Bruce has teamed up with his friends at Scotland Folk Tours to put together a fantastic eleven days with a small group of up to 25 people. He’ll take you to some of his favourite places and tell you stories along the way. You’ll enjoy a Scottish stand-up comedy show and a ceilidh and some great food and drink along the way.

Arrival to Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotlands staggering and stunning capital!

We will provide detailed instructions and options on how to get to the hotel from the airport. As passengers arrive at different times, everyone can make their own way to the city centre hotel, check in, get settled and unwind until the welcome dinner. Relax, or take this moment to acquaint yourself with the nearby shops, cafes and pubs.

Accommodation check-in - Frederick House Hotel

Welcome Dinner and Music - The Outsider

Bruce will meet you in the hotel lobby and will walk you all to a nearby restaurant, where you will enjoy your first meal as a group. The Outsider is in the heart of the old town and is a great space with spectacular views across Edinburgh. It has incredible locally sourced ingredients and tries to source everything as close to Edinburgh as possible. 

Take this as a great opportunity to try some traditional Scottish haggis, local ales and craft lagers. This will be a relaxed moment for us to be properly introduced and for Bruce to discuss the plan for the coming days on the tour.

After some food, if you feel like staying out longer, we will wander through the Old Town to a cosy pub and enjoy some live music.

Journey to Peebles

After checking out of our accommodation we will begin our journey east and south towards our next base of Peebles. On the way we will have lots of history, tales, and stops to start shaping the story of Scotland. 

Craigmillar Castle

Step inside Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’, which stood a mile outside the old city walls, providing a retreat from Scotland’s capital. Craigmillar Castle was close to the political cauldron of Edinburgh, but pleasingly separate from it.

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel has enjoyed a rich, and sometimes turbulent, history. Founded in 1446 as a family chapel, the building was incomplete when the founder, Sir William St Clair, died in 1484. His son, Sir Oliver St Clair, roofed the choir with its stone vault but did not complete his father’s original design.

Following the Reformation, the Chapel fell into disrepair and, in 1650, Cromwell’s troops attacked Rosslyn Castle and stabled their horses inside the Chapel.

Following a period of Victorian repair and restoration, the Chapel was rededicated in 1862 and weekly services began again.

Lunch stop somewhere special

Traquair House

Welcome to Traquair, Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House. Visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens Traquair dates back to 1107 and has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491.

Originally a royal hunting lodge, Traquair played host to Mary Queen of Scots and later as staunch Catholics they supported the Jacobite cause without counting the cost.

Accommodation check-in - Peebles Hydro

Depart Peebles for Journey south - Beyond the Border!

Today we head into English territory and the stories delve millennia further - into the times of the Romans. 

Gilknockie Tower for photos and coffee

Steel Rigs for Hadrian's Wall Photo Stop

Vindolanda Archaeological Site & Roman Camp

Once we arrive, we'll receive a tour, then be given free time to explore and have lunch at their delicious and beautiful cafe. 

Vindolanda lies just to the south of the curtain wall of Hadrian's Wall and has a very different ‘feel’ to other sites along the Wall. It lies upon the first Roman frontier in the north – The Stanegate Road and in a stunning landscape which lets your imagination really connect with its past. You will probably visit Vindolanda by driving or walking along this road to reach the fort and museum. Although first built by the Roman army before Hadrian’s Wall Vindolanda became an important construction and garrison base for the Wall, a Hadrian’s Wall fort in its own right. During this time Vindolanda was demolished and completely re-built no fewer than nine times. Each re-build, each community, leaving their own distinctive mark on the landscape and archaeology of the site.

Jedburgh Abbey & Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre

Jedburgh Abbey:

Explore one of four great abbeys established in the Scottish Borders in the 1100s. Built over more than 70 years, Jedburgh is striking for its unusual mix of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.

Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre:

Set in the centre of historic Jedburgh, this 16th century towerhouse tells the story of Scotland's tragic queen. Mary's month here in Jedburgh in 1566 was a turning point in her life. A fine display of paintings, objects and textiles associated with her explores not only her life and times, but the cult that has grown up around her.

Return to Peebles for Free Evening

Depart Hotel for the coast

Dryburgh Abbey

Perhaps the most beautiful of all the Border Abbeys, the ruins of Dryburgh Abbey are remarkably complete and surrounded by beautiful grounds.

First established in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey became the premier house in Scotland of the Premonstratensian order and today continues to have peaceful atmosphere.

Despite having been set on fire three times, the chapter house features paintwork that dates back to its construction and today boasts some of the best Gothic architecture in Scotland.

Abbotsford House - Home of Sir Walter Scott

Standing on the banks of the River Tweed, Abbotsford was Sir Walter Scott’s creation and, after his death in 1832, somewhere visited by millions. It was built on the proceeds of a phenomenally successful literary career, and Scott became determined to keep it in his family as he worked to pay off huge debts after near-bankruptcy in 1825. Abbotsford is an enduring monument to the tastes, talents and personal tragedies of its creator.

