The wonderful east coast of Scotland is often overlooked by visitors. Perhaps people think the Highlands are higher, the west coast has more islands and stunning beaches while the National Parks might have more mountains and lochs. The cities have lots of history but the east coast has something of all of that!
Dundee
As we travel along the east coast, we make the city of Dundee our first stop. Explore the amazing RSS Discovery sitting on the bank of the River Tay. The story of Antarctic exploraton is told in the visitor centre. Here the building of this ship, the dangerous journeys it took to the frozen southern oceans and the final successful campaign to have it returned to Dundee, are all brought to life.
After going back in time, why not step next door and enjoy the fascinating V & A Museum of Design. The story is well told. The wonderful clothes, buildings, furniture, and (surprisingly) video games, which were all designed in Scotland over the centuries and still today.
Arbroath Abbey
After leaving this fascinating City of Discovery, travel along the coast to the old fishing town of Arbroath. The Declaration of Arbroath is one of the most famous documents in Scottish history. Written by a group of Scottish barons in April 1320 and sent to the Pope John XXII it sought redemption in Scotland's relationship with England and the wider world. The red sandstone of the Abbey ruins are spectacular and a worthy background to this epic story and well worth exploring.
House of Dun
Continue our journey along the east coast and the wild North Sea which stretches over to Norway and beyond. Many visitors visit our west coast for the empty, sandy beaches of the Highlands and Islands. However, there are also many stunning beaches in the small county of Angus and the farming county of Aberdeenshire which are usually lacking in any tourists and a welcome addition to any tour.
First travel inland and to the Georgian House of Dun. This is a grand 18th century home with beautiful architecture, stunning interior ceiling plasterwork, and gardens which are full of colour in any season.
Beaches on the east
Yes, there are sandy beaches on the east. And yes, the days can be warm enough to enjoy a swim in the ocean, if this is what you enjoy! Our guests enjoyed a wonderful, impromptu yoga session on St. Cyrus Sands, with no one around for miles. Others enjoyed a long walk along the beautiful Lunan Bay. You might simply enjoy a picnic and relax with a book. Our private tours are so flexible we can offer any of these special treats.
Silver City of Aberdeen
Aberdeen is Scotland's 4th city and Aberdeen Harbour Board, founded in 1136, is the oldest running business in Britain. The city has a rich maritime history told very well in the Maritime Museum next to the harbour.
The city of Aberdeen has a world reknowned University founded in 1594 where many modern medical inventions such as the MRS scanner were invented. Over the last 50 years Aberdeen has been the oil and gas capital of Europe and this brought prosperity to the city which is reflected in some of the magnificent granite buildings. Although these solid, silvery buildings were built in the 1800 and 1900's they are now often home to the HQ of many global companies.
Over the last ten years the wonderful Aberdeen Art Gallery has been redeveloped, His Maesty's Theatre and the Musical Hall have also been upgraded. Aberdeen is a vibrant city and without the crowds of tourists which often flood into Edinburgh, this city is perfect for including as part of a tour.
If you only have one day, or a week, we offer a fascinating insight and lots of fun discovering the exciting east cost of Scotland, without the crowds.
