Highland-Escape.com

22/08/2024

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of tradition, competition, and community spirit at the Glenurquhart Highland Games held in Drumnadrochit on 24th August 2024! It is just a short drive along the A82 from us at The Old Manse, and promises to be a great day out for all.

Experience the thrill of traditional Highland events like caber tossing, tug-of-war, and Highland dancing. There’s something for everyone, from athletic challenges to cultural showcases.

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities. Enjoy local delicacies, shop for unique crafts, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this iconic celebration of Scottish heritage!

photo credit - traditionalsports.org

19/08/2024

Are you planning a visit to the Old Manse? Don’t miss the incredible artwork on display at The Old Manse!

From breath-taking landscapes to intricate portraits, our collection showcases and captures the essence of the Highlands.

The best part? You can take a piece of this beauty home with you! All artwork is available for purchase, and we offer convenient shipping options so you can enjoy your new treasure without any hassle or excess luggage fees.

Come for the vacation, leave with a masterpiece!

Available to buy on our shop https://www.highland-escape.com/shop

15/08/2024

We love a good map, and have a stunning navigational map of the Great Glen on the wall in our cosy snug.

We also supply you with complementary local maps during your stay, which gives you great ideas of places to visit when out exploring.

14/08/2024

We are wishing John all the best for this challenge and are hoping for great weather for him.

The endurance athlete will try to swim from one side of the loch to the other faster than anyone else under the current criteria.

31/07/2024

Summer has arrived here on the banks of Loch Ness, so our upcoming guests will have great weather along with some great events coming up in August including:
🗓️ 1 August: Black Isle Show
🗓️ 2 - 3 August: Moy Country Fair (between Aviemore and Inverness).
🗓️ 10 August: Strathpeffer Highland Gathering in the grounds of Castle Leod.
🗓️ 10 August: Inverness Comic Con at Inverness Leisure Centre with character meet and greets, trader stalls, games and movie props.
🗓️ 10 August: Truckness at the Black Isle Showground, Muir Of Ord.
🗓️ 11 August: Glenmorangie Highland Games, Tain
🗓️ 17 August: Nairn Highland Games
🗓️ 23-24 August: Black Isle Food and Drink Festival including Sarah Rankin Masterchef finalist (Findon Hall, Culbokie)
🗓️ 24 August: Glenurquhart Highland Games at Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness
🗓️ 24 - 25 August: Loch Ness 24 - 24-hour solo or team relay trail running race with 7 km laps along the shore of Loch Ness
🗓️ 29 - 30 August: Northern Meeting Piping Competition at Eden Court
🗓️ 31 August: Kessock Ferry Swim - a 1200-metre swim across the tidal narrows South & North Kessock.
🗓️ 31 August - 1 September: Craft market & food stalls at Wildwoodz (10 miles north of Inverness)
🗓️Plus live music outdoors until 24th August at Eden Court Theatre and Cinema, as well as their full programme of indoor shows & cinema and lots of live music in our local pubs

There are so many great events to enjoy here in the Highlands.

16/07/2024

Highland-Escape is delighted to share the news that we have been awarded a prestigious accolade in the ninth Acquisition International Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024

With almost ten years behind it, after its successful launch in 2016, their Influential Businesswoman Awards programme is here to remind us of the incredible achievements of women throughout a spectrum of industries.

Ranging from best-in-class business support services to professional coaching and training, dedicated leadership consultancy to expert digital marketing, and so much more, this year’s fine collection of trailblazing women in business demonstrates just how much women contribute to the corporate landscape.

Our very own Operations Director, Iris Thompson-Burton has scooped the award as the Most Influential Luxury Vacation Rental Businesswoman 2024 (Scotland). When asked about the award, "This award is not just about my role, but that of the team, it's a team effort to provide the highest quality of luxury at The Old Manse" said Iris.

Managing Director Matthew Meredith added...."Iris has made an immediate impact to the business in the short period of time she’s been with us. We’re very grateful for the experience, passion and commitment she brings to the role. She’s very clearly as passionate and knowledgeable about the Highlands as we are, and she has done a great job of promoting Highland Escape and all that Loch Ness/Inverness has to offer "

Awards Coordinator Laura O’Carroll took a moment to comment on the success of our esteemed winners: “It has been a pleasure to host this year’s Influential Businesswoman Awards as the world continues to recognise the powerful contributions of women around the globe. I wish our winners even further success as they consistently elevate their areas of expertise – raising the bar for the future ahead. Congratulations again!”

