Tour Scotland photographs and videos from my tours of Scotland. Photography and videography, both old and new, from beautiful Scotland, Scottish castles, seascapes, rivers, islands, landscapes, standing stones, lochs and glens.
Tour Scotland video of daffodils at a viewpoint above Pittenweem, East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Very sunny and quite windy this morning. Until 1975 Pittenweem was a royal burgh, having been awarded the status by King James V in 1541. Founded as a fishing village around a probably early Christian religious settlement, it grew along the shoreline from the west where the sheltered beaches were safe places for fishermen to draw their boats up out of the water. Later a breakwater was built, extending out from one of the rocky skerries that jut out south west into the Firth of Forth like fingers. This allowed boats to rest at anchor rather than being beached, enabling larger vessels to use the port.
Tour Scotland April video of golfers on the 18th green of the Old Golf Course in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. The Old Course at St Andrews is considered by many to be the " home of golf " because the sport was first played on the Links at St Andrews in the early 1400s. Members played on what would become the Old Course, but because it was the only course St Andrews had, it was not yet known as the Old Course. Golf was becoming increasingly popular in Scotland until in 1457, when James II of Scotland banned golf because he felt that young men were playing too much golf instead of practicing their archery. The ban was held by the following kings of Scotland until 1502, when King James IV became a golfer himself and decided to remove the ban on golf.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland Photographs Of The Black Watch Laying Down Of The Colours Slideshow. 51st Highland Volunteers, Pipers and Drummers, red hackled veterans, serving troops and young Army cadets were in attendance at the South Inch in Perth, Perthshire, where the official Laying Down Of The Black Watch Colours ceremony took place.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland Anstruther Lifeboat Slideshow. A few photographs of the lifeboat in my hometown of Anstruther in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. The Anstruther Lifeboat Station founded in 1865 operates a 12m Mersey Class Fast Carriage Boat, RNLB, called Thee Kingdom of Fife and an Inshore Lifeboat.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendations in Balloch, Loch Lomond, near Glasgow, Scotland.
Old Smiddy is a beautiful cottage situated within Loch Lomond National Park graded 4* by Scottish Tourist Board attached on to the original Blacksmiths House built over Ballagan burn that runs down to meet the waters of Loch Lomond. Private parking and free wifi. Tartan Black watch carpet in sitting room with cable tv, DVD and plenty of brochures and info on surrounding area. Well equipped Kitchen with fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, coffee maker, cooker, dishwasher and microwave. One twin en-suite bedroom with freeview tv and double en-suite bedroom. Both beds have electric blankets, clock/radios and hair dryer. All on one level. Private parking and use of patio beside burn which goes through garden.
Fisherwood Cottage is a few minute's walk from Loch Lomond offering a private retreat with a deck overlooking the river. Sunny, self-contained, secluded and private cottage with a view from the deck over the River Leven and a private gate giving you access to Loch Lomond in 10 minutes in one direction or a longer walk, or cycle, to Dumbarton the other. Available for a minimum of 2 nights. Decorated, furnished and new mattress and memory foam pillows. Easy to get to with or without a car. Quiet and private setting with off-street parking within the town of Balloch. There is a supermarket 5 minutes' walk away open 7am to 10pm 7 days/week. It is a 10 minute walk to Lomond Shores, a quality shopping centre, Sealife Centre, and a tourist office. There are plenty of good walks through an 80 hectare Country Park just 5 minutes.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendations in Linlithgow, Scotland.
Beaton Cottage is a 4-star purpose-built holiday cottages furnished to an exceptionally high standard and located near Edinburgh, close to a country house hotel. The cottage is on the outskirts of the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. And just two miles from J3 of the M9. Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, is just 15 minutes away by train, and Edinburgh International airport is just a 12 minute drive. The Kingdom of Fife with its historic towns like St Andrews, and Stirling, gateway to the Highlands, are both a short drive away, and Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Scotland's stunning west coast are little more than an hour's drive away.
Town View is a modern apartment in the centre of the historic town of Linlithgow. It sleeps 4 in two bedrooms. Good location for a Scottish holiday, within easy reach of Edinburgh. Linlithgow is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and Linlithgow Palace on the banks of Linlithgow loch is now an impressive ruin in the centre of town.
