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A Walk On The Wild Side

Private group - walking trips in scenic Scotland - an exciting and dynamic country with more accessible wilderness areas than practically any other European country, making it a perfect destination for walking and hiking holidays.

Scotland’s landscape is steeped in natural and cultural history and our Private Group Walking Holidays offer a diverse range of walking experiences which showcase the finest of scenery. Your clients can enjoy anything from an exploration of the wild and prehistoric landscapes of the Orkney Isles, to a coastal walk which highlights Cape Wrath’s contrasting scenery of pristine beaches and iconic peaks, or an ambient hike amongst the ancient Caledonian pine forests in Glen Affric.

We offer a highly personalised service with complete flexibility where clients can choose from day walks to a week long expedition - our walking itineraries are exactly tailored to your clients needs. Nothing is too much trouble and you can be safe in the knowledge that our guides are the very best in Scotland. Coupled with our renowned Highland hospitality our Private Walking trips will leave your clients with an inspiring and satisfying experience, and the desire to enjoy more Wilderness Scotland adventures.

To take advantage of choosing the right date and the preferred accommodation, please book this Autumn/Winter time for next year. We offer excellent commission rates to all tour operators who refer a booking.

Wilderness Scotland - Europe’s leading adventure company (National Geographic Adventure Magazine)
www.wildernessscotland.com
or tel: 0131 625 6635.

Truly unique tastings

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

Unique Whisky Tasting Experiences: The Unusual Suspects. The Society’s latest collection of private whisky tasting experiences are truly one-of-a-kind.

Each has its own individual personality, whether it’s passionately seductive, internationally eclectic, shamelessly indulgent or unanimously triumphant. These partners in crime all have their own unique guilty pleasure.

The Society offers unrivalled single cask, single malt whisky tasting experiences at each of their three striking venues in Edinburgh, Leith and London. Or, if you have your own place in mind, they’ll take their Unusual Suspects out on the run. Anywhere in the world, the choice is entirely yours.

There’s something to suit all tastes, with the collection of whisky tastings including: ‘Introduction to Single Cask Whisky’, ‘International Society Spirits’, ‘The Panel’s Unanimous Choice’, ‘Love is Blind’ and ‘Whisky and Chocolate Workshop’.

Or if you would like something more bespoke, the Society will put you in touch with your personal Whisky Ambassador who will help create your very own whisky tasting experience.

www.smws.co.uk/tasting-and-venues

Come fly with us

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a multi award-winning five star wildlife visitor attraction overlooking the sea and sandy beaches of North Berwick. There is a Discovery Centre, Gift Shop and Licensed Café with open decking over the sea.

Visitors enjoy a close encounter with nature – thousands of spectacular seabirds and marine wildlife including puffins, gannets and seals and the occasional dolphins and whales. The Centre features an exciting Discovery Centre with giant screens and live remote control cameras, Wildlife Cinema, daily fish feeding, wildlife talks and walks, events and exhibitions.

New this year are daily boat trips to the islands on two rigid inflatable boats – which gives visitors an exhilarating boat trip, with excellent commentary from our experienced wildlife guides. The Seabird Centre is delighted to welcome groups and
can offer teas, coffees and home baking, lunches and high teas, with food cooked on the premises, using fresh local produce. It also offers complimentary lunch/refreshments for drivers.

An all weather attraction, the Centre is open all year. There is easy access from the A1 and a drop off point close to the Centre with free off site coach parking There is full disabled access and baby changing facilities.

Group rates are £6.50 (adults) and £4.95 (concessions).
North Berwick is an attractive seaside town with blue flag beaches and individual shops, cafes and restaurants.
For further information visit www.seabird.org
or call 01620 890202.

Bigger network, better rates!

Fitzcharles Coaches are proud to announce that we are now members of The Edinburgh Convention Bureau, which opens up a whole network of hotels, visitor attractions at very competitive corporate rates.

