Embrace 2012 with EmbraceScotland!

As one year draws to a close and the new year steps towards us, are you wondering where 2012 will take you?   Why not start planning your next break?

You can go straight to the Scottish holiday you've been dreaming of or find inspiration with our homepage holiday ideas.  Just imagine... a winter weekend in a cosy log cabin with a hot tub, a city apartment for an Easter break, a family holiday on a working farm, an old stone cottage on a remote Scottish island - it's all here on EmbraceScotland.  Self-catering is a fantastic way to have a real value for money holiday and an authentic experience of Scotland!

If you're looking for ideas on where to stay for your next holiday but you would rather browse quality assured self-catering on paper, rather than online, why not request a free EmbraceScotland brochure.  The new directory has details of over 2,000 properties from the Outer Hebrides to the Scottish Borders, so you can find the perfect holiday cottage in whichever region of Scotland you want to explore.

Make 2012 the year you really embrace Scotland - Cead Mile Failte! (a hundred thousand welcomes).

January in Scotland's Islands

'There are few parts of the world which possess such magic and mystery as the seas around Scotland...It is a serene yet chaotic landscape in which every isle has a distinct personality.  Each is an individual entity with differences so remarkable that the mere crossing of a short stretch of water can be like visiting another continent'.  (~Hamish Haswell-Smith, 'The Scottish Islands')

Scotland's Islands are quite simply outstanding in beauty.  The inhabited 99 islands can be divided into four main groups - Shetland, Orkney, the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides.   The Shetland Isles were actually a province of Norway for over 600 years and traces of this Norwegian heritage can still be found in the modern dialect and traditional fiddle music.  Orkney is made up of 70 islands situated 10km from Scotland's northern tip, and are mainly low lying with a rolling landscape of fields and lochs.  The Inner Hebrides are further divided into the Northern and Southern Hebrides, with Skye the largest of the Northern Hebrides and Mull the largest of the South.  The Outer Hebrides, including Lewis, Harris and Uist, are also known as the Western Isles and remain at the heart of Gaelic culture.

White sand beaches, awe-inspiring views, fascinating history - what are you waiting for?  Here are a few ideas of what you can expect to see and do in Scotland's Islands this January.

Events

Grinneas nan Eilean, Stornoway, Lewis, 3rd December 2011 - 29th January 2012
An exhibition of the creative talent the Outer Hebrides has to offer.

The Ba, Kirkwall, Orkney, 1st January 2012
Traditional game of street rugby between the Uppies and Downies (depending on where the players live).

Harris Gun Club New Year 'Eagle Trophy' Shoot, Harris, 1st January 2012, 12 noon
Non-members are welcome to take part in Clay Target Shooting on New Year's Day.

Arran Bike Club Night Ride, Arran, 5th January 2012, 5.30pm
Anyone is welcome to join in this evening off-road bike ride.

A Christmas Carol, Mull Theatre, 9th January 2012
An adaptation of the Dickens' tale - fun for all the family!

Scalloway Fire Festival, Shetland, 13th January 2012, 6.30 - 11.30pm
A torch-lit procession and burning of a galley (traditional Viking vessel). 

Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland, 31st January 2012
Recently featured in Wanderlust Magazine's top 10 alternative winter festivals, this is Europe's largest fire festival.  It involves 'guizers' (dressed up as Vikings) taking part in marches and visitations during the day, with a torch-lit procession in the evening.  (See our recent blog post for more information).

Activities
Scotland's Islands are perfect for a whole host of outdoor activities, including wildlife watching, winter walking, and horse riding on an empty Hebridean beach.  There are a multitude of incredible attractions to visit, including ancient settlements and museums - make sure you visit the Standing Stones in Lewis, Fingal's Cave in Mull and Skara Brae in Orkney.  For more on archaeological sites and historic attractions, read our post on Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 3.

Watch this beautiful video of Orkney for a taste of island life in winter.

