Bespoke Scotland Tours St. Andrews

13/04/2025

10/04/2025

Moon over the river Tay this morning

09/04/2025

09/04/2025

Today is 705 years since the sealing of the Declaration of Arbroath. That was a letter from the Barons of Scotland to the Pope, setting out all the reasons that Scotland should stay Scotland and Edward II of England should back off and be happy with what he already had.

It's thought to have been written by Bernard of Linton, the Abbot of Arbroath, and has become known as one of the defining moments in Scottish History.

As well as declaring all the reasons Scotland should remain independent and outlining all of the atrocities committed against them, the letter explains why Robert the Bruce is considered their rightful King instead of his predecessor John Balliol who was still alive and well.

It's the very fact that Robert stood up for his country when it needed him and claims that if he ever acted differently, then the community of Scotland would depose him in the same way they considered Balliol unfit to rule.

The most iconic quote translates as, "As long as a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself"

However, one of the most interesting parts to me comes near the end, somewhere between bribery and blackmail, which also seems like a massive gamble. The letter explains how much the Scots wanted to go on Crusade to fight for the Church, but couldn't because they were tied up fighting their neighbours.

Not only that, but if the Pope didn't act, any further deaths that could have been avoided would surely be laid at his door by God. A bold move, but it worked and suddenly the Pope was referring to Robert as King and encouraging Edward to make peace.

That wouldn't actually happen until 1328, but without the Declaration of Arbroath laying the foundations, maybe it wouldn't have happened at all!

05/04/2025

The Team at Taxistandrews.co.uk

04/04/2025

I am often asked what my favourite place is in Scotland and I honestly cannot answer this. Scotland has such a vairety of landscapes, history, stories, fantastic people, culture for me it is impossible to choose.

Howver, here are some places I like visiting on my own, with clients and again and again as they change with the seasons, the weather and time.

The World's End is a pub at the Royal Mile in Ediburgh, a good one at that, but in times gone by this literally happened to be the world's end for the population of Edinburgh because the city was a walled city after the battle of Flodden

Tentsmuir beach close to St Andrews and only the second nature reserve in the Uk, established in 1952. The landscape has changed dramitically over the years and the nearby military base adds on to its remarkable story, find out more at Nature Scot.

I am often asked what my favourite place is in Scotland and I honestly cannot answer this. Scotland has such a vairety of landscapes, history, stories, fantasti

04/04/2025

Today’s strong sunshine is streaming through our Tilson window and making quite an impact in the Chapel!

04/04/2025

Pho again. What you learn from your clients & friends

03/04/2025

Aberdour Castle

starting from Dundee, South Queensferry, Newhaven (Edinburgh), Greenock

Your time on shore is the only limit to attractions for this tour. Whether you would like to visit the home of golf, St Andrews and take a walking tour of the old course, or perhabs follow Queen Mary of Scotland's footsteps, maybe you would enjoy some outlander film locations or take a mindful walk along beaches, coastal paths, forests, beautiful parks or gardens, try some whisky or some yoga. I can get it organised for you. Worry-free, comfortable and exactly what you want. Use the form below to discuss your wishes.

Falkland Palace

These cruise excursion tours are private so there’s no waiting in cues to get on a bus, I will assist with carefully planning your personal schedule to maximise your time on shore, If you want to book a walking tour of the Old course you can book it following this link.

Admission at attractions are at your own expense and advisable to be booked in advance.

Aberdour Castlestarting from Dundee, South Queensferry, Newhaven (Edinburgh), GreenockYour time on shore is the only limit to attractions for this tour.

03/04/2025

Outlander is a highly successful American TV series based on novels by the author Diana Gabaldon. It tells the story of a WW2 nurse Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) who in 1945 finds herself time travelled back to 1743 where she meets the love of her life Jamie Fraser (Sam Hughan). The story line is based loosely on historic events at the time and is filmed in the locations below.

Falkland

The little town Falkland with its famous palace home to Mary Stewart was used as film set Inverness in Outlander, because it needed no amendments for after WW2 scences.

Flakland Village

While there you could also visit Falkland Palace where Queen Mary of Scotland resided during her reign (1542 to 1567)

Falkland Palaca

Doune Castle

In Outlander it is named as castle Leoch.

Doune castle was built in 14 century by Robert Stewart and served as seat of government in 1420 though not officially

Culrossnear Kinkardine Bridge along the Firth if Forth turned into the factious location Cranemuir.

Outlander is a highly successful American TV series based on novels by the author Diana Gabaldon. It tells the story of a WW2 nurse Claire Randall (Caitri

03/04/2025

Dreaming of the warmer weather, a dram in hand whilst sitting on our terrace taking in that view 💭🥃🙏

Who is joining us this spring? 🙌☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

02/04/2025

Spring has definitely sprung!

02/04/2025

02/04/2025

🎉 Exciting News! Our Hours Just Got Better! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that from now until October, we are open six days a week! Come visit us Monday to Saturday, 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM, and explore the incredible treasures in our collections. 🏛️✨

There’s no better time to immerse yourself in history, art, and culture. Bring your friends and family – we can’t wait to welcome you in! 😊

02/04/2025

🚨🚨🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Dundee is getting a new soap opera called The Tay’s Edge which will air in 2026.

The Tay’s Edge is a brand-new Dundee-based drama packed with secrets, scandals, and power struggles!

At the heart of the series is the Sinclair family, owners of the iconic local pub The Tay’s Edge, fighting to keep their business alive. But with the wealthy and ruthless MacGregor clan looking to take control, tensions are set to boil over in spectacular fashion.

Starring Ewan MacTaggart as James Sinclair and Kirsty MacBain as Charlotte MacGregor, this gripping new soap will bring betrayals, forbidden romances, and shocking revelations—all set against the stunning backdrop of Dundee.

Streaming exclusively on Dundee Culture’s social media channels from April 1st, 2026.

Will the Sinclairs hold onto their pub? Or will the MacGregors tighten their grip on the city? Tune in and find out!

02/04/2025

02/04/2025

https://youtu.be/ERQIEH7Epes

This feature documentary chronicles the story behind the 131 dinosaur footprints found at Prince Charles's Point on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, and research ...