Travel Lightbulb

I'm sure that readers of my blog from all over the world will recognise Eilean Donan Castle. The stunning castle was first inhabited around the 6th century, and the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century. Since then, after being partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built.  Sometimes as a photographer, you just get lucky....and that's what happened to me on a recent trip to the Scottish Highlands. I stopped to visit the castle, and before going in and starting my visit, the rain cleared, and a stunning rainbow emerged perfectly over the iconic landmark. Some say it's the most beautiful castle in Scotland, I say it looks even better with a rainbow over it! 

I've yet to meet someone that doesn't enjoy getting away from it all, and having a little spa break. Whether you love being pampered with a facial, or just reading your book in peace and quiet it's a great chance to have a bit of "me time"! National Spa Week runs from the 10-17th of September, with the intention to encourage more people into spas, more often.  To mark the occasion, I thought I'd point you in the direction of my personal favourite spa - Stobo Castle. It's in the heart of the Scottish countryside, but just 20 miles from Edinburgh city centre. I've yet to find a spa I love more, so why not discover it for yourself! Click  here  to read more about the delights of Stobo Castle.

Today's photo was inspired by a television series I watched recently, with British actor Julie Walters travelling round the UK by train, and it got me thinking about rail holidays. 'As seen on screen' travel is a growing trend, with film and television locations becoming holiday hotspots.  In Scotland you can follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter on The Jacobite steam train, which crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct made famous by the film. The 84 mile round trip from Fort William to Mallaig has been described as the greatest railway journey in the world. Who could resist that stunning scenery? Not me....it's now on my ever-growing list of destinations I'm determined to travel to!

Today I'm featuring one of the most iconic places in Scotland and one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Eilean Donan castle is on an island surrounded by majestic scenery, and I'm sure most of you have seen it before. So why would I feature it on my blog, which is all about going off the beaten track? Well I decided to feature it, because you may not know about the possibility of staying in this stunning location. Not in the castle itself, but in Eilean Donan Cottage or Eilean Donan Apartments. Can you imagine waking up, and seeing this view first thing in the morning - simply stunning! If you want more information, click here . A very big thanks to Fiona Ritchie for the photo - what a great dramatic shot of one of the most beautiful places in the world!

As a proud Edinburgher, it wouldn't be right to blog today without mentioning the fabulous festivals that get underway in Scotland's capital city. The Edinburgh International Festival celebrates its 70th birthday in 2017, and was founded to foster a "flowering of the human spirit" after the second world war.  I don't think anyone realised just how successful it would go on to become. To mark the anniversary, this year's events are expected to be bigger and better than ever, with a grand opening party, and ending with the usual fireworks spectacular over the castle. It's not just the International Festival that runs this month, the hugely popular festival fringe is also on during August, as is the book festival. While you need tickets for the main events, the city is awash with entertainment during August, and you can watch plenty of fantastic street acts running the length of the Royal Mile, and by the city's art galleries on The Moun...

If you're into your history, and are looking for somewhere decadent to stay, then The Witchery in Edinburgh is a great choice. This boutique Gothic hotel is at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, and is a fabulous place to stay for a special occasion. I featured The Witchery on my blog after spending a night here and absolutely loving it, so I can't recommend it highly enough. If you want to see my original post on one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh, click  here.

Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most iconic images of Scotland. It's situated on an island where three sea lochs meet, and is surrounded my some majestic scenery. It's one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish highlands.    I found an incredible hotel which is just an hour from the Castle, and a great place to base yourself to explore the wonders that the highlands have to offer. To go to my original post, and read more about the hotel, just click  here.

Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446, and is one of Scotland's most remarkable buildings. It's just seven miles south of Edinburgh's city centre, and is still used as a place of worship. It's always been a popular visitor destination, but it's profile increased when it was mentioned in Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code in 2003.  Almost every surface of Rosslyn Chapel is carved featured incredible carvings - there are hundreds of figures and scenes carved in the Chapel, and the Apprentice Pillar is the most elaborately decorated with an incredible story behind it. Read more about it in my original post on Rosslyn  here .

