Ceud Mile Failte (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes)

Cath’s guide to Invergordon

Welcome to Cath’s Guide to Private tours from Invergordon. I was born and bred in the local area and  I’m a member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association.   I’ve been guiding in the Highland area since 2018. I offer two private tours, shore excursions from Invergordon. Heading North following the NC500 to Dunrobin Castle, gardens and falcon show. After we travel to Dornoch with its 13th Century Cathedral. Travelling through Highland hills with magnificent views over the Highland Countryside. The second tour takes you south across the Black isle, to the capital of the Highlands Inverness. Step back in time at Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns before looking for the monster in Loch Ness. I also offer bespoke tours.

Where is Invergordon?

Situated in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland you will find Invergordon. As you arrive by ship you will see the small cottages which were part of its historic port and fishing village. Invergordon sits on the Cromarty Firth, a renowned natural landscape you can spot seals, a plethora of seabirds, and if you are lucky a dolphin or two.

What is Invergordon known for?

In the 1820s the first real harbor was built. During WWI and WWII the port was a major player in defending the North of Scotland from invaders. To give refuge and to help refuel the warships the basin was widened and made deeper to allow access.

Invergordon was at the forefront of the oil industry when oil was found in the North Sea in the 1970s.  Fabricators’ yards were built in Invergordon, Nigg, and at Ardersier. Oil rigs can be viewed in the bay for servicing and decommissioning. Now the oil yards are used to build wind turbines, they generate green energy across Scotland.

How many cruise ships are coming to Invergordon in 2026?

This year we have a total of 95 cruise ships visiting us on the Northeast coast of Scotland. Ships that will visit us include Princess Cruises, TUI Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Regent SS, Windstar and Holland America Line. Bringing us nearly 18,000 visitors and 57,000 crew. Phew, it’s going to be a busy year for us all. For a full cruise ship list for 2026 HERE. Private tour, shore excursions from Invergordon are a popular way to see around the Highlands. Let’s have a look at what you can do on your arrival.

Luxury private car tour from Invergordon

Private Invergordon Shore Excursion Tour

North Tour-Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch & Highland Coastal Scenery

Arriving in Invergordon and looking for dramatic scenery, a fairytale castle, and a relaxed Highland day?

This private shore excursion takes you north along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Scotland — far from the crowds and into landscapes shaped by clan history and nature.

I’ll meet you directly at the port and together we’ll explore the Sutherland coastline in comfort, with time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Tour Highlights

🌄 Struie Hill – “Millionaire’s View”

Pause above the sweeping waters of the Dornoch Firth for one of the Highlands’ most iconic panoramas. It’s the perfect introduction to the vast, open beauty of the north.

🏰 Dunrobin Castle

One of Scotland’s most picturesque castles, with French-inspired turrets and beautifully kept gardens overlooking the sea. Enjoy time to explore the castle interior, wander the formal gardens, and  watch the falconry display.

🌿 Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve

A peaceful coastal reserve rich in birdlife and Highland scenery. We’ll stop for photographs and to take in the quiet beauty of this protected landscape.

⛪ Dornoch Cathedral & Village

Stroll through the charming town of Dornoch, with time to explore the historic cathedral, browse local shops, or enjoy a relaxed lunch.

Why Choose This Tour?

✔ Private vehicle – just you and your party
✔ Direct port pickup in Invergordon
✔ Relaxed pace with flexibility
✔ Local Highland guide born and bred
✔ Guaranteed return to ship on time

This full-day excursion runs approximately 8/9am–4pm (depending on ship arrival), giving you a rich yet comfortable Highland experience before returning safely to port with time to spare.

• Private pickup from the Invergordon cruise terminal
• Scenic drive across the beautiful Highland countryside
• Follow the Cromarty Firth through fishing villages
• Wonder at the fairytale Dunrobin castle, walk through the gardens and enjoy the falcon show
• Travel in the footsteps of Andrew Canrnagie along the Dornich Firth
• Experience the Falls of Shin and the salmon jumping in season
• Explore the charming Highland village of Dornmoch known for its 13 th Centuary Cathedral and golf course

Where Do I meet the guide for the Invergordon Shore Excursion Tour?

