appears on an enormous range of items. A trip to a Scottish gift shop will give an amazing number to choose from. Any tourist visiting Scotland who traces their Scottish ancestry can find their clan’s tartan and return home sporting their tartan. Choice of undergarments is left to the wearer in all cases.

If you are interested in finding your tartan you could stay at one of Mackays self catering Scotland’s cottages and explore the fascinating world of tartan from there.

 

Discovering the Real William Wallace – Hero of Scotland

The old expression that cometh the moment cometh the man could easily be applied to William Wallace. Who he was is not well known where he was born and his early life are hazy but when Scotland needed a leader at the end of the 13th century then William Wallace was in the right place at the right time. His life ended with a traitors death but to the Scots he was elevated to martyrdom.

The circumstances of his coming prominence oddly start with the death of a young girl in the Orkneys some seven years earlier. If the Maid of Norway had survived here sea journey and married Edward I of England’s son then the two crowns would have been brought together peacefully by marriage. Her death left a vacuum that was filled by Scottish rebellion and Edward gaining the name the Hammer of the Scots.

William Wallace probably had some military experience before he killed the English sheriff of Lanark but the act elevated him to a position of a figurehead of rebellion for the Scots living in southern Scotland. He quickly gained a large following at his base in Ettrick Forest.

Mackays has fine property to visit the scene of William Wallace early days in nearby Hawick. Colislinn is a splendid example of Scottish Baronial architecture, Colislinn was built in 1896 and standing in 8 acres of private land with large lawned gardens, flower beds, an old kitchen garden, children’s trampoline, paddocks, woodland and rolling hills beyond. Through the grounds runs a burn which flows into the Slitrig Water – guests can take a swim in the natural pool.

It was in September 1297 that Wallace achieved his great victory which created the aura of success against the odds that stays with Wallace even today. At Stirling Bridge heavily defeated a poorly managed English army. Wallace was now the undisputed of leader of the rebels.

Wallace now seemed unstoppable and decided to take the war into northern England. Raiding as far south as Newcastle as his rebels wreaked havoc. To a large extent Wallace’s actions were little more than opportunism. Edward I was in the midst of an abortive war with France over Gascony and was still stretched to keep Welsh rebellion down. Overall though it was the pressure on Edward’s finances that gave the Scottish rebels most opportunity. Edward was near bankrupt and his methods for securing finance for his armies was through heavy taxation of his people. These made him weaker at home in England and more disliked in the newly acquired dominions of Wales and Scotland.

In time though the English Earls joined Edward to conquer Scotland. At the battle of Falkirk in 1298 Wallace’s luck finally ran out and his army was heavily defeated. Wallace was now asked to fight a different battle. One of using his reputation in Europe to gain the French as a powerful ally. Here Wallace established what was to prove a much revisited alliance over the centuries. For him however France, as they did repeatedly thereafter, proved a purely self interested ally and, when they deserted the Scots, the Scottish nobility caved in to the English and Wallace was alone to face his grisly fate that arrived in 1305.

To find out more about Wallace and his Scotland why not find a Scottish Cottages to stay in at www. mackays-self-catering.co.uk with over 400 Scottish holiday cottages to choose from.

Source: Discovering the Real William Wallace – Hero of Scotland

Scotland Holiday Cottages Perfect for Getting Away From It All

Luxury comes in many forms. To some it might be five star luxury with a butler to supply cocktails to your sun lounger by the pool.

There is another luxury that is becoming increasingly popular that is the luxury of escape. That is escape from everything the modern world throws at us – not just traffic jams but even cars, fast food and  24 hour supermarkets. It is the joy of being just enjoying a comfortable Scottish cottage away from everything you leave your car and use your feet to explore. When it is light you wake and when its dark you sleep. Should you be lucky you will enjoy the wildlife, maybe fish or walk but this is luxury by simplicity not sophistication.

 So where can you discover your own piece of true tranquillity? Well the problem is once discovered many people do not like to break their peace by telling others about it  As the Hopkins family remarked about Glenfernate

“To be honest we’re reluctant to give a rave review in case too many people decided to stay, we should really keep this a secret!”

