Queen Victoria, Scotch, Wellies, Fife Arms, Robert Burns, Golf and Haggis?

Greetings from Braemar Scotland. My springtime Scotland sortie yielded so many valuable meetings and property stays. Many of our clients followed me to the fabulous Fife Arms and the
five-star Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Due to my timing, I was able to also visit the Royal Family Balmoral Castle and its beautiful gardens. Balmoral Castle has been the Scotland home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. Queen Elizabeth passed away peacefully here in September. Inspired by seeing Queen Victoria’s ‘A Stag Shot’, a pencil and watercolor drawing for John Brown at Fife Arms, I recently watched Dame Judy Dench in Mrs. Burns. A reminder of the ravishing Scottish countryside.

One of my absolute most delicious afternoons was spent with the owner of an exceptional touring firm in Braemar, where Fife Arms is located. A magnetic personality, owner of a Royal Deeside Premier Luxury firm; he has been a land steward in the area for decades. A well-known local character often to be found in bright yellow wellies with his two chocolate cocker spaniels – Rosie & Peggy – in tow. He is originally from Northumberland, just south of the Scottish Border. Having spent many happy summer childhood holidays stalking the Scottish hills with his parents, grandparents, and siblings he always knew he wanted to live here full time. For over 21 years he managed Invercauld estate (the large estate by Braemar, stretching from south of Glenshee to east of Ballater and north towards Strathdon) until his retirement.

He mentioned he could take our clients out in a modern Range Rover or his two passenger Morgan. I exclaimed, a Morgan?  I used to drive a Morgan! He stood up and said come with me, we are going to my house to see my Morgan! With a questioning glance to the Fife Arms ghillies, they smiled and said he is safe – go!

Our Fabulous Scottish Guide with his Morgan and his Yellow Wellies!

An Elder at Crathie Kirk, he can tell you many behind the scenes stories as well as showing you the grave of Queen Victoria’s favorite, John Brown, in the old kirk yard. He has unparalleled knowledge of the locality and its traditions, is a Braemar Local History Group guide and sits on the board of VisitAberdeenshire, the destination organization covering the north east of Scotland. A tour with him will leave you informed, entertained, well versed in local folklore while sharing the local hidden gems.

In the words of our favorite guide in Scotland “We can take you anywhere in Scotland. We have a stunningly beautiful country with so much diversity in the landscapes and culture, but Royal Deeside is our first and foremost love.”

If you want majestic hills and world class landscapes, royalty, a rich and sometimes bloody history, castles, a rushing river, highland cows – or even a unique visit to Crathie Kirk where the Royal family worship when they are here then he is the tour guide for you. Our clients have followed and raved!

Perhaps a picnic lunch at the late Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother’s picnic house with a roaring log burning fire and wide-open views across Balmoral Estate to the mighty Lochnagar – or maybe an eclectic café serving delicious lunches and coffee…? 

Our favorite host, a born raconteur, has lived and worked in the area for thirty years, is passionate about the local area and the local community. Several of our clients enjoyed hiking about the Royal grounds with him.

Balmoral Castle

Whatever your interests, whatever your tastes, be you young or old or somewhere in between, a morning, an afternoon, a day or more with this unique and knowledgeable guide will leave you entertained and with far more insight into the area than any guidebook can relate. His genuine interest in each of our clients has led to very successful days, he tailors each bespoke outing to the needs of each guest, whether they be slow strollers or zealous hikers.

There are so many extraordinary and varied areas of Scotland, which he can help you explore and make lifelong memories to take home with you.

Fife Arms enticements: BURNS NIGHT But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, Gie
her a Haggis.  On Saturday 28th January 2023, enjoy an evening of poems, pipers,
and puddings as we commemorate the life of Scotland’s most beloved bard, poet
and lyricist, Robert Burns. Every year, Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland
to mark his unique contribution to Scottish culture and history. This year they
will be joined by Scotland’s Makar, Kathleen Jamie. There is no place more
atmospheric than the Fife Arms to mark this uniquely Scottish event.  

‘Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang ‘s my arm.’  

