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Check AvailabilitySquirrels Tale Cottage is a 3 bedroom self catering holiday accommodation that sleeps 5 and is located in Grantown on Spey, Scotland. This property does not allow pets. Prices range from £829 to £4223 per week. Local to Skye of Curr, Cromdale, Mains of Dalvey, Boat of Garten
This lovely holiday property forms a wing of the owners’ outstanding and historic Grade B listed Broomhill Country House and has been sympathetically renovated to provide quality accommodation in a peaceful and private setting. Accessed by a rough track, Squirrel’s Tale Cottage is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and enjoys wonderful southerly views across the countryside towards the lush Strathspey Valley, the River Spey and the majestic Cairngorm Mountains. Nestling amongst 25 acres of unspoilt woodlands, where guests can watch the playful squirrels and the many varieties of birdlife, the cottage makes a perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the Highlands. Amongst the many activities available in the area are excellent climbing and hillwalking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, watersports and fishing on Loch Morlich, golf and also skiing in the wonderful Cairngorms. For the younger members of your party, a trip to visit the Reindeer Visitor Centre, Tree Zone and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park is recommended and for whisky lovers, take the Moray Malt Whisky Trail – the only one in the world! Inverness, the Highland capital, is less than an hour’s drive and Aviemore only 10 miles and benefits from all rail and road links. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
Spacious living room with dining area, wood-burning stove and wooden floor. Kitchen with slate floor. Double bedroom with 6ft zip & link bed (can be twin by arr). Large shower room with toilet and slate floor. First floor: Double bedroom with 5ft bed. Single bedroom.
Book a tour of the Cairngorm Brewery, which produces a full range of bottled and cask ales to suit all tastes. The ales have won various awards and accolades.
A roaring log fire, warm and friendly atmosphere, excellent food and fine selection of beers and wine make this a favourite haunt for those who enjoy the best of Highland produce.
This highly regarded country manor restaurant has a 'Taste of Scotland' menu which includes haggis and smoked salmon among many other delights. Tony Blair has visited this manor house twice.
A welcome addition to the eating out scene in Inverness. Set in a wonderful position overlooking the river, it serves superb, fresh food prepared with skill and care. Choose from the lunch, dinner or Sunday lunch menu.
Fun, discovery and adventure for all ages. One of the few places in the UK where you can rock climb, 'skydive', flume ride, meet red squirrels face to face, walk through the tops of tall pine trees and much, much more.
Situated in the heart of Speyside and the Malt Whisky Trail, the Spey Valley Smokehouse explores the fascinating history of Scottish Salmon, not only produces the finest smoked salmon but also offers visitors the opportunity to see the process in action.
Cairngorm Mountain Railway offers a unique visitor gateway into this ancient glacial landscape - for all ages and abilities. The Railway takes you close to the summit for spectacular mountain landscape views.
For a unique experience, join the reindeer herder out on the mountainside where the reindeer graze in their natural environment. These quiet friendly animals are a delight to all ages. Meet these remarkable animals, learn all the interesting facts and enjoy this ?hands on? experience.
Explore Abernethy has a visitor centre containing exhibits explaining the history of Nethy Bridge and wildlife in the area. The centre is manned part time by a countryside ranger to provide help and advice. There are eight waymarked trails, many which go through the stunning Caledonian Pine Forest where many of the UK's rarest species are found.
One of the 100 most amazing places in the UK. Superb for walking and mountain biking. Activities include fishing, quad treks, pony treks, safaris, archery, bushcraft, wildlife watching, clay shooting, photography. Estate farm shop, visitor centre, restaurant. One of the glories of wild Scotland (David Attenborough).
You could spend a fair amount of time exploring the Cairngorm Mountain, as there are lots of things to see and do. Take a trip on the UK's highest railway, with spectacular views of the Scottish mountain landscape, walk along the mountain footpath or stroll around the gardens. Also a must is to take a look at the stunning landscapes through the camera Obscura... a device that brings the outside in!
At the site of the last battle fought on British soil, the visitors' centre has an interactive exhibition, 360º immersive film bringing the battle to life, battle field tour, licensed restaurant and shop. Culloden has always been a memorable place — and is now even more so.
