Scotland’s private estates: Highlands and islands

The ultimate destination for a celebration, wellness & adventure

Our knowledge of the dramatic geography and off-market properties in our own back yard has seen us organise some of Scotland’s most epic private getaways, from its magnificent Highlands to its serene islands.

We’ve seen guests stay in romantic castles and 19th-century country manors, where 12,000 private acres of wild island were the backdrop to scallop foraging led by world-class chefs and custom buggy race courses on remote beaches accessed only by heli.

Throughout, having your own private estate not only means the ultimate in private seclusion, but a blank canvas for us to build your perfect trip. That could be an Olympian-hosted wellness retreat for a private group event or the definitive Scottish ceilidh party for family-and-friends celebrations – held between epic white-sand beach setups and top, privatised whisky distilleries.

All media taken on Cookson Adventures trips

Henry Cookson is one of the most important names in adventure travel, thanks to his extraordinary expeditions combining unique destinations and singular hospitality

Autumn 2023

Unique drink & dining setups

From special tastings in leading whisky distilleries to foraging for cocktails, wild dining in a forest bothy and throwing an epic bagpipe-serenaded ceilidh, we can create some truly special setups for your group.

World-class accommodation

Adorned in history and tradition, Scotland’s opulent offerings range from Michelin-starred country houses and majestic Highland manors to romantic castles and mansions. Expect private wilderness reserves paired with fully staffed exclusivity, evident across the likes of croquet lawns, whisky libraries and some of the world’s best golf courses.

Island hopping by heli & RIB

Whether by air or by sea, Scotland’s Hebridean archipelago is something of a hidden gem of secret golden beaches and wild formations. Hopping between islands by RIB or heli, take in the sky-high views of its most dangerous whirlpool, meet the elusive puffins on the Isle of Skye or fly out to a custom-made treasure hunt in the grounds of a nature reserve.

Scotland by water

With its world-famous lochs, rivers and cragged coastline, Scotland is the perfect playground for offshore adventure seekers. Paddle out by SUP or kayak to sea-stranded lighthouses and seal-studded coves. Go diving with basking sharks or playful pods of dolphins. And, cast out for pollock and brown trout in your estate’s very own mountain loch.

Overland adventures

Scotland’s rugged forest wilds and rolling hills make for a stunning backdrop to adventures, animated as they are by the likes of stags and golden eagles. It could be scaling a national park in a fleet of Land Rovers or searching for Scotland’s Big Five on ranger-led re-wilding projects. Then, there’s e-biking to coastal viewpoints, luxury camping on tiny islands and learning key survival skills with the experts on a wilderness bushcraft course.

Adrenaline fun

Try your hand at a series of hot-shot activities, from archery and axe throwing to soaring sky-high by paramotor above your estate’s dramatic geography. We can even bring in powerful rage buggies to race on a custom-made beach course, created just for you.

Country pursuits

Enjoy iconic estate activities like clay pigeon shooting and trainer-led rifle practice. We can also organise photography deer stalking sessions with conservationists – a vital part of the local environmental efforts which helps monitor the country’s precious ecosystems.

Special wellness setups

Scotland’s island and highland wilds are all the perfect platform for mindful and restorative group stays. From qigong and yoga to meditation and breathwork, we can bring in the very best experts to create the ultimate wellness retreat in your estate’s private grounds.

A Cookson favourite for truly special escapes over the years, Scotland’s contrast of wild allure and its resplendent private estates make it the ideal playground for off-the-grid adventure in comfort.

Hop from one extraordinary island to another with private boats and helis on standby – both the perfect gateway to private wild campouts, personal-chef picnic dinners and custom treasure hunts that take over an entire 23,000-acre nature reserve.

Then, return each evening to some of the world’s most impressive stately homes. We’ve got access to a range of unique off-market properties, from Palladian mansions for a couple’s wellness retreat to a centuries-old Highland house for a group party, set to privileged views of neighbouring Balmoral Castle.

Days are then spent paddling by SUP to sea-straddled seal colonies and lighthouses, enjoying forest bushcraft survival courses or tasting whiskies in special island setups and privatised distilleries.

There’s even the option to take over an entire private estate. With thousands of acres to play with, you might want us to throw an elegant bonfire party on the beach by night and create a wellness programme by day, designed for you by world-class specialists. In the past, we’ve brought in the head of performance of a top F1 team.