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The Gathering, CLAN GROUP TOURS
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.
Airport transfers on arrival or departure can be booked as an optional extra, for options and prices please contact us on kate@specialgrouptours.com
Clan Robertson Day to Day SUGGESTED itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Edinburgh. Check into hotel and have the option of the hop-on/hop off bus or free time to explore at your leisure.
Day 2 Edinburgh free day or city tour, as you wish. There are scheduled day trips from the city too, spoilt for choice!
Day 3 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.
Day 4 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 Robertson’s 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.
Day 5 Today, 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 Robertson’s 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.
Day 6 Depart for home or extend your stay
CANCELLATION TERMS:
- Cancellation can be made free of charge up until 6 weeks before arrival.
- 6 weeks to 21 days before arrival we will charge a 10% cancellation fee.
- 20 days to 7 days before arrival there will be a 50% cancellation fee.
- 6 days to 0 days before arrival will carry a 100% cancellation fee.
- We recommend that all clients take out relevant travel insurance to be covered for all reasons of cancellation.
- Minimum 8 pax required for the tours to run.
Clan Tour Programs provided by Hotelbeds
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