I just spent two weeks in Glasgow and the Outer Hebrides, below zero every day, strong winds and heavy rain. April is not the ideal time to go home.
I was invited to attend the Visit Scotland Travel Expo in Glasgow, one of only 6 people from North America and the only one from the West. I told Visit Scotland (the new name for the Scottish Tourism Board) that they dare not invite me, since I am one of a few Scotsmasters in the U.S. I have a Master’s Degree in Scottish Tourism and Marketing from the University of Edinburgh with my father coming from the Isle of Skye. I tell people my passport has an eagle on it, and a teabag, since I am passionate about both countries. There were hundreds of travel industry executives from around the world at this huge show.
Next year is a big one for Scotland with the Commonwealth Games, (July 23-August 3) the Ryder Cup Golf Championship, (23-28 September) and the Clan Homecoming. It is estimated that there are 50 million people in the world with Scottish ancestors and many will be visiting to take part in the 400 events being scheduled.
There will be a Scottish Clan’s World Golf Championship 27 July to 3 August. No matter where in the world you are from, if you have Scottish ancestors, you can take part. It will be held at the Open Championship venue, Carnoustie, and host of the 2014 Ryder Cup, the Centenary Course at Gleneagles. Your Scotland Specialist travel agent will have packages for both golfers and non players, which offer four rounds of golf, three at Gleneagles, PGA Centenary, Kings & Queens courses and one round over Carnoustie Championship course, welcome gift pack, welcome reception, evening buffet dinner followed by Scottish Highland Dancing display and Piper, Scottish quiz night, Scottish evening, address to the Haggis (Scottish tradition) four course dinner followed by Scottish entertainment, afternoon guided tour of Glamis Castle, transport to and from Carnoustie and Glamis Castle with great prizes and a Gala Ceilidh (Scottish dancing ) plus seven nights bed and breakfast at Gleneagles Resort. This will be spectacular to attend, which a grand march from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, where hundreds and pipe bands from around the world take part, and people join the parade wearing something showing their Clan affiliation. There will be hundreds of tartans from around the world.
One of my favorite events is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for 3 weeks in August. This is a magnificent event in the castle grounds, with bands from all over the world. The 95 minute show is a must see if you are in Scotland. If you want to golf, fish, hike, visit a castle or a whisky distillery, Scotland has something for everyone.
Maureen McDonald Jones, president of All Horizons Travel and Scotsmaster at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure
