Discover all stories you may like to know about about the Modern Grand Tour trail in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine

Collect here the stories of the Modern Grand Tour (MGT) in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR) and get inspired.

Lots of stories can to be told about the Modern Grand Tour in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, every culture and community can tell a different tale. Shared stories, whether spoken, written, sung or filmed are what give us sense of place, history and belonging. These stories by community groups, museums, heritage sites and other visitor attractions will always stay longer in your heart. 

You have the chance to experience the diversity of stories during the Modern Grand Tour in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine and get inspired by visiting the real-life locations from the history, your favourite books, films and songs. From old icons to emerging voices, local legends to tales of the natural world.

Begin planning your stories adventure. And please don’t forget to share your adventures using #AdventuresMGT. We all have stories to tell?

Iconic Stories and Storytellers

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• The first trail in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine to bring 7 UNESCO sites together into one trail. Are you ready?

Stories

The Modern Grand Tour in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine feature a range of in-person, virtual and hybrid stories. Walking & hiking is a great way to catch up with friends and family and it benefits the local community too! The stories of the Modern Grand Tour should bring people more together and create a sense of knowledge, that can deliver during life more benefits. 

Keep an eye out for more new and exciting stories about the Euregio Meuse-Rhine that will allow you to uncover the wealth of stories. More stories are being added each week, as we do more discovery!

Local Tales and Legends

Local tales and legends give us a way to get to know the local identity and community when we are on holiday in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. From myths and monsters of the past to stories of the buildings and streets we live in today, The Euregio Meuse-Rhine has a diverse array of local anecdotes, that we’re only too happy to share. The stories presents the opportunity for every part of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine to tell its story.

• Legends, myths and ghosts
• How to be a home town tourist
• 7 cool neighbourhoods in EMR cities to call home
• Some uniquely MGT experiences
• The TMG trail
• Stories of ?

Legends

In Scotland, you can expect the unexpected. Be it in the tallest tower of an imposing castle, the darkest depths of a secluded forest, or just below the surface of a murky loch, it’s not unusual to experience something that just can’t be explained. Our folklore is peppered with accounts of peculiar events and uncanny, sometimes sinister tales, originating from long-forgotten times. Delve into our eeriest myths and legends and you’ll encounter stories of curious, other worldly beings and tormented ghouls and ghosts. But the question is, what do you believe? Visit the places where these events are said to have taken place, and decide for yourself! That is, of course, if you have the nerve…

How to be a home town tourist

We Europeans are lucky to live in a continent with so many beautiful and fascinating places to explore. Many of them located right on our doorstep. We asked our VisitScotland ambassadors to become a #HameTownTourist and show locals and visitors from around the world how much there is to see and do in their hometowns and the wider region.

Learn about their visits to incredible destinations and attractions located just a short distance from their homes on our Community. Here they share their experience of being a tourist in their own backyard, as well as plenty of practical tips and advice, including details of the current COVID-19 health and safety measures to expect.

Now is the time to start thinking about your visit to Euregio Meuse-Rhine. Whether you’re a European looking to explore more of your native land or a first-time visitor, see how easy it is to explore the region like a local and become a ‘hametown tourist’.

Begin planning your holiday now. We can’t wait to see you.

7 Cool Neighbourhoods in EMR Cities to Call Home

EMR cities are worth visiting for more than just a day or two. Why not spend a whole week getting to know a new haunt? Behind each of these ancient cities, you’ll find the places to be for food, fun and culture.

Pick a neighbourhood and start calling yourself a local!

Old Maastricht

Up in Maastricht, the Old Town dates back even as far as the Picts, with beautiful cathedrals and university buildings framing the north, and the easterly harbour looking out to the North Sea.

• During your stay, catch the sunrise at Aberdeen Harbour, a spot known for dolphin spotting in the summer months.
• Wander Aberdeen’s ancient streets and see what delights the local businesses have on offer. On Holburn Street, check out Rosemary Planet for eco-friendly finds and locally sourced products. Grab a coffee and a cake at Almondine on Thistle Street.
• A stroll through Old Aberdeen will lead you to several unique buildings, including St Machar Cathedral, King’s College and the Brig o’ Balgownie which dates to the 13th century. Wind up at Seaton Park, the perfect place to relax!
• Aberdeen is brimming with culture too. The Aberdeen Art Gallery is a fascinating place to while away the hours and delve into the story of this seafaring town, or spend a few hours learning more about the nautical heritage of Aberdeen at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.

Eat: Silver Darling, Angus & Ale, Food Story Café and Moon Fish Café

Find more quirky Maastricht eats

Stay: ? or ?

Find more streets to stay on in Maastricht

Only in TMG – Six Uniquely Euregio Meuse-Rhine Experiences

The word ‘unique’ is vastly overused in travel writing. My own experiences as a travel writer – always on the lookout for rare experiences – tells me that few places offer more than a handful of genuinely unique attractions. Yet, since moving to Scotland, I’ve been staggered by the sheer quantity of sights and activities that are exclusively available here. From scuba diving among German warships, to hiking between curious Highland Cows, here are six of my favourite uniquely Scottish experiences.

