Scotland "Land of Islands" with over 900 isles to choose from - is a landscape untouched by time. A ride across Mists & Moors from craggy mountaintops and peaty highlands to silvery sands and charming croft villages. Cozy up with us as we savour the world's best single malt whiskies, Michelin-starred restaurants, Arts & Culture hubs of Glasgow to Dundee. Plus, bucket-list wildlife experiences, a tromp to Robert Burns country, Isle of Skye castaway bliss, OUTLANDER season 7 premiere and our lads & lasses suitcase style...
Mists & Moors
SCOTLAND
LADS
SUITCASE STYLE
HARRIS TWEED® Harris Tweed Patrick Jacket Blue Multi - the timeless classic traditional sports jacket mixed colour tweed fashion fit with gold paisley lining and hard-wearing brown buttons in genuine leather. 3 exterior/ 3 interior pockets make this jacket as functional as it is stylish for a formal outing or worn casual with a t-shirt and jeans. £283.33
Jamieson & Smith + Skye Weavers - Rug produced for Jamieson & Smith by Skye Weavers measuring 140cm wide and 190cm long. Woven by pedal in their studio on the Isle of Skye. Shetland Wool design in a classic check highlighted by their beautiful natural shades. These are perfect for over a bed, the back of a couch or for snuggling up under. £ 115.00
THE DALMORE Single-Malt Scotch Whisky - Highland distillery with an excellent lineup of expressions and master distiller who's the P. T. Barnum of whisky, Richard Paterson OBE. The core range consists of single malts aged from 12 to 25 years, with some special releases in the mix. Recently, a new edition of the distillery’s 30-year-old whisky was released along with the second Cask Curation series, a trio of older whiskies that were finished in port pipes, selling for about $44,500. $410.
KESTIN Tyninghame Scented Candle - Hand poured in Scotland scent of salty beach walks surrounded by fragrant sap from rugged forests of Scots Pine and Conifer Trees evoking the wild beauty of the Scottish countryside. Tyninghame Beach also known as Ravensheugh Sands, is a hidden gem regarded as one of the best beaches in the south of Scotland with many winding forest paths that emerge onto the sands and a bay view of Bass Rock. 30 hours burn time 220g $66.
Single Malt Scotch
Whisky Regions
Single-malt Scotch is one of the most popular styles of whisky around the world, but the term is often misunderstood - “single malt” means that the whisky is produced at one distillery from a mashbill (or recipe) of 100% malted barley. So, for example a bottle of Glenfiddich 12 may be a blend of a few hundred barrels, but all of them come from the Glenfiddich distillery, while the 12-year-old age statement refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle. There are five to six different whisky regions in Scotland, depending on whom you ask, each with their own character - Lowlands, Speyside, Highlands, Campbeltown, Islay and (sometimes) Islands. While Islay in particular is known for using peat in the malting process to give its whisky a deeply smoky flavor, the majority of Scotch is not smoky at all. (Peat is measured in PPM, or parts per million; the higher the PPM, the smokier the whisky will be). Scotch must be aged a minimum of three years in oak casks. Legally, a small amount of caramel coloring can be used for color consistency - some argue staunchly against this and believe it affects the character of the whisky, while others say it makes no noticeable difference. With more than 150 and counting to choose from - give the whisky a try neat first (whisky served at room temperature with no water, ice or mixers of any kind) to really discover its character. Best-selling whiskies might be blends, but single malts best speak to a distillery’s character.
KILCHOMAN
Islay's Farm Distillery at Machir Bay
Machir Bay is a small bay on the Western coast of the isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland with serene sandy beaches in combination with rough, turbulent seas and stunningly beautiful sunsets - the Machir Bay release embodies the bay after which it is named. This award-winning peated single malt, is a vatting of Kilchoman matured in both bourbon and sherry casks. The high proportion of bourbon barrels create a distinct balance of classic Islay character and fresh floral complexity. Kilchoman follows the 100% Islay philosophy to resurrect the grass roots tradition of farm distilling - representing the revival of single malt whisky that's cultivated from barley to bottle in a single location. Kilchoman's Roving Tasting Tour allows you to enjoy a dram in each area of the Distillery, including the traditional malting floor, stillhouse, dunnage style warehouse and back to the Visitor Centre to taste their latest shop exclusive single cask.
