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David & I just returned from our two week holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Our first week (actually 6 nights) was at the MacDonald Spey Valley CC (aka "Dalfaber") resort. We were very happy with the unit (a 1BR cottage) and location (Aviemore).
Our second week (also 6 nights) was a return to the Moness Country Club in Aberfeldy. This was a return trip for us, as we were there back in 2006.
I have posted reviews (plus some photos) here on TUG for those who are actually members and who have access to them.
We found late March to be a fine time to be in Scotland. While some of the more remote and unknown historical sites were not yet open for tourist season, it was nice to be able to visit others without a lot of visitors. The downside to shoulder season, is that several of the places we wanted to visit were under renovation/restoration before the full summer season arrives. That said, we were still able to see and do a lot during our 13 days there!
I would encourage anyone considering a visit to the UK to look into their heritage pass programs. I believe Britain, Ireland and Scotland each have their own. Also note that the heritage pass in the US is also accepted thanks to a reciprocity program. But beware, there are multiple groups with these visitors' passes. Sites often belong to one or the other . . . and which places you plan to visit will help you decide which, if any, pass will be the best value for you.
We used our "Historic Environment Scotland" pass just enough to "break even" on it. Instead of buying the "Historic Trust of Scotland" pass, we purchased and used the National Trust for Historic Preservation (here in the USA) pass for the reciprocal benefits. The cost of the US pass was about a 70% savings as compared to the one for Scotland . . . plus we now have the pass for use at US heritage locations, plus others abroad, for the next 11 months.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite photos from the trip!
Urquhart Castle, on the Loch Ness, near Inverness
Our second week (also 6 nights) was a return to the Moness Country Club in Aberfeldy. This was a return trip for us, as we were there back in 2006.
I have posted reviews (plus some photos) here on TUG for those who are actually members and who have access to them.
We found late March to be a fine time to be in Scotland. While some of the more remote and unknown historical sites were not yet open for tourist season, it was nice to be able to visit others without a lot of visitors. The downside to shoulder season, is that several of the places we wanted to visit were under renovation/restoration before the full summer season arrives. That said, we were still able to see and do a lot during our 13 days there!
I would encourage anyone considering a visit to the UK to look into their heritage pass programs. I believe Britain, Ireland and Scotland each have their own. Also note that the heritage pass in the US is also accepted thanks to a reciprocity program. But beware, there are multiple groups with these visitors' passes. Sites often belong to one or the other . . . and which places you plan to visit will help you decide which, if any, pass will be the best value for you.
We used our "Historic Environment Scotland" pass just enough to "break even" on it. Instead of buying the "Historic Trust of Scotland" pass, we purchased and used the National Trust for Historic Preservation (here in the USA) pass for the reciprocal benefits. The cost of the US pass was about a 70% savings as compared to the one for Scotland . . . plus we now have the pass for use at US heritage locations, plus others abroad, for the next 11 months.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite photos from the trip!
Urquhart Castle, on the Loch Ness, near Inverness
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