Appletree Cottage is a barn conversion with a bubbling Jacuzzi hot tub for you and your family/friends to enjoy. It offers open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen with log burning stove and high ceilings with velux windows to enhance the property with natural light. There is a second lounge/play area or further bedroom (sofa bed), set in a featured open plan gallery above. The master bedroom has a 4 poster bed and en-suite, there is a second good size double bedroom and a further twin bedroom set on the 1st floor with feature coomb ceiling, family shower room and a stairwell at each end of the living area. Outside there is a garden area, ample parking and play park.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
The Byre cottage near Newton Stewart, sleeps six people in three bedrooms. It is a delightful, terraced barn conversion set on the owner's farmland. With three bedrooms including a double and two twins, plus a bathroom and a shower room, up to six people can enjoy a comfortable stay here. There's also an open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area, while outside, a shared courtyard and ample off road parking with lockable bike storage awaits. The Byre is a charming holiday cottage, with plenty of beautiful walking and cycling trails available from the doorstep.
Barley Cottage offers its guests the perfect setting to experience the 'jewel' which is the small market town of Newton Stewart in the heart of the magnificent Galloway Hills, an which offers breathtaking sights and a wonderful range of activities available to all who visit. The property itself is host to a peaceful ambience and provides a spectacular view overlooking the Brewery Pool on the river Cree. The Brewery Pool is home to an array of wildlife which includes, salmon, ducks, swans, heron and is often occupied by eager fisherman.
Nutkin Cottage is extremely spacious, well equipped, clean, comfortable and homely, having oil central heating which you control to your own requirements. Modern large kitchen and separate dining room. The garden has its own wildlife spectacular with red squirrels, woodpeckers, redpolls, goldfinches, pheasants and numerous other birds. Red kites have been seen overhead too. It is a photographers paradise. The Galloway Forest Park covers 300 square miles and Nutkin Cottage is an ideal base to discover this unspoilt corner of Scotland. Many forest walks start from the cottage door where you will find lochs and waterfalls amongst the magnificent scenery. A short drive from the cottage, away from the forest, you will find quiet beaches, friendly harbour villages with pubs and restaurants and miles and miles of coastline. Mountain biking is superb with the 7stanes Kirroughtree starting point just 300 metres away. Colour codes marked routes for all abilities with the most difficult being world class. The cottage is an ideal base for the mountain biking enthusiasts.
2 House O'Hill is a semi-detached cottage in the hamlet of Bargrennan, just seven miles from Newton Stewart. The cottage sleeps two people and has one double bedroom and a shower room. Also in the cottage is a kitchen with a sitting room and a wood burning stove, plus a dining room. Outside, there is off road parking for two cars and an enclosed courtyard with furniture where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine. Situated in the countryside of Machars, 2 House O'Hill Cottage is a delightful cottage to enjoy a romantic break in this lovely part of the country. The market town of Newton Stewart, famous for its salmon and trout fishing, lies in a superb location between the serene rolling countryside of the Machars to the south and the Galloway Forest Park to the north. The area is steeped in history. The first Christian missionary to Scotland landed at The Machars, founding the first church in AD 397 in Whithorn. The Whithorn Dig Visitor Centre lies on the site and displays material dug up over years of excavations. The beautiful coastline is a mixture of sandy beaches and rocky shores teeming with birdlife.
The Dairy terraced cottage is located near to Newton Stewart and can sleep four people in two bedrooms. The Dairy is a terraced cottage on the outskirts of Newton Stewart in Southern Scotland. The cottage sleeps four people and has one double bedroom, one twin and two bathrooms. The cottage also contains an open plan living area with a kitchen and a sitting room. Outside is off road parking and shared use of a courtyard garden. Close to magnificent walking and cycling, The Dairy is a lovely cottage for a family holiday, all year round.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Pheasant Cottage is a semi detached farmhouse on a farm complex in Johnstonebridge six miles from Lockerbie in southern Scotland. The cottage has two double bedrooms and one single room which with the addition of a family bathroom make it suitable for five people. The rest of the accommodation comprises a fitted kitchen with a dining area and a sitting room with a woodburning stove. Outside the cottage is off road parking for two cars and an enclosed lawn garden.
Grouse Cottage is a semi detached former cattle shed on a farm complex in Johnstonebridge six miles from Lockerbie in southern Scotland. The cottage has three twin bedrooms, one with an ensuite, which with the addition of a family bathroom make it suitable for six people. The rest of the accommodation comprises a fitted kitchen with a dining area and a sitting room with a woodburning stove. Outside the cottage is off road parking for three cars and an enclosed lawned garden. Lockerbie has a range of amenities including pubs, restaurants, a bakery and a pottery. Added to this is the proximity of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Carlisle and this location truly offers something for everyone.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of Crofters making chairs in a cottage on the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The most well known and probably the most traditional piece of Orcadian furniture is the Orkney Chair. The Orkney Chair was first created hundreds of years ago when Orcadian farmers built them for their crofts.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of Kirkbean near the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Among its most famous sons was John Paul Jones, the founder of the United States Navy, who was born in Arbigland, Kirkbean on July 6, 1747. A memorial font exists in the church, by sculptor George Henry Paulin. The Kirbean cemetery is the burial place of Jean Thurot (1755–1833), son of the famous Francois Thurot, French Naval Commodore and Privateer. Kirkbean is also the birthplace of another great seafarer, John Campbell, who was born in 1720 and who went on to become a British naval officer, navigational expert and colonial governor of Newfoundland in Canada.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday house recommendations on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Oskamull Farmhouse is located on the west coast of Mull overlooking the sea and the islands and is a recently restored farmhouse in an idyllic much sought after part of the island. Ideally situated for touring the island or just enjoying a peaceful relaxing holiday. Situated 1 mile from shore and 11 miles from shops. Garden: private parking - garden is fully fenced
Heating: Oil central heating, open fire. Electricity included in price.