Forres Highland Games take place annually in Grant Park and usually take place around the first Saturday in July, regardless of the weather. They incorporate a range of traditional highland games together with many other attractions making for a great day out for all. Anyone can get involved in the fun and activities, just fill in an application form and you could be competing and being cheered on by the supportive and encouraging crowds who gather to watch. It is a popular event and draws large crowds who come to enjoy the colourful, energetic and cheerful occasion. In addition to cheering on at the games that include, Tug O' War, Heavy events, Athletics, Highland dancing, Grass Cycling and a road race, you can watch the bands perform, enjoy some delicious local food and treats and shop on the many craft and local stalls found here. Be prepared for for all weathers and you will have a fabulous day and see some fantastic athletes, maybe witness a new record being set, and see and hear amazing performers, highly recommended.
No visit to Speyside would be complete without a trip to the Speyside Cooperage, the only cooperage in Britain with a Visitor Centre. Here you can watch coopers make and repair the barrels for the whisky industry. There's also a gift shop and tearoom.
Hear about the history of Major James Grant, his impact on whisky and sample of some of the famous Glen Grant for yourself, before taking a a stroll through the beautiful grounds to see the plunging waterfall.
Trips depart from Inverness harbour out onto the Moray Firth, where you will have the best chance of seeing the most northerly group of bottlenose dolphins in the world, plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise.
The Dolphin and Seal centre is run by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, and provides information about dolphins, seals and other wildlife you can see in this area.
Loch Morlich boasts the highest beach in Britain. A superb sandy beach and you can explore the loch by hiring a sailing boat, kayak or windsurfer.
From Achiltibuie, this estate reserve encompasses mountains, moorland, peatbog and a chain of lochs. lPtarmigan, great northern diver, Grey seal, otter and red deer are among the wildlife and the from Strathkannaird to Achiltibuie is a wonderful coastal walk.
A 6.4 mile walk overlooking Loch Ness. Taking about 4 hours, the route starts from the Information Centre at the Inverfarigaig car park and continues to Upper Foyers. The route then descends overlooking the falls.
The first and only daily working sled dog centre in the UK, set within spectacular panoramic views of the Cairngorm Mountains. You will be taken by dog team and guide into some of the very best scenic routes in the Cairngorms, getting close to wild red deer and other wildlife.
From first timer to budding instructor, you can enjoy a wide range of activities under the guidance of a highly skilled and motivated team based in Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park.
Aviemore is Britain's premier winter sports resort. Experience the thrill of snow sports for yourself at Cairngorm including alpine ski-ing, snowboarding, cross country ski-ing and sledging.
This interpretation/fun trail and children's adventure area is open all year round. Experienced, qualified instructors, recognised by all governing bodies, offer activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, river trips and much more.
For an active day out, choose from an exciting range of sports: white water rafting, canoeing, gorge scrambling, rock climbing, abseiling and mountain biking as well as skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Activities are available to suit individuals, families and groups of all ages and abilities.
Kinloss Country Club is located in Forres, it is a friendly and welcoming club and extends a true Scottish reception to all players. It was originally a nine hole course but has been extended to eighteen holes and represents an American style of play, with varying courses on each side of the clubhouse. It has evolved into a fine course that offers a good standard of golf and the course caters to all level of golfer, with some difficult holes and steep climbs. This parkland course is situated amongst some lovely scenery and has great views across the Moray Firth. The course is well maintained, the greens are well kept and are true and fast. It is predominantly a pay and play facility but, it is best to book at weekends as it dos get busy. Other facilities here include driving practise bays, practise chipping area and putting green. The clubhouse is warm and welcoming and serves a lovely selection of dishes that are freshly prepared and excellent value for money too, staff are friendly and the customer service is very good. Kinloss Country Golf Club is a lovely welcoming club, with excellent facilities, offering a great game of golf on a nice course, green fees are excelent value, definitely worth a round if you are in the area.
Ballater Golf Club is in a prime location in the beautiful countryside of Upper Deeside. It is an 18 hole, par 70, blend of parkland and heathland, medium length golf course, that is slightly rolling. There are a number of natural hazards with a number of the holes being near to the Rover Dee. It is a picturesque course with stunning views. The course is beautiful and in superb condition with fast fairways and lovely greens. The course will offer challenges to all level of golfer. It is a very warm and welcoming club and they extend a true Scottish welcome to all visitors. The Clubhouse has excellent facilities, it is roomy and has a warm and inviting atmosphere and they have a diverse menu that offers a great choice of dishes that are tasty and great value for money. Ballater Golf Club offers a good round of golf with lovely scenic views for an excellent price.
