Our guests will arrive at Edinburgh Airport this morning, where they will be met by our local Language speaking Guide who will escort the guests to their waiting coach. Transfer to Edinburgh City Centre for lunch on arrival. Today, lunch will be served at the beautiful restaurant, the Dome in Edinburgh.The Dome is a magnificent building, located in the heart of Edinburgh and which dates back over 200 years.
Day1
Guests are welcomed to Ackergill by a traditional Piper and with a "wee" dram of whisky. Time to settle in and relax into the new luxurious surroundings before enjoying a welcome lunch at the Castle.
Falconry
During the afternoon, there will be time to enjoy a falconry display on the front lawn with the picturesque castle and northern coastline in the background. A spell binding display of some of natures most agile and graceful predators. Learn to fly the birds, appreciate them and if you wish, take them hunting to see them in their true environment.
Private Group Dinner this evening in the dining room in the Tower.
This first evening, we recommend that guests enjoy dinner in the Tower dining room. Ackergill is blessed with the sweetest lamb, the finest cuts of beef and fish direct from the bustling local market of Scrabster. Vegetables & herbs from our own gardens, shell fish from our own creels, wild salmon from our own nets and game from their own guns - venison, duck and goose. And home baking aplenty to tempt you. Retire at leisure.
Day2
Due to the location of Ackergill, in the far north of Scotland, it is possible to make a day trip from here to the Orkney Islands. Quite a magical island and a must see for your guests. Transfer in 4x4 Landrover from Ackergill Tower to John O Groats and sail over to these magical islands. The ferry from John O Groats on mainland Scotland to Stromness sails past the impressive red stone sea-stack of the Old Man of Hoy, then on below the cliffs of St John's Head - the highest vertical cliff in the UK - making this the most dramatic way of reaching Orkney.
On the island a completely bespoke and tailor made programme will be planned for your group where they will visit a variety of historical sites, have lunch together on the island and also enjoy some free time to shop and discover the island at your own pace.
Return on the ferry this evening and transfer back to Ackergill Tower where the group will have time to relax before having dinner in the Treehouse this evening. This evening the groupare in for a truly magical treat, a unique Scottish experience in the heart of the Highlands.
The Treehouse is a truly unique venue for a dinner this evening. The group will enjoy a mouth-watering meal this evening followed by a fun filled and informative whisky tasting of 3 - 4 distinct Scottish whiskies.
Once the guests are all warm and relaxed they can depart the Treehouse with their whisky for the beach - a stones throw from the Treehouse where there will be a roaring hot Bonfire and violin player playing soothing melodies for the group as they enjoy the beautiful views and their nightcap.
Day3
Following a full Scottish breakfast the group will take part in a morning of Highland Games on the Tower grounds. Highland games and arena set in the rolling grounds of your chosen hotel with some beautiful picturesque views. After an energetic morning of activity the group will enjoy a rustic and informal BBQ with a traditional spit roast and beers. After Lunch the group will take part in an afternoon of Adventure on the Tower Grounds starting with 4x4 Safari Adventure followed by Archery.
Time to relax before the final evening programme begins.
At the very heart of Ackergill lies the country's most northerly Opera House, home to perfect acoustics and the sounds of all kinds of music. Opera, of course, classical ensembles, jazz, our own cherished Steinway, 'modern' music and the sounds of traditional Scottish folk - tap your toes and reel with the lassies in a Ceilidh to keep the laughter flowing. Dinner will be served, an excellent traditional 4-courses will be served in the Dining Room including the traditional Scottish dish of Haggis. After dinner enjoy a Ceilidh which involves Highland Dancers coming to dance for the group and entertain them with traditional Scottish Jigs and Reels. However the group will then participate in the dancing themselves learning from the dancers while the Master of Ceremonies calls the dances. There will be a 4-5 piece Ceilidh Band playing for 1-1.5hours while the guests enjoy a truly Scottish Experience. No visit to Ackergill is complete without this night. Highland dancing displayed before Anne guides you all through a few.
Day4
Depending on their method of travel, guests will have some time to relax at the Castle this morning, prior to their return transfers to Wick or Inverness Airport.
Haste ye back!