Acquisition International prides itself on the validity of its awards and winners. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

To learn more about our award winners and to gain insight into the working practices of the “best of the best”, please visit the Acquisition International website where you can access the winners supplement.










Visit Inverness Loch Ness
VisitScotland

11/07/2024

We are absolutely thrilled to share that our Operations Director, has been awarded this award.

26/06/2024

Our recent competition winner will be receiving this exclusive Highland-Escape.com gin hamper.

Keep sharing & following our page for future competitions and event details.

If you weren't lucky to have won, and still want to get your hands on a bottle, We have a limited batch of our Gin available on our online shop at www.highland
-escape.com/shop

18/06/2024

This tour is just a wee jaunt along the road from The Old Manse, and a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the local Heilan Coos.

Just one of the great regenerative tourism activities that our guests can book when staying with us.

08/06/2024

Competition time!

Today is World Gin Day, which is a global celebration of all things gin, held on the second Saturday of June each year, the idea is simple: get people together all around the world and raise a glass to the brilliant spirit that is GIN.

In order to be in the chance of winning an exclusive Highland-Escape Gin Gift box, you need to tell us who you would share this with. Get Tagging - winner will be announced on the 18th June.

Whether you enjoy it in a cocktail, a classic G&T, or neat as part of a tasting, let’s celebrate this wonderful juniper-laced spirit in all its glory! 🍸🌿 Cheers! 🥂

t&c's apply
Not affiliated with Meta or Facebook, Licensing rules apply, over 18s only and open to UK residents only (unless you are a future guest at The Old Manse, Lochend).

06/06/2024

📣 National Fish & Chip Day 2024: Celebrating Our Iconic Dish! 🐟🍟 This is usually held on a Friday, however this year it is being celebrated today (6th June), as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the reason for this change is because during both World Wars, fish and chips played a vital role in boosting morale. The British Government ensured a steady supply of fish and potatoes to keep spirits high. Now, we pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed by enjoying this classic dish together.

Our particular favourite is the The Angry Seagull Fish + Chips them out for details as to where you can find them, today however you will find them on the Inverness West Bypass Link Road between 4:30and 7pm!

03/06/2024

🚵🏻‍♀️🚵🏻‍♀️ Today is World Bicycle day🚵🏻‍♀️🚵🏻‍♀️

To celebrate the day, we thought we would introduce you to one of the cycling adventure tour companies we work with at the Old Manse.

42 Cycling is an Inverness based Cycle tour company who provide our guests with the opportunity to see the magnificent highland scenery from the saddle. Encouraging our guests to reconnect with nature, enjoy the scenery and the clean fresh air, all from the saddle of the bike. They also know where the conveniently located coffee shops are along the route for a well deserved cuppy and a piece (Coffee and cake).

Guests do not need to worry about bringing their own bike to be able to enjoy this activity as 42 Cycling takes care of everything for you, and provides you with an appropriate bike, whether it is a traditional mountain bike or an e-bike. Tours vary from half days to multiday tours.

So when you book your next stay with us, you could enjoy an exhilarating tour by bike from 42 Cycling.

Photo from 42 Cycling website

01/06/2024

Guests arriving this month (June 20204), can enjoy the following events and activities in and around Loch Ness. This is just a snapshot of some of the highlights - there is so much more happening in the region.

💃 The Gathering on the 1st June at in Inverness, promises a gathering of amazing trad bands in a day of Live Music heaven!

🚗The Loch Ness Classic and Vintage car tour on the 8th June, will see enthusiasts enjoying a tour starting and finishing in Inverness.

🌺 The StrathPetal - Strathpeffer Open Gardens event will see 20 Gardens open in the picturesque village of Strathpeffer on the 15th & 16th June between 11am & 4pm

🌊There is a unique opportunity to cruise and swim in Loch Ness on the 22nd June, the water is currently sitting about 10c in the sheltered beach at Lochend, just a short walk from the Old Manse.

