Win a Free Trip for Two to Scotland — A $10,000 Value!

For two weeks, Dr. Marshall Foster, Bill Potter, Colin Gunn and a host of local Scottish churchmen and historians, will lead 45 adventurous souls on this unforgettable tour of Scotland! Now you can enter to win a trip for two, including airfare, to the Lowlands Leg of this remarkable tour, courtesy of our friends at In Freedom’s Cause who are hosting a video contest which includes cash and merchandise prizes as well as the Grand Prize — the trip for two to Landmark Events’ Scotland Tour in September. Don’t delay — break out those video cameras and start filming your entry today! Click here to learn more ››

An Invitation from Colin Gunn

Breaking News — Dr. Marshall Foster Confirmed!

Dr. Marshall Foster — founder and president of World History Institute — has joined the fantastic Scotland tour speaker lineup!

Dr. Marshall Foster will join the Lowlands Leg for Friday and Saturday and be on the entire Highlands Leg. Space is limited, so sign up soon!

About the Event


Our nation has more ties to Scotland than any nation in the world. For two weeks Bill Potter, Colin Gunn, Dr. Marshall Foster and a host of local Scottish churchmen and historians, will lead 45 adventurous souls on an unprecedented providential history tour of the land of the ancient Celts in Scotland. We will follow in the footsteps of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to the battlefields, castles and memorials of their bygone era. We will follow the history of the godly Covenanters who met in the fields and defied tyrannical monarchs to the death. We will walk in the pastures filled with ancient standing stones, beside the burial cairns of princes known only to those who perished thousands of years ago. Our paths will lead us to the lowlands and the highlands and the isles.


William Wallace


William Wallace Monument


Caerlaverock Castle


The Isle of Iona


John Knox


St. Giles Cathedral


Edinburgh Castle


Samuel Rutherford


Stirling Castle


Greyfriars Kirkyard


Bannockburn


Christian Fellowship & Inspiring Lectures

Lowlands or Highlands… Or Both!

Choose the Lowlands leg and stay in Edinburgh at the New Residence Inn, whence we will explore this magnificent city on foot and venture out on a motor coach to Stirling, Glasgow, Hamilton, St. Andrews, Lanark, Bannockburn, Dumfries and more!

The Highlands leg will cover much ground with overnights in Inverness, Oban, Edinburgh and the magnificent Isle of Iona! Along the way we will visit incredible sites at Culloden, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glen Coe, Kilmartin, the Isle of Mull and much more!

“The Whole Haggis” — Maximize your experience and investment by doing both and save $500 per person!

Included in Each Leg of This Tour

  • Lowlands Leg (Sept. 13-19) & Highlands Leg (Sept. 20-26)
  • Airport transfer between Edinburgh International Airport and hotel
  • 7 nights accommodations with breakfast
  • 4 lunches and 4 dinners, including Welcome Reception and Farewell Banquet
  • Travel on luxury coach throughout tour
  • All venue admissions, donations at churches and gratuities for guides/drivers
  • Wireless headsets for ease of hearing
  • Accurate teaching from Biblical perspective from Bill Potter, Dr. Marshall Foster**, Colin Gunn and local experts
  • Rich fellowship, new friendships

Lowlands Leg

Adults (16+):$3,150
Youth (5-15):$2,750
Lap Child 0-4Free*

Highlands Leg

Adults (16+):$2,850
Youth (5-15):$2,450
Lap Child (0-4)Free*

“The Whole Haggis”

Adults (16+):$5,250
Youth (5-15):$4,450
Lap Child (0-4)Free*

Included in Each Leg of This Tour

  • Lowlands Leg (Sept. 13-19) & Highlands Leg (Sept. 20-26)
  • Airport transfer between Edinburgh International Airport and hotel
  • 7 nights accommodations with breakfast
  • 4 lunches and 4 dinners, including Welcome Reception and Farewell Banquet
  • Travel on luxury coach throughout tour
  • All venue admissions, donations at churches and gratuities for guides/drivers
  • Wireless headsets for ease of hearing
  • Accurate teaching from Biblical perspective from Bill Potter, Dr. Marshall Foster**, Colin Gunn and local experts
  • Rich fellowship, new friendships

Discounts

  • 3% for payment by check
  • Large family discounts available (contact us for more information)

Cancellation Policy

We understand that we make our plans and the Lord directs our steps. Our philosophy regarding cancellations is driven by stewardship and compassion, not punishment. In its simplest terms, if we can resell your places, we will refund your money.

