Ashtree House Hotel

Paisley Abbey is located on the site of an old celtic church and community founded by St. Mirren in the 6th century, after his death the area became a popular site of pilgrimage making Paisley a place of significance.  In 1163, Walter FitzAlan, the first High Steward of Scotland issued a charter for a priory to be set up in Paisley. Thirteen monks from the Cluniac priory at Much Wenlock came to found the community at Paisley which rapidly grew and was raised to the status of abbey in 1219.  In 1307, Edward 1 of England had the abbey burned down but it was rebuilt later in the 14th century.  William Wallace born nearby was educated for some time as a boy in the abbey.  In 1316 Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert 1 (Robert the Bruce) of Scotland and wife of Walter Stewart, the sixth High Steward of Scotland, was out riding nearby while heavily pregnant and fell from her horse. She was taken to Paisley Abbey where she gave birth to King Robert II, the first of the Stewart Monarchs. She died as a result and is buried at the Abbey. Paisley Abbey is also the burial place of all six High Stewards of Scotland and the wives of Robert II and King Robert III. The 10th century Celtic Barochan Cross is housed in the abbey and there is a significant organ as well as many spectacular stained glass windows.  The place of Paisley is the remaining part of the extensive monastry that existed and now houses a shop and cafe and ancilliary accommodation. A Church of Scotland parish kirk since the reformation and still so today where you can join the congregation, the abbey has survived many near disasters but has always managed to resurrect itself and many architects including Sir Robert Lorimer have been involved.  http://www.paisleyabbey.org.uk

Run by Ashtree House Hotel owned http://www.stewart-highland-tours.com the tour leaves after breakfast and includes entry to both House and Castle, in the Hotel Jeep  (min 2, max 4 adults) with a bonus visit to the Robert Burns Museum and birthplace in Alloway. Entry fees are included along with a picnic lunch and refreshments. Stunning interiors, parklands, architecture are the order of the day. Price £149.00 per person for a very personal experience.

Dumfries House ; tour includes highlights of collection, history of house and owners. A 1750 Adam brothers Palladian Style Classical Mansion House which has an unrivaled collection of chippendale furniture with several world famous pieces. http://www.dumfries-house.org.uk

Culzean Castle : A 16C castle tower transformed into a neo-classical mansion by Robert Adam in the 1770's with a spectacular clifftop location in 600 acres of parkland and gardens and famous for its Eisenhower connection. http://www.culzeanexperience.org

Can be booked during room booking process on website  or directly at hotel via e-mail or on 0141 848 6411.

Robert Burns Museum : In Alloway this collection, birthplace cottage, new museum and shop housing many of his artefacts celebrates Burns life and literary contribution to Scotland and the world. http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk