Scottish Highlander
- capacity
- 8
- year built
- 1931
- remodeled
- 2000
- crew members
- 5
- length
- 117 feet
- beam
- 16 feet
- cruising speed
- 7.5 knots (max)
The 8-guest Scottish Highlander barge welcomes her guests to Scotland’s Highlands with an atmosphere of a comfortable country house adorned with subtle tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. Voyage through the Great Glen aboard this spacious and warm floating hotel, complete with a well-stocked whiskey bar and gourmet gastronomic delights paired with fine wines to delight while cruising through the Caledonian Canal.
Scottish Highlander Barge Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Scottish Highlander review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Please read our Scottish Highlander barge review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Scottish Highlander with other small cruise ships and yachts offering small ship cruises in Northern Europe.
Choose the Scottish Highlander barge if you are seeking a classic Scottish country house feel with an intimate guest count and culinary delights. This hotel barge offers wonderful river, canal and loch cruising and dually provides excellent opportunities for walking and biking along the way. This Scottish hotel barge is also an excellent option for private charter cruises, with themes including whiskey, golf, horse-riding, fishing and family cruises, or customize your own itinerary.
Common Areas Aboard Scottish Highlander
With warm wooden mahogany interiors and woven Scottish tartans, the Scottish Highlander’s cozy spaces ensure guests feel right at home. Her welcoming saloon features rich-colored wooden paneling, large picture windows and comfortable leather Chesterfield sofas to relax in, perhaps with a mellow single malt whiskey from the well-stocked bar. The comfortable, enclosed observation area behind the wheelhouse enables protected views of the passing scenery, as well as the ability to chat with the captain about life on the Caledonian Canal and its interconnecting lochs. The captain may even share insights into using the ship’s compass, depth sounder and chart plotter. The forward, exterior sun deck area provides additional seating and far-reaching views of the rugged highland landscape.
Dining Aboard Scottish Highlander
All eight guests may dine together with open seating at the casual yet classy dining table. While the ambiance is relaxed and informal, the gourmet fare and wine pairings ensure daily culinary delights. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare, with the creative chef preparing fresh dishes using locally sourced game and beef, wild salmon and seafood paired with a selection of fine international wines. Many allergies and special diets such as vegetarian, vegan and no fish may be accommodated with advanced notice.
Most meals offer a set menu highlighting both international and traditional Scottish fare. Breakfast may feature a full Scottish cooked meal or continental-style options such as toast, fruit, cereals, fruit juices, tea and coffee. Lunch usually consists of a light meal with salads, pates and fish dishes, and the occasional outdoor picnic. Lunch may offer a 3-course sit-down affair, or hot soups on colder days. Dinner is always a gastronomic adventure with a taste of regional cuisine by candlelight, harmonizing food and good wines, followed by a selection of regional cheeses, coffee and liqueurs.
Non-alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea are included, with a Nespresso Coffee machine offering an a la carte menu of specialty coffees. Additionally, the well-stocked bar is open 24 hours, with all-included wines, spirits, beers, soft drinks and a wide range of Scottish single malt whiskies. All house wines are provided with meals and guests may enjoy a champagne welcome on arrival.
Activities Aboard Scottish Highlander
This Scottish hotel barge carries umbrellas as well as four general purpose and four folding bikes on board. Children’s bikes, helmets and child bike seats can be arranged with advanced notice. Bicycles are available almost anytime, to explore the countryside while the ship slowly meanders the Caledonian Canal or while the barge is stationary. Cycle the towpath alongside the hotel barge, or go farther inland on researched routes with a written guide, knowing the ship will arrange to meet up in a designated place. Onboard entertainment options include a small library of books and maps, a collection of board games, binoculars for birding, a stereo system with CDs and WiFi access via personal devices.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Scottish Highlander
The Scottish Highlander barge offers accommodation for eight guests in three staterooms and one junior suite, each one centrally heated plus a cooling fan and en suite facilities. Choose between two twin beds or one double bed. Each cabin’s bathroom offers a shower, wash-basin, toilet, heated towel rack, 110v shaver socket, towels, hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, hair dryers, slippers, bathrobes and an air extractor fan (except the Cameron Suite which has a porthole).
