Classic British car tours of Scotland from £545 per person
As featured in the August 2009 issue of Classic Cars Magazine.
Want to see what an E-type Jaguar, Austin Healey or Lotus Elise can do? We've sought out some of the best driving in Scotland - combining the thrill of the open road and some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. It's a heady combination, adding glamour and excitement to a remarkable journey to the highlands. Other cars available include the classic Jaguar Mk2 saloon, Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Turbo RL, as well as the latest Mini Cooper S - saloon or cabrio.
McKinlay Kidd were superb throughout the whole process. The pack was great and we ended up following quite a few of the suggested routes. Stephen, Hampshire
Day One - Glendevon
Your first stop is around 90 minutes from Edinburgh, so if you are starting early today you can take the time to explore. The gardens, beaches and golf courses of Fife, the historic town of St Andrew’s and the castles and country estates of Perthshire are all within easy reach.
Your Hotel
This 18th century drovers’ inn nestles in the heart of Glen Devon, one of the most beautiful glens in Perthshire. The historic atmosphere is balanced with welcoming, modern touches, and you’ll find an exceptional menu featuring the best Scottish produce, such as wild venison, hand-dived scallops and mouth-watering salmon. The cosy bar offers a wide selection of Scottish ales and single malt whiskies, including local Edradour, which proudly boasts that it is the smallest distillery in Scotland (visitors welcome nonetheless)!
Day Two - Speyside
Today you tour further north through the heart of the highlands to a quiet hotel in Speyside, Scotland's whisky heartland.
Your Hotel
Your elegant Georgian hotel is the perfect place to unwind in traditional highland surroundings, offering a warm welcome and a touch of style in the centre of an attractive Speyside village. Close to several distilleries on the famous Whisky Trail, it offers a fine selection of single malts which you can sample as you relax in front of the sitting room's crackling log fire, perhaps with a good book. The friendly bistro offers a daily changing menu featuring local meat and game, plus a mouthwatering variety of seafood. The chef combines these and other fine local ingredients with fresh herbs and fruit from the hotel's delightful walled garden, which you are welcome to explore on your evening stroll as you plan the following day's route.
Day Three - The West Highlands
Today you cross the highlands, passing Loch Ness and Ben Nevis, before reaching your final stop, in a stunning lochside location.
Your Hotel
Originally the home of Loch Linnhe's Pier Master, this historic and now award-winning restaurant, with its adjacent modern residence, really is a special place to contemplate the dramatic beauty of the west coast. The views are stunning and the once prolific steam traffic has given way to the blissful sound of silence. Mouthwatering langoustines and lobster are kept fresh off the end of the pier, before being served to you by candlelight in the cosy conviviality of one of Argyll's finest restaurants. As you contemplate the sunset over the distant Morvern hills, you may be lucky enough to glimpse otters and seals. Later in the bar, the local ferryman might tempt you to board the morning boat to Lismore - an island well worth exploration either on foot or bike (available for hire locally).
Day Four - Return Home
Your return journey will take you through the majestic Glencoe valley and back via Perthshire to Edinburgh.
Prices & dates
This holiday can be arranged from April to September 2012.
Price is £549 per person for April, £579 per person for May to September, based on 2 people sharing a double room, for 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
These prices include the hire of a 1998 Lotus Elise 160 Sport on an unlimited mileage basis for 4 days.
Supplements/reductions for other cars as follows:
1992 (dark blue) Bentley Turbo RL - add £85 per person
1964 (Dark Blue) Jaguar Mk 2 3.8 - add £85 per person
1966 (red) Jaguar E-type 4.2 roadster - add £125 per person
1958 (Red) Austin Healey 100/6 - add £145 per person.
2005 (dark blue) Aston Martin DB9 - add £550 per person
2011 (various) Mini Cooper S - deduct £140 per person
2011 (various) Mini Cooper S convertible - deduct £115 per person.
All cars to be collected from and returned to Edinburgh.
See link for more car details, terms and conditions of hire.
We would also be delighted to tailormake a tour for you.
All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
Check availability for this holiday
Holiday ideas
- WY-1: Whisky Islands from GBP 675 per person for 6 nights
- IH-8: Scottish Island Escape from GBP 720 per person for 7 nights
- BH-6: Highlands & Islands Highlights from GBP 695 per person for 7nts
- CT-1: Classic British car tours of Scotland from GBP 549 per person
- BH-3: Edinburgh & Highlands Explorer from GBP 595 per person for 7nts
- FAM-2: Family Steam train & wildlife week from GBP 625 per adult