The Tannochbrae

30/06/2025

Discovering Dovecotes in the Scottish Landscape

Tucked into the grounds of Ballindalloch Castle Estate sits a fine example of a dovecote, a structure once common across rural Scotland. These buildings, often circular or square with tiny openings and ledges, were used to house pigeons and doves.

Historically, dovecotes were a sign of status and prosperity. The birds were kept for their meat, feathers, and fertiliser, with each nesting niche carefully designed for access and protection. You’ll spot them in estates and farmland across the region, many still standing centuries later.

Next time you come across a small, tower-like building with narrow openings high on its walls, take a closer look, as you may have found a piece of agricultural history.

27/06/2025

At The Tannochbrae, your stay is more than a booking, it’s a home away from home, in the heart of whisky country.

We welcome groups of up to 12 guests across five spacious en-suite bedrooms. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a full week with friends for a short break, you’ll enjoy complete access to the entire property. We offer:

✓ Self-catering or full-service options
✓ Cosy lounge with log fire
✓ Well-equipped modern kitchen and dining room
✓ Optional breakfast hampers, Private whisky bar
✓ Laundry area, drying room, and outdoor space
✓ Free Wi-Fi and central Dufftown location
✓ Rich whisky heritage

From a relaxed retreat to an activity-filled adventure, The Tannochbrae offers a flexible, comfortable base tailored to you, so that you can have Your Stay – Your Way.

Best deals are available when booking direct, discover more at tannochbrae.co.uk

25/06/2025

Speyside is home to more distilleries than anywhere else in Scotland, but where should you start?

Our latest blog post offers practical insights to help you plan a rewarding whisky trip, from how many tastings to book in a day to the importance of pre-booking or the best times of the year to visit.

If you're considering visiting this special part of the Highlands, our guide is the perfect first step. Read the full post: https://tannochbrae.co.uk/a-guide-to-touring-speyside-distilleries/

Discover the best walks and hikes in and around Speyside, from scenic riverside trails like the Speyside Way to dramatic hill climbs like Ben Rinnes.

23/06/2025

Experience a unique evening with Shakespeare on the lawn of Cawdor Castle this summer. Against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most picturesque estates, the Cawdor open-air theatre returns in 2025 with two enchanting evenings:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Saturday, 12 July at 6:30 pm, performed by the energetic Three Inch Fools

Much Ado About Nothing on Thursday 28 August at 6:30 pm, brought to life by the bicycle-powered HandleBards

Bring your own blankets, cushions or camping chairs, prepare for all weathers, and settle in for a magical evening of drama and laughter in true Highland fashion.

With performances just a short drive from The Tannochbrae, this is a memorable way to spend an evening during your stay. Reserve your seats via Cawdor Castle’s ticket portal, and enjoy a summer night to remember.
https://cawdorcastle.digitickets.co.uk/category/33647?navItem=640519

20/06/2025

Cosy lounge room with an open fire, generous space, and everything you need for a comfortable stay in the heart of whisky country, this review by Sebastian captures the spirit of The Tannochbrae beautifully.

Whether you're here to explore distilleries, hike through glens, or simply unwind, The Tannochbrae offers a welcoming base from which to enjoy the best that Speyside has to offer.

Plan your own Highland weekend whisky getaway, any time of year, by contacting us via our website, email, phone or social media.

18/06/2025

A Whisky Lover’s Guide to Touring Speyside Distilleries: What to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to whisky country? Whether it’s your first distillery tour or your fiftieth, our latest blog post answers the big questions, from how to choose the right distillery to what to expect on a connoisseur tour. Full of insider tips and local knowledge, it's your guide to making the most of your time visiting distilleries in Speyside and beyond.

Read the full blog: https://tannochbrae.co.uk/a-guide-to-touring-speyside-distilleries/

16/06/2025

This June, enjoy an intimate evening of classical music in the elegant setting of Brodie Castle. These special recitals offer a rare chance to hear a grand piano played in the castle’s historic drawing room.

Renowned pianist Janusz Piotrowicz will perform a handpicked selection of works by great composers, including Chopin, Liszt, Mozart, and others, on Brodie’s original 19th-century Blüthner piano, renowned for its warm, expressive tone.

An inspiring addition to any Highland escape, these performances are a unique way to experience both Scotland’s cultural heritage and timeless music in a truly memorable setting.

