Whisky Distilleries and Dolphins—all available on our doorstep. Visiting Scotland means you are duty-bound to visit at least one whisky distillery. So if you are a Malt Whisky fan, a Dolphin fan or indeed both, and you are planning a stay at Blervie House, well, you are in luck. We have over 50 distilleries on our doorstep and plenty of dolphins to see.
So, plan your day—which distillery are you going to see? If you have a favourite whisky, the distillery that should be your first stop should be your favourite. If you are here to enjoy Scotland, your choice might be different. Don’t forget to plan your day to visit some of the attractions close to distilleries that are easily missed.
One of the most famous is The Macallan, whose new distillery opened in 2018. Visit this world-famous distillery and enjoy a drive over stunning moorland. Then, please take one of their tours to learn the whole whisky process in more detail and sample a wee dram at their bar. The Macallan also offers additional estate and dining experiences, but these must be planned well.
Benromach is our closest distillery. It is well worth a visit, with many award-winning whiskies and a fabulous visitor centre. Gordon and MacPhail, renowned for their whisky expertise, own it.
The oldest and most picturesque – has to be Strathisla. It’s worth the trip just for the photo opportunity.
Historical—Dallas Dhu was once a working distillery. Now, a historical museum shows whisky production as it used to be. It is a worthwhile and informative step back in time.
Aberlour Distillery offers great tastings and is situated in the lovely Highland town of Aberlour on the River Spey. At the same time, you can visit Walker’s Shortbread. I can even recommend a great lunch spot.
Cardhu and Glenlivet distilleries offer fabulous tours and tastings, giving you a genuinely scenic tour of Speyside. Glen Moray, just ten miles away, is another favourite distillery. I am always happy to suggest your route – we have over 50.
Many of our guests drive themselves and then enjoy their driver’s samples on the Terrace in the evening. Other guests prefer to have a guided tour with a driver so they can devote themselves to enjoying their day.
Gin—if whisky is not your thing, we can recommend some good local gin distilleries! Red Door is located at the same site as Benromach.
Dolphins
Did you know the Moray Coast is one of the best dolphin-spotting areas in the UK? The dolphins living here in Moray Firth are some of the largest you will see anywhere, and this might be due to the extra fat they carry to keep them warm in Scotland.
If you are lucky, you might also see orcas and humpback whales. There is an excellent choice of places to see them. Whales have been active in the Moray Firth for the past two years. The reason is that the Moray Firth is the end of the Gulf Stream, and this provides valuable feeding grounds.
The closest to us is North 58 Adventures, which takes a Rib out of Findhorn Village with an exhilarating ride along the Moray Firth coastline. If the Findhorn rib is fully booked, their adventures go from Lossiemouth.
If a trip on a rib is not for you, pop into Inverness and set sail with Dolphin Spirit. You can also combine this with a visit to Inverness city centre.
You have plenty of choices if you prefer to stay on the ground. One stop could be the Scottish Dolphin Centre.
If you like to hike, find the time to enjoy the cliff-top walking off the Moray Coastal Trail and watch dolphins simultaneously; perfect spots are Burghead to Hopeman or around Bow Fiddle Rock near Cullen.
Another popular dolphin-watching spot is Channory Point on the Black Isle opposite Fort George. Many guests pull up at the Harbour in Nairn and watch Dolphins from there. If the Dolphins are feeling particularly cooperative, you may be able to enjoy a spot of dolphin watching while eating dinner at The Sundancer in Nairn.
This part of Scotland is famed not only for its world-famous Malt Whisky Distilleries in Speyside but also for its superb Coastline. Taking the time to walk or drive the Coastline presents an opportunity to Dolphin and Whale Watch almost anywhere, anytime, so you never know where or when you will get lucky!
