At the Old Inn, winter transforms this traditional Highland inn into the heart of unforgettable Winter Highland Holidays. Throughout the colder months, The Old Inn welcomes expert local artisans and instructors who showcase why the Scottish Highlands are the ultimate destination for unique seasonal experiences. Whether you dream of guided mountaineering across snow-dusted peaks, mastering artisan bread-making and classic pâtisserie, creating stunning Highland floral arrangements, or learning the centuries-old craft of tapestry weaving, there’s something to inspire everyone. Come and discover the Scottish Highlands at their magical winter best – cosy, breathtaking, and brimming with authentic local character.
Bookings for mountaineering are handled directly by Climb Torridon; all other activities via The Old Inn.
Whether you’re taking your very first steps onto a snow-covered Highland peak or you’re an experienced winter mountaineer seeking new challenges, Climb Torridon offers guided courses and bespoke experiences for every level. Based right here at The Old Inn, Gairloch, these Winter Highland Holidays adventures let you explore the dramatic Torridon and Wester Ross mountains in full winter glory – safely, skilfully and breathtakingly.
Spend a delicious day with Benoît Vergels, our hugely talented Belgian master baker, pâtissier and chocolatier. Learn the secrets of perfect artisan breads, light-as-air choux pastry, silky chocolate work, and beautifully decorated sponge cakes. These hands-on classes are relaxed, fun and suitable for enthusiastic home bakers through to confident cooks – you’ll leave with new skills and a box of your own creations.
Discover the elegant art of luxury silk-flower arranging inspired by the wild beauty of Scottish Highland gardens. Guided by a passionate local expert, you’ll create stunning, everlasting arrangements using the finest materials. Perfect for flower lovers and anyone looking for a calm, creative winter activity – take home a beautiful piece that will brighten your home for years to come.
No experience? No problem. These friendly workshops welcome complete beginners alongside those with some weaving knowledge. You’ll be supplied with a ready-warped frame, all tools and gorgeous woollen yarns, and taught step-by-step by an active member of the Highland Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Leave with your own hand-woven piece and the satisfaction of learning a traditional Highland craft.
Add a creative highlight to your Winter Highland Holiday with our Pewter Embossing Workshops – one of the most relaxing Winter Activities at The Old Inn, Gairloch. Join award-winning contemporary artist Jill Holmes (BA Hons Fine Art) for a hands-on session in her signature techniques: embossing and embellishing pewter with gold leaf and gilding waxes, inspired by Gaelic folklore and Celtic imagery. Perfect for complete beginners or seasoned creatives, these inspiring indoor workshops let you craft your own unique keepsake while soaking up the cosy atmosphere of The Old Inn during the quieter winter months.
The ultimate winter warmer and a standout among Winter Activities at The Old Inn: a traditional wood-fired mobile sauna brings authentic Scandinavian fire-and-ice luxury to your Winter Highland Holiday Perched on the shores just moments from The Old Inn, Gairloch, the crackle of the log stove and the rush of a cold plunge in our private pool will leave you exhilarated and utterly relaxed.
For The Old Inn guests: Visit Amanda McIntosh’s Open Studio and pop-up shop on Gairloch Harbour, is just a 5-minute stroll away. Mandy arranges personal openings by appointment – watch her craft botanical illustrations or pottery in a relaxed atmosphere, an informal encounter with a skilled local artisan for creative inspiration.
From complete beginner to experienced artist, enjoy relaxed painting & drawing sessions with local Highland artist Lynn Bennett-Mackenzie. Held in her bright studio or at The Old Inn, these friendly small-group workshops (max 3–4 people) use a variety of quality materials in a supportive atmosphere. With 35 years in Gairloch, Lynn offers fun, tailored tuition – a perfect creative escape.
If you would care to explore further, you will find complete details of each activity set out below.
Spend a rewarding day – or two – in the company of Benoît Vergels, a highly accomplished Belgian master baker, pâtissier and chocolatier with many years’ experience in both professional kitchens and teaching. Benoît’s relaxed yet precise style makes these small-group classes both enjoyable and genuinely instructive, whether you are an enthusiastic home baker or simply wish to spend a pleasurable winter’s day learning new skills.
Classes are held in a comfortable, well-equipped teaching kitchen within The Old Inn, with magnificent views across Loch Gairloch. All ingredients, equipment, refreshments throughout the day and a light lunch of homemade soup with sandwiches are included (except where noted).
Classes are welcoming to all group sizes, from solo participants to small groups, ensuring personalised guidance and a relaxed atmosphere throughout. They make a delightful highlight of any Winter Highland Holiday at The Old Inn, Gairloch, and are popular as gifts.
