Welcome to Scotland 2024-25 Visitor Guide with National Map

The very best of Perthshire under one roof. Open 7 days, 8am to 8pm (7pm in winter)

We’re located just 5 minutes drive north of Perth & 20 minutes south of Pitlochry (A9, Bankfoot turning). Follow the brown signs for Taste Perthshire. FREE FREE

To help you find the information you want quickly, we’ve divided Scotland into 4 regions and also used different coloured symbols on the touring map. The 4 regions are indicated here and the coloured tabs on pages throughout the guide. Contents Cairngorms, Aberdeen & Tayside

Different types of attraction are highlighted by spots of various colours, eg  (see key below).

Bein An Tuim The Pass of Glencoe Loch Lomond

WELCOME TO...

One of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world...

This is your guide to many of Scotland’s most exciting and interesting places to visit. You’ll find all you need to know here.

Whether you want to: explore Scotland’s culture and heritage in the shape of castles, stately homes, gardens, whisky distilleries, museums & galleries; choose a theme and take a guided tour; get active - extreme or relaxing, ashore or afloat; have some family fun in all-action, all-weather attractions where youngsters can let off steam and grown-ups can relax; go sightseeing, in our cities, or through our fabled diverse highland, lowland and coastal landscapes; or indulge yourself in some of Europe’s finest shopping…

Scotland has it all.

Copy by: Gilbert Summers.

Paper: Printed on paper from sustainable, managed forests. Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate. However, we do not accept liability if information is incorrect.

Please double check details with advertisers before visiting.

When you have finished with this brochure please pass it on to someone else or recycle it.

The Red Cottage, Loch Sheildaig

Duncansby Stacks

Threave Castle

Made in Scotland

Sheila Fleet OBE is one of Scotland’s  leading designer-makers of gold, silver  and platinum jewellery. From the sea to the sky, Sheila’s designs are inspired  by the beautiful landscapes of Scotland, especially Orkney, her island home.

Designed, made, and finished in her  Orkney workshop, all Sheila’s collections  start with a sketch before being made into three-dimensional forms. Many of Sheila’s distinctive designs are enhanced with vibrant enamel colourways and sparkling gemstones.

Explore Sheila’s extensive range of contemporary and traditional designs at sheilafleet.com.

You’re sure to find a Scottish-made treasure to call your own!

Inverness, the Highland capital, and the seaside town of Nairn are great bases for exploring, including Culloden Battlefield and Fort George or use them as a base to explore the ‘North Coast 500’. A visit to the 5* Loch Ness Centre is essential to enjoy learning the history behind the famous legend. All along the north shore of the Moray Firth are other attractive little Scottish towns such as Cromarty, Tain and Dornoch. Wick has a Heritage Museum telling the story of the area’s herring fishing industry.

Orkney has a wealth of prehistoric sites, including Skara Brae, Maes Howe and the Ring of Brodgar. Stromness, on its sheltered bay, has plenty of character, while Kirkwall has a good selection of shops, notably for crafts and jewellery.

Shetland, the most northerly island group in the UK, has ferry connections with Aberdeen and Kirkwall. Lerwick is by far the largest town. Shetland is noted for its wildlife and its Viking heritage.

For sheer atmosphere, Scotland’s rugged north coast is unbeatable. Breathtaking scenery continues down the western seaboard via Lochinver to the ferry-port of Ullapool, which makes an excellent base for exploring this area.

Many enjoy Inverewe Gardens, thriving in the Gulf Stream’s mildness. Gairloch has fine beaches and also a golf course. Loch Maree and Torridon, with some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountains, are also in the area’s ‘must sees’.

Fort

Shetland

A legendary story awaits

Delve deeper into the myths, hear the real stories, learn about scientific research and become part of the story.

Book in advance to save

Home of the Thanes of Cawdor for over 600 years

A real living home, Cawdor Castle & Gardens will be open daily from 10am to 5pm, 27th April to 6th October 2024.

Audio guide in 10 languages included or read the humorous room notes written by the 24th Thane of Cawdor.

Formal gardens with contemporary sculptures, Nature Trails, on-site Café and Gift Shops.

