DESTINATION DINING
Scotland is home to some unforgettable dining experiences
1 ARRIVING IN STYLE
Why not really push the boat out (or the helicopter in this case) and incorporate an aerial tour of the country with lunch? In the Skye package, a luxury chauffeur will collect you from your hotel or home, you'll be driven directly to a helipad before embarking on an intial tour flight and then arrive at the door of the picturesque Three Chimneys restaurant on the edge of Loch Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye for lunch. Teas and coffees are followed by another tour of more than hour, before delighted diners touch down and are driven back home. There are a range of packages to choose from and a bespoke service for creating your own lavish experiences. www.privateconciergescotland.co.uk
A SEAFOOD LUNCH IN THE HARBOUR
Owners and skippers Ewen Grant and Janice Cooney were both looking for a career change when they stumbled across the Seaflower, a pristine 40-foot catamaran, last year. Leaving from Portree Pier on the Isle of Skye, tours range from an afternoon to a full day and both come with deliciously fresh seafood lunches. Soak up the stunning views of Rona Harbour as you enjoy shellfish caught by Ewen’s own family, award-winning smoked salmon and perhaps a glass of wine or three. Alternative options including goats cheese tarts, charcuterie boards and pasta are available on request. www.seaflowerskye.com
ESCAPE TO A PRIVATE ISLAND
Overlooking Loch Linnhe and the hills of Morvern, The Isle of Eriska is located at the mouth of Loch Creran in the heart of West Argyll. Leave your mainland worries behind and cross the bridge to this award-winning hotel for a spot of dinner. The menu at the hotel's formerly Michelin-starred dining room includes locally-sourced seafood and game, while every evening the island's badgers are fed on the lawn in front of the bar. The island also has a golf course, lovely walks, an impressive spa and pool. www.eriska-hotel.co.uk
FISH FOR YOUR LUNCH IN AN AYRSHIRE CASTLE
Tucked away on the beautiful Ayrshire coast, Glenapp Castle boasts fairytale like turrets and towers with 5 star luxury inside. A proud advocate of using local produce, the castle sources its ingredients from nearby estates and grows many of its own herbs and vegetables on site. For those who want to work for their supper, a new excursion is available for people to hop aboard the castle's own boat for a spot of fishing and with their catch in hand, return to the castle to prepare and cook it with the castle's chef. As guests wait for a bite on the end of the line, they can see a spectacular variety of marine life from basking sharks to dolphins, minke whales and seals. www.glenappcastle.com
5. FEAST FIT FOR A QUEEN
Work up an appetite by spending a day out at sea on a classic 1930s yacht which was once owned by Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Phillip. The fully restored 63ft Royal Racing Bloodhound is available for charter from Oban during August 2019 and is crewed by former royal yachtsmen who served aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, the same crew who taught Prince Charles and Princess Anne to sail.
Guests will arrive to a breakfast of pastries and bacon rolls followed by a buffet lunch on board, with a spot of tea and cake later in the afternoon. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you take in the sights around the beautiful Western Isles like The Sound of Mull, Duart and Torosay castles and the Isle of Jura. It's sure to be a royally splendid day out. www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
6. CAPTAIN'S TABLE
Immerse yourself in a piece of fascinating nautical history on Dundee’s waterfront and choose to dine on the ship that took Captain Scott to the Antartic. An evening of private dining on board the ship begins with a drinks reception and canapés on the main deck or the laboratory. Guests will then be given a VIP guided tour of RRS Discovery which takes you above and below decks, allowing you to see exactly how Scott and his crew lived and worked during their courageous expedition in 1901-4.
Dinner will then be served in the Captain’s Wardroom at the same table at which Scott and his officers ate during their epic journey. There are four set menus to choose from with the option to add extra courses such as the chef’s soup of the day or a selection of Scottish cheeses. www.rrsdiscovery.com
‘Dinner is served at the same table at which Captain Scott ate during his epic journey’
7. POSH PICNIC
Home to Scotland's only two Michelin starred restaurant, Gleneagles is a haven for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For those who want to fully combine these two interests, a luxury picnic hamper can be created to accompany your day of exploring the beautiful Perthshire countryside. The kitchen will put together a bespoke selection which can include fresh lobster, smoked salmon, salads, Champagne and cakes from the pastry kitchen so that you can merely hit the pause button and soak up your surroundings as you dine.
Guests can work up an appetite by enjoying a wide range of pursuits within the estate, including off-road driving, shooting and fishing. www.gleneagles.com
8. A LOCHSIDE TREEHOUSE
When you were young, you may have dreamed of having your very own treehouse at the bottom of the garden. You might have even been lucky enough to have one but, if not, here's another chance to climb up the ladder and spend some quality time with friends in a tree top. Overlooking Loch Goil, the treehouse offers a private dining space for up to six people. French doors open out onto a deck so diners can step out and take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings.
The wood-lined interior provides a warm and homely feel and the menu is a selection of seasonal offerings such as langoustines or 36-hour pork to start, followed by a main of turbot and a chocolate tart to finish. For anyone looking for a lighter bite, there's the Treehouse Champagne Afternoon Tea for two which includes finely cut sandwiches, warm baked scones and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Tree-mendous! www.thelodge-scotland.com
9. BORTHWICK CASTLE
Be transported back in time as you walk across the drawbridge of this 15th century keep. A former residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, this enchanting castle will welcome guests for the latest in its Dining Club series on 17 November. The evening will start with welcome drinks in the State Room before descending to the Great Hall for dinner.
Chef Derek Johnstone will prepare five courses using local produce, paired with the perfect wine to bring out the flavours in each dish. Diners will begin their meal with an amuse bouche of consommé of Scottish mountain hare followed by a seafood cervela with steamed razor clams with wild Highland venison for main followed by a cheese course and finally a decadent chocolate dessert to end. The castle is available for private hire with custom-made menus along with a medievel banquet for a hearty feast. www.borthwickcastle.com
10. DINING IN THE WILD
Step in to the pages of a fairytale and enjoy an alfresco dinner with a difference. Amanda Farnese Heath creates wild dining experiences for a small number of guests at events throughout the year. Evenings can include lectures from foodie experts and food cooked over fire with each menu planned around the seasons. Stargaze to your heart's content as overnight stays are occasionaly available. Falling down the rabbit hole has never sounded so appealing. www.themadmarchhare.com
‘Falling down the rabbit hole has never sounded so appealing’