Scotland &Ireland - McKinlay Kidd

Scotland
&Ireland
differently
Exciting
HOLiDAY
iDEAS
PHOtOgrAPHY
cOmPEtitiOn
tELL uS
YOur
trAvEL
StOrY!
Winner
Best Small
Tour Operator

McKinlay Kidd:
Award-winning specialists in
2
unique Scottish and Irish holidays
McKinlay Kidd, launched in 2003 by Robert Kidd and
Heather McKinlay, is dedicated to helping independentlyminded
visitors get the best out of Scotland and Ireland.
Both Robert and Heather have a passion for exploring
these beautiful countries and 20 years’ experience in
the travel industry between them.
The company offers a range of 100 holidays, but
with a flexible approach that means you can add
your own personal touches. You can also have your
holiday custom-designed for an experience that’s
completely unique.
Registered in Scotland: 250017. Registered office: 7-11 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7PE
Winner
Best Small
Tour Operator
We were delighted to be awarded
Best Small Tour Operator in the
2011 Guardian/Observer Travel
Awards. A prestigious honour,
voted for by readers based on
their recent holiday experiences.
A big thank you to all our
customers who voted for us.
McKinlay Kidd is always seeking out new holiday
experiences and outstanding accommodation, and
any recommendation is personally tried and tested.
It’s an approach that’s won both awards and the hearts
of customers.
Front Cover shows Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse, Isle of Mull by Dr Sam Jones who helps run our Island Photography Weekends and
Family Photography Breaks (new for 2012).
customer Protection
McKinlay Kidd is a fully-bonded tour operator, complying with the strict Package Travel
Regulations. This means customers’ advance payments are fully guaranteed in the
unlikely event of the company’s financial failure. Furthermore all air holidays including
flights McKinlay Kidd arrange are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Our ATOL number is ATOL 9481. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers
who book and pay in the United Kingdom. In addition, McKinlay Kidd offers its own
guarantee to refund its service charge if customers are not completely satisfied.
McKinlay Kidd is also a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators.
The Association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and
encourages high standards of quality and service. McKinlay Kidd abides by the
Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which
can be viewed on www.aito.com. Visit the website to find out more about the
Association or call 020 8744 9280.
Photography: McKinlay Kidd customers, Francesca Boyle, Sue Allen, Kenneth Rippengale, Catriona Duncan,
VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint, Tourism Ireland, Sealife Surveys/Splashdowndirect, Northern Ireland
Tourist Board, Dr Sam Jones, Isle of Eriska, McKinlay Kidd.
Call 0844 873 6110
(+44 844 873 6110 from overseas)
From USA/Canada call
toll free 1-866 922 8538
Email info@mckinlaykidd.co.uk
www.SeeScotlandDifferently.co.uk
www.SeeIrelandDifferently.co.uk
Directors: Robert Kidd & Heather McKinlay
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Suite 240
Baltic Chambers
50 Wellington St
Glasgow
G2 6HJ

From the editor
Welcome to the latest issue of See Scotland &
Ireland Differently. It’s been an exciting year for
McKinlay Kidd – and, of course, for the travellers
who have experienced the best of Scotland and
Ireland with us.
Once again I find myself in the editor’s
chair, looking through some wonderful
holiday stories. For me, there are few
things more satisfying than seeing how
much people have enjoyed the holidays
we’ve arranged for them – and knowing
they’ve had a great experience of
Scotland or Ireland.
We were delighted this year to win
Best Small Tour Operator in the
Guardian/Observer Travel Awards.
It’s good to receive recognition –
but we always remember it’s really
a reflection of what we do for our
customers. The articles you’ll read
here are a reminder of that, with
everything from the beauty of
Ireland’s scenic southwest to the
open-top thrills of driving an E-Type
Jaguar to a private island hideaway.
If you have your own holiday story
and you’d like to share it, you might
be interested in our new competition
on page 13 – or if pictures are more your
thing, why not take a look at the winners
from our photography competition on
the back page? Enter and you could win
a £200 holiday voucher!
Enjoy See Scotland & Ireland Differently.
We’d always be delighted to hear from
you, so please feel free to email me at
robert@mckinlaykidd.co.uk.
Robert Kidd
“At McKinlay Kidd, we want to make
sure you have a holiday experience
to remember. So if you want to really
get to know Scotland or Ireland, why
not visit our website or give us a call?”
Robert Kidd
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
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Highland celebration
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A 60th birthday surprise with a difference!
Georgina and Robert wanted to see
more of Scotland – but didn’t want
to do a lot of driving. McKinlay Kidd
proposed a 5-night holiday: this included
taking the West Highland Line from
Glasgow, spending time on the Isle of
Skye, and then continuing to Inverness
before finishing in Edinburgh.
One of the highlights of their
holiday was the breathtakingly
dramatic stretch from Fort William
to Mallaig on the Jacobite
Steam Train – travelling in
beautifully restored railway
carriages, hauled by a classic
steam locomotive.
“We’ve been to Scotland before,”
they say, “but we had not seen a
lot of it. We were amazed by the Isle
of Skye. It has such beautiful scenery.
The scenery from the train is incredible,
but we really like Skye as well.”
After setting off from Glasgow, the
Brookes’ first stop was in Spean Bridge,
where they stayed at the Old Pines hotel.
“The atmosphere at The Old Pines was
really warm, very friendly and relaxing,”
remembers Robert. “And the food was
excellent.” A short walk from the hotel,
and you discover wonderful views of Ben
Nevis, Loch Lochy and the Great Glen.
“All the places we stayed at were
excellent,” adds Georgina. “The hotel
on Skye was in a fantastic area. It was
very comfortable, relaxing, and the
staff were very helpful. The food again
was excellent. We couldn’t have chosen
better accommodation.”
“The scenery
from the train
is incredible.”
Robert and Georgina’s hotel was in
Sleat, often known as the ‘Garden of
Skye’ because of its abundance of
wild flowers. While on Skye, they’d
had car hire arranged for them by
McKinlay Kidd, and had found this
was a very useful recommendation.
Leaving Skye by way of the bridge,
they caught the train at Kyle of
Lochalsh to Inverness, travelling on
the beautiful North Highland Line.
Mostly a single track railway, this
line offers a combination of superb
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
countryside, mountain and sea views.
In fact, it was featured in Michael Palin’s
TV series Great Railway Journeys of
the World.
From Inverness, Georgina and Robert
returned to Edinburgh – having
journeyed through some of Scotland’s
most beautiful and dramatic scenery.
Looking back, Robert says
“it really was the best holiday we
have had. I would recommend it
to anyone – in fact, I already have.
We came back with loads of photos,
as well as all our train tickets.
Along with the itinerary, leaflets
and maps, we’re planning an album
of our holiday.”
“It was great having someone do all
arranging for you, and knowing the
best places to stay, says Georgina.
“It was relaxing from start to finish,
and everything fitted into place.
It was also very well organized –
and we hope to go on holiday again
with McKinlay Kidd in the near future.”

