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International Pre-Tour
The "Uisge Beatha" Tour – 29th August – 1st September 2010
Dates and plans
Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th – Make your arrival at Aberdeen Airport, preferably, on Saturday. This should allow you a chance to meet up with Banchory RT members that evening. A short tour can be provided of the Deeside area, on Sunday, or alternatively we begin our journey north. During the trip, all overnight stops will be in reasonable hotels, or B&B's, starting with the Learney Arms, Torphins.
Monday 30th – Leave for Speyside, the home of whisky, visiting many famous names, such as, Glenfiddich, The Macallan, Glen Grant, to name a few. Also, see the Speyside Cooperage, and how to make a whisky barrel. Our journey will continue north, probably, stopping in Inverness for the evening, and, the chance to meet some Tablers.
Tuesday 31st – We need to catch a ferry! The plan is to travel to John O'Groat's and head to Orkney, home of Highland Park, Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, and the Italian Chapel. We will try to visit Glenmorangie, Dalmore, and Old Pultney, along the way, though! Again, hopefully there is a chance to meet some Orkney Tablers, on Tuesday night.
Wednesday 1st September – Start the journey home to Torphins, if we missed some distilleries heading north, we can catch them heading back! However, two more interesting ones can be seen at Dalwhinnie (the highest), and, at Pitlochry (Edradour – the smallest). Your journey will take you to Braemar, and down the Dee valley, back to Torphins. Once again, staying at the Learney Arms.
Thursday 2nd – Catch a train! Yes, NSW begins, travel from Aberdeen via train to Edinburgh, and south to Lancaster. Night out on the town, meeting the early bird Tablers, checking out the best haunts for the coming weekend!
Friday 3rd – Golf day! This is traditionally, the day when two members from each RTBI area, head out to do battle on the greens. However, the rest of us tend to "practise" our bar skills, again!
Saturday 4th – NSW with all its sports begins, check out the website, for details. 1940's Fancy Dress (Military or Civillian), or Black tie, Gala Night, with presentation of awards, to follow - including an International award for the first time!
Sunday 5th – Brunch and farewell, return via train to Aberdeen, stay at Learney Arms, unless late flights are arranged. Probably better to wait until Monday before heading home!
Costs are still to be finalised, but a "working rate" has been approximated below:
Pre-tour, minibus hire, accommodation approximately £350 per person, NSW booking £220, train ticket £90, giving a rough total of £660, but, as stated this only a draft proposal. All other excess costs, beers and "entertainment", are excluded and liable to those incurring them!!
The group will be limited in size, approximately 10 persons, first come, first served basis. Bookings can be made with Steve Lord or Blair Forrest.
Yours in International Tabling,
Blair "The Beard" Forrest
RTBI International Consultant 2009-10
Tel: +44 7718 074 701
* Registered Office: Marchesi House, 4 Embassy Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TP