I have just come back from a family visit to the Black Isle, located in the Highlands of Scotland.  This beautiful part of the Highlands, just north of Inverness, is quite well known for tourism within the UK, but not so often visited by overseas travelers.  (For those interested, the Black Isle is not an island, but a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water.)   If you have visited Scotland, but have not dared (or had the time) to go farther north than Edinburgh, I invite you to go back and see the country again for the first time.  The Highlands and Islands of Scotland are as varied as anywhere could be: beautiful, rugged, picturesque, harsh, pristine, rural, urban, historic, and natural.  There are gorgeous beaches in some places (although the water is still really, really cold), and deviating north or west the islands offer their own charm and history.

While there, I treated myself to a visit to the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre just outside Inverness. (*The battle of Culloden was fought on April 16^th, 1746).  I have not been there for many years, and did not remember it to be a very impressive site.  My, how things have changed!  The current centre was recently awarded 5-star Tourist Attraction status by Visit Scotland.  I found it to be a very interesting and multi dimensional experience.  This National Trust attraction has done a wonderful job presenting the events to the visitor in an educational and effective way, and in a wonderfully updated facility.

For those more focused on nature, there is a lot to do and see in just this area.  For example, there are around 150 bottlenose dolphins living in the Moray Firth, and these can often be seen from Chanonry Point in the Black Isle.  This area is of particular interest because the firth is a key habitat for harbor porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, and minke whales, all of which have been declining in European waters in recent decades.  The only population of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea can be found here, and minke whales visiting these waters in the late summer months are still subject to whaling in nearby seas.

Accommodation and food in Scotland has also undergone great change and improvement.  For anyone who thinks the food in Scotland is bad, you really must go back (I always did like the food myself).  The standard of the food being served throughout Scotland has improved greatly, and of course pub grub is almost always wonderful, if you are willing to break the diet for a day or two.  There are always exceptions, but with some homework (or just ask the locals) you can get some great options and some outstanding local fare. 

2009 is the perfect year to visit anywhere in Scotland.  This year has been named “Homecoming Scotland 2009” and the year is dedicated to Scotland’s contributions to the world, coinciding with the celebrations commemorating the 250^th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth.  Many varied events are scheduled throughout the year and throughout the country, so for the visitor choosing to travel to Scotland this year there is likely to be an added dimension to any trip. 

For every Scot living in Scotland there are thought to be at least five living overseas with direct connections leading back to the “homeland”.  “Homecoming Scotland” is inviting every true Scot, everyone of Scottish descent, or those who just love Scotland to visit this year.  With the exchange rate at the moment (Apr 09) what better time to go!

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point, Scotland is waiting! 

Have you been home this year?  

Jean Campbell

Frosch Travel Specialist