Discovering Shakespeare in the Scottish Highlands – Waterside Breaks
The Bard’s works have influenced British culture inexorably over the course of history, and few of his plays are more dramatic than Macbeth, or “The Scottish Play” in thespian circles. Whilst some of the locations mentioned in the play either don’t exist anymore or were totally fictionalised, Scotland and the Scottish Highlands in particular offer an excellent opportunity to explore Macbeth country.
Cawdor Castle in Nairn is one of those places that frequently gets mixed up erroneously with the legend. Whilst Macbeth was Thane of Cawdor, the murder of King Duncan in the play actually took place in nearby Inverness Castle. To further complicate matters, Inverness Castle does exist, but it’s not the same Inverness Castle as the one in the play having been razed and rebuilt several times throughout history.
As well as both castles being well worth a visit, the towns of Nairn and Inverness provide plenty of opportunity for exploration too. Nairn is in fact one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland, relatively speaking, and has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times when holidaymakers flocked to the town for the reputed medicinal qualities of its seawater. Today it is a thriving fishing port, although the harbour nowadays is more geared to tourists and is full of pleasure boats and guided tours of the picturesque surroundings.
Inverness, as the most northerly city in Scotland, is another place worth exploring. It was only granted city status in 2000, and is full of attractions to interest the whole family. From experiencing the thrill of the Highland Games and sampling authentic Scottish culture to reliving the Battle of Culloden, which took place nearby. If you’re particularly lucky, you may even see a school of dolphins frolicking about in the Moray Firth.
The Highlands cover a large area at the northern most tip of mainland Scotland, and provide a great base from which to explore the outlying islands should you find the time. The Hebrides and Orkneys are both steeped in history, with plenty to offer in the way of heritage and culture. The Highlands are full of incredible scenery, and driving through the spectacular glens will be an experience you’ll never forget.
The best way to enjoy the Scottish Highlands in comfort is by staying in one of the wide range of Scottish holiday lodges and Scottish log cabins available at Waterside Breaks. We provide holiday accommodation across the UK from self catering Isle of Wight holidays to Norfolk Broads holidays and more, but our log cabins in Scotland are truly an excellent base from which to enjoy the very best that Scotland has to offer. Have a look round the rest of our site for more information, as well as prices and availability etc.
About Us: Waterside Breaks specialise in waterside holiday cottages & lodges across the UK. Great choice of romantic breaks, fishing breaks and family holidays.
