A 12-passenger hotel barge ‘Spirit of Scotland’ will join the European Waterways’ fleet in June this year and cruise through the very heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Cruising sedately past stunning scenery on the Caledonian Canal and the lochs of the Great Glen, the 6-night itineraries will appeal to individual travellers, or to family charters and special interest groups, such as golfers, walkers, foodies, or whisky connoisseurs.

The journey from Banavie to Muirtown, or vice versa, will include escorted tours to the Glen Ord whisky distillery; the ancient castles of Eilean Donan and Macbeth’s seat of Cawdor; and the Culloden Moor battlefield.

The Spirit of Scotland’s interior features bright and spacious saloon and dining areas, with picture windows; separate bar; and six double, or twin-bedded, air-conditioned, en-suite staterooms. Outside there is an aft deck with a covered dining terrace and heated spa pool plus a full-length upper sun deck – all conducive to viewing the impressive, breath-taking scenery.

Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways, said: ”Our existing Scottish itineraries have proved so popular, that we are delighted we can now offer the choice of two hotel barges in this region, the ‘Sprit of Scotland’ and our existing vessel, the 8-passenger ‘Scottish Highlander’ with its more country-house atmosphere. In just one trip on either barge, our guests experience both loch and canal cruising and the very best of Scottish hospitality, history and scenery.”