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The White Rose Guild Experience the authenticity of Scottish culture, traditions and exhilaration in groups of no more th Immerse yourself in Scotland’s treasured craftsmanship.

From each marvellous and mountainous peak to each rapid river, to the rich and vast forestry painted perfectly from a palette of bewildering and beautiful colours, hand-crafted by mother-nature. https://www.thewhiteroseguild.com/subscribe

Explore the ancient and traditional crafts and the artisans who follow a long line of hard-working craftsmen and craftswomen who have shaped Scotland’s past, as

each artisan you meet lovingly shapes Scotland’s present and future. Hear the stories that shaped this marvellous country, told with an undeniable passion for Scotland, and the unmistakeable Scottish wit. Enjoy breath-taking and exhilarating experiences in the refreshing and pristine Scottish air, crafted only in Scotland. The White Rose Guild has gathered seasoned tour leaders among Scotland’s most experienced craftspeople, blue badges, musicians and artists, to offer you an authentic Scottish experience. The White Rose Guild Immersion Scottish Tours begin in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and last for 7 days. Ah, so much Scotland, so little time. Fear not, our weary travellers. At the White Rose Guild, we have created a 4-day weekend tour option, which also begins in Edinburgh. These snippets of our full tours include hand-crafted experiences rich in mother-natures gifts, Scotland’s thrilling experiences, and meet and greets with Scotland’s incredible makers and creators. Be warned, you might just want to come back. Haste ye back!

Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie.Probably the most photographed castle in Scotland, spectacularly sited on an island at the h...
18/01/2025

Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie.

Probably the most photographed castle in Scotland, spectacularly sited on an island at the head of Loch Duich.

Eilean Donan was involved in many raids and sieges, reduced to rubble and authentically reconstructed to its medieval state in the mid-1900s.

Several of the rooms are open to the public, including the billeting room, with 14-foot thick walls and a barrel-vaulted ceiling, and the banqueting hall, with fine Sheraton and Chippendale furniture.

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The island and castle are named after Donan, a 7th-century Irish priest who was killed on the nearby island of Eigg in 617 AD. Donan came to the west coast of Scotland to try to convert the pagan inhabitants to Christianity.

While we know the island was fortified before written records existed, the first record of a castle dates to the 13th century, shortly after Alexander III had driven the Norse from western Scotland at the Battle of Largs in 1263. Alexander gave Eilean Donan to Colin Mackenzie, who had fought bravely at Largs.

Then the trouble began, for the Earl of Ross claimed Eilean Donan as well. The struggle for control of the island went on for decades, then in 1306, the Mackenzies gained favour by offering to shelter Robert Bruce after the Battle of Dail Rhig. Bruce's son, David II, eventually confirmed the Mackenzie's right to the castle and estates.

Despite the fact that the Mackenzies owned Eilean Donan, the castle is most closely linked to the Macraes, who acted as Constables on behalf of the Mackenzies. Loyal Macrae service earned them the nickname 'Mackenzie's coat of mail'.

The Macraes were no shrinking violets; their chief Big Duncan of the Battle Axe killed the Macdonald's clan champion at the Battle of the Parks in 1488. After that, the Macdonalds raided Eilean Donan repeatedly but were repulsed by the Macraes.
In 1539 the Macdonalds assembled a fleet of over 50 ships and besieged the castle. Duncan Macrae then fired an arrow that would end the feud once and for all; he struck the Macdonald's leader, Donald Gorm of Sleat, on the foot. The arrow sliced through an artery and Donald Gorm died shortly afterwards at Avernish.
The next time Eilean Donan made an appearance on the stage of history was in 1719 when the Spanish crown agreed to help the Jacobite cause and restore the House of Stewart to the throne. The Spanish king sent 300 soldiers, who managed to take the castle and set up a garrison. But their cause was doomed when 3 English frigates sailed into Loch Duich and bombarded the castle, destroying it utterly and leaving it a roofless ruin.
And so it remained for almost 200 years until John Macrae-Gilstrap restored the castle and rebuilt the beautiful causeway and bridge that link the castle to the shore. Macrae-Gilstrap wanted to restore the castle exactly as it had been in the medieval period, but no detailed plans of the site existed.

Inveraray Castle and its Ghosts stories.Inveraray Castle is haunted by several ghosts, some of which date back to the or...
04/09/2024

Inveraray Castle and its Ghosts stories.

