Scotland Self Catering, last minute, short breaks

Price Deal Self Catering Cottage near St Andrews Fife Scotland

2011-10-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Price Deal Self Catering Cottage near St Andrews Fife Scotland

Fantastic barn style cottage conversion self catering price reduction.

Last weeks in October and all November reduced from £400 to £249/week

Call 01738 506126 and quote- weavers-sp

More information on Weavers Hall self catering cottage Fife

Late availability Holiday Cottage Fife Scotland

2011-07-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

Late availability Holiday Cottage Fife

Located on the beach in Lower Largo near St Andrews Fife, 7 nights from 23rd July 2011 was £575 reduced to £395 due to cancellation.

Call 01738 506126

Arisaig - late availability

2011-06-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

We have 3 last minute weeks available at Ach na skia Croft in Arisaig. The Cottage is available from 25 June to 9 July and Glen Mhor Lodge from 25 June til 2 July. Fabulous views across the sea to the islands of Eigg, Rum and Skye. Check our website for full details.

Sea kayak and open canoe hire available. Please check Sea Kayak Highlands website for details.

Late Availability Apartment Perth Scotland 11th June 7 Nights

2011-06-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Late Availability Apartment Perth Scotland 11th June 7 Nights half price at £250.
Overlooking the River Tay in Perth this is a last minute absolute bargain. This is the view from the window overlooking the River Tay in Perth Scotland.

Call 01738 506126

We recommend:
Cottages by the Sea Scotland, Beach Cottages Scotland Cottage Holidays Scotland

Jazz at Glasgow Festival for holiday makers

2011-04-03T22:33:00.000-07:00

The best International Jazz Festival in the country take place in Glasgow usually. This year it is from 29th June-3rd July.
Our band Jazz Smugglers is to play at the Brighton Festival on May 9th. If you are around then look in.

Last Minute Short Break Fife 2011

2011-02-16T02:48:00.000-08:00

Last Minute Short Break Fife 2011
Get away from it all, enjoy a short break in our holiday cottages Fife on the coast in a cosy cottage on the beach near St Andrews. Prices from £225

Holiday Cottage Glenisla Late Availability Christmas and New Year

2010-11-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

Holiday Cottage Glenisla Late Availability Christmas and New Year
Nearby Fishing, golf and winter skiing, and walking in the beautiful glens of Angus.
Easily accommodates 2 families, Christmas and New Year prices from £895.
Contact information and prices Holiday Cottage Glenisla

Late availability cottage Fife December 2010

2010-11-09T06:58:00.000-08:00

Late availability cottage Fife December 2010
We have a range of weeks end of November and December for short breaks or 7 day rental at our self catering holiday cottage Lower Largo Fife. Prices from £195 for a short break.

Check full availability or send an enquiry

Scottish highlands cottage available for New Year, lochside

2010-11-07T06:47:00.001-08:00

We had a booking for this cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands, but now they cannot come. So it is available again at £595. It sleeps 4, has all mod cons and is in a stunningly beautiful location.

WiFi, sorry no pets. There is a very good small hotel up the road 300 yards away, with a bar and restaurant.

John

See our prices and availability page and cottage detail

The achingly beautiful area of Appin, Scotland

COTTAGE ATTRACTIONS
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
20 brilliant walks around our cottage area
Easy hill walks in Glencoe
Why not walk up Ben Nevis one day?
Easier Munroe walks in Glencoe
Skiing Glencoe and Nevis range, cottage is midway between the two
Video. Skiing on Glencoe mountain
Weather in the West of Scotland
Rock and Ice climbing in Glencoe
Cycling and fishing Glencoe
Spectacular wild life around our cottage
Golf in the Highlands, Dragons tooth golf course, Glencoe
Cruising the islands, using Glencoe as a base
Safe, beautiful beaches and bays in Glencoe area
Touring the Highlands by car from Glencoe,
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Winter breaks, Jan Feb March in the cottage
Autumn breaks November December in the cottage
Our new Appin blog site

FOR LASTMINUTE BOOKINGS

Short breaks in Scotland, Last minute cottage holidays Scotland, Autumn, Winter, Spring
Weather month by month Scotland summer
Weather month by month Scotland Autumn
Weather in Scotland Winter, month by month
Misunderstandings about Scotland's weather
Scotland's rain
Advice on driving in Scotland. Several Scotland driving pages are linked to this.
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Scotland for Christmas and New Year
The unofficial Scottish tourist Board
Cottages in Scotland permitting smoking
Cottages in Scotland welcoming pets

FOR WEST OF SCOTLAND SITE

Holiday accommodation, B&Bs, hotels in the West of Scotland
Holiday accommodation, B&Bs, hotels in Oban
Holiday accommodation, B&Bs, hotels in Glencoe
Holiday accommodation, B&Bs, hotels in Fort William
Holiday accommodation, B&Bs, hotels in the far West of Scotland
Holiday accommodation, B&Bs, hotels in Appin
Port Appin and Lismore B&Bs
Barcaldine B&Bs and hotels
Duror b&bs
Kentallen b&bs
Ballachulish b&bs
Onich b&bs
How to find cottage owners self catering websites

MISC
Misunderstandings about Scottish weather
Get off those speeding fines on Scottish roads

August availability Glencoe £100 off lovely cottage

2010-07-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

! week available, week starting August 28th Sat.

The cottage sleeps 2/4, overlooks the bay in Loch Linnhe. For location, enter pa384bu into Google maps, 2 hours from Glasgow, 2 hours to Inverness, 2 hours to everywhere important.

Normal August price for this week would be £595, but we will take £100 off for this late booking making it a net £495.

The house has a new kitchen a new bathroom, £thousands have been spent on it. All mod cons, wifi etc.

This is the most famous Glen in Scotland and the most photographed area.

You don't find many weeks in August still available.

John

THIS IS THE COTTAGE SITE
20 brilliant walks around our cottage area
Easy hill walks in Glencoe
Why not walk up Ben Nevis one day?
Easier Munroe walks in Glencoe
Skiing Glencoe and Nevis range, cottage is midway between the two
Video. Skiing on Glencoe mountain
Weather in the West of Scotland
Rock and Ice climbing in Glencoe
Cycling and fishing Glencoe
Spectacular wild life around our cottage
Golf in the Highlands, Dragons tooth golf course, Glencoe
Cruising the islands, using Glencoe as a base
Safe, beautiful beaches and bays in Glencoe area
Touring the Highlands by car from Glencoe,
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Winter breaks, Jan Feb March in the cottage
Autumn breaks November December in the cottage
Our new Appin blog site

Last Minute Self Catering Perth Scotland

2010-07-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

Late Availability Self Catering Perth Scotland

Due to a cancellation, Tay Chambers two bedroom apartment overlooking the River Tay is available Saturday 24th July for 7 nights to rent at a special reduced price of £395.
Tay Chambers self catering apartment is perfectly located for exploring Perth and the beautiful surroundings of Perthshire and Fife.
Call 01738 553688
More details of Tay Chambers self catering apartment Perth Scotland

Cottage available Glencoe week of Jun 26

2010-05-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

The cottage is very pretty, beside Kentallen Bay in Loch Linnhe. It is fully modernised with a new kitchen and bathroom, completely up to date with al mod cons.

