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Visit Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Visit Isle of Lewis

May 21, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Abhainn Dearg Whisky, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on Scotland’s youngest whisky distillery, namely Abhainn Dearg ( ‘Red River’) at Carnish on the Isle of Lewis . This was founded in 2008 and is the only distillery in the entire chain of islands comprising the Outer Hebrides. Abhainn Dearg is the brainchild of local businessman, Mark (“Marco”) Tayburn.

Having passing the minimum three years plus one day maturation period the new single malt is now produced in a limited edition. Bottling currently available is single cask, non-chill filtered and 46pct ABV.

Unlike rival distilleries on nearby Islay, the whisky is not peated.

Here is a video clip of the distillery which was taken when maintenance was in process. Note that the copper stills do not fall in the ‘pot still’ category, unlike most Scottish whisky distilleries.

Whisky Tasting, Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Scotland

Maturing Whisky at Abhainn Dearg Distillery, Isle of Lewis

An excellent visitor experience for whisky aficionados determined to find their way to the remote location of the distillery.

Islands, Islands, Islay, Lewis, Locations, Scotland tour, Tours, Whisky none

Tour Highlands, Tour Scotland

May 20, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Cairngorm Mountains, Aviemore, Scotland

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Ballifeary Guest House, Inverness after breakfast and drove south to our first stop at Aviemore. This small town is located in the Cairngorm mountain region and is popular with hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. We had coffee at a high elevation restaurant which offorded superb views over the snow-capped mountains. Our visit coincided with the scheduled departure of the Strathspey Steam Train from Aviemore which was an added bonus.

Next we drove down the A9 to our next stop of Dunkeld with a photo stop for Blair Castle en-route..At Dunkeld tour guest played his Scottish Small Pipes in the Taybank Pub which itself is a popular music venue. We also had a light lunch here. After a short walk around the centre of Dunkeld we continued south to our next destination of Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions.

We visited all main aspects of Stirling Castle including Great Hall, Royal Chapel and Kitchens. The recently restored Royal Apartments were of particular interest with assistance from actors in period costume.

After departing Stirling Castle, we continued south to our final destination of Edinburgh but first availing of a light meal at the Granary Pub on Leith’s popular waterfront.

Final drop-off was neraby where we exchanged fond farewells at conclusion of a fascinating 10 day round Scotland tour with emphasis on the Outer Hebrides.

Strathspey Steam Train, Aviemore, Scotland

Blair Castle, Perthshire, Scotland

Piper, Taybank Pub, Scotland

Atholl Fountain, Dunkeld, Scotland

Main Entrance, Stirling Castle, Scotland

Period Reenactment at Royal Apartments, Stirling Castle

Leith Waterfront, Scotland

Blair Castle, Buildings, Castles, Culture, Edinburgh, Highlands, Inverness, Locations, Mountains, Music, Scotland tour, Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire, Tours none

Tour Sutherland, Tour Scotland

May 19, 2012 catswhiskers Comments off

Ullapool and Loch Broom, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

This morning, we departed our Ullapool lodgings and then drove a few minutes north to a vantage point for a landscape photograph of Ullapool and Loch Broom. Then we continued as follows:

Across the Northern Highlands with stunning mountain scenery and stopping at an information point to view the Colgach Peaks. Views were aided by dry, sunny weather.
Arrived Dornoch around midday where we spent an hour or so visiting this very pretty town with ancient Cathedral.
Next to Invergordon which offered a mix of visiting cruise ship (Seabourn Sojourn), offshore oil rigs in for maintenance and colourful wall murals.
Next to Dingwall whre we visited the town cemetery and massive 1907 monument to famous British soldier, Sir Hector Archibald MacDonald who achieved high rank from humble origins.
Next to Fortrose and Chanonry Point to view dolphins feeding at high tide.
Finally, we arrived at our lodgings at Ballifeary Guest House, Inverness late afternoon then went out for an early dinner.