Travelling to Scotland

By Air.
Scotland has convenient, worldwide air links with most countries via international carriers and their partners. Direct flights are available into the four international airports of Glasgow, Prestwick, Edinburgh & Aberdeen. Connections can also be made to Scotland's international and domestic airports such as Inverness & Dundee via most UK and European Airports.

By Rail.
National railways enquiries +44 (0) 8457 484950
The Trainline +44 (0) 845 300 9000 www.thetrainline.com
GNER +44 (0) 8457 225225 www.gner.co.uk
Virgin +44 (0) 8457 222333 www.virgintrains.co.uk

By Coach
National express +44 (0) 8705 808080 www.nationalexpress.co.uk

By Ferry
From Northern Ireland Seacat Scotland +44 (0) 8705 523523 www.seacontainers.com
Stena Line +44 (0) 8705 707070 www.stenaline.co.uk
P & O Ferries Irish Sea +44 (0) 990 980777 www.ferry.co.uk

Travel within Scotland
The most popular and versatile way of travelling in Scotland is by car. Hired cars can be collected at all major airports, rail stations and in many cases can be delivered to hotels etc.

Car Hire
Various operators at different locations
+44 (0) 1556 680566 carhire@blueriband-accommodation.com

By Train
Scotrail +44 (0) 8457 550033 www.scotrail.co.uk

By Coach
Scottish Citylink Coaches +44 (0) 8705 505050 www.citylink.co.uk

Private coach hire
info@blueriband-accommodation.com

By Ferry
Western Isles, Orkney & Shetland
Caledonian MacBrayne +44 (0) 1475 650100 www.calmac.co.uk
P & O Scottish Ferries +44 (0) 1224 572615 www.poscottishferries.co.uk

To call any of the above numbers from within the United Kingdom:
Remove the +44 and use the '0' at the beginning of the number.

Scotland
Feel the experience, not the crowds

Suggested Tourist Routes avoiding the trunk roads.

Bonnie Galloway 100 miles / 160 km
This route running from Gretna Green to Ayr, links the Robert Burns attractions in both Dumfries & Ayr. It also gives the visitor an introduction to the unfamiliar countryside of the Galloway Forrest Park and the industrial heritage of the Doon Valley. The Galloway Tourist Route connects with the Solway Coast Heritage Trail at Dalbeattie providing an opportunity to visit the abundance of castles, abbeys, gardens and harbours further west.

The area also has 5 major salmon rivers and some 32 golf courses and is undoubtably 'Scotland's Best Kept Secret'

On a more personal note. This area has suffered badly with the recent Foot & Mouth outbreak. It needs to get the visitors and tourists back. Come and have a look at it. I can vouch for it as I live here.

Ian Finlayson,
Blue Riband Accommodation

Clyde Valley 45 miles / 72 km
Turn off the M74 at Abington if travelling north, or Hamilton, if travelling south and you can follow the River Clyde through an area of contrasting landscapes, rich in historical interests. Visit the cluster of fascinating museums around the market town of Biggar and the Heritage site at New Lanark.

Argyll Coastal Route 150 miles / 240 km
From Tarbet on the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond climb steadily to the Rest - and - be Thankful. Descend to Inverary and continue to follow the shores of Loch Fyne to Lochgilphead. Turning south you can travel round the Mull of Kintyre. Turning north you pass the Crinan Canal on your way into Oban. From Oban cross the Connel Bridge and travel round Loch Linnhe to Fort William sitting at the foot of Ben Nevis.

North West Highlands 140 miles / 224 km
This route running from Ullapool to John O Groats boasts some of the wildest and most magnificent scenery in Europe. Wild mountains and lochs, foaming salmon rivers, Eagles riding the thermals, rugged coastlines with mighty sea cliffs and secluded sandy beaches, isolated crofts, fishing villages and bustling towns.

The Moray Firth 80 miles / 128 km
Almost in a semicircle this route takes you around three of the most beautiful inlets on the east coast of Britain. The Beauly Firth with Inverness to the south and the Black Isle to the north.. The Cromarty Firth with the majestic rock cliffs known as the sutors guarding the entrance. The Dornoch Firth with the famous Glenmorangie Distillery on the south shore and Dornoch with it's famous golf course on the north shore.