Fitzcharles Coaches are now offering special Winter rates for private hire throughout Scotland, with some very special fully inclusive package deals, please check out our groups dedicated website. As well as operating our own package holidays, we also offer coach trips to the famous Glasgow SECC, who have excelled themselves this year with a record number of top performing concerts, and trade shows, in fact come and see us at The Retirement Show or the Travel and Holiday Show, where we will have our own vehicles to view at these public shows this Winter.

Despite all the negative recession stories in the press, Fitzcharles Coaches has enjoyed a very busy Summer, with a record number of international visitors visiting us this year we pride ourselves in receiving record satisfactory reports about all our services this year, yet still managing to find new ways to improve our services even further.

Our tour support staff have also had a successful year finding new and very unusual destinations, hotels with a difference, with 2009 focused on the numerous garden focused events, but for 2010, you will need to keep an eye on our web site.

Ronnie, Olive, David and all our experienced, professional staff look forward to assisting you in the near future.
To find out more please telephone +44(0)1324 482093
or visit www.fitzcharles.co.uk

Experience a taste of High Society

With the National Trust for Scotland

New and exclusive Living History Tours of the National Trust for Scotland’s 4-Star Georgian House in Edinburgh are now available from Scotland’s leading conservation charity’s Travel Trade department.

Guided by the Lady or Gentleman of the House attired in traditional costume, visitors will experience the life of a wealthy 18th-century merchant’s family. As they are escorted round Edinburgh’s only authentically furnished New Town house, visitors will listen to stories and be mesmerised by the opulence and splendour of their host’s exquisite collections of china, silver, paintings and furniture, before going ‘below stairs’ to experience the contrasting life of the cooks, maids and household staff who made this elegant lifestyle possible.

Dating from 1796 and located in Charlotte Square, in the heart of Edinburgh’s famous World Heritage Site, the Georgian House forms part of Robert Adam’s masterpiece of urban design. Within easy access of Princes Street and the Royal Mile, a visit to the Georgian House is perfect as part of a memorable day out in Scotland’s capital.

These unique and personalised tours are currently available at a special introductory group rate of £70 (including VAT) for groups of up to 10 guests. Tours last approximately 1hour; pre-booking is essential.

For all bookings and enquiries email the National Trust for Scotland at traveltrade@nts.org.uk or telephone 0844 493 2104 (+44 131 243 9304 from outside the UK).

160 days and counting

Homecoming Scotland 2009 the Scottish Government initiative managed by EventScotland in partnership with VisitScotland has proved to be achieving its aims. A recent report shows that most European city destinations have registered a drop in occupancy rates, while Edinburgh has shown a rise.

This celebration of Scotland has attracted visitors from around the world, particularly from countries with large Scots diaspora populations, such as Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand and other parts of the UK. However, the continuing celebrations are not only for people with links to Scotland; they are for anyone who simply loves Scotland.

The overall objective of Homecoming is to deliver £40m of additional tourism revenue to the country, with just over 6 months to go it looks set to achieving this aim.

New for 2009 - Extremis: drop ride to doom

Feel the adrenaline pump and your heart pound as Edinburgh Dungeon unveils the city’s first ever drop ride - Extremis: Drop Ride to Doom

Based on the ghastly historic hangings that took place at Edinburgh’s Grassmarket during the 17th and 18th centuries, the three story ride will plunge visitors into oblivion within a second flat – in pitch darkness.

Plummeting down that fast in the dark leaves your stomach above your head, your heart pounding and your blood buzzing long after you’ve braved the drop.

With the Edinburgh Dungeon already host to a damp, chilling boat ride, the installation of Extremis signifies a major investment into the Dungeon, which now boasts two rides as part of its fearsome dark tour of Edinburgh’s darkest, most horrible history.

The investment sees the Edinburgh landmark cement its place as one of the most ambitious tourist attractions in the Scottish capital and a great addition to any city break or group touring programme.

Extremis will provide a perfectly horrific addition to the actor led shows and interactive features the Dungeon is infamous for.

Discounted rates are available for groups of 10+ along with the added benefits of priority entrance, a free place and free familiarisation visit for the group leader.

Adult (16yrs +) - £9.95
Child (6-15yrs) - £6.95
Concession - £8.95

To book your group visit please call 0871 663 1672 or visit www.groupfundays.co.uk for more information.

