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We started the day in Waterloo taking in some of the incredible tales and sites of the 1815 Battlefield and Museum and have ended the day in Ypres, one of our favourite places. The beautiful and poignant Flemish town will be our base until Saturday as we explore the WW1 Battlefields of both Ypres and the Somme in France. #Napoleon #WW1 #Ypres
Ready for our next guests! #BespokeTours #BrusselsAirport
Any guesses where we are now? #WhatMonumentisthat?
It’s good to be back! 🇫🇷 Solway Tours are back in France ready to lead a WW1 tour this week! Check back later to see where we end up on our travels today! #SolwayBattlefieldsTours #GuidedHistoricTours
Today we visited the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield which is a British Site of National Remembrance. One of the many memorials that we were particularly moved by was the Shot at Dawn memorial which commemorates all those who were executed for military offences in the First World War and in 2006 received posthumous pardons. When we take people on our battlefields tours we always tell the story of Joseph Byers and have visited his grave at Loker in Belgium as he was one of many men executed by his own side. Byers was shot at dawn for “cowardice and desertion” after receiving only a few weeks military training. It was initially thought that Private Byers came from Queensberry Street in Dumfries and was executed as a sixteen or seventeen year old. However some now question whether this was the boy from Dumfries and if that is actually what age he was? Nonetheless his is a story that encourages us to reflect on the horrors that war can bring especially to those so young. A very moving tribute and memorial!
First time visit for Solway Tours at the National Memorial Arboretum. Over 400 memorials , many linked to WW1 sites that that we will be visiting in Belgium and France over the next week. Incredibly emotive place with caring and informative staff.
On the 1st July 1916 at 7:30am the British begun a major attack along a large sector of the Western Front. After a week long bombardment of the German Trenches the troops went over the top and advanced towards the German front line. While some gains were made especially near the Schwaben Redoubt troops struggled to overcome the German defences most of which had survived the Briitish artillery bombardment. By the end of the first day, some 57,000 Commonwealth and 2,000 French soldiers had become casualties with more than 19,000 of them dead. Thiepval Memorial, the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme bears the names of more than 72,000 officers and men who died on the Somme and have no known grave. Over 90% of those comemorated there died between July and November of 1916. At the foot of the Thiepval memorial there is also a small cemetery containing equal numbers of French and British troops buried in recognition of the joint nature of the offensive. Six years ago we were honored to take part in a very special commemoration service at the Thiepval Memorial. We were humbled to represent our area at such a prestigious event and today we remember all those who lost their life on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. #BattleoftheSomme #WW1 #Remembrance
It has been a glorious night at Southerness in Dumfries and Galloway! #LoveDandG #Beach #Lighthouse #Southerness
St Conan’s Kirk on Loch Awe Is such a unique place to visit. The mixture of architectural styles used and incredible craftsmanship is a real wonder. Built for Walter Douglas Campbell just over 100 years ago as a place of worship for his mother and sister who lived with him on Innis Chonan. The Bruce Aisle with the alabaster effigy of the King of Scots is just stunning. A real gem! VisitScotland #YS2022
Well the weather was a little kinder today for Christine and her youngest son Craig on their bespoke 2 day tour of Argyll. Today we started by climbing Battery Hill In Oban to get the views from McCaig’s Tower before moving on past Castle Stalker and up to a number of stops in and around Glencoe. We made our way to St Conan’s Kirk in the afternoon before heading South and home! A great tour with wonderful people! VisitScotland #YS2022
Lesley has had a fantastic day today with Margaret, Kathy and John from Idaho who wanted to spent the day exploring their Clan Graham family connections. Starting out from Netherby Hall this morning we spent the day in Southern Scotland exploring sites connected to the Graham Clan as well as exploring in general the Border Reivers and the debatable lands. Our visits included Kirkandrews Tower House and St Andrews Church, the mighty Hermitage Castle, Gilnockie Tower, the Devil’s Beef Tub and Caerlaverock Castle. Two in the group are archaeologists so of course I had to take them to the 12 Apostles Stone Circle as well. A great day with a lovely family and although a bit dreich at times it was great to help them walk in the footsteps of their Graham ancestors. #SolwayTours #GrahamClan #GuidedHistoricTours
Well it was a wet but wonderful day with Christine and Craig today as we travelled up from Nithsdale to Argyll. We managed stops at Luss and a misty Rest and be Thankful before heading up to Inveraray. The Duke of Argyll had a day off from opening his Castle so we had a great time at Inveraray Jail and Auchendrain farm township before enjoying a few visits in Kilmartin Glen. A great day in atmospheric weather. VisitScotland #YS2022
A few of our favourites photos from Lesley’s tour on the Isle of Lewis and Harris last week. A beautiful Island with stunning coastlines, white sandy beaches, fascinating history and extremely friendly and welcoming locals!
