Loch Lomond Cottages Special offers for August

SPECIAL OFFERS AT LOCH LOMOND AND TROSSACHS COTTAGES




3 Bedroom Lochside Apartment, sleeps 6


27th August 7 nights @ £550


5 Bedroom Lochside House, sleeps 10


27th August 5 nights @ £795



3 Bedroom Waterside Cottage, sleeps 6

3 Bedroom Lochside Cottage, sleeps 6

Crowds flock to Scotland's Heritage sites

SCOTS FLOCK TO HERITAGE SITES OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

Heritage sites across Scotland enjoyed two bumper four-day weekends, thanks to the Easter holiday and the Royal Wedding, according to figures released today by Historic Scotland (insert date).

Visitors flocked to the sites over the four-day Royal Wedding Weekend, marking an overall increase of 29 per cent across the Estate in comparison with the same long weekend the previous year.

There was a 45 per cent increase in visitors to Historic Scotland Sites on Friday 29^th April, the day of the Royal Wedding, and a huge 94 per cent increase on Saturday 30^th April compared with the same day in 2010.

Edinburgh Castle remained the top Historic Scotland attraction with an additional 28 per cent more visitors in comparison with the same weekend the previous year. St Andrew’s Castle enjoyed a surge in visitors, making the top five Historic Scotland sites for that weekend with an additional 99 per cent increase in visitors on the day of the Royal Wedding in comparison with the same day in 2010.

The beautiful surroundings of Inchcolm Abbey, Inchmahome Priory, and Caerlaverock Castle were particularly popular. On the day of the Royal Wedding Inchcolm Abbey saw a staggering increase in visitors of 157%, Inchmahome Priory a 91% increase, and Caerlaverock Castle, 72% in comparison with the same day last year.

Stephen Duncan, Historic Scotland’s Director of Commercial and Tourism said: “It is good to see that so many people took advantage of the fine weather over the Royal Wedding Weekend to visit our sites. Our attractions offer good value for money and make for great family days out. Historic Scotland membership works out at around £7 per month and you can visit all of the attractions and events for free 364 days a year.

“Easter was also a busy time with 55,137 visitors to our sites, an overall 17 per cent increase compared to the same weekend last year, with Loch Leven seeing the biggest growth with an increase of 128 per cent. This is particularly welcome in terms of helping local tourism economy and we hope that the forthcoming long weekend in May will be equally successful with people taking the opportunity to explore their local historic sites.

“We are now looking forward to the grand opening of Stirling Palace’s Renaissance royal palace following a £12 million refurbishment. Visitors will be able to see the royal apartments which have been returned to how they might have looked when they were the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. We hope this will provide Scotland with another major attraction which will help draw visitors from around the world.”

VISIT ST. ANDREWS CATHEDRAL

VISITORS TO ST. ANDREWS CATHEDRAL TO EXPLORE SECRETS OF ITS PAST

Visitors to St. Andrews Cathedral will be able to find out more about the secrets of the ancient site’s past at a special event this Easter.

On Sunday, 24th April, the cathedral will be offering a series of tours of its magnificent carved stone collection, which is housed in the cathedral’s crypt.

Visitors will be able to hear first hand the secrets that the stones hold from an expert in Pictish stonework who will be able to explain the markings and some of the stories associated with the site.

The cathedral is home to an outstanding collection of early-Christian and medieval carved stones as well as a fine collection of post-Reformation memorials. Pride of place is the St Andrews sarcophagus, a masterpiece of 8th-century Pictish sculpture.

Niall Robertson, at St. Andrews Cathedral said;

“The stones hold many secrets surrounding the area’s past.

“These stones were in many cases the news outlets of their day, they told the story of individuals, their achievements and the societies which they belonged to.

“The event will give members of the public the opportunity to find out more about the stones and the people who once worshiped and resided here through times of huge political and social change.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to the site for this inaugural tour.”

‘The Secrets of the Stones’ event will run at the cathedral at 11am and 14.00pm on Easter Sunday. Tours will take around 45 minutes and are included in the admission price. Numbers are limited and interested parties should call 01334 472 563 to book their place.

Winter at Loch Lomond & Trossachs Cottages

Some photos from around our cottages at Loch Katrine during the last few weeks of snow.

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