Scott was an obsessive collector of books, artefacts, weaponry and more, much of which can still be seen in the Abbotsford Collections. But his home was his most cherished possession, ‘the Delilah of his imagination’, his ‘Conundrum Castle’ and ‘flibbertigibbet of a house’ that would ‘suit none but an antiquary.’ Its architecture and interior design made it an iconic building of the 19th century Scottish Baronial style, and it remains a key site in the history of European Romanticism.

Photo Stop - William Wallace Statue

On a hill overlooking the River Tweed near Melrose is a striking statue of William Wallace (perhaps equally well known to modern readers as 'Braveheart'). The statue, erected in 1814, is just a few hundred yards from the ruins of historic Dryburgh Abbey and a very short distance from Scott's View, a popular viewpoint named for its links to author Sir Walter Scott, who is buried at Dryburgh.

Photo Stop at Scot's View

Berick-upon-Tweed

Some of the best coastal fish and chips and ice cream can be found along the beaches of Berick-upon-Tweed.

Berwick-upon-Tweed is a place full of unexpected sights and un-explored places. Adventuring down alleyways, stumbling upon hidden courtyards, climbing up a sand dune, peering at medieval remains – there’s always a view you haven’t seen or a story you haven’t heard.

Return to Peebles for a Free Evening

Check out of Accommodation in Peebles

Great Polish Map of Scotland

The Great Polish Map of Scotland is a large (50 m x 40 m) three-dimensional, outdoor concrete scale model of Scotland. It is also known as the Mapa Scotland (derived from Polish mapa Szkocji) or the Barony Map.

The brainchild of Polish war veteran Jan Tomasik, it was built between 1974 and 1979 and is claimed to be the world’s largest terrain relief model.

The sculpture is a category B listed building and is being restored by Mapa Scotland.

Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House is often referred to as Scotland’s Finest Stately Home and it is also a five-star Visitor Attraction, testament to the friendly team and its aim of providing an exceptional customer experience.

As you approach Hopetoun House, the impressive panoramic view of the main facade is breathtakingly revealed. Designed by William Bruce and then altered and extended by William Adam, Hopetoun House is one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture in Britain.

The magnificent interiors which have remained virtually unchanged for three centuries reflect the elegance of the Georgian era and are decorated with the best period furniture, paintings, tapestries and clocks, with beautifully crafted finishes of carving, gilding and plaster work.

Lunch at Hopetoun

Stirling Castle

Stirling castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around. It towers over some of the most important battlefields of Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer of 1314.

Accommodation check-in - DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane

Free Day!

Today you have the morning and afternoon off to do some exploring on your own. We highly recommend taking the train to Glasgow, or perhaps back to Edinburgh. Our hotel is only a 15 minute walk to the train station, which makes it very easy to explore the village of Dunblane and beyond, if you so choose. 

Be sure to be back for the evening, as we have a comedy show-case planned!

Comedy Show at Victoria Halls

Welcome to a night of Scottish comedy as Bruce brings on the laughter. Get ready to let loose with more than a few chuckles... We’ll be joined in the audience by other local folks so you can enjoy an authentic taste of Scotland.

Battle of Bannockburn Site

Follow in the footsteps of Robert the Bruce in the memorial park and see the spot where he raised his royal standard - on the site of his greatest victory.

Find out how warriors, pages, knights and civilians on either side of the conflict became involved and what role they played. Discover more about the two opposing kings, whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotland’s history, forever.

Tour of Broomhall House by Lord Bruce!

Broomhall is a hugely significant building in the history of Scottish architecture and one of Scotland’s grandest houses. It has been a private family home for more than 300 years and continues to be lived in, cherished and cared for by the family of King Robert the Bruce.

We'll be given a private tour by none other than the current Lord Bruce himself! 

Dunfermline Abbey

Some of Scotland’s greatest medieval monarchs were laid to rest at Dunfermline Abbey. Founded as a priory, Dunfermline was made an abbey by David I and later became a royal mausoleum.

Following the Protestant Reformation of 1560, Queen Anna of Denmark created an imposing palace with the monastic guesthouse at its heart. Charles I was delivered here in 1600 – the last monarch to be born in Scotland.

Beautiful Scenic Route on the journey back to Dunblane

Return to Dunblane for Free Evening

Scone Palace

In the 400 years since the family first lived at Scone, the place has meant many things to many people. Great ceremonies and affairs of state have been conducted here. Generations of Murrays have made it their family home. It continues, as it always has done, to provide a secure livelihood for many who live locally. Today it also offers a unique first-hand experience of Scotland's heritage to the thousands who visit us each year. We look forward to welcoming you to the Crowning Place of Scottish Kings and the original home of the Stone of Scone, aka the Stone of Destiny.

