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Offered languages
- English
Step into the shadows of Scotland’s mysterious past on this Enchanted Witches Tour — the first of its kind in the Highlands, exploring the real stories of those accused of witchcraft, the landscapes that shaped their fate, & the legacy they left behind.
This unforgettable full-day tour is steeped in history, folklore, & spiritual tradition. Journey from Inverness through the Black Isle & Easter Ross to Dornoch, visit atmospheric sites like the Clootie Well, Chanonry Point, & the Witches’ Stone, where Janet Horne, the last person in Britain executed for witchcraft met her tragic end.
Walk beneath trees hung with offerings, hear the tale of the Brahan Seer, & stand before Dornoch Cathedral, where centuries-old power & persecution once converged. Optional stops at the Historylinks Museum and Rebel Row connect past & present, showing how Scotland is beginning to honour those once forgotten.
This tour honours real lives, real women, & the fears & beliefs that shaped their world.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We offer pickup from any accommodation in Inverness and nearby, plus the Invergordon cruise ship port. For Cruise Passengers: You’ll need to take the shuttle bus from the port to Quay West (next to King Street), where I’ll meet you. It’s a short 200-yard walk to the vehicle. At tour’s end, I’ll drop you back at Quay West for the shuttle to your ship. Tours are scheduled to return at least one hour before your ship’s departure to ensure a timely return.
I can meet guests at Ardross Street next to the cathedral in Inverness if you don’t want me to pick you up from your accommodation / if you don’t have accommodation. The drop off point can be different to the collection point if required. Please send me a message to confirm the details beforehand.
Itinerary
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1
Nestled in a quiet woodland glade, the Clootie Well is a centuries-old healing spring where visitors tie strips of cloth — known as cloots — to the surrounding trees while making a prayer or wish. This sacred site blends ancient highland pagan practices with later Christian traditions, believed to bring healing and spiritual cleansing. Each cloot represents a plea for wellness, left to slowly decay in the elements — a symbol of the ailment fading as the cloth breaks down. If bringing your own offering, please ensure it is biodegradable, as folklore holds that the ritual only works if the cloot naturally returns to the earth. This is a deeply atmospheric and spiritual stop, where nature, belief, and tradition intertwine.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Learn the eerie tale of Kenneth Mackenzie, the legendary Brahan Seer. This coastal viewpoint is famed for two things: regular dolphin sightings and one of Scotland’s most famous prophets — Kenneth Mackenzie, known as the Brahan Seer. Legends say he had the Second Sight and he foreseen many dark events and royal secrets, his fate mirrors that of many Highland mystics labelled as witches, some of which are claimed to have come true. For his predictions, he was accused of witchcraft and executed by burning at this very spot.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
A quick stop off to browse this magical emporium of herbal remedies, crystals, candles, smudging tools, natural skincare, and spiritual jewellery. A haven for those interested in traditional and spiritual healing practices.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Visit the somber stone marking the execution site of Janet Horne, the last woman legally put to death for witchcraft in Scotland in 1727. Hear the story of Janet Horne and how she came to her tragic fate.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Dornoch Cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is central to the town’s religious and legal past. Though the current building has undergone restoration, the grounds may have hosted elements of Janet Horne’s trial, lending a sombre context to its serene beauty. Its stained glass, tombs, and towering presence stand in contrast to the brutal executions carried out nearby, making this a moving and thought-provoking visit.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Optional visit - Dive deeper into the story of Janet Horne and Dornoch. This small but rich museum offers a powerful exhibit on Janet Horne’s story and local context of the witch trials. Includes displays, documents, and artefacts from Dornoch’s past
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7
Lunch at Greens restaurant (optional - recommended to pre-book). Dine in the historic Old Courthouse. Inside, you’ll find a mural honouring Janet Horne alongside other notable people — a meaningful tribute to the local history, though the building post-dates the actual witch trials. Fresh, local menu with vegan, GF and child-friendly options. Lunch not included in the price of the tour.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
8
Browse the powerful Witches of Scotland tartan collection, designed to honour the memory of those persecuted. This boutique also carries unique feminist apparel and accessories. Learn about the tartan’s origin and browse scarves, sashes, and accessories. End the journey back in Inverness, where you can reflect on the stories of strength, survival, and sorrow woven through Highland history.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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