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A QUICK GUIDE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Things to Know
The Scottish Highlands is without doubt one of Scotland’s most spectacular regions; an alluring and fascinating mix of natural beauty, culture, and architecture. Its awe-inspiring landscape and all-encompassing sense of peace and tranquility that radiates from its vast open space is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the Highlands while its long and turbulent history is enough to keep you interested for days on end. Discover secluded beaches, enjoy freshly caught seafood and exceptional whiskey, visit stunning castles and walk through majestic mountains and mysterious lochs. With an endlessly varied and scenic landscape dotted with picturesque towns and villages, the Scottish Highlands is an absolutely delightful place to visit!
Things to See
The Castle of Mey
Historic and impressive, the Castle of Mey is the northernmost inhabited castle in Scotland and formerly the residence of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
McCaig’s Tower
Made out of Bonawe granite and modeled after the Colosseum in Rome, the half-finished McCaig’s Tower houses a beautiful garden and offers spectacular views over the small town of Oban.
Glenfinnan Monument
A monument at the head of Loch Shiel built to commemorate the sight where Bonnie Prince Charlie lifted his banner and instigated the Jacobite rising in 1745.
Dunrobin Castle
A fairytale castle near the town of Golspie with verdant gardens and a range of activities to enjoy.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Home to a fascinating range of artifacts that celebrate Highland life and heritage. A great place to discover the history and culture of the Highlands.
Eilean Donan Castle
A 13th century castle built on an island, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape and connected to the land via a scenic stone built bridge. One of the most iconic castles in Scotland, second only to Edinburgh castle.
The Highland Folk Museum
An open air museum made up of a remarkable collection of buildings that reveal how the people of the Highlands lived over the centuries.
Inverewe Gardens
Located on the west coast and warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, these gorgeous gardens are surrounded by rows upon rows of redwood trees and are packed full with exotic plants.
Culloden Battlefield
Located just outside Inverness, the “Battle of Culloden” was the swan song of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Stop by the visitor centre to see some interesting artifacts of the time and learn about the story of Culloden.
Things to Do
Visit the Island of Skye
The largest island of the inner Hebrides is a wonderland of otherworldly landscapes. Cracked plateaus, and craggy cliffs contrast starkly with verdant valleys, alpine ponds and the deep blue water of the Atlantic in the background. A truly spellbinding site worth experiencing.
Visit Glencoe
Possibly the most iconic valley in all of the Highlands, lauded for its extraordinary landscape. An ideal location for hiking enthusiasts but one that can also be enjoyed by car.
Travel on the Jacobite
The Jacobite is an iconic steam locomotive-hauled train that travels the final stretch of the West Highland Line from Fort Williiam to Mallaig and back. An exceptionally scenic route that was also depicted in the wildly famous Harry Potter films.
Explore the Highland Wildlife Park
Home to over 200 amazing animals! If you’re interested in discovering the native Scottish wildlife as well as some rare and endangered animal species from the world’s mountains and tundra regions, this is the place to be.
Visit Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness
The ruins of Urquhart overlooking the near legendary Loch Ness are located within close proximity to Inverness. Learn about the site’s history, try your hand at spotting Nessie from the tower and snap a gorgeous pic of the ruins with the iconic lake in the background.
Head North to the Small Town of Wick
Wick is a picturesque town and royal burgh in the far north of Scotland. Enjoy walking through the scenic streets of the former herring town and discover its long history that is beautifully showcased in the local museum. During winter you can also try and catch a glimpse of the northern lights; referred to by the locals as the “Merry Dancers”.
Discover the Old Forge Pub
The most remote pub on the mainland of the UK can only be accessed via ferry or an exceptionally long walk as there are no roads connecting to the small village of Inverie. If you decide to make the trip, you’ll be rewarded with some delicious locally sourced food and a warm, local atmosphere.
Explore Caingorms National Park
Caingorms National Park is a whole world in and of itself. Measuring 1,748 square miles and home to some of Scotland’s tallest mountains, ancient castles, amazing wildlife, and an impressive number of distilleries you could spend days taking in all the park has to offer.