The Highland Lassie

• Sleeps: 10
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 5.5
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

In a former life, The Highland Lassie was a sturdy fishing trawler: expertly crafted in Ireland back in 1980, with decades of faithful toil to her name.

Although many similar fishing boats were broken up in the years that passed, there was something special about this one. In the mid-2010s she was purchased by a dedicated couple, who skilfully and painstakingly transformed her into a unique and luxurious floating retreat.

Resplendent with charm, character, and expert craftsmanship, The Highland Lassie can now be found on the shimmering Caledonian Canal, just outside Inverness at Dochgarroch for abundant culture and shopping, yet surrounded by Highland nature at its purest.

Hewn from windblown Highland oak, her cosy interiors also reflect a deep connection to the area, for a rich sense of heritage. The snacks and amenities you’ll discover on board have all been sourced locally, while the spacious lounge features comfy Harris Tweed chairs to relax in.

Five elegant en-suite cabins sleep up to 10 guests in total (you will have the option of a three-cabin stay for smaller groups, or full hire) making The Highland Lassie an ideal escape for families and groups of friends. Four cabins feature double beds, and one single bunk beds, all dressed in luxury linens for sound nights of slumber.

Each cabin is also furnished with fresh towels and indulgent toiletries, along with tea and coffee-making facilities to aid lazy mornings and dreamy afternoons with a good book – perhaps read outside, on one of the scenery-showcasing private decks.

Sociable spaces include an opulent Captain’s Table dining area for celebratory feasts whipped up in ‘Gaby’s Galley’ – the well-equipped, commercial-grade kitchen named after one half of the couple who transformed The Highland Lassie into the incredible retreat she is today.

At a glance

• A luxury, expertly-crafted vessel moored on the Caledonian Canal at Dochgarroch, close to Inverness in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
• Five elegant cabins (4 double, 1 bunk) sleep up to 10 guests, each with en-suite shower facilities.
• Book a three-cabin stay for smaller groups, or full hire.
• There is a full commercial-grade galley kitchen and Captain’s Table dining area for celebratory feasts, with generous private decks for morning coffee.
• The canal towpath leads straight to Inverness, and there is a wealth of shops, pubs, and family-friendly attractions in easy reach.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Large Groups

More information

If you can bear to disembark, there’s plenty to see, do, and discover in this intriguing part of the world. Since Dochgarroch is right at the head of Loch Ness, you could start with a search for the elusive monster!

Part of a Scheduled Ancient Monument, this stretch of canal includes a towpath that leads straight into Inverness – perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists – with plenty of wildlife and boats to spot along your way.

Of course, you’ll find a plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants in Inverness to reward all that energy expenditure. The owners recommend An Talla (Gaelic for “the gathering place”); a traditional Scottish craft shop and café situated along the towpath, just opposite Jacobite Cruises for enchanting sailing trips on the loch. Other highlights include The Castle Tavern for excellent fish and chips, or The Black Isle Bar and Rooms, for a cold craft beer in their secret rooftop garden.

There’s plenty of family-friendly attractions in easy reach, too, including animal encounters at Farm Ness, dolphin-spotting at Moray Firth, and immersive castle visits, for a fun-filled stay everyone will want to repeat!

Things to note

The boat has five en-suite cabins in total: you will have the option of booking a three-cabin stay for smaller groups, or full hire. Please take care when embarking and disembarking the vessel. While the boat is moored for holiday stays at present, the owners will soon be expanding into holiday cruises through Scotland’s waterways – please enquire with them for more information. Smoking on board and swimming in the canal are prohibited.