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 The Studio Jewellery Workshop, Achnasheen,
Wester-Ross IV22 2EE. Tel: 01445 - 720227. The Studio Jewellery
Workshop has been established for twenty five years and has built
up a reputation for the quality of jewellery and silverware produced.
Situated in a beautiful spot, in the village of Achnasheen, at
the head of Strath Bran. Inspiration for the designs created
in the workshop come from the surrounding area and have a timeless
and universal appeal. www.studiojewellery.com. Location: In the centre of Achnasheen. |
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Croick Church near Ardgay. Croick Church was
built during the years 1825-1827 from designs produced by Thomas
Telford and is exceptionally well preserved. About 9 miles west of Ardgay. |
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FALLS
OF SHIN, ACHANY GLEN, LAIRG, SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND IV27 4EE. Tel:
01549 40223. Falls of Shin Visitor Centre is a spectacular experience
for all the family, set in the Achany Glen amongst breathtaking
Highland scenery. Open all year round, this all weather destination
has extensive forest walks, a brand new children's adventure
playground, the dramatic waterfalls and the famous salmon leap,
where you can watch salmon hurl themselves up the falls. www.fallsofshin.co.uk. About 7 miles north of Ardgay. |
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Inverewe Garden, Poolewe, Ross-shire, IV22
2LG. Tel: 01445 781200. A garden created from windswept moorland
on a rocky peninsula beside Loch Ewe, with some of the world’s
largest growing trees planted into holes carved out of the rocky
ground. The garden is nurtured by the warm currents of the North
Atlantic Drift, and is set amidst some of the country’s
finest scenery. You will find Chinese rhododendrons, Tasmanian
eucalypts, Himalayan blue poppies, New Zealand daisy bushes,
Chilean lantern-trees, Californian dog’s-tooth violets,
South African bulbs, Mediterranean rock roses, and many more
besides. About 5 miles
south of Aultbea. |
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Cairngorm Mountain, Aviemore. Tel: 01479 861
261All year round visitor attraction and winter ski centre with
funicular railway to the top station, which includes a mountain
exhibition, UK's highest restaurant, The Ptarmigan, and shop
at the top. www.cairngormmountain.com. Location: On the outskirts of Aviemore. |
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The
Strathspey Railway, Aviemore Station, Dalfaber Road, Aviemore
PH22 1PY. Tel: 01479 810725. The Strathspey Railway relives the
sights and sounds of the steam age. Join the train at the beautifully
restored Aviemore Station, the largest on the Highland Railway
system outside Inverness. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk.
Location: In the centre
of Aviemore. |
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Cairngorm Whisky Centre, Aviemore, Inverness-Shire.
Tel: 01479 810574. The whisky tasting room has whiskies from
over 90 distilleries. Experts on hand fo all aspects of Scotch
whisky. The shop contains many old and rare whiskies, as well
as miniatures, books, maps and Scottish fare. About 1 mile southeast of Aviemore. |
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Glencoe Visitor Centre, Glencoe PH49 4LA.
Tel: 01855 811729. In 2002 the old visitor centre was removed,
and a start was made on returning its site and car park to nature.
May 2002 saw the opening of the NTS's new £3m visitor centre
on the south side of the main road and lower down the glen, nearer
to the village of Glencoe.The buildings are laid out as a clachan,
a settlement or village. About
4 miles east of Ballachulish. |
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Glencoe
and North Lorn Folk Museum, Glencoe Village, Glencoe PA39 4HS.
Tel: 01855 811 664. The Museum is situated in a 17th Century
thatched croft house in the main street of Glencoe Village. You
will be amazed and entertained by the variety of objects that
portray the history of this remarkable area. Topics to discover
include the massacre of Glencoe, agriculture, costume, medicine
and toys. About 4 miles east of Ballachulish. |
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The Aluminium Story, Linnhe Road, Kinlochleven,
Argyll, PA50 4SJ. Tel: 01855 831 663. In 1904, the British Aluminium
Company built the 8 mile long Blackwater Reservoir high on Rannoch
Moor, then the largest reservoir in Europe. It used the power
generated to smelt aluminium in the vastly expanded company village
of Kinlochleven. Sadly, the site stopped smelting in June 2000.
The visitor centre and library here uses imaginative audio-visual
displays, and a special presentation to tell how aluminium has
been produced in the past 80 years. About 10 miles east of Ballachulish. |
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Beauly Priory, Beauly. Tel: 01667 460232. Beauly
Priory was one of three priories founded in Scotland by the Valliscaulian
order from Burgundy after 1230. It was referred to by the monks
as 'Prioratus de Bello Loco' (Priory of the Lovely Spot). The
monastery was completed in 1272. It is located in the northeast
of the village close to the River Beauly and is now in the care
of Historic Scotland. Location:
On the outskirts of Beauly. |
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Inverness
Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Wynd , Inverness IV2 3EB. Tel:
01463 237114. Explore our lively "Man in the Landscape"
exhibition and our Discovery Centre. Upstairs is a large range
of silverware from the Inverness Area, authentic Highland weapons
and bagpipes as well as a collection of Scottish contemporary
art. www.invernessmuseum.com. About 10 miles east of Beauly. |
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Inverness Castle and the Castle Garrison Encounter.
Tel: 01463 243 363. The Inverness Castle that now sits overlooking
the River Ness is a 19th Century building used as the Sheriff
Court. At the Castle Garrison Encounter you can journey back
in time to 1745, enlist in the Regiment and meet some of its
other characters live. Open daily during the tourist season.
