Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites - Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Join in the fun at The Antonine Wall on 18 April to mark
World Heritage Day 2012!

On World
Heritage Day, Historic Scotland’s ‘Shadows of Our Ancestors’ project will be
celebrating Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites – The Antonine Wall, The Old
and New Towns of Edinburgh, The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark and St
Kilda.

Redfield Arts
will be bringing together artworks and performances from each of these
locations in a unique celebration of the diversity and cultural significance of
Scotland’s World Heritage Sites.

This free
event will be held at the Croy Miners’ Welfare Charitable Society, at the foot
of Croy Hill, a key site on The Antonine Wall.

The event
will run from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm, and will include physical theatre
performances, guided walks along The Antonine Wall, and a special exhibition
showcasing artworks from each of Scotland’s World Heritage Sites.

There may
also be one or two surprises on the night, so don’t miss out - come along and
be a part of this special celebration!

For
information

Limited
parking will be available at the Croy Miners’ Welfare. A free Park and Ride
service will also be operating between Croy station and the Miners’ Welfare
every 20 minutes. The first departure is from 7 pm
onwards.

Please note
that if taking part in the guided tours to the Antonine Wall, we recommend that
you come prepared for the Scottish weather.

For more
information about the ‘Shadows of Our Ancestors’ World Heritage Day 2012 Project,
please visit the website www.shadows2012.co.uk

GREAT FAMILY DAYS OUT Around Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

GREAT FAMILY DAYS OUT NOW SPRING IS
HERE


Now that Spring is here, Historic
Scotland’s seasonal heritage sites are opening their doors to welcome visitors.

The 25 seasonal properties across
Scotland which will be opening to the public on 1st April range from
Arnol Blackhouse in the Outer Hebrides to the stunning Edzell Castle and Garden
in Perthshire to the 13th century Inchmaholme Priory set on an
island in the Lake of Menteith and only accessible by boat.

Visitors looking for inspiration can
visit a special web page http://www.blogger.com/www.dosomethinggreat.co.uk
and insert their postcode to find out about exciting properties in their area.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for
Culture and External Affairs said: “Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy
all that Scotland has to offer, from castles to cathedrals, cairns to standing
stones.

“Scotland’s finest heritage
attractions make for a great family day out with an opportunity to explore
Scotland’s history and heritage.

“This is the Year of Creative
Scotland 2012 and I am looking forward to many exciting events to
celebrate our amazing history and heritage.”

If you
need the bracing sea air to get rid of the winter cobwebs, Tantallon Castle in
East Lothian with its dramatic setting above the cliffs on the Firth of
Forth is the perfect location. It also offers a great view of the Bass Rock
with its colony of gannets and fulmars which nest on the cliffs below the
castle.

.Lochleven Castle in Perthshire is
associated with many colourful events and has been visited by countless
personalities during its history. Some of those taking the boat across
Loch Leven came of their own accord, including King Robert the Bruce in 1313
and 1323, but the most famous visitor was Mary Queen of Scots, who was
imprisoned there in 1567 for almost a year. Located within a National
Nature Reserve, the loch supports the largest population of breeding ducks in
Britain.
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement in Shetland provides a fascinating
insight into the way of life from the Bronze age through to the Middle Ages
with oval-shaped Bronze Age houses, Iron Age broch and wheelhouses and Viking
long-houses as well as a rich collection of artefacts

And if
you need to burn off calories before feasting on Easter Eggs, a climb up
Cairnpapple Hill, a former ceremonial site and also burial site boasts
breathtaking views over Central Scotland and even as far as Goat Fell on Arran


Stephen
Duncan, Historic Scotland’s Director of Commercial and Tourism said:

“Now that
the Easter holidays are almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to get children
away from their x boxes, make them use their imagination and have fun at one of
our fantastic sites as well as learn about Scotland’s fascinating history and
heritage.

“Historic
Scotland membership is a great way for families to enjoy great days for less
than £7:00 a month. Membership also enables free admission to all of Historic
Scotland’s 78 paid-entry visitor attractions throughout the country, as well as
free entry to a host of special events taking place at them throughout the
year, from jousting at Linlithgow Palace to medieval mayhem at Caerlaverock
Castle.”

For more
information, please visit the Historic Scotland website, www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/events

GREAT FAMILY DAYS OUT Around Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

GREAT FAMILY DAYS OUT NOW SPRING IS
HERE


Now that Spring is here, Historic
Scotland’s seasonal heritage sites are opening their doors to welcome visitors.