Dalwhinnie
Scottish Highlands
Dalwhinnie Distillery stands in the Cairngorm National Park at the heart of the Scottish Highlands in the village of Dalwhinnie. From this remote but accessible location comes the liquid known as The Gentle Spirit. Made in the highest and coldest working distillery in Scotland, with water from a loch at 2000 feet, Dalwhinnie whisky thrives on extreme conditions - no other distillery may use the water from Lochan na Doire-uaine (Loch of the green thicket) which is a gathering of pure snowmelt and rainwater high in the Drumochter Hills. Dalwhinnie Scotch is the only Highland whisky to offer a combination of clean malty-sweet taste with a smooth and smoky warmth. Dalwhinnie means “Plain of Meetings” in Gaelic, reference to the location at a junction of old drove roads between two mountain ranges. The distillery offers a warm welcome to all visitors who make the pilgrimage to the heart of the Scottish Highlands. A special tour is available for those who are chocolate and whisky lovers - with a guided tasting of 4 Dalwhinnie Single Malts, individually paired with chocolates from The Highland Chocolatier - Iain Burnett, award-winning Master Chocolatier who grew up in Scotland combining spices with local ingredients in his father’s kitchen. Iain went on to create his special Chocolate Kitchen and magical chocolate shoppe in a small village in Highland Perthshire - an area renowned for its dairies, berries, honey and natural beauty.
JURA
West Coast Isle
Jura is a remote island off the West Coast of Scotland, only a few miles from the mainland yet it feels like an entire world away with an ancient landscape of wild mountains, peaceful lochs and stormy seas. Jura has just one road, one pub, one whisky distillery and a very distinct micro-climate. Framed by the wild waters of the Atlantic on its west coast, while the east is home to serene bays, seals and sea eagles. Journey to the northwest of Jura and you will find the rugged coastline of their island home, and the world’s third largest whirlpool - The Corryvreckan, beautiful as it is dangerous, the Royal Navy considers it to be one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the British Isles. Jura Distillery's iconic seafaring bottles with broad shoulders and rounded edges were historically designed to withstand the roughest of journeys by sea from their island home to the furthermost corners of the globe. The water source for their incredible whisky is right at the top of the tallest mountain range on the island - The Paps of Jura, where the water or sometimes snow, filters down the mountain range and into the Market Loch below. It’s this water that then makes its way down to the distillery via streams and waterfalls that shape the flavour of their unique Single Malt. To the southeast coast is the village of Craighouse - the island’s only village and home to the pub, hotel, shop and island community of 212 people. This is also where you will find their whisky distillery - a source of pride and prosperity for generations to come. Jura is home to around 7,000 Red Deer and large groups can be spotted in the hills. In the autumn (October) when the mating season or “Rut” starts the sounds of the Red Deer stags can be heard echoing between the hills over the island.
LASSES
SUITCASE STYLE
OLDFIELD OUTFITTERS Ladies Blue Yoke Fair Isle sweater - classic Yoke Fair Isle made Vintage Style blue and cream. High-quality wool sourced from local farms and carefully crafted into beautiful pieces that are a true representation of the rich culture and tradition of the Shetland Islands. £95.00
ALISON MOORE Handmade in Orkney No.159 - Silver and Gold Dendritic Agate Seaweed Pendant inspired by seaweed growing of the pristine waters around Orkney. Each one-of-a-kind piece is handmade at the Orkney Island studio of Alison Moore. Solid 9k yellow gold surround, sterling silver back, loop & chain. Hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office. $326.
