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Sightseeing & Accommodation
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NAIRN (16 miles east of Inverness)
Popular seaside resort with one of the best sunshine records in Scotland. Long stretches of sandy beaches.
Easily accessible by public transport. Regular buses and trains operate between Inverness and Aberdeen via Nairn.
The town has many shops, cafes, take-aways, restaurants, leisure park, banks and two championship golf courses.
The Latino Restaurant at 10 Harbour Street is well recommended.
Phoenix Boat Trips allow you to see seals at Ardesier and Fort George on a 2-hour cruise. You might also see the Moray Firth dolphins. Operates daily March - October. Contact Eric Wardlaw. Tel: 01667 456078 / Mobile: 07050 214127.The Nairn Naturally web site provides lots of local info including an events calendar, places to visit, history, street map, business directory, and lots more.
Also see visitnairn.com which has a wealth of visitor information about Nairn.
For a list of shops & restaurants in the main shopping street of Nairn, visit www.high.st/nairn/The Nairn Highland Games usually take place on the third Saturday in August (tel: 01667 458 508). The Nairn Agricultural Show (late July, tel: 01667 455 922) is held at the Farmers' Showfield. The Nairn International Jazz Festival is in August. Many other local events are held each year, especially over the summer. The Nairn Book and Arts Festival is 7 - 14 June 2008. The Nairn Golf Club hosted the 37th Walker Cup in September 1999.
Nairn Museum in Viewfield House, Viewfield Drive is open Easter - October Monday - Saturday 10am - 4.30pm. Small admission charge. In addition to its numerous display rooms, the museum also has genealogy information for Nairn & Nairnshire including Cawdor, Croy, Auldearn, Ardclach, Petty. Tel: 01667 456791.
BRODIE CASTLE (4.5 miles west of Forres and 24 miles east of Inverness)
Well worth a visit. Lovely grounds and many furnished rooms open to the public.
Located close to the Brodie Countryfayre store on the Inverness-Nairn-Aberdeen road.
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From 31 March to 30 April and 1 July to 31 August: open daily 10.30am - 5pm
From 1 May to 30 June and 1 to 30 September: open Sunday-Thursday 10.30am - 5pm The wooded grounds are open all year round every day. Owned by The National Trust for Scotland. Full details and more photos of Brodie Castle available on my castles pages. Accessible by local bus service (approx. 1 km walk). |
While in the area, don't forget CAWDOR CASTLE which is between Inverness and Nairn.
AULDEARN
This village is 3 miles east of Nairn on the road towards Forres. Historical points of interest include the site of the battle between the Covenanters and the Royalists in 1645, the Boath Doocot and the parish church dating from 1757. Dalmore Church (1 mile up Lethen Road) is now used to sell a wide variety of antiques - quite a treasure trove apparently (telephone 01667 453 087).For accommodation with a friendly welcome, visit The Covenanters' Inn. The original part of the Inn was the Mill and Brewhouse for the people of the area. Today there is a restaurant and lounge bar where you can sample the local produce.
FORRES (26 miles east of Inverness)
One of Scotland's oldest towns, Forres was used by Shakespeare as the setting for his play Macbeth. On Victoria Road is the Witches' Stone where supposed witches were burnt up until about 200 years ago. Founded by Hugh Falconer and his brother, the Falconer Museum has exhibits on the natural history and geology of the area. The town's most impressive sight is Sueno's Stone which stands 23 feet tall and was carved with battle scenes possibly as long as 1000 years ago. On Cluny Hill an eight-sided tower commemorates Lord Nelson. Forres also has squash and tennis courts, plus a swimming pool.
The Forres Highland Games are in July.
Benromach Distillery on the outskirts of Forres is the smallest working distillery in Speyside. Guided tours and gift shop (open October to April). Tel: 01309 675968.For local info try Forresweb.net and www.forres-net.co.uk
The Forres Gazette is a good source of local news.
For a list of shops & restaurants in the main shopping street of Forres, visit www.high.st/forres/Miele's of Forres started producing ice-cream here in 1930. It is based in The Northern Fish Restaurant (at 28 High Street) which renowned for its fish & chips (eat in or take away). They also produce ice-cream cakes!
Less than 2 miles out of Forres, Hilda Massie of Milton of Grange Farmhouse offers 4 star B&B on the family farm. Ensuite bedrooms with views of the countryside towards Findhorn Bay.
Three miles west of Forres, you can go on tours of the Darnaway Estate to see the farm, forest and castle.
The Burgie International Horse Trials take place each year in June. Look out for signs just off the A96 near Forres.