It sleeps 4, and there is masses to do in this famous area.
Glencoe is the most famous Glen in Scotland.

Click on this link for rates and information.

John

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

Holiday Cottage Fife Bargain Break June

2010-03-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

Holiday Cottage Fife Bargain Break June

Weavers Hall between Perth and St Andrews, 4 nights for £225 arriving Saturday 26th June 2010.
Call Vyvyen at Taypearls on 01738 553688

Cottage Holidays Scotland shows where and how to rent a self catering cottage in Scotland.
Choose Fife, Perthshire or Angus as a base to stay and use you cottage as a base to tour the local area and beyond. Meet the locals, visit the shops, sample the Scottish fare. Many of our guests play golf, go fishing and enjoy the magnificent lochs and glens of Scotland

Week's break Glencoe £199 January 18th, click for link

2010-01-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

Weekend or midweek breaks in January, only £145. Cottage sleeps 4, fully modernised.
Skiing is wonderful at Nevis Range this year. There are 20 walks within ten minutes of the cottage. All kinds, all grades. Fully modernised.

John

Skiing Glencoe and Nevis range, cottage is midway between the two
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Winter breaks in the cottage
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre
Weather month by month in the area

Edinburgh Last Minute Late Availability for December

2009-12-03T02:40:00.000-08:00

We currently have a few days available at our Edinburgh Holiday House for December. Princes Street is looking lovely, the German Chalets are back selling their handmade crafts and warm mulled wine, served to you in a small mug which you can keep as a souvenir or return, there's the winter wonderland with it's ice rink and other fair rides. Special Rate too for a last minute booking for an Edinburgh Vacation Rental. Visit the Edinburgh Villa website to contact us if you're looking to book a last minute holiday in Edinburgh.

Last Minute Christmas Cottage Fife

2009-11-20T03:48:00.000-08:00

Last Minute Christmas Cottages Fife

Late availability Cottages which can sleep 5 people in Lower Largo Fife only 20 minutes from St Andrews.
Prices reduced to £295.
See the Christmas and New Year reduced price page

Edinburgh Self Catering October Holidays

2009-09-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Quartermile vacation rental in Edinburgh City Centre

Edinburgh Villa is fully booked until late October however we do have availability for the October Holidays at our Edinburgh Holiday Flat and our Edinburgh Holiday Apartment by the Royal Mile. The apartment by the Royal Mile is new to the Edinburgh Vacation Rentals market and is situated just a short walk from the Castle, Royal Mile and National Museum of Scotland.

August 2010 has 2 weeks remaining at the Villa, and if you're planning on visiting during a Rugby game at Murrayfield stadium then perhaps plan ahead as bookings are made quite early for these weekends.

The Scottish Doors Open Days continues through September with tourist sites being free on certain days as well as historical sites that are normally closed to the public, opening their doors on certain days.

Edinburghs doors open weekend is the 26th and 27th September and you can read the online brochure here. You can also check availability for last minute holiday in Edinburgh by visiting our Villa website.

Late Availability Arbroath Angus August

2009-08-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Late Availability Arbroath Angus August 2009

Beautiful apartment overlooking the marina in Arbroath, late availability , last minute deals.
Were£400 now from £269 per week
Find us at the Shore Arbroath Angus
Call 01738 553688

September cottage price down by £155 in Glencoe

2009-07-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Our September prices are £155 down, so if you are looking for a wonderful bargain break in Scotland, then look no farther.

Pretty little lochside cottage near Glencoe. It sleeps four people, has all mod cons and is available for weekly self catering lets from Saturday to Saturday.

This little pier is 200 from the cottage, if you look carefully then you will see someone fishing there. All peaceful, all calm, a wonderful spot to be.

The weather in Scotland is very good usually. It is one of the best months of the year. Gillian and I go there then.

Have a look at the website if you are interested.

John

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Honeymoon cottages in Scotland
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
The Viking battle in Glencoe
The true story of the Glencoe massacre

August Accommodation in Edinburgh

2009-06-17T03:03:00.000-07:00

August is the busiest month in Edinburgh, usually our 4 bedroom Edinburgh Holiday House books up the previous year for this month! We now have a 4 night stay available, from the 18th-22nd August. If you'd like to make a reservation please visit the Edinburgh Villa website and send us an email.

Edinburgh Villa is a family run business and this year has been extremely busy, we constantly have to turn down holiday rental enquiries due to no availability. Because of this we are now offering to look after 1 or 2 properties in Edinburgh, to run them as holiday rentals, from advertising to the check in. If you own a property in Edinburgh and would like further information then please visit our new webpage Edinburgh Property Management

Last Minute Cottage Fife June

2009-06-03T03:33:00.000-07:00

Last Minute Cottage Fife June 2009

Two bedroom cottage in Lower Largo in Fife, to let one week only on the beech £445 reduced to £225.
Call 01738 553688
Castaway Cottage

May and June dates still available in Glencoe cottage

2009-05-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

This very pretty self catering cottage is in the middle of the most marvellous, rich walking area in the country. You can traverse gentle paths in the woods around Glencoe, look over Loch Leven from the gentle lower slopes of the hills, or get up 3,000 feet and scramble in the rocks above the Glen. There are at least 20 distinct and different walks just in the area of the cottage itself.

The dates we still have available before the Scottish Schools break up, are
May 30th,
June 6th,
June 27th

People are booking later this year, so don't leave it too long.
The cottage sleeps 4 people, in two bedrooms. Glencoe is just around the corner, Fort William a little way up the road, with Ben Nevis just ten minutes further on. Oban and the ships to the Inner Isles is a bit down the road the other way. You can get top class bar meals at a reasonable price just up the road. Walking distance, 400yards. Drink all you like without worrying about driving home!

Ben Nevis, now wouldn't you like to come home from your holiday and say you've done that? It is a long slog but worth it.

The cottage has all mod cons, a new kitchen, and a new bathroom. Look at the website availability to confirm that the week you want is still free.

John
Here are some web pages which may interest you.
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
Weather month by month in the area
Skiing in Glencoe
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays

Glencoe cottage available week commencing 24 April discount available

2009-04-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is a very pretty lochside cottage near Scotland's most romantic glen. The West coast is spectacularly beautiful.

2 bedrooms, the cottage sleeps 4, completely re-furbished, new kitchen, new bathroom.

The price for the week commencing Friday April 24th is £295 less £20 credit crunch discount. You can take a short break instead from Friday until Monday, or from Monday to Friday, each of them at £245.