Georgina Brookes was looking for
a relaxed holiday to celebrate her
husband Robert’s 60th birthday,
when she spoke to McKinlay Kidd.
“I wanted to book something
for a surprise present,” says
Georgina. “As Robert’s interested
in steam trains, a holiday where
we travelled on the Jacobite
Steam Train was ideal!”
Robert recommends
If you’re celebrating a special
occasion during your holiday, we are
always delighted to help. That means
anything from keeping the trip a
surprise from a partner, to arranging
cakes, flowers, champagne, special
dinners or romantic boat trips.
Our selection of train and public
transport based holidays is
continually growing. This year we
offer holidays from two night short
breaks on the West Highland Line,
through island-hopping holidays
on Mull and Skye, to week long
tours of Scotland.
Home,
James
Delicious food,
stunning scenery...
and driven round
Scotland by their
own personal guide.
Veronika Hrvatic and her partner Luca Poggi
wanted a 5-night holiday in Scotland that was a
bit different. “I was fascinated by the suggestions
put forward by McKinlay Kidd,” says Veronika,
one of which was travelling with a driver-guide.
Taking in the Highlands, Isle of Skye and a
photography course on Mull, this holiday gave
them the freedom to change their routes and
plans day by day.
As Veronika recalls, “the Shellfish Safari
was a great experience. We spent two hours
with a local fisherman on Dry Island, seeing
him catch crabs and langoustines. He then
cooked lunch for us from his catch of the day,
a perfect afternoon.”
They found being driven around a relaxing
way to travel. And their driver was helpful
in suggesting places for breaks and lunches,
giving them a good insight into everyday life
in Scotland.
“ We definitely fell
in love with the
country, with its
history, haunted
castles, unspoiled
nature, lovely
people and
delicious food.”
5

Ever dreamt of driving a classic open-topped sports car
through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery?
For Ann and Douglas Ballantyne it became a reality.
E-Type
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Celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary
calls for something special. For the
Ballantynes, that meant going back to
somewhere that meant a lot to them –
and doing it in style. “We wanted to visit
Perthshire and Argyll,” says Douglas.
“We’d lived in this area many years
before. It meant going back to where
we spent our honeymoon, and where
we had our first home.”
The Ballantynes’ journey began when they
picked up the beautiful red Jaguar E-Type
convertible in Edinburgh. “The car had
been built in 1966, the year Ann and I met!”
As Douglas points out, “there are a lot
of nuances to driving the Jaguar – like
the narrow wooden steering wheel,
and remembering to use the choke.”
The Ballantynes were given a full briefing
on driving it, as well as a chance to try it
out with tuition.
“Everything was arranged for us,”
remembers Douglas. “Robert Kidd had
planned our route down to the last detail,
including suggesting a great place for
lunch on our first day.
The first part of their tour took them to
the village of Killiecrankie, near Pitlochry,
where they stayed at the Killiecrankie
House Hotel. Set in glorious wooded
grounds and with immaculate gardens,
the hotel was an early highlight of
the Ballantynes’ holiday. “It was
so comfortable,” recalls Douglas,
“an interesting place and very friendly.
What made it stand out for us was
their attention to detail – and of course,
the staff.”
Heading for their private island destination
of Eriska, they chose a route that took
them over a brightly-sunlit Rannoch Moor
and through majestic Glencoe. And this
was a wonderful opportunity to feel the
wind-through-the-hair freedom of motoring
with the top down.
Robert recommends
As well as 3 day tours in this
beautiful car, for 2012 we can offer
the widest ever choice of classic
and prestige cars, combined with
our hand-picked routes and carefully
selected small hotels.
Choose a classic car, such as
mgB, morgan, Austin Healey and
Jaguar mk2; more modern classics
like an Aston martin DB9, Lotus Elise
and Bentley turbo; or perhaps a
brand new vehicle, like a convertible
mini cooper or BmW Z4. All are
ideal for enjoying Scotland’s open
roads and stunning scenery.
For John and Susan Short, visiting the Scottish islands is about many things: peace and quiet,
the light, the beaches, wildlife and walking – as well as the people and way of life.
Island Explorers

