Tour Newport-on-Tay on a relaxing small
group vacation of my homeland

" I look forward to showing you my historic
Scotland, as only a native Scot can. "

Newport-on-Tay was previously named New Dundee and was regarded as a fashionable place to reside by the wealthy Jute Barons of Dundee in the 19th century. Consequently this led to the village of Wormit being established as a commuter town and rail link between Newport - on - Tay and Dundee. Wormit also claims its place in history as the first village in Scotland to be powered by electricity. Today Newport-on-Tay and Tayport are ideal places to use as a base to explore North East Fife and Dundee area. The narrow country roads from Wormit lead to Balmerino with its ruined abbey, picnic area and wonderful views of the Tay. The Abbey was founded in 1229 and lies on the shores of the River Tay and was always a popular ferry crossing for pilgrims travelling between St. Andrews and Arbroath. In 1559 the Abbey was destroyed by the Reformers and eventually was taken under the wing of the present managers, the National Trust for Scotland, in 1936.

The River Tay divides the north coast of Fife from Angus and not surprisingly the coastal villages in North Fife operated a ferry service to and from Dundee. The villages of Tayport, originally named Ferryport-on-Craig, Newport-on-Tay and Woodhaven relied on the road, rail and ferry transport system for their very livelihood. The building of the Tay Rail Bridge in 1878 caused their very existence to be threatened. The opening of the Tay Road Bridge in 1966 brought them back to life again.

Running alongside the modern Rail Bridge are the stumps of the piers of the first bridge which collapsed in December 1879. That night as galeforce winds tore at the high girders of the bridge the northbound train set off for Dundee. It was to be a tragic journey, and as the bridge collapsed, the train plummeted into the River Tay killing all seventy five people on board. The new bridge was built in 1887 and was the longest bridge in the whole of Great Britain. Many of the victims of the Tay Rail Bridge Disaster are buried in the cemetery at the small village of Kilmany.
Scotscraig Estate, next to Tayport, belonged at one time to Archbishop Sharpe who was murdered on Magus Moor. The golf course at Scotscraig is probably second to none in the North Coastal area Fife.

For the Independent Traveler to Scotland we also offer help with Airfares, Hotel Packages, and Rail Travel.

Leave The Herd Behind With A Small Group Tour of Scotland

All my small group tours of Scotland, which often include my native Fife, are paced for discovery and understanding, not just notching sites. Each small group is limited to an absolute maximum of 18 people, with a typical small group being just 6 or 8 people. I prefer to guide these small groups through Scotland in a relaxing manner, staying at two or three base locations from which we can visit places of interest - and not have to move luggage every day.

Tour Scotland guests tend to be travelers rather than tourists, enjoying seeing behind the tourist facade, while visiting with " locals " and seeing sites not normally seen by the regular tourist. Many group members visit Scotland to trace their Scottish ancestry; others to golf or fish; most come to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and gardens, and most of all, to meet and enjoy the people of Scotland. My Tours of Scotland can be best described as being " couthy. " It's a Scottish word meaning " gentle."

What goes into an unforgettable Tour of Scotland ? Lots of great scenery, for sure. Perhaps also a smidgen of something you can't quite put your finger on, but nevertheless creates a lasting impression. Maybe a piper playing in the pub; perhaps a conversation with a local; a shepherd working his dogs; fishermen landing their catch. All my previous group members have their own lists of defining moments. I wonder what yours will be ?

Any time from April through October is a really good time to Tour Scotland. Spring and early summer are my particular favorites. Forests, fields and glens offer a wonderful array of colors during that time of year, while the long Northern days of sunshine let you get out and enjoy it. There is also no shortage of things to do as all the best attractions are already open, and are far more relaxed away from the mid-summer crowds, whilst in the cities the Arts season is in full swing. But whenever you visit, you're always guaranteed a warm welcome in my Scotland. June through August is the best time to attend Highland Games on a Tour Scotland tour.

Here's a built by a couple of Tour Scotland members from last year. I think you will find the site interesting and informative. A Journey Through Scotland. For my latest Tours of Scotland photos click: May 2003 or Loch Ness.

Tour Scotland group members will have the opportunity to shop, play golf, visit local pubs and simply go for walks and enjoy local sights and sounds. Let me know your reasons for wishing to Tour Scotland, and see if I can best fit your needs. If you would like to visit independently, or as part of a small group tour, or on another Tour of Scotland, please e-mail me:

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Sandy Stevenson All rights reserved 2000.