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I knew it 24th Aug 2010

The recent Lonely Planet Travel Awards for 2010 features Walking Scotland’s wild beaches as the winner of “Most under-rated British day out”, I read this morning.
Four of us took a 3 hour stroll along the coast of Kintyre on Saturday -  a route we know as the “Seven beach walk” .  No other people, warm [...]

Our 20th Wedding anniversary trip 8th Jun 2010

A few pictures of our trip to Sutherland..one of our favourite parts of Scotland

The E-type was perfect transport for our short break

The locals were curious, but friendly..

Discovered some new beaches too

My new favourite ferry… 27th Apr 2010

I am always delighted to find new gems on my travels round Scotland. For some reason I had not been on the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry on my past visits to Skye, so when organising our latest Classic Car Club weekend on the island I decided to give it a try…and wow!
Here is the oldest crossing to [...]

A wonderful advert for the Outer Hebrides 22nd Apr 2010

Visit Scotland could not buy better advertising than the latest series from Monty Hall, the marine biologist and rather rugged-looking ( according to my female colleagues in the office) adventurer, who spent most of a year in North and South Uist. Catch it on BBC i-player (if you live in the UK). I am [...]

Summer arrives on the Scottish islands 29th Mar 2010

This weekend always marks the change from winter to summer timetables for the Calmac ferries serving the islands, with summer only connections re-starting and extra sailings on all the main routes. Just a wee milestone, like the arrival of the first swallow, to remind us that the spring and summer are on their way. Mind [...]

Now you can See Ireland differently too! 18th Dec 2009

I am delighted to announce the launch of our new See Ireland differently holidays – check out www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk
It gives me particular pleasure to be offering holidays in the land of my birth, including quite a few options in Northern Ireland, where I am from – a true hidden gem.
It has been a lot of work [...]

Meet the boss! 1st Dec 2009

I was recently interviewed for top Travel Website 101 holidays, and for those interested, check out  my thoughts on travel in the UK and worldwide here.

The (very) far north… 11th Nov 2009

Just back from Shetland, which will be a new addition to our holiday programme for 2010. Looking forward to marketing one of the most unique parts of Britain, which offers a very different, truly dramatic landscape and a social character which is more Scandinavian than Scottish.
One of the highlights of my trip was to reach [...]

Award-winning holidays, again? 14th Aug 2009

Everyone at McKinlay Kidd was delighted that we have reached the finalists shortlist for the 2009 Scottish Thistle Awards – the Scottish Tourism Oscars – for “Operator Programme of the Year”.
(We were thrilled two years ago when we were not just finalists but won our category.)
The judges comments are particularly glowing:  ” (See Scotland differently) [...]

What did you do last weekend? 4th Jun 2009

A question often asked of me, so here is some photographic evidence.

Not only did we enjoy some fabulous weather, but Heather and I also manage to find 20 dolphins, a deserted beach, a remote island (with its own bar) and great fresh seafood. Then on Monday, we took the ferry to the island of Arran [...]