Season of Stillness

Experience the heart of the Scottish Highlands with a winter stay at Forter Castle

As winter settles into the Highlands, the journey to Forter itself becomes part of the magical experience. As you get closer to the castle, the road narrows and the hills rise and suddenly there it is - solid and storied, with its commanding presence.

You pull into the grounds and the stones crunch under the tyre, signalling a shift from movement to stillness, and from noise to calm. Early February is a deeply grounding time to retreat to Forter Castle, where the expansive and atmospheric energy of the region is in contrast to the stuffy, stifled energy across cities in winter.

The heavy door creaks open and you are welcomed with a small taste of the treasures dotted throughout the residence. The thick stone floor rises towards the Great Hall, while to the left is an intimate Chapel, with a kitchen and informal dining area beyond.

Walls within hold warmth as the fire in the main living area crackles into the evening, each room inviting you to slow down and settle in. The Glen stretches in all directions with picture-perfect views to be appreciated from each and every widow.

What's on in February

For those drawn to the outdoors, Glen Isla is rife with quiet trails and wide-open views. Elsewhere in Scotland, the season is alive with cultural energy.

February brings the Six Nations Championship, filling pubs and gathering spaces with shared anticipation and celebration - a perfect complement to evenings back at the castle. Further west, the Fort William Mountain Festival showcases Scotland’s mountaineering spirit with talks, films and stories inspired by winter landscapes much like those which surround the grounds of Forter.

Forter Castle invites you to step into the calm of winter in the Highlands. Surrounded by timeless landscapes, it offers a storybook setting for family escapes, intimate gatherings, or just time to simply - be.