Private Heritage Tours of Scotland
Explore your Scottish heritage with a luxury, private heritage tour.
Enquire Today!
A member of our team will connect with you!
Private Heritage Tours of
Scotland
We Scots have always been explorers. From the famous Evelyn McNicol and David Livingstone to the thousands of ordinary men and women who left Scotland to discover the world and make a better life for themselves. So, you’re more likely to have Scottish roots than you think, and what better way to explore your Scottish heritage than on a luxury, private heritage tour of Bonnie Scotland.
You may not have heard of a heritage tour before, so let’s first have a look at what’s involved and why it’s such a valuable thing to do.
You may not have heard of a heritage tour before, so let’s first have a look at what’s involved and why it’s such a valuable thing to do.
What is a Heritage Tour?
A relative may have told you about Scottish connections, perhaps you took a DNA test and spotted links to Scotland, or you may just have got curious one night and searched your family name. Whatever the case may be, the first step usually involves a bit of research to see where your family came from.
However, you don’t have to do all the research before you get here. Armed only with your family name, there are birth, death, and marriage records here in Scotland that you can look through to discover your heritage.
However, you don’t have to do all the research before you get here. Armed only with your family name, there are birth, death, and marriage records here in Scotland that you can look through to discover your heritage.
Why go on a Heritage Tour?
Going on a heritage tour is a little different. Not only do you enjoy an amazing holiday, but you also learn more about yourself and your family history.
Many people go on multigenerational heritage tours, bringing their parents and kids along. Learning about your shared history together deepens relationships and gives the whole family a better understanding of their past and a stronger sense of identity.
Hearing stories of how your ancestors lived, often in very challenging conditions, can give you a new perspective on your own life and allow you to honour their memory.
However, you don’t have to have Scottish connections, you can still have a fantastic holiday learning all about our vibrant heritage. Learning about another culture – it’s traditions, foods, languages, and way of life – is a rewarding experience that you can use to enrich and enhance your own life.
Read on to find out what you can expect as standard on our luxury heritage tours and how easy it is to organise. We’ve also included some information on Scottish clan names and key clan sites throughout Scotland.
Many people go on multigenerational heritage tours, bringing their parents and kids along. Learning about your shared history together deepens relationships and gives the whole family a better understanding of their past and a stronger sense of identity.
Hearing stories of how your ancestors lived, often in very challenging conditions, can give you a new perspective on your own life and allow you to honour their memory.
However, you don’t have to have Scottish connections, you can still have a fantastic holiday learning all about our vibrant heritage. Learning about another culture – it’s traditions, foods, languages, and way of life – is a rewarding experience that you can use to enrich and enhance your own life.
Read on to find out what you can expect as standard on our luxury heritage tours and how easy it is to organise. We’ve also included some information on Scottish clan names and key clan sites throughout Scotland.
What’s Included?
Here’s what you can expect on your heritage tour
of Scotland:
of Scotland:
Private Chauffeur with Premium Vehicle
You will travel around Scotland in one of our premium vehicles. When you touch down at the airport, your dedicated driver will be on hand to help you with your luggage and give you a warm Scottish welcome.
Your driver will be your main contact throughout the tour, and they will be delighted to answer any questions you may have, as well as giving you top tips while you’re on your journey.
Hotel and Dinner Reservations
Scotland rightfully has a reputation around the world for producing some of the finest quality ingredients and having expert chefs who take those ingredients and turn them into something magical. We have a close working relationship with the best restaurants in Scotland to ensure you get to sample the delicacies this bountiful land has to offer.
We have also partnered with the finest hotels to make sure that everything about your trip, down to the tiny details, is perfect.
Sightseeing and Day Trips
On your heritage tour there will likely be many places with connections to your family’s past that you want to visit. That being said, not all of your excursions have to be related to your family history, you are free to tailor the trip however you like. Regardless, there will be lots to see and do, and our tour designers will craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Contact Our Team at Thistledown Estate
Our team are available for calls throughout the week and we love discussing how to make your perfect Scottish tour experience a reality. Just give us a call today to get started:
Call Us At 07984890178
HOW IT WORKS:
A relative may have told you about Scottish connections, perhaps you took a DNA test and spotted links to Scotland, or you may just have got curious one night and searched your family name. Whatever the case may be, the first step usually involves a bit of research to see where your family came from.
However, you don’t have to do all the research before you get here. Armed only with your family name, there are birth, death, and marriage records here in Scotland that you can look through to discover your heritage.
However, you don’t have to do all the research before you get here. Armed only with your family name, there are birth, death, and marriage records here in Scotland that you can look through to discover your heritage.
INITIAL ENQUIRY
Start by letting us know the basics such as when you would like to travel, dietary requirements, preference for 4 or 5 star hotels, and some initial ideas for what you’d like to do. If you would like us to look into your Scottish heritage for you, simply let us know and we can put our Heritage Experts to work.
ITINERARY REVISIONS
You can then make any changes to the itinerary that you wish.
