Whisky Galore Festival: 18- 20 September, 2009

The first ever Whisky Galore Festival takes place on the beautiful island of Barra in September, 2009. This Hebridean jewel is the very same island where Whisky Galore, the hilarious 1949 comedy based on the book of the same name by Compton MacKenzie, was filmed.

In typical island fashion, Barra and Vatersay embrace the opportunity of yet another party. The Whisky Galore Festival is a unique chance to savour that renowned island hospitality and be part of history in the making.

Experience a little Whisky Galore magic…

Scotland's 'Island Hopping''

Are you ready to try something different? Would you like a holiday far from the norm?

Why not try Island Hopping? Or ‘Island Hopscotch’ as termed by Caledonian MacBrayne?

Island Hopping in Scotland on the Inner Hebrides and Western Isles is fun and takes the visitor to the most beautiful and remote islands in Scotland. Many travellers want to distance themselves from their usual lives. They savour the quiet thrill of escaping by boat, and take time to enjoy the peace and the islands and their rugged scenery. For the motorist or cyclist, there is hardly a road that does not offer great views. For those wanting to walk, climb, fish, or take to the, water, all are quiet and easily reached. And for those days when the views aren't all they might be, there is the attraction of a peat fire, a good book and a dram of Islay single malt whisky ( in a quality self-catering cottage of course).

A frequent service of ferries plying to and from this patchwork of islands, mainly under the flag of Caledonian MacBrayne ( Calmac ), make island hopping practical and easy. They offer a variety of mountain and coastal landscapes, and are rich in wildlife, from birds of prey to deer and dolphins.Calmac sails to 24 destinations on Scotland's West Coast, from Arran in the south to Lewis in the north. Northlink Ferries take you on a voyage of discovery to the islands of Orkney and Shetland. There are spectacular cliffs, wide skies and huge horizons. The Orcadians are great craftspeople, with a strong tradition of jewellery making as well as fine knitwear, weaving and pottery.

As you plan your temporary escape from your normal life, be sure to arrange for a place to rest your head at the end of the day. Why not organize a series of short stays at self-catering properties along the way? With the help of the EmbraceScotland website, planning your Island Hopping holiday is simple.

Doors Open Days: 1 to 30 September 2009

Doors Open Days give you free access to hundreds of fascinating buildings across Scotland. This is a unique opportunity to get behind-the- scenes of some of Scotland's best-loved and least-known architectural gems.

Every September, communities Across Scotland welcome visitors to their homes, places of work and local landmarks. Some open up once a year, some just once in a lifetime...

Members of the public will have the opportunity to tour fire stations, visit various churches, watch an artist at work; have a nosey around an ancient castle; and even marvel at a glorified cow shed – all for free.

Come home to Scotland in 2009 to explore our hidden treasures and see what doors will open for you.

Fyvie Homecoming Festival 2009: 28 August to 30 August

As part of Homecoming Scotland 2009, the historic village of Fyvie, in Aberdeenshire, North East Scotland, will host its own Fyvie Homecoming Festival from 28-30 August 2009.

The programme of events will be aimed at people of all ages including a folk concert, tea-dance, ceilidh, community garden party at Fyvie Castle, and even an open day at Fyvie Golf course.

Fyvie warmly welcomes all and invites you to sample some genuine Scottish Hospitality.

Come and Join in the celebrations!

The 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.

August Homepage Highlights: Coastal Charm

EmbraceScotland’s August Homepage Highlights: Coastal Charm

Holiday hideaways right beside the sea.

A holiday by the seaside is easy in Scotland, which has over 7,000 miles of coast! What better way to make the most of a coastal location than staying in local self-catering accommodation? Whether you want a spectacular sea view, a beach to go rockpooling on, or a wide expanse of sand to exercise your self or your dog, you’ll find it here.

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 the secret beaches and coves.

August Homepage Highlights: Whisky Temptations

EmbraceScotland’s August Homepage Highlights: Whisky Temptations

Great accommodation, right on the whisky trail.

Not by accident is whisky called ‘the water of life’ in Gaelic. It is born of our beautiful landscape, has shaped our history and culture, and helped build our cities. Visit Scotland and you can get a taste of what it’s all about. You may choose to stay in a luxury modern apartment, or an ancient stone-built cottage, but either way self-catering ‘home-from-home’ accommodation will make you feel you have found the real Scotland.

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 perhaps how best to enjoy the local dram.

Scottish Borders Walking Festival - In the footsteps of the Reivers: 5th - 13th September 2009

The 15th Scottish Borders Walking Festival, part of Homecoming Scotland, celebrates the lively and often colourful history of the Border Reivers. Enjoy over 60 themed walks and a full programme of social events, taking in the stunning scenery surrounding Jedburgh and Hawick (including Denholm, Newcastleton and the Cheviot Hills).

The Scottish Borders Homecoming Scotland Programme also includes Return to the Ridings, a celebration of the centuries old tradition and stunning spectacle of the Border Common Ridings & Festivals and the Clan Scott Gathering.

A new ancestral tourism initiative, Back to the Borders, was also launched in March 2009 encouraging those with Borders heritage from across the world to rediscover their roots and return to the Scottish Borders.

So take a break from boredom, and enjoy a short break in the bonny Scottish Borders. 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.

Scotland’s Spectacular Gardens

What is about gardens that draw our fascination? Could it be a way of getting back to nature, or the sense of tranquillity that they tend to give us?

Well if you are on holiday in Scotland and you love to visit gardens, the choices are limitless. The place to start your tour would undoubtedly be the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh (RBGE). The Botanics captures the imagination of everyone who visits and is world renowned for its horticultural excellence. Over 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds provide a tranquil haven just one mile from the city centre.

If like to view private gardens, Scotland’s Gardens Scheme (SGS) raises funds for other worthy charities by facilitating the opening of large and small gardens of horticultural interest throughout Scotland to the public. The gardens that open for SGS include Scotland's finest, are mostly privately owned and are normally inaccessible to the public at other times.

Another great resource for planning your garden holiday is the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The NTS looks after around 35 major gardens and designed landscapes and over 30 smaller gardens. Almost every style of Scottish garden history is represented - from late medieval to modern creations in older settings. Their gardens play host to events, lectures, conferences, musical performances and much more throughout the year, offering many ways to enjoy these gems and celebrate Scotland's garden heritage.

One of the most famous of the NTS gardens is Inverewe Gardens designed by Sir Osgood MacKenzie, and situated in North West Scotland amid scenery of great natural beauty. Because Inverewe Gardens is warmed by the Gulf Stream, it is able to sustain plants from many temperate regions of the world.

While you are planning which gardens to visit, the EmbraceScotland website can help you find your self-catering home away from home with its own lovely garden for you to enjoy.