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Bespoke Cultoural Highland Adventures Bespoke Cultoural Adventures in the stunningly beautiful Scottish Highlands.
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All our tours are tailored to your specific interests and are delivered with Swiss precision and a warm Scottish welcome. Lochs, glens, remote beaches, castles, ancient places, industrial heritage, distilleries, breweries, cheesemakers, cake magicians, ...

There is so much to explore - let us take you on an adventure!

11/08/2024

Happy Play in the Sand Day

Today, we embark on a sandy adventure to discover some of the fascinating stories of Nairn, our coastal gem also known as the "Brighton of the North."

Long before Nairn became the town we know, people lived here as early as the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Ancient cairns can be found just miles away, hinting at the rich tapestry of life that has unfolded on these shores. With every step on the sand, you're walking in the footsteps of history.

Nairn’s more recent history dates back to the medieval era, when it was founded by William the Lion in the 12th century under the name "Invernairn." Strategically located at the mouth of the River Nairn, the town was once protected by a castle, long lost to time. Over the centuries, the relentless North Sea has sculpted Nairn’s coastline.

As we stroll along the shore, we often imagine the ancient streets and structures beneath the waves, remnants of a bygone era.

Legend has it that King James VI, later also to become James I of England, made a noteworthy observation during his royal visit in 1598. He remarked to his court that he has seen a toon in Scotland that is so long that people at either end spoke different languages. This intriguing anecdote highlights the town's distinct character as a place where Gaelic and Scots coexisted, showcasing the rich tapestry of languages spoken in Scotland at the time.

The town's historical division is still evident today. To the south, was the farming community while to the north, a quaint fishing village, known as the "fishertown," relied on the sea. Visitors can still wander through this charming quarter, imagining the bustling activity of fishermen preparing for their next catch, and the fishwives, working alongside their husbands to ensure the family's survival. Their hard work and dedication are commemorated in a statue of Annie Ralph, a young fisherwoman, found at the harbour.

The 19th century marked a turning point for Nairn as it blossomed into a popular tourist destination. The promotion of Dr. Grigor, the town's reputation for "healthy air" drew Victorian visitors seeking respite from the polluted cities. The arrival of the railway in 1855 significantly boosted tourism, connecting Nairn to Inverness.

While there are so many more tales to be told, let’s head out to celebrate . Why not create a sandcastle worthy of a king, stroll along the beach, or simply relax and let your imagination wander through time?

As for us, we’ll be heading out to VisitNairn with Sherlock, treating ourselves to some ice cream from James's at the putting green, and enjoying delicious fish tacos at Strathnairn Beach Cafe.

14/07/2024

Slàinte mhath, mes amis!

Joyeux quatorze juillet (Happy Fourteenth of July)! Today, France celebrates Bastille Day, marking the storming of the Bastille prison and the start of the French Revolution. But for Scotland, it's also a time to remember the Auld Alliance, our historic pact of friendship with France that began in 1295.

This wasn't just a military agreement; it led to a vibrant cultural exchange.

Would you like to hear some stories about how the shaped our bonnie land? We'll whisk you on a journey through time, where the stories of Scotland and France intertwine like the threads of a fine tartan.

So, you might be wondering, what does Bastille Day have to do with Scotland? While we won't be storming any prisons today (thankfully!), it serves as a grand reminder of the centuries of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared spirit between our nations. Here's to strong alliances, shared stories, and a hearty " !" to our friends across the Channel! May your be as vibrant as a Highland sunset and as warm as a dram of the finest whisky.

Curious to discover more about Scotland's fascinating connections with the world? Explore our other tours and discover the rich tapestry of historical connections woven into the very fabric of Scotland.

28/04/2024

Where did all the time go? We're back behind the steering wheel of our Land Rover and on the jumpseat.

This week's adventures included an exploration of the prehistoric sites of Orkney and Shetland. A very different pace and scenery, at its best.

01/01/2024

𝕊𝕝à𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖 𝕄𝕙𝕒𝕥𝕙 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℍ𝕠𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕪

As the wind whispers farewell to 2023 and the flames of anticipation dance across the land, we at Airts & Pairts raise a dram to celebrate.

This year, let's chase away the shadows of the past and embrace the fiery spirit of Hogmanay. Let the ancient traditions ignite our souls, from the sparkling clean houses to the stories shared by crackling fires.

