BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?

Subject: BS: VTam in Scotland JUL 09: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 10:10 AM

Hello Catters

Me and TheSilentOne are holidaying in northwest Scotland (my favoritest place in the world) mid July this Summer. Only been to Scotland for Live 8 and one week camping Oban 2005 and one week self catering in Callender 2007.

Never been further north that Fort William.

Thinking about going to the HEBRIDEAN CELTIC FESTIVAL in Stornoway.

Can any one tell me about sing around sessions there or anywhere else between Oban and Ullapool in mid July?

I can't camp any more so suggestions of good B&Bs wouldn't go unappreciated.

Ta

Tam

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: peregrina
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 04:45 PM

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Have you checked out or joined the footstompin records forum here? Seems like more Scots there and you might get more replies?

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 04:52 PM

Hi VT, have only been around Oban on holiday & found lots of singing & sessions there. Am sure that someCat here will point the way for you further north or that a little hunting will root out some good sessions. Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 09:05 PM

Skye is worth a few days on the way if you have the time. Visitor centre and accomodation office in Portree, plenty of B&Bs there and elsewhere, Occasional pub music sessions, ceilidhs for the tourists and concerts all possible. Stornoway also has good range of B&Bs. I was there in September a couple of years ago and had no trouble finding places to stay - also used some of the independent hostels that abound - particularly recommend Garenin Black House hostel, not far from Callanish Stone Circle and Carloway Broch, also Am Bothan (The Bunkhouse) in Leverborough. In July you would be well advised to book ahead. Also be aware that Sunday observance is still taken very seriously in Lewis and Harris, You can still travel around (provided you filled up on Saturday) but shops, cafes etc may not be available.
If you can, get an Island-Hopper ticket that will allow you to follow the Hebridean chain of islands (some are joined by causeways) down to Barra (look out for the Vatersay Boys anywhere on route), then back to Oban. Fantastic beaches all to yourself.
Have a great trip.
Ross

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 08:49 AM

Get one of those maps that shows where each whisky comes from. Some also give tasting notes so you can tailor your visits to the distilleries that most pique your palate.

I am not fond of Oban Malt, and the last time I was in Oban in a holiday season it seemed to be full of drunken Scousers whose idea of hilarity was to kick a dustbin over.

Two friends and I drove up the West coast, across the top, and down the East in a week - drive, go to town, ask police where we could camp without causing trouble, imbibe local spirit, move on next day. But that was in the 70s.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 09:01 AM

Thanks to

Peregrina for the link. I am bit hesitant to go into a (for Scots only) forum without specific invitation and introduction. I will look again and see what if feels like in there before posting question.

My guru... for the encouragement.

Ross for the useful information.

Richard - I am looking for live music not drunken road trip. :~)

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 04:30 PM

refrshing cuz I am going off line now and may not be back much this week ...(groan work).... and I am afraid it will fall off the board.

Please feel free to add advice and many thanks in advance.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 06:00 PM

Sabine here runs a session in Oban, I forget when.

The Ceilidh House in Ullapool often has events.

In between I'm not sure there is much that's scheduled regularly.

One place I went to recently for the first time is Kilmartin, south of Oban. It's one of the most interesting prehistoric sites in Britain. The B&B there is fine. Accessible by public transport (the bus from Oban to Lochgilphead). No live music that I know of though.

There are often events in Tobermory, sometimes other parts of Mull. The bus service on Mull is not very good, though- if you find something in Bunessan you won't be going anywhere when it finishes.

In much of the Highlands, tourist information offices know about folk events. Phone a few and talk to a human. You can usually afford to be flexible about where and when you go (maybe less so on Skye, it's the most heavily touristed per head of population).

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 06:06 PM

Look here

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 02:24 PM

I've not yet been to Scotland ~ my one and only transatlantic trip was to England (East Anglia, where my brother lives) and Ireland, for one week each, in August of 2005.

You may not yet realize how much further north than Virginia you'll be. I was astounded to find that the sun was still out at 10:30 or 11 pm in County Mayo, Ireland, in August. In July, up in northeastern Scotland, the days will be even longer than that.

Of course, in wintertime, the days up there are as extremely short as they are long in summer. When I'm tempted to leave the US and move to my ancestral homeland, I have to remind myself that my brief summertime visit was NOT a representative sample of life year-round in that corner of the globe...

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 03:48 PM

Thanks Jack good info to know. Wonder would someone give Sabine a nudge this way?

Woohoo John! Great link.

PoppaGator- I know about the light cause I've done 2 summer holidays in Scotland. It is wondeful. And were it not for my arthritis and SADS, I would retire to Scotland. If I had the money, I would have a little cottage or croft in Scotland as a holiday place. sigh.

