http://www.thesocietyofwilliamwallace.com/index.html

Tranquility Wild West Town & Northern Rough Riders Showteam

Tranquility Wild West Town & Northern Rough Riders Showteam


Tranquility at Drumblair Forgue, Aberdeenshire had another excellent showday last Sunday the 7th of July 2013.

Visitors and guests to Tranquility had a fun filled afternoon worthy of any national entertainment venue filled with free food and refreshments, free stalls for the kids and adults alike, in fact everything was free including the parking.

There was of course a box outside the Saloon for visitors donations.

Tranquility Wild West Town were introduced to an afternoon of country and western music supplied by the country and western group Cadillac.

Locals and visitors to Scotland and the north east should try and visit Tranquility during one of their open days.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

BAGPIPE TUNE FOR ANDY MURRAY SET TO BE A SMASH

BAGPIPE TUNE FOR ANDY MURRAY SET TO BE A SMASH

BAGPIPE TUNE FOR ANDY MURRAY SET TO BE A SMASH

A composing competition for a bagpipe tune for Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray by The College of Piping in Glasgow has been welcomed by Stuart McMillan MSP today, who represents the West of Scotland.

Mr McMillan, the only MSP who is a piper, said:

“A pipe tune for Andy Murray is a fantastic idea by the College of Piping, and they are to be congratulated for such a creative initiative.  I am sure it will capture the public’s imagination - and it’s bound to be a smash!

“Andy Murray has made history with his outstanding Wimbledon victory, his second Grand Slam, and his Olympic Gold.  I have no doubt that the calibre of tunes that will be composed will be befitting of Andy’s phenomenal achievements.”

Story: http://www.collegeofpiping.org/2013/07/composing-contest-for-andy-murray/

TRANQUILITY WILD WEST TOWN RE-VISITED

TRANQUILITY WILD WEST TOWN RE-VISITED


The cowboy town of Tranquility is so well named and sits in the beautiful area of north-east Scotland which is less than a mile from the Glen Dronach Distillery on the B9001 at Drumblair Forgue near Huntly in Aberdeenshire.


Our last report from Tranquility can be found HERE


The weather promises to be good for this coming Sunday the 7th of JULY 2013 when Tranquility has another open day between the hours of 1-30 pm and 4-30 pm

A little bird told me they will also have a local Country & Western band playing, so saddle up the car and head on over to Tranquility, situated on the B9001 at Drumblair Forgue which is less than a mile from the well known Glen Dronach Distillary, near Huntly in Aberdeenshire.

Your kids will love the excitement of the Northern Rough Riders Showteam and probably a few Mums and Dads too.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Don't forget to visit their facebook page at;
TranquilityWildWestTown where you can view Tranquility.

Homecoming Scotland 2014, some of the beauty's of Perthshire with local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014, some of the beauty's of Perthshire with local information snippets



Perthshire abounds with many memorable visual gems but I describe two which for the visitor will stay in their hearts after they visit.

Atholl, Perthshire is another of the ancient territorial districts covering some of the northern part of Perthshire. From rich farming lowlands in the south heading north to the Grampians it describes and shows the type and balance of land which was once overseen and ruled over by a strong clan chief.

Athol gives the title of Duke in the peerage of Scotland to the Murrays; and also it's name to Athol Brose, honey, whisky, water, etc...

Ben Lawers, Perthshire, a mountain in the Breadalbane range of the Grampians which rises above Loch Tay and is around 4,000 feet high. The Grampians with stunning scenic beauty and famous for the arctic-alpine flora, such as Snow Gentian, Mountain-Forget-Me-Not, Purple Mountain Saxifrage, etc...

 Ben Lawers once so revered that Victorian Scottish Naturalists raised their top hats in veneration at the first view of the summit.

Perthshire is yet another photographers dream vacation spot, so make sure your camera is fully charged for the feast that awaits you.

Is it news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Arisaig, Inverness-shire local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Arisaig, Inverness-shire local information snippets

Arisaig, Inverness

One of the most picturesque journeys in Scotland is the 40 mile trip from Fort William. You can view and photograph stunning lochs, waterfalls and rivers, ferns and birches, rugged heights and if you research and  divert onto the old type winding roads you will never forget that beautiful journey throughout.

Arisaig is a small "step back in Time ", Scottish village. Arisaig sits at the head of a sandy bay, which looks out across to Eigg and Rum and Muck. 3miles north of Arisaig are the natural and expansive white sands of Morar.

