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The charms of Edinburgh for the Irish

2nd March 20262nd March 2026 funtime65

The charms of Edinburgh for the Irish used to only come every other year when their throngs of rugby fans would descend on Murrayfield in the city’s west end.

And now it seems they can’t get enough of us, the culture and the castle yes, but probably mostly the craic around the Rose Street hostelries.

With our friends at loveholidays reporting too that the Scottish capital is their leading emerging destination.

As part of a growing market for Britain.

Now its proximity and our Celtic kith and kin comradeship as well as Edinburgh being a much easier city to get around than, say London, is probably part and parcel of it.

And will account for why our travel provider pals have seen a 75% spike in bookings.

Who do we love?

Hat-a-boy: On the King Charles Bridge in Prague

Analysing bookings from the last three months, the online travel agent reports that Edinburgh is leading a distinct spike in city break popularity for 2026.

Not that London will ever lose its appeal with a notable 48% surge.

Indicating that holidays to the UK are taking off, while escapes to other European city destinations Prague (+48%) and Budapest (+44%) have seen significant increases too.

Now having enjoyed the delights of those two great Central European cities, and having been barred from most of the pubs in Edinburgh.

We’ve decided to take the wise counsel of our loveholidays friends to expand our Greek islands knowledge by booking up for Rhodes next month.

It is +54 per cent while perennial favourite is +63%.

New York, New York

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

For long haul it will come as no surprise that New York continues to grow, and always will, with +30.

While Dubai, understandably, figures highly at the start of the year with +53%.

Now it helps with your city’s promotion to have somebody at the helm of loveholidays’ Irish promotion who loves their rugby and golf.

And my old mucker Clem Walshe, Irish Commercial Director at the firm, is just that.

Clem to fame

‘What unites these emerging destinations, from the cobblestones of the Royal Mile to the thermal baths of Budapest, is the variety that they offer,’ the travel provider expert opines.

‘Beach holidays remain a firm favourite, but there is a clear increased enthusiasm for city escapes this year. Edinburgh is the standout performer.’

Just remember, Clem, to promote the Golf Coast, east of Edinburgh and our championship-standard courses Muirfield, Renaissance and North Berwick.

Although you might have to give me a monster handicap next time you’re over.

Countries, Europe

Belgians, Czechs and where the beers are Budabest

11th January 202512th January 2025 funtime65

I’m For research purposes you understood, we cast our eyes here over the Belgians, Czechs and where the beers are Budabest, all courtesy of The European Bar Guide.

It will surprise few that the beer-guzzling Belgians and the quaffing Czechs sweep up the top places in the EBG’s top 100.

And we’ll share our own faves here.

But it was heartening to see the Hungarians namechecked particularly as it’s our next pitstop.

EBR is our new go-to blog for what we’ve decided will be our mission for our 60s… get around as many bars as we can.

Their guide is fun and easy… you flip over a disc to find out more about their choices, much like a beer mat.

All ale to the Scots

As adopted Edinbuggers we were naturally drawn in by their choice of 100th top European beer.

The Edinburgh institution that is The Canny Man’s in Morningside.

The West End suburb being Marmite because of its associations

With a Prime of Miss Jean Brodie attitude of superiority.

But for those who like time capsules it is worth a sup… nose in the air, of course.

Now inhabitants of Scotland’s big two cities won’t even recognise that there is life beyond Glasgow and Edinburgh.

And we fear EBG has fallen into this trap too.

The Laurieston, a favourite haunt of power couple Jack Lowden and Saoirse Ronan, gets EBR’s nod for its Sixties schtick.

But as an Aberdeen Uni alumnus I’d always highlight the merits of the Granite City institutions.

Such as the snug-heavy ‘Ma’ Cameron’s with its impromptu trad music offerings.

And the Irish

As I would Belfast’s Italianate-decorated The Crown Liquor Saloon, or Crown to give it its everyday name.

