Homegrown Delights

ull of inspiring scenery, the Western Highlands and the islands of Inner Hebrides are the birthplace of the Scottish nation. It’s an area steeped in history, mystery and tradition and it’s where ancient kings were crowned and buried. They are home to vibrant waterfront villages like Tobermory and bustling seaside towns like Oban as well as breathtaking ancient castles and abbeys. You are sure to be awed by the dramatic geography in a region broken up by long sea lochs, mystical islands and rugged mountainous terrain. Islay Mull Skye Arran Ben Nevis Cairngorms National Park Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Tobermory EDINBURGH ABERDEEN GLASGOW Oban Fort William To truly experience this region, some island- hopping is a must. The Isle of Mull provides wild scenery, picturesque bays and panoramic views of the incredible Ben More -- the highest mountain on the island. You can then climb aboard a ferry to the tranquil and sacred Isle of Iona. Discover the famous Benedictine Nunnery, the beautiful Iona Abbey, and the Graveyard of the Kings. To the north lies Fingal’s Cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa. The cave is made of symmetrically joined basalt columns that make it a natural acoustic wonder. It really is something to see and hear! Regardless of where you visit you’ll find the very best of Scottish culture and history. And then there is the whisky... 500 years of traditional distillations that has resulted in hundreds of local variations. The whiskies produced on the Scottish Islands all have very different characteristics, which come directly from the individual personalities of the islands themselves. For example, Islay is home to eight active whisky distilleries producing smoky and peaty malts including famous brands like Ardbeg and Bruichladdich.