Why not stay in your own home from home to have a truly authentic experience of these magical islands?  Embrace the islands with EmbraceScotland - browse a selection of self catering in the Inner Isles (including Bute, Rothesay, Mull, Islay and Colonsay), self catering Outer Hebrides (for Lewis, Harris, Uist), holiday accommodation on Shetland and holiday cottages in Orkney.

Have you visited any of Scotland's Islands?  Are you planning a trip in January?  Leave your comments below.

Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 3

Follow the footprints of the past and take a journey back in time.  Our final post in the Places to Embrace Scotland's History series is focussed on the north of Scotland: the historic Highlands, the ancient islands and castle-rich Moray and Aberdeenshire.  The first in this series, Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 1, concentrated on Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fife and Perthshire, while Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 2 looked at Western and Southern Scotland.

Whether you're interested in your own ancestry or simply immersing yourself in historic Scotland, why not delve into the past from your own home from home and really feel the history of an area?  Here are just a few ideas of places to explore Scotland's past.

Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland
The islands are steeped in history, with many fascinating archaeological sites.

The Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis are believed to be 5,000 years old and are one of the most famous landmarks in the Outer Hebrides.  Other historical attractions include Kisimul Castle, St Clement's Church and The Blackhouse, Arnol.

Orkney has a great many archaeological sites and those at Skara Brae, Maeshowe and Ring of Brodgar have all been given World Heritage Status.  From Neolithic tombs to Pictish brochs, there are a number of historic sites which will give a glimpse into the past.

The Shetland Isles are also brimming with historical attractions, such as Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement (giving you an insight into the way of life of Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pictish, Norse and Middle Age inhabitants), Scalloway Castle and Muness Castle, and Iron Age Broch Towers, Clickimin and Mousa.

For a truly authentic experience of these beautiful islands, stay in self catering Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland.

Highlands and Skye
A trail of cairns, standing stones and carved Pictish stones form a path to the Highlands' prehistoric past.  The history of this area is also intertwined with that of Highland clans and the Jacobites - visit Culloden Moor, by Inverness, to learn more about the final Jacobite rising in 1746 (and the last major battle to be fought on British soil).

There are many romantic castles to visit in the Highlands, including Cawdor Castle, near Nairn, the impressive ruin of Urquhart Castle perched over Loch Ness, and Scotland's most photographed castle, Eilean Donan.

Dunvegan Castle, on the Isle of Skye, has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years and is well worth a visit.  Other historic attractions in Skye and Lochalsh include Skye's Heritage Centre, Aros, with exhibitions detailing Skye's history from 1700.

Explore the history of the Highlands from a local holiday cottage - browse a selection of self catering Highlands and holiday accommodation on Skye.

Aberdeen, Grampian and Moray 
Moray and Aberdeenshire is castle country with more than 70 in the area, including Drum Castle, one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, Balmoral Castle, the home of the Royal Family since 1852, and the enchanting Craigievar Castle in Alford, completed in 1626 and unaltered by time.  

As well as its many castles, other historic attractions in Moray and Aberdeenshire include the oldest house in Aberdeen, Provost Skene's House, dating from 1545,  Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle near Inverurie, the remains of Elgin Cathedral and Portsoy, with its seventeenth century harbour.

The Moray Speyside area is also famed for its Malt Whisky Trail - why not visit the historic Dallas Dhu Distillery museum near Forres, to learn more about Victorian distilling.

Discover more about Moray and Aberdeenshire's history from your own home from home.  If you're looking for self-catering Aberdeen, EmbraceScotland has a wide range of self-catering in Aberdeenshire, Moray and Grampian.

What's your favourite historic site in Scotland?  Where would you love to visit?  If you have any suggestions of other places to visit in these areas, leave your comments below.

Embrace Scotland's past with EmbraceScotland.

Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 2

Whether you want to explore your family history or simply learn more about historical sites in Scotland, why not explore the past from your own home from home and really feel the history of an area?  This is the second in our three part series on historical places to visit in Scotland - Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 1 focussed on Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perthshire and Fife, and Part 3 will head north to the Highlands, Outer Hebrides, Moray and Aberdeen.

It's so much more than just buildings, battlefields and monuments - Scotland's history beckons you, pulls you closer as you peer into the past.  There are so many historical places to visit in Scotland, these are just a few ideas of where to embrace Scotland's history in Western and Southern Scotland.

Argyll, Isles and Stirlingshire

Visit the many historic sites in and around Stirling, Scotland's heritage capital, for an insight into some of the most important events in Scotland's history (and learn more about the real Braveheart). In Stirlingshire, Lochend Chalets, near Callandar, and Portnellan, near Crianlarich, are great bases for exploring the area.  

Argyll, the Isles and Stirlingshire are known as the birthplace of Scotland and you can get a sense of the region's history from its landscapes, ancient monuments, churches and archaeological digs.  Just off the Isle of Mull lies the small island of Iona, where St Colomba built his first Celtic church in 563AD.  Explore the historic Iona Abbey and Mull from The Melfort Club, near Oban.   

Journey back to prehistoric times at Kilmartin Glen, an area of great archaeological importance.  There are over 800 ancient monuments in the area around the Argyll town, Kilmartin - visit Kilmartin House Museum to learn more about this incredible landscape and its hidden history.

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway's history is written across its many castles, museums and ruins.  Follow the Robert the Bruce Trail to find out more about the Scottish King who won Scotland's independence and explore the many historic attractions including Glenluce Abbey, Cairnholly Chambered Cairns, the beautiful castles and St Ninian's Cave.  

Why not stay in your own home from home to really embrace the history of the region - browse a selection of self catering Dumfries on EmbraceScotland.

Ayrshire and Arran

Each age in the history of Ayrshire and Arran has left its mark on the landscape, with a great many historic attractions to explore, including the Machrie Moor and Auchagallon Stone Circles, Culzean Castle and Crossraguel Abbey.  Ayrshire was the birthplace of Robert Burns, Scotland's most famous poet, and a trip to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will give you a greater insight into his life.  Other famous Scotsmen that are intertwined with the region's history include Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.

Bennan House, 14 miles from Ayr, is an ideal base for getting to know this area and discovering more of its history.

The Scottish Borders

The many castles, abbeys, museums and stately homes in the Scottish Borders tell the story of a troubled past between Scotland and England, and the region has witnessed many key events, such as the Battle of Flodden in 1513.  There are many historic attractions, from Roman times to the Border wars, that will bring its fascinating history to life before you. Don't miss the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, Traquair House, dating to 1107, Mary Queen of Scot's Visitor Centre and Neidpath Castle.  

Hendersyde Farm Cottages, near Kelso, would make a great home from home from which to explore historical attractions in the Borders.

Embrace Scotland's past with EmbraceScotland.

What's your favourite historic site in Scotland?  Where would you love to visit?  If you have suggestions of other places to visit in these areas, post your comments below.

Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 1

Scotland is steeped so completely in history that you can find it all around you - interwoven in the landscapes, echoing in the halls, etched into the buildings.  Scotland truly is a fantastic place to see history come to life - explore the castles and battle fields, the distilleries and ancient standing stones, and you can almost hear the past whispering in the wind and pulling at your sleeve.

What better way to really feel the history of a place than by staying in a local holiday cottage?  Browse the selection of self-catering for Historic Scotland - from old stone cottages in fishing villages to city centre accommodation - and get a taste of the area's history from your own home from home.  There is so much to discover, these are only a few ideas of places to embrace Scotland's history...

Edinburgh and Lothians

Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonderful place to feel history come alive. Explore it from top to toe, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. If you're feeling brave, head underground to the Vaults (a series of chambers formed in the arches of the South Bridge, completed in 1788 and later home to some of Edinburgh's poorest inhabitants).