Please understand that Landmark Events must prepay hotels, meals, transportation and many entry fees in advance, and consider your registration as a commitment to attend. If you have to cancel prior to June 15, we will immediately refund 50% of your payments and refund the balance if we are able to resell your places. Cancellations after June 15 will be refunded only if we are able to resell your places. Keep in mind; registrations are fully transferable to a relative or friend.

NOTE: Rates are per person based on double occupancy in hotel rooms.

* Must ride in lap of a family member. Meals not covered.

If you have any questions, or if we can be of service in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

** Dr. Marshall Foster will join the Lowlands Leg for Friday and Saturday and be on the entire Highlands Legs.


Event Highlights

LLiberty. Worship. Valor. Perseverance. Martyrdom. HISTORY! We love these words and what they stand for. How about these? Tyranny. Prelacy. Dishonor. Inquisition. SAME HISTORY. Our nation has more ties to Scotland than any nation in the world. Scottish history provides centuries of examples of all the above character traits and ideas, some of which we can but dimly see in the mists of time. For two weeks, the historians of Landmark Events will lead an unprecedented providential history tour of the land of the ancient Picts and Celts in Scotland. We will follow the footsteps of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to the battlefields, castles (especially castles!), and memorials of their bygone era. We will recite the history of the godly Covenanters who met in the fields and defied tyrannical monarchs to the death. We will walk in the pastures filled with ancient standing stones, beside the burial cairns of princes known only to those who perished thousands of years ago. Our paths will lead us to the lowlands and the highlands and the isles. Join us with our experienced guides Bill Potter and Colin Gunn. Bill is writing a book on his Covenanter ancestors and will be sharing his discoveries as we stand on the very ground of martyrs who fell defending their families. Scotland native and award-winning filmmaker, Colin Gunn will lead us through the land of his fathers, the places he took for granted in his youth but now loves with new understanding and passion. You have always wanted to see Scotland. If not now, when? If not through the lens of providential understanding, why not?

Edinburgh


Edinburgh Castle


St. Giles Cathedral

The ancient capital city of Edinburgh offers uncountable treasures behind its winding stone streets, unassailable castle walls, and graveyards of the centuries:

St. Giles Cathedral The magnificent “High Kirk of Edinburgh” from the 14th Century. The Kirk installed the great Reformation preacher John Knox as pastor there in 1559, where he thundered out the gospel and drove back the centuries of papist error and darkness. Scotland would never be the same.

John Knox House A modest home on the Royal Mile between St. Giles and the Queen’s residence at Holyrood Palace, lived the man who “neither feared nor flattered any flesh,” including the Queen and her courtiers. The hand of providence and mercy upon Knox can be seen in every year of his life.

Covenanter Monument Planted in the center of the old Grass Market gallows square, this marker commemorates the thousands of Christians of 17th Century Scotland who were persecuted and murdered by royal authorities for holding to biblical worship against the policies of the bishops and crown.

Greyfriars Kirk The location where the National Covenant was signed by thousands, pledging loyalty to Christ as a nation. The precincts of the yard were later used to imprison the Covenanter “rebels” and where many found their final resting place.

Magdalen Chapel The little church where the blessed ladies of the church tenderly washed the bodies of the martyrs of the Covenant, the table of which is seen there today. The faithful Presbyterians met there in secret conventicles after the overthrow of the Reformed pastors by the English king in 1661.

Edinburgh Castle The magnificent and premier castle of Scotland which towers over the Old City. It is the home of the National War Museum, the Regimental Museum of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and site of the annual Edinburgh Tattoo.