The Irish, of course, pride themselves on their pub culture and EBG flag up some old stomping grounds.

High up at No.38 is lively Grogans, off buskers and ents hub Grafton Street.

Although we’d point you in the direction of Mary’s in Wicklow Street, with its throwback decor of days when bars doubled as grocery stores.

Such as you’ll find at the highest bar in Ireland, the nooky Johnnie Fox‘s in the Dublin Mountains.

And the award-winning Harbour Bar, Bray, Co. Wicklow complete with cats.

Ruin yourself in Budapest

As feline fanatics we’re indebted to EBG for highlighting the best pussy pub in Budapest.

The Calgary Antik Drinkba where Auntie Vikis and ‘her brain-damaged pets and piles of belongings’ add to the ambience.

Regular visitors to the Hungarian capital will regale you with recommendations to their ‘ruin bars.’

The refurbished post-Communist spaces in the Jewish Quarter, spruced up for our drinking pleasure.

The original of which is Szimpla Kert complete with junkyard art which we’re told is quieter to visit in the afternoons.

Czech out the beer

Our Czech friends also ramp up their Cold War artefacts but never to the detriment of their beloved Urquell Pilsner.

Which naturally is the only beer that flows from the golden taps of the Castle district pub U Hrocha in Prague.

While for a behind the scenes tour of beer-making we always advise Strahov Monastery Brewery where all the best monks go.

Now there’s something about a bar where they’re only here for the beer and we lament the much-missed Tom’s Bierhaus in Ieper.

Although we do keep alive the story of how our pal Muriel asked for a G&T and was informed she could have one of a 100 beers or water.

Brussels shouts

Now we suspect that EBG have whiled away many an hour in Belgian bars with six hostelries in the top ten.

The outliers being our Hungarian and Czech booze buddies.

And Papa Joe’s Jazzlokal in Cologne and the cultural crossroads bar Zlatna Ridica in Sarajevo, classical cities that should be on your map.

Of course, EBG has to pick one best and that accolade falls to La Fleur En Papier Doré in Brussels.

Which we’re told is ‘back from the dead, revived then elevated to the top.’

Countries, UK

The Bobby prize on National Dog Day

26th August 202426th August 2024 funtime65

And they must be barking to ignore our terriers so we’re redressing that by bestowing them the Bobby prize on the 20th National Dog Day.

For canine fans every day is a dog day but today your best mutts might just get a bigger bone, a chewier chew toy..

It transpires that the labrador is the nation’s favourite and that the Scottish terriers, in all their forms, don’t even figure in the top ten.

Which maybe suggests that we invite the world to join us at the paws of one devoted Skye Terrier Greyfriars Bobby.

Bobby on a pedestal

Well, everyone who lives in, or around, Edinburgh does.

And we will today when another of our American cousins visits and asks us to take us to Edinburghers’ favourite spots.

We fully expect them to be just as entranced as Walt Disney was when he heard of the faithful companion.

Who would return nightly to sleep on the grave of his crofter master and who is now buried next to him.

A neighbour’s best friend

As odd as it may seem, not everyone is a doggie person which is why my Dear Old Dad never found room for a basket at home.

Although one summer in my Mum’s heartland of Co. Donegal we came close with our guest house’s pet, Welsh Corgi Dinky.

Of course, as we all know, a dog is not just for Christmas…

All that walking and making plans for them when I travel the world.

Which is why we dote instead on our feted next door neighbour Royalist Roy’s Scottish Terrier Hamish.

Lottie dottie about dogs

Dashingly handsome: Lottie and her daschund

Not that we would want to put dog lovers off holidaying with their pooch pals.

It certainly hasn’t with my old friend from the American Travel Fair, IPW, Lottie Gross.

Who has carved out a niche for herself with her 365 things to do with your dog in the UK and Ireland.

Which Amazon describes as mapping..

