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

EmbraceScotland September Homepage Highlight: Luxury Scotland 2010

2010-09-02T16:12:00.002+01:00

EmbraceScotland September Homepage Highlight: Luxury Scotland 2010

Indulge yourself somewhere special!

Sometimes you just need to get away to somewhere really lovely. It may be an anniversary or other special occasion, or just that you’ve been working hard. Whatever the reason, staying in holiday accommodation that offers luxury, up-market touches or that indulgent feel can make a short break or week away really special. And staying self-catering means you will have complete freedom to make it your own for the length of your stay, with no interruptions and no one else’s timetable!

Scotland has luxury houses and cottages all over the country – from deepest rural Perthshire to the remote glens of Skye and Argyll. Many offer modern luxuries undreamed of by their original owners! And, of course, city sophistication and luxury apartments are not hard to find in Edinburgh or Glasgow, where pampering can be combined with shopping, or international sports and events.

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 how to make your stay really special..

International Glass Conference: 1 October to 4 October 2010

2010-08-29T16:00:00.000+01:00

In 2010, 400 years of glassmaking is being celebrated in Scotland with a whole year of events. The International Glass Conference will take place at Edinburgh College of Art from 1st to 4th October 2010.

In addition to a wide variety of speakers, there will be three days of demonstrations for specialists and the general public, bringing the magic of glass to everyone. Scottish glassmakers will be showcasing their work to an international audience during this event.

Wigtown Book Festival: 24 September to 3 October 2010

2010-08-26T16:00:00.000+01:00

The Wigtown Book Festival is set in glorious rolling countryside in the shadow of the Galloway hills and a stone's throw from the Solway Firth, the royal burgh of Wigtown is Scotland's National Book Town. It has often been described as a sort Hay-on-Wye with a kilt: the ancient market town has more than 15 bookshops. It's also home to the Wigtown Book Festival (24 September to 3 October 2010), the largest annual literary gathering in Scotland outside Edinburgh.

Now in its second decade, the VisitScotland Thistle-award winning festival has almost doubled in size over the past three years and its reputation has grown as well. Last year, The Guardian picked the event as one of the UK's top five literary festivals. The Scotsman has been equally enthusiastic. "It may only have a population of 1,000," its reporter wrote, "but Wigtown doesn't just punch above its weight when it comes to attracting big name authors, it punches above pretty much everybody else's weight, too."

One of the things that makes this festival unique is the level of community involvement. Set up originally as part of a project to reinvigorate a (then) rather down-at-heel town, it relies on dozens of local volunteers. More than 10 per cent of the town's people give their time. The result is an event that oozes friendliness. Visitors tend to get the personal touch.

Recent speakers have ranged from Top Gear’s James May to Booker Prize-winner Roddy Doyle; from a political firebrand such as George Galloway to distinguished Scottish writers like James Kelman, Janice Galloway, AL Kennedy and Alasdair Gray. There are also events for children as well as music, theatre and film. This year’s programme will be released towards the end of July, but among those who have already confirmed attendance are Ian Rankin, Gervase Phinn, Jackie Kay, Andrew Greig, Richard Holloway, Allan Massie and Rupert Thomson.

Crossing Borders Art Trail: 3 – 5 September 2010

2010-08-22T16:00:00.000+01:00

The third annual Crossing Borders Art Trail spanning the whole of the Scottish Borders and right into North Northumberland is almost here!

Travel through the rolling Border countryside, meet more than 60 artists and craft makers in village halls and galleries throughout the trail and get a rare look behind the scenes in over 30 studios seldom open to the public.

For a FREE Crossing Borders Art Trail guide booklet fill in either of the forms on their website.

Scottish Borders Walking Festival - 4th-12th September 2010

2010-08-19T16:00:00.000+01:00

The 16th Scottish Borders Walking Festival will take place in Peebles, in the heart of the Tweed Valley.

Boasting some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Scotland, the Tweed Valley is less than an hour’s drive south of Edinburgh and only a couple of hours north of Newcastle, but a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Scottish Borders Walking Festival, the longest established walking festival in Scotland, is a 9-day festival of walks and a full programme of social events, to suit all ages and abilities.

Allow their friendly and knowledgeable walk leaders to guide you through the unspoilt scenery of the Tweed Valley, exploring the delightful towns of Peebles, Innerleithen, West Linton, Walkerburn and Selkirk.