FINALISED DRAFT AND DEPOSIT
Once your itinerary is perfect, we will finalise it and request your deposit.
CONFIRMATION
After your deposit is paid, we book all aspects of your trip and send you email confirmation.
Whether you want to find out every last detail about your family’s Scottish connections, are happy to visit one or two locations where your family came from, or simply want to learn more about Scotland’s heritage, one thing is for sure, going on a heritage tour of Scotland is a hugely enriching, eye opening experience that will stay with you forever.
With our help, planning your heritage tour could not be easier, so get in touch today for an initial chat.
Clan Names
Clans have been a key part of Scottish culture for thousands of years, and while clan membership is less integral to society today, it remains an important part of people’s sense of identity.
But let’s start with the basics. The word clan comes from the Gaelic “clann” which means “children” or “kindred”. In days gone by, clans provided people with a common identity, and membership was closely tied to areas of land controlled by the clan chief. The clan chief would rule from a castle or fortress which was their centre or “seat” of power.
It’s a common misconception that all members of a clan are related by blood. Rather, people in the area would adopt the clan’s name and provide labour and service to the clan in return for protection and food in an often violent and harsh environment. They would also be expected to fight for the clan if required. The concept of clans challenges our traditional notion of what family means. Despite not being related by blood, clan members looked out for each other just as they would their family, sharing resources and working together for a common good.
Now that we understand what clans are, let’s have a look at the history of some of the most famous clans.
But let’s start with the basics. The word clan comes from the Gaelic “clann” which means “children” or “kindred”. In days gone by, clans provided people with a common identity, and membership was closely tied to areas of land controlled by the clan chief. The clan chief would rule from a castle or fortress which was their centre or “seat” of power.
It’s a common misconception that all members of a clan are related by blood. Rather, people in the area would adopt the clan’s name and provide labour and service to the clan in return for protection and food in an often violent and harsh environment. They would also be expected to fight for the clan if required. The concept of clans challenges our traditional notion of what family means. Despite not being related by blood, clan members looked out for each other just as they would their family, sharing resources and working together for a common good.
Now that we understand what clans are, let’s have a look at the history of some of the most famous clans.
Clan Campbell
One of the most powerful and revered clans in Scotland is Clan Campbell, who’s ancestral home is Inverary Castle in Argyll.
The Campbell’s are an example of how clan power can transition through the ages, with Campbell chiefs taking up the important role of the Dukes of Argyll.
While the Campbell’s fought for Scotland in the Wars of Scottish Independence (14th century) by the 18th century they were instrumental allies of the British government during the Jacobite rising, a turbulent period when Scots, led by Charles Edward Stuart, tried to regain the British throne.
The Campbell’s controlled around 20 castles at their peak and exerted significant influence over politics and society far beyond their home territory.
Historians reckon Clan Campbell is the greatest in terms of members, with an estimated 20 million people either sharing the Campbell name or having ancestors who were protected by the Campbells.
The Campbell’s are an example of how clan power can transition through the ages, with Campbell chiefs taking up the important role of the Dukes of Argyll.
While the Campbell’s fought for Scotland in the Wars of Scottish Independence (14th century) by the 18th century they were instrumental allies of the British government during the Jacobite rising, a turbulent period when Scots, led by Charles Edward Stuart, tried to regain the British throne.
The Campbell’s controlled around 20 castles at their peak and exerted significant influence over politics and society far beyond their home territory.
Historians reckon Clan Campbell is the greatest in terms of members, with an estimated 20 million people either sharing the Campbell name or having ancestors who were protected by the Campbells.
Clan Mackintosh
Clan Mackintosh hail from the lands around Inverness in the Scottish Highlands and the current seat of the chief is at Moy Hall. The original seat was Moy Castle, which was situated on Moy Island. However, only a few remains are left of this once magnificent castle.
The Mackintosh’s buried their chiefs in the lands of Petty, the original clan heartlands, and clan members to this day make the journey there to pay respect to their ancestors.
Clan Mackintosh was involved in many battles throughout history. For example, in 1263, Ferquhar Mackintosh rallied his men to fight in the Scottish-Norwegian war, battling valiantly against Haakon IV’s army. Angus Mackintosh married Eva Dal, daughter of Dougal Dal, who was the chief of Clan Chattan, in 1291. This resulted in Clan Chattan forming an unusual confederation of smaller, independent clans under the leadership of the Mackintosh’s.
In 1337, the Battle of Drumlui was fought between Clan Mackintosh and Clan Cameron over the land of Glenlui and Loch Arkaig. This resulted in a bitter and bloody rivalry between the two clans which lasted for 350 years.
Clan Mackintosh supported Robert the Bruce, resulting in a feud with Clan Comyn, who challenged Bruce. Many battles and invasions of territory occurred over the years, including a raid on Moy Island. Things looked to be moving towards peace when a reconciliation feast was proposed. However, in what could be a script from Game of Thrones, the Mackintosh’s massacred the Comyn’s at the feast.
