About Highland Lassie
From fishing to cruising
Highland Lassie is a floating hotel & restaurant moored in picturesque village of Dochgarroch, home to a popular stretch of the Caledonian Canal just 3 miles from the Highland capital of Inverness.
Surrounded by charming Scottish countryside and within easy reach of some of the Highland’s most famous sights and landmarks, Highland Lassie is a unique and central base to explore the captivating Highlands.
Home of The Oakwood Restaurant
Both visitors to the Inverness area and locals alike are familiar with the Oakwood Restaurant, which has long been regarded as a “must-visit” stop on the road to Loch Ness. Offering authentic Scottish cuisine in cosy surroundings, the Oakwood Restaurant has built up a reputation over many years for its award-winning locally sourced & sustainable produce alongside a warm, friendly welcome.
In 2020 Oakwood Restaurant relocated onboard Highland Lassie. Dining at the Captain’s table for a unique and unforgettable dining experience with the shared table (seating just 8 guests), you sit down with a stranger but stand up with a new found friend, alternatively enjoy the outdoor seating area on the jetty, which presents a spectacular view along the Caledonian Canal watching boats to and fro, paddleboarders & canoeist.
The History Behind Highland Lassie
Built-in Bangor in 1980, ‘Highland Lassie’ fished in Irish waters under her given name of ‘Fragrant Cloud‘, she was purchased by skipper McLean of Peterhead, then by George Geddes and re-named ‘Scotia‘ fishing in Scottish water to bring in the fish destined for your plates.
In 2003 Scotia was decommissioned, however unlike all boats that were decommissioned George managed to arrange for her to stay whole by giving her away to a complete stranger, that stranger was Jim McCloud who loved and cared for her, she again received a name change to ‘Sunshine’, then came the time he was unable to manage such a large vessel and passed her on. Here the sad story starts, due to a lack of funds the new owners left her abandoned in Stromness harbour in Orkney where she weathered badly and frequently took in water.
In 2008 she was purchased by Gaby & Gus. Gus drew up a plan of what he thought she could become & with the skills of a father and son team Dougie & Simon Allan she became just that, the beautiful Highland Lassie.
Highland Lassie could not have been completed without the advice and help from a number of people, MacDuff Shipyard’s advice and workforce, Garry Sutherland helped to ensure she could be build here on the Caledonian Canal, Dave Riach, Russell McLean for their workmanship and knowledge, Paul Nicols detailed drawing and he & his wife Hazel Passmore support & belief in us. Fiona & Vernon Kennard, Robert Piggott, Shona Fraser, Josephine Jamieson, Alice Wood, Lesley & Ian Rae, Vivienne & Stephen Byford gave their support morally and financially. Frances Middleton has been a huge support, whom along with her now deceased husband Alan has been on this journey with us from the start. Donald McPhee of Nodram painting and decorating.
Ready to book?
Begin your Highland adventure here. Join Gaby and Gus for memories to cherish for a lifetime.
