Self Catering and Holiday Cottages in Scotland | Brought to you by the ASSC

StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival: 17 to 21 March, 2010

2010-03-11T12:00:00.000Z

With its 2010 programme complete and tickets already on sale, StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival promises a rich mix of events that will appeal to audiences of all ages. From 17-21 March over 50 world-class poets from Scotland, the UK, and beyond these shores will gather to take part in more than 80 events, all based in the historic town of St Andrews.

Poetry is celebrated in all its forms and the 2010 festival presents a plethora of art, music, poetry films and children’s events. Acclaimed artists Brigid Collins and John Bellany are among those showing work in a total of 12 poetry themed art exhibitions. There will be an evening of Shetlandic poetry and music, jazz-inflected poetry from Trio Verso and traditional\ baroque music from Galway band Dordán, who will accompany poets Matthew Sweeney and Moya Cannon in a special St Patrick’s Night celebration at the Byre Theatre.

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Walkers' Paradise

2010-03-08T12:00:00.000Z

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Walkers' Paradise

Walk down from the hills to a warm and cosy home.

Thousands of people come to Scotland every year to walk in its spectacular hills. Whether you want the challenge of a Munro, or to stroll a lowland slope, it’s a great place to walk this Autumn. And your own holiday cottage can be an ideal base for a wide range of day-long walks, promising you a warm and comfortable place to rest your feet, whatever time you make it back!

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 the pleasures and pitfalls of the local hills and glens.

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Riding Country

2010-03-05T12:00:00.000Z

EmbraceScotland March Homepage Highlight: Riding Country

Explore Scotland’s hills, coast or byways on horseback

Whether you are a rank beginner or a seasoned trekker, you can find superlative riding right across in Scotland. And staying in a holiday home gives you the freedom to prepare for your day, do your own thing with your clothing and equipment, and then relax at your own pace in the evening. And you can choose accommodation which adds something special to your stay, or maybe even has a hitching post outside!

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 the pleasures of the area, and let you know about any special touches they offer to horse riders and their families.

Scottish Border Event not to be missed - The Mighty Deerstalker: 27 March, 2010

2010-03-02T12:00:00.003Z

“A roller-coaster run through rivers, up a mountain, across rough ground and into forest, going from day into night”

The Mighty Deerstalker is an eclectic adventure running event with event fringe and boisterous party afterwards. 5km and 10km distance runs, of which the 10km run goes into darkness, adding to the uniqueness of this challenge.

The runs take place in the late afternoon, following a day-time event fringe programme. Post-race, a party is laid on with beer tent, complete with Traquair’s locally brewed draft beer, plus local bands.

Come and have a great time at the largest running event in the Scottish Borders!

In the Dog-House – But Loving It!

2010-02-27T08:30:00.000Z

We all know that Britain is a nation of dog lovers and, with over 5 million households in the UK owning a dog, organising holidays for the whole family is not always easy.

The EmbraceScotland recognises the fact that more and more people want quality, want freedom, and want to take their dog on holiday with them. EmbraceScotland’s website enables you to search through thousands of self-catering holiday homes (all of which have a tourist board quality assurance ‘star’ grading) that have a huge range of dog friendly properties across the length and breadth of Scotland which can be found with one click.

No more kennels, or leaving the four-legged member of the family with friends or relatives this year, he can enjoy the freedom of the real Scotland with you!

If you don’t own a dog – don’t worry! There’s something for everyone on EmbraceScotland, from country cottages, grand houses and coastal retreats to castles and elegant city apartments. The website puts you in touch directly with the owners if you want to find out more and book, so no agency fees or vague reassurances by call-centre staff. Just log on to the website to see them all.

Edinburgh's Ceilidh Culture 2010: 26 March - 18 April 2009

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000Z

Ceilidh Culture is Edinburgh's annual showcase of traditional arts, featuring the best of home-grown talent alongside acts from across the world, with local performers as well as international stars from song, music, dance, storytelling and more.

Now in its seventh year, Ceilidh Culture is a great opportunity to get involved with the traditional arts, whether it be music, song, dance or storytelling – right here in the heart of Scotland’s capital city.

Ceilidh Culture brings together contributors from all over Edinburgh and beyond, for three fantastic weeks showcasing local talent alongside international acts.Whether you’re familiar with the traditional arts or not, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Why not try a music workshop and learn about a new instrument, or listen to a story by one of our master storytellers and let your imagination run free.

Inverness Music Festival: 6 March to 17 March, 2010

2010-02-20T12:00:00.000Z

Inverness Festival Association runs the Inverness Music Festival, a competitive festival, which provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to develop their potential in a wide range of musical events.

