Holiday West Highland - Autumn/Winter 2023

YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ARGYLL, THE WEST HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Discover the secrets hidden inside the mountain that never sleeps

Towering above the picturesque banks of Loch Awe, the mighty Ben Cruachan dominates the stunning, unspoiled landscape. Cruachan Visitor Centre, nestled in an idyllic setting on the banks of this beautiful loch, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the secrets hidden within the hollow mountain.

Cruachan Power Station, hidden a kilometre deep inside the mountain, is one of the country’s greatest engineering achievements. Nearly 60 years after its construction, it still plays a vital part of electricity generation in the UK. During times when there is a surplus of electricity, water is gradually pumped from the loch to the reservoir high on the mountainside then, when demand

for electricity is at its peak, Cruachan roars into life, as water from the high reservoir is released, plummeting through the mountain to power the turbines below.

Cruachan Visitor Centre is a wonderful way to experience all aspects of the amazing mountain. Dramatic guided tours transport visitors deep underground to see the enormous machine hall, exclusive footage is played via a display within the tunnel itself. An interactive exhibition explains the history and science behind this epic feat of engineering, and there’s an interactive house for children to play and learn.

The Hollow Mountain Cafe offers delicious fare – from homemade soup and scones, sandwiches and

paninis to freshly-ground coffee and yummy marshmallow topped hot chocolates – in a stunning lochside setting. The perfect place to enjoy spotting some of the amazing local wildlife – from the cheeky pine martens which regularly visit the bird tables, to the majestic ospreys diving into the loch for fish.

The gift shop has an exciting variety of gifts for all ages, including a selection of jewellery and children’s toys, as well as a selection of homeware and Cruachan souvenirs.

‘For guided tours on a rainy day or wildlife spotting in the sunshine, Cruachan Visitor Centre is a fantastic place to visit for all ages’ says Sarah Cameron, visitor centre manager.

CONTACT

WELCOME

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2023/24 edition of Holiday West Highland, your guide to the beautiful west highlands and islands region, a place that is so enchanting that one visit will never be enough.

The West Highlands boasts a rich culture of local characters, fantastic food and drink, exciting activities, places of historic and natural interest and unique wildlife.

Holiday West Highland is produced by a team who live, work and spend leisure time here and we are lucky enough to have experienced many of the west coast’s enduring features and countless land and water activities. We hope you enjoy discovering them too.

The colder months don’t usually come with hazy days of sunshine but with 3,750km of coastline, 23 inhabited islands and 40 lochs, we do offer the perfect backdrop for exploring the region under your own steam.

This magazine will take you from Skye in the north, the Outer Hebrides to the west and Kintrye to

the south, weaving through technicolour forests (amazing in the Autumn!), ancient castles and monuments, bustling towns with incredible pubs, restaurants and warm hospitality, cracking views at every turn, dramatic hills, lochs and glens (hiking heaven) and so much more on and off the water.

If you love being in the great outdoors and need a real boost for both your physical and mental wellbeing, come rain or shine, you’re in the right place. Have a wonderful stay, The Holiday West Highland Team

Front page photograph: Atlantic puffin on sea cliff top and flying gannets in seabird colony (www.shutterstock.com)

FÀILTE DON OBAN!

As we enter the cosy, twinkling lights and winter warmers season of 2023. Our bustling town has something for everyone as we welcome back our lovely visitors in 2023. Known as the Seafood Capital, you’ll not need to go far for the freshest produce the west coast has to offer. You can often see it coming ashore on the south pier –from sea to plate in mere minutes!

Take a walk along the south pier to the various seafood shacks or dine in at one of the town’s numerous restau-

rants offering fresh local produce, a real treat for the taste buds!

Take a stroll along George Street and feel the buzz from the lively cafes and pubs or perhaps take a tour round Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s smallest and oldest distilleries. The lightly smoked, fresh malt is known the world over and the Oban 14 Year Old is part of the six Classic Malts to give you a taste of each renowned whisky producing region. To add to the atmosphere you can often find

live music in many of the pubs and bars. Sit back, relax and revel in the talented folk musicians this area has to offer.

If retail therapy is more your style then Oban has plenty to offer on that front. Bring back a keepsake of your west coast stay from one of our local crafters and browse the many shops offering everything from hand knitting and colourful tweeds to quaichs and wellies.

Oban is rich in culture too, with many events at The Rockfield Centre including exhibitions and concerts. Don’t forget about Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds with its beautiful gardens and 1745 House Museum, home to clan MacDougall material and archives as well as woodland grounds and a castle ruin for all to explore.

Remember to check out www.oban. org.uk for your guide to ‘What’s On’ in the town as well as lots of info on activities, walks, trails and more!

Winter from Dunollie Castle, Oban Photo: scotphoto.com

Winter Festival fireworks, Oban Photo: scotphoto.com

Oban at dusk from Stafford Street Photo: scotphoto.com

COASTAL CONNECTION

lochs of the west coast more accessible than ever before, with services ranging from commercial exercises to private charters and scenic island tours.

We spent the whole day out circumnavigating Mull. We went ashore at Lunga for fabulous views of puffins, guillimots and razorbills then on to view Fingal’s cave and time for tea and cake whilst listening to the corncrakes on Iona.

Boat was warm and comfortable and Cameron made us feel very safe and welcome. We would highly recommend this company for sea travels from Oban.

charter boat

From the sandy bays and rocky coves of Mull, Coll and Tiree, to the remarkable ecosystems of sea lochs like Loch Etive and Loch Fyne and the historic harbours of Oban and Tobermory – the team have the expertise to ensure that you make the most of every moment on board. Whether you want to go north to Skye or south to Lismore, fancy a spot of wildlife-spotting (whales, puffins and more) or a step back in time (to crumbling castles and ancient churches) a tour can be planned to match your inter-

ests – or the experienced team can suggest a schedule to suit.

Day trip destinations departing from Oban could include Mull, Coll, Islay or Lismore, or you could plan a themed trip looking for eagles, or sharks – or even experiencing the thrill of the Corryvreckan whirlpool.

Whatever your west coast wish (including getting home after a missed ferry) get in touch to share it with the Coastal Connection team, and together we can start to plan your adventure.

coastal-connection.co.uk

Dungallan Country House

Following their 1st season accomplishments, the team at Dungallan Country House did not rest on their laurels for their 2nd. In addition to experiencing another hugely successful year for sell out accommodation, they have also completed two beautiful, exclusive use weddings which were as exceptional and unique as the bridal couples. Both wedding parties were able to experience the life of a Laird and Lady in their own country house for the weekend, surrounded by friends and family.

The catering for both weddings was expertly created and delivered by Chef Michael and his team; ranging from canapes, to day and evening buffets and a sumptuous, 5 course wedding breakfast. Having an on-site marquee, which is provided as complimentary by Dungallan Country House, offers wedding couples and exclusive use guests more flexible dining and dancing options.

Dungallan Country House were absolutely delighted to have hosted an afternoon tea for 21 ladies of Oban’s Inner Wheel for a joint celebration of the Club’s 70th birthday and the King’s Coronation in June. The event was a huge success with the ladies also reminiscing over the Club’s old photograph albums and enjoying the beautiful weather in the garden. The house has hosted some lovely celebrations throughout 2023 including birthday, retirement and baby shower afternoon teas.

Thanks to Chef Michael’s beautiful and tasty creations, the afternoon teas have been selling out weeks in advance. The re-introduction of the winter warmer teas from 1st October, as well as the special Christmas offerings between 1st and 8 th December, being a new addition in 2023, will be sure to sell out fast. Gift vouchers covering afternoon teas and overnight stays will certainly be popular Christmas presents again this year.

Since achieving a 5 star Visit Scotland rating at the start of their 1st season, the Dungallan Country House team were even more delighted to have won another award in June 2023; Best 5 Star Guest House in Scotland 2023 from Lux Life Resorts & Retreats. The team are now excited to see what they can achieve in 2024.

Only one thing compares to the lovely landscape of the west Highlands, and that is the spectacular seascape – Coastal Connection offers you a very special way to explore it.

The Oban-based

company makes the islands and

Photo: Penny Peterson

Mccaigs Tower

Dominating Oban’s skyline, McCaig’s tower was built in the late 19th century by local banker John Stuart McCaig, partly to provide work for local stone masons. It is striking to look up at and even better from inside.

Dunollie Castle and Museum

For centuries this ivy-covered ruin was the base from which Clan MacDougall ruled the region. The house below is now a thriving museum, with lovely grounds and activities for visitors of all ages. dunollie.org

Boat Trips

Oban is the gateway to the Isles, and some – such as Lismore, Easdale and Kerrera – are close enough for a day trip and can be reached by ferry in moments. A choice of wildlifewatching trips depart locally, too – look out for seals, basking sharks, dolphins and much more.

Oban War and Peace Museum

This tiny museum isn’t just for those with a passion for military history, its artefacts and exhibitions offer broad insight into Oban’s past. A good stop for visitors tracing local family connections too.

www.obanmuseum.org.uk

Atlantis Leisure

Get active with the family whatever the weather. Atlantis boasts two swimming pools, a soft play area, climbing wall, outdoor courts and many more sports and classes. Plus community playgrounds outside.

www.atlantisleisure.co.uk

Top things to see, do and experience in Oban

Oban Winter Festival

A 10-day festive extravaganza from 18th-27th November. A unique celebration of Oban’s unique culture with parades, performing acts, fire art, pipers, food and drink, stalls, tours and more including the Reindeer Parade and Fireworks. Not to be missed.

www.obanwinterfestival.com

Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery takes its name from the town where the Highlands meet the Islands and nestles below the steep cliff that overlooks Oban. This coastal location is accurately reflected by the character of the Oban 14 year old single malt whisky.

www.obanwhisky.com.

Tel: 01631 572004

Dunstaffnage

The village of Dunbeg is home to Dunstaffnage Castle, a MacDougall stronghold that played an important role in national history. Walk around the marina and secluded beaches, and visit the neighbouring Ocean Explorer Centre.

oceanexplorercentre.org

Shopping & Afternoon Tea

From tiny gift shops to galleries, trendy chain stores and even a chocolate shop, Oban offers a scenic town-centre shopping experience. Enhance the experience with afternoon tea (and homebaking) in a seafront hotel or tea room.

www.bid4oban.co.uk

The Rockfield Centre

A community hub with a programme of live performances, workshops, classes and exhibitions hosted throughout the year. Learn more about local arts, history and heritage. Check out the website for events taking place throughout the summer.

www.therockfieldcentre.org.uk

AUTUMN WILDLIFE AROUND OUR ISLANDS

With autumn fast approaching the wildlife focus for Seafari Adventures Corryvreckan Wildlife Tours alters. The Corryvreckan (Home of the World’s Third Largest Whirlpool) remains a central part of all tours. Wildlife such as our common seal pups are no longer receiving piggy back rides from their mothers. The pups are now well fed and sometimes difficult to differentiate from their parents. Our sea eagle chick has fledged the nest but is still in the area. The chick does not have the magnificent white tail and head of its parents but it is still receiving lessons on flying and hunting.

As the days get shorter the colours of the leaves on the trees particularly on the east side of Scarba become a spectacular display of reds and golds. The bracken turns a range of bronzes. On the west coast of Scotland one admits there will be periods of rain. With crisp clear skies the scenery can only be described as spectacular.

At this time of the year tours focus around our new fast catamaran Celtic Adventurer. With space within the cabin as well as space outside it is an ideal off season tour boat. Celtic Adventurer cruises at the same speed as all our other boats so tours have the same content and take the same length as time. Celtic Adventurer is perhaps better suited to Scotland’s off peak weather.

Atlantic Grey seals which frequent our waters colonise on land and give birth to their white fluffy pups in the autumn. Unlike the jet black common seal pups

which can swim within hours of being born, the grey seal pups remain ashore and must lose their white fur before they can take to the water. Seafari are fortunate to have a colony nearby.

All the nesting seabirds have taken to their natural habitat which is life on the ocean wave. Seabirds really only take to the land to breed. The breeding season is now over. Seabirds do however need to feed and The Gulf of Corryvreckan with its food rich waters is a natural congregation centre. Many seabirds such as kittiwake will have their winter plumage. Migrating birds such as geese will be passing through the area as they head south.

The red deer rut will happen. Stags will have regrown their antlers ready to attract and their harem of females. The stags are now a magnificent red colour and bellow throughout both day and night to defend both their territories and harem. As we view from the sea the stags seem unperturbed as they do not appear to see any threat from this direction.

Whales, dolphins and porpoise are star attractions on our tours. Whilst the main season for spotting minke whale is drawing to a close these magnificent creatures have been seen on occasions well into October. Our bottlenose dolphins remain in local waters throughout the year but these pods are travellers covering a vast range throughout the west coast of Scotland. Summer 2023 and our sightings of common dolphin have increased significantly. We are hoping this continues throughout the autumn. Porpoise on the other hand tend to stay in a local area and again it’s the rich feeding grounds of The Gulf of Corryvreckan which attracts these small cetaceans.