For details on preferred trade rates and terms please contact debbie.fisher@merlinentertainments.biz

2010 prices fixed at 2009 rates

The National Trust for Scotland has just announced that it is holding its advertised 2009 travel trade prices until 31 December 2010.

This means that the Trust’s already excellent value-for-money Group Rates and flexible, multi-day Discover Tickets and are now even more attractive, saving coach and tour operators, and their clients, up to 78%* on standard admission prices.

Their new 3-, 7- and 14-day Discover Tickets also offer greater opportunities to visit more National Trust for Scotland properties than ever before. With the addition of Burns National Heritage Park this means even better value-for-money at no extra cost!

Discover Tickets:
· attract a 20% commission on all sales
· are sold exclusively to the travel trade
· are issued on a sale or return basis
· allow unrestricted access to all National Trust for Scotland attractions
· retail from £20.00 per person

· 3-day tickets are valid 3 days out of 7 consecutive days
· 7-day tickets are valid 7 days out of 14 consecutive days
· 14-day tickets are valid 14 days out of 30 consecutive days

The National Trust for Scotland offers a wealth of 4 star and 5 star visitor attractions including world-famous gardens, battlefields, industrial heritage, castles, palaces, mansionhouses, collections and interiors. Many venues also offer excellent coach parking, catering facilities and exclusive gift shops.

For all bookings and enquiries, email the National Trust for Scotland at traveltrade@nts.org.uk, telephone 0844 493 2104 (+44 131 243 9304 from outside the UK), or visit www.nts.org.uk/TravelTrade

* 78% saving based on 14-day adult Discover Ticket.

The Loch Lomond Aquarium SEA LIFE centre is situated on the southern tip of Loch Lomond on the Loch Lomond Shores development, just 20 miles from Glasgow.

This magical attraction takes visitors on a journey from highland stream, via the depths of the loch, to the North Sea and onward to the Carribean. It houses a trio of otters, countless freshwater and native marine species and ends with a voyage under the sea through the ocean tank teeming with colourful reef and tropical sharks. The centre is in fact home to the largest selection of sharks in Scotland, with a new pair of Bonnethead sharks having arrived in 2009.

With breathtaking views from the Loch View coffee shop, discounted group rates from as little as £4.50*, discounted food and beverage deals, free leader places and free talks and demonstrations, the Loch Lomond Aquarium is a great place for groups to visit at any time of the year.
To book your group visit please call 0871 222 6935 or visit www.groupfundays.co.uk for more information.

For preferential trade rates and terms please email: debbie.fisher@merlinentertainments.biz
*to qualify for group rates, a minimum of 10 people applies. Adults: £6.50. Seniors: £5.50, Children: £4.50

Address: Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, G83 8QL
Website: www.sealife.co.uk
Site contact: Emma McDougal
Tel : 01389 721500
Email: emma.mcdougal@merlinentertainments.biz

2 great theatres, 2009 highlights

Summer and Autumn highlights at Glasgow’s King’ Theatre and the Theatre Royal

For anyone planning a holiday or a long weekend to the city a visit to Glasgow would not be complete without a trip to either The King’s or Theatre Royal.


King’s season highlights include the comedy Stepping Out (15-19 Sept), starring Jesse Wallace (Eastenders) and Brian Capron (Coronation Street). The comedy continues with Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies (22 – 26 Sept). Reprising their roles from the original series are Shobna Gulati and Andrew Dunn. Richard O’Brien opens his brand new show, The Stripper (29 Sept – 3 Oct), a new musical brought to the stage by same team who created the Rocky Horror phenomenon. And the children’s classic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang glides in from 20 Oct – 14 Nov.

Over at the Theatre Royal we welcome for one night only Ms Elkie Brooks (13 Aug). For our younger audience we have the Tweenies Live (31 July - 2 Aug) and family favourite Annie (4 – 8 Aug) starring the irrepressible Su Pollard! Enjoy comedy? Why not pop along for night with Bill Bailey, one of the finest comedians the country has to offer (17 – 22 Aug). For dance check out Dorian Gray (29 Sep – 3 Oct) the massive sell out at the Edinburgh Festival in 2008. This sexy and slick production by choreographer Matthew Bourne is a truly seductive event.