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight 2010: 4 September to 19 September

2010-08-16T16:00:00.000+01:00

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight celebrates the country’s produce and takes place 4th – 19th September. This year’s Fortnight is a highlight of the Year of Food & Drink with a wide variety of supporting activities across the country.

Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight will continue to highlight the healthy, locally sourced food and drink available throughout the country.

The 2010 celebration aims to be the biggest yet, with a host of foodies, chefs, schools and businesses enthusiastic about getting involved. Events will be held the length and breadth of the country to showcase Scotland's high quality and diverse produce.

Exploring the Historic Battlefields of Scotland

2010-08-11T16:40:00.001+01:00

Battles were often iconic events in Scottish history, and battlefields form an important part of our historic environment. The proof of this statement resounds in the archaeological and historical literature. Battles scenes are inscribed on rock or metal or clay in nearly every period of every culture known to us today. The great and small battles of history and prehistory live with us today; and so battlefield sites make interesting places to visit and learn about.
Battlefields Trust Resource Centre is essential reading for anyone planning to visit a battlefield. Included are maps, images, air photos, walking and driving tours, research tools, and much more.

Here are some of the key battles in Scotland's history for visitors to research & explore:
Killiecrankie, Perthshire - a dramatic gorge where, in July 1689, the outnumbered Highlanders smashed a much larger government force.

Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness - This evocative site was the scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain where the Duke of Cumberland finally defeated the Jacobite rebellion in 1746. Brand new Visitor Centre with state of the art 360° immersion theatre, exhibition and spectacular roof-top views of the battlefield.

Bannockburn, near Stirling, is the site of King Robert the Bruce's victory against Edward II's army in 1314 marking a major step in Scotland's quest for independence. Battlefield site where the fate of the nation of Scotland was decided when Robert the Bruce and his army defeated the army of Edward II of England on the 23rd and 24th June 1314.

Massacre of Glencoe, Argyll, is the site of the infamous massacre in 1692 of some 38 MacDonalds by government militia made up of Campbells, an act which reverberated around Scotland.

Then after a long day of trekking through the moors and glens of these historic events (not to mention listening to countless audio visual aids), you know you can relax in the comforts of a quality self-catering property with the help of the EmbraceScotland website. Take a look at the Regional pages for specific areas of Scotland you wish to stay in. Or if you are looking for a last minute bargain, see what the Late Availability pages have to offer.

Dundee Flower & Food Festival 2010: 3 - 5 September 2010

2010-08-07T16:00:00.000+01:00

The Dundee Flower & Food Festival 2010 is the region's top lifestyle event taking place over 3 days, offering the best in food, horticulture and live entertainment.

The packed weekend programme includes free cookery and gardening demonstrations, children's activities, a craft fair, the chance to buy an amazing range of plants and quality food products and much more. The 2010 Festival plays host to the National Vegetable Society's Championships, and helps the Society celebrate its 50th anniversary.

We also have TV celebrity duo, The Hairy Bikers, dropping in. The two cooks, who have become known to millions of television viewers as they combine their love of motorcycling with down-to-earth cookery programmes, will be spending two days cooking and mingling with visitors to the Festival.

EmbraceScotland August Homepage Highlight: Large Holiday Homes 2010

2010-08-04T16:00:00.001+01:00

EmbraceScotland August 2010 Homepage Highlight: Large Holiday Homes 2010

Why not have a family get-together, reunion or walking party in Scotland this autumn?

Do it in style, staying in one of our comfortable and spacious large holiday houses. Be Lord or Lady of the manor for a while!

If you want to stay in a large holiday home, perhaps with family or friends who may want to do a variety of local activities, you should book early. All the self-catering houses listed here can sleep 10 or more people, and can offer you quality assured exceptional accommodation for your holiday in Scotland. Prices vary according to season, grading and size, but all offer excellent value for money.

Scotland has many large and welcoming houses all over the country, many offering all the modern luxuries perhaps undreamed of by their original owners! It could be an old shooting lodge in Aberdeenshire, a merchant’s mansion in Fife, or the historic seat of a local Laird in the Scottish Borders – but now it’s somewhere for you to stay.

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 to help

EmbraceScotland August 2010 Homepage Highlight: Hillwalking Scotland 2010

2010-08-01T16:00:00.001+01:00

EmbraceScotland August 2010 Homepage Highlight: Hillwalking Scotland 2010

Enjoy the freedom of hillwalking, and enjoy the freedom of self-catering.
Your place, your space.