Go on, get away from it all. Glencoe is the most wonderful spot in the world.

www.bayviewkentallen.co.uk

John

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland
Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Weather in the mountains of Glencoe
Weather month by month in the area
Skiing in Glencoe
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation
Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct
Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet
Cut the costs of your holidays
Cheap travel in scotland
Scotlands weather misconceptions
Rain in scotland
Summer weather in Scotland
Autumn weather in Scotland
Winter weather in Scotland
Spring weather in Scotland
Facts about self catering holidays
Advice on driving in Scotland

Cottage Fife Easter Short Break

2009-04-07T03:46:00.000-07:00

Cottage Fife Easter Short Break Fife
Weavers Hall between Perth and St Andrews late availability, Saturday 18thApril-3 Nights £225
Call 01738 553688 quote April late availability break

Chocolate River at the Bobbin Mill

2009-01-16T03:55:00.000-08:00

The Bobbin Mill, our very lovely four star self catering house, is on the banks of the River Earn in Comrie, Perthshire. The location is truly wonderful looking like something from a traditional Scottish postcard, and as we live next door we share similar views of the river in all its natural glory. It never looks the same twice and living beside it means that the view from my kitchen window is always interesting. Obviously the size of the river is dependent on the weather and since, remarkably, there has been little rain over the last few weeks, it has been reduced to a very low level. The weir, built to power the mill wheel which cut the wood for the Bobbins originally produced at the Mill, has been exposed almost to summer levels and a salmon which must have died after being stranded on the weir has been clearly visible for the last few days.

Now, overnight there has been a dramatic change. Gone are the bright, sunny winter days and the accompanying hard frosts which turned the landscape into a magical fairyland, and instead a temporary covering of snow and subsequent heavy rain has swept the salmon off the weir and turned the river into a chocolate coloured roaring mass. The ducks which seem to play on the weir have taken themselves off to more accommodating water and the heron has deserted us for an easier standing point. There have been no sightings of otters for a while though their tracks are still around so they are here.

The location of the Bobbin Mill is one of its biggest selling points and is one of the reasons why our guests return regularly. A self catering break in Scotland is always going to be a gamble on the weather, but feedback from our guests tell us that really, when the house is so lovely, warm and comfortable and well equipped, it doesn't matter if it rains or is cold outside. The lucky ones who encounter snow enjoy the beauty it creates in this already stunningly beautiful part of the world and when you do get the sunshine there is nowhere like it.

We offer short breaks between October and April and the fact that we are pretty much always busy is a testament not only to the wonderful house but also to where is is. People come for all sorts of reasons - because we're easily accessible from the larger conurbations of Scotland and their airports; because this is a great area for golf with 33 golf courses in the county including the world famous Gleneagles; for walking because there are so many beautiful walks and and Munroes; for biking with our off road tracks and local challenging mountain bike trails; for water sports since Loch Earn is a short drive away and offers everything from waterskiing to banana surfing; for the history and the culture; to hang out with friends and family in a beautiful and comfortable environment and just for the peace and tranquility, the wildlife, the stunning countryside, and the river which, whatever the weather, can lull even the most confirmed insomniac to sleep.

Last minute off season, low price, short breaks available in Scotland

2009-01-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

You get the best self catering rates at the moment. In January many fine properties offer short breaks at less than £8 per head per night. That is fantastic value, B+Bs are three times that.

And the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. This is the Pap of Glencoe. The famous massacre took place on February 14th on a very cold day, at 5am in 1692. Before Scotland was joined officially to England this was.

The people in the Glen were driven out of their beds by the Argyll soldiers, and they fled over the hills in the dark and cold to where our cottage is situated near Duror, in Stewart country.

39 of them were killed, or died in the snow. But most of the soldiers, far from killing them as ordered, made sure they got away. They fired warning shots and gave the alarm, even though it meant death for the soldiers if they were caught doing it. The commander of the attack was not given his orders until midnight, so they were unprepared for the atrocity they had to commit.

People say, even to-day, that it was a Campbell inspired massacre, but the facts tell us that it was a government plot. It was engineered in Edinburgh to get rid of the troublesome clans, and signed off by William, King of England, though he denied it later when the protests broke out. Ever the same with politics isn't it?

The connection with the Pap is that legend has it that a lone piper escaped to the top of the Pap, and sounded a lament on the pipes. This told the Camerons and Mackenzies and Stewarts that a great disaster had occurred. Many MacDonalds were taken in by these other clans.

Wouldn't you like to have a break from this credit crunch talk, and have some time off in this most peaceful place, well, peaceful to-day at any rate?

If you look at the link below my name you'll find about ten other properties, apart from ours, all over Scotland, and they are all offering you a warm and peaceful welcome to Scotland.

John
ps You will never get any house accommodation at as low a cost as this, it is the finest value for money, absolutely the finest.

Short holiday breaks, special last minute deals, self catering Scotland
Our lochside cottage near Glencoe and Appin
Travellers Tales of the Highlands of Scotland

Helpful guide for holiday home owners with their web sites

The best way of finding your ideal Scottish holiday cottage on the internet

Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation

Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish

Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct

Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet

Cut the costs of your holidays

Cheap travel in scotland

Scotlands weather misconceptions

Rain in scotland

Summer weather in Scotland

Autumn weather in Scotland

Winter weather in Scotland

Spring weather in Scotland

Facts about self catering holidays

Advice on driving in Scotland

Christmas Cottage Scotland 2008

2008-11-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cottage Scotland 2008

We still have late availability at cottages near St Andrews, Perth and Arbroath.
Call for last minute price deals,
01738 553688, please quote ref ec100.

We offer the lowest off season rates in the Glencoe, Appin, Argyll, Fort William area

2008-11-12T10:38:00.001-08:00

THE RECESSION IS COMING SO WE DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

Very simple, next year the Holiday trade is going to take a caning, although because it offers the best value for money by far, the Self Catering sector will do less badly than the rest.

I'm glad we do not own a hotel.

People will book their families into the UK, rather than overseas, and Scotland will be a prime target for holiday cottages. That does not mean we will do well, just less badly hopefully.

So we have enlarged our site with new pages to make it easily the biggest site for information in the area. More than 60% of our site visitors come in through the inside pages when they are looking for general information.

But, and most important, we have revamped our tariff list. We want to get-off season bookings, so we made a survey of all our competitors offers, and pitched ours under them. So on several of the key pages of our site you can see the following message.

"We specialise in short breaks low season. That’s why we keep these rates the lowest in the area"

We are beginning to get enquiries for the Summer and the School holidays, most of these dates are sold before the end of January. But if you want an off season break then visit our website and see if we suit you. Early December is available - not Christmas nor New Year, sorry.

Most of January and all of February, March and April is available, apart from Easter and the odd week here and there.

This is our availability page

People are booking very late indeed, but if you are thinking of an off season break then why not bookmark our site for future reference.

