Church of the Holy Rude

Scotland Presbyterian Tours

Church and Nation: A Journey Through Scotland’s Presbyterian Heritage

August 13-22, 2011
Land prices for this tour: $2,750 per person, double occupancy/$3,250 per person, single occupancy. A group air package is available from Houston.

The CHURCH and NATION TOUR is a carefully crafted combination of the important historical and cultural sites of Scotland, with an emphasis on meaningful Presbyterian heritage locations and events. Scotlish Presbyterians have made a deep imprint on religious and political life on both sides of the Atlantic, as the democratic structure of American government is modeled after the Presbyterian system of church governance.

All of our Scottish tours are planned and escorted by native professionals with STAGS, Scottish Tours and Guiding Services, based in Stirling, Scotland.

2011 is the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, whose conception was proposed at Burntisland Parish Church in 1601. For 400 years, this version and its derivatives have been the standard Bible for the English-speaking world. In addition to its immense theological influences, the elegant, soaring language of the translators has impacted written and spoken English to a huge degree. It is said that the King James Version of the Bible is the most frequently quoted document in existence. You will visit and experience the very place in Western Christendom where this powerful Christian work was conceived.

A very attractive component of this tour is the opportunity to attend the world renown EDINBURGH ROYAL MILITARY TATTOO in the esplanade of the Castle. The group will have prime reserved seats in the center of the stadium.

Complete Itinerary

Tour Highlights

  • The city of St. Andrews and the Old Course
  • Abbotsford - home of Sir Walter Scott
  • Luss and Loch Lomond
  • Scone Palace - where the kings were crowned
  • Distillery visit - to sample Scotland's famous export
  • Falkland Palace - a gorgeous Renaissance royal seat
  • Hopetoun House - one of the finest examples of 18th c. architecture in Britain
  • A delightful drive through the Scottish Highlands!
  • Reserved, mid-stadium seats for the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo!
  • “Scottish Heritage Passes” for each traveler, which provide entrance to properties of the National Trust, the Historic Houses Association, and Historic Scotland. These can be used to see additional sites during free time.
  • Attendance at two Presbyterian Sunday services, the Glasgow Cathedral and Bridge of Allan Parish Church

Melrose Abbey, overlooking an historic cemetery

Tour Includes

  • Thorough city tours of Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh
  • Escorted throughout by a professional, licensed expert in Scottish and church history
  • Only two hotels during the nine days, meaning limited packing and unpacking
  • Includes three nights in the elegant, posh MAR HALL GOLF and SPA RESORT
  • All breakfasts included, as are eight lunches and seven dinners
  • Pre-trip reading packets full of important background information

Please Note

The Group Air Package as described above is available for $1,200 per person. A minimum of TEN persons must sign up for the group air package for it to be possible. Deadline for inclusion in the air package is June 10.