Great Escapes - 5 Scottish Holiday Ideas for Couples

Do you need a great escape for two? Looking for somewhere special to celebrate an anniversary or birthday? Or a hidden haven for a Scottish honeymoon? Whether it's a weekend break in Scotland or a longer holiday together, there are plenty of great getaways for couples, where you can spend quality time together in beautiful surroundings. Self-catering gives you the privacy, freedom and flexibility you need to really make the most of your time away, whether you want to cosy up in front of a log fire, enjoy long walks on the beach or go sightseeing in the city. From lodges with spa baths and cottages with hot tubs to elegant city apartments, EmbraceScotland has a wide range of cottages for couples.

Here are 5 inspiring ideas for a self-catering trip for two!

Highland Hideaways

Head to the Highlands for a hideaway you'll never forget - with the beautiful west coast, magnificent mountains and isolated beaches, the Highlands is renowned for its spectacular scenery and open spaces.

Private City Pads

How about some pampering in the city? It's a great time of year to stay in your own private pad, in cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth. Go sightseeing or shopping, relax in the bars and simply enjoy the city atmosphere. Do your own thing in your own time and really explore the city from your home-from-home.

Romantic Rural Retreats

Cuddle up in the countryside in a rural retreat. Perthshire, Dumfries and the Scottish Borders are all perfect places to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors, whilst enjoying each others' company.

Idyllic Island Getaways

Cast your troubles away and enjoy the truly tranquil surroundings of Scotland's stunning islands. From self-catering in the remote isles of the Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney to holiday cottages in Mull and Islay, an island getaway is ideal for simply spending time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Coastal Cottages

Cosy up in a cottage on the beach and enjoy your own piece of picturesque coastline. With over 7,000 miles of coast, there are plenty of places to enjoy a slice of the seaside, from the Moray Firth to the East Neuk area in Fife.

Click here to view many more beach cottages in Scotland.

Find out more about self catering for couples, or take a look at romantic holidays Scotland for more inspiration. Visit EmbraceScotland to really embrace Scotland.

Callander Jazz and Blues Festival 2011: 30th Sep - 2nd Oct

Dance your blues away at the Callandar Jazz and Blues Festival 2011, one of the largest rural music festivals in Scotland. Callandar, near Stirling, is on the edge of the stunning Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, so you can you enjoy a long weekend of fantastic jazz and blues, with the beautiful backdrop of autumn in the Trossachs.

Ranging from solo artists to 21 piece big bands, there will be over three hundred musicians from across Scotland, England and Wales as well as Jamaica, Moscow and the USA.

For the ultimate way to enjoy the jazz and the autumn beauty of the Trossachs, take a Jazz Cruise down Loch Katrine. Due to its popularity at last year's festival, there will be two jazz cruises this year; one on Saturday 1st October, the next on Sunday 2nd October, both lasting 2 hours, with sailing time at 3pm.

With a programme that's sure to jazz up your weekend, as well as the beautiful autumn scenery, the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is an event not to be missed. Buy tickets online or find out more information at www.callanderjazz.com.

Why not really make the most of your weekend and explore this beautiful area from a self-catering holiday cottage in Callander? EmbraceScotland has a range of quality assured holiday cottages perfect for exploring the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

Difficult Financial Times = Holiday Cutbacks?

How has the economic climate affected your holidays? Have you cancelled a self-catering holiday or moved from a hotel to self-catering in the last year? Or have you continued to book holidays as normal? The Association of Scotland's Self-Caterers has put together a short survey to look into the impact of the current economic climate on UK self-catering and would like your feedback.

As a thank you for completing the survey, you will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 towards a self-catering holiday in any EmbraceScotland property! Where would you go...?

Take the Economic Climate and Self-Catering survey for your chance to win a £250 voucher

October in Perthshire, Dundee and Angus

Embrace Perthshire, Dundee and Angus this autumn, from the Highland and Lowland landscapes and romantic castles, to the rugged coastline and sandy beaches. Experience the heart of Scotland in its autumnal glow - here is just a taste of what's waiting for you in Perthshire, Dundee and Angus this October.

Perthshire
Events

The Enchanted Forest, The Explorer's Garden, Pitlochry, October 7th - 29th
This spectacular sound and light show is sure to enchant. To get a taste of what to expect, you can listen to some of this year's Enchanted Forest soundtrack on YouTube, with accompanying images from last year's show.

Perthshire Amber, Perthshire, October 28th - November 6th
The Dougie MacLean Festival brings together musicians and entertainers, who have been involved with Dougie MacLean over the years, from across the world to perform in a range of venues in Perthshire, from town and village halls to castles and cathedrals. Celebrate the beauty of Perthshire in autumn with fantastic concerts, as well as ceilidhs, workshops, open mic and demonstrations.