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 truly great place for hill walking. 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!

There are challenging hills, and glorious rambling, all over Scotland, from the rolling green pastures of the Scottish Borders to the rugged moors of Highland and Caithness. Of course, the ‘Munro Baggers’ can get obsessive as they criss-cross the country from Galloway to Aberdeenshire and Perthshire to Skye – but you don’t have to do it that way! A cottage in Argyll for a week will give you plenty of scope to stretch those legs!

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.

Blas Festival: 3 September to 11 September 2010

2010-07-29T16:00:00.000+01:00

A warm welcome awaits you in the Highlands for the 2010 Blas Festival.

Blas is the Gaelic word for 'taste' and the 2010 festival promises an authentic flavour of Highland culture. Blas boasts a vast programme of traditional music and events, staged in some of Scotland's most spectacular and iconic landscapes.

The Blas Festival, which celebrates Highland culture and Gaelic, is to mark the launch of its 2010 programme by being ‘inducted’ into the Highland Archive and Registration Centre.

The festival will include school and community events along with shows on board the Jacobite Queen, at The Culloden Battlefield Centre, Eilean Donan Castle, Eden Court Theatre, and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. There will also be gigs in village halls and other special venues right across the Highlands, including the big "Hangar2" dance at Inverness Airport with Shooglenifty, Skerryvore and Niteworks.

Scotland's Doors Open Days : Sept. 2010

2010-07-25T16:00:00.000+01:00

Every weekend in September you can explore places that are normally closed to the public. Some open up once a year, some just once in a lifetime...

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of buildings you see every day?

Then Doors Open Days is your chance to find out. A series of events on each weekend in September giving free access to some of Scotland's most historic and extraordinary places, many of which are not usually open to the public.

This is the 20th anniversary of Doors Open Days, and the first events took place in Glasgow and Ayr in 1990 where it formed part of the European City of Culture celebrations. The success of the event encouraged other areas to participate the following year and has now grown to cover 32 of 32 local authority areas in Scotland.

More than 800 buildings are expected to open, generating over 200,000 visits to sites and hidden architectural gems of all kinds in locations throughout Scotland.

The event brings together people from all walks of life in celebration of the fascinating architecture that surrounds us and the stories that these buildings can tell. Last year over 4000 volunteers gave their time to run tours, steward sites and activities.

Mark your calendar and plan to attend this extraordinary event!

Arbroath Sea Fest: 21 – 22 August 2010

2010-07-21T16:00:00.000+01:00

Arbroath Sea Fest is an annual festival of the Sea held along Arbroath's seafront and centring around the town's charming harbour and new marina.

Established in 1997, Arbroath Sea Fest is a popular celebration of Arbroath's marvellous maritime heritage, attracting over 30,000 visitors over its two-day duration in August each year.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Arbroath Smokie - haddock smoked over hardwood - but past years have also seen trout specialities, suckling pig, venison and ostrich meat, available from the Smokie Trail, comprising 70-odd stalls along the harbour.

For those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy there is a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to handmade jewellery, crafts and confectionery.

There will also be the regular Sea fest features of traditionally smoked fish, traditional crafts, The Reaper, fishing displays, modern and traditional music, and a medieval village with traditional craft making, cookery and battle fighting.

Piping Live! : 9 August to 17 August 2010

2010-07-15T16:00:00.000+01:00

Piping Live is a week long celebration of piping culture with everything from traditional Piobaireachd to contemporary bands all lined up to represent the international world of Piping between 9th – 15th August 2010.

Now in its 7th year there are over 150 events including free pipe band displays in George Square, Festival Club, the Family Fun Day, Street Café, Pipe Idol and a spectacular array of Evening Concerts including Capercaillie and Friends on Friday 13th and the amazing After Worlds Shindig on Saturday 15th. The week culminates in the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday 14th on Glasgow Green with more than 200 pipe bands.

So if you love piping, or are completely new to the pipes there is something for everyone at Piping Live! 2010

Tartan Heart Festival: 6 August to 7 August 2010

2010-07-12T16:00:00.001+01:00

In its 7th year, The Tartan Heart Festival is a music festival held on the Belladrum Estate near Inverness. Its normally held at the start of August. Founded in 2004, the festival has rapidly grown in popularity.

The festival is well known for its wide ranging musical scope, as well as its family friendly atmospherewith a large dedicated family camp-site, as well as free entry for children under the age of 12.