21 Cordiners Land is ideally located for immersing yourself in Edinburgh's history, overlooking the Old Town and Castle, and a short walk from the Royal Mile. Further afield, Faside Estate, 10 miles from the city centre, is a wonderful base for discovering all that historic Edinburgh has to offer and getting a glimpse of history up close - the holiday cottages are within a 17th century barn conversion in the grounds of Faside Castle.

Glasgow and Clyde Valley

There are many historic attractions to visit in Glasgow, from remainders of its medieval past to its industrial heritage.  Admire the city's beautiful architecture and take a tour of medieval Glasgow, including Crookston Castle, a 15th century ruin, Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow and the magnificent Glasgow cathedral.

Staying in self catering Glasgow can give you an authentic experience of the city and its history.

Perthshire, Dundee and Angus

Historic Perthshire is a great place to delve into Scotland's past with its abundance of historic attractions, from Scone Palace, where the Kings of Scotland were crowned, to its many castles, including Glamis Castle, Castle Menzies and Blair Castle.

Morrison's Holiday Homes, an Old Dairy Cottage dating back to 1709, is situated in the Royal Burgh of Auchterarder, near Gleneagles - perfect if you're looking for historic self-catering!  Closer to Perth, Wayside Cottage, on a working farm, is ideally located for exploring the nearby castles, distilleries and picturesque towns.

The Kingdom of Fife

The Kingdom of Fife has many historic sites and attractions, such as the historic town of St Andrews, the charming East Neuk villages - including Crail, with its 16th century harbour - Aberdour Castle and Gardens, and Dunfermline Palace and Abbey.

Dunfermline was the capital of Scotland for over 500 years and you can feel its history in its ancient abbey, where many Scottish Kings and Queens were laid to rest, and adjoining palace ruins.  Both Yellowscott Country Park and Lbtie Lodge are close to Dunfermline and perfect for exploring the historic region.

Visit Historic Scotland for more information on historic sites in these areas.  For ideas on other places to explore Scotland's past, read Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 2 (looking at Argyll, the Isles and Stirlingshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire and Arran, and the Scottish Borders) and Places to Embrace Scotland's History: Part 3 featuring the Highlands and Skye, the Outer Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney, and Aberdeen, Grampian and Moray.

Whether you're interested in exploring your own ancestry or just learning more about historical sites in Scotland, you can embrace the past with EmbraceScotland.

What's your favourite historic site in Scotland?  Leave your comments below!

3 Steps for Planning a Walking Holiday in Scotland

I could walk 500 miles and I could walk 500 more,

If I can rest in a cottage when my feet are sore!...

If you love hill walking, Scotland should be at the top of your list for your next walking holiday! From coastal walks to Munro-bagging, there are fantastic walks to put a spring in your step. Every year, thousands of people come to Scotland to walk in its spectacular countryside and enjoy its stunning scenery. Whether you're interested in challenging climbs or meandering strolls, there is something for every age and ability. Why not make 2012 the year you embrace Scotland's wild side? Here are 3 things to consider when planning a walking holiday in Scotland.

1. What time of year to go...

There are beautiful and diverse walks to enjoy all round year round in Scotland and VisitScotland's Walking Scotland site has information to help you plan your walking holiday, whatever the season. Admire the countryside as spring unravels, walk along a river on a gorgeous summer's day, enjoy the glow of autumn colours walks - there are a wide range of ideas for seasonal walks in Scotland.

Winter Walking Holidays

Crisp mornings, snow-cloaked mountains, panoramic views... what could be better than a long walk on a frosty winter's day, and then relaxing in front of a roaring fire in the evening? Enjoy the solitude of Scotland's great outdoors in the winter months, from the isolated beaches to the rolling lowland slopes. If you're planning on hill walking in winter, you'll need to be prepared - visit the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Winter Safety and Winter Walking for useful information on hill walking in winter.

