Walking & Exploring the Battlefields of Scotland

Battles were often iconic events in Scottish history, and battlefields form an important part of our historic environment. The proof of this statement resounds in the archaeological and historical literature. Battles scenes are inscribed on rock or metal or clay in nearly every period of every culture known to us today. The great and small battles of history and prehistory live with us today; and so battlefield sites make interesting places to visit and learn about.

Battlefields Trust Resource Centre is essential reading for anyone planning to visit a battlefield. Included are maps, images, air photos, walking and driving tours, research tools, and much more.

Here are some of the key battles in Scotland's history for visitors to research & explore:

• Killiecrankie, Perthshire - a dramatic gorge where, in July 1689, the outnumbered Highlanders smashed a much larger government force.
• Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness - This evocative site was the scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain where the Duke of Cumberland finally defeated the Jacobite rebellion in 1746. Brand new Visitor Centre with state of the art 360° immersion theatre, exhibition and spectacular roof-top views of the battlefield.
• Bannockburn, near Stirling, is the site of King Robert the Bruce's victory against Edward II's army in 1314 marking a major step in Scotland's quest for independence. Battlefield site where the fate of the nation of Scotland was decided when Robert the Bruce and his army defeated the army of Edward II of England on the 23rd and 24th June 1314.
• Massacre of Glencoe, Argyll, is the site of the infamous massacre in 1692 of some 38 MacDonalds by government militia made up of Campbells, an act which reverberated around Scotland.

Then after a long day of trekking through the moors and glens of these historic events (not to mention listening to countless audio visual aids), you know you can relax in the comforts of a quality self-catering property with the help of the EmbraceScotland website. Take a look at the Regional pages for specific areas of Scotland you wish to stay in. Or if you are looking for a last minute bargain, see what the Late Availability pages have to offer.

Lanark Medieval Festival

Are you a romantic at heart? Do you love the stories about medieval sword fighting? Or damsels in distress? Well step back in time to one of the best medieval festivals Scotland has to offer, the Lanark Medieval Festival in Lanark the 16 & 17 of August.

Lanark Medieval Festival is known as 'Scotland's Living History Festival' which is attended by hundreds of re-enactors and medieval traders from the north of Scotland to Cornwall and from Ireland. Over two days, the town turns back the clock to the days of William Wallace with a tented army where soldiers and camp followers explain and demonstrate how they lived in the 13th century, with archery competitions, falconry displays, jesters and jugglers, and medieval musicians and storytellers.

Come take a short break in a self-catering cottage, and experience this perfect weekend event. The EmbraceScotland website is a great tool for you to choose the property that is just right you ... and maybe with some romance of your own.

Let’s go Nessie hunting!

Whether you have a couple of children, or you are just a kid at heart, exploring the mysteries of Loch Ness & its elusive monster can be fun for the whole family.

Drumnadrochit is the home to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre (formerly Loch Ness 2000) whose five star exhibition is endorsed by Scottish Natural Heritage as a ‘portal to the unique phenomenon that is Loch Ness’. Here, the real inner secrets of Britain’s greatest lake are revealed, shedding some very unexpected light upon the mystery for which it is so widely known. And if you’re really keen, you can even go for a monster-spotting cruise on the Loch with one of the excellent cruise companies sailing each day, such as Jacobite Cruises.

If looking for monster is not enough, how exploring the mysteries of Urquhart Castle. Magnificently situated on the banks of Loch Ness , Urquhart Castle still remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. It's great for kids who will enjoy clambering everywhere and it's not expensive for them to get in. A piper is often on hand to lend even more atmosphere to the place.

After a long day investigating whether Nessie exists or not, why not relax with the whole family in a homely self-catering cottage. The Embrace Scotland website and its Regional property pages can help you in your search. Take the mystery out of searching for that perfect holiday cottage, and book with a Quality Assured property today!

Edinburgh's International Jazz & Blues Festival

When: 25th July - 3rd August 2008

Are you a Blues & Jazz fanatic? Do you love to listen to the smooth sound of jazz? Does it make you want to dance all night, or would you prefer to listen to the raw sounds of electric blues? No matter what type of jazz you're into, the Jazz and Blues Festival 2008 next week in Edinburgh will be a fantastic celebration of all things jazz!

The Jazz & Blues Festival is the longest-running jazz festival in the UK features all styles of jazz from international artistes in all sorts of venues large and small across the capital. Outdoor concerts also take the music out into the streets of the city with additional jam sessions and free outdoor events, which are attended by over 50,000 people, including jazz fanatics and newcomers to the genre.

Why not take a last minute holiday, and experience The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues 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 make your toes tap.

Cycling in Southern Scotland is a biker’s heaven

Cycling in Scotland is a healthy celebration of wide open spaces, dramatic scenery and clean fresh air, where you will find routes to suit all abilities. From dedicated mountain biking centres and forest trails for those seeking an adrenaline buzz, to quiet countryside lanes for something a little more relaxing.

Most outdoor sports enthusiasts whizz straight through southern Scotland on their way to the Highlands - but for mountain bikers Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders have become one of the hottest locations on the planet.

A series of Forestry Commission sites known as the 7stanes Mountain Bike Trails have been established across southern Scotland, offering more than 400km of way marked routes exclusively for bikers and catering to everyone from absolute beginners to the most hardcore of riders.

Scotland is also perfect for cycle touring - enjoy miles upon miles of the National Cycle Network or make up your own route. The National Byway route in south-west Scotland represents a fascinating visit to one of the most interesting and beautiful regions of Scotland: comprising the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire, visiting more than 120 places of interest along the way.

The Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway property pages will help you find that relaxing self-catering home to park your bike until you’re on the road again.

Your Comments Warmly Invited

One of the reasons we set up this blog was to highlight the many and different experiences of Scotland which can be enhanced by staying in self-catering accommodation while you are here. It is also offered as a forum for people who have been self-catering in holiday cottages or similar in Scotland to share views and ideas for making the best of our wonderful country.

We would welcome readers' views and comments on any aspect of holidaying in Scotland. If you have questions or queries about anything we feature in the blog, just click the red 'Comments' link at the foot of each entry. You can then add your bit, and other readers (or one of the EmbraceScotland website's owners) can respond.

EmbraceScotland is the website of the Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers, the only trade association working exclusively for the self-catering sector in Scotland.

The Malt Whisky Trail

Whether you are a connoisseur, an amateur, or just a single malt enthusiast, a warm welcome awaits you in Scotland's many distilleries.

Speyside is a remarkable whisky producing area due to it's pure spring water and rich soil to grow the barley. Speyside whiskies are amongst the country's most complex, with a mix of aromas from smoke to leather and apples to honey. And the Island whiskies have a character all of their own.

The Whisky Trail Scotch Whisky Distilleries website has a comprehensive map which lists 59 active distilleries in Speyside, and 125 in all of Scotland.

The EmbraceScotland regional pages will help you find a self-catering cottage to suite all tastes & budgets, but most important where you can relax after a long day of whisky tasting.

Take the young folk to Aberdeen this summer

Celebrating the best youth talent from all over the world, the Aberdeen International Youth Festival brings Aberdeen to life with 10 days of dazzling entertainment, music, theatre and dance, all kicking off with a colourful grand parade through the city centre on 30 July.

Events take place throughout the northeast with something for everyone, from orchestral concerts to steel drums, song recitals and massed choirs to traditional music, ballet to African dance and drumming, opera and special events for children.

With over a week of activities and events, self-catering is the obvious choice for accommodation. Check out EmbraceScotland's Aberdeen listings, or look in the Availability pages for offers.

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!