10 historic castle venues to visit, dine or stay for a mini-break throughout Scotland

WHEN it comes to our food and drink, Scotland is fast becoming known for producing young culinary talent who are unafraid to push the boundaries of innovative cooking. But, every now and then, it’s just as exciting to celebrate our past. Whether you’re in search of an educational day out, an evening meal in stately surroundings or a mini-break that’s fit for royalty, here are 10 historic castle venues across the country to discover.

DALHOUSIE CASTLE Bonnierigg, Midlothian

‘Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle’, right, was once the seat of the Ramsay Clan and has in its 700-year history hosted the likes of King Edward I, Sir Walter Scott, Oliver Cromwell, and Queen Victoria.

These days visitors are guaranteed to enjoy a royal welcome for themselves with ensuite bedrooms accessed via a ‘maze of staircases and secret passages’, an onsite spa and the chance to dine at the atmospheric, candle-lit Dungeon Restaurant. www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

STONEFIELD CASTLE HOTEL Tarbert, Loch Fyne

Built in 1837, Stonefield Castle is surrounded by 60 acres of woodland gardens with views across the shores of Loch Fyne. As expected, this prime location makes for a dining experience that truly champions the best of land and sea with the likes of creel caught langoustine with chorizo butter or hand-dived scallops with kohlrabi, dashi and radish. www.stonefieldcastlehotel.co.uk

Sarah Campbell shares her pick of the best historical castles to celebrate our history

INVERLOCHY CASTLE Torlundy, Fort William

While spending a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting in 1873, Queen Victoria is said to have noted in her diaries that she had ‘never seen a lovelier or more romantic spot’.

Almost as special as the hotel’s Highland setting, main image, is the Seasgair dining experience overseen by Michelin Star chef Michel Roux JR which offers a tasting menu brimming with local produce from Highland venison to fresh oysters. www.inverlochycastlehotel.com

GLENAPP CASTLE

Ballantrae, Ayrshire

Last December, the Herald took a trip to Ballantrae in Ayrshire to discover what makes Glenapp Castle one of Scotland’s most celebrated luxury hotels. While the castle, which once belonged to the first Earl of Inchcape, looked straight out of a Christmas card when decorated with festive tinsel and baubles, there’s no doubt its stunning Italian Garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll will be just as impressive as bulbs begin to bloom in Spring. glenappcastle.com

CROSSBASKET CASTLE Stoneymeadow Road, High Blantyre

A new look and name inspired by a 1950s dance hall has recently been announced for the cocktail bar and restaurant, above, at the 17th-century

Crossbasket Castle on the outskirts of Glasgow. Once to watch for when it opens in late summer as part of a £15m expansion project, Trocadero’s will host live music and entertainment seven nights a week whisking visitors off to a ‘magical bygone era with a sophisticated new twist’. Owner Steve Timoney said: “Every city offers great quality restaurants but what we’re creating at Trocadero’s is truly unique.” www.crossbasketcastle.com

GLAMIS CASTLE Castle Road, Forfar

Glamis Castle invites you to step through its gates for ‘a journey into history dating back to 1372’ It’s a five-star tourist attraction rather than a hotel which means, unfortunately,

there’s no opportunity to cosy up for the night. Instead, stop by the restaurant located in the castle’s original Victorian Kitchens for dishes created with ingredients sourced from across the estate, including seasonal fruit and vegetables from the Walled Garden. www.glamis-castle.co.uk

MINGARY CASTLE Kilchoan, Highlands and Islands

It takes a fair trek to find the 13th-century Mingary Castle on the fringes of Scotland’s West Coast, but for any foodie with a taste for adventure, it’s well worth it. The restaurant with rooms was just last month awarded the prestigious accolade of three AA Rosettes for its kitchen overseen by chef patron Colin Nicholson who works closely with local producers to create a daily changing, six-course tasting menu. mingarycastle.co.uk

DORNOCH CASTLE HOTEL Castle Street, Dornoch

An onsite distillery sets this historic venue in the town of Dornoch apart from the others on our list.

The Dornoch Distillery Company, founded by owners Simon and Phil Thompson, has been running since 2016 and producing the Thompson Brothers Organic Gin while waiting for its Old Style Whisky to mature.

A great excuse to visit the hotel’s award-winning whisky bar to learn more. dornochcastlehotel.com

FONAB CASTLE Pitlochry, Perthshire

Despite being built less than 150 years ago, Fonab Castle in Perthshire has ‘lived many lives’ as the former home to wealthy merchants, an auxiliary hospital during World War One and later becoming part of a power company. For those who like to fill their holidays with activities, the hotel now prides itself on offering the ‘perfect base to discover the Scottish countryside’ with white water rafting, salmon fishing and bungee jumping all available to experience in the surrounding area, ww.fonabcastlehotel.com

TRAVEL REVIEW: PAGE 29

SHERBROOKE CASTLE HOTEL

11 Sherbrooke Avenue, Glasgow

If you’re looking for a fairytale getaway without leaving the city, consider a trip to the Sherbrooke Castle in Glasgow’s Southside.

Described as a prime example of ‘the type of house favoured by the middle class in the rather decadent late Victorian period’, the beautiful red sandstone building is home to luxury bedrooms as well as a bar and restaurant space. Their afternoon tea experience in particular makes for a special weekend treat.