Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Bridge over River Teith, Callander, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing the popular town of Callander which sits on the banks of the River Teith and on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. This area is also known as the Trossachs which benefits from some stunning scenery comprising lochs ( such as Venachar and Katrine) and mountains. This area has long associations with the legendary ‘outlaw’  Rob Roy Macgregor. Within a short drive range of Callander can be found:

• Kilmahog, home of the famous ‘Hamish’  Highland Cow.

Hamish, Highland Bull, Kilmahog

• Doune Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Killin and the Falls of Dochart.
• Loch Katrine
• Loch Lomond.
• Lake of Menteith
• Blair Drummond Safari Park

Overall, a great base for sightseeing whilst avoiding the need for travelling long distances.

View from Broadford, Skye

This morning, our group departed lodgings in Broadford, Isle of Skye and proceeded as follows:

First to Isleornsay, a picteresque harbour setting for photos and last views of scenic Skye.

Lighthouse, Isleornsay, Skye

Then to Armadale to catch 10.10 ferry to Mallaig. This ran on time.

On arrival at Mallaig, we followed the coast down stopping just north of Glenfinnan to await arrival of the Jacobite Express or ‘Harry Potter Train’  which duly arrived after a wait of about10 mins. A great sight watching the train steam through the Highland scenery.

Next, a  stop at historic Glenfinnan. This is where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745 in an ultimately doomed attempt to take over the thrones of Scotland and England by force. His landing place is recorded by a tall monument on edge of Loch Shiel.

Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan, Scotland

Next we continued down to Corpach and photographed Ben Nevis (Britain’s tallest mountain) which benefited from unusually clear visibility today.

Ben Nevis, Fort William, Scotland

Next down Glen Nevis to view the impressive Lower Falls which sit in a remote Highlands setting.

Lower Falls, Glen Nevis, Scotland

Next back to Fort William and a spot of lunch.

Next, we tracked Loch Linnhe south to Glencoe. Here we stopped for photos of the stunning scenery which was augmented by the seasonal sea of  purple heather in bloom.

Glencoe, Highlands, Scotland

Next we dove across desolate Rannoch Moor and on down to Loch Lomond. We stopped at Luss to view the loch, pretty village and church with Viking era ‘hogback’ grave marker in the burial ground.

Colourful Cottages at Luss, Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Shore, Luss, Loch Lomond

Luss, Loch Lomond, Scotland

Finally, we drove on through Glasgow and connected with M8 to Edinburgh where tour ended with fond farewells at the Balmoral Hotel thus concluding a successful four day tour of Scotland.

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Inveraray’s George Hotel and then walked to nearby Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of the Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell.

George Hotel, Inveraray, Scotland

Inveraray is, untypically for Scotland. a planned village which dates from the 18th century. The group toured the castle which was completed in 1745 and whose main feature is the magnificent armoury hall.

Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland

Inveraray Castle, Argyll, Scotland

Next we tracked Loch Fyne and Loch Long to Luss on Loch Lomond. This charming heritage village dates from the 19th century when it was built to house workers from a nearby slate quarry but is now social accommodation for seniors. On arrival we went straight to the church owing to persistent rain. At the church we viewed a short film covering the church and its history back to the 6th century. In the churchyard is a 9th century Viking era ‘hogback’ grave marker which provides tangible evidence of the long history of the site.

View of Loch Lomond, Luss, Scotland

McKessog's Church, Luss, Scotland

Next we had a light lunch at an excellent restaurant in Luss. Notable was the unusual style of teapot as evidenced in image below.

Teapot, Luss, Scotland

Next, and with the rain having eased, we explored the village and the pier which juts out into the loch.

Cottage, Luss, Scotland

Pier View, Luss, Scotland

Next to Glasgow and its famous 13th century Cathedral. Here we benefited from a private tour led by a very competent local volunteer with good knowledge of the building and its long history.

Interior, Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland

Blacadder Aisle, Glasgow Cathedral, Scotland

Finally, we re-joined the bus and our destination for the night of Argyll Hotel in Glasgow’s West End. En-route we encountered exceptionally heavy rainfall.