Scotland has produced some of the world’s most revered poets. For centuries, Scotland’s mountains, forests and cities have inspired works of art: paintings, sculpture, sweeping novels and beautiful photographs. However, poetry is capable – in the right pair of hands – of doing something a little bit magical. But, as we travel back into the Highlands we don’t need to be poets to know that Scotland’s landscapes are inspirational.
On a beautiful sunny calm morning our arrival on the ferry from Stornaway was to the little port side village of Ullapool. It looked exquisite with its narrow streets lined with pure white cute terrace houses. I spotted a sign for a Smoke house so before leaving we made an impromptu visit to check out what they smoked and sold. The rough edged characterful owner came to meet us and I think he must have been impressed with our interest so he invited us on a spur of the moment tour of his small but extremely efficient operation. Using the left over stays of whisky barrels he smokes hand fed locally farmed salmon, to be sold all over Scotland and exported. The end product was superb and we certainly had an unforgettable unexpected treat.
Ahead on our drive to the famous garden of Inverewe, we past a land of breathtaking landscapes, secretive hill lochs, mist shrouded mountain peaks and Mediterranean style beaches. It was easy to see what lit the imagination of the Scottish poets and writers.
Inverewe is the result of a father and daughters vision and their passion and ability to create a diverse garden on a large coastal site. There are many beautiful parts to this garden from formal borders, mature trees plantings and drifts of Rhododendrons to my favourite shady bog plants which absolutely thrive here. By late in the afternoon we arrived in Inverness which was home for the next three nights .
As with previous years our first day was North to Dornoch. Firstly to have a Whisky tasting session with the knowledgable Michael, followed by lunch at the Dornoch Golf course hotel of soup, smoked seafood and local cheeses, then a visit to the impressive Sutherland clans castle of Dunrobin Castle which overlooks 3 massive formal gardens.
Our second busy day started with a visit to Culloden and then onto one of my all time favourite garden and castle visits of Cawdor. Because I had an Anne Willets on the tour who’s maiden name was Cullen and is in fact related to my husband Philips family – their great grandfathers were brothers, we had …. to visit the very darling little fishing village of Cullen. Totally picturesque and beautiful. Our picnic lunch was not spoiled by the rain and prep of our salmon rolls (from Ullapool smokehouse ) was easy for New Zealanders in the boot of the bus. Returning to Inverness via speyside, a whisky tour of Glenfarclass finished off our vey lovely day.
Well not quite finished off…. Described as: Glow, not glitter. Quality, not quantity. Rocpool’s Chez Roux restaurant offered good honest country cooking using local ingredients with a French twist. Our long table was in very elegant surroundings. It was a perfect ending to our visit to the highlands and we are all full of happy memories and fun times.
( form Ullapool ) was easy in the boot of the bus