LOGIE STEADING
6 miles south of Forres is Logie Steading which encompasses an art gallery, walled garden, garden shop, tea room, crafts, antiques & rare books for sale, etc. Open every day from the end of March to Christmas, 10.30am - 5pm. Phone 01309 611278. Plus holiday accommodation and fishing on Logie Estate.KINLOSS
Kinloss is home to the RAF base and historic abbey.
The Loft at East Grange Farm near Kinloss has a bar and bistro which hosts a varied selection of live music.
Activities available on the farm include trout fishing, quad bikes and Biathlon target shooting. There is also a campsite with Wigwams for hire (tents and caravans welcome). Tel: 01343 850 353.FINDHORN (4 miles from Forres)
Home of the Findhorn Foundation which has residential courses and workshops, also a cafe, community shop (organic foodstuffs, crafts, spiritual books, etc.), recycling facilities. The Ecovillage includes ecohousing, organic gardens, recycled whisky barrel houses, pottery, weaving and art studios, plus wind power generator, etc. Visitor centre open daily during the summer. Self-guided and guided tours available.
Adjacent to the Findhorn Foundation community, the new Moray Art Centre includes exhibitions and artists' studios. Tel: 01309 692426.
Also check out the Culbin Forest and Culbin sands.
The Kimberley Inn overlooks Findhorn Bay and provides great food and drink.
Yellow Sands offers en-suite B&B accommodation with superb views of Findhorn Bay. Telephone Eric & Kate Bruce: 01309 691 351.
Friendship B&B overlooks Findhorn Bay and offers en-suite B&B accommodation and organic breakfasts. Contact Kate and Stewart Friendship. Tel: 01309 690257.
Friends Cottage on Findhorn Bay offers self catering with 4 bedrooms.
BURGHEAD
Situated just along the coast from Findhorn. Sandy beach, harbour, unique ancient well, old churches, visitor centre (open daily 12 - 4pm). Lots of Pictish history. For more info visit the Burghead Headland Trust and the Burghead page by Angela Oatridge.
The Equus Equestrian Centre at Roseisle can offer lessons and pony trekking days out (tel: 01343 835036).
The Burning of The Clavie takes place here on 11 January every year to celebrate the 'old' New Year.
Granary Wharf Villas offer a choice of 3 self catering properties overlooking the harbour.
Taigh-togalach is a 3 star holiday cottage available for self catering in Burghead.
Curlew Cottage is a 4 star self catering property with 2 bedrooms, located in Burghead.ELGIN (38 miles east of Inverness)
Known as the Lantern of the North, the cathedral was founded in 1224, but destroyed by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390. Second in size in Scotland only to St Andrews cathedral. Now in the care of Historic Scotland, the ruins can be visited (admission charge).
Image copyright Colin Palmer stock photo library (purchase prints and posters online)Additional photos of Elgin Cathedral are online by Phil Wright.
Other attractions include an old meal mill, the Moray Motor Museum and the Elgin Museum (which has a large collection of fossils and Pictish stones). The town has a leisure centre, an Indian restaurant and a tourist office. Nearby you will find Millbuies Country Park.
The local Farmers' Market is held in Elgin on the last Saturday of every month.
For a list of shops & restaurants in the main shopping street of Elgin, visit www.high.st/elgin/Johnstons of Elgin is a well known shop and 5 star visitor attraction including coffee shop. They produce high quality Scottish cashmere clothes and gifts. Free guided tours around the mill. Tel: 01343 554099.
Six miles south of Elgin is Pluscarden Abbey which was founded in 1230, burned down by the Wolf of Badenoch (he was a busy man) and restored in the 1940s. It is now the home of a religious community and is a centre for spiritual retreats.
Three miles south of Elgin is Birnie Church which dates from the 12th century and is thought to be the oldest parish church in continuous use for worship in Scotland. Dedicated to St. Brendan the Navigator, the church contains something called the Hairy Bible which was bound in calfskin in 1774.
Just north of Elgin are the ruins of Spynie Palace - a tower built around 1470, once the residence of the Bishops of Moray. Queen Mary stayed here in 1562. Today it is 3 miles from the sea, but originally Spynie was on the coast. It is thought that perhaps sand and shingle cut it off from the sea in the 17th century.
Four miles north of Elgin are the ruins of another castle - the impressive Duffus Castle which is surrounded by a moat.
Parrandier at The Old Church of Urquhart (5 miles east of Elgin) offers 4 star B&B accommodation and a self catering apartment.
