Sightseeing Tours and Clan Tours

Most of the tour companies provide educative tours to learn more about one’s ancestry.  For example, through the Blue Badge Guides, ‘Cameron Tour’ one might learn about the traits of the Cameron clan and visit Culloden, Bannockburn and Stirling, regions in which the Cameron clan were strongest and how they influenced Scottish history.  These tours guide sightseers to and from the places they wish to see, including airport pick-up and departure.

Coach Tours

Several tour groups offer two day trips to Loch Ness, covering Rob Roy country and folklore among other essentials.

Take a coach to see the steam train over the Glenfinnian Viaduct (as seen in the Harry Potter films), mountain bike at Glentress or Laggan wolftrax and enjoy a tour through the stunning West Highlands to Oban for lunch and, even return by Seaplane.  Step back in time and view the Robert Bruce Statue, climb the Wallace Monument, feel the heaviness of the Colluden Moor, where the terrible fighting happened between the Duke of Cumberland’s loyalists and the highland clans.  If driving a car is not an option, then take a coach tour to see Scotland’s past.

Highlands and Islands

Two, three, four or five day trips are available for one to experience the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye and the Hebrides.  Imagine the sights of the Callinish stones and the history and legend to understand more about this fantastic nation.  See the puffins, seals and other wildlife, take off the shoes and paddle in the water and feel the white sand below your feet.

Whisky Tours

For those who enjoy the odd trickle of whisky, Scotland is a great place to discover how it is made, the different kinds and more.  Taking a tour to get to a distillery and then having a tour of the facility will teach you all you need to know about the grand Scottish drink.

Castle Tours

Spend a day in the highlands exploring a castle and becoming acquainted with the ancient buildings.  Learn about hauntings and the resident ghosts that give the castle character and add legend to their stories and myths.  If night time visits are too scary then take a walk around the gardens or visit them for their unique shapes and crannies.

Golf Tours

Love to golf?  Pick a package tour of the golfing grounds in the highlands.  Personalize your excursion through a tour guide company or simply, pick your own places.  Many a hotel, facility and village have a golf course close to them for practicing your swing and meeting fellow players.

The best tours of the highlands are the ones that in which you can experience a sense of the culture and make you consider life a little differently.  Get out there and enjoy discovering new places to visit in the Scottish highlands. Outdoor sightseeing and adventuring gives you a tour of great landscapes and awesome nature at its best. Vegas casinos online features adventures of a different kind. Take your tour now.

Sassenachs and other foreign tourists planning a trip to Scotland tend to make a beeline for Edinburgh. Instead of beginning and ending your Caledonian adventure there, jump in a hire car from Edinburgh head west on the A90 to get to South Queensferry and Dundas Castle. Originally built in the 15th Century as a defensive refuge, it later played host to Oliver Cromwell in 1650 during the Battle of Dunbar. The castle and its loch have been a favourite backdrop for film-makers and television producers since the late nineties, and a quick stop on your way across country will demonstrate why.

Loch Lomond, on the Highland Boundary fault-line, constitutes the largest self-contained surface area of freshwater in Britain. Its 25 mile long, 5 mile wide expanse gives Scotland-newcomers a tantalising taste of what’s in store in the wild Highlands ahead. If you can spend a night here it will give you more of a chance to explore some of the walks, which include Ben Lomond and Conic Hill, and the stunning West Highland Way which runs along the eastern shore from Balmaha to Millarochy Bay.

Loch Lomond - Credit

Heading north through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park brings you to Loch Fyne. A sea loch with the port of Inverary at its head, Fyne has been popular with Scots and tourists for centuries. Seafood lovers are well-served by the numerous restaurants dotted along the coast, each offering fresh catches of langoustines and the famous Fyne oysters on the menu. For others, the main dish is the Duke of Argyll’s jaw-dropping ancestral castle. Wildlife enthusiasts will hang out at the outer reaches of the Loch hoping to catch a glimpse of otters playing, seals swimming and dolphins doing both. Again, it’s advisable to take a day or two here to fully appreciate the charms of Loch Fyne and to give yourself time to see the canals to the west, culminating in the technological marvel of the Crinan Canal, which links the loch with the Sound of Jura (which, in Gaelic, translates – in true dour Scottish style – as ‘The Sound of Disappointment’).

Over on the country’s Westen edge, at the jumping-off point for Mull and the Hebrides, lies Loch Sunart. Another sea loch, Sunart is best reached by the Corran Ferry, which you can take from a few miles south of Fort William. Leave the car and spend an afternoon on foot to get the most out of the area. The views across to the Isles of Rum and Eigg are simply phenomenal.

Loch Ness - Credit

If you can fit one more loch into your journey, it should probably be Loch Ness. Famous across the world for its (definitely) mythical aquatic monster, Ness has at least one claim to fame which is rather more substantiated: it is holds more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. If you can resist the dubious appeal of Nessie-spotting, the area has much to offer tourists, including Urquhart Castle, which has been there in some form or another since the 6th Century AD.

To celebrate the Olympics, the Mayor of London is presenting a fantastic range of free events over the summer, and you will need to be alert to catch some of them!  There are “pop-up performances” which will range from what are intriguingly called Shakespearean flash mobs, with the actor Mark Rylance at the head, to dramatic dance action at famous London landmarks, and such unusual sights as a life-size inflatable replica of Stonehenge.  As the name implies, these events are designed to take you by surprise, and will pop up around London at key spots.

If you want all the excitement of following the medal-winning live action, BT have super-size screens set up in Hyde Park, Victoria Park, and Trafalgar Square.  If your kids get bored with the sporting action, there are alternative activities designed especially for them, with the chance to visit Cadbury House with its games zone and Chocolatorium close to the screen in Hyde Park.

There are free festivals in every London borough, with performances ranging from the mainstream to the whacky.  Who could not want to see the gladiators who wrestle with millions of volts of electricity, or the ninety-nine tiny games?

Finally, choose a fine evening to stroll along the South Bank, watch the entertainers and listen to the musicians, and be dazzled by the bridge illuminations.  All London’s bridges will be lit up in a breathtaking display of colour, and just to make quite sure that you don’t forget what all the excitement is about, the Olympic rings and Paralympic agitos will appear on Tower Bridge.

Burn off some energy …

…. By taking the kids to the Namco Funscape in Gateshead which features eighteen ten-pin bowling lanes, a soft play area for younger children, and the fastest dodgem track in Europe. And if they are not exhausted after all that excitement, you might want to gear up for an adventurous experience at Newcastle Climbing Centre, which has a variety of climbing and boulder activities suitable for children and adults.

Hadrian’s Wall

A must-see is the Segedunum Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall, a short trip out of Newcastle, which has a 35 metre high viewing tower giving outstanding views across the most excavated Fort along the Wall, and a fascinating interactive museum.

Mint Casino

This casino offers the ultimate gambling experience. It is open every day of the week and offers a variety of games. Games offered include blackjack, various pokergames and European Roulette. Mint casino also has a very friendly and helpful staff.

The International Casino

Not only does the International casino offer a great casino experience but visitors can also enjoy fine dining along with beverages. A stand out feature of this casino is the private poker room facility. It is a well-decorated large space intended for parties and corporate events as well. This private room is perfect for a game of Texas Hold’em.

Gala Riverboat Casino

The Gala Riverboat casino offers a great variety of games including slots, blackjack, craps, American roulette, electronic roulette and Texas Hold’em, which is very popular. This casino is also part of the well-known Gala group of casinos. The Gala Riverboat also has a very good restaurant with delicious food and great service.

Alea Casino

Alea Casino not only offers a wide variety of games but also has a restaurant and three bars. They also have a rewards program for players.

Overall, the casinos previously discussed are the best casinos in Scotland. They offer an amazing casino experience and a wide variety of games. There are very few casinos in Scotland but if you know where to go, you will not be disappointed. There is no reason not to take advantage of Scotland’s gambling opportunities.

Alcoholic beverages aside, Glasgow also happens to be the culture capital of Scotland due to its thriving art scene. With its many galleries, (Kevingrove, GoMA) and bubbling nightlife, Cultured-Cats won’t be disappointed. With international pop and alternative acts hailing from Glasgow, plan a night out to King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut or the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Not only will it be a memorable one but you may come across the next Franz Ferdinand or Camera Obscura.

Great escapes include having a great place to retreat as well. Although accommodation in Glasgow is not hard to come by, comfort and affordability is always a big factor in the decision making process. Apartments in Glasgow for short breaks has become increasingly popular for visitors looking for a cheap place to stay, yet having all the comforts of home.

Ironic thing is, such accommodation luxuries do not necessarily carry the high price tag, with visitors to Glasgow discovering the benefits and affordability of short-term rental accommodation. With online booking systems that show images and reviews of available properties, the process is simple and painless. After a full on day seeing the sights (most probably by foot), such as Glasgow Cathedral, or enjoying the nightlife in the inner city, having a temporary place you can call home is always a wondrous thing to keep in mind.

With a large majority owned by private owners, they are more than likely going to give out a few helpful pointers and tips that not all holiday guide books will have insight to. Even more reason as to why this alternative lodging option has become a growing trend.

1. The St. Hilda Sea Adventures 7 Day Tour. This cruise is essentially a unique and relaxing holiday at sea. It takes place around the Kyles of Bute and the Cowal Peninsula’s rich and sheltered sea lochs. The coastline of the Kyles of Bute is gorgeous and undisturbed by human encroachment. The cruise takes place aboard the St Hilda, a majestic and classic ship.

It is certainly one of the best Scottish cruise deals around, and it allows its passengers to revisit their relationship with the natural world while learning the ins and outs of sailing. Due to the ship’s relatively small size, it also provides a unique opportunity to depart the ship and explore some of the various rich and friendly local communities along the ship’s route.

2. The Majestic Line 7 Day Tour. This cruise starts off close to Dunoon at the Holy Loch. The tour takes place on an old time rustic wooden Scottish fishing boat known as The Massan. It serves as a miniature cruise boat today and offers passengers the chance to experience the lesser seen parts of Scotland.

The Coast of Argyll is lovely every time of year, and some of the places accessible in its tranquil waters can only be reached through The Grand Massan. Indoor dining, outdoor decks, chances to go ashore, and excellent hospitality makes this a hard cruise to pass up no matter how often one has visited the Scottish isles.

3. The Scotland Cruise on the Island of Mull. This cruise offers the chance to travel toward Oban over 6 days and 5 nights via the Magna Carta cruise line. Excursions are included and passengers have the chance to visit a number of Lochs including the famous Ness Loch as well as other famous Lochs through the countryside. The timeless history of the islands is on full display throughout the cruise, as is the rich scenery of the majestic mountains of Scotland.

4. The British Isles Discovery Tour. This cruise provides passengers with the opportunity to view Scotland and some of its neighbors to the south and to the west, including elements of Dublin, Ireland, and St. Mary’s, which is on the Isle of Sicily in the United Kingdom. The cruise is a fascinating visitation of the scenic coastlines of Scotland and Britain.

5. The Scotland Isles Cruise. This cruise offers star filled nights and endless blue waters while winding its way through the Caledon Canal and working its way to various islands along the calm coastal waves.

The mainstream media, sports and culture heads of the West will have their eyes bending on London in 2012 as the ongoing negotiation of deep recession, the pressure of the Olympics and the Cultural Olimpiad see government and business ambitions for the region come to a head.

