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Airts & Pairts

Airts & Pairts Bespoke Cultoural Highland Adventures Bespoke Cultoural Adventures in the stunningly beautiful Scottish Highlands.

All our tours are tailored to your specific interests and are delivered with Swiss precision and a warm Scottish welcome. Lochs, glens, remote beaches, castles, ancient places, industrial heritage, distilleries, breweries, cheesemakers, cake magicians, ...

There is so much to explore - let us take you on an adventure!

20/12/2024

Merry Christmas from Airts & Pairts! 🎄

As the winter solstice approaches, casting its long shadows across the Scottish landscape, we at Airts & Pairts are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have shared unforgettable moments with you this year.

From the majestic castles, where history whispers amongst the ancient stones, to the hidden glens echoing with laughter, we've woven a tapestry of memories that will forever warm our hearts.

We cherish the connections we've forged, the stories we've shared, and the joy of introducing you to the magic of Scotland.

May the spirit of the season bring you peace, joy, and the promise of wonderful adventures in the year to come.

Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!
𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕪 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒 ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℕ𝕖𝕨 𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣!

With warmest wishes,
Dan & Elle

11/08/2024

Happy Play in the Sand Day

Today, we embark on a sandy adventure to discover some of the fascinating stories of Nairn, our coastal gem also known as the "Brighton of the North."

Long before Nairn became the town we know, people lived here as early as the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Ancient cairns can be found just miles away, hinting at the rich tapestry of life that has unfolded on these shores. With every step on the sand, you're walking in the footsteps of history.

Nairn’s more recent history dates back to the medieval era, when it was founded by William the Lion in the 12th century under the name "Invernairn." Strategically located at the mouth of the River Nairn, the town was once protected by a castle, long lost to time. Over the centuries, the relentless North Sea has sculpted Nairn’s coastline.

As we stroll along the shore, we often imagine the ancient streets and structures beneath the waves, remnants of a bygone era.

Legend has it that King James VI, later also to become James I of England, made a noteworthy observation during his royal visit in 1598. He remarked to his court that he has seen a toon in Scotland that is so long that people at either end spoke different languages. This intriguing anecdote highlights the town's distinct character as a place where Gaelic and Scots coexisted, showcasing the rich tapestry of languages spoken in Scotland at the time.

The town's historical division is still evident today. To the south, was the farming community while to the north, a quaint fishing village, known as the "fishertown," relied on the sea. Visitors can still wander through this charming quarter, imagining the bustling activity of fishermen preparing for their next catch, and the fishwives, working alongside their husbands to ensure the family's survival. Their hard work and dedication are commemorated in a statue of Annie Ralph, a young fisherwoman, found at the harbour.

The 19th century marked a turning point for Nairn as it blossomed into a popular tourist destination. The promotion of Dr. Grigor, the town's reputation for "healthy air" drew Victorian visitors seeking respite from the polluted cities. The arrival of the railway in 1855 significantly boosted tourism, connecting Nairn to Inverness.

While there are so many more tales to be told, let’s head out to celebrate . Why not create a sandcastle worthy of a king, stroll along the beach, or simply relax and let your imagination wander through time?

As for us, we’ll be heading out to VisitNairn with Sherlock, treating ourselves to some ice cream from James's at the putting green, and enjoying delicious fish tacos at Strathnairn Beach Cafe.

14/07/2024

Slàinte mhath, mes amis!

Joyeux quatorze juillet (Happy Fourteenth of July)! Today, France celebrates Bastille Day, marking the storming of the Bastille prison and the start of the French Revolution. But for Scotland, it's also a time to remember the Auld Alliance, our historic pact of friendship with France that began in 1295.

This wasn't just a military agreement; it led to a vibrant cultural exchange.

Would you like to hear some stories about how the shaped our bonnie land? We'll whisk you on a journey through time, where the stories of Scotland and France intertwine like the threads of a fine tartan.

So, you might be wondering, what does Bastille Day have to do with Scotland? While we won't be storming any prisons today (thankfully!), it serves as a grand reminder of the centuries of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared spirit between our nations. Here's to strong alliances, shared stories, and a hearty " !" to our friends across the Channel! May your be as vibrant as a Highland sunset and as warm as a dram of the finest whisky.