About 10 miles east of
Beauly. |
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The
Original Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness,
IV63 6TU. Tel: 01456 450342. For centuries sightings have been
made of a mysterious creature said to inhabit the deep and murky
waters of Scotland's most famous Loch. Now you can take our official
guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. www.lochness-centre.com. About 10 miles south of Beauly. |
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Croick Church near Ardgay. Croick Church was
built during the years 1825-1827 from designs produced by Thomas
Telford and is exceptionally well preserved. About 10 miles west of Bonar Bridge. |
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FALLS
OF SHIN, ACHANY GLEN, LAIRG, SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND IV27 4EE. Tel:
01549 40223. Falls of Shin Visitor Centre is a spectacular experience
for all the family, set in the Achany Glen amongst breathtaking
Highland scenery. Open all year round, this all weather destination
has extensive forest walks, a brand new children's adventure
playground, the dramatic waterfalls and the famous salmon leap,
where you can watch salmon hurl themselves up the falls. www.fallsofshin.co.uk. About 6 miles north of Bonar Bridge. |
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Clynelish Distillery, Brora, Sutherland. Tel:
01408 623000. Clynelish Distillery is one of the most northerly
distilleries in Scotland, located just outside the village of
Brora with commanding views of the North Sea. Spring water from
the Clynemilton burn is used to produce this fruity, slightly
smoky Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ring for opening times. Location: On the outskirts of Brora. |
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Dunrobin
Castle, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6SF. Tel: 01408 633177. Dunrobin
Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses. It is
the largest house in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms, and
is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating
in part from the early 1300s. About
4 miles southwest of Brora. |
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Fortrose Cathedral.Tel: 01667 460232. Only
the south aisle of the nave and chapter house survive at this
beautiful red sandstone cathedral, but the plan of the buildings
are laid out in the grass. The cathedral was built in the first
half of the 13th century, though it was extended and altered
in the 14th and 15th centuries. About 7 miles southwest of Cromarty. |
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Groam
House Museum and Pictish Centre, High Street, Rosemarkie, Ross-shire,
Scotland IV10 8UF. Tel: 01381 620961. The museum is an outstanding
Pictish Centre for Ross and Cromarty. The unique display is focussed
on 15 carved Pictish stones. All the stones originated in Rosemarkie,
some dating back to the 8th century AD, when it was an important
centre of early Christianity. About 6 miles southwest of Cromarty. |
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Cromarty Courthouse Museum, Church Street,
CROMARTY IV11 8XATel: 01381 600418. The unspoilt, 18th century
port of Cromarty sits at the tip of the Black Isle peninsula.
Our museum, in the town's eighteenth- century Courthouse, uses
extensive research and modern technology to help you share our
enthusiasm for Cromarty - past and present. Check website for
opening times. www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk. Location: In the centre of Cromarty. |
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Miller
House & Hugh Miller's Cottage, Church Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire,
IV11 8XA. Tel (01381) 600245. Miller House is a handsome Georgian
villa built by Miller’s sea-captain father and is the home
of a superb new museum created by the National Trust for Scotland.
It presents Hugh Miller’s many talents – including
stonemason, geologist, writer, editor and church reformer –
through a variety of exhibitions, with some of the artefacts
reappearing after over 20 years in storage. Location: In the centre of Cromarty. |
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Dingwall Museum Trust, Town House, High Street,
Dingwall, Ross & Cromarty, IV15 9RY. Tel: 01349 865366. This
small museum is full of interesting local history. You will find
a reconstructed local smiddy (Smithy or black smith's workshop)
and kitchen, and remarkable military room featuring the life
and times of Fighting Mac. Ring for opening times. www.dingwallmuseum.co.uk.
Location: In the centre
of Dingwall. |
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Beauly
Priory, Beauly. Tel: 01667 460232. Beauly Priory was one of three
priories founded in Scotland by the Valliscaulian order from
Burgundy after 1230. It was referred to by the monks as 'Prioratus
de Bello Loco' (Priory of the Lovely Spot). The monastery was
completed in 1272. It is located in the northeast of the village
close to the River Beauly and is now in the care of Historic
Scotland. About 8 miles
south of Dingwall. |
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Historylinks Museum, The Meadows, Dornoch,
Sutherland, IV25 3SF. Tel: 01862 811275. The museum is dedicated
to the history of Dornoch parish. The permanent exhibition shows
the Cathedral, feuding clans, the shameful burning of Scotland’s
last condemned witch and the treachery and violence of Picts
and Vikings. www.historylinks.org.uk. Location: In the centre of Dornoch. |
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Dornoch
Cathedral is an ancient and beautiful building witha turbulent
and colourful history. There are 27 magnificent stained glass
windows and stunning woodwork with a wonderfully carved pulpit,
together with matching oak pews and communion table. Location:
In the centre of Dornoch. |
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The Glenmorangie Distillery, Glenmorangie
Distillery Coy, Tain, Ross-shire. Tel: 01862 892477. Glenmorangie
Distillery is on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. It has been
producing Glenmorangie Single Highland malt Scotch whisky since
1843. The source of the all-important water is a short walk from
the distillery - the Tarlogie Springs.The building that originally
housed the stills provides the setting for the new visitor centre.
The atmosphere of quiet industry is ideal for giving glimpses
of, and displaying artefacts from, Glenmorangie's past. www.glenmorangieplc.com.
About 7 miles south of
Dornoch. |
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The
Original Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness,
IV63 6TU. Tel: 01456 450342. For centuries sightings have been
made of a mysterious creature said to inhabit the deep and murky
waters of Scotland's most famous Loch. Now you can take our official
guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. www.lochness-centre.com.
Location: In the centre
of Drumnadrochit. |
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Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness.Tel 01456 450551.
