SUMMER PURSUITS IN SCOTLAND
In This Issue
An Engaging Affair at Glenapp Castle
Crafting a Family Heirloom
Scottish Fairytale Castle
Bait, Cook & Bubbles
Ireland's Love Story with the Land
Uniting Familial Ancestry
ZOLA & Honeymoon Itineraries

Wedding Venues

Book a castle or private estate for your wedding in Ireland or Scotland

  
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December 2019

 
A truly Scottish summer...

With all this winter chill surrounding us, mixed with the festive season spent with the family, there is no better time to start planning your next summer getaway than the present. Instinctively, your mind would jet off to a distant beach in the Caribbean or maybe to go explore South-East Asia; Adams & Butler, however, seeks to transport you to a land of endless, sun-filled days and bring you on a little more of a cultural holiday, where you can experience a fusion of ancient traditions with modern excursions - we wish to bring you to Scotland.   
 
Scotland is really a hidden gem during the summer months, as there are a few places in Western Europe that can boast such unique views of the rolling green pastures, which are dotted all over by the wild Highland cows. Summer in Scotland isn't just about the nature, even though the nature is majestic in every way. When the sun is out, the locals will fill the small cobbled streets of Edinburgh and in the distance, you can hear the faint sound of a bagpiper playing, while also getting the aroma of malted wheat being distilled in the nearby distillery.

With all this said, the myriad of summer pursuits that Adams & Butler arranges in Scotland has no bounds. From the celebrated musical traditions of Edinburgh's Military Tattoo to the cherished, glorified Highland games to a luxurious sunset cruise on the iconic Loch Ness, the world is your oyster. Whether you are a couple looking to get some quiet time away or a multigenerational family wanting to build those perfect family memories, the team here at Adams & Butler can curate the perfect, personalized itinerary for you.

Now, let us bring you on an enchanting journey to experience the wonders that Scotland has to offer...

See you soon,

Siobhan Byrne Learat
Founder & President
Adams & Butler
Shooting & Reeling | Hunting & Fishing in Scotland
Scottish Red Deer

Scotland is a country which is famous all over the world for its amazing landscapes and great traditions. One of the oldest traditions still practiced today would be game shooting. The most popular game species of Scotland are the red stag, roebuck, fallow deer, sika deer, pheasant, geese, woodcock, partridge, grouse and hare. 

 

Adams & Butler can customize hunting trips all over Scotland to include some of the most magnificent scenery of the majestic Highlands. While you trek down the elusive game, you will be accompanied your own personal experienced guide, who goes above and beyond to deliver the most of memorable of experiences. All Adams & Butler guides not only truly focus on creating a safe environment for the hunters, but also practice sustainability in order to guarantee the most humane killing of the game. If hunting wild stags through the rolling hills of the Highlands doesn't tickle your fancy, you may opt to hunt for pheasant on the grounds of private estates dotted all through Ireland & UK.

 

Moreover, the fishing in Scotland is some of the best on offer throughout the world. From beautiful Highland rivers to secluded island lochs, there are excellent salmon, trout and coarse fishing opportunities in some of the most picturesque areas of the country. One special amenity Adams & Butler can organize is for you to bring whatever fish you catch back to your hotel and have the chef cook it up for you.

For the adventurous fishermen, Adams & Butler offers a truly unique experience of fishing with an eagle - an animal who is a total natural at hunting the bountiful waters of the Irish Sea. Hope aboard a private vessel, and witness this truly unforgettable experience.
 
For more information click  here .
Edinburgh's Royal Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's impressive castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most iconic events in Edinburgh's calendar; it takes place annually during the month of August. Bringing together audiences from across the globe, the Edinburgh Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands and display teams from the British Armed Forces, the Commonwealth and military teams throughout the world. The Military Tattoo will also be showcasing all the greatest Scottish crafts and local produce in markets dotted all over the medieval city. Each year approximately 220,000 people attend this thrilling showcase of military talent.  Audiences get into the spirit and stamp and cheer to the sounds of the military pipes and drums, clap to the Highland Dancers and watch in awe at some of the daredevil feats of accomplished motorcyclists or intricate marching formations - truly a memorable sight to behold and a perfect night of entertainment for the whole family. There are 217,000 Tattoo tickets just released for this year's Military Tattoo for the up incoming three-week season, but the demand is high so make sure to contact us early to reserve your tickets. This is really the best time to visit the crown jewel of the British Isles, which is Edinburgh City. 

