Heart of Scotland Holidays

16/12/2024

Falls of Falloch near Crianlarich. I love Scotland!

27/11/2024

There's now an adventure course set up inside one of the Kelpies! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17kSiNMYLS/

04/11/2024

When a guest leaves, I always rush out to find what feedback they've left us (I'm always disappointed if the form hasn't been filled in). Today's was the third time the word 'spotless' has appeared with regards to the cleanliness - if only I was as good at cleaning my own house! A sponge (for washing up) frozen into the freezer compartment of the fridge is a new one on me, though (why was it even in there?) and I've left it to defrost overnight so I can get it out of there in the morning. We had the electrician out, last week, to give us a quote for fitting heated towel rails in the units, because we thought it might be useful, so it's good to have a guest back that up!

03/11/2024

This last week was the first time we've had the Bothy attic made up as one single, with the other still made up as a day-bed, and I love how cosy it looks. The teenager who was staying up there turned round after checking it out and announced "this is awesome!" which made me so happy. I am loving seeing our guests enjoying the units we spent so long getting ready.

01/11/2024

I took a phone call, yesterday, that reminded me just how far we still have to go, as a society, in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The call was from a potential guest, checking whether, since they're gay, we'd be happy to have them and their partner stay. It's been weighing on my mind ever since.

At Heart of Scotland Holidays we welcome anyone who puts positive energy into the world, especially those who are marginalised. As a nod to this, our logo is a rainbow (tartan) heart, and each of our units has a colour theme drawn from the pride flag (we'd go with the progress flag, but there's only six units).

I find it upsetting that the call was felt necessary, because of what it implies: presumably this person (or someone they know) was, at some point, made to feel so unwelcome that it still affects them. I hate the thought that they carry the creeping fear that they're not welcome, and that the lack of welcome could turn into something darker. If you've never personally experienced that, count yourself lucky. This world is a hard enough place without people intimidating others just for living as their true selves.

For the avoidance of doubt, we welcome bookings from everyone who treats others with decency and respect.

21/10/2024

First time needing our art easel and one of our highchairs! Took me an embarrassingly long time to build them both, but it's nice to see them getting used.

11/10/2024

Last night's Aurora was pretty spectacular and visible with the naked eye from the garden, in spite of being so near the lights of Grangemouth. I took these on my mobile phone about 23:30, standing in the site. Admittedly, the show was much more vibrant in areas with darker skies, and we saw a fabulous display in Fife earlier in the evening (I'll post some of those pictures in the comments), but we were delighted to be able to see it from the garden at all.

23/09/2024

Hard to believe the Kelpies have been there for 10 years already!

Numerous draft horses gathered at the renowned Kelpies sculptures in Scotland to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the installations.

Unveiling the Majestic Kelpies: A Symbol of Scotland’s Rich Heritage

Standing proudly as a modern marvel against the picturesque backdrop of the Scottish landscape, the Kelpies sculptures have captured the hearts and imagination of visitors from around the world. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the awe-inspiring story behind the famous Kelpies sculptures, delve into their symbolism, and unravel the cultural significance that makes them an iconic representation of Scotland's rich history and heritage.

The Magnificent Kelpies: A Glimpse into Scottish Mythology

Designed by artist Andy Scott, the Kelpies sculptures are an embodiment of the mythical water horses that are said to inhabit Scotland's lochs and rivers, captivating travelers with their majestic appearance and enigmatic presence. Standing at a towering 30 meters high, these larger-than-life equine sculptures pay tribute to the importance of horses in Scottish history, symbolizing power, strength, and endurance.

The Artistic Craftsmanship Behind the Sculptures

Crafted with intricate detail and precision, the Kelpies sculptures showcase a seamless blend of artistry and engineering prowess. Constructed from stainless steel plates, each weighing a staggering 300 tonnes, the sculptures reflect the interplay of light and shadow, creating a mesmerizing effect that changes with the shifting skies of Scotland. The intricate design of the Kelpies captures the essence of movement and vitality, symbolizing the spirit of Scotland's industrial past and vibrant cultural heritage.

Exploring the Cultural Significance of the Kelpies

Beyond their striking visual appeal, the Kelpies sculptures hold a deeper meaning that resonates with Scotland's history and folklore. As guardians of the waterways, the Kelpies symbolize protection and strength, embodying the resilience and spirit of the Scottish people. The sculptures serve as a reminder of the enduring bond between humans and nature, honoring the legacy of Scotland's artisanal traditions and the timeless connection to the land.

Visiting the Kelpies: A Journey into Scotland's Past and Present

For travelers and art enthusiasts alike, a visit to the Kelpies sculptures offers a captivating experience that bridges the gap between the past and the present. Whether admiring the sculptures from afar or embarking on a guided tour to explore their intricate details up close, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the history, mythology, and cultural heritage that the Kelpies embody.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tribute to Scotland's Heritage

In conclusion, the Kelpies sculptures stand as a testament to Scotland's enduring legacy, blending art, history, and folklore into a captivating tribute to the country's rich heritage. As symbols of strength, resilience, and unity, the Kelpies inspire all who gaze upon them to embrace the spirit of Scotland and cherish the timeless traditions that define its identity.

Experience the allure of the Kelpies sculptures and embark on a journey of discovery that celebrates the artistry, mythology, and cultural significance of these magnificent equine guardians. Stand in awe of the Kelpies and witness the magic of Scotland's past and present intertwining in a symphony of steel and spirit.

May the Kelpies forever reign as icons of Scotland's majestic heritage and enduring legacy.

15/07/2024

Looking for ideas for things to get up to over the school holidays? Or need inspiration for outdoor adventure this summer? ☀️🌳

Take a look at some of our suggestions for a great day out across Falkirk here 👉 https://bit.ly/3W4GDIf

22/04/2024

Apparently Falkirk's famous horse-head sculptures, the Kelpies, have been around for ten years today!

25/12/2023

Happy Christmas, folks. Hope you all have a fabulous day!