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Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey through history, enchantment, and natural splendour? Join Highland Experience Tours and let us transport you to the mesmerising world of Alnwick Castle, Howick Hall Gardens, and Barter Books. From captivating tales of Scottish and English heritage to the spellbinding allure of medieval market towns, your Scottish…

Lights, Camera, Scotland! Scotland’s breath-taking landscapes have set the stage for some of the most iconic films and TV series. With Highland Experience Tours, you can step into the cinematic world and explore the very locations that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Discover Iconic Filming Spots Join us on a journey to the…

  As the days lengthen and spring flowers begin to bloom, Scotland is gearing up for summer. However, here at Highland Experience, we bid a fond farewell to winter with a touch of sadness.  The winter months in Scotland offer much to appreciate, often overlooked by many. The stunning landscape, though different, retains its stunning…

As we commemorate Women’s History Month in March 2024, we take the opportunity to honour the remarkable contributions and legacies of Scottish queens and famous women who have significantly impacted history. At Highland Experience Tours, our itineraries are intricately woven with the rich tapestry of Scotland’s historical landmarks, many of which are connected to influential…

World Gaelic Week, celebrates Scottish Gaelic across the globe, this year (2024) it is taking place between 19th – 25th February. We asked some of our driver-guides which Scottish Gaelic words they think you should know. Here were their top 5.   Alba gu bràth Driver-guide Iain has this one tattooed on his chest, it…

Scotland is a land steeped in history, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. Among the most fascinating pre-historic sites in Scotland are the Callanish Standing Stones and the Carloway Broch, both located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. These sites are a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient…

The Isle of Skye, located off the west coast of Scotland, is known for its stunning landscapes and natural beauty. Among its many attractions, the Fairy Pools stand out as a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. These crystal clear waterfall pools are a sight to behold and offer a unique experience for visitors….

Campbeltown, Scotland may not be as well-known as other whisky regions like Islay or Speyside, but it is home to some of the most historic and unique distilleries in the country. With a rich history and a strong sense of community, Campbeltown offers a one-of-a-kind whisky experience that is not to be missed. In this…

Scotland is known for its breath-taking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. But did you know that it is also a top destination for romantic getaways and road trips? From charming villages to stunning castles, Scotland offers a variety of romantic locations for couples to explore. In this article, we’ll take a look at some…

Scotland is known for its breath-taking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. But did you know that it is also home to some of the most enchanting love stories in the world? From epic romances to tragic tales, Scotland has captured the hearts of many with its romantic escapades.   The Love Story of Robert…

Dunfermline Abbey, or Abbot House, as it is also known, is a fascinating historical site located in Dunfermline, Scotland. Steeped in rich history and architectural beauty, this abbey holds immense significance in Scottish history and is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.   History of Dunfermline Abbey The history of Dunfermline Abbey dates back to…

Introduction to The Vaults in Edinburgh Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture. Nestled beneath the bustling streets are the historic Vaults of Edinburgh. These chambers were once full of life, but over time, they fell into disrepair and were forgotten. Today, they stand as a testament…

When booking our Orkney Tours in 2024 our trips will now include entrance into Skara Brae, Maes Howe, Ring O’Brodgar at no extra cost! Discover the history behind these attractions before booking your next adventure with us.   Skara Brae Nestled along the rugged coastline of Scotland’s Orkney Islands, Skara Brae stands as a testament…

A Traveller’s Guide to Unexplored Delights St Andrews, located on the east coast of Scotland, is a charming town renowned for its rich golfing history, prestigious university, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Steeped in tradition and dating back to medieval times, St Andrews offers a range of attractions for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in its…

‍Introduction to Culloden Battlefield Culloden Battlefield, situated near Inverness in Scotland, holds great historical significance as the site of the infamous Battle of Culloden. This vast expanse of moorland witnessed a clash that forever altered the course of Scottish history. Today, Culloden Battlefield stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and lives…

Nestled on the western coast of Scotland, the picturesque town of Oban beckons travellers with its breathtaking landscapes, historic charm, and rich maritime heritage. Let’s delve into what makes the Oban a must for every traveller seeking the essence of Scotland. Oban: Gateway to the Isles As the unofficial capital of the West Highlands, Oban…

Vacations can get quite expensive, especially in Edinburgh! There are some things that are definitely worth the price, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend loads of money to experience Edinburgh! There are tons of free things to do here that are just as incredible as the paid experience. We give you a list…