To check availability and secure your place, please telephone The Old Inn on 01445 712 006 or email info@theoldinn.net. Early booking is recommended.
Spend a relaxing and creative hour with Jackie Dee, founder of Highland Blooms and a long-time Gairloch resident of over forty years. Inspired by the wild beauty of the Wester Ross coastline and the traditional Scottish cottage garden, Jackie will guide you step-by-step as you design and create your own luxurious silk-flower arrangement.
Choose between an elegant vase display or a classic hatbox bouquet. All luxury silk flowers, foliage, tools and containers are provided, together with continual tea and coffee.
Jackie’s passion for flowers began alongside her career in Highland hospitality. In 2019 she launched Highland Blooms, offering beautiful, sustainable and long-lasting silk arrangements that capture the natural grace of Scottish wild gardens. This workshop gives you the opportunity to learn her techniques and take home a stunning, everlasting piece that will bring pleasure for years to come – and all with a clear eco-conscious conscience.
The perfect gentle, creative interlude during your Winter Highland Holiday.
To reserve your place, please telephone The Old Inn on 01445 712 006 or email info@theoldinn.net. Early booking is advised.
Join Sadie Paige for a rewarding day (or two) immersed in the contemplative craft of tapestry weaving. Suitable for complete beginners and for those who already have some experience and wish to refine their technique, this small and supportive class offers the rare opportunity to learn from a highly regarded local weaver in the peaceful surroundings of The Old Inn.
During the workshop Sadie will guide you through the core techniques of tapestry weaving: forming shapes, colour blending, and achieving smooth transitions. You will weave a finished sample approximately 7 cm wide – a perfect size for learning without pressure. A simple design will be provided for those who prefer it, or you may bring sketches or create your own on the day. You are also welcome to bring special yarns of your own should you wish to incorporate them.
By the end of the session your piece will be carefully finished and cut from the frame, ready to take home as a personal keepsake or the start of future projects.
About your tutor
Sadie Paige has been weaving since 2013, training at West Dean College and with leading British tapestry artists including Joan Baxter and Fiona Hutchison. An active member of the Highland Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, she was awarded a Distinction in the Certificate of Achievement in Tapestry Weaving in 2023. Her work is regularly exhibited in the Gairloch area, and she is known for her patient and encouraging teaching style.
A wonderfully mindful way to spend part of your Winter Highland Holiday.
To reserve your place, please telephone The Old Inn on 01445 712 006 or email info@theoldinn.net. Early booking is recommended.
Experience the Torridon mountains at their most majestic in winter with Climb Torridon’s expert-led courses, based just minutes from The Old Inn. Whether you are a complete beginner taking your first steps onto a snow-covered Scottish mountain or an experienced mountaineer seeking challenging ascents of iconic peaks such as Liathach and Beinn Eighe, there is a course perfectly matched to your ability and ambition.
Under the guidance of fully qualified Winter Mountain Leaders and Mountaineering Instructors, you will learn essential skills including ice-axe and crampon use, winter navigation, avalanche awareness, ropework and movement on steeper ground – all delivered with the highest regard for safety in this spectacular and uncrowded Highland landscape. Technical equipment is provided (except boots).
These courses form an outstanding and invigorating element of any Winter Highland Holiday at The Old Inn, Gairloch. For full details, current dates and availability, please visit Climb Torridon – Winter Courses.
To reserve your place, please contact Climb Torridon directly on 07814 822 393 or email info@climbtorridon.co.uk. Early booking is essential.
Enjoy the classic Scandinavian combination of intense heat and cold-water plunge right here in the Highlands, just minutes from The Old Inn.
The perfect way to warm up and relax during your Winter Highland Holiday, whether after a day on the hills or as a stand-alone winter treat.
To book, please telephone The Old Inn on 01445 712 006 or email info@theoldinn.net.
Join contemporary artist Jill Holmes for an inspiring and immersive day of pewter embossing at The Old Inn. These small, supportive workshops are designed for complete beginners as well as those with some prior experience.
During the workshop, you will learn Jill’s specialist embossing techniques to create a unique pewter artwork. You will enhance your design with gold leaf, gilding waxes, and subtle patinas, transforming a simple pewter panel into a striking, finished piece. Each participant receives a picture frame in which to display their completed work, providing a polished conclusion to the creative process.
Jill’s calm, encouraging teaching style ensures that every participant leaves with a completed and personally satisfying piece of artwork.
