Pennsbury Land Trust trip to ’S HIGHLANDS,

AND ISLANDS

May 23 - June 6, 2008 Registration deadline: February 15, 2008

Follow the routes of seabirds and stone-age man, red stags and Vikings through the extraordinarily beautiful northernmost points in Britain, in the height of the spring. Northern Scotland and its surrounding islands are rich in natural history, archeology, and Celtic and Norse Culture. Join us for an in-depth look at how the interplay of ancient land forms, natural and human history, and many human cultures combine to form the Scottish landscape you see today.

Our small group will explore remote glacially sculptured glens, mountain lochs and burns, delicate moorlands, private gardens, castles, cairns, Neolithic villages, aeries, otter runs and puffin colonies. The Orkney Islands are world famous for their sea , archaeology, and history and contain the greatest concentration of archeological monuments in Europe. Walks are at a leisurely pace; days on your own to pursue personal interests are an option. Leadership is provided by Karen Travers, international trip leader, biologist, and Land Trust president (her 8th trip to Scotland) and Scottish naturalists. At Field Centre near , enjoy Highland hospitality at the home of Sir John and Lady Lister-Kaye. This Victorian-Gothic castle and its surrounding lodges combine modern comfort with traditional atmosphere. The excellent meals featuring Highland specialties are served baronial style in the Great Hall. Well-equipped hotels in West Highlands and Orkney are conveniently close to interesting island sites. Accommodations are double-occupancy with private baths. Single occupancy available at an additional fee. For more information or to register call 610-388-7995 or email [email protected]

- 2 A Natural History Expedition to , The Island of Skye and The Orkney Isles

ITINERARY B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Day 1 - Friday May 23 DEPARTURE

Leave Philadelphia in evening on US Airlines for our flight to Glasgow with dinner in flight. D

Day 2 - Saturday May 24 - ARRIVAL AT AIGAS FIELD CENTRE A bus will meet us at Glasgow Airport and drive us to the House of Aigas in time for afternoon tea and initial welcome. Settle in before dinner in the baronial hall of House of Aigas. After dinner, learn about domestic arrangements and how the Field Centre operates. Evenings at Aigas include lectures by guest experts, relaxing in the gracious sitting room by the fire, browsing in the well-stocked library and map room, and strolling along woodland trails, loch, gardens and heather moors in the gloaming. B, D Overnight at Aigas

Day 3 - Sunday May 25 - AIGAS FIELD CENTRE After breakfast, attend a meeting to run through the programs and for you to ask questions. Sir John Lister-Kaye will welcome the group and deliver an informal talk about the history of land use in the . This lecture will set the scene for the rest of the programme. Before lunch enjoy a tour of the House of Aigas, art collection, and Lady Lucy’s gardens.

Share a buffet lunch before joining a guided walk led by the rangers around the Aigas nature trail. The path winds through a variety of habitats including broadleaved woodland, loch, wild moorland and natural pinewoods. This is an excellent opportunity to become acquainted with the surroundings and the flora and fauna of the local area—habitat for red and Roe Deer, Otter, Pine Martin, Tawny Owls, , Crested Tit, and a diverse number of heaths, ferns and wild orchids. Stop off at the Capercaillie enclosure where we can discuss the plight of the world’s largest grouse, currently experiencing a steep decline in the UK. Gather in the parlor for drinks before dinner.. B, L, D Overnight at Aigas

Day 4 – Monday May 26 –

Following breakfast we drive approximately 45 minutes west to the mountains, lochs, and forests of Glen Affric. This magnificent remnant of the ancient “Wood of Caledonia”, was bought by the Forestry Commission in 1951 with conservation work carried out within the woodland over the following decades. One of the most beautiful glens in the Highlands, Glen Affric is managed as a nature reserve. The mature Scots Pines have a charm and character of their own and support a unique range of wildlife, wildflowers, and trees. Take a leisurely 4 mile walk with Aigas rangers through Glen Affric watching for native Rowan, Blaeberry, Crowberry, Willow Aspen, Crested Tits, Scottish Crossbills, Red Squirrels, Pine Martins, Red and Roe Deer, and Golden Eagles. Return to Aigas in time for afternoon tea. This evening there will be a lecture on and Skye. - 3 B, L, D Overnight at Aigas Day 5 – Tuesday May 27 - WESTER ROSS AND SKYE

