Beauly Priory

Monks, from the Valliscaulian order, set up a community at Beauly Priory in 13th century. Sadly no-one has the evidence to state the accurate date of foundation but it is commonly accepted that is would have been roughly around 1230. The patron, and landowner, of Beauly, was Sir John Bisset, whose lands were almagamated with the Fraser’s of Lovat. The French monks and Bisset are those who named the place Beauly, from the French ‘beau lieu’ meaning ‘beautiful place’. Unfortunately, the priory at Beauly became deserted after the Scottish Reformation and stone from the walls were stolen for the construction of other structures in the area. In 1913 the priory ruins were passed into state hands and it is now cared for by Historic Scotland.

Inverness Castle

Over the centuries there have been various structures on the site where you can now see Inverness Castle, some dating as far back as 1057. King Robert I, of Scotland, almost destroyed the very first Inverness Castle. The castle which stands today was designed and built by William Burn in 1836. The bold red sandstone building, sits at the top of a cliff gazing down over the River Ness and the cathedral on the opposite side. King James I, of Scotland, held parliament in Inverness Castle in the year 1427, and called all the Northern Chieftains to attend. Shockingly three of these chieftains were later killed for supporting an independent monarchy.

Inverness Museum

Found in Inverness town center is the recently refurbished Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which is really worth visiting especially if it is wet and windy weather. Inside the museum one can enjoy Scottish History and discover how the Highlands are linked with the rest of the world. You can also find out about the folk of the Highlands, their culture and traditions. There are many different exhibitions featuring, costumes, textiles, wildlife, archaeology, crafts and fine arts.

If you are considering taking a vacation in the United Kingdom this year and you plan to spend a short time in Scotland, you may wish to consider spending some time staying in Inverness. Finding Inverness hotel accommodation online is relatively easy as many establishments have their own web site.  Hotels in Inverness, small hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts are always of superb quality and the Highlands are renowned for hospitality of the highest order, so you can be sure of have a most incredible time.

One of the most common reasons  for visiting the Hebrides is that the the landscape and the culture of the Isles are dramatically unique.  On the Isle of Harris you will find some of the most stunning golden sandy beaches in the whole of Scotland, and many folk believe the whole of Britain. Here and there you will find a standing stone on the Isle of Harris but it is on the adjoining Isle of Lewis that you will see the most astounding stone circle at Callanish not a huge distance from the town of Stornoway the main town in the Outer Hebrides. The Callanish stone circle is said to be second only to Stonehenge in England.

Deciding which island, Harris or Lewis, to stay on is a truly difficult decision and increasing numbers of people are choosing to spend some time on each. B&B accommodation on Lewis is commonly more readily available than Isle of Harris accommodation, so you should try to book as early as possible.

Bed and breakfast in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is is not too much of a problem to find but again to be safe book in advance. All accommodation in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is of a very high standard and the hospitality is the best you are likely to witness and the local people friendly and helpful.

Besides the Isles of Lewis and Harris there are several other inhabited islands that are easy to visit. The most commonly visited are the Uists, Benbecula and Barra and you will find a ferry which runs from Harris to North Uist at Leverburgh.

Aberdeen hotels are often booked by people visiting on business but also by many other types of folk keen to take advantage of the many visitor attractions the city has to offer. Below you will find details of three; Duthie Park Winter Gardens, Satrosphere Science Centre and Aberdeen Maritime Museum:

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum is found near to the harbor, at the legendary Shiprow. There are breathtaking views across the harbour from the museum. The Maritime Museum inhabits a small number of buildings, which include a former church and one of the oldest homes in Aberdeen. The museum has exhibits that include everything relating to the marine environment, from fishing boats to the oil industry. Basically, the museum conveys the  story of Aberdeen’s epic relationship with the sea. Some of the collections contain paintings, photographs, ship plans and models donated by the greatest of Aberdeen’s shipbuilders.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens

Lady Elizabeth Duthie of Ruthrieston,in 1881, gifted 44 acres of land, to the council. The land for the park was purchased, as a lasting memorial to her uncle and brother. In 1899, when the gardens were completed, they opened up to the public. However, in 1969 misfortune occurred and the greenhouses had to be demolished and reconstructed. This was due to severe storm damgage. Today, the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park are one of Scotland’s favourite garden attractions, and also the largest indoor gardens in the whole of Europe. Each greenhouse has an important collection such as, the Japanese Garden, Victorian House, Tropical House, Fern House, Temperate House and Corridor of Perfumes.

Satrosphere Science Centre

In Aberdeen, the Satrosphere Science Center was one of the first science and discovery centers in Scotland. This hands-on, interactive science center, has more than 50 exhibits and live science shows, and opened to the public in 1988. Even though the center is aimed at primary age children, the attraction of the exhibits is universal. The center is located in the old tram sheds, near to the sea front, on Constitution Street. The purpose is to inspire teenagers to become scientist’s, as entry into science courses in universities, is in decline. One of the favorite exhibits at the center is the famous giant soap bubble, where each child can be enclosed in a magic bubble.

There are a great many more visitor attractions in and about Aberdeen which are worthwile visiting and those described above were chosen randomly. If you are planning to visit Aberdeen, Scotland then you will discover numerous quality hotels in Aberdeen, or many other types of accommodation, available to book online.