We’d recommend seeing the city before the Games, as you can catch the growing excitement, take a look for yourself at the different effects that the increased building and ‘regeneration’ has had on the city, and have some breathing space too! Whether you’re up for a flash Knightsbridge hotel like the Millennium Hotel Knightsbridge, or a Cuban Camberwell cosy-hole, here are some ideas, Friday to Sunday.

Friday

Sweep in off the train and into London St Pancras for the end of the afternoon. If you’re feeling flush, sip some champagne at the champagne bar – otherwise just have a perch up there til someone moves you off, it’s a great view! Then head to the Camden Roundhouse, where all April there’ll be CircusFest, a mouth-watering selection of cabaret, circus and burlesque for the uninitiated and afficionados alike. Grab a bite of food beforehand at My Village, on Chalk Farm Road, and enjoy drinks afterwards and Proud in Camden.

Saturday

Take a trip to the Tate Modern early, before the crowds really kick off, for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition and – if you’re willing to queue – you can then take the boat back along the river towards the Tate Britain. Then swoop up north to the residential borough of Angel in Islington, and head to one of the many pubs in the area for a hunker-down. We’d recommend the Island Queen or the Duke of Cambridge – a fully organic pub just up from the Canal. Then take a leisurely walk along Regent’s Canal to Dalston, where you can rev up for an evening out.

Wander south to Shoreditch for excellent cocktails at Callooh Callay on Rivington Street. If dancing is your thing, try any of the clubs and bars around the Old Street/Hoxton Street/Kingsland Road strip.

Sunday

Time for a view. Depending on where you are, gain a little height and perspective and have a lovely blustery walk. If you’re Camden way, try Primrose Hill (pictured); any further north or west (or on the Overground line that runs from Stratford all the way across) hop to Hampstead Heath for the ultimate blow-out; and if you’re south, try the quiet and charming Blackheath. Time for a quick lunch at a pub near your chosen heath, and then back on the train home.

 

The Vikings names the bustling port Steering Bay.  This town provides a range of different cultural attractions.  This is a town that offers a variety of different shops, pubs, hotels and eateries in a partial pedestrian town.

You can find yourself deep in the history of the town by visiting Museum Nan Eilean.  This museum provides photographs, artifacts, and paintings.  There are also a variety of the archives tracing of the archaeology of the town along with the history o fthe rest of the western Isles.

The An Lanntair gallery provides an excellent showcase for those interested in the visual arts and music.  The Lewis Loom Center will explain how Harris Tweed was made by providing guided tours and even demonstrations.

The Lews Castle grounds provide extensive woodlands of plants from all the way back from the mid-19^th century that the community now owns.  There are many different trees that can be admired along with some species that are rare.

Visitors can use Stornoway as their base for checking out all the spectacular landscapes.  There are things like white beaches along with the Lewis and Harris wildlife and many of the ancient past that are represented by many of the world famous standing stones that is available at the visitor’s center during the summer.

The harbor of the Stornoway is full of activity with at least, if not more, 1000 vessels that are moving and recorded annually.  These include things like commercial ships, cruise liners and even yachts.  There is even car ferry that link places like Stornoway to Ullapool, which is in Wester Ross.

The Stornoway Castle ruins, which were destroyed by the Cromwells in 1653, are located near the ferry.  The harbor is associated with what is known as the darkest moment in the history of Stornoway.  January 1, 1919, Iolaire ended up on rocks and 205 of the Lewismen who were returing to the Great War drowned just within sight of their home.

Seals have been seen frequently in and even around the harbor.  For the wildlife watchers, they may even be lucky enough to even see things like dolphins, sharks and whales.

The airport in Stornoway provides service to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Benbecula, Inverness and Glasgow.

Visitors need to remember that because those on the Western Isles keep the Sabbath tradition, many of the businesses and transportation options are not available on Sundays.

Up until 1469, Shetland was still part of Scandinavia, which provides it with most of its heritage, which is still quite evident today.  You will find this in things like it archeology, music, names of places, folklore and even dialect.  There are approximately 100 islands, so there is plenty to explore.

The geology of Shetland is very diverse compared to others that are of similar size in northern Europe.  You are able to do things like walk across the crust of the ocean, visit some of the best exposure of the Great Glen Fault and even walk through the flank of a volcano.  Shetland also provides a rich wildlife with over a million seabirds that inhabit the cliffs.  Inland, in the hills and moorland, there are many different types of birds like red-throated divers, skuas and waders.  There are also many different rare birds that migrate there and recorded annually.

Dolphins, whales and even seals can be seen offshore, and if you are lucky, otters will be spotted as well.  During midsummer there is quite a burst of color because of the wild flowers that are found in the meadows and fields.

The Shetland Museum and Archives is a great place to start finding out about the heritage and culture that Shetland provides.  The town is set on the Lerwick waterfront, which happens to be a restored dock from the 19^th century.  This particular building tells the story of Shetland from the geological beginning to now.

Together there are more than 3,000 artifacts available on display for the first time.  Some of the highlights will include things like boats that are suspended mid-air along with world-famous textiles of an 18^th century home.

The search room of archives provides an extensive collection that will share the story of Shetland.  Hay’s Dock Café Restaurant provides local and fresh produce along with a view of the harbor.  There are also shops that sell crafts from the locals along with the boat shed that visitors can watch the vessels as they are built and even restored by using the traditional techniques.

There are all types of programs and events that are available during the year.   These include adult and children programs along with films, art exhibits, conferences and talks.

The museum provides a network of sites that provide cultural and heritage in site of the different isles, while providing a unique taste of Shetland.  There are local museums, , nature reserves along with cultural and heritage festivals, which helps provide the best-preserved archaeological parts of Europe.

Jarlshof is the most famous of all the sites and is at the southern tip of Shetland Mainland.  This provides things from some the Bronze Age and even as early Iron Age.  In Jarlshof, there was a Viking presence.

The old Scatness Broch and even the Iron Age Village provide a look back in history that show times from the Pictish and Iron Age settlements.

The Up-Helly-Aa fire festival is held each midwinter and is what has made Shetland famous.  This is when a full size replica of the Viking long ship is set on fire.

Even though Shetland is more than 300 miles from Edinburgh, it is relatively accessible with daily ferries available.  There are a variety of different accommodations available and include camp sites to high-quality hotels.  But it is also possible to spend a night in a bod, which was originally a building that fishermen and their gear would stay.

Shetland provides a variety of different experiences that a visitor will never forget, whether you want warm hospitality or enjoying a midnight stroll enjoying the sunsets.

Much of what the town has to offer culturally is provided at the Aros Center, which is award winning and at the south end of the town.  At this Center they provide a variety of different concerts, cinemas, theaters along with exhibits. There are also a variety of different shops that are specialty store that won’t be found anywhere else.

Skye and Portree appreciate the culture of their towns and the culture they are able to provide for others and is what the many festivals and galas are about that are held in the town.

Portree also has a history in being a fishing port and still prides itself in the quality of the seafood it provides to the eateries not only to their town, but also to others.

The harbor itself is what helped to name the town because of the Gaelic for King’s Port.

The visitor can use the town as its base for shopping or going out when exploring other parts of the island.  The town provides an unsurpassed beauty that is natural along with having crisp clean air that still brings in visitors from thousands of years ago to now.  But it also has a wide sense of space as well.

One of the most dramatic skylines in Scotland is the Cuillins and can be seen from Portree.

There are many walks and climbs available, there is something for everyone, whether you are a novice or more experienced walker.  There are also guided tours available along with the less traveled paths of the Cuillins as well.

Dunvegan Castle is probably the most famous castle for miles around.

The oldest part of the castle goes back to the 14^th century.  Today the castle is still in the hands of the Macleods, which happens to be descendants of the builders.

The visitors can see a variety of things on display including the Fairy Flad, which is the clan’s sacred banner.

The adults can take in the Talisker Distillery.  This distillery is the only one on Skye that provides an exhibit about the history of distilling in this particular area.

This particular area can provide a vast amount of history from gory tales of massacres the clan did at places like the ruined Trumpan Church to many of the local legends of the Macleod clan and how they dealt with the ‘wee folk’.  It is said that Portree is where Bonnie Prince Charlie said his goodbyes to Flora MacDonald.  Flora saved his life by hiding him from the government that was chasing him.  Flora had him dress like her maid so they could get away.

When visitors are at Portree and Skye, it is still possible to get a strong sense of the history that is around.

There are a variety of eating establishments, shopping, culture, entertainment and leisure facilities that are available within a close proximity to the center of the city. The public parks and Tay Street promenade also surround the beauty.

A superb venue would be the Perth Concert Hall and puts on a variety of different arts events along with diverse program.  Some of the programs include comedy, dance, music and children’s entertainment.

The Perth Museum and Art Gallery is an old museum in that helps provide the history of the UK along with other historic objects.  There are displays that are permanent that will explore things like art, natural history and social of Perth, along with changing exhibits that cater to a variety of different taste.

Fergusson Gallery will house a variety of artwork collections by the celebrated by Scottish Colourist John Duncan Fergussion.

Perth is also a royal burgh starting in the 13^th century.  It provides the residence of the royals throughout the Middle Ages.  It was also serving as the capital of Scotland for over a century, leading up to 1437.

Scone which is located outside of Perth is the coronation site for the Scottish monarchs.  Visitors are also able to see the Scone Palace and the collection that is part of it.  The collections include things like French furniture, clocks, porcelain and even ivories the earls of Mansfield acquired.

Kenneth MacAlpn was the first king in the United Scotland.  It brought the Stone of Destiny to Scon.  A large sandstone block that was placed at Westminster Abbey in 1296 because King Edward I removed the treasures.  This large standstone was there for more than 700 years as others took the throne.

On Christmas day in 1950 the stone of Destiny was stolen from the Westminster by a group that was nationalist students and later found it at the Arbroath Abbey.  In 2008 the students exploited the various features in a film starring Robert Carlyle.

Eventually the Stone of Destiny was returned to Scotland in 1996 on St Andrew’s Day.  They can now be seen at Edinburgh Castle.

On the outskirts of Perth a person can visit the ruins of Huntingtower Castle, which at one time was called the Ruthven.  There were two towers that are quite fine and built during somewhere between the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

The house of Ruthven was the home of the Earls of Gowrie, who were ruthless and was built during the 16^th Century.  They were responsible for the murder of David Riccio, who was the secretary to Mary, the Queen of Scots.  They were also known to have imprisoned the Queen on Loch Leven, which is located near Kinross.  Then there were also said to have kidnapped a young man named James VI while he was suppose to be on a hunting expedition.  They then held him prisoner at their castle for nearly a year.

After he escaped, James was supposed to be pardoned by his captors.  The House of Ruthven paid for all the bad it did by having James hunt them down in the home.  James was to have helped with the execution along with having the Ruthven name abolished and making sure that no one else received the property.  It is now the Huntingtower Castle.

Also a part of the outskirts of town is Perth Racecourse, which is literally feeling the hooves on the track.  The seasons for the races are between April and September.  It is the UK’s Best Race track and is well known for brining in the best horses, trainers and riders.

Perth Racecourse is not only known for being a first class racing spot, but also providing outstanding hospitality both privately and corporately.  The racecourse provides an outstanding location for any type of event, including weddings, conferences and even exhibits, which can also provide catering.

The Wick Heritage Center provides a vast collection of interesting exhibits that deal with the glory days of the fishing industry.

The center also houses the unique Johnston Collection, which provides work from three generations and even four photographers of a local family who has captured the life of Caithness on camera.  There also happens to be a recreation of the darkroom the Johnston’s used that includes equipment they would have used.

