Best of the rest

From Viking treasure to a Mackintosh masterpiece, 2020’s other must-see events and attractions

ISLAND FLINGS

Macgregor’s Bar, home of Inverness Whisky and Gin Festival, hosts a series of events dubbed Island Fling celebrating the food, drink and art of Harris, Tiree, Shetland, Orkney, Lewis and Skye.

The events will feature music and workshops inspired by the islands.

TREASURE HUNTING

Five years ago a metal detectorist discovered the Galloway Hoard. Thought to have been buried in the 10th Century, it contains more than 100 objects of silver jewellery, rare gold ingot and a range of precious metals, brooches, amulets and more.

An exhibition spotlighting the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-era objects ever found in Britain or Ireland will run from May 29-October 18 and will tour Edinburgh, Kirkcudbright, Dundee and Aberdeen before the Galloway Hoard goes on long-term display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

One of the ancient objects found as part of the Galloway Hoard

MACK IN A BOX

Owned by the National Trust since 1982, the Hill House Box in Helensburgh is considered to be the finest example of domestic architecture by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The building, which had been soaking up water like a sponge for more than 115 years, has now been encased in a protective steel box. There’s a visitor centre where guests can learn more about Mackintosh and the Blackie family, whom the house was built for.

BRANCHING OUT

A new tree-top course has been created at beautiful Craufurdland Estate in Fenwick, Ayrshire, called the Tree Top Trial. It adds to the estate’s existing range of challenges which include mountain bike trails, crate climbing, mud runs and archery.

Elsewhere, The Hermitage in Perthshire is a beautiful walk covering 33 acres and created in the 18th Century by the 3rd Duke of Atholl. The forest features both conifer and deciduous trees. Rumour has it the duke used a canon to scatter the tree seeds.

IN SEARCH OF NESSIE

The Loch Ness 360° Trail is an epic new walking, cycling, running and outdoor activity route.

As the title suggests, the trail loops around Loch Ness, starting and finishing in Inverness.

This trail connects the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail into one circuit, covering 80 miles.