With an impressive 20 lifts and 36 runs, this ski centre offers a massive range of skiing & snowboarding facilities. If you are new to skiing, you can hire an instructor or join a class, but if you consider yourself a pro, then just hit the slopes and have fun!
Situated one mile from Nethybridge, this is the largest native Scots pinewood in Britain. Abernethy is well-known for its many rare northern insects as well as being home to breeding birds such as capercaillie, crossbill, crested tit, osprey and goldeneye.
This exposed rock face named Roches Moutonness in the village of Duldain Bridge bears signs of the sheet of glacier ice that once covered this village. This is a great point from which to view the Cairngorns National Park.
Established within Glenmore Forest Park, the reserve provides a haven for wildlife. You can choose to seek out some of the small but beautiful plants living on the forest floor, or just savour the fragrant carpet of needles beneath the ancient granny pines. Woodland specialists like red squirrels, crossbills and crested tits are all resident, and the forest is often alive with the sound of bird song.
Voted ?Scotland?s Best Picnic Site?, Loch an Eileen is a beautiful place, surrounded by ancient forest. Walk or cycle round the loch, enjoy views of the mysterious island castle and glimpse Highland wildlife. There are numerous other superb walking and cycling routes on the wonderful Rothiemurchus estate and the adjoining Glenmore Forest Park.
Renowned as one of Europe's most important wetlands, this nature reserve will undoubtedly charm bird watching enthusiasts. Around half of all British goldeneye ducks nest here in spring. You?re also likely to see lapwings, redshanks and curlews, as well as oystercatchers, snipe and wigeon. Easily accessible from Kingussie, this reserve is also the ideal place for a picnic.
Cambus o'May is a stunningly beautiful natural forest that is located in the Deeside Way. It provides an escape from all the everyday hustle and bustle, the forest is so tranquil and peaceful. Every season brings its own appeal and enchantment from the wildflowers in the spring to the beautiful autumnal colours and crisp leaves in autumn. There are a choice of trails that you can follow, they are well sign posted and range in length, there is even a wheelchair accessible route. You can stroll through the Scots pine trees and silver birch whilst, watching for the native wildlife including red squirrels, dragonflies and black grouse. Admire the views of the forest from bridge that spans the lochan, it is a popular spot in the warmer months to plunge from the bridge and swim in the fresh waters, this beautiful suspension bridge is also the highlight of the walk here in Cambus o'May. Cambus o'May is an important location for ground nesting birds like capercaille, it is also home to a disused granite mine. There are plenty of opportunities to take a picnic where you can enjoy the views across Strath, Ballater and Craigendarroch. Cambus o'May is ideal for those who want to enjoy a walk in the countryside that is not too strenuous but still has stunning scenery.
The hills of Craigellachie are rich in mature birch woodland. Scenic trails throughout provide fine views across Aviemore and Strathspey to the Cairngorms. You may even spot Peregrine falcons, which regularly nest on the cliff here.
Glenmore has a unique mixture of ancient pinewoods, high mountain scenery and beautiful lochs. Miles of walking paths - from gentle strolls to high mountain adventures - mountain biking, canoeing or just relaxing on Loch Morlich's beach. Award winning visitor centre and forest cafe.
Experience Scottish wildlife as well as international endangered animals of mountains and tundra in the spectacular setting of the Highland Park. Drive round the main reserve in your own car and investigate the walk-round areas on foot. (Facilities are available to leave dogs during visit)
Who would have thought that in the Heart of the Highlands you would find a subtropical oasis, with greenhouses, cactus house, landscaped gardens, and tropical fish pond!
Ace Adventure are based amongst the most dramatic and stunning scenery in Scotland, they have a number of locations throughout the country. A large choice of activities are available at each location including paintballing, canyoning, bungee jumping, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, river tubing and cliff jumping as well as wildlife experiences. The activities offer lots of thrills and excitement and are aimed at all ages and abilities. Safety has high importance here and a full safety briefing is given before each activity as well as instructions on how to use the equipment. All equipment is provided so it is not necessary to take anything along, equipment is excellent quality and well maintained. The activities they offer are great value for money but do check the website as they often have special offers. Staff are great really friendly, professional and competent, they put you at ease are really encouraging and patient and ensure you get the most from your experience, you receive lots of helpful pointers and information along the way. The scenery is stunning and although the activities can be challenging and frightening, they are so much fun and you get a real thrill. Ace Adventure are the only place to go if you are seeking a thrilling and exciting time here in Scotland, you are in safe hands, customer service is excellent and they are really professional and well organised so you get the most from your time with them, no hesitation in recommending.