2. Where you want to walk...

Walking Routes

There are so many areas of Scotland you can explore on foot, from the rugged hills of the Highlands and the magnificent Argyll coast, to picturesque Perthshire and the pastures of the Scottish Borders. Whether you want to ramble or scramble, go for leisurely strolls or adventurous climbs, Scotland is a beautiful place to enjoy a walking holiday. Walk Highlands has detailed information on walking routes across the country, with maps and interactive features. Walking Scotland also has a wealth of information to help you plan your walking holiday, including information on family and themed walks.

Hill Walking

There are 283 Munros in Scotland (mountains over 3,000 feet), where you will find some of the country's most challenging, and stunning, walks. In winter only experienced hill walkers should attempt these routes - see the winter walking section above for information on winter safety. If you're interested in climbing a Munro, take a look at Walk Highland's interactive guide to bagging Munros.

3. Where you're going to stay...

To really enjoy the freedom of walking, why not stay in your own home from home? Self-catering gives you all the freedom and flexibility you need to make the most of your walking holiday - why not find a base from which you can explore a wide range of day-long walks? If you want a warm and cosy cottage to return to after a day out walking, browse a selection of self catering for Walking Holidays Scotland on EmbraceScotland.

Embrace Scottish walking holidays with EmbraceScotland.

Christmas and New Year Breaks in Scotland

In the weeks before Christmas my true love gave to me,

A list of holiday cottages with late availability...

If you're dreaming of a Christmas hideaway in the Scottish hills there's still time! Browse the self-catering cottages for Christmas holiday breaks in Scotland and find your Christmas cracker! However you imagine your perfect Christmas in Scotland, whether it's in the city or in the Highlands, on the coast or in the country, you're sure to find the perfect holiday home to cuddle up in this festive season. From cosy cottages for two to large holiday homes for all the family, getaways for Christmas day to Twixmas breaks between Christmas and New Year... there are quality assured cottages to suit your holiday needs.

Or why not browse our New Year breaks in Scotland for fantastic Hogmanay accommodation across Scotland. Haven't you always wanted to experience a Scottish Hogmanay? What better way to welcome in the New Year than from your own home from home? Take part in local festivities or curl up by the fire...to find out more about how you can spend Hogmanay in Scotland read our blog post on How to Embrace Hogmanay.

Embrace the festive season with EmbraceScotland.

Up Helly Aa: 31st January 2012

Recently voted in Wanderlust Magazine's top 10 alternative winter festivals, Shetland's Up Helly Aa is Europe's largest fire festival. Held in Lerwick every year on the last Tuesday of January, it's a celebration of Shetland's history and has been a tradition since the 1880s.

Up Helly Aa involves 'guizers' (dressed up as Vikings) taking part in marches and visitations during the day, with a torch-lit procession in the evening. Almost a thousand guizers take part in the procession, following a galley (traditional Viking vessel) with their flaming torches. The procession culminates with the burning of the galley, which is followed by hours of dancing and performing throughout Lerwick.

Only locals can take part in the procession, but as a spectator you can experience the unique atmosphere of this spectacular fire festival. Why not explore Lerwick and Shetland from self catering accommodation and really get to know this wonderful island.

For more information on the festival, including tickets and travel, visit www.uphellyaa.org.

Embrace the real Scotland with EmbraceScotland.

Hamper Prize Draw Winner!

Our hamper prize draw has now closed and the lucky winner is Alastair Thomson - many congratulations! Alastair has won a scrumptious hamper from Scottish Hampers, packed full of the finest Scottish preserves, chocolates and nibbles... just in time for the festive season!

Thank you to everyone who entered the prize draw by liking us on Facebook - we use Facebook to keep our fans up to date with all the latest news, offers and promotions from EmbraceScotland. Get ideas for your next self-catering holiday in Scotland and suggestions on what to see and do while you're there, as well as information on events happening across the country.

As a Facebook fan you will also be the first to hear of any future competitions or prize draws!