Meeting Point:
I will meet you directly outside the Port of Invergordon exit gate, a short walk from the cruise ship shuttle drop-off. Watch my video on social media HERE.

INVERGORDON SHORE EXCURSION (8/9AM–4PM)

Private Invergordon Shore Excursion

South Tour- Culloden, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle with a Local Highland Guide

Arriving in Invergordon and want to experience the real Highlands — without the 40-person coach?

I’ll meet you directly at the port for a relaxed, private day exploring the landscapes and stories that shaped Scotland.

From the harbour we travel through the Highland countryside to:

• Culloden Battlefield – Stand on the site of the last Jacobite Rising and hear the human stories behind the battle.
  • Clava Cairns – Step inside 4,000 years of history at these beautifully preserved standing stones.
  • Cawdor Castle – A romantic Highland castle with gardens and fascinating clan history.

This is a full yet unhurried day, travelling in comfort with time for photographs, questions, and flexibility.

✔ Private vehicle
✔ Local guide with personal Highland insight
✔ Flexible pacing
✔ Guaranteed return to ship with time to spare
✔ Small group – just you and your party

Ideal for couples or small groups seeking a personal Highland experience.

 ✔ Local qualified guide with personal Highland insight

✔ Entrance to Cawdor Castle

✔ Private walking tour of Culloden Battlefield

✔ Private luxury vehicle, leather upholstery

✔ Flexible pacing

✔ Return to ship with time to spare

✔ Small group – just you and your party

What is Invergordon famous for?

Invergordon is famous for its involvement during the two World Wars. On the 30th of December 1915, the Captain of HMS Natal was hosting a film party on board for local dignitaries and the wives and children of the officers. During the afternoon’s entertainment, an internal explosion happened, and the ship sank in five minutes. Various estimates from 390-421 soles were lost. The hull of the ship sat in the entrance to Cromarty Firth and was visible at low tide until the 1970s. To make the passage past the wreck safer some of the ship was salvaged and the rest was blown up.

At the moment our most famous residents are the Stoltman brothers. well-loved local celebrities. The super-fit Tom and Luke Stoltman have held the titles of  World, European, and UK’s strongest men. They have a shop in Invergordon, have a look for it when you are in port, or you can support them by buying their merchandise online. So no nonsense when you are visiting Invergordon, you might bang into the brothers Stoltman!

What’s the story behind all the Invergordon Murals?

Invergordon Highland Games Mural

The Invergordon “Off the Wall” project started in 2002 to celebrate the heritage of Invergordon. You will see murals all over the town with themes such as the Highlands Games, the Pipe Band mural, and the Evolution sculpture. The train station depicts ” The Long Goodbye” paintings of local soldiers leaving for WWII.  The mural portrays the Seaforth Highlanders, 51st Highland Division, and their time in St Valery-en-Caux during the Second World War.  

Invergordon King Street Pipe Band mural

Are there whisky distilleries near the Port of Invergordon?

Built in the 1960s the new Invergordon distillery. It produces a  whisky using grains such as corn or wheat. It is not a single malt distillery, which only uses barley in its production. The plant produces 40 million liters of whisky a year. You will see the bonded warehouses but unfortunately, it is not open to the public.

You may also pass Dalmore Distillery on your private tour it is only 3 miles from Invergordon.

Visit a Highland Malt Distillery

There are two distilleries that you can visit while in Invergordon they are the Singleton at Glen Ord Distillery and Glenmorangie Distillery. We can pop in for a visit on your shore excursion from Invergordon. Let me know if you would like a tour of the distillery with whisky tasting, this can also be organised.

And finally, my top tips for your visit to The Port of Invergordon 2026 are:-

• Plan your private tour of Invergordon before you arrive, the Highlands are busy during the summer months ad ultra-busy on cruise days
• Book a tour if you want to cover everything in the short visit
•  Keep your eye out for wildlife particularly seals, birds of prey, and deer
• Lastly, Come back and spend more time with us in the future