LOSSIEMOUTH
Set on the coast, just a few miles from Elgin, Lossiemouth is known as the 'jewel of the Moray Firth'. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy miles of sandy beaches, 2 golf courses, walks, cycling trails and look out for dolphins.
Visit the local web site Lossiemouth.org for full details and also see the page on Wikipedia.
The Lossiemouth Fisheries & Community Museum includes a reconstruction of the room used at his home by James Ramsay MacDonald (the first Labour Prime Minister of Great Britain) who was born in Lossiemouth in 1866. The museum is open from May to September for a small admission charge (children free).
The town is also home to RAF Lossiemouth where you can often see aircraft flying in and out.MORAY
Visit the official Moray web site and read about all the local museums.SPEYSIDE
Check out The Speyside Way which stretches from the coast at Buckie inland to Aviemore (a total distance of 84 miles /135km). There are 2 offshoots to Dufftown and Tomintoul.Dalbriagha B&B is situated on the Speyside Way 3 miles from Grantown-on-Spey. Spectacular views along the River Spey valley and over the Cromdale Hills. 2 twin/double rooms. Discounts for stays of 3 or more nights. Reduced rates for children. Evening meals by arrangement. Packed lunches.
If you wish to go walking in this area, take a look at the Moray Firth Trail which is an interesting network of footpaths and trails all around the local coastline.
The Moray Firth Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay has information about the local wildlife including bottlenose dolphins, otters, seals, ospreys and a huge variety of birds. The centre has a cafe, giftshop, historic icehouse and a free exhibition suitable for all the family. The exhibition includes a video, quiz trails for children, educational computer games and a researcher on hand to answer your questions. Events for all the family take place throughout the summer from wildlife talks to Fun Days. Opening hours 10:30 - 5pm: February and March (weekends only), April to October (daily), November to mid December (weekends only). Closed from mid December to end January. Tel: 01343 820339
There are a variety of boat trips on offer from various places along the Moray coast - click here for links (provided by the Dolphin Space Programme - which is a code of conduct for marine wildlife watching on the Moray Firth).
WHISKY DISTILLERIES
- scotchwhisky.net includes a map of all the distilleries
Based in Glenlivet, Heavenly Highlands operates half and full-day guided tours of Speyside by Land Rover specialising in wildlife, whisky and local history. Distillery tours, castle visits, walks, picnics and whisky tastings can be included. Maximum of 8 people. Tel: 01807 590 438.
Highland Discovery Tours operate 6 different day tours (Sundays - Fridays) from Aviemore, Grantown-on-Spey and surrounding villages, plus 2 different day tours departing from Inverness. Tours include Strathspey, The Malt Whisky Trail, etc. Booking essential. Tel: 01479 870 341. Airport transfers and private hire can also be arranged.
LOCAL EVENTS FOR 2008
- 1 - 5 May - Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
- mid June - Keith Traditional Music Festival
- 21 - 22 June: The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy
- 5 July - Forres Highland Games
- last Saturday in July - Dufftown Highland Games
- 31 July - 3 August: Speyfest in Fochabers (Celtic festival of traditional music, dance and crafts)
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Featured Accommodation |
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Golf View Hotel
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Golf View Hotel
Traditional 4 star hotel in central Nairn with sea views
Leisure club with 14-metre swimming pool,
Conservatory restaurant with sea views.
42 ensuite bedrooms (single, double, twin, family):
B&B prices from £52.50 per person.
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Ian & Sylvia Bochel
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Sunny Brae Hotel
Enjoy peace & quiet at this family-run small hotel
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
8 en-suite rooms: twin, double, single.
B&B prices from £49 per person.
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Eight Acres Hotel
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Eight Acres Hotel
3 star hotel in 8 acres of grounds on the outskirts of historic Elgin.
Leisure Club with 15m swimming pool,
Restaurant serving afternoon teas and dinner.
Locally popular wedding venue for up to 180 guests
Newly refurbished.
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Louise & Douglas Harrison
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The Covenanters' Inn
Friendly, family-run establishment.
9 miles from Inverness Airport. 2 miles from Nairn.
14 ensuite bedrooms with TV, phone, etc.
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Newton Hotel
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The Newton Hotel
Former mansion house built in 1872.
56 ensuite bedrooms with satellite TV, telephone, etc.
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Euan and Susan Cameron
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The Station Hotel
Cosy traditional 'village inn' style hotel with friendly personal service.
Possible day trips include the Castle Trail, Whisky Trail,
11 bedrooms (double twin, family, triple).
B&B prices: £32.50 per person (2 sharing).
