Easter Ross, Scottish Highlands
The Hidden Heritage of Easter Ross
Leave the driving to me and discover a side of the Scottish Highlands that many visitors miss. From ancient Pictish stones and medieval churches to charming coastal villages and spectacular landscapes, my private tours are as much about the stories and people as the places themselves.
Whether you’re arriving on a cruise ship in Invergordon or staying in the Highlands, choose from three carefully planned itineraries or let me tailor a day to your interests. With a maximum of three guests, there’s time for a leisurely lunch, a little spontaneity and plenty of conversation.
Tours are available in English or German.
Your Highland Journey
Discovering the Hidden Heritage of Easter Ross
Hidden Heritage of Easter Ross
Medieval Tain · Clan Ross · Fearn Abbey · Balintore and the Mermaid of the North · Shandwick Stone
Step away from the familiar tourist trail and join me on a journey through more than a thousand years of Highland history.
From the medieval Royal Burgh of Tain and the remarkable heritage of Clan Ross to ancient abbeys, charming fishing villages and an original Pictish monument, there’s plenty to discover in this fascinating corner of Scotland.
I’ve designed this private tour to be relaxed and enjoyable, with time for conversation, a leisurely lunch and perhaps a few unexpected discoveries along the way.
Our journey through Easter Ross
9.45 am — Invergordon to historic Tain
I’ll welcome you at Invergordon before we follow the northern shore of the Cromarty Firth towards the Royal Burgh of Tain.
Arriving around 10.15 am, we’ll explore the town’s medieval past, its connections with Clan Ross and its importance as a place of pilgrimage.
A visit to Tain Museum and the Clan Ross Centre offers a wonderful introduction to the area’s history, including the Collegiate Church, the Ross Chapel and the remarkable medieval graves within the grounds.
And, when available, there’s nothing quite like hearing local history from the enthusiastic volunteers who know it so well.
11.45 am — Fearn Abbey
Our next destination is Fearn Abbey, whose origins reach back to the 13th century.
I’ll introduce you to the abbey’s fascinating history and its importance to the Earldom of Ross. Among its surviving treasures is the tomb of Abbot Finlay McFead, who died in 1485, within St Michael’s Aisle.
It’s a wonderfully atmospheric place, with centuries of history reflected in its ancient stonework and monuments.
12.40 pm — Lunch by the Highland coast
By now, a little Highland hospitality might be very welcome!
We’ll head towards Balintore, one of the picturesque Seaboard Villages, for a relaxed lunch at a local venue.
Afterwards, there’s an opportunity for a short coastal walk to the Mermaid of the North, a much-loved sculpture inspired by local folklore.
From 2.00 pm — The remarkable Shandwick Stone
Our final historical stop takes us to one of Easter Ross’s most extraordinary surviving monuments.
The Shandwick Stone is an original Pictish cross-slab, dating from around AD 800. Its intricate carvings include hunting scenes, elaborate patterns and the mysterious Pictish beast.
Standing before this remarkable monument, it’s hard not to wonder about the people who created it more than twelve centuries ago.
We’ll then make our return journey to Invergordon, bringing our Highland adventure to a close.
A few practical details
This is a privately hosted tour for up to three guests, with collection from Invergordon or another agreed location.
The itinerary is a suggested route rather than a rigid timetable. Museum and historic-site access may vary seasonally, and lunch arrangements will depend on local availability. I’ll discuss suitable alternatives with you beforehand if necessary.
Tours are available in English or German, and I’m always happy to accommodate particular historical interests, including Clan Ross ancestry.
Shall we discover Easter Ross together?
Your Private Highland Experience
£180 per person
Exclusively for your party of two or three guests.
Your experience includes comfortable private transport, personal guiding in English or German, scheduled standard admission fees and a relaxed light lunch at a local venue.
No large groups, no rushing — just a memorable Highland day, hosted personally from beginning to end.
Shall we discover Easter Ross together?
Whether you’re exploring your family history or simply looking for a memorable day away from the usual tourist trail, I’d be delighted to welcome you.
Solo travellers are welcome to enquire about an individual quotation.
What to expect
A day that has room to breathe
I like to leave room for the unexpected — a conversation with a local, a view worth lingering over, or an extra stop that catches your eye. The route is thoughtfully planned, but there’s always room for a little spontaneity.
01 Stories along the way
From ancient Pictish carvings to fascinating local characters, I enjoy sharing the history and stories that bring the Highland landscape to life.
02 Lunch without the rush
A leisurely lunch is part of the pleasure. I’ll suggest welcoming local places where we can enjoy a bite to eat and perhaps a little Highland hospitality.
03 A little flexibility
Some historic sites and distilleries have seasonal opening times. I’ll check arrangements beforehand and suggest suitable alternatives where necessary.
Let’s plan your Highland day
Have a date in mind, a particular place you’d love to visit, or perhaps some family history you’d like to explore?
Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship in Invergordon or staying in the Highlands, tell me a little about your plans and interests. I’ll be delighted to suggest a memorable day tailored to you.