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Scotland East Coast July 2026
  • Sarah Scott
  • Sarah Scott

Scotland East Coast July 2026

We won a trip for 2 with Scotland Folk Tours!
We will be traveling with a folk musician as our tour guide and each stop along the way we will get to experience local Scottish folk music! Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 20, 2026
  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 1 - Edinburgh and South Queensferry

    July 21 in Scotland ☁️ 64 °F

    Made it to London and then on to Edinburgh. Took a bus to Waverly Bridge where we left our bags at a luggage storage facility. Then took the short walk to the Royal Mile. Celebrated our belated anniversary with a very special lunch at The Witchery just steps away from Edinburgh Castle. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful structures in Edinburgh built in 1595 with original wood paneling and painted ceilings and I have been wanting to try it for ages.
    Took a cab to South Queensferry to check into the Orocco Pier hotel right on the beach and get a little rest before our first night of music featuring Jim and Susie Malcom at a quaint little place called Thirty Knots. It was lovely! Jet lagged but happy!    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 2- Linlithgow and Incholm Island

    July 22 in Scotland ⛅ 66 °F

    This morning we started with a full Scottish breakfast at our hotel and then Murray- our van driver- arrived to take us to Linlithgow Palace…birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
    It was, as the Scots say, “A belter of a day!”
    It was sunny and absolutely lovely. We were given the entire history of Linlithgow by a lovely Scotswoman named Fiona and then stopped by the store to pick up a picnic lunch for our boat tour to incholm island, home of a remarkably well preserved medieval Abbey with a rich wartime history- as the island was used as a fortress during both world wars. I’ve never seen so many seagulls! They really seemed to like Joe. We took the boat back to the harbor at South Queensferry which is home to the pub where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the book “kidnapped”. I have learned the difference between cobblestones and “sets” and can’t wait to learn more from our guides and hear more local music!
    Dinner tonight on our own with another nice couple from the tour at an amazing Indian restaurant. It was truly a feast!    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 3- Highlands, Braemar, Balmoral

    July 23 in Scotland ☁️ 61 °F

    Started the morning with a lovely breakfast and then a ride through the highlands.

    Paused for a moment outside the ski resort at Glenshee to take in the beautiful landscape and honestly just stand in awe for a moment.

    Continued on to lunch in Braemar and had to pop into the very posh Fife Arms Hotel (upon the recommendation of a dear friend).

    We enjoyed the sunny day with lunch on the terrace at Farquharsons. (The way the Scots pronounce that is quite funny.)

    Found a tiny antique shop and fell in love with an oval shaped smoky quartz and gold ring mined from the Cairngorm mountains from 1970 made in Edinburgh. The setting is one of a kind and I am thrilled that it now resides proudly on my finger.

    Our guide and driver, Murray, gave us a complete history of the area on our way to Balmoral Castle - the famous royal family estate. The grounds were stunning and there was a garden and maze dedicated to the beloved Scottish thistle. SO MANY FLOWERS!

    We found a shady spot on a hill overlooking the castle and shared a wee dram of whisky on the softest grass you e ever felt.

    Checked into our hotel and cleaned up quickly for a fun group dinner at Green Inn and then a public fiddle concert at the Balmoral Arms with highly acclaimed Paul Anderson.

    https://paulandersonscottishfiddler.com

    I met 3 lovely Scottish grannies whose daughters and nieces all do highland dance and one is even a judge this weekend in the U.S. for the ScotDance U.S.A. National Championship and is a featured choreographer for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Small world!

    Another lovely day!    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott

    Day 4- Burn O’Vat, Tarland, Standing Stones

    July 24 in Scotland ☁️ 61 °F

    Another lovely morning in Scotland.
    Breakfast of eggs and sausage and the best porridge I’ve ever had.

    Then a quick drive to Burn O Vat which is a giant granite rock bowl and waterfall in Aberdeenshire, formed by a melting glacier and used as an old outlaw hiding spot.

    We got a little hiking in and then headed to meet the amazing fiddle player from last night (Paul
    Anderson) at the Tomnavernie Stone Circle for a look at what they call “recumbent” standing stones.

