Lithuanian low-cost carrier “Star1 Airlines” announced a new route from Edinburgh to Vilnius (Lithuania), commencing 28 of March.

“The “Star1 Airlines” decision to launch direct flights between Edinburgh and Vilnius will definitely help to attract more tourists from Scotland to Lithuania. We are happy to cooperate with them marketing Lithuania to the Scottish travel trade and travel writers.” – states Augusta Jaudegyte, the Director of Lithuanian National Tourism Office in the UK.

“Our constantly expanding market share and growing passenger flow enables “Star1 Airlines” to establish itself as the only Lithuanian low-cost airline and further develop new routes and services. We believe that low fares of flights combined with the high quality of service and individual attention to each client offers us a strong competitive position”, Martynas Laivys, the head of the company said.

The airline does not charge for luggage – one suitcase not exceeding 20 kg will be carried free of charge. “This is particularly important to our customers who travel for business or leisure purposes. Free luggage and flight check-in are some of our advantages which bring down the costs for each traveller”, says the head of “Star1 Airlines”.

“Star1 Airlines” will launch its regular flights between Edinburgh and Vilnius from 28 March on Thursdays and Sundays (as of May 7 – on Fridays and Sundays). Fares to Edinburgh including all fees start from just 99 litas (£25). For booking, visit www.star1.aero or call +44 1293 874 986.
Apart from Edinburgh, “Star1 Airlines” also operates direct flights from Vilnius to London (Stansted), Milan (Malpensa) and restores summer season flights to Dublin and Girona (Barcelona).

Lithuanian low-cost carrier “Star1 Airlines” belongs to the Star Team Group of companies which also owns a tour operator “Star1 Holidays”. During the first six months of operations, the company has carried nearly 66 thousand of passengers in its scheduled and charter flights, while the period’s turnover amounted to 28 million litas.

There are many great events taking place in Scotland this Easter. From a Wizard of Oz themed Easter treasure hunt to traditional egg rolling, Scotland has fun for the whole family.

From March 17 visit www.visitscotland.com/perfect for more information about Scotland’s Easter events.

‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ EASTER TREASURE HUNT
Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute,
Sunday 4th April, 1pm – 4pm
Wanted: Munchkins and Magical creatures to help Dorothy find her way through the Enchanted Forest at Mount Stuart. Join Dorothy and her friends and follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald city to discover the Easter treasure. The Wicked Witch of the East need not apply. Red sparkly shoes optional.
Mount Stuart , set on the picturesque island of Bute, is often described as “Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house”. Although it feels as if you have escaped to a wild and wonderful kingdom, this award-winning historical attraction lies less than 90 minutes away from Glasgow. The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The building’s interiors really a work of art and really need to be seen to really take in their full beauty. The detail and craftsmanship throughout the house means that you can often discover something new on every visit. Stella McCartney married here in 2003
Please call (01700) 503877 for further information.
www.mountstuart.com

For the more adventurous, Cumbrae Voyages run special RIB speed boat tours from Largs in Ayrshire taking in some of the scenery and wildlife on the way to the Mount Stuart estate and these begin on the Easter Weekend:
http://www.cumbraevoyages.co.uk/day_trips.php

EASTEREGGSTRAVAGANZA
Traquair House, Scottish Borders
4 April
Easter fun at the historic Traquair House with new egg hunts in the maze, children’s activities and workshops. Thousands of eggs to be found and lots of other Easter prizes.
Traquair House is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Dating back to 1107, Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. Later a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror the Stuarts of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobite cause without counting the cost. Visitors are invited to enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, 1745 Cottage Restaurant and the famous Traquair House Brewery housed in the eighteenth century wing and producing the world famous Traquair House Ales.
The Traquair Maze is one of the largest hedged mazes in Scotland covering over half an acre and it is 1/4mile to reach the centre. The Maze is situated at the rear of the house where originally a par terre garden was laid out in the eighteenth century. The terrace walls provide an excellent vantage point for parents to try and direct their children out of the maze. Designed by a Traquair craft worker, John Schofield, the maze has an intriguing layout with no dead ends and the visitor must reach four sub centres before coming to the centre. Through the years the maze has been a popular location used by film, TV and for advertising campaigns including a Bollywood production.
For more information see: www.traquair.co.uk

