This Gathering midi coach tour – it’s almost time!
Tuesday 20 June Make your way to the lovely The Carlton George Hotel, George Square, city centre. PLEASE NOTE there is also The George Hotel in Glasgow, you are at THE CARLTON GEORGE. This is the very centre of the city, so much to see and do during the day. Scottish museums are free of charge, so make the most of them. Then the evening- complimentary spirits and beers in your room and in the VIP lounge, top floor – we meet you anytime from 5pm til 7pm we have a meet and greet with LIZ & PAUL enjoy a beer or wine with nibbles. Please note that we have a lot of guests to meet, so we won’t have lots of time. Meet the other members of the coach party, start to make new friends, a good first night! THE HOTEL is located next to Glasgow Queen Street Rail Station and just 50 yards from Buchanan Street’s shops, this hotel has an airport bus stop directly outside. With a rooftop restaurant and wonderful views across Glasgow’s skyline, the hotel offers luxury rooms with complimentary minibars and also in the rooms free decanters of vodka, gin and whisky. Right next door (hidden connecting door) is the wonderful Waxy O’Conner’s Irish pub, 6 unique bars set over 3 floors, which are joined by a maze of passageway
Wednesday 21 June after your first fully cooked Scottish breakfast we leave Glasgow at 9am sharp. The coach heads to Loch Lomond, stopping just 30 minutes for photos and rest rooms. Then on to Crianlarich, brief stop at The Green Welly at Tyndrum, for rest rooms. We continue to Oban, we should arrive approx. 1pm, giving us plenty of time for a look around. We will be taking the 15.55 ferry, we ALL need to be in line at the ferry office 30 minutes before to collect tickets. A 45 minute sail and as soon as we land, direct to Tobermory, approx arrival 1800.
Thursday 22 June rThis morning please collect your official welcome packs from the Aros Hall in Tobermory, any time after 0930. Please check your tickets, as we haven’t organised the events, you will have booked directly with the clan. For those who wish to join us – it is entirely optional – our coach will be taking a short trip both in the morning (11am) and the afternoon (3pm) to visit the Maclean witches’ graves at Pennygown Graveyeard, near Salen – a ruined chapel, of early 13th century. The building may already have been derelict at this period, although the earliest evidence of its condition dates from 1787 when it was shown as ‘an old kirk’ on a map of Torosay parish. The chapel is constructed of rubble masonry with freestone dressings. Within the chapel, erected on a modern base, is the lower part of a cross shaft 1.33m high above ground. On the front there has been a crucifix and below this a large plant scroll terminates in a griffin. The decoration on the back is dominated by a figure of the Virgin and Child in high relief. This cross (which is also scheduled) dates between 1500 and 1560. We return to Tobermory around 1130. For those who have signed up, you will be vising Tobermory Distillery for a tour and taste of their lovely Scottish whiskies. There will be plenty of free time to explore Tobermory, see the Maclean section of Mull Museum. Anyone wanting to go for a walk, speak to Liz. For those who are going to Tobermory you will have your time slot from Liz.
Friday 23 June We travel to the holy isle of Iona today. On Iona you will see the Maclean’s Cross, the Street of the Dead (Scottish kings buried here), the abbey, chapel and other Celtic crosses. The incompleted Book of Kells was started here, due to Viking raids it was moved to Dublin – ironic as Dublin was a Viking capital! Take sturdy walking shoes and rainproof jacket. Iona is a self guided walk. on passengers only, return to your hotel early evening. There will be events organised by the clan this evening – please check if you have tickets as this is organised by the clan and not us.
Saturday 24 June The Gathering events at Duart Castle. We drive you there for the clan opening walk and bring you home again. This evening free for any clan events you may wish to book in advance, usually the Chief’s ball in Tobermory. This is what you are here for, meet all the other world wide Maclean’s who have travelled, meet the chief, all the events at the castle today are arranged by the clan council. Until we arrive, we have not really any ideas what will be there but usually food and drink outlets are available. Please adhere to the departure time as we cannot linger for late comers. The road back to Tob will be extremely busy. We do suggest, as with every day, you pre book dinners, as Tob is not a big place, best book to avoid disappointment. Overnight Tobermory.
Sunday 25 June We leave Mull on the 11am ferry and sail back to the mainland. We head through Oban and south to Kilmartin Glen, stopping for refreshments in a local pub (included), rest rooms and 5,000 year old ancient stone monuments. From here to Inveraray, Loch Lomond, Glasgow and finally Edinburgh. You are staying at The Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End, ideally placed for walking into the city and stops for the tram out to Edinburgh Airport is a 20 minute taxi ride or thirty on the tram. Please note, your driver, Liz and Paul will be leaving after you check in.
Monday 26 June Final day and night in Edinburgh. The day is totally yours. Try the Edinburgh City Hop on Hop off Tour. With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops at 24 locations and an interesting commentary, this truly is the best way to see the sights of Edinburgh. You can hop on and off as many times as you like aboard this open top double decker bus. Tour highlights include the Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, the historic Royal Mile and Our Dynamic Earth. For those feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano with the best views of the whole city. We’ll give you plenty of recommendations where to eat, shop, visit etc.
Tuesday 27 June Your final Scottish breakfast before your flight home. For those of you returning home from Glasgow you will need to get to Glasgow Airport during the day, ready for your flight on Wednesday. We are happy to help with train bookings but please not this is not included , nor accommodation at Glasgow Airport. Airport transfers are not included as Liz, Paul and the coach leaves on Sunday
The Clan Maclean Gathering do not have an official tour operator/partner. MCLEANSCOTLAND are wholly independent and have been offering tours for the Maclean Gatherings for 25 years. Paul is a life member of Clan Maclean.