Glasgow's Whisky Festival: 19th November

Embrace Scotland's national drink in its largest city at Glasgow's Whisky Festival. Held at The Arches on Argyle Street from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday 19th November, Glasgow's Whisky Festival gives you the chance to sample Scotland's best drams as well as whiskies from across the world. There will be over 40 stands with a fantastic selection of exhibitors, including Gordon and MacPhail, Glenmorangie and Ardbeg.

The event is being organised by Mark Connelly, founder of WhiskyWhiskyWhisky, and Bill Mackintosh, Chairman of Glasgow's Whisky Club. It is hoped that the event will put Glasgow back on the country's whisky map, with emphasis on Glasgow's independent bottlers and distilleries.

Members of Glasgow's Whisky Club will also be available during the day to answer your questions.

Tickets cost £20 - for more information on where to buy tickets as well the venue and exhibitors, visit www.glasgowswhiskyfestival.com.

Why not get a taste of the real Glasgow from your own home from home? Browse a range of quality assured apartments and discover the self catering Glasgow has to offer on EmbraceScotland.

EmbraceScotland Properties Shortlisted for Tourism Awards

Three EmbraceScotland properties are finalists in the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2011 - Whitefalls Spa Lodges, Bluebell Croft and Saxa Vord Resort. Here are some of the reasons why these properties have been shortlisted.

Whitefalls Spa Lodges

Situated in a stunning location on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Whitefalls Spa Lodges offers luxury self-catering lodges for two. With all the style of a boutique hotel and luxury spa, each lodge has a huge spa bathroom featuring a sauna, monsoon shower and double-ended spa bath. You can also treat yourself to a spa treatment in the comfort of your own lodge.

The luxury 5 star Spa Lodges have been shortlisted for two Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, in the Best Visitor Experience and Best Supplier Partnership categories. It is the second year running they have been a finalist for the Best Visitor Experience award in the Small Business category, showing that 'they go that extra mile to consistently provide a unique and memorable customer experience'.

Bluebell Croft

Bluebell Croft, a sustainable working croft in the West Highlands, has been shortlisted in the category of Best Sustainable Tourism Exemplar for the second year running; an award given to tourism businesses which 'recognise the importance of our environment and seek to protect it'.

The owners, Bill and Sukie Barber, have achieved their goal of burning no fossil fuels and run their 5 star luxury self-catering houses using a wind turbine, wood boiler and solar panels. They also produce all their own meat, soft fruit and eggs, as well as most of their own milk and vegetables. To find out more about life on the croft you can visit their blog.

They have also been put forward by VisitScotland's Green Tourism Awards for the Highest Achiever of the Year. If you're interested in staying in self catering with a Green Tourism award, such as Bluebell Croft, you can select 'Green Tourism' in your accommodation search on EmbraceScotland.

Saxa Vord Resort Self Catering Houses

Saxa Vord Resort is located on Unst, in the Shetland Isles - the most northerly populated island in the UK. For their joint work with Unst Regeneration Growers Enterprise (URGE), the resort has been shortlisted in the Best Supplier Partnership category. In 2010 Saxa Vord Resort was a finalist in the Dining Out Experience category.

Due to the remote location of Unst, there used to be logistical problems in sourcing quality produce. URGE, Britain's most northerly market garden, provides the fresh produce that the restaurant at Saxa Vord Resort needs and the team at Saxa Vord work to raise awareness of URGE.

The Best Supplier Partnership award 'celebrates partnerships in the supply chain' where businesses have 'come together in an innovative and creative way to help themselves and each other, in the interests of an improved customer service'.

The winners of the Tourism Awards will be announced on 19th November and we wish all three EmbraceScotland properties the best of luck! To find out more about the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2011 click here.

EmbraceScotland has a wide range of quality assured holiday cottages in the Highlands and Islands - browse self catering Highlands and holiday accommodation in Shetland, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides.

November in Argyll and Stirlingshire: These Heartlands of Scotland

'From Kintyre to Killin and Tobermory to Tillicoultry, an open invitation awaits you in these heartlands of Scotland' ~ Sir Walter Scott, 'The Lady of the Lake'

Why not explore Argyll and Stirlingshire this November? From the rugged coast to the stunning Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, the 'heartlands of Scotland' is an area of spectacular natural beauty. Here is just a taste of what you can see and do this November.

Events

A Taste of Loch Fyne, Loch Fyne, Argyll, 11th November, 10am - 3pm
Treat yourself to a day out at Loch Fyne with a great programme of activities - visit the oyster farm, learn how to open oysters, enjoy seafood recipe demonstrations and a four course lunch. Tickets cost £95 per person.

The House Folk Scottish Music Festival 2011, Kinlochard, the Trossachs, 10th - 12th November
Performing at this year's House Folk Scottish Music Festival are The Lorne MacDougall Trio, Gleusda, The Sorries and Katy MacIntosh and Friends. The concerts will be held in intimate venues and offer a mix of bagpipe, strings, fiddle, vocals, accordian and flute music in both traditional Scottish and contemporary styles.

