Scottish Highlands Holiday

A warm welcome awaits you in Speyside - home to more than half of Scotland’s whiskey distilleries. A drive north from Royal Deeside through the Lecht Pass and past the garrison castle of Corgarff, places you in the heart of the Malt Whiskey Trail along the Spey River.

More than half of Scotland’s malt whiskey distilleries are nestled in these glens, and eight of the best, including a working oak barrel cooperage, are signposted and offer regular scheduled tours. Many other distilleries are open to the public - some are recognized by name, and others are important contributors to blends under various labels. A typical guided tour describes the location and sources of the water and malt, then moves inside for a description of the process, and ends with a tasting.

Along with the famous name whiskies, like Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet or Macallan, some of the world’s best-known food brands are made here, like Baxters soups and jams, Walker’s and Dean’s shortbread and Mackie’s ice cream. The rivers, rolling farmland of the Grampian Highlands and the wild waters of the North Sea continue to supply word-class eateries, and these are available locally from award-winning butchers, salmon smokers, bakers, organic producers, farm shops and markets. For a self-catering holiday, you are not better positioned to economically take advantage of the best of this region!

MAP & GUIDE - a map and listing of all distilleries open to the public, and a guide to farmer’s markets and other local food producers.

Rugged ruins, fairytale fantasies and the grandest of noble’s houses - Scotland’s only Castle Trail has the best of fortress and palace architecture. The trail is signposted from the main travel routes and takes in thirteen of the best examples - including some of the most spectacular gardens and grounds.

Balmoral Castle, chosen by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852 as a personal retreat, is still a royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh (who traditionally spend August, September and part of October here). A working estate that hosts upwards of 80,000 visitors a year, Balmoral’s not-to-miss attractions include specimen gardens, and ranger-guided walks in its open countryside.

Balmoral Castle, like over fifty other Highland treasures, are not included in the signposted Castle Trail but are well worth incorporating into a day tour.

MAP & GUIDE - map and description of over 50 Aberdeenshire castles, and the ecclesiastical ruins of Elgin Cathedral and Kinloss Abbey, and of our area’s award-winning gardens, including the 17th century parterre garden of Pitmedden near Ellon.