Speyside - the area surrounding your piece of Scotland

Whisky

Speyside, a recognised classification of Scotch whisky, is home to many of the most famous names in Scotch - Macallan, Balvenie, Cardhu, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, Glen Grant, Glenlivet, Spey Malt, Tamdhu - and many others, some 50 in all. A number of the distilleries welcome visitors, who can also find enjoyment in the wide-ranging grounding of local knowledge on the subject!

      Driving distances from your square inch of land:-
            Glenfarclas - 20 miles
            The Glenlivet - 22 miles
            Cardhu - 23 miles
            Tamdhu - 23 miles
            Macallan - 26 miles
            Glen Grant - 29 miles
            Glenfiddich - 30 miles
            The Balvenie - 31 miles

Castles

The area is steeped in its turbulent history, brought to life in the film Braveheart. There are castles such as Cawdor made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth; Balmoral, originally acquired by Queen Victoria (immortalised in the film 'Mrs Brown') and now the summer home of our present Queen; and Urqhuart castle on Loch Ness, possibly our most photogenic ruin. Many castles welcome visitors - guided tours can often be arranged.

      Driving distances from your square inch of land:-
            Ardverikie Castle ('Glenbogle' in the BBC's Monarch of the Glen) - 39 miles
            Auchindoun Castle - 25 miles
            Ballindalloch Castle - 17 miles
            Balmoral Castle - 37 miles
            Cawdor Castle - 28 miles
            Castle Stuart - 37 miles

Historic Events

One of the most significant battles in Scottish History, the Battle of Culloden, was fought and lost on a moor within an hour's drive of Strathspey - in 1746. The battle marked the last serious attempt to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne.

      Driving distances from your square inch of land:-
            Culloden (1746) - 32 miles
            Glencoe (1692) - 86 miles
            Bannockburn (1314) - 127 miles

Sport

The River Spey is one of the top salmon fishing rivers in Scotland - fishing permits can be obtained locally. Golf is a part of the local tradition and courses in Speyside and its surrounds are noted for their splendid locations amid spectacular scenery , as well as their difficulty and social life. Locally, hill-walking is a natural pursuit, whilst there is a famous bird-watching centre at Boat of Garten.

Highland Games

A visitor can also find much satisfaction and enjoyment in the traditional activities of the highlands of which the Highland Games that are held in towns and villages throughout Strathspey are perhaps the most exciting and enjoyable.