Scottish Accommodation Index - Scottish History and Information

Scottish Accommodation Index

Scottish History and Information

Aberdeen Any visitor to the city will be impressed by the lively bustle of its streets and the ceaseless activity in the port. The impact of the petroleum industry is undeniable, but in some senses it should not be seen as a development which entirely breaks with the past: Aberdeen has always been a successful port city and has always had an internationally minded economy. Today this cosmopolitan University City is home to around a quarter of a million people and provides a wealth of cultural diversions for all ages. Aberdeen Accommodation

Aberfeldy is a delightful little town with ancient loch dwellings and medieval castles within a stone's throw and a charming local history, the town is a perfect location for appreciating the Perthshire Highlands. Meanwhile, those who seek more adventure can climb one of the nearby mountains, such as Ben Lawers, play on Aberfeldy's golf course, or enjoy the watersports available on Loch Tay. Aberfeldy Accommodation

Aberfoyle is the ‘Gateway to The Trossachs,’ a region famed for its beauty and history. This small town lies on the upper reaches of the River Forth, at the base of Craig Mhor and in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park: perhaps the most beautiful park in Scotland. Aberfoyle Accommodation

Ardfern is a small village situated 25 miles south of Oban, on Scotland’s rugged west coast, at the head of Loch Craignish where spectacular views of the unspoilt sea and landscapes surround. Ardfern Accommodation

Arrochar situated at Loch Long (near Loch Lomond) is famous for being the starting off point for climbing Ben Arthur, more commonly known as ‘The Cobbler', famed for the strange rock formations at its summit. Arrochar Accommodation

Arran, Isle of is caressed by the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, has a mild climate and palm trees overlooking many of its quiet beaches and sandy bays. Its landscapes play host to deer and pheasant, the air to eagles amongst over 100 species of birds, and its waters to seals and otters, yet Arran is one of Scotland's most accessible islands. Isle of Arran Accommodation

Aviemore is a small town which lies at the Cairngorm National Park's western extremity, a perfectly located mountain resort and an ideal base for exploring this unique wilderness. Two important walking routes, to Braemar through the Lairig Ghru Pass and the Speyside Way, provide challenges for even experienced walkers, whilst some of Britain's clearest waters provide a draw for anglers. Aviemore Accommodation

Ayr and Ayrshire are famous the world over as the home of Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard and a poet of international renown. It was the Ayrshire landscape which inspired some of his finest verses. Ayr Accommodation

Ballachulish lies on the shores of Loch Leven a little to the northwest of Glencoe. The village consists of three main settlements. North and South Ballachulish lie on opposite shores of a narrow stretch of water (spanned by a bridge) near the mouth of the loch. Ballachulish Accommodation

Ballater If you were to follow the River Dee inland from Aberdeen, as it meanders through Aberdeenshire hills, past Banchory and Birsemore, until the peaks of Morven appear in the north and the magnificent mountains of the Cairngorms National Park begin to loom in the west, you would come across a delightful little Victorian village called Ballater. Ballater and the surrounding area is known as ‘Royal Deeside' because Balmoral Castle, the official residence of the Royal Family in Scotland, lies further upstream. Ballater Accommodation

Balloch is the most significant settlement on, and the Gateway to, Loch Lomond. The village lies at the southern end of the loch, where the River Leven begins its journey to the Firth of Clyde. It is the village most easily accessible from the major areas of population, in particular Glasgow . It is accessible by road, rail, cycle routes and walking paths; the waters of the loch at Balloch are even used as a ‘runway' for seaplanes. Balloch is also a major berthing point for pleasure craft, which shelter in the River Leven, and a base for operators of boat cruises which take passengers around Loch Lomond's 38 scattered islands. Balloch Accommodation

Balmaha is the most important pleasure boating centre on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond. The village lies at the base of the Conic Hill in the area of the Highland Boundary Fault. To its north lie the beautiful Scottish Highlands and to the south flatter lands lead to Glasgow. To its east is the town of Drymen and west a short ferry crossing will take you to the fascinating island of Inchcailloch. Balmaha lies in an area both rich in natural beauty and steeped in history and is an important resting point on The West Highland Way, Scotland's most famous and possibly most scenic walking route. Balmaha Accommodation

Barra, Isle of is a beautiful and tranquil island, lying to the southern end of the chain of islands known as the Outer Hebrides or the Western Isles. It is remote and sparsely populated; its rugged hills, grassy spaces, golden beaches, sheer cliffs and sparkling waters are a haven for wildlife, home to sea eagles, golden eagles, puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, seals, otters and thousands of species of wild flowers. Other attractions include Aird Mhidhinis, the main fishing harbour and Feis Bharraig (the Barra festival) during July. Isle of Barra Accommodation

Biggar is a sizeable town in South Lanarkshire, around 40 miles from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, and of ancient origins. This advantageous location makes it a great base for exploring southern Scotland. Surrounded by the gentle, occasionally bleak but always beautiful landscape of the Southern Uplands it is ideal walking country. Its long history, museums, lovely buildings from several eras and great selection of pubs and restaurants mean that there is probably more to see and do here than in any other similarly sized town in Scotland. Biggar Accommodation

Black Isle, The is a peninsula, 20 miles long and 9 miles wide, connected at its western edge with the rest of the Scottish Highlands. Its highest point, Mount Eagle on the Mulbuie Ridge, gentle, green and fertile terrain, sloping fields, extensive forests and quiet bays make it a place of varied and often subtle charms. The largest settlement on the Black Isle, Cromarty, remains the best preserved 18th century fishing village in the Highland region. It is also home to an award winning museum: Cromarty Courthouse. Black Isle Accommodation

