Spring is just around the corner, so it is the perfect time to be planning a motor-home road trip with us, The Tartan Camper Company! This will allow you to discover some of Scotland's breath-taking scenery and history along the way. Our intention is to make your trip a memorable one. To help, we have compiled a list of the top 5 places that you should visit while you are driving one of our camper vans around Scotland.
We offer a wide range of campervans with all the latest comforts incorporated into the van. Our pet-friendly campervans are designed to allow you to live on the road for a week or two and create some wonderful memories along the way. Have a dog? Bring them with you so you both enjoy the spectacular Scottish beaches, mountains and scenery.
We have compiled a list of the top five must-see things for you on your holiday that will enhance your vacation.
McCairgs Folly - Oban
This monument is an interesting combination of Doric and Gothic styles, which is situated in the town of Oban, which is in the Scottish county of Argyle and Bute. This monument was constructed in 1812 in honour of Laird Lieutenant-Colonel John McCaig, who was born in the area, and was the local Laird Lieutenant-Colonel at the time. The “folly” was built by McCaig as a result of McCaig's desire to provide winter work to local stonemasons and craftsmen, while also creating a lasting tribute to his family. It was his intention to build the building in the style of the Colosseum in Rome, which has a strong influence on its design.
There were plans for him to have statues of his siblings and of himself installed in the tower that was to remain the dominant element of the building. Unfortunately, he died before the outer walls of the building were fully constructed, and that's how it's remained to this day. It is quite clear that John Stuart McCaig had a high opinion of himself since he had the following inscription carved in stone above the entrance “Erected in 1900 by John Stuart McCaig, art critic and philosopher essayist and banker, Oban”.
The stone that was used to construct the folly, which has the approximate circumference of 200 meters, or thereabouts, was obtained from the quarries of Bonawe, near Loch Etive. As a result, it has now been turned into a public garden, accessible by 144 steps, and provides a breath-taking view of the surrounding countryside.
Sango Sands
This stunning beach can be found in the village of Durness, Sutherland, on the west coast of Scotland. There is a wide stretch of white sand on the beach, and panoramic views of the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including surfing, walking, and observing the wildlife in the area. A visitor center with all the local information you might require is located just above the beach. During the summer, the Sands become very popular due to their location along the North Coastal 500 Route. However, there are lots of places to camp and stay as there are full camping facilities nearby.
Just a short walk from the Sango Sands is Smoo Cave, Scotland's largest cave, which was formed by the sea and local river just a few miles away.
A path from the sands to the cave can easily be followed. The opening of the cave is an impressive sight with a 50-meter-high cliff-face inviting you in. Public access to the main waterfall chamber is free all year round.
There are guided tours you can join, however, good footwear is advised as there is some scrambling to do as you enter the recesses of the cavern.
Culloden Battlefield
A relatively small and well-preserved battlefield, Culloden is a significant site for military historians. One of the most prominent features of the battlefield is Culloden Hill, which offers panoramic views of Aberdeenshire and the North Sea. This is something you can enjoy while taking in the majesty of one of Scotland's most tragic moments. The Culloden Battlefield is one of Scotland's most significant historical sites. The Jacobites were defeated here, resulting in the end of the Jacobite rebellions and today's union with England.
It was on April 16th 1746 that the Jacobite Rising came to an end. In an attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British throne, Jacobite supporters gathered to battle government troops under the Duke of Cumberland. A pitched battle took place on British soil for the last time. It took less than sixty minutes for more than 1,500 men - including more than 1,000 Jacobites - to be killed.
From the battlefield, you can see Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and even out over the Atlantic Ocean! It is located on a hilltop overlooking Inverness. If you're in the area, you should definitely take the time to visit the battlefield, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.
Several different accommodation options are available at Culloden Battlefield for camper-van visitors, including hotels, B&Bs, and campsites that offer parking for campervans.
Broons Hoose
There is an unusual backstory to this tiny building, also known as the "Wee Hoose." According to legend, it was constructed in 1824 by a poacher named Jack Broon. In return for teaching a local laird how to distill whiskey (valuable knowledge in those days) Broon received some land from the laird.
The building of Jack's own small house on a tiny island on Loch Shin cemented his elevation to being a landowner. Or so the story goes…
However, the real truth is that the house was built about 20 years ago for a float that was taking part in the Lairg Gala. It was then transported to the small island by some witty locals, at the end of the Gala. This was the beginning of the myth, which was created by a group of people in the local area. As a result, it has been adopted by the entire community. In a way, it's like a perpetual April Fool's joke!
The Kelpies.
Here are the two largest horse sculptures that can be found anywhere in the world! The Kelpies, in Falkirk, are a reminder of Scotland's horse-powered industrial past, and are a monument to its proud heritage.
It was designed by sculptor Andy Scott and completed in October 2013 as a part of the sculpture project. Approximately 30 meters tall, these horse-head sculptures portray what are known as Kelpies, who were shape-shifting water spirits from ancient times and mythology.
These mythical beasts has to be befriended to enable one to gain safe passage across water. With the new canal extension built as part of the Helix land transformation project, the horses heads form a gateway to the start of the Forth and Clyde canal.
There’s so much more to explore than just these five suggestions. Book one of our Campervans now - and enjoy all Scotland has to off.