Our Tour Destinations

Thistle Excursions has been created for your pleasure - to provide you with a unique tour and experience of the Highlands when you land in Invergordon either via the port of the Cromarty Firth or other means.  You are all welcome on our Invergordon Bus Tours. We have designed our fantastic tours which show-off the best of what the Highlands have to offer. Find out more below.

  • Ardvreck Castle
    Search for ghosts amongst the ruins of this 15th century castle, originally home to the MacLeods of Assynt. The wonderful landscape around the castle has been designated as a ‘National Scenic Area’ identified for its exceptional scenery and provides numerous photo opportunities. 
  • Balblair Distillery
    This unique single malt distillery on your way down from the Struie viewpoint 'millionaire's view' as it's known locally. This distillery is suitable for physicallly challenged as it is on one level.
  • Beauly Priory
    One of three Scottish priories founded by the French Burgundy monks of the Valliscaulian Order, it commenced building in 1230.  Beauly was named after the French words “beau lieu” – beautiful place.  Some believe this to be attributed to the monks, others to Mary Queen of...
  • Black Rock Gorge
    Black Rock is a geological marvel, lying a few kilometres from Evanton on the edge of a community woodland.  It spans 1.5km in length, but reaches 36 metres (120 feet) in steep drops.  Abseiling is popular at this destination, but you must be experienced and not frightened of being closed ...
  • Carnegie Whisky Cellar
    Visit the Carnegie Whisky Cellars for Whisky Tastings and Gin Master Classes. Have some whisky fun and test your nosing skills in this 45 minute experience. Blind Whisky Tasting – this is so enjoyable, don't miss it. Independently compare 2 single malts and 1 blended whisky to try to dis...
  • Casseley Falls
    Follow in the footsteps of Coco Chanel where the River Casseley cuts its way through layers of jagged granite, plummeting into churning pools while bonsai like pine trees cling to the rocks on either side. 
  • Castle Leod
    The castle was built on an ancient Pictish fort site before the 12th century.  The castle in its current from as restored by the Earl of Cromartie, Sir Roderick Mackenzie in the early 17th century. During the Jacobite uprising in 1745 the castle and estate were taken however they were returned ...
  • Castle Stuart
    When Mary Queen of Scots returned to Scotland in 1561, she granted Castle Stewart to her half brother, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray.  It is situated near the village of Ardersier.  Mary changed the spelling to the French version of Stuart.  Later James and his son were murdered so...
  • Cawdor Castle
    Cawdor Castle is steeped in intrigue and history. Cawdor Castle dates from the late 14th century, built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor. An ancient medieval tower built around the legendary holly tree. The imposing, rectangular tower-house consisted of four storeys and a garret with ...
  • Clava Cairns
    - Outlander Clava Cairns, dating back 4,000 years, is the inspiration for the legendary television series - Outlander.  These prehistoric standing stones have been well preserved and contain a Bronze Age set of graves and passages.  Craigh Na Dun are the Outlander standing stones that sw...
  • Culloden Battlefield
    & Visitor Centre On 16th April 1746 the Jacobites rose and fought, encouraged by Bonnie Prince Charlie to fend off the Duke of Cumberland’s army.  They wanted to restore the Stuart monarchy to the throne.  Fatalities were lost on both sides, but the British aligned with southern...
  • Culloden Viaduct
    The viaduct is highly banked on its approaches and is an impressive structure that spans the Nairn valley.  Culloden viaduct; also known as the Nairn viaduct was designed by Murdoch Paterson and was built in 1898 of local sandstone and has 28 arches, each 50 feet wide, except for the one spanni...
  • Dornoch
    History Historylinks Trail and Museum Dornoch is rich in history and a very good introduction is to follow the Historylinks Trail, available from Historylinks Museum. This walking tour starts and ends at the museum and takes in many interesting sites if you have time. The Witch’s Stone. A ...
  • Dornoch Cathedral
    - Madonna's Wedding On 22nd December 2000, the 17th century cathedral played host to a special  baptism; that of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's son.  Previously, they were married by the Rev. Susan Brown in nearby Skibo Castle.  Guests were then invited to their son's baptism ...
  • Dunrobin Castle
    Fairytail Dunrobin Castle Dunrobin Castle is the most northerly of Scotland's large castles and has 189 rooms. Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, home to the Earls and later, the Dukes of Sutherland.  The castle...
  • Foyers Falls
  • Glen Ord Distillery
  • Glenmorangie Distillery
    Glenmorangie History Please check your tour as on some tours entry to the distillery is included and on others it is just a photo opportunity. You may email if you are not sure. Glenmorangie means “valley of tranquillity” in Gaelic.  After being inspired by the peaceful surroundin...
  • Inverness
    , the Highland’s capital city Inverness is the capital city of the Highlands.  It dates back to 6th century AD to Pictish times.  There is evidence that Saint Columbus visited Inverness and Loch Ness in 565 AD, attempting to convert its inhabitants to Christianity.  Inverness ...
  • Inverness Castle
     
