2014 Members Scottish holiday

2014 Probus Scottish holiday

Members and Guests had a very successful and enjoyable holiday in Scotland this last week thanks to the organisation of Joint Social Secretary, Roy Plume, and his good lady wife Christine.

Monday was mostly spent travelling north to Perth, our base for the week,a break and visit to Drumlanrig Castle, owned by the Duke of Buccleugh, on the way. We arrived at our destination at approximately 5pm at The Royal George Hotel.

Tuesday we were off to Crieff to the Famous Grouse whisky distillery where the Glenturret malt whisky is produced. We were given a tour followed by a tasting session and as you can see our President really enjoyed this.This was followed by a visit to what is claimed to be "one of the finest formal gardens in Europe" – Drummond Gardens. They were originally created in 1620 by John Drummond the 2nd Earl of Perth.

On the return journey, members were treated to a visit to the famous Gleneagles Resort and Golf Club as a result of the good offices of Roy's son who frequently provides sound systems for conference events at the Hotel. It was amazing to follow the footsteps of the world leaders and golf professionals through the Hotel and enjoy coffee or tea followed by a talk by the Public Relations Manager.

Kathleen Reade, wife of Allan Reade, owner of Brookfield Golf Club was overheard contemplating if Gleneagles would consider a merger with Brookfield ! Watch this space.

Our next visit was to Scone Palace where many of the Scottish Kings were crowned on the famous Stone of Scone, and Queen Victoria was introduced to the sport of curling in the longest room in Scotland.! We returned to Perth for a free afternoon during which some members enjoyed the beautiful Branklyn gardens designed by Dorothy and John Renton.

Up and off next day for an early start to Glamis Castle for a really interesting tour of the castle which has so much association with the Queen Mother and the Bowes-Lyon family. It is also where Princess Margaret was born. Lunch and onward to visit the ship Discovery.

Discovery is docked and preserved at Dundee. It is the ship in which Captain Scott, and his intrepid crew, explored the Antarctic continent in the 19th Century, enduring minus 50 degrees temperatures and 90mph winds.

Friday, we visited the famous Falkirk Wheel, an outstanding example of Scottish engineering design and innovation. The boat lift is designed to lift canal barges 35 metres between the Caledonian and Union canals. It was at this site where five Audlem Lass Skippers where seen discussing whether this could be used at Audlem !

Onwards to Stirling for the final visit of the week and Stirling Castle, standing proudly on a towering rock and scenes of many battles in the past and more recently a military base.It is now being restored magnificently.

Saturday and we head home with Andy, our Happy Holiday's coach driver, who had provided such careful and safe driving through the week, with brief stop at Sedburgh.

Many thanks to all who made it such an enjoyable holiday.

Many more photos will follow in the photo gallery as your editor processes them in the near future. Click on photos to enlarge.