highlands & islands

Delve into Scotland’s fascinating history in the footsteps of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce with a visit to its ancient capital, Stirling, or strike northwards reliving the magic of Outlander on your journey into the Highlands.

Encounter Britain’s largest national park to reach the epicentre of malt whisky country and the Moray Firth. Pause for reflection at Culloden’s infamous battlefield or detour to picturesque Cromarty and the Black Isle en route for delightful Dornoch.   

Traverse moor and mountain, from east to west to reach a truly superlative stretch of Scottish coastline, pivotal in WWII history with sandy beaches, whitewashed cottages and glorious island views set against a jagged mountainous backdrop.

Take on arguably the most classic drive of the NC500 by conquering the Bealach na Ba pass, an old drovers’ road peppered with Highland cattle. Stop for the best seafood lunch at a humble blue cabin on route to the magical island of Skye.

Mystical Skye is an intriguing mix of moody mountains, fairy pools, peaty malts and fabulous fruits de mer. Admire the pretty pastel buildings of Portree, sample a wee dram at the Talisker Distillery or freshly hand-shucked oyster at the Oyster Shed.

Float back in style to the mainland by Kylerhea’s legendary turntable ferry or crest the Skye Bridge to Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan. Glimpse the Jacobite Steam Train at Glenfinnan Viaduct to end your day in peaceful Port Appin.

With Oban, ‘Gateway to the Isles’ on the doorstep, a plethora of islands including magnificent Mull and cute Kerrera are visitable in one day. Go car-less to tiny Lismore or over the bridge to sleepy Seil to discover that ‘less’ is generally ‘more’.

Soak up classic coastal Argyll scenery on a trajectory south to Kintyre, skirting oyster famous Loch Fyne before hopping aboard the Kennacraig ferry to wild and rugged Islay, Scotland’s floating capital of single malt whisky.

Deeply rooted in ancient Celtic culture, history and tradition, this wild and naturally beautiful island packs a punch for wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, historians and lovers of seafood not to mention iconic malts such as Laphroig, Bowmore and Ardbeg.

Sail back to Kennacraig with views and marine life aplenty to embark on a drive into the gloriously rolling landscapes of the Trossachs, at the heart of which languishes romantic Loch Lomond, inspiration to many a poet, artist or enraptured traveller.

Relax on an exploratory boat ride in the shadow of Ben Lomond around this vast beguiling loch with its host of tiny islands and resident ospreys and sea eagles before heading back later to the city.