The Festival runs each year for 10 days in March. There are competitive classes throughout the Festival, which cover a large number of disciplines. These include: instrumental, vocal, gaelic, speech and scottish. All the classes throughout the Festival are open to the public and are staged in a variety of venues in Eden Court.

New Territories 2010 – Scotland’s International Festival of Live Arts: 1 to 21 March, 2010

2010-02-17T12:00:00.000Z

A must for anyone with a desire to discover one of the most outstanding displays of contemporary live art in the world, New Territories 2010 - Scotland's international festival of live arts - showcases fresh, experimental performance, video, art installation and music by over 100 invited artists from Scotland, the UK, Europe and across the world.

The festival offers the dedicated art practitioner and occasional audience member alike extraordinary experiences and opportunities to discover and participate in performances, discussions, screenings, talks and workshops.

The Glencoe Massacre

2010-02-12T08:30:00.000Z

Well if you do, then the history of Scotland and its heritage has some of the most amazing stories to entertain you.

One such story tells us about a grisly moment in Scotland’s history - The Massacre of Glencoe. On the night of 12 February,1692, Campbell received orders to kill all MacDonalds under seventy years of age at 5 am the next morning. The massacre began simultaneously in three settlements along the glen, Invercoe, Inverrigan, and Achacon. In the early hours of a cold winter's morning the soldiers rose from their beds and set about the massacre of their hosts, with whom they had been living on friendly terms. It was this act of treachery in response to hospitality that makes this massacre such a heinous crime. Although only forty were killed, many more escaped to the hills only to die of hunger and exposure.

The monument to the fallen MacDonalds is situated in the Glencoe village, and MacIain was buried on the island of Eilean Munde, in Loch Leven. Signal Rock, where the order was given to begin the massace stands just a few hundred yards west of the Clachaig Inn on the north bank of the River Coe.

To learn more about this historic event in Scotland’s history, go to Electric Scotland’s website where they have an interesting & very detailed account of the massacre.

And as you prepare your Glencoe expedition, be sure to research the Glencoe property listings on the EmbraceScotland website. Make sure your holiday is a memorable in your own history books!

EmbraceScotland's February Homepage Highlight: Do Something New!

2010-02-09T12:00:00.000Z

EmbraceScotland's Homepage Highlight: Do Something New!

Courses, workshops, fun!

Learn to paint, fish, cook, or sing! Find out about archaeology, history or the Scottish clans. It’s all here, you can find it all in Scotland. Staying in a holiday home gives you the freedom to organise your day around your course, eating and relaxing as you decide. By choosing self-catering you can experience the real Scotland as you join your workshop or get stuck into your day’s activities.

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 the pleasures of the area, and give you full details of the new and exciting courses and activities on offer.

EmbraceScotland's February Homepage Highlight: Brilliant Boating

2010-02-06T12:00:00.000Z

Brilliant Boating

Sailing, fishing, enjoying!

If boats are your thing – sailing, fishing, rowing, canoeing, cruising - Scotland is the place to do it. But unless you’re actually living aboard, make sure you stay close to the real Scotland, where your gear won’t annoy the staff and meals can coincide with your schedules, not the accommodation’s.

Whether you choose to stay in a luxury modern apartment, or an ancient stone-built cottage, only a self-catering ‘home-from-home’ can give you real freedom and independence.

With EmbraceScotland you book direct with the owner, giving you access not only to the best prices, but also a wealth of local knowledge and advice about how to make the most of the area, where to launch and where to go.

Fife Jazz Festival: 5 - 7 February, 2010

2010-02-03T08:30:00.000Z

The Fife Jazz Festival is an enhanced Jazz Festival that will bring national and international stars to Fife in the first weekend of February. Both the connoisseurs and casual listeners will enjoy a range of exciting, high quality concerts taking place in towns and villages across the Kingdom of Fife.

The programme will feature over 20 different events in concert halls, theatres, village halls and many unusual locations from St Andrews to Culross. A host of jazz styles are covered across 3 packed days from Dixieland to electric blues; jump jive to cutting edge.

This is the Festival that gets Fife swinging!

Scottish Snowdrop Festival: 1 February - 15 March 2010

2010-01-31T08:30:00.000Z

Back by popular demand, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival showcases some of the nation’s most popular and impressive snowdrop gardens, woodlands and estates.

The beauty of the snowdrops in such inspiring surroundings will ensure your visit is both peaceful and relaxing, giving you the perfect opportunity to re-charge your batteries.Experience the crisp whiteness of Scotland’s gardens. Many estates and houses have a welcoming little tearoom, so warm up and grab yourself a tray bake or two before heading out to discover just what else might be in store.

