Forget all the standard images of rugged old castles, UK Focus: Scotland. groupleisureandtravel.com. January

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Young UK Focus: Scotland at Heart No wonder those in Scotland are so excited about 2018; Robin McKelvie discovers what s on offer, from a slew of new distilleries to cruise ships with outdoor hot

Today, as well as these traditional charms, there is far more going on for groups in Scotland, a country after all that boasts over 800 islands and over ten per cent of Europe s coastline.

1 Young UK Focus: Scotland at Heart No wonder those in Scotland are so excited about 2018; Robin McKelvie discovers what s on offer, from a slew of new distilleries to cruise ships with outdoor hot tubs. Last year s Edinburgh Festival. Forget all the standard images of rugged old castles, swishing kilts and whisky distilleries that have been doing the same thing for centuries. Today, as well as these traditional charms, there is far more going on for groups in Scotland, a country after all that boasts over 800 islands and over ten per cent of Europe s coastline. In Scotland 2018-style we are talking about Europe s most exciting new gallery, wee cruise ships with outdoor hot tubs and whisky distilleries re-imagined for the 21st century. Symbolising this swathe of all things new and vibrant the year has been designated the Year of Young People 2018 by the national tourist office VisitScotland and the Scottish Government. Photo credit: Visit Scotland. A view out to St Ninian s Isle. A series of events will be held up and down Scotland, both tweaks to existing events, like the world famous Edinburgh Festivals in August, through to a swathe of dedicated events and happenings, many of them accessible to groups. The focus is not just on youths, but younger children and families too. groupleisureandtravel.com January

It aims to educate people about how the built environment around Scotland was crafted, from the ancient stone circles of the isles, through to ultra modern architecture.

2 The Engine Shed. Learning new skills and sharing will be a major part of the year s theme. The perfect venue for this is the newly opened Engine Shed in Stirling, an attraction that appeals to visitors of all ages. It aims to educate people about how the built environment around Scotland was crafted, from the ancient stone circles of the isles, through to ultra modern architecture. The centrepiece is a massive interactive map of Scotland, a brilliant way for groups new to Scotland to get a real feel for the country. The capital sees new developments for 2018 too with one of the most exciting Fingal, a new luxury floating hotel from the people behind the multi award-winning Royal Yacht Britannia (we recommend champagne and cakes aboard the Queen s former private yacht). This ultra exclusive new hideaway in Edinburgh will very much emphasise the exclusive feel of Britannia with only 23 rooms, ideal for small groups. Now berthed in Edinburgh s historic port of Leith, the Royal Yacht Britannia, which marks 20 years of opening in 2018, is a fascinating visitor attraction. Visitors can take in the magnificent Royal Yacht with a handset tour which offers a rare glimpse into the public and private lives of the British Royal Family over five decks. Royal Yacht Britannia. Pick an Interest: Golf The British Golf Museum - It sits at the heart of the home of golf, just 67 yards from the first tee of the famous Old Course in St Andrews. Fascinating displays, exclusive shopping and an amazing café are all under one roof at this must see attraction January 2018 groupleisureandtravel.com

The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Forth Bridge. (pictured left) is the official home of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, used for ceremonies and entertaining. Photo credit: VisitScotland and Kenny Lam.

dined. Highlights of the tour include the State Apartments, the Engine Room and The Queen s favourite, the Sun Lounge.

it is closed to the public. Tours also include the opportunity to visit the West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family, and guests finish with a glass of champagne.

3 The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Forth Bridge. (pictured left) is the official home of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland, used for ceremonies and entertaining. Photo credit: VisitScotland and Kenny Lam. Step aboard and follow in the footsteps of Royalty to see where Prince Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned and Liz Taylor, Frank Sinatra and presidents Reagan, Mandela and Gorbachev were wined and dined. Highlights of the tour include the State Apartments, the Engine Room and The Queen s favourite, the Sun Lounge. If it s royalty you re interested in, standing at the end of Edinburgh s Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse Private guided evening tours allow groups to experience the charm of the palace when it is closed to the public. Tours also include the opportunity to visit the West Drawing Room, used by members of the Royal Family, and guests finish with a glass of champagne. Recently opened to the west of Edinburgh is the Ferry Crossing, the UK s highest bridge, out in the waterfront suburb of South Queensferry. A boat trip on the Maid of the Forth (group discounts available) is the best way to get a sense of its scale as well as its siblings, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge. Another Scottish city is actually set to grab the headlines in The Wall Street Journal has proclaimed Dundee Scotland s Coolest City. Top picks for groups Mackintosh at Kelvingrove 2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow s most famous architect and a global design icon. Many Glaswegian buildings bear his dramatic imprint, but the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is the ideal place to understand more about his work with rarely seen objects on display. Private Mackintosh themed tours are available. Crieff Visitor Centre This trim Perthshire town, birthplace of actor Ewan Macgregor, is home to the Crieff Visitor Centre, a great attraction in its own right and a useful gateway to the region. Groups can check out the produce of Caithness Glass, the Highland Drovers Exhibition, Art Gallery, Restaurant and Gift Shop. The Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. Art on the Scottish Riviera Arts minded groups should make a beeline for the Scottish Riviera town of Kirkcudbright, with the opening in March of the Kirkcudbright Galleries. Housed in a grand listed 19th century building this new cultural hub will boast a permanent collection and regularly changing temporary exhibits. groupleisureandtravel.com January

Dundee is bidding to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 so get in now before everyone else. Its history and heritage are still star attractions alongside the ultra new.

