After all, one half of the combination owes much to the traditions of whisky distilling in the Highlands, in the old days almost a domestic occupation. Highland pubs are noted not just for their whisky but these days also for the Highland-produced beers - for example, the beers made in Aviemore, on Skye and in the Black Isle.

Having got the drinks, there remains the music to enjoy. Though live music in pubs might be said to reach its climax in any of the Highland festivals, you can catch a variety of music styles in a whole range of pubs. Naturally, the larger centres, such as Inverness, have the most choice - and it certainly includes the widest range of musical styles and tastes but many rural pubs have a very active music scene.

Your nearest tourist information centre or your host and hostess will give you up-to-the-minute information on local performers or visiting bands, from country and village pubs to gigs in the city or check our events listings for performances near you.