Welcome to Scotland! A gem of a country situated in the north of the British Isles, Scotland has many treasures crammed into its compact territory 31,000 square miles.
Vast, open skies, ancient architecture, romantic wilderness, unique wildlife and some of the most stunning landscapes that you could only believe to be real in your dreams!
A land with many layers of rich history, a place where every corner tells a story from the Battle of Bannockburn in medieval times, to the mysterious waters and legend of Loch Ness and the hundreds of castles steeped in history. A place home to so much wildlife found nowhere else in Great Britain where golden eagles soar above the lochs and mountains of the northern Highlands, minke whales breach off the coast of Mull and the friendly dolphins inhabit the Aberdeen coastline.
And let’s not forget the culture and arts, be it the poetry of Robert Burns, the crime fiction of Ian Rankin or the songs of Emeli Sandé, Scotland’s cultural exports are appreciated around the world every bit as much as whisky, tweed and tartan. The capital Edinburgh plays host to some of the most world-renowned festivals and events, be it the International Festival, Festival Fringe and Royal Military Tattoo, all of which are packed into August!
This is a truly magnificent and fiercely independent country, proud of its history and traditions, and one which continues to make its mark in this modern world. A magical realm where you’ll receive a very big welcome from its very friendly and down-to-earth people.
*official star rating *official star rating *official star rating *official star ratingOur Tour Highlights
Edinburgh & Glasgow – Festivals, Art & Military Tattoos
Edinburgh, the stunning capital city of Scotland, has an abundance of fantastic attractions ...more
Royal Connections & Romantic Wilderness
Stretching out on the north east coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is bordered by the majestic Cairngorms National Park and panoramic sea views. ...more
Historic Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland lies at the heart of the nation’s history as the former seat of Scottish royalty. ...more
Fort William, Scottish Isles and Steam journeys
Towering majestically over Fort William is Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. ...morePerformance Venue Highlights
St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh
Also known as the “High Kirk of Edinburgh”, St. Giles’ Cathedral is situated on the city’s famous Royal Mile, between the Castle and Holyrood Palace. It’s famous for being the base of 16th century minister John Knox, known for his firebrand speeches and less so for ordering that all dogs should have freedom of the church, after his friend’s life was saved by a brave canine.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh
The world’s largest arts festival takes place in Scotland’s capital in August and welcomes all performance groups utilising a wide variety of venues ranging from professional theatres to a double decker bus! People from all over the world flock to the city to admire the artists and soak up the unique atmosphere. In 2018, the festival welcomed 2.7 million visitors, thousands of artists, sold over 3 million tickets and hosted 3000 performances!
Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, Grassmarket is one of the most vibrant and picturesque areas of the city. This lively square is one of many outdoor areas in Scotland’s capital suitable for performances of all types. The surrounding taverns once quenched the thirst of the local cattle traders, but now serve as a magnet for locals and tourists alike.
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Located just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Royal Mile, connecting Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, there are a variety of outdoor concert possibilities available to you. Perform in beautiful gardens with the magnificent Gothic Scott Monument as your backdrop, the Mound Precinct, a regular performance spot for artists next to the National Galleries or Hunter Square, just off the Royal Mile.
Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh
This unusual looking church has a simple but pretty interior. Being the parish church of the Castle of Edinburgh there are many military connections represented by embroidery, tapestries and standard flags. The church is an oasis of peace on the busy Royal Mile and was recently chosen as the wedding venue for royal couple Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall.
Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling
The Church of the Holy Rude, situated adjacent to the hilltop castle of historic Stirling was the coronation site of the infant James VI of Scotland (later James I of England) following the forced abdication of his tragic mother, Mary Queen of Scots. The stunning nave still has its original medieval oak beamed roof intact.
St Machars Cathedral, Aberdeen
The Cathedral Church of St. Machar is set in the green surrounds of Old Aberdeen, close to the University. It was founded in the dark ages by a follower of St Columba, but the building dates back to the middle ages. William Wallace’s left arm is said to be buried here! The church welcomes sacred and secular choirs to perform evening concerts.
St Margaret’s, Braemar
This former episcopal church and listed building of outstanding significance for its architecture, was built in the 19th Century during Queen Victoria’s reign. After some years of deterioration, the building has been brought back to life and transformed into an impressive arts and performance venue for Royal Deeside. The acoustic and atmosphere makes it a glorious venue in which to perform!
St Andrew’s Cathedral, Inverness
Britain’s northernmost cathedral is an impressive Victorian building situated on the banks of the River Ness. With views across to the town centre and the turrets of Inverness Castle, where Macbeth is said to have murdered Duncan and a short drive to Loch Ness for some monster hunting you will be able to combine your concert with fascinating excursions into the Scottish Highlands.
Where To Stay
Mercure Peebles Barony Castle Hotel, Eddleston, near Peebles
The Winnock, Drymen, near Loch Lomond
Alexandra Hotel, Fort William, Inverness-shire
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey, Cairngorms
Sample Itinerary
Morning Afternoon Evening Day 1 Travel to your destination from your chosen collection point Welcome drink at the hotel and time at leisure Group evening meal at your hotel in Peebles and time to socialise! Day 2 Morning visit to Edinburgh to explore this wonderful city
Lunchtime concert at St Giles Cathedral or at an outdoor location near The Royal Mile Evening meal at the hotel and evening activity Day 3 Day excursion to continue your exploration of Edinburgh or visit nearby Glasgow Afternoon concert and optional evening meal in Edinburgh or Glasgow Evening meal at the hotel Day 4 Morning excursion to Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland Afternoon visit to Jedburgh and Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott and onward travel to hotel in Winnock Evening meal at the hotel in Winnock Day 5 Day excursion to historic Stirling Afternoon concert in the Church of the Holy Rude Evening meal at the hotel in Winnock Day 6 Morning visit to Loch Lomond & Trossachs with boat cruise and travel onwards to Fort William After exploring the beauty of this region, we take a very scenic drive north to the Highlands of Scotland and hotel in Fort William Evening meal and overnight in Fort William Day 7 Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter with a magical adventure on the Jacobite Steam train travelling across the Glenfinnan Viaduct Lunch and leisure time in Mallaig and return to Fort William by train Farewell meal at the hotel Day 8 Depart after breakfast for the mystical shores of Loch Ness, home of the fabled monster ‘Nessie’. Afternoon visit to the city of Inverness with optional visit to concert at St Andrew’s Cathedral Overnight in Grantown-on-Spey Day 9 Day trip to Royal Deeside with a visit to the grounds of Balmoral Castle and Crathie Church Afternoon concert at St Margaret’s in Braemar and leisure time in Grantown-on-Spey Farewell meal at the hotel Day 10 Optional morning excursion Onward journey home