In addition to these events the Inverness RBL Pipeband can be heard every Tuesday evening through June until 29th August at 7pm on Inverness High Street.

There is so much more happening in the region

18/05/2024

🥃 Happy World Whisky Day! 🥃

Today, we raise a toast to the ‘water of life’ and celebrate the rich heritage of whisky. Today is World Whisky Day, so let’s embark on a journey through the Highlands, exploring the finest drams within reach of Highland-Escape.com, lets celebrate the artistry, craftsmanship, and rich heritage of whiskies from around the region and further afield. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the amber depths, there’s a whisky for everyone.

As for Highland whisky, it’s Scotland’s largest whisky region, characterised by a diverse array of styles. The Highland landscape featuring our magnificent coastlines, moors, and mountains, all shape these whiskies. They range from rich and textured to fragrantly floral, reflecting the ever-changing environment. Whether you prefer full-bodied, fruity, or a peaty dram, the region has something for everyone.

❓ Did you know that we have a range of whisky experiences available to you when you stay with us - from bespoke whisky tastings in the comfort of the Old Manse, with one of our whisky experts, through to our carefully curated dinners with an enthralling tale on how the water of life went from a rough spirit to being one lauded the world over. We can even arrange bespoke tours of distilleries and provide a designated driver!🥃

Here’s a toast to some exceptional whiskies, each with its own unique character:

The first four distilleries are within a short jaunt of the Old Manse and are particular favourites here.

Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery:
• The first Inverness Distillery and Brewery in over a century.
• Blends traditional techniques with innovation.
• Utilizes energy from the River Ness to power the distillery.
Tomatin & Cù Bòcan:
• An experimental Highland Single Malt.
• Made with lightly peated Scottish barley.
• Explore intriguing finishes like Pedro Ximénez casks and Jamaican rum casks.
Glen Ord Singleton:
• A classic Highland single malt.
• Matured in ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks.
• Expect bold, smoky flavours with hints of seaweed and sweetness.
Dalwhinnie:
• Located south of us in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
• Known for its smooth, honeyed character.
• Try the 15-year-old expression for a delightful sip.

The following distilleries are north of the Old Manse just off the NC500
Dalmore:
• Sets the standard in multi-cask maturation.
• Hand-selected casks create a rich and balanced whisky.
Balblair:
• Scotland’s oldest distillery (since 1790).
• Focused on quality.
• Try their 12-year-old dram for creamy fruitiness.
Glenmorangie:
• Known for tall stills and smoky flavour.
• Explore their iconic 10-year-old dram and more.

Then further afield we have the delights from the west coast and the islands

Ardnamurchan Distillery:
• Hidden gem on Scotland’s west coast.
• Situated on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula.
Jura:
• Located on the Isle of Jura.
• Explore their diverse range of expressions.
Laphroaig:
• Islay’s divisive gem—bold, medicinal, and smoky.
Oban:
• One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries.
• Explore their limited production releases.

Remember, whisky is more than a drink—it’s a journey through time, tradition, and culture.

Slàinte Mhath!🥃

13/05/2024

🍸 Cheers to World Cocktail Day! 🍸

Raise your glasses, mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts! Today we celebrate the art of cocktail creation on World Cocktail Day. It’s a day to explore new flavours, perfect your mixing skills, and enjoy the company of friends with a drink in hand.

In honour of this spirited day, we’re sharing an exclusive recipe featuring the exquisite Highland-Escape.com gin. Known for its delicate sweet touch of Hebridean liquorice and sophisticated salty finish from kelp seaweed, this gin is the perfect base for our special cocktail.

🌟 Highland Escape Gin Fizz 🌟

Ingredients:

60ml Highland-Escape.com Gin
20ml Fresh Lemon Juice
10ml Honey Syrup (equal parts honey and water)
A splash of Soda Water
Ice Cubes
Lemon Twist or Fresh Herbs for Garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
• Add the gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
• Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
• Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
• Top with a splash of soda water.
• Garnish with a lemon twist or fresh herbs.

Toast to the craft of cocktails and enjoy!

Let’s make this World Cocktail Day memorable with a Highland twist.
Share your creations using the hashtag and . Bottoms up!