Yes, yes.....I know it's not until January, but if you want to be part of one of the biggest Burns Night celebrations, then you might want to grab some tickets to the festival I'm featuring today! The Big Burns Supper, The world's biggest Burns Night celebration is a 10 day festival which runs in Dumfries from the 20-29th January 2017.  This is where Scotland's infamous poet, Robert Burns, spent his final years, and is the sixth year of Scotland's landmark Burns Night event. It features cabaret, comedy, music and entertainment as the town of Dumfries goes bonkers for nine days of winter magic!  One of the most popular parts of the proceedings, The Carnival, will make a return on Sunday 22nd of January. Thousands of people will line the streets of Dumfries, and The Festival has been working with volunteers from across Dumfries, to get people involved in creating floats, masks, and lanterns. If you'd like more information, then head to www....

If you are in Edinburgh and fancy going somewhere that's a little bit different, you can't go wrong with The Canny Man's. This Morningside pub was established in 1871, and is an Edinburgh institution. It's not just the establisment itself that's an institution. The Bloody Mary's served here are so famous they were even featured on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen programme!  The beautiful bar has a real shabby chic look to it, and you could easily spend a few hours looking at all the items on the walls, and above your head! This is not just a pub though - food is served each day, and even that is unique. They serve seafood and smørrebrød - open sandwiches on rye bread, and they have an incredible list that will make it hard for you to decide what to go for! Desserts are fruity and alcoholic - what more could you want!  I celebrated a very special birthday in The Canny Man's and it was the perfect place for a group, as there are dif...

As a proud Scot, I love nothing more than returning to my country of birth and relishing the scenery that always blows me away. The rugged countryside is made even more dramatic by the..how shall I put it....'changeable' weather that Scotland enjoys, even in the summer months! Scotland is a great place to get away from it all at the best of times, but if you're looking for a bit of luxury as well, then Stobo Castle Health Spa is the place. It's a little gem, in the most beautiful surroundings. If you want to read my original post on Stobo Castle, then click  here.

Today's photo shows just how beautiful a view you can get of the Edinburgh skyline. It was taken from Arthurs Seat, a dormant volcano which gives you excellent views of the city. It's only a short walk from Edinburgh's Royal Mile in the heart of the city, just next to Holyrood Palace. Have you taken a beautiful shot of a city skyline? If so, I'd love to see it and share it on here. Please feel free to send it to me via the details on my contact page , and tell me where it was taken.

I love today's travel photo - it comes from Phil Gurney, who captured a fantastic shot of his 6 year old son, Tom. It was taken near Harlaw Reservoir in the Pentland Hills, to the South-West of Edinburgh. He's clearly a budding explorer, as if you look closely, he's wearing his bike helmet! Phil, it's a fantastic photo and thanks for the contribution! I wish Tom all the best on future explorations! If you'd like to contribute a photo, I'd love to hear from you - get in touch through the email address on my contact page. Thanks in advance!

It has been a huge year for sport in Britain with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. However the passion and pride wasn't restricted to London - the whole of the country felt it. On a trip to Edinburgh a couple of months ago, I had to snap this shot of the Olympic rings on the city's famous 'mound'. I loved the way the colours contrast with the gloomy Scottish sky, and the beautiful Ramsay Gardens - the white buildings in the background. If you have a travel photo you'd like see featured here, please get in touch on the email address on my contact page. All I need is your photo, and a short paragraph about where it was taken. I look forward to your contributions! Thanks in advance.

Edinburgh has beaten London; Paris and Barcelona to the title of Europe's leading Destination in 2012. When I heard this story, I knew I had to mention it on my blog - I am, after all an exceptionally proud 'Edinburger' - as we're known! The prize was given at the World Travel Awards in Portugal - an event described by organisers as the "Oscars of the travel industry". If you have never visited Edinburgh, then I have to say you really are missing out. I know everyone is proud of their home city, but when I had to move away due to work commitments, I found that I actually appreciated it even more. It's not only a world class tourist destination due to the fact that it is steeped in history, but it also has a superb all year round atmosphere. It plays host to numerous world-renowned cultural events such as Edinburgh's Hogmanay (the New Year's celebrations) and the Edinburgh Festivals that take place each summer. Whenever you visit, it has s...