Inveraray Castle is haunted by several ghosts, some of which date back to the original Castle that was previously on the site.

In 1644, the Duke of Argyll was driven from Inveraray Castle by the Marquis of Montrose. Amongst the staff left at Inveraray was a young Irish boy employed to play the harp; the Marquis's men were so outraged an Irishman would work for their sworn enemy that they slaughtered the boy and left his quartered body on to the Duke's bed.

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Legend states that the boy's ghost became deeply attached to the bed. When the bed was moved from the old castle to the MacArthur Room in the modern-day castle, the boy's spirit came with it. When TV's Most Haunted was at the castle filming in the MacArthur room, the bed moved, and a chair was flung across the floor by unseen hands.

Members of staff and visitors to the MacArthur often complain of headaches. Others report being overcome by a feeling of sadness/grief when entering the room. Cold spots and a sense of dread have also been recorded. When a member of the family is about to die in the castle, harp music can be heard coming from this room. The last report of this ghostly phenomenon was when the 10th Duke died in 1949.

The harpist ghost seems particularly fond of the library; his music is often heard here. He is also blamed for moving books around. When TV's most haunted visited the castle, books were actually thrown from the upper level. Other visitors to the library have burst into fits of hysterical laughter for no apparent reason.

Another local legend is said to be of a ghost that warns of the death of a Campbell Chieftain. It is said that two days before the death of a chief, a ghostly ship is seen sailing up Loch Fyne. When the ship reaches land, it does not stop; instead, it continues to sail overland until it reaches the castle and claims its victim. In the 18th century, one of the chieftains was so convinced that the ghost ship was coming to take him that he drank poison to not disappoint the ship's ghostly crew.

On July 10, 1758, a Physician, William Hart, was walking along the castle grounds with two other men. The trio all witnessed "a battle taking place in the sky, between Highland soldiers and French soldiers." They saw the Highlanders retreating, leaving behind many of their dead soldiers. Two ladies also witnessed the battle in the sky.

Several weeks later, startling news arrived from America, telling of how a Highland regiment lost 300 of its soldiers on July 10, 1758, while attacking a fort held by the French.
The ghost of a young woman who was murdered by the Jacobites has also been seen haunting the castle. This ghost is usually dressed in a grey gown and is known at the castle as the grey lady; the young woman's identity is unknown.
©️📷© The Highland Castle Blog/ C. Tentori/ The Inveraray Castle

Glen Coe, The Three Sisters and the replica 17th Century turf and creel house.The ridges of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach an...
03/06/2024

Glen Coe, The Three Sisters and the replica 17th Century turf and creel house.

The ridges of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh are collectively known as the Three Sisters of Glen Coe.
Glen Coe is one of the Scottish Highlands' most scenic and beautiful places.
The name probably means narrow glen, and there is little to beat it anywhere for the sheer majesty of mountain scenery.
Visiting "The Three Sisters" is a great way to experience the Highlands and learn about Scotland's history.
This beautiful green valley is a magical land straight out of a medieval storybook and is worth the visit.

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The name probably means narrow glen and for the sheer majesty of mountain scenery, there is little to beat it anywhere.

The north side of the glen is closely hemmed in by the jagged edge of the Aonach Eagach ridge, usually thought to be the most challenging ridge scramble in mainland Scotland.

The south side of lower Glen Coe revolves around the complex mountain architecture of Bidean nam Bian, a reclusive giant whose summit is hidden behind three huge protruding buttresses that tower over the glen.

And between two of these buttresses lies the high-level hidden valley of Allt Coire Gabhail.

The recreation of a 17th-century turf house.

Visitors to Glencoe National Nature Reserve can now explore the turf and creel house for themselves at the Glencoe Visitor Centre, where its heather-thatched roof and earth walls blend into the mountain backdrop.

A team of skilled craftspeople erected the turf, wattle, and thatch structure in 2021 using traditional materials, tools, and techniques. It has the same footprint as one of the late 17th-century dwellings excavated by the Trust’s archaeologists and volunteers at the former township of Achtriachtan, near the famous ‘Three Sisters’ of Glencoe.

As they step inside to discover the workmanship that has gone into the building, visitors will also be immersed in the sounds of history, thanks to an installation that conjures up the sounds, speech and songs of life here in the glen 300 years ago.

The National Trust for Scotland said: ‘Turf and creel houses were once scattered across the Highlands and are an important part of Scotland’s architectural heritage. They tell us a lot about the communities in pre-Clearance Highland landscapes like Glencoe'.