Urquhart Castle is magnificently situated on the banks of Loch
Ness, built on an irregular outcrop of rock. It remains an impressive
stronghold despite its ruinous state. The castle’s history
and that of the noble families Durward, Macdonald and Grant who
held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in
the new visitor centre. The Centre features an outstanding array
of medieval artefacts found at the castle. Location: On the outskirts of Drumnadrochit. |
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The
Great Glen Way is 73 miles/117km in length. It runs from Fort
William, in the west, to Inverness, in the east, with spectacular
views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all
along the way. www.greatglenway.com. It passes through the village of Drumnadrochit. |
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Durness Visitor Centre, Durness, Sutherland
IV27 4PX. Tel: 01971 511756. Durness Visitor Centre overlooks
golden Sango Bay and is within sight of the most north-westerly
tip of mainland Scotland, Cape Wrath. Inside, the centre has
several comprehensive exhibits, covering crofting, natural history
and local customs and culture. Location:
On the outskirts of Durness. |
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Smoo
Cave, Durness. Set into limestone cliffs, Smoo Cave is 200 feet
long, 130 feet wide, and 50 feet high at the entrance.This easily
accessible cave has the largest entrance of any sea cave in the
British Isles. Its vast interior is floodlit and the innermost
depths can be explored by boat. Long used by local inhabitants,
recent excavations show that the cave was in use 6000 years ago
by the earliest settlers in the north. www.smoocave.org.
Location: On the outskirts
of Durness. |
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Fortrose Cathedral.Tel: 01667 460232. Only
the south aisle of the nave and chapter house survive at this
beautiful red sandstone cathedral, but the plan of the buildings
are laid out in the grass. The cathedral was built in the first
half of the 13th century, though it was extended and altered
in the 14th and 15th centuries. Location: In the centre of Fortrose. |
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Groam
House Museum and Pictish Centre, High Street, Rosemarkie, Ross-shire,
Scotland IV10 8UF. Tel: 01381 620961. The museum is an outstanding
Pictish Centre for Ross and Cromarty. The unique display is focussed
on 15 carved Pictish stones. All the stones originated in Rosemarkie,
some dating back to the 8th century AD, when it was an important
centre of early Christianity. About 1 mile northeast of Fortrose. |
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Cromarty Courthouse Museum, Church Street,
CROMARTY IV11 8XATel: 01381 600418. The unspoilt, 18th century
port of Cromarty sits at the tip of the Black Isle peninsula.
Our museum, in the town's eighteenth- century Courthouse, uses
extensive research and modern technology to help you share our
enthusiasm for Cromarty - past and present. Check website for
opening times. www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk. About 7 miles northeast of Fortrose. |
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West Highland Museum, Cameron Square, Fort
William PH33 6AJ. Tel: 01397 702169.The West Highland Museum
holds fascinating collections of pictures, photographs, archives
and artefacts from the stone tool cultures of the Mesolithic
to the technologies of modern industry. The items on display
offer an insight into a unique way of life. From soldiers to
crofters, princes to clergymen - all the people of the West Highlands
are represented. Along with geological and archaeological exhibits
they present a vivid depiction of life in the West Highlands.
www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk. Location:
In the centre of Fort William. |
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Old
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William. Although now a ruin this was
one of the most important castles in Scottish history. Originally
dating back to the 13th century, Inverlochy Castle last played
a part in Scottish and English history during the Civil Wars
of the 1640's. Location: On the outskirts of Fort William. |
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BEN NEVIS DISTILLERY, Lochy Bridge, Fort William
PH33 6TJ. Ben Nevis Distillery established in 1825, is one of
the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. The distillery
is nestled at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis,
which has a summit elevation of 4'406 feet above sea level. This
imposing mountain provides an impressive background to a traditional
Scottish craft. www.bennevisdistillery.com. Location: On the outskirts of Fort William. |
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The
Neptune's Staircase, Fort William. Neptune's Staircase is an
extensive flight of nine locks in the Caledonian Canal. The canal,
one of Thomas Telford's masterpieces opened in 1847, connects
Loch Ness to Loch Linnhe and provides a safer inland route through
Scotland from Moray Firth to the Firth of Lorne. About 2 miles north of Fort William. |
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Gairloch Heritage Museum, Achtercairn, Gairloch,
Ross-shire IV21 2BP. Tel: 01445 712287. Housed in a complex of
old farm buildings, Gairloch Heritage Museum is a record of life
in the area from pre-history to the present day. The museum was
established in 1977 by the local heritage society and has so
far won seven national awards. www.gairlochheritagemuseum.org.uk.
Location: On the outskirts
of Gairloch. |
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Inverewe
Garden, Poolewe, Ross-shire, IV22 2LG. Tel: 01445 781200. A garden created from windswept moorland on a rocky
peninsula beside Loch Ewe, with some of the world’s largest
growing trees planted into holes carved out of the rocky ground. The garden is nurtured by the warm
currents of the North Atlantic Drift, and is set amidst some
of the country’s finest scenery. You will find Chinese rhododendrons,
Tasmanian eucalypts, Himalayan blue poppies, New Zealand daisy
bushes, Chilean lantern-trees, Californian dog’s-tooth violets,
South African bulbs, Mediterranean rock roses, and many more
besides. About 4 miles northeast of Gairloch. |
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Glencoe Visitor Centre, Glencoe PH49 4LA.
Tel: 01855 811729. In 2002 the old visitor centre was removed,
and a start was made on returning its site and car park to nature.
May 2002 saw the opening of the NTS's new £3m visitor centre
on the south side of the main road and lower down the glen, nearer
to the village of Glencoe.The buildings are laid out as a clachan,
a settlement or village. Location:
In the centre of Glencoe. |
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Glencoe
and North Lorn Folk Museum, Glencoe Village, Glencoe PA39 4HS.
Tel: 01855 811 664. The Museum is situated in a 17th Century
thatched croft house in the main street of Glencoe Village. You
will be amazed and entertained by the variety of objects that
portray the history of this remarkable area. Topics to discover
include the massacre of Glencoe, agriculture, costume, medicine
and toys. Location: In the centre of Glencoe. |
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The Aluminium Story, Linnhe Road, Kinlochleven,
Argyll, PA50 4SJ. Tel: 01855 831 663. In 1904, the British Aluminium
Company built the 8 mile long Blackwater Reservoir high on Rannoch
Moor, then the largest reservoir in Europe. It used the power
generated to smelt aluminium in the vastly expanded company village
of Kinlochleven. Sadly, the site stopped smelting in June 2000.
