The Highlands  

 

From the tops of mountains to the cusp of coastlines, you’ll find many surprises in the irresistible Highlands.

 

The region is home to a wealth of wildlife - in fact, one quarter of Britain’s most rare and endangered wildlife species are protected in the Cairngorms National Park. Surprise yourself in the Highlands with some of the finest food on offer. On the other hand, you'll also find thrilling outdoor sports in this region - The Highlands is renowned for its fantastic snowsports facilities.

 

Fresh, local produce is always on the menu and restaurants will prepare a stunning variety of unique foods perfectly complemented by a flavoursome whisky produced in the region.

 

Enjoy a special festive season by taking part in some of the fantastic winter festivals taking place across Scotland in the run up to Christmas.

 

• Board a boat at Neptune's Staircase

  

  Head out on the water and you can pass through this series of eight lock gates which connects Loch Linnhe to the Caledonian Canal.

• Celebrate the new year with the Clavie King

  

  The Highlands is bursting with fascinating culture from the Burning of the Clavie to the thrilling Sled Dog Rally.

• Descend a mountainside in a giant rubber ring!

  

  The Highlands boasts an incredible five winter snowsports centres where you’ll find some surprising activities as well as world class skiing.

• Dine in a former ice house

  

  Dating back to the 1800s, the Captain's Galley is a unique restaurant where the menu changes daily, depending on the day's catch.

• Discover arts and crafts in an old jail

  

  Across the Highlands you’ll find an abundance of local art galleries and creative makers inspired by the beauty of the region.

• Follow the Malt Whisky Trail

  

  You'll be surprised to find more than half of Scotland’s distilleries in this area alone, making Speyside a whisky lover’s paradise.

• Meet and feed a friendly reindeer

  

  Spot winter wildlife from the UK's only free roaming reindeer herd to majestic creatures of the sea, and even a polar bear.

• Stand at the centre of battle

  

  Discover a rich history stretching back millions of years from the ancient Loch Ness to epic battles.

• Visit a tiny island bursting with surprises

  

  See the lighthouse built by R.L. Stevenson’s father and uncle and tour the accessible islands of the Highlands.

• Reindeer Centre

  The Highlands

  Visit the Reindeer Centre in the Cairngorms this winter to see Comet, one of Santa's own reindeer!

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• Inverness

  The Highlands

  Visit Inverness this winter, the stunning Capital of the Highlands. All the major outdoor events in the 2010 Inverness Winter Festival are sponsored by the Inverness Common Good Fund and are free of charge.

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• The Lecht

  The Highlands

  Get on the piste this winter at The Lecht. The Lecht Ski Centre is situated on the infamous A939 road Cockbridge to Tomintoul road on the eastern side of the Cairngorms in Strathdon.

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• Eilean Ban

  The Highlands

  Eilean Bàn (Scottish Gaelic meaning White Island) is a six acre island off the coast of mainland Scotland, between Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye.

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• Dunvegan Castle

  The Highlands

  Visit one of Scotland's most iconic sights and set off from the pier on a magical white boat ride. Various cruises available on the loch (Dunvegan Castle is open by appointment only during the winter months).

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• Three Chimneys

  The Highlands

  Now graded with 5 Gold stars by both the AA and VisitScotland, The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By also holds the AA’s Inspector’s Choice award for 2010, placing it in the top 10% of quality places to stay throughout the UK and Ireland.

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• Bright Water Visitor Centre

  The Highlands

  Based in Kyleakin on Skye, the centre offers information on topics including Gavin Maxwell, the flora and fauna of the island, the lighthouse and local history.

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• Glencoe

  The Highlands

  Set among 200 hectares of fabulous scenery in the Meall a' Bhuiridh Massif. There are seven lifts and nineteen runs, including four green runs and six blue-graded runs. Glencoe Mountain also caters for more than just the winter sports market, including walking and climbing year-round and mountain biking and paragliding in the summer months.

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• Nevis Range

  The Highlands

  With skiing up to 1190 metres (3,900 feet) Nevis Range reaches high on to the mountain of Aonach Mor - Scotland's eighth highest - and offers skiing and boarding late into spring.

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• CairnGorm Mountain

  The Highlands

  CairnGorm Mountain has a reputation as one of the most beautiful - and sometimes challenging - places to ski in the UK, as well as boasting Scotland's only funicular railway. It's also Scotland's most popular resort and is located just a short distance from the main A9 arterial route which runs between Perth and Inverness.

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• Glenshee

  The Highlands

  Glenshee offers a choice of 36 runs comprising 40 kms of pisted snow. The longest single run, Glas Maol, extends to a fantastic 2 kms of skiing, while the extensive snow-making facilities means the centre is often open for longer. A ski school also offers value-for-money instruction.

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• Speyside Cooperage

  The Highlands

  The only working cooperage in the UK where you can experience the ancient art of coopering.

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• Craigellachie Hotel

  The Highlands

  Situated next to the Fiddich and Spey rivers the impressive Victorian building boasts picturesque views across the forests and mountains.

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• Findhorn Foundation Ecovillage

  The Highlands

  Here you can see houses made from whisky barrels - the tiny houses are only 26 square meters in area.