Beach House is situated on a hillside of the Ross of Mull to the south of the island. It offers uninterrupted views across Loch Scridain to the 3,000 foot Ben More mountain, the tallest on the island. Deer are frequently spotted around the house and the shoreline boasts a family of otters, with seals and even the occasional sea eagle being spotted high above, floating on rising summer thermals.
Torlochan House is set in a tranquil country setting offers peace and quiet surrounded by trees and fields and only a mile from the coast.Tastefully refurbished to a high standard the house offers comfort spacious and quality accommodation. The house has 2 lounges the main lounge is spacious with leather settees and French windows overlooking the hills, widescreen television, polished wood floors and an open fire. The second lounge offers the same comfortable leather settees, sky television and wood burning stove. There is a selection of games and books for guests to use. The house has views of the sea from the upper rooms looking out to Loch Na Keal in the distance. Torlochan Farm is central location . Just two miles away is Salen, a little village comprising of a few streets of houses,a Hotel and bar, Spar shop , coffee house and an Italian Restaurant.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland Music recommendation, Ballavanich by Wolfstone. Wolfstone are a Scottish musical group founded in 1989, who play Highland music combined with rock and roll.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of a postman outside a crofters cottage on the Island of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Following the 1745 rebellion, and Prince Charles Edward Stewart's flight to France, the use of Gaelic was discouraged, rents were demanded in cash rather than kind, and the wearing of folk dress was made illegal. Emigration to the New World increasingly became an escape for those who could afford it during the latter half of the century. In 1844 Lewis was bought by Sir James Matheson, co-founder of Jardine Matheson, but subsequent famine and changing land use forced vast numbers off their lands, and increased again the flood of emigrants.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of a small bed chamber on ancestry visit to Elcho Castle just South of Perth, Scotland. Most of the small bedrooms would have been for members of the Wemyss family, their guests and important members of their household. We must assume that, apart from body servants who slept on truckle beds or in the inner closets, the other servants would have been accommodated within the courtyard buildings.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of the spiral staircase on ancestry visit to Elcho Castle just South of Perth, Scotland. The single entrance doorway at the base of the south-west tower opened onto the spacious spiral main stair within the tower, which rose no higher than the principal rooms on the first floor. Members of the family and their visitors would proceed straight up the stair to that level, because the whole of the ground floor was occupied by the kitchen and associated larders and storerooms. The spiral usually was built clockwise to deter the sword hand of an attacker so they had to hold it in the left hand. This gave you as the defender the advantage.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of a large bed chamber on ancestry visit to Elcho Castle just South of Perth, Scotland. One of the rooms which probably served as the lodging of the owner. The main room was a large square chamber, with a smaller inner chamber beyond; within the inner chamber was a mural latrine, with a chute leading down to a cess chamber on the rear side of the castle. This lodging was the finest in the castle, and there are traces of an elaborate plaster cornice which was added at the junction of the wall and ceiling, probably in the early seventeenth century. When furnished, adorned with hangings and with a fire burning in the fireplace, it must have provided delightful accommodation for the owner of the castle.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of the main hall on ancestry visit to Elcho Castle just South of Perth, Scotland. The main room on the first floor of this Scottish castle was the hall, a splendidly proportioned space warmed by a fireplace in the south wall. The entrance end of the hall was almost certainly partitioned off by a timber draft screen, which would have left the fireplace centrally positioned within the hall. Opening off the screened-off vestibule was a small storage room and two of the three stairs which interconnected the upper storeys of both the main block and the two towers at the west end of the building, though one of those stairs does not open onto both of the upper storeys in the main block. The hall was lit by four large windows which would have had glazing in their upper parts and wooden shutters behind; externally these windows had massive grilles as a security measure. Originally the walls of the hall were plastered.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of a haunted room in Elcho Castle just South of Perth, Scotland. Elcho has been in the ownership of the Wemyss family for five and a half centuries, if not longer. It was part of the possessions confirmed to Sir John Wemyss of Wemyss by James III in 1468, and is still owned by the earls of Wemyss. The date when the present castle began to be built is uncertain, though it was probably in the third quarter of the sixteenth century. We know that the lands were confirmed to Sir John Wemyss in 1552, and this may have been a way of ensuring that his title to it was sound before he started a major campaign of rebuilding. He was certainly able to sign a charter at Elcho in 1558, though that does not necessarily mean that the new house was complete, since there must already have been a house on the site before the one we now see. However, there is a record that in 1570 the laird of Wemyss owed the late Thomas Bryson or Boynting the sum of £7 for ironwork, and it is tempting to suspect that this was for the wrought iron grilles or yetts at the windows and main doorway, and that the main work was complete by then. Members of the Wemyss family are know to haunt this room.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old Tour Scotland video of the main hall in Castle Campbell in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland. The tower house was built in the late fifteenth century and was called Castle Gloom until 1489 when it was renamed Castle Campbell.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Greenhill is a traditional crofting house extended in the 1920's to make a comfortable family home. Set in private grounds with magnificent views out towards the Summer Isles. The house is traditionally furnished and has direct access across the croft to the sea. Achiltibuie is a beautifully remote village on the Coigach peninsula.
