Spring breaks
Say hello to spring on a short break
RIDE SCOTTISH BORDERS Borders
Tel: 01750 725154
www.ridescottishborders.com
Places where you can enjoy the solitude and unspoiled countryside still to be found in the Scottish Borders are few and far between. 300+ miles of trails, day rides and long-distance routes, with top quality accommodation for you and your horse, including everything from castles to caravans.
BUCCLEUCH ARMS Melrose
Tel: 01835 822243
www.buccleucharms.com
This 19-bed inn has friendly staff there to greet you. Relax and enjoy fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced food at the Buccleuch Arms. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the Huntsman Bar or The Blue Coo Bistrot. Built by the 5th Duke of Buccleuch in 1836, in recent years the Buccleuch has earned an award-winning reputation as one of the finest inns in Scotland.
FORSS HOUSE HOTEL Forss, near Thurso
Tel: 01847 861201
www.forsshousehotel.co.uk Rated 10/10 by The Telegraph, Forss House is hidden amid 20 acres of woodland, on a loop of the River Forss, near Thurso. Home to the only 2AA Rosette restaurant in Caithness, stay for just £50 when you spend £50 in the 2AA restaurant or bar. Available until 31 March 2020.
VENTURESAIL Oban & Greenock Tel: 01872 487288
www.venturesailholidays.com
Explore the Hebrides and Firth of Clyde under sail. Explore hidden island coves and even remote St Kilda. Have up close encounters with wildlife and visit heritage sites and distilleries. With unspoiled views, a sailing holiday is the best way to discover these stunning locations. Perfect for solo travellers, nautical newbies and seasoned sailors with all food included in the price.
MAINS OF TAYMOUTH Kenmore
Tel: 01887 830226
www.taymouth.co.uk
Embrace the outdoors on this beautiful 5-star estate with golf, pony trekking and hacking. Stay in a range of decadent 4 and 5-star courtyard cottages, apartments, mews style homes and large houses, many with hot tubs and saunas. Many properties are dog friendly. Climb Drummond Hill climb for magnificent views of Loch Tay, or get out on the water with a range of water sports.
BRIDGE OF ORCHY HOTEL Bridge of Orchy
Tel: 01838 400208
www.bridgeoforchy.co.uk
The Bridge of Orchy Hotel has newly refurbished rooms, decorated in a traditional style and overlooking the surrounding Highland countryside. Their delicious menus, based around seasonal Scottish ingredients, working with local suppliers and farmers, ensure only the finest food makes it onto the tables at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.
NORTHLINK FERRIES Stromness, Orkney
Tel: 0845 6000 449
www.northlinkferries.co.uk
A spring break to Orkney and Shetland is closer than you think. Travel from Aberdeen or Scrabster to Stromness, Kirkwall or Lerwick. marvel at the mystical standing stones of Stenness and experience the largest tombolo in the UK at St Ninian’s Isle. With pristine beaches, wildlife and so much fascinating history, the islands have something for everyone to discover.
VENTURESAIL
Sail the Firth of Clyde from Greenock Tel: 01872 487288
www.venturesailholidays.com
Join tall ship Lady of Avenel for five days of sailing and fabulous food in the Firth of Clyde, as chefs from the renowned Crofters’ Music Bar and Bistro on the Isle of Arran bring their culinary expertise aboard. Explore secluded bays and breath-taking lochs while learning the ropes of a tall ship in the sheltered waters.
Protected by the Kintyre peninsula, the Clyde is a fascinating area. With ancient castles, meandering lochs, distilleries and an abundance of wildlife, the Kyles of Bute is said to be one of the prettiest sailing passages in Britain and with fjord-like lochs and heather-clad hills, these waters make for perfect sailing.
Crofters’ Music Bar and Bistro specialises in authentic Scottish hospitality, quality local food and live, acoustic music. Owner, Dónal Boyle, has been sailing the Clyde for over 30 years. His‘Crofters Cruises’, offer guests sailing adventures with exceptional food.
Built in 1969, Lady of Avenel is a 102ft square rig tall ship and with over 74 ropes to hoist, there is plenty for guests to do She does come fully crewed, so you can also just sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Crofter’s Cruises are perfect for solo travellers and couples.
These voyages allow plenty of time to explore ashore, Crofters’ chefs freshly cook all meals before picking up their instruments for some music as you relax with a book, board game or wee dram.
Five day culinary cruises are available to book from 23 of August to 7 September on the website.
BALSPORRAN B&B Dalwhinnie
Tel: 07481 832801
www.balsporranbedandbreakfast. co.uk Nestled in the Drumochter Pass in the Cairngorms, Balsporran offers a stunning setting. At Balsporran you will enjoy comfortable and cosy rooms, log fires and hearty Scottish food, made using locally sourced produce. Balsporran makes the perfect base to allow you to head out and take in as much of the beautiful, Scottish Highlands as you desire.
ROYAL SCOTTISH SHIPPING LINE
West coast, Outer Hebrides & St Kilda Tel: 01577 861121
www.theroyalscottish.com Royal Scottish Shipping Line stand out from the crowd. There are a few options to choose from when considering a cruise round Scotland. Why not select Scotland’s only superyacht available for charter. Have a true adventure, and enjoy your own personal chef, sommelier and steward. Available for private charters, corporate, weddings or single cabin use. Prices from £456 per person per night.