Castles and Whisky

from Inverness

We leave Inverness City Centre behind and travel to the pleasant seaside town of Nairn, the favoured vacation spot of Charlie Chaplin. Close by sits handsome 16th century Brodie Castle, the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years. As befits one of Scotland’s most prestigious families the castle contains an art collection from Dutch Old Masters to modern watercolours and an impressive library containing over 6,000 volumes. Outside, in peaceful grounds, you’ll find woodland walks, the quirky Playful Garden and the National Daffodil Collection.

If you’d prefer you can enjoy free time in the nearby town of Forres instead. This pleasant town is one of Scotland’s oldest and is famed for its beautiful parks and gardens.

Later we’ll make our way through the Glen of Rothes to reach the beautiful scenery of Speyside. Here the bubbling waters of the River Spey flow providing pure water for almost half of all working distilleries in Scotland including Glenfiddich where we will make a stop for lunch. The Malt Barn restaurant is famed for its tasty dishes using the local ingredients. If you’re in the mood why not make a visit to the bar which contains the largest collection of Glenfiddich whiskies in the World.

Thomas Telfer designed an impressive iron bridge which spans the River Spey in the nearby village of Craigellachie. We’ll stop at the Speyside Cooperage where you can get insight into the important work undertaken by the expert coopers who restore and repair the casks in which the whisky is stored. Enjoy a fascinating audio-visual presentation then visit the shop floor to marvel at the craftsmen at work.

Later this afternoon you can visit Ballindalloch Castle which has been occupied by the Macpherson-Grants since 1546. There is time to visit the castle where you’ll find fascinating family memorabilia, fine furniture and paintings. Outside the gardens provide a haven in which to relax and include a lovely rose garden and tree-lined walks.

Alternatively you can explore The Glenlivet Distillery, home to one of Scotland’s great malt whiskies. This is a wonderful chance to experience a tour of the distillery, with a tutored tasting of a fine malt whisky. Later take the chance to explore the exhibition or pick-up a souvenir in the distillery shop.

The last part of our tour will take us through the picturesque scenery of the Cairngorm National Parkand back to Inverness.