Today was Lesley’s last day of a 7 day tour with Allison from Virginia and the sun came out again for us again as we got the early morning ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. Once back on the mainland we made our way back to Edinburgh stopping at the emotive Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns on the way. We have had an absolutely fantastic week on the Isle of Lewis and Harris. The stunning beaches, beautiful scenery , fascinating history and friendly locals that we met made this a very memorable week! #SolwayTours
It’s been 3 years since we have stood on Gold Beach at Arromamches. It’s a very important and emotional place for people from Galloway with the wee village of Garlieston being the site of the Mulberry Harbour trials throughout most of 1943. #LoveDandG
Today has been a day of more gorgeous beaches , glorious sunshine, sea stacks and ice cream! The Isle of Lewis did not disappoint today again as the sun came out and made it the perfect day for exploring Garry Beach and sea stacks and Triagh Mhor Beach. After speaking to some locals who let us know that Orca Whale’s had been spotted at Tolsta we also did part of the Tolsta Head Walk and although we didn’t spot any whales the views of the cliffs were amazing! We also spent some time today in Stornoway at a local craft market, Stornoway War Memorial and went to see the amazing Lewis Chessmen at the Lews Castle Museum. Another fantastic day with Allison exploring an absolutely beautiful part of the world! #SolwayTours #StunningBeaches
Today has been a day of glorious sunshine, white sandy beaches, Chessmen and an Iron Age House! This morning Lesley and Allison crossed over the Atlantic to get to the beautiful island of Great Bernera to visit Callanish VIII, Bosta Beach and Bosta Iron Age House which was amazing! We then spent some time admiring the Lewis Chessman Statue at Uig Beach before finishing the day at the stunning Mangersta Sea Stacks. The Isle of Lewis really is a beautiful place and at points today while at the beach with the clear blue water and the white sand you could almost forget you were in Scotland. #SolwayTours #IsleofLewis #beaches
It has been another busy day on the Isle of Lewis for Lesley and Allison and it was a day full of sunshine, fascinating history, stunning scenery and spectacular coastline! We started out this morning at the Callanish Standing stone visitor center and we then explored Callanish Stones I and III. We also paid a visitor the the impressive Carloway Broch, Norse Mill and Kiln and the amazing Gearannan Blackhouse Village. Our afternoon included visits to the Whalebone Arch, the Trushel Stone( the tallest standing stone in Scotland) , Port Nis and our last stop was the incredible Butt of Lewis where the views from the Lighthouse were breathtaking! It’s been a fantastic day with great history and scenery and the friendly locals we met and spoke to along the way made the day even more memorable! #IsleofLewis #Callanish #Blackhouses #GuidedHistoricTours #SolwayTours
708 years ago today the King of Scots won a joust using his axe and then his army led by generals such as Randolph and Douglas were to win a two day battle that was to be pivotal for the history of Scotland. Robert the Bruce led his men from the front at Bannockburn and his strategic planning, military insight and a wee bit of luck were to prove crucial to Scotland’s greatest victory! #RobertTheBruce #Bannockburn #Axe
Stunning views here this morning!
Lesley has had another great day with Allison from Virginia and we have been exploring the Isle of Harris! We started out this morning at Bunavoneader Whaling Station before making our way to the Harris Tweed shop and Harris Gin Distillery in Tarbert where a few purchases were made! We then went paddling at the stunning Luskentyre Beach and then paid a visit to see Donald John Mackay where we got to see him weaving Harris Tweed which was incredible! After we had a beautiful drive down to Rodel where we had a delicious lunch from Katag’s Kitchen, an honesty cafe on the side of the road which was amazing! The rest of our afternoon included a visit to St Clements Church before driving back to Stornoway along the stunning Golden Road! A busy but brilliant day!