Conival has one of the best locations in the area, this spacious and modern property commands stunning panoramic sea and island views and is ideal for a large group or for semi-independent use by two families holidaying together. It has a very well equipped kitchen and large extremely comfortable living room with the gaze-compelling sea always in sight. Large sliding glass doors open out to a natural stone-clad patio area. It further enjoys a first floor sitting room and kitchen, also with large glass doors opening onto a balcony, again with the sea view, and boasts a garden which leads to heather clad moorland and the coast beyond). Just 3 miles from Achiltibuie, it lies on the Coigach Peninsula, with excellent walking around coastal paths or to the huge Ben More Coigach.
Quinag is a luxurious contemporary holiday house located in Achiltibuie on the Coigach peninsula in the in the North-West Highlands Geopark with a mountain backdrop of Connmheall and Ben Mor Coigach and with South West facing views over the Summer Isles, Loch Broom and the mountains of Wester Ross beyond. The house has one of the best locations in the area and is ideally situated to enjoy all the attractions that draw visitors to the Coigach peninsula and from here you can take part in all the activities the area has to offer. The area is renowned for its primeval unspoilt landscape, improbable mountains, rugged coastline and enticing Summer Isles. Newly built on the site of an old church, Quinag is finished and furnished to a very high standard. It retains echoes of its origins with a double height ceiling over the living room and a gallery area over the dining area, all of which have sea views over to the Summer Isles. The house furnished in a contemporary style, with wood flooring and rugs.The open plan living and dining area with large wood burning stove is the heart of the house which is well insulated and is a cosy retreat from the occasional wild Wester Ross weather!The double height spacious living area has three sofas around the wood burning stove. There is Wi-Fi, internet TV, a DVD player and a radio/IPOD player. The dining area seats 8. The gallery above the dining area also has a TV, DVD player and large L-shaped sofa/sofabed.You will also find many extras here that you wouldn't normally expect in a holiday rental such as original artwork on the walls, an extensive DVD library, local hill walking guides, OS maps and other books covering subjects of local interest. Quinag can accommodate 8 people. There are three double bedrooms and one twin bedroom. There is also the possibility to accommodate up to 2 further people in the gallery area by agreement. The layout of the house makes it ideal for a large group.The contemporary kitchen off the living room is well equipped, with electric oven and induction hob, fridge, freezer, washing machine and dish washer. There is also a microwave, toaster, kettle and espresso machine.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendation in Invermoriston, in the Highlands Of Scotland.
Glen Croft Cottage is a detached, stone cottage situated on a small holiday park, on the outskirts of the village of Invermoriston, a ten minute walk to Loch Ness. This single-storey cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms, consisting of one double and one twin, as well as a bathroom. The cottage also has a kitchen with breakfast area and a sitting room with dining area and electric fire. Outside, there is ample off road parking and a side lawn garden with patio, furniture and barbecue. The small village of Invermoriston is situated within walking distance of Loch Ness. There are many walks in the area, and the River Moriston, the Glenurquhart Castle and the Great Glen Water Park are close by. Also within driving distance is the city of Inverness.