St Andrew's Day, 30th November
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and there will be celebrations across Scotland on 30th November to mark St Andrew's Day. What better place to celebrate than in the historic city of Stirling? The National Wallace Monument will have free admission on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th, as well as activities and entertainment to enjoy - visit www.nationalwallacemonument.com for more details.

Activities

The area around Argyll and Stirlingshire is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors, from the majestic West Highlands to the picturesque Lowlands. Explore the Argyll coast, including Oban, the 'seafood capital of Scotland', Mid Argyll and the peninsula of Kintyre, where you'll find spectacular sunsets and nature reserves.

Enjoy the beauty of The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with its magnificent mountains, glens and lochs, and refresh the spirit with one of these walks in the national park.

ASVA attractions (Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions), VisitScotland and Visit Scottish Heartlands have more detailed information on activities to enjoy in Argyll and Stirlingshire.

Where to Stay

EmbraceScotland has a wide range of quality assured self catering in Argyll and Stirlingshire - browse the selection of Argyll cottages and holiday accommodation in Stirlingshire, and really get to know this beautiful area from your own home from home.

Pet Friendly Accommodation in Scotland

One of the most popular reasons people give for choosing self-catering over hotels is that they can take their pet with them on holiday. In fact, according to a recent survey by high street retailer Wilkonson (and reported recently on Dream Dogs), UK dog owners would rather holiday in the UK with their pet, than go overseas without. The article 'Brits Opt to Stay at Home with Pets Rather than Holiday Alone', goes on to say that 25% of children surveyed would give up sweets, games and pocket money if it meant that their pet could join them on holiday.

We realise how important it is for you to find quality assured holiday homes that welcome pets - on EmbraceScotland you can select 'Pet Friendly' in your accommodation search or go straight to a selection of pet friendly accommodation in Scotland.

You'll find a wide range of cottages and chalets, lodges and apartments across Scotland that will welcome the four-legged members of your family, making it easier for you to plan your ideal break.

Pet friendly accommodation is one of our new holiday ideas, which now rotate on the EmbraceScotland homepage. Why not check out our other popular self-catering holiday ideas?


Would you rather go on holiday in the UK with your pet, than travel abroad without? Do you think your children would give up sweets and pocket money if it meant they could take the dog with them on holiday? We'd love to hear what you think - post your comments below!

The Enchanted Forest: 7th - 29th October

Light up your autumn in the most spectacular way at The Enchanted Forest - Scotland's premier light and sound show. Held in the new venue of The Explorer's Garden, Pitlochry, The Enchanted Forest is a must-see event, winning Scotland's Top Event Award at the 2011 Scottish Event Awards. Experience the outdoors at night like never before with this fabulous feast for your senses.

Watch a video of this year's Transitions show online, and hear what visitors had to say about their visit.

To buy tickets online and find out more information about the event, visit The Enchanted Forest website.

Why not really get to know Highland Perthshire this autumn - enjoy the Highland Perthshire Autumn Festival and explore the heart of Scotland from your own home from home. Stay in self catering in Pitlochry or browse a selection of quality assured holiday cottages in Perthshire on EmbraceScotland.

Embrace autumn in Perthshire with EmbraceScotland.

Luxury Breaks in Scotland

Need some pampering? If you want a luxury break that won't break the bank, why not go self-catering in style? Whether it's an anniversary or just a well-deserved treat, staying in holiday accommodation with the up-market touches you expect from hotels will make your week away truly special. Choose from a wide range of luxury cottages in Scotland on EmbraceScotland, including holiday cottages with hot tubs and jacuzzi baths for added indulgence. Here is a little taster of the luxury self-catering on offer.

Dubh Loch Cottage, Loch Lomond
This stunning self-catering cottage, built in 1750 and with original beams, is situated within an acre of gardens, complete with burn. On the East bank of Loch Lomond, Dubh Loch Cottage has magnificent loch and mountain views.

Yellowscott Country Park, Dunfermline
Enjoy stunning lake views and tranquil surroundings from stylish self-catering chalets in the Kingdom of Fife. Stay in one of the top of the range lodges to be treated to your own outdoor hot tub, verandah and luxurious furnishings.

Yethouse Luxury Farmhouse Cottage, near Hawick
This luxury farmhouse in the beautiful Scottish Borders has open fires, free wi-fi, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Nestled on the edge of Newcastleton Forest, the cottage is surrounded by fabulous views.

Kinnaird Woodland Lodges, Pitlochry
Set in picturesque Highland Perthshire, just outside Pitlochry, these luxury self-catering log cabins have patio decks, woodburning stoves, spa baths and hot tubs. Kinnaird Woodland Lodges were voted by the Guardian as one of the top 5 best log cabin venues in the UK.

The Melfort Club, near Oban
Beautifully furnished, the traditional stone cottages at the Melfort Club, near Oban, are surrounded by well-kept grounds and gardens. Guests can enjoy full use of the excellent leisure facilities, including swimming pool, sauna and gym, and there is also a restaurant serving the best Scottish produce.

Airhouses Luxury Lodges , near Edinburgh
Each of the 5 star luxury lodges has its own hot tub, decking area, and the added extra of a Breakfast Welcome Basket. The beds are king or super king size, with luxurious mattress toppers and Egyptian white bed linen.

