Ancestral travel to Scotland is big. So much so that Visit Scotland, the Scottish Tourism organization, has an official genealogy website called www.AncestralScotland.com -- where you can “tour your ancestral homeland, explore your Scottish roots and trace your family tree.” Now the luxurious Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh can also give you a hand in learning your lineage. Rocco Forte’s landmark hotel has recently named a “Tartan Butler” who’s an expert in Scottish heritage. Case in point: Andy Fraser traced his own clan as far back as the early 13th century by scouring over 30 variations of the Fraser family tartan.
Even before arriving at the hotel, interested guests can relay the names of any known Scottish ancestors to Andy, and he’ll establish a connection to one of thousands of clans and traditionally recognized tartans. Not only that, but once Andy’s tracked down a guest’s true tartan, he can help arrange a trip to Kinloch Anderson, the famous kilt shop, to have a unique kilt made to reflect the traditional clan design. The Tartan Butler can also arrange a bespoke tour of the guest’s Scottish region so you can follow in your ancestors’ footsteps.
To quote Andy Fraser: “As a true Scot and Edinburgh resident, I have always had a keen interest in our tartan heritage and the traditions associated with it. It was the Dress Act of 1746 that tried to bring the warrior clans under government by banning the tartan and other aspects of Gaelic culture. When the law was abolished in 1782, it was no longer ordinary Highland dress but was adopted instead as the national dress of Scotland. I am looking forward to sharing this history with guests at The Balmoral who want to trace their own Scottish heritage.”
For more information about The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh, see the website: www.thebalmoralhotel.com.