Glen Croft is a detached stone crofters cottage in a private and peaceful location on a small holiday park, half a mile from Loch Ness on the outskirts of the village of Invermoriston in the magnificent Highlands of Scotland. The cottage is on one level and consists of a double and twin bedrooms and a bathroom, along with a sitting/dining room, which has a homely atmosphere. It has a large fitted kitchen with breakfast area, with door to access to a private side patio. The views from the garden are widespread and breathtaking. Just a short walk from this cottage is the village of invermoriston across River Moriston with its Thomas Telford bridge. There is a games room with dartboard and pool table, on the park and laundry. The village of Invermoriston itself has a friendly local inn providing good pub food, as well as many events including ceilidh evenings in the village hall. The ruins of Glenurquhart Castle are close by, or stroll along the Caledonian Canal, which runs to Fort Augustus. Invermoriston is a perfect base for a holiday as you can easily enjoy a day trip to the west and cross the bridge to Skye, head to Drumnadrochit to the north or journey east into the city of Inverness. Also a trip to this part of Scotland isn't complete without visiting Loch Ness, you may even catch a glimpse of Nessie, the monster. Mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, cruises to spot dolphins or Nessie; whatever you wish to do, this Highland cottage is the perfect base and ensures an unforgettable holiday for all.
Wiewfoth Cottage comfortably sleeps 2 people in the double bedroom with a double sofa bed in the lounge for a extra adult or 2 children. Situated a short walk from the sandy beach with shops and restaurants within minutes, this delightful single-storey detached holiday cottage is tastefully furnished and provides a cosy base from which to explore the surrounding area. Fife offers wonderful shorelines, historic buildings and pretty fishing villages renowned for whitewash and red-pantiled roofs. The Fife Coastal Path runs for 80 miles, with many wonderful walks. Why not amble along the coast to Lower Largo, the home of Robinson Crusoe, and enjoy lunch in the Crusoe Hotel. Ideal for golfers, Leven is home to the championship course at Leven Links, used on several occasions as a qualifying course for the British Open. St Andrews famous Old Golf Course is approx 20 miles away. The historic city of Edinburgh with its breathtaking castle, Glasgow and Perth, Perthshire, are all within easy reach.
Rockville is a semi detached cottage on the beach front in Leven, Fife. The cottage has one king size double bedroom on the first floor with an en-suite shower room, while the rest of the property is set on the ground floor. With two more twin bedrooms and a family bathroom the property can sleep up to six people. There is a kitchen, a dining room and a sitting room with a warming gas fire. Underneath the property in a garage there is a pool table and a small gym while outside you will find off road parking for one car with additional roadside parking, lockable bike storage and a patio with furniture. Rockville is a wonderful base in Leven, perfect for exploring the east coast of Fife.
Ewing Bank is perfect for golf lovers with Leven Thistle Golf Club immediately opposite leading to Leven Links Golf Course and Leven Links Golf Society. The Golf Course itself is a par 71, 18 hole course which has been used 5 times to host the qualifiers for The Open at St Andrews. Ewing Bank Cottage has an access key to The Thistle Golf Club which has a bar & restaurant. The cottage is also well placed for access to Leven Beach & Promenade with amusements, skate park and adventure playground only 200 metres away. Leven Bowling Club can be found next to the golf course. The beach is on the Fife coastal path and has beautiful golden sands to explore. The town centre shopping is 500 metres away where a large variety of major shops and specialist stores can be found, along with a few bars & eateries. There are a wide variety of take-away outlets to suit all tastes. The bus station is located at the end of the High Street and from there you will find a regular bus service to the East Neuk, St Andrews, Dundee, Perth, Perthshire, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Edinburgh and Glasgow etc. Letham Glen is perfect for a walk & picnic as is The Festival Gardens and Leven also has its own Kino Cinema should you fancy a movie. Leven is a perfect central location for exploring the East of Scotland, yet has enough on the doorstep to keep you entertained should you just fancy somewhere to kick back and relax.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Old photograph of cottages and houses and men with bicycles in Conon Bridge near Dingwall, Scotland. Conon Bridge was effectively founded after the construction of a bridge across the River Conon in 1809 by Thomas Telford in his role with the Commission for roads and bridges in the Highlands.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday house recommendation in Anstruther, East Neuk of Fife, Scotland.
Bakerswell House has been completely transformed to provide flexible accommodation in the picturesque town of Anstruther, close to the Cellardyke Harbour and only a few steps from the south facing seashore.