“Everybody waves to you,” smiles Douglas.
“They beep their horns and let you pull
out at junctions. And that roar of the
4-litre engine and the length of the nose –
well, the E-Type’s unforgettable.”
Crossing the rickety bridge from the
mainland to Eriska is like entering a world
of luxury and seclusion. With everything
from superb leisure facilities at the
Stables and swimming pool, to secret
woodland pathways, the atmosphere of
the island is unique.
Then, it was on to the area known as
the Trossachs – Rob Roy country, and
wonderful scenery with beautiful lochs,
forest and mountains. As Douglas
remembers, this was what they’d been
hoping for: “Exploring the area in a
leisurely way. You don’t need to go fast!
The weather was perfect for open
top driving.”
In fact, if you’re thinking of seeing this
part of the world, Douglas has one piece
of advice. “Hire an open top sports car!”
exhilaration
As John explains, “Sue and I have been
island-hopping with McKinlay Kidd for the
past eight years. You never know what
is around the next bend or over the
next hill – a golden eagle on a rock, seals
basking in the sunshine, or a building
with lots of character and history”.
From the minute they get on the ferry
to the first island, John and Sue are
watching for dolphins, whales and
sea birds. As far as they’re concerned,
there’s nothing better on a bright day
than to stand, coffee in hand, staring
out to sea spotting wildlife.
But island-hopping is about variety.
As John says, “if you like adventure,
if you love wildlife, if you like to simply
get away from the pressures of life and
are happy just walking then this is the
holiday for you.”
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
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When Rachel came across the McKinlay
Kidd Mull Week of Wildlife holiday on an
internet search, she says “it had such a
strong appeal, I didn’t look much further.
What we loved was having the three
fantastic wildlife trips arranged for us,
led by friendly experts with local
knowledge – but not having to be in an
organized group throughout the holiday.”
The pair had wanted a holiday which
included marine wildlife watching
from a boat somewhere in the Scottish
islands. They were also keen to see
White-tailed Sea Eagles, and they knew
Mull was the centre of this successful
re-introduction project.
As they put it, “being on Mull, especially
with the local knowledge of people who
know and care about wildlife and the
natural habitats, was fabulous.”
Where the
wild things are
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For Ben and Rachel Palmer, watching wildlife
in Mull was like being in unmapped territory.
They felt the holiday offered “a brilliant
combination: freedom to do your own
thing, plus the opportunity to join small
groups to see fabulous landscapes,
seascapes and spectacular wildlife.
It was something we couldn’t have
done by ourselves, and we didn’t want
to spend precious holiday time booking
once we were there.”
Mull boasts an amazing richness for people
who want to experience Scotland’s natural
heritage. It has an enviable diversity
of wildlife, with habitats ranging
from dense woodland glens to the
grassy slopes of Ben More.
Off-shore is one of Europe’s prime
habitats for whales, basking sharks
and dolphins, not to mention seals
and porpoises. “When we moored for
coffee off Coll in the Sealife Surveys
vessel, it was so clear and sunny
that we could see South Uist in the
distance,” says Rachel. “In the sea
and on the rocky islands around us
there was no sign of human activity:
no noise, no buildings, no roads, no radio
masts or power cables, no shipping.
It was like being an explorer in unmapped
territory – silent except for the call of
sea birds and the breathing of the seals
surrounding the boat.
Rachel and Ben stayed at the Tobermory
Hotel in the island’s main town. “It was
great to stay in a small independent hotel.
It was warm, friendly, individual and
unstuffy – staffed by local people
and stocked with local food.
The breakfasts were wonderful, with
local kippers on the menu! They had a
genuine interest in the island and in their
guests. And,” adds Rachel, “we liked the
fact that our holiday was contributing so
directly to the local economy.”
“It was the best holiday either of us has
had since we were children,” remembers
Rachel. “At one memorable moment, we
had a white-tailed sea eagle in front of us
and a pair of black-throated divers behind
us: life doesn’t get much better than that
for bird watchers!”
“ the call of sea birds and
the breathing of the seals
surrounding the boat”
Robert recommends
Our wildlife holidays on mull have always
been amongst our most popular holidays –
we offer a wide range of trips there, from
three to six nights. The island offers a
unique diversity of species, in easy reach
by land and sea. We also offer wildlife
experiences in: the Outer Hebrides –
great for otters; Perthshire – for photo
deer-stalking; the cairngorm national
Park where you can see some very rare
species, such as capercaillie and crested
tits, and enjoy some great badger watching.
You might even see pine martens! In Ireland
we offer whale and dolphin watching trips
in West cork.

