Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2018 Tour
The Elegant Ewe trip to Scotland was fantastic - it was well organized, educational without being stuffy and wonderful fun. I can not wait to go on another trip with them! Alison B. Sept. 2018
What was my favorite day?.......Every day was my favorite day! Connie R. Sept. 2018
I have to tell you that the trip was great!!! Sharon W. Sept. 2018
What was my favorite day?.......Every day was my favorite day! Connie R. Sept. 2018
I have to tell you that the trip was great!!! Sharon W. Sept. 2018
Day 1: Wed. Sept. 19, 2018-- Inverness Arrival
Our tour began today in what is considered the capital of the Highlands , the lovely town of Inverness, the most rapidly growing city in all of Europe! We toured the city center and visited the Inverness Castle grounds with its spectacular view of the River Ness. We visited St. Andrew's Cathedral and the Old High Church and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery where we learned the history and heritage of the area, particularly the Jacobite Rebellion.
Our tour began today in what is considered the capital of the Highlands , the lovely town of Inverness, the most rapidly growing city in all of Europe! We toured the city center and visited the Inverness Castle grounds with its spectacular view of the River Ness. We visited St. Andrew's Cathedral and the Old High Church and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery where we learned the history and heritage of the area, particularly the Jacobite Rebellion.
After our busy day we boarded our coach and headed to the romantic Scottish Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey, located in the heart of the renowned Cairngorms National Park. Here we spent the next three nights at the impressive 18th century residence Grant Arms Hotel. In the year 1860, one of its more notable residents were none other than Queen Victoria and Prince Albert!
Day 2: Thurs. Sept. 20, 2018 -- Colloden Battlefield, Clava Cairn, Cawdor Castle, Brodie Castle
We began our busy day in the Highlands with a brief stroll after breakfast where we found the Grampian Mountains covered in snow!
Our first stop on what is now known as the rainbow tour (8 sightings just today!), was the old Carr Bridge, built in 1717 to cross the Dulnanin River.
Next was the famous Culloden Battlefield and visitor center, site of the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745. The stones that protrude from the Memorial Wall represent the men who lost their lives here in 1746 - the first 50 represent the Government men who fell, the last 1,500 represent the Jacobite lives lost. Some of our travelers partook in a battle re-enactment!
We made a quick stop at the Bronze Age Clava Cairn chamber tomb and standing stones for a quick travel back in time.
But one of our favorite stops of the day was the lovely Cawdor Castle, home of the Thanes of Cawdor, best known for its literary connection to Shakespeare's MacBeth. This amazing, well kept Castle dates from the 14th century, the ancient medieval tower being built around the legendary holly tree. We took a guided tour of the castle, full of beautiful furniture and amazing tapestries, spent time strolling through the three beautiful gardens, and had a splendid lunch in the café. Several of us purchased yarn at the gift shop made from the flock of Hebridean sheep on the estate.
We then headed to the lovely Brodie Castle where we had a big surprise - a personal greeting by the infamous Hazel Sime, the fill-in countess of Brodie (and cousin of Marci's), who then joined us for dinner, whisky tasting and storytelling back at the Grant Arms Hotel - what a wonderful way to end the day!
Every part of the trip was amazing! I enjoyed meeting new people, learning from them and sharing the love of the fiber arts! The tours were historical, interesting and beautiful. For me it was a life changing event!
Ann C. Sept. 2018
Thank you so much for such an amazing trip - you both did such a great job. I just loved it all!! The accommodations, the guides - the places we visited , the restaurants were all top notch - I just can not believe all the things we got to see and do! Alison B. Sept. 2018
Ann C. Sept. 2018
Thank you so much for such an amazing trip - you both did such a great job. I just loved it all!! The accommodations, the guides - the places we visited , the restaurants were all top notch - I just can not believe all the things we got to see and do! Alison B. Sept. 2018
Day 3: Friday, Sept. 21, 2018 -- Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle
Another busy day in the Highlands! We started the day off with another beautiful drive through the spectacular Cairngorm Mountains on our way to Loch Ness for our river cruise. After a night of whisky tasting and stories from Hazel Sime about the Loch Ness monster, some were hesitant to get on the boat. And don't you know, on our way to our first stop, the Urquhart Castle ruins, there was a sighting of something 'not right'!
