Testing the water
This month’s lucky reviewers all agree that there is nothing better than a holiday by Scotland’s bonnie lochs, seas and rivers
Armadale Castle Lodges
REVIEWED BY THE O’MAY FAMILY FROM STIRLING
On a sunny Saturday morning we made our way over to the Isle of Skye and Armadale Castle Lodges, which are conveniently located just minutes from the Armadale ferry terminal on Skye. Set on the hillside above Armadale, it gave us a wonderful view over the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig and the hills of Knoydart on the mainland.
The host was incredibly helpful, encouraging us to contact them if there was anything we needed. The threebedroom lodge was extremely comfortable and clean with everything you need for a family weekend away, including books and games and a comprehensive information pack about things to see and do on the island.
The kitchen was well equipped and the decked area at the front, accessed from the sitting room, was a favourite spot where we spent mornings and evenings with a coffee or a glass of wine as we savoured the gorgeous views and watched the Calmac ferries sailing back and forth.
There are fantastic trails of various lengths to suit all abilities that can be accessed directly from the lodges – ideal for walking, running and cycling. Visitors to the lodges also have free access to the museum and gardens and a discount at the gift shop and café. It was the perfect base for visiting Skye. We travelled around the island and went over to Raasay where we walked Calum’s Road and swam in Loch Arnish. We would definitely visit again, perhaps with extended family staying in the neighbouring lodges.
Mercure Inverness Hotel
REVIEWED BY GRANT PHILBIN FROM WEST LOTHIAN At first glance, the Mercure Hotel Inverness is deceptive. An understated entrance tucked away in the patchwork of narrow bustling streets belies the charm and warmth of the hotel’s interior. The suitably titled ‘privilege room’ continues this trend. Overlooking the River Ness with a spectacular view of the Highlands; you’d be hard pressed to find a better spot from which to enjoy the sunset.
Being set in the heart of the city, all the usual expectations of a city retreat are met with a range of high end, local restaurants and bars within a short walking distance from the hotel. Alternatively Ness Islands offer a little slice of tranquility for those seeking a slower pace, and of course there’s always the option to take in a spot of dolphin watching with the local Dolphin Spirit tour.
With this being our first foray into the world since travel restrictions were eased, we had some minor trepidation about venturing out. We hadn’t visited a café in the past year, let alone spent a weekend in a hotel. As a novice to weekend getaways in a post-lockdown world, my questions about the practicalities of staying in a hotel were legion. We needn’t have worried about a thing. The Mercure staff were warm and welcoming from the get-go and they took time to answer all my questions and settle any concerns.
Without a doubt, this hotel gets Covid safety measures right. At no point did we feel anything other than safe and truthfully we felt slightly foolish for having worried at all.
Foyers Lodge
REVIEWED BY THE BENNETTS FROM EDINBURGH
We left our two children behind and set off for Loch Ness full of excitement for our two nights DB&B in Foyers Lodge. To be honest, the excitement was due to being child-free for two nights. The fact that Foyers Lodge turned out to be one of the loveliest places we’ve stayed just added to our already wonderful break.
I fear there is not enough space here to fit everything in, but I’ll give it my best shot. Aside from the view, there’s no need to sell Loch Ness, and walking through the porch of the Victorian Lodge was in itself a delight. The interior decor is stunning with rich and deep colours. Owners Anna and Phil have exceptional taste and the beautifully chosen, unique items of furniture make every room individual and a joy to be in, full of class and elegance. Not least the bar with the stunning peacock I’d like to take home.
Now on to the food. In such beautiful surroundings we could be forgiven for expecting a very high standard when it came to eating. We were not disappointed. With a flavour to suit even the pickiest eater, our evening meals were outstanding.
Breakfast was no different. The Arbroath Smokies with hollandaise were out of this world, so much so that we both forfeited the full Scottish breakfast on our second morning in order to savour them again.
In short, we will be going back. Thank you Anna and Phil for your warm welcome. Impeccable hosts.
Seasyde House
REVIEWED BY RICHARD BATH FROM EDINBURGH Seasyde House in Perthshire, which has four huge letting bedrooms that are available on a B&B basis, is one of the most beautiful houses it’s been my pleasure to stay in.
Reached via a long drive, Seasyde overlooks the Firth of Tay at Errol and is a Grade A-listed Georgian laird’s house. Situated in extensive grounds with beautiful gardens, its interior has a stunning atrium-style hall which extends right up to the cupola, with the first and second floor constructed so that you look down from circular galleries. The whole effect is mesmerising.
Tay View, our enormous bedroom with views over the lawns, vast reed beds and to the Tay beyond, came with a suitably expansive ensuite bathroom. Guests also have access to a kitchen and a rather grand drawing room with a log fire and huge sofas you can lose yourself in. I could have sat for hours and watched the red squirrels or extensive birdlife out of the windows. Outside, there’s a firepit, tennis court, good walks and absolutely beautiful gardens.
Best of all, however, is Seasyde’s hidden gem – the Mongolian yurt where owner Fiona Leslie offers treatments (from £30) such as holistic massage, hot shell massage, Indian head massage, facials, reflexology and reiki. As well as a fantastic wellness practitioner, Fiona is a tremendous hostess who makes guests feel at home and bends over backwards to ensure they enjoy their stay. I’d highly recommend a stay at Seasyde House.