For more information click  here.
A Loch Ness Adventure
Loch Ness

Loch Ness is Scotland's most famous lake. It runs for 23 miles (37 km) along the natural geological cleft that stretches from Fort William in the west of the Scottish Highlands, to Inverness in the north. Morever, it is the purported home of the Loch Ness monster, a mythical creature, which dwells in the Loch and is occasionally spotted by locals and passers-by. The sightings claimed lend credence to the remote possibility of a group of survivors of the long-extinct plesiosaurs.

 

Situated on the most southern tip of Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way, Loch Ness village is a popular tourist destination. Lying on the impressive 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal, halfway between Inverness and Fort William, Loch Ness offers spectacular views and is a paradise for keen walkers and cyclists with many beautiful walks around the town and the most popular of them, the Great Glen Way, passes right through the village. An alternative hiking trail would be the South Loch Ness Trail, presently stretches 28 miles from Torbreck on the edge of Inverness to Loch Tarff. The trail follows a mixture of minor roads, forest tracks and constructed trail. On this trail you will be amazed by the views of Loch Ness as well as the wild landscapes of the south side.

Beyond the stunning, awe-inspiring hikes, Adams & Butler always offers clients the option to enjoy a private cruise on Loch Ness with lunch. From cruising the shores boarding the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle to the calm waters of Dores Bay, you will enjoy the best of Highland hospitality from beginning to end. A piper welcome further enhances the day, bringing an added special, authentic element to any occasion. Dougie, an ex-Scots Guardsman and Adams & Butler's piper extraordinaire, takes immense pride in his turnout and bearing. He will not only play his bagpipes and talk about their history and manufacture, but also pipe you aboard and further discuss his craft.

For more information click here.
East Lothian - Scotland's Golf Coast
North Berwick Golf Club

First time visiting golfers to Scotland would often flock to St. Andrews, and who can blame them? The mecca of golf is there - The Old Course St. Andrews. Often, when visiting for a second time, visitors tended to head west, to Ayrshire, to play the likes of Trump Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick. What people were starting to find was that both St. Andrews and Ayrshire began to become crowded - they often still are - and tee times are hard to come by. This left visitors to look for an alternative. Located just east of Edinburgh, you will find the Scottish county of East Lothian. 

Previously thought of as the hidden gem of Scottish Golf - by those who had played in the area - this has started to change over the past few years, with more and more people visiting and playing here. With twenty-two golf courses on a 30 mile stretch of jaw dropping coastline, East Lothian - or Scotland's Golf Coast as it is now known - may be the rival that St. Andrews didn't know it had. Being less crowded than St. Andrews and with golf courses in such close proximity to each other - unlike some parts of Ayrshire - Adams & Butler can design the perfect itinerary in East Lothian where every course can be played from the one base.

The highlights of East Lothian include the exclusive courses of Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane and The Renaissance Club. The Renaissance Club may be Scotland's most exclusive course and non-members are only allowed one visit. The "One Time Experience" allows non-members to effectively become a member for up to a week. The idea is to stay onsite, in the luxury accommodation, and play the course as many times as you like, while also getting out to play some of the other courses in the local area.

If exclusivity is not your style, then East Lothian boasts hidden gems such as Archerfield, Craigielaw, Dunbar, Glen, Kilspindie, Longniddry, Luffness New and Musselburgh Links Old. Only a 9-hole golf course, Musselburgh Links Old - the world's second oldest course - provides a truly unique experience. Situated in the middle of a working horse race track, Musselburgh Links Old should be experienced by renting a set of old hickory clubs and playing golf like those who played here since 1672. The course may not be the longest or the most difficult, but it was designed for a different time and therefore it should be experienced as if still being played in that time.