Blair Atholl is a picturesque stone village lying at the confluence of the Rivers Garry and Tilt, surrounded by mountains and glens, situated 10 miles north-east of Pitlochry. To the west of the village is the Blair Atholl estate and Blair Castle . Amongst its oldest buildings is the Water Mill, which is still in working order and now also doubles as a tea room. With all Blair Atholl has to offer, this charming old village, surrounded by mountains and history, will leave its mark on you long after you leave. Blair Atholl Accommodation

Blairgowrie is Perthshire's second biggest town. It lies on the eastern banks of the River Etrich, Gaelic for ‘beauteous river,' across from its sister town Rattray. This is an area of glens, gorges, fast flowing watercourses and beautiful mountain scenery. Meikleour, a couple of miles south, boasts the tallest hedge in the world, planted in 1746. With the establishment of the Glen Shea Ski areas, Blairgowrie became one of the principle accommodation sites for the growing industry. Blairgowrie is also famed as the centre of the country's soft fruit growing industry. All of this activity has kept this charming red brick town alive with a healthy bustle. Blairgowrie Accommodation

Boat of Garten lies in the Spey Valley, about four miles north east of Aviemore, with Loch Garten to the south and the River Spey passing by to the east. Until the river was bridged in 1898 the only way to cross the Spey was by ferry, hence the name of the village. It is an area of extraordinary natural beauty, situated in the north east of the Cairngorms National Park. The Spey Valley is a haven for wildlife: home to many rare species of plants, insects, birds, and mammals. At Loch Garten the RSPB runs The Osprey Centre. The village has become a satellite of the Aviemore Ski Areas and also attracts visitors to its famously beautiful golf course and for the splendid fishing available in the Spey. Boat of Garten Accommodation

Bute, Isle of The Isle of Bute lies in the Firth of Clyde, off Scotland's Ayrshire coast. Despite being just five miles wide and fifteen long, it is a place of great variety: divided by the Highland Boundary fault, most noticeable at Loch Fad, into low lying lands in the south and hilly terrain in the north. It is amongst the most accessible of the Scottish islands, just 40 miles southwest of Glasgow and has a kind of Hebredian beauty, with gentle hills and miles of rocky coastline and long sandy beaches. The ferry from Wemyss Bay arrives at Rothesay, its capital and largest town. Isle of Bute Accommodation

Callander is an attractive town situated at the confluence of the Rivers Teith and Leny in the heart of the Trossachs. On the edge of the Highlands, within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, this is an area of outstanding natural beauty, which has been an inspiration to many, including Sir Walter Scott. Callander Accommodation

Campbeltown lies at the head of Campbeltown Loch, a sea loch sheltered by Davaar Island, which marks the boundary between the bulky head of the Kintyre Peninsula known as the Mull of Kintyre and the rest of the peninsula. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty: of gentle hills, and a stunning coastline, which accommodates both sandy beaches and quiet bays. The exceptional quality of its Victorian buildings, its setting on the sheltered sea loch, its temperate climate and its perfect location for the exploration of the historic and beautiful Kintyre make it a popular destination. Campbeltown Accommodation

Carlisle lies on the southern bank of the River Eden, in the county of Cumberland. About a mile north are the remains of the Hadrians Wall, the greatest architectural remnant from Roman Britain and one of the most important World Heritage Sites in England, and to the north is the Solway Firth and the border with Scotland. This beautiful ancient city's proximity to Hadrians Wall and Scotland has influenced its history enormously: the town grew up as one of the northernmost outposts of the Roman empire and later as a disputed border town on a dangerous frontier between two perpetually warring kingdoms. Nowadays, the town maintains its position on the major rail and road routes between Scotland and England. Carlisle Accommodation

Carnoustie is a small coastal town ten miles east of Dundee famed for its long sandy beaches and golf courses. Carnoustie's Championship course is considered to be one of the finest in the world and has been the location of a number of thrilling Open Championships. While the story of the town is inextricably linked to golf the beauty and history of the area is rich enough to attract even those who have no interest in the game. Carnoustie Accommodation

Castle Douglas The setting of the historic town of Castle Douglas could not be prettier: at the northern end of the Carlingwark Loch in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway. An important centre and market town for this fascinating region, it is an ideal base from which to explore the gentle countryside and discover its proud history. Castle Douglas Accommodation

Culloden Very few place names stir stronger emotions than Culloden. When Scots hear it they think of more than just a location: the moor in the north of Scotland just to the east of Inverness. They think of the death of an era, a noble world view and a civilisation. They think of a heroic last stand against vastly superior forces, of claymores, blood soaked tartan, of religion, nationhood and the price of modernity. Culloden Accommodation

Doune Seven miles north west of Stirling is the little town of Doune, the historic capital of Menteith. It lies in a wooded valley at the confluence of the Ardoch Burn and the River Teith and also at the junction of the A84 and A820. Nearby are the hilly Bracs of Doune, which lead up to Callander, the forest of Glenartney and Ben Vorlich and the Doune Standing Stones. Doune is a charming old town famed for its castle, perched on a mound at the town’s south-eastern extremity. The castle will be familiar to many as a setting for Monty Python’s film The Holy Grail. Doune Accommodation

Drumnadrochit, just fifteen miles south of Inverness, is the centre of the Loch Ness Monster Industry. The