🥂 🥂

Our gin is available in our online shop https://www.highland-escape.com/shop/gin

08/05/2024

Commemorating VE Day & Remembering the Wellington Bomber aircraft of Loch Ness 🛩️

Today, we commemorate the bravery and sacrifice that brought us to Victory in Europe Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe on this day in 1945. As we remember the joy and relief that swept through the streets, we also reflect on the stories of courage that emerged from the war.

One such tale is the incredible discovery of the Wellington Bomber aircraft, N2980, known as ‘R for Robert’, which was hoisted from the depths of Loch Ness over three decades ago. This aircraft, which had ditched into the loch during a training exercise on New Year’s Eve in 1939 due to engine failure, in a dreadful snowstorm, lay hidden beneath the waters for 46 years. Its recovery not only brought to light a piece of history but also reminded us of the enduring spirit of those who served.

As we enjoy our freedoms today, let’s take a moment to honour the past and the remarkable stories of resilience like that of ‘R for Robert’ and her crew, of the 8 crew, 6 members bailed out, leaving the pilot and copilot to ditch the aircraft and row ashore in their inflatable dinghy, of the 6 who bailed, all bar the rear gunner survived - he sadly perished when his parachute failed to open. His name was JS Fensome, he was just 20 years old.

Just a 2 minute trip down the A82, is a viewpoint which has a memorial to this aircraft and her crew, this viewpoint gives an amazing panoramic view of the Loch and the Great Glen.

With a vast amount of History on our doorstep, where will you visit when you stay at the Old Manse?

06/05/2024

As spring whispers through the Highlands, the flowerbeds of The Old Manse at Lochend on Loch Ness are awash with the delicate charm of bluebells. These sapphire jewels of the earth form a carpet of vibrant blues, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the backdrop of the old Granite stone of the Manse.

In the gentle embrace of the Scottish breeze, the bluebells dance, as if to the silent tunes of nature’s symphony. It’s a sight that beckons hearts seeking tranquility and eyes longing for beauty.

Come, visit and see this enchanting display and take a wander by the loch, where myths intertwine with the allure of spring. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

22/04/2024

Celebrate Earth Day with a touch of Scottish charm at The Old Manse! 🌍✨

Nestled on the banks of Loch Ness, our historic Victorian Manse is the perfect backdrop for embracing nature’s beauty and the spirit of Earth Day. Join us in a day of reflection and action as we honor our planet in the heart of the Highlands.

🌱 Engage with our local community and participate in eco-friendly activities. 🏰 Explore the enchanting landscapes and learn about the rich history of our beloved Manse. 🦅 Experience the majesty of Scottish wildlife with our Birds of Prey encounter.

Let’s make Earth Day at The Old Manse a memorable event that combines luxury with the love for our environment. Book your stay direct and be part of a tradition that celebrates the wonders of the Earth right here at Highland Escape.

#

16/04/2024

***reduced rate offer***

We have had a last minute cancellation for the weekend of The Etape Loch Ness (26-28th April) so if you want to see the action up close at a reduced rate, and relax afterwards in sumptuous luxury, drop us a message and we will be in touch.

We don't do reduced rates often, so snap this up whilst you can.

08/04/2024

So many wonderful activities to do when staying with us, but this one is super special and just a stones throw away from The Old Manse.

You can now book lamb bottlefeeding online and it’s seperate from a play ticket. This means you don’t need to go into play or can add it on if you want. Lamb feeding is also suitable for adults (you don’t need to have a kid to feed them!).
This activity is not suitable for under 5s or pregnant women.
Book now:

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/farmness/items/539778/calendar/2024/04/?full-items=yes&back=https://www.farmness.co.uk/

28/03/2024

🎉🎉 We are absolutely delighted to have been nominated, not once, but TWICE in the 2024 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards in the Self-Catering & Unique Stays category.

We would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to nominate us, but as the nominations process is confidential, we can't personally thank you! But please be assured we are beyond thrilled to have been nominated in these prestigious awards.

Now it's time for us to write our submission to support your nominations.

Watch this space for updates as to how we do at the awards.