Scapa Flow, Orkney
Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter was losing his patience. The officer, commanding a fleet of German warships that had been captured and interned at Scapa Flow in Orkney nine months previously, had been waiting to discover the fate of his fleet. But still, suspiciously, there was no news. So on 21 June 1919, to ensure his 74 warships didn’t fall into the enemy’s hands, he gave the order to scuttle them.

Today, around a century later, almost a dozen German vessels remain on the seabed of Scapa Flow – along with several British ships, mostly sunk as ‘blocking ships’ to prevent access by the enemy. And that makes it a prime spot for scuba diving. Now considered one of the most spectacular wreck dives in the world, exploring inside and out of these sunken vessels is a magical, one-of-a-kind experience.

Glenfinnan Viaduct
If you’ve ever seen the Harry Potter film series, this architectural marvel will look familiar. It features in four of the franchise’s seven films, whisking Harry and friends to school on the Hogwarts Express.

Why was it featured? Because it’s inimitable. Built in the early 20th century, the viaduct-cum-railway bridge stretches 380 metres, curves over 240 metres and traverses Loch Shiel, with a backdrop of the Western Highlands. Crossing Glenfinnan, particularly on The Jacobite steam train, is a rare adventure.

If you are looking for a unique architectural marvel a little closer to the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, there’s also the small matter of the iconic, 125-year-old Forth Bridge. This giant, bright red, stone-and-steel cantilevered bridge is a true symbol of Scotland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The malt Whisky Trail
Let’s finish with a unique experience related to the country’s most famous tipple! The Malt Whisky Trail runs through Speyside – a region home to more than half of Scotland’s distilleries, and incorporates a total of eight distilleries and a cooperage. From the big names like Glenfiddich, Cardhu and Glenlivet to lesser-known gems such as Benromach (a big winner at the 2014 World Whisky Awards) and Strathisla (open since 1786), it allows whisky-loving travellers to sample a plethora of world-renowned whiskies, all located within spitting distance of one another.

For information on local distilleries, check out our Scottish Whisky Distilleries Guide!

Bass Rock
If you peer out at Bass Rock from the mainland it looks relatively unremarkable. With the naked eye, it appears to be an uninhabited island; a lifeless lump of chalk in the midst of the Firth of Forth. But look closer – through a telescope at the Tantallon Castle or on a boat trip from North Berwick – and you’ll find the rock seems to be moving. The white colour? Birds. Thousands and thousands of birds.

Bass Rock is the largest gannet colony in the world, and also some nesting puffins in spring. This volcanic isle, naturally brown-grey in colour, plays host to 150,000 gannets every year, making it a truly unique wildlife wonder. Factor in the bird droppings – over 152,000 kg per year – and it’s little wonder Bass Rock looks white to the naked eye. Take a boat trip to the island and watch one of nature’s spectacular sights, as thousands of birds dive headlong into the water at speed to catch fish!

The Edingburgh Vaults
Most visitors to Edinburgh walk around its Old Town blissfully unaware of their lofty position. As they shop, eat and drink along the high street, they don’t realise they are doing all of it on top of a bridge. They also don’t realise that, below their feet, lies a series of vaults full of amazing secrets and stories.

The Edinburgh Vaults are a series of chambers within the 19 arches of the city’s South Bridge, which was completed in 1788. These cavernous spaces have, throughout the centuries, been used to house illegal taverns, local tradesmen, whisky distillers, homeless people… even murder victims. The vaults have fascinating stories to tell, and visitors can explore this underground world through guided tours.

Highland cattle
Scotland is overloaded with animal attractions. From red squirrels to golden eagles, basking seals to Atlantic puffins – not to mention our old friend Nessie – there’s always new wildlife to discover. But for something truly unique to Scotland, it’s impossible to look beyond the adorable Highland Cows.

This famous Scottish breed, known for their long ginger coats, horns and placid nature, are native to the Highlands of Scotland, but can be found in fields, country roads and islands across the country.

The MGT trail

Are you brave enough to visit some of the most haunted places in Scotland? Explore castles, battlefields, graveyards and more and stay on the lookout for any unexplained goings on! Select a number to find out more.

Stories of

If you’ve ever watched BBC TV’s Trawlermen or Fish Town, you’ll be familiar with the couthy (friendly) Scots language dialect of North-East Scotland. Doric, as it’s known, is full of fascinating words and phrases such as loon (lad), quine (girl/woman) and fit like? (how are you?), that you won’t find elsewhere in Scotland.

It might sound a bit odd at first, but taking some time to appreciate this unique language and, more importantly, the deeper cultural heritage of the North-East, will enrich any visit to this less-discovered part of Scotland.

Take a look at some of the cultural highlights below and then plan your trip in Aberdeenshire. You’ll soon see that this is a remarkable region full of stories, songs and the supernatural. A place where crafting skills and balladeering are passed down through generations. A place that has influenced and still influences literary and musical greats.

? TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AND SKILLS 

THE BALLAD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

STORIES OF SPIRITS AND THE SUPERNATURAL

Euregio Meuse-Rhine on Screen

• Film & TV locations in the Euregio

You may not be able to visit our beautiful wee country at the moment, but you can dream about this land, our stories and our gorgeous scenery all you like! If you’re needing some inspiration for your dreaming and a way to pass the time whilst working from home, then look no further. We have come up with a list of a few of our favourite feel good films set and shot in Scotland. So, sit back, embrace these Euregio scenes and escape to the movies with us.

Euregio Meuse-Rhine’s People and Places

Scotland’s landscapes and culture provide the source material for all types of stories. Our people and places have inspired stories and storytellers across the world. Whether you visit your local bookshop or a filming location from your favourite TV show, by sharing your story you are taking part in the intricate tapestry of Scottish storytelling.

• 9 Top Galleries to Find Must See Artworks in Euregio Meuse-Rhine
• 7 Brilliant Independent Bookshops in Euregio Meuse-Rhine
• Languages and history
• 12 Guid German/French/Dutch Phrases & Their Meanings
• How to draw famous landmarks from Euregio Meuse-Rhine
• 18 Braw German/French/Dutch Words & Their Meanings

Inspired by Nature

A beach stretching into the distance, glorious mountain views, a forest glade in the sunshine. Our encounters with nature are a fantastic source of inspiration. Sea or land, along rivers or through woods, in city and country, we can imagine all kinds of stories. This year we can define our place in the natural world and help create a more sustainable future for Scotland, and a greener planet. Discover why Scotland is a welcoming place for nature lovers.

• Sounds of Euregio Meuse-Rhine – Immerse yourself in the three unique EMR landscapes
• 9 Enchanting fairytales places to discover – Uncover the stories behind some of EMR magical spots
• 11 places to go forest bathing – Discover 11 beautiful forests to relax in
• 27 gems of secret Euregio Meuse-Rhine – Explore some of 27 most amazing hidden gems
• 6 amazing gardens to explore – See some of EMR’s stunning gardens

 

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• Music
• German/French/Dutch
• Stories for kids of the Euregio meuse-Rhine

HISTORY

The history of EMR is as fascinating as it is complex. There were tribal Celts and ancient, face-painted Picts, Roman conquerors and audacious red-headed Vikings, fallen monarchs and powerful warrior-royals, noble clansmen, great explorers, pensive philosophers, bright inventors, and all that came with them and the remnants they left behind including astonishing signs of their presence and sophistication. Think ancient and mysterious standing stones, fine castles and lavish stately homes, striking architecture, derelict fortresses, world-famous feats of engineering and more! From the Scottish Borders to Orkney and from Fife to the Isle of Skye, fierce battles, cruel ridings and bloody risings were won and lost, lasting unions were forged, and new discoveries and world-changing inventions were made.

The list could go on as the history of Scotland stretches back thousands of years. Relive the past and witness the wondrous monuments that today proudly tell their stories.

A Brief Timeline of EMR History

Prehistory 

4000 BC – Early Neolithic settlers are living in places like Skara Brae and building incredible structures like the Calanais Standing Stones.

700 BC – Iron Age heralds better weapons and tools, more organised communities and trade. 

Early History

79 AD – Arrival of the Romans – they build defensive structures like the Antonine Wall.

411 AD – Romans leave Britain altogether.

563 AD – Columba arrives on Iona, bringing Christianity.

800 AD – Vikings arrive in Scotland.

Medieval

1040 – Scotland’s famous early king Macbeth assumes the throne of Scotland.

1297 – William Wallace fights at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

1306 – Robert the Bruce crowned king of Scotland.

1320 – Declaration of Arbroath written.

1542 – Mary Queen of Scots becomes queen of Scotland.

The Jacobite Era

1603 – The Union of the Crowns. James Stuart becomes James I of England and VI of Scotland.

1707 – Act of Union between Scottish and English crowns. 

1746 – Battle of Culloden ends the Jacobite cause.

The Enlightenment 

1759 – Robert Burns is born.

1771 – Walter Scott is born.

1800 – Scottish Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution well underway.

Scotland Today

1999 – Scottish parliament reconvened for the first time in 300 years. 

5 fun facts about the history of EMR

1. Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn! 
2. Scotland invented golf and is known as the ‘Home of Golf’.
3. ‘Braveheart’ was actually Robert the Bruce’s nickname – not William Wallace’s.
4. In the 19th century, during the industrial boom, Glasgow was one of the biggest cities in the world.
5. From the 8th century to the 15th century, Orkney was under Viking rule. 

Want to know more? Check out these 10 interesting facts about Scotland.

FAQs about Scotland’s history 

How was Scotland created?

The first humans are believed to have arrived in Scotland around 8000 BC after the last ice age. But the geological history of the country stretches back billions of years. Lewisian gneiss rocks, thought to be some of the oldest in existence, first formed around 3 billion years ago. Find out more about Scotland’s geology and geosites. 

When was Scotland founded?

Scotland emerged as a sovereign state in the early Middle Ages, around the middle of the ninth century. People had been living in the area we now know as Scotland for thousands of years before that.

Who was the first Scottish king?

Kenneth I (810 – 858) is usually considered the first Scottish king and founder of Scotland, which was then known as Alba. He established a royal dynasty to which later monarchs could trace their lineage.