My first night camping in Scotland it was lovely to see a full moon rise between two rocky outcrops in the sea near Oban. It was 10:00pm or thereabouts and the sky was an incredible deep deep blue. Visited Kilmartin Glen, standing stones and cairns, Dunadd (my foot fit), and cup and ring marks, Glencoe (my favorite bit of Scotland), and Rannoch Moor. Did a couple of seal watching trips and visited the seal rescue centre, Dunstaffnage, Callander, Doune, Dockhart Falls, Crannog reconstruction at Loch Tay, Stirling, Edinburgh, Jedburgh, number of lochs, castles, loads of driving around chasing heather and sunshine and little winding streams.

This holiday we plan to go farther north and west. And really want some music experiences.

We will probably be arriving in Oban on 14 July stay 1 or 2 nights then start making our way north towards Ullapool then back down to Oban or Callendar between 21 and 24 July, depending on how long we want to spend. Plan to visit Skye for 2 or 3 days. Maybe the Stornoway unless, anyone advises against the fesitival (see link in first post).

What I would like to do is find out what on (musically) where and then decide where to go based on that information.

So I will contact the Visitor Centres. Any other Cats advice is apprectiated.

Tamara

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 03:58 PM

You can always send a PM to any member (i.e., Sabine); no need to wait for the person to happen upon this thread. Just click "Personal Page" at the top of this page, then select the option to write/send a Personal Message and type in the first few letters of the person's Mudcat name.

If I had the money, I'd spend my winters here in New Orleans and skip off to northern Europe for May through September every year. Well, I might venture as far south as Italy and the French Riviera, but probably try to establish a base in Ireland, or maybe the UK or Amsterdam...

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:01 PM

Also try Mudcatter Strupag, aka Andy Mitchell, he lives in Portree. We run a Wednesday night session in Rosehall, which is about 45 miles north east of Ullapool. I shall be away at that time though, but Dave Goulder will be there.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Jan 09 - 05:15 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: My guru always said
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 01:31 PM

Shame you won't be around Oban on a Sunday afternoon, there's a magical session on Easdale Island. Good luck in your search & please keep us informed here, I add to my session database from these threads.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 07 Jan 09 - 07:24 PM

Aargh. Sabine's session is in Dunoon, not Oban.

Friday nights in the Crown Bar.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 09:47 AM

You can get to Dunoon by ferry from Gourock, along the south bank of the Clyde from Glasgow (follow the M8 westward, carry on after it runs out). A great way to approach the West Highlands, and avoids the Loch Lomond A82 bottleneck. (Either way, you don't want to be in a hurry - relax and enjoy the views!)

Ross

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 06:28 AM

This was our original schedule

14/07/2009, Tuesday        Oban
15/07/2009, Wednesday        Skye
16/07/2009, Thursday        Skye
17/07/2009, Friday        Skye
18/07/2009, Saturday        Ullapool
19/07/2009, Sunday        North of Inverness
20/07/2009, Monday        Kingussie or Pitlochrie
21/07/2009, Tuesday        Kingussie or Pitlochrie
22/07/2009, Wednesday        Jedborough or Kelso

Plans might change to fit in with sessions.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 06:46 AM

North of Inverness! Where?

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 07:14 AM

I dunno?

Husband just said we will stay somewhere north of Inverness.
He does the maps and th driving. I am searching the festivals and sessions and B&Bs. So maybe it depends on what I can find out about what is happening in that direction and where we can stay.

We will put all info into spreadsheet and start sorting out the where we stay based on the when we want to be there.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 09:01 AM

OK, I will have a look around for what is on. I live north of Invernes [60 miles], but at that time, I shall be at the Apple Hollow Music Fest in Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Sabine
Date: 18 Jan 09 - 05:06 PM

Hello Tam,

just stumbled over my name here :-)

Our session is usually on the first SUNDAY every month, but it might be a good idea to get in touch with the pub, just to be sure. It might be on another day due to footies or so.

The place is Dunoon, which is on the lovely Cowal Peninsula.

Please feel free to browse my website Thistle of Argyll & Clyde to get some inspiration.

If I can be of any help, please don't hesitate and get in touch.

Kind regards

Sabine

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: GUEST,KP
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 03:33 PM

Virginia,
If you are heading south from Pitlochry to Jedburgh on a Tuesday you'd be going through or close to Penecuik. They have a mixed folk club singers/players night most Tuesdays. Very friendly and a nice mixture from unaccompanied singers to a cellist.

