Uile-bheist Distillery

The moment you walk into Uile-bheist, you're hit with that unmistakable smell of malting barley and spirit. It's a proper working distillery just outside Inverness, making single malt whisky in the Highland style - bold, full-bodied stuff that doesn't mess about. You get to see the whole process from grain to glass: the copper stills gleaming under the lights, the maturation warehouses, and if you're lucky, you'll catch the coopering team at work. The tasting room is where things get interesting. Unlike some distilleries that feel like tourist traps, this one actually lets the whisky do the talking. You'll sample a few drams paired with their own releases, and the folk running the tours know what they're on about.

It's brilliant for serious whisky drinkers and anyone curious about how the stuff actually gets made. Kids will find it a bit dry unless they're the type to stand mesmerised by copper pipes for twenty minutes. History buffs might appreciate the Highland whisky-making heritage angle, but this isn't a museum - it's active production.

Being only a few miles from Inverness, it pairs well with a caravan holiday at any of the nearby parks like Ardtower or Bunchrew. Pop in for a tour and tasting on a wet afternoon, or use it as an excuse to explore the broader Highlands. Check their website for opening hours and whether you need to book a tour in advance - they're popular enough that walk-ins aren't guaranteed a slot.