The Mackintosh’s buried their chiefs in the lands of Petty, the original clan heartlands, and clan members to this day make the journey there to pay respect to their ancestors.
Clan Mackintosh was involved in many battles throughout history. For example, in 1263, Ferquhar Mackintosh rallied his men to fight in the Scottish-Norwegian war, battling valiantly against Haakon IV’s army. Angus Mackintosh married Eva Dal, daughter of Dougal Dal, who was the chief of Clan Chattan, in 1291. This resulted in Clan Chattan forming an unusual confederation of smaller, independent clans under the leadership of the Mackintosh’s.
In 1337, the Battle of Drumlui was fought between Clan Mackintosh and Clan Cameron over the land of Glenlui and Loch Arkaig. This resulted in a bitter and bloody rivalry between the two clans which lasted for 350 years.
Clan Mackintosh supported Robert the Bruce, resulting in a feud with Clan Comyn, who challenged Bruce. Many battles and invasions of territory occurred over the years, including a raid on Moy Island. Things looked to be moving towards peace when a reconciliation feast was proposed. However, in what could be a script from Game of Thrones, the Mackintosh’s massacred the Comyn’s at the feast.
These are stories from just 2 of the more than 500 officially recognised Scottish clans. Other notable clans include the MacLeod’s, MacDonald’s, Sinclair’s, Mackenzie’s, Douglas’s, and MacLean’s, each with their own fascinating history.
The official registry of Scottish clans is overseen by the Court of the Lord Lyon.
You can also visit www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk to research your family connections to Scottish clans.
The official registry of Scottish clans is overseen by the Court of the Lord Lyon.
You can also visit www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk to research your family connections to Scottish clans.
Clan Sites
There are countless clan sites of historic significance across Scotland, each with their own tale of love, betrayal, or
bloodshed, or indeed all three!
bloodshed, or indeed all three!
Culloden Battlefield
Culloden Battlefield sits to the east of the highland city of Inverness and was the site of one of the most important battles in British history.
On the 16th of April 1746, the Jacobite’s, intent on returning the Stuarts to the throne, battled against the government troops led by the Duke of Cumberland. In the final pitched battle on British soil, the Jacobite’s were utterly crushed, with around 1500 men killed in under an hour. This decisively marked the end of the Jacobite uprising.
Today there is an engaging visitor centre at the battlefield where you can learn all about the lead up to the battle, what happened on the day, and the aftermath. There is a stunning 360-degree “battle immersion theatre”, a roof garden, gift shop, and museum filled with artefacts from the battle.
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is without doubt the most beautiful place in Scotland. You simply cannot look anywhere without being met by an utterly awe inspiring view. From the Black Cuillin mountains to the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glen, and the Old Man of Storr, Skye is bursting with memorable locations.
Two main clans dominated Skye for hundreds of years, the MacLeod’s and the MacDonald’s, however there were a number of smaller clans on the island, such as Clan Mackinnon and Clan Budge.
There are many castles on Skye, such as Dunvegan, Maol, Dunscaith, Armadale, and the famous Eilean Donan. Some are ruins, while some are exquisitely maintained, but all offer a fascinating insight into the clan history of Skye.
Glen Ord Whisky
Distillery
Whisky, otherwise known as the “water of life”, is a central part of Scottish identity and our most popular export. The earliest recorded distilling was in 1494, though who knows how long the Scots had been brewing potent blends before that.
In 1838, Thomas Mackenzie established Glen Ord Distillery and Clan Mackenzie have played a pivotal role in the distillery’s development ever since.
Today visitors can enjoy a tour of the distillery to learn all about the fine art of making whisky and sample some of the fine single malts produced here.
The Wallace
Monument
Popularised through the movie “Braveheart”, William Wallace was by far the most famous of Clan Wallace. Wallace was a key figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence (1296 – 1357). He and Andrew de Moray used guerrilla warfare tactics to inflict numerous attacks on the English.
Wallace’s most successful victory was at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, which saw 5000-6000 Scots defeat 9000 English and earn Wallace the title of Guardian of Scotland.
However, as those who have seen Braveheart will be well aware, Wallace met a most grisly end when he was captured, tried for treason, and hung, drawn, and quartered.
The Bloody Stone
Also located on Skye is The Bloody Stone which sits in the Harta Corrie. We mentioned the MacLeod’s and MacDonald’s dominated Skye, and as you might expect things were not always peaceful between the two clans.
After an unsuccessful marriage between the MacLeod chief’s daughter and MacDonald chiefs’ son, tensions escalated after a 40-strong party of Macleod’s raided MacDonald lands. The raid was unsuccessful, and the MacDonald’s retaliated with a raid of their own, stealing some cattle.
However, the MacLeod’s chased after the MacDonald’s, resulting in a fierce battle in which the MacDonald’s, though on the defensive, managed to kill all of the MacLeod’s. They then stacked all the dead MacLeod’s around what became known as The Bloody Stone.