The 25 seasonal properties across
Scotland which will be opening to the public on 1st April range from
Arnol Blackhouse in the Outer Hebrides to the stunning Edzell Castle and Garden
in Perthshire to the 13th century Inchmaholme Priory set on an
island in the Lake of Menteith and only accessible by boat.

Visitors looking for inspiration can
visit a special web page www.dosomethinggreat.co.uk
and insert their postcode to find out about exciting properties in their area.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for
Culture and External Affairs said: “Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy
all that Scotland has to offer, from castles to cathedrals, cairns to standing
stones.

“Scotland’s finest heritage
attractions make for a great family day out with an opportunity to explore
Scotland’s history and heritage.

“This is the Year of Creative
Scotland 2012 and I am looking forward to many exciting events to
celebrate our amazing history and heritage.”

If you
need the bracing sea air to get rid of the winter cobwebs, Tantallon Castle in
East Lothian with its dramatic setting above the cliffs on the Firth of
Forth is the perfect location. It also offers a great view of the Bass Rock
with its colony of gannets and fulmars which nest on the cliffs below the
castle.

.Lochleven Castle in Perthshire is
associated with many colourful events and has been visited by countless
personalities during its history. Some of those taking the boat across
Loch Leven came of their own accord, including King Robert the Bruce in 1313
and 1323, but the most famous visitor was Mary Queen of Scots, who was
imprisoned there in 1567 for almost a year. Located within a National
Nature Reserve, the loch supports the largest population of breeding ducks in
Britain.
Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement in Shetland provides a fascinating
insight into the way of life from the Bronze age through to the Middle Ages
with oval-shaped Bronze Age houses, Iron Age broch and wheelhouses and Viking
long-houses as well as a rich collection of artefacts

And if
you need to burn off calories before feasting on Easter Eggs, a climb up
Cairnpapple Hill, a former ceremonial site and also burial site boasts
breathtaking views over Central Scotland and even as far as Goat Fell on Arran


Stephen
Duncan, Historic Scotland’s Director of Commercial and Tourism said:

“Now that
the Easter holidays are almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to get children
away from their x boxes, make them use their imagination and have fun at one of
our fantastic sites as well as learn about Scotland’s fascinating history and
heritage.

“Historic
Scotland membership is a great way for families to enjoy great days for less
than £7:00 a month. Membership also enables free admission to all of Historic
Scotland’s 78 paid-entry visitor attractions throughout the country, as well as
free entry to a host of special events taking place at them throughout the
year, from jousting at Linlithgow Palace to medieval mayhem at Caerlaverock
Castle.”

For more
information, please visit the Historic Scotland website, www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/events

The Burrell Collection, Glasgow, Scotland

Just over an hour from Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages you will find the Burrell Collection with a great collection of art and paintings. Great for a day out.

Went to the Burrell Collection and got a free tour about Paintings by the Old Masters. Heard the story about the artist and his role and then the purpose of each painting.

The painting below is from Lucas Crannoch 1472- 1553.

Boat Fishing at Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park

Boat fishing is now available again at Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.
Loch Katrine has not been fished for many years and is full of Brown Trout and Pike.
Boats are now available again for hire at Stronachlachar Pier both for fishing and for pleasure trips.
Details are available at Pier Tearoom 01877 386374
http://www.thepiertearoom.com/

Why not come at stay at Lochside House or Lochside Cottage, Waterside Cottage, Lochside Apartment at Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

For all your self catering holiday cottage and cottages and houses in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park National, Scotland. Great places for walking such as the West Highland Way along Loch Lomond. Hire a bike and enjoy cycling at Loch Katrine in the heart of the Trossachs. Visit the tourist attractions of Aberfoyle and Callander. Sailing on the Sir Walter Scott or at Kinlochard Sailing Club or Loch Earnhead.. Try quad biking at Kinlochard or Go Ape activity centre at the David Marshall Lodge Aberfoyle. Visit Loch Lomond at the Inversnaid Hotel just minutes away where you will find Rob Roys cave. Climb some of the local attractions like Ben Lomond, Ben Venue and Ben Ann. Sail on the lassy of the Lake at Loch Katrine. Enjoy tea and scones at the Pier Tea room cafe, Stronachlachar, Loch Katrine. You will find accomodation to suit all your needs. B&B bed and breakfast, hotels guest houses, self catering cottages, hostels. restaurants. Bike hire around loch Lomond and Trossachs for cycling, boats for hire. fishing boats even a seaplane on Loch Lomond. The Lake Hotel is great for Bar meals at Lake of Mentieth. The Forth in has great atmosphere at Aberfoyle friendly locals. Tourist information at Aberfoyle and Callander and woolen mills to with shops and cafe.

