Explaining Scotland News Suggested things to do

This year we’ve timed our Highland Extravaganza hiking tour to include the Abernethy Highland Games – after all what would a visit to the Highlands be, without a chance to get to a Games.

At Scot Mountain Holidays we always look forward to the Highland Games, and here are our main reasons why!

1. It’s family friendly

Stalls of Hook-a-duck, children’s races, Fair Ground rides, souvenirs, trampolines and more provide entertainment for the whole family. Arrive by Steam Train from Boat of Garten in the Cairngorms and really thrill the kids!

Hook-a-duck and win a prize

2. Highland Dancing

See local girls compete in Highland dancing in their full traditional garb.

3. Tug-O-War

These athletes tour around with the Highland Games, making the rivalry real. See the challenge live and cheer on your favourite side.

4. Caber Toss

One of the most exciting and famous parts of the Games, you won’t want to miss this main event.

The caber toss, parade

5. Food & drink

Venison vans, burger trucks, fish and chips, pulled pork, beer tents and coffee all to treat your tastebuds while taking in the Games.

6. Ceilidhs

Why not join a fun-loving ceilidh at the end of the night? Enjoy some drinks, have a dance, and chat with locals about the day’s events.

7. Chieftain’s Parade

Led by pipe bands, this is sure to thrill. See the men in their kilts and ladies in traditional dress, accompanied by bagpipes.

Chieftan’s Parade

And an honorary mention goes to…

8. The Abernethy RSPB 10-mile Road Race

Every second Saturday of August the Highland Games come to Abernethy, where you can see the Abernethy Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) 10 mile road race. Ideally located if you are based at Fraoch Lodge in Boat of Garten. Come see runners in action for a good cause!

Exciting news for Outlander fans!

The Starz drama based on the historical fiction and time travel series by Diana Gabaldon has been renewed for 2 more seasons, which promises to return to the Highlands.

We can always count on Outlander for intrigue, drama, stunning Scottish landscape and, of course, men in kilts! Which is why we here at Scot Mountain Holidays have accumulated a list of events to compliment your Outlander and Jacobite fever.

This summer, 2016

1. Fort George

Falcon demonstration

Highlanders at the ready

Military re-enactment

Close to the Inverness airport, Fort George would not exist if not for the Jacobite rebellion, which is a major feature of Claire and Jamie’s story. Their re-enactments are unbeatable:

• The Stuarts Struggle (Sat 13 Aug, Sun 14 Aug)
• King George’s Heilan’ Men (Tue 7 Jun – Thur 4 Aug)
• Fortress for the King (Tue 14 Jun – Thur 1 Sept)
• Highland Militia (Tue 12 July – Thur 8 Sept)

2. Highland Folk Museum

The Old Township

Thatch roof cottage

Make your own A-frame croft and grind flour

Just outside our doorstep is Britain’s first open air museum. Check out the old township to get a feel for the Highland way of life. Oh, and did we mention Outlander was filmed here?

• Heritage in Action (Every Tuesday between July 5-26; Tue 2 Aug, Tue 9 Aug)

3. Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre

Stills of the Culloden battlefield panorama re-enactment

A long night’s march

For the Stuart cause

Walk through the fields of the historic battlefield and visit its interactive centre. Learn how 1,200 Jacobites were slaughtered in under an hour bringing an end to a Scottish era:

• An Epic Tale: The facts and fiction of life during the Rising (Fri 1 Jul – Sun 31 Jul)
• Staying True to the Past: Weaving Fiction from Fact (Sat 2 Jul)
• Outlander Herbal with Claire MacKay (Sat 9 July)
• A conversation with Diana Gabaldon (Fri 22 July)–SOLD OUT!
• Charles Edward Stuart and the ’45 (Sat 6 Aug)

4. Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle

Ghosts of Urquhart’s Past

Historical dress-up at Urquhart

Experience Old Scotland and the lead up to the rebellion through the story of Urquhart Castle and its eventual demolition:

• A Loyal Man (Sat 28 May – Sun 24 July)
• Enemy at the Gate (Mon 4 July, Tue 5 July)
• A Sword for my Chief (Fri 19 Aug – Sun 21 Aug)

Don’t miss out…

All of these events are within easy reach of Fraoch Lodge. Contact us for more details and come immerse yourself in the Scottish Highland history which inspired Outlander!