• Alness - A charming small town featuring quaint businesses and stunning floral displays. It’s a 30-minute drive to the next stop, offering views of the Dornoch Bridge from the Struie Hills.

• Dornoch Firth Bridge - Located in the eastern Highlands of northern Scotland, the Dornoch Firth serves as a natural boundary between Ross and Cromarty to the south and Sutherland to the north. Along with Loch Fleet, it is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for wildlife conservation. Additionally, it is recognized as a Special Area of Conservation alongside Morrich More. In 1991, the Dornoch Bridge was constructed, providing a more direct route on the A9 road between Inverness and Thurso, replacing the previous route via Bonar Bridge. Struie Hill, located in Easter Ross, rises to 373 meters (1,223 feet) south of the Dornoch Firth, 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Tain. The B9176 Struie Road from Alness to Bonar Bridge was originally a drove road developed between 1810-15 by the Commission for Highland Roads and Bridges. Moving on to Millionaire’s Viewpoint, a 10-minute drive away.

• Struie Hill - Millionaire’s View at Struie Hill
  From here, the journey continues to Millionaire’s View at Struie Hill, an elevated viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Dornoch Firth and the mountains of Sutherland. Visitors will have about 15 minutes to explore and capture stunning photographs of the landscape. Next, we head to Clynelish Distillery, a 45-minute drive away.

• Clynelish Distillery - Established in 1819 by the Marquis of Stafford, who later became the first Duke of Sutherland, the distillery was initially created to divert some of the local whisky supply from smugglers. In 1896, it was purchased by James Ainslie & Heilbron, a Glasgow-based blending company, and was rebuilt, retaining the floor maltings and kiln installed at that time. In 1967, a new distillery, also named Clynelish, was constructed across the road from the original site, completed a year later. The original distillery was renamed Brora in 1969, a name derived from the Old Norse ‘Bru’r aa’ meaning ‘the bridges river’. Brora was acquired in 1930 by Scottish Malt Distillers, now a subsidiary of Diageo. The tour then proceeds to Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, a 15-minute drive away.

• Dunrobin Castle and Gardens - The tour continues to Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most magnificent stately homes and the largest in the northern Highlands. Visitors can explore the castle, its gardens, and grounds for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy the impressive museum collections and falconry demonstrations. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this beautiful, historic estate and the Clan Sutherland, for whom it serves as the family seat. Next, we move on to Loch Fleet, a 20-minute drive away.

• Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve - From Dunrobin Castle, the journey continues to Loch Fleet (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Fleòid), a sea loch on Scotland’s east coast, situated between Golspie and Dornoch. It forms the estuary of the River Fleet, a small spate river originating in the hills east of Lairg. Designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1998, it is managed by a partnership between NatureScot, the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), and Sutherland Estates. The NNR spans 1,058 hectares, including the Loch Fleet tidal basin, sand dunes, shingle ridges, and adjacent pine woods such as Balblair Wood and Ferry Wood. The tidal basin covers over 630 hectares, making it the largest habitat within the NNR. The next stop is Dornoch, a 20-minute drive away.

• Dornoch - From Loch Fleet, it’s a short drive to the town of Dornoch, a former royal burgh known for its stunning beaches and coastal scenery in the Highlands. Renowned for its 400-year golfing history, Dornoch is a favored destination for tourists. The picturesque town center and Cathedral are reminiscent of a painting and rich in history. Visitors can spend about an hour exploring the boutique shops offering exquisite local food and crafts, as well as the 13th-century Cathedral. Finally, the journey concludes with a 30-minute drive back to the ship.

• Bottled water
• Snacks
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Live commentary on board

• Clynelish DISTILLERY OR GLENMORANGIE DISTILLERY DRAMS FROM £7 EACH
• Entrance fees

Experience the breathtaking sights, sounds, and flavors of the Highlands with tours departing from Invergordon cruise port. A friendly local guide will greet you as you leave your cruise ship, ready to lead you on an unparalleled Scottish Highland shore excursion. Embark on a personal Highland journey, marveling at the natural splendor of Dornoch and Millionaire’s Viewpoint, followed by a visit to the Falls of Shin. Explore the rich history of Dunrobin Castle, its gardens, and grounds, then continue to Loch Fleet, a sea loch where seals may be spotted if fortune smiles upon you. Enjoy cultural experiences and shopping in the renowned town of Dornoch. Conclude your adventure by sampling the famous ‘water of life’ at CLYNELISH Distillery, ensuring a timely return to your ship.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.