27/03/2024

Today is National Whisky day, so what better way to celebrate than showcasing the wonderful distilleries within a short distance of the Old Manse.

First up is the Uilebheist Distillery on the banks of the river Ness in Inverness. The sustainability credentials for this newest distillery really are ground breaking, with their cutting edge energy center, and own water supply, they really are leading the sustainability practices.

Next up is the The Singleton of Glen Ord Distillery nestled on the black isle, close to the NC500 the distillery relaunched in 2022 with an exciting new look.

Last but not least is the Tomatin Whisky distillery located just off the A9, this distillery has some big plans and Major developments in the coming year or so.

Whilst a visit to any of these distilleries is well worth the trip, it does mean that someone has to drive and cannot sample the delicious offerings, so why not book one of our whisky tasting sessions as part of your stay with us.

06/03/2024

Wow! This stunning Aurora Borealis was captured over Loch Ness this week.

Normally a common sight over Norway and Iceland, there has been a marked increase in the number of sightings in Scotland in recent months, and 2024 is set to be a good year to see the Northern Lights here.

The Old Manse is situated in a great position to see this phenomenon in the night skies, so book now and tick off that bucket list item.

04/03/2024

Loch Ness was looking particularly stunning today from the front door of Highland-Escape, The Old Manse.

Have you thought about your escape to the Highlands? Bookings being taken all year round, check out our available dates at www.highland-escape.com.

The Highlands are open all year round, with lots to see and do.

03/03/2024

Today marks United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, they recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.

World Wildlife Day is celebrated in order to raise awareness of the extraordinary diversity of wildlife and marine life that we have today. With how the world is changing through expansion of human settlement and the reduction in habitat through things like climate change, it's essential to remind ourselves of the wonders of wildlife.

Here at Highland-escape, we are surrounded by outstanding Scottish plants and wildlife from the red deer that live on the hill behind the Old Manse, and seen in the photo taken this past Friday afternoon, to the otters and red squirrels.

Just a short trip from the Old Manse and you can enjoy wildlife cruises in the Moray Firth, where you might spot dolphins, porpoises and harbour seals. (we've even had the odd Orca in the firth too!)

Golden eagles, Osprey, buzzards and red kites are also regularly spotted here in the Highland skies and are a stunning sight to see, alongside the grouse, pheasant, and ptarmigan.

One of the activities we can arrange as part of your stay is wildlife watching tours, with our very knowledgeable wildlife guides.

01/03/2024

Delighted to have been nominated and awarded this accolade.

29/02/2024

We are delighted to announce that The Old Manse, Highland-Escape has been honoured in the prestigious 2024 European Awards program from the Travel & Hospitality Awards, as the Best Luxury Country Home in Scotland.

"This recognition exemplifies The Old Manse, Highland-Escape's unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional service in the travel and hospitality industry", said the Travel and Hospitality Award panel.

They further explained "the recipients of the Travel & Hospitality Awards in 2024 were meticulously chosen based on a comprehensive analysis of reviews from various independent sources. A panel of experts meticulously evaluated submission materials, reviewed customer feedback, and compared the facilities of each participant. Our esteemed winners are those who have showcased their exceptional qualities, outstanding services and facilities, and unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction across numerous categories.

This year’s awards received an overwhelming response, and the calibre of entries was remarkably high. The judging panel faced the challenging task of selecting the winners, and those chosen truly represent the epitome of excellence in the travel and hospitality industry. The Travel & Hospitality Awards team stated, “We were astounded by the exceptional quality of entries this year. We trust that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for discerning travellers as they plan their next luxurious getaway. Congratulations once again to all our deserving winners.”

For more information about the Travel & Hospitality Awards, please visit www.thawards.com.

21/02/2024

With the excitement of Valentine's day proposals just a week ago, we are seeing a flurry of enquiries for wedding bookings at Bona Church and The Old Manse.

19/02/2024

It's always lovely to receive such wonderful feedback from our guests.

Why not come and book your Highland Escape, on the banks of Loch Ness, and experience 5 star service from start to finish.

13/02/2024

A stunning sunrise over Loch Ness this morning, the air is crisp - we've had a flurry of snow on the hills over night. All is tranquil and relaxing here at The Old Manse and Bona Church