Stirling

Stirling is one of the most strategic and beautiful places in Scotland and a highlight of our tour.


William Wallace Monument


Stirling Castle

William Wallace Monument The hero of Scottish Wars for Independence in the 12th/13th centuries, Wallace’s heroism has thrilled liberty-loving people around the world ever since. We will climb this magnificent stone tower to gaze over the Stirling plane and river where Wallace’s army routed the English nobles and troops in the battle of Stirling Bridge. The tower is so large it contains museums devoted to Scottish history and to William Wallace.

Stirling Castle Another of the ancient and powerful castles of Scotland, it was the prize of every invasion and every defense of the realm. Home to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlander Regimental Museum and several stunning monuments to Scottish heroes, especially Robert the Bruce.

Church of the Holy Rude and Cemetery James Guthrie, the subject of Bill Potter’s research and writing, was the pastor of this church in Stirling. Rev. Guthrie was arrested, thrown in prison and martyred for his stand against prelacy and his belief that Christ is the head of the church.

Bannockburn Battlefield The most storied battle in Scotland’s militant history. On this field in 1314, King Robert the Bruce defeated the army of King Edward II and secured Scottish independence. It would have to be defended in every generation, as all free people must do to keep their freedom.

Dumfries & Ayrshire


Caerlaverock Castle


Sweetheart Abbey

Caerlaverock Castle The classic and beautiful medieval castle of the Catholic Maxwell family, besieged and sacked by Edward I, defended by supporters of Robert Bruce in the Scottish Wars for Independence, attacked by rival clans, partly destroyed each time and finally taken in a 13-week siege by Covenanter armies, never to be rebuilt. One of few castles that has retained its capacious moat.

Sweetheart Abbey The ruins of a Cistercian monastery in “Maxwell country,” founded in the 13th century and named after John Balliol whose son of the same name became King of Scotland. The Cistercians, sometimes known as the white monks, for color of their habits, held out in the Abbey as a Roman Catholic enclave against the Reformation until they were finally banished from Scotland in 1608.

Threave Castle Constructed on a 20 acre island in the 1370s by Douglas’s, Threave has had a tempestuous history of sieges, murders, and intrigues. Later a possession of the Maxwells, it was besieged and captured by the Covenanters. It was used as a prison for captured Frenchmen during the Napoleonic Wars.

Grey Friars Abbey The Grey Friars were Dominican monks (with gray habits), who were invited to inhabit the convent built in Dumfries in the 13th century. The famous philosopher/theologian, Duns Scotus, received his religious habit in the church and it is the site of the killing, near the high altar, of the “Red Comyn” by Robert Bruce, who subsequently became King of Scotland. The modern Dumfries church today takes great pride in its papist heritage and resistance to the Covenanters of the “Second Reformation” in Scotland.

Glasgow & Hamilton


Glasgow Cathedral


Drumclog

Necropolis and Knox Statue A necropolis is a large ancient cemetery. Glasgow’s cemetery contains more than 50,000 burials and 3,500 monuments. Prior to the opening of the cemetery in the 19th century, a beautiful statue of John Knox was erected there overlooking the city. There is a memorial to the Glaswegian Victoria Cross recipients as well—the British equivalent to the Medal of Honor.

Glasgow Cathedral Begun in the 12th Century and the seat of the bishop and later archbishop of Glasgow, the building survived the Reformation relatively intact to become one of the largest churches of the Kirk of Scotland. Here, in 1638, the General Assembly of the Kirk threw out episcopacy and the Covenanters took control of Presbyterian Scotland.

Drumclog The most significant battlefield victory of the Covenanters over royalist forces led by John Graham of Claverhouse who attacked a worship service near this spot and got more than they bargained for in 1679. This fight, between a couple hundred men however, led to the larger battle of Bothwell Brig three weeks later between 3,000 Covenanters and 15,000 government troops.