‘While tourists who come here have often heard of the tragic events of the Glencoe Massacre, we want them to go away with an understanding of the lives that were lived here, as well as those that were lost here in 1692'.

‘This building now offers a great space in which to immerse visitors from around the world, and the community on our doorstep, in the story of those who made their homes here for centuries'.
©📷📄Courtesy of National Trust of Scotland/BBC/Emily Bryce/

Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow.Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular free attractions. It ha...
16/04/2024

Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is one of Scotland's most popular free attractions. It has been a favourite with Glasgow residents and visitors since it opened in 1901.

The museum has 22 themed galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, brought together from across Glasgow Museums’ rich and varied collection, which is a Recognised Collection of National Significance.

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The displays are extensive and wide-ranging, including:

•Dutch Old Masters and French Impressionists including one of the largest and finest collections of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art in the UK and one of the most important collections of 19th century French oils in the UK

•Scottish Art including galleries dedicated to the Glasgow Boys and Scottish Colourists

•Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross

•Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style – a gallery dedicated to one of Glasgow’s most famous sons and the style movement, which was the UK’s contribution to Art Nouveau

•Natural history, including dinosaurs and other prehistoricamourls

•Arms and amour – this collection is of international significance, including the R L Scott bequest, which had been one of the finest private collections of European arms and armour in the world

•Ancient Egypt – this collection is of national significance, featuring several objects of unique importance linked to historical figures

•Scottish history and archaeology, including a wealth of material relating to the early settlements across Scotland and life on St Kilda


Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott.A monument to the tastes, talents and achievements of its creator.Sir Wal...
11/03/2024

Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott.
A monument to the tastes, talents and achievements of its creator.

Sir Walter Scott, Bart. (August 14, 1771 – September 21, 1832) was a prolific Scottish historical novelist and poet popular throughout Europe.

In some ways, he was the first author to have a truly international career in his lifetime, with many contemporary readers all over Great Britain, Ireland, Europe, Australia, and North America.

He is sometimes known as the "Great Magician." His novels and poetry are still read, but with nothing like the popularity he once enjoyed.

However, many of his works remain in the current list of classical works in English literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, Lady of the Lake and Talisman.

In Victorian times, people were enthralled by the novels of Sir Walter Scott, who portrayed a man called Rob Roy in his work… a dashing and chivalrous outlaw.

Of course, the truth was a little less glamorous.
For centuries, the ‘Wild MacGregors’, cattle rustlers and brigands, plagued the Trossachs in Scotland.

The most famous or infamous member of the clan was Robert MacGregor, who acquired the name ‘Roy’ early in life due to his mop of red curly hair.

The Wild MacGregors earned their name and lived through ‘cattle lifting’ and extracting money from people in exchange for offering them protection from thieves.

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Abbotsford is the extraordinary home of the 19th-century novelist and ‘Great Scott’ who popularized tartan, saved the Scottish banknote and rediscovered his country’s Crown Jewels.

Discover a treasure trove of intriguing objects which inspired his greatest poems and novels. Learn about Scott's life, browse the gift shop, enjoy seasonal food in our café or relax in the beautiful formal gardens and tranquil woodlands.

Abbotsford, created almost 200 years ago by the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders, is now just a short train ride from Edinburgh.

📷 Follower's courtesy; courtesy of Heatherlie House, Abbotsford House, Caroline Ferry, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists

Luskentyre Beach, Harris.Harris is famed for its beaches. In truth, a fair part of its highly indented coastline is very...
22/02/2024

Luskentyre Beach, Harris.

Harris is famed for its beaches. In truth, a fair part of its highly indented coastline is very rocky.

But where the coast of Harris is sandy, it does offer some of the very best beaches you will find anywhere.

And perhaps the best of them all, certainly the largest and the most spectacular of them all, is Luskentyre Beach.
In the right weather, it is difficult to imagine there is a better beach anywhere. The beach curves around to the west, punctuated by the vast dunes on the north side. The background interest is provided, once more, by the North Harris mountains.
If that was all that Luskentyre had to offer, it would be far more than enough. But over the next couple of miles of the coast road, you pass a series of much smaller beaches, especially those on either side of the headland at Àird Niosaboist.

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Each of these is a gem in its own right, each offering different variations on the same theme. And what a theme it is: with the stunning blues and turquoises of the sea set against the near whites of the beaches, the different blues (ideally) of the skies, the greens of the grass and the greys of the rocks. Coastal scenery really doesn't come any better than this.

