#LoveDandG
Are you interested in finding out more about Dumfries and Galloway?
#LoveDandG Hour takes place on the last Thursday of every month from 9-10pm on Twitter.
Join us to find out all that is happening across D&G and where are the best places to visit in the Region.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Dunnottar Castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland. It sits on the cliffs atop a beautiful headland jutting out to sea. It is said that there may have been a Christian settlement as early as the 5th Century on site but the majority of the buildings today date from the 14 th and 15th Century period when the Keith clan were in charge of the Castle. The Castle gained fame for its refusal to hand over the honours of Scotland to the marauding soldiers of Oliver Cromwell and the crown jewels were hidden away here after the coronation of Charles 11 in 1851. The Keiths were great supporters of the Jacobites and ultimately lost their castle in the 18th Century conflicts demonstrating their support for the Highlanders. A wonderful magical place. VisitScotland #YS202214
Today was our final day with Jeanne and Ryan and it was another great day! We had a wonderful day in the sunshine enjoying a wander firstly around Falkand which was used as a filming location in Outlander and then we made our way to the magnificent Stirling Castle. After exploring Stirling Castle we made the journey to Cairnryan Ferry port following the Ayrshire and Galloway Coast where the views of Ailsa Craig were amazing! We have thoroughly enjoyed our three days with Jeanne and Ryan helping them to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors and we hope that they enjoy their next adventure in Ireland! #SolwayTours #AncestralTours #GuidedHistoricTours
Well it’s been another packed day on our ancestral tour with Jeanne and Ryan. We started the day in Keith visiting the Old Parish Church, St Rufus’ Church and Strath Isla Distillery. Our guests ancestors moved from Keith up to work on the Cullen House estate of the Earl of Seafield as blacksmiths in the 1830’s. In the afternoon after sampling some Cullen Skink at the Rockpool in Cullen we visited Cullen House, Cullen Auld Kirk and Reidhaven St In Cullen which all had links to the family. Our last two stops of the day were at Bow Fiddle Rock and Portsoy. We had a great day and met some lovely people especially Louise at Cullen House, Sheila at the Auld Kirk and Janey in Portsoy. Great Scottish hospitality all round! VisitScotland #YS2022 #ancestraltours
We have had a fantastic day with Jeanne and Ryan who are visiting from New York State and wanted to visit sites connected to their ancestors. This morning we focused on their Taylor family ancestry based around the coal mining towns of Lanarkshire and West Lothian. We visited the church in Carnwath where Jeanne’s ancestors were both married and baptised before spending time in the mining villages of Longridge , East Whitburn Village and Livingston Village. We then had a delicious lunch at the Railroad Bistro in South Queensferry before heading North to Stonehaven to explore the stunning Dunnottar Castle. A fantastic day with a lovely family and after enjoying a nice night in Banff we look forward to visiting more ancestral sites tomorrow. #SolwayTours #guidedhistorictours #AncestralTours
And we are off again! An early start for us this morning as we make our way to Edinburgh to start a three day ancestral tour! #SolwayTours #AncestralTours #GuidedHistoricTours
We had a fantastic morning today with Mrs Jasinska’s P5 class from Laurieknowe Primary. Todays 3.5 hour tour was mainly on the Wars of Independence however we also discussed the general history of Dumfries. We enjoyed stops at Devorgilla’s Bridge, the Vennel, Greyfriars, Hangman’s Hill and Castledykes Park. We want to say a special thank you to the owner of Powerbikes who not only let us shelter from the rain while we discussed the killing of John Comyn on the 10th Feb 1306 but the group loved to hear his story of the history that still remains beneath his shop. The whole class were a real credit to their school. The group asked brilliant questions along the way and it was evident they have enjoyed studying about the Wars of Independence and Bruce and Wallace. A thoroughly enjoyable local tour bringing history to life with a great group of young people! Thanks also to Mrs Jasinka and Headteacher Mrs McLellan for joining us and to the Peoples Project for their hard work to make Castledykes Park not only a beautiful place to visit but somewhere with fantastic information boards. #SolwayTours #GuidedhHistoricTours #OutdoorClassroom #WorkingwithSchools The People's Project, Dumfries Powerbikes