EASTER REVELRY
Stirling Castle
3 – 5 April, 12 noon – 4.00 p.m.
For a great value day out over the Easter Weekend, enjoy our light-hearted family event at one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles. An ensemble cast will entertain you throughout the afternoon with a range of comedy, puppetry, magic and interactive shows with a festive flavour. One of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around.
All included in the normal admission price.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/events/event_detail.htm?eventid=26798
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SEARCH FOR THE HOLY-ROOD GRAIL
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
4 April 2010, 11am – 3pm
Come along to the Holyrood Park Education Centre and paint an egg to roll down the hill. Pick up a map and follow clues to uncover hidden secrets about the history of Holyrood Park. A prize for every completed entry. You can also make your own Royal Park puppet and take part in the ‘King David and the Stag’ puppet show (11am until 2pm)!
Walk will take approximately 1 hour.
Booking is essential. For further information, contact: Historic Scotland, Rangers Team, hs.rangers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)131 652 8150.
Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh its distinctive skyline. Within Holyrood Park is a wealth of history and archaeology spanning thousands of years. Arthur’s Seat is one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago. The park is a scheduled ancient monument and a site of special scientific interest due to its archaeology, geology and wildlife. The Park offers walks, solace, wildlife, volcanic geology and unparalleled views of the city from its many vantage points.
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

EASTER BREAK AT CRIEFF HYDRO
2 to 4 or 5 April
Crieff, Perthshire
All the family can enjoy a break away at the four star VisitScotland accredited Crieff Hydro this Easter Arrive on the 2nd of April for a two or three night break, from only £106.50 per person, per night in family accommodation or £96.50 per person in double accommodation.

The Hydro’s Easter entertainment programme, includes the following fun activities:
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Easter Egg decorating
• Easter Card Making
• Easter Cake making
• Easter Bonnet Parade
• Easter Murder Mystery: Death by Chocolate
• Egg rolling on the 18th hole
• Egg Head Quiz

Call: 01764 651670
Reservations open 8.00am – 9.00pm every day
http://www.crieffhydro.com/index.asp?pg=62

CADBURY EASTER EGG TRAILS
April 2 – 5
National Trust of Scotland properties including Hill House, Holmwood House, David Livingstone Centre, Greenbank Garden
Join in the family fun this year as you follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Easter egg!

For details of all properties involved visit http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Theme/256/

London, March 2010 The Travelwrap Company, renowned for its contemporary wraps lovingly designed from the finest cashmere ethically sourced and knitted by internationally acclaimed Johnstons Mill in Scotland, announces its delight to partner with Maggie’s Cancer Care Charity. Niamh Barker, Founder and Creative Director, has designed an exclusive Travelwrap for the Eclectic collection the ‘Maggie’s Travelwrap’ to mark Maggie’s Day on 26th March.

Fashioned in a gorgeous palette of Sky and Dusky pink reflecting elements of Maggie’s
signature colours, the ‘Maggie’s Travelwrap’ combines comfort with contemporary living synonymous with Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres. Each centre is architecturally designed to incite a calm and uplifting space where everyone affected by cancer can go
for emotional and practical support.

“Maggie’s network of centres is developing across the UK. In 2009 our centres received over 80,000 visits from people living with cancer, we want to help even more people. We can’t do that without supporters raising funds and awareness for Maggie’s and we are delighted The Travelwrap Company have chosen to support Maggie’s with such a wonderful product for our very first Love Maggie’s Day.”

The award winning* Travelwrap Company will be donating 30% from the retail price
£221 (incl VAT) of the ‘Maggie’s Travelwrap’ to help raise much-needed funds and
awareness for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres and ‘Love Maggie’s Day’. The wrap is now available to purchase on line at www.thetravelwrapcompany.com /T: 0844 800 1296.

Maggie’s Patrons include: Sarah Brown, Sam Taylor-Wood and Kirsty Wark who serve to
endorse Maggie’s ethos:
• to empower people to live with, through and beyond cancer
• to offer everyone free access to support
• to create a network across the UK providing support in a community based environment
www.maggiescentres.org

* Best New Company, 2009
* Luxury Gift of the Year, 2008

Scotland’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is set to delight visitors for many more years as it currently undergoes a £1.2million expansion due to be completed in June 2010.

