Homecoming Scotland 2009

Clan Group Tours

Discover the fascinating history of your Clan, visit important locations and immerse yourself together with your fellow Clansmen -
in the land your ancestors have lived, loved and fought for.
 

Clan Cameron

Join us for a trip to Cameron country in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and enjoy some of the country’s greatest sights along the way. History, culture and folklore will abound as you explore famous locations such as Bannockburn, Stirling Castle, Glenfinnan and Culloden – not to mention the Clan Museum at Achnacarry. Combined with the spectacular Highland scenery of Glencoe, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis this is a truly memorable tour.

Package Dates
With Edinburgh Hotel:
24 July 09 - 01 August 09

Without Edinburgh Hotel:
29 – 31 July 09
 
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh. Check into hotel
Day 2 The Gathering events
Day 3 The Gathering events
Day 4 Edinburgh city tour
Day 5 Free day in Edinburgh (optional day trips)
Day 6 Depart on the Clan Cameron Homelands tour
Day 7 On tour
Day 8 On tour - arriving back in Edinburgh early evening
Day 9 Depart for home

Not included:
Meals other than breakfast
Entry fees
The Gathering Passport/ ticket
Optional tips for your driver/guides
 

Touring for Clan Cameron

Touring DAY 1
From Edinburgh we head west towards Stirling, an area steeped in Scotland’s history, and stop first at Bannockburn where the Camerons fought bravely alongside Robert the Bruce in 1314. Next stop is one of the jewels in Scotland’s crown – imposing Stirling Castle. Heading into the Highlands we then pause for lunch before taking in the haunting mountain scenery of Glencoe. Then in the shadow of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, you will feel the presence of Camerons past by visiting the clan burial grounds in Glen Nevis. Our final destination is the famous Highland town of Fort William where you will spend two nights.

Touring DAY 2
A day that will make you proud to be a Cameron as we take you to some of the clan’s most famous locations, concentrating on lovely Lochaber. First of all we take the scenic route along Loch Shiel to Glenfinnan. It was here, in 1745, that around 850 Camerons answered Bonnie Prince Charlie’s call and joined the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 - it’s a simply stunning location. Next we visit the ghostly ruins of Tor Castle, the 16th century home of the Camerons of Locheil, before a must see for any descendant – the hereditary home and Clan Cameron Museum at Achnacarry. To complete a fantastic day we stop at the Commando Monument before a visit to the romantic setting of Cille Choirill church, first built in the 15th century by Ewan MacAllan, one of the great Cameron chiefs.

Touring DAY 3
Our final day starts with a raid into neighboring clan lands and past Loch Lochy, where the Cameron’s fought in the bloody Battle of the Shirts in 1544. As we continue our journey north we arrive at the mysterious shores of Loch Ness, home of the famous monster. We take in the full 23 miles of the Loch as we head towards the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness, for our lunch stop. After lunch we make our way to Culloden where, in 1746, hundreds of Cameron’s perished in the last battle ever fought on the British mainland. You’ll have plenty of time to relive the battle at the new Visitor Centre and take a walk around the site to the Clan Cameron marker stone. Heading south our journey takes us through the Cairngorm National Park to Pitlochry for our final stop before returning to Edinburgh.

Note: If there is any offense to the use and display of your tartan or crest, please contact webmaster - its posting is intended to honor your Elders/Ancients and your present-day Clan.
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Clan Campbell

This tour explores the ancestral lands of this mighty clan, who gained power, land and title gifted by the King. The Campbells were staunch supporters of Bruce, and indeed descendants of Duncan Campbell can claim their lineage back to our hero King. This journey is packed with history and castles, demonstrating the sheer power of one of the most notorious of our Highlands clans -
Clan Campbell.
 

Not included:
Meals other than breakfast, entry fees
The Gathering Passport/ ticket
Optional tips for your driver/guide
 

Touring for Clan Campbell

Touring DAY 1
From Edinburgh we head north and travel towards Stirling, passing the fields of Bannockburn, where the great King Robert the Bruce was victorious over the “auld enemy” England during a period known as the Scottish wars of Independence.

Close by Stirling castle is where the Campbells, having had their title of Earldom restored to them in 1661, took up residence in a town house and styled it Argylls Lodging, after abandoning their castle in nearby Dollar- castle Campbell.

Continuing east, we visit Castle Campbell, formerly known as Castle Gloom, until an Act of Parliament, saw the name being officially changed in1489! Dating from the 1400’s the castle sits in lofty position, fastened between the Ochil hills. Access is only available by walking to the head of Dollar glen following the Burn of care on one side and the Burn of sorrow on the other.

