One of the attractions of the British Isles is that they are just that - a collection of islands. Although foreign invaders have influenced all parts of these islands, the sea has provided a challenge to them which has limited that influence. The sea has also acted as a means of "friendly" transport down through the ages linking communities on opposite sides of various channels of water. And the sea has also provided a barrier retaining and developing the characteristics which make the various parts of these islands unique in their own ways. Unless you live on the island of mainland Great Britain then, to get here, you too will have to cross the sea. There are just two ways you can to that:-

• By Air
• By Sea

By Air

You can travel by air directly to Scotland from many parts of Europe and some parts of the USA and Canada. Where there are no direct connections you can link in via several of Europe's hub airports. The main local airport for The Lochside Villa is Glasgow International but both Edinburgh, and Prestwick are also within travelling distance.

There are several direct ferry links between Northern Ireland (NI) and Scotland.

• Seacat operates a car and passenger fast service between Belfast (NI)  and Troon on Scotland's Ayrshire coast.
• Stena Line operate a car, passenger and commercial service using the large HSS fast craft between Belfast (NI) and Stranraer in the south-west of Scotland.
• P&O Ferries operate a car and passenger fast ferry service together with a car, passenger and commercial service on a conventional craft between Larne (NI) and Cairnryan in southwest Scotland.

SuperFast Ferries - Scotland's European Ferry Link

In May 2002 Scotland and Europe were joined together by a brand new ferry link using the latest superferries.