Commonwealth Baton Stars Across Scotland

Why is the Blog called That's Why Scotland's For Me we are often asked....

Well, here's a wee personal one from me.

About a decade ago I walked into Powerleague in Kilmarnock with a four year old son and a daughter a year older and asked about signing them up for the Saturday morning club for young supporters of Kilmarnock Football Club. They were already season ticket holders by that time but I'd heard great things about what the group were doing.

For the next five or or six years my son continued to go to the training on Saturdays only stopping when he started playing competitive matches for Kilmaurs then Troon Thistle. If it wasn't for the fun, the support and the professional coaching received on those Saturday mornings, he'd never have played football week in week out. I never foresaw him still playing at under sixteens that was for sure! It was down to the team at Young Killie (now Young Kilmarnock but that's another story) for encouraging him.

Now I say it's a personal tale but it's one that could be repeated verbatim by hundreds of Killie parents and guardians. No maybe thousands. The group and its organisers and coaches have through the years given freely of their time and often have suffered very badly at the hands of some who should have had more respect. But even through the challenging times, they remained focussed on one thing and one thing only - the youngsters lining up in increasing numbers every week.

My main contact has always been Susan Russell and we've tried to help out a little where we can.

So it was with absolute delight that I saw that Susan - above pictured after she had won the League Cup for Killie against Celtic!- was today named as one of the baton carriers for The Commonwealth Games.

I hadn't grasped the enthusiasm yet personally for the Games but what this did succeed in doing was make me realise once again what it should be about. It should be about recognising the people like Susan who just don't know how to stop giving; it should be about looking in the mirror and asking maybe whether there's just a little more we could all do.

So there's the answer to the first paragraph's question.

People like Susan Russell...THAT's why Scotland's for Me!

Oh yeah and you can still sign up for Young Kilmarnock this Saturday!

P&O Ferry Returns to Troon

It's great to sit at the computer and watch the fast ferry from Larne sail back into Troon for the new 2014 season. 

The P&O Express fastcraft takes only two hours to speed you across the sea to Troon from Norther ireland and has long been popular for golfers and short breakers alike and 2014 offers some wonderful reasons for visiting the Ayrshire coast again.

The 2-hour Larne to Troon service operates between March and October, and with Troon only 35 minutes from Glasgow and Edinburgh not much further, whether you take the high road or the low road you can be certain to be at your destination, 'afore the rest'!

Travellers can simply ease back as soon as they step on board. Upgrades are available to Club Lounge where there is a further touch of luxury. New delights for 2014 delights include trolley service that means you won’t even need to leave your seat. Alternatively enjoy a delicious meal with a refreshed menu of locally sourced food, including Irish stew. Costa are new on board to offer you their finest coffee or for something with more kick there will be a new-look bar for a drink and snack. 

So if you're planning your travel why not simply sail straight into the heart of Ayrshire and take advantage of some great hotels and attractions this year.

Booking your Ferry is easy online. A few clicks and you're confirmation will be on its way. (For some reason the timetable is not yet available online yet but as soon as it is we'll publish it here.)

Simply Book Now on the P&O Irish Ferries Website

And for the Travel Trade?

And for hotels, attractions and golf courses? Well why not make it easy for your visitors to get to you? Publicise the routes, link to the bookings page, promote P&O Irish Sea offers and publish the timetable on your website. Make sure your staff know the route and the frequency of sailings. Get them on the boat of possible. A destination only succeeds when it has access to it and it is important that accommodation providers work with the inbound transport operators to promote routes and develop packages.

Chocolate from Ayrshire

Newsletters are great for reminding of what you could and should have bought for Mother's Day if you had been organised enough or checked your email at the right time! My in box revealed that again this morning and whilst it may be too late for my mum I now have some great ideas for Chocolate hamper gifts and prizes with Chocolati in Ayrshire.

Using the finest ingredients, Ayr based Chocolati are passionate about what they do using chocolate containing only the finest cocoa butter, together with their uniquely special recipes to create handmade chocolates of the highest quality. They are luxuriously smooth and creamy, with flavours that just burst in your mouth! Guaranteed to give maximum pleasure to real chocolate lovers.

Dark, Milk or White? Whatever you preference, most of their handmade chocolates come to suit your tastes and their round presentation boxes are designed to give the “WOW” factor once opened with each box carefully filled with a mouth-watering range of Luxury Dark, Milk and White chocolates, filled with soft centres, tangy fruit creams, ganaches, pralines and amazing truffles.

You can follow what Chocolati are up to on their Facebook page

Open Golf in Ayrshire 2014...

Open Championship Golf on the Ayrshire Coast. #thatswhyscotlandsforme

The Second Annual Dundonald Games Kilted Golf Classic!

We've been sent information on a great fun golf event and this year it has even more reason to play as it's going to help a young Ayrshire girl get the treatment she needs in The States.

