July 23  

By way of the Highland Folk Museum at Kingussie, to Blair Atholl, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle enjoys one of Scotland ’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. With its roots in the 13th century, Blair Castle’s history extends over some 740 years, during which time it has welcomed countless generations of visitors. At the gateway to the Grampian Mountains on the route north to Inverness , the location was highly strategic.

The Pass of Killiecrankie This deep forested gorge used to be one of the only ways north and south. During the Jacobite uprising of 1698 government forces led by General Mackay were defeated, and one retreating soldier, Donald MacBean, bravely leaped to safety across the gorge at "Soldier's Leap", an 18 foot jump with the river Garry far below.

Explore the smallest distillery in the worlkd at Edradour, just outside Pitlochry. Carry on to Dunkeld, the fort of the Celts, which played a vital role in the early history of Scotland, both as a Royal and Religious centre. It was the original seat of the chief bishop of the mysterious kingdom of the Picts; Scotland's first king, Kenneth MacAlpin, built a stone church here early in the 9th century to house the relics of St Columba; and under King David I it was the centre of Christianity in all of Scotland. The present building was constructed between 1315 and 1501. The cathedral was plundered by the Vikings, and vandalized by the stern followers of the Reformation.

Dunkeld is a picturesque and delightful town which contains a wealth of interest.  The woodland covered hills are a favourite haunt for wild mushroom gatherers.  The town and old cathedral (mostly ruined) is well worth a visit; it's just below the A9 to the east. Dunkeld was declared the ecclesiastical capital of Scotland by Kenneth MacAlpine in 850.

In Perth visit Huntingtower Castle.  Huntingtower Castle is to be found just west of Perth beside the junction of the A9 and the A85 Crieff road. Its location is unspectacular, and the margins of Perth seem to be growing steadily out towards it. But both the grounds and the castle are beautifully cared for and what you find is a unique time capsule with a wonderful atmosphere.  Huntingtower is medieval in origin but has seen significant redevelopment during its colourful history. Two families, the Ruthvens and the Murrays, made it their home and it also played host to royalty: twice to Mary Queen of Scots and once to her son James VI, who was held against his will there for ten months in 1582 during the episode known as the Ruthven Raid

Carry on to Edinburgh to overnight  at the Channings Hotel

July 24 Edinburgh

Stop at The Palace of Holyroodhouse      This is the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty the Queen and was once home to Mary Queen of Scots. The Palace stands at the end of Edinburgh ’s Royal Mile. The Royal apartments are used by the Queen for state ceremonies and official entertaining. The new Queen’s Gallery was opened recently by Her Majesty. The Gallery provides a state-of-the-art facility to enable exhibitions of the most delicate works of art from the Royal Collection to be seen in Scotland for the first time.  As the palace is a working royal palace, opening arrangements may change at short notice.

The Scottish Parliament

A striking addition to the Old Town Skyline, the building is architecturally stunning, set among beautiful public gardens.

The Royal Mile

The famous cobbled street linking the Castle with The Palace of Holyroodhouse and passing St. Giles High Kirk, John Knox House, The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Camera Obscura and many other museums and historic buildings of interest

Depending on time divert via The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket  retains the feel of a medieval market square.  Stroll round the cobbled streets with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle . The Grassmarket was where public executions took place and the gallows site is marked by a plaque. The adjoining Victoria Street, West Bow, Candlemaker Row and West Port offer a great choice of eating places and unique shops, including traditional Scottish gifts and antiques.

Edinburgh Castle

Scotland 's top visitor attraction, stands high upon an extinct volcano. See the Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny in the Castle's Royal Apartments. Birthplace of James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots, he became the first Stuart King of England after the Union of the Crowns in 1603. Look for the tiny St. Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh 's oldest building. Listen for the One O'clock Gun, fired daily from Mills Mount Battery.

Princes Street  - Edinburgh's main shopping throughfare contrasting with the tranquility of Princes Street Gardens .

New Town  - Edinburgh 's elegant Georgian New Town designed over 200 years ago by James Craig. He was awarded a certificate, a medal and Freedom of The City for his winning design. 

Odd things in Edinburgh

Armstrongs on The Grassmarket, it's Edinburgh's largest vintage clothes shop, which has been voted one of the top 50 best vintage fashion stores by The Independent."  Recover in the Last Drop pub in Grassmarket, macabrely named after the gallows that stood there.

Haldanes Restaurant - this is a special and intimate city restaurant located in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town. Family-owned and specialising in Scottish cuisine this is a relaxed dining experience with personalised service.

"Pine and Old Lace", Victoria Street - a store you are sure to find something extra special.

Dragonfly - Located in the city's West Port and slightly off the tourist trail, this award-winning bar has an extensive and original cocktail list and stylish décor.

Number One Restaurant - Named Number One for a good reason, Jeff Bland's gourmet haunt is one of Edinburgh's smartest eateries. Make sure you try the wild Scottish salmon. Bland was awarded a Michelin star in January 2003.