Cawdor Castle & Gardens, Cawdor, Nairn, IV12 5RD

www.cawdorcastle.com

T:

Free Coach and Car Parks

Open th April - 1st (last

01667 404401

www.cawdorcastle.com

read the proof(s) carefully, checking spelling and all other details, indicating amendments

VISITOR CENTRE

date this proof sheet, and initial any alterations made directly on to the proof.

Swirling with aroma and flavour, the Glenmorangie Distillery is the beating heart of our wondrous whisky creation. Experience our craft and discover how with barley, water and wood, we bottle the taste of our imagination.

After the tour why not explore our full range of Glenmorangie whiskies in our shop and enjoy a dram in our bar, or a light snack, from our Streamliner van.

For up to date information on our experiences, please visit our web site www.glenmorangie.com.

Alternatively, we are here at the end of the line on 01862 892477 or email tshop@glenmorangie.co.uk where we will be delighted to take your call or email.

The Glenmorangie Distillery

Tain, Ross-shire IV19 1PZ Scotland

On the A9, 45 minutes from Inverness, 1 mile north of Tain.

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking. Please savour our whiskies in moderation. Correct at time of print for 2024.

Air Tours & Flying Lessons

An unmissable private flight with one of our flight instructors; discover the beauty of the Highlands from the skies, in one of our aeroplanes or gyrocopters.

Experiences for 1 to 3 people, with prices starting at £132. Open 7 days a week at Inverness Airport.

“Absolutely amazing”

“Breathtakingly marvellous”

“Brilliant, friendly, truly unique”

“From a warm welcome to a first class service, Highland Aviation are true professionals”

For online bookings and further information:

Tain

Perth

Inverness

Glasgow Edinburgh

Aberdeen & Tayside

The bustling North Sea port of Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city, has plenty of accommodation, shopping and night-life, and is a gateway to Royal Deeside. Dundee is varied and vibrant, with a good choice of shopping and also cultural options - with a notable art centre as well as museums - including the V&A Dundee museum, and a fascinating industrial heritage.

The coast features historic fishing ports such as Buckie and Stonehaven, spectacular cliffs and long golden beaches stretching from the Moray Firth to Angus.

Some of Scotland’s finest malt whisky distilleries are along the River Spey. The region is famous for its castles, with Glamis, Blair, Crathes and Dunnottar being particularly impressive. Visitors can enjoy Queen Victoria’s “dear paradise in the Highlands” at Balmoral Castle.

The region has some great car-touring routes: from Deeside via The Lecht and into Strathspey; Dunnottar Castle from the Lowlands into Highland Perthshire via Crieff, the Sma’ Glen and Aberfeldy; or the mountain route to Aberdeenshire via Glenshee - the highest main road in Scotland.

Amongst the towns, Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey give easy access to the Cairngorms National Park. Elgin is gateway to the ‘whisky country’ of the Lower Spey; Kirriemuir is ideal for exploring the Angus Glens. The prosperous town of Perth has fine Georgian architecture, while from holiday towns like Dunkeld or Pitlochry, visitors can discover ‘Big Tree Country’ with Perthshire’s record-breaking trees.

V&A Museum, Dundee

Perth Gallery

Photo © Charlie Philips

The House of Bruar is the leading designer of country clothing in Great Britain, creating a range of contemporary country classics in quality natural fibre materials.

Our expansive and spacious departments offer everything needed to enjoy the best in country living. Our Pure Cashmere and Knitwear Hall - the largest in the UK - is full of stunning garments in a spectacular range of colours. Alongside our own original creations you’ll also find a host of leading brands throughout our Ladieswear Department, including Crew Clothing, Joules, Marble, Seasalt and Barbour, while our Shoe and Handbag Department showcases Dubarry, Ariat, Brics and Gianni Conti.

Men are equally well catered for in our 20,000 square ft Menswear Hall, with our own exclusive British technical tweeds sitting alongside our New Made to Measure Scottish Kilt Department - specialising in traditional Tartans and country plaids. Shirts, shoes and impressive designs in leather, long staple pure virgin cashmere tailoring and natural fibre knitwear are joined by top brands including Hugo Boss, Gant, Levi’s, Barbour and Schoffel. Our dedicated Stalking Department brings you the best sporting equipment from leading manufacturers including Meindl, Harkila & Deer Hunter - everything you need to get the most out of your favourite country pursuits.

The Fishing Tackle Shop, which is now situated in our Menswear Hall, offers a haven for the keen angler, providing equipment, accessories and even advice from our expert staff.