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕚𝕤 ℍ𝕠𝕘𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕪 𝕤𝕦𝕔𝕙 𝕒 𝕓𝕚𝕘 𝕕𝕖𝕒𝕝 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕔𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕

Well, the reformation banned Christmas for almost 400 years and Christmas Day was not reintroduced as a public holiday until 1958. Boxing Day was even a normal working day until 1974 and so, as the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, Scots were going to work just like every other day.

The big family get-togethers happened at Hogmanay instead. These start at New Year’s Eve, continue throughout New Year’s Day into 2nd January, which is still a public holiday in Scotland.
To begin the celebrations the house needs to be cleaned until it sparkles before Hogmanay, ideally with the whole family joining in.
A fab meal shared with the family, some whisky, stories and Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight is a must.

There are several traditions of course. One of the most popular ones is first-footing, where the first person to enter the house after midnight – ideally a tall, dark man – brings gifts such as food, whisky and coal. This tradition is supposed to affect the household’s fortunes for the coming year. Thankfully, all members of the Tyler Clan are tall and dark.

Many traditions involve fire, like the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, beginning on the 30th December with a torchlit procession and fireworks. On 31st December, the town of Stonehaven welcomes the new year with the Fireballs Ceremony: Locals make balls of chicken wire and fill them with cardboard, set them on fire and swing them around. And a few days later, still following the old Julian calendar and therefore celebrating New Year’s Eve on 11th January, the people of Burghead carry their Clavie (a barrel full of burning staves) around the town.

Also the islands have their own traditions. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, holds the “Ba Game”, an enormous game of street football that can last anything from four minutes to five hours and feature as many as 350 players.

This year, let Airts & Pairts be your compass. We'll lead you through hidden glens and vibrant cities, where ancient customs mingle with modern revelry. We'll craft an adventure tailored just for you, filled with laughter, stories, and memories that will outlast the winter frost.

So raise a glass, dear friends, and let the spirit of Hogmanay ignite your soul. We can't wait to welcome you to Scotland in 2024, where landscapes are breathtaking, and every corner whispers a story.

Sláinte mhath and a Happy New Year!
Dan & Elle

24/12/2023

ℂ𝕠𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕖 𝕕𝕠𝕠𝕟, 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕜𝕤, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕝𝕖𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕤 𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕖𝕣 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕤!

This year has been a whirlwind of laughter, shared secrets, and breathtaking landscapes explored with amazing people who, by the end of each adventure, felt more like family than guests.

So raise a glass (or a steaming mug of hot chocolate!) to YOU. May your Christmas be a cozy haven of love and laughter, and may the New Year bring even more adventures to share.

Slàinte mhath, and a Happy New Year!

With love and gratitude,
Dan & Elle

30/11/2023

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎉Happy St. Andrew's Day: Celebrating Scotland's Rich Heritage! 🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

As the sounds of bagpipes float on the breeze today, we celebrate ! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and November 30th honors his life as well as this nation's proud cultural heritage.

According to legend, a Pictish king prayed to St. Andrew for victory in battle against the Angles. Clouds formed a saltire (X-shaped cross) in the sky - and the king took this as a divine sign, leading to triumph! The Saltire - a blue flag with a white diagonal cross, is believed to be the oldest flag in Europe.

Castles, Tartans & More
On St Andrew's Day, cities, towns and villages across Scotland host parades, ceilidh dances, whisky tastings, and events embracing our enduring traditions from medieval tales to tartan textiles.

St. Andrews
On the east coast lies the historic town of itself. Known for its ancient cathedral ruins and the prestigious university, it's a jewel steeping all who visit in Scottish knowledge and resilience through the ages.

Celebrating Together
Whether you raise a toast with friends or sway along to trad music, St. Andrew's Day uniquely bonds all who share this storied land. Its meaning transcends simply honoring one saint - it embodies the tapestry of customs and triumphs woven through centuries past.

However you celebrate, may you feel a renewed sense of connection to these enduring cultural threads! Reach out to share how you're embracing Scotland's heritage today.

12/11/2023

Today is here in Scotland. This day holds deep meaning for Scotland, as countless sons and daughters have given their lives in service of peace and freedom throughout history.

Remembrance Day started after World War I ended on November 11, 1918. Poppies growing on the battlefields inspired using them as a symbol of remembrance. At 11am on the 11th, we observe two minutes of silence to remember those who fell.

Today we remember the many brave Scottish soldiers like the courageous Commandos who fought valiantly. Though gone, these lads will never be forgotten.

