Month: March 2020

In this blog, during the COVID19 crisis and undoubtedly difficult times, we urge everyone to continue feeling positive and looking to the future. We will come out of this at the other end. And we will all meet and greet each other once again. Mankind has come through some hard periods, and we will come through this.

We must look to the future.

At the time of writing this blog, Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closed, public transport is limited and public panic as been obvious in the sudden spurt of bulk buying.

But now, other than key and essential workers, we all stay home. We respect each other’s space and concerns. We are following the advice given by the government and our health service. Our country has united in the biggest and toughest battle of our lifetime. The fight we face is against an invisible opponent. One that grows and moves silently, but only with our help.

Evidence is showing and experts are advising our best strategy to beat COVID19 is that we must all stay indoors. We cannot socialise, we cannot go about our normal days, we cannot live as we have in the past.

Across the planet, works are cancelled, flights are cancelled, concerts are cancelled and shops are closed. More people than ever before are working from home and practising social distancing. Where we once would shake hands, we now nod and smile. Banisters and handrails where we once placed our hands, we now avoid touching. Where we would once squeeze past someone on the same pavement, we now cross the road or stand back and create distance. Guests we looked forward to seeing must now cancel or re-schedule their well-deserved holiday to one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

It is without doubt the most unusual and frightening time our planet has collectively faced.

But What’s Next?

Most of our guests remain positive and have re-scheduled their holidays here. Some for later this year, and some as far in advance as 2021. And we will continue to work hard to make this happen as much as we possibly can.

It is clear to us that there will be an end to the crisis we all face and that everyone understands this. The advice from the experts is that there will be an end to this.

You will be able to take the holiday you planned and enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. You’ll be able to greet friends old and new leaving social distancing in the past where it will belong. Shops will re-open, flights will re-schedule and we will be grateful to touch the handrails again.

With all that said, we wanted to send some positive vibes to everyone. While Nessie hasn’t been around for some time, we can still enjoy the local wildlife around our grounds.

So, hope you like our wee pics, one of a swan waving at us (or that’s what we like to think!) and one of the famous Highland Coo!

Keeping The Positivity

Escaping from the gargantuous global crisis, I thought it prudent to take your minds from it all and remind you of the good times you’ve had or the good times you have in front of you.

Many of you reading this now will have visited in the past. Maybe you can take a moment to look back on that time. No doubt, you had a memorable holiday and perhaps took some pictures. Maybe now is a good time to look back on that holiday and reminisce. Please do feel free to share your special memories onto our social media. Facebook link at the bottom of the page, and Insta @scotlandhighlandclub.

It would be lovely to see you share your memories.

There are many others yet to visit and perhaps have already delayed your visit. Don’t worry, we will still be here for a long time! Please visit our social media! Tell us your story, what did you plan, what have you planned, when are you coming, what are you looking forward to the most during your visit? We want to know and share your story!

Was it eating at the Boat House Restaurant  or The Lock Inn? Or was it using our fabulous facilities? Or maybe you went kayaking with local man Ian MacKinnon from Monster Activities?

Whatever it is, get sharing! Tell us, tell your friends and family, tell everyone! We can all enjoy your stories and spread the positive thoughts!

Getting Us Started

To get us started, here is my favourite pic of Highland Club Scotland! It’s not the world famous Loch Ness, it’s not the time Nessie took my deep fried Mars Bar and can of Irn Bru! It’s one of my many memories of Toothy The Abbey Cat, sadly no longer with us. But did he leave us some fond memories!

He would pretend to be shy when the camera was out, so it was never easy getting a picture of him. That made it all the more fun.

On the odd occassion you would be able to spot him on his adventures outside, you would often see him sitting near the cricket field enjoying the sun and the sound of the birds chirping nearby (the birds wouldn’t get too close to Toothy!)

Don’t Forget!

Remember to dig out your favourite memories or tell us what you look forward to the most when you get here. And always, look to the future.

No Rest For Us!

As we approach Springtime, with what seems like immense speed, we are busy preparing ourselves for what looks like another busy year at Highland Club Scotland. It’s time to book your Loch Ness holiday and take advantage of our hard work!