First opened in 1835 and set just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh castle, the landmark attraction is in the midst of a major refurbishment. Building work is well under way to extend the world famous tourist hotspot into the upper two floors of the adjacent ‘Ragged School’ – a former 19th century home for destitute children.

With plans to open in time for the 175th anniversary in June, the extension will boast an additional 200 square metres of exhibition space allowing the attraction to house even more fascinating optical illusions. These include more quirky hands on exhibits, such as a distorting Ames room, a Morphing machine which can change age, sex or race and a collection of rare Rubins vases. The new building will also feature a stunning glass walkway from which visitors will be able to take in unrivalled views of Edinburgh’s historic old town and beyond.

Andrew Johnson, director and manager of Camera Obscura and World of Illusions expressed his personal excitement, ‘This refurbishment comes at a significant time for our attraction as it celebrates its 175th anniversary this year. Progress on the building is already far advanced and we are extremely excited about the launch this summer.’

He added: ‘Year on year, our unique hands-on exhibits amuse and captivate people of all ages and nationalities. We have had much fun sourcing new exhibits, many of which have been suggested by our visitors. From a vortex tunnel of light to a mirrored maze, there will be something to surprise and delight everyone. We hope the refurbishment will encourage even more people to visit and join us in celebrating Camera Obscura’s momentous anniversary and bright future’.

In addition to the historic camera obscura, in which mirrors project a live moving image into a darkened room, Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura and World of Illusions contains four floors of fascinating and quirky interactive exhibits based on optical illusions and light effects.

Are you looking for a family adventure this year? Then look no further than a stay at The Edinburgh Residence in Scotland’s capital for the ultimate adventure break. The Edinburgh Residence has teamed up with Wilderness Scotland, an award winning adventure travel and eco tourism company, to offer a fun filled adventure for all the family!

The Edinburgh Residence’s family adventure break not only offers you all the chance to experience the vibrant city of Edinburgh but you could find yourself on a stunning nature walk in picturesque Perthshire, spotting rare wildlife such as red squirrels or ospreys or watching salmon leaping up a waterfall during the salmon run season. You and your family might also find yourself mountain biking in the beautiful Scottish Borders. The adventure break will certainly guarantee an action packed trip, which will eliminate any cries of school holiday boredom!

This exclusive package is available from 1st April – 31st August 2010 and includes:

3 nights luxury accommodation in a townhouse suite
Dinner on one night, served in your suite
Private guiding for 2 days, with all activities led by fully qualified guides and instructors.
All transport in a private vehicle driven by Wilderness Scotland guide
Bike hire (with helmets and relevant equipment)
Entrance fees to nature reserves
Breakfast each morning
A packed lunch on activity days.

The Family Adventure Break is priced at £1932 per family based on 2 adults and 2 children.

For further information on this exclusive package please contact 0131 274 7418 or visit www.theedinburghresidence.com.

With more and more businesses researching and booking their venues online, VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit has today (23 February 2010) unveiled a new website, conventionscotland.com to complement the recently launched brochure, MeetScotland. Together, these two provide conference and event planners with comprehensive information and easier access to Scotland’s superb and diverse conferencing portfolio.

Announced at this year’s Confex, the website and brochure are being showcased to 10,000 potential buyers alongside some of Scotland’s top conferencing and meetings businesses who are exhibiting on the stand.

Speaking about the website, VisitScotland’s head of business tourism, Caroline Packman comments: ‘The new website is totally user friendly and gives buyers the chance to find what they need both quickly and easily. With everything from ideas on how to extend a business trip to Scotland, to an interactive venue search, we are making it even easier for delegates to find Scotland at their fingertips. The use of stunning photography in both our new brochure and on the website paints a vision of what it is like to hold an event in Scotland, as well as demonstrating our sheer quality of offering – event planners will be spoilt for choice. “

McKinlay Kidd has extended its reach beyond Scotland with a new collection of self-drive holidays across Ireland. Called See Ireland Differently the new programme includes opportunities for whale and dolphin watching on the South West Coast, an Irish whiskey tour of Bushmills and the chance to discover the often overlooked highlights of Northern Ireland.