Here’s a thought…
Some of our favourite Scottish locations
Scotland is full of places that many visitors miss – remarkable
places like beautiful out-of-the-way beaches and private islands.
Here are just a few of the gems that Robert Kidd has uncovered
during his travels.
the Outer Hebrides offer
some of the best places in
Scotland to view otters. In
particular, the elusive
creatures often use the
numerous causeways that
link the islands of the Uists.
the House for an Art
Lover in Glasgow is my
favourite Charles Rennie
Mackintosh building –
and only 15 years old!
It was built to the design
of a competition entry
from 1901 which was
entered too late but still
won a special award.
Great cafe too.
Sanda island is privately owned – but open to
visitors in summer. Just off the south of the
Mull of Kintyre, it has magical views as far as
Ireland. As well as a stunning Stevenson
lighthouse and Elephant Rock, it’s home to
puffins, shearwaters and a large seal colony.
Balnakiel Bay by Durness in
Sutherland. Here you’ll find
huge sand dunes running north
to Faraid Head looking across
to Cape Wrath – as well as
Scotland’s most northerly
golf course.
Yellowcraigs – a few miles east of Edinburgh
is one of my favourite beaches, miles of
golden sands evoking childhood memories.
East Lothian is often overlooked by visitors
to Edinburgh, in spite of superb castles like
Dirleton and Tantallon.
muckle Flugga is “almost”
the most northerly point
of the United Kingdom,
and one of the must-see
sites of Shetland. Situated
just off the coast of Unst,
it’s definitely one for the
extremity seekers among us!
the glen Quaich road
from Amulree to Kenmore
in Perthshire is the perfect
place for some classic
motoring. With its views
over the mountains, this is
one of my favourite roads
in Scotland. Remarkably,
last year it was still covered
in snow in early May!
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
9

10
The sign for “Cyprus Avenue” in Belfast is always being stolen.
Shaded by the trees in this suburban street, Van Morrison fans regularly
wrench it off the railings in tribute to his 1968 song. But of course. The gravelly
old curmudgeon is the bard of County Down: indeed, he and C S Lewis should
be honoured for services to the Northern Irish countryside.
I was in Belfast on a musical tour of
Northern Ireland and Donegal, organised
by specialist operator McKinlay Kidd,
and Cyprus Avenue was one of our first
points of pilgrimage. The tour, recently
devised by the young company, is a way
to see the sights and listen to music en
route: your own musical travelogue, if
you will. And after all, Ireland is about
music from middle-of-the-road and rock
to “diddly-eye” as they call pipe and
fiddle trad.
And as i met up with robert Kidd at
George Best Belfast City Airport, I noticed
that he had the riff from “Baby Please
Don’t Go” as his ringtone. “Music is the
perfect backdrop for Ireland,” said Kidd.
Belfast won’t win any beauty contests,
but there’s something about the way its
Coronation Street-like terraces give on to
craggy fells that feeds the imagination
and has inspired lyrics from Stiff Little
Fingers to, er, Boney M. I checked in at
the Tara Lodge, then toured in and out
of the great landmarks such as the
Crown Tavern and the Duke of York,
before ending up in Bertie’s bar at the
Merchant Hotel where four colleens
banged out barbershop style songs as
I necked caesar salad. Nice.
the next day, i met music journalist
Stuart Bailie, who has started the
Belfast Music Bus Tour at Belfast’s
great live venue, the Limelight.
We took in Van Morrison’s house, a
mural to Ruby Murray, the Rebel’s Rest
pub, where the McPeakes first diddly-eye’d
“Wild Mountain Thyme”, and the site
of the Maritime Hotel, where Them
banged out 15-minute versions of
“Turn on My Lovelight”.
But the countryside called, and off I
drove along the Antrim coast, stopping
at Giant’s Causeway before crossing the
Foyle estuary on a tramp ferry and
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
enjoying the fantastic cradle-to-grave
marketing for the Doagh Famine Village:
“Specialises in funerals, wakes &
matchmaking. In November, is redesigned
to become Ireland’s Lapland.” That’s the
spirit that’ll steer Ireland from the slump.
On the other side of the Foyle,
the landscape grew wilder, the roads
emptier. Although June, traffic was
light bar the odd sheep, tractor, or lone
female German cyclist. After this drive
into the Inishowen peninsula, the most
northerly in Ireland, I came to Culdaff,
a lovely little town with a peaty river
leading to a yellow beach. Here, I
watched breakers rush in and faced
an Atlantic wind that rearranged brain
cells and hairdo alike.
The big attraction in Culdaff is McGrory’s:
its walls lined with photographs of the
luminaries who have played there:
Richie Havens, Arlo Guthrie, Tom Paxton.
Neil McGrory, scion of the pub family,
turned out to be the best possible guide
to the wild peninsula.

