Highlands & Islands Vacations And South Uist

The Island known as South Uist is found in the group of islands known as the Western Isles (and alsi the Outer Hebrides) of Scotland. The inhabited islands are South Uist, North Uist, Isle of Harris, Isle of Lewis, Barra, Benbecula and Eriskay and a great many islands which are only inhabited by wildlife. In the following article I introduce the island of South Uist and describe why the island is such a superb vacation destination, plus I introduce some places to stay on South Uist.

The Hebrides are unique, they feature totally unique species of flora & fauna in a astounding countryside with some of the most awesome coastline in the British Isles. The culture of the Hebrides is an interesting mix of Norse, Celtic and Gaelic influences, which could also be said to be unique.

On South Uist, particularly in the west, you will discover the most amazing beaches of sand and behind these vast areas of land called machair. Machair is only found in this part of the world, it is a type of incredibly fertile, grassland which is decorated with a mass of wildflowers in the spring and summer months. Many visitors believe that the beaches found on South Uist are the best in Scotland, the United Kingdom, and even Europe.

The island is also a superb place to play a round of golf. Askernish Golf Course is the oldest Hebridean course and it is an Old Tom Morris design (the designer of the Old Course at St. Andrews) and countless others in Scotland. Sadly the golf course was damaged and it is in need of restoration before it can be played upon however you will find many other golf courses across the islands.

Of course South Uist offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a diverse range of sports. Water sports such as surfing are incredibly popular and virtually everyone can enjoy a little walking. Besides golf the most popular sport is still fishing though more cyclists appear annually.

Even though South Uist doesn’t feature a profuse amount of galleries and museums it has enough to keep you entertained if it happens to rain. Museums like Kildonan Museum feature exhibitions about the history of the island and its association with Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Flora MacDonald.

Places To Stay On South Uist

The Polochar Inn is located in Lochboisdale in the southerly region of the island. This is a 4 star South Uist hotel which overlooks Eriskay and Barra. All of the rooms at the Polochar Inn are en-suite and they also have WiFi internet.

South Uist self catering accommodation is superb for small groups and families. 10 Bun A Mhullin is a spacious self catering traditional Hebridean house/cottage on the Isle of Eriskay which is joined to South Uist by a bridge.

If you are currently planning a vacation on South Uist please take a look at our listings of South Uist hotel accommodation.

If you are looking at taking a South Uist vacation please take a look at our listings of South Uist hotels and bed and breakfast in South Uist

Pet Friendly Places to Stay in Ayr, Scotland

Isn’t it great when you go on a vacation to somewhere you have never visited before? Do you find yourself getting excited thinking about arriving in a new place to enjoy some free time? Did you know that pets too can enjoy (and benefit from) a break away from home? Increasing numbers of folk are choosing to take their pet with them on vacation and if you visit a place such as the city of Ayr in Scotland you begin to appreciate the many advantages (for you an your pet) such a place has over other cities in the UK. Unfortunately it isn’t very easy finding pet friendly accommodation so I have listed a few Ayr hotels, that allow pets, below.

Situated on the beautiful south west coast of Scotland, the pretty town of Ayr attracts a great deal of visitors year after year. The majority of folk arrive in search of places to visit relating to the world renowned, and Scottish National Poet, Robert Burns. There are a multitude of places in Ayr in which the bard spent some time or to which there are strong associations with him and most are well worth a visit. The best way in which to gain an understanding of the man, his life and his poetry is to visit the surrounding area where you will find many more places relating to him and a host of statues and other monuments dedicated to him.

The general area around Ayr is called the county of Ayshire for which the town serves as the main center (administrative). Overall the county consists of lovely lush and green rural and agricultural land and unspoiled coast and beaches. The lack of pollution is immediately apparent with fresh country smells and crystal clear water, just perfect for you and your pet. Animals love both the countryside and the seaside and as you both explore you may start to suffer from a little deja vu. The fact is that this fantastic part of Scotland is incredibly popular with movie makers and countless number of local places have appeared in numerous works including the mystical cult British masterpiece called “The Wicker Man”. The Wickerman Festival is held just down the road at the end of July each year, it is a family friendly music and arts festival which is growing in size and popularity and I can not recommend it enough.

