GLEN COE

Breathtaking Natural Beauty

The vast volcanic caldera of Glen Coe is one of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful landscapes. Notorious for its dark history of treachery and murder, the glen is today the home of Scottish mountaineering and one of the UK’s main centres for outdoor pursuits. Whether you plan to get active, or simply gaze in awe at the incredible view, Glencoe is not to be missed.

CASTLES, CLANS & CLEARANCES

Triumphs and Tragedies

In many ways a land shorn of it’s people, the region was depopulated in the notorious Highland Clearances of the 18th and 19th Centuries, many of the inhabitants scattered across the world, taking their unique culture, language and traditions with them.

Nevertheless the ancient traditions of Gaelic hospitality continue, and whether you are visiting the historic home of a mighty clan chief, or taking in a musical performance in a cozy local pub, you are guaranteed a warm welcome.

Whether you are in search of your family’s roots or a complete newcomer to the area, you will soon discover why the history and people of the Scottish Highlands have captured the imaginations of writers, poets and artists for centuries.

ARGYLL & OBAN

Gateway to the Isles

Visit the magnificent Inveraray Castle, historic seat of the Duke of Argyll, mighty chief of Clan Campbell, or walk in the footsteps of ancient kings and viking warriors at Dunadd and Kilmarten Glen.

To the north, the small picturesque town of Oban is the gateway to the Inner Hebrides, with regular ferries to the islands of Mull, Iona and beyond.

THE ROUGH BOUNDS

Vast Wilderness

The remote area in the north-west of Scotland known as the Rough Bounds is known for its isolation and wilderness. Discover the place that ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ first raised his standard in his doomed attempt to win the British throne for his father James, or take a ride across the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct on the steam train named for his supporters – the Jacobite.

LOCH NESS & GREAT GLEN

Canals and Cryptids

Running from the booming city of Inverness, ‘Capital of the Highlands’, all the way to Fort William in the South West, the Great Glen is an enormous geological fault splitting the country from one side to the other.

Here you will find the famous Loch Ness, the UK’s deepest body of water, and the ruin of storied Urquhart Castle. Take a cruise on the loch – we can’t guarantee that you will spot Nessie, but you will be surrounded by spectacular scenery, studded with charming villages and imposing castles.

A manmade wonder running through the glen is Thomas Telford’s magnificent Caledonian Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering taking in four lochs and running from one side of the country to the other.

Striking out from Inverness, visit the solemn battlefield of Culloden, with its state-of-the-art visitor centre, or the forbidding edifice of Fort George, or head south into the Cairngorms National Park with its spectacular mountains and many outdoor pursuits.

WHISKY TRAIL

Water of Life

Whisky is made throughout the Highlands, but the Speyside region is especially well known for its numerous distilleries, fed by the pure waters of the River Spey. Here you will find such famous brands as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, and many more. Follow the Malt Whisky Trail through the region, take a tour of a historic distillery, or just stock up to take some of the ‘Water of Life’ home with you.