Littlemill

The ruins of Littlemill distillery sit just outside Inverness, a reminder of when Highland whisky production was far more scattered than it is today. What's left is modest - crumbling stone walls and the odd bit of machinery - but there's something compelling about standing where barrels once rolled and fires burned to transform local barley into spirit.

It's the sort of place that appeals to whisky enthusiasts and industrial history types more than casual visitors. You won't spend hours here; thirty minutes covers it properly. The site isn't particularly developed or signposted, so it feels more like an archaeological dig than a polished tourist stop, which is either a point in its favour or against it, depending on your mood.

The real value is in combining it with Inverness itself - a proper city with decent museums and restaurants - and using one of the nearby parks as your base. Go Glamping at Loch Ness is just 3.6 miles away and comes highly rated, as does Ardtower Caravan Park at 4.8 miles. From either, you could visit Littlemill on a morning wander before heading to Urquhart Castle or exploring the loch properly.

Families with young children will find it underwhelming unless they're already into industrial heritage. Older kids interested in Scottish history might engage with it more. Go on a clear day if you can - the Highland light here can be moody and grey, and the ruins don't improve much in drizzle.