This really is a taster of what’s on offer. To find out details of the entire season log on to www.ambassadortickets.som/glasgow

Scotland - golf heaven

There are more golf courses per head of population in Scotland than almost anywhere else on Earth.....featuring some of the world’s most famous golfing challenges, including the Old Course in St. Andrews, the Old Course at Royal Troon, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and the Ailsa Course at Turnberry, host to The Open Championship in 2009.

However, Scotland has much more to offer visiting golfers, with some of the finest hidden gems to meet your required course standard and budget, ranging from Southerness in the south to the amazing 9 hole course at Durness in the far north; from Machrihanish in the west to Montrose on the east coast. Experience the superb new course at Castle Stuart.


At Thistle Golf we pride ourselves in our knowledge of the finest golfing venues in Scotland, together with the best places to stay throughout our beautiful country.....the interesting places to visit, and the great restaurants and pubs to enjoy.



If you fancy a trip to Scotland to savour the delights of playing golf, as well as enjoying the magnificent scenery and perhaps partaking of a wee dram too.....we’ll be delighted to assist you in making all your arrangements, from your group’s arrival here until departure.


To request a free quotation, contact us on +44 (0)141 942 4043 or visit our website at www.thistlegolf.co.uk . Thistle Golf......large enough to cope, small enough to care!

Monks, Mines & Museums

The Scottish Mining Museum and Newbattle Abbey in Midlothian have joined forces to tailor a fantastic full day tour aimed specifically at the groups market. Your journey into the past begins with a visit to enigmatic Newbattle Abbey College where Cistercian monks mined possibly the first coal in Scotland in the 12th century. Here, visitors will learn about the Abbey’s many links to Scotland’s past including the Declaration of Arbroath, Mary Queen of Scots, the Knights Templar and how the development of this ancient house came to be responsible for the Lady Victoria pit which is now the Scottish Mining Museum.

Following lunch at the Abbey, the tour resumes at the Scottish Mining Museum, housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery. Opened in the 1890s the “Lady Vic” became renowned as one of the first Scottish 'super pits' and a showpiece for the industry. Today the A-listed complex is recognised as one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in Europe, and is home to the extensive collections of the Scottish Mining Museum. Now a five star visitor attraction, the museum tells the story of coal for Scotland through two floors of exhibitions - A Race Apart and The Story of Coal - Magic Helmet tour, recreated underground roadway and coalface, the largest winding engine in Scotland and the Big Stuff – Massive Mining Machinery tour.

For further information or to make a booking please contact Rae McGhee (Newbattle Abbey) on 0131 663 1921 or Gillian Rankin (Scottish Mining Museum) on 0131 663 7519.

When I’m 64...

Fitzcharles Coaches now in it’s 64th year, family owned, managed by the third /fourth generations of our family, which our grandparents started, still going strong, which is quite an achievement in this day and age.

Why are we still going strong? Perhaps it’s because we give a personal service, lost by large companies. Perhaps it’s because when you travel on a Fitzcharles coach tour, it will be a Fitzcharles coach that will do the tour. Perhaps it’s because when you travel with us, one driver per tour, and he is your friend from start to finish. Perhaps it’s because most entrance fees to places of interest and travel insurance are included, which allows you to budget your spending money. Perhaps it’s because all our coaches are ours and are air conditioned with toilets. Perhaps it’s because we are fully bonded for your financial security.

Whatever your group interests, we will work hard to ensure we offer you new and exciting itineraries with great excursions included. We have worked with many individual hotels as well as hotel groups over the years and can offer very competitive prices as well as often added value items such as welcome drinks, speciality dinners, etc.

Ronnie, Olive, and all our experienced, professional staff look forward to assisting you in the near future.

To find out more please telephone ++44(0)1324 482093 or visit www.fitzcharles.co.uk.