Another busy day in the Highlands! We started the day off with another beautiful drive through the spectacular Cairngorm Mountains on our way to Loch Ness for our river cruise. After a night of whisky tasting and stories from Hazel Sime about the Loch Ness monster, some were hesitant to get on the boat. And don't you know, on our way to our first stop, the Urquhart Castle ruins, there was a sighting of something 'not right'!
We then traveled on to one of the most frequently photographed sites in the UK - Eilean Donan Castle near the Isle of Skye. Many famous movies have been filmed in this 13th century castle, which was renovated in the 20th century. On our way back to Grantown-on-Spey, we stopped for a short stroll along the Invermoriston Bridge and paid a visit to some 'Hairy Coos'. After this very full day, we returned to our hotel for our last night in lovely Grantown-on-Spey, some of us traveled on to Aviemore for a lovely dinner at the Old Mill Inn.
Day 4: Sat. Sept. 22, 2018 -- Sueno Stone, Glen Morray Distillery, Elgin Cathedral, Johnstons of Elgin
What an amazing last day in Scotland! After our farewell to Grantown-on-Spey, we headed to Elgin. On the way we stopped at the Sueno Stone in the lovely town of Forress. This is the largest surviving Pictish standing stone in Scotland and stands over 21 feet!
What an amazing last day in Scotland! After our farewell to Grantown-on-Spey, we headed to Elgin. On the way we stopped at the Sueno Stone in the lovely town of Forress. This is the largest surviving Pictish standing stone in Scotland and stands over 21 feet!
Our first stop in Elgin was the inspiring Elgin Cathedral, also known as the 'Lantern of the North'. These medieval ruins are considered some of Scotland's finest, particularly the octagonal ceiling in the Chapter House, dating back to the 13th century. The views from the two towers was amazing!
Then on to the Glen Moray Distillery for a tour and single malt whiskey tasting.
We arrived at the wonderful Johnston's Woollen Mill in time for a lecture on the history of the mill, a lovely lunch at the café, and of course some shopping. Marci and Andra had a great time in the discount bin!
Then it was full steam ahead to the Aberdeen Ferry Port to board our ferry for our overnight voyage to Shetland.
Thank you for your hard work in making this a memorable trip. Your knowledge of the areas we toured was wonderful and especially of Shetland......what a beautiful trip. And a good group of people! Ellen C. Sept. 2018
Day 5: Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 -- Arrival in Lerwick
Our first day in Shetland was busy....and beautiful! We all settled into our homes - some of them had just been occupied by the cast and crew of ‘Shetland’ who just finished filming the last series - and just left the day before! Some went off to classes, others hung out at the Wool Week hub visiting with other fellow knitters from around the world, and some hit the streets for some shopping. We finished off the night at the Wool Week 2018 Opening Ceremonies with some wonderful fiddle music, lots of hats and vendors, and just a good time getting to know people.
Day 6: Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 --
Today we toured the south of Shetland. We started the day with a quick visit to the Red Houss Jewler’s studio to see our friends Michael and Jill, who are a true delight! Then on to Jarlshof, with its Pictish, Viking and Laird house ruins, all in one stop! At Sumburgh Head Lighthouse we learned the important role the radar station played during WWII. The Croft House Museum was closed, but we met a lovely local woman who grew up in a croft house and told us lots of stories of her experiences. We learned about the milling of grain at the restored Quendale water mill, the only over-shot mill in Shetland.
And then a refreshing stroll along St. Ninian’s tombolo and hike up to the old church ruins. The day ended with a dinner party at our house in downtown Lerwick, and our friend Beth Brown-Reinsel was able to join us! Then a lovely lecture by Elizabeth Johnston on her knitting background and what inspires her - and then off to bed!
Day 7: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 --
Today was a very special day for us - after another quick visit to see Micheal and Jill at Red Houss, we headed over to Burra Bears - to collect all 11 of our teddies! Earlier this year we taught a class at the Elegant Ewe in which students designed their own Fair Isle fabric, learned how to knit with 2 colors, and cut a steek. The fabric was then sent to Wendy to be made into teddies, and we picked them up today. Wendy so nicely had them all on display and ready for their photo shoot - they were all so beautiful!