Weiroch Lodge, Ballindalloch
This magnificent barn conversion in Ballindalloch, the heart of Speyside, offers exeptionally spacious accommodation with a sunroom, log burning stove and three comfortable, ensuite bedrooms.

For more luxury self catering in Scotland visit EmbraceScotland.

How to Embrace Hogmanay: New Year Breaks in Scotland

Ceilidhs, street parties and great balls of fire? It can only be Hogmanay in Scotland! For a truly authentic experience and to really embrace New Year in Scotland, why not stay in your own home-from-home? Self-catering gives you the freedom and flexibility to celebrate in your own way, whether you want to enjoy local traditions and firework displays or simply cuddle up in front of an open fire.

From apartments ideal for city street parties to cosy cottages for a Highland Hogmanay, EmbraceScotland has a selection of self-catering accommodation perfect for your New Year break in Scotland. Browse our New Year breaks for holiday cottages with availability over New Year - and see the real Scotland this Hogmanay.

Here are some Hogmanay Highlights!

Stonehaven Fireball Festival
Thousands of visitors flock to the Stonehaven 'Fireballs' ceremony every New Year's Eve to watch around 45 participants parade up and down the High Street in the Old Town, swinging fireballs around their head. This fantastic fire festival is sure to light up your Hogmanay! Make the most of your visit by staying in self catering in Stonehaven or self catering Aberdeen.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay
It doesn't get much bigger than this - Edinburgh's Hogmanay is a 3 day festival, with events, bands, traditional dancing, a torchlit procession, a Viking long boat and, of course, the famous Street Party. Crowds gather from across the world to celebrate the start of the New Year in Edinburgh, and you can get a taste of it by watching Edinburgh's Hogmanay video. For complete independence and flexibility this New Year, stay in self catering in Edinburgh.

Glasgow's Hogmanay
For another festival and more fun, fiddles and fireworks, celebrate Hogmanay with Glasgow. There will be family friendly activities from 10am to 10pm on December 31st in the central George Square and New Year celebrations with special guests (with more information appearing soon on Glasgow's Hogmanay). Why not discover the self catering Glasgow has to offer and really get to know the city?

The Flambeaux, Comrie, Perthshire
Comrie Flambeaux is an ancient torchlit procession - as midnight strikes, the torches are lit and paraded around the village behind a pipe band. Experience the tradition of Hogmanay and enjoy the Flambeaux festivities by staying in self catering in Comrie.

The Red Hot Highland Fling Hogmanay
Have a red hot Highland Hogmanay this year! Scotland's biggest free Hogmanay party is held on the banks of the River Ness, featuring music from Highland bands Hoodja, Bags of Rock, Wolftone and Skerryvore.   Why not make it really authentic and stay in your own holiday home in Inverness or holiday cottage in the Highlands.


Embrace the New Year with EmbraceScotland.

Scotland's Boat Show 2011: 14th - 16th October

For boats, bagpipes and a bit of Bond, visit Scotland's Boat Show 2011. Celebrating its 25th year, this year's Boat Show will be its biggest ever with the appearance of 'Quantum of Solace', the 43' Sunseeker Superhawk from the James Bond film of the same name. 'Quantum of Solace' will be displayed on shore next to a range of Aston Martin and Rolls Royce motor cars, in keeping with the Bond theme.

The Boat Show is held at Kip Marina, Inverkip, in Renfrewshire from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October, 10am to 6pm, and admission is free.

As well as Bond's boat, you will find all of this at Scotland's Boat Show 2011:

• over 150 boats for sale


• over 30 marine trade companies from across the UK, exhibiting the latest sailing trends and products


• the latest new boats from Hanse, Dehler, Moody, Sealine, Fairline, Cruisers Yachts and many more


• a giant marquee on shore with over 35 trade exhibitors


• a full Continental market on the 15th and 16th, where you can sample food and drink from all over Europe


• the Isle of Cumbrae pipe band, playing on the 15th and 16th

For more information, visit http://www.kipmarina.co.uk/ or call 01475 521485.

Why not really make the most of your visit by staying in a quality assured holiday home? Visit EmbraceScotland for a selection of self-catering accommodation in Glasgow and Clyde Valley.

'Like' EmbraceScotland For Your Chance to Win a Scottish Hamper!

Like EmbraceScotland? Like Scottish hampers? If you 'like' EmbraceScotland on Facebook, you'll be entered into a prize draw to win a delicious hamper from Scottish Hampers, worth £49.99. Packed full of the finest Scottish preserves, chocolates and nibbles, and beautifully presented in a custom made closed wicker basket, this hamper would make a fabulous festive treat.

For your chance to win a delicious Scottish hamper, and to stay up to date with all the latest news, offers and self-catering holiday ideas from EmbraceScotland, all you have to do is visit our Facebook contest page between now and 5th December, click 'like' at the top of the page and then enter your details.

The winner will be announced by email the week beginning 5th December and the Scottish hamper will be sent out in time for Christmas. Good luck!