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