Local Lens: A brothers’ guide to Scotland with Colin and Ewan McGregor

Hollywood actor, UNICEF ambassador and director, Ewan McGregor and his former pilot brother, Colin reconnect in Scotland against the backdrop of the Cairngorms’ lush mountains, shimmering lochs, and the majestic trees of the Hermitage forest.

First stop along the epic road trip is the Newtonmore Grill Truckstop. Locally known as “the best kept secret in the Highlands,” the no-fuss, no-frills café is a scenic spot to fill up on haggis lasagne, with a strong cup of tea. An excellent meal before an exciting, winding adventure.

For a gentle hike, the brothers explore The Hermitage, a forest woodland in Perthshire, with staggeringly tall trees, a medieval history, and Ossian’s Hall folly overlooking the Black Linn waterfall.

As all explorers know, you should always pack a snack. In preparation for a bigger hike in the Cairngorms mountain range, Colin and Ewan stop off at the Aran Bakery in Dunkeld, a bright and airy foodie magnet on the charming Atholl Street, opposite The Scottish Deli, a great place to eat before hiking in the Highlands. They fill their bags with a perfect adventurer’s lunch: a sausage roll and two sandwiches, one venison, one smoked trout.

Now that the packed lunch is sorted, the second hike can begin. As Ewan says, “Scotland has the most beautiful scenery. There’s something about the air, color, and remoteness of it all.” Nowhere can this be more felt than the Cairngorms. Snowy in winter, purple with heather in summer, the dramatic peaks of the U.K.’s largest National Park draw outdoorsy types and are often named in “best places to visit” lists.

The brothers then make a detour to Taymouth Marina, the lochside “wild wellness” retreat, with family friendly water sports, Loch Ness Monster pedalo boats for kids, a giant trampoline, and the resort’s biggest draw: its HotBox Spa. The brothers brave the “wellness plunge” (a slide into the freezing loch), warming up afterwards in Scotland’s largest hot tub.

As the evening draws in, it’s time to rest and toast marshmallows at The Dell of Abernathy. Set deep in the forest, this collection of six stone cottages has been decked out with impeccable taste— an ideal place to stay in the Highlands for large or small groups. Experiences include supper clubs and meditation rituals, swimming in the black peat-soaked loch, and gathering by the firepit.

To round off the day, the brothers head to a local favorite—a live music night at the The Ewe Bar within the Fortingall Hotel, a listed building with 11 rooms, traditional Scottish interiors and a 2,000-year-old yew tree, which, according to local legend, is the oldest tree in the U.K. But will they see the northern lights?

Shop the episode

[squttnbear]

If this were 10 hours of a mini series documentary, I'd watch it in one sitting.

[benkimbrell]

Thank you very much for this video. I lost my brother some years back. He was more like Colin and I was the playful one like Ewan. I was emotional watching this. It reminded me so much of what I am missing without my brother Jeff now that I am at the stage of my life where I can afford trips anywhere I want. I have reconnected with our closest friend Perry since Jeff’s death. I have known him since I was 3 years old. We three were inseparable as kids. Much like Ewan’s friend Eric. Have been on a few trips with Perry the past few years. It’s just not the same without Jeff. Cherish the time with your brother Ewan and the same with Eric. You never know what tomorrow holds. Again, thanks for the great video and your story.

[sharynmontclair]

Make it a series! So good. Loved McGregor's motorcycle adventures, this is as good.

[bpetey]

The McGregor brothers and Scotland? Now that’s hard to beat. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[michaelmargaretstephen]

Thank you Colin and Ewan loved it. Nice to see brothers enjoying each others company x

[thenikonjones]

Scotland is the land of my ancestors and I was lucky enough to go there on a tour back in 2022. It was absolutely amazing! I think of it often and hope to return one day.

[betsivanzyl]

Man, that just kicked my wanderlust into overdrive. Also, how endearing are the two brothers. *swoooon*

[susanorr]

When we lived in london for 3 years we spent every holiday and down time in the highlands—my favorite place in the whole world

[gayleewoo]

Well that's me homesick again. Great ad for Scotland.

[patrickdunner]

That was an awesome video. Thank you. I hope someday I’ll come and visit Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Cheers 🥂

[coletteeagleboy]

Loved Ewen in the long way around adventures, he stopped in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Sacred to the Lakota Tribe and visited Mt Rushmore

[debbiebrooks]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Beautiful Scotland, beautiful brothers, and beautiful Scottish people. ❤👍🇺🇸

[chrishumpherson]

I’m from England and I’ve travelled around around the whole world apart from Africa and I always get asked “what is your favourite country?” The answer is always Scotland/Maldives. Scotland is an hour away for me and I go almost every weekend it is incredible scenery!! My next goal is to buy an Audi R8 and tour Scotland for a few months! Cant wait!! Loved this video!!

[babyhammy]

My boyfriend is Scottish. I hope to come back and live here forever. I love it even though it's cold, Scotland. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

[kiransharma]

Scotland is on my bucket list before I....❤ thanks for sharing!

[staceypots]

Absolutely love this part of Scotland - the Hermitage is so beautiful no matter the time of year and Taymouth Marina with the HotBox Spa is such a unique experience. What a great trip - thanks for sharing!

[criticalthinker]

Just amazing thank you Colin and Ewan.

[sandiandgregh]

This was terrific. Ewan is correct about the creation of Scotland. :) It is a special, magical place. Like others have already said here, if these two did a mini series on Scotland, I’d watch every episode.

[eastdallasalice]

Wow! Another hot McGregor. Thank you God!

[clockworkm]

I thought I wanted to visit Scotland before but, after watching this, I have to put a visit to Scotland on my bucket list.