  We’re offering a discount if you buy a tour from us during the Black Friday long weekend! From November 24 to November 27, use the code BLACKFRIDAY15 and get a 15% discount on ANY tour.   Buy the tour online, over the phone, or through email.   If you have any questions or concerns,…

Winter time in Scotland can be pretty magical. The roads are quieter, accommodation is cheaper and you may even spot some snow capped mountains! With prices from £545 for a 16-seater vehicle for a full day… (Excludes 22nd December – 3rd January) now is the perfect time to customise your own tour and Experience Scotland…

If you’re a gin fan, this is for you. We know you can get Hendrick’s anywhere, so why not bring home a gin you can’t find at home? We’ve selected the 5 best gins to bring back home for yourself, as a gift, or maybe to a homesick Scot abroad.   Barra Isle of Barra…

There are a lot of traditional Scottish foods to choose from when you’re coming to visit. We’ve separated this list into three categories: meats, sweets, drinks, and breakfast foods. There should be something for everyone on this list. Here are our top favourite classic Scottish foods (or foods very popular in Scotland) you should try…

Highland coos aren’t the only animals you can see while you’re on tour in Scotland. Although highland coos may be considered the most exciting to see, since you can’t find them anywhere else, there are plenty of animals Scotland has to offer. We’ll go through all the animals you can see and where to find…

If you’re seeing the highlands, chances are you are staying in Inverness for your first night. There are quite a few things to do if you’re there for a day or two. We’ll make some recommendations on five things to do while you’re in Inverness.   Inverness Castle Inverness Castle is only open on weekends….

We know when you hear Scotland the first drink you probably think of is whisky, but we make quite a lot of gin as well! According to the Scottish Gin Society, there are over 90 gin distilleries in Scotland. We’ve gathered what we think are the best gin experiences you can find in Edinburgh.    …

Glasgow is a bigger city than Edinburgh, and landmarks can feel far away from each other compared to Edinburgh. So, it’s smarter to plan ahead to save yourself some time. That way you can enjoy your vacation better! Here’s a list of 10 things to do while you’re in Glasgow.   City Centre Mural Trail…

If you’re in Edinburgh for a few days, chances are you’re going to Old Town, and you’ll walk by the number of tourist gift shops that are around. They have some lovely options (like Shortbread House of Edinburgh), but if you’re looking for something local to bring back home, we recommend something you won’t find…

You’ve landed in Edinburgh! Now What? We often get this question from people who have just landed and have no idea where to start. So, we’ve decided to give you a little guide on what to do in Edinburgh either before or after your tour to the highlands. We made a list of 10 things…

You can’t visit Scotland without trying some whisky while you’re here. Even if you’re not a whisky person, at least try a whisky cocktail to get in the Scottish spirit. According to the Scottish Whisky Association, as of 2022, there were 141 whisky distilleries operating in Scotland. So, there’s no shortage of choice! The problem…

Can you guess these beaches? Some of them may surprise you! Not all beautiful beaches are found in the Caribbean… 1.     2.     3.     4.     5.     6.     7.     8.     9.     10.             Answers:…

The highlands aren’t like anywhere else, which is why it can be difficult to choose what to pack on your tour. We’re going to go through what we think are the most important items you should bring on your tour to the highlands. 1. Layers Scotland has very unpredictable weather! You can experience all 4…

Ever fancied poking your head through an open window, tongue flapping in the wind, like an overexcited puppy? That’s probably because you’re strange. an overexcited puppy. a Harry Potter Steam Train fan. Tickets for the Jacobite Express are tricky to get,  but come with me on a tour and we can have a head out,…

We’re well and truly in the run up to the most exciting day of the year. The most magical of days, when children all over look forward in eager anticipation of the excitement of Die Hard Day. (24th Dec). As we approach this day of tense anxiety, wondering if this is the year Hans Gruber…

AI art has been taking the art world by storm in recent years. It works by learning specific aesthetics and analysing thousands of images of a certain object or in this case, location. Artists will curate images and then feel the algorithm, and the AI then tries to generate new images in line with the…

Outlander. Love it or not, the boost it has given the Scottish tour industry is immense, and the number of people coming here on holiday with some knowledge of Scotland’s history has risen accordingly. It was with the greatest pleasure, therefore, I headed out on my first Outlander tour of the 2022 season. 14 lovely…

With the holidays over, winter being in its full glory and the January blues, it may seem like there isn’t much to look forward to. Except, there is! We really should stop waiting for summer, warm weather or the weekend to start having fun and jumping head deep into new experiences. We should embrace every…

I was having a snooze. It had been an early start that morning and I can sleep anywhere. A busy ferry with noisy passengers, diesel engines and a rolling swell – no problem. Still, it was a light nap and I woke easily when the ferry engines suddenly shut down. We couldn’t be there already,…

Scotland’s Landscapes are open and rich in adventure. There’s nothing quite like it. All week long you weather watch, what’s going to happen on my days off? Will it be blue skies (yes, it does happen) or am I digging out the heavy waterproofs? Which one of the three different pairs of boots or three…

Top tips for making your next trip as eco friendly as possible. In recent months there has been a big shout about looking after the environment and natural resources prompting many people to bring more eco-friendly practices into their daily life from making sure to recycle things when possible and reducing their waste in general….

