Tour Dunning on a relaxing small
group vacation of my homeland

" I look forward to showing you my historic
Scotland, as only a native Scot can. "

Dunning is situated at the south east of Strathearn. St Serf's church in the centre of the village was rebuilt in the 19th century but the tower is early medieval (12th century) with two-light arched Anglo-Saxon windows like Muthill Church. Like so many Strathearn villages, Dunning was burnt after the Battle of Sheriffmuir by the retreating Jacobite army. However the village retains it's earlier pattern with later buildings (18-19thC) gathered around the church. A standing stone outside the village is said to mark the site of the Battle of Duncrub in 964AD. A local woman, Maggie Wall, was burnt as a witch in 1657 and a monument commemorates this sad event.

Church of St. Serf, Dunning, The church of St. Serf, Dunning was first mentioned in 1219. It came under the Abbey of Inchaffrey (near Madderty) which was founded by Earl Gilbert of Strathearn and witnessed by Anechal, Thane of Dunning and founder of the surname "Dunning". There is no mention of the church in the 1200 document, but a Charter of Confirmation dated 1219 includes St. Serf at Dunning (Ecclesiam Sancti Servani de Dunnyne). It can therefore be established that the church was finished and running by 1219. The present tower was probably started in the mid 12th century, and a single storey medieval church with nave and chancel built on to it. There was probably an older church or chapel on the site because of the remains of an older doorway (Saxon style) on the North wall. The medieval church had a high pitched, open beamed roof (see outline visible on tower) with arches between tower/nave and nave/chancel (see plan on session house door). The altar would be at the East end of the chancel - all churches were built on an East-West orientation with the altar in the East.

For the Independent Traveler to Scotland we also offer help with Airfares, Hotel Packages, and Rail Travel.

Leave The Herd Behind With A Small Group Tour of Scotland

All my small group tours of Scotland, which often include my native Fife, are paced for discovery and understanding, not just notching sites. Each small group is limited to an absolute maximum of 18 people, with a typical small group being just 6 or 8 people. I prefer to guide these small groups through Scotland in a relaxing manner, staying at two or three base locations from which we can visit places of interest - and not have to move luggage every day.

Tour Scotland guests tend to be travelers rather than tourists, enjoying seeing behind the tourist facade, while visiting with " locals " and seeing sites not normally seen by the regular tourist. Many group members visit Scotland to trace their Scottish ancestry; others to golf or fish; most come to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, historic buildings and gardens, and most of all, to meet and enjoy the people of Scotland. My Tours of Scotland can be best described as being " couthy. " It's a Scottish word meaning " gentle."

What goes into an unforgettable Tour of Scotland ? Lots of great scenery, for sure. Perhaps also a smidgen of something you can't quite put your finger on, but nevertheless creates a lasting impression. Maybe a piper playing in the pub; perhaps a conversation with a local; a shepherd working his dogs; fishermen landing their catch. All my previous group members have their own lists of defining moments. I wonder what yours will be ?

Any time from April through October is a really good time to Tour Scotland. Spring and early summer are my particular favorites. Forests, fields and glens offer a wonderful array of colors during that time of year, while the long Northern days of sunshine let you get out and enjoy it. There is also no shortage of things to do as all the best attractions are already open, and are far more relaxed away from the mid-summer crowds, whilst in the cities the Arts season is in full swing. But whenever you visit, you're always guaranteed a warm welcome in my Scotland. June through August is the best time to attend Highland Games on a Tour Scotland tour.

Here's a built by a couple of Tour Scotland members from last year. I think you will find the site interesting and informative. A Journey Through Scotland. For my latest Tours of Scotland photos click: May 2003 or Loch Ness.

Tour Scotland group members will have the opportunity to shop, play golf, visit local pubs and simply go for walks and enjoy local sights and sounds. Let me know your reasons for wishing to Tour Scotland, and see if I can best fit your needs. If you would like to visit independently, or as part of a small group tour, or on another Tour of Scotland, please e-mail me:

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Sandy Stevenson All rights reserved 2000.