The Photographer’s Tour of Scotland

Do you enjoy not only experiencing moments, but capturing them as well? Are you drawn to places with breath-taking beauty and want to record those views for a lifetime? This tour is perfect for you as you will explore the most stunning and photographable parts of Scotland.

1. Arrival into Edinburgh | Recuperation Day or option to visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile | Reside in The Balmoral, Edinburgh
2. The Kelpies | Stirling Castle | Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park | Reside in Cameron House, Loch Lomond
3. Inveraray Castle | Loch Etive | Oban | Reside in Perle Oban Hotel and Spa, Oban
4. Isle of Mull (Tobermory) | Reside in Perle Oban Hotel and Spa, Oban
5. Glencoe | Fort William | Eilean Donan Castle | Reside in Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye
6. Day Tour of Skye | Reside in Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye
7. Option for a second day on Isle of Skye | Reside in Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye OR Applecross | Torridon | Reside in The Torridon
8. Gairloch | Ullapool | Reside in Inver Lodge Hotel, Lairg
9. Inverness | Nairn | Reside in Boath House, Nairn
10. Bow Fiddle Rock | Dunnottar Castle | Reside in Fife Arms, Braemar
11. Scone Palace | Reside in The Balmoral, Edinburgh
12. Departure Day

Day One

You will arrive at Edinburgh International Airport where you will be greeted by your Lang Atholl Experience Guide. Your guide will be on hand to assist with your luggage and lead you through the airport to your executive vehicle which will transport you throughout your stay in Scotland.

You have the opportunity to explore this stunning city with the option to visit Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

Laying in the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle  dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. It is positioned on the Castle rock which is believed to have human occupation since the Iron Age. The castle is also a host to the famous Military Tattoo,  this unforgettable event is a performance by branches of the military from across the commonwealth culminating in a fantastic fireworks display all held on the promenade of Edinburgh Castle.

Your accommodation for the night will be The Balmoral. For over a century, The Balmoral hotel has found a home at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. A landmark in the centre of the city, the historic building’s grand clock still dominates the skyline, while its enviable location, stunning views, warm hospitality and world-class facilities provide the perfect retreat. Enjoy dinner in their Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, unwind in their award-winning spa and enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle. 

Day Two

Today you will be travelling to Loch Lomond via The Kelpies. These two 30 meter high horse head statues are modelled on ancient Celtic mythical shapeshifting creatures said to be the cause of shipwrecks. Horses were chosen as a symbolism for the horse power which built this region.

Your second stop of the day will be Stirling Castle. Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. You will be swept back to 16th century life on your tour meeting costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants.

Your accommodation for the evening will be Cameron House, Loch Lomond. This gorgeous resort combines luxury with scenic views of Loch Lomond and offers guests a unique five-star experience surrounded by beauty.

Day Three

Today you will visit Inveraray Castle. Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland. An Inveraray Castle has been standing on the shores of Loch Fyne since the 1400s, although the impressive castle we know today was inspired by a sketch by Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard in the 1700s.The foundation stone was laid in 1746 and what followed was the construction – to a design by the architects Roger Morris and William Adam – of a truly modern, baroque, Palladian and Gothic-style castle, architecturally before its time.

You will have the opportunity to visit Loch Etive. Loch Etive is a sea loch which is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Scotland surrounded by countryside and distinctive mountains including Glen Etive which featured in Skyfall.

You will spend the night in Perle Oban Hotel and Spa in the scenic town of Oban. Within Oban you also have the opportunity to visit McCaig’s Tower. The tower was erected by the wealthiest man in Oban of his time, banker – John Stuart McCaig. Despite passing away as the tower was constructed, McCaig’s vision was that the tower would be a lasting monument to his family and provides some of the best views over Oban and the bay.

Day Four

Today you will get the ferry to the Isle of Mull for the day where you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Tobermory. Tobermory is known as one of the prettiest ports in Scotland and has a rich history including a story of a lost Spanish galleon full of gold.

You will then return to the Scottish mainland and spend a second night in Perle Oban Hotel and Spa to have a relaxing day after your day.

Day Five

You will drive through Glencoe. This beautiful Scottish Landscape is a joy to drive through, however, despite its breathtaking appearance Glencoe holds a dark history as the site where the McDonald Clan met their gruesome end in 1692.

Shortly after travelling through the scenic Glencoe, you will have the chance to stop in Fort William. A traditional Scottish town which lies under the countries tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Explore this beautiful town and take in the stunning views of Ben Nevis. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can see the Jacobite Steam Train which was the inspiration for the Hogwarts Express.

Before crossing the Skye Bridge, you will visit Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan Castle is regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. Out with Edinburgh this is the most photographed monument in Scotland. Located on the Eilean (island) of Donan, overlooking the Isle of Skye, at the point of confluence of three great sea-lochs, this 12th century castle holds a deep, rich history along with a setting that is truly breath-taking.

