Discover Your Perfect Stay

These two men are experts on rendition: one invented it, the other has seen its full horrors

Robert Johnson - The Complete Recordings

Robert Johnson's life, death, and music are steeped in shadowy legend. Murdered at 27, he recorded a mere 29 tracks, yet some of his material - "Hellhound On My Trail," "If I Had Possession Over Judgment Day" - seems filled with lifetimes of broken promises, blood, and booze.

Many people still regard Johnson as the father of the blues, and with his dazzlingly odd guitar style and his demoniacal lyrics, it's not hard to see why. He spent most of his youth traveling through the American Deep South, hopping trains and busking on his guitar in emulation of his hero Son House.

Television - The Blow Up

Television exploded on to the nascent NY punk scene in 1973, formed by two self-styled rock aesthetes, Tom Verlaine and Richard Hell. Alongside the Ramones and Patti Smith, they made CBGB's run-down club space on New York's Bowery the focal point for a whole series of new adventures in sound. Yet to describe Television as a punk band really doesn't do them much justice.

John Fahey - Return of the Repressed

The late "American Primitive" guitarist John Fahey was a truly fearsome individual. I spent some time with him in Edinburgh on his last, ill-fated tour and in the space of less than 24 hours he managed to destroy the image I'd long held of him. He was by turns obnoxious and aggressive, in between bouts of mewling in a baby voice about how he "needed a girl". I couldn't believe it.

Neu! - Neu '75

Neu!, the German duo of Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother, single-handedly invented European road-music. While the States had their Route 66 and Highway 61, all soundtracked with country blues and rock'n'roll, Neu! birthed the sound of trans-continental travel across the European autobahns.

MC5 - Back in the USA

"We want a total assault on culture by any means necessary," spat John Sinclair's White Panther manifesto, issued in 1966. "Including Rock'n'Roll, dope and f***ing in the streets." Detroit's Motor City Five would provide all three.

The Real Kids - Grown Up Wrong

Boston has always boasted a happening rock'n'roll scene but the title of Boston's greatest is reserved for The Real Kids, a classic-sounding punk gang that kept the flame burning for all-out garage raunch throughout the late-1970s.

Tiny Tim - God bless Tiny Tim

The late Tiny Tim will forever stand as the greatest maverick American genius, as a shining example of total honesty in the face of everything that would make us untrue and - most of all - as one of the sweetest balladeers of the 20th century. And he always looked so great, like a cute vaudevillian Nosferatu, all pancaked in make-up and holding his ukulele high.

Spacemen 3 - Perfect Prescription

"Taking drugs to make music to take drugs to" was how Rugby's Spacemen 3 famously described their modus operandi. Indeed, their music referenced all of the greatest psychedelic moments in rock history, from narcotic blues through MC5-styled sonic attack and yet managed to sound like no-one else before or since.

Steeleye Span - Please To See The King

Shut up with All Around My Hat already; Steeleye Span, in their earliest incarnation, were one of the most genre-defiant groups to come out of the electric folk boom, birthing a gorgeous, droning hybrid that at its best sounds like The Velvet Underground trapped somewhere in the 17th century.

Tangerine Dream - Alpha Centauri

"This album is dedicated to all people who feel obliged to space," run Edgar Froese's stoned liner notes, and I'll be damned if his addled logic doesn't make a lot of sense. Alpha Centauri is a convincing aural recreation of limitless space, a music of eternal expansion in which you can lose yourself for days.

Hotels and Accommodations

When traveling to new places, finding suitable accommodations is crucial for a comfortable stay. Scotland offers a variety of hotels and lodging options to cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone.

For travelers seeking a luxurious experience, Scotland has many premium hotels that provide top-notch amenities and services. These hotels often boast beautiful architecture, elegant interiors, and stunning views. Some popular luxury hotels in Scotland include The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Gleneagles in Perthshire, and The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.

Those on a tighter budget can choose from a range of budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. These accommodations offer comfortable rooms, essential amenities, and friendly service at affordable rates. Travelers can find a selection of budget hotels throughout Scotland's cities and towns, making it easy to explore different regions on a budget.

If you prefer a more unique and personalized experience, Scotland also offers a variety of boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts. These intimate accommodations often have a distinct charm and character, providing a cozy and homely atmosphere. Staying in a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture and receive personalized recommendations from the hosts.

In addition to hotels, Scotland also has a range of self-catering accommodations such as cottages, apartments, and holiday rentals. These options are ideal for travelers who prefer a home-away-from-home experience, with the freedom to cook their meals and relax in a private space.

No matter your accommodation preference, it's essential to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability. Many hotels and accommodations in Scotland offer online booking options, making it convenient to plan your stay ahead of time.

London

Manchester

Bournemouth

Dublin

Llandudno

Chester

Wembley

Alton (Staffordshire)

Lynton

Lavenham

Keighley

Dunblane

Southampton

Birmingham

Scarborough

Torquay

Stratford-upon-Avon

Havant

Biggar

York

Belfast

Durham

Great Yarmouth

Exmouth

Lymington

Broadstairs

Ullapool

Wrexham

Enfield

Whitley Bay

Chepstow

Bridgend (Wales)

Woodstock

Redditch

Newton Abbot

Bewdley

Birkenhead

Seaford

Shepton Mallet

Okehampton

Wimbledon

Banchory

Ryde (Isle of Wight)

Cardiff

Norwich

Swansea