Findlater Castle is a dramatic cliffside ruin on the Moray Firth coast, offering stunning views, rich medieval history, and a rugged walking experience ideal for adventurous visitors. Highlights Clifftop Fortress : Perched on a 50-foot-high outcrop, Findlater Castle was once a formidable stronghold with sheer drops on three sides and a drawbridge for defense. Historic Drama : Linked to Alexander III, Mary Queen of Scots, and the Ogilvie and Gordon families, the castle played

Huntly Castle is a richly carved ruin in Aberdeenshire, once home to the powerful Gordon family. It offers layered history, dramatic architecture, and a peaceful riverside setting ideal for heritage lovers and photographers. Highlights Seat of the Earls of Huntly : The castle was a stronghold of the influential Gordon family from the 15th to 17th centuries. Heraldic Stonework : Intricate carvings of coats of arms, Latin inscriptions, and Renaissance friezes decorate the façad

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is one of Scotland’s best-preserved recumbent stone circles, offering mystical ambience, panoramic views, and easy access near Inverurie. Highlights Complete Recumbent Stone Circle : Unlike many sites, East Aquhorthies retains its full ring of stones, including the massive recumbent stone  flanked by upright grey granite pillars. Unique Stone Selection : Most stones are pinkish porphyry, but the recumbent is red granite from Bennachie, and one is

The Maiden Stone near Inverurie is a striking Pictish monument with mythic allure, intricate carvings, and easy access best viewed April to October. Highlights Class II Pictish Cross-Slab : Carved from red granite, this 3-meter-high stone features a ring-headed cross, mythical beasts, and iconic Pictish symbols like the mirror and comb, Z-rod, and centaur-like figures. Legend of the Maiden : Local lore tells of a laird’s daughter who lost a bet with the devil and was turned t

After taking a tour round Culloden Battlefield or just a day out in Inverness, the Battlefield Bar& Restaurant is the perfect lunch day out. Monday : 12-9pm Tuesday : 12-9pm Wednesday : 12-9pm Thursday : 12-9pm Friday : 12-11pm Saturday : 12-11pm Sunday : 12-9pm Ferghas Eats After a quiet walk across the moor, Ferghas the Coo stepped into the Battlefield Bar—muddy hooves, thoughtful eyes. He ordered the Highland steak pie, served piping hot with mash and gravy. As he at

Nessieland in Drumnadrochit is a fun, family-friendly attraction dedicated to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. It features interactive exhibits, play areas, and quirky Nessie-themed experiences—perfect for kids and curious travelers. Highlights Loch Ness Monster exhibits : Explore newspaper clippings, grainy photos, and eyewitness accounts of Nessie sightings. Multilingual documentary : Learn about underwater searches and the mystery surrounding Loch Ness. Adventure playg

Culloden Battlefield is a powerful, historically rich site near Inverness where the final Jacobite Rising ended in 1746. Visitors can explore the battlefield, museum, and memorials year-round, with immersive exhibits and walking trails that bring Scotland’s past to life. Highlights Historic battlefield : Site of the last pitched battle on British soil, where the Jacobite forces were defeated in under an hour. Visitor Centre : Features a 360° battle immersion theatre, interact

The Falls of Bruar offer a scenic woodland walk with dramatic waterfalls, historic stone bridges, and easy access from the House of Bruar. It’s free to visit, open year-round, and ideal for a short nature escape in Perthshire. Highlights Series of waterfalls : Set in a forested gorge, the falls cascade through dramatic rock formations. Historic bridges : Two picturesque stone bridges offer stunning views and photo opportunities. Circular walking trail : A 1.5-mile loop takes

Farm Ness near Inverness offers a hands-on, family-friendly experience with Highland cows, alpacas, play areas, and stunning views of Loch Ness. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm and ideal for kids, nature lovers, and curious travelers. Highlights Meet the Highland cows : Iconic shaggy beasts you can feed through the Insta Cow pipe. Animal encounters : Includes alpacas, pygmy goats, rare breed pigs, and rabbits. Play areas : Features sand pits, play tractors, and the Highlands’