About your tutor
Jill Holmes is a contemporary artist based in a studio overlooking Loch Ewe and Inverewe Garden. She specialises in embossed pewter reliefs and vibrant printmaking, drawing inspiration from Gaelic folklore and Celtic imagery. Her work has been exhibited widely across the UK, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, and she has undertaken commissions for prestigious organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage.
An ideal indoor activity for a Winter Highland holiday, these workshops offer a rewarding opportunity to create a distinctive, handcrafted artwork while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of The Old Inn.
To reserve your place, please telephone The Old Inn on 01445 712 006 or email info@theoldinn.net. Early booking is strongly recommended due to limited places.
at Gairloch Harbour, near The Old Inn, Gairloch
Exclusive Experiences with Amanda McIntosh, Ceramic Artist & Botanical Illustrator
As a guest at The Old Inn, enjoy an exciting opportunity to visit the open studio and pop-up shop of local ceramic artist and botanical illustrator Amanda McIntosh. Conveniently located on Gairloch Harbour, just a short 5-minute walk from The Old Inn, these personal openings are arranged by appointment, allowing you to observe Mandy at work in her creative space. Whether she’s crafting intricate pottery or delicate botanical illustrations, this informal visit offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process, perfect for art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to see Mandy’s specialist techniques in action. Working with porcelain clay, she hand-builds whimsical and comical characters inspired by local wildlife—such as puffins, seals, sheep, cows, pigs, whales, and octopuses—infusing them with a playful sense of humour. Her botanical illustrations, often incorporated into her ceramic designs, capture the delicate beauty of plants and flowers, drawing from the stunning landscapes of Wester Ross. This relaxed, informal setting allows for engaging conversations about her inspirations, from Gaelic folklore and mythical creatures to the natural wonders of the sea and mountains surrounding Gairloch.
About your artist
Amanda (Mandy) McIntosh is a talented ceramic artist and botanical illustrator based in Gairloch, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. She specialises in sculpting porcelain works that blend the mythical and whimsical, creating pieces that celebrate the beauty and humour in nature through fine craftsmanship and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the local environment— including the dramatic sea, rugged mountains, and rich folklore—Mandy’s creations often feature imaginative interpretations of creatures, such as her iconic "Kelcornopus of Loch Gairloch," a fantastical blend of kelpie, unicorn, and octopus.
In addition to her ceramics, Mandy has a passion for botanical illustration, which she incorporates into her clay designs. She recently completed a diploma in botanical illustration from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and is a member of the Scottish Society of Botanical Artists.
An ideal activity to complement your stay at The Old Inn, these open studio visits provide a rewarding way to connect with local creativity while enjoying the serene harbour setting. Whether it’s a rainy day diversion or a sunny afternoon stroll, it’s a chance to bring a touch of artistic inspiration back from your Highland holiday.
To arrange your personal opening, please telephone The Old Inn on 01445 712 006 or email info@theoldinn.net. Appointments are subject to availability, so early booking is recommended.
Find Amanda at her Open Studio/Pop Up Shop on Gairloch Harbour
Exclusive Creative Sessions with a Prolific Highland Artist
Whether you are keen to improve your drawing and painting skills, explore your creativity in a relaxed setting, or simply enjoy some inspiring company, Lynn Bennett-Mackenzie’s bright and welcoming studio sessions are the perfect creative escape during your stay in Gairloch.
Location: Croit mo Sheanair studio or The Old Inn, Gairloch
Artist: Lynn Bennett-Mackenzie BA (Hons) Fine Art – Painting & Drawing
Experience: Small-group (3–4 people) or one-to-one tuition in a light-filled studio. All materials can be provided (pen & ink, charcoal, watercolour, acrylics, oils) or bring your own favourites. The emphasis is on enjoyment while you learn and grow as an artist.
Lynn is a highly regarded Highland artist with over 35 years’ experience living and working in Gairloch. As well as being a prolific painter, she runs a professional picture-framing business and has extensive tutoring experience, having delivered workshops, artist residencies, and creative projects both locally and internationally.
Her intimate studio comfortably hosts 3–4 guests, making each session personal, supportive, and great fun. A minimum of 2 hours is recommended so you can really settle in and make the most of the time.
Pricing
– Group rate (3–4 persons): £45 per hour
– 2-hour minimum session recommended
This is a wonderful rainy-day (or sunny-day!) activity and a lovely way to bring home your own Highland-inspired artwork as a unique souvenir of your stay.
To book your session or to find out about regular Open Studio days, please contact Lynn directly:
Email: lynnbmack@gmail.com
Phone: 01445 712 389
Mobile: 07917 875648
Website: www.lynnbmackartist.co.uk