Another of the main attractions of the center is a lighthouse that will date back to the mid-1800’s and include a variety of the mirrors, lenses and prisms all in fine working order.

The theme of the sea continues with a traditional yawl that comes from the Stroma Island as well as providing models of boats and gear that was used by the lifeboat services and coastguard.  There is also the reconstruction of the cooperage along with a fishcurer’s office and even a kipper kiln.

The visitors will also find out about the local whisky that has become famous.  It is known as the “maritime malt” and is produced at the Pulteney Distillery, which is also the visitor’s center and provides its own gift shop.

Wick has its origins to the royal burgh and goes all the way back to the Vikings and the name of the town is really pronounced as “Week” and has come from the meaning of Bay.

The Castle of Old Wick is the only memorial left to these particular times and is where the ruins that are on the cliff tops are able to be found immediately south of town.  Visitors can take a coastal walk to the castle, and is very breath taking, which is also known as the Old Man of Wick locally.

Another enjoyable walking trail would be the Wick River footpath.

Then just a few miles just north of the town Wick is the over look to Sinclair’s Bay and provides quite a view of the ruins of the Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.  There were many years that people believed there were two different castles at this particular site, but after some research recently, it is believed that only one castle was on the narrow peninsula.

The Sinclair family, which later on would end up becoming the earls of Caithness, occupied this particular site from the 14^th century on.  Currently work is being completed to preserve and improve the castle and access the site.

For those who are exploring the far north of Scotland, Wick is the ideal place to call base.  It provides a variety of different hotels and guest housing.  Visitors can also enjoy a variety of different leisure activities not only in town, but all around the town and includes things like bowling, golf, swimming and tennis.

There is also a variety of different shopping opportunities available not only at the center of Wick, but also at the various retail parks that are located on the edge of town.

The town of Ullapool was established in the 1778 and was taking advantage of the boom that was taking place.  The town hall provides the air of being an important fishing port.  The main ferry terminal for Hebrides happens to be located in the Ullapool.  One of the various independent boat trips that are available can be found to sail to Stornoway.  Then there is the M.V. Summer Queen cruises that leave from the Ullapool pier across to the Loch Broom and then to the sle of Martin and even the Summer Isles , which has an outstanding wildlife and scenery.

Ullapool is the main town that serves Wester Ross while providing a great shopping of independent craft boutiques, gift shops and bookshops while celebrating the unusual and uniqueness of the town.

 Captain’s Cabin on Quay Street is considered an institution for the area.

The Captain’s Cabin gift shop was opened in 1946 by Constance Mitford.  Today her granddaughter is the third generation in the family to run this shop.  There is an emphasis on the Scottish goods along with a large range of gifts that have character like fine china, pottery, jewelry and even knitwear.  The Loch broom Hardware is downstairs and owned by the family along with also owning the bookshop that is independent and next door.

Visitors are able to take part of the Ullapool Book Festival that is held around the 7-9 of May every year.  They provide Scottish authors that are featured in various programs including talks, workshops, reading that is connected with the Ullapool bookstore and the MacPhail Center while using the clubhouse at the Ceilidh Place.

The Ullapool Museum provides year round culture along with an A listed former Telford Parliamentary Church that is located on West Argyle Street.

The main exhibit of the museum is ‘the people of the Loch’ and has interwoven nature and social history of this area.  There are award-winning presentations explore the links between locals and the environment, whether the past, present and future.

There are a variety of activities available at Ullapool, both the loch and sea fishing, cycling, and even wildlife watching.  There is a Golf Course that provides a challenge for all golfers, regardless of the level of the golfer.  There are also other outdoor activities like walking tours or even climbing.

With so many activities available, visitors can stay for awhile before they get board.

There is quite a selection of various shops, pubs, hotels and even modern facilities for leisure like indoor swimming and even things like cinema/bowling complex.  The Thurso River is a 25 mile long river that produces one of Scotland’s important salmon fisheries and is found winding its way through town and into the caithness hinterland.

Sir John Sinclair was a genius from the 18^th century who was a politician who also chronicler of his own time along with leading agriculturist and also was one who inspired town planning, all of which gave him international reputation.  The different industries he backed really started to blossom and decided that Thurso needed to extend where its lines should be.

During the 1950’s the town started to grow after there wasn an experimental atomic reactor built at Dounreay, which is just 10 miles west of town.  It is currently being decommissioned, but the association of the nuclear industry has been told and is affecting the industry.  There is now a new visitor’s center that is in what was the Thurso Town Hall and is located adjacent Carnegie library.

Now this visitor’s center is able to showcase the heritage, ecology and wildlife the country is rich in while also providing exhibits and displays that are interactive along with a café.

 The standing stones of Skinnet and Ulbster are just a few of the main attractions.  There is also a major display that is devoted to the work of Robert Dick.  During the 19^th century he was a pioneering geologist and botanist who also was working long hours as a baker in Thurso.  He also spent spare time going the extra distance to trap to collect any of the rare specimens that were around in the area.

Dating back to the 13^th century is the ruined Old ST. Peter’s Kirk, which is located near the Thurso harbor.  The Pennyland House is located on the outskirts of the western part of town and happened to be the birth place of Sir William Smith, who founded the Boys’ Brigade in 1883.  There just happens to be a BB display along with other memorabilia that is in the David Fraser room which is in the Thurso’s William Smith Memorial Hall.

There is a regularly scheduled ferry services available between Scrabster to Stromness.

 Then south of Thurso is the historic Halkirk, which happens to be the first village that was planned in the Highlands. They provide some of the best dinning and accommodation.  They also provide exhibits during the summer at the village’s Ross Institute.

Thurso is an easy drive of some of the finest beaches in Sutherland, which is Melvich and Strathy.

Since it has been around, Tain has always been considered as a sanctuary.  In 1000 AD St. Duthac was born in this town.  During the 14^th century the St. Duthac Collegiate Chruch was built as a way to preserve his relics.

Since this church is an important shrine from the medieval times, Tain is one of the places that are part of a pilgrimage.  The Scottish kings have visited town and shown its respects throughout all the centuries.  Malcolm Canmore even confirmed the status as sanctuary to Tain in 1066.  It is also known that future kings will bestow their favor on the town.

James IV, the most royal of visitors, regularly visited the town when he would make trips north between the years of 1492 and 1513.  Because of James IV often visits and the protected status of the town, Tain became the center for trade.  There are many things that attract visitors to the town of Tain. A few of these include things like the medieval character that is part of the winding streets, the narrow lanes, and even the preserved historic buildings.  There are also many different traditional crafts and even other industries.  The Tain and District Museum provides a home for a very extensive and even varied collection of objects, archives of local, regional and national significance along with photographs of the area documenting the history of the town.

It just so happens that the museum is housed in the old caretaker’s cottage for the collegiate church and churchyard.  The cottage was built back in the 1880’s after the collegiate church was restored.

In 1966 the town’s museum opened so that it would coincide with the 900^th anniversary celebration.  This would help celebrate when the town’s first charter took place.  One of rarest items in the museum are examples of silverware that was made in Tain back in the 18^th century.

In the mid 16^th century is one of the earliest records of a goldsmith in the town.  There were many goldsmiths in the town during the 150 that followed, but none of them seemed to have their work known.

There are many series that silversmiths have represented in various collections between 1700 and 1835.  A few of these silversmiths are three generations of Hugh Ross, John Sellar, Alexander Steward, Richard Maxwell Wilkie and William Innes.

A tot cup made by Hugh Ross sometime between 1700 and 1710 is a star item in the collection.  Then somewhere during the mid-18^th century Hugh Ross made a pepperpot along with a rare three-pronged.   Alexander Stewart made the gold signet ring.

Then in 1997 the museum had an exhibit of Tain Silver, it was the first exhibit that was complete of silver.  The collection includes about 150 different items that will have items from private and even institutional owners through the entire United Kingdom along with the various collections the town owns.

Another big theme that is in the collection talks about the story of the Ross clan.  The Balnagown Castle, which was built for the Earl of Ross during the 15^th Century, housed the clan until approximately 1711 and was located just miles outside of town.

The name Ross has played an important part of the history in town along with being the most popular surname in town.  The Tain Through Time keeps track of the history of the Ross clan.  The church and gravestones talk about the pilgrimage made by many people along with what is in the museum.

There is also a CD that helps to provide a tour of the town and provide traces of the history you might have missed just walking through town.

The Glenmoranie Distillery was built in 1843 and has continued to provide its famous malt on the Dornoch Firth shores.

The distillery still handcrafts its malt today by using what is known as the Sixteen Men of Tain by using tried and testing methods that have been used from one generation to another.

The distillery continues to welcome visitors from all over the world who want to learn how whiskey is made long with meeting others with passion for Glenmorangie, and they will live and breathe this type of work every day.

The Tarbat Discovery Center, which is at the Tarbat Old Parish Church, Portmahomack and can be visited.  An important settlement and stones became uncovered when the church was being retored and in the surrounding churchyard.

Professor Martin Carver, who is part of the York University, visited the city in 1993 and decided to bring a team back to do a geophysical survey.

Then in 1996 the study found something of great importance that affects building taking place in the town profoundly and the excavation that was has been taking place since.

To this date, this is the only site that has a Pictish monastic settlement that has been found.  The settlement now consists of dedicated workshops that are geared toward glass-making, vellum products, metal-working and even woodworking.

There are also many farming areas, a surfaced road and even a millpond that have been dated back to the 11^th century.

There are many beautiful sculptures that have been unearthed and are now on display in the museum.

There have been a total of six different churches that have been held in the old church building, going back to the Picts time.  It has been altered many times during history based on political and religious change.

You can not only extend the trip, but create your own trail.  There are many examples available as well.

You are able to see the original cross slabs at Nigg, along with a reproduction of the Hilton of Cadbolll stone.

Nairn not only looks at its past, but also provides a variety of different events including things like ceilidhs, folk nights and even jazz music.  They have also added book and arts festival that is held every year in June.  There is also a variety of different art galleries, theatre book related events and even music.

Some of the other town highlights are things like the annual Highland Games, Farmers show and the Nairn International Jazz Festival.  There is also the Fresh Food Fun Day which is part of the Highland Feast; there is also the Highland food and jazz festival, which is one of the events that is highly attended.

Between the months of June and August the local pipe band gives a performance Saturday evenings on the High Street.

The town’s seafront provides miles of nice, sandy beaches that extend east from the RSPB reserve to Culbin Forest and beyond along with a popular seaside resort.

Central Beach, one of the two Nairn’s beaches has received the Tidy Britain Group’s Seadside Awards for many years.  This beach has also received the prestigious Blue Flag Award for many years.  The beach is monitored regularly to make sure that its quality is maintained, especially during the busy months, which is during the summer.  The beach has won the awards due to its ability to illustrate quality water and because of the facilities that surround it as well.

The Moray Firth has one of only two colonies of dolphins that live in the UK.  They are often able to be seen from the Nairn’s shore.

The sea front of Nairn is an active harbor.  At one time it was an active fishing port, but now is better known for the leisure craft.  Many of the leisure crafts participate regularly in many of the local races held by the sailing clubs.  Then there are boat owners who will offer different trips of the area, including the ability to go see dolphins.

The town is continuing to improve the seafront to make sure that this beautiful nature is able to stay around for many more years and visitors.  There are also a variety of different boards that share notices and interpretations of what is going on along the seafront.  There are also different facilities that are able to help with the holiday park.

