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The Scotland that doesn't announce itself

  • Raven Sinclaire
  • May 2
  • 4 min read

This pic above was taken at last week's MacGregor's Gathering in Inverness. It's a fun story because, about three years ago, I had a tour group in MacGregor's Pub and Bruce invited me to sit in for a few minutes on his live Facebook weekly broadcast. DiAnne, the woman sitting next to me, always watches these shows from her home in Texas, and she learned about my tours from that Broadcast. Fast forward to 2026, she had signed up for our April tour with Bruce as the musician host; so we were guests on the show together; a fun full circle moment.  


Dear Friends,


Last week, Steve and I had wandered off the main street in Montrose, past the spots that show up on a map, and into a bar called The Albert. It's the kind of place where everyone already knows each other and the regulars have a preferred stool. We were obviously not from there, and we felt terribly out of place, but we sat down anyway.


All the bar stools were taken and there was only one two top table open so we ordered drinks at the bar and went to grab it. We had the feeling this table was meant for someone else, but the guys next to us said it was free. What happened after that must have been some kind of sorcery because it was Quiz Night at the bar and it was starting soon. We planned to drink up and leave, but that isn't what happened. 


An answer sheet and pencil came around. We tried to refuse. Each table paid for the sheets which go to a local charity. It was cash only and we had none. It was the perfect excuse, but the owner, named Willie, pulled money out of his pocket and handed it to the bartender, "I've goth theirs," he said and pointed to us.


The questions came. History questions. Music questions. Pop culture questions. We were doing fine in that shrug-and-guess way. And then a random question was announced: something about Lubbock, Texas. I grew up there. A few rounds later: a question about Chicago. Steve used to live there; little guideposts thrown in to let us know we were exactly where we were supposed to be. We did not win, but we didn't come in last either, and the back and forth banter was golden. Afterward, several people came over to introduce themselves and tell us we were quite welcome there any time. We learned about their live music nights, darts night and karaoke. We laughed. A lot.


 It was an evening that happened because we wandered and because we said yes and because Scottish towns have a way of folding you in if you let them.I've been building our Scotland tours around this premise for years now. Small groups, moving slowly, meeting old friends along the way and staying long enough to become almost familiar. And this year, something has shifted. Bruce MacGregor joined us as a guide and host.


If you've traveled with us before, you may know Bruce: he is one of the finest traditional fiddle players in the world. He owns MacGregor's Pub in Inverness with his wife, Jo, and they now also own the Whisky Vault in Oban. He genuinely carries the music and stories of this place in his bones. He's been doing it his whole life. Bruce played for my recent group but he also rode the coach with us, told the stories and, on a whim, took us to his family farm where we met his Dad (quite the Scottish character!) who showed the group cows and farm equipment and Bruce performed for us in the most decked out barn I've ever seen. That day was one of my all time tour favorites and it wasn't planned. I had guests who had been on several of my previous tours and they said, this was the best one yet. To be fair, subsequent tours do get better, but.......


I got to thinking and Jo and Bruce and I got to talking and you'll see a lot more of Bruce next year as he joins most the music tours as guide and some this year as his schedule permits.On that note, I'm sending an -Almost Full- alert for the tours below, but you can also check out all the great music tours set for next year.


 

 

  • Isle of Man Journey - Raven and Glenn (double 'n' for those who know :) embark on a tour from Glasgow to the Isle of Man, then Yorkshire and back again. Yes, we will visit Hadrian's Wall along the way! This is the first time we are venturing out of Scotland to see a bit more of the world. Only 3 double rooms left


AND PLEASE NOTE: If you're still looking for an Autumn, 2026 getaway (and who isn't?), this is it!  We are booking for the fabulous tour/retreat with Dr. Shannon South. I've known Shannon for years and I'm such a fan. She's wise and insightful and has a gift of bringing out the very best in everyone. Booking ends May 31st and this will be magic. Take a look at Sacred Scotland. If you've been thinking about experiencing the Scotland that doesn't announce itself, the people and culture that will fold you in and make you one of their own, I can't wait to share it with you.


Love,Raven

 
 
 

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