Loch Morar is the deepest Loch not only in Scotland but in Britain. Loch Morar has a depth of 180 fathoms. In 1948 one of the first hydro electric stations was cleverly constructed into the rocks where fast rapids are an invisible border between the Loch and the sea.

7 miles north of Arisaig sits Mallaig which has one of the most picturesque train journeys anywhere, six months advance booking from Fort William is a must do if you want to experience a train journey like no other, the scenery is stunning and includes the train crossing the actual viaduct included in the  Harry Potter films.

Visitors will love their visit to Arisaig and a camera is a must have!
If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire local information snippets

Skye famed for magnificent mountaineering offered by the Black Cuillin. Stunning mountain scenery.

An island of which cyclists and walkers will enjoy and see most, which has wild and wandering roads enjoyed also by the determined motorist.

Beautiful views of the Cuillin can be seen from Elgol, and the road from Staffin climbs half way up Quiraing at 1,799 feet.

Skye was the home of Flora Macdonald, and at Dunvegan Castle the legendary fairy flag of the Mcleods of Dunvegan still hangs.

Photographers will also enjoy the distinct possibility of snapping the beautiful Golden Eagle.

Portree is the islands market town.

Kyleakin sits on the east of Skye, the strait of that Norse KIng Haco, who was defeated at the Battle of Largs in 1263, the village of the name looks well across the half-mile of water which seperates it from the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh. Todays modern bridge is a success for the island commuter.

A visit to the Scottish highlands is never complete until you visit the Isle of Skye.

Is it news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Orkney islands local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Orkney islands local information snippets

Orkney is the principal island in an archipelago of nearly 70. The main town on Orkney is Kirkwall.

Scapa Flow brought the island into modern times after two wars as this was a major point for an important naval base.

Orkney is an example of old and modern living with connections via air services.
Costa Head on the northern tip of Orkney was the site of one of the first type of experimental wind-powered electricity generators, wind velocities there sometimes reach 100 mph.

Orkney boasts the impressive 13th century cathedral of St Magnus, not forgetting the great mound of Maeshowe and the Standing Stones of Stenness. The greatest of Orkney antiquities, however, is Skara Brae, a Neolithic settlement long buried under the dunes, but now excavated for all to see.

The island of Rousay is a noteable archaeological treasury, with an excavated broch and the two megolithic tombs of Taiversoe Tuack and Midhowe.

Hoy island has immense vertical cliffs rising over 1,100 feet from the sea, and a strange isolated rock 450 feet above the waves, known as The Old Man of Hoy. See also the Dwarfie Stone, a tomb cut out of the rock.

Orkney islands are well worth a visit into the past and present, remember to take your camera for amazing snapshots found only in Orkney.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Braemar, Aberdeenshire local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Braemar, Aberdeenshire local information snippets

Braemar is well known nationally and internationally for the annual Highland Gathering.

The Highland Gathering in September is one of the most fashionable events of the Scottish season, which is usually well attended by members of the Royal family.

Visitors to Braemar will note some of the most beautiful and picturesque  route's in Scotland, notably the Lairig Ghru route to Aviemore and the Glen Tilt route to Blair Athol. Not forgetting the various route's into the Cairngorms, or the ascent of the 3,788 feet of Lochnagar.

14 miles east north east of Braemar sits Ballater.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Iona, Argyllshire local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Iona, Argyllshire local information snippets

Iona, Argyllshire situated off the west coast of Mull. Iona is three and a quarter miles  by one mile in size.
 Scottish kings and chiefs were buried on Iona for five centuries.

Iona is famed for the beauty of its white sands which in turn makes the colours in the sea much more intense than elsewhere.

Iona has lots of sheltered bays and although small offers a superb variety of scenery.

Iona was the early centre of Christianity in Scotland.
St Columba landed on Iona in 563 and built a monastry which became the centre for missionary activity throughout the highlands. The island remained a centre of religion and culture until, after repeated sackings by the Norsemen in the 9th and 10th ceturies, it lapsed into obscurity.

There remains on Iona lots of archaeological interest including the famous decorated Celtic standing crosses. The cathedral was built about A.D. 1200 and restored in the 19th century.

Excursion day trips in summer to the island are run from Oban.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Lewis and Harris,/ Outer Hebrides - north-west coast of Scotland local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Lewis and Harris,/ Outer Hebrides - north-west coast of Scotland  local information snippets



Lewis and Harris are joined by a narrow neck of land and a road runs from the Butt of Lewis in the north to Rennish Point in the south.

