BONNIE SCOTLAND IN STYLE

Scottish band The Proclaimers famously sang they “would walk 500 miles”, which is the same distance as one of the world’s most scenic routes around the country’s spellbinding Highlands. 

Called the North Coast 500, or NC500 for short, it’s a pilgrimage, taking in everything the most northerly part of the UK has to offer – stunning coastlines, rugged mountains, sprawling sea lochs, remote fishing villages and rare wildlife. 

Before you reach for your hiking boots, know that the NC500 is designed to be driven, with the kind of roads to get any petrol head excited. However, off the beaten track, there’s a hidden luxury side to the Highlands where travelling by private jet and helicopter offers distinct advantages. 

“Private jet travellers typically fly into Inverness, Edinburgh or Glasgow for the Highlands, and from there we can arrange helicopter transfers, but if you’re arriving elsewhere in the UK, we can organise your onward journey to the remotest parts of Scotland from just about anywhere,” says ACS Director of Helicopters, Ed Mayhew. 

“The NC500 gets busy during high season and with mainly single-lane carriageways, it can take a while to reach your destination. By chartering a helicopter, you’ll arrive much faster while enjoying unparalleled aerial views of Scotland’s extraordinary scenery and winding roads.” 

A remote former hunting lodge with an historic twist, a 13th-century castle turned exclusive members club, a top 10 championship golf course dating back 150 years, and the Highlands’ sole Michelin-star restaurant are all waiting to be explored. 

Read on to discover Scotland’s charms and contact our in-house travel agency The Travel Division if you’re inspired to organise an unforgettable visit. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Set in 58 acres of parkland at the end of a magnificent sea loch, The Torridon is Scotland’s most northerly five-star hotel. Arrivals by helicopter enjoy an otherworldly descent over water, landing on a croquet lawn at the foot of mountains. 

“The Torridon can feel incredibly remote, because it is, but by helicopter it’s just 25 minutes from Inverness for a journey that would typically take around two hours by car,” adds Ed. 

Originally a 19th-century hunting lodge, it has family links to Ada Lovelace, the pioneering mathematician who wrote the first computer algorithm. References to the famous programmer are found tastefully throughout. 

Accommodation is split into three parts: the refined grandeur of the hotel, including its 1887 Master Suite, the classic simplicity of the Stables, complete with outside bath, or the solitude of the Boathouse for intimacy by the waterside. 

The charm lies in its surroundings. An expert team led by the experienced Veshengo advises on sensational walking and biking trails, plus everything from stargazing to sea kayaking, where you can meet seals while a whitetailed eagle soared overhead. 

It’s the tip of the iceberg for a range of experiences, including falconry, private sea tours, fly fishing, wildlife trekking, Hebridean whale cruises, nearby nature reserve visits, clay pigeon shooting, and wilderness wellness escapes. 

Of course, if you’d rather kick off your branded Torridon wellies and curl by the crackling fire, there’s afternoon tea. Otherwise, Andrew, complete with kilt, will guide you through the 365 malts and 120 gins on offer in the Whisky Bar. 

This includes the hotel’s own Arcturus gin, where botanicals are foraged from the surrounding landscape and grown in the Kitchen Garden, such as Scots Pine and Lemon Verbena. Head gardener Seoniad will happily show you around. 

The hotel, owned by husband and wife Dan and Rohaise Rose-Bristow, who live by the loch adjacent, offers different dining experiences using local produce, as well as rearing Highland cattle, chickens, and rare breed pigs on-site. 

A pint or two of the delicious, locally brewed Vega Torridon Blonde beer in The Beinn Bar offers the chance to mix with locals and is attached to the Bo & Muc (Gaelic for cow and pig) Brasserie, where field-to-fork dishes span shellfish, game, and seasonal vegetables. For something finer, read on. 

WHERE TO DINE 

The Highlands’ climate, characterised by cool temperatures, high rainfall, and diverse microclimates, means it’s blessed with some of the best seafood, game, beef and lamb in the world, but also berries, root vegetables and foraged herbs. 

This forms the basis for the seven-course tasting menu at The Torridon’s triple AA rosette 1887 restaurant. Masterminded by former Young National Chef of the Year Danny Young, the dishes tell a tale of the land and lochs. 

Choose from Langoustine and Sea Bass Tartar with Gooseberry, Elderflower and Pine Nut; West Coast Scallop, served with Yuzu Beurre Blanc, N25 Caviar, and Dill; Glazed Ox with Nasturtium Flowers and Aubergine. All bursting with delicate flavours. 

Situated in a Scots pine-panelled dining room with an unusual Zodiac ceiling, a tribute to Queen Victoria, who was fascinated by astrology, 1887 is one of 10 Highlands restaurants that make it into the Michelin Guide, four of which can be found on the Isle of Skye, where helicopters land at Portree Heliport.