NORTHERN
an
SOULIn
There are dozens of standing stones
here, with early Christian archaeology,
surrounded by cowpat-strewn meadows.
Even the must-see, Cloncha Monastery,
near Culdaff, was empty at least, until
that German cyclist turned up.
We drove on, past peat bogs and
mountain ranges, over the Mamore Gap,
a scree-covered mountain pass, all the
while listening to Inishowen fiddle-playing.
As I enjoyed the scene’s voodoo intensity,
the sun burst on the beaches beyond.
Then on to Malin Head, northernmost
point of Ireland, and a stop in the shipping
forecast. After a cappuccino from the
fantastic coffee and cake van (all beauty
spots should have one) I headed back to
Culdaff, windswept and happy.
Back at mcgrory’s, local singer Kate
O’Callaghan performed exquisitely in
the front bar. I listened awhile, then
went to the rollicking barn dance in
the pub’s venue which, judging by the
crowd, was the hottest ticket in the area.
And where was Neil? On stage with a
guitar, as it happens.
After a late breakfast I walked into
Culdaff to de-fur my brain, then drove
off to Derry-Londonderry. What can we
do about the name? “Not a lot,” said
Michael Cooper, a tour guide, on the
city’s famous walls. “Too many objections
on either side.”
“i wish i was back home in Derry,”
as the song goes. In fact, now’s quite a
good time to be around. There’s an air of
uplift pending the City of Culture honorific
in 2013 and the new Peace Bridge runs
from the Cityside to the Waterside,
arriving in the Ebrington Barracks,
for decades an Army-only zone.
There’s a lot of hope residing in
L-Derry, as I reckon the city should be
renamed. Like P Diddy.
We walked around the walls with the
inexhaustible Michael. This was the
town of Seamus Heaney, David Hume
and, yes, Phil Coulter: the musical
genius who wrote for Dana as well
as such classics as “The Town I Loved
So Well”. I looked from the 17th-century
walls to the Bogside and Creggan,
Article originally published in The Independent on Sunday.
©Independent Newspapers 10th July 2011.
article originally published
in The Independent on Sunday,
Oliver Bennett goes to both sides
of the Irish border
both mentioned in Coulter’s classic,
then walked the short distance to the
loyalist area by the Bishop’s Gate.
With a smouldering fire, it was like some
Don McCullin photograph from the 1970s.
L-Derry’s urgent task is not to shy from
the sectarian past but neutralise its
fascination. Indeed, as I walked down
towards the Peace Bridge and the Foyle,
I looked over the city to endless green
hills. The arcadian and the urban seem
to co-exist in Northern Ireland, giving a
certain poignancy to Dana’s Coulterpenned
Eurovision hit: “All kinds of
everything remind me of you.”
Robert recommends
It’s quite remarkable how much
high quality live music you can find
throughout Ireland! In our holiday
packs we recommend the very best
places to find it.
Our irish music trail has already
proved a popular option, and we also
offer a three night Music Break in
Donegal. This can be combined with
many of our other holidays, or simply
enjoyed as a short break on its own.
11

Coming from South Africa, having their
holiday tailormade for them made a real
difference. “Due to the limited time we
had available, we were able to travel
without wasting time.”
None of the three had ever been to
Ireland before. But what they were
struck by was “the relaxed and friendly
attitude of the local people.” It felt like
they were experiencing “the true emerald
green of the island” and they were
thoroughly impressed by the efficiency
Neil, Vivienne and Caroline based
their holiday on our Cork to
Connemara self-drive touring
holiday, which we then adapted
because they also wanted to stay
in Dublin.
Our tailormade service means we
will design a holiday to meet your
personal requirements. We pride
ourselves in finding great places
to stay – locally owned and
independent, each with their
own unique characteristics.
12
Emerald Adventure
For Neil and Vivienne Fishwick and
Caroline Finlay, their tailormade tour
captured the real flavour of Ireland.
Robert recommends
and enthusiasm of the people running
every establishment or service they
came across.
On a ten-night tour of Ireland, taking in
Kinsale and Baltimore as well as County
Kerry, County Clare and Connemara, they
wanted to get a flavour of the real Ireland.
“The buildings and gardens were cherished
and well maintained despite their age,”
says Vivienne, “with the history and
charm intact. The atmosphere, traditional
food and music at the Irish Pubs lived
up to their reputation. Each delightful
meal was made with fresh ingredients,”
she continues, “and Caroline was
awarding points for the best
Seafood Chowder!”
Robert Kidd’s holiday itinerary had
been based on their interests – and
as a horticulturist, gardens mean a lot
to Neil. “The gardens we visited were
impressive, even in the rain – and the
scenery in Ireland is so very green,
gentle and at times dramatic!”
They found that each B&B they stayed
at was “off the beaten track, very
comfortable, set in superb surroundings
and with plenty of privacy. We enjoyed
warm receptions, and loved the fresh
fruit, yogurt, porridge, and traditional
breakfasts. And of course, the suggestions
about local places of interest were
extremely helpful too.”
“The accommodation was superb – each
time we moved to our next destination
we were impressed by their comfort,
charm and uniqueness.”
If they’d tried to arrange the holiday for
themselves, Vivienne can’t help thinking
they’d have ended up “staying in towns
where we would have been cramped and
would not have been able to appreciate
the natural surroundings and silence.”
They brought back many and varied
things: “a beach pebble, traditional
music CD, a gorgeous purple tweed
and leather handbag, a silk scarf … and,
naturally dish towels.”
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110

