Head To The Auld Lands This Year

Scotland continued its claim as one of the strongest destinations for Brightwater in 2019, and 2020 is set to be equally as impressive. Why? Well, with many people tracing their ancestry back to Scotland along with an array of both incredible historic and cultural sites, it's clear to see why it is so popular.

So, will this be the year you journey back? Whether it's your first time or you've decided to return in search of further stories and heritage, Brightwater has a Scottish holiday waiting for you. From the dramatic landscapes on the Isle of Skye to the country's northern edge – take a look at the Scotland we can take you to over the coming months.

If You Want To Travel The Length And Breadth Of The Western Isles:

Experience our Grand Tour of the Outer Hebrides to get as much out of your time in Scotland's Western Isles as possible. At 6-days long, this is one of our most popular Scottish vacations and it takes in all the beauty and diversity of this very special environment with 9 or 10 different islands visited, and four ferry trips included. You'll visit the unique airport at Cockleshell Beach (whose runway is unlike anything you'll have ever seen before), there will be a chance to stand before the 5,000-year-old Standing Stones of Callanish, and you'll learn about the Outer Hebrides at the fascinating Lews Castle and Museum. This tour departs multiple times between May and September, and starts from £975pp.

If You're After Spellbinding Ancient Landscapes And History:

Give our Stornoway, Skye and the Summer Isles holiday a try. At 6-days long, this trip offers adventure across three stunning destinations. Calming coastlines, ancient megaliths, brilliant black mountains, and romantic boat rides are all there for us to enjoy, creating extraordinary experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Take a sunlit morning cruise aboard the fittingly regal Summer Queen, with the chance of spying a shy grey seal at the surface. Embark upon a circular tour of Lewis, taking in archaeological sites from the Stone Age along with Iron Age brochs, Viking settlements and thatched cottages that were commonplace just a couple of generations ago. Then, explore the lush, sub-tropical eden of Inverewe Gardens, where you can admire plush rhododendrons and constellations of olearia. This trip departs on 9th July and 17th September, and starts from £995pp.

If You Want To See As Much As Possible:

When considering a Scottish holiday, if ticking as many places off the list as possible with just one trip is your goal, our Grand Tour of Scotland is for you. At 11-days long, this is an all-encompassing way to 'do' Scotland. Departing next on 22nd August, your experience will begin and end in historic Edinburgh. Highlights on this mammoth adventure include a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, a Scotch whisky-tasting experience, and a visit to the unique Fingal's Cave. If you want to enjoy the golden age of travel during your Scottish holiday, you're in luck because this tour includes a journey aboard the Jacobite steam train, following the famous Fort William to Mallaig line. Elsewhere, we'll treat you to a Summer Isles Cruise aboard the MV Summer Queen along with a Rob Roy cruise on Loch Lomond. Castles also feature heavily on this trip and you'll tick off Eilean Donan Castle, Blair Castle, Stirling Castle, and Cawdor Castle.

If You Want A Coastal Experience:

Treat yourself to a place on our Scotland's Northern Edge tour, at 5-days long and starting from just £695pp. Standing here on the northern edge of mainland Britain you are moved to reflect on the awesome, unstoppable power of the sea and the equally indomitable strength of the ancient rock beneath your feet, the two locked together in a timeless and never-ending battle. Pay visits to the landmark at the "end of the road" known as John O' Groats, wander around the Castle of Mey (which was the late Queen Mother's former holiday home), and explore Smoo Cave, which has the largest entrance of any sea cave in the British Isles. Elsewhere, you'll discover Strathnaver – one of the principal sites of the Highland Clearances. In 1814, the “year of the burning”, as many as 15,000 people were cleared from the one and a half million acre estate of the Duke of Stafford (later made the Duke of Sutherland) to increase the income from the land by letting it to sheep farmers. Many emigrated to North America and never returned.

If You Want Your Holiday With A Side Of Exclusivity:

Our Private Gardens of Caithness and Sutherland tour is for you. At only 4-days long (perfect for tagging on to a longer break!), this trip offers exclusive access to a selection of glorious private gardens. Our itinerary includes the private garden of Sir Archibald and Lady Edmonstone at Dunbeath Castle, a privately-owned garden at the Auld Post Office south of Thurso, and the award-winning private garden known as The Lookout at North Kessock. Despite being more of a short break than a full vacation, the itinerary packs a lot in and other experiences range from a tour of the Castle of Mey (former holiday home of the late Queen Mother) and a visit to the Botanical Garden at Inverness, to the 17th century House of Tongue. This trip departs on either 6th July or 20th July and starts from just £545pp.

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