Exploring the magic of the Scottish Highlands
A once in a lifetime trip to Scotland
A small group of 10 from a Swedish construction company wanted a taste of luxury country-life. They had three days to explore the magic of the Scottish Highlands. Here’s a photographic case study of how they got on…
4x4 driving, mountain views, loch fishing and more
Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, they were greeted by two kilted gents, Bill and Sean, who would host the group for the duration of their stay. Waiting for them in the car park was a small fleet of 4x4 Landrover Discoveries that the group would be self-driving for the next few days. Each vehicle was equipped with a walkie-talkie so guide Sean could share some inspiring and humorous stories with them during their journey across Scotland.
They travelled out of the city and into the Scottish countryside, past sights like the magnificent Kelpies, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, on to the beautiful Trossachs National Park. Here, perched on hay bales and with a stunning view up Loch Venacher to the mountains, they enjoyed a rustic BBQ lunch, including local beef, pork, seafood and cheeses.
Lunch was followed by an introduction to fly fishing by a charismatic, highland fishing guide called Morris. Some of the group even caught some Rainbow Trout! Bill, ever mindful of the need for creating unique moments, hid away a couple of the trout they caught with a plan growing in his head!
Then it was north to Highland Perthshire, to Fonab Castle, their 5* luxury accommodation for the next two nights. The guests enjoyed dinner that evening in the hotel, where there was a surprise course…the chef had beautifully prepared the fish that the group had caught earlier that day! Dinner was followed by a special whisky tasting in the hotel’s whisky vault, hosted by an Ambassador from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
The Quest for Nessie
The next morning the group returned to their 4x4s for a scenic journey north to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster! Upon arrival at the Loch Ness, the group boarded 2 rib boats and the “Quest for Nessie” began, looking first where the last sighting was and venturing into the deepest areas of the loch, ever vigilant in case of a surprise appearance. Finally, the monster appeared, but along with their chips on a plate in the pub in Fort Augustus!
Leaving Inverness-shire, they heading south to the ancient pine forests of Speyside for a Top Gun Trophy challenge! The competition was on! Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to shoot the clays, especially in such a beautiful setting. The group returned to the hotel to relax and change, then Bill and Sean chauffeured them to a nearby restaurant for some wonderful Scottish hospitality, overlooking the river. This was followed by live folk music, shared with the locals, in the cosy bar.
Falconry and Kilts!
On their final day the group said goodbye to Highland Perthshire and headed for Edinburgh. En route they stopped at the exclusive Cromlix House (owned by Scottish tennis legend Andy Murray), for coffee and scones in the drawing room. It was here they met our Master Falconer who talked to the group passionately about the art of falconry. Each member of the group got the opportunity to fly a Harris Hawk and Pilgrim, the stunning bald eagle, who has a 7ft wingspan!
Once again, an unexpected sprinkling of Highland fairy dust was delivered with a surprise stop in a private estate and a hidden glen where the guests had the chance to see salmon leaping up a waterfall whilst enjoying a cold beer. The group finished up their driving experience in Edinburgh and arrived at the 5* RF Balmoral Hotel in a fleet of traditional black taxis. Before heading out for their final evening, the gents attended a short meeting with Bill where they were transformed into kilt wearing Scots, for one night only! The lovely lady of the group enjoyed a special cocktail with the General Manager of the hotel and given a luxurious tartan sash to wear that evening.
Leaving the hotel on foot, the group were led by a bagpiper and enjoyed a memorable walk up the Royal Mile to have a farewell dinner in Edinburgh’s most iconic restaurant, the perfect end to their trip to Scotland.
