Happiness is….choosing to holiday in Scotland and getting the balance right between entertaining the whole family and actually enjoying your holiday. Whilst I was in Blair Atholl in Perthshire last week there seemed to be so many people around and they all seemed happy. I am not surprised as Blair Castle is the focal point to the village and it is an interesting historic castle to visit and is a very popular visitor attraction. Of course this may not appeal to children – but there is so much more.

Blair Castle dates back to 1269 and has been transformed through the ages to become the fine Victorian castle in the baronial style that it is today. It is open to the public April – October each year, with many additional attractions apart from touring the castle itself. Atholl Estates have 145,000 acres of hills, woodlands and open countryside just waiting to be explored. Whether you want to set off on your own adventure on the 40 miles of walking and cycling routes or try one of the Estate activities, there is something for everyone. These include pony trekking, Land Rover safaris and tractor tours for children.

If you are looking for accommodation in this area, Scotts Castle Holidays have a number of large holiday houses to choose from. One of these is to be found 8 miles from the castle and it is one of the Duke of Atholl’s former shooting lodges. Accessed via a private estate road, which is for residents only for vehicular access, the track meanders up Glen Tilt going through beautiful scenery until eventually finding the holiday house.

The lodge itself is a Traditional Shooting Lodge that is functional over flair, which is in fact a large holiday house as it can sleep up to 20 people. With a large drawing room, dining room and plenty of bedrooms – this is the ideal place to take an activity minded family or a group of walking enthusiasts. Included is a complimentary family pass to Blair Castle. If you are looking for a wonderful location to get away from others, but to have plenty of activities on your doorstep, then this Scottish Holiday Lodge comes highly recommended. Contact Scotts Castle Holidays today for more information.

With Easter nearly upon us, thoughts turn to holidays again, and it is time to get back to a holiday state of mind. Firstly with the short break ahead and secondly in planning what it is you want out of your main summer holiday. As a family group looking ahead – where do you want to go and what do you want to do? Do you want to go “rock pooling” for crabs on the beach; hang out for the perfect wave to surf; climb as many mountains as possible; visit the many beautiful castles in Scotland; check out the cosmopolitan city life; be pampered at the nearest spa; what is it that tickles your fancy? Are there things on the “bucket list” you wish to tick off, or is it just a “bucket-and-spade” holiday you are after? Bill Joel sang about a “New York State of Mind” and taking a vacation in other parts of the US, whilst in reality he wanted to stay at home, but what about you? Well, only you know.

Scotland can offer a huge variety depending on your preference, and specialises in castles and fresh air! Be you young or old, you can get out and about in the countryside. By taking a lovely walk by Loch Fyne you can even help a charity conserve an important old Scottish castle. Whilst on holiday enjoy the beauty and give something back at the same time. Surely this must be good for the soul and allowing a generosity of spirit should make you feel so much better. Be inspired by its special beauty. Be part of the history of Scotland and get involved. Old Castle Lachlan can be found at the end of this short walk in this unspoilt setting on Loch Fyne and if you can help save this for future generations to enjoy, well that is a holiday to remember forever for all the family.

Scotts Castle Holidays offers a wide range of self-catering holiday venues, from large holiday houses, magnificent mansions, and charming castles in Scotland. Something for everyone, whatever their Scottish holiday state of mind!

Whilst Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle the most visited attraction, back in older times it was a different story. It was Dunfermline which was the capital of Scotland (prior to 1437), with its Abbey being the centrepiece. Located a few miles away once you cross the Forth Bridge travelling north from Edinburgh – it is a must see for all visitors coming to Scotland.

1, Dunfermline Abbey. The foundation of the monastic establishment took place between 1058 – 1093, whilst the Abbey was founded in 1128, so there are plenty of ancient footsteps to follow in. It is most associated with King Robert 1, more commonly known as “Robert the Bruce”. He was one of the most famous warriors and led Scotland during the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. He fought successfully during his reign to regain Scotland’s place as an independent nation and is today remembered in Scotland as a national hero. After his death in 1329, the body of Robert the Bruce is buried here, whilst his heart is at Melrose Abbey. The tower of the church bears the words `King Robert the Bruce` which is carved in stone around the top and inside, beneath the pulpit, is his tomb. Nearby are the remains of the other monastic buildings, including the large refectory and the ruin of the Royal Palace, rebuilt in the sixteenth century for James VI.

2, Andrew Carnegie’s Birthplace Museum. Walking down the street from Dunfermline Abbey you will find the cottage where the famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie was born. It is now a visitor attraction and at the museum you can find out what life was like in 19th century Dunfermline and what it was like to emigrate to America with just a few possessions. Learn how Andrew Carnegie, a weaver’s son from Dunfermline, made a fortune in steel in America to became the richest man in the world and who then gave his fortune away to benefit humanity.

3, Dunfermline Golf Club. Whilst Fife is synonymous with the game of golf, mainly through St Andrews, even they cannot compete with this Dunfermline golf club as it comes with its own castle, Pitfirrane Castle. The club was founded in 1887 and moved to this site in 1953, when it took over the parklands and castle. The castle dates back to the 16th century, with the staircase being dated as1583, with later additions through the centuries. Visitors are welcome to play golf, and the course has great views overlooking Dunfermline, the Abbey and the castle.

Whilst there are many other activities in this area, including a trip to Scotland’s national aquarium, Deep Sea World at North Queensferry or to Falkland Palace, for those seeking a self-catering large holiday house in Fife, then this Impressive Country House overlooking Dunfermline would be ideal. This large Victorian country house set on the hill above offers accommodation for up to 18 people on a self-catering basis. This is a comfortable holiday house with a relaxed atmosphere, which is ideal for large groups of people to get-together to enjoy quality time with each other in the Edinburgh/Fife area. Contact Scotts Castle Holidays today for more details.

Wildlife photography taken near Kingussie

The image of the “Monarch of the Glen” as painted by Sir Edwin Landseer and promoted by Dewars Whisky is an enduring iconic image of Scotland. To see a red deer stag,  up close and personal, then the Highland Wildlife Park, near Kingussie is a good day out for all the family. For the keen photographer, then wildlife photography trips are available to stalk a stag with a camera only.

In Strathspey and Badenoch, 15 miles from Aviemore, there is a Traditional Shooting Lodge, which can accommodate a large group, which is ideal for up to 16 people on a self-catering basis for a week or weekend. This area is great to see wildlife, which can be organised individually or as a family. Contact the office today at Scotts Castle Holidays for more details on a large holiday house in Scotland.