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Bed and Breakfast |
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Mrs Ann Cartmell
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The Croft
Charming Victorian town house set in 1 acre of gardens.
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
3 spacious bedrooms:
B&B prices from £32 - £35.
Aviemore 50 miles. Aberdeen 65 miles.
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Joyce Cruickshank
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Shennachie B&B
Modern detached bungalow set in 3/4 acre of mature garden.
Newly refurbished, purpose-built
B&B prices:
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Paul and Mairi Banks
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Cawdor House
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Star Guest House.
Choice of bedrooms (double, single, family)
B&B prices from £32.50 per person.
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Hilda Massie
Additional B&B accommodation also available
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Milton of Grange Farmhouse
Family-run arable farm.
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
Full Scottish breakfast or choices including
3 bedrooms in the farmhouse:
B&B prices from £30 per person.
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Pat MacGregor
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Argathnie Bed and Breakfast
An authentic Scottish stone house.
Choice of 3 bedrooms all on ground floor level:
Large enclosed garden. Off-road parking
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Angela & George Mackay
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Glebe End
Recently renovated Victorian villa in Nairn
Spacious and comfortable accommodation.
Self catering wing also available.
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Sheelagh and Dave Southwell
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Greenlawns
Lovingly restored and elegantly furnished Victorian house.
7 ensuite bedrooms (single, double, twin).
B&B from £20 - £35 per person (2 sharing).
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Hilda Massie
Additional 4 star accommodation
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Milton of Grange - Annexe
Family-run arable farm.
Breakfast is served in the main farmhouse.
Pine cabin summer house built in 2005:
B&B prices from £28 per person (2 sharing).
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Pam & Alan Brand Dalbriagha Old Station Cromdale by Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3LQ Telephone: +44 (0)1479 873803 E-mail: dalbriagha@btinternet.com |
Dalbriagha
Friendly modern B&B situated on the Speyside Way.
1 ensuite twin/double room.
B&B prices: £23.50 per person.
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Self Catering / Vacation Rentals |
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Contact: Sally and Paul Weller
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Dolphin Bay Suites
New self-catering holiday apartments on the seafront
Each apartment has a lounge/kitchenette,
Ground-floor apartments are designed for people
Prices from £250 - £495 per week.
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Angela & George Mackay
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Beach View
House with sea views over Nairn's central beach
Bedrooms: 1 double, 1 twin, 1 with bunkbeds. Sleeps 6.
Prices from £350 - £600 per week.
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Contact: Pat MacGregor
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Cottar House
Well-equipped, newly refurbished cottage (sleeps 2).
Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
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George & Elizabeth McConachie
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Ackron Self Catering
Large new house with 5 bedrooms sleeping 8-9 people.
2 ensuite double bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms,
Rental prices from £426 per week.
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Mrs Agnes Strachan
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Balbair Cottages
Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars.
Views across the firth to the hills.
Each cottage has its own south-facing garden with patio furniture.
Rental prices from £210 - £550 per week.
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Louise & Douglas Harrison
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The Covenanters' Chalet
Self catering chalet for 8 people
Accommodation comprises:
Rental prices from £350 per week
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Julie Porter
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Newton of Park Farm
Comfortable attractive cottage sleeping 4.
Situated in a quiet location on a working farm
Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars.
Tariff from £330 - £440 per week.
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Angela & George Mackay
4 star B&B also available
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Glebe End
Self catering wing of Victorian villa in Nairn.
Spacious accommodation on 2 floors.
Prices from £300 - £500 per week
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Irene and Ken Mackintosh
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Garden Flat
Newly refurbished apartment for 2.
1 double bedroom with patio doors leading to the garden.
Rental prices: £250 - £350 per week
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Mr and Mrs T. Cattanach
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Hollybush House
Recently built house equipped to a high standard.
Sleeps 8.
4 large bedrooms: 2 twin and 2 double (2 ensuite)
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Hillview
Contact Mark Scott
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Hillview
Luxury cottage with countryside views.
Accommodation for up to 12 people:
Rental prices from £399 per week.
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Mr. David Buchanan
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Burnside & Mill Lodges
2 luxury lodges each with 3 bedrooms, sleeping up to 6.
Fully equipped including bed linen and towels.
Lounge area with digital TV, VCR.
Prices from £175 - £420 per week.
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The Internet Guide to Scotland is produced
by Joanne Mackenzie-Winters © 1996-2008
Not to be reproduced without permission
www.scotland-info.co.uk and www.scotland-inverness.co.uk
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Last update: November 2008