Address to a Haggis  Robert Burns

Robert Burns

KILTED OPEN. Discover one of Scotland’s most dramatic golf courses nestled in a remote valley of the Cairngorms National Park. A true community course, the Braemar Golf Club, provides a unique opportunity to play a round of golf overlooked by golden eagles, stags, and other rare wildlife. From the 12th – 14th May 2023, the Fife Arms is partnering with the club to host a tournament that celebrates the magic of Scotland and its most famous sporting export. The Kilted Open offers the chance for golfers of all levels to play as part of a 4-ball or create their own 4-ball in the Texas Scramble format. Each team has to create a name for themselves and there is a prize for the best name. The wearing of kilts by all players is strongly encouraged.  

Gather your Golf Tribe for the Kilted Open!

BRAEMAR LITERARY FESTIVAL. Following the incredible success of the inaugural Braemar Literary Festival in October, we are delighted to confirm that the Festival is returning in 2023. Join us on 29th September – 1st October, for a weekend exploring the creative use of words and
text in their broadest sense, celebrating the works of bestselling authors alongside visual artists, spoken word performers, singer-songwriters, and publishers alike. 

Queen Victoria A Stag Shot

What could be better Fife Arms and our Glorious Yellow Wellie wearing Guide? Where do you want to visit in Scotland, we can create unforgettable adventure’s everywhere.

Happy 350th Birthday – Celebrate Charleston!

The grand dame city of Charleston kicked off their tricentennia with a 300-gun salute followed by a parade and a ball, the festivities continued for more than a month. Eight days of the activities were named for each of the Lords Proprietors, the individuals who were granted a royal charter to found Charles Towne.

Now, in 2020, for Charleston’s semiseptcentennial — that’s half of a 700th anniversary, or septcentennial — the celebration will last all year. 

Charming Charleston is the oldest and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina, known for its large role in the American slave trade. Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England. Known for historic charm, few cities outshine Charleston, one of the South’s most appealing destinations!

Luxurious Lodging – may we recommend one of our favorite Belmond properties: Charleston Place. Where Southern charm meets timeless elegance. Sitting on the city’s iconic King Street, Belmond Charleston Place is a timeless gem in this historic South Carolina town. Boasting more than 400 spacious accommodations, it is the largest Belmond property in the world and, with a renowned restaurant, stylish Southern charm and live music seven nights a week.

Charleston Place

Celebration Activities: Gardeners and historic architectural tours will be featured events. Garden and historic home tours as group reserved events run from March 11 – through April 18, 2020. A collection of stimulating events, including cuisine, gardens, architecture and musical performances round out a full calendar. Plan a few days to savor fine food, history, gardens and architecture.

A month of celebrations includes several more exclusive events, the Architectural Splendor Tour of Showcase Houses hosts smaller groups to visit magnificent architectural treasures and their incredible decorative arts and furnishings collections will be interpreted by leading local experts during this once-in-a-lifetime tour. Guests will gather in small, intimate groups to visit four select properties south of Broad Street in the Old and Historic District. Tickets: $150 per person.  Advance purchase is required. Limited availability. Date: March 19, 2020.

Charleston Gardens

Garden Splendor Tours: Passionate gardeners and horticulture devotees will savor four spectacular gardens in the historic district. Enthusiasts will gather in small, intimate groups to learn the trials, tribulations and triumphs of designing and maintaining a selection of Charleston’s most celebrated gardens. Tickets: $150 per person. Advance purchase is required.  Limited availability, dates March 26, 10:00 am – 12:00 or April 1, 2020. Time: 2- 4:00 pm.

The city boasts a vibrant contemporary art scene well worth exploring, a very walkable city tour begins at the core of the city — south of Route 17 highway – it’s compact, safe and walkable. Start your exploration with a morning on foot in the handsomest part of town, the cherished South of Broad neighborhood. Take a step back into history and explore the beautiful antebellum neighborhood, the district dates back to 1721 and features rare historic homes amongst cobblestone streets. One of the true gems of the South, this neighborhood is a beloved part of downtown Charleston. It boasts traditional southern architecture and homes that look straight out of an American storybook. Guided walking tours can be arranged. Suggested reading: Pat Conroy novel, “South of Broad”.

