The town of Nairn itself offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities, including first class restaurants. The town also has a lively harbour area and seven miles of stone free beaches. Nairn is 15 miles from the vibrant city of Inverness and 18 miles from Elgin the county town of Moray.

Nairn is well connected with road, rail and air transport. As well as the scenery our self catering apartment will be popular with golfers, walkers and anyone in search of a relaxing break.

Fort George, Ardersier

Built in the aftermath of Culloden, Fort George is one of the most outstanding military fortifications to be found anywhere in Europe. Designed to intimidate the Jacobite Highlanders, Fort George has never seen a shot fired in anger, although today, more than 200 years after it was completed, it is still a working garrison. A property owned by Historic Scotland. Audio visual displays, old barrack rooms, restaurant, summer events programme.
www.historic-scotland.net

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor. A magical name, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. A superb fairy-tale Castle, and just what every visitor is looking for ... Scottish history that you can touch and see and sense for yourself. Cawdor Castle is not another cold monument, but a splendid house and the home of the Cawdor family to this day. www.cawdorcastle.com

Inverness

Inverness, the capital and principal cross-roads of the Highlands of Scotland, has an enviable location at the head of the Great Glen and on the shores or the Moray Firth. In and around Inverness, you can choose from numerous places to visit and things to do. In the centre of town you will find Inverness Museum and Art Gallery , as well as the Tourist Information Centre. Contemporary local art is on display in various galleries throughout Inverness, notably at art.tm, on the bank of the River Ness, Castle Gallery on Castle Street, and Riverside Gallery on Bank Street. Further upstream, it is difficult to miss the angled-architecture of Eden Court Theatre. Other nearby attractions include the Floral Hall, Whin Adventure Park and the Inverness Sports Centre. However, the biggest draw is the Inverness Aquadome which combines numerous water rides and features with a 25 metre pool and various health and leisure facilities.

Brodie Castle

Set in parkland, Brodie Castle is old but the family association with the area is even older. The Brodies were first endowed with their lands by Malcolm IV in 1160 and a Thane of Brodie is recorded in the reign of Alexander III. The house contains fine furniture, porcelain, and a major collection of paintings. Woodland walks have been laid out and there is a wild shrubbery and fine daffodil collection. www.nts.org.uk

Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Just south of Drumnadrochit, you can explore the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles ever built in Scotland. An Historic Scotland property with state of the art visitor centre, completed 2002. www.historic-scotland.net

Brodie Countryfare

‘As one of the most pleasant shopping experiences in the North of Scotland, Brodie Countryfare offers a blend of quality and a traditional Scottish welcome' - So if you enjoy luxury products, traditional service and leisurely shopping, Brodie Countryfare is the place to visit. This unique country store comprises several different departments for all your shopping needs. The Restaurant provides the ideal opportunity for a refreshing coffee or a meal with family and friends. The delicatessen tempts every taste stocking the best selection of all Scottish and Speyside products and delicacies from around the world. www.brodiecountryfare.com

Culloden Moor Visitor Centre

National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre, Restaurant and Battlefield Site. Scene of the last major battle fought on mainland Britain. The final Jacobite uprising ended here on 16 April

1746, when the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart was crushed by the Government forces, led by the Duke of Cumberland.www.nts.org.uk

The Golf Company

Everything you need from tee to green at discounted prices:
Footjoy, Callaway, RAM, PING, Benross - many more brands in store. Open 7 days a week - free parking.
Holm Mills Shopping Village, Dores Road, Inverness, IV2 4RB
Tel: 01463 223311

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Coylumbridge

Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Britain's only herd of reindeer, found free ranging in the Cairngorm mountains in Scotland. Daily visit to the reindeer at 11.00 am, also 2.30pm in summer. Tel. 01479 861228. www.reindeer-company.demon.co.uk

Speyside Heather Centre, Dulnain Bridge

Multi award-winning Heather Visitor Centre, for everything to do with Scotland's most famous plant. Visit The Clootie Dumpling Restaurant which has established a reputation for excellent nutritious food - home-made soup, hot meals and delicious home baking AND featuring 21 different ways to eat your dumpling! Tel.01479 851359 www.heathercentre.com