But they could resist to tell of the joy in a holiday where they just breakfast/walk/read/sleep/walk/read/dinner/enjoy the peace and quiet. If your children have asked about Disney holiday then after 10 years of visiting the Hopkins say it is “by far their most favourite place and still choose this over any other holiday, but they don’t need “entertaining” If you need entertainment,”

In a wonderfully remote situation amidst hills and moorland, this simple stone shepherd’s cottage offering complete peace and seclusion. The single track road meanders 5 miles up the glen beyond the farm and goes on into the next glen. The cottage is simply furnished and quite basic – ideal for outdoor types who want a magnificent remote location. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of a get away from it all holiday. Wildlife abounds in the varied habitat – forests, moorland and hills – bird-watching and hill-walking can be enjoyed here and trout fishing may be arranged.

An alternative is Glen Urquhart. This Scottish cottage goes to show simplicity does not mean not enjoying the creature comforts of life; the open fire, an electric blanket and someone to welcome you to the cottage. Situated in magnificent countryside on the hillside above Loch Meiklie, this charming detached stone cottage nestles in a small hollow, unseen from the nearby lane, and offers total peace and seclusion. Lovely walks from the cottage lead to the hills and lochs beyond.

Mr Stewart stayed there and commented “Stunning surroundings and a huge array of wildlife from soaring birds of prey to deer grazing in the garden.”

Mackays have all sorts of Holiday Cottages across Scotland to see the full range visit www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk

Article Source: http://vayasun.co.uk/scotland-holiday-cottages-perfect-for-getting-away-from-it-all.php

Golfing Boom in Scotland Makes It a Tourists Hub

A round of golf is a fine way to get to know a landscape. Scotland as many well known courses – some of the best in the world but it also has some less well known courses that are worth seeking out. Some of these are slightly quirky using the local topography to produce challenging links or coastal golf courses that make even the most experienced golf think. Forget the wood of the tea an iron then a wedge into the green two putts for par this is where the landscape and elements make you please to get down in nine. Mackays self catering Scotland has many Scottish cottages near golf courses but here a re just a few you could enjoy a short way from a fine golf course.

Duress golf club may have only nine noles but has one of the most iconic holes in world golf. As you stand on the 9t tea all there is between you and the green are crashing waves and jagged rocks. Hold your nerve for the 108 yards and you are safe but beware to complete the full 18 holes the green is approached from a different tea giving you 155 yards of terror. The course is unique that although there are only nine greens on the back nine the experience of each completely different as you approach from different teas from different angles, Being coastal the weather can change quickly so what may been a green you could carry with an iron in benign conditions could be a horror when a swirling wind picks up the hole on the back nine can be a completely different prospect from the other tee. Not for the feint hearted by reassured the course record is a miserly 69.

Read More: Golfing Boom in Scotland Makes It a Tourists Hub

Mackay’s Agency Offers a 10% Discount on Holiday Packages

There are lots of destinations present in the world which can offer you with some spectacular holiday opportunities. People can enjoy holidays in Scotland with 10% off Price with Mackay’s Agency. Scotland is a brilliant place to go for a holiday stay.

To make the idea of staying at one of Mackays Scotland holiday cottages even more attractive there is 10% off the price for 170 Scottish cottages during March.  To find any of the wide range of cottages in Scotland with upto £200 off simply visit www.Mackays-Self-Catering.co.uk you can book a short break,  a week or an even longer holiday at any of the discounted properties for any date in 2011 just place your booking before 3rd April to receive the discount.

The only problem you will have is which property to choose. You could get 10% off a stay at Ballachulish at this charming Scottish cottage for two enjoying panoramic views over the sea loch, to the high peaks of the Mamore Range. It sits in a peaceful location at the end of a private drive and the extensive grounds run down to the shore with outdoor seating to appreciate the spectacular views, peace and tranquillity. Perfect for a couple, the cottage is well appointed and offers comfortable, welcoming accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Should you be after something of a grander scale and enjoying a truly grand discount of £475 off peak weeks why not stay at Ardgour House in Argyll. This imposing country house dates predominantly from 1765, although many of the internal details are late Georgian and the cellars date from 1542. With a traditionally harled stone-built exterior, the house has, over the years, been modernised to cope with modern day demands, without losing its old world charm and with the addition of a 36ft. The heated swimming pool, provides a most attractive choice for a gathering of family or friends. The house stands amidst approximately 6 acres of private garden grounds and has superb views of mountains, fields and forest in this wonderfully remote, yet accessible, area.

