A Scottish Adventure to Remember
Sometimes, the best adventures start with something simple — and this one began with a postcard.
After Georgia received postcards from her Aunt Sally showing Highland cows and reindeer in the Cairngorm National Park, she kept pointing to the word “Scotland” on the back. It was clear this was somewhere she really wanted to go, so we started planning.
Georgia was involved in every part of the holiday, from choosing where we would stay and what we would visit, to helping create her own packing list. After some discussion about travel plans, we decided that driving would be the best option — especially with all the luggage coming along too!
We left early on Friday morning and travelled to Edinburgh, stopping regularly for refreshments and leg stretches. We stayed at Seton Sands, a caravan park on the coast with lovely views. After arriving, we unpacked, had a cup of tea, sent photos to family, enjoyed fish and chips, and finished the evening with a walk along the beach before settling in for the night.
The next morning, we were up early and took a double-decker bus to Edinburgh Zoo. Getting a front seat on the top deck was a definite highlight! The zoo was impressive, although very hilly, and we were lucky enough to see the baby capybara — the first one born in Scotland for 18 years. The giraffes were a favourite, especially as the viewing area meant we could see them at head height. After visiting the animals, dinosaurs and gift shop, Georgia chose a pink gecko soft toy as a souvenir.
Later, we headed into Edinburgh city centre, walking up the Royal Mile where there were buskers, bagpipes and plenty to see. At Edinburgh Castle, we enjoyed the incredible views and saw the Crown Jewels, although it was very busy in places. A visit to the gift shop was, of course, essential, and Georgia chose a pink feather quill.
That evening, after a dinner of potato smiles and chicken nuggets back at the caravan, we visited The Kelpies. Although the gift shop had just closed, we looked online and Georgia chose a print to go in her room. We stayed to see the sculptures lit up in blue and purple, and on our walk spotted a family of swans with four cygnets — a lovely surprise.
On Sunday, we travelled towards the Cairngorms and Loch Ness. After a picnic overlooking the loch and a careful search for Nessie, we found a tourist spot on the north side with a café, gift shop and a large Nessie statue. Georgia chose a pink Nessie cup, a birthday magnet for Mum and some new socks.
We then visited Ness Farm, which became one of the real highlights of the trip. We fed goats, llamas, hairy pigs and Highland cows, and the staff shared stories about the animals, including baby goats and a young Highland cow having a nap. Each cow had its own little sign explaining its personality, and Georgia made sure we read every one.
On the journey back, we stopped at House of Bruar and explored part of the trail to Bruar Falls. The scenery was beautiful, with mountain views, a bridge over the lower falls and time spent by the shallow river. After a busy day, we returned to the caravan for fish fingers and waffles before packing for the journey home.
We left on Monday morning, again stopping regularly along the way, and enjoyed a cheeky McDonald’s before arriving back at Oakside in the evening.
The trip was a real success. There had been some nerves about the long drive, but also lots of excitement. Georgia had made a Scotland bucket list — and by the end of the holiday, we had ticked everything off.
There was a small wobble when Nessie didn’t appear, but overall the trip was full of smiles, pointing out sights, enjoying new experiences and making happy memories. Seeing the mountains, Highland cows and all the places Georgia had hoped to visit made the adventure truly special.
It was a wonderful example of person-centred support: listening to what someone wanted, planning together, making choices, and creating a holiday full of meaning, fun and independence.
A Scottish adventure packed with postcards, pink souvenirs, Highland cows, Nessie hunting, gift shops — and plenty of smiles.