To take advantage of the local area, all a visitor needs to do is take a gentle stroll down the narrow Harbour Street and enjoy the different small shops that are along the way.  The service is outstanding with friendly service that will make you think of a time that was of a slower pace, which fits this part of the old town.

The Nairn seafront provides an outstanding view of all the natural beauty, including the Culbin Forest and Nature Reserve.  There are many different types of indigenous Flowers and fauna that can be seen along with many visiting birds for the summer along with migrating flocks as well.

Those who are fans of the invigorating sea air can enjoy a magnificent view across from the firth.  There is also the Sutors of Cromarty, the dark mass of Ben Wyvis, which is located in the north-west.  Tarbat Ness and hills of Sutherland are part of the coastal stretch and provide an enchanting backdrop.

The town is not only the focal point when it comes to cultural, but also the administrative center for not only the town, but also the towns in the surrounding area.  It also provides a wide range of not only entertainment, but leisure opportunities.

The Kerrera and Mull islands can be seen along the bay of Oban. It is also located high about McCaig’s Town, which is known for the granite folly that represents Rome’s Coliseum in a circular shape.

John Stewart McCaig, a wealthy banker, commissioned the tower, which was supposed to be a museum that held the family statues.  McCaid died before the work was completed, although he was alive in 1897 when the work started.  The walk up the tower is said to provide an outstanding view of not only the town, but also the bay.  If you walk up the tower at the right time, you will see a beautiful sunset.

Oban has been known for being the place to go when it comes to the holidays.  It provides resorts along with transportation that can provide things like road, rail, sea and air.  If you take the ferry terminal, then you can sail for Mull, Iona, Western Isles, Tiree, Coll, Colonsay, Islay and Barra.

There is beautiful landscape that surrounds Oban and offers a variety of different exploration, whether a person touring the historic castles or just leisurely walk while trying to get a glimpse of a diverse wildlife.  Some other things that can be found would be sea eagles, dolphins, otters and seals are in the area, along with a variety of other marine life that are part of the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary at Barcaldine.

For those who are beach dwellers, you can visit the Ganavan Sands.  It is also possible to go for a bike ride, diving, riding, sailing and canoeing.

The town is able to provide a variety of different accommodations, including all types of budgets.  There are cinema, galleries, theatre and leisure center along with providing a full sized swimming pool and other indoor and even outdoor sporting facilities.

The shops are well stocked with a variety of different types of goods, variety of dining options from cafes and bars along with hotels that provide things like seafood.  There is even a local distillery that provides insight to how the whisky is made along with locally.

There are a variety of castles and abbeys that are available.  For example Dunstaffnage Castle is just three miles north of Oban and is a 13^th century that was built by the MacDougalls of Lorn.

Oban also has the Dunollie Castle that overlooks it.  It is where the MacDougall clan lived for more than 90 years while just across the way was the Kerreran group that lived in the Gylen Castle.

There are also beautiful gardens called the Ardchattan Priory, which was founded in the 13^th century.  The Monastic life came to the end of the 16^th century and the current layout started taking shape during the Victorian times.

The Argyllshire Gathering and Oban Games takes place in Oban and are very popular.  They alternate years they take place.

Oban has successfully hosted the Royal National Mod, which is a prestigious festival held annually.

Banff attempts to create a safe harbor feel while being a mile away from the Banff Bay, which seems doomed to disaster that is sitting on the River Deveron, while being MacDuff’s predecessor, which is the village of Doune and was ideally placed.

The Lord Fife of the Duff family was the long lost landowner who established the town and then went on to petition King George III successfully.  The petition was in 1783 and would allow him to start the village or town of MacDuff that grew out of the Doune village.  This town was established as a burgh.

Once this took place he was also named a Duke and named William Rose as the first provost of the burg.

Banffshire Lord Lieutenant James McPherson was the last town’s provost and served three years.  He would step down in 1995 when the Local Government Reform Act ended the use of town councils.  But he did still have a passion did not end for MacDuff.  “Macduff is a special place,” he says.  “It was created by a local benefactor, Lord Fife of Duff House, who genuinely wanted to improve the lives of people on his land.”

“He was a far-seeing landowner who also established the town’s first harbour and had started its construction by 1770.  His successor later agreed to sell it to the Town Council of Macduff for the knockdown sum of just 10,000.”

Because of what the Town Council did, this particular harbor has flourished.  It has continued the improve and expand by adding things like a breakwater and lighthouse, which happened in 1903 and a Princess Royal Basin along with a patent slipway that opened in 1921.

The investment that Macduff gave has fared a lot better from what the sea did recently compared to its neighboring towns.  Today it is a harbor that is far better than any other.  It has basins that are sheltered along with a boat-building industry that continues to thrive today by caring for the fishing fleet that continues to dwindles, but also is very significant.  They are also working with the dwindling construction of the high-technology steel fishing for various fishermen that are all through the country.

 Macduff Shipyards has become an internationally renowned ship design and building business.  They construct both steel and timber crafts that are part of a world market.

The Macduff Aquarium is a great visitor attraction that is just a few minute walk east of the harbor.  Princess Ann opened the aquarium in 1997 and pulls in thousands of tourists, along with a variety of groups.

The Tarlair Golf Club is another one of the Macduff key assets available.  It is a championship, 18-hole cliff-top golf course that is located on the east end of the Macduff burgh.  It provides a spectacular scene when walking along the fairway. There is another historic site nearby as well.  It was once know to all locals and visitors and now just needs a reawakening.

There have been many generations of Banff and Macduff that have learned to swim along with respecting the sea and water by visiting the Tarlair Swimming Pool, which is unheated.  It was built about 1930 and has brought thousands of visitors to salt water for swimmers, diving pool and paddlers, along with a wonderful café.   There were many years that it was abandoned, but the locals decided that it needed to change since it is a historic structure.  In Scotland it is known as one of the finest art pools around.

Like many of the other Moray Firth coastal communities, Macduff is quite the fascinating town to check out.  It provides the sea town, port, aquarium, shipyards, fine hotels, narrow streets, cafes and is a hidden jewel of the north-east.

There is the A82 from Inverness that runs along the canal of Caledonian, which will lead to the loch itself.

After just coming off the main road, you will come to Abrianchan.  There are a variety of walks available that go around the Abriachan Forest, where you will find a replica of the Bronze Age hut.

The road will continue to wind and take the walker along the shore of the loch, which can provide a scenic view of the area.  Then you will take a slight curve which will take you into the main village which is the western part of the loch called Drumnadrochit.

When in the main village you will be able to choose from a variety of different Loch Ness Monster exhibits.  The Loch Ness 2000 center helps people understand the science behind the loch and the surrounding environment.  The original Loch Ness Monster exhibit’s slogan is “We Believe.”

There is more than the monster that makes up Drumnadrochit.  There are a variety of different stores and attractions that a person could visit.

There is a glass-blowing shop and center that is located between the two monster exhibits.  The art lover should go to the village gallery to find a wide range of panintings from local artists.

The horse enthusiasts would enjoy visiting the Highland Riding Center at the Borlum Farm, which is located outside Drumnadrochit.  A person can enjoy a ride that is tailored to the rider’s ability.  There is also an indoor facility that is great for the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Drumnadrochit provides a variety of places to eat and stay, which makes it a great base when exploring the surrounding area.

Upon continuing along the road around the loch, the visitors are able to visit the historic Urquhart Castle, which is a couple of miles outside of the village.

There have been castles dated as far back as the 13^th Centruy on this particular site since the Pictish times at least.

The castle has changed hands many times between the time of 1297 and 1330.  This was during the Scottish Wars of Independence which was between the English forces and the people loyal to Robert the Bruce.

Then there were a variety of raids that were held by the Lords of the Isles against many of the Scottish crown, again making it change hands several times from the 1390’s to the 1540’s when it fell to the western clans.

About 1689 is when the castle saw its last bought of action when the Hanoverian’s were retreating and blew up the castle.  There was a long period of time when the castle was going through decline that various building projects used the stone from the original castle.  There were many attempts to restore the castle back in the early 20^th century.

The Historic Scotland now runs it and has made it into a visitor center that includes things like audio-visual displays and provides shops and restaurant.  It is one of the attractions in Scotland that is visited the most and has become popular because of Nessie being spotted there.  The deepest point of the loch that is recorded is just off the Urquhart Bay.

After leaving the Urquhart Castle, you will find the John Cobb Memorial Cairn that was built along the roadside.  This is a tribute to a man who was killed attempting to set a world record for water speed at the loch back in the 1950’s.

In the village of Invermoriston, which is just a few miles away from the castle and is very pretty, there is a bridge that was built by Thomas Telford and was over the Moriston River.  It is a good place to explore the beauty of the water and glen.

The southern part of the Loch Ness is a scenic village of Fort Augustus.  This is where the Benedictine Abbey was found in the 1870’s, which is name of the Fort giving the village its name.

There is an impressive site at Fort Augustus called the flight of locks and is the Caledonian Canal.  To find out more about the canal and how it was built, the visitors can go to the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center.

From Fort Augustus a visitor can choose to follow the canal if they want and check further along the Great Glen on the way to Fort William.  For those on a day a day trip, you’ll want to take the eastern shore of the loch.  There are plenty of different places available to just quietly take in the beautiful views.

There is a pretty village called Whitebridge that has a little Catholic church that is considered quite attractive.  It also has an outpost of what was the former abbey in Fort Augustus and has been preserved perfectly by Wade Bridge.

To get to Foyers you will go down the twisting birch-lined road.  There is a waterfall that comes thundering down the side of a cliff that seems to immortalize the National bard of Robert Burns of Scotland.  This is where the first home of aluminum smelters is said to be.

When in Inverfarigaig it is wise to take advantage of the different woodland walks available that go up the hill and over the loch.  They are towering high above the village of Fort Dun Deardail.

According to the legend of the area, Deirdre and her lover were said to find refuge here after fleeing Ulster.

The beach of Dores provides a magnificent view, even down to the loch and past the Mealfourvonie, which is on the north side of the loch which is towards the Urquhart Castle and the bay.

This is the last chance of trying to get a glimpse of Nessie.  If you don’t see her, you will have to settle for all the other beautiful sites you have seen going around the Scottish loch.

 Originally it was called Kirkjuvagr, which ends up comes from “Church Inlet”.  There are many reminders around town that played an important role in the Viking era power struggle that took place.

Around 1035 Kirkwall was founded and was established as a market and farming community.  About 1137 Earl Rognvald Kolsson started building the St Magnus Cathedral.  It is still dominate in town today and is an imposing, red sandstone building.

The cathedral was built to remember the Earl’s uncle who was martyred, St. Magnus.  It is believed there are many miracles that are associated with Manus execution site, which was a transformation of a rocky, overgrown field.  It is believed that visitors who went to the graveside would heal people who had everything from insanity to blindness.

The Cathedral of the Bishop’s and Earl’s palaces date back to Norse time.

The Orkney Museum at Tankerness House is where the story of the islands is kept.  It covers from prehistoric times to today.  There is a large archive of pictures along with temporary exhibits available at the museum.  Kirkwall is also known for the Highland Park malt whisky, which is award-winning. The distillery, which is located as far North as possible, even provides its own visitors center.  Whisky has been made at this location for over 200 years and is one of the biggest attractions in the Orkney area

It is also said that the harbor plays an important part of the Kirkwall’s development.  There are many cruises that use this terminal as a port of call each year.

