Scottish heritage and culture come to life through events all year long. Scotland events for 2019 vary in type, theme and hobby. There’s something for everyone from sports enthusiasts and charity fundraisers, to arts, music and comedy fans. Some just get you out of bed of a weekend morning, others provide fabulous justification for a night out, or a weekend away.

How do you tackle a January detox when Easter chocolate eggs appear in the shops before the last of the Christmas decorations are down?!  Easter is another major cause for family get togethers and celebrations and as we get caught up in the fun of it all it’s easy to forget where it all began – a long, long time ago. Tied up in the story are myriad fascinating Easter facts. So, if like us, you’re curious about the origins of Easter, why its dates move and how an egg-laying hare made it into the picture, read on.

Mothering Sunday more commonly referred to as Mother’s Day is only a month away. It’s an age old festival born from Christian roots to celebrate mothers and mother figures.  The date changes annually as it’s held on the 4th Sunday of Lent and this year it lands on Sunday, 11th March 2018.  Whilst the day itself is not a bank holiday, it’s a weekend families typically get together to visit and treat their mothers to a special day of celebration, whether that’s breakfast in bed, the presentation of a posy of flowers, a lunch out or in some cases a special weekend away.

“Say it with flowers” is the advertising slogan to mark the one day in the year you go that extra mile to make your mother feel special. We figured this year why not go that one step further and spoil mum with a weekend (or week long) holiday with everyone she loves.  This time of year is considered low season in UK holiday rentals, so booking a short break during one of the most reasonably priced months of the year, makes it a very affordable treat for mum!

February half-term offers a welcome break for many after the uphill slog through the longest month of the year: January.

Go to work in the dark, come home in the dark, nothing on the horizon to look forward to.

Or is there?

Hosting your very own group party in a holiday home over New Year doesn’t need to be an expensive occasion. In fact we’ve thought of 3 reasons why it could save you money. Plus you get full control over the choice of venue, guests, decor and food!

I don’t know about you but my 50^th is looming and I’ve given this auspicious event a good deal of consideration by reflecting on past milestones.

Never is there a better time to get together and play silly games with the family than at Christmas. If you have teenagers, this is probably the only time you’d get their cooperation! We have thought up a few ideas of games you can play, some requiring a bit of pre-planning, but others just needing a few pencils and some paper.

It’s one of the Highland’s best-known resorts, and once you’ve seen the dramatic setting of Fort William you’ll easily understand why.

With just over 10,000 inhabitants, the town swells as thousands visit the region every year to enjoy the skiing, walking and scenery.

Here are just a few of the best things to do in Fort William that will have you adding a new destination to your bucket list quicker than you can say “wow”.

Best places to eat out in Edinburgh

If you’re lucky enough to visit the beautiful city of Edinburgh, you’ll want to explore the wonderful restaurants and cafes on offer, from the grand Signet Library to the more informal cafes and delis.

But how do you choose where to eat?

Some of my fondest memories growing up are snuggling up on the sofa with my dad while he read Roald Dahl or Enid Blyton to me and my brother and sister aloud – he always did excellent voices for the characters – the BFG had a booming Yorkshire accent while Julian from the Famous Five was very effeminate with a lisp – Dad regularly had me and my brother and sister in stitches.Now I’m a parent I’ve got the chance to share some of these amazing books with my son. Reading together is special time, when the mobile phones and tech devices are put far out of reach, the television is switched off and we concentrate 100% on reading together, admiring the pictures, guessing what’s going to happen and practising our accents….

With World Book Day just around the corner, here are some of our favourites, especially good for reading aloud with grandparents, cousins, aunties and uncles.

For the youngest readers:

Daisy – eat your peas

By Kes Grey and illustrated by Nick Sharratt

If your little ones have ever been through the fussy eater phase (or are still in it) this book is a must. Steely-eyed Daisy refuses to eat her peas, even when her mum reaches desperation point and offers her a new bike, a chocolate factory and even a space rocket.

Talking points:

Discuss what foods you’re not too keen on, and what might persuade you to eat it…

We’re going on a bear hunt

By Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury

The words in this beautifully illustrated book take on a rhythm of their own as even the youngest children get carried along with the adventure of trekking through woodland and marshland in search of the elusive bear.

Talking points:

Be sure to do all the actions as you follow the family on their journey. We can’t go under it [get down low on the floor]. We can’t go over it [stand up tall on tiptoes!]. Oh no! We’ve got to go through it [cue stumbling and struggling, parting the grasses with your hands or lifting your feet as you clamber through the mud].

The Snowman

By Raymond Briggs

The words in this beautifully illustrated book take on a rhythm of their own as even the youngest children get carried along with the adventure of trekking through woodland and marshland in search of the elusive bear.

Talking points:

This one’s perfect for snowy holidays in the Highlands – make your own snowman with a wide smile, big round satsuma nose and tartan scarf.

The Elephant and the Bad Baby

By Elfrida Vipont and illustrated by Raymond Briggs

The bad baby takes centre stage as he goes on a crime spree with a friendly elephant and his very long trunk, which rather likes ice-cream, sausages, buns and crisps…. But does he remember his pleases and thankyous?

Talking points:

Everyone can join in the loud “rumpeta rumpeta” bits! And see who can remember who is running after the elephant and the bad baby as they race from shop to shop? Clue: the ice-cream man, pork the butcher…. Who else?

For over 5s:

The BFG

By Roald Dahl

With his delightfully complex language and amazing imagination, the BFG, believed to be Roald Dahl’s favourite of all his creations, takes Sophie (and the reader) on a journey through snozzcumbers and peachy fruits in this fun read.

Talking points:

Ask the little ones to share their dreams – what would they eat? What would the world look like? What would it smell like? What could they hear? Who would be there with them? What would they do there?

The Enchanted Wood

By Enid Blyton

Moon-face, Silky the fairy and the Saucepan Man are just some of the memorable characters who bring this story to life as they take their new friends Joe, Beth & Franny to the Land of Take What you Want, Toyland and the Land of Ice and Snow.

Talking points:

What fun imaginary lands can your little ones think of? The Land of Doughnuts or the Land of Lego? Perhaps you can see an enchanted wood or even a magic faraway tree from your large holiday house…

Flat Stanley

By Jeff Brown

Stanley Lambchop wakes up one morning to discover he has been crushed by a board and is as flat as a pancake! He quite likes being able to slide under doors and reach into small spaces, and he loves the low air fares that mean he can travel to California for the price of a first class stamp! But his little brother Arthur is less than impressed…

Talking points:

Make your own Stanley kite to fly in the garden and plan where in the world you would travel if you were as flat as Stanley.

So next time you’re packing for a large group holiday with multiple generations or friends and their kids, take a few moments to pack some fabulous books that the kids will love reading together.

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If you need a little inspiration for your next group holiday, start your search here >>>