As to the Gulf of Corryvreckan and its whirlpool. The whirlpool works 4 times a day every day. It is a tidal phenomenon and the position of the sun and the

moon in relation to the earth dictates how much water flows through the area. Seafari’s friendly office staff are more than happy to offer guidance either by phone (01852 300003) or email (oban@seafari.co.uk). There is always a compromise. If the tidal flow at the time of your tour is high the whirlpools are spectacular but the marine wildlife tends to be less prevalent. If your tour is at slack water we expect more wildlife. For many there is a wish to see marine wildlife and see some activity at the whirlpool. Please just contact the Seafari office for advice.

Seafari tours will continue to operate our fast catamaran Celtic Adventurer daily (weather permitting) until the end of October.

Minke Whale

Photo: Seafari Crew Josh Harris

White Tailed Eagles

Photo: Seafari Crew Josh Harris

Red Deer

Photo: Seafari Crew Josh Harris

Celtic Adventurer

Photo: Seafari Crew Josh Harris

ENCHANTING ESCAPES: DISCOVER THE

ALLURE OF OBAN

Oban, a picturesque Scottish town nestled along the rugged western coastline, offers a unique and captivating experience for tourists seeking an off-season adventure. While spring and summer may boast vibrant blooms and bustling streets, the autumn and winter months unveil a different kind of enchantment that draws visitors to this hidden gem. From the mystic allure of the Highland landscapes to the cosy warmth of its charming town, here’s why Oban is a must-visit destination during the colder months.

Tranquil Natural Beauty:

Autumn and winter transform Oban’s natural surroundings into a breath taking tapestry of colours. The rolling hills and dense woodlands are adorned with rich hues of red, orange, and gold, creating a picturesque scene that’s a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The weather may be cooler, but the crisp air makes the scenic trails all the more invigorating.

Unveiling Serenity:

The autumn and winter seasons bring a sense of peacefulness to Oban, as the crowds of summer tourists disperse. This is the time to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, converse with friendly locals, and savour the unhurried pace of life. Oban’s attractions, such as McCaig’s Tower, become more intimate and personal, allowing you to explore without the hustle and bustle that accompanies peak seasons.

Gastronomic Delights:

Oban’s culinary scene thrives in the colder months, serving up hearty dishes that warm both the body and soul. Cozy up in the town’s traditional pubs and restaurants, where you can relish in hearty stews, fresh seafood chowders, and locally-sourced game. Pair your meal with a fine whisky from Oban’s renowned distillery for an unforgettable taste of Scotland’s rich heritage.

Wildlife Encounters:

Autumn and winter bring unique

IN AUTUMN AND WINTER

opportunities to witness Scotland’s diverse wildlife. Seal colonies dot the coastline, and you might even spot otters playing by the shores. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the presence of migrating species and resident seabirds that thrive in these colder months.

Oban offers boat tours that take you close to these natural wonders, allowing you to connect with the wild side of Scotland.

Festive Traditions:

As the holiday season approaches, Oban comes alive with festive spirit. The town’s streets are adorned with twinkling lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Experience traditional Scottish celebrations, such as St. Andrew’s Day and Hogmanay, complete with lively ceilidh dances, music, and warm camaraderie that embodies the true essence of Scottish hospitality. The Oban Winter Festival is a 2 week celebration of Oban’s unique culture with parades, street performances, markets, fireworks and more.

Whisky Tasting Adventures:

Oban is renowned for its whisky heritage, and the autumn and winter months provide the perfect opportunity to delve into its distilling traditions. Take a guided tour of the local distillery, where you can witness the whisky-making process up close and savour the refined flavours of this revered Scottish spirit. There are plenty of other outlets to sample the finest of Scottish whiskies and learn more about Uisge Beatha – the water of life.

Oban’s autumn and winter offer a serene and captivating escape for tourists seeking a different kind of Scottish adventure. The tranquil natural landscapes, intimate local experiences, festive traditions, and cozy retreats make this charming town an ideal destination during the colder months. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Highland beauty, gastronomic delights, or the warmth of its people, Oban in autumn and winter promises an enchanting journey that lingers in the heart and memory.

WELCOME TO LOCH AWE

Ben Cruachan is a popular challenge for hikers and munro baggers and is home to Cruachan Dam and Power Station, a feat of engineering which generates energy via a man-made loch high in the mountain and can be seen from several miles away.

A visitor centre explains the technicalities of this important power source and offers tours to the vast turbine hall at the centre of the mountain. It’s a set-up that feels like something from a James Bond movie, and in fact Cruachan has featured as a TV and film set - most recently for the Star Wars series Andor.

Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch and one of its most dramatic. Several historic buildings stand on its banks, including the 15th century fortress of Kilchurn castle, one of Scotland’s most-photographed and striking silhouettes - you’ll recognise it from the shortbread tins.

St Conan’s Kirk in Lochawe village, is a unique church undergoing significant restoration. Its eclectic design includes an ornate stained-glass window and gargoyles of dogs, hares, and even the face of its architect, Walter Campbell. Inside, the Robert the Bruce chapel contains a lifesized effigy of the Scottish king, with

one of his bones apparently buried beneath.

The best views of Loch Awe can be found in the neighbouring village of Dalmally, at the hilltop monument to local gaelic bard Duncan Ban Macintyre. On a glorious day, the spot is enough to inspire even the least likely artists to compose poetry.

West of the loch is the narrow Pass of Brander, the scene of a bloody battle featuring King Robert the Bruce, and the village of Taynuilt, which centres

around a pretty and bustling main street. Taynuilt’s highlights include the picturesque Kelly’s pier and Bonawe Iron Furnace – attractions set on the shores of Loch Etive, another west coast gem.

The back road from Taynuilt takes you through Glen Lonan - a route through beautiful croft land - and passes Angus’s Garden where you can enjoy a peaceful moment and appreciate colourful horticulture in special setting.

DIARY DATE:

Halloween Spookery at the Kirk, Sat 28th October, 7pm-8pm

Pumpkins, dooking, treacly scones and more

Christmas Tree Festival

1st-3rd December 2023, 10am-5pm

Over 60 lovingly curated Christmas Trees from the local community, displayed in the Kirk’s spectacular setting.

Info: www.conanskirk.org.uk

Two glacial giants dominate the landscape around the villages of Loch Awe and Dalmally - Ben Cruachan mountain, above, and Loch Awe, below.

Loch Awe Photo: shutterstock.com

St Conans Kirk

Photo: shutterstock.com

Cruachan Dam Photo: scotphoto.com

FOLLOW THE ORCHY TO THE AWE!

WONDERFUL PLACES TO STOP AND STARE AROUND LOCH AWE

Loch Awe

Slicing through one of the west Highland’s most spectacular glens, rippling through historic villages and gushing into the splendour of Loch Awe, the river Orchy is a natural tour guide that will take you past a collection of this region’s hidden treats. It is well worth meandering along its course to discover them.

Bridge of Orchy

The river rumbles through this tiny hamlet, named after the beautiful stone bridge which crosses it. The West Highland Way walking route passes through and this is the gateway to more hiking country including Rannoch Moor, the Black Mount Estate, and the munros Ben Doran and Ben an Dothaidh

Glen Orchy

From Bridge of Orchy, you could travel via the A85 via Tyndrum towards Oban, but the alternative B8014 offers a slower, prettier alternative that follows the course of the river as it cuts through hills and rushes over the rocks. Stop at the historic iron bridge mid-way and watch white water whirl below you, or look among the trees to spot wildlife from pine martens to crossbills.

Dalmally

The river widens at Dalmally, where you enjoy take a restful seat (or a healthy snack) at the community orchard, visit the octagonal white Glenorchy and Innishael Church, where 26 clan chiefs of the Macgregors lie buried, or take a detour via the vibrant wool-craft hub at the station to Duncan ban

Kilchurn Castle

The Orchy joins Loch Awe just below Kilchurn Castle, a captivating ruin with high ramparts and lochside towers that repay exploration when they are open in the summer months. The castle was a stronghold for the Campbells in the 15th century but later became a government garrison. It is a flat, photogenic 10-minute walk from the car park.

Lochawe Village

Though its function is to allow vehicular access to power station vehicles, the road from Loch Awe to Cruachan Dam is also a steep but rewarding pedestrian route to one of Britain’s engineering marvels, with more memorable views (including of the Loch Awe’s islands) along the way.

Lochawe’s historic hotel was built when the railway line towards Oban stopped here, and while its elegant Victorian design might catch the eye, St Conan’s Kirk remains the village’s main attraction.

St Conan’s Kirk

Exceptional in both in style and surroundings, the kirk’s highlight is its elaborate south side over-looking the Loch. Time your visit to coincide with a concert, play or organ recital for an extra treat.

Macintyre’s monument (signed from the station road), a memorial to the Gaelic poet which offers spectacular views across Loch Awe.

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe

Photo: shutterstock.com

Bridge of Orchy

Photo: shutterstock.com

GO WILD ABOUT ARGYLL

Scotland’s Adventure Coast

A warm welcome to Argyll & the Isles. With a geography covering 6,900 sq km and a population of nearly 87,000, this is the second largest region in Scotland encompassing over 37,000km of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, major towns and tiny villages with direct access transport links to the central belt. What better place to explore and seek out new adventures?

Where Will You Go?

OBAN, LORN & THE ISLES

The seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday with much to see and do in wider area and nearby Inner Hebridean islands.

MULL & IONA

Mull has it all; towering peaks, ancient castles, sparkling sands and rich cultural life. It also has Tobermory, easily the most attractive fishing port on the west coast of Scotland.

ISLE OF TIREE

The most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides, Tiree is one of the sunniest places in the UK, with white sandy beaches, known for its fertile soils and crofting heritage.

ISLE OF COLL

Coll’s beaches, meadows and moors provide a home for a wealth of flora and fauna. Bird watchers are in for a real treat. Coll is one of the best places in the UK for star gazing.

ISLE OF COLONSAY

Colonsay is famed for its tranquillity, unspoilt beauty and sandy beaches.

INVERARAY

Inveraray is the traditional county town of Argyll with stunning Georgian architecture which overlooks the water of Loch Fyne.

KILMARTIN GLEN

Within six miles of Kilmartin village, there are over 350 ancient monuments, including cairns, standing stones and stone circles.

ISLE OF GIGHA

Small in size but crammed full of possibility, with sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas and many archaeological and historic sites to be discovered.

CAMPBELTOWN & KINTYRE

Once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world,’ Campbeltown situated on the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre is one of Argyll’s largest towns.

ISLAY & JURA

Fantastic natural larder, outstanding wildlife, world class distilleries, beautiful beaches and impressive heritage. Islay & Jura has something for everyone.

DUNOON & COWAL

Beautiful and diverse, from the towering Munros of the north to the mellow scenery and sea lochs of the south. Paddle steamers used to bring throngs of Glaswegian holidaymakers ‘doon the water’ to its shores.

ISLE OF BUTE

There is much for everyone to enjoy on Bute with a coastline of beaches, standing stones, culture, wildlife, arts and music.

LOCH LOMOND

Its ‘bonnie, bonnie banks’ are world-renowned. Beautiful Loch Lomond sits at the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

HELENSBURGH & CLYDE SEA LOCHS

With its promenade, attractive parks and gardens plus Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, Helensburgh is a great holiday destination.

FAIRYTALE TOWN INVERARAY

With its white waterfront buildings, sparkling harbour, and angular backdrop of hills and forest, Argyll’s county town of Inveraray makes an eye-catching first impression that hints at the experiences to come. Established by its Duke in 1745, this planned town is a showcase of Georgian architecture, with its grand homes, mysterious alleys and central neo-classical church.

Inveraray Castle, the fairytale home of Clan Campbell and the current Duke of Argyll, is the town’s star attraction and was once the setting for a Downton Abbey Christmas special (as well as the recent BBC hit A Very British Scandal). Its armoury hall displays an impressive collection of weapons, including the handle of outlaw Rob Roy’s dagger. More sedate highlights are the state dining room, tapestry drawing room, a cosy basement café and well-cared-for gardens.

Echoes of Inveraray’s murkier past are part of its appeal too. In the 1800s, Inveraray Jail housed offenders from convicted killers to children caught stealing apples. Today, it is a living museum where costumed guides tell stories of former inmates and visitors can try out

punishments and experience the excitement of a trial in the courtroom.

Perched on a hilltop high above Loch Fyne, the Dun na Cuaiche watchtower is the stone guardian of Inveraray. The 18th century viewpoint is a relatively short, though fairly challenging walk from Inveraray Castle car park, and provides a staggering view of the Fyne Valley – the town, castle, celebrated bell tower and loch can all be seen from the shelter.

A day trip to Inveraray can also encompass living history at Auchindrain, a farming township (a few miles south of the town) that has been carefully preserved. Head north-east from Inveraray town and you reach Cairndow, a scenic

hamlet that is home to the celebrated Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Farm Shop and, for families, the recently-opened Fyne Den play space.

