Discovering the Real William Wallace – Hero of Scotland

The old expression that cometh the moment cometh the man could easily be applied to William Wallace. Who he was is not well known where he was born and his early life are hazy but when Scotland needed a leader at the end of the 13th century then William Wallace was in the right place at the right time. His life ended with a traitors death but to the Scots he was elevated to martyrdom.

The circumstances of his coming prominence oddly start with the death of a young girl in the Orkneys some seven years earlier. If the Maid of Norway had survived here sea journey and married Edward I of England’s son then the two crowns would have been brought together peacefully by marriage. Her death left a vacuum that was filled by Scottish rebellion and Edward gaining the name the Hammer of the Scots.

William Wallace probably had some military experience before he killed the English sheriff of Lanark but the act elevated him to a position of a figurehead of rebellion for the Scots living in southern Scotland. He quickly gained a large following at his base in Ettrick Forest.

Mackays has fine property to visit the scene of William Wallace early days in nearby Hawick. Colislinn is a splendid example of Scottish Baronial architecture, Colislinn was built in 1896 and standing in 8 acres of private land with large lawned gardens, flower beds, an old kitchen garden, children’s trampoline, paddocks, woodland and rolling hills beyond. Through the grounds runs a burn which flows into the Slitrig Water – guests can take a swim in the natural pool.

It was in September 1297 that Wallace achieved his great victory which created the aura of success against the odds that stays with Wallace even today. At Stirling Bridge heavily defeated a poorly managed English army. Wallace was now the undisputed of leader of the rebels.

Wallace now seemed unstoppable and decided to take the war into northern England. Raiding as far south as Newcastle as his rebels wreaked havoc. To a large extent Wallace’s actions were little more than opportunism. Edward I was in the midst of an abortive war with France over Gascony and was still stretched to keep Welsh rebellion down. Overall though it was the pressure on Edward’s finances that gave the Scottish rebels most opportunity. Edward was near bankrupt and his methods for securing finance for his armies was through heavy taxation of his people. These made him weaker at home in England and more disliked in the newly acquired dominions of Wales and Scotland.

In time though the English Earls joined Edward to conquer Scotland. At the battle of Falkirk in 1298 Wallace’s luck finally ran out and his army was heavily defeated. Wallace was now asked to fight a different battle. One of using his reputation in Europe to gain the French as a powerful ally. Here Wallace established what was to prove a much revisited alliance over the centuries. For him however France, as they did repeatedly thereafter, proved a purely self interested ally and, when they deserted the Scots, the Scottish nobility caved in to the English and Wallace was alone to face his grisly fate that arrived in 1305.

To find out more about Wallace and his Scotland why not find a Scottish Cottage to stay in at www. mackays-self-catering.co.uk with over 400 Scottish holiday cottages to choose from.

Source: Discovering the Real William Wallace – Hero of Scotland

Save 10% off the cost of Scottish Cottages with Mackays Self Catering Scotland

To make the idea of staying at one of Mackays Scotland holiday cottages even more attractive there is 10% off the price for 170 Scottish cottages during March. To find any of the wide range of cottages in Scotland with upto £200 off simply visit www.Mackays-Self-Catering.co.uk you can book a short break, a week or an even longer holiday at any of the discounted properties for any date in 2011 just place your booking before 3rd April to receive the discount.

The only problem you will have is which property to choose. You could get 10% off a stay at Ballachulish at this charming Scottish cottage for two enjoying panoramic views over the sea loch, to the high peaks of the Mamore Range. It sits in a peaceful location at the end of a private drive and the extensive grounds run down to the shore with outdoor seating to appreciate the spectacular views, peace and tranquillity. Perfect for a couple, the cottage is well appointed and offers comfortable, welcoming accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Article Source: Save 10% off the cost of Scottish Cottages with Mackays Self Catering Scotland

Scottish Cottages Near the Site of the Battle of Bannockburn

There are few better ways to understand the battle of Bannockburn than to actually visit the site itself. The result was dictated more by the geography and topography of the landscape than the relative strength of the opposing sides. Use of tree cover and understanding the points at which rivers could be crossed were crucial to success. To get close to the realities of the battle staying at one of Mackays many local Scottish Cottages is a good choice.

When Edward II marched his powerful army north from Berwick in 1314 he was firstly aiming to relieve the strategically important Stirling castle but with an army some 2 or three times the size of Robert the Bruce’s it was clearly an opportunity once and for all to destroy the Scots on the battle field. It is only when you visit Stirling do you realise just how important a spot this was a gateway to the highlands. Travelling north from Edinburgh the only practical route was though the area around Stirling castle. Bruce awaited Edward’s army in Tor Wood near Bannock Burn. Here and in the other wooded area to the north Bruce was able to use the natural cover to obscure his preparations.

