Make Mother’s Day with CalMac
Take a ferry to enjoy a whole host of island treats
IT’S THE one day of the year when you must spoil your mum – or a special woman in your life – who means the world to you.
And what better way to say thank you than sharing a day and creating memories on Mother’s Day, on March 22. CalMac has some fantastic destinations where you can set sail to enjoy a range of activities from afternoon tea in a Gothic mansion to lying back and relaxing in a luxurious spa in a four star hotel.
Let some of these ideas inspire you to plan a getaway this Mother’s Day. 1. A LUXURY SPA DAY Set sail to the Isle of Arran and head to Auchrannie Resort for the ultimate in relaxation and spoils. The resort’s ASPA spa is perfect to sit back and enjoy an extensive range of treatments and even enjoy a glass of fizz, too.
It’s a Mother’s Day gift that is good for the spirit and soul, using ESPA products that are made from Scottish seaweed.
Treatments include The Island Escape and The Island Getaway where you can indulge with a number of specialised therapies, helping to ease your stress and unwind.
Once you have enjoyed a luxurious treatment, tuck into a delicious afternoon tea or enjoy some fine dining. What better way to spoil mum? TO GET THERE: Simply board the ferry in Ardrossan and make your way to the Auchrannie Resort. If you decide to leave the car behind, Auchrannie will arrange a pick-up. 2. THE PERFECT AFTERNOON TEA WITH A TOUR Fancy an afternoon tea in the settings of a stunning 19th century Gothicstyle mansion? Then set sail to the
Isle of Bute for your mum this Mother’s Day. Mount Stuart House offers you a relaxed afternoon tea treat that also includes a tour of the house and gardens.
Look up and gaze at a map of the stars on the Marble Hall’s ceiling then take the spiral staircase to one of the world’s first domestic heated pools. Marvel at the amazing treasures including an early telephone system and the House’s Victorian lift. TO GET THERE: Head to Wemyss Bay and enjoy a short 35-minute sail to Rothesay on Bute. 3. FINE DINING OR AFTERNOON TEA ON THE ISLE OF SKYE If you want to experience some of the finest Scottish dining you’ll be spoiled for choice on the Isle of Skye. There is a great choice of restaurants for a special Mother’s Day treat including the Michelin-starred Loch Bay.
Head chef Michael Smith infuses Scottish dining with a French twist. Based in the small fishing village of Stein, the menu reflects the surroundings, making it perfect if your mum loves seafood.
The Three Chimneys scooped The Good Pub Guide Country Dining Pub 2019 and will delight mum this Mother’s Day.
Head chef Scott Davies and the team use the wealth of Scotland’s Highland larder across the menu.
Afternoon tea at Kinloch Lodge is an experience to remember and head chef Marcello Tully has created a menu of fresh local produce.
Served in the hotel’s beautiful drawing rooms, your tiered stand boasts freshly prepared sandwiches, home-baked scones, homemade jams, cakes and patisseries – and a glass of bubbly. TO GET THERE: You can travel to Mallaig and go over the sea to Skye in a sailing that takes only 45 minutes or drive further to the Kyle of Localsh and cross Skye via the bridge. 4. MAGICAL TRIP TO MULL If you want an adventure that mum will remember then head to Mull. With 300 miles of dramatic coastline, beaches and a castle, it is the perfect location for making memories.
Enjoy a shopping spree in Tobermory, which has a great mix of boutiques, a chocolate shop, soap shop, and local arts and crafts.
Duart Castle is worth a visit as is Glengorm Castle, which has some wonderful walks and a lovely cafe featuring home baking and jams and chutneys, all from locally grown produce.
If you can, join the pilgrim trail to Iona, a magical place for both Christianity and wildlife lovers, or visit Fingal’s Cave – once seen, never forgotten. TO GET THERE: Take the ferry from Oban, which takes only 45 minutes.