For this option, please ensure you bring warm, waterproof clothes and can board a boat unaided.
We will cruise on board a Catamaran vessel around the Firth of Forth estuary. This trip takes you around Craigleith with its 15,000 nesting Puffins and around the world-famous Bass Rock with its 150,000 nesting Gannets, the largest colony in the world.
We will then explore the pleasant seaside town of North Berwick with time for lunch in its many classic fish and chip shops, cafes, bars and ice cream parlours; explore the quirky tearooms, wildflower gardens, seabird centre, walk along the beaches or even go for a walk up Berwick Law for stunning views.
We will finish by exploring the grounds of the mighty 14th century Tantallon Castle, last truly great castle built in Scotland.
This trip will include transport between locations, boat trip fee and entry to the grounds of Tantallon castle. Lunch and refreshments not included but will be available for purchase during the day
Note: This will be a whole day coach based trip.
Contrast elegant architecture with sweeping coastal views. Compare the ruins of a wind-swept castle with the curves of an ancient golf course. And visit Scottish villages and towns that offer far more than their small size should allow. On this trip you will explore St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife including the following sights:
· Forth Bridges – An incredible engineering feat. A gorgeous setting. And a UNESCO World Heritage site.
· Anstruther – Be charmed by the cobbled lanes and quaint buildings of this traditional fishing village.
· St Andrews Cathedral – This ruined cathedral was once one of Scotland’s most magnificent buildings.
· St Andrews Old Town – Immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history as you explore the winding streets and ancient castle.
· The Old Course – Golf was so popular in Scotland, it was banned in the 15th century. And nowhere was it more popular than in St Andrews, ‘the Home of Golf’.
· Historic Village of Falkland – This quaint town in the Kingdom of Fife boasts a beautiful palace and a serene setting.
This trip will include transport between locations. Lunch and refreshments not included but will be available for purchase during the day. Please bring appropriate waterproof clothing in the event of bad weather.
Note: This will be a whole day coach based trip.
The valleys conceal treasures, beasts, and myths. The lochs provided food, water, and transport. And whisky kept the ancient cultures warm throughout the winter. On this tour, view lovely lochs, gorgeous glens, magnificent mountains and opulent castles on a tour that shows a diverse range of beautiful and iconic Scottish locations including:
· Dunkeld – This village is surrounded by luscious forest, and boasts an incredible ruined cathedral.
· The Hermitage – Venture through the dense woodland and enjoy gushing views of a gorgeous waterfall.
· Pitlochry – This town was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday spots.
· Queen’s View – Enjoy an iconic view said to have been a favourite of queens.
· Loch Tay and Kenmore – Learn about the Bronze Age loch dwellers at shores of a beautiful loch.
· Blair castle – The home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. The castle has had a diverse history with18th century interiors and Scots Baronial architecture.
This trip will include transport between locations and entry to Blair Castle. Lunch and refreshments not included but will be available for purchase during the day. Please bring appropriate waterproof clothing in the event of bad weather.
Note: This will be a whole day coach based trip.
Envision gory battles thrashing against the grand walls of Stirling Castle. Follow in the footsteps of the outlaws that hid amongst the hills of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. And relive the journeys taken by Rob Roy and William Wallace. This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to admire beautiful scenery and learn about the heroes, tragedies and landscapes that defined Scottish history. You will take in locations including:
· Stirling Castle – Choose to step inside and learn about the most important battles in Scottish history.
· The Trossachs – This beautiful region has attracted travellers from around the world since the 19th century.
· Rob Roy country – Visit the region where the ‘Scottish Robin Hood’ made his mark.
· Loch Lomond – One of Scotland’s largest Lochs. Admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family.
· The Kelpies – The largest pair of horse sculptures in the world are made from 300 tonnes of steel.
This trip will include transport between locations and entry to Stirling Castle. Lunch and refreshments not included but will be available for purchase during the day. Please bring appropriate waterproof clothing in the event of bad weather.
This trip will be based in Edinburgh and split into two; a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens and entry to Edinburgh Castle.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world leading centre of excellence in plant science, conservation horticulture and education. It is set in 70 acres of attractive, accessible, green landscape, which can be easily explored via walkable paths.
This trip will include a guided tour detailing the history of the Botanic Gardens and their significance as a centre for development of medical knowledge and practice over more than 3 centuries. The Gardens will interest IMGS participants in many ways, as a space used to: conserve rare and endangered species from across the world; address environmental challenges such as climate change; and promote health and wellbeing in the wider community, being a restorative green space offering a range of engaging activities for groups who are diverse in age, physical abilities and ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The tour will be outdoors and participants are advised to bring waterproof clothing in the event of rain. Transport to the Garden will be provided leaving from the conference venue. For any members on this tour with limited mobility, motor scooters and wheel-chairs are freely available and paths and indoor facilities, including toilets are wheelchair accessible (please indicate any access requirements when registering your interest for this tour).
Edinburgh castle: For the second activity of the day, you will be provided with tickets to explore Edinburgh Castle at your leisure. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The castle is around a 15 minute walk from the conference venue.
This trip will be based in Edinburgh and split into three; a guided historical tour (available at 1pm and 4pm), entry to The Real Mary King’s Close (self-guided) and entry to Edinburgh Castle (self-guided).
Guided historical tour: A walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town, where a local storyteller will tell you secrets of Edinburgh’s dark past. The UNESCO World Heritage status of this beautiful city belies a history steeped in plague, witch hunts, and body snatchers. This is not a ghost tour – the reality is far more sinister. The tour will depart from the royal mile around 10 minutes’ walk from the conference venue and Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh castle: You will be provided with tickets to explore Edinburgh Castle at your leisure. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The castle is around a 15 minute walk from the conference venue.
The Real Mary King’s Close: You will be provided with tickets to explore Edinburgh’s best underground experience at your leisure. The Real Mary King’s Close is hidden beneath the characteristic and lively streets of Edinburgh’s busy thoroughfare – the Royal Mile. Shrouded in myths and mysteries, The Close and its warren of streets, homes, and passageways. Unlock the secrets of Edinburgh’s only preserved 17th century street, wander through a labyrinth of Old Town alleyways, avoid the cry of gardyloo, and discover the stories of the people who lived, worked, and died here. The Real Mary King’s Close is around 10 minutes’ walk from both the conference venue and Edinburgh Castle.