Scottish Enterprise Awards 2026 / 24 Best Outdoor Adventure & Wildlife Experience 2026 – Perthshire & Guest Experience Excellence Award 2026 – Perthshire Highland Perthshire is an area famed for its dramatic mountains, glens and lochs, and unspoilt nature. Highland Safaris offers visitors an authentic taste of this landscape, with the opportunity to explore mountains by Land Rover, experience Loch Tay by boat, meet red deer and barn owls, or try a wide range of outdoor activities. We took a closer look at Highland Safaris below, as the company is named in the Scottish Enterprise Awards 2026. Established in 1992, Highland Safaris is an independent, family-owned visitor attraction based in Dull, near Aberfeldy, in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Established more than three decades ago, the business has grown from offering wildlife tours in Glen Lyon into one of the area’s leading outdoor visitor destinations, welcoming approximately 60,000 visitors each year. This is a journey steered by Managing Director Robbie Winton, the second cousin of Founder Donald Riddell. Robbie joined the business after lockdown, beginning by working two days a week on Loch Tay Safaris. From there, he gradually became involved in every aspect of the business, before progressing into Operations Manager and eventually purchasing the business in February 2026. Highland Safaris’ core experience is its Land Rover Safaris, which give guests access to some of Highland Perthshire’s most spectacular and otherwise inaccessible landscapes. From shorter, family-friendly Mini Safaris to Mountain Safaris, seasonal wildlife tours, and private charters, these experiences offer rare glimpses of the majestic red deer, the famous grouse, and the soaring golden eagle. Travelling across private estates and Forestry and Land Scotland ground, the company’s experienced Safari Rangers make the experience truly memorable. They combine their deep knowledge with warmth, humour, and excellent storytelling, bringing the landscape to life through its wildlife, culture, history, folklore, and conservation. Many returning guests claim that no two Safaris are the same; they are each shaped by the Ranger. The Highland Safaris team also operates Loch Tay Safaris, offering boat trips from April to October that explore the history, wildlife, and legends of Perthshire’s largest loch with a local, experienced Skipper. Named Iolaire, which is Gaelic for Eagle, the company’s modern, custom-built cabin RIB can seat AIM-Sep26266 up to 12 passengers at a time and offers a comfortable, dry journey across Loch Tay’s mysterious waters. At Highland Safaris’ 10.7-acre visitor centre, guests can enjoy the Red Deer and Barn Owl experience, with close encounters, flight demonstrations, and handfeeding opportunities. The centre is also a hub for archery and axe throwing experiences, as well as serving as Perthshire’s only Gold and Gem Panning Centre. These experiences appeal to different ages and abilities, featuring great wheelchair accessibility, meaning that there is truly something for everyone at Highland Safaris. Alongside public experiences, Highland Safaris also creates private, corporate, and group events. This includes exclusive Land Rover Safaris, hilltop dining, Highland Games, and bespoke incentive experiences. With such a broad range of offerings, Highland Safaris proudly welcomes and caters to every guest, from local families and international visitors to schools, tour groups, weddings, and corporate clients. Finally, Highland Safaris’ café and gift shop form the very heart of the site, serving homemade food and baking while showcasing gifts, crafts, and products from Scottish and local suppliers. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the café and grounds, alongside the free Discovery Trail and Play Area, whether or not they have booked an activity, helping Highland Safaris remain part of the local community and a key tourist destination. “We are proud to provide experiences for a wide range of visitors. A family joining a Mini Safari, a couple booking a private charter, and an international corporate group attending a bespoke hilltop event will each receive the same warm welcome and attention to detail.” Across everything it offers, Highland Safaris strives to provide a genuinely warm and memorable introduction to Highland Perthshire, combining five-star Scottish hospitality and exceptional event management with a truly magical encounter with nature amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland. Highland Safaris has established itself as a key pillar of Highland Perthshire to locals and tourists alike. From its dedicated Rangers and breathtaking Safaris to its unique axe throwing, archery, and gold panning experiences, Highland Safaris brings together landscape, wildlife, storytelling, and adventure to create experiences that feel personal, authentic, and memorable. For this reason, we at SME News Magazine are delighted to honour Highland Safaris with the Guest Experience Excellence Award 2026 – Perthshire, as well as its recognition as Perthshire’s Best Outdoor Adventure and Wildlife Experience 2026. Contact: Rebecca Maitland Company: Highland Safaris Web Address: www.highlandsafaris.net Highland Safaris
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