The visitor centre and library here uses imaginative audio-visual
displays, and a special presentation to tell how aluminium has
been produced in the past 80 years. About 6 miles east of Glencoe. |
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Glenfinnan Monument, Glenfinnan. The Glenfinnan
Monument is located at the head of Loch Shiel. There is an entrance
fee to climb up the monument but no charge to walk around the
surrounding area. The monument was built in 1815 in tribute to
the clansmen who fought and died in the Jacobite cause. Location: On the outskirts of Glenfinnan. |
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Glenfinnan
Railway Station, Station Road, Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire PH37
4LT. Glenfinnan Station Museum is a restored West Highland Line
railway station on the 'Iron Road' to the Isles from Fort William
to Mallaig. The Glenfinnan Dining Car offers a unique dining
experience. This lovingly restored 1950s carriage offers lunches,
refreshments and cream teas during the day, throughout museum
hours. Table d'hôte menu available on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday evenings. Booking is essential for evening meals.
Tel: 01397 722 300. Location: On the outskirts of Glenfinnan. |
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Glenfinnan Viaduct was built in 1897–1901
by Sir Robert McAlpine. It has 21 arches and reaches as high
as 100 ft (30 m). The viaduct was recently used in the filming
of the Harry Potter films, when the Jacobite Steam Train became
transformed into the Hogwarts Express and was filmed crossing
the viaduct. Location:
On the outskirts of Glenfinnan. |
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Clynelish Distillery, Brora, Sutherland. Tel:
01408 623000. Clynelish Distillery is one of the most northerly
distilleries in Scotland, located just outside the village of
Brora with commanding views of the North Sea. Spring water from
the Clynemilton burn is used to produce this fruity, slightly
smoky Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Ring for opening times. About 4 miles northeast of Golspie. |
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Dunrobin
Castle, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6SF. Tel: 01408 633177. Dunrobin
Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's great houses. It is
the largest house in the Northern Highlands with 189 rooms, and
is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating
in part from the early 1300s. Location:
On the outskirts of Golspie. |
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Grantown Museum, Burnfield Avenue, Grantown-on-Spey
PH26 3HH. Grantown Museum tells the story of Grantown-on-Spey,
a fine example of an 18th century planned town. The story is
brought to life through the museum’s extensive photographic
collection. www.grantownmuseum.co.uk. Location: In the centre of Grantown on Spey. |
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Lochindorb
Castle is located on the bleak Dava Moor south of Nairn and Forres
on the way to Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore, in the south-eastern
heart of the Scottish Highlands. It sits on a partly man-made
island in this remote loch and is not accessible by public transport.
About 6.5 miles northwest
of Grantown on Spey. |
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Revack Estate, Grantown on Spey. Tel: 01479
872 234. Visitor attraction set in 15,000 acres of outstanding
scenery. Walled garden, Ornamental lochs, 10 miles of walks and
trails through the wetland habitats of oyster catchers, lapwings
and curlews. Garden centre, Gift shop and Restaurant. Location: On the outskirts of Grantown
on Spey. |
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Tomintoul
Museum, The Square, Tomintoul, Moray, AB37 9ET. Tel: 01309 673 701. The Museum can be found in the village square of Tomintoul, one of the highest villages in Britain. It features a recreated crofter's kitchen and smiddy, with other displays on the local wildlife, the story of Tomintoul and the Cairngorms. About 14 miles southeast of Grantown on Spey. |
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Inverness
Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Wynd , Inverness IV2 3EB. Tel:
01463 237114. Explore our lively "Man in the Landscape"
exhibition and our Discovery Centre. Upstairs is a large range
of silverware from the Inverness Area, authentic Highland weapons
and bagpipes as well as a collection of Scottish contemporary
art. www.invernessmuseum.com. About 18 miles south of Invergordon. |
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Inverness Castle and the Castle Garrison Encounter.
Tel: 01463 243 363. The Inverness Castle that now sits overlooking
the River Ness is a 19th Century building used as the Sheriff
Court. At the Castle Garrison Encounter you can journey back
in time to 1745, enlist in the Regiment and meet some of its
other characters live. Open daily during the tourist season.
About 18 miles south of
Invergordon. |
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The
Original Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness,
IV63 6TU. Tel: 01456 450342. For centuries sightings have been
made of a mysterious creature said to inhabit the deep and murky
waters of Scotland's most famous Loch. Now you can take our official
guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. www.lochness-centre.com. About 24 miles south of Invergordon. |
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The Dolphin and Seal Centre, North Kessock
Tel: 01463 731866. The Moray Firth contains a resident population
of Bottlenose dolphins in excess of 140 animals, the largest
such population in the North Sea. There are also large populations
of both Common seal and Grey seal. The Visitor Centre is one
of the best opportunities in Europe to observe dolphins and seals
in their natural habitat. You can listen to the dolphins through
the unique underwater microphone system. Open June-September. About
15 miles south of Invergordon. |
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The
Glenmorangie Distillery, Glenmorangie Distillery Coy, Tain, Ross-shire.
Tel: 01862 892477. Glenmorangie Distillery is on the shores of
the Dornoch Firth. It has been producing Glenmorangie Single
Highland malt Scotch whisky since 1843. The source of the all-important
water is a short walk from the distillery - the Tarlogie Springs.The
building that originally housed the stills provides the setting
for the new visitor centre. The atmosphere of quiet industry
is ideal for giving glimpses of, and displaying artefacts from,
Glenmorangie's past. www.glenmorangieplc.com.