The Highland Route 120 miles / 192 km
This route takes us from Inverness down to Grantown on Spey and round the fringes of the Cairngorms to the village of Tomintoul and down through the heather clad slopes of the Lecht, before dropping down through the lovely valley of Upper Donside and into Aberdeen. This area is well known for the Whisky & Castle Trail featuring many of the Castles of Mar all of which are open to the public.

Deeside to the Fair City 110 miles / 176 km
Travel along Royal Deeside which is so called because of the connection with Balmoral Castle and the Royal Family. Travelling through the towns of Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater & Braemar and down through the pass of Glenshee climbing to over 2100 feet one of Britain's highest roads to the town of Blairgowrie famous for it's soft fruit growing. Continue over to the Fair City of Perth. Scone Palace is en route and is allways worth a visit.

Scotland
Feel the experience, not the crowds

Leisure Activities

Golf

Scotland, the land where golf began with its rolling dunes and heather lined fairways you will discover the soul of the game. Here you will gain a sense of golf's long history and long traditions. Here with help of man, nature has conspired to create truly beautiful and extraordinary settings. Here you will find genuine challenges and an unforgettable golf experience. Scotland , the home of golf welcomes you

Useful Tips………
The Golfing Season
Generally Scottish Golf starts the 1st weekend in April and runs well into October, Links courses can generally be played all year. Best weather is between May and September where moderate temperatures are ideal for golf. This is the time that the countryside is at it's best and the courses are in full bloom.

When to Play
From late May to early September it is light from 5am and does not get dark until 10.pm. For golfers it is feasible to go out for a round after an early meal. Golf Clubs generally open between 7.30-8am. Some times are reserved for members and it is advisable to telephone ahead.

What to Wear
Average Summer temperatures are around 65-75F (18-23C). A woolen sweater and waterproofs are worth keeping at hand as weather can change very quickly especially on links courses.. There are dress codes associated with most golf clubs. Jeans and collarless shirts are frowned upon although some clubs will tolerate them There are still some clubs that insist on gentlemen wearing a jacket, collar and tie into the main lounge. These are the more traditional clubs which can have wonderful golfing paraphanalia and can be worth the extra effort

Handicap Certificates
The golden rule is, if you handicap certificate and a letter of introduction from your club, do not leave home without them.

Playing the Old Course at St Andrews
To arrange a round on the Old Course you should apply in writing at least 18 months in advance to the links trust giving your full name and address, name of home club and handicap. For those that wish to simply turn up, a daily ballot system is in operation. Your name is allocated to the ballot which is posted at 4pm each day for play the following day. To enter the ballot golfers should contact the Starter or telephone +44 ( 0 ) 1334 466666 before 2pm on the day before they wish to play. Finally, you can turn up at the Starters Box and they will try and place you with a two or three ball. Golfers start queuing early in the morning but you have just as much chance in the afternoon.

For further information on playing the Old Course. www.standrews.org.uk

Why not let Blue Riband organize your next golfing trip to Scotland.

Fishing

Have you ever tasted a brown trout which has grown slowly and naturally in the peaty waters of a Highland Loch ?. Scotland's game fish will give good sport and great eating, and best of all a good healthy day out in some of the country's most scenic locations. Unless you aspire to fish for salmon on some very exclusive beat permits can be great value. Equipment is also available for hire in most tackle shops or fishing hotels. Local advice is always given free and in plenty.

Snow-sports

With so much high ground catching the winter snows, it's no wonder that Scotland has a well developed range of winter sport venues. Five ski centres cater for all levels of experience, with equipment hire and ski schools offering all levels of instruction. Scotland and winter sports go together.

Other activities include, Walking, Cycling, Mountaineering, Watersports, Horse Riding, shooting and many others. Why not let the experienced team at Blue Riband plan your next holiday for you.

Scotland
Sense the experience, not the crowds