About
About Armstrong Tours
Armstrong Tours is a small tour company based in Langholm, perfectly positioned at the borders of Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Borders, and Cumbria. We operate small tour groups of up to six people in our fully licensed six-seater vehicle.
We primarily tour the border region of England and Scotland, though we are happy to travel further afield if requested. As a fully bespoke service, you—the holidaymaker—can choose your destinations and build a tour to suit your tastes and interests.
We work with you to create a unique tour tailored to your personal interests. Whether you’re looking to explore your Border family heritage or embark on a culinary journey, we can help. Our tours are accessible to everyone, including disabled guests, young and old alike, and we welcome guide dogs for blind and partially sighted visitors.
In addition to our bespoke tours, we also operate as a private hire company, assisting with airport transfers, train station pick-ups and drop-offs, shopping trips, and much more.
The Armstrong Family Name
Legend has it that over a thousand years ago, the name Armstrong was bestowed upon a knight for an act of exceptional bravery in rescuing his cousin and King from the heat of battle.
The Scottish King was fighting alongside his cousin, Siward Fairbairn, when they became separated and the King’s horse was killed. With the King trapped beneath his fallen horse and in mortal danger, his men shouted to Siward, “The King, the King!”
Siward saw his cousin’s plight, charged through the thick of battle, and fought his way to the King. He lifted the King onto his own horse and rode him to safety. Once safe, the King declared, “From this day forth, you shall be known as Strongarm.” Turn the name around, and you have Armstrong. The King also granted Siward lands in the Scottish Borders, where the Armstrongs would hold sway for nearly four centuries.
By 1529, the Armstrongs were reputed to be able to raise 3,000 men for battle. History remembers us as the most troublesome family on the English-Scottish border, a family that aligned with neither Crown nor Government.
Our famous motto is: INVICTUS MANEO, which translates to “I Remain Unvanquished.”
Photo credit – David McVittie