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?
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The Cairngorms National Park tours: www.expedia.com/Cairngorms-Na...
Taymouth Marina: www.expedia.com/Aberfeldy-Hot...
The Dell of Abernethy: www.expedia.com/Nethy-Bridge-...
Fortingall Hotel: www.expedia.co.uk/Aberfeldy-H...

[@squttnbear]

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

[@ron9576]

Yes, I TOTALLY agree with you! 👍

[@bpetey5970]

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

[@KatarinaGirl]

This show is soooo good. Its relaxed, beautiful, soothing to watch, and fun! Enjoying the two brothers a wee bit for sure!

[@sharynmontclair]

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

[@kg55426]

Didn’t know about this, thanks! Looking forward to checking it out now

[@gayleewoo]

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

[@benkimbrell8849]

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.

[@WyliesPop]

Thank you for sharing this, brother. I hope you can find an intentional way, if you haven’t already, of honoring your brother as a brother and a friend. Perhaps a ceremony with your mutual friend Perry of your own making, to remember him, and honor him. Perhaps this could help you let him go in the ways that you need to, but also carry him along with you (both) on your travels. Sorry for the personal note here on the interwebz. I was just struck by your pain. I lost my father in 2017. He essentially disappeared inside of his own mind. I was not in a healthy enough place to consider drawing him out more, and lived far away. I have far too many questions I wish I could ask him. Bless you sir, and Godspeed.

[@michaelmargaretstephen]

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

[@ellap1313]

I would watch a whole series of this.

[@judyl5260]

Me too! Would watch every minute

[@betsivanzyl]

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

[@eastdallasalice]

Wow! Another hot McGregor. Thank you God!

[@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.

[@KatarinaGirl]

I have two sets of grandparents from the Northern Lowlands in central Scotland. One set from my father, the other from my mother 1620s.

[@Hunters_eyelash]

I want to go to Scotland so bad. It seems like a beautiful place

[@missiestricklin3364]

It is so beautiful there! I wouldn't want to leave!

[@criticalthinker2204]

Just amazing thank you Colin and Ewan.

[@CameraNostalgiaClub]

Lovely little video this 👌

[@debbiebrooks3473]

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

[@kiransharma7848]

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

[@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.

[@sjogre7789]

Beautiful!! Family and home = true happiness ❣️❤❣️

[@patrickdunner39]

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

[@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!

[@susanorr8348]

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

[@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

[@mike7002]

One of my favourite things is the documentary the McGregor boys made about the bomber boys, of which my Grandpa was a survivor, whilst my uncle Desmond is in a German field with his pals. But, this is lovely. And! I have a camper van. We did the amazing outer Hebrides last Summer, so this gives us lovely ideas. I'll give my home village of Dollar a tour this time, on our way up - it's been very many years since I was there.

[@greyroom6730]

We need a series...they did a lot in just one day....loved it...

[@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.

[@bluebirdflyinglow]

Enjoyed the video very much. I’m from Mississippi, USA. I traveled solo to Scotland in 2018. Want to return there.

[@sonofthesea]

For an advert this was really sweet - good lads, lovely locations. Love it.

[@chrishumpherson2901]

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!!

[@31446963048]

I can smell the leather of the seats :)

[@user-wh1kj7sq1m]

😊that's awesome😊as an American myself I don't wanna go anywhere but probably Scotland..to many folks don't like Americans so not trying to go anywhere lol😂but always had a fascination or Scotland and Ireland lol🤷🏽‍♀️totally believed it was their accents😂

[@Jay-lr3me]

​@@user-wh1kj7sq1m what about england and Wales? If you go to Scotland you may aswell drive down to the lake district in northern england and snowdonia in northern Wales. Both absolutely beautiful too!!

[@kaydendelavega8246]

Always gotta end it with a good warm pub! ❤😊

[@babyhammy5531]

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

[@fraserconnell21]

Yes, Scotland is the true star of this film ! No disrespect to Ewan and his brother 😁

[@nancywhite2492]

Everything about this video is lovely - the brothers, the scenery, the adventures, the music. Love Scotland!

