Late Summer in Scotland

A new tour for Scotland staying for four nights at the Norton House Hotel near Edinburgh, an easy distance from the city centre and close to the airport. The itinerary features some superb historic houses, privileged access to late summer gardens, the contemporary and much acclaimed Jupiter Artland, an iconic Japanese Garden, Rosslyn Chapel, with its unique and mysterious carvings and a fascinating boat cruise on the Forth.

Hopetoun House and private garden. Situated on the shores of the Firth of Forth, this is one of the most splendid examples of the work of Scottish architects Sir William Bruce and William Adam.  The magnificent interiors that have remained virtually unchanged for three centuries reflect the elegance of the Georgian era and are decorated with period furniture, paintings, tapestries and clocks.   Lady Hopetoun has also kindly agreed to include a visit to her private gardens.  Broomhall House is the family seat of the Earls of Elgin the descendants of the legendary King Robert the Bruce and as such is a repository of artefacts covering over 1,000 years of Scottish history.  Holyrood Palace at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the official residence of His Majesty The King when in Scotland.  Splendid state apartments, magnificent artworks that depict royal lineage and a vivid insight into the history of Scotland and its sometimes turbulent past.  Where time permits a short visit to the National Gallery of Scotland sited on the Mound with spectacular views over Edinburgh.  Enjoy the newly opened Scottish galleries for the very best of Scottish and international art from 1800 to 1945.

A beautiful one acre walled garden can be found at Whitburgh House.   The owner Elizabeth Salvesen has created an innovative designed and structured garden with contemporary planting and sculptural pieces, late perennials and grasses mixed with vegetables and fruit.  The stunning historic Japanese Garden near Dollar - Sha Raku En, ‘the garden of pleasure and delight’.  was the inspiration and creation of the intrepid traveller Isabella Christie after a visit to Japan in 1907.  Her great niece Sara Stuart inherited the garden and appointed Professor Fukuhara to spearhead a restoration to what is now an amazing oriental garden in the heart of Clackmannanshire.

Kinross House - This remarkable classical country house and garden has over the years undergone a massive restoration and has a unique setting overlooking Loch Leven.  With its late summer herbaceous borders of asters, sedums and grasses that give wonderful movement and plenty of interest.   Jupiter Artland is one of Scotland’s most significant contemporary sculpture park and art gallery set over 100 acres of woodland and meadows around the grounds of Bonnington House.    Artworks include some of the world’s most well-known artists from Antony Gormley, Charles Jencks, Cornelia Parker to name a few.

Rosslyn Chapel  - The 15thC building with its ornate stonework and mysterious symbolism have inspired and intrigued artists and visitors. It was of course made internationally famous by Dan Brown’s book the Da Vinci Code. There are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel, many of which are impossible to prove or disprove conclusively.  Aboard the Maid of the Forth , a spectacular 90-minute sightseeing cruise sailing beneath all three iconic Forth Bridges whilst admiring the unparalleled and incredible engineering, views of Inchcolm Island and the possibilities of seals and local wildlife.

Monday 2 September:  Shared taxis can be arranged to meet trains at Edinburgh Waverley Station between 2 pm and 3 pm.  A taxi from the airport is a very short distance to the hotel.  Plenty of parking at the hotel.  Dining in the hotel restaurant that evening.

Tuesday 3 September:  Rosslyn Chapel, Whitburgh House garden where a light lunch will be included and an afternoon visit to Jupiter Artland.

Wednesday 4 September:  Kinross House garden visit with refreshments then heading north to the Japanese Garden at Dollar where a light lunch is included and finally a visit to Broomhall House with a tour given by a member of the family before returning to the hotel

Thursday 5 September:  Private visit to the gardens of Hopetoun House followed by time to leisurely enjoy the main house after a short introduction.  Lunch can be found in the Stables Kitchen.  Continue the short distance to South Queensferry for the afternoon cruise on the Forth.

Friday 6 September:  Checking out of the hotel and into Edinburgh for an early visit to Holyrood Palace , then time permitting the National Gallery.  Coach will drop at Edinburgh Waverley Station in time for train departures from 1.30 pm or the airport 2.15 pm and the hotel 2.30 pm  - further options can be advised.