Kirkwall’s airport is also busy with flights to and from places like Glasgow, Edinburg, Inverness and Aberdeen.  In the summer they will fly to and from places like Sumburgh and Bergen, Norway.  They also provide links to places like the northern islands of Orkney.

Throughout the town there are a variety of different cultural scenes that are thriving.  One of the events every summer is the St. Magnus Festival.  This was founded about 1977 by a famous resident composer of Orkney, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

The Scottish Tartans Museum, which is located in the Town Institute’s Hall, located on Mid Street.  It provides more than 700 tartans on display, including Queen Victoria’s faithful servant John Brown’s full Highland outfit.

The Keith Country Show happens every year in August, when the town is crowded not only with the towns farming folks, but also other fun-seekers.  There is a great show of locally grown livestock, because of it being a great agricultural event, but there are also various crafts, displays, competitions and food tasting.

Forres is one of Scotland’s oldest towns, but many believe it is a lot older than that.  Many believe it iswhat Ptolemy, the cartographer 2000 years ago, said to be Varis.

This particular town may have been where the Roman’s had victory of Caledonians, which was at the Mons Graupius, besides being where the aftermath of that battle took place.  Tacitus, a Roman historian, wrote in his biography that the tribe was called the Boresti that had the victory of Roman General Agricola.

In 1496 King James IV granted a Royal Charter for Forres to be a Royal Burgh since 1140.  The town’s wealth can be seen by the many fine buildings which will give an impressive appearance for the town centre.

Just east of the centre is the Grant Park and is where many events along with being a gathering place.  It also is where many horticultural displays provide attractions. Over many years Forres has received a variety of accomplishments in Britain in Bloom and Scotland in Bloom flower competitions.  During the summer every door has a basket hanging with bright colors, along with the park and other public places.

Forres is a beautiful place besides the flowers and beautiful scenery.  On High Street is a reconstruction of a medieval statue from 1838 and 1844.  It is part of what makes the architect so rich, just like the architect of the St. Laurence Church.  The Falconer Museum provides visitors the ability to learn a lot about the town.

There is a Pictish Britain sculpture, which happens to be a historical landmark and is a 20 foot high Sueno’s Stone, on the eastern side of town.  People don’t know what it is a statue of, but know that it monument of some sort that deals with a battle.  It has details of a beheading as part of the monument.

There is a Witches’ Stone, which is on Victoria Road, is not a Pictish statue.  This is where the witches were not only burned, but buried as well and called it Cluny Hill. Between Cluny Hill and Nelson’s Tower, there are a variety of wonderful views that glow towards the Finhorn Bay area.

Visitors may want to also go and visit the Dallas Dhu Distillery in Forres.  It doesn’t produce malt in the distillery any more, but is a museum that provides a history and idea about the brewer process.  For those who actually want to see a distillery that is in use currently, they will want to visit Benromach Distillery, which is located near the railroad station.

Forres is a great place to call base while exploring a variety of the sites.  For example they can go visit Findhorn and Brodie Castle.

On the outside of this quaint village visitors will find the Findhorn Foundation, which is an eco-community that will seek different and even new ways to go through life.  These would include practices are sustainable along with relationships that are peaceful and cooperating not only with nature, but ourselves.  The homes are built from materials like straw bales and other items that are recycled along with electricity that they generate themselves.

The visitors can either just walk around, check out the different café and shops that are in the village or even attend various workshops.

The National Theatre of Scotland is held at Universal Hall.  Concerts that are held there cover all types of genre, which includes things like contemporary music to jazz to comedy.  There is also dances that are held there along with a variety of children entertainment as well.

This burgh is a market community and is the heart of the both the fishing and farming community in Moray.  It is considered to be a great place to spend time checking out through exploration.

High Street allows for pedestrian traffic, so this allows for window shopping while enjoy the weather along with the scenery.  The side streets also provide a variety of different businesses and shops.  South Street, which happens to run parallel to High Street, provides a major shopping area in town.

The Braco Banking House, which is located on the east end of High Street, provides history of Elgin.  The building has low lintels and crow stepped gables.

It just so happens that that it is one of the oldest building on High Street and goes back to the 17^th Century.  The museum for the town is located next door and provides a variety of different exhibits, and also holds things like workshops, courses about different treasures from the city and conferences.

The ruin of Elgin Cathedral, which is one of the most important buildings in the city, is known as Lantern of the North and oasis of calm.  It can be found next to the Cooper Park, where visitors are able to feed the ducks on the pond, look at the Biblical garden along with getting involved with the crazy golf, tennis, bowls and even trampoline.

The ruins from the cathedral provide an extremely atmospheric.  Visitors should look into all parts of what is left, whether it is a nook or even a cranny.

There is a portion of the house that is shaped in an octagon that still has a roof on it.  Then going outside to see the sky is another great option.

To see a bird’s eye view of Elgin, visitors are able to climb to the top of the tower that has been renovated with the help of the Historic Scotland.

The Elgin Biblical Garden, which happens to be the first of its kind in Scotland.  The garden is located adjacent to the original cathedral and displays all the plants that are mentioned in the Bible, which happens to be 110.

The Moray Motor Museum, which is located near by the Biblical Garden, follows the evolution of automobiles.  It also has many vintage cars that show great character.

The luxury lover needs to make a visit to the Johnstons Cashmere Visitor Centre.  This centre provides cashmere knitwear along with telling the story about the processing of the fiber through garment.  There is an audio-visual presentation that is used through the guided tour of the mill.

There are plenty of attractions and things to see not only within Elgin and outside of town.  Visitors can also to towards Inverness and stop at Glen Moray Distillery where they can get a tour and get a sample of the malt.

One of the finest castles found in Scotland at one time is the Spynie Castle, which is among what is known as the eerie beech and birch trees in Spynie Woods.

One of the last monasteries that functioned in Scotland is the Pluscarden Abbey, which is just a little bit out of Elgin.  Visitors are welcome to join the Benedictine monks as they worship and ten to their spiritual haven.

By exploring the other villages and towns of the area, visitors will be able to see the unique character of each one and also see the diversity of Scotland.

 But Drumnadrochit can’t even get away from the fact that it is known for seeing Nessie, which is what made them so popular around the world.

Drum, the most familiar name, provides an exhibit about the Loch Ness Monster.  In order to understand the scientific and environmental issues of the monster, the Loch Ness 2000 centre is trying to show people information to help them understand.

There are also quite a variety of different attractions and shops available as well in Drumnadrochit.

There is a Glass-Blowing centre and shop that is place between the two different monster exhibits.  Art lovers should visit this place; there are a wide range of paintings available by different local artists.  The horse enthusiasts can also visit the Highland Riding Centre at Borlum Farm, which is located outside Drumnadrochit.  You will be able to enjoy rides that will be tailored to your skills.  There is in indoor and outdoor facility available for all weather types.  It is also a great place for walkers, boaters, cyclist and fishers.

Visitors of Drumnadrochit can also enjoy a variety of places to stay and even eat, which help make staying and exploring the area a wonderful experience.

One of the Scotland’s finest beaches I located between Embo and Dornoch Point.  It will talk highly of the clean water, along with the beautiful gold sand on the beach.  It also provides a spectacular view of the mountains that surround the beach and local area.

Dornoch is Gaelic for a horse’s foot.  The town was named honor of William, Thane of Sutherland, who were at a battle and killed his opponent. Since the sword had been lost he used a leg of horse to kill the opponent.

In around 600 AD St. Finbarr of Cork founded a monastery which also housed a church the city was built around.  In 1223 Gilbert de Moravia, who was a Bishop of Caithness, lived in Dornoch and built his cathedral and strengthened the church.

 After the time of the Reformation, during the 16^th Century, the cathedral was destroyed partly by Mackay of Strathnaver.  Over the years restoration took place over many years.  During the 19th Century the First Duchess of Sutherland helped to finance a large part of the restoration.  The cathedral again is the focal point of the town.

Dornoch, a Royal Burgh, still has a historic appeal while keeping a modern outlook.

The town has been willing to take on change that offers things like a mix of various shops, accommodation and dining experience, which seems to be impressive for the size of this particular community.

The Dornoch Castle is from the 16^th century that is located at the town square, which is a beautiful tree line.  This castle now is a hotel, but at one time housed a Bishop.  There are many features that can still be found as part of the building.

During 1628, Dornoch become a Royal Burch, putting it as a position of importance within the market.

Dornoch, regardless of the time, shopping is pleasant and an enjoyable treat because it provides a stress free alternative to various shopping malls, retail parks and even crowded streets.

People will more than likely be able to find an unusual or extra special gift that can only be found in a place like Dornoch, not just anywhere.

 What had been the Dornoch jailhouse has been made into a store that has a variety of different luxury clothing, gifts, hand-made cosmetics and crafts to name a few.

Really what they have done is kept the set up of the jailhouse while filling each cell with different characteristics.

The jailhouse has also been known to house witches in the past, including those that were burned to death.  Janet Horned, in 1722, was the last witch to be sentenced and even tried at this jailhouse.

Dornoch will boast of the variety of different shops that are unique and full of character, not only on Main Street, but the alleyways and lanes.

For the antique and collectible shoppers, this is the place to go and just have fun.  The town is also known to get a variety of gifts, collectibles, antiques and even toys for the little ones.

There are outdoor activities will pull not only the locals, but visitors as well.  People are able to get whatever supplies will be needed to enjoy the day out, whether it is enjoying the hills, golfing, or fishing.

There are many places to eat and stay, considering the size of this small town.  Visitors, and even locals, are able to find a smart café that will provide traditional Scottish food, along with the homemade feel.  This includes things from ice cream, ciabatta and paninis that are fresh.  They are able to also provide internet access and even local information.

For example, there is a café that is able to transform into a chic bistro that has soft lighting while providing a variety of food, including Highland produce of seafood while using an Italian twist.

 There is a mix of Contemporary and Traditional Scottish venues available and intermixed.  They include some of the best of the fine dining while using local produce while making sure the freshest flavor, regardless of the time of year.

There are many chefs that have great talent that will go to Dornoch to cook because of the variety of different ingredients they are able to find right at their doorstep.  These include some of the best beef, seafood, lamb and even cheeses, wines and breads.

There are a variety of different accommodations available from comfy, to luxurious rooms in a former castle to inexpensive as well

There are also camping and caravans available for those who would rather go about staying on their own.  They are ones who enjoy staying with the beautiful attractions.  There are also those who want a combination of both worlds, which is available.

There are many visitors who come to Dornoch because of the golfing that is available in the area.

In 1877, The Royal Dornoch course was designed by Tom Morris and is regularly one of the top world championship courses available.  The size is about 6,500 yards and is on the border of Dornoch Fifth and challenging the fairways and greens.

In the 20^th century the Struie Course was built.  It didn’t do too well during the war, but in the mid-60s Donald Steel and Partners opened the 18 hole course, which include many of the original holes. It is another great champion course that is 5,500 yards long. It also has traditional links with fairways that are narrow, thick bushes and even bunkers.

Regardless why you may be visiting Dornoch, and even the length of the visit, there will be plenty to do and see.

Islay, the island that is the largest and is neighboring Jura, is accessible by car, foot using a ferry crossing that is on a regular schedule of a five minute leaving time.  The Jura Bus service can help the foot passengers anywhere along the island’s main village of Craighouse or any surrounding area.