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.

www.lomondandtrossachs.com

SCOTLAND’S ATTRACTIONS OPEN FREE TO MARK ST ANDREW’S DAY

PRESS RELEASE FROM HISTORIC SCOTLAND

SCOTLAND’S FINEST HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS OPEN FREE FOR FOUR DAYS TO MARK ST ANDREW’S DAY

With St Andrew’s Day just a few days away, why not plan to celebrate Scotland’s national day with a visit to one of our country’s great historic sites?

Historic Scotland is offering the perfect incentive – free entry to 48 outstanding heritage attractions throughout the country for four days : Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th , Monday 29th and St Andrew’s Day itself, Tuesday 30th November.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Minister for Culture and External Affairs said: “Enjoying a visit to one of Scotland’s finest historic properties is a wonderful way to mark our country’s national day and celebrate our rich heritage and culture as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals.

“The offer of free admission, on the run-up to St Andrew’s Day and the 30th itself, will encourage and enable as many people as possible to do just that. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a memorable day out whilst appreciating and taking pride in our nation’s rich built heritage.”

The St Andrew’s free entry offer covers a selection of leading historic attractions across the length and breadth of Scotland.

This comprises sites in Orkney and the Western Isles – Skara Brae and the Arnol Blackhouse; in the North and Grampian – including Corgarff Castle, Elgin Cathedral, Fort George and Urquhart Castle; in Perthshire, Kinross and Angus - including Arbroath Abbey, Edzell Castle, and Huntingtower Castle; in the Central and West region – including Castle Campbell, Doune Castle, Iona Abbey, and Stirling Castle; in Edinburgh and the Lothians – including Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle and Dirleton Castle; in the Glasgow and Clyde region – including Bothwell Castle, Dumbarton Castle, and Glasgow Cathedral; in Fife - including Dunfermline Palace and St Andrews Cathedral, in the Borders - including Melrose Abbey and Smailholm Tower, and in Dumfries and Galloway - including Caerlaverock Castle, New Abbey Corn Mill, and Sweetheart Abbey.

Edinburgh Castle will also be getting in the St. Andrews spirit by turning blue for the duration of the free opening.

To find out your nearest participating attraction and details of opening times, you can text GO FREE to 84118. A complete listing of all properties included in the St Andrew’s free entry offer is also provided below.


Ends.


• St Andrew’s Day heralds the start of Scotland’s Winter Festival. Scotland’s Winter Festivals, which also includes Hogmanay and Burns Night, is a programme of more than 60 exciting and distinctive events designed to celebrate Scotland’s contemporary and traditional culture and promote Scotland as a year round festival destination. Find out more at www.scotlandswinterfestivals.com

• For the past four years, Historic Scotland has opened its doors for free at a wide range of its properties as part of a special Scotland-wide St Andrew’s Day promotion in celebration of our national day. This has proved extremely popular with visitors from this country and overseas and this year, the free entry offer has been extended to four days.

• Historic Scotland sites open free are:
Arbroath Abbey
•Arnol Blackhouse (not open on 28th November, Sunday)
•Blackness Castle
•Bothwell Castle
•Caerlaverock Castle
•Cardoness Castle
•Castle Campbell
•Corgarff Castle
•Craigmillar Castle
•Craignethan Castle
•Dallas Dhu Distillery
•Dirleton Castle
•Doune Castle
•Dryburgh Abbey
•Duff House
•Dumbarton Castle
•Dunblane Cathedral
•Dunfermline Palace
•Dundrennan Abbey
•Dunstaffnage Castle
•Edinburgh Castle
•Edzell Castle
•Elgin Cathedral
•Fort George
•Glasgow Cathedral (normally a donation only based site without admission charges)
•Huntingtower Castle
•Huntly Castle
•Iona Abbey
•Jedburgh Abbey
•Linlithgow Palace
•Maeshowe Visitor Centre
•Melrose Abbey
•New Abbey Corn Mill
•Rothesay Castle
•Skara Brae
•Smailholm Tower
•Spynie Palace
•St Andrews Castle
•St Andrews Cathedral
•St Vigeans
•Stanley Mills
•Stirling Castle
•Sweetheart Abbey
•Tantallon Castle
•Tolquhon Castle
•Trinity House
•Urquhart Castle