To reach Lewis and Harris, it can be done by air, sea, car, rail, coach.

Well known World wide is the superb Harris Tweed clothing which when bought will last many years if properly looked after.

The chief town in Lewis is Stornoway which has a very busy fishing harbour.

Near the exposed west coast is Callernish, with a very fine stone circle and you will find the National Trust for Scotland are active in preserving history by looking after the ancient and amazing "black houses".

If you love stepping into the past then how about living for a few nights at the Gearrannan black house village on the Isle of Lewis, well known and well reported by all who stay there.

South of Stornoway is the Macaulay Trust interests, which started life as the Macaulay Experimental Centre for the reclamation of peatlands.

Lewis and Harris, well worth a visit armed with a good camera and plenty of battery power.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Staffa off Mull of Kintyre local information snippets

Graphic courtesy of VisitScotland / Scottish Viewpoint

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Staffa off Mull of Kintyre local information snippets


Mull of KIntyre is situated on Scotland's southwest and just off Mull amongst the small islands is Staffa which this snippet is highlighting.

Staffa is connected geologically with the Giant's Causeway in Ireland. Staffa has lots of caves and probably the most famous being Fingal's Cave. Fingal's Cave can be entered by boat when the waters are calm.

Staffa, discovered by Sir Joseph Banks made famous during the eighteenth century as a phenomenon in which nature mirrored art, inspiring writers, painters and composers, among distinguished names of Scott, Wordsworth, Turner and Mendelssohn. Tobermoray is approx. sixteen miles north west of Staffa.

When visiting this area, remember your camera for both wildlife and stunning scenery.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 The Royal Borough of Cullen, Morayshire local information snippets

 

Homecoming Scotland 2014 The Royal Borough of Cullen, Morayshire local information snippets

Cullen which sits on Scotlands north east morayshire coastline is one of the most picturesque towns in Scotland.

Cullen retains the old world charm of yesterday with a photographers dream situation and a golfers unbelievable and unique course. The old world harbour and the viaducts still remain centrally within the town itself and gives the visitor a distinct memory to remember.

The golf course uses the natural formation of the land to prove that links courses are difficult to play and so easy on the eye, visitors today can play a round for the amazing price of £18. Founded in 1870 Cullen golf links is worth any golfers notebook listing for playing while in the Morayshire area.

Visitors to Cullen can also consider that traveling around forty five minutes to the west will take you to Elgin and if the visitor to Cullen travels approx. forty five minutes to the east this will take them to Peterhead.

Scotlands north east coastline has some quaint and unique villages well worth a visit and of course visitors must try the local, "Cullen Skink", a marvellous, rich and tasty delicacy.


If it's news to you?  Then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty local information snippets


Ullapool grew up round the original herring fishery trade where a point of high land jutts into the north-eastern shores of Loch Broom.

Popular for boating bathing and fishing with a local ferry Ullapool has become one of the well known picturesque hotspots not to be missed in the highlands.

Beautiful scenery can be snapped up if you head for Lochinver which is approx. 17 miles  north of Ullapool. Remember to have your camera prepared for the Summer Isles which is approx. 12 miles north-west.

Be surprised to know that although in the Highlands of Scotland, Ullapool is in the gulf stream which means the region hardly ever gets snow and you may even see the odd palm tree.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Aberfoil, Perthshire local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Aberfoil, Perthshire local information snippets

Aberfoil; only twenty six (26 ) miles north of Glagow - picturesque Aberfoil is well known as being the Highland - Lowland border gateway to the Trossachs where it's possible to be amazed with the beautiful Duke's Pass. Well documented and written about in Sir Walter Scott's book, Rob Roy which was adapted into a blockbuster film in 1995.


Aberfoil itself has a very old church which dates back to around 1740. From the 1800's Aberfoil was well known up until the mid 1900's as one of Scotland's roof slate sources.

Any visitor who visits the upper Forth valley will go away with memories of some stunning vista's and hopefully a full camera roll.


If it's news to you? then you read it here first!

WHISKY GALORE BOTTLES OF WHISKY UP FOR AUCTION

WHISKY GALORE BOTTLES OF WHISKY UP FOR AUCTION


Whisky Galore bottles of whisky up for auction at Glasgow auction website, Scotch Whisky Auctions - bids can be offered up until the 5th May 2013.
The sinking of the SS Politician off the island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebridies on the West coast of Scotland in 1941 encouraged a famous book and thereafter a film called Whisky Galore.