Edinebane Lodge, Scorrybreac, and the wonderfully named Three Chimneys & The House Over-By, all offer imaginative takes on modern British cuisine with local produce in cosy, historic cottages with stunning backdrops. 

The fourth, Loch Bay, is the only Michelin-starred restaurant currently in the Highlands. Located in the fishing village of Stein on the Waternish Peninsula, it’s renowned for its exceptional seafood and intimate dining experience. Housed in an 18th-century cottage, it offers a blend of contemporary Scottish cuisine with classic French influences, where chef Michael Smith crafts a multi-course ‘Skye Fruits de Mer’ tasting menu showcasing local shellfish and fish, including hand-dived scallops, creel-caught langoustines, and lobsters sourced directly from the nearby jetty. 

The restaurant’s setting, with views over Loch Bay and the surrounding mountains, complements a cosy, unpretentious ambiance, featuring a wood-burning stove and Harris Tweed-covered chairs. With only six tables, reservations are highly competitive.

WHERE TO PLAY 

The modern game of golf was invented in Scotland, so it’s par for the course that the Highlands should be home to some amazing places to play. 

The Royal Dornoch, situated on the east coast and surrounded by white sandy beaches, is consistently ranked among the world’s best, often cited as one of the finest links courses globally. 

Exclusivity stems from its historical prestige, royal patronage, and challenging layout, where The Championship Course, influenced by ‘The Grand Old Man of Golf’, Old Tom Morris, is a bucket-list destination. Demand is such that you’ll need to book a year in advance, but with the purchase of additional land adding another 36 holes, and the completion of a new £13.9m clubhouse ahead of its 150th anniversary in 2027, capacity is being increased. 

North of Dornoch, Brora Golf Club (Brora) is a hidden gem known for its secluded coastal setting. Designed by James Braid in 1891, it offers a traditional links experience, typically with fewer crowds than Royal Dornoch. 

Its exclusivity lies in its small membership and remote location, appealing to those seeking an authentic, low-key golfing experience. The course is maintained in a natural state, with sheep occasionally grazing the fairways, adding to its charm. 

Where to join Dornoch is also home to one of the world’s most prestigious private members’ clubs. The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle is nestled within an 8,000-acre estate. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, this luxurious retreat offers an unparalleled escape surrounded by moorland, woodland and Loch Evelix. 

Sumptuous accommodation sits in elegantly appointed Edwardian castle rooms or family-friendly lodges, each offering distinct views and atmospheres. 

The club also has its own championship links golf course. A newly launched Whisky Library features a curated collection of rare 30-year-old whiskies from 30 Scottish distilleries, while exclusive partnerships with British jeweller Garrard and textile artisan Araminta Campbell yield bespoke collections inspired by Skibo’s natural beauty.

Lastly, the architecturally striking Treehouse in the woodland of Overskibo acts as a hub for family-oriented outdoor pursuits, from paddleboarding and horse trekking to wild water swimming. For a more relaxed aquatic experience, there’s a recently restored glass-paned indoor pool complete with sauna and spa with a full menu of luxurious treatments. “We’re well-versed in flying members and their guests to The Carnegie Club, which is a short 15-minute helicopter flight from Inverness,” adds Ed. 

WHERE TO SHOP 

No visit to the Highlands would be complete without a whisky distillery tour, whether for yourself or to pick up gifts. For those who don’t drink, branded merchandise, homewares, local food produce, and toiletries are rarely in short supply. 

“Highland distillery tours are very popular, and we often arrange for the helicopter to remain parked overnight for a convenient getaway the next day,” says Ed. 

The Dalmore Distillery in Alness is synonymous with luxury whisky, producing sought-after single malts, such as the Dalmore 62, at one time the world’s most expensive. 

Exclusive private tours, including tastings of ultra-rare expressions and access to the Paterson Collection, curated by master distiller Richard ‘The Nose’ Paterson OBE, can be arranged. 

One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, founded in 1838, Glen Ord is renowned for its Singleton of Glen Ord, a single malt exclusively available in select markets. The distillery offers private tours, including behind-the-scenes access to the malting process and exclusive tastings of rare casks. If dining on the Isle of Skye, the Talisker Distillery is the oldest continuous producer of whisky in the Hebrides, having been established in 1830. 

Glen Ord is handily placed just 50 miles from The Torridon, allowing keen motorists to drive the breathtaking Beallach na bà, a historic and iconic mountain pass located on the Applecross Peninsula in Wester Ross. Alternatively, if you’ve had a wee dram or two, perhaps just take the helicopter. 

To find out more about ACS or to arrange your next charter, visit aircharterservice.com/fly-private

Image Credit: Steven Gourlay