    This kind of monument is found only in north-eastern Scotland. Their characteristic feature is a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle. It surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. The site appears to have seen use as late as the AD 1600s.

    Paul played an original piece up there on the hill surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. It was breathtaking and so moving.

    We had a great conversation with him and learned about Neolithic Pictish carving, divining rods, and ley lines and a history of the land and then went to lunch in the town of Tarland.

    After lunch we visited the countryside near Paul’s home where we visited Migvie Kirk. This is a private church on his property with amazing acoustics and we were spoiled with a private concert featuring historical and original music and a history lesson. His lovely wife is also an acclaimed Scottish historical vocalist and sang an ancient lament acapella.

    They were warm and welcoming and we visited like old friends. The people here are unlike any other!

    Tonight it’s dinner and social time with the other wonderful people on the tour which all have some type of musical talent or connection.

    We had no idea what we were going to experience on this trip- but it has been beyond amazing so far.

    (Seriously- watch the video clips- you won’t be disappointed!)    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
    2

    Day 5 Huntley, Glendronach and Cullen

    July 25 in Scotland ☁️ 59 °F

    Finally a little Scottish rain! Just enough last night to cool things down a bit, making for a perfect partly cloudy day in the 60’s.

    After breakfast, we enjoyed a wander through an ancient cemetery and a view of ancient Pictish stones before a visit to the ruins of Huntley Castle.

    A relaxed lunch in the village and some great thrift store and book shop finds before hitting the road again for Glendronach Distillery.

    Glendronach is located in the Speyside region of the Scottish Highlands, and is famous for its richly sherried single malt Scotch whisky, matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Spain. Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, it's known for its traditional methods, historic buildings, and a signature style that combines robust Highland spirit with Spanish flair, making it a highly regarded distillery for sherry cask enthusiasts.

    The distillery draws its soft, iron-rich Highland water directly from underwater springs fed by the Dronac burn. This specific water source is considered a foundational element that gives the whisky its distinct flavor profile.

    After our tour and tasting, we popped back on the van and departed for our next location- Cullen. Home to Cullen Skink- a delightful smoked haddock, leek and creamy potato soup.

    We are staying at the lovely Seafield Arms Hotel. Built in 1822 by the 5th Earl of Seafield, it has plenty of historic flair. It most recently housed the cast and crew of the new Odessy movie which was filmed down on the beach of the North Sea, a short walk down the road.

    We plan to take it easy this evening and try to rest up before tomorrow’s excursions and concert!    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 6 - Cullen, Bow Fiddle Rock, Tim Grimm

    July 25 in Scotland ⛅ 59 °F

    Decided to take the morning for ourselves and let our tour group take a little excursion without us. It was a lovely cool day with just the perfect amount of drizzle to remind us that we are indeed in our beloved Scotland.

    After a breakfast of smoked salmon, streaky bacon, croissants, farm fresh eggs and fruit- we set out on a quiet walk to Castle Hill.

    Castle Hill is a beautifully restored historical viewpoint on the west side of town with amazing views of Cullen Bay, the fishing cottages of Seatown, and the towering Cullen Viaduct.

    We walked pathways thickly lined with thistles, gorse, poppies, foxglove and other Scottish wildflowers freshly scented from the rain and even a couple of Rowan trees with bright red berries!

    Then we did one of our absolute favorite things to do in Scotland- antiques!!! The antique, thrift and charity shops have the best things. Pewter goblets, mother of pearl opera glasses, engraved and etched Victorian crumb trays with staghorn antler handles… things of a bygone era squeezed into the nooks and crannies of what looks like the home of a hoarder. If you know what to look for, treasures abound! (Joe had to get something a little crazy)

    Lunch at Lily’s kitchen and cafe because Joe had to have the best Cullen Skink in Cullen. For those who don’t know, Cullen Skink is a traditional, hearty Scottish soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, known for its creamy texture and rich, smoky flavor. It was historically born out of necessity by fishing communities to make use of abundant, locally produced smoked haddock. “Skink" is a Scots word for a shin, knuckle, or hough of beef, which originally meant a soup made from those parts. The term for the stew was applied to the fish-based variation. 