Bothwell Castle and Bothwell Bridge few castles in Scotland have undergone more sieges and destruction than Bothwell. It has changed hands many times due to its strategic position on the River Clyde. The bridge nearby was the scene of the overwhelming defeat of the godly Covenanter army by Royalist forces led by the Duke of Monmouth in 1679, marking the effective end of military resistance to the government’s attacks on their pastors and families and marks the beginning of the “killing times.” The captured survivors of the battle were incarcerated in Greyfriars Kirk yard in Edinburgh where many died of malnutrition and disease or by hanging.

Covenanter Cross in Hamilton

St. Kentigern’s Church in Lanark Medieval church ruins. At least once visited by William Wallace. It shows the shifting of architectural styles from Norman to early Gothic. It is named after the 6th Century Britonnic missionary and “patron saint” of Glasgow, also known as St. Mungo. He may have constructed his church on the same spot as the medieval site and has attributed to his life by the Roman Catholic Church, a number of miracles.

Scone Palace Pronounced “Scoon” and shrouded in the mists of time, this ancient capitol dates back to Pictish times. Thirty eight kings of the Scots, including Robert the Bruce have been crowned in this place, many upon the “stone of destiny.” The Augustinian abbey at Scone flourished for more than four hundred years till the Reformation times and the scouring of the superstition of papal religion from the land. The neo-Gothic palace of today was completed in 1808.

St. Andrews


St. Andrews Castle


United College University of St Andrews

This city became the educational and religious center of Scotland, boasting the first and greatest university of Scotland, a magnificent cathedral, and the sites of early Protestant reformers who were martyred for their faith. We will visit the Castle, the gravesite of Rev. Samuel Rutherford, the Cathedral ruins, and the Monuments to the Martyrs Patrick Hamilton and George Wishart. It was here that John Knox entered Reformation history and was captured and enslaved to a French galley. This is the location of the killing and defenestration of Cardinal James Beaton, the murderer of Wishart and Hamilton.

Culloden and Beyond


Battle of Culloden


Urquhart Castle

Culloden The battlefield of 1745 between the clans supporting “Bonnie Prince Charlie” against the English King George II. As usual there were Scottish clans on both sides in the fight. The Highlanders lost, great slaughter ensued, and in the following years many Highlanders were transported or cleared from their lands. It was the last rising of the Scots against the English.

Urquhart Castle Perched on a promontory above Loch Ness, near the village with the quaint name of Drumnadrochit, these ruins remind us of the great sieges and battles over ownership of this strategic stronghold. Perhaps the ancient site of this 16th century ruin was visited by Columba and centuries later attacked by Wallace ally Robert de Moray and their mortal enemy Edward I. Robert the Bruce took the castle, and it changed hands numerous times through the centuries until rebuilt by Clan Grant and then finally lost to the Covenanters in the 1640s who drove out the last Episcopalian inhabitant and looted it.

Loch Ness 23 mile long more than 750 feet deep loch which contains more fresh water than all of England and Wales combined. It acquired world wide fame after reported sightings of a dinosaur-like creature allegedly spotted in its nocturnal perambulations an the surface. With high peat content, the waters of Loch Ness are murky and cold.

Fort William The largest town in northern Scotland was named after William of Orange who took the thrown of England from James II in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. The Fort successfully withstood the siege of the Jacobite army in 1745. It is located in the traditional lands of Clan Cameron.

Glen Coe At this place in 1692, thirty-eight Catholic MacDonalds were massacred by their guests, royalist Campbells as reprisal for alleged failure to obey government mandated oaths of allegiance to William and Mary, the new monarchs of England. Another forty women and children died of exposure after their homes were burned.

Oban A beautiful Gaellic-speaking, sea-side town on the Firth of Lorn known for its fishing trade and distillery. It is from this port that we sail to the Isle of Mull in a comfortable and interesting ferry that plies the isles.

Kilmartin Glen


Dunadd, Kilmartin


Carnasserie Castle

Dunadd An ancient hill fort, the capitol of the kingdom of Dal Riata, a site mentioned in 7th and 8th century documents. We will scale the sides of the hill to the top where we can view the entire Kilmartin Valley. We will tell the stories and see ancient carvings and the stone footprint where the ancient sea-kings were crowned.