There are many ideal activities for those who are day-trippers and other holidaymakers include attractions like a distillery and even a play park for children.  Then those who are more energetic include things like a challenging coastal trail or even walking hills or uninterrupted vistas along with a remote escape.

The island is also known for its red deer population, which is just part of all the other wildlife for those who are animal enthusiast.  The road that is the only, mostly coastal, road runs along the island that provides a look at various birds and animals in their natural habitats as well as the marine wildlife.

Jura is able to provide something for everyone because of the history and heritage that is rich.  It is an island that is clean, provides challenging walking, safe beaches, great wildlife along with great food.  They welcome you to come see how hard it is to leave.

There is a mesmerizing view of the sunset in the eastern shore line.  There is also the mountain range beauty along the west coast.  Then in between the two views there is a variety of exhilarating or peaceful adventures or energy-restoring activities.

There are a variety of places to stay along with activities to keep a visitor busy, which includes the travel arrangements as well.

For those who like the environment of wildlife, this is the place to go.   Visitors can observe things like ospreys and even capercaillie in the habitat that is natural to them. Also spot seals, otters and dolphins can be found a short boat away or standing on the shore.  It is also possible to see the seabirds dive for their needed food or go to their nest that are on high cliffs along with looking at a majestic view of the Monarch of the Glen, which is water running over the high hills.

The golf can enjoy a quaint little course or a championship standard course as well.  There are also many different mountain-biking tracks that are world-class.  There is also gondolas that can take people for rides or just trails through a simple forest or the beaches that are secluded that seem to rival other tropical shores out there.

The person who enjoys the outdoors can find a variety of different activities to keep them busy.  For example there are sandy dunes that are deserted and silver looking that go along the sun filled island seashores.  There is a paradise of rugged mountain ranges available along with being able to standing in thigh high deep waters where the salmon is.  There are also whisky, coastal or Pictish trails, and castles, history, checking out folk tales or even drama available.

There are a variety of different activities, attractions, accommodation and even retail stores and food to meet the type of visitors that come out.  For those who want the king experience, that is an option, but there are those who may want to try a tent and anything in between available.

 There is a variety of different air services that are continually growing along with both rail and ferry options that are available.  Being able to travel in any option is available to meet the needs of anyone.

There is also the opportunity to check out the land that is fertile, along with water that is clear, and air that is fresh, all that is part of the Scotland nature.    Then there is the seafood and fish which includes things like shellfish, lobster, trout and wild salmon along with a variety of smoked varieties, which are known all around the world.

There are not many places that provide such things of wealth, and natural beauty, along with attractions and activities in one place.

Not far from Eastgate Shopping Centre have some of stores that are well known while also providing great bargains.

The pedestrians along High Street will find a variety of shops and cafes that are full and bustling with business and entertainment while there is an atmosphere of a carnival.  For example, on the first Saturday of every month there is a Farmers’ Market.  The visitors are able to sample and buy local produce along with home-made jams, cheese, bread, meat that is locally grown along with fruit and vegetables.  There are a variety of different highland-grown plants as well as crafts and gifts.

For something that is different the visitors can always check out the Victorian Market, which is located at the center of town at the railroad station.  The mall is Victorian covered and is an example of a structure that is iron built during the Railway Age and includes at least 40 different stores that are independently owned to find something that is unique.

The Old Town Inverness will help visitors find many different little shops, boutiques and even bookshops.  The town has recently received investments that have made a variety of positive changes on the streetscape.

The Inverness Castle is the heart of the city and provides impressive views of the river and whatever can be seen.  The castle is now a courthouse and is not available for tourists to check out.  Nearby is the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery that will provide insight to the history of the Highlands.  There are many different art galleries around Inverness as well and provide a variety of different art from modern to traditional that have been inspired by the landscape of the Highlands.

Across from the river is a St Andrews Cathedral which is said to provide spiritual peace along with architecture that is of interest for everyone.  Eden Court Theatre is also found on the road and seems to be the heart of all the culture that takes place in the Highland area.  The theatre went through a large refurbishment which provides two auditorium, an exhibition space, two cinemas and dance studios as well.

There is a sports center that is not far from the theatre and provides swimming, golf, tennis and even an ice rink.  The City holds the Inverness Highland games at Bught Park every July.

The children can enjoy boating on the local pond, play in the fun area or even enjoy the trampolines at the nearby Park.

For those interested in tracing the family tree according to the Highland family roots can visit the Highland Archive and Registration Center that is located on Bught Road.  The records there are from the counties of Sutherland, Ross and even Inverness-shire, Cromarty, and Nairnshire.  They date back from as early as the 1890’s and the 11 burghs that are within the counties mentioned from as far back as 1455.  The documents available range from school and business records and even maps along with estate archives, plans and other material.

The rooms where searching can take place are free and open to the public, while the staff is available to advise as needed.  An appointment is needed if help is warranted.

A major part of the Highland Archive and Registration Center is a part of the Family History that provides help in genealogy, clan and family history from the Highlands and further.  There are things like registers from old parishes of the various counties as well as the census that were returned between the years of 1841-1901.

There are also a variety of different references and records that are part of the gravestones.

It is even possible to walk around town and see what is available as well, if for no other reason than the beautiful views that are available.

There is a nightlife that has started to become popular as well.  There are different flights available to get to Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol, and Dublin.

The town provides a charming market square along with providing variety different sites to visit.  For example a tourist can visit the Huntly Castle, Rizza’s ice-cream factory which allows the visitor to watch the ice cream making process, the Dean’s Shortbread Visitor Centreand even the Glendronach Distillery.  One of the final places to visit is Leith Hall, which is historic for the beautiful gardens.

Tourists can take a trip down history from Leith Hall to Garioch.  Tourist can visit the Archaeolink Prehistory Park, which is located in Oyne, and explore more than 10,000 years of history.

There are outdoor exhibitions that include a variety of different re-created sites like a Roman marching camp along with activities and even demonstrations that are led by ancient ancestors.  The there is a visit to the Bronze Age who is a smithy and visitors will be able to find out all about molten metal.  When the visitors visit the Iron Age roundhouse and farmstead they are able to be part of the workshops and other activities.

The A96 that goes between Huntly and Keith, the visitors will find a living creatures that are the fastest found on earth at the Huntley Peregrine WildWatch Centre.  The Peregrine Falcons have been known to go diving at over 200 mph.  There is a webcam that will allow the visitors to watch the falcons raising their young along with experts who will be able to give peregrine falcon information and even how they can be protected.

Fort William also is known for being where the highest ski slopes are for all of Scotland.  Nevis Range will boast about providing the only gondola system in Britain.  Using this particular system a person can go from 2,150 to 4,006 feet, making it a 15 minute trip without sweating.  One of the stops of the gondola is at the Snowgoose Restaurant, where a tourist can not only drink a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, can also enjoy the view of places like the Great Glen, Inner Hebrides and Loch Linnhe.  During the winter months skiers and snowboarders keep the slopes busy.  During the summer month walkers can enjoy the various trails of the mountain.

The Nevis Range provides Britain with the only mountain bike downhill track, which is world class and has access by gondola.  The track will take the rider down 2,000 feet, 3kms to where the cars are parked.  Those who are experienced in cycling should really attempt this track, as it takes about 4 minutes.  For those who are less experienced or who want to enjoy view, there are about 25 miles of bike and walking trails available that go through the Leanachan Forest, which is the lower slopes of Aonach Mor.

The riders can try either the wide or single tracks.  The single tracks were built for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events that take place throughout the year.  This particular prestigious competition brings visitors to Vevis Range while also being the location of the World Championships many times.

Another great place for the climber is the Glencoe, which is part of the Nevis Range.  There are eight different Munros that can be bagged for the climbers.  During the winter months Glencoe provides plenty of skiing, while providing the longest vertical course and steepest run in Scotland.  There are also plenty of runs for those who are beginners and intermediate skiers as well.

There are those who would rather just stay on ground level, so they are able to visit centres at Glen Nevis and Glencoe.  From here they will learn about geology, botany, wildlife and a history of the Glens.  This is done through walks along scenic spots.  For those who may need training before tackling a trail, there is the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven.

This particular ice centre provides the world’s largest ice climbing facility that is indoors.  It is also where UK has the largest rock climbing wall along with a competition bouldering hall.

Fort William plays an important role as a port, which can be forgotten because of the mountains that seem to dominate the view.

Fort William is the gateway to not only the sea but also to Caledonian Canal, which is busy all the time.  Ferries may be leaving while fishing boats are coming in with their fish.  If a visitor is interested, they can take different day trips to see the marine wildlife of Fort William, or even take a canoe trip down the Loch Linnhe.  If the water is too cold for a visitors liking, they can enjoy a heated pool or Jacuzzi at the Lochaber Leisure Centre.

There are also attractions that are available, regardless of the weather or what people are interested in.  Fort William has a way of providing a holiday town feel along with a relaxed pace that involves plenty of shops to browse through.  People will find stores that provide outdoor activity equipment, sports shops and even fashion boutiques, and even gift shops.  For those who are into history, you can check out the West Highland, Museum in Cameron Square, which just happens to be in the centre of town.  It reveals a variety of different secrets about the town which include a variety of pictures and information on Jacobites and how the fort was built, which is where the town received its name.

The Ben Nevis Distillery, which is located just outside of town, makes a whisky that happens to be award winning by using water that comes off the mountains.  There are also a variety of different activities available outside of Fort William as well, including art galleries and even craft workshops.  In Corpach there is an exhibite about the gemstones and fossils from the area.

The visitors can check out the roads that go from Fort William to Mallaig.  Of course there is a steam train that claims to follow those of Harry Potter and his friends.  There are many scenes from the different movies that have been shot in the area.

 The western parts of Lochaber have their own treasures as well.  For those who want a very natural look of things can also visit Ardgour, Ardnamurchan, Knoydart and Morvern.

Regardless of how long you are visiting for, whether just a few days or for several weeks, Fort William and the area around it, provide a variety of activities besides Mountains and lochs.    But the mountains could keep people busy enough.

 The Clynelish distillery was also a popular sight at one time.  It was built in 1819 by the Duke of Sutherland, which was a market for the grain that was locally grown.  Clynelish still distills and after some maturing has great warm and peaty malt taste.  Since the distillery still runs, tours are given, along with taste.  The idea behind the distillery was to help the economic improve in the Sutherland area.  To help with the economy, they used coal from the local mines and the other by products that come from that.  The animals also helped with fertilize the ground that would be used to grow grain that was used to help produce the malt from the distillery.  The malt was so popular, the distillery needed to grow, which also produced a gorgeous view of Brora during the holiday.  The grounds, built around the 1960’s, found in the Clynelish provides fun and relaxation.  The distillery still produces the only scotch malt that includes the six traditional copper stills that were used long ago.  The Clynelish malt is not only provided in the distillery, but in certain outlet stores in bottles that will have the symbol of the distillery, which happens to be a wildcat that is native to the area.

Even though the area had an important industrial past , the Hunters Woolen Mill produced tweeds that are still seen throughout the village in the beach and golf course.

 Regardless of whether a person enjoys being outdoors, or going for a round of golf, or even mountain biking, there are many different attractions available in Brora.

The 1100’s was the first recording of the history of Banff, which has played an important part of the history of the town.

The nautical history of the west side of the Banff Bay is a popular destiny for the nautical history.  The Bay is located at the Deveron River mouth, which is located on the Westside of the Bay.