Revered by connoisseurs, The Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen, in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky-making country. Delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling — and of course, sample the golden magic that is The Glenlivet.
A remote distillery with routes as far back as the 15th century. Set in spectacular scenery, Tomatin is one of the highest distilleries in the country at over 315 metres above sea level. It is also a family affair with 25 families housed on the 140 acres the site encompasses. Take the tour of this unique, four star attraction, hear about whisky-loving angels and try a drop yourself.
Take the tour and enjoy a dram at Glenfarclas, one of the few independent distilleries left in Scotland. It has been owned by the Grant family since 1865.
Logie Steading is located within the Logie Estate in the gorgeous Findhorn Valley, it is a unique shopping village with the purpose of promoting Scottish craftsmanship and produce. The setting is lovely, the sandstone buildings are gorgeous and are set around a courtyard, offering a really relaxed and casual shopping experience. You will find a great selection of shops as well as the lovely Olive Tree Cafe. Artisan makers, producers and retailers have established themselves here to sell a host of high quality products including, books, a farm shop, whisky shop and much more. The Olive Tree Cafe serves a lovely selection of quality beverages, snacks and light lunches in a pleasant and welcoming environment, prices are reasonable and the staff are lovely. Owing to its lovely rural setting it never gets too busy so you can stroll around at a leisurely pace and is idyllic on a sunny day. The grounds have lots to offer too once you have finished shopping with lovely walks and a playground for younger visitors, as well as a garden centre. Logie Steading might be a bit out of the way but it is certainly worth the trip the goods on offer are fantastic and the setting is beautiful a real treat and a real change from the typical high street experience.
Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa are located in Forres, on the High Street and are well established being a fixture here for many years. There is a welcoming reception area and the clinic has a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. It is beautifully decorated and has a nice modern but cosy feel about it. They offer a large choice of treatments and are one of a few clinics in Scotland offering a new Elemis Biotec electric facial treatment. They use high quality products and all treatments are carried out by professional and highly trained therapists who will go through your requirements with you. The staff are great really friendly, capable and very accommodating, a real pleasure to deal with. They are open Tuesday through to Saturday and offer a choice of monthly promotions so worth checking these out, as they offer great value. Highland Beauty Clinic and Day Spa offers a calm oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle for a few hours you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed definitely worth a visit.
Babalu can be found on the High Street in Forres. It is an eclectic shop that stocks a delightful range of hand made goods from all over the world as well as locally. The goods on sale are made by artists or artisans and the shelves are full of interesting and unusual items. They stock jewellery, bags crystals, clothes, accessories, gifts, treats and much more. The shop is colourful and bustling with goods, it offers a casual and relaxed shopping experience. Many of the items are sale are made from recycled products the result are quirky and unique products. Babalu is a real treasure trove and definitely worth a visit, come to browse and you are sure to find something special, great for gift ideas.
Benromach have being producing since 1898 a fine collection of single malt scotches using the traditional hand made method and the finest ingredients. This small distillery is located in Speyside, next to the coast and the team are dedicated to producing a high quality whisky. They use spring water from the nearby Romach Hills and this together with other locally sourced ingredients are put through the various stages producing a high quality product that has stood the test of time. During a guided tour you will see all the stages of production ending with a tasting session. There are a choice of tours that vary in duration and detail and range from an introductory tour through to a personal experience where you get to fill your own bottle from the special single cask. You will find the tour guides to be warm and friendly and very jovial with lots of anecdotes to share, tours are interesting and informative and pitched at just the right level to keep them entertaining. Tours operate throughout the year but advance booking is recommended particularly if you are a group. Benromach has a lovely welcoming atmosphere, with a nice visitor centre with lots of history on the distillery and a well stocked gift shop with whisky's and other related memorabilia for sale, all at really reasonable prices. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or not you will enjoy a visit to this family run distillery, a must if you are in the area.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is positioned beside Balmoral Castle and offers the ideal opportunity to find out how Scottish Whisky is manufactured. Still made to traditional methods, with the original type of equipment you will see the process from start to finish, barley to bottle. Water is taken from the local Scarnock Springs and local barley is also used in the process. The tour guides are very good they are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate in explaining the history of the distillery as well as the process of how the whisky is made. You are given the opportunity to smell the aroma of some of the older casks which, is interesting. At the end of the tour you are rewarded with a testing session of their award-winning Royal Lochnagar 12 year old single highland malt. Unfortunately children under 8 are not allowed in the production areas of the distillery. The tour is very interesting and informative nad there are a choice of tour options, they all offer excellent value for money.