About 10 miles northeast
of Invergordon . |
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Inverness
Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Wynd , Inverness IV2 3EB. Tel:
01463 237114. Explore our lively "Man in the Landscape"
exhibition and our Discovery Centre. Upstairs is a large range
of silverware from the Inverness Area, authentic Highland weapons
and bagpipes as well as a collection of Scottish contemporary
art. www.invernessmuseum.com. Location: In the centre of Inverness. |
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Inverness Castle and the Castle Garrison Encounter.
Tel: 01463 243 363. The Inverness Castle that now sits overlooking
the River Ness is a 19th Century building used as the Sheriff
Court. At the Castle Garrison Encounter you can journey back
in time to 1745, enlist in the Regiment and meet some of its
other characters live. Open daily during the tourist season.
Location: In the centre
of Inverness. |
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The
Original Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness,
IV63 6TU. Tel: 01456 450342. For centuries sightings have been
made of a mysterious creature said to inhabit the deep and murky
waters of Scotland's most famous Loch. Now you can take our official
guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. www.lochness-centre.com. About 10 miles southwest of Inverness. |
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The Culloden Battlefield Memorial Project.
The new visitor centre is being built 200 metres to the south
of the current centre which will remain open throughout the construction
period. The centre is being built on a
gentle slope and will be almost hidden from the battlefield.
www.culloden.org. About
4 miles east of Inverness. |
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The
Dolphin and Seal Centre, North Kessock Tel: 01463 731866. The
Moray Firth contains a resident population of Bottlenose dolphins
in excess of 140 animals, the largest such population in the
North Sea. There are also large populations of both Common seal
and Grey seal. The Visitor Centre is one of the best opportunities
in Europe to observe dolphins and seals in their natural habitat.
You can listen to the dolphins through the unique underwater
microphone system. Open June-September. About 3 miles north of Inverness. |
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John O' Groats Passenger ferry service from
John O' Groats to Orkney. Every day all summer from 1st May to
30th September. www.jogferry.co.uk. Location: On the outskirts of John O' Groats, 839.1
miles from Land's End. |
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Castle
of Mey, Thurso, Caithness KW14 8XH. Tel: 01847 851473. The former
holiday home of the late Queen Mother is the most northerly castle
on the British mainland. She renovated and restored it and created
the beautiful gardens you see today. For almost half a century
she spent many happy summers here. www.castleofmey.org.uk.
About 6 miles west of
John O' Groats. |
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Thurso Castle, Thurso KW14. Thurso Castle
was originally a 12th century earthwork fortress, founded by
the Norse Earls. In the 17th century, it was replaced by a stone
tower house. The roofless but impressive remains are visible
across the rivermouth from the old town of Thurso. About 14 miles east of John O' Groats. |
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HIGHLAND FOLK MUSEUM, NEWTONMORE PH20 1AY.
TEL: 01540 673551. The Highland Folk Museum, winner for the “Best
Visitor Experience” in Scotland 2010 is situated 2 miles
south of Kingussie. The Museum is a one-mile long, 80-acre
living history site. Situated near the Cairngorm Mountains,
the site offers a combination of farmland, woodland, and open
areas. It portrays 200 years of Highland rural life, from the
1700s to the mid-1900s. The Museum has transformed 300 years
of history by recreating a thriving 1700's township, of heather
thatched turf houses with open peat fires, the original working
croft still stands with horses, cattle, ducks, tractors, and
farm machinery and the teacher rules in the old, tin school!
A Victorian water-powered sawmill has been brought back to life
along with a clock-maker's workshop, tailor's shop, 1950s summer
house and post office. NEW for 2011 is the Highland cottage (1890s)
and MacPherson’s Tailors Shop (1930s) relocated from Newtonmore.
Interpretive Guides in period costume bring history alive, whilst
old favourites are available in the 1930’s sweet shop (summer
months). The introductory audio visual (19 minutes) welcomes
you and the museum runs an activity programs throughout the summer
holidays (see highlandfolk.com/activities.php for days). Also
available is a shop, café, children’s playground
and picnic area with spectacular views of the Cairngorms. This
is an ideal family day out and a chance to get a real feel for
the history of the Scottish Highlands (3-5hrs recommended).
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an award-winning Highland
attraction. Visit www.highlandfolk.com for more information.
http://highlandfolk.museum. Location:
In the centre of Kingussie. |
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Ruthven
Barracks, Kingussie are set on an old castle mound and were built
by General Wade as part of the infrastructure put in place by
Government after the 1715 uprising to control the rebellious
Scots. The barracks was burned in 1746 by Prince Charles Edward
Stuart's army on their retreat to Culloden. There is much to
see at the barracks, which is open to the public, just off the
road from Kingussie to Insh. About
1.5 miles south of Kingussie. |
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Waltzing Waters, Newtonmore PH20 1DR. Tel:
01540 673 752. The Waltzing Waters are an amazing blend of artistry
and technology...the most elaborate, water, light and music production
in the world. Visitors are overwhelmed by thousands of dazzling
patterns of moving water synchronised with music! www.waltzingwaters.co.uk.
About 3 miles southwest
of Kingussie. |
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The
Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL. Tel: 01540
651270. Discover the amazing variety of wildlife found in Scotland
today, such as the pine marten, wildcat, otter and red squirrel
- then step back in time and meet the creatures that roamed the
earth hundreds of years ago such as wolves, lynx, beaver and
wild horses. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and
then investigate the walk-round area by foot. www.highlandwildlifepark.org.
About 3 miles northeast
of Kingussie. |
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Glencoe Visitor Centre, Glencoe PH49 4LA.
Tel: 01855 811729. In 2002 the old visitor centre was removed,
and a start was made on returning its site and car park to nature.
May 2002 saw the opening of the NTS's new £3m visitor centre
on the south side of the main road and lower down the glen, nearer
to the village of Glencoe.The buildings are laid out as a clachan,
a settlement or village. About
6 miles west of Kinlochleven. |
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Glencoe
and North Lorn Folk Museum, Glencoe Village, Glencoe PA39 4HS.
