History

Scotland’s effervescent history has given us amazing gifts in the form of landmarks like castles, abbeys, cathedrals, churches, manor houses... even “walls” like Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall.  Each one of these landmarks holds fascinating chapters of the history of Scotland.

These two famous walls, Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall were originally built by the Roman Empire to “contain” the ferocious tribes of the northern end of the Roman province “Britannia”.  Caledonians, Picts and Gaels or Scoti, were too tough for the Romans so they built these walls to avoid being harassed by the northern tribes.

There are still traces of the Antonine Wall that have survived over time. The Antonine wall was intended to be a stone wall, although it was only its foundation that was built in stone, the actual wall being built with turf. The configuration was a 13 feet bank made of turf, with a deep ditch in the northern side and a military way in the southern side.

It is remarkable that there are still surviving traces of the structures accompanying the wall, like forts (i.e. the Rough Castle Fort in the Falkirk area), garrisons and even a military bath house (in Bearsden).  The buildings didn’t survive the passing of time, but their foundations have been discovered in modern times when digging to set foundations for new buildings.

The Antonine wall owes its name to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius who ordered its construction, north of the already existing Hadrian’s Wall (which owes its name to the Roman emperor Hadrian), as an advance position into the Caledonian domains. It was very soon abandoned and the Romans retreated to the original Hadrian’s Wall.

Wallsend, historically Wallsend on Tyne, is a large town in North Tyneside, Tyne and Wear, North East of England. Historically part of Northumberland, Wallsend derives its name as the location of the end of Hadrian's Wall.

To find out more about Hadrian’s Wall, follow these suggested links:

https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk/

http://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/

Information about Hadrian’s Wall walks:

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrians-wall-path

Fast forwarding to more contemporary times, although still a beautiful “vintage experience” we find a phenomenal attraction: Vintage Steam Trains.

You can explore the majestic landscapes of Scotland while travelling on a steam train, enjoying the experience of the golden days of steam train travel.

There’s a choice of itineraries to pick from, for steam train journeys in Scotland:

http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours/#



Castles and manor houses

Scotland’s natural beauty is home to the most unique castles and manor houses you could ever find.

Buildings with an eventful history behind, castles and manor houses speak volumes of Scottish heritage. Either on holidays or business, you can find jaw-dropping, stunning accommodation all throughout the country.

Majestic, seigniorial manor houses and hotels are there for you to lodge, on a holiday or business trip, to organise an event of sorts, a wedding, a training course, an international conference, a business event...

The possibilities are endless in Scotland, and all of this splendour will add for an everlasting memory of any event that you could plan for.

And here are a few links to manor houses:

http://www.scottishbusinesscentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Western-Manor-Hotel-2011-web.pdf

http://www.manorhouseoban.com/

The following links display a big selection of manor houses to find luxury accommodation all throughout Scotland:

https://www.scottscastles.com/large-holiday-houses/sleeping-10+/in-scotland.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiA_eXEBRDP8fnIlJDXxsIBEiQAAGfyofd2uuPkd_PPH5xngVyFm6PR339BFh-hTDNjCBTvNUUaAt5T8P8HAQ

and:

http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/Chatelaine/accomm.htm

To get a taste of castles and manor houses, click on the link below:

http://www.castlesandmanorhouses.com/photos-scotland.htm

The sheer beauty of the Scottish landscapes combined with the impressive architecture of these venues will make for an unforgettable experience.

A1 Coaches will pick you up at the airport or your preferred pick up point and take you to your chosen destination.

Just call 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com

THINK SCOTLAND!

The beauty and singularity of the British Isles, the rich culture and historic heritage all make for a popular tourism destination.  Scotland possesses all these attributes, where unspoiled nature blends with villages and cities in perfect harmony. All throughout Scotland there are astonishing bits of history and breathtaking scenery, “secret” nooks and crannies waiting to be “discovered”.


Golf? First class golf courses...

Calanish Stones, Isle of Lewis

History?  World famous landmarks. Distinct culture, traditions and trade, think of whisky, think of tweed... Holidays? Unspoiled natural sceneries and the most picturesque ever places to visit and find accommodation. Doing business? Scotland’s industrious people will add value to your business activities in every way, from doing profitable business with your organization to facilitating your business activities with impressive venues and services.

Milburn House in Kilbirnie

Majestic, seigniorial manor houses and hotels are there for you to lodge, on a holiday or business trip, to organise an event of sorts, a wedding, a training course, an international conference, a business event... the possibilities are endless in Scotland, and all of this splendour will make for an unforgettable experience.

Gatliff Trust Hostel at Rhenigigdale

As for those wanting to make the most of Scotland and keep within a budget, there is also a marvelous selection of backpacker’s youth hostels.








Fife displays all this beauty and accommodating temper throughout its territory. Ideally located, Fife offers unique features and easy access to all surrounding regions.

Distilleries in Scotland are unique in that some of them possess a rich history and tradition behind them while other distilleries are born to the vision and passion of entrepreneurs that bring together the best of the Scottish Water of Life heritage and the creative spirit of finding new flavours and aromas. The majority of distilleries and the families and owners who run them will welcome you for a tour of the facilities and a ceremonial “taste” of the malts.


Themed Tours

Outlander TV series

There is abundance of possible themed tours in Scotland, as the magic, picturesque places and breathtaking landscapes of Scotland are home to the imagination of writers, script writers, even video game creators. The mysterious charm of Scottish landscapes and villages is the axis around which the TV series Outlander revolves, evoking the rich history of these lands and the renowned determination of its people. Such is the magnetism of this land, capable of inspiring whoever goes on a journey across the country; a feeling that greatly contributes to the popularity which drives the newest trend of organising Outlander tours and gatherings, along with other “themed tours” like “Braveheart” and “Brave”...

Brave 3D Cartoon movie

In a similar way, the gracious and sweet depiction of “ginger power”, Brave, is a fantastic motivation for children to enjoy the magic scenery you find in the highlands of Scotland.






Ian Fleming’s original James Bond character was a Scotsman, and James Bond movies feature impressive filming locations throughout Scotland. And even J.K. Rowling has been known to find inspiration for her writings in Scottish manor houses.

Vintage Steam Trains

You can explore the majestic landscapes of Scotland while travelling on a steam train, enjoying the golden days experience of steam train travel.

There’s a choice of itineraries to pick from, for steam train journeys in Scotland:

http://www.bkrailway.co.uk/
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-steam-train-details.cfm
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours/#

Eiliean Donan Castle

The word “Scotland” immediately brings to anybody around the world images of, castles with sheep peacefully grazing in the green fields, whisky, kilts, tartan and golf.

Be it medieval castles, picturesque villages full of history, the breathtaking beauty of the highlands and islands or all the possible activities Scotland has to offer, you can tailor your transportation requirements with
A1 Coaches by calling 01592 713443 or e-mail info@a1coaches.com or visit www.a1coaches.com