  • Kilravock Castle
    The castle was started in 1460 and had various later additions throughout the 15th century.  It is is situated near Croy between Inverness and Nairn.  It remained the seat of the Clan Rose.  Originally called Cill Rathaig, meaning church at the small circular fort in Gaelic.  It ...
  • Knockan Crag
    The Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve is a globally important geological site formed by the incredible force of two continents crashing together. A short walk opens up spectacular views of the surrounding area making it a popular stop off point for photographers. 
  • Loch Ness & Nessie
    Loch Ness Loch Ness is 23 miles long, 37 kilometres and is the second deepest loch in Scotland, at 230 metres (755 feet).  The deepest loch is Loch Morar near Fort William. By volume, Loch Ness is the largest Loch in Scotland. Loch Ness contains more water than all of the fresh water lakes in ...
  • Millionaire's View
    Millionaire's View See the stunning view from the peak above Dornoch, giving spectacular panoramic views of the Highlands.
  • Pictish Cadboll Stone
    The famous Pictish Cadboll stone which dates back to the 8th century.  The symbol is depicted on all the Glenmorangie whisky labels.
  • Rhue Lighthouse
    A short detour and walk to Rhue Lighthouse opens up creative opportunities for photographs from various angles.
  • Robertson's Shop Highland Cows
    Robertson's Farm Highland Cows
  • The Loch Ness Centre
    In the village of Drumnadrochit, overlooking the Loch and Urquhart Castle, this new exhibition centre provides a fascinating look into the history of the loch and the monster.
  • Ullapool
    The picturesque fishing town and ferry port of Ullapool, sits on the shores of Loch Broom. It is a popular holiday destination and  gateway to the Northern Highlands.
  • Urquhart Castle
    - Outlander Urquhart Castle is one of the most famous and iconic sites in the Scottish Highlands, nestled at the edge of Loch Ness.  It commands fantastic views over the Loch and mountains and is one of the famous spots for historic sightings of Nessie. It has also been made famous due to the...
Reserve a Tour-…

Thistle Excursions are a bus tour operator which departs from Invergordon. This is the perfect location for visitors on touring cruise ships stopping in the Cromarty Firth at the port of Invergordon. Our Invergordon bus tours are the prefect way for tourists and sightseeers to get a true taste of the Highlands of Scotland. Our bus tours which leave from Invergordon feature some of the best Highland locations; Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, Beauly Priory, Black Rock Gorge, Clava Cairns, Cawdor Castle, Urqhuart Castle, Carnegie Whisky Cellar and Balblair Distillery. Check out our Highland bus tour destinations page to choose which sights you want to see. Our bus tours have been chosen to allow you to see the most iconic destinations featured in numerous films, TV shows and rich Scottish History. So if you are looking for the perfect sightseeing tour of the Highlands, Thistle Excursions is your tour operator.

We also offer tailormade bus tours of the Highlands from Invergordon and Inverness.

When booking your tour please choose carefully which castle you wish to visit. Either Cawdor, Urquhart or Dunrobin. You can visit one on your tour but when doing the Cawdor visit you will see Urquhart beside Loch Ness in the background, but you do not visit both.  Time does not allow.