Destination Scotland
Plan your autumn break with our recommended places to stay and visit
NEW LANARK WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Discover New Lanark, one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and stay overnight in the beautiful New Lanark Mill Hotel, Wee Row Hostel or self-catering Waterhouse cottages. Explore scenic woodlands and see the famous Falls of Clyde waterfalls. Experience over 200 years of social history and industrial heritage. Tel: 01555 661345, www.newlanark.org
BANCHORY LODGE HOTEL
Banchory Lodge is a trendy and vibrant 28-bedoom hotel that has just completed a full refurbishment of all their bedrooms, in the heart of Royal Deeside. With its stunning setting on the River Dee, the award-winning restaurant champions local suppliers. The bar and outside terrace is a place for chilling out with a glass of wine, cocktails, a craft beer or simply watching the sun set. Tel: 01330 822625, www.banchorylodge.com
1896 GALLERY & COFFEE SHOP
Since opening in November 2014, the 1896 Gallery & Coffee Shop has become an established asset to locals and visitors alike in the Strathspey area. This beautifully bright venue is complemented with stunning art and photography on the walls, with a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by a team who know how to make you feel at home. The 1896 menu is simple but underpinned with quality and flavour. Tel: 01479 831111, www.facebook.com/1896GalleryAndCoffeeShop
GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY
Located in beautiful East Lothian, just 15 miles from Edinburgh, Glenkinchie offers tours of the distillery followed by a tasting of their malt whisky. Tours run seven days a week from 10am until 4pm. A shuttle bus service is also available which runs three times each day from the centre of Edinburgh direct to Glenkinchie. www.glenkinchiedistillery.com
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH
The Plant Scenery of the World exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh celebrates the history of the Glasshouses and the exotic plants that grow within them. The show combines rare and unseen archival material from the Garden’s collection of botanical art, architectural drawings, living plants and Herbarium specimens, alongside newly commissioned work by contemporary artists. Entry to Inverleith House is free and the exhibition continues in the Front Range Glasshouses. Tel: 0131 248 2909, www.rbge.org.uk
MAINS OF TAYMOUTH
This family-run and pet friendly 160-acre estate offers luxury four and five-star self-catering accommodation at Kenmore in stunning Highland Perthshire. Houses sleep from two to 12 people, with several offering a private hot tub, sauna and games room. This beautiful location is suitable for couples and families alike, with many properties allowing up to two pets. On-site facilities include a bar and restaurant, golf course, riding stables, deli and gift shop. The estate is within two hours drive of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Tel: 01887 830226, www.taymouth.co.uk
MINGARY CASTLE
The seat of Clan MacIain for over 300 years, Mingary Castle is situated on the Ardnamurchan peninsula near Kilchoan. This hidden gem on the west coast of Scotland is not only steeped in history but also has stunning scenery and breathtaking wildlife to offer. Mingary is available to book by the room but also exclusively – the entire castle can be yours in all its glory. Tel: 01972 510715, www.mingarycastle.com
TOR-NA-COILLE HOTEL & RESTAURANT
Secluded in acres of magnificent woodland and parkland on the edge of the pretty village of Banchory in Royal Deeside, Tor-na-Coille is a privately owned Victorian house offering 25 luxurious and individually styled rooms. Indulge in contemporary and classic dishes in the restaurant which showcases the area’s finest produce or enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge. Tor-Na-Coille will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Tel: 01330 822242, www.tornacoille.com
A. D. RATTRAY’S WHISKY EXPERIENCE & SHOP
Discover Scotch whisky as you explore the unique Whisky Experience & Shop with A. D. Rattray’s welcoming team onhand to share their knowledge and passion. Drop in anytime for a free informal visit or book a guided whisky or gin tasting to sample Scotland’s finest spirits. Tel: 01655 760308, www.adrattray.com
BALLANTRAE HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Take a relaxing break this autumn in one of Ballantrae’s seven luxurious self-catering cottages. Situated on the beautiful west coast, the cottages at the mouth of the River Stinchar sleep two to ten people. Escape and de-stress in the unspoilt landscape while enjoying a coastline that looks across to Ailsa Craig, Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. Ballantrae Holiday Cottages are rated five-star by the Scottish Tourism Board. Tel: 07974 008048, www.ballantraeholidaycottages.com
BALLATHIE HOUSE
A few nights at Ballathie will restore that ‘feel good’ factor. Book early for a winter break to benefit from the best offers. Recently awarded Hotel Executive Chef of the Year – Head Chef Scott Scorer will delight you with a sumptuous dinner, after a fun day out exploring Perthshire. Relax and enjoy the tranquillity of Ballathie overlooking the River Tay. Tel: 01250 883268, www.ballathiehousehotel.com
HIGH TRODIGAL
Escape for a romantic autumn break to your own earthsheltered cottage with log-burner, whirlpool bath, sauna and cosy underfloor heating, overlooking Machrihanish Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Unspoilt sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, and clear night skies. Secluded and intimate, High Trodigal is perfect for a tranquil break. Tel: 01586 810305, www.hightrodigal.co.uk
MELDRUM HOUSE COUNTRY HOTEL
Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course is nestled within a 240-acre estate in stunning Aberdeenshire countryside. Steeped in history, the four-star, 13th century baronial country house guarantees unrivalled luxury. Last year 28 stunning new bedrooms were added. With two Red Rosettes for its restaurant and a challenging parkland 18-hole golf course, it’s the perfect weekend retreat. Tel: 01651 872294, www.meldrumhouse.com
ANNANDALE DISTILLERY
The rebirth of Annandale Distillery and its transformation into a 21st century whisky making centre and visitor attraction is Dumfries and Galloway’s most ambitious tourism story. Following an extensive £10.5million restoration project, Annandale Distillery was reborn in 2014. Classic distillery tours run on the hour seven days per week. An excursion to Annandale Distillery would not be complete without a stopoff at the spectacular visitor centre, which incorporates The Maltings Coffee Shop. A new whisky and gift shop is now open in the courtyard. www.annandaledistillery.com
THE TOWNHOUSE ABERFELDY
Built in the late 1890s, The Townhouse Aberfeldy is the perfect decorative blend of preserved history and streamlined, modern design. This lovingly restored townhouse’s 15 uniquely decorated rooms make it the perfect retreat this autumn. With the Upstairs Restaurant on site serving a range of mouthwatering dishes, including a hearty Scottish breakfast, a stay here doesn’t involve venturing far for top quality cuisine. Tel: 01887 829995, www.townhouseaberfeldy.co.uk
THE BUCCLEUCH ARMS
In the heart of the Borders, The Buccleuch Arms is an awardwinning four-star inn with luxurious accommodation providing the perfect base to explore the area’s wealth of history and scenic countryside. Relax and enjoy fresh, seasonal and locallysourced food in the bar, Blue Coo Bistrot or pretty beer garden with artisan ale. Tel: 01835 822243, www.buccleucharms.com
FIFE COTTAGES
At Fife Cottages, the team believe that they have a holiday property to suit everyone. From luxurious townhouses and lodges to more intimate hideaway cottages, there is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from. With over 40 properties from St Andrews to Elie, Fife Cottages can cater for parties of two to 12 guests. Tel: 01334 208330, www.fifecottages.co.uk