Many properties in Edinburgh are also included so you save 10% while staying just 10 minutes walk from Prince’s Street on Bellevue Terrace. This charming main door apartment offers a very special retreat in an elegant crescent in the New Town. The well-proportioned interior boasts fine original features and is quite unique, combining modern contemporary style with classic traditional comfort and there are delightful finishing touches in each room.

To view Mackays Self Catering Scotland’s full range of Scottish cottages visit www.mackays-self-catering.co.uk.

Resource URL : Mackay’s Agency offers a 10% discount on holiday packages

Scotland is A Great Country for A Family Holiday Stay

Scotland has a proud tradition of both written and spoken word. From Burns through Walter Scott and to today’s generation the country has produced many of the great works of literature across all genres. Think about great Children’s books, crime fiction or poetry and Scottish authors are always some of the first to be mentioned. What better way to immerse yourself in their imagined world than to stay at a Scottish cottages and visit some of the places that influenced these great authors.

One of the giants of crime fiction was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Born in Picardy Place in central Edinburgh Conan Doyle came from a high achieving mid Victorian family. His childhood though, was not a happy one. His father was an alcoholic and the strict Jesuit boarding school he attended was a harsh environment in which to grow up. It did help him develop his three great loves and influences on is life; writing, medicine and cricket. His literary invention he is well known for was Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr Watson. First through serialisation in magazines and then through novels Sherlock Holmes became the byword in the literary sleuthing.

Conan Doyle’s family home on Picardy Place was right at the heart of Edinburgh and during his early years and while studying medicine at Edinburgh University the young author would have observed much the capital’s life from the house. Mackays Self Catering Scotland has two townhouses in an enviable central location just few hundred yards from Picardy Place.

Peter Pan is perhaps one of the most enduring children’s books. The classic story tells the adventures of Wendy, the ageless Peter Pan and tinker Bell the fairy in Neverland. The book itself has a timeless quality with countless adaptations for screen and stage each one bringing out an new aspect of the work. The book was written by JM Barrie who was a contemporary and friend of Conan Doyle though he came from a rather less middle class background as the ninth child of a Kirriemuir weaver. The family did have enough money to educate him and his siblings and JM Barrie was able to establish himself as an author and playwright culminating in Peter Pan at the turn of century. It is hard to trace the roots of his literary genius perhaps the death of his mother’s favourite son when he was just a boy or even in height less than 5 foot 4 may have bred in him the imaginative escapism that his books typify.

His birthplace, Kirriemuir, has many visitor attractions harking back to its favorite son but is a fascinating and historic town in its own right. Sitting on a quiet country road 4 miles from Kirriemuir Mackays offers two ground floor semi-detached Scottish cottages enjoying a lovely south facing aspect with open views over rolling farmlands and woodlands to the distant Angus Glens and the Grampian mountains.

Find Your Perfect Cottage – Scotland’s Finest Castles near Inverness

Inverness is the capital of the highlands of Scotland and since the time of the Picts it has be at the centre of many of the great events in Scottish history. You have to look hard for evidence of King Brude, Duncan or even Macbeth but by touring the castles around Inverness while staying at one of our Scottish cottages you might just soak up some of the spirit of these bygone times. Being at a strategically crucial location where the river Ness meets the Moray Firth at the edge of the Great Glen makes Inverness an important area to hold – the clan or King that holds Inverness had a strong chance of controlling the surrounding region.

The first port of call to get really close to the history of Inverness is Inverness castle. Robert the Bruce destroyed the earlier eleventh century wooden enclosure castle only for the Georg Gordon to rebuild it from stone in the sixteenth century. Its troubled time continued in the Jacobite rebellion when it was blown up. The rather grandeous building now houses the county hall.

Cawdor Castle, east of Inverness, was built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor in the fourteenth century. The castle has a fine interior and some, possibly questionable, links to Macbeth. An excellent family day out at the Big Wood and gardens may at least let imagine life in a 14th century castle even if this was built some four hundred years after Macbeth and the murder of the unfortunate Duncan.

