SF's subscribers check out seaside stays
If you do like to be beside the seaside then check out this month’s reviews of some fabulous accommodation to ensure that you get your daily dose of sea air
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing REVIEWED BY NICOLE AND ANGUS SCOTT FROM METHLICK
As a four year old in 1969 I was driven over the Forth Road Bridge for the first time. So, 50 years later it was with great pleasure that my wife informed me we would be staying in the newly refurbished DoubleTree by Hilton at North Queensferry.
We arrived on a wild and windy Friday to a very warm welcome in the comfortable reception. We were shown to the most extraordinary junior suite overlooking the three iconic bridges. After settling into the stylish, modern room and checking out the luxury bathroom, we ventured down to the Shore Bar and Grill restaurant. Seated by the window overlooking the magnificent Queensferry Crossing we were treated to innovatively spiced scallops, fresh mussels, a medley of pork and one of the most delicious steaks my wife has ever tasted. The menu featured excellent fresh produce from around Scotland and along with the relaxed atmosphere made for an excellent meal.
The comfortable bed lulled us into a blissful sleep in the surprisingly quiet room. After the delicious buffet breakfast we were off to explore. We found spectacular views and a walkway down to the Forth Road Bridge. The experience of walking across a bridge I first crossed 50 years ago made my day.
We enjoyed our stay immensely, the feel of the hotel, along with the attentive staff and the very good food all made for a very attractive alternative to Edinburgh’s city centre hotels.
The Ship Inn REVIEWED BY ANDREW AND BETTY MCDOUGALL FROM AIRDRIE
Built circa 1771 The Ship Inn is one of the oldest in Stonehaven, situated at the harbour overlooking the sea. On entering the busy bar area, we were welcomed by friendly staff and shown to our room. We had a comfortable harbour view double with a compact en suite shower room with nice toiletries and white fluffy towels. The room had ample storage, TV and tea & coffee making facilities.
Time to stretch our legs, staff informed us of a 25-minute walk to the memorial with views of the harbour. A longer walk of one and a half miles to Dunnottar Castle or, the one we opted for, along the boardwalk to the town square and Victorian lido. Exercise done, it was back to the comfy and well stocked bar, with over 100 different whiskies, to rehydrate.
Dinner was served in the Captains Table Restaurant, a light, bright area with lots of windows to take in the sea views. The menu offers of a good selection of locally sourced food. We were drawn to the fresh fish and shellfish and can highly recommend the pan seared seabass served on chorizo and herb risotto and the mussels cooked in a white wine and cream sauce with fresh sourdough bread. There was a tasty selection of desserts on offer, but we decided on coffee to finish before retiring back to the bar for a nightcap or two.
After a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed, it was time for a hearty breakfast. Continental and cooked to order selections are offered and then it was sadly time to depart our overnight haven.
Sound of Harris REVIEWED BY SANDRA BROWN FROM ALFORD
Should you wish to retreat to somewhere for a few days, the Sound of Harris in the Outer Hebrides is an excellent spot. There are views of Skye, the Uists and myriad islands to the west.
At Borrisdale stand two attached self catering lodges. The Big House which is an extremely spacious loft-style design with beautiful views and the Other House, half the size but more than adequate for a couple. Both have wood burning stoves and interiors based around bespoke Tweeds which compliment the vintage mid-century furnishings.
Should you be looking for wildlife then this is the place to stay. I looked for and saw porpoises, grey seals, common dolphins, gannets and a pair of golden eagles.
The well appointed kitchen has seen guests receive deliveries of local produce and even hire a local chef to ensure the fresh seafood was cooked to perfection. The well stocked fridge on arrival sufficed for my food for most of the weekend.
I travelled around Harris on well maintained roads, visiting the Isle of Harris distillery which serves as a hub for the island at Tarbert where the ferry terminal is. There is nowhere better to walk or cycle. There is hunting, shooting and fishing, with nowhere better to relax at the end of the day than in one of the lodges. This is the most luxurious self-catering accommodation I have ever experienced guided by the experienced hand of Mr and Mrs English, proprietors who were at all times welcoming, helpful, interested and keen to ensure my stay was as pleasurable as it possibly could be.
Isle of Raasay Distillery REVIEWED BY MARK AND SARA DUNCAN FROM DULLATUR
The distillery in question is the year-old Isle of Raasay Distillery, a 25-minute ferry ride from Skye and two minutes from the ferry port on Raasay.
Built on the site of the former Raasay Hotel, the new stillhouse blends seamlessly with the old Victorian brick house. There are six bedrooms, an ‘honesty bar’ where you can choose from a wide selection of drinks (from whisky to wine, bourbon to beer) and the Gathering room where whisky tastings and breakfast are served – obviously not at the same time.
We stayed in a queen room with an amazing view of the Cuillins. It was clean, comfortable and modern and reflected the island’s charm. The shower was also very powerful which helps. Even a man of my height could enjoy it.
We were given a personal tour of the distillery by Callum and treated to a few drams at the end. Tours are available throughout the day. This was to set us up for a tasty dinner at Raasay House, a five minute walk from the distillery.
Locally sourced produce was the order of the day (or night in this case) – scallops to start followed by perfectly pink venison. The cheese board accompanied by another wee dram capped off a culinary delight.
Breakfast, served in the Gathering room, was continental with a good selection of cereals, pastries, meats and cheeses. We checked out happy and ready for the 200-mile journey home but this place is well worth it.
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