At the very tip of Loch Fyne is Ardkinglas, the stately home and estate that includes Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, a hillside haven which includes a Gruffalo trail, fairy garden and a remarkable collection of plants and ‘champion’ trees including some of the tallest, widest, and oldest trees in Britain.

DIARY DATE:

Inveraray Jail

Saturday 25th November 9pm

Charity event in aid of Erskine Veterans Hospital

Inveraray

Photo: shutterstock.com

Inveraray Photo: shutterstock.com

Inveraray Castle

Photo: shutterstock.com

Inveraray Castle

One of the West’s most popular attractions, Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. The Armoury Hall and opulent Tapestry Drawing Room are highlights of a tour. inveraray-castle.com

Auchindrain

Learn about Argyll’s rural history in this living museum where you can explore the homes of the crofters of the past and get hands on learning about traditional skills. auchindrain.org.uk

Loch Fyne Oyster Bar

The internationally famous seafood brand started out here, in a shed, in the 1970s. You can dine in more comfortable surroundings now, but the sparkling view and the fresh oysters, mussels and salmon, remain as memorable.

lochfyne.com

Argyll Adventure

Get out and about on horseback around Loch Fyne. Argyll Adventure offer scenic pony treks and riding lessons, plus paintball and crossbow ranges and laser storm.

argylladventure.com

Fyne Den

Indoor Adventure Zone and new Adventure Garden! Play Sessions 1hour 45 minutes. Check for opening hours and ticket prices. Cairndow, next to Loch Fyne Oysters off the A83. Email:- info@thefyneden.com

Tel: 01499 320429

Mob: 07931 656706

Top things to see, do and experience in Inveraray

Inveraray Jail

Step back in time in this historic jail and courthouse. Meet guides (and waxworks) dressed in period costume, and marvel at the conditions and punishments the inmates of the past were subjected to. inverarayjail.co.uk

Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

With views across Loch Fyne, this spectacular garden boasts a collection of record-breaking trees, and plenty for young visitors, including a Fairy Trail and Scotslanguage Gruffalo Trail. ardkinglas.com

The Here We Are Centre

Behind the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, this community hub includes an exhibition space, archives, post office and a tiny hereweare-uk.com

Fyne Ales

Brewing over 70 different beers annually, this farm brewery welcomes visitors to the banks of Loch Fyne where you can take a tour or sample a variety of ales in the tap room. fyneales.com

The George Hotel

A 160 year old family owned Scottish Boutique Hotel with open fires, centuries old walls, award winning restaurant, cocktail bar, garden bar and pub with over 400 whiskies. Stay with us - Dine with us. Tel: 01499 302 111

www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk

Sporting success can be fleeting and pass in an instant, but Stuart Herd, owner of The Harbour Gallery, is ensuring that these glorious, treasured moments will last forever.

Stuart’s exquisite brushwork has captured some of the most defining moments in rugby. From Scotland’s three consecutive Calcutta Cup wins, Stuart paints rugby matches from teams across the world from New Zealand, South Africa & Australia. He will be painting a lot more rugby work this year as he is spending six weeks in France at the Rugby World Cup. Following the Scotland games, but looking for inspiration across France. He is also working in conjunction with Vodafone for the Welsh Rugby Union.

Stuart has established three busy galleries in Scotland, the Harbour Galleries, which are situated along the West Coast of the country, which showcase original paintings and prints by the artist and owner, alongside other local artists’ work, including jewellery, memorabilia and ceramics.

Stuart said: ‘I started painting full time more than 20 years ago. I went to art college briefly but left to work in photography, and did that whilst travelling around the world in different jobs and on different treks. I’ve stayed in a lot of places, but was always drawing and painting at the same time.

‘I had a job as an art auctioneer at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica but left it after six months and made my living on the island as an artist for another two-and-a-half years! This was tough work, but I thought, if I can make my living out there, I can do it anywhere. So, I decided to come home and set up in Scotland as an artist.’

Stuart’s work depicts recognisable locations from throughout

Scotland, especially in and around the locations of his three galleries, in Tarbert, Ullapool and Inveraray.

His distinctive style also sees him paint Highland cows on canvas, as well as paintings on top of Ordnance Survey maps. The artist continues: ‘I mostly work with acrylics but I do oil now and again.

‘I’ll sit and sketch if I have the time, but the majority of my work is done from photographs in the studio, but for me that’s part of the process: you look for an angle and work from that. You use the camera to capture that angle, especially if you are going to paint a building, as my work is quite realistic I need that detail.

‘But I never work on one painting from start to finish. I’m always jumping around!’

Stuart’s attention to detail can be seen in his rugby prints, especially those capturing match action, with the stadia in the background – some of the players who have appeared in his paintings have bought the originals.

Stuart says “Since 2021 I’ve built up a portfolio of paintings depicting rugby across the world including a limited edition print called Big Push For Doddie, which is raising funds for MND, My Name`5 Doddie Foundation. “ www.myname5doddie.co.uk

‘I have done a few more Scottish paintings, then I painted the Springboks versus the Lions in the first Test. One of the Lions’ front row got in touch afterwards and bought the original.

‘It’s varied subject matter, from the rugby art to Scottish landscapes, to European cityscapes, to superyachts on nautical charts. I have exhibited in galleries across Europe.’

Stuart’s work can be found in corporate and private collections worldwide.

But owning art galleries wasn’t part of Stuart’s original plan. After an accident which saw him lose an eye. He struggled to paint for more than a year during surgery, and ended up having to have his eye removed. It was during this time he decided to start his business career and opened his first gallery.

He says: ‘Although I’m an artist, I also own three galleries, in Ullapool, Tarbert and Inveraray. Some 90 per cent of the artwork sold there is done by myself, from £2,000 originals to £20 prints.’

The Harbour Gallery, Tarbert, is located on the Harbour Front and his studio is also on the Quay. The newly opened Inveraray Gallery in Argyll is situated on the Main Street, while the Ullapool gallery can be found in the heart of the village. Although the galleries are far apart in terms of mileage, Stuart uses the time when travelling between them to find new regions and to explore new ideas for future paintings. For more information, and to see further examples of Stuart’s work, visit www.theharbourgallery.com

www.RugbyArtwork.com

The Harbour GalleryTarbert - Ullapool - Inveraray

Acclaimed artist Stuart Herd’s love of rugby and landscapes can be found at his three west coast galleries: Tarbert, Ullapool and Inveraray

Heart of Argyll

Welcome to the Heart of Argyll, with our outstanding national nature reserves, abundant wildlife, prehistoric landscape, stunning coastline, pristine marine environment, West Coast sunsets and dark skies, we have it all.

Stretching from the picturesque fishing village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne in the south to Loch Craignish in the north, over to Knapdale and Crinan in the west, across to Inveraray and Loch Awe in the east; with Kilmartin Glen in its midst, the Heart of Argyll boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and precious, rare habitats in Europe.

Historic Kilmartin Glen has the most important concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in mainland Scotland,

including some of the earliest animal carvings. At least 800 ancient monuments, of which 150 are prehistoric, lie within six miles of Kilmartin village.

Take time to explore the smaller roads and tracks that meander through our rugged natural landscape and deliver you to stunning castles, abandoned settlements, secret beaches, fishing villages, our native woodlands and temperate rainforest and “Britain’s most beautiful short cut”, the Crinan Canal.

Wildlife Boat trips take you into beautiful Loch Fyne or from Crinan Harbour and Seil Island to visit the world-famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool. If that is not special enough, the sheer diversity of wildlife the area has to offer and breathtaking coastal scenery will overwhelm your senses.

A magical wildlife experience can be had at the Argyll Beaver Centre at Barrandaimh, the home of the Scottish beavers; Alternatively take a guided walk into Scotland’s rainforest, learn to forage sustainably or explore our pristine waters with a qualified open water swim coach

and snorkel guide.

Unique visitor experiences also include Kilmartin Museum, Auchindrain Highland farm township museum, Inveraray Jail and the stunning Himalayan gardens at Crarae. Visit www.heartofargyll.com or scan our QR code to access our free guidebook and unlock the secrets of a welcoming place to stay, fabulous food and amazing things to do and see. Whether you intend to explore by car, by bike, to sail, kayak, swim or just to wander, there is an adventure waiting. A week is not long enough!

Free downloadable 36 page Guidebook available, get the latest version here www.heartofargyll.com

For more information visit www.heartofargyll.com

Carnassarie castle in the mist

Photograph: Marc Pickering

Temple Wood, Kilmartin Glen

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN OVER 12,000 YEARS OF HISTORY AT KILMARTIN MUSEUM

Cursus and its staggering destruction which involved burning of nearly 400 oak trees.

One of Argyll and Bute’s key attractions, the recently reopened Kilmartin Museum is custodian of artefacts from across the heritage rich Glen. It proudly houses a collection with Nationally Significant status, much of which is now on display for the first time.

The museum’s curators share fresh insights, from the newly discovered techniques used to create one of Europe’s largest concentrations of prehistoric rock art to revealing the story of a Neolithic

Among the highlights of over 11,000 prehistoric artefacts are the remains of a Bronze Age woman found in Kilmartin Glen, displayed alongside a reconstruction of her face, allowing visitors to look into the eyes of their ancestor. Mesolithic flint core is one of few artefacts representing some of the first evidence of human presence in Kilmartin Glen a staggering 12,000 years ago. And glimpses of travel to the glen centuries ago are hinted at in three beaker pots thought to be from the grave of a person who originated on the continent.

The Museum also showcases over 60 loans from National Museums Scotland including the Poltalloch jet necklace – a piece of internationally important Bronze Age jewellery from Kilmartin Glen and the stunning Glebe Cairn vessel, displayed with a view towards the Bronze Age cairn it was found in.

Within a stone’s throw of the Museum, vis-

itors are also able to enjoy several sites offering a fascinating insight into prehistoric times. Self-guided walks – the information is on the Museum’s website and can be picked up in the building, include Temple Wood Stone Circle - a complex ritual and funerary site featuring 13 standing stones and one of Scotland’s most important early medieval sites, Dunadd Fort. The royal power centre of Gaelic Kings from

the 500s to 800s AD rises proudly from the Moine Mhòr – the ‘great moss’ – in the southern end of Kilmartin Glen.

It’s well worth seeking out this gem, nestled in one of Scotland’s richest ancient landscapes. Your eyes will be opened, your mind expanded, your imagination fired, sending you back into the landscape all the more curious.

the stories of our ancestors and immerse yourself in colourful recreations of ancient times at the stunning new Kilmartin Museum

Visitors of all ages can find themselves captivated by insights into the lives of our ancestors, the inhabitants of Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes.

Kilmartin Museum

Photograph: Paul Campbell

Kilmartin Museum & Glen

Begin at the new museum and explore the glen. Stretching between the ancient seat of Kings, Dunadd Fort and architecturally important Carnasserie Castle peppered with the finest prehistoric rock art in Scotland, standing stones, stone circles and burial cairns.

www.kilmartin.org

Crarae Gardens

Explore the Autumn colours at Crarae. These Himalayan gardens extend either side of a river gorge above Loch Fyne. Mature rhododendrons, magnolias and camelias, and immense trees from around the globe are among the treats on show.

www.nts.org.uk

Knapdale Beavers

Visit the Beaver and Wildlife Centre at Barrandaimh – home of the Scottish Beavers. Explore the habitat of these amazing ecoengineers and learn about the animals and plants that benefit from their activities.

www.argyllbeavercentre.co.uk

Coasts and Waters

Enjoy our myriad coastal paths, coves and beaches. You can take an expert guided walk or boat trip that includes a secret destination for wild swimming to discover the magic of the Heart of Argyll above and below our pristine waters.

www.heartofargyll.com

Exceptional Local Ingredients

The freshest of seafood is one of the highlights of the produce offering from our fabulous restaurants and independent food retailers. We also excel at coffee and cake and light bites, including vegan and gluten-free options in our cafes and coffee stops.

www.heartofargyll.com

Top things to see, do and experience in The Heart of Argyll

National Nature Reserves

The National Nature Reserves at Taynish and Moine Mhor and the wetlands of the Add Estuary show off their Autumn colours, there’s a host of wildfowl, hen harriers, buzzards and roe, red or sika deer to be spotted.

www.nature.scot

Crinan Canal

Walk, run or cycle the nine miles of towpath along Scotland’s most beautiful shortcut, which joins Loch Fyne to Loch Crinan. Nature and Victorian engineering side-byside.

www.scottishcanals.co.uk

Social History

Step back in time at a variety of attractions, from the Highland township museum at Auchindrain, the 19th-century Jail in Inveraray to the fishing and local cultural exhibition at the Eggshed in Ardrishaig.

www.auchindrain.org.uk

www.Inverarayjail.co.uk

The Corryvreckan

The third largest tidal whirlpool in the world is on our doorstep. Marvel in the power of the sea and the wild coastal scenery.

www.heartofargyll.com

Retail Therapy

Discover our independent shops, galleries, artist studios and exhibitions. Treat yourself to a special memento of your visit to the Heart of Argyll.

www.artmapargyll.co.uk

www.heartofargyll.com

Cowal Peninsula

For those who want to taste the highlights of the West Highlands on a tight schedule, Cowal is an ideal choice. It is only a short drive from Glasgow, or an even shorter boat trip across the Firth of Clyde from Gourock to Dunoon, but the minutes invested in travelling here can feel like they’ve taken you a millennium away.

