Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Superb hotels With great food, comfy rooms and attentive staff, these hotels offer the best in Scottish hospitality
The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool
Inimitable Jean Urquhart’s and now daughter Rebecca and son Jock’s hostelry which encapsulates traditional culture and hospitality. Caters for all sorts: hotel rooms are above (with a truly comfortable lounge – you help yourself to drinks) and a bistro/bar below, often with live music (ceilidh-style). A bunkhouse across the way and a bookshop where you can browse the best of Scottish literature. There’s nowt like coming back from a walk and sitting down with a book and a dram in the downstairs lounge.
Mhor 84, nr Balquhidder
A motel on the A84 in the heart of the Trossachs, and what you might call a joint venture of the Lewis family’s Mhorification of the country life hereabouts. Their places all feed off each other. But this is the perfect
realisation of friendly, old-fashioned yet cool contemporary Scottish hospitality. Locals use the bar, schoolroom-type bistro – excellent food includes Scottish staples; a brazier burns on the road outside. The accom is basic, mix-and-match retro. Four cottages out back are more uniform.
Kildrummy Castle Hotel, nr Alford
Thirty-seven miles west of Aberdeen via A944 through some fine bucolic scenery and the green Don valley to this spectacular location with real Highlands aura. Well placed on the Castle Trail, this comfy chunk of Scottish Baronial has the redolent ruins of Kildrummy Castle on the opposite bluff and a gorgeful of gardens between. Some rooms small; all very Scottish and a bit old style. Romantic in autumn when the gardens are good.
Savoy Park, Ayr
Owned and run by the Henderson family for over 50 years. A real Scottish gem. Many wedding guests will agree. Period features, much oak, lovely garden; not too much tartan. The antithesis of a chain hotel and a warm, cosy, homespun atmos.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99