Continuing north we pass by castle Dochart-(ruin) on Loch Dochart, built in 16c by Black Duncan Campbell, whose ambition was to be able to walk on his lands from west to the east of Scotland. He built 7 castles stretching from Balcardine castle in the west to Taymouth castle in the east. As we drive further into the Highlands, and deep into Campbell territory, we become very aware of the clans immense strength, often to the detriment of their neighboring clans, such as clan MacGregor.

Heading west towards Dalmally, we stop for photos of Kilchurn castle, built in 1406 by Colin Campbell. A magnificent imposing ruin, on the shores of Loch Awe, nestling beside Ben Cruachan, where the Campbell war cry would resonate- “ cruachan!” From the shores of Loch Awe, we head to Inverary, an 18c Georgian town, and the official home to the clan. Inverary castle, in contrast to the others, reflects the period in which it was built from 1747 onwards, when the troubles in the turbulent north were being neutralized. A mix of Scottish baronial and neo-gothic architecture, its immense presence overlooks the small town built at the same time to enhance the view from the chief’s home.

Continuing west we head through Kilmartin glen, and on passed yet another Campbell castle- Carnessarie castle, before hugging the beautiful sea bound road towards Oban.

Touring DAY 2
Our second day, will be spent driving though Appin, where Colin Campbell, a government factor working in the area in18c, was killed by person unknown as he rode through the glen. James Stewart was the unfortunate scapegoat in this mystery, captured in Robert Louis Stevensons book “Kidnapped”.

From here we arrive in Glencoe, the site of the infamous massacre, involving clan Campbell and clan MacDonald. As neighbors, tension arose between these two clans, and previous conflicts inevitably caused a divide of dislike culminating in the dark night of 13th Feb 1692.Onwards through Fort William, and up the Great Glen to Loch Ness with ample opportunities to try and glimpse “Nessie”, before our arrival in the Highland capital of Inverness.

Touring DAY 3
Our final day will see us visit Culloden visitor centre, where clan Campbell fought on the side of the British forces against the young pretender Bonnie Prince Charlie in what was to become the last battle on British soil in 1746. Here you have the chance to walk out in the eerie silence of Drumossie moor, and reflect on a bloody day, and, in its aftermath, the serious repercussions for Highland Scotland.

Heading south, we head eastwards at Killiecrankie for a short walk to view the leap by soldier Donald MacBean in his efforts to flee from the wild Jacobites hard on his tail!

By Loch Tummel we continue to Kenmore, and a chance to visit the wonder of the single defended dwelling houses found on inland Lochs known as Crannogs. Views can also be seen here of Taymouth castle, the most easterly point of clan Campbells territory. The lands stretching from Oban to Aberfeldy became known as Breadalbane. Through Aberfeldy where the Black watch regiment was founded, with clan Campbell as one of its core loyal clans, we continue east for a last visit to Dunkeld, the smallest city in Scotland, before returning to Edinburgh.

Note: If there is any offense to the use and display of your tartan or crest, please contact webmaster - its posting is intended to honor your Elders/Ancients and your present-day Clan.
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Clan MacGregor

The clan MacGregor has endured a notorious reputation over the centuries. Infamously known as 'the children of the mist', for their eerie ability to swoop out of the gloaming to plunder cattle, the MacGregors nonetheless stake a claim to royalty. The most famous MacGregor of them all, the subject of songs, legends and Hollywood blockbusters, is the outlaw (or hero) Rob Roy.

Not included:
Meals other than breakfast
Other entry fees (approx. Ł18)
The Gathering Passport
Optional tips for your driver/guides

Touring for Clan MacGregor

Touring DAY 1
Departing Edinburgh at 9am we travel west past Stirling Castle and into the Highlands of Scotland. Traveling through the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park we make our first stop at the visitor centre at Kilmahog. From there it is a short drive north to experience the serenity of Loch Lubnaig.

After a short stop at Loch Lubnaig we continue north along the the shores of the loch, through the ancient village of Strathyre and into Balquhidder. In Balquhidder we will visit Balquhidder church where you can see the grave of the infamous highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. From there we travel north past Loch Earn and onto the town of Dalmally. In Dalmally we will visit Dalmally Kirk, an ancient MacGregor burial site, before enjoying lunch at the friendly, family-run Glen Orchy Lodge Hotel.

After lunch there is a short drive to the ancient MacGregor stronghold of Kilchurn Castle. Nestled on the shores of the magnificient Loch Awe and overlooked by the imposing Ben Cruachan, Kilchurn Castle has one of the most romantic settings of any castle in Scotland. From Kilchurn Castle we will make our way to the picturesque town of Inveraray. Here you have the opportunity to visit Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll. The castle has on display the sporran of Rob Roy MacGregor. We will spend the evening in Inveraray.