Glenfiddich Piping Championships, Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, 29th October
Some of the best individual pipers in the world compete at the Glenfiddich Piping Championships - go along to see who will be this year's champion.

All of the above events are part of the Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival.

Activities/Sights

Perthshire has some spectacular scenery to enjoy all year round. It is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors, from fishing, mountain biking and walking to Highland Adventure Safari.

Dundee & Angus
Events

Fest 'n' Furious, Dundee, until 4th October
A traditional music festival, with concerts, master classes, 'Come and Try' sessions and ceilidhs.

Discovery Film Festival, Dundee, 22nd October - 6th November
Scotland's international film festival for children and young people, featuring films from around the world.

Trails of the Riverbank, Forfar Loch, Forfar, 9th October
Take the children on this Angus Ranger event, looking for signs of mammals along the banks of the Dean Water.

The Clash of the Titans, Glen Doll Ranger Base, 16th October
Another of the Angus Ranger Events, this is a fantastic opportunity to watch and listen to rutting red deer stags in the glen as you walk along the Dounalt loop. Warm clothes and stout shoes needed.

Activities/Sights

Dundee and Angus have a lot to offer, whatever time of year you visit. Angus, stretching from the North Sea to the eastern edge of the Cairngorm National Park, is where you can find romantic castles, such as the fairy tale Glamis Castle, wonderful beaches and beautiful formal gardens, like Pitmuies Gardens.

For art and culture, there is a lot to explore in Scotland's 'City of Discovery'. You can read more about what to do and see in Dundee in our Embrace Six Scottish Cities blog.

EmbraceScotland has a selection of self catering Perthshire and holiday cottages in Dundee & Angus, as well as more information on what to see and do in Perthshire, Dundee & Angus.

Visit EmbraceScotland to really embrace Scotland.

Fantastic Family Holidays in Scotland: Part 2

If you're thinking about your next family holiday, here are some ideas on how you can get real value for money and an authentic experience of Scotland by staying in Family Cottages. Whether you want a magical holiday in castle grounds, space to relax and enjoy the great outdoors or a range of leisure facilities on your doorstep, you can find it on EmbraceScotland. Fantastic Family Holidays in Scotland: Part 1 focussed on the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Perthshire and Fife, and Part 2 continues with holiday ideas in Central and Southern Scotland.

5. Edinburgh & the Lothians

To explore the Edinburgh and the Lothians, Faside Castle is ideally located - only 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre and with beautiful views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. What better base for discovering all that historic Edinburgh has to offer than holiday accommodation in a 17th century barn conversion, in the grounds of this stunning castle? Faside Estate offers a great balance between sightseeing in the city and relaxing in a rural setting, and is sure to enchant the whole family.

6. Argyll, the Isles & Stirlingshire

These self-catering properties are ideal for experiencing scenic West Central Scotland and the Isles.

In 3.5 acres of land, with its own bluebell wood, Airdeny Holiday Chalets has plenty of space for children to run around and enjoy the peaceful, natural habitat. With plenty to do and see nearby, including trips to Mull and Iona, Balamory and Seafaris from Easdale, it is an ideal base for exploring the area or just relaxing with the family.

The Melfort Club Holiday Cottages, at the head of Loch Melfort near Oban, has a wide range of excellent leisure facilities to keep the entire family active and entertained, including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, table tennis, putting green, playground, fishing, bike hire and riding stables. After a day of activities, spend time together in your home-from-home cottage in the small and peaceful holiday village.

7. Dumfries & Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway is the ideal location for a rural retreat, with rolling landscapes, sandy beaches and rugged coastlines. Orroland Holiday Cottages is the perfect spot to get away from it all and enjoy the peace of the countryside. Set on a hillside leading down to the sea, the panoramic views are breathtaking. You can also visit nearby Kirkcudbright and Castle Douglas, 15 - 20 minutes away by car.

8. The Scottish Borders

Yethouse Luxury Farmhouse Cottage is located on the edge of Newcastleton Forest, a Scottish Borders gem, and has a range of fantastic family activities on its doorstep, from walking and bike trails, to fishing and golfing. Get to know this stunning and historic area from your very own luxury farmhouse cottage and curl up in the evening in front of an open fire.

If you're looking for more space for a family get-together or pet friendly cottages, browse a selection of Large Holiday Homes and Dog Friendly Cottages.

Embrace family holidays with EmbraceScotland.