Tel: 01855 811 664. The Museum is situated in a 17th Century
thatched croft house in the main street of Glencoe Village. You
will be amazed and entertained by the variety of objects that
portray the history of this remarkable area. Topics to discover
include the massacre of Glencoe, agriculture, costume, medicine
and toys. About 6 miles west of Kinlochleven. |
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The Aluminium Story, Linnhe Road, Kinlochleven,
Argyll, PA50 4SJ. Tel: 01855 831 663. In 1904, the British Aluminium
Company built the 8 mile long Blackwater Reservoir high on Rannoch
Moor, then the largest reservoir in Europe. It used the power
generated to smelt aluminium in the vastly expanded company village
of Kinlochleven. Sadly, the site stopped smelting in June 2000.
The visitor centre and library here uses imaginative audio-visual
displays, and a special presentation to tell how aluminium has
been produced in the past 80 years. Location: In the centre of Kinlochleven. |
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The Skye Bridge, Kyle of Lochalsh. Since October
1995, Skye has been linked to mainland Scotland by a bridge.
Kyle of Lochalsh had been the location of a ferry link to Skye
since 1600 or earlier, though cattle on their way to lowland
markets still had to swim across the half kilometer of water
as late as 1800. Better road links to Kyle came in 1819, and
the Highland Line rail link to Inverness in 1897. Location: On the outskirts of Kyle
of Lochalsh. |
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Balmacara
Estate & Lochalsh Woodland Garden, Lochalsh House (NTS),
Balmacara, Kyle IV40 8DN. Tel: 01599 566 325. Lockalsh Woodland
Garden provides pleasant sheltered walks beside the shores of
Loch Alsh. Mature Scots pine, oaks and beeches with developing
collections of rhododendrons, ferns, bamboo, fuchsias and hydrangeas
all flourish. About 3
miles east of Kyle of Lochalsh. |
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Skye Serpentarium, The Old Mill, Harrapool,
Broadford, Isle Of Skye IV49 9AQ. Tel: 01471 822209. The Skye
Serpentarium was opened in 1991 by Catherine and Alex Shearer
as an exhibition and educational centre. Catherine is an experienced
herpetologist and has helped rescue over 500 abandoned or rescued
reptiles and amphibians. There are over 50 animals on display
from White's Tree Frogs to Large Green Iguanas. About 7 miles southwest of Kyle of
Lochalsh. |
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Ferrycroft Countryside Visitor Centre, Lairg.
Tel: 01549 402160. The purpose-built centre guides the visitor
through the changes in land use in the area from the ice age
to the present day. Audio visual and other display designed to
appeal to all ages illustrate woodland history, conservation
and wildlife also the Shin Hydro Electric scheme. Forest walks
and archaeological trails. Location:
On the outskirts of Lairg. |
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FALLS
OF SHIN, ACHANY GLEN, LAIRG, SUTHERLAND, SCOTLAND IV27 4EE. Tel:
01549 40223. Falls of Shin Visitor Centre is a spectacular experience
for all the family, set in the Achany Glen amongst breathtaking
Highland scenery. Open all year round, this all weather destination
has extensive forest walks, a brand new children's adventure
playground, the dramatic waterfalls and the famous salmon leap,
where you can watch salmon hurl themselves up the falls. www.fallsofshin.co.uk. About 4 miles south of Lairg. |
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Glenfinnan Monument, Glenfinnan. The Glenfinnan
Monument is located at the head of Loch Shiel. There is an entrance
fee to climb up the monument but no charge to walk around the
surrounding area. The monument was built in 1815 in tribute to
the clansmen who fought and died in the Jacobite cause. About 8 miles east of Lochailort. |
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Glenfinnan
Railway Station, Station Road, Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire PH37
4LT. Glenfinnan Station Museum is a restored West Highland Line
railway station on the 'Iron Road' to the Isles from Fort William
to Mallaig. The Glenfinnan Dining Car offers a unique dining
experience. This lovingly restored 1950s carriage offers lunches,
refreshments and cream teas during the day, throughout museum
hours. Table d'hôte menu available on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday evenings. Booking is essential for evening meals.
Tel: 01397 722 300. About 8 miles east of Lochailort. |
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The
Original Loch Ness Visitor Centre, Drumnadrochit, Inverness,
IV63 6TU. Tel: 01456 450342. For centuries sightings have been
made of a mysterious creature said to inhabit the deep and murky
waters of Scotland's most famous Loch. Now you can take our official
guide and explore those murky waters for yourself. www.lochness-centre.com.
Location: On the banks
of Loch Ness. |
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Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness.Tel 01456 450551.
Urquhart Castle is magnificently situated on the banks of Loch
Ness, built on an irregular outcrop of rock. It remains an impressive
stronghold despite its ruinous state. The castle’s history
and that of the noble families Durward, Macdonald and Grant who
held it, is told in the exhibition and audio-visual display in
the new visitor centre. The Centre features an outstanding array
of medieval artefacts found at the castle. Location: On the banks of Loch Ness. |
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The
Great Glen Way is 73 miles/117km in length. It runs from Fort
William, in the west, to Inverness, in the east, with spectacular
views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all
along the way. www.greatglenway.com. Location: Along the banks of Loch
Ness. |
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Nairn
Museum, Viewfield House, King Street, Nairn IV12 4EE. Tel: 01667
456791. Nairn Museum is largely a tribute to the pioneering and
enterprising spirit of the town, which has produced many highly
respected public figures including international explorers, travellers,
geologists, servicemen and collectors. The museum has a fine
collection of local and foreign Natural History. Location: In the centre of Nairn. |
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The Nelson Tower, Grant Park, Forres. The tower
is a short walk (ten to fifteen minutes) from the car park up
to the top of Cluny Hill, along well maintained paths. When you
get to the tower you will be able to climb the 96 steps to the
viewing area on the roof. About
9 miles east of Nairn. |
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Sueno's
Stone, Forres. The stone stands on a major road junction located
on the northeast edge of Forres. It is a massive 23 feet (7 metres)
high. Dating from the 9th century, it is the largest known Pictish
sculptured stone. On one side is a large cross, on the other
side are scenes of fighting and killing, dead and decapitated
bodies...almost 100 figures in all. About 8 miles east of Nairn. |
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Brodie Castle, Brodie, Forres, Moray IV36
2TE. Tel: 01309 641371. Brodie Castle is a handsome Scottish
castle, the embodiment of 16th century grandeur. Set in peaceful
parkland, this fine 16th century tower house is home to a superb
collection of porcelain, furniture, English, continental and
Chinese porcelain, and and a major collection of paintings. The
magnificent library contains around 6,000 volumes. About 6 miles east of Nairn. |
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The
Culloden Battlefield Memorial Project. The new visitor centre
is being built 200 metres to the south of the current centre
which will remain open throughout the construction period. The
centre is being built on a gentle slope and will be almost hidden
from the battlefield. www.culloden.org.
