Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery

The Highlands produce proper spirits, and Uilebheist Distillery & Brewery near Inverness is where you'll find out why. It's a working operation - not a visitor centre with gift shop trickery - where they craft both whisky and beer in the same space. You get to see the whole process: the copper stills, the fermentation tanks, the lot. Tastings are generous and the staff actually know what they're talking about, which makes a change.

It works well for adults who appreciate a decent dram or two, and for anyone curious about production rather than just consumption. The atmosphere is low-key, which you'll either love or find a bit sparse depending on what you want from a distillery visit. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're lingering over samples.

You'll want to ring ahead - exact opening hours aren't widely advertised and they do close for private events. Admission charges weren't confirmed when we checked, so assume it won't be free.

If you're camped at Ardtower Caravan Park or Go Glamping at Loch Ness, this sits comfortably within a morning's drive. It's not a day-long activity, but paired with a walk round Inverness or a visit to nearby Loch Ness, it fills an afternoon nicely. The Highlands aren't short of things to do, and this genuinely earns its place on the itinerary if you're into whisky or craft brewing.