Accessibility helped Cowal to become a popular steamer trip destination in the early 1900s, and Dunoon, its main town, grew to its current size largely as a result.

Today, you can still enjoy a stroll along the town’s seaside promenade, where fans of Robert Burns will note that the statue of his sweetheart Highland Mary is gazing south towards the poet’s Ayrshire home. Alternatively, browse the shops for local produce and gifts, or uncover local history at the historic Castle House Museum.

Set in lush mountainside just outside Dunoon, Benmore Botanic Gardens

boasts 120 acres of exotic and colourful plantations. An awe-inspiring avenue of giant redwoods welcomes visitors to the attraction and further exploration transports you to globally-themed plantings from the Tasmanian Ridge to a Bhutanese Glade. There are delights year-round and in spring the garden is ablaze with the vivid colours of azalea and rhododendron plants.

Cowal’s attraction lies largely its wild landscape, which blends a craggy coast, formidable forests and majestic mountains, so it’s little wonder that it draws those in search of an outdoor adventure, whether they choose to head off the beaten track or to take advantage of the many established scenic hiking and biking routes. This is also an exceptional place to sail. The views are memorable and there is a choice of marinas, inlets and quiet anchorages, as well as yachting events to either spectate or compete in. Other water sports, from kayaking

to paddle-boarding and rib-boat trips, give a fresh perspective on the ocean. Forests define Cowal as much as the coast does, and it is home to the celebrated Argyll Forest Park, which stretches from the Holy Loch, an inlet of the Firth of Clyde, to the Arrochar Alps. The dramatic silhouettes of this landscape are caused by the park’s place at one end of the Highland Boundary Fault. It includes plenty of marked walks for all abilities and visual treats including lochs and waterfalls.

For memorable hill-walking in Cowal, why not head to the north tip and Glen Croe, home to the Rest and be Thankful (so named because of the inscription ‘Rest and be Thankful’ carved into a stone by soldiers who built the old military road at the site in the 18th century) or make the village of Arrochar your base to explore the nearby ‘Alps’ which include The Cobbler, one

of Scotland’s most popular mountains. Cowal offers respite for those seeking solitude, but there is a social scene to explore too, and you’ll find atmosphere and quality cuisine in the hotels, bars and restaurants, where menus consistently offer fresh local produce, including seafood sourced close by.

DIARY DATE:

Night at the Museum

Castle House Museum, Dunoon November 4th from 7pm

Expect Victorian crafts, treasure hunts, and guided behind the scenes tours. Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children, including a drink and a snack alongside all activities. These are available from the Museum, Toytastic, and Eventbrite.

Adults £5, under 12’s £2

Benmore Botanic Gardens

Photo: shutterstock.com

Arrochar Alps

Photo: shutterstock.com

Argyll Forest

Photo: shutterstock.com

The Cobbler Photo: shutterstock.com

Looking towards Gourock

Photo: shutterstock.com

Get INSPIRED in COWAL!

The Cowal peninsula plays host to two key annual events this Autumn with the Cowalfest walking festival making a welcome return after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and the Cowal Open Studios (COS) artists’ network holding their ‘open studios weekend’. Around 50 artists from across Cowal will be opening up their studios to the public from Friday 22nd until Monday 25th September. Spread across four ‘routes’ (north, south, east and west), the weekend involves artists specialising in a wide range of mediums including painting, sculpture, ceramics and fabrics. Innellan-based jewellery maker Susan M Turmeau is one of those taking part: “I

always look forward to the open studios weekend and enjoy welcoming people to my ‘sitooterie’ outdoor gallery space that I’m once again sharing with painter Morvern Lusk.”

Fibre artist Mhairi Scott, based in Toward, is also looking forward to the event: “The open studios weekend in Cowal provides an excellent opportunity to visit and absorb the inspiration and techniques used by so many different artists. It draws people to the area and celebrates its creativity.”

Cowalfest, first held in 2003, has grown to become one of the biggest walking festivals in Scotland with this year’s event (October 12th to 16th) featuring over 60 events including 28 guided walks and a number of ‘Special Interest’ walks covering subjects such as photography, history, wildlife and geology.

There’s also a range of family focused events with Cowalfest organisers keen to encourage young families with children to get involved and start exploring the stunning vistas and heritage of this spectacular corner of Argyll.

Cowalfest’s Agnes Harvey explained: “We are aiming to attract families to this

year’s Cowalfest and have included foraging, history and art walks within the schedule as well as a Teddy Bears picnic!”

To find out more about these two landmark weekends visit www. cowalopenstudios.co.uk and www. wildaboutargyll.co.uk/cowalfest where you can book your places on any of the scheduled Cowalfest walks and events.

Benmore Botanic Gardens

Walk along Benmore’s avenue of towering redwoods and you gain a sense of the age and stature of this mountainside garden. Highlights include spring rhododendron displays and the Victorian fernery. rbge.org.uk

Argyll Forest Park

The UK’s first Forest Park, stretching from the Holy Loch to the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. Highlights include Glenbranter’s Allt Robuic gorge, once owned by music hall star Harry Lauder. forestryandland.gov.scot

Dunoon

This Victorian resort retains its traditional seaside charm. Explore the shops, stroll along the promenade (under the gaze of a statue of Robert Burns’ sweetheart, Highland Mary) or paddle at West Bay.

Castle House Museum

Dunoon Castle was abandoned in the 17th century, but its site still boasts impressive views. Nearby Castle House Museum is a treasuretrove of local artefacts and was built partly using stone from the original castle.

Castlehousemuseum.org.uk

Ardentinny Beach

Keep your eyes peeled on Ardentinny Beach – for seals in the water, raptors above and treasures such as pebbles and shells at your feet. Picnic on the beach, or explore buggy-friendly trails nearby.

Top things to see, do and experience in Cowal

Puck’s Glen

A magical spot with an appropriately magical name, Puck’s Glen is a deep gorge with a cascade of waterfalls set in shady forest near Benmore Gardens. Will you encounter the forest sprites?

The Smiddy

This 19th-century blacksmith’s forge remains operational as the heart of a tiny, fascinating folk museum in the village of Strachur.

Loch Eck

A seven-mile ribbon of fresh water, Loch Eck teems with fish, including the rare powan, salmon, and arctic char. There are paths for walkers, including to the Paper Caves, where key local documents are said to have been hidden.

Glenfinart Walled Garden

Originally the kitchen garden of the Glenfinart Estate, this Victorian walled garden is now community owned and run. Explore the sensory garden, children’s area, orchards and raised beds. Dogs welcome on leads.

Walking

Cowal has walking routes for everyone, from challenging routes to the rocky Arrochar Alps (such as the Cobbler and Ben Vorlich) to flatter loch-side paths just right for buggies and bikes. forestryandland.gov.scot

Helensburgh

Helensburgh and Lomond is the gateway to Argyll, situated on the Clyde Sea Lochs, and including the west bank of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. With several train stations throughout the area on the West Highland Line, it has fantastic transport connections to both the west coast and the central belt.

Named for Helen, the wife of Sir James Colquhoun who founded the town in the late 18th Century, the town of Helensburgh developed into a beautiful Victorian seaside resort for the wealthy merchants of Glasgow. Visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s internationally renowned Hill House (NTS), currently protected by an awardwinning architectural chainmail ‘Box’ which offers visitors a unique perspective from its walkways, or

the Scottish Submarine Centre museum. Families are well catered for with the Helensburgh Leisure Centre, Tower Cinema, play facilities at Hermitage Park, and Monty’s Farm Park is also nearby.

The town has lots of events on over the autumn and winter months, including Helensburgh Oktoberfest, Helensburgh Wine Festival, spooky Halloween events, the Fireworks display, the fabulous Festive Lights Switch-on and Christmas Market (18th November), the Winter Festival and Santa Dash (9-10th December), plus several artisan craft markets, concerts and other activities.

Helensburgh is a great shopping destination, with a fantastic range of unique independent shops

and galleries, including The Olde Christmas Shoppe for seasonal inspiration (special late night festive shopping times will be on the Destination Helensburgh website). There are also many wonderful eateries to enjoy, with everything from patisserie and cosy cafés to award-winning restaurants.

The beautiful conservation village of Luss on Loch Lomond is the ancestral home of Clan Colquhoun. As well as picture postcard views, the settlement has a fascinating history, including an 11th century Viking hogback grave in the churchyard. There are several fabulous gift shops and eateries, and plenty of activities for all the family.

Arrochar is a great base for Munrobagging and mountain-biking. The whole area includes a number of trails such as the John Muir Way, Three Lochs Way, Loch Lomond and Cowal Way and Argyll Sea Kayak Trail. The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail is a

65 mile road route from Dumbarton to Arrochar, including the Rosneath Peninsula with its own fascinating heritage trails. The Peninsula offers stunning views down the Firth of Clyde to Bute and Arran, and culture lovers should head to Cove Burgh Hall for the 10th Cove & Kilcreggan Book Festival in November.

Lots of events take place throughout the year - find all the latest news about what’s on in our online calendar https:// destinationhelensburgh.org/whatson/

We look forward to welcoming you to Helensburgh and Lomond!

The Hill House (National Trust for Scotland)

Acclaimed architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and artist Margaret Macdonald worked together on almost everything you see at the stunning Hill House, from the building to the décor inside. The walkways of its protective steel ‘Box‘ add to this unique visitor experience.

https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/thehill-house/

Join in the Festive Fun

Helensburgh is well-known for its fabulous Festive Lights display and the big switch-on event with entertainment and a Christmas Market is on 18th November. The town’s Winter Festival takes place on the 9-10th December, with entertainment, Christmas Market and the popular Santa Dash.

https://www.facebook.com/ helensburghfestive/

https://www.facebook.com/ HelensburghWinterFestival

A Treat for Book Lovers

This is the 10th year of the Cove and Kilcreggan Book Festival (25-26th November), with an impressive line-up of speakers taking part and providing a great opportunity to interact with well-known authors in the friendly environment of Cove Burgh Hall. https://www.facebook.com/cbhbookfest

Dine Out

From the fabulous Sugar Boat, a relaxed, informal neighbourhood bistro, to the Park Pavilion Café in Hermitage Park, there are lots of wonderful eateries in Helensburgh. Or how about a take-home treat from the award-winning Artist Patisserie!

https://destinationhelensburgh.org/stayand-eat/eat-and-drink/

Shop Local

Browse the town’s wonderful array of unique independent stores –Tweedie, The Olde Christmas Shoppe, The Toy Shop and Destination Helensburgh are just some of the many wonderful gift shops and galleries in the town. https://destinationhelensburgh.org/ shop/

Top things to see, do and experience in Helensburgh

Discover Helensburgh App

Download the Discover Helensburgh App to find out all about the town and its fascinating history, with over 50 places of interest, 8 self-guided trails and family fun activities.

https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ discover-helensburgh

The Tower

The Tower Digital Arts Centre in Helensburgh has 3 cinema screens to choose from showing the latest movies and a great program of live performances.

https://www.helensburghboxoffice. com/

Scottish Submarine Centre

Scotland’s only submarine museum and education centre uses immersive video and audio to provide learning experiences about the exploits of the submarine service and the people involved.

https://www.submarinecentre.org/

Helensburgh Leisure Centre

The new Leisure Centre is situated on the waterfront, with incredible views. The facility offers activities for all the family and incorporates a gym, 2 swimming pools, a luxury health suite, two fitness studios, and a café and shop.

https://liveargyll.co.uk/facility/ helensburgh-leisure-centre/

Get Active Outdoors

Is your New Year’s Resolution to get outdoors? There’s lots to do in Helensburgh and Lomond including the Three Lochs Way, John Muir Way, Argyll Sea Kayak Trail and Glen Fruin Cycle Loop, all only a short train ride from Glasgow!

https://destinationhelensburgh.org/ see-and-do/activities/

Isle of Bute

There’s a different vibe when you holiday on an island. There’s the travel of course – it involves crossing water, and therefore using a ferry. In Bute’s case the ferry is large and comfortable, the Rothesay to Wemyss Bay route being keenly served by two sturdy Calmac ferries which make a beeline every hour over a speedy 35 minute crossing. These precious minutes can be your time to decompress, assuming the unique holiday feeling that you are in fact going to an island where anything could happen. Only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, the island of Bute’s proximity to the West Coast of Scotland’s mainland makes visiting here quite different. How so? The small stretch of Clyde estuary water gives the visitor a sense of peace, safety, older world etiquette, friendly hellos, bus driver recognition. Friends can be made,

favourite watering holes found, places to eat favoured, wee shops sought out for a purchase, and even particular accommodation preferred. Bute’s visitors are also welcome to sail their own way to the island with both Port Bannatyne Marina offering fully serviced pontoons accessible in all tides as well as the brand-new step-on, stepoff pontoons in Rothesay Bay bringing you directly into the heart of Bute’s main town.

