About Highlander Inn: This popular local Inn lies in the heart of the Malt Whisky Trail and is an ideal base for exploring the north of Scotland. Run by Duncan Elphick, The Highlander Inn is well-appointed and has a warm and relaxing atmosphere which makes any stranger feel instantly at home. There is a lounge bar, separate lounge and even a games room - with pool, darts, television and card games. Traditional live music is often on offer at weekends. The lounge is comfortable with a cosy ambience and, in common with all of the bedrooms, is designated non-smoking. The 5 letting bedrooms are well equipped with private en-suite facilities, colour television and radio, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities . The 'Speyside Larder' dining room provides an excellent setting for an outstanding meal. Chef, Linda McKay, has devised a menu concentrating on 'The Taste of Scotland'. Much pride is taken in the natural cooking of such local specialities as game, beef, salmon and Moray Firth Sea food. A superb Vegetarian selection is also available. The Lounge Bar hosts a selection of over 50 malt whiskies, with local cask ales and bar meals also available.
Surrounding area: Craigellachie lies in the Moray and Grampian region, close to the border with the Highland district and its capital, Inverness. The Moray Coast, with its interesting coastal villages and towns, is to the north. Balmoral, the Scottish home of the Queen, is to the south. The main A95 road, which runs from Banff to Grantown-on-Spey, and the A941 intersect at Craigellachie. The Highlander Inn is situated in the village, on the banks of the picturesque River Spey. Scotland is the home of golf and every county has an abundance of courses. However, they don't come much better than the courses of Moray. A golfing package is available (see above) covering 10 different courses, from seaside links on the coast to unique inland courses with challenges of their own. A fishing package is available for early spring fishing on the River Spey for salmon and sea trout. The Castle Trail takes you on a historical journey through some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country. The Malt Whisky Trail: Whisky lovers, experts and novices are very well catered for as Speyside has more than half of all distilleries in Scotland. The Speyside Cooperage, situated in the village, gives you the opportunity to see how a cask is made and how it relates to the importance of the finished product (Whisky). The 2000 Speyside Whisky Festival runs from 28 April - 8 May and lots of events take place at different venues throughout the Whisky Trail. So why not join in with the locals for a celebration of Scotland's most famous product. Distillery tours, tutored whisky nosing and tasting, traditional music nights, ceilidh dances and lots more on offer! The Highlander Inn Nosing Team were the winners of the 1999 festival competition! The Speyside Way is close at hand for the enthusiastic walker. Starting at Portgordon in the north it continues south for 47 miles through the valleys of the Spey and Glenlivet. A specially devised package to suit walkers is available which includes transportation to and from pick up points. A cycle hire shop is in the village and off-road tracks are numerous in the area. Around Craigellachie, there are a number of vantage points at which to sit and marvel at the beautiful views over the River Spey. There is also a play park for children where a path leads to the single span Thomas Telford Bridge, completed in 1814 and recently floodlit. The Greenhall Gallery has a superb collection of local works of art.
