The Glen Massan Visitors Book 2014

In the office we have been enjoying reading the onboard visitors books from 2014.  Here are some of our favourites from the Glen Massan.

"The most wonderful experience.  Thank you for showing us a country we thought we knew".  

 Eileen Ramsay, Angus.  Private Cruise Charter April 2014.

"A great 50^th anniversary for Joan and I – Tropical weather in April!!  Just one day, wee drop of rain and choppy seas.  The crew, Skipper, excellent fellow passengers great company – Back to the gym to get slim".  

Mike Ellett, Australia. April 2014

"A truly magical holiday.  My heart is now definitely in the Highlands – and Islands!.  

Richard Rees, London.  May 2014.

"Our third voyage.  Each one different and lovely in its own way.  Thank you to the Captain and the crew for looking after us so well." 
Paul Salmon, England. June 2014. 

"What a great introduction to the islands.  We’ll be back".
Anne Treadaway, England. June 2014.

"Fabulous week.  Great food. Friendly crew – helpful with boisterous kids and decrepit oldies alike!" 
Ian Miller, Private Cruise Charter. July 2014. 

"Many thanks to a fabulous crew who looked after us so well.  Big respect to the Skipper for getting us to St Kilda and back safely.  The killer whales and pods of dolphins were a bonus.  Another tick on my bucket list.  Thank you." 
Anna Dorrington, England. August 2014.

"We’ve been to remote parts of Scotland I’ve only read about.  Thoroughly enjoyed the masterchef-like food, been rescued from fast flowing rapids by the engineer and had great fun in the evenings playing Flora’s Empires game.  Thank you for everything!" 
Carole McAlister, Glasgow. Aug 2014.  

"Outstanding cruise with exceptional weather, scenery and multinational passengers all sharing common interest in mode of travel and delight in sighting eagles, whales, dolphins and seals.  We had the happy fortune to blend and be in Scotland during historic times.  Food and crew beyond expectations. Their hard work was delivered with charm and ease belying the effort and thought to every detail.  Superb experience!" 
Richard & Rubyjean Gould, USA. Sept 2014.  

"This has been a wonderfully memorable experience and I am so grateful for the way my dream of the Caledonian Canal was revisited.  It will be forever in my heart and the images will live on in my soul." 
Trish Reid, Australia.  Oct 2014.

Island focus: Gigha

The tiny, beautiful Island of Gigha in the Southern Hebrides has a long history, having been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times.  Step ashore on the Isle of Gigha from the sea and you are following in the tracks of the people who settled from Ireland, the Vikings who plundered from distant Scandinavia and of the Norse King Hakon.  Gigha may have had an important role during the Kingdom of Dalriada and is the ancestral home of Clan MacNeill.  The Island is now community-owned with a population of 150 residents.

Gigha was attractive to settlers because of its fertile soil.  It is the most southerly of the Hebridean Islands and one of the most beautiful . Seven miles long by a mile and a half wide, Gigha is three miles west of the Kintyre Peninsula, separated by the Sound of Gigha.  The environment is breathtaking with sandy beaches, clear green seas and is a haven for birdlife.

There are fabulous views of neighbouring islands to the west and the Kintyre mainland from the east of the island.  Because it is set on the eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Gigha attracts a wide variety of sea birds which breed on Eilean Garbh, a small tidal island in the North.  Gigha's unique microclimate allows the growing of tender plants from around the world, including an impressive collection of Rhododendron species. Achamore gardens covers 50 acres and is central to the life of the island.

The ancient history of Gigha is filled with turbulent times and legendary tales. It can still be felt at various archeological sites throughout the island.  Kilchattan chapel, dating from the 13^th century is near the entrance to Achamore Gardens .

Gigha is a popular stopover on our first cruise of the season, Mull of Kintyre and the Inner Hebrides, now only 3 cabins remaining for 2015.  It is also on the itinerary of The Heritage and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides, with one cabin for 2015 remaining on May 2nd.

A Sporting Holiday complete with Floating Lodge

The Majestic Line has teamed up with Charles Brownlow to offer the opportunity to stalk and fish in Argyll and the Hebrides in 2016, with our vessels providing a "floating lodge" for their guests.

Argyll and the Hebrides have a wealth of sporting, historic, architectural and scenic places to visit. Charles Brownlow offers tailor-made sporting holidays, enhancing the experience of Scotland to their guests by taking them on a unique Scottish sporting adventure.

Trips for the 2016 season will include fishing for salmon, sea trout and trout from June to September with the added bonus of sea fishing from the boat. From September to October, fishing, stalking and shooting are available.

No other sporting holiday has the ability for guests to take the accommodation with them, to follow the sporting chances on offer.  After a bracing day on the hill or in the river, guests will return to the warmth and comfort of their vessel, anchored nearby, to enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality.

Charles Brownlow offer tailored trips to suit specific requirements and can also incorporate a boat charter with an additional trip on the mainland.  Find out more about Charles Brownlow on their website

Winners Scottish Thistle Regional Awards

We are delighted to be a winner in two categories of the Scottish Thistle Regional Tourism Awards and we now go forward to compete in both categories in the prestigious Thistle Awards final in March.  We were awarded the “Best Holiday Accommodation” and “Discovering Scotland” awards at the Regional Finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards held on Friday November 7th at Hampden Park Glasgow.

The Awards recognize success, excellence and quality in Scotland’s Tourism Industry across a range of different categories.  We beat stiff competition on both Awards but were particularly delighted for our Sales Manager, Marie McGhee for winning the “Discovering Scotland”  Award, which is for individuals who go the extra mile in providing an outstanding visitor experience. 

On our tenth anniversary it is very rewarding to be recognized for the unique experience and individual attention that we offer all our guests.

David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland Regional Director said “Argyll and the Isles tourism businesses are certainly leading the charge when it comes to excellence, and that’s exactly what the Scottish Thistle Awards is all about; celebrating those who are doing everything they can to ensure visitors are offered the warmest possible welcome and a first-class memorable experience”

A total of 670 businesses were nominated for the Scottish Thistle Awards in 2014 with 555 businesses entering the regional heats.  A panel comprising of some of the most senior figures in Scottish tourism, as well as Tourism Ambassadors were responsible for determining the winners in each category.

The Scottish Thistle Awards will form part of the Signature Programme, part of Scotland Tourism Week 2015, running from March 3-5.  Glasgow will be the hub of Scotland’s Tourism Industry for three days, showcasing Scotland as an ultimate destination for food and drink tourism and Scottish hospitality.