One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, set on a series of ridges, with the remains of an extinct volcano at its heart, Edinburgh offers breathtaking views.

From the medieval ridge of the Old Town to the Georgian elegance of the New Town, Edinburgh is full of surprises.

There will also be the opportunity to glimpse the darker side of Edinburgh’s history – its secrets of plague and murder – a history that still lies buried beneath its elegant and lively streets.

The Tour will consist of 45 minutes above ground and 45 minutes below ground, with experienced guides who are both knowledgeable and entertaining.

Guided Tour of Edinburgh Castle

The brooding black crags of Castle Rock, along with its magnificent Castle dominate the city. Once a royal residence and later a military stronghold, it is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attraction.

This tour and the previous one will run simultaneously – morning and afternoon. Accompanying Persons will have the opportunity to join both or either tours, giving a real feel for this surprising and beautiful city.

Tuesday 2nd September 2008

A luxury coach tour to Stirling Castle, The Trossach Hills, Aberfoyle and Loch Lomond

Join us on a luxury Hunter’s coach – a company well used to transporting important people – they provide an exclusive coach for the Scottish National Rugby Team!

Established in 1880 this family run company prides itself in its professional and friendly drivers.

We will take a leisurely drive through the beautiful Scottish countryside to Stirling, one of Scotland’s most historic towns; just an hour from Edinburgh.
Resplendent on its rocky promontory, Stirling Castle has a long history; legend has it that King Arthur captured it and the Castle itself overlooks the site of `Braveheart’ Sir William Wallace’s greatest victory.

We will have time to discover its beauties (approx 1 hour) and a short tea/coffee break before making our way through the Trossach Hills; the stunning homelands of the notorious Rob Roy McGregor to Aberfoyle.

Aberfoyle, the gateway to the Trossach Hills is a traditional community on the banks of the River Forth where we will stop for a three course lunch at the family run Forth Inn.

From Aberfoyle we will make our way to the romantic Loch Lomond – the largest and most famous, due largely to one of Scotland’s best known songs, “The Bonny Bank of Loch Lomond”. The ballad is reputedly the lament of a Scottish soldier dying far from home – he will take `the low road’, recalling the long-held belief the spirit returns home underground.

We will take a short cruise up the Loch before rejoining our coach and returning to Edinburgh.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

Blair Castle, Pitlochry, Edradour Whisky Distillery

Come with us across the magnificent Forth Road Bridge into the kingdom of Fife, northwards into the Highlands and Blair Castle. This is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl, the only man in Britain allowed his own standing army. The elegant white-harled baronial mansion is approached through a long avenue of lime trees.

There will be a tour of the castle before heading southwards to Pitlochry.

Pitlochry is a beautiful, typically Highland town on the edge of Loch Tummel. Here we will stop for lunch at the select restaurant, Port-na-Craig, that nestles between the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the river. It is an opportunity to relax over a superb lunch or take a stroll through the town and explore the woollen mills and gift shops.

No trip to Scotland would be complete without a taste of `usquebaugh’ - `water of life’ or as its more commonly known, whisky.

We will visit Edradour whisky distillery, the smallest and possibly the prettiest in Scotland. Here we will be treated to a tour of the distillery and a tasting of the golden nectar before wending our way back to Edinburgh in the capable hands of Hunter’s luxury coaches.

EcoFutures is delighted to be able to offer the delegates the opportunity to play golf in the home of the great game. For experienced players we have reserved places at Barberton Golf Course, Juniper Green, Edinburgh. The club has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1893. It is also the birthplace of the steel shaft. Several members have gone on to become professional and represent Scotland. Barberton offers a first class golfing experience. PAR 69 L. 6129yds Heathland.

For those with less experience or who prefer a parkland course an alternative is available, that of Carrick Knowe a PAR 70 L. 5673yds.

Rosslyn Chapel

You may not have read `The Da Vinci Code’ but will no doubt have heard of it or the claim that it is the resting place of the Holy Grail; assuming that the Grail exists.

Why not follow in the footsteps of Dan Brown and come with us to Rosslyn Chapel.

The chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair 3rd and last St Clair, Prince of Orkney. Long before Dan Brown, Rosslyn was known for its historical and architectural merits.

Just 7 miles from Edinburgh, this short, historical trip is an ideal way to spend the morning before a free afternoon to prepare for the conference dinner.

Golf at Carrick Knowe Golf Course

For golf enthusiasts where else but Scotland? Places have been reserved at Carrick Knowe, situated between Murrayfield and Edinburgh Zoo. This parkland course, Par 70, 5673yd course will be a delight to play.

For those who do not appreciate clear fairways there is the opportunity for last minute shopping in Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street.

We at EcoFutures Ltd hope this programme will give our visitors a taste of what Scotland has to offer and will accept our invitation to `haste ye back’.

In addition to the above, delegates and guests may wish to extend their stay to experience more of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. St Andrews, Gleneagles, Stirling Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, The Falkirk Wheel and The National Wallace Monument are all within around one hour’s travel of Edinburgh. For the more adventurous, Loch Ness, Fort George, Fingal’s Cave, Iona and Skara Brae all await. For walkers, the Pentland Hills are on Edinburgh's doorstep and the Scottish Highlands are within easy reach. For those who want to learn more about Scotland without leaving the capital, Edinburgh has a wealth of outdoor and indoor attractions to explore.