John

NEW WEB SITE COVERING WEST OF SCOTLAND
New website to help find holiday accommodation in the West Coast, Oban and Fort William areas
TO HELP YOU FIND WONDERFUL SCOTTISH COTTAGES FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR
To help you find last minute cottage owners' websites
The Xmas and New Year properties pages
Christmas and New Year availability in Scottish properties
HERE ARE SOME OTHER LINKS TO INTERESTING PAGES

Tourist and visitor information, this is the biggest Glencoe information site, hotel and cottage accommodation

Events in Glencoe Appin Lochaber Oban and Ballachulish
Last minute, short breaks, in Scotland, owners sites direct

Find the best Scottish holiday cottages on the internet

Cut the costs of your holidays

Cheap travel in scotland

Scotlands weather misconceptions

Rain in scotland
Summer weather in Scotland
Autumn weather in Scotland
Winter weather in Scotland
Spring weather in Scotland
Facts about self catering holidays
Advice on driving in Scotland

Cheap Cottage Breaks Perth November

2008-11-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

Cheap Cottage Breaks Perth November

On the banks of the River Tay in Perth overlooking the Old Perth bridge Tay Chambers apartment is an ideal location short break in November.
Week starting 8th, 15th and 22nd November available at £325 or £225 for a 3 night short break.
Call 01738 553688

Edinburgh Holiday Home Swap Option

2008-10-27T04:11:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Villa is available for weekend swapping with fellow holiday rental owners. If you have a 2nd home in Scotland and would like to visit Edinburgh, even on a regular basis, we would consider swapping use of the Villa for use of your rental. We would prefer something in the Scottish countryside and obviously when weeks/weekends arent booked! Sleeping 4 minimum please. Could be a great way of getting away for weekends?

Edinburgh Vacation Rentals Last Minute Availability

2008-10-27T03:52:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Self Catering House and New Town Holiday Apartment currently have November availability at special rates. Consider a visit to Edinburgh for Christmas shopping at Jenners, "Harrods of the north", and then theatre at night!

Currently showing at the Edinburgh Playhouse is Mary Poppins. A fantastic show, quite long though, so if you're travelling with children be advised that the 7:30 show will not be finished until 10:30. Tickets are still available.

More family fun coming up at the theatres is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which will be playing at the Royal Lyceum Theatre from the 28th November. The Holiday season is nearly here, visit Edinburgh off peak and enjoy special rates in Edinburgh. In December Edinburgh will be transformed to a winter wonderland with ferris wheel, ice skating by the castle, German markets. Book a long weekend now!

Edinburgh Vacation Rentals
Edinburgh Holiday House
Edinburgh City Centre Flat

November short breaks available cottages in Scotland

2008-09-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

Many self catering properties have availability at low prices for November - some have vacancies in October for October. Follow the link below for 12 of the best ones and click on the cottage you fancy to obtain their low price deals.

In our property, the lochside cottage near Glencoe shown in the photo we have three short breaks available in November. The weekend of Friday until Monday on November 7th is free, and again on November 14th, also we offer a four day break from Monday 10th to Friday. These breaks are at £195 each, four people can sleep in the 2 bedrooms for a cost of around £10 per person per week. That is an incredible low price.

The warm and cosy cottage is in a stunning location, mountains and lochs all around. The roads are quiet at this time of year, the restaurants and facilites are open, it is a glorious time of year for touring around or light walking.

This is a link to our cottage site, you can e-mail us from there.
Lochside cottage for self catering in near Glencoe

Here is the site for these other top class properties around Scotland. The owners are wonderful and will all look after you.
Short holiday breaks in 12 top properties, special last minute deals, self catering Scotland

Here are some other links, mostly related to the Glencoe area which you may appreciate.
Thanks for looking
John
Availability for the lochside cottage near Glencoe always up to date
Autumn Breaks October November December Glencoe
Winter breaks January February March in Glencoe
Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe
Tourist information Glencoe and Ballachulish
Facilities for visitors to Glencoe, Appin and Lochaber
Prices in the cottage including low season rates
How to lower your holiday costs
Events and entertainment in Glencoe and Appin
The best way to find your holiday cottage on the internet
News and stories of Glencoe, Appin and Lochaber
Travellers Tales of the Highlands of Scotland blog site
Special self catering offers in Scotland blog site
Helpful guide for holiday home owners with their web sites blog site
Misconceptions about Scottish weather
Wonderful walks in the Glencoe area

Bargain September Fife Cottage

2008-09-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Bargain September Fife Cottage
week starting 20th September 2008 availability at Castaway, Seashell and Weavers Hall Cottages.
Web price less £75 if you quote ref ec100 when calling.
Tel 01738 553688 or visit our Castaway Cottages web site.

Cottages by the sea Scotland, Beach Cottages Scotland, Cottage Holidays Scotland

Cottage for Two weeks in September, Glencoe, Off season rates

2008-07-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

This was Loch Arkaig yesterday.
From our cottage you pop up the road to Fort William, turn left, then right at Banavie, a short way along the Caledonian Canal, turn left and you are there.

In Dreamland.

Isn't it stunning? No one else there. No traffic. Nirvana.

Two weeks available still for September in the Cottage.

Weeks commencing 13th September and the following week the 20th September are available at our little lochside cottage. We sleep four, fully re-furbished, all mod cons. It is a lovely spot. £395 for the week which is 20% off the full rate.

See the details at
Our lochside cottage near Glencoe and Appin

Here are some of the pages from our website.
Availability for the lochside cottage near Glencoe always up to date
Take a break in the Autumn at the lochside cottage
There are 20 brilliant walks around the cottage area
The details of the cottage near Glencoe, in Appin
Prices in the cottage including low season rates
How to walk and navigate the Glencoe mountains
The local history of the area
Weather and temperatures in Scotland
All in one page, the best ways of tracing your Scottish ancestors
Over 20 totally different walks in this area
Winter skiing in Glencoe and at Fort William Glen Nevis
Scottish mountain navigation Winter and Summer
Tourist information glencoe and ballachulish
Facilities for visitors to glencoe, appin and lochaber
Easy munro hill walks
Most people can just walk up Ben Nevis
This guide helps you to find your ideal Scottish holiday cottage +
26 properties

Week comencing July 19 available Lochside Glencoe Cottage

2008-06-24T12:43:00.001-07:00

This exceptionally pretty cottage by the lochside at Glencoe in the West of Scotland is available from July 19th for a week. Absolutely stunning views all round, plenty to do, Glencoe is the most romantic area of Scotland. Have a look at the website.
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

Here are some of the more interesting pages.

John
Over 20 totally different walks in this area
Winter skiing in Glencoe and at Fort William Glen Nevis
Scottish mountain navigation Winter and Summer
Tourist information glencoe and ballachulish
Facilities for visitors to glencoe, appin and lochaber
Easy munro hill walks
Most people can just walk up Ben Nevis
This guide helps you to find your ideal Scottish holiday cottage + 26 properties

Self Catering near Perth last Minute June

2008-05-29T02:02:00.000-07:00

Self Catering near Perth last Minute June
Weavers Hall between Perth and St Andrews.

