HISTORICAL HOLIDAYS

Our selection of historic getaways offer visitors the chance to sleep in a haunted chamber, dine in a medieval banquet hall, or visit the many nearby local historic sites

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Borthwick Castle, Gorebridge, Midlothian

Reviewed by Mark and Sara Duncan from Stirling 1430 is an important number at Borthwick Castle; not only is it the name of their signature cocktail but it’s the year the castle was built. Very few changes have been made to the castle’s exterior in almost 600 years but the latest refurbishment inside really takes your breath away and will transport you back in time.

We arrived on Friday night in time to change and have a cocktail in the beautifully decorated state room. We were then led down a narrow spiral staircase (quite a tight fit for a man of my height) to the great hall where a three course dinner awaited us. As we ate, drank and made merry, we marvelled at the enormous medieval chandelier, the iron clad guards either side of the fireplace and the fantastic level of service. The staff are so attentive.

Our bedroom was the red rose room and was everything you could hope for. We did, however have the smallest door in the castle which led to our bathroom – it was about four and a half feet high so there was a lot of ducking to be done – but that is part of the castle’s charm.

After a delicious full Scottish breakfast we were taken to Rosslyn Chapel for a tour. On our return we were taken on a tour of the Castle. Afterwards Sara and I decided to take advantage of the croquet lawn, before visiting the ruins of Crighton Castle.

The evening’s festivities began again in the state room with cocktails and canapés before being piped into the great hall for our five course medieval-inspired menu. The American guests were thrilled with the kilted piper and spent some time taking photographs. The food was, once again, wonderful and the night carried on into the wee small hours as we all moved back upstairs for a nightcap.

We woke to a beautiful sunny morning on Sunday and left the castle fully satisfied after our breakfast and bursting with Scottish history and pride. Prices from £10,000 a night for a private hire package

Daviot Lodge, near Inverness

Reviewed by Ewan Baird and Rebecca Young from Falkirk Ten minutes from the centre of Inverness, Daviot Lodge is a ‘Five Gold Stars’ luxury B&B set in a lovely rural location which is ideal for accessing the many local historic attractions as well as city centre amenities. We were greeted with a warm welcome by owners Margaret and Alex, who were very hospitable throughout our stay. After arriving at the lodge in the dark, we awoke refreshed to breathtaking views of the countryside and an impressive breakfast with high quality locally sourced ingredients. Daviot provided all of the comforts that you woul expect and many more. We were made to feel very much at home.

Just a short drive from the lodge you can visit the Culloden Battlefield and visitor centre, the site of the last battle on British soil, fought between the Jacobites and Hanovarian troops. The area has been restored to replicate the site as the forces would have encountered it that day. The award-winning visitor centre includes an interactive exhibition, allowing visitors to experience and understand the true horror of the battle.

For those who are fans of the book and TV series Outlander, many of the locations that inspired the books are within easy reach of the lodge.

Another historic gem, only a five minute drive away, are the Clava cairns at Balnuaran, which are in exceptional condition given their age. These circular tombs were built about 4,000 years ago to house the dead and the site also includes stones with Bronze Age cup marks and standing stones. Beside the cairns, there are also remains of a medieval chapel.

The beautiful city of Inverness offers a wealth of bars and restaurants to cater for all tastes and budgets. Taking a short walk down the River Ness you soon feel a world away from the bustling city centre, and find yourself in the peace and tranquility of the countryside. Prices from £100 B&B for a double room

Hecklers’ House, Glamis

Reviewed by Lizzie and Ian Finlayson from Banchory We were warmly welcomed by Cheryl and Nick, who have recently finished restoring the two bedroom, self-catered cottage in the heart of Glamis village. Glamis had been a mill town in its heyday and the ‘hecklers’ were responsible for combing out the flax, hence the name of the house.

Creating a relaxed, minimalistic but characterful interior, the house was immaculately decorated with crisp bed linen and a generously equipped kitchen. A basket of goodies including local strawberries, Prosecco and a decanter of Whisky Mac greeted us.

Downstairs was spacious with a kitchen, and open-plan dining/sitting area. There was a folder packed with local information, plenty of DVDs, games and books. Wifi was also available. Outside, the sheltered, flower filled patio is ideal for enjoying the evening sun before going across the road for a meal at the Strathmore Arms.

Being so close to Glamis Castle was an added bonus. St Fergus’ Well was an easy walk away and the Angus Glens invited exploration. Hecklers’ House is the perfect place to spend time after a day out in the beautiful countryside here. Prices from £360 for 7 nights

Tulloch Castle Hotel, Dingwall

Reviewed by John and Sarah-Jane McCallum from the Black Isle Tulloch Castle Hotel stands at the head of the Cromarty Firth. This historic building – parts of which go back over 800 years – has beautiful views over the town and the rolling fertile lands of the Black Isle.

On arrival we were met by Arlene, the general manager, who gave us a tour of the castle including the great hall, dungeons and the tunnel that goes through the town to the Cromarty Firth. Our room had a very comfortable four-poster bed, balcony and magnificent views over Dingwall.

We ate in Turrets Restaurant and our menu included a host of locally sourced produce - from haggis bon bons, smoked haddock risotto and delicious fillet steak to an irresistible sticky toffee pudding.

After dinner we joined the castle ghost tour with Ross, who told us of the green lady ghost, who is said to occupy room number eight. We went to bed perhaps secretly hoping we might experience a ghostly happening.

Waking up to the sun streaming in, breakfast did not disappoint - again with the best Highland produce.

All the staff we met were friendly and helpful, and obviously enjoyed working here. Prices from £160 B&B