Kinloch Castle.The ornate and extravagant Kinloch Castle stands framed by mountains at the head of Loch Scresort, which ...
08/02/2024

Kinloch Castle.

The ornate and extravagant Kinloch Castle stands framed by mountains at the head of Loch Scresort, which bites deeply into the east side of the Isle of Rum. It is a no-expense-spared confection of pink sandstone intended to create an impression: and create an impression it certainly does.

You will have seen the castle from a distance, both from the loch and the slipway, but your sudden emergence from the trees brings home just how ambitious a project Kinloch Castle really was.

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Kinloch Castle is at once both magnificent and a little sad. It offers a truly unique insight into a very different world that disappeared almost without trace in 1914.
Decades of inadequate funding have combined with architects who didn't appreciate that flat roofs were not a great idea in Rum's wet climate to produce serious problems of water ingress in places. Kinloch Castle deserves every possible support to ensure it survives the next century in slightly better shape than it has survived the last century.

Robert Burn Night.The significant celebration of Robert Burns Night, held annually in Scotland on January 25th, commemor...
25/01/2024

Robert Burn Night.

The significant celebration of Robert Burns Night, held annually in Scotland on January 25th, commemorates the life and literary contributions of the national poet, Robert Burns.

This cultural event, also known as the Burns Supper, is observed with fervor and enthusiasm across the country.

The evening typically begins with a traditional supper, featuring the centrepiece dish of haggis, a savoury pudding made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, and spices, often accompanied by neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).

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The arrival of the haggis is a ceremonious affair, with a bagpiper leading the procession, and a recitation of Burns's poem "Address to a Haggis" performed with theatrical flair. This element of the celebration pays homage to Burns's love for the simple pleasures of life and his ability to find beauty in the everyday.

A key component of any Burns Night is the reading of Burns's poems and songs, showcasing the breadth of his literary prowess. The famous "Auld Lang Syne" is often sung, bringing people together in a nostalgic reflection on times gone by. The speeches, toasts, and recitations during the evening create a lively and convivial atmosphere.

The Burns Supper is not confined to Scotland; it is celebrated globally, emphasizing the enduring international appeal of Burns's work. Beyond the traditional elements, each Burns Night may include unique variations, with individuals and organizations adding their personal touches to the festivities.

The significance of Robert Burns Night lies in its ability to unite people in a celebration of Scottish culture, literature, and camaraderie. It serves as a poignant reminder of Burns's impact on the literary world and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. The enduring popularity of this event underscores the universal themes found in Burns's poetry and songs, transcending time and borders. Ultimately, Robert Burns Night stands as a cherished tradition that honours a national icon while fostering a sense of community and shared heritage.

Old Man of Storr ( Bodach an Stoir), Isle of Skye. Things you need to know before visiting:The Old Man of Storr is a roc...
07/01/2024

Old Man of Storr ( Bodach an Stoir), Isle of Skye.

Things you need to know before visiting:

The Old Man of Storr is a rocky basalt pinnacle. It stands at an elevation of 2,359 feet and at a height of about 160 feet.
This deservedly very popular walk climbs up for a close look at the massive pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr - one of Scotland's most iconic places.

Distance 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent 288m (Profile)
Difficulty easy

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Starting from The Storr car park on the A855; your walk begins with a steep climb on good gravel paths then rocky steps, and changes to a faint path beneath the Old Man of Storr and continues on past the needle rock. Ascend to follow a level path beneath craggy cliffs.

There is a promontory after the Old Man where you will get excellent views back over the area (which is very popular with photographers). This is a linear walk, with the possibility of extending to a trig-point and summit on the Trotternish Ridge in good weather, where you'll get rewarding views over to the Isles of Raasay and Rona.

This unusual and immensely picturesque landscape has left an impression on a number of cultural works, including The Wicker Man (1973), the film Prometheus (2012) which filmed some of the opening scenes here, and Snow White and the Huntsman in the same year.

One story tells of a giant who died and was buried in the earth, with only his thumb emerging above ground. Another story is that two giants, an old man and his wife, were fleeing from attackers and looked back. As they did so, they were turned to stone.
There are other stories, too. The Norse used the pillar of stone as a way of navigating, while the ancient Gaels believed it was a symbol of fertility as it resembled a p***s. Whatever story, legend, or explanation you choose, it’s a dramatic sight to see as you drive along that long road.