World famous working distillery still owned and managed by the Grant family. Glenfiddich is unique in the fact that it is the only Highland Single Malt that is distilled, matured and bottled at its own distillery.
Discover 'The Story of Tartan' and join in the weaving exhibition at this working factory site. The Mill shop offers a superb range of tartans, knitwear, gifts and souvenirs. Situated in the City Centre.
The Findhorn Foundation is a unique international spiritual community and holistic education centre and the cornerstone of an exciting ecovillage.
Glen Moray Distillery has been producing their fine single malt whiskies on the banks of the River Lossie since 1897, and to this day they continue to use the traditional ingredients and methods in producing their fine whiskies. A tour of this fine, small and casual distillery will give a real insight into this craft that has been handed down through generations, the knowledgeable tour guides are actually distillery craftsmen so know exactly what they are talking about, they are interesting and insightful, you will be told about the whole process. They will talk you through the process of how the local malted barley and pure river waters are converted into their highly acclaimed single malt whiskies. Their location also plays an important part in the process. Their whiskies are available to purchase and you can choose from a choice of ages and vintages there is something to appeal to all whisky drinkers, from novice to connoisseur. They are open for tours Monday to Friday throughout the year, and on Saturdays May to September, there are various tour times so do check the website to see what times are available. The cafe is lovely with a great selection of beverages and snacks to choose from, and is very reasonable. A visit to Glen Moray Distillery is interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages, admission is only £5 and this includes tasting and under 18's are free so it is very good value, a first class visitor attraction.
The Braemar Gathering is a popular Highland Games event that always takes place on the first Saturday in September, and is hosted in The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. It is an extremely popular event that has taken place for the past 900 years and are attended by members of the Royal family. It is not surprising that the event sells out quickly with tickets going on sale almost a year in advance. There are a choice of ticket options available. There are lots of different games and activities taking place including, international athletes participating in the heavy and track events, pipers and dancers, a tug of war, hill race, bagpipe competitions, childrens sack race and lots more. The Braemar Gathering is world renowned for its friendly and hospitable welcome it extends to all visitors. It is a day long event and the weather cannot be depended on so it is best to dress to cover all eventualities. The Braemar Gathering is a brilliant community event with a friendly and bustling vibe and loads of entertainment and fun, a fantastic day out for everyone.
The Gordon & MacPhail family have occupied and traded on these premises on Elgin Street since 1895, and are somewhat of an institution here in Glasgow. Walking through the doors of this historic house, you are meet with the most delicious smell of home cooked local gammon, also stocked here is the biggest choice of the best cheeses in North East Scotland and the shop is packed with high quality groceries and artisan produce, a truly wonderful deli. The highlight of this delightful store is the Whisky Room, stocked here are more than 1,000 varying single malt whiskies, it is not surprising that it attracts clients from all over the world to see this spectacular selection of whiskies. It is a treasure throve of whiskies, some are extremely old and extraordinarily rare. It is the ultimate stop for a whisky connoisseur, samples are available from a wide selection of the whiskies. The staff are both friendly and helpful and will offer advice on choosing a whisky. Gordon & MacPhail is a wonderful deli and even if you aren't looking for whisky it is worth going to the store just to wander around, you will love all there is to see.
