Alasdair Mackintosh's Stone

A weathered slab of stone beside the A9 north of Newtonmore marks one of those peculiar Scottish memorials that stops you mid-drive. Alasdair Mackintosh's Stone commemorates a local man, though the specifics have faded into the Highlands mist - which is rather fitting. You'll find it easily enough, a modest monument that takes about five minutes to locate and photograph, standing in a lay-by with views towards the mountains.

It's not a destination in itself. Historians and genealogy enthusiasts hunting Mackintosh clan connections might make a small detour, but most visitors discover it by accident while passing through. The stone itself tells you very little without local knowledge or research beforehand. What makes it worth a brief stop is the landscape around it - proper Highland scenery with open views and clean air.

The real value here is context. If you're based at Invernahavon Caravan Park just down the road, or staying longer-term at Laggan Glamping, this becomes a pleasant three-minute diversion rather than a pilgrimage. Combine it with a walk in the surrounding countryside or a stop in Newtonmore itself for coffee. The A9 corridor between Perth and Inverness has dozens of these quiet historical markers; Alasdair's is no better or worse than most.

Free, unrestricted access. No facilities. Best visited as part of a bigger day rather than as the sole reason to venture this far north.