Standing Stones and Cairns More than 350 standing stones and cairns some of which date back to 4,000 B.C. appear in the midst of sheep pastures over a six square mile valley. Little is known of the ancient kingdoms that existed here—probably in times of pagan Druids. We will stroll those pastures and marvel at the beauty and antiquity of civilizations which left no other record.

Carnasserie Castle Ruins Built by a Protestant Lord, John Carswell, during the Reformation, it is the site of the first Reformed literature translated into Gaelic so the Gospel in print could reach the highlanders. It became an assembly point for the Presbyterian McAlpins in the abortive Monmouth’s rebellion against King James. The Royalists blew it up.

Kilmartin Church and Cemetery The Church of Scotland congregation in the little Kilmartin Kirk sit above their ancient cemetery which dates back to the middle ages and beyond. There are centuries of interesting stories told in the stones of the markers—from exiled Templar Knights to Covenanters. Here we see the march of time as the Gospel came to Scotland.

The Isles


The Isle of Mull


The Isle of Iona

Duart Castle (Isle of Mull) This magnificent 13th century castle was home to McLeans and Campbells in the centuries past. Cromwell’s navy failed to capture it but the McLeans were forced to give it to the government after backing the failed Jacobite rebellion in 1745. Restored and open to the public now, it towers over the horizon on its ancient promontory. It has been used for the settings of several movies, one starring Sean Connery, who related to McLeans.

Island of Iona This storied island played host to the first great missionary endeavors led by Columba from Ireland in the sixth century. Christianity spread to the British Isles from this place, and probably into northern Europe as well. Overrun by the Vikings in the 8th and 9th centuries, missionary work persisted when the invaders left. Our visit to this gorgeous island that was the site God used to carry the Gospel to so many is one of our most precious visits in Scotland.

Event Speakers

Historian Bill Potter

Historian Bill Potter

An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. Mr. Potter has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Mr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Bill has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.

Colin Gunn

Colin Gunn

Native Scotsman Colin Gunn will be returning to his homeland to assist Landmark Events as the local historian for the 2015 In Freedom’s Cause Scotland Adventure. Colin is a sincere, orthodox Christian who worshipped for many years in a local church that descended directly from the Covenanters of the 17th century (it still requires members to sign “The Solemn League and Covenant”!) Colin has distinguished himself as an award-winning Christian filmmaker. He co-directed and wrote and produced the documentaries IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity in America and Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture. His latest film is a feature length documentary on American healthcare called Wait Till It’s Free!. His previous films include Shaky Town and The Monstrous Regiment of Women (the title of which was taken from one of John Knox’s most famous treatises).

Marshall Foster

Dr. Marshall Foster

Dr. Marshall Foster is the founder and president of the World History Institute, which is dedicated to uncovering the unchanging truths and lessons of history that have liberated individuals and nations around the globe. For three decades, Marshall has taught these truths, along with their Judeo-Christian roots, through many venues from best-selling books and dynamic seminars to documentaries, radio programs and historic tours. His ground-breaking video course From Terror to Triumph presents historically proven strategies and solutions which have triumphed over the terrors of the ages. He currently oversees the education of more than 10,000 students and families each year on historic training tours in the United States and throughout Europe. In collaboration with actor Kirk Cameron, Marshall was co-producer for the film, Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure, which was released in theaters nationwide in 2012. The film traces the harrowing and heroic experiences of the early Pilgrims, who risked everything for liberty. Dr. Foster offers hope and encouragement for a lasting spiritual and cultural revival. He is currently conducting cruises and tours of the British Isles and Europe. Marshall speaks at conferences and churches throughout America. He is chairman of GPS 30, a Global Prayer Strategy already involves tens of thousands of churches and individuals praying for every nation and territory on earth.