‘The rugged countryside of Ireland to the beaches of Cornwall, Kent and the Scottish Highlands.

‘Plus castles, country houses and cracking walks to be had in between.

‘With the long list of brilliant activities accompanied by essential practical information for dog owners.

‘Such as local bylaws, rules for dogs, wildlife to be aware of, safety tips, solo travel with dogs, activities with reactive dogs, and accessible dog days out.’

Take her lead

Lottie, as anybody who meets her quickly discovers, is clearly dottie about doggies.

And a fantastic award-winning travel writer and editor to boot.

I’m all right Jack: With Captain Jack Russell in South Africa

For me today I will pay pilgrimage to my favourite dog in the world.

Who will always get my Bobby prize on National Dog Day.

Countries, Cruising, Europe, Ships

Da Day I’m docked with Diana in Leith

28th July 202428th July 2024 funtime65

Da Day I’m docked with Diana in Leith, dastreen she was in Lerwick, and Da Moarn she’ll be in Aberdeen, it’s just how I cruise.

Now if you think I’ve been drinking then that’s only because ye ken me, and ye ken Swan Hellenic’s hospitality.

From here to Sobriety: Sadie keeps me in tow

But no, for once I’ve had to forgo the champagne, wines and cocktails but thankfully not the cuisine.

As I put mind and body back together a full week after racking up the rounds at the Open golf in Troon.

All as a guest of Hilton Head Island and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Viking twang

So today is a new experience for Shipman Murty, cruising without the boozing.

I don’t know what the Vikings, around whom this Swan Hellenic 12-nighter Sailing with the Vikings cruise from Norway to Amsterdam, would think.

Or our old Aberdeen neighbours who have long since decamped to Elizabeth’s roots in Lerwick, Shetland.

But I hope they would appreciate my attempts at Norn/Shetland dialect which has been handed down the generations.

Since the days when Shetland was under the rule of Norway until it was given in a dowry to Scotland.

And, no, the Shetlanders were never asked and have never quite accepted it.

Oh Diana

Gateway to the Arctic: Only 20,423 miles to go

The Norsemen (or Normans) came, Thor and conquered down from the fjords along these routes that Swan Hellenic are taking.

Luckily for us, things have come a long way since those longboats of yore with Diana the largest vessel in the Swan Hellenic fleet.

Boasting nine decks, Diana offers 192 guests five-star 96 staterooms and suites, many with private balconies.

The ship is equipped with a heated outdoor pool, open deck Jacuzzi, gym, spa and beauty salon and sauna with panoramic views.

Restaurants include the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge, Pool Bar and Grill and room service.

Chef has pans… will sail

Did we say that Diana invited along a chef just for the Edinburgh to Amsterdam leg of the itinerary?

Nicolai Wiedmer, owner of Restaurant Eckert in Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany, who rustles up his own Gala Dinners.

And yes, myself and my own queen of the seas had to be prised out of our seats.

All to allow the cruisers who were off for the afternoon exploring Edinburgh back on.

And naturally we tried to hide ourselves away as stowaways.

All around the world

Now we all know the Vikings were famous seafarers but this Norway through Scotland to the Netherlands cruise is just a breeze for Diana.

She will travel the world in 2024/2025, with sailings to Swan Hellenic’s flagship destinations the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

And from Brazil to Papua New Guinea, Norway to New Zealand, Australia to Africa and Madagascar to the Mediterranean.

So while Da Day I’m docked with Diana in Leith then Da Moarn I could be anywhere in the world with Swan Hellenic.

Countries, UK

Go Forth with 900 years of Edinburgh

2nd July 20242nd July 2024 funtime65

The ground beneath us hasn’t shifted but our city has, and will continue to do so, as we go Forth with 900 years of Edinburgh.

The River Forth has been at the heart of the Edinburgh story since dwellers first set up camp next to water to build a community.

And a church, and back in those days God mattered more to people.

The burghers of Edinburgh have, in fact, chosen the 900th anniversary.

Of the erection of St Giles Cathedral as the foundation date of the city.

Window to a past world: St Giles Cathedral

Millions of Edinburghers, and tourists, have since filed past the Cathedral, and some inside.

Halfway up the Royal Mile from the Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle.

Its place in the story of Edinburgh, Scotland and indeed Western Liberal Democracy (important in this week of weeks with a General Election) is fixed.

Because of the actions of of all people a female market-trader, Jenny Geddes.

Jenny from the back

Twas Jenny who threw the stool at the Kirk minister.

In objection to the first public use of the Church of Scotland’s revised version of the Book of Common Prayer, the 1637 Scottish Prayer Book.

And sparked what were to be known as the War of the Three Kingdoms (George RR Martin obviously paid attention in class) which involved England, Scotland and Ireland.

The results of which played out in Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth.

And the later parliamentary reforms which were transported overseas to the American colonies and the nascent United States of America.

That subject, of course, is for another day.

That day being Thursday with Independence Day in the USA, and we will mark it as we do every year.

Proper Charlies

But for the here and now and today, we note that the St Giles story and our commemoration of it this July 3, is a tale of two Charlies.

The first King Charles who because of the influence of his Catholic wife and his High Church leanings imposed his prayer book.

On the-then more puritanical Scots.

And the third King Charles, the one we have now… and yes, you and I are probably more directly related to him and King David I who founded St Giles than today’s monarch.

That apart and something for which we would probably be hoisted on the gibbet.

That stood across from St Giles Cathedral and hanged it is still worth noting.

Nowhere to Hyde

Now anybody who has been on a hop-on, hop-off bus will have heard the story of how that gibbet was engineered by one Deacon (or councillor) Brodie, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson‘s Dr Jeklyll & Master Hyde.

Or drank and eaten at the Deacon Brodie’s pub opposite which helpfully has the tale written on the wall outside.

Brodie was, of course, an upstanding citizen by day.

But he took imprints in soap of keys at dinner parties by night before returning to rob the establishments.

Twas his fate then to be hanged on the very gibbet he built.

Soapy bubble

It is also Edinburgher tradition to spit down on the heart of Midlothian halfway up towards the Castle.

On the cobbles in disgust that in a more uncivilised age we hanged people.

Whether King Charles III dwelt on any of this as he received the honorary keys of Edinburgh today.

Not everyone is a fan: Republic protest against Charles III

In a ceremony of great pomp and circumstance is doubtful.

But we do hope and trust that the organisers gave them a good scrub.

Before handing them to the monarch to remove any soap which might have gathered there.

Countries, UK

Hotels doomed to go on the jobby market

11th June 202411th June 2024 funtime65

They’re the hotels doomed to go on the jobby market… the eyesores, carbunkels and just wrongly named, and add to that the W Hotel in Edinburgh.

The more refined denizens of Scotland’s capital call the W Hotel in the St James Quarter ‘The Walnut Whip’ on account of its similarity to the chocolate treat.

While the less sophisticated have tagged it ‘The Golden Jobby’ on account of its tapered top and likeness to human waste.

Credit where credit’s due it’s The Guardian architecture critic Olly Wainwright who got the ball rolling ahead of the opening.

When his article headlined: Why has a poo emoji arrived on Edinburgh’s skyline? unleashed a stream of similar-typed comparisons.

With comments flowing such as ‘you can’t polish a turd, but you can clad it in bronze-coloured steel’.

And ‘despite all the Unesco World Heritage site … shit still happens’.

Back to the draft board

Now on the draft board The Golden Jobby may have looked like a good idea…

And we’ve all been there.

What designers Jestico + Whiles had seen would be different from the rest of us and branded it “the ribbon hotel”.

And, to be fair, it did boast some swish features, including a 360-degree panoramic rooftop bar.