Located on the Scottish borders is Johnstons of Elgin, they have had a presence here since 1797 and are craftsmen in the craft of cashmere and fine woollens. The tours are free and the guides are excellent, convivial and knowledgeable and make the tour interesting and informative, you get a detailed tour where you learn about the complete manufacturing process, from how yarn is produced to how fabric is woven, many of the processes still remain the same as when the mill originally opened. There is an Interpretive Centre that is well laid out and again has lots of information. Tours generally take place between 10am and 3pm and only during mill working hours, it is probably best to book in advance. The shop has a lovely selection of their goods, they may appear to be expensive but once you are aware of the quality and craftsmanship then you can justify them, other items are also for sale including homewares and furnishings. The restaurant is lovely and has a varied menu and a good selection of beverages and the prices are very reasonable, and the quality excellent. Johnstons of Elgin Mill Tour is a thoroughly enjoyable tour, you get so much from it and the guides are superb, don't miss if you have the opportunity to visit this lovely mill, highly recommended.
Loch Muick Reserve forms part of the Balmoral Estate. Loch Muick is located at the base of Lochnagar, one of Scotlands best mountains. The area is stunningly beautiful and the panoramic views are amazing, it offers wonderful photo opportunities. There is a real sense of calm and tranquillity about the area it offers the perfect escape from it all. The region has a number of marked walking trails that vary in length and difficulty, you can in fact walk all the way around the loch. If you choose to walk around the loch, you will pass Queen Victoria's hunting lodge where a waterfall cascades down the hills, beautiful. It is also home for a lot of native wildlife including grouse, deer, hare and various birds. The visitor centre is very helpful, it has lots of information and the staff are most helpful and very knowledgeable. It is recommended that you wear suitable footwear and warm clothing as it can get quite blustery here. Loch Muick Reserve is simply stunning and should not be missed if you get the opportunity to visit.
Castle Cruises Loch Ness operates boat trips around Loch Ness. You are collected from the Loch Ness visitor centre where you can buy tickets and are returned here by minibus. The tour lasts about three quarters of an hour you get to see the loch and Great Glen from a different perspective, as well as getting great views of Urquhart Castle. The cruiser is comfortable and accommodates about twelve people, so groups are small. It does have a covered area in case of rain as you are out in the open. Onboard are underwater scanning equipment and GPS that are continually scanning the waters, you might not find the elusive Nessie but will certainly find plenty of fish. There is as an audio and visual presentation system that plays as you travel around the loch and narrates the history of the loch and the local area together with local stories, folklore and facts. The cruises are operated by skippers Gordon or Dick who have vast knowledge of the area and are happy to share this with you and answer any questions that you might have. They are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate and the tours are fun and interesting and cater to all ages on board. Trips are accompanied by ducks who come to be fed and a loaf of bread is kept on board to feed them. Tours run from Easter through to the end of October and are dependent on the weather and numbers. Make sure to take along a camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities. Castle Cruises Loch Ness provide an indepth and fascinating insight into the loch, the infamous Nessie and the local area, cruises cater to all ages and it is a fabulous tour with lots to see and learn and is excellent value too, and the skippers ensure that everyone has a memorable trip, highly recommended.
Loch Ness Cruises offer the opportunity to cruise around Loch Ness and join in the continuing search for the infamous Loch Ness Monster. The vessel is comfortable and offers plenty of shelter from the elements if needed, the cabin is heated and is surrounded by glass so you still get great views from inside, or you can sit outside on the decks and enjoy the views and abundance of fresh air. Tours operate from Easter to end of October, they are popular so booking during the summer months is essential. Tours last about an hour in total including the pick up and drop off at the harbour. Skippered by a local highlander who is really friendly and jovial, you are assured a first class trip with the best knowledge around of the loch, local history and the elusive Nessie and plenty of anecdotes and stories, tours are both interesting and informative. The vessel is fitted with full colour sonars, radar GPS, underwater cameras and satellite navigation that continually scans the loch for any suspicious movement. You get the best views of Urquhart Castle from onboard and the views of the loch are fabulous so make sure to take along a camera. Loch Ness Cruises are excellent value for money with great commentary and excellent customer service as well as some fabulous scenery, a definite if you are visiting this area, you won't be disappointed.
The steam trains run through stunning scenery between Aviemore, Boat of Garten, Broom hill (Glenbogle in TV?s Monarch of the Glen) and Grantown-on-Spey.
This 16th century castle, family home of the McPherson-Grants, lairds of Ballindalloch since 1546, offers (self-guided) tours, an audio-visual presentation, tearoom, shop, gardens, river walks, electric trains, an observation beehive and famous Aberdeen-Angus cattle herd.
Cawdor will be forever linked with Macbeth. This fairy-tale castle dates from the 14th century and is still home to the Cawdor family. Along with the castle there are three gardens, the Cawdor Big Wood, and a 9 hole golf course.