When you explore the area approaching the battle ground you see just how cleverly Bruce used the countryside. Edward’s principle advantage was his cavalry but to get them to Bannock Burn he had to use the main road from Falkirk this Bruce had restricted by digging deep holes in forcing the horses into a narrow and vulnerable column. The exact site of the battle is not known though it was probably not where the visitor centre is now situated. It may have been Dryfield outside the village of Balquhidderock or the Carse of Balquhidderock.

Wherever the exact site things started to go wrong as soon as the joint English commanders crossed the Bannock Burn ad approached New Park where some of the Scots were located. Henry De Bohun spotted the lightly armed King Bruce and charged lance in hand. Alas the lightness of Bruce’s armour gave him the nimbleness to step to one side and bring down the errant knight with a single blow from his axe. The morale boost to his men was enormous who then engaged the enemy.

Edward main force still approached up the road from the south but to avoid this hazardous route Edward ordered his men east straight into Bruce’s men emerging from the forest of New Park. Now so closely ranked the English could not successfully deploy their bowmen or cavalry and were forced back across the Bannock Burn and towards the Firth of Forth. The battle was lost a combination of Edward’s failure to listen to local knowledge and Bruce’s ability to use his knowledge of the ground to his advantage.

Dubai Ski Resort | Curious, Funny Photos / Pictures

Dubai Ski Resort | Curious, Funny Photos / Pictures

Scottish Cottages & Town Houses for Exploring Edinburgh

With the Edinburgh festival taking centre stage in August, plus fantastic shopping and a host of cultural sites of interest, the Scottish capital has plenty for everyone to enjoy on a self catering Scotland holiday.

Here at Mackays Self Catering Scotland we have Scottish cottages and apartments in the capital, plus several Scotland holiday cottages outside the city, in pretty villages that are an easy commute away from the cosmopolitan capital.

And you can find more information about Edinburgh and the areas mentioned in our Self-Catering Scotland Destination Guides.

Scottish Cottages Outside The City

If you’re looking for the best of both world’s – cottages in Scotland close enough to visit Edinburgh, but which are tucked away in the pretty rural villages outside the city, this cosy cottage for two in Peebles is perfect (property reference PB61). Edinburgh is just a forty minute drive away, whilst this self catering Scotland cottage has river side walks, great fishing and is a ten minute walk away from the market town of Peebles with its restaurants, pubs, shops and monthly farmers market.

Another one of our cottages in Scotland that is an easy 30 minute drive from Edinburgh is this delightful cottage in Humbie (property reference LT52), a small village nestling in the Lammermuir Hills. This property sleeps up to four people and like many of our Scottish cottages, it has world class golf and fishing available within ten miles of this self-catering Scotland holiday home.

Scotland Holiday Cottages & Apartments In Edinburgh

If you want to stay in Edinburgh itself, we have plenty of Scottish cottages and apartments to choose from, depending on the size of your party.

Of all our Scotland holiday cottages in Edinburgh, this one at Lady Stairs Close is saturated in history and the perfect location for a romantic break for two (property reference E1856). Dating from c.1688, the property shares its courtyard with the Writer’s Museum and can be accessed from The Mound or the Lawn Market which leads up to the Castle. Of course any self-catering Scotland trip is incomplete without a wee dram at the local pub and you will be spoilt for choice at this property with its excellent selection of specialty shops, interesting pubs and restaurants nearby.

If a car parking space is an essential, then these two Scotland holiday cottages or town houses in Edinburgh’s York Lane, sleeping up to 3 people in each, offer the perfect solution (property reference E1901b). Sleeping up to three people in each of these cottages Scotland, York Lane is conveniently situated just yards from York Place and a 5 minutes walk from Princes Street. If you are looking for Scotland holiday cottages and town houses with the festival in mind, these Scottish cottages are ideal with plenty of Festival venues within easy walking distance including the Playhouse Theatre, The Stand Comedy Club and the Assembly Rooms.

If you need a property to sleep 8 people in the city centre, this apartment on Cambridge Street (property reference E1745) could fulfill your self catering Scotland needs. Located in a prestigious location close to the Usher Hall and with wonderful views of Edinburgh Castle, it’s one of our favourite Scottish cottages in the capital for larger groups.

Activities near the Holiday Cottages at Scotland

Part of the joy of Scotland holiday cottages is the range of activities available. Whether you enjoy want to try to bag a Munro by foot, climb in the Cairngorms or raft down the river Tay you can always find Scottish cottages nearby. So why not choose your activity then look for a self catering cottage that is conveniently placed to reach it. Here is our pick of some favourites.