A Sushisamba restaurant (no, us neither), a recording studio, spa, meeting rooms and a panoramic roof terrace.

With views of the Old and New Town and Arthur’s Seat.

And it boasted ten storeys and 244 rooms.

With a stay in a King room setting you back £425 per night.

Location, location, location

The W is also ideally situated, near Edinburgh’s theatreland and just off Princes Street.

And the best retail and restaurants and bars the New Town can offer.

The official reason given for putting the hotel, which was only opened just seven months ago, is that Nuveen Real Estate has wider plans for the development.

And according to Nuveen, the overall development has an estimated investment value in excess of £1b.

So what we would deduce from that is that you’ll have to shell out a billion then to spend a penny.

Visit if you will, and Edinburgh is a jewel, and decide for yourself.

If this is one of those hotels doomed to go on the jobby market.

Countries, Europe, Sport, UK

A centennial tribute to Olympian Eric Liddell

2nd June 20242nd June 2024 funtime65

On this slow summer Sunday let’s pick up the pace a bit with a centennial tribute to Olympian Eric Liddell.

Liddell’s legend lives on less in his home country of Scotland than on the big screen.

As the God-fearing star of the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire.

The film which chronicled his and fellow British sprinter Harold Abrahams at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

With Liddell entering the pantheon of sporting greats by winning the 400m gold.

But only after sacrificing his place in his favoured event of the 100m.

Because it would have involved him having to run on a Sunday, the Lord’s day.

Bring Eric into the open

Happy Hundred: Liddell fans inside Edinburgh University

Now you would imagine that such heroism would have earned Liddell a permanent podium in a town square.

But, of course, this prophet in his own land was overlooked for the usual slavers and empire builders who look down on us from plinths.

And the Flying Scotsman is hidden away in Eltham College (no, us neither).

And hidden inside his alma mater of Edinburgh University.

Also as a stained glass window in a church in Holy Corner in Morningside in the Scottish capital.

Paris revisited

The great sprinter will no doubt be eulogised by commentators in the City of Light to inspire our Paris 2024 hopefuls.

Without a mention that China, who will no doubt be pilloried by our Little Britainers, pay more homage to Liddell than we do.

And there is a statue of Liddell at his Japanese internment camp in China.

With the People’s Republic even claiming the Chinese-born Liddell as their first Olympic champion.

With a memorial to the Scot who lies there for eternity having died doing missionary work in the Far East.

It might be worth reflecting that the original Olympians in Hellas performed for the greater glory of the Gods.

While today’s athletes compete for greater riches, clicks and social media followers.

The OG Olympians

Those OG (as the Gen Z millennials) Olympians in Greece would call them became immortalised in statue.

And wouldn’t it be fitting then as a centennial tribute to Olympian Eric Liddell?

To erect a town square statue to a real Edinburgh hero… and we salute the sterling work of the steering group The Eric Liddell 100.

And God knows, there is no shortage of redundant erections around the city which we could start ripping down now.

Countries, Europe, Ireland, UK

Ich bin feminine Hamburger

11th August 202312th August 2023 funtime65

All you single ladies, all you single ladies we bring you the safest cities in Europe… ich bin feminine Hamburger.

All courtesy of Kipling… no, not them but the other ones who make exceedingly good luggage.

And that party city jewel of the North Sea, Hamburg, comes top of their crop for single ladies to go a-travelling.

Power to your Elbe

The Solo Female Traveller City Index tells us that Hamburg scores for group activities, attractions, accommodation and more.

They tell us the best ways to explore Hamburg is by foot or bicycle along its picturesque canals.

And if you really want to be ein Hamburger.

Then walk or bike through the Old Elbe Tunnel, the most visited attraction in Germany’s second city.

Speicherstadt is the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where my own fraulein was happy to be on the other side of the lens for once.

Blankenese is recommended as a non-touristy spot.

A charming village spot to spend a few hours exploring solo.