23 Crail Road is located within a small courtyard development in the centre of Anstruther. Built on the site of a traditional fisherman's yard within a conservation area, the development retains many traditional features, including the external stone walls. Completed in 2008, the internal decor and furnishing are of a very high standard. The living/dining room is on the first floor, as is the newly fitted kitchen, complete with new appliances - hob, oven, fridge, microwave, and washer/dryer. Both bedrooms benefit from en suite bathrooms. The house is only 2 minutes walk from the seafront of Anstruther, an historic fishing village with many amenities. It is ideally placed for exploring the East Neuk of Fife, home to beautiful fishing villages, unspoilt beaches and golf. The famous town of St Andrews is only a 15 minute drive away. For golfers, there are several excellent courses within a 15 minute drive. Families will find plenty to do in the area and the house provides a fantastic base for exploring this part of Fife. Stay for a week and visit a different beach every day! There is a park with playground and tennis courts just a minute from the house.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Island View is a luxury detached house with superb sea views. Modern spacious accommodation and tastefully decorated throughout. 4 bedrooms, 2 double, 2 single, 3 bathrooms, Master ensuite, family bathroom and downstairs shower room. Flat screen tv's in double bedrooms. Large lounge with sea views. Large Dinning /kitchen with patio doors leading onto enclosed back garden. Utility room. Back garden with Garden furniture. Private driveway and garage. Within walking distance of harbour, beach and local shops. Free internet. 10 miles from St Andrews.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendation in Aberdour, Fife, Scotland.
This cottage is situated within the grounds of Bendameer House, and has private patio plus access to the private woodland beside it. A hot tub is available by prior arrangement with the owners who are on hand to ensure your every need is catered for including a selection of bikes to suit all ages for use during your stay. Wireless Internet for the benefit of guests. The picturesque village of Aberdour has much to offer by way of shops, restaurants. From Aberdour there is a regular train service every 30 minutes taking you on the short journey into the centre of Edinburgh making this the perfect location from which to enjoy the coast and the delights of our Capital city at the same time.
Courtyard apartment is located in the village of Aberdour and can sleep four people in two bedrooms. The apartment sleeps four people and has one double bedroom and one twin, along with a family bathroom. Also in the apartment are a kitchen and a sitting room with dining area. Outside is off road parking for two cars. Situated in a historic coastal village, The Courtyard is a fabulous apartment from which to explore this lovely part of the country. The historic coastal village of Aberdour sits across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh with its main street just inland and connected by narrow lanes to the coastal part of the village. Originally built up around the harbour where the Dour Burn runs into the River Forth, the village was essentially in fact two: Wester Aberdour and Easter Aberdour, however the connection was made with the coming of the railway at the end of the 19th century. What remains of Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest surviving stone castles in Scotland dating from the 12th century. Much added to over the centuries by the Douglases, the site is now managed by Historic Scotland and visitors can enjoy the walled garden and terraces and the distinctive beehive shaped dovecot. Known by the Victorians as the Fife Riviera, the secluded Silver Sands and Black Sands beaches have always been favourites and remain so to this day. The village holds a popular annual festival in late July and early August including cultural and musical highlights as well as a regatta and a run.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
18 Links Road looking over the golf course to the sea, is a holiday house that has sea views from most rooms and is just minutes walk to a sandy beach and excellent 18 hole golf course. With spacious, comfortable rooms, this is an ideal base for exploring the fishing villages of the East Neuk. St Andrews, 20 minutes' drive, has an array of independent shops, great pubs, restaurants and one or two golf courses. Shops, pub and restaurant 245 yards. Ground floor: Living room with wooden floor. 2 steps to second living room. Dining room with wooden floor. Kitchen. Separate toilet. First floor: 3 bedrooms: 2 double, 1 single. Bathroom with shower over bath and toilet. Shower room with toilet. Bed linen and towels inc. Freeview TV. DVD. Elec cooker. M/wave. W/machine. D/washer. table top Freezer . Patio and furniture. Parking for 2 cars.
Sunny Sands is a home from home it has everything you could want or need on holiday, comprising of Lounge, Kitchen/Diner/Utility room, Sun Lounge, 2 good sized bedrooms and a lovely family bathroom with over the bath shower there is also a separate cloakroom, the garden has 3 patio areas and storage for bikes, golf clubs etc. The minimum amount of nights you can rent this house for is 3 nights.