Ideal for the mountains of Glen Coe and Kinlochleven we have a pair of Scottish cottages wonderfully situated in a secret valley off the main glen. These two modern semi-detached cottages sit below Scotland's highest mountains amongst magnificent scenery in what must be one of the most imposing and impressive locations in the country. With one double bedroom and one bunk bedroom they are well placed to attempt the ascent of the pyramid of Buachaille Etive Mor or even the highest peak, the great multi-summited Bidean nam Bian known as the 'Three Sisters. Should be hungry to bag yet more Munros onduring your stay you could also try the impressive ridge of the Aonach Eagach.

For the more adventurous you could stay at another of cottages in Scotland this time further north in Torridon. From the cottage you can follow the path to Lochain a Chaorann then Glas-toll Lochain. From here it is up Northern Pinnacles to the summit of Mullach an Rathain. This is really for the experienced climber though there are a range of other climbs and walks from the scenic valley of Torridon.

Mackays Self Catering Scotland has an attractive detached Scottish cottage under the imposing crags of Liathach. Enjoying spectacular views over Loch Torridon to the mountains of Wester Ross which surround this fertile inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. The cottage stands in enclosed sheltered gardens and a stream flows down from Liathach through the rear garden (care required with young children). The cottage is comfortably furnished in a simple, traditional way to offer an unpretentious but well-loved holiday home in an area of great natural beauty. With three bedrooms the cottage will be a comfortable base for five.

If you prefer to get your feet wet then why try one of the many spots in Scotland for white water rafting? There are many good centres but Aberfeldy offers a good range of experiences. Mackays has a range of cottages in Scotland but Cruck Cottage offers the ultimate in luxury. The Scottish cottage has stunning views to Ben Lawers and Glen Lyon and is set in its own private landscaped garden with a sunken patio and an amazing stone table made from a slab found in the floor of the cottage. The ideal spot to dry off!

Whatever your choice of activity we believe we can the right cottage in Scotland for you nearby.

Seaside Self Catering Holiday Cottages

Scottish beaches are beautiful and atmospheric at any time of year with their long sandy shores, rocky coastal walks and fabulous seafood fit to rival any Mediterranean coast. Here at Mackay’s Self Catering Scotland we have many Scottish cottages which are perfect for a romantic break or seaside family holiday.

And you can find more information about the areas mentioned below in our Self-Catering Scotland Destination Guides.

Scottish Cottages on the Ayrshire Coast
Ayrshire boasts some beautiful sandy beaches and we have cottages in Scotland within easy reach of this idyllic coastline.


Of all our Scotland holiday cottages in this area, these 4 Scottish cottages, sleeping up to five people each on this 20 acre working farm in Ballantrae, Ayrshire make for an idyllic family holiday (property reference AY132c). The farm includes a 1.5 mile stretch of private beach, perfect for walking and swimming and accessed by a short path from the main road below these Scottish cottages. And if that isn’t enough, the popular seaside town of Girvan is just a fifteen minute drive away from these cottages Scotland.

Another Ayrshire gem is this self catering Scotland holiday home for two in the heart of the small village of Skelmorlie near Largs (property reference AY149). Largs is a beautiful seaside resort and a two minute stroll from this self-catering Scotland holiday home will have you surveying the magnificent Clyde Coast in all its splendor.

Seaside Scotland Holiday Cottages in Carnoustie, Angus

We have several beautiful Scottish cottages in Angus and this one sleeping up to ten people is in a tranquil, elevated location amidst rolling farmland 2 miles inland from Carnoustie, with panoramic views to the sea (property reference AN40). Carnoustie is also famous for its golf course and this self catering Scotland holiday home is just a short drive away from the historic town of St Andrews with its famous coastal golf course and historic ruins.

Scottish Cottages in Ross-shire

If you are looking for traditional cottages in Scotland, we have a lovely this traditional croft house in North Erradale near Gairloch in Ross-shire, sleeping up to 4 people (property reference RC620). It's one of our Scotland holiday cottages that is situated in a scenic and peaceful location in the crofting community of North Erradale, just 6 miles from the coast and the charming little port of Gairloch with its pubs, restaurants, shops and fish market- something any self-catering Scotland seaside holiday would be incomplete without!

Tranquil Seaside Self Catering Cottages in Scotland

Of all our Scotland holiday cottages, this one sleeping up to four people in the small hamlet of Talmine in Sutherland, offer tranquility, beautiful beaches and fantastic sea views (property reference SU283). This traditional stone croft house is one of our cliff top Scottish cottages, and this one has the best views in the village towards the Rabbit Isles and along the North Coast. Talmine village itself has a beautiful sandy beach and the rocky outcrop that forms part of the harbour is studded with black and ruby garnets. This is also one of our cottages Scotland that is in a great location for touring both the North and West coasts.