Weavers Hall is a barn style Cottage conversion of an Historic building which offers modern comforts within a striking traditional stone building. The self catering cottage comprises stunning open plan double height lounge with gallery seating area , two comfortable bedrooms: one double with en-suite bathroom one twin, modern fully equipped state of the art kitchen dining with original oak beams and oak floor and one contemporary family shower room.
Call Vyvyen on 01738 553688 , quote ref ec100 for further 10% off the web price.

Self Catering Perth Last Minute June

2008-05-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Self Catering Perth Last Minute June Availability
River Chambers self catering Perth.

Stay in an executive style first floor holiday apartment with wonderful views across the River Tay towards Kinnoull Hill. The property occupies a splendid position in one of Perth's most sought after city centre streets with all local amenities and leisure attractions within walking distance away. Internally the property is tastefully decorated and offers bright spacious accommodation throughout.
Available 14th June ,21st June and 28th June.
Call Vyvyen on 01738 553688. Quote ref EC100 for further discount off the web price advertised.

Self Catering near Perth Late Availability

2008-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Self Catering near Perth Late Availability

Weavers Hall holiday cottage in Newburgh between Perth and St Andrews is available Sat 17th May and Saturday 31st may at a reduced rate of £295/week.

Special Pricing for Edinburgh Holidays in May and June

2008-05-15T09:59:00.000-07:00

Perthshire in June.

We've just recently introduced a special rate for any remaining May or June week at our 3 bedroom Edinburgh vacation rental. Now only £595. For further information and availability visit Edinburgh Holiday Let Apartment which is located in the Edinburgh New Town.

Our 4 bedroom Edinburgh Holiday House with garden and conservatory currently has accommodation available for the last week in May.

A quieter time of year to explore Scotland!

Cottage Perth Last Minute May 2008

2008-04-29T02:36:00.000-07:00

Cottage Perth Last Minute May 2008

Cottage Perth Last Minute Saturday 10th May 2008 £350 reduced to £299.
Due to a cancellation we have availability at Tay Chambers self catering apartment on the banks of the Tay in Perth.
The apartment development has wonderful views across the River Tay towards the Old Perth Bridge and Grampian Hills beyond. It occupies a splendid position in one of Perth's most sought after city centre areas with all local amenities and leisure attractions within walking distance away. Internally the property is tastefully decorated and offers bright airy spacious accommodation throughout.

Glencoe, Appin, stunningly beautiful. Week free June 28th

2008-04-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Glencoe, Lochaber, Appin self catering near Ben Nevis. Late availability for Highland holiday.

Sorry folks but we have nearly sold out for the summer. A German lady wanted the week commencing 28th June for her family, but then she could not get a ferry, so it is now available.

The price and availablility details are here

Last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage

Here are are other pages from the web site we have just added or updated.

mystery of king robert the bruce and ardchattan priory
the knights templar in argyll
the battle of bannockburn
tourist information glencoe and ballachulish
how to lower your holiday costs
events and entertainment in glencoe and appin
facilities for visitors to glencoe, appin and lochaber
the best way to find your holiday cottage on the internet
news and stories of glencoe, appin and lochaber
how to avoid getting speeding fines
the viking battle in glencoe
the true story of the glencoe massacre

We are also promoting the campaign to upgrade the A82. Have a look at this blogsite, perhaps? The A82 tragedies, and accidents.

John

Fife Cottage near St Andrews

2008-04-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

Fife Cottage near St Andrews

If you are looking for a break in April Castaway Cottage has availability from Saturday 12th April for one week. It is on the Fife coastal Path, great for beach walks and only 15 minutes by car to St Andrews. Castaway Cottage is where every day feels like a Friday.

Glencoe cottage 10th May available, off season price

2008-04-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a week in May commencing 10th, then have a look at this self catering cottage. The cost is less than £100 per person for four people sharing, that is 20% less than the peak price.

May is the best month of the year for weather in Scotland - chilly but sunny, usually.

Scottish weather in April May and June

With the main bedroom and the lounge facing the bay at Kentallen, you can just imagine the time when a Viking longship sheletered here, or many years before that, the Mesolithic people caught their fish, made their fires and used the caves for their homes.

The Vikings in Scotland, the Terror, the Battles, Vikings in Glencoe

It is a stunning, wonderful area, we never ever tire of it. Try it. Click on the link, go to Availability and you'll see the prices and details
Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

John
Just for fun here are a few other pages we have added to the site recently, many of them updating information on the Glencoe area.
mystery of king robert the bruce and ardchattan priory
the knights templar in argyll
the battle of bannockburn
tourist information glencoe and ballachulish
how to lower your holiday costs
events and entertainment in glencoe and appin
facilities for visitors to glencoe, appin and lochaber
the best way to find your holiday cottage on the internet
news and stories of glencoe, appin and lochaber
how to avoid getting speeding fines

the true story of the glencoe massacre

This is a technical posting

2008-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry about this dear readers, but I must put in the following bit of code. Once they see it they'll list us.

Technorati Profile

While I'm at it I may as well put in links to some new pages we have put up to other sites. Sorry it is so boring.
John

No Smoking self catering holiday properties Scotland

Smoking allowed in these self catering Scottish holiday properties

Pets Welcome in these Self Catering Scottish holiday properties

Pets not allowed in these self catering Scottish Holiday properties

All the facts you need about Self Catering Scotland

The facts about Scottish rain

How to find your ideal self catering property on the internet

Some dates still open in these properties for April

2008-03-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

A picture from Roman Camp in Callendar.

Look at the list of links to top properties on the left. If you fancy a short Scottish break in April or May then you'll not find better properties.

Meanwhile, we have added many new pages to the Last Minute Cottage Holiday web site. I'm putting in the links to them here. This helps you (and Google) to find them.

No Smoking self catering holiday properties Scotland

Smoking allowed in these self catering Scottish holiday properties

Pets Welcome in these Self Catering Scottish holiday properties

Pets not allowed in these self catering Scottish Holiday properties

All the facts you need about Self Catering Scotland

The facts about Scottish rain

How to find your ideal self catering property on the internet

This is a new page on our own site.

The Vikings in Scotland, the Terror, the Battles, Vikings in Glencoe

John

Lettings at Bayview 60% up on a year ago

2008-02-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

We have been very lucky at Bayview. Our bookings off season are well up on a year ago, and we only have about 12 weeks left free until the end of September. Yes, a stroke of fortune - one couple has booked four weeks in April, coming back to their old home from the USA for a visit. Even so.

We have one short break in March available. You can see latest availability here.

last minute, late availability Glencoe, self catering cottage

I also want to put in a link here to our new page about the Vikings on Scotland's West coast. This helps Google to find the page.