Bute’s outdoors will get under your skin for all the right reasons. You can be as active or inactive as you wish when you do get here. Book a thrilling rib

ride, stay in the Community Forest new off grid Charcoal Huts, go trout and pike fishing at Loch Fad, visit the Gothic majesty of Mount Stuart House, walk the West Island Way route over 28 miles of stunning island scenery past alpacas, ruined Medieval monasteries, wartime decoy villages and find the rogue giant swing. Go cycling with your own tribe or book one of the bikes from Bike Bute, try wild swimming on any of the beaches, kayak or paddleboard in Bute’s calm waters or just simply walk with your pooch through the woods. For the more nature inclined, Bute’s natural species can be found

with patience and a little bit of local knowledge; red squirrels, ospreys, seals, porpoises, dolphins and otters can be photographed right at their own front doors.

A testament to Bute’s busy and talented islanders, a fully stuffed calendar of annually held events must definitely be noted for your diary for a visit in 2024. There’s something for everyone seeking an island experience be it musical, artistic, foodie based, great for keeping the kids amused, held over a weekend or just set up for a day trip via train from Glasgow Central Station (kids love trains and ferries – and guess what, the sea air knocks them out). Not limited to just the summertime either, Bute’s events are year round. Visit Bute, your own adventure island awaits!

The Isle of Bute

Photo: Chris Sutherland, Lomond Photography

Bute Museum

Bute Museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Pop in and have gander and learn more about this fabulous island its varied history over the years.

www.butemuseum.org.uk

St Blane’s Church

The extensive ruins of St Blane’s Church lies close to the southern tip of the Isle of Bute. Built in a sheltered hollow near the top of a south facing slope the site comes complete with beautiful views to the Isle of Arran.

WildBute

Private Tours & Short Breaks on Bute.

Scenery, Wildlife, Stone Circles, Early Christian Sites, Vikings, Castles & the Royal House of Stuart too!

www.wildbute.com

Mount Stuart House

A Gothic masterpiece; the original house was built in 1719 but was severely damaged by fire in 1877. Most of the contents survived, along with the Georgian wings of the building. These were retained as part of the new Mount Stuart, which the 3rd Marquess of Bute built in the late 19th century. www.mountstuart.com

Beaches

Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at one of Bute’s many beaches. Ettrick Bay seems to be a real favourite with a tearoom and play park close by.

Top things to see, do and experience in Bute

Boat Trips

Bute Boat Tours provides trips around Bute, Argyll and the Firth of Clyde on their high-performance RIB, the Commando One.

www.buteboattours.co.uk

Rothesay Castle

Dating back to the early 13th Century this moated castle is remarkably well preserved despite its age. Built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Norwegian fleets, the Castle is managed by Historic Scotland.

Golf

With 3 Golf courses on Bute you really are spoilt for choice. Some even manage to play all three in one weekend! Rothesay, Port Bannatyne and Bute Course which is out at Kingarth.

www.rothesaygolfclub.co.uk

www.portbannatynegolfclub

www.butegolfclub.com

Cycling / Walking

Electric and regular bikes for hire on Bute to enjoy a cycle round the island. Or you can get your walking boots on and follow Bute’s West Island Way 28 mile trail.

www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/ west-island-way.shtml

Rhubodach & Community Forest

At the far North of the island Bute’s community has its own Community Forest with lots going on to take part in. Beyond the forest is an enjoyable walk up to the most amazing view of the Kyles of Bute with its very own tree swing.

www.butecommunityforest.com

ROUTE 66 TO KINTYRE

With views that surpass California’s celebrated Route 66 and far less traffic, the Kintyre 66 is a new (66 mile) driving route that loops the peninsula and takes in coastal and cultural highlights including the historic town of Campbeltown and a hop over to the isle of Gigha – it is a truly spectacular motoring experience.

Kintyre is well-suited to those travelling under their own steam too, with plenty of scenic woodland and beach walks and the 103 mile Kintyre Way long-distance trail (much of which is accessible to bikes as well) waymarked from Tarbert to Southend – and up to Machrihanish.

Most visits to Kintyre start at Tarbert, a pretty fishing port with a striking church tower and shops and cafes surround the harbour. It’s home to the ivy-covered ruin of Tarbert Castle, a medieval stronghold which was to become an important site for Robert the Bruce and hosts annual festivals celebrating seafood (July 2&3) music (Sept 15-17) and book (November) festivals.

Between Tarbert and Bellochantuy, the

waves are so close to the road that you can almost taste the spray and it’s well worth stopping at Muasdale to do just that.

The east coast of Kintyre may be its road less travelled, but there are rewards here, from castles to a ruined abbey.

Set in lush vegetation with views to the Isle of Arran, the village of Carradale remains a working fishing port. A walk on the golden beach at Carradale Bay is bound to blow away any cobwebs, whether you cover its full mile and

visit the Iron Age hill fort at the eastern point.

As you draw closer to Campbeltown, the hill-top route boasts views of the islands beyond, and there are more lovely beaches, including Westport –which feels a million windswept miles away from the bustling neighbouring town.

Looking out to the Isle of Davaar and its Stevenson lighthouse, there is plenty to discover in Campbeltown - from the variety of shops and restaurants, to the redeveloped sea front, and Tartan Kirk, a local history museum named for its colourful brick patterns. There are only three distilleries left of more than 30 in the town’s heyday, but whisky still has an important role to play – with tours and tastings on offer.

The palm trees that surprisingly dot the town centre today may be suggestive of a Caribbean resort, but if you are on a quest to find unblemished white sand

dunes, head for nearby Machrihanish, a favourite water sports destination, and home to the world-famous golf course, designed by Old Tom Morris and frequented by celebrities from sporting champions to rock stars.

The remote southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre may be most famous now for its link to Paul McCartney, but this is a spot rich with older history too, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Antrim coast.

DIARY DATE:

Campbeltown Christmas Light

Switch On Friday 24th November

campbeltownchristmaslights.org.uk

Campbeltown Christmas Market

Sunday 26th November

Tarbert Christmas Fair

Saturday 2nd Decembertarbertfestivals.com

Once you get Kintyre sand between your toes, this memorable peninsula has a way of staying in your heart. Both battered and blessed by the ocean that surrounds it, Kintyre is breath-taking however you choose to explore it.

Westport Beach

Photo: shutterstock.com

Davaar Island lighthouse

Photo: shutterstock.com

Campbeltown main street

Photo: shutterstock.com

Tarbert

Photo: shutterstock.com

Distilleries

Campbeltown is home to three whisky distilleries – Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle. All offer tours and tastings, and the Kintyre Gin distillery, on Torrisdale Castle Estate, is open to visitors and has a gin school and cafe.

Skipness Castle and Kilbrannan Chapel

A short drive from Tarbert, this 11th-century castle showcases a blend of architectural styles. There’s plenty to see inside, including views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.

Golf

Machrihanish Golf Club is celebrated worldwide, and no golf enthusiast will want to miss a round on this links course, which boasts sea views and the best opening hole in the country.

www.machgolf.com

Davaar Island

This tidal island is linked to the mainland at Campbeltown by a shingle causeway. It’s known for its lighthouse and caves, one of which contains a life-sized crucifixion painting.

Kintyre Way

This long-distance path takes a winding and beautiful route down the length of the Kintyre peninsula, from Tarbert to Machrihanish. You can do the whole challenge over several days, or just hop on for a stroll.

www.scotlandsgreattrails.com

Top things to see, do and experience in Kintyre

Isle of Gigha

A 20-minute ferry trip from Tayinloan, this communityowned island is a popular day-trip destination where the welcome is as warm as the gulf stream that enriches its climate. Gigha’s premier attraction is the colourful Achamore Gardens.

Tarbert Festivals

The small fishing village of Tarbert is a cultural hub, hosting annual festivals including a book festival, seafood festival, music festival, Kilberry Loop cycling event, and the Scottish Series yachting event.

www.tarbertfestivals.co.uk

Machrihanish Beach

Known for its white sands and clear water, Machrihanish’s long beach is only one of many Kintyre beaches –try Westport, Dunaverty, Bellochantuy or Muasdale if you’re searching for atmosphere and the sensation of sand between your toes.

Mull of Kintyre

Forever associated with Paul McCartney’s song, this remote headland marks the tip of the Kintyre peninsula. The effort of reaching it is repaid with dramatic views towards Ireland.

Kintyre 66

Kintyre 66 is a new 66 mile loop around one of Scotland’s most scenic regions, Kintyre. Known as Scotland’s mainland island, Kintyre is a stunning peninsula in Argyll, on the west coast of Scotland. For more information, visit www. wildaboutargyll.co.uk

GORGEOUS GIGHA

The Norsemen had the right idea when they first named the Isle of Gigha – they called it Gudey, meaning good, or ‘God’s Island’. This five-square-mile getaway off the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula does have an other-worldly feel, with its white sand beaches, clear, turquoisecoloured sea and balmy micro-climate.

Island life centres around Gigha’s only village, Ardminish, on the south-eastern side of the island, facing the mainland. The ferry docks here after its 20-minute trip from Tayinloan and the bay is also home to the island’s popular pontoons.

While vehicles are welcome, the low-lying landscape and quiet roads also make this an ideal destination for exploration on foot or bike. A footpath and cycle network provides miles of opportunities for exploring harder to reach spots. Bikes, e-bikes and watersports equipment are all available to hire from close to the ferry slip.

This island is owned by its community, who are known as Gighachs. They took it over from its last private owner in 2002 and have since worked through the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust to ensure its preservation and development.

Gigha offers a variety of accommodation, from the Gigha hotel to self-catering options, yurt, and Camp and Motorhome site.

Ardminish Stores provides for the needs of visitors and locals, with a Post Office, and fuel pumps (which also sell marine diesel) as well as the general store.

Gigha today has a lot to celebrate. There is new housing and an increase in island population. The Dancing

Ladies, three wind turbines generate enough clean energy to export.

There is history to uncover too. This island is the ancient home of Clan MacNeill and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Sites include standing stones, duns, cairns and an Ogham stone by the ruined 13th century Kilchattan Chapel.

Achamore Gardens, a 54-acre estate bursting with remarkable trees and shrubs, is known for the blaze of spring colour from rhododendron, azaleas and camelias – plants that thrive in the mild and fertile setting. Developed in the late 1940s by hot drinks magnate Sir James Horlick, the gardens are now being rejuvenated by head gardener and team.

Gigha is well placed to take care of the appetite you may work up exploring. Visitors can dine at the Gigha

Hotel and pub, the Boathouse Restaurant, the Nook seafood takeaway, or grab ingredients for a self-catering meal or picnic at Ardminish stores (why not treat yourself to some local tablet or cakes from the one of the honesty box stalls too).

An island this lush in the Gulf Stream-warmed waters is bound to create some special produce, such as Gigha Oysters. The Wee Island Dairy produces

creamy milk in glass bottles and an irresistible range of ice cream available at the Wee Isle Café. Or if you feel like raising a glass, why not try Isle of Gigha Coastal gin, made by Beinn an Tuirc Distillery using botanicals foraged from the island, or a bottle of beer from local brewery Gigha Brewing.

DIARY DATES:

JUNE: Sound of Gigha weekend.

JULY: Boathouse Raft Race.

Gigha

Photo: scotphoto.com

SCOTLAND IN MINIATURE - ARRAN

Legend has it that it was on the west coast of the Isle of Arran that Scots King Robert the Bruce encountered the spider that would change his fate.

On the run from English soldiers and on the brink of despair, he hid in a cave, where he watched as the tiny creature attempted to spin its web on the wall.

It repeatedly tried and failed, but never gave up - and eventually achieved its goal. From this determined example, the warrior drew the strength to continue the battle for his country.

Today, you can re-live this story on a visit the King’s Cave, which located on a raised shingle beach (bring a torch to read the inscriptions) near Blackwaterfoot, or walk to Kingscross Point at Whiting Bay, where it’s said that the king waited to be collected before a final push in his campaign.

Bruce’s story is one of many folk tales

associated with Arran, which is home to ancient standing stones, haunted castles, and mystical lochs. Even the shape of the hills has a story – viewed from mainland Ayrshire, their profile resembles the outline of a person, said to be a ‘Sleeping Warrior’ resting before battle.

Goatfell, Arran’s highest mountain, is a popular challenge for walkers and climbers. The peak is a highlight of a dramatic landscape that has led to Arran being dubbed Scotland in Miniature. Its lowland and highland areas are divided by the Highland Boundary Fault, on either side of which you will find varied and photogenic geology.