Touring DAY 2
Upon leaving Inveraray we will follow the shores of scenic Loch Fyne before travelling through the Arrochar Alps, past Loch Long and onto the beauty and splendour of Loch Lomond, Scotland’s most romantic loch. We will stop on Loch Lomond in the picturesque conservation village of Luss where you can see the workers cottage built in the 1750’s and even take a stroll along the beach. After our stop in Luss we continue down Loch Lomond and onto Glen Fruin, scene of a battle between the Colquhouns and the MacGregors in 1603, which led to the name MacGregor being proscribed, effectively turning the entire clan into outlaws.

From Glen Fruin, we return to Loch Lomond and follow its shores eastwards as we make our way towards the village of Gartocharn, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch we make our way to the beautiful village of Balmaha. At Balmaha we will take a ferry out to Inchcailloch Island, ancient burial ground for the MacGregors and area of outstanding natural beauty. Upon returning to Balmaha, we will make the short trip to the historic town of Drymen where we will spend the night.

Touring DAY 3
In the morning we take the stunning journey along the road to Inversnaid where we will take a short walk to see Rob Roy’s Cave, one of the legendary outlaw’s favorite hiding places. After experiencing the glorious views of Loch Lomond from Inversnaid, we have a short drive before arriving at the town of Aberfoyle where we will have lunch. After lunch it is another short drive to MacGregor’s Barn, site of a farm dating back to 1474 and an annual gathering place for Clan Gregor for over 500 years. At MacGregor’s barn we will enjoy an afternoon of Highland history, including whisky tasting and afternoon tea. From there we return to Edinburgh, via the scenic Duke’s Pass and the beautiful Loch Achray.

Note: If there is any offense to the use and display of your tartan or crest, please contact webmaster - its posting is intended to honor your Elders/Ancients and your present-day Clan.
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Clan MacDonald

Clan Donald is a large clan with a proud history. Such was its far reaching influence that it would be impossible to explore all the clan heartlands in one trip. Instead, we have concentrated on the lands to the west of Scotland, particularly the Isle of Skye, one of the most romantic - and most beautiful - areas in the whole of the country. The Clan Donald were once rulers of the 'sea kingdom' on Scotland's west coast and found particular success in Skye where they become the self-styled Lords of the Isles.

Not included:
Meals other than breakfast
Entry fees
The Gathering Passport
Optional tips for your driver/guides

Touring Schedule for Clan MacDonald

Touring DAY 1
From the Lowlands of Scotland and her capital city Edinburgh, we journey in the footsteps of Clan MacDonald on this fascinating insight into the clan’s history. Traveling north we will head into Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre in1692, and west into Lochaber where a branch of this great family, the MacDonalds of Clanranald inherited enormous lands here through marriage when John MacDonald married Amy MacRuari. Ranald was the only surviving son of this union and from him descend the house of Clanranald and Glengarry.

Crossing the sea to the island of Skye we drive through the Sleat peninsula to Armadale and the seat of Clan MacDonald, and a centre for all MacDonald clansmen throughout the world. The Clan MacDonald Lands Trust bought the Armadale estate in 1971 ensuring that some of the clans ancestral lands stayed in the clans possession after punishing death duties in 1970 forced the sale of much of the 130,000 acres. Armadale castle occupies a site of 20,000 acres today, receiving a wealth of visitors annually, many of whom are descendants hungry to reflect on the clans glories of the past.

Touring DAY 2
From the south west of the island we will head north onto the Trotternish peninsula to the ruins of Duntulm castle, sitting on a rocky bluff with commanding views over the Minch to the outer isles. The castle, although having a shared history, was recognized as a Clan MacDonald stronghold, when the clan moved here from Dun Sgiathach about 1539. Certainly they were in residence here to receive a royal visit from James V in 1540, who declared the castle to be one of the finest in the kingdom!

Touring DAY 3
Our final day, will see us leave Skye via the bridge, heading by majestic Eilean Donan Castle, and through Glen Sheil, where in 1719, a small Jacobite skirmish took place. A small taster of things to come in the north, ending in the more famous ’45, when the MacDonalds of Sleat, MacDonalds of Clanranald and MacDonnells of Glengarry came out in support of the ‘ young pretender’ Bonnie Prince Charlie at the battle of Culloden.

