Highland Landscapes, Whisky & Heritage

Highland Landscapes, Whisky & Heritage

Struie Hill · Balblair Distillery · Dornoch · Hilton of Cadboll Stone · Mermaid of the North

Join me for a wonderfully varied Highland journey where spectacular scenery, traditional whisky-making, ancient Pictish history and a little coastal folklore come together.

From the breathtaking views over the Kyle of Sutherland and Dornoch Firth to the welcoming surroundings of historic Balblair Distillery, we’ll discover some of my favourite places in Easter Ross and neighbouring Sutherland.

Along the way, there’s time to explore the charming town of Dornoch, enjoy a leisurely lunch and uncover the remarkable story of a Pictish stone whose travels have been almost as extraordinary as its carvings.

And naturally, we’ll finish with a little Highland folklore — and perhaps a dram or two along the way!

Our journey through the Highlands

9.15 am — Invergordon to Struie Hill

I’ll welcome you at Invergordon before we head north towards one of the Highlands’ most rewarding viewpoints.

Arriving around 10 am, we’ll pause at Struie Hill, often called the Million Dollar View, where the landscape opens into a magnificent panorama of the Dornoch Firth, the Kyle of Sutherland and the distant Highland mountains.

It’s the perfect introduction to this beautiful part of Scotland — and an excellent opportunity for a photograph or two. Even the most seasoned traveller might be tempted to take a selfie!

After enjoying the view, we’ll continue towards our first major destination.

10.30 am — Balblair Distillery: A Highland whisky experience

Our next stop is Balblair Distillery, near the village of Edderton, where we’ll aim to arrive around 10.15–10.20 am for our prearranged tour.

Established in 1790, Balblair is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, with generations of whisky-making history woven into its beautiful Highland setting.

Unlike some of Scotland’s larger visitor attractions, Balblair offers a wonderfully personal atmosphere, with opportunities to discover the traditional craft of whisky production and the people behind it.

Following a warm welcome from the distillery team, we’ll join a guided tour beginning at approximately 10.30 am, discovering how its distinctive Highland single malt is made.

And there’s a rather entertaining connection with the silver screen. Balblair featured in Ken Loach’s film The Angels’ Share, a whisky-related tale of youthful misadventure.

Who says crime never pays? Well, at least it did in the movies! 😉

Our distillery experience concludes with a tasting of Balblair single malt whisky, before we continue our journey north around 11.45 am.

Shortly after noon — Historic Dornoch and lunch

Our next destination is the delightful Royal Burgh of Dornoch, a charming Highland town with a fascinating history and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.

We’ll have time to explore the historic town centre, including its impressive 13th-century cathedral, attractive square and independent shops.

Perhaps you’d enjoy browsing a little, discovering something unusual or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this lovely old burgh.

We’ll also enjoy lunch, perhaps at the historic Dornoch Castle Hotel or another welcoming local venue, depending on availability and your preferences.

With refreshments enjoyed and hopefully a few interesting discoveries made, we’ll depart around 1.15 pm and return south towards Easter Ross.

1.45 pm — The extraordinary Hilton of Cadboll Stone

Our next stop takes us back more than twelve centuries, to the remarkable heritage of the Picts.

The Hilton of Cadboll Stone is one of Scotland’s most celebrated Pictish monuments, famous for its extraordinary carved hunting scene featuring a prominent female rider, animals and mysterious symbols.

But the stone has a story almost as fascinating as the people who created it.

Originally carved around AD 800, it was later altered, moved from its original surroundings and eventually taken to Edinburgh, where the surviving original can be seen in the National Museum of Scotland.

The magnificent full-sized reconstruction standing here today was created by local sculptor Barry Grove, allowing visitors to appreciate the monument in its historic setting once again.

I’ll share the story of the stone’s remarkable journey, its ancient symbolism and the extraordinary craftsmanship involved in its modern recreation.

And what better place to raise a wee dram in tribute to the Picts? Slàinte to our mysterious Highland ancestors! 🥃

Shortly after 2.10 pm — Balintore and the Mermaid of the North

Our final stop takes us to Balintore, one of the traditional Seaboard Villages overlooking the Moray Firth.

Here we’ll enjoy a short coastal stroll to meet the Mermaid of the North, a much-loved sculpture whose origins lie in a rather poignant local legend.

The story tells of a fisherman who captured a mermaid and hid her tail, keeping her on land as his wife. Years later, she discovered her tail and escaped back to the sea — although her love for her children brought her back to the shore.

It’s a tale of love, longing and the enduring relationship between the people of the Seaboard and the sea.

Nearby sculptures, including the great salmon, celebrate the fishing heritage of these coastal communities.

We’ll then make our way back towards Invergordon, bringing our Highland journey to a close.

A few practical details

This is a personally hosted private tour for up to three guests, with collection from Invergordon or another agreed location.

The itinerary is planned around a prebooked Balblair Distillery tour, normally beginning at approximately 10.30 am. Distillery availability must be confirmed in advance, and alternative arrangements may be suggested if necessary.

All times are approximate, with the day’s pace adjusted to your requirements and, where applicable, your cruise ship’s departure schedule.

Lunch arrangements depend on local availability. Distillery admission and lunch costs are included.

Tours are available in English or German.

Shall we discover Easter Ross together?

Your Private Highland Experience

£195 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 to Balblair Distillery 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.