Classic Scotland

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s premier castles and has an impressive history. Home to a succession of Stuart kings and queens, this historic edifice sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact.

The village of Culross is a place that time forgot. Nestled along the banks of the River Forth, the Royal Burgh of Culross dates largely from the 16th century and its ancient cottages and the striking mustard-yellow Palace are little changed. Discover a slice of Scottish history on a guided walk around this exceptional place.

Made famous by the song The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond, this freshwater loch is one of Scotland’s most evocative sites. The loch marks the beginning of the Highlands and the magnificent scenery of the Trossachs forms the backdrop to this spectacular location.

Glencoe is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of Scotland. Site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, today it is a hauntingly beautiful Highland glen which evokes the spirit of the clans who ruled this land for centuries.

Visit the evocative Eilean Donan Castle, perched on a small tidal island at the convergence of three sea lochs. Eilean Donan possesses all the qualities of a romantic castle and is one of the Highland’s greatest beauties.

Applecross is widely considered to be one of the most picturesque locations on the West Coast. Located on a peninsula looking out towards the Isle of Raasay and Isle of Skye, the Applecross Peninsula is home to just a couple of hundred people. A place of peace and tranquility, but also of drama and power in the huge landscapes and variable weather, this is one of Scotland’s most evocative places.

The Speyside Cooperage stands as one of the last remaining cooperages in Scotland. Still made by hand using traditional methods, the casks are an essential part of the whisky-making process and making them is a skill passed down through generations. An experienced former cooper will guide you through the cooperage and take you down to the workshop. This is also a fascinating insight into local crafts and how they’re kept alive today.

Whisky is one of Scotland’s most successful exports and with good reason: this famous beverage evokes the spirit of Scotland and nowhere is more intrinsically linked to it than the region of Speyside. Barley is distilled in fresh Highland water, and the region in which it is grown gives a different taste to the final product. In Speyside the whiskies have either a light and grassy or rich and sweet palette. Join your guide to learn more about one of Scotland’s finest products.

Blair Castle is unlike any other castle in Scotland. Its baronial architecture and beautiful setting in wooded grounds with mountainous backdrop are typical enough, but a couple of accidents of history have set Blair Castle apart. In 1844 Queen Victoria spent three weeks at Blair and during her stay granted the Duke a private army, the Atholl Highlanders, today the only private army in Europe. In more recent times, the castle passed to a branch of the family currently residing in South Africa.

In this castle, powerful Scottish history is evident in every room. Today a private residence, this ancient home has received royalty throughout the ages and in the grounds, The Moot Hill was the coronation site of both Robert the Bruce and Charles II.