Today we pass through some of the most dramatic, wild, and awe-inspiring scenery Scotland has to offer. The journey West takes us from the hard, infertile rocks of the Mine series in the East to the ancient Gneisses and Sandstones of the West. See Scotland’s most photographed glen, Glen Docherty and the mystical . Folklore as well as wildlife abounds in this area. It is one of the secret release sites of the rare White-tailed Eagle. Stop at National Nature Reserve (NNR), a haven for Black and Red –throated divers, Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles. We lunch at the picturesque seaside village of Shieldaig before continuing westward to Kyle of Lochaish near Skye where we spend the evening. B, L, D Overnight at a Kyle of Lochaish inn

Day 6 – Wednesday May 28 - ISLE OF SKYE: & Portree

The landscape of Skye is dominated by the results of intensive volcanic activity and has been moulded by ice, wind, and sea. Over the next two days we shall explore the great mountain range of the with its sharp arête ridges and deep corries, the deep western sea lochs which were once rivers of ice, the incredible volcanic landforms of northern Skye and the most sheltered straths and glens in the south of the island, These features all combine to create an island of unique character, rich in flora, fauna and turbulent history.

Investigate the Macleod territory of the Trotternich peninsula, famous for its dramatic landscape. Pass the Old Man of Storr, the Kilt Rock, and the thriving crafting community of Staffin. After a walk onto the ridge overlooking Staffin and the WesterRoss mountains on the mainland, return to Staffin Bay for lunch. Walk to the ruins of Duntulm Castle before heading to the excellent Museum of Crofting Life. Here a series of traditional black houses and white houses depicts past lifestyles of the Highlands. Nearby is Kilmiur Churchyard with the memorial to Flora Macdonald who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after the . Stop at the award-winning Aros Visitor Centre before driving to Portree for the night. B, L, D Overnight at a Skye inn

Day 7 – Thursday May 29 - SOUTH SKYE AND THE KYLE LINE

We head south to explore the Peninsula, an area known as the Garden of Skye. It’s rich lime soil leads to the most diverse habitats on the island. Here we find the Clan Donald Centre detailing the history of Clan Donald, the lordship of the Isles and the clan system in the Highlands, all set in the wonderfully restored grounds of Armadale Castle.

Follow the old cattle drovers’ road to the Gleneig ferry where common and gray seals are often seen. Visit the Iron Age broch of Dun Telve, Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of towering over the mountain ridge. After passing Eilean Donan Castle, board the train for one of the most scenic rail journeys in Britain back to Beauly and Aigas in time for dinner. B, L, D Overnight at Aigas Field Centre

Day 8 – Friday May 30 - HIGHLAND HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY

- 4 Today we shall travel east for 45 minutes to visit the historical site of Culloden Battlefield—the site of the last battle fought on British soil—a desperate fight in 1746 which changed the history of the Highlands forever, breaking down the clan system and paving the way for the Highland Clearances a century later. Next visit the Clava Cairns are three well-preserved Neolithic cairns, thought to be burial chambers of ritual significance connected with the Winter Solstice and death, with evidence of both inhumations and cremations. There are two chambered tombs with cup marked stones and one ring cairn, unique to the area, connected with the magic/religious cults of our ancestors.

