The Hidden Jewel: 17 July to 23 July, 2009

Are you looking for an evening with a unique performance? Then come & walk with the drama as it unfolds in the gathering evening against the stunning medieval backdrop of Dunollie Castle in Oban. The Walking Theatre Company will reveal stories of an ancient Highland clan at the atmospheric seat of the Clan MacDougall.

The Hidden Jewel is better known as The Brooch of Lorne and is the main focus of this unusual outdoor walking theatre event. The Brooch was believed to have been taken from the cloak of Robert the Bruce by loyal MacDougall clansmen at the Battle of Dalrigh, near Tyndrum, in 1306.
This iconic jewel of the MacDougall Clan, fashioned from pure Scottish silver, crystal, and Scottish freshwater pearls, is of national significance with the original being securely kept at all times in a bank vault.

The Hidden Jewel drama follows the fortunes of the Brooch through the ages from its seizure in 1306 and on through dangerous times of sieges and loss through the centuries. The narrative reflects its absence in Campbell hands while the Chief’s family fought to retain their lands and castles, and into gentler times when Queen Victoria admired and rather coveted the Brooch.

The Hidden Jewel will be performed over 7 nights at Dunollie, Oban, from 17 and 23 July 2009, as part of the Year of Homecoming programme.

So whether you have a planned evening out or a well deserved holiday, make sure you stay in a quality-assured self catering cottage with the help of the EmbraceScotland website.

Handmade Scottish Pottery

Is there something about handmade Scottish pottery that appeals to you? When you see “Pottery” signed posted on a rural road, does your partner cross their eyes as you turn the car around yet again?

If so, whether you love to shop for Scottish pottery or would like to learn the craft, the Scottish Potters Asscoiation (SPA) has an informative website which includes a handy downloadable map of 64 potters throughout Scotland.

The potters listed will not only have pottery available for sale, but many members also offer a varied programme of activities including residential weekend demonstrations, workshops, to intensive classes on the art of making pottery.

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival: 2 July to 5 July, 2009

The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival will be held over four spectacular days in the picturesque village of Portsoy in historic Banffshire.

Come explore your roots and take part in a colourful celebration of Scotland's great maritime heritage. Witness a superb gathering of traditional boats and international exponents of traditional boat building and sailing, music and associated fashion and design on the delightful North East coast.

This year will include a Showcase Concert on 3 July and will be headlined by The Donnie Munro Band. Also featuring Sinsheen, Christine Kydd and Barbara Dymock; plus Alastair McDonald, Scotland's leading musical minstrel.

Why not take a last minute holiday, and experience The Scottish Traditonal Boat Festival. 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 that will surely float your boat.

Farm Holidays - June Homepage Highlight

Stay on or near a working farm – watch, visit or join in!

We all know that kids love staying on farms – real animals, real machines, real mud! But with more and more of us taking a serious interest in where our food comes from and how it’s produced, there’s much more to be gained from a stay on a farm these days. And that’s before you realise that the self-catering accommodation may be in a lovely traditional, stone-built cottage or house, with real character, real fires and spectacular views.

All the Farm Holiday properties are on or near farms and offer something special if you want to make them part of your holiday. You can browse the list or, by clicking the brown ‘Search’ bar, search according to your specific requirements.

With EmbraceScotland you book direct with the owner, giving you access not only to the best prices, but also a wealth of knowledge and advice about what will be happening on the farms when you visit.

Fabulous Fishing - June Homepage Highlight

Fish Scotland’s magnificent rivers and lochs this year.

Scotland is known the world over for the fantastic, exciting fishing which can be enjoyed amongst its breath- taking scenery. Whether you are a competition angler, a fly-fishing aficionado, or simply someone who’d like to give it a go, you can do it in Scotland. And what could be better than staying in local self-catering accommodation, where you can lay out your equipment, dry your clothes and maybe even grill your catch?

All the Fabulous Fishing properties offer something special, and particularly welcome anglers. You can browse the list or, by clicking the brown ‘Search’ bar, search according to your specific requirements.

With EmbraceScotland you book direct with the owner, giving you access not only to the best prices, but also a wealth of knowledge and advice about how to make the most of the area, and indeed find the best local fishing.

Walk Scotland

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.

The Crossing: Caledonian Canal - 16 June to 20 June, 2009

The Crossing is a celebration of the Caledonian Canal to mark the Caledonian's historic innovative engineering, its contribution to Scottish history and its place in the story of the Scottish Enlightenment.

A flotilla of 16 historic vessels will travel the entire length of the canal from Fort William to Inverness, highlighting the drama of canal navigation and the many influences on Highland life, through song, musical interludes, storytelling and dance.

Those taking part in the 5 day celebration include Galley Aileach, the only replica of a Scottish Highland galley built, the Swan, a 109-year-old fishing smack, and a Dutch cargo vessel built in 1912.

Be sure to bring the family to this spectacular event!