Ross Offers the Highland Charm of Scotland and More

Ross in the Highlands of Scotland is one of the most scenic spots you can find. You will be enchanted by its varied landscape with several hills and lochs and a coastline which has rocky shores and sandy beaches. The area is basically farmland where barley is harvested for Scotland’s famous malt whisky. It a peaceful haven with changing landscape at different times of the year.

Thousands of migratory whooper swans and grey-lag and pink-footed geese gather here between late autumn and spring. Ross is a haven for the graceful roe deer, pine martens, pheasants and soaring birds of prey. The coast is a delight with sprawling seals and diving dolphins and one can observe sea birds from the Nigg RSPB bird hide.

This region was also the homeland of one of the Picts tribes, who in the eighth century carved huge stones with striking images. Three of the finest examples of Picts stones originated in the Tarbat peninsula. Nigg and Shandwick still are home to their original sculptures while the Hilton of Cadboll stone is in the new National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. This is eighth century Western European sculpture at its best. The Hilton stone stood near the ruins of the St. Mary’s Chapel and some of the remains which were discovered later are still here. It was moved from here to Invergordon Castle and then to the British Museum. By popular Scottish demand it has now been housed in Edinburgh.

A replica of the Hilton stone was erected on the site of the original in 2000. The bottom half of the original stone was also subsequently discovered there.

There are charming B&B establishments in the area and plenty to do too. You can go fly-fishing for salmon and trout in the local rivers and lochs or go for long walks, enjoying the stunning views and wildlife. There is plenty of golf in the neighborhood with the world championship links course at Royal Dornoch and other links at Tain, Portmahomack, Invergordon, Golspie and Brora. Do not miss a chance to visit the world famous Glenmorangie Distillery at Tain, and to indulge in a ‘wee dram’ there!