Every aspect of the newly launched Ireland collection has been personally tested by Managing Director, Robert Kidd, who has employed the same attention to detail and high standards that have made McKinlay Kidd’s sister programme in Scotland such a success. The new programme introduces a choice of special places to stay and a host of off-the-beaten-track experiences which, combined with Ireland’s naturally warm welcome, will make the perfect holiday.

Highlights of the new programme include :

Whale and dolphin watching in West Cork : Since the Irish government declared the coastal waters of Ireland a whale and dolphin sanctuary during the early 1990’s, the area of West Cork has become established as a renowned destination for lovers of these magical animals. This four night short break includes two half day boat trips with an expert resident marine biologist. With four nights in the attractive coastal village of Baltimore, this holiday also provides plenty of time to relax and explore more of the beautiful coastline of West Cork. Price from £369 per person.

Irish Whiskey Experience : A short break on the north coast of Ireland, including a tour and tutored tasting at famous Bushmills, Ireland’s oldest working distillery. This three night trip includes accommodation in an award-winning hotel in the village, within convenient walking distance. Price from £269 per person.

Coastal Explorer : A trip around the southwest and west of Ireland from Cork to Connemara – dramatic coastal scenery and welcoming coastal villages, including the popular and colourful village of Kinsale, less than an hour from Cork and now firmly established as one of Ireland’s premier destinations for foodies. Price : 10 nights from £839 per person

Celtic Contrasts : There have been links across the Irish Sea for centuries, and this new holiday provides an opportunity to experience the contrasts and explore the connections between Scotland’s Dumfries & Galloway and counties Antrim & Down of Northern Ireland. Price from £625 per person for 7 nights.

For further information visit www.seeirelanddifferently.co.uk or call 0844 804 0020

Head for luxury Hebridean hideaway Broad Bay House this March and de-stress for less as you savour the unhurried pace of idyllic island life in this unspoilt and romantic corner of Scotland.

The award-winning five star guest house on the Isle of Lewis is just a stone’s throw from a sweeping sandy beach, and is situated at the heart of a fascinating island renowned for its spectacular land and seascapes, abundant native wildlife, vibrant arts and crafts, as well as its rich heritage and culture.

The four individually decorated deluxe rooms open out on to their own personal decking area, and a beautiful vaulted guest lounge and dining area overlooks the panoramic vista. Breakfast and evening meals are also served in this light and inspiring space, with seasonal menus focusing on the finest fresh local produce.

Room rates for March 2010: Double £109; Single £79 (up to 32% and 39% discount respectively). Get there with Flybe, Eastern Airways, Highland Airways or by ferry with Caledonian MacBrayne.

Contact Broad Bay House on 01851 820990 or check their website for more details www.broadbayhouse.co.uk

Head for luxury Hebridean hideaway Broad Bay House this March and de-stress for less as you savour the unhurried pace of idyllic island life in this unspoilt and romantic corner of Scotland.

The award-winning five star guest house on the Isle of Lewis is just a stone’s throw from a sweeping sandy beach, and is situated at the heart of a fascinating island renowned for its spectacular land and seascapes, abundant native wildlife, vibrant arts and crafts, as well as its rich heritage and culture.

The four individually decorated deluxe rooms open out on to their own personal decking area, and a beautiful vaulted guest lounge and dining area overlooks the panoramic vista. Breakfast and evening meals are also served in this light and inspiring space, with seasonal menus focusing on the finest fresh local produce.

Room rates for March 2010: Double £109; Single £79 (up to 32% and 39% discount respectively). Get there with Flybe, Eastern Airways, Highland Airways or by ferry with Caledonian MacBrayne.

Contact Broad Bay House on 01851 820990 or check their website for more details www.broadbayhouse.co.uk

Golfers can pay just one pound per hole to enjoy two rounds with an overnight stay thrown in for free thanks to Your Golf Travel.com

Once again Europe’s largest golf travel company is offering two rounds of golf and an overnight stay for just £36– the perfect deal to tempt golfers on to the fairways in winter months.

The unbelievable promotion gives golfers 36 holes for just one pound a hole and is available at Hertfordshire venues Manor of Groves and Shendish Manor, and Macdonald Hill Valley, in Shropshire.

The offer is valid until the end of March but availability is limited so anyone looking to grab a bargain should call 0800 043 6644 or visit www.yourgolftravel.com for more information.