As we take a moment of silence across Scotland’s gorgeous glens and misty lochs, we feel grateful for the sacrifices that allow us to live freely. The poppy is a flower of hope, keeping the fallen's memories alive.

Let's take a moment to read this lovely Scottish poem about poppies and remembrance:

Poppies for Armistice
by Margaret Macpherson

Splashes of red on city streets
Paper poppies pinned on, neat.
Memories of those who sacrificed their all;
In conflicts cruel, gave their lives to fall.

A simple bloom reminds us every year,
Of brave souls lost; we shed a tear.
Though gone, forgotten they will never be.
As poppies sway, their memory lives on, you see.
We honour those who gave us liberty.

Thanks for taking this moment with us to reflect. However you spend today, remember that brightness always follows even the darkest night.

06/09/2023

Good morning, everyone! 📚

There's something truly magical about getting lost in the pages of a great book, especially when it transports you to the enchanting landscapes of Scotland.

To celebrate, National Read a Book Day! 📖🎉 I've decided to dive into the world of Scottish authors, and right now, I'm captivated by Ian Rankin's masterful storytelling. 📝🏰 His crime novels set against the backdrop of Edinburgh have me hooked from the very first page.

As I journey through the mysterious streets of the Scottish capital alongside Rankin's iconic detective, Inspector Rebus, I can't help but be swept away by the allure of this incredible city. 🕵️📖

Share in the comments below what you're reading on this special day, whether it's an Ian Rankin classic or another author's work. Let's inspire each other to explore new worlds, gain fresh perspectives, and experience the wonders of storytelling. 🎒📚

Happy National Read a Book Day, fellow book lovers! Let's turn those pages, create some literary magic, and plan our next adventure to Scotland. 📖✈️

26/08/2023

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Today, we're taking a moment to paws and celebrate our furry team member, Sherlock! 🕵️‍♂️🐶 While Sherlock usually takes his role as our GDPR Officer very seriously, even the most dedicated dog deserves a break. Today, he's traded in his detective hat for a cosy blanket and is enjoying some well-deserved belly rubs and treats!

Sherlock, you've been with us every step of the way, ensuring our data remains as secure as ever. Your commitment to sniffing out privacy concerns is truly remarkable. 🐕💼

So here's to Sherlock, our diligent GDPR Officer turned professional relaxation expert! Enjoy your day of rest, buddy! You've earned it. 🎉🐾

23/04/2023

Of all the things that can stir the soul and move the heart, few are as magical as a ride on the Aviemore Steam Railway line. As we chug along through the stunning Scottish countryside, it's easy to forget about the present and get lost in the past.

The Aviemore Steam Railway line is staffed entirely by volunteers, each one dedicated to preserving the rich history of this iconic mode of transportation. From the whistle-blowing engineer to the smiling conductor, everyone onboard is committed to making your experience as unforgettable as possible.

And why not make it even more unforgettable? Book a tour with Airts & Pairts and we'll take you on a journey that includes the Aviemore Steam Railway and much more. You'll discover the stunning Ballindaloch Castle, the pearl of the north, and experience firsthand the magic and mystery of Scotland's breathtaking landscapes.

Every ticket helps to support the Aviemore Steam Railway and preserve this incredible adventure for generations to come. Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey through the heart of Scotland. We can't wait to see you onboard!

Strathspey Railway VisitScotland - Your Scotland

17/04/2023

Hello everyone! We are back from our amazing holidays and can not wait to welcome our guests.

As tourist guides, we're passionate about exploring Scotland's stunning landscapes, sharing fascinating stories, and experiencing the best of Scottish culture and cuisine with our guests.

Our name, Airts & Pairts, has a special meaning that reflects our love for this amazing country. 'Airts' refers to directions or points of the compass, while 'Pairts' means 'parts' in Scots. Together, our name represents our mission to help you discover every direction and part of Scotland, from the rugged Highlands to the charming coastal villages and everything in between.

As we guide you through this beautiful country, we want to share not just the sights, but also the stories behind them. We want to introduce you to the people, culture, and traditions that make Scotland so special. And of course, we want to treat you to the delicious local cuisine and spirits that Scotland is famous for.

So come join us for a journey that will take you beyond the tourist trail and into the heart of Scotland. Let us show you the magic of this country, and let us turn your travel experiences into stories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. We love what we do, and we can't wait to share it with you. Let's explore together!"