    After lunch we re-joined our group at Bow Fiddle Rock which is a dramatic natural sea arch near Portknockie, Scotland, named for its resemblance to the tip of a violin bow. It was formed from ancient quartzite and coastal erosion.

    This evening we had the extreme pleasure of a concert with our host Tim Grimm. He is a brilliant singer/songwriter with a voice and guitar style that is original and also reminiscent of James Taylor with a modern twist.

    We are so enjoying our time getting to know these talented people from all over and all that we are learning and experiencing here.    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 7- Fyvie, Aberdeenshire, Stonehaven

    July 27 in Scotland ☀️ 57 °F

    Began the day with the fluffiest omelet and very strong coffee, which was much needed after a late night of music and fellowship with strangers who are fast becoming friends.

    A quick drive up the coast to Portsoy in Aberdeenshire. We are learning about the many different accents and the way the language around different parts of Scotland is so widely varied. Up here “Doric” is prevalent- and surprisingly it’s not that difficult to understand as long as the people don’t talk too quickly!

    After a scenic photo-op at the harbor in Portsoy, (filming site of several movies and shows- including Peaky Blinders) we continued on towards Fyvie Castle through Banff- where we learned the tale of James Macpherson (1675–1700), a famous Scottish outlaw and fiddler, who was condemned to hang. He played his self-composed tune “Macpherson's Farewell" at the gallows, and broke his fiddle before his execution so that no one else could ever play it.

    Fyvie castle is a magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire, and is a sterling example of Scottish Baronial architecture. Inside, the rooms are filled with antiques, armour and lavish oil paintings. There is a picturesque lake and an unusual glass-roofed racquet ball court and bowling alley on the grounds.

    Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie’s 800-year-old history. Scots are notoriously superstitious and love a good tale- even ones that aren’t entirely true- but what is known for certain is that William the Lion was at Fyvie around 1214 and later Robert the Bruce and Charles I were among its royal guests.

    From Fyvie we went on to Pitmedden Farms which is a re-created Scottish Renaissance walled garden. It’s packed with vibrant floral designs and hedges and was a tranquil place to sit and rest for awhile and drink in the surroundings.

    We then traveled to our home for the next 3 nights- Stonehaven. Another group dinner at the Cool Gourmet Cafe - which was ridiculously delicious…followed by a concert featuring Scottish folk musician-Pete MacCallum.

    It was absolutely brilliant. He was so engaging and friendly and performed a mix of old folk songs with new original songs and a few other favorites. At the end of the night he let me sit in and sing with him for a moment and it was such an honor.

    Had a dram on the pier with some of our new friends and then met some of the hotel staff who told me my Scottish accent was “spot-on”. Which I accept humbly and with gratitude. Coached them on some Texas-isms… but their “ya’ll” needed some work. 😂

    Now off to bed to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures. It was truly an excellent day. I love this place and these people.    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 8- Stonehaven, North Sea Plunge & War Memorial

    July 28 in Scotland 🌧 59 °F

    Today was our free day in Stonehaven. It was a drizzly gray misty morning perfect for coffee, omelets and a walk along the sea. It looked like the village and hills had just magically appeared out of the mist.

    We checked out charity and gift shops and successfully found some small towels that were necessary for our afternoon plans.

    A super fresh lunch of fish and chips at the chippy and then some friends joined us for a brave and daring plunge in the North Sea.
    It was brisk and invigorating! We then visited the Stonehaven open air pool. It is the UK's only art deco, Olympic-sized heated seawater lido. Opened in 1934, it operates seasonally from late May to early September and claims to maintain a comfortable water temperature of 29°C (84° F) - although it didn’t feel that warm. Joe and I joined the que of children and sped down the surprisingly high and fast water slide. Safe to say our sinuses are now very clean.

    Had a fancy dinner at the tollbooth seafood restaurant in the oldest building in Stonehaven.
    I even got to wear the new fascinator that I found at a charity shop!

    After dinner we changed into more weather appropriate gear to hike to the top of the hill and the war memorial. This incredible structure sits atop Black Hill, overlooking Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Commemorating the war dead of the First and Second World Wars, this prominent landmark can be seen for miles in every direction and enjoys breathtaking scenic views out to the North Sea and across the hills all the way to Dunnotar castle.

