We left for Scotland at the end of May, fabled to be
the driest month... our
accomodation on this trip has been our 1969 Airstream
all-American vintage travel trailer. We (and it) have survived the epic
600 mile journey and have produced this fabulous new 150 minute film. Whilst not
at all aimed at
caravanners, the new DVD has a comprehensive itinerary similar to a
planned motoring holiday or classic coach tour through this wonderful
land. All set to a spirited musical score by Barnaby Smith.
See what it's
like
- watch a preview from our DVD -
press the 4-arrows button
if you want full screen playback
Part
one ~ Introduction, Glasgow
& the Drive
to Fort William ~
The
Necropolis graveyard makes an unlikely but interesting start to our
Glasgow walking tour. We pass by the Cathedral, medieval Provand's
Lordship and down to Glasgow Cross, the historic city centre. Next we walk
across Glasgow Green alongside the river Clyde and call in at the
magnificent glass Peoples Palace. Our trail then takes us into the heart
of The Second City of the Empire surrounded by magnificent
Victorian buildings, halls and shops. We take in Buchanan Street, then
Sauchiehall Street with a refreshment stop at the Willow Tea Rooms, made
famous by designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. By taking the tour bus or
Subway you can reach more of Glasgow's attractions like the Riverside
Museum, part of the shiny Clyde redevelopment complex.
Next in this chapter, we drive to magnificent Stirling Castle and find out
about its long history, including the world's oldest football! From here we travel to the pretty
village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond to take in the views. Next we
drive up into the Highlands and take the A82 through Glenfillan to reach
wild Rannoch Moor; the Kingshouse and the dramatic mountains of Glencoe.
We pitch at lovely Bunree on the shores of Loch Linnhe.
Part two ~ Fort William and
the Road to Skye
We couldn't leave Fort William without seeing the Jacobite Steam train leave
for Mallaig. The drive to Skye is an eventful one, we've hardly left
before we see the magnificent bulk of Ben Nevis. This is best viewed from
Banavie where you can also see Neptune's Staircase, the famous
flight of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal. Next is a busy viewpoint at the
Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge, with vistas of the Great Glen.
Some miles on we join the A87, the road to Skye, with multiple viewpoints
to stop at, even with a vintage caravan! A must-see is Eilean Donan
Castle before crossing the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge.
A motoring tour of Skye is on the agenda once we have pitched up. We
go to Portree, to explore the main town on the island. From here we travel
north up the Trotternish peninsula to see amazing rock formations like the
Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing. At the
top of the Island is an authentc collection of crofts which form The Skye
Museum of Island Life. We sit down and talk to The custodian and
creator, Jonathan MacDonald. Completing the island tour we call in at
Elgol, in the south west, to make a clifftop walking trail
Part Three ~ Along to Inverness
& Down to
Edinburgh
After 3 nights on Skye we travel back down the A87 to rejoin the A82 at
the Great Glen. A scenic stop at Urquhart castle is the highlight of the
journey and there is a faint possibility of a monster sighting! 2 miles
on, Drumnadrochit is home to two Nessie exhibitions. We hit the
shops at Inverness and take a look at the Castle and Cathedral. Six miles east, at Culloden,
is the site of the famous historic battlefield. We talk to site manager
Andrew Mackenzie who tells the story of the final battle between the
Hanoverians and the Jacobites in 1746.
Leaving the area, we travel south on the A9. First stop is Aviemore the
centre for outdoor activities in the Cairngorms National Park ...and host
to the Strathspey steam railway. Continuing down the A9 we arrive at the
pretty Victorian town of Pitlochry and spend a few nights there. There's
lots to see in the area and the curious fish ladder at the dam fascinates
us. Not far away is the historic village of Dunkeld and its ruined
cathedral. We take an unusual walking trail from Birnam across the river.
Travelling further south we visit the Black Watch Museum and Castle
at Perth, to discover more about my father's WWII regiment. Not to far to
go to journey's end at Edinburgh, but not without seeing the iconic Forth
Bridge first!
Part Four ~ The City of Edinburgh
The finale of our Classic Tour of Scotland. We talk to tourism director Manuela
Calchini about this much loved capital of Scotland. The first visit
has to be a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Here we learn some of its long and
violent history. Our recommended city trail takes us down the famous
Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace, taking some curious detours on the way.
Calton Hill provides the views over the city, whilst Princes Street
provides the shops and gardens. We walk into the Georgian New Town, with
planned avenues and elegant squares. Rose street is full of bars and
restaurants waiting to be discovered. Our city trail finishes at Charlotte
Square.
There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh, and many galleries and
museums to visit. Our Classic Scottish tour ends with a visit to the Royal Yacht
Britannia,
berthed at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre, Leith. We are treated to
afternoon tea on the Royal Deck, and our host Elaine shares some stories
with us as we explore this enthralling historic ship.