Standing proudly at the junction of High Street and Station Road, this polished granite Celtic Cross honours the 83 local souls lost in the World Wars. Dedicated in 1921, it bears the badge of the Cameron Highlanders and a Gaelic inscription: Air Chuimhne Nan Sonn Nach Maireann —“In memory of the heroes who are no more.” Surrounded by gardens, it remains a place of quiet reflection and enduring gratitude Highlights Striking Celtic Cross  in polished grey granite, featuring th

Queen’s View offers one of Scotland’s most iconic panoramas, gazing westward over Loch Tummel toward the distant peaks of Glencoe. Though Queen Victoria visited in 1866 and assumed it was named for her, the viewpoint is more likely a tribute to Queen Isabella, wife of Robert the Bruce Highlights Breathtaking Vista : Overlooks Loch Tummel with views stretching to Schiehallion and the distant Glencoe mountains—often called Scotland’s finest view . Royal Connection : Named for Q

Tucked within the dramatic Pass of Killiecrankie near Pitlochry lies Soldier’s Leap, a legendary spot steeped in history and Highland folklore. During the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689, government soldier Donald McBane is said to have made a desperate 18-foot leap across the River Garry to escape pursuing Jacobite forces. Highlights Soldier’s Leap : The legendary 18-foot jump by Redcoat Donald McBane during the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie. Killiecrankie Gorge : A stunning

The Watchers is a striking art installation located on the A939 Lecht Road in the Cairngorms National Park, near Corgarff Castle in Aberdeenshire. Created by artist John Kennedy, this installation features four sculptural cowls made from folded steel, each sheltering a larch wood seat. Highlights The cowls resemble origami-like forms and are designed to offer protection from the wind and snow, evoking imagery such as: Helmets or armoured figures A henge or standing stones A h

Nestled near the peaceful shores of Loch Kinord in Aberdeenshire, the Kinord Cross is a beautifully carved stone from the 9th century. It...

Auchindoun Castle has a rich and tumultuous history, marked by conflict and tragedy. In 1567, Auchindoun was sold to Sir Adam Gordon. His tenure is noted for his notorious actions during a feud. Sir Adam Gordon gained infamy for the murder of all the occupants of Corgarff Castle in 1571, a brutal act that highlighted the violent rivalries of the time. In retaliation for the massacre at Corgarff, William Mackintosh burned Auchindoun Castle, marking a significant event in th

Craigellachie Bridge is a cast iron arch bridge located across the River Spey at Craigellachie, near the village of Aberlour in Moray, Scotland. The bridge was designed by the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford and constructed between 1812 and 1814. Highlights Craigellachie Bridge is not only an important engineering feat of its time but also a significant historical landmark, showcasing the advancements in bridge construction during the early 19th century. It is consider

Just off the main route through Kinloss is the site of ruins, which from the main road doesn't look like much, but once approached is a rich testament to Scottish history and resilience. The abbey stands as a lasting monument to faith. The graveyard is still in use today by locals and regular tours are provided in the area. Highlights The main free-standing structure seen in the centre of the Abbey is the South Transept, which is associated with the following: Chapel Sacristy

Erected by public subscription, the tower was built as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson. The foundation stone was laid by James Brodie of Brodie on the 26th of August, 1806, with coins and a parchment being placed beneath it. Highlights Forest walk winds several directions with benches along the whole trail View of Findhorn bay from peak point Practical Information The walk from the car park takes around 20-30 minutes Picnic spot at top of trail Steep walk but levels out in

Sueno’s Stone is renowned for its intricate carvings and serves as an important cultural artifact, reflecting the artistry and beliefs of the Pictish people during its time. Highlights Carved from local sandstone and standing about 7 meters tall, Sueno’s Stone is a marvel of late Pictish art. It was carved between the mid AD 800s and early AD 900s. Practical Information Height: Approximately 7 meters Material: Local sandstone Period: Late Pictish era (mid AD 800s to early AD

The Califer Viewpoint offers a breath-taking panoramic of the Forres area, allowing visitors to take in the entire landscape from an elevated position. This viewpoint is particularly notable for its stunning views down the Moray Firth and of Findhorn bay Highlights A plaque at the viewpoint highlights various landmarks visible on a clear day, enhancing the experience for those who visit. Among the most striking features is the expansive Findhorn Bay, which showcases the natur