Haggis and Highland Cow Adventure.
While visiting Scotland why not visit "Hamish" the Highland cow.
Travel through the nooks and glens, past the heather filled landscapes to the Kilmahog Woollen Mill in the Trossachs.
You can reach Kilmahog by car in just over one hour or you might like to take a bus day tour from Edinburgh with the likes of Timberbush Tours or Rabbies Travel or Heart of Scotland Tours.
There are several car hire companies in Edinburgh the price varies depending on the location you collect the car, size and for how many days also the time of year. Most car hire companies now only hire cars to over 25's. The best I have seen has been with Arnold Clark Car Hire £23 day hire pick up from Sighthill. They have three locations in Edinburgh, one at Edinburgh Airport, one based by the Gyle (Sighthill Branch) not far from Edinburgh Airport and the other to the south of the city heading to Portobello (Seafield Branch). There are local buses to all branches. Local bus fares start at £1.50 for an adult single ticket or £3.50 for an adult day ticket that allows you to travel on as many buses and routes as you like. If traveling as a family there is now a family ticket that allows two adults and up to three children to travel all day for £7.50.
The bonus of hiring a car is you can start and stop where ever you would like to. The drawback is that you might not see and find out as much, as you would on a tour. If you have children under five, unfortunately it is not possible to take the tour options. The day tours start from £33 per person for the Loch Lomond tour.
If it’s a dreck Scottish day don't worry, Hamish will be there with his tongue hanging out enjoying the lush green meadow grass.
You will see the mist lying on his thick woolly coat.
During the summer months Hamish might be on parade in a Highland show. The games take place between May and September. There is a lot to see and do, you might want to see the caber tossing or the highland dancing. If you visit the Braemar Gathering you might also spot the Royal Family.
Let’s not forget the Haggis, timid wee beastie. It is said if you watch closely you can see it scurrying away. The Scottish traditional dish was toasted by Robert Burns in 1787 with a "Address to a Haggis" and has become known as the national dish. Haggis is sheep's heart, liver and lungs minced together with onion and oatmeal then traditionally encased in the sheep's stomach. Today I am glad to say in sausage casing. If like me you are not overly keen there is a very tasty vegetarian option. The Haggis is served with Neaps and Tatties (Turnip and Potato's) It can be found in most pubs and in good restaurants. Haggis is especially popular as a dish when celebrating Robert Burns night in January.
Happy Travels.
