SCOTLAND’S COASTS AND WATERS 2020

Plockton, Highlands

Dolphin spotting, Firth

Stonehaven Harbour, Aberdeenshire

Seilebost, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE, MORAY SPEYSIDE, THE HIGHLANDS AND THE OUTER HEBRIDES.

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

For more ideas, contacts and suggested itineraries visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email us at [email protected] ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE, MORAY SPEYSIDE, THE HIGHLANDS AND THE OUTER HEBRIDES.

ABERDEEN AND ABERDEENSHIRE

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

MORAY SPEYSIDE

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

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

ISLAND HOPPING BARRA AIRPORT BEACHES DRAMATIC COASTLINES HARRIS TWEED From Lewis to Vatersay, each of the Long famed for its beauty, Barra is a One of the things the Outer Hebrides is As well as stunning beaches, the Outer You shouldn’t leave the Outer Hebrides islands in the Outer Hebrides has its own special place to visit, especially if you most famous for is its renowned sandy Hebrides have a varied, dramatic and without a souvenir made from the area’s unique personality and is deserving of arrive by plane! The airport is one of the beaches. There are literally dozens of rugged coastline with rugged stacks most famous export – Harris Tweed. This time and in-depth exploration. From most unusual in the world, with flights them. Among the most impressive is and secret inlets, which have shaped unique, high quality cloth is inspired by centuries of history to stunning land and landing on the beach at Cockle Strand in Seilebost on the Isle of Harris. Named one the islands’ rich, unique, culture and the colours and moods of the islands’ seascapes, these fascinating islands offer between tides. At high tide the runway of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisor traditions. Pay a visit to the Isle of Harris seascapes and landscapes, and has been surprises around every corner. disappears beneath the waves. Travellers’ Choice Awards, Luskentyre Distillery to taste Harris Gin, which is used by famous names from Chanel to Check out the ticket options available boasts miles of white sand and stunning infused with sugar kelp. Nike. Visit the Story of Harris Tweed from Calmac Ferries and explore the green-blue water. Room at the Harris Tweed Authority in Hebrides Way, a long distance walking Stornoway for some fascinating insights. and cycle route linking the islands

For more ideas, contacts and suggested itineraries visitscotlandtraveltrade.com or email us at [email protected]