Dunrobin Castle & the Pictish Trail Tour

Departing from the Columba Hotel you will make your way towards Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the powerful Sutherland family, and stop to take in the vista that locals call the “millionaire’s view”.

You will have the option to enjoy a dram or two at Glenmorangie Distillery, or if the “uisge-beatha” (Scottish Gaelic, “water of life” (whisky)) isn’t your tipple, a visit to the picturesque mediaeval burgh of Dornoch is the alternative, where the local shops and cafes can be explored, along with the wonderful Cathedral, founded in the 13th century.

After lunch, you will travel to the quaint village of Portmahomack, and the Tarbat Discovery Centre, where archaeological investigation in the 1990s revealed an extensive monastic settlement, dating back to the 6th century.

Then you will visit the traditional fishing communities of the Seaboard Villages, so beautifully situated on the Moray Firth coast. You will stop to say hello to the “Mermaid of the North”, who sits proud on the “Clach Dubh” or “Black Rock” on Balintore Beach, before visiting the awe-inspiring Shandwick Pictish Stone.

Finally, you will explore the Nigg Old Church, which dates from the 17th century, and houses the Nigg Pictish Cross Slab, possibly the most remarkable and elaborate of all. This 8 hour tour on a comfortable 8 seater vehicle ends at the Columba Hotel.

Note: Dunrobin Castle & Pictish Trail Tour runs from 1st April 2018 to 31st October 2018.