McKinlay Kidd Traveller Reviews

Very responsive and everything worked as they had scheduled

We came up from London to Glasgow by train and did McKinlay Kidd's train and hotel package to Fort William and Mallaig, travelling for the last part on the Jacobite steam train, with an extra couple of days added on in Oban which the company also arranged. We've been to many places in the world but seldom seen anywhere to compare with the beauty of the West Highlands. A lovely place with friendly people, and we hope to return soon.

All the arrangements by McKinlay Kidd were excellent, with a special mention for the seats they booked for us on the Jacobite steam train - they were on the side which seemed to have the best views. The documentation they provide is very complete and absolutely accurate.

Since everything was well planned ther was no surprises. Mull is rich of wonderful spots and landscpaes and even when weather wasn't helping,there was plenty of activities to do. Local resources are excellent and recommendable.

All staff was very kind. Tom was our contact always ready to answer. Everything was well planned since the beginning and even when weather wasn't helping, last minute changes were well dealed with. Choice of local resources was excellent and recommendable.

We'd been considering a holiday using trains for some time, so a tour around Scotland using scheduled trains, with the odd steam train and ferry, seemed to fit the bill. Starting in Glasgow, we trained Northwards, stopping off just short of Fort William, at Spean Bridge. This was an idyllic spot, marking the real end of work and start of the holiday! We then took the Jacobite steam train up to Mallaig, staying a couple of nights at nearby Arisaig. Then a couple of days on Skye (which wasn't as crowded as the newspapers were saying - but certainly as beautiful). Next stop Inverness, from where we took a boat excursion through the Caledonian Canal into the resplendent Loch Ness. Onward to Thurso, from where we took a day trip to lovely Orkney. We broke up the train journey down to Edinburgh with an overnight stay at Kingussie and the finest dinner of the trip. Finally, three days in Edinburgh, all full of Festival, Tattoo 'n' all. That's what we did, but putting into words how we felt about our holiday is more difficult. Just a wonderful experience made up of a variety of lovely experiences. The scenery to start with - Scotland seems to be green all the way up to the top - and watching it from a train window rather than looking for road signs from a car was a good choice! The excursions we took, the places we stayed, the people we met (who knew, the Scots are really friendly!). the food we ate, the ale I drank, the gin she drank, and finally all the fun of the festival at our final stop. A big tick for Scotrail too - the schedule went to schedule. This was a holiday to remember, and we will do so with great fondness.

I think it was a car company that once ran a campaign with the tag line "it just works". Well our holiday, with its various journeys, transfers and one- or two- night stays, just worked. The balance of travelling versus staying, was just right for us, and the range of experiences spot on. We didn't feel stuck, or hurried, at any stage. We quickly began to trust "Robert's Recommendations", not least when various hoteliers told us that Robert (Kidd) visits himself. Some say that the planning of a holiday is almost more stressful than the holiday is enjoyable. What stress? McKinlay Kidd took that away, and delivered a special two weeks.

Our Scotland by train adventure was everything we had hoped for. No stress about driving (on the wrong/other side of the road). The legs of the journey were of the perfect duration - we overnighted two nights at every stop meaning that there was no rush and we had time to explore and unwind. The stops chosen for us were highlights - Pitlochery/Inverness/Skye. Our ride on the Jacobite was a sure hit. We never thought we would travel to Scotland (a family wedding changed that) and now we are so glad that we did. Scotland is a beautiful country that abounds in history.

There are not enough superlatives for McKinlay Kidd. The staff know their stuff!! The kind assistance we received with our entire trip (a family wedding prior to the M-K holiday package) not just the train adventure was so appreciated. Attention to detail was very much in evidence as every leg of our journey was well organized - no surprises. Our holiday literature package was a delightful surprise (we'd had an info package prior) as it contained a wealth of brochures/maps not available on line. Although we did a package, this package was tailored and custom fitted for us which made our vacation ours.

We had a great time during our trip to Outer Hebrides and Isle of Sky. We met friendly people and we enjoyed breath-taking scenery. We had the chance to relax and to free ourselves from worries. We came back full of energy and lots of pictures.

McKinlay Kidd planned a very well organized trip for us. We received all the information that was needed, even in the smallest detail. We enjoyed the pace of the trip - spending two nights in every location was a very good idea, as we had enough time to discover the places at a relaxed pace. We also were very happy with the accommodations chosen for us. Very different places, each with a distinctive charm and nice people as hosts.

The accommodation and the itinerary provided by MacKinlay-Kidd were ideal, allowing us to see the outstanding scenery of the islands, take in many of the historical sites and pursue our main interest in bird watching.

We were on a self-drive holiday.

Our Scottish Island Odyssey was a wonderful trip. Very well organised and giving a flavour of the tranquil beauty of the area. Not too hectic whist making the most of the time available. We were lucky with the weather but even on wet misty days a wonderful atmosphere is experienced. Will always look back fondly on this holiday

Our tour operator provided a first class service. No complains at all.

Everything was arranged for us: train bookings, transfers, hotels, the ferry and accommodation. The highlights were The Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. Skye exceeded expectations and the hotel was perfect for our two night stay. The book of walks was handy for taking in the hire car and stopping off at places of interest for a walk.

Very helpful from the start.

We have just completed a self dive holiday to the Orkney and Shetland Islands which also included a short stay in Edinburgh. We had not been to Scotland and we wanted to experience Scottish Islands. We wanted to go to Orkney because we heard about Skara Brae but there was so much more to see and experience. What we loved most was wandering around and walking around the Island. We did not know what to expect in Shetland and we were overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the place. The Shetland Museum and Archives is a must to learn how the Island developed over time. Again we enjoyed walking around the Island and drinking in the magnificent and dramatic scenery. Anyone travelling to Shetland must stay at the Scalloway hotel. The owners are lovely and we ate at the bar each night as the food was great and served local produce. The mussels are a must. Be prepared for the weather. We took appropriate clothing and we were lucky that there were enough sunny days to enjoy our excursions. The Orkney and Shetland Islands are must for anyone who enjoys nature walks, bird watching ( yes we saw puffins) and archaeological sites.

McKinley Kidd organised for us a self drive holiday to Orkney and the Shetland Islands and our experience was fantastic! The accommodation selected for us in Edinburgh Orkney and Shetland was excellent and very comfortable. Our hosts were very friendly and accommodating. Everything was well organised. Our cars were ready when we reached our destinations. We particularly liked the app that McKinley Kidd gave us as it included a lot of tourist and travel information, our itinerary and Island natural attractions. Coming from Australia with very little or no knowledge of what to expect in the Scottish Islands the app was invaluable. We enjoyed our holiday. Our only regret was that it was not long enough.