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Jul 24: Arrive Dairsie Castle
Travelling via Iceland, London and Edinburgh, the clan gathered for a week in a restored self-catering castle near St. Andrews.- Judy - The Learmonth (lower tower room)
- Bob & Jackie - The Spotiswoode (upper tower room)
- Ian & Marcelle - The Dungeon
- Colin, Charl, Abby & Nate - The Family Bedroom
- Laura & Eric - The North Caphouse
- Madeline & Audrey - The South Caphouse
- Connie & Dennis stayed nearby at Garden Cottage.
- Ken & Susie arrived Saturday and stayed in the Family Bedroom den
Jul 26: Group Day Trip to Jedburgh
Visited Jedburgh Abbey and the Kerr family crypt. Lunched at Carters Rest pub. Toured Ferniehirst Castle, home of the Kerrs. Explored the ruins of Cessford Castle, a "Ker" family home.Jul 25, 27-30: Mixed Activities
- Explored St. Andrews, the old cathedral and town. Discovered Butts Wynd Street. Played golf. Rode bikes along the beach and through the golf course.
- Visited the coastal town of Crail and the gardens of Falkland.
- Picked strawberries at Cairnie Farm.
- Followed the Chain Walk between Earlsferry & Elie.
- Met Ken & Susie in Edinburgh for the day, explored the Royal Mile and climbed Calton Hill.
- Journeyed to Loch Leven, rented bikes and took the boat ride to Queen Mary's castle prison.
- Rented bikes at Anstruther for a coastal ride.
- Visited Perth Scone Palace where Scottish monarchs were crowned.
- Visited Phoenix Falconry and Stirling Castle.
- Drove to Pitlochry for a terrible regional theater production, but a good meal.
- Played Murder in the Dark at night in our castle.
Jul 31: Group Drive to Kyllachy Estate
Caravaned about four hours through the heart of the Cairngorm National Forest. Passed Balmoral Castle (the Queen's residence in Scotland). Stopped for lunch in Braemar. Driving Directions & Map.Aug 1-7: Mixed Activities
- Took a one-hour cruise on the Nessie Hunter around Loch Ness with a stop at Urquhart Castle.
- Visited the national nature reserve at Glen Affric.
- Hired a ghillie for guided fishing along the estate's section of private river.
- Visited Carrbridge and rode horses in Cairngorm National Park.
- Rented bikes at Aviemore.
- Visited Inverness and the Culloden Battlefield.
- Drove two hours to Fort Williams to board the Jacobite Railway "Hogwarts Express" for a day's scenic roundtrip to Mallaig over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Hiked at scenic Glen Coe.
- Visited Findhorn Foundation, an international spiritual center.
- Played golf at Royal Dornoch.
- Explored the estate grounds and fished some more, without catching anything.
- Visited the nearby Glenmazzeron Estate.
- Drove to Lairg for an archeological walk.
- Played at Landmark Adventure Park.
- Attended the Highland Field Sports Fair, schlepping through mud, trying our hand at archery and shooting, watching hunting dog demos and eating donuts til we made ourselves sick!
Aug 2: Audrey's 14th Birthday Surprise
After a bagpipe demonstration, Two Highland Lads played fiddle and accordion, and taught us reels and jigs. After dancing, we had a massive catered dinner in the 24-seat dining room.Aug 7-11: Isle of Skye
Marce & Ian drove to Skye to enjoy bike rides and watching the Olympics on telly while it rained. Ventured out to the Talisker Distillery for rare whiskey gift and found the "Wee Mad Teahouse." Had the best meal ever at The Three Chimneys. Accommodation: Morven CottageAug 12-13: Edinburgh
Marce & Ian drove back to Edinburgh and saw the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. Accommodation: Bankton House HotelAug 14: Fly to Los Angeles
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