KINGDOM BOTANICA by KINGDOM SCOTLAND - Unisex perfume with an opulent and green-floral, woody, oriental scent. The nose is Stephanie Anderson, “Inspired by the adventurous Scottish plant hunters of the past, present & future. Expertly crafted to celebrate 350 prolific years of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.” Notes of spiced blossoms, green botanicals. exotic florals, ginger lily, myrrh and a sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver base. 50ml £110.00 GBP
MACALLAN HARMONY COLLECTION - single malt created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney to celebrate the lush, fertile lands of Scotland which connects all those who have stood upon them for generations. Nose of fresh orange, lemon, wild primrose, petrichor, honeydew melon, bluebells with palate of barley sugars, creamy vanilla, almonds and fresh oak. The third release in the Harmony Collection continues to embrace the re-use of natural materials in its packaging - marking the deep connection with the land. Discarded meadow cuttings have been given new life in this presentation box and bottle labels. Each individual presentation box features photography by Mary McCartney of The Macallan Estate. Limited -edition whiskies in combination of sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks. The third installment in the annual release series includes two distinctive expressions: Amber Meadow and the travel exclusive Green Meadow.
REPURPOSE
Siobhan Mackenzie
Siobhan Mackenzie is an award-winning Scottish fashion designer born and raised on The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland. After graduating with Honours in Fashion Design & Production, Siobhan at age 21, launched her self-named label in 2014. Her innovative design flair mixed with a Made-in-Scotland brand ethos reinvents the classics into a contemporary label inspired by the land. Sustainability plays a large part within her brand’s ethos - promoting a slow fashion concept in contrast to the fast-fashion industry. The designer was brought up with her father working as an environment officer for over thirty years, which has influenced her choices within the brand and its environmental footprint. Over the years she collected offcuts from bespoke orders to create a luxurious plaid collection - REPURPOSE, a women's ready-to-wear collection made out of leftover remnant silk fabrics that incorporate her signature style of contemporary kilts hand-crafted in Scotland. Her clients included: Justin Bieber, Caorunn Gin, the LVMH Group, Team Scotland for The Commonwealth Games. She was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
photos courtesy Siobhan Mackenzie Limited
FAIR ISLE
Island in Shetland
Fair Isle is an extraordinary and magical place to relax and get away from it all. A truly far-flung island, where the Atlantic meets the North Sea. Only 1 1/2 miles wide and 3 miles long lying north of the Scottish mainland and south of Shetland. Crofting forms the main way of life on the island, where sheep are kept for their wool. The main breed of sheep on Fair Isle is the Shetland which produces the finest wool of all the native sheep breeds, but you can see other varieties such as Texel and Suffolk as well. You can reach the island from Tingwall (Shetland mainland) in a 7-seater Airtask plane - weather permitting of course. The island is rich in natural beauty and is best explored on foot as you are free to wander the land and the coast to observe the many rare bird species that visit. Walks with resident ecologists and ornithologists on the island can be arranged. When the sea is calm and the weather is mild, local boat trips explore the many caves in the rocky coastline with seal viewing. This tiny island is a vibrant community and famously home to Shetland's distinctive Fair Isle Knitting. For hundreds of years, knitting has been an important way of life for the islanders. The success of their distinctive approach with colour and complex patterns is now used worldwide to describe stranded colour knitting. Authentic Fair Isle knitting follows three rules: must be made of Shetland wool, use no more than 2 colours per row and adheres to traditional Fair Isle patterns - if it is made in Fair Isle, you are guaranteed the genuine article. For an especially unique Fair Isle experience you can book individually tailored, week-long knitting holidays from Fair Isle with Marie.