Fishing and boat building grew tremendously from the start at the Greenbanks.  This is a place that is rich in gravel and is a natural setting and shelter from Moray Firth by being in the Deveron Spit.

In 1471 the people who lived in the bay area had to move because of the direction the river was taking.  They needed a more secure harbor and moorings location, which is located in the northwestern corner of the bay.  In the hundreds of years that followed, they were able to build a granite port that has grown into what it is today.  There were two great Civil Engineers from Britain named Thomas Telford and John Smeaton that were instrumental in this particular endeavor.

Not only is the bay known for its granite, but also the boats made of timber construction that took place in the Greenbanks harbor.

Banff became a proud Royal Burgh which grew in trading of things like cargo, whalers and even fishing.

 Recently, the Deveron mouth has done better when it comes to the sea work.  It is believed to be a better harbor in that it provides better shelters, and in the industry of boat building that are still doing quite well these days, even though the fishing industry seems to be dwindling because of the fishing boat industry is changing and being more high-tech and moving to other parts of the country.

Banff is also known for other attractions besides.  It is known for being the place to go in the winter for its outstanding architecture from the Georgian time.  It is said to have the highest amount of listings in the northern part of Scotland.

A great sample would be the Duff House that has become famous.  William Adam designed it and completed in the 1740’s and it is at Earls of Fife.  It has had quite a unique background that started during the 20^th Century and included things like a hotel and even a sanatorium.  Scotland stepped in to help it out when it started to have problems.  It is a now national treasure and is where they hold a variety of different conferences, musical events, and various other exhibitions.

This particular mansion provides an 18 hole golf club that was designed by James Braid.  It also provides a walk way that is quite beautiful that provide a tour of the home and grounds.  It ends up being a four mile walk, including a trek on the Bridge of Alvah.

During the World War II, Banff was one of the many Scottish Towns that were taken.  It did need some reconstruction because of the aerial warfare that took place during the war.  It has also become known as a training city for pilots for a couple of different plains like the twin engine and Strike Wing, which is of great interest to the war history buffs.

Captain Sir Max Aitken led a group between Norwegian coast and the North Sea that had many missions.  They also were known to have sunk a variety of different ships that were trying to come in.

The only way to remember this particular airfield is because of granite memorial that is held about 4 miles west of the city of Banff.  There is museum that is not real large and is located at the Boynce Centre.  The old airfield is a current wind generator farm.

Banff has not only been known to be a big fishing city at one time, it was also known as a distillery at one time.  It also had a tile works company as well at one point.  It was also known for having two different train stations as well.  They also have a very romantic bridge and smuggling, all part of its well known history.

Currently, Banff is not big in things dealing with the sea as far as ports, fishing, etc.  Occasionally there will be visits by some Scandiavian yachtsmen.

Being in the north east corner of Scotland, Banff still provides quite a bit for any tourist to see and enjoy.

Dingwall had a reputation as the market town because it had rich agriculture along with being able to take in fishing boats.  Now Dingwall’s agriculture has changed and is now more of a livestock tradition, with sales that take place just about any day of the week.  They also provide a farmer’s market that is held monthly.

It is suggested that the tourists check out the museum along with the taking a walk around town.  The pedestrian area has been made to feel comfortable and make you want to keep checking out the town because of the flowers and other things it has done to provide an environment that is welcoming.

The different store fronts in Dingwall try to bring in unique stores, which can provide the history of the town.  They can include things like crafts, designer boutique, cafes and jewelers.  The park has a pond where tourists can take a boat along with watching ducks.    The tourist could also play tennis or even enjoy the sun on a chair or even enjoy a wonderful picnic that they packed or food from one of the local eateries.  If a tourist would to walk along the canal, they would be able to find The Hector Macdonald Memorial, which provides a view of the bay.

Visiting Dingwall can be the place that is home base while traveling along the coast of Scotland.

The centre is run completely by volunteers and has an outstanding collection of photographs along with an extensive amount of artifacts.  There is no set admission fee, but they will welcome any donations that tourists would like to leave.

In 1877 the harbor was built and is what keeps Buckie alive.  It has continually been one of the most active places in Scotland.  For those who like to watch fishing boats  go about the daily grind, this would be the place to go, along with the shipyard that has continued to stay in business.

It just so happens that at the mouth of the Burn of Buck is where various villages that made their living fishing were separated, but were brought together.  These included the Nether Buckie, Easter Buck, Yardie and Ianstown to name a few.

In 1200 a hospital for lepers and church were established.  They were established in the older part of Buckie, a part that was part of Rathven or Ianstown.

Between the 1700 – 1800’s Buckie was formed.  As a newly established town it was located in a ridge of a fishing village that was owned by the Gorden family.

There are many different activities that are available as part of Buckie and a few of them included golf, sandy beaches, walking, and sea-angling.

This particular harbour is located a walk that is about two minutes from the shopping district along with plenty of eateries and bars to enjoy.

Sailing, white-water rafting, canoeing, paintball and windsurfing are some of the action items that are available.  But for those who would rather do something more tranquil would be golfing, going to check out any wildlife and even a tranquil walk in the forests are other options.

In the Cairngorms area, the Aviemore is where the main ski resort is located.  It also has some beautiful scenery at the resort and the surrounding area.  About nine miles outside of town the Cairngorm Funicular Railway will take the tourist to the restaurant that is located at the highest point in the entire UK.  Also in the higher altitudes there are different types of exhibitions and even pathways that are marked where the tourist can visit as well.

Also taking the Strathspey Steam Railway will allow for some relaxing time on a train to enjoy a blast from the past.  Some may even think that it is a romantic trip to go through much of the breathe taking scenery that happens to be in the area.  The train goes from Aviemore to Broomhill, which is near Nethy Bridge.  The riders can just ride the entire track or can get off and check villages like Boat of Garen.

The Revack Estate, a Highland estate that is located near Aviemore, is a pine forest that is still doing traditional work while providing a gift shop and restaurant.  This is a great place for those who are nature lovers or looking for a great little short get away.

Another great estate to visit that the entire family would enjoy would be the the Rothiemurchus Estate.  They combine scenery, history, exciting activities and nature.

The entire Aviemore area plays an important role when it comes to the wildlife that plays a big part of the area.  For example, when families visit just outside the Boat of Garten area, you will see a story that is a great success when it comes to conservation.  The Ospreys have recently been reintroduced to their natural habitat.  The Loch Garten Reserve will allow a family or nature lover to watch the birds raise their young.  The interpretation centre will allow the nature lover to watch the parents feed the young from the nest along with watching the adults get dinner by plunging into the water.

In Kincraig the Highland Wildlife Park provides even more wildlife that is even wilder and more natural.  This would include animals like Bears, tigers and even wolves, although they are a little tamer than those in the actual wilderness.  Many of these were able to roam freely among the Scotland hills.  The park will glad explain about the past and present state of the park and all that is a part of the park to those who would love to know more about it.

Reindeer is another one of those animals that will be seen roaming freely in the area.  In the 1950’s the Cairngorm Reindeer herd was found in the Aviemore area.  They have found this to be home, even though the conditions in the Cairngorn hills provide conditions that aren’t generally where reindeer would be found.  The family or nature lover who would want to meet the herd can do so by taking a short driven and then finishing the trek by foot, where they can actual feed and touch them.  Many have fallen in love with the reindeer because of their beautiful eyes and velvet noses.

10 Historical Quirk

Castle Stuart, Inverness, is noted for its connections with the Stuart family, since the 1600s.  It is currently owned by Charles and Elizabeth. A rather pricey B&B, the experience can be enjoyed with a four course meal in the price.  Of course, like a proper castle, it has its share of secret passages and doors.  The turret room at the top of the east tower is said to be haunted.

9  A Ringing Welcome

A romantic honeymoon location, as the owners of the Old Church of Urquhart ring the bells of their B&B to acknowledge romantic occasions.  This 19th-century former church has a 70ft-high tower and working bell.  There are three bedrooms and two guest lounges and meals are served in the gallery, under the traditional church ceiling: an evening meal can be provided by arrangement.  What better way to start your marriage and drive onto Inverness and venture into the heart of the highlands?

8  Dog Friendly in the Highlands

Carrmoor Guest House, Carrbridge, in the centre of the highlands, accepts visitors and their dogs.  The two of you can romp through the Cairngorms National Park.

7  Stones and Views  

Greenacre, Alness, a cosy and warm B&B is a mere ten minute walk from the Stittenham Stones.  These stones offer amazing views over the incredible Cromarty Firth.

6  Loch Ness

Perhaps the visitors at Anderson Farmhouse, Loch Ness, have sighted Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, but if you wish to try, then here’s a good place to start.

5  The Great Glen

The Great Glen runs about 100 kilometres in the highlands, and Lorien House B&B welcomes guests to enjoy a part of the geography.

4  Woodturning Times

Drynachen, Invergarry, offers woodturning lessons.  At the back of the B&B cottage, a workshop sits and guests can come and learn about woodturning, make their own products or purchase some from the owner.

3  Record Breaking Fish

The Moorings, Tarbet, is a picturesque B&B not far from where a fisherman caught a record breaking 183 Ib fish.

2  The Loch that Looks Like Scotland

Loch Gary, Fort William, takes on the same shape as that of the country Scotland.  Curlew Cottage’s visitors can enjoy the view.

1  The Pick-Your Own Egg Breakfast

Ashaig B&B, The Isle of Skye

A white bungalow sitting on the edge of the sea invites visitors to enjoy the sunsets and wonderful scenery.  Climbing the Cuillin Mountains or hiking the area and relaxing are some of the must-dos in this part of the world.  For breakfast, one can enjoy a full range of the Scottish, Special or Lighter breakfast.  All of which can contain eggs, as they have free-range chickens enjoying the view and fresh air as well.

Have fun researching your next B&B in the Scottish highlands.

The Games

Tossing the caber Root for your favourite competitor as they turn the caber. A caber is a long tapered pole or log, which the contestant balances upright in his palms.  Then, he (or she) runs forward trying to toss it so that it turns end over and over with the upper end hitting the ground first.  Once the smaller end hits the ground in the 12 o’clock position, the distance is measured relative to the direction of the run, the best tosses are those when the caber lands close to the 12 o’clock on an imaginary clock.  It is an art to achieve the caber toss and, like most tools in the games they vary in size, weight and height.

The Stone Put Join the crowd in cheering the winner of the stone put.  Similar to the shot put event in the Olympics, only a stone is thrown instead.  According to the Braemar games there are two techniques to use, a glide or a spin, either one is allowed at their event.

The Scottish Hammer Throw Watch competitor’s as they whirl a metal ball which is fastened to the end of a rod and then throw it over their shoulder.  Some competitors may wear footwear to dig into the turf and keep their balance.  The ball is thrown, and the distance is measured and recorded.

The Sheaf Throw Argued as more of a country fair event, this is still fun to watch.  The contestant sticks a burlap sack of straw and throws it with a pitchfork over his head.

Music and Dance

Listen to a Scottish pipe band at the opening ceremonies, as many as twenty pipe bands may play and march together, creating a thunderous rendition of tunes, such as Scotland the Brave or Amazing Grace.  Bagpipes, drums and solo piping can be heard and even competitive events.  And even local fiddlers or harp circles find their qualities at such proceedings.

What can be an event without Scottish dancing?  The pleasure to watch Scottish dancers and weave steps in time is second to none.  The Cowal Highland Gathering hosts the annual World Championship Highland Dancing Competition.  This event garners the best competitive dancers from all over the world to attempt for the title.