But perhaps the best reminders
are those unique memories that
will stay with them. “For Neil, the
real highlight of the holiday was
playing mouth harp together with
David Howley and Derek Mullen at
Connelly’s Pub in Clifden!”
“ We’ve always
been keen to
visit Ireland,”
says Vivienne.
“ For us it was about
experiencing the
culture, natural
surroundings,
gardens, cuisine
and traditional
music.”
Travellers’ Tales
Tell us your story and
you could win £200
Do you have a great tale to tell about your McKinlay Kidd
holiday? Whether you saw something that inspired you,
met an interesting character, or had an unforgettable
experience, we’d love to hear about it.
We’re not looking for a full travelogue, just a simple story
well told. It could be any recent McKinlay Kidd holiday,
or a 2012 trip – all we ask is that you tell it in no more
than around 300 words. We’ll publish our favourite entries
on our website and next year’s brochure – and there’s a
£200 McKinlay Kidd holiday voucher for the best one.
Close date end October 2012. See website for full terms
and conditions.
You can email your entry to me at
robert@mckinlaykidd.co.uk
or post it on our Facebook page.
Coasting
Stéphane Aube recalls a
relaxing journey around
the coast of Ireland,
visiting magical places
like the Giants Causeway,
Carlingford and Kinsale.
Canadian Stéphane and his girlfriend
Sophie Martin found the coast, including
the mysterious Giant’s Causeway, truly
spectacular – with views all the way over
to Scotland in some parts. “One day we
picked up fish and chips in Bushmills,”
recalls Sophie. “We drove to a beach not
far away to eat it while we watched an
amazing sunset reflected in the ocean.
I’ll always remember it.”
“We loved Belfast,” adds Stéphane.
“The splendid City Hall with its fine
marbled entrance, and famous pubs
like the atmospheric Crown Bar –
which does a mean Irish stew.”
Looking back on their holiday, Stéphane
and Sophie felt they learned a lot about
the history of Ireland, and enjoyed
meeting people, finding out how they
live. They remember fondly hotels
“with cosy coal fires and old timber
beams, excellent restaurants and friendly
service – and a
wide selection
of whiskey!”
13

14
Here’s a thought...
As well as being a native of the country, Robert Kidd has travelled
extensively in Ireland to seek out the kind of things it’s all too easy
to miss. Here are just a few of the interesting places he’s come across
during his travels.
malin Head is Ireland’s most
northerly point. Caffe Banba
is the perfect place to enjoy
a great coffee and handmade
cake, as you admire the
fantastic views over Donegal
and across to Scotland.
the Aran islands have an
alluring atmosphere, with
their rocky limestone “fields”,
mosaic of stone walls, sandy
beaches and ancient cliff top
forts. Don’t forget to buy a
hand-knit Aran jumper!
Sunsets from Kerry are
unforgettable. The whole
west coast offers plenty of
great locations for those
who love a good sunset
picture – this one was taken
from the Ring of Kerry.
Kilbeggan Distillery
is a fabulous piece of
industrial heritage, saved
from dereliction by the
local community. With a
working water wheel, it
once again operates as
a boutique distillery.
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
Ballintoy Harbour is just a few
miles from the Giants Causeway.
Reached by a steep single track
road, this tiny fishing harbour
is just one of the many hidden
gems of the Antrim Coast.
the titanic visitor Experience
in Belfast promises to be one of
the new must-see destinations
in the British Isles. Its opening
has been timed to mark the
centenary of the tragic sinking.
inch Abbey is just one of many
fascinating historic attractions
in County Down. This monastic
site originally dates from
800AD, and the Norman Abbey
ruins are truly atmospheric.
Last year saw two very high-profile visits to Ireland – by the Queen,
and by the President of the United States. While Her Majesty was more
interested in visiting the National Stud, and Barack Obama in tracing his
Irish ancestry, both knew they couldn’t miss Guinness!

Bob and Catherine
Brown unearth a
family connection in
Ireland’s Southwest
From Cork
to Kerry
Delightful harbour villages…ancient stone circles…
stunning countryside. Southwest Ireland is one of the
country’s most beautiful areas. During their week there
Bob and Shirley Brown toured from the bustling village of
Baltimore in West Cork to Rosslare in County Wexford.
“We’d heard about the scenic attractions
of Southwest Ireland,” says Bob Brown,
“and thought we’d like to go.”
“We’ve become tired of the hassle involved
in flying,” he continues, “and my wife had
never been to Ireland before – though
she has long wanted to. I have to say,
we weren’t disappointed by the scenery!”
Having previously booked a holiday in
Scotland through McKinlay Kidd, Bob and
Shirley turned to them for a tailormade
holiday in Ireland. From their ferry
crossings and accommodation, down
to personal recommendations and
suggestions based on local knowledge,
every aspect of their holiday was
painstakingly planned in advance.
“It’s very convenient,” they agree – and
they felt they could rely on the services of
the company. As Bob says, “we have come
to trust Robert and his choice of hotels
and routes,” and they had no hesitation
in following his recommendations
throughout their holiday.
Getting the details right is something
that McKinlay Kidd take a lot of care
over – so when Robert recommends
something, it’s based on personal
experience, as well as an understanding
of what people are looking for.
For example, on this holiday some of the
suggestions included the lighthouse at
the dramatic Mizen Head, the Skelligs
and the medieval town of Kinsale.
Continued overleaf
15

