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Clan Fraser
Although Clan Fraser are believed to have originated in the Anjou
or Normandy region of France and first arrived in Britain around
the time of William the Conquer, the clan has a long and colourful
history in Scotland. The earliest records are found in the Borders
region in the 1100's when their name has been recorded as de
Fresel, de Freseliere and de Frisselle. These evolved into the
modern Fraser, Frazier and Frizzell. The family are associated
with many locations in Scotland - too many to include in a single
tour!
Day 1 & 2
Arrive in Edinburgh and begin to explore Edinburgh's many historic
sites that have played such a large role in the life of Clan
Fraser. In the evening you could take part in one of the city's
many ghostwalks or a literary pub walk stopping at the favoured
haunts of Scotland's literary greats.
Day 3
Depart Edinburgh this morning and explore the Borders region
with its many associations with the earliest history of the Frasers.
From the Borders your route heads west to your overnight stop
near Loch Lomond.
Day 4
Proceed via Loch Ness with a stop at the site of the "Battle
of the Shirts" where the Frasers fought Clan Donald, then
on to Inverness, the bustling capital of the Highlands. As you
approach Inverness you will find the most important site and
a truly atmospheric experience, is the battleground of Culloden
where, in April 1746, 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie's Jacobite rebellion
was crushed by Government forces. This landmark battle signaled
the destruction of clan society as it had been for hundreds of
years. Learn all about Clan Fraser's participation in the rebellion
at the new Visitor Centre. Overnight in Inverness area.
Day 5
A full day to explore the Inverness region, home to the Frasers
of Lovat. This branch of the Frasers obtained these lands through
marriage in the early 15th century and were given the title Lords
Lovat in 1426. Visit the Fraser Museum at Beauly and conclude
your day with a tour and taste at Moniack Castle Winery another
ancestral castle of the Frasers.
Day 6
From Inverness through Aberdeenshire via Fraserburgh - home to
the Frasers of magnificent Castle Fraser, a grand baronial castle
dating from the 16th centuryand is filled with family treasures
and many ancestral portraits.
Day 7
Your route now turns south to St Andrews where William Fraser
was Bishop of St Andrews in the 13th century. No doubt many Frasers
through the centuries have attended the University of St Andrews,
Scotland's oldest university, founded here in 1413. Overnight
in the Kingdom of Fife.
Day 8
Stirling is one of the gems in Scotland's crown - perhaps best
publicized in recent years in the film "Braveheart"
which took liberties with Scottish history! Get the real story
by visiting the Bannockburn Battlefield and Visitor Centre, Stirling
Castle and the Wallace Monument located nearby at Bridge of Allan.
Stirling Castle would have been familiar to the Simon -"the
Patriot" Fraser who fought with William Wallace and suffered
the same fate of being hung,drawn and quartered at the Tower
of London in 1306. At Bannockburn see the statue of Robert the
Bruce also supported by Frasers in the battle of Bannockburn
and other battles for Scottish independence. Sir Alexander Fraser
was Chamberlain of Scotland, friend and brother in law of Robert
the Bruce. Continue to Edinburgh for your last evening in Scotland.
Day 9
Depart from Edinburgh
Prices are available on request
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