Inverness

Friday, midday

Check into one of Gael Holiday Homes’ central apartments. Their 307 By the Bridge Apartment (www. gaelholidayhomes.co.uk, apartment for two from £84 a night) sits on the banks of the River Ness and has a balcony with views.

1pm

Café 1 (www.cafe1.net) is an excellent value bistro across from the city’s castle. Much of their impressive fresh produce comes from their own farm.

2:30pm

Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie to Inverness Castle, a stately red sandstone edifice enjoying sweeping views over the city and the river. A statue of Flora Mcdonald fittingly stands proudly outside.

4pm

Continue up the river banks to the Ness islands, a bucolic oasis of forest and river punctuated by walking trails and benches.

7pm

Finish the day with dinner at Rocpool (www.rocpoolrestaurant.com), still arguably the city’s finest restaurant despite a string of newer pretenders since it opened in 2002.

Saturday, 9am

It’s time to visit the world’s most northerly pod of bottlenose dolphins. Dolphin Spirit (https://dolphinspirit. co.uk) run boat trips out on the marine mammal rich Moray Firth.

Midday

Head for lunch at the Mustard Seed (www.mustardseedrestaurant. co.uk), a bright wee bistro on the banks of the Ness. Savour a glorious fillet of salmon with crushed new potatoes, capers, Parmesan, blushed tomatoes and rocket.

2pm

Visit the impressive landmark Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew.

6pm

Enjoy an aperitif in the excellent pub run by the local Black Isle Brewery (www.blackislebrewery.com/ barandrooms), where a selection of their beers are available on draught.

8pm

One of the hottest places to eat is Fig & Thistle (01463 712422), a lively place where booking ahead is essential.

Sunday, 9am

Embark on a history heavy morning taking in the battlefield of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite dream died, before visiting nearby Fort George, a potent, enduring symbol of the British might that destroyed his men. ■