This major social history museum gives a fascinating insight into the way life was lived in the Highlands over the past three centuries.
An extremely well preserved set of prehistoric burial cairns are an intriguing attraction to pay a visit to. Dating from about 4000 years ago, the cemetery has a collection of kerb cairns, ring cairns, passage graves and some chapel remains. This Bronze Age cemetery was first excavated in the 1990s.
Another of the castles visited by Mary Queen of Scots, Balvenie is a fine 13th century castle of enclosure with a curtain wall, first owned by the Comyns and added to in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Pluscarden Abbey is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by Benedictine monks. It produces stained glass, apiary and other croft products and Gregorian chant is internationally known.
Recently refurbished, this museum collects and displays images, objects and memories that relate to the Highlands. Explore haunting stories of the past, the people and the traditions of the Highlands.
Explore the fascinating multiple underground arched chambers, built over 150 years ago to store ice for packing salmon on the way to London. The vast chambers are now used to display all aspects of the net salmon fishing industry in the Moray Firth.
A great museum, with some original artwork which explores Pictish history and provides a forum for current research in that area. It also features the impressive Rosemarkie cross-slab, decorated with its mysterious Pictish symbols.
This vast Artillery Fortification was built following the Battle of Culloden. The fort includes reconstruction of barrack rooms in different periods and a display of muskets and pikes. The cafe is open during the summer only.
Old Royal Station is beautifully restored with lots of its original features and is a reminder of a time gone by when the railroads were the main mode of transport. The station itself has a nice selection of Victoria and Albert history, with interactive displays and some activities for the children. The waiting room is beautiful so ornate and luxurious a real reflection of the grandeur of that time. The Royal railway carriage is an exact replica of the one that would have been used by Queen Victoria and her family and gives a real insight into how royalty travelled and what it would have been like when the Queen and her entourage arrived to holiday in Balmoral. The exhibition is very well done with lifelike figures all in period clothing. The entrance fee is only nominal and represents great value for money. The station itself has a long and interesting history and this is dealt with as well at the Old Royal Station. Old Royal Station is a lovely museum that gives a true reflection of life during that period, it is both interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages.
This award winning museum has something for everyone, including internationally important fossil reptiles. The impressive general collections include Pictish stones, archaeology, social history, natural history, art and science.
Impressive remains of a majestic and beautiful 13th century cathedral, with magnificent views from the NW tower. Apart from the towers and the Chapter House, the Cathedral is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Elgin Cathedral is a stunning medieval building, although it is a ruin it still remains an impressive and important architectural legacy. Another name adopted by Elgin Cathedral is the "Latern of the North", it has a varied and interesting history and there has been a church on this site as far back as the early 13th century. Much of the cathedral still stands today including the amazing west front, edged by two tall towers, the personal entrance thought to date to 1270, the east end is mostly complete, and a highlight of the building are the choir and beautiful presbytery again dating to 1270. The exceptional stone vaulted octagonal chapter house, is perfectly maintained and allows you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of this era. There are also stone statues of former bishops and knights, and the graveyard is worth a walk around, the gravestones are beautifully carved and the inscriptions are interesting. The views from the tower are amazing you get uninterrupted 360 degree views of the city, definitely worth the climb. There is a lovely atmosphere about the cathedral, and the grounds are kept immaculate. There is a shop that is very nice and the staff are great, friendly and helpful and ready to impart their knowledge about this lovely ruin, in addition there are plaques around the building explaining what the different ares would have been used for. Elgin Cathedral is highly recommended it is a stunning example of a bygone era, with lots of history and interest.
A must see for all motor enthusiasts — a superb collection of cars and motor bikes. Everything from Maseratis to Daimlers and Rolls Royces. Pay a visit to this impressive assortment of sports cars, housed in an old mill.
A stunning and romantic ruin on an unusual perch overlooking Loch Ness. Steeped in history, this castle is also deeply embedded in local folklore and legend as it sits at the site of the infamous Loch Ness Monster! In more proven history, it has played a significant role in both Edward I's reign and Robert the Bruce's.
Burghead Visitor Centre is the round white building with a flagpole on Burghead Headland, which itself was the site of the largest Pictish fortification in Scotland. External interpretation panels give information on the fort, Burghead Well and St Aethans graveyard.