After a change in itinerary I’m looking to book a party of 7 for a morning or afternoon’s fly fishing around the Stirling area on the 10th or 11th of June 2022. If anyone out there can help with this or may know anyone who can help them please let me know. Much appreciated Mark Turner Solway Tours
Popped down to Castledykes Park tonight with its vibrant colours and amazing history. The highlight of Dumfries Town at present! Well done The People's Project, Dumfries #LoveDandG VisitScotland #YS2022
Today Mark got to a visit a site that he had been keen to see for many years. Some ancestral research took him right beside the Cairnpapple Burial site and Henge run by Historic Scotland The site is a real wonder and was being used across Neolithic and early Bronze ages as well as during the Christian period. A ceremonial meeting place during the Stone Age was to become a burial site in later centuries. The Henge is still clearly visible and sets the site off perfectly. The central dome adds some theatre although it is there to protect the earliest grave from around 4000 years ago which would have been covered by a cairn when intially constructed. Going down the internal steps to the North Grave is just so wonderful! You can see where the ring of wooden posts would have stood around this multi use site over thousands of years. A real hidden gem! VisitScotland #YS2022
Where is Mark now? Any guesses?
Mark is out and about doing some extra ancestral research today for an upcoming tour to South Lanarkshire and West Lothian. First stop is the village of Carnwath!
Some of our favourite images from our tours of Scotland so far in the month of May. We hope that you enjoy them. We have a primary school tour on Friday of this week then a 3 day ancestral tour of West Lothian and Aberdeenshire starting on Saturday before, on the 26th of May, starting a 13 day Hannah ancestral tour. Busy times! Great fun !! VisitScotland Historic Scotland #YS2022 #ancestraltours
Lesley is absolutely delighted and honoured to have been named again this year on the Women in Tourism Top 100 Women in Tourism List. Lesley is extremely passionate about promoting Dumfries and Galloway and Scotland and ensuring guests have a wonderful and memorable experience when they are with Solway Tours so it’s great to see her named amongst so many other fantastic women from the tourism industry. Congratulations to all of the women listed and to all those in the tourism industry from Dumfries and Galloway who also work so hard to champion the Region! Thanks also to those who nominated Lesley! The full list can be found here: https://www.womenintourism.co.uk/introducing-the-2022-top-100-women-in-tourism/ #SolwayTours #womenintourism #WITTop100 #ScottishTourism
We are having a rare day together at Solway Tours HQ planning and researching for future tours! We have a very busy year ahead and it’s been fantastic to be back out on tour and sharing the history and stunning scenery of Scotland and Ireland with so many wonderful people this year so far! We want to say welcome to all of our new followers on Facebook and thank everyone else for their support this year so far! If we can help you with a bespoke tour of Scotland or Ireland or you are interested in a WW1/WW2 Battlefields Tour please do get in touch as 2023 is also getting booked up! beinspired@solwaytours.co.uk Thanks, Lesley and Mark #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours #5StarTours
Culross offers so much to see and do for visitors. This historic village with its Ochre coloured palace on the Forth is a must visit when coming to Scotland. The town gave us one of the worlds first coal mines that went under water in the late 16th Century. It’s cobbled streets and marriage lintels are fantastic to see. In the last few years the success of #Outlander has made this wee village even more popular. A real gem! VisitScotland #YS2022 #Culross
Well today was the last day of a 7 day tour for Mark with Michele and her wonderful family from Pennsylvania. We started the day off in a damp Culross wandering through the historic cobbled streets of this beautiful town on the River Forth. We then headed over the Forth Road Bridge into South Queensferry before heading along the coastline to Blackness Castle. In the afternoon as the sun shone we went to the Sinclair Chapel of Rosslyn before climbing the steep steps of Calton Hill for some views of the Edinburgh skyline. A great week with a lovely family! Solway Tours wish you a safe homeward journey over the next few days! VisitScotland #YS2022 #RosslynChapel #BlacknessCastle
We are extremely passionate about sharing the history and beautiful scenery of Dumfries and Galloway with others. Here are just a few of the places we have been to with guests over the last two weeks. We are very lucky to be able to live and work in such a fantastic region! #LoveDandG
A few shots of the stunning harbour area of the East Neuk fishing village of Anstruther tonight! Just stunning!