And spotting fishermen’s houses, seaside view restaurants and outdoor theatre shows.

Munich Shefest

Now I can vouch for the second city on the list, also German, as I set off on my own for Oktoberfest in Munich.

And was taken under der wing of a busload of Aussies and Kiwis.

Out of Oktoberfest Munich is still, probably more, an easy city to get around.

With a network of trams and buses with the average one-way trip costing £3.11.

Making it straightforward to visit the city’s iconic spots, including Munich’s iconic Nymphenburg Palace or New Town Hall.

Queen of Scots

Our own wee capital city, Edinburgh, in our own wee Scottish country is also highlighted by Kipling.

They quite rightly want you to get your walking shoes on and hike up Arthur’s Seat for stunning views.

Wandering through the UNESCO heritage site of New Town.

Or take a stroll through the world-leading Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for 72 acres of beautiful scenery.

Of course my girls, one an adopted Scot and Daddy’s Little Girl, a native Edinburgher, join me in talking up our wee home.

So Faro, so good

Now most of us will just see Faro in the Algarve fleetingly, zipping through the airport.

Thankfully my Portugalophile friends Surinder and Carole are always quick to remind me of Faro’s charms.

Faro promises beautiful beaches, a buzzing nightlife and historic sites to explore, including its charming Old Town.

One of Faro’s best-kept city secrets is The Capela dos Ossos, ‘the Bone Chapel’, an ancient building made from the skeletons of 1,200 monks.

Travellers wishing to learn more about Faro’s history can also explore the Municipal Museum which features a range of archaeological attractions.

For a bit of beach time, head to Praia Da Ilha Deserta for 6km of unspoiled sands.

And because all women love to shop (or is that just my Scary One?) then the Forum Algarve or Rua de Santo Antônio is the place to go.

Dublin’s femme city

And we all know that it in Dublin’s femme city the girls are so pretty.

And Kipling agree and this is what they say about our old stomping ground.

Well, they want us to get on your guided bike and take in the castle… well, every good city has one.

Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse are also must-visit destinations.

While they also suggest the Archaeology Museum, Natural History Museum and Museum of Decorative Arts.

In fact we’ll take it from here and point you to the definitive guide to Dublin… that’ll be us here.

Exceedingly good Prague

You can find the other Solo Female Traveller top tips right there on Kipling.

And we’re glad to see our favourite Prague is on there… and we’d recommend good walking boots and a spare liver.

But here’s an idea, work your way through the list… starting with Ich Bin Ein Hamburger.

America, Countries, Europe, Ireland, UK

Dragging up the statue debate

9th April 20239th April 2023 funtime65

News that 70,000 fans have signed a petition to have an erection of Paul O’Grady (he’d appreciate that) put up in his hometown Birkenhead sees us dragging up the statue debate again.

Whether the proposed O’Grady statue over the Mersey from Liverpool would be of pets’ pal Paul with a beloved pooch.

Or his beloved alter ego, Lily Savage, a celebration of this towering figure would be most welcome.

We make no apologies for dredging up this contentious subject again because simply put statues are a fixture of every tourist’s city break trip.

And it is our mission to redress the balance.

By putting up more cultural figures on pedestals to match, replace or overtake the mystery military statues that look down on us.

Who’s a hero?

A horse, a horse: Stonewall Jackson at Manassas

Statues was all the talk in of all places Barbados a few years ago.

When the Ski Club of Virginia made their annual pilgrimage down to the Caribbean.

And our new friends from the Deep South were alerting us to the gathering storm.

Over the statues of the Confederate leaders proliferating there.

Which I saw for myself when I went out to Virginia.

And visited Manassas, site of the first fighting in the Civil War, and home to Stonewall Jackson.

And alas the fighting was to resume not long after on the streets again.

I was fortunate to illicit the opinions of those on both sides of the divide through further adventures in the Deep South.