Homelands is a charitable trust which provides fully accessible luxury self catering accommodation in 4 purpose built lodges, Massney, Cardy, Keil and Drummochy. The lodges are situated in the picturesque village of Lundin Links overlooking Lundin Links Golf course with open views to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth. Lundin Links is in the heart of the beautiful East Neuk of Fife 12 miles from St Andrews; the home of golf and the home of third oldest university in the English speaking world, and a short distance from the East Neuk's rugged coastline and its character filled fishing villages such as Crail, Anstruther, and Pitenweem. Lower Largo and Lundin Links themselves are famed for their links to the original Robinson Crusoe (Alexander Selkirk) whose birthplace in Lower Largo is a short distance from the Lodge. The village features a bar, restaurant, sports club, including tennis courts, and a small parade of shops including pharmacy, butchers, bakers, post office, and general store all within a short distance of the lodges. The region is famed for it's outdoor sports/activities, water sports, history and fresh produce / sea food; served in many of the local restaurants which range from Michelin Starred to world famous and favoured by Royals fish and chips in Anstruther. Further afield we are an hour from Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital City and Dundee which houses the Discovery museum and will soon be the location for the new Victoria and Albert museum. The lodges have been designed by the architects currently designing the new V and A museum in Dundee and a wealth of features have been incorporated into the designs to ensure they are fully accessible including specialist support equipment/ facilities such as ceiling tracking hoists, a wet floor shower room, profiling bed, airflow mattress, riser/recliner chair, mobile hoists, various shower chairs, a shower trolley, and equipment for people who have a hearing loss.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video shot this April morning of the Wee Kilted Kilt Walk in Pittencrieff Glen on ancestry visit to Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. A wee break from the heavy rain for the start of this public charity walk led by pipers from Royal Burgh of Inverkeithing Pipe Band. Well done to everyone involved, including Jim Leishman.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video on a rainy morning of the Brigadier General John Forbes Memorial in Pittencrieff Glen on ancestry visit to Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. John, born 5th of September 1707, died 11 of March 1759, was a British general in the French and Indian War. He is best known for leading the Forbes Expedition that captured the French outpost at Fort Duquesne and for naming the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after British Secretary of State William Pitt the Elder. He was born on his family's Pittencrieff Estate in Dunfermline in 1707, the son of an army officer. After beginning to study medicine, he decided in his second year as a student to become a soldier and was accepted and commissioned as a lieutenant in the Scots Greys in 1735. He saw action in the War of the Austrian Succession and in the Jacobite rising of 1745, serving under the Duke of Cumberland as acting quartermaster-general.
Forbes surname derives from the Scottish Clan Forbes. Descendants of the Scottish clan are also present in Ireland from the 17th century. The name of an unrelated Irish sept, Mac Fhirbhisigh or MacFirbis, was also anglicised as Forbes.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland video of Pittencrieff House in Pittencrieff Glen on ancestry visit to Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. This Scottish house, now a museum, was built by Sir Alexander Clerk of Pittencrieff as a simple laird's house with two stories and an attic around 1635. In 1902, Andrew Carnegie purchased both Pittencrieff House and Estate from its then owner, Colonel James Maitland Hunt, with the intention to gift these to the people of Dunfermline. The official ceremony for the gifting of the park occurred the following year, and a trust fund in honour of the benefactor, known as Dunfermline Carnegie Trust, was founded for the general maintenance of the glen and house.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendation in Cupar near St Andrews, Scotland.
Castlefield cottage in the conservation area of Cupar. Bright and sunny cottage within a few minutes walk of the town centre on quiet residential street. Living room with home office area, WiFi, 2 bedrooms, bathroom with over bath shower, kitchen with folding dining table. Central heating, well equipped kitchen with washing machine, enclosed sunny rear garden with outside seating. On street parking or adjacent free public car park. 2 minutes walk to play park and river, less than 5 minutes to town centre and train station within 10 minutes walk.
Cherry Blossom is an idyllic 1 bedroom Cottage ideal for a quiet, romantic break away. Spacious bedroom with beautiful super king four-poster bed, stunning luxury bathroom with free standing bath and separate power shower, open-plan fully equipped kitchen / dining / living room area with TV/DVD, iPod dock and wood-burning stove. Large private decking area with hot tub and views over the Fife countryside. Cherry Blossom Cottage is also pet friendly so you don't have to leave your four legged friends at home.
Garden Cottage is right in the heart of our country estate in Fife, about 9 miles from St Andrews and its many golf courses. The cottage has 2 bedrooms, and sleeps 4 plus baby or small child.. The cottage is detached, two storey, and sits in its own garden, with a lawn to the front, and grass at the back, with woodlands at the side. It is set on a private road, which is only used by cottage guests, and the very occasional tractor working on the estate. Inside the cottage has a sitting room, dining room, kitchen and cloakroom with toilet on the ground floor, and upstairs, there is a bathroom with shower bath and power shower, and 2 bedrooms, one with a double bed, the other with 2 twin beds. St Andrews itself has much to see, from St Rules Tower, the Castle and the other historic areas. On the Fife Coast, there are the pretty East Neuk villages, such as Anstruther, and Pittenweem, and the Pittenweem Art Festival is not to be missed. Edinburgh is only an hour away by train or car, with the Edinburgh Festival in August,and so many sights and shops to see and visit.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday house recommendation in Blebo Criags by St Andrews, Scotland.