The concerts take place on 23rd and 24th June at 7 PM, tickets and event details are available via the National Trust for Scotland website and Eventbrite.
https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/highly-acclaimed-pianist-janusz-piotrowicz-at-brodie-castle
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/janusz-piotrowicz-midsummer-evening-piano-recitals-tickets-1360241080689

13/06/2025

A quiet structure in a remote glen. A stone silhouette against moorland or mountainside. If you’ve spent time walking in Scotland, you’ve likely seen a bothy.

These humble shelters are dotted across the Highlands and beyond. They are simple, often unmanned buildings open to all who need a dry place to rest while exploring the wilder parts of the country.

Used respectfully, bothies are a treasured part of Scotland’s outdoor culture. There’s no electricity, running water or booking system, just a roof, four walls, and a quiet welcome to those hiking through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the landscape.

They’re also wonderfully photogenic. Their solitude and setting often speak volumes about the scale and mystery of the land around them.

Planning a walking trip during your stay with us? Please let us know, and we’ll be happy to point you in the direction of some of Speyside’s best hiking trails. We recently covered them in one of our latest blog posts which you can find here: https://tannochbrae.co.uk/a-walkers-guide-to-speyside-hikes-glens-and-whisky-trails/

11/06/2025

Planning a longer stay, arriving mid-adventure, or just caught in one of our famous Scottish rains? At The Tannochbrae, guests have full access to laundry facilities to keep things comfortable, no matter the weather.

Whether you’re hiking the glens, golfing the local fairways, biking across Speyside or simply making the most of the seasons, you’ll find a well-equipped utility area with a washing machine, tumble dryer, and outdoor drying line. There’s space indoors too for wet gear, from the foyer to the boiler room.

As a guest, whether for a self-catering or fully serviced stay, you have full, private and exclusive access to the kitchen, lounge, dining, and laundry spaces, just one more way we ensure you feel at home during your stay.

For more practical details to help plan your stay, visit our FAQ: https://tannochbrae.co.uk/faq/

09/06/2025

Located just outside Forres, a 45-minute drive from us here at The Tannochbrae, Benromach Distillery offers a unique take on Speyside whisky, crafted by hand, deliberately traditional, and just a little off the well-worn trail.

Mitch from CopperCairn, picked Benromach as one of his personal favourites to visit in our recent interview, and for good reason. While it carries the Speyside name, Benromach’s spirit has a subtle smokiness that sets it apart, alongside the depth and balance that whisky lovers travel here to experience.

For example, a popular expression, the Benromach 10 Year Old, offers:
Nose – Soft smoke, green apple, and malt
Palate – Rich sherry notes, spice, and just a touch of peat
Finish – Long and warming, with a gentle, smoky sweetness

The distillery itself is small, characterful, and beautifully run—a worthwhile stop for those seeking flavour, craft, and a slower pace of whisky-making.

Read more of Mitch’s recommendations for your Speyside visit in our latest interview:
https://tannochbrae.co.uk/behind-the-dram-interview-with-coppercairns-mitch-bechard/

06/06/2025

This month, we’re raising a glass to one of Speyside’s understated gems: the Flora & Fauna release from Dailuaine Distillery – Mitch’s pick in his recent interview with us.

Tucked just off the main whisky trail, Dailuaine is a distillery with quiet heritage and a loyal following. Established in 1852, it was one of the first in the region to incorporate a pagoda roof for improved malting – and while much of its spirit goes into blends, its single malt bottlings are always worth discovering.

The Flora & Fauna edition is a perfect example, and one of our favourites:
Nose: Malty richness with notes of dried fruit, stewed apple, and gentle smoke
Palate: Full-bodied and rounded, with spice, sherry-soaked oak, and subtle herbal depth
Finish: Long and warming, with a dry nuttiness that lingers

To learn more about Mitch’s connection to Speyside and his thoughts on whisky, read the full interview here: https://tannochbrae.co.uk/behind-the-dram-interview-with-coppercairns-mitch-bechard/

04/06/2025

We're delighted to have been featured in the Press and Journal, sharing the story of The Tannochbrae's journey from Dufftown's original doctor’s surgery to the warm, welcoming guesthouse it is today.

With its 1872 staircase and lovingly preserved entrance floors, The Tannochbrae blends historic charm with modern comforts, and we’re proud to carry its story forward with care and character.

You can read the full article here:
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/moray/6753290/dufftown-tannochbrae-guest-house