    It was lovely to stop and consider how small and how blessed we are. It makes the little difficulties of life seem insignificant when you think of the effort made to honor those who sacrificed for all who came after.

    Ended the day with a rainbow over the sea and a sunset unlike any other.    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott
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    Day 9- Dunnottar, Old Kineff Church, Lunan Bay

    July 29 in Scotland ☁️ 63 °F

    Filled morning rolls and strong coffee were my fortification for our morning excursion to Dunnottar Castle.

    Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.

    I’m always amazed at the kitchens and breweries in these places. The enormity of the fire places and perfect placement of these small
    Stone openings for baking and roasting. Cooking entirely by look and feel. And the brilliant pulley systems and wenches that had to be used to haul supplies to an almost impregnable fortress.

    Joe attempted to find a dragon in the sea cave under the castle and I wasn’t certain he would make it out of there alive.

    The Castle has played host to some of the nation's greatest historical figures including William Wallace (who burned hundreds if not thousands of English in the chapel while reclaiming the land for the Scots) and Mary Queen of Scots and is famous for its role in saving the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) from Oliver Cromwell's army in the 1650s.

    These were sheltered at Kinneff Old Church, which was our next stop.

    Just north of Inverbervie, is the kirk- where the Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden during Oliver Cromwell’s siege in 1652. After being smuggled out of Dunnottar Castle, the regalia were secretly buried in the church for nine years until the restoration of Charles II.

    From there we traveled to Lunan Bay… passing through the town where the famous clipper ship- the Cutty Sark was built in 1869. It launched from the Scott & Linton shipyard on the River Leven in Dumbarton, Scotland.

    Lunan Bay is a stunning, two-mile-long coastal destination in Angus, Scotland, known for its sweeping golden sands, rolling sand dunes, and the 12th-century ruins of Red Castle.

    The crumbling ruin of Red Castle stands on elevated ground overlooking the Bay and dates from the 12th century. Originally built for King William (the Lion) of Scotland to defend against Viking invaders, all that remains of this once formidable fortified house is part of the 15th century rectangular tower and the curtain wall.

    We enjoyed a beach walk and lunch at the cafe. Gathered small smooth colorful stones.

    On to Gourdon where we had a wee dram at the pub and some pistachio ice cream before the drive back to the hotel.

    Back at the hotel, we cleaned up and grabbed a quick bite there before our evening concert at Cafe Noir with Susan and Scott Gordon playing fiddle and accordion for the first set and then a second set by Tim Grimm. Music and freshly made crepes! What could be a better way to end the day?    Read more

  • Sarah ScottScotland East Coast July 2026Sarah Scott

    Day 10- St. Andrews- Stirling

    July 30 in Scotland 🌬 63 °F

    Our last day began with a drive to St Andrews where we went for a “wee wander” as our guide Murray has been calling it all week.

    Finalized the gift shopping, walked by the North Sea for the last time (this trip) and took a wee gander at the ruined cathedral before rejoining our friends for the ride to Stirling.

    Murray played the proclaimers as we drove through their hometown and then a really lovely song called “Follow the Heron” by an artist named Karine Polwart.

    We made it to Stirling in time to clean up for our farewell concert and barbecue at Alanwater Brewhouse where we enjoyed a grill up and some exciting new Scottish gins and ales.

    What an evening it was! We had the immense pleasure of being entertained by the incredible Beth Malcolm and her friend and guitarist Heather Cartwright.

    https://www.bethmalcolm.com

    We were stunned by their tight harmonies and mix of old and modern folk music. It’s safe to say I am a total fan girl now.

    We left with our hearts full and so many new friendships. Our fearless guide Murray Anderson even tried on Joe’s new addition to his armory! It was a hit with everyone.

    This trip has been phenomenal and I can’t recommend Scotland Folk Tours enough.

    https://scotlandfolktours.com

    If you would be interested on going on another trip like this with us in the next couple of years… please let me know!

    (I might just know a girl who has been asked to consider being a new musical artist leading a tour - 😘 Looks like my next adventure awaits)    Read more

    Trip end
    July 31, 2026