The 2012 Dundonald Games Kilted Golf Classic in Ayrshire is unique eighteen hole handicap stableford event has become a little more special this year as all proceeds from the event will go towards The Vanessa Riddle Appeal.

All of us living and working in Ayrshire - and indeed beyond - will be well aware of the magnificent community support given to raising funds to help give Vanessa Riddle receive the treatment she needs.

We ourselves have been taken aback by the work put in by so many of all ages and we are therefore delighted that Dundonald Links have been so generous in hosting this event which this year will see all proceeds go to the appeal.

The event itself will again be played over the quite magnificent Dundonald Links golf course in Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland just 24 hours ahead of the annual Dundonald Games - the only difference between this and any other stabelford event is that Kilts are Compulsory!

The day is about enjoyment and added to the golf you will have access to the practice area and free range balls as well as Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and the handicap stableford event - the four man team is a better ball stableford so you can even carry the odd non handicapper.


Find Out More and Reserve your Place Now

Golfing in Scotland Away From The Crowds

We often get carried away in Scotland with the presence of our big name courses and occasionally dredge up that awful phrase the Hidden Gems when talking to visitors.

But if we can avoid cliches there really is so many wonderful places top play golf with names that you've never heard of. In Argyll you could play Dunaverty; or Dragon's Tooth near Fort William; Tain or Golspie in the North Highlands or you could hit one of my favourite places The Isle of Arran and play one of seven great courses featured on the Golf Arran website.

I've only played Brodick and Shiskine but my neighbour plays every year in a company outing and swears by it. It is simply different and if experiences are what travel is about then golfing in Arran has to be on the bucket list.

Find out more about the golf on Arran and then investigate the produce, the Island Beers and Whiskies and maybe discover some live music along the way. Oh yeah and there's some great Ice Cream too!

2 for 1 Offers for Simpsinns

SimpsInns in Ayrshire have asked us to remind their Loyalty Card holders not to forget to book their 2 for 1 offer at The Waterside through the month of February. It's an exclusive promotion for all SimpsInns Loyalty Card holders. Booking is essential; simply call 01294 824414 and quote LOYFEB12. Usual T&Cs apply. If you haven't already got a loyalty card, sign up now to take advantage of this and many other great offers from SimpsInns.

Valentine's Treats in Ayrshire

Be Creative in Scotland in 2012?

Another great promotional video highlighting some great places in Scotland.

The Brig o Doon Hotel in Alloway sits right on that famous bridge and is one of the true hidden gems of Scottish Hospitality. Great value online booking direct with the hotel.

Top Marks for Old Loans Inn from Tam Cowan!

The team at the Old Loans Inn near Troon in Ayrshire can look forward to 2012 with a spring in their step after picking up “an unbeatable” top marks from Tam Cowan, Restaurant Critic of the Year, and are now in line to win the prestigious Hot Plate Award.

Cowan is the Daily Record’s award-winning restaurant critic and in 2011 he and three friends were blown away by their experience when they visited the SimpsInns venue in the village of Loans near Troon. As the review was published on New Year’s Eve it was a case of saving the best for last as the Old Loans Inn went to the top of an impressive shortlist vying for the Hot Plate Award.

“With an unbeatable score of 25/25, I can promise you it ticked all the right boxes,” said Cowan in reference to the only venue he awarded maximum points to in 2011. The Old Loans Inn moved above the likes of The Corinthian in Glasgow (24/25), Scotts Bar and Restaurant, Largs (24/25) and EE-USK in Oban (23/25).

“The food (comfort food at its very best) was sensational,” added Cowan. “The recession friendly prices (especially the £11.95 three-course menu that’s available 12-7pm seven days a week) were very welcome by the four of us enjoying the full works (plus wine and coffee) for £110.”

Cowan was taken, not only by the quality of food, but also by the service and ambiance of the family-owned business, which operates as part of the SimpsInns group based in the heart of Ayrshire. “Golf, frankincense and myrrh? Listen, at the risk of upsetting the Three Wise Men, the only gift I’ll be carrying next time I visit the Old Loans Inn will be a big shiny Hot Plate Award,” added Cowan.

(Incidentally Tam’s choice on the day was chicken tempura to start followed by the Old Loans Inn ‘Special Fish Supper’ and finished off with the Cinder Crunch for dessert.)

It was quite a year for the Old Loans Inn and SimpsInns after picking up a number of awards before the icing on the cake by way of Cowan’s Old Loans Inn review.

SimpsInns was named ‘Family Business of the Year’ at the 2011 Ayrshire Business awards, while the Old Loans Inn was named ‘Small Hotel of the Year 2011’ at the Golf Tourism Scotland (GTS) awards in St Andrews. And the Gailes Hotel was shortlisted as Wedding Venue of the Year at the VOWS Awards for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year. “All these wonderful accolades in 2011, it’s recognition for the huge team effort and emphasis we place on quality of product and service across all our venues,” explained Malcolm Simpson, owner of SimpsInns. “We were also fortunate to open our latest venture, The Waterside at Seamill, West Kilbride, last October and it continues to go from strength to strength despite these economically straitened times.

