Ideas for whisky-related holidays in Scotland

Whisky trails in Scotland – whisky tastings in Scottish distilleries – whisky flights – whisky & food pairing menus

With so many whisky distilleries in Scotland it’s only to be expected that ideas for whisky-related holidays simply flow from all corners of the country.

Hop on board The Royal Scotsman for aspecial Classic
Whisky Journey by rail through Scotland in April 2013

There is a Scottish malt whisky three-day trail in Speyside; special whisky bars; whisky tasting weekends; Scotch whisky one-day excursions from Edinburgh and Glasgow and to the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Visit Scottish distilleries and enjoy fine whisky on The Royal Scotsman

Whisky enthusiasts can join a ‘training school’ and immerse themselves in a world of whisky in Edinburgh; become members of exclusive Scotch whisky clubs; enjoy combined golf-whisky holidays; and have fun at one of Scotland’s popular annual whisky festivals. You’ll discover a whisky-infused spa treatment here; a whisky marinated soufflé there and, elsewhere, creative chefs preparing exquisite whisky and food pairing menus.

There’s obviously something VERY special about Scotch whisky…. so read the full article here >>

Photography holidays in Scotland

Take a photography holiday in Scotland and follow in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s best photographers to discover what ticks their boxes

Superb golf courses, great fishing, quality whisky, vibrant tartans, Aberdeen Angus, shortbread, bagpipes, kilts, haggis and Highland cows… are just a few of Scotland’s world-famous assets. There’s the effervescent Fringe event, the renowned Military Tattoo, lively Hogmanay celebrations, and myriad Scottish castles… the list of attractions luring visitors to Scotland is endless.

A wonderful image of Edinburgh’s iconic skyline at night
(Image copyright Chris Robson – www.chrisrobsonphotography.co.uk)

But for many the country offers far more meaningful, more mesmerising, awe-inspiring reasons to return time after time to holiday in Scotland. Captivating reasons you can’t touch, wear, eat, drink, or dance to: namely unbelievably spectacular landscapes, seascapes, vast skies, clarity of light, and sense of space.

An awe-inspiring photograph of the Quiraing, Isle of Skye
(Image copyright Marcus McAdam – www.portraitsofaland.com)

With so much natural beauty in Scotland it’s no wonder it is home to many professional photographers. It just takes a five-minute chat to a landscape or wildlife photographer in Scotland before inspiration and creativity sets in with a bang: you want to dash off immediately with camera in hand.

Read the full article here >>

Adventure holidays in Colombia

Colombia event at National Geographic Store in London

Thank you Colombia for a colourful evening of entertainment held at the National Geographic Store in London.

Colombia – vibrant & exciting
(Image copyright Active Caribbean)

If this is an example of how vibrant and exciting Colombia can be… I can’t wait to discover more.

For more information on adventure vacations in Colombia click here>>

Golf holidays on the Isle of Man

Isle of Man Golf Tours

What a BIG and pleasant surprise the golf courses on the Isle of Man are.

How selfish of the Isle of Man to keep such golfing gems to themselves for all these years. I, for one, will be returning. With no less than nine golf courses, and being a small island, it’s an ideal destination for a golf break – a lovely cluster of golf courses within very easy reach of each other. See what you can expect…

Fantastic scenery and golf courses
(Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Never had I ever thought of going to the Isle of Man for a golf holiday but, being a golf travel writer, I was kindly invited by the Isle of Man Tourism Division and Isle of Man Golf Tours to check out the golf courses, and I’ve just returned. Conclusion: GREAT scenery, GREAT golf courses. LOTS to do.

Take a Trike tour of the TT circuit – great fun
(Image copyright Linda Jackson)

I can highly recommend the Isle of Man Golf Tours who arrange far more than just golf if required. Find out about their golf holidays in the Isle of Man here>>

Trike Tours are fun – find out about them here>>

For more information about tourism in the Isle of Man click here >>

Photographs of Scotland

Photography competition – images of Scotland

Are you a keen photographer? Do you have great images of Scotland?

Can you take better images than this? If you can, you could win a luxurious stay in one of Scotland’s best hotels.

Yellowcraigs Beach, East Lothian
(Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Find out more about the Luxury Scotland photo competition here >> 

Ernie Els: Charity golf day at Wentworth

2012 Golf Challenge - support ‘Els for Autism Foundation’

Els, a two-time winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, is holding a golf day to benefit the Els for Autism Foundation at Wentworth on Thursday 6 September 2012.

Popular PGA Tour player Ernie Els’s autism charity which, as you all know, has come about because his son Ben has autism.