This eclectic music festival offers a multitude of venues from Burlesque & Buddhists; Champagne & Sheep; Comics & Circus Tricks; Dance & Debate; Organic Food & Ale; Workshops & Writers; Markets & Mountain Bikers; Healers & Headphone Disco; to a Kaleidoscope of Kids’ Stuff.

Some this year’s musicians are Amy MacDonald; Feeder; The Levellers; The Wailers and many more.

EmbraceScotland July Homepage Highlight: Scottish Fishing 2010

2010-07-09T16:00:00.002+01:00

EmbraceScotland Homepage Highlight: Scottish Fishing 2010

Fish Scotland’s magnificent rivers and lochs this year.

Scotland is known the world over for the fantastic, exciting fishing which can be enjoyed amongst its breath- taking scenery. Whether you are a competition angler, a fly-fishing aficionado, or simply someone who’d like to give it a go, you can do it in Scotland. And what could be better than staying in local self-catering accommodation, where you can lay out your equipment, dry your clothes and maybe even grill your catch?

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 find the best local fishing. Scottish tradition and entertainment at its best!

EmbraceScotland July Homepage Highlight: Highland Games 2010

2010-07-06T16:00:00.001+01:00

EmbraceScotland July Homepage Highlight: Highland Games 2010

Scottish tradition and entertainment at its best!

Thousands of people come to Scotland every year just to visit the amazing sports, music, dancing and displays of our traditional Highland Games. They take place all over the country, and range from intimate, local shows to huge colourful clan gatherings extending over many days.

Enjoy the competition and spectacle of Scotland’s many Highland Games this year. Get to know the real Scotland by staying in traditional home-from-home holiday accommodation, such as the houses and lodges listed 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 get to the best Highland Games.

Turriff Show 2010: 1 August to 2 August

2010-07-03T16:00:00.000+01:00

Turriff Show, organised by Turriff District Agricultural Association, is a two-day event, held on the Sunday, Monday before the first Tuesday in August.

Turriff Show is the largest annual event to be held in Aberdeenshire and is the largest two-day Show in Scotland. The Show is now regarded as the main shop window for the promotion of agriculture and the food industry in the north east of Scotland.

There are also a multitude of activites that the whole family will be interested in such as the popular Food Fayre, Indoor Shopping Mall, Musical Entertainment, Highland Dancing, Craft Fair, and Children’s activities.

Come have a great day out with the family at the Turriff Show!

Banffshire History Festival: 31st July and 1st August 2010

2010-06-30T16:00:00.000+01:00

A NEW HISTORY festival aims to take advantage of a unique medieval site on the Moray Firth this summer.

Banffshire History Festival is a celebration of all things historical: the Northeast’s colourful past, music, merriment and a medieval castle site provide the backdrop for films, demonstrations, exhibitions and presentations.

The North East of Scotland is steeped in history, and Banff, being the county seat of Banffshire, is the perfect location for this festival.

Situated in the centre of Banff the medieval site of Banff Castle, the Banffshire History Festival will offer exciting venue in a spectacular setting.

Inverness Tattoo 2010: 26 July to 31 July

2010-06-27T16:00:00.000+01:00

The Inverness Tattoo may not be as big as the world-famous Edinburgh Tattoo, but the annual Inverness Military Tattoo is the Highlands' only tattoo and has been running for just as long: both were first held in 1950.

The event is held on the Northern Meeting Park with performers marching nightly to the park from Inverness Castle over the River Ness. Joining the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps, will be a host of visiting bands and display teams, the Golden Lions Parachute Display Team (weather permitting), the Imps Youth Motorcycle Display Team, the Highland Tattoo Dancers and Military Bands.

Not only is this event exciting and breathtaking, but also colourful, spectacular, noisy and, most importantly, unmissable.

Aberdeen International Youth Festival: 28 July to 7 August 2010

2010-06-24T16:00:00.000+01:00

Aberdeen International Youth Festival (AIYF) is one of the world’s largest celebrations of youth arts, attracting an astonishing array of talent from across the world to thrill audiences in the North east of Scotland and beyond.

2010 will showcase the talents of over 1000 young performers in 70 groups from 23 countries across the globe in 100 performances across the ten day Festival period. Our participants come from a broad spectrum of cultures and walks of life to bring you the very best in youth music, theatre and dance.