The highland games can be a wonderful opportunity to experience history and culture, through Scottish clan societies and tents giving a visitor even more depth to the greatness of the Scottish highlands.

Travel tip: make sure you book travel arrangements well in advance. Train and flight prices increase heavily as the time gets nearer. In most cases you will need to make payment by credit or debit card, so make sure you consider all your online bank account options to make sure you are getting the best deal.

For a family friendly, spot in the Scottish highlands spend a week or two in a large hotel complex, for instance the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, Aviemore.  This has two swimming pools, spas, shops and skiing facilities.  Parents arrive knowing that their children are welcome in a non-smoking environment.  This particular facility is rated as 3.9 out of 4 by Hotels.com.

If the large resort is not your palate in whisky, then sample the smaller home based hotels, such as Coul House Hotel, which was ranked number 1 of 8 hotels in Strathpeffer.  This unique Rosshire dwelling can be found in the hills of the Scottish highlands and is a wonderful place to see salmon jumping in the waterfall, ride bicycles and hike through the nearby forests and valleys.

Imagine staying in a hotel on Britain’s topmost coast, steps from the water or a car drive away from Duncan’s Bay Heads.  Castletown Hotel, Thurso, Sinclair Bay Hotel, Wick, and Sands Bay Hotel, Wick, are the perfect places to do just that.  They are located only kilometres from John O’Groats, where a walking trail begins and leads all the way to Land’s End in Cornwall, England.

Experience a night in a Scottish castle; these authentic and original hotels will add panache and elegance to any holiday.  Most often, their services include celebration packages for Christmas and the New Year or Hogmanay.

Ackergill Tower stands proud on the edge of the North Sea offering home-grown vegetables and seafood on its menu.  Falconry, fishing, horse riding and archery are listed on the activities to ensure its visitors are occupied.

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, found on the Isle of Harris on the western side of the tip of Scotland has noted to be ‘heaven on earth’.  What a perfect place for a holiday destination.  Wrapped in history and stunning scenery, it is known for its salmon fishing facilities.  Hillside gardens and thousands of acres of beautiful and well-maintained Trust-owned land (protected by the European laws), allow sightseers to observe plants, birds and other wildlife in their natural habitats.

Nestled in the glens and lochs of the west highlands is Inverlochy Hotel, a majestic place fabulous for fishing and boating and strolling along the shores.  At the end of an active day, sit in the Great Hall and listen to the piano playing while sipping a glass of malt.

The best hotels are the ones that create a relaxing and soothing mood and linger in the memory after the stay.  Explore and find your favourite hotel in the in the Scottish highlands to return to again and again.

Brora Golf Club

A golf course that should definitely be checked out while in Scotland is the Brora Golf Club. This golf course was designed by James Braid (won the open 5 times) and is a perfect example of a classic Scottish golf course. It features nine holes going out from and then nine coming back in. The backdrop features a hilly country side where sheep can be seen grazing, but don’t worry fences have been set up to protect the course from the sheep.

Castle Stuart

One of the most beautiful courses in the Scottish Highlands is Castle Stuart. Castle Stuart is located close to Inverness. The course features amazing scenery, from hilly country sides to beautiful courses that overlook the Moray Firth. There are also many well-known landmarks that can be seen while out golfing. These include Kessock Bridge and the Chanonry Lighthouse. The course also has hotels and a spa as well as lodges and apartments.  Any golfer visiting the Scottish Highlands should definitely make a stop at Castle Stuart.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Another course worth checking out is the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. This course is the 6^th oldest course in the world dating back to the 1780s and claims to be one of the best stretches of links golf ever created. The original design was done by Robert Simpson and was later altered by James Braid. This course is another fine example of a classic Scottish course with its rolling hills and pastures. This is definitely a course the avid golfer should play.

The Royal Dornoch Golf Club

The Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a course that should be on the list of any serious golfer. Its isolated location gives it a rural beauty that cannot be matched. The course itself follows and out and back format and has naturally raised plateaus that provide a challenge for even the most experienced of golfers. This course was original created in 1877 and has been considered a “Royal” course for over 100 years. Royal Dornoch has been consistently rated in the top 20 of the world’s 100 best golf courses. This is definitely a place worth visiting.

The courses listed in the article are only a few of many amazing golf courses in the Scottish Highlands. Anyone who is looking to take a vacation, play golf, enjoy amazing scenery and culture should definitely consider the Scottish Highlands. The Scottish Highlands features beautiful landscapes with many historic sites that will keep any traveler entertained for the duration of their trip.

Benromach

The first distillery on the list is Benromach. Benromach is located on the edge of Forres. Benromach Distillery is known for its distinct, handmade, malt that is like no other. Visitors are given an in depth tour of the distillery. On the tour they will see the distillery in action and even get to taste some of the Malt.

Cardhu

The second distillery on the trail is Cardhu. Cardhu is a historic distillery which was founded in the 1800’s and is also located in the Forres region. While visiting this distillery, travelers will be able to tour the distillery and taste some of the classic malt whiskies produced there.

Dallas Dhu

Third on the list is the Dallas Dhu Historic Distillery which is also located in Forres. This distillery was founded in the late 1800’s in response to the increased demand for malt whiskies. Dallas Dhu has a shaky past which involved being closed several times throughout history. Today they are no longer producing malt whisky but tours of this historic distillery are still available.

Glenfiddich

Next up is Glenfiddich which is located in Dufftown. The Glenfiddich Distillery produced its first whisky on Christmas Day in the year 1887. They are very well known for their Scotch whisky. Tours of this distillery are available and guest can try their 12, 15, and 18 year old whiskies.

Glen Grant

The Glen Grant Distillery is located on the north end of the village of Rothes. Glen Grant Distillery uses a method that is completely their own. The result of this unique method is a whisky that has a pale gold appearance and a very clean taste. When visiting this distillery guest will be allowed to tour the distillery and the Victorian Garden.

Glenlivet

The Glenlivet Distillery is in an isolated location along the trail. It was also the first licensed distillery in the Scottish Highlands.  Visitors will be given a tour of the distillery including an in depth history, production methods, and a taste of the whisky produced there.

Glen Moray

The Glen Moray Distillery is located in Elgin and was founded in the late 1800’s. Over the years the distillery has changed significantly, but the ingredients, production methods, and dedication of the craftsmen involved has remained the same. They claim to produce one of the finest malt whiskies. Visitors will be giving an in depth tour of the distillery and will even be allowed to sample the product.

Speyside Cooperage

One place to visit along the trail is the Speyside Cooperage. Although they are not a distillery, they produce a product that is essential for the distilleries to remain in operation. Speyside Cooperage specializes in making casks using traditional methods and tools. It is an enjoyable stop to make along the way.

Strathisla

Strathisla is the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Founded in 1786, Strathisla has perfected the art of whisky distilling and blending. It is also the home of one of the most famous whisky brands in the world, Chivas Regal. Visitors will be given an in depth tour and will be able to sample to the whisky produced there.

Touring Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail is a truly enjoyable experience. There are plenty of places to visit and sites to see. Travelers will not be disappointed!

Take an flight to Inverness, (located on the northeast coast of Scotland, where the highlands begin and the lowlands end), an international flight from Europe or Canada will get you there, or a local flight from London, Birmingham, Bristol or Belfast, Ireland.  The quickest way to get to the Shetland Islands, the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides is to fly from Inverness.  Some villages are just a few miles from the airports.  Taking a plane to the northern coastline allows unique communities to be discovered and a new perspective to north Britain.

What to pack:

• Walking boots – it’s Scotland!
• A beach towel – Tirilee is known as the sunniest place in Britain.  It offers a beach and fabulous surfing waters, in October the annual Tiree Wave Classic is held.  Stornoway airport is barely ten minutes from the town and paddling, sailing a small craft around the marina and fishing are top of the list for entertainment.
• Golf shoes – Stornoway offers an eighteen hole course, while there is a nine hole course on the Outer Hebrides.  Beautiful greens and views to practice your swing, so breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the game.
• A pair of quiet shoes – for visiting museums or castles.  Dunrobin Castle and the Castle of Mey are two popular places within miles of Wick, each with their own beauty to show.  Dunrobin’s gardens exhibit a spectacular magnificence, and the Castle of Mey is where the late Queen Mother enjoyed spending many a summer.
• Binoculars – for bird watching, Loch Bhasapoll, a cave on the coast of Tirilee, at Kenavara.  Observe puffins, dolphins and whales in the Hebrides.

More Flight Information:

Barra, Scotland, is proud to claim the shortest land strip in all of the isles, on a beach!   The tide washes the sand twice a day, Traigh Mhor beach is said to be the only beach runway world-wide that handles scheduled airline services.  The island is only five by eight miles in size.

After landing at the Orkney Isles at Kirkwall Airport, one can take the shortest plane ride of a full two minutes between Westray and Papa Westra, if the idea of a ferry ride doesn’t appeal.

Planes fly daily from Wick to Aberdeen and Edinburgh, typically for commuters and business people, but if you fancy a quick to the southern parts of Scotland, then here’s another way to go.

Being at the top of the British Isles gives extra wind and cold, but the communities in the Outer Hebrides and such plan and delight in events year round.  Start packing and planning your trip to the Scottish Highlands, for flight times go to this website, www.hial.co.uk or look at www.visitscotland.com for more details.

The Highlands are most known for their rough terrain, incredible beauty and ancient history.  The scenery is created from peaks of gigantic mountains, depth of sweeping valleys and textures from stones, granite and marble carved over billions of years with glaciers, rivers and time.  Angus Miller, in his article, Visit Scotland, says, “Stand on any rock in Scotland, and you are standing on a piece of history, one offering a glimpse into Scotland’s past.”

Scotland’s past is a sad and momentous part of the British Isles’s history.  This geographical region was once populated with families and farming communities, but in 1745 the Jacobites, King James (The Great Pretender) and his son, Charles Edward Stewart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) began to protest to have the Stewarts as monarchs in Britain.  They were unsuccessful.  The Battle of Colluden followed in 1946 and the uprising ended.  The Jacobites took the brunt of the losses terribly quickly, while the Duke of Cumberland, in charge of the loyalist party to the king, encountered losses of a lesser degree.  The King stayed in power and Bonnie Prince Charlie fled to France.  A memorial stands on the Colluden moor in the Scottish highlands, marking the loss of lives, in an eerie silent and desolate sanctuary.

A natural emigration resulted from the above battle, with Scottish tribes losing their homes and way of life.  During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the highlanders moved to the Scottish lowlands, the sea coasts and the North American colonies.  The historical clearances impacted the agricultural use of the highlands, too.  Sheep farming was introduced and took over the glens.  Records and ideas suggest that the highlanders lost their homes, culture and were betrayed by their own clan chiefs, to add to the suffering.  An excellent resource about the clearances is the Wikipedia enclcyopedia at www.wikipedia.org or for a more in depth account, John Prebble’s book, The Highland Clearances.

Today, the mountains stand majestic and vast, having absorbed the past, rebellious and courageous acts of its descendandants.  The customs that have remained include kilt-making, the Scottish language, Gaelic, is still spoken in small pockets.  If one wanted to work in the Highlands, then, knowledge in sheep farming or whisky distilling might be recommended.  Most of the work now is seasonal with ski resorts in the winter and water fun in the summer.  Of course, a passion to enjoy the outdoors and climbing hills or mountaineering are a must if one is to enjoy the rugged terrain of the Scottish highlands.