Lesley is back at her favourite shop on the Isle of Harris! 😬😂
Mark had a wee walk along to the Mare’s Braids Waterfall at Southwick yesterday. The water of the Black Burn was just a trickle but it’s a lovely part of the world! VisitScotland #YS2022 #LoveDandG
Lesley and Allison are at the Callanish Standing Stones now (10:55pm) for the Summer Solstice
There are 3 new Trip Advisor reviews in tonight for Solway Tours over the last few weeks. It’s been a hectic few weeks but our guests are really loving our ancestral tours! https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g186513-d8421515-r843896532-Solway_Tours-Dumfries_Dumfries_and_Galloway_Scotland.html
Lesley and Allison have made the journey from Ullapool to Stornoway today and are excited to be spending a fantastic six days on the Island. Our first stop after arriving at Stornoway was the fascinating Arnol Blackhouse where the fire was on. We then went to the Iolaire Memorial to hear the story of the tragedy that took place here on the 1st January 1919. A smooth journey across to Stornoway and a great first few visits with more fantastic visits to come over the next six days. #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours #Stornoway
If you are planning an ancestral tour of Scotland in 2023 from the USA, Canada or Australia then contact us at Solway Tours at beinspired@solwaytours.co.uk As historians we specialise in ancestral research and getting you to the places that matter and have direct links to your family. Visit Scotland know we do a good job promoting the history of our incredible country as do all of these tour companies on their recommended list below of the top 14 Tour companies to use if you are visiting Scotland. VisitScotland #YS2022 https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/holiday-ideas/tour-operators/
After a lovely nights stay at Tigh na Sith Guesthouse in Lochinver and a delicious dinner last night at Peet's Restaurant we were greeted this morning by this amazing visitor! #Lochinver
A Gorge, a Castle, a Beach and a Broch in a day! Today Lesley has started a 7 day tour with Allison who has travelled with us a number of times before. Starting from Edinburgh early this morning we travelled up North stopping briefly at Pitlochry before then exploring the stunning Corrieshalloch Gorge. We then made a brief stop at Ardvreck Castle on our way to the beautiful Achmelvich Beach. Our last stop of the day was to see the amazing Clachtoll Broch which had been home to farming family in the Iron Age until a fire had destroyed it. A fantastic first day and tomorrow we head to the Isle of Lewis and Harris! #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe occupies a dramatic location on the Caithness coastline near Wick. Many have thought that this stunning site was actually two separate castles built beside each other, Castle Sinclair and Castle Girnigoe. However recent archaeological work and research has proved that it was one castle from the mid-1400s when the Norse Fortress that was there was remodelled and extended. It was altered by every generation until 1680 when it was deliberately partially destroyed. Although you can’t actually explore that much of the Castle due to its condition the Castle Trust have ensured that some of the wonderful site is available to see. A must see when in the North East of our wonderful country. VisitScotland #YS2022
Today Mark took John Maxwell and his family from Charlotte, North Carolina to their ancestral lands. After an early morning pick up at Turnberry where the family had been playing the Ailsa Course we travelled into Galloway and spent time at Bruce’s Stone at Glentrool and Cairn Holy! In the afternoon we looked in more depth at John’s ancestral lands of the #Maxwell Clan including Caerlaverock Castle, Moffat, Dumfries and the site of the Battle of Dryfe Sands. A great day with a lovely family who had spent the week playing golf and visiting historic sites across Scotland. VisitScotland #YS2022 #LoveDandG
Early 8am pick up for Mark at Trump Turnberry this morning for a Maxwell Family tour over in Dumfries and Galloway.!
