Build your own adventure in Scotland

The national tourism agency of Scotland is offering the chance of winning your own great Scottish adventure.

  • Feb. 15, 2011 4:00 p.m.

The national tourism agency of Scotland is offering the chance of winning your own great Scottish adventure.

Stay in a clan chief’s Scottish castle, experience the thrills of the Edinburgh Festivals, kayak with dolphins and whales off Scotland’s islands, treat yourself to the ultimate malt whisky indulgence and explore the secrets of Loch Ness.

These five amazing adventures in Scotland await the lucky winner.

“The Great Scottish Adventure really lives up to its billing. The experiences we’ve created are Scotland at its very best, from our unique culture and traditions to the stunning iconic scenery of the Highlands and from the magic of our islands to the vibrancy of Edinburgh’s Festivals,” said Ewan Colville, North America Marketing Manager, of VisitScotland.com.

Entrants to the Great Scottish Adventure can sign up to win at www.greatscottishadventure.com and choose three of the five possible adventures offered. Each choice gives a taste of Scottish culture.

The Edinburgh festivals adventure is presented by Joseph Winders, chief concierge at Edinburgh’s prestigious Balmoral Hotel.

The winner will enjoy a two-nights stay at the luxurious five star Balmoral Hotel and tickets to top Edinburgh Festival shows and the world-renowned Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.

Key to the castle is a two-night stay in the Duke of Argyll’s ancestral home — Inverarary Castle. Guests will spend an exclusive day fishing with a Ghillie on Loch Awe, plus be served a gourmet lunch at the award-winning Ardanaiseig Hotel.

Whisky heaven is presented by Scotch whisky expert Julie Trevisan Hunter, of Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience. Stay at the Home of Malt Whisky, Speyside, for two nights; enjoy visits to distilleries along the famous Malt Whisky Trail and a private VIP tour and tastings at Balvenie distillery.

The wild isle adventure will allow the winner to explore Scotland’s islands and stay for two nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel.

Experience breathtaking views on an exclusive walking tour, view the wonders of Fingal’s Cave and enjoy a wildlife cruise in the Inner Hebrides with the chance to spot eagles, seals and much more.

The final adventure is called the secret of Lock Ness.

Winners enjoy a two-night stay at Bunchrew House Hotel, a 17th century converted Scottish mansion, and get adventurous in Scotland with a 4×4 off-roading experience before experiencing the wonder of Loch Ness with a boat trip on the iconic waters.

The great Scottish adventure builds upon active Scotland, a year-long program of events and activities aimed at showcasing Scotland as an active and adventure tourism destination, while offering the competition winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Scotland at its very best.

Visit www.greatscottishadventure.com watch five great adventures videos and choose three to create and win your own great Scottish adventure.

Drive it home

A second contest gives entrants a chance to play with a legend of golf — Scotland’s Sam Torrance.

The Ryder Cup legend was a member of the first European team to achieve success on American soil in 1987.

One winner will get to take on the Scot at the new home of the Scottish Open at picturesque Castle Stuart, near Inverness. This championship course has greens that hug the coastline and sits atop a plateau.

“I’ve played golf all over the world, but nothing can match the experience of playing the game in Scotland — the undisputed home of golf,” said Torrance. “The Drive it Home campaign gives people everywhere the chance to enjoy some of this country’s finest courses and, of course, pit their wits against yours truly — I can’t imagine a much better prize than that.”

Visit www.driveithomescotland.com for more information.

Penticton Western News