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A Love Tour of Scotland
As we continue to embrace the theme of love throughout February, it's been fascinating to find out what blows people away about our country. From ScotlandShop staff to tartan loving customers, everyone has a story to tell. Lately, I've been on the hunt to find out what fellow businesses love about Scotland and in particular how that translates into their day-to-day operations. If you've got plans to visit Scotland in the future, you might just want to take note of some of these companies!
James Campbell Tours
Founded in 2005, James Campbell Tours have been on quite a journey. Operating as an environmentally friendly tourism business, their tours are designed to benefit a wide range local businesses. Ever since providing their first tour of Scotland, they have continued to offer personalised tours, alongside discovering Scotland's hidden gems. James even took one of his New York guests to Doune Castle, which featured on well-known TV programmes such as Game of Thrones and Outlander (a ScotlandShop favourite!).
James and his family are very much at the forefront of the business and his wife, Evie, is their creative producer who even plays the music to assist their eye-catching videos! Eager to find out more about James Campbell Tours, we recently caught up with James himself and after plenty of experience working in the travel industry, we knew that he would have a few stories to tell.
We see it as a privilege to take people on a tailor-made tour of their ancestral homeland. To be part of a memorable time for our clients lives, is just one of the many pleasures of designing specialist tours of Scotland.
The phrase "tailor-made" sums up the service from James, emphasising how personal his tours really are, combining seeing some of Scotland's most scenic destinations with delving deep into your clan history. Having listened to James explaining the history of his own clan, Campbell, his knowledge really is a fantastic opportunity not to be missed. You might just learn some unknown family history of your own!
One of James' favourite places in his hometown of Edinburgh is George IV bridge and the area surrounding it and I can't blame him, my favourite bit is that you get to meet Greyfriars Bobby at the southern end of the bridge. Previously, James has taken some of his guests to more hidden parts of Edinburgh, including the village of Cramond, where there was once a Roman settlement. You can even visit the Cramond Roman Fort, as well as the remnants of a quite incredible Roman bathhouse, which was a major feature of the settlements.
What I love about Scotland is the wild and rugged landscape of the highlands and islands. The changing weather patterns throw a new light on our stunning scenery every day. It is almost like scenic beauty is another Scottish invention!
From Montana in the USA to Adelaide in South Australia, James has been lucky enough to show off Scotland to guests from all over the world. I can't say I'm not jealous! Scenery, weather and landscape - the love of these beautiful Scottish features are also shared by our ScotlandShop staff, which you can read about in our What's not to love about Scotland blog.
To find out more about James Campbell and his wonderful tour company, you can check out our episode of Anna'nother thing about tartan, where Anna sat down with James to talk about his love for all things travel, what people can expect by taking a tour with him, as well his associations with Clan Campbell.
Away From The Ordinary
Aeneas O'Hara is the founder of Away From The Ordinary and describes himself in 3 words: Highlander, Ambassador, Scotsman. I'll let you decide which one you'd want to be most! As the name suggests, Aeneas's company offer tours of Scotland that will take you to places you might not know about. There are many unique landmarks to visit in our wonderful country and as the name suggests Away From The Ordinary will help tell you their story.
Researching the theme of love throughout February, it has been clear to me that people have an attachment to Scotland. Whether they have lived here their whole life or have never stepped foot on the land of the hairy highland coos. Aeneas recently told me that connecting visitors to Scotland is one of the best things about his job.
I love helping visitors really connect with Scotland. I love seeing the undeniable attachment even first-time visitors feel to the land, which always enhances the experience. On top of that, you have the history, amazing food, incredible activities and world-class accommodation.
Away from the Ordinary prides itself on being able to offer something a little special on every trip: Something which our clients would possibly not be able to organise themselves or wouldn't even know existed. This could be a behind the scenes tour of a prized visitor attraction, or a private castle meal and stay, or even a personalised private guided tour."
You might be looking to explore the historic tales of a particular Scottish castle or you might want to stay in one for the night! Away From The Ordinary recently told the story of their 5 Favourite Scottish Castles to Stay In, including "Secret Castle". Would you want to stay in this luxurious 14th-century castle located on the banks of a river? Or do you fancy a luxurious hotel in the middle of a vibrant Scottish city?
Maybe a private whisky tasting event is more your type of event and you could even experience your very own ceilidh, where you can dance the night away to some of your favourite Scottish music!
At Away from the Ordinary, we constantly get the feedback that people don't just visit Scotland, they experience it.
I love this. I think it sums up what Scotland is all about and why people fall in love with the place as soon as they step foot here. Whether it's a clan connection or a wonderful place you just fell in love with, visiting Scotland is certainly all about the experience.
Tenon Tours
Bryan Lewis started a travel business in 1997 when he was at college in the hope of earning himself a free trip to Cancun for Spring Break. We love anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit like that! Over 20 years later, he is still working in travel and heads up American-based travel company, Tenon Tours. Although his company offers travel all over Europe, as well as other countries of the UK, he recently told me why Scotland holds a special place in his heart.
As a tour operator specializing in providing unforgettable journeys to Scotland, we are genuinely touched when our customers return with stories of how their travels have left a lasting impression on them. They are most impressed by how well-preserved the historic areas of the cities are, the ruggedness of the countryside and highlands, and how traditions have remained engrained in the culture.
It certainly gives me a sense of pride when travellers from all over the world have such nice things to say about Scotland (I don't blame them really!). A common conclusion throughout our love for Scotland research is that it offers so much variety for all kinds of people. One minute you can be embracing the naturally beautiful countryside and the next you might struggle to find your way down Edinburgh's Royal Mile because of how busy it is!
And for the traditions, Bryan?
Our visitors are excited to try the haggis, drink the whisky (and new craft gin) and explore all of what Scotland has to offer.
If you're an American tartan lover and have always dreamed of a trip across the Atlantic to our heart-warming country, then you can check out the amazing Scotland Itineraries which Tenon Tours have to offer.
So, there you have it. There are many reasons why Scotland is loved all over the world. We're hoping that people can visit our wonderful country again soon and if you're planning to do so, don't forget to pop into our Edinburgh shop to say hello!