Lesley has had a fantastic day today with Brenda and Eddie who are visiting Edinburgh from Pittsburgh. We started out in a rather dreich Edinburgh and made our way to our first stop Midhope Castle which was used as Lallybroch in Outlander. Being a huge Outlander fan meant that Brenda didn’t really notice the rain while here! We then made our way up to Glencoe where we were greeted with some spectacular scenery and eventually some blue skies and sun. We made stops at the Three Sister’s Viewpoint, Glencoe Visitor Centre and the Glencoe Massacre Memorial. It was a great day with a lovely couple and we hope they enjoy the rest of their adventures! #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours #OutlanderLocations
Some of Mark’s favourite images from across his tours in June so far this year! From the Mull of Galloway to Dunnet Head Lighthouse in Caithness which are Scotland’s most Southerly point on the mainland to the most Northerly. It’s busy days for Solway Tours! VisitScotland #YS2022
Another early start for Lesley this morning as she starts a tour from our Capital city this morning! The Beef Tub was looking atmospheric on the way here and Edinburgh is looking great this morning!
Well the Mckey family travelled from the most Northerly point in mainland Scotland back to our capital city today. We travelled via Dunnet Head, John O Groats, Duncansbay Stacks, Castle Leod, Carrbridge and Pitlochry. I wish the family a safe onward journey back to Texas after an enjoyable week together.
This morning’s second stop up in Caithness!
Lesley has had another fantastic day in the sun with Wanda and Heidi from Fortworth in Texas. Our journey today was from Dumfries to Historic York via Hadrians Wall! We had amazing views of Hadrian’s Wall at both Walltown Crags and Steel Rigg viewpoint before then spending a couple of hours at the magnificent Vindolanda Roman Fort. Vindolanda is a fascinating place to visit and live excavations take place during the summer. We were lucky enough to observe some of the volunteers excavating this afternoon and while we were watching they found some animal bones, pottery and they let us see and touch a decorative piece of pottery that had come from France during the time of Antoninus Pius. Lesley then dropped the ladies off in historic York where they begin the next part of their adventure tomorrow! It’s been a great two days with these lovely ladies and we hope they enjoy the rest of their travels! #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours
Well the sun shone today for most of the day as we travelled North from Inverness up to the North Coast of mainland Scotland. Out first stops of the day were at Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre and Clava Cairns. We then headed up the North Coast to Balintore to say hi to the Mermaid of the North. In the afternoon we went up to the Sinclair Castle near Wick before taking in the beach at Dunnet. VisitScotland #YS2022
Today we have started a Battlefields Tour and our first stop after collecting our guests at Brussels Airport was the fascinating Waterloo Battlefield and Museum. #SolwayBattlefieldsTours
It’s good to be back! 🇫🇷
Solway Tours are back in France ready to lead a WW1 tour this week! Check back later to see where we end up on our travels today!
#SolwayBattlefieldsTours #GuidedHistoricTours
A few of our favourite photos from our week long tour on the Isle of Lewis and Harris last week! #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours #MultiDayTours #BespokeTours
Fantastic Graham Clan tour yesterday with a lovely family from Idaho! #guidedhistorictours #SolwayTours
A few photos from Lesley’s tours around Dumfries and Galloway over the last week!
#LoveDandG #SolwayTours #GuidedHistoricTours @VisitScotland
Today Lesley headed South and over the Border to Northumberland to explore parts of Hadrian’s Wall with Lori and Louis from Idaho. We had fantastic views of Hadrian’s Wall at Walltown Crags and Steel Rigg and then we spent a few hours exploring the amazing Vindolanda
#SolwayTours
Lesley has had a great day with Lori, Louis & Victoria who are visiting Dumfries from Boise in Idaho. Lori wanted to visit sites connected to the Douglas Clan which is the family name from her mothers side. We started at the mighty Threave Castle and then the Douglas Mausoleum.
Lesley’s pick up this morning was five minutes away from Solway Tours HQ and the first stop was to see the mighty Threave Castle!
#LoveDandG #DouglasClanTour
Dunskey Castle in Portpatrick, Dumfries & Galloway (Scotland) @SolwayTours image and reconstruction. #DunskeyCastle #ScottishCoastalCastles #HistoryRebuilt
It’s an early start for Lesley’s pick up this morning but totally worth it to get to see these stunning murals in Glasgow!
#glasgow
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Happy St Andrew’s Day
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