The Vikings in Glencoe, the Terror, the Glencoe Battle

This might be one of the reasons our bookings are up. Over half of the entries to our website come in to the inside pages. These relate to Walks in Glencoe, the Weather, the Massacre of glencoe and so on. These folks are looking for information and I think that they also examine the cottage while they are at it.

John

Many short breaks being offered now at very low prices in Scotland

2008-01-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

Do you want a weekend away from it all, cosied up in a warm cottage in the Scottish highlands?

Two days/three day breaks at special low prices, and available for last minute bookings. Read on.

How about a few days skiing in February - Aviemore, Nevis Range, Glencoe, why not?
Some wonderful high level walks in the rolling hills of Perthshire?
Visit Edinburgh and then have a few days off around the East of Scotland?
The South-west is all set up for visitors, good night life, lots to do and no one around to do it. Why not you?

Scotland in Winter is ubelievable. No traffic, no queues, good roads, cosy fireplaces, eating out, what a break.

The countryside is stunning, the views unbelievalbe. Sunsets? They'll take away any breath you may have left.

Try this site.

John
ps Did I mention that some of the prices can be as low as £8 per person per head per night?

Go to this web site, and try these others also

Short breaks,last minute, special offers self catering Scotland - the main site

Driving in Scotland is different

Touring Scotland by road the Right way

Touring the small Scottish Highland roads is different

Scottish weather in January, February and March

Scottish weather in April May and June

Scottish weather, misconceptions and good weather spots

Everything the Tourist needs to know about Scotland in one page

These properties participate in this short break special terms scheme

Luxury accommodation in an old mill, Perthshire

Holiday Cottages and Apartments in Largs, close to the Yacht Haven and beach on the Firth of Clyde

Cottages in a most beautiful West Coast location at Arisaig

A fine large house in Fife at Newburgh, midway between Perth and St. Andrews with a view of The River Tay

Cottages by Oban the wonderful West Coast holiday town with ferries to all the Hebridean Islands

Cottages on the Southern coast of East Neuk, in Fife in pretty mediaeval villages not far from St. Andrews

At Killin in central Perthshire, a most tranquil and beautiful spot on the North Shore of Loch Tay

Holiday cottages in Moray not far from Elgin and Forres in the fishing village of Burghhead

Three cottages, overlooking Holy Loch and Loch Long in Argyllshire. In the Loch Lomond National Park

4 bedroom villa and an apartment near the centre of Scotland's wonderful capital City Edinburgh

Dunbar is a historic town with its old harbour lying to the East of Edinburgh. Ideal for up to three people

and ours, as well,

Lochside cottage near Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland

Winter breaks January February March in Glencoe

Spring breaks, March April May Glencoe

For visitors, you might find this other blog interesting.

Scotland how to find your ideal holiday property

Seven Scottish properties are still available for Christmas or New Year

2007-11-26T06:05:00.000-08:00

These are very good properties indeed, all in different parts of Scotland. As of to-day's date I know they still have not completely sold out either for Christmas or the New Year.

But you should think about it quickly. Still available for Xmas and the New Year, self catering in Scotland There is usually a flurry of late bookings between now and the middle of December.

If you have a large family and need several cottages or a large property don't give up yet, try them on this site.

John
ps Notice that in the following blog one of them is in Edinburgh - and Astra is offering a special rate for anyone who mentions this blog when booking. To do it just quote the url at the top of your browser page, or the name of this blog site and she will look after you.

Scottish Christmas Late Availability

2007-11-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog here, so it may take me a wee while to feel at home. Once I'm comfortable, know my way around, and able to put my feet up I'll be happy to blether on. A bit like one should expect from Scottish holiday cottages actually - A welcoming, comfortable, home from home.

With Christmas just around the corner I thought I'd mention the availability of my Edinburgh Holiday Villa and Georgian Flat in the Edinburgh New Town . New Year is already booked I'm afraid, at both rentals, however we still have the Christmas weeks available. Edinburgh is a fine destination in December, especially for theatre lovers, shoppers, and those who know how to ice skate without gripping onto side walls (or complete strangers) for dear life. Edinburghs winter wonderland includes an Ice Skating Rink at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, there's German markets too!

Scotland in December is a fun place to be. Actually it's always fun, whether for Peaceful Lochside Breaks, Romantic Weekends in Breathtaking Scenery or City Centre historical experiences...

If anyone needs to know where to find Scottish Christmas Souvenirs, or wishes to book an Edinburgh Holiday Rental, just visit our website and send me an e:mail! There's some great deals going on for Scottish Cashmere right now. Bagpiping Santa's too...

Mention this Scottish blog and we'll give you a special Christmas rental price.

Tis The Season!

Astra.

Eight properties still available for Christmas or New Year

2007-11-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

If you click on this page, it will take you to some properties in different parts of Scotland that still have openings for Self catering Christmas or New Year These are our friends, and their properties are top class. You can be assured of a very fine welcome and a home from home holiday.

John

Army Camps and Squirrels

2007-11-14T15:03:00.001-08:00

This is my first blog so you will excuse me if I ramble. I know it’s supposed to be about short breaks, and just for the record we still have a couple available this year in the Bobbin Mill at the beginning of December if anyone’s interested. Phone me up or email me if you are. I did just want to blether (good Highland word) on about the place I live because I think that………

………Comrie is truly an extraordinary place. Not only is it very pretty and in fabulous scenery, with good shops and lovely people, but it has an overwhelming sense of community found rarely in our land.

We’ve had a busy weekend in the village. Our Bobbin Mill guests had booked early as usual - they usually have the same weekend every year. Our visitors were a wonderful group of women who come at least once a year and sometimes twice, for a weekend of song and fun. They're part of a singing group and use the Mill as a place to meet up and chill out. This time they brought 7 month old twins, as one member has had a production (as they say), and they added dandling babies to their activities.

Their weekend happened to coincide with the open day at Cultybraggan. To explain:

Recently, our village through the Comrie Development Trust has exercised a right to buy under new legislation brought in by the Scottish Government. Since September, we as a village are the proud owners of Cultybraggan Army Camp which until a year or two ago was used by the Ministry of Defence as a training camp. It was declared redundant and put on the market, at which point the Development Trust managed to jump through the many and varied hoops of the legislation and bought it on the community's behalf.

There have been ongoing consultations with the community about what uses to put it to and the result is that it will be used to fulfil various village needs with an emphasis on renewables. Already there are plans for allotment areas, sports facilities, energy generation, builder’s storage etc, and some sort of heritage area which will show the history of the camp and its connection to the village - for example, Rudolph Hess was imprisoned there at the end of the 2^nd world war. The land comprises 90 acres, and incorporates a large number of Nissan huts some of which are listed, and also a 2 story underground nuclear bunker. The possibilities are endless and enabled by the far sighted laws brought in by the (then) Scottish Executive. Considering land prices in this area, Cultybraggan was a bargain at £350,000 for the whole caboodle. There are plenty houses in the village selling for more.