“How do you feel about writing a blog on the best places to photograph in Scotland?” What a question! My initial reaction was to reply with sarcasm, “everywhere,” I scoffed. But after a few hours the question was still eating away at me…What are the best places in Scotland to photograph? Is there a “best…

The Myth Glen Coe is probably the busiest wilderness in the world with thousands of tourists driving through. Very few people actually stop and even less take the hike up to Ossian’s Cave, mostly due to the restricted number of trails, but it is well worth the effort. Ossian’s Cave is high up on the…

By nature, Scotland is quite an unpredictable place (especially the weather). So, here are a few top tips to help you prepare for touring Scotland with us. Preparing for Scottish Weather Make sure you dress in comfortable or outdoor clothing, layers are great, so you are prepared for all weather and temperatures. To quote Raymond…

Scotland is becoming more and more popular as a location in the TV and film industry due to its stunning landscapes, quaint little villages and diverse city centres. You’ll see a little bit of Scotland in the likes of James Bond’s Skyfall, Harry Potter, Mary Queen of Scots, Outlaw King, Outlander and many more! Edinburgh…

It has always been a special place for me ‘the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond’ as the song goes. A good version to check out, by the way, is a version by Runrig. (A Celtic rock band from the Isle of Skye). As a small child one of our regular summer trips was to…

It is very well known that Scotland is full of dramatic natural beauty and man-made wonders which would truly take a lifetime to explore. Castles, in particular, tell their own story of Scottish History. There have been more than 2,000 castles in Scotland throughout history, so it’s been hard but we’ve chosen our top 10…

When you think of a beach holiday, do you think of Scotland? Probably not. However, our beaches are award-winning! Rather amusingly, pictures of Scotland’s beaches have even been used to sell holidays to Thailand. A photograph of West Beach on the Isle of Berneray was mistaken for Kai Bae beach. Sure, the white sands are…

Loch Ness – the mysteries of Scotland’s most famous loch When you visit Scotland, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. From our mountain ranges to our vast lochs, there really is so much to take in. Loch vs. Lake The word Loch comes from the…

Scottish history is captured by myths and legends, tales that have inspired writers and artists for centuries. In old times, people struggled to explain the mysteries of life, so they believed very deeply in stories transmitted by word of mouth. These tales also taught moral values, lessons on how to live our lives consciously and…

We asked some of the Highland Experience team about their favourite Scottish Food… we hope you enjoy the variety and the memories shared and it makes you want to go out and try some of our Scottish delicacies. Scottish Seafood – Fiona Davidson, Office Manager Where do I start about Scottish seafood? The choices are…

We love whisky, we love it a lot. So, my aim is to spread the love and try to walk amateur whisky drinkers through everything they need to know before falling for our beloved drink. Whisky is the world’s leading alcoholic drink; it outsells every other noble spirit in the world. Scotland is the whisky…

A land of giants, fairies, witches and selkies, located somewhere near the edge of the known world. Where dark tongues of mist cling to even darker volcanic hillsides. Where a 65-million-year-old geological experiment has been baked to perfection and is laid bare for all to see and praise. Where beaches sparkle and surprise, some Caribbean,…

As a proud Scot and also ex-military I am inspired by great leadership in the face of overwhelming odds, our history is long and bloodied and full of examples of heroism, and patriotism beyond question. Leadership is something taught in most establishments around the globe, but true leadership is a quality that few possess or…

There is a debate in Scotland of what our true national flower is, some would have you believe that it’s the Scottish bluebell whilst others stand firm that it’s the thistle. For me, I always go with the thistle, not just something that grows but is symbolised all over this land, looking at a thistle…

(The story so far!) During our tour of Lewis and Harris, the outermost island of the Hebrides chain, lying off the west of Scotland two and a half hours by ferry from Ullapool, we have the chance to visit a local weaver by the name of Norman MacKenzie and perhaps get a demonstration of his…