Croft Moraig Stone Circle

We'll get to visit a real life Highland stone circle. Croft Moraig, near Aberfeldy in Perthshire, with its concentric rings and outliers on an artificial platform is a true wonder. 

Nestled in the Perthshire Highlands along the banks of the River Tay Neolithic man created something mysterious and magical, which persists even today. 

Loch Tay

Loch Tay is a magnificent dark stretch of water, 15 miles (24 km) long and around 508 ft deep.

It’s the largest loch in Perthshire and one of the deepest in Scotland. To the north, the loch is flanked by the impressive bulk of the Ben Lawers mountain range, much of which is designated as a National Nature Reserve. The main A827 road runs high above the loch, west from Kenmore. The contours are gentler on the southern shore and Sustrans Cycle Route Number 7 runs along a quiet unclassified road.

It's hard to believe that ancient settlers once lived on Loch Tay, inhabiting artificially created islands known as crannogs. There are eighteen crannogs on Loch Tay, most are now submerged but a large crannog near the northern shore at Kenmore can be clearly seen. This was the ancient burial place of Queen Sybilla, wife of Alexander King of Scots.

Return to Dunblane for Free Evening

Check out of our accommodation in Dunblane

Depart Dunblane for Journey North

Dukes Pass

Embark on a thrilling journey along the famed Duke's Pass, an exhilarating route that winds its way through the stunning landscapes of Aberfoyle in Scotland. As you traverse this scenic road, prepare to be captivated by nature's grandeur at every turn. Towering mountains and lush forests. 

Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine, nestled in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, is a true gem that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and rich historical significance. Renowned for its tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings, Loch Katrine offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Loch Katrine boat trip

Embark on a captivating boat trip across the enchanting waters of Loch Katrine, nestled amidst Scotland's majestic Highlands. As you set sail, be prepared to be mesmerized by the serene beauty that surrounds you. The gentle lapping of the waves, the panoramic vistas of rolling hills, and the ever-changing colors of the landscape create an ambiance of tranquility and awe. Sit back and relax as you glide across the sparkling waters, immersing yourself in the timeless allure of this legendary Loch. A boat trip on Loch Katrine is a truly immersive experience, offering a glimpse into the sublime natural wonders that Scotland has to offer.

Kilmahog Hairy Coo Photo Stop

Quick stop to feed and get photos with the Hairy Coos!

Glencoe

Upon reaching Glencoe will face some of the most remarkable scenes of natural beauty. Surrounded by breathtakingly stunning mountains, the road we will travel is a real treat as we journey through the centre of this spectacle. Regardless of the season, this place is something really special.

Fort William

A big welcome awaits you in Fort William - the Outdoor Capital of the UK. We are world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course we have the highest mountain in the UK. Fort William and Lochaber is also one of the most historic places in Scotland - the Jacobites, Glenfinnan and the Old Fort William and Inverlochy Castle ruin are just a few examples of our amazing history.

Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands along with the villages of Inverlochy, Caol, Banavie and Corpach which make up the greater township around the shore of beautiful Loch Linnhe.

Accommodation Check-in - West End Hotel

Depart accommodations early

Ferry to Skye

A magical day on the Isle of Skye

A magical day on the Isle of Skye awaits!

Please note, this day will be a long one (but worth every second). We will be departing early and getting back to the accommodation a bit later than the rest of the tour. Be prepared.

This day is dedicated to one whole day exploring on the Isle of Skye.

We'll see many incredible sites on the island, giving you history, folklore and just breathtaking sites.

Halfway through the day we'll make our way to Portree for lunch, before continuing our explorations. 

Return to Fort William for Free Evening

Check out of accommodation - Fort William

The Dalwhinnie Distillery tour

Located in the Scottish Highlands, the distillery offers you the chance to learn about the art of whisky making and to sample some of the finest whiskies in Scotland. The tour includes a visit to the distillery's production areas, as well as a tasting of some of its most popular whiskies. With its stunning location and rich history, the Dalwhinnie Distillery tour is a perfect way to experience Scotland's famous whisky culture.

The lovely village of Dunkeld.

The majestic Dunkeld Cathedral dominates this picturesque Perthshire village. Today, part ruin and part parish church, the cathedral features the tomb of the notorious 'Wolf of Badenoch'! Nearby, walk along Atholl Street's variety of specialist shops or take a walk down by the river, which provides excellent views of Thomas Telford's Dunkeld Bridge.

Accommodation Check-in - Frederick House Hotel

Birthday Celebration / Farewell Dinner at Edinburgh's Ghillie Dhu!

This night will be one to remember!

Time to wind down and reminisce on all of the good times you had throughout the tour, while enjoying some incredible food and drinks at one of the best spots in Edinburgh.

The evening will include a 3 course meal, drinks, a live band and ceilidh! Don't worry if you don't know the dances, the caller will be sure you do. Complete with a full bar, there will be many laughs, and possibly some sore shins by the end of it. 

Independent check out and departures. 

We hope you had a great time and we look forward to seeing you again!