And meet the likes of Dr Martin Luther King and his unfinished statue in Washington DC.

And Fannie Lou Hamer, the little big woman who got tired of being tired in Mississippi.

The extraordinary ordinary

In the name of dog: Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh

Of course for every celebrated soldier, conceited king or quaffed queen there are real heroes and heroines who have rightly been placed in marble and stone.

Such as Anne Frank in Amsterdam, Workers’ champion Jim Larkin in Dublin or devoted doggie Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh.

Ah yes, you’ll see the message we’re sending out here, more children, women, working-class heroes and animals.

Gay giants

And LGBTQ+ champions and more drag queens.

Our trawl of statues turns up unexpectedly and disappointingly precious few of either.

Again our beloved Ireland leads the way somewhat and in spite of its repressive Catholic past.

With the louche and lounging statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square.

While he is lauded and lipsticked in his gravestone in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, his last resting place.

Where Wilde led, the likes of Harvey Milk, the ‘Mayor of Castro Street’ in San Francisco.

Whose bust smiles at us from its plinth in City Hall, followed.

And Greenwich Village in New York, spiritual home for the Gay Liberation Movement, made a statement with a bust to Marsha P Johnson.

All of which makes the case for more statues which truly represent the people who live among them and represent them.

Redressing the balance

Alas, here in the UK as in most places representation is in short supply.

With only Alan Turing, the decoder who helped defeat Hitler, represented long after he was vilified and criminalised for his homosexuality.

So let’s hear it for the real heroes and heroines of our society.

Those we can identify with and look up to.

And that’s who I want to be looking at it on my city breaks.

And why I’m dragging up the statue debate again.

Countries, UK

Wu Wu, how Scots do Christmas

5th November 20215th November 2021 funtime65

Well this Scot will be working (small violins) but Wu, Wu, this is how Scots do Christmas.

Yes, the wonderful Wendy Wu is visiting, or her devoted experts and customers are.

With her Christmas in Scotland nine-night tour from £2,615pp from Sunday, December 19-27.

Now I’ve done the oul’ living in Scotland (and am back doing it) while I’ve been a visitor in my own land too.

When I first started this travelling and writing lark one of my first trips was an overnight train journey from London,.

And a stop-off at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.

Where the clock always runs three minutes fast to allow people extra time to catch the train at Waverley.

And then a whizz around the Royal Mile and a barrel ride inside the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Before much more whisky was taken at the end of Scottish fare.

Murray’s mint

Down at the country estate, Cromlix Hotel, Kinbuck, Perthshire, presented on a converted bathchair drinks trolley.

Of course all this I enjoyed way back in the late 80s when Andy Murray had a rattle rather than a tennis racket.

The best recommendation though is that the two-time Wimbledon champion chose Cromlix House.

And he spent some of his millions on, when he bought the demesne in 2013.

All of which is a diversion from the Wendy Wu tour so let’s get back on track here.

And hear from the woman herself…

Christmas Extravaganza Experiences

*Enjoy an extra special Christmas Eve performance of The Nutcracker by the Scottish Royal Ballet

*Join your Wendy Wu touring family for a Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch at the Intercontinental Edinburgh, followed by a fun-filled festive party.

*Sip champagne and embark on a private, out-of-hours tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia, exclusive to Wendy’s guests.

*Tuck into a champagne afternoon tea and overnighter on the Fingal

*Sample festive flavours with a paired chocolate and whisky tasting at the Aberfeldy Distillery

*Shop under the dazzling lights of Glasgow’s Christmas markets.

Savings on the way

And so let’s boil this down further…

*A carefully handpicked selection of 4* hotels.

*All meals including a sumptuous Christmas lunch on Christmas Day.

*Exceptional local guide with you every step of the way.

*All daily tours, sightseeing and entrance fees.

Book by 15 November and save £75pp on this tour.

Yes, there you have it, Wu, Wu, this is how Scots do Christmas.