Lesley has had a fantastic day today with Pat and Linda from Dartmouth in Nova Scotia. Being a McDonell, Pat wanted to see the ancestral seat of the McDonell Clan so our first stop this morning was Invergarry Castle. After spending some time at Invergarry Castle and admiring Loch Oich where the Castle is situated we then visited the Well of the Seven Heads and heard of the gruesome tale attached to this intriguing monument. We then spent the afternoon in Glencoe, having a delicious lunch at the Clachaig Inn before paying our respects at the Glencoe Massacre Monument and then we made a number of stops along the Glencoe Pass. A great day with a lovely couple and it was a real honour to help Pat get to his ancestral homelands, something he had wanted to do for a while! #SolwayTours #AncestralTours #ClanMcDonell
Well the sun shone this afternoon on Solway Tours in St Andrews. After an overcast start to the day in Inverness we had some fantastic stops at Carrbridge, Loch an Eilein and Ruthven Barracks. We then had lunch and some shopping time in Pitlochry before heading to the Hermitage in Dunkeld. It was a beautiful day to stroll up to Ossian’s Hall on the River Braan. We then spent some time on the Old Course at St Andrews as it sets up for the 150th British Open. A fantastic day! VisitScotland #YS2022 Loch an Eilein Rothiemurchus
The things you need to do on the Isle of Skye first thing in the morning!
Mark has had another great day with our Pennsylvanian family in the sunny Highlands and Islands! We travelled down through Skye before spending some time in the planned Clearances village of Plockton where the Gulf Stream brings palm trees and beautiful scenery. We then went on to Loch Ness and stopped at Urquhart Castle for a great visit to the majestic ruins of this late medieval fortress. In the afternoon we spent a few hours at the excellent Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre before considering the amazing early Bronze Age cairns of Balnuaran of Clava. Tomorrow we travel South with a destination of the Fife fishing village of Anstruther. VisitScotland #YS2022
Can you ever tire of seeing posts of this beautiful Castle? Eilean Donan sits majestically on its outcrop surrounded by 3 different sea lochs. It has passed hands through Saints and Highland clans and now sits as a jewel in the McCrae Clan. A wonderful fortress and family home to visit if you are in the Loch Alsh area of Scotland. VisitScotland #YS2022
Well it was a wet and windy day on the Misty Isle today but our group battered through the blustery conditions to have an enjoyable day. We headed north from Tor View this morning and had quick stops to view the Old Man of Storr, Lealt Falls and Kilt Rock before taking in the incredible views of the Quairing. It was windy but wonderful up at the incredible rocky landscape on Trotternish ridge. We headed up to the Museum of Island Life next which is an interesting set of thatched cottages and equipment paying homage to a wide variety of jobs and traditions of the Gaelic culture. After a lovely lunch at the Cafe in Dunvegan we explored Dunvegan Castle and Gardens before heading down to the majestic setting of Talisker Distillery. A great day with a great family from Ebensburg In Pennsylvania!
My Portree Skye breakfast this morning from Murdo at Tor View. A fantastic place to stay when on Skye!
