The Highlands and Islands (West)
This area is vast and cannot be done in a day tour. To see the Highlands properly requires overnight stays.
Here is a taste of what could be included.
Our tour would include the atmospheric and magnificent mountains of Glencoe, the site of the infamous massacre of 1692 and nowadays a haven for mountaineers. From there our route can lead past Castle Stalker to Oban. South of Oban is to be found the attractive Crinan Canal and the prehistoric Kilmartin Glen with its burial sites and standing stones. Near to this is Dunadd, site of the ancient capital of Dalriada.
MULL
From Oban, we take the ferry to the island of Mull where the ancient seat of Clan McLean (Duart Castle) sits right on the coast, not far from Torosay Castle and Gardens. A visit to the small island of Iona made famous by St Columba is next on the itinerary to see the lovely restored Abbey, the ancient nunnery and the beautiful carved Celtic Crosses and old gravestones.
Returning by ferry to Mull, a journey up the spectacular west coast leads to the colourful little town of Tobermory, (famous to all young children because of the BBC programme “Balamory”) and well worth an overnight stop. [Check out the fish and chip van as well. It has won awards.]
Back on the mainland, we can take the “Road to the Isles” to the town of Fort William beneath Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest mountain) and then to Mallaig via Glenfinnan, site of the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion led by “Bonnie Prince Charlie”.
SKYE
From Mallaig a ferry takes us “over the sea to Skye”. This is a big island and more than one day is recommended. I would suggest we visit Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles, the town of Portree (the island’s capital), Dunvegan Castle (seat of the Clan MacLeod) and Flora MacDonald’s grave. Ancient brochs, stunning mountains, old religious sites – Skye has them all.
Back on the mainland it is a short journey to the most-photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle.
CENTRAL AND NORTHERN HIGHLANDS
Rather than putting a full tour together I have listed some combinations of visits to build into a tour.
A really interesting visit is to Scone Palace (where the monarchs of Scotland were once crowned). Both it and the spectacular Blair Castle can be built into a Highland tour leaving from Edinburgh or Glasgow as we head north through Pitlochry towards the city of Inverness (capital of the Highlands). This is a good touring base with some lovely hotels to choose from and nice shopping opportunities.
From there we can explore Loch Ness and visit the ancient ruin of Urquhart Castle – perhaps taking a boat trip to do this.
The site of the Battle of Culloden lies east of the city – the last battle fought on British soil - and one which changed the way of life in the Highlands forever. The graves of the fallen clansmen are still sad to see even today. Nearby are the mysterious Clava Cairns and not far beyond is the charming Cawdor Castle with its links to the legend of Macbeth.
From here it is possible to travel to Scotland’s 3rd city of Aberdeen via Royal Deeside. This is the area made famous by Queen Victoria who built Balmoral Castle which the royal family still uses for holidays (in August). We can see Crathie Church (where the Queen worships) and the little town of Ballater with its lovely old railway station. [If you come in September you might even manage to attend the Braemar Highland Gathering along with the Queen.] Just south of Aberdeen is the amazing Dunnottar Castle, a spectacular ruin clinging to the steep cliffs where the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland) were once hidden from Oliver Cromwell.
FURTHER NORTH
From Inverness we can travel further north to Caithness and Sutherland, where some of the most infamous Highland Clearances of the local people took place to make room for sheep back in the 19th century. We can go to Dunrobin Castle (home of the Earl and Countess of Sutherland) sitting in its imposing position above the sea with its beautiful gardens. This area is rich in archeological sites. If we were to go to the far north coast then a visit to the Castle of Mey (former home of the late Queen Mother) is a must – a truly charming castle. From the north coast can be found ferries to the Islands of Orkney.