This year will see the development of, among others: our intimate music programme in the brand new ‘ Up Close and Musical’ series of chamber, jazz and contemporary events; our family engagement programme courtesy of the Family Series at the Beach Ballroom; and our presence outwith Aberdeen city in our Extended Festival of 40 performances in locations as far and wide as Alford, Perth, Inverurie, Dunfermline, Peterhead and Inverness.

Access, excitement and fun are the buzzwords for AIYF 2010, and the AIYF promises to be one of the major cultural events in Scotland’s cultural calendar.

What to see and do in Scotland

2010-06-20T16:00:00.000+01:00

After an active day, relaxing is easy in a self-catering holiday cottage!

A holiday in self-catering accommodation is all about flexibilty. You can pursue the day's activity when and where you wish to. If all you want to do is light a log fire, read a book, and stare at the scenery, you’re in for a treat. But if you enjoy the outdoor life, your senses are in for a true awakening.

The Embrace Scotland Activities page is full of suggestions for pursuits to enjoy while on holiday, or Browse the Events listing to see what's on in a particular region.

Scottish Food & Drink: Come experience Scotland’s local flavours

2010-06-17T16:00:00.000+01:00

Are you a Foodie? When on holiday, do you love to go to the local farmer’s market ?

Whether you eat out in a restaurant or prepare a gourmet meal in the fully equipped kitchen of your self-catering cottage, high-quality food is the key ingredient of any trip, and can make the difference between a good holiday and a great one.

Scotland ’s mountains and lochs provide an extraordinary spectrum of produce and its temperate climate is responsible for its wealth of indigenous fruit and vegetables, making Scotland’s larder one of the biggest and best in the world. The exquisite range and distinctive flavour of Scotland’s home-produced food guarantees unbeatable tasting experiences, whether it’s succulent salmon from the crystal clear rivers, gamey grouse or venison from the wild moors or a hot toddy of warming whisky to chase away the winter chills.

EatScotland is a quality assurance “where to eat” scheme from VisitScotland and a website promoting all positive aspects of food and drink in Scotland. EatScotland helps the residents and visitors to Scotland find great places to eat, not just the well-established places but also the many unsung and sometimes relatively undiscovered places within Scotland that are providing good food, but who may not have managed to get into the glossy printed guides.

Another good resource in the quest for quality food is Taste-of-Scotland.com. Their team has assembled a selection of Scottish Food Products and Food Producers which they believe reflect some of the uniqueness and range of flavours to be found in Scottish Food and Drink.

So after a long day of tantalizing your taste buds, make sure you stay in a quality-assured self-catering cottage with the help of the EmbraceScotland website.

Hebridean Celtic Festival: 14th to 17th July 2010

2010-06-14T16:00:00.000+01:00

The Hebridean Celtic Festival is in its 15th year and this year’s event promises to be the best one yet!

The Hebridean Celtic Festival was voted Event of the Year 2009 by pubic vote, as part of the prestigious MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. The festival has hosted performers like Van Morrison, The Waterboys and The Proclaimers who have all graced the main stage at this four day event based in the unique island setting of the Outer Hebrides, off the coast of Scotland.

This year’s programme is just as exciting with Runrig, Afro Celt Sound System, Imelda May, Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds, Julie Fowlis, Treacherous Orchestra, and Blazin’ Fiddles just some of the acts that will be appearing from July 14th-17th.

During the day there are a range of complementary events and free family entertainment to take in. The late night Festival Club is also a hot ticket favourite for festival-goers offering live music, often with guest surprise spots by many of the headliners, plenty of drink and hot food, as well as ample opportunity for dancing.

Apart from all of the music and pub sessions on offer, there are also many great attractions to visit, with beautiful beaches, historical sites and fabulous coastal and mountain trekking.

There are many reasons why so many people arrive from places like the USA, Canada and Australia for the festival, and this year they can expect a big 15th anniversary welcome!

Pittenweem Arts Festival: 7 August to 15 August 2010

2010-06-10T16:00:00.000+01:00

Pittenweem Arts Festival will be formally opened on the Sat 7th August at 6pm with a live performance of the Clanadonia drummers pageant through the village and harbour. The traditional torchlight Procession lead by Piper Kerr Cowan will wind through the village at 9.15 culminating in a spectacular fireworks display on the shore.

Throughout the week there are open art &painting competitions, talks, theater, comedy, music, workshops and over a 100 exhibitions.