Explore your ancestry with the Tartan Butler at The Balmoral

December 2011 - If your ties with Scotland extend beyond a passion for the country, then consider consulting the dedicated Tartan Butler at Rocco Forte Hotels’ The Balmoral, in Edinburgh.

Obsessive about the history and heritage of Scottish ancestry, the Tartan Butler, Andy Fraser, has traced his own clan as far back as the early 13th Century, sourcing 30 variations of the Fraser tartan. Andy has excellent connections with the city’s foremost experts and is ideally placed to guide guests through the process of discovering their Scottish ancestry, and its tartan.

It all begins with a name. Before arriving at the hotel guests tell the Tartan Butler the names of any known Scottish ancestors. He will then establish a connection to one of the thousands of clans and traditional recognised tartans, where a tartan can be linked. If you do not have a name and think you have Scottish ancestry, worry not. Andy can help you research your family history.

Once Andy has tracked down your tartan, he can use his contacts to arrange a trip to the city’s most established kilt shop, Kinloch Anderson, for a kilt fitting. The national dress, Scots around the world continue to identify with their shared descent by wearing their traditional clan tartan kilt to formal events and gatherings.

Andy comments: “As true Scot and Edinburgh resident, I have always had a keen interest in our tartan heritage and the traditions associated with it. It was the Dress Act of 1746 that tried to bring the warrior clans under government by banning the tartan and other aspects of Gaelic culture. When the law was abolished in 1782, it was no longer ordinary Highland dress but was adopted instead as the national dress of Scotland. I am looking forward to sharing this history with guests at The Balmoral who want to trace their own Scottish heritage.”

Those who want to further follow in their ancestral footsteps can consult Andy to create a bespoke tour of their own Scottish region, visiting the places that an ancestor was born or spent their life.

For further information, visit: www.roccofortehotels.com

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Media Enquiries:

Anna Martin/Ilse van Steen/Natasha Berg
Rocco Forte Hotels
Tel:  +44 (0)20 766 3107/3137/3113
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Notes to Editors
The Balmoral
Part of Rocco Forte Hotels since 1997, The Balmoral is a luxury hotel in the true sense of the word. The 188-bedroom hotel with its majestic clock tower is located at 1 Princes Street in the centre of Edinburgh. The Balmoral boasts Scotland’s only Bollinger Bar; Michelin-starred “number one” restaurant, presided over by Executive Chef, Jeff Bland; a luxurious spa and ten function rooms accommodating up to 450 people, nearly all of which enjoy fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle.  The Balmoral offers 188 opulent suites and stylish rooms.

Rocco Forte Hotels

Rocco Forte Hotels is a family of 13 individual hotels and resorts. Each property has a unique style, reflecting its nationality and location, but all share Rocco Forte Hotels’ trademark attention to detail, high quality and immaculate service.
 
Established by Sir Rocco Forte in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; The Lowry Hotel, Manchester; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Brown’s Hotel, London; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Augustine Hotel, Prague; Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily; Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi. Future openings: Jeddah 2013; Marrakech 2014; Cairo 2014; Luxor 2014.  www.roccofortehotels.com