In July / August 2009 my wife and I travelled to Scotland for “The Gathering” celebrations in Edinburgh followed by about a fortnight tour organised by Bob Wallace.
As well as the usual tourist spots like Glencoe, Colloden, Burn's birthplace and numerous castles, museums and cathedrals, the unique part of this tour, was Bob's intimate knowlege of the often out of the way places, still in their pure state, unspoiled by the “tourist machine”, for myself, the tour highlight was the visit to the islands of Harris and Lewis
All through the planning stages Bob insisted the tour was for the participants and where possible was personalised around each member's clan or family interests.
There were about 14 travelling by minibus, (about as many as could be accomodated in small hotels) There being 5 Wallaces, we visited a lot of interesting William Wallace interest areas.
The pace was quite brisk with about 2 or 3 visits or activities per day. We had our own pipers, Bob and Barry Wallace, who usually piped us into pubs and restaurants, and anywhere else to create a bit of occasion.
To anybody thinking of joining the next tour, I would thoroughly recommend this style of travel
Alan Manning
In July/August 2009 I had the pleasure to accompany Bob Wallace of
Celtic Connexions on the tour of Scotland and The Homecoming with
another 14 tourists. It was my first trip to Scotland having only been
out of NZ twice, to Fiji and Australia which really don't count.
In organising the trip, Bob went to considerable lengths to ensure that
the tour covered something for everyone and with his humour,
pipe-playing skills, knowledge of his homeland and his considerable
ability to get on with any and every one the event will stay in my
memory for life. We ventured "off the track" away from the tourist traps
to see the rugged and real Scotland that I had only dreamed of and had
never ever thought that I would see. Every day was a highlight and when
we arrived in the town of Hawick from whence my family originally came
and Hamilton were my family had also lived, my emotions overflowed. Bob
had researched what I had mentioned in conversation without letting on
and when he sprung it on me, what a thrill, I cannot fully describe how
I felt. And not only me, others got the same treatment, another tourist
got piped into his family castle, The Wallace faction of the tour got
their fair share of history and family interest. He covered each and
every one of us in one way or another.
I cannot speak highly enough of Bob and his skills to organise. He knows
his subject and it is dear to his heart. I would have no and I repeat no
hesitation is recommending Bob from Celtc Connexions if you are
considering a trip either back to Scotland or on a first visit
there....... and the single malts are great.
Thanks again Robert.
Gavin Ballantyne
