July 2018, London: For families seeking the great outdoors, Shieldaig Lodge is a quintessential Highland retreat perfectly situated for exploring the north coast of Scotland. Set within 26,000 acres and boasting access to a number of country pursuits suitable for all ages, the renovated Victorian hunting lodge is in the ideal location for memorable family adventures.

Loch to Plate

For a family bonding and educational experience, Shieldaig Lodge offers guests the opportunity to spend the day aboard a fishing boat to catch their supper. Guided by local fisherman Iain McWhinney, the day begins on Dry Island in the Bay of Badachro. Iain combines fishing with a guided historic tour of the bay. Families can help bring in the catch of the day, including crab, langoustine and lobster before returning to Shieldaig Lodge where the hotel's chefs will whip up a five-course seafood feast featuring your catch.

The Shellfish Gastro Experience at Shieldaig Lodge is priced at £15 per child and £100 per adult. For more information, please visit: http://www.shieldaiglodge.com/attractions/fishing.

Family Falconry Hour

Run in partnership with Falconry Scotland, the Falconry Centre at Shieldaig Lodge is situated at the Estate's picturesque Stone Farm Cottage, once the gardener's cottage and offers bespoke falconry experiences to both hotel guests and non-residents, designed to appeal to all ages.

Families are able to enjoy a private falconry experience which includes handling and interacting with the beautiful birds at the Falconry Centre. Whilst observing birds soar through the sky, a falconer is on hand to teach children and parents about the history of game-hawking and to explain the differences and similarities between the birds of prey and raptors. Family Hour also offers guests the chance to fly a raptor and owl at the end of the experience.

The Family Falconry Hour at Shieldaig Lodge is priced at £18. for one hour, based on two adults and two children. Additional adults are priced at £55 and additional children are priced at £35. For more information, please visit: http://www.shieldaiglodge.com/attractions/falconry.

Highland Hikes and Seaglass Searching

The Estate offers plenty of walking and hiking options, and a variety of nearby beaches, lochs and munros to visit.

Starting and ending at Shieldaig Lodge, the mystically named Fairy Lochs hike is a highlight. The 3.75 mile meandering hill walk leads to a viewpoint of the lochs and moorlands that surround Shieldaig Lodge. Also situated within the Loch is as the Liberator crash bomber site and memorial dating from June 1945 which is left unspoilt and still has a propeller in view.

Both Faraway and Opian beach are short distances from Shieldaig Lodge, turning a stroll along the beach into a treasure hunt, searching for seaglass gems, pebbles and shells.

Pony Trekking

To provide  a different way to explore Red Point beach, Shieldaig Lodge has partnered with neighbouring Gairloch Trekking Centre to offer all ages and abilities the chance to traverse horseback along the Estate's beaches and highlands on native ponies and horses.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gairlochtrekkingcentre.co.uk.

After a day of exploring the best of the West Highlands, families can retreat back to Shieldaig Lodge and spot wildlife from the comfort of the hotel. Guests can spot sea lions, dolphins, herons, pine marten and, of course Highland cows. Binoculars and telescopes are available in the lounge to enhance the experience for adults and little ones alike.

With its spacious relaxation areas that lend themselves to curling up with a novel, playing board games with the family or simply taking in soaring views of the rugged Scottish landscape, Shieldaig Lodge is an idyllic spot to make memories and reflect on family adventures.

Room rates at Shieldaig Lodge are from £150 per room, per night including breakfast. For further information about Shieldaig Lodge and for reservations: www.shieldaiglodge.com

ENDS

Shieldaig Lodge, Scottish Highlands

Celebrated for its stunning scenery, delicious locally sourced food and access to exhilarating country pursuits including deer stalking, hiking and falconry, Shieldaig Lodge overlooking Shieldaig Bay in the Scottish Highlands offers the ultimate country escape. The picturesque village of Gairloch is home to the 19th century former Victorian hunting lodge which has been lovingly transformed into a splendid country house hotel set within a 26,000 acre estate. With 12 recently renovated rooms including an exclusive suite offering spectacular loch-side views and a restaurant and bar serving local game, fresh seafood and over 300 whiskies, Shieldaig is ideally placed for those seeking a luxurious yet laidback rural escape. In addition to outdoor activities and fine dining, guests can enjoy Shieldaig Lodge's spacious relaxation areas, perfect for curling up with a novel, playing board games with the family or simply taking in soaring views of the rugged Scottish landscape.