Explore all things Fair Isle and learn something of the craft of Fair Isle knitting at its source. Stay at 'Taft' cottage, Marie’s cozy croft house and enjoy the amazing views with hands on knitting. Taft is situated next to the Fair Isle Museum with glorious views of the sea only a 10-minute walk away. Only a maximum of a 2 guest-Stay per week, so full attention is devoted to your needs and wishes, no two holidays are the same. All the meals are lovingly prepared for you and taken together around the kitchen table with cups of tea that can be taken by the fire. Knitting Holidays include ~ 7 nights accommodation (one bedroom), all meals - breakfast, light lunch, dinner, visits to the Fair Isle Museum, lighthouse, and a craftsman’s workroom (tailored to your interests and dependent on availability) and a guided walk - Plus up to 28 hours of knitting and design workshops including knitting materials and 100% pure Shetland wool yarn.
photos courtesy Fair Isle with Marie
THE INSPIRATION
Robert Burns Country
Robert Burns was born two miles south of Ayr, in Alloway on January 25, 1759. The National Bard, The Ploughman Poet, Scotland’s Favorite Son... all names attributed to the poet and lyricist regarded as the national poet of Scotland and pioneer of the Romantic movement. If you haven't heard of his poetry -you’ve likely heard his lyrics such as the famous “Auld Lang Syne”, traditionally sung at New Year’s Eve parties around the world and "Scots Wha Hae" served as an unofficial national anthem of his country.
Robert Burns made an everlasting impact on Scottish culture with over 700 works of lyrics and poetry.
BUCCOLIC ALLOWAY
Ayrshire Town
VILLAGE OF ALLOWAY
Ayrshire, Scotland
Alloway, a town located on the western coast of Scotland is best known for being the birthplace of Robert Burns and the setting for Burns’ famous tale “Tam o’Shanter”. Great for a day trip out of Glasgow, only 45 minutes away by train and the perfect pit stop en route to the Isle of Arran. Picture perfect Scotland with rolling hills dotted with grazing sheep, quaint homes and businesses, a beautiful bridge that arches high over the river and the kirk ruins surrounded by a historical cemetery. Museum of Robert Burns Birthplace includes entrance to 2 sites: interactive museum and the cottage where the writer was born and lived for the first seven years of his life - these two main attractions are connected by a paved walkway known as the Poet’s Path and nearby sites that were prominently featured in Burn's poem “Tam o’Shanter”. The Robert Burns Museum is modern, unique and an immersive experience involving all your senses with a nice cafe that offers Haggis, Neeps & Tatties and yummy local ice cream. The Poet’s Path connects the museum to the cottage where Robert Burns was born, just a five-minute scenic walk with sculptures that pay tribute to some of the writer’s best-known works. 10 minutes from the Burns Cottage to Alloway Auld Kirk is the kirk (church) that dates back to the 16th century where Robert Burns’ parents and sister are buried and from there it's only a 3-minute walk to the Burns Memorial Gardens and Bridge o’Doon - an arched foot bridge dating back to the 15th century plus a wee Monument Garden Gift Shop. A short drive east of Alloway, is the Burns House Museum - the home where Robert Burns lived from 1784-1788.
Between Glasgow and Alloway is the Bachelor’s Club, a thatched roof house from the 1700s that Burns utilized as a meeting place for his men's debate team and where he also took dance lessons as a teen.
photos courtesy Visiting Alloway
The Writer's Museum
& Makar's Court
Edinburgh, Scotland
This museum celebrates Scotland’s three most distinguished authors: Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter Scott and Robert Burns with manuscripts and artifacts from each of the author’s lives and an outside courtyard of steppingstones dedicated to influential Scottish writers. BURNS SUPPERS - every year on Robert Burns birthday January 25th, many “Burns Suppers” are held all over Scotland featuring bagpipe festivity and a traditional Scottish supper while the works of Robert Burns are read aloud for all to enjoy.
