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SCOTLAND’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020 and , Moray Speyside, The Highlands and

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As well as being home to ’s Castle Trail and the The journey up Scotland's east coast from , the famous Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire boasts coastal cliffs, capital, reveals a land of beautiful beaches backed by rolling hills. panoramic skies and sweeping beaches such as Balmedie, In contrast, the west coast has a grandeur and dramatic beauty Stonehaven and even the city of Aberdeen itself. The that few can resist. Spring and Autumn are the ideal time to coastline is dotted with pretty seaside towns to explore and explore both on the North Coast 500 driving route. this is one of the best areas in Scotland to spot dolphins. Two further new scenic routes in this area are the North East Fishing has traditionally been one of the area’s major 250 which takes you through the most scenic coastal and inland industries and and today Aberdeen is acknowledged as a parts of Aberdeenshire and Moray Speyside, and the Snow Roads global energy centre. route, which takes you on a 90-mile journey in the heart of the A popular early summer event is the Scottish Traditional Boat National Park, from the picturesque market town of Festival held in the charming Aberdeenshire town of Portsoy. It Blairgowrie to the traditional town of Grantown-on-Spey. brings together boats, music, local crafts and food and drink in South of Inverness lies Loch Ness – one of the most famous a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. stretches of water in the world and a number of companies offer Famous for its resident population of dolphins, the Moray Firth cruises from various points along its shores. is one of the best places in Europe to see these creatures in the There’s nothing like an island break to make you really feel like wild. Moray has a stunning coastline with wide sandy beaches, you’re getting away from it all, and there can be few more stunning coastal formations and attractive fishing villages. Walkers island locations than the Outer Hebrides. The islands’ artistic will enjoy the , a walking route which begins and musical culture, and even the famous Harris Tweed, takes inland at , hitting the coastline at and beyond. inspiration from the sandy white beaches and dramatic coastlines The famous Speyside malt whiskies produced in the distilleries to be found along this unique archipelago. Make the spectacular along the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail partially take their flavours drive north to the Butt of Lewis, where the lighthouse marks its from the clear waters of the River Spey. 160th anniversary in 2020. Get here by ferry or by plane, including The Highlands of Scotland are known across the globe for their the chance to land on the world's only beach airport on the Isle of scenic beauty, and this is as true of the Highland coastline as it Barra, or explore islands such as North and , Benbecula. is of the impressive inland lochs and mountains. Vatersay and Eriskay, each with its own unique character.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected] ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE 1 2 3 4 5

North East 250 – explores everything Aberdeen Maritime Musuem – this River Dee and Royal Deeside – Dunnottar Castle - Castle Trail – Museum of Scottish LighHouses – for which Scotland is famous in a fascinating museum tells the story of Royal Deeside is part of the valley of with its romantic coastal setting and situated within Kinnaird Head Castle. unique road trip taking you through Aberdeen’s long relationship with the the River Dee, one of Scotland's views out to the North Sea, This fine 16th-century castle was the whisky distilleries of Speyside, sea. Admire the unique collection great salmon rivers. Rising in the Dunnottar Castle undoubtedly altered in 1787 to incorporate the the spectacular mountain passes of covering ship building, fast sailing the river boasts one of the most impressive first lighthouse built by the Cairngorms National Park, the ships, fishing and port history, flows through beautiful scenery and castle settings in Scotland. It’s just Commissioners of the Northern famous castles of Royal Deeside, bringing the drama of the North Sea past Balmoral Castle on its way to one of nearly 20 castles on the Castle Lighthouses. It offers a unique the Granite City of Aberdeen, the industries such as offshore oil, Aberdeen. Travel along the banks of Trail, each one with its own unique insight into the lives of Scotland’s rugged North Sea coastline to the fishing and shipping, to life. this sparkling waterway enjoying a history, allowing visitors to travel lighthouse keepers and the east, and the picturesque seaside variety of scenery and attractions as back through a thousand years of engineering developments which villages of the Moray Firth. you go. history. have saved countless lives.