About 10 miles southwest
of Nairn. |
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HIGHLAND FOLK MUSEUM, NEWTONMORE PH20 1AY.
TEL: 01540 673551. The Highland Folk Museum, winner for the “Best
Visitor Experience” in Scotland 2010 is situated 2 miles
south of Kingussie. The Museum is a one-mile long, 80-acre
living history site. Situated near the Cairngorm Mountains,
the site offers a combination of farmland, woodland, and open
areas. It portrays 200 years of Highland rural life, from the
1700s to the mid-1900s. The Museum has transformed 300 years
of history by recreating a thriving 1700's township, of heather
thatched turf houses with open peat fires, the original working
croft still stands with horses, cattle, ducks, tractors, and
farm machinery and the teacher rules in the old, tin school!
A Victorian water-powered sawmill has been brought back to life
along with a clock-maker's workshop, tailor's shop, 1950s summer
house and post office. NEW for 2011 is the Highland cottage (1890s)
and MacPherson’s Tailors Shop (1930s) relocated from Newtonmore.
Interpretive Guides in period costume bring history alive, whilst
old favourites are available in the 1930’s sweet shop (summer
months). The introductory audio visual (19 minutes) welcomes
you and the museum runs an activity programs throughout the summer
holidays (see highlandfolk.com/activities.php for days). Also
available is a shop, café, children’s playground
and picnic area with spectacular views of the Cairngorms. This
is an ideal family day out and a chance to get a real feel for
the history of the Scottish Highlands (3-5hrs recommended).
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an award-winning Highland
attraction. Visit www.highlandfolk.com for more information.
http://highlandfolk.museum. Location:
In the centre of Kingussie. About 2 miles northeast of Newtonmore. |
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Ruthven
Barracks, Kingussie are set on an old castle mound and were built
by General Wade as part of the infrastructure put in place by
Government after the 1715 uprising to control the rebellious
Scots. The barracks was burned in 1746 by Prince Charles Edward
Stuart's army on their retreat to Culloden. There is much to
see at the barracks, which is open to the public, just off the
road from Kingussie to Insh. About
3 miles northeast of Newtonmore. |
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Waltzing Waters, Newtonmore PH20 1DR. Tel:
01540 673 752. The Waltzing Waters are an amazing blend of artistry
and technology...the most elaborate, water, light and music production
in the world. Visitors are overwhelmed by thousands of dazzling
patterns of moving water synchronised with music! www.waltzingwaters.co.uk.
Location: On the outskirts
of Newtonmore. |
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The
Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, Kingussie PH21 1NL. Tel: 01540
651270. Discover the amazing variety of wildlife found in Scotland
today, such as the pine marten, wildcat, otter and red squirrel
- then step back in time and meet the creatures that roamed the
earth hundreds of years ago such as wolves, lynx, beaver and
wild horses. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and
then investigate the walk-round area by foot. www.highlandwildlifepark.org. About 6 miles northeast of Newtonmore. |
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Dingwall Museum Trust, Town House, High Street,
Dingwall, Ross & Cromarty, IV15 9RY. Tel: 01349 865366. This
small museum is full of interesting local history. You will find
a reconstructed local smiddy (Smithy or black smith's workshop)
and kitchen, and remarkable military room featuring the life
and times of Fighting Mac. Ring for opening times. www.dingwallmuseum.co.uk.
About 4 miles east of
Strathpeffer. |
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Beauly
Priory, Beauly. Tel: 01667 460232. Beauly Priory was one of three
priories founded in Scotland by the Valliscaulian order from
Burgundy after 1230. It was referred to by the monks as 'Prioratus
de Bello Loco' (Priory of the Lovely Spot). The monastery was
completed in 1272. It is located in the northeast of the village
close to the River Beauly and is now in the care of Historic
Scotland. About 10 miles
south of Strathpeffer. |
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Glen Ord Distillery, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire.
Tel: 01463 872004. Watch our distillers at work creating a magicial
malt whisky which is sweet, malty and dry on the palate. About 7 miles south of Strathpeffer. |
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The
Glenmorangie Distillery, Glenmorangie Distillery Coy, Tain, Ross-shire.
Tel: 01862 892477. Glenmorangie Distillery is on the shores of
the Dornoch Firth. It has been producing Glenmorangie Single
Highland malt Scotch whisky since 1843. The source of the all-important
water is a short walk from the distillery - the Tarlogie Springs.The
building that originally housed the stills provides the setting
for the new visitor centre. The atmosphere of quiet industry
is ideal for giving glimpses of, and displaying artefacts from,
Glenmorangie's past. www.glenmorangieplc.com.