Moniack Castle is a 16th century tower house 7 mile west of Inverness. Built by the Lovat Frasers of the clan Fraser the castle now has a vineyard in the grounds. Mackays has a spectacularly situated Scottish cottage high above the pretty village of Beauly, this cottage enjoys magnificent views out to the Beauly Firth and Inverness. The property is furnished, equipped and decorated to a very high standard and offers comfortable warm accommodation.

Urquart Castle is perhaps more people’s idea of the perfect ruined castle. Much photographed on the banks of Loch Ness. The castle featured centrally in the running battles between England and Scotland from the time it first fell into English hands, Edward I, in the 13th century then was held by Robert the Bruce. From then the adventurous Macdonalds as Lords of the Isles regularly raided the castle. You can enjoy a wonderful view down the Loch from the Grant Tower.
Mackays Self Catering Scotland cottages many Scottish Holiday cottages near these fine castles. Visit our website to view these.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/find-your-perfect-cottage-scotlands-finest-castles-near-inverness-3801797.html

Cottages in Scotland to get close to Burns

Few countries associate themselves so closely with a single literary figure as Scotland does Rabbie Burns. The ploughman poet as he is popularly known composed his own poetry and collected traditional folk songs. Whether it be Auld Lang Syne or Tam o’ Shanter his work is recognised throughout the world as being synonymous with romantic Scotland.

To go back to Burns birthplace you must go to the west coast and Alloway a couple miles south of the seaside resort of Ayr. Mackays Self catering Scotland have what may well be your idea of the perfect cottage. Scotland is also a great location for tracking down the literary greats but few will get you closer to the Baird than this beautiful two bedroom Scottish holiday cottages. This beautiful cottage garden apartment is situated just yards from the world famous Burns Cottage and Museum, birthplace of Scotland’s Bard. The property has undergone a total refurbishment and is very well-appointed – features include the ‘Tam O’ Shanter’ bedroom with magnificent four-poster bed and themed furnishings.

For the larger group you could stay north of here near the farm at Tarbolton where Burn’s father took his family to live. You can see where Burns established the bachelor’s club or where he first started writing romantic literature as he attempted to woo Alison Begbie. We have a magnificent property for 14 enjoying spectacular views to the Firth of Clyde and Ailsa Craig, this wonderful Grade ‘B’ Listed Georgian Mansion house offers a unique and very special holiday home. The house exudes elegant charm and sophistication with much attention to detail, which is reflected in the presentation of each room.
He moved from Ayrshire to Dumfies and settled in Ellisland Farm. In an idyllic peaceful location, with wonderful unspoilt views over the countryside, this pretty semi-detached cottage enjoys a degree of remoteness, some three miles from the main road but is still within easy reach of nearby Thornhill, Closeburn, and a little further afield, Dumfries. This is just a few miles north of Burn’s farm that is open for visitors from 10th January.

One of the Songs made famous by Burns is My Heart’s In The Highlands and Burns made an epic 600 Mile journey from Edinburgh to the highlands and back. On his way he visited Stirling. You could retrace his steps by staying at this beautiful property. A charming barn conversion finished to an exceptionally high standard. The cottage is all on one level and enjoys a lovely sunny aspect in the wooded grounds at the rear of the owner’s home.

There are few ways to get closer to Burns than experiencing the beauty of Scotland that inspired him to write. Mackays Self Catering Scotland have many Scottish cottages from which to explore.

Mackays Self catering Cottages – Scotland’s Finest Castles around Aberdeen are Waiting to be Discovered

If there is one thing in Scotland to rival the amazing scenery then it is the country’s castles. One area that enjoys more than its fair share is around Aberdeen. Luckily Mackays Self catering Scotland has some fine properties nearby for you to stay at while you explore. It is hard to pick out favourites amongst so much fabulous buildings but here are four castles and some Scottish holiday cottages nearby that you might stay at.