Our journey south takes us passed the ruins of Glengarry castle by Loch Oich, a former MacDonnell stronghold. The MacDonnells were descended from one of the 5 sons borne to Ranald of Clanranald.

Continuing passed the site of Blar nan Leine-(the battle of the shirts) on Loch Lochy, where the MacDonalds met and defeated a force of clan Fraser over a land dispute, we continue south to the commando memorial at Spean bridge, before traversing eastwards via Loch Laggan and into Highland Perthshire before our arrival once more in the capital.

Note: If there is any offense to the use and display of your tartan or crest, please contact webmaster - its posting is intended to honor your Elders/Ancients and your present-day Clan.
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Clan MacLeod

It is thought that the progenitor of the Macleods is Leod who was Olaf the Black’s younger son, brother of Magnus and one of the last Norse Kings of Man and the North Isles. Olaf died c. 1237, and Leod inherited the Islands of Lewis and Harris with part of Skye. Through the marriage to the Norse seneschal the family acquired Dunvegan Castle, which remains in the family to this day.
 

Not included:
Meals other than breakfast
Entry fees
The Gathering Passport
Optional tips for your driver/guide

Touring Schedule for Clan MacLeod

Touring DAY 1
Depart Edinburgh and travel west passing Linlithgow Palace and Stirling with its imposing castle and views of the Wallace Monument. We pass Doune Castle, set of Monty Python's "Holy Grail" before stopping in Callander for refreshments. Crossing into the Highlands we head north towards the glorious scenery surrounding Loch Luibnaig then through Breadalbane (meaning the 'high country of Scotland') and up to the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. We continue through the spectacular mountain pass of Glencoe, scene of the great massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Leaving Fort William after lunch we drive past Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and into the Great Glen. Travelling west on the "Road to the Isles" we head through the splendour of the Five Sisters of Kintail, the mountains guarding the pass on the way to the Isle of Skye. We stop to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, set at the junction of 3 lochs and completely surrounded by water. Crossing over the bridge to Skye, we follow the dramatic coastline north towards the island's capital, Portree. You are then dropped off at your accommodation in the early evening where you are free to go out and explore the town.

Touring DAY 2
Leaving Portree, we travel West across Skye towards Dunvegan and the ancestral seat of the MacLeods, Dunvegan Castle. The MacLeods have been living in Dunvegan Castle for nearly 800 years and the castle contains many priceless MacLeod heirlooms including the fabled Fairy Flag of the Macleods. After visiting the castle we travel north to the ruins of Trumpan church, site of the battle of the Spoiled Dyke between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds. From Trumpan we travel west to Boreraig to visit the MacCrimmon Cairn, a memorial to the hereditary pipers of the MacLeods. A stop for lunch in the town of Dunvegan is followed by a trip around the Trotternish peninsula, taking in the ruins of Duntulm Castle and the beautiful splendour of the Skye scenery before returning to Portree for the evening.

Touring DAY 3
Departing Portree we make our way off the island, crossing the Skye Bridge, and head north through the stunning mountain scenery of Wester Ross. We will make a short stop to take in the splendour of Corrieshalloch Gorge before arriving for lunch in the picturesque harbour town of Ullapool. After lunch we continue north to Ardvreck Castle. Built by the MacLeods in 1590, Ardvreck Castle sits on the shores of beautiful Loch Assynt and is steeped in MacLeod lore. From Ardvreck Castle we turn eastwards and travel towards the spectacular Falls of Shin for a short break. From there it is a short drive south towards Inverness, the capital city of the highlands, where we will spend the night.

Touring DAY 4
Leaving Inverness in the morning, it is a short trip to Culloden Battlefield, scene of the last battle ever fought on British soil, a battle which marked the end of the clan system in Scotland and the end of the Highland way of life. From Culloden we travel to the town of Dores to give you the opportunity to see the world’s most famous loch, Loch Ness. After a spot of monster-hunting we travel south towards Aviemore and the Rothiemurchus estate where we will stop for lunch. The tour then continues south to Dunkeld, the ancient capital of Scotland. A short stop in Dunkeld town centre is followed by a trip to the Dunkeld Hermitage where you will see some of the UK’s tallest trees as well as Ossian’s Hall, a 19th century victorian folly overlooking the spectacular falls of Braan. From here we head directly to Edinburgh, passing through the ancient kingdom of Fife and across the River Forth, taking in the grandeur of the Forth Rail Bridge along the way. Return to Edinburgh by 6pm.

