Your Scottish Tourism portal

When choosing your baby’s first holiday experience, give Scotland some consideration. It may be the home of golf and tartan but unbeknown to many tourists, it is an ideal family destination.

On Saturday the 9th of July marked the start of the Tall Ships event in Greenock. Over 57 ships from all over the world embarked on the town for a weekend of fun and entertainment. The event itself was free and the crowds were treated to performances from the likes of Lulu, Deacon Blue and other local performing arts groups. The event was nicely closed with a fabulous display by none other than the Red Arrows.

On Saturday the 2nd of July we headed to the Blairdrummond Safari Park near Stirling. We went because of my daughter’s 5th birthday and we couldn't have picked a better day, the weather was glorious. The only problem with it being so lovely were the crowds, but after the initial kerfuffle at the entrance, we soon forgot all about it.

Last weekend we visited the newly opened Riverside Museum on the banks of the River Clyde. I was really impressed, the exhibitions are fantastic and are far more interactive than the previous Transport Museum. We took the children with and they had a great time using the touch screens to find out more about the vintage cars etc. The highlight for my son was the South African Steam Train. You can also venture onto the Tall Ship Glenlee (for a fee).

We at Search Scotland are very excited to announce that our first magazine is now published and is named Summer 2011. The issue is themed around family holidays in Scotland and features family friendly destinations, example itineraries and accommodation.

Please download the PDF HERE
or View the PDF on the site by clicking HERE

We hope that we will give potential tourists, both home and away, a great reason to choose Scotland as a holiday destination that the whole family can enjoy.

What is in the magazine:

• Intro and Tourism Survey
• Family day trips in Scotland
• Tour Ideas
• Top gallery pics
• Finlaystone Country Estate
• Tall Ships Race Greenock
• Tall Ships Race Lerwick
• Walking with kids
• Holiday with Kids
• Family Friendly Events
• Helensburgh Highland Games
• Dean Castle
• Fun for Kids and competition
• Whitecairn & Glenluce Holiday Parks
• A day at Stirling Castle
• Delgatie Castle, Clyde Clippers and Stay St. Andrews

Kilmarnock's hidden gem, Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family. The country park, covering over 200 acres, is nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock and offers something for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Please note there will be no parking on the Esplanade at the castle on the 4th and 5th June.

Today was the final day of the Scottish school holidays and I was having problems deciding what to do with the kids in and around the Glasgow area. Luckily, lovely Julie from Clyde Clippers had the answer - A Clyde Cruise between Braehead Shopping Centre and Broomilaw in the city centre.

Kirriemuir in Angus is a fantastic family day out. Where else can play at being Peter Pan, bump into a crocodile in the garden and gaze into a magic mirror on a hill all in one day?

Lunderston Bay is a popular beach, picnic and barbeque hotspot located on the banks of the River Clyde in the coastal town of Gourock. The children will stay entertained for hours with a park,  lawned areas, sand and rock pools. There are also walks that take you to both Gourock town and to the small village of Inverkip. The popular Cardwell Garden Centre is also just across the road for gifts, lunches and coffees.