FIRST JOURNEYS - THE HIGHLANDS TRAIL- PIN 06 OF 22
ARCTURUS GIN, Torridon, North West Highlands
A JOURNEY EXPLORING THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND
Our next stop takes us back to the mainland, but this time we're looking upwards.
Away from the glow of Scotland's cities, the dark skies of the North West Highlands offer some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities in the country. Here, amongst mountains, lochs and vast open landscapes, the stars feel closer—and one in particular inspired today's gin.
Arcturus is one of the brightest stars visible from Earth, found within the constellation of Boötes. Its name is linked to the ancient Greek word for "guardian of the bear", but across different cultures it has gathered many stories and associations. In local Highland folklore, its appearance in the night sky has been connected with the changing seasons and the behaviour of the red deer that roam these landscapes.
This seemed the perfect inspiration for Arcturus Gin, created as a tribute to the place where it was born: The Torridon Resort, a spectacular estate set across 58 acres of Highland parkland overlooking a sea loch.
Launched in 2017, Arcturus Gin captures the character of the Torridon landscape through locally inspired botanicals, including Scots lovage, bilberries, rowanberries and kelp.
These ingredients are foraged or grown on the estate, creating a spirit that reflects the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains, forests and coastline.
The gin is currently distilled in partnership with Dunnet Bay Distillers, before returning to Torridon as a celebration of this extraordinary corner of Scotland.
The Torridon estate itself is a destination worth discovering. With its dramatic scenery, historic charm and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect escape for a Highland adventure—whether you're staying for a weekend, enjoying afternoon tea, or simply stopping to take in the view.
From ancient landscapes to celestial inspiration, Arcturus Gin is a reminder that sometimes the best stories begin by simply looking up.
For today's cocktail, I wanted something that captured the magic of the night sky: the Blue Negroni.
Made with:
- 50ml Arcturus Gin
- 50ml Bitter Bianco
- 50ml Fino Sherry
- 10ml Blue Curaçao
- 10ml Cranberry Juice
Finished with an orange rose garnish, this colourful twist on a classic Negroni is a tribute to the deep blue Highland skies and the star that inspired the bottle.