Birkbrae is set in acres of private woodland just a few miles from St. Andrews , beaches and The Old Course for Golf. 5 stylish and comfortable bedrooms, 3 en-suite. Fresh and contemporary master bathroom. Ideal entertaining and living spaces including large balcony over looking woods and gardens. Perfect for watching the sunset. Log burning stove in the main living room for cooler evenings. Quieter rooms for relaxation. Neighbourhood. Blebo Craigs is a small rural village with an abundance of wildlife and miles of woodland to walk through and explore with great views over Fife. Life is slow and quiet in the village but just a few miles away is the historic city of St. Andrews, the home of golf.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
Tour Scotland self catering holiday cottage recommendation in Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, Scotland.
Elnagar Cottage is a charming stone built cottage set in a quiet location yet close to the centre of town. Suitable for couples and an ideal base to visit the many local attractions in Highland Perthshire and beyond. The cottage is attached to the owner’s residence, Elnagar House. It is all on one level and has been tastefully restored, with modern fitted kitchen and shower room. Visitors may park their car close to the cottage door for ease of access. Guests frequently sit outside to enjoy the garden and the view over the town to the hills beyond. The accommodation comprises: open-plan living area / kitchen, double bedroom and shower room with w.c. The living area has a dining table with chairs, a cottage suite and television with DVD player. The kitchenette has fitted units with a ceramic hob/extractor, fan-assisted oven/grill, fridge, microwave oven, kettle and toaster. The tiled shower room has an electric shaving point.
Corrie Beag is a bright, detached bungalow, on the edge of Pitlochry. It's a few minutes walk from attractions like the Festival Theatre, Loch Faskally and the Hydro Dam and a short distance from the centre of this popular tourist town. We take part in VisitScotland's quality scheme and we are pleased that Corrie Beag is rated as Three Star, the equivalent of Very Good. Corrie Beag sleeps six, in four bedrooms, one double, one twin and two singles. There is also a large, well-equipped kitchen-diner, a comfortable, bright and airy lounge and two shower rooms. The Pitlochry area has many attractions for holiday makers of all ages and all interests from Blair Castle, one of Scotland's top attractions, to the Edradour and Blair Athol whisky distilleries. Pitlochry Festival Theatre draws audiences from across Scotland in summer and winter. For the sport minded, there is excellent walking in forests and hills, whitewater rafting, golf, fishing, climbing and cycling. Pitlochry has its own railway station and is on the direct line to Inverness, Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow. There is also a high speed bus service linking the town to the same destinations.
The Old Coach House is a charming detached cottage with fully enclosed garden, a tranquil escape from modern day life. Enjoy superb mountain views in a peaceful location yet within walking distance of Pitlochry's famous Old Victorian Town. The cottage sleeps 4 people, open all year, short breaks welcome. Bedrooms have beamed ceilings, solid oak flooring and are beautifully furnished with Victorian bedsteads, mirrored wardrobes, dressing table, tiffany style lamps, radio/alarm clock, flat screen TV/DVD Players. Sitting/Dining Room is a very comfortable room with beamed ceiling/solid oak floor. Luxuriously fitted with leather corner suite, flat-screen TV/Blueray DVD Player. The cottage has electric stove and gas central heating. Linen/towels are included in rental cost. The kitchen is excellently equipped and has solid-oak floor, large picture window with beautiful garden & mountain views, Facilities include fridge, microwave, dishwasher, Nescafe Dolce Coffeemaker, sandwich toaster, electric hob & oven & much more. Freezer/washer & dryer are located in the outside utility building which can store 2 bicycles if required. Bathroom has power shower over bath and is located downstairs. Complimentary toiletries are provided. The cottage has a lovely large garden and patio area with outdoor furniture, wooden swing-bench, bird table & brick-built barbecue. Large drive with old-fashioned lamp-posts, fully enclosed with wooden gates.
Woodlands Cottage is a family run business situated in the heart of Highland Perthshire looking up the sweeping Tay Valley, this cottage has breathtaking views from its large dining conservatory. This is the perfect self-catering base for your holiday in the Highlands with an abundance of activities to suit everyone's needs. Woodlands cottage sleeps 7 in 3 large double or twin rooms with 3 bathrooms, two bedrooms being en-suite and the 3rd bathroom is a new large shower room. There is a brand new well-equipped dining kitchen, large sitting room with open fire, wrap-around conservatory with dining table and 2 large porches on the front and back of the cottage perfect for bikes, fishing rods, boots and wet coats after a days hiking in the woods. The cottage also has full central heating, large private gardens perfect for dogs and children to run around in and secure parking for plenty of vehicles. Woodlands can sleep up to 9 people if using the sofa bed in the living room, all prices quoted are based on the cottage being occupied by up to 7 people, if you wish for up to 9 people to stay or more there will be an extra charge. The Cottage has its very own 3 miles of double bank salmon fishing at Dalmarnock fishings, and has close ties with the local shooting estates. Salmon fishing and shooting days can be arranged.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
