Bag a bonny break as Scotland opens up
Scotland is open and ready for summer. With the prospect of vaccine passports and “traffic light” lists, overseas travel may feel like a stretch for some, and for those needing a change of scenery, the country’s highlands, islands and characterful cities arguably offer the most diverse breaks in the UK.
While some hotels have already reopened, with restrictions still in place (including hospitality curfews), many are waiting until May 17 to welcome guests. Unsurprisingly, some properties are already fully booked for the summer, but here are five bonny options with space remaining.
THE MACHRIE, ISLE OF ISLAY
If the key word in your hotel search is “remote”, the Machrie may be for you. Set on a seven-mile stretch of sand on the Isle of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, the location is sure to blow away any residual lockdown cobwebs. And this summer guests can make the most of the lengthy journey, with the option of a package that includes hire of a fourwheel drive car from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Once there you will find a golf hotel that appeals, even if you have a high handicap. In addition to the worldclass course, activities include cycling, kayaking and beach picnics. There’s a low-key luxe feel throughout, with huge windows making the most of the views and details such as a small spa and screening room (the only cinema on the island).
Doubles from £235; campbellgrayhotels. com
THE FIFE ARMS, BRAEMAR, HIGHLANDS
Indulge your Highlands fantasy at the fabulous Fife Arms. A property filled with taxidermy, trinkets and tartan walls may sound a little fusty, but this carefully curated passion project from art dealers Hauser & Wirth is easily one of the most stylish hotels in Scotland. This doesn’t mean it’s disconnected from its surroundings, though. Prices in the hotel’s Flying Stag pub remain in the realms of sensible and it’s always packed with locals. If you want to dress up, head to the artdeco cocktail bar Elsa’s or, new for this summer, Bertie’s, a whisky bar named in honour of Queen Victoria’s eldest son – well, Balmoral is only a few miles up the road.
Doubles from £250; thefifearms.com
NATIVE EDINBURGH
The latest outpost of the nifty Native aparthotel group offers an affordable and practical base for capital breaks. Behind the Georgian façade are 82 studio and one-bedroom apartments, all equipped with micro-kitchens. Décor is modern and minimal; perhaps a trailing plant here or a jewel-toned velvet bedspread there. In the downstairs lounge, guests can sip coffee or wine from selfservice machines before enjoying a stroll in the private garden. Edinburgh itself will be back in full swing this summer, with its International Festival in August moving outside to temporary pavilions throughout the city.
Doubles from £89; nativeplaces.com
KINLOCH LODGE, ISLE OF SKYE
Up on the southern shores of Skye, Kinloch Lodge is a whitewashed hotel overlooking Loch na Dal. This old farmhouse has been in the same family since the 18th century and was opened as a hotel in 1972 by Godfrey, Lord Macdonald, and his chef wife Claire, and is now run by their daughter Isabella. Food is the main focus, with concise dinner menus (£75pp) based around island produce, such as mussels and venison. Despite the top-notch cooking, it’s informal with an all-day menu available (think langoustine mac and cheese and home-smoked salmon) in case hunger strikes after a mountain hike. Rooms are tasteful with family oil paintings hinting at its history. Doubles from £395; kinloch-lodge.co.uk
THE CRAIGELLACHIE, SPEYSIDE, MORAY
Deep in whisky county, the Craigellachie is a celebration of Scotland’s favourite tipple. Famous distilleries Macallan and Aberlour are only a couple of miles away, while Glenfiddich is also close by. Guests can walk to the Speyside Cooperage, where the barrels that hold the spirit are made. Back at the hotel, the clubby Quaich bar stocks 1,000 different whisky varieties and has hosted many partying celebrities. Meanwhile, bedrooms will soothe any sore heads with soft colours and cashmere-topped mattresses. All are stocked with complimentary shortbread, chunks of Scottish tablet (similar to fudge) and, of course, a decanter of local whisky.
Doubles from £165; craigellachiehotel. co.uk