Opening times for Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle are from 9.30am to 5pm. For all other properties listed above, opening times are from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Marketing our Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Loch Lomond and Trossachs

Trying to find the best way of promoting our self catering holiday cottages is always an area of concern because although what you have in place may be effective now, there is no guarantee this will still work in the future. The methods of business promotion are constantly changing, for example when we first started the internet was almost non existant as a means of advertising our lochside holiday cottages, we had to advertise in the brochure of the holiday cottage agencies.

Now we have our own websites with online bookings etc http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/ that work very effectively along side the agencies and their websites and brochures. We are now slowly entering the new era of using Flicker, Twitter, Facebook.

The problem is now deciding if we should continue to stay with the agencies and pay their high commission fees or risk using only our own sites. The benefits are we would save about £10000 some of which could be used to fund our own marketing initiatives. We also already have one cottage Waterside Cottage which is independant from the agencies and is generally fully booked each year. The anxiety is that the level of booking would drop and and cost more than the commission.

Oh the joys of business planning.

Whisky Tasting at Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Enjoy a Whisky tasting session at the cottage

For an evening of fun, entertainment and a bit of learning you just can't beat a whisky tasting!

Hosted by a local whisky ambassador from Ealain Gallery Whisky Club http://www.ealaingallery.co.uk , enjoy these informal whisky tasting events in the comfort of our luxury cottages.

Enjoy an evening with knowledgeable and friendly whisky tutors...who will guide you through
5/6 malts of your choice, be that a whisky region, distillery or a tour around the country, the
choice is endless. Focusing on providing the juicy details you really want to know, letting you
in on a few distillery secrets and stories.

A tasting lasts around two hours. It could be pre or post dinner, or even as part of the meal with
the whisky selected completing the food.

3/4 nights in Nov / Dec @ £295 - sleeps 6, including Whisky Tasting session



Lochside Apartment Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs Cottages
3 Bedroom Self catering just 10 yards from Loch Katrine in the Loch lomond and Trossachs Park.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Lochside Apartment, 3 bedroom sleeps 6

Loch Katrine Lady of the Lake Winter sailings

Sparkling Winter Weekends at Loch Katrine
SAILING DATES – WINTER 2010/11
(November 2010 to March 2011)
‘Lady of the Lake’ will depart Trossachs Pier on the following dates

Saturday and Sunday

•6th and 7th November
•13th and 14th November
•20th and 21st November
•27th and 28th November
•4th and 5th December
•11th and 12th December
•18th and 19th December
SAILINGS EVERY DAY – 27th December 2010 until 2nd January 2011

Saturday and Sunday

•12th and 13th February
•19th and 20th February
•26th and 27th February
•5th and 6th March
•12th and 13th March
•19th and 20th March
•26th and 27th March
•ADULT FARE - £10.00
•CONCESSION FARE - £9.00
•CHILD (u.16) FARE - £7.00

Tel(01877) 332000

•Panoramic Cruises on ‘Lady of the Lake’
•Fully heated saloon with exhilarating views of Loch Katrine
•20% OFF on all Family Tickets(*)
•10% Winter Savings on Family Cycle Hire with Katrinewheelz
•Katrine Café for lunch and refreshments – Enjoy a FREE Piacetto Coffee or Sir Henry tea with your lunch. (Subject to Minimum Spend: £5.00 per person)
Katrine Café, Katrinewheelz and Katrine Gifts Open on all Sailing Days - 11.00am until 3.00pm. ‘Lady of the Lake’ departing on all Sailing Days at 1.30pm (1-hour cruise)

(*) Discount available on all bookings for 2 adults travelling with one or more child (aged under 16). Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Sailings are subject to revision due to weather conditions, operational reasons, or passenger numbers.

Group Reservations Available Call (01877) 332000. Hire ‘Lady of the Lake’ for your own exclusive cruise – Full on-board catering services available.

Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages, Loch Katrine

Autumn brings out the best in the Trossachs !
By Nick Mitchell Scotsman Newspaper 21st October 2010

The Trossachs has a sleepy charm of its own that is best discovered in the autumn months.

• Sailing out on Loch Katrine

A visit to the secluded forests and calm lochs at this time of year will be rewarded with an endless array of reds and oranges as the trees stage their annual, fleeting burst of colour.