“ It was superb,”
says Bob. “Quiet,
and really high
quality. We loved
the location, and
the proprietors
were so friendly
and helpful.”
16
The Browns stayed in a variety of places during
their holiday, from the “busy, friendly” hotel
in Baltimore to an historic house in Rosslare.
But the one that really stood out for them, they
say without hesitation, was the Tahilla Cove on
the Ring of Kerry.
“It was superb,” says Bob. “Quiet, and really
high quality. We loved the location, and the
proprietors were so friendly and helpful.”
The Browns would have no hesitation in
recommending a tour of the Southwest.
And with a holiday that brings back so
many wonderful memories, perhaps it’s not
surprising that Bob finds it difficult to decide
on one as their favourite.
However, in the end it’s the museum at
Skibbereen that he chooses. “It was a gem,”
he says, “very interesting and well presented.
I had a family connection in this town going
back to the 1930s – and I was so pleased to
find a reference to them in the museum!”
Chris and Kate Wait chose a 10-day
holiday in the Western Isles with
McKinlay Kidd. “It looked like a
good introduction to the Outer
Hebrides,” says Chris. “We were
attracted by the remoteness and
the slower pace of life there.
And having not been before,
we were happy to follow the
McKinlay Kidd itinerary.”
Their holiday began with a ferry
ride to the Isle of Barra, where
they stayed in a hotel that had
originally been a church and
mission house.
Following Barra, they departed
for North and South Uist and
Benbecula, via Eriskay – famous
as the setting of the movie
Whisky Galore. From here, their
tour of the Hebrides continued
with the Isle of Harris, then
Lewis with its many fascinating
archaeological sites. They finished
their holiday with a night’s stay
on the Isle of Skye.
“We love Skye, Mull and
Northwest Scotland generally,”
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
Outer
spaces
Even when things
weren’t all plain
sailing, the Waits had
an island-hopping
holiday to remember.
continues Chris. “And on this
holiday, we were struck by
the friendliness of everyone
we met – including the cheerful
Calmac staff.” And as it turned
out, the ferry crossings meant
plenty of opportunities to see
gannets in flight and get closer
to the friendly, inquisitive seals.
Holidays are about memories
that stay with you, and Chris
loved the lunar landscape of
Harris “and the guest appearance
of a Golden Eagle on the walk
into Tarbert.”
For Kate, what sticks in her mind
was the great food, especially
the fresh fish. Not to mention
“the rainbow appearing over the
eerie standing stones at Callanish.”
Throughout their holiday, the Waits
were impressed by the hospitality,
comfort and variety of the
accommodation that McKinlay
Kidd had arranged for them.
This ranged from “small family run
guest houses to the spectacular
country house hotel on Skye,

“the guest
appearance
of a Golden
Eagle”
complete with complimentary
Scotch and Sherry!”
One thing all the places had
in common though, was that
they were “informal, relaxed
and welcoming.”
Chris and Kate agree on the
difference it made, having their
holiday tailor made for them.
“The itinerary and accommodation
were clearly chosen based on
specialist local knowledge, and
that was invaluable. It meant we
were able to get on and enjoy
ourselves without any hassle.”
“The backup support was superb,”
continues Kate. “Day one of our
holiday was disrupted by the tail
end of a hurricane – resulting in
our ferry to Barra being cancelled.
The team at McKinlay Kidd
booked us into a hotel in Oban,
rearranged our ferry booking –
and even developed a range of
contingency plans if the next
day’s ferry was cancelled!”
Happily for the Waits, that ferry
wasn’t cancelled. But when you’re
island-hopping, it’s good to know
that you won’t be left stranded.
Robert recommends
As well as this holiday, we also offer
week long options, visiting the Outer
Hebrides without Skye – both ferry
based and as fly-drive holidays.
Our Hebridean Triangle holiday is
designed for those who prefer shorter
ferry crossings, and we also offer
once-in-a-lifetime day trips to the
truly magical – and far flung – island
of St Kilda.
For a short break with a real difference
why not fly to the Isle of Barra?
The runway is a cockle beach, and
the timetable varies with the tides.
It was recently voted the most scenic
airport in the world.
Our
grAnD
tOur
Betty Birney, a children’s
author from Los Angeles,
and her husband Frank
spent a memorable week
touring Scotland by train.
For Frank and Betty, their rail trip through the
Highlands and the Isles and north to Loch Ness
was full of highlights. The views of Ben Nevis
from Spean Bridge. The Jacobite Steam Train
from Fort William to Mallaig. The ferry to the
Isle of Skye.
“Skye was hauntingly picturesque,” says Betty.
“We hired a local driver guide recommended
by McKinlay Kidd, and were so glad we did.
He drove us to Dunvegan Castle and Portree,
and was very friendly and knowledgeable.”
Throughout their holiday, people made a big
impression. “Some people at our hotel invited
us to go for a morning walk with them – and
Harry the dog – at a nearby beach. They even
drove us down there.”
Setting off from Edinburgh on their grand tour,
it was a full itinerary. “We loved the Tattoo,
the steam train and the scenery everywhere.
Some people prefer to drive so they can be
more in control of every moment, but it’s
better to be a bit adventurous and to welcome
the unexpected.”
“ The planning by
McKinlay Kidd
really got us
everywhere
without a hitch.
So much thought
obviously went
into the planning
of this trip, giving
us the freedom to
explore and enjoy.
It was completely
hassle-free travel.”
17