Curious to discover more about Scotland's fascinating connections with the world? Explore our other tours and discover the rich tapestry of historical connections woven into the very fabric of Scotland.

28/04/2024

Where did all the time go? We're back behind the steering wheel of our Land Rover and on the jumpseat.

This week's adventures included an exploration of the prehistoric sites of Orkney and Shetland. A very different pace and scenery, at its best.

01/01/2024

𝕊𝕝à𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖 𝕄𝕙𝕒𝕥𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℍ𝕠𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕪

As the wind whispers farewell to 2023 and the flames of anticipation dance across the land, we at Airts & Pairts raise a dram to celebrate.

This year, let's chase away the shadows of the past and embrace the fiery spirit of Hogmanay. Let the ancient traditions ignite our souls, from the sparkling clean houses to the stories shared by crackling fires.

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕚𝕤 ℍ𝕠𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕪 𝕤𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕘 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕

Well, the reformation banned Christmas for almost 400 years and Christmas Day was not reintroduced as a public holiday until 1958. Boxing Day was even a normal working day until 1974 and so, as the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, Scots were going to work just like every other day.

The big family get-togethers happened at Hogmanay instead. These start at New Year’s Eve, continue throughout New Year’s Day into 2nd January, which is still a public holiday in Scotland.
To begin the celebrations the house needs to be cleaned until it sparkles before Hogmanay, ideally with the whole family joining in.
A fab meal shared with the family, some whisky, stories and Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight is a must.

There are several traditions of course. One of the most popular ones is first-footing, where the first person to enter the house after midnight – ideally a tall, dark man – brings gifts such as food, whisky and coal. This tradition is supposed to affect the household’s fortunes for the coming year. Thankfully, all members of the Tyler Clan are tall and dark.

Many traditions involve fire, like the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, beginning on the 30th December with a torchlit procession and fireworks. On 31st December, the town of Stonehaven welcomes the new year with the Fireballs Ceremony: Locals make balls of chicken wire and fill them with cardboard, set them on fire and swing them around. And a few days later, still following the old Julian calendar and therefore celebrating New Year’s Eve on 11th January, the people of Burghead carry their Clavie (a barrel full of burning staves) around the town.

Also the islands have their own traditions. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, holds the “Ba Game”, an enormous game of street football that can last anything from four minutes to five hours and feature as many as 350 players.

This year, let Airts & Pairts be your compass. We'll lead you through hidden glens and vibrant cities, where ancient customs mingle with modern revelry. We'll craft an adventure tailored just for you, filled with laughter, stories, and memories that will outlast the winter frost.

So raise a glass, dear friends, and let the spirit of Hogmanay ignite your soul. We can't wait to welcome you to Scotland in 2024, where landscapes are breathtaking, and every corner whispers a story.

Sláinte mhath and a Happy New Year!
Dan & Elle

24/12/2023

ℂ𝕠𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕠𝕟, 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕜𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕤!

This year has been a whirlwind of laughter, shared secrets, and breathtaking landscapes explored with amazing people who, by the end of each adventure, felt more like family than guests.

So raise a glass (or a steaming mug of hot chocolate!) to YOU. May your Christmas be a cozy haven of love and laughter, and may the New Year bring even more adventures to share.

Slàinte mhath, and a Happy New Year!

With love and gratitude,
Dan & Elle

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Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 20:00
Thursday	08:00 - 20:00
Friday	08:00 - 20:00
Saturday	08:00 - 20:00
Sunday	08:00 - 20:00

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+447818186840

Website

https://www.airtsnpairts.co.uk/

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Let us take you on an adventure!

Bespoke Cultoural Adventures in the stunningly beautiful Scottish Highlands. All our tours are tailored to your specific interests and are delivered with Swiss precision and a warm Scottish welcome. Lochs, glens, remote beaches, castles, ancient places, industrial heritage, distilleries, breweries, cheesemakers, cake magicians, ... There is so much to explore - let us take you on an adventure!