So, lots of people came to the camp via the Comrie Community Bus which shuttled backwards and forwards, to walk around, examine their property and take part in the various activities laid on.

The road ahead will certainly have its bumpy times and may not always be straightforward, but we as a community all now have the most extraordinary opportunity to do something really special for this beautiful place that we live in. And in the process, we can foster this wonderful thing we have here, this community spirit. Do you know, there are more than 55 active community groups here, in a village with a population of less than 2000?

In addition to the Cultybraggan event on Saturday, we had a lovely craft fair in the White Church which is our community Centre. There were all kinds of beautiful things from hand made papier-mâché bowls to beautiful candles, jewellery, paintings photography etc. The Bobbin Mill guests told me they did really well on the Christmas shopping front.

And if that wasn’t enough, we also had some live music on Saturday evening provided by the Annie Grace Trio. Annie is a regular to Comrie (we have very vibrant music scene in the village) and she played a blinder on Saturday night to a full house. She is very well known on the traditional music scene (Google her or look on myspace) and she was playing on this occasion with Jonny Hardie and Aaron Jones both of the Old Blind Dogs. Annie’s music is evocative, compelling and compulsive and combines blues and jazz tinged traditional songs with a huge repertoire of instrumental tunes. It was a fun and footstompin’ night full of laughter and fun!

So that was our Saturday. And on Sunday we played avoid the squirrel which is becoming a regular game. We have acquired a kamikaze red squirrel that lives about 100 yards from the Bobbin Mill. He waits till a car is coming and he hightails it across the road in front of it, giving the driver a heart attack. Squashing a grey would be one thing, but a red….?. I think he’s an adrenalin junkie squirrel. I have managed to avoid him so far. I hope he hibernates soon.

Last minute Christmas Break Scotland self catering

2007-11-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

The new last minute page offering selected properties still available for Christmas and New Year breaks is doing ok on its opening debut. (Isn't an opening always a debut? Must look up my book on tautology)

It was put in the website as a new page on Wednesday, two days ago. Google has indexed the new page already, we have managed to get on to page one for one or two good search terms and people have already found us. 5 visits yesterday to the page and one click on one of the website links. Traffic will build a bit, maybe we'll get 150 visitors in total interested before Christmas.

"christmas self catering break scotland" is one where we have page one, and also the blog site also has made page one. Google is brilliant isn't she? Here is another search term - we are more or less top of the page "christmas last minute break scotland"

Mind you a big search term such as "scotland christmas break" is beyond us because we have competition from all the hotel sites and directories.

It is not going to be big this, but it might do a bit for someone. Can I suggest that the members of this blog might add a little piece in the top left or top right corner of your index page with the words "Christmas (or New Year) self catering break still available (name your area)" Even a small traffic site will be getting about 200 visitors a week. Half of these are no good - they are looking for something else and hit the site by mistake - but you might get one or two to stick and bookmark you if they see your little comment in the top. You can change it later to January break/ February break etc and each time Google will find you and you'll head the Google page for each month.

But the big advantage will be for Google to find your new comment about availability and list you in the pages when someone asks for a Christmas break, self-catering in your area. You will not have much web competition for that.

Then you have one more opportunity. You should have at least one other site to link to your new page saying something like "Christmas self catering break still available in (your area) That is what this blog is for, you can do it yourself. This link in to your page is what tells Google that something new is happening and that your site's page is important. Especially if you use the same keywords as you have used in your own index page. (I used four blogs to link to the new page in last minute. All short, took two minutes each. Nah, I lie. Ten minutes each)

It is important to use the keywords such as /self catering/your area/christmas/holiday or break, in any order. Use them in the link to you and in your page.

I know that most of you use someonme else to do your website and this is such a pain.
It costs money, telephone calls, arguments, waiting. Can you pay them to show you how to enter your own site, put in the little changes you need, and upload the site to the web? It is not difficult I promise. It will take you less time than a phone call to your web person.

Do you feel a New Year's Resolution coming on?

I did this by posting this blog rather than by e-mail because then I can get in some more links to help the new page in the last minute site.

Still available for Xmas and the New Year, self catering in Scotland

Here are links to more properties which have availability at Christmas and I'm going to be putting them into a second page on the web site Short breaks,self catering late availability, special offers for Christmas and New Year Scotland

Christmas in the Highlands proper near Kyle of Lochalsh, Skye,by Eilean Donan castle

Spend Christmas in Argyllshire in the Loch Lomond National Park

Christmas at a 4 bedroom villa in Scotland's wonderful capital City Edinburgh

John
Autumn short Breaks November December Glencoe

Well, one has to blow one's own......doesn't one?

Christmas and New Year Late availability Scotland self catering

2007-11-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

Four of our properties still have some availability at Christmas and the New Year. You could be lucky.

If you click on this link to you will see the details and how to contact them.

Last minute bookings for Christmas and the New Year self catering

Short weekend self catering break. A guest writes.

2007-11-07T08:28:00.000-08:00

Anthony and his partner had a three day weekend in November at one of these cottages near Glencoe. He wrote:

We had a great long weekend. It's hard being back at work but at least the sun is shining.

We tried to go up to the Pap of Glencoe on Saturday. We got a bit lost due to the lack of a path, it got very boggy, and after about 90 minutes we realised it was going to take a long time to get to the top and back. We didn't want to risk losing the light so headed back after a while. We may well have gone the wrong way.

Weather was decent, on Saturday but poor on Sunday, rain most of the day. We slowly headed out to the Ardnamurchan peninsula as far as Salen, up to Lochailort, then back via Glenfinnan.

Didn't manage to get all the way to the end of the Peninsula because we left the cottage quite late and it gets dark so early at this time of year - next time! We stopped a lot for strolls and photo opportunities when the rain eased up a bit, and just to soak up the views and sounds.

Such beautiful and untouched countryside - just how we like it. On Monday we wandered up Duror Hill. Probably a bit less than two hours up and back in the boggy conditions and not rushing. Stunning views, and the weather gods looked down favourably on us by sending us sunshine with dramatic rain and clouds in the distance.

What a great way to end the weekend.

Anthony K

Touring Scotland by road the Right way

Scottish weather in January, February and March

Scottish weather, misconceptions and good weather spots

Winter breaks January February March in Glencoe

Travellers Tales from the Highlands of Scotland

Scottish Tourist Board - all the tourist needs in one web page

2007-11-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Scottish Tourist Board does not exist as a trading name any more. Yet many people search for this term on the internet. So we thought we would help out by doing a special page in the web site, covering airports and travel, accomodation, hotels, eating out, events in Scotland, general information all on one page.

You would think you could get this from the official tourist organisation, but no, you have to wade through a mass of special offers, packages, and general sales junk and even then you won't find it.

John
Here is more information if you want it.
Last minute special offers, self catering and low season short breaks at special prices Scotland
Scottish weather in October November and December
Scottish weather, misconceptions and good weather spots
Self Catering Holiday Cottages and Apartments in Largs, close to the Yacht Haven and a short distance from the beach

The most spectacular view in the entire universe! Perhaps.