For more information click  here.
Scotland on Horseback
Horse Riding

Explore the wild, untamed landscapes of Scotland on horseback. Horse riding is a hugely popular sport in Scotland, and there are stables and riding providers based all around the country. Whether you prefer a leisurely trek, an exciting hack or a professional lesson, Adams & Butler offers a wide range of multi-day horse riding holidays in Scotland, and you can learn all there is to know about caring for these intelligent and gorgeous animals.


 
An exceptional experience Adams & Butler offers to clients is a "Horseback Castle Trail." You will ride along the small country roads, through the forests and the creeks, exploring the majestic countryside in search for all the historically wonderful castles. You will be accompanied by your own personal guide who will also be a qualified historian and will be more than capable on filling you in all the wonderful and dark secrets of each castle. These horseback tours can be tailor-made to suit your level of skill and preferred duration.


For more information click  here.
Celebrate the Highland Games
Highland Games

The Highland games have been a part of Scotland's culture for hundreds of years and are just as popular today as they have ever been; experiencing them provides a window into the Scot's sense of community, heritage and tradition. Every Highland game event has a unique character and is set in a simply stunning location. The Highland games are usually one-day events, taking place in outdoor spaces across the country. Built around traditional Highland sports such as caber toss, tug o' war and the hammer throw, these events also include dancing, music and lots of family fun such as food and craft stalls.

 

The Highland games are so popular that when Scots emigrated to other lands, they took the tradition across the world with them. Highland games have taken place in America since 1836, but also run in other countries such as Canada, Norway, New Zealand and Brazil. Yet, there's no better way to experience them than in their original country!

For a truly memorable experience, voyage to Scotland to experience this fantastic Scottish tradition with all your relatives. Adams & Butler boasts a vast portfolio of modern homes, luxurious castles, and homey, traditional country estates that can host an entire multi generational family under the comfort of one roof. The benefit of lodging in a private rental as a family, is that you can create the games for mom, pop, nieces, nephews, and grandparents alike to partake in rather than just watching them unfold from the sidelines.

One such property that serves as an excellent rental option would be the modern and brilliantly designed Aberfeldy Estate. With its perfectly situated location within the Highlands, Aberfeldy Estate offers an abundance of outdoor activities for the kids to partake in as well as a plethora of whisky distilleries for the adults to explore.  When staying at Aberfeldy Estate, Adams & Butler can also arrange for your own private Highland Games in the Cairngorms National Park, which is just at your doorstep. The family can then battle within a stunning setting to find the victor of their own Highlands games!

Alternatively, if a modern design is not what you had envisioned, why not travel back to a romantic bygone era and consider a traditional manor home to place your roots, like Ross House.  Ross House possesses a rich history.  Nestled on the banks of Loch Leven, the property exhibits sweeping views of the  Loch's castle - the place where Mary Queen of Scots was incarcerated and forced to abdicate in favor of her infant son James VI. Guests of Ross House are granted the unique opportunity to explore this iconic, historic castle and walk in the footsteps of this famous Queen herself.

Beyond Ross's history and idyllic loch locale, the property boasts stunning gardens and grounds. Adams & Butler have arranged for multi-generational families to run their very own Highland games event onsite at Ross House. Games can comprise many different activities including tossing the caber, haggis hurling, hammer throwing, farmer's dash and many more... For those families that want the full Scottish experience, a full day can be designed incorporating bagpipes, whisky tasting and much more.

For more information click  here.
Scotland Summer Itinerary
Scotland Summer | Fort William 

Adams & Butler has assembled the above experiences and excursions into one ultimate summer holiday itinerary for Scotland.  While the below itinerary can certainly be arranged, all the tours curated by Adams & Butler are bespoke in nature and tailored to the traveler's budget and interests. Please, therefore, consider this sample itinerary as a launch pad and inspiration to what we craft for your client. 