Fantastic Family Holidays in Scotland: Part 1

Looking for ideas for family holidays in Scotland? Thinking about where to go during the October break? Why not make your next family holiday a self-catering holiday? Self-catering gives you great value for money, as well as the freedom to do your own thing in your own time. Mealtimes don't have to be restrictive or expensive if you stay in a family holiday cottage, and you can cater for specialist diets. You can even take the four-legged members of the family with you - just search for pet friendly accommodation.

Give the family an authentic experience of Scotland whilst spending time together in home-from-home holiday accommodation. Stay on a working farm, get active in the outdoors, learn about local history and wildlife... whatever family holiday you're looking for you can find it right on the doorstep of Family Cottages in Scotland. Here are just a few ideas.

1. Highlands & Skye
Experience the Highland way of life and the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and Skye.

Stay on a working family farm near the Capital of the Highlands, at Easter Dalziel Holiday Cottages - also an ideal base for exploring local attractions around Inverness, such as Cawdor Castle, Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield, and for day trips further into the Highlands.

For spectacular Highland scenery, Tomich Holiday Cottages & Chalets is centrally located near the enchanting Loch Ness and only 2 miles from the Glen Affric NNR. After a day of Nessie spotting, bike riding or walking in beautiful Glen Affric, you can have a swim in the heated swimming pool.

Or take your family on a trip over the sea to Skye, and explore the stunning island from the mountains to the coast. Edinbane Self Catering Cottages is a great base in North Skye - 20 minutes from the main town of Portree and an hour from the Skye bridge.

2. Aberdeen, Grampian & Moray
To experience what Aberdeenshire has to offer, Arbuthnott Holiday Cottages is ideally located in scenic countryside, only 25 minutes south of Aberdeen city. Learn about the heritage of the area at the adjacent Grassic Gibbon Centre, visit the ruined fortress of Dunnottar Castle, or relax in your enclosed garden, with a children's play area to keep the little ones entertained.

3. Fife
These self-catering properties are ideal for exploring the historic towns of St Andrews and Dunfermline, in the Kingdom of Fife.

Woodland Holidays, in the small picturesque village of Kincaple, is only a few minutes' drive west of the medieval town of St Andrews. Perfect for walking, cycling and sightseeing in the local area.

Choose between self-catering cabins and lodges at Yellowscott Country Park Self Catering - and for a truly relaxing family holiday why not stay in a lodge with your own private outdoor hot tub and verandah? With the forest and lake nearby, it's a tranquil setting and within easy access of some key attractions.

4. Perthshire, Dundee & Angus
What better way to really get to know Perthshire, Dundee & Angus than from your home-from-home base in a self-catering cottage?

Modernised estate cottages in secluded settings, Dunalastair Holiday Houses are perfect for exploring scenic Perthshire. Relax on the Dunalastair Estate, cosy up by your log fire or enjoy local outdoor activities and sightseeing. Or spend time learning something new - both trout fishing and tennis are free.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside at Cloag Farm Holiday Cottages, near Perth. Ideally positioned for visiting the historic sites and castles around Perthshire, these family-run farm holiday cottages will give the children a real taste of country life.

For family holiday ideas in Edinburgh, Argyll, Dumfries and the Scottish Borders, don't miss Fantastic Family Holidays in Scotland: Part 2.

If you're looking for more space for a family get-together, browse our selection of Large Holiday Homes. Embrace family holidays with EmbraceScotland.

Cowalfest: 7th - 16th October

Enjoy the autumnal beauty of Cowal, in the West Highlands of Scotland, at the Cowalfest Walking and Arts Festival, from 7th to 16th October. There are over 70 walks for all ages and fitness levels at Cowalfest, as well as events, arts activities and exhibitions to enjoy. So whether you're a keen hill walker, interested in wildlife, or looking for somewhere to take the family, you're sure to find walks that are right up your street at Cowalfest!

In addition to the walks, the programme also includes:

• horse rides


• mountain bike rides


• tours of Churches and Great Houses in Cowal


• wildlife walks and events


• exhibitions


• theatre and food events


• ceilidhs and concerts

Click here for full details of the festival programme and more information on how to get to Cowal.

To really get to know the area, why not stay in self-catering accommodation? For a selection of holiday cottages in Argyll and more ideas on where to stay for Hill Walking in Scotland, visit EmbraceScotland.

Crossing Borders Art Trail: 9th - 11th September

Don't worry if you missed it last weekend, you still have time to catch the Crossing Borders Art Trail in the Scottish Borders. It is the second weekend of the fourth annual Art Trail, with venues open from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September, from 10am to 5pm.

Crossing Borders represents over 90 professional artists and galleries in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland area, and the Art Trail is a fantastic opportunity to meet talented artists and creators in the region.

There will be over 50 artists ready to welcome you and show you their art, from painters and potters, to textile and glass artists. You can chat to the artists, as well as buy from them direct.