“To have received the awards that we did in 2011 was fantastic, but for the Old Loans Inn to be singled out as the only venue to get maximum top marks by Scotland’s leading food critic really did end the year on a high. “For that, special mention must go to all the team involved. Cheers, and here’s to a great 2012,” added Simpson.

Winter Golf Offers in Ayrshire

Found this offer by chance but thought it may be of interest to some of the many golfers looking for a wee break over the winter months.

Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club on the outskirts of Troon are offering some fantastic winter rates between now and March 2012 the best of which looks to be a fourball between Sunday and Friday - subject to the normal availability - for only £100. Given that the standard rate is between £57 and £67 you are saving a bit of money.

The course is normally in good condition throughout the year so some good golf in prospect - if there's not four of you, you can still get a game for £30 a round until February and £37 in March with under 18's saving a further 50%.

Give the club a call on 01292 313920 or visit their website

Check availability top right for some equally good accommodation offers and make a wee break of it!!

Lochgreen House Hotel in Ayrshire - A Short Break Waiting to Happen

It's just one of those places that were it located in Edinburgh or The Highlands or even Glasgow then it would have a world wide reputation. As it is Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon is remembered and I dare say recommended by all who visit it for its excellence in welcome, wining and dining and accommodation.

It is truly a world class hotel and whilst hardly unknown it remains in part one of those Scottish hidden gems that deserves visiting for a short break.

Minutes from Prestwick Airport and much less than an hour from Glasgow (90 minutes from Edinburgh Airport) it is easily accessible and with its views across the golf courses to Arran perfect for the golf trip. Of course there is much more to Ayrshire than golf but once you sit down to your Champagne afternoon tea and browse the evening menus you may just be tempted to sit in front of the fire with a little whisky and savour this wonderful country house ambience.

Have a look at the slideshow and just do it! Click on to the Lochgreen House Hotel website and book yourself a little escape to the Ayrshire coast.

Great Self Catering on Scotland's West Coast

Lands of Turnberry offers the only self-catering facilities on the west coast of Scotland with unrestricted access to the championship golf courses and The Spa at Turnberry featuring a 20m swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym.

Special Offers - Save up to 43%

Reserve your self-catering holiday at Lands of Turnberry before 31st August, 2011 and enjoy a 7 night stay at £995 instead of £1,750 in summer.

Special Opening offer for a 7 night stay - Save 43%

• Save up to 43%
• Stays arriving on a Monday or a Friday
• £995 for a 7 night stay
• Valid for stays between 1st April,2011 - 3rd November, 2011
• Book before 31st August, 2011

4 nights for the price of 3

Book your self-catering apartments at Lands of Turnberry today! Enjoy one extra day to explore the delights of the west coast of Scotland.
Get the 4th night free

• Stays arriving on a Monday
• £795 for a 4 night stay this summer
• £360 for a 4 night stay during winter
• Valid for stays before the end of 2011

Early Energiser Day Spa Experience

Ease away the tensions and stress of every day life, feel revived and ready to face the world. For £99 per person the day is yours to enjoy The Spa at Turnberry. Whilst not being pampered in a treatment room, we invite you to spend your time in the relaxation suites, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, swimming pool or gymnasium.

The Early Energiser Experience at Turnberry includes;

• Breakfast in the 1906 restaurant
• Welcome Foot Ritual
• Full Body Salt and Oil Exfoliation
• ESPA 55 minute Body or Facial Treatment
• Available Sunday to Thursday. Subject to availability.

For additional information and to book these special offers, fill in the form on the right. Alternatively call +44.1655.333.994 or e-mail reservations@landsofturnberry.co.uk. Prices subject to availability on a limited number of apartments.

Dundonald Games Links Golf Day Announced

This year will see the inaugural Dundonald Games Links Golf Day incorporating the first Kilted Golf Classic teeing off on Friday 5th August.

This unique 18 hole handicap stableford event is open to amateur ladies and gents with an official handicap and will be played over the magnificent Dundonald Links golf course. The course is a wonderful challenge but remains a fair test of all golfing abilities with fast, three club greens, some wonderful pot bunkers, an abundance of dunes and some of the best laid out holes in Scotland.

And the Kilted Golf Classic? Although not obligatory we thought that given that it is an integral part of Dundonald Games Week we would add a little bit of fun and offer players the opportunity to compete in Highland Dress with a special commemorative trophy being presented to the winner!

Entry is strictly limited to 80 golfers and it is sure to be subscribed very quickly so do not hesitate to enter. You can reserve a single or a discounted fourball from only £45 per person including coffee and bacon roll on arrival.

For further information and reservations visit click here