100 Princes Street
Edinburgh Boutique Hotel
100 Princes Street is an exclusive residents-only boutique hotel from the South African-born brand Red Carnation Hotels. The period building, wedged in between the bustle of the countless shops that line Princes Steet, was formerly the Edinburgh HQ of the Royal Overseas League Member’s Club. With a Goth Chic vibe inspired by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Only a simple emblazoned 100 - but once you enter there’s a feeling of gratuitous exclusivity as you hit the marble reception counter. Their grand signature suite - The Isobel, is a first-floor tartan print dream in maximalism with virtually every nook & cranny covered in Scottish laurels. From silk flowers, mountains of literature & old mason jars to the pineapple gold lampshade and grandiose headboard. But the showstopper is the view of Edinburgh Castle framed by a mammoth desk and floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms are a vision of marble with a roomy tub along with “100” branded towels, bath amenities and slippers. All food is served in The Wallace on the second floor and is a classically Scottish all-day menu of comfort food steered towards locally sourced ingredients - steak & chips for dinner and full Scottish fry ups from haggis and tatties to Scotch salmon and afternoon tea service. South African Chef Wilhelm Maree, former alum of Western Cape sister hotel Bushman’s Kloof - heads The Wallace with a no fuss, all about good food minus the stuffiness. The beauty of staying at 100 Princes Street is that you get to experience Edinburgh through a refreshingly new lens that is private, exclusive and away from bustling of all the crowds.
photos courtesy Red Carnation Hotels
GLASGOW MURAL TRAIL - featuring a diverse range of street art that decorates the city's buildings and roads from Ingram Street to Custom House Quay, the murals have brought to life the corners of Glasgow, rejuvenating its walkways. Artists have been creating the murals since 2008, with new ones appearing on a regular basis. Glasgow's Mural Trail offers something for everyone, as each artwork is completely unique. Contributors include Art Pistol, Rogue-One, Ejek, Guido Van Helten, Recoat and Ali Wyllie + IBTimesUK presents a selection of artwork featured along the Mural Trail.
GLASGOW HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER - designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1901 and built in the attractive setting of Bellahouston Park. House for an Art Lover allows the visitor an insight into Mackintosh's renowned talent not just as an architect, but as an artist, designer and pioneer of the Modern Movement. The venue runs regular arts themed events and is home to the popular Art Lover's Cafe. As with all of Mackintosh's works, the House is designed to be viewed as a whole, incorporating multiple styles and a compilation of opposites. Traditional Victorian designs are juxtaposed with modern concepts - the blending of masculine and feminine, natural forms with abstract thought or simple concepts with complex designs. Mackintosh emphasized a need for architects & designers to be given greater freedom in expressing their ideas.
GLASGOW BARROWLAND BALLROOM - since 1934 The Barrowland has evolved from a dance hall into one of Scotland’s most beloved concert venues. The Barrowland Ballroom is distinguished by its exceptional features, notably its superb acoustics, attributed to the barrel-shaped ceiling featuring acoustic tiles. The Barrowland Ballroom has its original sprung dance floor, greatly enhancing the experience for both artists and audiences. In 2024 Barrowland Ballroom was awarded Time Out's best music venue in the UK, as chosen by the artists that have played there. 2 new bars - Kitty’s Bar and Victor’s Bar were inaugurated in August honouring Kitty & Victor Cairns, who played significant roles in revitalizing the Ballroom.
BRAMBLE BAR IN A BASEMENT IN EDINBURGH - Bramble is an acclaimed cocktail bar in Edinburgh from The Bramble team that's behind some of Edinburgh’s finest local cocktail venues. Very much hidden away in a basement (look for the brass plate at the top of the steps) - great music, cool vibe, candlelight and a very interesting, high-quality cocktail menu.
VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM IN DUNDEE - located in the innovative city of Dundee - named the UK's first Unesco City of Design where historic streets are home to quirky cafes and vintage stores with a regenerated waterfront of 21st century architecture and landscaped public spaces. The museum referred to as V&A Dundee is the 1st design museum in Scotland and the first building in the United Kingdom designed by Kengo Kuma. With a mission to inspire and empower through design, V&A Dundee brings design from all over the world to Scotland and gives a new platform to Scottish designers.
