Inveraray

Friday, midday

Check into the George Hotel ( doubles from £ 100, www. thegeorgehotel. co. uk), which stands proud on the main street in this trim whitewashed town on the shores of Loch Fyne.

1pm

Pop downstairs for lunch in the conservatory or outside. The seafood platter features smoked salmon, oysters, smoked mussels and salmon pâté.

2: 30pm

Take a stroll along Inveraray’s main street popping into the wee shops – there is a chocolatier, a traditional sweetie shop and a flurry of gift shops.

4pm

Pop into Loch Fyne Whiskies to sample their deeply impressive collection and maybe snare a unique bottling to take away.

7pm

Savour the seafood delights of local boy made good, head chef Andrew Maclugash, at the Samphire Seafood Restaurant.

Saturday, 10am

Discover the history and pomp at Inveraray Castle, the bolthole of the main man in these parts – Campbell in chief, the Duke of Argyll. A guided tour really opens up this palatial landmark.

Midday

Savour a light lunch at the Brambles café. Wash down the tasty fare with Campbells Coffee from Inveraray or a brew from Loch Fyne Ales further up the sea loch.

2pm

Gain a chilling insight into crime and punishment in the 19th century at Inveraray Jail. The actors in period garb help bring it to life.

4pm

Enjoy a wee stroll along the banks of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch, dreaming of the days when the waters were alive with paddle steamers and puffers.

7pm

Head north to Cairndow where the original Loch Fyne Oyster Bar awaits. A heaving seafood platter is the way to go as you gaze out on the waters that produced their delicious oysters.

Sunday, 11am

Drive back east over the Rest and Be Thankful ( when it reopens) – popping into the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar again to pick up some delicious foodie goodies in their deli – and enjoy a picnic with a view at the top. ■

Robin Mckelvie

A car is the best way to get to and around the Inveraray area, though there is a bus service from Glasgow; www. visitscotland. com