18
Holiday HQ
A glimpse behind the
scenes at McKinlay Kidd
Booking your holiday with McKinlay Kidd is just the start. The company takes pride in
making sure every aspect of your visit goes the way it should – and if there’s a problem,
they take care of it. One of the people dedicated to looking after customers is Julie Morris:
“While some people are travelling to Scotland or Ireland for the first time, others have been
many times before,” she says. “But in some ways you’re helping people fulfil their dreams.”
Julie is in charge of the operations side
of McKinlay Kidd. Ask her to describe a
typical day, and she replies with a smile.
“There’s no such thing! I could be booking
and confirming holiday requirements,
speaking to clients who are planning a
holiday, or putting together holiday packs.”
Every one of these is produced individually,
with a detailed holiday itinerary and
a selection of maps and guides.
Julie’s justifiably proud of the fact that
consistently 90% of customers rate
their packs as excellent in their holiday
surveys each year.
As Julie points out, hers can be a
rewarding job. “We sometimes help
customers plan birthday treats, weddings
and honeymoons, so it’s very satisfying
knowing you’re playing a part in their
special moments.”
“In fact,” she adds, “we had one client who
told us he was going to propose on holiday
and we had to keep it a secret from his
girlfriend. Thankfully she said yes!”
But the job also has its challenges.
Particularly very stormy weather, when
Visit: www.mckinlaykidd.co.uk Call: 0844 873 6110
ferries are occasionally cancelled.
“Obviously when things go wrong it’s
very frustrating. Thankfully we’ve dealt
with most eventualities and can usually
find a solution.”
Not all of Julie’s working week is
spent in the company’s Glasgow office.
She also travels to places so she can talk
knowledgeably about them. Her favourite
places? “The Isle of Eriska, near Oban is
very special. I also loved Orkney, and
Barra is a ‘must see’, with white beaches,
green sea and incredible blue sky.”
“And recently,” she adds, “I was lucky
enough to represent the company at the
Guardian and Observer Travel Awards in
Tenerife, where we won Best Small Tour
Operator!” Ah, it’s a tough job. But as
they say, someone’s got to do it.

Robert’s
round-up
Why does the North
still remain Ireland’s
hidden gem?
The city I remember from my youth is now a very
different place. Visitors to Belfast always comment
on how welcoming it is – much more so than
they’d expected. Our holidays often include a
black taxi tour so that visitors can understand
more about the political history of the city.
I had mixed feelings about the new Titanic centre
– but the more I’ve learned, the more impressed
I have become with the concept. This really is
a fitting commemoration to one of the most
famous, and tragic, events of the 20th century.
In a truly remarkable building, using the latest
technology, the centre tells the story of a time
of great social change and movement of peoples.
And it’s all set in the imposing surroundings of
the shipyard and dry dock where Titanic and her
sister ship were actually built.
My top five moments
from last year
1. Sitting on a deserted golden
sandy beach in Kintyre in
late April.
2. Driving an open top car
through snow in
Perthshire – in May!
3. Hearing Kate O’Callaghan
sing for the first time at
McGrorys in Donegal.
4. An Autumnal walk in the
sun from the foot of
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
to Haymarket station.
5. Standing in magical Nendrum
Abbey in County Down, gazing
over Strangford Lough on a
winter’s morning.
I was born and brought up in Belfast.
I’m proud of my roots, and have always
believed Northern Ireland has more to
offer than many people realise. In 2012,
that’s truer than ever, with the opening
of the Titanic Visitor Experience and a
new National Trust interpretation centre
at the Giants Causeway.
It’s strange but really gratifying that visitors from
all over the world are now discovering just how
wonderful Northern Ireland is.
There’s much more to The Antrim Coast than the
Giants Causeway – though it is an unmissable
experience. There’s the rope bridge at Carrick
a Rede, as well as wonderful coastal spots
like Ballintoy, Murlough Bay, Cushendun and
Torr Head. Not forgetting my favourite castle
in the world: Dunluce, where exciting new
excavations are revealing more about its past.
For me County Down remains a real hidden
gem, with its small villages, patchwork fields,
cosy pubs and great cafes. There’s also
Strangford Lough, and loads of
historical sites – many of them
with a connection to St Patrick.
Funny who you meet on your
travels. On a visit to the
Aran Islands – a trio of
little islands in Galway Bay –
I bumped into the Irish
President, Mary McAleese!
Loved the Belfast Music Tour!
Fantastic to hear Van Morrison
being played as we toured the
very streets he sang about –
from Hyndford Street to
Cyprus Avenue.
19

Our 2011 competition winner, showing a beach at Vatersay, was taken by Francesca Boyle on holiday on the
Isle of Barra last summer. The judges thought it looked more like the Caribbean than Scotland at first glance,
and loved the charm of the little gate tied with a bit of old rope – to keep the cattle off the beach!
Seeing things differently
Could your best shot win £200
in our photography competition?
If you have a picture that shows Scotland or Ireland –
but with a difference – then we’d love to see it. It could
win you a £200 McKinlay Kidd voucher! Please email
your picture to info@mckinlaykidd.co.uk or post it on
our Facebook fan page (see website for terms and
conditions). Competition closes end October 2012.
Do you have a travel story to tell? See our competition
on page 13.
To find out more about our holidays visit:
www.SeeScotlandDifferently.co.uk
www.SeeIrelandDifferently.co.uk
Call 0844 873 6110 (+44 844 873 6110 from overseas)
From USA/Canada call toll free 1-866 922 8538
2011 competition runner-up by Sue Allen
2011 competition runner-up by Kenneth Rippengale