Vacations Blog

Situated on the shore of a picturesque loch in Scotland is Gairloch, Highland. At this lovely holiday resort, you will experience Highland hospitality at its best as you explore the numerous attractions in the region. There are secluded beaches, mountains and hills to climb, and lots of other activities.

One beach of note is Big Sand which won the 2004 Rural Seaside Award. It is sheltered by Longa Island, therefore it is ideal for soaking up the summer sunshine. Large sand dunes offer further protection from strong winds. Showers, toilets and a shop are located at the adjacent caravan park. Big Sand is known as the perfect spot to see amazing sunsets over the Hebrides.

The Highlands area was a favorite holiday destination for Queen Victoria. In 1878, the Gairloch Hotel was proud to have her on their guest list. Knowing that Her Majesty loved this part of the world, British tourists followed in her footsteps and Gairloch became a thriving tourist resort. The hotel grew its own flowers, vegetables and fruits to cater for the increasing number of visitors.

Bathing machines were provided on the beach. In the Victorian era, women and men were expected to swim in separate areas. It was imprudent to be seen in a bathing suit by someone of the opposite sex. Bathing suits were considered to be improper clothing even though they were hardly scant in those days.

There are plenty of shops, amenities, restaurants, hotels, inns, lodges and other accommodation facilities in Gairloch. Popular activities include a variety of water sports, golf on a course built in 1898, and hikes or walks in Ben Eighe Nature Reserve. Take a boat trip and see a myriad of marine life such as whales, seals and dolphins.

If it rains, spend some time at the Gairloch Heritage Museum. Learn how the area developed throughout the ages, going back as far as the Bronze and Stone Ages. You will be impressed at how inventive these primitive people were when you see the implements, utensils and tools that they made without any form of technology.

Move on to a more recent age and experience life in a real croft house, a school classroom and a village shop. You will wonder how people coped without computers, cell phones or the internet as you step back in time. See archaic fishing boats and contemplate how fishermen spent all day in them while trying to earn a living. This museum is definitely a highlight in Gairloch – Highland.