A good place to start is by taking a boat trip on Loch Katrine. Until the end of October they have daily sailings for tourists and day-trippers departing from the the eastern edge of the waters.

The small jetty and visitor centre is just a short drive from Callendar, which is itself easily accessible from Glasgow and the central belt, making it an ideal destination if you want to spend an afternoon away from the urban hubbub.

• On board the evocative Sir Walter Scott steamship

We made it just in time for the 1.30pm cruise on the Steamship Sir Walter Scott, which took us about halfway out and back in just under an hour.

The steamship itself is an item of historical note. It has been sailing these waters since 1898, when it was transported piece by piece from Dumbarton, and is now believed to be the UK's first green passenger vessel after it was recently refurbished to run on biofuel.

• Looking west towards Stronachlachar

The famous 19th century writer from which the vessel takes its name centred his 1810 narrative poem The Lady of the Lake around Loch Katrine, which he describes in a memorable line as "one burnished sheet of living gold".

It's not hard to see why this peaceful stretch of water inspired Scott as you sail past deserted, rocky little islets and ancient forests mirrored at the water's edge.

• White farm houses nestle on the northern shores of the loch

Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor is said to have been born in a 17th century stone cottage at Glengyle at the head of Katrine, and we were told by one of the guides during our cruise that the idyllic farm houses on the banks of the loch were once used as hide-outs during the Jacobite uprising.

But beneath the romantic allure of Loch Katrine is a vital function. The loch supplies the bulk of Glasgow's drinking water and several islands were submerged when the water level was artificially raised six feet for the purpose.


• The late afternoon sun shimmers on the loch

Having left Loch Katrine by three o'clock, there's still plenty of time to take in the surrounding area with a drive around the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. This area of protected woodland and moorland runs from the east shore of Loch Lomond to the rugged terrain of Strathyre and is a worthwhile detour from the main road.

The roadside views of golden forests reflected in glassy lochs is a sight to behold, and more than a little reminiscent of similar picture postcard scenes in the Canadian Rockies.





• A view of the amusingly named Loch Drunkie in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

From here on we continued up and over the Duke's Pass, past the David Marshall Lodge and down into Aberfoyle, where you can grab a bite to eat and set off for a much less scenic drive home.

.....End of article.....

Why not come and stay at Lochside House 10 yards from Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Stirling Castle, Loch lomond and trossachs Cottages at Loch Katrine

PRESS RELEASE
DATE: 05/10/10

STEP BACK IN TIME TO THE 17TH CENTURY - AND THE SIEGE OF STIRLING CASTLE

Stirling Castle on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October

The year is 1651 and Stirling Castle is under siege. Scotland has been defeated by the Auld Enemy at the Battle of Dunbar, the English army has invaded the south of the country and is desperate to lay claim to the majestic stronghold of Stirling which guards the route north.

Come along to Stirling Castle on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October and step back in time to the days of the Covenanters and this crucial period in the history of both the castle and Scotland.

The two-day Holding Scotland For The King 1651 family event revisits this important siege -which heralded the rapid collapse of Scottish control in the face of the English invasion – and brings to life the characters and weapons of both the Scots and English troops of the period.

A large cast of historical interpreters and costumed performers will be staging a spectacular series of colourful parades, with artillery and firepower displays, musketry exchanges and pike drill, and static tableaux providing an insight into battle camp and garrison life.

Events Manager Nick Finnigan says: “The 1651 siege of Stirling Castle, although brief, was incredibly important and marked a turning point in the history of our country. Our costumed performers will be highlighting the background – why Scotland was at war with England and the eventual outcome - illustrating what military life would have been like for the troops involved, and demonstrating a variety of interesting aspects such as the weaponry and costume of the period.”

The programme for both days is as follows:

 12:00 Opening parade into the castle from the Esplanade and welcome in the Inner Close.
 12:30 Story of the siege in the Great Hall
 13:00 The Siege begins - musket skirmish from the walls
 13:30 The clothes of the mid-17th century – Great
 14:00 Artillery display
 14:30 Pike drill
 15:00 Parade of musketeers and display of
 15:30 The soldiers of the 17th century
 16:00 Display of firepower featuring cannons and muskets and culminating in the closing parade of the army out of the castle

Holding Scotland For The King 1651 is on from 12.00 noon to 4pm on both days, with all the entertainment and activities included in Stirling Castle’s normal admission price: adults, £9.00, concessions £7.20, children £5.40, and free for Historic Scotland Members.

 Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. From the castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views over two of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Stirling Bridge (1297) and Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town, off M9 junction 9 or 10. Tel: 01786 450000. For details of opening times and further information on the castle, visit www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk.
 Major conservation work has been carried out at Stirling Castle over many years to preserve the attraction as a major national and international monument. An ambitious £12 million scheme, the Stirling Castle Palace Project, is currently underway (due for completion in Spring 2011) to restore and refurbish the Royal Palace at Stirling and present the Royal Lodgings as they might have appeared in the heyday of Scotland’s Stewart court in the mid 16th century. An interpretive display on the court of James V will be created in the palace vaults and a Renaissance Gallery on the upper floors of the palace will house the original Stirling Heads, a rare group of intricately carved oak ceiling medallions depicting kings,queens, courtiers and mythological creatures. Costumed interpreters will bring to life the history of the 16th century to enrich visitors’ enjoyment.

 Stirling Castle is one of the most popular of 345 outstanding heritage properties and sites in the care of Historic Scotland. Ranging from prehistoric dwellings to medieval castles, and from cathedrals to industrial buildings, these include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country.For further details of all of Historic Scotland’s sites visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places

 Historic Scotland’s Mission is: to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment and to promote its understanding and enjoyment.

Callander Jazz Festival near Loch Lomond and trossachs cottages

http://www.callanderjazz.com/

Fri 1st - Sun 3rd October

The 5th annual Callander Jazz and Blues Festival will take place over the weekend of 1st / 2nd / 3rd October 2010. The Festival Event is centred in the Trossachs town of Callander which is the eastern gateway to the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park an area of outstanding scenic beauty and historical interest.

This years musical event stages over 50 live performances spread over 22 venues and features a host of local, national, and international musicians playing live for you entertainment and appreciation every style of jazz and blues music with just a hint of soul thrown in.
A long weekend of superb live music with constant performances plus Jazz Cruising, Jazz Parades, Open Mic Sessions for both jazz and blues vocalists and instrumentalists, workshops hosted by professional musicians even an inter-denominational Jazz Church Service.
The Callander Jazz and Blues Festival is now firmly established on the UK Festival map and is one of the largest rural music festival events in Scotland. Visit the Heart of Scotland and experience a weekend of first class entertainment amongst the early Autumn splendour of the Trossachs.


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Join the Jazz Cruise
One of the highlights of the Callander Jazz Festival is The Jazz Cruise on the SS Sir Walter Scott on beautiful Loch Katrine. 2 hours cruisng the 7 miles of Loch Katrine listening to the band with refreshments served on board. Take in the stunning views of Ben Venue and Glen Gyle, once the home of Rob Roy MacGregor.

There is a covered sun lounge area and a viewing deck and lounge should the weather be inclement.

Spaces are limited therefore booking in advance is highly recommended. This was a great day out in 2009 as the weather was sunny and everyone had a great time listen to Winstone's Pennine Jazz Band.

Specials at Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

SPECIAL OFFERS AT LOCH LOMOND AND TROSSACHS COTTAGES

3 Bedroom Waterside Cottage, sleeps 6

OCTOBER 22nd 3 nights @ £350

5 Bedroom Lochside House, sleeps 10

SEPTEMBER 11th 7 NIGHTS @£650

3 Bedroom Lochside Apartment, sleeps 6

11 Sepember 2 nights @ £220 sleeps 6

17 September 3 nights @ £270 sleeps 6

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Waterside Cottage a lochside Cottage, Lomond and Trossachs

Waterside Cottage, Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park

3 bedroom Cottage just 10 yards from Loch Katrine with great loch views.

7 nights from 27th August for Special rate of £ 600

Late Deal Waterside Cottage, Lomond and Trossachs Cottage

Late deal at Waterside Cottage 3 Bedroom cottage 10 yards from the water at Loch Katrine in the Lomond & Trossachs Park. Sleeps 6.

27th August 7 nights for £600

Call 0141 644 0914 or 07590 010860

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/

Local events around Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages

Details from Historic Scotland Summer Magazine about local events in and around Loch Lomond and Trossachs Cottages.

This information is provide for guests of Lochside House, Lochside Cottage, Lochside Apartment and Waterside Cottage at Loch Katrine, Lomond and Trossachs.

http://www.lomondandtrossachs.com/