The current bid for two bottles (ie; 4th May 2013) is £3200. The bottles were retrieved from the 8000 tonne SS Politician's cargo.

In 1987 a professional diver retrieved eight bottles from the wreck of the SS Politician and sold them on for £4000 - not a bad pay day! These two bottles in the ongoing Glasgow auction website are both from the original eight retrieved by the professional diver.

Two rare bottles of whisky and a huge piece of Scottish history for the right bid and surely a solid investment.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first!
Footnote update;; the final winning bid was £12,050.

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Gowk's Storm snippet

Homecoming Scotland 2014 Gowk's Storm snippet


Homecoming Scotland 2014 snippet about the Gowk's Storm happens usually in April over on average three days.

The Gowk's Storm represents the arrival of Spring in Scotland and for those unsure or have never heard the comment it simply means the arrival of the common cuckoo.

A Gowk in Scotland is another name for a cuckoo or dialect for an insult and another name for a fool/idiot.

If it's news to you? then you read it here first.

Homecoming Scotland 2014 WICK nr CAITHNESS local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 WICK nr CAITHNESS local information snippets


Busy and lively fishing area which has fantastic cliff scenery, it's well worth remembering that Wick is one of these northern towns which has almost no summer nights, and on chosen nights they have golf, tennis, bowls which stretch accross the midnight hour where the Sun is no sooner down than it's back up again almost immediately.

 You can cross to Orkney and Shetland from Wick or if you prefer you can travel about six (6) miles north and visit the ruin of an old castle.

Wick is approx. 14 miles from John o' Groats and well worth a visit for the beautiful scenery alone.

VisitScotland expo2013 17th/18th April 2013

 

VisitScotland expo2013

Homecoming Scotland 2014 ABERDEEN local information snippets

Homecoming Scotland 2014 ABERDEEN local information snippets




ABERDEEN;

Aberdeen is a city built of granite, this includes the harbour and fish quays, bridges, churches and the 15th century cathedral, university and schools, roadways, seashore prominade.

The most of the silver grey granite comes from a great quarry within the city boundaries. The pink granite comes from Peterhead which is 25 miles away.

Shopaholics will love Aberdeen with the city centre's Union Street choc -a - bloc with all types of modern shopping with a few pedestrian shopping precincts.

Evening entertainment can be as lively or quiet as the holiday and vacation maker needs, with well known artists appearing at Aberdeenshire venues, or perhaps for those who love the idea of walking, fishing or golfing then Aberdeenshire is the ideal venue.

If it's news to you, then you read it here first!

Another Scottish view from the sitting room.

Just another beautiful creature seen from the sitting room...this one is easily recognised with it's grey neck front. Last year saw this one struggling with the winter weather and it's coat is no longer in a poor state. A beautiful creature which visits my garden regularly.

A Scottish view from the sitting room

I am fortunate enough to see sights like this daily, how lucky am I ?

Graphic courtesy of VisitScotland/ScottishViewPoint

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND EVENTS



Homecoming Scotland 2014 will run from the 31st of December 2013 right through until the 31st of December 2014.

An enormous amount and range of events awaits all who visit in this very special year.

The year 2014 may well go into Scotlands record books as something extra special as 2014 kicks off into the year when Glasgow welcomes the World under the sport umbrella of the Commonwealth Games which will automatically attract the information media and eyes of the World into our beautiful country.

Homecoming Scotland 2014 also brings with it The Ryder Cup where top golfers compete in the challenges of nature on one of Scotland's premier golf courses.

We must not forget either that Scotland will go to the polls this year voting on the independance of our great nation.

Scotland in 2014 will cover "Food and Drink", "Active", "Creative", "Natural", "Ancestry", and of course so much more since our last Homecoming of 2009, we will keep you up to date with events and hopefully some inside knowledge.

We will be visitied by people from all over the World, many old friends and many new friends will be made, but one thing we can all be sure of and that's the hearty welcome they can all expect when visiting anywhere in Scotland.

We look forward to 2014 where Scotland will be found waiting to offer it's hand of trust and friendship.
If it's news to you, then you read it here first!
Aberdeen Website Design

Scotland is special! - click the graphic to enlarge it.

Homecoming Scotland 2014

Welcome Worldwide visitors, please note anything under this banner is classed as archive and has been left intact for the benefit of students and those wishing to learn about Scotland and Scotland's people and some of Scotland's customs.
As 2014 comes upon us then more and more information will be added to these pages for those researching and wishing to become informed on what Homecoming Scotland 2014 has in store. Enjoy your sojourn and "haste ye back".