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• Captains Galley

  The Highlands

  The old Scrabster ice house and salmon bothy was restored in 2001.

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• Loch Ness Lodge

  The Highlands

  Enjoy fine dining with dishes made from organic, ethically prepared and locally sourced ingredients.

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• Great Glen Way

  The Highlands

  This is a great introduction to long distance walking as it is mostly low-level although experienced walkers may like to attempt some Munros along the way. It runs between Fort William and Inverness.

  Read more 56.824557131356734 -5.0873565673828125

• Urquhart Castle

  The Highlands

  Explore the history of Urquhart Castle, an impressive reminder of English invasion and clan warfare.

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• Loch Ness Exhibition Centre

  The Highlands

  Opened by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the exhibition takes visitors through seven themed areas.

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• Badcall Bay

  The Highlands

  The ideal place to unwind and spot wildlife.

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• Tartan Heart Festival

  The Highlands

  An amazingly intimate festival attracting the biggest names in the Scottish Music industry alongside fantastic international artists.

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• Cairngorm Ski Centre

  The Highlands

  There is more than just skiing at Cairngorm to satisfy even the most hungry adventurist - try hiking, cycling and sledging amongst others.

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• Eilean Donan Castle

  The Highlands

  One of Scotland's most iconic sights, the castle sits on the main tourist route to Skye where the three great sea lochs meet.

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• Rockness

  The Highlands

  Sing along with some of your favourite bands at this exciting event.

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• Landmark Forest Adventure Park

  The Highlands

  Try SkyDive and step off a platform set 50 feet up in the pine canopy.

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• Loch Ness

  The Highlands

  An air of mystery will always envelop Loch Ness and regardless of whether you see the monster or not there are lots of things to see and do. Explore Urquhart Castle, Dores beach and the Falls of Foyers.

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• Ben Nevis

  The Highlands

  The highest mountain in the British Isles, Ben Nevis stands at 4,409 ft.

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• Glenfinnan Viaduct

  The Highlands

  The viaduct was built in 1897–1901 by the engineer Sir Robert McAlpine. It has 21 arches, reaching as high as 100 ft (30 m). A plaque at the base of one of the arches commemorates the centenary of the viaduct.

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• Cairngorm Sleddog Centre

  The Highlands

  Take a thrilling ride in the mountains with dogs, no snow necessary!

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• Burghead

  The Highlands

  Celebrate the Burning of the Clavie in this traditional fishing town.

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• Loch Morlich

  The Highlands

  Watch the sled dogs and sleighs race around this stunning freshwater loch.

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• Cairngorm Sleddog Centre

  The Highlands

  Take a thrilling ride in the mountains with dogs, no snow necessary!

  Read more 57.1817 -3.7259

• Dornoch Jail

  The Highlands

  Discover Scottish cashmere, original paintings by local artists and exquisite costume jewellery in this converted jail

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• Cairngorms National Park

  The Highlands

  Visit Cairngorms National Park to experience its breathtaking natural beauty in a variety of different ways.

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• The Old Bridge Inn

  The Highlands

  ‘The Old Bridge Inn is fast gaining a great reputation for it's diverse and interesting music program that covers everything from informal folk sessions, to it's own regular funk/soul/disco night!'

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• Edinbane Pottery

  The Highlands

  For modern and quality handmade ceramics.

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• Duncan House

  The Highlands

  Discover exquisite hand made jewellery off the beaten track.

  Read more 57.1831037 -6.0580731

• Loch Ness Exhibition Centre

  The Highlands

  Opened by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the exhibition takes visitors through seven themed areas.

  Read more 57.3378516 -4.4787567

• Culloden Visitor Centre

  The Highlands

  An interactive exhibition tells the story of Culloden and brings the bloody battle to life.

  Read more 57.47757 -4.093668

• Clava Cairns

  The Highlands

  The Bronze Age cemetery complex comprises of passage graves, ring cairns, kerb cairn, standing stones in a beautiful setting and the remains of a chapel of unknown date.

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• Victorian Market

  The Highlands

  The Market hall was formerly a fish market and part of the sandstone arch leading from Church Street has been worn away by the sharpening of the fish merchants’ knives.

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• Fort George

  The Highlands

  An impressive 18th century fortification on the shores of the Moray Firth, once home to 1,600 infantary soldiers.

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• Cairngorms National Park

  The Highlands

  Visit Cairngorms National Park to experience its breathtaking natural beauty in a variety of different ways.

  Read more 57.142922 -3.667182

• Highland Wildlife Park

  The Highlands

  The Highland Wildlife Park offers guided tours of the Park's drive-through reserves at all times of the year,where education staff can join you on your coach. They cover many topics relating to Scottish wildlife and natural history.

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• Aros Centre

  The Highlands

  Skye's award-winning attraction offers music, film and exhibitions, good food and shopping in Portree.

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• Barrock Knitwear

  The Highlands

  Find a wide range of stunning woollen garments that are all made from natural yarns at Barrock Knitwear.

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• Mey Selections

  The Highlands

  You can find Mey Selections' quality products at many local hotels and retailers and the company's fare is also supplied to hotels across the whole of the UK.

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