DUNDEE JAZZ FESTIVAL - November 20th - 24th, 2024 taking place at multiple venues across Dundee, highlights from the line-up include spoken word artist and songwriter Bee Asha who’ll perform at The Maker and kitti who won Best Female Breakthrough at the Scottish Music Awards and Best Jazz Vocalist at the Scottish Jazz Awards performing at the Great Caledonian Songbook Gardyne Theatre. Almost 40 years old, the Dundee Jazz Festival has provided an accessible entry point for jazz lovers of all kinds - welcoming local, national, and international talent into the heart of the city.
Dining Destinations
FHIOR Edinburgh - is a modern Scottish kitchen in central Edinburgh that’s weaving a fresh narrative into the country’s culinary landscape. Beginning with native ingredients provided by artisan producers and local foragers, custodians of Scotland’s natural bounty - everything is seasonal and in its prime. Fhior also offers an innovative dining experience that celebrates the natural larder of Scotland. Chef patron Scott Smith’s introduction of ‘The Native Series’ invites top chefs from around the country who celebrate their own natural larder to join him in a collaborative chef series.
WEDGWOOD THE RESTAURANT Edinburgh - When Paul and Lisa Wedgwood started formulating Wedgwood the Restaurant over the years, they were adamant that they wanted to create a ‘Perfect Night Out’ - friendly non-obtrusive surroundings and fine dining without the pretentiousness. Situated in the heart of culinary city on the Royal Mile, their ethos of sourcing the finest local produce and ingredients create innovative dishes with a passion for wild food and foraging. Each season brings more of these delights to appear on the menu.
THE KITCHIN Edinburgh - Michelin-star dining from Chef Tom Kitchin, alongside his wife Michaela, establishing The Kitchin as one of the finest places to eat in the country. From Nature to Plate philosophy - a reflection of their passion for the finest, freshest Scottish seasonal produce. The Kitchin presents modern British cuisine, influenced by French cooking techniques and an appreciation of the best quality ingredients available from Scotland’s fantastic natural larder. Produce arrives fresh daily from a team of selected suppliers and the meat & fish are bought in whole, prepped in-house daily.
THE PEAT INN Restaurant with Rooms St Andrews - a place dedicated to the enjoyment of outstanding food and wine. One of Scotland’s most enchanting restaurants, offering indulgent Michelin starred dining in a relaxed and stylish setting. Chef proprietor Geoffrey Smeddle imbues cuisine with thoughtfulness and originality, inviting you to discover delicious dishes filled with generosity and skill. Located in St Andrews - one of the world’s most celebrated golfing destinations and famed for its University (3rd oldest in the English-speaking world), it is one of Scotland’s friendliest towns set amid a superb coastal location fringed with miles of golden sands where the iconic running scene was shot for the film Chariots of Fire.
THE GLENTURRET LALIQUE Restaurant The Hosh, Crieff - located inside the Glenturret Distillery led by Executive Chef Mark Donald. Drawing inspiration from Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and its rich bounty. Two Michelin-starred multi-course dining experience that brings to life the artistry of gastronomy crafted for the seasons. GASTRONOMIC STAY at The Aberturret House is a blend of world-class dining and luxurious accommodation experience. After enjoying your dinner prepared by Executive Chef Mark Donald, you will retire to one of the luxurious rooms at The Aberturret Estate House.
CAIL BRUICH Glasgow - Head chef Lorna McNee brought the first Michelin Star in 14 years to Glasgow - just over five months into her first head chef role at this west end restaurant. Their multi-course menus change in harmony with the Scottish seasons, dictated by ingredients that are local and sustainable. Cail Bruich and The Macallan have collaborated to create a unique experiential after-dinner drinks trolley for their guests. Whether enjoyed in a classic side-by-side pairing of your chosen dram and suggested tea or a cocktail created table side, the trolley adds another chapter to your experience. Guests enjoy teas selected from world-leading specialists, Jing Tea, along with three whiskies chosen by The Macallan -Double Cask 12-year-old, Sherry Oak 18-year-old, and M Decanter, a limited-edition single malt of exquisite complexity.
