Raven Sinclaire’s Traceless Tours: Music of Scotland with the Knackered Ramblers

Music of Scotland with the Knackered Ramblers

The Knackered Ramblers musical interpretations echo the traditional country styles of
the South from Bluegrass to Old-Time to Shaped Note hymns. Their approach is honest
and engaging. Both Boosinger and Compton have been featured at major events across
the U.S. and have traveled extensively abroad bringing their brand of roots music to
audiences around the world.

Laura Boosinger has collaborated with musicians across the spectrum from Grammy
Award winner David Holt, guitarist and bass player for the Stanley Brothers George
Shuffler, to multi-instrumentalist and storyteller Josh Goforth. Laura is a figurehead
in maintaining the tradition of shaped note singing from the Christian Harmony. She is
the voice and creator of Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails podcast and is
a member of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

Mike Compton, befriended and mentored by Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass
Music, is a Grammy and IBMA Award-winning mandolinist, composer, singer, arranger,
and teacher. He is a lifelong practitioner and interpreter of Monroe’s genre-bending
style. Compton is a musician’s musician. He collaborated with legendary producer
T-Bone Burnett on the Album of the Year soundtrack for “O Brother Where Art Thou?”
and was a member of the Nashville Bluegrass Band and the John Hartford
Stringband.

Itinerary

July 3-13, 2027

Day One: Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s lovely capital city with history around every corner and down every dark close and wynd. You’ll have time to meander the city (we’ll give you suggestions!) or rest a bit before we gather for an informal meet and greet. Dinner is on your own this evening and there are many choices just out the hotel doors.

Day Two: After breakfast, we’ll have our opening circle to share what we are most looking forward to (we really listen to this and sometimes add in last minute things from what you share). You’ll have much of this day on your own to visit museums or other iconic spots (don’t worry, we will give you a guide). Then we’ll meet for a guided tour around Old Town mid afternoon. In the evening, we’ll have our first group dinner and private concert in the hotel.

Day Three: Let’s gather after breakfast for a whirlwind slide show history lesson that’s fast and entertaining from one of our best Edinburgh friends. This will set the stage for all the stories you’ll hear long the way. You’ll have this last day in Edinburgh on your own to choose among all the sights to enjoy.

Day Four: Our coach picks us up for a journey to Rosslyn Chapel and Glen, a 15th century Chapel that’s inspired mysteries, tall tales and legends. On our way to Dunkeld, we’ll make a detour to a special place that we rarely take groups to visit. After that, we’re on to Dunkeld & Birnam (sister towns connected by a stunning bridge over the River Tay) where you’ll have some time to wander the picturesque village before our group dinner and private concert.

Day Five: We’ll stay close to home today and visit Dunkeld Cathedral and meet with some local friends for history and music. You may want to visit the Beatrix Potter museum and garden in Birnam or walk along the river or wander through the quaint shops. In the evening, we can gather for an informal music session.

Day Six: This is a day in Nature with a walk through the series of waterfalls that inspired Robert Burns. The Birks of Aberfeldy is a tour favorite. You can walk at your own pace and choose a local cafe for lunch afterward. You’ll have some time in Aberfeldy before the coach takes us back to Dunkeld. Dinner is on your own as no one ever has enough time to explore Dunkeld and Birnam. That night, we’ll have a private concert at the Golf Course.

Day Seven: We head to the Highlands today with a fun stop along the way. We’ll stay close to Inverness for the next three nights and learn so much about the history of this fascinating area.

Day Eight: Let’s visit a local castle and ancient stone circle and cairns then meander on to the Black Isle for some beach walks. In the evening, we’ll have a private concert to remember.

Day Nine: How about a cultural experience with some of our friends in Inverness? Today, you’ll learn all about the history of Tartan (it isn’t what you think) and the culture of whisky along with stories of generations of Highlanders. This is a curated experience just for you and I don’t want to give too much away! Just for fun, let’s have another private concert at the hotel after dinner.

Day Ten: After breakfast, we’ll board the coach and head back to Edinburgh with some side stops along the way. Our farewell dinner is tonight and we’ll share memories and toast new friendships.

Day Eleven: Flights back home or onward journeys.