Perfect for a weekend break or a day out, the Art Trail gives you the chance to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Borders as well as admire or buy some beautiful pieces of art.

The Art Trail brochure gives you detailed information and a map on where you can find artists for the following disciplines:

• Visual arts


• Ceramics


• Galleries


• Glass


• Jewellery


• Metal


• Multimedia


• Photography


• Sculpture


• Textiles


• Wood

Click here to download a copy of the Art Trail brochure.

To really make the most of your visit, why not stay in a quality assured holiday cottage? Find self-catering accommodation in the Scottish Borders on EmbraceScotland.

How to Embrace Six Scottish Cities

What better way to really get to know Scotland's cities, with their unique attractions and mix of culture and history, than staying in a self-catering holiday home or apartment? Self-catering offers you:

• a home-from-home where you can relax after a busy day sightseeing


• freedom and flexibility to do what you want, when you want, without mealtime restrictions


• an authentic experience of the real citylife


• real value for money

Here are a few ideas of what you can embrace in six Scottish cities.

Edinburgh
The capital, and second largest, city in Scotland, Edinburgh is famous for its summer Fringe Festival and Hogmanay street party. Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle down to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the Royal Mile that runs between them. For a spectacular panoramic view of the city, climb Arthur's Seat - a large hill formed by an extinct volcano, which juts up into the beautiful skyline.

Click here for holiday accommodation in Edinburgh, such as Silvermills Self Catering Apartment.

Glasgow
Cosmopolitan Glasgow is the the largest of Scotland's cities, and has culture and style a-plenty. Visit the many art galleries and museums, such as the wonderful Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, indulge in some retail therapy with the fantastic shopping on offer, and stop for a spot of afternoon tea in the famous Willow Tearooms on Sauchiehall Street, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Browse the selection of self-catering accommodation in Glasgow here.

Aberdeen
The 'Granite City' of Aberdeen is in Scotland's North-East and has a lot to offer the visitor, both in the city and in the surrounding area. Walk along the bustling Union Street, with shopping centres not far away on either side, and down the quaint and cobbled Belmont Street. Watch the world go by in one of its many lovely gardens and parks, such as Duthie Park with its impressive Winter Gardens. Explore historic Old Aberdeen and then see history brought to life at Provost Skene's House - the oldest house in Aberdeen, dating back to 1545.

Browse our selection of apartments in Aberdeen to really make the most of your visit.

Dundee
Dundee is Scotland's 'City of Discovery' and there is a lot to discover about Dundee itself. There are a number of shopping centres to explore, as well as galleries and museums in its cultural centre. Step on board RRS Discovery, Captain Scott's Antartic expedition ship, on Dundee's waterfront or take a tour of the Verdant Works, where canvas was made for pioneer ships, for a glimpse into Dundee's history. In the evening head to Mills Observatory to view the stars through a Victorian telescope.

Click here for self-catering holiday accommodation near Dundee.

Stirling
The heritage capital of Scotland, Stirling has witnessed some of the most important events in Scotland's history. To get a sense of these events there are a number of places you can visit: Stirling Castle, with its fascinating Royal Palace apartments, the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, to relive Scotland's most famous battle, and the National Wallace Monument, to find out more about the real Braveheart.

Browse the range of self-catering near Stirling.

Inverness
Inverness is known as the Capital of the Highlands and is the most northern of Scotland's cities. The River Ness snakes through the heart of the city, and after some retail therapy, you can take a relaxing walk along the banks of the river and enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants along the riverside. And no trip to Inverness would be complete without a journey to the immense and enchanting Loch Ness.

Click here for self-catering homes and apartments in Inverness.

So for freedom and flexibility to really embrace all that Scotland's cities have to offer, why not stay in a quality assured holiday home or apartment? For a selection of self-catering in Scottish cities, visit EmbraceScotland.

Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival: 29th Sep - 3rd Oct

What better place to get a 'taste' of Scotland than in the malt whisky capital of the world? Organised by Dufftown 2000 Ltd in partnership with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, there is much more to the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival than whisky nosing and tasting! Head to Dufftown from 29th September to 3rd October for all this and more:

• Stramash (an evening of Scottish music)


• Craft Fayre


• Whisky auction


• Distillery tours


• Pipe Band


• The Whisky Smugglers Experience


• Masterclasses and lectures


• Family entertainment
  
  

Click here for more information on the full event programme and festival transport.

If you want to really experience all that Speyside has to offer, why not live like a local in a quality assured holiday cottage? EmbraceScotland has a wide range of self-catering accommodation in Moray and holiday cottages in Speyside.

Have you been to a Whisky Festival in Speyside? What did you enjoy the most? Post your comments below.