Invergordon Cruise Excursion to Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch and more

Millionaires View. Known locally as Millionaires Viewpoint, close to Struie hill, this is a standout overlooking the Dornoch Firth. The name originates from the entrepreneur Andrew Carnegie whose home was once Skibo Castle. It is said he would bring all of his visiting friends to this point to show them the view of the castle and the firth.

Shin Falls Cafe and Salmon Leap. After Millionaires View, we head west into the hills, passing Carbisdale Castle and then stopping at The Shin Falls. In the summer months it is possible to watch Atlantic salmon trying to leap up the powerful waterfall, located on the Shin river. An added bonus is the charming cafe located above the Falls.

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens. The highlight of this tour is the visit to Dunrobin Castle and Gardens. It has been home to the Dukes and Earls of Sutherland since the late 14th century and until the 18th century, this family owned most of the entire north of Scotland. The castle itself was re-modelled to a French 'chateau' style in the mid 19th century and the gardens in line with the gardens of Versailles. The Tour to the castle lasts for 2 hours and includes a display of hunting hawks and falcons in the garden at 11.30 am, walks in the gardens, a visit to the museum and the main castle itself.

Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve. We also visit Loch Fleet, located on the quiet coastal route between Dunrobin Castle and Dornoch. It is a large sea loch basin where it is possible to see large numbers of birds and both grey and common seals.

Historic Dornoch Town. The name 'Dornoch' is derived from the Gaelic for 'pebbly place', suggesting that the area contained pebbles the size of a fist (dorn) which could therefore be used as weapons. Dornoch has the thirteenth-century Dornoch Cathedral, the Old Town Jail, and the previous Bishop's Palace which is now the well-known hotel, Dornoch Castle and a notable golf course, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club, frequently rated in the top ten courses of the world. It is also notable as the last place a witch was put to death in Scotland. Her name was reported as Janet Horne; she was tried and condemned to death in 1727. There is a stone, the Witch's Stone, commemorating her death, inscribed with the year 1722.

Whisky Distillery. We conclude the tour with a visit to either Glenmorangie or Balblair distillery. This is an opportunity to see a whisky distillery up close, visit the distillery shop and with the option of a 'wee dram' of Scotland's most famous export.