Location: In the centre
of Tain. |
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Tain Tolbooth is a massive and imposing tower
that dominates the centre of Tain. This was first built in 1630
to house court offices and a jail, and to collect tolls and taxes
from traders. Its clock faces were added in 1877. Location: In the centre of Tain. |
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John O' Groats Passenger ferry service from
John O' Groats to Orkney. Every day all summer from 1st May to
30th September. www.jogferry.co.uk. About 15 miles east of Thurso. |
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Castle
of Mey, Thurso, Caithness KW14 8XH. Tel: 01847 851473. The former
holiday home of the late Queen Mother is the most northerly castle
on the British mainland. She renovated and restored it and created
the beautiful gardens you see today. For almost half a century
she spent many happy summers here. www.castleofmey.org.uk.
About 10 miles east of
Thurso. |
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Thurso Castle, Thurso KW14. Thurso Castle
was originally a 12th century earthwork fortress, founded by
the Norse Earls. In the 17th century, it was replaced by a stone
tower house. The roofless but impressive remains are visible
across the rivermouth from the old town of Thurso. Location: On the outskirts of Thurso. |
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Tomatin Distillery and Tomatin’s Visitor
Centre. Tel: 01808 511234. A formal distillery for the making
of fine Scotch malt was first built on the site in 1897 by the
Tomatin Spey District Distillery Co Ltd, and revived in 1909
by the new Tomatin Distillers Co Ltd. The distillery was acquired
by Japanese shareholders in 1986, who established the current
Tomatin Distillery Company Limited, and launched the modern era
of whisky distilling in the Monadhliath Mountains. www.tomatin.com.
Location: On the outskirts
of Tomatin. |
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Cairngorm
Mountain, Aviemore. Tel: 01479 861 261. All year round visitor
attraction and winter ski centre with funicular railway to the
top station, which includes a mountain exhibition, UK's highest
restaurant, The Ptarmigan, and shop at the top.
www.cairngormmountain.com. About
15 miles southeast of Tomatin. |
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The Strathspey Railway, Aviemore Station, Dalfaber
Road, Aviemore PH22 1PY. Tel: 01479 810725. The Strathspey Railway
relives the sights and sounds of the steam age. Join the train
at the beautifully restored Aviemore Station, the largest on
the Highland Railway system outside Inverness. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk.
About 10 miles southeast
of Tomatin. |
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Cairngorm
Whisky Centre, Aviemore, Inverness-Shire. Tel: 01479 810574.
The whisky tasting room has whiskies from over 90 distilleries.
Experts on hand fo all aspects of Scotch whisky. The shop contains
many old and rare whiskies, as well as miniatures, books, maps
and Scottish fare. About 12 miles south of Tomatin. |
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Durness Visitor Centre, Durness, Sutherland
IV27 4PX. Tel: 01971 511756. Durness Visitor Centre overlooks
golden Sango Bay and is within sight of the most north-westerly
tip of mainland Scotland, Cape Wrath. Inside, the centre has
several comprehensive exhibits, covering crofting, natural history
and local customs and culture.About
20 miles west of Tongue. |
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Smoo
Cave, Durness. Set into limestone cliffs, Smoo Cave is 200 feet
long, 130 feet wide, and 50 feet high at the entrance. This easily
accessible cave has the largest entrance of any sea cave in the
British Isles. Its interior is floodlit and the depths can be
explored by boat. Recent excavations show that the cave was in
use 6000 years ago by the earliest settlers in the north. www.smoocave.org. About
14 miles west of Tongue. |
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Castle Varrich, Tongue. The remains of Caisteal
Bharraigh are spectacularly located on the summit of a bluff
dominating the Kyle of Tongue. Reputed to have been the stronghold
of a Norse warrior of the 11th Century. About 1 mile west of Tongue. |
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Ullapool Museum & Visitor Centre, 7 &
8 West Argyle Street, Ullapool Ross-Shire IV26 2TY. Tel: 01854
61298. Housed within a restored Thomas Telford Parliamentary
Church, originally built in 1829, the Museum tells the story
of Lochbroom, crofting, fishing, emigration and the history of
Ullapool and its area through a blend of traditional and multimedia
displays. Location: In
the centre of Ullapool. |
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Leckmelm
Shrubbery and Arboretum, Little Leckmelm, Lochbroom, Ullapool.
A 10 acres woodland garden, planted in 1870 and restored in 1984.
It is full of splendid and rare trees, rhododendrons, azaleas
and shrubs. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, this tranquil woodland
setting has an alpine garden and paths to the sea. About 4 miles
south of Ullapool. |
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John O' Groats Passenger ferry service from
John O' Groats to Orkney. Every day all summer from 1st May to
30th September. www.jogferry.co.uk. About 14 miles north of Wick. |
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Castle
of Mey, Thurso, Caithness KW14 8XH. Tel: 01847 851473. The former
holiday home of the late Queen Mother is the most northerly castle
on the British mainland. She renovated and restored it and created
the beautiful gardens you see today. For almost half a century
she spent many happy summers here. www.castleofmey.org.uk.
About 18 miles north of
Wick. |
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Thurso Castle, Thurso KW14. Thurso Castle
was originally a 12th century earthwork fortress, founded by
the Norse Earls. In the 17th century, it was replaced by a stone
tower house. The roofless but impressive remains are visible
across the rivermouth from the old town of Thurso. About 18 miles northeast of Wick. |
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The
Wick Heritage Museum, Bank Row, Lower Pulteneytown, Wick. Tel:
01955 605393. The largest museum in the North of Scotland. The
house, curing yard and cooperage form a museum of Wick's fishing
heritage and house the Johnston Photographic Collection - some
100,000 images by three generations of family photogaphers, from
1860-1950. Location: In
the centre of Wick. |
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Castle of Old Wick. Tel: 01667 460232. The
ruin of the best-preserved Norse castle in Scotland is dramatically
located on a spine of rock projecting into the sea, between two
deep, narrow gullies. Visitors must take great care. The simple
four-storey tower is thought to have been built in the late 12th
or early 13th century when Caithness was ruled by the Norse Earls
of Orkney. About 2 miles
south of Wick. |
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