Sid and Michelle are working hard on maintainence of our beautiful properties, therefore ensuiring our high standard remains in place. Apartments Struan and Fraser, both facing Loch Ness, have been painted throughout giving both apartments a fantastic freshen up. The views from both these apartments are simply stunning! They are unique in that they both have views from three sides. From the West, you look out onto the world famous Loch Ness. To the South, you can see the hills beyond the Loch and to the East you can look to the Cloister Garden and giant Chess set!

Imagine, sitting with your breakfast in the open plan dining and living area, gazing out towards the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. A truly amazing start to your day!

Major’s Apartment

Major’s Apartment in the Moat House building has also been given some tender, loving care at the hands of Sid. The paint has been given a lovely freshen up in anticipation of a busy season. The owner of this special apartment has plans for further development throughout the year.

Major’s Apartment has its name because in the days of the Fort, the Major’s quarters where in this very space. Nowadays, it is a three bedroom apartment capable of comfortably hosting six guests.

The kitchen and living room are on the first floor level while the bedrooms occupy the ground level. The twin bedroom, perfect for kids, is on a ‘walk-through’ from the master bedroom.

This apartment brings repeat guests year after year due to its homely atmosphere and high quality furnishings. And there are more developments to come!

Easter Holidays

There is still availability for Easter Holidays with Highland Club Scotland! We’re seeing a spate of bookings coming in over the last few weeks so availability is diminishing quickly. If you are planning an Easter break in a beautiful location with a unique setting, then get in touch and book the holiday of a lifetime!

The mystery of Loch Ness does not disappoint and neither does the experience of staying in our amazing abbey!

If you are unsure what the Highlands have to offer, check out this link

You will find eveything you need to know to make the most of your Loch Ness holiday!

Brora Cottage

We are thrilled to welcome Brora Cottage back to our range of properties. We are equally proud to say Highland Club Scotland continues to boast the largest range of properties at the Abbey. Our customer service stretches far and beyond the call of duty – or so we’ve been told on numerous occassions! Check the reviews on our Google page to see for yourself. Click here.

But back to Brora Cottage! This delightful two bedroom cottage remains a firm favourite with pet owners. Bring your furry friend along with you!

Sleeping up to four guests in two king size beds, Brora Cottage has been tastefully decorated and is now am incredibly homely and cosy cottage. The log fire and the quality furniture add to the comforts of this popular holiday cottage.

The kitchen equipment has been thoughtfully provided to ensure you really are in a home from home in Brora.

Ten seconds walk to the gym, and one minute to the swimming pool, Brora’s location is perfect for privacy and ease of movement from one place to another.

Updated pictures to come soon!

Loch Ness 360 Challenge

A three day running and cycling challenge takes place for its first time. It follows the 360 South Loch Ness Trail and the Great Glen Way, this new challenge is not to be missed. Spanning over three days, you can choose to tackle three marathons over three days or cycle the 129 km.

We’ve already hosted some guests doing the all-important ‘recce’ to familiarise themselves with the terrain.

This link will provide all the information you need to take part!

Taking part or supporting? Book your accommodation and stay in comfort for your weekend! Get in touch to ask about special offers!

A Little History

Our amazing abbey was built upon a Hanoverian Fort which housed, at one point, 300 British soldiers. The site was later sold to the Lovat Estate and then leased to the St Benedictine Monks who, with donated labour and material, carried out the construction work.

Much of the Fort is not visible but there some ‘crossover’ features. An example of this is along the North Cloister Corridor which is the closest Cloister to the Old School.

Twenty feet below this Cloister Corrider is an original Fort corridor which runs at a slope from the East to the West. In the days of the Fort, soliders would roll barrels down this corridor from the magazine chamber.

The Fort corridor is not accessible to guests, however, along the corridor you can see original arched “windows” which would allow the daylight into the sloping corridor. The monks would later fill these windows and use them as candle holders to light the North Cloister.

Further to the East of the original Fort corridor, and further below, is the location of the dungeons where the Duke of Cumberland reputedly tortured and executed Jacobites.

It is indeed ironic that a place playing a large part in such tumultous times later became a place of peace.

Book Your Loch Ness Holiday!

It is, of course, always better to see our wonderful home for yourself. With availability for Easter and Summer quickly reducing, book your stay with Highland Club Scotland now. Not sure of which property best suits you? Get in touch by email or phone – we’re always happy to hear from you, and even happier to see you!