Castle Country - Aberdeen and Grampian

Are you a romantic at heart? Are you drawn to dramatic ruins and fascinating tower houses? Then the Northeast corner of Scotland is the place to come explore. The Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands are called ‘Castle Country’, and with over 70 castles in various states of repair (or disrepair), you can see why.

Grampian is matchless in the richness of its castle tradition, and Scotland's Castle Trail brings together some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture together on a clearly sign-posted tourist trail.

The Castle Trail is centred around 13 beautiful castles. From the baronial towers of Craigievar, 17th-century yew hedges and gardens at Crathes and the impressive ruins of Huntly Castle. Head to the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains to spy out the Queen's holiday home at Balmoral. See the prize Aberdeen Angus herd and wander the pristine gardens and elegant rooms of Speyside's Ballindalloch Castle, owned by the same family since 1546.

The Regional pages along with the Aberdeen, Grampian, & Moray property pages on the EmbraceScotland website can help you find that perfect self-catering home away from castle.
Come explore Scotland’s heritage, and instead of taking a holiday, have an adventure!

Not Too Old To Rock?

Now in its second decade, T in the Park has become one of the most important and critically acclaimed music events on the UK and European festival circuit.

Some 35,000 tickets for the 2008 event have already been sold. And not surprising, with a line-up including The Verve, Stereophonics, Kate Nash, REM, Amy Winehouse, The Zutons and many, many more.

If you've got tickets but want to avoid the crush and mud of the campsites, why not go self-catering in a little more luxury. The EmbraceScotland Late Availability page can be searched by area as well as size and quality grading. Give it a go!

Scotland in Film

Are you a movie buff? Would you love to take a pilgrimage to the location of where your favourite cult classic was filmed?

Part of the appeal of movies filmed in Scotland is the spectacular scenery of misty mountains, stunning highland glens, imposing castles, and breathtaking lochs seen in the background, and in some cases centre stage of many movies some better known than others. Which leads us to the perennial question: "Where was that scene filmed?"

Scotland the Movie Location Guide seeks to answer that question. It is the most complete and detailed guide to Scottish filming locations available on the web.

The EmbraceScotland website can help you find the perfect self catering property to stay while you explore the live sets of movies past.

Take a Hike!

Are you stuck in the 'rat race' and need to recharge your batteries? Why not head into the beautiful Scottish countryside?

Where do you begin? Do you enjoy a gentle country stroll, or perhaps a breezy coastal walk? Would you rather trek a long distance route, or scramble amidst the majestic mountains? No matter how you choose to walk Scotland, its breathtaking landscape and overwhelming spirit-of-place will refresh and enliven your senses. The possibilities are huge, and some great websites to help you in your search are Walk Scotland, Walk Highlands, and the VisitScotland Walking site.

Whatever location you choose, the EmbraceScotland website can help in the selection of your home away from home, where you can hang your boots up to dry while you bask in the glow of accomplishing something you really enjoyed.

Explore the Neuks and Crannies of Fife

The Kingdom of Fife has long been proud of its distinctive differences from the rest of Scotland. Boasting landscapes, traditions and people like no others in the country, a visit to Fife is a wonderful experience.

In early July the beautiful and engaging part of the kingdom known as the East Neuk holds its own festival of arts, music and literature. Running from the 2nd to the 6th of July this year, the East Neuk Festival is a real local festival with something for everyone, and many reasons to visit or stay a few days.

Why not stay a week in a self-catering holiday cottage somewhere in Fife, explore the Kingdom at your leisure and visit the Festival whenever you want. Discover the real Fife!

Scotland’s Munros

Are you inspired to head for the hills this summer? Whether you are looking to bag your first munro, or you are a veteran of the hills, Scotland has plenty mountains for you to conquer – all 284 of them!

For people who really enjoy walking and hiking, Munro Bagging is about finding and experiencing new hills and mountains you might not otherwise have thought of walking on - often in glorious solitude well away from the crowded tourist spots. It can be a lot of fun and immensely satisfying too! The following three websites will help you find the perfect route to help you accomplish in bagging that perfect munro: Munro Magic, Go4aWalk, and Scotland's Munros with VisitScotland.

And for after the day's walk, or any walker's less active companions, why not admire the beauty of the mountains from the comfort of a cosy self-catering cottage? Have a look at the Regional pages on the EmbraceScotland website, and you will see how easy it is to find a self-catering property within your budget.

Book yourself in soon...

Book Festivals are more popular than ever, perhaps because they provide more than just fun for all the family - there's interest and learning, and maybe even meeting the odd 'celebrity' too!

Scotland has it's fair share of these great rain-or-shine events: Starting this week on 19th June is the Borders Book Festival in Melrose. And just launched last week with tickets going on sale this Friday, the Edinburgh Book Festival runs from 9 - 25 August. It has 700 events and 600 authors from over 40 countries.

Of course, you need to stay for a few days to make the most of a book festival. Ever considered self-catering?