LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Here at SF we’re feeling the love this February and our subscribers have enjoyed dedicating their latest breaks away to the one they love
Scottish Field's subscribers review romantic breaks ahead of Valentine's Day
REVIEWED BY VERITY & MARK TUCKWOOD FROM THE BORDERS
Everyone can relate to juggling busy lives, work and family so what a treat it was for us to have a night away at The Bonnie Badger. Tom & Michaela Kitchin’s stylish pub with rooms in East Lothian’s coastal village of Gullane did not disappoint.
On arrival we were given a warm welcome and shown round the Scandi-inspired garden room, bar and restaurant. Upstairs, our individually designed bedroom had stunning views. The bathroom boasted a walk-in shower with luxurious towels and lovely Juniper & Lime Siabann toiletries. Crisp, white sheets on the very comfy bed continued the wow factor.
A glass of fizz in the bar got the evening off to a relaxing start before being shown to our table, in a cosy corner next to the open fire. As you’d expect given the Michelin Bib Gourmand award, the food was excellent. With the ‘nature to plate’ philosophy, every dish was carefully created using the best seasonal and local produce. Highlights were the scallop starter and the chocolate and whisky mousse dessert. The service was friendly and attentive with nothing being too much trouble.
Back in the restaurant we were served the most excellent breakfast. After all that it was only right to head to the beach for a bracing walk. Stunning views to Fife and as far as the Queensferry Crossing made for a lovely romantic walk on the beach. All in all, we cannot recommend The Bonnie Badger enough for a romantic break; credit to the Kitchins and their team for creating such a warm and welcoming establishment.
REVIEWED BY FREDA BROOKS & GREG DRUMM FROM MILNATHORT
We decided to head off a day early and spent a night in Melrose. We’d emailed the Palace owners who were very responsive and advised that we could get early access as there was no one in before us – very accommodating.
Kirk Yetholm is a tiny wee place, just north of the border. The Palace is very quaint and almost otherworldly, with a well laid out garden area and a summerhouse with views down the valley. It is a great place for a romantic break, the Palace is small and cosy. There’s a galley type kitchen which is well equipped. It was spick and span, with a thoughtful welcome pack of Borders biscuits, Tweed honey and a bottle of red (not local!) There’s plenty to do in the cottage without venturing out, there are books and DVDs, TV and games.
Upstairs there is a double room with a single room leading off it (there’s a pull out bed under the single bed). The dining area is in the front porch with views out to the east, we carried the table and chairs through to the living area to enjoy the heat from the fire. If we were to go back during the summer we would spend meal times in the summerhouse.
The views from the Palace are stunning, looking east to the north sea and to the Cheviot hills to the west. The local pub, The Border Hotel, is only a 5-minute walk – it has a nice atmosphere and a big choice of bar suppers.
We would recommend The Palace to a couple for a romantic break, outdoor activities or simply for destressing.
REVIEWED BY DEBI KIRK & SANDY MACLEAN FROM EDINBURGH
Calling all romantics, walkers, wanderers, design lovers and seekers of quiet spaces, Rink Hill awaits. Tucked into a hillside with uninterrupted panoramic views of the stunning Tweed Valley, this modern, luxury lodge for two is truly exceptional.
The owners, Mike and Fiona Bayne, whose family have farmed the land here for three generations, have created something very special in their vision for this romantic retreat. Blending effortlessly into the surrounding countryside they have used locally sourced natural materials and finished the lodge to an exceptionally high standard. On arrival we were warmly welcomed by Fiona and her three young sons who left us with a delicious hamper of local produce to enjoy during our stay.
Mike and Fiona have a flair for style which is evident in the furnishings and interior. We were immediately struck by the natural light streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. In addition to this we were able to enjoy the breathtaking views from the comfort of the warm, open plan living area.
During our stay we wanted to make the most of this tranquil space. Curling up on the comfy sofa close to the log burner, listening to our music on the superb sound system and cooking delicious food we bought locally.
Although hard to drag ourselves away we enjoyed a couple of lovely walks, getting back to the lodge in time for a glorious sunset. Rink Hill oozes charm and encourages you to relax and find that feeling of connection with a place and partner.
REVIEWED BY VERNA & JOHN LOW FROM NEWTON
We found the entrance in a pink-washed frontage at the east end of Callander Main Street, but saw immediately within the grounds there is a sense of character, history and tranquility.
On a dreich, darkening afternoon the open fire in a stoneflagged hallway was welcoming - no flashy reception area, but more a feeling of being welcomed into someone’s rather grand home. This feeling was enhanced as we were shown to our room - a suite on the ground floor. The spacious sitting room and bedroom, both with flat screen TV, were complemented by a large bathroom with shower, jacuzzi bath and, oh so nice, underfloor heating. Thoughtful additions included toiletries, bathrobes, an iron, tea, coffee and complimentary apples. The public areas in the hotel are full of character, with many period features and furnishings. Log fires and flickering candles make it warm and entrancing.
Roman Camp enjoys an excellent reputation for its fine dining and we were not disappointed by either the imaginative food or by the soft, classical ambience of the dining room. Our choice of the four-course dinner menu was preceded by canapes served in the bar and was refreshed by an amuse bouche. Standards were maintained at breakfast, served at table and all freshly prepared. We lingered over our departure and explored the beautiful 20 acre gardens. The peace and stillness enhanced the sense of relaxation other-worldliness and overall contentment. It could be more than a romantic getaway - it offers to be a perfectly magnificent wedding venue.