Day 1 Edinburgh
  • Arrive into Edinburgh airport. Meet your driver at the arrival hall and be transferred to the Balmoral Hotel. Today, you will meet a local expert for a private walking tour of Edinburgh. After which you will visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, which was home to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world. Now berthed in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. A self-guided tour will give you a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. Take the rest of the day to enjoy shopping on the famous Georges St and Princess St in old town Edinburgh
  • Overnight at Balmoral Hotel

Day 2 Edinburgh
  • Take today to explore the iconic sites of Scotland's capital city while taking part in Edinburgh walking food tour. With the food tour, you will meet an experienced guide, who will take you to all the wonderful local food producers who are dotted around the city. In the evening, enjoy the Royal Military Tattoo - a truly Scottish spectacle that transpires annually every August. The Edinburgh Tattoo is a spectacular like no other. A kaleidoscope of music, dance and entertainment. All set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. See your evening burst into life with a colorful blend of Scottish pipe and drum bands, highland dancers and performers from across the world. Bigger, better and more technically thrilling than ever before. A unique mix of military tradition and global cultures. This really is an experience for the senses.
  • Overnight at Balmoral Hotel

Day 3 Edinburgh, Highlands, Inverness
  • Today the driver guide will collect you from the Balmoral Hotel and together you will leave Edinburgh. You will be learning about all the different castles along the way to your next hotel, Fife Arms Braemar. Firstly, you will visit Rosslyn Chapel, where they will enjoy a tour of the castle. Once finished at Rosslyn Chapel, will continue up North, towards Stirling Castle.  Arrive in Stirling Castle and learn all about the history. After Stirling Castle, you will travel to Scone Palace. After a tour of Scone Palace, you will be transferred to the Fife Arms for the remainder of the day.
  • Overnight at The Fife Arms Braemar

Day 4 Cairngorms National Park
  • Today you will experience one of Scotland's most famous events, the Highland Games. You will be wowed by the spectacle of traditional Scottish sport, music and culture all in the one place. You will head back to your hotel for the evening to spend at your leisure.
  • Overnight at The Fife Arms Braemar

Day 5 Highlands, Inverness, Fort William
  • Time to leave the Cairngorms behind as you begin your venture west. Go by way of Inverness, one of the biggest towns in the Highlands, makes it ideal for shopping or a cup of coffee. From here make your way to Loch Ness, famed by the mythical creature that patrols its shores - Nessie - you will enjoy a private cruise along the Loch, which will include a finger food buffet and a visit to Urquhart Castle. You will be brought back to shore where you will be met by your driver guide. They will bring you on a truly scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands before reaching your destination, Inverlochy Castle. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
  • Overnight at Inverlochy Castle

Day 6   Fort William
  • Spend this morning enjoying equestrian activities at Inverlochy Castle. The region of Ben Nevis is steeped in history and heritage. Enjoy galloping today on the beautiful paths, letting the spectacular scenery captivate you. Enjoy horse riding sessions on the shores of River Lundy and into the mountains of Ben Nevis. You will then explore the greenery and scenery of Ben Nevis Mountains.
  • Overnight at Inverlochy Castle

Day 7 Fort William
  • Today, you will be experience fishing on the Loch Na Marag with a local Guide. You will start off by setting out on a private boat to go fishing for salmon or trout. You will also meet and interact with locals and enjoy a cooking class of whatever you catch. Afterwards, you will be returning to Inverlochy Castle for the last night in the magnificent property.
  • Overnight at Inverlochy Castle

Day 8 Fort William, Perthshire
  • Today you will be relaxing on the castle grounds and taking part in some activities offered on-site. After you will be transferred to the last property of your trip of Gleneagles.
  • Overnight at Gleneagles Hotel

Day 9 Perthshire
  • Spend this last day in Scotland at your own leisure, enjoying the grounds of Gleneagles. Experience a round of golf at the PGA course or enjoy some falconry lessons, you have an unlimited amount of options on this great property.
  • Overnight at Gleneagles Hotel

Day 10 Perthshire
  • Departure.
  • Enjoy a private transfer to Edinburgh for your departure flight home.

For more information click  here.

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