Drum Castle in Banchory just 18 miles from the granite city of Aberdeen. Dating back as far back as the 13th century – one of the oldest surviving tower houses in Scotland. Here you can observe the remarkable blend of architecture as the castle has been added to over six hundred years. The Gardens boast the National Trust’s garden of historic roses. The gardens boast more than 400 varieties including gallicas, Centifolia, albas, Damask and moss roses to name but a few.

Just off a quiet lane in the Aberdeenshire countryside 3 miles from the attractive town of Banchory and 20 miles from Aberdeen, Mackays Self catering Scotland offers a spacious Scandinavian timber lodge offers exceptionally bright, airy and contemporary accommodation.

Nearby is another Tower house. Craigievar is a fine example and one of the best preserved in Scotland. The estate also features magnificent woodland along with stunning extensive views.

An alternative castle is the confusingly named Tolquhon castle in Tarves – confusing as it is actually pronounced “Tohon”. Built in 16th Century to replace an earlier tower house the castle is now famed for its ornate gatehouse. See if you can find the secret hiding place in the bed chamber.

To stay nearby Mackays offers a beautifully positioned country Scottish cottage on an elevated site enjoying lovely views south over the Ythan Valley and the village to the rolling landscape of rural Aberdeenshire. On a working farm, the cottage has been completely rebuilt and re-fitted to a very high standard providing superb contemporary accommodation within a traditional exterior.

The last of our brief journey through the castles near Aberdeen is Castle Fraser. Having more in common with a French chateau than your classic Scottish castle Fraser the 15th century castle is a real treat. With a wonderful interior featuring fine portraits, furniture and trinkets from its colourful past there is lots to see. Outside are marked paths where you may catch a glimpse of a Red Kite or an Otter.

Why not stay in nearby Alford in this idyllic rural setting, enjoying open views over the rolling farmland and native woodlands, this traditional stone-built farm building has been beautifully converted by local craftsman.

Mackays Self catering Scotland have many more Scottish cottages near Aberdeen from which to explore the history and castles of the area.

Stay at a Cottage near Scotland’s Whisky Distilleries

One of the joys of stating at a Scottish Cottage is sampling the local produce of the surrounding area. It is hard to find a product that is more rooted in Scotland than malt whisky. Mackays self catering holiday cottages have many Scottish cottages close to some of the finest distilleries here are just a few to consider and a little information about the neighbouring distilleries.

Blair Athol may not be the best known single malts and can be a little hard to find but is well worth the search. The rich Dundee cake spicy flavor is the backbone of Bell’s whisky where it is joined other fine malts along with grain whisky to create the blended whisky. The distillery is in Pitlochry in the highlands a town beautifully located to explore the highlands.

Mackays self catering have a scottish cottage within walking distance of the distillery. Peacefully situated at the end of a leafy residential cul-de-sac on the edge of town, this first floor maisonette is also just a short walk from the famous Festival Theatre, the River Tummel and Loch Faskally with its Hydro Electric Visitor Centre and salmon ladder and less than half a mile from the town centre. Tastefully decorated with a Rennie MacIntosh theme, the apartment is fitted and furnished to a high standard and is very comfortable.

Alternatively, a little further away in Grandtully we have a Scottish cottage beautifully situated in this peaceful village location, this substantial old schoolhouse has been totally renovated to provide every modern convenience, whilst retaining the original character and atmosphere.

Another distillery that has spent much of its life producing malt for blended whiskies is Glen Ord. Situated at Muir of Ord – the site of large scale nineteenth century cattle markets on the edge of the black isle.

The distillery itself is enjoying something of a renaissance after becoming a legal distillery in 1838 after many years of being the site of illicit production the site embodies much of the fascinating history that malt whisky enjoys.

Nearby we have a Scottish cottage spectacularly situated high above the pretty village of Beauly, this cottage enjoys magnificent views out to the Beauly Firth and Inverness. The property is furnished, equipped and decorated to a very high standard and offers comfortable warm accommodation.

Closer to the distillery, in a picturesque, tranquil location, enjoying beautiful views over open countryside to the surrounding hills, is this contemporary bungalow. Muir of Ord (3 miles) has shops and hotels while the pretty town of Beauly and the city of Inverness both offer excellent facilities within easy driving distance.

Whichever of the distilleries you choose to explore Mackays Self catering has Scottish cottages to stay in.