Tour Falkland on a relaxing small
group vacation of my homeland

" I look forward to showing you my historic
Scotland, as only a native Scot can. "

Falkland shot to importance in the 14th century when the Stewart monarchy acquired Falkland Castle from Macduff, the Thane of Fife. Unlike the Picts who had built a fort on the East Lomond for defensive purposes the Stewarts were most interested in Falkland as a place of sport and relaxation. The name of Falkland is associated with falconry which was one of the popular sports in the area and the Howe of Fife with its vast forests was ideal for hawking as well as hunting deer and wild boar.

Blessed with a Royal presence, Falkland was made a Royal Burgh by James II in 1458 and the village prospered. Between 1453 and 1541 the old castle was transformed into a beautiful Royal Palace which was one of the finest Renaissance Palaces in Britain.

Yet for all its splendor the Palace was often cloaked in the intrigue of Scottish politics. In 1402 the Duke of Rothesay, son of Robert III, was imprisoned in the Palace by his uncle the Duke of Albany and eventually died a cruel death from neglect and starvation. James V was ill at Falkland when he heard that his wife had given birth to a daughter - Mary Queen of Scots.

Falkland was a popular retreat with all the Stewart Kings and Mary Queen of Scots but in 1603 when James VI took his court to London for the Union of the Crowns this signalled the end of an era both for the Palace and the village.

Although Charles I and II both visited Falkland times had changed and later Cromwell's invading troops set fire to the Palace which quickly fell into ruin. In 1887 the restoration of the Palace

For the Independent Traveler to Scotland we also offer help with Airfares, Hotel Packages, and Rail Travel.

Leave The Herd Behind With A Small Group Tour of Scotland

All my small group tours of Scotland, which often include my native Fife, are paced for discovery and understanding, not just notching sites. Each small group is limited to an absolute maximum of 18 people, with a typical small group being just 6 or 8 people. I prefer to guide these small groups through Scotland in a relaxing manner, staying at two or three base locations from which we can visit places of interest - and not have to move luggage every day.

Tour Scotland guests tend to be travelers rather than tourists, enjoying seeing behind the tourist facade, while visiting with " locals " and seeing sites not normally seen by the regular tourist. Many group members visit Scotland to trace their Scottish ancestry; others to golf or fish; most come to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and gardens, and most of all, to meet and enjoy the people of Scotland. My Tours of Scotland can be best described as being " couthy. " It's a Scottish word meaning " gentle."

What goes into an unforgettable Tour of Scotland ? Lots of great scenery, for sure. Perhaps also a smidgen of something you can't quite put your finger on, but nevertheless creates a lasting impression. Maybe a piper playing in the pub; perhaps a conversation with a local; a shepherd working his dogs; fishermen landing their catch. All my previous group members have their own lists of defining moments. I wonder what yours will be ?

Any time from April through October is a really good time to Tour Scotland. Spring and early summer are my particular favorites. Forests, fields and glens offer a wonderful array of colors during that time of year, while the long Northern days of sunshine let you get out and enjoy it. There is also no shortage of things to do as all the best attractions are already open, and are far more relaxed away from the mid-summer crowds, whilst in the cities the Arts season is in full swing. But whenever you visit, you're always guaranteed a warm welcome in my Scotland. June through August is the best time to attend Highland Games on a Tour Scotland tour.

Here's a built by a couple of Tour Scotland members from last year. I think you will find the site interesting and informative. A Journey Through Scotland. For my latest Tours of Scotland photos click: May 2003 or Loch Ness.

Tour Scotland group members will have the opportunity to shop, play golf, visit local pubs and simply go for walks and enjoy local sights and sounds. Let me know your reasons for wishing to Tour Scotland, and see if I can best fit your needs. If you would like to visit independently, or as part of a small group tour, or on another Tour of Scotland, please e-mail me:

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Sandy Stevenson All rights reserved 2000.