Note: If there is any offense to the use and display of your tartan or crest, please contact webmaster - its posting is intended to honor your Elders/Ancients and your present-day Clan.
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Clan Donnachaidh (Robertson)

The Robertson clan has claims to be one the oldest clans in Scotland with direct links back to the Celtic Earls of Atholl with reports of them being present at the first recorded battle in Scottish history, the battle of Mons Graupius in 84AD. They also have claims to be the sole surviving branch of the royal line that occupied the throne of Scotland during the 11th 12th and 13th centuries.

Not included:
Meals other than breakfast
Entry fees
The Gathering Passport
Optional tips for your driver/guides

Touring Schedule for Clan Donnachaidh (Robertson)

Touring DAY 1
Our journey will begin from Edinburgh and head north towards Stirling and the site of the greatest battle in Scottish history- The Battle of Bannockburn with the mighty King Robert the Bruce in the summer of 1314. Stirling is often described as being the brooch that clasps Highland and Lowland Scotland together, and because of the strategic position of the castle, the fields surrounding it are known collectively as the battlefields of Scotland.

Bannockburn is the most significant, where members of Clan Donnachaidh fought alongside Robert the Bruce helping to defeat King Edward 11 of England. After spending time at Bannockburn and Stirling castle we will continue to Perth and then north to Dunkeld, a cathedral city which has links to the Robertson clan. Dunkeld cathedral, sitting on the banks of the river Tay was invaded by the Robertson clan in the 1400s when they went to the rescue of their fellow clansmen. A chance here to explore this beautiful, but highly significant city, and one time capital of Pictish Scotland before we continue north to Pitlochry for our overnight stay.

Pitlochry is a Victorian town, famed these days for its ‘salmon ladder’, where homeward bound salmon are electronically counted as they head up the river to their spawning ground. Set in lovely Highland Perthshire, the town is ever popular, amidst gentle scenery, and a welcoming base from which to explore the further reaches of the north.

Touring DAY 2
The next day we will take a leisurely drive into the heart of the Robertson clan, stopping along the way at the pass of Killickrankie.

The Robertson clan were involved here in this the first uprising by the Jacobites in 1689, as they sided with their ‘king across the water’ and tried valiantly to restore the Stuarts to the British throne, after he was deposed in 1688. An opportunity to view the spectacular leap across the river made by soldier Donald MacBean as he fled to safety, hotly pursued by the Jacobites!

From here we will head past Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders and up to the ‘falls of Bruar’ where the Clan Donnachaidh museum is situated. After a generous stop here, where there will be ample time to visit the museum, take a stroll through the forest to the picturesque waterfall, or to shop, we will continue into Robertson territory visiting Struan church.

Struan church is the ancient burial ground of the family. From here we will then travel to the present burial site of the Robertsons and the one remaining area of land belonging to the clan, and their ancestral home at Dun Alastair.

After stopping in Kinloch Rannoch for lunch we will journey around Loch Rannoch taking in the stunning views of the ancestral ground with views including the mountain Schiehallion, the Caledonian hill of the Fairies. We will return to Pitlochry by Loch Tummel and another of the ancestral homes of the Robertsons at Port-an-eilean. This was the original ancestral seat of the clan chiefs. A chance here also to view the ‘Queens View’ so called after Queen Victoria stopped here to enjoy the views down Loch before ending our day in Pitlochry where we will overnight again.

Touring DAY 3
Our third day will see us leave Robertson territory and head northwards stopping off at a highland folk museum in Newtonmore. Here you will be able to imagine ‘the way of life’ that existed for Highlanders in past centuries before we continue past ruined Ruthven barracks. Ruthven barracks was built to house Government soldiers, in an attempt to try and subdue the north and bring the Highlander under control.

Sadly a bit further north we will arrive at Culloden, near Inverness and the site of the famous battle of Culloden, which is the last battle to have been fought on British soil in 1746 with the Robertsons fighting on the Jacobite side. The chilling aftermath of the battle saw the Highlands placed under military occupation, and an entire way of life in the north shattered forever. We will wander out onto the battlefield and try to imagine that bleak and bloody day before we head to nearby Inverness, the Highland capital for lunch.

Upon leaving Inverness we travel over the top end of Loch Ness, with a chance for you to try and spot the ever illusive creature that inhabits the murky depths of this the most famous stretch of water in the world! “Nessie” as she is affectionately known may just be in the mood to make a dramatic appearance!

From Loch Ness we will then begin the journey south through the Kingdom of Fife and over the iconic Bridges that span the river Forth to Edinburgh where this insight into not only clan Robertson territory, but the Highlands itself, will finish

Note: If there is any offense to the use and display of your tartan or crest, please contact webmaster - its posting is intended to honor your Elders/Ancients and your present-day Clan.
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