Loch Garten Osprey Centre, Nethy Bridge

Osprey Centre overlooking nesting ospreys, spectacular fish-eating birds of prey, CCTV link, gift shop. Tel. 01479 831694

Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore

18th century highland township, 20th century working croft and school, audio-visual theatre, play area and cafe. www.highlandfolk.com

Strathspey Steam Railway - Aviemore & Boat of Garten

Scotland's Steam railway in the Highlands. Enjoy morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea while travelling through the breathtaking Highland scenery. www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

Glenmore Forest Park, by Coylumbridge

Glenmore Forest Park contains some of the best preserved areas of ancient Caledonian Pine Forest in the country. The forest provides opportunities for walking, cycling, orienteering, cross-country skiing and bird-watching in the Forest, watersports, fishing and sailing on Loch Morlich, camping & caravanning or simply relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the pinewoods. Tel. Ranger on 01479 861220 www.forestry.gov.uk

Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie

Discover Scottish wildlife at this unique attraction. Be amazed as you enter the world of the wolf in the exciting Wolf Territory, where a raised walkway takes you right into the heart of the enclosure. Coffee Shop, Kids Trail, Animal talks etc. www.highlandwildlifepark.org

Cairngorm Mountain Railway

The CairnGorm Funicular is the country's highest and fastest mountain railway. The spectacular panoramic views from the terrace of the Ptarmigan Restaurant, together with the mountain exhibition and shop, offer an excellent all weather experience that is both memorable and unique. Tel. 01479 861336 www.cairngormmountain.com

Revack Estate, Grantown on Spey

Grounds of Estate open to the public with garden centre, walks, restaurant and gift shop. Tel. 01479 872234.

Rothiemurchus Highland Estate, Aviemore

Outstanding scenery and varied wildlife, guided walks and tours, clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 driving, quad trekking, pony trekking, fishing, shopping and much more - individual activities can be booked in advance, or on the day at the Visitor Centre. Full conference facilities and activities programme available throughout the year. www.rothiemurchus.com

The Tain Pottery

The Tain Pottery is situated at Aldie on the A9 south of Tain. Our original designs, are all hand painted inspired by the local area. Visit the Pottery and see the ware being made and decorated. Our shop stocks a complete range of products, from "one off specials", to a vast array of seconds at bargain prices ( many you will find difficult to fault). Tel. 01862 894112. www.tainpottery.co.uk

Seaboard Villages & Tarbat Discovery

These picturesque fishing villages, such as Nigg, Balintore, Shandwick and Hilton are linked by the 'Pictish Trail' which reveals the importance of the area through the ages. The full story is told at Tarbat Discovery Centre - a new visitor centre located in Tarbat Church, Portmahomack. www.tarbat-discovery.co.uk

Inverewe Garden

In a spectacular setting on the shores of Loch Ewe, Osgood Mackenzie's Victorian dreams have produced a glorious 50 acre mecca for garden lovers. With over 2,500 species of flower, tree and shrub, Inverewe is one of the most exotic woodland gardens in Europe. The garden is owned and managed by The National Trust for Scotland. www.nts.org.uk

Anta Ceramics & Textiles

ANTA are based in Fearn in the Highlands of Scotland. Our ceramics and textiles are available in a range of tartans and other designs, in colours inspired by the Scottish landscape. Tel. 01862 832477. e-mail: sales@anta.co.uk www.anta.co.uk

Tain

The town of Tain itself lays claim to being Scotland's oldest royal burgh with a charter dating from 1066. visitors can relive the mystery of Tain's medieval history in Tain Through Time - a dramatic exploration of the town both as the birth place of St Duthac and, thereafter, as an important place of royal pilgrimage. www.tainmuseum.demon.co.uk. Other local attractions include Aldie Water Mill and Pottery, just south of Tain, you will find a working water wheel and pottery shop, and the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery and Visitor Centre.
www.glenmorangie.com

Cromarty

In the picturesque village of Cromarty, you can enjoy an award-winning experience at the Cromarty Courthouse and visit Hugh Miller's Cottage - home of the godfather of geology - which is now in the care of The National Trust for Scotland. Travelling east towards Cromarty, you pass through a chain of delightful villages and small harbours. Attractions en route include Avoch Heritage Centre, the ruins of Fortrose Cathedral, and Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie with its remarkable collection of Pictish artefacts. www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk

Strathpeffer

Strathpeffer made its name as a Victorian spa without equal in the UK. The village grew from a small hamlet in 1819 to boast an extraordinary collection of grand hotels and fine villas by 1914. Other attractions include the Highland Museum of Childhood, which is housed in the restored Victorian Railway Station, and the Pictish Eagle Stone.