MORAY SPEYSIDE

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Bow Rock – The Moray Ace Adventures – based in the Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail – the Coastal Towns – The Moray coast is Speyside Wildlife – The Moray Coast coastline near the fishing Morayshire town of Forres, Ace sparkling rivers in this part of the home to a number of charming towns has abundant wildlife, as does the town of boasts wonderful Adventures is a specialist operator world are one element of the world and villages, driving along the coast is nearby Cairngorms National Park. beaches and abundant wildlife. Its offering half or full days packed with famous and distinctive malt whiskies a great way to see this stunning Whether you want to take to the coast most unique landmark is Bow Fiddle all kinds of outdoor activities. produced here. On Scotland’s Malt region. Findhorn, , or forest to spot the most elusive Rock, so called because it resembles Kayaking, river tubing, and white Whisky Trail which winds along the and are all well species, Speyside Wildlife can arrange the tip of a fiddle bow. This is a great water rafting are among the ways for Spey Valley, you’ll discover eight known for their superb beaches. wildlife spotting experiences to suit spot to keep your eye open for all the family to enjoy a unique distilleries, plus Speyside Cooperage Make the trip inland to visit Elgin with your needs. Visit the WDC Scottish otters, ospreys and dolphins. perspective of Scotland’s glorious where you can see the process its historic attractions including Elgin Dolphin Centre near to rivers. involved in creating a whisky barrel. Catherdral and nearby Pluscarden learn about the whales and dolphins Abbey and Spynie Palace. to be seen in the Moray Firth.

THE HIGHLANDS 1 2 3 4 5

North Coast 500 – there's nothing Caledonian Cannal – starting in the Highland Wildlife – The Highlands of Coastal Villages – The Highland Coastal Castles – find a number of quite like the freedom of the long city of Inverness, the Caledonian Scotland offers many opportunities to coastline is dotted with picturesque fascinating castles on the Highland open road. Never-ending back roads, Canal stretches south to include Loch watch wildlife and enjoy nature. small towns and villages that are coastline, each of which allows you wide meandering country tracks and Ness, Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and Various operators offer wildlife- well worth spending time in. to step into the past, as well as beautiful bends through some of Loch Linnhe near Fort William. A focused boat trips, particularly from Cromarty, Tain and Helmsdale on admiring the wonderful views of the Scotland's finest coastal scenery are range of operators such as Loch Ness the , but also from north the East coast, Ullapool, Poolewe present. These include fairytale just a few things you can expect Cruises, Jacobite Cruises and west locations such as Plockton and and Plockton in the West and of Dunrobin Castle on the East Coast, along the North Coast 500 - Crannog Cruises offer the opportunity Kyleakin, as well as along the course John O-Groats, the most the Castle of Mey in the north, the Scotland's answer to Route 66. to travel these stretches of water. The coast. Whales, dolphins, northerly tip of the Scottish famous Eilean Donan Castle on the Spring and Autumn are ideal times Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre in seals and seabirds are just some of mainland, are just a few of the many west coast, and Dunvegan Castle and to drive the route. Fort Augustus explores its rich history. the species which can be spotted. options to consider. Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye.

OUTER HEBRIDES

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Island Hopping – each island in the Barra Airport – famed for its beauty, Beaches – one of the things the Dramatic Coastlines – as well as Harris Tweed – don't forget a Outer Hebrides has its own unique Barra is a special place to visit, Outer Hebrides is most famous for is stunning beaches, the Outer souvenir made from the area’s most personality and deserves time and especially if you arrive by plane! The its renowned sandy beaches. There Hebrides have a varied, dramatic famous export – Harris Tweed. This exploration. From centuries of history airport is one of the most unusual in are literally dozens of them. Among and rugged coastline with rugged unique, high quality cloth is inspired to stunning land and seascapes, the world, with flights landing on the the most impressive is Seilebost on stacks and secret inlets, which have by the colours and moods of the these fascinating islands offer beach at Cockle Strand in the Isle of Harris. Named one of the shaped the islands’ rich, unique, islands’ seascapes and landscapes, surprises around every corner. You between tides. At high tide the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor culture and traditions. Pay a visit to and has been used by famous can also explore the Hebrides Way, a runway disappears beneath the Travellers’ Choice Awards, the Isle of Harris Distillery to taste names from Chanel to Nike. Visit the long distance walking and cycle route waves. Luskentyre boasts miles of white Harris Gin, which is infused with Story of Harris Tweed Room at the linking the islands. Ticket options are sand and stunning green-blue water. sugar kelp. Harris Tweed Authority in Stornoway available from Calmac Ferries. for some fascinating insights.

Please note some attractions have seasonal opening hours. Please check opening times with the attraction.

For more ideas and contacts go to www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email [email protected]