Read about Ernie and his son and discover more about the Els for Autism Foundation here >>

Take up the 2012 Golf Challenge and sign up for Ernie Els’ golf charity day at Wentworth on September 6 via this link >> 

Mark Greenaway at 12 Picardy Place

This is a must-visit restaurant in Edinburgh

Chef Mark Greenaway uses the best of produce. Recently enjoyed fab meal. How about this menu to make your mouth water…

• hand dived Orkney sea scallops with pomme fondant, tomato jelly, baby herbs, parsley mayonnaise
• a tasting of Robert Morris free range chicken with Scottish mushrooms, summer pea puree, shallot rings, red wine tarragon jus
• Mark’s modern-day Eton Mess – custard jelly, frozen espuma, meringue, raspberry cells, cream

Mark’s Modern Day Eton Mess
(Image copyright Linda Jackson)

It’s great when you meet people with passion. How blessed is Edinburgh with fantastic restaurants, you can’t go wrong eating out with all the skilled Chefs in the city!

Check out Mark Greenaway’s restaurant here >>

Holidays in Scotland: escorted tailor-made tours

Recommended driver with large vehicle for touring Scotland: Unique Tours Scotland

Every now and again I come across people or companies I would selfishly like to keep to myself (because they are good!)… but I won’t, I’ll share them with you.

One is one small company in Scotland called Unique Tours Scotland, run by Lindsay Mann: he organises tailor-made tours around Scotland, plus B&B accommodation if required.

Lindsay knows Scotland like the back of his hand so if you want to discover ‘hidden’ Scotland, get away from the crowds, find the best scenery, enjoy being driven around Scottish whisky distilleries, or go golfing with your mates, contact Lindsay Mann on +44 (0)7790 399 350.

For more information about touring Scotland on a tailor-made tour, visit www.uniquetoursscotland.com.

Discover the alternative Caribbean

Active Caribbean – an online guide to the adventure and action side of the Caribbean

Did you know I am developing a website on the ‘alternative’ Caribbean? It’s coming along nicely, thank you… lots of interest being shown.

A walk on the wild side! (Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Editorial content is being prepared and uploaded on a daily basis so bear with me while this is happening!

Fun in the sun (Image copyright Linda Jackson)

There’s so much more to the Caribbean than sun, sea, sand, rum punches and sun loungers. Why not explore it by taking an adventure vacation in the hidden Caribbean?

Time has little importance in the Exumas (Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Forget the beaches, it’s time to check out the alternative adventure side of the Caribbean – so get active now with Active Caribbean >>

Great Golf Magazine

Appointment as Associate Editor

Having just joined the Team of Great Golf Magazine, I should introduce you to the publication…

Great Golf Magazine - 1st issue

This glossy upmarket golf & lifestyle magazine is a quality perfect-bound consumer publication and, believe it or not, it’s free. You’ll find it hard to believe when you see the quality.

Great Golf Magazine - 2nd issue

You’ll find the next issue of the magazine (due out at the beginning of May) in such places as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic VIP lounges, at top golf resorts, in P&O Ferries and at exclusive golf clubs… to name but a few of the prestigious venues on our distribution list.

For more information on Great Golf Magazine check out the website here >>

Photography holiday in Scotland

Want a creative, inspirational and motivational reason to take a break in Scotland? How about a photography holiday in Scotland – the spectacular Scottish landscapes and awesome views are hard to beat.

If only the renowned Scottish mathematician and physicist James Clerk Maxwell, who presented some of the first permanent colour photographs back in 1861, could see colour photography as it is today he’d be in his element.

A splash of Scottish colour (Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Just imagine the delight of the Scottish pioneering photographer-geographer John Thomson if, back in the late 1800s/early 1900s, he’d been given the advantages of digital photography when he first visited the Far East, an exotic destination where very few photographers had travelled before him.

Kitesurfing, East Lothian (Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Times have certainly changed since the 19th century, yet still today Scotland can boast of its famous photographers, two in particular: Harry Benson CBE, a Glasgow born photographer famous for his photographs of U.S. Presidents, The Beatles, Elizabeth Taylor, the Clintons, and Michael Jackson.

Castles galore in Scotland (Image copyright Linda Jackson)

Fellow Scot Albert Watson, born in Edinburgh, is also an influential Scottish photographer, renowned for his cover images on Vogue magazine as well as for stunning fashion, art and celebrity photographs; his creative work is found in galleries worldwide.

Capturing the beauty of people on camera is one angle that not many will achieve with such outstanding success as Benson and Watson, but capturing the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes on camera is achievable, promising rich rewards and considerable pleasure to amateur photographers amongst us.

Read the full article about taking a photographic break in Scotland here >>

Recipes for Christmas Cava cocktails

Cava, Champagne and sparkling wine cocktails for Christmas festivities, birthday celebrations and special occasions

Check out my website – www.linda-jackson.co.uk – for 20 cool recipes for Cava cocktails for your Christmas celebrations. They’ll add a touch of fizz to your festivities and are great Christmas cocktails whether using Cava, Champagne or sparkling wine. Enjoy!

Click here to go direct to the page containing 20 Cava cocktails recipes >>