If you're looking for somewhere to stay in the UK that's a little bit different, then look no further. I've found a place suitable for a family, that's also in a great location. The tents at Lochhouses are located on a farm near Edinburgh in East Lothian. They are the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful coastline. Photo courtesy of www.canopyandstars.co.uk They sleep eight and have one double bedroom; twin bunks; a cupboard bed, and a double sofa bed so are perfect for families of a group of friends. The tents have a spacious living area and a wood-burning stove with an oven to keep you cosy on cold Scottish nights! Photo courtesy of www.canopyandstars.co.uk While you are staying in a tent, it's not without its small luxuries - there is hot and cold running water, and real beds rather than camp beds. At the front of the tent you have a little deck with a wood burner - again to combat the Scottish weather! Photo courtesy of www.canopyan...

On a recent trip to Edinburgh, I discovered a superb restaurant that I'd recommend to anyone visiting the city. The list of places to eat in Edinburgh is quite extensive and making the correct decision on which part of the city to eat in (never mind which restaurant!) is not easy. So if you're looking for somewhere a little bit different, then I highly recommend Maison Bleue. It's located in Victoria Street, in the heart of the old town, which has started to draw more people to that area since the addition of places like The Missoni Hotel. The restaurant is made of a series of atmospheric small rooms, and there are lovely features throughout - a spiral wooden staircase, and stone arches add to the restaurant's charm. So why does it stand out from other restaurants in the Scottish capital? Well the menu is very different for a start. It offers French, North African and traditional Scottish cuisine, and does each one brilliantly. I s...

Edinburgh is one of the most magical; historic cities in the world, and I have a recommendation for a truly spectacular place to stay. Spending a night or two at The Witchery by the Castle is like going back in time. It is hidden in the historic buildings just a stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle, and its eight suites are simply stunning. I can guarantee you will never have stayed anywhere more theatrical and dramatic - that's a Travel Lightbulb promise! Photo courtesy of The Witchery Described by Cosmopolitan magazine as "one of the seven wonders of the hotel world", it puts other hotels to shame, not only because of the lavish suites, but also the fantastic service from the staff, who cannot do enough for their guests. Late check-outs; special breakfast requests; and even just a tour of the rooms, the staff play their part in making this hotel a very special place. Photo courtesy of The Witchery Included in the price of your room is a bottle o...

As we approach New Year (or Hogmanay as it's known in Scotland), I thought it was only right to feature a place to stay in the country that celebrates New Year more than any other nation. Scotland has so many beautiful places to visit; and so many great hotels, so to win Scottish Hotel of the Year 2011, The Torridon Hotel has to be pretty special. It is located in the Northern Highlands; and is perfect for both a romantic getaway, or a fun filled family weekend. Photo courtesy of www.thetorridon.com If you like the great outdoors, the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands should not be missed. Whether the weather is good or bad; there is something about the rolling mountains that looks good in both blue skies; or the more typical moody, unpredictable Scottish weather. Photo courtesy of www.thetorridon.com Torridon itself is a tiny village beside a loch and mountains. Tucked behind forest is the Torridon Hotel which dates back to 1887 when it was build as a sh...

If you've read the book or seen the film, 'The Da Vinci Code', then you've probably heard of Rosslyn Chapel. It was used as the location for the plot climax, and has become famous worldwide, and attracts massive visitor numbers. It's so beautiful that I think it deserves a mention. The chapel is located in Roslin, which is a small village seven miles from Edinburgh. It has been described as an architectural wonder, as practically every surface is covered with carvings of individual figures and scenes. It is truly stunning, and has to be seen to be believed! The chapel has a great history, and lies at the centre of numerous legends (some even claim the holy grail lies buried beneath the building!) but it is the story of the "Apprentice Pillar" that interests me. It gets its name from a legend dating from the 18th century. A master mason, who was in charge of the stonework in the chapel, didn't believe his young apprentice could ca...