Ancestral Scotland

There is a hillside on the north-west coast of Scotland called "Farewell". Actually there are many Farewells, each of them a vantage point in the past for Scotland´s people to wave a tearful, hopeful farewell to their sons and daughters as they sailed across the sea in search of new lives.

We are delighted to offer the unique opportunity for you to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors who once walked on those hillsides dreaming of starting a new life in the "New World". Working in conjunction with one of Scotland´s leading genealogical research companies we are able to offer you a customised tour to explore your own heritage. Imagine the thrill of walking down a lane where your great-great grandparents walked, meeting cousins you never knew existed and seeing some of the homes in which your family once lived.

We can help make that journey possible.

Our unique Package programme includes:

• a primary level of genealogical research undertaken before you leave your home to travel to Scotland
• six nights accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis
• car rental for seven days
• "Welcome Home" pack of relevant historical material

Your accommodation reservations will be made on your behalf in the standard of accommodation requested in the areas of Scotland that match the history that the ancestral research reveals.

For those uncomfortable driving we can also offer a chauffeured package for an additional cost.

All we need to know in order to offer this package is the name, location and year of birth, death or marriage of a relative in Scotland, ( this date must be after 1856), and we will do the rest. The research will provide a four - five page history of either your maternal or paternal line you choose which you wish the research to focus upon. For supplements our Ghillie Package of research will follow both the paternal and maternal lines and make use of Old Parish Registers and Census Reports whilst the Laird Package offers the ultimate package incorporating all of the above and enhanced with additional material such as copies of old Ordnance Survey Maps and Statistical Accounts as well as a unique historical insight relating to the specific location your family originated from.

For further information on the three pacakges available and our Optional Day click below:

Crofter Package

Ghillie Package

Laird Package

Optional Day in New Register House, Edinburgh, accompanied by a professional ancestral researcher

Gathering 2009 – Clan Packages

Many people are curious about their roots and history of their clan. We are delighted to offer a small selection of tours for some of the most famous Scottish clans. These will take you to the heart of your clan's territories, enabling you to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and learn of their turbulent past. History, culture and folklore will abound as you explore famous locations. This, combined with spectacular Highland scenery, will ensure these are truly memorable tours. We have combined the tours with an extended stay in Edinburgh, during one of the key events of Homecoming 2009: "The Gathering", This takes place in Edinburgh during the 25th-26th July 2009 and is a celebration of the clan's contribution to the culture of Scotland. The programme includes a variety of events, over 2 days, including World Highland Games, Heavy Events Championship, Scottish Highland Dancing, a clan parade & pageant. Join us on a tour into the past to discover your ancestors and the part they played in the history of Scotland. Please note that the activities of "The Gathering 2009" in Edinburgh are not included in the Package Price and a supplement can be paid direct to the organizers of "The Gathering 2009", for the ticketed events on Edinburgh Castle esplanade and in Holyrood Park. Alba Travel & Events are delighted to offer these exciting packages to mark this special year of celebration: Homelands Tour packages for: Clan Cameron / Clan Campbell / Clan MacDonald / Clan MacGregor / Clan MacLeod / Clan Robertson Please use the links above for details and to book packages. We look forward to welcoming you home in 2009!!

Burnett Clan Gathering 2009

2009 is the Year of Homecoming where Scotland is set to enjoy a year long celebration of our culture, heritage, and achievements as a nation. It is also the year we are encouraging as many people as possible, with Scottish ties, to return home. The Burnett's of Leys whose family seat is Crathes Castle are no different and the Chief, James C.A. Burnett of Leys is encouraging anyone with a relationship to the Burnett family name to return to Crathes Castle from 29th July until 1st August 2009 for the Burnett Gathering. A fantastic programme of events is planned over the 4 days of the Burnett Gathering with Guided Tours of Crathes Castle Gardens, dinner at the House of Crathes, a visit either to Drum Castle or Kemnay House, Salmon Fishing on the River Dee, Tours of the North East of Scotland, Ceilidh and Supper at Woodend Barn and attendance of the Aboyne Highland Games making up part of the programme. Alba Travel & Events are the official partner of the Burnett Gathering 2009 in the provision of organised tours. We are delighted to offer three different organised tours which includes the 4 days of activities at the Burnett Gathering 2009. Tour 1 – 28th July-3rd August / Tour 2 – 28th July-8th August/ Tour 3 – 24th July-3rd August Hope we can welcome you home in 2009!!