Pre-conference tours
The tour busses will board delegates from George Square just opposite of the Tourist Information Bureau and Foreign Exchange at 8:30am the morning of the tours. See the IUT Google Map for location.
Tour Travel Tips
Weather in Scotland can be changeable and sometimes you may experience all seasons in one day! Although, we are hopeful that you will have beautiful sunny weather during your stay, it is best to be prepared.
USEFUL ITEMS TO BRING/WEAR
- Wear layers – t-shirt if it gets hot and sunny and a jumper if it is cold and windy
- Waterproof jacket
- Sensible shoes for walking, keeping feet dry
- Sun cream – if there is a wind sometimes you don’t realize how strong the sun is
- Midge repellant – we don’t have mosquitoes in Scotland but Midgie’s can be bad during the summer.
- Camera – don’t forget Scotland has spectacular scenery so you will want your camera.
- Cash / credit cards – if you want to buy any souvenirs, all shops accept cash and most credit cards. Sometimes AMEX is not accepted but both VISA and MASTERCARD are widely accepted.
We hope you enjoy your trip and look forward to seeing you in Scotland!
Loch lomond: Stirling castle and the Trossachs - Sunday, July 27th
Stirling Castle
You will transfer by luxury coach from your hotel to the historical town of Stirling which for over 1000 years has been dominated by the famous castle.
You will be given a guided tour of the many rooms of the castle from the military museum to the dark dungeons and the fabulously restored castle kitchen and great banqueting hall.
The views from the castle of the surrounding countryside are magnificent and you will understand why it was of such military significance for so long during the turbulent years of Scotland’s history.
On leaving Stirling you will head north to the town of Callander which lies in the heart of Scotland, in the beautiful region called the Trossachs.
It holds a world Highland Games in July every year and became popular in the 19th century after the novel of Walter Scott written about a famous Scottish hero who lived in the area in late 17th and early 18th century – Rob Roy MacGregor. He was outlawed by the English and lived as a brigand and revolutionary and his life is remembered all over the area.The town is also famous for its roman fort remains.
The Byre Inn, Brig O'Turk
The Byre Inn is one of the most picturesque pub /
restaurants in Perthshire with an excellent decked beer garden. Set between two lochs, it is surrounded by hills and some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland.
There is a large selection of malt whiskies and real ale which may be enjoyed in the cosy bar (seating for 24) with its traditional timbers and log fire on those cool days, or outside in the beer garden when the warm weather beckons. The restaurant seats 30 pax.
The Lade Inn and Microbrewery
Imagine a cosy, friendly Highland pub with open fire, inglenooks, Scottish real ales and warming mature malt whiskies. Imagine a sumptuous meal of fresh Scottish fare, wild venison, Highland beef, spring lamb, pheasant, grouse, duck, West Coast salmon, trout, mussels and even the rare white coated winter haggis.
Since 1935 travellers have stopped here for a hearty lunch and you will be able to do the same. There is also the possibility to visit the microbrewery which stocks over 100 different bottled beers.
Roman Camp Hotel
Built as a hunting lodge in 1625 and idyllically set in 20 acres of secluded gardens on the banks of the River Teith, the house has an oak panelled library, a silk lined drawing room and a tapestry hung restaurant, all warmed by roaring log fires.
After lunch the coach will transfer you through the famous scenery of the Trossachs National Park.
Glengoyne Distillery
You will transfer through some enchanting scenery to a local distillery which sits like a white jewel beneath the rolling Campsie Hills. Its true magic is only unveiled as you wander through the distillery yard and discover the tumbling waterfall and tranquil loch sitting in their sheltered glen.
For more than 150 years this distillery has been working continuously with traditional methods handed down from generation to generation.
Your guests will be welcomed by the charming hosts and offered a dram of 10 Years Old Highland Malt Whisky. You will then view a short video and are then taken on an entertaining tour by one of the experienced staff. At the end you can savour a dram of the exceptional and award winning 17 Years Old Highland Malt Whisky and perhaps treat yourself or a special person to something from the extensive shop.
Tour of Loch Lomond
Includes:
- Full day coach hire
- Tour of Stirling Castle
- Official Blue Badge Guide
- 2 course lunch in traditional country pub
- VIP tour of distillery and 2 whisky tastings
- Welcome pack for each guest with maps and information
Fees (exchange rate approximate):
Adult: £55 + VAT per person ($114 USD + 17.5%VAT)
Child: £20 + VAT per person ($41.43 USD + 17.5% VAT)
*If less than 40 participants register for the tour the tour company reserves the right to adapt the tour in order to keep the price the same per person, or to cancel the tour and refund registrations paid.
Highland tour - Monday, July 28th
You will depart by coach on a voyage through some of the wildest and remote areas of Scotland made famous by romantic stories of highland clans and battles.
On the way, you will pass lochs and mountains, sometimes still capped with snow well into the spring and open wilderness and ruined villages long since deserted by the clans.
After passing by Loch Lomond, and hearing of the Jacobite love story which gave inspiration for the song ‘By yon bonnie banks…..’ you will pass through Rannoch Moor to Glencoe which was made infamous by the massacre of the Macdonalds by the Campbells in 1692.
On the way the coaches will stop for photo opportunities.
Lunch will be in the fishing town of Oban at a popular and well known restaurant which sells a mixture of fine Scottish meat, shellfish and seafood dishes.
In the afternoon the group will experience the excitement of a ‘Seafari’ wildlife adventure from Oban to the Gulf of Corryvreckan; the world’s 3rd largest Whirlpool. Setting off in RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) you will be happy that these strong powered boats are used by the Royal Navy as you sail directly into the maelstrom. Porpoises and other marine life are frequently spotted nearby on these expeditions.
For those less adventuresome, you can tour the town of Oban and enjoy its many quaint shops while awaiting the return of the RIBs.
After returning to dry land the group will transfer by coach to the picturesque town of Inverary where there will be the opportunity to enjoy some freshly made traditional fish and chips for dinner as the sun sets over the impressive Argyll mountains.
On leaving Inverary in the evening you will journey south again to Glasgow after an exciting and memorable day.
Includes:
- Luxury coach hire and driver
- 2 course lunch with tea & coffee
- Ride on RIBs
- Hire of waterproof equipment
- Fully experienced and trained skippers
- Freshly made portion of fish and chips on return
- Official Blue Badge Guide
- Welcome pack for each guest with maps and information
Fees (exchange rate approximate):
Adult: £62.50 + VAT per person with RIB ride ($129.50 USD + 17.5% VAT)
Adult: £50 + VAT per person without RIB ride ($103.58 + 17.5% VAT)
Child: £25 + VAT per person without RIB ride($51.80 USD + 17.5% VAT)
Child: £37.50 + VAT per person with RIB ride ($74.65 USD + 17.5% VAT)
*If less than 40 participants register for the tour the tour company reserves the right to adapt the tour in order to keep the price the same per person, or to cancel the tour and refund registrations paid.