Lochs of family fun in the Highlands

"To see the expressions of wonder on our grandchildren’s faces when we arrive at a Bond site is magical,” smiles Jan Harding from Surrey. “And seeing the fairy-tale castle of Tigh Mor in the Scottish Highlands, with its sparkling loch, was no exception. They were beside themselves with excitement!”

When Jan and her husband Andy became Bondholders in the mid 1990s, grandchildren were the last thing on their minds. “Our children were only young themselves so we certainly weren’t thinking about the next generation. However, 30 years on and we have four lovely grandchildren and are beginning to appreciate all over again how special the Bond is and just how much it has to offer.”

Tigh Mor was the latest in a number of highly successful family holidays for Andy and Jan, daughter Ciara and her husband Michael, grandchildren Sophia, 11 and Oscar, nine, Australian Labradoodle Honey, and son Phil, his wife Louise and their children Benjy, 13, and 11-year-old Annabel.

Safe and inclusive

“There’s so much to love about the Bond,” Jan contiues, “not least the wonderful choice of locations, and the excellent onsite facilities and activities; especially the Kids’ Clubs, which are a brilliant idea. There’s something for everyone. Two of our grandchildren have special needs, so we really appreciate the safe environment HPB provides at all its sites – they can enjoy some freedom. And the staff are really responsive, helping us get settled in – nothing is ever too much trouble, which is why we’re such fans!”

Lochs of fun

“There’s never a dull moment wherever we go,” adds Phil, “and this trip has been no exception. We packed in so much in a week, including fly fishing, whisky tasting (just the adults!), climbing Ben A’an, visiting the Kelpies and Stirling Castle, riding on the Fairkirk wheel, taking a boat trip on Loch Katrine aboard the Sir Walter Scott and spending a day in Edinburgh. But the highlight has got to be paddle-boarding on the beautiful loch in front of the castle. It’s an iconic setting. Ciara and her family are experienced paddle boarders and were patient teachers; it was such fun. Even Honey had a go!”

“Sadly our holiday was over too soon,” Jan concludes, “but guess what? We get to do it all over again next year. We just need to decide where to go. That’s the magic of HPB!”