Your time during traveling is precious and it is important to maximize it. In order to do this, my wife and I highly recommend that you book Ronny as your personal guide when you are in the Invergordon area. Ronny will make your visit come to life as he shares his deep local knowledge while you visit this magical land. In fact, Ronny has actually written a book, "Echoes of the Landscape," that covers stories, folklore, and special places, from the Cromarty of Firth to Tarbat Ness. This tour is not a "cookie cutter" trip that goes from spot A to B. Ronny customizes your tour to your individual interests. During our visit, Ronny was able to adjust on the fly, making sure we not only got to see all of the "must see" highlights. He listened to what we were interested in and made sure we got to see places most tourists never experience. At the end of the day, Ronny took us to Tain, where he introduced us to a local expert on clans and the rich history of the local area. The time with Ronny flew by and before we knew it, we had to say farewell. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, let Ronny guide you on your Scotland journey.
Fine Dram, Dornoch Charm and Picts Folklore from INVERGORDON
+11 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 6–7 hours
- Price from
- $222 / person
- Location
- Invergordon, United Kingdom
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- The Dalriada Whisky Experience
Description
Savour the Highlands with breathtaking views, a fine dram, and moments you won’t find in any guidebook. This private tour (max. 3 guests, Balblair Distillery ADMISSION Fee of £25 NOT included) begins with panoramic vistas from Struie Hill—a hidden gem with one of the best views in the north. Enjoy a tour and tasting at the historic Balblair Distillery, where authentic Highland whisky is steeped in tradition. Then on to charming Dornoch—ideal for a stroll or a spot of souvenir hunting. At the ancient Cadboll Stone, we’ll raise a small dram in honour of the Picts, before following the coast to Balintore, where legends and heritage come alive in the striking Mermaid of the North and Salmon Sculpture. A relaxed, scenic day crafted for curious travellers who want something just a little more special.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Struie Hill offers some of the most majestic panoramic views over the Kyle of Sutherland. From the summit, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills, coastline, and the shimmering waters below.The hill provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquillity, with the ever-changing light over the Kyle adding a touch of magic to the landscape. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a peaceful escape with stunning views.
Balblair Distillery
Balblair Distillery, founded in 1790 near Edderton is a true gem in the whisky world. Known for its rich, full-bodied whiskies. Balblair's traditional approach stands in contrast to the more clinical methods of larger distilleries. At one time, the distillery even had its own railway station. William Matheson, who would later go on to found Glenmorangie, honed his craft here, gaining invaluable experience that would shape his future success.
Dornoch Cathedral
Dornoch, a charming town nestled in the Scottish Highlands, on the North Coast 500 - NC500 route, is home to the magnificent Dornoch Cathedral, where intricate stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors. Though Andrew Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, he made nearby Skibo Castle his holiday retreat until the outbreak of WWI, adding a touch of aristocratic flair to the town. Dornoch also carries a poignant history, as it was the site of Scotland's last witch burning in 1727, a somber end to the dark days of witch trials. Time for an optional coffee or sandwich.
Hilton of Cadboll
The Pictish Cadboll Stone is a mesmerizing ancient cross-slab from around the 8th century. It is adorned with intricate Celtic knotwork, enigmatic Pictish symbols, and striking depictions of warriors. This stone is a magnificent recarving by local artist Barry Grove. Here we will have dram and toast to Picts.
Mermaid of the North
Balintore, a charming Easter Ross fishing village, is steeped in myth and maritime heritage. The striking Mermaid of the North, sculpted by Steve Hayward in 2007, recalls a local legend of a fisherman who hides a mermaid’s tail to keep her on land. Though she bears his children, she eventually finds her tail and returns to the sea—leaving behind a haunting tale of love, loss and longing. Nearby, Hayward’s Salmon Sculpture, with three leaping fish, honours the village’s proud fishing traditions. Together, these sculptures form part of the Seaboard Trail, a celebration of folklore, faith, and coastal resilience.
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Pick up and Drop off
Enthusiastic Driver Guide
Balblair Distillery Tour and Tasting INCLUDED
Pick up and Drop off
Pickup Locations & Times
Take shuttle bus to the FIRST stop, at West Harbour Exit Gate. Across the road from port security gate exit look out for the gold-yellow umbrella. Adjustments will be made for Cruise ship arrival and shuttle buses. End of tour: The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
5 reviews
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fine Dram, Dornoch Charm and Picts Folklore from INVERGORDON take?
Fine Dram, Dornoch Charm and Picts Folklore from INVERGORDON lasts about 6–7 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Fine Dram, Dornoch Charm and Picts Folklore from INVERGORDON cost?
Prices start at $222 per person for this Invergordon experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Fine Dram, Dornoch Charm and Picts Folklore from INVERGORDON for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Take shuttle bus to the FIRST stop, at West Harbour Exit Gate. Across the road from port security gate exit look out for the gold-yellow umbrella. Adjustments will be made for Cruise ship arrival and shuttle buses. End of tour: The tour ends back at the meeting point.
What languages is Fine Dram, Dornoch Charm and Picts Folklore from INVERGORDON offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 3 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(5)
T
Outstanding Experience
T
Outstanding Experience
Your time during traveling is precious and it is important to maximize it. In order to do this, my wife and I highly recommend that you book Ronny as your personal guide when you are in the Invergordon area. Ronny will make your visit come to life as he shares his deep local knowledge while you visit this magical land. In fact, Ronny has actually written a book, "Echoes of the Landscape," that covers stories, folklore, and special places, from the Cromarty of Firth to Tarbat Ness. This tour is not a "cookie cutter" trip that goes from spot A to B. Ronny customizes your tour to your individual interests. During our visit, Ronny was able to adjust on the fly, making sure we not only got to see all of the "must see" highlights. He listened to what we were interested in and made sure we got to see places most tourists never experience. At the end of the day, Ronny took us to Tain, where he introduced us to a local expert on clans and the rich history of the local area. The time with Ronny flew by and before we knew it, we had to say farewell. If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, let Ronny guide you on your Scotland journey.
I
Nice private tour!
Ronny offered us a really nice tour. From Balblair with a really great tour through the quaintly beautiful Dornoch to small places off the beaten path of typical tourism with many historical stories, such as about the Picts. We are very glad to have taken this tour with Ronny!
M
Perfect getaway for a day around Invergordon
Since our cruise with the Costa was a day in Invergordon, we had booked the private excursion with Ronny. It all worked out great. Ronny was already waiting for us when we got off the ship. We had a wonderful day and experienced a lot. Ronny took us to unusual places and explained a lot. He is so nice and was very helpful with my little "shoe mishap". He speaks perfect German!!! Thanks for a great day. Miriam & Ralf
S
A great excursion from Invergordon
The trip we had booked very spontaneously and we were received very friendly. Our tour took us through the Highlands with lots of interesting information about the area. A visit to the Balblair distillery with a guided tour will be remembered very well. Our guide Ronny, an outspoken whisky connoisseur, showed and told us a lot about it and in good German. You can feel his enthusiasm for the thing and we can only recommend the trip. 👍🏻👍🏻
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from$222
5.0(5) Free cancellation