The third site today is Cawdor Castle and gardens near Nairn has been the family home of the Thanes of Cawdor since the 14th century. The existing castle contains a fine example of a 16th century tower house with elegant 18th century additions. The nature trails (optional for those not wishing to see the castle) varying from 1 to 5 miles will take you into a fine, mixed oak and pine woods. Watch for Red squirrels and Scottish Crossbills. B, L, D Overnight at Aigas

Day 9 – Saturday May 31 - THE

The Black Isle is an area rich in natural history and folklore, and we shall spend the day exploring this fertile area. Begin with a scenic drive along the north shore of the to watch for a variety of species of wading birds, Bottle-nosed Dolphins and there is always the chance of seeing an Osprey or Red Kite. Wander through the impressive ruins of the 13th century cathedral at . We shall lunch at —a second chance for dolphin watching—before driving to the Georgian village of . After a short stop up on the South Sutor to view the surrounding landscape, we shall spend the afternoon in Cromarty wandering at leisure around the fine merchants’ houses and visiting Comarty Courthouse before returning to Aigas.

This evening there will be an introductory lecture on Orkney. B, L, D Overnight at Aigas

Day 10 –Sunday June 1- , & ORKNEY

The Orkney Islands are world famous for their archaeology and history and contain the greatest concentration of archaeological monuments in Europe. Remote today, Orkney was once an important trade center from the Stone Age to the Viking raids. Harbor and gray seals inhabit the bays of ancient fishing villages. After an early departure, we shall drive through Sutherland and Caithness to Scrabster, where we board the ferry and head for the Orkney Isles. It will take us two hours to cross the Pentland Firth, where there will be plenty of opportunity to watch for dolphins, small whales and seabirds like Gannets, Fulmars and Shearwaters. We pass the Old Man of , a spectacular sandstone sea stack. After disembarking at the picturesque port of Stromness, we will drive to Kirkwall, the Orkney capital, before arriving at our accommodation. After a short rest, visit the remarkable 12th century St. Magnus’ Cathedral and explore the fascinating side streets of this ancient sandstone town. B, L, D Overnight at Orkney inn - 5

Day 11 – Monday June 2 WEST MAINLAND

Leaving Kirkwall, we head for the 5,000 year old tomb of Maes Howe to read the graffiti etched in the walls by Viking raiders. Then visit the impressive Standing Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. This Henge monument still hides the secrets of its purpose. Our next visit is to the well preserved Stone-age village of Skara Brae, situated on the beautiful but exposed Skaill Bay. Skara Brae provides an insight into everyday life in 3,000 B.C. One of the natural history highlights of Orkney is the RSPB reserve of Marwick Head. The dramatically sheer sandstone cliffs provide nesting sites for 80,000 sea birds including Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Puffins, and Kittiwakes. As you walk to an excellent viewing spot watch for spring wildflowers as well. On the way back to town visit the Broch of Gurness, one of the finest examples of these curious iron-age defensive structures in Scotland. Search for the rare and delicate Scottish Primrose here. B, L, D Overnight at Orkney inn

Day 12- Tuesday June 3 ORKNEY –

Start your day with a short ferry ride from Tingwall across Eynhallow Sound to the Isle of Rousay, a small island containing an astonishing array of ancient monuments. See the Neolithic cairn of Taversoe Tuick, Yarso cairn, and climb Wark Hill for fine views of the bay and the north isles of , Sanday, , and Wyre. During the Westness Walk encompassing thousands of years of Rousay history, explore one of Orkney’s most famous monuments: the stalled tomb of Midhowe Cairn. This is Britain’s largest Neolithic burial chamber. Along the way see a Viking hall, a late medieval hall and 18th century farmsteads. Look for Hen Harriers, Short-eared Owls, Terns, Skuas, Grey and Common Seals, the elusive Orkney Vole and lovely spring wildflowers along the sea cliffs. B, L, D Overnight at Orkney inn

Day 13 - Wednesday June 4 - ORKNEY-AIGAS

This morning embark on a tour of some of the most important wartime sites on Orkney. Scapa Flow has a navel history dating from as early as the Napoleonic wars and the Churchill barriers. Constructed during World War II, they are a vital and significant part of it. The barriers were designed to protect the home fleet from German U-boats. On Lamb’s Holm visit the Italian Chapel constructed by Italian prisoners of war working on the barriers. Our return ferry departs from St. Margaret’s Hope with ample opportunities for further and cetacean sightings. A leisurely drive back down the east coast will allow us time to visit the charming coastal towns of Tain and Dornoch. B, L, D Overnight at Aigas