Arran’s towns and villages are easily navigated via the circular A841. Picturesque Lamlash hugs the shore to the island’s east and is its biggest settlement, with a supermarket and leisure facilities including a golf club, yacht club and bowling club, and a seaside playground for younger visitors.

A short distance north is Brodick, the island’s main village, commercial centre and ferry port, with plentiful shops, accommodation and options for food and drink.

If you’re planning a family day out here, head for the National Trust owned Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park (you might recognise it from a £20

note). You can tour the castle, follow one of the trails around the grounds, or let the kids search for fairies or burn off some energy at the Isle be Wild adventure play area.

Two of Arran’s most popular exports are its cheeses, especially flavoured cheddar, and beer, including the Isle of Arran dark ale. While both products can now be bought online and in supermarkets far afield, they taste even better sampled in situ in one of Arran’s welcoming pubs or restaurants.

DIARY DATES:

Shop Arran this Christmas

17th-19th November

A 3-day shopping event well worth hopping over to the island for. Immerse yourself in all things Christmas

visitarran.com FB: ShopArran

Cir Mhor and the Saddle, Arran Photo: shutterstock.com

Machrie standing stones

Photo: shutterstock.com

Red deer in front of Lochranza Castle, Arran

Photo: shutterstock.com

Islay & Jura

Is it the ocean, sparkling sapphire blue? The marble-white sandy beaches? Rare wildlife? Or perhaps most valuable of all, the peat which is a vital component in production of the single male whiskies for which Islay is known worldwide.

For a little island, there is a lot going

on. Islay boasts a collection of working distilleries which offer tours and often tastes of their flagship products. While whisky remains the biggest draw, Islay’s reputation for gin, seasoned with hand-foraged local botanicals, is also world-class.

Islay’s distillery trail can also be an incidental tour of its scenic and cultural assets – from the pretty white-washed towns of Port Ellen and Bowmore, to Caol Ila distillery, which boasts views across to Jura, and the sandy Machir Bay, near Kilchoman distillery.

There is as much variety to Islay’s wildlife as to its malts. It boasts otters, eagles and over 250 other bird species, including the rare blackbird-like chough, and it is an important wintering ground for barnacle and white-fronted geese, whose arrival in thousands in the late Autumn is a spectacle worth stopping for. You can learn more about Islay’s birdlife by visiting the Loch Gruinart reserve.

A trip from Port Ellen to the Oa, the island’s southerly tip, is a chance to

experience the wild grandeur of the landscape, including the intriguing square Carraig Fhada lighthouse and the atmospheric American Monument, erected in memory of the soldiers on board two American ships which were wrecked in 1918 on the hazardous stretch of coast the site overlooks.

A highlight for history-lovers is Finlaggan, on a secluded loch in the northeast of Islay - once the seat of the Lord of the Isles. It’s hard to envisage on a windswept visit to this remote spot today, but its position at the heart of the Hebrides made it a perfect base for 13th century leaders who ruled and conquered by sea. For more encounters with the past, look out forts, duns and standing stones around the island, or head to the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte.

Bowmore, the island’s biggest settlement, has a range of shops, hotels and cafes, boasting the fantastic views so many of Islay’s enterprises have in common. Along with Port Ellen, Islay’s chief port, it makes a good base for a break, and you’ll find the local hotels and bars stocked with an excellent range of local whiskies – what better way to warm up after a day out exploring?

Nearby Jura is well known for its connection to George Orwell who sought solitude there to write his novel 1984. The island is named from the Norse for ‘deer island’, and you are as likely to encounter a stag there as another person.

The famous novelist wasn’t the island’s only source of stories – local folk tales centre on the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the world’s third largest, also known as Scotland’s Maelstrom. If you are feeling bold, you can view this swirling mass of water up close on a boat trip from Port Askaig.

DIARY DATE:

Islay Festival or Fèis Ìle May 26 to June 3.

A celebration of the island’s spirit, culture and whisky with attractions including music and dancing and tastings. feisile.co.uk

Islay may be the gentlest and most southerly of the Inner Hebrides, but there is power to the island’s dramatic landscapes that more than justifies its title as ‘Queen’ of the Hebrides. With so much to offer, a debate remains over which is the most precious of her crown jewels.

Islay Photo: shutterstock.com

Bowmore, Islay Photo: shutterstock.com

Paps of Jura

Photo: shutterstock.com

Port Charlotte sunrise

Photo: shutterstock.com

Distilleries

There are currently nine working distilleries on Islay. The first recorded distillery was Bowmore, founded in 1779; the most recent was Ardnahoe, which was established in 2018. There is something magical about Islay’s distilleries – will you have time to visit them all?

Finlaggan

What was once the stronghold of the Lords of the Isles, is now an atmospheric ruin on an islet in a shallow loch near Port Askaig. The Visitor Centre explains more. www.finlaggan.org

Beaches

Islay boasts some of the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Go on a beach hunt or find your way to the Singing Sands and Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, starting from Port Ellen (ask a local for directions!).

Top things to see, do and experience on Islay

The American Monument

Built on high cliffs on the Oa Peninsula, the American monument commemorates the loss of two troop ships, The Tuscania and the Otranto, in separate incidents on Islay’s treacherous coastline, in 1918.

Mactaggart Leisure Centre

Situated within the heart of Bowmore village, this community owned and award-winning facility comprises of a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna, swim shop, launderette, hair salon and multipurpose activity room.

www.mactaggartleisurecentre.co.uk

Loch Gruinart Nature

Greenland barnacle and Greenland white-fronted geese descend here in tens of thousands each autumn. You can also encounter corncrake, hen harriers, otters, and much more.

A short hop by ferry from Port Askaig on Islay, Jura is one of the UK’s wildest destinations, famed for red deer and links to the writer George Orwell, who wrote 1984 here. Jura is a do-able day trip from Islay, though wildlife-lovers and walkers will want longer.

Museum of Islay Life

Housed in the former Free Church in Port Charlotte, the museum records Islay life, from pre-historic to recent times. Exhibits include an illicit still and a large photographic archive. islaymuseum.org

Pretty Port Ellen is an island hub and home to a hotel, restaurants and a handful of shops. Stop for a scenic lunch and a stroll on the shore, or explore nearby archaeological sites, such as the Kilbride standing stones. Bowmore, on the east, is the island’s other main settlement.

Dunyvaig Castle

Dunyvaig Castle ruins on the shore of Lagavulin Bay, once a naval base of the Lord of the Isles, chiefs of Clan Donald. If you’re doing a tour at Lagavulin, go around the corner and head to the castle when you’re finished. Great views of the distillery and Lagavulin bay.

JURA

Colonsay

available wherever you shop or eat out locally.

The many beaches offer a chance to stroll beautiful, flat sands and explore sand dunes and the machair – just one of the island’s exceptional habitats, which also include woodland, peat bogs and meadows. While the wildlife is wide-ranging on land, sea and in the sky, keep your eyes particularly peeled for wild goats and the notoriously shy corncrake, Colonsay’s flagship species.

With its ‘semi-detached’ neighbour Oransay, the island is one of the remotest inhabited spots in the Inner Hebrides. It may be 20 miles from the mainland, but its main settlement, Scalasaig, is easily reached by a daily ferry from Oban in summer, or on a round-trip from Port Askaig on Islay. There are plenty of options here for wildlife and outdoors enthusiasts, from bird-watching and walking to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and it is a particularly good match for cyclists, as the low-lying geography and quiet roads make it the ideal place for gentle exploration by bike – you can bring your own or hire locally.

A series of festivals highlight the island’s assets, from the book festival at the end of April, to the spring celebration of nature, and food and drink festival in the Autumn. While these celebrations draw attention to the diversity of what is on offer, Colonsay boasts artisan food and drink offerings year-round, from its smokery its distillery, to the fresh produce

For a day out, head to Colonsay House with its extensive gardens, spectacular rhododendron collection and a tea room open in season, or learn more about the island’s history and geology at the Heritage Trust Centre in the Baptist Church in Kilchattan.

The RSPB-run island Oransay is home to the ruins of an Augustinian Priory with magnificent stone crosses and medieval grave stones. Access is limited by the tides, so visitors should take care and seek local advice on timings if planning an expedition.

These islands are also home to the MacPhies (hills with a summit of at least 300ft/92m). There are 21 on Colonsay and one on Oransay, and like Munro-bagging on the mainland, MacPhie-bagging becomes a passion for many visitors.

Every west coast island boasts its own brand of beauty, but with some of the richest plant-life in the Hebrides, Colonsay’s floral displays - from the yellows and whites of spring to the pastel pinks and purples of high summer - are exceptional.

Kiloran Bay, Colonsay

Photo: scotphoto.com

Paps of Jura from Colonsay

Photo: shutterstock.com

Colonsay House

Photo: shutterstock.com

Coll & Tiree

Tiree is the gentler big sister, with its largely flat, fertile landscape and currant-bun cottages. The island is one of the world’s top windsurfing spots, hosting the Tiree Wave Classic (an international competition held each Autumn) and it is also a good place for beginners to try the sport.

Tiree’s most imposing historic attraction is the 19th century Skerryvore

lighthouse, located on treacherous rocks about ten miles south-west of the island. Its lighthouse tower took nearly six years and more than one attempt to complete (workmen’s barracks on the reef were destroyed in a storm before building even started), but today it stands as one of the Stevenson dynasty’s proudest accomplishments, and an inspiration for local arts and culture, including the Tiree-born band Skerryvore.

In summer, visitors flock to Tiree for its annual music festival, which is scheduled to go ahead again this summer. For many it’s the first taste of splendid surroundings which they will be drawn to return to again and again.

Once the forgotten gem of the Hebrides, today, Coll is increasingly making its mark. This is an island where the closest you will come to a traffic jam is an encounter with a dozen sheep who wander across your path, and where your chances

of spotting the unmistakable silhouette of a basking shark - sometimes breathtakingly close to shore – are thought to be better than anywhere else in the UK.

Coll’s rugged, rocky beauty contrasts with its flatter and more fertile neighbour, and a trip to one of its beaches, several of which are accessible only on foot, makes for a sense of wonderful isolation.

The sense of space is something to be relished everywhere on Coll. For families, that means plenty of space for children to play - among the dunes, on the flat sand, or searching for seals. On a clear day a hike to the top of Ben Hough is rewarded with views of the neighbouring Treshnish islands.

Despite, or perhaps because of its small population, Coll has a sociable feel and visitors are welcome to join the party, whether at the hotel or cafe, or with a bonfire and a beer on the beach.

There a varied programme of events at An Cridhe, the island’s community centre, which hosts events such from jazz nights to the stargazing event ‘Coll and the Cosmos’. Recognised as a ‘Dark Sky Island’ the remote location and lack of street lighting on Coll ensure an incredible star-scape. Take a walk after dark here to see the heavens with a clarity you may never have enjoyed before.

Coll and Tiree are both havens for wildlife and the islands are among few known for their corncrakes, an endangered species that flourishes thanks to ‘corncrake corridors’ created through co-operation between farmers and conservationists.

You may be lucky to see one of these notoriously shy birds, but from late spring to summer their distinctive ‘crek crek’ call is loud enough to be heard particularly at dawn and dusk – a welcome alternative, we feel, to the hum of traffic or the honking of horns.

DIARY DATE: Coll & The Cosmos

14th/15th October

Coll & The Cosmos is a collaboration between Coll Bunkhouse and Cosmos Planetarium. We use state of the art technology to deliver an amazing stargazing learning experience in a fantastic location. Our 6 metre indoor planetarium is a fully digital, 360° immersive multimedia theatre experience, ideal for taking a journey through the solar system and learning about a range of astronomical subjects.

Tickets £160 adults (weekend inc accommodation) £105 12+ - 17. Booking fee applies. Limited tickets left: www.collbunkhouse.com for more info.

The twin islands of Coll and Tiree embody many of the qualities for which the windswept Scottish islands are best loved: clean, sandy beaches, diverse and thriving wildlife, and a lively, welcoming culture that ensures visitors quickly feel at home. Like most twins, their differences are as enchanting as their similarities –spend time exploring and you’ll discover what makes each unique.

Caolas Beach, Tiree Photo: shutterstock.com

Breachacha Castle, Isle of Coll

Photo: scotphoto.com

Mull & Iona

The wonderful wildlife of Scotland is at its richest and most diverse on the Isle of Mull and in the waters around it. This is the place where a playful otter could cross your path, a majestic red deer stag will observe you from his mountain vantage point and golden and white- tailed eagles plummet from the skies before your disbelieving eyes.

Out to sea, you can find guillemots, gannets and puffins, especially around Staffa and the Treshnish Isles, while below the surface swim humpback, minke whales and orca, harbour porpoises and Risso’s dolphins.

Travel to Mull by ferry from Oban, and you feel that you are crossing to another world, passing enchanted caves, fairytale castles and looming lighthouses.

Mull’s main port, Craignure, is a short crossing from Oban, close to the Victorian mansion of Torosay, and Duart castle, which guards the Sound of Mull.