Event Schedule

Note: Schedule times are subject to change

Sunday, September 13
(Edinburgh)
  Evening Reception
Monday, September 14
(Edinburgh)
  City Tour Via Bus
  Edinburgh Castle
Tuesday, September 15
(Edinburgh)
  St. Giles Cathedral
  John Knox House
  Covenanter Monument
  Greyfriars
  Magdalen Chapel
Wednesday, September 16
(Stirling)
  Wallace Monument
  Stirling Castle
  Church of the Holy Rude
  Old Cemetery
  Bannockburn
Thursday, September 17
(Dumfries/Ayreshire)
  Caerlaverock Castle
  Sweetheart Abbey
  Threave Castle
  Grey Friars Abbey
  Tentative: Hadrian’s Wall / Roman Fort
Friday, September 18
(Glasgow/Hamilton)
  Necropolis, Graveyard
  Glasgow Cathedral
  Fenwick Parish
  Bothwell Castle / Bridge
  Celtic Cross, Covenenter Graves
  Drumclog
  St Kentigern’s Church, Lanark
  Lanark / New Lanark
Saturday, September 19
(St. Andrews/Edinburgh)
  Scone Palace
  St. Andrews
  Castle
  Cathedral
  Martyrs sites
  Farewell Banquet Edinburgh

Sunday, September 20
(Edinburgh)
    Morning Worship
  Afternoon — Say farewell to the Lowlands and hello to the Highlands
  Evening Reception
Monday, September 21
(Overnight in Inverness)
  Culloden
  Inverness
Tuesday, September 22
(Overnight in Oban)
  Urquhart Castle
  Loch Ness
  Fort William
  Glen Coe
  Oban
Wednesday, September 23
(Overnight in Oban)
  Kilmartin
  Dunnad
Thursday, September 24
(Overnight in Oban)
  Duart Castle on Mull
  Iona – overnight
  Evening Banquet
Friday, September 25
(Overnight on Iona)
  Isle of Iona
Saturday, September 25
(Overnight in Edinburgh)
  Return to Edinburgh – Free Time
  Farewell Banquet Edinburgh

Accommodations

Hotels in Europe are different from the those in the U.S. As a general rule, rooms are smaller and services more limited. Terms are different as well—for instance a double room will have one double bed and a twin will have two single beds. Family rooms are rare and generally have one double bed and one single bed. We will work with you to get the best room configuration possible so you will know in advance what type of room you will be getting at each property. Priority room selection based on registration order.

 

Lowlands Leg

September 13-19

Residence Inn Edinburgh (7 nights)

Located in the heart of Edinburgh in the new Quartermile development just a few minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street, the National Museum of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament.

Room Type: Superior Studio
Bedding: One Queen bed with sofa bed / limited number with 2 Double beds
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults and 2 children under 15


Image copyright TripAdvisor

 

Highlands Leg

September 20

Residence Inn Edinburgh

Room Type: Superior Studio
Bedding: One Queen bed with sofa bed / limited number with 2 Double beds
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults and 2 children under 15


Image copyright TripAdvisor

September 21

Holiday Inn Express Inverness

Bedding: One Queen bed with sofa bed or Two Twin beds
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adult and 1 Child
Breakfast included

September 22-23

Caledonian Hotel Oban

Bedding: One Queen bed or Two Twin beds
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adult and 1 Child
Breakfast included

September 24-25 (Iona)

(St. Columba arrived here in AD 563, establishing a Christian community that would have far reaching effects on Scotland and beyond. This very special little island is home to 177 residents according to the 2011 census. We have secured rooms in two of the three hotels on the Island and have rented a 5-bedroom house also. Priority room selection based on registration order.)

Argyll Hotel

Bedding: One Queen bed or Two Twin beds or One Twin
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adult
Breakfast included

Martyrs Bay Inn

Bedding: One Queen bed or Two Twin beds
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adult
Breakfast included

Ardoran House

Bedding: One Queen bed or Two Twin beds — all with private bath
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adult per room — good for families
Breakfast included

September 26

Edinburgh (TBD) — See Lowlands Leg for description

Upcoming Events

Cradle of Liberty Tour
Aug 15-20, 2024