A treasure trove of gift ideas can be found in our Present Shop and Country Living Department, full of unique items for the home, garden and kitchen - and even the family dog! There’s also the Jewel in the Crown jewellery shop and our Rural Art Gallery, which celebrates Britain’s wildlife and landscapes in sculptures, paintings and ceramics.

Our Whisky Shop is a celebration of Scotland’s favourite tipple, and very much a destination in its own right. Well-stocked with the finest heritage single malts from all across the country - including rare expressions from Macallan - it’s a must-see for all lovers of Scottish whisky.

The best of Scotland’s natural larder is always on the menu in our Food Hall, Delicatessen and Restaurant, while our award-winning Butchery features quality cuts from local providers. Our Bakery provides tempting treats with everything from freshly made barista coffee to homemade sandwiches, while the unique Fish & Chip shop specialises in fresh squid and lobster, our brand new A9 Pie Shop will provide hungry travellers with the perfect stop for the ultimate British comfort food!

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to The House of Bruar, located just off the A9 ten miles north of Pitlochry. Shown here is a taste of our new Autumn/Winter 2023-24 range. To order a copy of the latest mail order catalogue please call us or visit our website.

Welcome to Scotland

The numbers on the map relate to the numbers on the adverts in this guide

Other road Railway Airport

Main ferry route Beallach na Ba

Carloway Broch

MacLeod’s Tables

Skara Brae

Neolithic Orkney (UNESCO)

North Roe Haroldswick

Grey Cairns Dun Dornaigil Broch

Carn Liath

Lochindorb Castle Dulsie Bridge Boath Doocot Bridge of Oich

Clava Cairns

Hill o’Many Stanes

Walls Sandness

Scalloway

SHETLAND ISLANDS

Lerwick

Jarlshof Broch of Mousa

Sumburgh

Urquhart Castle Heads Slains Castle

Maiden Stone

Spend a day, experience centuries!

Step back in time and experience life in the Highlands from 1700s to the 1950s at the Highland Folk Museum. We have over 35 historical buildings onsite for you to explore and discover how people in the Highlands lived, worked, went to school, enjoyed their leisure time.

West Highlands & Islands

This picturesque area has fjordlike sea-lochs and a diversity of islands, linked by an excellent ferry network. The Outer Hebrides are easily reached from Ullapool, Uig on Skye, and Oban. Lewis and Harris have some of Scotland’s finest beaches and

MV STARDUST BOAT TRIPS

one of the UK’s most important prehistoric sites, the Calanais Standing Stones. The southern portion of this chain, notably Barra, Eriskay and the Uists, is spectacular and rich in wildlife. Skye is famous for its Cuillin Hills and the extraordinary landscape of the Quiraing. Aside from the scenery, other attractions include Talisker Distillery and Dunvegan Castle.

On the mainland, Plockton is very photogenic - as is Eilean Donan Castle, also on this part of the coast. There is an excellent touring route here, down through Kintail to the Great Glen and Fort William. Here, next to Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain) is Nevis Range, the popular skiing and mountain biking centre.

The busy little ferry port of Oban

is a good base for exploring the ‘Glorious Gardens of Argyll’. Inveraray is another picturesque little town, with Inveraray Jail one of the main attractions.

Cowal’s wooded peninsula reaches down to the island of Bute, where Rothesay is a traditional resort. Mount Stuart is also a popular attraction here. Other islands include: Iona with its Abbey and High Crosses; Islay, with its many whisky distilleries; also Colonsay and Gigha. Mull has spectacular cliff scenery.

Eastwards are Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, which is a national park. Gateways here include attractive villages such as Aberfoyle and Callander. A steamer excursion on Loch Katrine is the essential Trossachs experience.

Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct

SPEEDBOAT TOURS

OPEN 7 DAYS AT LOCH LOMOND & RATED #1 ON TRIP ADVISOR

Loch Lomond Leisure operate daily from 3 locations at Luss Beach (G83 8PA) and Loch Lomond Shores Balloch (G83 8QL) and Rowardennan (G63 0AR). Advanced Booking is recommended. Please phone or visit our website to book online.