See this page and the contact details therein.
Penicuik Folk Club

Al the best for your visit
KP

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 19 Jan 09 - 04:12 PM

John - appreciate any info you can supply. Sorry I will be missing chance to meet you. Have great time in Canada.

Ross and Sabine - unfortunately we won't be in Scotland until the 14th and staying through potentially the 23rd July. Looks like we miss the fun in Dunoon. I don't think caught the name of the club or the pub in Dunoon?

KP - Penecuik looks quite doable. Thanks for the link to the club site.

Thanks all

Tamara

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Sabine
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 09:25 AM

Tamara,

there is also the folk club in Greenock.

A good source for session venues ist www.footstompin.com

And the pub in Dunoon is called the "Crown Court Cafe Bar"

Have fun in Scotland!

Sabine

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jan 09 - 02:46 PM

Thanks Sabine.

and to Peregrina who post the link in earlier post. I will have a peek around.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 05:19 PM

Well because I cannot dine out without becoming scarily ill, we decided to self cater so I can cook safe meals. Booked a cottage at Peterburn near Gairloch, from Friday 17 July through Friday 24 July. Will take day trips out and about from there.

Would love to meet some Catters and listen in on a session somewhere, if there is anything going on within nightime driving distance.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 06:00 AM

Lochcarron has 2 hotels where there are regular music sessions.
The Rockvilla, and the Lochcarron Hotel. Lochcarron is north of Gairloch.
The Old Inn at Charleston, on the south side of Gairloch, is an excellent pub, which has lots of good Guest Beers.
There is also boat trips available from the harbour there. [There used to be anyway]
There's another nice pub at Badachro, which is on the South Erradale road.

John

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:46 PM

formalised plan

B&B Loch Lomond Thursday 16 July
Self catering in Gairloch (Melvaig, specifically) 17 - 24(morning) July
Maybe a shot up to Ullapool in the middle possibly a night on Skye somewhere in the week.
B&B Penrith Friday 24 July
Home on the 26th

We have decided to give the Hebridean Celtic Festival a miss, as we are not arriving to Melvaig until late 17 July.

Still trying to find out what to do regards music in driving distance of the Gairloch area. Any pubs with live music, sing a-rounds, etc.?

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 06:22 PM

Ferry Boat Inn, Ullapool, Thursday nights.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:09 PM

I presume you're going through either Glasgow or Edinburgh before Loch Lomond?

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 02:51 AM

Thanks John. Have fun at Apple Hollow.

Jack, we are doing a straight shot from Stratford upon Avon through Glasgow to Loch Lomond. No time to stop, I am afraid.

When we have a caravan, we will take longer more leisurely trips through Scotland. Hoping to meet catters and join in with musical festivities.

In 6 to 7 years we retire and will take even longer breaks in Scotland. I can't wait.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 11:12 PM

http://www.theceilidhplace.com/ in Ullapool is worth a visit in its own right. They have music dates on the 17th and 23rd/24th which are probably no use to you. And the week after they have the McCalmans (but you didn't want to be told that!)

On the way there you have to pass Inverewe Garden (National Trust for Scotland) (well worth a visit if you have any interest in plants and gardens) - there was also a restoration effort being made on a walled garden just south of Ullapool last time I was up (more than ten years ago!) Corrieshalloch Gorge is not too far away from where you are either, spanned by a spectacular footbridge if you're not of a nervous disposition.

Ross

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 02:45 AM

almost there. i can't wait.

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 04:02 AM

Have fun!!! :-) x

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: Zen
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 10:06 AM

I know it's not possible on your current itinerary but plenty of sessions available in Central Scotland for another time. Fell free to PM. Jack Campin will know the good Edinburgh and possibly Glasgow ones much better than me.

Zen

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: SharonA
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 10:27 AM

How come this music thread never made it above the line?

Have fun, VTam!

Sharon

Subject: RE: BS: VTam Scotland July 2009: What to do?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Jul 09 - 02:09 PM

Sigh! Last day and I don't want to leave.

This is where we stayed all week. Minch View

Spectacular views, well appointed lovely little house once owned and habited by poet/painter Constance Tremayne formerly of Kent and married to Modern Scottish poet Sydney Tremayne.

Lunched up the road at wonderful place Melvaig Inn twice. Owner/chef really into unusual music and had loads of books about Rock music, Encyclopedia of Rock. I spent most of today's lunch time reading The Complete Guitarist. I will be buying it for a Christmas prezzie for me. Yippee!

First night in Gairloch at the Old Inn we went for drinks and to hear live music. Young female, acoustic guitar singing her own stuff, some of which was a funky jazzy style. I didn't catch her name.

Drive from Gairloch to Ullapool is a must do!!!

Time to make last dinner and pack stuff up.

Ta