Many of these houses, which are often closed in winter, have opened their walled-gardens up to the public exclusively for the Scottish Snow Drop Festival.

So wrap up warm and spend an afternoon exploring Scotland’s best asset - its natural beauty.

Aye Write! - 5 March to 13 March 2010

2010-01-28T08:30:00.002Z

Aye Write! celebrates the diverse variety of Glaswegian writing and also brings the very best of Scottish and international writers to the city. It is also committed to the next generation of writers and readers with a free week-long children’s festival for schools.

Most of the festival events take place in the Mitchell Library, the largest public reference library in Europe and one of the architectural gems of the city.

Help us enjoy, examine and discuss the literary connections of the Scottish migration and the impact this has had on Scottish writing.

Wild Weather Holidays

2010-01-24T08:30:00.001Z

Long before any of the current discussions of climate change the weather has always fascinated us. From wondering if we were going to get soaked, to marvelling at the many moods of nature, weather watching has an enduring appeal, not to mention a special place in the British psyche – after all, there are few topics that complete strangers can talk about in such total safety!

The coastline around Banffshire, an hour or so north of Aberdeen, offers some of the most wild weather of mainland Britain. Here the winter storm winds driven across the North Sea from the Arctic make first landfall with severe gales common often accompanied by gusts well into hurricane-force.

Today’s weather watchers really can have the best of both worlds – enjoying the rugged lure of the wild, without having to risk life and limb to do it. You can sit in front of a warm & cosy fire in your self-catering cottage listening with intent fascination as the storm swirls past.

And of course, the Aberdeen & Grampian property pages on the EmbraceScotland website can help you find that perfect home to weather the storm.

WINTERFEST 2010 - Winter Walking in Glen Affric 29th January – 1st February, 2010

2010-01-20T08:30:00.000Z

Shake the mothballs from the down jacket and brush the cobwebs from the ironwork – it’s time for WinterFest 2010!

Bag your first winter Munro on the High Level Walks or learn a new skill on the Winter Skills Sessions, each led by your professional guide. Other events include low level walks, evening talks, slide shows, gear hire, kit testing all within the beautiful Glen Affric.

EmbraceScotland's Homepage Highlight: Refresh the Spirit

2010-01-17T08:30:00.001Z

EmbraceScotland's January Homepage Highlight: Refresh the Spirit

Boost your wellbeing.

Scotland is an ideal destination for a bit of peaceful spiritual refreshment, whether you want empty hills or full-on luxury to take you away from it all. But make sure you get away to the real Scotland, away from crowds, annoying staff and other people’s schedules.

Whether you choose to stay in a luxury modern apartment, or an ancient stone-built cottage, only self-catering ‘home-from-home’ accommodation can give you the space and the pace to relax fully.

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 ensuring you come back relaxed and refreshed.

EmbraceScotland's January Homepage Highlight: Romantic Retreats

2010-01-13T08:30:00.001Z

EmbraceScotland's January Homepage Highlight: Romantic Retreats

Not just for Valentine’s Day!

Whether your idea of romance is snuggling up beside a real fire, walking in magical wooded glens, or going out for dinner in a world-class restaurant, you can find it all in Scotland.

Staying in a holiday home gives you the freedom to get up when you want, eat when you want, and just be yourselves together. And you can choose accommodation which adds sparkle to your stay, or just gives you a lovely place to be with each other.

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 the pleasures of the area, and let you know about any special touches – or even prices – they offer to couples looking for a romantic break.

Have you started planning your Summer holiday yet?

2010-01-09T08:30:00.000Z

Half the fun of taking a holiday is in the planning and the research. In finding that perfect holiday cottage for you and your family to get away from it all.

To help with your research, why not request the new 2010 EmbraceScotland Directory?

EmbraceScotland has over 2500 Quality Assured properties in stunning locations across the length and breadth of the country. You are guaranteed to find a property to fit your requirements within your budget.

Request your free 2010 EmbraceScotland Directory today!

Escape to the Country

2010-01-05T08:30:00.000Z

Do you need to recharge your batteries? Are there times that you would like to get away from it all and recharge your batteries? What you need is a rural retreat to escape the busy and hectic city life.

One such area is the Knoydart peninsula, known as the last wilderness area in Great Britain. Knoydart is accessible by boat from Mallaig or by a 20 mile hike on foot. Knoydart is a wonderful area for walking and camping, and is truly a miles from anywhere The Old Forge in the village of Inverie is classed by the Guiness Book of Records as the remotest Pub in Mainland Britain.

