Aberdeen, and the Highlands of Scotland

Aberdeen and the Highlands of Scotland

They call Aberdeen the Granite City and I love to be there when it rains. All the grey slate roofs shine beautifully and it’s a magnificent sight. It’s a quick 90 mile train ride from Edinburgh, and has wonderful shopping. Since I went to University in Edinburgh with a roommate from Aberdeen, I spent a lot of weekends there. It is the center of Britain’s oil industry, a lovely university town, and well worth a visit. It has won the Best Gardens in Great Britain award many times. Old records date back to l589 and show that the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club is the sixth oldest club in the world. Further north, the links at Cruden Bay carved out of the massive dunes bordering the north sea, boast one classic hole after another. If you are a golfer, then the new Trump International course is a must see when you are in this area.

I’ve often asked for suggestions on playing golf in Scotland. I have connections who can get my clients tee times at most courses. Here is one itinerary I like,

Transfer to Aberdeen from Edinburgh. Play Royal Aberdeen, venue for the Scottish Open in 2014. Stay overnight

Play the new Trump International, supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. I haven’t played it yet.

Play Cruden Bay, and then transfer to the Nairn/Inverness/Dornach area and stay for three nights.

Play Royal Dornach

Play a round at Nairn West Championship Links, venue for the Walker Cup or Castle Stuart, venue for the Scottish Open Championship in 2015.

You can then extend your holiday to another area, or go to London for a few days. I never drive if I can help it, take the train. Great journey on either the West Coast, Virgin train, or the East Coast, National train, five hours. British Rail was sold to 25 different companies. Go first class if you can, Virgin is the best for service. If you have time, you could spend a few days in York, or Chester, both medieval cities with lots of great sightseeing. Hotels, London, Ruebens, Chester, Grosvenor, York

The Grand.

For clients who have a spouse who doesn’t play golf, I arrange other sightseeing for them such as garden tours, castles, museums, and of course, shopping. A surprising number of people include a few days of salmon fishing which is fantastic in all parts of Scotland.

I’ve played golf in all weathers. My father had a “wee dram” a sip of whisky – Glenmorganie – at each hole. He said it helped him play better and keep out the cold. I don’t remember what it did for me.

There are some lovely unique hotels in this area of Scotland, so I usually give people at least one night in a castle, and enjoy a ceilidh, a Scottish dancing, music night. It’s fun to see all the different tartans.

Always carry a brolly (umbrella) since you never know what the weather is going to do.

Still a great buy, cashmere jumpers, which are sold all over Scotland. First thing I shop for when I go home.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, Ca 95025

650-961-2340 direct

Maureen.Jones@Frosch.com

www.Froschvacations.com