Autumn is the season of golden colours, roaring stags, hunting eagles and rare migrant birds, all of which can be enjoyed in the Highlands. There is also a brilliant array of diverse events lined up this season, including Beer ‘N’ Folk in Kingussie, the Torridon Mountain and Sea Festival, the Highland Archaeology Festival and the Golden Spurtle – World Porridge Making Championship in Carrbridge – all taking place in October.
The Highlands offer all-year-round outdoor adventure opportunities. Visitors can try their hand at climbing Torridon or swinging in the trees at the Nevis Range High Wire Adventure in Lochaber, go mountain biking on the Highland Wildcat Trails at Golspie or ride a wave in Scotland’s surfing capital, Thurso.
The Highlands is a region alive with ancient mystery. Visitors can take the iconic North Coast 500 route over 500 miles of picturesque coast and countryside and discover the Pictish and Viking mysteries of Caithness, or some archaeological gems along the Strathnaver Trail. Further west, they can also gaze across the 3,000-million-year-old wilderness of the North West Highlands Geopark.
The Highlands are currently in the spotlight and being promoted as part of VisitScotland’s latest seasonal campaign which promotes the area’s world-class scenery, rich history, popular cultural events and wildlife that makes it such a popular destination for visitors – and a fabulous place for locals to live.
Also available and produced by the organisation is a movie map which aims to inspire travellers to visit the locations of films shot in the Highlands and this autumn, the film Macbeth, featuring Michael Fassbender, is also being released, catapulting the Isle of Skye, Moray Speyside and Inverness on to the big screen once again.
Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland regional director, said: “The Highlands provide a stunning escape – whether for an autumnal holiday or short break. In this, Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, there is a plethora of beautiful restaurants, cafes and eateries, not to mention countless local producers and suppliers who all promote the best of Highland cuisine. This region is the perfect location for the outdoor enthusiast, with plenty of activities, including coastal walks, as well as beautiful natural landscapes, beaches and wildlife for those wanting a more relaxing stay.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs and sustains communities and we’ll continue to work hard to promote the Highlands as we move into the Year of Innovation Architecture and Design. This latest campaign will show off the Highlands’ best assets as well as encouraging people to request more information and book a break in this beautiful part of Scotland.”