The colourfully-painted northern capital, Tobermory, once the

setting for children’s television programme Balamory, has plenty for the more mature visitor too. The An Tobar Arts Centre hosts events in a former Victorian primary school, and a distillery, museum and gallery are within walking distance, along with a collection of inviting cafes, quirky shops, pubs and restaurants.

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is a conservation and education charity with its base in the town centre, and the aquarium, at Ledaig, is Europe’s first to operate a policy of catch and release.

Mull is an island of geological extremes, from the black volcanic rock of the Burg peninsula, to the sandy Calgary beach and the fertile farmland of Glen Forsa, and it is wonderful walking territory, whether you choose to take a short stroll or an

ambitious hike across the island.

For a geological wonder to take your breath away, take a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa, an island created from hexagonal pillars of basalt, dotted with caves and covered with puffins - the sight of which more than justifies the myths that surround it.

The Highland Clearances of the 19th century had a huge impact on Mull, where many crofters were forced to flee their homes after landowners realised their ground could be used more profitably grazing sheep. Evidence of the evictions is still visible in the ruins of hastily abandoned townships such as Kildavie and Shiaba.

There are legends about land giants on Mull, but it is famed as a place to fall under the shadow of a giant of the skies. Thanks to a careful conservation programme, several pairs of rare whitetailed or sea eagles, Britain’s largest and most impressive bird of prey, nest and fish around the island, and golden eagles occupy the high ridges where they feast on mountain hare.

Iona

From Fionnphort at Mull’s southern tip, look across the sound to see St Margaret’s Abbey on the sacred island of Iona, accessible by pedestrian ferry.

Regardless of their faith, visitors to Iona are sure to be touched by this special little island. Once an important Christian community, it was the home of the Irish Saint Columba and the hub from which he established the Christian faith in Scotland.

Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere, and is still a place of pilgrimage today.

As well as the abbey, now in the care of Historic Scotland, there are the ruins of earlier monastic settlements and a graveyard, believed the be the last resting place for the ancient Scottish kings, with the chapel of St Oran at its centre. The former Labour party leader, John Smith, once a regular visitor, is buried in St Oran’s cemetery.

A heritage centre on the island reveals more about its past, and a walk beyond the abbey grounds gives a sense of what might have attracted a saint in the first place - the views of Mull’s dramatic coastline and surrounding islands, are truly inspiring, whether they follow a 300ft climb up Dun I, or a gentler stroll on the lovely beaches of the north shore.

DIARY DATE:

West Over SeaTobermory Book Festival

Fri 27th and Sat 28th October

The Tobermory Book Festival is designed to celebrate Mull’s place as an island book capital. What better way could there be to spend a few days than in Scotland’s most beautiful small town listening to superb speakers and enjoying the best of Highland food? westoversea.co.uk

Tobermory

Photo: shutterstock.com

Iona Abbey

Photo: shutterstock.com

Isle of Iona

Photo: shutterstock.com

White Tailed Sea Eagle

Photo: shutterstock.com

SHIELING HOLIDAYS ISLE OF MULL CAMPSITE

Island campsite on beautiful shore front, with breath-taking sea and mountain views.

A warm welcome awaits your arrival with your caravan, camper or tent.

Unique self-catering Ensuite Shieling Tents for camping with a difference.

Charming Cottages and new in 2022 Glamping Chalets

Forestry tracks & enchanting coastline

Ideally located for exploring Mull, with Tobermory 21 miles North and Fionnphort 35 miles south.

Close to local amenities; pub, shop, cafes, ferry & bus terminal

Hardstanding van pitches – Astroturf tent pitches -Dog Friendly

t: 01680 812496 | www.shielingholidays.co.uk |

info@isleofmullcampsite.co.uk

Shieling Holidays, Craignure, Isle of Mull, Argyll, PA65 6AY

Tobermory

Mull’s main town is the starting point for sea trips, speciality shopping, award-winning eateries, coastal walks and indoor attractions, including arts, museums and wildlife centres.

The South East Coast

Take this route if you love castles, golf and stone circles. If you are searching for golden or whitetailed eagles, look to the skyline, or take a tour with an expert.

Top things to see, do and experience on Mull

Iona

This tiny island (accessible via foot passenger ferry from Fionnphort) is known as the cradle of christianity. It is home to a 13th- century abbey, Scotland’s best preserved nunnery, amazing beaches and a real sense of tranquillity.

www.welcometoiona.com

Ben More and Burg

The destination for mountain walking and those seeking wilderness. Ben More is Mull’s only Munro, and the peak provides a fantastic viewpoint for the surrounding islands.

Duart Castle

Iona Abbey

Lochaber is full of stunning landscapes and a huge range of activities for you to explore.

So whether you’re coming to visit with young children, or the young at heart, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained this autumn. Explore our beautiful open waters or take to the trails to explore the countryside on foot or by bike. Whatever your adventure, you’ve come to the right place!

There’s a reason that Lochaber is known as ‘The Outdoor Capital of the UK’! There’s no better place to experience the outdoors. This vast, diverse location nestled in the heart of the west Highlands offers you a huge range of activities and the opportunity for adventure.

Stretching from the Great Glen to the most westerly point on the British mainland on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, there’s something for everyone. The Outdoor Capital of the UK presents a huge range of activities for you to enjoy during your stay: Tour and bike the Great Glen with Caledonian Discovery. Hire an ebike from Off Beat Bikes in Fort William and take to the hills with ease! Spend an afternoon relaxing and taking in the views with Loch Shiel Cruises, based in beautiful Glenfinnan. You might even be lucky enough to spot a sea eagle swooping down to catch its supper.

If you’re seeking a water-based adventure then Rugged Paddleboarding can offer you iconic views of Glencoe as you explore sheltered Loch Leven, or try a taster session on the Caledonian Canal with L&D Adventures.

Explore more open water with Rockhopper Sea Kayaking and encounter sea life and stunning beaches from your canoe or kayak, taking in the views across the water from Arisaig to the Small Isles of Rum, Muck and Eigg on a guided tour. If you’re after some serious outdoor time, why not opt for the overnight camp excursion.

If you’re after an adrenaline fix, then Active Highs and Vertical Descents provide plenty of action and adventure on canyoning days, sea kayaking and white water rafting experiences. Can you complete the high-altitude climbing challenge of Kinlochleven’s Via Ferrata? If you’ve never tried climbing, this is a great way to get a taste for the experience in an easy and safe way for all ages.

Even the wet days here have an upside as ‘today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky’. Make your way to Fort William and enjoy a warm welcome at Ben Nevis Distillery or head to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to tour Nc’nean Distillery, a young distillery creating delicious organic whisky and gin. Or try your hand at making your own gin at Pixel Spirits gin school near Ballachulish.

There are plenty of indoor options, too, enjoy a family challenge with ten-pin bowling at the Nevis Centre, scale the heights at 3 Wise Monkeys climbing wall, and relax in the comfort of The Highland Cinema, our very own independent cinema.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK is open for your unique Lochaber experience –plan your adventure at outdoorcapital. co.uk and connect with us on social media @outdoorcapitaluk.

We can’t wait to share this amazing place with you!

Brodie Hood Photography.

Isle of Rum at sunset

Glencoe Lochan

Nevis Range

Nevis Range near Fort William is home to the UK’s only mountain gondola, transporting you to 650m up Aonach Mòr mountain. It’s an adventure playground for all the family, with walks, bike trails and views you have to see to believe!

www.nevisrange.co.uk

Glen Nevis and Ben Nevis

Britain’s highest mountain attracts around 100,000 visitors a year, from mountaineers to novice walkers. Set in the lovely Glen Nevis, its surroundings are worth exploring too – do prepare carefully and get advice if you’re planning a challenging walk.

www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/bennevis/

West Highland Way

This 96-mile long-distance walk starts in Milngavie and takes hikers along Loch Lomond and through Glencoe, finishing in Fort William. It takes several days, but you can hop on to sections of footpath for shorter walks through the incredible Lochaber scenery too.

https://www.westhighlandway.org/ Glencoe

There’s drama aplenty in Glencoe, whether you’re talking history, wildlife or staggering views. Stop for refreshment in picturesque Glencoe village, learn about the glen’s history at the NTS Glencoe Visitor Centre and Glencoe Folk Museum.

www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/glencoe

Pixel Spirits

Join the master for an afternoon experience including recipe development, distilling, bottling and labelling. Take home your own bespoke gin creation to share and enjoy!

https://www.pixelspiritsltd.co.uk/ginrum-school/

Top things to see, do and experience in The Outdoor Capital

Commando Memorial

Dedicated to the fighters of the original Second World War British Commando Forces, this Spean Bridge monument offers views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr and a chance to reflect.

www.outdoorcapital.co.uk

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

When you visit this classic Telford Lighthouse at Kilchoan, you’re standing at the most westerly point in the whole of mainland Britain! With fascinating history, incredible views and a cosy coffee shop, be sure to find your way here!

ardnamurchanlighthouse.com/

West Highland Museum

Housed in the heart of town on Fort William’s Cameron Square, this intriguing museum tells the story of the region and its people - through exhibits that range from rare artefacts to virtual reality – including a collection on the Jacobites.

www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk

Visit the fishing village of Mallaig at the end of the A830 travelling from Fort William and ride the ferry from Mallaig to Inverie in Knoydart, the UK’s last true wilderness on a quick, 30- 45-minute cruise with Western

www.westernislescruises.co.uk

Highland Cinema

Relax in the state-of-the-art facilities at Lochaber’s new independent cinema based in Cameron Square, Fort William and catch the latest releases, tasty treats and drinks from their café bar.

www.highlandcinema.co.uk

DISCOVER THE GREAT GLEN

Home to the most celebrated Scottish legend of all, Loch Ness and its sisters cut a slice through the Highlands, creating the Great Glen, a natural travelling route through some spectacular scenery, between settlements of Fort William and the Highlands capital, Inverness.

Though, for all we know, the Loch Ness Monster might journey stealthily through the Great Glen via the lochs and interconnecting Caledonian canal, other travellers can be found walking and cycling on the 73-mile Great Glen Way. This popular route follows canal towpaths, forest trails and old railway tracks between the two towns and provides a memorable and scenic challenge if you are on foot or bicycle.

The bustle of Fort William at the

Glen’s south-west tip, soon gives way to the tranquility of the glacial valley of Glen Nevis, in the shadow of Ben Nevis. With its mountainous terrain and frequently high rainfall, the Great Glen is one of the best places in Scotland to see waterfalls, while for hikers seeking an uphill challenge, there are plenty of Munros and Corbetts to scale as well.

A few miles north of Fort William is Spean Bridge, a base for commando training for thousands of troops during the Second World War. On the hillside north of the village, the Commando Memorial, perches on the hillside, a landmark and commemoration of their service.

The Caledonian Canal, which was built to bring business to the region, covers over 60 miles, but only a portion of it is man made, the rest follows natural waterways, including Loch Oich and Loch Ness, which it meets at Fort Augustus in the centre of the Glen.

Fort Augustus is home to the revamped Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre and the Clansman Centre, a local history museum. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a monster watcher, it’s a handy, charming,

place to stop, with themed shops and eateries.

The deep and narrow Loch Ness remains the Great Glen’s main attraction, and you can take a cruise in search of its most feted inhabitant, or scan the waves for movement from a safe vantage point at the photogenic 13th century ruin of Urquhart Castle. Equally photogenic are the surrounding glens, Glen Urquhart, home to the lovely Craigmonie woodland, with Drumnadrochit village at its foot, and Glen Moriston, with its waterfalls and vibrant bird life.

DIARY DATE:

Day Trip - Loch Ness Cruise, Urquart Castle, Beauly

Sounds like a great day out from just £75pp - optional extras include Culloden, whisky distillery tour, food and drink. 9-hour tour, leaving Inverness. Available most weeks. Info and tickets: www.getyourguide.com

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

Photo: shutterstock.com

Ben Nevis, Fort William

Photo: shutterstock.com

Glen Affric

Photo: shutterstock.com

Ben Nevis from Caledonian Canal

Photo: shutterstock.com

Inverness

Photo: shutterstock.com

the Highlands

Ben Nevis Highland Centre & Spean Bridge Mill

SAMPLE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND

We have over 500 tartans available, from small mementos to full highland dress. Visit our Whisky Shops, offering a large selection of single malts and blended whiskies from the most popular to the rare classic. From fleeces & waterproofs to cashmere, Arans, knitwear, Harris Tweed® and High Street fashions. All of this alongside a vast selection of Scottish gifts, concessions, food and alcohol.

And whilst you’re there, make time to enjoy delicious breakfasts, light snacks, main meals, fresh baked produce and Puro fair-trade coffee at our in store cafes.