Day 15 – Thursday June 5 AIGAS AND

A relaxing final day includes a visit to one of the Highland’s best-kept secrets – the local and private Glen Strathfarrar. This is one of Scotland’s most scenic mountain glens and wild Caledonian Pine Forests, home of Red Deer and Golden Eagles. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the nearest town of Beauly with it’s excellent Campbell’s Tweedhouse, shops and priory or just relax on the scenic grounds of Aigas. A piper will pipe us in for the farewell dinner in the great hall. B, L, D Overnight at Aigas - 6

Day 16 – Friday June 6 FLIGHT HOME

Transfer by bus to Glasgow airport arriving in Philadelphia early evening. B, L

COST

The total cost of * $4,325 includes:

• Round-trip airfare *($900) on US Airlines from Philadelphia to Glasgow as of June 2007. Any airfare changes will be passed on to participants. We will secure the best airfare at the time of ticketing and pass along any savings to you.

• Land transportation including mini bus, train, and ferries.

• The 15 day trip includes double occupancy lodging at Aigas Field Centre and comfortable hotels and inns. All rooms have private baths.

• All meals (including afternoon teas at Field Centre)

• Professional leadership and Aigas Field Centre tuition, taxes, service charges, admissions

• $100 tax deductable donation to the Pennsbury Land Trust. Pennsbury Land Trust is a non- profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the natural, historical, and agricultural heritiage of Pennsbury Township.

• Informational pre trip meeting

Single supplement is $300 extra. This applies if you request it or if you are willing to share but we have no roommate for you.

Tariffs, currency rates of exchange and airfare are in effect as of May 2007 and are subject to change without notice. A valid passport is required. No visa or immunizations are necessary.

Cost is based on 10-14 participants. A short video or slide presentation is available upon request

Call (610) 388-7995 for trip additional information.

CLOTHING, WEATHER, TRAVEL, AND PRE-TRIP MEETING

Dress is casual with subdued-color clothing preferred in the field. Weather is very pleasant this time of year with some rainy days possible. No special precautions are necessary for food or water. Participants should be in good general health. Walks are at a leasurely pace with some hills and rough - 7 ground. Shorter walk options are possible for longer walks in the itinerary. Travel in Scotland is by Aigas Field Centre mini bus unless otherwise specified. A Pre-trip meeting several weeks before departure will cover packing and travel details. Enjoy literature display, slide presentation, refreshments and meet the leader and other participants. For questions, call Karen Travers at (610) 388-7995.

RESERVATIONS/PAYMENTS/CANCELLATIONS

1. Complete the form and send with a deposit of $500/person to the Pennsbury Land Trust prior to February 15, 2008. This deposit is non refundable after 2/15/08.

2. The balance of *$3,825 (depending on current airfare) payable to Pennsbury Land Trust is required by February 20, 2008. It is not refundable after February 20 unless a replacement is found. Trip insurance is highly recommended and is available through My World Travel, Inc. Registrants will be sent insurance forms upon request or you may secure your own.

LIABILITY

My World Travel and the Pennsbury Land Trust act only as your agents for carriers, hotels, and others providing service included in the trip. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations will be made. Neither My World nor the sponsor, the Pennsbury Land Trust, is liable for any loss, damage, delay, injury or expense due to failure or improper operation of any service included in the trip for any reason whatsoever.

Return with payment to Pennsbury Land Trust, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford PA 19317 Mail by February 15, 2008. ______Reservation form for the Pennsbury Land Trust’s trip to

SCOTLAND - May 23 to June 6, 2008 Enclosed is $______($500non-refundable/person) deposit (deadline February 15, 2008) Make check payable to the Pennsbury Land Trust

Name(s) as it appears on your passport: ______Address: ______(Zip) Phone: (____)______(Home); (____)______(Work) - 8 E mail:______Passport # (s)______