16/04/2023

Today, Sunday 16th April 2023, we remember and honour those who have fallen at Drumossie Moor, 277 years ago.

We also remember all whose lives were lost or changed forevermore in the aftermath of the battle of Culloden by the suppression of Highland culture, language, and heritage.

Every life that was lost was one life too many.

This verse from a Gaelic Waulking song powerfully describes how a young woman experienced the aftermath of the last pitched battle fought on British soil:

𝔸𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕙 𝕟𝕒𝕟 ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕙𝕒𝕚𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕟
A Theàrlaich òig, a mhic Rìgh Seumas,
’S mise bha brònach gad fhògradh aig bèistibh -
Iadsan gu subhach 's mise gu deurach,
Uisge mo chinn tighinn tinn o m' lèirsinn.

Mharbh iad m' athair, mharbh iad mo bhràithrean,
Mhill iad mo chinneadh is chreach iad mo chàirdean,
Loisg iad mo dhùthaich is rùisg iad mo mhàthair -
'S cha chluinnte mo mhulad nam buinnigeadh Teàrlach.

A Theàrlaich òig a' chuailein chiataich,
Thug mi gaol dhuit, 's cha ghaol bliadhna,
Gaol nach tug aon do mhac diùic no iarla
B' fheàrr leam fhìn nach faicinn riamh thu.

✶✶✶✶✶

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔽𝕚𝕖𝕝𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕟𝕒𝕟𝕥
Young Charles, son of King James,
I was so sad that you were banished by beasts.
They are so cheerful and I am so tearful,
crying incessantly.

They've killed my father, they've killed my brothers;
They've destroyed my clan and plundered my kinsfolk;
They've burned my country and stripped naked my mother -
but if Charles won, my grief would not be heard.

Young Charles of the beautiful hair,
I gave you love, not the love of a year (but)
a love that’s never been given to duke's son or earl's son -
I’d much prefer that I'd never seen you.

VisitNairn

08/03/2023

Today is , we would like to remember a remarkable woman, our Highland Heroine Flora MacDonald.

In 1746, on the island of Uist, a young Flora MacDonald came face to face with Bonnie Prince Charlie, the young pretender, fleeing for his life after the defeat at the battle on Culloden Moor. After some hesitation, she agreed to help the Prince escape, despite her fiancée Allan MacDonald and her step-father being in the army of King George II.

Flora obtained permission from her step-father to travel to the mainland, accompanied by a crew of five boatmen and two servants. One of her servants was the Bonnie Prince, disguised as Betty Burke, a spinning maid. They set sail on 27th June 1746, not to the mainland but over the sea to Skye, landing in Kilmuir two days later at what is today known as “Rudha Phrionnsa” - the Prince’s Point.

After hiding overnight at Kingsburgh House, where Betty Burke was remembered as a strange maid who “walked like a man”, they made their way to Portree where the Prince was able to arrange a boat to the Isle of Raasay and from there, passage back to France. They never met again.

Flora was arrested after the news of the escape and her involvement in it made the rounds. She was imprisoned at Dunstaffnage Castle near Oban and also in the Tower of London.

In 1747, Flora was released and returned to Scotland, and this was by far not the end of her adventures! She had already become some sort of celebrity when she married Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh in 1750. The family had to emigrate to North Carolina.

When the MacDonalds arrived in the New World, the American Revolution was already in the making. Like many Highlanders, Flora and her family took the side of the King. Allan joined a regiment of Royal Highland Emigrants but was captured at the Battle of Moore’s Creek and imprisoned. Flora was forced into hiding while the rebels destroyed the family plantation, she lost everything.

Flora was persuaded to return to the Isle of Skye in 1779. During her voyage, her ship was attacked by French privateers, pirates with papers. Flora, being the heroine she was known as, is said to have refused to go under deck during the attack and she was wounded in the arm.

Flora enjoyed a wonderful and peaceful life after she arrived on the Isle of Skye, with her husband at her side after his release in 1783.
Flora MacDonald died on 5th March 1790. Reportedly, her body was wrapped in a sheet in which Bonnie Prince Charlie had slept in. The congregation of mourners who attended her funeral are said to have drunk 300 gallons of whisky. The funeral party included 3000 mourners, quite a wake. Aye, you’re right, the folk attending Flora’s funeral must have filled “the parting glass” a few times. On average, they would have had more than half a bottle each.