Another great destination to get away from it all is Glen Affric and the Strathglass area. The Glens surrounding Strathglass are a walker’s paradise offering some of the most spectacular routes in the Scottish Highlands. While many visitors come to climb the Munros, those wishing less strenuous walks are well catered for by a combination of forest tracks and old stalkers paths. The mountain ridge separating Glen Affric and Glen Cannich boasts the highest mountains north of the Great Glen - Mam Sodhail (1181m) and Carn Eighe (1183m).

If the above areas are still not quite ‘remote’ enough for you, try taking a walk on the wild side on the remote and windswept island of Jura. The words 'wild' and 'remote' tend to get overused in describing the many Hebridean islands, but in the case of Jura they are, if anything, an understatement. The short ferry crossing from neighbouring Islay takes you into another world to be rewarded with stunning scenery and almost haunting silence.

No matter where you choose to get-away from it all, the EmbraceScotland website will easily assist you in your search for that secluded and charming self catering cottage

Burns’ Night – 25th January 2010

2010-01-01T08:30:00.000Z

Come celebrate the life and works of Scotland’s national Bard, Robert Burns, this January 2010!

On Burns Night, 25 January, Burns Suppers are arranged all over Scotland and all over the world. And if you want to experience Scottish culture, this is an event not to be missed.

Whether the Burns Supper is an informal gathering among friends or a formal dinner in a restaurant, then you know it takes preparation and planning - speeches, music, haggis, food, whisky.

If you need some inspiration in planning your Burns birthday party, then have a look at the Burns Night interactive website for some tips ( If nothing else it is quite amusing ! )

ASSC Member wins Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards

2009-12-28T08:30:00.000Z

ASSC member, Hebridean Luxury Holidays, based in Stornoway had cause for celebration on 20th November at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards as it walked away with a top industry award.

Hebridean Luxury Holidays, which operates 5-star environmentally friendly self-catering luxury holiday cottages and lodges on the Isle of Lewis, was among the elite of the Highlands and Islands tourism sector at the industry’s annual awards ceremony, picking up the award for Marketing Initiative.

The judges were looking for businesses and partnerships which clearly demonstrated successful and creative marketing initiatives which had brought additional visitors and income to the Highlands and Islands. And they were extremely impressed by Hebridean Luxury Holidays’ clever marketing initiatives, in particular a highly successful campaign which involved sending out paint brushes along with the message ‘Lewis – don’t forget your paintbrush’.

The judges considered Hebridean Luxury Holidays an outstanding winner because of its out-of-the-box thinking, opting to market Lewis as the best Hebridean holiday destination to their target audience and then promoting their luxury holidays as the place to stay on the back of this.

Graham McLellan owner of Hebridean Luxury holidays said “We are delighted to be recognized by the tourism industry with this wonderful marketing award. We are passionate about looking after our customers and have shouted from the roof tops what a world class destination we have here on Lewis. “

Twas the night before Christmas with EmbraceScotland

2009-12-24T08:30:00.000Z

Twas the night before Christmas... with EmbraceScotland

Its Christmas Eve, and the “Good Nights” have been said.
All our loved ones are warm & tucked in bed,
While visions of summer holidays dance in their heads.

Mamma with her notepad and me with my mouse,
Sat down at the computer to find that ideal holiday house.

Then in a twinkling, so lively and quick,
I found the EmbraceScotland website with just few a clicks

And to my wondering eyes did see!
A unique website created for people just like me!
With over 2500 properties to choose from & Quality Assured,
I realized with EmbraceScotland that I would definitely be heard.

Late Availability & Special Offers a plus, I knew with my family,
there would be nothing to discuss.

As I shut-down my computer with a sigh of relief, I heard in the distance
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

EmbraceScotland wishes you & yours a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year’s!

Stonehaven Fireball Festival: 31st December 2009

2009-12-22T08:30:00.001Z

What is the "Fireballs ceremony"?

Stonehaven's Fireball Festival is a spectacular sight as local people process along the old town High Street swinging fireballs to ward off the darkness of winter and welcome in the new year in what is one of the few remaining traditional mid-winter fire festivals on the east coast.

Come to enjoy a guid Scots Hogmanay!

Edinburgh's Hogmanay: 29th December 2009 - 1st January 2010

2009-12-19T08:30:00.000Z

To the World’s Best New Year’s Celebrations!

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is four fabulous days and nights of amazing events kick off the world's greatest New Year party. With the traditional torch-lit procession, street performers, fireworks, concerts, ceilidh, the big Hogmanay party itself and a New Year's Day run to blow the cobwebs away.

Edinburgh's buzzing. Come along and experience the magic for yourself!