A few extra shots from yesterday’s great drive from Glasgow to Skye. I think the weather has something much more challenging on the way for us today. #ancestraltoursofscotland
Mark has another great day with Michele and the 4 generations of her family who are visiting Scotland on an ancestral tour. We travelled through the Southern Highlands today up to the Isle of Skye. We stopped at Luss on Loch Lomond before making a number of stops in Glencoe. We just made seeing the Jacobite steam train going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct before heading to Eilean Donan Castle and onwards to Skye. Another great day! VisitScotland #YS2022
Not a bad view tonight for me and the van up above Portree at the fantastic Torview Guesthouse on the Isle of Skye! #SolwayTours
Mark had a great day today with Michele and her family. Today was about the ancestors of this group who left Scotland in the 1890’s to migrate to Pennsylvania who then met up and got married. We spent most of the day around the old coal mining and weaving villages of Lanarkshire including Dalziel, Stonehouse and Blantyre as well as stops in Dennistoun, Glasgow Cathedral and the University of Glasgow. A great day walking in the footsteps of Michele and Faye’s ancestors.
Bruce and MacLellan Clan Tour! Lesley has had another fantastic day today in the sunshine with Rick and Staci from Fort Worth in Texas. They came to Dumfries to spend the day visiting some of the key sites connected to the Bruce and MacLellan Clan. This morning we focused on Bruce sites so we went to Lochmaben Castle, Lochmaben Town Hall, Caerlaverock Castle, the site of Greyfriars Church and Castledykes Park. We then had a delicious lunch at Kilnford Farm Shop before making our way to Kirkcudbright. In Kirkcudbright we spent some time at Greyfriars Church to see the MacLellan’s Aisle and MacLellan’s Castle. A brilliant day with a lovely couple and it was great to be able to guide them around Dumfries and Galloway and share with them stories of their ancestors. #LoveDandG #GuidedHistoricTours #AncestralTours #Bruce #MacLellan VisitScotland Kilnford Farm Shop & Farmhouse Kitchen Cafe
A Garden, a Castle and a Chapel! Lesley has thoroughly enjoyed her last day today with Sarah and Elizabeth. After exploring some of the key historic sites in Dumfries we made our way to the beautiful Dawyck Botanic Gardens. The rest of the day included visits to St Ronan’s Well in Innerleithen, Floors Castle and the amazing Rosslyn Chapel. It has been a fantastic four days exploring mainly Southern Scotland and we hope the ladies enjoy the rest of their time in Scotland.
Mark had a great first day with Michele and her family from Pennsylvania and Michigan. At times the weather was very challenging but the group enjoyed visits to the The Kelpies The Falkirk Wheel Stirling Castle The Battle of Bannockburn Experience Stirling Auld Brig and Menstrie Castle. The family are here for over a week to trace their ancestral roots with links to the Clark, Patterson, Palmer, Mckie and Alexander families. An exciting week lies ahead! VisitScotland Historic Scotland #YS2022
Mark is on his way to Edinburgh to start a 7 day tour and snapped the Sunrise this morning before the weather closes in later today!
Lesley has had another fantastic day in the sun with Sarah and her daughter who has also joined us today after we collected her from Glasgow Airport. We started this morning by paying our respects at the Lockerbie Garden of Remembrance and we then spent some time in picturesque Moffat where we had to try some Moffat Toffee! We then spent the afternoon at the stunning Castles of Culzean and Dunure. Another lovely day in the sun with lovely people!
