My only criticism was the lack of singing on the bus #ohyoucannaeshoveyergranny

How many times do people say this, “You never pay attention to what is on your doorstep.”? Well, last month, I did. I turned myself into a proper bona fide Scottish Tourist. I found my tartan shawl, I got my camera and off I went on what ended up being a really fun-filled and strangely educational day! All thanks to Rabbie's Tours.

I met with the rest of my group at the agreed meeting point in Glasgow. People had come from all over the world. Oregon, Germany, Toronto – and here I was saying, “see that building over there, that’s where I live - a grand total of 20 metres away”.

Positively exotic.

But, there is so much about Scotland that I didn’t know! I was completely consumed by our driver's story telling abilities. His name was Euan (and I’m sure it still is), and I want him to make me a story tape with all the stories he told us of the history of Scotland, making sure to keep in all the gory details.

It was fascinating!

Our first stop was Whitelee Wind Farm. Ok, so this possibly wasn’t my favourite part of the trip, but the place was truly stunning. It certainly helped that the weather was absolutely gorgeous (we kept reiterating how lucky all the tourists were that they had been here to experience this rare Scottish weather).

A quick toilet stop here and off we went on the second part of our journey. It was at this point I made friends with a lovely Canadian couple who were over in Scotland for the first time. He liked rum. She liked gin. I also like rum and gin. Now we are bezzies.

But no time for chit-chat, Euan is telling us another story about the history of Scotland. This time we learn about the famous William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.

Well, I was like a pig in shit. For the record, my mum could not stop smiling. My dad was a little perturbed about our Canadian friends not enjoying whiskey. He likes whisky.

Also, yes I took my parents. Did I mention I was single?

Anyway, we pressed on. Our next big stop was my highlight of the day, Culzean Castle. I had actually visited this place before, as my parents reminded me, but I was still in single figures.

If you haven’t been here, go! It’s not just about the castle, the whole grounds are interesting. I won’t give away too much because I really think you should experience the grandeur for yourself if you get a chance. However, I will tell you an actual factual story that happened to me. This still has me smiling now!

So, I was minding my own business, appreciating the décor of the castle, taking notes on what furniture I would put in my fantasy house (there was a bed that was shaped like a boat. I’ll be having that, thank you). On my left, there was a woman carrying her little girl. I noticed the girl was waving at me. Of course, I smiled at her and waved back. And then…. Then she actually called me a princess! The little girl thought I was a princess.

Me. A princess. Guys. This is big.

Anyway, this in no way went to my head for the rest of the day. So, Queen Mum and King Dad and their princess, beautiful daughter set off to explore more of their house. As a princess, I found I required some sustenance to keep me going. Being a princess is hard work, you know.

We ate, we had a quick coffee and we set off on the next part of our trip.

I gave my footmen the rest of the day off.

Next big stop: Burns Country, with a welcomed side order of Tam O’ Shanter – possibly my most favourite poem of all time! Thanks, Euan!

Now, all of us Scottish folk are aware of Robert Burns, but I don’t actually know of many people who have visited his birthplace. My first thought as we arrived was just how cheesily quaint the town of Alloway was. I fell in love with it immediately. We embarked and made our way to the birthplace of Robert Burns himself which was a modest cottage but homely, apart from this really creepy spider… Also, did you know that they all shared a bed!? Can’t help but wonder how that worked out…

Onwards to visit the famous Tam O’ Shanter bridge and the old kirk, which, even in the middle of the day it was actually quite haunting. And I’m a princess, so naturally I’m made of quite strong stuff.

We headed to the Burns Museum and walked through Poets Walkway, a little path with various odes to Burns himself, you really could appreciate the romance of the place. I certainly tried, but our Canadian friends were now discussing their fear of haggis and my parents were discussing the likelihood of Robert Burns dying of some sexually transmitted disease because apparently he was a right charmer. It kind of took away the moment.

Ps haggis is lovely!

Our last stop of the day: the Burns Museum. Truthfully, I found this place completely enchanting. Everything you could have wanted to know and learn about Robert Burns is all here. Old songs he wrote when he was just 14 are incredible. He really had a way with words… no wonder he got lucky so much. Total lad.

I would like to thank Rabbie’s Tours for a really amazing day out. If you want to experience Scotland I would highly recommend a day out with these guys! I would particularly like to thank Euan! You really made the trip special for me and my parents and Laura for giving me the chance to experience what Rabbie's has to offer - I'll be booking another trip in the very near future! But lastly, I would like to thank the little girl who called me a princess. I would like to keep you please. You can sleep in the new boat shaped bed if you like.

Princess – out!

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