The Wickerman Festival is held in the neighboring county of Dumfries and Galloway but for this article I am concentrating on Ayr and Ayrshire however, before I list the pet friendly accommodation I would like to request that you really take care to ensure that your chosen hotel or guest house does not regret allowing pets in their rooms. Some places make a charge for pets while other may only charge if there is damage or the room requires extra cleaning but if everyone’s pet behaves pet lovers will keep their excellent reputation.

Three Hotels Which Allow Pets

The Swallow Station Hotel

With seventy three rooms this is a large pet friendly hotel located in the very center of Ayr. Next to the train station the 3 star accommodation has it’s own bar and restaurant and is overlooking Burns Statue Square, about ten minutes from the airport. No extra charges for pets.

Horizon Hotel

Another centrally located pet friendly hotel the Horizon offers 3 star accommodation in a considerably smaller establishment (25 rooms). No extra charges incurred for pets. Excellent views over towards the Isle of Arran.

Savoy Park Hotel

Another 3 star pet friendly hotel is the Savoy Park, minutes from the town center. A small (fifteen rooms) family run establishment which does not charge extra for pets and offers free broadband internet in every room.

Guest Houses In Ayr Which Allow Pets

Canter Holm Guest House

The six roomed Victorian residence of Canter Holm Guest House is another 3 star pet friendly Ayr establishment which is centrally located. Sadly this is the only place on our list that says “Charges may be applicable) when referring to having a pet in your room.

Grange View

With only three rooms the 3 star Grange View Guest House is located roughly two to three minutes walk from the very center of Ayr. Pets are allowed and there are no extra charges and you will find the owners extremely helpful in making any requirements such as arranging reservations for restaurants and the likes.

Far, far too few guest houses and hotels in Ayr allow pets. This is such a great shame as fewer places rival the town as a suitable destination for a vacation with a pet. Obviously with so few pet friendly places it is important to make your booking at the first opportunity and, if you manage to book a room, please have a thoroughly enjoyable vacation.

If you are looking for pet friendly Ayr hotels or you want to pick up a last minute bargain you will find the above mentioned hotels discounted at http://hotels.simplytop.com/.

Vacations In Inverness, Scotland And Some Facts You Should Know

Inverness, commonly referred to as being the capital city of the Highlands of Scotland, was granted city status in the year two thousand and one and at the moment is the only city in the region. Uniquely (in Britain) Inverness has no legal boundaries which can create problems when estimating populations. The problem is made worse by the fact that the population is rising dramatically, the city has the highest growth rate in the United Kingdom. One certainty we know of is that Inverness has a very content population, in 2008 the Telegraph.co.uk ranked Inverness fifth out of 189 cities in Britain for its quality of life. Following on we can state that Inverness is a lovely place in which to live and this is more than likely one of the reasons which make the city incredibly popular with tourists. Importantly there is a great deal of Inverness bed and breakfast accommodations with the majority of it being available to book online.

Inverness is also frequently referred to as the gateway to the Highlands of Scotland for the obvious fact that it is best placed to make the most of the Highland public transport system and a large amount of tourist attractions are close by. Possibly the best way to reach them is via a tour or day trip. A few companies visiting places such as, Urquart Castle, Culloden or Loch Ness or for the hardy visitor it is possible to visit John O’Groats and Orkney on a days round trip. It is also possible to go on a small selection of city tours, such as those run by City Sightseeing.

Some tourists choose to stay in two different cities or towns in the Highlands of Scotland say Fort William & Inverness. The town of Fort William is more popular with people who enjoy sports especially mountaineers, hill walkers and ramblers who get excited getting to the top of Ben Nevis which looks down upon the town’s center. In a similar fashion bed and breakfast accommodation in Fort William and rather like other Scotland bed & breakfast it is always cheap, very good value for money and amazingly comfortable, tidy and clean with world famous hospitality.

One of the most important things to remember is that Inverness’s airport is, roughly, 7 miles east of the city at Dalcross. It is relatively easy to hail a cab to the small and busy airport which is not very expensive. If you require maps of the area then you can get them for free at the tourist office, which is on Castle Wynd. While you are enjoying you vacation in Inverness you should make a point to visit Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, the Mercat Cross and ‘stone of tubs’ especially the Castle Garrison Encounter, an interactive experience which is immensely enjoyable.