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire.Culzean Castle is a celebrated design by Robert Adam, built between 1772 and 1790 for David Ken...
02/01/2024

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire.

Culzean Castle is a celebrated design by Robert Adam, built between 1772 and 1790 for David Kennedy, 10th Earl of Cassillis.
The Kennedy family donated the castle to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945 and asked that the top floor would be gifted to General Eisenhower as a thank you from the people of Scotland for his role in WW2.
The interior of the castle is very grand in terms of scale and furnishings.
A large number of rooms are open to the public and you seem to see most of the castle with a tour that takes you through 10 major rooms and then out through the servants' quarters/kitchen.
Particular items to look out for are the beautifully detailed ceilings in the Blue Drawing Room and the Long Drawing Room. Other notable features are the elegant red-carpeted stairs of the central "Courtyard" and the clifftop views from the Round Drawing Room.

The ghost of Culzean Castle.

One of the most famous ghost stories connected to Culzean is that of the piper who, together with his dog, was sent into the caves below the castle.
He was to work his way from the entrance below the castle to an exit on a hill some distance away to prove to local residents that the caves weren’t haunted.
The story goes that the piper started skirling at the foot of the cliffs and entered the caves, followed by his loyal companion.

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The howling of the pipes could be heard from inside the castle, high above on top of the cliffs. As the howl started to fade, people assumed the piper was making his path through the caves, but then the piping stopped, the occasional barks from the piper’s dog stopped, and no one emerged from the cave’s exit.
Assuming he might have got stuck, a party went to search for the piper, but to no avail.

The piper and his dog were never seen or heard from again. Or were they?
Local legend says that on the eve of a Kennedy family wedding, the sound of pipes can be heard emanating from the caves below the castle and a lone figure can be seen standing on Piper’s Brae.

On the occasion of Yuletide, I wish for positivity and goodness, happiness and success, smiles and laughter to make it a...
25/12/2023

On the occasion of Yuletide, I wish for positivity and goodness, happiness and success, smiles and laughter to make it a wonderful time for you.
Let there be new light, let there be new hopes, let there be a season of love and warmth…. Best wishes to you All.

The curious past and lasting importance of Yule

Yule derives from the Old English word "gēol," which itself likely comes from older Germanic languages like Old Norse, which predate Christianity. In Old Norse, the word "jól" was used in poetry to refer to a large celebratory feast. These words eventually evolved into Yule (also known as "Juul" or "Jul" in Scandinavian languages) in reference to midwinter pagan festivals near the winter solstice.
The phrase "yuletide" to describe the festive season first became documented around 1475. In this context, the word "tide" means a season or period that includes and follows an anniversary or festival.

So, Yuletide is the season in which people celebrate Yule festivals and traditions.
Yule is the celebration of the winter solstice (midwinter), a.k.a. the longest night of the year. It signifies joy about literal longer and brighter days ahead. Men would bring large logs home (Yule logs) and set them on fire. Women would decorate their homes with evergreens and candles to welcome in more light.

Then, people came together to feast, drink, and make sacrifices until the log burned out, which could take around 12 days.
This often led to some incredibly happy (and drunk) people galloping around and singing joyful songs. In the framework of our current calendar, Yule ran from around December 21 or 22 until January 1. Pagan Scandinavian and Germanic people would call the celebration the Feast of Juul, and it was their way of having faith that the next season would be fruitful.

There's undoubtedly a correlation between Yule and Christmas. Many Christmas traditions like trees, Yule logs, caroling (which stems from wassailing), and mistletoe were from earlier pagan practices. This isn't surprising considering how people began to spread out, explore, and colonize different areas. Locations that were not predominately Christian adapted the religion by either choice or force.

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The White Rose Guild

The White Rose Guild aims to provide something different, we want to provide an unforgettable experience to live and see the authentic Scotland. We offer more than a standard tour with the typical attractions. We offer a personal experience and the chance to meet with genuine craftsmen and women. Our tours are unique and will open your eyes to the real Scotland.

When we decided to revolutionise tourism in Scotland by creating The White Rose Guild, we knew this would be a challenge, Scotland is rich in history, traditions, products and unspeakable landscapes. We travelled the country looking for the very creators who we wanted to support and celebrate.

Our aim is to support the real people of Scotland, the hardworking people, we will contribute to Scotland’s future not only by tourism but by bringing people together.