Not only has Flora MacDonald been immortalised by Samuel Johnson’s tribute to her, engraved on her memorial and also on her statue in Inverness:
‘Flora MacDonald. Preserver of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Her name will be mentioned in history and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour.’

The ‘Skye Boat Song’, published in 1884, is dedicated to the bravery of helping Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape. Flora did not commit to the Jacobite cause, but she decided to help a man in need.

“Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing
Onward, the sailors cry!
Carry the lad that’s born to be King
Over the sea to Skye.”

21/02/2023

Happy . To celebrate this occasion we wanted to do a wee to 2020 when VisitScotland asked us "What does tourism mean to you?".
Are you asking if anything has changed in the last three years? If anything, we love our job even more! Sharing the stories, landscape, food, and drink with people from all Airts & Pairts simply makes this the best job in the world.

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. (WFTGA) Scottish Tourist Guides Association

07/01/2023

What stories would this Wych Elm be able to tell us? It is one of our favourite trees, and possibly also the oldest Wych Elm in Europe, at least it was. The Beauly Elm was believed to be almost 800 years old, and stood at the entrance to Beauly Priory. References to this tree have been found in records dating back to medieval times.

It is so sad that the tree fell victim to Dutch elm disease. At the beginning of January 2023, a storm has taken its last toll.

Historic Environment Scotland have created a 3D model that you can enjoy online:
https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/beauly-elm-bf14d2bdc7604599bddf5aad549959ec

31/12/2022

Happy Hogmanay!

Why is Hogmanay such a big deal in Scotland?
Well, the reformation banned Christmas for almost 400 years and Christmas Day was not reintroduced as a public holiday until 1958. Boxing Day was even a normal working day until 1974 and so, as the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, Scots were going to work just like every other day.

The big family get-togethers happened at Hogmanay instead. These start at New Year’s Eve, continue throughout New Year’s Day into 2nd January, which is still a public holiday in Scotland.

To begin the celebrations the house needs to be cleaned until it sparkles before Hogmanay, ideally with the whole family joining in.

A fab meal shared with the family, some whisky, stories and Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight is a must.

There are several traditions of course. One of the most popular ones is first-footing, where the first person to enter the house after midnight – ideally a tall, dark man – brings gifts such as food, whisky and coal. This tradition is supposed to affect the household’s fortunes for the coming year. Thankfully, all members of the Tyler Clan are tall and dark.

Many traditions involve fire, like the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, beginning on the 30th December with a torchlit procession and fireworks. On 31st December, the town of Stonehaven welcomes the new year with the Fireballs Ceremony: Locals make balls of chicken wire and fill them with cardboard, set them on fire and swing them around. And a few days later, still following the old Julian calendar and therefore celebrating New Year’s Eve on 11th January, the people of Burghead carry their Clavie (a barrel full of burning staves) around the town.

Also the islands have their own traditions. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, holds the “Ba Game”, an enormous game of street football that can last anything from four minutes to five hours and feature as many as 350 players.

24/12/2022

May your holiday season be filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Happy Christmas and a wonderful new year!

Dan & Elle

30/11/2022

Happy St Andrews Day.

St Andrew became Scotland's patron saint in 1320, when "The Declaration of Arbroath" was signed declaring Scotland's independence.

We have celebrated St Andrew`s day ever since with a heartwarming "Cullen Skink" some "Haggis, Neeps and Tatties" and a "Clootie Dumpling".

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As the wind whispers farewell to 2023, we at Airts & Pairts raise a dram to YOU, our incredible adventurers. This year has been a tapestry woven with heather-hued laughter, windswept discoveries, and memories that shimmer like the Aurora Borealis above a loch. Remember that hidden glen where history whispered secrets? Or the cozy pub where stories flowed like peat-stained whisky? These moments, these connections – they're the treasures we carry close, the echoes of laughter that linger in the glens. Thank you for trusting us to guide you through this wild and wondrous land. You arrived as strangers, curious and open-eyed, and left as friends, forever woven into the fabric of our Highland story. But the adventure doesn't end with the last snowflake of winter. As the sun stretches its golden fingers towards 2024, we're already brimming with ideas for new journeys. Secret waterfalls veiled in mist, starlit skies ablaze with constellations, and steaming cups of tea – we'll turn your Highland dream into reality, thread by thread. So keep the wanderlust alive, dear friends. Let the call of the mountains whisper in your ears, and when the time comes, we'll be here. We can't wait to welcome you, to share new stories and forge new memories under the ever-changing Scottish sky. Sláinte mhath and a Happy New Year! With warmest wishes, Dan & Elle Airts & Pairts - Bespoke Cultural Highland Adventures

