You can’t bet on the Highland sun but in Beauly, a village in Scotland, medieval monasteries and spectacular wildlife make for a holiday to remember
In scotland, you never have enough time for the beauty around you. Here I was, waking up to the plaintive cries of seagulls at a guesthouse in Inverness one morning when the next beautiful destination, 12 miles away, beckoned. Don, our driver, was waiting for us impatiently as we got into the van and headed for the scenic village of Beauly. On our way, we passed through Lochinver, with its fabulous braes and huge swathes of wilderness. The day before, I had thought that I had seen all there was to of the magnificent Highlands. But the route to Beauly proved me wrong at every corner.

Beauly is a bustling village that should be explored by foot. In the 13th century, Cistercian monks built a priory here, deciding that Beauly was the ideal spot for their secluded meditation and worship. The area’s beauty has even gotten it some royal compliments. In 1564, Mary, Queen of Scots, stopped at Beauly Priory on her way to Easter Ross. Touched by the beauty of the priory, she is reputed to have said in French, “Oui, c’est un beau lieu” (Yes, it is a beautiful place), a pun on the name of the priory.

Beauly’s market square has shops lined with travel rugs or blankets in tartans and check designs in both wool and mohair. You can also stock up on luxurious scarves and sweaters in cashmere and lambswool from well-known brands such as Pringle and Ballentyne. Our genial and witty driver Don regaled us with tales of his childhood in the Trossachs as we drove towards Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

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