[@kg55426]

Wow, wish this was a series! Just added Scotland to my travel list! And a new fan of Ewan McGregor haha

[@karupe9982]

How i love Scotland, and McGregor is such a charming dude, this is the perfecto video for me i can't explain how cozy and happy it makes me feel

[@kirstytaylor6827]

Absolutely loved this. So many of my favourite places featured ❤

[@yvonnekrebs9886]

A true gem💎, my heart is melting once again, now & forever alba gu brath ❤

[@angelmatos9143]

Thanks for sharing this with us guys.

[@eveningstar1]

I met Colin years ago (at the bar after the Tropicana Film Festival) lovely man, smart & down to earth. What a great video! Thank you.

[@artyhow1885]

Excellent trip adventure. Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

[@dkmphotography_co_uk]

Cracking video!! 🙌 Like a mini 'Long Way Highlands' 😉 I've LOVED every time I've visited Scotland, & the Highlands are literally breathtaking!! My travel Wanderlust has massively kicked in now.

[@thetorontokid]

gorgeous video! 💞 and the brothers are a delight.

[@stevepratt3006]

Visited Scotland last fall. Saw Edinburgh, hiked the West Highland Way, and Isle of Skye. Fell in love with the country and would love to go back some day. Also love anything with Ewan in it, terrific actor and seems like a really good guy. Great video!

[@Cinefilmrecap]

Paradise looks like 😊 love it

[@pery0012]

I need a series of this road trip !

[@alicelindborg5096]

I love seeing these brothers playing together as adults!

[@mpandunky]

Ok... I'm adding Scotland to my list. Wow

[@stephaniemcintosh2808]

We'll see you when you come over 😊

[@chakritw]

Me too! ❤

[@stevecos1978]

Make sure you visit ullapool and north bound. Great scenery

[@gemcat24]

What a beautiful film

[@ewendavidson8787]

Great video guys, you must do one together on the your motorbike’s. Get the best of Scotland on two wheels. 👌👌

[@judyl5260]

Love this…want more!

[@bring_everything]

Nice van, watch out for Trudy the rabbit.

[@OnafetsEnovap]

Happy Birthday, Ewan! :)

[@crbourret]

I did some military training at the CULTYBRAGGAN CAMP near Crieff back in the early 90's, truly a beautiful area! Can't wait to go back on a vacation someday!!

[@atexinc.5472]

Pretty cool. I’ll be seeing my brother in august

[@justinwilliams2919]

This was awesome

[@Bdecker615]

Wow that was really nicely done fellas!

[@chillerfrigotek9121]

Thanks for the beautiful images. Greetings from Türkiye / Izmir.

[@chelseathompson2796]

This makes me miss home as ive been living abroad since I was 18 :(

[@tylerdrickenbach]

This was so good!

[@joelguillaud8529]

Fantastic clip

[@MrPrist-kp8fp-theonetrueprist2]

a man meeting his family again after years

[@kennethmonterose2538]

Here’s to brothers, and Scotland❤️

[@mahfi1120]

Loved itttt

[@Designsbytyramarie]

Would love to visit one day

[@heathcrow109]

🤓🚀Ewan ! Couldn’t be a better Obi Wan Kenobi ! Really great guy ! Should watch Long way down, up & Round , great series as well ! 🤓🚀

[@Ginger57]

I've got some warm fuzzies now🧡🍻

[@Ferrari333SP]

Great video

[@leapintothewild]

❓ You wouldn’t need subtitles if the music didn’t drown out their voices! It’s supposed to be BACKGROUND music, folks. BUT loved it anyway! And if you like this, I *highly* recommend checking out the documentaries “Long Way Around” and “Long Way Down” ❤

[@user-it6dw6dh9v]

who is the director and editors? this is really good

[@RHU0101]

Caledonia, you’re calling me…

[@robertcumming9390]

Do you know softly softly 😂😂

[@DuncSmith]

I'm fifty years young and I can count on one hand the number of folk that have ever got that reference when I've said it 😂

[@birdy-numnum6321]

😂....heh Mario!.... Can you sing Softly Softly? ....its for mah Mother,.... She's very ill! 😅

[@chriskovie1911]

Go for the high ground!