Your accommodation for the night will be Kinloch Lodge, Isle of Skye. It is a former clan hunting lodge and is now a upmarket hotel located on the Isle of Skye. It actually still remains in the Macdonald family. Most of the rooms come with a loch or hill views and feature a classic Scottish decor which make it great for relaxing and unwinding after a long day of touring. 

Day Six

From the Fairy Pools you will continue onto the town of Portree, The Capital of Skye. You will enjoy some time within thisRoyal harbour town with many options of lunch on the harbour with beautiful views and fresh seafood. From Portree you will have the opportunity to travel north once more to take a leisurely hike to the “Old Man of Storr” a natural stack occurring at the base of the Cuillin Mountains.

You will return to Kinloch Lodge for another relaxing night in luxury.

Day Seven

Today you will have the option to have a second day on the Isle of Skye to visit Neist Point Lighthouse and Dunvegan Castle before spending another night in Kinloch Lodge.

Your other option for the day will be to travel to The Torridon Hotel via Applecross. This is a remote peninsula and is famous for its spectacular drive and scenery. The name Applecross is at least 1,300 years old.

Your accommodation for the night will be The Torridon. The hotel itself is a magnificent former manor home which is set at the end of the spectacular sea loch and surrounded by 58 acres of parkland. It can be said that The Torridon has one of the most magnificent settings in the country. Within this rural resort there is much to explore; from hiking to mountain biking and from a stroll through the wonderful gardens to a meal within their award winning 1887 Restaurant.

Day Eight

Departing the beautiful Torridon Resort you will venture north west as you traverse the scenic coastal roads of the remote, Northern Highlands. Your first stop will be in the nearby town of Gairloch, this village’s name literally translates to “Short Loch” from Gaelic and boasts spectacular views over Loch Gairloch and accommodates the beautiful Gairloch Beach.

Continuing your journey north you will travel through the towns of Poolewe and Laide before you arrive in the town of Ullapool. This seaside harbour town is the largest habitat in this remote region of Scotland despite its population of around 1,500 people. Located on the shores of Loch Broom this village was established in 1788 as a Herring Port, the town still retains is fishing routes. The town also has a regular ferry which travels to Stornaway on the island of Lewis.

Your accommodation for the night will be Inver Lodge Hotel. The hotel opened on the 29th April 1988. They’ve been one of Scotland’s hidden gems ever since, a family-owned hotel for generations with strong links to Scotland’s past and so very proud of the breathtaking region of outstanding natural beauty we are based in. They then reopened on the 1st April 2019 under new management offering a fresh approach to hospitality,  delicious local food and more passion towards our history, ethos, style and community than ever before making it an excellent destination to relax after a long day. 

Day Nine

You will drive through the stunning city of Inverness. Inverness is considered to be the Capital of the Scottish Highlands. It is the largest city and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Its Old Town features 19th-century Inverness Cathedral, the mostly 18th-century Old High Church and an indoor Victorian Market selling food, clothing and crafts.

Your accommodation for the night will be Boath House in the quaint town of Nairn. A luxury countryside house, it is very much known for its quality service, unique design and its outstanding dining.  This boutique hotel situated on the Moray Firth coast in the majestic Scottish Highlands recently underwent an extensive renovation, reopening at the beginning of Summer 2022 . The Boath House is a place to escape and unwind whilst visiting the Highlands.

Day Ten

Today you will visit the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock. This rock formation is one of the most stunning natural rock formations in the UK composed of Quartzite, formed purely from wave power.

Your next stop of the day will be Dunnottar Castle. Home to one of the most important moments of Scottish Military history, Dunnottar Castle casts a mystical image set high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea. This beautiful castle has been graced with the presence of famous historical, Scottish figures such as Mary Queen of Scotts, William Wallace and future King Charles II. This ruined fortress does not only provide a beautiful photo opportunity. It is famed for holding out agains the forces of Oliver Cromwell for 8 months to protect the Scottish Crown Jewels from destruction. These are referred to “The Honours of Scotland” and due to this defence can still be seen today on display at Edinburgh Castle. 

Your hotel for the night will be the luxurious Fife Arms in Braemar. This wonderful gem of a hotel was re-opened in December 2017 after extensive renovation works and is located in the picture perfect Cairngorms National Park.

Day Eleven

Your final stop on your photography tour of Scotland will be Scone Palace, located in Scone. Scone breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone. You will wander down the Long Galley where King Charles II strode to his coronation in 1661. Make sure to visit the perfectly manicured gardens and take in the spectacular scenery.

You will return to Edinburgh to spend your final night in Scotland in The Balmoral Hotel once more.

Day Twelve

Your Lang Atholl representative will meet you for the final time in the lobby of your hotel and transport you to Edinburgh International Airport in leisurely time for departure. 

This is sadly where we must say our goodbyes and we send you on your onward journeys with memories of a Scottish experience that will last a life time.