Lesley and Sarah have had another fantastic day today exploring the Scottish Borders. We started out this morning from Dumfries and made our way to Scott’s view and Leaderfoot Viaduct where the views were amazing. We then spent some time at Melrose Abbey before heading to explore Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott. Our last stop of the day was the fascinating Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels which is well worth a visit. It was amazing to see the history and heritage of Scotland displayed in such a way! #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours VisitScotland Abbotsford The Home of Sir Walter Scott
Lesley has started another 4 day tour today with Sarah who is visiting from the States and has toured with Lesley before. This morning we set off from Glasgow and made our way to Alloway to follow in the footsteps of our National Bard, Robert Burns. We had a fantastic visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Burns Cottage, Alloway Auld Kirk and the Brig o Doon. We then enjoyed some time at the Blackstone Clydesdales near Cumnock where we had a tour of the farm and got to meet the beautiful Clydesdales up close. Our last stop of the day was the magnificent Gardens at Drumlanrig Castle where we enjoyed some time walking around the beautiful gardens whilst enjoying spectacular views of the castle. A great day and we look forward to exploring more of the South of Scotland tomorrow! VisitScotland Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Blackstone Clydesdales
A few shots of the majestic Inveraray Castle which stands close to the shores of Loch Fyne, the longest sea Loch in Scotland. A Castle stood close to hear built by the Clan Campbell since 1450 but this new castle saw the building move 80 metres SW of the original and resulted in a total redesign of the village of Inveraray. This Castle was completed around 1789 and is the home of the Duke of Argyll anhis family as well as being a tourist attraction. Stunning gardens to walk in even on a dreich day ! VisitScotland #YS2022 #campbell
Solway Tours make the Visit Scotland list of tour operators to use when coming to Scotland. We are very chuffed to be recognised and promoted for our hard work and passion for this great country of ours! https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/holiday-ideas/tour-operators/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RM-202205-Email-Tours%20Off%20Beaten%20Track%20-%20AUS%20CAN%20GBL%20USA%20NZL&utm_content=image&mkt_tok=NjM4LUhIWi01MTAAAAGENQAtY_UiYsRRru9MPJ2JqOfnPkoqkHopc_bZ0J7uk6Uokr3hz-e93wMq6Bqc7FwpEza_19vRJ_2wjzMStXeSkPnjoflMosxJYRU5h9aepGAYZAgdDY4
We had a fantastic tour last week with a local primary school who were studying the Wars of Independence. It was a thoroughly enjoyable local tour bringing history to life with a great group of young people
#LoveDandG #GuidedhHistoricTours #OutdoorClassroom #WorkingwithSchools
We have just finished another fantastic 3 day ancestral tour with our lovely guests from New York. #GuidedHistoricTours #AncestralTours
Drumlanrig Castle (Scotland) @SolwayTours image & overlap mock-up of earlier Towerhouse raised by the Douglas family in the 1350s. #DrumlanrigCastle #ScottishCastles #HistoryRebuilt
It was great to be back at the amazing Dunnottar Castle in the sunshine earlier this week! @VisitScotland @castledunnottar @ScotsMagazine
Lesley is delighted and honoured to have been named again this year on the Top 100 Women in Tourism List. She is extremely passionate about promoting D&G and Scotland and ensuring guests have a wonderful and memorable experience. Congratulations to all the women listed#WITTop100
Culross offers so much to see and do for visitors. This historic village with its Ochre coloured palace on the Forth is a must visit when coming to Scotland. In the last few years the success of #Outlander has made this wee village even more popular.
@VisitScotland #YS2022
We are extremely passionate about sharing the history and beautiful scenery of Dumfries and Galloway with others. Here are just a few of the places we have been to with guests over the last 2 weeks. We are lucky to be able to live and work in such a fantastic region! #LoveDandG
We made various stops yesterday in Glencoe to admire the stunning scenery and pay our respects at the Glencoe Massacre Memorial. #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours #Glencoe
The things you do first thing in the morning on the Isle of Skye to...
A few shots of the majestic Inveraray Castle which stands close to the shores of...
St Mary and St Finnan Church at Glenfinnan on Loch Shiel The church was consecrated...
BOW FIDDLE ROCK Mark was up around the NE Coast over the last few sunny...
On this day the 8th of February 1587 Mary Stuart was beheaded at Fotheringay Castle...
OLD BUITTLE CHURCH The ruins of Old Buittle Church dedicated to St. Colman consist of...