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Now I want to visit and maybe stay for a decade or two. Gorgeous! Wow.

[@Mo_Mudabber]

This guy looks like obi wan kenobi

[@pwr_emmitt66]

Yea

[@AlayeshaSaloon]

❤

[@charfarner8812]

Ewan, God made Scotland!

[@serajahmed8530]

Good brother

[@user-iq2qq2uo3z]

Nice

[@mubashir8242]

Nice Beautiful family

[@andrewwinslow9315]

Obi Wan and Obi Two!

[@allcontentvideo6286]

🎉🎉

[@mukeshbapat1289]

Ennjoy

[@keithbird6663]

What’s with the subtitles that can’t be removed?

[@stuipooey1]

Of course there are subtitles, they are Scottish 😅

[@gillrobinson3517]

I'm sure the ad is meant for other people who don't speak English but want to visit Scotland.

[@keithbird6663]

The subs are in English though…

[@Jamiefra]

For deaf people or hard of hearing

[@Dan-440]

I'm not sure why the subtitles are added. I can understand them quite well. Greetings from rural Tennessee.

[@duranbodasing]

Hello there! ;)

[@lvloneownage]

obi wan kenobi goes to Scotland.

[@darthvader-ub8yr]

That’s f*king obiwan kenobi

[@world4220]

Hi Ewan! Will there be a new season of Long Way?

[@annm1969]

The older they both get the more they look alike.

[@thisisit2082]

Where Colin been hiding?! HELLO !!!!!

[@YoutubeAccountOfMickey]

1:22 1:22 1:22 ❤

[@johndavenport8843]

Wondweful!

[@hilandmalt]

Is Obi- two confirmed? My last dog was RIO. He was my copilot.

[@caesar349]

Expedia has taken over EVERY SINGLE ad in every video I watch now. I’ll never ever use your service because I can’t stand you now.

[@pwr_emmitt66]

That's fucking obi wan kenobi

[@FishbowlGTOfficial]

Womp womp womp

[@SatishKumar-mz8du]

Namaste🙏Johar🙏💐🇮🇳Immersed in Majesty: Journeying Through Mountains and Forests in Nature's Embrace💎🤝🙏💐😎🏁🍇🍈🍉🍊🍌🍋🍍🥭🍎🍏🍐🍑🍓🍒🫐🥝🍅🫒🥥🥑🍆🥔🥕🥝🌶🫑🥒🥬🥦🧄🧅🌽🥜🌰🥒🥐🥖🥨🫓🥯🥨🥩🍗🍖🧀🧇🥞🍾🍷🍸🍹🍺🍻🥂🍽🧉🧃🧋🥤

[@kuba.5761]

Boy at 3:37 had enough of sitting about

[@ros0334]

😂👍🥰

[@kuba.5761]

@@ros0334😂😂😂👍🏼👍🏼

[@sh0n501]

What a rude boy

[@sabil85]

T

[@user-jz5gm2mx7j]

M❤

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

You'd think they'd see each other more frequently but maybe it's just made up for this advertisement?

[@jeffmay7350]

Really touching to see this unique individual reuniye with his brother , family and country . I have a heritage there even tho Im American . I was able tp see Ewan from anothet perspective and it warms my heart to see yhis side of him when I have been used to living vicariously in Star Wars . I know yhis was a filming yhing but I enjoyed watchong the OTHER side of this individual .

[@esgee3829]

add marketing budget, remove workers. brilliant plan. expedia amazin

[@violadamore2-bu2ch]

I "love" scripted spontaneity. HAHAHH