Blair Castle Horse Trials & Scottish Country Fair
August 19 (arrive Edinburgh August 20)– 28, 2023
Due to the combination of the city of Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival (including the Military Tattoo performed in front of the Castle) and the setting for the Blair Castle Horse Trials in the Highlands of Scotland, this is one of my favorite programs. Our three days in Edinburgh will allow visits to the Castle, the now retired HMS Britannia, Holyrood House (the Queens Edinburgh residence) and allow us to enjoy a performance of the Tattoo. It will also leave time for a stroll through the garden, enjoy the shops and other sights of the City.
Then we spend five in the Highlands, touring Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl, and enjoying the Blair Castle Horse Trials, in an absolutely beautiful setting. I think you’ll very much enjoy our program and your travelling companions.
Saturday, August 19 – Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland
Usual departure day for North American clients.
Sunday, August 20 – Welcome to Scotland
Clear customs on arrival. We will arrange transfers for those who wish, with the driver meeting you at arrivals. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception in the lounge, followed by dinner here at the hotel.
Monday, August 21 – Edinburgh & The Castle
A Scottish buffet breakfast is included daily throughout our program.
Spend the next two days touring the city with your Royal Edinburgh sightseeing passes, which include admission to three of Edinburgh’s most important sites – Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood House and Royal Yacht Britannia. (When you see the lines waiting ticketing at these sites, you will appreciate having tickets in hand!) Later today and on Tuesday you can continue exploring, visiting and perhaps enjoy tea on the Britannia. You might consider attending a “Fringe Festival” performance or one of the special performances of the Edinburgh Festival. (Please purchase tickets for Festival performances online and well in advance).
Tuesday, August 22 – Edinburgh at Leisure
Today is free to continue exploring on the Edinburgh shuttles as you wish, perhaps including the HMS Britannia (I would suggest a morning visit with tea, leaving time in the afternoon for the gardens, the museums, or the shops of Edinburgh.
This evening we will attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, in the forecourt of the Castle.
Wednesday, August 23 – Off to the Highlands and Blair Atholl
At 9:00 am we depart for the Highlands, stopping to visit in the rather remarkable Kelpies and have time for coffee. Later continue to Pitlochry where there will be time for lunch. This afternoon visit the Edradour Distillery, the smallest in Scotland, for a tour and tasting. Then on to Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl. Later check into our accommodations in Pitlochry at the Pine Trees Hotel, easy walking distance to the town center..
Join us for drinks this evening prior to dinner.
Thursday, August 24 – Day 1 of the Blair Castle Horse Trials
After our Scottish breakfast, transfer to Blair Atholl and the horse trials venue. The Members tent has private dining and bar as well as a viewing area overlooking the dressage/show jumping ring. Late afternoon we return to our accommodations. For those who wish, there is rail service between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.
Friday, August 25 – Dressage continues
Dressage continues today. Perhaps we can walk cross country course. Enjoy the marketplace, with some 200 vendors. The Member’s Tent is well organized and is adjacent to the dressage ring, with chairs on the grass.
Saturday, August 28 – Cross Country Day at Blair Castle
In addition to the very exciting cross country riding today, the Bruadar Country Fair offers demonstrations of traditional and modern country pursuits and displays and a local jumper show.
Sunday, August 27– Show Jumping Finals & the Fair Continues
We expect a later start today, giving time to enjoy the Fair before the final show jumping phase begins. This evening we will gather for a reception prior to our farewell dinner. (I think we should all be required to wear something tartan!)
Monday, August 28 – Early departure for Edinburgh and return flights home
We plan an early departure this morning to be at Edinburgh Airport in time for 9:30am flights. The hotel will have refreshments laid out for us prior to departure. We wish you a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you again, soon.