The Hydroponicum, Achiltibuie

Guided tours showing a magnificent array of flowers, fruit, herbs and vegetables growing in a modern indoor garden without soil or pesticides. Lilypond cafe. Gift shop. www.thehydroponicum.com

Land Sea & Island Centre, Arisaig

Discover through displays and hands-on activities the extraordinary stories behind the social and natural history of the area. (Secret wartime training, Long John Silver).
www.road-to-the-isles.co.uk

Glencoe Visitor Centre

National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre with mountaineering display, video programme on the massacre, shop, snack-bar, picnic area. Tel. 01855 811307

Eilean Donan Castle. Dornie, by Kyle

Stunning location on an island overlooking Skye, ancient seat of the MacKenzies of Kintail. Superb coffee shop. Tel. 01599 555202.

Ben Nevis Distillery & Visitor Centre

Distillery Visitor Centre offering tours of a production distillery and tasting of gold medal winning whiskies. Tel. (01397) 700200

Skye Museum of Island Life, Kilmuir

unique tourist attraction. Tel. 01470 552206

Lochalsh Woodland Garden, Balmacara, by Kyle

The National Trust for Scotland. Woodland garden with rhododendrons, hydrangeas, fuchsia, ferns and bamboos. Tel. 01599 566325

The Aros Experience, Portree

Multi-functional centre offering restaurant, cafe, cookshop, regular concerts and theatre productions, cinema and exhibitions, sea eagles nestcam, forest walks. www.aros.co.uk

Dunvegan Castle

Home of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Historic castle and gardens, audio visual theatre, items belonging to Bonnie Prince Charlie, woollens and kilt shop, seal boat trips, restaurant. Tel. 01470 521206

Talisker Distillery Visitor Centre, Carbost

The only distillery on the Isle of Skye, open all year. Adult entry includes a discount voucher redeemable in the well-stocked shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of whisky. Tel. 01478 61430

Nevis Range

Britain's only mountain cable cars carry you effortlessly to 2150ft. Enjoy a bite in the snowgoose restaurant and savour the magical views. Mountain bike access by gondola between May-Sept. Scotland's highest ski area with equipment hire and instruction on site.
www.nevis-range.co.uk

The Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig

Take the steam train and follow the road to the isles. Experience one of the Great Railway Journeys of the world and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland. For booking tel 01463 239026 or 0870 1245511. www.westcoastrailway.co.uk

Glenfinnan Monument

Erected in tribute to those who fought and died in the Jacobite cause. Learn the fascinating history of the Jacobite campaign in the exhibition at the National Trust Visitor Centre. Taste of Scotland award-winning snack bar. Tel 01397 722250 for details.www.nts.org.uk

Loch Ness & the Great Glen

One of the most celebrated holiday destinations in the UK, wild and beautiful, the surrounding countryside isn't just scenic, it's teeming with wildlife, and yet a host of visitor attractions and Inverness are all within easy reach www.visitlochness.com

Cruising Loch Ness

Step aboard and succumb to the inimitable enchantment of Scotland's most intriguing loch. With mountains rising steep on either side and unimaginable depths beneath, be lulled by the gentle lapping of waves. Discover the fascinating history that has made Loch Ness a legend. Tel 01463 233999 www.jacobite .com

Baxters

Come and discover for yourselves the world of Baxters. Every year over 200,000 visitors go to the Highland Village overlooking the picturesque River Spey. There is plenty of fun for all the family to enjoy and of course the famous Baxters highland welcome. www.baxters.com

Malt Whisky Trail

A warm welcome awaits you in and around Speyside, home to more than half of Scotland's distilleries. www.maltwhiskytrail.com

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