re: Highlands of Northern Scotland

Worked and toured in Aberdeenshire and a few other jaunts west and south. Flew Delta/BA via Amsterdam to Aberdeen.
Aberdeen area... golfing nearby (Carnostie)
Stayed in Inverurie, which is in the middle of a castle and a whisky tour - (most of the Speyside "Glen" whiskies). Town had a Pict obelisk and a 'henge' circle you can walk on. No major hotels, but the Strathburn and staff were fantastic in INverurie.
Inverness was an hour drive north. Worth a visit and have the haggis... it won't kill ya.
Trek west for the Carringorms... hiking.
Head more north than Inverness and see Culloden.

Timing is everything. Late Spring through early Summer, the Broom is in bloom and butter yellow everywhere. Late Summer to mid-Fall the heather is abloom.