Charleston Gardens

Unique Shopping: Charleston remains remarkably independent from the outside world; it may be a small city, enjoy a vigorous assortment of unique shops, particularly as you move north and away from the most touristy bits of the historic center. 

Lively libations and the dining scene has become a foodie mecca. Husk and its petite bar across the alley are two of the best things about the city’s restaurant scene.  Husk, transforms the essence of Southern food. Executive Chef and Lowcountry native, Travis Grimes, reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in the South. And right across the alley, in a beautifully renovated old brick building, is where you’ll find the Bar at Husk. Squeeze your way in – and peruse the creative cocktail menu, filled with excellent southern classics, including the Sazerac. 

Add golfing to your itinerary by a visit to Kiwah Island, one of the country’s top golf resorts, featuring five championship courses in privileged oceanfront locations, all centered around one of the East Coast’s most luxurious resort hotels, The Sanctuary. 

Back to the Birthday! Gardens are open during the month of March and April on specific dates if you are interested in a self-guided tour of some of Charleston’s most splendid gardens. These walking tours are arranged so guests may stroll leisurely through approximately seven private gardens.

Gullah Spirituals Concert Spiritually Yours ensemble

Guides are stationed at each location to provide information about garden design, plant material and history. Colorful blooms are found in many of Charleston’s spring gardens, while others display elegant, limited palettes of green and white. Scale and proportion are deftly used to complement each house, whether it boasts a small courtyard space or a series of garden “rooms.” In addition to frequently favored plants, such as azaleas, camellias, climbing roses and tea olives, look for masonry walls, wrought iron gates, parterres edged with boxwood, water features, statues and garden rooms with slight but changing elevations as you stroll through a selection of sophisticated Charleston gardens. Each Glorious Gardens tour includes a wine reception in the garden of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, 51 Meeting Street, from 4-5 pm. Tours $55.00.

Charleston Gardens

Combine the garden tours with special educational programs: March 16, Flavors of the Lowcountry: Reviving Gullah-Geechee Cuisine. Charleston-native Chef BJ Dennis serves Lowcountry history and culture through his food. West African slaves brought foodstuffs that have since become staples of the Southern diet, and they plied the local waters for seafood. As an ambassador of Gullah-Geechee cuisine, Chef Dennis is studying, reviving and sharing their foodways, the basis for much of “Southern cooking.”

Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture Series:This is an event in the Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture Series. The luncheon lecture series will take place in an informal setting at the historic Captain James Missroon House, c. 1808. Join us atop Charleston’s High Battery and enjoy a commanding view of Charleston Harbor and the antebellum mansions along East Battery. Participants will enjoy a casual light lunch of salads and sandwiches.

Experience the music that defines Charleston’s history–gospel, Gershwin, Civil War songs, jazz, and light classics —coming to life in historic Circular Congregational Church in live 75-minute concerts. Gullah Spirituals Concert: Clap your hands and stomp your feet during an exhilarating performance of Gullah spirituals and the music of the Sea Islands. The ancestors of the Gullah people brought a rich heritage of African cultural traditions to this country, and the Spiritually Yours ensemble will share that extraordinary musical inheritance with you. The Circular Congregational Church, c. 1892, provides a splendid setting. March 19, 5:30 pm.

March 18, Fabric, Fashion and Freedom: Clothing and Its Production in Colonial Charleston ~or~ What to Wear to a Revolution. Clothing is one of the most intimate expressions of a culture. This program lends a peek at what women did, thought, experienced, and wore during the period of our nation’s birth. Historian Jean Hutchinson will share her extensive research into the roles that women of the Carolina Lowcountry played prior to and during the American Revolution through their words and fashions. Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture Series: This is an event in the Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture Series. The luncheon lecture series will take place in an informal setting at the historic Captain James Missroon House, c. 1808. Join us atop Charleston’s High Battery and enjoy a commanding view of Charleston Harbor and the antebellum mansions along East Battery. Participants will enjoy a casual light lunch of salads and sandwiches.

Enjoy the selected listings of the events, find the full schedule at http://www.historiccharleston.org/blog/events/category/festival-houses-gardens/

Plan a few days to enjoy the architecture, glorious gardens and fine cuisine!