2007-10-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, there are other views in the world. But this one imprinted itself in a teenagers memory that lasted all his days.

You had to get to Mallaig by Saturday otherwise you were cooked. No ferry on Sunday. That meant you could not get to your first climb in the Cuillins before Monday afternoon.

As a lad of 17 I used to race up the Great North Road, hitching rides on lorries to try to make it before the last ferry, and I never did. Not once. But it didn't matter.

I spent all Sunday pitched in the tent above Arisaig and just kept looking at the view. Looking endlessly at the view across those golden sands and rocks. That view, looking out over the Inner Islands I've never forgotten in over fifty years.

Usually the sunsets covered the entire North West sky in a 180 degree arc the other side of those mountains I was headed for. You can see the self same sunsets from the living room at Ach na Skia.

The view has not altered for 40,000,000 years. Yes, that's the right number of zeros since the last volcanic eruption in Ardnamurchan nearby which formed this stunning landscape. You can still see the outline of the crater if you go there.

Sheila's cottage and lodges are in the most stunning area. But they offer a family playground, too, with slides and swings for the youngsters, and a playroom if it ever gets mildly damp, as it does occasionally. The croft cottage and lodges in Arisaig on Scotland's West coast

Here also is the little 9 hole Traigh golf course. You can lose your ball in the water here and not feel the least bit upset as you look out with wonder across Rhum, Eigg, Skye, you can imagine Newfoundland as the next stop once you get past the islands. Who cares about a little ball?

Here also is the most brilliant canoeing area, safe, too, from rapids, but with the occasional four foot breaking wave to add excitement. The Morar sands, world-famous, few people about, rock hopping for everyone. What a place!

Oh, and did I mention the real Monster in Loch Morar nearby? Oh yes, not like puffed up monster stories from other places, this female one is really there. Those fishing for brown trout in this freshwater loch will tell you about Morag.

I nearly forgot watching Whales and Dolphins playing around your boat as you go on a little day cruise out of the Harbour as Gillian and I did. You'll drop off parcels and post on the Small Islands, of course. This is the West Coast after all, it is what people do.

Go to Ach na Skia, you'll get a fine, warm welcome from Sheila. Off-season with no one about it is magical. The blog site for Ach na Skia with personal stories

John
Ps This is a little-known insider tip. If you want to know more about hitch-hiking up the Great North Road in days of yore, ask an expert. Such as Sheila..

Short November self catering breaks Scotland, special prices

2007-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

All over Scotland, the season for short breaks begins about now.

After the summer bookings have fallen away then some very special prices are offered, down to as low as £7 per person per night and this site shows some truly excellent properties around the country. You can see some of the best rates here
last minute, self catering holiday breaks scotland This site shows you about twelve owners who have got together to make these special get-away-from-it-all holiday offers.

November is a good month for those who want peace and quiet and this is the month usually when property owners will break down their weeks into shorter periods.

Just a weekend away in glorious countryside, with no hurry, little traffic on the roads - that for some is ideal.

This property offers a Friday to Monday break or a Monday to Friday break at £199 in a lovely small lochside cottage near Glencoe. Short Breaks Glencoe Plent of things to do, even in November. The colours are wonderful.

John

A famous 200year old listed Mill, can be yours for a holiday break

2007-08-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Bobbin Mill is so lovely. The guest book shows it:

"The house is most beautifully designed. Each window appears to be placed with meticulous care to yield the greatest sight and sound from the surroundings"

"Lots of wildlife in the garden – a fawn eating from the tree. Scotland’s for me!"

"Accommodation was first class and the attention to the smallest detail"

"We have fallen in love with everything round here: the Deil’s Cauldron for yummy dinners, a red squirrel in the garden, red deer, buzzards, hares, pheasants, partridge in the hills, buying trout and veggies down the road. We could go on and on……"

"The design and layout of the house is spectacular, finished immaculately and very well equipped"

Christine Grace thinks of everything, thats why she gets a 4 star luxury grading for the Bobbin Mill.

"John," she says, "What do you think of this virtual reality tour of the Mill on our website?"

Wow, I had to get one for us. It looks stunning.

Our e-mail exchanges go all over the place, from the pros and cons of moving her change date to Friday so she gets the weekend with her family, to climate change and when am I going to give up flying, to folk music, her sister's singing career, her Fort William upbringing. She is a true Highland lassie. I've just got my jazz band to tell her about, but she is very nice about it.

But this Mill that she and her husband restored with such care is absolutely outstanding. It is in the Perthshire hills, near Crieff and Loch Earn. It sleeps eight people and is ideal for families sharing. In the low season you can rent the Mill for £640 for a week, and she will let you have it for shorter breaks. How would you find such luxury anywhere else for about £11 per person for a night?

John

Beside the Seven Sisters, minutes before you reach the Isle of Skye...

2007-08-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Gillian and I were surrounded by the most beautiful mountains. We had driven along the small road towards Skye, from Invergarry. We dropped down towards the most photographed castle in the world, Eilean Donan, looking peaceful now, but deadly in its day, then up towards the Seven Sisters of Kintail, wondering if we had the energy....

Around the corner then was Colin, simply the most affable and warmest of men and the owner of Conchra Cottages.

I first met him at a meeting of holiday home owners when we found ourselves on the same side of a debate, the origins of which I've forgotten now, but I think our side lost. We've become e-mail chums - huffing and puffing against the rights and wrongs of many issues, on all of which we seem to agree. It is the "We are right and they are wrong strategy" and it works well for us.

His 3 cottages are wonderful and the garden flat which can sleep up to 6 people. From them you can see the little Highland village of Dornie across the water. The first - or is it the last - of the Seven Sisters is growing out of his back garden.

So would you like it if the romance of the Isle of Skye was only ten minutes away, if you had magnificent walks and views all around, to see some small old Highland communities on the lochsides, see the last remaining turntable ferry in Scotland, look inside an ancient and mysterious broch, and wonder as everyone does, about its origins and purpose a couple of thousand years ago? Of course.

You can find some wonderful pictures of the area here.

mailto:info@conchracottages.co.uk

The Winter rates vary around £280 for a week.

John

About this blog, self catering, last minute and offers

2007-07-27T16:03:00.001-07:00

Scotland in the low season is cosy and offers low cost holiday breaks. Roads are free of traffic. The cottages are warm. The people are friendly. The prices can be as low as £10per head per night if the property is full, because the best owners want to keep their properties occupied. Scotland can be unbelievably lovely in the off season. For a short break away-from-it-all you can't do better.

Last minute breaks in the high season
When the schools are on holiday, properties are usually full, but you can sometimes find occasional weeks at the last minute. Sometimes a cancellation makes a property available, sometimes there is a week's gap in the bookings. If you search you'll find somewhere. Better to book early, of course, but come just the same.

John