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Mists & Moors
ISLE OF SKYE
Hebrides of Scotland
The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous hub dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky slopes of which provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Scotland. The Island has a rich history covering many topics from dinosaur fossils, clan warfare and the Highland Clearances to the infamous Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rebellion. Both Clan MacDonald and Clan MacLeod have their Clan castles on the island. It is also a Wildlife watching destination for the white-tailed sea eagle, otters and deer to seals, whales and dolphins making it a popular world class destination for walkers, climbers and nature lovers.
Three Chimneys
Eat Sleep Retreat
Isle of Skye
On The shores of Loch Dunvegan, with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish Peninsula of Skye, is home to the Iconic Three Chimneys Restaurant & Retreat. Savour the rich natural bounty that Skye's land and sea have to offer indulging your culinary senses to the provenance & freshness of their local ingredients - central to their 35-year culinary ethos. A not-to-be-missed experience - Three Chimneys' Kitchen Table, offering a communal dining experience for up to 8 guests to enjoy a "Chef's Choice" tasting menu of 8 courses that showcase the very best of the Isle of Skye. Complement the meal with one of their expertly curated wine flights specifically paired to enhance each course. After dinner you can relax in the quiet comfort of The House Over-By, right next-door to the restaurant - beautifully appointed split level rooms are spacious and a refreshing escape from the city. Dog-friendly rooms are available as well with real sheepskin pet mats crafted locally by Skyeskyns and a little basket containing dog bowl, dog towel & waste bags. Barbara at Skye Tails bakes handmade dog treats, so while you relax enjoying your arrival snacks, your furry friend will be treated to Barbara’s delicious baking too. The lounge is the perfect place to absorb the tranquility of Skye with expansive windows overlooking Loch Dunvegan. Enjoy a book by the fire or catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife all along the shores of the loch with provided binoculars. Drink service is throughout the day and pre-dinner drinks are served in the lounge prior to dinner in the restaurant. Skye’s most iconic food and whisky brands have joined forces together to launch a new experience on the Misty Isle - ‘The Three Chimneys at Talisker’ exclusive dining experience at the Distillery, where guests can enjoy freshly caught langoustines, oysters, mussels and scallops, as well as locally sourced meats and cheeses. ‘Made by the Sea’ tasting menu is inspired by Talisker Distillery’s location on the Minginish peninsula and the air-filled salt and spray of the sea. All dishes are made to complement the distinct maritime character of Talisker notes of smoke, spice, peat, salt and pepper.
photos courtesy Three Chimneys
Road to the Isles
The Road to Rannoch
The Road to Rannoch, also known as the Road to the Isles - ends at Rannoch Moor, the largest area of Moorland in Britain and one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. The Great Moor of Rannoch is a beautiful expanse stretching far north and west from Rannoch Station - a vast stretch of land composed of blanket bog, lochans, rivers and rocky outcrops supporting a wealth of flora and fauna - plants, birds, insects and animal life. You'll find many challenging and exhilarating walks in the remote hills and plenty of cycling routes. High mountains are also a feature of the moor - best left to experienced climbers. The best way to get a feel for this unique area is to take a train journey on the famous West Highland Railway as it crosses the moorland for 23 miles and rises to over 1,300 ft. For OUTLANDER fans, Kinloch Rannoch was one of the most iconic OUTLANDER filming locations for the site of Craigh na Dun. It is here, in the very first episode, that Claire visits the stone circle and is thrown back in time to 1743 - where she meets Captain ‘Black Jack’ Randall, before being rescued by a passing highlander, Murtagh. This November, Outlander season 7B will premiere on STARZ but for those who watch it on Netflix you will still have to wait for the new episodes. Netflix US will be looking at an August 2025 premiere because of STARZ and Netflix two-year waiting window agreement. The Outlander Season finale is set to air around Friday, on Jan. 17, 2025 on STARZ with the full season and finale heading to Netflix around Jan. 17, 2027.
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