4 The reason is the city s massive 1bn urban renewal project, which has the V&A Dundee, the only V&A outside London, at its beating waterfront heart. When it opens in August this Kengo Kuma s crafted gem will be an international hub of design in a city famous for design and new technology. Dundee is bidding to be European Capital of Culture in 2023 so get in now before everyone else. Its history and heritage are still star attractions alongside the ultra new. Heading north now, seriously north we are talking a 90-minute flight from Edinburgh to Sumburgh we get to the otherworldly Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, where massive changes are afoot in Pushing beyond the city s boundaries a world-class heritage attraction awaits nearby at Glamis Castle, a favourite of the late Queen Mother. Here you can explore a 600 year old castle that echoes with tales of Macbeth and more recent Royal revelry. Superb group tours are available. Back in the Central Belt one UNESCO World Heritage listed attraction groups sometimes overlook is well worth attention. New Lanark is a real timewarp, a perfectly preserved model village on the banks of the lifeblood River Clyde that dates back as far as the 18th century. It may have been a part of the Industrial Revolution, but pioneering attempts were made to educate and look after workers and their families. Worth a whole day. Right: Glamis Castle. Below: Shetland Beaches. Take a cruise Hebrides Cruises This brilliant familyrun operation now operate two vessels in the Scottish Hebrides Elizabeth G and the Proud Seahorse. The latter only joined the fleet recently, but has already proved very popular with a maximum of 11 guests, a luxurious interior and a hot tub on deck where you can view the big Hebridean skies dram in hand. Spirit of Scotland The most luxurious vessel now cruising the Great Glen, you can look out for Nessie from the comfort of an outdoor hot tub on this graceful canal boat. Six crew for a maximum of twelve passengers ensure a high level of personal service. Dedicated whisky and golf cruises available. fleet/spirit-of-scotland New Seahorse The people behind the characterful St Hilda old world sailing ship (itself worth looking into for groups who want more hands-on cruising and to help with the ropes) have just bought a new vessel, Seahorse II, and she will be cruising Scottish waters in A maximum of eight guests make her ideal for private group hire January 2018 groupleisureandtravel.com

Ferry fares will be slashed as the SNP s RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) comes in as part of an attempt to bring more people into these wildly remote

There has never been a better time for groups to explore Orkney s 80 odd islands or Shetland s 100 plus islands.

there. And for the more adventurous groups, join David Urquhart Travel for island-hopping, coast exploring and whisky distilleries.

a height of more than 3,000 feet and named after Sir Hugh Munro who surveyed and catalogued them in 1891. www.visitscotland.

com Lindores Abbey Local legend has it that the first ever written mention of whisky was right here.

Whisky and champagne afternoon tours available as well as group tours. Accommodation opens this year too. www.lindoresabbeydistillery.

the historic Glenturret Distillery just outside Crieff.

5 Ferry fares will be slashed as the SNP s RET (Road Equivalent Tariff) comes in as part of an attempt to bring more people into these wildly remote isles. There are now two airlines flying to the isles from Scotland s cities making it easier to travel to. There has never been a better time for groups to explore Orkney s 80 odd islands or Shetland s 100 plus islands. The isles are microcosms of what Scotland in general offers, landmark attractions bolstered by new temptations and improved ways for groups to get there. And for the more adventurous groups, join David Urquhart Travel for island-hopping, coast exploring and whisky distilleries. The our operator also offers trips with literary trails through grand castles, majestic landscapes and the stunning Munros; mountains in Scotland with a height of more than 3,000 feet and named after Sir Hugh Munro who surveyed and catalogued them in The Ring of Brodgar, Orkney. Pick an Interest: Whisky Macallan - Big changes are afoot this year at one of the most famous distilleries in Speyside. They are forging a brand new Tolkien-esque semi-submerged visitor centre and distillery, which will massively up production as well as bring a new restaurant, tasting space and state-of-the-art visitor experience. Lindores Abbey Local legend has it that the first ever written mention of whisky was right here sees whisky production return to this abbey in Fife in the form of a spectacular new distillery. Whisky and champagne afternoon tours available as well as group tours. Accommodation opens this year too. Home of Caithness Glass Watch the skilled craftsmen at work in a close-up studio environment (Mon-Fri) The Famous Grouse This blend has its home at the historic Glenturret Distillery just outside Crieff. A variety of tours are available at the distillery, with the best offering access into the hallowed warehouses. Superb visitor centre and recently revamped café too. Handy for the Crieff Visitor Centre. New Macallan Visitor Centre. CaitHness Glass Garden Centre play area restaurant Gallery free parking Gift shop antiques exhibition 180-seater restaurant & extensive free CoaCH parking Open 7 Days 9.00am 5.00pm. Muthill Road, Crieff, PH7 4HQ Tel: Restaurant Reservations January 2018 groupleisureandtravel.com

EDINBURGH GEMS FOR FAMILY FUN

EDINBURGH GEMS FOR FAMILY FUN CULTURE with a twist 2 A WALK THROUGH EDINBURGH 1 Discover the beauty and historical heritage of Edinburgh through this private, fun-filled walking tour based on a James Bond