Then over to Scalloway for a visit at the Scalloway Museum and Castle ruins, and then lunch at the Scalloway Hotel. Then a quick dash to the Shetland Highland and Islands College for a tour and talk about their textile program.
Day 8: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018 --
Today was our day to explore the northernmost island in Shetland - Unst. We left home at 7:30 and didn't get home until 11PM! We started the day scrambling to get the ferry to Yell, and then the ferry to Unst. We headed straight to the Hermaness Reserve where a few of us hiked to the cliff edges to see the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse and gannetry......and boy was it breezy!
Then down to the Victoria Tea Garden for a lovely lunch, and then a drive up to the observatory to see the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse yet again but from the car. And then of course a visit to the Unst Heritage Centre to see our friend Dorothy for a quick knitting belt lesson (and the lace exhibit is tremendous!).
Then a race back to Lerwick for our ‘taste of Lerwick’ tour with Wendy. After a very informative exploration of Lerwick, we ended the tour at the Perrie Cafe for a lovely meal of local produce including mutton soup and Salmon, and lovely live fiddle music from 2 local musicians playing Shetland music - wonderful! And then to the local bar just 2 doors down from our house, the Lounge, for a session that Bob and Mary played in - and then to bed! Can’t get better than that!
Day 9: Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 --
Today we headed off to see the cliffs at Eshaness. Then a lovely stop at the Tangwick Haa Museum to see their lovely displays. Then a stop in Hillswick to see the Drongs. A lovely visit with Sharon at the Ollaberrry ‘Yet another happening’ to re-stock up on buttons (and some cake and tea). And we had to stop for a photo op at the Northmavine otter crossing (where the North Sea is within a stone’s throw of the Atlantic), and then back home for a lovely group dinner at the Hays Dock Restaurant in the Shetland Museum and Archives. A quick nightcap at the Queen’s Hotel, and lovely stroll in the moonlight - ahhh.
Day 10: Friday, Sept. 28, 2018 -- Today started (for some of us) with an early morning walk along the Knab to explore the Clickimin Broch - what a beautiful morning!
Some of us then got on the 10AM bus to Whalsay, one of our favorite Islands. There we took a bus tour of the Island over to the ‘most northern golf course in the UK’. We had a lovely lunch at the community center with fresh caught fish, a look at the Heritage Center and Hanseatic League Booth.
And most exciting of all, we had a wonderful tour of the Pelagic fishing vessel ‘Zephyr’ - what a beautiful boat! We learned lots about fishing - the sonar used, how the fish are brought on board and stored, and what life is like at sea. This boat is being replaced by a new one, and we hope we can come tour that one next year! We really enjoyed the hospitality and new friends we met in Whalsay and look forward to seeing them next year. Then back to Lerwick, a quick dinner at the Queen’s Hotel, and then a bit of dancing at the Spree, and home to pack - we sure will miss Shetland!
Day 11: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 --
Our last day in Shetland sure was a windy one! After getting everyone out of their houses and their luggage to the ferry, we headed over to the Makers Market at the lovely new high school, then a nice warm lunch at the Peerie Café, and then a final visit to the Shetland Museum and Archives before heading onto the ferry for a very nice dinner.
What made our last day so special was running into all of our new friends that we had made during the week - including Mike and Jill from Red Houss, and Netta and Anna Marie from Whalsay. After a day trying to keep warm and scrambling for some last minute shopping, we boarded the North Link Ferry were we all had outside cabins with windows, and you should have seen the waves! And then off to sleep in our cozy beds....to dream of our wonderful week in Shetland!
Day 12: Sunday Sept 30, 2018
We arrived in Aberdeen early in the morning and got on our coach to Aberdeen Airport for our return flights back home.
We arrived in Aberdeen early in the morning and got on our coach to Aberdeen Airport for our return flights back home.
I just loved the tour. The length was just right...I couldn't have asked for a better trip - loved all the accommodations and food, and especially loved Shetland...I was busy every minute of each day and evening...and what a great group of people! Monica C. Sept. 2018
Thank you both for organizing such a wonderful trip. It seemed like high adventure at a relaxed pace. Anne H. Sept. 2018
Thank you both for organizing such a wonderful trip. It seemed like high adventure at a relaxed pace. Anne H. Sept. 2018