Here are Andrew’s current five favourite ‘hidden gems’ in Scotland (which we would love to include in your future inspiring programme!).
The Meikleour Beech Hedge
This amazing natural structure is located about an hour north of Edinburgh near the lovely town of Blairgowrie. It is the longest hedge in Britain and the highest in the world. What a job for the hedge trimmers!! It is actually cut every 10 years and takes 4 men 6 weeks to complete. The hedge was planted in 1745 by men fighting in the Jacobite Rebellion – if only they could see it now!
What a super photo opportunity this is for our guests either staying in the area or visiting on one of our super excursion days.
St Abbs Head
We love taking out groups here, it really is an amazing place, which was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, is just 70 minutes from Edinburgh.
The area is part of a National Nature Reserve and is famous for its clamouring seabirds, rugged coastline, rich grasslands and crystal-clear waters.
A high level walk along the cliff tops always provides our groups with a memorable experience, (we specially look after those a little scared of heights!).
Image © www.john-macpherson-
Dolphin watching on the Moray Firth
Dolphins are often people’s favourite animal with their intelligence, beauty and apparent sense of fun.
We can arrange a private 2 hour sailing on the beautiful Moray Firth near Inverness (Firth is the Scottish word for river estuary!) where there is a resident colony of bottlenose dolphins. If the conditions are right we can ‘listen’ to the dolphins ‘chatting’ to each other too, (probably about us!), using a special hydrophone on board the boat.
The Isle of Skye
If our guests have time during their visit to Scotland, we always recommend they visit the wonder Isle of Skye off the west coast of the mainland.
The Island of Skye is 50 miles long and the largest of the Inner Hebrides. The capital is Portree. Skye has a rich history covering many topics, such as: Dinosaur Fossils, Clan Warfare, Highland Clearances and the infamous ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ and the Jacobite Rebellion.
Our guests are usually guaranteed to spot a golden eagle or a red deer as we travel across the rugged countryside.
Timberyard Restaurant, Edinburgh
This lovely little restaurant is hidden away on a narrow street in the city centre, just minutes from Edinburgh Castle.
The building is an authentic brick warehouse with a south facing yard for sunny days & a wood burning stove for colder nights. All chefs’ ingredients are supplied by small, local, artisan growers, breeders, producers, suppliers & foragers.
For our small groups we can also arrange private dining here – super!