Last week Mark visited his home village and spent some time at one of his...
Happy St Andrew’s Day wherever you are in the world from Solway Tours. Alba gu...
It was a rainy day last week when we visited the Gorge at Corrieshalloch just...
CALLINISH STANDING STONES Sometimes we are in the right place at the right time and...
Turnberry Castle is a ruined 13th Century Castle which sits on a promontory overlooking the...
The magnificent Hermitage Walk near Dunkeld has so much to enjoy within such a short...
Yesnaby Castle sea stack is a must see when you are in the Orkney mainland....
Ruthven Barracks were built in the early 18th Century on elevated ground on this previous...
Tonight’s sunset in Connel in Argyll and Bute. #scotland#sunsets #argyllandbute #argyll #oban #onlyinscotland @visitscotland #scotlandisnow...
The Devil’s Beeftub in the Moffat hills became infamous in the late medieval period and...
Today Mark did one of his favourite walks to one of the most historic sites...
RING of BRODGAR The Ring of Brodgar is the largest stone circle in the whole...
CASTLE SINCLAIR GIRNIGOE Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is a complex of coastal castellated structures built and...
EARL’S PALACE BIRSAY Robert Stewart, the illegitimate son of James V and half brother to...
The majestic 12th Century St Magnus Cathedral tonight in Kirkwall Orkney illuminated by a wonderful...
LOCHRUTTON CHURCH Lochrutton Church was built in 1819 and the bellcote and vestry were added...
CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE Caerlaverock is one of the best castles in Scotland to visit for history...
Dunadd Fort and the Fealty Footprint In the South of Kilmartin Glen sits the pivotal...
Today Mark had a busy day on the West Coast of Scotland preparing for future...
On this day the 15th of May 1568 Mary Stuart spent her last full day...
BROCH of GURNESS One of our favourite historic sites to visit when on the Orkney...
One of the best coastal walks in Scotland must be from Balcary Bay to Rascarrel...
THREAVE CASTLE on the RIVER DEE Although closed just now Threave Castle is one of...
Have you ever been to our own Scottish Mermaid? In our year of Coasts and...
THE BETRAYAL OF A HERO It is on this spot in the early hours of...
10th FEBRUARY 1306 On this day 715 years ago a meeting took place in Dumfries...
A lovely visit this morning to Lincluden Collegiate Church beside the confluence of the Nith...
Some lovely images of the majestic River Nith this morning as it passes its way...
Despite most sites being closed the fantastic Dundrennan Abbey looked splendid in the Galloway Winter...
Mark visited his home village this morning and with his brother took the stunning walk...
Happy St Andrew’s Day
The stunning Leaderfoot Viaduct over the River Tweed in the sunshine earlier this week. This...
Melrose Abbey looked stunning on this chilly, but sunny Autumnal day. The mid 12th Century...
Orchardton Tower looking great today. The mid 15th Century cylindrical tower built by the Cairns...
Today Mark made it to see the recently crowned Scottish tree of the year. The...
The wonderful waterfall at Sandyhills - locally known as the Mare’s Braids. It’s a lovely...
The Routin’ Brig At Kirkpatrick Irongray was the historic crossing point from Kirkcudbrightshire into Dumfriesshire....
Elgin Cathedral is known as the Lantern of the North and is an incredible site...
CLAN CAMPBELL at INVERARAY CASTLE One of the most powerful Scottish families in history has...
DUNDRENNAN ABBEY Today’s featured site In Dumfries and Galloway is the majestic Romanesque/Gothic Dundrennan Abbey....
Fatlips Castle sits above the River Teviot in the Scottish Borders. It is a 16th...
We made a trip to the Borders this morning with his first visit to the...
Through the Thirlstane Arch to the stunning Solway Coast. The rocks here on the Galloway...
We love to roam about the Solway Coast. It is our home and means so...