• Speedboat Tour

• Speedboat Taxi

• Mountain Bike & E-Bike

• Stand Up Paddleboard

• Giant Paddleboard (6 pax)

• Canone & Kayak

Adventure starts here

Tour options from 30 minutes to half day or full day experience. Please visit website for interactive map, route planner & pricing. Go

Explore

• Row & Pedal Boat

• Self-Drive Fishing Boat

• Self-Drive Motorboat

LOCH LOMOND TOURS

Boat tours operate daily from Luss & Balloch (Loch Lomond). Minibus tours depart from Edinburgh, Stirling & Glasgow. Walk, hike, bike & paddle tours depart from various locations. Group bookings & private tours are available. Advance booking is recommended. Please visit our website for tour information & pricing, or to book online.

BOAT TOURS PADDLE TOURS

• Luss Tour

• Balloch Tour

• Private Tour

• Canoe Tour

• Paddleboard Tour

• Kayak Tour

OTHER ACTIVITIES

• Minibus Tour

• Walking Tour

• Guided Bike & Hike

FREEPHONE

South & Central Scotland

Two great cities, the coastal delights of Fife, the hills of the Scottish Borders, the moors and forests of Galloway and the resorts of Ayrshire and Arran are all in this area.

Edinburgh has a vibrant yearround cultural life, museums, art galleries, and historical attractions such as Edinburgh Castle. City excursions include East Lothian’s coastline and towns such as Haddington, North Berwick and historic towns like Linlithgow.

To the north, the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife are very photogenic. With golf heritage, a ruined cathedral and great shopping - St Andrews is a ‘must see’. Or head over to Anstruther to see The Scottish Fisheries

Museum - a fantastic day out for all ages.

In the west, Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow, is a great shopping centre. The city’s pubs, restaurants and clubs add to its vibrant nightlife. South of Glasgow, the Robert Burns Museum in Alloway, Ayr, gives an insight into the poet’s life.

Near Falkirk is the Helix Park, home to The Kelpies, spectacular 30m sculptures of horses heads.

The Scottish Borders are famous for their historic abbeys, with mill shops to be discovered in the ‘textile towns’ of Galashiels, Selkirk and Hawick. The region also has many stately homes to visit, including Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.

Westwards, Galloway towns

are always attractive - notably colourful Kirkcudbright, once noted for its artists’ colony, and Castle Douglas. Galloway’s main town is Dumfries, with its Robert Burns connections. The Galloway Forest Park is the largest forest park in the UK, easy to reach from places such as Newton Stewart and New Galloway.

“An absolute must see when visiting Edinburgh.”

TripAdvisor review

Dating from 1446, Rosslyn Chapel took over 40 years to build. The beauty of its setting and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework have inspired, intrigued and attracted visitors ever since.

Just 7 miles south of central Edinburgh. Easy to reach by public transport. Take Lothian Bus 37 (for Penicuik/Deanburn) from City Centre.

Rosslyn Chapel, Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PU Tel 0131 440 2159

Step down into Edinburgh’s

Open all year

Please book ahead to guarantee your visit

rosslynchapel.com

Explore uniquely preserved streets and discover the real stories of Edinburgh’s past residents hidden history

Rosslyn Chapel is managed by Rosslyn Chapel Trust, a charity registered in Scotland, number SC024324.

MONTEVIOT HOUSE GARDEN

Monteviot lies on the bank of the River Teviot and is a series of differing gardens displaying rose and herbaceous plants surrounded by foliage plants. Water feature linked by bridges and falls pass through the Dene Garden and Water Garden . The Garden of Persistent imagination is planted with rose and clematis beside paths meandering across a bridge and under the Moonstone Gate, passed the Dali style clock.

Open 1st April -31st October 12pm-5pm admission £6 children U16 free, card payment only.

New for 2023: Lighting show in the arboretum in autumn www.monteviot.com tel 01835 830380

image: Bleu Hope

image: Louise Bichan

Experience the Extraordinary at The Helix, Home of The Kelpies

Discover one of Scotland’s most iconic attractions. thehelix.co.uk

DISCOVER MORE OF SCOTLAND

Pop in and let us inspire you to discover more of Scotland. We provide tourist information and top tips on things to see and do, places to visit and what’s on.

We are also proud to promote local artisans through our Shop Local initiative so we’re sure to help you find the perfect Scottish souvenir.

Find out where we are and when we’re open at visitscotland.com/icentre