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Happy St Andrews Day. St Andrew became Scotland's patron saint in 1320, when "The Declaration of Arbroath" was signed declaring Scotland's independence. We have celebrated St Andrew`s day ever since with a heartwarming "Cullen Skink" some "Haggis, Neeps and Tatties" and a "Clootie Dumpling". #StAndrewsDay

Happy Hogmanay! As we bid farewell to 2021, let us remember the good times along with the bad and hope for sunnier days in 2022. Happy New Year! Why is Hogmanay such a big deal in Scotland? Well, the reformation banned Christmas for almost 400 years and Christmas Day was not reintroduced as a public holiday until 1958. Boxing Day was even a normal working day until 1974 and so, as the rest of the world celebrated Christmas, Scots were going to work just like every other day. The big family get-togethers happened at Hogmanay instead. These start at New Year’s Eve, continue throughout New Year’s Day into 2nd January, which is still a public holiday in Scotland. To begin the celebrations the house needs to be cleaned until it sparkles before Hogmanay, ideally with the whole family joining in. A fab meal shared with the family, some whisky, stories and Robert Burns’ “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight is a must. There are several traditions of course. One of the most popular ones is first-footing, where the first person to enter the house after midnight – ideally a tall, dark man – brings gifts such as food, whisky and coal. This tradition is supposed to affect the household’s fortunes for the coming year. Thankfully, all members of the Tyler Clan are tall and dark. Many traditions involve fire, like the Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations, beginning on the 30th December with a torchlit procession and fireworks. On 31st December, the town of Stonehaven welcomes the new year with the Fireballs Ceremony: Locals make balls of chicken wire and fill them with cardboard, set them on fire and swing them around. And a few days later, still following the old Julian calendar and therefore celebrating New Year’s Eve on 11th January, the people of Burghead carry their Clavie (a barrel full of burning staves) around the town. Also the islands have their own traditions. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney, holds

Happy #StAndrewsDay

St Andrew became Scotland's patron saint in 1320, when "The Declaration of Arbroath" was signed declaring Scotland's independence. We have celebrated St Andrew`s day ever since with a heartwarming "Cullen Skink" some "Haggis, Neeps and Tatties" and a "Clootie Dumpling".

Airts & Pairts - Book Your Highland Adventure Now

The Highlands are open again! Now is the perfect time to book your staycation in the Highlands - or as we call it #HighlandTime. We are very excited to welcome you in our great Scottish outdoors where we can easily avoid the crowds on our private, bespoke tours in your personal social bubble. We provide a safe and personal way to experience the Highlands with your loved ones. Can't join us in person? How about a virtual visit to the Highlands from the comfort of your home? Book Now: https://www.airtsnpairts.co.uk/book-online #RespectProtectEnjoy #goodtogo #leavenothingbutfootprints #welcomeyouagain Nairn Scotland

On #internationalchildrensbookday we are sharing our #loveforreading

Today is #InternationalChildrensBookDay There are so many books we enjoyed reading to the boys over the years. #harrypotter #peterrabbit #peterpan #roalddahl #gruffalo We are looking forward to visiting the Beatrix Potter garden in Dunkeld when it is safe to do so. Here is a list of great books for bairns: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/book-lists/scots-books-for-bairns #lovereading

Red Nose Day 2021 - Funny Is Power

Share a smile! This last year has been very challenging for many of us, and we wanted to join the fun this Red Nose Day and make you smile - now even more than ever. Enjoy our wee clip, share a smile, and if you can support Comic Relief: Red Nose Day. #dreamnowtravellater until #wewillmeetagain. We can`t wait to #welcomeyouagain when you #visitscotland to #creatememories and #shareasmile. #rednoseday2021 #rednoseday #comicrelief

Santa's Virtual Grotto - Surprise Your Loved Ones

Ruthven Barracks

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Bespoke Cultoural Adventures in the stunningly beautiful Scottish Highlands. All our tours are tailored to your specific interests and are delivered with Swiss precision and a warm Scottish welcome. Lochs, glens, remote beaches, castles, ancient places, industrial heritage, distilleries, breweries, cheesemakers, cake magicians, ... There is so much to explore - let us take you on an adventure!