Easter Ross, Scottish Highlands
Picts, Pilgrims & the Highland Coast
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
Exploring the Picts, Pilgrims & the Highland Coast
Picts, Pilgrims & the Highland Coast
The Nigg Stone at Nigg Old Church · Portmahomack · Tarbat Discovery Centre · Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
Come with me on a journey through the remarkable history of the Tarbat Peninsula, where ancient Pictish carvings, early Christianity and centuries of Highland life have left their mark on the landscape.
From a magnificent stone carved more than 1,200 years ago to the remains of a once-thriving Pictish monastery, we’ll discover stories of faith, craftsmanship and a rather turbulent past.
We’ll also enjoy the charm of the coastal village of Portmahomack, time for a leisurely lunch and a visit to Tarbat Ness Lighthouse, overlooking the vast waters of the Moray Firth.
I’ve designed this private tour to offer a fascinating journey through history, with plenty of time to enjoy the countryside, ask questions and perhaps discover something unexpected along the way.
Our journey along the Highland coast
9.45 am — Invergordon to Nigg Old Church
I’ll welcome you at Invergordon before we follow the northern shore of the Cromarty Firth, passing through the Easter Ross countryside towards Nigg Old Church.
Arriving around 10.10 am, we’ll discover a remarkable building whose history stretches back centuries.
Inside stands the magnificent Nigg Stone, an intricately carved Pictish cross-slab dating from the late eighth century. Its extraordinary craftsmanship, Christian imagery and mysterious figures make it one of Scotland’s most impressive surviving Pictish monuments.
But the church itself has plenty more stories to tell. We’ll explore its historic galleries, including the curious Poor Loft, and discover the unusual Cholera Stone in the churchyard.
According to local tradition, the stone was placed over a mysterious cloud of vapour believed to carry cholera. Whether it succeeded in trapping the disease is another matter entirely! 😉
11.20 am — Portmahomack and the Tarbat Discovery Centre
Our next stop takes us to the picturesque fishing village of Portmahomack, overlooking the Dornoch Firth.
Here we’ll visit the Tarbat Discovery Centre, housed within the historic Church of St Colman, on the site of an extraordinary Pictish monastery.
Archaeological excavations revealed evidence of a thriving religious community, where skilled craftsmen produced beautifully carved stonework, precious objects and materials for illuminated manuscripts.
We’ll explore the ancient crypt and discover some of the remarkable finds, including the intricately carved Dragon Stone.
The excavations also revealed evidence of a devastating fire, smashed sculptures and violent deaths. Was this the work of Viking raiders? Archaeologists have uncovered compelling clues, although the full story remains a subject of historical interpretation.
It’s a fascinating place where archaeology brings a long-forgotten chapter of Highland history remarkably close.
12.30 pm — A leisurely lunch in Portmahomack
After exploring more than a thousand years of history, I think we’ve earned ourselves a little Highland hospitality!
We’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch in Portmahomack, subject to seasonal availability, with time to appreciate the village’s peaceful coastal setting.
If the weather is kind, there’s also an opportunity for a short stroll towards the harbour, enjoying views across the Dornoch Firth.
No rushing — that’s rather the point of a private tour!
1.45 pm — Tarbat Ness Lighthouse
Our final destination is the striking Tarbat Ness Lighthouse, standing proudly at the northeastern tip of the peninsula.
Designed by the renowned Scottish lighthouse engineer Robert Stevenson, it first shone its light in 1830, following a devastating storm in the Moray Firth that claimed sixteen vessels.
With its distinctive red-and-white tower and exposed coastal surroundings, it’s a wonderful place to finish our journey.
We’ll take a gentle walk towards the lighthouse, enjoy the expansive sea views and explore the history of this important landmark.
Perhaps we’ll even spot some seabirds along the coastline before returning to the car and making our way back towards Invergordon ca 2.30 pm.
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 and times are approximate, allowing for a relaxed pace, photography and conversation. Return arrangements can be tailored to your cruise ship’s departure or your individual plans.
Access to Nigg Old Church and the Tarbat Discovery Centre is seasonal, while the lighthouse visit is to its exterior and surrounding grounds. I’ll check arrangements before your visit and discuss alternatives if necessary.
Lunch arrangements are subject to local availability. Admission charges and lunch costs are included.
Shall we discover the Pictish Highlands 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.