Ben Nevis

Highland Centre

Belford Road, Fort William, PH33 6PF

Spean Bridge Mill

Station Road, Spean Bridge, Inverness-shire, PH34 4EP

At the foot of Britain’s highest mountain & the crossroads of

The Road to the Isles

The West Highland route from Fort William to Mallaig and onwards to the Small Isles, Skye, Knoydart and Uist is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’. This worldrenowned destination, described as the most scenic in the world, is a must-stay holiday destination in 2023.

You’ll enjoy dramatic landscapes, breath-taking beaches, and a real sense of place. As well as the world-famous rail journey and the historic attractions, the area boasts outstanding beaches, rugged hills and a vibrant food, drink, and music culture . You’ll find accommodation to suit all travellers and award-winning restaurants specialising in seafood and game. Nature and the landscape influences much of what happens here. Watch the local fishermen land their daily catch at Mallaig’s bustling pier, sea kayak from Arisaig, take guided walks on Knoydart and wildlife cruises from Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Arisaig. Your stay in the area will be enriched by

visiting the Small Isles, a stunning archipelago steeped in history and filled with wildlife. Each season here is joyous in its own way, but spring is exceptionally beautiful. Wildflowers, vibrant sunsets, and the arrival of wildlife gives the season a distinctive feel, and the pace of life is slower and tranquil. Engage all your senses by strolling the incredible beaches, tasting the salty sea spray, listening to the seabirds overhead and watching the rush of the tide. A visit to the Road to the Isles promises to leave you with a full heart and a yearning to return.

Extraordinary is here, come stay a while!

Knoydart Photo: Knoydart Hide

Islands from Morar Photo: Road to the Isles

Glenfinnan Monument

Photo: shutterstock.com

Snow at Traigh Golf Course

Photo: Road to the Isles

Steam train on Glenfinnan Viaduct

Photo: scotphoto.com

Top things to see, do and experience on The Road to The Isles

Harry Potter Viaduct

The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most popular railway journeys and crosses the 21-span Glenfinnan Viaduct, which features in the Harry Potter films. Experience it from a steam train, or take the Scotrail service from Fort William.

Beaches

Explore some of Scotland’s most incredible beaches. Stroll the beautiful white sands and crystal-clear waters of Traigh, Camusdarach and the Silver Sands of Morar.

Glenfinnan Monument

Islay boasts some of the most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world. Go on a beach hunt or find your way to the Singing Sands and Carraig Fhada Lighthouse, starting from Port Ellen (ask a local for directions!).

Mallaig

A working fishing village that connects the mainland to the islands beyond, Mallaig was once the busiest herring port in Europe and is still renowned for its smoked kippers and seafood. Enjoy the views on the Mallaig Circuit walk, a wildlife cruise or select some lovely handmade gifts and souvenirs to take home. Mallaig also has some great places to experience the finest local produce whilst taking in the spectacular vista.

West Highland Peninsulas

While each is distinctive in character, they share stunning coastline, crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, hills,

lochs, rich woodland, extraordinary wildlife and vast skies. It may change with the seasons, but it’s all here for you to explore and enjoy.

Look out for an abundance of wild flowers scattered through ancient woodlands, and public gardens with blankets of bluebells in spring and yellow iris and buttercups later on. This area also offers you a chance to see amazing wildlife – from otters to osprey, to majestic eagles.

With 230 miles of contrasting coastline, you will never be further than a stone’s throw away from a pristine beaches where you can go for a daytime stroll

or just sit and take in that breath-taking sunrise or that perfect sunset. Find your own perfect beach for rock-pooling, swimming, canoeing, bird watching and photography. With beautiful sea lochs and stunning freshwater lochs we provide visitors with opportunities to enjoy experiences either on, in, or by the water. Explore by sea kayak or open canoe for a new perspective on the landscape.

• Open water swimmers will be in heaven every day.

• Why not Scuba dive our historical wrecks and protected reefs?

• Wildlife watchers can explore two Marine Protected Areas

• Families and beach lovers will find space to unwind and escape. While summer offers bright mornings and long, late nights, the dark skies in early spring are spectacular, with over 7000 stars and planets, and the Milky Way, visible with the naked eye. Whether you gaze up at the show from the dramatic isolation of Ardnamurchan Point, the sandy expanse of Samalaman Beach, or the oak woodlands of Sunart, it is bound to take your breath away.

Sunart, Morven, Moidart, Ardgour and Ardnamurchan are known together as the West Highland Peninsulas – pockets of peace that you can dip into where Lochaber meets the Atlantic.

Ardnamurchan sunset

Photo: shutterstock.com

Ardnamurchan Lighthouse

Photo: shutterstock.com

Castle Tioram

Photo: shutterstock.com

Isle of Skye

Whether you’re viewing the Cuillin ridge, a spectacle that rises from the land shrouded in mist, craning your neck up at the spiky Old Man of Stoor, or gazing outwards towards the Hebrides, this magical landscape has a way of etching itself on the memory.

As well as busy centres like Portree and Broadford, the island boasts museums and visitor attractions alongside historic village inns, sea view bed and breakfasts and celebrated restaurants which specialise in locally-sourced game and seafood.

Skye’s castles are among its most imposing attractions. Dunvegan castle - the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland - has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Armadale Castle is the centrepiece of the Clan Donald estate, which also includes gardens and a museum, and if you are seeking atmosphere, head for the ruin of Knock Castle, on the east coast of Sleat.

Human history, however, is just a recent phase in Skye’s story. Here, as well as following in the footsteps of ancestors, you can actually walk in

the footprints of dinosaurs (sauropods) at Brother’s Point in the north west, or look for ammonite and belemnite fossils at Elgol or Bearreraig Bay. Discover more about remarkable finds on this Dinosaur Isle at Staffin Dinosaur Museum in Trotternish.

Skye’s main town is the fishing port of Portree, with a selection of shops, galleries and eateries, and distinctive craft and gift shops. The ferry port villages of Uig and Armadale share a scenic appeal and are both also home to a handful of artisan businesses.

From jewellery to beer, and soap to ceramics, the landscape is the foundation of many of Skye’s most distinctive products. It is home to a diverse community of artists, artisans and entrepreneurs who take inspiration from local culture, and their unique environment.

Skye’s first village, Kyleakin, is home to the Bright Water Centre, where naturalist and writer Gavin Maxwell is remembered. You can learn about Maxwell’s otters and book a tour to the wildlife haven of Eilean Ban, below the Skye bridge.

At Kilmuir, you can visit the Skye Museum of Island Life, a township of preserved thatched cottages illuminating 19th century life in the Hebrides. Colbost Croft Museum, at Dunvegan, also offers insight into a traditional way of life.

Skye may be thriving, but it still has wilderness, and if you don’t feel in holiday mode unless you’re breathless, soaked through or covered in mud, you will find plenty of adventure options. From hiking the hills to kayaking the coast, or climbing, coasteering and mountain-biking, you’ll find local experts on hand to guide, train and provide resources and back-up.

Skye’s most profound rewards come from close encounters with the seascapes and landscapes, from the beach at little Talisker Bay – which shares its name with the island-produced Talisker whisky, to the Fairy Pools, at the foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle.

The Red and Black Cuillin Ranges, and Trotternish Ridge (guarded by the imposing rock tower of the Old Man of Stoor) are formidable mountains, but even their stature is not enough to put off the wildlife, from red deer to pine marten and sea eagles, so do keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned in.

With its jagged ridges, hilltop lochs and mountain-hugging highways, Skye is a place where the heavens feel close enough to touch.

Neist Point Photo: shutterstock.com

The Fairy Pools

Photo: shutterstock.com

The Old Man of Storr Photo: shutterstock.com

Portree, Skye

Photo: shutterstock.com

Top things to see, do and experience on

Skye

Portree

Skye’s main town is a bustling and colourful port used by both fishing and pleasure boats. There are plenty of shopping and eating opportunities, and you can take a walking tour to get your bearings.

Eilean Donan Castle

One of Scotland’s most visited attractions, the enchanting silhouette of Eilean Donan Castle dominates the landscape around Dornie (on the mainland). This 13th-century castle was recently restored and is a must-see on the road to Skye.

Bright Water Visitor Centre

This Kyleaken exhibition centre remembers the otter conservation work of Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell. Book tours here to nearby Eilean Bàn, a nature haven below the Skye Bridge.

Skye Ferry

The Glenachulish, Scotland’s only remaining turntable ferry runs between Glenelg and Kylerhea in the summer season and is a novel and historic way to arrive on the island.

www.skyeferry.co.uk

Arts and Crafts

See the work of local artists and craftspeople in shops across the island – some studios are open to visitors too. As well as painting and sculpture inspired by the landscape, Skye specialisms include weaving, jewellery-making and ceramics.

HOME OF THE CHIEFS OF CLAN MACLEOD FOR 800 YEARS

OPEN: 1 APRIL - 15 OCTOBER 10AM - 5.30PM (LAST ENTRY 5PM)

Any visit to the Isle of Skye would be incomplete without enjoying the wealth of history on offer at Dunvegan Castle & Gardens. Enjoy a tour of the castle, delight in the beauty of our gardens, take an exhilarating boat trip to the local seal colony, appreciate an appetising meal at the MacLeod Tables Café, and browse our shops.

WWW.DUNVEGANCASTLE.COM

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Outer Hebrides

Scattered at Scotland’s western edge, these western isles are an enchanting world apart. They may share windswept landscapes and incredible wildlife, but each has its own, distinctive character.

In spring, they burst with life and colour, from the bleach-white lambs that will totter into your path, to the silver flash of mackerel and the pinks and yellows of flowers bursting through the grassy machair.

Gaelic tradition is strong in these communities, which are also known as the Western Isles, and the language and culture continues to influence all aspects of life, from music and literature to crofting, weaving and worship.

The Uists and Barra: Linked by a chain of causeways, the islands known as the Uists are bound by nature, geology and history, imprinted with a lacework pattern of freshwater lochans and narrow sea lochs bordered with rocky coves and pristine white beaches.

The diversity of the landscape ensures treats for nature lovers on land, shore and sea. Off-shore bird sight-

ings include puffins, gannets and guillemots, while inland estuaries are home to waders, and moorlands provide prey for golden eagles and hen harriers. The long grass is a seasonal home for the elusive corncrake, particularly on the RSPB site at Balranald on North Uist.

Lochmaddy (North Uist) and Lochboisdale (South Uist) are the islands’ main port settlements, with white Hebridean houses, local shops and hotels with views to die for. From Lochboisdale port, look over to Canna and Rum – and to the south, spot the little island of Calvay on which stands a lighthouse and the remains of Castle Calvay, once a hiding place for Bonnie Prince Charlie.

On Benbecula, hikers head to the summit of Rueval, while those staying close to the water can visit Poll na Crann beach to the west of the island

– depending on the weather it can be a perfect sandy crescent, or covered in seaweed, the reason for its nickname ‘Stinky Bay’.

Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited Outer Hebrides, and has been a since the Bronze and Iron Ages – in more recent history it is best known as the setting for the 1949 classic film Whisky Galore! Nowadays, the island’s attractions include the medieval Kisimul Castle, after which its main village, Castlebay is named, and its airstrip at Northbay – where scheduled flights take off and land on the beach.

Lewis and Harris: Though referred to as though they are separate islands, Lewis and Harris are one land mass, the largest of the Hebrides. Technology and communications mean the islands don’t seem quite as remote as they used to, but visiting can still feel like a step back to more simple times.

If you have a hankering to travel to somewhere even more remote, these islands are also the launching point for tours to St Kilda, a remarkable world heritage site with soaring sea stacks, colonies of seabirds and ruins that give an atmospheric sense of how life would have been on this now-uninhabited isle.

Lewis and Harris boast some of the most beautiful and least polluted beaches in the United Kingdom.

Luskentyre on South Harris is a huge crescent of white sand lapped by turquoise ocean that resembles a tropical island, while nearby Scarista

is smaller and more sheltered, but equally scenic. On Lewis, Uig beach, where the 12th century ivory ‘Lewis Chessmen’ were discovered, is a popular camping destination.

The story of Harris Tweed seems even more remarkable when you become acquainted with the island the internationally sought-after fabric comes from, and appreciate the traditional methods used to weave the wool. A handful of shops and visitor attractions sell clothes and tweed memorabilia, but ask around and you might also be fortunate to meet someone brought up to the skill.

These unusual islands boast more world-famous exports. The distillery in Tarbert, Harris has quickly become renowned for its beautifully-bottled gin, while Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis, is not only the Outer Hebrides bustling hub, it is also home to Stornoway Black pudding or ‘Marag Dub’. This sausage, made from oatmeal, suet, onion and animal (usually sheep) blood has gained protected international status. Once you’ve tried the delicacy, breakfast will never be quite the same again.

DIARY DATE:

OH Con!

14th October 2023

Outer Hebrides Comic Con: Sci-fi, fantasy, comics, games and stuff!

UHI Stornoway Campus

https://ohcon.info/tickets

An ever-present force, the mighty Atlantic ocean shapes every aspect of life in the Outer Hebrides from work and culture to the spectacular beaches

Hushinish, Isle of Harris

Photo: shutterstock.com